Brisbane Indian Times November 14 Issue by Australian Indian Times

Indian Times

Brisbane

A Division of Qld Multicultural Times

As God is One, we respect all Religions

Print Post Approved PP:424022 1724

Volume 12, Number 2 Saturday, November 8, 2014

Telephone: (07) 3865 6533 Fax: (07) 3865 5864 E-mail admin@indiantimes.com.au

Melbourne Cup tragedy with two racehorses dead

â&#x20AC;˘ Report page 6 - (Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

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From the Publisher WELCOME to November issue, hard to believe but this year is fast coming to an end, various Diwali functions have been successfully completed. I had the opportunity of attending many of these functions. I was honoured and humbled to be the chief guest at Sanatan Queensland’s Diwali function. I must say that Diwali today has become a well celebrated global festival and it is good to see many communities joining in the festivities. I was personally involved with many of these like Sanatan Queensland Diwali as the chief guest, lottery ticket sponsor for Hindu Society of Queensland Diwali, a major sponsor of Banyo Diwali via Globenet Realty, MC for Brisbane City Council Diwali in Chinatown. Brisbane Indian Times provided media promotion for all of the Diwali functions via print and electronic medium. Our group The Brisbane Babas Band, performed at three functions, FICQ Diwali at King George Square, Brisbane City Council

Diwali at Chinatown Mall, and Qld Tamil Diwali at Unidus Centre. November is all about G20 and Indian Prime Ministers visit. Many areas in CBD will be under lockdown, traffic will have restricted flow with inevitable delays. Many cultural events have paved the way for the major event, the colour me Brisbane campaign went well with many people having a go at the various venues. There is a growing concern for the tight security requirements and possible disruption, planned and approved protests will take place under tight security control. Brisbane will be the world capital during G20, it is envisaged that this event will be a major economic boost for Queensland. Queensland Indian Community is looking forward to Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s visit, there is a lot of talk and buzz on the proposed community reception for Indian Prime Minister. As previously stated our vision for a statue of Gandhi has been materialised with greater

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Inside

EDITOR:

A D ivi sio n of Qld Multi cultural Time s

Trudi Tarres

• Local News.................................5-21 • Who, What, Where, When...22 & 24 • Health & Well Being................28-31 • Astrology...........................................32 • Real Estate................................33-35 • Business Directory.......................36-37 • Classifieds..........................................38 • What’s On................................38-39 • Bollywood & Entertainment...40-41 • Sport..........................................42-43

JOURNALIST/ CORRESPONDENTS Ram Jattan (UK) Thakur Ranjit Singh (NZ) Thilliar Varnakulasingham (NZ) Shalendra Prasad (Fiji) Dhaval Vyas (India) Rama Gaind (Canberra) ML. M. Nawaaz Ashrafi Imam Muhammad Aslam Sundar Gopal Das Yadavendra Das Pastor Joseph Dass Haji Abdul Rahman Deen Janeth Deen Jitendra Deo Mehraban Farahmand (Baha’i International)

2 - THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2014

BRISBANE City Council is set to approve the proposed Public Land and Council Asset Local Law 2014 (PLACA) this after five weeks of community consultation. Environment Parks and Sustainability Chairman, Cr Matthew Bourke said the new Local Law would be a critical update to reflect modern-day management practices already in place in Council’s parks, malls and open spaces. “Visitors to Brisbane’s parks and malls won’t see any changes in the vast majority of ways that our open spaces are managed or how they use Council’s parks, however, administrative changes in the Local Law will support Council officers to continue cleaning, enforcement and management of these spaces as already occurs,” Cr Bourke said. “Our open spaces across Brisbane serve us very well and we are conscious that we want to continue to make our open spaces accessible into the future, even as they are utilised more heavily by the community.” Cr Bourke said that Council had received a strong response to the community consulta-

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zens, Indians first arrived in Fiji under British in 1879. We will dedicate the next issue of Brisbane Indian Times to Prime Minister Modi and his historical visit to Australia, it will be in the form of a supplement and we are inviting everyone to be a part of this historic supplement, a copy will be delivered to his office. I am hoping that everyone will contribute to this supplement. Our new office has been fitted out and we have just shifted into the new office, as is the case with moving, teething problems while settling down does occur especially in the technical field where it is always someone’s else’s fault. We have been working on a new project, one which I am really excited about, the announcement will be made in due course, in the meantime sit back and enjoy reading the paper. Until next Month, Happy reading Umesh Chandra

Brisbane to be more accessible under new Local Law

Brisbane

Published Monthly OWNERS / PUBLISHERS: Umesh & Usha Chandra

• Letters to the Editor.......................2 • Migration Matters...........................4

community support via formation of a committee, the committee has been very busy planning for this event to take place. GOPIO Qld observed the first Ganhdi Jayanti on the site and will do so on an annual basis. The project is progressing well and we conducted the Bhoomi pooja before the foundation was poured on Monday 26th October. It is planned for inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his G20 visit. Prime Minister Modi will also attend a breakfast function followed by the Statue inauguration, the civic reception and a private dinner function. On 17th October he will attend a reception by Indian High commissioner in Sydney before the community reception at Allphones Arena, Olympic Park in Sydney. A large number of people from all over Australia are expected to attend the civic reception in Sydney. He will also take this opportunity to visit neighbouring Fiji, which still has a large number of people of Indian Origin as citi-

Ajit K Shahi (Immigration Matters) Jatinder Kaur Vinaya Natarajan (Inspire - Prem Rawat) Peter Lane Rai Parth Raval Shobhana Shet (Spiritual Science Research Foundation) Gurjeet Singh Matt Young (Sport) Suite 5, 2281 Sandgate Road Boondall Qld 4034 TELEPHONE: (07) 3865 6533 FACSIMILE:(07) 3865 5864 E-MAIL: prod@indiantimes.com.au Subscriptions: 12 months $40.00 (incl GST) 6 months $24.00 (incl GST)

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tion on PLACA. “Council conducted five weeks of consultation, with 129 public submissions received and all taken into consideration during the final development of the proposed Local Law,” he said. “In response to feedback, Council has reduced the timeframe for applications for permits from 20 days to five days. This change will allow for greater flexibility in organising major events.” “As has always been the case, permits will continue to be free, unless they are for commercial activities or for the exclusive use of a designated park site. “As has long been the case, most everyday activities in parks will not need permission from Council. Only a limited number of activities such as Weddings, Markets or Fetes will require a permit from Council.” For more information on the Public Land and Council Asset Local Law 2014 (PLACA), visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or call Council on (07) 3403 8888.

Brisbane Indian Times is a monthly newspaper published in English. No material, including advertisements designed by Brisbane Indian Times, may be reproduced in part or who without the written consent of the manager. Opinions carried in Brisbane Indian Times are those of the writers and not necessarily endorsed by Brisbane Indian Times. Brisbane Indian Times will not be held liable for any advertising / editorial content - Advertisers supply/approve content therefore should any content be deemed inappropriate it is the advertisers responsibility. While every effort has been made to capture the true likeness to colour printing is an art and therefore we cannot guarantee an exact matching of product to image. Refund / Credit is not given as a result of the previous mentioned. All correspondence should be addressed to: Brisbane Indian Times, PO Box 197, Taigum Qld 4018. PH: (07) 3865 6533 Fax: 3865 5864 admin@indiantimes.com.au

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Migration Updates....

Reforming skilled migration to improve Australia’s competitiveness

THE Government will reform the 457-visa programme for skilled migrants, while maintaining strong safeguards against abuse. The 457 programme must be a means of filling genuine skills gaps in the local labour market while not placing unnecessary administrative burdens on business. An effectively managed skilled migration programme ensures foreign workers supplement rather than substitute Australian workers. A business that is forced to close because it is unable to access the labour that it requires employs no-one. That is a lose–lose situation for both employers and employees. Following an independent review of the 457 programme, the Government will: • Streamline the processing of sponsorship, nomination and visa applications to reward low risk applicants and refocus compliance and monitoring activities on high risk applicants; • Increase the sponsorship approval period from 12 to 18 months for start-up businesses, to give start-ups more time to make their businesses sustainable; • Provide greater flexibility in relation to English language testing and skill requirements for 457 applicants, to ensure that the standards required are appropriate for the industries and occupations being sought; and • Retain the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold at $53 900, ahead of a review within the next two years. Safeguards will remain in place to ensure that the 457 visa programme is not rorted. It will continue to be a requirement that a foreign worker receives at least the same market rates and conditions that are paid to an Australian doing the same job in the same workplace. The Government will also expand and improve the Significant Investor Visa programme. At present, SIVs are available for applicants having an eligible investment in Australia of

4 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2014

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A$5 million, for a minimum of four years. The Government will reform the programme to encourage more high net worth individuals to make Australia home and to leverage and better direct additional foreign investment, while maintaining safeguards to ensure the migration programme is not misused. Changes will include: • Streamlining and speeding up visa processing, further promoting the programme globally and strengthening integrity measures, to increase the attractiveness of investing and settling in Australia while ensuring Australia's interests are protected; • Aligning the criteria for eligible investments with the Government's national investment priorities. The investment eligibility criteria will be determined by Austrade in consultation with key economic and industry portfolios; • Introducing a Premium Investor Visa (PIV), offering a more expeditious, 12 month pathway to permanent residency than the SIV, for those meeting a $15 million threshold; and • Tasking Austrade to become a nominating entity for the SIV (complementing the current State and Territory governments' role as nominators) and to be the sole nominating entity for the PIV. The changes to the SIV will take effect during 2014-15, with the Premium Investor Visa to be introduced from 1 July 2015. The Government will soon make further announcements on the recommendations of reviews into both the 457 and SIV programmes.

Source Disclaimer – Please be advised that above source of information is taken from Department of Immigration and Border Protection Website. http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/media/sm/2014/sm218 547.htm This article is intended to provide general information on migration issues and does not constitute migration advice, and no responsibility is accepted by Ajit K Shahi or Naam Migration Australia for the accuracy of material appearing in Brisbane Indian Times. Ajit K Shahi MARN: 1174452

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Melbourne Cup tragedy Annual concert - Nritya Bharati with two racehorses dead From page 1 THE 2014 Melbourne Cup has taken a tragic turn with the deaths of Admire Rakti and fellow runner Araldo. Race favourite Admire Rakti died after collapsing back at the stalls just five minutes after finishing last in the Cup. In further misfortune, smart stayer Araldo was returning to the mounting yard when a young boy waved a white flag in the horse’s face. He leapt forward, jumping the steel rail, shattered a cannon bone in the process. Araldo’s trainer Mike Moroney said veterinary surgeons tried desperately to save his horse’s life. Veterinary surgeons said that Admire Rakti had collapsed and died from a massive heart attack or internal bleed. Crowds five deep had surrounded the hosing bay holding Admire Rakti. Stewards and race club officials had placed a green tarpaulin over the body of the Caulfield Cup winner. The Japanese entourage with the horse, many of whom had flown into Australia in the last 24 hours hoping to see Japan win its second Melbourne Cup, were understandably devastated. Admire Rakti weakened considerably and staggered to the line in last place despite being sent out as the top pick for the race. An autopsy will be conducted. “Obviously there will have to be an autopsy done and the vets are with it now,” Racing Victoria chief steward Terry Bailey said. “He collapsed while they were unsaddling him back at the stalls. “The autopsy will tell the story. It

will be done at Werribee. That’s the normal procedure for any horse. We’ll see what that brings up and whether that’s natural causes.” Admire Rakti was sent out favourite and raced on the speed under Zac Purton and was never a winning hope after yielding ground at the 600-metre mark. He was attempting to become the first horse since Ethereal in 2001 to complete the CaulfieldMelbourne cups double. It is the second straight year a horse has died following the Melbourne Cup after Verema broke down in the back straight in 2013. German-trained Protectionist romped home to a four-length win from Red Cadeaux, who ran second for the third time in four Melbourne Cup attempts. The 2014 Melbourne Cup: final placing 1. (5) Protectionist 2. (4) Red Cadeaux 3. (12) Who Shot Thebarman 4. (24) Signoff 5. (13) Willing Foe 6. (15) Precedence 7. (21) Araldo 8. (18) Au Revoir 9. (7) Seismos 10. (3) Fawkner 11. (20) Opinion 12. (10) Gatewood 13. (22) Lucia Valentina 14. (11) Mutual Regard 15. (16) Brambles 16. (23) Unchain My Heart 17. (14) My Ambivalent 18. (8) Junoob 19. (19) Lidari 20. (9) Royal Diamond 21. (17) Mr O’Ceirin 22. (1) Admire Rakti

School of Kathak

NRITYA Bharati School of Kathak held its annual concert on 12th October at Indooroopilly State High School. The school is run by Nimita Debroy who was the director and choreographer of all the dances for the night. The event was compeered by Vinita Khushal. The dances were performed by students of Nritiya Bharati School of Kathak. The origin of Kathak dance dates back to 17th century when it used to be practiced in Hindu temples. Much of the thematic content was devotional. Recounting episodes and moments were mainly from the Hindu epics. With the advent of the Muslim rule Kathak slowly moved from the temple to the court. We can

see the fusion of Hindu temple and Muslim court room tradition in the present form of Kathak. The term Kathak means story teller and assumes the role of a dancer-actor - one who dances and tells a story through the intricate body movement and facial expression. In the nritya aspect of expressional dance a special set of stems called gats and gat bhow is performed by the dancer which is unique to the Kathak school of dance. The beauty of the dance depends on the imaginative faculty of the dance. A gifted artist can interpret one stanza in more than one way and display his artistry, imagination and skill. That is why Kathak is said to be the most versatile classical dance form not only in India but

throughout the world. The program director, choreographer and costume designer is Namita Debroy. Namita has been interested in music and dance from very young age. She started learning Kathak dance at the age of 7. She completed her visharad (B.A in dance) in Kathak from Lucknow University. She received Indian national scholarship for dance; besides dance she also did Masters in Political Science from Calcutta University and Graduate diploma in International Studies from Sydney University. Some of the dances presented on the night were Durga Vandana, Momo Chitte Niti Nitte, Saraswati Vandana, Badariya, Tehais (Kathak), Toras (Kathak), Esho Shyamalo Shundaro.

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APSQ - Multi purpose Hall Project fundraising Courtesy Jitendra Deo, President APSQ THE Sabha had its fundraising for Multipurpose Community Hall project on 25th October 2014. It was opportune time to celebrate this Diwali season by cruising in beautiful Brisbane River, looking through our wonderful Brisbane City. The glittering light encompassing the river was a magnificent sight, as if someone has lit “Diya” around the place. The Sabha has undertaken this project as we have very limited facilities for multicultural activities like Marriage ceremonies, Religious functions, festival celebrations etc. This multi-purpose hall will be of great help to the general community. Our aim is to provide a community hall that meets the diverse needs of our residents and visitors. Community facilities extend the community’s capability to conduct activities, develop links among people, and build self-help and mutual support. As well, they should meet the recreational, cultural and community support needs and strengthen local community networks. A preliminary concept plan has been produced for staged development at the site with multi-purpose community hall and residential facility. This Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre will be built as a multi-purpose community hall to

seat 500 people. The community hall’s versatility means it will be able to cater for a wide variety of functions; such as weddings, community meetings, seminars, training events, receptions, and concerts.The center can be utilized to promote religious teachings, Yoga, Meditation, culture, languages, traditions and music. The language school, Yoga and Meditation classes will be held three times a week and our organization has qualified Hindi language teachers and

‘CHOICE’ Travel insurance buying guide Minister for Foreign Affairs The Hon Julie Bishop MP Today (23 October 2014) I announce the release of a new initiative to aid Australian travellers in selecting travel insurance ahead of the peak Christmas travel period and start of the cruise season. The CHOICE Guide to Travel Insurance was commissioned by the Australian

Government in June this year. Australians take huge financial and other risks if they travel overseas without insurance, or buy an inadequate policy. The latest data from the Understand Insurance 2014 survey undertaken by Qantum reveals that 19 per cent of Australians who travelled overseas in the past two years did so without insurance. The Australian Government will not meet

qualified Yoga teacher. The event highlighted Diwali Celebrations, Diwali is known as the “festival of lights”, the most significant meaning is - the awareness of the inner light. Diwali is about the triumph of virtue over vice, of good over evil, of light over darkness and of knowledge over ignorance. Diwali is supposed to be the beginning of a better life, better future and better prospects. It is about unity, tolerance and understanding and our hopes and ambitions for the future. It reminds us that love, concern and respect for others is the way to a brighter day. Regardless of race or faith, people all over the world identify this with the message of Diwali. The vegetarian food was served on board, starting with delicious entrée and then meal concluded with dessert, being traditional sweets and fruits. The patrons enjoyed the music, and on board activities of Antakshri, and Karaoke. The talent was seen amongst the guests and members as they actively took part, it was a pleasure to see people enjoying this festive season with classic Hindi songs, and poems. On behalf of Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland Inc (APSQ), I extend my heartiest thanks and appreciation to patronage of our members and friends. Their support had made the evening fruitful, and enjoyable.

expenses if travellers are uninsured, including expensive overseas hospital and medical evacuation. The Guide, available on the Smartraveller website, includes case studies detailing the financial hardship caused to travellers who did not have insurance or did not understand their policy exclusions, and lists examples of the costs they must bear if not properly insured. I encourage travellers to read the fine print of the policy to ensure they are covered for their destination; for their planned activities; or if they have pre-existing medical conditions. For example, the Guide notes that those who do not have a motorbike licence may not be covered when riding a

motorbike overseas. If injured while intoxicated, insurance policy exclusions may apply. The quality of the advice and depth of the insights provided by CHOICE is first class. It will assist travellers to better understand which activities are covered by their policy and any exemptions that are in place. I urge all travellers - school leavers heading overseas for the first time, or more experienced travellers heading to new or familiar destinations – to register their travel details, subscribe to country-specific travel advice at Smartraveller and to read the Guide to ensure they have the most appropriate travel insurance.

Not sure what to put in your recycling bin? Brisbane City Council’s new Brisbane Bin and Recycling app for smartphones and tablets helps residents keep track of bin collection days and learn more about recycling. This free app includes a bin collection calendar, quick guide to recycling, directions to transfer stations and more. Download now from the App Store and Google Play. For more information visit w w w.brisbane.qld.gov.au or contac t Council on (07) 3403 8888.

8 - THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2014

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2014 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 9

RSL welcomes former Indian and Sri Lankan Servicemen FORMER servicemen and women from India and Sri Lanka have been urged to join the Returned & Services League (RSL), in the lead up to Anzac Day 2015. The call has come from ClayfieldToombul RSL, one of Queensland’s oldest RSL Sub-Branches. Mr Bill O’Chee, the President of the Clayfield-Toombul Sub-Branch, said the original Anzac Corps comprised not just Australians and New Zealanders, but also troops from Ceylon and India. “What history has forgotten is the role that soldiers from the Sub-Continent and Ceylon played in forging the Anzac Legend. When the Australians and New Zealanders landed at Anzac Cove, they were accompanied by the Ceylon Planters Rifle Corps, for example, who were part of the Anzac Corps from the very beginning. “Later, during the August 1915 offensive at Gallipoli, they were joined by four battalions of Indian infantry, two Indian artillery batteries, an Indian Field Ambulance, and the Indian Mule Train. All of these men shared the Gallipoli experience with our soldiers, and were as much a part of the Anzac legend as the Australian and New Zealand soldiers themselves,” Mr O’Chee said. He said former members of the Indian and Sri Lankan armed forces were eligible to join the RSL, and would be welcomed in his Sub-Branch with open arms. Mr O’Chee said joining the RSL was relatively easy if someone had served with a kindred nation such as India or Sri Lanka. “All someone needs to do is to provide proof of service for a minimum of six months, and to complete the membership application. Proof of service can be done by providing copies of enlistment and discharge papers, for example,” he said. Mr O’Chee said that he hoped there would be strong support from the RSL among

Indian and Sri Lankan former servicemen, especially on the Northside of Brisbane. “Our Sub-Branch is already fairly multicultural. We have South ! Vietnamese, Singaporean, South African, and French veterans. We’d welcome Indian and Sri Lankan members. In fact, our Sub-Branch believe that we can’t really honour the Anzac legend next year without such members. “We are also located on the Inner Northside of Brisbane, which should be convenient to many members of the Indian community,” he said. Anyone interested in applying should contact the Membership Officer, Alex Howe Each Anzac Day, the Clayfield-Toombul on 0415 271 429, or send an email to RSL conducts a dawn service at Cameron clayfieldtoombulrsl@gmail.com. Rocks on Kingsford-Smith Drive, as well as

services at Kalinga Gates, St Columb’s Anglican Church, and the Clayfield Memorial School of Arts.

We Belong - giving a brighter future for disadvantaged children Daisy Hill resident’s A inspiring vision to connect the community will help provide a brighter future for some  of the world’s most disadvantaged children. We Belong is a non-profit initiative established by Saurubh Malviya, which aims to bring equal opportunity to children who, day by day, are left feeling cast out and overlooked. This will be done by using existing school infrastructure after hours to learn social and emotional skills. These children, do not have essential basics, such as a

place to sleep or even something as fundamental as a name. Through ‘We Belong’ these children can know that they have not been forgotten, and that they belong to a greater community beyond themselves. Saurubh is a lecturer in education for Griffith University and a qualified teacher who has worked in after school hours care for many years. “It is our heartfelt goal to equip these children with a sense of belonging. At present many schools in India are not used after hours, so there is a real opportunity to put these

facilities to good use. We will practice social skills such as hygiene and food preparation, participate in team sports and improve language skills,” he said. “The sad reality is that these children miss out on the emotional and social development that we take for granted in Australia.” “I request the community to get behind us for this important cause”. For more information contact Website: www.we-belong.org Email: info@we-belong.org • Volunteer Nathan Reed and We Belong founder Saurubh Malviya. Phone: 0430015526

ISKCON Temple receives half a million for Community Services

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ON 20th October 2014, Hon. Minister Matthew Guy, Minister for Multicultural affairs and Planning for Victoria awarded a cheque of $500,000 to assist & support ISKCON temple community services to rebuild their kitchen. As you are aware the temple is running a nonstop drive of feeding the needy people around the region for the many years. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) was founded in New York in 1966 by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (1896–1977), a pure devotee of Lord Krishna. He established ISKCON as a means of sharing Vedic culture with the world. Minister from Hon. Dr Denis Napthine’s

Victorian Government recognized ISKCON’s outstanding services to the community. Hon. Matthew Guy handed over the cheque to Mr Anirudh Dasa president of ISKCON temple and Mr Bhakta Dasa, Vice President of (FIMO) Federation of Multifaith Organizations of Victoria. At the function Mr Vasan Srinivasan, Chairman on Confederation of Indian Australian Associations (CIAA), also, acknowledged the exceptional services of ISKCON to the community whilst sharing his personal experience of working in the temple kitchen when he first arrived in Australia. He commended the support of Minister to ISKCON temple in its drive to assist less fortunate Victorian brothers, sisters and children.

Brisbane Indian Times - DECEMBER 14 DEADLINES.... Advertisers - 28 Nov / Editorial submissions 3 Dec (Please note editorial submissions after above mentioned date will not be accepted)

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Lalitha Kalalaya School of Bharatanatyam concert receives rave reviews LALITHA Kalalaya School of Bharatanatyam would like to express our thanks to volunteers, friends, sponsors, audiences and well wishers for your great and continuous support. The concert was a great success and received a positive feedback from the audiences about the programme. As a result of this, we are organizing the next event on 22nd

November in Gold Coast. This will be a fund raising event and all the sponsorship money will be donated to the construction of temple in Gold Coast. We request individuals and sponsors to come forward to help us in the event. Individuals are also welcome to make contribution. A small contribution from each one of us will

make a big difference. For further details, please contact Sriram on 0406 860 078. Programme details: Venue: Helensvale Cultural Center Date: 22nd November Time: 6pm to 8pm

Local money transfer lifelines under threat as remitters face extinction THOUSANDS of migrant communities across Australia could lose their ability to send money home to family and friends safely and securely if banks continue their plans to close the accounts of remitters. Without bank accounts in Australia, money remittance providers cannot complete the transfer of their customers’ funds to destination countries, which means that millions of migrants will no longer be able to contribute to the support of families and communities overseas. For many living in Australia, the low-cost, secure money transfer services of registered remitters is the only way they can send essential funds home safely and securely. These funds are considered a lifeline to thousands of communities that depend on them. In recognition of the significant impact of this action by major Australian banks, a new organisation, made up of Australia’s registered remitters and currency providers has formed - the Australian Remittance and

Currency Providers Association (ARCPA) to lobby Government and the banking industry to save these critical remittance services. “Our members are an integral part of local communities. They provide a safe, essential, low-cost service to send funds to relatives and communities overseas, many of these transfers are a lifeline to the recipients,” said Dianne Nguyen, Director and spokesperson, ARCPA. “Our members often go above and beyond the services provided by banks. In some cases we hand deliver in locations that are impossible to reach using the international banking network. Our services are critical to many communities, both here in Australia and overseas” she said. This situation is urgent. Since 2010, major Australian national and regional banks and Australian branches of foreign banks started to close the accounts of remittance providers. Westpac, the last of the big four Australian banks to offer remittance ser-

vices, has said it will close remitters’ accounts by the end of November 2014. This is a disaster for remittance providers, as there will be no options for banking in Australia. Banks have cited the risk of remittances being used for money-laundering and terrorism financing as the reason for closing off the industry, despite the average remittance transaction amounting to only AUD$300 and the vast bulk of destination countries presenting no terrorist threat. “Our customers will be forced to pay more for expensive and cumbersome remittance transactions through banks or seek alterna-

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tive, unregulated options. Members of the Australian Remittance and Currency Providers Association are secure, highly regulated and consistently monitored. We feel that the stance taken by banks is unnecessary and unfair.” ARCPA has started discussions with the Australian Government, and is campaigning to find a collaborative solution with the stakeholders involved. ARCPA is calling on the community to voice their concerns by signing a petition: * Online at www.XYX.com.au * By visiting local remittance offices

Report shows a cohesive and Multicultural Australia MINISTER for Social Services Kevin Andrews welcomed a report providing further evidence of Australia as a cohesive society. Mr Andrews welcomed the findings of the Scanlon Foundation’s 2014 Mapping Social Cohesion report and confirmed the Government’s commitment to a multicultural Australia and to strengthen social cohesion. “About 2500 people were surveyed across two polls which found high levels of belonging and broad public support for multiculturalism,” he said. “It found an almost unanimous (92 per cent) sense of belonging to Australia, pride in the Australian way of life (88 per cent) and that its maintenance was important (91 per cent). “Support for multiculturalism remained strong, with 85 per cent of respondents agreeing that “multiculturalism has been good for Australia.” “Concerns over immigration were also at their lowest level since the first survey in 2007, with just 35 per cent of respondents considered the immigration intake “too high”. To read the full report, go to http://scanlonfoundation.org.au/ Call Trudi on 07 3865 6533

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2014 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 13

GCCC Mayor pledges support for Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association

Supplied by Mahendra Bhagwan

14 - THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2014

THE second Annual Navaratri festival was celebrated with a cultural event by GCHCA on 4th of October in Nerang Bicentennial Community Centre. GCCC Mayor Mr Tom Tate and Mayoress Ruth Tate attended the festival. The festival was inaugurated by lighting of the traditional oil lamp by Mayoress Mrs Ruth Tate. This free to all • Mayoress Ruth Tate lighting the oil lamp. event was well attended by about 400 members of the public including women and children, Politicians and GCCC councilors. The cultural event was followed by a free vegetarian dinner. In his speech Mr Tate reiterated to uphold the GCCC policy of multiculturalism in the city and pledged support to the activities of the Association. The event • Mayor Tom Tate addressing the was supported by number of audience. organizations and received fund- Artists who volunteered to pering from the GCCC Community form in the event. In his speech Grants Program under Culture, President Dr. Shunil Sharma history & heritage category. appealed to the Hindu communiMany Indian restaurants in the ty of the South East Queensland Gold Coast and Brisbane area to join the Association as memsponsored vegetarian dishes bers and participate in the which enabled the Association to Association’s activities. The GCHCA made its presence serve a vegetarian dinner as per Hindu tradition. The successful felt in the Gold Coast Multi event was organized by Cultural Festival event by Professor Thiru Aravinthan, putting up a food stall on 14th of Director of cultural activities, he September. The event is one of thanked all the community for the highlights in the Gold Coast their support especially the multi-cultural scene arranged

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annually by the Gold Coast Multicultural Association with the backing of Gold Coast City Council (GCCC) and was held in The Evandale Park. The only Vegetarian food stall in the event was ably managed by Mr Vishal Rana who was jubilant on the reception and support from the community. “Our mission was to reach out to the community and to spread the message about the organization” he said. Many members in the community volunteered to donate their time and service and the food stall was run with the free food, grocery and equipment donated to the Association from the Gold Coast and Brisbane Hindu community and Indian Restaurants. Many volunteered to cook the food items onsite and helped serving fresh. President Dr. Shunil Sharma thanked all volunteers and the restaurants for their contribution. The GCHCA conducts Bhajans on the third Friday of every month in the Helensvale community center at 31 Discovery drive from 7.15 pm followed by a vegetarian dinner. The details including membership application and the activities of the Association can be followed at our web site www.culture.goldcoasthindu.org or at our Facebook.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2014 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 15

Premier Campbell Newman named Honorary Indian of the Year QUEENSLAND Premier, Hon Campbell Newman, hosted a reception in the honour of the Indian community at the Parliament House, on 28th October 2014. This annual event is attended by over four hundred invited guests of Queensland Indian Community. Originally the event used to be held in the Parliament annexure and it wasn’t long before the community outgrew that venue. This is not a function organised by the Indian community but a reception hosted by Queensland Government for the Queensland Indian community. Protocol Queensland works with the three major Qld organisations (AIBC, GOPIO and FICQ) to prepare the annual invitees list. It is not an easy task for protocol as the demand for attendance at this function is growing rapidly. The following is an article by Varad Raval, Vice-President, FICQ “ M U LT I C U LT U R A L I S M , amongst its many definitions, refers to ideologies or policies that promote cultural diversity or its institutionalization. In all, since 1945, seven million people have migrated to Australia. Today, one in four of Australia’s 22 million people born overseas, 44 per cent were born overseas or have a parent who was and four million speak a language other than English. We speak over 260 languages and identify with more than 270 ancestries. And for us here in Queensland, this concept of multiculturalism comes to light every year with the celebrations of FICQ’s Diwali festival. In association with Brisbane City Council and supported by the Queensland Government, FICQ proudly hosted the 5th annual Diwali Celebrations on 10th October 2014 at King George Square, Brisbane. The Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland Inc. (FICQ) is the umbrella body which represents its member associations in Queensland. Today FICQ represents Australian citizens/permanent residents of Indian Diaspora and Indian overseas students living in Queensland and is proudly the largest Indian Federation in

• FICQ President Prof Prasad Yarlagadda, Dr Maha Sinnathamby, His Excellency Mr Biren Nanda and Hon Campbell Newman holding the Honorary Indian of the Year Award.

Australia. FICQ and through it, the contribution of the wider Indian Diaspora, to the growth and development of the greater Queensland, has been well recognised at all levels of the Government. This year’s Premier’s reception was well attended by a large cross-section of the community leaders from various facets of the Indian Diaspora. It was an absolute pleasure to have His Excellency Mr Biren Nanda, the High Commissioner of India in Australia present at this function. FICQ and GOPIO Patron, Dr Maha Sinnathamby was as inspirational as ever encouraging the youth to work hard in achieving dreams and goals. FICQ President Prof Prasad Yarlagadda highlighted the tremendous contribution Indians and people of Indian origin are making to Queensland. Of course, the refreshments were well organ-

Solidarity Sunday 2014

ised, especially the yummy Onion Bhaji’s and Samosas! The highlight of the evening was the address by Honorary Indian of the Year, the Premier of Qld, Hon Campbell Newman. This appointed is endorsed by FICQ, GOPIO and AIBC. Hon Campbell Newman’s close association with the Indian Community dates back to his days as the Lord Mayor of Brisbane. Along-with the efforts of our Past President and current co-Patron, Mr Surendra Prasad, Hon Campbell Newman approved the first round of grants that allowed the staging of the first Diwali celebration by FICQ at King George Square back in 2010. Significant contribution has been made by all the past Presidents and Patrons of FICQ to strengthen the relationships of the Indian

Diaspora with multicultural Queensland. In his current role as the Premier of Qld, Hon Campbell Newman has been a pillar of constant support and encouragement for the greater Indian community. Under his leadership, through the number of initiatives of his government has undertaken, the bond between India and Queensland has become stronger and is contributing to both Queensland and Indian economies. In recognition of the ongoing support to the Indian community, FICQ, AIBC, GOPIO and other Indian organisations unanimously decided to Award Honorary Indian of the Year to Hon Campbell Newman. His Excellency Mr Biren Nanda and Dr Maha Sinnathamby made the presentation of this prestigious award to Hon Campbell Newman at this function. On behalf of the greater Indian Communities of Queensland, FICQ President Prof Prasad Yarlagadda expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to the Premier of Qld Hon Campbell Newman for his warmth and hospitality at this event. We look forward to another Year of strong and growing relationships with the Honorary Indian of the Year!!”

Have you encountered interactions with the spirit world? Request for genuine encounters Courtesy Mavis Singh Senior Pastor Elevate Church ELEVATE CHURCH on 2 November joined over 600 churches across Australia to pray and raise awareness about the suffering of Christians and other religious and ethnic minorities overseas. “The violence brought by the rise of Islamic State has brought terrible destruction and disruption to the lives of so many Christians, Yazidis and Muslims.” Said Elevate Churches Senior Minister, Pastor Raj Singh “Christians have been given three choices, convert to Islam, pay an extraordinarily high tax to IS or flee. Now there is not a single Christian living in the city of Mosul. They have all fled. “During the three year civil war in Syria,

half a million Christians have fled persecution.” IS targeted Christians by spray painting their houses and businesses with the Arabic letter “N” for Nasara meaning Christian. Christians in Iraq and around the world have adopted the symbol in a sign of solidarity and today members of Elevate Church wore t-shirts bearing the symbol while praying for the victims of the genocide. “Today we are praying for our Christian brothers and sisters in Iraq, Syria and other countries where lives are in danger simply because of their religion.” Pastor Raj said. “We also acknowledge that it is not just Christians suffering under IS, but that IS has also killed many Muslims and attacked anyone that does not share their extremist views.”

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Name withheld (Details given to BIT) I WRITE to enlist your help in relation to data collection for the book that I am writing. I am a Christian Priest and Psychologist and am presently writing a book in relation to life after death. While this is one of the major beliefs of the Church, it really knows very little about it and the bible also has little to say on this topic. Over the years, several people have told me about their spiritual or psychic experiences and, I have no doubt that life after death is a reality. I am approaching the topic by examining not only what the bible says on this matter, but also examining the

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claims of spiritualism and the ordinary people in the community who have had some spiritual, psychic, paranormal, or ghostly experiences, such as hauntings, apparitions, spirit visitations, or some other encounter with the spirit world, such as near death or out of body experiences. At this stage, I think that I shall call the book, ‘Destination - Eternal Life’, and, in the book I would like to include the interactions that ordinary people have experienced with the spirit world. I am requesting readers who have experienced authentic interactions with the spirit world to email me their stories as part of my data collection. Email bookresearch4@gmail.com Call Trudi on 07 3865 6533

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2014 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 17

Brisbane celebrates Diwali BRISBANE has never witnessed such a large number of Diwali celebrations; it is wonderful to see the wider community embracing the goodness of Diwali also known as the festival of lights. Diwali is also known as Deepavali meaning a row or collection of (diyas) small earthen oil filled lamps with cotton wicks. The festival marks the victory of good over evil, the removal of ignorance and moving from darkness to light. The festival has a religious portion but is mainly a joyous celebration of the Autumn Harvesting season in India. There are many related legends associated with Diwali, it is widely celebrated throughout the world, and many countries have a national holiday to mark Diwali. Hindus have a tradition of spring cleaning their houses just before Diwali and on the actual night they decorate the doorways of the houses with decorative rangoolis to welcome the goddess of wealth Laxmi Mata. In India fireworks and firecrackers are a big part of the celebrations; Diwali is not complete without these. Many varieties of food and sweets are especially prepared for Diwali. It is a tradition to buy something for the house or to invest in some property or precious metals on the day. New clothes are to be worn as part of the celebration; people donate to charities and visit hospitals and seniors homes to cheer them up. This year Brisbane saw multiple Diwali celebrations, the major one organised by FICQ, (Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland) the umbrella body of its member associations in Queensland, the following article is by By Prakruthi Mysore Gururaj, Public Relations Officer – FICQ,

• FICQ Diwali - King George Square.

Shree Sanatan Dharam Hindu Association of Queensland held their Diwali function on Saturday 18th October at Runcorn Heights School. The event was very well organised with a strong focus on the religious and cultural aspect of traditional Diwali. President Anukar Mishra welcomed everyone and introduced special chief guest Umesh Chandra who spoke on various aspects of Diwali. Mrs Prabha Mishra, a very well known radio personality was assisted by Anendra for the MC duties. A special act highlighting an episode of Sacred Hindu Scripture Ramayana was enacted, the episode where Shree Ram Ji meets Mata Sabri and enlighten her on the virtues of the nine forms of devotion ( Bhakti). Many talented • Bhagwan Sri Ram Chandra explains Nawdha Bhakti to Mata Sabri during the enactment at Sanatan Queensland Diwali. artists took part in the cultural performances.

“It is with pride that FICQ - Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland would like to thank one and all for being part of exuberant celebration of Diwali 2014 at King George Square on 10th Oct 2014. The mega event received tremendous response and appreciation from all the community, stall holders and guests who made the celebration a success by their gracious presence. The event started on time with the performances throughout the day from 11am to 11pm. The guests were welcomed with high tea. As Diwali is a “festival of lights” and marks Brisbane City Council held its Diwali celebrathe victory of light over darkness, the program was started tion on 25th October at Chinatown Mall, this one by lighting the lamp along with devotional song. Aunty of the most successful Diwali celebration, five Peggy gave an inspiring speech to uplift the significance of hours of action packed cultural item including people of origin. fireworks, live band and fire dancers. There The evening was filled with extravaganza of entertainwere Bollywood Beauties roaming the streets ments with Indian classical dance, singing, Bollywood and henna artist were busy decorating hands. dances by local talent as well as from Shiamak Davar troop The five hour program was hosted once again by who had come from Sydney and grand finale by Brisbane Umesh Chandra. Brisbane Babas Band also feaBaba’s Band for which the crowd went hysterical dancing tured with two very powerful and well received to the tune of bhangra. segments. The celebration saw a record breaking The food outlets complimented the occasion with varieties attendance this year for the entire five hours. including North India, South Indian and Malaysian delica- • Right: Brisbane City Council Diwali. cies. All started well and ended well without any disruptions or flaws. This earned us a compliment from commissioner of police stating, FICQ has adopted an excellent framework that can be lead as an example for any forthcoming events. This would have not been possible without the sheer commitment and hard work from FICQ Executive Committee members. FICQ committee would like to extend their thanks to Queensland Government, Brisbane City Council, our sponsors of the event: Singapore Airlines, Money Gram, Springfield Land Corporation, Target Travel and Tours, and Brisbane Indian Times, who made a significant contribution for the event to be successful.” The second one was organised by Hindu Society of Queensland on Saturday 11th October at Cannon Hill College. This is the major event for Hindu Society of Queensland, and it had a very good attendance this year, the stage programs were of high quality, Himaansu once again wooed the crowd with his ever popular numbers, Neelima did a good job of Emceeing the event, she was also the choreographer of many delightful dancers. The society presented the president’s award to DJ Sushen and Asha for their tireless service to the community. Malaysian Airlines provided the main prize for the lottery. • Hindu Society of Queensland Diwali. 18 - THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2014

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Banyo District Community Group celebrated Diwali at the Banyo Beehive Bandstand on Sunday 19th October, Indian Police Liaison officer; Sam Narayan played a role in facilitating the event. The vent attracted a large number of people and featured many delightful cultural items including Giddah and Bhangra. A turban tying workshop was also conducted. Banyo district is home to many of the pioneers of the people of Indian Origin living in Brisbane, members of the hard working Sikh community are prominent residents of the area. • Left: Large local community turnout at Banyo District Community Group Diwali.

Tamil Association of Queensland hosted their annual festival of Lights on 1st November at Unidus Community Centre, Willawong, this is a very good venue and the event has received very favourable reviews. This has always been a sell out event and this year was no different, the quality of stage performances was great and food was fantastic. Brisbane Babas Band (pictured left) rocked as one of the grand finale acts. Prabha Sriram and her team worked tirelessly to make this a grand success. The major prize was sponsored by Malaysian Airlines and arranged via Target Travel and Tours.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2014 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 19

Brisbane tunes up for the G20 BRISBANE is to host 24 days of free live music as the city gears up for the Group of 20 (G20) Summit. The Finance Ministers’ Meeting scheduled for 13 to 15 November and the Leaders’ Summit on 15 and 16 November will conclude a year of meetings of the forum for international economic cooperation and decision-making. Hundreds of local musicians, including opera soprano Maggie Noonan, pop artist Emma Louise and blues and roots duo Busby Marou, will perform as part of the G20 Cultural Celebrations from 24 October to 16 November 2014. The opening night of the cultural celebration was very special occasion and featured a Welcome to Country followed by a breathtaking showcase of highlights from the G20 Cultural Celebrations program which included Robert Forster, William Barton and the ACPA Singers. Outside on the Cultural Forecourt, funk band Electrik Lemonade started the night, before the spectacular Colour Me Brisbane

lights were turned on for the first time. A large crowd watched the lights shine on the Brisbane River as top Latin band Chukale kept the crowd dancing into the evening. City to host free music events Creative Director of the G20 Cultural Celebrations, Athol Young said the program celebrated the talent and diversity of Brisbane’s music scene. “Brisbane is known internationally for its unique and ever evolving live music scene that has produced many of the country’s most celebrated artists,” Mr Young said. “We have curated this program to bring together a diverse array of genres and events with a focus on supporting our local artists, producers, promoters, agents and managers,” he said. “No matter where you live or what music you’re into, there is something for everyone.” More than 50 free music events will use a variety of Brisbane’s performance spaces from established music venues, special con-

BRAINOBRAIN would like to invite all parents to the information session on 8 November in Chermside Library from 4-5pm. Seats filling up fast!! Email brainobrainbrisbane@gmail.com or follow on facebook. 20 - THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2014

cert halls such as St John’s Cathedral and the Old Museum, to more unconventional and suburban locations including Yeronga Pool and Sandgate Town Hall. On a serious note Soldiers and police have begun stopping and searching vehicles going into G20 restricted zones in inner-Brisbane. Checkpoints have been set up at Milton and Spring Hill to search for explosives and weapons, manned by military personnel who have served in war zones. Major General Stuart Smith said the soldiers and police would be involved in the searches over the next fortnight, using hightech latest equipment. “You’ve got soldiers here that have got experience in Afghanistan doing high-profile search techniques and they’ve done specific rehearsals to build them up in cooperation with the police over the last

few months,” he said. “They understand all of the different scenarios, from the highest threat level to the most rudimentary threat level, in order to provide a safe environment.” During a media event on Monday, soldiers, sniffer dogs and a robot inspected a number of vehicles. “We’ve got 40 soldiers here today supporting this particular search,” Major General Smith said. “They range from the hand search and lowrisk area search, all the way up to the explosive ordinates disposal search. “They’re backed up by the explosive detection dogs - all part of the layers that the Queensland police are providing as well.” More than 900 soldiers will be helping with security during G20 and have spent months training for every eventuality.

Dehra Dun 2014

EACH year our correspondent Peter Lane Rai and his wife visit family and friends in India after the monsoon. They go to Dehra Dun, Uttarakhand state north India, 250 km from Delhi first, then Hyderabad, central India, and finally Bangalore in the south. Some of their friends are teachers or youth workers living in residential accommodation. Pete is also a member of the Brisbane based In Training running club which gives him 25 running shirts for any men or women he meets who will exercise with him or his wife. Exercising is not easy in India with very few traffic free places to run, only small parks in cities, and gymnasiums are expensive to attend. The diet also is not conducive to exercise, being overloaded with rice, salt, oil and sugar which leads to being overweight. Their first stop was Dehra Dun at the base of the Himalayan foothills. Pete normally does his annual run on the windy hill road from Dehra Dun (2000asl) to Musssorie (6000asl), a distance of 35 km. This year he did it differently by hitch hiking from Dehra Dun to Mussoorie, then running back the shorter hill route of around 22 km. As he descended he had magnificent views of the Dun Valley, rivers, temples, mosques and ran amongst fields, farms, cows, buffaloes and dogs. When some students staying in the same

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hostel as Pete and his wife heard of his run they also wanted to exercise with him for a few days. So when they did this, he rewarded them with a running shirt. Next stop was outside Hyderabad with friends living on a beautiful, rural, student campus. Pete managed to get students to exercise with him most days and those who did four sessions received a shirt. They did not think that they could exercise without a gym and equipment. So Pete showed them how - as they did pushups, crunches, sprints, weight lifting with rocks, boxing and did an obstacle course in a children’s playground. Naturally they were delighted to realize how easy exercise can be and especially thrilled that they were rewarded with a shirt! The most rewarding time was at a Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Bangalore with 20 men who have abused their bodies through substance abuse. Teaching them through exercise to value both their own body and the bodies of others, as health is a gift from God, was a wonderful experience. Pete also heard how they had given up their drugs when they became disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. Thanks to In Training for those t-shirts as these can motivate others to live a healthier and happier life, which in turn makes India an even greater nation! Written from Bangalore Nov 2014. Call Trudi on 07 3865 6533

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2014 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 21

Who, What, Where, When

• Dr Maha Sinnathamby, Mrs Lisa Newman, Umesh Chandra and Jim Varghese at the Queensland Premiers reception for Indian community. Photo by Reena Augustine.

• Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir celebrated Karva Chauth Vrat Katha on 11 October. A special Katha was recited by Dharam Guru Pundit Ram Harsh Tripathi. After the Katha there was a special program for the Mata’s.

• Annual Concert (Concert of Classical Dances) was proudly presented by Eswaralaya Kalaikoodam Students of Smt. Manga Surendran on 20 September at Clairvaux Mackillop College, Upper Mt Gravatt.

Banyo District Community Group Diwali Celebrations • Left: Turban tying demonstration. • Right: Young Bhangra Dancers.

• Brisbane Babas Band, performed at three different Diwali functions this year, first they rocked FICQ Diwali (pictured above) in King George Square, then they performed at Brisbane City Councils Diwali function in Chinatown Mall (pictured left), and finally they rocked Qld Tamil Association Diwali at Unidus centre. • Right: Umesh Chandra was MC at BCC Diwali. 22 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2014

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2014 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 23

Who, What, Where, When

• Indian High Commissioner visited the site of the soon to be erected Gandhi Statue at Roma Street Parklands, he is pictured here with his wife and members of Gandhi Statue committee.

• Lord Mayor Graham Quirk enjoys a beer at Oktoberfest, Brisbane’s’ Oktoberfest is known to be one of the best outside of Germany.

• Shri Sanatan Dharam Hindu Association of Qld Diwali at Runcorn Heights School. The role of Rama was played by Aaron Singh and Lakshman was Shaneil Shanker (pictured above). • Right: Mrs Prabha Mishra was MC.

• Abbey Wilson from Globenet Realty celebrated her birthday with office staff. Rebecca Parsons made the special cake.

• Above & Left: Hindu Society of Queensland Diwali celebratons were held on 11 October at Cannon Hill College. Pictured above is Himaansu who wooed the crowd with his numbers.

• Performers at FICQ Diwali at King George Square. • Bollywood Dhamaka performing at Brisbane City Council Diwali at Chinatown Mall. 24 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2014 www.indiantimes.com.au

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2014 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 25

Sydney stops for State Memorial Service for Gough Whitlam By John Donegan

A STATE memorial service was held for the 21st Prime Minister of Australia, Edward Gough Whitlam, at the Sydney Town Hall on Wednesday 4th November 2014. Mr Whitlam, who died aged 98 on October 21, was the member for Werriwa in south-west Sydney for 26 years after serving in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II. Prime Minister Tony Abbott was joined by five former prime ministers and a plethora of dignitaries at Sydney Town Hall from 11am to honour the man who reformed the Australian Labor party with a mantra of “crash through or crash”. Traffic movements around Sydney Town Hall was adversely affected by the memorial service.

26 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2014

Two northbound lanes were closed on George Street between Bathurst Street and Druitt Street from 10am until 1pm, while lane three remained open for buses and motorists during this time. The memorial service was screened at Freedom Plaza, Park Road, and Cabramatta from 10.30am until 1:00pm. 702 ABC Sydney broadcasted the service live from 11:00am to 1:00pm. The broadcast was hosted by ABC’s AM presenter, Chris Uhlmann and 702 ABC Sydney Mornings presenter, Linda Mottram. Gough Whitlam, the man who made Labor electable and led the party to power after the longest political drought in Australian history, has died. He was aged 98. For many, Whitlam will be remembered as the Prime Minister who was sensationally sacked by the GovernorGeneral, Sir John Kerr, on Armistice Day, November 11,

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1975, and whose chaotic government lost control of the economic levers halfway through its three turbulent years in office. A more balanced view will acknowledge it was Whitlam who brought radical change in Australian education, urban amenities, health, immigration, family law, human rights, treatment of Aboriginal people, the arts and Australian foreign policy. It is more than a generation since the demise of the Whitlam government but many elements of his reform programme have stuck. In upbringing, manner, and personal interests, Whitlam was not a traditional Labor man. But despite the chaos of his government, he will go down in history as the Labor giant. His significance for the ALP, Australia’s oldest political party, eclipses that of Bob Hawke, John Curtin, Ben Chifley and Andrew Fisher.

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AASHURA...Lessons from Karbala By Imaam Nawaaz KARBALA stands for courage, self-sacrifice, integrity, honesty, vision, and bravery beyond words. It symbolises all that is pure and true. Karbala teaches us that real battles are always fought in the minds and not on ground. Yazid was powerful and yet he lost the battle for truth. “I learned from Hussain how to be wronged and be a winner.” —Mahatma Gandhi Also, being in the majority need not necessarily make you right. “The best lesson which we get from the tragedy of Karbala is that Hussain and his companions were the rigid believers of God. They illustrated that numerical superiority does not count when it comes to truth and falsehood. The victory of Hussain despite his minority marvels me! —Thomas Carlyle As the old adage goes, “Nothing lasts for ever.” Husain and his followers made sure that their martyrdom gave a fatal blow to Yazid’s oppressive rule. Karbala haunted Yazid till his eventual death two years later. “Imam Husayn uprooted despotism forever till the Day of Resurrection. He watered the dry garden of freedom with the surging wave of his blood, and indeed he awakened the sleeping Muslim nation. Husayn weltered in blood and dust for the sake of truth. Verily he, therefore, became the bed-rock (foundation) of the Muslim creed; la ilaha illa Allah (There is no god but Allah).”—Sir Muhammad Iqbal It also teaches us to be patient and stand up against any form of wrong treatment. We curse Yazid and his army for their inhuman treatment of people, yet the cruel treatment of captives by the so called jihadis meets little protest. Muslims must recognize and protest against the savagery of inhuman treatment at all times, no matter who does it and where it takes place. “If a man kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell, to abide therein (For ever): And the wrath and the curse of Allah are upon him, and a dreadful penalty is prepared for him.”— Surah AnNisa (Chapter 4), Verse 93 The best homage that we can pay to the great tragedy is to do some soul-searching. Do we have the right to be called the followers of the Prophet [PBUH]? Have we really understood the message of Imam Husain? Are the tears for Husain drawn merely by the scenes of mere butchery? Would we ever stand up to the false narrations of the events at Karbala by some maulanas to generate excessive grief? Was Karbala a political war or a struggle for true faith? Are we ready to shed aside our differences and respect each others’ view during our religious discourses during Moharram? And when we finally have all the answers then we would understand the real message of Karbala. “Shah ast Hussain, Badshah ast Hussain, Deen ast Hussain, Deen e Panah ast Hussain, Sar dad, na dad dast, dar dast-e-yazeed, Haqaa key binaey La ila ast Hussain” “It’s Hussain the Prince, it’s Hussain the king, He is Faith, and Faith’s Defender most daring, He preferred death to Yazid’s allegiance, With his blood, Islam has verily been living.” —Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti The month of Safar-Al-Muzaffar All praise is to Allah , the Exalted who has given us life, enabled us to spend the month of Muharram in peace and to witness the new moon of the month of Safar with health and iman (faith). Following the sacred month of Muharram, Safar is the second month of the Islamic or the lunar calendar. However, it is a month that is greeted with caution and fear in many circles of our Muslim ummah (community). It is considered a month of bad omens, bad luck and has been linked with many superstitions. One wonders why Safar has been singled out so in this manner? We all know that our deen of Islam is a practical way of life. Superstition and belief in irrational omens does not fit in with the way of life defined by Allah and our Prophet (SAW). A quick look at history clears up not only the root causes behind many superstitions but also clears many misconceptions that people may have regarding the month of Safar. A Glance at the History Behind the Month of Safar The Arabs were a warring nation. Small arguments and disputes would turn into feuds and wars that lasted not only for years, but sometimes spanned over even generations. However, even in the days of jahiliyya (Pre-Islamic ignorance), the Arabs observed the sacred months of Rajab, Dhul Q’ada, Dhul Hijja, and Muharram, wherein there was a ban on fighting and battles. However, as soon as the month of Muharram would end, the Arabs would resume their feuds and the men would proceed to settle scores with their rivals, thus leaving their houses empty, while they headed out to battles or skirmishes. Hence, the month of Safar derives its name from this event of Safar-al-Makaan (or empty houses). The literal meaning of the word ‘safar ‘ is empty or vacant. Another opinion holds that fighting the enemies and leaving them empty handed after taking away their possessions, may have been another reason for the name Safar (Sifran-min-Almata’) – i.e. they would leave their enemies’ coiffeurs empty and take all their belongings away. (Reference: Lisan Al-‘Arab) Famous muhaddith (writers of hadith) and historian Sakhawi states in his book, Al Mashoor Fi Asma-il Ayam Walshahoor that due to this resumption of killings and fighting in the month of Safar, many people started regarding it as a month of ill-fate and bad luck. Sadly, history has revealed that man has never been

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able to accept what he has done himself as the cause for his own unhappiness, and instead has always blamed others for his misfortune. Safar was no exception. Instead of realizing that they themselves were responsible for the lootings and killings in Safar, the Arabs blamed the month itself to be that of misfortune and despair. The Truth about Superstitions Allah tells us in the Qur’an that every person is responsible for what happens to him: And [for] every person We have imposed his fate upon his neck, and We will produce for him on the Day of Resurrection a record which he will encounter spread open. [Al-Qur'an-] No person, animal or object, nor day, month or year can cause harm to anyone. All such superstitions and beliefs have no basis in Islam what so ever. How can any particular day or month be unlucky or be a portent of bad omens when in fact months and years are formed by the alternation of days and nights which Allah has appointed for our convenience and to help us organize ourselves? “And We have made the night and day two signs, and We erased the sign of the night and made the sign of the day visible that you may seek bounty from your Lord and may know the number of years and the account [of time]. And everything We have set out in detail.”[Al-Qur'an-Surah Al-Isra (The Night Journey): 12] Considering any time, hour, day, month or year to be ‘unlucky’ is also disliked as Allah the Exalted says: “ The son of Adam hurts me for he abuses Time though I am Time: in My Hands are all things, and I cause the revolution of day and night.” (Sahih Bukhari) The Prophet (SAW) also negated all superstitions and beliefs of the period of jahiliyah (Pre-Islamic Ignorance) concerning the month of Safar. Abu Hurayrah (RA) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “(There is) no ‘Adwa (contagious disease conveyed without Allah’s permission), nor is there any bad omen (from birds), nor is there any Haamah, nor is there any (bad omen in the month of) Safar… ” (Sahih Bukhari and Muslim). Superstitions Regarding Safar Existing in Society Today! Although the Prophet (SAW) negated the superstitions the Arabs had associated with Safar in his time, unfortunately those sentiments have crept back into our society. Some of these superstitions are: 1. This month is full of misfortune and calamities and one must recite Surah Muzammil 313 times in order to be saved from them. 2. To commence any important venture, business etc. during this month will bring bad luck. One must instead make 365 balls of flour and toss them into the sea or rivers in order to counter bad omens and to increase rizq (provision). 3. The first to the thirteenth of Safar are days of illfortune and evil. 4. The person who distributes food or money on the 13th of Safar will be saved from its ill-fortune. 5. The last Wednesday of Safar should be celebrated and regarded as a holiday due to the incorrect belief that the Prophet (SAW) recovered from his illness on this day. 6. Unfortunately, recourse into history reveals that it was in the latter days of Safar that the 7. Prophet (SAW) fell ill, and this was the same illness that became the cause of his death. 8. A nikah (marriage) performed in this month would not be successful. Again, history reveals to us that Ali (RA) married Fatima (RA) in the latter days of Safar. Would the Prophet (SAW) have allowed the marriage of his beloved daughter in a month which could have brought bad luck? What We Should Do in the Month of Safar! Although specific ibadaat (acts of worship) for certain months of the Islamic calendar have been defined for us, there is no such special instruction given regarding the month of Safar. However, we must realize that every minute given to us on Earth is a blessing in which we can gain Allah ’s Pleasure and amass good deeds for our hereafter. Whether it is the month of Safar or any other, we must do our utmost to do as many good deeds as we possibly can. Due to the association of Safar with superstitions, we as Muslims, should also make it a point to shun all superstitions that we come across and direct others to do so too. We should shun all superstitions not only regarding the month of Safar but also otherwise. We must understand that all conditions which befalls us, good or bad, favourable, or unfavourable are from Allah as a result of our actions as proven in the ayah mentioned above). Allah says in the Qur’an: “And whatever strikes you of disaster – it is for what your hands have earned; but He pardons much.” [Al-Qur'an - Surah Ash-Shuraa (The Consultation):30] We must remember that the most unfortunate person is actually he who disobeys Allah commandments such as one who does not perform the five daily salawaat (prayers), not someone who has his path crossed by a black cat or one who weds in the month of Safar. We must not let unimportant and baseless matters of superstitions occupy us so much that we forget to do what Allah has commanded us. Rather, we should remember to keep things in perspective and follow and believe only that which has been revealed by Allah and taught by our Prophet, in order to gain success in this world and the next. May Allah grant us the courage and fortitude to follow His commands and to follow the guidance given by his Prophet (saw). Ameen! “What comes to you of good is from Allah, but what comes to you of evil, [O man], is from yourself. And We have sent you, [O Muhammad], to the people as a messenger, and sufficient is Allah as Witness.” [Al-Qur'an-Surat An-Nisa' (the Women): 79]

Marriage of Bibi Fatimah (RA.) and Hazrat Ali (R.A.) Many of us have probably placed ourselves and even others in difficult conditions and unnecessary expenses only to pass through the regular routines of life. Interestingly enough if we think clearly, many of these hardships we put ourselves through are rootless, and derive only from an unnecessary norm and culture that have found its way into society affecting our lives either willingly or unwillingly. During the era of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) there lived a rich man by the name of Abd alRahman ibn Awf (RA), whom as the custom of the pre-Islamic era believed a large dowry (1) to present a woman's value and her husband's superiority in society. Abd al-Rahman visited the Prophet(S) and said, "If you give Fatimah's hand in marriage to me, I will put as her dowry a hundred camels covered with expensive Egyptian cloth followed by a thousand gold Dinars!!(2)" Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) asked, "Do you think I am the servant of wealth and money that you try to impress me with these things?" Other than Abd al-Rahman, there were many other men from the companions of the Holy Prophet who would ask Hadrat Fatimah's (ra.) hand in marriage for reasons ranging from her well-known virtues to her relation to the Prophet and a noble family. However, all suitors were refused for as the Holy Prophet had said, Hadrat Fatimah's (ra.) marriage had been decreed by Allah (3). And alas with the descent of the angel of revelation, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) had been commanded to marry Hadrat Fatimah to Ali ibn Abi Talib (ra.) (4). Although it is true this marriage is a divine marriage, however Hadrat Fatimah's (ra.) character and in general women rights in Islam for choosing their own husbands provided that Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) not proceed to this act without having his daughter's word in this matter. When Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) discussed Ali ibn Abi Talib's (ra.)proposal to her, he clearly explained his characteristics. Ali ibn Abi Talib (ra.), a man whose worldly goods and wealth were to the least, and who did not meet the criteria for marriage that the pre-Islamic era required of him, had however a character that was full of faith and religious virtues. This time, unlike the previous cases Hadrat Fatimah (ra.) agreed. Once Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) saw Hadrat Fatimah's (ra.)agreement in marriage, he asked Imam Ali (ra.)if he has anything to place as his wife's dowry. Imam Ali (ra.)replied, "May my parents be sacrificed for you, you are well aware that my belongings are nothing more than a sword, a shield, and a camel." The Holy Prophet, who believed a small dowry to increase a woman's value as opposed to a large one (5), replied, "You are correct. You will need your sword for battles with the enemies. And with your camel you must water the palm trees and travel with it on your trips. Thus you can only give your shield as her dowry." The Holy Prophet ordered to sell Imam Ali's (ra.)shield. He divided its money into three sections. He gave a part of it to Bilal (ra) to purchase a decent perfume, and he spent the other two to purchase some household items and clothes for Hadrat Fatimah (ra.). Obviously with the money from the shield the material that could be bought were very cheap and simple! (6) Hadrat Fatimah's (ra.) simple dowry and its usage for purchasing necessities of the home can be the biggest lesson for decreasing our expenses and remaining satisfied with what we are capable of purchasing. A marriage so divine, yet so simple? What are its criteria? Where then can virtues be found? And amidst all these, how should we act? Let us be the judge. Footnotes : 1- Dowry, also known as Sidaq refers to a wealth that a husband offers his wife as a gift to show his true intention. He can also choose to accept the option of offering this dowry the moment his wife asks for it. The issue of dowry can also be seen in other religions and cultures. However, the way it has been defined in Islam has some differences. 2- The basic unit of money in the time of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.). 3- Kashf al-Ghummah, vol. 1, chapter on marriage of the master of women of the two worlds. 4- Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.)has said in this regards, an angel came to me from Allah (SWT) and said, "The Lord sends his greetings unto you and has said, I have wedded your daughter Fatimah in the heavens to Ali ibn Abi talib; you too therefore wed her to Ali!" 5- Mustadrak al-Wasa'il, vol. 14, p.216 6- History has recorded the material that were purchased with the money consisted of the following items: a large scarf for four Dirham, material for a dress for seven Dirham, a bed made of wood and leaves from a date palm, four pillows made from sheep skin and filled with leaves from an aromatic plant, a woolen curtain, a small mat, one hand mill, a leathern sac for water, one copper flatwash, a container for milking the cow, and a pitcher made from clay.

CAN MUSLIMS CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS??? Question: During the Christmas season, Christians all over the country illuminate their houses with lights, put up Christmas trees, and exchange gifts. TV is full of jingle bells and all the stores are decorated for Christmas. All this is very tempting to small children; children love putting up lights and decorating for holidays. Some Muslim families also put up Christmas trees and lights to keep their children happy. They argue that Christmas is, after all, Prophet Jesus' birthday and there is no harm in celebrating Christmas as long as children are happy. When our children started talking a few years back

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they started asking why we do not put up lights and trees during Christmas, it was explained to them that we are Muslims and we don’t celebrate Christmas; we celebrate Èids. (eid -ul-fitr, eid-ul-adha, eid-emeelaad) To keep our children happy and to get them excited about Èids, we started putting up lights (green and white) around the house and decorating inside the house during Ramadan until after ÈidulFitr and during Èidul-Adha as well as for the eid-emeelaad. We exchange gifts with our Muslims friends on these Èids. Alhamdulillah, our children now wait for Èid, not for Christmas. What is the Islamic position on these issues? Can we celebrate Christmas? Is it OK to put up lights during Ramadan and Èid? Answer: In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger, Muhammad (saw). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Every people have their Èid…" Some celebrations are of a religious nature, and some others are social and cultural. Some celebrations are based on beliefs and practices that are contrary to Islamic teachings, and some celebrations are not of that nature. Some people claim that Christmas is now a secular holiday and it is very much an international holiday rather than a religious holiday. But it is wrong to assume that because this holiday is national and international, it has ceased to be Christian. It is true that this holiday is very popular and it is extremely commercialized; nevertheless it is basically a religious holiday. It's very name and all its symbolism is Christian through and through. Christians celebrate at Christmas what they believe to be the "day of the birth of God's Son" or what they call "God Incarnate". Thus it is not only a celebration of another religion, it is also a celebration that is based on a belief that is totally against the teachings of Islam. From the Islamic point of view, the belief in the "Son of God" or "God in the flesh" is a blasphemy and kufr (denial of God's Oneness). By participation in Christmas, it is possible that slowly one may lose his or her consciousness of this basic point of difference. Muslims must be very careful in this matter. The greatest danger is for our next generation, who may slowly lose their Islamic faith in tawhid and may start believing in Jesus as "more than a prophet and servant of Allah". The argument that “Christmas is, after all, Prophet Jesus' birthday and so there is no harm in celebrating Christmas” is neither logical nor Islamic. Why should Muslims celebrate Jesus' birthday? For us Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is the final Prophet and Messenger of Allah, not Jesus. Christians believe that Jesus was the last one and they say that "after God spoke through many prophets … in these last days he spoke to us through his son whom he made to inherit every thing" (New Testament, Hebrews 1:1). Thus they celebrate his coming, but for us Muslims, Prophet Muhammad was the last Prophet and Allah appointed him for all people and for all times to come. The Prophet Muhammad (saw)'s birth is celebrated as an appreciation to Allah for this great Na'mah of him being the Mercy of Allah. Maulood is not celebrated like christmas !!! We do agree that our little children are deeply affected with the festivities and glitter of this holiday. We should try to take them to some Islamic camps and conferences at this time and give them some other alternate programs and activities. But Muslim families should not have Christmas trees in their homes, nor should they put up lights inside or outside their homes at this time. We should tell our children that we are Muslims and this is not our holiday. This is the holiday of our Christian neighbors and friends. We may give greetings to our Christian friends and neighbors on their holiday, but we should not make it our own holiday. It is pleasing to know that you celebrate Ramadan and Èids with lights and decoration of your home and exchange gifts with your children. This is very thoughtful, indeed. It is good to decorate our homes and masjids during Ramadan and for Èids. It is mentioned in one of the Hadiths that even the heaven is especially decorated during the month of Ramadan. Allah Almighty closes the gates of Hell and opens the gates of Paradise during the month of Ramadan. We Muslims should give special attention to our own Islamic holidays. In this way our children will be attracted to our own celebrations rather than looking at others. Unfortunately, there are some Muslims who do not pay any attention to Ramadan and Èid. Some of them do not even come to Èid prayers and even if they come, they do not take their day off from work. Thus their children have no idea about Islamic holidays or they think that Islam is a religion without any festivals and celebrations.” Explaining the reasons why Muslims don’t celebrate and believe in Christmas, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states: “Christmas was a pagan custom which was adopted into Christianity; it has nothing to do with reverence and love of Jesus, the mighty Messenger of Allah that we Muslims hold in the highest regard and respect. If Jesus were to come today, whether or not he would identify himself with those who celebrate Christmas is a question one should ask seriously. If we are celebrating the great teachings of Jesus or other prophets, we must do so everyday. To do so means to practice love, mercy, justice and compassion and to be actively engaged in doing the will of God.” Allah Almighty knows best.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2014 — 27

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Evolutionary process IT IS gratifying to note sessed a language of that some distinguished unequalled richness, a western Ideologists’ are language, the parent of also opposed to this theoall those languages and Jitendra Deo ry of growth or evolution dialects that Europe has President of language. As for fondly called classical, instance— the source alike of the 1. Sir William Jones says: “The Sanskrit Greek flexibility and the Roman strength. language, whatever be its antiquity, is of a The Vedas were revealed to the earliest wonderful structure more perfect than humans at the beginning of the creation. Greek, more copious than Latin and more Since then they were traditionally, handed exquisitely refined than Spanish or French. down to posterity with utmost care and 2. Maxmuller, no great friend of India, says: accuracy. The holiness of the text prevented ‘They have reduced the rich and powerful exclamations and changes. The ancients idiom of the poets of the Veda to the inade- were not satisfied with the Samhita Path of quate and impure jargon of the modern the Vedic verses. They retained the sepoy (soldier of Indian origin).” (Lectures Padapatha also with proper emphasis. We on the Science of Language, Vol.Ip.36) can thus entirely rely on the Vedic texts Again on page 48 writes: ‘We are accus- available to us today in the form of padaptomed to call those changes ‘growth’ of lan- atha. “We have then,” says Aurobindo, “as guage, but it would be more appropriate to our basis a text which we can confidently call this a process of phonetic change or accept and which, even if we hold it in a decay.” few instances doubtful or defective does not Adding on page 272, he says: “On the at any rate call for that immoral labour of whole, the history of all Aryan languages is emendation (changes) to which some of the nothing but a gradual process of decay.” European classics lend themselves. And lastly, Gray has to say “In IndoEulogising (praising highly) of the European we find 8 distinct case forms in Brahmans for maintaining the accuracy and Sanskrit; Greek and Lithunion have 7; sanctity of the Vedic texts, Maxmuller says: Hittait and old Church Slavic 5; Old French “The texts of the Vedas have been handed and Modern English only 2; Albanian and down to us with such accuracy that there is American and Old English 3. hardly a various reading in the proper sense This reduction in the number of case forms of the word or even an uncertain aspect in with the result that some of them take over the whole of the Rigveda.” (Origin of the functions of one or more others gives Religion. p.131) rise to the linguistic phrase now known as And Macdonell went to the extent of SYN Cretism. asserting that the Vedas can be reproduced The reason for this seems to be phonetic from the mouths of the Brahmans in the decay of the characteristic case-endings. form in which they are said to have been (Foundations of Language, p.201) initially uttered in the beginning of the creFrom a study of the various historical lan- ation. guages of the world we have arrived at the Some people reject the need for divine revinevitable conclusion that it is not classical elation at the time of human revelation the Sanskrit (which of course is the first or the plea that such revelations ‘dawn’ from time eldest daughter of the mother) but Vedic to time without any super-human intervenSanskrit is the mother of all the languages tion. But belief in such revelations has led of the world. Vedic Sanskrit is the language to great exploitation by men who claim which was spoken in the beginning of cre- Divinity for themselves. ation by the Aryans when they lived under (Continued in next issue) the same roof in Tibet in the Himalayas Please contact Jitendra Deo 3263 1914 or before dispersing for their respective homes Hari Chand 33454716 for information on the world over. activities of Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of It was an astounding discovery that Queensland or log on: www.aryasamaAryavarta (Bharata, which is India) pos- jqueensland.com

The Miracle Maker… Dear BIT readers, Welcome to an exciting journey through the Inspired Indians column. You may ask what is the purpose of this article? The main purpose of this article is to inspire our BIT readers and families to excel in their life, work and be proud citizens of Australia; while embracing The Spirit of this great nation. Additionally, it is to explore the true potential for which we have been created. To find insights, wisdom and understandings that will help us to make better choices daily. Do you want to prosper and live a long and purpose driven life? I am sure you re your answer is ‘Yes’, and that is why you are reading this article. This is not a get rich quick strategy by buying a lottery ticket. We know many Australians spend millions of dollars on lottery schemes. But the secret strategy shared here is opposite to what this world offers. Today let us understand the truth about miracles and the source of the greatest miracle mankind can have today.

So, what is a miracle? In today’s fast paced life style with high tech gadgets at our hands, our hearts may have a hard time understanding the true meaning of the miracle power. The miracle simply means supernatural power touching the natural realm we live in. It is not just limited to the world we see and smell, the greatest miracles is the one that changes people hearts and mind. I firmly believe in the miracle and hope you will seek to know the power behind the miracle. The Eatons Bible dictionary gives a very clear and sharp meaning; miracle is an occurrence at once above nature and above man. It shows the intervention of a power that is not limited by the laws either of matter or of mind, a power interrupting the fixed laws which govern their movements, a supernatural power. For simple example, when we lift an object or a weight, force of gravity is overcome by a greater force of your muscles. Gravity is not absent, but it has just been overcome by greater force. Same is true in an event of a miracle, natural law has been overcome by supernatural force that is unseen or unknown. Miracles are result of grace of God who responds to human cry for help through faith and simple act of prayer. Miracles are also a mystery, because of our limited capacity to understand the unlimited love of God. We reason and think based on our education, culture and family upbringing which form our heart boundaries. I am a recipient of many miracles in my life and I know many of my friends and

28 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2014

Planning ahead and abusive language was DEAR reader it is our joy to bring not going to change his you the word of God. Every day we mind on how he was going have opportunities to be happy, feel to spend the day. He kept good, or go about upset, frustrated, being his best, trusting in and offended. Just like a house the Lord and knowing that builder who has to plan ahead for in the end he would win. the correct outcome you too have Pastor Joseph Dass And he did. He not only the opportunity to plan ahead and to finished the day in victory reach the correct outcome. by killing the giant but also finished happy Life is full of inconveniences and even and promoted. though we cannot control our circum- You would enjoy each day if you went out stances, we can control our reaction to it. well planned and held onto your peace no The psalmist writes “this is the day the matter what. That peace is your position of Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad power. No one can steal it unless you allow in it.” When you go out each day with a it to be stolen from you. But if you are positive attitude, full of hope, expecting stressed because things didn’t turn out God’s favour, knowing that you are respon- exactly the way you wanted, got upset sible for your own happiness, that’s called a because someone offended you, frustrated well planned day. Sadly some people do not because your child did not take lunch, then plan well and their day now depends on you are giving away power. other peoples reaction towards you and the So go ahead and plan each day, in that way circumstances you face. you already have decided and know how In the scriptures we read that when Goliath you going to finish. the Philistine stood before David, he tried to spoil his day. But David had his day well God bless you planned, all of Goliaths comments, threats Pastor Joseph Dass

Watch your breath! Air fresheners may poison indoor air CLEANING products and air fresheners, which provide a pleasant smell to your house, may also spike indoor aerosol levels and hamper the quality of air, a new study has warned. "Some of the same chemical reactions that occur in the atmosphere as a result of smog and ozone are actually taking place in your house while you are cleaning," researchers said. In a new study, researchers took a closer look at these reactions, which involve an organic compound- called limonene- that provides the pleasant smell of cleaning products and air fresheners. The research helps determine what byproducts these sweet-smelling compounds are adding to the air while we are using them to remove germs and odours. Secondary organic aerosols (SOAs) are microscopic particles created when ozone reacts with volatile organic gases such as limonene- the chemical name for the smell of oranges- or its cousin alpha-pinene, which is part of the smell of pine trees. "SOAs can come from ozone reactions with numerous sources, especially with compounds called terpenes that produce the scents we associate with cleaners, pine, lavender, and oranges," Michael Waring, an assistant professor in Drexel University's College of Engineering, said. Waring and his team used an air testing chamber that they specifically designed to study the reactive behaviour of air in an indoor environment. By adjusting elements of the test, such as the air exchange rate, which is the number of times per hour indoor air is replaced by outdoor air, as well as the concentrations of terpene and ozone in the chamber, the group was able to ascertain how those variables each affected the formation of secondary organic aerosols. "We found that one of the biggest factors family also have encountered the supernatural favour. This is purely as the result of relationship that we have been developing through the Holy Scriptures. It has nothing to do with our great service to our job or community, it is simply knowing who we are as God’s children. Therefore the greatest miracle that happened to me was the changing of my heart and mind. When we learn to humble and accept the free gift of God’s love and mercy to touch your hearts, you qualify for a miracle. When you say a prayer with childlike faith and sincere heart, God send a miracle power your way. No amount of good works or million dollars can buy or create a miracle. Miracle is simply learning to know and

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contributing to SOA formation by limonene ozonolysis was the air exchange rate," Waring said. "This is because certain chemical reactions that form SOAs take longer than others. If the air is exchanged before these reactions can take place then the SOA production is weaker indoors," said Waring. With 18 different scenarios tested, the team calculated a range of peak formation of secondary organic aerosols when typical concentrations of limonene were introduced to ozone-rich environments with a range of air exchange rates. "Our findings show a significant enough range of SOA formation to warrant more in depth public health studies," Waring said. "This research is particularly necessary in order to understand health impacts on people who use significant amounts of cleaning products such as house-cleaners or custodians," said Waring. The resulting mass concentration of secondary organic aerosols was roughly between five and 100 micro-grammes per cubic metre. The research was published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology. PTI say ‘yes’ to our creator and letting His love flood our hearts. Therefore the greatest miracle is when you know you have been forgiven and made a new creation. If you need a miracle today, why not say yes to the Miracle Maker Jesus Christ. Say this prayer with sincere hearts; “Father God, I need your help, forgive me, heal me, I believe that Jesus died for my sins and rose again to give me a life of miracles. Bless me with your unlimited grace and mercy. Thank you God in Jesus name I pray, Amen”. Friends if you said this prayer for the first time, write to us, so we can help you to grow in the life of supernatural miracles that are waiting for you. Our email is: navig8grace@gmail.com Call Trudi on 07 3865 6533

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Aloe Vera: Beauty benefits for all skin types Nimisha Modi Hetvi Hair & Beauty - 04 123 500 13

Hey Girls, recently I have started Aloe Vera, found it useful. Thought you will like their benefits. Aloe Vera is a succulent plant with rejuvenating and soothing properties, Aloe Vera holds many benefits for the skin and health. It has been used in alternative medicines and cosmetics for centuries due to its benefits. It is used in various forms – as a gel, oil, juice, the whole plant and in creams, soaps and tablets. People who have sensitive skin can also use Aloe Vera as it is very soothing and does not cause any irritation. Its antiinflammatory properties help in treating blemishes, acne and other skin problems. A minor cut or wound, a burn or a rash can be effectively treated with Aloe Vera. The gel is extracted from the leaves of the plant and when applied to the skin, softens dead skin cells leaving the skin feeling soft and smooth upon regular use. It also delays visible signs of ageing like fine lines and appearance of wrinkles. While a lot of aloe products are available in the market these days, one can even plant

it at home and reap in its benefits from its juice and gel. But if planting it at home isn’t possible, get an Aloe Vera based gel and use it for your skin. Buy moisturisers, lotions and creams which have aloe content in them. Aloe Vera or aloe-based products come in handy in summers as well as winters. Its cooling properties provide instant relief from sunburns in the summer by hydrating the skin and in winters, it helps get rid of dryness by adding moisture to the skin. Aloe Vera face packs 1.If you have normal skin: Take one table spoon of Aloe Vera gel and mix it with one table spoon of gram flour (besan), one table spoon of orange peel powder and some curd. Apply this pack on your face and neck, avoiding the area around the eyes. Wash it with water after 30 minutes and pat dry the area with a towel. This is a good pack to keep your skin looking smooth and supple. 2. If you have oily skin: Oily skin is usually prone to acne and regularly applying this face pack can do wonders for your skin. Boil Aloe Vera leaf with water and then grind it into a paste. Now add a few drops of honey to this paste and apply it on your face. Rinse it off with cold water after 15 minutes. Follow this treatment once every week to get clear skin. You can even try

fruit face packs for oily skin. 3. If you have sensitive skin: Take Aloe Vera gel and add cucumber juice and curd to it. Mix it well to form a paste and add 3 drops of rose water or any essential oil to it. Keep it for 15 minutes on your face and neck and then wash it with water. This pack is very mild and does not cause any irritation but clears the skin of dirt and impuri-

ties. 4. If you have dry skin: Mix Aloe Vera gel with olive oil and add some shea butter to it (you can add shea butter creams also). Mix it well till it forms a thick paste and then apply it on your face and neck. Keep the pack for at least 20 minutes and wash your face with cold water to lock the moisture in your skin. Also you can get rid of sun tanning, apply Aloe Vera gel mixed with lemon juice on the affected area for 10 minutes. Alternatively, if you want to get rid of pigmentation, mix rose water instead of lemon juice and wash off with cold water. Aloe Vera is a natural remedy for various skin problems so make good use of its beauty benefits. Enjoy spring and keep smiling as Christmas is not far away. See you next time. Nimisha

Government should send medicos to West Africa: Glasson

• Prime Minister Tony Abbott with Bill Glasson at his campaign launch for last year’s election campaign. AAP/Dave Hunt

Michelle Grattan Professorial Fellow at University of Canberra (theconversation.com - 26 October 2014)

FORMER high-profile Liberal candidate and one-time president of the Australian Medical Association Bill Glasson has added his voice to those urging the government to deploy a medical contingent to West Africa. Glasson said Australia had made a military commitment in the Middle East, saying it was a humanitarian crisis. In terms of a humanitarian crisis, the Ebola epidemic was no different. “We feel there is an onus on us in the Middle East and that we have a responsibility to help. As a nation we have a responsibility to treat this as we are treating the Middle East. “We do have a responsibility to West Africa – we have a responsibility to the world. As a first world nation we have a responsibility to do our part in giving support in the West African crisis. All first world nations should get together with a co-ordinated response. We don’t want it spreading further outside Africa,” he told The Conversation. Glasson, an ophthalmologist, stood against then-prime minister Kevin Rudd in his seat of Griffith at last year’s elecCall Trudi on 07 3865 6533

tion, securing a big swing. He received a further swing when he contested the byelection after Rudd quit parliament. AMA president Brian Owler has been highly critical of the government for failing so far to send a team to West Africa. The government, which has received requests from the United States and Britain, has said it is concerned about being unable to guarantee the evacuation of people who might become infected with the virus. A Senate committee was told late last week that talks on evacuation were making progress. Glasson said there needed to be more reassurance given to the general public that there were adequate arrangements in place in relation to health workers sponsored by non-government organisations who are now returning from West Africa. Home quarantine was satisfactory but it was important they did stay at home for the required period. He said that a specialist contingent sent by the government could be of more help than people going sporadically from private organisations. It needed to be a “co-ordinated, wellthought-out intervention”, he said. Disclosure Statement Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult to, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2014 - 29

Health Beauty Wellbeing Believe it or not! Over 80% Early detection saved Susie's life people in India are Vit D deficient

Toowoomba woman Susie Gibson is living proof that early detection of breast cancer OVER 80% of India's population is Vitamin "This campaign is a model campaign, can be a life-saver. A keen cyclist, Susie had been vigilant D deficient and is at risk from health com- thoughtfully conceived and formulated to plications like diabetes and heart disorders, generate public awareness around Vitamin about maintaining her general health. experts said. D deficiency among Indians. It is a unique Fortunately, she was also vigilant when it They emphasised that Vitamin D deficien- patient outreach module," Misra said while came to monitoring her breast health and having regular breastscreens. cy doesn't exhibit early signs or symptoms, launching the campaign. and over a period of time makes people Preetaish Kaul, senior consultant with Heal “My mother died of breast cancer at 41, so highly vulnerable to major diseases with a Foundation, said: "The reason people who I was always aware of the importance of 45% chance of early death. appear to be physically fit do not come to having a breastscreen,” she said. “I would head along for my regular mam"People in India are oblivious to the fact know about the Vitamin D deficiency is ADVERTISEMENTS USED FOR RECRUITMENT that Vitamin D deficiency could lead to because the indications of Vitamin D defi- mogram thinking nothing of it, just one of those simple things you have to do in life. serious health problems like diabetes, car- ciency remain silent and sub clinical. “Even after a recall I still thought nothing dio-vascular diseases and even cancer," said "Health and fitness become even more M.C. Misra, director of All India Institute important in the second half of life that is of it until the doctor called and informed of Medical Sciences(AIIMS). after retirement. Awareness around the role me that they had found a small tumour.” That was in 2012, when Susie was diagHe was speaking at the launch of "Bon D of Vitamin D in maintaining optimum Light campaign", an initiative by pharma- health will certainly play a vital role in nosed with breast cancer after a regular screen at BreastScreen Queensland’s ceutical Glenmark in collaboraimproving of elderly Would you company or someone you know like to be ageneral part well of abeing research project Toowoomba service. tion with AIIMS to generate mass awarepopulation of the country," Kaul said. on the Indian community living in Brisbane? “The doctor said I was incredibly lucky as ness across the country about Vitamin D Sanjeev Bagai, vice-chairman and directordeficiency. dean of Delhi-based Manipal Hospital, said: it was such a good pick up,” she said. “If it wasn’t for new technology and the In its 15 project city voyage, the campaign would This research requires twenty females between the ages of 15 and 20eyes whoof the reading doctor it could have be joined by local medical practitioners. "Very few people in the country know that re living with their family and are of Indian heritage (either born in India The doctors will explain the etiology of Vitamin D is necessary to carry out physio- beenoreasily missed.” Susie underwent chemotherapy, a bilateral deficiency. logical processes of bodyor normally." HT area. arentsVitamin wereDborn in India) and are living in the Brisbane surrounding mastectomy and follow-up treatment and is The research project will look at how young Indian females express their cultural now disease-free. She said being in good health, thanks to her passion for cycling, dentities in their everyday lives. Ethics approval has been given by the ethics had been a great help in her recovery. ommittee at the University of the Sunshine Coast (ethics approval number “After all that treatment, I am now disease free and moving through the journey to /14/652). being well again,” she said “Cycling was my therapy, when I jumped This research project requires twenty females between the ages of 15 and 20 on my bike I would forget about all that I who are living with their family and are of Indian heritage (either born in India or this parents were born India) and livingofin a theresearch Brisbane or surrounding f you fit criteria, youin could be are a part project currently being area. The research project will look at how young Indian females express their onducted at the University of the Sunshine Coast by has PhDbeen Candidate cultural identities in their everyday lives. Ethics approval given by Catherine the ethics committee at the University of the Sunshine Coast (ethics approval ohnston. number S/14/652).

Would you or someone you know like to be a part of a research project on the Indian community living in Brisbane?

• Early detection of breast cancer saved Susie Gibson’s life.

had just been through. “Women have a tendency to put themselves and their health last, but the reality is we need to look after our own health so we’re well enough to look after the rest of the family,” she said. “I strongly encourage all women to be breast aware, to perform self breast checks, and to make sure they have their free breastscreen every two years from the age of 40. “If I hadn’t been having a regular breastscreen my cancer would have been picked up at a more advanced stage and my outcome could have been very different. “Ladies, please look after yourselves and phone BreastScreen Queensland on 13 20 50 to make what could be a life-saving appointment today.” health.qld.gov

Hospital performance to be audited by independent Health Ombudsman

conducted at the University of the Sunshine Coast by PhD Candidate Responsibility for auditing National f you are interested in this research project, please contact Catherine at 0481hospitals 456 in reducing surgical waiting lists Catherine Johnston. and treating patients on time will soon be Emergency Access Target (NEAT) and 10 or email at Catherine.johnston@research.usc.edu.au for any questionsaudited you and reported by the independent National Elective Surgery Target (NEST) If you are interested in this research project, please contact Catherine at 0481 Health Ombudsman. reports would transfer to the Health may have. 456 610 or email at Catherine.johnston@research.usc.edu.au for any questions If you fit this criteria, you could be a part of a research project currently being

you may have.

aastu is a science that deals with energy. Vaastu sciV ence deals with converting subtle energy (vastu) into matter (vaastu) that is the material form. Believe it or not – “BUILDING is a living entity and has direct relationship with people living there”. It is a law of Nature and it has its effects on every aspect to people residing or working in the building. Where walls meet and create a structure Vaastu principle come in existence be it home, office, shopping centres or industrial building. From now I will refer it as (structure). Widely known fact that the five elements Fire Water Earth Air and Space are the vital energies for all entities. Energy cannot be created or destroyed it can be converted from one form to another. It is all around us and filled in everything around us. Similarly when walls are constructed to create a structure, the structure has its own energy and vibration. When this energy vibrates at the same mathematical frequency as the dweller, they will be in harmony with universal energy. Often I hear people state that I made good progress in this house or some houses make you feel uncomfortable. The important question is, The vibration that you live in, is in tune with the universal energy and apt for peaceful human existence? What are the effects of this vibration on our health, education, personal, financial and family life? How does Vaastu prevail in every structure and what is directional energy. The spirit of the building is Vaastu Purusha. Image on your left represents how Vaastu Purusha resided and prevails in your home or office. He is lying upside down face down in the 30 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2014

THE performance of Queensland public

Ombudsman to audit.

The decision will increase community oversight of Queensland Health facilities by taking control of emergency department and surgical wait list reporting away from the department. This will deliver consistency and independence in emergency department and waitlist reporting. Each of the state’s 16 Hospital and Health Services will collect uniform data for the

Ombudsman on 1 July 2015 with additional areas of performance reporting to follow. Under the Commonwealth-State agreement, NEAT measures the performance of hospital emergency departments and NEST measures elective surgery waiting lists according to nationally agreed standards. Current hospital performance information can be viewed on the Queensland Health website - www.health.qld.gov.au

North-East (NE) and his feet in the South-West (SW) There are 10 directions North, South East, West, North-East, SouthEast, South-West NorthWest, Earth and Sky. Different cardinal directions are assigned to different gods including navagraha (nine planets) such as Brahama, Shiva, Surya, Chandra, Mangal, Rahu, Ketu, Guru, Budha, Shukra, Agni (Fire), Vayuu (Air), Jaal (Water), Akash (Space) and Pruthavi (Earth). Elements and its placements NE is assigned and governed by Water. Southeast is governed by Fire, Southwest by Earth, and Northwest by Air and Centre by Space. Principle is when the flow of element and directional energies create powerful positive vibration our life’s objectives are fulfilled effortlessly and with ease. Cause and affects of Vaastu: Various reasons of cause of Vaastu Cuts, Extensions, irregular block of land, Size, Shape, and Slope. Today we’ll look at cuts in different directions. Let’s look at, NE corner this is governed by Water, it is also governed by Guru(Jupiter) and the head of Vaastu Purusha is in NE. What happens if the NE is CUT, this means that the head of Vaastu Purusha is cut, the body exists without the head of the Purusha. Residents have a direct relationship with the house and office they occupy. www.indiantimes.com.au

Effect of this structure would be: a. Financial progress will stop and will increase your financial losses b. Resident of this house would struggle to make a decision and high chances that they would make an incorrect decision. c. Spoils the results of Students education d. Student as well as earning member of the family would only receive 10% return for the efforts, lot of hard work for little return. South East Cut a. Very high chance of having legal or court cases for the resident. b. Reduces physical relationship between couples c. Very high possibility of a lady in the house having health issues. (Chances are that doctors would find it difficult to determine the cause) d. Delays in daughters marriage South West Cut a. Gives instability in life; and will always have to rely on other for help in every aspect of life. b. Chance of injuring to legs increases c. Severe financial loss. North West Cut a. High possibility of disturbed mum and kids relationship b. Lady of the house possibly feels depressed and unable to make decisions. These are a few issues that may be caused due to the loss of energy, this is an illness of the structure, and this can be resolved with the help of a good Vaastu Scholar. - Krish Thhaker Call Trudi on 07 3865 6533

Health Beauty Wellbeing

Unwanted hair growth can be embarrassing

• Terri Cross and Dr. Philip Manfield.

THE normal amount of body hair for women can vary. Most of the time, a woman only has fine hair, or peach fuzz, above the lip, chin, chest, abdomen or back. However, if you have coarse, dark hairs in these areas the condition is called Hirsutism or hormonal hair growth. For most women the exact cause cannot be identified; However, it may be hereditary as it tends to run in families, and many women who have it find it bothersome and embarrassing. A known cause of Hirsutism is polycystic ovarian syn-

drome (PCOS) and other hormone conditions that cause unwanted hair growth. Whilst you may not be able to eliminate PCOS or other hormone conditions, these can be treated medically and a consultation with Dr. Philip Manfield is recommended. In addition, the Hirsutism condition can be treated by the medical laser at Rosalie Cosmetic Medicine clinic at Auchenflower. The clinic’s medical laser targets the dark hair colour (melanin) in the hairs. The machine they use is a Cutera NdYag Laser, which is widely recognised as the

best method of permanently reducing the thick dark hair growth in dark skin types. And because of its operating wavelength, machine can effectively treat dark skin types as well as lighter skin types. If you would like confidential and personal advice on your hair condition, call Terri Cross at the Rosalie Cosmetic Medicine clinic where your initial consultation is free. Terri is a former Registered Nurse who now specialises in medical laser techniques (Tel 3369 5433 or email: terri@rosaliemc.com.au).

Pre-booked BreastScreen trial starts MORE Queensland women will have the chance for a potentially life-saving mammogram under a new Australian-first trial run by BreastScreen Queensland. Health Minister Lawrence Springborg announced on 23 October the trial which involved more than 2000 Queensland women who had their appointments prebooked to encourage them to access free breast screening services. The women in the trial had not been to a BreastScreen Queensland service before or were existing clients due for their two-yearly appointment. They have been sent a letter with an appointment time at either a BreastScreen Service Centre or mobile van visiting an area near them, all using the latest digital mammography technology. “We want to see all eligible women in Queensland accessing the Government’s free BreastScreen services,” Mr Springborg said. “We’re hoping to see an increase in the

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number of new women participating in the program through this trial of pre-booked appointments in Wide Bay, Ipswich and Brisbane South.” The Minister said it was promising to see the trial had already resulted in 40 women attend an appointment at their local BreastScreen service who hadn’t previously accessed services before. Mr Springborg hoped the trial would encourage all Queensland women aged 50 to 74 years who hadn’t previously had a breast screen appointment to make that vital and potentially lifesaving appointment. “As women aged 50 to 74 years are the group most at-risk of developing breast cancer, I think it’s important all these women make the time for an appointment,” he said. “Screening is still the most effective way to detect breast cancer early and it only takes half an hour and is one-on-one with a friendly female health professional.”

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2014 - 31

Singapore’s So-energising Sofitel sojourn By Rama Gaind WHILE the eye-catching vista of the island city-state of Singapore offered a treasure trove of memorable travel experiences, the thoroughfares were chock-full with traffic, though paced in an orderly fashion. Skyscrapers abound, ardent shoppers are spoiled for choice with endless retail outlets from modern shopping complexes to quaint access roads in Orchard Road that are choked with tiny shops, exciting culinary fare is found at numerous hawker food centres and there are infinite sightseeing marvels that beckon the ardent visitor. You have to make time to visit the 8.6metre-high Merlion statue overlooking scenic Marina Bay, Singapore Art Museum, Asian Civilisation Museum, Chinatown Heritage Centre, City Hall, Universal Studios, Singapore Zoo, Gardens by the Bay and Singapore Botanical Gardens. Discover the transformed Clarke and Boat quays, Bugis Village, the Historic Civil District and Little India. See the sights at the Singapore River, The Esplanade and wonder at the attentiongrabbing building marvel that is the Marina Bay Sands hotel and shopping complex ... and so much more! However, there was a special reason for our trip and the anticipation was tangible – even the taxi driver Venketaram (when he was given the name of our hotel) – spoke of the flurry of preparations for the opening of the Sofitel So Singapore. We arrived the night before the glamorous cocktail party that officially opened the doors of the hotel in the heart of Singapore’s CBD on 29 August 2014.

• Sofitel So Singapore is in the heart of the city in the iconic former telecommunications building in Robinson Road.

• Kalai Natarajan and Ashok Hiranandani were among guests at the official opening cocktail party of Sofitel So Singapore.

• Marina Bay Sands is an eye-catching multibillion-dollar integrated resort sprawled across three buildings that combine a hotel, shops, theatres, Skypark, restaurants, a lotusflower-shaped museum, a casino and an infinity swimming pool on level 55 - with the best city-skyline view of Singapore. Photo: Rama Gaind

Housed within the iconic former telecommunications building built in 1927 in Robinson Road, Sofitel So Singapore is a

Astrology Aries - March 21 - April 20 Though things shall largely be flowing smoothly for you this month, your total concentration needs to be on meeting your work or resources deadlines. The stars may not seem to be entirely in your favour. Yes, you are likely to face hurdles, but if you set your mind to achieving something, and proceed towards your goals with full determination, you shall mostly achieve your short-term goals. However, worse come worse, if you can't speed up things as per your expectations, don't get bogged down or start feeling depressed. Keep persisting in your efforts, and you will be rewarded sooner or later. Your optimistic approach to life and your work will be greatly admired by people around you, and you shall grow in social stature and esteem, foresees Ganesha. You shall also be generous and helpful, even if you have to go out of your way to get someone out of trouble. Financially, you shall be comfortable, but on the personal front, things may be a bit delicate, so handle all your relationships with due care. Taurus - April 21 - May 22 Your professional life shall be quite smooth this month, especially if you are already in a well-settled job. On the other hand, if you have been looking for a better job opportunity, then too you can expect your desire to get fulfilled, foretells Ganesha. However, you would do well to first make sure that the new work environment, culture and perks are up to your expectations. At work, anyhow, you will share a cordial relationship with your colleagues, making full use of your communication skills. Businessmen may face mixed fortunes, though. Sole-proprietorship businesses may face an uphill task, while partnership businesses will continue to perform well. However, on the financial front, things may get somewhat tricky this month. Ganesha advises you to review your funds situation, as your expenses may seem to be rising alarmingly. Take care of this; you may have to shuffle around your funds quite a bit. Pay close attention to your savings. Also, frank discussions with your spouse about your financial condition may throw up some good ideas, and they may be all you need to improve the situation. Gemini - May 23 - Jun 21 With your professional stature growing, your superiors may consider putting more responsibility on your shoulders this month, predicts Ganesha. So, brace up for a hectic month ahead, specifically on the work front. The pressure will keep mounting, and more and more will be expected from you, leaving you no choice but to invest extra hours on the job. You may even try to do some slick multi-tasking. However, as the month rolls on, you will get used to working long hours, and your concentration will improve. In fact, what you may have thought as impossible may then begin looking possible. If you are a businessman, you need to be very careful of customer satisfaction. You may have to improve the quality of your products or services. Raising funds or

seamless blend of French elegance coupled with a stylish Singaporean design twist. Auspicious occasion This was an auspicious time to be in the island country as the hotel’s official opening was on the same day as Ganesh Chaturthi, the Hindu festival to commemorate the birth anniversary of the obstacleaverter Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed son of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati. Observed with great piety, Singapore’s Little India was buzzing with a celebratory

atmosphere. Bright lights and decorations were in evidence and shops overflowed with people in a buying frenzy: vividly decorated Lord Ganesha statues of all shapes and sizes, fruits, vegetables, banana leaves, coconuts, flowers, garlands and sweets ... everyone was consumed with gay abandon, there was an explosion of colour and the whole area was vibrant with festivity! Motorised (bicycles too) and people traffic was overwhelming in the streets, primarily Serangoon Road and its many side streets. The people moved slowly, but that was no disincentive for the boisterous revellers who were swept up in preparations and the tide of devotion as innumerable statues of Lord Ganesha were purchased and ensconced in temples and homes and worshipped for 10 days amid chanting of shlokas. I was fortunate to be able to share in good fortune and blessings by being a part of the merriment that featured pooja, bhajan and darshan (offering prayers, singing hymns and seeking blessings) … all of which have left an ineradicable mark ‘So’ invigorating According to the cluster general manager of Sofitel So Singapore, Vincent Lelay, the ‘So’ brand makes its debut in the city and is set to redefine luxury boutique accommodation in the Lion City. Award-winning designer Isabelle Miaja, who heads Singapore’s only French design house Miaja Design Group, has created a complex that stimulates the senses. The latest Apple-based technology is in the bedrooms. High ceilings dominate the rooms – where designs are reminiscent of traditional Parisian apartments – with bespoke light boxes featuring images of palatial glass domes inspired by the traditional architecture of Europe and modern constructions in Singapore. Even fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld leaves his stamp with custom-made objects featuring ‘The Lion’s Seal’ emblem. It was all oh-So-magnificent! Rama Gaind travelled at her own expense.

www.ganeshaspeaks.com getting into a partnership deal will not pose any problem as the stars are in your favour. Some unforeseen expenses are foreseen so set aside some reserves for it. There may be some health issues, so be careful of your diet and fitness.

you will spend quality time with them and recall the good old times. You may go in for renovating the interiors of your home.

Cancer - June 22 - July 22 This is likely to prove to be a very favourable month for you on the professional front, as you shall be able to manage all your work without much difficulty. You will be determined and flexible, so even if the workload is unexpected, you shall be able to accomplish it. However, Ganesha advises you to get your priorities right, and make sure the direction in which you are headed is actually the direction you do want to your life to move in. If you let life just drift, you may realise that you are on the wrong path at a later stage, but then it may be too late. So while you work hard in your present job, keep your ultimate goals in sight. Also, be practical and don't get trapped in the mesh of emotions. Try to spare some quality time for your near and dear ones, and pay special attention to the needs of your children.

Libra - September 23 - October 22 There are bound to be some very challenging situations for you this month, foretells Ganesha. You will succeed in tackling them only if you keep your temper cool, and think of the solutions fearlessly. Your relationships with your peers and superiors may be delicate, thus, you need to handle those situations prudently with a calm mind. Businessmen will have to be careful not to allow petty matters or ego hassles come in the way of relationships with partners. This month is auspicious for making financial gains, so maybe some old debts will be repaid with full interest. Your personal life will be smooth. You are likely to spend quality time with your loved ones, friends, and in socialising. Your communication skills shall peak this month, and your interactions with people from different walks of life will only broaden your own perspective of the world and increase your knowledge. Take extra care of your health, especially if you are suffering from blood pressure or diabetes.

Leo - July 23 - August 22 Ganesha foresees a very auspicious month for you. You shall be over-flowing with energy, enthusiasm, selfconfidence and also innovative ideas. However, don't get over-excited, stay cool and calm. If you go about your work methodically instead of acting impulsively, you shall be able to accomplish much this month. Looking to your efficiency, your superiors may overload you with work, but you shall get enough support from colleagues and finish everything through team-work. You may find it tough, though, to manage your domestic responsibilities along with your professional duties. Still, you shall squeeze out some quality time for your children and motivate them to study hard and gain good results in exams. Even with your spouse, you will have very little time to spare, but he/she will understand your constraints and be contented with whatever little time you can spare. Financially, you will be well off. If you are unmarried, Ganesha foresees a possibility of getting romantically involved with someone.

Scorpio - October 23 - November 21 This month your slow progress on the career front may cause you a great deal of anxiety. Ganesha assures you that it is nothing serious, just that things may not be moving at the pace that you would have desired, or you may feel you are not being rewarded for your work. You are advised to continue to work sincerely despite it, and have faith that things will soon take a positive turn and your rewards too will come sooner or later. Also, at certain times you may feel that circumstances are slipping out of your control, but you would do well to flow with the tide and go by your intuition instead of rigidly sticking to your logic. Stay balanced and optimistic no matter how depressing the situation may seem to you. On the financial front, you need to review your investments, and start saving more so that if some emergency arises, you will have enough funds to handle it.

Virgo - August 23 - October 22 Since you have set the bar too high for your own performance, you will have to work very hard this month, especially if you are unwilling to compromise on the quality of your output. Ganesha says it may not be a smooth ride, and some of your plans are likely to get derailed, so you are advised to keep Plan-B ready. There will not be much scope, or time, for you to achieve your full creative potential. You shall, however, be more than willing to help out your co-workers tackle their problems. Businessmen will have a smooth ride, though you may get bored with the monotony of your work and look at options to do things differently. On the domestic front, you may expect positive things to happen. Your relationships with your near and dear ones will be strengthened, as

Sagittarius - November 22 - December 22 The fact that you have been giving off your best at your workplace and yet have gained next to no praise or rewards could make you feel low this month. You may even begin feeling confused about the direction that your life is taking. However, Ganesha advises you to keep up the good work, and lower your expectations, as once this transient phase is over, positive events will start unfolding. If you are in a top post in your company, you shall be a strict taskmaster and keep your team members on their toes, while if you are in a relatively junior position and do not meet your targets, it could seriously undermine your reputation, so be careful. Though it may be unusual for you, during this month you could experience mood-swings, and there is a possibility that you may end up taking impulsive decisions. Your

financial condition is likely to improve, but you will have to control your tendency to spend recklessly. Capricorn - December 23 - January 30 Your progress on the work front may be slower than your expectations, but Ganesha advises you not to lose heart and be patient, as your efforts are likely to fetch rich rewards in the near future. As the days roll by, some interesting projects will pick up speed, which will raise your spirits. In the latter part of the month, work pressure will decrease and you will find yourself on the same wavelength with your superiors, which will add to your positivity and you will banish any thoughts you may have been entertaining about changing your job. On the financial front, money may flow in from some unexpected source, but it is unlikely to satisfy you as you may be nurturing grand plans for the future. This will prompt you to review your investments and fixed assets and try to figure out how you can make more money out of them. However, consider your options wisely before taking any decisions. Singles may get into a romantic relationship. Aquarius - January 21 - February 19 With your profession progressing as per your expectations and most of your projects being at a stage where they just need finishing touches, Ganesha says the time is ripe for you to make plans for the near future. You are bound to come up with novel ideas which will be much appreciated by your bosses, although they may not have the time to approve them immediately. The stars appear to be in favour of those involved in creative jobs, freelancers and even for those of you who are seriously considering a job change. Businessmen, though, may feel a bit disappointed by the tedious pace of things, so Ganesha advises you to chalk out your strategies for the future. On the romantic front, there is excitement on the cards. The possibility of meeting a member of the opposite sex and taking it to the next level is quite strong. Married couples will have a smooth ride as you will share a great understanding. Pisces - February 20 - March 20 This is a favourable month for you as far as your professional life is concerned, foretells Ganesha. Many of you will be happy and contented with your current jobs, but for those of you who are not, you are likely to get some good opportunities. However, you will have to remain alert and identify the opportunities as such, or else you may not even notice them and they will slip through your fingers without you knowing. There are likely to be major changes - all positive - on the career front, so you may look forward to some exicting times ahead. This month Ganesha also predicts that you will reap the rewards of your recent hard work, so you shall be financially well off, but use the extra money that comes your way by investing it judiciously to secure your and your family’s future. This is an auspicious month even for businessmen, as they will see their turnover and profits increasing.

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

32 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2014

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“The annual changes for the analytical series of trimmed mean and for the weighted median were 2.5% and 2.6% respectively and compare to the changes for the twelve months to the June quarter 2014 of 2.9% for the trimmed mean and 2.7% for the weighted median,” Mr Bushby said. The main increases in the September quarter for the housing group was for property rates and charges, which increased by 6.3%. Rents increased by 0.5% for the quarter and 2.3% for the year. “With inflation under control combined with indications in some markets that housing is tempering, it’s appropriate that the RBA Board maintains interest rates at their present level,” Mr Bushby concluded.

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THE Real Estate Institute of Australia is calling on the Reserve Bank of Australia to maintain current interest rate levels following the release of the latest Consumer Price Index figures (22 October, 2014). The September 2014 quarter CPI figures show that the RBA’s underlying trend series measures of inflation continue to be within its target zone. REIA President, Peter Bushby, says this should translate into good news for home owners. “In the September quarter, the CPI rose by 0.5% and an annual inflation rate of 2.3%. These figures are still well within the RBA’s target zone of 2-3% and should not put real pressure on the inflation outlook,” Mr Bushby said.

THE announcement of a luxury size aquatic centre, $550 million dollar resort at International Tennis Stadium, Brookwater, 30 minutes from recreation centre and a conBrisbane has gripped the imagivention centre that will bring nation of residents at the premievents and world class enterum golfing community along tainment to the area. with buyers looking to purchase Brookwater Residential sales before creeping prices potentialmanager Hayley Wighton ly soar. believes the access to highInternational Thai resort giant end amenity will complement Dusit Thani jolted the local real the existing premium nature estate market in October, when of what’s on offer across the it confirmed Brookwater, for its Brookwater community first foray into Australia. The 60 including access to rail, uniyear old hospitality chain operversity, ten schools, and the ates some of the world’s most Mater Private Hospital luxurious and dynamic hotels • Maha Sinnathamby. Springfield. Land and housworld-wide including in the ing prices, she forecasts are Maldives, Europe and the Dusit Davarana likely to rise as the resort gradually comes in New Delhi. Speaking at a local commu- on line – with Phase 1 of the resort featurnity information session Richard Turner, ing 168 luxury apartments set for complewho heads up Brookwater Resort tion in 2016. Investments said the Brookwater communi“We’ve seen similar price surges in other ty will be able to enjoy a range of amenities developments where resorts and high end with the project also providing spa, top amenity comes online.” brand retail, hospitality and recreational “Interest in Brookwater generally, including facilities. “This style of development and from the Indian community continues to scale has not been seen in Australia before lift. Recently we had an overseas couple and the residents of Brookwater will have come in and buy a large block of land access to the lot,” he said. almost sight unseen, which gives you an Greater Springfield City visionary and idea of the desire that is out there to live founder Maha Sinnathamby said the resort’s here.” Hayley said. ”That is likely to intended beauty and style reflected all that increase as the Dusit Thani resort gets the area’s world winning master plan called going.” for. “We want the best for this city as an Brookwater Residential has recently example to the nation. We had other offers released a new stage, The Crest, with land and major brands who wanted to build a priced from $275,000 and 4 bedroom resort here, but Dusit Thani had everything designer home packages from $568,000. we wanted and more.” he said. For more information visit That includes a Commonwealth Games www.brookwater.com.au

Good news for home owners as CPI Growth eases

AU S

Brookwater, the last resort in luxury

Real Estate News

As a lending expert in the South East Queensland area I understand that no two home buyers are the same. I can: Guide you through the home buying process. Answer all your home loan questions, from “How much will I need for a deposit?” to “What is Lenders' Mortgage Insurance?” Provide you with a conditional pre-approval*, so you can move quickly when you find the right home. Help you choose the right home loan for your financial situation and lifestyle. Arrange an appointment today. I can come to you at a time and place which is convenient for you.

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Things to know before you Can: *Provided the details initially agreed do not change, conditional pre-approval guarantees the amount you can borrow but not the interest rate. If you do not find a property and accept our formal loan offer within 90 days of the conditional pre-approval date, we will need to obtain from you updated financials and confirm that the loan still meets your needs and financial objectives. Applications are subject to credit approval. Full terms and conditions will be included in our loan offer. Fees and charges are payable. Interest rates are subject to change. As this advice has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should consider its appropriateness to your circumstances before acting on the advice. Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124. Australian Credit Licence Number 234945. Mortgage Innovation Managers are Authorised Representatives of the Commonwealth Bank.

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Real Estate News Mortgage Brokers v/s dealing directly with Banks

SE STA LL GE IN 2 G Q LA U I C ND KL Y

THERE are few less appealing ensure the client application prospects than having to devote process goes smoothly. considerable time, energy and Mortgage brokers deal with effort in finding a home loan that these people almost daily and meets your needs, it’s even less overtime develop a good workappealing to negotiate your home ing relationship with them. loan deal directly with lenders. It’s not unusual for something Why not get a broker ‘in your to go wrong, and when it does, a corner’ mortgage broker can contact the The fundamental difference is right people to have the issues that a mortgage broker approach- By Gagan Tandon addressed and resolved in mini0425 158 280 es the transaction from the permal possible time – try doing spective of the client, whereas that through a call centre! anyone you approach at the branch, work- These relationships make it easier to get ing for a bank will be focused on looking what the borrower needs. after bank’s interests. Dealing with lenders direct Being experienced in this industry means Unless you’re familiar with the products, your mortgage broker speaks the lender’s rates and lending policies of each of the language, they know what to ask for in lenders, it can be difficult to know what to order to meet client’s needs and they know ask for and whether the deal being offered whether lender is offering a good deal. is a good one. As they say ‘if you don’t ask, While lenders spend millions of dollars you don’t get’, but if you are not experievery year on advertising and promotion, enced enough how would you know what to chances are a good mortgage broker should ask for. generally be able to get the client a better Loan structure is critical deal than if they went to the lender direct. Another critical consideration is the loan Better deal can be in the form of significant structure- it’s not just about a good interest reduction on the interest rate, the waiving rate or having fees waived. Structuring of or reduction in fees or some flexibility on the loan is really important to ensure your the amount that can be borrowed. needs are being met. This can be an These kinds of offers might only be avail- extremely complex area. able to a mortgage broker’s clients, for a With access to 25+ banks you can contact limited period of time, or for certain types us for an obligation free discussion regardof customers. And chances are they won’t ing your existing or a new home loan. We be promoted in TV commercials or on will love to assist you with your queries. branch window posters. For readers of November issue we will It’s all about the relationship provide you with a free desktop property When liaising with banks, mortgage bro- valuation report for your existing property kers deal with relationship managers. Their or one you looking at buying. You don’t job it is to work with mortgage brokers to want to miss this one. encourage them to write loans with their Contact Gagan on 0425 158 280 or email: business, address any problems and to gtandon@smartline.com.au

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WHATÊS ON!

Stumps Hotel & BSK presents Ipswich Harmony T20 Cricket Tournament - Now until 7 December - Location: Ipswich Every Sunday Game Morning / Afternoon. Rolling Trophies & Cash Prizes. 24 teams only. For sponsorship and more details contact Sathish 0433 922 733, Jit 0422 636 742 or email sathish@brisbanesuperkings.com

BRAINOBRAIN – information session - 8 November – Do you want your child to be intelligent? BrainoBrain is now in Brisbane. All parents are invited to attend an information session on 8 November at Chermside Library from 4pm-5pm. Seats are filling up fast!! Email brainobrainbrisbane@gmail.com or follow on facebook Bala Samskar Kendra proudly presents BALA UTSAV - 8 November - 5.45pm for 6pm start at Clairaux MacKillop College, Klumpp Road, Upper Mt Gravatt. An evening of dance, drama, showcasing Hindu culture by students of Bala Samskar Kendra. Entry: Single $10 Family $20 (2 adults, 2 children under 12 years) For more information contact Krrishna 0411 776 509, Ram 0416 813 747 or email bskqld@live.com.au

Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland Inc – Vedic Yaj (Havan) – 9, 16 & 23 November – 2-4pm at Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre, 198 Learoyd Road, Willawong. ALL WELCOME. Tune into Radio Brisvaani on Sundays 7.7.30am for Vedic Sandesh Program and read articles about Vedas in HBW section. Contact Jitendra Deo 3263 1914 or Hari Chand 3345 4716 or visit www.aryasamajqueensland.com for further information.

NOV 14 / DEC 14 Lalithakalalaya School of Bharatanatyam – Grand Bharatanatyam Evening in Gold Coast - 22 November – from 6pm to 8pm at Helensvale Cultural Center, Cnr Lindfield Road, Sir John Overall Drive, Helensvale. For more information refer to flyer located on page 39. Commemoration JK – Supported by OHM Qld - 22 November – 8am at Brunswick Street, New Farm Park, New Farm. For more information refer to flyer page 39.

Swamiye Saranamayyappa - AYYAPPA POOJA in Brisbane - 22 November – Starts at 5pm at Runcorn Heights State School, Runcorn Heights Qld. We kindly request you all to attend the pooja with your family and get the blessings from Lord Swami Ayyappan. For more information contact Unnikrishnan Nair 0416 927 100 / Dr Chitra Das 3863 4857 or email sriayyappanqld@yahoo.com Please RSVP by 15 Nov as we need to prepare the prasadam / food.

Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland Inc – Grand Musical evening by well known artists Shri Vijay Prahalad and Shri Joseph Abhay Nand and Group – 29 November – From 5.30pm at Finnish Hall, 62 Newnham Road, Mt Gravatt East. For more information refer to flyer on page 39. Brisbane Red Carpet event - A Vimal Reddy Film “HIGHWAY TO SUVA” - 29 November – 12.30pm at Event Cinemas, Upper Mt Gravatt, Cnr of Kessels and Logan Road. For tickets contact Adwin 0415 557 430

38 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2014

BOOK YOUR BUSINESS DIRECTORY / CLASSIFIED TODAY! LISTINGS START FROM $11 P/M includes website listing! CONTACT admin@indiantimes.com.au

Brisbane Indian Times proudly serving the Multicultural Community since 2003 proudly sponsors this page for community organisations / non profit organisatons! To view full list of upcoming events visit www.indiantimes.com.au Hindu Society of Qld Inc - Gayatri Mandir - Calendar of Events 2015 – at 178 Lyndhurst Street, Boondall. * 26 January, 24th Anniversary Celebrations * 15 Feb to 17 Feb, Maha Shivraatri * 5 March, Holika Dahan * 21 March to 28 March, Ram Naomi Katha * 4 April, Hanuman Jayanti * 19 July * 24th Annual general meeting * 31 July, Guru Purnima * 30 August to 6 Sept, Shri Krishna Janam Astami * 17 Sept, Ganesh Chaturthi * 14 Oct to 22 Oct, Navraatri (Durga Naomi) celebrations * 31 October, Annual public Diwali celebrations 2015 at Canon Hill Anglican College, Corner of Junction Street & Krupp Rds, Cannon Hill (or alternative venue). * 11 November, Deepawali celebrations at home. * For further details contact Prakash Shandil on 0408 876 414 or Mrs Anita Singh at the Mandir.

Chinmaya Mission Australia - Geeta at a Glance with Swami Swaroopananda - 21 April to 25 April 2015 – Free public talks in English at Brisbane Multicultural Arts Centre, Level 1, 102 Main Street, Kangaroo Point Qld 4169. Each Night 7.30pm to 9pm - Free Special Bala Yagna for kids aged 5-12 years with Br. Gopalji on Bhagavad Geeta at same time. For more information contact Priya 0413 490 308 / Ullhas 0401 382 573 or email brisbane@chinmaya.net.au Weekly Events... Nundah Yoga - FREE meditation classes – Nundah Community Centre, 14 Station Street, Nundah.

Australian Pentecostal Assembly Brisbane – Sunday Worship every Sunday 9am-11.30am at 84 The Community Place, 84 Kedron Park Road, Wooloowin Qld with Pastor Prakash Jacob. Cottage Meeting every Tuesday 7.30pm-9pm / Kids Bible Study every Friday 7pm-7.45pm / Intercessory Prayer every Friday 7.45-9pm. Worship in Hindi, English, Malayalam and other Indian Languages. For more information Phone 07 3315 5597 / 0413 347 562 or email info@apabrisbane.com.au / www.apabrisbane.com.au Sai Baba Aarti Program – Every Thursday 7.30pm – Virginia State School, 1678 Sandgate Road, Virginia (next to Virginia Train Station) Dinner provided. Enquiries call 0405 392 793. Sri Selva Vinayakar Koyil (Ganesha Temple) Brisbane (South Maclean) – For full list of upcoming events please visit www.sriselvavinayakar.org

The Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association - Gold Coast Bhajan - monthly Bhajans held every third Friday of the month starting at 7.15am at the Helensvale Community Centre 31 Discovery Rd, Helensvale. Activities include Bhajan recitals, short educational presentations and free vegetarian dinner. All are cordially invited to attend. For further information please contact Director/Religious Activities, Mr S Barataraj on 0417 588 839 or gchcan@gmail.com or visit www.goldcoasthindu.org

To receive weekly updates of upcoming events email prod@indiantimes.com.au (We are currently experiencing technical issues with our website and can only ad text, until this is corrected all information will be listed as text only)

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Dear Devotees, For the past few years we have been doing the AYYAPPA POOJA in Brisbane and with your support and grace it has been progressing successfully. This year we have decided to do the Pooja on 22nd Nov. 2014 (free entry) and the details are as follows: Date : Time : Venue:

22nd Nov. 2014 (Saturday) Starts at 5.30pm and finishes at 8.30pm Runcorn Heights State School Hall, 200 Nemies Road, Runcorn Heights, QLD 4113 We kindly request you all to attend the pooja with your family and get the blessings from Lord SWAMI AYYAPPAN.

sriayyappanqld@yahoo.com Please RSVP by 15th Nov. 2014 as we need to prepare the prasadam/food.

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Bollywood & Entertainment Red Carpet grand finale of “Highway to Suva” at Event Cinemas! After running Houseful in Cinema Houses in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne & New Zealand, Director Vimal Reddy’s” Highway To Suva” is back by popular demand. Nach Baliyeh Events & Digicell proudly presents the Red Carpet Grand Finale of “Highway to Suva” at Event Cinemas in Garden City! HIGHWAY to Suva is Melbourne based movie maker Vimal Reddy’s third film, who has previously directed “Adhura Sapna” in 2007 and “Ghar Pardes” in 2009. Cast: Rishi Deepak - NZ based Bollywood actor who acted in the recently released movie “Urban Turban” which received good response in Fiji & New Zealand. Tarishma Goundar - Local girl from Lautoka Fiji makes her debut. She was in the top ten of the Miss Fiji pageant in 2012. Ratu Rakuita Tawake - Native Fijian actor who has acted in all three movies made by Vimal Reddy. Famously known as “Jona” in “Adhura Sapna”. Vijay Kumaran - Star of “Ghar Pardes” who also sings two songs in the movie alongside famous Bollywood singer Javed Ali. Adwin Awadh - Gold Coast based actor who previously acted in a supporting role in “Ghar Pardes’. In this movie he has a very prominent role which received rave reviews in Melbourne, Sydney, Fiji & New Zealand. Director of Photography: Sabu James Highly acclaimed cinematographer from the South Indian Film industry who has trained and taught at the Pune Film Insititute of India. Singers: Famous singer from Bollywood has sung one song and Fiji born singer

Fans get a glimpse of Amitabh Bachchan's changing moods during Piku shoot Vijay Kumaran sang two songs including the title sing which has become very popular in Fiji. Second Screening in Brisbane: Saturday 29th of November at 3:30pm Event Cinemas Garden City Upper Mt Gravatt. Tickets $15.00 For Tickets Contact Adwin 0415 557 430 or Sun-E-Arora 0431 616 914.

IN CINEMAS NOVEMBER 14 Kill Dil Cast: Govinda, Ranveer Singh, Ali Zafar, Parineeti Chopra Synopsis: Once upon a time in North India, two killers – Dev (Ranveer Singh) and Tutu (Ali Zafar), roamed free. Abandoned when young and vulnerable, Bhaiyaji (Govinda) gave them shelter and… nurtured them to kill! All is normal in their lives until destiny throws free-spirited Disha (Parineeti Chopra) into the mix. What follows is a game of defiance, deception and love. Trailer www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEhnt70rCTI

Music www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yt1Uglgv5cY

UNGLI Cast: Emraan Hashmi, Kangana Ranaut, Randeep Hooda, Neil Bhoopalam, Angad Bedi and Sanjay Dutt. Synopsis: A gang of five rebels decide to finally take a stand on corruption, believing it’s time to take matters into their own hands and expose the corrupt. They have only one hurdle, a gritty cop ‘Kale’ who is trying every bit to catch them. Trailer www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nl1UPQbIQ4s

Music www.youtube.com/watch?v=juZN67BA_5w

40 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2014

ollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan B sported a rather pensive look during the ongoing shooting of Piku, a day after he was seen merrily pedalling across the streets here in a pink kurta. The 71-year-old actor's looks are as varied as the locations and has kept the public guessing about the film. According to some media speculation, the icon was reportedly taken ill while shooting at the Burdwan House in Alipore, in south Kolkata. Shooting was temporarily stalled but later it was revealed that all's well. Clad in a loose fitting light beige kurta, and a light grey half-sweater and hidden under a wig with generous sprinklings of grey, the one-time angry young man of Indian cinema, seated on stacked plastic chairs on a stunning green lawn at the Burdwan House in light sunshine, made for a vibrant contrast. He was seen tinkering with his smartphone at times while there were hints of a smile too in between. But the thinking-man persona was abun-

dant. Fans circled the building for most part of the day to get a glimpse of Big B. Amitabh arrived in the city on Sunday morning to shoot for Vicky Donor director Shoojit Sircar's upcoming film Piku, where he plays the role of father to Deepika Padukone. The Bollywood superstar Sunday became nostalgic and relished 'too many memories' of Kolkata as he pedalled on a bicycle, with a twinkle in his eyes, through the city's nerve centre BBD Bagh that houses numerous heritage structures as also the Writers Buildings - the regular seat of the West Bengal government. Amitabh had migrated to the eastern metropolis in search of a future and a job in the early 1960s and survived on a salary of Rs.500 by working for a private company. Later, he switched to Mumbai to make it big on the silver screen. He cycled as part of the shooting for the film that is scheduled to hit the screens April 30, 2015.

Why Gauri never gifts birthday presents to hubby Shah Rukh Khan Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan have been married for nearly 23 years. But even today, Gauri says that Shah Rukh showers her with presents. "He gives me gifts that I happily accept, but I never gift him anything in return… and that is the rule," she says, laughing, when asked whether the two still exchange gifts on birthdays, considering her star-husband turned 49 on Sunday, November 2. However, Gauri refuses to reveal what presents she has received from Shah Rukh over the years. "I get a lot of things, but I don’t like talking about them. The last time I revealed one such thing, it unnecessarily became big news," she explains. Ask her to share the secret behind their successful marriage of over two decades, and Gauri says, "We both are very easygoing people. He doesn’t question me about too many things, and he also stays busy with his work. I think when people spend all their time together is when trouble starts brewing. I love the fact that he gives me my

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space, and I make sure I give him his." Gauri also reveals that the family will take off for a vacation next month. "We will be going to Dubai in December and AbRam (their younger son) will be with us," says Gauri. Call Trudi on 07 3865 6533

Bollywood & Entertainment

Nominees announced for 2014 Asia Pacific Screen Awards AUSTRALIAN films have received a record number of nominations in the eighth annual Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA). Announcing the nominations on 29 October, Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said 36 films from 21 Asia Pacific countries and areas would vie for the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highest accolade in film. â&#x20AC;&#x153;2014 is a record-breaking year for Australia,â&#x20AC;? Cr Quirk said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Three Australian films, Charlieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Country, 52 Tuesdays and Maya the Bee Movie, have received a total of four nominations across four categories. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With 250 films entered from 42 countries, this is an outstanding achievement for Australian films.â&#x20AC;? Rolf de Heerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Charlieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Country has broken two further records for Australia. The story of an indigenous man caught between two worlds, Charlieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Country is the first Australian film to be nominated for multiple awards, and also the first Australian film to receive a directing nomination. â&#x20AC;&#x153;David Gulpilil has been nominated for the APSA for Best Performance by an Actor,â&#x20AC;? Cr Quirk said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gulpilil, who was awarded the Best Actor award in Un Certain Regard at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival for this role, will be up against actors from Sri Lanka, Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Republic of China, New Zealand and Islamic Republic of Iran.â&#x20AC;? Cr Quirk said Rolf de Heer would face tough competition in the directing category, including this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cannes Palme dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Or winner and former APSA winner Turkish director Nuri Bilge Ceylan, with Winter Sleep, and Russian director Andrey Zvyagintsev for Leviathan. De Heer said: "In such august company, it's a privilege simply to be nominated in the director category. And for Charlie's Country to have a second nomination, for acting, is truly wonderful for David."

The Sundance and Berlin Film Festival award-winner 52 Tuesdays is a nominee for Best Youth Feature Film, while AustralianGerman co-production Maya the Bee Movie is up for Best Animated Feature Film. The story of a young bee who leaves the hive to explore the world, it features the voices of Jacki Weaver, Noah Taylor, Kodi SmitMcPhee, Justine Clarke and Miriam Margolyes. The 2014 APSA ceremony will be presented by Brisbane Marketing at City Hall on Thursday 11 December. APSA Chairman Michael Hawkins said 2014 had seen the strongest line-up of APSA nominees to â&#x20AC;˘ Australian Film - Charlieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Country. date. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It has been an incredible year for films Films from the Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Republic of China from Asia Pacific on the world stage and and Russian Federation lead the nominawe look forward to celebrating these films tions with six each, closely followed by in their own region,â&#x20AC;? Mr Hawkins said. Islamic Republic of Iran with five. Other Films in the running for the Best Feature countries and areas represented include Film are Winter Sleep (Turkey, France, Australia, Hong Kong (PRC), India, Iraq, Germany), Leviathan (Russian Federation), Iraqi Kurdistan, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m Not Angry (Islamic Republic of Iran), Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Philippines, The Owners (Kazakhstan), and Memories Qatar, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Sri on Stone (Iraqi Kurdistan, Germany). Lanka, Syrian Arab Republic, Turkey and All nominees are inducted into the APSA the UAE. Academy. Led by President Jack Thompson Winners in the feature film categories will AM PhD, the academy is a growing body be determined by the 2014 APSA of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most influential names in film including past APSA nominees, International Jury and Nominations Council members.

International Jury, headed by the internationally acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi (The Past, A Separation). APSA, proudly presented by Treasury Casino and Hotel, is an initiative of Brisbane City Council through Brisbane Marketing in collaboration with international partners UNESCO, FIAPF-International Federation of Film Producers Associations and the European Film Academy. View the full list of 2014 APSA Nominees at: http://www.asiapacificscreenacademy.com/ the-awards/2014-nominees/

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Sports News Queensland Sanatan Sports World Cup Winners By Chandar Deo QUEENSLAND Sanatan Sports has won the World Cup Sanatan tournament held in Sydney over the Labour Day weekend defeating the reigning champions Canada in a penalty shoot after a drawless full time score. This win was a sweet victory as we were in the finals of the annual Sanatan tournament losing to Sydney Vatukoula last year. We look forward to your support in defending this cup in Canada in 2016.

Djokovic on top of the world after Paris win and fatherhood

PARIS, 3 November: It's been quite a year for Novak Djokovic, who is driving towards another year-ending number one spot, recently becoming a proud father and winning his third Paris Masters crown for his 600th ATP victory. The popular 27-year-old Serb said at the becoming a dad had already made him feel like number one, but he is also doing his talking on the court, breezing through an elite field in the French capital without dropping a set. His 6-2, 6-3 victory over big-serving Canadian Milos Raonic on Sunday emphasised his dominance in world tennis, but there is still one tournament to go at the season-ending World Tour Finals in London. His lead over Roger Federer in the ATP rankings is now 1,310 points with up to a possible 1,500 available to the winner in London. Federer can also pick up a small amount of points when he plays the Davis Cup final for Switzerland against France in Lille but it might be too late by then with Djokovic the man to beat heading to London. "Two successive titles in London in the last two years gives me reason to believe that I can do well," said Djokovic after his 27th consecutive indoor victory and becoming the first man to successfully defend the title at Bercy. "Even this year I will have a week off to recharge my batteries, recover a little bit, spend some time with family, and get on the court. "I'm excited to be there because I think it's one of the most spectacular tennis venues that we have," continued Djokovic who has spent 118 weeks at number one during his career, the seventh highest total ever.

Rewind: Bowlers' nemesis Virender Sehwag arrives

"Also because of Wimbledon and the long history (of tennis in London), so I look forward to that." The other players to qualify are Federer, Stan Wawrinka, Andy Murray, Kei Nishikori, Tomas Berdych, Marin Cilic and Raonic. The players are split into two pools of four with a round-robin format determining two semi-finalists from each group. Djokovic says he is prepared for whatever the draw throws up in terms of opponents. "It's the best eight players in the world in the whole year, so there are not many preferences to be honest. "But it definitely encourages me the fact that I have played so well this week and that I have won the four last indoor tournaments in the last two years that I've played in. "Apart from the outdoor hard courts that was my most successful and most preferable surface, and now I guess it's an indoor court. "I do feel very comfortable playing, returning, serving in these conditions." The Belgrade native also paid tribute to 17time Grand Slam winner Federer's fine season that has seen the Swiss win more matches than anyone on Tour as he rose back to world number two. "He is one of the top contenders to win all the major titles and to compete for the top spot," continued Djokovic. "Obviously he got used to the racquet change and I think he's swinging through the backhand shot much better now. He improved his game a lot since last year. "I think maybe he's playing some of the best tennis of his career, in my opinion, and I don't think age really matters in his case. "But every match that I play, every match that I play and win, gets me closer to holding number one at the end of the year." AFP

42 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2014

• Sehwag became only the 11th Indian player to make a ton on Test debut.

INDIA’S search for a world-class Test opener since the retirement of Sunil Gavaskar in 1987 ended on November 3, 2001 with the advent of Virender Sehwag on cricketing panorama. Over the next 10 years or so, Sehwag would go on to play many memorable knocks all over the world. While Gavaskar ground the bowlers with his impeccable defence, Sehwag wasted them using his cannon shots. When the 23-year-old Sehwag joined his idol Sachin Tendulkar at the crease in the first Test against South Africa at Bloemfontein, India were in a precarious situation at 68 for 4. The Proteas had won the toss and in view of India's well-known discomfort against short-pitched bowling and the pacer-friendly pitch at Goodyear Park, they put the visitors led by Sourav Ganguly in to bat. When Shiv Sunder Das, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman and Ganguly failed to come good against the pace trio of Shaun Pollock, Nantie Hayward and Jacques Kallis, India were back in familiar territory abroad. With the ball kicking up a great deal off the pitch, there were little expectations from Sehwag. Once again the Indian fans fixed their eyes on Tendulkar to bail the team out. And he did as expected, cutting and driving the host bowlers all around the park. One would expect that a newcomer like Sehwag would take a back seat and let Tendulkar hog all the limelight but Sehwag turned out to be different. He wanted some share of it and playing his only 11th delivery he exquisitely drove Kallis through the covers for a four.

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Sehwag then turned his attention to Hayward and Makhaya Ntini, choosing to drive them straight down the ground - more often than not. His shots were definitely pleasing to the eye but when a batsman like Tendulkar at the other end is displaying exceptional shots, one could do nothing but admire and realise that matching him stroke for stroke is impossible. Sehwag did the same, content with playing the part of a supporting actor, but still now and then he will unleash a drive. One such drive past Hayward fetched him his fifty off 83 balls. To many, he looked like a carbon copy of Tendulkar as several shots of his resembled those of the great Indian batsman. When Tendulkar departed after scoring 155, Sehwag took charge of the innings. Now it was Deep Dasgupta's turn to admire his partner at the other end. Sehwag drove Lance Klusener through covers for a four to get to his ton off 157 balls, only the 11th Indian player to make a ton on debut. The admiration in Ganguly and Dravid's eyes in the dressing room balcony bespoke how special the innings was. However not long after the milestone, Sehwag's innings of 105 was ended by a beautiful inswinger by Pollock. Despite Tendulkar and Sehwag's heroics, India, sadly, ended up on the losing side but to date Indian fans fondly remember their exceptional batting. As far as Sehwag is concerned, his innings was indeed a forerunner of an illustrious career that would witness him score 23 Test tons, including two triple centuries. gocricket staff Call Trudi on 07 3865 6533

Sports News IPL spot fixing: Mudgal committee submits report JUSTICE Mukul Mudgal (pictured) on Monday 3 November submitted to the Supreme Court the final report of his investigation into the allegations of betting and spot fixing in the 2013 edition of Indian Premier League (IPL). Justice Mudgal committee that investigated the allegations against sidelined BCCI chief N Srinivasan and 12 others submitted the report in a sealed cover. The apex court bench headed by justice TS Thakur, before which senior counsel Raju Ramachandran submitted the report on Monday, said that it will be taken up for hearing as scheduled November 10.S Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan were three prominent IPL cricketers arrested on allegations of spot-fixing and former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ‘Team Principal’ and former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief N Srinivasan's son-in-law Gurunath Meiyappan and Bollywood actor Vindoo Dara Singh were arrested for allegations of betting during the sixth edition of the cashrich league are all out on bail. Srinivasan had to step down as the BCCI

president due to his involvement with CSK, one of the franchises under the radar, though he remains International Cricket Council chairman. The committee, comprising justice Mudgal, additional solicitor general L Nageswara Rao, advocate Nilay Dutta, deputy director general of police (Narcotics Control Bureau) BB Mishra and former India captain Sourav Ganguly, got together in the capital as the final draft of the report was being prepared. HT

'Rumble in the Jungle' ring stolen as fans mark anniversary

• In this photo taken on October 30, 1974 shows the fight between US boxing heavyweight champions, Muhammad Ali (L) (born Cassius Clay) and George Foreman in Kinshasa. (AFP photo)

Officials in Kinshasa have revealed the ring used for "The Rumble in the Jungle" has been stolen as boxing fans on Thursday 30 October marked 40 years since one of the most famous and brutal bouts in the sport's history. As the sporting world remembers Muhammad Ali's epic showdown with George Foreman the search is on for the ring which the two boxers climbed into at dawn on October 30, 1974. The ring "was stolen a few years ago," Barthelemy Bosongo, manager of the Tata Raphael stadium which staged the fight, told AFP. "We don't know where it's gone, but it's no longer in Kinshasa," he added. "We're in the process of setting up a judicial investigation." A leading sports official in the Democratic Republic of Congo who wished to remain anonymous believes the bulky piece of sporting memorabilia "is in South Africa". According to Bosongo, "there are no signs left now of the fight, apart from the two dressing rooms" which Ali and Foreman used to change before stepping out for the fight, and into boxing folklore. He added: "I would have liked for the stadium to become a place of history, where you'd find the dressing rooms, photos, gloves...but there's nothing to remind you of the fight." It may be making headlines around the world but Thursday's 40th anniversary was passing off virtually unobserved in Call Trudi on 07 3865 6533

Kinshasa itself. At the Tata Raphael stadium it was just like any other day. Youngsters were knocking a ball around outside while inside Yvonne, 47, when asked about the importance of the day, replied: "What happened 40 years ago? "1974........was it the fight between Ali and Foreman?" "I know the year of the bout, but not the day itself," she admitted. Pierre, 64, remembers as a student having to watch the bout on television as he couldn't afford a ringside seat. "We've forgotten about the fight, the government should have mande an announcement about it," he said. "It was after all the fight of the century, which we staged here..." "The Rumble in the Jungle" anniversary barely got a mention in the local press. And Ali's famous eighth round KO was similarly being ignored out on the streets of the capital, aside from a handful of posters advertising a low-key national competition to mark the occasion. The stadium itself looks as though it has lost a few rounds against Ali in the intervening years. The terraces, which were packed with 100,000 people on the night, are falling apart. Water leaks into the gyms where Ali and Foreman trained. Bosongo revealed that a long awaited makeover was on the cards. "The government's ordered the stadium, including the dressing rooms, to be renovated by a Chinese company." www.indiantimes.com.au

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44 - THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2014

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