BIT MARCH 2012 ISSUE

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Volume 9, Number 6 Saturday, March 10, 2012

Brisbane

Indian Times A Division of Qld Multicultural Times Print Post Approved PP:424022 1724

As God is One, we respect all Religions

Telephone: (07) 3356 0102 Fax:(07) 3352 7693 E-mail admin@indiantimes.com.au

Queensland heads to the polls 24 March 2012

Full report on page 6. Photo: The Australian.

Nando’s Mt Gravatt - Palmdale S/C, 2120 Logan Rd. Ph: 3420 6644

From the Publisher tos. One historical function was our meeting as THIS month, I write with Ambassadors of People of sadness in my heart, for I Australia at Parliament have lost a very dear and House in Canberra on 27 long standing friend Mr February which coincided Surendra Pratap, president of Umesh Chandra with the Labor leadership Hindu Mandir Association challenge. which operates Shree Congratulations to GOPIO Sydney for their Laxminarayan Mandir in Burbank. Surendra had been involved with this project from day third successive GYAAN (GOPIO Youth one. One would remember the days when Achievers Awards Night) It was again my there were no permanent structures on the pleasure to attend and address the esteemed property and Hindu festivals would be cele- audience. The young achievers of Indian brated by erecting makeshift shelters. From Origin getting ninety nine percent plus, was those humble beginnings to the opening of just amazing to see. Congratulations to the new gate recently, he was involved with FICQ for their first get together for this year, heart and soul. Heaven needed him more a wonderful night demonstrating unity in the community. Congratulations to Queensland than us so farewell, my friend.

On a different note, our awards night date Multicultural Council for another very sucand venue has been finalised. With the City cessful event, International Women’s Day, Hall still under restoration, we have opted to all credit goes to Janeth Deen, full reports of go to a very popular function centre, all these event s will be featured in our pubMichaels Function Centre in Eight Miles lication.

In forthcoming events GYAAN Brisbane by Plain. Their specialty is serving to the diverse community with special emphasis on GOPIO Queensland on 21 April and a speHalal food. The in-house award winning cial appreciation dinner for incoming catering makes it a desirable venue. Many Honourary Counsel for India in Queensland, other prestigious venues were looked at and Mrs Archana Singh and out going Honorary all of them had one problem, that is, catering Counsel for India in Queensland, Prof Sarva being limited to what they could offer. From Daman Singh, both events are very special all your feedback on food we decided to go and not to be missed. Please see the upcomfor a venue where we know the food will be ing events section of our newspaper for full good especially for our diversely multicul- details. Various Harmony Day events are being planned as well, once again please tural community.

The venue will be transformed with themed refer to our upcoming events section and lighting and decorations. The plan is already don’t forget to visit our website for updates looking very impressive! The entry price we of upcoming events. Many events get listed are trying to keep as low as possible, with on our website in between publications so it is a good source of upcoming events. view of maximum attendance.

As a community based paper we try to This month has been a very busy one for me personally, having spent five weekends in cover as many community events as possifive different cities in a row. So many func- ble. Being a free paper our resources do not tions and events to report upon, lots of pho- allow us to send out paid photographers or journalist to all events, which is what ideally would like to do, however when news and photos of community events are sent to us they are inserted in the paper, the size of the insertion will depend upon the space avail• Letters to the Editor.......................2 able.

The editorial space is dependent upon the • Migration Matters...........................4 number of advertisements booked. Every • Local News.................................3-17 month we have exceeded our editorial contents as there are many good editorials • Business News................................18 which could not be left out.

• Who, What, Where, When..........22 Unlike many other similar publications in Australia, we carry the most number of com• Health & Well Being................24-27 munity events. Some publications are main• Real Estate................................29-33 ly advertisements with a few editorials thrown here and there.

• Astrology........................................34 We welcome submission from all communi• Classifieds/Business Directory......35 ty organisations to send in newsworthy articles for publication. We cannot publish a • What’s On................................36-37 report of an event that we do not know • Bollywood & Entertainment...38-41 about. From time to time we get constructive feedback from our valued readers, some • Sport..........................................42-43 ideas are very good and with resources perBrisbane mitting will be implemented.

Until next month, happy reading.

Umesh Chandra

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Published Monthly OWNERS / PUBLISHERS: Umesh & Usha Chandra ADVERTISING: Trudi Tarres EDITOR: Trudi Tarres PA to CEO: Charmaine Crisol-Cagungun JOURNALIST/ CORRESPONDENTS: Ram Jattan (UK) Thakur Ranjit Singh (NZ) Thilliar Varnakulasingham (NZ) Shalendra Prasad (Fiji) Dhaval Vyas (India) Rama Gaind, Canberra Kiran Goel (Immigration Matters) Matt Young (Sport) Professor Matt Sanders (Positive Parenting)

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2012 — 3

Recent news about Australian Migration Regulations Reduction in Assessment Levels for Certain Student Visas FROM 24 March 2012 certain assessment levels for student’s visas will be relaxed.

These changes will lower the minimum evidentiary requirements needed for the grant of a Student visa for certain countries and education sectors.

These changes will effect new student visa applications lodged on or after 24 March 2012.

In summary some of the changes to key countries are as follows:

SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) System Further detail is provided in relation to the new SkillSelect System on 1 July 2012. It will no longer be possible to apply directly for certain types of

visas. Instead applicants will need to first lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) and only the best candidates will receive invitation to lodge their applications.

The following types of application can only be lodged through SkillSelect after 1 July 2012, Skilled Points tested visas such as independent, sponsored and regional Sponsored; and Business Skills Migration. Skillselect is optional for the following visas: Employer Nomination Scheme – ENS, Regional Skilled Migration Scheme – RSMS and 457 - Business Long Stay.

For Skilled Points Tested visas, Expression of Interests will be lodged online. To lodge an EOI, you must have completed your skills assessment and your English language test (usually IELTS). Every few months, DIAC will review the EOIs which have been lodged, and issue the best candidates with an invitation to make an application for skilled points tested migration. Applicants who have been nominated by a state or territory government and meet the current pass mark, will most likely be issued with an invitation as a priority.

Quotas may exist for each occupation. The people with the best points score will be issued with an invitation. So people with more work experience, better English scores and higher qualifications will have a better chance of getting an invitation.

Once you receive an invitation, you will need to make your visa application within 60 days. If you are unable to apply within this time, your invitation lapses. If you are invited once, there is no guarantee that you will be re-invited later, and in any case

you can only be issued with a maximum of 2 invitations before your application is removed from the EOI system. SO will will need to ensure that you have all the requirements ready to take up the invitation when t has been issued.

There will be exceptions to SkillSelect and the "transitional applicants" will be able to apply under the old points system until the end of 2012. The "transitional applicants" are international students who had applied for or been granted a subclass 485 Skilled Graduate visa prior to 8 Feb 2010. No other transitional arrangements are in place for international students and it is unlikely any more will transitional arrangements will be in place.

There will be some advantages to applying after 1 July 2012. The main advantage of applying after 1 July 2012 is that your application will be processed much faster than under the current system. Under the current system it can take 18 months or more for points tested visas to be processed. The new system is designed to allow Dept Immigration to more carefully manage the application pipeline and ensure that a large backlog of applications does not develop. As a result, people lucky enough to get an invitation will be able to "jump the queue" If you have a passing score in the current points test, you should consider applying prior to 1 July 2012. Many areas of the new system have not yet been finalised, and there is no guarantee that you will be issued an invitation after 1 July even if you have a high score. If you have an occupation that is nominated by many applicants (which is likely to meet quota quickly - eg accounting, nursing) then you should also consider applying before 1 July 2012.

Continued page 8

Spec p ial Automotive Engineering Program

InTech ec Mechanical Workshop add: 44 Hope Street, South Brisbane Phone: 3846 7774

InTech Administration Office 28 Russell Street South Brisbane admin@intech.edu.au , www.intech.edu.au 4 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2012

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2012 — 5

Queensland heads to the polls 24 March 2012 From front page

IN the race to the March 24 poll, Ms Bligh took the opportunity to freshen up in the pool at Mount Gravatt where she joined a children's swimming class before pledging to give 10 free swimming lessons to every Queensland child under four if re-elected.

As the dust continued to settle in the wake of party tensions within federal Labor, Ms Bligh said she was steeling herself for the remainder of the campaign. `I'm very pleased to see that in the last five or six days we have been able to talk about Queensland issues, things that matter to people, what will happen in their schools, what we need to do to keep the tourism industry growing, working to look after families with programs like this,'' she said.

"I look forward to the next three weeks of the campaign.''

When questioned about the LNP campaign launch, Ms Bligh said Queenslanders should be asking questions about Campbell Newman's key campaign slogan of "it's time for change''.

"Queenslanders really need to start asking ``what sort of change does Mr Newman want?'', she said.

"It seems to me that Mr Newman wants to change Queensland back to the way that it used to be decades ago when anything went

for developers, when there was not the right restrictions on politicians and their financial arrangements.

"It looks to me like he wants to take us back to the last century.''

Ms Bligh also refuted claims unions had been allowed to make more than the allowable cap in political donations to the ALP. "Everyone knows • AAP image/John Pryke. the Australian Labor Party was started by the trade union movement and they're affiliated to the party but they cannot donate any more than any company can and that is a $5000 limit.''

Ms Bligh said she would be prepared look at options for cutting the amount of time taken to make political donation public if Labor retains government.

The Premier also declined to comment at length on her sometime-nemesis and controversial Queensland mining magnate Clive Palmer's inclusion on the National

Trust's list of National Living Treasures.

"These nominations are made by an independent organisation, nothing to do with government but I do think the nomination is going to raise some eyebrows, not only around Queensland but The Liberal National Party (LNP) is running a low-key campaign for election in Queensland, and its launch was no dif-

ferent.

About 1000 followers filed into a cavernous hall of Brisbane exhibition centre on Sunday to hear from Campbell Newman, the man the polls say is on an easy track to be Queensland's next premier.

They got no bells and whistles.

Just a pared-back stage with a podium reading "It's time for a change" and the "Can Do" theme song, a revamped version of Mr Newman's city hall campaign jingle.

Federal Nationals Leader Warren Truss

warmed up the crowd, telling them it was time for a "new man" - "Campbell Newman".

Federal opposition leader Tony Abbott continued the "Labor lies" theme that Young LNP members were brandishing on placards outside the event.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard had just last week lied about Bob Carr's entry to federal parliament as foreign minister, Mr Abbott said.

But Premier Anna Bligh was "Labor's first liar", having kept quiet plans for asset sales during the 2009 campaign, Mr Abbott said.

Mr Newman's 40-minute speech repeated his pledge to cut cost of living, and put a $1 billion figure behind plans to fix the Bruce Highway.

But considering where the LNP stands in the polls, and the high energy reputation of Mr Newman, there was no great buzz in the room.

The greatest display of emotion was his wife Lisa's teary embrace when the lights came up.

Mr Newman has a message for Queenslanders - the LNP is ready to govern.

He has promised to take the "circus" out of Queensland politics, and this no-frills start suggests the LNP will at least deliver on that.

Courier Mail and ninemsn

Shree Laxminarayan Mandir News 1173 Mt Cotton Road Burbank - www.laxminarayan.com.au

• Devotees marking Maha Shiva Raatri on 20 Feb 2012.

dom to his family in this time of distress. - by Umesh Chandra • Main Gate Opening Ritual - 19 Feb 2012.

PREFACE: This article was submitted by Late Mr Surendra Pratap, it was done on 27th February. This probably was the last article he would have done before sadly passing away. Brisbane Indian Times will dearly miss him.

He had been such a nice and humble man to deal with, always sent his articles on time and always spoke with respect. It is indeed a loss for Queensland’s Indian Community, especially Shree Laxmi Narayan Mandir, where he served for a lifetime. May God bless his soul and may he rest in peace. May God provide strength and wis-

6 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2012

Dear Devotees and Members Approval and Official Opening – Mandir’s Main

Entry February 2012 has indeed been a significant month in the history of Shree Laxminarayan Mandir - it saw an accomplishment of a very long awaited dream of getting a formal approval from the Transport and Main Roads Department of using the Temple’s recently completed main entry from Daymar Street. The new formal address is: 46 Daymar Street, Burbank 4156 Qld. This was conveyed to the Management Committee on 6 February. The entry was officially opened on 19 February and the fortunate and privi-

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leged devotees witnessed the official opening. Ritual was performed by the resident priest, Pt Tripathi Ji and assisted

by Pt Suresh Chand and Pt Sanat Pandey.

Maha Shiva Raatri As usual, more than 1000 devotees participated in the most auspicious ritual marking Maha Shiva Raatri on the 20th of February. Not only was the Mandir open for the whole day, but as per past practice, the Mandir supplied “Bell Patra and milk for abhishek” for the convenience of the devotees.

Pooja was performed by the resident priest, Pt Tripathi Ji and assisted by Pt Suresh Chand and other devotees.

For further information – contact resident Pt Tripathi Ji – 32168848 or any committee member as per Web page contact details.

Authorised by President – (late) Surendra Pratap 27 Feb 2012

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2012 — 7

Live Broadcast from Guru Nanak Sikh Temple, Inala Submitted on behalf of The Management Committee by

Bhai Opinder Singh Krimpuri Guru Nanak Sikh Temple, Inala (Gurudwara) 07 3714 9509, 0435 956 200 RESPECTED Indian Community of Brisbane, we are pleased to advise that on every Sunday from 11.30am to 12.30pm, you can listen to the live broadcast of Gurubani from Guru Nanak Sikh Temple, on “Radio Brisvaani” at 1701am and via Internet on www.Brisvaani.com Every member of the Indian community is welcome at Guru Nanak Sikh Temple, Inala which is open seven days a week.

The Management greatly appreciates all the support received during the year 2011. The Chairman of Indoz Sikh Community Centre, S. Paramjit

Singh Sarai, the President of Guru Nanak Sikh Temple, Inala, S. Sucha Singh Randhawa members wish you a happy and prosperous new year and look forward to receiving your support in the year 2012.

We extend our special thanks to Indoz Sikh Community Centre, all Management members of Guru Nanak Sikh Temple, Inala and Brisvaani Radio announcer, Sh. Jatish Pureen, whose assistance and hard work has made live broadcast possible.

In addition to daily Nit-Nem (routine recitation of the set scriptures), on every Sunday morning Assa di Vaar kirtan is performed from 8.30am. Also from 10.30am to 11.30am any member of congregation can participate in the selfless volunteer sewa of Kirtan (singing of holy hymns). Bhai Hardial Singh’s hajoori raagi jatha (devotional singers) perform the Gurbani Kirtan from 11.30am to 12.30pm.

Every Wednesday from 11.30am to 1.30pm Sukhmani Sahib is recited by lady members of the community followed by Gurbaani Kirtan.

Every Wednesday, Gurbaani Kirtan is performed after Rehras in the evening.

Punjabi language learning classes

are held every Sunday and all community members are also welcome to learn recitation and correct phonation of Gurbani, Kirtan and Tabla can be taught to the desirous members free of cost at any time suitable time.

In addition, there is a well maintained Library at Gurdwara Sahib from where religious, historic books and wide variety of literature in Punjabi, Hindi and English is available for everyone. The library is offering life membership for a minimal fee of $25.

Further you can enjoy or participate in outdoor sports activities including volleyball and lawn tennis at the Gurdwara Sahib in the evening. Playground for Soccer is also being prepared. We encourage the readers to share the information in this article with their friends and other community members For further information please contact on 07 3714 9509, 0435 956 200 or send your email address to opinder.singh78@gmail.com.

Please avail this opportunity and encourage children to connect with the Gurbani thereby creating an eagerness for the faith and love for Gurudwara.

Recent news about Australian Migration Regulations Continued from page 4 New “Regional Migration Agreement” to meet Darwin’s Growth Challenges for Skilled Workers.

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, and Northern Territory Deputy Chief Minister, Delia Lawrie MLA, have announced a new migration program for the Darwin region to assist employers fill skills and labour shortages associated with major projects.

“The Federal Government has commenced negotiating Australia’s first Regional Migration Agreement (RMA) for Northern Territory (specifically Darwin), which is designed to help regions hire overseas workers where there is a genuine need to do so,” Mr Bowen said.

“Darwin is set to experience huge growth, with demand for workers expected to outstrip local and national supply.

“This RMA will act as a pressure valve for the local economy, helping businesses

experiencing a shortage of staff to find workers when none can be sourced locally.”

The RMA program, which is expected to be in place in the first half of this year, aims to assist small businesses which may find it difficult to use standard migration programs while ensuring Australians remain the first choice for employers.

“The NT Government is focused on seeing Territorians benefit from major projects such as Ichthys. While we are investing heavily in local training, it is still not enough to meet demand in a competitive Australian labour market,” Ms Lawrie said.

“Major projects will draw local workers away from smaller employers, and this RMA will assist those businesses to backfill these gaps in their workforce.

The RMA program was announced in the 2011-12 Budget to offer a coordinated, localised response to labour needs. Darwin has been chosen as the first RMA location due to current labour shortages which are expected to be further exacerbated by sev-

Muslim Aid Australia welcomes Diaa Mohamed

DIAA Mohamed (Pictured with MAA Chairperson, Madenia Abdurahman) – famous for his role in starting up MyPeace. com.au, the best Islamic PR campaign to hit Sydney shores – is now bringing his vision to Muslim Aid Australia as the newly appointed General Manager. Diaa’s start has seen an improved focus on MAA’s strategic development, incorporating a fresh vision that will

eral major resource projects.

Other regional areas experiencing skills and labour shortages will be eligible for RMAs in the coming months, with guidelines on the application process to be published by the end of March.

Capping and Queuing of Family Visas Carer visa applicants Applications for Carer visas with a queue date up to 30 June 2011 and who meet all outstanding requirements can expect their visa to be granted within approximately 318 months (measured from 1 July 2011).

Applications with queue dates after 30 June 2011 may be released from the queue for further consideration later in the financial year to fill any remaining program places for this visa.

Carer visa applications lodged before 1 July 2011 but which have not yet been assessed and queued can expect to wait up to 2 ½ years for a visa (from 1 July 2011).

Remaining Relative and Aged Dependent Relative visa applicants Applications for Remaining Relative and Aged Dependent Relative visas with a queue date up to 26 April 2010 and who

lead MAA onwards to greater services for both donors and aid recipients.

Diaa’s addition to Muslim Aid Australia is a strong step forward in the future growth of the organization. Combining Diaa’s visionary leadership with the passionate and dedicated team at Muslim Aid Australia, you’ll be sure to see us at the forefront of progress in the field of international development.

meet all outstanding requirements can expect their visa to be granted within approximately 3-18 months (measured from 1 July 2011). No further release of applications is likely this financial year. The next release of applications for further processing will occur next financial year. The queue date of applications to be released will be determined once program numbers are announced.

Estimated waiting times of applications that have been assessed and given queue dates later than 26 April 2010, may vary depending on future planning levels as well as withdrawals and refusals. Future releases of queued applications will therefore be announced at the start of each financial year.

Remaining Relative and Aged Dependent Relative visa applications lodged before 1 July 2011 but which have not yet been assessed and queued can expect to wait up to 10 ½ years for a visa (from 1 July 2011).

Parent Visas Parent category visa applications have a lower processing priority than other family stream visa applicants such as partners, children and the contributory parent category.

In the 2011–12 Migration Program year: * 2000 places will be allocated to the (noncontributory) Parent category, including approximately 1400 places for Parent (subclass 103) visas and approximately 600 places for Aged Parent (subclass 804) visas. * 6500 places have been allocated to the Contributory Parent category (subclasses 173/143 and subclasses 884/864).

The final proportion of places allocated between applicants applying in and outside Australia in both Parent visa categories is dependent on a number of factors, including client response times. All parent category visa applications are assessed in order of lodgement, assigned a queue date and then placed in the queue for the relevant visa subclass. Applicants are advised of their queue date when they reach this stage.

Contributory Parent In 2007–08, demand for the contributory parent visa category meant that a queue formed for the first time. In the 2011–12 Migration Program year, 6500 contributory parent category visa places are available for applicants applying from in and outside Australia. Based on current planning levels new contributory parent category visa applicants can expect to wait up to 12 months before visa grant consideration.

This article is intended to provide general information on migration issues and does not constitute migration advice, and no responsibility is accepted by Kiran Goel or AIEES for the accuracy of material appearing in the Brisbane Indian Times. (Ms Kiran Goel MARN: 0639149).

8 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2012

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2012 — 9

Muslim Charitable King of Cakes Taringa to hold Foundation needs World's Greatest your assistance Shave event Janeth Deen THE number of people seeking assistance from the Muslim Charitable Foundation is rapidly increasing due to the Global Economic Crisis and the high cost of living in Brisbane.

More and more people are being retrenched by large companies and many small businesses are closing down.

MCF can only operate with the funds that are donated to the accounts especially set up for charitable purposes.

We need to replenish the funds as they are used up.

Syria is in crisis and innocent people are suffering due to the instability and ruthlessness of the government. It is mostly the women and children who are the ultimate casulties.

Please give generously, as lives are greatly at risk. MCF will use the funds for medical assistance to send to Syria.

The assistance will be distributed by Human Appeal International.

The Emergency A/C is held in the name of the Muslim Charitable Foundation in the Bank of Queensland BSB 124 155, Account Number 20897395 For more information contact Janeth Deen - janethdeen@gmail.com

TARINGA, QLD, 29 February 2012 – The King of Cakes is sponsoring the World's Greatest Shave event at their store in Taringa on the 17th of March, 2012. Specially made for the event is the “Bald Doughnut” which will go on sale for $2 a piece with proceeds from the event going to the Leukaemia Foundation.

The Leukaemia Foundation started the World's Greatest Shave event in 1998 to help raise funds to provide free practical and emotional support to people with blood cancer and their families, as well as investing millions in research. They have raised in excess of $120 million so far.

The World's Greatest Shave event sponsored by King of Cakes will be held at 144 Indooroopilly Rd. Taringa, QLD 4068.

For more information on the World’s Greatest Shave or to sign up please visit http://www.worldsgreatestshave.com/

Information session for Punjabi-Sikh women

on

‘Looking after your child by looking after yourself’

Sunday 18 March 2012 at 2pm-3.30pm Temple Brisbane Sikh (Gurdwara Class

room) 269 Logan Rd, Eight Mile Plains. Afternoon tea will be provided from 3.30pm-4pm.

Health Clinical Nurse Jatinder Kaur, Cultural

Diversity Consultant.

Come and learn about: • The importance of emotional wellbeing during pregnancy • Supporting the wellbeing THIS project is in partnership with the of yourself and your baby Brisbane Sikh Temple (Gurdwara); Qld • Ways to get through Centre for Perinatal & Infant Mental tough times Health; Bicultural Mental Health Clinical For more information, please contact Nurse and Qld Transcultural Mental Jatinder Kaur on 0422 887 579 Health Centre.

The information session will be facilitated by: Liz de Plater, Service Development Leader - Satinder Kaur, Bicultural mental

What the carbon price means for you Article by The Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Greg Combet.

THE Federal Government’s plan to introduce a carbon price has had a lot of attention – unfortunately a lot of what has been said about the carbon price has been wrong.

That is why I want to take this opportunity to present the facts about the Government’s policy and what it means for Australian households.

For the simple truth is that the vast majority of households will receive assistance under our plan.

We are introducing a carbon price from July 2012 because respected scientists have advised the Government that climate change poses a real threat to our environment and our way of life.

They have told us that the worst impacts of climate change can be avoided if the world reduces the amount of carbon pollution it puts into the atmosphere.

The carbon price will help achieve this. It is not a tax on households.

In fact, the carbon price mechanism will actually only apply to around 500 big companies – those companies which put very large amounts of carbon pollution into the atmosphere, like coal-fired power stations.

The carbon price will give these companies a financial incentive to cut pollution.

These big polluters may pass on some of the carbon price to their customers, but the impact on the cost of living will be modest.

Treasury has worked out that there will be an increase of just 0.7 per cent in the

Price Index. Food and grocery Consumer prices will rise by less, just 0.4 per cent.

Electricity prices will rise by more: 10 per cent.

The Government will help households by bringing in income tax cuts, increases in Family Tax Benefits, and increases in the age pension and other government benefits.

Nine in ten Australian households will get some tax cuts or increases in payments.

Almost six million households will get assistance covering their entire average

cost of living impact of the carbon price.

Four million will get assistance more than covering the cost of living impact.

Take a typical couple with two school-age children where the main bread-winner is on $60,000 a year and the other parent works part-time earning $25,000. They will get about an extra $948 a year through tax cuts and higher family payments – considerably more than the carbon price impact on their cost of living.

Here are some more examples of how the Government will assist households.

Parents receiving Family Tax Benefit Part A will receive up to $110 a year extra for each eligible child. Those receiving Family Tax Benefit Part B will receive up to $69 extra a year.

For people in the workforce, there will be tax cuts on top of these increased family payments. Most taxpayers with income up to $80,000 will get a tax cut worth at least $300 a year.

People on pensions or benefits will also receive assistance.

Those receiving the Age Pension and other pensions will receive around an extra $338 a year for singles and around $510 a year for couples combined.

There are a range of other increases in Government benefits and allowances and you can get more information at this website: www.cleanenergyfuture.gov.au or by calling 1800 057 590..

In conclusion, I would like to return to the reason for introducing a carbon price.

It is about securing our environment and economy for our children and grandchildren.

Australia relies far more heavily on burning coal to generate electricity than most other developed countries.

A carbon price will transform our electricity sector towards natural gas, wind, solar and geothermal power.

This is not a transformation to be feared; it is an opportunity to be embraced.

It will ensure Australia remains competitive in the global low-carbon economy of the future – and the Government will help households along the way with fair and generous assistance.

Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Qld celebration of Dayanand Bodh Diwas

Jitendra Deo

President

10 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2012

THE celebration was held at Progress Hall on Sunday 12 February for Rishi Bodh Diwas, the day that Swami Dayanand Saraswati’s enlightment began in the 1830s. "when he was a teenager, he wanted to find true God, which led him to begin a personal quest, lasting nearly three decades, for knowledge revealing the true nature of god.

The programme included Havan, Bhajans and discussions on this specific topic.

Swami Dayanand Saraswati was one of the most radical socio-religious reformers in the history of India. Swami Ji was the founder of Arya Samaj and propagated open approach of the Vedas at a time when widespread casteism was prevalent in the society.

Swami Dayanand stood up against the flow of that powerful stream of ignorance, stopped the flow and spoke out strongly to awaken the people and warned them against the dangers of their ignorance and internal fights. He said GOD created one humanity, one religion and one path for peace and prosperity. That is the path shown by the VEDAS and demonstrated by the Rishis and the great sons who followed and preached for the benefit of mankind. The aim of a religious person is to create unity and peace in the world. If men and women want to have peace they should follow the teachings of the VEDAS. For Swami Dayanand –Dharma is an all embracing code of life and the Dharma the most rational, based as it is on Truth. He www.indiantimes.com.au

wanted the people to be happy here on this earth as well as later. Swami Ji resolved to devote his life to the service of his people, to raise them from degradation and ignorance. Fortunately for him nature had endowed him with intellect and understanding, health and strength, courage and will.

He was marvellously equipped. The training and education he had received also stood him in good stead. His deep study of the ancient scriptures, his great knowledge of Sanskrit proved of great value. Thus he could prove not only by force of argument and reasoning but by the authority of our highest scriptures, the VEDAS –that idolatry, caste by birth, animal sacrifices and restrictions of women from reading Vedas and other evil practices had no sanction from the VEDAS. According to the Vedas there is only one caste and that is humanity. We are all humans by birth.

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“Girmit Night 2012” early this year

By Sarat Maharaj INTERNATIONAL Congress for Fiji will again be commemorating the annual “Girmit Night 2012”, except that it will be held a few weeks earlier this year, on Saturday 28 April 2012 at McGregor State School.

Highlight of the evening function will be a Sumptuous Dinner and a Grand Live Indian Musical Show by musical maestro, Joseph Abhay Nand and other well-known local musicians. It is anticipated that patrons will secure their tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Looking at the history, it will be 133 years, on 14 May 2012, when Indians were first brought out to Fiji by the British Government in 1879. We can always reflect on how Indians, under the indentured labour scheme in Fiji, struggled to provide the best for their children. Their main aim was to provide a better education for their children, under very trying conditions. It was their vision and hard work which has seen hundreds of world class doctors, lawyers, accountants, engineers, etc, graduate and make a mark worldwide.

Today, some of the descendants have the misfortune of living ‘Girmit’ conditions all over again.

Farmers have lost land, employment is scarce, but parents are still

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striving to educate their children. This is where we come in. We, now living overseas, can step forward and help.

To do this International Congress for Fiji raises much needed funds to provide school fees for poor students in forms 5, 6, 7, and FNU (Diploma Level only). Last year, we were able to fund 1400 students in the amount of $141,000.00. Since 2002, we have provided for more than 7500 students in the amount of $840,000.00. Please come and support this event or just send your donation. For more information, you can phone 07 3263 2093, or visit our website www.icfi.org.au.

With the current devastating floods in Fiji, many schools building have been damaged; educational material & equipment inundated with flood waters, and students have lost all school work. We are urging people to come forward and donate generously, so that we can help these students, just as we did after February 2009 floods.

This year again the public is eagerly waiting to witness another grand musical night by prominent musicians, such as, Yousuf Ali Khan, Usha Chivukula, Joseph Abhay Nand, Vir Chand (Sydney), Mohit Lal, Rajendra Prasad, Hari Mani, Nand Kumar, and many more.

So, don’t miss out. Get your tickets early.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2012 — 11

GOPIO Sydney holds youth achievers awards night GYAAN 2012 GOPIO Sydney hosted its 3rd successive "GOPIO Youth Achievers Awards Night - GYAAN 2012" to felicitate HSC students of NSW of Indian Origin on their achievements in HSC 2011 exams.

The event was held on Sunday, 4th March 2012 at Pioneer Hall, Castle Grand, Castle Hill, NSW Awards recognised at the ceremony included (1) Academic - Students who achieved ATAR 99 and above in 2011 HSC exams; (2) Highest marks obtained in HSC 2011 in Indian languages, dance, drama, music, photography, aviation & visual arts, and (3) State or National level achievement in sports by youth under 21 years of age.

The evening began with instrumental music while guests were arriving. Mrs. Lucky Singh, President GOPIO Sydney, formally welcomed everyone to the event which was followed by the Ceremonial Lamp lighting Ceremony.

The Chief Guest for the function was Hon. Harjeet Singh Sethi, Vice Consul, Indian Consulate in Sydney.

Umesh Chandra, GOPIO International Coordinator Oceanic/Pacific region spoke on GOPIO International’s roles and objectives.

Matt Kean MP for Hornsby, representing Premier Hon. Barry O’Farrell, NSW and Tania Mihailuk MP for Bankstown, representing Hon. John Robertson, leader of the

opposition, NSW, also spoke at the function.

Mr. Sukhwinder Rajput, Joint Secretary GOPIO Sydney thanked everyone for their

attendance.

The night featured many colourful cultural performances and awards presentation.

Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland dinner function FEDERATION of Indian Communities in Queensland (FICQ) held their first social evening for 2012 at Rangla Punjab Restaurant in New Farm on 2 March.

The evening was to get to know the new committee members and to acknowledge the achievements and awards of Mr Surendra Prasad, FICQ outgoing president, Mr Naidu Bodapati, FICQ incoming president, and Mr Shyam Das, the incoming president of GOPIO Queensland.

The three have been awarded Glory of India Award by India International Society in Delhi. Mr Surendra Prasad has also been awarded the Lord Mayor’s Senior Citizen of the Year during Australia Day Celebration.

Dr Maha Sinnnathamby emphasised the need for unity and for someone from within the Indian Community to persue the Federal Politics.

• Jim Varghese, Peter Sarai (pictured back), Honorary Consul of India Qld Mrs Archana Singh, Dr Maha Sinnathamby and Anil Bakrania.

Jim Varghese co-patron of FICQ read Naidu Bodapati’s bio data. Peter Sarai spoke on the India House project and reflected on the proceedings of the last election. Shyam Das spoke on the Glory of India Award and on GOPIO. Umesh Chandra complemented Naidu Bodapati on demonstrating unity in the community, and said that he looked forward to working together for the common interest of the community.

Anil Bakrania, as the MC, highlighted the aims and objectives of FICQ. Treasurer Mul Chand looked after the sound for the night. The floor was left open to anyone who wanted to say anything on the night. Councillor Angela Owen-Taylor, Garry Page and Janeth Deen took up the offer and said few words on the evening.

Sumptuous dinner was served on the table and cash bar sevices were available.

Vishva Hindu Parishad of Australia Inc. (World Hindu Council of Australia Inc)

Samskruta Jnana Mandira, Flemington inauguration ceremony Courtesy VHP BSK Flemington Sanskrit School inauguration ceremony was celebrated in a befitting manner at Homebush Boy’s High School premises on 5 February 2012.

The program started with taking the seats by distinguished dignitaries Mr Raju Varanasi Director, NSW Curriculum & Learning Innovation Centre; Mr William Hilliard Deputy Principal, Homebush Boy’s High School; Mr Alex Di Prinzio Education Officer, NSW Federation of Community Language Schools; Mrs Nina Conomos Leader, NSW Curriculum & Learning Innovation Centre; Mr Narayan Dhimol, Community Leader, Nepal / Bhutan Community, Parramatta Migrant Resource Centre.

The guests were greeted by applying holy vermilion to their forehead. Mrs Sumana Hebbar Coordinator & Teacher, BSK Flemington welcomed the dignitaries, parents and children, highlighting the importance of the ceremony. This was followed by lighting of the lamp by honourable guest Mr Raju Varanasi and chanting of the Sanskrit poems / verses / slokas by BSK Flemington little nightingales. Mrs Akila Ramarathinam Secretary, VHP Australia explained in detail VHP activities throughout Australia emphasizing on the aims and goals of VHP Australia in maintaining social cohesion, harmony, inclusiveness.

She went on to say how Bala Samskara Kendra, Sydney Veda Patasala, Hindu Scripture classes are gaining momentum drawing people from different backgrounds and culture.

Mr Raju Varanasi in his address to the

gathering mentioned he is honoured and humbled to be a part of the ceremony, spoke about his attachment with the Vedic culture, urged people especially children to follow the rich culture, making use of all the facilities that the country is giving, and keep the roots intact. He also said it was heart warming experience to light the auspious lamp. He further added that he is extremely happy and appreciate the efforts made by VHP Australia for starting BSK / SVP, first Sanskrit school in the country (first school outside India) which teaches vedic chanting and vedic mathematics to the children.

There were two power point presentations

by BSK students: Sanskrit – Hidden Treasure, BSK aims and objects & Sanskrit in Britain. While the former glorified Sanskrit, the later explained love and appreciation for Sanskrit by people of different culture.

Mr William Hilliard mentioned the audience that Homebush Boy’s School was a multi-cultural centre occupied by different communities organising one or the other activities. He also said the power point presentations were informative and he could gain some insight about Sanskrit. It is by his grace a venue to teach Sanskrit regularly is available. Mr Alex Di Prinzio in his address to the audience said VHP Australia unlike the other organisations is well organised, working hard through its activities not only to keep the roots intact but also for the peace and harmony of the country. He also said it is really a pleasure to work for such communities. Mrs Nina Conomos in her speech said she is new and is looking forward to working with VHP Australia and the Sanskrit teachers. She

12 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2012

also said that it is good to see the oldest language Sanskrit still in use when all its counterparts have vanished completely. Mr Narayan Dhimol in his address mentioned close cultural association of Nepal, Bhutan and Hindu communities; said it was his priority to attend the inauguration ceremony amidst of other activities because of his roots with the Hindu culture.

The program ended with the vote of thanks by youth leader & coordinator Mr Arjun.

He thanked all the distinguished dignitaries, teachers, parents and children for their valuable presence in making the event a grand success. He also thanked Mrs Saraswathi Sashi of VHP for overall coordination and promotion of BSKs. He also stated that VHP of Australia President Mr Brij Pal Singh has inaugurated another Sanskrit school on 5 February 2012 at Waitara Public School, Hornsby. Light refereshments were served after the event. BSK is currently operating in more than 6 suburbs in Sydney - Hornsby, Baulkham hills, Moorebank, Carlingford, Homebush, and Toongabbie. Interstate in Melbourne and in

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Brisbane as well, in one suburb each, starting last year.

For further information to enrol, kindly contact Mrs Akila Ramarathinam, National Secretary on 8814 7016. Please visit web site WWW.VHP.ORG.AU. Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2012 — 13

Council welcomes Ipswich youth councillors

• New youth council members (from left) Thomas Haslam, Brittany Rodgers and Marijke Vaughan.

SEVEN new faces will be helping to shape Ipswich as members of the 2012 Ipswich Youth Advisory Council.

Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale and Youth and Seniors Committee Chairperson Councillor Sheila Ireland officially inducted the young people into their new roles in a ceremony last Monday (February 27) witnessed by family and friends.

Membership of the Ipswich Youth Advisory Council's is open to young people aged from 12 to 17-years-old.

The new members bring the group’s total membership to 21.

Cr Pisasale said it was wonderful to welcome Nicola Anderson from Raceview; Alfred Durutamata from Redbank Plains; Annie Forsyth from Redbank Plains; Thomas Haslam from Brassall; John Manupuna from Booval; Brittany Rodgers from North Ipswich and Marijke Vaughan from Brassall to their new roles.

“We look forward to working with them over the coming year to further develop our city and ensure that the needs and dreams

of our young people are taking into consideration,” he said.

“The Ipswich Youth Advisory Council is all about giving a voice to Ipswich’s young people.

“The youth of today are brimming with ideas about what they want this city to become in the future and the youth council is the ideal place for them to have an active say in how they can achieve these goals.

“Our youth council members are representatives of the next generation of our city • State Member for Ipswich West Wayne Wendt, Youth and Seniors Committee Chairperson and I thoroughly enjoy spending time with Councillor Sheila Ireland, new youth council member Alfred Durutamata and Ipswich Mayor Paul them listening to what they think and feel.” Pisasale.

Cr Ireland said she was looking forward to working with the council members lic speaking skills,” she said.

Cr Ireland said the need for a youth advithroughout 2012.

Cr Ireland said the Ipswich Youth Advisory sory council in Ipswich was identified “The Ipswich Youth Advisory Council will Council had been founded in 2007 to give through a range of youth projects and inibe involved in many exciting events and Ipswich youth a special forum in which tiatives. activities this year including Ipswich's they could express a wide variety of views "Ipswich's young people were keen to be National Youth Week celebrations in April. and ideas about issues affecting them. given the chance to have an input into their "Ipswich Youth Advisory Council members "The member's input is vital in assisting local community. also will be given training and development the community and council to understand "Council members to date have been full of opportunities to further strengthen their pro- and support the current needs of young peo- interesting ideas and suggestions for ject management, communication and pub- ple."

Ipswich."

14 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2012

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2012 — 15

Net closes on tax cheats Courtesy Sudesh Aggarwal THE Australian Taxation Office (“ATO”) is making it harder for people in business who deliberately use cash transactions to hide income and evade tax obligations - making it fairer for everyone.

This includes businesses: * paying cash in hand wages * skimming some or all of the cash takings * running a part of their normal business activities off the books * not reporting barter transactions * operating underground; avoiding their obligations by not registering or lodging returns.

The ATO strategies to tackle the cash economy and detect these businesses doing the wrong thing include: * the publication of benchmarks which provide a guide as to the expected profitability on over 100 business industries * educating the broader community about the risks of not getting a receipt for cash jobs, * reviewing the records of businesses to ensure they are reporting all business income and expenses, and * acting on information received from the community on suspected tax evasion.

The focus of this work is on industries which have ready access to cash in their business dealings. Examples include businesses in the hospitality industry such as coffee shops as well as the building and construction industry.

Another key and expanding way of detecting businesses which cheat the community is through data matching. Data matching is a key program used by the ATO to identify those who are either

not lodging returns or who are not reporting all income – with more than 500 million transactions matched in the past year.

This expanding net now includes coffee suppliers’ and hardware store trade account information, with their customers’ purchase information being available to the ATO. From this information, the ATO will be able to tell if a business is skimming cash.

As detailed in the Commonwealth Gazette on 22 February 2012, information received about coffee shops buying more than 15 kilograms of coffee a week from suppliers will be checked by the ATO to ensure they are reporting all their business income.

Individuals and businesses holding a hardware store trade account with annual purchases of $10,000 or more will also attract close scrutiny from the ATO, with data on purchases and reported income being cross checked.

The ATO will also be given data on complaints and licensing information from New South Wales Fair Trading, Queensland Building Services Authority and Government of South Australia Consumer and Business Services to identify those in the building industry who use cash transactions to avoid tax or fail to report correctly.

Second Commissioner of Taxation Bruce Quigley said “the message to tax cheats is clear – with increasing sources of information coming to the ATO, if you don’t play by the rules, you are more likely to be caught and penalised.”

For more information about ATO data matching programs visit www.ato.gov.au/datamatching

Holi Submitted by Sundar Gopal Das ON March 8 was Holi, marking the end of the spring season in India and the holi festivities.

After the harsh winter months, comes spring bringing joy to the people with the blossoming of flowers and crops.

Holi is a festival of colours, joy and gaiety. People celebrate Holi by colouring others with the colours and it is an occasion to forget all differences of race, caste or creed and share feelings of goodwill and mutual love and respect towards all.

Holi also signifies the day when demoness Holika was burnt on pyre. Once in Satya Yuga, demon Hiranyakasipu was ruling the material world, causing terror to whole world and was the arch enemy of Lord Visnu. Prahlad, his five year old son, however was a strong devotee of Lord Visnu.

Seeing that Prahlad would not deviate from his devotion to Lord Visnu and accept Hiranyakasipu as the Lord of the world, Hiranyakasipu tried various means to kill Prahlad. This included throwing Prahlad beneath the feet of big elephants, throwing him amongst poisonous snakes, throwing him from top of a mountain, giving him poison and throwing heavy stones to crush him. Prahlad calmly tolerated all these without giving up faith in the Lord or developing enmity towards his father.

Seeing Hiranyakasipu’s exasperation because of not being able to kill Prahlad, demoness Holika approached her brother Hiranyakasipu with a suggestion. She was given a boon by Lord Brahma that she could not be burnt by fire. She offered to take Prahlad and enter into a pyre. However when the pyre was lit, she was burnt instead of Prahlad and Prahlad came out unscathed.

Sri Krishna states in Bhagavad Gita “O Arjuna, You should declare it boldly that My one-pointed devotee never perishes.” The boon of Lord Brahma was nullified as it was used it to harm a devotee of

the Lord.

In the pastimes of Prahlad, two important qualities are shown. One is the quality of tolerance and equanimity. Even in the midst of great difficulties and even death, Prahlad never retaliated against his father. He accepted everything as the will of the Lord. Lord Brahma once prayed to Sri Krishna “One who accepts as Your mercy the results of his own actions as well as the happiness and distress of his karma, who endures them with an undisturbed mind, and who maintains his life by offering himself unto You by body, mind and words, is eligible to attain Your lotus feet, which are the shelter of liberation.” Prahlad is the personification of this prayer.

Later when the Lord appeared as Lord Nrsimha and killed Hiranyakasipu, Prahlad prayed to the Lord to forgive his father for the crimes he had committed.

The second quality Prahlad was his unwavering faith in the Lord and selfless devotion to the Lord in the midst of all obstacles and difficulties. After killing Hiranyakapisu, Lord Nrsimha asked Prahlad to ask for a benediction. Prahlad replied by saying he was not a merchant and he was not worshipping the Lord to get something in return. After persistent requests from the Lord to ask for a benediction, Prahlad replied by praying to the Lord to not have any material desires and the Lord to help all the living entities who are entangled in this world because of their desire for sense gratification.

The festival of Holi gives us the pious message that we too should face the obstacles coming our way with tolerance and honour for all. Whatever the odds against us may be, keeping Prahlad as our ideal, let us not allow our faith in God to waver.

Any comments or questions, please contact us on bhaktibrisbane2010@gmail.com.

Revisiting Indo Fijian Easter conventions in Fiji originally wrote this article in IFijian May last year about the Indo conventions in Fiji during

Easter carnivals. Fast approaching is Easter 2012 in April. Sporting Thakur Ranjit Singh New Zealand religious and ethnic teams in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and USA would be well gearing tourism from the former residents up for their respective outings in with stronger foreign dollars Fiji in April with fundraising would be good boost for Fiji’s tourism and economy. efforts.

Unlike the religious nature of Since there is no feedback on the Hindu, Sikh and Muslim gatherarticle I wrote last year, I wish to revisit it, hoping for some ings, the TISI is more about ethresponse this year, at least from nicity and South Indian ancestry. those ladies who I feel are dispos- While most are Sanatanis or sessed by their communities in Hindus, some are also Christians internationally-defying discrimi- or of other faiths, but all are free to participate as long as they have natory manner.

Indo Fijian Conventions during South Indian heritage on the male side only. Even children of South Easter Traditionally Easter had been a Indian males married in other time for the Christian communi- races like Europeans and i-Taukei, ties in Fiji to immerse in prayers can participate. This diversity is of the Lord and indulge in solemn so commendable. religious activities. On the other Challenges for overseas affilihand, in a deeply religious Fiji ates with harmonious interfaith activi- The problem and criticism that ties, Indo Fijians of Hindu, Sikh Sangam has been facing is its and Islamic faiths use this as a male-oriented, some may call it sporting and social occasion male chauvinistic, conventions where Indo Fijian Diaspora from where one is considered a South around the world descend in Fiji Indian only through paternal links. in show of family, religious and I have a niece who is married to a South Indian and her husband ethnic unity.

The Gujaratis, the Andhra attended a Sangam forum in Sangam, the Sikhs, Then India Brisbane that addressed the chalSanmarga Ikya Sangam (TISI), lenges the overseas Sangam affiliSanatan and Muslims gather in ates were facing, which any ethdifferent towns and cities of Fiji nicity-based organisation would during Easter. During this period, face in the globalised village. He the whole country would be saw the problems that an organisaswarming with NRIF – Non tion like Sangam faced where Resident Indo Fijian. membership was restricted to peoConsequently, no rental cars ple who have a paternal South would be available, most local Indian link. He felt that it would hotels would be booked out and be a bonus if their girls married a 16 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2012

South Indian, but this is not so.

Hence, they could not continue to have TISI type of groupings of socials/cultural groups because the future generations may not care and these organisations would die a natural death if they fail to adopt.

History Historically, the South Indians faced great hardship and difficulties pre and post girmit era.

Through all this developed the Sangam, now TISI, to protect their heritage. They have done a great deal more, together with other girmit communities. Even today they stand tall in ownership of schools, temples, nursing school, the ability to organise the convention in international style, women’s groups, youth groups and all facets of an ethnic organisation.

The advancement of Indo Fijians in general and South Indians in particular has now made the original purpose of the birth of Sangam somewhat obsolete. Now things have to change to attract the younger generations. They should not be put off by complicated and unexplained rituals, and restrictions placed by a past generation for reasons that may be obsolete now. Sangam is not a religious grouping, as most South Indians are Sanatanis or Hindus.

Sangam is an ethnic group. That is why we have so many South Indians playing in Sanatan Soccer teams, but vice versa may not be the case because of restrictive rules of the past which have now become out of date, unsuitable and even arguable.

Sangam discrimination defies www.indiantimes.com.au

international laws My friend Sada Sivan Naicker, who now heads TISI, is married to his high school sweet- heart, Sarita, who happens to be a North Indian. Sada’s son Nitesh can play in Sangam tournament and is eligible for Sangam membership. He is classed a “Madrasi” or South Indian because his father is a South Indian. However Sada’s daughter Aarti is married to a North Indian Pundit family and her children therefore cannot be members of Sangam or participate in its sporting activities.

Such gender discrimination goes against the spirit of human rights laws of most progressive democracies where our Diaspora has settled. This obviously could be soon challenged in court in this globalised world if Sangam does not come to terms with the globalisation of Indo Fijians in general, and “mixed” South Indians in particular. This rule may need revisiting.

The advent of modern education, westernisation and more liberal thinking has led to many intermarriages and this will cause problems for Sangam worldwide.

Hence Sangam should reconsider and be pro-active before they are classed as hypocrites who adopt the good western ways, opportunities and wealth of the First World while embracing Third World gender and ethnic discrimination.

Perhaps it is time TISI heeded the message that the retired International Judge and Fiji’s statesman Hon Justice Jai Ram Reddy gave during Sangam Convention in 2003: Lest we forget, let us remind ourselves once again that Sangam

was conceived in benevolence.

The name itself stands for coming together of people and the participatory process that it entails. It was born out of adversity that in times that were equally dark. ... I urge you to work for the good of all the people of this country…….

Take it from strength to strength so that we can all be proud to belong to the Sangam family.

Therefore the message for Sangam and all other participants during Easter convention was of coming together in this participatory process to unite through human values of love, and compassion.

Commodore Bainimarama’s vision for Fiji is a country, its people and its politics devoid of racism, with a country where we all are now “Fijians.” This generosity was bestowed to Indo Fijians by an i-Taukei who wants to see a united Fiji. I am now a proud Fijian, as well as a New Zealander, thanks to dual citizenship amendment.

Yet, it is ironical indeed that Indo Fijians continue to discriminate against their own people – a discrimination based on gender and ethnicity!

Go ahead Sangam, make my day and reconsider such divisive and discriminatory rules!

(E-mail: thakurji@xtra.co.nz) (Thakur Ranjit Singh is a media commentator, a community worker, a Trustee of Sanatan NZ and Board member of Waitakere Ethnic Board and Waitakere Indian Association. He is CEO of Media Relations Limited public relations, media promotions and Communications Company based in Auckland.)

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2012 — 17

Superannuation - what employees need to know Courtesy Sudesh Aggarwal SUPERANNUATION is money saved over your lifetime to provide for your retirement. If you're eligible, your employer has to pay super contributions for you in addition to your pay. This amount is generally equal to 9% of your wage.

If you think that your employer is not paying you the super they are meant to, we can help you.

Am I eligible to receive super contributions?

Generally your employer must pay super for you if: * you are 18 to 69 years old and earn more than $450 a calendar month before tax; or * you are under 18 years of age earning more than $450 a calendar month and work more than 30 hours per week.

This applies whether you work casual, part-time or full-time hours and if you are a temporary resident. You may also be eligible if you are a contractor who is paid primarily for labour even if you have an Australian business number (ABN).

This means that generally, if more than half your contract value is for your own personal labour and you cannot delegate your work to others, you are considered to be an employee for superannuation guarantee purposes.

What do I do if I think my employer is not paying my super?

Step 1 Talk to your employer. Ask how often they are paying your super, into which fund they are paying it and how much they are paying.

Step 2 Check your last Member statement from your super fund or contact the fund to confirm whether your employer has paid your super.

Step 3 If you have followed steps 1 and 2 and still believe your employer is not paying the super you are entitled to, you can make an enquiry by calling the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) on 13 10 20.

If you do not speak English well and want to make an enquiry, phone the Translating and Interpreting Service on 13 14 50.

What information do I need to provide if I lodge an enquiry?

When you lodge an enquiry with the ATO we will ask for: * your contact details and if you give permission for us to use your name when con-

tacting your employer (you can ask us not to give your name) * your employer's contact details (including business address) * your employer's ABN (from your last payment summary or from the employer's letterhead) * your current employment arrangement (casual, part-time, full-time or contractor) * when you started employment with your employer * details of the problem (period of non payment/under payment including the month and year).

You will also need to provide information on whether you: * were paid at least $450 before tax in a calendar month. * checked with your employer and super fund if any super has been paid. We may also need your super fund’s name and your membership number * were offered a choice of super fund. Your employer should have offered you a choice of fund Standard choice form (NAT 13080) to complete. If so, we will need the date the form was given to you.

Protecting your privacy when you phone us If you phone us, we need to know that we are talking to the correct person before discussing your personal tax affairs. It will be helpful if you know your tax file number (TFN). To prove who you are, you will need to provide three of the following items: * your residential, business, postal or email address * your telephone number * your date of birth * details from an ATO letter * your account details, such as the amount of your last tax refund or payment * your bank account details * your TFN What process do we follow to investigate unpaid super enquiries?

Once you lodge a query, we will keep you updated about the progress of your case by sending you a letter. The letters will be sent to the postal address for your TFN, so it is important to tell us if you change address.

Contact To find out more, you can call the ATO on 13 10 20.

If you do not speak English well and want to talk to a tax officer, phone the Translating and Interpreting Service on 13 14 50

Beware of flood repair scammers

Residents and businesses should be on guard for dodgy traders’ tricks following the floods • The majority of traders working on flood clean-up and repairs are honest and fair, but it is likely that some unscrupulous traders will be drawn to flood areas to prey on the desperation of householders and businesses.

• Unscrupulous traders offer everything from roof repairs and electrical work to resurfacing damaged driveways, but they’re not always the godsend they appear to be.

• They may be unlicensed and unqualified, providing sub-standard work or failing to do what they say they will.

• Itinerant traders often offer guarantees of which could be extremely difficult to enforce after they leave the region.

• Rules that give consumers a 10 business day cooling-off period for work costing more than $100 doesn’t apply when emergency repairs are needed after natural disasters.

• Consumers must be even more vigilant at a time when they are probably feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable.

• Contact your insurer for information and advice before engaging anyone to perform emergency repairs.

• If you are approached by a company you don’t know, go online to check their website. Call their head office to confirm their existance, or check with someone else in town if they’ve used the trader’s services.

• Ask the trader for identification. If the job requires building work, ask for a Building Services Authority licence to demonstrate they are licensed to perform that work.

• Ask for a contract and ensure all paperwork including quotes, invoices, and receipts has the trader’s name, Australian Business Number (ABN) and address on it.

• Don’t feel pressured to take up an offer on the spot. Do some research, seek quotes and most importantly, give yourself time to think it through.

• Check quotes carefully to avoid being overcharged. Some unscrupulous traders add extra square metres or deliberately miscalculate the job.

Fore more information: • To report any suspicious business activity to the Office of Fair Trading, visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or call 13 QGOV (13 74 68) • Consumers can contact the State Emergency Service (SES) for help following a storm or flood on 132 500 • To check if a tradesman is licensed to perform the type of work you need, visit www.bsa.qld.gov.au • For information on how the SES can help in the evnet of a disaster visit www.emergency.qld.gov.au/ses.

18 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2012

Tips for buying a business

ATO warns: don’t be led astray by scammers

BUYING an established business rather than starting a new business can be a good option for many potential business owners.

Established businesses come with an existing customer base and you can start trading straight away. However, you may also inherit any problems that the business has. You need to know exactly what you're signing up for, and be clear about your ability to run a business.

Buying a business is a complex and time-consuming process. You will need to investigate - in detail - the business you plan to buy, making sure it is feasible and has a well-developed market for its products or services.

You will have to check business records, plans and operations, and familiarise yourself with your competitors and the industry. You will also need to check that the business has the appropriate licences, permits and registrations and find out which ones can be transferred to you.

Buying a business is a serious investment. You should always seek professional legal and financial advice before signing any documents. business.gov.au is a website provided by the government and is a useful tool for those considering going into business. Please visit www.business.gov.au for more information.

ACTING Tax Commissioner David Butler warned communities in northwest Melbourne of a scam targeting unemployed locals and encouraged victims to make contact with the ATO. Victims report that they have been offered assistance to claim a $3000 cash bonus from the government for being unemployed, if they made a $1000 payment and provided their personal details to the scammers.

“Our investigations reveal that scammers are using victims’ personal details in order to illegally claim the Education Tax Refund (ETR) from the ATO,” Acting Tax Commissioner David Butler said.

“This is illegal and any money issued will have to be paid back. Victims only become aware that anything illegal has occurred once they are audited by the ATO and asked to provide supporting documentation.

“While the ATO intends to use the full force of the law against promoters of this scam we still urge people to be on alert.

“Remember, the ATO will never ask you to pay money to receive a special government payment. If you have been approached or involved in some way you should contact the ATO immediately by phoning 13 28 61 so that we can assist you.

“Alternatively, people who have difficulty with English can contact the ATO’s Translating and Interpreting Service on 13 14 50.”

Source:www.business.qld.gov.au/business-startupoptions/buying-a-business/index.html

Courtesy Sudesh Aggarwal

The Carbon Price and Small Business Article by The Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Greg Combet SMALL business owners are amongst the hardest working and most dynamic people in Australia. And their hard work delivers benefits for us all.

They build businesses from the ground up, providing opportunities for their families and communities, creating jobs and contributing to the wider economy’s strength.

That is why the Gillard Government has recognised the special role of small business in designing its carbon price policy.

We have ensured the nation’s small businesses will not be covered by the carbon price.

We have also ensured there will be no extra red tape or government regulation under this policy.

And we are giving practical help, including tax relief, to small businesses so they can make cost savings.

Because there has been a lot of misinformation about the carbon price, I want to explain how this policy will work and what it will mean to people running small businesses.

We are introducing a carbon price because respected scientists have advised the Government that climate change poses a threat to our environment and our way of life.

They have told us the worst impacts of climate change can be avoided if the world reduces the amount of carbon pollution being put into the atmosphere.

The carbon price will help

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achieve this. It is not a tax on households or on small businesses.

In fact, the carbon pricing mechanism will only apply to large-scale businesses – around 500 companies which put very large amounts of carbon pollution into the atmosphere.

From 1 July 2012 these 500 big polluters will pay the Government a price for each tonne of carbon pollution they put into the atmosphere. This will provide them with incentives to lower their pollution which will be good for our environment.

Small businesses will not be covered by the carbon pricing mechanism. Small business owners will not have to count or monitor their carbon pollution or electricity use. They will not have to fill in a single extra form.

Some of the big polluters may pass on price rises to their customers. The main area where this is likely will be electricity prices.

But the impact on most small businesses is expected to be small.

The Council of Small Business of Australia has provided the Government with a breakdown of the costs of a typical small retail business in a suburban shopping centre.

The electricity price impact this typical small shop’s running costs is just 0.66 per cent. This means the business owner can recover the cost increase through a small increase in prices. In some other businesses we have spoken to the electricity cost increase is less sometimes just 0.1 or 0.2 per cent.

While the impact will be modest, the Government recognises that every dollar counts for small businesses.

That is why we are introducing three new measures to help small businesses – on top of existing government small business assistance.

First, there will be tax relief.

The “small business instant asset write-off threshold” will be increased to $6,500 from the 2012-13 tax year.

For example, the owner of a small cafe might spend $6,000 on a new storage freezer which is more energy efficient. The business owner can immediately write-off the value of the new freezer and this will mean tax savings and increased cash flow.

Second, the Government will establish a $40 million program of energy efficiency information grants.

These will go to industry associations and organisations which have established relationships with small businesses.

These groups will deliver information to small businesses about the implications of the Government’s carbon price and how to take practical steps to reduce energy costs.

Thirdly, the Government will provide $5 million in extra funding for clean technology advice and support for small and medium sized businesses.

Small businesses make a vital contribution to economic and community activity. That is why the Government has designed its carbon price policy to support these businesses.

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Brisbane

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2012 — 19

Mohit Tolani - Young Achiever of the Year Nominee

A message from the Editor...

THE Commonwealth Bank & judges will go over all inforBrisbane Indian Times 2012 mation sent and using a point Multicultural Business & system will determine the winCommunity Awards will be Trudi Tarres ner of each category. Judges held on 20 April at Michael's will look at aspects such as Function Centre, Eight Mile leadership, community particiPlains. pation, hardship endured, growth, innovaIn the lead up to the award presentations, tion and customer service. The finalists in Brisbane Indian Times will be featuring each category will be contacted by Brisbane some of the nominated businesses that are Indian Times to organise a suitable time for in the running for an award. The featured a video interview that will be used at the nominees are in no particular order and award presentation should they be successthose featured are not necessarily finalists. ful and win their nominated category.

The nominee feature is designed to highI do have to report that not all nominees light achievements of the nominees and to will go through the judging process, this is inform you of the company / individual his- due to lack of participation by way of none tory, achievements and vision for the future. return of the selection criteria by the nomiThe information published on each nominee nee. It is disappointing not only for us but has been extracted from the selection crite- also for the person who took the time to ria supplied by each nominee. Please note nominate the business / individual for an that each article is only a brief description award. of the nominee, a more detailed profile of We congratulate all nominated businesses / all nominated will be on our website soon. individuals on your achievements thus far The next stage for the nominees is the and wish you well for the judging process. judging stage. Selection criteria was sent to Readers are invited to attend the award all nominees and valid entries were presentation, tickets are to be purchased returned by 29 February. The panel of through our office prior to the event.

BOSS Australia - Food & Convenience Nominee

AGED 23, Mohit is currently living on the Gold Coast and is in his second year of study for his Dentistry degree. Prior to commencing his dental studies at Griffith University he completed a degree in Medical Sciences with honours in pathology at the University of Sydney and also has a diploma of management.

He has been an active volunteer and believes that he has garnered significant experiences and accomplishments within the academic, community services/volunteering and the leadership sector.

Over the past year he has embarked on several new projects in Queensland and has continued some form previous years which are based in NSW. Below are some of the projects that Mohit has undertaken; * Establishment of a successful sponsorship/corporate-relations division for the Griffith University Dental Students Association (GUDSA): Currently, as its sponsorship director, GUDSA has progressed significantly with several companies being its sponsors. This has resulted in successful delivery of several academic seminars, social events and upcoming futures/careers information nights. * Development and planning of events with the Griffith Innovation Challenge (GIC) program: * Science Mentoring and Leadership Program (SMLP) at the University of Sydney: * Establishment of the Rotaract Club of Southport: After his work with Rotaract in NSW previously, in 2011, a group of interested young individuals and Mohit formed the Rotaract Club of Southport, based on

the Gold Coast. he was appointed Treasurer for 2011-2012. The club has since its chartering raised funds for various charitable initiatives such as Lifestraws foundation, supplying water purification lifestraws to the Haiti Earthquake victims, end polio movement and many other local organisations. The club organises various fundraising events such as the professional development day for youth, Gold Coast winter sleepout and charity trivia night. * Gold Coast branch of the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME): * Rural community work with Hope4Health: Mohit has been recognised for his contributions / achievements and has received over 20 awards thus far including 2011 NSW highly commended Youth volunteer of the Year Award for excellence in the field of Community Services.

When asked what advice/motivation he would give to his peers, he answered; Home to incredible diversity, it is the youth that are the future building blocks who would strengthen the multicultural framework of this nation. In order to do this, it is imperative to understand what the community needs for its successful progression.

Therefore, constructive contribution to the community via volunteerism/community service is significant in making a positive difference at the grass root level. Each opportunity is gold and hence, i urge them to take it and not let it go to waste, as you never know which door of success it may knock on. Above all, success is a combination of 99% perspiration and 1% aspiration. With hard work, opportunity and dedication, success is inevitable.

James Cook University BRISBANE Campus - Education / Training Services Nominee • Front Row - Left to Right: Kris, Raj, Sam & Ganesh; Back Row: Kalla (Director), Sash & Kalyan

MR Prasad Kalla, CEO BOSS Consulting is a young and dynamic engineering graduate in Computer Science. After successfully completing his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Victoria University of Technology, Melbourne, he had a burning desire to start a business in Australia.

Mr Kalla has tested his business acumen in Australia by starting very small service stations in 2002. Freedom Fuels was his first gas station and today the group has 14 Food & Convenience stores along with retail fuel outlets under BP, Caltex & Spar Brand of both freehold and leasehold. Having tasted success in this line of business, he has diversified his business interests into web development and online e-commerce solutions apart from Real Estate.

BOSS consultancy is currently employing 126 employees across Australia and are focused on delivering the highest level of customer service to their customers.

Creating an inspiring workplace “Be ready for tomorrow” - we at BOSS are working in such a way that the world is changing all around us. To continue to thrive as a business over the next many years and beyond, we must look ahead, understand the trends and forces that will shope our buisness in

the future and move swiftly to prepare for what’s to come. We must get ready for tomorrow - that’s what BOSS Australia is orking on. We care about our clients and they really appreciate our services. We create offers that are too hard to ignor and that is why our long term clients are with us. We offer benefits that are free to us but add value or convenience for our prospects.

BP Gympie Food & Convenience Store provides driveway service to all customers by filling fuel, checking water & oil. We care for our customers by providing top customer services.

Positive benefits to local community: BOSS Group creates more jobs for the local community and provides better wages and benefits to the community. We have been personally providing training to unemployed staff registered with non profit organisations like Centacare to get jobs to the unemployed. We have helped to organize Convoy for kids 2011. Donations are collected for homeless and poor people; we provide disounts to Senior Citizens.

Rajeshwara Nand Tandan currently serving as a Senior Sales manager with BOSS Australia volunteers JP services to the community 7 days a week.

20 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2012

JAMES Cook University (JCU Brisbane) campus opened its doors to its first batch of students in March 2006.

Since inception JCU has grown from an intake of 18 students at first enrolment in March 2006 to 308 in July 2008. In 2011 JCU Brisbane campus had approximately 810 students enrolled.

What sets your business apart from others in your industry?

The JCU Brisbane campus faces a stronger competition base in the higher education industry in Brisbane hence the need to be selective and different in order to attract the students.

Job ready students courtesy of Joblinx, work integrated learning, work experience and professional internships with a personal touch all make JCU Brisbane campus unique.

Many students progress through university, with the “survival of the fittest” mantality. by successfully completing all the required subjects, garduation is assured. The JCU Brisband Campus believes in rewarding effort, by rewarding each and every a High Distinction grade with a $A1000 bursary; which is uniques across all Australian university campuses. This scheme has students striving to earn a high a mark as possible, thereby displaying academic excellence, which proves attractive when competing for emplyment with graduates with average grades.

JCU Brisbane’s campus expertise is strategically mixing work related experiences

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druing study with the academic progam that has graduates “work ready”.

The work experiences arein the form of part-time work and curriculum relatated work-integrated learning (WIL) and professional internships.

The WIL program provides: • an opportunity to put theory into practice; • an awareness of work-place culture and expectations; • first hand experience of the day-to-day operations of real business; • transferable skills such as initiative, team work, leadership, communication, punctuality, interpersonal relationships and self confidence; and • a chance to develop a network of contacts as well as business and career opportunities.

International days are observed on campus with dress, music, video and food. All students are encouraged to participate in the national day of their native country and experience the diverse cultural activities when other nationalities present their day.

Outside of campus, the domestic marketing team, participate in various multicultural events that are staged in Brisbane such as the Chinese Ball and the Queensland Multicultural Festival.

JCU was ranked in the top 4% of the world’s universities and top 100 in the AsiaPacific region by the Shanghai Jiao Tong University. 2012 The Good Universities Guide, graduate outcomes results show a 5star ranking for getting a job and a 4-star ranking for positive graduate outcomes.

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New England College of Technology - Education / Training Services Nominee NEW England College of Technology was established in January 2009 and gained registration as a training organisation in May 2009 to deliver automotive courses.

The opening of the College was the result of the efforts from a partnership between Mr Ajitpal Singh and Mr Rubinder Singh who today are the College's Principal Executive Officer and Director (acting International Liaison Officer) respectively.

Thus far their vision allowed more than 300 students to obtain a qualification, has enabled the employment and further training of more than 15 staff members and continue to add courses and focus their efforts towards providing increasing options for their students. NECT enrolments have increased approximately 40% over the past year.

New England College of Technology aspires to be recognised as a leader in providing vocational education to students from both Australia and overseas. As a centre of learning and service, NECT's endeavour is to empower students with the skills and confidence to be contributing members of society. They pursue this by training individuals in accordance with educational quality standards determined by the Australian Quality Training Framework and are constantly searching for innovative

ways of delivering knowledge to their students.

Their business courses focus on developing and improving analytical, communication and decision making skills of their students, enabling them to face the challenges of the business world. Their portfolio of qualifications are available to both International and Domestic students, Apprentices and Trainees, providing classroom-based training as well as an automotive simulated workshop to support the acquisition of

skills.

Values - NECT aspire to the following values; * Educational Excellence: Embrace educational and technological innovation * Integrity: Expect and consistently stand for integrity, ethical behaviour, and personal responsibility by establishing honest, fair, and caring professional relationships. * Respect: Advocate and respect diverse viewpoints, perspectives, cultures, and values. We adhere to the doctrines of academ-

ic freedom and free speech. We protect the exploration of ideas and encourage inquiry by students, faculty and staff. * Listen: We value the input of both individuals and corporate members of the community in shaping programs and services.

NECT has shown a strong commitment to supporting the community by way of various sponsorships of community events / multicultural shows in partnership with other Colleges and Education providers.

NECT's vision for the future is to strive to grow with a strong focus on; * International partnerships with overseas educational organisations * Entering new student segments within Australia through the offering of new courses * Obtain quality accreditation to ISO9001:2000 by end of 2015.

They aim at diversifying their student base so that there is an equitable distribution between both Domestic and International students. They also aim at increasing the number of RPL assessments reaching 15% share by 2015.

NECT attributes its success to its strong industry network, the experience of its staff in their respective fields and an operation which strictly abides with AQTF standards and ESOS Act 2001.

Small Business Solutions- Education / Training Services Nominee

Modoras Financial Performance Group Outstanding Business of the Year Nominee

SMALL Business Solutions (SBS) strategic business developwas created in response to the sigment, mining, training nd edunificant contribution small busication, warehousing, logistics, nesses make to the Queensland publishing, media and goerneconomy and to address the spement liaison. cific challenges facing small busiOrganising / sponsoring mulnesses. As an outcome of the ticultual / community events.

Queensland Government’s Skills SBS is committed to sponsorPlan, SBS was developed by the ing multicultural events fro Department of Education and small business owners.

Training in conjunction with Through its development of TAFE Queensland and Skilling culturally tailored programs • Philip Fung - Manager, (e.g. Chinese business commuSolutions Queensland.

Designed to enhance the business Small Business Solution. nity and Indigenous communiskills, profitability and growth of Dept. Education & ty), SBS has linked itself to The small businesses throughout Training.

Institute of Bi-Lingual Queensland, SBS provides small Business Training (IBBT) and business owners, managers and staff the AusIndustry Building Entrepreneurship in opportunity to get real business assistance Small Business Program (BESB). It is also from accredited industry professionals. linking to APEC Women Leaders, the World SBS offers small business owners access Bank and AusAid Initiatives. to: There is a strong strategic agenda to * Vocational Education and Training broaden the scope of SBS so that there is Qualifications through Skills Recognition access to the program from disadvantaged leading to Cert IV in Small Business groups including non-English speaking and Management or Diploma of Management; those in rural and remote areas. * Tailored training events such as “Back to SBS is focusing on four major areas to proBasics” and “Planning for Success” work- mote business opportunities and deliver shops; successful outcomes for small businesses * Seminars co-sponored with local busi- throughout Queensland. ness support groups such as Chambers of - Short courses - SBS are developing Commerce and local governemnt agencies “One-on-one e-business health check and provided targeted business information and Workshop” support.

- New target market - Their next goal is to SBS started in 2007 with the first work- target more managers and staff. In many shops that year attracting 405 participants businesses it is the staff who are the forewith 8 mentors. Since then the number of front and who often cannot be spared for participants has steadily increased to num- long periods of time to attend courses. The ber 710 with over 40 mentors in 2011. SBS tailored short coureses developed by SBS aims to have 50 mentors throughout are ideal for managers and staff and gives Queensland by the end of 2012. them great insights into business essentials Area of expertise? SBS has over 40 areas beyond the day to day business operations. of expertise! That is the capabilities of our - Ethnic mentors team of 40 mentors who all have valuable - Digital Technology training industry experience as well as academic SBS believes the success of the program and trade qualificatons in HR, legal, sales, can be attributed to meeting a real need in IT, Real Estate, sport and recreation, retail, the small business community; recruiting micro and home-based businesses, market- only the best business mentors to deliver ing, on-line shopping, building and renova- their programs; and providing value and tion, telecommunications, taxation, super- developing trust for their range of stakeannuation, risk management, insurance, holders.

ESTABLISHED in 1984 by Paramjit Singh Sarai (pictured), Modoras Pty Ltd has a long history of success and is today recognised as a true market leader and a trusted name in financial planning.

Background of Company: At the foundation of the financial industry is the primary method of policy payment collection, what they now call “door knocking”.

Paramjit began his career collecting premiums from clients using this method. Seeing the limitations and fundamental shortfalls of client’s investment risk and possibilities, Paramjit evolved this traditional method of planning to encapsulate a wider reach of financial recommendations. Thsi was the beginning of Sarai Financial Services.

This organisation grew from a single employee to a number of support staff which led Sarai Financial Services to be at the top of the Queensland rankings for MLC in the late 80’s. The evolution of the business saw the amalgamation of 3 firms to create FinancialLine. In 1997, Paramjit again saw the shortfalls and limitations enforced by financial institutional thinking.

A successful application for an Australian Financial Services Licence created opportunities for clients to increase their wealth possibilities.

After many years at the forefront of the financial industry Paramjit believed more was possible. Rebranding the business to incorporate a private wealth offering.

Modoras Financial Performance Group has evolved to include a series of companies; 1. Modoras Financial Performance Group known as Modoras 2. FinancialLine 3. StrataStream 4. Enevita 5. Actocue In 2010 Modoras accepted a partnership with Navacue Accountants, creating the financial planning arm of their organisation.

Under the Navacue banner is: * Navacue Accountants & Tax Specialists * Navacue Financial Planners & Advisors

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What sets your business apart from others in your field?

Modoras’ 27 year history of refined financial leadership, has resulted in our recognition as market leaders by peers adn clients alike. Our continuous innovation sees Modoras being acknowledged as the definitive moderators of financial intelligence.

With a solid foundation of proven tools, practices and our education commitment, clients have peace of mind knowing they have partnered with leading performers to achieve their ultimate financial potential.

How has your business benefited the local community and what has been the long term benefits to the community?

Fundraising Events - “Do Women Need Diamonds or Security?” In support of the National Breast Cancer Foundation $556 was raised through raffle ticket sales during the event. Modoras matched the funds raised dollar for dollar, resulting in $1112 donated to this worthy cause.

Since 2010 Paramjit has played a key role (Chairman) in the formation and ongoing management of Indoz (India and Oz) Sikh Community Cultural & Sporting Centre, a not-for-profit community based organisation.

As Chairman of Indoz, Paramjit contributes to state policy and debate on all matters concerning the ethnic communities and multi-culturalism through his affiliation with: * Federation of Indian Communities; * Qld Police, Indian Community Reference Point; * Qld Police Ethnic Advisory Group; Ethnic Community Council of Qld; Active member and supporter of 4EBfm and Sikh Council of Australia.

He continuously promotes and works to resolve any issues affecting the Indian community within Brisbane by fostering relationships and close ties with other ethnic organisations, business and community leaders.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2012 — 21

Who, What, Where, When

• Lord Mayor Graham Quirk welcomes invited guests to the Refugee Welcome Ceremony held on 29 February at the Grand Chelsea Ballroom, Mercure Hotel Brisbane

• Ba win QCUP 2012. Photo courtesy Lekh Ram Sukh.

Left: Niharika & Krishneel pictured with family at their engagement celebration held on 25 February at Riverlife Function Centre, Kangaroo Point Above: Brisbane Babas Band performing at Niharika & Krishneel’s Engagement Celebration on 25 February at Riverlife Function Centre, Kangaroo Point

• Attendees of the Lord Mayor’s Refugee Welcome Ceremony visiting the Multicultural Affairs Queensland stall on 29 February at the Grand Chelsea Ballroom, Mercure Hotel Brisbane

• Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan with Cr VictoriaNewton drops in at Globenet Realty Boondall to congratulate Umesh Chandra as one of the People of Australia Ambassador

• Members of University of Queensland Multi-faith Chaplaincy at their stall at UQ St. Lucia’s Market Day held on 22 February 2012

• Navnith Lal (pictured right) with family and Umesh Chandra at his fundraising concert, Bollywood Ball, held on 11 February at the Serbian Orthodox Church Hall, Greensborough, VIC.

• Pandit Sanat Pandey officiating the civil marriage ceremony of Denis Sharma, son of Mr & Mrs Baldev Sharma of Parkinson Qld. 22 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2012

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• Saneil Sangeet Chand and Rejeena Thomas (pictured) got engaged (sagaai) recently with all the blessings from their proud parents. Mr Umesh Chandra performed the ring ceremony.

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Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2012 — 23

Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Qld Inc

Progress 1.

A patient, inquisitive individual who leads a life of truthfulness Jitendra Deo is the one who can President progress further on the path of Yog. 2. For spiritual progress, one has to minutely scan one’s beliefs and opinions and has to dissect and filter them with the help of logic and evidence. Only then will the wrong beliefs be attenuated and the right ones be strengthened.

3. An individual becomes worthy once the mind has progressed from the concrete to the abstract or from the extensive to the intensive; when the person has upgraded from indifferent behaviour – the “who cares” attitude – to supreme conduct and when one has made appropriate progress in knowledge, action and prayer.

4. Those who always focus on their end – death, the last moment of this valuable life – are able to think faster, work faster.

Consequently, they are able to progress faster towards their destined goal.

5. Keeping oneself engaged in tasks of excellence, concentrating on a pre-decided goal and making constant effort to achieve it are some measures to keep the mind free of immoral or inappropriate thoughts of passion etc.

6. We keep rising and falling all day long.

False knowledge, wrong actions, incorrect forms of devotion and prayer – these are the things that lead to downfall; true knowledge, right types of efforts and devotion in the right direction are factors that raise a person to great heights. A spiritual traveller always remembers this fact, remains cautious and keeps improving himself. On continuing this practice for a long time, it gets firmer and stronger.

7. To be successful in life, one needs to

observe extreme caution.

Questions like – What should I see, What shouldn’t I see, What should I hear, What shouldn’t I hear, What should I know, What I shouldn’t know, What should I do, What shouldn’t I do – are of paramount importance.

8. Strange incidents keep occurring from time to time but the practitioner of Yog always keeps an eye on what effect those incidents are exerting on him and whether they are snubbing his target of salvation or augmenting it. In case a bad effect does manage to creep in, he successfully and quickly wards it off.

9. Until the point of attaining the highest spiritual level, it is vital to remain under the supervision of elders and to abide by the instructions of teachers. Only then is progress possible, otherwise downfall is certain.

10. The initial spiritual traveller thinks that he will end up with nothing if he renounces the pleasures of the world, even if they are contaminated with sorrows. “If I abandon worldly pleasures on one hand and on the other, I am unable to derive joy from the Absolute Source (God), what will I be left with? I will be totally deprived of even the little that I have.” In that situation, you should understand that as soon as one gives up the pleasures of the world, one is flooded with the pleasure of contentment – which pervades all desire and which occupies a higher place than the greatest joys of the world.

Please contact Jitendra Deo 3263 1914 or Hari Chand 33454716 for information on activities of Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland or visit: www.aryasamajqueensland.com

50 km bike ride and marathon run for Ipswich Awakening Easter Monday Funday April 9th IPSWICH Awakening Easter Monday Funday 9th April is considered the largest free Christian Easter Festival in Queensland and up to 15,000 people get free food, drinks and entertainment to celebrate the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ!

To promote the 20th EMF, Brisbane Indian Times correspondent and EMF volunteer Peter Lane Rai, on March 28th 2011 first cycled 50 km from Lowood to Wyvenhoe dam, then, along with another EMF volunteer, ran a marathon of 42 km to Queens Park

Ipswich where EMF is always held .

During his ride and run Pete met up with other EMF volunteers en route who supplied him needed refreshments!

To complete the run and ride it takes determination, discipline and dedication, the same qualities that the Lord Jesus Christ showed in going to the cross to die for the sins of the world .

EMF gets no local or State Government funding for the celebration which has over 400 volunteers involved with food stalls, displays, music or children’s activities.

Commemoration of the Birth Anniversary of the Holy Prophet Muhammed (s.a.w.) PBUH

By Shahban Ali THE month of the birth of our Holy Prophet brings blessings and rejoicing to the hearts of millions of Muslims around the world. This month is held in great reverence by them as it was in this auspicious month that Allah the Almighty graced the earth with the birth of His last Prophet Muhammed s.a.w (pbuh), the fountain head of guidance, for the entire human race In fact, the birth of the Holy Prophet is a unique Divine gift of mercy to the humanity. In the words of the Holy Quran “We have sent thee not save as a mercy for the Universe.” Al -Quran 21:107 There is no doubt that the birth anniversary of the Prophet is an occasion of universal rejoicing since he was sent by God as “Rahamat-ul- Lilaalameen” the blessing for all the world and Mercy unto mankind. The Muslims being his “ummah” have a special cause for commemorating this occasion with gratefulness and thanksgiving The Prophet’s birth anniversary is either

called “Maulood-un-Nabi.” or “Seerat ul- Nabi” when special programs are held where the followers of Islam are reminded about the life and teachings of the Prophet.

This year saw many mosques organizing their own functions such as Darra Mosque, Kurby Mosque, Holland Park Mosque, Algester Mosque, Islamic Society of Queensland at Rochdale mosque and Jamia Al-Mustapha Institute of Brisbane at Logan Community Centre and Runaway Bay in Gold Coast. These are multi-faceted programs attended by men, women and children. Refreshment or dinner is served to all those attending them.

Our Imams, Maulanas and the Committee members of the various societies are responsible for the organization of these programs and often qualified overseas speakers are invited to speak on this occasion.

May Allah accept all the hard work done by our Imams and Maulanas and reward all those who sacrifice their time to attend and listen to these lectures.

24— THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2012

The train of life Courtesy Vinaya Natarajan Translated from Hindi IN this world, there’s a train that is always moving. It doesn’t stop at a station or for anyone. It just keeps going. Every second, some people get on and some people get off. Where will it stop? Nobody knows. To sit in this train, all you need is the ticket of life. We have already been given that. We’re in the train, and it is moving.

People ask me, “Why am I here?” What kind of a question is that? Since I was very little, people have been asking me, “What is the goal of this life?” I used to tell them, “You have this life, and you don’t know what the goal of your life is? That means you have not understood what you have been given.

You’ve just believed what people have said.”

This is what happens: You’re in a car and you get lost. Someone’s standing on the side of the road, and you ask him, “Where is so-and-so place? How do I get there?” He says, “Go straight, make a right turn, then one kilometer ahead make a left, and you’ll be there.” Then you say thank you and keep going. You don’t ask, “Do you really know where this place is?” You say, “I need to go there,” and he says whatever he says. It could be completely wrong. It could be that he is crazy. It could be that he doesn’t know where he is going, and he is lost himself, giving people different directions. When we close our eyes and do things with blind faith, the impact is different than when we do things consciously.

Today, the world is ready to explain to us what we need. I do not accept that because what we need and the desire for it are placed within us. Until we understand what that desire is, we just get suck in the names, the definitions, the descriptions. We get stuck in imagination. It is one thing to have a description of something and another to have the experience.

When it comes to peace, when it comes to understanding, people are happy to stay in the description and not have the experience.

Every day, we try to imagine God through our mind and intellect. We try to talk to him

and see him through these eyes. And what is the experience?

What is the experience of that which resides within? This is what I talk about, and this is what I pay more attention to. The descriptions are fine, but without experience, all those things are incomplete. Water quenches thirst, but a picture of water cannot quench your thirst. Fire can burn something, but a picture of fire cannot burn anything. If you want to have true love, you have to experience true love. Just hearing words or descriptions and imagining it are not enough. It needs to be real.

If you want the experience of what is within you, I will walk a thousand steps, but you need to take at least one step: you will have to ask for it from your heart. And I can give it to you.

It is necessary that you come from that place within you that is simple. Don’t come with your bag of concepts. In this life, we need to understand how much has been taught to us and how much is our own. We need to recognize both of those things, and it is very difficult.

These are not just words. I guarantee you that you can definitely have the experience of that which has no beginning and has no end, which is real.

That experience is already inside of you. it doesn’t need to be created. You just need to lift the veil of ignorance. Once you have understood, once you know where your home is, you won’t need to get lost. You won’t need to wander. So understand and enjoy that real thing.

Maharaji

• http://tprf.org • http://maharaji.net • http://contactinfo.net

Living in victory DEAR reader, it is with great joy that we bring you the word of God. Almost everyday we hear or read about job cuts, businesses closing, Pastor Joseph nations struggling, then there are the natural disasters, famine, floods, wars, etc.

In John 10v10 it says "... I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly". Scripture tells us that we are more than conquerors and victorious through Jesus Christ. God doesn't think thoughts of fear, worry, depression, stress, defeat but His thoughts are of triumph, victory, joy and peace and if we are to live in victory then we are to line up our thoughts with that of God's. It looks impossible but God's word says "nothing is impossible to one who believes". I may be facing a mountain of troubles but God's word says "If I have faith even the size of a mustard seed I can speak to the mountain and it will be gone". When we begin to call upon the promises of God we are lining up our thoughts with that of God's and opening doors to living in victory.

We can not expect victory if we are confessing defeat or we cannot defeat an enemy that we tolerate. In the scriptures we read that one time the Philistines came up against Israel to do battle. A champion named Goliath came out of the camp of the Philistines and challenged Israel for 40 days. For 40 days they remained defeated

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as long as they tolerated Goliath, until a shepherd boy named David defeated him with a sling and some Dass stones. Let us ask ourselves what is holding us back, a bad past, fear, worry, a bad experience, failure? The reason they could very well be there is because we have been tolerating them. David called upon the promises of God and commanded the enemy to get out of his way and so can we. So make a decision, a plan to live in victory today.

We cannot live in victory if we keep thinking that there is a lot wrong with us. When God called Moses to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt, all Moses could see were things that were wrong with him. He began to confess how he had a bad past, that people won't believe him, that he was old, that he was not a good speaker and so on. All he could see and confess was the negative in him and God had to remind him how he had his brother Aaron with him, then he had a rod in his hand. We can think of many things we don't have but there are a lot of things we do have. And what we do need, God can supply as the scripture says "My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus".

Let us pray "Dear heavenly Father, thank you for making us victorious through Jesus, Amen".

Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

Thankfullness, gratitude and patience Prepared By Imam Muhammad Aslam ALL praise is due to Allah taa'la the cherisher and the sustainer of the universe and blessings and salutations upon our beloved prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihi wassalam) he is the mercy to the entire mankind and the final messenger.

As being a believer we must thank our lord (Alla Taa'la). In each state it is true that if you thank him he will increase in you bounties.

Quran: Nay, indeed it is Allah should you show ubudiyyah to, and show to Him gratitude.

- Quran: O you who believe, use of that which is good of what We have provided for you, and be grateful to Allah if you are truly ibaad.

- Quran: And if you show gratefulness, I will give you more.

- Quran: (shaytan says after being granted respite by Allah) I will come to them, from in front of them and from behind them, from their right and their left, and You will find most of them ungrateful.

- Hadeeth: O Mu'adh, Let me teach you something.. ( the duaa at end of salah) Allahumma a'innee ala dhikrikah, wa shukrukah, wa hussni ibadatik.. ( Ya Allah help me to remember You, to show shukr to You, and to make the most beautiful of ibdadah) - Rasulullah (saws) used to stand up nights in qiyamul-layl every night to the extent his feet swelled. Aisha (ra) asked him, why do you do this when Allah has already forgiven you everything before and everything after? He (saws) said: Then shall I not be a grateful 'abd (servant)?

Shukr is to be shown in three ways: (1): Shukru bil qalb: shukr of the heart. achieved by harbouring and intending good for all of Allah's creation. (khayr meaning something pleasing to Allah swt) (2): Shukru bil leesan: shukr of the tongue. celebrate with the tongue the praises of Allah (swt), Alhamdulillah = showing the world I am pleased with my Lord. Quran: As to the ni'mah of your Lord, celebrate it.

(3): Shukr bil jawaarih: shukr of the external senses. (amal, actions) everytime Allah gives us a ni'mah, we must use that ni'mah the way it was intended to be used by our Creator- and thus used in the way of His obedience, and not in the way of His disobedience.

- kuffr an- na'mah: rejection of Allah's ni'mah "There are divine words written on the pages of every ni'mah. But those words are not deciphered by everyone." ex. Using the tongue in a harmful way is kuffran of ni'matul leesan ex. Using the eyes to look at things that are haraam is kuffran of the ni'mah of the eyes. ex. dressing inappropriately is kufrran of the ni'mah of our body ex. Using the intellect for the wrong type of knowledge, is kuffran as well.

Any ilm that does not bring us closer to Allah, is wrong. Rasulullah (saws) sought refuge in Allah from information that was not beneficial.

- Quran: If you were to count the ni'mah of Allah, you would not be able to ennumerate them. Verily Man is an ungrateful creature.

Shukr + Sabr + Tawbaah = ingredients

for happiness - showing sabr in the ni'mah of Allah is shukr (by not transgressing the bounds set down by Allah) Some duas mentioned: - In response to 'how are you?': "I celebrate the praises of my Lord to you and the rest of creation. Surely with my Lord I am pleased."

- In mornings and evenings: "Ya Allah whatever bounty has been my share and the bounty of the rest of creation has been from You and You alone; and I celebrate Your praise."

- For morning: "Ya Allah I woke up this morning having You, and the angels who carry Your throne, and all angels, and all of Your creation, witness that You are the One and Only God, and Muhammad is your messenger."

- Ni'mah is everything we like that happens to us, but there is one real ni'mah, the ni'mah of all ni'mahs: JANNAH Every other ni'mah are means to that end.

- Why is Jannah the only true, real ni'mah?

Because of 4 things (all other ni'mah violate one of them): 1) eternal life without death - every other ni'mah is mortal 2) immortality with happiness - every happiness of dunyaa has moments of displeasure, grief, consequences.

3) ni'mah of knowlege - everyone, no matter how knowledgeable, has moments of ignorance, happiness of akhirah is ilm without jahil 4) wealth never tainted by moments of poverty and need.

Which is better, shukr or sabr?

We can't say, it is dependent upon what level of shukr or sabr it is. (ex. a man indulges in everything that is halaal, or one who uses that wealth in every way to get closer to Allah, the second is a higher level than the first) - These are the keys to the treasure of happiness.

- Without these two wings of shukr and sabr, we cannot fly to happiness.

- Shukr is a fruit of being aware and conscious of Allah's bounty.

- Sabr is a fruit of being away of our own weaknesses, ignorance, transgressions, inadequacies and ugliness of the self.

The shortest path to Allah is the path of an 'abd. The thickest of veils between Allah and the 'abd is ad'daawaah (feeling of arrogance, deserving) Ya Allah, make us of those who listen to the words of admonition and follow the best of them. Ya Allah, forgive us our sins, and grant us Your mercy.

Allahumma inne ala dhikrikah, wa shukrikah, wa hussni ibadaatik.

AMEEN! SABR(Patience) - an essential element in fulfilling our ubudiyyah to Allah (swt) - Rasulullah (saws) said: Sabr is a source of light - In the Quran it says: [And practice sabr, for you are under Our gaze] One of the early ulamah used to carry a parchment with this ayah on it in his pocket, and he looked at it constantly. .

So what is sabr?

The steadfastness of the religious call over

the call to passion - if the deen overcomes the nafs, this is sabr There are 2 kinds of sabr (or two ways we can perform sabr): 1) when something we desire happens to us, something we like, we exhibit sabr in controlling our selves, not going into excess, not transgressing the bounds set down for us by Allah (swt) Abdur Rahmad ibn Auf said: We were tried by hard times and we showed sabr, but when we were tried in ease and excess, we failed.

Hadeeth: I do not fear for you poverty; I fear for you plentifulness of dunyaa, and it will destroy you as it had destroyed nations before you.

Quran: O you who believe, do not let your families and your wealth draw you away from the dhikr of Allah; and whosoever does that is indeed the loser.

2) Sabr in what we dislike. In 3 areas of life: a.) sabru ala ta'aat: in obeying Allah (swt). sabr against our nafs who dislikes it, whether in spirituality or mundane, sabr before, during and after the act of obedience. b.) sabru anil ma'asee: to show sabr against disobedience to Allah (swt). We are attracted to do injustice to others thinking we are doing justice to ourselves. We live in an environment that is dangerously attractive, we need to have patience, constancy, steadfastness = sabr. c.) sabr andil ma'asid: to show sabr in times of calamity, adveristy, pain, whether physical or emotional. Everything that is in the capacity of an individual to change, he should- but have sabr in what you cannot.

Not reciprocating harm is sabr.

Hadeeth: whenever a museebah (hardship) befalls you (and you show sabr) Allah (swt) atones for you some of your sins Hadeeth: Allah (swt) atones some of our sins not only by physical endurance but by emotional ones as well Sa'ad ibn Abi Waqqas (ra) asked the Prophet (saws) "Ya Rasulullah, who amongst people are the most tried (subject to hardships)?" Rasulullah (saws) said: The Anbiyyah (messengers of Allah) and after them the Salihoon (righteous) and then in accordance to your eman, taqwaah etc, there will be more hardships, not less.

Every mu'min will be tried by difficulties in accordance (proportion) to their deen. If in this person's deen is solidity (their deen is deeply rooted) the balaa' will increase, to purify, cleanse, strengthen, elevate the person. And if in the deen in this person there is riqaa (weakness, thinness), then that persons balaa will be weakened, until the person walks on the earth cleansed of sins until they meet Allah.

What are the adaab of sabr?

1- once the calamity befalls us, we must show sabr immediately without delay.

A woman was in the cemetery, crying, mourning her love, when Rasulullah (saws) said to her "show sabr". She said, not knowing who he was "that's easy for you to say, you have not lost a loved one". When the companions told her who he was, she asked for forgiveness and rasulullah (saws) said: Sabr is to be shown at the beginning of hardship.

2- al-itirjaa': to say immediately, sincerely, from the heart: "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhee raji'uun" -Verily from Allah we come and to Him we return 3- the tongue and the senses do not act violently - use them correctly, don't get caught up in the pain of the moment 4- Hussnul sabr- sabrun jameel- the highest level, the most beautiful sabr Sabr can be categorized into 3 levels: 1- Tarkus sabraa: the lowest level- when one does not complain but inside dislikes what's happening to them 2- Ar-ridhaa-bil-beelah: no complaint, to show satisfaction with the balaa (hardship), because they have yaqeen (certainty) that Allah only does to the 'abd what is best for them 3- Ash-shukr-alal-beelah: to have ridhaa (satisfaction) and to be grateful to Allah for the hardship because that person has yaqeen that this is to elevate his spiritual statuslooks at the consequence, not the immediate event we are taught sabrun jameel in the story of yaqub and yusuf (as) Ali (ra) said: Of the realization of the Majesty of Allah, and of knowledge of the right Allah (swt) has on His creation, is that when one is befallen with a calamity, one does not complain, does not even mention what has befallen him.

An 'abd should feel ashamed to describe the pain, we are complaining about the Creator to the creation?

Ibn Qays (a tabi') said: I lost my eyesite 40 years ago, I have never told anyone.

An ulumah (didn't get the name): "Whosoever complains about a calamity that has befallen him to other than Allah, such an individual would never find the sweetness of ta'aa (obedience to Allah (swt)) in the heart" How to attain sabr(Patience)?

The cure to any disease of the heart (arrogance, anger, lack of hayaa) 1- ILM: brings desire and want to change, use the ilm the teacher conveys to you! brings about hazm- energy, resolve to change 2- AMAL: take it into everyday life, in your actions Qat'al asbaab- severing the ways and avenues to bad deeds. example: lowering the gaze for zinnah. for every haraam avenue, there is a halaal alternative.

No pain, no gain- condition your nafs and your qalb, or they will condition you Work hard on uprooting the weeds of passion, disobedience and sin. Sow the seeds in your heart of the will to change and sincerity. Let the rain be the mercy and forgiveness of Allah purifying the land, our hearts.

The best door from which we can enter the majesty of Allah, is humility.

1- Always be conscious in our hearts and minds of Allah's nimaah 2- Always be conscious of our weaknesses, the sins we have committed. Have faqarthe opposite of pride, self-reliance, selfinterest..

Qur'an: "InnaAllah ma'as sabireen: Verily Allah is WITH those who have sabr."

Ya Allah, make us of those who have sabr, and grant us Your mercy and Your forgiveness.

Ameen.

Imam Shatiri’s Captivating Quran Recitation Enchants Brisbane Muslims

By Falihin Amran, Manager AMYN Islamic Centre and Library HikmahWay Institute CCN - Crescents Community News www.crescentsofbrisbane.org SATURDAY 25th February was a first for Brisbane!

A packed audience of over four hundred enjoyed the beautiful and soothing recitation of Surah Waqiah by Sheikh Abu Bakr Shatiri (pictured seated left), one of the world’s leading Quran reciters.

Prior to the recitation, the Sheikh entertained the audience with his humble sense of humour and sincere spirituality during a half hour interview conducted by Sheikh Aslam AbuIsmaeel (pictured seated right), the night’s host and Director of Australian Muslim Youth Network (AMYN).

During the interview, Sheikh Shatiri highlighted the need for and a way to develop a pure and sincere heart and it is only such a heart that Allah blesses with the joy of truly Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

enjoying the depths of the meaning and recitation of the Quran.

The Sheikh, whose Quran recitation is a world best seller and available in all leading Quran Applications on Android and AppStore, also travels extensively around the world and is much adored by Muslims of all backgrounds.

The memorable night, filled with an atmosphere of love of the Quran, witnessed also the spirit of brotherhood between people of all backgrounds – South African, Zimbabwean, Arabs, African, Asian and European.

Special thanks from AMYN Islamic Centre and Library to Imam Yusuf Peer, the president of Council of Imams Queensland (CIQ) for attending and welcoming the famous reciter on behalf of Queensland's Muslims.

To view the event on video register a request at www.AMYNweb.com/shatiri. www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2012 — 25

Health Beauty Wellbeing How to sleep well - effect of going to Shailly Hair & Beauty introduces new line Ayurvedic Medicine - Ancient remedies for modern times sleep late at night SHAILLY Hair & Beauty has an extensive ALL of us would like to know how to sleep well so as to be at our best when we get up. One of the important parameters involved in how to sleep well is the time of going to sleep. Most of us have experienced that we are not at our best in the morning when we go to sleep late. Some of us are aware about the illeffects of going to sleep late at night at a physical and psychological level.

However either due to pressure of work or partying, more and more people are going to sleep late at night. In this article we take a look at what happens in the subtle dimension when we go to sleep late at night. This will help us take an educated decision about how to sleep well from the perspective of when we should go to sleep at night.

Benefit of our actions as per the time after sunset From sunrise to sunset clockwise or positive frequencies are moving in the atmosphere. After sunset the anticlockwise or distressing frequencies start moving in atmosphere. Hence we get progressively lesser and lesser benefit of our actions. To understand this in further detail let us divide the 12 hours between sunset to sunrise in 4 blocks of 3 hours each. The following diagram shows how the benefit of our actions are compromised after Sunset. (In thepictured example above we have taken 6:00 PM as the time of sunset and 6:00 AM as the time of sunrise.)

Increasing influence of subtle basic rajatama at night The time after sunset is a period of higher subtle basic raja-tama activity. This subtle basic raja-tama component goes on increasing as the night starts advancing.

The subtle basic raja-tama component is not conducive to positive activity. Hence when we try to accomplish something during the period after sunset we have to work against the tide of higher subtle basic rajatama component. Thus a lot of our energy is wasted in just overcoming the negative influence of the heightened subtle basic raja-tama component. As a result to accomplish any task we end up having to spend much more energy.

The fluctuation of the subtle basic components of sattva, raja and tama is by 5%.

During the early morning hours the subtle basic sattva component is at its highest. As the sun goes up, i.e. during the day, the subtle basic raja component steadily rises.

With sundown the subtle basic tama component starts rising and is at its highest around 12:00 AM to 3:00 AM. Hence the early morning hours are most conducive to

accomplishing any positive activity. This is because the enhanced saattviktaa in the atmosphere enhances one's capacity to work and because of the lower subtle basic raja and tama, the resistance to activity is lower.

Influence of ghosts at night Another important factor to be taken into account is the influence of negative energies. Due to the steady increase in the subtle basic tama component after sunset, the influence of negative energies is increased in two ways.

• Increased ability to harness black or negative energy from the environment • Increased ability of utilizing this energy, e.g. by draining people of their vital energy and put ting negative thoughts in their minds.

Their influence increases progressively after twilight and is at its height after midnight. The period from 12.00 am to 3.00 am is the period of their maximum influence. It is also the period where the effect of spiritual practice is at its minimum, as already explained above. Hence we are more vulnerable to their attacks.

In summary Thus apart from the physical and psychological ill-effects of going to sleep late at night, at a spiritual level too going to sleep late at night is detrimental. Also when we go to sleep late at night we invariably end up getting up late in the morning. As explained above the subtle basic sattva component is at its highest in the hours just before sunrise and the hours just after it.

Hence by not working in the early morning hours we lose the benefit of the enhanced saattviktaa at that time. Thus from the perspective of getting maximum value for the time we put in, it is best not to go to sleep late at night.

To read the detailed article, please visit our website www.ssrf.org and click on ‘How to sleep well’ You can e-mail us your comments and queries at shobhana.shet@spiritualresearchfoundation.org

26 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2012

range of beauty services available including threading, waxing, hair & make up and also offers clients "Intraceuticals" oxygen skin treatments and products that are used by celebrities and professionals worldwide.

Owner Saroj Patel has built up her salon and has turned it into a one stop beauty and health shop, catering for both internal and external beauty that will not only leave you looking and feeling good but also balance the body, mind and spirit.

Saroj is excited to announce that she has extended their services to include Ayurvedic medicine. The new line offers treatments for various ailments including medicine for hair / skin / nails and body detox.

Ayurvedic medicine is also called Ayurveda. It is a system of medicine that originated in India several thousand years ago. The term Ayurveda combines two Sanskrit words: ayur, which means life, and veda, which means science or knowledge. Ayurveda means "the science of life." Considered holistic, Ayurveda is a whole medical system which integrates and balances the body, mind, and spirit.

Saroj who has been involved in the beauty industry for over 20 years has extensive knowledge and is more than happy to discuss your needs, whether it be your bridal make-up or treatment of an ailment. To enquire about a service or to make an appointment call 07 3165 4588 or mobile 0432 614 653.

Shailly Hair & Beauty is located at 3 Muscari Crescent, near Stretton College, Drewvale Qld 4116. Ample onsite parking is available.

What is so great about green tea?

By Thilliar Varnakulasingham TEA (Camellia sinensis) is mainly cultivated mainly in India, Sri Lanka and China.

Tea leaves are picked throughout the year. The parts used are leaf buds and young leaves. Tea is grown exclusively for use as a beverage.

But unfortunately it is the most undervalued medicinal plant. Many studies show the health giving properties of unfermented green or white tea.

Green tea is made by lightly steaming the freshly cut bud and leaf. The active constituents are largely intact. However, black tea is fermented. There is significant loss of antioxidants, notably polyphenols.

White tea is high quality tea. It is made with the youngest leaf buds. White tea contains high levels of polyphenols. It is expensive.

Green tea is rich in catechin polyphenols, especially in epigallocatechin gallate(EGCG). EGCG is a powerful antioxidant. It inhibits the growth of cancer cells. It kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. It is effective in lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. It inhibits the abnormal formation of blood clots.

Abnormal formation of blood clots is the

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leading cause of heart attacks and stroke.

The French consume a diet rich in fat. Still they have a lower incidence of heart disease than Americans.

The French consume red wine which contains resveratrol. Resveratrol is a polyphenol that limits the negative effects of smoking and a fatty diet.

The researchers from the University of Kansas in a 1997 study found that EGCG is twice as powerful as resveratrol. The rate of heart disease among Japanese men is low. Approximately seventy-five percent of them are smokers. EGCG protects them partly.

Recent studies suggest that polyphenolic compounds in tea may promote fertility in women, provided they drink one or two cups daily. Many skin preparations, from deodorants to creams, are appearing in the market.

Tea is a gentle stimulant. It has moderate caffeine content. It enhances mental alertness. It is used as a remedy for headache, though coffee is more effective in this respect.

Green tea can help dieters. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the results of a study at the University of Geneva, Switzerland in l999. If men are given a combination of caffeine and green tea extract, they will burn more calories than those who use only caffeine.

Green tea can be used as a remedy for diarrhea. The polyphenols in the tea counter infection, besides toning up the inner lining of the gut. Tea appears to reduce the incidence of tooth decay.

If your eyes are tired and puffy, you can place a moist tea bag or a cotton wool soaked in cooled green tea on the affected eye for a few minutes. Symptoms are usually eased. The eyelids and surrounding tissues are toned.

Drinking green tea at nights may produce insomnia in some people due to the fact that it contains caffeine. However, green tea contains less caffeine than coffee.

Tea may be avoided during premenstrual syndrome. It may not be useful during the menopause because it may increase hot flushes. Tea impairs absorption of iron and other minerals. You should avoid drinking tea with meals or medication, especially if you are anemic.

The advantages of drinking green tea are many. If you drink at least one cup a day, it will give your body the extra bit of health boost.

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Health Beauty Wellbeing Treatment of Pigmentation Nimisha - 0412 350 013 Hetvi Hair & Beauty

HEY Girls, sick and tired of those brown spots on face? Here’s a solution…

Hyper pigmentation Also known as brown spots, occur when too much of melanin pigments are deposited on the dermal layer. They are commonly found in people with dark skins, in Brunner's with olive complexions and mostly in women more than men. The cause can be genetic but the main cause is the over exposure of the skin to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.

Treatment Of Pigmentation As it's said "Preventing is better than curing", so before it gets too late to treat your skin, start using an effective sunscreen daily, this is the key to prevent and minimize formation of brown spots. Without consistent use of a sunscreen, no treatment will be effective. Even after a successful treatment, brown spots will recur within a few minutes of unprotected sun exposure.

The primary means of preventing skin hyperpigmentation is to wear sunscreen with a high SPF that blocks out the harmful rays. Going out under the sun without wearing sunscreen is inviting dark spots on the skin later on in life, not to mention increasing the risk of skin cancer.

Start making it a part of your daily routine to apply sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15. An increasing number of skin care products include an SPF in them as well. You need to use a full quarter size or more on the face for comprehensive protection.

Few home remedies: 1. Apply castor oil once daily before bath for 30 minutes and wash your face with mild soap 2. Stop the use of creams, lotions or a facial cleanser which irritates the skin or you get

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allergy.

3. Apply a face pack of Multani meetti (yellow mud) with rose water once a week.

4. Extract of aloe vera also helps if applied regularly on face.

5. Have plenty of water to remove the toxins from your body and have glowing skin.

6. Wash your face with plain water or rose water and let it dry regularly.

7. Rub raw papaya juice or ripe papaya pulp on the skin, it helps to lighten the dark patches on your face.

8. Rubbing a slice of lime lighten the pigmentation of the face, arms and legs.

9. Mix few drops of lime juice to milk or curd and apply on the face 2 times a day 10. Grate a potato or a cucumber place it on your closed eyes for 15 minutes, it will reduce puffiness as well as the dark circles under your eyes 11. Place tea bags (used or new (soaked) and chilled). Place them on your eyes for ten minutes. The tanning content in the tea leaves help to decrease puffiness as well as dark circles.

Last but not least, the most important thing is check your blood count if it's ok then this problem is external, otherwise have extract of 2 papaya leaves with 10 leaves extract of tulsi. Rubbing tulsi extract helps to remove pigmentation, you can apply it before going to bed.

Hope this helps, Nimisha

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2012 - 27

New Zealand’s amazing North and South Islands

By Rama Gaind A MULTITUDE of unforgettable moments made for a memorable visit to New Zealand, the Land of the Long White Cloud.

Both north and south islands are lusciously green, featuring diverse landscapes and immense wide open spaces.

Be prepared to be amazed: driving every day you see a kaleidoscope of changing countryside with rugged mountains, picturesque fiords, spectacular glaciers, rolling hillsides, vast plains, subtropical forest, volcanic plateau and miles of coastline with gorgeous sandy beaches.

Much of these landscapes are protected by National Parks with thousands of kilometres of walks and trails opening their beauty to the public.

Here is a thumbnail sketch of some of the highlights I experienced in Christchurch Canterbury and the Banks Peninsula followed by Rotorua and the Hamilton Waikato region.

Garden City of Christchurch South island’s largest city, Christchurch reveals heritage of early English settlers in the architecture of older buildings.

The Garden City pulsates with positive vibes: rebuilding and moving forward from the devastating earthquakes last year.

CEO of Christchurch Canterbury Tourism Tim Hunter is optimistic about the future. More than an estimated $30 billion is being put into the reconstruction program.

Apart from the Christchurch Cathedral, other prominent places of interest include the beautiful Neo-Gothic Arts Centre, Canterbury Museum and the Botanical Gardens.

These gardens are an oasis in the city featuring more than 50 acres of beautiful horticultural displays, several conservatories, memorials, garden art and walking tracks.

You have to see the Botanic Gardens from the Avon River onboard an Edwardian punt followed by unwinding at the Peppers Clearwater Resort. Make your way to Governor’s Bay and discover the magic of SHE Chocolat and tantalise your sweet tooth.

Be dazzled by the beautiful harbours, volcanic hills and passes and hidden bays as you make your way to Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula. Here you get a chance to marvel at the world’s smallest and rarest dolphins, the Hector’s dolphins, fur seals, little blue penguins and a myriad of bird life. Lake Ellesmere (Te Waihora) and Lake Forsyth (Te Waiwera) is home to over 100 species of local and migratory birds.

Freshen up at the Akaroa Village Inn, then take lessons

• Te Heketanga a Rangi - The main entrance to Te Puia is called Te Heketanga a Rangi (heavenly origins). Twelve monumental contemporary carvings reach skywards, each representing a celestial guardian in Te Arawa culture.

from Lou and Ant Bentley from the Akaroa Cooking School who have put their heart and soul into this venture.

The Giant’s House is a historic residence with original artworks, terraced gardens with sculptures and mosaics that are the brainchild of Josie Martin. Visit the Canterbury Museum and see real fun, cool, design exhibits together with ‘real’ people.

Back in Christchurch stay at the Huntley Lodge that’s set in park-like gardens in a tranquil, secluded environment, offering all the charms of yesteryear, combined with modern luxuries.

Rotorua highlights Rotorua straddles two tectonic plates and sits on the Pacific Rim of Fire that has resulted in some spectacular geothermal areas and volcanoes, some of which are still active.

You can see this geothermal activity close up with spouting geysers, hot water and bubbling mud pools.

An authentic introduction to Maori culture awaits you at the Mitai Maori Village. Then visit Te Puia, New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, where the traditional welcome - the Powhiri – is an exciting start to the evening. Be thrilled by the challenge of Maori warriors or the spine-tingling cry of Maori women as they welcome you in their powerful and time-honoured way.

Be in awe as you explore the heart of Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, with Pohutu Geyser illuminated as a nat-

ural and spectacular backdrop.

For fine dining, fine wine, good company and fabulous entertainment make a point of visiting the Spanish missionstyle Blue Baths, set in the tranquil beauty of Rotorua’s Government Gardens.

Holiday Inn Rotorua is ideal for a convention with great views of the renowned Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and Historic Village.

A guided tour by KiaOra Guided City Walks around Government Gardens proved enlightening. The pace picked up slightly at redwood forest (Whakarewarewa) after participating in a guided mountain bike tour. We also traversed the geothermal park and bathed in the mud pools at WaiOra Hellsgate. Comforting.

Amazing Hamilton Waikato As you drive to Hamilton on the banks of the mighty Waikato River, be amazed at the world-famous Glowworm and Ruakuri caves, enjoy a lamb burger at HuHu Café and after dinner at the Smith & McKenzie Restaurant, a vibrant New York-style steak house, spend the night at Kingsgate Hotel.

An hour’s drive the next morning gets you to Raglan, a popular destination for artists, surfers and local weekend holidaymakers alike. See the town on a Bike 2 Bay tour, cruise on the ‘Wahinemoe’ partaking of a barbecue lunch, be fascinated by the knowledge that Charlie Young, director of Discover Raglan, has amassed and be stunned by the rugged scenery and Whaingaroa Harbour.

Travel to Manu Bay in an electric bus to see the famous surfbreak. This is followed by a 17-kilometre quadbike safari … that I undertook for the first-time ever. Couldn’t have done it without the confidence boost from Percy Kukutai and Dennis Holland!

After my nerves were calm, the sumptuous dinner at Orca went down well, followed by a good night’s rest at the Raglan Sunset Motel.

Raglan Scenic Tours took us to view Bridal Veil Falls, a spectacular 55-metre cascade near Raglan that’s set in a beautiful native bush reserve.

Enroute to Rotorua International Airport a lunch stop in quirky Tirau uncovers funky corrugated iron animals and sculptures.

What an ever-memorable, unbelievable welcome to New Zealand. Kia Ora! Rama Gaind was a guest of Tourism New Zealand, Destination Rotorua Marketing and Hamilton & Waikato Tourism

42 days on “Sun Princess” cruise ship Part II - By Shahban Ali IN the last episode of my travels I described the ship “Sun Princess” with all its facilities for the passenger’s enjoyment. In Part II, I will highlight the 10 countries and the 18 ports of call that we visited.

We embarked on the ship at Portside Wharf, Hamilton on September 21, 2011 to the welcome words of the Captain Andrew Froude, “Welcome aboard the spectacular ‘Sun Princess,’ where comfortable elegance and an incredible variety of activities, dining, and entertainment options await you.’’

At every port of call group tours were organized for various places of interest. These could be a full day tour or only half a day.

The cost of this had to be met by the passengers separately as they were not included in the tickets. The other option was to make your own arrangements to see whatever interested you but you have to back on time so that you do not miss the boat.

AIRLIE BEACH – Sept. 23. Our first port of call was Airlie Beach, the largest town in the Whitsunday’s Group. It is also the gateway to the beautiful Conway National Park and the Great Barrier Reef. The reef is a vast complex of more than 2,000 reefs and 71 coral islands stretching over 1200 miles along the North Queensland Coast. Its water supports a rich web of marine life that includes over 1,300 species of radiant fish.

Some of the passengers took time to explore the resort town of Airlie Beach and its surroundings for the day while many took a trip to the Whitsunday Islands.

DARWIN – Sept 27. Darwin is Australia’s north most city and the capital of Northern Territory. The passengers could take a “Jumping Crocodile” cruise on Adelaide river or visit Litchfield National Park with its spectacular waterfalls, rock pools and unbelievably tall termite moulds, that must be seen to be believed. Other places of interest are the Territory Wildlife Park, George Brown Botanical Gardens, Fanny Bay Gaol and Military Museum MUARA, BRUNEI – Oct.2 Brunei is a constitutional sultanate with a population of around 400,000. The main source of

income is oil and gas. The Sultan has been one of the richest men in the world.

Muara is the gateway to exploring exotic Brunei’s capital city Bandar Seri Begawan.

Brunei’s largest mosque, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah features golden domes and four towering minarets that rise above the city in celebration of the reign of Sultan. The Sultan Omar Ali Saifudean Mosque features magnificient architecture straight out of a fairy tale, the mosques are a replica of the “Taj Mahal” of India. As a Muslim, I had the opportunity to pray in one of the mosques.

“Istana Noorul Iman” “The Palace of the Light of Faith” is an enormous complex which encompasses the palace of the Sultan of Brunei as well as the government offices with over 1,700 rooms and is the largest residential palace in the world. Visitors are allowed in the palace only two days in a year, during the month of Ramadan.

Other places of interest are Kampong Ayer Village with wooden shops, homes and restaurants upon stilts in the water.

The Royal Regalia & Brunei Museum reveal the crown jewels, ceremonial weapons, extensive collection of Islamic ceramics, jewellery, golden Quran, culture and archaeology.

Education is free in Brunei and the government gives interest free loan to its citizens to build their own homes.

KOTA KINABALU - Oct. 3 Both Malaysia and Brunei offer a host of sightseeing tours especially for those interested in Islamic culture and their way of life.

Kota Kinabalu is in the state of Sabah on the island of Borneo. Its places of interest are the Wildlife Park, Sabah Museum, the Cultural Village and Sabah State Mosque with room for 5,000 worshippers. This magnificient mosque features an intricate dome with gold details and is a stunning example of Islamic architecture.

PHU MY - Oct 5 The port of call to Vietnam is Phu My and a day trip by bus to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) The capital city is Hanoi and is a communist state. Vietnam has a very colourful culture and history. It has lots of Vietnamese temples and the Museum of History is a great place to deep-

28 - THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2012

en its 300,000 year past. The visitors had the opportunity to view ancient artifacts, pottery and costumes, gaze in awe at an impressive statue of Buddha and see the Vietnamese water puppet performance.

Some took a cruise on the Mekong river while others took a country drive to see the Vietnamese landscape during the drive to Cu Chi where one can explore some of the 124 miles of tunnels built by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Other places of interest are the Reunification Hall and the infamous Rex Hotel.

NHA TRANG – Oct 6. Another city in Vietnam with temples and beautiful natural scenery. A day trip by bus was organized to various places of interest such as Nha Trang Cathedral,Cal river cruise and Cho Dam Market. The cities of Vietnam offer very good shopping opportunities for travellers with its very cheap prices compared to Australia.

HONG KONG - OCT 8 & 9 Many tourists flock to Hong Kong to get a glimpse of its incredible skyline and beautiful harbour.

The city is full of skyscrapers and it offers some of the best duty free shopping in the entire world. The places often visited are

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Victoria Park and Harbour, Museums of Art and History, Stanley Markets for authentic Chinese jewellery, calligraphy, embroidery and other colourful handicrafts. Lantau Island is made up of breathtaking mountain terrain and scenic beauty. Every night there is the incredible Symphony of Light show with music which lights up the entire Victoria harbour. Avenue of Stars and the Night Shopping Markets are also areas of interest. We had two days to go sightseeing and do our shopping.

SHANGHAI - Oct 12. China has an estimated population of 1,500,000,000, the highest in the world with its capital Beijing.

Shanghai, which is built on Huangpu, a tributary of Yangtze river, is the largest city rich with opportunities and adventure. It is one of the worlds largest trading ports and most important economic centre trading with more than 200,000 firms world wide in more than 150 countries. It has exquisite Chinese temples and superb museums, the Bund, Jade Buddha temple, Nanjing road, the busiest shopping centre and theYu Gardens of the classical Ming Dynasty.

Continued next issue

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Real Estate News Costs of buying BUYING a home is often a once or twice in a lifetime experience and, apart from the obvious cost of the property, the buyer may incur other associated costs.

Buyers of real estate may incur costs including transfer duty payable to the State Government, conveyancing and other legal fees, building and pest inspection reports, an independent valuation, and costs payable to a financial institution. Buyers who terminate a contract under the five business day cooling-off provision may also be required to pay the seller a termination penalty.

Borrowing costs: When borrowing money from a financial institution, buyers are likely to encounter costs such as the loan establishment fee and mortgagee insurance (if borrowing more than a nominated percentage of the property’s value).

Buyers will also need to budget for ongoing fees and interest repayments on top of the loan amount borrowed. Fees will vary between financial institutions and buyers should shop around for the loan that best suits their needs. All financial institutions must now publish a comparison rate for their loans which takes into account all fees and charges and any introductory loan rates.

It is a good idea for a buyer to obtain preapproval (or at least have an idea of how much they can borrow) for a loan before starting the search for a property.

Transfer (stamp) duty: Transfer duty (previously called stamp duty) is a tax imposed on written documents that record or affect certain types of financial or legal transactions.

Transfer duty is chargeable on documents or statements if they are either: • Signed or executed in Queensland; or • Signed or executed outside Queensland but relating to property situated in Queensland or to some act, matter or thing to be done in Queensland.

State Government charges a buyer transfer duty when they purchase a property but the

percentage scale will vary according to the sale price and whether or not the buyer intends to live in the property or rent it out as an investment. Depending on the nature of the transaction, certain concessions and exemptions are available – particularly for first home buyers.

A buyer’s solicitor will obtain the appropriate rate. The buyer pays the solicitor the amount payable, who then arranges payment to the Government authority.

Legal costs and searches: The REIQ strongly encourages buyers to seek independent legal advice before signing a Contract for Sale.

Solicitor's fees are negotiable. It is advisable to compare the fees being charged by a few different solicitors.

Buyer’s are also advised to undertake title and government searches which will incur additional costs on top of the conveyancing fees.

It is possible for a buyer to undertake these activities on their own, however, the REIQ strongly recommends using qualified solicitors for conveyancing. Contact the Queensland Law Society for further details about finding a qualified solicitor.

Building and pest inspection reports: Buyers can make their contract of sale conditional on the basis of a satisfactory building and pest inspection report from a licensed professional.

The cost of these can vary, but it is required under Queensland law that the inspector must be licensed by the Building Services Authority.

Termination of a contract under the five business day cooling-off provision If a buyer terminates a contract of sale at any time during the stipulated five business day cooling-off period, the seller may elect to charge the buyer a termination penalty which is equivalent to 0.25 per cent of the purchase price.

If the buyer has elected to waive the cooling-off period provision, they will not incur any cost and consequently cannot terminate a contract under this provision.

REIQ

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2012 — 29

Improvement in housing finance continues AUSTRALIAN Bureau of Statistics' (ABS) housing finance figures for December 2011 show, in trend terms, that the number of finance commitments increased marginally for the eighth consecutive month; the December increase was 1.1 per cent.

“In trend terms, increases were recorded in all states and territories except Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. Once again, New South Wales recorded the largest increase, up 2.7 per cent," said Real Estate

Institute of Australia (REIA) President Ms Pamela Bennett.

“Increases were evident for the purchase of established dwellings (up 1.2 per cent in trend terms) and the purchase of new dwellings (up 0.7 per cent in trend terms) whilst the number of commitments for the construction of dwellings fell by 0.1 per cent in trend terms,” she continued.

“The upturn in lending commitments reflects the November and December inter-

est rate cuts and stability in the housing market,” she said.

The number of first home buyers, as a percentage of total owner occupied housing commitments, increased to 20.9 per cent in December compared to 20.0 per cent in November. This is the second consecutive month this proportion has been around the long-run average of 20.1 per cent but is still dramatically down from the 28.5 per cent level of April 2009.

The value of investment housing commitments increased by 0.9 per cent, in trend terms, in December and indicates modest increases for five of the last six months.

“The latest figures show that first home buyers are gradually returning to the market and we should expect modest increases to continue in the wake of the December interest rate cut and stable market conditions,” concluded Ms Bennett”.

Source: REIQ

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A complete guide to Hindu rituals and routines...

Astrology Aries “The Ram” “The Go-Getter” March 21 - April 20

Aries is an independent sign by nature, but this month, your desire for independence will be stronger than ever. Paradoxically, your focus shall now shift from career matters to your domestic life. In other words, your material pursuits may take a backseat. However, Ganesha doesn't mean to say that you would stop pursuing your goals. You will continue to fulfil your ambitions in a way that won't disturb your personal life. Speedy growth on the professional front is important, but not at the cost of your health and personal life. And, even though progress will be slower, it shall be there, nonetheless, and that should be more than satisfactory for you now. As for your personal life, emotional peace would be your priority. Moreover, you will be brimming with optimism, and the improvement in your health would be a result of such positive energy.

Single Rams are likely to get into a seemingly exciting and casual love affair while they pursue their goals. Be wary of thinking too much of a new friendship, though, warns Ganesha.

Taurus “The Bull” “The Builder” April 21 - May 22

All your efforts and planning may yield expected results, provided you make the most of the forward movement of the planets. Later in the month, the planets will have a retrograde movement, which, in all likelihood, will hamper your progress. You need to hurry up, but at the same time don't forget to take into account the every minute detail of your undertakings, advises Ganesha. Even a minor error may cost you dearly. Mars, your spiritual planet, and Mercury, your communication planet, both, are retrograde this month. Retrograde Mars indicates that your spiritual intuition may be off-key. You need to think twice before conveying your instincts and intuitions to your loved ones or friends - they may not be as accurate as they used to be. While retrograde Mercury suggests that problems may crop up with friends or family due to miscommunication or ego clashes, you will do well to take care of your health too. Avoid any kind of emotional outburst, as this may add to unnecessary stress, advises Ganesha.

Gemini “The Twins” “The Magician” May 23 - June 21

Opportunity knocks only once. Your success on the professional front greatly depends on how quick you are at grabbing these opportunities. If you are planning to make any work-related changes, Ganesha advises you make them before the retrograde activity of the planet starts. As the month progresses, you may increasingly feel the unrest. Retrograde Mercury will negatively affect your ability to judge situations. Since you are likely to have some doubts about your decisions, you may feel confused. However, the planetary retrograde activity does not imply bad luck, points Ganesha. It may indeed slow down the pace of your life, but on the other hand, it will refresh you and prepare you for the next step forward. Be patient.

Besides not everything is dull and depressing.

Financially, you'll have a satisfactory month. Moreover, your love life looks set to be blissful all throughout the month of March, feels Ganesha.

Cancer “The Crab” “The Caterer” June 22 - July 22

Personal power and independence will be the highlight of this month. You will be relieved to see that you have to rely on others to get your work done. Ganesha feels that now is the right time to identify and correct your mistakes as you have full control over your own affairs. Career seems on to be on an even keel, however, don't overestimate your personal powers as your career planet is still retrograde. Same is with your finances. They are stable, and the likelihood is that they will get better when your financial planet moves in your 10th House. But don't push your luck; you may lose all that you have earned so far. While career and finances are well taken care of, you may have a difficult time keeping health problems at bay.

Pay more attention to your health, advises Ganesha.

Leo “The Lion” “The Boss” July 23 - August 22

Although the first couple of months in 2012 have not been as per your expectations, you don't need to feel disappointed. The month of March is likely to bring positive changes as a majority of the planets are above the horizon. Moreover, Jupiter is on the Midheaven of the horoscope, which is the most evident sign of success, notes Ganesha. Your cards suggest that you may come across some lucrative career opportunities between 11th and 14th March, so be ready to grab them.

Travelling and higher education are also on the cards, foretells Ganesha. You may also go to foreign lands for further studies. However, the paper work and the entire process for the same may take longer than usual. On the personal front, things appear to be promising, too, foresees Ganesha. In fact, between the 23rd and 26th, there may be an unexpected romantic encounter.

Virgo “The Virgin” “The Accountant” August 23 - Sept 22

Mercury, the ruler of your horoscope, will be retrograde for the better part of the month, and thus affect your self-confidence and self-esteem. Your personal will is no longer going to be as strong as it had been, so avoid depending too heavily on yourself for achieving your goals, advises Ganesha. Remember this advice all throughout the month. You need to wake up in order to realise your dreams. Now it is high time you stop daydreaming and put your plans into action, says Ganesha. Mercury also happens to be your career planet and it being retrograde means that your progress on the career front may slow down. Utilise this period by reviewing your career goals and making necessary changes. The progress, however, will get some momentum once Mercury starts to move forward next month.

Take care of your health and improve your energy levels.

Cont’d from last issue Courtesy Dhavl Vyas, India

vulnerable to all kinds of health problems. Moreover, in all likelihood, your love life is going to take a dramatic and unexpected U-turn. Sadly, all the sweet memories of the previous month may get washed out. Finances, too, seem pretty disappointing. As Ganesha had already predicted, a lot of matters have come to the fore in the recent times. Some of the revelations may have been pleasant, some may have not been. Now, the most important thing for you is to take the unpleasant facts in your stride. Besides, the cosmos is treating you leniently and only giving you as much as you can handle without breaking down. Be patient, and believe in your strengths, advises Ganesha.

Scorpio “The Hydra” “The Psycho Analyst” Oct 23 - Nov 21

Since Saturn, your communication planet, goes retrograde this month, it is advisable that you slow down the pace of the tasks, which involve a lot of communication. Avoid signing contracts, buying new home or other matters that involve written or oral communication. When you have no choice but to sign a deal, make sure you read the fine print, understand the clauses and be clear in your statements. If you are planning to buy something very expensive, now is not the right time to go ahead with the purchase. On the personal front, you may be very active and have a gala time attending social events. But be ready to do some serious legwork towards the end of the month, post 20th March to be precise. Although your health is likely to be good this month, Ganesha suggests you don't take it for granted.

Sagittarius “The Archer” “The Teacher” Nov 22 - Dec 22

Your love life may have improved a lot over the last few days, thanks to Mercury moving into Pisces on February 14. More than physical intimacy, you would long for emotional security and support.

Single Archers may fall head over heels in love, and embark on a joyful journey of love. However, Ganesha throws a word of caution here, and says that you need to take a break in love activities, especially when Mercury goes retrograde on the 12th. Don't be impulsive in such emotional matters. As for your health, Ganesha says that if you look after yourself well till the 20th, you will notice an unbelievable improvement in your health later on. In fact, some of your chronic ailments will disappear like they were never there. This month, your are likely to lead a satisfactory home and family life, as you would successfully perform your duties and responsibilities.

Capricorn “The Goat” “The Mayor” Dec 23 - January 30

The month of March may become challenging for you, if you fail to do well for yourself in the beginning of the month. The key here is to be patient, so that the situation does not go from bad to worse. You need to be extra careful on the social front, as Saturn is retrograde and is going to negatively affect your self-confidence. On the domestic front, life has been challenging for quite some time. Family and home will become your top priority now and therefore your career and professional life will take a back-seat, predicts Ganesha. However, this does not mean that you will not come across any career opportunities. In fact, you will encounter some interesting opportunities on the career front from 11th to 14th March. If you feel confused, seek guidance from spiritual gurus or listen to your inner voice for such career matters.

Aquarius “The Water Bearer” “The Innovator” Jan 21 - Feb 19

Be prepared if this month, it takes longer than usual to realise your dreams and reach your goals. That is because the retrograde planets, Mars and Mercury, will slow down your progress, and at times, also make you take some faulty decisions, which may hamper your growth. Miscommunication and misunderstandings are likely to be one major reason for these delays, foresees Ganesha. So, be clear in your written and verbal communication in order to avoid any delays. Moreover, it is important that you stop assuming what other people are thinking or trying to express. But you will not be fighting your battles alone as your love partner is going to be very cooperative and will support you through this tough times. However, there is a possibility of tiff, especially between 1st and 5th March.

Make sure that there are no ego clashes between you and your beloved.

Pisces “The Fish” “The Social Worker” Feb 20 - March 20

Although you will be able to meet your targets and grow professionally, your career goals should not be your only objectives. There are some long-standing disputes and misunderstandings in your family that need your attention immediately. So, for now, make your domestic life your top priority. Love and finances will get affected by the retrograde Mars and Mercury, and therefore expect some high voltage tensions on these fronts. However, Neptune will bring some interesting change in your personality, assures Ganesha. The planet will be in your own sign and will make you seem glamorous and attractive to the opposite sex. Parties and socialising with friends and relatives will become a routine affair, and the spotlight will be on you in most of these gatherings. But if you are already committed, this attention may disrupt your otherwise smooth and blissful love life.

Libra “The Scales”“The Councellor” September 23 - October 22

The entire month, especially the period from 1st to 20th March, is not likely to be favourable for your health. Your energy levels may come down making you

Disclaimer: This is only a guide and is not directed towards any particular individual and the writer shall not be responsible for anything to do with the articles content.

34 - THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2012

14. Why do we ring the bell in a temple?

Is it to wake up the Lord? But the Lord never sleeps. Is it to let the Lord know we have come? He does not need to be told, as He is all knowing. Is it a form of seeking permission to enter His precinct? It is a homecoming and therefore entry needs no permission. The Lord welcomes us at all times. Then why do we ring the bell?

The ringing of the bell produces what is regarded as an auspicious sound. It produces the sound Om, the universal name of the Lord. There should be auspiciousness within and without, to gain the vision of the Lord who is all auspiciousness.

Even while doing the ritualistic aarati, we ring the bell. It is sometimes accompanied by the auspicious sounds of the conch and other musical instruments. An added significance of ringing the bell, conch and other instruments is that they help drowned any inauspicious or irrelevant noises and comments that might disturb or distract the worshippers in their devotional ardour, concentration and inner peace.

As we start the daily ritualistic worship (pooja) we ring the bell, chanting: Aagamaarthamtu devaanaam gamanaarthamtu rakshasaam Kurve ghantaaravam tatra devataahvaahna lakshanam I ring this bell indicating the invocation of divinity, So that virtuous and noble forces enter (my home and heart); and the demonic and evil forces from within and without, depart.

15. Why do we worship the kalasha?

First of all what is a kalasha? A brass, mud or copper pot is filled with water. Mango leaves are placed in the mouth of the pot and a coconut is placed over it. A red or white thread is tied around its neck or sometimes all around it in a intricate diamondshaped pattern. The pot may be decorated with designs. Such a pot is known as a kalasha.

When the pot is filled with water or rice, it is known as purnakumbha representing the inert body which when filled with the divine life force gains the power to do all the wonderful things that makes life what it is.

A kalasha is placed with due rituals on allimportant occasions like the traditional house warming (grihapravesa), wedding, daily worship etc. It is placed near the entrance as a sign of welcome. It is also used in a traditional manner while receiving holy personages. Why do we worship the kalasha? Before the creation came into being, Lord Vishnu was reclining on His snake-bed in the milky ocean. From His navel emerged a lotus from which appeared Lord Brahma, the creator, who thereafter created this world.

The water in the kalasha symbolizes the primordial water from which the entire creation emerged. It is the giver of life to all and has the potential of creating innumerable names and forms, the inert objects and the sentient beings and all that is auspicious in the world from the energy behind the universe. The leaves and coconut represent creation.

The thread represents the love that "binds" all in creation. The kalasha is therefore considered auspicious and worshipped. The waters from all the holy rivers, the knowledge of all the Vedas and the blessings of all the deities are invoked in the kalasha and its water is thereafter used for all the rituals, including the abhisheka.

The consecration (kumbhaabhisheka) of a temple is done in a grand manner with elaborate rituals including the pouring of one or more kalashas of holy water on the top of the temple. When the asuras and devas churned the milky ocean, the Lord appeared bearing the pot of nectar, which blessed one with everlasting life.

Thus the kalasha also symbolizes immortality. Men of wisdom are full and complete as they identify with the infinite Truth (poornatvam). They brim with joy and love and respect all that is auspicious. We greet them with a purnakumbha ("full pot") acknowledging their greatness and as a sign of respectful and reverential welcome, with a "full heart".

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16. Why do we consider the lotus as special?

The lotus is the symbol of truth, auspiciousness and beauty (satyam, shivam, sundaram). The Lord is also that nature and therefore, His various aspects are compared to a lotus (i.e. lotus-eyes, lotus feet, lotus hands, the lotus of the heart etc.).

The lotus blooms with the rising sun and close at night. Similarly, our minds open up and expand with the light of knowledge.

The lotus grows even in slushy areas. It remains beautiful and untainted despite its surroundings, reminding us that we too can and should strive to remain pure and beautiful within, under all circumstances.

The lotus leaf never gets wet even though it is always in water. It symbolizes the man of wisdom (gyaani) who remains ever joyous, unaffected by the world of sorrow and change. This is revealed in a shloka from the Bhagwad-Geeta: Brahmanyaadhaaya karmaani Sangam tyaktvaa karoti yaha Lipyate na sa paapena Padma patram ivaambhasaa He who does actions, offering them to Brahman (the Supreme), abandoning attachment, is not tainted by sin, just as a lotus leaf remains unaffected by the water on it.

From this, we learn that what is natural to the man of wisdom becomes a discipline to be practiced by all saadhakas or spiritual seekers and devotees. Our bodies have certain energy centers described in the Yoga Shaastras as chakras.

Each one is associated with lotus that has a certain number of petals. For example, a lotus with a thousand petals represents the Sahasra chakra at the top of the head, which opens when the yogi attains Godhood or Realisation. Also, the lotus posture (padmaasana) is recommended when one sits for meditation. A lotus emerged from the navel of Lord Vishnu. Lord Brahma originated from it to create the world. Hence, the lotus symbolizes the link between the creator and the supreme Cause.

It also symbolizes Brahmaloka, the abode of Lord Brahma. The auspicious sign of the swastika is said to have evolved from the lotus.

17. Why do we worship tulasi?

In Sanskrit, tulanaa naasti athaiva tulasi that which is incomparable (in its qualities) is the tulasi.

For Indians it is one of the most sacred plants. In fact it is known to be the only thing used in worship, which, once used, can be washed and reused in pooja - as it is regarded so self-purifying.

As one story goes, Tulasi was the devoted wife of Shankhachuda, a celestial being.

She believed that Lord Krishna tricked her into sinning. So she cursed Him to become a stone (shaaligraama). Seeing her devotion and adhered to righteousness, the Lord blessed her saying that she would become the worshipped plant, tulasi that would adorn His head.

Also that all offerings would be incomplete without the tulasi leaf - hence the worship of tulasi.

She also symbolises Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. Those who wish to be righteous and have a happy family life worship the tulasi.

Tulasi is married to the Lord with all pomp and show as in any wedding.

This is because according to another legend, the Lord blessed her to be His consort.

Satyabhama once weighed Lord Krishna against all her legendary wealth. The scales did not balance till a single tulasi leaf was placed along with the wealth on the scale by Rukmini with devotion.

Thus the tulasi played the vital role of demonstrating to the world that even a small object offered with devotion means more to the Lord than all the wealth in the world.

The tulasi leaf has great medicinal value and is used to cure various ailments, including the common cold.

Yanmule sarvatirhaani Yannagre sarvadevataa Yanmadhye sarvavedaascha Tulasi taam namaamyaham I bow down to the tulasi, At whose base are all the holy places, At whose top reside all the deities and In whose middle are all the Vedas.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2012 — 35

WHAT’S ON! AUM - Arya Pratinidhai Sabha of Qld Inc. Vedic Yajna (Havan) Venue: Progress Hall 1873 Logan Road, Upper Mt Gravatt.

Time: 2-4pm Dates: March 18 All welcome to Ved Prachaar 2012 from March 31 to April 5. Pracharak Pt Guru Datt ‘Arya Ratna’ Tune to Radio Brisvaani on Sundays 7-7.30am for Vedic Sandesh Program. Read about Vedas in this paper.

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

----------------------------------------------------------------BRISBANE BELIEVERS FELLOWSHIP “Expect Great things from the Lord and Attempt Great things for the Lord”.

Address: Zillmere Community Hall, 54 Handsford Rd, Zillmere. Worship time: Every Sunday at 9.30 AM. Activities: Holy Communion (First Sunday of the Month), Sunday school, Fasting Prayer, Youth Meeting, Bible Study and Ladies Meeting.

Contact:Pastor John Thomas & Mary Thomas Sanju P. (Secretary) Phone: 0402 551 220 / 0402 907 776 or 0422 815 782 Email: maryhoney59@hotmail.com ----------------------------------------------------------------Brisbane Christian Assembly, Herston, QLD. Expect a miracle from God, Come and pray for any need in your life, with us in Herston (near RCH Hospital) every Saturday from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.

We are praying and God has been doing miracles in many people’s life. Contact Pastor Prakash Jacob 07 3162 5207 or 0413 347 562.

Brisbane Christian AssemblyAddress: 5/15 Aberleigh Road, Herston QLD 4006 Pastor: Prakash Jacob Events: Prayer, Fellowship, Worship, Adult Bible Study, Kids Bible Study, Love in Action, and much more.. Saturday Schedules: 6:00pm-7:00pm: Kids Bible Study, 7:00pm-09:00pm: Intercessory Prayer Sunday Schedules: 10:00am-01:00pm: Worship in Truth & Spirit, Bible Study, Prayer, etc.

Email: prakashjacob@yahoo.com Ph: 07-31625207, 0413347562 ----------------------------------------------------------------Brisbane Multinational Church NEW ADDRESS - 757 Gympie Road Lawnton.

Church service time if from 9.30am to 11.30am.

Special times of prayer for the sick Next healing meeting is on Sunday 25th March. We will be praying for people with all kinds of sicknesses, needs, spiritual problems etc. This will be followed by free lunch, service time 9.30am -12 noon.For more information please contact Pastor Joseph Dass on 0424 180 240 or Assistant Pastor Shrish Chand on 0450 612 304.

----------------------------------------------------------------Brisbane Sikh Temple (Gurdwara) 2679 Logan Rd, Eight Mile Plains. www.brisbanesikhtemple.org.au Brisbane Sikh Temple is open 7days a week, free food (langar is served daily) Sunday Service is from 9am to 1pm. Weekdays evening service is from 6pm to 7pm including meditation. Mr Baljit Singh Secretary of Brisbane Sikh Temple (for all bookings enquiries) Ph: 0412 057 554, Email: secretary@brisbanesikhtemple.org.au Gianni Kuldeep Singh Priest of Brisbane Sikh Temple (for all religious functions) Ph: 0422 705 936 Email: priest@brisbanesikhtemple.org.au ----------------------------------------------------------------Eben-Ezer Pentecostal Church, Brisbane – Sunday School, Prayer & Fasting, Youth meeting & worship (Malayalam) Contact: Pastor Mathew Tharian 07 3165 7617, 0431 413 482 or Eng. Victor George 07 3359 8946, 0413 069 477.

----------------------------------------------------------------Fiji Senior Citizens’ Satsang Association of Qld Inc 1 Kensington Place, Wishart 4122. Monthly meetings will be held on th last Sunday of the month at 2pm.

All members are invited to attend. For further information contact President Raymond Saran 3290 0653, Secretary Surendra Prasad OAM 3849 5435 or Treasurer Shui Shankar 3841 3058 ----------------------------------------------------------------Forest Lake AOG Church Hindi Service - Second Sunday of every month commencing @ 4.30pm. Cnr of Alpine Place & Forest Lake Boulevard Road. Contact Sudesh on 0401 519 541.

----------------------------------------------------------------Hindi Speaking Christian Fellowship Meets at 2.30 p.m. last Sunday of each month at Merthyr Uniting Church, 52 Merthyr Rd., New Farm All welcome. Contact Irene 3878 4094 ----------------------------------------------------------------Hindu Mandir Association of Queensland - Shree Laxmi Narayan Mandir NEW ADDRESS - 46 Daymar Street, Burbank Qld Every Sunday 4pm to 6pm - Bhajan/Kirtan, Pravachan by Pt Tripathi Ji, Arati and Dinner is provided. Every 1st Sunday of month from 2-4pm Program by Brisbane Bhajan Group. All welcome.

Website: www.laxminarayan.com.au For further information contact: Resident Priest 07 3216 8848, Rakesh Sharma 0411 289 202 ----------------------------------------------------------------Hindu Society of Queensland Inc. Gayatri Mandir (178 Lyndhurst Rd, Boondall).

Gayatri Mandir opens every Sunday from 8am to 11am. Mandir opens with Punditji. Weekly Programs & Mandir Openings: • Every Tuesday from 7pm Ramayan & Bhajan recitals • Every 2nd & 4th Friday from 7.00pm – Ramayan & Bhajan Recitals. • Open Every Sunday from 9.00am – 12.00pm For further information contact President Prakash Shandil 0408 879 414 ----------------------------------------------------------------Hindustani Language School conducts lessons in Hindustani language and Indian Culture every Saturday from 2pm to 4pm, at both its major centres at Calamvale Community Intermediate College, 11 Hamish Street, Calamvale and Boondall State School, Roscommon Rd, Boondall. Hindi is our mother tongue. Students of all ages wishing to learn: * Hindi Language *Indian Culture * Dance & Drama * Music * Leadership and Personal Development Contact:

36 - BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2012

Chinmaya Mission Australia

MARCH 12 / APRIL 12 Secretary Jay Haripersad on 3243 7062 - Vice President Mul Chand on Mobile 0418 461 960 - or President Sarat Maharaj on 3263 2093 or Mobile 0407 111 709 ----------------------------------------------------------------Indian Church Service News Every Sunday 9.30am - 11.00am. Southern Springs Community Church 59 Marshall Road, Rocklea. Meet with Indian Christians for prayer, praise & worship.

Fellowship & refreshments after the service. contact Ps. Sivanus Naidu (Senior Pastor) 3274 2542 or 0417 197 747 ----------------------------------------------------------------Indian Senior Citizen Association Committee meetings are held 3rd Sunday of every alternate month from 2pm to 4pm. For further information contact: President: Mr Bir Sahai 3344 4715, Secretary: Mr Tirat Achal 0407 620 663, Treasurer: Mr Hari Prasad 3209 5174 ----------------------------------------------------------------International Multicultural Christian Fellowship Elevate Church (AOG Church) Vision - Each One Reach One Worship & Word every Sunday at 9.30am to 11.30am followed by free sausage sizzle - everyone welcome.

Home prayer meeting every Wednesday at 7.00pm to 8pm. Fasting and prayer Thursday from 7.00pm to 8.00pm for special needs. Youth group - every Friday 6.30pm to 8.30pm at 3, Montserrat Pl, Forest Lake Kids church - special kids church every Sunday Music and food - once a month at the Forest lake stage 5pm onwards.Womens group - every thursday 11.00am pls contact Ps. Mavis on 0418745179 Revelation 3:20 (NIV)Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.

Church Address - Elevate Church, Grand Avenue Primary School, Forest Lake 4078, Corner of Grand Avenue and Centennial Way, Contact Pastor Raj Singh with any questions about church on: Mobile 0407177117 or Email rajmavisforjesus@yahoo.com.au www.elevatechurch.org.au ----------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Society of Queensland hosts Zikre Mustapha programme Program starts from Maghrib to Isha Prayers. 2nd Saturday of the month at Rochedale Mosque - 2664 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains. Dinner provided to all after Isha Namaz. For enquiries contact Imam Ali on 0407 156 527, Asif Ali Khan on 0411 516 007 or Shamim Khan on 0403 541 012.

----------------------------------------------------------------Lourde Matha Malayalee Community Every month Malayalam Mass (Qrbana) in Brisbane.

An opportunity to meet with other malyalees for Mass, prayer and spiritual renewal. For more information about up coming events. Contact Fr. Thomas Areekuzhy 4697 3177 youth coordinator.

Siju Mathew 0432 192 558.

----------------------------------------------------------------Malayalee Association of Qld – For a detailed list of upcoming events, contact the President C K Oonnikrishnan Nair on 0416 927 100 or email ckuknair_maq@hotmail.com, Dr Cyril Fernandez - Vice President on 0404 433 044 or email cgfernz@hotmail.com.

E: maq@brisbanemalayalee.org or visit www.brisbanemalayalee.org.

----------------------------------------------------------------Public Zikre Mustapha programme Program starts from Maghrib to Isha Prayers. Last Saturday of the month at Logan Mosque - 260 3rd Avenue, Kingston. Dinner provided free to all after Isha Namaz. For enquiries contact the chairman Mr Nawab Khan on 3209 4627 ----------------------------------------------------------------Queensland Telugu Association President – Dr Prasad Rao Nagulapalli; Treasurer – Mr Manoj Vemula; Secretary – Mrs Rama Kanchibotla; Executive Committee Members – Dr Meher Prasad Chintamuneedi; and Mr Jogarao Nakka.

For a list of upcoming events and membership information, please contact: Secretary, Mrs Rama Kanchibotla (Ph.3378 1062, email: rama_kanchibotla@yahoo.com.au) ----------------------------------------------------------------Sai Saileshwara Mandiram 1614 Sandgate Road, Virginia. Every Thursday 7.30pm - Aarthi, meditation. Enquiries contact: Sailesh or Marina on 3266 3192. www.saisamaj.org Email: saisaileshwara@optusnet.com.au ----------------------------------------------------------------Sant Mat Regular Meeting (Sant Baljit Singh) Kelvin Grove. Sundays 3.30pm. Contact Dr Sandeep Gupta on 07 3123 9440 or sandeep@santmat.net.au ----------------------------------------------------------------Sri Selva Vinayakar Koyil (Ganesha Temple) and Hindu Education Centre 4915 – 4923 Mt Lindsay H’way South Maclean.

Temple Opening Hours: 7:30am – 11:00am and 5:00pm – 8:30pm. Pooja times – Weekdays 9:00am and 7:30pm. Weekends 9:00am and 6:00pm. Contact President Vimal “Vic” Ratnam 0411 594 394, Temple Priest 07 5547 7302 ----------------------------------------------------------------St. Thomas Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church Brisbane Malayalam Holy Qurbono, Sunday School and other spiritual activities. Holy Qurbono celebrated by Rev. Fr. Jigi Varghese at 2pm on the third Saturday of every month at St Mary’s & Joseph’s Coptic Orthodox Church, 2 Hamish Street Calamvale Qld 4116. For more information about upcoming events and activities please contact: Dr. Joy Pynadath 0431 631 397, Joy Mathew 0403 114 470, Roby John 0401 900 494 ----------------------------------------------------------------TOUCH Group of families Program includes Bollywood dance, Sri Lankan dance, Saomoa cultural dance, fashion show, musical program. Anyone who would like to join can contact touch.families@gmail.com or call Sripathy & family 0432 768 607, Vijekumar & family 3823 4628, Saravanan & family 3823 5037, Shanker & family 3711 3912, Sri Jayendrakumr 3272 5781 ----------------------------------------------------------------What’s on is your Council guide to what is happening in Brisbane. www.brisbane.qld.gov.au>

Chinmaya Mission Australia conducts family programs every Sunday morning from 10am-11.45am at Holland Park State High School. Balavihar classes for children and teenagers and gita classes for adults are conducted under the guidance of spiritual teacher, Bramachari Gopal Chaitanya. Please visit www.chinmaya.com.au or email Brisbane.info@ chinmaya.com.au for details. have the following activities. * Weekly Yoga and Meditation workshops * Regular Yoga and Meditation workshops *Monthly Shiv Saadhana * Children’s classes * Music classes * Meditation Bliss at Saadhana Shivir (over 4 days and nights) * April 2012 spiritual retreat (over 3 days and nights) * Lectures and Pravachans - Ashram will host a variety of lectures and pravachans in the coming months. More details will appear later. If you would like more information on the above, please ring Jayesh Dayal on 0412 278 808 or call Rajan Kirion 0422 671 990 or send an email to ambashramm@gmail.com. Visit website for details (note website may be unavailable at times due to maintenance reasons) www.lotusashram.org is a Multicultural group of women whose passion and desire is to reach out to women who are looking for friends, are hurting, need help in any area. Women of Light aspires to be a light for whose life has been in darkness without any hope. Women of Light meets every Monday at 11am for a time of fellowship, sharing and encouragement. At Women of Light we recognise that life is too fleeting, precious and magnificent to do alone. To that end, we labour to create an environment that will refresh, equip and enable you to do life beautifully. We aim for women from all age groups. Come and enjoy a free lunch every Monday. For more information please contact Mavis on 0418 745 179 or 07 3879 9735.

Namaste! Burnie Brae, a Senior Citizen’s Centre in Chermside, are pleased to advise the start of a special social programme for Indian Senior Citizens. We meet on the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month.

It is an opportunity to socialise, participate in a variety of activities and enjoy some delicious vegetarian meals. Transport may be provided to and from the Day Social Club if you live near the Centre. If you have any queries please contact Sandra or Naomi on 07 3624 2141.

Lotus Ashram

Women of Light

Burnie Brae Senior Centre

Shree Sanatan Dharam - Hindu Assn. of Qld Inc Holi - Holika Dahan - Thursday 8 March - Holi Celebration on Sunday 11 March Rama Navami - Sunday 1 April Hanuman Jayanti - Friday 6 April Good Friday 6 April and Easter Monday 9 April ANZAC Day Wednesday 25 April Youth’s Talent Night - Saturday 21 April

Festival of splashing colours - Rangotsav 2012

FREE Entry - 10 March 2012 from 11am-3pm at QUT Kelvin Grove Oval, Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove. For more information contact Kritika Bansal on 0402 375 805 or Umesh Chandra on 0421 388 465.

Ramakrishna Vedanta Centre of Qld celebration of Sri Ramakrishna’s 177th birthday

Saturday 10 March at 5.30pm sharp. Venue: Chapel Hill State School, Iron Bark Road, Chapel Hill 4069. The celebration will be graced by the presence of Swami Chandrashekharananda from Sydney. He will conduct the worship and deliver a spiritual talk on the occasion. There will be devotional songs and discussion presented by devotees. A free vegetarian dinner will be served at the end of the function. Everyone is cordially invited to be present with your family and friends and spend the evening with the Swami and other devotees.

Saturday 17 March - 11am to 4pm at Multicap, 269 Padstow Rd, Eight Mile Plains. For ticket prices and more information contact 0410 567 618 or email unitedethnics@gmail.com

2012 Harmony Day Festival

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WHAT’S ON!

MARCH 12 / APRIL 12

Dinner Party - Qld Indian Consulate Appreciation Hosted by GOPIO Qld on Wednesday 21 March at 6.30pm to

10pm at Rangla Punjab Indian Restaurant - 938 Brunswick Street, New Farm. The event is to welcome Archana Singh as the new Honourary Counsel for India in Qld and to farewell and honour Prof Sarva Daman Singh for his valuable contribution to the Queensland Indian community. The cost is $35 per person, includes dinner, drinks and live entertainment. Please RSVP by 16 March 2012 to Usha Chandra on 0419 775 416.

Kannada Sangha Qld celebrate Ugadi in regional style 31 March at Sunybank Community Hall, Cnr of Lister St and

Grager St, Sunnybank. Please mark this day in your calendar. For more information contact Spoorthi Thanda - kannadasanghaqld@gmail.com

An Indian musical evening with Sitar and Tabla

Saturday 31 March, 6.30pm for 7pm start at Indooroopilly State School, Russell Tce, Indooropilly. Shrabani Choudhury is an accomplished and talented Sitar player performing for the last 20 years in a number of occasions in India and in Australia. She has learnt Sitar from her Guru Pandit Soumitra Lahiri of Vishnupur Gharana who has performed in almost all-leading classical music conferences in India and abroad with prestigious awards. Dheeraj Shrestha is the leading Tabla player in Australia who has been playing Tabla for over 20 years in Australia, USA and other countries. For more information and ticket pricing contact 3270 0046 or 0417 745 716.

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Amma’s Australian Tour - free public programmes April 12 -24. Melbourne - Sydney - Brisbane - Gold Coast. “For

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Amma, removing the sorrows of others is as natural as drying the tears form her own eyes” - Mata Amritanandamayi (Amma) For more details please visit www.ammaaustralia.org.au

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International Congress for Fiji - Girmit Nite

Saturday 28 April at McGregor State School. For more information contact 07 3263 2093 or visit www.icfi.org.au

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On the last day, Sun 1st April, celebrations will commence from 10am followed by the birth of Lord Rama at 12 Noon. This will be followed by Hawan, Aarthi and Prasad and lunch.

For more information please contact: G Mr Prakash Shandil (President) – 0408 876 414 G Mr Jiten Lal (Treasurer) – 0409 737 753 G G Mr Mukesh Rattan (Assistant Treasurer) – 0419 712 592 G

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2012 — 37

Bollywood & Entertainment TV actor hoping to work with girlfriend Sanjeeda

Veteran actor - director Joy Mukherjee in critical condition

TELEVISION actor Aamir Ali wants to team up with his actress girlfriend Sanjeeda Sheikh for romantic television shows, but isn't thinking about marriage now.

"I'm looking forward to share screen space with Sanjeeda... I want to do romantic shows with her. Hopefully, we will work together soon," Aamir told IANS on phone from Mumbai.

Aamir, who started his acting career with Ekta Kapoor's popular soap "Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii", hasn't yet got a chance to star with Sanjeeda, except for the third season of dance reality TV show "Nach Baliye", which the two won.

On being asked about his marriage plans with Sanjeeda, he said: "No idea".

Aamir has made a comeback of sorts with Sony TV's comedy show "Bhaskar Bharti".

In the series, about a man turned into a woman, Aamir plays the role of a photographer.

"After two hardcore romantic shows, I decided to do 'Bhaskar Bharti'. It is a fun show. It is very different and interesting because it's a remix of comedy and romance," said the actor who was last seen in romantic shows like "Kya Dill Mein Hai" and "Woh Rehne Waali Mehlon Ki".

Aamir also tried his luck in Hindi films with "Yeh Kya Ho Raha Hai" (2002), but it sank without a trace. He now says that he is happy doing television.

"I would say wherever you work, you should perform well first... if something exciting comes my way from Bollywood, I masala will take it up," he said.

VETERAN actor and director Joy Mukherjee has been admitted to Lilavati hospital in critical condition. He is under the treatment of Dr Prabhu Desai & Dr Barve and has been put on ventilator. Apparently he has not been well for some time and was admitted on 5 March at 10:30.

Born on 24th Feb 1939, his first film as hero was Love in Shimla. He has worked in hit films like Shagird, Love in Tokyo, Bahu Beti, Ziddi, Phir Wohi Dil laya Hoon, Ek Musafir Ek Hasina, Puraskar, Ishaara, Hum Hindustani, Chailla Babu and many more. He had turned producer and director for the film Humsaya. bollywoodchaska

Ali Zafar goes London Paris New York

Agent Vinod is an ambitious film BACK in 1977, an actor named Mahender Sandhu became a household name overnight when he starred in a super-hit spy thriller called Agent Vinod.

Thirty-five years later, Saif Ali Khan is set to bring the character back to celluloid in an ubercool, highly stylised manner.

The new Agent Vinod co-stars Kareena Kapoor and will release on March 23.

Far from the bright lights of Bollywood, 67-year-old Sandhu spends most of his time on his farmhouse in Boisar on the outskirts of Mumbai where he is engaged in the construction business.

"People generally go to their farmhouses on weekends but I come to Mumbai over the weekend," quips Sandhu during a chat with Sonil Dedhia in his Yari Road flat in the western Mumbai suburb of Andheri.

He gives some frank and interesting insights into his own character which explains why he couldn't capitalise on the huge success of the original Agent Vinod, and what he thinks about its revival.

What was your first reaction to the news that Agent Vinod was to be remade?

Someone from Rajshri Films told me that Saif Ali Khan had approached them as he wanted to see my Agent Vinod. They gave him a copy of the film and also gave him the necessary permission to use the title.

I was really happy that a person like Saif was making Agent Vinod.

Director Sriram Raghavan has already worked with actor Saif Ali Khan in the movie Ek Haseena Thi, which not only earned rave reviews but also helped the actor bag two other important roles of his life. But he says that their upcoming spy thriller Agent Vinod is more ambitious than his previous work and will see the actor in an entirely new avatar.

Sriram Raghavan has spent two and half years making his latest thriller Agent Vinod.

The director feels the film is bigger than his previous outings. Talking to PTI, The director says, "When a film of yours releases, you don't think that your next one would arrive after four years. On Agent Vinod I spent two and a half years. Having said

that, I never felt that there was a lot of time going into it. On the contrary, I enjoyed the process.”

However, Agent Vinod promises to present Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor in a different light altogether. Sriram added, “Agent Vinod is an ambitious film. 'Ek Haseena Thi' as well as 'Johnny Gaddaar' were far more intimate films.

This film was meant to be bigger and hence the sheer logistics and dynamics changed.”

Agent Vinod might be Saif Ali Khan’s first release since his father Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi passed on to the great beyond on September 22, 2011. And the actor says he want to dedicate his spy thriller, Agent Vinod, to him. “I’m considering it. I’ve spoken to Sriram (director Sriram Raghavan) who said, ‘Yeah sure.’ I probably will, I’m just waiting to look the general cut. It should be worthy of him,” Saif says with a smile.

The star-producer admits his father never watched Hindi movies and not discussed work with him, believing that’s why he has a life clear of films when he’s not shooting.

“He only saw Omkara (2006), but didn’t understand much due to the dialect. I BELIEVE my mother (Sharmila Tagore) made him watch Parineeta (2005). But I remember sitting with him through Clint Eastwood movies like Dirty Harry (1971),” Saif recalls.

Agent Vinod is being hyped as a ‘desi’ Bond movie, but Saif insists that his secret service agent isn't copying 007. “That wouldn’t be a clever idea,” he quips, adding, “He’s an original, and is shipped out on a mission, using his training, strengths and personality to get out of trouble, eventually saving the day.”

Saif points out an important difference, saying, “He doesn’t actually have a line like, ‘The name’s Bond, James Bond.’ Our writers were clear that Agent Vinod didn’t need gadgets or glib one-liners.”

Bollywood News

38 - THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2012

LONDON Paris New York is not your regular boy-meets-girl story, says Ali Zafar of his latest romcom Rolling out romantic comedies after Valentine's Day may seem like a good idea. But are we ready for yet another saccharine film?

Close on the heels of the love flicks — Ekk Main Aur Ek Tu, Ekk Dewaana Tha and Tere Naal Ishq Ho Gaya — that dominated last month, comes another fling film that promises to be "different". It's London Paris New York, which premiered in Dubai at Deira City Centre on 29 February.

Starring Pakistan's prince of pop, Ali Zafar, the lead hero is strapped with the terms that often trail an actor who has a sweeping romance to sell to an audience. Need proof?

The phrases "coming of age" and "witty without being cheesy" are generously thrown around in our 15-minute chat.

"London Paris New York is completely different from my films or any other romantic comedy that you may have seen … it's in a different space altogether. And you know, love stories can never go out of fashion," said Zafar in a telephone interview prior to his red carpet call in Dubai.

This singer-turned-actor, 31, should know best. The four-film-old star's previous offering, Meri Brother Ki Dulhan, alongside Katrina Kaif and Imran Khan, was a money spinner at the box office and his performance as good-looking charmer Luv Agnihotri was appreciated by critics and moviegoers.

"Come on, look at it this way. There are so many people in this world and each one will have a different love story to tell. The way they say it is what matters and what makes them different. And we have tried to keep our love story real — it's about these two people meeting in three different cities over eight years."

The plot bears at least a fleeting resemblance to Anne Hathaway's One Day — a tale of two friends with contrasting personalities, backgrounds and their 20-year-old relationship. Just like in the Jim Sturgess and Hathaway romantic hit, Zafar and Aditi Rao Hydari play a pair of 20-somethings who come from two different worlds and temperaments.

Zafar is Nikhil, a rich Punjabi who heads to London to study filmmaking, wasting his father's fortune, while the sensible one is played by Hydari studying with full scholarships and middle-class sensibilities.

Poles apart "I have not seen One Day and I have no idea how it pans out. But whoever has seen it in my team says our film is poles apart from it. And when you finally watch the film, I guarantee you that you will not find any similarities. This script came to me two years ago. So there is no way that we could

www.indiantimes.com.au

have seen One Day and then made the film… And the music is also what makes the film unique," said Zafar, who scored for London Paris New York. He even convinced Hydari to sing a couple of songs.

"Both as an actor and a musician this film gave me the chance to experiment. Just like Hollywood musicals here the actors also sang some songs. And the songs were not deliberately inserted. Like somebody telling me: ‘OK, now we need a love song here and now we need a club number there'. Here the songs and the situations were kept very real. Every young guy or girl out there will be able to identify with the film."

And keeping it grounded is what attracted Zafar, who made his Bollywood debut with Tere Bin Laden in 2010, to this project.

"London Paris New York is not your regular boy-meets-girl and then parents-comein-between story. It's a journey of these two people and how they meet in these three vibrant cities in the world."

Like all his previous outings, his latest rom-com is led by a debutante director, this time by Anu Menon.

"All my first three films are with debutante directors. First two have been successful, I am hoping for a hat-trick this time."

A Walk Down Memory Lane Ali Zafar‘s fond memories of the cities shown in his latest film: London: "Running in Hyde Park is one of my golden moments. The weather was perfect with the sun shining down. I love nature and places with greenery in it.

Nature relaxes me instantly."

Paris: "Walking and having a relaxing lunch in Montmartre. The neighbourhood is quaint and just beautiful."

New York: "I love the city and the vibe it emanates. But if I were to pick favourites, then I will go with the Brooklyn Bridge.

We shot our climax there and I will always think of it fondly." gulfnews

Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

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Shivkumar Sharma at the height of his creative powers, returns by popular demand with a new program, accompanied by tabla wizard Yogesh Samsi.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Audience sat entranced.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Advertiser (Womadelaide 2007) BRISBANE Queensland Conservatorium Theatre Monday 19 March 7.30pm BOOKING

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www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2012 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 39

Bollywood & Entertainment Mind Blowing Films to produce Indian Film Festival of Melbourne MIND Blowing Films are delighted to announce they have secured the Victorian Government tender to deliver Melbourne’s official new Indian Film Festival. The Festival will take place in July 2012, showcasing the incredible richness and diversity of Indian cinema.

The dynamic screenign program will have a broad reach, encompassing everything from the latest Bollywood blockbusters, to Bengali art house, regional works in local dialects, and films from the greater sub continent (Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Bhutan), as well as a series of masterclasses between Indian filmmakers and Victorian screen professionals.

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne is a key initiative of the Premier of Victoria Ted Baillieu and the Victorian Government, and is designed to strengthen ties between Victoria and India. At a glittering film industry event in Bombay attended by leading film makers including Raju Hirani, Imtiaz Ali, Kabir Khan, Simi Garewal and studio heads Ronnie Screwvala and Amit Khanna, the Victorian Premier made the announcement amidst loud cheering.

Mr Baillieu also announced that Bollywood star Vidya Balan would be the Brand Ambassador for the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. Expressing her delight, Ms Balan said, “I love the format of the festival and the wide range of films screened. It not only showcases the best of Indian cinema but also provides a platform for young upcoming film makers through

'Proud that a woman got Pakistan's first Oscar'

its short film competition. When I was in Melbourne I was smitten by the city, its love for films from all parts of the world and its multicultural spirit, and I am sure the Indian Film Festival will contribute greatly to add to that spirit.”

Director of the Festival and co-director of Mind Blowing Films Mitu Bhowmick Lange said, “This contract allows us to develop a fantastic festival program, including both mainstream and niche arthouse Indian cinema, regional films, and a focus on fostering relationships between filmmakers in Australia and India.”

Mind Blowing Films co-director John Molloy said, “We are incredibly excited at the will of the Victorian Government to use the shared love of film as a way to build connections between Australia and India.”

The Indian Film Festaval of Melbourne program will be launched in June 2012.

Mahesh Bhatt ghost directs Raaz 3?

Uber chic Deepika Padukone to reprise Jaya Bachchan's role as gypsy in remake DEEPIKA Padukone will reprise Jaya Bachchan's role in the Zanjeer remake coming up next year.

Earlier reports had stated that Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi's son Ram Charan Teja will make his Bollywood debut reprising Amitabh Bachchan's role from the Prakash Mehra cult hit.

The remake of the 1973 film will be produced by Amit, the late Mehra's son and directed by Shootout At Lokhandwala maker Apoorva Lakhia.

The buzz is also gaining ground that Lakhia is keen to have Sanjay Dutt essay the role of Sher Khan, the iconic Pathan who starts off as the hero's enemy but ends up being his ally.

'Both Lakhia and Amit Mehra were unanimous in their choice of Deepika as the heroine. For Sher Khan, Lakhia is keen to rope in Sanjay Dutt, who is a close friend and has worked with the director in Shootout At Lokhandwala. Pre-production of the film has been completed and Apoorva will start shooting on April 20,' a source from the unit said.

Deepika's dates for the film are being worked out, considering she has a busy year ahead with projects such as the Rajinikanthstarrer Kochadaiyaan and the Ranbir Kapoor flick Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani.

The actress recently courted controversy by declaring she would walk out of Ramesh Taurani's Race 2 owing to a lack of dates despite shooting for six days.

Deepika will re-enact Jaya's role of a gypsy

woman in the remake of Zanjeer Taurani lodged a complaint with the Cine and Television Artists Association (CINTAA) and Deepika had no option but to return to the film.

Prakash Mehra's Zanjeer saw Jaya Bachchan cut an impressive picture despite the fact that the film was an explosive action film centred around Bachchan's avenging cop.

She played a gypsy woman who makes a living by sharpening knives and tools on the street, and the love interest of the hero. The film, which made Big B a force to reckon with, also ushered in the 'angry young man' of the seventies.

'Zanjeer 2012 will be suitably modernised and while it is obvious Ram Charan Teja's character will remain that of a cop out to seek revenge against a powerful villain, it remains to be seen if Deepika's character will be an exact replica of Jaya Bachchan's role. Sanjay Dutt's Sher Khan, too, could be re-imagined to suit modern tastes,' said the source.

Amit Mehra has been working on the script of the remake for over a year and is said to have first taken Amitabh Bachchan's blessings and permission before embarking on the project. Remakes have been a Bollywood staple in the last decade.

They have had their fair share of hits and misses. With the recent success of Agneepath, filmmakers have found a winning formula in classic hits.

DM

Ram Charan Tej: Bollywood’s next angry young man After much speculation Iwitht'sabouttheconfirmed.

Ram Charan Tej's Bollywood debut remake of the iconic "Zanjeer",

PAKISTANI singer-actor Ali Zafar is happy that Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, a woman, picked up the first Oscar for his country. He describes it as a great feat for all his countrymen.

"We are very proud of the fact that a woman has got the first Oscar for Pakistan.

Sharmeen got the first Oscar and I have personally had the pleasure of meeting her in the past and what a great achievement for all of us," the 31-year-old said here at the Lavasa Women's Drive awards.

Sharmeen, a Pakistani journalist and documentary filmmaker, won the Oscar for her documentary film "Saving Face", which uncovers the story of hundreds of people, mostly women who become acid attack victims in her country. The movie won the best documentary (short) at the 84th Academy Awards.

Meanwhile, Ali, whose latest Bollywood film " London, Paris, New York" released to positive reviews last week, is upbeat about featuring in David Dhawan's remake of Sai Paranjpye's 1981-cult comedy " Chashme Buddoor". "'Chashme Buddoor' is a fun-filled film and the way David Dhawan has shot the film is great. We were watching some scenes and songs of the film and after that we could not stop laughing. We are very confident of the film," said Ali. The film also features Siddharth of "Rang De Basanti" fame, Rishi Kapoor, Anupam Kher and Sonu Niigaam.

TOI

MAHESH Bhatt has been regularly seen on the sets of Raaz 3, a film being directed by Vikram Bhatt.

The film is currently being shot at Madh Island, and Mahesh Bhatt's excitement for the movie is on constant display, so much so that it is being touted that Bhatt is ghost directing this one.

According to a unit hand, Mahesh Bhatt spends ample time discussing scenes and dialogues with Viram Bhatt. Mahesh Bhatt, it is heard, doesn't limit himself to advising Vikram on scenes, but also guides him with camera angles, lighting, etc.

Apart from that, Mahesh Bhatt also spends considerable time with leading actors Bipasha Basu and Emran Hashmi to discuss scenes with them. Some may say that 'too many cooks spoil the broth', but Vikram doesn't seem to mind the 'interference'. He probably believes in the adage 'Many hands make light work', instead.

TOI

40 - THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2012

director Apoorva Lakhia has confirmed that the actor will be stepping into the shoes of Amitabh Bachchan, as the next 'angry young man'.

While contradictory reports were doing the rounds, on the length of Charan's role in the remake of the cult classic, Lakhia has affirmed that Charan will be essaying the lead character, instead of a '20 minute cameo' as reported by some.

With this movie, Charan will be making his much-anticipated debut in Hindi cinema something that has been on the anvil ever since the stupendous success of "Magadheera". "Yes I am remaking "Zanjeer" with Ram Charan Tej," said Lakhia.

Over the past few months as news of a possible "Zanjeer" remake trickled in, speculation was rife that Abhishek Bachchan would be cast in his father's role.

Explaining his choice of leading man, that has shocked many industry watchers, Lakhia says, "I think Charan will make a fantastic action hero. "Zanjeer" is an iconic film and we thought he was a perfect fit for Vijay's role. He is the next angry young man of Hindi cinema."

Meanwhile, Charan is pulling out all stops to make sure his B-Town debut is no damp squib. "Charan is working hard on his Hindi and building his physique for his big-ticket debut. He is going to kick some serious ass in my film," says Lakhia.

As Charan prepares for his role, the decision on the female lead is yet to be taken.

With some quarters reporting that Deepika Padukone might step in as Charan's leading

www.indiantimes.com.au

lady, Lakhia asserts that the "details on that are yet to be worked out". "Look, we all know how important this is for Charan.

Both our producers, Amit Mehra (son of Prakash Mehra who produced and directed the original "Zanjeer") and Reliance are very eager to give Charan the biggest launch possible. So, we are working on getting a top supporting cast - leading lady, villain, etc. So far, we haven't zeroed in on anyone. All will be confirmed soon." TOI Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

Bollywood & Entertainment Bollywood shows off its sporting side

MUMBAI: Bollywood's love affair with sports seems to be blossoming. Salman Khan (celebrity cricket league), Shahrukh Khan (racing), Sanjay Dutt and Raj Kundra (Superfight League) are all now into sports.

Actor Sanjay Dutt and actor Shilpa Shetty's businessman husband Raj Kundra are all set to start a Superfight League soon. Kundra said, "The league will have all kinds of combat sports including boxing, taekwondo, karate and many more. Unlike WWF, which is staged, this is going to be real.

Currently we are training our fighters, who will take on international stars."

Dutt will not only be the face of the league.

Kundra said, "He is also an investor. When I discussed the idea, he loved it. Besides, he likes these sports." Dutt added, "I am very passionate about combat sports and since martial arts were invented in India, I will make sure we churn out some real worldclass super fighters from here. SFL events will be a great fusion of sports and entertainment, while being an important platform for mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters in India and the rest of the world."

Actors like SRK, Shilpa Shetty and Preity Zinta are co-owners of teams in the Indian Premier League. Apart from cricket, actors are also looking at investing in other sports as well. Shahrukh is now a co-owner of a racing league, while Akshay Kumar has been sponsoring karate tournaments and is

looking to start an academy. Shilpa Shetty is looking to start a football league. Kundra said, "The red tape-ism and babugiri come in the way, preventing us from indulging in other sports."

Salman Khan is the face of a celebrity cricket league, which is currently in its second season. Actor-director Sohail Khan is the owner of one of the teams. Actor Suniel Shetty, who is the captain of the team, said, "About 150 celebs from various states are involved in this league, including film personalities like Mohanlal, Mahesh Babu and Nagarjuna. Though it is a complete business venture, it is also a great way to unite the country."

For actors, it is a win-win situation, as apart from their love for sports, it is a business venture which guarantees returns.

Almost every top actor is a brand ambassador of 5 to 10 products, which helps them in sponsorship of their ownership ventures.

Punitha Arumugam of Madison Media said, "Sports is a good investment. Even if the market goes up or down, one ends up making money. Actors' ownership helps them get sponsors on board and most of them are corporates."

Suniel Shetty adds, "Sports in India has a great future now with big corporates involving themselves in games like football and other sports. Transparency will soon TOI come."

Official announcements from Karan Johar about Dharmaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s upcoming movie â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Student of the Year KARAN Johar has been real busy with the shooting of his upcoming movie Student of the Year. Recently he tweeted about his shooting schedule in Delhi â&#x20AC;&#x153;Am shooting the last day of the schedule in Delhiâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? as the shooting comes to an end in Delhi, Karan revealed some exciting news about the movie.

Firstly, Karan seems immensely impressed with the three kids in the movie and has announced about releasing their exclusive images on Twitter, a social media platform soon. As Karan said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the 3 kids in SOTY are lovely!!! Sid has a silent strong charmâ&#x20AC;Ś.Varun has a real fun bratty appealâ&#x20AC;ŚAlia is vivacious and super cute!!!â&#x20AC;? After all this, it will surely be a treat to see their images! But it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t end here, if you have been wondering when the movie will release, here is your answer, â&#x20AC;&#x153;For everyone asking SOTY is short for STUDENT OF THE YEARâ&#x20AC;Śthe film I am directing currently and will release in 2012!!!â&#x20AC;? straight from Karan Johar.

While shooting for Student of the Year Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

Karan also felt nostalgic by remembering his first directorial movie Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, â&#x20AC;&#x153;At heart I think I was born oldâ&#x20AC;Ś.even at 25 I felt more easy directing the second half of K2H2â&#x20AC;? it s clearly visible that dhooting the youth life makes him feel older and the same in Student of the Year.

While shooting amongst the youngsters Karan is feeling older than he is suppose to, the same is visible when you read his tweet. In addition, he also mentioned that since he will be turning 40 this year, working with the youth makes him feel all the more old and this might be his last youth film, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Am going to be 40 in may!!!

And filming with these 20+ actors has made me realise this is definitely my last stint at a â&#x20AC;&#x153;youngâ&#x20AC;? film!!!â&#x20AC;? this surely must be depressing for all Karan Johar fans. However, Karan believes in doing what is best for his movies and this way, he would give chance to more new talents who understand the current generation better.

With all this, it will definitely be exciting to watch how Student of the Year will turn out to be. bollyspice

.com.au

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2012 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 41

Sports News

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou is under no illusions that the code is second to rugby league in Sydney's west AFL chief Andrew Demetriou is under no illusions about the challenges that face the code as they expand into rugby league heartland in Sydney's western suburbs this season.

A year after Gold Coast Suns made their first step into 'rugby league territory' in south-east Queensland, Greater Western Sydney Giants will do the same in Sydney's west by playing their first AFL season in 2012.

In an exclusive interview with Fox Sports News, Demetriou acknowledged that the AFL would never be the No.1 code of choice in western Sydney.

He said there was room for both codes to co-exist in the expanding market.

"I'm on the public record as saying we don't expect to dominate, particularly in this market," Demetriou said.

"If we can increase our penetration and increase awareness of AFL in NSW, particularly in Greater Western Sydney, that would be a real bonanza for us. But I'm under no illusions that we would dominate in this territory. NRL is well embedded, as it should be. It's been here over 100 years and you've got to respect that.

"I actually enjoy rugby league. I've got enormous respect for the NRL. I think it's a great competition, it's not unlike ours. It's got a great history, particularly here in NSW and we learn a lot from the NRL. "As I said before, we just want to give people another option. It's OK to follow GWS and OK to follow Penrith, I hope.

"Like in Melbourne, we have lots of people that follow Collingwood and Melbourne Victory and Melbourne Rebels. I'm sure there's enough to go around."

Demetriou predicted a tough first season on the field for the Giants, whose squad predominantly consists of rookies with no AFL experience.

But the AFL boss praised the club's ability to build a team from scratch and said immediate success on the field was not what the Giants were about.

"I think a win for GWS would just to be respected as a team in our competition," he said.

"We've always said that we're just trying to create an opportunity for people in Greater Western Sydney to have an option.

"I think they're gaining respect and if they can earn respect from everybody, that will be a real win."

Despite conceding the code would never "dominate" rugby league, he maintained that the AFL was in Sydney's west for the

long haul.

"We're not doing this because we think we're in for a quick win and that we're trying to overtake rugby league or dominate in a particular market," he said.

"We're in it because we believe in the long haul it's better ... to grow the game nationally.

"We can't really call ourselves a truly national competition if you've got one team in Sydney. We need to support the Swans and that's why we're investing over $100 million in this football club.

"And we've said this is not a five-year exercise. This is a 20, 30, 40-year decision and hopefully in the long run it will be the right decision."

Foxsports

Red Bull Racing focuses on the positives after gearbox problems thwarted test efforts in Barcelona RED Bull Racing head Christian Horner has shrugged off reliability concerns after the team suffered a truncated testing program in Barcelona, AutoSport reports.

A gearbox issue meant Sebastian Vettel completed just 23 laps on the final day of testing while others completed triple figures.

Despite that setback Horner says the test period was productive citing the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) issues which plagued the team in 2011 as an

example.

"I think it [the preseason] has been constructive," Horner told UK Magazine AutoSport.

"Looking back to 12 months ago when we were faced with a lot of KERS issues and so on, I think it has been a positive winter testing period.

"I don't think there is anything too different from the last couple of years. Certainly last year was tougher because KERS was a bigger issue and we ended up not running at

the first race, but 12 months on KERS has hardly been mentioned this year."

Horner made no mention of the gearbox issue from the test day.

Regardless of any issues during testing most expect Red Bull to again lead the Formula 1 pack with a floundering Ferrari already writing off the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne after the 2012 car failed to perform in tests.

Foxsports

QUEENSLAND FIJI FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED Facebook Queensland Fiji Fa - www.qldfijifootball.com For more information please contact Aveen Singh 0422 310 564 - aveen@cableprojects.com.au Irshad Ali 0412 210 378 - ishxx@yahoo.com or vineet546@yahoo.com.au

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Message from Sadhu Prasad Patron of QFFA A WARM welcome to all for the 2012 season.

2012 will be a season that we can all look forward to with a wealth of competitive commitments for Queensland Fiji Football Association. After the highs of 2011, I can only assume and expect that the coming season will be even more action packed, full of excitement and successful.

How do we measure this success? For the players it will have been in the winning of matches and the satisfaction of giving it the best.

For the fans it will be the excitement and the admiration of the skills demonstrated and the sportsmanship displayed. For the organisers, success will be measured in the smooth running of the tournaments, the turnout of the fans, the general development of soccer at all levels including junior as well as masters and perhaps 42 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2012

for the district Associations a more proactive administration structure.

The focus will be on the Associations to take the lead and ensure fair play and discipline as their keywords towards success in all facets of their involvement in soccer. There can never be long-term growth and achievement based on short term incentives of dubious content and intent. Players and officials, in particular must map out strategies that ensure the growth and survival of their Clubs / Associations over the long term rather than looking at short term achievements.

The sponsors of the tournaments has given QFFA much needed support and urge all the soccer lovers to support their products and services with the same enthusiasm that they have for the sport. Particular reference is made to the sponsorship from MC’s Indian and Island Food

www.indiantimes.com.au

and by patronising their products all you fans will ensure that our sponsors are given the necessary support and incentive to continue and even increase their sponsorship packages in the coming years.

My hearty congratulations also to President Aveen Singh and his 2012 executives for continuing with this magazine incentive as there is no substitute for this sort of exposure.

Let us unite for the betterment and improvement of QFFA and make 2012 a memorable year for all concerned.

To all the participating team officials, all the best for 2012 season, Go Ahead and make your districts and fans proud.

Sadhu Prasad Patron QFFA Life Member – Fiji FA. Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

Sports News Ned Flanders Cricket Club continue their triumphant march Matt Young THE Ned Flanders Cricket Club has triumphantly played its way through February with its season’s undefeated record intact.

Unfortunately rain has deprived the boys from getting on the paddock for two of their February matches, but their winning momentum has hardly been interrupted.

Now deeply entrenched in the One Day fixtures, the Neddies enjoyed a tough win against long term foes the Mustang Salllies.

The Salvation Army team had once pipped the Flanders boys in the Two Day Competition many years ago and the boys in the baggy maroon Flanders caps have long held a grudge. This time victory was theirs with an emphatic display with the ball and bat. Batting first the Sallies had little response to the hostility of the new ball.

Opening bowlers for the Flanders, Jayram Vasudevan and ‘Big Bad’ Benny Field decimated the top order with some marvelous catches being taken by their team mates.

Some spectators suggested left arm quick, Vasudevan looked like a young Zaheer Khan. First change bowlers Mickey Menagh and Jon Pearce did their bit too, with the big vice- captain, Menagh taking three wickets. Chasing 148 for victory, the Neddies galloped home, with Brendan Dillon carrying on the form that saw him score a Churches Cricket record high 270 not out before Christmas. This time he

• Leo Yin blazes away for the Ned Flanders XI.

anchored the run chase with a solid 68 not out. Along the way to victory, he teamed up with young Mick Redhead, who was playing just his first innings for the club. Mick peeled off some spectacular cover drives and pull shots to record a half century on his batting debut. The seven wicket win cemented the Flanders at the top of the ladder.

The next match saw the Flanders pitted against Wynnum Baptists XI. Winning the toss and choosing to bat seemed to be the right choice as the Flanders batsmen plundered the enthusiastic Wynnum attack. The match marked a special thrill for me per-

sonally as the team welcomed back my long term opening batting partner, ‘Sneaky’ Pete Simmons, after his brief sabbatical. The innings was dominated by a sensational 182 run partnership between Andrew McMurtrie and who else but Brendan Dillon. 200cm tall ‘Chookie’ McMurtrie continued on with the form that saw him post his maiden century just before Christmas and looked set to repeat the achievement before he had a brief brain explosion and ran himself out for a belligerent 96. It was an unlucky day all round for the big man as midway through his knock he broke the blade of his favourite

Players feel deeply about England, Australia losses: Dravid MUMBAI, March 5, 2012: India returned from another exasperating tour and there seems to be no answers for the series of losses that have come in back-to-back away series first England and now Australia.

Such is the stern silence emanating from the Indian camp that no cricketer wants to do a post-mortem.

Rahul Dravid, who returned from Australia after the Test series equally disappointed, is no exception. He spoke exclusively to TOI about the tour Down Under and also his appointment as the new skipper of IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals. Excerpts...

Your thoughts on the tour of Australia, what went wrong and what kind of pressure are the players going through.

When you don't get results, nothing works and nobody feels good about it, especially when losses keep mounting like this.

So, disappointment is going to be there all around. First England and then Australia - we suffered those string of losses on both the tours and believe me we (players) feel very deeply about it. There is no doubt that it gets really tough on everybody when such a thing happens and players are no exception.

That's because nobody's going out there to lose, they're all out there with only one thought in mind and that is to win.

But the fact remains that it is the eventual result that counts and the guys understand it.

They know that in international sport, there is going to be a lot of criticism and a lot of questions are going to be asked if Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

the performance doesn't show.

That's the way sport is and criticism and back-patting are part of it.

However, I also need to add here that as a player one cannot become a part of this emotional rollercoaster. You've got to stay balanced and look ahead at all times. The whole idea of trying to improve means you cannot afford to look back all the time.

Virat Kohli has been awarded vice-captaincy ahead of Gautam Gambhir and also seems to be the only player who's returned home with any positives. Your thoughts...

Virat has been aptly rewarded with the vice-captain's role simply for his performance in Australia and also keeping certain aspects of the future in mind. But it does not mean Gautam should feel left out just because of that.

Virat will be the first to realise that he has to still establish himself as a cricketer before he goes another step further in his career.

By now we certainly know that just by being the vice-captain, you're not going to be the next captain of the Indian team and (MS) Dhoni has been doing a good job. Having said that, it is also an apt recognition of the way Virat performed in Australia and the kind of form he was in.

Sachin's 100th 100 became the talking point...

I don't think Sachin himself has been giving it a lot of thought.

Why him? Every batsman wants to score a century every time he walks out and help the team.

The IPL is making news for

right and wrong reasons.

The national team hasn't been doing well. Will all that have an effect on the tournament?

You cannot deny the fact that it is a good tournament and that is where I think a lot of positives lie.

Yes, there are areas of concern, areas which need to be looked into. But that doesn't mean that the tournament itself is a concern or has lost any charm.

You feel cricket is alive and kicking as it has always been...

Yes, I think cricket still is on top. IPL still catches the imagination of people and I only hope it will continue to do so. That's because there's a flipside.

The tournament happens at a time when kids have holidays. The whole idea has worked very well in the last four years. I don't see a reason why it shouldn't work now.

You had walked away from (India) captaincy and now you're back. Does it appeal to you once again?

It's very hard to compare the two scenarios. It's a franchise model here - combination of domestic and international. I was asked if I could take over. I had enjoyed myself at the Royals last year, so when they asked, I took it up. Rajasthan Royals is a relatively smaller franchise so it's got a nice family feel to it. It's nice to be able to help them out.

You raised quite a few pertinent points at the Bradman Oration. Did you always have them in mind? www.indiantimes.com.au

bat. Dillon was finally dismissed for the first time in 418 runs for a polished 80. 7 for 264 looked an imposing target for the happy go lucky men from Wynnum but they weren’t about to lie down passively.

Their openers took them away to a rollicking start before rejuvenated pace man Adam Harris made the initial breakthrough courtesy of a fine catch at deep mid- wicket by Ben Field. Vasudevan and Pearce each played their parts in the middle overs with some tight bowling. Pearce added three scalps to his growing season’s tally.

Menagh was back in the thick of the action taking wickets before injury curtailed his involvement. The unusual feature of the day’s proceedings was the efforts of Doctor Tom Dover. Clearly established as one of the premier batsmen in the competition, this match saw him miss his turn at bat because of medical commitments but he put his hand up to bowl and bowled one of the best spells of the day. By the time Leo Yin claimed the final catch deep on the ‘cow corner’ boundary, the Baptist boys had notched up 188. It was a fitting finale to the game, as Leo had fielded like a demon all day in the blistering hot Brisbane sun and thoroughly deserved the final accolade.

So, onwards into March where thoughts turn to One Day Grand Finals and the possibility of the Neddies adding to their T20 and Two Day trophies that they already have in safe keeping this season. The chance of doing the ‘Triple Crown’ is driving the Flanders hard, and helping to maintain their focus and enthusiasm as the sun starts to set on another cricket season.

Sunil Chhetri to lead India in AFC Challenge Cup

I was asked to do it about two or two-and-half months before we were scheduled to land in Australia. I said yes. But like most things, you say yes and then when the day approaches you start thinking... "Oh my god, what have I gotten myself into?"

To be honest... only after I was asked to speak did I really go about thinking of issues I needed to address. The thoughts emerged out of the questions I keep getting asked from time to time in the media. Honestly, there was nothing new in what I spoke. Except that those two months gave me time to sit down and recollect those instances from the past and speak about them. It was a good experience. In the end I really learnt a lot.

TOI

NEW DELHI: AIFF Player of the Year, Sunil Chhetri will lead India in the AFC Challenge Cup to be held in Kathmandu from March 8.

Defender Syed Rahim Nabi will serve as Chhetri's deputy during the tournament.

After decisions were taken in the team meeting on Monday, India coach Savio Medeira expressed confidence on the choice, saying both Sunil and Nabi are quality players.

"Both Sunil and Nabi are quality players.

They have earned the respect of everyone by their team play and leadership qualities.

"Sunil did a good job last December at the SAFF Championship, where he led from the front. Sunil has matured a lot.

Nabi has been one of the consistent performers for India in the recent times and has an experience to captain at the club level," said the coach.

Chhetri felt privileged and honoured to have been given the job.

"It's a matter of pride and great responsibility to lead the country in such an important tournament. I feel privileged for such an honour. I would try my best to win the title and qualify for the Asian Cup," said Sunil.

India, clubbed with North Korea, Philippines and Tajikistan in Group 'B', will face Tajikistan in their first match on March 9. Group 'A' consists of hosts Nepal, Maldives, Palestine and Turkmenistan.

The winner of the tournament will earn a ticket to 2015 AFC Asian Cup. The Team: Goalkeepers: Karanjit Singh, Subhasish Roychowdhury, Arindam Bhattacharya; Defenders: Nirmal Chhetri, Raju Gaikwad, Sameer Naik, Gourmangi Singh, Anwar Ali, Kinsukh Debnath, Syed Rahim Nabi (Vice Capt), Gurjinder Singh; Midfielders: Adil Khan, Anthony Pereira, Reisangmi Vashum, Rocus Lamare, Francis Fernandes, Jewel Raja, Lenny Rodrigues, Lalrindika Ralte; Forwards: Sunil Chhetri (Capt), Sushil Singh, CS Sabeeth, Joaquim Abranches.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2012 — 43

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