May 2023 - Online edition

Volume 19, Number 9

The hisToric coronaTion service of Their MajesTies King iii and Queen

aT WesTMinsTer abbey

The Historic Coronation Service of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla took place at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6th May 2023 at 1100hrs

LONDON For almost a thousand years, Coronations have been held at Westminster Abbey, and the Order of Service draws on this long tradition, centred around the liturgical theme of “Called to Serve” and The King’s

solemn vow and commitment to serve God, and the people of the nations and the realms.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby, conducted the Service. The Choirs of Westminster Abbey and His Majesty’s Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace, with choristers from Methodist College, Belfast, and Truro Cathedral Choir, and an octet

from the Monteverdi Choir, sang. The music during the Service was directed by Andrew Nethsingha, Organist and Master of the Choristers Westminster Abbey.

Faith leaders and representatives of faith communities processed through Westminster Abbey ahead of the Service, followed by representatives of the Commonwealth Realms.

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from the Publisher

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WeLCOMe to our May issue, a historical issue as we witnessed what would be a once-in-a-lifetime event for many, the coronation; the last one was in June 1953; either you support the Monarchy or are of the Republican view, you cannot deny the fact that this was a momentous occasion. Many countries which have been former British colonies do not have such fond memories, and that is understandable. However, the British Government bore the massive cost of the coronation and received much flak from citizens who were finding it hard to make ends meet daily.

Well, let us look at this month in detail because this month has been hectic. We begin with the Government House morning walk, a fantastic event because it highlights the importance of healthy living and walking. And I must say that our governor is a swift Walker.

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JOURNALIST/ CORReSPONDeNTS

• Thakur Ranjit Singh (NZ)

• Thilliar Varnakulasingham (NZ)

• Shalendra Prasad (Fiji)

• Rama Gaind (Canberra)

• Ml. Nawaaz Ashrafi

• Imam Muhammad Aslam

• Pastor Joseph Dass

• Haji Abdul Rahman Deen

• Jitendra Deo

• Nimisha Modi

• Ranjita Pillai (Immigration Matters)

• Awadhesh Sharma

• Peter Lane Rai

• Shailendra Singh

• Ravi Vastrad

• Amod Datar

• Ashok Attri

• Gagan deep Tandon

• Brian Sullivan (Photography)

• Rajesh Chand

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Next up, we had the cities submit for Brisbane City Council, and it is once again a very important event, and the launch of that was very good. Last month being Ramadan, we were fortunate to attend many iftar dinners, BCC, Islamic Women's Association, and Iftar. Then we also attended the Iftar dinner by the International College of Brisbane, the Ahmadiyya one as well. So, it is perfect to see you know that the wider community is coming and taking part in the hardiness and also, you know, thanks go to Muslim brothers and sisters for inviting us. From the multicultural communities into their homes and institutions to share the meal and break bread together. What a fantastic gesture as well.

I must also Thank Tapas Mandal Kumar for the Bengali New Year celebration, which was organised in Clayfield. It was perfect. Now we also had the Arijit Singh Concert, s which rocked Brisbane and a show we have never seen before right here in Brisbane. After a long time, there was a music concert or Indian Bollywood music concert held at Brisbane Entertainment Centre because most of the functions and events occur either in the Sleeman complex or the Convention Centre. However, we only see a few processes taking place at the Brisbane entertainment centre in Boondall. Still, this one was a sold-out event, and what a fantastic concert this was, and Brisbane Indian Times in Australian Indian

radio; we’re proud to have supported this. We also attended the Brisbane City Council’s Future of the Property. This event looked at what will happen in the residential accommodation in Brisbane. Now we know that with the coming of the Olympics, many people will be coming to Brisbane. They will all need a place to stay. So how do we tackle that? So, Brisbane City Council has devised a plan by not tackling all the green spaces, meaning retaining our green spaces, not invading our parklands, but re-looking at some of the industrial sites that have not been utilised. Transforming them into residential areas like Newstead and Tenerife, which we have seen, we have seen the redevelopment of the Howard Street Wolf quite nicely done and better utilised now. So those are some things that Brisbane City Council would be looking at. And Brisbane City Council held a grand function at the Normanby Hotel; the lord Mayor, deputy mayor and Councillor Allan Adams highlighted some of the areas and points Brisbane City Council is putting forward.

Congratulations to the ECCQ for the Berlasco opening, and what a fantastic, aged care facility they have redeveloped in Indooroopilly. Now, there is not new, it is an existing one, but it has been refurbished with funding from the government. And very well done. We were fortunate to attend the official opening of the facilities, and I was surprised by the high quality of all the fixtures and fittings and what it had to offer. I liked that wings are named after long-standing board members and people who have been associated with ECCQ for a long time, such as Agnes Whitten in the Xynias family, Serge Voloshenko, and others.

In May, we also witness the Labour Day March, located right in the city on Adelaide Street, and from here, we can always see the big march going past. Queensland Sangeet Mela Association held its AGM and a concert at The Grange Community Hall. The function was very well attended, the AGM was very well organised, and it went very well.

Om Positive, Congratulations on running your inaugural event, which is very good. We thank you very much for having us and having me as one of the VIP guests there to address all the gatherings congratulations on the job well done. Now for ISKCON Rath yatra,

again another fantastic event right in the city though this year the actual chariot, the rath, was a smaller version of what we have every year, and this was done so that they would be easy taking the chariot without having to lower the top part of it, which in the bigger one had to be lowed hydraulically to go under the overpass and the footbridge. So again, lots of people came, which was very well attended.

Nimita Debroy, congratulations on running the Dhun concert this year. Once again, I was honoured to have been asked to open the event; It was good to see that you have come a long way. About twenty-three years on and well-organised function again at Acacia Ridge College. Now Cacoon SDA Care’s tenth anniversary, it is hard to believe that they have already come ten years down the track. It seems like Jaffar bhai had just come up with the idea yesterday because time really passes and what and well organised and attended the tenth anniversary at the Emporium Hotel. Very, very well done. Congratulations, and we hope to see many more anniversaries coming your way.

The skilled Migration seminar was once again well attended, and I was honoured to have been asked to be the MC for that event. Culture Verse organised the event in conjunction with Home Affairs, the event was well attended, and the question and answers session was very popular and engaging.

We were fortunate to have been invited to attend a very exclusive coronation dinner function at the prestigious Tattersalls Club; the event was run in conjunction with the Victoria League and Order of Australia Association; on Sunday, the seventh of May, we attended a Coronation thanksgiving service at St John’s Cathedral. It was beautiful to see the Cathedral operate in its full glory; the Church organ, the choir, and the entire service were very uplifting.

We also attended the Eid Festival as special guests. Rocklea Showgrounds is quite suited to that event, as it has many spaces that can be utilised for various activities, such as VIP reception, undercover eating area, festival space etc. This year with perfect weather, the number of attendees was high.

A big congratulations to the Varnam Cultural Society for hosting a mega event at the Robelle domain; this event is going from strength to strength. Every year it gets bigger and better. Rajarajan Thennavan and his team did a marvellous job of putting it all together.

In conclusion, I would like to thank all contributors for your submissions and advertisers for your continued support. Our press schedule has tightened our printing deadline, so thanks to everyone for working with us on this slight change; this will mean that the distribution could be earlier. And with this note, I must say goodbye, until next Month; Happy Reading!

—Umesh Chandra OAM Publisher

direct pathway to australian citizenship for new Zealand citizens from 1 july 2023

The Australian Government has announced that starting from July 1, 2023, New Zealand citizens residing in Australia for four years or more will have a direct pathway to apply for Australian citizenship. Previously, they were required to apply for a permanent visa first before applying for citizenship. However, this change applies only to New Zealand citizens holding a Special Category (subclass 444) visa (SCV) who arrived in Australia after February 26, 2001. Protected SCV holders can still apply directly for Australian citizenship.

Long-term resident New Zealand citizens can fulfill the 12-month permanent residency requirement for citizenship purposes by backdating their period of permanent residency. To meet the general residence requirement for Australian citizenship, an applicant must be lawfully present in Australia for four years, including 12 months as a permanent resident, immediately before the date of application.

All New Zealand citizens holding an SCV will be considered permanent residents for citizenship purposes, and New Zealand citizens granted an SCV before July 1, 2022, will have their period of permanent residency backdated to July 1, 2022. However, these provisions do not apply to citizenship applications submitted before July 1, 2023.

From July 1, 2023, children born in Australia to SCV holders may automatically acquire Australian citizenship at birth if their parent meets the conditions outlined above. These changes aim to strengthen the relationship between Australia and New Zealand and promote the free movement of people across the Tasman Sea. The Australian Government has stated that this will benefit around 650,000 New Zealand citizens living in Australia who previously lacked a clear pathway to Australian citizenship.

The new pathway to Australian citizenship for New Zealand citizens living in Australia will also have a significant impact on their children born in Australia. Under the new provisions, children born in Australia on or after July 1, 2022, to an SCV holder may be entitled to automatic Australian citizenship at birth. This will allow them to access all the benefits and opportunities available to Australian citizens, including education, healthcare, and social services.

These changes represent a significant shift in the treatment of New Zealand citizens living in Australia,

who have long been considered second-class citizens due to their lack of access to permanent residency and citizenship. The new pathway to citizenship will provide them with greater security, certainty, and the ability to fully participate in Australian society.

The announcement has been widely welcomed by the New Zealand community in Australia, as well as by political leaders in both countries. The Prime Minister of New Zealand has hailed the move as a "positive step" and a recognition of the close ties between the two countries.

The Australian Government has also announced that it will be providing additional support and resources to help New Zealand citizens navigate the citizenship application process. This includes a new online portal that will provide information and guidance on the citizenship process, as well as a dedicated team of support staff to assist with applications.

In summary, the new direct pathway to Australian citizenship for New Zealand citizens living in Australia represents a significant change in policy and a positive step towards greater inclusion and recognition of the important contribution made by New Zealanders to Australian society.

Readers must note that Migration Guru has assisted a vast number of clients, in various and complex circumstances. Migration Guru has more than 80 years of collective experience in the industry and a team of Migration Agents / Solicitors.

With our vast experience and skills, we are able to provide accurate migration or legal advice based on our clients’ personal circumstances. If you would like more information regarding your visa eligibility, applicable visa subclass, or next steps, Migration Guru can assist you in navigating this process. Unlike many other firms, the First Consultation at Migration Guru is completely free so that clients can get fair, accurate and upfront advice on their visa prospects.

Our team may be contacted by via email on info at migrationguru.om.au or by calling 07 3036 3800. Readers are encouraged to follow us on Facebook for all the updates to Migration Law - https://www. facebook.com/migrationguru/

Migration Guru Pty Ltd, Level 18, 127 Creek Street, Brisbane, QLD. Phone: 07 3036 3800

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

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intercontinental fun for kids in vietnam

places to visit around the resort, which is nestled in 39 hectares of nature.

By Rama Gaind

It is said that if you want to raise well-rounded kids, who grow up to become global citizens, you must explore the world with them!

Once a year, perhaps, go to a place where you’ve never been. There are destination options in Australia, but it’s never too early to begin exploring the world.

If you turn your attention to Vietnam, then this one property stands out. It is here where there’s (also) fun for kids, with plenty of exciting activities and experiences — including the chance to stay in their own tent!

While not all hotels may still have specific packages, the awardwinning five-star resort, InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, on Vietnam’s Son Tra Peninsula, is rolling out the welcome mat for families. Inquire about accommodation packages where children are treated as VIPs.

This is when intrepid children have plenty of exciting things to do and

Youngsters will also have plenty of toys, books, games and puzzles to enjoy during their trip, as well as complimentary family activities such as swimming, beach games, riding the Nam Tram railway, and playing at the resort’s Planet Trekker’s Kids Club. Then at the end of the day, kids will be able to camp in their own private tent, which will be set up in the room and fitted with a comfy mattress and luxurious bedding.

General manager at the resort Seif Hamdy says the resort is a natural paradise where boys and girls can stay and play safely, enjoy many inspiring

DeAR ReADeR, it's with great joy that we bring you the word of God. We are again celebrating Mother's Day this month. Whether you are a mother or not, I want to encourage you that what you do matters.

No assignment on earth requires the array of skills and understanding needed by a mom in fulfilling her everyday duties. Please stop and think about what her job involves. She must be a resident psychologist, doctor, theologian, educator, nurse, chef, taxi driver, fire marshal, and occasional

activities and learn about the local wildlife.

Add the thrill of sleeping in a tent, and you have a vacation that children will remember forever!

eNJOy STyLISh AND SPACIOUS CeNTARA PRIVATe VILLA eSCAPeS

If you are looking for a home-away-from-home vacation, then here’s your chance to

experience stylish and spacious escapes in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Keep a look out for special packages from Thailand hotel operator Centara at one of its private villas.

Families can book a holiday with free meals and complimentary stays for up to two children. For a stress-free escape, travellers are offered complimentary daily breakfast and dinner

throughout their stay. Do make inquiries about similar packages as this offer may not still be available at participating hotels and resorts across Thailand,

including Hua Hin, Pattaya, Phuket, Krabi, Udon Thani and Chiang Mai; plus Mui Ne in Vietnam and Muscat in Oman. With modern amenities,

haPPy MoTher's day!

police officer. Try to imagine what it would cost you to go out and hire all those skill sets. And even if you could, how would you know you could trust them?

Know that with every hug, every prayer, every encouraging word, and every tear, you are making a difference and impacting your children or someone else's. There is nothing on earth like the treasure of a mother's heart!

In the Scripture, we see some fantastic mothers who set tremendous examples for us—Sarah, the mother of Isaac; Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist; Mary, the mother of Jesus. I love what the apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, a young man with great courage and integrity. He wrote, "Timothy, I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also." Paul is not speaking about his influence over

Timothy but that of his mother and grandmother. Timothy's strong belief came through their influence. I'm sure they had days when they wondered about young Timothy and whether what they were doing mattered. But those women kept investing in him, praying for him, and being examples of faith to him, and their impact ended up helping shape his character and leading to a legacy.

heRe ARe 2 ThINGS

We CAN LeARN FROM TIMOThy'S MOTheR, eUNICe.

1. One thing God doesn't want you to do is worried. Some people think they're not good parents if they aren't worrying about their children. However, the Bible cautions us not to worry because it does us no good.

If you feel like your joy in motherhood is overshadowed by family challenges or a swirling

sense of self-doubt, I want to help you claim the confidence you need to enjoy the journey of motherhood.

I'm not talking about confidence in your abilities; I am talking about having faith in God's ability to help you and guide you each step of the way. He intends for motherhood to be a joyful experience, and I want to help you learn how to lean confidently on Him. Eunice had to let go of worry to live by faith and trust in God, the same kind of faith seen in her son, Timothy.

2. Insecurity and a lack of confidence will not only steal your ability to enjoy other people's gifts— it will cause you to feel inadequate. It may even keep you from pursuing the extraordinary life God has planned for you.

Sometimes moms miss out on what could be joyfilled moments because they are concerned, they don't measure up to other moms. But God's

Word says it's unwise to make comparisons.

God made you oneof-a-kind and excellent in your way. So cultivate your strengths, gifts, and personalities, and pass that confidence on to your children by appreciating and encouraging their uniqueness.

You don't have to be perfect. Just do your best and remember that God will do what you can't as you trust Him.

It's easy to get stuck thinking what could've, would've, or should've been, or spend time wishing things were different. But like worrying, wishing is a waste of time.

For Mother's Day, I am reminded of Proverbs 31, which talks about the woman who honours the Lord, and says, "Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." Today, we rise and bless the mothers and all the godly women who set examples for so many.

views of lush tropical gardens or sparkling seas, and even private swimming pools in many properties, families can chill out together and celebrate.

Remember, whether you are a mother or not, you can have a mother's heart that encourages, inspires, and invests in the lives of the people around you. The heart of a mother nurtures and influences people with love and tenderness. Perhaps there are other children in your life—nieces, nephews, or your friends' children—or at church in your Sunday school, whom you can encourage and speak words of faith into them that will be a significant deposit for their futures.

To all the mothers who have invested so much in their children's lives, may you be blessed, strengthened, and empowered by His Spirit, and may you know the greatness of the gift that you are to this world. Please know we love you and pray for you every day. We call you blessed and pray you have a happy and blessed Mother's Day!

God bless you.

Pastor Suresh Dass Joseph josephdass@optusnet.com.au

The deluxe private pool villa at Centara Villas Phuket provides plenty of outdoor space for guests to unwind.

A tent with a mattress and comfy bedding will an adventure for kids at the InterContinental Danang, Vietnam.

Families can come together and soak up spectacular views in a one-bedroom private pool ocean view villa at Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi.

spirituality in the east and West

The distinction between the East and the West is not just in terms of education and wealth. If you look at individuals from both places, there is not much difference, but there is a whole lot of cultural difference. The West is an economic culture; everything is fundamentally economics in that culture. So in the West, a young person who has just reached the age of twelve or thirteen years of age, all that he knows is what is available in that culture, so that is the direction in which he goes. It takes a little extra intelligence for a person to look beyond and seek something which is beyond what is available right there in his culture.

However in India, whether you like it or not, even if you have an allergy for spirituality, it gets lobbed onto you one way or the other. In your families, in your society, wherever you go, something of it will naturally touch you. People have taken to the spiritual possibility because there is a whole spiritual tradition that has always been available.

Wherever a culture is new, economics and social wellbeing are more active because those are the first

things that you will attend to in your life. In many ways, because they still remember the difficulties that their forefathers went through to build the culture, a culture which is new is still hungry – hungry for life and wellbeing. It is like going and talking spirituality to a man on the street who is hungry right now; it will not mean anything to him.

When your economic and social needs are well taken care of, only then, as an individual and as a culture, you start looking beyond, for other dimensions. Wherever the culture is very old, you will see, the mystical is very active there. The reason why there is and there always has been so much spirituality in India is because this has been a very stable culture. It has just stayed in one place steadily for thousands of years. If any culture remains steadily in one place for this many years, spirituality will definitely become a huge force in that culture. Slowly, other dimensions of life have become more important than physical survival. So this distinction is clearly drawing the line – your psyche is going beyond the survival instincts.

However in i ndia,

w H et H er you like it or not, even if you H ave an allergy for spirituality, it gets lobbed onto you one way or t H e ot H er.

i n your families, in your society, w H erever you go, somet H ing of it will naturally touc H you.

p eople H ave taken to t H e spiritual possibility because t H ere is a w H ole spiritual tradition

t H at H as always been available.

It is unfortunate that cultures have to take that long to realize this. Generally, cultures take a long time but individuals need not take that long. A

spiritual process is always individual – you can see it right now out of your intelligence.

Ranked amongst the fifty

most influential people in India, Sadhguru is a yogi, mystic, visionary and a New York Times bestselling author Sadhguru has been conferred the

exceptional and distinguished service.

Padma Vibhushan by the Government of India in 2017, the highest annual civilian award, accorded for

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celebration of Mother languages and cultures

DURACk, Celebration of Mother Languages and Cultures on Community Language Schools Day was held at Australian International Islamic College in blunder road.

Community Languages

Australia celebrates

Community Language Schools Day each year across Australia. The celebration of CLS Day facilitates cultural continuity and social cohesion, providing cultural and language learning in an authentic setting.

The purpose of the celebration is to bring the community language schools together and to

showcase their mother languages and cultures as part of the celebration, a year space contest in the mother language was arranged with traditional

ASIA Pacific Business Association officially launched

food for the community language school students.

Brisbane Bangla School, in collaboration with the Ethnic Schools Association of Queensland, celebrated

International Mother Language Day and Harmony Day on the first weekend of March each year. Due to the unavailability of a suitable venue, that event could not

be organised.

This year, so using the same fund, the Ethnic Schools Association of Queensland and Brisbane Bangla School celebrated CLS Day on 6th May with support from the Queensland Government and Community Languages Australia. The primary papers of the celebration of International Mother Day were Harmony Day and Community Languages School Day, which promote preserving the mother language and culture. For a vibrant multicultural Australia, the event was very well attended.

Dignitaries included, Shane Newman, Milton Dick MP, Jess Pugh MP and Umesh chandra OAM as some of the speakers, and the event was very well organised mainly to look at. All the youngsters coming in with the speech competitions, writing competitions and the display of multicultural are, you know, food and also the multicultural flavour of all the stage performances that way in there. So it is. It was a wonderful, fantastic event. And I would like to congratulate ESAQ and Brisbane Bangla School for holding this very fantastic event.

BRISBANe, APBA was officially launched in Brisbane City Hall; founding members got a chance to come on stage and introduce themselves, the launch was very well attended, and lord Mayor expressed his appreciation for the organisation for the Vison of David Wu, who said “We are thrilled to announce that APBA Launch Night was a huge success! We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and made it such a memorable evening.

Seeing so many bright and innovative minds come together to celebrate entrepreneurship and innovation in our community was incredible.

We are excited about the future of APBA and the impact we can make together. We can't wait to continue this

journey with all of you and see where it takes us. Thank you again for your support and for being part of this amazing community.”

The organisation will work with the three levels of Government and advocate and promote business opportunities in Brisbane.

eccQ’s

residential care unit Berlasco Court officially reopened

INDOOROOPILLy Brisbane on 2 May 2023, commencing at 11.00 am ECQ’s Berlasco Court was officially reopened The Honourable Anika Wells MP, Minister for Aged Care and Minister for Sport officially opened the facility.

Construction of the facility commenced in late 2020 and was completed in December 2022. The state-of-the-art facility was made possible by past and present members of ECCQ, its benefactors, volunteers, and communities and built with the generous assistance of the Australian Government.

Berlasco Aged Care offers a high standard of culturally inclusive care for residents with many from culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds. Our highly competent staff speak 56 languages, allowing us to provide warm and inclusive support for our multicultural residents and their families.

Invitees to the official opening include Federal, State and Local government representatives, key multicultural community leaders, residents’ representatives and representatives from local, state and national news and media organisations.

ECCQ’s residential care unit is a fully accredited facility committed to a high standard of nursing care for residents from various cultural backgrounds.

SeRVICeS:

• Registered nurses are on duty 24 hours a day to ensure a high quality of care

• Staff speak over 56 languages allowing residents to speak their first language when needed

• Allied Health Professionals offer services

when necessary at no cost

• Information provided on other health services

• Cultural calendar of activities to celebrate the resident’s CALD backgrounds

The Leisure and Lifestyle Program includes the services of a number of diversional therapists/ assistants who organise a wide range of activities, including exercises, arts & crafts, card games, music, concerts and outings to suit the interests and abilities of the residents.

The program also matches

up volunteers with residents to create opportunities for social interaction that are culturally sensitive for residents.

Berlasco Court was successful in a Government application to expand its services to improve the living environment for those in our care and accommodate the growing demand on our services.

The NeW BUILDING OFFeRS:

• A state of the art building with facilities that encourage broader community engagement

• A contemporary design that supports social connections, social belonging and a strong sense of home

• Internal and external spaces that encourage a sense of community

• Use of the most modern and advanced technologies

to enable the delivery of highest quality care to meet the expectations of our older people, now and into the future.

OUR NeW SeRVICe OFFeRING

The rebuild has allowed major improvements to the lives of our residents and families. Residents can have access to the same quality of care delivered in a stunning and contemporary home setting.

The building offers diversification of accommodation options to cater for resident and families’ unique requirements.

The NeW BUILDING INCLUDeS:

115 rooms, including 107 single rooms with ensuites and 8 suites with kitchenettes.

• Additional services including wound and pain clinics and group physical therapy

• A ground floor special needs unit based on a cottage model

• Ducted air-conditioning

• A warm and inviting home environment

• Child friendly café for families to enjoy time spent together

• Resident community spaces, including access to wellness activities, library, hairdresser and beautician services

• Social spaces to accommodate fantastic programs and large scale functions

• Multi-faith chapel

• Raised garden spaces to relax in

• Intimate spaces for family and social connections.

Queensland is set to have 'the strongest hate crime laws in the country’

IN 2023, there’s just no place for racial prejudice, hatred or vilification in Queensland. It’s not ok and there’s no excuse for it.

As your local representatives, we want our community here in Brisbane’s South to be a place of safety; a place where you can foster a sense of belonging with your friends and family and make a home for life.

We want to see a Queensland which is a place of acceptance and tolerance – for everyone.

But the reality is that that isn’t always the case.

We know that too many Queenslanders, particularly in our community, have experienced the devastating effects of racism and bigotry first-hand.

That is why the Palaszczuk Government is introducing legislation to protect every Queenslander – no matter who you are.

These reforms will increase penalties for offences that are motivated by hatred because of someone’s race and religion.

We will also make it easier to charge people with haterelated crimes by removing outdated procedures.

In addition, our changes will make it a crime to display hate symbols, such as those related to Nazi ideology. However, it is important to note that this does not include the display of the swastika which is a symbol that has been used by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains for millennia. These will be some of the

strongest hate crime laws in Australia and send a strong message that there is no place for hate in Queensland.

From day one, we have worked closely with our multicultural and diverse communities and listened to

their experiences. It was important to make sure this legislation would work well, and that we

understood where reform was really needed.

If you’d like to know more about the new laws and stay up to date, please follow Peter Russo or James Martin’s pages on Facebook. We will both be making sure the community is kept updated throughout this important legislative process.

We’re also starting a pledge to show the community’s support for these changes as they move through the Parliament.

You can sign that pledge on our websites or through our Facebook pages.

We have a wonderful community here in Brisbane’s South, and these laws will make it an even safer, more accepting place to live – for us, and for all Queenslanders.

cocoon sda care's 10th birthday commemoration of the genocide in rwanda

BRISBANe, Saturday, 22 April, the annual commemoration of the genocide in Rwanda was observed in the Queensland Parliament House. The solemn ceremony included tales by the descendants of the victims. Special prayers were offered, and everyone present got an opportunity to light a candle of remembrance.

ON a magnificent evening, over two hundred and fifty guests, including Jon Raven - Councillor for Division 5 celebrated Cocoon SDA Care's 10th Birthday and made it an unforgettable night. Zaffar Khan of Cocoon SDA Care said,” We also want to thank our dedicated staff, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything went smoothly.

As we reflect on the past decade in the health and disability sector, we acknowledge that there have been both cheerful times and challenging moments.

However, our unwavering commitment to learning and improvement sets us apart at Cocoon SDA Care. We believe in being humble and respecting what life has to offer, and we are constantly seeking ways to serve our participants better and help them achieve their best life.

We can't wait for the next ten years to empower our participants to achieve their goals and live their best lives. So, here’s to the future!”

The seven values of Cocoon SDA Care were

shared, and the critical personnel came to the stage to self-introduce themselves; they were an impressive line-up.

Cocoon SDA Care provide personalised care and purpose-built, state-of-

the-art homes to National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants as an NDIS registered provider (NDIS Provider No. 4050006516).A) and Supported Independent Living (SIL) options in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia that are above NDIS standards.

Accommodating our residents with low , medium, and high care needs who require long-term, shortterm, medium-term, and respite accommodation, we do not just stop once we have found our residents the right home.

The program included a memorial Mass, Moment of Silence, personal testimony, and guest speeches. Rwandan Association of Queensland Inc Pamphile Nkurunziza Ngenzi delivered his welcome address; the MCs were Robert Mukombozi and Kenny Duke. Amiel Nubaha made the concluding remarks. Light refreshments were served to all present.

The Rwandan genocide occurred between 7 April and 15 July 1994 during the Rwandan Civil War.[2] During this period of around 100 days, members of the Tutsi minority ethnic group and some moderate Hutu and Twa were killed by armed Hutu militias. The most widely accepted scholarly estimates are around 500,000 to 662,000 Tutsi deaths.

In 1990, the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), a rebel group composed mainly of Tutsi refugees, invaded northern Rwanda from their

base in Uganda, initiating the Rwandan Civil War. Over the course of the next three years, neither side was able to gain a decisive advantage.

In an effort to bring the war to a peaceful end, the Rwandan government led by Hutu president Juvénal Habyarimana signed the Arusha Accords with the RPF

on 4 August 1993. The catalyst became Habyarimana's assassination on 6 April 1994, creating a power vacuum and ending peace accords.

Genocidal killings began the following day when most Hutu soldiers, police, and militia murdered key Tutsi and moderate Hutu military and political leaders.

COMMeNTARy By COReLOGIC ReSeARCh DIReCTOR, TIM LAWLeSS

TODAy’S interest rate decision was always going to be a line ball; however, the 25 basis point lift is likely to be the last in what has been the most rapid rate hiking cycle on record. Although inflation has been trending lower since peaking in the December quarter 2022, today’s rate hike reflects the RBA’s uncertainty about how ‘sticky’ inflation might be amid persistently tight labour markets and new evidence that housing prices have moved through their low point.

Although the RBA didn’t touch on the recent more positive housing trend, the statement following the meeting highlighted the rapid drop in housing prices since rate hikes commenced could be a factor in slowing household spending (alongside high interest rates and high cost of living pressures).

CoreLogic’s figures released yesterday showed a second consecutive monthly rise in national housing values with each of the four

largest capitals recording a lift in values over the rolling quarter.

Arguably, the more positive trend in housing conditions supported the RBA’s decision to lift rates today. Although housing considerations aren’t part of the RBA’s mandate, a return to a more positive housing trend could be accompanied by a lift in consumer attitudes, supporting consumption and potentially keeping inflation higher for longer.

The lift in interest rates could act to dampen some of the recent housing exuberance, although a range of other factors are likely to support the continued stabilisation in home values including low available supply, extremely tight rental conditions and higher demand via net overseas migration.

Time will tell whether the latest rate hike is enough to send the recent positive trend in home values into reverse, however our anticipation is the market will continue to level out on the expectation that interest rates have peaked and the imbalance between housing demand and supply

will persist for some time yet.

Today also marks the one year anniversary of the fastest rate hiking cycle on record.

Looking back on the housing sector amid such a rapid rate hiking cycle, it’s unsurprising to see the rate of decline in home value was also the fastest on record. The rate hikes coincided with record levels of household indebtedness, sending capital city home values 9.7% lower over 10 months.

Although interest rates remain high we have recently seen the trend in housing values stabilise, if not show a level of growth in some regions. The more positive trend is a stark reminder that the performance of housing is influenced by a broad range of factors that go well beyond interest rate settings.

Similar to housing conditions in the mid-2000s, housing values have turned positive without the support of lower interest rates, a loosening in credit policies or fiscal support. It seems the combination of low supply and high demand has been enough to offset the downside factors of higher rates and a relatively tight credit environment.

line ball rate hike likely to be the last for this cycle corelogic

A surge in overseas migrants and international students coupled with a significant shortfall in rental listings has led to the strongest annual rental increase on record for Australia’s capitals.

CoreLogic Rental Pulse

CAPITAL city auction activity is set to rise this week, with Sydney and Melbourne expecting the busiest week since late March. Across the combined capitals, 1,817 homes are scheduled to go under the hammer this week, up 4.5% from the 1,739 auctions held last week. This week last year, 2,059 homes were auctioned across the combined capitals.

Melbourne is the busiest auction market this week, with 753 homes scheduled for auction. This week's expected auction activity is 2.2% higher than the 737 auctions held last week but is -16.8% lower than the 905 auctions held during the same week last year.

There are 687 homes scheduled to go under the hammer in Sydney this week, up 20.5% from the 570 auctions held last week and 4.2% above the 659 held this week last year.

Brisbane has 136 homes scheduled for auction this week, down -33.0% from the number of auctions held last week (203) and -28.8% less than the 191 homes auctioned this time last year.

In Adelaide, 131 homes are set to go under the hammer this week, while 97 auctions are set to occur in Canberra, almost 75% above the number of auctions held the week prior (56). In Perth, 11 homes are scheduled for auction this week, while two homes are currently scheduled to go under the hammer in Tasmania.

While auction activity typically cools through winter, the coming weeks will be a good measure of whether the RBA’s May rate hike will dissuade potential vendors from selling or if the current upswing in values will fuel higher than average auction activity through the quieter winter months.

CoreLogic's national dwelling rental index recorded an increase of 0.8% for April, up 2.8% over the past three months and 10.1% higher for the year. The combined capitals annual rental increase of 11.7% in the past year was a new record and largely underpinned by increasing demand for capital city units.

The mismatch between supply and demand continues to be the driving force pushing capital city rents higher. Over the four weeks to April 30th, the total supply of capital city rental listings was -20.9% below the level recorded this time last year and -39.8% below the five-year average.

With the exception of Hobart and Canberra, vacancy rates across the capitals remain near record lows, and well below the 3% to 5% average rate considered indicative of a balanced rental market.

Each capital city excluding Darwin (-0.3%) and Canberra (- 0.2%) recorded a rise in dwelling rental values in April. Melbourne recorded the strongest rental appreciation, up

migration rates normalise and vacancy rates move off recent record lows.

Regional rents rose 1.3% over the past three months and 6.0% over the year to April, down from a cyclical peak of 12.5% over the 12 months to November 2021.

city unit rents continues to outpace house rents, increasing 1.6% and 0.9% in April, respectively. The continued preference for the unit sector reflects both the strong demand from migrants and foreign students, who typically first settle in medium to high density housing, as

well as a preference for more affordable accommodation.

Sydney and Melbourne continue to record the strongest growth in unit rents across the capitals. In April, both cities recorded a new peak rate of growth in both quarterly and annual trends.

Sydney’s unit rents increased 5.8% for the rolling quarter and 19.1% for the year to April.

Melbourne’s unit rents rose 5.0% for the three months and 15.2% over the year.

It's unlikely there will be much in the way of relief for renters in the short to medium term, with the flow of migrants expected to remain high and rental supply expected to remain low. Given that the flow of new unit approvals has held below average since 2018, the rental market will likely continue to have supply issues over the medium to long term.

arya PraTinidhi sabha of Queensland

अच्ाइरों को धारण कर,आपका

जीवन सखमर होगा

बनना चादहए। मन वाणी शरीर

म एकरूपिा लाकर शद वरतकि

बनना चादहए, परांि द्दखावा रा

छल करक रा क्ठोर भाषा बोलकर

क्टभाषी नही बनना चादहए।

जीवन म सरलिा सजजनिा होनी

चादहए, परांि मख्यिा नही होनी

चादहए, वह हातनकारक है। वरतकि

को नरारवप्रर होना चादहए। कोई

वरतकि आप क आिीन कार्य करिा

है, और रद्द वह बार-बार गलिी

करिा है, िो उस सही ्दां ड ्दरे कर

आप नरारकारी बन, रह उधचि

है। परांि तन्दवोष वरतकि को ्दख

्दरे ना, रह रिरिा है। जीवन म

रिरिा नही होनी चादहए। नम्रिा

िो जीवन म होनी चादहए, परांि

फकसी की वरर चापलसी नही

करनी चादहए। बवदमान चिर

अवशर बनना चादहए, परांि

बवदमान बनकर ्टरेढ़ी चाल वाला

कद्टल वरतकि नही बनना चादहए।

जो बाि जैसी हो उस तनभ्यर

होकर सपष्ट रूप स वैसा ही कहना

चादहए। परांि उसम असभरिा रा

उद्डिा नही होनी चादहए।

रद्द आप इन अचछाइरों को

िारण

Samaj Havan Yajna Satsang at Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre

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

international Mother earth day

आर्य समाज क मानरिाएँ म

ईशवर का सववो्िम और तनज नाम

ओ३म है। उसम अनांि गण होन क

चलन का प्ररास करिरे ह, ्दसरों को वरे्दों क अनकल चलन को प्ररेररि करिरे ह। आर्यसमाज क तनरम और

ससदाि प्राणीमात्र क कलराण क

सलए ह- ससार का उपकार करना

इस समाज का मखर उद्शर है,

अरा्यि शारीररक, आत्मक और

सामातजक उननति करना।

आर्य समाज म शद वैद्दक परमपरा

म ववशवास करिरे वरे्द पढ़न का

अधिकार सब को ह आर्य समाज

का आ्दश्य वाकर है: कणवनिो

ववशवमार्यम , तजसका अर है - ववशव

को श्रेष्ठ और प्रगतिशीलों बनािरे

चलो।

आर्यसमातजरों क आ्दश्य मरा्य्दा

परुषो्िम श्ी राम चद्र जी और

रोधगराज श्ी कषण चद्र जी महवष्य

सवामी ्दरानां्द

का क्ि्यवर है।

समाज क सब ससदाि और

वरे्दों पर आिाररि ह। आर्य

सचचरे ईशवर की पजा करन

कहिा है, रह ईशवर

कारण उसक ब्रहमा, महश, ववषण, गणश, ्दरे वी, अत्न अनांि नाम

ह। आर्य समाज वण्य वरवसरा रानी

ब्राहमण, क्षत्त्रर, वैशर व शद्र को

कम्य स मानिा है। सवामी सवामी

्दरानन्द जी न वैद्दक ससदानिों को

वरावहाररकिा ्दरे न, वैद्दक िम्य को

िैलान िरा ववशव को जाग्रि करन

क सलए तजस ससरा की सरापना की

उस आर्य समाज क हम स्दसर

ह । महवष्य ्दरानन्द जी न ऐसा

मच द्दरा जो पर ववशव ससार की

द्दशा और ्दशा सिारन म सफरिर

हो उ्ठरे । सवामी ्दरानां्द सरसविी

िरा उनक दवारा सरावपि आर्य

समाज क सभी मौसलक ससदािों

का पररचर हम उनक महान ग्रांर

स्रार प्रकाश म समलिा है।

आर्यसमाज का स्दसर बनना भी

एक गौरव तजममरे्दारी ्दातर्व

की बाि होिी करोंफक आर्यसमाज

क स्दसर का चररत्र अ्रनि प्ररेरणा्दारक, स्रवा्दी, ईमान्दार, ववशवास रो्र, भरोसमां्द, राषट्रवा्दी, ईशवरवा्दी व शद समाजवा्दी होिा

है। प्र्ररेक आर्य अपन आप म

चलिा फिरिा - वैद्दक

eACh year on April 22, people worldwide celebrate World Earth Day. It’s the day dedicated to protecting mother earth. People organize events, rallies, marches, concerts, and different projects to show their support for environmental protection. These activities aim to make the world aware of depleting conditions of our natural resources-land, air, water bodies, and forests.

Earth is the only planet that supports life. It’s unique and the only place that we got. If we can’t protect it, it will endanger our own existence.

Life on Earth is dependent on several things. land, water, soil, forests, air are all necessary for the survival of life on Earth. Rapid industrialization, unchecked consumption of natural resources, deforestation, pollution, climate changes, etc., has caused severe damage to the Earth’s ecosystem.

Mother nature has

sufficient to provide for us all; however, irresponsible excavation of its resources has led to a drastic loss to its biodiversity and poisoned its land, water bodies, and atmosphere.

Mother Earth is clearly urging a call to action. Nature is suffering, oceans filling with plastic and turning more acidic. Extreme heat, wildfires and floods, have affected millions of people.

Climate change, manmade changes to nature

as well as crimes that disrupt biodiversity, such as deforestation, landuse change, intensified agriculture and livestock production or the growing illegal wildlife trade, can accelerate the speed of destruction of our planet.

Ecosystems support all life on Earth, the healthier our ecosystems are, the healthier the planet - and its people. Restoring our damaged ecosystems will help to end poverty, combat climate change, and

prevent mass extinction, but we will only succeed if everyone plays a part.

When facing the question of what action, we should take to protect our planet, the answer is straightforward- promote and participate in fostering respectful behaviour towards the environment. Respect nature, cut down on plastic usage, and save energy. Simple habits of limiting wastage and taking care of the surroundings, whether your home, neighbourhood, garden, forest, or the sea where you go on vacation would go a long way in protecting our planet. Environmental protection is an extremely critical issue that impacts us all. It’s essential to treat nature with respect and take proper steps towards its protection. If we want cleaner air to breathe, safe water to drink, and land capable of growing crops, we need to take steps to save these resources.

happy fiji girmit day: The stolen history of girmit and Why we remain ignorant of our Past

“The woman turns around in fear, and puts her hands in entreaty. the whip comes down upon her half naked back and legs. the child is struck also. both are crying and screaming and the mounted brute almost puts his horse’s hoofs upon her….” (The violence and atrocities of Girmit, from Rajendra Prasad's “Tears in Paradise.)

In his historic epic, “Tears in Paradise”, Rajendra Prasad adds:

Pain from the wounds of Girmit resided in the hearts and minds of its victims and their families, but it failed to find expression publicly or in history books. …the Indo Fijians, who were a significant part of fiji and had made an enormous contribution towards its economic, social, cultural and political development, had escaped the history books.

What that effectively means is that there is a vacuum as far as contribution on Fiji Indians to Fiji’s or Pacific’s History is concerned.

Those of you who came through Fiji’s education system would recall that in primary and secondary school history, you learnt about early history of indigenous Fijians, about provincial tribal wars and their legends. You would have also learnt about the prowess

14 May, 1879 when it all started. The first ship, Leonidas with first batch of Indian Girmitiyas, hit Levuka on 14 May, 1879, but could only dock on the 15th May, because of bad weather. That is why, Fiji Girmit Day could interchangeably be referred to as either on the 14th or 15th May. These both dates are factually correct.

and courage of various White European explorers and the British Empire, the Royals family and so on.

However, as far as Fiji’s development history is concerned, apart from a few sentences about indentured labourers from India brought to work on cane farms, because the other migrants were unsuccessful, there is no account of what went on in the whipping, punching, kicking, suicide and raping cane fields of early Fiji. They were completely missed by history books – FIJI INDIAN hISTORy hAS BeeN STOLeN By The AXIS OF eVILS: BRITISh, AUSTRALIANS AND CSR.

I hope when we are gone, our children will remember the sacrifices our generation made for their brighter future.

To awaken the dead conscience of Fiji Indians towards their Girmitiyas, I quote the following powerful extract from the pages of Rajendra Prasad’s “Tears in Paradise”

even in the stillness of cane stalks, one can almost feel the powerful presence

Professor Brij Lal (R), with former Founding Trustee of Fiji Girmit Foundation NZ, Pundit Devakar during Girmit Remembrance Day in Auckland in May 2014. The Foundation was behind continuous request to Fiji Government for Girmit Public Holiday but has not been acknowledged for their efforts.

a lamentation, composed under these traumatic circumstances by one of the Girmitiyas, reflects the depth of their suffering:

"churi, kudaari ke sung, ab bitay din aur ratian, ganne ki hari hari patiya, jaane hamari dil ki batiyaan

Front Cover of Rajendra Prasad’s epic, “TEARS IN PARADISE –Suffering and Struggles of Indians in Fiji -1879-2004.” This book is highly recommended reading for anybody wishing to learn about the emotional account of Fiji’s Girmit History. While the print edition is out of stock, it is available at Amazon.com.

sacrifices and pay our tribute to our Girmitiya forebears, a generation that must remain exalted and very high above every other generation.

vision of Fiji having a Girmit Public Holiday. Neither he nor Fiji Girmit Foundation NZ have been acknowledged for this feat.

of the spirits of sorrow and grief exuding from these sugarcane fields. they are the spirits of our ancestors.

the desperate cries of the Girmitiyas echoed from 1879 -1919 in the fields, but it was not until later that the outside world came to their rescue. when their white masters turned away their faces and the victims seethed in agony, the Girmitiyas found comfort in relating their anguish to the trees and plants around them. a folk song called Bidesia,

In these couplets, the lyricist tells of the widespread suffering of the Girmitiyas’ work in the sugarcane fields, saying that the knife and hoe are their companions day and night. atrocities against them are so blatant that even the green leaves of sugarcane bear witness to the flames of anguish that consume their heart.

May we be thankful to the sacrifices of our forebears. Let us remember them on 14 May, in some small way, as we mark Independence Day or Thanksgiving Day, Australia Day, ANZAC or Waitangi Day. Let us remember them by dedicating every 14 May as GIRMIT REMEMBRANCE DAY.

A salute to Sitiveni Rabuka for declaring GIRMIT DAY a Public Holiday from 2023.

And thanks to FIJI GIRMIT FOUNDATION NZ, which has been relentlessly seeking this recognition from Fiji Governments since

jesus is lord and The Truth…

simple revelation in the pages of Holy Bible. Keep reading with an open heart and humble spirit. You will encounter your Creator today.

Key Scripture:

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. - Romans 10:9

DeAR ReADeR,

My faith is firmly built on the solid Truth. Therefore, I am confident to write this short story. I am even compelled by the Truth to write. My personal experiences with the Truth has enriched my life. The Truth has shepherded me and shaped my destiny.

The Truth gives credibility to the witness - the writer. The witness desires to see the justice reign by the power and

authority of the Truth.

The Truth gives power and authority for the Light (Knowledge) to expel the Darkness (Igno-rance).

The Truth is a source of life to all creation. The Truth is found in God alone. Jesus put it straight and sharp.

He said, “I am the Truth… I am the Way and I am the Life”.

Therefore Truth must be experienced by encountering a Person -

Jesus. You can encounter your Creator by learning to seek Him. Have an attitude of hu-mility and a bold confession your mouth.

We are exited to bring the greatest good news on this planet just for you! Our theme is to make God simple and personal. God is not an object or an image or imagination of human mind. God is a living and loving person. We find this

Today, let us look at a bold and clear statement made by Apostle Paul. He points out that function of your mouth and alignment of your heart can pro-duce an extraordinary miracle. The miracle of personal and intimate relation-ship with God. This is a worthwhile and very important matter to find out.

According to the world population data, there are 8 plus billion people on this planet. The Holy Bible says in Romans 3:23, “For everyone has sinned and fallen short of God’s glorious standard”. And the wages of sin is death and eternal separation from God. That means we all are imperfect and people needing God’s perfect forgiveness and

Rajendra Prasad, the prolific writer and Author of “TEARS IN PARADISE”, former Town Clerk of Ba, Fiji, originally from a dusty, rustic rural village of Vaqia, Ba. He is frequently quoted in the article. Unlike academic writers, he wrote his book full of emotions, from his heart. No wonder, it gives the readers tears on beautifully articulated account of the suffering of our forebears.

2015, and succeeded with change in government in 2022, though they have not been acknowledged for this mammoth achievement of securing FIJI GIRMIT PUBLIC HOLIDAY..

Girmitiyas played their role and made the sacrifices, leaving a debt of gratitude upon us which we have failed to honour. Let us now join hands together with humility and respect to honour their

mercy.

Each person has sinned either by rebelling against God or by ignoring His will. Sin means refusing to do God’s will or failing to do all that God wants. Sin separates from the knowledge and the relationship with our Creator. But the Good news is that God has dealt with our sins on the cross. He sent Jesus as a ‘Lamb of God’ to carry the sins of all humanity. Not just for one ethnic group or nationality but for the entire world’s sin has been destroyed on the cross.

But, for you to receive the gift of God’s forgiveness and friendship, you need to do your part. Your part must come as a sincere act of faith. This must be your decision of the heart; that you earnestly desire to connect with a real and living God. When you say or declare “Jesus is Lord” you are transferring your debts of sins and rebellion to the one who can wash you and make you as new person.

I implore Fiji Indians across the world and their descendants to commemorate the sacrifices of the pioneer generation with solemnity and sobriety on May 14 or around that date, paying homage to those who laid their lives on the altar of sacrifice. I urge religious, social and cultural organizations to undertake this mission at the community level annually and also appeal to individual families to offer prayers and recitals in their homes in memory of those whose lives were tragically lost.

Let us all Fiji Indian Girmitiya descendants mark 14 May as FIJI GITMIT REMEMBRANCE DAY, this year and every year.

SALUTATIONS TO THE GIRMITIYAS - SHAT SHAT NAMAN

[About the Author: Thakur Ranjit Singh is a journalist and a media commentator, a regular contributor to BIT and runs his blog FIJI PUNDIT. He is originally from Fiji and is based in Auckland, New Zealand. E-mail: thakurjifj@ gmail.com.

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Let this day be your day; a day of greatest miracle. The miracle of knowing and reconciling with your true Lord and Saviour.

Please pray this sincerely;

“Dear Father God, today thank you for word that has touched my heart. I confess with my mouth ‘Jesus is Lord’ and believe in my heart that God raised Him from the dead. Now help me to grow in the knowledge of your grace and mercy. Teach me your ways so that I can be person who will learn to honour you and love one another. - Amen.

Please email to us your new birth experience so we can help you grow in the glorious hope in your Creator.

Email to us to help you connect with Christ: navig8grace@gmail.com

Thakur Ranjit Singh, FIJI PUNDIT

jesus said “arise and shine…”

Author Rajendra Prasad (L) with the then Fiji’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, with Sardar Harnam Singh Golian at Girmit Remembrance Day in Auckland in 2015. It was in that function that Rajendra had first mooted the

borobudur and Prambanan Temples

IN March 2023, my wife and I travelled to Jakarta and Yogyakarta. Both cities are located on Java, the most populated island of Indonesia. Indonesia is a country, which consists of over seventeen thousand islands, including Sumatra, Java, Bali, Kalimanthan and others. The country is located in Southeast Asia and Oceania between the Indian and Pacific oceans. The name Indonesia is derived from the Greek words Indos and nesos, which mean Indian Islands.

India has been closely related to Indonesian islands through trade and cultural exchanges since ancient times. Long ago, Indian traders established their settlements on various islands. Subsequently Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms were founded on Indonesian archipelagos. Many cities, towns and objects still retain their Sanskrit names.

Buddhist kingdoms of Srivijaya in Sumatra and Shailendra in Java, and Hindu kingdoms of Sanjay and Majapahit in Java reigned over a large part of territories of modern Indonesia. Those kingdoms flourished over many centuries and contributed to the development of a unique culture and traditions that were aligned with Indian beliefs and institutions. Temples and monasteries, which they built, still dominate the landscape of Indonesian islands, including Bali and Java.

Bali is predominantly a Hindu majority Island. During our previous trip to Indonesia, we visited Bali and were impressed by the grandeur of Hindu monuments, temples and religious rituals practiced by the local population. This time we decided to visit Yogyakarta, which is located in central Java. The largest Buddhist temple Borobudur and one of the largest Hindu temple complexes, Prambanan, are both located near Yogyakarta. Merapi Mount with active volcanic activities is about an hour’s drive from Borobudur and Prambanan.

Australian tourists generally enter Indonesia at Denpasar in Bali or Jakarta in Java if travelling by air. Yogyakarta is well connected with both locations by regular flights. We chose Jakarta for our entry to Indonesia.

Jakarta is the national capital of Indonesia, and is located in the northwest of the Java Island. It is the largest city in Southeast Asia with population estimated to be over eleven million in 2023. Jakarta is the Javanese pronunciation of Sanskrit word ‘Jay Karta’, which means “the achiever of victory”. Being the capital city, Jakarta is the political, economic and cultural centre of Indonesia. During the Dutch colonial era it was called Batavia.

We stayed in Jakarta for a few days and visited some of the local tourist attractions. Notable among them were the Merdeka Square, Monumen Nasional, Museum

Nasional, Presidential Palace, Masjid Istiqlal, Cathedral church and a monument of Arjun on a chariot depicting a scene from the Mahabharat. All these attractions are in close proximity to the Merdeka Square.

Merdeka Square is a large square located in central Jakarta. Merdeka is the Indonesian word for freedom or independence. In September 1945, Sukarno, the Indonesian independence leader, declared independence from colonial rule at a grand meeting

held in the square. The square measures around one-square kilometre in area and is one of the largest such areas in the world. It is well maintained, with coverings of flowers and greenery. Trees enclose some outer sections of the square. A number of statues and monuments are installed in its different sections. The square is a popular destination for local residents for sports and recreational activities, especially on weekends.

The National Monument, also called Monas (Monumen Nasional), is located in the centre of the square. It is a 132m-high tower surrounded by spacious paved areas near its ground floor, and also on a higher level. Below the monument is an underground museum that displays exhibits highlighting events of Indonesian history from the ancient period to modern age. Hindu and Buddhist periods are munificently displayed in the museum. The monument is reached through an underground tunnel from the ticketing area. Visitors are allowed access to the top of the tower by a lift. Tourists crowd the area, and even during a lean period, one has to wait for hours to obtain access to the top floor of the monument.

The monument hosts national events such as military parades as well as civil demonstrations. Surrounding the Monument is a park with a musical fountain and a deer enclosure, where they roam freely.

Masjid Istiqlal is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia. Its dome is 45m across and the minaret tops 90m high. Directly opposite the mosque is a huge cathedral church.

The Presidential palace, National Museum and many government buildings are located around the Merdeka Square. Not far from the Museum, Arjun’s monument is a reminder of the ancient Indian connection of the region.

The National Museum is full of displays depicting Hindu gods and goddesses, kings and queens, Buddha and many stone pillars with Sanskrit inscriptions. At the entrance of the museum, there is large forecourt, which is full of objects of Hindu and Buddhist origin, found in different regions of the Indonesian archipelagos.

From Jakarta, we travelled to Yogyakarta. It is around an hour’s flight from Jakarta.

Yogyakarta is the capital of Special Region of Yogyakarta in central Java. Yogyakarta is named after the Indian city Ayodhya, the birthplace of Shree Ram, the main protagonist of the Ramayan. Its English translation is a “city fit to prosper”. The major attractions in the city are the Sultan’s Palace, known as Kraton, Taman Sari (also a palace), fort Benteng Vredeburg and a number of museums.

The region was previously known as Bhumi Mataram, the Javanese word derived from Sanskrit for “Mother Earth”. King Sanjay was the founder and the first king of the Mataram kingdom.

Contemporary to Sanjay was another king named Shailendra, who ruled the adjoining region.

The Sanjay dynasty kings were Shaivite Hindus and Shailendra kings were followers of Mahayan Buddhism. These two dynasties were great builders.

Major tourist attractions outside the city such as Borobudur, Prambanan and other Buddhist

and Hindu temples were built during their time. An adventure tourist attraction, the Merapi mount with active volcanic activity, is also located in this region.

Borobudur is translated as ‘Buddha Vihar’ or ‘Buddha on Hills’ or Supreme Buddha. “Boro” means Vihar as well as hills and supreme, and “Budur” means Buddha. It is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. Borobudur is located 42 km from Yogyakarta. Mountains and hills surround it. It was built between the end of the 7th century and the beginning of the 8th century. It has the form of a Stupa, which contains sacred objects as a symbol of respect for Buddha. Shailendra dynasty kings who ruled over the area from the end of the 7th century to the 9th century built this grand temple.

The base of the temple is 123m x123m square and its original height was 42 meters. The height has reduced due to damage from lightening strikes and earthquakes. The temple consists of nine stacked platforms, of which six are square and three circular. A central dome tops it. It is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and originally there were 504 Buddha statues. Seventytwo Buddha statues, each seated inside a perforated stupa surround the central dome. The relief panels depict the life story of Buddha from birth to his Nirvan. The design of the temple conforms to the style of Mahayan Buddhism.

All visitors must wear specially designed slippers made of leaves to ascend the temple. The access road to the temple passes through a huge park lined with trees and flower gardens. Established Ashok and Peepal trees are grown along the access route. Their original saplings were brought from India.

Borobudur lay hidden under layers of volcanic ash and jungle growth for centuries. It is believed that the temple was deserted when the population converted to Islam in the 15th century. It was

power struggle is assumed to be the reason for the neglect. The temples collapsed during a major earthquake in the 16th century.

In the eighteen-century, the ruins attracted the attention of western archaeologists who prepared reports on them. The government of the time took a keen interest in the findings. Subsequently, restoration works started which continue to date.

The main temples in the central courtyard were dedicated to Shiva, Brahma, Vishnu, their mounts and some other still unidentified deities. They are the main attractions of the site and are identified as Prambanan temple. It is the largest Hindu temple complex of ancient Java.

The Shiva temple is the largest building located in the centre. It is 47m high and its base measures 34m x 34m. Its GarbhGrih is located at elevation and is accessible through steep stone stairs. Large standing statues of Shiva Mahadev, Mahaguru Agastya, Mahishasur Mardini and a sitting statue of Ganesh are located in separate rooms in four directions of the temple at the Garbh-Grih level. They are accessible through their own distinct stairways.

rediscovered and unearthed in 1835. Subsequently through many restoration works, the temple has attained its current form. It attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world.

A number of other Buddhist temples including the Pawan and Mendut temples are located in the vicinity of Borobudur.

Merapi Mount is an active volcanic site, which last erupted on 11 March 2023. The mount can be seen from the Borobudur temple on a clear day. One can see smoke emitting from the mount cone. The word Merapi is derived from Meru, the legendary mountain, which is believed to be located on the centre of the earth. Tour operators arrange tours up to the base of the mountain. A museum located at the base displays scenes relating to the mount, terrain and volcanic eruptions.

Prambanan is the Javanese pronunciation of Sanskrit Parabrahma, the supreme God. The term Prambanan is used for the Hindu temple complex, which consists of around two hundred forty temples. It is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. The complex is arranged in three rectangular courtyards. Sixteen temples were originally built in the central courtyard. The remaining temples were housed in the second courtyard, which surrounded the central area. The third courtyard, surrounding the second, was a green space with an external wall.

Sanjay dynasty kings built this temple complex. The first temple was built around 850 AD. According to an inscription found in the region, the Shiva temple was inaugurated on 12 November 856. It was built to honour Lord Shiva, and its original name was Shivalay, the house of Shiva. The whole complex was completed over many years.

The temples were abandoned in the middle of the tenth century. A devastating eruption of the Mount Merapi volcano or a political

The Brahma temple is located to the south of the Shiva temple. Its’ square base measures 20m x 20m and it is 33m high. It has only one room as Garbh-Grih accommodating the statue of Brahma. It can be reached through a stone stairway.

The Vishnu temple is located to the north of the Shiva temple. It is identical in layout and structure to the Brahma temple, with a statue of Vishnu in the Garbh-Grih. Many visitors can be seen in the mode of supplication to the divine statues.

Secondary temples that include the Nandi temple, Hansa temple and Garuda temple are dedicated to their respective mounts and face the primary temples. In addition, there are other temples in the central courtyard. Visitors are allowed a Darshan of statues in the main three temples. The Garbh-Grihs of other temples are not open to visitors. None of the temples is used for active worship.

The temple walls are full of relief panels, depicting stories from ancient India. The reliefs on the Shiva and Brahma temples display stories from the Ramayan. The Vishnu temple wall reliefs depict stories relating to Krishna from the Bhagavat Puran. A regular show of the Ramayan ballet or Ramleela episodes is played in an area adjoining the main temples.

The temples in the central court are maintained in good condition and are the main attraction of the site. To view the temples in the outer areas, one has to ride a cartrain, which is driven regularly in the complex.

In addition to the main Prambanan temple, there are many other temples in the Yogyakarta region. Notable among them are the Sajiwan temple, Plaosan temple and Kalasan temple. The whole region reminds visitor of its glorious ancient Indian heritage.

Attraction of local inhabitants to their heritage is noticeable in this region. Many shops have their Sanskrit names. Statues of Ganesh, Buddha, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Garuda and other Indian characters can be seen in hotels and shops.

—Awadhesh Sharma www.hinduguru.com.au

Navagraha Maha Yagna

What stands for fearlessness? Why?

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

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

ji felt that, due to the blind imitation of Western culture there has been a steep rise in the incidences of alcoholism, suicide, and other immoral activities, especially among the youth during the last week of December. To rescue the youth from this debauchery and denigration, Pujya Bapu ji came up with the idea of worshipping a sacred Tulsi plant (holy basil). So, with a view to awaken the cultural pride of the India and to save the countrymen from mental slavery, in 2014, he initiated celebration of Tulsi pujan on 25th December. Pujya Bapu Ji has always emphasized the necessity to follow rich Indian culture and always said that it is only the Indian culture and Sanatana dharma which can give the world true happiness & peace.

Dear readers, in this article Pujya Bapu ji talks about fearlessness. Everything in this world is associated with some or other kind of fear. So, what is fearlessness? Pujya Bapu ji explains that renunciation alone stands for fearlessness.

appearance is always in fear of being disfigured in old age. Learning and science have the fear of antagonistic discussions. Good qualities suffer from the fear of evilminded persons, who will do their best to lower the value of a man possessed of them, by slander etc. The body is beset with the fear of death. Thus, everything in this world pertaining to man is associated with fear. Renunciation alone is free from such associations."

(Vairagya

Shataka: 31)

If man enjoys sense pleasures, he has fear of disease. If cooling substances like sandalwood paste are smeared repeatedly or excessively it causes vata disorders. If a person belongs to a high family, he has the fear of downfall or having some defect. If any member of a family becomes immoral or licentious there is the fear of bringing disgrace to the family. Thus, accumulation of abundant wealth is fraught with the fear of the king, lest the wealth is seized by the king. Silence is associated with the fear of dishonour and neglect. Many people consider the person observing silence to be poor and downtrodden. In strength there is the fear of enemies (during combat). If one has a handsome appearance there is fear of disfigurement. All beauty and fairness of skin are destroyed in old age without fail. Scholars of the scriptures are always fearful of their opponents who want to disparage and humiliate them. Merits or good qualities suffer from the fear of evil-minded people who try to find faults with even the best works and misinterpret them. They will do their best to lower the value of a man possessed of them by slander, censure, etc. The body is beset with the fear of death. The death of the body is inevitable. One who is embodied, who has put on the garment of this body must leave it.

Thus, on deep thinking it is proved that everything in this world pertaining to man is associated with fear. What is fearless then?

Renunciation alone stands for fearlessness."

the meaning of renunciation, how could a married couple ever practise it? How could they renunciate?

Renunciation, as envisaged in the Hindu Scriptures, is represented through the picture of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati sitting together with their family around them. Lord Shiva and his divine consort Parvati live together as a married couple carrying out their respective duties. They have been promulgated in the Hindu scriptures as epitomes of renunciation. People think that by the word Renunciation, Hindus mean retiring into the forest, living away from society, shunning everything, hating everything. However, that is not the actual meaning of the word according to the Hindu ideology. Hindus can exercise absolute renunciation even in their family life.

all his energies on a single point or word (towards spiritual progress), lie must not be disturbed by the other circumstances. And what does that mean? It means renouncing all other objects, so to say. The more of this renunciation a man has, the more successful, the more famous, the more peaceful and the greater a man he is.

Bhagavan Shri Ramachandraji says to his Guru Sage Vasishtha in Shri Yoga Vasishtha Maharamayana: “All enjoyments are the great disease of samsara. Just as disease cannot be destroyed by taking unwholesome food, the disease of samsara continues by enjoyments."

(viveka): “Brother, all are so transitory and perishable. Many eminent persons left this world. Who are we to stay here forever?”

my son; so, and so is mine." Only one Atman is ours, all the rest is a dream.

“In the enjoyment of pleasure, there is always the fear of disease.

Membership in a high family is accompanied by the fear of the latter’s downfall.

Wealth is ever haunted by the fear of kings. Silence is associated with the fear of neglect and dishonour. In strength there is the fear of enemies. A handsome

Without renunciation there is not the least possibility of turning your household into a veritable paradise. Renunciation does not require you to go into the dense forests of the Himalayas; renunciation does not demand of you to strip yourself of all clothing; renunciation does not require you to walk barefoot and bareheaded. That is not renunciation. If that were

If this Vedanta Philosophy or essential Truth were simply meant for a small minority of people who retire into the forest, of what use is it to society? This renunciation, as espoused by the Hindus, is useful for everyone. The kind of renunciation that Hindus propagate is the only key to success. No hero can distinguish himself unless he is a man of renunciation; no poet can give you any poetry unless he is a true renunciate.

Anyone in order to come out victorious, in order that lie may be the master of nations, in order that he may be able to sway all armies, lie has to keep himself practically above the world, above all attachments. His mind must be undisturbed, peaceful, quiet and calm; and lie ought to concentrate

Ah! How uncertain is the sensual life in this world! If you constantly think of the transitory nature of sensual pleasures and its concomitant evil viz., misery, worry, trouble, and death, you will never get attached to them and develop dispassion. The dispassion that comes momentarily is due to the loss of relation or wealth. What is really wanted is the dispassion born of constant reflection on the transitoriness of the world or self-inquiry or discrimination (viveka). It is lasting and steady.

How to develop Vairagya? Pujya shri elucidates on this topic in His satsang. There are many ways to kindle or develop vairagya. One is when a quarrel takes place in the family, or someone dies, or the desired thing could not be obtained, and one gets frustrated and thinks: “This is what the world is like. Leave it.” Or one gets the company of satsangi people and develops discrimination

Discrimination dawned in him. Vairagya dawns by doing japa and some discrimination: “There is no essence except God.” One may get sense pleasures as one chooses, but it is worthless as compared to divine joy. One enjoys sexual pleasures and then thinks what did one actually gain? The mind is so elevated and blissful after hearing satsang and doing meditation, but after sex indulgence there is nothing but utter ruin. Such discrimination also develops Vairagya. You fed your sons and daughters by earning money through hard work, bathed them; washed their clothes and when they behave impudently with you think it over. It will develop Vairagya. Kindle discrimination while looking at the body during sickness or its transitory and perishable nature or go to a crematorium and tell your mind: “This is the fate of the bodies.”

Think about birth, death, old age and sickness. “What will happen to my sons? What will become of my family?” Come out of this confusion. We have come into this world with our Prarabdha (destiny).

You were someone’s son in your past life. Neither that body nor those relatives accompanied you in this life. Even your present body is not yours. It would obey your wish if it were yours. It becomes sick against your wish. Then how can it be yours? It is nothing but attachment and mineness that makes you think “This is

“Cultivate a taste for dispassion and be established in Bhakti (devotion to God)."

To listen Vedic/knowledge stories or to listen 24X7 live divine Satsang, please search “Mangalmay live” on google, visit http://www.ashram. org/live or search “THE SBM STUDIO” on you tube. By the Divine Inspiration of Bapu Ji, the weekly sessions of Bal Sanskar and yoga are held in Brisbane, Melbourne and in Sydney. These sessions are aimed for the character, mental, intellectual and spiritual development of the kids. The kids are trained to learn yogic mudras, techniques, yogasnas and pranayamas. These yogic techniques along with jap and meditation help kids in attaining virtues like righteousness and selfrestraint. The kids learn precious keys to develop intelligence and take advantage of chanting and meditation while playing and laughing. Please read more about our Vedic culture in the next issue of “The Brisbane Indian Times.”

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

For more info about Bal Sanskar and yoga sessions, to get a free copy of monthly spiritual magazine RishiPrasad in your mailbox in Australia or to get free online subscription of Rishi -Prasad, please contact by email at bskamd@gmail.com or by WhatsApp/phone to Ashok Attri and Anu Attri at +61 426 834 434 & +61 405 277 802

a glorious beQueaThMenT

To huManiTy – 125 years of The raMaKrishna organisaTion

Compiled by Swami Atmeshananda

The Vedanta Centre in Springfield Lakes, Qld celebrates 125 glorious years of the establishment of its parent organisation –the Ramakrishna Mission (https://belurmath.org/).

Established in India on 1st May 1897 by the illustrious Swami Vivekananda, the organisation has been a beacon light to many people throughout the years. ‘Swami’ (Hindu monk) Vivekananda lived a short life of 39 years, yet laid down the spiritual and legal infrastructure for the organisation which, he said, will last for at least 1000 years!

The Ramakrishna Mission Movement was founded in the name of Sri Ramakrishna (SRK), the 19th-century mystic and spiritual guru of Swami Vivekananda, 11 years after his demise. Sri Ramakrishna practiced in his own life, various religious paths and came to the conclusion that ‘paths may vary, but the goal is the

same, namely, realization of perfection in life’ (cf. Be ye, therefore perfect, even as your father in heaven is perfect – Matthew 5.48).

The role played by Sri Sarada Devi (SD, 1853-1920), the wife of Sri Ramakrishna, is pivotal in the first two decades of this organization, especially after the demise of its founder, Swami Vivekananda. She was not only the the spiritual mother of the monks and the followers, but her talents in organizational management, interpersonal skills, and unwavering moral support to the monks of the organization were phenomenal. She did not receive any formal education, yet she was the very personification of discipline and keen common-sense guiding the organisation.

Ramakrishna Mission was founded on a radical idea: the monks would not be confined to the monastery but participate in activities for the welfare

of society while remaining detached from all benefits/ recognition that may accrue from this involvement. The traditional monastic orders saw this as a complete abandonment of their basic goal of a totally contemplative life. At the same time, many social organizations and common citizens ridiculed the idea of a religious organization trying to provide social services, something that could be delivered much better by professional NGOs and governmental agencies. But it was the genius of Swami Vivekananda that was encapsulated the motto of the organizations mission- ‘For the salvation of our individual selves and for the welfare of all beings’.

The service aspect is guided by the Bengali axiom that Swami Vivekananda was fond of - Śiva jñāne jīva sevā (serve all beings with the realization that they are manifestations of the divine).

The Vedanta Centre in

Springfield Lakes follows the above principles and serves the community through various activities: food to the needy, free grocery hampers, relief in times of calamities like the recent COVID pandemic, giving financial assistance to individuals when possible, providing spiritual counseling and

guidance, conducting character-building workshops for children and youth, scriptural classes and multicultural events to benefit the community. More activities will be included in the future.

The Vedanta Centre in Springfield Lakes is an intercultural faith and community hub engaged

in benevolent activities like food assistance, educational workshops, activities for children and youth, classes on Vedanta and volunteer opportunities. The Centre has a Café, Soup Kitchen, community garden and reading library. All are welcome. www.facebook.com/ vedantaspringfield

Who, What, Where, When...

Another citizenship ceremony with over 600 people becoming citizens in Brisbane City Hall

A prestigious coronation dinner was held at Tattersalls Club Brisbane jointly organised by Victoria League and Order of Australia Association (cameras were not allowed inside)

A thanksgiving coronation service at St John’s Cathedral Brisbane was presented with full glory, and the church organ and choir were just superb

Community leaders and Media supporters were recognised at Bangladesh Pooja and Cultural Society celebration.

The incoming president of GOPIO Queensland at the VIP reception post citizenship ceremony with Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and Umesh Chandra OAM GOPIO International Executive vice president

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, on a lighter note, at the coronation dinner

One of the many delightful performances, it was good to see the support of various organisations in making this a huge success.

Who, What, Where, When...

The organising committee of Gita Mahotsav presented a copy of Gita to Federal Speaker Honourable Milton Dick MP at BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in the presence of many religious and community leaders; Hon Milton Dick Mp delivered an encouraging and uplifting speech showing his appreciation.

The expert panel at the skilled migration seminar held at Queensland Multicultural Centre, Umesh Chandra OAM was the MC for the seminar.

Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll APM, addresses the gathering at EID festival in Rocklea show grounds

Team GOPIO with Acting Regional Director of Home Affairs Qld and NT Geoff Jones

Pankaj Agarwal, Ruchi Agarwal, Dr Rekha Bohra, Neetu Singh, Usha Chandra and Umesh Chandra OAM at Ananda- Endless Ecstatic Happiness Event”. Organised by Om Positive

Invited guest at the official opening of EID festival 2023

hajj- a life changing experience

ALL praise is due to Allah

Ta’ala the most Merciful and the most Beneficent, The Cherisher and Sustainer of all the worlds and Peace and Blessings be upon the final messenger, Prophet Muhammad Salalahu Alayhi Wa Salam. Alhumdullilah, we have been fortunate to observe another month of Ramadhan in which Muslims all around the world partake in fasting and various other forms of ibadah (acts of worship, such as giving zakat and increasing involuntary prayers. This was also a month that brought communities from all different nationalities and family’s together with weekly iftaar’s at the local mosque and iftaar’s at individual houses. The month of fasting is completed with the celebration of Eid which is a day where the community comes together to celebrate after a vigorous month of worship. We ask Allah Ta’ala to accept our worship. The months following Ramadhan also have a significant importance in the life of a Muslim. One of these months is Dhul Hijjah, the month where Muslims travel to the cities of Mecca and Madina to complete the holy Hajj. This article will give a synopsis of Hajj and the different activities Muslims perform during Hajj.

Hajj is a physical journey to the city of Mecca, but it is primarily for spiritual reasons. When one begins the journey to Mecca, they leave all worldly things behind them. As they get closer to Mecca they

enter a state of ihrām. This consists of wearing only two white pieces of cloth and removing all worldly adornments. According to Islamic teachings, when one dies they will also be buried in a white shroud. Ihrām resembles the leaving of this world and preparing for the journey toward the hereafter. Ihrām also creates a sense of equality among all the pilgrims. The rich are identical to the poor, the white to the black, the king to the servant, and the young to the old. Everyone is stripped down to their humanity.

Similarly, on the day of judgment everyone will be gathered with nothing of their worldly possessions. Race, wealth, and status will not matter on that day. It is only one’s nearness to God that will be of any avail. Hajj is almost like a rehearsal for the day of judgment. Leaving the home symbolizes death, the iḥrām symbolizes the shroud, the large ocean of people gathering in Mecca of people from all races and backgrounds symbolizes the resurrection and gathering on the day of judgment.

Hajj is also a commemoration of the actions of previous prophets such as Adam, Abraham, and Muhammad, peace be upon them. The pilgrims circle the Kaāba seven times and then pace between the hills of Safa and Marwa, which are close to the Kaāba, seven times. The pacing between these two hills is a reenactment of Hagar the wife of Abraham. She was alone in the desert and looking for water to quench the thirst of her

Hajj is also a commemoration of t H e actions of previous prop H ets suc H as a dam, a bra H am, and m u H ammad, peace be upon t H em. tH e pilgrims circle t H e k aāba seven times and t H en pace between t H e H ills of s afa and m arwa, w H ic H are close to t H e k aāba, seven times. tH e pacing between t H ese two H ills is a reenactment of Hagar t H e wife of a bra H am. sH e was alone in t H e desert and looking for water to quenc H t H e t H irst of H er infant son i smail. sH e ran between t H e two H ills seven times until a well of water gus H ed from under H er crying son’s feet. i n t H is reenactment, t H ere is an implicit message about t H e great status of women in i slam.

infant son Ismail. She ran between the two hills seven times until a well of water gushed from under her crying son’s feet. In this reenactment, there is an implicit message about the great status of women in Islam. Millions of pilgrims, both men and women, from throughout the world follow in Hagar’s footsteps each year. Additionally, the pacing between the two mountains is a reflection about the nature of this world. One must work hard and pace through life, and although things seem bleak, God will always provide relief in the end. This relief is not a result of our efforts, but from God, as the water did not gush from under Hagar’s feet, but from under the feet of her infant child.

As this very child grew up, Abraham was asked to slaughter him. The devil appeared to Abraham and tempted him to disobey God’s command to slaughter his son. Abraham pelted the devil with some stones. Pilgrims reenact this moment by throwing pebbles in the same location

where Abraham pelted the devil. This is symbolic of the devil in our own life, and with the throwing of each pebble, one throws away a bad habit. Abraham and Ismail both submitted to God’s command and prepared themselves to carry it out until God sent a ram to be sacrificed in place of Ismail. Pilgrims end their pilgrimage with slaughtering an animal to commemorate this great act, but more importantly as a symbol of piety and sacrificing of their own ego that often gets in the way of submitting to God’s commands. It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is piety from you that reaches Him (Qurāān 22:37).

One of the most important moments of hajj is when pilgrims gather on the mountain of Arafat. This mountain is where Adam and Eve met after descending to earth. All the pilgrims gather on this mountain and some of them go to the part of the mountain where the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon

o ne of t H e most important moments of H ajj is w H en pilgrims gat H er on t H e mountain of a rafat. tH is mountain is w H ere a dam and e ve met after descending to eart H. a ll t H e pilgrims gat H er on t H is mountain and some of t H em go to t H e part of t H e mountain w H ere t H e p rop H et m u H ammad, peace be upon H im, delivered H is final sermon.

tH is sermon was focused on reforming t H e social, economic, political, and religious elements of society. He commanded t H at men care for women, t H at slaves be freed, and preac H ed t H at all men are equal.

tH roug H out t H e day, pilgrims spend t H eir time in supplication and as t H e day comes to an end t H ere are many emotionally c H arged moments.

tH ose on a rafat s H ed tears as t H ey beg for forgiveness, acceptance, and H elp wit H t H eir needs in t H is world and t H e H ereafter.

him, delivered his final sermon. This sermon was focused on reforming the social, economic, political, and religious elements of society. He commanded that men care for women, that slaves be freed, and preached that all men are equal. Throughout the day, pilgrims spend their time in supplication and as the day comes to an end there are many emotionally charged moments. Those on Arafat shed tears as they beg for forgiveness, acceptance, and help with their needs in this world and the hereafter.

Hadith: Perform the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage, one after another, for they both erase poverty and ins just as the furnace removes impurity from iron, gold, and silver. There is no reward for an accepted Hajj but paradise (Tirmidhi).

Hadith: One who performs the Hajj genuinely without any acts of disobedience, he comes back home from the hajj free from sins as if he was a new born baby.

Ultimately, hajj is a life changing experience. It is a moment of repentance and forgiveness. The Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him stated: The reward for an accepted hajj is nothing but paradise (Bukhari). it’s important to make the distinction that Hajj is obligatory upon those who can afford it as instructed from the verses from the Holy Quran.

May Allah Ta’ala give use all the opportunity to perform the Hajj. Hajj Mubarak.

Prepared by M.Aslam

जी

प्रवचनों का ससांिी व इांत्लश स

म अनवा्द फकरा, और उनक

साि ्टी. एल. वासवानी जी

क नरी ग्रांर क ससांिी भजनों का दहन्दी म अनवा्द फकरा। तजसकी कैससड ्टी सीररज़ वालों न ररलीज़ की, "नरी पकार " नामक इस कैससड म अनरािा पोडवाल, सोन तनगम, सािना सरगम और हरीहरन जैस मज हअ गारकों न भजन गाररे ह। आसट्रसलरा म 4 EB रडडरो म

म अांग्रज़ी म कार्यरिम करिी री, आजकल आसट्रसलरन इडडरन रडडरो म हर मगलवार और पदहली बार ससनिी समाज न त्ब्रसत्बन म समलकर ससनिी नरा साल मनारा। माच्य क अांि म रा अप्ररेल क शरू म चैत्र मास क चाँ्द क द्दन तजस ससनिी चरे्टी चां्द कहिरे ह अुस द्दन ससनिी नरा साल मनािरे ह। अुस द्दन गडडी पाढवा का पव्य महाराषट्र भारि म मरा्ठछी समाज का नरा साल भी शरू होिा है। इसी द्दन ्दक्क्षण भारिी भी उघाड़ी नरा साल मनािरे ह।राम नौमी क नवरात्री का पदहला द्दन होिा है। ससनिी समाज क सलररे चरे्टी चां्द अधिक मह्वपण्य हो जािा है, करोंफक अुस द्दन उनक नररे साल की शरूआि क सार उनक इष्ट्दरे व अुडरोलाल तजनह झललाल साई भी कहिरे ह, उन की जरांिी भी है। पदहल ज़मान म न्दी क आसपास शहर बसाररे जािरे ररे, करोंफक पानी जीवन की आवशरकिा है। ससतनिरों न ससनि न्दी क ि्ट पर ससनि को बसारा। ससनिी वरूण ्दरे विा क पजारी ह। हर चाँ्द को चावल म समसरी मी्ठा डालकर पकािरे और न्दी म प्रवादहि करिरे, हर बचचा कही भी होिा रा, चाँ्द क द्दन मािा वपिा क चरण सपश्य करन आसशवा्य्द

लन अवशर आिा रा।सब कछ सही चल

रहा रा । समरास ( िम्य पररवति्यि

व सभी िमषों की इजजि करिरे ररे, पर ्दसवी स्दी म

नामक

वना्य क़्ल फकररे जारग।

ज़ासलम

सभी ससनिी ससनि न्दी क ि्ट

पर जमा हअ और समलकर वरूण

्दरे व की उपासना करन लग, परा द्दन

उपवास रखिरे ररे, शाम को समलकर खाना खािरे ररे। नग पैर रहन लग,परूषों न ्दाड़ी उिारनी छोड ्दी, न्दी ि्ट पर ज़मीन पर सोन लग। चालीस द्दनों िक क्ठछीन िपसरा की, िब इकिासलसव द्दन आकाश वाणी हई,

वरूण ्दरे विा न कहा, मै नसरपर म रिनचां्द और ्दरे वकी मािा क घर म जनम लगा और िमहार सार कष्ट ्दर हो जारग। उस द्दन सभी न समलकर बैरानो साहब की पजा की मी्ठरे चावल बनाररे, वरूण ्दरे व को अवप्यि कर उपवास िोड़ा , नाच गा कर समलकर जशन मनारा। कछ ससनिी आज भी चालीहो रखिरे ह, चालीस द्दनों िक उसी प्रकार कद्ठन िपसरा करिरे ह फिर इकिासलसव द्दन चरे्टी चां्द क द्दन बहरानो साहब की पजा करक मी्ठरे चावल का प्रसा्द खाकर उपवास िोड़िरे ह। उस द्दन सब समलकर नाच गाकर लाल साई रातन झललाल साई क भजन गाकर जशन मनािरे ह। —कवविा चाँिवानी

Kavita ji

bad habits Which should be given up

16 January 1979, Uluberia, Howrah

Philosophically speaking, defects and qualities may both be called bondages. That is, any idea which binds a person or an entity may be called a bondage. A defect may be called a negative quality. To accomplish anything in practical life, one must not only acquire certain positive qualities, but one must also avoid certain negative qualities. Intelligent people develop those qualities through constant practice and thus acquire special advantages in the struggle of existence. By keeping away from certain ingrained defects or by giving up certain bad habits, they avoid many of life’s major problems. There are a few of these bad habits which everyone should try to avoid. It is said;n

Nidrá-tandrá-bhayaḿkrodhah-álasyam-diirghasútratá

Ete hátavyáh śaŕ adośáh bhútimicchata.

In this sloka, people are cautioned about six dangerous bad habits. Those seeking welfare (in Saḿskrta, bhuti means “wellbeing”) in individual or collective life, in social or political life, should avoid these six bad habits. They bring great trouble to people, both individually and collectively.

The first bad habit is nidra or sleep. Sleep is a state that creates a feeling of vacuity after it is over. That is, immediately after waking up people forget where they were or what they were doing before sleeping. They lose the sense of time. “What’s the time now?” they ask, forgetting whether it is day or night. If people sleep too much for days on end, this mental disorientation persists for a long time. “Is it day or night? What time is it?” they ask, confused.

If this continues, their receptive and retentive powers decrease resulting in an almost total loss of mental power. They become dull, and lack courage to face life’s problems. They may have physical strength, but they lack courage. The ancient people believed that excessive sleep is good for health, but this is not the case. Rather, too much sleep not only impairs the health, but has an adverse effect on the mind.

What is sleep? It is something like the temporary retreat of an army after a major offensive, or, the way runners push their legs behind them on the starting line to give themselves more momentum to sprint forward.

Before undertaking a strenuous task, a short rest is required. This is our sleep. As for myself, I usually do not sleep more than four hours a night for many months at a stretch, and have no difficulty.

Those who know the special techniques to control the nerve cells or nerve fibres may forego sleep altogether. You must have noticed that some people who sleep too much often doze off at work. This has brought much trouble to the society. Suppose a man’s lifespan is 80 years but he spends forty of them sleeping; he will not get much time to do anything worthwhile. To be under the spell of sleep is therefore highly deplorable. Those who sleep too much must strive to reduce their sleeping time as far as practical.

The second bad habit is tandra or dullness. It is a sense of contraction, the loss of momentum or inspiration to do any work in life. This may occur due to glandular defects, diseases or even due to inborn instinct.

Those suffering from the latter normally die in their early teens.

Those who are habitually lazy suffer from a lack of original thinking and a lack of drive in the field of action. “Shall I be able to do this? How will I ever get it done? I’m good for nothing. I’m illiterate.” When people think in this way, their nerve cells fail to control their nerve fibres properly, resulting in their apathy for work. This dullness is a dangerous thing. The drowsiness that one feels after waking up from sleep is also tandra, and is also a kind of dullness. To overcome it, one should practice certain psychic exercises and follow a psychic discipline.

Some students can only concentrate attentively on their studies for a short time before their minds are diverted to the playground. Their eyes may remain fixed on the text-book, but their minds play in the playground for maybe fifteen or twenty minutes. Their parents and teachers feel satisfied with their apparent studiousness, but actually, they cannot study properly. The eyes may read, but their minds do not. This is also a kind of staticity because the mind is fixed in the playground.

During the examination period, a student may have to study under compulsion due to the high expectations of friends, parents and neighbours. In this case, too, the eyes will read but the mind will not, as the boy is working under external pressure. What will the result be? During the first period of relaxation after the examinations are over, when he goes to the cinema or playground, his mind will revert to its original static position. He quickly forgets within two or three days what he had previously learned and remembered with great labour. During the examination period, you will notice that you can memorize your lessons very quickly, but, as soon as the exams are over, you will forget everything within two or three days. The same sort of psychology works in all such cases. Thus, dullness is a very dangerous thing. One should remain vigilant against it.

If the feeling of dullness overcomes a woman cooking in the kitchen, she will forget to add salt and spice to the vegetables. She is physically present in one place, but mentally, she is somewhere else. If you see a man who is inattentive to his duties, or a woman forgetting to add salt and spices to the food, you will know that their minds are under the spell of lethargy. They need psychic treatment. And in the case of boys and girls - particularly those who are engaged in studies – it takes a long time to shake off this psychic lethargy. School teachers should understand this psychology so that their students can learn from them.

The third bad habit is bhaya or fear. This fear instinct is ingrained within everyone’s mind. When fear is prominent, people are said to be timid. The rule regarding fear is the more you surrender to it, the more it will increase. Similarly, the more you sleep, the more you want to sleep, and the day may come when you will develop the habit of sleeping twenty-four hours a day. The more you eat, the more your desire to eat increases. One can devour as much as a demon, but if one reduces the intake of food, one can remain just as healthy. I have spent about five years virtually without food. It seems impossible, but anyone can do that if they try. It is not very difficult.

One must exercise control

By Shrii Shrii Anandamurti

over all these habits. It may happen that due to adverse circumstances, one is unable to get any food for ten days. One who does not have any control over the food habit will certainly die in such a situation. But the one who has control will manage to survive even for four or five years. This is within the bounds of possibility for human beings.

If one surrenders to fear, the fear instinct will increase. One who is timid may see a ghost even in broad daylight. Conversely, one who is brave will not see a ghost even in a burial ground in the dead of night. What is the reason for this? Due to fear psychosis, a kind of internal psychic projection is created. Usually the mind is in one of five states: kśipta – almost mad, múrha – almost foolish, vikśipta – scattered, ekágra –almost concentrated, and nirodha – one pointed. Depending upon one’s internal psychic projection within any one of these five states, ghosts may be created. Even in the dead of night, one can dismiss the presence of ghosts with the help of negative hallucinations. This is just the opposite of internal psychic projection (positive hallucination). Thus, one should have control over fear. How to do this? The only way is to ideate on and take shelter in the most powerful entity – Parama Puruśa. Yátováco nivartante aprápya manasá sáha, Anandaḿ brahmano vidvám má vibheti kadácana. If one takes shelter in Parama Puruśa one need not be afraid of anything in this world. In fact, this is the only way to become totally free from fear. Those who are affected by a fear psychosis doubt their own capacity to do anything. But, if they were to try a little, they would easily accomplish what they wanted to do. “Shall I be able to do this work?”

You might wonder. But who knows, maybe the task will be accomplished before you think. If someone sees a ghost under the spell of fear and immediately they remember their iśta mantra, they can then take a few steps forward, slap the ghost and immediately understand that it was not a real ghost – it was perhaps a chair which was wrongly taken to be a silhouette of a human being. This is what happens. March forward with courage and you will see the ghosts, ghouls and goblins stepping away from you doing namaskar!

It may happen that you are tormented by someone in your personal life and tolerate everything out of fear. If one day you summon up all your courage to oppose that person, you will find that the tyrant retreats ignominously. Similarly, under the spell of fear, a community may allow itself to be exploited by another community. But if the exploited community turns against the exploiters, the tyrants will take to their heels. There is a great need for courage. Never surrender to fear in individual or collective life.

The fourth bad habit is krodha or anger. What is the nature of anger? When there is too much agitation in the nerve cells and nerve fibres, perhaps after thinking or hearing something, one is affected by krodha. When someone vexes you or humiliates you too much, your nerve cells become agitated. It may also be that no one has insulted or disturbed you, nor have they done anything to provoke you; yet simply thinking about a certain person your nerve cells get tremendously excited. Perhaps

someone said something insulting to you as long as fifteen years ago. Even now, when you suddenly remember those words, your nerve cells get excited, your nerve fibres become restless, and you grow angry. As a result of anger, the whole body trembles, and the skin changes colour: one with a fair complexion becomes reddish, one with a black complexion becomes violet. (The Bengali word for anger is “rága”: rańj + ghaiṋ = rágá. In Saḿskrta, rága means to colour something. In Oria it is also “rága”). This is the effect of anger on the human body. Anger is the same everywhere. It occurs when the nerve cells fail to control the nerve fibres.

Let me give another example of what happens when one loses control over the nerve fibres. Some people are so crazy about football that they dream of the game while sleeping. What is a dream? When we think during the wakeful state our conscious mind operates and we understand that we are thinking inwardly. But when we think during the state of sleep, the conscious mind does not work and we wrongly think the objects thought of are real. So a football fan who dreams about the game while sleeping may shout, “Gooaal! Gooaal!” and start kicking left and right with his legs. Clearly, his nerve cells have lost control of the nerve fibres.

When one gets angry, one is easily defeated. That is why Lord Buddha said,

Akkodhena jine kodhaḿ asádhuḿ sádhuná jine; Jine kadariiyaḿ dánena saccena aliikavádinam.

To fight anger you must be established in the state of nonanger. When angry, one loses control over the nerve cells and fibres – one trembles all over and says things which would not otherwise have been said. If you remain free from anger, you will easily overpower an angry person because you have absolute control over your nerve-cells and fibres. The angry person will fall down with the slightest push. Thus Buddha’s advice is, “To fight anger you must be established in the state of non-anger.”

“Asádhuḿ sádhuná jine”. To fight against a dishonest person, you will have to become even more honest yourself. To fight against a miser, you will have to become more charitable. These mental tendencies, that is, anger, dishonesty, miserliness, etc., are the expressions of mental disease. If you want to fight against them you must be totally free from mental disease. If you are not, you will have to keep aloof from them at least at the time of battle.

I once told a story about the habit of miserliness. There was a tight-fisted man whose wife was equally miserly. Let’s call him Somá. One day, when Somá returned home, his face was pallid and he was physically sick. Seeing the wretched condition of her husband, his wife – we can call her Somii – asked:

“Somii kahe samá se kanche muh malin

Kyá kuch gántse giir gayá kyá kuch diiya diin.”

“Somá, my darling, why is your face so pale? Why do you look so haggard? Have you lost some money? Did you happen to give a present to someone by mistake? Something like this must have happened, otherwise why would you look so pale?” Somá replied;

“Na kuch giiro ná kuch diiyo diin

Diiyo dekhe dosarko táhe muh maliin.”

“No, nothing like that. Neither

have I lost any money, nor have I given a gift to anyone. I just happened to see someone giving a donation to another person and lost my usual composure.”

So you see these are all psychic diseases. Obviously, when you are preparing to fight against psychic disease, you must remain free from the disease yourself, at least during the time of battle. Only then will you be victorious. The next bad habit is alasya or lethargy. In the human body the various actional faculties take the form of action with the help of different nerve cells. Some people are incapable of activating those nerve cells due to their inborn instincts – they are unable to work even if they wish; whereas others develop the habit of idleness in the course of their lives. Idleness is most harmful in the spiritual sphere, less harmful in the psychic sphere and still less harmful in the physical world.

Every human being, from the age of fourteen or fifteen, has an innate desire to ideate on Parama Puruśa. With cosmic ideation one will attain vast expansion of mind, one will become great in all respects. No one can check the all-round growth of such a person. People realize this and yet ignore it and thus waste their time getting old for nothing. That is, they waste their time in nonspiritual pursuits. This is called “spiritual lethargy”. It causes the greatest harm to human life because it results in only a very small percentage of the human potentiality – maybe one or two percent – being utilized by humans. Even those whom we call great personalities hardly use ten percent of their potentialities. Due to spiritual lethargy people are unable to grow, and thus remain very ordinary. They come to the world, live, decay and die as ordinary human beings.

Next is psychic lethargy. What is the nature of this sort of lethargy? Psychic lethargy is the lack of mental courage to think independently and to utilize the physical potentialities according to one’s inherent thoughts. For example, most people realize that since all human beings are the progeny of Parama Puruśa, there should not be any distinction of caste. Those who accept casteism can never accept Parama Puruśa and conversely, those who believe in Parama Puruśa can never accept casteism. Almost all human beings understand this and yet, in their individual lives, they surrender to old customs and beliefs. Just imagine what a serious lapse this is, what a serious psychic lethargy. The root case is the lack of moral courage.

Next is physical lethargy, which you all understand from your personal experience. Extreme physical idleness has led to the ruin of many communities. Many communities in the world are so adverse to physical labour that they employ people from outside to do their work for them. Even if they had no food to eat they would be reluctant to work. You will also find people who only have enough food for a few days and yet lie blissfully in bed. Some are in an even worse plight because they remain oblivious to their condition under the influence of alcohol. The people of many countries in the world today are affected by this lethargic mentality. This explains physical lethargy. People will have to fight against it.

The sixth and last defect is procrastination – the psychology of delaying tactics: not today, but tomorrow always tomorrow.

Defer everything until tomorrow. Though procrastination is a very serious defect according to the scriptures, personally, I do not totally accept this view. In my opinion, the capacity to delay noble deeds is a vice, but the capacity to delay sinful deeds is a virtue. If I waste time and postpone good deeds until tomorrow, it is extremely bad. But if I postpone bad deeds until tomorrow, it is good. While delaying something bad, one’s mind may change and one may decide not to do it after all. Hence, procrastination in the case of bad deeds is a virtue.

There is a good story in the Ramayana. When Ravana was about to die, Rama came near him and said, “You are an experienced and knowledgeable king. In comparison to you, with your vast experience, I am just a boy. Please give me some valuable advice”. Ravana said, “Rama, through experience I have learnt that whenever you wish to perform a noble deed, do it immediately. Do today whatever you propose to do tomorrow.

‘Shubhasya shiighram ashubhasya kálaharańam’”

Yo kál kare so áj kar Yo áj kare so ab Palme pralay hoyegii Bahurii karoge kab? - Kabir

The work which you decide to do tomorrow, do it today itself. Why should you delay it until tomorrow? The sun’s rays may not penetrate into your life tomorrow. Do it today. And the work that you have decided to do today should be done immediately, this very moment.

“Rama,” he continued, “I thought about building a staircase to enable everyone to reach heaven. Unfortunately I delayed and delayed and now am about to die. I will never complete the work.”

“‘Ashubhasya kálaharańaḿ.’ ‘Whenever you have a thought in your mind to do something bad, delay it. Think to yourself, I won’t do it today, I’ll do it tomorrow. I’ll keep postponing it’. Alas, I didn’t follow this advice. On the spur of the moment, I took a decision to abduct Sita. I should have realized that it was not a good deed, but I didn’t wait. I abducted her without any delay. The result is that I am about to die. So, Rama, I advise you to follow these two principles.”

So to repeat, procrastination in the case of good deeds is extremely bad, but in the case of wicked deeds, is extremely good. Thus, whenever you have a desire to do something bad, you should delay – do not do it immediately. And then you should ask others whether the action is worth doing or not. Maybe the delay will bring about a change in your mind and you will not do the bad deed after all.

When people overcome these six bad habits and strive to move ahead, there is no force on Earth which can stop their movement, or check their progress. In your personal life you should always try to keep yourself free from these six bad habits. If you do, you are destined to be victorious.

16 January 1979, Uluberia, Howrah

Published in: Ananda

Vacanámrtam Part 8

Shrii Shrii A'nandamu'rti founded many spiritual and social service organisations, including Ananda Marga. Acarya Krsnapremananda Avadhuta is a representative living in Brisbane. He can be contacted on the following number: 0422823341

basava jayanthi celebrations 2023

ON the 22nd of April Basava Samithi Asia Pacific Ltd, Brisbane chapter (the Charity) proudly celebrated Basava Jayanthi (Guru Basavana’s birthday). The Charity is an Australian owned, nonreligious, non- political, not for profit, international charity organisation that promotes the advancement in education in a diversified, multi-linguistic,

multicultural societies by incorporating Guru Basava’s philosophy. Guru Basava was a statesman, philosopher, poet and social reformer who founded the first parliament and promoted equality of women at that time.

BSAPAC’s Hon. Deputy Chair and Executive Director Mrs. Girija Karekal appraised on the charity official inauguration ceremony held in Auckland, New Zealand

on April 8th & 9th. The Charity’s inaugural report was released on this occasion along with the 1st Basava Convention souvenir. Nearly 13 community leaders were honoured on the occasion of the charity’s inauguration by the Hon. Consul of India in Brisbane, Mrs. Archana Singh among them was chief guest Mr. Mahaling Mahagaonkar from India and several community leaders.

Mr. Mahagaonkar also presented the BSAPAC Jewel Award 2023 recipient Mr. Linden May, Brisbane. Mr. Linden was awarded the award for his unparallel service to this Charity. The Brisbane Chapter President Mrs. Shashikala Movnachar provided glimpses of the Brisbane chapter achievements throughout the year. The highlight of the

performances of the event was the Children’s Vachana Analysis wherein little kids translated the vachanas in their respective languages and articulated them with an example. Various dances were preformed, songs were sung to entertain the audience. Bharatnatyam dance by Ms. Ratehalli and Ms. Sahana were notable. Mrs. Nivedita, Mr. Chandru and Mr. Shivam alongside Mrs. Shashikala assisted with the program presentation and performance. Guest speaker Mr. Mahaling

Mahagaonkar enlightened audiences with speech about the Guru Basavana. We thank and appreciate all of the volunteers who assisted in organising the event and serving the holy feast. We look forward to many more such events. BSAPAC Brisbane chapter thanks all the people who supported and attended the event. For more information about this charity and its activities please e: contact.brisbane@ basavasamitiapac.org

Official Inauguration Basava Samiti of Asia Pacific Ltd

The historical inauguration and first convention of Basava Samiti of Asia Pacific Ltd (BSAPAC) on 8, 9 April 2023 at Mahatma Gandhi Centre, Auckland, New Zealand was a grand success. It met its objectives in accordance with the theme of ENGAGE • EDUCATE • EMPOWER • ENLIGHTEN.

BSAPAC is an Australian owned international charity that connects and unites small communities with the core purpose of promoting Guru Basava's philosophy across the Asia Pacific region. Guru Basava was a 12th-century philosopher and social reformer from Karnataka, India, who advocated a valuebased society grounded in principles and actions of equality, social justice, and harmony, regardless of caste, creed, or gender.

As part of the inauguration, the First Convention was held, brought together scholars, researchers, and practitioners to discuss the teachings of Guru Basava and their relevance to contemporary challenges. The convention featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, multifaith workshops, cultural programs, and networking opportunities, spread across six specific sessions.

It was a captivating two-day event attended by delegates from India, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as leaders from the wider Indian diaspora

community in New Zealand. The festivities began with a spectacular Chapter Parade, featuring the BSAPAC's Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, and Perth chapters, New Zealand chapter as the host and the board members.

The parade saw participants donning traditional 12th-century Sharanas costumes while proudly displaying their banners. The Basava Samithi from Bangalore, India, also participated in the parade, adding to the vibrant spectacle.

The Chapter Parade was followed by the inaugural function, where the delegates were warmly welcomed to the host country by the Maori Kapahaka team, who performed the Powhiri and Karanga rituals to the WHEIAO HAKA group's accompaniment. The event's first Founding Chair, Hon. Dr. Lingappa Kalburgi MNZM, JP, delivered an insightful inaugural speech, welcoming all the delegates. This was followed by an overview of the BSAPAC Charity's inception and achievements by the Deputy Chair and Executive

Director, Mrs. Girija Karekal, from Brisbane, Australia.

The Basava Samiti of Asia Pacific (New Zealand Chapter) Inc. President Mrs. Leena Kalburgi and her Executive Committee, Basava Samiti of Asia Pacific Ltd, Adelaide Chapter President Mr. Shadakhsari Adavayyanamath, Basava Samiti of Asia Pacific Ltd, Brisbane Chapter President Mrs. Shashikala Movnachar, Basava Samiti of Asia Pacific Perth Chapter Inc. President

Mr. Nagarjappa Siddappa were the key stakeholders of the event.

FIRST ASIA PACIFIC BASAVA CONVeNTION

On Sunday, 9th April 2023 the session commenced with the group Istalinga Mediation by all. Istalinga Meditation promotes peace and leads to attain enlightenment.

The morning session was welcomed by Mrs. Leena Kalaburgi, president Basava Samiti of Asia Pacific (NZ Chapter) Inc and the First Convention Souvenir

Arivina Manae was released by Mr. Arvind Jatti, President Basava Samithi, Bengaluru, India.

The first panel discussion on the topic “Arive Guru” was held amongst the BSAPAC delegates and the second panel discussion involved multi-faith leaders from the Jain, Muslim, Chinese, Sikh communities describing their interpretation of the convention topic on “Transcending ignorance with knowledge”.

Over the course of two days, the audience was treated to several cultural programs presented by the Basava Samiti Auckland, New Zealand, along with artists from the Kannada Koota. The highlights of the event included Mr. Balachandra Bhatt and his team's Hindustani music vocal renditions of several vachanas, Kannada Koota ladies' dance adaptations of vachanas, Mr. Diwakar's students' Karnatic vachana singing, and other solo and group dances from children and ladies. The participation and support of the children

from Kannada ShaLe, who delivered a powerful message through their enactment of the Anubhav Mantapa drama was notable.

The event concluded with an extravaganza closing ceremony featuring the presentation of the BSAPAC Jewel Awards. These prestigious awards were bestowed upon Mr. Pramod Nagaraj (Perth), Mr. Linden May (Brisbane), Ms. Dan Wu (Adelaide), and Mrs. Dr. Danamma Zalaki (India), of the BSAPAC Charity, in recognition of their unparalleled passion to serve and their unwavering commitment to achieving excellence.

Additionally, the BSAPAC Research Award was awarded to Dr. Avinash Kavi (India) for his outstanding research and contribution to the Sharana philosophy.

The second hallmark of the closing ceremony was the much-awaited announcement of the second BSAPC Convention. It will be held in Perth, Australia. The convention baton was transferred from Mrs Leena Kalburgi, to Mr Nagarajappa Siddappa, president BSAPC, Perth Chapter Inc. Australia. The two day event was well received by people from diversified ethnicity including Korea, China, New Zealanders (Kiwis), Estonia, India, Maoris and their spirits significantly motivated and enhanced.

Book Released by Mr. Aravind Jatti President, Basava Samithi Bengaluru, India 9 April 2023, Mahatma Gandhi Centre, Auckland, New Zealand

Inaugurated by Hon. Michael Wood Minister Immigration, Transport, Workplace Relations and Safety, Auckland, Associate Minister Finance 8, 9 April 2023, Mahatma Gandhi Centre, Auckland, New Zealand

shirdi sai sansthan brisbane celebrates ram navami

ShIRDI Sai Sansthan

Brisbane is a not for profit, charitable organisation setup by the ardent devotees of Shri Sai Baba since July 2015. The organisation has been conducting numerous events and functions in a year to raise funds for buying land to construct a Temple in Brisbane.

The Shirdi Sai SansthanBrisbane, celebrated Ram Navami (Lord Ram’s Birthday) with Baba’s divine blessings. Ram Navami is an important Hindu festival , celebrated every year on the ninth day of Chaitra month (first month in the Hindu Lunar Calendar)

On 1st April 2023, the Sansthan organised the most divine Ram Navami celebrations, Bhajans ,

cultural program , Keertan, followed by Palkhi and Bhojan Prasad(dinner). The celebration was witnessed by some over 200 people. The function was carried out at the Coopers Plains state school.

In the evening just before the Aarti, the devotees danced with a Ram parivar Palkhi. All of the above celebrations were conducted keeping the COVID safe guidelines into consideration at the Coopers Plains State

School.

One of the most important announcements made by the Sai Sansthan on this occasion was the accquistion of land to build the Shirdi Sai Temple in Brisbane. The Sansthan has successfully accquired permission to build the Sai

Temple in Browns Plains.

The Sansthan would also like to reach out to everyone in the community to help them in raising funds to build the most beautiful Sai Temple.

The Sansthan conducts Sai Bhajans and Arti’s every second and 4th Saturday at

Coopers Plains State School from 6pm onwards. These events are regularly published on the WhatsApp group and on the Facebook page run by the Sansthan. Every devotee is free to offer support or volunteer in any form.

chinmaya Mission brisbane's 2023 annual day celebrations

ON the 23rd April, Chinmaya

Mission Brisbane held its 2023 Annual Day celebrations titled "Om Gurubhyo Namah – Salutations to the Guru'' at the Queensland Multicultural centre in the presence of our Guru Swami Shrikarananda. The event was well attended by over 250 people with performances by children, teenagers, youth and adults.

Swami Shrikarananda spoke on the true significance of Guru – Gu(ignorance) and Ru(remover) and how to seek the guidance of a proper Guru to enlighten our lives.

The Balavihar children showcased their Guru Bhakti through beautiful dances, melodious bhajans

and chanting. Skits that unravelled the truth about everyday teachers such as the Earth, Water and Moon were captivating. The lineage of the Gurus was beautifully illustrated starting from Lord Shiva and Veda Vyasa through Adi Sankaracharya to Gurudev, Swami Chinmayananda. The Brisbane Chinmaya family members unfolded the magic of Gurudev’s inspiring life, paying respects to Gurus Swami Sivananda and Tapovan Maharaj through to the current global head of Chinmaya Mission, Pujya Swami Swaroopananda.

Chinmaya Mission Brisbane runs the family

program every Sunday during school term at three locations – Holland Park State High School (East/Southside), Heathwood (Westside) and Fitzgibbon Community Centre (Northside). These spiritual and well-being classes cater for all age groups – children, teenagers, youth and adults so the entire family can benefit at the same time. They focus on developing positive values of honesty, faith, courage, sharing, respect and care for all creatures, a love of learning and team playing and are based on ancient texts (Bhagavad Geeta, Upanishads), epics (Ramayana and

The flower garden

garden as with the first light the priests came to begin the morning worship, chanting, blowing conches and sounding gongs. Dawn music flowed from the music towers. The joyous sounds filled the temples, the flower gardens, orchard and goose pond…

Mahabharata) and Puranas. There is a specific curriculum designed for each of the different age groups and includes chanting and meditation. Online classes for adults on Vedantic texts on Sunday and Wednesday evenings, holiday programs for children, teen retreats, youth/family camps, free public talks are also conducted by Chinmaya Mission Brisbane every year.

The upcoming free public talks (Jnana Yagnas) by Pujya Swami Swaroopananda, on the topic “Success without stress” based on the 3rd Chapter of Bhagavad Geeta are not to be missed. They will be held from the 23rd to 26th

of June 2023 (7:00pm-8:30pm) at SunPAC Performing Arts and Cultural centre, Sunnybank, Brisbane. There will be sessions for children (Bala Yagnas) for children by Swami Shrikarananda at the same time in the same venue. More details about Pujya Swami Swaroopanandaji's Jnana Yajna and Swami Shrikarananda ‘s Bala Yajna is available on https:// www.chinmaya.com. au/pages/pujya-swamiswaroopananda-brisbanetour-2023.

Chinmaya Mission was

established in 1951 and it operates in more than 30 countries with 350 over centres. The Mission provides practical means for spiritual growth and happiness, enabling us to be better each day and become positive contributors to society. Our motto is to give maximum happiness to the maximum number for the maximum time. Please visit www. chinmaya.com.au/brisbane for details of Chinmaya Mission Brisbane classes and events.

Ecstatic, he offered flowers to the Cosmic Mother, or laughing, put them on his own head, then taking the yak-tail fan, began to fan the splendid image. In a voice of indescribable sweetness and pathos, he sang hymn after hymn.

‘Who is there who can understand what Mother Kali is? All the philosophies are powerless to reveal Her…

…Áll creation is the sport of my mad Mother Kali. By Her Maya the three worlds are bewitched…’

..’Kali, who can know Thee? Numberless are Thy forms….’

...’Oh Mother, make me drunk with Thy love!

TO the east, far beyond the darkened city of light, the sun rose, as it had since the dawn of time. The lightened city awoke to the caw of crows and the whistle of kites high aloft, as it had since the dawn of cities. Slowly brightening, its light touched the tips of the temples in the Dakshineswar temple garden on the banks of the holy river, its Himalayan waters flowing fast with the ebb tide to the distant delta. Joy flowed in the temple

…and to the panchavati, the grove of five sacred trees north of Sri Ramakrishna’s room; even over to the village on the distant bank of the holy river. In his room, Sri Ramakrishna rose, chanting the names of avatars, deities, the names of the ten mahavidyas* or intoning the mahavakyas+, clapping his hands the while, smiling or

occasionally laughing as he walked slow and stately to the temple of Mother Kali. There She stood, emblem of All, dancing resplendent on

the recumbent body of Her Lord. Her hand gestures and everything about Her symbols signifying deep meaning.

What need have I for knowledge or reason?

Thus drunk with transcendental bliss, unsteady on his feet, he staggered back to his room, a bewitching smile on his radiant face. The river flowed onto the sea.

****

*The names of the great Goddesses.

+The four great sayings from the Upanishads, encapsulate the wisdom of the Vedas.

GANGA AARTI GANGA AARTI

CELEBRATING GANGA DUSSEHRA CELEBRATING GANGA DUSSEHRA

successful Tribute concert honours late Kathak legend Pt birju Maharaj

BRISBANe, Queensland

– Nritya Bharati School of Kathak Dance is proud to announce the success of its tribute concert to the late Kathak legend Pt Birju Maharaj, held on April 29th. The concert was a resounding success, with a houseful audience in attendance.

Nritya Bharati School took the opportunity of their annual concert to honour the legacy of Pt Birju Maharaj. The concert was a testament to the dedication and hard work of the students, parents, and volunteers who helped make it possible.

"We are thrilled with the success of the tribute concert," said Namita Debroy, Director/Choreographer at Nritya Bharati School. "It was an honour to organize an event that paid tribute

to such a legendary figure in the Kathak community. We are grateful to all those who attended and supported us, and to the students who worked tirelessly to prepare for the concert."

Namita Debroy went on to express her pride in the students who performed, saying, "The skills and talent

of our students were on full display, and it was a privilege to see them honour the legacy of Pt Birju Maharaj."

Nritya Bharati School would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all those who supported the tribute concert, especially those who travelled from interstate.

QsMa indian classical concert and 2023 agM

By SheN FLINDeLL (QSMA SeCReTARy)

ON Sunday April 30 about 50 Indian classical music lovers gathered at Grange Progress Hall for a concert presented by Qld Sangeet Mela Association (QSMA) in conjunction with our 2023 AGM.

The evening opened with a tabla solo performance by upcoming Brisbane tabla player, Shainthra Birabaharan, accompanied on harmonium by his gurubhai Keshav Siraparapu. Shainthra presented about 20 minutes of tabla compositions in the Benares Gharana style, opening with Bhumika, Uthan, several Mohras and Theka-Palta, followed by Rela, Gat-Kayda and finally some Tukras which were both recited and played with aplomb. Shainthra and Keshav are both very sincere students and did really well with the opportunity they were given. For two teenagers who grew up in Brisbane to present a full Indian classical tabla solo is no small thing.

Then followed sitar recital by local maestro Dr Indranil Chatterjee, accompanied by myself, Shen Flindell on tabla. Indranil-da presented the full range of Ragas Yaman and Yaman-Kalyan with Alap, Jor, Jhala, and Gats in Vilambit Teentaal, Madhya

Lay Matta Taal (9 beats) and Drut Teentaal. It was a magnificent performance well appreciated by the audience.

Indranil's opening comments were worth relaying here: "It's a great pleasure to perform this evening. I've hardly seen an Indian local musician's performance being attended by so many people, and I think all credit for this goes to Umesh and Shen (of QSMA), who have been instrumental

in arranging all these performances for the last couple of years. I believe if we continue to gather such an audience for the next couple of years we will be known as a hub of Indian classical music in Australia."

It was a very inspiring comment for all those present as we move forward in our mission to cultivate Indian classical music in Queensland.

Following the concert, we held our AGM, the main

outcome of which was the re-election of Umesh Chandra OAM as president and myself, Shen Flindell as secretary. We would like to thank outgoing treasurer Sanjeev Hiremath for all his hard work. Sanjeev was

instrumental in initiating the founding of QSMA in 2019.

We welcome our incoming treasurer Nishtha Aggarwal.

QSMA's next Brisbane event is on Saturday 10th June at Sunnybank Church of Christ Hall, featuring 8th

generation sarangi master Sangeet Mishra, along with opening item by Brisbane's leading bansuri flutist Darshil Shah. This would be a great concert for which to book early, as capacity is limited.

unparalleled love for bjP at roadshow: PM Modi

PM Narendra Modi campaigns in Karnataka, saying it is the people who are contesting the state elections on behalf of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that it is the people of Karnataka that are contesting the state elections on behalf of the Bharatiya Janata Party, as he blamed the Congress for impeding the development of the country.

In the last leg of campaigning for the May 10 elections, the PM held a 26-km-long roadshow in Bengaluru, and addressed two public rallies at Badami in Bagalkote district and Haveri.

The roadshow began at Someshwara Sabha Bhavan, Konanakunte, in Bommanahalli assembly constituency around 10am and culminated at Kadu Malleshwara temple, in Malleswaram, at around 1.30pm, having traversed 13 assembly constituencies.

“What I saw in Bengaluru, I say with confidence that this election is neither Modi contesting, nor BJP leaders or our candidates, it is the election the people of Karnataka are fighting on behalf of the BJP. I see the total control of the election

in the hands of people,” the Prime Minister said at the rally in Bagalkote.

“This morning, I went to have a ‘darshan’ (opportunity to see) of ‘janata janardhan’ (public god) in Bengaluru,” he said, adding that the “never-seen-before love and affection” is unparalleled.

According to BJP functionaries, nearly one million people lined both sides of the road along the route of the PM’s roadshow. Hundreds of thousands of people were waiting on either side of the road, even as BJP workers showered flowers on the PM.

The PM also pitched for the BJP’s “double-engine” government as he hit out at former chief minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah.

“I have heard that Siddaramaiah is saying that whatever development has happened in the last 3.5 years was due to his government’s efforts. His confessional statement is self-explanatory that if there is anyone who does the work then it is the double-engine government and does so without discrimination,” the PM said.

“Siddaramaiah has left this place leaving you all. He has sensed which direction the wind is blowing. If he

comes here by chance, ask him one question why people were deprived of basic infrastructure earlier,” Modi said.

Siddaramaiah won from the Badami constituency in Bagalkote district in the 2018 election, but this year, the Kuruba leader is contesting from Varuna in Mysore district.

It is the BJP government’s work which has benefitted the people of this region, Modi said.

“For the first time, the people of Bagalkote got three lakh tapped water connections. Over 25,000 people of Bagalkote got their own cement house. Ayushman Bharat scheme benefits reached the people of Bagalkote,” Modi told the crowd.

The Congress, the PM said, has a “track record of 85% commission” and the party can never work to serve the people.

Modi said former Prime Minister late Rajiv Gandhi had said that when one rupee “rolls” from Delhi, only 85 paise reaches the people. “Whose claw was it that eats away 85 paise from one rupee? This was the Congress way of functioning. Due to the misdeeds of Congress, India lagged behind for so many decades,” he said.

“The BJP used the trident of Aadhaar, mobile phone and Jan-Dhan account that their (Congress’) old habits have been completely destroyed,” he said.

At his second rally of the day, in Haveli district, PM Modi said the people should

visit the state to see if the Congress “still has something left”.

“The people of Congress who were trying to make their party’s wave through lies in Karnataka, their lies are now lost in the BJP wave,” he said.

“Congress’ appeasement, and talaabandi (ban) politics have been realised by each and every person. Congress means total corruption, 85 per cent commission, appeasement politics, bowing before the terrorists and working on a ‘Divide and Rule’ formula. The OBC and Lingayat community are very sad and angry with the abuse by senior leaders of Congress,” he said.

He also hailed former CM BS Yediyuarappa and chief minister Basavaraj Bommai for “filling the gaps” left by the former Congress regime.

“Today Haveri is moving ahead to write a story of development. The Yediyurappa and Bommai-led double-engine government is filling the gaps in Congress tenure in all these years. It has brought new medical and engineering colleges and a new milk plant in Haveri. The BJP government is investing in road, rail and connectivity infrastructure. People of Haveri, Karnataka, and the

whole country are benefitting from these works,” PM Modi said.

The BJP has often used the “double-engine” government pitch to highlight benefits of voting the party in at both the state and Centre.

The Congress responded by calling PM Modi a “master of distortion”, and accused him of caring only for his “grand tamasha”.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh alleged that ambulances were stuck on roads due to the chaos caused by the PM’s roadshow and said that Modi should cancel the second part of the roadshow slated for Sunday.

“The Master Of Distortion and Incitement (’Abuse’ No. 92??) is arriving in Bengaluru today. We already know what he’ll say to inflame prejudice and bigotry,” Ramesh said on Twitter ahead of Modi’s roadshow.

In a second tweet, after Modi’s roadshow ended, Ramesh said, “Ambulances stuck, chaos on road! If the PM has any shame left or even an iota of concern for the people of Bengaluru, he would immediately cancel part 2 of the #40km40percent roadshow tomorrow. But we all know that all he cares for is his Grand Tamasha.”

Manipur death toll hits 55, humanitarian crisis festers

MoRe than 16,000 people have been taken to shelters in military compounds in and around the state, where internet services have been shut down.

The death toll after ethnic clashes in Manipur rose to at least 55 on Saturday but there was little clarity on the true scale of the damage and fatalities after the state convulsed through two days of violence, even as some parts began returning to normalcy while thousands of troops kept guard.

Newly appointed security advisor Kuldiep Singh told HT on Saturday that the number of fatalities confirmed to have been due to the violence is at 28, and more deaths are being verified. Officials in Manipur on Saturday said at least 51 bodies were at three hospitals across Imphal and Churachandpur and at least four deaths also took place on Friday night.

State government officials in Imphal, who asked not to be named, said 12 bodies have been at the morgue at the Churachandpur district hospital, 26 are at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, and 13 more are at the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences.

“People are reporting higher figures. We are verifying this. We are checking the circumstances of the other deaths and verifying if these are related to the violence or not. It is possible some deaths at hospital may not be related

to violence,” Singh told HT over the phone.

Since Wednesday, clashes took place between Meiteis, the dominant community in Imphal Valley with over 53% of the total state population, and the tribal communities, especially Kukis, residing in the hill districts. The immediate trigger for the violence was a proposal to include Meiteis in the scheduled tribe category.

More than 16,000 people have been taken to shelters in military compounds in and around the state, where army and paramilitary forces were deployed on Thursday and all internet services, including broadband, shut down. Till Friday, 100 columns of army and Assam Rifles personnel had been deployed — a column has roughly 70 personnel.

Scores more people are also believed to have fled their homes and taken shelter in neighbouring states. The displacement of the 16,000 people, a figure unnamed officials quoted to ANI, has raised fears of a humanitarian crisis.

“We are helping residents with food and their security. Not only the CRPF but other paramilitary forces too are housing the residents at their camps,” said a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officer, asking not to be named.

Singh said that during the day, police and paramilitary forces recovered nearly 87 weapons surrendered by those

who had stolen it from police stations during rioting.

“Different police units of Manipur are taking stock of the weapons stolen by the protesters. We urge people to surrender the weapons. Police have been directed to take strict action against the protesters, including those who do not surrender the weapons. Until evening, we arrested 10 people,” he added.

The officer also said that on Friday, there was one incident of violence in an area at the border of Kampoki district and Imphal East involving a mob but there were no casualties.

Officials in Manipur police, who asked not to be named, said the protesters have stolen “hundreds of weapons” from police.

Residents in Churachandpur, who spoke with HT, said four people, all Kukis, were killed on Friday night during an attempt by army personnel to evacuate a group of Meiteis to a safer

location. “A group of residents comprising mostly women reached the scene and started questioning why Meiteis are being taken to safer locations while many Kukis are trapped in Imphal. Things escalated after that,” said a Kuki-politician based in Churachandpur, who asked not to be named.

Singh said there were skirmishes in the same area and said three people were confirmed to have died. “We received information about a skirmish with an Army column and Assam Rifles when they were controlling the situation there yesterday (Friday). The Army column had to open fire. We found three bodies this morning.”

“The paramilitary forces are still present in 23 police station areas but the number of sensitive locations is decreasing. Flag marches are being conducted at those sensitive spots and police are involved in confidence building measures,”

he added.

An order issued by the state government late on Saturday evening said that the curfew in Churachandpur will be partially relaxed between 7am and 10am on Sunday.

Army officials refused to comment on the incident and maintained a report will be issued by the Union home ministry on the developments in Manipur.

Separately, news agency PTI reported that “five hill-based militants were killed and two India Reserve Battalion jawans were injured in two separate encounters in Churachandpur district on Friday night”.

On Saturday, there were no reports of any major violence from across the state, but the situation continued to remain tense. Residents in Churachandpur and Imphal said some essentials were available during early hours of the day, but it was difficult to get fuel and cash. Some residents also complained of a shortage of drinking water.

“There is no incident of arson or clashes since Thursday night in Churachandpur. But due to what happened in the past three days and with rumours spreading thick and fast almost everyone is edgy and there’s a sense of panic. Most of us are still holed inside our houses and venturing out only when required,” said a civil society leader from Churachandpur on condition of anonymity.

In Imphal, chief minister

N Biren Singh held a series of meetings, including an all-party meeting and groups like All Manipur Christian Association and Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity. “During the all party meeting, it was resolved to appeal for peace in the state, and encourage all citizens to avoid any actions that could lead to further violence or instability. It was further resolved to form a peace committee in each constituency to ensure that peace initiatives are implemented at the grassroots level,” Singh tweeted. People in the defence establishment said activities by cadres of Imphal Valleybased insurgent groups staying in camps in Myanmar “may be detrimental to ongoing efforts to restore normalcy in Manipur” and aerial surveillance as well as vigil along the Indo-Myanmar border was enhanced to prevent it.

“The issue is being addressed proactively by security forces who are leaving no stone unturned to thwart the nefarious designs, should it manifest,” people in the defence ministry said, asking not to be named.

“Multiple rounds of aerial surveillance using Cheetah helicopters have already been conducted by army since Saturday morning in Manipur. Army and Assam Rifles are working in synergy to quell the present unrest in the state at the earliest,” an army official said, asking not to be named.

FOCUS ON FIJI

‘first of its kind in fiji’ | nineteen get wood processing certificates

NINeTeeN youths recently graduated with wood processing certificates from the Ministry of Forestry.

The youths from the villages of Sote, Savu and Naimasimasi in Vugalei District in Tailevu attended a six-month training program for the Forest Subsidy Assistance scheme administered by the ministry.

Director Forest Products, Trade and Training Division, Taniela Whippy said this was the first of its kind for any of the 14 mahogany stations in Fiji.

“This program is articulated in the forestry policy to engage resource owners in establishing valueadding businesses, or the sustainable management of their forest resources,” he said.

The process that we took for the engagement, we conducted consultations

with the villages and then the villages decide the participants that are to be engaged for this program.

“At the moment we are focusing on three villages.

“We have a total of 14 mahogany stations around

industry, government through the Ministry of Forestry provide the grant.

“We refer to it as the forest subsidy for the purchase of small value-adding machines.

“These value-adding machines will be used to support them kick-off their own value-adding businesses.

“We’ll give them one week break, before they start to run their own business again, monitored and supervised by the Ministry of Forestry in line with the specifications from the buyers.”

e’ll give t H em one week break, before t H ey start to run t H eir own business again, monitored and supervised by t H e m inistry of f orestry in line wit H t H e specifications from t H e buyers.

bench and 20 dining table and chairs.

Fiji

and Nukurua is one of those stations.”

He said that after graduation, the participants were given value-adding machinery to start their own businesses.

“They were trained in the

basics of tree harvesting, basic saw-milling, wood processing, basic timber machining, basic furniture making, and basic carpentry work.

“In our support of the establishment of the cottage

covid global emergency over but risks remain, says China health official

SheNZheN, China (Reuters)

– While the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an end to the global emergency status for COVID-19, the virus remains harmful and China will continue to monitor it while increasing vaccinations among high-risk groups, a top Chinese health official said.

The WHO ended its highest level of alert for COVID on Friday, more than three years after its original declaration, saying countries should now manage the virus along with other infectious diseases.

The ending of the alert status does not mean COVID

will disappear, but its impact can now be effectively controlled, Liang Wannian, head of China’s COVID response expert panel under the National Health

Commission, said in an interview with state media CCTV published on Saturday.

China will continue to monitor mutations of the virus, strengthen

vaccinations among high risk and key groups, and look to improve COVID treatment capabilities, Liang said.

China held on to its zero tolerance for COVID long after most countries started to live with the virus, and only began to abandon its restrictive policies in late 2022.

In February China’s top leaders declared a “decisive victory” against COVID and claimed the world’s lowest fatality rate, though experts have questioned Beijing’s data.

(Reporting by David Kirton and Shanghai newsroom; Editing by Kim Coghill)

Traffic accidents continue to be a concern for Police

TRAFFIC accidents continue to be of great concern for the Fiji Police Force.

Chief Operations Officer (COO) Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Livai Driu says the attitude of some drivers is often, that they adhere to road rules where police are conducting traffic operations.

He said once they pass, they continue with dangerous driving habits such as speeding and careless driving which he claims are the two causes of accidents and fatalities.

“Every day we are

booking hundreds of drivers for speeding. Some of them drive well above the national speed limit getting caught

driving above 100km/PH. These are very dangerous habits that lead to accidents and fatalities,” ACP Driu

Mr Whippy said that the ministry had already secured local markets for the youths to sell their products once their businesses started running.

“The first market being GPH (Grand Pacific Hotel), this is the second one for Vision Investments where their first order is for 20

“That is apart from other orders that we receive on a daily basis. “We have plans for the Vision Group, GPH and also, we have plans for export to our Pacific island nations.”

Mr Mahogany said this initiative would be taken out to the other 13 plantations around the country.

said.

He said police are aware of chat groups that share information of police officers’ whereabouts during traffic operations but says such alert groups will only lead to more dangerous driving behavior and loss of life on Fiji’s roads.

“The road death toll currently stands at 31 compared to 9 for the same period last year which is alarming. Police cannot be everywhere which is why we issue the advisories on road safety and hope that they will be taken seriously and adhered to at all times”.

SyDNey (Reuters) – A decision not to light up the sails of the Sydney Opera House to mark the coronation of King Charles was a cost saving measure, a spokesperson for the state government of New South Wales said on Saturday.

Across Australia, where King Charles is head of state, the role of the monarchy is controversial. The country held a referendum in 1999 on becoming a republic with 55% of voters opposed, while more recent polls have shown varying levels of support.

While many public buildings and monuments, including Parliament House in the capital Canberra, will be illuminated in royal purple on Saturday night to mark the coronation, the Sydney Opera House, lit up last year to commemorate the death of Queen Elizabeth II, will not be among them.

“The New South Wales Government believe it has struck the right balance in terms of meeting

community expectations on commemorating the occasion while being mindful of public expense,” the government spokesperson said.

On Sunday, celebrations at Parliament House are set to include Australian military personnel firing off a 21-gun salute, and an Australian air force fly-past.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in London for the coronation, has said he will take the oath of allegiance to King Charles at the ceremony, despite being a republican.

“I want to see an Australian as Australia’s head of state … That doesn’t mean that you can not have respect for the institution, which is the system of government that we have”, Albanese told state broadcaster ABC on Friday.

In addition to Australia, King Charles is head of state in New Zealand and 12 other Commonwealth realms outside the United Kingdom, although the role is largely ceremonial.

australia’s sydney opera house won’t light up for coronation to save costs

w

awadhesh sharma launches “The immortal hindu Tales”

BRISBANe, Awadesh Sharma has just released his book “The Immortal Hindu Tales” The book presents an abstract of ancient Hindu texts such as the Ramayana. Mahabharat and Bhagwat Puran. It includes their cherished stories and other sources that have been returned to generations of humanity since antiquity. The stories of great personalities such as founders of the new religions and sects, popular teachers and emperors, philosophers, poets, devotees and social reformers are also presented.

They tell the readers about the glorious past of human society and are designed to enthuse them to endeavour to achieve a bright future. Books and

personalities played a significant role in shaping people's outlook in India. They have contributed to their spiritual development and social cohesion.

The book will speak to Indophiles, people of Indian descent, including the diaspora.

And those open and curious about Indian

culture. It will help develop a sense of appreciation in the mind of the people of Indian origin for their heritage. Other readers will broaden their understanding of the

Indian way of life, culture and tradition. The source books granted blessings of good fortune to the readers of these stories. With a bit of luck, that blessings will extend to the readers of this book. Avadhesh Sharma was born in Bihar, India. He graduated from Banaras Hindu University in India and completed a Master of Engineering degree from the Peoples Friendship University in Moscow, USSR. Awadesh Sharma worked in the Engineering field on numerous projects in many countries. He migrated to Australia and now lives in Brisbane.

He is especially fascinated by ancient Indian heritage. He has been writing for Brisbane Indian Times, a monthly publication in Brisbane. He

dedicates the book to Pandit Shyam Sundar Sharma, who steered him in his early life. He expresses things to his wife Sudha and Dota Anamika, who reviewed the text and offered valuable suggestions. And acknowledge the contribution of his son Abhishek on technical matters.

He also likes to thank Umesh Chandra OAM and his team at Brisbane Indian Times, who have encouraged him to write by publishing his articles in their publication. He thanked them for the encouragement, and his thanks also go to everyone who made this publication a reality. He hopes this book will enlighten the grandchildren and the future generation.

israel- tourism, pilgrimage, and arms sales

By PeTeR LANe RAI

Raj, An Indian Christian friend from Brisbane, excitedly told me about his recent pilgrimage to Israel, where he had visited places associated with the life of Jesus Christ, like Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee. In the Bible, Israel was seen to be a "light to the nations”, which was then fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Some have always seen Israel as a noble, unique, and democratic country, birthed in 1948 by the survivors of the Holocaust, which saw six million Jews murdered by the Nazis.

GOLD COAST, a dinner function to celebrate Pushpinder Oberois’ recent Hind Rattan (Jewel of India) award, was held at Tandoori Palace restaurant in the

presence of His Excellency Manpreet Vohra, who lauded Pushpinder Oberois’ contribution to the Indian Community Leadership Excellence across Australia

and Cultural Diplomacy between Australia and India.

Pushpinder Oberoi responded to his accolade by saying, "Honoured and grateful. Thank you so much. Indian Non-resident Society, India, awarded Hind Rattan Award for acknowledging my contributions, life, passion, and purpose - my people, the important causes, and my wife Karla, which allowed me to contribute to the community and beyond. I thank all those who have trusted me through this journey - all those who held my hand through it and all those who watched me from their place above. I owe this to my parents."

Akashika Mohla added, "Pushpinder Ji’s passion for people and his contribution to people-to-people ties across Australia and India speak for themselves. We hope he now runs for politics and brings in his transformational energy to advance Australia and the people of Gold Coast".

The Rotary Club of Gold hosted the night to celebrate and facilitate the Hind

Tourists like Raj bring millions of dollars to the Israeli economy. Yet, according to bestselling journalist Antony

Loewenstein who grew up in a liberal Zionist home in Melbourne, wrote in his unsettling book "The Palestine Laboratory."

"There is a dark side to Israel, with its economy historically directly linked to arms sales to some of the most oppressive regimes in the world, such as Myanmar, South Sudan and Iran (now Israel's primary enemy).

The testing of these arms and surveillance technology has also been on the Palestinians in the 'laboratories of the occupied territories of West Bank and Gaza “where Palestinians (who are not all terrorists) are harshly treated.

In fact, Lowenstein sees Israel as an oppressive military regime to be likened to the former apartheid South Africa as Israel's

policies are always based on "what is best for the Jews".

Lowenstein concludes, " The future looks bleak for Israel if it continues on the road of violence against Palestinians and amoral arms sales to oppressive regimes. Israel is, therefore, not exactly the light to the nations the Bible would have it be."

Of course, Raj knows nothing about Israeli arms sales to oppressive regimes or ill-treatment of Palestinians, for, after all, he was only a pilgrim and a tourist to Israel.

BOOk ReVIeW

The Palestinian Laboratory “. How Israel exports the technology of occupation around the world ". Scribe Publications US $35.00.

Rattan Award, also attended by Angie Bell, Federal Member of Parliament, Archana Singh - CGI (Hon), Amar Singh - Australia of the year, Dr Neeraj Khanna of Indian Medical Association, Ashutosh Mishra and Ram Mohan of India News Belinda Dawes from Gold Coast Bulletin, Umesh Chandra OAM, Pinky Singh OAM, Rotarian. And community and business leaders from Gold Coast and Brisbane and more...

hind rattan award jewel of india awarded to Pushpinder oberoi by The non-resident indian society of india

a kas H ika m o H la added, "p us H pinder j i’s passion for people and H is contribution to peopleto-people ties across australia and i ndia speak for t H emselves.

Prabhas and siddharth

PRABhAS has been making waves in the Indian film industry with his incredible talent and good looks. The Baahubali star has managed to garner a huge fan following, not just in the Telugu-speaking states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana but across the country. While fans are eagerly waiting for his next film, Adipurush, there have been reports of his collaboration with War and Pathaan director Siddharth Anand. But as per a report in PinkVilla, the film has been put up on hold for now. The publication has quoted a source revealing the latest update in detail. The source asserted, “Siddharth Anand has also refunded the amount he got as an advance for the film. Mythri and Siddharth Anand have now decided to collaborate on another project in the near future.”

Additionally, it was stated that the reason for the stakeholders to end their collaboration was due to the unavailability of matching dates between Siddharth Anand and Prabhas.

fukrey 3 gets postponed, avoids a clash with Shah Rukh

Khan starrer Jawan; film will not release on september 7

Explaining further, the source said, “Siddharth Anand and Prabhas are two of the busiest people in the Indian film industry at this point in time. They have their diaries blocked for the next few years, and are not able to find a common window for their collaboration.”

The source concluded by saying, “Prabhas has 3 films under his kitty lined up whereas Siddharth Anand too has committed himself to Fighter and Tiger v/s Pathaan. In-fact, Siddharth is already planning Fighter 2 with his team after Tiger v/s Pathaan.”

Coming back to Prabhas’ upcoming film, Adipurush, it is helmed by Om Raut. The film is slated to release on June 16. Besides this, he also has Project K and Raja Deluxe scheduled for release in 2024.

TheRe have been quite a few changes in the release dates of some big films since last few days. It all happened after the Shah Rukh Khan starrer Jawan, which was due to release on June 2, got postponed earlier in the week. This led to some other films reshuffling their release dates. Things got settled some time back when the makers of Jawan announced September 7 as their new release date.

However, Excel Entertainment’s Fukrey 3 was supposed to release on this date as the Janmashtami release. Naturally, the

makers wouldn’t want to clash with a keenly-awaited SRK movie. Hence, they have

now postponed the release of the film. As per the latest buzz, Fukrey 3 will now be

releasing on November 24.

Salman Khan’s biggie Tiger 3 is slated to release on November 10 during Diwali. With Fukrey 3 releasing almost after two weeks, it will hopefully give the film a good window to earn. There is a buzz for the film with the first two films in the Fukrey franchise turning out to be successful.

Directed by Mrigdeep Singh Lamba, Fukrey 3 will repeat the cast of the first two films in the form of Richa Chadha, Pulkit Samrat, Ali Fazal, Varun Sharma, Pankaj Tripathi and Manjot Singh.

raveena Tandon celebrates Padma shri win with her girl gang, juhi chawla, sonali bendre and shilpa shetty; see pics

WHO says that actresses can't be friends? This has been entirely disproven by Raveena Tandon's most recent Instagram post. Recently, the multi-talented actress won the Padma Shri. Elated about the same, the actress partied hard with her girl gang to celebrate the honour.

Taking to her verified Instagram handle, Raveena shared multiple pics from the soirée. The actress looked breathtaking in a black and white dress. Meanwhile, her friend Juhi Chawla joined in

the celebrations, as she was seen cheering on her friend. This party was

organized by Raveena's friend Bijal Meswani.

When Raveena celebrated her Padma Shri award with

her girl gang, it would be a joyful and memorable occasion for her. It is always heartwarming to see individuals acknowledge and celebrate their achievements with their loved ones and close friends.

For the unversed, on April 5 this year, the Bollywood actress was honoured with the fourthhighest civilian award at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the Capital. President of India Droupadi Murmu honoured her with the prestigious award.

Taapsee Pannu and cricketer suryakumar yadav announced

as new brand ambassadors for reebok

Readers may recall that, lately, Bollywood Hungama is constantly sharing updates regarding the release date of Shah Rukh Khan’s upcoming film Jawan. Well, the makers have now made an official announcement about the film’s new release date. Shah Rukh Khan and Atlee’s first collaboration, Jawan, will be released on September 7. While sharing the news of the upcoming film getting postponed, the makers treated fans with an intriguing video. A man in disguise can be seen jumping from above in a dark backdrop. While sharing the same on his verified social media handle, Atlee wrote, “#Jawan #7thSeptember2023 Worldwide / Ready chief.”

The new poster and video

have left fans excited for the forthcoming flick.

For the unversed, a source has earlier told us that Shah Rukh Khan has informed Atlee about his decision to bring the film in September 2023, to get a clear run till the release of Salaar. "Shah Rukh Khan wants to come in a clear window and not be one of the many in the crowd. He is a lion by heart and wants things to be in his focus. He believes September will do justice to the release of Jawan," the source informed Bollywood Hungama.

Speaking of Jawan, besides Khan, the film will also feature Nayanthara and Vijay Sethupathi. The action drama will be released in Hindi, Telugu and Tamil.

ReeBOk, a brand synonymous with sports and fitness, has announced a new chapter in its journey. Under the aegis of Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited (ABFRL) in India, Reebok is re-establishing itself as a leading sports and performance brand with a powerful new campaign that resonates deeply with audiences.

The campaign, titled 'I am the New,' features two extraordinary individuals who have defied stereotypes and created new rules for themselves - World's No.

1 T20 batter Suryakumar Yadav and leading actor Taapsee Pannu. Their inspiring stories of overcoming challenges and charting their own paths embodies the campaign's core message – embrace

your unorthodox spirit and create your own trail.

A love for sports and fitness is intrinsic to Indian culture. Sports is the heartbeat of the nation, with millions of people actively

participating in and following a variety of sports across media. It is only natural that Reebok reclaims its legacy of being the premier sports and performance brand in the country, encouraging one and all to adopt fitness as way of life. In keeping with this philosophy, the 'I am the New' campaign is an emotional call to action for everyone who has ever been held back by stereotypes or felt like they didn't fit in. It is a rallying cry for the youth of India to break free from limitations and embrace their true potential.

confirMed! shah rukh Khan

starrer jawan to release in september; makers drop intriguing announcement video, watch

Anand’s film on hold due to date issues, future uncertain: report

did you know World liver day was on the 19th of april?

The Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland wants to join you in celebrating your liver health.

Because our liver is such an important organ, the World Health Organisation created a day to raise awareness about liver health on the 19th of April every year. It is recommended that we maintain a healthy weight, get regular exercise, and have regular check-ups with our doctor.

how can we best look after our livers?

• It is recommended that we maintain a healthy weight.

• Eat plenty of vegetables of various colours and types.

• Eat wholegrain or high fibre foods including rice, breads pasta and cereals.

• Eat lean protein including meats, fish, poultry, eggs, tofu, legumes, nuts etc.

• Eat dairy/non-dairy

alternatives such as milk, yoghurt – choosing low fat options is best.

• Drink plenty of water.

What should we avoid or reduce to protect our livers?

• Limit fatty and fried

foods

• Avoid added salt and sugar in our diets.

• Limit processed and fast foods.

• Limit or avoid alcohol.

• Stop smoking. What else can affect our

liver health?

• Diseases that affect the liver- these include hepatitis B and hepatitis C, haemochromatosis, fatty liver disease, liver cancer, some medications, and supplements including

Moistening Your Lips

Nimisha Modi Hetvi Hair & Beauty 0412350013

hey Girls, Mostly this time of the year everybody complaining about chapped or dry lips. Some of the main causes are vitamin deficiency, allergic reaction, dehydration, smoking, excessive licking of lips, sun exposure and harsh weather.

Chapped or dry lips are a common problem that can be painful and unattractive. Common symptoms are dryness, redness, cracking, flaking, and tender or sore lips.

TheRe ARe MANy COMMeRCIAL PRODUCTS Available to treat chapped lips. But you can save money and easily get relief with some easy-tofollow home remedies.

CASTOR OIL:

juice. Mix it well and apply it on your lips before going to bed. In the morning, wash it off with a cotton ball dipped in lukewarm water. Repeat this daily until your lips are healed.

MILk CReAM:

Castor oil is another good treatment for dry and chapped lips. Simply apply castor oil to your lips several times a day. You can also make a soothing treatment using one teaspoon of castor oil, one teaspoon of glycerine and a few drops of fresh lemon

The high fat content of milk cream makes it a great natural lip moisturizer. Apply fresh milk cream on your lips and leave it on for 10 minutes. Then gently wash your lips with a cotton ball dipped in lukewarm water. Do this daily to help your lips heal faster.

ROSe PeTALS:

the petals in milk for a few hours. (If you have issues with dairy products, you can soak them in glycerin instead.) Mash the rose petals into a thick paste. Apply the paste on your dry lips two to three times a day and every night before going to bed.

COCONUT OIL:

The rose plant in your garden can also come to your rescue when suffering from chapped lips. This remedy will help your lips stay moisturized while also enhancing their beautiful color chapped lips home remedy using rose. Wash a handful of rose petals thoroughly in water. Soak

Coconut oil is a natural

traditional and herbal.

What should we do if you are concerned about our liver health?

• See our doctor and get tests to check our liver health. These might include:

o Liver function tests.

o Check for hepatitis B and hepatitis C – this will need a separate blood test.

o Tell our doctor if we have a family member who has had or has a liver disease.

o Tel our doctor about any medications we take including herbal, over

the counter supplements or traditional medicines.

For more information about hepatitis B, hepatitis C, please visit our webpage: www.eccq.com.au/bbv or contact us at health@eccq. com.au.

Phone: 07-3844 9166

If you live in Cairns, you can also contact:

Rhondda Lewis

Viral Hepatitis Health Coordinator

Phone: 07-4226 4769

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

moisturizer that can help heal chapped lips caused by cold or dry weather. Simply apply pure coconut oil several times a day on your lips to keep them moist. You can also use olive oil.

SUGAR:

hepatitis, hIV/AIDS and Sexual health Program ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (eCCQ)

Exfoliating dead cells off your chapped lips will

help restore their natural softness faster. chapped lips home remedy. Mix two teaspoons of sugar with one teaspoon of honey. Apply the paste to your lips and let it sit for a few minutes. Then use your fingers to gently rub the mixture around on your lips to loosen the dead skin cells. Wash it off with lukewarm water.

hONey:

Honey is a great moisturizer that also has healing and antibacterial properties to treat chapped lips. Simply apply pure organic honey on your

chapped lips several times a day. You can also make a paste of honey and glycerine and apply it before going to bed to enjoy softer lips in the morning. This will bring smile to your face and pocket. See you next month.

Chapped or dry lips are a common problem that can be painful and unattractive. Common symptoms are dryness, redness, cracking, flaking, and tender or sore lips.

Queenslanders urged to be sun safe this winter

The Palaszczuk Government is launching a new sun safety adverting campaign aimed at encouraging Queenslanders to continue the five sun smart behaviours - slip, slop, slap, seek, slide – year-round, even during the cooler winter months.

Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime, while one Australian is diagnosed with melanoma every 30 minutes.

Queensland has the unenviable record of having the highest rate of skin cancer in the world.

The new campaign will highlight the fact that Queenslander’s need to remember that, even though the temperatures may have dropped slightly, skin damage is still a risk and they need to take care.

The campaign will feature a range of advertisements across multiple media channels including social media, newspapers, radio, podcasts and outdoor advertising and will run from 8 May –30 June 2023.

The ads will specifically

target Queenslanders aged 18-34 years old, outdoor workers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The Palaszczuk Government has committed $8.4 million over the next four years for skin cancer prevention activities including the

new sun safety adverting campaign, as well as early detection outreach clinics.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette

D’Ath:

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to doing all we can to

reduce the incidence of skin cancers occurring in Queensland.

“While we have made tremendous advances in the early detection and treatment of skin cancer, prevention remains the best option.

“My own experience

with melanoma has changed the way I protect myself from the sun, but I would implore younger people to take it seriously now, so they don’t have deal with skin cancer later in life.

“I would encourage all Queenslanders to practice

the sun safety behaviours including slipping on protective clothing, slopping on SPF30+ sunscreen, slapping on a broad-brimmed hat, seeking shade and sliding on wrap-around sunglasses every time they go outside, no matter the season.

“Too many people think these actions are only necessary when spending an extended period outside during the hot summer months.

“However, what a lot of people don’t realise is that skin damage is still a serious risk in winter, when you often don’t think about protecting your skin because the weather is cooler.

“Queenslanders also receive a considerable percentage of their sun exposure during incidental exposures, such as hanging out washing or walking to a café at lunchtime.

“It is also important to check your own skin.

“If you notice any changes talk to your GP about a skin check.”

Campaign materials can be found here: Queensland Health - YouTube

Monthly Predictions

MAy-2023

a ries ( 21st m arc H to 20t H a pril )

The Sun and Jupiter will provide you joy and health this month, but the Mars movement advises you to restrain your anger. Your innovative approach will be successful thanks to Venus, and Mars will also support you in overcoming financial difficulties. Negative ideas can bring despair, but Saturn and Rahu are ready to give you the drive and originality you need to achieve your goal this month. As Saturn moves across the sky starting in May, you might be drawn to study occult subjects like astrology and esoteric philosophy. Due to not receiving assistance and support from your relationship, Mars' movement during this month may result in depression. This month, you must focus on overcoming Rahu's bewilderment and aggressiveness. With a family member, there may be certain philosophical differences that cause stress. This may have an impact on your marriage, so use your words carefully and be kind to your husband and family as well. This month will be successful for those of you looking for research-related jobs and internships in the medical field. But you need to work harder and put in more effort if you want a promotion or to be appreciated at work. The influence of Mars advises you to postpone making any significant apartment or real estate decisions. You're going to invest a lot of money in real estate, but you need to be cautious when making the final payment and understand all the legal stipulations because Mercury is giving you a hint. Also, be sure to communicate clearly with the other party. Spending on children's health and education is possible.

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

Mars's strong demeanour and demanding temperament during this month may generate relationship problems, and as a result, your spouse may start to drift apart from you. As indicated by Rahu and Jupiter, there may be unforeseen obstacles associated with divorce or a love connection. To make things simple, avoid using the third person and have a clear and encouraging dialogue. After marriage, Mercury and Venus can produce an unexpected transformation. Those of you who are having EMI or loan-related things in your list try to manage that so that Rahu and Jupiter movement cannot give uncertain challenges in that matters. A businessperson may have some delays in receiving financial assistance from their business partner or in receiving loan approval. In your professional life, commitment and communication will be crucial. Try to keep your commitment to your coworker at the office. In a distant country, prosperity and career opportunities can be anticipated. Saturn predicts that you can receive the promised result in a promotion, thus it is advisable that you exercise patience and give your all at work. You can find some solid clients in the legal field. Because everyone in a group study has a distinct opinion, there may be an abrupt argument. The curriculum might be altered. Some of you might succeed in exams relating to fashion, art, or media. Sun is prepared to help you succeed in exams for the government and for the medical field this month. The Moon's movement suggests that some of you may succeed on your writing test.

l ibra ( 23rd s eptember to 22nd o ctober )

You might be working on some big plans this month. However, there will be some delays in their implementation in the beginning of this month. You might start to feel a little enraged and impatient. As the month goes on, better planetary assistance will enable you to appreciate your partnership. Eventually, you'll be able to win people over and re-establish a close level of closeness in your relationship. Your goals will be boosted by some lucrative employment prospects. But proceed with caution. Your finances and assets may be in a good place during the second part of this month. Jupiter will provide its favours while it is transiting. Because of the month's end's solid financial situation, social reputation will rise. You can experience a busy month in terms of your career. To make up for it, you might have to put in extra time at work. The later half of this period seems progressive to businesspeople. However, some errors could make routine operations less efficient. Your academic performance will noticeably increase, and you'll get good pay for it. The transiting Mercury will now enable you to increase your understanding as the month goes on. You'll benefit much if you keep yourself motivated and seek advice from qualified advisors. You might occasionally experience weariness and ache as the month got started. For your health and fitness, the time around this month's midpoint appears to be fairly challenging. Stressful schedules near the end of the month may also lead to burnout. As a result, you must practise yoga and meditation frequently if you want to stay in fit.

c apricorn ( 22nd d ecember to 20t H j anuary )

Beginning this month, the influence of Nodes may prevent you from properly appreciating your romantic relationships. However, as the month goes on, Venus's influence may bring about a magnificent period for love and relationships. You'll gradually be able to grow close to your loved one thanks to Jupiter's passage.

According to the stars, luck will be on your side when it comes to money. However, the South Node may bring some challenging circumstances on your financial front in the latter part. Don't let yourself down; chances might slowly come your way. Around the conclusion of the month, this can create some prospects for growth. Your professional life will be a mixed bag this month, according to the stars at the beginning of the month. Saturn says that you might have more challenging jobs than you might have thought. Jupiter predicts that as the month goes on, you'll hold a solid and stable position at work. Around the conclusion of the month, the stars will offer some excellent prospects for professional progress and gain. Saturn predicts that you may encounter some challenging circumstances in your coursework, which will add to your stress. However, as the month goes on, Venus and Jupiter can start to favour you. One of the best times for you to take any competitive tests may be around the middle of this month. This month, Saturn may draw your attention to health-related difficulties. This month, as long as you take precautions, your health should be okay. Your immune system and resistance capacity will stay robust as the month goes on, predicts the Jupiter. However, during the middle of this month, the impact of Mars could lead to some stress and anxiety.

taurus ( 21st a pril to 21st m ay )

The month of May suggests that you need to work on your skills and subconscious thoughts. Because of Ketu and Mars, some of you might get influenced by negative people or negative comment and that can be challenging the first and second phase of this month. The movement of the Sun can give a sudden burst of anger or argument so you need to work on positive aspects this month this will save you from the negative result of weak Mars, Rahu and Sun’s negative influence. In terms of the love relationship, some of you might get ego clashes in the first and second phase of this month. Some of you might get forced or sudden marriage responsibility which can give stress. So you are advised to have patience and also have a direct and healthy conversation so that things will come in your favour. In terms of health also this month is not very favourable because of unnecessary negative thoughts you might face health issues. Try to have a routine checkup and avoid getting into argument and also include fresh fruits and vegetable in your diet. In terms of job this month with the blessings of Jupiter, you will get a positive result in the third phase of this month and in the fourth week, you will get appreciation and success. The student will get expected success with their effort but the movement of Mars and in the firstsecond phase, you might face some ups and downs and challenges to achieve your aim. Saturn and Mars both will demand some analysis and reassessment to get expected success. Those of you are sport are advised to control their emotion while playing to get success.

l eo ( 23rd j uly to 22nd august )

You are advised from engaging in combative conversation that could harm your health by Ketu and Moon's movements. Mars' motion is a warning to stay out of arguments and to limit your use of technology before bed. You run the risk of having trouble falling asleep. Mars encourages you to wait before starting a romance. When in a romantic or marital relationship, try to avoid being hasty or forceful. The partnership is not greatly favoured by the Moon and Ketu's movement. A surprising relationship proposal may come from Jupiter and Rahu. Admission to a foreign country and learning new skills might cost money. Saturn can give some financial dispute with in-laws and family business so you need to avoid any major decision-related business this month. Legal employment or a career in the legal field may result in some anticipated financial reward. You can also acquire predicted savings and earnings if you practise meditation. Venus and Mercury can help you succeed in the job market and on the internet. You will have the chance to work abroad, but it will take time for things to materialise. You should pay close attention to the talk you have at work, Moon and Ketu recommended. Avoid making harsh decisions and refrain from responding when you're upset at work. There may be unexpected business and/or travel. Moon and Ketu recommended you refrain from entering into any new partnership agreements or to obtain the necessary documentation before doing so. You should take care of your health and drive carefully to avoid a sudden interruption in your studies. Both the written and government exams can be passed successfully.

s corpio ( 23rd o ctober to 22nd n ovember )

As the month starts, there will be some turmoil in your love life. Even if there can be delays and obstacles, there will eventually be many romantic opportunities. Even though there may be some hiccups in the middle of this month, your love life will be fantastic. Love at first sight is likely to occur. Around the end of this month, your love life is probably going to become more problematic. There will be certain challenges in married life. There may be some fantastic earning chances at the start of the month. Mercury is in transit; therefore your cunning approach can result in positive outcomes. As the month goes on, the influence of transiting Jupiter may present you with favourable employment chances and a growth in your fortune. During the beginning of this month, there could be a lot of obstacles in your path and a degree of career instability. Here, your patience, composure, and calm demeanour may aid you in effectively managing the problems. If you work for a company, occasional delays could slow you down and irritate you. Planets may gradually bring stability and advancement to your professional life. This month, your diligence could pay off in terms of your academic performance. The impact of Nodes around this month's midsection does not portend well for the advancement of education. You may start the month feeling a little uneasy about your health and energy levels due to some unidentified mental stress. Saturn's influence won't be favourable. This month's midsection will let you to manage your health extremely effectively. You'll get back to where you were around the month's end.

aquarius ( 21st j anuary to 18t H f ebruary )

As issues in your relationship may arise at the start of this month, your love life may feel turbulent. Saturn may need to be properly attended to. However, you can escape a split because Jupiter can support your search for solutions. If you're single, Venus may give your love life a breath of new air. Venus and Jupiter's combined influence is likely to present opportunities and options to improve your financial situation. However, Nodes' effects will also lead to a lot of anxiety-provoking circumstances where you could feel blocked. This could be a time of awakening, hard effort, and taking on your fair share of obligations. You can be bothered by some challenging circumstances at work as the month gets started. Take care in your work more efficiently as the impact of Nodes can be misleading at times. If you are in business, you are ready to enter a new chapter of expansion. Some positive development may help you excel with flying colors in your career during the latter half of this month. As the month begins, Saturn will force students to stay away from wasting time and concentrate on studies. As the month advances, the impact of North Node will bring many challenges. Academically, there will be ups and downs. For the most part this month, your health will remain good. You will heal quicker if you have been ill with anything. Saturn predicts that a strict and healthy lifestyle will make you physically and mentally fit. But near the end of the month, a few troublesome old problems can come back.

g emini ( 22nd m ay to 21st j une )

Mars movement suggests you need to be attentive with your words and commitment. You might get aggressive and give a harsh reply so you are advised to have patience and think twice before giving a reply. There can be creative inclination and selfimprovement can come you with the blessings of Venus. Some of you might make some changes in your look. Mercury movement will help you to make things as per your plan and also bless you with the right decision ability. In terms of marital life this month Venus and Mercury can help you to make things easy. It's possible that you'll spend quality time with your spouse, have a small party, and gather with your family. You need to pay attention in terms of money and finances because the Mars movement could result in an unexpected loss of funds. You can incur financial costs for home renovations or health care. Saturn will require greater effort and hard work in terms of profession. The job profile may alter or be selected during the interview. Success at the digital level is possible with Jupiter and Rahu. The student has to work on developing their skills. Some of you might have the opportunity to go on a camping trip while in high school or college. Jupiter and Rahu might provide success in jobs with the media. Because of your anger this month, you can experience some health issues. There may be indigestion or tooth-related problems. You can stay healthy this month with regular checkups and a balanced diet.

v irgo ( 23rd august to 22nd s eptember )

You need to take extra care with your health this month. The stars suggest that you may have low moods and unforeseen health problems. It is suggested that you maintain a nutritious diet and engage in frequent yoga and exercise. Your health may suffer as a result of unpleasant thoughts and arguments, as suggested by Saturn and the Moon's movements. Because the stars indicate that eating outside will be tempting, you should stay away from junk food. The argument needs to be avoided because it could harm your health. Good time to present gifts and enjoy modest occasions with your mate; this will strengthen and deepen your marriage. With Jupiter's blessings, single people have a decent chance of finding their ideal life partner this month. This month's love life will be mediocre due to a communication breakdown caused by Mercury and Saturn delivering hints, so you need to take care of this. You shouldn't invest a lot of money in property-related projects. You will make good financial gains through research-related or wholesale businesses. This month, tax-related difficulties could arise for you. Because diverse thought can produce unexpected dispute, you must work slowly and think positively. Challenges can arise at work as a result of your aggressive behaviour and inappropriate language. Rahu and Jupiter advise against depending on luck to succeed in the exam. Avoid thinking negatively, and stay out of pointless arguments that could divert your attention from your research.

s agittarius ( 23rd n ovember to 21st d ecember )

Venus will make you feel love in the air. Your relationship with your spouse or partner will be wonderful and peaceful. However, the stars indicate that singles are only drawn to the enjoyable aspects of romantic relationships. They won't be all that committed in their strategy. This month will be one of financial prosperity. All of the investments you have made so far will bring you money. You'll be able to manage both your personal and family finances. You're likely to accomplish your professional goals and ambitions this month. During this month, the strength of Saturn will motivate you to strive harder and overcome numerous challenges. Entrepreneurs might delve into uncharted waters and possibly expand their product offering. Mercury predicts that short-term business trips to broaden the clientele will produce positive outcomes. Your academic, athletic, literary, musical, dancing, and all other interests-related pursuits-will progress well. Your attention may wander under the sway of Venus, which may have an impact on your academic performance. So, during the later half of this month, pay close attention to your studies and look for ways to enhance your overall performance. You'll approach life with assurance and peace of mind. Perfect for boosting your health and vitality! Your health sector is being pleasantly impacted by the planets, so you should be in excellent physical and mental shape. As long as you avoid overindulging in food, as Venus and Mars' influence may drive you to do so. Planets will normally protect you during the middle of this month, but you must be cautious of excess of any type.

p isces ( 19t H f ebruary to 20t H m arc H )

Your chances of finding love and romance could improve this month. It will be a beneficial era for married couples and individuals alike. For singles, the influence of Jupiter and Venus will make it easier to convey your feelings to the one you love and advance your relationship. The vast effects of the planets may infuse your life with newfound love and happiness. This month, you might have enough planetary help to stabilise and strengthen your financial situation. Jupiter will enable you to develop a long-term plan for the coming period. Mercury is now transiting this month, which could cause confusion regarding how to continue with your financial strategy towards the middle of the month. The second half of the month, though, might offer a lot more insight. Throughout this month, your assured demeanour and tenacity will assist you to solidify your position at work. Saturn, though, is likely to bring new obstacles to your job, so you should be ready for some difficulties. If you own a firm, you might be able to put some corrective measures in place, and as the month goes on, you'll probably find yourself in a strong position. You may feel a little restless after Mars. Around the middle of this month, you can anticipate things to start going your way. While the stars are still in your favour for academic success this month, Venus warns that you may unwittingly or intentionally become involved in some unrelated activities. Your learning will probably slow down as a result. Around the middle of this month, with Jupiter's blessings, you will flourish thanks to your optimistic outlook, commitment, and the insightful advice of your mentors. You can have some health unease at the start of the month due to the influence of South Node.

surgery rules india's Kl rahul out of WTc final

INDIA will be missing KL Rahul for the World Test Championship Final against Australia at The Oval, with the star batter to undergo surgery on his right thigh.

Lucknow Super Giants skipper KL Rahul will undergo surgery on his thigh, ruling him out of India's World Test Championship Final against Australia and the rest of the Indian Premier League season.

The 31-year-old was

injured against Royal Challengers Bangalore earlier this week, tearing a tendon in his right leg while fielding, and had to be helped off the ground.

He could not open Lucknow's innings in the run chase but came out to bat at No.11 and was unable to score off the three deliveries he faced in the penultimate over.

"After careful consideration and

consultation with the medical team, it's been concluded that I'll be undergoing a surgery on my thigh shortly," Rahul wrote on Instagram on Friday.

"My focus will be on my rehabilitation and recovery in the coming weeks. It's a tough call to make, but I know it's the right one to ensure a full recovery."

The surgery will rule Rahul out of the WTC Final against Australia at The Oval from June 7-11.

arsenal grab vital win over newcastle to keep title hopes alive

ARSeNAL kept their Premier League title hopes alive as they grabbed a vital 2-0 away win against Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Sunday afternoon.

The result means that the Gunners moved to within one point of reigning champions Manchester City, having played an extra game.

hIGh-PReSSURe GAMe

It would always be a tough game for Mikel Arteta’s side, and they were put under severe pressure right from the first whistle.

Newcastle played with great tempo and were almost ahead in the second minute as Jacob Murphy struck the post with a stunning effort.

The Magpies were then awarded a penalty in the ninth minute by the referee when Bruno Guimaraes’ strike appeared to hit the arm of Jakub Kiwior.

However, VAR intervened, and the decision was overturned after replays showed that the ball had first struck the Arsenal defender’s thigh before striking his arm.

ARSeNAL TAke The LeAD

Much against the run of play, Arsenal took the lead thanks to a brilliant long-

range strike from Martin Odegaard, who drilled his shot in the right bottom corner past Nick Pope.

The Magpie’s goalkeeper made a double save minutes later to keep his side in the game. The hosts didn’t let their heads drop and were relentless on the ball mounting attacks on every occasion. Aaron Ramsdale superbly denied former Arsenal man Joe Willock before Pope also kept the score at 1-0, denying Gabriel Martinelli right on the stroke of half time.

Eddie Howe’s side almost got their equalizer just four minutes after the restart, but Ramsdale kept out Fabian Schar’s goalbound header with a stunning stop. End-toend stuff also saw Martinelli

strike the post minutes later.

The hosts piled on the pressure in search of the equalizer, but much like the first half, the Gunners were lucky to double their lead on the day.

Martinelli’s low cross deflected off Schar’s toe to hit the back of the net as Arteta’s men ran away with all three points.

The Magpies will be disappointed with the result despite dominating possession and being on top for most of the encounter. Despite the loss, Newcastle remain third with 65 points from 34 games.

Howe’s side will look to pick themselves up and come back with a victory in the next game as they continue to remain in their quest for a Champions League berth.

He was named in the squad announced last month.

"Absolutely gutted that I won't be at The Oval next month with Team India," he wrote.

"I'll do everything I can to get back in blue and help my country. That has always been my focus and priority."

Lucknow are second in the 2023 IPL standings with 11 points, three behind leaders Gujarat Titans who have a game in hand.

Magic round begins with brisbane broncos beating Manly 32-6, canberra raiders downing canterbury bulldogs 34-30

The Brisbane Broncos have delivered an impressive performance on night one of Magic Round, with Selwyn Cobbo starring as his team smashed Manly 32-6 at a sold-out Lang Park to extend their lead at the top of the NRL ladder.

Earlier the Canberra Raiders kicked things off, edging an 11-try thriller against the Bulldogs.

With an unusual amount of away fans at the ground, Kevin Walters' side didn't have the normal overwhelming support in the stands, but it didn't matter as the Broncos scored six tries to one.

In a clash of first vs sixth, the Sea Eagles made things difficult for themselves with a string of handling errors, as they struggled to build momentum.

The combination of fullback Reece Walsh and winger Cobbo were devastating in the first half, as Cobbo scored a double to help Brisbane take a 20-0 lead at the main break.

Cobbo opened the scoring in the ninth minute when he ran onto a Walsh grubber to score wide on the right.

The Broncos were in again five minutes later, when hooker Billy Walters

took a pass and went over to the left of the posts after a strong attack took the home side within five of the tryline.

The glut of possession for Brisbane kept coming along with mistakes from the Sea Eagles.

A surge by Kurt Capewell nearly led to a third try on the left, but the Broncos were undeterred and a switch of play saw Adam Reynolds feed Walsh, who sent the ball to Cobbo who darted over in the opposite corner to make it 16-0 after 24 minutes.

Winger Jesse Arthars added a fourth try before half-time, and the Sea Eagles looked nowhere at the break.

Manly came out with greater intensity in the second half, and they put pressure on the Broncos, but they could not convert that pressure into points.

A lackadaisical effort from Cobbo in watching a

Manly kick run in-goal and stop, saw him hammered by Daly Cherry-Evans, forcing a dropout.

But the Broncos had the answers again, forcing a turnover on the Manly right to defuse the situation.

Manly improved their completion rate in the second half, but when they were threatening the Brisbane line with 12 minutes left, another spill of the ball by Josh Aloiai killed off the slim chances of a comeback.

Two minutes later, the home side made Manly pay, as Cobbo got his hand to a Tom Trbojevic pass and tipped it in the air before regathering and sprinting clear down the line to score his third and Brisbane's fifth of the night.

Herbie Farnsworth went over for another with seven minutes left, but Manly got on the board with a late score to Ben Trbojevic.

The Dolphins delivered a 3616 demolition of the Sharks in Wayne Bennett’s 900th game as coach, and one man stood out on debut — Valynce Te Whare.

The 22-year-old rugby union convert scored a double, crossing for a fourpointer only 23 minutes into his NRL career.

Dolphins veteran Jarrod Wallace told foxsports.com.

au Te Whare would become a “cult hero” in Redcliffe and the young gun showed exactly why on Saturday night.

After Brenko Lee’s hamstring injury in Round 9, Te Whare slotted into the right

centre spot after spending only a single season in the Dolphins’ Queensland Cup side in 2022.

Te Whare was recruited by the Dolphins in December

2021 and had never played the 13-man code prior to joining the NRL’s newest franchise.

Speaking in the postmatch press conference, Fox League’s Eamonn Tiernan

asked Bennett why the Dolphins signed Te Whare.

In true Wayne Bennett fashion, he delivered a hilarious response.

“We thought he was an investment into the future. We were looking for talent, and he is talented,” Bennett said.

“Why this week for his debut?” Tiernan asked.

“Because I had a bad night’s sleep, and I made a decision,” Bennett said with a wry smile.

“It was what I came up with, it was in the dream… I think we are going to find with Val he is a big match player

and the bigger the occasion the better he will play.

“There’s just some players who have that kind of psych and I think that’s part of his DNA.”

Bennett was also asked what he thought of Te Whare’s performance on debut with the young gun recording 72 running metres, two tries and six tackle breaks.

While the debutant was dangerous in attack, the master coach highlighted his defence as an area of improvement.

“He can be better, he’s got a lot of improvement in him but it wasn’t a bad start in his first

NRL game,” Bennett said.

“Ball in hand he is pretty devastating,” a reporter replied.

“Well it is when he doesn’t that worries me,” Bennett said.

Reporters also informed Bennett and skipper Felise Kaufusi Te Whare’s family and teammates had delivered an emotional Haka.

Queue another jab from the master coach

“He did a Haka did he, good on him… he had more energy than he thought he did, that’s great,” Bennett said.

“Maybe he should be talking about us, the effort we put into him.”

‘bad night’s sleep’: bennett’s hilarious response to dolphins wrecking ball’s epic debut

The hisToric coronaTion service of Their MajesTies King iii and Queen caMilla aT WesTMinsTer abbey

CONTD. FROM PG 1

Their Majesties entered Westminster Abbey through the Great West Door, upon which the choir will sing Hubert Parry’s ‘I was glad’, which was composed for the Coronation of King Edward VII. Their Majesties arrived at the Chairs of Estate in the Coronation Theatre, where The King was greeted by the longest-serving chorister of His Majesty’s Chapel Royal. The history of this greeting is rooted in the ordination and consecration of clergy members, where the inclusion of a young person symbolises looking towards the future. The King then took a personal moment of silent prayer, as Queen Elizabeth II did in 1953.

Following this, the Archbishop of Canterbury gave a greeting from the High Altar, welcoming the congregation to the Service. The choir, joined by Sir Bryn Terfel, sang the ‘Kyrie’, which was sung in Welsh for the first time.

The Recognition follows; an ancient element of the Coronation Service, where The King was recognised as the true Monarch. His Majesty will turn to each of the four points of the compass to be recognised; to the East, by the Archbishop of Canterbury; to the South, by Lady Eilish Angiolini, a Lady of the Order of the Thistle; to the West, by Christopher Finney, a holder of the George Cross, and to the North, by Baroness Amos, a Lady of the Order of the Garter. Each recognition will be marked with fanfare.

The King was presented with the Holy Bible by the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. The new Bible was commissioned for the Service by Lambeth Palace. His Majesty then took The Oath, and signed copies presented by the Lord Chamberlain as the choir sang an Anthem by William Byrd. Having taken The Oath, The King knelt before the High Altar and pray aloud. The hymn has inspired the words of His Majesty’s prayer, ‘I vow to thee, my country’, in a continuation of the service theme. The choir then sang a ‘Gloria’ by William Bryd, framing His Majesty’s prayer.

The Archbishop of Canterbury said the Collect, which has been specially written for the Coronation Service, before the Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Rishi Sunak MP, gave the first reading from the Epistle to the Colossians. The choir sang the ‘Alleluia’,

newly commissioned by Debbie Wiseman, while St Augustine’s Gospel Book, dating back to the sixth century, will be carried into the Nave. The Gospel was then read by the Bishop of London and Dean of His Majesty’s Chapels Royal, the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally, marking the first active participation of female Church of England Bishops in a Coronation Service. The Ascension gospel choir sang a second Alleluia, by Debbie Wiseman, and the Archbishop of Canterbury will preach the Sermon. Their Majesties then knelt at the Chairs of Estate as the choir sang the Veni, Creator Spiritus, in English, Welsh, Scots Gaelic and Irish.

The Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem, who was present during the consecration of the Chrism oil earlier this year, received the Ampulla containing the oil at the High Altar, which the Archbishop of Canterbury blessed. Their Majesties removed their Robes of State, and The King sat in the Coronation Chair on the Cosmati pavement.

The Anointing Screen, newly made for the Service and inspired by the window of His Majesty’s Chapel Royal, was brought into position around the Chair by Guardsmen of the Household Division.

The Anointing, the most solemn and sacred part of the Service, took place as the choir sangHandel’s ‘Zadok the priest’, composed for the Coronation of King George II in 1727 has become synonymous with such occasions. The Archbishop of Canterbury, assisted by the Dean of Westminster and the Archbishop of York,

anointed The King’s hands, chest and head. Afterwards, The King approached the High Altar and kneeled, and the Archbishop of Canterbury prayed.

For The Investiture, The King was vested with the Colobium Sidonis, a white linen shift-like tunic; the Supertunica, a full-length, sleeved gold coat; and the Coronation Sword Belt. His Majesty sat in the Coronation Chair as items of Regalia are presented; first, the Spurs, carried by the Lord Great Chamberlain.

The Byzantine Chant Ensemble sang Greek, in recognition of His Majesty’s father Prince Philip, The late Duke of Edinburgh, while the Sword of State is exchanged for the Sword of Offering by the Lord President of the Council, The Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt MP. The Sword of Offering, which symbolises the protection of good and the punishment of evil, was delivered to the Archbishop of Canterbury and will be placed in The King’s right hand. The King will rise, and the Sword will be fastened at the His Majesty’s waist using the Sword Belt. The King will offer the Sword at the Altar, where it will be received the Dean. The Sword was redeemed with the offering of 100 newly minted 50ps, by the Lord President of the Council, who will carry it before The King for the remainder of the Service. Traditionally, the Sword is offered to Westminster Abbey in payment for hosting a Coronation Service and redeemed by offering a symbolic payment.

The King will be presented with the Armills, traditionally

referred to as ‘the bracelets of sincerity and wisdom’, by Lord Kamall, the Robe Royal, brought by Baroness Merron, and the Stole Royal, presented by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. His Majesty will then be invested and will sit inthe Coronation Chair again. The Orb, symbolising the Christian world, will be placed in The King’s right hand by the Archbishop of Canterbury, before being returned to the Altar and the Sovereign’s Ring will be presented by Lord Patel. The Coronation Glove will be presented by Lord Singh, and The King will place it on His Majesty’s right hand. The Sceptre with Cross, a symbol of power and justice, and the Sceptre with Dove, a symbol of equity and mercy, will be brought from the Altar by the Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church and the Archbishop of Wales, and placed in The King’s right and left hands, by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

For The Crowning, The Dean of Westminster will deliver St Edward’s Crown to the Archbishop of Canterbury, who will offer a blessing before His Majesty The King is crowned. The Archbishop will lead the congregation of Westminster Abbey in saying, ‘God save The King’. The bells of the Abbey will ring as gun salutes are fired in celebration on Horse Guards Parade, at His Majesty’s Fortress, the Tower of London, and Saluting Stations throughout the United Kingdom, Gibraltar, Bermuda, and His Majesty’s ships at sea. In Westminster Abbey, the Wiener Philharmoniker Fanfare will be played by the

Cross and The Queen’s Rod with Dove. Escorted by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, the Bishops of Hereford and Norwich, and The Queen’s Companions, Her Majesty was enthroned. A new Anthem, ‘Make a joyful noise’, composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, was sung by the choir.

Coronation Brass Ensemble, as requested by The King. His Majesty then blessed by ecumenical leaders.

The choir will sing an Anthem by Thomas Weekles, followed by The Enthroning. The King, escorted by the Canterbury and York Archbishops and assisted by the Bishops of Bath and Wells and Durham, will be enthroned. The Great Officers of State assemble behind His Majesty’s Throne Chair.

The Archbishop of Canterbury and The Prince of Wales will give the Homage. The People’s Homage will follow, an opportunity for those who wish to be given a voice within the Service, and for those at home to have a chance to be an extension of the Westminster Abbey congregation, should they wish to take it, whether with a moment of quiet reflection, by saying “God save King Charles” at the end, or following the words of the liturgy. A fanfare will sound, and the choir will sing an Anthem arranged by John Rutter for the Coronation of King George VI.

The Homage was followed by the Coronation of The Queen. Her Majesty will kneel at her Chair of Estate to be anointed on the head by The Archbishop of Canterbury. The Queen’s Ring was presented to Her Majesty by the Keeper of the Jewel House, and Her Majesty was crowned by the Archbishop with Queen Mary’s Crown. The former Bishop of London, Lord Chartres, and the Bishop of Dover, The Rt Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin, will present Her Majesty with The Queen’s Sceptre with

Their Majesties proceed into the Shrine and were removed St Edward’s Crown and Queen Mary’s Crown before returning to the Chairs of Estate for Communion. The King will be presented with bread and wine, which will be used for the Holy Sacrament. The congregation will sing the hymn ‘Christ is made the sure foundation’ to the Westminster Abbey tune. Reflecting The King’s devotion to the traditional liturgy of the Church of England, the communion bread and wine will be consecrated according to the Book of Common Prayer, the wording of which was also used at the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The ‘Sanctus’ was sung, composed for the Service by Roxanna Panufnik.

The Archbishop of Canterbury will lead The Lord’s Prayer, which the congregation is welcome to say in the language of their choice, for their own act of worship. The choir will then sing a newly commissioned ‘Agnus Dei’; a reflective moment in the Service, during which Their Majesties will receive Holy Communion. The Amen was sung by the choir, to the Orlando Gibbons tune which was also sung at the Coronation in 1953.

While the hymn, ‘Praise, my soul, the King of heaven’ was sung by the congregation, Their Majesties will enter the Shrine of St Edward the Confessor before the conclusion of the Service. The choir will sing an Anthem by William Boyce, composed for the Coronation of King George III in 1761, and the Te Deum, written for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

A fanfare sounded as The King, wearing the Imperial State Crown, followed by The Queen, wearing Queen Mary’s Crown, emerged from the Shrine and join the Coronation Procession out of Westminster Abbey as the National Anthem is sung.

After the Coronation Service, at the Great West Door, Five faith leaders greeted the King, and Governors-General from the Realms. Their Majesties then departed Westminster Abbey in the Gold State Coach for Buckingham Palace.