Brisbane Indian TImes - March 2024 Edition

• Entertainment .............................. 46

• Health & Well Being .................... 48

• Business Directory/Classified ... 51

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JOURNALIST/ CORRESPONDENTS

• Thakur Ranjit Singh (NZ)

• Thilliar Varnakulasingham (NZ)

• Shalendra Prasad (Fiji)

• Rama Gaind (Canberra)

• Ml. Nawaaz Ashrafi

• Imam Muhammad Aslam

• Pastor Joseph Dass

• Haji Abdul Rahman Deen

• Jitendra Deo

• Nimisha Modi

• Ranjita Pillai (Immigration Matters)

• Awadhesh Sharma

• Peter Lane Rai

• Shailendra Singh

• Gagan deep Tandon

• Ravi Vastrad

• Amod Datar

• Ashok Attri

• Brian Sullivan (Photography)

• Rajesh Chand

WELCOME to our March Edition; I am delighted to report that this is a Bumper issue with many informative articles and coverage. The ongoing support of our advertisers is appreciated, and to their benefit, we remain the largest distributed publication of its kind. We have maintained the full-colour stitched tabloid for over twenty years. Our extensive local events coverage is unparalleled, and our connection with significant events remains vital; the point to note is that our reach via web, online, print, EDM and events is by far the greatest.

Our coverage extends beyond our Indian community, as we support many multicultural events, such as Buddhist, Vietnamese, Taiwanese, Hong Kong, Singaporean, Malaysian, and broader Australian communities. We have established and maintained the links over the years and are privileged to be invited as an honoured guest to most of their primary functions and events. In line with expanding our reach,

we are looking for an active sales representative on a commission basis for Brisbane Indian Times and Australian Indian Radio; the role would suit someone who enjoys meeting people and is not afraid to ask questions or talk to people and loves to attend lots of events. As we support many functions and events, you would be representing BIT and AIR at the events; the role would include displaying our banners and distributing flyers, etc. If this sounds like something you would handle, we would love to talk to you.

Congratulations to Mr Prem Chand on joining the Justice of Peace Qualified ranks. Prem Chand has strongly advocated Brisbane Indian Times since its inception. Before retiring, when he worked in the city, he made sure that copies were available at all local outlets, and to date, he has delivered copies of Brisbane Indian Times.

With many Lunar New Year celebrations out of the way,

preparations are underway for Maha Shiv Ratri. It is pleasing to see many events organised. February had the flavour of Valentine's Day, and March is traditionally International Women's Day; I am delighted to note that many have been organised to observe this important day.

We were happy to lend a helping hand to the SKED fundraiser, an event that went very well, and we are thankful to everyone who assisted in whichever way. Despite many other functions on the same day at the same time, we were happy with the turnout; I had an excellent time as the MC, a job made easier with the assistance of a very. Proficient floor manager Preethi Suraj, thanks to R J Savi from Australian Indian Radio for assisting Usha Chandra with raffles; the overall feedback was very encouraging.

Abhishek Sharma of Bharatiya Samaj needs a special mention for his outstanding facilitation of the Health and Wellbeing workshop for senior migrants. I was told what a great turnout was, and what was especially pleasing to Note was the participation of forty-plus community organisations. The event was also used to launch their next event, “Empowering Migrants Expo”, at Brisbane City Hall in August.

Next, let me talk about this fantastic show, Ek Shaam Ghazal Ke Naam, by Ustad Ghulam Abbas Khan; he was just amazing. A class of his own, we had the pleasure of meeting and listening to him during his last visit to Brisbane. He sang many compositions of his own and paid tribute to Late Pankaj Udhas ji. The song (Ghazal) selection resonated with the audience, asking for more numbers. The local accompanying musicians did their best to keep up with him.

We are pleased also to announce two new radio shows on Australian Indian Radio. Our newest RJ, Ari, has begun the “Bollywood Beats Downunder.” He hits the airways every Wednesday and Friday at 5:00 pm with a fresh approach. Our longtime delightful, RJ Savi, has begun a second show, “Maay Marathi”, presented in Marathi, which currently goes to AIR on Fridays at 8 pm and Sundays at 11:00 am. We appreciate the time and effort put in by our lovely presenters; if you or anyone you know would like to join the team, please let us know.

Our Facebook live AIR Mix shows are going well; we go live. Monday to Friday at 10:00 am AEST, and Mondays before the press, we miss occasionally depending on the workflow. The popular segment gets good views and comments; our Tuesday live from Gayatri Mandir Boondall remains the most-watched segment. Well, that’s all for now, until next month, Happy Reading!

—Umesh Chandra OAM Publisher

2024

the pathway to permanent residence: a Guide to the permanent residence (skilled regional) Visa (subclass 191)

INTRODUCTION:

As a leading migration law firm, we aim to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191), which serves as the pathway to permanent residence for eligible holders of the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (subclass 494) visas.

NO MINIMUM INCOME REQUIREMENT:

It is important to note that the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) does not have a minimum income requirement. Currently, there is no legislative instrument in place specifying a minimum income threshold for this visa category.

INCOME ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS:

To be eligible for the subclass 191 visa, primary applicants must provide notices of assessment issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for three income years out of the five years of their eligible visa. If you have already lodged your application, it is vital to verify that your submission includes these three notices of assessment.

GOVERNMENT COMMITMENT:

The Australian Government is dedicated to streamlining the migration system in the national interest. It aims to assist migrants who are already living and working in Australia, contributing with their skills to the nation's growth and prosperity. The government provides clarity on their prospects for permanent residence through various visa pathways, including the subclass 191 visa.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

For more detailed information and to stay updated on the latest guidelines and requirements, we encourage you to visit the official website of the Department of Home Affairs: Immigration and Citizenship (homeaffairs.gov.au). Alternatively, you may seek personalized advice from Migration Guru to address specific concerns related to your situation.

Readers must note that Migration Guru has assisted a vast number of clients, in various and complex circumstances. 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. Unlike many other firms, the First Consultation at Migration Guru is completely free so that clients can get fair, accurate and upfront advise on their visa prospects.

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

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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sofitel or oaks: Get ready to Make soMe lonG-lastinG MeMories

AS we turn our attention to booking holidays, getting the best accommodation package isn’t always easy. How about looking at whether you want to live the French way at the Sofitel or experience the Oaks difference?

The Sofitel Brisbane Central draws inspiration from local culture and tradition while celebrating innovation and the French art-de-vivre to offer a oneof-a-kind, luxurious hotel experience.

‘All the comforts of home but better’ are on offer at the Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites, with special packages on studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom options.

Indulge without lifting a finger over Easter as you celebrate a fun time of the

year at the Sofitel Brisbane Central in Turbot Street.

Create special memories over the ultimate feast with food stations laden with fresh seafood, salads, meats, internationally-inspired hot dishes, desserts and more.

Alternatively, celebrate a memorable occasion in the luxurious surrounds of Club Millésime and be treated to an exquisitely curated four-course set menu with matching wines.

The refined ambience of a fine dining restaurant was an upscale experience with attentive staff and impeccable service. I still recall the memorable, joyfulinspired, open-kitchen, delectable dining experience on the 30th floor. I felt especial, chic and indulged. It was an enchanting time!

General manager Kayte Staraj has invited us to indulge ourselves in life’s simple joys. “Bienvenue to Sofitel Brisbane Central, our five-star luxury hotel in Brisbane City. We invite you to live the French way, indulging in and celebrating the pleasures of life,” Kayte said.

During those cheerful few days, we appreciated exceptional views from one of the best luxury hotels in

Brisbane, overlooking the iconic Anzac Square, the city’s exquisite skyline, as well as, the famed Sunshine Coast hinterland.

The hotel is centrally located within walking distance of Queen Street Mall, Eagle Street Pier beside the Brisbane River, South Bank Parklands and the Convention Centre. It also has direct access to Central Station with easy transportation to the airport, Brisbane Entertainment Centre and the Gold Coast.

Brisbane is the place to be with a vibrant cultural scene in the inner city and close-by neighbourhoods of South Bank and Fortitude Valley bursting with an exciting array of restaurants, bars and cafés.

Whether you’re looking for some lively beach days out with the family or simply want to soak up the sun by lazing poolside — Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites have many deals to please!

With travel open until 31 March 2024 and 42 properties to choose from

DEAR READER, it is with great joy we bring you the word of God. As the world observes the easter season, we look at what happened 2000 years ago in Israel. When the Son of God, our Lord Jesus, was put on the cross to die. One of the last words Jesus said before He died was, "It is finished."

When Jesus announced,

"It is finished, he was ending all the rules and requirements for you to have salvation." "It is finished" were the exact words they wrote across a receipt when a debt had been paid in full. The cross is the trading post. At the point of believing in faith, God takes all your sins and lays them on the shoulders of Jesus while at the same time taking all of Christ's righteousness and wrapping you up in it. What a transfer! And how do you get it? By working for it? No! You receive it by trusting in Christ alone.

Moreover, He wasn't just talking about giving His life for us and how He had finished His purpose. He was ending all the things that could keep us from our destiny. This could include our past mistakes, failures,

and losses.

We all have things trying to hold us back—guilt from past mistakes, temptations that we can't seem to overcome, dysfunction that's been passed down. It's easy to accept it as part of who we are. But you weren't created to go through life weighed down by addictions, condemnation, or shame from the past. God created you to be free.

across Australia and New Zealand, Oaks has your holiday sorted. Book now to get special deals.

Arguably one of the most stunning locations in Queensland, the Sunshine Coast is only a 60-minute drive north of Brisbane. Known for its sparkling coastline, hinterland, boutique shops, fresh seafood and unlimited water activities, it is the perfect spot for couples and families all year-round.

Ranked as one of the top 10 family resorts in Australia, Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort is a muststay destination for your next vacation. With sweeping lush tropical grounds, a fun-filled waterpark, a resort-style pool, a putt-putt golf course, and more, there's a wide range of activities for kids of all ages.

Searching for the ultimate chance to unwind? Then

In the bible (Luke 15 v 11-31), Jesus told this parable of man who had two sons. The younger son asked for his share of money from the father and went to a far country where he wasted all his money. With no one to support him, he found a job caring for pigs and eating their food. I am sure he must have felt bad about his mistakes, leaving his family, poor choices, and past. But one day, he came to his senses. Instead of letting his past guilt, his shame, and his mistakes take control of his life, he chose to go back to his father. That day, he rose and told the guilt, the poverty, the shame, and

head for the Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort. Home to one of the largest swimming pools in Australia, choose from one-, two- or three-bedroom apartments packed with all the comforts of home.

Set among palm-fringed pools and lush gardens, the recently refurbished Oaks Casuarina Santai Resort features a blend of contemporary and traditional Balinese design.

This iconic Kingscliff resort is a comfortable retreat. With the idyllic Tweed Coast on your doorstep, it’s easy to explore everything Casuarina and Kingscliff have to offer.

Get motivated and book your holiday so you can pack your bags, create that fresh holiday playlist and — don’t forget your swimsuit, sunglasses and sunscreen — as you explore somewhere new!

the mistakes were not him. He realised his father was kind, generous, forgiving, and loving. He put a stop to everything that was trying to hold him back. That was his "It is finished moment."

Instead of accepting an addiction as a part of your life and allowing it to stay, you need to announce to that addiction: "It is finished! You don't control me and can't keep me from my destiny. The price has been paid. I am free. I am whole. I am clean." When you rise and tell the past, say to the poverty, tell the guilt, "It is finished! This is not who I am. I am blessed. I am prosperous. I am victorious," strongholds are broken in the unseen realm, chains are loosed, and favour is released. Are there things you're living with that you need

to say, "It is finished?" Are you carrying around guilt and shame because of past mistakes, living in regret, feeling inferior and not expecting anything good? You need to announce, "It is finished! I'm done beating myself up, living condemned. God's mercy is bigger than my mistakes. I'm redeemed. I'm forgiven. I am a child of the Most High God, and I'm excited about my future."

Things that have held you back in the past are being broken right now. Healing, breakthroughs, and abundance are headed your way in Jesus' name. And remember, just like when Jesus said, “It is finished,” so can you!

Have a blessed Easter. I am praying for you. God bless you.

Ps Joseph Dass

By Rama Gaind

Pastor Suresh Dass Joseph josephdass@optusnet.com.au

Aerial view of the Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort.

Anzac Square behind the Sofitel Brisbane Central. Photo: Rama Gaind.

Sofitel Brisbane Central in Turbot Street. Photo: Rama Gaind.

SADHGURU: Every individual should make a little time for themselves as a piece of life. Not for your family, career or something else. Give a little time just for this piece of life, because this is the most important piece of life as far as you are concerned.

Even if you are in love with someone, still, this is the most important piece of life. Every individual should pay some attention to how this life happens. Unfortunately, too many people have taken it for granted. Believe me, this should not be taken for granted because you are not going to be here for ever. I will bless you with a long life but you are going to fall dead one day.

Of all the people who go to bed tonight, tens of thousands of people will not wake up tomorrow morning. So if you and me wake up tomorrow morning, is it not a fantastic thing?

Thousands of people did not wake up but you woke up. Is that not a great thing?

Of all the pe O ple wh O g O tO bed tO night, tens O f th O usands

O f pe O ple will n Ot wake up tO m O rr O w m O rning. sO if yO u and me wake up tO m O rr O w m O rning, is it n Ot a fantastic thing?

t h O usands

O f pe O ple did n Ot wake up but yO u w O ke up. i s that n Ot a great thing?

So if you wake up tomorrow morning, just smile – you are still alive. And for many millions of people, someone dear to them did not wake up. So check if those five, six people around you have woken up. You woke up and everyone who matters to you around you woke up. Is it not a fantastic day? The problem with most people is that that live as

if they are immortal. You may not actually think you are immortal but you are not conscious of your mortality. How many moments in a day are you conscious that you are mortal? If you were conscious, would you have time to crib or fight with someone? Would you have time to do any

nonsense in your life?

If you were conscious that you are mortal, you would only do what is absolutely needed for you and everyone around you.

Do not think of this as something negative. Death is not a negative thing. It is the only thing which has added value

to your life. If you were going to be here forever, you would be unbearable. Everyone dies one day. You do not have to think "I will die today.'' We do not intend to die today, we want to live as far as possible, but if you are just conscious that you will die one day, you will naturally become

spiritual. Every day, every moment, remind yourself that this is a brief life, “I am mortal, one day I will end.” If you just do this for two days, you will become something truly fantastic within yourself. That is all that is needed. If you want to know the value of life, just know that this life is a brief happening.

Apply for a business scholarship to expand your business skills and capabilities.

To apply, you must be an Australian citizen or have permanent residency status.

For more information on course eligibility criteria and application forms:

scan the QR code multiculturalunit@brisbane.qld.gov.au 3403 8888

Applications are now open and close 31 March 2024.

Confident of return, CounCil of Ministers readies 100-day aCtion plan after lok sabha polls

CONTD. FROM PG 1

The day-long meeting of the Union Council of Ministers, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saw presentations by Secretaries on a vision document for Viksit Bharat 2047 and a detailed action plan for the next five years.

In these presentations, the Prime Minister’s vision for Viksit Bharat was outlined, sources said, underlining that these included zero poverty, skill to every youth, and 100 per cent saturation of welfare schemes.

Modi was quoted as having told the officers to continue their work on government projects and schemes and not treat the election period as a vacation when the political leadership will be busy with the electoral process.

“Aap chhutti mat samajhiye, kaam par lag jaaiye (don’t think you are on holiday, get down to work)… When it comes back after the elections, the government will work with new vigour and zeal, “ sources quoted him as having said.

Sources said, “The roadmap for Viksit Bharat is a result of more than two years of intensive preparation. It involved a whole-of-government approach involving all ministries and wideranging consultations with state governments, academia, industry bodies, civil society, scientific organisations and mobilisation of youth for seeking their ideas, suggestions and inputs.

More than 2700 meetings, workshops and seminars were held at various levels. Suggestions of more than 20 lakh youth were received.”

Bihar on March 4-6.

The roadmap, the sources said, has a “comprehensive blueprint with clearly articulated national vision, aspirations, goals and action points”.

The goals include economic growth, sustainable development goals (SDGs), ease of living, ease of doing

business, infrastructure and social welfare.

A 100-day agenda for “immediate steps” was also worked upon for quick implementation after the formation of the new government in May, the sources said.

The Council held its meeting at a time when the Election Commission of India is expected to announce the schedule for the Lok Sabha elections in the coming days,

“a ap chhutti mat samajhiye, kaam par lag jaaiye (d O n’t think yO u are O n h O liday, get d O wn tO w O rk)… w hen it cO mes back after the electi O ns, the g O vernment will w O rk with new vig O ur and zeal, “ s O urces qu Oted him as having said.

and parties are working on election manifestos, campaign plans and lists of candidates.

On Saturday, the BJP announced its first list of candidates for 195 seats across states and Union Territories.

Prime Minister Modi, who has already been touring states, is scheduled to visit Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, West Bengal and

In Telangana, the Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of projects worth over Rs 56,000 crore in Adilabad. He will also inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of projects worth more than Rs 6,800 crore in Sangareddy.

In Hyderabad, Modi will inaugurate the Civil Aviation Research Organization (CARO). In Tamil Nadu, he will witness the initiation of core loading of the indigenous Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam.

In Odisha, Modi is scheduled to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth more than Rs 19,600 crore in Chandikhole.

He will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of multiple connectivity projects worth Rs 15,400 crore in Kolkata, and infrastructure worth Rs 12,800 crore in Bettiah in Bihar. He will also inaugurate the MuzaffarpurMotihari LPG pipeline and dedicate to the nation the Indian Oil LPG bottling plant and storage terminal in Motihari.

spectacular dragon to concludes lantern Celebrations at Chung tian temple

THE Iconic Chinese New Year celebrations concluded at Logan's Chung Tian Temple, by a blessing of over 200 babies and toddlers, followed by a spectacular Dragon and Lion Dance.

The Lantern Celebrations marked the Lunar New Year, which dates back more than 4,500 years. Over 30,000 visitors participated in these celebrations at the temple during the fortnight of celebrations.

Visitors experienced some vibrant cultural offerings, including the delightful sounds of chanting resonating throughout the corridors, the fragrance of fresh flowers sifting gently through the air, and the graceful glow of rising smoke from burning incense as it created harmony for all who visited.

The taste buds were not neglected as there was a range of delightful Asian treats located throughout the temple’s three dining areas, together with the opportunity to partake in a Tea Chan Ceremony, some high mountain tea or sip some freshly brewed coffee with a range of delightful homemade cakes.

THE TEMPLE HELD

SEVERAL ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING:

• A fun train;

• face painting;

• children’s storytelling;

• three dining areas around the temple, including the Water Drop Tea and Coffee House;

• BLIAQ Scouts with plenty of fun activities, including an afternoon children’s concert;

life of Venerable Master Hsing Yun exhibition;

• Tea Chan:

• Meditation:

• Tai Chi;

• Calligraphy and lantern making;

• Floral Workshop;

• Cultural Performances;

• Art and book store:

• Photo Booth;

• Chinese Cultural Arts and Crafts;

• Incense, Flower and Light Offerings;

• Ringing of the giant Blessing Bell;

• An Everlasting Star in Humanity - celebrating the

• Buddhist Souvenir Shop

• The Dragon and Lion dance presented by the Shaolin Kung Fu Guang at 2:00 pm.

The Chinese New Year Celebrations, with free entry

and a range of free events, are family-friendly and accessible events sponsored by the Logan City Council and supported by Multicultural Affairs Queensland. Due to the popularity of these celebrations, visitors were advised to arrive early for all events due to heavy traffic.

taiwan imagery exhibition 2024 opens at Queensland taiwan Centre during the taiwan Culture festival

OPENING Ceremony of Taiwan Imagery Exhibition, 2024 Taiwan Culture Festival Queensland Taiwan Centre took place on Saturday, the seventieth of February. The event was attended by participating artists, Diplomats, elected representatives, representatives of the Overseas Community Affairs Council of Taiwan, OAMs, community leaders, community advocates and educational leaders.

Edward Lin -CEO of Australia Taiwan Culture Foundation Ltd, as usual performed the MC duties

diligently

Aunty Peggy Tidyman conducted an acknowledgement of Country; the formalities included speeches by Melody Chen, William Fan,

Director-General of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Brisbane, Peter Russo MP, Queensland Parliament Member for Toohey, James Martina MP, Queensland Parliament Member for Stretton, Cr Steven Huang, Brisbane Councillor for MacGregor Ward, Charles Ouyang, Director of Queensland Taiwan Centre, and Susan Yang, President of WAMCI.

In her Speech Susan Yang said, “Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and cherished members of our vibrant community, With immense joy and pride, I welcome you to the Taiwan Imagery Exhibition, a featured 2024 Taiwan Culture Festival event here in Brisbane, Australia. Today, we gather at the Queensland Taiwan

Centre to celebrate the rich tapestry of Taiwanese and Australian artistry through this showcase, featuring the works of 15 talented artists, which serves as a testament to the power of cultural exchange and collaboration.

In this gathering, we are honoured to have distinguished guests from various walks of life –

politicians, representatives of cultural organisations, members of the media, the esteemed Order of Australia, and cherished members of our diverse communities. Your presence not only adds lustre to this event but also reflects the inclusive spirit that defines the very essence of this festival.

I extend my heartfelt

gratitude to the artists whose creativity graces these walls – a fusion of Taiwanese and Australian perspectives, each canvas a testament to the unifying language of art. As we navigate these artworks' intricate brushstrokes and captivating narratives, let us appreciate the profound connection between Taiwan and Australia. Through

this exhibition, we bridge distances, fostering a deeper understanding of our shared values and unique cultural expressions.

May this festival inspire a continued exchange of ideas, fostering friendships that transcend borders. Let us revel in the beauty of diversity and the shared threads that weave our stories together. Together, we embark on a cultural journey that celebrates the past, embraces the present, and paves the way for a future prosperous in understanding and harmony.

Thank you, and let the 2024 Taiwan Culture Festival unfold with joy, unity, and a celebration of our collective heritage”.

The event concluded with a group photo session and refreshments for all.

housing values record a subtle re-acceleration in february as sentiment improves

HOUSING values posted a broad-based rise in February with CoreLogic’s national Home Value Index (HVI) up 0.6% in February. The 20 basis point acceleration from the 0.4% increase seen in January was the strongest monthly gain since October last year. Each of the capital cities and rest-of-state regions recorded a lift in values over the month, except Hobart where the market fell -0.3%.

“Housing values have been more than resilient in the face of high interest rates and cost of living pressures,” CoreLogic’s research director, Tim Lawless, said. “The ongoing rise in housing values reflects a persistent imbalance between supply and demand which varies in magnitude across our cities and regions.”

Perth continues to stand out with a substantially higher rate of growth compared to any other region, up 1.8% over the month. Adelaide (+1.1%), Brisbane (+0.9%) and the regional areas of SA (+1.1%), WA and Queensland (both +1.0%) also show a consistently high rate of capital growth month-tomonth.

“These regions are generally benefiting from a combination of comparatively lower housing prices and positive demographic factors that continue to support housing demand,” Mr Lawless said.

Although growth rates in Sydney and Melbourne home values have leveled

out, the monthly trend has accelerated, with Melbourne emerging from a three-month slump of negative monthly movements to record a subtle 0.1% rise in February. Similarly, Sydney dwelling values have moved back into positive territory over the past two months after recording a subtle decline in November and December.

“Potentially we are seeing some early signs of a boost to housing confidence as inflation eases and expectations for a rate cut, or cuts, later this year firm up,” Mr Lawless said.

The re-acceleration in value growth has been accompanied by a bounce back in auction clearance rates, which averaged in the high 60% range through February. Consumer sentiment also recorded a solid rise in February, signaling a lift in confidence.

“Auction results and sentiment have both shown a historically strong relationship with housing trends,” Mr Lawless said. “The rise in clearance rates from the mid 50% range late last year to the high 60% range in February points to a better fit between buyer and seller pricing expectations. A rise in sentiment suggests households will have a better ability to make decisions around large financial commitments, like a property purchase.”

Although the pace of gains has shown some uplift, most

regions are still recording value growth well below the highs of last year when the national index rose 1.3% in May.

“Last years’ rate hikes clearly dented capital gains, but higher interest rates haven’t been enough to extinguish growth entirely,” Mr Lawless said. “The shortfall of housing supply relative to housing demand is continuing to place upwards pressure on home values across most regions.

“However, it’s hard to see a significant rebound in values shaping up given downside factors. Affordability constraints, rising unemployment, a slowdown in the rate of household savings and a cautious lending environment, are all factors likely to keep a lid on value growth over the near term.”

Growth in rental values has also re-accelerated through early 2024 with the monthly pace of change rising to 0.9% in February, the highest reading since March last year. This re-acceleration also saw the rolling quarterly change in rents rise to 2.4%, the highest since May last year.

The pick-up in rents is mostly a seasonal phenomenon, with the first quarter of the year historically showing an accelerating trend. However there has also been a pick up in the annual growth trend for rents, with the national rental index up

from a recent low of 8.1% in October last year to 8.5% over the 12 months ending February.

The acceleration in rental trends is being driven by the detached housing sector. Annual rental growth in houses has been trending higher since October last year, while the trend in unit rents is moving in the opposite direction, easing from a recent peak in April last year, when unit rents were up 14.0%. Since then annual growth in unit rents has reduced to 9.6%.

“Although growth in unit rents is slowing, we are still seeing the cost of renting across the unit sector rising at a faster rate than houses

across most jurisdictions,” Mr Lawless said.

“A slowing in the pace of unit rents lines up with the peak in net overseas migration in the first quarter of 2023. However worsening affordability pressures could be another factor in this sector, given unit rents have surged 24.1% higher over the past two years compared with a 16.6% increase in house rents.”

Similar to the trend in housing values, Perth stands out among the capital cities with a substantially faster rate of rental growth that is showing little evidence of slowing down. “The same underlying factors that are rapidly pushing home values

higher across Perth are at play in the rental sector, with demand substantially outweighing supply, keeping rental growth well above average levels,” Mr Lawless said.

Gross rental yields are holding reasonably firm across most markets, even rising a little nationally through late 2023 and into early 2024. The subtle rise in rental yields can be attributed to rental rates once again rising at a faster rate than dwelling values since November 2023. At a national level, yields are roughly in line with pre-COVID levels, but well above the record lows seen in 2021 when yields fell to 3.16%.

slight dip in auction volumes after busiest auction week of the year

THERE are 2,650 homes scheduled for auction across the combined capital cities this week, down -7.1% on last week which was the busiest auction week of the year to date (2,853). This time last year, 2,054 auctions were held.

There are 951 auctions scheduled in Sydney this week, down -3.4% on last week (984), although 21.6% higher than this week last year (782).

In Melbourne, there are 1,300 homes set for auction this week, down -10.8% on

last week (1,457), while up 40.2% on this week last year (927).

Across the smaller capitals, Brisbane is once again set to host the most auctions (148), down from 168 last week, followed closely by Adelaide (136), down from 145 last week. In Canberra, 105 auctions are set to take place this week, up from 90 last week. Eight auctions are scheduled in Perth this week, compared to seven last week, while there are two homes scheduled for auction in Tasmania, in line with the previous week.

see a significant drop in overall auction volumes.

Over the following week ending 10th March, public holiday long weekends across four of the eight states and territories means we will

Early numbers indicate just over 1,700 homes will be taken to auction across the combined capitals next week, with fewer than 500 of those auctions scheduled to take place in Melbourne.

- 12 Schools supported by the University of Southern Queensland and TAFE Queensland Springfield campuses.

- 22 Childcare Centres

- Mater Private Hospital Springfield & Health City Mater Public Hospital opening 2026

- Orion Springfield Central including Event Cinemas

- Robelle Domain Parklands with swimming lagoon

Brookwater is a distinct blend of living, golf and leisure, with design at the centre of everything we do. From inception, Brookwater has collaborated with leading design organisations to shape a living environment where home design, stunning landscape architecture and amenities come together to create spaces where people feel at home and part of a master design for luxurious living.

homesites offering excellent amenities and lifestyle options are still available. Live your best life at Brookwater.

arya pratinidhi sabha of Queensland

और मधर समबनधरों

है जो अनेक र््मतवाओं के बी् भी समवाज म एकत् कवा सं्वार करतवा है। होली के रं ि-त्बरं ि रं िरों की बौछवार जहवा मन म एक सखद अनभतत प्रक्ट करवाती है ्हीं यदद सवा्धवानी, संयम तथवा र््ेक न रख जवाये तो ये ही रं ि दखद भी जवाते ह। अतः इस प्षि पर कछ सवा्धवातनयवा रखनवा भी अतयंत आ्शयक है। ्ैददक यि म होली को 'न्वाननेजष्ट यज्ञ' कहवा ियवा थवा, कयरोंक्क यह ्ह समय होतवा है, जब खेतरों म पकवा हआ अनवाज कवा्टकर घररों

Yoga is a spiritual way of life. The purpose of Yoga is selfrealisation.The Upanishads declare “ÃTMÃNAM VIDHI, i.e., “Know Thyself”.

But this is just a moral command. Yoga's job is to guide you how to achieve this.

Yoga's prescription is that this can only be achieved by spiritual elevation, Moral Conduct of which is the sine qua non. In the foregoing lessons it was emphasised that You are different from your body. We are all the time busy in meeting our physical and material needs but that is just to live like an animal. Man is different from animal because of its rational and moral behaviour. There is a Sanskrit saying: Dharmeña-Hināh Pashubhi Samānāh.

i.e. Those who are devoid of righteousness are like animals.

All the Religions of the

आहतत देकर ग्रहण करनवा है। कयरोंक्क

भवारतीय संसकतत दवान देकर, बवा्ट कर

खवाने म र्श्वास करती

world preach us to lead a moral, ethical, uprighteous way of life.

Compassion, service of humanity, non-violence, truthfulness, honest living, non-covetousness and dedication to God elevate man spiritually.

One must curb the baser instincts like hatred, jealously, greed, lust, anger and pride, and adopt the rational, moral and spiritual attitude in life.

To achieve this, Swami Vivekananda has advised, “If there is a change of heart and a change of values, then our daily life itself becomes divine life. Normally, we live in a fool’s paradise with our scale of values tilted in favour of sense pleasures.”

This change of attitude will bring a metamorphosis in our being. Rudyard Kipling has said “If your being is right, your doing cannot possibly go wrong.”

To inculcate spiritual lifestyle, there is a prayer in Rig Veda (5.51.11):

SVASTI PANTHÃMANU

CHAREMA SURYA CHANDRA MASÃVIVA, i.e. We may incessantly follow the path of well-being of others, as do the Sun and the Moon. The flowing rivers, the whistling wind, plants and trees laden with fruits and vegetables are all selflessly doing their allotted job of making life bubbling. But are we doing our bit?

Renowned spiritualist Deepak Chopra has said, “The whole cosmos is your teacher. All that you need to do is to learn to listen.”

Philosopher Joseph Campbell also has expressed the same view : "The goal of life is to make your heart beat match the beat of the Universe , to match your nature with Nature."

Rig Veda has said:RISHIH SA YO MANUR HITAH i.e. Sage is one whose interest lies in well-being of humanity.

Albert Einstein has observed: " Only a life lived for others is worth living."

Service of humanity is the service of God. Spiritual attitude in life will provide you peace and tranquility in life and help in meditation, to be in the lap of God.

acharya Vidyasagar Verma Ji, Former Indian government ambassador

When the teachings, lessons and messages of shri ram fail to reach hindus?

Thakur, like Vibhishan of Ramayan, speaks without fear or favour, and I am sure I will make many Thekedaar (saviours, movers and shakers) of Ram and religion uneasy with my thoughts.

Do we have Pracharaks, Kathakaar, discourser, presenters, Temple owners and thekedaar of religion amongst us who can bring ram GYAN PRATHISTA (invoking knowledge of Ram to their hearts) to make the chant of “ram aayenge..’’ a reality and not only a song, and a slogan of cheerleaders?

This is after we had some visiting Ayodhya with reports of the opening or conducting prayers there or just vising Tirath Places for their personal self-satisfaction and self -actualisation. This article was in response to a disciple of Ayodhya based Guruji, conducting parvachan from Ayodhya.

I blessed him for having

and

his Guruji from that Janmabhoomi of Prabhu Ram, and being there. But there are many shortfalls that I see from the saviours of Ram, who need to change themselves before expecting people to change. This is after many Brahmins in the adopted countries of New Zealand and Australia are seen as too money-faced, only using religion as a means to enrich themselves, with little, if any community wellbeing interest and input or care to their jujmaan (clients) or their children.

Also, the unusually and unreasonably high reported charges associated with deaths and figures quoted of $3,000 -$5,000 will make the lives of the dead, Murda into danger –do we have people making money from death through grieving vulnerable people? Do these Pundits go anywhere near the teachings of Ram, His karuna and Compassion they preach us about? And can they claim to have the “clean” personal character of Ram?

One of my gripes and complaints remain that while we have been able to invoke life and Ram in a lifeless stone statue, unfortunately we are somehow unable to bring life and lessons of Shri Ram Ji in the hearts of many of our living Hindus in either NZ, Australia or Fiji. But before that, the thekedaar and saviours of religion need to do this as well. We seem to fail to learn

said to

DEAR READER,

We hope and pray that you are focussed on your right priorities for 2024.

The right priority includes trusting and putting God first in your life. For it is written “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness…” (Matt. 6:33).

Our theme of the message is simple and clear; to make God real and personal. And to reveal our Creator as a God of compassion and forgiveness. So that we may know how to relate to Him. Just like a Father and Children have a loving and living relationships.

It is important to understand that God is not an object or an image or an imagination of human mind. God is a living and loving Person. His awesome power and characters are unchanging from generation to generation. We find this fascinating truth revealed through the pages of The Holy Bible. This is a life transforming and marvellous a truth.

If you follow a religion, it will never fully satisfy your longing to meet the living and loving God. But if you follow

and follow the lessons of Ram, and especially his biggest character trait and quality of KARUNA, Compassion; Mercy; Gentleness, kind and understanding to people, accepting them without caring their status or class, and acting humanely and kindly towards all being, be it a cursed and disowned mistreated lady of stone, Ahilya, a lowly caste Bhllni Shabri, to leader of a Jungli tribe, Nishad Raj, to a vulture bird, Jatatyu, to a lowly tasked Kewat or monkeys and other creatures, and showing

“i

Jesus said “arise and shine…”

the One who truly loves you, you will begin to experience true new life. You begin to His plan to give you a purpose driven life.

My life journey as a witness to the Gospel took an unexpected turn. And it happened suddenly and surprisingly. I had no idea how my life was going to change. While I was enjoying my summer holidays my parents were planning my exodus.

Let us consider God’s powerful witnesses today. Mighty Moses witnessed many miracles in His life. And walked and talked with God. When Moses asked God what is your name, And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AMI AM WHAT I AM and I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE”. (Exodus 3:14a AMP)

Redemption and Consecration: Themes of Exodus

In the accounts of human history, few narratives captivate the imagination and stir the soul as profoundly as the account of Exodus. Within its pages lies

a tapestry woven with threads of liberation, redemption, and divine consecration. At its core, Exodus unveils the grand design of God's deliverance and the subsequent covenantal relationship established with the Israelites. The overarching theme that resonates throughout this epic saga is one of redemption—a divine act of rescue. And a transformation of people that transcends mere historical significance. This story offer timeless lessons on the nature of God and His relationship with humanity.

His friendship, kindness and compassion to all around HIM. I know some who, dressed in Shawls of Ram are very distant from even the character of even shadows of Shri Ram, abusing his name for their personal ego, financial gain or glory.

Perhaps, we humans have forgotten the ways He showed us, especially brotherly, parental and elderly love, and being very mindful and respectful to his Purwaj, especially Raghu, whose principles He carried of

honouring his words.

One of major issue in Australia, New Zealand and even Fiji is depression, mental sickness and feeling very low, resulting in multiple, unexplained suicides.. One solution to this is being nice, gentle, understanding to the victims, and allowing them to speak without fear of being ridiculed.

Many in our communities have a habit of making fun of these people, calling them “zhakki” or mad, and ridiculing them. This in many instances translates to suicides. Many are gossipers like Manthra of Ramayan, tend to be gossipers and talkers speaking ill of those depressed. What have we really learnt from Ram, except that beautiful song..Ram Aayenge..Ram Aayenge…?

And we have some socalled egoistic Ram Bhakt and Pracharaks who are known as having very “shady” character themselves and conduct in society, their families and

The journey of the Israelites from the bonds of Egyptian slavery to the threshold of the Promised Land serves as a powerful allegory for the human experience. It echoes the universal longing for liberation from oppression, whether physical, spiritual, or emotional. Just as the Israelites cried out under the weight of bondage, so to do individuals across ages and cultures yearn for deliverance from the shackles of sin, suffering, and despair.

Central to the narrative of Exodus is the pivotal role of God as the ultimate deliverer. Through awe-inspiring displays of power and providence, He demonstrates His sovereignty over the forces of nature and the affairs

of humanity. The plagues unleashed upon Egypt and the parting of the Red Sea stand as iconic symbols of divine intervention, showcasing God's unwavering commitment to His chosen people. In these miraculous acts, we witness the boundless compassion of a God who hears the cries of the oppressed and acts decisively on their behalf.

Yet, redemption in Exodus extends beyond mere liberation from physical bondage. It encompasses a deeper, more profound transformation—a journey from slavery to sonship, from brokenness to wholeness. In the wilderness wanderings that follow their deliverance, the Israelites are not merely a liberated people but a consecrated nation, set apart for a sacred purpose.

At Mount Sinai, God reveals Himself in His holiness and establishes the covenantal framework that will govern His relationship with His people.

Central to this covenant is the giving of the Law—a divine

code of conduct that serves as the blueprint for holy living. Far from a burdensome set of rules, the Law embodies God's desire to dwell among His people and cultivate a community characterised by justice, righteousness, and compassion. Through its precepts, the Israelites are called to embody the very attributes of their Creator and reflect His image to the world. The theme of redemption culminates in the establishment of the tabernacle—a tangible manifestation of God's presence among His people. In its construction and consecration, we witness the culmination of God's redemptive plan—a dwelling place where heaven and earth converge, and humanity encounters the divine. Through the rituals of sacrifice and worship, the Israelites are invited into intimate communion with their Maker, bridging the chasm wrought by sin and separation.

In conclusion, the overarching theme of Exodus is one of redemption—a divine narrative of liberation, consecration, and covenantal relationship. Through the lens of this ancient epic, we are invited to contemplate the depths of God's love and the transformative power

community at large, trying to take advantage of vulnerable people, with relatively “loose’ with public funds. We have abundance of elder abuse, family harm, violence, people disowning their parents, many brotherly disputes about property and long list of court cases in Fiji and elsewhere, where lawyers are the only ones making money, and we Hindus fail to learn from Ram's brotherly love and respect for His half-brother Bharat, to honour his father's wishes.

And how many Pracharaks, Pundits and those giving arth and lectures engage the new generation of youths who shun going to Ramayan or Mandir, as they do not understand what is said, or feel ignored by those lecturing who himself has little knowledge of relevance of Ramayan to modern man. When will we have people who can encompass and engage the new generation of Hindus and Contd. on pg 37

of His grace. As we journey with the Israelites from the bondage of Egypt to the threshold of the Promised Land, may we too experience the liberating embrace of the One who delivers, redeems, and consecrates His people for His glory.

Jesus, became the lamb of God to reconcile the broken relationship between sinful mankind and the Holy God. This the Gospel; that God loved the world and sent Jesus to redeem us. Whoever believes in Him and follow His word will find ‘Moksha’ today. You don’t have to wait thousand years. God seeks the humble and meek people who knows that their good works and wisdom is not enough earn ‘Moksha’.

Pray this simple prayer with a sincere heart:

Dear God, I come to you and ask for your forgiveness. For the Bible says that, all have sinned and fallen short of your Holy way of life. Therefore, forgive my many sins. I believe that Jesus died for my sins and rose again for my salvation (Moksha). Give me a new mind and heart to know your word and your ways. I pray this Jesus name. Amen

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

Thakur Ranjit Singh, FIJI PUNDIT

dr keshav baliram hedgewar

THE Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh commonly known as RSS is the world’s largest voluntary organisation. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar started the RSS as an organisation of volunteers who were committed to work selflessly for the Indian nation. He was its first Sarsanghchalak, the head of the organisation. He was qualified as a medical doctor and was popularly known as Doctorji.

Early life - Keshav was born on 1 April 1889 in Nagpur. His father was Baliram Pant Hedgewar and mother Revatibai. Keshav was the fifth child among three sons and three daughters of his parents. The family had modest means but lived a life of contentment.

Keshav’s family originally hailed from Kandkurti village in Telangana. During the Nizam’s rule in Hyderabad, his clan members were subjected to religious persecution. In search of better opportunities, many members of his clan moved from Telangana and settled in Nagpur. Narahari Shastri, Baliram Pant’s great grandfather, was one of them.

They enjoyed the patronage of Maratha rulers who sheltered Vedic scholars. When Nagpur came under British control in 1853, Vedic scholars lost their patronage and turned to priesthood for living. Baliram Pant supported his family through his priestly services.

Baliram Pant did not let his children take up priesthood for living and encouraged them to enrol in Vedic education. Keshav was admitted to a Sanskrit school, but he exhibited a reluctance to go along with traditional education. From early childhood, he revealed a different temperament. His parents and neighbours realised that he had extraordinary traits. Following completion of his primary education, he was admitted to Neil City School in Nagpur.

At the age of thirteen, Keshav lost both his parents to the plague of 1902. His uncle became his guardian and ensured that Keshav continued his study. Dr B S Moonje, a prominent local leader, became his patron.

Keshav continued his study at Neil City School. He was greatly influenced by the nationalist leader Lokmanya Tilak. The partition of Bengal in 1905 had created political turmoil in the nation. He attended events expressing opposition to the partition. He was expelled from school for singing ‘Vande Mataram’ which the colonial government had banned. Eventually he studied at Rashtriya Vidyalay in Yavatmal and later in Pune.

After completing matriculation, he returned to Nagpur and started teaching to save money for further study. His interest and inclination was towards science. He also took part in supporting revolutionary activities. His sincerity and commitment to the national cause won the hearts of Tilakites in the Central Provinces.

They arranged his admission to National Medical College in Kolkata. The real purpose was to facilitate his association with the revolutionaries under the guidance of Pulin Bihari Das, a radical leader of Kolkata.

In Kolkata, Keshav directly experienced and observed the

fragmentation and division in Hindu society. Students from one province did not agree with students from other provinces. He also came to realise that the movement for attaining independence was totally disorganised.

Despite being immersed in the struggle for freedom of the country, Keshav performed well in his examinations. After completing his medical degree and apprenticeship, he returned to Nagpur as a doctor in June 1916. He was offered a lucrative job but declined the offer. He was determined not to serve the colonial government.

Freedom fighter – In Nagpur, Hedgewar engrossed himself in various radical activities. Along with his friends, he set up a revolutionary group, known as Kranti Dal, and planned for an armed rebellion. By now he had made it clear to his family that he would not follow a normal life by getting married and working for the family. He had decided to serve his nation.

He toured many regions and established contacts with revolutionaries in Bengal and Punjab. Revolutionaries from Nagpur were sent to establish cells in North India. Hedgewar coordinated the movement of volunteers and dispatch of funds for activities.

Having experienced the handling of revolutionary activities, he began to seriously ponder about the condition of society. His incisive thinking brought him to the conclusion that unless people are given proper training and good Sanskar or rearing for leading a disciplined life, their love of the country and readiness for sacrifice would never remain firm or last long. He started working in open public activities and social works.

During this period, followers of Tilak were dominant in the Nagpur unit of Indian National Congress. They had formed the Rashtriya Mandal under which several political activities were organised. Hedgewar joined the group and worked diligently to popularise ‘Sankalp’, a weekly publication of the Rashtriya Mandal. He founded Rashtriya Utsav Mandal to inspire the youth, through highlighting the lives of

the role of its editor.

Hedgewar mulled over the need and urgency for organising Hindus to make India strong once she attains independence. He acknowledged that for a nation to aspire to greatness, the feelings of an unremitting nationalism, patriotism, cohesiveness and social sensitivity amongst its people were imperative. An individual was a prime unit of the nation. It was only the refinement of the individual that could bring about the refinement of the nation. India was fortunate to have great thinkers and philosophers, thoughts and principles, history and tradition, but no organisation to interweave all of them into one and provide it a single voice. He identified this serious lacuna in the national life and vowed to fill this gap.

not any individual. The practice of Sarsanghchalak Pranam (bowing to the RSS chief) was introduced.

Hedgewar participated in the Salt Satyagrah. He had resigned from the post of RSS Chief before joining it. He was arrested in July 1930 and sentenced to six months of rigorous and three months of simple imprisonments. He was held in Akola Jail. He started an RSS shakha in the jail premises. He was released from prison in February 1931. Upon returning to Nagpur as a free man, he resumed his responsibility of Sarsanghchalak.

national heroes. He played active roles in organising programs on the birth anniversary of Shivaji, Ganeshotsav, Shastrapuja and many other Hindu festivals.

Hedgewar attended the Congress session held in Amritsar in 1919 and visited the blood stained site of Jallianwala Bagh. The next Congress session was held in Nagpur in December 1920. Hedgewar along with Dr Paranjpe was in charge of lodging and food for delegates. The Congress accepted a resolution to support the complete noncooperation movement led by Mahatma Gandhi. Hedgewar and other leaders from Nagpur met Mahatma Gandhi and urged him to go for declaring a demand for ‘Complete Independence’, which was not accepted.

Hedgewar toured the rural regions to garner support for the non-cooperation movement. He delivered a number of inspiring speeches at various public meetings. In May 1921, he was arrested on charges of sedition for his speeches. During the case hearing, Hedgewar pleaded his own defence by reading a statement. The presiding judge exclaimed; “His defence is even more seditious than his original speech”! He was sentenced to one year’s rigorous imprisonment. He was released from jail in July 1922. The same evening a public reception was organised in which then senior congress leader Motilal Nehru and Hakim Ajmal Khan addressed the gathering. The non-cooperation movement was withdrawn in early 1922. Congress leaders were divided. The Khilafat movement, which was supported by the Congress, was turned into an anti Hindu hysteria. Religious riots broke out at several places. Congress leaders realised that the weakness of Hindus had been largely responsible for Muslim violence.

Hedgewar was appointed joint secretary of the Provincial Congress in 1922. He was also a part of the Hindustani Seva Dal, a congress wing of volunteers. In 1923, the Nagpur branch of Hindu Mahasabha was set up. Hedgewar was appointed its secretary. The same year Hedgewar with a few others launched a daily newspaper called “Swatantra” and took over

RSS - In 1924, he organised a meeting attended by his close associates. The assembled members had allegiance to different parties. Noticing their differences, Hedgewar decided to initiate the work of resurrecting the Hindu nation with the help of only like-minded people. He went to see Vinayak Damodar Savarkar who was then in detention at Ratnagiri. He spent two days with him and discussed various issues at length.

On the Vijaya-Dashami day in 1925, Dr Hedgewar announced to a small gathering of young men and teenagers, “We are inaugurating the Sangh today. All of us must train ourselves physically, intellectually and in every way to be capable of achieving our cherished goal”. He elicited the views of all the attendees regarding future activities of the Sangh. The only agenda for the meeting was to train the young men making them physically, mentally and intellectually strong.

The name Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh or National Volunteer Organisation was selected in a meeting called by Hedgewar on 17 April 1926. The daily Shakha of RSS began from May 28, 1926. The initial shakha took place at Mohitewada ground in Nagpur. The activities related to physical training and discourses on national affairs, which later came to be known as Boudhik Varga. A special training program was organised for the selected swayamsevaks. The Sangh grew slowly and steadily, but faced a severe financial constraint. Hedgewar declined financial support from outsiders.

Hedgewar was designated as the RSS chief organiser, Sarsanghchalak, in a meeting held in December 1926. In a year and half, RSS established a strong base in Nagpur and Wardha. Whenever and wherever Hedgewar travelled, he carried a saffron flag. He would gather prominent citizens of a town, city or locality and explain to them RSS’s ideology. He was a great orator with the ability to present his ideas clearly and persuasively in the meetings he addressed. He would initiate those present to RSS in the presence of the saffron flag and a new shakha would start.

To make the organisation self sufficient, he introduced the practice of Guru-Dakshina, offerings to the Guru in front of the flag on occasion of Vyas Puja. The RSS recognised the Sacred Bhagawa Dhwaj as its guru and

He visited Varanasi and established a shakha in Kashi Hindu Vishwavidyalay campus with the blessings of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya and another shakha in Varanasi city. There he met Madhavrao Golwalkar, also known as Guruji, who became sarsanghchalak after him.

In 1934, Mahatma Gandhi visited the RSS camp at Wardha. At the time, Gandhi was camping at the Sevagram Ashram near Wardha. He was impressed with the camp’s facilities and arrangements and expressed his appreciation. He remarked, ‘I have not witnessed such a sight anywhere in the country before’. Gandhi wished to see Hedgewar, who visited him the following day and they discussed national issues together.

Hedgewar sent a team of swayamsevaks to northern India to expand the RSS’s work and network. Their efforts resulted in shakhas being inaugurated in Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and central Bharat. The RSS also started its work in southern India including Karnataka and Andhra regions.

Hedgewar’s health had deteriorated due to the rigorous travelling and relentless organisation related works. He started off loading his duties to Golwalkar. On the GuruPurnima day in 1939, Hedgewar announced the appointment of Guruji as the Sarkaryavah, secretary.

Hedgewar spent the last months of his life in poor health. He travelled to Rajgir in Bihar in early 1940 for warm spring water treatment. It was believed that the warm spring water had curative effects. Finally he came to Nagpur in May. His health deteriorated further and he passed away on 21 June 1940.

The RSS has steadily grown and has become a potent guiding force in the political and social life of India. The organisation derives inspirations from ancient Indian traditions and their modern societal interpretation by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in his treatise Hindutva.

Many other organisations with similar ethical roots have emerged over time in different areas of national activities. They include the political party Bharatiya Janata Party, religious organisation Vishva Hindu Parishad, students union Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, trade union Bharatiya Majdoor Sangh and farmers union Bharatiya Kisan Sangh. The RSS volunteers started and supported these organisations, which are now collectively known as the Sangh Parivar, family.

—Awadhesh Sharma www.hinduguru.com.au

Chhattisgarh govt started celebrating 14th february as Matri-pitri pujan diwas & rajasthan

Govt decided to start from 2025

Across Australia, the event garnered significant attention and was celebrated in temples and community halls.

your mother as a god; regard your father as a god.

The content of this article is based on 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 pujan 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, the global observance of Matri Pitri Pujan Diwas (Parents’ Worship Day) experienced a notable upsurge in participation, with a growing number of community members, organizations, educational institutions, religious institutions, and social groups actively

joining this unique festival. It's a day when kids from all backgrounds come together to worship their parents. They put a tilak on their foreheads, put a garland of flowers around their neck, and basically treat them like gods! It's a way for them to show their all respect and get parents' blessings.

In some Indian states, namely Maharashtra, Haryana, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh, February 14th, is celebrated as "Matri-Pitri Pujan Diwas". On this day, schools, parks, and temples host events where children participate in rituals to honour their parents.

In a significant step, Chhattisgarh’s Chief Minister (CM), Vishnu Deo Sai declared that state govt will celebrate 14th Feb as Matri-Pitri Pujan Diwas. A state level event was organised on 14th February 2024 to celebrate MatriPitri Pujan Diwas. In order to counter the growing popularity of Valentine's Day (14 February), the Rajasthan government also decided that schools must celebrate it as Matri-Pitri Pujan Day. The govt decided to include 14th February as Matri-Pitri Pujan Diwas in the Department of Education's school calendar from 2025.

In Brisbane, the event was celebrated in Northgate Hall Northgate. Over 100 members of the community came together for the event and had a very happy and emotional time. In the aftermath of the event, a wave of emotion washed over all the entire families. Parents and children alike were seen wiping away tears, their faces reflecting the depth of their feelings.

Shri Umesh Chandra Ji & Smt. Usha Chandra Ji served as the distinguished chief guests for the event.

In recognition of their participation, all the children were gifted with school bags. Shri Umesh Chandra ji addressed the attendees and delivered an amazing speech appreciating the great initiative by Sant Shri Asharamji Bapu.

The event garnered widespread community engagement in Melbourne and was commemorated at many locations. A wave of enthusiasm swept through

Melbourne for the event, leading to widespread celebrations at Sri Durga Temple, Maa Vaishno Devi Temple, Seedhpeeth Kali Mata Mandir and at Salwater community Centre.

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. Please read more about our Vedic culture in the next issue of “The Brisbane Indian Times.”

For more info about Bal Sanskar and yoga sessions, to get a free copy of monthly spiritual magazine Rishi-Prasad 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/

Matridevo Bhava; Pitridevo Bhava’ – Regard

one and all harmony festival at Vedanta Centre

ONE and All Harmony Festival at Vedanta Centre

Springfield Lakes will take place on Saturday, 23 March 2024, from 4.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

The Harmony Festival features live music, cultural dance, market stalls and delicious food. This twilight event is expected to attract a crowd of about 500 people. The festival aims to celebrate the incredible diversity of cultures and traditions that enrich our community.

Highlights of the evening will be African Drumming with Tsoof Baras. Tsoof Baras is a composer, percussionist, session musician, hand drummer and graduate of the Queensland Conservatorium. He has performed as a percussionist with the QLD Pops Orchestra, Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Ipswich Theatre Company, Salseros, Talkin’ the Drum and Spankinhide.

Tsoof will also perform with his newly-formed collaboration PanAlchemy with Darshil Shah, featuring three artists from diverse upbringings who will present a collection of calming and energetic music that could be described as a healing fusion of rhythm, improvisation and musical spontaneity. This concert features the unique handpan instrument and original music from Tsoof's solo album Dawn.

Lachlan will expand on the singer-songwriter material from his first album 'No Enemy Within'. There will be moments of soaring improvisation from bansuri virtuoso Darshil Shah, introspective vocal melodies, and mystical soundscapes created by all three artists. Glenn Barry, a Gamilaraay man - the

First Nation peoples of North Western NSW and Western Queensland and Irish heritage- will officiate the Welcome to Country. Glenn structures his identity by reclaiming his ancestral voice with music and art, acknowledges his rich heritage, and offers expanded notions of urban Aboriginal experiences.

Other featured artists include Sargam Music Academy, who will delight the audience with Indian classical and semi-classical vocals, Singers from the Philippines- Australia Multicultural Association and Ashwini Nandkumar, a promising, committed young Bharatnatyam Exponent from India. Visitors can purchase hot

meals from the onside Maa Sarada’s Kitchen Café, and there will also be snow cones for the kids.

The motto of Harmony Day is ‘Everyone Belongs,’ which reminds us to accept everyone regardless of their background or circumstances. What better place to celebrate Harmony Week than the Vedanta Centre, with its ideal of unity in diversity? This event has been assisted by the Ipswich City Council’s Community Events Funding.

Get your free tickets to this event at: https://www. trybooking.com/CPDUC

Glenn Barry Ashwini Nandkumar, Bharatanatyam Dancer

PanAlchemy

Glenn Barry Sargam Music Academy

Sargam Music Academy Harmony Day Festival 2023

Tsoof Baras

the eXalted Month of raMadan in islaM

Ramadan is the ninth and most precious month in Muslims lunar calendar. It is obligatory for Muslims to fast during this holy month. There are around 1.7 billion Muslims around the world who observe this ritual, which is the fourth pillar of Islam among five. Fasting is not just abstaining from drinking and eating; it also includes abstaining from immoral acts and anger. Other acts of worship such as prayer, reading the Quran and charity are also encouraged during the month of Ramadan. In the Quran, God talks about the importance of Ramadan in the following verse: “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn piety and righteousness” (Quran, 2:183)

During Ramadan, Muslims wake up early to eat a pre-dawn meal called suhoor, and they break their fast with a meal referred to as iftar. One important thing of this Holy month is Quran was revealed in Ramadan. It is traditional for Muslims to read the entire Quran in the month of Ramadan. “Ramadan is the (month) in which the Quran was sent down, as a guide to mankind, also Clear (Signs) for guidance and the differentiation (between right and wrong)” (Quran, 2:185). Muslims gather every night in mosques after they have broken their fasts, to pray the special prayer known as taraweeh.

Muslims are used to fasting during the day with performing their usual tasks. Different cultures have different traditions during Ramadan, whether it is a special food they cook, or eating iftar with the extended family, neighbourhood and friends. Although may be slightly influenced by one’s culture, sharing food and inviting guests over for iftar are all practices inspired by the Islamic faith.

When the month of Ramadan starts, Muslims believe that the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of hell are closed as Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said in one of his hadiths: “When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained” (Bukhari). When someone fasts in the month of Ramadan with sincere faith, Muslims believe that he or she will be forgiven by Allah Almighty as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said in hadith: “Whoever fasts during Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards, and then all his past sins will be forgiven.” (Bukhari)

There are some other

significances of this Holy month such as The Night of Decree (Laylat al- Qadr). This night is known to be better than a thousand months and Muslims are encouraged to pray and give more on this holy night. It is also recommended to give Zakat in the month of Ramadan.

Ramadan allows worshippers to concentrate their minds on devotion to their faith through prayers, expressing gratitude, seeking forgiveness and helping the needy. Fasting is important for Muslims due to many reasons: it brings the unity among the “ummah” because they go to offer Tarawih prayer after iftar at the Mosque together. Ramadan allows Muslims to appreciate food, thank God for what they have and makes them closer to each other and the people around them. Sawm is a Jihadic struggle because of Muslims struggle against hunger during fasting. Fasting in Ramadan also makes Muslims stronger against fighting sin and more charitable to others.

The s The Inne R s ec R e T s of fas TI ng

Know that in the fast is a special quality that is not found in anything else. And that is its close connection to Allāh, such that He says: “The fast (Sawm) is for Me and I will reward it.”1This connection is enough to show the high status of fasting. Similarly, the Kaʿbah is highly dignified due to its close connection to Him, as occurs in His statement, “And sanctify My House”.

Indeed, the fast is only virtuous due to two significant concepts. Firstly, it is a secret and hidden action thus, no one from the creation is able to see it. Therefore showing off cannot enter into it. Secondly, it is a means of subjugating the enemies of Allāh. This is because the road that the enemies (of Allah) embark upon (in order to misguide the Son of Ādam) is that of desires. And eating and drinking strengthens the desires. There are many reports that indicate the merits of fasting, and they are all well known.

The R ecommended ac T s of fas TI ng

The pre-dawn meal (Suḥur) and delaying in taking it are preferable, as well as hastening to break the fast and doing so with dates. Generosity in giving is also recommended during Ramaḍān, as well as doing good deeds and increasing in charity. This is in accordance with the way of the Messenger of Allāh (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam).

It is also recommended to study the Qur’ān and perform I’tikāf during

By Ml. M .Nawaaz Ashrafi

Ramaḍān, especially in the last ten days, as well as increasing upon the exertion (towards doing good deeds) in it.

In the two Sahihs, ʿĀ’ishah RA said, “When the (last) ten days (of Ramaḍhaan) would come, the Prophet would tighten his waist-wrapper, spend the night in worship, and wake his family up (for prayer).” The scholars have mentioned two views concerning the meaning of “tighten his waist-wrapper”:

The first: It means the turning away from women.

The second: It is an expression denoting his eagerness and diligence in doing good deeds. They also say that the reason for his (peace be upon him) exertion in the last ten days of Ramaḍāan was due to his (Sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) seeking of the Night of Power (Laylah al-Qadr).

An explanation of the inner secrets of fasting and its characteristics

There are three levels of fasting: The general fast, the specific fast, and the further specific fast. As for the general fast, then it is the refraining of the stomach and the private parts from fulfilling their desires. The specific fast is the refraining of one’s gaze, tongue, hands, feet, hearing and eyes, as well as the rest of his body parts from committing sinful acts. As for the more specific fast, then it is the heart’s abstention from its yearning after the worldly affairs and the thoughts which distance one away from Allāh, as well as its (the heart’s) abstention from all the things that Allāh has placed on the same level. From the characteristics of the specific fast is that one lowers his gaze and safeguards his tongue from the repulsive speech that is forbidden, disliked, or which has no benefit, as well as controlling the rest of his body parts.

In a Hadith reported by alBukhārī: “Whosoever does not abandon false speech and the acting upon it, Allāh is not in need of him leaving off his food and drink.”3

Another characteristic of the specific fast is that one does not overfill himself with food during the night. Instead, he eats in due measure, for indeed, the son of Ādam does not fill a vessel more evil than his stomach. If he were to eat his fill during the first part of the night, he would not make good use of himself for the remainder of the night. In the same way, if he eats to his fill for suhur, he does not make good use of himself until the afternoon. This is because excessive eating breeds laziness and lethargy. Therefore, the objective of fasting disappears due to one’s excessiveness in eating, for

what is intended by the fast is that one savours the taste of hunger and becomes one who abandons desires.

Recommended fas T s

As for the recommended fasts, then know that preference for fasting is established in certain virtuous days. Some of these virtuous days occur every year, such as fasting the first six days of the month of Shawwāl after Ramaḍān, fasting the day of ʿArafah, the day of ʿAshura, and the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah and Muharram. Some of them occur every month, such as the first part of the month, the middle part of it, and the last part of it. So whoever fasts the first part of the month, the middle part of it, and the last part of it, then he has done well. Some fasts occur every week, and they are every Monday and Thursday.

The most virtuous of the recommended fasts is the fast of Dāwūd (ʿalayhi alSalām). He would fast one day and break his fast the next day. This achieves the following three objectives:

The soul is given its share on the day the fast is broken. And on the day of fasting, it completes its worship in full. The day of eating is the day of giving thanks and the day of fasting is the day of having patience. And Faith is divided into two halves –that of thankfulness and that of patience. It is the most difficult struggle for the soul. This is because every time the soul gets accustomed to a certain condition, it transfers itself to that.

As for fasting every day, then it has been reported by Muslim, from the ḥadith of Abu Qatadah, that ʿUmar (raḍiy Allāhuʿanhu) asked the Prophet (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam): ‘What is the case if one were to fast every day?’ So he (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) said: “He did not fast nor did he break his fast – or – he did not fast and he did not break his fast.”4 This is concerning the one who fasts continuously, even during the days in which fasting is forbidden.

c ha R ac T e RI s TI cs of T he mos T spec I f I c fas T

Know that the one who has been given intellect, knows the objective behind fasting. Therefore, he burdens himself to the extent that he will not be unable to do that which is more beneficial than it. Ibn Masʿūd would fast very little and it is reported that he used to say: “When I fast, I grow weak in my prayer. And I prefer the prayer over the (optional) fast. Some of them (the Saḥabah) would weaken in their recitation of the Qur’ān whilst fasting. Thus, they would exceed in breaking their fast (i.e. by observing

less optional fasts), until they were able to balance their recitation. Every individual is knowledgeable of his condition and of what will rectify it.

The nI gh T of g lo R y (laylaT ul qad R ).

It is a brilliant night that is described in the Qur’an in the following way:

In the name of God, the Lord of Mercy, the Giver of Mercy

We sent [the Qur’an] down on the Night of Glory.

What will explain to you what that Night of Glory is?

The Night of Glory is better than a thousand months.

On that night the angels and the Spirit descend again and again with their Lord’s permission on every affair.

Peace it is until the rising of the dawn. (Chapter 97)

The Night of Glory is the night in which the Prophet Muhammad began receiving revelation from God through the archangel Gabriel while he was meditating in the Cave of Hira on top of the Mountain of Light near the outskirts of Mecca, according to Muslim belief. It is that night in history when Muhammad went from being a simple man among his people to becoming the messenger of God. Not only did that night transform Muhammad the man into Muhammad the Prophet, but it also marked the beginning of the transformation of many parts of the world –beginning with the Arabian Peninsula and stretching as far as China within less than a century – as the new civilization of faith spread from coast to coast and continent to continent.

The first words that the Prophet received from God on that night, now some 1,448 years ago, are words that continue to inspire and guide more than 1.6 billion people worldwide. Chapter 96 of the Qur’an contains these verses: “Read! In the name of your Lord who created: He created the human being from a clinging form. Read! Your Lord is the Most Bountiful One who taught by the pen, who taught the human being what he did not know” (96:1—5).

Receiving these divine words shook the Prophet to his core as he experienced the unexpected power of the glorious night and the command of an outer force. Afraid and befuddled, the Prophet ran home to the warm embrace of his beloved wife, Khadijah, who covered his trembling body with a blanket and reassured his anxious soul. Khadija suggested visiting her cousin, Waraqa ibn Nawfal, who was a Christian sage and scholar, to interpret the experience.

Waraqa listened carefully to the Prophet’s experience and declared: “This was the same one [archangel Gabriel] who keeps the secrets, whom God had sent to Moses. I wish I were young and could live [to see the day] when your people will drive you out.” The Prophet, startled and surprised, asked, “Will they [really] drive me out?”

Waraqa nodded affirmatively and said, “Anyone who came with something similar to what you have brought was treated with hostility; and if I should remain alive till the day when you will be driven out then I will support you.”

So, the Night of Glory commemorates the advent of the Prophet, the beginning of the revelation of the Qur’an to Muhammad, and the centrality of God and knowledge in Islam. But, as Chapter 97 of the Qur’an indicates, the Night of Glory continues to visit every year with great spiritual gifts. In this night, it is believed, the doors of forgiveness are opened to all who ask, the decree of God is reconsidered and determined for every human soul, and salvation is brought closer for anyone who seeks it. As such, it is a night full of praying, seeking and acting goodly.

One of the great mysteries is that no one knows for certain which night in the blessed nights of Ramadan the Night of Glory falls on. It is anticipated during the last 10 nights. And, some say that it falls on one of the odd nights of the last 10 nights. God knows best – our task is to seek it; God’s grace is to grant it!

As the Prophet ﷺ said, "Let whosoever believes in Allah and in the Last Day either speak good or be silent." The agitation of our external tongue is intertwined with the internal agitation of our lower self. Bringing about quietude to our speech and environment goes a long way in calming our souls, while also promoting the atmosphere of fikr (contemplation) necessary to purify our hearts.

Minimize the idle talk and chatting as much as possible and give the phone and social media a break, not just during the nights but during the workday. In those opportune moments where you find yourself alone at your desk or at home when the children are asleep (finally), contemplate deeply on the Creator and engage in spiritual reflection. Remind yourself of your shortcomings and of Allah's mercy and plead for Him to rectify your condition, with the supplication our Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) encouraged us to say in these last ten nights: conTd on pg 27

the eXalted Month of raMadan in islaM

"O Allah, You are alAfuww (The Eraser of Sins and Pardoner) and you love to pardon, so pardon me."

The beauty of this supplication is that we invoke the Divine characteristic of AlAfuww, which is greater than forgiveness, for it completely obliterates and erases the sin off our permanent records, whereas in His Forgiveness, Allah conceals those sins on our record.

We ask Allah for both, and as we do so, let us also strive in these last ten nights to be forgiving with others. All too often, as we engage in our deeply personal worship in these ten nights, repenting to Allah and seeking His forgiveness, we forget that one of the essentials of repentance is that we resolve any violations we have committed towards others. Ramadan is a time where we see more of the Muslims than at other times of the year, at communal iftaars, taraweeh and other activities. We will see those who we have wronged or those who have wronged us. Just as the process of fasting, taraweeh and 'itikaf naturally facilitate the disciplining of the soul in Ramadan, the social light

of this month, bringing the Muslims together, gives each of us an opportunity to heal past rifts and move forward. The last ten nights are a chance to bury old grudges and forgive one another, so that we can together invoke Allah on the Night of Power to forgive all of us for our violations towards Him.

The best example for us in these nights is our Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him and family), who, on the 20th of Ramadan, when entering Makkah in victory, forgave all those who had harmed him and his followers. It was an act that was the epitome of the Prophet's grace.

May Allah grant eternal success to the ummah of Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) and may we learn to emulate the Prophet's grace, both in Ramadan, and outside of it.

"O Allah, You are the Eraser of Sins, and you love to pardon, so pardon all of us."

Th I ngs you mI gh T n o T Know a bou T eI d Al-Fitr

1. IT' s held To celeb R aT e T he end of fas TI ng .

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from sun up to sundown to

honor the month that the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed. Eid al-Fitr celebrates the end of the month—and the end of the fasting. The prolonged fasting isn't just about food—it also includes abstaining from taking medications, drinking any liquids (including water), smoking, and having intimacy.

2. T he name of T he hol I day I s a l IT e R al TR anslaTI on "Eid al-Fitr" is a pretty literal translation of the event that's being celebrated: "Festival of the Breaking of the Fast," or "the Feast of FastBreaking."

3. E i D A l -F itr BEG i NS when T he new moon

I s f IR s T s I gh T ed Eid al-Fitr doesn't begin until the new moon appears in the sky (although traditionally, and still today for many Muslims, it doesn't begin until the barest sliver of a waxing crescent moon is seen). Technically, that means that across the world, Eid al-Fitr starts at different times and even different days, depending on location. To make it more uniform, some Muslims celebrate Eid when the new moon appears over Mecca instead of their own

locations.

4. R amadan and e I d

A l -F itr A r E HE l D ON

d I ffe R en T g R ego RI an daT es e V e R y yea R.

The Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles, as opposed to the Gregorian calendar, which is based on the solar cycle. New months start and end with each new moon. The average new moon appears every 29.53 days, so the lunar months are a bit shorter compared to the Gregorian months, which usually last 30 or 31 days. Thus, every year, Ramadan is held about 10 days earlier than it was the previous year— at least, that is, in relation to the Gregorian calendar.

5. E i D A l -F itr t YP i CA llY las T s fo R T h R ee days

The festival traditionally lasts for three days, but depending on how it falls on the calendar, the parties and festivities could last much longer. For example, if the three days fall midweek, Muslims will likely still be celebrating over the weekend.

6. on e I d mo R n I ng , musl I ms cleanse T he IR bod I es and don new clo T hes .

Before leaving to perform morning prayers, Muslims wake up to cleanse their bodies in a ritual

called "ghusl." Then, similar to getting new clothes for Easter Sunday, Muslims often don something new or grab their finest threads and decorate their hands with elaborate henna patterns. Some people wear traditional dress, while others opt for contemporary clothing.

7. T he R e a R e e I d g R ee TI ngs "Eid Mubarak," which means "Have a blessed Eid!," is pretty common.

8. T hen T he R e a R e p R aye R s

After getting dressed and ready for the day, Muslims gather for prayers in mosques or outdoor locations. Afterward, they may visit the graves of loved ones to pray and clean the gravesites.

9. T he R e a R e g I f T s I n V olV ed

After a month of sacrifice, Eid al-Fitr is a time of abundance—and not just abundant food. Gifts are often given, especially to children. These gifts of money, accessories, home goods, or flower are called "Eidi."

10. IT' s also K nown as "T he lesse R e I d."

Eid al-Fitr is one of two important Eid celebrations in the Muslim faith. The

other is Eid al-Adha, the Feast of the Sacrifice or "Greater Eid." Eid al-Adha celebrates the sacrifice Ibrahim (Abraham) was willing to make to Allah. Like Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha is held at a different time on the Gregorian calendar every year.

tAKB ir OF E i D-U l -F itr

ALLAAHU AKBAR

ALLAAHU AKBAR ALLAAHU AKBAR

LAA ILAAHA ILLALLAAHU

WALLAAHU AKBAR

ALLAAHU AKBAR

WALILLAAHILHAMD

ALLAAHU

AKBAR KABEERAA

WALHAMDULILLAAHI

KATHEERAA

WA SUBHAANALLAAHI

BUKRATOW- WA ASEELAA

LAA ILAAHA ILLALLAAHU

WA LAA NA’BUD

ILLAA IYAAHU

MUKHLISEENA

LAHUDDEENA WA LOW

KARIHAL KAAFIROON

LAA ILAAHA ILLALLAAHU

SADAQA WA’DAHU WA

NASARA ABDA, WA AZZA

JUNDAHU ADHAABA

WAHDA

LAA ILAAHA ILLALLAAHU

WALLAAHU AKBAR

ALLAAHU AKBAR

WALILLAAHILHAMD on behalf of The IslamIc socIeTy of algesTeR, we wIsh all muslIms a wondeRful Ramadhaan and happy eId ul fITR.

Who, What, Where, When...

Councillor Vicki Howard addresses guests at her campaign launch at Brisbane Club.

Atif Aslam makes a grand entry for his show at the Brisbane Convention Centre.

Brisbane Indian Times and Australian Indian Radio at red carpet reception for the gala premiere of Beauty and the Beast

A sold-out opening night of Beauty and the Beast at QPAC

Rafiul Alam of the Ethnic Schools Association of Queensland and Brisbane Bangla School addressing the gathering at the joint tribute function Certificate of appreciation for supporters and volunteers

Students pay respect and tribute during International Mother Language Day, arranged by the Bangladesh Association of Brisbane.

Bangladesh community advocates stand in solidarity with and pay respect to the martyrs.

Zaffar Khan of Cocoon SDA Care is the presenting partner of Atif Aslam's show with Umesh Chandra OAM and Usha Chandra. Power-packed performance by superstar Atif Aslam

Central business people turn out in support of Councillor Vicki Howard at her lunch func-tion.

Deputy Mayor Councillor Krista Adams graces Councillor Vicki Howard's lunch function.

Who, What, Where, When...

Nerin Naidus’s Book Launch for Birth, Death and Moments Between was held on Satur-day, 24/2/24, at Never Been, a cosy cafe and restaurant in Underwood—guests dressed in red to commemorate the strength of women worldwide.

Dharam Guru Acharya PT Ram Harsh Tripathi Ji Blessing Mr & Mrs Ram Harakh Maharaj on Mr Ram Harakh’s 90th Birthday at Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir.

Dharam Guru Acharya PT Ram Harsh Tripathi Ji and Guru Maa giving Blessed Gift packs to devotees on Saraswati Pooja at Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir.

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers MP at Cr Jon Ravens campaign launch in Eagleby

State Treasurer Cameron Dick Mp (with family) at Jon Ravens campaign launch in Eagleby Man of the moment Logan Mayoral candidate Cr Jon Raven

Councillor Charles Strunck launches campaign in Forest Lake Ward

Councillor Jarrod Cassidy, Leader of Opposition in Council, Mayoral candidate Tracey Price at Councillor Charles Strunk's campaign launch

Multicultural community support for Forestlake ward

Lunar New Year celebration by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Colliers International Lunar New Year special presentation, lion dance and cocktail reception

t he four types of p rogress

yOU know, in our universe nothing is static, nothing is stationary, everything moves. Movement is the order of nature. Movement is the order of [the psychic realm, also]. Where there is no movement, there is no beginning of [life]. Immobility means complete death. This physical world, in all its five fundamental factors, is always moving, and nothing in the universe can be separated from this collective flow.

In human structures, there is internal movement within the small protoplasmic cells. [Similarly in protozoa.] In metazoic structures, the [intercellular] spaces are always increasing or decreasing, and in this way there is movement.

[Our minds] move internally and create external pressure on other microcosms, and also create a commotion in the Supreme Macrocosmic structure. Nothing is static, nothing is stationary. In this way, in a spiritual [context], the path never ends. It begins at one extreme in the least subtle form of the Macrocosm and keeps moving towards [eternal blessedness].

This is the system, in the small sphere of the atom as well as in other material structures. Mars moves with its satellites, Deimos and Phobos. The sun and all its planets move in eternal space. Nothing is without movement.

(1) In the human structure, in all the living structures, in the case of all animate objects,

there is complete movement. Your mind is attached to portions of the physical body, the nerve fibres and nerve cells to which everything is connected. This is your physical movement.

Your physico-psychic body(1) associated with your physical body moves.

(2) Then your second movement is your psychic movement. (Your first movement is your physical movement, the movement of the nerve fibres, of the nerve cells. The second movement is your psychic movement.)

(3) The third movement is your psycho-spiritual movement, that begins in the psychic sphere and moves toward the spiritual self.

[(4) And the fourth movement is spiritual movement.]

Regarding psychic movement and psychic progress, this psychic movement is not only a movement of human beings but a movement of all living beings, of all animals and of all plants which move psychically. In this psychic movement, human minds can move from one point to another, one projection converted into another projection, one psychic matrix transmuted into another matrix or matrices. In the case of plants, however, this psychic movement is nothing but inborn instinct. In the case of [un] developed animals also, the movement is nothing but inborn instinct. They move by instinct, there is no autonomous thinking. In the case of [under]developed

By Shrii Shrii Anandamurti

animals, there is a small touch of autonomous thought; in the case of humans, they can think anything and everything.

This is the speciality of human beings – autonomous thinking. And when this is strangled, impeded or restrained by something internal or external, the impeding entity is a dangerous entity for human progress. When human psychic growth is stopped in this way, the restriction that has impeded human ideas or thinking or human projections can be called dogma. The progress of human society must be always free from all types of dogmas; otherwise human progress will move forever backwards. Human progress will be blocked forever.

The third human progress, as mentioned, is psychospiritual progress. What is psycho-spiritual progress? We obtain pleasure from our spiritual progress or through our psychic approximations or through different types of psychic projections, either internal or external. Depending on the subtleness of the object of projection, the more blissful or happy one will be. In this way, each and every human being must strive for this psychospiritual progress. This is the special realm of human beings. No animal can make this psychospiritual progress.

But the best progress is spiritual progress. When the psychic body of the intellectual

person directs itself towards this spiritual progress, this summit, this goal of human propensities; when it marches towards knowledge and finally becomes one with the highest wisdom within the kingdom of eternal knowledge;(2) this is spiritual progress. A spiritual aspirant must always remember that within himself or herself there is a happy blending of progress in all the four spheres: physical, psychic, psycho-spiritual and spiritual.

Recently I said, perhaps in Israel or in Turkey, that among these four types of progress, the physical and the psychic are objective in nature and the psycho-spiritual and spiritual are subjective in nature. That is, in human beings there are two important options of progress: the objective and the subjective.

In this world, you require food, medicine, shelter, education and so many other things; a healthy economic structure, a life free from exploitation; things for the healthy maintenance of your physical body and to maintain the proper order of the objective level. You cannot ignore, you cannot deny, your necessities. You should carry out your duty in this objective sphere, and at the same time you must not forget that you are a glorified human being. You have to elevate yourself to the excellence of human glory, to the greatness of humanity. In this way, your progress in the psychospiritual sphere must go forward

without barriers.

In this kingdom of psychospiritual movement, human beings cannot tolerate any barriers. Also you should remember that your original source is the Supreme Father. He is the Causal Matrix, the Supreme Origin, the culminating point of all your movements.

In this way all your energies, all your tendencies, must be goaded towards that Supreme Entity, Parama Puruśa, the Supreme Father, who created everything. Therefore I must say that yours should be a happy blending of objective and subjective worlds. Ours is a subjective approach with objective adjustment, towards the subjective goal of the Supreme. This is the blissful blending of the objective and subjective worlds. If this blissful blending is achieved, a human society will be created. There is no alternative.

A subjective approach is the important question, but while you move towards the subjective end, you must maintain an adjustment with the objective world. There is no alternative. And this goal, when human society will be established in this supreme idea in the very near future, will produce a more constructive human society according to a plan.(3) The humanity of the universe will unite; and we await anxiously that happy moment.

25 September 1979 evening, Caracas

prem Chand appointed as a Justice of the Peace (Qualified)

PREM Chand was appointed Justice of the Peace (Qualified) on 20 October 2023 by the Director and Registrar of the Justices of the Peace Branch.

Prem Chand took the Oath/Affirmation of Office for his appointment as Justice of the Peace (Qualified) sworn in by a Magistrate in his Chambers. The Honourable Yvette D’Ath certified that on 20 October 2023, Prem Chand was appointed by the Governor in Council as a “Justice of the Peace (Qualified) in the state of Queensland and has sworn or affirmed allegiance to well and genuinely service His Majesty King Charles the Third, His Heirs and Successors, in the office of Justice of the Peace and do right to all manner of people according to law without fear or favour, affection or ill-will and has been issued with a seal of office number 117622. The Certificate was certified and signed by the Honourable Yvette D’Ath, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence and Leader of the House.

where he served:

p rem c hand desires tO serve the w ider cO mmunities in b risbane by pr O viding the prescribed j ustice O f the p eace ( q ual) services. p rem c hand migrated tO b risbane O n 8 j anuary 1989 with his wife, m adhur c hand and tw O s O ns, p riyesh and p ravilesh c hand.

Society of Qld Inc. for 2 Years (1500 members);

• Founding & Life Member of Hindu Society of Queensland Inc.;

– 4 years;

• Past Committee of Indian Bazaar (Held in September Every Year – Past Five Years);

• Past 2004 Co-Ordinator of Indian Bazaar – 2 Day open-air event organised by ICA;

• Past 2004 Co-Ordinator of Deepawali Mela – 1 Day open-air event organised by ICA;

• Founding & Past Public Relations Officer of Fiji Australia Club; and

• Founding & Past Assistant Secretary of Friends of Fiji Association Inc.

Prem Chand is helping his son in his Law Practice called PPCS Lawyers in Petrie, Qld 4502.

Prem Chand desires to serve the Wider Communities in Brisbane by providing the prescribed Justice of the Peace (Qual) services.

Prem Chand migrated to Brisbane on 8 January 1989 with his wife, Madhur Chand and two sons, Priyesh and Pravilesh Chand.

• Past Secretary of Hindu Society of Qld Inc. for 7 Years (1500 members);

He has dedicated most of his time to Community Services. Listed below are

• Past Vice-President of Hindu Society of Qld Inc. for 4 Years (1500 members);

• Past President of Hindu

• Secretary and Treasurer of Saras Wati Ramayan Mandali – For 15 Years now;

• Past Committee of Einbunpin Festival (Held in July Every Year – For the past Eight Years);

• Past Secretary of Indian Cultural Association Qld Inc

Prem lives with his wife, sons, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren on an acreage in Warner Qld 4502. Prem Chand can be contacted by telephone at 0423 375 276

Brisbane Indian Times congratulates Prem Chand on his achievement and contribution to the community. He has been an ardent supporter of Brisbane Indian Times since its inception.

Kavita ji

events at Gayatri Mandir boondall

IN the new year, we welcomed a new governing committee at Gayatri Mandir, led by President Anit Ram and a team of 12 members. The committee members' expertise, deep knowledge and commitment have been seen through three successful events this year. Once again, the Moreton Bay Ramayan Mandali set the tone for a prosperous year with Hanuman Chalisa Recital. We are thankful to Pravind Prakash and his team for their ongoing support. The committee has vowed to ensure that all the events and programs continue with similar enthusiasm and vigour.

The Hindu Society of Queensland celebrated its anniversary on 26 January of its establishment and community accomplishment. The committee members (past and present), devotees and volunteers honoured the occasion with their presence. The event commenced with a Pooja led by Pundit Sanat Pandeyji and a havan sponsored by community members. Punditji also sheds some light on Gayatri Mandir's 30-plus-year journey. Our newly elected president, Anit Ram, delivered a special message to the community outlining our Bracken Ridge Project Development and our vision for the years ahead.

Gayatri Mandir resonated with chants and praises of “Jai Shree Ram” as hundreds of devotees arrived for the darshan of Shree Ram Lalla live telecast. The public mood was a smooth blend of devotion and festive fervour.

Upc OMING E VENTS

Shiv chalisa every Monday: 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm Ramayan Recital every Tuesday: 7.00 pm to 8.30 pm

7 March to 9 March: Mahashivratri

Thousands of diyas were lit, and the atmosphere was

23 March – Sundarkand programs begin at 6.30 pm followed by prasad and Mahaprasad

26 March: Holi

9 April to 17 April: Ram Naumi

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

like embracing Diwali-Once more. We thank The Hindu Swayam Sevak Sangh Qld Vibhag for their inspiration and organisation.

We thank everyone who has been part of this journey and look forward to your ongoing support. As we enter a new year with several

celebrations at Gayatri Mandir, please note that all upcoming celebration details are available on our Facebook Page. We humbly request that you bless us with your presence on all our auspicious celebrations.

For All bookings and enquiries, please visit our

website or contact Nirla Pandey ( Events Organiser). 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 gladly oblige!

sant nirankari Mission aCtiVely partiCipates in Clean up australia

MORE than 21 million Aussies have participated in Clean Up Australia activities and events over the past three decades.

Over that time, Clean Up Australia has evolved to provide practical solutions to help all Australians live more sustainably every day of the year and emerged as one of the country’s most recognised, credible, and trusted environmental charities.

Today, their focus is as much on preventing rubbish from entering our environment as it is on removing what has already accumulated.

What was started over thirty years ago by an "average Australian" who had a simple idea to make a difference in his backyard has become the nation's largest community-based environmental event.

Of course, Australia's environmental challenges can't be solved in just one day, so Clean Up Australia works with the community, government, and businesses to provide practical solutions to help us all live more sustainably every day of the year.

Thanksgiving is not good enough for all the support from the Local Council, Brisbane Indian Times, Australian Indian Radio & other local community people.

Clean Up Australia inspires and mobilises communities to improve and conserve our environment, eliminate litter and end waste.

Mata Sudiksha Ji, the current spiritual leader of the Sant Nirankari Mission, heads the mission. She is the daughter of Baba Hardev Singh and was declared the sixth Satguru in 2018.

She continues the work of her predecessors and emphasises the importance of spiritual awareness, social harmony, and selfless service. She will be in Brisbane on the 9th of April. The general public is invited to her discourse at Sunpac on the 9th of April.

One such local organisation is the Sant Nirankari group. This progressive group is making a difference. Around one hundred-plus people gathered for this cleanup drive together. Everyone was quite energetic and optimistic & came with full enthusiasm for this noble cause.

the khaksar Women Who fought for our freedom: allama Mashriqi pioneered female empowerment

AS SUPPLIED By NASIM yOUSAF

“[Translation] After several centuries, we are again giving this lesson to every Muslim woman that the very existence and bringing up…of humankind is because of you...so is the life of a nation and Ummah also based on your commandment…”

- Allama Mashriqi (“Quol-e-Faisal”, 1935)

THE Khaksar Movement, led by Allama Mashriqi, with uniformed Khaksar Muslim women playing a prominent role stood as a formidable force challenging British colonial rule in India until its culmination. Despite their significant contributions, the pivotal role these women played in shaping the demise of the British Raj has been largely overlooked in historical narratives. They are often mentioned only briefly in a few lines here and there.

To address this historical oversight and pay homage and reverence to their valor, I have penned a book entitled “The Khaksar Women: Warriors for Independence,” scheduled for release soon.

With International Women's Day on March 8th and Khaksar Martyrs' Day on March 19th, 1940 this article is dedicated to honoring the resilience and sacrifices of Khaksar women, shedding light on their activities and their support for the victims of March 19th. Another reason for writing this piece is to remember and commemorate the bravery of the Khaksar martyrs who laid down their lives in Lahore for freedom.

In the Indian subcontinent, women were largely restricted to domestic roles in a male-dominated society with few exceptions. Their duties primarily revolved around managing households and caring for the family. This trend was mirrored in America, as illustrated by the 1955 article "The Good Wife’s Guide" in "Housekeeping Monthly," which emphasized wives attending to their husbands' needs, like “Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice. Don't ask him questions about his actions or question his judgment or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him. A good wife always knows her place.”

Allama Mashriqi was born into an enlightened family; apart from the men in his family, even his mother and sisters were educated, which was a rarity at the time. Recognizing the imperative need to empower women, Mashriqi emerged as a pioneering Muslim

leader who recognized the crucial role of women's empowerment not only in advancing societal progress but also in liberating India from the shackles of British rule. After Mashriqi founded the Khaksar Movement, his first wife, Wilayat Begum, also played a significant role in its launch, as documented in Mashriqi's book titled "Isha'raat" and the journal named "AlIslah" dated August 12th, 1938. Despite resistance from orthodoxy, in 1935, Mashriqi took a monumental step towards fostering female emancipation and empowerment by launching the feminist movement through his groundbreaking and revolutionary work "Quol-e-Faisal." This marked a significant departure from the prevailing societal norms that relegated women to the confines of the household.

Women in large numbers joined the Khaksar Movement throughout India. Among them were Mashriqi’s daughters, Khaksars’ wives, sisters, daughters, and other relatives. These women proudly donned the Khaksar khaki uniform, adorned with a shoulder band bearing the inscription “Akhuwat” (meaning brotherhood). They enthusiastically attended Khaksar Camps, underwent military training, drills, and parades, and carried spades on their shoulders as they marched alongside or independently from men.

It is important to note that in the 1930s, even in the American military, women were mainly restricted to nursing and clerical roles. Khaksar women in India were pioneering combat training, street marches, and political activism—a groundbreaking movement that captivated thousands, reshaping women's roles in Indian society and elsewhere.

Some of these

extraordinary women held prominent positions and titles within the movement, delivering public speeches and actively recruiting more Khaksar women. Additionally, preteen Saeeda Bano and the Khaksar women, both those holding titles and mainstream members, played a crucial role in community service initiatives, including during the 1943 Bengal Famine where they were instrumental in saving lives, providing essential aid, and aiding in the rehabilitation of tens of thousands alongside the men Khaksars.

In addition to their humanitarian endeavors, these women were deeply involved in anti-British rule activities. They distributed Khaksar literature to promote the movement's goal of ending British rule and organized women's meetings to propagate Mashriqi’s message. In 1939, they played a pivotal role in paralyzing the Government of United Provinces (U.P), leading to the British Governor of U.P. signing a peace agreement on Mashriqi's terms. Following this agreement, Mashriqi established a parallel government and appointed Khaksar governors, with some women, for example, being appointed to Punjab and United Provinces respectively as members of the team to assist the Khaksar Governors.

Following the brutal murders of Khaksars on March 19th in Lahore, Khaksar women participated in protests and joined their Khaksar brothers when they launched the Civil Disobedience Movement. Their demonstrations became so nerve-wracking for the British Government that they had to induct women police to control them, a first in the history

of British India. The Khaksar women attended the historic All-India Muslim League Session held from March 22nd to 24th, 1940, in Lahore, where the Pakistan Resolution and Khaksar Resolution were passed. At the session, alongside male Khaksars, these women demanded the release of Allama Mashriqi and Khaksars, and the removal of the ban on the Khaksar Movement.

On May 31, 1940, Mashriqi’s son, Ehsanullah Khan Aslam, died as a result of police brutality on March 19th, 1940. These women in uniform paraded with Aslam’s body, and some of them were in burqa. It was a massive funeral procession comprising over 50,000 people, marking the largest funeral for any child in British India.

During the ban on the Khaksar Movement and Mashriqi's imprisonment, these women also played roles as spies, conveying messages between Mashriqi’s home and Khaksar leaders, and vice versa. They continued to hold secret meetings and engage in activities to keep Mashriqi’s mission of seeking freedom alive. As a result of their anti-British activities, several were threatened, harassed, and even beaten. Saeeda Bano, a 10-year-old girl from Delhi, played an amazing role in the freedom movement. She was daring and a fiery, eloquent speaker, leading women's marches and protest demonstrations. During these public demonstrations, they used to raise anti-British rule slogans such as "British Raj Murdabad" and "Hukumat-eBartania Murdabad," which mean "Down with the British Raj" and "Death to the British Government," respectively.

On June 18th, 1940, Bano,

their movement, inspiring other organizations. Hindu leader Subhas Chandra Bose similarly integrated women into his Indian National Army in the early 1940s.

Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s All-Indian Muslim League established the Women’s National Guard in 1944. Thus, it can be said that Khaksar women’s courage and dedication reshaped women's roles in the Indian subcontinent.

along with men and women Khaksars, marched in uniform and belcha towards Punjab Premier Sir Sikander Hayat Khan’s house to hand over a letter to the Premier; however, Bano, along with others, were arrested. The Tribune (Lahore) reported on June 19th, 1940 that “They were taken into custody... the ten-year-old girl...took out a letter from her pocket addressed to Sir Sikandar Hayat Khan, Premier of the Punjab, and began reading it in the Kotwali. The letter contained a reference to the Premier and the Khaksar agitation. The letter was seized by the police.” The next day, when Khaksar men and women, along with Bano, were produced before the Duty Magistrate, The Tribune dated June 20th, 1940 reported: “…women after arrest were persuaded by the police officers to go back and not to join the Khaksar movement in future, but they did not agree as a result of which they were sent to female jail… they are also persecuted for alleged parading in military formation and being members of an unlawful association…” In prison, they faced rough times, but as a result of tough military training and dedication to Mashriqi’s mission, they would not surrender and continued to bear the atrocities of prison, sacrificing their respective families, a particularly challenging ordeal for women. On August 19th, 1940, the Magistrate gave his verdict and released Bano, being a minor. He issued orders for the release of other women as well under certain terms, according to The Tribune dated August 30th, 1940: “One woman consented to furnish security, and the rest refused...and preferred jail”.

Khaksar women's influence transcended

Furthermore, Mashriqi incorporated talented Khaksar women into the team that contributed to the framing of the constitution known as “The Constitution of Free India, 1946 A.C.” during the mid-1940s. Others distributed copies or delivered lectures on the publication's contents to garner support. Mashriqi’s constitutions found favor among the public as they safeguarded the rights of Muslims and non-Muslims to maintain India's unity—a sentiment shared by the majority who never desired their country to split apart. Based on the support for the said document and other favorable factors, throughout the 1945-1946 elections, both men and women Khaksars campaigned vigorously for Khaksar candidates. Despite their efforts, the British establishment, as part of its policy, ensured that Khaksars did not emerge victorious. They went to great lengths to secure the All-India Muslim League’s sweeping triumph, establishing the party as the legitimate sole representative of Muslims and achieving their goal. Mashriqi, alongside other leaders, including Khaksar men and women, protested vehemently against the electoral rigging, yet their grievances remained unaddressed by the establishment. For further details, read my work titled, “Jinnah Paid Subsidy for Pakistan: 1945-1946 Elections Manipulated.”

In 1947, when Prime Minister Clement Attlee announced the transfer of power to Indians no later than 1948, according to Mashriqi, it was a ploy to gain time to start horrific killings of Muslims, Hindus, and Sikhs. These killings were then to be used as a reason to refuse to quit India and proclaim that the people demonstrated they were not ready for freedom and running the country. Mashriqi’s assessment gains validity as it is well-known that the British had no plan to leave India for many more years.

Aware of British intentions, Mashriqi ordered 300,000 Khaksars to reach Delhi on June 30th, 1947. This action alarmed the British, and Lord Mountbatten hastily announced the partition plan and had it accepted before the assembly of the Khaksars. Yet, in June, despite Contd. on pg 37

nominations open for Multicultural Queensland awards

• Nominations for the 2024 Multicultural Queensland Awards are now open

• The awards recognise individuals and organisations for their outstanding contribution to an inclusive multicultural Queensland

• A new Lifetime Achiever category will recognise those who have made a longstanding commitment to support multiculturalism

Nominations for the 2024 Multicultural Queensland Awards are now open, recognising individuals and organisations for their outstanding contribution to multiculturalism.

The awards are an important opportunity to share the extraordinary and innovative ways people and organisations are making Queensland communities

stronger and more cohesive by ensuring everyone is supported to connect, contribute and belong.

A new Lifetime Achiever category has been added to the annual awards to celebrate extraordinary individuals who have demonstrated a longstanding commitment to promoting and supporting diversity and inclusion in their communities.

Last year’s awards celebrated winners like Ukrainian Community of Queensland President Peter Bongiorni who received the Minister’s Multicultural Award for his tireless advocacy and support of Queensland’s Ukrainian community, including those fleeing the war.

Other winners included Faysel Ahmed Selat from the Somali Community

Association of Queensland who received the Outstanding Contribution by a New Queenslander award, and Dr Maggy Lord from the University of Queensland who received the Diversity and Inclusion Champion (Individual) award.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Child Safety, Minister for Seniors and Disability Services and Minister for Multicultural Affairs, the Honourable Charis Mullen: “The Multicultural Queensland Awards will again focus on recognising those Queenslanders who are working tirelessly towards a more inclusive multicultural state.

“The awards are an opportunity to showcase the passion and commitment of individuals, groups and organisations who go above

investing in Queensland women gets a powerful boost

• The Miles Labor Government has announced a ‘super round’ of the Investing in Queensland Women program.

• The program will deliver up to $540,000 to successful community groups and organisations that work to provide better outcomes for women and girls.

• Applications are now open. The Miles Labor Government has today announced a supercharged Investing in Queensland Women grant program, with $540,000 available to support projects that improve the lives of women and girls.

The program will now deliver grants of up to $25,000 (up from $15,000), allowing projects that tackle crucial issues like sexual, domestic, and family violence prevention, women’s workforce participation and mentoring and leadership opportunities, to achieve greater impact.

By merging Rounds 1 and 2 for 2024 into one supercharged round, community groups now have 12 months (instead of 6) to implement their initiatives.

Community groups and organisations are encouraged to apply if their projects promote safety and wellbeing for women and girls; empower their voices and leadership skills; and create lasting positive change within communities.

The program further

t he pr O gram will n O w deliver grants O f up tO $25,000 (up fr O m $15,000), allO wing pr O jects that tackle crucial issues like sexual, d O mestic, and family vi O lence preventi O n, w O men’s w O rkf O rce participati O n and mentO ring and leadership O pp O rtunities, tO achieve greater impact.

prioritises projects that promote respectful and healthy relationships, enhance women’s health and wellbeing, and expand career pathways for women in traditionally maledominated fields.

Building on a strong foundation, since 2021, the Investing in Queensland Women program has funded 169 impactful initiatives across urban, rural, and remote regions.

These 169 projects have contributed to inspiring and encouraging gender quality throughout Queensland.

Starting today, Friday 1 March, community groups and organisations throughout Queensland

and beyond to foster stronger, more inclusive communities.

“This includes recognising contributions made by people who are newly arrived to Queensland, practical ways people have helped others find belonging, and exceptional multicultural sector efforts that are innovative and intercultural.

“This year we have also introduced a new category of Lifetime Achiever, for extraordinary individuals who have demonstrated a longstanding commitment to promote and support multiculturalism in their communities.

“If you know a person or organisation who is breaking down barriers, building intercultural connections, and actively contributing to a more inclusive, harmonious and united community, I encourage you to nominate

them now.”

Quotes attributable to Ukrainian Community of Queensland President Peter Bongiorni:

“Winning the Minister’s Multicultural Award was a profoundly humbling experience that highlighted not only my journey but the collective spirit and resilience of the Ukrainian Community of Queensland.

“It serves as a beacon of recognition for the tireless efforts of our community in fostering multicultural harmony and support.

“I strongly encourage others to nominate for the 2024 awards, to celebrate the unsung heroes among us who dedicate themselves to enriching Queensland’s multicultural landscape.”

FURTHER INFORMATION:

This year the award

categories include:

• Outstanding contribution by a New Queenslander

• Diversity and Inclusion

Champion

• Multicultural Sector Outstanding Achiever

• Lifetime Achiever and

• the Minister’s Multicultural Award for the outstanding achievements of a nominee, selected by the Minister from all nominations.

Nominations close at 5pm on Sunday 7 April 2024.

The awards will be presented during Multicultural Queensland Month in August.

For more information, please visit Multicultural Queensland Awards 2023 | About Queensland and its government | Queensland Government (www.qld.gov. au).

Change of Guards at Queensland Multicultural Council inc

can apply for the super round grant – applications close 5pm Friday 12 April 2024

For information on how to apply, visit the Office for Women’s new website: www.women.qld.gov.au

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Service and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman:

"Championing gender equality and empowering Queensland's women and girls is paramount in my role as Minister for Women.

“That's why I'm thrilled to announce this significant investment through the consolidated Investing in Queensland Women grant program.

"By merging Rounds 1 and 2 into this 'super round,' we're giving community groups ample time and resources to deliver their impactful initiatives.

“This streamlined approach fosters greater efficiency and success for everyone involved.

"Boosting the maximum grant to $25,000 empowers organisations to make a tangible difference, fuelling larger-scale projects that will create lasting positive change for women and girls across Queensland.

"I urge all community groups and non-profit organisations to step up and apply.

“Your crucial efforts in building a brighter future for Queensland's women and girls deserve this support.

“Join us in making gender equality a reality for all."

On 8th February, Queensland Multicultural Council Inc. held its AGM at the Social Policy Group premises in Gotha Street Fortitude Valley. Outgoing president Janeth Deen OAM requested Umesh Chandra OAM (trustee and Founder member) to conduct the proceedings of the AGM.

Following the regular business of the AGM, the returning officer, Lisa Ward of ECCQ, conducted the elections. The following officers were duly installed after the swearing-in ceremony:

- President, Mok Sandhu

- Vice President, Gail Ker OAM

- Secretary, Sasha Marin

- Assistant Secretary, Irene Bayldon

- Treasurer, Pradip Gorasia

- Assistant Treasurer, Hernandez Nayda

- Committee Member, Usha Chandra

- Committee Member, Janeth Deen OAM

the khaksar Women Who fought for our freedom: allama Mashriqi pioneered female empowerment

Contd. from pg 34

strict restrictions and the enforcement of Section 144, well over 100,000 (the media in British India reported 70,000 to 80,000) reached Delhi, including Khaksar women. The omission of Mashriqi's role in ending the British rule and other facts, such as during riots, Khaksar women worked day and night to protect lives or worked in refugee camps for the rehabilitation of Muslims and non-Muslims, highlights the selective nature of historical narratives and the perspectives that are chosen for presentation. To discover these hidden facts and comprehend the reasons

behind Mountbatten's acceleration of the partition plan and the swift transfer of power, it is crucial to watch the documentary "The Road to Freedom: Allama Mashriqi's Historic Journey from Amritsar to Lahore" from beginning to end. Additionally, reading the article titled "The British Chessboard: Jinnah, Gandhi, and the Strategic Divide of India" will provide further insight into this historical context.

In conclusion, the Khaksar Muslim women stood firm in their fight against colonial power until its rule came to an end, which was no mean

achievement. Moreover, despite the patriarchal challenges they faced Khaksar women stepping out of their comfort zones and facing disapproval from many played a crucial role in the Khaksar movement by providing vital organizational support. They exhibited exceptional confidence, individualism, and pride, inspiring other women and boosting morale. The role of women in the Khaksar Movement in India was indeed groundbreaking and way ahead of its time, inspiring other organizations everywhere to follow suit.

The credit for this indeed

goes to the visionary Allama Mashriqi who, despite heavy criticism from non-Muslims and conservative Muslims, stood firmly against these odds, with Maulvis declaring Mashriqi an infidel, and brought about such a revolutionary change. In the 1930s, Mashriqi empowered women during a period in the East and West when they did not have equal rights. He was ahead of his time and his efforts had a profound impact and laid the foundation for the global movement that eventually integrated women into various fields, including the armed forces of today.

NOTE: Allama Mashriqi's

Khaksar Movement, founded on a self-help basis, is a compelling case for the study of how he managed to establish an army of over five million male and female members without proper academy, establish branches of the movement in many foreign countries, and do all of this without financial support from either domestic or foreign sources, all while operating under the watchful eye of British rule. This feat is particularly remarkable given the absence of modern communication technologies and the antiMashriqi British-controlled print media.

Scholar Nasim Yousaf

has spent over two decades writing about the history of the Indian subcontinent, commencing his research in 1996. The grandson of freedom fighter Allama Mashriqi, Yousaf has authored 18 books and digitized 19 rare works by Mashriqi, including his historic journal "Al-Islah." Yousaf's writings cover, for example, figures like Jinnah and Gandhi as well as the partition of India. His research has found an international audience, with online activity indicating readers from at least 73 countries engaging with his work.

When the teachings, lessons and messages of shri ram fail to reach hindus?

Contd. from pg 20

not isolate or ignore them?

I have seen youngsters playing video games in parvachan when everything goes over their head in Mandirs.

Some of us present day humans, fail to honour the wishes and Wills of our parents and have so many cases. Perhaps one problem is with the parents and Pracharaks who NOT only need to relate the correct interpretations of Ram and his lessons to our people, BUT ALSO BE PEOPLE OF THAT HONOURABLE CHARACTER TO SET AN EXAMPLE. THIS ALSO APPLIES TO OUR PUNDITS AND PUROHITS TO IMPART SUCH LESSONS AND ALSO THEMSELVES SHOW SUCH VIRTUE IN GOOD BEHAVIOUR, CONDUCT, DECORUM AND DEMEANOUR.

We need Katha Pracharaks and people conducting Ramayan discourse to not only to REVEAL THE RELEVANCE OF RAMAYAN TO MODERN MEN (ALL HINDUS), BUT ALSO EMULATE SUCH CHARACTER TO SET AN EXAMPLE TO THE SOCIETY AND REVEAL THEIR TEACHINGS AND PREACHINGS ARE REAL AND NOT HYPOCRITICAL. THERE IS IMPORTANCE OF MEN OF GOD TO BE FIRST OF EXEMPLARY CHARACTER themselves BEFORE EXCPECTING THEIR DEVOTEES, FOLLOWERS AND AUDIENCE TO BE SO.

I am sure those in Ayodhya or who have been there are blessed with this virtue and hope other Pundits, Pracharaks, owners of Mandirs and movers and shakers in the name of Ram would read and try to understand what Thakur is saying.

In the footsteps of Ram in honouring his forebears and past generation, a group of caring people (including yours Truly Thakur) initiated and started FIJI GIRMIT FOUNDATION NZ some 13 years ago, to bring awareness of our stolen Girmit history

and knowledge of the past generations to us. This is exactly what Lord Ram had taught us: respect for His heritage, legacies and lessons left by Ram’s Purwaj (ancestors) and a great list of honourable people. How many us remember the names of our Girmitiyas, our grandparents and even know our “Gotr”?

Perhaps while the Girmit movement may have been successful in engaging with some caring businessmen and businesses who care, we remain wanting to link with established Mandalis, Mandirs, Pundits and Pracharaks, Temple owners to work and celebrate the traits and character of our Purwaj, our forebears that Lord Ram did in his life to the Girmit movement.

Very soon FIJI SENIORS FEDERATION NZ would try to unite our faith-based established organisations into a united body, such as

FIJI FEDERATION OF FAITHBASED ORGANISATIONS NZ.

With the tsunami of Ram Rajya, we need to emulate His lessons and teachings to our wider community as we face the problems of suicides, mental problems, depression, elder abuse, family violence and other evils lurking in our families and communities. Perhaps, religion, religious association and engagement may be an answer to tackle such issues together as a community.

I think we will need this paradigm shift to tackle many of our problems and our devotion, AND PERHAPS THE LESSONS, TEACHINGS AND DIRECTIONS SHOWN BY RAM may be the answer to many present -day problems.

Please remain blessed and when those in Ayodhya and many others who have been to the soils of Ajodhya Tirth return to New Zealand, we can see some change

and willingness to work for the better wellbeing of the community, a change to shed their ego and ways that Ram taught and followed all his life. Hope they shed their ego, love for money and concentrate on goodwill and wellbeing of the community, which only some handful of people in Hindu religion tend to do. And they may not be religious, but are spiritual and have gained the GYAN PRATHISTA of Ram in their hearts, while many religious people still need to do this.

Only then we will know whether “Ram Aayenge.” and slogan and Tsunami of Ram has been a reality or still remains the imagined goodness that we crave for, and merely remains a chant, and cry for religious cheerleaders and Pracharaks making rounds of Ayodhya.

new services to support growing suburb

long-awaited childcare facility at the corner of Laxton Rd and Ritchie Rd, Pallara.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the new facilities would service the booming region.

“Pallara is one of the fastest growing suburbs in Brisbane, and this new centre will make accessing local amenities even easier,” Cr Schrinner said.

“With Pallara home to many young families, having new childcare facilities close to home will bring peace of mind to parents, while the future retail opportunities will provide local jobs and bring more amenities to the community.”

pallara is O ne O f the fastest gr O wing suburbs in b risbane, and this new centre will make accessing lO cal amenities even easier.

Cr Angela Owen said, “Residents have been waiting with anticipation to have access to new familyfocused facilities within the suburb. I am pleased we have confirmation that construction will be started shortly at this site, with future retail opportunities to follow”.

“There has been a significant indication of support from residents for these facilities, and I am pleased that a service

provider, Happy Hearts, has been confirmed before construction starts”.

“In the past four years alone, the suburb of Pallara has grown from 762 homes to 2,686 consisting predominantly of young families; this centre is a welcome addition to our local community”, said Cr Angela Owen.

Mr Loney comments: “Ausbuild is dedicated to supporting the construction of affordable new homes for young and growing families and continue to build a strong sense of community within Brisbane.

“We have built over 1,100

homes in Pallara under our Prominence development. As part of these communities, and with the support of investment from Loney Bell Capital, we’ve delivered critical infrastructure to the suburb, including sewer, water, and green spaces, and rehabilitated more than five hectares of ecologically significant land throughout the local area.

“Residents have welcomed the development with open arms, and we look forward to seeing the community continue to grow and prosper with the construction of the childcare facility,” Mr Loney said.

neW shoppinG Centre to serViCe GroWinG suburb

LORD Mayor Adrian

and Councillor

Owen (Calamvale Ward) have met with residents to announce the commencement of construction of a new shopping village at 201 Gooderham Rd Pallara (on the corner of Gooderham Rd and Pallara Avenue).

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has acknowledged that Pallara is one of the fastest-growing suburbs in

Brisbane, with many young families choosing to live here.

Cr Angela Owen said, "Residents have been waiting with anticipation to have access to shopping centre facilities within the suburb. I am pleased to announce that the centre at 201 Gooderham Road Pallara will begin construction this month."

"The centre developers' construction has advised me that it will start in March 2024 and be completed

by April 2025 (weather permitting)".

"There were over a thousand letters and emails of support from residents for shopping centre facilities, and I am pleased that tenants have been locked in for this centre and construction is starting".

"In the past four years alone, the growth in the suburb of Pallara has been rapid, and in a cost of living crisis, families need to be

c r a ngela Owen said, "r esidents have been waiting with anticipati O n tO have access tO sh O pping centre facilities within the suburb. i am pleased tO ann O unce that the centre at 201 gOO derham rOad pallara will begin cO nstructi O n this m O nth."

able to live, work and shop in their local communityrather than having to travel to other suburbs to buy a loaf of bread, or a carton of milk,

or see a doctor or go to the chemist to pick up medicine."

"This will be a great asset for our local community", said Cr Angela Owen.

LORD Mayor Adrian Schrinner and Councillor Angela Owen (Calamvale Ward) have today joined with representatives Aaron Delaney, Ausbuild Senior Development Manager and Michael Loney, Ausbuild Joint Managing Director, to turn the sod on the first stage of a

Schrinner

Angela

Aaron Delaney (Ausbuild), Yaasir Tayob (Happy Hearts), Nabeel Tayob (Happy Hearts), Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, Councillor Angela Owen, Michael Loney (Ausbuild), Hamilton Byrne (Ausbuild)

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner

Councillor Angela Owen

a little goes a long way

LIFE Global Australia was only founded four years ago. The charity has only a handful of volunteer directors and no employees. And yet, it has attracted donations totalling over AUD$40,000, enabling 75 women to achieve economic security, 100 units of blood to be given to needy recipients, and 500 Thalassemia screening tests.

“A little goes a long way in India,” Founding Director and Chairperson Dr Dipti McGowan said.

Though Life Global Australia is a recent phenomenon, Dr McGowan and her family have a long philanthropic association with India. They have visited India and volunteered for various charities in India for over a decade.

“We wanted to work to change the lives of the underprivileged, be they poor, disabled or discriminated against for their gender.”

Dr McGowan saw that school buildings often did not meet the needs of the students. The lack of a separate toilet for girls, for example, meant that they did not attend school consistently, and young girls were being withdrawn to help with working on farms and at home.

“I knew we needed to encourage young children to remain in education by providing a good environment for study. They then have a chance to explore and prosper, and students and the community can develop,” Dr McGowan said.

On one of their visits, Dr McGowan was introduced to the charity Project Life, based in Rajkot, Gujarat. One of Project Life’s successful projects targeted holistic education for children in remote regions and slum areas of towns.

Though she was raised in the United Kingdom, Dr McGowan’s family was originally from Gujarat. In 2017, Project Life identified a school in the family’s ancestral town needing support. The children were getting a part-time education at this school as there were not enough classrooms, so lessons were conducted in shifts. Temperatures in summer were 40 degrees and more, and rain came into the rooms during monsoons. Dr McGowan’s father donated the funds necessary to rebuild the school. The amount was $150,000.

“As I said, a small amount goes a long way in India”, Dr McGowan said. Only a

year later, the school was opened. Dr McGowan and another Life Global Australia founding director attended the school's opening. The Australians were keen to contribute, with the whole village and people from neighbouring villages coming to celebrate. They offered workshops on teaching English as a second language for teachers from rural and remote schools. In between workshops, they were introduced to other Project Life programs, including a state-of-the-art blood bank and education and training for women living below the poverty line.

“Overall, we were extremely impressed by the big-picture view with which Project Life approached its work. It is always looking to improve lives by giving people autonomy and creating lasting change,” Dr McGowan said.

Dr McGowan returned from the trip in 2018 enthused to raise awareness of the plight of women and children in rural or slum areas, especially girls. The foundation was laid for Life Global Australia and its partnership with Project Life.

“It is important that all donations go to fund projects,” Dr McGowan said, and the original directors

bore all the establishment costs. Directors and corporate sponsors ensure that all administrative costs are covered, and volunteers provide non-monetary support.

After a hiatus caused by the pandemic, Life Global Australia has now been launched in four Australian cities, has hosted executives from Project Life invited to attend the launch events and conducted two trips to India by Directors and donors to witness the powerful, positive effects of their work on the lives of women, children and Thalassemia sufferers.

“We have an ambitious

target,” Dr McGowan said. “We want to raise $200,000 for people living in poverty in rural Gujarat and a further $20,000 to facilitate the training of 50 marginalised women so that they can support themselves and their families.” Dr McGowan said that means continuing to raise awareness through holding events, through the website, social media, media

outlets, and through growing networks.

“Life Global Australia will support, sustain and enrich people’s lives. When we work together, we can achieve all we envision and more,” Dr McGowan said. With a compelling blend of vision, compassion and persistence, the charity (www.lifeglobal. org.au) proves that a little can go a long way.

feCCa ConferenCe artwork submission is open

QUEENSLAND multicultural community artists and creatives are invited to submit artwork or patterns representing the upcoming FECCA 2024 Conference. Organised by the Federation of Ethnic Communities Council of Australia (FECCA) and the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ), peak bodies represent Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. This conference serves as a platform to advocate for issues impacting ethnic communities and celebrate multicultural Australia's ongoing success story.

Deadline: 11 March 2024

Submit artwork to: fecca2024@ jtproductionmanagement. com

THEMES TO INCORPORATE IN THE ARTWORk:

1. Unity in Diversity: Showcase the beauty and strength of cultural diversity coming together.

1. Cross-Cultural Exchange: Highlight the exchange of ideas, traditions, and values among different cultural groups.

2. Community Empowerment: Represent the empowerment of ethnic communities to thrive and contribute to society.

s ubmissi O ns that creatively integrate any O f these themes intO an artw O rk O r pattern emb O dying the multicultural cO nference's spirit are encO uraged. a rtw O rk will play a crucial r O le in visually representing the values and aspirati O ns O f the cO nference.

4. Cultural Heritage: Celebrate diverse communities' rich cultural heritage and traditions.

5. Advocacy and Representation: Reflect the advocacy efforts and representation of ethnic communities in various spheres of society.

6. Resilience and Strength: Illustrate the resilience and strength of individuals and communities in overcoming challenges. Submissions that creatively integrate any of these themes into an artwork or pattern embodying the multicultural conference's spirit are encouraged. Artwork will play a crucial role in visually representing the values and aspirations of the conference.

3. Harmony and Inclusion: Emphasise the importance of fostering harmony and inclusion in a multicultural society.

Commission welcomes new race discrimination Commissioner

THE Australian Human Rights Commission welcomes the appointment of Giridharan Sivaraman as the new Race Discrimination Commissioner.

“We are very excited by this appointment. On behalf of the Commission, I would like to warmly welcome Giridharan Sivaraman to the role of Race Discrimination Commissioner,” said Commission President, Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher AM.

“For decades, the fight for systemic equality and speaking truth to power have been at the heart of Mr Sivaraman’s work. His distinguished legal career has seen him lead significant workplace and discrimination law cases. His public advocacy for the rights of racially marginalised communities has led to tangible results that have improved and empowered people’s lives.”

Mr Sivaraman is currently the Chair of Multicultural Australia and a Principal Lawyer at Maurice Blackburn, who is head of the firm’s Queensland Employment Law department. He has run numerous state and national race discrimination cases and led the pro bono compensation scheme for underpaid 7-Eleven workers, many of whom came from migrant backgrounds. As a member of the Queensland Multicultural Advisory Council, Mr Sivaraman appeared at a state parliamentary inquiry to demand better legal reform to protect the rights of victims of racial vilification. At the same time, his work with Multicultural Australia oversees the continued

Janeth deen oaM receives lifetime achievement award

JANETH Deen OAM was awarded the Lifetime Achievement 2023 by the Australian Muslim Achievement Awards in Melbourne! As the founder of the Queensland Muslim Welfare Association Inc., Janeth has dedicated her life to serving the less fortunate and fostering understanding between diverse communities. Her multifaith initiatives promote peace and harmony, earning her recognition and praise, including the Order of Australia Medal in 2018.

Janeth Deen OAM has been an active member of the Queensland Multicultural Council and is the immediate past president.

j aneth has dedicated her life tO serving the less f O rtunate and f O stering understanding between diverse cO mmunities.

h er multifaith initiatives pr O m Ote peace and harm O ny, earning her recO gniti O n and praise, including the Order O f australia m edal in 2018.

Janeth's selfless contributions and inspiring leadership make her an exceptional role model.

and extensive support provided to new arrivals in Queensland. In his advocacy, he also committed to protecting and promoting the rights of First Nations peoples.

Professor Croucher said: “Mr Sivaraman is a widely respected champion of racial equity. His lived experience, passion for diversity and inclusion, and deep understanding

of human rights and Australian discrimination law mean he will be a powerful asset for the Commission during what is very much a delicate time in the country.

“There has been a marked increase in reports of racism and hate speech in recent months, and it is therefore vital that we amplify efforts to empower communities to address racism at its root

causes and continue our public campaign to take action to combat racism. This is difficult but critical work to do. Commissioner Sivaraman will lead the way in this area as we help make Australia a more respectful and equitable for all people, regardless of their background.” Commissioner Sivaraman will commence his role on Monday, March 4.

fO r decades, the fight f O r systemic equality and speaking truth tO p O wer have been at the heart O f m r s ivaraman’s w O rk. h is distinguished legal career has seen him lead significant w O rkplace and discriminati O n law cases. h is public adv O cacy f O r the rights O f racially marginalised cO mmunities has led tO tangible results that have impr O ved and emp O wered pe O ple’s lives.

Centre bans ‘JaMaat-e-islaMi JaMMu kashMir’ for fiVe More years under uapa

NEW DELHI: The Centre has extended the ban on ‘Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu Kashmir’ for five more years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The outfit was first declared an ‘Unlawful Association’ on 28 February 2019. Anyone threatening the security of the nation will face ruthless measures.”

The last ban on the ‘Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu Kashmir’ or JeI was imposed on February 28, 2019, days after the Pulwama attack (February 14, 2019), in which 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed. Over 100 JeI, J&K members, including its chief

Announcing the decision, Union home minister Amit Shah said in a post on X on Tuesday, “Pursuing Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji’s policy of zero tolerance against terrorism and separatism the government has extended the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu Kashmir for five years. The organisation is found continuing its activities against the security, integrity and sovereignty of the nation.

ex-sC judge Justice a M khanwilkar appointed lokpal chairperson

FORMER Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar was on Tuesday appointed as the chairperson of Lokpal.

Former Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar was on Tuesday appointed as the chairperson of Lokpal. He retired from the top court in July 2022.

“President Droupadi Murmu is pleased to appoint Justice Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar as the chairperson of the Lokpal,” a communique sent by the Rashtrapati Bhavan stated.

According to the notification issued by Rashtrapati Bhawan, Justice Lingappa Narayana Swamy, Justice Sanjay Yadav and Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi have been appointed as the judicial members. The members other than the judicial members include Sushil Chandra, Pankaj Kumar and Ajay Tirkey.

While Sushil Chandra is a former chief election commissioner, Awasthi is currently the chairperson of the law commission.

Justice Pradip Kumar Mohanty, a judicial member of the Lokpal, is currently the acting chairperson. The chairperson and members of the Lokpal are appointed by the

President after obtaining the recommendations of a Selection Committee having the prime minister as its chairperson.

Justice AM Khanwilkar (right) retired from the Supreme Court in 2022.(ANI)

Justice AM Khanwilkar (right) retired from the Supreme Court in 2022.(ANI) Apart from a chairperson, the Lokpal can have eight members -- four judicial and as many non-judicial. The Lokpal has been working without its regular chief after Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose completed his term on May 27, 2022.

WHO IS JUSTICE AM kHANWILkAR?

JusticeKhanwilkar served as the judge of Supreme Court from May

13, 2016 to July 29, 2022. He was a part of important judgmentsincluding the Sabarimala women entry, decriminalisation of homosexuality, validity of Aadhaar etc. He also led the bench that upheld the exoneration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the 2002 Gujarat riots case.

Justice Khanwilkar was also a part of the majority of the five-judge bench that held that right to die with dignity is a fundamental right under Article 21 in Common Cause v Union of India (2018).

Prior to his elevation to the top court, Justice Khanwilkar served as chief justice of Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh high courts and a judge of Bombay high court.

4-year-old girl survives deadly car accident that killed 5 of her family: police

POLICE said the accident took place at about 1:30am on Tuesday when the vehicle was presumably trying to catch up with an ambulance carrying another family member.

SILCHAR: Five of a family died after their vehicle skidded off the highway and rolled down into a 150-feet deep gorge in Arunachal Pradesh’s Kamle district, police said on Tuesday. A 4-year-old girl was the only survivor in the deadly accident near Daporijo town in Kamle district.

Police said the accident took place at about 1:30am on Tuesday when the vehicle was presumably trying to catch up with an ambulance carrying another family member, a cancer patient being shifted

statement issued by the ministry of home affairs (MHA) on Tuesday said

“Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu Kashmir is continuing to be involved in fomenting terrorism and anti-India propaganda for fuelling secessionism in Jammu and Kashmir, which is prejudicial to the sovereignty, security and integrity of India”.

“Many criminal cases have been registered against the Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu Kashmir and its members under various sections of law including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967,” it said.

Earlier this month, the

National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids at 15 locations across Jammu and Kashmir as part of its crackdown on the proscribed JeI in a terror funding case.

The raids in the twin capitals of Srinagar and Jammu along with Budgam in central and Kulgam and Anantnag in south Kashmir led to the seizure of incriminating documents and digital devices connected with the activities of JeI and its related Trusts and more than 20 lakh, an NIA spokesperson said.

rajya sabha election results 2024: bJp stuns Congress in himachal pradesh, demands CM's resignation

HARSH Mahajan, who was pitted against Congress

stalwart Abhishek Manu Singhvi, said "this is the victory of the BJP, Narendra Modi and Amit Shah".

Shimla: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday effected a coup of sorts in Himachal Pradesh as it clinched the sole Rajya Sabha seat in the Congress-ruled state. After having outfoxed the Congress despite BJP being deficient in strength in the Himachal assembly, Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur demanded the resignation of Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

"We are rightly saying that looking at this victory, the Himachal Pradesh CM should resign from his position...The MLAs have left him just within a year," said Himachal Pradesh LoP Jairam Thakur. He congratulated the BJP candidate, Harsh Mahajan.

"Despite having such a huge majority, Congress lost the Rajya Sabha seat...I congratulate Harsh Mahajan once again," he said.

Mahajan, who was pitted against Congress stalwart Abhishek Manu Singhvi, said, called the win “the victory of the BJP, Narendra Modi and Amit Shah”.

Jairam Thakur, who was the chief minister of Himachal Pradesh before Sukhu, credited Amit Shah

from Guwahati to a hospital in Arunachal Pradesh’s Naharlagun.

“The family members had stopped somewhere near Daporijo town for tea…. Once they were back on the road, the Bolero driver raced to catch up with the ambulance which had continued without a break,” a police officer said. The accident took place minutes later.

“After receiving the information, we reached the spot and after almost four

and JP Nadda.

"I congratulate PM Modi because here, in Himachal Pradesh, where we are not in power, the BJP has won one Rajya Sabha seat and the credit goes to JP Nadda and Amit Shah," he said.

Abhishek Manu Singhvi accepts defeat

Congress candidate from Himachal Pradesh, Abhishek Manu Singhvi congratulated Harsh Mahajan.

“I congratulate Harsh Mahajan (BJP candidate). He has won,” he said.

“I want to thank the entire top leadership of the Congress, the Congress president and the former Congress president, Sonia Gandhi for having reposed faith in me for the fourth time. Secondly, I would like to thank each and every MLA, and office bearers of the Congress Party who tried their best," he added.

Sukhu's MLAs return to Himachal Pradesh

Sukhu had said in the

hours, the dead bodies were recovered,” said Kamle district superintendent of police (SP) Thutan Jamba.

Jamba said that five of the six members died on the spot but miraculously, the little girl survived. “Maybe the adults shielded her when the car was rolling down,” he said.

“We rescued her and sent her to a nearby hospital. She is responding well to the treatment,” he said.

The deceased have been identified as Tania Yudik

evening that the CRPF and the Haryana police took away six of his MLAs.

Six Congress MLAs and three independents left for Himachal Pradesh from Haryana after the results were declared.

The Congress has 40 MLAs in the 68-strong Himachal Pradesh Assembly. It also has the support of three independent MLAs. The BJP has just 25 MLAs.

The Congress should have comfortably won the Rajya Sabha seat had its MLAs not cross-voted.

Earlier today, Jairam Thakur claimed the Congress government was in minority.

"The budget will be presented tomorrow. We will discuss the budget tomorrow and then we will see the situation there. But I can see that the government has lost the majority," he said.

The Rajya Sabha election results have jeopardized the Sukhu government.

With inputs from ANI, PTI

(40), Tajum Nuk(24), Pakmar Paksok (21), Beto Marde (24) and Getor Pagmen(33).

Officials said that the bodies were sent to Naharlagun hospital for postmortem and later handed over to the family.

“Five of the six passengers died and the little survivor is struggling. So we cannot say what actually happened. We’ll try to record the statement of the other family members, once they are ready,” police said.

Abdul Hameed Fayaz were arrested by the J&K Police at that time.

A

FOCUS ON FIJI

achieving tangible outcome is fiji’s main priority

ACHIEVING a tangible outcome on fisheries subsidies remains Fiji’s main priority, according to Fiji’s delegation to the 13th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference (MC13) led by Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica and Permanent Secretary for Trade Shaheen Ali.

MC13 opened in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates yesterday.

“The Pacific region depends on the health of our oceans for sustenance, livelihoods, and economic development.

For us, this is not just a national interest but a matter of survival,” Mr Ali said at yesterday’s meeting of the ACP (African, Caribbean, Pacific) trade bloc, before the main event.

Mr Ali also expressed concerns that the current text on overcapacity and overfishing failed to fully address Fiji’s legitimate concerns, hindering efforts to safeguard the oceans and develop fishing capacity in the future.

“The current text falls

11 support award for environmental stewardship

WOMEN Entrepreneurs Business Council (WEBC) members who are at the forefront of environmental stewardship will soon be recognised for the work they do in protecting the environment as WEBC announces the inaugural Green Star Awards.

WEBC chairperson Sharyne Fong said the council would soon introduce the awards in its annual Women Invigorating the Nation (WIN) Convention.

“WEBC was delighted to have launched its green policy last year at our convention and we know, as women entrepreneurs, that we have a critical role to play in protecting our environment and developing business solutions that contribute to healthier, happier and greener society,” Ms Fong said at their sponsor acknowledgement media conference yesterday.

“We have so many incredible businesses

short of meeting the minimum mandate set by Sustainable Development Goal 14.6, to which we are all committed.

Fiji remains unconvinced that this represents our best effort.

“Our fisheries resources are at risk of continued exploitation if decisive action is not taken.

We need to take strong action to stop this exploitation.”

In addition to fisheries, the ministers also discussed negotiations on agriculture,

dispute settlement reform, the e-commerce work program, development, Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), and trade and environment during the meeting, which was chaired by Fiji’s Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica.

Fiji, meanwhile, will also be monitoring “several critical areas of negotiation during MC13, including agriculture and food security, e-commerce, development, and the WTO reform agenda.”

fantasha at the helm

British High Commissioner to Fiji Dr Brian Jones,middle, and Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF) chief executive officer Jonetani Tonawai with representatives of companies who are sponsoring the 2024 Women Invigorating the Nation (WIN) Convention. Picture: MERI RADINIBARAVI

among our membership who are delivering incredible sustainablerelated solutions to their customers, and we are determined to lead the way as an FCEF (Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation) council, in championing reasonable business practices.

proud to know that we will be announcing our Green Start Awards to recognise those in our membership who are at the forefront of environmental stewardship.

“This year, you’ll be

“Over the next few months, we will be developing criteria in line with global best practices to enable our members to benchmark themselves and

nominate themselves into our inaugural Green Star Awards, which we hope to start from next year.”

Eleven organisations have so far declared its support for the annual event in the form of sponsorships and the British High Commission has again pledged to be the major sponsor.

tewaka strives for excellence

TWENTy-five years of resilience, consistency and focused business strategy.

That is the depth of trade Tewaka, formerly known as Pacific Destinations Fiji, depend on when it commenced operations in Fiji in 1999.

Now more than two decades later, the iTaukeiowned tourism venture that specialises in transport and destination management services continued to establish its footing in the hospitality sector.

At the recent ANZ Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards, the company scooped the inbound and transport operators award yet again for the third consecutive year.

Company managing director James Sowane attributed this most recent success to his team of “young

Fijian talents who dare to have a go so it enables us to form a formidable team that competes with the best in the industry”.

“2024 marks the 25th year of our business journey as an iTaukei-owned business, so this award has made it extremely special to commence our anniversary year,” Mr Sowane said. “We were awarded the prestigious award in 2019 under our pre-COVID brand, Pacific Destinations Fiji. The 2019 Awards were held in 2021 due to the COVID restrictions.

“We re-branded our business on December 1, 2021, to coincide with the re-opening of our international borders from Pacific Destinations Fiji to Tewaka.”

The local tourism icon

said the team’s resilience and determination throughout the COVID-restricted period plus their commitment to deliver services to international levels was recognised at the 2022 ANZ Fiji Tourism in Excellence Awards.

Last year, the team at Tewaka refocused its business strategy to retain as many of its employees who were given the appeal of migration opportunities.

Mr Sowane said they recruited new team members to replace those who had moved on to new opportunities, and they invested time and resources into training.

“2023 was a very unique and special year for tourism in Fiji and we are proud that our strategy prepared our team well to service the record level

of business that we serviced to the best of our ability.

“Apart from our team, we invested in new fleet and over the past 12 months, we have invested over $1.3million in new fleet. “Our business like all tourism operators is based on a 24/7/365 model. We have to be at our best at all times so consistency is key to be able to stay relevant and add value to your clients.”

He said being awarded the FETA Inbound Transportation category for the third-year running had given the team an immense boost in its collective determination to not permit complacency into service standards and to continually strive for excellence in all that we do.

“At Team Tewaka, we respect and value everyone’s contribution and part in our

Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association CEO Fantasha Lockington, right, received the Dixon Seeto Tourism Leader Award during the ANZ Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards in Denarau Nadi.

FANTASHA Lockington is a renowned name in the local tourism industry.

For decades, the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association chief executive has dedicated her life to the enormous growth of the local sector and is described by stakeholders as a trailblazer, a pioneer and a leader.

Her unwavering commitment was most recently recognised at the ANZ Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards where she was bestowed the Dixon Seeto Tourism Leader accolade.

The FHTA expressed joy at this most recent achievement.

“Leading the charge at the Fiji Hotel & Tourism Association (FHTA) in Suva, Ms Lockington brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table,” the FHTA stated.

“Her dedication and commitment to the field are evident through her extensive involvement and leadership roles.

team.

“We have always hired on attitude. With the right attitude we develop and teach our team the essence of hard work, discipline and honest work ethics.”

The Tewaka owner explains that a core and proud attribute of his team is loyalty.

He said a good number of his employees remained with the company for an average of eight to 10 years while some

Under Ms Lockington’s guidance, the FHTA Secretariat has thrived with a laser focus on addressing the concerns and priorities of association members.

It also noted that Ms Lockington’s leadership ensured that every day at the office was driven by the collective aspirations of Fiji’s vibrant tourism community.

Following the sector’s recovery from the pandemic, Ms Lockington believed the experiences they had undertaken as a nation continued to harden their resolve to persevere, overcome and to succeed.

She is also of the firm belief that tourism has grown in leaps and bounds from its early pioneering days rising to become an undeniable force in Fiji’s revenueearning potential and is now recognised as a fundamental cornerstone of the country’s economic development.

“Through her multifaceted engagements, Ms Lockington champions private sector collaboration, advocating for inclusive growth, productivity enhancements, and regulatory reforms that benefit all stakeholders.”

remained loyal part of the company for well over 15 to 20 years.

“We humbly dedicate our award, achievements and contribution to Fiji’s tourism industry over the past 25 years to all our past and current team members and their families.

“We honour some of our team members who have passed to eternal rest in recent years,” he said.

Picture: REINAL CHAND

kiran rao on maintaining great relationship with aamir khan even after divorce: “he has his life and i have mine but we are very much family”

directed

is

a few days away

its

The film narrates the tale of India's heartland, and the subject is urban as well. The team has shot in the real locations of Sehore, located in Madhya Pradesh, and also added real-life villagers and locations as part of the film. In an exclusive conversation with Bollywood Hungama, Kiran Rao talked about directing a comedy-drama, working on the story and how Laapataa Ladies came about. She even touched upon the subject of working with Aamir, who is now her ex-husband.

When asked how they have managed to maintain a great rapport even after their divorce, Rao said, “It's quite natural for us, in some ways, because we’ve worked together for more than almost two decades. So yeah, in 2004, we started going out, so 20 years. We've achieved a kind of working with them together and it's something that we enjoy doing and respect each other. A great deal. So that’s there and people keep asking where do you draw the boundaries? And how do you separate personal and professional? We don't. We just are, in some weird ways, there's no

conscious separation. And I suppose working together is easier because we tap into each other's creative side very easily and what excites me I want to share with him and likewise with him. And we rely on each other for a lot of this sort of creative exchange. So that was something we didn't want to give up on. We knew that.”

She added, “And of course, the personal we have a family. I mean, it just doesn't make sense to sever that part of our lives. We were very happily separated. He has his life and I have mine but we are very much family and I don't see why that should change obviously if you can, unless it's some sort of problem.”

Presented by Jio Studios, Laapataa Ladies is directed by Kiran Rao and produced by Aamir Khan and Jyoti Deshpande. The film, which stars Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastav along with Ravi Kishan, is releasing on March 1, 2024, and has been made under the banner of Aamir Khan Productions and Kindling Productions, with the script based on an award-winning story by Biplab Goswami. The screenplay and dialogue are written by Sneha Desai, while the additional dialogues have been jotted down by Divyanidhi Sharma.

Diljit Dosanjh set to become first Punjabi musician to headline Vancouver and toronto stadium concerts as he announces new dates of dil-luminati tour

ACCLAIMED actor and singer

Diljit Dosanjh has announced new dates for his highly anticipated Dil-Luminati tour. The tour, which has garnered immense excitement among fans worldwide, is set to embark across twelve sensational dates this summer. Kicking off in Vancouver and culminating in Toronto, it is a milestone moment for Punjabi music on a global scale especially holding shows in stadiums and arenas. The Dil-Luminati tour will kick off on April 27 and go on till July 13.

THE first-look poster of Excel Entertainment's Madgaon Express was released recently and it gave a slight glimpse of its fun, quirky, and humoristic world. This has indeed raised the audience's anticipation to watch more from the film and without any delay, the makers are now gearing up for the release of its trailer on March 5, 2024.

Kunal Kemmu’s directorial debut Madgaon Express promises take the audience on a rollercoaster ride filled with unlimited madness. Bringing a first enhanced glimpse into its mad mad world, the makers are all set to release the trailer of the film on March 5, 2024.

trailer of excel entertainment and kunal kemmu’s Madgaon express to release on March 5

it without @ritesh_sid @ faroutakhtar @roo_cha @ kassimjagmagia @vishalrr @excelmovies who not only believed in my script but also in my vision of it and encouraged me to direct it. The incredible cast @divyenndu @ pratikgandhiofficial @ avinashtiwary15 @ norafatehi @remodsouza @ upendralimaye @chhaya. kadam.75.”

to hit theaters on March 22, 2024.

Backed by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar under the banner of Excel Entertainment, directed and written by Kunal Kemmu, Madgaon Express is all set

The film is headlined by the talented trio of Divyenndu, Pratik Gandhi, and Avinash Tiwary. The cast is further enriched by Nora Fatehi, along with Upendra Limaye and Chhaya Kadam.

After wrapping up the shoot of the film last year, Kemmu had shared the news on Instagram and wrote an emotional post saying, “It’s a Film wrap! #madgaonexpress. It’s been such an incredible journey and I couldn’t have done

He added, “Each one of them made the characters come alive on screen in the most accomplished way. And most importantly my amazing crew who right from day 1 have been by my side and helped me achieve all the aspects of my vision for this film @adilafsarz. I can’t wait to share this one with all of you sooon!!!”

sajid nadiadwala kicks off his ‘unforgettable journey’ with rajinikanth; makes a formal announcement of their collaboration

PRODUCER Sajid

Nadiadwala, who has not only given Bollywood some of its biggest hits but has also launched actors like Tiger Shroff and Kriti Sanon, is all set for a one-of-a-kind collaboration with Tamil megastar Rajinikanth. In a unique turn of events, the filmmaker-producer has taken to social media to make an announcement about them joining hands for a project but has refrained from giving out details of the same.

Filmmaker Sajid Nadiadwala took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to hint at this monumental collaboration along with a captivating image of the

duo wherein Sajid is also seen sporting a shawl, which signifies that he received a warm welcome from the

superstar Rajinikanth. The prospect of these two titans coming together definitely has ignited anticipation among social media users who have expressed their excitement on the platform. The official handle of Nadiadwala Grandson tweeted this photo, along with Sajid expressing his happiness over this collab. His statement read, "It's a true honour to collaborate with the legendary Rajinikanth Sir! Anticipation mounts as we prepare to embark on this unforgettable journey together!"

ajay devgn to take on kartik aaryan’s Chandu Champion; auron Mein kahan dum tha to release on bakri eid weekend

2024 is the year of Ajay

Devgn as the giant of Hindi Cinema has as many as 6 films scheduled for release in a span of 12 months. While Shaitaan and Maidaan will release in March and April respectively, the Neeraj Pandey directed Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha has locked a new release date. "Auro

Mein Kahan Dum Tha was initially slated to release on April 26, however, Ajay Devgn and team want to keep adequate gap between Maidaan and his next. So they have collectively decided to postpone the film to June 2024," a source told Bollywood Hungama.

The source further added that both Ajay Devgn and Kumar Mangat are discussing two dates. "June 14 and June 21 are the two dates in contention wherein

both Ajay and Kumar Mangat believe that the film should come on June 14 to take benefit of Bakri Eid period from June 18, giving the romantic thriller

long trend at box office. An official announcement is round the corner," the source told us further.

Interestingly, June 14 has already been booked by Sajid Nadiadwala for the Kartik Aaryan led Kabir Khan film, Chandu Champion. "It could be a clash of titan between Ajay Devgn and Kartik Aaryan during Bakri Eid period. Both the films are high on content cinema and makers are confident to make the most of holiday period."

Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha also stars Tabu, Jimmy Shergill and Saiee Manjrekar in key roles.

JIO Studios and Aamir Khan Productions’ Laapataa Ladies,

by Kiran Rao,

just

from

theatrical release.

Women and hepatitis b

EVERy year International Women’s Day is celebrated around the world on March 8th. The theme for this year is ‘Inspire Inclusion’. The first International Women’s Day in Australia occurred in Sydney in 1928 and has grown to be a day to celebrate all women regardless age, race, body image faith, ability and how they identify (www. internationalwomensday. com).

One of the actions of the Inspire Inclusion Campaign is to help girls and women make informed decisions about their health. Hepatitis B is a viral infection affecting people from all ethnicities and here in Australia in 2021 affected just over 200,000 (ASHM), with approximately 70% of people affected with chronic hepatitis B having been born overseas.

• If you have been diagnosed with hepatitis B and have not been undertaking regular checks talk to your doctor/nurse practitioner as soon as possible.

• If you have chronic hepatitis B do talk to your doctor before taking any supplements, herbal or traditional medicines as they may be harmful to your liver. This includes common supplements for common concerns such as menopause, beauty, weight reduction and immunity to name a few.

unless previously diagnosed with cirrhosis or liver cancer – then you should avoid alcohol.

If you are unsure if you are fully vaccinated – ask your GP for a blood test to check – you may be eligible for free hepatitis B vaccination (www.health.qld.gov.au)

Remember: this year’s theme is Inspire Inclusion – therefore include regular health checks in your schedule.

THIS INCLUDES:

• Minimum 6 monthly

The Queensland Health Blood Borne Viruses and Sexually Transmissible Infections Surveillance report from January to September 2023 identified 668 new notifications for hepatitis B with almost half identifying as female. Of these 337 females around half would be considered of childbearing age. Therefore, it is important for anyone diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B to ensure they make time to manage their condition. Whilst many females traditionally undertake a significant proportion of the day-today care of their household (www.abs.gov.au), they do need to make time to care for the carers.

blood tests to check the health of their liver, and yearly hepatitis B viral load and yearly fibrosis (potential damage in the liver) assessment such as Fibroscan.

• If Asian, Maori and Pacific Islander born females over the age of 50 years or any age has a family history of liver cancer or has been diagnosed with cirrhosis, then also needs 6 monthly ultrasounds to check for liver cancer.

• If diagnosed and managed during pregnancy – need to ensure ongoing routine monitoring – this also includes ensuring the baby is not only fully vaccinated but also has a blood test after 9 months of age to check immunity.

• Having hepatitis B does not prevent breastfeeding the baby except if the nipples are cracked or bleeding. Also it is not recommended to have a caesarean birth unless medically needed.

• Maintain and healthy weight, undertake regular exercise, do not smoke, only drink alcohol to safe drinking standards (www.nhmrc.gov. au/health-advice/alcohol)

If you would like more information about hepatitis B please visit our webpage www.eccq.com. au/bbv for information in your language. you can email us at health@eccq. com.au

tips for long lasting makeup by nimisha

HEy GIRLS! Today I thought it would be super fun to share Formal or Semi- Formal long-lasting makeup tips.

TAkE TIME TO PRIME:

The key to long-lasting foundation and colour is the most commonly skipped step: primer. Seriously—the stuff works. All you need is a pea-size dot of a lightweight, oil-free formula; apply it to moisturized skin before your concealer and foundation. We like Colour Correcting Primers (they have three oilfree formulas for different skin types).

BE DENSE:

Blemishes and blotchy skin don't vanish in the hot weather, but the wrong concealer definitely can. What you want is a densely pigmented (but not liquidy) cream formula. Circle Block. Use your ring finger to dab the concealer on dark circles; apply to red spots with a small brush, and then pat with your finger to blend the cover-up into the skin

SWITCH TO SILICONE:

LIGHTEN UP:

Think of foundation this way: The less you put on, the less there is to slide off. A dampened makeup sponge is the ideal tool for applying it so that it goes on light and sheer. Put a few drops on a damp foam-latex sponge, and swipe it from the middle of your face outward in short strokes. Give it a minute or so to set before you apply other makeup.

CHOOSE CREAMy SHADOW:

When sweat and powder mix, the result isn't pretty. Sheer cream shadows tend to cake less in hot weather (plus, they glisten in the sun). Crème Eye Colour contains silicone that locks the colour in place and Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow/ Liners stand the test of time without smudging.

LOOk TO LIQUID:

Liquid liner may take patience and practice, but once on, a good formula won't budge or smudge in the heat.

SWEAT PROOF yOUR LASHES:

Waterproof mascara is a no-brainer in the summer. It can withstand the office, the gym, the pool, and the bar without smudging. But some can fade to grey in a few hours. A-Lash Waterproof and Inimitable Waterproof Mascara.

Wear a full face of foundation and you're asking for trouble. Still, we get it— sometimes you want the coverage. The solution is a lightweight silicone-based formula. The silicone acts as a film between your skin and the humidity, preventing foundation from seeping into your pores or dribbling down your chin

FLUSH WITH GREATNESS:

As with powder shadow, powder blush and perspiration don't mix. Instead, rub a bright pink or coral cream or gel blush on the apples of your cheeks, and blend.

TINT yOUR LIPS:

Lip gloss just looks right come summer: it’s fun. It's easy… But it can also get runny and sticky in the sun. A tinted lip balm with a high wax content won't turn to mush in your bag or on your mouth.

TINTED MOISTURIzER:

The summer heat really dries out your skin, and heavy foundations can dry your skin as well, so what better than a tinted moisturizer! It keeps your skin soft and moisturized and adds a bit of colour to even out your skin tone without all of that heavy foundation clogging up your pores. It's light and perfect for summer! (Quick tip - Don't have tinted moisturizer -ordon't want to spend the extra money to buy one? You don't have to! Instead, take some of your daily facial moisturizer and pour a little bit [enough to cover your face and neck] onto the back of your hand or a paper plate. Now, mix 1-2 little blobs of your foundation into the moisturizer, and tada! Instant tinted moisturizer! [You can add foundation depending on how much coverage you want])

STOP SHINE:

To reduce shine and set your makeup, take a large fluffy brush and dust a translucent loose powder

across your T-zone. Because it's colourless, there's less of a chance it will cause problems in the heat but use a light hand to be sure.

BLOT IT OUT:

Instead of repowdering throughout the day—extra layers can cause cakey product build-up in warm weather—keep plasticky oilblotting sheets at your desk and in your purse. Dabbed over your face, they soak up excess oil without messing up your makeup. Keep handy Oil Absorbing Sheets.

WATER + SLEEP:

I'm sure you've heard this a million times, but that’s because it is so true. Drinking lots of water [shoot for 8 glasses a day] and getting at least 8 hours of sleep every day is a must for a healthy, pretty you. Keeping up with these two things cover all of the bases - your skin will be smoother, look healthier, and be less prone to breakouts, your hair will be healthier and have more life to it, your eyes will be brighter and more awake, you'll be in a better mood which means you'll be smiling more...the

benefits are endless!

SPF 15 OR HIGHER

Even if it's cloudy outside or you're not out in the sun all the time, you really want to make sure that your makeup, lip balm, and moisturizer all have SPF 15 or higher because the sun can still damage your skin [even with cloud cover].

Less Is More - Seriously, it's true. A glowing, natural look never goes out of style and beauty in everyone.

So here you go, enjoy rest of the month. See you next time.

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

Nimisha Modi Hetvi Hair & Beauty

Saturn will demand you to show respect for the opinion of your seniors and the management, even if you disagree with some. If you are in business, expansion will be favored but some new information or developments at your work place during the latter half of month can confuse you, so take the time to think. Stars will demand you to act wisely as some financial issues which you may have been going through for a while are going to test your patience. The impact of Venus will be asking you to do a little less exploring and a little more patient in the beginning but as the month advances, Venus will bring a blast of fresh love energy. During the latter part of this month, you may find that your mate is totally misinterpreting you at the beginning of the week, but if you're on the watch for it, you can turn it into a positive thing as the month reaches its end. Month end can be a splendid for your relationship and even more so when it comes to romance. This will be a good month to plan to go to alternative health treatment. Such treatments will give good results so go for it. Proper rest or sleep for internal healing will be required as general health issues will be present frequently during the latter part of month. This could be a favorable month for your studies and a good time to learn few new skills. Rise in your responsibilities as well as acknowledgment of your hard work is assured in your studies hence you must take advantage during this month.

The benevolent Jupiter will bring good times as the month begins. There are chances of promotion at your work place. You will have strong positive momentum, if you are doing business. However, Venus indicates that there will be some misunderstanding, doubts or insecurity in your love life. The best remedy to resolve the problems will be a meaningful communication. Your strong support system may help you to make good progress in your studies this month. As the month advances, North Node may bring an opportunity from relatively far away. A tangible increase in profits is possible around the mid of this month. Long distance travel opportunities with friends and beloved ones will come your way. Some leisure in nature will benefit your health. Venus will bring ease of working during the latter half of this month. The North Node will be tempting to take ambitious decisions or participate in dubious transactions which can be detrimental to your financial growth. Also, Mars will bring some disruptions and heated arguments in your relationship. So, you will have to keep a cool head during the latter half of month. The impact of stars will make you understand how important doing regular exercise for health. However, it will be very much important for you not to overdo it: The impact of Mars bring disruptions at your work place around the month end. It may bring with some confusing situations hence not to take risks to earn money. The impact of Venus may boost your love prospects as the month reaches its end. Also, it will bring major improvement in your health status.

c ancer ( 22nd j une tO 22nd j uly )

In the beginning of this month, some excellent options as well as reasonable solutions will make you able to find higher elevation in your work. Some good earning opportunities will be facilitated by the favorable aspects of Venus and Mercury. South Node may bring period of confusions in your love life. Also, the beginning of this month may not offer any major hope for educational development. It indicates reasonable health prospects for you. As the month advances, the measured course of your actions will help you to recover some lost ground. Thanks to Venus’ creative spirit, you will be able to increase the number of customers if you are in business. There will be surprising gains from some new sources around the middle of this month. The impact of planets may bring fresh air of love but some hidden resentments may surface and the North Node can spoil the party. The latter half of this month will be the time for action at your career front. Business meetings, finalizing contracts and some major deals are to be successful, suggests Mercury. You can also expect money from unexpected sources. But as the month reaches its end power struggle is going to set you back a couple of strides at your work place, indicates Mars. But worry not. Jupiter will help you to resolve the problems soon and certainly won't ruin your efforts. All futile expenses have to be cut down to match the uncertain money flows. Venus may bring wealth of feelings and romance in your life. But the South Node may bring some complex conditions and may not allow you to enjoy the true colors of love.

l e O ( 23rd j uly tO 22nd august )

As the month begins, the impact of Jupiter will be encouraging for career prospects. If you are doing business, you will excel in your profession. But due to adverse movement of South Node, there can be obstacles in getting the expected financial benefits. Saturn suggests that there will be turmoil in the relationship with elder members of your family. Mercury will bring number of challenges and opportunities simultaneously in your studies. There will be strong need to revise your daily diet right now. Mars indicates the period around the mid of this month will be highly productive for career progress. If you are in business, it will remain good for the completion of previously started projects. However, South Node can have a negative effect on your financial planning. Mars indicates that it will be highly romantic and sensuality will dominate your relation. However, you will be prone to conflicts with your partner this time around. Here you will be taking on some big projects in your studies. If you aspire to international opportunities, this phase can also give you positive results. Saturn will keep reminding the need for normal and ample rest. Mars will bring a surge of inspiration during the latter half of this month. If you are in business, problems will no longer seem insurmountable. The impact of shadow planets will not allow you to fully relax though. Planets can bring additional income through inheritance, joint ventures or from old investments in property or assets. But the impact of South Node does not indicate a very cheerful time for family and relationship. Also, North Node will bring a lot of difficulty focusing on your studies.

s cO rpi O ( 23rd OctO ber tO 22nd nOvember )

In the beginning of this month, the impact of North Node may bring some stress at your work place. If you are doing business, you may also be able to expand the customer base. The planetary influences may however help you beat financial constraints, by facilitating monetary gains. Relationships are quite likely to be all about how you act and react during this phase. Mercury may make you highly focused on your goals which is likely to make a positive impact on your educational progress. As the month advances, South Node may not allow smooth functioning of routine activities. You must ensure strong financial management. Venus will remain supportive for you love life. Your health will remain satisfactory but the best way is to make a proper diet plan and maintain that routine. Uncertainty will reduce and Mercury will give you a chance to deliberate and review of your career prospects during the latter half of month. You shall get some encouraging opportunities to boost your earnings. There may be conflicting views on some important relationship issue, indicates Mars. Both of you need to be on the same page while setting your priorities as a couple otherwise disagreement will lead to conflicts. You may also get overseas opportunities if you are trying to get admission abroad. Around the month end some hurdles may crop up and there may be some delays and difficulties due to the impact of Saturn but, eventually you may be able to get the position that you deserve. The month end may bring some amazing romantic experiences which may bring back love and warmth in your relationship.

You may have enough support of Saturn to strengthen your position in the beginning of this month. However, you need to keep a close watch on your productivity and performance so that you can earn better place and appreciation. Venus may bring a major change in order to fulfill your financial goals as the month progresses. It will also remain supportive for you love life. Your performance in your studies may be mediocre but, your mentors are to assist you. Some stress may affect your health in the beginning of this month so ensure managing it, by following a good fitness regime. You are likely to get some encouraging opportunities for growth as the month advances. However, don’t expect immediate results as Saturn will test your patience. Your love life may generally remain average around the mid of this month as you may be paying more attention to other areas of your life more. Mercury indicates that studying new skills and variety of extracurricular activities may bring mental stimulation. Saturn warns that some old health issue may keep you somewhat uncomfortable this time around. During the latter half, South Node may not allow smooth functioning of routine activities. Be careful, as luck may not favour you entirely. There may be some stress and disruptions in your personal life and relationship due to the impact of Mars. Your health may also improve but you may be somewhat careless about your health. Mars may bring some distraction and hence you may not be able to focus so well in your studies. Around the month end, your solid financial planning shall help you to remove the obstacles and achieve the goals.

During this month, Saturn may demand you to build upon your past decision in order to improve your efficiency at work place. If you are doing business, it will be supportive to explore new territory or launch a new product. Jupiter may make you feel very positive about your life and relationship. This will reflect in your interactions with your beloved ones. Also, as the month advances, Jupiter may bring enough opportunities to make progress in your career. If you are doing business, some projects and plans may have a gestation period. Under the influence of North Node, you may exhibit a tendency to flaunt your wealth which may hurt your financial planning. As suggested by Mars, your mood can swing either way so be careful in your relationship. You may get easily distracted hence your performance in your studies may also dip to an extent. Your health may remain mediocre, and there are possibilities that you may suffer from water-borne diseases and some seasonal health problems around the mid of this month. During the latter half, the impact of South Node may make you feel uncertain about the right direction to follow. So, your progress in career may be affected. Under the influence of Venus, you are likely to desire more love, romance and intimacy and you may enjoy some wonderful moments with your beloved ones. You may find some good sources to improve your knowledge base but you may devote less time and importance to your fitness. If you want to stay fit, there is no other option but to spare time for your health regularly.

Mars may keep you motivated and focused on your work in the beginning of this month. If you are in business, you could make some impressive advances. But North Node might provoke you to take ambitious steps which may land you in troubles. If you are in committed relationship, relationship with your mate will be peaceful but nothing so great. The learning of new skills is likely to put you on the path to success but. you may be somewhat unhappy with certain aspect of your life and it might reflect on your health. As the month advances due to the impact of North Node, you may face stubborn challenges at your work place. The impact of Venus around the mid-month indicates that you will be in a romantic disposition. You will be able to meet some of your old friends which may also enliven your spirits. There may be some uneasiness and fluctuations in your energy levels so do not take any risk this time around. The impact of Mercury this week foretells that there will be major change in your career profile during the latter half. If you are not happy with the job, this can be the right time for you to look for a new job. Saturn may test your financial management and investment plans. It will be a good time to seduce the opposite sex. You have the blessings of Venus in your flings. You will excel in your studies due to the positive impact of Jupiter and Mercury. The favourable planetary aspects for health will be heartening and showing the signs of improvement in your fitness levels. Jupiter around the month end foretells an encouraging time for your career advancement.

In the beginning of this month, the impact of North Node may bring some complex issues to face at your career front. Your smart moves may help you gain positive results. Don’t expect a big amount of financial gains despite your hard work. However, Venus will bring harmonious impact on your love life. Planets will direct you on the path of success in your studies. As the month advances, Saturn will demand extra efforts at your career front. If you are doing business, you must keep in mind that slow and steady wins the race. The period around the mid of this month will be good time to make important financial decisions. But during the latter half, money matters will concern you the most. Venus will get you a chance to meet someone who will sweep you off your feet. But don’t hurry up because the impact of North Node will be confusing. During the latter half, Mars will help your fitness but the impact of South Node will bring a truly enigmatic circumstance or person. Turning the challenges to your advantage may require an unusual tactic particularly if you are doing business. As the month reaches its end some of your associates may cause some problems at your work place, indicates Mars. If you are doing business, some big decisions will loom large, but you need to analyze carefully before you do anything. Even if you get some extra cash some unnecessary purchases will cause burden on you. Venus indicates that love will be the center stage of your life whether you are in a relationship or not. Mercury will give you chance to go out and interact with experts.

The combined impact of Venus and Mercury is likely to bring many opportunities for growth and gain and to benefit from in the beginning of this month. This can be a good phase to invest money for long period of time. In existing close relationships, some kind of boundaries or walls may develop in the beginning due to the impact of South. Also, due to emotional attachments or some stress, your mind will be a little upset and that might affect your health to an extent. If you put in more efforts to improve your relations with coworkers, the growth will be faster as the month advances, suggests Mercury. However, South Node may cause some challenges and obstacles. Also, there may be some pressure on your income due to some unexpected expenses hence you will have to remain careful. Venus indicates chances of a fresh connection if you are not involved in any relationship yet. For appearing in entrance examinations, competitive exams, the period around the mid of this month could be the perfect time. Mars may bring some challenges at your work front during the latter half of this month. It shall keep you uncertain about your job prospects. Venus may help you to take the relationship to the next level. You must utilize this phase to enhance your stamina and physical strength. Mercury will bring some good opportunities for growth and gain at your work place as the month approaches its end. Business is likely to flourish. Your fortune will favour you and hence you will get success in all your tasks in studies and examinations.

s agittarius ( 23rd nOvember tO 21st d ecember )

The combined impact of Mars and Mercury indicates that the beginning of this month can be a good period to carry out the plans that you may have in your and if you are in business, you may be able to implement your planning which may increase growth tremendously. However, North Node may have misleading impact on your decision making and financial planning. You may enjoy awesome beautiful moments with your mate due to the blessings of Venus. Some stress may however affect your health in the beginning. So ensure managing it, by following a good fitness regime. As the month advances, impact of Saturn will demand you to review or recreate your plan to enhance your career prospects. If you are looking for companion in terms of forging life time alliance, Jupiter may help you to get that chance around the mid of this month. You may proceed with your studies with interest. But, you are likely to face some demanding situations due to the adverse impact of South Node. Also, the impact of North Node indicates that some old health issue may keep you somewhat uncomfortable this time around. During the latter half, the combined impact of Mars and Jupiter will give you some good opportunities for growth. How you plan your financial matters will reflect back on you during this phase. Mercury suggests that you may not be able to take right actions at the right time regarding your love life and relationship matters. You may feel pressure in your studies and your performance may also deteriorate to an extent due to the adverse impact of North Node.

In the beginning of this month, your associates may not perform efficiently. So, your planning may get disturbed as well, indicates Mercury. This will affect your pace of progress. If you are in business, you will have to concentrate on your business objectives and administration. It will be a good period to consolidate your financial position and to recover pending payments. South Node may bring some problems in your relationship. Also, this will not be the right time to propose or to express your feelings if you are not in a committed relationship. Saturn around the beginning parts could make you susceptible to ailments. Mars indicates few challenges in your way as the month advances. Jupiter will remain supportive and your income will be quite decent but may tend to feel some pressure due to some old commitments. Venus will bring harmony in your relationship. The period around the mid of this month may present a difficult prospect for your studies. During the latter half, you will have considerable work pressure and your efficiency may also suffer due to the impact of North Node. But the impact of Jupiter will motivate you to put more effort into making money in order to make your life more comfortable and secure. Venus may bring stability and you would get happiness in your relationship. Mercury indicates a fabulous academic prospect. Around the month end, Saturn will force you to think about filling gaps in your work and sustained efforts to move on the road to success. Planetary influence is extremely encouraging for your studies.

badminton: for tanisha Crasto, women’s doubles was plan b, but she’s enjoying the learning curve alongside ashwini ponnappa

WOMEN'S doubles wasn't the plan for Tanisha Crasto. But, learning the art alongside Ashwini Ponnappa, the exuberant youngster is giving it a good go in the Race to Paris.

Not unlike Jwala Gutta, Tanisha Crasto’s game is far better suited for the more bustling mixed doubles. Like Jwala, she can frenziedly combat the opposing men, unafraid of eyeball battles. And not unlike Jwala, she too has struck up a fantastic and surprisingly fast-evolved doubles partnership with Ashwini Ponappa in women’s doubles.

“If you asked us at the mid-point of last year, I wasn’t even thinking of Olympics. Today I’m happy we are in the race to head to Paris,” Tanisha says, adding that she’s not being too hard on herself chasing Games qualification, even as Treesa Jolly-Gayatri Gopichand and TanishaAshwini go head to head to secure the lead spot. “What’s meant for me, I will get.”

Tanisha is the aggressive

half of the pairing’s ‘calm aggression’ lilt tunes of play. They are 14 years apart, and all the usual clichés apply – Ashwini, wiser and more chill at 34, Tanisha wading into every forecourt-battle with a war-cry to match and bubbling with energy for an all-court scramble. If she’s this hungry and effective in retrieving every shuttle with bumbling mistakes, imagine how fearsome she’ll get when the errors are cut down.

“I’m trying to develop calmness and patience. I need to work on it but it will be a great advantage,” she says cannily, knowing that her impatience and un-calmness as her pulsating power pulps the shuttle, can still be a handful for opponents.

though it’s usually some sheepish mistake Ashwini’s tiding over. “She’s nice and calm. I’m screaming and shouting. I have to carry calmness onto the court,” she says, though she’s perfectly alright the way she is – whizzy and unpredictable, scaring opponents away from the net.

for one position, but not allowing the desperation of cutting throats to mess with their minds and wasting energy in domestic quibbles.

“The mindset is not mad winning all the time. We give our 100 percent and one step at a time,” she says. “So, All England is just another tournament. Before that is the French Open this week. There too I’m not thinking, ‘Oh, Olympic venue.’ That’s unnecessary pressure.”

Women’s doubles wasn’t the plan. She and Ishan Bhatnagar were primed to lead India’s mixed doubles charge, before the latter broke his knee nastily at the Pune Nationals. Paired with Ashwini thereafter, the two have given the partnership a good go. “We’ve learnt a lot and come a long way. Built good understanding, communication and trust and had some great moments,” she says. Top of the list is beating two-time World champions Mayu Matsumoto and Wakana Nagahara at the Malaysia Open Super 1000, where the duo collected a chunky 6600 points. The final surge in the decider post 9-9, freezing the Japanese, was breathtaking.

“Beating the former world champs was memorable, but I remember Nantes

india vs england: shubman Gill’s game may not be bulletproof, but he’s aware of his deficiencies and working hard to overcome them

SHUBMAN Gill, the young batsman from Punjab, has been a revelation in the ongoing series against England, showcasing a captivating blend of elegance and determination. While his technique against spin bowling has faced scrutiny, Gill's unwavering resolve to overcome challenges has been a defining trait.

From the outset, Gill's batting has been marked by its grace and finesse. His drives on the rise exude elegance, reminiscent of seasoned veterans. However, beneath this facade lies a steely resolve and a readiness to confront weaknesses head-on.

In this series against England, Gill's ability to handle spin bowling has been under the microscope. Despite facing doubts about his proficiency on turning tracks, he has embraced the challenge with vigor, displaying adaptability and mental fortitude.

Though his technique against spinners may not be flawless, Gill's determination to address his shortcomings is evident. Throughout the series, he has diligently worked on his game during practice sessions, seeking guidance from coaches, and experimenting with different techniques to enhance his batting against spin.

A particular focus has been Gill's footwork against spinners. Recognizing the importance of positioning at the crease, he has tirelessly

refined his footwork, experimenting with stride length and movement to achieve greater fluidity and control.

Under the guidance of coach Rahul Dravid, Gill has engaged in rigorous drills aimed at improving his footwork and balance, with a keen eye on the positioning of his front foot.

Through dedicated practice, he has shown significant improvement, displaying fluidity and precision in his footwork against spinners. Moreover, Gill's mental resilience has been a key asset. Despite facing criticism and doubts, he has remained composed, maintaining a positive mindset and focusing on his strengths. His maturity and self-awareness reflect a deep understanding of the demands of international cricket.

In interviews, Gill has emphasized the importance of staying grounded and blocking out distractions. His ability to cope with pressure underscores his readiness for the challenges of top-level

cricket.

As the series progresses, Gill's performances have grown in stature, with matchwinning innings silencing his critics and establishing him as a future star. His ability to adapt to different conditions and overcome challenges bodes well for his future in the game.

Looking ahead, Gill's journey promises to be filled with both triumphs and setbacks. Yet, with his unwavering determination and relentless work ethic, he has the potential to become a stalwart of Indian cricket.

In conclusion, Shubman Gill's performance in the ongoing series against England highlights his exceptional talent and determination. While his technique against spin bowling may face scrutiny, his willingness to confront weaknesses headon sets him apart as a player of immense promise. As he continues to evolve, Gill has the makings of a future star, capable of achieving greatness on the international stage.

International Challenge in France where Ashwini had an injury, but we didn’t give up till the title. It all started from there,” she recalls. Tanisha played 11 matches, including mixed doubles, in 4 days. Tanisha says she’s learnt hard work and determination from Ashwini. “She makes me want to work harder. But also taught me to enjoy whatever I’m doing without bothering about results. She’s always smiling, even if losing.” It can be thoroughly disconcerting for opponents,

The mixed doubles question lingers. “Right now I’m not focusing on it. It’s not even a thought in my head. Women’s doubles till the Olympics, because I’m really enjoying it. If Ashwini doesn’t continue post Olympics, I’ll think of mixed doubles,” she says.

The beauty of India’s top four women’s doubles players with their bludgeon and butter-knife alternating games, is that they’ve taken the ugly rivalry edge out of the equation. They scoff at the needless word – cut-throat. “It’s great competition. We go or, they (Treesa-Gayatri) go, it’s still a win for India that at least one pair is in Paris,” she says. Yes, they are both fighting

Tanisha probably has it the hardest amongst the four, with her family in Dubai, while she toils away in Hyderabad. “It’s the toughest thing. They give you so much love and make you feel wanted. Life feels terrible without them. Can we move to next question,” she suddenly rushes.

The unselfish decibel she lent at the team event as India won gold, built a new bond. “We had unity. And in the dugout no one was thinking of individual careers. It was like your point, your win meant a big, big thing for somebody else in the team.”

Candidates tournament 2024: anxious wait for Canadian visas for 4 indian chess stars; 3 russians also affected

FIVE Indian chess players will be competing at the Candidates this year. Two of the inner-circle members of India’s Candidates contenders which The Indian Express reached out to said that they had provided their biometrics for visa a couple of months back, but were yet to hear back

With barely a month left for the Candidates Tournament, many of the 16 players from around the world, including Indians, with a secured spot at the prestigious chess event are facing an anxious wait for a visa from Canada, the host country. In a desperate bid to resolve the issue, FIDE, the global governing body for chess, resorted to tweeting an ‘urgent visa appeal to the Canadian Government’.

Members of the inner circle of three out of the five Indian chess players confirmed to The Indian Express on Saturday the players were yet to be given a visa by Canada. While R Praggnanandhaa, Vidit Gujrathi and Gukesh D will compete in the open Candidates event, Koneru Humpy and R Vaishali will compete in the women’s Candidates.

Two people, who are part of the inner circle of India’s Candidates contenders, this newspaper reached out to said that they had provided their biometrics for visa a couple of months back, but were yet to hear back. None of the players’ representatives wanted to be

named.

WHAT’S FIDE’S PLAN B?

He had earlier tweeted that players from four countries had been impacted, including India and Russia. Sutovsky also told The Indian Express that FIDE would be forced to shift the event to another country if there was no headway soon.

players and their entourage members — had applied for a visa for Canada. It quoted Vladimir Drkulec, the president of Canada’s chess federation, as saying that only two people had been issued with visas by the country despite many applying a couple of months back.

Shifting the Candidates to another country would upset the meticulous plans of all the players, not to mention increase their logistical and financial stress for a tournament that’s anyway one of the most nerve wracking events in the world of chess.

On Twitter, Sutovsky wrote that “posting (about the issue) on social media was not the first step, as one may guess. We are not worried about how it looks — we need to resolve the matter.”

A report in Canada’s Toronto Star noted that as many as 40 people — the

It must be noted that Gukesh and Humpy were assured of their spots in the Candidates only at the end of December.

After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, one of the Russians that Canada recently sanctioned was Andrey Filatov, who is the President of the Chess Federation of Russia.

Besides the Indians, three Russian grandmasters are also affected by the visa issue: Ian Nepomniachtchi, a twotime world championship contender, besides Kateryna Lagno and Aleksandra Goryachkina, who will compete in the women’s Candidates tournament.

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