Brisbane Indian Times May 13 issue by Australian Indian Times

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Volume 10, Number 8 Saturday, May 11, 2013

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Federal budget takes $17 billion hit Source ABC THE Gillard government will not go ahead with a family benefit boost that would have provided a maximum of $600 extra a year to eligible Australian families, as it signals that the budget faces a $17 billion shortfall in revenue this financial year. On Tuesday, 7 May, Finance Minister Penny Wong confirmed that the government was ‘’not in a position to proceed’’ with an increase to Family Tax Benefit Part A that was due to start on July 1. In last year’s budget, Labor pledged about $1.8 billion over four years to increase the rate of Family Tax Benefit Part A, as part of its package to spread ‘’the benefits of the mining boom’’. In a measure linked to the mining tax - that was never legislated more than 1.1 million families were to receive an increase to the maximum rate of FTB-A of $300 a year for those with one child and $600 a year for those with two or • Finance Minister Penny Wong says the government has to make ‘‘responsible decisions’’. more children. A promised increase to the base rate of year for families with one child and $200 a for around 460,000 families. Continued page 6 FTB–A would have seen an extra $100 a year for families with two or more children

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WELCOME to our May Edition, I was privileged to attend the largest ANZAC memorial service in Brisbane at the A.I.F. Memorial Lodge, it made me proud as my nephew Keitan Sharma, of Bald Hills was chosen as one of the guards who together with the other Naval cadets stood guard during laying of wreaths. It was indeed heartening to see many people of Indian Origin taking part in ANZAC day functions. Congratulations to GOPIO Queensland for holding a very successful business networking dinner function with Mayor Paul Pissale and Dr Maha Sinnathamby. From the coming month we are excited to be launching two new section to our publication, the first will be the “meeting point” where we will let you meet extra ordinary individuals from our community. The second one will be “View Point” where we will get views of few people from within our community, the topic will be current affairs. We had been contemplating this idea for a while and feel the time has come for it to be launched, truly exciting times ahead so from next month do not miss the Point. World Hindu Economic Forum held its first regional conference in Fiji, a highly successful conference which highlighted the importance of Hindu Businesses. The conference being in Fiji attracted some of the Hindu economic powerhouses of Fiji, like Mr. Y.P. Reddy and Mr. Kanti Lal Punja. Both the companies have gone truly Global and have a specially large stronghold in the Pacific region. Their presence was an inspiration to the participants. I noticed a big improvement in the roads and other infrastructure in Fiji, while it had been a long while since I had last been to Fiji. At the conference in a Fijian context the businesses face some challenges under the current governance mode. However, busi-

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Inside • Letters to the Editor.......................2 • Migration Matters...........................4 • Local News.................................5-33 • Business News................................24 • Who, What, Where, When...28 & 30 • Health & Well Being................36-39 • Astrology.........................................40 • Real Estate...............................41-44 • Business Directory/Classifieds...44-45 • What’s On.................................46-48 • Bollywood & Entertainment...48-49 • Sport..........................................50-51 2 - THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, May 2013

Published Monthly OWNERS / PUBLISHERS: Umesh & Usha Chandra ADVERTISING: Trudi Tarres EDITOR: Trudi Tarres JOURNALIST/ CORRESPONDENTS: Ram Jattan (UK) Thakur Ranjit Singh (NZ) Thilliar Varnakulasingham (NZ) Shalendra Prasad (Fiji) Dhaval Vyas (India) Rama Gaind (Canberra) Sudesh Aggarwal (ATO News) ML. M. Nawaaz Ashrafi Imam Muhammad Aslam Sundar Gopal Das Yadavendra Das Pastor Joseph Dass Haji Abdul Rahman Deen Janeth Deen Jitendra Deo Atul Dighe (Spiritual Science Research Foundation) Mehraban Farahmand (Baha’i International)

ness are quick to adapt to the prevailing conditions. I was pleased to catch up with His Excellency Vinod Kumar, High Commissioner for India in Fiji. The Conference was convened by Swami Vigyananand, founder of World economic forum. Historically the World Hindu Community’s contribution to world economy from the 1st to 5th Century was more than 35% of the world GDP, occupying the top spot. Since then due to Colonization and other reasons, Hindus have lost their way, causing substantial destruction of the economic prowess of Hindu Civilization. WHEF aims to catalyse and facilitate the re-emergence of the wealth and economic prowess of Hindu Civilisations globally which encompasses all people having belief in the concept of Hindu Dharma. Locally I was privileged to be invited as guest of honour for the two day function organised by Divya Jyoti Sansthan at Shree Laxmi Narayan Temple. The Prabachan was very well received and the bhajans were just mesmerising. As a Hindu Chaplain I was pleased to organise a lecture of Sushri Bhakti Priya Bharati Ji at Queensland Multifaith Chaplaincy centre. Another amazing function that I was humbled to be invited as chief guest was by Nexus Church in Everton Park, the function was known as Incredible India, I was amazed at the energy of the whole event, everyone were so polite and welcoming. The goodness flowed through to everyone with the praises of Lord Jesus, whose presence could almost be felt. I will finish off by mentioning forthcoming Encounters India, we are proud to be associated with the promotion of this event which will showcase Indian cultures, art, music and cuisine, we hope to catch up with many of you during the is event. Until next month happy reading Umesh Chandra

Queensland People of Australia Ambassadors meet State Director Queensland

CONTINUING and newly appointed People of Australia Ambassadors met Robert Hoitink over lunch at Department of Immigration and Citizenship. He congratulated everyone on their appointments and said that “you are appointed to this position because of your strong commitment to inclusion, social cohesion and actions that unite all Australians, you have demonstrated this commitment and I am sure you will continue to do so in the future”. The group discussed ways of working together in furthering the objective of the role and the program. The ambassadors asked for community awareness of the appointments so that people organising community functions knew that they could ask ambassadors to speak at their function as a value added proposition. The department is working on some leadership training programs which could be beneficial to the younger generation. It was decided the meeting be convened every three months.

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Brisbane Indian Times is a monthly newspaper published in English. No material, including advertisements designed by Brisbane Indian Times, may be reproduced in part or who without the written consent of the manager. Opinions carried in Brisbane Indian Times are those of the writers and not necessarily endorsed by Brisbane Indian Times. Brisbane Indian Times will not be held liable for any advertising / editorial content - Advertisers supply/approve content therefore should any content be deemed inappropriate it is the advertisers responsibility. While every effort has been made to capture the true likeness to colour printing is an art and therefore we cannot guarantee an exact matching of product to image. Refund / Credit is not given as a result of the previous mentioned. All correspondence should be addressed to: Brisbane Indian Times, PO Box 197, Taigum Qld 4018. PH: (07) 3356 0102 Fax: 3352 7693 admin@indiantimes.com.au

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, May, 2013 — 3

Recent news about Australian Migration Regulations 457s double in lowest paid occupations NEW data released shows the number of the lowest paid 457 visa holders has almost doubled compared to this time last year. The latest monthly figures Subclass 457 visa statistics of the program year to March 31, show there are 105 600 457 visa holders in the community, an increase of 19.2 per cent compared to the same time last year. Particular areas of concern which have showed the biggest rates of growth, are Accommodation and Food services which has grown by 99 per cent and Retail which has grown by 75 per cent when compared to the 201112 program year. These two industries are considered to be the lowest paying of all sponsor industries. The average base salary for 457 visa holders was $55 000 for Accommodation & Food services workers and $69 000 for Retail workers. ‘The government has always said that the 457 visa is an important tool for areas of short-term labour needs and skills shortages,’ Immigration Minister Mr. Brendan O’Connor said. ‘But when we see evidence that something is not right with the program - such as spikes in particular sectors that are out of step with growth in those industries we must take action to stamp out any rorts. The latest statistics show

Engineering Draftsperson and technicians, Various trades Occupations. Full lists are available on the Qld Government website www.workliveplay.qld.gov. au Qld Government Requirements under the Skilled - Nominated (subclass 190) visa * meet the Australian Government’s eligibility criteria for the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa * have an occupation on Queensland’s Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa Eligible Skills List or have completed 100% of a Masters Degree or qualification higher than a Masters Degree at a Queensland institution in Queensland and have graduated within the last 18 months and have an occupation on the Queensland Skilled Occupation List (QSOL) for International Post Graduate Alumni. * meet the requirements for the nominated occupation as detailed on the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa Eligible Skills List or Queensland Skilled Occupation List (QSOL) for International Post Graduate Alumni. * have a current positive skills assessment for that occupation from the relevant assessing authority * include a copy of a

that while temporary skilled visa grants were trending downward from August 2012, the actual stock of 457 visa holders remains high and 457 program demand remains strong. New State Sponsorship Lists announced by the Queensland Government. The Queensland State Government has announced new State Sponsorship lists for Skilled Migration effective from 8 April 2013 for the Subclass 190 and Subclass 489 visa categories. Occupations Include: Environmental Manager, Accountants, Mathematician, Professional Engineers and Surveyors, Agriculture Consultants and Scientists, Environmental Consultant and Scientists, Anatomist or Physiologist, Biochemist, Microbiologist, Zoologist, Life Scientists, Medical Laboratory Scientists, Physicist, Secondary School teacher, Medical Imaging Professionals, Sonographer, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, Podiatrist, Speech Professional and Audiologist, General Medical Practitioners, Internal medicine Specialists, Psychiatrists, Other Medical Practitioners, Midwives, Registered Nurses, Psychologists, Social Workers, Civil Engineering Draftsperson and Technicians, Electrical

detailed CV * include any other supporting documentation deemed relevant to the application * be assessed by Skilled and Business Migration as being likely to provide a clear benefit to the Queensland economy * have sufficient settlement funds (as cash) to cover potential long periods of unemployment * complete and submit an EOI through SkillSelect * Applicants who may be eligible for Queensland government nomination will be contacted by email and advised of the full documentation required for consideration by the Queensland Government. The Skilled Nominated or Sponsored (Provisional (subclass 489) visa is a 4 year provisional visa. The Qld Government Requirements under the Skilled Nominated or Sponsored (Provisional (subclass 489) visa must: * meet the Australian Government’s eligibility criteria for the Skilled Nominated or Sponsored (Provisional) (subclass 489) visa * have an occupation on the Skilled - Nominated or Sponsored (Provisional) (subclass 489) visa’s eligible skills list for Queensland Continued page 6

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Federal budget Cultural Community Association takes $17 billion hit of Qld Ltd’s Jagjit Singh Night Continued from page 1 SENATOR Wong said that on top of the revenue hit in 2012-13, the government anticipated revenue hits across the forward estimates. ‘’What we are seeing is the dollar remaining stubbornly high, but the terms of trade - the prices Australia gets for the things it sells to the rest of the world - are falling,’’ Senator Wong told ABC TV. ‘’That set of circumstances has really hit business profitability and we are seeing, therefore, a very significant reduction in anticipated revenue for government.’’ The Australian Financial Review reported on Tuesday, 7th May, that the likely write-down in revenue over the four years from 2013-14 is expected to run to between $60 billion and $80 billion. Senator Wong said that in the current budget context, the government had to make ‘’responsi-

ble decisions’’. She described the decision not to boost FTB-A was ‘’regrettable but one that’s responsible in the circumstances’’. Senator Wong said that nobody would receive less than they were receiving now as a result of the government’s decision, but she acknowledged it was a tough call to make in an election year. ‘’It is difficult in an election year for me to come on the show and say to you ‘Yes, we are not going to proceed with the boost to family tax benefit that we wanted to’ but you have to make the responsible decisions for the longterm,’’ she said. On Tuesday, 7th May, shadow treasurer Joe Hockey tweeted that the federal budget, due to be handed down on 14th May, was in ‘’chaos’’. ‘’Wong says revenue write downs now $17bn. Last week Gillard said $12bn. Week before Swan said $7bn. Budget in complete chaos!!’’

CULTURAL Community Association of Queensland Ltd hosted a successful Jagjit memorial Night at Centenary State High School, Jindalee. Talented local artists like Joseph Abhay Nand, Mohit Lal, Manorma Naiker, Yogendra Krishna, Dhireej Singh, Anand Tularam, Junior and Darsheel Shah put on a very entertaining show. The audience did not want to leave and requested for more numbers. For a ‘ghazal night the audience and ambience has to be right for the event to be successful, the combination existed on the night for the

Recent news about Australian Migration Regulations

457s double in lowest paid occupations Continued from page 4 * meet the requirements for the nominated occupation as listed on the Skilled Nominated or Sponsored (Provisional) (subclass 489) visa eligible skills list * have a current positive skills assessment for that occupation from the relevant assessing authority * supply any other supporting documenta-

tion deemed relevant by the Queensland Government to the application after the EOI is received in Skill Select * be assessed by Skilled and Business Migration as being likely to provide a clear benefit to the Queensland economy * complete and submit an EOI through SkillSelect. * Applicants who may be eligible for Queensland government nomination will be

select audience. Cultural Community Association has purchased two and half acre property in Bundamba. The property has a dwelling on it which the members have been busy renovating, we are told that the works are about eighty percent complete. On completion the centre will serve as a meeting place were youth classes on health, music, cooking, sewing etc will be conducted. The centre will also be used to observe cultural and religious activities. A community garden is also being planned.

contacted by email and advised of the full documentation required for consideration by the Queensland Government. Closure of Applications for NSW Govt Subclass 190 visa Nomination New South Wales nomination under the Skilled - Nominated (Subclass 190) visa for the 2012-2013 financial year has reached full capacity and applications have closed for this year. New application will re-open again in July 2013 and the state continues to accept applications for nominations for other visa classes, including the Significant Investor Visa. Applications received for NSW nomination under the Skilled - Nominated (Subclass)

190 visa up to close of business last Thursday 11 April 2013 will be processed as usual. Any application that has already been received and is currently being processed will continue to be processed. Details of the 2013-2014 intake for the Subclass 190 visa will be available in July 2013. 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)

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, May, 2013 — 7

Distressed Shirley Pande seeks community support

He loves to read... and he’s three... EVER wondered what the capital of Antarctica is? Three-year old, Sean—who knows the names of 240 capital cities in the world—can’t understand why Antarctica doesn’t have a capital city. Dubbed as ‘Australia’s smartest kid’ by the media Sean showed signs of superior IQ before he was a year old. “Even before he turned two, Sean was reading like an adult. He’s so passionate about reading that soon I had to borrow books from the library, as I couldn’t keep up with his pace. This has helped improve his spelling, and Sean can spell 12 letter words,” said Sean’s mother, Seema Mathavan. “Lately Sean’s been memorising car licence number plates,” Mrs Mathavan says. “Sean surprised my friend when she visited us, by rattling off her car number plate correctly. We were very surprised as he had seen the car only once before. Other than that Sean remembers road signs, outside banners, street names (when we go shopping), and can spell them all correctly.” “We had Sean examined at the Sydney Child Assessment and Testing Service. The result put Sean in the ‘superior range’ of intellectual ability—95 per cent above his peers,” Mrs Mathavan continued. “This also made us realise that to nurture Sean’s gift we had to put money aside for his future education. We enrolled Sean in ASG when our neighbour recommended ASG to us. “We want Sean to have the best in life, and education is the best gift we can give him. As parents we want Sean to reach his full potential; be able nurture his amazing capacity for learning; for him to be happy, and have a healthy life and future,” said Mrs Mathavan. So, what does this child prodigy do outside of reading? “Well, he talks and talks, and asks numerous questions,” laughs Mrs Mathavan. “I get tired of his questions, but he doesn’t. Like most three-year-olds Sean

8 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, May, 2013

loves playing with his friends, rides his cycle and scooter, wrestles with his friends, and plays in the park with his dad. He’s learning how to swim, so that’s his favourite sport now.”

SHIRLEY Pande, a single including the contents insurworking mum lost her ance, for contents that she does Tanah Merah home in a fire not have anymore. on 11 March. Global Convenience Store and The cause of the early Krishna Fresh Food Market morning fire is still not have donated pots, pans, groknown and is under investiceries and prayer items. gation. Shirley Pande, a GOPIO Queensland President, nurse, was on night shift Shyam Das and People of when the incident occurred. Australia Ambassador, Umesh According to Shirley the Chandra visited Shirley Pande house is under insured, it at her rented property to prowill cost more to build than • GOPIO Queensland President vide moral support and counDas presenting a com- selling. GOPIO Qld presented what it was insured for. The Shyam munity assistance cheque to cost of demolishing the Shirley Pande. a three hundred dollar cheque remains of the gutted house to support Shirley in the diffiis not covered in the policy. She is upset by cult times. Shirley Pande thanked Shyam the interrogation by her insurance compa- Das and Umesh Chandra for their support. ny. Shirley is also thankful to family and After spending days with family and friends who helped her out in the initial friends, she is currently renting, she had to period. find bond money and two weeks rent in advance, the insurance company has agreed Shirley is seeking assistance from builders to pay rent for six months. and demolition companies to assist her with She is still paying mortgage and insurance advice and quotes.

Survey confirms strength of Australia-India ties FOREIGN Minister Bob Carr welcomed a major opinion poll which has confirmed public support in India for a strong and growing relationship with Australia. The survey by the Lowy Institute for International Policy and the Australia India Institute indicates Indians see Australia as good place to visit, live, work and study. Australia is viewed as a country that is friendly to India, with attractive values, strong educational institutions and a sound political system.

Foreign Minister Bob Carr acknowledged the contribution both organisations had made towards the bilateral relationship between Australia and India. “This report focuses on our shared values and interests which have seen Australia’s relationship with India develop into one of our key strategic and economic partnerships in the region,” Senator Carr said. “It is gratifying to see positive results of Indian feelings towards Australia, Indian judgments of the quality of

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Australia’s education system, and Indian views on working with Australia in our shared neighbourhood. “Building on the ties between both our peoples is an integral component of that partnership – in our relations with India, and in the Australia in the Asian Centre White Paper as a whole.” Senator Carr acknowledged there were elements of the relationship where Australia needed to do more. The report noted lingering concerns regarding the issue of

safety for Indian students in Australia but showed the overall perception of Australia’s education standards was strong, with 75 per cent of Indians seeing Australia as a good place to be educated. Australia’s Indian community of more than 450,000 is our fastest growing migrant community and India is our secondlargest source of international students. The report is available at: www.lowyinstitute.org

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, May, 2013 — 9

Fundraising by the Indonesian Muslim Centre of Queensland

Lions Clubs welcome ethnic membership

By Janeth Deen

By Sarat Maharaj MEMBERSHIP of Lions Clubs International is spread over 203 different countries. Started in 1917 in Chicago, USA, today it is the youngest and the largest community service organisation in the world, with a membership of 1,390,000. In Australia, the first Lions Club was established in July 1947 in Lismore, NSW. Since then many more clubs have been formed in every State and Territory. Progressively, as the migration of people from different countries has increased, there have been lots of ethnic community organisations formed. The Queensland population has people from 141 different countries. In Lions Clubs, anyone can become a member. Whilst helping the community, members have lots of fun, and indeed the satisfaction to be able to make a difference to someone’s life. Some of projects Lions Clubs help with are: Natural Disasters (local or overseas), Preventative Blindness,

• District Governor, District 201Q3, Kay Smith is exchanging a Lions bannerette with President of Boondall Lions Club, Sarat Maharaj. Anyone in the Boondall, Zillmere, Taigum, Geebung or in adjoining suburbs can join Boondall Lions Club.

Children’s Disability, Aged Care, Youth Leadership Development, Drug Awareness, Diabetes Awareness, etc. You can come to one of our projects or to a meeting to see in detail as to what this organisation can offer to you. For more information, please visit www.lionsclubs.org.au or phone Sarat Maharaj on 3263 2093 or mobile 0407 111 709, or e-mail regmaharaj@gmail.com.

Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Qld - VED Prachaar 2013

A FUNDRAISING dinner was held on Saturday the 27th April at the Islamic College of Brisbane. This was the first of an eventful weekend to raise funds for a proposed Mosque in the western corridor of Brisbane by the Indonesian Muslim Centre of Queensland.. The dinner was attended by two hundred and twenty people, mostly from the Indonesian community. Members from the Gold Coast Mosque made the two hour journey to support the function. Mr Auctioneer, Hussin Goss who had only just arrived from a function in Sydney in which he was auctioneer, gladly took his position on stage to perform his skills as auctioneer. The food was plentiful, wholesome and of a good variety. On Sunday, 28th April the

By Jitendra Deo President APSQ VED Prachaar programme in Queensland was organised by Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland from April 5th to April 13th 2013. People living in Brisbane, Gold Coast and Rockhampton were very fortunate to hear Pt Guru Datt ‘Arya Ratna’ one of Fiji’s finest and well known Vedic Pracharak and a excellent Vedic Bhajan vocalist who was spreading the true knowledge of VEDAS at various locations for the benefit of general public and members. Topics each evening related to different aspects of day to day life. Pandit Guru Datt made the discourse very interesting and with his melodious voice and Vedic Bhajans made the programme very motivating.

• Pt Guru Datt Arya Ratna during Ved Prachaar program.

Looking at the satisfied reaction from the audience and the comments received, Pundit Ji’s discourses were very well received each day. Pandit Ji added lot of day to

10 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, May, 2013

day applicable illustrations in his Vedic Prachaar making it authentic and very easy to comprehend. The feedback from the audience present each evening was

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fund raising continued with a Cultural festival of food and entertainment. It was greatly supported by the Indonesian community, many of whom came to hear the learned cleric Abdullah ah- Gymnastiar. The children had fun on the jumping castle at no cost to them. The food and clothing stores had great variety to cater for all tastes. The weather was beautiful and everyone had a great day. Approximately $30,200 was raised from both functions. From the road show collection to Sydney, Canberra

overwhelming and encouraging and gave us the opportunity to meet the expectations of the members and public. The demand for the Ved Prachaar has been tremendous, and enlightening for everyone. Dinner was served each evening to the general public. The Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland is grateful to many people for their outstanding support during the VED Prachaar and hopes that all the people who attended this years Ved Prachaar would have been in some way enlightened by the teachings of the VEDAS and understood the message from the themes chosen and be able to make a change in their life for their progress and wellbeing. Special thanks to Brisbane Indian Times and Radio Brisvaani for free publicity of the programme to Brisbane community.

and Melbourne, approximately $25,000 was raised. MyshAllah, from a small beginning, great things will grow. Donations can be submitted to the CBA bank. Account name, IMCQ BSB 064183 A/C no 10278022

Lord Mayor names company to rebuild Riverwalk LORD Mayor Graham Quirk has announced John Holland as the successful tender to undertake the Riverwalk reconstruction to reconnect New Farm to the CBD for cyclists, pedestrians and joggers. Works will start next month to reconstruct the 850-metre long river connection that is being funded under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements, with the Queensland Government providing 25 per cent of funding while the remainder was covered by the Commonwealth. John Holland Queensland has previously built the Goodwill Bridge and Eleanor Schonell Bridge in Brisbane. Cr Quirk said the overall project was now budgeted to come in at $72 million, less than the $75 million initially promised by the Federal and State Governments. “I’m hopeful we can find further efficiencies during the construction to reduce that cost further and deliver a cheque back to the Australian and Queensland taxpayers,” he said. “In its time before being washed downstream in the devastating 2011 floods, the original Riverwalk hosted more than 3,000 cyclists, pedestrians and runners on a daily basis, making it one of the most popular links within Brisbane. “It was an iconic feature of the city, and the completion of these works will help bring it back bigger and better than ever.” Cr Quirk said preliminary construction works would initially occur off-site and then move on-site in late May, with work expected to be completed in mid-2014, weather permitting. “We are very pleased to appoint John Holland and we can now begin the early works for Riverwalk and get on with the job of recreating this unique and much loved river experience. On completion, the reconstructed Riverwalk will feature 24 hour lighting along the length of the path, separated pedestrian and cyclist paths and shaded rest areas along the walkway to provide different views of the city – all contributing to enhance the safety and river experience for users.” Community information sessions will be held at Kangaroo Point (near Cliff’s Café) this Saturday from 6.30-8.30aml and at Jan Power’s Powerhouse Farmers Markets on Saturday 11 May from 7am-12noon. Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

Ipswich Mosque needs funds for renovations

Adver tisement

By Janeth Deen THE Islamic Society of Ipswich Inc is seeking funds to extend the small toilet area, (at present they only have two toilets close together) and build a wudu area. At present, the Wudu area is only an outside tap. They envisage the cost to be around $40.000. This mosque has a transitional congregation, as it caters for the people working at the Ipswich hospital and the people travelling around the area, in addition to the small number of Muslims who live in the area. The collections from the Jumma is small in relation to the costs borne by the mosque. Any donations can be placed in the ANZ bank: BSB 014 610 - Account name: Islamic Society of Ipswich - Account number 4995 15045. This is an important mosque as it caters for the Ipswich area. The nearest mosque to this is Darra.

The final ountdown to to T he fi nal ccountdown digital-only TV ssignals ignals hhas as bbegun! egun! digital-only TV

Celebrate the work and volunteering that supports strong diverse Queensland communities! HONOUR a person or organisation for their positive contribution by nominating them for a Queensland Multicultural Award. You can nominate in ten award categories: * Outstanding volunteer (Greater Brisbane) * Outstanding regional volunteer * Community organisation (Greater Brisbane) * Regional community organisation * Private enterprise * Public sector * Education * Media * Cultural Diversity Ambassador * Australian South Sea Islander. This year, in acknowledgement of the 150year anniversary of the arrival of the first South Sea Islanders in Australia, nominations are invited in a category to recognise work within and for the Australian South Sea Islander community. Nominations close Friday 17 May 2013. For more information and to download your nomination form visit www.multicultural.qld.gov.au.

Newly formed Tamil support group Courtesy Tamil Support Group WE are pleased to announce the formation of a new support groupd for the Tamil new arrivals seeking asylum in Queensland. Our membership comprises the local settled community and new arrivals from Sri Lanka who have attained permanent residence and our supporters and well wishers. The Tamil Support Group is focused on supporting the new arrivals with practical help such as assistance with transport to attend religious services, the provision of clothing, footwear, bedding, furniture and household items, translations, social home visits and recreational activities, craft / sewing / cooking classes, assistance with school homework, assistance with sponsoring wives and children, assistance to set up computers and liaison, referral and linking to other established community support organisations. Please contact President, Mr S. M. Paramanathan on 0438 778 483 for referrals or to arrange the collection of donations for the new arrivals. Volunteers from the new arrival communities are most welcome to join.

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Brisbane and surrounding areas switch on 2 28 8M May ay 2 2013 013* The analog T V switch off is happening on 28 May 2013* â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no turning back. AfterÂ this date you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see anything if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not ready for digital-only T V signals.

What What do I have have ttoo do do?? Remember, to keep watching free-to-air T V shows, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need either: t POF TFU UPQ CPY PS B EJHJUBM 5 7 SFDPSEFS GPS FBDI BOBMPH 5 7 ZPV VTF PS t B OFX 5 7 XJUI B CVJMU JO EJHJUBM UVOFS Most importantly, you do not have to buy a new T V if you do not want to. Most antennas and cabling should work after the digital switchover. However, if you have any concerns about your reception, you may consider asking an endorsed Antenna Installer to check your antenna and cabling. If you have any other questions, or to find your nearest endorsed Antenna Installer, visit our website or call the Digital Ready Information Line. Translated information is also available on the website.

Do Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pput ut it it off off aany ny llonger. onger. Ge Gett rready eady ffor or ddigital igital T TV V today. today. *P Please lease n note: ote: switch off may occur earlier in some towns. Residents in these towns will be informed about the switchover dates. See the website forr more information.

For help or more information on how to get digital ready in your area: 1800 20 10 13

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, May, 2013 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 11

An unforgettable event: Incredible India at Nexus Church

Courtesy Amanda Simmons SUNDAY 28 April, 2013: Nexus Church would like to thank the Indian community and Brisbane Indian Times for supporting and promoting the event. This event was a great opportunity for our local community to celebrate and experience the beauty of Indian culture with inspired children’s dancing, testimonies and songs. The day began with Pastor Murray Averill and the whole Church congregation praying a powerful prayer for India, that 1.2 billion people will experience the love and goodness of God. After singing songs of praise & worship, we were blessed with a gorgeous children’s dance to ‘Deva Saranam’, where

“Come along. Join the fun. Walking strong. 10 years on.”

the children were all dressed in stunning traditional Indian dress. Sandhya Chalasani then sang a beautiful worship song in Telugu, followed by a powerful message from Pastor Joel Chelliah on forgiveness. It was an honour to have special guest Mr Umesh and Mrs Usha Chandra at the 6pm service. Nexus Church Youth put on an Indian fashion show and dance competition with brilliant colours, which was a lot of fun. Nexus Church events team transformed the auditorium with stunning Indian fabrics and colours bringing India to Brisbane. The entire event was filled with hope, faith and love of God. Many people were blessed and encouraged, and there was a great rejoicing in the hearts of the people. You can view the event photos, message and testimony by visiting www.nexuschurch.com.au or Nexus Church Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ NexusChurchAU

“THIS year’s slogan says is all!” says Crescents of Brisbane’s Secretary Ms Hafizah Suleman. Celebrating the 10th year of CresWalk, its highly popular family fun run/walk, the Crescents of Brisbane team has partnered with corporate sponsor Crescent Wealth, Australia’s first Islamic investment funds manager, to make this year’s event the “biggest and best one yet”. Starting at 10am on Sunday 26 May at Orleigh Park, West End the day’s activities will include a family picnic in the park, rock climbing, a giant slide, random draw prizes and other activities. There are 17 categories designed to cater for all shapes, sizes and fitness levels from kids in prams to wheelchairs. The winners in each category will be presented with trophies and every finisher gets a commemorative gift to mark the 10 year celebration. Early entrants also receive a free t-shirt. Crescents of Brisbane is a well-known,

not-for-profit community organization based in SE Queensland and has been in existence since 2004, with the aim of fostering a healthy lifestyle through sport, entertainment, education and culture. Apart from hosting CresWalk each year, Crescents of Brisbane is very active in their local community regularly coordinating and running cupcake and coffee stalls at local schools and fund raising events. Past years has seen them taking an active role in hosting Breast Cancer Workshops and participating in the World’s Greatest Shave. For further information on the organisation or to register for Crescent Wealth CresWalk2013, visit www.crescentsofbrisbane.org All the details of the event and the entry form can be found at: tinyurl.com/CresWalk2013-Form For more information call 0402 026 786 or email theteam@crescentsofbrisbane.org

Vote to Win

TIP SHOP ART COMPETITION 2013 Brisbane Square Library is showcasing 18 artworks made from recycled items selected from Brisbane Tip Shops, as part of Council’s 2013 Tip Shop Art Competition. Vote for your favourite artwork from 1 May until 30 June. Trash or treasure? You decide. Vote in person at Brisbane Square Library or online at www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/waste. This competition has been developed to encourage Brisbane residents to explore options for the reuse and recycling of secondhand items, to keep unwanted furniture and household items out of landfill.

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JUNE DEADLINES Advert Bookings - 27 May 13 Editorial Submissions - 28 May 13

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, May, 2013 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 13

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WITH the grace and blessings of the Almighty, the NZ Thirumurugan Temple purchased a property in Otahuhu, Auckland late last year, for it to become the abode of Lord Muruga. This was a significant step towards establishing a temple with all traditional norms and features for our community. The application for building consent was lodged after much consideration and broad consultation. It is planned to relocate the temple to the new premises in January 2014. As is customary, the first step before the construction process is to seek the blessings of the Mother Earth by performing a Bhoomi Pooja. The purpose of the Bhoomi Pooja is to seek permission from the Mother Earth, and to get her goodwill and blessings. Bhoomi Pooja is also performed to pray for forgiveness for the disruption to the many living beings already on and in the land. According to Hindu beliefs, by performing this ‘Pooja’ the right energy and natural elements surrounding the site can be stimulated. This event was held in the new building at 145, Church Street, Otahuhu on Sunday, 24th March 2013 from 9.00 am onwards. The program for the day

included Sangalpam, Ganapathy Pooja, Homam and Laying the foundation stones, followed by lunch. The event was attended by more than 500 devotees across Auckland. All devotees had the opportunity to have their names permanently linked to the new temple on this historical occasion by purchasing and writing their names and stars on the stones/bricks that would be placed beneath the deity sannidhi to be built. The bricks were available at $108 per brick and the opportunity to purchase bricks was widely supported by the community. Further information about this temple project can be obtained from the temple’s website: www.nzmurugan.org.nz.

Hindustani Language & Culture School creates history!

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By Sarat Maharaj

Have your u sa say ay on n the futur future u e of our u city city. y.. T Talk alk to a Council o officer o r at one of the t ccommunity n consultation events on now acr across oss Brisbane until 30 July July.. T To o find out mor more e about the series of events or to make a formal submission visit gov v.au/newcityplan or www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/newcityplan www .brisbane.qld.gov call Council on (07) 3403 8888. interpreter, terr, call 131 450 and If you need an interpr eter ask to speak with Brisbane City Council.

14 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, May, 2013

YES, it is 20 years since we first established a proper Language and Culture school in Brisbane. It has been a long haul in anyone’s language, but persistence and focus has been the key to our success over the many challenging years. Parents, teachers, coordinators, and students of all ages have shown their dedication towards this extremely important program for the future generation. Apart from students from Indian heritage, these days we see several stu- • In the photo, historical display of students diligently learning how to dents from cross-cultural read, write, and speak in Hindi Language. Enrolment is open at both backgrounds, as well, Calamvale and Boondall Centres of Hindustani Language & Culture enrolling to learn Hindi School. offers the following package for a total Language and Indian Culture. For the convenience of parents living in grooming of our students: Hindi Language, South Eastern suburbs, such, as Sunnybank, Indian Culture, Dance & Drama, Music, Algester, Ipswich, Camira, Goodna, and Leadership, Personal Development, and Jindalee, we have re-located our School Indian Values. Hindi is our mother tongue. Remember, centre from Rochedale to Calamvale Community College, at 11 Hamish St, Hindustani Language School is the Centre Calamvale. Teaching times are 2.00pm to for our Hindi Language & our Indian 4.00pm on every Saturday, except during Culture, and is now part of the National Language teaching program since 2012. school holidays. The Northside centre still operates from We are proud of this great achievement. Boondall State School, Cnr of Roscommon For further information, please contact Rd and Sandgate Rd. Day and times are Secretary, Jay Haripersad 3243 7062 & same as above. Parents interested in sending their children 3272 3275, or Sarat Maharaj on 3263 2093 to either of the venues should contact us. & 0407 111 709; We have a vertical time-table to enrol stu- e-mail: regmaharaj@gmail.com. dents at any time of the year. Our school “BUILDING A BETTER COMMUNITY”

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, May, 2013 — 15

Ram Navami celebrations

• Shree Laxmi Narayan Temple - Rakesh Sharma with • Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir - Prohit Ram Pundit Sanat Pandey. Harsh Tripathi ji.

• Ipswich Ramayan Mandali.

Ram Navami (Devanāgarī: राम नवमी) also known as Sri Rama Navami (IAST SriRām-navamī) is a Hindu festival, celebrating the birth of Lord Rama to King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya of Ayodhya. Ram is the 7th incarnation of the Dashavatara of Vishnu. Years later Lord Rama was married to Sita on the Vivaha Panchami. The sacred marriage of Devi Sita with Lord Rama was held on Margashirsha Shukla Panchami as per Valmiki Ramayana (This occasion is known as Seetha kalyanam). The Rama Navami festival falls in the Shukla Paksha on the Navami, the ninth day of the month of Chaitra in the Hindu calendar. Thus it is also known as Chaitra Masa Suklapaksha Navami, and marks the end of the nine-day Chaitra-Navratri celebrations.

• Gayatri Mandir.

At some places the festival lasts the whole nine days of the Navratras, thus the period is called ‘Sri Rama Navratra’. It is marked by continuous recitals, Akhand Paath, mostly of the Ramacharitamanas, organized several days in advance to culminate on this day, with elaborate bhajan, kirtan and distribution of prasad after the puja and aarti. Images of infant form of Sri Rama are placed on cradles and rocked by devotees. Since Rama is the 7th incarnation of Vishnu having born at noon, temples and family shrines are elaborately decorated and traditional prayers are chanted together by the family in the morning. Also, at temples special havans are organized, along with Vedic chanting of Vedic mantras and offerings of fruits and flowers. Many followers mark this day by Vrata (fasting) through the day followed by feasting in the evening, or at the culmination of celebrations. In South India, in Bhadrachalam the day is also celebrated as the wedding anniversary of Sri Rama and his consort Sita. Sitarama Kalyanam, the ceremonial wedding ceremony of the celestial couple is held at temples throughout the south region, with great fanfare and accompanied by group chanting of name of Rama, (Rama nama smaran-am). Whereas the marriage is celebrated in Mithila and Ayodhya during another day on Vivaha Panchami as per Valmiki Ramayana. The important celebrations on this day take place at Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) Sita Samahit Sthal (Sitamarhi) (Bihar), Bhadrachalam (Andhra Pradesh) and Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu), thronged by thousands of devotees. Rathayatras, the chariot processions, also known as Shobha yatras of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman, are taken out at several places, including Ayodhya where thousands of people take a dip in the sacred river Sarayu.

In Brisbane the celebrations were held at many venues including, Gayatri Mandir, in Boondall, where the prabachans were held by Pundit Praveen Shandil, dinner was served every night and the bhajans were sung by various Ramayan Mandalis. Shree Laxmi Narayan temple in Burbank, where the prabachans were held by presiding priest with Pundit Sanat Pandey, various Ramayan mandalis joined with the bhajans etc. Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir in North Mclean where the prabachans was officiated By Prohit Ram Harsh Tripathi ji, various mandalis and bhajan groups joined in the daily bhajans. Ipswich Ramayan Mandali in Gailes where the main priest was Pundit Suresh Chandra, and was ably assisted by the mandali, is in its twenty fifth year of existence. All World Gayatri Pariwar celebrated Ram Naumi in Runcorn at Maya Ram Achal Residence, the prabachans were delivered by Maya Ram Ji and the bhajans etc were led by Bhai Vijay Kumar, the Gayatri hawan on the final day was officiated by Pundit Pankaj Upadhyay.

• All World Gayatri Pariwar.

Hindu Community Project initiated by the Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association

WHILE stepping into the Vijaya Tamil New Year, Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association (GCHCA) has undertaken a number of community projects. The traditional ‘Annathanam’ (Free food giving) was conducted on the Tamil New year day at the Sri Selva Vanayakar temple sponsored by the Gold Coast Hindu Community. Chithirai (April), traditionally believed to be the month for new initiatives and hopes, the association pursued its Founder membership and fund raising drive with renewed enthusiasm to raise the required funds to meet the Gold Coast City Council’s free land offer deadline on June 30th. The committee members have met the local Hindu community members in Brisbane and Gold Coast and other Indian organizations to raise awareness of its objectives. The committee members participated in the Telugu Ugadi New year celebrations and made a presentation. They were overwhelmed by the love and support of the Telugu community who are predominantly Hindus. Parliamentarians were approached to get support for the noble objects of the association. The responses at State and Federal levels were extremely encouraging and supportive towards potential government Grants.

GCHCA also made more representations in the Senior citizen’s dinner, BAPS’s Shri Swaminarayan Jayanti Shri Ram Navmi event and our volunteers participated in awareness campaign in ‘Varnam’ Cultural show. GCHCA was well received in these events. Our goal is to make this an “All Indian – All Australian” project of building a Gold Coast Hindu Cultural and Educational Precinct and this is why we invest so much of time and energy in bringing in all sections of ‘Indian’ and Australian society said Secretary Indrajit Siva. GCHCA members and well wishers are currently working hard to raise funds and appeal to the wider Hindu community for support. The committee invites the Hindu community to join as a Founder member or Life member of the • GCHCA representatives attending wider Hindu community events organized by BAPS’s Association and support the initiatives Shri Swaminarayan Jayanti Shri Ram Navmi. for promoting learning and practice of endorsed by the ATO, contributions to this account are tax the Hindu Culture, Religion and Indian deductible. With the financial year nearing end we encourLanguages for the current and future age the community to take advantage of the tax reimbursegenerations. The fund raising committee ment from their contributions. The GCHCA also created a also has made initiatives to collect funds facebook site to get more wider community involvement. through “Thousand families for The GCHCA encourages Hindus and others who could supMurugan” program and invites each fam- port the objectives to join the facebook site ily to contribute $1000.00 towards the Goldcoasthindu-cultural association and to visit our web project. More awareness and fund rais- site www.goldcoasthindu.org for further information. We ing campaigns are carried out in Sydney, encourage the readers to contribute funds to the organizaMelbourne and Toronto, Canada where a tion through credit card or online transfer to our Building large Hindu community exists. The Donation Account which can be found on our website. wider community support for the innova- Further details if required can be obtained by contacting tive initiative by the GCHCA is over- secretary Indrajit Siva on 07 56768530 or Email whelming. gchcan@gmail.com GCHCA as an Incorporated association Dr G. Subakumar, Director of Resources, Media, Publicity in Queensland and its Building Donation and Asset Management • Gold Coast wider Hindu Community involving in annathanam (free food giving) events Account is a Deductible Gift Recipient The Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association Inc. 16 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, May, 2013

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, May, 2013 — 17

MCF News..... By Janeth Deen

“Real Deal” DEAR Brisbane Indian Times readers, Welcome to the sixth article of our exiting journey through the Inspired Indians column. What is the purpose of this article? The main purpose of this article is to inspire our BIT readers and families to excel in their life, work and be proud citizens of Australia. Additionally, it is to explore the greater potential for which you have been created. To find insights, wisdom and understandings that will help you make better choices daily. In our past three articles we have discussed about human potential, true joy, communications and inspirations. You can read them in the online version of BIT pages 17-19. In the past article we explored the meaning of the word ‘Grace’. Today let us explore about a “Real Deal” life, that offers to inspire you for a purpose filled journey. We all are exposed and vulnerable to the marketing experts fantastic offers daily. But we are not sure if the offers are genuine or a real deal. But do you want a real deal…? A genuine offer? Yes you do, let’s find out where we can find this real deal. A friend added all his email offers which amounted to few millions dollars over a period of a week. This, get rich quick scheme by unscrupulous people is like bate. These thieves want you to take their bate as a fake offer, so they can squeeze out your savings. Many people have fallen for such deals and lost their money and dashed their dreams. Jesus describes this situation with a powerful statement in John 10:10, “The thief comes only in order to kill and destroy, I came that you may have and enjoy abundant life (A Real Deal). Therefore there is one fantastic offer, one real deal that is 100% genuine. This offer God has made for us through faith in Jesus Christ. In the book of Acts you can find a sure promise again, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved”. God made a divine exchange on the cross so that we get the real deal in this life. By saying a ‘sincere yes’ to Jesus, you qualify for the real deal. You can experience the genuine love the world can’t give you and wealth can’t buy. In this real deal you will find genuine hope, peace, forgiveness and incomparable riches. This is the real deal, the greatest offer ever made available to mankind. All your education, knowledge and wealth can’t help you to get such a real deal. Today, don’t fall for false and fake deals this world offers, get the real deal through the Prince of Peace Jesus. You will be truly satisfied with His real deal. So, today begin to receive the ‘Real Deal’ by the inspiration God’s grace in the name of Jesus. Are you hungry for more inspiration? Please write to us by email: navig8grace@gmail.com

THE Federal Government is facing a huge deficit and yet has to take in the boat people who arrive in International Waters in Australia’s jurisdiction. The cost of the intake of boat people is adding significantly to the national deficit. The humanitarian responsibilities towards refugees have become a worldwide issue as the number of refugees are now in the millions. Due to the fact that the detention centres are overcrowded and housing for these unfortunate people is in short supply, both off-shore and on the mainland, many are now placed in in-house detention. They are given housing and a small amount of money to provide for themselves. This has reduced some costs for the government in relation to food and daily needs. Out of the small allowance, food, electricity and travel expenses must be met. A huge number with families find it difficult to exist. This is mainly as those with children and families still in refugee camps, try to use their funds in contacting relatives by

internet use and mobile phones. Some even send a small proportion of the funds to their wife and children in these refugee camps. MCF has had a huge demand on their time and resources in trying to meet some of the basic needs of many of these Muslim refugees. The Rohinya Muslims have heart wrenching stories of the atrocities they have endured and witnessed. They are stateless people and do not have visas or papers of any kind. They are not entitled to a Medicare care card and cannot have a driver’s licence. All they have is a UN card giving them a number. MCF has shown them care and compassion and the trustees are working on behalf of all those dedicated Muslims who continually contribute to their accounts. Many of the other refugees have similar stories to recount. Also, of utmost importance are the local Muslim people who are also facing almost poverty living standards. Centrelink benefits are becoming more difficult to access as the rules become more stringent. The Newman Razor Gang has had to slash thousands of jobs in an effort to pull Queensland out of its huge deficit. Many businesses are folding and the unfortunate people who now seek financial help from

Centrelink must be assessed on the income for the previous financial year, so many are ineligible for help. MCF is there to help these people when they need food and other help, as long as the funds are available to do so. Public servants are insecure in their jobs and the morale of many thousands of workers is low. On the positive side, Australia is still envied by many other countries, even its mother country, Britain and its ally, America. As good Muslims, we all must help the needy. Even the smallest donation will accrue and add to the small pool of funds to make it into a lake. In this way, as funds are distributed, there will be more to fill the lake. Please, remember MCF will only exist as long as funds are available. Weekly, monthly or quarterly donations are welcome. There may be people who would like to donate a small amount out of each pay packet, this can be done electronically into one of the MCF accounts of your choice, i.e. either the Zakaat or General account. Bank of Queensland, Account name MCF / BSB 124 155 / Zakaat A/C 2089 7312 / General A/C 2089 7392

Miss India Australia 2013 - Lord Mayor's Suburban talent search Initiative Fund

ZENIA Starr, 23 years old from Sydney, was announced the Miss India Australia 2013 on 17 April in Sydney. The announcement was made by the Miss India Australia founder Raj Suri at an exclusive invitation only event for media and guests in Sydney CBD. Miss India Australia Talent Search is a pre judged talent and personality search conducted by talent mentor Raj Suri in Australia helping young Australian women to prepare and facilitate in Bollywood and beyond. Miss India Australia 2013 is anything but a pageant - founded in 2001 by Raj Suri, Miss India Australia is now a true talent and personality contest which goes beyond pageantry. It involves a detailed audition process by Raj Suri including talent workshops, camera posing, confidence image building, catwalk training, and video tests for the finalists. In 2013 there were 6 finalists selected on the basis of their talent and personality. The finalists for Miss India Australia announced were: Zenia Starr, Zinnia Janif, Anika Misra, Bhavya Anand, Melinder Bhullar and Harsha Agarwal. Their talent ranged from Bollywood and classical dancing to monologues, public speaking and acting. Subtitle winners also announced by Raj Suri on 17 April 2013: Anika Misra - best performance (Indian Kathak classical dance), Zinnia Janif - Miss India Australia Photogenic 2013, Melinder Bhullar - Miss India Australia Bollywood 2013. It was a very successful announcement event in Sydney presented with energy and sophistication which was attended by who’s who of Sydney’s Indian community along

with guests and models from Australian media and fashion industry. The highlights of the announcement event in Sydney were: Former Miss India Australia winner, Vimala Raman, all the way from India was introduced to the guests, Vimala has acted in 30 feature films in Indian cinema since 2005 the only Australian who has achieved this feat. The Exodus foundation head, Rev Bill Crews, gave a speech at the occasion endorsing Miss India Australia. The crowning ceremony was conducted by Miss India Australia 2012, Olivia Rose, along with Ankita Ghazan, Miss India Australia and Miss India Worldwide 2011 it was a special moment to have 3 former winners lead by Vimala Raman sharing the stage with 2013 finalists and the mentor Raj Suri The event was hosted by new Australian talent, Brittany Bloomer, who is managed by Raj Suri for Indian/Bollywood audiences. Raj Suri announced the the top Indian fashion designer, Anita Dongre, to gift a Lehanga to the winner worth a few lac rupees (over $5,000 in value) The winner, Zenai Starr, will be the official Australian entry in Miss India Worldwide in Malaysia amongst 40 countries. Zenia Starr gets a fully paid trip to Malaysia starting on 20 April 2013, airfare funded by talent mentor Raj Suri - who will further groom and train Zenia for the Worldwide stage. Zenia Starr will be exclusively managed by Raj Suri and his associate office in Bollywood.

The Lord Mayor's Suburban Initiative Fund supports community groups in recognition of the vital contribution made towards building stronger communities in Brisbane. Projects must contribute to Brisbane City Council's vision for the city's future, Living in Brisbane 2026, by helping to achieve objectives such as a friendly and safe, active and healthy, clean and green or vibrant and creative city. Each Councillor is allocated $54,000 for community projects undertaken within their ward. The Lord Mayor has an allocation of $54,000 for community projects that involve multiple wards. Applicants must be not-for-profit community organisations. The minimum grant is $250 and the maximum is $10,000. Eligible projects include projects such as: • community events including Australia Day ceremonies, fetes and those events that charge an entry fee, for example fundraiser with a cover charge and festivals with a site entry fee • equipment hired for the purpose of a community event • community facility improvements and equipment • funding towards community sporting organisations equipment and activities within the ward Applications for the 2012/2013 financial year close at midnight on Friday, 14 June 2013. For guidelines / how to apply and further information please visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/community/ grants-and-awards/community-groupsand-non-profit/lord-mayors-suburbaninitiative-fund/index.htm

In the steps of Captain Patrick Logan By Peter Lane Rai IF YOU live around Brisbane you will know of Logan City, 25kms away and possibly Logan Reserve, Loganholme and Loganlea. What you probably did not know is that they were named after explorer Captain Patrick Logan, also the Commandment of the Moreton Bay Colony (later named Brisbane) from 1826 – 1830. While he was a strict and at times brutal Commandment, he is also considered the founder of Queensland with his geographical explorations of the Ipswich area, Lamington National Park, the Bremner river and Mount Barney,

130 km south west of Brisbane. Captain Logan summited Mount Barney (1359 metres) in 1828 but in spite of its Antarctic beeches, volcanic rock and magnificent views of surrounding mountains, Aboriginals avoided it. I can certainly understand why after a friend, Rob, an experienced mountain walker and I, decided to follow in the steps of the famous explorer when we spent a demanding day on Mt Barney. It is not a place to be if you are unfit as we scrambled over rocks and logs, climbed, bush bashed, got cut, bruised and even got lost. Yet after a four hour hike we summited and when we saw Mt Warning

18 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, May, 2013

and the magnificent surrounding country, it was well worth it. Then followed an equally challenging four hour descent. Sadly on 17th October, 1830 Patrick Logan was killed when exploring the upper reaches of the Brisbane river, either by local Aboriginals or convicts on the exploration party. He was buried in the local Protestant cemetery in November in Surrey Hills, Sydney. We might never be great explorers like Patrick Logan but we can certainly, like him, leave our state and nation a better place and wonderful place to live in. www.indiantimes.com.au

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Michael’s Oriental celebrates 24 years young! ON Saturday 13 April, Michael’s Oriental proudly celebrated 24 years of serving South East Queensland with award winning cuisine and service. Michael’s Oriental has gone through many changes since its original launch at Sunnybank Plaza Shopping Centre on April 13, 1989, which was officiated by former Lord Mayor Clem Jones. But one thing has always remained constant, the hard work and dedication of its proprietor, Michael Nee. A Malaysian Born Chinese Australian, Mr Nee wanted to open a restaurant that embraced his love for quality cuisine and the pride of his Malaysian Chinese heritage. This passion for fine food can be seen on the restaurant’s menu, which has been inspired by the authentic full bodied flavours of South East Asia. When asked about the most important thing to remember in hospitality, Mr Nee says, “It doesn’t matter how long we have been operating or how many awards we have won, we are still only as good as our last meal and we still have only one chance of getting it right first time, that is how we have survived for over 24 years!” Mr Nee strongly believes in giving back to a community and industry that has given him so much over the years. Along with his many fundraising and charity commitments, he is extremely passionate about helping

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young people find a direction for their future and training them for a career within the hospitality industry. Over the past 24 years, Michael’s Oriental has been the ‘training ground’ for numerous apprentices in both front of house and back of house roles to achieve their Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. Acting as auditor on behalf of the hospitality industry and working closely with secondary and tertiary education departments, Mr Nee used his industry expertise to help structure and approve course content for the Hospitality Certificate II, which was taught at Colleges and High Schools in the area. Mr Nee says, “It gives me immense satisfaction when I get to train young people who have left school before year 12, not quite knowing where to go next. I am so proud to see them successfully complete their trade recognised Certificate IV, knowing that I have helped them advance in their chosen career path.” The 1000m2 venue at Eight Mile Plains now operates as a restaurant and function centre, specialising in weddings, cultural celebrations, anniversaries, birthdays etc. Michael’s Oriental caters for events of up to 400+ guests and has the option of tailoring menus to suit taste and budget. Over the years Michael’s Oriental has seen many famous faces walk through the doors, including 3 Prime Ministers, 4 Queensland Premiers, 5 Mayors, many politicians, talented sport stars, famous singers and movie stars. In keeping up with the latest social media trends, Michael’s Oriental has a facebook page and have just launched a downloadable mobile App. All the tech savvy diners will be able to view the latest specials! As part of the birthday celebrations Michael’s Oriental is offering readers the following special;

Pay for 3 and the 4th person eats FREE on any of our Banquet meals. Valid until 30 June, 2013. Michael’s Oriental is located at 223 Padstow Road, Eight Mile Plains Qld 4113. Phone: 07 3841 1688 or email hue@michaelsoriental.com.au Visit www.michaelsoriental.com.au to view the various packages available and be sure to visit www.facebook.com/Michaels Oriental….you are sure to like it!

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, May, 2013 — 19

Local Sikh Community participated in ANZAC Day Parade APRIL 25, 2013: About 10 members of local Sikh Community from Banyo participated in the ANZAC Day Service conducted by the Banyo RSL on 25th April 2013 at 7am. Around 20 different Organisations, and Clubs including the local schools took part in the ANZAC Day Parade for 2013.The parade was cheered by more than 1,000 people standing on both sides of the road and also waiting at the podium of RSL Memorial on the corner of St Vincents Rd and Royal Pde in Banyo. Among the dignitaries were the Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer Mr Wayne Swann, Local Liberal Party MP Mr Jason

Woodforth, the local Labor Representative Ms Leanne Linard the local Councillor Mr Kim Flesser, President of Banyo RSL Mr Bruce Meiklejohn and Rev Bob Rogers Chaplin Banyo RSL Branch etc who all laid wreaths to pay respect to Australians and New Zealanders “who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations including World War 1. The Half an hour long ceremony concluded with both Australian and NZ National Anthems played by the local Earnshaw State College Band, followed by the sausage sizzle.

Fiji Senior Citizens Assn. of Qld Inc joins Anzac Day march By FSCA Treasurer - Rajendra Pratap 0411 339 607 “Their name lived evermore” “ LEST WE FORGET” FIJI Senior Citizens Association of Qld participated with other organisations in Sunnybank Area in remembering our fallen soldiers and families by taking part in commemorating 98th anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli 1915- 2013 on Thursday 25th April, 2013. The march was organised under the direction of Sunnybank RSL. The FSCA’s executive members joint the march and laid a wreath on behalf of members of the Association in remembering the Solders from Australia and New Zealand. The Association recognises the sacrifice made by the solders in the battlefield. The Association member’s solute the bravery, courage, strength and commitment in participating in the war. The Association believes that is our profound duty to take part in such events, we also remember our living personals and families who lost their loved ones. FSCA request other organisations to join in such events. We wish all those living Veterans happy and long life. May God bless them? For fallen solders- may their soul rest in peace? The Fiji Senior Citizens Association of Qld also had their AGM on 7th April, 2013, large number of members attended the meeting. The President, Surendra Prasad in his report informed the members that he has been attending many meetings with Governments and other organisations during the year. He was awarded seniors of the

Year award 2012 by Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Cr Graham Quirk on Australia day. Surendra was invited by the speaker of the State parliament to perform Hindu prayer with other faith leaders at the opening of the parliament. He also informed the members that Fiji Indian are classified as Pacific Islanders by the Government. Surendra said that our association are very much privileged and we should be proud that we were extended invitation by RSL Sunnybank to participate in Anzac celebration. President, Prasad was acknowledged by RSL at the gathering of over 2000 peo-

ple. Surendra informed the members that in 2006, on behalf of FSCA he wrote to the Federal Minister for Immigration requesting him to consider proving long term visa for the parents who are on the queue and other parents to give them an opportunity to live with their children and grandchildren while their visas are in process. I am happy to say that the Government has bring about changes to visitor’s visa for parents. The Federal government last year has changed its policy allowing parent’s multiple visa for three and five years respectively.

FSCA is providing sponsorship for 16 student in remote area of Fiji for education from form 3 to form seven respectively. The meeting resolved that we continue to provide sponsorship to this students. FSCA is establishing a branch in north of Brisbane. Person over 55 years are eligible to become a member of FSCA, the membership fee is $10 per person. For further information contact our Vice PresidentPundit Devendra Pathik, mobile 0400 841 843 or Hari Pal Olak mobile 0433 556 044. The following members were elected to the executive committee of FSCA 2013: • President - Surendra Prasad • Vice President- Pundit Devendra Pathik (Retired High Court Judge-Fiji) Pali Raj • Secretary- Raymond Saran • Treasurer- Rajendra Pratap • Committee members- Hari Pal Olak (Retired deputy Governor, Reserve bank of Fiji)Sushila Prasad, Savitri Maharaj, John Mudaliar, Surya Narayan. The Fiji Senior Citizens Association of Qld will be celebrating its 10th Anniversary on 31st August, 2013 during Seniors week at Macgregor State School Hall, McCullough street, Sunnybank 5.30pm for 6pm. Members of the communities their families, friends and members of FSCA are all respectfully invited to attend and support the celebration. Our Annual Multicultural Soccer Tournament will be held one week prior to the Anniversary celebration. The aim of the Association is to promote multiculturalism, serve the elders and focus on younger generation to become better citizens of our Nation.

Hundreds turn out for special ANZAC Day Service By Umesh Chandra SELDOM do you get a chance to attend a ceremony of this nature and calibre, I was very moved by the ceremony and the whole proceedings which was run on military precision. I was also very proud, that my nephew, Keitan Sharma was one of the Navy Cadets who stood as Guard at the ceremony. Around 600 guests and dignitaries turned out for one of Brisbane’s largest ANZAC Day Services in the Grand Hall at the Masonic Memorial Temple in Ann Street on Thursday, April 25. Members of the public were invited to attend the 7pm service in the historic building, which is one of only two Masonic Memorial Centres in the world. Grand Master, Adrian Burton, said the ANZAC Day service was one of the Queensland Freemasons’ largest annual events. “There was a grand entrance with trumpeters and sword bearers heralding the • Keitan Sharma, of Bald stands as Guard with fellow Navy cadets of “T.S. Paluma”. arrival of special dignitaries, followed by Mr Burton said thousands of Freemasons was Australia’s oldest surviving World War the formal entrance of the Grand Master and United Grand Lodge members in full had served their country including many 1 veteran until he passed away in 2004 at who were famous. age 106, was also a Freemason.” regalia,” he said. “The Australian Army surgeon Weary During the ANZAC Day service the “A poignant part of the service was the vacant chair ceremony, representing the Dunlop, who was legendary for his care of Grand Hall was filled with the sounds of fallen soldiers from Australia and New soldiers taken prisoner by the Japanese one of Queensland’s largest pipe organs, Zealand. The chair carried the Masonic during World War Two, was a Freemason,” the Queensland Masonic Choir and special guests the River City Clippers Choir and apron of Australian aviator Sir Charles he said. “And closer to home, Ted Smout, who Soprano Michelle Huggins. Kingsford Smith.” 20 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, May, 2013

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The atmosphere reached a crescendo when the service was plunged into darkness for the playing of the Last Post. Guest speaker was former Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Australian Navy, Jonathon Peacock, who served on nine warships including the HMAS Stuart, Derwent and Rushcutter. He also saw active service in East Timor, leading clearance diving teams that kept the Dili harbour open. Mr Burton said the construction of the Masonic Memorial Centre in Ann Street began in 1928 as a memorial dedicated to those who gave their lives in World War 1. The building’s foundation stone was laid on ANZAC Day, April 25, 1928. “A key feature of the National Trust listed building is the impressive Urn of Remembrance which is made from North Queensland rose marble and stands at nearly one metre,” he said. “The Centre is very unique because it is one of only two Masonic Memorials in the world.” Before laying of the wreaths by specially invited dignitaries, the Catafalque Party was mounted by the Australian Navy Cadet of the “TS Paluma” which is based in Shorncliffe and consists of 41 Cadets and 6 staff and is commanded by Leut Merv Ward. Amongst the cadets was Keitan Sharma of Bald Hills, indeed a very proud moment for whole Indian Community. Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, May, 2013 — 21

Activities for disabled to Ruby’s Chillies of India introduces be established at Gailes Indo- Chinese Cuisine

• (From left) Gay McPhedran and Cassie Patton from Gailes Community House discuss plans for the new social group with Ipswich City Council Youth and Seniors Committee Chairperson Councillor Sheila Ireland.

THE dream of establishing a social group at the Gailes Community House for people with disabilities is set to be realised with the help of Ipswich City Council. Youth and Seniors Committee Chairperson Councillor Sheila Ireland said council was pleased to be able to support Gailes Community House and help the centre realise its goal of establishing this social group. “A need was identified in the Gailes community to provide some specific structured activities for people with disabilities and their carers,” Cr Ireland said. “It is important for a group to be established to help disabled people enjoy some interesting activities. “About 20% of Queenslanders have some kind of disability which affects the lives of everyone in some way through the encounters they have with family and friends and in the community. “A number of community members with disabilities rely on the services provided at Gailes Community House which is specifically funded to provide support to families and seniors. “Support to the centre will allow

them to address an important gap by providing an ongoing program for people with disabilities. “The program will be in the form of a monthly social group where people with disabilities and their carers can have a safe and friendly environment to participate in a variety of structured activities and learn some valuable life skills. “It will offer physical activities such as ball games as well as a craft and tactile activity and include music and some morning tea. “Currently there are no similar programs running in the Gailes areas so this means the Gailes Community House will be the sole provider of this initiative.” Cr Ireland said council was pleased to be able to support the establishment of this group. “We are committed to enhancing the lives of Ipswich residents and encouraging them to be contributing members of our community.” Further plans for the new group are still being finalised but it is expected to meet monthly at the centre from May. All are welcome to attend. Inquiries about the new group can be directed to Gailes Community House on 3879 3004.

INDIAN-Chinese! In decades past, Chinese cooking has become a major food trend in India, and as with all transplanted cuisines, there has been the evolution of a unique Indo-Chinese fusion cuisine. Chinese food carts dot every city in India. Indian Chinese cuisine is basically Chinese cuisine that is adapted to the Indian taste by using a lot of spices and other ingredients that are more common in Indian cuisine than traditional Chinese and it’s a lot spicier too. For example, the use of Paneer (Indian Cottage Cheese), Cauliflower, cilantro, tamarind and even cumin and coriander sometimes. Ketchup is also a very common ingredient. Now, you just have to taste it once, JUST ONCE to fall head over heels in love with it and continue to love it until death do you apart.

The origin of this cuisine came from the Chinese who have settled in Calcutta (a North Eastern city in India) for probably a couple of centuries now. Since establishing itself two years back, Ruby’s Chillies have been very busy with many happy customers, their core belief in providing a varying range of dishes eg. Changezi Chicken, goat barramati, inspired them to introduce the Indo-Chinese fusion menu. Ruby’s Chilies is a Dine In Restaurant and take away is

available. They offer Chillie Chicken, all types of Manchurian, Gobi 65, garlic chicken and your choice of noodles including chow mien or Szechwan. Pan fried noodles with lemon chicken is their popular signature dish. Ruby’s Kitchen offer a special locally popular lunch menu which can be either vegetarian or non veg - Thali from $12. With a versatile cook, Ruby’s Chillies are able to cater for individual customers menus for any occasion. Just call to check this out, you will be amazed.

Ruby’s Chillies of India is located at Shop 2/63 Racecourse Road, Ascot Qld 4007. Phone 3630 1080. Visit them on facebook or www.chilliesofindia.com

Hindu Youth Australia…. we are one By Chethana Padki HINDU Youth Australia, the Youth Wing of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, along with Sewa Australia, conducted a Greenathon on Saturday April 6th, 2013 in Haigh Park, Moorebank. This endeavour brought about fruits of knowledge and experience that the participants couldn’t have procured elsewhere. It was an enjoyable, positive day and although the looming clouds remained overhead, the attendees powered on showing commitment and dedication. This inspirational event, supported by Liverpool Council and Sewa Australia, progressed successfully and will be a part of our annual HYA traditions for years to come. The day included events such as tree planting, bush survival skills, Didgeridoo playing, Aboriginal heritage and Aboriginal creative arts. Beginning at 9.30am, Krishna Ramarathinam lead a session of Yoga and traditional Surya Namaskar exercises to allow the participants to feel connected to the environment, energised and ready for the remaining activities. The attendees ranged from ages 10-40+ making evident that their commitment to caring for our environment was not limited to only youths. Following this and aided by Liverpool Council volunteers, the participants engaged in a tree planting activity wherein 200 new saplings of natural flora were planted around the creek bed of Haigh Park. Furthermore, by covering them in mulch and special vitamins to grow strong and

healthily, the volunteers can take all the credit for nurturing a whole new space of young, growing native plants. After this tiresome team activity, the youth volunteers of HYA and Sewa Australia collaborated and initiated a range of Shaka-based games. This kept all the volunteers engaged and hungry, just in time for lunch. Lunch was served at 12.30pm with a delicious menu containing Vegetable Pulav, Buttermilk Raitha, Curd Rice, Dry Jamuns and Samosas. Needless to say, this was a highlight of the day. This time allowed for the volunteers to connect over a meal, as is part of the Hindu culture, and introduce themselves to unfamiliar faces. In this time, we were privileged to welcome Jake Cassar, Brian Freeman, Kyle and his family to our group. Post-lunch, Brian Freeman, a Wiradjuri cultural entertainer, introduced us to the unique skill of Boomerang throwing. With many sighs and drills, most volunteers were able to practise the art of Boomerang throwing. For many first-timers, this was a daunting task but nevertheless, each participant showed their enthusiasm and with the support of Brian, achieved a great deal. Bringing us closer to the Indigenous people of this land and the environment itself, Jake Cassar demonstrated several medicinal uses of basic plants found around parks and backyards and how they can be used in the event of being lost in the bushland. The group was taught to identify different plants that held different properties for survival and each was shown with in-depth explana-

22 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, May, 2013

tion. Volunteers could identify with many plants, ask they could associate them with the native plants used in Indian cooking. The session flowed and the participants were engrossed completely by the depth of knowledge presented to them. No doubt, this was a highly educational experience. In rounding up in the last few hours of the day, Brian’s son, Kyle showed the group the exceptional sounds of the Didgeridoo and the meaningful history behind the instrument. Discussions and questions ranged from “why don’t women play the Didgeridoo?” to “what is the significance of this set of sounds?” The Dreamtime and its link to the land, ancestors and current people of the Aboriginal culture were discussed and each question was thoroughly answered by Kyle. Before finishing up around 4pm, the participants engaged further in a range of Visual Arts activities such as painting, using cultural colours such as red, black, brown and yellow, emphasising and thoroughly expressing the creative aspect of the Aboriginal society. Needless to say, many volunteers busily created masterpieces and

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were very proud to have been given the opportunity to engage in such a way. Finally, an Indigenous dance with explanations from Kyle and Brian about native movements and its meanings rounded up the Greenathon event. After months of planning and preparation for this day, we are proud to say that we achieved a range of different outcomes, adding to the intrinsic rewards that entailed. Caring for our land, the environment and taking special interest and care in the Indigenous culture allowed us to grow and learn as humans and we feel privileged to have been a part of this monumentally rewarding experience. Hindu Youth Australia is a not for profit organization and the affiliated wing of Vishva Hindu Parishad Australia Incorporated (VHP Australia). HYA, along with Sewa Australia extends its sincere gratitude to all volunteers for attending Greenathon and making this event a grand success. Please visit www.hinduyouth.org.au for more information. Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

City Hall mobility centre improves accessibility LORD Mayor Graham Quirk is making it easier for all residents to experience our city with the Mobility Centre at City Hall now open. Cr Quirk said the opening of the Mobility Centre coincided with celebrations of the $215 million City Hall restoration which has improved accessibility within the iconic building. “The Mobility Centre is part of my commitment to achieving equitable access and inclusion for all residents,” he said. “This facility supports this commitment by making available at no cost mobility devices to make it easier for everyone to experience our city. “This new facility highlights that the restored City Hall really is the People’s Place.” As part of this initiative, residents are able to hire wheelchairs, wheeled walkers and single prams, free of charge for use in the Brisbane Central Business District, South Bank Parklands and the South Bank Cultural Precinct. The Mobility Centre is located on the ground floor of Brisbane City Hall and is open daily with entry to City Hall via King George Square. Mobility Centre Opening Hours Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm -Sat-Sun: 10am-5pm For more information, please contact the Mobility Centre on (07) 3027 5471 or visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au and search for ‘Brisbane Mobility Centre’.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, May, 2013 — 23

Business News

GOPIO Queensland Head to the Asia Pacific Cities Summit means business

GOPIO Queensland held their first business networking dinner on Wednesday 24 April at Brookwater Golf Club. Yousuf Alikhan of Financial first presented on end of financial year tax saving strategies. His presentation was very well received and the captive audience interacted with questions at the end of the presentation. The function was supported by Springfield Land Corporation and Ipswich City Council. Umesh Chandra as the MC called the function to order and invited GOPIO Queensland President Shyam Das to welcome everyone and deliver his presidential message. Dr Maha Sinnathamby, Springfield Land Corporation chairperson and GOPIO Queensland patron inspired everyone with his enthusiast approach on goal setting, life and challenges. Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisssale, an honorary GOPIO member and a very strong supporter of GOPIO International spoke on his connection with the

Indian community. He spoke of the contributions of the Indian community to the economic growth of Queensland. Dr Maha Sinnathamby and Mayor Paul Pisaasle together with members of GOPIO Queensland cut a cake Launching India day Fair 2013. India Day Fair will be held on 11 August at the Roma street Parklands. India Day Fair is the flagship event of GOPIO Queensland, a public celebration of India’s Independence day, showcasing Indian culture, cuisine, music and costumes. The colourful event attracts a large number of people and showcases local talent. GOPIO business networking dinner which started with cocktail networking, continued with the dinner and finished with desert and vote of thanks by Vikas Sinha. With the favourable feedback received from the business networking dinner GOPIO Queensland is now highly motivated to run the full series.

First Muslim woman to enter Parliament CCN - Crescents Community News THE first Muslim woman to be appointed to any parliament in Australia says her religion won’t be a major influence on her politics. Mehreen Faruqi will take over from Greens MP Cate Faehrmann in the New South Wales upper house later this year. The environmental engineer and university lecturer told SBS religion should play “no part” in politics, and rejected earlier claims from an Islamic Friendship Association spokesman that she could have difficulties reconciling issues such as gay marriage with Islamic teachings. “We live in a democracy and have a secular system

of government. I see no role that religion plays in government, and nor should it,” she said. “I’m not a spokesperson for religious Islam. There are many other MPs who are Christians and likewise, they are not spokespeople for the church.” Gay marriage and gender equality are both issues on

her agenda. “Equality provides dignity to people and humanity to people whether it’s equality in gender or equal marriage, and I feel very, very strongly about that.” “I grew up in Pakistan in a Muslim culture and a Muslim family and I think I’m very typical of Pakistani Australian Muslims who, for example, abstain from alcohol and practice fasting during Ramadan, but I would like to say that’s just one aspect of who I am.” Ms Faruqi, who immigrated to Australia from Pakistan in 1992, said she also planned to build stronger links between the Greens and migrant communities in NSW as well as continuing to campaign on environmental issues.

LORD Mayor Graham Quirk is offering people in the local business sector to join his delegation and attend the 2013 Asia Pacific Cities Summit in Kaohsiung, Taiwan from 9 - 11 September. The Lord Mayor said the Summit is a biennial event promoting business growth, trade, investment and economic outcomes for local businesses in the Asia Pacific region. “Local business leaders will join more than 1000 delegates from over 100 global cities from all over the Asia Pacific travelling to the Summit to pursue trade and investment opportunities in the region,” he said. “The Summit is an opportunity for delegates to access tailored business matching and the opportunity to connect with Mayors, business leaders, civic representatives and academics.” Cr Quirk said the 2011 Summit, which was hosted by Brisbane, resulted in over $20 million generated for local businesses so far. “The 2009 Summit was held in Incheon and generated more than $2.5 million in export agreements for Brisbane based businesses across industry sectors including education, wine and water technology,” he

said. “Di Bella Coffee is just one local business which has benefitted from the Summit with Directors of the company participating in both the 2009 and 2011 Summits. The company has since expanded into Chinese, Indian and Korean markets. “At the 2011 Summit in Brisbane, local company First Impressions Resources signed an agreement with an Indian company to establish retail training facilities in Hyderabad and other parts of India.” The theme of this year’s Summit is ‘Reshaping the Urbanomics of Cities’ and will focus on how cities reshape economic development in order to remain resilient and competitive into the future. The APCS is open to all residents, including business owners and registrations are open until August 31, with early bird discounts available for registrations before 31 May. Registration forms can be downloaded by heading to http://www.2013apcs.org/. Click on ‘Registration’ to either register online or download a registration form online. For more information, www.apcsummit.org

please

visit

Council offers digital training to local businesses and community groups IPSWICH businesses keen to embrace the digital economy can access specialist training available through Ipswich City Council. Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale said council was offering the Ipswich Digital Enterprise Program for small to medium business and not-for-profit organisations. "The Digital Enterprise program delivers digital economy skills training to help small-to-medium enterprises and not-forprofit organisations including local cultural groups," Cr Pisasale said. "We want to give these businesses and organisations the tools to help them better understand how they can maximise opportunities from greater digital engagement enabled by the National Broadband Network (NBN). "Through the support of the Digital Enterprise program, council is taking a proactive role to position Ipswich City and the western corridor region as a leading digital community in Australia." Cr Pisasale said the Federal Government Department of Broadband, Communications and Digital Economy had provided funding for the delivery of this program. "A successful application for this funding was submitted by Ipswich City Council to deliver a digital economy skills and knowledge training program for micro, small and medium businesses and

not- for-profit organisations." Cr Pisasale said the two year program, which was launched last September, provided group training seminars as well as oneon-one advice. "Participants are being shown how they can use the NBN and other next generation broadband networks to make greater use of online opportunities in their businesses. “They are also being shown how they can conduct their existing processes more efficiently and better achieve their organisational goals." Cr Pisasale said the group and individual training sessions would be delivered up to June 30, 2014. He said 63 individual training sessions and 141 group training sessions had been held in Ipswich between September last year and March this year and had been well received by participants. Training through the program is free to all eligible participants. The program has been designed to be flexible to suit the time frames of business and community group operators. Bookings for the Ipswich program and further information can be obtained from the Ipswich City Council Office of Economic Development by emailing digitalenterprise@ipswich.qld.gov.au or calling 3810 6938.

Advertising campaign launched - more superannuation for a better future Courtesy Sudesh Aggarwal A NATIONAL advertising campaign explaining the Australian Government’s new improvements to superannuation (super) is currently running. The improvements will benefit all workers in Australia by making it easier for people to increase and manage their super savings for retirement. The campaign includes, radio, newspaper, online and outdoor advertising in several languages to complement a series of advertisements in English. A key aim of the advertising campaign is to let workers know that their employer should be paying them a mini24 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, May, 2013

mum 9.25 per cent super from 1 July this year. This minimum rate - called the ‘super guarantee rate’ - will keep rising each year until it reaches 12 per cent. The advertising also informs people that if they earn up to $37,000 per year, the Government will put up to $500 extra into their super account every year. People don’t need to do anything to apply. Workers will also benefit from other improvements starting 1 July this year. These improvements include: - removing the upper age limit on super payments, so people aged 70 years or older may be eligible to receive super from their employer - super funds introducing a new type of account called www.indiantimes.com.au

MySuper, which has low fees and simple features. Advertising (in English) is also aimed at employers to provide them with this information about their new super obligations and Government assistance available. This includes the free Small Business Superannuation Clearing House to help meet super guarantee obligations. The campaign theme is Super. Your money, your future to remind people that super is real money, and that by improving super now, people will have more money for later. Visit www.superfuture.gov.au for more information and to see the advertisements. Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, May, 2013 — 27

Who, What, Where, When

• Hindu Youth Australia conducted a Greenathon on 6 April in Haigh Park, Moorebank. Details page 22 • Suki Sivam in Brisbane - Brisbane Tamil Association Inc (BTA) formerly known as Tamil Brisbane Inc organised an event to bring this world Tamil talent to Brisbane stage. This event was hosted at St. Marks Catholic School, Inala. Mr Suki Sivam visited Australia many times, but this is his first visit to Brisbane and he enjoyed talking to Brisbane energetic audience. He delivered an inspiring speech and guided people on how to live a balanced life in such a fast paced world. He took examples from well-known Tamil literature and delivered in a simple way (with humour and story) that everyone can understand and implement in their personal life.

• GCHCA representatives receive support from The Hon Bernie Ripoll, The Federal Member for Oxley and Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer and Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business.

• Above & below left: Organization of Hindu Malayalees Queensland (OHM Queensland) celebrate their first Vishu Program on 14 April at Wooloovin State School hall.

28 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, May, 2013

• His Highness Maharaj Raghav Raj Singh Shivrati of Udaipur and his wife pictured with GOPIO Qld President, Shyam Das, at the Maharaja Polo Cup Gala Dinner at Surfers Paradise. It was a great evening prior to the Polo match the next day. It is going to become a great event in the calendar of Queensland.

• Punjab Lions' Sandeep Dhaliwal honored as Warehouse Cricket's best batsman and best bowler. Photo by Matt Young, article located on page 51.

• “Caring Cruise for Senior Citizens” Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), Sydney - organized a party on a cruise for senior citizens. The cruise ship Rosemary departed Woolwich Warf with around 170 people on-board, packed to the brim, but with plenty of space to move around to capture the moment with Opera House, Circular Quay and Darling Harbour in the backdrop. www.indiantimes.com.au Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, May, 2013 — 29

Who, What, Where, When

• Mayor of Ipswich Mr Paul Pisasale and the President of GOPIO Queensland Chapter at the Business Networking Dinner of GOPIO.

• Incredible India at Nexus Church was held on 28 April. Full details page 12.

• Shri Pankaj Upadhyay Ji conducting Gayatri Havan at All World Gayatri Pariwar Brisbane Branch Ram Naumi.

• Delighful dancers at Cultural Community Association Ltd's Jagit Singh Night.

• Members of Divya Jyoti Sansthan with Laxmi Narayan Temple President Rakesh Sharma and other devotees. 30 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, May, 2013

• Pictured (L to R): Ms. Jenniwaty Luhur OAM, President, Buddha’s Light International Association of Queensland, Ms. Newman, Premier Campbell Newman, Master Chueh Shan, Abbess, Chung Tian Temple and Ms. Lisa Newman. Article page 33.

• From left: Prakash Dayal (Dayals Quarries, Ba ,Fiji), Pusp Chand (Island Pharmacy, Ba Fiji), Umesh Chandra (Chantex Pty Ltd, Aust), Praveen Patel (New World Supermarkets, Fiji) at World Hindu Economic Forum at Sheraton Denarau in Fiji.

• Members of Ekta womens club performing bhajans at Shree Laxmi Narayan Temple during Ram Naumi.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, May, 2013 — 31

Hindu Economic Forum aims to make South Pacific community prosperous THE first Pacific Regional Economic conference at Nadi was organised on Saturday, 4 May 2013 by the World Hindu Economic Forum (WHEF). The theme is “Making the South Pacific community prosperous”. Dr Neil Sharma, the Minister for Health, Government of Fiji inaugurated the conference. In his opening address, the Health Minister mentioned that for socio economic growth and development, education and health play important roles. He emphasised on ‘Vidhya Dhan’ (supporting education) and the traditional medicinal systems such as Ayurveda. In his presentation, Mr Vinod Kumar, India’s High Commissioner to Fiji, said there is a potential to increase trade between India and Fiji and the forums such as this would definitely help. He also said Fiji’s location and beauty will attract more movie makers to this country. In his welcoming address, Mr Jay Dayal, the coordinator of this Forum, mentioned that the purpose is to make the whole pacific community prosperous from a Hindu perspective. Prof Gautam Sen, who has taught at the London School of Economics, spoke on organising Hindu businesses globally, developing services and policy goals for Hindu business.

He emphasised on promoting ethical business practice and improve common welfare with an ultimate goal in achieving greater prosperity and abolishing poverty, especially in developing countries. Swami Vigyananand, the founder of WHEF, gave the background of the movement. The WHEF promotes activities to make society prosperous, primarily through the generation and sharing of material wealth in a manner that does not cause environmental destruction. He said economic prosperity is the basis to sustain a civilization, quoting Chanakya’s Arthshastra “Dharmasya Moolam Arthah”. Other key people who presented papers at this Forum included the Vice-chancellor of Fiji National University Dr Ganesh Chand, the Chairperson of Fiji Commerce Commission Dr Mahendra Reddy and the Chair of the Oceania Development Network and Professor of Economics at the University of South Pacific Prof Biman Prasad. Dr Ganesh Chand spoke on the importance of businesses supporting the tertiary educational institutions through research and development, and sponsoring scholarships for deserving students as part of social responsibility; Dr Mahendra Reddy spoke on the prosperity, business ethics

and economic growth: some observations from Fiji; and Prof Biman Prasad on the business environment and economic performance in the Pacific. There were two workshops: “Young Hindu Business Leaders” and “Developing Entrepreneurship Among Women”. In the first workshop, Divesh Lal spoke on the importance of mentoring, and how businesses should provide assistance to young people in the organisation. In the second workshop, Ms Rajneesh Lata Charan, said that the role of business women in economic development is inevitable. Women are also willing to take up business and contribute to the Nation’s growth. The last session “Where to from here?” was chaired by Noel Lal from Australia and Prof Guna Magesan from Fiji. While Mr Lal mentioned gave the background, Prof Magesan mentioned about the future plans including conferences happening around the globe and invited all to the next conference in Bangkok. Mr Vinod Kumar from New Zealand gave the vote of thanks. In presence were dignitaries like Mr Y.P. Reddy, Mr Kantilal Punja, Prakash Dayal , Swani K Maharaj, Umesh Chandra (Aust), Mr Noel lal, (Aust) .

Divya Jyoti Sansathan Inc hosts “Kab Sumiroge Ram”

• Sushri Bhakti Priya Bharti Ji at Kab Sumiroge Ram function At shree laxmi Narayan Temple Burbank.

DURING the auspicious occasion of Ram Naumi, Divya Jyoti Sansthan (Australia) an affiliate of the world wide body under the auspicious guidance of founder and head Shri Ahutosh Ji Maharaj, held a special program Known as “Kab Sumiroge Ram”. For the program they held a lecture and bhajans at University of Queensland Multifaith Chaplaincy centre. The lecture was

conducted by Sushri Bhakti Priya Bharti Ji. Hindu Chaplain of University of Queensland, Umesh Chandra facilitated the event. Following the lecture Divya Jyoti Sansthan Inc Australia held two days prabachan at Shree Laxmi Narayan temple. The Prabacahn by Sushri Bhakti Priya Bharati Ji was divine and devotees in attendance could not get

32 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, May, 2013

enough. The accompanying Bhajan singers and musicians were just superb, “Maata Ki Bhente” got the most response. This rhythmic recital got the devotees so excited that they could not contain themselves and broke out into devotional and blissful dancing . The program was live broadcasted on Radio Brisvaani on the • Sushri Bhakti Priya Bharti Ji at University of Queensland Multifaith Chaplaincy centre after her lecture on Ram Nauni and Hindi New Year. first day. www.indiantimes.com.au

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Brisbane transforms into ‘Little India’ FOR one week this May 13-19, South Bank will be transformed into a bustling parade of contemporary India, bringing to life the vibrant colours, tantalizing aromas and the unmistakable movement and sounds of its music styles. Presented by Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, the extraordinary seven day festival, ENCOUNTERS: INDIA will feature more than 70 leading artists from India and Australia across 70 events exploring the links between these two neighbours. Vincent Plush, Artistic Director of the festival says the traditional music, street bazaars, fine art, dawn ragas, cinema, fashion, debates, dance, master classes and daily performances will open Brisbane’s eyes to the diversity of India. “Like most Australians, my previous knowledge of India was limited largely to ‘the three C’s. Today, Commonwealth, curry and cricket have largely been overshadowed in our imaginations by ‘the bigger B”: Bollywood. While we have all that in our program, we want to show Brisbane that there is more to India than Bollywood.” he says. Professor Huib Schippers, Director of the

Queensland Conservatorium Research Centre says the event is also ideally timed, with the recent White Paper and the Prime Minister’s visit. “As the largest and most exciting of our ENCOUNTERS series, it comes as a vibrant, resonant contribution to cultural dialogue and diplomacy as Australia seeks to re-define its relationship with India,” he said. Bringing together some of the world’s leading exponents of Indian music, both traditional and contemporary, as well as dance, philosophy, meditation and spirituality, politics and more, among many free events is a weekend-long India Bazaar, which will transform South Bank’s Cultural Forecourt into an Indian market. This culminates with a free family concert in The Courier-Mail Piazza. On Saturday 18 May, commencing at 4pm, Topology and the Australian Art Orchestra with the Sruthi Laya Ensemble will perform in Beyond Bollywood. The evening ends with Indian bands, performers and dancers, with music from leading Bollywood DJs. Other events range from sitars playing by the river band at dawn to a recreation of a

1953 dinner given in Calcutta to honour the first (and only) visit to India of ‘the god of cricket’, Sir Donald Bradman. In that program, his granddaughter Greta Bradman will sing a song composed by her grandfather. Other Indian musicians will be well known to classical music lovers. Among these are the soprano Patricia Rozario and that ‘prince of cellists’ Rohan de Saram. From India come rising stars of the younger generation, singer Shubha Mudgal and tabla virtuoso Aneesh Pradhan. Griffith University’s Film • Aneesh Pradhan. School will mount a retrospec“We hope that our audiences will come tive season celebrating a centenary of Indian film-making. Next door, the away with a better understanding of this Queensland College of Art presents three vibrant culture in our midst,” says Huib exhibitions of contemporary Indian textile Schippers. “Through ENCOUNTERS, you art. At GoMA, a two-day symposium gath- can almost visit India without leaving ers leading politicians, writers and thinkers Brisbane. Certainly no need for a passport!” For more information please visit in a cultural dialogue between our counwww.encountersfestival.com.au tries.

Premier joins Buddha to leave handprint for a Greater Humanity MAY 5, 2013: Premier Campbell Newman left his handprint on a major piece of contemporary art that is being created over the three days of the 17th annual Buddha Birth Day Festival. Titled no boundaries this artwork is capturing a snapshot of the Parklands in order to highlight that there are no boundaries found within Queensland’s vibrant cultural communities. In his 10th consecutive visit to the Buddha Birth Day Festival the Premier expressed the joy that he and his family share each year attending Queensland’s largest multicultural celebration. Surprised to be asked to roll up his sleeves to get his hands dirty leaving a handprint? “Not at all” came the characteristic cheeky response. The earliest human handprints date back at least 40,800 years and are found in the caves of El Castillo northern

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Spain. Little is known of the creators of the 55 prints. Closer to home, ancient indigenous Australian’s left handprints to signify that the person was in their home country, was at oneness with the land and had guardian rights over it. Questions remain. What is the story behind each handprint? What did these people believed in, what did they think, what were their dreams? Jenniwaty Luhur OAM, President of the Buddha’s Light International Association of Queensland one of the Festival organisers is pleased by the public response: “by using a number of canvases we aim to capture thousands of single handprints thereby immortalising the journey of many hundreds of thousands of years of human experiences.” Using the three primary colours of red, blue, and yellow, the artistic reflection of life is a powerful reminder that despite our great diversity, we each share a common char-

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acteristic, we are all related. We are all part of a greater humanity. Premier Newman is enthused that each visit to the Buddha Birth Day Festival continually provides an enlightening experience. Commenting on no boundaries the Premier stated: “the cultural fabric of Queensland has experienced phenomenal change over the past 150 years. We are now a diverse cultural society and it is wonderful to see how the Buddha Birth Day Festival continues to support multiculturalism. no boundaries is a wonderful way to reflect on the harmonious spirit of oneness and cohesion that is shared between people of different cultures and beliefs.” Plans are underway to display this snapshot of Queensland’s cultural diversity through galleries around the world.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, May, 2013 — 33

Looking Deeper Courtesy Vinaya Natarajan I HAVE been to many places, told many stories, talked about many things. But it always comes down to us. Who we are. Having this time on the face of this earth, being alive. What does it really mean? There are so many ideas, arguments, philosophies, but it’s not about that. It’s about what we know. In this world, everybody wants to be credible: I am right, you are wrong. Every argument is looking for credibility. And to find it, we ask: Who said what? Was it a long time ago? Who was this book written by? But consider for a moment that what we know to be true is not from what we have heard, but from feeling, and feeling requires no credibility. If somebody said, “I slept wonderfully last night. The bed was so comfortable,” this would not be a question of right or wrong or of credibility. How did I sleep? Knowing needs no justification. So the question is: What do you know? Not what you have heard or read. What do you know? What do you know about your life, your existence? This is not an easy task. Trying to separate what you know from what you have heard is almost impossible. There are things we have

believed in because we heard it from a credible source. Now we don’t know if it is something we know or something we believe. Nevertheless, it does not change the fact that there is something we want to know. I wonder if we’re looking for something, searching. Not knowingly— unknowingly. The nature of a human being is always to try to find a comfort, to try to find a joy, not even knowing that’s what we are looking for. Perhaps much deeper. Looking, searching for a tranquility—a peace, yet undefined. Not an absence of war. Not a reconciliation between two people. A peace that perhaps can even play out on a battlefield. Looking for a freedom even in the middle of a prison. Looking for friendship not defined by friends, but a friendship that feels real. Searching every day, looking for stability in a world that is so changing. A breath just came and changed my life forever. We do not pay attention to the breath. We do not see it as a major factor in our existence till the day it starts to leave, and then it becomes everything. If we’re looking for peace, it is looking for joy, within us. If we’re it’s not far from us. If we’re looking for that friend, it always has been and will be within inside. If we’re

The boomerang effect looking for the place that does not change, that place is inside. You know this. But you need to understand what you know—not ignore it, but understand it. The day you begin to understand what you know is the day you truly begin to live, not just survive, because living is a celebration of existence. You need to live, to thrive, every day. Not once a week or a month, but every single day that has been provided to you. In juggling all the balls in my life, do I ask: Who put all these balls in my hand? Me! “I’ll do this, and this, and this, too.” Somebody says, “You mind taking care of this problem, too?” “Okay.” That’s the day I became a juggler. Not understanding my primary responsibility is to that thirst inside of me that is calling out to me every single day to be fulfilled. We forget our true nature. We accept the nature of those around us. Look in the mirror within you and see for yourself who you are: Beautiful, ageless. You’re not the sum of your wrinkles. There is something in you since you were a child, and it will be there till your very last breath. Get to know it. Live your life consciously. Be aware of every day because it’s irreplaceable. If you are looking, look, but know what you are looking for. If you are searching, search, but know what you are searching for. If you are waiting, wait, but know what you’re waiting for. And if you’re looking for the companion, then know who the truest companion is. The truest companion that will be there till the very end. This is all within you. Prem Rawat

DEAR reader, it is with great joy we bring you the word of God. Regardless of your situation possession, how Pastor Joseph Dass much you own, God planned you to be a blessing. It is not measured by how much you can give or how much you can bless but what you can give, say or do for others. That means we are to look out for ways to bless others. Being good to people, showing kindness, appreciating people God has placed in our lives. Instead of looking at one mistake your spouse makes, but rather having good words to say, that they are willing to share their lives with you, or picking on one mistake your employee makes instead of praising them for turning up for work, just being there, making a difference towards your company. I have learnt that people perform their duties better when they are encouraged, when they are told how valuable they are to the organization, how the company would not be the same without their great effort. We may not be in a position to bless everyone, every day but we surely can bless at least one person in a day. When we are good to others God is always good to us. Scripture tells us that we are to be like branches loaded with fruits connected to a vine, ready to make a difference to others. In John 15 v 1 Jesus said He was this vine and we who are connected to Him are like branches that bring about their fruit in season to be a blessing to others. Every time we look at the tap it reminds us of water. The water is essential for us. The tap is not the source. All it can do is stay connected to the source and release what is coming out from the source. Let me ask you, what fruits are evident in your life. Are you inconsiderate, still picking on peoples mistakes and making mountains out of them or are you connected to a source so that the blessings coming out are kind words, being good and generous, joy, hope, love for others (even enemies). In John 15 v 2 it says that God prunes us so that we can bear more fruit. God loves you, He values you. Be willing to let go of some old mind set, pride, old way of thinking and embrace some new words in your language, words that encourage and build people up. Where ever you are today is the very place God wanted you to be, ie to make difference to someone, to be a blessing to somebody. Daniel was a blessing in the kings palace, Joseph was a blessing in the prison, Jesus went about doing to people. And remember what we help happen for others always comes back to us. It's like a boomerang. So do not miss the opportunity to get blessed. God Bless You, Ps Joseph Dass

Astounding Thai memories revealed in the northern provinces Story and pictures by Rama Gaind ON the road in Thailand’s northern Lampang Province and the kingdom of Lanna provides everlasting memories of a country that’s truly amazing. Captivating images linger of being surrounded by the traditions and tranquility of temples, being at one with nature on elephant safaris and experiencing the excitement of border-crossing by visiting the Golden Triangle. Encircled by the tallest mountains in Thailand, the north is cooler than the rest of the usually blistering country and is home to the hill tribes, resplendent in their own individual way of life. These jurisdictions are endowed with a rich cultural heritage. The highlights are countless, but here’s a concise overview of 10 of the best memories: 1. Spend your first night in the ‘Golden Land’—in bustling Bangkok at the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel. Designed with an intriguing Thai influence, it has been voted one of the ‘Ten Best Airport Hotels in the World’. A shopping spree is called for and the smart alternative to taxis and buses is catching the speedy Airport Rail Link to downtown which is about 25 kilometres away … where you will shop till you drop! 2. Often referred to as the ‘Rose of the North’, Chiangmai blooms in February with the annual Flower Festival. Just bask in the floral glory and then unwind at the Chedi Chiangmai, on the banks of the Mae Ping River. Have lunch at Kiat O-Cha Restaurant— opened since 1957—for the best chicken rice, clear soup with ginger and coriander and pork satay and pick up a bargain at the Walking Street Market. 3. Climb 306 steps to the top, or spend three minutes in a lift, and pay homage at Doi

• Located outside Chiangrai, Rong Khun Temple is a visually striking attraction with a unique design that combines classic and contemporary styles. Photo: Rama Gaind

Suthep Temple. The vision in gold is breath-taking! The original founding of this Theravada Buddhist temple is steeped in legend. One version has it being founded in 1383 … and a white elephant takes centre stage. 4. The Lampang Elephant Conservation Center, 100 kilometres from Chiangmai, is an eye-opener. Founded in 1993 under Royal Patronage, 60 Asian elephants are housed in beautiful forest including 14 royal elephants. Thailand’s only government-owned camp undertakes some pioneering work in conservation and science and has an excellent breeding program. 5. On the way to Chiang Rai Province, have a coffee (or tea) at Mae Khajaan Hot Springs that’s divided into three, where the average temperature is about 80 degrees celsius. Boil eggs within three minutes or dip your feet in the water to soothe away aches and pains.

34 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, May, 2013

Then get ready to stand in awe at your first glimpse of Rong Khun Temple, also known as the White Temple. This contemporary, unconventional Buddhist Temple is the realisation of a vision by one of Thailand’s noted artists Chalermchai Rositpipat. 6. The award-winning Mae Fah Luang Art & Cultural Park, an hour’s drive north of Chiangrai, houses the region’s largest collection of folk art and teak artifacts from the Lanna Kingdom. Nearly 60 minutes from the park are the meticulously maintained Doi Tung Botanical Gardens where you’ll rejoice at viewing some of the almost 100 varieties of flowers in a dazzling array of colours with a new design every season. Wat Phra Kaeo is Chiangrai’s most revered Buddhist temple and the Central Markets have irresistible bargains. Oozing panache that appeals, Le Méridien Chiangrai Resort is poised along the Mae Kok River and is an ideal venue to sweep

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your cares away. 7. The 66-kilometre drive to Mae Sai at the border of Burma (Myanmar) and Laos is scenic with tobacco fields and rice paddies as we stop to taste some very sweet pineapples. Sop Ruak, at the top of the hill was once tiny and forlorn, and viewing the Golden Triangle from here is a spectacular sight, with definitive demarcation lines: Ruak River separates Burma and Thailand and the Mekong River divides Laos and Thailand. The Hall of Opium Museum is described as “edutainment”, which it is indeed. 8. The hilltop Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa offers both a relaxing retreat and an opportunity to benefit from its elephant camp. You can make friends with the gentle giants, watch the majestic elephants in their natural habitat, take part in the river bathing ritual, gain from a mahout experience or indulge in a private picnic with three-country views! 9. Back in the capital and the Lit Bangkok Hotel delightfully surprises with innovative design in a city centre location that retains a distinct local flavor. Running shoes are highly recommended when you visit the Maeklong Market—or Risky Market—selling ‘fresh’ produce and merchandise on real train tracks that are only 300 meters long. 10. The Chatuchak Weekend Market has a diverse collection of merchandise and is home to more than 8,000 stalls. A typical weekend sees more than 200,000 visitors sifting through the goods on offer. Once you’ve spent up big, take a reprieve from the noise and heat of the midday sun at Coffee Nine … you’ll be so glad you did! Rama Gaind travelled as a guest of the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Absolutely Fantastic Holidays. Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

he said, “I hope I shall die sometime between form us and only then can we attain victory not this morning and tonight.” [Bukhari, Book 23, only over our insecurity, our fears and anxieties, but also over our oppressors. Hadith no. 469] Rasoolullah SAW prayed with such sincerity, In that sacred, holy cave, God ordered the Prophet (s) to pass whatever secrets God had serenity and humility that his personality overordered him to give, up to a point known to him, flowed with these characteristics. Thus he taught to the heart of Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (r). The by precept and example. He reminded the noble Prophet (s) passed to him the secret of his Companions knowledge. That is the secret behind the (the as-haab): “Perform your salaah in the manRasulallah and Hazrat Abu Bakr were in. Tradition which came from Abu Hurayra (r), “I ner you saw me perform it.” Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique was full of worry for have retained from the Prophet (s) two vessels of On another occasion he advised someone who the safety of Rasulallah, and the worry worsened knowledge. I have disseminated one vessel of did not complete his rukoo and sujood properly: when the Kufar were face to face with the two knowledge among people. But if I were to give “Go back, and repeat your salaah.” Three times friends in the cave. the other vessel of knowledge, they would cut Rasoolullah sent him back. The man replied: “I But Allah works in wonderful ways; a spider my throat.”7 That is hidden knowledge. That swear upon the one who sent you with the truth. had spun a web across the mouth of the cave knowledge is kept only in the heart. It can never I do not know and cannot do better, so please which not only helped conceal what was inside be written down. No one can carry this knowl- teach me.” The Prophet SAW obliged: “When the cave, but also decieved the Kufar. They edge. That is the kind of knowledge that the you stand for salaah, then takbir (Allahu Akbar), thought the web was old and came to the con- Prophet (s) put in the heart of Abu Bakr as- then read from the Qur’an what is easy for you, clusion that none had entered the cave in a long Siddiq (r). then rukoo (bow down) , then rise from the time. ---------------------rukoo until you stand up straight (pausing), then Thus, the Kufar ended their search and Salaah: Our Prescription for Success sujood (prostrate) until you rest in the sitting, Rasulallah and his blessed companion proceeded Allah enjoins all Muslim in the Holy Qur’an: then sujood again until you rest in the sujood, on their journey to Madinah. “Guard strictly your (habit of) prayers, especial- repeat the entire procedure in your salaah.” The exalted status of Hazrat Abu Bakr is such ly the Middle Prayer; and stand before Allah in a The Prophet taught him how to perform the that he is mentioned in the Holy Quran for this devout (frame of mind).” (Qur’an: II, 238) salaah correctly. It is only then that he could find incident: In this ayah Allah commands us to be steadfast peace of mind, and reminded him that salaah “When the disbelievers drove him (Rasulallah) in our daily prayers; perform our salaah at the which is not performed peacefully and respectout; he had no more than one companion. They exact, prescribed times and do so with a devout fully is not correct and permissible, as he were two in the cave. And he said to his com- frame of mind. In other words, prayer should be admonished him: “Go back and repeat the panion: “Have no fear for Allah is with us”. a sincere, intimate communication with our salaah, for you have definitely not performed Then Allah sent down His peace upon him”. Maker and we must think of Allah and only salaah.” - The Holy Quran 9:40 Allah in our salaah. It is only if we understand the purpose and After three days in Cave Thawr, Sayyidina Abu In our materialistic/capitalistic world where the potential effects of Salaah on the human personBakr and the Messenger of Allah proceeded to value of every action is assessed in terms of ality that we can realise why we must first meet Madinah. As they walked, it is reported that material benefits, we are bound to be asked: “Of with the basic requirements before we can perSayyidina Abu Bakr walked in different direc- what benefit is salaah to me?” Will I become form salaah. Allah SWT enjoins the one who tions; sometimes to the right, sometimes to the richer, healthier, more popular if I perform my intends to perform the Salaah as follows: “O ye left, ahead or behind the Beloved Messenger. salaah? The very question sends blood boiling in who believe! When ye prepare for prayer, wash Upon enquiry, he explained, “Beloved of Allah, the veins of the pious ones….can we ever thank your faces, and your hands (and arms) to the when I walk behind, I fear lest the enemy attack Allah sufficiently for the bounties He bestows on elbows; rub your heads (with water); and was you from the front so I move there. And when I us even when we are asleep? But we are tolerant: your feet to the ankles. If you are in a state of walk to your right, I fear lest the enemy attack all of us do not have the same level of under- ceremonial impurity, bathe your whole body. But you from the left so I move there.” standing or spirituality. One thing is certain, our if ye are ill or on a journey, or one of you cometh Coolness of the Eyes salaah does not benefit Allah! from offices of nature or ye have been in contact Once, the Beloved Messenger of Allah entered We eat, we sleep, we cover our bodies, we with women, and ye find no water, then take for the Masjid and sat down near a pillar. Sayyidina breathe in the fresh air around us. WHY? We yourselves clean sand or earth, and rub therewith Abu Bakr Siddique was seated beside him. At have no choice. We realise that these “favours of this point, Sayyidina Bilal, the master of mu’azz- Allah” are necessary to LIVE a healthy life. You your faces and hands. Allah doth not wish to place you in a difficulty, but to make you clean, ins, stood up and began to deliver the Azaan. and I know that eating can only be good for the When he said, “Ash-hadu anna Muhammadur body if done in moderation, and at prescribed and to complete His favour to you, that ye may RasulAllah”, Sayyidina Abu Bakr placed both of times. Remember the prophetic saying: “You are be grateful.” (Qur’an: S.V, 7) We need to have Wudoo and purity of the whole his thumbnails upon to his eyes saying, “Qurratu what you eat.” Similarly, sleep, like food or aini bika Ya RasulAllah” (meaning, ‘You are the fresh air is a tonic for living effectively.. But body. Our clothes and the very ground on which we hope to perform our salaah should be clean. coolness of my eyes, O Messenger of Allah.’) surely we have other needs to function effective- Allah is Pure and how else can we get access to When Sayyidina Bilal completed the Azaan, the ly ! Him but through personal purity. It is sad to note, Beloved Messenger of Allah said, “O Abu Bakr! How often do we not need moral strength when Whosoever does like you have done, Almighty we are afraid to undertake something new ? We brothers, that some of us leave bits of skin or Allah will forgive all his sins.” [Narrated in need true knowledge of our direction in life; we nails behind where they had been sitting and another musallee is left to salaah in this filth. Is Shaykh Ismail Haqqi’s Tafseer Ruhul Bayaan] need to feel that we are not alone; we need to This incident is a beautiful display of Sayyidina love and feel loved; we need to feel part of a this fair? Do we think only of ourselves and the Abu Bakr’s pure devotion for the Beloved greater humanity or an even greater creation; we acceptance of our own salaah ? Salaah has a social as well as a personal value. Messenger of Allah. At just the mention of the need to feel inspired and acknowledged for the Beloved Prophet’s Name, his heart submitted good we do; we need to talk to Someone who And our Nabi Muhammad SAWS placed so with total love and respect causing him to speak really CARES, Who accepts us as we are, Who much emphasis on the jamaa’ah (salaah in conwith such praise. knows our intimate secrets, our strengths as well gregation) rather than alone. Let us through our The Beloved Messenger of Allah said about as our weaknesses and the way we function; we salaah, enhance not only ourselves, but the entire him, to the other Companions, “Abu Bakr does need to communicate with the Source of all Ummah, Insha-allah. Allah SWT further reminds not precede you in anything in the way of prayer Power, of all Knowledge so that we can strength- us in the Holy Qur’an: “O Children of Adam! Wear your beautiful apparel at every time and or fasting but in a secret (sirr) rooted deep in his en these qualities in ourselves. heart.” [Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal’s Manaqib asAllah SWT in His infinite wisdom and mercy place of prayer…..” (Qur’an: S.vii, 31) We cannot be pure unless our clothes are clean. Sahaba] has provided us with the means to gain such This could refer to marifah, or knowledge of spiritual strength — our acts of ‘Ibadah: our Allah goes beyond this and advises that we wear Allah that He blesses His righteous servants SALAAH, our SAUM (FASTING), our “beautiful apparel”. Why not ? As long as we are with; it could also refer to the love and respect ZAKAAH and our HAJJ are channels of piety, dressed properly. The commentator comments which as-Siddiq held in his heart for the Beloved of self-fulfilment. Through these we can fulfil on the word Zeenat as referring not only to of Allah. our spiritual needs to develop a balanced person- clothes but personal grooming. How pleasant is it not to salaah next to a person with a fragrant, Indeed, Allah says in the Qur’an, “Say, [O ality and a balanced attitude in life. Muhammad], “If you should love Allah, then Salaah, like the Hadj, is a spiritual experience fresh smell (e.g. using atar )! And how odious follow me, so Allah will love you and forgive in which the entire body, physical, intellectual the stench of a heavy smoker’s breath! Salaah you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and and emotional participate and harmonize: if we requires concentration. Through uttering our Merciful.” [Qur’an 3:31] feel upset or over-excited to the extent that our Niyyah (intention) and facing the Qiblah (in Beloved of the Beloved health suffers or we cannot think rationally, then Makkah) we direct our minds and our hearts to Sayyidina Amr bin al-Aas narrates that he asked salaah acts as regulator — . It reduces the ten- Allah SWT. When we salaah alone, we recite the Messenger of Allah, “Who is the most sions, the emotions, and strengthens and increas- with our hearts and not merely with our tongues. beloved person to you?” He said, “Aisha,” es the intellectual and physical components of When we salaah in Jamaa’ah we follow the Sayyidina Amr bin al-Aas asked, “Amongst our personality: we can think clearly and feel Imam and let the words of the Qur’an sink into men?” He replied, “Her father (Abu Bakr).” physically strong again. The cold intellectual or our hearts. And let us remember the teachings of [Bukhari, Vol. 5, Hadith no.14] the emotional fanatic each has an attitude prob- Rasoolullah SAWS: The love and strong bond between Allah’s lem and needs to regulate his unbalanced per- “The Imaam has been chosen to be followed, so Messenger and Sayyidina Abu Bakr was mutual; sonality with salaah. Thus Allah SWT reminds when he takbirs, you takbir; when he recites, you listen attentively and when he takbirs and they were friends of the closest degree. Yet as- humanity in the Holy Qur’an: rukoos, then you takbir and rukoo.” Siddiq, humble and sincere,kept himself at a “Seek Allah’s help with patience and Salaah.” Salaah in Jamaa’ah emphasizes social discimodest level in the presence of the Messenger; No wonder our Nabi Muhammad SAWS as a slave does at the noble feet of his Master. He advised us to precede any new or unknown ven- pline: the Ummah pray together as one and the would, without any hesitation, sacrifice his dear- ture with salaah. When we decide to go on Hadj Imaam directs them to a united action. Our Nabi est possessions in the Way of Allah and His or to get married or when we suffer a misfortune, Muhammad SAWS comments on the dissenting Beloved – and this too, from the depths of his sight the new moon, and so on. In short, salaah Musallee as follows: “Does he not fear, who raises his head before heart. forms an integral part of our existence as It was this level of complete faith, trust, devo- Muslims. In our salaah, particularly, we have the that of the Imaam, that Allah SWT will change his head into that of an ass.” tion and respect, which raised him to such an means to success and victory. Fear Allah, and be constant in your prayers and elevated status. He was the strongest pillar of This Allah guarantees us in the Holy Qur’an: support for the Beloved Messenger throughout “The Believers must eventually win through: attend Jumu’ah as our Nabi Muhammad SAWS his life, and he was the steadfast affirmer of the those who are steadfast in their prayers.” commanded us. He stressed this and did not Message with every stage of its progress. Rasoolullah SAW confirms this injunction and absolve even a blind man who had no guide and In History of the World, H. G. Wells writes, emphasizes the need to perform it properly: “He requested that he be excused from attending “Throughout their life together, it was whosoever guards, protects and observes his five Jamaa’ah. Rasoolullah asked: “Do you hear the Muhammad who said the thing, but it was Abu daily prayers, its rukoos, sujoods and its pre- Call (Athaan)?” “Yes”, replied the blind man. Bakr who believed.” scribed times, and verily, believes and knows Rasoolullah SAWS said: “I do not find any During his fatal illness, in his last moments, his that indeed it is truly from Allah, shall enter the excuse for you.” focus and thought shone upon the memory of the Jannah.” Let us, Insha-Allah be steadfast in our prayers Beloved Messenger of Allah evermore. It stands to reason that we need to approach and perform them in the prescribed times. Let us He asked his daughter Sayyida Aisha, “How salaah with sincerity, humility and purity of body submit ourselves in all humility and let not the many garments was the Prophet shrouded with?” and heart in addition to understanding how to weather or business or work lead us to negliShe replied, “In three Sahuliya pieces of white perform it. Allah prescribed it and made it gence. And those of us, who through weakness cotton cloth, and there was neither a shirt nor a incumbent upon us. But, like our sleeping and of will or understanding, had neglected salaah, turban among them.” He further asked her, “On eating habits, He commanded us to perform it at now is as good a time to start. Let those of us which day did the Prophet die?” She replied, its prescribed times and in a particular manner. who are strong help them, teach them and show “He died on Monday.” He asked, “What is For only then does it become a tonic, only then them the way. Remember Allah and surely, HE today?” She replied, “Today is Monday.” Then does it become effective, only then can it trans- shall remember you. www.indiantimes.com.au THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, May, 2013 — 35

SAYYIDINAA ABU BAKR AS-SIDDEEQ (RA) By Imam Nawaaz IN the Name of Allâh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful All the praises and thanks be to Allâh, prayers and peace of Allah be upon the Messenger of Allah and upon all his family and companions. We have an appointment with a man; after the Prophets and Messengers the sun has never risen nor set over a better man than him. He is a man whose faith has been weighed against the faith of the whole nation, and his faith over weighed it all. He is a man who has spent all his money for the cause of Allah, upon which it was said to him, “What have you left for your family? He said the words of the confident of his Lord, “I left for them Allah and His Messenger.” It is Abu Bakr As-Siddîq, may Allah be pleased with him. Rasulallah’s praise about Hazrat Siddiq-eAkbar - “Abu Bakr’s name shall be called out from all the gates of Paradise and he will be the first person of my Ummah to enter it.” - “Allah will show His glory to the people in a general way, but He will show it to Abu Bakr in a special way.” - “Never has the sun risen or set on a person, other than a prophet, greater than Abu Bakr.” - “Never was anything revealed to me that I did not pour into the heart of Abu Bakr.” - “There is no one to whom I am obligated and have not repaid my debt except Abu Bakr, for I owe him much for which Allah will compensate him on the Day of Judgement.” - “If I were to take an intimate friend (khalil) other than my Lord, I would have chosen Abu Bakr.” - “Abu Bakr does not precede you because of much prayer or fasting, but because of a secret that is in his heart.” Hazrat Abu Bakr had sincere affection for Rasulallah from childhood and he was a member of Rasulallah’s close circle. When Rasulallah announced Prophethood, the first person he secretly informed was his closest friend, Hazrat Abu Bakr. He was the first man to embrace Islam, and he did so without hesitation - such was the trust and complete faith he had in Rasulallah ‘s words. Hazrat Abu Bakr gets the title of Siddique Rasulallah was gifted Mi’raj (Ascension) in the 10th year of his Mission, and the next morning he informed his people about the details of the ascension. Some of them came to Hazrat Abu Bakr and said, “Have you listened to your friend (Rasulallah)? He is claiming that he visited Jerusalem and the Sublime Throne in the Heavens last night and talked with Allah Almighty. Would you believe it?” Hazrat Abu Bakr immediately replied. “If he said so then it is an absolute truth”. They again said, “Do you believe that he visited all these places and came back within a small part of night?” He again replied, “Of course I believe in it and I believe in the things which are farther than it, i.e., the news of Hell and Paradise”. For this Rasulallah named him as-Siddiq i.e. the most truthful and sincere person in Faith. For Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique had not even the slightest doubt, and his faith was such that nothing could shake it. The Cave Saur Incident A famous story of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique is the one of about Cave Saur (or Ghaar-e-Saur). The night Rasulallah planned to migrate to Madinah, the leaders of Makkah set out to look for him. He informed Hazrat Abu Bakr that they would leave for Madinah that night, and so they set out on their journey. Aware of the fact that the Kufar were on a hunt for him, Rasulallah decided to take an alternative route. On the way, he and his blessed companion Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique decided to take shelter in a cave called Cave Saur. Here they hid for 3 days. Hazrat Abu Bakr said, as narrated by Umar ibn Khattab, “I swear by Allah that you (the Prophet) will not enter the cave before I have done so, for if there is anything in it, I shall be attacked by it, and not you.” Then he entered the cave and swept it and found some holes in the side of it. He tore up a piece of his garment and plugged the holes with it. As there were still two remaining holes left, he thrust his feet into them and told the Messenger of Allah to enter the cave. When he had done so Rasulallah laid his head on Hazrat Abu Bakr ‘s lap and went to sleep. One of Hazrat Abu Bakr ‘s foot was bitten by a snake in the hole, but he did not move for fear that he might disturb Rasulallah and wake him up from his sleep. Hazrat Abu Bakr’s slave, Amir bin Fuhairah, tended the flocks of goats near the cave during the day and supplied them fresh milk in the night. On the final day, the Kufar reached the cave that Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

Health Beauty Wellbeing Ayurvedic Herbal products…. Sat Sri Akal, Namaste, Salaam and Hello, AYURVEDA is the Science of Life which was gifted to mankind by great sages from time immemorial. I am going to explain a few of the most important ayurvedic herbs in this column. BACOPA Common name - Bacopa Ayurvedic name - Brahmi Botanical name - Bacopa monnieri Definitions - Brahm - i ‘Brahm’- means ‘Real-Self’ Definition 1 - That herb which ‘Reminds’ you about your ‘Real-Self” Definition 2 – Brahmi word also comes from ‘Brahma’ (Demi-God of Creation). As Brahma has 3 heads, so as Brahmi can enhance ‘Brain Performance’. Family - Plantaginaceae Genus - Bacopa Species - Bacopa monnieri Shrub - Annual or Perennial, erect stemmed plant Leaves - Opposite, thick, rectangular, sessile Flowers - Bluish white or light pink Fruit - Egg shaped, Partitioned seeds Modern composition - Mainly, • Alkaloids (Brahmine, Herpestine) • Saponins (d- mannitol, Hersaponin) • Flavonoids (Luteolin, apigenin) and so many others. Ayurvedic Features • ‘Light’ in character • ‘Post Digestive Effect’- Bitter • Taste- Pungent • Potency- Hot • Special Effect- Nervine Tonic Ayurvedic Karmas (Actions) • As it is ‘Hot’, so it is Anti-Kapha (Anti-fat) and Anti- Vata (Anti-anxiety) • As it is ‘Light’, so it is Weight Reducer Naturally. • As it is ‘Pungent’, it is Blood - Purifier Naturally. • As it is ‘Hot’, so it is Analgesic and Carminative Naturally Medicinal Uses • Its Best use is in Memory-Loss, Mental Stress, Depression and other Mental imbalances. • Its very effective in Asthma and Epilepsy. Yoga Herbal Health’s Bacopa Extract vegetarian shell capsules (500mg) - are being used as Daily supplement in case of upper Actions and medicinal uses. 1. There are No Preservatives, Additives and Colours in this product. 2. There is just Pure Herbal Extract powder in this product. 3. This product is manufactured by Australian Legislation Norms and Laws. 4. This product is strictly Tested by

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COCONUT OIL By Azalea Ali makeup as it is gentler on skin than water or Common name - Coconut alcohol based makeup removers. Ayurvedic name - Naariyal WITH these quick beauty 10. Use an exfoliator daily to Botanical name - Cocos nucifera and hair tips you will be able remove dead skin and makeup. Family - Arecaceae to make better use of your 11. Use make up remover wipes Genus - Cocos beauty products and also with a moisturiser to remove Species - Cocos nucifera incorporate these simeye makeup, foundation Tree - 60-90 feet high ple tricks into your and blush. Leaves - Pinnate leaves (4-6 metre) current beauty routine. 12. Always use your Flower - Yellow and small Beauty ring finger to apply Fruit - Drupe with 3 layers- Exocarp, 1. Cream based beauty creams and concealers Mesocarp, Endocarp products such as lipto eye area as it applies the Modern Composition - Lignins, stick, blush, eyeleast amount of pressure. Inorganic, Gums, Albumin, Tartaric shadows and founda13. Keep skin care products acid, Palmitic and Stearic acids, tions last longer than in refrigerator during summer Protein, Glucose, Minerals like Iron, liquid or powder prodmonths to keep fresher Zinc and Phosphorus ucts. for longer. Ayurvedic Features 2. To find the perfect shade 14. Clear lip gloss can • Quality (Guna)- Viscous and Heavy of foundation; test shade along be also be used as a high• Taste (Rasa)- Sweet jawline in natural light. lighter for brows and cheek• Post Digestive Effect- Sweet 3. Use eye-shadow primer to make eye-shad- bones. • Potency (Virya)- Cold ow stay in place for longer, this is particularAyurvedic Actions (Karmas) ly useful if doing a smoky eye or using dark Hair • As it is Viscous, so it is Anti-Vata colours. 1. Use a deep-conditioning treatment month(Anti-Anxiety and Stress) 4. Replace old beauty products regularly. As ly to stop hair colour from fading. • As it is Cold, so it is Anti-Heat a general rule eye products should be 2. Never brush down hair curls, always use • As its Post Digestive Effect is Sweet, replaced every 2-3 months and liquid make- fingers with a smoothing product. so it is Natural Tonic. up every 6-8 months. 3. To give hair volume, use a volumising Medicinal Uses 5. For soft skin, apply moisturisers immedi- spray onto the roots before blow drying. • Coconut oil is used as Massage Oil in ately after a shower. 4. Use a clarifying shampoo and conditioner Summer as its of cold potency. 6. Eye cream can also be used as a cuticle weekly, to prevent dandruff. Use dry sham• Coconut water contains Dietery fibre, nail cream. poo in between washes to keep hair fresh. Natural Sugar, Protein and Anti-oxidants 7. Use a bronzer and highlighter to make 5. Use cream based hair repair creams onto • Coconut oil is used as Natural and cheekbones appear higher. Always apply hair tip to hide split ends. Make sure to also herbal Cooking oil. blush on the apple of the cheeks. trim hair every 6-8 weeks. • Its used as Moisturisers in Beauty 8. Dry out pimples using fluoride based 6. Always rinse out conditioner with cold Ayurvedic Herbal products«. toothpaste. products water to seal hair cuticles and keep hair • Coconut may help in Benign Prostatic 9. Use oil based products to remove eye shiny. Hyperplasia Sat Akal, Namaste, Salaam and Hello, • Sri Coconut oil reduces Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Phospholipids, LDL and AYURVEDA is the Science of Life which was gifted to mankind by VLDL great from time immemorial. I am going to explain a few of the Yogasages Herbal Health’s Coconut most important ayurvedic herbs in this oil is Pure and Natural Herbal column. Oil. 1. There are No Preservatives, Additives and Colours in this product. LONDON, April 30 (IANS) disease. But it was not clear warn that the continuing 2. There is just Pure Herbal Oil Families of chubby young- earlier whether obesity in rise in obesity may counin this product. sters, beware! Men who early adulthood strength- teract the fall in deaths 3. This product is manufactured from heart disease. turn obese in their early ened that risk. by Australian Legislation Norms "Obesity-related morbidiFor the study, researchers 20s are significantly less and Laws. likely to reach their middle tracked the health of 6,500 ty and mortality will, in 4. This product is strictly Tested by age, a new study published Danish 22-year-old men for decades to come, place an IN END OF COLUMNAustralian Quarantine and Customs in the British Medical 33 years up to the age of unprecedented burden on Department before they allow it in. healthcare systems world55. Journal has suggested. Amardeep Singh wide," said researchers. Almost half of those classiAlso such youngsters are Mob.- 0412 729 060 fied as obese at the age of also up to eight times more (Qualified Naturopath) - Adv. It may be worth rememlikely to suffer diabetes, 22 were diagnosed with Dip. In Naturopathy - 3yrs bering normal weight is diabetes, high blood prespotentially fatal blood clots (Aus) (Ayurvedic Physician) or a heart attack, Daily sure, heart attack, stroke, classified as a body mass Bachelor In Ayurvedic mediblood clots in the legs or index (BMI) of between Mail reported. cine in Surgery - 5yrs.(India) lungs, or had died before 18.5 and 25; obesity is clasIt has been well-known YOGA HERBAL HEALTH sified as a BMI of 30 or reaching the age of 55. how obesity in adulthood health@yogaherbal.com -Amardeep Singh more. The latest findings have could pose a risk of dia(www.yogaherbal.com Qualified Naturopath)-Adv. Dip. In Naturopathy-betes 3yrs (Aus) and cardiovascular prompted researchers to

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Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Qld Inc - Six free doctors 1. SUNLIGHT: The sun says, spend a little time with me while reading, exercising, listening to music, meditating, even chatting up with friends - do it with me! Just you and me, because I am your BEST friend. Physically and metaphorically Sunlight is beneficial to all. Giving light, its best, to everyone, regardless of race, caste ,creed or colour. 2. WATER: 6-8 glasses of water in a day, replenishes all the liquids of the body. And H2O is oxygen to every cell in the body. Our body thrives on fresh water. It is the greatest detoxifying agent ever produced. And it is FREE! 3. AIR: Your Prana Shakti - Life breath! Just being aware of your breathing for a little while, invigorates every cell in the body. PRANAYAM (deep breathing) - is a must, to exhale all carbon and take in all oxygen, in a clean and open environment. It is a luxury today to breathe fresh air. Do not neglect this. Holding a breath and then

Jitendra Deo President

releasing it, clears all the diseases in the body. 4. DIET: After consuming 3 of the 5 natures elements (Ether, Water, Air, Earth & Fire) get to the natures produce. Vegetables, fruits, grains. The Lord has provided plenty of choice. The amount of cleansing the fruits, vegetables, grains does to the system is amazing! The enzymes, nutrients thus produced protect every cell in the body. Proteins and all other requirements of the human body are present in fruits, vegetables, lentils milk, yogurt etc too. We are basically herbivores and not carnivores, not omnivores- by nature. Vegetarianism is the key to good health and

36 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, May, 2013

happiness. By involving oneself in the cycle of inflicting injury, pain and death, even indirectly by eating other creatures and animals, one must in the future experience in equal measure the suffering caused. Ahinsa, the law of non-injury, is our first duty in fulfilling religious obligations to GOD only then one will find happiness and Shanti. 5. EXERCISE: How can anything be consumed without the corresponding arrangement to digest the same? The body must move. Walking can be a good form of exercise! But stretching the body is very essential. Starting from bed, when waking up and then being physically vibrant through the day. Household work is NOT an exercise, it’s a chore! Exercise in a proper state of mind and not under stress or duress. Relaxation is the reason for exercising a healthy state of mind. Exercise alone and not rushing! 6. REST: Last but not the least the 6th DOCTOR is REST! None of the above is

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possible without enough sleep, relaxation and rest from meeting a deadline! Rest is the most important factor which gives impetus to all other 5! So do not neglect it. Resting with beautiful, positive and creative thoughts is of course always recommended. If you have negative thoughts, keep slogging, so you do not have the time to nurture them. When resting have all the positive thoughts, nourishing thoughts, the foremost being Thanksgiving to the ALMIGHTY GOD Lord, followed by love and compassion towards all the relationships you encounter. Adapted from SIX FREE DOCTORS BY SHRI VIJAY ARYA JI Please contact Jitendra Deo 3263 1914 or Hari Chand 33454716 for information on activities of Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland or log on: www.aryasamajqueensland.com Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

Health Beauty Wellbeing

Breaking the fear of bad breath By Dr Sid Gupta IT IS something that concerns all of us. Often friends will be too polite to point out directly, but with the following simple tips, you can control this common problem. You should floss every day Bad Breath bacteria live all through the gums, mouth, throat and nose. People who do not floss regularly will have a buildup of these smell anaerobic bacteria and their associated sulphur compounds. If you are under 25 years old then generally the bacteria just cause a smell on your floss and some gum bleeding. However once you are over this age, you can get periodontitis (bone loss), smelly floss, bleeding gums and bad breath. So it is better to get into the flossing habit early and break this viscious cycle. Milk and Cheese cause bad breath Dairy causes a double problem as not only is it a protein source for bad breath bacteria but also it thickens nasal mucous making it harder to clear away. Of all the dairy products, cheese is the worst offender followed closely by milk. Suggestions are to replace your dairy intake with Rice Milk available

from the Supermarket. This milk is a carbohydrate source so it will not stimulate the bad breath bacteria. Clear away all nasal mucous Nasal mucous should be cleaned away every day. This is important as mucous that becomes stagnant or remains in the nasal passages for more than 24 hours will become a food source for bad breath bacteria. Also stagnant mucous can stop the tiny hairs (cilia) of the nasal passage from being able to do their cleaning action. Avoid dry mouth Dry Mouth mimics a non oxygen environment to the oral bacteria sending a message to accelerate their colonisation. This increase in the non oxygen bacteria will mean greater protein breakdown and therefore more Volatile Sulphur Compounds (VSCs). These are the smells of bad breath. To avoid Dry Mouth make sure to keep adequate levels of saliva by chewing a piece of gum after meals and regular water intake. Also avoid such things as coffee, diet drinks and stress which also increase dry mouth. Do not diet during the day Dieting will cause the breakdown of body fat by a process called “ketosis”. This will release ketones which themselves have an odour. This is why you hear of people on fad diets having bad breath. It is important to eat regular meals that are high in carbohydrate and low in protein to satisfy your body’s needs and avoid bad breath.

A clean tongue is critical Tongue coating is a combination of saliva, bacteria, and by product. For hygiene purposes you should clean your tongue every day using your brush or a special tongue scraper. Oral health is closely related to your general health and wellbeing. A healthy mouth usually means a healthy body. Dr Sid Gupta will be writing regular articles for the Brisbane Indian Times He is available for appointments at this practice on the Gold Coast (mermaiddental.com.au)

Bird flu toll in China rises to 24 SHANGHAI, May 1 (IANS/EFE) An 89year-old man has died in Shanghai from bird flu, raising the toll from the outbreak of the H7N9 strain of the disease to 24, media reports said. A total of 13 people have died in the industrial metropolis of Shanghai alone. Health officials have registered 126 cases of bird flu in China, the media said Tuesday 30 April. The latest victim had pneumonia and had been diagnosed with H7N9 bird flu two weeks ago. No new cases have been reported in Shanghai, the National Health and Family

Planning Commission said. Nine people who came into contact with the elderly man are under observation and have not exhibited any symptoms of the disease, following the pattern seen in other cases and leading specialists to conclude that the virus cannot be transmitted between humans. If there is no human-to-human transmission, the danger of a pandemic can be ruled out.

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Health Beauty Wellbeing Are your skin products betraying you? It’s official: Queensland Heena Mohanlal The Blue Lotus

COSMETIC companies make billions of dollars from women’s fear of ageing skin, with new anti ageing products and topical ‘miracle’ products launched every year. As a result the general public is getting more and more confused as to what product is suitable for them. All skin is made up of the same constituent layers, yet every skin is unique in its own way. Hence recommending the appropriate skin care products and regime must be individualised to suit each person for optimum results. People are born with their skin type, which is determined by their genetics and ethnicity. Like everything else, skin texture and appearance can change over time. An individual’s skin type is based primarily on how much oil is produced in the follicles. Generally, as you age your skin becomes drier after time. Changes in the skin begin as women enter peri menopause in their forties and they continue into menopause in their fifties and beyond due to the decrease in estrogen. All skin tissue begins to thin causing the reduction in collagen and elastin which are the connective tissues in our skin. There are two simple things that should be the backbone of your skin care ritual – First must be 90% Protection and purification. The second is a mixture of creams, lotions, elixirs, and masks etc which are fun and can offer real benefits especially when added to a sound fundamental skin programme. Beautiful, supple and clear skin rarely happens naturally as we age. It is more often the result of a reasonable amount of care and attention that is given throughout the passing years. You may not realise but the use of incorrect products can actually make your skin worse. It is even possible that your skin type has been changed or recreated by the incorrect products you may be using for example heavy wrinkle creams can clog pores and cause blemishes, alcohol based toners can irritate skin resulting in combination skin and so forth. In our very commercial world we are lead to believe that products that promote lightening skin and depigmenting skin discolorations caused by sun exposure is beneficial when in fact they can be extremely damaging. Furthermore, to convince consumers that the products are different and natural, lots of plant extracts are thrown into the mix, ranging from mulberry extract to kojic acid. Adding plant material to cosmetics just increases the need for it to have a stronger preservative base and more fragrance to mask the smell of rancid, moulding ingredients. While these ingredients have some research showing them to be effective, a number of extracts have minimal effect. It also turns out that those plant extracts are highly unstable and have little to no efficacy when mixed into skin care products! The amount of money you spend on skin care has nothing to do with how your skin looks. However, using the correct products for your skin type does. Skin types include dry, normal, combi-

nation, oily or sensitive. Choosing a fantastic skin care routine means doing what it takes to be good to your skin without having to waste money, and buying only products that live up to their claims. While I want to emphasize the misleading portrayals of skin care products made by the cosmetic industry, I also wanted to let you know that great products do exist! All products are formulated for different skin types and conditions. A product for dry skin contains ingredients to nourish dry skin. A product for oily skin is designed to treat the oiliness. Soaps are not usually recommended, as they can leave a film on the skin and can be quite alkaline, causing dryness and other issues. No matter what the skin type, using the correct ingredients and following the proper steps in a home care routine are essential for healthy skin. Since every face is unique, finding the right care for each person can be challenging. Before selecting products, your skin type and conditions must be analysed correctly by a professional beauty therapist. Beauty therapists provide preventive care for the skin and offer treatment to keep the skin healthy and attractive. The skin type is evaluated and assessed by a skin analysis including a thorough skin scanning procedure and an extensive consultation. This procedure reveals the condition of the deeper layers of the skin. Then by sharing her knowledge and expertise she educates her clients on understanding their skin and preparing a treatment plan along with a home care program. This significantly helps make a difference in skin health and dramatically transforms the appearance. Professional products sold only by licensed professionals like beauty therapist are generally better formulated for individuals needs. While professional products may cost more initially, they are usually more effective due to their high concentration of performance ingredients, meaning less product is needed. By choosing the correct product, you could see better results in home care alone. A good way to determine product cost is to break down the cost into daily or weekly amounts. This gives you a better idea of how affordable the product is and you will be surprised to find that it usually cost no more than a cup of coffee a day! If you are like most of us, whatever you are now doing for your skin is a combination of habit, negligence and occasional blast of zeal. I am proposing that you rethink your face care routine and start over from scratch. Although it’s not possible to stop the clock from ticking and halt the ageing process, there are hundreds of little yet effective things we can suggest you do to prevent further damage and reverse the external signs of ageing. The great news is that beneath all the marketing hype there has been an authentic leap forward in our understanding that skin really can look better than ever. Irrelevant of age. Ageing skin is biological not chronological. The process can be delayed or even reversed with a holistic approach. The best way to honour the skin you were born in is by taking the best possible care of yourself. You won’t be able to change every-

38 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, May, 2013

hospitals won’t be privatised

thing dramatically and instantly. Proper skin care takes several weeks even months to pay dividends. But the effort that is put in will have an enormous effect on the results boosting your confidence and the way you feel. True beauty is the outward embodiment of inner harmony and grace of spirit. The challenge lies in achieving this delicate state of balance in a high stress lifestyle.

TUESDAY, April 30, 2013: The Newman Government has officially ruled out privatising any existing public hospitals in Queensland as it continues to rebuild Queensland Health. Health Minister Lawrence Springborg confirmed there was nothing in the Commission of Audit Report, tabled in State Parliament, which recommended privatising public hospitals. “The Government’s ‘Blueprint for Better Healthcare’, along with the Commission of Audit report, makes it clear that under this Government not one of our existing hospitals will be privatised. Not one,” he said. Mr Springborg said claims that hospitals would be sold had now been exposed as

“inflammatory hysterical rantings” from union bosses more interested in looking after the Labor Party than looking after frontline hospital staff and patients. In relation to hospitals yet to be built, Mr Springborg said the State Government remained open-minded as to the best models for operating them once they came on-line. But he confirmed free universal hospital coverage would remain locked in place under the LNP under any model. Mr Springborg also thanked the Labor Party for its bipartisan support for greater outsourcing of some health services where it provided better patient care and better value for money.

Former Indian envoy's wife contributes to Ethiopia's eyecare By Hadra Ahmed ADDIS ABABA, April 30 (IANS) Ethiopia, with one of the highest blindness prevalence rates in the world, will soon get a major boost in medical treatment facilities with the opening of a state-of-the-art ophthalmology centre initiated by the wife of a former Indian ambassador to this East African nation. The OIA India Eye Care Centre has been initiated by Neeru Singh, wife of former envoy Gurjit Singh. The centre will start operating in two weeks. The project is funded by the Overseas Infrastructure Alliance (OIA) Infrastructure Developers PLC as part of its corporate social responsibility programme, and is part of the OIA Africa Health and Welfare Endowment. The construction of the Indian centre took almost over a year and cost a little over $3 million. It rests on a 2,000 square metre plot of land in the premises of the Zewditu Memorial Hospital in Taitu Street of Addis Ababa. The construction was undertaken by a local contractor while Hosmac India Plc, an Indiabased company, established in 1996 with an experience in hospital planning and design, was the consultant. In an agreement signed in April 2011 between the OIA and the Addis Ababa City Health Bureau, it was said that the centre will be equipped with modern diagnostic and clinical medical equipment. The equipment will be imported from India, said Bhabani Shankar, manager and country representative of OIA eye care centre. "Treatment for cataract, glaucoma, reflective error,

medial rtina, as well as training and education at a low cost will be available," Shankar told IANS. Ethiopia, with a population of around 85 million people, also has an estimated five million people suffering from visual impairment. Although over 80 percent of blindness and visual impairment cases in the region are preventable, thousands of people continue to lose their sight because currently there are only two hospitals in the country that offer eyecare services. The Indian centre will be able to conduct over 5,000 eye surgeries annually, Shankar said. Currently, the health services in Addis Ababa serves only 45 percent of the city's population of 2.9 million, according to the health ministry. Before the construction of the Indian eye care centre, the OIA had donated $50,000 to the archbishop of the Ethiopia Orthodox church in 2008 for the construction of a school dormitory and an orphanage. Established in 2008 in Ethiopia, the OIA has been participating in various works. It has offices in India, Mozambique, Sudan and Benin. The OIA has also helped in the construction of a sugar factory with $350 million, and has been awarded the design and survey of the Mekelle-Djibouti railway line for $78 million. Economic and commercial relations between India and Ethiopia are centuries old and can be traced back to the past 2,000 years of recorded history. n recent years, business ties between the two countries have grown significantly, especially in infrastructure projects.

Vaccination encouraged before flu season begins Queensland’s Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young is encouraging Queenslanders to be prepared for this year’s ‘flu season. ‘‘Be prepared and get immunised before this year’s ‘flu season begins,’’ Dr Young said. More than 550 cases of influenza have been recorded so far in 2013, which is higher than the average number of notifications for this time of year. “Influenza is a highly contagious and potentially serious disease that can be spread through coughing and sneezing,” Dr Young said. ‘‘It is difficult to predict the severity of a flu season but vaccination is still the best protection against this disease. “It’s especially important for people in ‘at risk’ groups to be vaccinated which is why Queensland Health distributes free ‘flu vaccines for people over 65, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged over 15 and those at risk due to medical conditions such as heart and respiratory diseases. “Pregnant women are urged to get vaccinated; not only does the vaccine protect against the high risk of www.indiantimes.com.au

severe influenza complications seen in pregnancy, it also protects the new born baby during the first few months of life when it is most vulnerable to severe influenza disease. ‘‘We also strongly recommend that people who may spread ‘flu to people at high risk should be vaccinated. This includes staff in nursing homes and longterm care facilities, healthcare workers and those living with someone in a high risk category. ‘‘If you aren’t in one of the eligible groups, vaccination can still be arranged by talking to your doctor.’’ Dr Young said like every year, this year’s vaccine includes an influenza A H3N2 strain, influenza A H1N1 strain and an influenza B strain. ‘‘The actual strain in the vaccine changes from year to year depending on which strains are predicted to be circulating that year; one of the reasons why it is so important people are vaccinated every year,’’ Dr Young said. “The vaccine is available to prevent people getting the flu and is safe, including in pregnancy, and effective. Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

Health Beauty Wellbeing Home remedies for dry, scaly and calluses on hands and feet Nimisha Modi Hetvi Hair & Beauty - 04 123 500 13

HEY Girls, don’t let winter get the best of your skin. The cold, arid weather can zap moisture, leaving you with chapped hands and dry feet. Make a little “me” time in the morning and evening to try this soft hands and feet makeover. Your skin will be silky smooth day-by-day. Follow any one of treatment according to situation. Cure for Dry skin on hand and feet: Prep Your Skin: Start by soaking in the bathtub. Make sure your feet and hands are submerged for at least five minutes. Let the warm water dilate your pores and soothe your dry skin. If your feet are rough, gently smooth the rough areas with a pumice stone to remove dry, ragged skin and reveal newer, fresh, more hydrated cells. After your soak, towel off lightly, leaving your feet slightly damp. Adding moisturizers to damp skin helps the products to absorb more than it would normally. Soft Hands and Feet: Choose an all-natural moisturizer for deep skin penetration. If you want smooth skin and need to reduce skin inflammation use almond or jojoba oil. Dab the oil on a cotton ball. Slowly rub the cotton over the soles of your feet. Work your way around each toe and over the top of each foot. Dab extra oil on the toenails and cuticles to hydrate and moisturize the nail beds. Work the oil into your hands the same way, starting with the top of each hand. Pay close attention to the knuckles, making sure the oil penetrates the skin, leaving you with soft hands. Let the Oils Work In the morning, shower and gently scrub away any residual oil. Cure Scaly skin on Hands and Feet: A few simple steps and the use of a common beauty product can cure this condition on the hands and feet to prevent future occurrences. The first thing you want to do is soften the skin. You’ll also need a pumice stone, petroleum jelly, a pair of cotton socks and cotton gloves. After your evening shower and while your hands and feet are still soft and damp, slather them with petroleum jelly and slip on the socks and gloves. Allow the jelly to penetrate overnight. In the morning, begin with your hands. Remove the gloves and rinse your hands under warm water, rubbing them with a rough washcloth. This will remove the dead scaly skin and leave moisturized new skin on your hands. To maintain this effect you can apply petroleum jelly with gloves after every shower. For your feet, you can afford to give a little more time for the removal of scaly skin, which may have built up on your heels and the balls of your feet and begun to crack. Wash your feet with warm water and use a wet pumice stone to slough off the dead, dry skin. Once you’ve removed all the loosened skin, apply a thin coat of petroleum jelly and socks to wear throughout the day. This may be a little uncomfortable, but the heat of the socks and your shoes throughout the day will allow the petroleum jelly to penetrate and soften the rough, dead skin. When you remove your shoes and socks and take a shower, your feet will be a little softer and it will be a little easier to scrub the dry and scaly areas away. For prevention of scaly skin, use the petroleum jelly treatments on your hands and feet as often as necessary. Removing Calluses Basics: Start with a Soak, before you start rubbing away at those stubborn calluses, soften them with a soak. This is especially important for rockhard foot calluses. While there is an abundance of soak tubs on the market, you can Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

get the same results from items that you already have in your home. All you need is a plastic tub, piping-hot water, 1tbs lemon juice, 1 tbs cream milk, bath salts, plastic food wrap and cotton socks. Fill a tub with hot water and the bath salts, making sure to mix everything together well. Place your feet or hands in the tub before the water starts to cool and find a comfortable position. Leave your hands or feet in the tub for 15 minutes. Dry your hands or feet with a towel before removing the calluses. After softening them with a soak, you’ll find callus removal much easier. Gently rub at your calluses with a pumice stone to shave down your calluses. If you aren’t making as much progress as you’d like, you can use the popular Ped Egg with replacement blades, which comes with progressively finer pads for thorough callus removal, use little at a time, please don’t do over. Finally, consult a physician if you can’t get rid of your calluses yourself, or if you have medical problems like diabetes or poor circulation. Removing calluses is a chore, so your best bet is to preventative maintenance measures. After you work extensively with your hands, wash them, apply a softening, moisturizing lotion. Use a foot moisturizing cream after every bath. For feet with chronic callusing problems, apply foot lotion before bed, and afterwards wrap your feet with plastic wrap and wear some cotton socks for overnight. When you take them off in the morning, your feet will feel soft and supple. Hope this will help you. Keep reading and enjoy your day. See you next month. Nimisha - Hetvi Hair & Beauty

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, May, 2013 - 39

Grow Methi this Winter and warm to the rewards! By Charlie Compost IF you get a sudden urge to till the ground this winter, then try growing methi. Known as fenugreek in English, this plant is equally rewarding as a health supplement. It has a long and outstanding reputation as a detoxifying medium while its benefits in pregnancy are well documented. The great plus in growing methi is that it is unavailable in fresh form. Added to that is its ease of germination and short growing period though Brisbane has its own particular challenges. Seed Most people use seeds from whole methi purchased from Indian spice shops. While this can work well, using fresh seed is the best option. After a successful crop, allow a few of the best plants to go to seed then collect the dry pods and save for the next crop. Store the seeds intact in the pods till needed as they keep better this way. Container or Ground?

ets that can decimate all the tender tops. The critters only operate at night and are almost impossible to eliminate without pesticides. During periods of high humidity the danger of fungus and damp are • Faster germination under glass. ever present. The seedlings can also dry out and wither quickly. Best Strategy To ensure success, spray the seedlings with a fish emulsion mix to speed growth. Try to move the container away from night lights where crickets congregate. If necessary, spray into nooks • Best way to water. and crannies but never directly on the seedlings. The seedling are also easily damaged when watered. It is best to immerse the container in water and allow upward hydration from the bottom. This works brilliantly especially if fish emulsion is added to the water and the container allowed to sit for several hours.

Harvesting Simply cut segments from the top half of the plant and keep up weekly spraying with fish emulsion. You will have a long supply of methi. What to Grow Now? * Peas * Coriander * Lettuce, cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower. * Radish * Green beans and broad cbeans. Happy gardening!

• Garden Bed Cultivation.

Either medium can be rewarding. Prepare the soil by digging to make it loose then enrich with compost or manure. If you want • Container planting. to harvest immature methi (5-10 cm) then apply seed liberally all over and cover with about 10 mm soil pressed down. For larger plants, prepare grooves and sow seed in rows which must be thinned out after germination. Care The plant is most susceptible to danger in the first 2 days while tender. The biggest threat is from crick-

For more detailed information and instructive videos, log on to the website at www.worldvegetablegarden.blogspot.com.au If you have any comments or questions, or photos of your veggie plants to share, please email them to aesat56@gmail.com

• Young seeds very susceptible.

Astrology Aries - March 21 - April 20 With so much work stacked up on your plate, this month you : decide to hit the ground running, foresees Ganesha. Give it your best shot, but don't expect the sky, for there are bound to be setbacks which can drag your spirits down. Official travel is very likely, and the trips : be lengthy, so be prepared to live out of your suitcase. The thing you need to be most careful of this month is your financial situation. You shall not exactly be hard up for cash, but there : be a tendency to blow up all you have, in which case your savings could deplete severely, and getting back in the comfortable position : take a long while. Love life : be lacklustre initially, but things : begin to look up as the month progresses. Your compassion too shall grow, and apart from your loved ones, others too : seek you out for guidance. Taurus - April 21 - May 22 You shall be so resolute this month that once you have made a decision to do something, nothing will be able to shake you out of it, predicts Ganesha. You shall also slog very hard and will leave no stone unturned in your efforts to achieve all your aims and objectives for the month. These qualities will not go unnoticed by your superiors, who : entrust you with more important tasks. You shall receive all-round praise, but it will not go to your head and you shall remain down to earth. On the stray occasion, you : become impatient, but if you stay alert it will prevent you from taking any wrong decisions. You : also develop some stubbornness, but you would do well to remember that you can't have your cake and eat it too. Despite a heavy workload, you shall not neglect your family life and shall spend enough quality time with your loved ones. Gemini - May 23 - Jun 21 In the beginning of the month you : be a bit disoriented, but the fog shall clear up by the end of the first week and you will start brimming with enthusiasm. In fact, your zeal : be a matter of great surprise for your immediate bosses. Your relationship with your coworkers : improve, and they : willingly share some of your workload. Around the middle of the month you : wish to take a small break to unwind. You would do well to start playing an outdoor sport, which shall not just be recreational but will also keep you in fine fettle. It is in your personal life that you are likely to encounter a dicey situation. You could fall for the wily charms of Cupid, and if you are married, it : become a major cause of headache. But if you keep your distance from any such temptations, you should be fine.

www.ganeshaspeaks.com Cancer - June 22 - July 22 The one thing which : cause you a big headache this month is your tight financial situation. Certain expenses, no matter how much you try to avoid them, you shall have to incur. It will deplete your resources, and it : take a long time to replenish them. However you're not one to let anything affect your work adversely. In fact, predicts Ganesha, you shall convert the negative energy into positive energy and work with renewed vigour to achieve your goals. Despite this monumental effort your superiors : not give you the due credit, which, you might think, is like adding insult to injury, but your fortitude shall see you through again and again. Businessmen need to read the fine print with a magnifying glass before appending their signatures to important documents. The most positive thing this month is that your relationships with your loved ones shall strengthen. Leo - July 23 - August 22 Success in the early part of the month : go to your head a little later around the middle of the month, and your arrogance is unlikely to go down well with your co-workers. It is bound to lead to ego clashes, and : even vitiate the office atmosphere, so in the larger interests of the organisation and to make your workplace an amiable place to work in, you need to check your arrogance, treat everyone on par, and even become more cooperative with colleagues. Businessmen : come across new opportunities but : not be able to capitalise on them owing to lack of resources. Also, at times, especially in the latter part of the month, you : feel rather depressed without being able to fathom the reason why. Take a break, try meditation, go for regular walks, join a gym or play tennis – in short, do something that can raise your spirits. Virgo - August 23 - October 22 This month you shall give family matters more priority than work, because you know it for a fact that when you are happy in your personal life, your professional performance shoots up. Ganesha predicts that you shall give full support to your family members and they shall reciprocate in to. You are not the one to demand respect, but it is your conduct – mature, professional and compassionate – that wins you the high regard of others. But if you are in love and planning to pop the question, it is another matter. There is a danger of getting rejected, so it would be better to put it off for a little while longer. All this does not mean that you shall neglect your work. On the contrary, you shall learn the art of working smartly, which actually makes you more efficient. You deliver more in less time. You prefer to go solo, but no one shall grudge you that.

Libra - September 23 - October 22 A very auspicious month is predicted by Ganesha for you, especially if you are single. During the course of the month you are sure to meet your soulmate, fall head over heels in love and could even decide to get married. However, not all of you are going to be so lucky. Married couples are likely to get embroiled in bitter disputes, but they shall soon get resolved, so it is really nothing to be worried about. In your professional life, you : have a roller-coaster ride. You : not like the swift changes taking place right now, but in the long run you shall see that things had really panned out in your favour. So it would be wise to ignore short-term setbacks, and get a long-term perspective. This month is not too favourable for big investments, so if you have been entertaining any such thoughts, banish them! Invest only when the stars turn in your favour. Scorpio - October 23 - November 21 This month your professional life shall start on a low key, and you : have ample time to relax. Ganesha advises you to utilize the time recharging your batteries, because the work burden on you is going to progressively increase. The initial stages of the month are also the best to spend quality time with your family members, and prepare them, and yourself, for the rush of work which : start around the second week. When the work does come pouring in, you shall find yourself fully equipped, mentally and physically, to take it head-on. You shall put your heart and soul into your work, but you will be better off not expecting overnight results, for they shall not come so quickly, and then you : get dejected. So just hang in there, keep the faith, and the rewards shall come in due course of time. Use your energies very judiciously to stay fit. Sagittarius - November 22 - December 22 Multi-tasking is not your cup of tea, but the work pressure shall be so much this month that you may not be able to avoid it. You have to give it a shot, foresees Ganesha. Or else, you shall have to plan out things very meticulously and manage your time very skillfully to be able to accomplish your targets. A great deal of consistency, perseverance and logging in over-time will be warranted. Even on the domestic front, the circumstances : be too demanding. Enough, you might think, to drive a sane person up the wall. This month, therefore, you shall have to summon up all your reserves of patience and wisdom to achieve even a modicum of success. It shall be imperative for you to seriously start a diet and exercise programme, tweak your lifestyle, and give up your vices, or else it will affect your health adversely.

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.

40 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, May, 2013

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Capricorn - December 23 - January 30 Ganesha predicts that the fact that you have been consistently slogging out in the past few months shall be acknowledged this month by the powers that be. Time to reap the fruits of your hard labour. Not only is a promotion or an increment likely, but you : also get a very lucrative job offer from a bigger company, all due to the fact that your reputation has spread far and wide. If you face any financial problems, some of your friends or relatives whom you have bailed out in the past shall come forward to contribute their mite. So don't worry on that account. If you are a businessman, you : have to cross some hurdles this month. Projects which appear to be going on smoothly : get thwarted because of some snag in the works, and that too at the last moment. It : be very frustrating, because it means that you shall be overshooting the deadline. Aquarius - January 21 - February 19 Ganesha foresees that the stars shall be aligned in your favour this month, and things in most spheres shall pan out positively. Your creative instincts : be very pronounced and you : put them to profitable use if you are engaged in some artistic field. Even in other fields, your imaginativeness shall fetch you rich dividends. However, some of you : be fed up with the monotony of your job, and shall earnestly look out for another one which is not only more lucrative but also suits your temperament better. And if you do get a chance, you should grab it with both hands. On the personal front there shall be niggling problems, but you shall realise that you : have been blowing them out of proportion. Such things, if they are harmless to you or anyone else, are best left alone. They will get ironed out over time on their own. Pisces - February 20 - March 20 Going pretty much against the grain of your nature, this month you shall act with the kind of fleet-footed alacrity and clarity of mind that almost everyone who knows you would be vastly surprised, foresees Ganesha. You shall handle all your tasks with the dexterity of a magician. You shall exploit this purple patch to take practical decisions that shall do you a world of good in the long run. You will have the full backing of your life-partner, which makes you all the more confident. On the romantic front, your relationship with your spouse is bound to strengthen. Singles could find the man/woman of their dreams, and even decide to get married. On the financial front too, this month is very auspicious. Monetary inflow will be much better than you would have expected, and there is no harm in making big investments. Travel is on the cards, but unforeseen contingencies : force you to cancel it.

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Real Estate News A recipe for first-time property success With a base of ambition, a sprinkling of confidence, dash of fiscal maturity and thick layer of realistic expectations, firsttime buyers can be well on their way to cooking up a successful foray into the property market. When I’m going through an especially busy period in either my work or social lives, I tend to become incredibly lazy at home. The ironing doesn’t get done and vacuuming goes from a twice weekly to a twicemonthly chore. Worst of all, I ditch the Sunday afternoon grocery shop and instead rely on take-out or frozen meals. This pattern extends for weeks at a time. As a result, there are occasions when I’m left in the lurch, such as post-midnight cravings after a night out when the pizza place is closed and my only option is to fend for myself. A few strands of spaghetti into a pot of boiling water, doused in a combination of butter, tomato sauce and salt. As any half-decent cook will know, a missing or substituted ingredient in a recipe can leave a dish wanting. It might come out looking alright, but without that tried and tested list of additions, it’ll probably taste pretty bland. In my view, one of the most essential ingredients for first home buyer success is confidence. After all, if you’re not even willing to preheat the oven, what shot have you got at eating a decent meal? Confidence across all sectors of property buyers has been fairly flat in recent years. Owner-occupiers looked to be getting a bit of their groove back part way through 2012. Investors followed, likely buoyed by a combination of upgraders’ activity and rising

WITH a base of ambition, a sprinkling of confidence, dash of fiscal maturity and thick layer of realistic expectations, firsttime buyers can be well on their way to cooking up a successful foray into the property market. When I’m going through an especially busy period in either my work or social lives, I tend to become incredibly lazy at home. The ironing doesn’t get done and vacuuming goes from a twice weekly to a twice-monthly chore. Worst of all, I ditch the Sunday afternoon grocery shop and instead rely on take-out or frozen meals. This pattern extends for weeks at a time. As a result, there are occasions when I’m left in the lurch, such as post-midnight cravings after a night out when the pizza place is closed and my only option is to fend for myself. A few strands of spaghetti into a pot of boiling water, doused in a combination of butter, tomato sauce and salt. As any half-decent cook will know, a missing or substituted ingredient in a recipe can leave a dish wanting. It might come out looking alright, but without that tried and tested list of additions, it’ll probably taste pretty bland. In my view, one of the most essential ingredients for first home buyer success is confidence. After all, if you’re not even willing to preheat the oven, what shot have you got at eating a decent meal? Confidence across all sectors of property buyers has been fairly flat in recent years. Owner-occupiers looked to be getting a bit of their groove back part way through 2012. Investors followed, likely buoyed by a combination of upgraders’ activity and rising rental prices. As summer came to a close this year, sentiment really heated up across the board. Index ratings rose sharply, signalling a possible turning of the corner. However it seems first home buyers remained far less

convinced of the state of play. Mix together that nervousness with a slashing of first home buyer grants in many states and tougher finance conditions imposed by banks, and you’ve got yourself a fairly disappointing dish. In fact, by the end of the first quarter of 2013, finance levels for these buyers had hit their lowest levels in a couple of years. National mortgage brokerage Loan Market reports some positive news in the first-timer arena. They’ve been the most active enquirers in the company’s home finance market in the months of March and April. Over those two months, first home buyers represented 53 per cent of all Loan

Market’s enquiries for a home loan. While it doesn’t necessarily mean those folks are ready to purchase right now, it’s an important first step and shows a willingness that has been sorely lacking for a while now. Of course, it’s early days and first-time buyers have traditionally been a bit less predictable than other buyers. They spook easily, I guess. But with most markets on their way to recovery, interest rates low, rents continuing to rise and the economy remaining relatively stable, perhaps they’ve finally decided that the time is right. If that much-needed confidence is back in supply in the pantry, then we’ll be cooking with gas. But there are some other ingredi-

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Real Estate News

RP Data looks at housing market performance based on latest inflation figures WITH the release of the March 2013 quarter Consumer Price Index (CPI) by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), RP Data research analyst Cameron Kusher provides an overview on what this means for the housing market. Mr Kusher said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Home values are typically looked at in unadjusted or nominal terms however, adjusting for the effects of inflation can provide a useful insight into how the housing market has performed and why home value growth has picked up since the middle of 2012.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;While often measured in unadjusted or nominal terms, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to note that home value growth highlights the true change in values however, having an understanding of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;realâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; movement in home values. This is done by adjusting value changes for the effects of inflation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Analysing home value changes in real terms allows greater insight into how the housing market has performed relative to the level of inflation in the economy,â&#x20AC;? he said. The rpdata-Rismark Home Value Index results showed that home values across the combined capital cities rose by 2.8 per cent over the first quarter of 2013 while CPI was measured at just 0.4 per cent which in real terms means that home values increased by a slightly lower 2.4 per cent over the quarter. As Mr Kusher points out, home value growth was significantly lower over the period of March 1996 to March 2013 when inflation is taken into consideration. He found that combined capital city home values increased by 241 per cent over the period in nominal terms, but in real terms they have increased by a significantly lower 121

per cent. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Although nominal values have risen over recent years, in real terms, capital city home values are currently at a similar level to what they were in September 2007. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Quarterly capital city house values were 3.3 per cent lower than their September 2010 quarter peak over the first quarter of 2013. Unit values across the combined capital cities also peaked over the September 2010 quarter and at the end of the first quarter of 2013 they were -0.9 per cent lower. If the results are adjusted for inflation, each peak was also recorded in September 2010 however, house values are currently -8.9 per cent below their peak and unit values are -6.6 per cent lower. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In nominal terms, all cities and product types have recorded an increase in values since their respective lows, highlighting the pick-up in home value growth since the second quarter of 2012,â&#x20AC;? Mr Kusher said. When adjusted for inflation the results (Ref: Chart 3), are quite dramatically different in some instances. Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Hobart had the most notable differences according to Mr Kusher. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When adjusted for inflation, the Sydney market peaked in the first quarter of 2004 and house values remain -8.7 per cent lower than their peak and unit values are -3.4 per cent lower. In Brisbane, house values peaked in the first quarter of 2008 and are 16.7 per cent below their peak, and unit values peaked in the final quarter of 2009 and are -12.8 per cent lower. House values in Perth peaked in the third quarter of 2007 and are currently -11.8 per cent lower while unit values peaked in the final quarter of 2009 and are -10.5 per cent lower. Finally, Hobart house values are cur-

rently -17.0 per cent lower than their fourth quarter of the 2007 peak while unit values are - 13.8 per cent lower than their second quarter of 2009 peak. According to Mr Kusher, over recent years, rising costs across the economy have outstripped the increase in home values. As a result, the relative affordability of home values has shown some subtle improvement over this time. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This would also seem to indicate why there has been an increase in home values over recent months given that in inflation adjusted terms values are at a similar level to what they were at the end of the September 2007 quarter.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The fact that â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;realâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; home values have remained below their peak for a much longer period of time in Sydney and Perth is a reflection of why these two housing markets have recorded some of the strongest rebounds in home values of all capital cities over recent times. Looking forward, Mr Kusher said that rpdata analysts have already seen that the rate of home value growth has slowed throughout April. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to keep in mind that value growth is typically strongest over the first quarter of the year. Given this, we would expect that increases in home values will continue to track fairly closely to inflation,

or perhaps slightly higher based on the low mortgage rates, over the coming year,â&#x20AC;? he said.

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Associations / Places of Worship... AUM - Arya Pratinidhai Sabha of Qld Inc. Vedic Yaj (Havan) Venue: Finnish Hall, 62 Newhnam Rd, Mt Gravatt, Date TBA 10am – 11:30 am. 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 to 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 Assembly Address: 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 Malayalee Association - Brisbane Malayalee Association (BMA) represents the Malayalee community in and around the city of Brisbane to preserve and maintain the Kerala culture and heritage. BMA is a non-profit, nonpolitical, non-religious cultural organisation that has a constitution and by-laws. BMA provides a forum for the Malayalees residing in Brisbane and neighbouring areas to meet and exchange views and to foster their friendship, goodwill, moral, social, educational, literary, artistic and cultural heritage. For more information contact Secretary Rajni Nair on 0431 299 376 or President Gigie George on 0432 510 045 brisbane.malayaleeassociation@gmail.com / www.brisbanemalayalee.org Brisbane Multinational Church - 757 Gympie Road Lawnton. Church service time is from 9.30am to 11.30am. Special times of prayer for the sick. 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 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 maybe 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 36242141 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. Ekta Women’s Group, which is an integral part of Indian Senior Citizens Association, holds its meetings last Sunday of every month from 24pm. For further information contact President Mrs Kushla Sahai 3344 4715, Vice President Mrs Kusum Prasad 3209 5174, Secretary - Mrs Sarita Chand 3343 4343, Treasurer - Ms Roshni Sharma 3711 4201 and Cultural Director Mrs Meena Prasad 3711 6594. 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 Surendra Prasad OAM 3849 5435, Secretary Raymond Saran 3290 0653 or Treasurer Surya Narayan 3208 5823 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

46 - BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, May, 2013

Merthyr Uniting Church, 52 Merthyr Rd, New Farm. All welcome. Contact Irene 3715 8659. 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 24pm - 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 876 414 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 - The Committee meetings are held 2nd Sunday of every alternate month from 2pm to 4pm or more often as the situations arise. For further information contact, President: Mr Bir Sahai 3344 4715 / 0411739045, Vice Presidents: Mr Ram Sumer 3349 7238, Mr NK Sharma 3711 4201, Secretary: Mrs Shakuntla Mohan 3209 3235, Treasurer: Mr Hari Prasad 32095174, Publicity Officer: Mrs Prabha Mishra 3901 1120. International Congress of Fiji - for more information contact Sarat Maharaj 3263 2093 or 0407 111 709 or visit www.icfi.org.au 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. 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 Gold Coast - Cnr Allied Drive & Olsen Avenue, Arundel. For more information visit www.goldcoastislam.com.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. Kannada Sangha Qld Inc - Promoting Kannada culture, Kannada activities and community based events and functions. For more information contact: President Dr Balaji Hiremagalur 0421 583 273 Secretary Navin Kumar 0413 164 401, email: kannadasanghaqld@gmail.com www.chandana-brisbane.org. 52 Parkway Crescent Murrumba Downs Qld 4503. 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 upcoming 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. Melmaruvathur Aadhiparasakthi Brisbane Mandram - For more information contact Sakthi Para 0438 778 483, Sakthi Jayanthan 0402 907 064 or Sakthi Kalyanasundaram 0411 165 067 Nexus Church - 151 Flockton Street, Everton Park Qld. For more information please call 07 3353 1377 or visit www.nexuschurch.com.au 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 Fiji Football Association - QFFA For more information visit facebook: QueenslandFijiFa or visit www.qffa.com.au Queensland Telugu Association - President – Dr Prakash Nallamilli; Treasurer – Mr Manoj Vemula; Secretary – Mr Sai Gollapudi; Executive Committee Members – Mr Srikanth Chalasani, www.indiantimes.com.au

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Mr Sudershan Kanthakadi. For a list of upcoming events and membership information, please contact: Secretary, Mr Sai Gollapudi on 0409 907 934 or email saigollapudi@yahoo.com Sant Mat (Sant Baljit Singh) - Sant Mat is a practical path based on meditation on the inner Light and Sound, ethical values, service to others and love for all creation. Its goal is to enable the soul to return and merge into its source; the purpose of human life described by mystics of all traditions. Focus and sincerity are essential, as is the help of the living spiritual Master. Sant Baljit Singh, the living spiritual Master, teaches the meditation on the inner Light and Sound to anyone who is searching for a deeper meaning in life. We have representatives ready to talk to you. No charge at any stage. For further information contact 1800 462 193 or visit www.santmat.net.au Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir - 86 Scotts Lane, North Maclean, Qld 4280. Our Dharam Guru Param Pujya Pundit Tripathi Ji resides at Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir. Daily opening Hours: 711am / 5-8pm. Every Sunday: 4 to 6pm. Bhajans / Kirtan, prawachan, Prasadam and Maha Prasadam. For more information contact 0481 238 360 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. For full list of upcoming events please visit www.sriselvavinayakar.org 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

The Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association Gold Coast Bhajan - monthly Bhajans held every third Friday of the month starting at 7.15am at the Helensvale Community Centre - 31 Discovery Rd, Helensvale. Activities include Bhajan recitals, short educational presentations and free vegetarian dinner. All are cordially invited to attend. For further information please contact Director/Religious Activities, Mr S Barataraj on 0417 588 839 or gchcan@gmail.com or visit www.goldcoasthindu.org. The next bhajan is on Friday 17 May. 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 Vaishnav Sangh of Qld. For more information email tvsoqld@hotmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/groups/tvsoq Varnam Cultural Society (Qld) Inc. For more information call Rajarajan 0431 433 889 / Ayyapann 0418 909 825 or email varnamqld@gmail.com What’s on is your Council guide to what is happening in Brisbane. www.brisbane.qld.gov.au> Women of Light Our purpose … is to equip women for Life, by providing opportunities for personal growth, believing that every women is valued as a role model to her family, her work, her church and her community. The purpose of our Women of Light is to meet the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of women within our community. To develop and strengthen intimate friendships with other women, and to provide opportunities to serve and reach our community and provide encouragement to women. We do whatever we can to reach out to women in our community. We prepare and take meals to those who are dealing with illness or loss. Vision – Each one reach one. We meet Every alternate Thursday at 11.00am at 3, Montserrat Place, Forest Lake and Buckby St, Nundah. Contact – Mavis, 0418 745 179, 07 3879 973

WHATÊS ON!

AUM - Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Qld Inc Vedic Yaj (Havan) - May 19 - Mothers Day Celebration May 11 - Venue: Finnish Hall, 62 Newhnam Rd, Mt Gravatt, May 5, 10am 11.30am / May 19, 10am - 11.30am. Mothers Day celebration May 11, 6-9pm. ALL WELCOME - Tune to Radio Brisvaani on Sundays 7-7.30am for Vedic Sandesh Program. Read the article about Vedas in Brisbane Indian Times. For more information contact Jitendra Deo 3263 1914 or Hari Chand 3345 4716 or visit www.aryasamajqueensland.com Evening of devotional music on the occasion of Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya’s 605th birthday - 11 May: 4pm at Shree Laxmi Narayan Mandir, 46 Daymar Street, Burbank Qld 4156, For more information contact Mr Joga Rao Nakka on jogan@hotmail.com or 07 3277 2492 (a/h), Dr Raja Raman Eri 0430 582 522 or Mr Anant swaramohini@gmail.com Melmaruvathur Aadhiparasakthi Vazipaattu Mandram - Brisbane - Bajan Sunday 12 May: 5-7pm at 1 Lalina Street, (Cnr of River Hills Road & Lalina Street) Middle Park. For more details contact Sakthi Para 0438 778 483, Sakthi Jayanthan 0402 907 064 Elevate Church and Community Care, Forest Lake - Mothers Day - Sunday 12 May - A special program to pamper Mothers in the area and to let them know that they are valued, they are special. All the mothers will be given special Mothers Day gifts and free neck and head massage. There will be a gold coin for fairy floss, jumping castle and free sausages and face painting. One of the main attractions is live Band by young artist. The youngest in the band is 10 years old and the oldest is 16. Starts 10am-1pm at Forest Lake Amphitheatre. ENCOUNTERS: INDIA - 13-19 MAY SOUTH BANK BRISBANE - For one week this May 13-19, South Bank will be transformed into a bustling parade of contemporary India, bringing to life the vibrant colours, tantalizing aromas and the unmistakable movement and sounds of its music styles. Presented by Qld Conservatorium Griffith University, the extraordinary seven day festival will feature more than 70 leading artists from India and Australia across 70 events exploring the links between these two neighbours. Visit www.encountersfestival.com.au Bengali Society of Qld presents Nabobarsha & Rabindra Jayanti 2013 - 18 May Celebrating the Bengali New Year 1420 and the birth anniversary of Radindranath Tagore. 6.30pm at Indooroopilly State School. FREE cultural event. For more information please contact Sujay Maitra 0417 609 972, Gairik Majumdar 0449 564 178 The Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association Gold Coast Bhajan - monthly Bhajans held every third Friday of the month starting at 7.15am at the Helensvale Community Centre 31 Discovery Rd, Helensvale. Activities include Bhajan recitals, short educational presenta-

MAY 13 / JUNE 13

tions and free vegetarian dinner. All are cordially invited to attend. For further information please contact Director/Religious Activities, Mr S Barataraj on 0417 588 839 or gchcan@gmail.com or visit www.goldcoasthindu.org. The next bhajan is on Friday 17 May. International Congress for Fiji Inc (ICFI) presents “Girmit Night 2013” - 25 May “Grand Live Indian Musical Evening” featuring Joseph Abhay Nand, Yusuf Ali Khan and other local talents. IN Aid of Education Funds for Needy Students in Fiji. Venue: McGregor State School, Cnr McCullough St & Mains Rd, McGregor. Dinner at 5-30pm-6.45pm, Stage program 7pm-10pm. For ticket details and further information please call Dr Krishna Prasad on 3264 2211 / Sarat Maharaj 3263 2093 or 0407 111 709, Kamal Tahal 0422 662 371, Rajend Prakash 0402 436 243 or visit www.icfi.org.au Crescents of Brisbane - CRESWALK 201326 May The Crescent Wealth CRESWALK2013, the Crescents of Brisbane’s 10th annual fun run/walk is going to be the biggest and best CresWalk ever! Be part of the celebration and register now! Enjoy an after run/walk with a FAMILY PICNIC IN THE PARK with lunch provided, lucky draw prizes, tug-of-war and much more! Register online at http://www.crescentsofbrisbane.org. VENUE: Orleigh Park, West End TIME: 10am The first 400 to register receive a commemorative T-shirt and there are finishers’ prizes as well. All the details and entry form can be found at: tinyurl.com/CresWalk2013Form For more information call 0402 026 786 or email theteam@crescentsofbrisbane.org Rotary Club of Archerfield’s Annual Fund Raising Dinner and Auction - 14 June 6.30pm for 7pm start at Gambaro’s Seafood Restaurant, 33 Caxton St, Petrie Tce. Smart Casual. RSVP 13 May 2013 - Ray Deen (Coordinator) 0418 738 432 / 07 3879 9492. To book email rcarcherfield@rotary9630.org or call Mark Ledwidge 07 3277 2687 Creativity of Meenas – On now until 15th June - FREE admission: Gallery Artisan is located at 381 Brunswich Street, Fortitude Valley - Gallery open from Tues-Fri 11am-6pm, Sat 11am-5pm. Closed Sun-Mon.To learn more about Meena art and the Creativity of Meenas exhibition, visit www.creativityofmeenas.org. Sri Selva Vinayakar Koyil (Ganesha Temple) Brisbane (South Maclean) – For full list of upcoming events please visit www.sriselvavinayakar.org Vedanta Centre Brisbane - 9th Annual function - Saturday 1 June: 5.30pm for 6pm start at Indooroopilly State School (corner of Ward St and Turner St) The programme will be followed by a vegetarian dinner. For tickets and further details please contact Dr Majumdar 0402 274 205, Dr Naidu 0401 136 476 or visit www.vedantabrisbane.org Continued page 48

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INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS FOR FIJI Inc (ICFI) Presents

´ *LUPLW 1LJKW 3 µ In Aid of Education Funds for Needy Students in Fiji

³G GRAND LIVE INDIAN MUSICAL EVENING´

Featuring:

Joseph Abhay Nand Yusuf Ali Khan and other Local Artists Date: Venue:

Saturday 25th May 2013 McGregor State School

Cnr McCullough St & Mains Rd, McGregor

Tickets:

$20.00 per head,

Time: Dinner 5.30 ± 6.45pm Stage Program 7.00 ± 10.00pm

Incl Dinner & Entertainment

Children under 12yrs - $5.00 and Children under 5yrs free)

Dinner:

Indian Vegetarian & Non Vegetarian Meal, Separate Halal

Contact:

Dr Krishna Prasad on 3264 2211 Sarat Maharaj on 3263 2093 or

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0407 111 709

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, May, 2013 — 47

Bollywood & Entertainment Bengali Society Society of Queensland presents presents … Bengali

Nabobarsha & Rabindra Jayanti 2013

Like father like son - Akshay's 11 year old son follows in fathers philanthropic footsteps “Like father like son” is the adage often used to outline the habits and similarities of father and his progeny. In this instance, following from his father’s example, the young 11 year old son of mega star Akshay Kumar, Aarav, has been recognised as being quite the philanthropist himself. Aarav often pays visits to the charitable institutions and donates clothes and toys to underprivileged children. The generous youngster constantly has an ear open for new social causes where his father and himself may be able to contribute. Both father and son take the time to regularly clean up their cupboards together and gather all the things that they do not feel that they need, then

Celebrating C elebr lebrating Bengali New Year Ye ating the Bengali Year 1420 anniversary and the birth anni versary of Radindranath R adindr dindraanath TTagore Tagor agoree agor

Saturday, 18 May 2013 6.30 pm Indooroopilly State High School

Aarav heads down to the local orphanage in Andheri and delivers the goods to all the children. Similarly to Akshay, Aarav is extremely eco-conscious nudging everyone to plant trees, not to litter the streets and to recycle materials. When he heard about an initiative to educate poor children, he knew that his father would be interested and nudged Akshay to research more about this initiative so that he can make a contribution to fund the childrens’ education. Although rare of someone of this age, judging by Akshay’s love for philanthropy, it goes to show that family really does set the example and Aarav is naturally following in the footsteps of his philanthropic father.

Hrithik Roshan’s Krrish Superhero to become cartoon character

Free cultural event

THE mighty Hrithik Roshan has conquered most feats in the cinematic world, from high-octane action roles, to drama and romance. But now the Bollywood heartthrob and ‘Asia’s sexiest man’ has set his sights even higher – by becoming a cartoon superhero. Hrithik’s much-loved Krrish character has piqued the interest of leading animation production house Toonz, which has partnered with Cartoon Network and director Rakesh Roshan’s Film Kraft Productions to produce four animated movies based on the Hindi superhero. The cartoon films will depict the childhood adventures of Krishna, who discovers that he can help people and save the world with the special powers bestowed upon him. The films will be created over a 24 month period, with the first, titled: ‘Kid Krrish’, due to air on Cartoon Network in mid July 2013. Rakesh Roshan’s internationally successful and box-office topping franchise of Koi … Mil Gaya and Krrish went on to become the first superhero films of the Indian film industry. The third instalment – Krrish 3 – is scheduled for a Diwali 2013 release, and will once again star Hrithik in the title role. This time he will be joined by Bollywood A-listers Priyanka Chopra [Agneepath; Don series, Fashion]; Kangna Ranaut [Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai] and Vivek Oberoi [Omkara; Saathiya].

boxes for sale Dinner boxes Cont act: Contact: Suja 0417 609 972 972 Sujayy Maitra 0417 Gairik Majumdar 04 49 564 564 178 178 0449

WHATÊS ON!

Continued from 46 2013 Right Royal Affair - Saturday 8 June – RBWH Foundation invites you to experience Incredible India at the charity gala of the year to advance life-saving medical research and patient care at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. Venue: Plaza Ballroom, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre Time: 7pm - Midnight. For more information or to book please visit www.rightroyalaffair.com.au or call Ari on 07 3646 1302. GOPIO QLD Presents India Day Fair - 11 August – 10.30 till Dusk at Roma Street Parklands Amphitheatre. Parades, Live Performances, Cultural Items, Food, Stalls. GYAAN – honouring Qld’s Young Achievers. FREE event – For more information or to become a sponsor contact Secretary Vinita 0403 813 693, President Shyam 0412 031 301 – Stalls: Vikas 0420 851 340, Sponsors: Usha 0419 775 416, Volunteers: Amy 0422 524 728, Performers: Umesh 0421 388 465 or Yousuf 0401 006 430, Gyaan: Robin 0416 150 911. Eswaralaya Kalaikoodam Celebrates their 10th Year Anniversary - 31 August - An evening of Bharatha Natyam and Dance Drama. Indian Classical Dance - Dhasa Manoharam. Time 6pm - Tickets $10 each, to be pre-purchased. For more information please contact Manga 0433 967 489, Thilaga 3823 4628 or Jumuna on 3273 3098.

MAY 13 / JUNE 13

Markets....

Every Sunday – Brisbane Community Market – The Brisbane Community Market is an initiative of Acacia Ridge and District Community Centre. This ‘Profit for Purpose’ project is a response to the defunding of programs that were providing education, training and employment pathways for members of the local community. The success of the market will enable the centre to continue to offer valuable programs to the community. The market will be on every Sunday from 7.30am-1pm at Moorooka State School, Beaudesert Road Moorooka. Food, fruit and veg, gifts, activities for gifts plus more great stalls. Stalls are still available, please phone 0401 027 402 for more information.

Shows / Concerts.....

Udit Narayan - Live in Brisbane - 25 May – 7-10pm (doors open at 6pm) at Hillsong Brisbane, 16 Rover Street, Mt Gravatt, Brisbane. Full details page 25. Brisbane Tamil Radio presents super singer night - 10 June – 4pm at 204 Sherbrooke Rd, Willawong. Full details page 47. The Bollywood Fashion Show - supporting Save the Children Aust. Charity -

48 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, May, 2013

Saturday 15 June – 6.30pm at Runcorn Tavern Function Room, Gowen Rd, Runcorn Brisbane. Tickets: General $25, VIP $40, children under 7 free. After 9.30pm Dance party till 12! Tickets are available online www.thebollywoodfashionshow.com.au or at Desi Runway. For more information or to become a sponsor contact Shafina 0432 630 370 - Fred 0417 472 962 - email info@thebollywoodfashionshow.com.au

Seminars / Courses / Retreats....

Al-Mustapha Institute of Brisbane - Ilm-eDeen Courses, part-time available. For more information visit www.almustaphainstitute.org Brahma Kumaris, Gold Coast - Setting healthy boundaries, Thursday 9 May - FREE program - In order to maintain one’s freedom healthy boundaries are required for not only those we interact with but also with the self. In this session guest speaker Maureen Chen will explore the importance of healthy boundaries, the steps that we can take to implement them and manage them well. 7pm-8.30pm at Brahma Kumaris Australia - 27 Bordeaux Parade, Mermaid Waters. Bookings essential 07 5575 2126 or email goldcoast@au.bkwsu.org Brahma Kumaris, Gold Coast - Offers Free meditation courses, Free positive awareness courses and Free afternoon retreats. Brisbane Tamil School Holland Park State School, Bapume Road, Holland Park. For more information on the School please contact

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Speaking about the project, Rakesh Roshan says: ‘Since 'Krrish 3' will be ready for release this Diwali, I wanted to revive the memory of 'Krrish' with children and the newer generation who may not have seen 'Koi Mil Gaya' or 'Krrish. I also want to spread the message of friendship and love through this series. My grandsons loved the idea and are excited about this project.’ President B. Saravanan – saranb@bigpond.com or visit www.brisbanetamilschool.org Chinmaya Mission Australia – Family programs every Sunday morning at Holland Park State High School from 10am-11.45am. Balahivar 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 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: 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 709Lotus Ashram - Free yoga lessons every Friday at Sunnybank Primary School, Glendower Street, from 7.00 pm to 8.30 pm. Donations are welcome. For details, email ambashram@gmail.com Thaai Tamil School – Tamil Classes – Conducted weekly at 2 locations – 1. Sunnybank State High School, Cnr Boorman & Turton Streets, Sunnybank. Saturday 2.30pm5.30pm. 2. Centenary State High School, 1 Moolanda Street, Jindalee. Sunday 2.30pm5.30pm. Contact 0423 730 122, thaaitamilschool@gmail.com or visit www.thaaitamilschool.com

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Bollywood & Entertainment

Karan Johar vs Saif Ali Khan at box office

NEW DELHI, May 6 (IANS) Do you want to have fun with zombies or teenagers? Zombie comedy "Go Goa Gone", produced by Saif Ali Khan, and teenage-drama "Gippi" from Karan Johar's stable hit the

screens from May 10 -- take your pick. Co-directed by Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK, "Go Goa Gone" is touted as Bollywood's first zombie comedy. The movie is produced by Illuminati Films, coowned by Saif, who will be seen as a zombie slayer Boris in it. Kunal Khemu, Vir Das, Anand Tiwari and Puja Gupta join Saif in the cast. In the film, two friends, played by Kunal and Vir Das, join another friend on his business trip to Goa. There Luv (Vir Das) meets Luna (Puja Gupta), a fun loving girl who invites them for an exclusive underground rave party on a remote island, hosted by Indo-Russian Mafioso, Boris (Saif). Their nightmare begins when zombies accost them. The filmmakers are experimenting with a zombie genre for the first time, and they believe the audience is ready to accept such unconventional genres. "In fact, we thought it would not be easy to get actors for the film, but luckily Saif was convinced then the things fell into place," said Krishna, who had earlier directed "Shor In The City" with Nidimoru. With budget of the film not being revealed by the production houses, it is being said that "Go Goa Gone" is made on a smaller scale compared to Saif's other productions.

BIKANER May 6 (IANS) There were reports that Saif Ali Khan's daughter Sara will soon enter filmdom and her aunt Soha admits that her niece has the potential, but right now they want her to complete her studies. Sara is Saif and his ex-wife, actress Amrita Singh's daughter. "Sara is very smart. She is studying in college in America. She is very confident and super smart. She even dances very

walk the red carpet this year. "All three of us represent India and we will not compete on who looks better among us. We have Indian skin and use Indian make up, so if we compare it with white skin, neither sides will win," said the 27-year-old seen in films like "Delhi-6" and "Aisha". Talking about Indian clothes, the actress said: "I don't think Indian clothes or make up is subtle. I think Indian women like the whole idea of being made up. Indian girls love the drama."

I hope, I could be friends with an ex: Ayan Mukerji MUMBAI, May 5 (IANS) The fact that real life ex-lovers Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone have not only come together on screen for "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani", but they have also become friends inspires director Ayan Mukerji and he hopes to follow in their footsteps. "I respect Deepika and Ranbir. In some way, they represent a slightly new generation. They were ex-lovers and had some drama, and now they are able to be friends, this shows that they are part of the younger generation," Mukerji told IANS. "I hope that I could be friends with an ex. You bring so much to each other's life. Then it's sad if you can't be friends," he added. He admits that their past rletaionship is adding to the buzz around the movie, but feels people will come to watch the film only if it is good. "I guess it is adding to the vibes around the film... I don't know why. The only reason I would go to watch a film is if the film Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

through this. So, when you relate with any film or any promo, you definitely want to watch that film. And 'Gippi' is one of those films and I think it will make its own mark beautifully," she said.

Saif's daughter Sara is super smart: Soha

It's Indian outfit for Sonam at Cannes MUMBAI, May 6 (IANS) This is her third year at the Cannes International Film Festival and actress Sonam Kapoor plans to make a style statement in an Indian outfit at the red carpet there. Starting May 15, the event will see screenings of three Indian movies “Monsoon Shootout”, “Bombay Talkies” and “Dabba”. At the 11-day event India will be the guest country, while Bollywood actress Vidya Balan will join the jury panel at the 66th edition of the festival. And Sonam plans to enhance the Indian flavour by hitting the red carpte in desi look. "I always walk two red carpets for Cannes and make it a point to wear an Indian outfit on at least one occasion. I had previously worn Masaba Gupta and Anamika. I will wear an Indian outfit for sure for one or both the red carpet events," Sonam told reporters here Monday at the unveiling of the L'Or sunset collection and Bollywood inspired make-up looks for the film festival. "This is my third year at the Cannes. I am excited to be walking the red carpet in the opening ceremony," she added. Freida Pinto and Aishwarya Rai will also

"I would say the budget of the film is very low. I am not allowed to reveal the budget of the film, but I can assure you that the film is made on a much lesser budget than any Saif kind of films," Krishna said. "Gippi", on the other hand, focuses on the life of a 13-year-old girl played by Delhibased Riya Vij and how she copes with changes in her life. The film is Sonam Nair's first attempt as a director and she has the backing of Karan, who has produced it under his banner Dharma Productions. This is also a first for the production house, which has so far explored various genres like family drama with "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai", unconventional romance in "Wake Up Sid" and action in "Agneepath", except for exploring children's film genre. Also, for the first time, Dharma Productions is launching a woman director. Nair had earlier assisted Ayan Mukerji in Dharma Productions' "Wake Up Sid". The movie revolves around a schoolgirl called Gippi. She studies in IX and the story is about the twists and turns in her adolescent life. Actress Divya Dutta, who plays her mother, says the movie will take audiences back to their childhood. "Everyone will feel that we have gone

is good. But people keep telling me that people are excited to see them on screen," he said. "But if people come and spend money to watch your film, they will come because they like your film. If Ranbir and Deepika were in a really bad film with bad promos and songs, I don't know people would come to watch it," added the director who had teamed up with Ranbir for his directorial debut "Wake Up Sid", one of the biggest hits of 2009. While dating each other, Ranbir and Deepika did 2008 romantic movie "Bachna Ae Haseeno". Mukerji says that the two sorted their differences much before teaming up for "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani", their second film together. "The ice had broken before the shooting. A year-and-half before we started shooting, we had sat down and things had been normal. Today, Ranbir and Deepika are good friends," he said.

well. Right now, we all want her to finish her education," Soha told IANS here. She is shooting here for director Faraz Haider's war comedy "War Chhod Na Yaar" with Sharman Joshi and Javed Jaffrey. "It's her parents who will decide for her, but all I can say is that she has a strong potential, so why not explore it," added the banker-turned-actress known for her work in "Rang De Basanti".

Bombay Talkies official selection at the 66th Cannes Film Festival MUMBAI, 19 April 2013: Bombay Talkies has officially been selected for a Gala screening at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival 2013. The film produced by Viacom18 Motion Pictures & Flying Unicorn Entertainment is directed by India’s leading filmmakers including Karan Johar, Anurag Kashyap, Zoya Akhtar and Dibakar Banerjee. The film is a celebration of the commemoration of 100 years of Indian Cinema and encapsulates the array of emotions through which millions of fans across the country are unanimously connected. The movie is a collection of four stories in one film told by India’s finest young filmmakers and hits theatres on May 3rd in India. It includes an eclectic cast of Rani Mukerji, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Randeep Hooda and Saqib Saleem; including cameos by Amitabh Bachchan and Katrina Kaif. This would be the second year in a row that Viacom 18 Motion Pictures has struck it big at the Cannes. In 2012 the studio stormed its way in with Anurag Kashyap’s critically acclaimed and much loved ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ becoming the talking point of the festival. Karan Johar who has been known for his

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larger than life cinema comments on the news, “Extremely honoured that our omnibus endeavour has been officially selected at Cannes…. Can’t wait to walk the red carpet with Dibakar, Anurag and Zoya”. Zoya Akhtar says, “I have never been to Cannes and I always felt if I go it should be with a film. Things worked out even better as it’s not just a film but also 3 friends Karan, Dibakar and Anurag with me. It’s going to be a blast”. Dibakar Banerjee says, “Thrilled to walk the red carpet following Karan, Zoya and Anurag leading the way and representing Indian cinema!” Anurag, the only director from the quadruple who debuted at the Cannes back in 2011 says, “I am so happy our film is screening at Cannes. Happy to be back there.” Commenting on the announcement, Ashi Dua of Flying Unicorn Entertainment, the co-producer of the film said, “Our film Bombay Talkies has made it to one of the most prestigious film festivals – Cannes. I am extremely happy that the film has received such an overwhelming response internationally. This means many more people across the globe will be celebrating 100 years of Indian cinema with us” THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, May, 2013 — 49

Sports News !

Wiesberger wins Indonesian Masters

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Sammy pledges commitment to successor Bravo BRIDGETOWN (Barbados), May 5 (IANS/CMC) Outgoing West Indies one-day captain Darren Sammy has pledged his “unwavering commitment” as he hands over to successor Dwayne Bravo for next month’s Champions Trophy in England. The 29-year-old Sammy was replaced by Bravo, with the West Indies Cricket Board citing the need to “freshen” the leadership of the ODI side in view of their recent results, reports CMC. “I congratulate Dwayne Bravo and give him my full support as he leads the ODI team and he can be assured of my unwavering commitment to the team and our plans to be champions of One Day cricket,” said Sammy, who is currently playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL). West Indies have lost nine of their last 18 ODIs, and suffered a whitewash to Australia in five-match series Down Under earlier this year. Sammy led the side for

three years, winning 19 matches and losing 30. Under him, West Indies drew with Australia 2-2 in a thrilling five-match series last year and also trounced New Zealand 4-1. He also led them into the quarterfinals of the 2011 World Cup in the Asian subcontinent. Bravo, who has already led West Indies in ten ODIs, thanked Sammy for his contribution and said he was hoping to bring a dynamic brand of cricket to the side. “To be named captain of the West Indies one-day team is one of the highest honours and I am truly humbled to have been appointed to this most pres-

50 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, May, 2013

tigious position,” he said. “I am really looking forward to the opportunity to lead a great team that has a combination of young talent and experienced players.” He continued: “I must say congratulations to Sammy in his leadership of the team and I am very happy to be taking over from him. I am even happier that he remains in the team and I am looking forward to working with him along with the team management and all the players, especially vice captain Denesh Ramdin, Chris Gayle, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Kieron Pollard and Marlon Samuels. “The brand of cricket that I intend to bring is a neversay-die attitude and I am really looking forward to the opportunity.” In 137 ODIs, Bravo has scored 2311 runs at an average of nearly 23.82 and has taken 160 wickets at 30 runs apiece. He is also currently playing in the Indian Premier League.

JAKARTA, May 5 (IANS) Austrian Bernd Wiesberger sealed a dramatic win at the Indonesian Masters with a five-under-par 67 to defeat Ernie Els of South Africa by one shot. Wiesberger won his second title in Asia, courtesy some exquisite ball striking as he totalled 15-under-par 273 at the $750,000 Asian Tour event staged at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club. Els, the reigning Open Championship winner, settled for second after carding 68 while overnight leader Daisuke Kataoka of Japan claimed third with a round of 70 to finish on 275. Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand was further three shots back in fourth after registering 69. Wiesberger credited the victory to his acute iron play and dedicated the win to his grandfather, who passed away a year ago. "I was struggling in the beginning after my birdie on one. But at the turn I got a bit of momentum going because I was confident with my ball striking," said Wiesberger, who finished seventh last year. He made the turn in 34 but tightened his grip with an eagle three on the 12th hole. "It was good to hole the eagle and it was nice that Ernie (also eagled the same hole) stayed in touch. He wouldn't let go and that's why he is such a great champion. It was a good time to do that and it got my round going," he said. World No.24 Els was one-over after five holes but put on a battling display with birdies on six and nine followed by an eagle three on 12 which he putted from 30 feet from the fringe. He birdied the last to finish sole second. Kataoka felt nervous on the first tee but managed to pull-off his best performance since turning professional in 2007. His third place result matched his career's best on the Asian Tour at the 2011 Taiwan Masters.

Scores after Round 4 (a - denotes amateur): 273 - Bernd Wiesberger (AUT) 67-72-6767. 274 - Ernie Els (RSA) 68-70-68-68. 275 - Daisuke Kataoka (JPN) 70-69-66-70. 278 - Thongchai Jaidee (THA) 69-65-7569. 280 - Angelo Que (PHI) 70-70-70-70, Ryan McCarthy (AUS) 70-70-70-70, Mo Joongkyung (KOR) 72-69-68-71. 281 - Unho Park (AUS) 68-72-70-71, Hwang Inn-choon (KOR) 66-74-70-71, Jake Higginbottom (AUS) 69-69-71-72, Rahil Gangjee (IND) 71-69-69-72. 282 - Anthony Kang (USA) 73-71-69-69, Scott Barr (AUS) 68-68-75-71, Gunn Charoenkul (THA) 69-72-70-71, Jason Knutzon (USA) 68-74-69-71, Wade Ormsby (AUS) 69-68-73-72, Hung Chienyao (TPE) 70-68-70-74, Richard T. Lee (CAN) 72-68-67-75. 283 - Rikard Karlberg (SWE) 73-71-70-69, Iain Steel (MAS) 70-73-70-70, Kodai Ichihara (JPN) 73-70-69-71, Arnond Vongvanij (THA) 68-74-69-72.

Islamic Society of Algester Youth Futsal Competition

• Winning Team (left to right): Imran Bhagoo (Player of the Tournament), Ziyad Mahomed, Oweis Patel, Raihan Ghumra, Taahir Adam and Abdul Zain.

By Muhammad Ayoob THE Islamic Society of Algester held its first full-day youth futsal competition at Acacia Ridge Sports Complex on 28 April 2013 which was a huge success, Alhamdulillah. A total of 8 teams were selected randomly from those registered and were split evenly ahead of what was sure to be an action packed day. The day began at 10am with the rules and day’s proceedings highlighted to all present. Soon after, the group games got underway. Play was paused for Zohr Salaah and a sausage sizzle which was followed by the final group games, semis and grand final. A special thanks goes out to all the supporters that attended and provided a great atmosphere for those playing.

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Medals were awarded to the winning team consisting of Oweis Patel, Imran Bhagoo, Raihan Ghumra, Abdul Zain, Taahir Adam and Ziyad Mahomed. A generous donation of a winners’ plaque by Mahmood Osman saw the event dubbed the ‘Mahmood Osman Cup’. The winners of the Cup will go down in history as the first team to win this competition and are to be engraved on the plaque for all to see at the Masjid InshaAllah. The runners up were not forgotten, receiving medals as well for their valiant efforts in the nail biting final. Congratulations to Imran Bhagoo who was voted the ‘Player of the Tournament’ after a series of stunning performances throughout the day. Last but not least, thanks to all those who pitched in to make this day a great success. May Allah reward you for your efforts in bringing the community together, Aameen! Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

Sports News

Punjab Lions Roar and Fat Cat laughs at Warehouse Cricket Awards Night Matt Young BRISBANE cricket club, the Punjab Lions have scooped the pool at the annual Warehouse Cricket awards evening at Kedron Wavell Services Club. At a gala evening, hosted by former Test Cricket funny man, Greg Ritchie, the significantly Indian flavoured team won the B2 North premiership as well as the trophies for best bowler and best batsman. Team captain, Simran Singh suggested the title win was a tribute to the team’s tremendous team spirit and positivity. He had special praise for star all-rounder, Sandeep Dhaliwal who picked up the competition’s best batting and best bowling awards, in a remarkable performance. The Lions’ bowlers consistently destroyed their opposition batting line ups all season with Dhaliwal and Jatinder Cheema claiming 41 scalps between them. The two speedsters were ably supported by the brilliant catching of first slip expert, Sanjay Ingle who made sure that every chance offered, was taken. With the turf pitches of Marchant Park offering some help for spinners, the Lions were able to follow up the efforts of their quick men with some fine performances by their spinners. In a low scoring season, the batting was held together by club veteran, Dhaliwal, who averaged 61 with the willow. Most of the top order chipped in when needed as the team racked up seven wins from its nine 50 over games. The team suffered just one defeat and thoroughly deserved their reward at the end of the season. After finishing runners up last summer, the team was overjoyed to climb the final rung this time. The Lions pride themselves on their team spirit and Dhaliwal felt that it was this steely belief within the team that enabled it to win from all positions this season. This dedicated band of cricketers train hard, with two or three net sessions each week through the season. Team bonding sessions are essential for this band of Indian warriors and this has its foundations in plenty of off field social activity. Families are a huge part of the team’s success as well. Sandeep Dhaliwal’s charming wife, Amanjot, keeps the boys well fed on match days with her wonderful home cooking. The team is comprised of family, and friends who have met through study and work. The team’s results are the sole concern for each player, as personal performances and opportunities take second place to what is best for the team. Most of the team was born in India and their premiership made a perfect summer of cricket for the boys who all enjoyed the Indian domination of the Australian team in their 4-0 white wash. After the appropriate trophies were distributed, host Greg Ritchie took the audience through a thoroughly entertaining and nostalgic trip through the funniest moments of his first class and Test career. From the umpiring vagaries of the

• The all conquering Punjab Lions with their next generation- Abhey Dhaliwal and Vivan Ingle. Sub-continent to the lay back atmosphere of the Caribbean, ‘Fat Cat’ had the crowd in hysterics with a wonderful hour of public speaking. Many of his trade mark accents were to the fore as he peeled of several ripping yarns about some of the all-time great players that he had played with and against. He evoked memories of such Australian heroes as Border, Thompson and Marsh and seems to have perfected Imran’s aristocratic accent supremely well as regaled the crowd with many splendid adventures on his cricket travels through the sub-continent in the early 1980s. Thirty years had not managed to dampen his trepidation about facing Holding, Croft, Marshall and Roberts on a green first day ‘Gabba wicket for Queensland against the West Indies. He took the audience from the center wicket all the way to his hospital ward in a bed beside Martin Kent who had retired hurt just as Ritchie was arriving at the crease. The biggest laugh of the night came when Fat Cat recounted his day at

Lords in 1985. After expressing his great admiration for Mick Jagger, a well- meaning fan had arranged a surprise introduction of the two during the tea break of the third day’s play. Earlier in the day, Fat Cat had the devastation of missing a Lords century by just six runs and the fan and the Rolling Stones legend thought their visit might help make things a bit brighter for Greg. Unfortunately, the Lords room attendant was not a Stones fan and sent Mick packing and so the meeting never occurred. Ritchie’s day had gone from bad to worse. Ritchie’s efforts capped off a superb night for the Punjab Lions as they basked in the glory of their stellar season, proudly joined for the evening by many family members, who had gracefully excused husbands and fathers for a day of Warehouse cricket every second Sunday through summer.

Council to welcome PGA Former Arsenal star Gilberto legends to Ipswich in July says age no barrier IPSWICH City Council will again lend its support to a major upcoming sporting event when the 2013 PGA Legends Pro Am Golf Tournament is held in the city. Community and Customer Service Committee Chairperson Councillor Bruce Casos said the tournament would be held at Sandy Gallop Golf Club on July 11 and 12. “For the past 17 years PGA Legends professionals tour Queensland during the winter months playing various events as part of their annual calendar,” Cr Casos said. “The Legends Pro-Am events provide an opportunity for amateur golfers to play alongside professionals with almost 1000 members at Sandy Gallop and more than 4000 golfers registered with Golf Australia in the Moreton District.” Cr Casos said council was pleased to be able to support the event as a silver sponsor. “This event has been well supported by the community and golfers in the past and council is pleased that the event is returning again to Ipswich. “The 2011 event featured 50 PGA profesCall Trudi on 07 3356 0102

sionals competing alongside 70 amateurs with 150 spectators and volunteers also involved.” Cr Casos said up to 600 visitors, including players, their caddies and families as well as spectators, were expected to require accommodation in Ipswich. “This event will have an effect on Ipswich’s economy as these visitors will require accommodation in the city during the tournament. “We look forward to welcoming all those associated with the Pro AM to our city in July and witnessing the participating golfers in action.”

RIO DE JANEIRO, May 5 (IANS) World Cup-winning Brazilian midfielder Gilberto Silva insisted that age was no barrier as he aims to help Atletico Mineiro to its first Copa Libertadores title. The 36-year-old, who joined the Belo Horizonte club from Gremio in January, played a full 90 minutes in Atletico's 2-1 away victory in their Round of 16 first leg against Sao Paulo. Having reinvented himself as a central defender, Gilberto said he felt as good now as at any time during his career, reports Xinhua. "Sometimes people worry too much about whether I am going to be able to see out a match. Maybe those people haven't followed my career and don't know my professionalism and dedication," Gilberto said. Atletico, whose squad includes two-time FIFA World Player of the Year winner Ronaldinho, are among the favourites to win this year's Copa Libertadores, South America's premier club competition. The return leg against Sao Paulo will be played May 8 at Atletico's Independencia Stadium. Gilberto played every match in Brazil's tri-

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umphant 2002 World Cup campaign and captained the Selecao to victory at the 2006 Copa America. He was also a member of Arsenal's 2003-04 'Invincibles', who won the English Premier League without losing a match. THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, May, 2013 — 51

52 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, May, 2013

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