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Inaugural Australian Multicultural Council Lecture
• Mr Frank Lowy AC delivering the inaugural Australian Multicultural Council lecture at Parliament House Canberra on September 19.
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Inside
Letters to the Editor.......................2 Migration Matters...........................4 Local News.................................5-21 Business News...............................20 Who, What, Where, When..........24 Diwali Events / Greetings.......27-29 Health & Well Being................32-36 Astrology.........................................36 Real Estate................................37-39 Business Directory/Classifieds...40-41 What’s On................................42-43 Bollywood & Entertainment...44-45 Sport..........................................46-47
Brisbane
Indian Times A Div isi on of Qld Multicultural Time s
Published Monthly OWNERS / PUBLISHERS: Umesh & Usha Chandra ADVERTISING: Trudi Tarres EDITOR: Trudi Tarres
JOURNALIST/ CORRESPONDENTS: Ram Jattan (UK) Thakur Ranjit Singh (NZ) Thilliar Varnakulasingham (NZ) Shalendra Prasad (Fiji) Dhaval Vyas (India) Rama Gaind (Canberra) Sudesh Aggarwal (ATO News) ML. M. Nawaaz Ashrafi Imam Muhammad Aslam Sundar Gopal Das Yadavendra Das Pastor Joseph Dass Haji Abdul Rahman Deen Janeth Deen Jitendra Deo Atul Dighe (Spiritual Science Research Foundation) Mehraban Farahmand (Baha’i International) Kiran Goel (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)
From the Publisher WELCOME to the first issue of our volume ten, and what an amazing journey it has been. This year seems to be the tenth anniversary year for many groups, Access community services celebrates its tenth year, so does Ba Soccer Sports and Social association. QFFA also celebrates its tenth year. Brisbane Indian Times and Brisbane Babas Band are also in their tenth year. It is very satisfying to see that the seeds that were planted years ago come to fruition and flourish. I salute all who have put in a lot of effort in carrying forward the shared vision. There have been challenging times for all but all have survived the turmoil. The understanding that an entity is above any individual and so leaving aside inevitable personal differences hardworking members have kept the flame alive. Access services have already celebrated their 10th anniversary, Ba Soccer Sports and Social club have their celebration on 21st October, while the main Body QFFA celebrates its tenth anniversary on 4th November. I wish all the organisers success with their functions and celebrations. Our publication, Brisbane Indian Times has from day one been transparant to the community, the owner/publisher are known
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to the community and there is no hidden agenda, the paper has maintained its quality and style. Editor Trudi Tarres has been there for the entire duration bar a few prints, her hard work, dedication and attention to detail is commendable. I must make a special mention of our advertisers without whose support the journey would not have been possible. A special thank you to all our contributors who tirelessly month after month submit informative editorials. At this point I once again encourage all associations to submit newsworthy articles for publication. Many proactive associations have a dedicated PR officer who keep sending in their news. Our event notification service and web listing of events has become very popular, a lot of effort goes into keeping that up to date. The upcoming events section is updated every Wednesday. We like to support all non profit / community events and hence we have a free listing of upcoming events in our newspaper. In order to accommodate all events we request that organisers send their upcoming listing as a 8cm x 13cm poster in JPEG format. This obviously does not apply to any sponsored events, for full details please contact
Trudi. On the Multicultural arena I would like to congratulate Taiwan Friendship association on the national day and sports, Brisbane Malayalee Association on their Tug of War 2012. At the Access services we witnessed a great variety of multicultural performances. On the federal level I attended the first Australian Multicultural Council's lecture at Parliament house, another great event where we got to witness a bipartisan support for Multicultural Australia. It was amazing to hear Mr Frank Lowy AC speak, what a remarkable achievement coming from such humble beginning. On the International scene GOPIO Mauritius has been instrumental on organising a mini PBD there. In conjunction with MOIA the mini PBD in Mauritius will be held from 26th to 28th October. A delegation from Brisbane will be attending the historic event. GOPIO International conference and 2013 PBD will be held in Kochi in January 2013. A GOPIO International women's conference is being planned for New Zealand. Until Next month Happy reading! Umesh Chandra
Letters to the Editor Brisbane Indian Times welcomes letters to the editor. Please ensure that letters do not exceed 300 words. All letters, must have a full name, residential address and a phone number. Hard copy letters must have legible signature. Only your name and suburb are published. Initials and pen names are not accepted. All correspondence to the editor is assumed to be for publication unless marked otherwise. The editor reserves the right to abridge, alter (edit) or withhold any correspondence without explanation. Opinions expressed must be genuinely held by the letter writer. Please send your thoughts and opinions to: The Editor, Brisbane Indian Times, PO Box 197, Taigum Qld 4018 or email: prod@indiantimes.com.au
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Recent news about Australian Migration Regulations Next SkillSelect Invitation Rounds to be held in October IN OCTOBER, two invitation rounds will be held for skilled independent and skilled regional provisional visa subclasses covering a total of 2000 persons. These rounds will be on 1 October and 15 October 2012. The information below lists the maximum number of invitations that will be issued in each round, by visa subclass. 1 October 2012 Visa Subclass Skilled - Independent (subclass 189)Maximum No. 900 Skilled - Regional Provisional (subclass 489) Maximum Number 100 15 October 2012 Visa Subclass Skilled - Independent (subclass 189) Maximum Number 900 Skilled - Regional Provisional (subclass 489) Max No. 100 Longer Tourist visas for parents of Australians - towards the end of 2012 DIAC will be implementing changes in late 2012 for parents of Australian citizens and permanent residents. Parents will be able to apply for Tourist visas to visit Australia for longer than the current 12 month restriction. Under this arrangement recently announced by the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, the department will consider granting on a case-by-case basis: * Tourist visas of up to five years' validity which provide a stay of up to 12 months on each entry to those parents who are outside Australia and are in the Parent (subclass 103) visa queue * Tourist visas of up to three years' validity with 12 months' stay on each entry will be considered for parents who are outside Australia and are not in the Parent visa queue. These changes will allow parents who meet the criteria for a Tourist visa to have regular extended visits with their
Wishing all students the very best Eid al-adha
family in Australia without needing to apply for a new visa on each visit. Under these flexible arrangements, in addition to meeting all legislative requirements for a tourist visa, parents will be expected to hold private health insurance to cover any healthcare costs during their stay and will have a visa condition limiting applications for further visas while they are in Australia. Like all tourists, parents granted Tourist visas are expected to maintain extended periods of absence between visits to Australia. Online visa checking phases out the need for visa labels The Department of Immigration & Citizenship are introducing fees in order to obtain a visa label in your passport. Visa labels have not been required in Australia for some time and are no longer routinely printed and physically placed in passports. Instead, online checking is preferred and provides visa holders more timely and secure information as to their entitlements. In late 2012, subject to legislative approval, the department expects to implement a charge of AUD70 for this discretionary service. This is expected to further make visa labels in passports the exception rather than the rule. Australia bound international commercial airlines and cruise ships verify with Australian authorities that passengers have an Australian visa before they travel to Australia. This verification is conducted through the electronic travel systems, generally at the time of issuing a boarding pass. In 2012-13, enhancements to VEVO will include: • providing registered migration agents with more comprehensive details of a visa holder’s current entitlements • enabling all visa holders to access VEVO using their visa grant number or visa evidence number without having to contact the department to get a pass-
word • improved self-service password reset functionality for organisations • a PDF print option for visa holders required to provide evidence for their visa status to third parties (for example, real estate agents and mobile phone providers) • enabling organisations and visa holders to access VEVO using mobile devices such as smart phones, tablets and other portable devices. Sponsored Family Visitor (Subclass 679) visa: Holiday Cut Off Date DIAC has announced that applications for Sponsored Family Visitor (Subclass 679) visas for people wishing to travel to Australia during the December holiday period should be submitted (as complete applications) to the Department by Friday 2 November 2012. DIAC cannot guarantee applications lodged after 2 November will be processed in time for the December holiday period. Review of Queensland Government Sponsorship The Queensland Government Budget Speech, delivered by Treasurer and Minister for Trade, the Hon Tim Nicholls MP, contains the news that the Queensland Government will undertake a review of criteria for state sponsored skilled and business visas. The Treasurer stated that Queensland’s onerous criteria was restricting the ability of employers to hire employees with critical skills and restricting the flow of capital and investment into the state. In the 2011-2012 financial years, the Queensland Government sponsored just 212 visas. This article is intended to provide general information on migration issues and does not constitute migration advice, and no responsibility is accepted by Kiran Goel or AIEES for the accuracy of material appearing in the Brisbane Indian Times. (Ms Kiran Goel MARN: 0639149)
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Farewell functions for Holy “Hajj” performers IT is obligatory for the Muslims to peform their pilgrimage to Mecca to sight the holy “Kaba” once in their lifetime if they have the means. During this journey of their lifetime they also visit Medina and perform many other religious rites. Every year millions of Muslims from all over the world flock to Saudia Arabia to perform their religious duties. The
Shahban Ali estimated number is approximately four to five million, being the biggest religious gathering in the world at any one time. As in the previous years many
from Brisbane prepared themselves to go on this sacred journey. Three functions at different centres were organized to farewell these people and pray for their safe return. The first one was held at Rochdale Mosque on 8 September which was organized by the Islamic Society of Queensland, the second one was organized by
the Queensland Association of Fiji Muslims at Darra Mosque on 22 September and the last one by the Al-Mustapha Institute of Brisbane at Logan West Community Centre, Wineglass Drive, Hillcrest on 30 September, 2012. At all these gatherings many learned Imams and Maulanas gave lectures on the importance of this pilgrimage, the fifth pillar of
Islam and also spoke on the sequence of religious rites that are to be performed and observed on this trip. All the programmes were well attended and ended with “duas” for all those undertaking this journey. Dinner was also provided to all attending these functions. May Allah accept their Hajj.
Inaugural Australian Multicultural Council Lecture From page 1
Chandan Das concert in Brisbane Renowned Ghazal singer, Chandan Dass performed live at a concert paying tribute to late Ghazal kings Medhi Hassan and Jagjit Singh called "Tum Khan Chale Gaye". The function was held at McGregor State School Hall on Sunday 7 October. Chandan Dass was accompanied by singer Dr Roshan Bharti, who sang some Medhi Hassan numbers and did other numbers from his new album. Chandan Dass did a few Jagjit Singh numbers as a tribute and the rest he did from his own compilation. He also did quite a few audience requests at the end of the program. Hafiz Ali, the obvious choice for a compeer for
a Ghazal night pleased the audience with his delightful and poetic manner. Nigel, a new comer in the sound game did a marvellous job of the sound control, so much so that he was called up on the stage by Dr Roshan Bharti. The crowd pleaser was definitely the amazing keyboard player Arif Lateefkhan, his magical fingers created mesmerising interludes to the cheer and claps of the audience. Arunesh Nair of Sydney accompanied on the tabla. The concert was so good, despite being a Sunday night the audience stayed back for the full concert duration which concluded around 11:30pm.
IT is not often that we see both sides of politics agree on issues, on September 19 in the main committee room of Parliament house, I was privileged to be present at the inaugural Australian Multicultural Council lecture to witness a bipartisan support for Multiculturalism in Australia The televised lecture was delivered by Frank Lowy, chairman and cofounder of the Westfield Group, world's largest retail shopping centre company. He has been the Chairperson of Football Federation Australia, he is a member of the FIFA World Cup Organising Committee, the founder and chairperson of Lowy Institute for International policy. He served a ten year term as a member of Reserve Bank of Australia, he also served as a director of UK media group, Daily Mail and General Trust plc for ten years. He has been conferred a honorary doctorate from University of New South Wales, He is a Companion in the general division of the Order of Australia, He served for several years as president of Art Gallery of New South Wales. Mr Lowy is married to Shirley and lives in Sydney. They have three sons- David, Peter and Steven. Frank touched on the Muslim protest in Sydney, he said "while the protest was possible because we have a multicultural society, this eruption did not devalue the powerful dynamic of multiculturalism which has been developing here for more than sixty years." He then went on to discuss his journey to this country and reflected on his humble beginnings, "these are the experiences that shaped the young man I was, when I arrived
in Sydney on Australia Day in 1952." In closing Frank said "I want to say that the starting point for any discussion on Multicultural society must be the recognition that migration is an act of ambition and imagination. And act of bravery too. To imagine a better life for you and your family and to make the leap of faith required to leave behind all that is familiar, calls for a special kind of courage. If we look at the new arrivals to Australia from this perspective, our capacity will be grater to welcome them warmly and to help them make a new home here as one of us. That is as Australians." Aunty Jeannette Phillips did the welcome to country followed by the official welcome by Judge Rauf Soulio, chair of Australian Multicultural Council. Prime Minister The Hon Julia Gillard delivered the opening address and introduced Mr Frank Lowy AC, leader of opposition The Hon Tony Abott moved the vote of thanks. It was heartening to see the bipartisan support for Multiculturalism in Australia. The Prime Minister and leader of opposition both mingled with the invited guests at the Champagne supper that followed the lecture.
QEII Jubilee Hospital Pharmacist Anil Verma has been chosen to be a member on the SubContinent Ministerial Consultative Committee THE Minister for Immigration build upon the significant contriand Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, bution the Sub-Continent comthe Minister for Multicultural munity has made to the strength Affairs, Senator Kate Lundy, and prosperity of Australia. Member for Greenway, Michelle “The members of the SubRowland MP, and Senator for Continent Ministerial ConsultTasmania, Lisa Singh, recently ative Committee have all demonannounced the inaugural members strated significant experience in of the Sub-Continent Ministerial • Anil Verma. working with their communities consultative Committee. and I look forward to working “I extend my congratulations to the new together to achieve positive outcomes for members of the Sub-Continent Ministerial the Sub-Continent community.” Consultative Committee, who will play an Senator Singh added that she was pleased important role in informing the government to be co-chairing the committee with Ms of the views of their community,” Mr Rowland. “Australia’s Sub-Continent comBowen said. munity is as large as it is vibrant,” Ms “The Sub-Continent Community has made Singh said. a valuable contribution to Australian cultur“This committee provides an opportunity al, social, and economic life and it is time for leaders across Australia’s Sub-Continent their views are heard.” community to have direct input into govSenator Lundy said the members of the ernment policy.” new committee were distinguished individThe Ministerial Consultative Committee is uals who would serve their community comprised of 17 members drawn from Subwell. “The new committee will provide a Continent leaders around Australia. Anil valuable conduit for leaders from the Sub- believes he is the only person from Continent community to engage with Queensland on the committee. Government and continue to contribute to The Committee will meet regularly with the success and prosperity of our nation,” the co-chairs and at least twice a year with Senator Lundy said. Minister’s Bowen and Lundy. The “Australians from the Sub-Continent com- Government will also hold an annual forum munity have made a robust contribution to for the committee to facilitate access to the the cultural richness of our nation over gen- Prime Minister and other senior governerations through hard work, drive and ment ministers. strong families.” Ms Rowland said that the members of the Anil is looking forward to contributing Sub-Continent Committee will be able to local issues and ideas. 6 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2012
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New office bearers for Islamic Society of Qld Inc. THE Annual General Meeting of the Islamic Society of Qld Inc was held on Sunday 23 September, 2012 at the Community Centre Hall, Nerida St, Rochedale. With the finish of the general business, election of the new executive committee was held under the Chairmanship of Br Mohammed Khalid, Secretary of the Islamic Council of Queensland. The following office bearers were elected for
Shahban Ali a term of two years. President: Br Haji Rahat Azad Senior Vice President: Br Haji Imam Ali Vice President: Br Mohammed Shamim Secretary: Br Haji Mahabub Ali Assistant Secretary: Br Fareed Ali Treasurer: Br Sayeed Ali
Radio 4EB AGM THE annual General meeting of Ethnic Broadcasting Association of Queensland Limited was held on Sunday 23 September at the premises of Radio 4EBFM, 140 Main Street, Kangaroo Point. The guest speaker was Robert Cavalluci assistant minister for Multicultural Affairs Queensland. Fred Milner from the Slovenian Group received his life membership, Fred has been a volunteer since 1979. The vacancy of treasurer was filled unopposed by Cassimatis, Minas. Five new board members elected were as follows; Liassi, Stavros, Lio, Levale Fale, Paramanathan, Sabapathy Mahalingham, Wickramatunga, Jayantha, Zanuttini, Renzo. Despite all the challenges the radio station is doing well, and is in a stable financial condition, the digital Global program is attracting attention. Many
Assistant Treasurer: Br Asgar Ali Committee Members: Br Haji Shahban Ali, Br Haji Mohammed Shafiq, Br Haji Sheikh Sahib, Br Anwar Aiyaz Ali The new President thanked the out-going committee for the hard work they did in the challenging circumstances. He also outlined the milestones to be achieved in the new projects and activities to be taken in the coming years.
Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Qld AGM 2012
• President: Jitendra Deo.
• Vice President: Rajesh Chand.
• Vice President: Anil Karan.
• Secretary: Hari Chand.
• Asst. Secretary: Pranesh Pal.
• Treasurer: Mul Chand.
THE Arya Prathindhi Sabha had their AGM on September 16 and the above office bearers were elected. The committee Members are Mr Dick Sen, Mrs Latchmi Singh, Dr Sukhvir Singh, Mr Ajit Singh, Mrs Pradhan, Mr Bhupendra Sharma, Mr Balbir Singh, Mrs Aruna Deo, Mrs Nirmala Ray, Mrs Sushila Pathik and Mrs Shobha Singh. The Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland Inc. was formed and registered in Brisbane in December 1990. The objectives for this organisation are: • To establish religious institutions and to appoint ministers of religion and other responsible officers to maintain the institution • To promote the tenets of Vedic philosophy within the members and well wishers of the association • To establish and organise Arya Samaj's and to promote Vedic Havan Yajna.
• A large number of members attended Radio 4EB’s AGM.
• To promote Vedic teachings, Yoga, Hindi and Music Classes Maharishi Swami Dayanand founder of Arya Samaj laid out ten universal principles which reflected the Vedic way of life i.e. society based on truth, love, justice and righteousness for all, without distinction of colour, caste, creed or race. The ten principles embrace three basic duties that human beings ought to undertake in this world. The first is what they should do with respect to GOD, second what they should do with themselves and third what they should do with respect to others. The goal of Arya Samaj has been to make this world noble. This can be attained by physical, spiritual, social and moral development of the self which in turn will lead to doing good to others, respecting others and denouncing evils of human society by promoting message of the VEDAS.
4EB Global journey... • Peter Rohweder station manager addresses the attendees at the AGM.
presenters have taken up spots on the digital section. The meeting recognised the changing mode of media and the challenges it brought with it. Many traditional methods are more as valid as they previously were.
QUT Students Host Dandiya Dhoom 2012
GLOBAL is a digital radio channel which broadcasts an eclectic mix of music from around the world. The channel focuses on world and traditional music sung in a variety of languages as well as new releases from all around the world. Several popular broadcasters from Radio 4EB broadcast programmes on Global. There are now a number of different locally produced language programs broadcast on Global. The channel is also focusing on programs broadcast in English that appeal to cultural audience such as Swara Lahari (Carnatic Music), • 4EB broadcaster Aneel Mazhar working in the Global The Bollywood Show, and Inner Voice Digital Studio. (positive philosophy program). grammes with the Punjabi and several other The channel is committed to bringing new communities working on new programs to go news and information with weekday program to air soon. The Wire and the new weekly show Fair Global is truly diverse, providing news, inforComment. mation and entertainment in a wide variety of This is an opportunity to hear more local pro- languages with programmes involving people grams providing information and entertain- from all parts of the community and can also ment on a daily basis. Eventually, Global will being heard online via the live stream at broadcast more local produced language pro- 4eb.org.au.
Qantas Wallabies and All Blacks to visit Queen Street Mall QUEENSLAND University of Technology students Guild supported by Cultural Society of India, Brisbane, hosted their second Dandiya Dhoom on 30 September at the Refectory of QUT Kelvin Grove Campus. The organising team Anisha, Sajan, Kritika, Shruti and many others did a marvellous job of attracting a record audience for the second year in a row. Many student volunteers assisted with the organisation and running of the event. The live Garba and Bollywood performance was provided by Brisbane Babas Band who performed for almost five hours continually. The students were moved by the support of the wider Brisbane Indian commuity 8 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2012
RUGBY fans counting down to the upcoming Bledisloe Cup Test in Brisbane will have a chance to meet a few of their favourite players. Both the Qantas Wallabies and All Blacks have confirmed they plan to visit the Queen Street Mall this month. The Australian team will kick off the festivities with their visit on Thursday 18th October with the Kiwi’s booked in for Friday 19th October. Fans will have the chance to meet members of the Qantas Wallabies on Thursday 18 October, at the Queen Street Mall Stage, as well as upstairs at Rebel Sports, thanks to Gilbert, from 1pm until 3pm. The players will sign autographs and merchandise, and there’s great giveaways including tickets to the sold out third Bledisloe Cup Test at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday 20th October. For those whose heart lies across the Tasman, the All Blacks will be on hand on Friday at the Queen Street Mall Stage.
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The All Blacks will be available for a special signing session from 10:30am while also providing lucky fans with a rare insight into their preparations for Saturday night’s game. Kiwi fans will be given the chance to get the signatures of their favourite players.
Schedule
Thursday 18 October (1pm-3pm) Qantas Wallabies signing @ Queen Street Mall Stage & Rebel Sport Friday 19 October (10:30am – 11:15am) All Blacks signing @ Queen Street Mall Stage For more information visit www.bnecity.com.au Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102
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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2012 — 9
Gurmat Camp at Brisbane Sikh Temple
By Gurjeet Singh GURMAT Camp was organised under the supervision of Mrs Devinder Kaur Bains and Mr Rupinder Singh at Brisbane Sikh Temple, 2679 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains on 29 September, 2012. About 45 children from the ages of 3.5 to 15 years attended the camp. The theme of the Camp was the “Life History of Guroo Nanak Dev Jee.” Children were divided into various
groups and were provided with information on the life of Guroo Nanak Dev Jee through slide shows, work sheets, question/answer time, movie session, art and craft and quiz. Bhai Narinder Pal Singh helped the kids to learn and perform Kirtan of a Shabad where a camp student Sahibjeet Singh performed on Tabla. The opening and closing Ardaas was by a 7 years old camp student Harjap Kaur. In the end the children performed on the stage for about what they have learnt
through out the day. Gurjap Singh who is just 3.5 years old was able to recite the Mool Mantar and first pauree of Japujee Sahib. Bhawan Jot and Harjap Kaur sang Shabads on Harmonium as a part of their presentation. The Camp concluded at 5:30 pm with the distribution of Prizes to all participants. We are thankful to the parents and the Committee of Brisbane Sikh Temple Inc. for organizing such educational camps for children.
OZ Fest in India FOREIGN Minister Bob Carr today (25 September, 2012) welcomed the commencement of India’s “Oz Fest,” a four-month celebration of contemporary Australian culture in 18 Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur. “Oz Fest offers hundreds of thousands of Indians a chance to experience Australian films, literature and artistic performances,” Senator Carr said. “With support from the Australian Government, Oz Fest is a great opportunity to promote Australia’s links with India and to market Australian talent overseas.” Oz Fest will open on October 16, 2012 in New Delhi with performances by Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu, didgeridoo virtuoso Mark Atkins and Indian artist Anoushka Shankar. Later events include: • Performances by youth bands Karnivool and Sheppard in Pune, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Delhi; • A match between the Jaipur and West Australian polo teams in Jaipur; • A roadshow by the Melbourne International Comedy Festival; • A tour of Indian cities two of the judges from MasterChef Australia; • The premiere of Australian feature film Save Your Legs! at the Mumbai Film Festival; and • Appearances by Australian children’s author and illustrator Frané Lessac at the Bookaroo Children’s Literature Festival in Delhi. Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris, household names in India through MasterChef Australia, have been named Oz Fest Ambassadors together with Australian Bollywood star Pallavi Sharda and cricket great Brett Lee. Oz Fest is supported by a Federal contribution of around $1 million from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and over $2 million from Federal, state, university, institutional and corporate partners.
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NRI Dr. Anita Bist announces the release of her book “Masala for Retirement” for the Indian Diaspora TRANQUILITY, New Jersey, September 18, 2012: Dr Anita Bist announces the release of her book “Masala for Retirment: How to add ZEST to the Rest of Your Life.” The author uses the Indian word ‘masala’ which means spices, as a colourful metaphor for all the important life areas that make up a successful retirement lifestyle. “There are over 30 million Indians living abroad according to Census Bureause worldwide,” says author Dr Anita Bist. “In the United States
alone, there are approximately 3 million NRIs. Also, there are over 1 million NRIs each in Canada, Great Britain, South Africa and the Middle East according to their Statistics Agencies.” “Indians living abroad have always faced East West conflicts when adjusting to a new life in a different culture. In most cases, these immigrants arrived looking for economic opportunity but when faced with retirement, many of them are torn between wanting to return to their
native land or to continue staying in their adopted countries with their children and grandchildren,” continues Dr Bist, a first-generation immigrant herself. “They have nostalgic memories of their younger days and seek to recapture those feelings n the land of their birth during their older age.” Her book Masala for Retirement speaks of the “where to retire?” conflict NRIs face when planning their retirement as well as other important issues such as filling your retirement
time, staying healthy, supplementing your retirement income and finding a sense of purpose. The author shares client stories, selfassessments and practical steps to plan your successful and meaningful retirement. For more information please visit www.masalaforretirement.com or contact the author at anita@masalaforretirement.com
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Seniors Week Multicultural Dinner FIJI Senior Citizens and Annual Qld Suburban of Satsang Association of Origin Soccer Tournament Queensland Inc organ(picture page 24) was also ised a Multicultural organised with the assisDinner and entertaintance of Sanatan Sports ment event during and Social Club. Seniors week celebraTen teams took part in the tions. This function tournament, six main brought together many teams and four Veteran diverse cultures under teams. For the very first one roof. time Veteran teams took The who's who of the part in the tournament. Multicultural communiNadi won the main trophy ty were present at the while Qld Sangam took the event. The involvement runners up, in the veterans and support of category Bula Seniors Taiwanese and African • President FSCSAQ Mr Surendra Prasad presents new Police were the winners with Ba communities were Commissioner Ian Stewart with a token of appreciation. Masters being the runner notable, however, many Pictured right, Professor Sarva Daman Singh. up. other communities were Reynold Narayan was present. declared the best and items, outgoing Police The event was well coordinated Commissioner Bob Atkinson was fairest player of the tournament. from parking to VIP seating every- farewelled and Commissioner elect, Mr Prasad said that since the thing was well thought of and many Ian Stewart was welcomed. inception of Fiji Senior Citizens volunteers assisted for an effective Professor Sarva Daman Singh did and Satsang Association of Qld, execution of the plan. the honours, Mr Ian Stewart they have been celebrating Seniors President Surendra Prasad, OAM, received both his and Mr Bob week, and from last year have the convenor of the event is no Atkinson tokens of appreciations. engaged other communities in the stranger to Queensland's multicul- Outgoing Commissioner Bob celebration. tural community, and the guest list Atkinson could not be present. A marked feature of the celebrawas a reflection of this. On 8 September, in the lead up to tion is the annual presentation of Amongst the speeches and cultural the Seniors week celebration, the annual life memberships to its members, this year's recipients Bach Raj, Pali Raj, Shiu Shankar and Ram Narayan received their certificates from Mrs Archana Singh, The Honorary Consul for India in Queensland. The event was supported by Lord Mayors Suburban Initiative Fund organised through the Councillor for Wishart and Councillor for • President FSCSAQ Mr Surendra Prasad with Honorary Consul for India in Qld during the Holland Park. life membership presentations.
Ten Year celebration for Access Community Services
ustralia's leaders in setA tlement, employment and training, Access Community
Services Ltd celebrated its tenth anniversary on Saturday 6 October at Kingston Community Centre (Old Butter factory). The grand celebration began with a VIP reception followed by the official program in the theatre. The festival style public event outside began after the VIP lunch. CEO Gail Ker thanked all the guests for joining them in the celebrations, dignitaries included Federal Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister Kate Lundy, Judge Rauf Soulio, Australian Multicultural Council, Gary Page, Executive Director of MAQ, Mr Robert Hoitink, Qld State Director for Department of Immigration and Citizenship, former speaker John Mickall, People of Australia Ambassadors, Umesh Chandra, Warren McMillan and many others.
Minister Kate Lundy said, "Our world class settlement services are the backbone of our migration program. They provide newly arrived migrants and refugees with the support they need to adjust to a new life in Australia and to start making positive contribution to our ongoing economic, social and cultural development". Access Community Services Ltd (ACSL) is Australia's leader and specialist in settlement, employment, employment and training support services to migrants and refugees in Logan City, Ipswich City and Gold Coast. They are a community based, not for profit company Limited by guarantee, originally established in Logan City in 1984. The ceremonies included multicultural performances, guest speeches and a special Access Journey Film presentation. Some of the recipients of Access services spoke of their personal moving experiences.
T. 07 3420 5570 M. 0438 105 640 E. services@remox.com.au
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Mahaa Vishnu Sahasranaama Laksharchana 2012 Report by Sushyanth-HYA ON Saturday, September 29 2012, the Vedic Cultural Centre of Australia (VCCA) organised the event Mahaa Vishnu Sahasranaama Lakshaarchana at the community centre in the North Western Sydney suburb of Quakers Hill. This event was held in order to promote the To-Be-Established Vedic centre in the suburb of Greystanes as well as gather enough donations and sponsors. The Vedic Centre is planning on hosting many such Hindu cultural activities for the fast growing Hindu community in Sydney and Australia. The event was attended by more than 150 families, making this a very successful event for the VCCA. The Mahaa Vishnu Sahasranaama is performed to ensure the welfare of the person and his/her family and also general welfare and prosperity of everyone in the community. Each Naama that is chanted by the people has the power to vibrate across the cosmos and galaxies to eventually remove all negativities. In this event, over 100,000 Naamas were chanted across 2 batches, with an average of 55 people participating in each batch. This was then followed by a Sri Lakshmi Sahasranaamavali that had over 60 women participating. The Lakshmi Sahasranaama is performed by women as
this is in tribute and devotion to the Goddess Lakshmi, who is believed to bring about wealth, prosperity, fortune, beauty and also protection of people from misery. The Priest Shri Venkatraman from the Minto Shiv Mandir chanted the Namaavalis that were repeated by the participants who also offered flowers whilst chanting. The flowers offered by the devotees were collected at the end and offered to the main deity on the stage. The pooja started at 9.00 am and went on until 1.00 pm. Then the prasadam was distributed. Numerous volunteers helped to make the event a grand success. Shri Ramarathinam, Shri Subramanian, Shri Varadarajan and Shri Ramakrishnan assisted Shri Venkatraman
on the stage to perform the pooja. Smt and Shri Prem Arora’s family, Smt Subhashree family, Smt Usha ,Smt Kavitha and their team prepared prasadam and delicious lunch for the over 200+ attendees. Smt Kala, Shri Divakar and Shri Venkatesh Prasad were at the reception to welcome the participants and to guide them into the hall. Shri Rajesh and HYA youth volunteers
helped out with the seating arrangements and offering other assistance needed by the participants. Smt Jayanthi Narayanan and Smt Uma Rajesh were responsible for setting up the alankaram for the laksharchana. Smt Rani Sundar,Smt Yogam and Smt Bhavani made beautiful garlands for the Bhagwan.
Multicultural Fiesta lights up Inala sky
A BRiTA Future for migrants in our community 9 OCTOBER, 2012: Mr Terry White, Chairman of the Board of Metro South Hospital and Health Service launches a new program promoting better mental health for migrants and refugees by addressing the stressors of settlement following migration. “BRiTA Futures for Adults and Parents is an innovative new program developed by the Queensland Transcultural Mental Health Centre to promote better health and prevent mental illness in our multicultural community” said Mr White. This new program focusing specifically on Adults and Parents complements two existing programs for primary school aged children and adolescents. “BRiTA Futures has been a very successful program conducted with hundreds of kids from immigrant and refugee backgrounds across Queensland” said Rita Prasad-Ildes, Manager of the Centre. “It has been run in
the community and in schools and many schools with a significant culturally diverse student population have adopted the program in their curriculum. The feedback we have been getting from the kids is that their parents need this program as well”. BRiTA Futures is a group program that works with adult migrants and refugees to build resilience to better cope with the stresses related to migration and adapt in a new country. “This program focuses on the psychological and emotional side of migration and helps people understand the psychological processes they may encounter and provides skills and tools to counter such issues as inter generational family conflict which is so common in immigrant families” said Ms Prasad-Ildes. The Centre is currently recruiting program facilitators for a training course to commence in November.
14 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2012
HUNDREDS of families visited the Vietnamese Catholic Community Centre, Inala, in Brisbane's south-west, for the annual Multicultural Fiesta on September 22. Children, teenagers and adults were treated to an array of entertainment, foods and cultures on display. Vincent Do, of the Ethnic Youth Ministry Council - who organised the event with the Ethnic Ministers' Group and the Centre for Multicultural Pastoral Care - said about 6000 people attended. "We've noticed a trend in the last three • Dancing fun: Sisters of St Paul de Chartres help with years that the numbers are increasing," bamboo dancing at the Multicultural Fiesta in Inala. he said. Mr Do said the day gave a variety of Bishop Brian Finnigan opened the event cultures the chance to represent their region after a welcome from Centre for through dance and song as well as "to Multicultural Pastoral Care director fundraise for their community". Ursuline Sister Anne Surtees. Vietnamese, Korean, Indian, Chinese, African, Filipino, Timorese, Italian and The magic show and fireworks display Indonesian communities were represented. were among the popular attractions.
• Brisbane Babas Band performing at the Multicultural Fiesta in Inala
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Be prepared this summer Visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/beprepared or call Council on (07) 3403 8888. If you need an interpreter, call 131 450 and ask to speak with Brisbane City Council.
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GOPIO Queensland Valedictory dinner INDIAN BAZAAR Australia largest gathering of Indians
robably, nowhere else in Australia has P more than 20,000 Indians congregate at any one time in one location, nowhere
else!, but the annual Queensland Indian Bazaar. Australian Indians, who’ve called Australia home comprises of Indians from many parts of the world enriched with distinct languages, faith and culture. They include Indian migration from Fiji, India, African continent, New Zealand, UK, USA and from European countries. The ICA Indian Bazaar has stood tall in the 14 years in spite of unfortunate and avoidable incidents where the Indian name was maimed, shamed and unceremoniously subjected of ridicule by the Local press. Remote and isolated Indian misdemeanors were generalized to purport attempt to taint the Indian name. Like any true blue Aussie, we’re stood with dignity and heightened our determination to be the best Australians we could be! The 14 year old Queensland Indian Bazaar. The Indian Cultural Association Inc for 14 years proudly presents Queensland Indian Community's single biggest event; THE INDIAN BAZAAR. In the last fourteen years it has turned into a 2 days festival attracting over 20,000 people from all walks of life. Indian bazaar is a showcase of Indian Culture with food, fashion, art and entertainment. INDIAN BAZAAR 2012 will be held at the Mount Gravatt Show Grounds, 1644 Logan Road, and Mount Gravatt from Friday 19 October and Saturday October 20th 2012. On Friday the gates will open at 4.00pm and the bazaar will conclude at 10.00pm. On Saturday the gates will open at 10.00am and the program will continue till 10.00pm.
AFTER the success of the second India Day Fair, GOPIO Queensland President Shyam Das hosted a valedictory dinner for the hard working committee, volunteers and supporting organisations. The dinner function was held at Rangla Punjab
restaurant in New Farm. President Shyam Das thanked everyone for making India Day Fair 2012 a huge success. After a sumptuous dinner and fine wine everybody was ready to party. An ANTAKSHRI competition was organised,
Shekhar Kapoor was chosen to be the anchor an he did a marvellous job of it. Background music was provided by Parth Raval and Umesh Chandra of Brisbane Babas Band. The competition got fierce and some hidden talents were dis-
covered on the night. A thoroughly enjoyable night in the good GOPIO spirit and tradition, planning for 2013 India Day Fair has begun, to be a part contact President Shyam Das.
Another family fun day.... Crescentsofbrisbane.org THE 9th annual Fun Run, the flagship event of Crescents of Brisbane, saw over 350 men, women, boys and girls of very diverse backgrounds take part in CresWalk2012 at Orleigh Park, West End. All finishers were presented with a CresWalk2012 finisher's towel and there were a host of random draw prizes that included a two night's stay at the Hilton Apartments in Surfers Paradise. The Haje Ebrahim Patel/Crescents of Brisbane Special Achievement Award for 2012 was awarded to Imam Abu Ahmad Ghazaleh by Kemal Omar of Crescents of Brisbane who spoke of Imam Ghazaleh's long and generous involvement with the community. To view full list of winners / race times please visit www.crescentsofbrisbane.org/ CresWalk2012/CresWalk2012_Main.htm
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The 6th annual Swim4kids QPS meets the Muslim community is back for 2012! www.crescentsofbrisbane.org
IT’S your chance to help the kids at the Royal Childrens Hospital this October, by joining the ultimate swimming adventure “the Swim4Kids” challenge. Choose the Moreton Bay relay swim from the Brisbane River to Tangalooma Island resort. The Die hard swimmers can go as hard as they wish, but if you aren't much of a swimmer you can float to the back of the Super Shark Cage and let it pull you along or ride a boogie board. All cage swimmers have the option to stay over at Tangalooma Island resort for the Friday night Swim4kids Beach Party and hand feed one of the wild bottle nose dolphins that visit the resort each evening. If the open water is not your thing, you can still take part in the
Swim4Kids Pool Challenge and virtually swim from Brisbane to Tangalooma by doing 30ks in your local pool. All donations from Swim4kids go to purchasing much needed equipment for the Royal Childrens Hospital. The swim is open to anyone with enough heart to help sick kids and is willing to try So have a go, take the Swim 4 Kids Challenge on October 26... Register at www.swim4kids.com.au
MUSLIM community leaders met this with outgoing Police Commissioner, Bob Atkinson, the newly appoint Commissioner, Ian Stewart and other senior police to discuss issues arising in the aftermath of the Sydney protests a few weeks ago. Incidents of graffiti and abuse directed at Muslims were brought to the attention of the meeting and what steps were taken to report and attend to them. The Islamic Council of Queensland undertook to call up a meeting of members of the Muslim community to identify strategies and initiatives to engage with the youth and the QPS more effectively. A number of other stakeholders were also in attendance including ASIO and the AntiDiscrimination Commission, the latter offering to meet with the Islamic Women's Association of Queensland to update its members on how to exercise their rights in the event of abusive and
discriminatory encounters. Sergeant Jim Bellos, who coordinated the meeting told CCN: "I want to express our gratitude to the Muslim community for their attendance, especially at such short notice. The Muslim community in Queensland and the QPS enjoy a close working relationship, and we support the many functions that are held in the Muslim community. I also look forward to a long lasting and harmonious relationship with you."
Hindus upset with TV host Colbert for depicting them as primitive furred creatures HINDUS are highly upset with American political satirist & TV host Stephen Colbert for depicting them as a tribe of some stocky primitive furred creatures jumping in the woods. Talking about diversity at the recent Democratic National Convention in "The Colbert Report", Colbert said: Everywhere you looked, there were black people, Asian people, Latinos, Jews, Sikhs, Hindus…and simultaneously showed the picture of an African-American, an Asian, a Latino, a Jew and a Sikh. But while depicting Hindus, he showed what appeared to be a group of stocky primitive furred creatures jumping in the forest. Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA), said that showing Hindus as primitive furred creatures was highly insulting and unacceptable to the one billion strong Hindu community spread worldwide, including about three million in USA. Hinduism was the oldest and third largest religion of the world with a rich philosophy, Zed added. Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, asked Colbert to issue a public apology on his show, besides an official apology from Philippe Dauman, President of the parent company Viacom. Rajan Zed says that according to a Pew Forum survey last year, Hindus top in education in America as compared to any other religious group; Hindus have second highest income levels in the country, second only to Jews; and Hindus have the lowest divorce rate in the country. While national total is 11%, 48% Hindus have post-graduate degrees, followed by Jews at the second place at 35%. While national total is only 18%, 43% of Hindus come in $100,000+ income category, survey added. Zed argued that instead of applauding Hindus for continuing with the traditional values of hard work, higher morals, stress on education, sanctity of marriage, etc., amidst so many distractions; Colbert chose to humiliate us apparently for higher ratings aimed at mercantile greed. Colbert should have ascertained his facts and done his home work before lampooning the entire community for wrong reasons, Rajan Zed stressed. "The Colbert Report" is an Emmy Awardwinning series hosted by Stephen Tyrone Colbert on Comedy Central television channel, owned by Viacom, leading global entertainment content company headquartered in New York. Sumner M. Redstone is Executive Chairman of Viacom’s Board. Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102
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ICQ Awards night Crescentsofbrisbane.org THE Islamic Council of Queensland (ICQ) held its inaugural community service awards function night at the Islamic College of Brisbane (Karawatha), 7 nominees were recognized "for their long and dedicated service to the Muslim Community of Queensland" from a large number of submitted nominees. Amongst the selection criteria for the awards were that the nominees would have contributed to the upliftment of the Muslim community of Queensland across ethnic and cultural divides and that they would have served the community as volunteers for ten years or more. It was also an occasion to farewell the Queensland Police Commissioner, Bob Atkinson, who retires in a few months. Mr Mohammed Yusuf, president of ICQ,
delivered the welcome address and Mr Mohammed Farouk ran a tight ship as Master of Ceremonies. Dr Mohammad Abdalla spoke in praise of the Commissioner and his longstanding cordial relationship with the Muslim community. Rahman, Sultana, Nizam and Sultan Deen presented the Police Commissioner with a replica of the Taj Mahal on behalf of the Deen family. • From Left: Dr Mustafa Ally, Imam Abdul Aziz, Mr Amar Ali Khan, Mr Hussin Goss, Mr Fakier Batieh, Assistant Minister for Mr Roberto Cavallucci (Assistant Minister), Mr Mohammed Yusuf (ICQ) and Prof. Shahjahan Khan Multicultural Affairs, Mr (7th recipient Imam Abdul Razak missing from photo) Roberto (Robert) Cavallucci Former state member for Stretton, Stephen the Muslim community. delivered the key note address for the night and spoke of the contributions that the Robertson and former federal member for The delicious curry and rice rounded off a Muslim community had been making Moreton, Gary Hardgrave, were also recognized by the ICQ for their contributions to pleasant night out. towards the betterment of Queensland.
Four generations of family served the blind in two continents WASHINGTON, Oct 3 (IANS) Swapna Shah, who died here aged 66, was the fourth generation of a family that provided educational services to the blind in the US and India for over a 100 years. Swapna, in the first 19 years of her life, lived on the campus of one of the first schools for the blind in Asia, which had been founded by her great-grandfather, L.B. Shah, her brother, Amit Shah, said. The Calcutta Blind School, founded in 1897 in Lower Circular Road, Kolkata, with four blind students, later moved to Behala, on the outskirts of the city where Lal Behari Shah had bought land and deeded it to a trust for the new school. Swapna's distinguished over 40
years of professional Bengali Braille life included working script known as as a teacher for emoShah-Braille. The tionally disturbed and various Braille multi-handicapped scripts for Indian groups at the New York languages were Institute in the Bronx, codified into a New York and resource centralized and teacher for the visually uniform code, the impaired, Dept. of Indian Braille Special Ed, Westport, Code, in 1941. Lal CT. Behari Shah's son, She was also co-develArun Kumar oper of model classShah, was on the room for NY Medical committee that Center Mental • Swapna Shah's great grandfather Lal Behari Shah in 1897. approved the Retardation Institute; proIndian Braille gram designer and memCode. MD, and in the District of ber of tri-county ad hoc group for Columbia, said a communique. Swapna's father, Amal, was the itinerant vision program, Charles Lal Behari Shah, a printer by principal of the school from 1949 County, MD, itinerant teacher for trade, became blind when he was to 1968 and like him she was dedvision programmes in P.G. County, in his forties and created the icated to a life of educational ser-
vice, especially for the blind. Amal Shah gave the Calcutta Blind School an international focus for the education of the blind, especially the rural poor, in post-Independent India. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1961. In 1997, on the centenary year of the Calcutta Blind School's founding, the Indian government issued a commemorative stamp in its honor. Swapna died Sep 20. She leaves behind her husband, John Sturdivant, whom she married in 2010. Her previous husband, Bill Caldwell, passed away in 2007. Her extended family includes her stepson Brennan Caldwell, her grandchildren, and her nephews, Arnav and Simon, the sons of her only brother, Amit.
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Business News What is the Research & Development (R&D) Tax Incentive? THE R & D Tax Incentive is opment activities; the Federal Government's • After the end of the year principal measure to encour(and before 30 April of age investment in research the following year), apply and development. The pro- Vivek Chopra to register those activities gram is conducted jointly by with AusIndustry; and AusIndustry (on behalf of Innovation • Once registration is granted, complete the Australia) and the Australian Taxation research and development tax schedule as Office (ATO). part of the company's income tax return. After a number of years of consultation As with any Federal Government incenand delays, the R & D Tax Incentive tive, the registration process is quite replaces the 'R & D Tax Concession' which detailed and eligible companies must keep applied to financial years ending on or records to prove that their activities satisfy before 30 June 2011. the definition of R & D under the legislaThe incentive now offers the following tax tion. This definition broadly requires there benefits to companies investing in research to be experimental activities, which are and development: based on scientific principles and conduct• A 45% refundable tax offset for eligible ed for the purpose of generating new companies with a turnover < $20 Million knowledge, products or processes. (equivalent of a 150% tax deduction for eliHanrick Curran can advise companies gible expenditure); and about the R & D Tax Incentive and assist • A 40% non-refundable tax offset for other them to register with AusIndustry and claim eligible companies the incentive through their income tax The Government is specifically targeting return. and encouraging SMEs to invest in research and development. While it is directed For more information on the R & D Tax through the tax system, the incentive can Incentive and how Hanrick Curran can provide a cash payment to a company that assist your company, please visit has not even paid any tax. www.hanrickcurran.com.au or contact To be eligible for the R & D Tax Incentive, Hanrick Curran's tax partner, Jamie companies must: Towers on 3218 3900. • Conduct experimental research and devel-
No escape for tax cheats Courtesy Sudesh Aggarwal TWO thousand individuals and companies were successfully prosecuted for fraud, tax and superannuation offences in the 2011-12 financial year. “Tax cheats are trying to get an unfair advantage, adding to the burden on the majority of people who do the right thing and meet their tax obligations,” said Tax Commissioner Michael D’Ascenzo. “Our tax and superannuation systems underpin the standard of living we enjoy in Australia and the people who attempt to defraud that system are ultimately stealing from the rest of us.” Thirty-nine people were prosecuted for tax-related offences last financial year. Thirty-seven custodial sentences were handed down by the courts, ranging from fully suspended to nine years imprisonment. These included eight individuals who received custodial sentences under Project Wickenby. Offences included attempting to hide income and assets overseas and individuals using stolen identities to submit false business activity statements. There were also 1,447 individuals and 514 companies successfully prosecuted for taxation offences, such as failing to lodge returns and making false and misleading statements on tax returns and activity statements. Courtimposed sanctions included reparation orders, fines and other penalties. “Our increasingly sophisticated information matching capabilities enable us to help protect honest taxpayers and protect the overall integrity of the tax and superannuation system,” said Mr D’Ascenzo. “We compare tax records with more than 600 million transactions reported to us each year from financial institutions and other organisations, both in Australia and overseas, to gain a
very detailed picture of people’s financial dealings. “The message is clear. If you attempt to cheat the honest taxpayer community you will be found out and brought to justice.” People who are unclear of their tax or superannuation obligations, or are struggling to meet their obligations, should contact the ATO on 13 11 42 to discuss their situation. If you believe someone is doing the wrong thing, you can report suspected tax fraud by calling the ATO on 1800 060 062. Registered Agents may use a dedicated phone line on 13 72 86 (using Fast Key Code 34), and this call may also be transferred to the Tax Practitioners Board. More information: Case studies resulting in successful prosecutions between 1 April and 30 June 2012: • Criminal fraud convictions • Taxation offences For more information about tax crime, visit
www.ato.gov.au/taxcrimeU Further information about ATO prosecutions, including statistics, can be found at www.ato.gov.au/prosecutions. Learn more about the ATO compliance approach including focus areas for this year and what is attracting our attention by downloading the ATO Compliance Program 2012-13. Further information about the ATO's focus on GST compliance, including statistics, can be found at Targeting GST compliance.
Criminal fraud convictions
The ATO is committed to dealing firmly with the small minority of taxpayers, intermediaries and others who commit fraud or other offences against the tax and superannuation laws. Criminal prosecutions are our firmest strategy for dealing with the minority of taxpayers who commit fraud or deliberately evade their lawful obligations despite our increasingly intensive, and where possible supportive, efforts to achieve their compliance. We share information and collabo-
20 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2012
Scammers target job seekers Courtesy Sudesh Aggarwal SO far this year the Australian Taxation Office has received more than 10,000 reports on a wide range of scams including fake job advertisements, emails and phone calls. “One of the most alarming incidents is that scammers are using fake job advertisements to illegally access people’s personal information,” said Tax Commissioner Michael D’Ascenzo. “Fake job ads are being posted on recruitment websites by scammers where people are being asked to provide their tax file numbers (TFN) as a part of their job application. In some cases, people have even been offered the advertised position and then asked to provide their TFN and bank account details prior to the start date of employment and after providing this personal information, the job offer has then been withdrawn. ATO investigations have shown that the advertised positions never existed and those running the scams generally communicate by email or mobile phones. “You should not provide a prospective employer with personal details, such as your tax file number or bank account details until after you begin work in the position,” said Mr D’Ascenzo. “Personal information can be used by scammers to lodge false tax returns in your
rate with other agencies, including law enforcement agencies and our international counterparts in detecting and dealing with serious abuses of the tax system. This includes cases investigated as part of the cross-agency Project Wickenby taskforce. Serious fraud cases are investigated by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and prosecuted by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP). The courts can impose not only custodial sentences, but also fines and other penalties. Where the offence has resulted in a loss to the Commissioner, for example where a fraudulent refund has been received by the taxpayer, the courts normally order reparation. Following are some examples of criminal fraud prosecutions that resulted in convictions between 1 April and 30 June 2012. Case study: Lodging false business activity statements A Queensland woman who lodged BAS for multiple businesses was convicted and sentenced to 2 years imprisonment after being found guilty of obtaining financial advantage. She had claimed fraudulent refunds on her activity statements over a period of 18 months. As well as the custodial sentence, the court ordered the woman to repay over $55,000 which was equivalent to the amount of refunds that she had received. Case study: Project Wickenby Three NSW co-directors of an air conditioning company used illegal 'round-robin' schemes, where money labelled as 'company expenses' was transferred to a Vanuatu account and returned 'taxfree' to the taxpayers' personal accounts. One of the company directors was convicted and sentenced to four years jail with a non-parole period of two years for defrauding the Commonwealth. His wife, also a co-director, was sentenced to three years imprisonment with a non-parole period of 15 months, while their business partner received the equivalent of a two year suspended sentence. In making his decision the Judge stated “Most people would probawww.indiantimes.com.au
name, enable the use of your credit cards or even result in people taking out a loan in your name. In some cases, identity crime can take years to resolve.” This year there have been over 6,000 reports from the community about fake emails using the ATO brand, and over 4,000 reports of attempted phone scams. At this time of year when many people expect refunds, scammers use the opportunity to pretend to be from the ATO.” Only certain people and organisations can ask for your TFN, the most common being: • the ATO, when discussing your tax records • your employer, but only after you start work • your bank or other financial institutions • Centrelink, and • your superannuation fund. For examples of some recent tax related scams and information on how you can protect yourself, view www.ato.gov.au/onlinesecurity. If you think you have been the victim of a scam, contact the ATO by calling 1800 060 062 (8.00am - 6.00pm, Monday to Friday). If you do not speak English well and want to talk to a tax officer, phone the Translating and Interpreting Service on 13 14 50 for help with your call. You can also report suspected email scams to the ATO by forwarding the email to ReportEmailFraud@ato.gov.au.
bly welcome the chance not to pay income tax; it would make a substantial part of their income available for spending as they pleased. But most people acknowledge the obvious need for the government to levy income tax. It can provide essential services to us all as well as support those who have little or no income to be taxed.” Taxation offences While the most serious cases of fraud are dealt with under the Criminal Code, there are also a range of criminal offences under taxation laws that the ATO pursues where taxpayers have not complied with their taxation obligations. Common examples of these offences include: • failure to lodge an income tax return or activity statement • making false or misleading statements • falsifying or concealing identity • record keeping offences • offences in relation to the improper use of an Australian Business Number • unlawful possession, manufacture, movement or sale of excisable goods. The courts can impose security bonds, community service orders, fines, additional penalties and for some offences, prison sentences. Where a criminal conviction is imposed, it can affect their employment and travel outside Australia. The maximum penalties available to the courts for these offences are fines up to $5,500 and/or 12 months imprisonment per offence for individuals. Fines of up to $27,500 per offence can apply for companies, and a company director can be held liable for offences that a company has committed. In 2011-12, the majority of prosecutions were in relation to taxpayers not lodging returns or activity statements and taxpayers making false and misleading statements about their tax affairs. False and misleading statement offences False and misleading statement offences include where people falsely claim spouse tax offsets when they do not have a spouse, or claim deductions for work-
related or self-education expenses they are not entitled to. Taxpayers can be referred for prosecution for these offences following an audit of their tax affairs. When taxpayers are found guilty of these offences, the courts can impose fines and additional amounts up to three times the amount of tax evaded by the taxpayer. The taxpayer will also still be liable to pay the amount of tax they evaded. The following are example of false and misleading statement offences that resulted in successful prosecutions between 1 April and 30 June 2012. • A Victorian social worker was convicted of making a false or misleading statement and keeping a false record. She claimed a number of work-related deductions and offsets in her tax return, which were found to be false. She also provided a false receipt in an attempt to substantiate a work related deduction. She was ordered to pay additional amounts and fines of $3,520, as well as $4,317 reparation. Failure to lodge offences Taxpayers who fail to lodge may be subject to penalties, in addition to having to pay interest on outstanding tax. Where individuals fail to lodge despite our requests, we either issue a default tax assessment based on an estimate of income or refer the case for prosecution. In addition to imposing penalties on taxpayers found guilty of these offences, the courts can also order lodgement. Failure to comply with court orders can result in heavier penalties or imprisonment or both. Following is an example of failure to lodge offences that resulted in successful prosecutions between 1 April and 30 June 2012. • An ACT plastering contractor was convicted of five offences for failing to lodge income tax returns and 21 offences for failing to lodge GST returns. In sentencing, the Magistrate imposed a suspended term of imprisonment of six months and ordered that the defendant pay surety of $1,000 and to be of good behaviour for a period of two years. Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102
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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2012 — 21
22 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2012
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Who, What, Where, When
• Above & Right: Multicultural performances delighted the guests at Fiji Senior Citizens and Satasang Assn. of Qld senior week celebration function.
• The Annual Qld Surburban of Origin Soccer Tournament was held on 8 September at Kings Soccer Ground, Kingston. Details page 12 - Seniors Week Celebrations.
• Jazmin Woodruff from Chantex Pty • Mr & Mrs Shah from Spice Valley at Nundah gave a warm Ltd recently celebrated her birthday welcome to Nanda Surendran and Usha Nair who were visiting from Adelaide. with staff members.
• Senator Mark Furner posing with the guard on honour for the VIP reception at Access Community Services held on 6 October.
• The winners of Brisbane Malayalee tug-of-war was Brisbane North team who beat Annerley team. Below left: The patrons of Brisbane Malayalee cheering the winners at the presentation.
• Dr Rudesh son of Rudra and Pratita Prasad wed Dr Penelope on 30th September 2012, an Indian style reception was held on 1st October at the large family residence in Forestdale in a tastefully decorated Marquee, guests were treated to an amazing display of firework.
• Eswaralaya Kalaikoodam students displaying their traditional dance artform at their annual function held at St Aidan’s College in Corinda. 24 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2012
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Sombre reflections in the Kanchanaburi Province Story and Pictures by Rama Gaind THIS is one logo that’s true to form: ‘Amazing Thailand Always Amazes You‘! Similar to a multi-faceted diamond, this ‘Land of Smiles’ offers a plethora of options for the discerning visitor when it comes to deciding on where to stay and what to do. There’s an abundance of choice: from sombre, thoughtful insights through the annals of history, green eco-adventure, an epicurean escapade and business to a memorable honeymoon, health and wellness, golfing, a holiday where leisure activity is thoroughly satisfying and shopping when retail therapy is an ideal way to unwind! However, there is one trip that will stay with you for all time. Relive many poignant moments as you recall the sacrifices, obligatory through war, that were made by unknown soldiers decades ago so we could live in peace and harmony today. In the Kanchanaburi Province, located where the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai rivers converge into the Mae Klong River is where in 1942, under Japanese control, the famous Bridge on the River Kwai was built by prisoners of war. You take a nostalgic leap back in time as you walk across the Bridge on the River Kwai; wander through the immaculately maintained Kanchanaburi War Cemetery; get misty-eyed strolling through the JEATH War Museum; and marvel at the Australian connection with the Hellfire Pass Museum. Reflective time at the war cemetery The Kanchanaburi War Cemetery (known locally as the Don-Rak War Cemetery) is the main POW cemetery associated with victims of the Burma Railway. Here you will find the • The sacrifices of Indian forces is recognised in a plaque at the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. Photo: Rama Gaind
• The famous Bridge on the River Kwai, in Thailand, is a big tourist attraction. Photo: Rama Gaind
graves of thousands of World War II victims. There is also a plaque commemorating the sacrifices of the Indian forces. Almost 7000 former prisoners of war are buried here, mostly Australian, British and Dutch. Experience some moving moments as you visit the JEATH (acronym for Japanese, English, Australian, American, Thai and Holland) War Museum, one of two in Thailand, about the Death Railway built from 1942 to 1943 by allied POWs under the direction of the Japanese. Kanchanaburi is home to the famous Bridge on River Kwai. During World War II, Japan constructed the metregauge railway line from Ban Pong, Thailand to Thanbyuzayat, Burma. The 415-kilometre bridge is the most famous part of the Death Railway. It was constructed by 60,000 allied prisoners of war and 180,000 Asian labourers who were forced to work on the bridge by the Japanese Army.
Spring Labour means Summer Pleasure - Mulching By Charlie Compost Wherever Indians have migrated, they have succeeded in preserving their culinary heritage by growing the vegetables they would normally consume back home. I remember packing together my favourite chilli seeds prior to moving to Australia as if my life depended on it. Spring is the time to get into the garden and make contact with the earth to enjoy a bumper harvest in summer before the extreme Brisbane heat puts an abrupt stop to growth. With the heat-wave looming and forecasts of reduced rain, nothing is more important than mulching.
• Container lettuce thriving under mulch.
* whole garden beds * fruit trees including large mango trees * container plants and trees * seedling trays * germinatio trays.
Significant benefits
In Brisbane, you are wasting your time gardening if you don’t use mulch. It need not be expensive. Consider the following options: * bark * straw * horse manure * pebbles * grass clippings * newspaper * coir Any of these can do the job of keeping your plants moist and happy.
Here is a list of the main benefits of mulching. * Water saving * healthier plants * more nutrients and aeration as mulch attracts earthworms * development of free-draining soil as the mulch decomposes * higher crop yields * less incidence of fungal diseases as water does not splash onto plants * less weeds * plant survival during heat-waves * warming up the soil in winter to • Mulching a fallow bed in get a head late winter to warm- up soil. start.
What to Consider?
* Remember to add nutrient fertilizer first * In Brisbane, also add generous handfuls of lime or dolomite * Ensure that the mulch does not touch • Mulch should not touch stem. the stems of plants * Check for pests regularly
For more detailed information and instructive videos, log on to the website at www.worldvegetablegarden. blogspot.com.au If you have any comments or questions, or photos of your veggie plants to share, please email them to aesat56@gmail.com
What should be mulched?
Generally, everything except a handful of plants that don’t appreciate it. Some are often overlooked. Consider these:
Happy Gardening!
26 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2012
The construction was done using POWs and slave labourers in unfavourable conditions. The work, started in October 1942, was completed in a year. JEATH War Museum displays graphic images of the terrible conditions inflicted on the many young men who died and the many that survived to tell the story. Be overcome by the bamboo hut with a collection of photographs which depict the harsh conditions at the time. Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum Hellfire Pass Museum is an Australian-built complex that consists of a memorial site located within Konyu Cutting (Hellfire Pass), a four-kilometre memorial walking trail, an abandoned railway line and a museum exhibiting artifacts and the true story about the Thai-Burma Railway was officially opened on April 24, 1998. Located 80 kilometres north of the town of Kanchanaburi, it was built by the Office of Australian War Graves in a joint venture between the Australian Government and the Royal Thai Armed Forces Development Command. All sites in this complex are dedicated to the memory of all the men and women who worked and died making this railway. As Hellfire Pass is noted for the harsh conditions and heavy loss of life suffered by its labourers during construction, it is not difficult to conjure up images of emaciated prisoners working at night by torchlight which was said to resemble a scene from hell. Laden with sadness, this was an emotional journey that made you realise that “heroism is not only in the man, but in the occasion”. Rama Gaind travelled as a guest of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. • Left: This memorial to Australia’s Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop is on the Hellfire Pass memorial walking trail. Photo: Rama Gaind
River Saraswati: where lies the mystery From Dhaval Vyas Ahmedabad. India IT was once eulogised as the mother of seven rivers flowing in the northern region, fierce and roaring in all its full grandeur. But the majesty of the erstwhile Saraswati river is long lost. The mighty river does not flow anymore. The major rivers of the north west of the Indian subcontinent (Punjab, Sindh, Rajasthan, and Gujrat) were: Saraswati, Sindhu (Indus), Shatadru (Sutlej) Vipasa (Beas), Parushni (Ravi), Asikni (Chenab), Yamuna, Drishadwati and Lavanavati. All these rivers have changed their courses since vedic times. Of these, three rivers: Saraswati, Drishadwati and Lavanavati no longer exist. In vedic times the rivers Beas Jhelum, Ravi and Chenab joined the Sindhu to form one channel from Himalayas to the Arabian sea. Saraswati and her tributaries: Yamuna Sutlej Drishadwati and Lavanavati formed the other channel from Himalayas to the Arabian Sea. Saraswati was a huge river. Her bed was as vast as 10 km in some places. In the early days, Saraswati river met the Arabian sea at the Rann of Kachh. After the level of Rann increased, she crossed the Rann to join the Arabian Sea at the gulf of Khambat. It was on the banks of this vast river system that the vedic ashrams thrived .It was the waters of the Saraswati that gave rise to vedic culture. Thus Saraswati was called the goddess of knowledge. The epitome of knowledge. something like the Harvard or the Oxford of modern times. During the late vedic period tectonic movements pushed up the Aravali hills, in northern Rajasthan, changed the drainage pattern of the Northwest India dramatically. Saraswati lost her major tributaries ie Yamuna and Sutlej. Sutlej turned west and joined the Beas-Sindhu system. Yamuna started migrating east to join Ganga. Yamuna now was basically caring the Saraswati water and bringing it to the Ganges. Because the Yamuna was bringing the water of Saraswati to the Ganges, it was now becoming the confluence of the three rivers namely Yamuna, Ganga, Saraswati
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and hence the term "Tribeni Sangam" Rig veda, the oldest of the Vedas mentions about the river Saraswati in many of its verses. The one that is very pertinent here is as follows: "ambi tame devi tame nadi tame Saraswati........." which means that: You are the mother. You are the goddess. You are the river - Saraswati. If the Indians especially the Hindus just try to find a synonymous situation today they will find that Ganges fits the verse very perfectly as of date. Today Ganges has the same status that Saraswati had many many years ago. Ganges is the life line today of the entire country. Its fertile banks and the navigability have sustained human settlements for ages. The delta that the river makes before going into the sea has helped to maintain a healthy population of flora and fauna throughout the Gangetic West Bengal, The Sundarbans, and the south of Bangla Desh. The river and its major tributaries like the Hooghly are the life line of many inhabitants in and around them as they are highly navigable and perennial in nature. The Saraswati was a similar but very much on a large scale, river some 9000 yrs to 11000 yrs before present. The very mention of this river in the rig Vedas at least proves that a intelligent civilization did exist during that period of time who knew about the river and its tributaries, and the civilization which thrived along its bank enjoyed all the benefits of being on the vicinity of the mighty river. In fact if we plot the various archaeological sites like the Lotahl, Kalibangan, Dwarka, and about 23 other archaeological sites on the map of undivided India or the Indian Subcontinent we will see that these sites are mostly on the either banks of the legendary river Saraswati. Even today there is a channel which at places is more than a kilometer wide in Haryana which is severely cultivated and the locals call it the Saraswati. During monsoon this channel carries a small amount of water which is mostly captured for irrigation--The river per-se is not dead. We will see some of the Rig Vedic shlokas on the river Saraswati which will give us some idea about how the river was in its hay days. Continued next issue... Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102
FICQ Celebrates Diwali – A glimpse of India’s cultural richness and diversity THE Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland Inc. (FICQ) is the umbrella body consisting of 32 Indian organizations, which represent people of Indian origin now living in Queensland. Today FICQ represents about 50,000 Australian citizens/permanent residents of Indian diaspora and Indian overseas students living in Queensland and is proudly the largest Indian Federation in Australia. In association with Brisbane City Council and supported by the Queensland Government, FICQ are proud to announce the Diwali Celebrations on 2nd November 2012 at King George Square, Brisbane – see attached flyer for details. As over the last couple of years, this year’s Diwali celebrations will extend from 11am to 11pm and shall be open to the public at no cost. Several stalls will be set-up which would cater for a variety of items relating to Indian culture and traditions – ranging from food, drinks, arts & crafts artifacts, traditional clothing and much more. The purpose of this function, apart from Diwali festival celebrations amongst
Indian community, is to expose the Indian culture to the non-Indian communities living in Queensland, thus facilitating greater integration amongst the multi-cultural communities of Queensland. Invitations are sent out to the social leaders from various member organizations of the FICQ. Several dignitaries including representatives from the Local, State and Federal Government have been invited. Other organizations that traditionally support the activities of FICQ such as GOPIO are helping us in organizing various facets of this celebration. As in previous years, Indian Government through the High Commission of India, will be sending 12 world renowned performers of ‘Siddi Goma’ dance group led by Shri Imran Akbar Siddi. For further details and advertising/sponsorship opportunities, please contact, • Dr. Naidu Bodapati, President president.ficq@gmail.com-0421 877 717 • Mr. Varad Raval, Public Relations Officer pro.ficq@gmail.com-0402 433 385
Book a Diwali Greeting in Nov Issue Greetings start from $40
Diwali message for Migrant Hindus: Obligations and duties of Indian Diaspora to Bharat Mata Thakur Ranjit Singh, Auckland, New Zealand I WISH a happy and prosperous Diwali to all my readers, and let us begin with some prayers common for Hindus during Diwali: Asato maa sad-gamaya, Tamaso maa jyotir-gamaya; Mṛityor-maa-mṛitan gamaya, Om shaantiḥ shaantiḥ shaantiḥ Lead us from Untruth to Truth, from Darkness to Light, from Death to Immortality. Om peace, peace, peace Sarve bhavantu sukhinah sarve santu nirAmayAh sarve bhadrANi pashyantu mA kaScit dukha bhAg-bhavet Let all be happy. Let all be free from disease. Let all see the Truth. May no one experience suffering. This Diwali message comes with sincerity from the heart of a media commentator, a political analyst and a journalist who has recently been at the receiving end for speaking bitter truth about Bharat Mata – Mother India. I picked on these prayers, because like Hinduism, our prayers are rooted in TRUTH. A journalist is rooted in truth, which our prayers above urge us to follow and emulate. Therefore, on my Facebook posting I posted some home truths about India and raised some questions about our blind loyalty to Mother India, without questioning what is happening there. In a G 20 survey, India has been shown as the worst place for a woman to be born in. Even United Nations, according to CNN says that India is the most dangerous place to be born a girl. In light of female foeticide, caste and dowry systems, medicine frauds, among other Indian vices revealed by Aamir Khan’s Satyamev Jayte, it is generally accepted that there are many evils present today where light and truth needs to shine. If Diwali is really to hold its meaning, you cannot ignore Uttar Pradesh where the reason for Diwali, Ram is to have come as incarnation of Vishnu to remove evil. Who speaks about the plight of millions of these Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102
voiceless people to justice and who 65 years of equality. The independence and largest democraeconomic prosperity cy can hardly be of India has yet to said to be a shinarrive? If we are trying example of ing to shine the light democracy for of Diwali, then we which our marcannot continue to tyrs or shaheeds keep over 400 milsacrificed their lion dalits, lower lives. For how caste and marginallong can we conized and povertytinue to hail the ridden people away country for its from light of Diwali • A Flashback to Waitakere Diwali last year in achievements or the truth which Auckland. Waitakere Hindi Language and Culture but ignore the media commenta- School students performing Ram Lila in Waitakere theft and corruptors like me or Diwali in Henderson, Auckland, NZ last year. Here tion that have Aamir Khan speak they are seen on stage –Vishnu, Latchmi and Hanuman left the populaa prayer that an incarnation of Vishnu would rid from time to time. –Mother tion the size of India of its woes. There is no doubt USA still under that India had done very well in economic poverty? For the light of Diwali to shine in and GDP terms. We have a very strong and poor shacks in India’s hundreds of millions able military, IT and nuclear capability, impoverished people, we, the Indian produce most self-consuming goods, have Diaspora owe an obligation to help our done very well and we are proud of our cousins who are not only victims of some heritage. I have written so many articles medieval outdated customs and shackles, praising India. We come from a nation but are also slaves to their very corrupt syswhere we allow a lady of Catholic Religion tem and politicians where every man and (Sonia Gandhi) to step aside for a Sikh his dog may sell easily for a few pieces of (Manmohan Singh) to be sworn as the silver. All out scriptures in Hinduism teach Prime Minister by a Muslim President about righteousness, truth and honesty, (when Abdul Kalaam was president) to then how come our majority-Hindu India govern a nation with over 80% Hindus. has so many deficiencies. Many Indian safEnglish is spoken and read more widely in fron-clad Sadhus, Swamis and Sant India than in England. India has third Mahatmas roam the developed world largest pool in the world of doctors, scien- imparting their wisdom and collecting fortists and engineers. In addition, India has eign dollars, yet their own land leaves a the third largest army in the world, and great deal to be taught, with vast area under even then Indians clasp their hand in darkness of ignorance. humility because we do not believe that we New Zealand is one of the “cleanest” and are above or beneath any individual. non-corrupt countries in the world, includThere is no doubt about our economic, ing Australia, USA and Canada. Our blind military, educational and historical pride, and misplaced nationalism and loyalty canhowever, all these collectively cannot hide not replace the fact that today’s India is at the fact that India is one of the most cor- the bottom of the ladder of “clean” counrupt nations in the world despite being the tries. Hence as NRIs residing is such counlargest democracy. We are low on social tries, we can work as pressure for change www.indiantimes.com.au
in India, even in a small ways. We owe an obligation in our fortunate positions to do this and raise voices against the rot in India so widely documented and unearthed by Indian media which tend to be more neutral and impartial than Indian media in NZ. We NRIs – former Indians migrated to developed countries, normally pray in Diwali to deliver us from darkness into light, and praise truth. However, we appear to show silence, in fact tacit approval of the rot in our former home. This goes against the grain of Diwali message in prayers we recited earlier. Therefore, this Diwali, I urge you NRIs and former Indian residents to pray for light to shine on Bharat Mata which can once again regain its position as a place of truth, light of wisdom, righteousness, equality and social justice. May Latchmi Mata leave big mansions and in the spirit of equality, social justice and equal distribution of economic cake, visit the ghettos, slums and poverty-stricken people of lower deciles and lower castes. We pray to Latchmi Mata, Goddess of Wealth to deliver us light, truth and ability to see truth and support those speaking truth, never mind how bitter. Let us all pull out Bharat Mata out of the chasm and darkness of corruption, deception, poor leadership, outdated medieval customs into light, truth, honesty , righteousness, equality and social justice. Let us once again, look honestly in the mirror, and thank Latchmi Mata, for helping make Our Bharat Mahaan, once again. Asato maa sad-gamaya, Tamaso maa jyotir-gamaya. Wishing a Happy Diwali to all.
[E-mail: thakurji@xtra.co.nz] [Thakur Ranjit
Singh is an Auckland-based media commentator and journalist who has been slated by Indian leadership in Auckland for speaking truth about India. This Diwali message is meant to shower light on darkness existing in India. Thakur speaks truth frankly, without fear and believes in Satyamev Jayate – truth shall prevail and win. His Communications, Public Relations and Event Management business website is: www.mediarelations.co.nz.]
THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2012 — 27
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HINDU SOCIETY OF QLD INVITES ALL TO OUR ANNUAL
DEEPAVALI CELEBRATIONS Saturday 3rd November 2012 at Cannon Hill Anglican College-Cnr Junction and Krupp Rds, Cannon Hill Pooja from 5:30pm Dinner & Cultural Program from 6:00pm Tickets: Members $10; Non Ȃmembers $15 and children under 12 years free. For more information contact: Prakash Shandil - 0408 876 414 Sunil Maharaj- 0488 324 891 Jitendra Lal - 0409 737 753
Diwali Festival of Lights - 13 October
Organised by Indian Assn. for Central Qld (based in Rockhampton) in Pilbeam Theatre. Streaming & Fireworks at river bank. For more information contact Ombir Joon (VP) ombirjoon@yahoo.co.uk
Diwali Celebration!
ALL Welcome to Banyo District ON the afternoon of Saturday 10th November 2012, the Banyo district community will come together to celebrate Diwali. Organised by the Banyo District Community Group, the Banyo Indian Community, and supported by Multicultural Development Association and Brisbane City Council, this FREE event promises to be a fun afternoon of celebration and cultural exchange for both the local and wider Brisbane community. The event organisers, the Banyo District Community Group (BDCG) formed earlier in 2012, and consists of a group of committed locals who come together regularly to develop and organise community events and resources to celebrate the cultural diversity of the Banyo area, and to welcome new residents, particularly those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Some of Banyo’s long term residents are also key members of the local Indian Community and now play a vital role in the activities of the BDCG in creating greater cultural awareness and a more inclusive local community. The Banyo district community includes the suburbs of Banyo, Nudgee, Nudgee Beach, and bordering areas of Northgate and Virginia.
The community welcomes local residents, other members of the Brisbane’s Indian community and the general public to attend and/or participate in activities on this special day. Celebrations will include Indian cultural display, traditional music and dancing, demonstration of turban and sari wrapping, henna painting, a fun quiz to test your knowledge of Diwali, and of course, delicious Indian food! Bring your friends and family, or just yourself - we’d love to meet you and share the celebration. Everyone is welcome! Are you a dancer? Artist? Musician? Fantastic cook?. To contribute to cultural display or activities on the day, and willing to share a small amount of your time, knowledge and skills? We would love to hear from you! Please phone Devinder Bains on 0423 875 537 or Elly Emmett on 0433 969 964 for more information. Event details: Location: Banyo Library, Ground floor public meeting room (adjacent to Banyo Memorial Park and Banyo train station), 284 St Vincents Road, Banyo. Time: 3.00pm to 5.30pm, Saturday 10th November 2012 Cost: FREE!
Kannada Rajvothsava & Deepavali 2012 KANNADA Sangha Queensland 2012/13 committee would like to announce our upcoming next spectacular event “Kannada Rajvothsava & Deepavali 2012” to be held on 3 November, 2012 at McGregor State Primary School Hall located at 370 McCullough Street, Macgregor Qld, 4109. Details of start time for the event will be available on our website www.chandanabrisbane.org We would like to invite expressions of 28 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2012
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interest for cultural programmes that would assist us in planning the event and making it yet another collective Kannada Sangha Family’s success to add on. Please do send in your expressions of interest for the cultural programmes to be included by Oct 15, 2012 to kannadasanghaqld@gmail.com. Let us once again involve in, integrate to have a wonnderful Kannada Rajvothsave Deepavali 2012 on 3 November 2012. Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102
Media Sponsor Brisbane
Indian Times A Division of Qld Multic ultur al Times
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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2012 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 29
Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Qld Inc Who am I?
the consequences of their evil actions, brute’s whole life is programmed Jitendra Deo they act with instinct and I am a soul I am not the body, President not with reason, since my soul is the conscious force they were created at the which directs the mind what time of creation they to think to speak and what action to do, the soul is immortal never born and will never behave the same way until dissolution of die, my body dies but, not me, the soul, I the Cosmos, when they will finish serving am born again and again in different bodies the consequences of their action in the aniaccording to the karma or action I do in dif- mal body then they will be born again in human forms. ferent species bodies I take. There is one Universal Soul, without a Is the soul different from God? Yes, there are countless numbers of souls, but there is beginning or ending, that Soul is called only one God, imagine there are countless Aum it is pronounced Om also called numbers of souls perched on a tree eating Paramaatmaa, there are countless numbers and enjoying the fruits of this tree, God of individual Souls which are called Jeeva looks upon the birds what they do how they Aatmaa, the Jeevaatmaa has limited power eat the fruits of this tree, the tree is this in comparison with Paramaatmaa, the indiCosmos the individual souls are us, who vidual Soul is given a body to do karma in occupy the humans animals birds insects order to get Mukti or liberation from being bodies etc. God being Omnipotent born in this Cosmos, the souls which occuOmniscient Omnipresent looks and supply py body or bodies is immortal the bodies all the needs for souls to exist in their die and not the Souls . The materials with which the Cosmos is respective bodies, He God dispenses justice flawlessly accurate to all the souls which made of, is called Prakriti or Matter, God Soul and Matter coexist together, they are occupy bodies. The Souls of humans, animals and birds the cause of this massive Creation, they etc. are different from each other? No. never born or will cease to exist from eterThere are three Elements Coexist with each nity to eternity, Om or God took matter and other, God Soul and Matter from eternity to create and fashion this Cosmos for the beneternity they were never born will never efit of the individual Souls change, they are the cause of this Cosmos, Adapted from a article by Pt Hardeo God is maker and designer of this Cosmos. Gopie. Matter is the material with which God took Please contact Jitendra Deo 3263 and made this Cosmos and the Individual 1914 or Hari Chand 3345 4716 for Souls are purpose for this Cosmos. information on activities of Arya Why souls are born in the bodies of brutes? Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland or Because the souls which did wrong Karma visit: in the previous human bodies they occuwww.aryasamajqueensland.com pied, they are born in brutes bodies to repay
Surrendering unto the Lord Submitted by Sundar Gopal Das ONE of the main messages of Srimad Bhagavata Gita is saranagati “surrender unto the Lord”. The great saints have declared that only by surrendering unto the Lord, one can gain freedom from the miseries of birth, death, disease, and old age and attain the Lord ‘s spiritual abode and engage in loving devotional service to the Lord. In addition he will also be able to help others become free from their miseries. The scriptures have explained that saranagati consists of 6 limbs. The first limb is taking a vow that the engage in activities that will increase his love for the Lord. Activities such as earning an honest living and using some of the results in the service of the Lord. In the Bhagavad Gita Sri Krishna states “O Arjuna, all that you do, all that you eat, all that you offer and give away, as well as all austerities that you may
perform, should be done as an offering unto Me. In this way you will be freed from all reactions to good and evil deeds, and by this principle of renunciation you will be liberated and come to Me.” Other activities include associating with advanced devotees, remembering and glorifying the Lord. The second limb of saranagati is taking a vow to not engage in sinful activities or activities that will take him away from the Lord. These activities include avoiding bad association, finding faults with others and criticising others. The third limb is that one has full faith and confidence that the Lord is all compassionate and will always protect him. When Sri Krishna was 7 days old, a demoness named Putana was sent to kill Him. She smeared her breast with poison and tried to kill Sri Krishna by breast feeding Him. However Sri Krishna sucked out her life-air, liberated her and sent her to the spiritual world. So a
Peace that's good for you DEAR reader, it's our joy to bring you the word of God. Everyone loves to have peace in their lives. God has enabled us to have peace for in John Pastor Joseph 14v27 Jesus said "My peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you...". Scripture also tells us to love our enemies, bless those who curse us, do good to those who hate us and pray for those who persecute us. Romans 12v18 says to live peaceably with all mankind. We are to realise that this peace-a gift from God can be lost for there are peace stealers in this world. It seems it's their duty to make others upset, angry and agitated, stir up a storm and if we are not careful, we too could waste our valuable time and energy staying offended, upset and angry. Once a man told me that sometimes he had to take 2-3 Panadol tablets after speaking to his neighbour. It seems he would lose his peace during their conversation and come out frustrated, upset and agitated. Scriptures tell us to HOLD ON to our peace. In Exodus 14 when the children of Israel left for the promised land, Pharaoh the ruler of Egypt came chasing after them, with his army, to take them back to be his slaves. Suddenly they found themselves stuck in the middle with the Red sea in front and Pharaoh behind them. There was not much peace left, and they were upset and angry with Moses their leader. In verse 14 Moses calmed them down saying that if they could hold on to their peace then God would deliver them from their troubles. We are to realise that if we are to have peace then we should not allow ourselves to be agitated, offended and upset. The peace that Jesus gives to us is a gift and when we stay calm, and peaceful no matter how big a storm is raging around us then it's a sign devotee has great faith that if the Lord is so compassionate toward a demoness, how He will not be compassionate towards His devotees? This is confirmed by Sri Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita “O Arjuna, declare it boldly that My devotee never perishes.” The four limb of saranagati is that one has full confidence that the Lord will always maintain him. Sri Krishna gives this assurance in Bhagavad Gita “Those who worship Me with devotion, meditating on My transcendental form--to them I carry what they lack and preserve what they have.” The fifth limb of saranagati is that one has completely offered everything to Lord. He has no selfish desires and all endeavours are taken as a service to the Lord including working, maintaining and supporting his family. He keeps the Lord at the centre of all his activities. The sixth limb is that one is always hum-
Dass
that we are honouring God. We are saying, "God you are in control of my situation and you are with me and you are taking care of me while I go through this storm." We have to
realise that! We cannot stop the storms from blowing towards us but we can stop the storms from getting into us. To have peace in any situation is a choice. Jesus said in Matthew 5v9 "Blessed are the peacemakers..". That means we can become troublemakers or peacemakers, we can be a part of the problem or the part of the solution. Again Romans 12 v 16 says that we are to readily adjust ourselves to others in order to have peace. Recently I watched a documentary where they joined 2 cities in USA, with a very long bridge. Few years later they found that the flat edges on the sides of the bridge was getting damaged and worn out due to hurricanes and storms. The strong winds would hit the edges with such force that cracks were appearing at many places. The engineers came up with a new design, that instead of having a flat edge they would change it into a sharp edge, hence the strong winds, instead of hitting the bridge head on, would be diverted to travel either above or below the bridge, with little impact to the bridge. We are to realise that we cannot wait for everyone, every situation to be peaceful around us before we can have any peace in our lives. But if we make some adjustments, then we too can move on peacefully even while going through a storm. Let us pray " Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of peace you have given us, in Jesus name Amen." Blessings Ps Joseph ble realising that he is very insignificant (in front of the Lord) and the Lord is very great and he sees the mercy of the Lord everywhere. He offers respect to all and never expects respect from others. He is not envious of others and he does not look for the fame, prestige and adoration from others. The result of surrendering unto the Lord has been given by Sri Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita “Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reaction. Do not fear. You will attain transcendental peace. You will attain My supreme and eternal abode and become free from the cycle of birth and death.” Any comments or questions, please contact us on bhaktibrisbane2010@gmail.com. We regularly gather together for sat-sanga so please contact us if you are interested.
Sex imbalance in India and China By Thilliar Varnakulasingham IT took 250,000 years to reach one billion people, but only 12 years to go from six billion to seven billion. By 2050, the United Nations speculate that there will be 9.3 billion people. It is no cause for alarm. Puneet Bedi, who works in Apollo Hospital in Delhi, says that seven out of ten babies born in the maternity ward at Apollo Hospital are male. He says, “You can choose whether you want to be a parent, but once you choose to be a parent, you cannot choose whether it is a boy or girl, black or white, tall or short”. India’s 2011 census show a sex ratio of only 914 girls for every 1,000 boys, ages six and under. “We are dealing with genocide”, says Puneet Bedi. Sex-selective abortion will affect
the moral and ethical standards of India. Good and honest doctors always refuse to identify sex during ultrasound examinations. India outlawed fetal sex identification and sex-selective abortion in 1994, but many physicians break the law. So it is easy to find a doctor who is willing to scan fetal sex. When we look at the India convention of dowry, we realize that daughters are expensive. Demanding dowry is punishable since 1961, but the law is not strictly followed. Girls are considered liabilities because they require protection and dowry. It is a paradox that sex-selection is taking place in India when women are much better off in education and employment than ever before. It is a pity that women who select for sex are educated people.
30 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2012
Mara Hvistendahl, an author, puts the number of missing girls in Asia at 163 million, more than the entire female population in the US. Western theorists say that as women become scarce, they become more valuable, promoting couples to have daughters. But in fact the opposite has happened. In China, fertility is artificially suppressed by the one-child policy. There is sexual imbalance after a decade of sex selective abortions. China will have 96.5 million men in their 20s in 2025, but only 80.3 million young women. Demography may become the gravest problem in China. In a 2007 study, Columbia University economist Lena Edlund and colleagues at Chinese University of Hong Kong used the fact that China’s sex ratio at www.indiantimes.com.au
birth spiked in some provinces earlier than others to explore a link between crime rates and a surplus of men. Crime rates increase in places where there are surplus men. It is a pity that sons have long been favored in China as well as in many other parts of the world. There is also sex imbalance in South Korea and it has spread to Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia. Sex-selective abortion also occurs among some immigrant communities in the United States. The following facts and figures that apply to Britain (which has a sex ratio of approximately 1:1) are also applicable to many countries, but the figures may vary from one country to another. Men, on average, live for six years less than women. Over 90 per cent of convicted acts of violence are carried out by men, and
70 per cent of the victims will be men. At school, around 90 per cent of children with behaviour problems are boys, and over 80 per cent of children with learning problems are also boys. Men comprise over 90 per cent of the prison population. Approximately three-quarters of the unemployed are men. A leading cause of death among males between 12 and 60 years of age is self-inflicted death. Men and boys commit suicide four times more frequently than women. Sex-selective abortion is amounting to killing. All religions are against sex-selective abortion. India has laws, but they are enforced well. India and China will face many problems if people are sex-selective. Reference: Psychology TodayJuly/August 2011 Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102
Hajj: The Journey of Hearts By Ml. M. Nawaaz Ashrafi Arafah *10 Years After Hijrah THE man was standing with Rasul Allah * sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam * when he was thrown from his camel. The camel stomped and the man's neck was snapped. Dead. "Bathe his body with water and Sidr and bury him with both garments," said Allah's Messenger. "Do not cover his head, nor touch him with Camphor ... for verily he will be returned (to Allah) on the day of resurrection in the state of Talbiyah! (Labbayk Allahaahumma labbayk)" * AlBukhari and Muslim 'Amr ibn Al-'Aas narrates, "When Islam entered my heart, I went to the Messenger of Allah(s) and said, 'Give me your hand so that I may pledge allegiance to you.' The Prophet (s)spread his hand, but I withdrew mine. He said, 'What is wrong 'Amr?' I said, 'I want to make a condition.' 'And what is that?' he said. I said, 'That Allah will forgive me.' Then the Messenger of Allah said, 'Did you not know that Islam wipes out what came before it, and that Hijrah wipes out what came before it and that Hajj wipes out what came before it!" - Sahih Muslim The Ultimate Reward Rasul Allah * sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam - said, "And there is no reward for an accepted Hajj * except Jannah!" What is the first verse that you read in Surah Al-Hajj? It does not speak of Arafah, nor does it pronounce the pillars of Nahr day. It simply says ... [O Mankind! Fear your Lord, indeed the eruption of the (final) Hour is a horrific event. On that day that you shall see it, every nursing mother will be engrossed away from that (child) she was nursing, and every pregnant woman will abort her pregnancy, and you will see the people (appearing) intoxicated, while they are not intoxicated; rather it is the punishment of Allah, severe.] Hajj is not a journey of the body such as one may take to a vacation spot or tourist attraction. It is a journey of the soul and heart. When one pays a careful eye to the verses speaking of Hajj, they will find that verse after verse concludes with a commandment of being conscious of Allah's presence, or a reminder of Allah's bounteous favour upon us, or a link between Hajj and the final day. The Destination In the not-so-far-away days of old, whenever a journey was to be undertaken proper provisions had to be prepared. The deserts were long, hot, and harsh. Unmerciful. There were no gas stations to fill up with chips and refreshments, or rest stops to slurp water from a fountain. In fact, there was not a human in sight for miles upon miles of barren sand dunes. Losing the way meant losing your life. Thus, you had to have the provision with you before you made the journey. Enough food, enough water, enough everything to carry you to your destination. From here, in the verses dealing of Hajj, when everyone shall have to make some sort of journey to reach the Ka'bah, Allah tuned the attention of His slaves to another journey, a journey every soul is travelling, whether they know it or care to just remain heedless. Allah turned their attention to the journey to the Hereafter, to Paradise or Hell. [And take sustenance (with you) for the journey; verily the best sustenance is Taqwa (piety and righteousness).] * Al Baqarah 2:197 On the day Buhaym Al-'Ajlee set out with his companion for Hajj, he looked toward the endless desert awaiting them both and wept, his chest soaking from the tears. "This is something," said Buhaym, "that has made me understand the most certain journey I must one day take to Allah!" There is debate over whether someone who performs Hajj should be called a Hajji. It is not something found in the Sunnah; rather it has an interesting background in our cultural history. In antique days, when someone decided to perform the journey for Hajj, it was synonymous with bidding farewell to life on earth. This was due to the treacherous obstacles of travelling in the desert - trials such as sickness, starvation, and the struggles of the separate situations. An entire village might gather to bid those people farewell. When someone would go through such a remarkable journey and return alive, they would dedicate their lives to the worship and obedience of Allah. Gone was the cheating, or the lying, or the missed Salah. He was now a Hajji. Today, with the Jumbo jets and ocean liners and Mercedes busses, the facilitation of performing Hajj has taken away the luster of the title Hajji. Some might complain that there are no queen-size mattress beds in Mina, or that the air conditioning motor is a tad too loud. But dear brothers and sisters, who is it that provided us with all the blessing that we are living in? It is the same Allah that has tested us here on the plains of Arafah. The slave of Allah can only truly understand the favor of Allah upon him when it is taken away. [There is no blame upon you for seeking bounty from your Lord (during Hajj). But when you depart from Arafat, remember Allah at AlMash'ar AlHaram. And remember Him as He has guided you, for indeed you were before that among those astray.] Alhamdulillaah. Indeed the greatest blessing that Allah has favoured us with is Islam, and it alone suffices as favor. Allah knows we are going to get dusty during Hajj, Allah knows it. So don't be surprised when that dust blows, instead turn to Allah and hit back with patience and a whisper of gratitude to Allah. [Then let them end their untidiness, fufill their vows, and perform Tawaf around the ancient House.] * Surah Hajj 22/29 Ibn Al-Qayyim wrote a Qasidah about this journey of the hearts, here is only a glimpse of some of the Arabic verses: [He says, My slaves have come to Me (for Hajj) out of love for Me And I am merciful to them, bounteous and loving Glad tidings O participants of that stand (on Arafah) a moment when Allah forgives all sins and showers His mercy] Abu Hurayrah narrates: I heard the Prophet(s) say, "Whoever performs Hajj and does not commit any Rafath (obscenity) or Fusooq (transgression), he returns (free from sin) as the day his mother bore him" * Al-Bukhari Getting The Heart In Shape Many years ago, as the Hujjaj swept through the valley of Muzdalifah, a man remarked out loud, "My ! look at the number of Hujjaj!" The wise man replied, "Nay, the passengers are many, but the Hujjaj are few." I once heard the story of a man who was blessed with the opportunity to join the caravan for Hajj regularly. However, his shortcoming was that he could never control his anger during the days of Hajj, and would snap cursing others. Well, one person had an idea for him. His inspiration: Instead of cursing Muslims during Hajj, write all your bad comments on a piece of paper - fold it - and then when you get mad at someone, just hand him the paper. On the top of the tiny envelope write, 'Do not open until after Hajj'. The man agreed. As incident after incident assailed him, the man would simply smile, then frown and hand out the tiny envelopes to the provoking party. Everything was going smoothly until the day when he was walking to the Jamarat and someone stomped his toes. He lost all control. Teeth gritting, he snarled and took out his briefcase of envelopes and dumped it on that poor guys head. In Hajj I have seen people who snatch for patience and the reward of Allah during those trying moments, like a man pan handles for gold. I asked myself, what is different from
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them and those who spend their breath in criticism and argumentation? It finally dawned that it was not the body of Zayd or 'Amr that I was witnessing, but it was the hearts of Zayd and 'Amr. Some people come to Hajj prepared financially. Others come with a prepared heart * that is what's essential. Whether the grindstone grinds us to dust or polishes us up depends on what we are made of. Now - How To Get That Heart In Shape For Hajj? Firstly: Attend lectures and workshops dealing with Hajj Hajj is one of the pillars that Islam is built on. When someone intends to perform this rite it a must upon them that they learn it well. Rasul Allah * sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam * said, "Seeking knowledge is obligatory on every Muslim." Imam Al-Bukhari writes in his Saheeh, 'Chapter: knowledge comes before statements and actions.' He then quoted the verse of Allah: [So Know, that there is no deity except Allah and ask forgiveness for your sin.] - Surah Muhammad, 47/19 Secondly: Establish Salah and Perform Qiyaam ul-Layl When Rasul Allah * sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam * was preparing his heart for the mission of conveying this Deen, Allah ordered him to prepare using Qiyam ul-Layl. Allah ta'ala says: [O you who wraps himself / Arise (to pray) the night, except for a little] * Surah Muzzammil, 73/1,2 A student once slept over at Imam Ahmad's house, rahimahullah. Imam Ahmad had left a vessel of water for him, and upon arriving at Fajr time, found the vessel still full of water. He was shocked and remarked, "How can a person be a Talib Al-'Ilm (student of Islam) and not stand for Qiyam ul-Layl!" Some said to Ibn Mas`ood, may Allah be pleased with him, "We are unable to wake up to perform Qiyam ul-Layl." He told them, "You are distancing yourselves from it by your sins." Thirdly: Repentance to Allah and Dua It was during the days of Tashreeq when Jirbreel * alayhis salam * came to Rasul Allah * sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam * with the words of Allah: [When the victory of Allah has come and the conquest / And you see the people entering into the religion of Allah in multitudes / Then exalt Him with praise of your Lord and ask forgiveness of Him. Indeed, He is ever Accepting of repentance.] Surah AnNasr This was the culmination of 23 years of Da'wah, Jihad, and work; here now was the farewell pilgrimage. What did it end with? [Then exalt Him with praise of your Lord (Tasbeeh) and ask forgiveness of Him] Subhaanak Allaahumma wa bihamdika, Allahumma ighfirlana / Glory be to you O Allah, and may You be praised. O Allah, forgive us! The Call of Nabi Ibrahim(as) When Ibrahim alayhis salaam completed the structure of the Ka’bah, Allah subhaanahu wa ta’aala commanded him to call the people to Hajj. Ibrahim alayhis salaam pleaded, “O Allah! How shall my voice reach all of those people?” Allah subhanahu wa ta’aala told him that his duty was only to give the call and it was up to Allah to make it reach the people. Ibrahim alayhis salaam then climbed Mount Arafat and called out in his loudest voice, “O People! Verily Allah has prescribed upon you Hajj, so perform Hajj.” Allah subhaanahu wa ta’ala revealed in the Qur’an: And proclaim the Hajj among mankind. They will come to thee on foot and (mounted) on every camel, lean on account of journeys through deep and distant mountain highways (AlHajj 22/28). To this very day millions upon millions of Muslims continue to answer the call of Prophet Ibrahim alayhis salaam. Perhaps this year you shall be amongst those who answer the call. ‘Amr ibn Al-‘Aas narrates that when his heart entered Islam he went to the Messenger of Allah sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam and said, “Give me your hand so that I may pledge allegiance to you.” The Prophet sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam spread his hand, but ‘Amr withdrew his. The Prophet sal Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam asked, “What is wrong ‘Amr?” Amr said, “I want to make a condition.” “And what is that?” asked the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam. “That Allah will forgive me.” Then the Messenger of Allah said, “Did you not know that Islam wipes out what came before it, and that Hijrah wipes out what came before it, and that Hajj wipes out what came before it” (Sahih Muslim)! Hajj is the fifth pillar upon which Islam stands. Allah subhaanahu wa ta’aala made it compulsory upon every able Muslim male and female to perform it, at least once in a lifetime. Allah revealed: Hajj thereto is a duty mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the journey, but if any deny faith, Allah stands not in need of any of His creatures (A’le-Imran 3/97) Performance of the Hajj washes away all sins. Abu Hurairah narrates, “I heard the Prophet say, ‘Whoever performs Hajj and does not commit any rafath (obscenity) or fusooq (transgression), he returns (free from sin) as the day his mother bore him’” (Sahih Bukhari). Hajj is one of the greatest deeds one can accomplish in his or her lifetime. Abu Hurairah narrates that the Prophet was asked, “What deed is the best?” He said, “Eman in Allah and His Messenger.” “Then what?” “Jihaad in the cause of Allah.” “Then what?” “Hajj Mabroor, a Hajj accepted by Allah subhaanahu wa ta’ala.” Abu Sha’thaa’ said, “I contemplated the good deeds that a person does. I found that salaat as well as fasting are a jihaad of the body. And that sadaqa is a jihaad of someone’s wealth. But Hajj is a jihaad of both body and wealth.” Hajj is the greatest jihaad. Aishah radi Allaahu anha asked the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, “We find that jihaad is the best deed, shouldn’t we (women) do jihaad?” The Prophet replied, “Rather the best jihaad is a Hajj Mabroor!” Aishah later said, “I’ll never cease performing Hajj after I heard that from RasulAllah sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam” (Agreed upon) The du’a of the one in Hajj shall be accepted. The Prophet sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam said: “The soldier in the path of Allah and the one who performs Hajj and the one who performs ‘Umra, all are the delegation of Allah! He called them and they answered. And they asked Him, and He shall grant them (what they ask for)” (Authentic, narrated by Ibn Majah and Ibn Hibban)! In the Islamic history books it is narrated that on the day of Arafat, a man from Turkmenistan stood on the plains of Arafat in Hajj. To his left all he could see was Muslims crying and praying to Allah subhaanahu wa ta’aala. To his right all he could see was Muslims crying and praying to Allah subhaanahu wa ta’aala. Because of his native tongue, he could not imitate the lengthy prayers of the others. At this realization, everything blurred in front of him. His face reddened, his eyes poured tears as he raised his hands, “O Allah! Grant me everything that they are asking for! Grant me everything that they are asking for!” And Allah subhaanahu wa ta’aala accepted his du’a. There is not a single day that the sun has come up on that is more beloved to Allah subhaanahu wa ta’aala than the Day of Arafat. The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam said: “There is no day on which Allah frees more of His slaves from fire than on the Day of Arafat, and He verily draws near, then boasts
of them before the angles, saying, ‘What do they seek?’” (Sahih Muslim). And in another hadith: “Verily Allah boasts of the people of Arafat before the people of Heaven (angels) saying, ‘Look to my servants who have come to Me dishevelled and dusty.’” Abdullah ibn Al-Mubaarak narrates, “I went to Sufyaan ibn al-Uyaynah as the Day of Arafat was setting. He sat on his knees, his hands raised to the Heavens, and tears moistened his cheeks and beard. He turned and looked at me, so I asked him, ‘Amongst the people who have gathered here for Hajj, who is in the worst state?’ “Sufyaan ibn al-Uyaynah said, ‘He who thinks that Allah will not forgive him.’” Aishah radi Allaahu anha would see the Prophet sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam standing in prayer at night so much so that his feet would crack. She would ask him, “Why do you do this when Allaah has forgiven all your sins, the past, and anything you may do in the future?” And he sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam would reply, “Shouldn’t I be a thankful slave?” With this example of the Prophet sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam, what should our attitude be when we hear of Paradise and forgiveness of sins for those who perform Hajj? Does it mean that after Hajj we fall back into all the disobedience that we went to Hajj with? Does it mean that we are promised Jannah no matter what sin we do after Hajj? Many people think this to be the case and it is a very dangerous presumption. You will find in many of the hadith regarding the virtue of Hajj, the use of the term Hajj Mabroor. Do you know what mabroor means? It means an accepted Hajj. A Mabroor Hajj is one in which Allah subhaanahu wa ta’aala is not disobeyed during or after it. Others have said that a Hajj Mabroor is one that is accepted, and the sign of its acceptance is that a person will go back in a better state then when he came, and that he will discontinue the sins that were between him and Allah subhaanahu wa ta’aala There are groups of Hajjis with all of their paraphernalia. Plastered on their t-shirts and hats was ‘Hajj Mabroor 1997!’Remember then when Ibn Umar was on his deathbed, his son reminded him of all the good deeds that he did with the Prophet sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam and the companions. He told him, “Quiet! Don’t you know whom Allah accepts from? Verily Allah only accepts from the muttaqoon (God-fearing).” When Ali ibn Al-Husayn radi Allaahu anhu wore his ihram towels and sat upright on his camel in preparation for the journey to Makkah, his face changed colour, his skin shivered and he cried, unable to say the talbiyyah, labbayk Allahumma labbayk. Someone asked him, “What’s wrong?” And he replied, “I’m afraid that when I say it, it shall be replied, ‘Laa labbayka wa laa sa’dayk’ (Your coming [journey] is not accepted and there is no happiness for you).” With that spirit, let us march forward in the search of the mercy of Allah subhaanahu wa ta’aala and His forgiveness, to the first house of Allah subhaanahu wa ta’aala on Earth, to Hajj. A Haji narrates : "In the Hajj of 1996 you may have heard of the Jamaraat crowd in which 600 people died. It was Dhuhr time that it happened and I had been sitting there from the early morning waiting for noon to throw my pebbles. About 30 minutes before Dhuhr a wave of people, like dominoes, toppled over us. I had said to myself earlier that if I were ever in an emergency situation I would jump up on a bus or anything high to escape the crowd. Now, I saw people doing just that and I knew this was the situation that I had feared. My friend said, “What shall we do?” With a glance over the sea of people I knew there was no way we could walk opposite of the crowd and so I replied, “Go and throw our Jamarat.” eople died that day. Ambulance sirens were blaring and helicopters were thundering above. In the pain and exhaustion, losing my friend, I sat leaning, my back on a sister and her back on mine. We did not even realize what we were doing. I tasted what the Prophet sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam meant when he said that on the Day of Judgment people will be naked and Aishah radi Allahu anha asked him, “Won’t the men and women look at each other?” And he replied, “Aishah, the issue is more severe than that.” I saw 3 men looking anxiously for their friend and I just sat staring at them. All of a sudden their faces exploded in happiness, “Ahmad! Ahmad!” they called, and one of them could not handle the happiness and he cried and cried. Limping back to the Ka’bah I found a place with shady trees and a carpeted patio leading to a villa. The owner, an older man, stood watching as all the people walked by. And I sat watching him. People would come up to him and beg for a glass of water. He would jump and bring them the coldest water he had. They would pray from the bottom of their hearts for him. I knew what kind of du’a that was, because I was feeling the same thirst that they all felt. Whenever he saw someone sick, he would spring out to the road and invite them in, giving them a bed and food to relax them. I was shy at first, but the thirst overcame me and I asked him for water. I had been on that patio for some time and when I asked him, he realized he had not offered me anything. He ran inside, and in addition to the water, he brought me packets of fruit juice. I thought about this man as I made my way back to the Ka’bah. If a human was so merciful to these people who had come for Hajj, these people who had come for no other reason than to say la ilaaha illAllah, how merciful was Allah subhaanahu wa ta’aala going to be to these Hajjis? " Indeed, the Prophet sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam said, “And there is no reward for an accepted Hajj…except Jannah!” Sacrifice or Qurbani: Philosophy and Rules The Urdu and persian word Qurbani (Sacrificial slaughter) is derived from the Arabic word Qurban. Lexically, it means an act performed to seek Allah's pleasure. Originally, the word Qurban included all acts of charity because the purpose of charity is nothing but to seek Allah's pleasure. But, in precise religious terminology, the word was later confined to the sacrifice of an animal slaughtered for the sake of Allah. The sacrifice of an animal has always been treated as a recognized form of worship in all religious orders originating from a divine book. Even in pagan societies, the sacrifice of an animal is recognized as a form of worship, but it is done in the name of some idols and not in the name of Allah, a practice totally rejected by Islam. In the Shari'ah of our beloved Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, the sacrifice of an animal has been recognized as a form of worship only during three days of Zulhijjah, namely, the 10th, 1lth and 12th of the month. This is to commemorate the unparalleled sacrifice offered by the Prophet Sayyidna Ibrahim, Alayhi Salam, when he, in pursuance to a command of Allah conveyed to him in a dream, prepared himself to slaughter his beloved son, Sayyidna Isma'il, Alayhi Salam, and actually did so but, Allah Almighty, after testing his submission, sent down a sheep and saved his son from the logical fate of slaughter. It is from that time onwards that the sacrifice of an animal became an obligatory duty to be performed by every well to do Muslim. Qurbani is a demonstration of total submission to Allah and a proof of complete obedience to Allah's will or command. When a Muslim offers a Qurbani, this is exactly what he intends to prove. Thus, the Qurbani offered by a Muslim signifies that he is a slave of Allah at his best and
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that he would not hesitate even for a moment, once he receives an absolute command from his Creator, to surrender before it, to obey it willingly, even if it be at the price of his life and possessions. When a true and perfect Muslim receives a command from Allah, he does not make his obedience dependent upon the command's reasonability' as perceived through his limited understanding. He knows that Allah is All-knowing, All-Wise and that his own reason cannot encompass the knowledge and wisdom underlying the divine command. He, therefore, submits to the divine command, even if he cannot grasp the reason or wisdom behind it. This is exactly what the Prophet Ibrahim, Alayhi Salam, did. Apparently, there was no reason why a father should slaughter his innocent son. But, when came the command from Allah, he never asked about the reason for that command, nor did he hesitate to follow it. Even his minor son when asked by his father about the dream he had seen, never questioned the legitimacy of the command, nor did he pine or whine about it, nor did he ask for one good reason why he was being slaughtered. The one and only response he made was: 'Father, do what you have been ordered to do. You shall find me, God willing, among the patient". The present-day Qurbani is offered in memory of this great model of submission set before us by the great father and the great son. So Qurbani must be offered in our time emulating the same ideal and attitude of submission. This, then, is the true philosophy of Qurbani. With this in mind, one can easily unveil the fallacy of those who raise objections against Qurbani on the basis of economic calculations and depict it to be a wastage of money, resources and livestock. Unable to see beyond mundane benefits, they cannot understand the spirit Islam wants to plant and nourish among its followers, the spirit of total submission to Allah's will which equips man with most superior qualities so necessary to keep humanity in a state of lasting peace and welfare. Qurbani is nothing but a powerful symbol of the required human conduct vis-a-vis the divine commands, however "irrational" or "uneconomic" they may seem to be in their appearance. Thus, the distrustful quest for mundane economic benefits behind Qurbani is, in fact, the negation of its real philosophy and the very spirit underlying it. No doubt, there are in every form of worship ordained by Allah, certain worldly benefits too, but they are not the main purpose of these prescribed duties, nor should they be treated as a pre-condition to submission and obedience. All acts of worship, including Qurbani, must be carried out with a spirit of total submission to Allah, irrespective of their economic, social or political benefits. This is what Ibrahim, Alayhi Salam, did, and this is what every true Muslim is required to do, Keeping this in view, we are giving here some rules governing the worship of Qurbani in our Shari'ah according to the Hanafi School. The Time of Qurbani Qurbani can only be performed during the three days of Eid, namely the 10th, Ilth and 12th of Zulhijjah. It is only in these days that slaughtering of an animal is recognized as an act of worship. No Qurbani can be performed in any other days of the year. Although Qurbani is permissible on each of the three aforesaid days, yet it is preferable to perform it on the first day i.e. the 10th of Zulhijjah. No Qurbani is allowed before the Eid prayer is over. However, in small villages where the Eid prayer is not to be performed, Qurbani can be offered' any time after the break of dawn on the 10th of Zulhijjah. Qurbani can also be performed in the two nights following the Eid day, but it is more advisable to perform it during daytime. Who is Required to Perform Qurbani? Every adult Muslim, male or female, who owns 613.35 grams of silver or its equivalent in money, personal ornaments, stock-in-trade or any other form of wealth which is surplus to his basic needs, is under an obligation to offer a Qurbani. Each adult member of a family who owns the above mentioned amount must perform his own Qurbani separately. If the husband owns the required quantity, but the wife does not, the Qurbani obligatory on the husband only and vice-versa. If both of them have the prescribed amount of wealth, both should perform Qurbani separately. If the adult children live with their parents, Qurbani is obligatory on each one of them possessing the prescribed amount. The Qurbani offered by a husband for himself does not fulfil the obligation of his wife, nor can the Qurbani offered by a father discharge his son or daughter from their obligation. Each one of them should care for his own. However, if a husband or a father, apart from offering his own Qurbani, gives another Qurbani on behalf of his wife or his son, he can do so with their permission. THE TAKBEER OF EID-UL-ADHA Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar Allah is Great, Allah is Great Allahu Akbar Allah is Great La illaha il Allah there is no God, but Allah Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar Allah is Great, Allah is Great walilahil Hamd to Him belongs all Praise ******************************** Allahu Akbar Kabeera Allah is the Greatest wal-Hamdulilahi katheera And all Praise is due to Him wa Subhan allahi And Glory to Allah bukratan wa aseila eventide and in the morning La illaha il Allah there is no God, but Allah the Unique sadaqa wa'dah He has fulfilled His Promise wa nasara abda and made Victorious His servant wa a'azza jundahu and made Mighty His soldiers wa hazamal-ahzaaba wahdah and defeated the confederates La illaha il Allah there is no God, But Allah wa laa na'budu illa iyyah He alone we worship mukhlessena lahud-deena with sincere and exclusive devotion walaw karehal-Kafeeroon even though the idolaters hate it ******************************** Allahumma salli ala sayyedna Muhammad S O Allah, have Mercy on our Prophet Muhammad S wa ala aalie sayyedna Muhammad S and on the family of our Prophet Muhammad S wa ala as-haabie sayyedna Muhammad S and on the companions of our Prophet Muhammad S wa ala ansari sayyedna Muhammad S and on the helpers of our Prophet Muhammad S wa ala azwajie sayyedna Muhammad S and on the wives of our Prophet Muhammad S wa ala dhurreyatie sayyedna Muhammad S and on the progeny of our Prophet Muhammad S wa sallim tasleeman katheera and Bestow upon them much peace. ******************************** On behalf of The Islamic Society of Algester, The Imaams and the committee, we wish each and every Muslim a Joyous Eid-ul-Adha Mubarak. May the Grace of Allah be upon us all. AAMEEN
THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2012 — 31
Health Beauty Wellbeing Chewing linked to lowered dementia risk STOCKHOLM, Oct 5 (IANS) If you can bite into an apple, then you are more likely to maintain mental abilities and keep dementia at bay, according to a new research. The older we become the more likely it is that we risk deterioration of our cognitive functions, such as memory, decision-making and problem solving. Several studies have also demonstrated a link between not having teeth and loss of cognitive function and a higher risk of dementia. One reason for this could be that few or no teeth makes chewing difficult, which leads to a reduction in the blood flow to the brain, the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society reported. However, to date there has been no direct investigation into the significance of chew-
ing ability in a national representative sample of elderly people, according to a Karolinska Institutet. Now a team comprising odontology researchers and the Ageing Research Centre (ARC) at Karolinska Institutet and from Karlstad University have looked at tooth loss, chewing ability and cognitive function in a random nationwide sample of 557 people aged 77 or older. They found that those who had difficulty chewing hard food such as apples had a significantly higher risk of developing cognitive impairments, independently of sex, age, education and mental health problems. Whether chewing ability was sustained with natural teeth or dentures also had no bearing on the effect.
Northeast fashion grabs the spotlight at WIFW NEW DELHI, Oct 6 (IANS) Fashion designer Atsu Sekhose presented a collection inspired by the culture of northeastern India on the opening day of the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) spring/summer in the capital Saturday 6 October. Having his roots in Nagaland, the designer was chosen to showcase his collection as an effort to promote the region's designs. The initiative was a collaboration between the Ministry of Textiles and WIFW. "It's great to be the part of such shows. Talking about collection, each and every detail has been well examined and rejuvenates the beauty, style, art, craft, music and richness of northeast," said Sekhose. The designer showcased a collection dominated by Naga fabrics like cotton and
silk, woven by 30 underprivileged women from a women's weaving organization - Vitole and Assamese Silk exclusively woven by Assamese weavers. The collection ranges from shorts, trench jackets, trousers and shirts in shades of reds, cobalt blue, off white and beige married to black. "I wanted to signifty modernity using fabrics of all the states together. I wanted to give north eastern designs, more prominence. The collection is modern and one can wear it in any part of the world," said Sekhose. "Some of the new innovation that I tried is to make the collection wearable. NorthEastern textiles are basically comprised of thick woolen shawls so I have made it a little lighter by blending it into cotton silk," he added.
Researchers debunk super food benefits LONDON, Oct 7 (IANS) Superfoods may have been the mainstay of the health industry for a long time, but now researchers are questioning their much touted health promoting properties. Foods such as broccoli, blueberries and whole grains do contain polyphenols, compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but their health-giving properties seldom make it past the gut, contend experts. "Polyphenols may well work when cells are exposed to them directly, such as under laboratory conditions, but what needs to be established is how effective they are when consumed as part of a food," said Lucy Jones, Kingston University's deputy dean of the faculty of science, engineering and computing. "If they don't actually get through the gut membrane and into the rest of the body, then they're not a super food," said Jones, who with colleague Elizabeth Opara have taken a model developed in the early 1980s by Sloane Kettering Institute in the US and adapted it to see if and how medicinal
Chinese herbs, known to limit the growth of cancer cells, are absorbed in the body. Known as the Caco-2, the model mimics the action of the small intestine, the principal place where nutrients are taken up. The Kingston researchers have used it to assess what does and doesn't make it through the gut, according to a Kingston statement. "The Caco-2 is a single layer of cells grown in a laboratory environment that develops the characteristics and functions of the micro-villi, the tiny hair-like projections that aid efficient absorption found mainly in the small intestine," Opara said. "This method allows us to look at what nutrients pass through into the body and could be used to test food supplements, drugs and foodstuffs. "We found that while some compounds may have a local effect in the gut itself, in terms of the rest of the body the impact could be negligible." Products so far tested by the Kingston University research team include herbs such as parsley, rosemary, sage and thyme.
Vitamin pill a day helps boost memory LONDON, Oct 7 (IANS) A daily multivitamin tablet may boost the memory and slow mental decline, the Daily Mail reported Sunday. According to new studies, taking supplements has a beneficial effect on memory and may work by increasing the efficiency of brain cells. One study showed that after just four weeks there were measurable changes in electrical activity in the brain when carrying out memory tests. The body needs 13 vitamins to function properly and maintain health.
Vitamins A, C, D, E and K and the eight B vitamins each have specific job in the body. Vitamin C keeps cells healthy, D regulates calcium and E maintains cell structure, while the B vitamins, including folic acid, have a wide range of functions. David Kennedy, of the Brain, Performance and Nutrition Research Centre at Northumbria University, said: "The evidence is still limited but the studies hint at some possible beneficial effects. "Optimal brain function depends on an adequate level of all of the vitamins."
How to look after oily skin Hetvi Hair & Beauty Nimisha 0412 350 013 HEY Girls, Oily skin conditions come on a level par as a problem for both genders. Solutions for Oily Skin • Citrus essential oils - Lemon, grapefruit, tangerine and orange, helps treat oily skin without the worry of harsh ingredients coming in contact with the skin. Find an allnatural herbal lotion base and add 3 to 4 drops per ounce of the citrus essential oil of choice to the base (herbal lotion, skin toner, Aloe Vera gel, witch hazel). This remedy is best applied in the evening to help prevent oily skin. Wash the face thoroughly every morning with a mild antibacterial soap prior to facial applications. • Keep it clean. Though oily skin does not necessarily mean dirty skin, the extra oil can aid in trapping extra unwanted particles close to your skin, as well as dead skin cells that normally should just fall off. These trapped components can lead to clogged pores which in turn mean acne and blackheads for you. Therefore you should keep your skin clean by washing it a certain amount every day. • Time it right. There is no definitive number of times you should wash your skin because each person has different skin types and thus have different skin needs. Washing too often will strip your skin of too many of its natural oils and it will only produce more, which does nothing for your problem. Try starting out by washing once a day and if you feel like you need to wash again, bump the number to twice a day and see how your skin reacts. Once you know the correct number, you can continue that routine in order to combat your oily skin. •Scrub it. Give your skin some exfoliation by scrubbing it with products made specifically for oily skin or other home remedies you find that work well. A good scrub can also help rid your skin of extra oil on its surface, but be warned, as just like dry skin, too much exfoliation will produce your skin into making more oil which again fails to help your problem. • Wear a mask. No, this is not to imply you should go out 32 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2012
into the world disguised or with a bag over your head. Wearing a mask, such as clay, for a few minutes of your day can do wonders to help soothe your skin and absorb extra oil. You can either buy mask products or find proven methods of making your own. • Astringent. Wiping your face with a good astringent can also be a good tool against oily skin. The astringent will help remove the oil and also can come as individual wipes that you can carry with you in case you need a quick swipe later on in the day. Keep it blotted. If you do not have any astringent wipes with you, you should at least carry around tissues or special oil blotters to help soak up any extra oil your face produces during the day. This way if you notice your face becoming too oily a quick dab can put you back on track. • Forget the moisturizer. In case you have not already heard; do not use a moisturizer on your face! The oil your skin produces already acts as your skins natural way of keeping your skin moisturized. Adding any type of moisturizer, even those that claim to be oil free, is adding to your problem. You have no reason to put any extra moisture on your skin. • When it comes to putting any products on your skin for long periods of time, at most you should use a sunscreen to www.indiantimes.com.au
help prevent sun damage to your skin. Nothing more. • Ease up on the makeup. If you can go makeup free, then by all means do it. Makeup may only aid in the build-up of oil on your skin and become a clogging mess by the end of the day. If you do have to wear makeup, find water based cosmetics or products made for oily skin. Start small and make sure the products you choose work well for your skin; they have to deliver and not just make promises. Use as little as possible and try using powders instead of liquids. • A crab apple concoction - Made into a paste which you smooth over the face and neck and leave for 20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. It is a rich source of alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) which the benefits the skin by toning, softening and moisturizing dull oily skin. • Wheat germ oil - Has amazing qualities for perfecting the skin in a number of ways. Smooth wheat germ oil over your face in a massage type fashion. Leave it on for 60 minutes and rinse off with warm water. Natural vitamin E is a powerful anti-oxidant, this oil prevents skin damage caused by UV rays and environmental pollution. It's a fabulous method for softening the skin. Worth and all over body massage with the oil don`t you agree. • Milk - It is vitally important for people with oily skin to keep their skin clear otherwise it has a tendency to form acne lesions making the skin patchy, discolored and course. If oil is present the skin becomes tacky thus working like a magnet drawing dirt/grime towards the stickiness which then clogs the pores. Clogged pores increase development of oil secretion. Milk is an oil free cleanser which doesn't dry out the skin. Treat the face several times a day with a milk-wash to keep sebum/oil to a minimum. Clean the face thoroughly before going to bed. Make sure every trace of make-up is removed. Mix 2-3 drops of sandalwood or lavender oil with 2 tablespoon of milk. Massage with cotton wool swab to clean ingrained grime and makeup. Do not stretch or over-pull the skin around the eyes. Gentle massage improves blood circulation. If you have broken skin, avoid stretching in that area to prevent spread of infection. Hope this will help you. Take care and keep smiling. Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102
Health Beauty Wellbeing Plants boost healing power of anti-fungals WASHINGTON, Oct 7 (IANS) Certain plant compounds could help prescription drugs fight severe fungal infections in a more effective way, thanks to unexpected findings. Bruce C. Campbell, formerly of Agricultural Research Service (ARS) under the US Department of Agriculture, and molecular biologist colleague Jong H. Kim, and others found that pairing antifungal medicines with compounds such as thymol, derived from herb thyme, can boost the healing effects of some of these drugs. Campbell and Kim's work, with species of Aspergillus mould, for example, has attracted the attention of medical and public health researchers. Found worldwide in air and soil, Aspergillus can infect corn, cotton, pistachios, almonds and other crops, and can produce aflatoxin, a natural carcinogen, the
journal Agricultural Research reported. Aflatoxin-contaminated crops must be identified and removed from the processing stream, at times resulting in large economic losses, according to an ARS statement. Since 2004, Campbell, Kim and colleagues have carefully built a portfolio of potent, plant-based compounds that kill a target Aspergillus species, A. flavus, or thwart its ability to produce aflatoxin. Using plant-based compounds to treat fungal infections is not a new idea, nor is that of pairing the compounds with antifungal medicines. But the research team has explored some apparently unique pairs, and have provided some of the newest, most detailed information about the mechanisms likely responsible for the impact of powerful combinations of drugs and natural plant compounds.
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Health Beauty Wellbeing
Printed clothes the rage this puja
KOLKATA, Oct 3 (IANS) The mantra for this year's Durga Puja fashion, going by the trends in Kolkata, which has an "intellectual style quotient", is psychedelic prints in western wear coupled with a heady mixand-match of fabrics and prints in ethnic wear. "Jumpsuits and playsuits are must-haves. Shrugs and jackets are expected to be hot. Knee-length dresses in floral prints as well as geometrical prints are very popular," Mario Periwal, designer and owner of Showstoppers, told IANS. A spokesperson of leading boutique Sienna in the Salt Lake satellite township agreed. "Everything will have prints. It is not limited to women's wear but men's wear also," she said. An official of a Colorplus showroom said prints for men are turning out to be a big hit this puja season. "We have stocked up on printed shirts in pastels. Full sleeve shirts in stripes are also in vogue," explained a Colorplus storekeeper. Durga Puja, the biggest festival in this part of the world, would be celebrated Oct 2024 this year. According to Hindu mythology, the goddess Durga, accompanied by her four children Ganesh, Kartik, Lakshmi and Saraswati, descends to earth each year to visit her parents. This is the occasion that the puja celebrates. Durga, it is believed, stays for five days to eradicate evil from earth before returning to her husband, Lord Shiva, at Kailash on Dashami. Durga, the slayer of the demon Mahishashur, sits astride a lion and wields an array of weapons in her 10 hands. The religious fervour means ethnic wear is the chosen dress code; women, men and children strut traditional stuff while pandal (marquee) hopping. Indigenous fabrics like khadi are set to go from simple to sassy as prints like batik are
tossed in. "We have got kurtis with batik prints as well as printed cotton (khadi) sarees which offer both design and comfort,"said a representative of Murshidabad Silk House in south Kolkata's Dakshinapan Shopping Complex. The quintessential Benarasi saree - a must have in every traditional wardrobe - is also a rage. "Benarasi sarees with heavy zaree work and embellishments are a perennial craze," revealed a representative of Fab India. Sarees from the south are set to up the glam quotient further. "The traditional white saree with gold border is a hit. Besides that, another addition is the Chettinad saree in earthy shades with broad stripes and checks in contrasting tints which will suit the tastes of those who don't want to dress too loud,"said a sales representative at the Kerala State Emporium in the Dakshinapan Complex. The show stealers, however, are the ornate golden thread-embroidered white suit pieces set to be sewn into salwars or churidars. Threadwork is big this puja with Sienna boutique coming up with sarees and suit pieces in 'khesheh' work. "The fabric is pure cotton in pastel shades and on that there are wefts of various colours," explained the boutique spokesperson. Even skirts get a festive makeover with Fab India coming out with kalidar and ghera styles. Fashion is meant for everyone and men are spoilt for choice. "Embellished silk kurtas will be the highlight," said a Fab India sales executive. Sienna is also offering men's kurtas in 'khesheh' work. "Since the fabric is pure cotton, men will find it both comfortable and classy," said the Sienna spokesperson. For those indulging in rituals, dhotis and uttariyas are in. "Our dhotis and stylish uttariyas are quite popular during the pujas," a sales-person from Kerala State Emporium elaborated. Reincarnations of the humble pant/trouser such as the unisex Jodhpur pants and dhoti pants are making big waves this puja. With clothes taken care of, women can invest in chunky jewellery pieces.
"Copper jewellery goes well with different textiles and colours," said the Sienna spokesperson pointing out necklaces, earrings and rings. Intricate silver trinkets can balance any glamorous outfit. "Jhoomar style earrings are very much in demand both in silver and metal" said a spokesperson of Asian Arts in New Market. Bracelets of camel bone and those made out of seeds are light on the pocket as well as trendy.
Not to be forgotten are the essential carryit-all bags and purses. "You can be handsfree while pandal hopping with sling bags and David Jones bags," says Tarique Alam of Leather Planet at Metro Plaza. As shoppers get set to grab and run, and as people make up their minds about what to gift friends and family, fashionistas carefully curate their wardrobes. And the dressing games, ahead of puja, have begun.
Parineetiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s graceful walk gets thumbs-up at WIFW NEW DELHI, Oct 8 (IANS) Clad in a beautiful navy blue-orange lehanga, teamed with a deep-cut choli and a heavy dupatta, chirpy and spontaneous actress Parineeti Chopra left the audience applauding and cheering when she walked the ramp for veteran designer Manish Malhotra at the ongoing Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW). Known for her bubbly image on the silver screen, Parineeti walked the ramp with a lot of elegance and poise. Her entry made people cheer her. She could not help smiling and waving at her fans, even as she looked stunning without any accessories and minimal make-up. The 24-year-old, who made her acting debut with "Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl", left it on the audience on how she looked. "About the outfit, I think it's for you people to judge. I think I looked okay," Parineeti told reporters. Malhotra showcased his latest Mijwan collection in the capital Sunday night. It comprised the traditional yet popular embroidery work, Chikankari, by girls from Mijwan, who are supported by veteran actress and social activist Shabana Azmi's Mijwan Welfare Society (MWS). Mijwan is a small village near Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh. Shabana started the show by sharing some lines by her father, late Urdu poet Kaifi Azmi, who founded the MWS to empower the girl child.
The collection saw the return of earthy, subdued tones like ivory, brunt orange, dull shades of red and pink. There was a mix of garments both for men and women. Coats, kurtas, sherwanis, lehangas teamed with long jackets and cholis, farsi pants and anarkalis. The outfits were liked by all and it was a jam-packed show. The 62-year-old actress dressed elegantly for the occasion in a black shirt and white chikankari dupatta, and was all praises for Malhotra's collection. "Manish with his collection is bringing into fashion world the craft, which is our USP and which is what we can offer to the world. They can copy everything but cannot compete with our craft," Shabana said. Malhotra, who has designed for over 1,000 films and is a recipient of 38 awards, said about his collection: "This show was basically about showing the craft of Mijwan. My purpose was to bring it up here at an event like WIFW. It's Shabanaji's NGO and Parineeti was very kind and said she wanted to be associated with it and that is how we are all here." "Fashion week is all about style and trends but is is important sometimes to see the Indian craft which is happening in our villages and is so beautiful," he added. Cousin of Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra, Parineeti said: "I don't want it to be just about ramp walk, but I seriously and genuinely feel for what Mijwan and what Manish and Shabanaji are doing. For such an initiative, I just could not say no. I had to be a part of it." The designer, who has styled some of the most popular faces in Bollywood including Kajol, Kareena Kapoor, Rani Mukherji, Aishwarya Rai, Sonam Kapoor, Preity Zinta and Karisma Kapoor, is known for his collection that boasts of a fusion of traditional and contemporary designs.
Vitamin pill a day helps boost memory LONDON, Oct 7 (IANS) A daily multivitamin tablet may boost the memory and slow mental decline, the Daily Mail reported Sunday. According to new studies, taking supplements has a beneficial effect on memory and may work by increasing the efficiency of brain cells. One study showed that after just four weeks there were measurable changes in electrical activity in the brain when carrying out memory tests. The body needs 13 vitamins to function properly and maintain health. Vitamins A, C, D, E and K and the eight B vitamins each have specific job in the body. Vitamin C keeps cells healthy, D regulates calcium and E maintains cell structure, while the B vitamins, including folic acid, have a wide range of functions. David Kennedy, of the Brain, Performance and Nutrition Research Centre at Northumbria University, said: "The evidence is still limited but the studies hint at some possible beneficial effects. "Optimal brain function depends on an adequate level of all of the vitamins." 34 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2012
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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2012 - 35
tical tips to improve spiritual vibrations at home PracticalPractips to improve spiritual vibrations at home
In this article we present some practical points as advised by spiritual science and the science of premises ( stu shastra) for increasing pleasant frequencies in the home. IN this article we present some practical points as advised
Se poinscience ts to red e nscience egativeofvibpremises rations (Vastu in the hImbibe ome arpositivity e listed binelthe ow.home by veral spiritual anducthe
shastra) for increasing pleasant frequencies in the home. We can also implement the following points to imbibe more Several points to reduce negative vibrations in the home positivity in the home. is best to avoid experimenting with rituals or games mea ntistoa at tract Cleanliness ghosts, foris exam ple using are listedItbelow. * Cleanliness: There saying: next to * It is best to avoid experimenting with rituals or games Godliness”. Cleanliness and tidiness are Divine qualities Ouija board. meant to attract ghosts, for example using Ouija board. and we should keep our homes clean because dirt invites It is spbeneficial iritually not bentoefismoke cial norotdrink to smo ke orRaja-Tama drink alcoh ol in the home. The smoke is -Tama * It is spiritually alcohol vibrations. in the home. smoke predominant &owindows: five Cosmic predThe omin ant isaRaja-Tama nd spread s black and energy * tDoors hrough ut the The home. AlcohoPrinciples l is alsocontain -Tama spreads black energy throughout the home. Alcohol is also Divine consciousness (Chaitanya) and they are active in it face the east-west direction. Divine frequencies are prepredominant dominant and andattracts attracnegative ts negati ve enthat ergy ththeir at sptangible irituallyform pollthrough utes thethespearth, ace itwater, is stofire, red air, in. and Raja-Tama energy released from the Sun as it passes through the sky each day, spiritually all around doors It pollutes is bestthe tospace avoidit isleastored ving in. the television on space for pwe rolosee nged periodus. s oKeeping f time as thisandspwindows reads nega tive and these Divine frequencies are best attracted to an altar if * It is best to avoid leaving the television on for proopen allows the five cosmic principles to do spiritual heal- it is oriented in the east-west direction. en ergy t h ro u gh o u t t h e h o me. longed periods of time as this spreads negative energy ing through these elements, so it is best to keep doors and Importance of spiritual practice throughout home. whenever possible. the preopen mises. Loud m usic attracts and spreads nega tive It isthehelp ful to avoid listening to loud music inwindows The following table gives the comparative importance of * It is helpful to avoid listening to loud musicminen the * Plants: The plants around the premises emit different various remedies in improving spiritual vibrations at T h ese vib ra t ion s c an s t ay in g t ime . en ergy t h ro u gh o u t t h e e n viron t . t h e h o m e f o r a l o n premises. Loud music attracts and spreads negative energy spiritual vibrations. Some plants tend to emit more sattvik home. use ovibrations f curse wothan rds others, or foulsolanplanting This type of the table above (top right) we can draw the followSSRF commendThese s refrai ning frocan m stay the in guage inthese the sattvik home.plants throughout the re environment. vibrations From the homelan forgu a age long time. makes the premises more spiritually pure. Some examples ing e attracts and spreads negativity. Bof otsattvik h theplants thouare ghtthe s aHoly nd inbasil tentplant ion (tulsi), of thechrysantheperson and thconclusions: * SSRF recommends refraining from the use of curse * Efforts to improve the spiritual vibrations of premises w o rd s t h em selves s p iri t u ally p o ll u t e t h e en viro n m en t . words or foul language in the home. This type of lanmum, hibiscus, and the banana tree. Whenever possible, it implemented through actions like keeping the doors and guage attracts and spreads negativity. Both the thoughts helps to plant such sattvik plants around premises or keep windows open have their limitations. However it is imporand intention of the person and the words themselves spir- them indoors in the living room for example. tant to implement these actions too. itually pollute the environment. * Altar: If one keeps an altar at the home, it is best to let * Residents of premises need to have a pleasing personality. Wherever this is not the case, they can strive to improve themselves. Spiritual practice is helpful in this respect. * Our spiritual practice should be regular and consistent as it affects the spiritual vibrations of our home. There are immensely pleasant frequencies in places inhabited by Saints. This is due to the intensity of Their spiritual practice. By implementing points advised by the science of Vastu shastra and Spirituality, we can ensure that our homes attract some positive spiritual vibrations. The practical points presented in this article will be helpful not just for the home but in any premises such as offices, shops, etc. Spiritual practice on the other hand moulds our personality and significantly improves the spiritual vibrations of our home. You can e-mail us your comments and queries at shobhana.shet@spiritualresearchfoundation.org
Astrology
Imbibe positivity in the home Aries 20 bib from 23rd Your reonwards. positivit y inoptimistic me. towards life may be We can als“The o imRam” plem“The ent tGo-Getter” he followMarch ing po21in-tApril s to im e mo the hoapproach
1,9,11,18,27 and 28. The retrograde activity of the planets may make you reck- deeply tested during this time, and you should continue to remain less at work, and hence you may make mistakes, feels positive. Due to family issues, your health too may come under the Capricorn “The Goat” “The Mayor” Dec 23 - January 30 Ganesha. Legal issues might get complicated; remain patient scanner. Be careful, says Ganesha. Mercury enters Scorpio and your This Cl e a n l i n e ss : d Ś Ğ ƌ Ğ ŝ Ɛ Ă Ɛ Ă LJ ŝ Ŷ Ő ͗ ͞ ů Ğ Ă Ŷ ů ŝ Ŷ Ğ Ɛ Ɛ ŝ Ɛ Ŷ Ğ dž ƚ ƚ Ž ' Ž Ě ů ŝ Ŷ Ğ Ɛ Ɛ ͟ ͘ ů Ğ Ă Ŷ ů ŝ Ŷ Ğ Ɛ Ɛ Ă Ŷ Ě ƚ ŝ Ě ŝ Ŷ Ğ Ɛ Ɛ Ă ƌ Ğ ŝ ǀ ŝ Ŷ Ğ month, your health may not exactly be excellent, yet the and very prudent. This phase is especially favourable for students, 5th House on the 5th. A financial drain is foreseen between the 4th worst has come to pass, encourages Ganesha. Maintain harmoespeciallyqifuyou want to pursue andb7th. However, House alitare iespursuing and weorsh ould keep higher our heducation. omes clean ecau se dirtasinVenus vitesmoves into -Tathe mamoney vibrat ions.bringing ny between your love and career domains, until the 5th of this Health issues should show considerable improvement, but you another positive financial transit, there won't be much trouble. month. This is because Saturn, the ruler of your horoscope, will Doo r s & w i areout of Libra and enter Scorpio, your 11th House, ushering in n d o w s: T h e f ive Cosmic Pr in c ip les c o n t ai n D ivin e c o n sc iou s n e ss ( Ch a it a n should give your body adequate rest through sleep and recreation Important dates in this month are 1,9,10,11,18 and 28. ya) and they move activities. act Important dates in this month are 1,9,14,15,21 and 24. Virgo “The Virgin” “The Accountant” August 23 Sept 22 major ive in their tangible form through the earth,Due wat er, fire, air, and space we see all around us.change in focus. Ganesha says that you would be more Taurus “The Bull” “The Builder” April 21 - May 22 The to Jupiter, which is still close to the lunar eclipse point, involved in social issues, and your career success will make you backward movement of Jupiter on September 4th will have your family issues may get more complicated. Generally more popular in the social circuit. The important dates are 14, 15, P age 1 of3 a powerful influence on your life. Tell your spouse to be speaking, there may not be much to worry about, but there 23. very careful in financial matters, so that further problems are would be unrest on this front, feels Ganesha. Financially, you are Aquarius “The Water Bearer” “The Innovator” Jan 21 not created in future. If you have been planning for getting a sound, but there may be some unaccounted for expenditures from Feb 19 You may end up focusing only on work, this month, surgery done, it will be best avoided in this period. Come 23rd, 5th and 14th and 18th of the month, so make provision for it thereby neglecting the other aspects of your life. This hectic your social life will gain pace, despite your chances of a troubled beforehand. However, when Venus moves into your own Sign on period is the direct consequence of Saturn moving into your 10th love relationship. Staying away from your parter may actually bring the 3rd, it signals another period of prosperity. You will live extrav- House of career on the 5th of this month. Ganesha says that you you some comfort, albeit short-term. Singles would have a gala agantly, and will spend considerable on personal grooming. will not only get success, but may also earn the trust of your bosstime and partying and socialising is on the cards, but would result Important dates in this month are 2,3,12,13,21 and 30. es. You may, however, have to labour too much to get all this. You in nothing concrete. Important dates in this month are 1,2,3,4,5 and Libra “The Scales”“The Councellor”Sept 23 - October 22 A may find this period extremely stressful and tough, as your boss 6. good period is in the offering, and you look set to get immense will be demanding. Important dates in this month are 4,5,14,15,22 Gemini “The Twins” “The Magician” May 23 - June satisfaction and contentment in whatever you do, promises and 23. 21 Pleasure will peak in this month till 23rd October. Due Ganesha. One of the biggest developments happening now is the Pisces “The Fish” “The Social Worker” Feb 20 - March to Jupiter moving in your Sign on 11th, good times and transition Saturn makes into Scorpio, after staying for more than 20 here shall be sizeable progress in your career this month, better health too shall not be far off. You will indulge in two years in Libra. With Saturn moving out of your own Sign, you but on one condition - you would have to toil for it. But then physical activities, which would suffice for exercise. But will indulge in material and worldly pleasures. Important dates in that may not be an issue, for work will be your priority. Go slow once Saturn settles in your 6th House of health, health complaints this month are 4,5,6,14,22 and 23. and steady, and strive for perfection in whatever you do, says like pain in the knees and spinal cord may arise. To improve matScorpio “The Hydra” “The Psycho Analyst” Oct 23 - Nov Ganesha. Love life will bring contentment and you will want to ters, go for a detox regime. And, take a second opinion if surgery is 21 Pay attention to your finances, as your financial planet, spend more time with your spouse or current love. Important dates recommended. Thing will improve by 23rd though, feels Ganesha. Jupiter, goes retrograde on the 4th of this month, and stays so till in this month are 7,8,16,17,25 and 26. Important dates in this month are 2,7,11,16,23 and 27. the end of this year, slowing down your earnings. Do not speculate Cancer “The Crab” “The Caterer” June 22 - July 22 You on money matters during this period. This period only gives you may face health issues in the initial part of the month, says enough time to review and rectify your weaknesses, so that you Ganesha. They will, however, get resolved later in the month, come out stronger, when your peak periods call for action. Love when Saturn moves out of Libra and goes into Scorpio. Ganesha will be more delicate, as Venus will be in Virgo from the 3rd to the advises you to watch your health, and keep working to maintain it 28th. Both you and your partner would have to endure each other's in the top shape. Mars moving into this House from 7th would erratic tantrums. Important dates in this month are 7,8,16,17,24 and emphasise on this aspect. Pamper yourself with a body massage 25. which would benefit you. On the 29th, Mercury moves into your Sagittarius “The Archer” “The Teacher” Nov 22 - Dec 22 6th House and health shall again assume enhanced focus. Once Sun Money may remain your major concern this month, as your enters Scorpio on 23rd, your health shall improve dramatically. financial planet, Saturn, will move out of Libra after two and Important dates in this month are 1,7,16,18,25 and 26. half years and enter Scorpio. This does not bode too well for you. Leo “The Lion” “The Boss” July 23 - August 22 Family Although this would not make you poor, it will deny you the pleaissues would continue to be stressful and would require extra sure of over indulgence. But later, when the Sun travels with your Disclaimer: This is only a guide and is not directed towards any particular efforts on your part. However, as the month progresses, things financial planet from the 24th to the 27th, it may bring windfalls, individual and the writer shall not be responsible for anything to do with the articles content. shall brighten up. You will realise the importance of your family business or job opportunities. Important dates in this month are
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Real Estate News Unit and townhouse prices on the increase THE Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) June quarter median unit and townhouse price report has found healthy price increases across many parts of the State. The solid median price growth was despite decreased numbers of unit and townhouse sales – similar to the house market over the June quarter. Over the June quarter, there was increasing numbers of first home buyers and investors in the market, compared to owner-occupier activity which was reduced, so this is partly behind this good price growth. “As was the case with the house market, there was reduced unit and townhouse sales activity over the June quarter as many buyers waited for the return of the stamp duty concession on 1 July,” REIQ CEO Anton Kardash said. “However, as first home buyers and investors were unaffected by the stamp duty change, these buyers were more prominent over the June quarter. “Given the affordability of units and townhouses, as well as their often more central locations, first-time buyers and investors often compete for this type of property which may be partly responsible for the increases in median prices we experienced over the period.” The preliminary number of unit and townhouse sales across Queensland decreased 15 per cent in the June quarter compared to the March quarter. Brisbane recorded a median unit and townhouse price increase of 3.8 per cent to $402,500 over the June quarter. Over the period there was also an increase in the number of high-end unit sales in Brisbane city and city-fringe suburbs which augurs well for confidence levels amongst buyers. The Brisbane suburb of Morningside posted median unit price growth of 10.8 per cent to $460,000 over the quarter and was up 4.1 per cent
over the year. According to suburb profiles on reiq.com, residents of Morningside – which is located about 8km east of the Brisbane CBD - enjoy its close proximity to the city while taking advantage of the community atmosphere the suburb affords. The fact the area is close to the more prestigious suburbs of Bulimba and Hawthorne has attracted a large number of younger couples who have moved into Morningside to capitalise on its relative affordability. The top performer for median price growth of all Queensland major regions over the June quarter was Gladstone, which posted an increase of 6.1 per cent to $380,000. Gladstone has experienced increased unit and townhouse development over recent years due to demand for property from workers in the region’s mining sector. Also, with the median house price in Gladstone now sitting at $475,000, units and townhouses are a more affordable option for many buyers. The Whitsunday region also performed well over the quarter. It recorded median unit and townhouse price growth of 5.3 per cent to $300,000. REIQ
RBA eases the financial stress on home-owners REAL Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) President, Ms Pamela Bennett says the decision by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to cut official interest rates by 0.25 percentage points to 3.25% is a great relief for home owners and potential buyers. “Home-owners always like to see interest rates go down. This cut means the average loan repayment is reduced from $2,155 to $2,105 or by $50 per month. The average loan repayment is now $486 per week which is $153 per month less than this time last year. Housing affordability will improve by 2.5% with the proportion of the median family income to meet average loan repayments decreasing from 31.9% to
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First home owners to miss out THOUSANDS of Queensland first-time property buyers may delay purchasing their first home following the scrapping of the long-standing First Home Owners Grant, according to the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ). REIQ CEO Anton Kardash said the decision by the State Government to remove the $7,000 grant in favour of a $15,000 grant for new homes will impact the majority of prospective first home buyers. “REIQ analysis of Office of State Revenue (OSR) figures show only 24 per cent of first home buyers opted to buy a new home when the First Home Owners Boost, which featured up to $21,000 for new-builds, was in play during the GFC,” he said. “The main reason for this is that new homes are usually too expensive for firsttime buyers and are often located in outlying suburbs where young people do not necessarily want to live. New units and townhouses can also be more expensive than established and often have higher body corporate fees than older apartments.” Mr Kardash said the removal of the grant Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102
31.1%.” Ms Bennett says “We’ve seen no rate cut since the June quarter and the market has remained relatively flat, so this cut is very welcome. CPI figures show inflation is well within the RBA’s target zone with the analytical trimmed mean increasing by just 2 per cent for the year to June 2012.” “Housing affordability has been slowly improving over the last 4 quarters and potential home-buyers need more incentive. Difficulties faced by those wanting to enter the market haven’t been resolved and issues such as inefficient state taxes, excessive red tape and land-release delays urgently need to be addressed,”. REIA
failed to take into consideration the complexity of the real estate market. “The property market is complex and historical facts also show that first home buyers don’t necessarily buy new homes,” he said. While we understand the State Government is stuck between a rock and a hard place and needs to find savings while also stimulating the economy, we don’t believe this is the way to achieve these objectives.” Over the June quarter, according to the OSR, more than 5,400 First Home Owner Grants were paid in Queensland compared to 4,000 over the same period in 2011. “The first home buyer segment of the market has been one of the few positives over recent times, so we are likely to see their level of activity decrease significantly once the grant is removed next month,” Mr Kardash said. “While the REIQ recognises the savings that first home buyers can obtain through stamp duty concessions, this won’t be enough to safeguard the current proportion of first-timers in the market.” REIQ www.indiantimes.com.au
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Real Estate News More diligence required Housing builds a when inspecting community in Brisbane By Jennifer Duke
THE Minister for Housing and Homelessness Brendan O’Connor and the Member for Griffith Kevin Rudd officially opened Brisbane Common Ground, an innovative development providing supportive housing to those in need Brisbane Common Ground projects aim to break the cycle of homelessness by providing homeless people with safe, sustainable housing as well as the support services they need to get back on their feet. The projects are designed to create a community, with half the homes going to homeless people or those at risk of homelessness and the other half going to low and moderate income earners who would otherwise be priced out of the area in which they work or study. Brisbane Common Ground, in South Brisbane, provides 146 homes, along with communal areas and a range of support services. Mr O’Connor said Common Ground is modelled on an internationally proven concept for tackling homelessness. “All Australians deserve a safe, secure place to call home,” Mr O’Connor said. “Common Ground offers more than a roof over people’s heads, it provides a community for people to belong to and be involved in. “Tenants will have access to a range of support services including health, counselling, vocational training, living skills such as cooking classes and financial management, along with training and employment opportunities. “It offers on-site support services for those who need them, helping people to overcome a range of underlying issues which
WHILE the average property buyer undergoes extensive overall research, just an hour is spent looking at the property they buy, a national survey has revealed. The St. George Bank commissioned survey revealed that, despite viewing 12 properties, spending seven months searching and undergoing 90 hours of research, the average buyer spends just over an hour actually inspecting the property they finally purchase. After spending 3.2 hours per week, for 28 weeks, including searching websites, planning, inspecting and visiting real estate agents, general manager of St. George Retail Banking, Andy Fell, said that the survey found that just 62.5 minutes was spent inspecting the final dwelling settled on. “Most people will look at a new car for longer than they inspect the home they buy,” said Mr Fell. Fifty-five per cent of those surveyed also reported finding ‘hidden problems’ with their properties once they’d purchased,
can cause homelessness, such as mental illness, substance abuse, family breakdown and unemployment. “There are also a number of common areas, including a rooftop garden, training rooms, communal kitchen and tenant lounge.” Mr Rudd said the Federal Labor Government has made homelessness a national priority and has committed to halving homelessness by 2020. “Federal Labor has invested more than $46 million to build Brisbane Common Ground as part of the $5.6 billion Social Housing Initiative,” Mr Rudd said. “On top of this, through the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness we’re providing over $3.5 million over three years for the ongoing services which make Common Ground the success story it is. “Brisbane Common Ground will not only provide stable accommodation to those who need it, it will provide vulnerable Australians with the necessary support they need to end the cycle of homelessness. “It will provide the foundation on which people can build their lives. “Without a stable home, people struggle to live healthily, stay in training or education, find and keep jobs, and be part of the community. “This development will provide housing and opportunity for people who may otherwise be at risk of chronic homelessness and rough sleeping.” Brisbane Common Ground is one of 11 Common Ground developments across Australia, seven of which are receiving funding from the Australian Government.
despite the same proportion believing they had ‘completed all necessary pre-purchase checks’. This is a result, said Mr Fell, of not doing their due diligence and spending enough time inspecting the dwelling. Plumbing problems were by far the most reported “missed” problem discovered, with 28 per cent of buyers pointing to this problem. Poor television reception and poor mobile coverage also weighed in as missed factors at 23 per cent and 20 per cent respectively. Noisy neighbours, at 19 per cent, was also a commonly found problem that had slipped through the net, while eight per cent pointed to insufficient parking and future developments in the area as having been missed in the due diligence process. The majority of the overall research is done online, with 71 per cent pointing to real estate agent’s websites and just 38 per cent of research undertaken through newspapers. This survey, of 1,500 property buyers nationwide, was conducted in mid-July 2012 by Lonergan Research. REIA
Should Australia double its population in another 45 years? THE Urban Development Institute of Australia says the rapid growth of Australia’s population whichis expected to double in 50 years should be part of the National Debate for the next Federal election because of the failure of governments to keep up with current infrastructure and services. The organisation’s comments support the warning by former Treasury Secretary Ken Henry that the current tax system will be unable to fund the infra-
structure needs of the extra 14 Million Australians forecast by 2050. Tony De Domenico, Executive Director of the UDIA - Vic which will host the UDIA 2013 National Congress in Melbourne next March says, “The theme ‘Population Vision for a Nation’ has been specifically chosen to focus on the need for all State and Federal Governments as well as the private sector to be active on planning and providing future infrastructure”.
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WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ON! AUM - Arya Pratinidhai Sabha of Qld Inc. Vedic Yajna (Havan) Venue: Finnish Hall, 62 Newnham Road, Mt Gravatt. October 21 3-5pm October 13 Musical evening 6-9pm Tickets $15 including dinner. (children under 12 free) November 10 Deepawali celebration 6-9pm Free entry Tune to Radio Brisvaani on Sundays 7-7.30am for Vedic Sandesh Program. Read about Vedas in this paper. Contact: Jitendra Deo 3263 1914 or Hari Chand 3345 4716 or log on www.aryasamajqueensland.com for further information. BRISBANE BELIEVERS FELLOWSHIP â&#x20AC;&#x153;Expect Great things from the Lord and Attempt Great things for the Lordâ&#x20AC;?. Address: Zillmere Community Hall, 54 Handsford Rd, Zillmere. Worship time: Every Sunday at 9.30 AM. Activities: Holy Communion (First Sunday of the Month), Sunday school, Fasting Prayer, Youth Meeting, Bible Study and Ladies Meeting. Contact:Pastor John Thomas & Mary Thomas Sanju P. (Secretary) Phone: 0402 551 220 / 0402 907 776 or 0422 815 782 Email: maryhoney59@hotmail.com Brisbane Christian Assembly, Herston, QLD. Expect a miracle from God, Come and pray for any need in your life, with us in Herston (near RCH Hospital) every Saturday from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. We are praying and God has been doing miracles in many peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. Contact Pastor Prakash Jacob 07 3162 5207 or 0413 347 562. Brisbane Christian AssemblyAddress: 5/15 Aberleigh Road, Herston QLD 4006 Pastor: Prakash Jacob Events: Prayer, Fellowship, Worship, Adult Bible Study, Kids Bible Study, Love in Action, and much more.. Saturday Schedules: 6:00pm-7:00pm: Kids Bible Study, 7:00pm-09:00pm: Intercessory Prayer Sunday Schedules: 10:00am-01:00pm: Worship in Truth & Spirit, Bible Study, Prayer, etc. Email: prakashjacob@yahoo.com Ph: 07-31625207, 0413347562 Brisbane Malayalee Association Brisbane Malayalee Association (BMA) represents the Malayalee community in and around the city of Brisbane to preserve and maintain the Kerala culture and heritage. BMAâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;is a non-profit, non-political, nonreligious cultural organisation that has a constitution and by-laws. BMAâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;provides a forum for the Malayalees residing in Brisbane and neighbouring areas to meet and exchange views and to foster their friendship, goodwill, moral, social, educational, literary, artistic and cultural heritage. For more information contact Secretary Rajni Nair on 0431 299 376 or President Gigie George on 0432 510 045 - brisbane.malayaleeassociation@gmail.com www.brisbanemalayalee.org Brisbane Multinational Church NEW ADDRESS - 757 Gympie Road Lawnton. Church service time if from 9.30am to 11.30am. Special times of prayer for the sick Next healing meeting is on 27 May. We will be praying for people with all kinds of sicknesses, needs, spiritual problems etc. This will be followed by free lunch, service time 9.30am -12 noon.For more information please contact Pastor Joseph Dass on 0424 180 240 or Assistant Pastor Shrish Chand on 0450 612 304. Brisbane Sikh Temple (Gurdwara) 2679 Logan Rd, Eight Mile Plains. www.brisbanesikhtemple.org.au Brisbane Sikh Temple is open 7days a week, free food (langar is served daily) Sunday Service is from 9am to 1pm. Weekdays evening service is from 6pm to 7pm including meditation. Mr Baljit Singh Secretary of Brisbane Sikh Temple (for all bookings enquiries) Ph: 0412 057 554, Email: secretary@brisbanesikhtemple.org.au Gianni Kuldeep Singh Priest of Brisbane Sikh Temple (for all religious functions) Ph: 0422 705 936 Email: priest@brisbanesikhtemple.org.au Eben-Ezer Pentecostal Church, Brisbane â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sunday School, Prayer & Fasting, Youth meeting & worship (Malayalam) Contact: Pastor Mathew Tharian 07 3165 7617, 0431 413 482 or Eng. Victor George 07 3359 8946, 0413 069 477. Fiji Senior Citizensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Satsang Association of Qld Inc 1 Kensington Place, Wishart 4122. Monthly meetings will be held on th last Sunday of the month at 2pm. All members are invited to attend. For further information contact President Surendra Prasad OAM 3849 5435, Secretary Raymond Saran 3290 0653 or Treasurer Surya Narayan 3208 5823 Forest Lake AOG Church Hindi Service - Second Sunday of every month commencing @ 4.30pm. Cnr of Alpine Place & Forest Lake Boulevard Road. Contact Sudesh on 0401 519 541. Hindi Speaking Christian Fellowship Meets at 2.30 p.m. last Sunday of each month at Merthyr Uniting Church, 52 Merthyr Rd, New Farm All welcome. Contact Irene 3715 8659. Hindu Mandir Association of Queensland - Shree Laxmi Narayan Mandir NEW ADDRESS - 46 Daymar Street, Burbank Qld Every Sunday 4pm to 6pm - Bhajan/Kirtan, Pravachan by Pt Tripathi Ji, Arati and Dinner is provided. Every 1st Sunday of month from 2-4pm Program by Brisbane Bhajan Group. All welcome. Website: www.laxminarayan.com.au For further information contact: Resident Priest 07 3216 8848, Rakesh Sharma 0411 289 202 Hindu Society of Queensland Inc. Gayatri Mandir (178 Lyndhurst Rd, Boondall). Gayatri Mandir opens every Sunday from 8am to 11am. Mandir opens with Punditji. Weekly Programs & Mandir Openings: â&#x20AC;˘ Every Tuesday from 7pm Ramayan & Bhajan recitals â&#x20AC;˘ Every 2nd & 4th Friday from 7.00pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ramayan & Bhajan Recitals. â&#x20AC;˘ Open Every Sunday from 9.00am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12.00pm For further information contact President Prakash Shandil 0408 879 414
42 - BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2012
Brisbane Indian Times proudly serving the Multicultural Community since 2003 - proudly sponsor Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On section!
OCT 12 / NOV 12
http://www.4eb.org.au/ {click on under Global on Listen to the Global Digital live stream via windows media player..} Swaralahari can be heard on 4EBFM98.1 every Thursday from 1.30PM to 2.15PM.
Community Events...
Hindustani Language School conducts lessons in Hindustani language and Indian Culture every Saturday from 2pm to 4pm, at both its major centres at Calamvale Community Intermediate College, 11 Hamish Street, Calamvale and Boondall State School, Roscommon Rd, Boondall. Hindi is our mother tongue. Students of all ages wishing to learn: * Hindi Language *Indian Culture * Dance & Drama * Music * Leadership and Personal Development Contact: Secretary Jay Haripersad on 3243 7062 Vice President Mul Chand on Mobile 0418 461 960 - or President Sarat Maharaj on 3263 2093 or Mobile 0407 111 709 Indian Church Service News Every Sunday 9.30am - 11.00am. Southern Springs Community Church 59 Marshall Road, Rocklea. Meet with Indian Christians for prayer, praise & worship. Fellowship & refreshments after the service. contact Ps. Sivanus Naidu (Senior Pastor) 3274 2542 or 0417 197 747 Indian Senior Citizen Association Committee meetings are held 3rd Sunday of every alternate month from 2pm to 4pm. For further information contact: President: Mr Bir Sahai 3344 4715, Secretary: Mr Tirat Achal 0407 620 663, Treasurer: Mr Hari Prasad 3209 5174 International Multicultural Christian Fellowship Elevate Church (AOG Church) Vision - Each One Reach One Worship & Word every Sunday at 9.30am to 11.30am followed by free sausage sizzle - everyone welcome. Home prayer meeting every Wednesday at 7.00pm to 8pm. Fasting and prayer Thursday from 7.00pm to 8.00pm for special needs. Youth group - every Friday 6.30pm to 8.30pm at 3, Montserrat Pl, Forest Lake Kids church - special kids church every Sunday Music and food - once a month at the Forest lake stage 5pm onwards.Womens group - every thursday 11.00am pls contact Ps. Mavis on 0418745179 Revelation 3:20 (NIV)Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. Church Address - Elevate Church, Grand Avenue Primary School, Forest Lake 4078, Corner of Grand Avenue and Centennial Way, Contact Pastor Raj Singh with any questions about church on: Mobile 0407177117 or Email rajmavisforjesus@yahoo.com.au www.elevatechurch.org.au Islamic Society of Queensland hosts Zikre Mustapha programme Program starts from Maghrib to Isha Prayers. 2nd Saturday of the month at Rochedale Mosque - 2664 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains. Dinner provided to all after Isha Namaz. For enquiries contact Imam Ali on 0407 156 527, Asif Ali Khan on 0411 516 007 or Shamim Khan on 0403 541 012. Kannada Sangha Qld Inc Promoting Kannada culture, Kannada activities and community based events and functions For more information contact: President Dr Balaji Hiremagalur 0421 583 273 Secretary Navin Kumar 0413 164 401, email: kannadasanghaqld@gmail.com - www.chandana-brisbane.org. 52 Parkway Crescent Murrumba Downs Qld 4503. Lourde Matha Malayalee Community Every month Malayalam Mass (Qrbana) in Brisbane. An opportunity to meet with other malyalees for Mass, prayer and spiritual renewal. For more information about up coming events. Contact Fr. Thomas Areekuzhy 4697 3177 youth coordinator. Siju Mathew 0432 192 558. Malayalee Association of Qld â&#x20AC;&#x201C; For a detailed list of upcoming events, contact the President C K Oonnikrishnan Nair on 0416 927 100 or email ckuknair_maq@hotmail.com, Dr Cyril Fernandez - Vice President on 0404 433 044 or email cgfernz@hotmail.com. E: maq@brisbanemalayalee.org or visit www.brisbanemalayalee.org. Public Zikre Mustapha programme Program starts from Maghrib to Isha Prayers. Last Saturday of the month at Logan Mosque - 260 3rd Avenue, Kingston. Dinner provided free to all after Isha Namaz. For enquiries contact the chairman Mr Nawab Khan on 3209 4627 Queensland Telugu Association President â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dr Prakash Nallamilli; Treasurer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Mr Manoj Vemula; Secretary â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Mr Sai Gollapudi; Executive Committee Members â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Mr Srikanth Chalasani, Mr Sudershan Kanthakadi. For a list of upcoming events and membership information, please contact: Secretary, Mr Sai Gollapudi on 0409 907 934 or email saigollapudi@yahoo.com Sant Mat Regular Meeting (Sant Baljit Singh) Kelvin Grove. Sundays 3.30pm. Contact Dr Sandeep Gupta on 07 3123 9440 or sandeep@santmat.net.au Sri Selva Vinayakar Koyil (Ganesha Temple) and Hindu Education Centre 4915 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4923 Mt Lindsay Hâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;way South Maclean. Temple Opening Hours: 7:30am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11:00am and 5:00pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8:30pm. Pooja times â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Weekdays 9:00am and 7:30pm. Weekends 9:00am and 6:00pm. Contact President Vimal â&#x20AC;&#x153;Vicâ&#x20AC;? Ratnam 0411 594 394, Temple Priest 07 5547 7302 St. Thomas Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church Brisbane Malayalam Holy Qurbono, Sunday School and other spiritual activities. Holy Qurbono celebrated by Rev. Fr. Jigi Varghese at 2pm on the third Saturday of every month at St Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s & Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coptic Orthodox Church, 2 Hamish Street Calamvale Qld 4116. For more information about upcoming events and activities please contact: Dr. Joy Pynadath 0431 631 397, Joy Mathew 0403 114 470, Roby John 0401 900 494 TOUCH Group of families Program includes Bollywood dance, Sri Lankan dance, Saomoa cultural dance, fashion show, musical program. Anyone who would like to join can contact touch.families@gmail.com or call Sripathy & family 0432 768 607, Vijekumar & family 3823 4628, Saravanan & family 3823 5037, Shanker & family 3711 3912, Sri Jayendrakumr 3272 5781 Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on is your Council guide to what is happening in Brisbane. www.brisbane.qld.gov.au>
The Lions Club of Kuraby â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Swim-A-Thon Friday 19 October â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The swim-a-thon is to raise the much needed funds to purchase a new bus for Kuraby State Special School. David Forde is undertaking a 10km non stop swim. For further information contact David on 0413 874 008 or email Ian Glew at ianglew@optusnet.com.au Sponsorships can be paid by contacting David or Ian, or via direct bank debit to the Lions Club of Kuraby. Westpac Bank Account: BSB: 034 093 Account No.: 256 210. If paying by direct debit, please include your name and the word â&#x20AC;&#x153;swimâ&#x20AC;? COUEE COMMUNITY NEEDS YOUR HELP!! Wednesday 31 October - World Sideburn Day â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Help a mate with Prostate Cancer - www.octoburn.com Light Party - October 31 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Celebration of good things that are fun and safe. Held at Forest Lake Community Centre from 4.30-6.30pm. Free bouncy castle, candy floss, face painting, party food + more. Entry is by gold coin donation. Remember to dress up as something positive - no witches, ghosts or monsters please. For more information visit www.lightparty.org Brisbane Tamil School â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Holland Park State School, Bapume Road, Holland Park. For more information on the School please contact President B. Saravanan â&#x20AC;&#x201C; saranb@bigpond.com or visit www.brisbanetamilschool.org Burnie Brae, a Senior Citizenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Centre in Chermside, are pleased to advise the start of a special social programme for Indian Senior Citizens. We meet on the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month. It is an opportunity to socialise, participate in a variety of activities and enjoy some delicious vegetarian meals. Transport maybe provided to and from the Day Social Club if you live near the Centre. If you have any queries please contact Sandra or Naomi on 07 36242141 Chinmaya Mission Australia â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Family programs every Sunday morning at Holland Park State High School from 10am-11.45am. Balahivar classes for children and teenagers and gita classes for adults are conducted under the guidance of spiritual teacher, Bramachari Gopal Chaitanya. Please visit www.chinmaya.com.au or email brisbane.info@chinmaya.com.au Lotus Ashram - Free yoga lessons every Friday at Sunnybank Primary School, Glendower Street, from 7.00 pm to 8.30 pm. Donations are welcome. For details, email ambashram@gmail.com Women of Light is a multicultural group of women whose passion and desire is to reach out to women who are looking from friends, are hurting, need help in any area. Women of Light meet every Monday at Thursdays 11am for a time of fellowship, sharing and encouragement. Join the ladies for a free lunch every Monday. For more information contact Mavis on 0418 745 179 or 07 3879 9735. Now, South Indian Classical Music (ie Carnatic Music) lovers can enjoy their favourite music on Global Digital Channel of Radio 4EB every Sunday from 9.00AM to 10.00AM. Listeners who do not have DAB+ radio can listen the program live on the web at
Festivals & Fetes... Hindu Society of Qld, Navratam - Tuesday 16 Oct to Tuesday 23 October â&#x20AC;&#x201C; at Gayatri Mandir 178 Lyndhurst Street, Boondall. Pooja 6pm, Paravachan by Pandit Parveen Shandil from 7-8.30pm. Dinner provided daily. For more information contact Prakash Shandil 0408 876 414, Mr Mukesh Rattan (Assistant Treasurer) 0419 712 592 or Jitendra Lal 0409 737 753. Bengali Society of Qld - Durga Puja 2012 - October 20-21 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Experience Bengali tradition and culture, enjoy dance, music and food. Venue: Aspley State School, Cnr Horn Road and Maundrell Tce, Aspley. Every day from 10.30am. For more information contact Sujay Maitra 0417 609 972 or Indrani Ganguly 0432 382 250 - www.bsqonline.net.au Light Party - October 31 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Celebration of good things that are fun and safe. Held at Forest Lake Community Centre from 4.30-6.30pm. Free bouncy castle, candy floss, face painting, party food + more. Entry is by gold coin donation. Remember to dress up as something positive - no witches, ghosts or monsters please. For more information visit www.lightparty.org Please refer to pages 27-29 for Diwali events.
Public Lectures / Seminars How to stop thinking â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Spirituality and education expert, Dr Farvardin Daliri OAM is conducting a series of workshops in Brisbane, 'I think I should not think', to assist people in gaining full control of their mind and processing the thousands of messages that bombard us on a daily basis. Workshops areheld at The Lightworkers Cottage - 2/152 James Street New Farm Saturday 20 October - 8.30am-6pm & Saturday 24 November 8.30am-6pm. The workshops are generating a great deal of interest and limited places are still available. For ticket pricing / registration contact Lida 0414 804 322 or Farvardin 0414 356 875 or email f arvardin.daliri@bigpond.com ECCQâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;Multicultural Summit - 29 & 30 October Register now at www.eccq.com.au/summit www.twitter.com/ECCQ www.facebook.com/EccqMulticulturalSummit2012
Shows... Tweed Theatre Company's production of "Find the Lady" - Friday Night 19 & 26 October at 8pm DST - Saturday/Sunday - October 20, 21 & 27 & 28 at 2pm DST. A night out at the Theatre - an English Comedy/Thriller by Michael Pertwee and directed by Coral Kelly. Cabaret style seating at tables of 8 at Tweed heads Civic Centre - DST. - BYO Drinks & Snacks. Groups wanting to sit together MUST book on the same booking. Phone 1800 674 414 Adults $15 Concession/Children $12
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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2012 — 43
Bollywood & Entertainment 'Aiyyaa' not woman-centric: I was against Rani Mukerji doing love NEW DELHI, Oct 9 (IANS) Actress Rani Mukerji has a meaty role in "Aiyyaa" but feels it wouldn't be right to call it a "woman-centric" film. She says it is more of a simple love story. "I would call it a romantic film, and I wouldn't categorise this as a woman-centric story," Rani said in a press conference on Monday 8 October. The story of "Aiyyaa" revolves around a Marathi girl, Meenakshi Deshpande (Rani), whose parents are looking for a suitable groom for her. She falls in love with a Tamil boy, essayed by Prithviraj Sukumaran. Rani looked pretty in a cream-coloured anarkali suit at the event, where she was
accompanied by Prithviraj and director Sachin Kundalkar. The team came late, but Rani won everyone's heart with her fun interaction and million-dollar smile. The team also showed a four-minute version of the song "Aga bai" from
the movie. Post "Aiyyaa", Rani will be seen in director Reema Kagti's "Talaash". She is quite positive, and prefers not to look back at the past. "I am doing 'Talaash' and I am very happy talking about films that I do. There is no point talking about films that I rejected or I regret doing," she said.
Romantic roles always lured Nawazuddin NEW DELHI, Oct 8 (IANS) After showing off his wicked and shrewd side in films like "Kahaani" and "Gangs of Wasseypur", Nawazuddin Siddiqui will give the audiences a glimpse of his romantic side in the forthcoming film "Chittagong". Asked what motivated him to take the role, Nawaz said: "Mere paas toh koi option nahi tha, muzhe toh karni hi thi yeh film. Meri sabse pehle casting hui thi. (I had no option but to say yes for the film. I was the first one to have got cast in the film)." "I was looking forward to playing a romantic role and this film came my way, which
was a big thing for me and I instantly grabbed it," he added. Meanwhile, the actor is enjoying the unique turn that his film career has taken, thanks to the roles he played in "Kahaani" and "...Wasseypur". "I am really happy that I have entered the industry at a time when a lot of things are changing, new filmmakers are coming up, and co-incidently I have joined the movement too," Nawaz told IANS. "The little roles I did earlier have given me confidence to play the solo lead," he added.
44 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2012
stories: SRK
MUMBAI, Oct 8 (IANS) He is considered Bollywood's king of romance, but superstar Shah Rukh Khan says he was never keen on featuring in romantic sagas until filmmaker Yash Chopra convinced him. "I was so anti doing love stories because I thought I am not good with them. I remember Yashji tell me, till you love, nobody will love you back. So true," tweeted Shah Rukh who did grey roles in the beginning of his career. Shah Rukh, who started his tryst with showbiz as an army man in TV show "Fauji", made his Bollywood debut with a romantic movie titled "Deewana" in 1992. His first movie with Yash Chopra was the 1993 film "Darr", in which he played an obsessed lover. Thereafter, under the Yash Raj Films banner, Shah Rukh went on to do films like "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge" (1995), "Dil Toh Pagal Hai" (1997), "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" (1998), "Mohabbatein"
(2000), "Veer-Zaara" (2004), "Om Shanti Om" (2007), and "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi" (2008) -- all of which cemented his loverboy image on the big screen. Now, he has dabbled in romance yet again for "Jab Tak Hai Jaan", Chopra's last directorial venture. He has shared screen space with Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma in the movie, set to release on Diwali Nov 13.
Asha Bhosle's daughter commits suicide MUMBAI, Oct 8 (IANS) Varsha Bhosle, daughter of playback singer Asha Bhosle, committed suicide at their Peddar Road residence on Monday October 8. Varsha, 56, shot herself in the head, police said. The incident occurred around 12.30 p.m. Police have arrived on the spot and are investigating. No suicide note has been found from the spot yet. According to police, Varsha pumped two rounds into herself. The entire area has been cordoned off and
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people are being restricted from going near the place. A flat in the building is also occupied by Asha's elder sister and singing legend Lata Mangeshkar. Varsha, who worked as a freelance journalist, was divorced and had also tried to commit suicide in 2008 and 2010 by consuming a heavy dose of sleeping pills. She was, however, immediately taken to the hospital and saved. Varsha stayed with her mother, who is currently attending a function in Singapore.
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Isn't India's audience ready yet for mature romance? NEW DELHI, Oct 8 (IANS) Filmmakers are constantly trying to take on-screen romance to a new level but the audiences are not yet adventurous enough to appreciate them. For this they blame "the young movie-going crowd" and the mindset of the people. If the box-office collections of the Farah Khan-Boman Irani film "Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi" have raised the question whether Indian audiences are ready to watch mature romances, experts are hoping the best for Rani Mukerji-starrer "Aiyyaa", a one-ofits-kind love story. "One should blame the Indian mindset for all this that always relates love and romance to young people. When they see older couple getting in such relationships, they get uncomfortable," Pulkit Sharma, a clinical psychologist at VIMHANS, told IANS. "Even on occasions like Valentine's Day, brands and companies showcase young people celebrating and buying gifts for each other," he said. But aren't there couples marrying in their late 30s, 40s or even later in real life? Unfortunately, the percentage is low, said Sharma. He said it will take some more years for our society to accept this change. Film expert Vinod Mirani agrees. "According to what I have seen, mature romances do not work. Even Yash Chopra tried that in 1985 with 'Faasle', but it was a flop. The problem is with people's mindset. They can't identify with such stories and characters," Mirani told IANS. Chopra didn't give up and tried the concept with his 1991 film "Lamhe" starring Anil Kapoor and Sridevi and burnt his fingers again. Despite exceptional music, good performances and flawless direction, the film didn't appeal to the masses. There are a few exceptions, like Amitabh Bachchan-Tabu starrer "Cheeni Kam" that fared well. Comparing such movies with the ones made outside India, film critic Omar Qureshi told
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IANS: "What happens internationally is that script is the king. The story is written in such a way and is so strong that you put anyone in the role and they will fit the bill because they transform according to the character." "With someone of the stature of Amitabh Bachchan, who can play any role, the film has to be good. Also, he is already such an established superstar and has a huge fan following. "And that is what probably went wrong with 'Shirin Farhad...'. However beautiful the story is, Boman and Farah are not considered superstars in the commercial sense. That is why their presence did not manage to attract viewers to theatres," he said. A majority of moviegoers are young, who connect to young love. "Romantic heroes have to give up after some time. They can't do romance all their life. Even Rishi Kapoor had to give up. But I think young romance will keep entertaining viewers because the main audience is also young," said Mirani. But the not-so-encouraging response has not deterred filmmakers from experimenting with unique scripts. "Aiyyaa", produced by Anurag Kashyap and starring southern actor Prithviraj, is one such film that tries to showcase a mature love. It is about Maharashtrian girl Meenakshi Deshpande (Rani), who lives in a Bollywood-style fantasy world and tries to woo Malayali man Surya (Prithviraj). Failure is not a defeat for them -- it's just a delay. For instance, expert in candy-floss romance, Karan Johar says he too is open to the idea of elderly romance, despite the fact that his "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna", about the same, turned out to be a damp squib. He told IANS: "I believe that the success of such films depend upon the filmmaker, who wants to make it. If I'm motivated by the subject, I'll love to make it. If it comes to me and I like the screenplay, I have no problem making it. If the characters have a connect, any film can do well, be it any storyline."
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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2012 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 45
Sports News This will be the beginning Amandeep Drall beats Aditi of things to come: Sammy to win East India Ladies golf COLOMBO, Oct 8 (IANS) West Indies skipper Darren Sammy said the World Twenty20 victory over Sri Lanka on Sunday 7 October was very special and will be the beginning of things to come. "This hopefully will be the beginning of things to come. Hopefully this team will go on. For the last two years, we've shown the never say die attitude but we haven't had the results," said Sammy in the post-match presentation ceremony. "This moment we're going to live forever. The team has been through a lot in the last 10 years. The mission was to win the World T20, the belief we left the Caribbean with has pulled us through. Today we were down and out but our never say die attitude came out." This was the West Indies' first world title since they won the World Cup in 1979. Sammy thanked his supporters before taking a lap of honour around the ground. "Thank you to everyone who supported us. The tournament is for the fans. The love we felt from the Sri Lankan people is tremendous and we want to thank them for that," said the 28-year-old. Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene, who top-scored for the hosts with 33, gave credit to his opponents, stating that a couple of errors on the field while batting and bowling took the momentum away from them.
JAMSHEDPUR, Oct 7 (IANS) Amandeep Drall of Chandigarh came through a tense and exciting play-off against National champion Aditi Ashok to bag her first title of the season at the Usha Eastern India Ladies Golf on 7 October. Starting the day tied with Aditi at six-over 148, Amandeep won the first play-off hole to take the title after both were tied at 76 for
"I think the first 10 overs were fantastic, they knew they had to go for it. A couple of mistakes on the field and three, four bad overs shifted the momentum. It was tough for us to get into it. The boys tried well. We're disappointed," said the 35-year-old cricketer. "A couple of overs they went after us, against our best bowlers. Marlon (Samuels) batted very well. I backed my No.1 bowler to deliver but Marlon batted very well." "While batting, we lost momentum when (Tillakaratne) Dilshan fell. They bowled really well. We just needed to keep the pressure on which we didn't. We need to sit down, have a good chat, and move on," said Jayawardene, who reportedly quit as T20 captain of his side.
Germain), Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa (Montpellier), Gael Clichy (Manchester City), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal), Adil Rami (Valencia), Mathieu Debuchy (Lille) Midfielders: Etienne Capoue (Toulouse), Clement Chantome (Paris Saint-Germain), Maxime Gonalons (Lyon), Blaise Matuidi (Paris Saint-Germain), Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle United), Moussa Sissoko (Toulouse) Forwards: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Olivier Giroud (Arsenal), Bafetimbi Gomis (Lyon), Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich), Jeremy Menez (Paris Saint-Germain).
"Men in Black – BA" IN 2012 the Ba Sports and Social Club Inc is celebrating its 10th anniversary together with the QFFA. The idea of the Ba Sports and Social Club of QLD Inc was born when the first Ba Soccer team took part in a tournament organised at Wynnum, Brisbane in mid 2002. Soon after this tournament key former people from Ba met at Mr Umesh Chandra’s residence on 7 July 2002 to discuss the best way in which to establish this association. On 20 August 2002 the Ba Sports and Social Club was the first soccer association of Fiji origin to be incorporated in Queensland. The inaugural executive Committee was comprised of Mr Umesh Chandra as President, Mr Tirat Achal as Secretary and Mr Ravi Sharma as Treasurer with 5 committee members. With our vision to be the "club of choice" and purpose to provide value added services to our mem-
Former Asian Games 800m gold medallist Charles Borromeo, of Tata Steel, was the chief guest and he gave away the prizes at the Golmuri Golf Course.
Massa hopeful of Ferrari contract extension
France finalise World Cup qualifier squad PARIS, Oct 8 (IANS) France football coach Didier Deschamps has finalised the squad for the World Cup qualifier against Spain. In the 23-man squad he announced Sunday, injured Lassana Diarra was replaced by uncapped Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Clement Chantome, Xinhua reported. Diarra injured his back in Anzhi Makhachkala's 2-0 win at Dynamo Moscow in the Russian Premier League Sunday and was unable to finish the match. Squad: Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur), Steve Mandanda (Marseille), Mickael Landreau (Lille) Defenders: Christophe Jallet (Paris SaintGermain), Mamadou Sakho (Paris Saint-
the day and 11-over 224 total for three days. Millie Saroha (75), who needed a birdie on the 18th hole in regulation play, managed only a par and ended third at 225.
bers through organisation of successful social events and participating competitively in soccer tournaments organised by QFFA, the committee membership has grown to twelve and a Ladies Wing was established in 2006 as well. The Club now proudly has a number of junior age group teams, the Men in Black Ba Premier team and the Ba Veteran team. In fact the club has grown from strength to strength since its inception and has been successful in both the social aspect of getting people together socially and its sporting achievements under the guidance and leadership of our presidents and hard working committee. The Ba Sports and Social Club constitution provides that presidents of the club have a two year term. The past presidents of the club are as follows: * Mr Umesh Chandra (20022003) * Mr Tirat Achal (2004-2005) * Mr Nagendra Prasad (2006)
46 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2012
RIO de Janeiro, Oct 8 (IANS) Brazilian driver Felipe Massa hopes his second-placing at the Japanese Formula 1 Grand Prix will be enough to secure his position with Ferrari next year. The 31-year-old has been under pressure after a poor start to the season with reports suggesting Ferrari could replace him with Force India's Nico Hulkenberg or Paul di Resta, reports Xinhua. "The conversation we have been having until now has been that it (a contract extension) should happen," Massa revealed in an interview with Brazilian media Sunday.
"I'm hoping it will be confirmed as soon as possible." The result at Suzuka Sunday was Massa's best finish since the 2010 German Grand Prix and the fifth consecutive race in which he has accumulated points. "I'm relieved after having gone such a long period without a podium finish," Massa said. "This shows that we are here to fight with the leaders and win races." Massa is currently ninth in the driver standings with 69 points, 125 points behind championship leader and Ferrari teammate Fernando Alonso.
Ideal time for Kaka return, says Brazil coach RIO de Janeiro, Oct 7 (IANS) Brazil coach Mano Menezes has said it would be the ideal time for Kaka to return to international football and vowed to give the midfielder every chance to reclaim the team's chief playmaker role. Kaka has been recalled to the Brazil squad for the first time since the 2010 World Cup for international friendlies against Iraq in Sweden Thursday and Japan in Poland five days later, reports Xinhua. "Kaka is one of the most important players in the national team and he helps others to strive to reach his level," Menezes told Radio Esportes. "We have been following him closely for the past two years and I have spoken regularly with him during that time. He is a player who creates a lot of expectation and we hope that he will be able to meet those expectations. This is the ideal time." Menezes has placed a strong emphasis on
* Mr Raj Padarath (2007-2008) * Mr Vivesh Prasad (2009-2010) * Mr Pravin Deo (2011-2012) The last social function "Bollywood and Island Fusion Nite" organised by the Ba committee was a major success in June 2012 with close to four hundred people enjoying over an hour of specially choreographed live Island and Indian dance performances and a sumptuous three course meal. This was followed by a couple of hours of non-stop dance tunes by the leading DJ in Brisbane, DJ Desi which saw many patrons working up a sweat on the dance floor. The quality of these annual events organised by the club has been its key success factor and tickets are always in high demand for the "Ba Function". We would like to thank all our function sponsors who whole heartedly support us through monetary and in-kind services for these events. In the sporting arena the "Men in Black" have won all major QFFA organised tournaments in Brisbane. This includes the QIDC, QBOG, QFACT and in February 2012 the QCUP. There are only two teams who have www.indiantimes.com.au
youth since taking over the Brazil coaching job from Dunga following the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Among the youngsters who have made their debut under him are emerging stars Neymar, Oscar, Paulo Henrique Ganso and Leandro Damiao. Meanwhile, established idols such as Kaka, Adriano and Ronaldinho have been mostly overlooked. After a series of recent inconsistent performances from the national team, Menezes has highlighted the need for more experienced players to provide leadership. Kaka has struggled for first-team football at Real Madrid this season but impressed during his first start since May in the club's 4-1 win over Ajax in their Champions League group match Wednesday 3 October. The 30-year-old has made 82 appearances for Brazil and scored 27 goals since his 2002 debut.
achieved this level of success in the Brisbane-Fiji soccer stage and we are very proud of this level of success. Winning the QCUP in February 2012 was very special according to Ba captain, Mohd Daud, as it proves that Ba has a very solid and talented group of Brisbane based local players. A core group of local players have remained loyal and committed to Club Ba for the last several years and it was rewarding and humbling to see that they were crowned the best local team in Brisbane, according to Daud. This QCUP was also dedicated to our beloved player Jerry Tamanisau who sadly passed away prior to the tournament in Fiji. The broader Ba community and the committee is also very mindful of its community contributions and as indicated in the tickets for our major fundraising event this year, part of the funds raised was donated to the Namosau Boys Home in Ba. This donation was made personally by our former president, Mr Vivesh Prasad, on his recent trip to Fiji as shown in the picture below. The committee would like to
thank all those who supported the Ba Sports and Social club for this worthy cause and Mr Prasad for personally donating cash on behalf of the Club. There are various tiers of sponsorships for the Ba Sports and Social Club. These include, major sponsors and minor sponsors. Auto Ingress automatic doors have been a major sponsor of Ba Sports and Social Club from 2008 with minor sponsors being Rivaaz and DJ Desi. Their valuable sponsorship is integral for the successful operation for the activities of Ba Sports and Social Club and we thanks them for their ongoing support. The Ba Sports and Social Club and Ba Soccer Team 2012 would like to thank all the past committee members, players, sponsors, financial members and supporters for the great support they relentlessly provide to the club. We would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the QFFA for another successful year and wish all the competing teams the very best of luck for the QIDC. May fair play and sportsmanship prevail over all else. Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102
Sports News Nadroga QBOG Champions....Nadro creates history Ravendra Narayan Secretary FOLLOWING its incorporation last year, Nadro Stallions have tasted their first ever tournament victory at the recent Battle of the Giants competition held on 6-8 July 2012. For the men in yellow, this victory means ending a 10year drought (Nadro first started playing in 2002 as an unincorporated body) and entering the CupWinners-Cup Hall of Fame. The win was celebrated both with joy and sadness following the passing away of one of its key player Mohammed Tafraz (Tuts) mother immediately after receiving the finals trophy. Tuts who was rated second to Fiji ’s golden boy Alvin Singh missed the entire tournament to be with his mother during her final days. On the celebration side, President Robin Sen who hosted the party until 2am with a Nadro style “Hakwa” said that everyone who was part of this joyous and victorious Nadroga team deserves to relate themselves to this historic win, e.g. team coach Alind Singh can proudly boast that Nadro won under his coaching, Guru can say
that Nadro won when he was captain, etc, etc. The President thanked everyone for their support and especially the ladies inspired by Guru’s mum who were always there cheering for our team. He attributed this important win to “sheer hard work, dedication and persistency”. This win has created a much needed boost both in the confidence level and in the support level that we need in terms of player recruitment and obtaining sponsorships. Prospects can now eye Nadroga as the future team to play for after its key players also scooped major individual awards at the tournament (well done Reynold and Jagrit). Robin said “with unparalleled
favouritism or criticism, we look after our members as if they are part of our big family”. Our toast of the night Alvin Singh was so impressed with our hospitality that he has pledged to play for Nadroga only and no other team in QFFA tournaments. Said Robin when he took up the top job in 2010, “Just like Rome was not built in a day, Nadroga will be in experimental and development phase until 2012 with wins expected only after 2012”. However, the stallions rallied behind their experienced coaching staff of Alind Singh, David Deo, Vishwa Duve and former inspirational coach/skipper Nick Narayan and after qualifying to all semifinals in 2010, progressed to Battle of Giants final in 2011 and then above all
expectations and beating all odds won the Battle of Giants grand final this year. The association’s vision: “revive, survive, strive and thrive” created by the incumbent Rajnesh Sharma will long live forever as will the late Kaushal Sharma (son of Pt Dhruv Sharma) in whose memory the Nadro team was revived in 2010. For our little master and team founder, Manoj Singh who loves his team from the bottom of his heart, dividend has finally paid off for him. Manoj who maintains a tight control over the association and its team says “in Nadroga soccer, there is no room for politics. You come, train and play with us sincerely and we will look after you whole-heartedly”. Winning coach Alind Singh has
silenced his critics whoever and wherever they may be. Within our organisation, both Alind and team manager David Deo are very well respected and highly regarded for their contributions and achievements made so far. According to David, our win over Nadi in the semi-final was more important than winning the final and of the many secret and innovative ideas that Alind possesses, he only unleashed one that kept Nadi puzzled for the entire 60-minutes. Nadro stalwart Ajay Sinha whose son Jagrit played goalkeeper and for the first time faced two consecutive penalty shootouts said after the win “To Nadro, Nadi or for that matter any other team no longer poses any threat. We are now capable of sinking the unsinkable Titanic” We lost our player Luke during the final due to delay caused by unfortunate injury to Vatukoula player. The game did not show the style and decisiveness that the team had shown during pool play and semi finals on their way to the final. However with the blessing of our vice president Pundit Anant Sharma who prayed for us, the remainder of the team inspired by Alvin Singh and Joseph battled through to victory. It had been a positive experience and a privilege for many of our younger players to play for the first time alongside a Fiji Rep player like Alvin Singh. As our team gathers momentum, we look forward to creating more historic win at the coming IDC in November and beyond.
International cricket umpires now involved in corruption NEW DELHI, Oct 8 (IANS) Close on the heels of five Indian cricketers found involved in spot-fixing, a latest sting operation has revealed that six umpires were ready to be bribed during the recently concluded Twenty20 World Cup and Sri Lanka Premier League in August. India TV, which had earlier conducted a sting operation on corruption in India's domestic circuit, has come up with another footage showing six umpires from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, willing to give wrong decisions during a game. The umpires are Nadeem Ghauri and Anees Siddiqui of Pakistan, Nadir Shah of Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka's Gamini Dissanayake, Maurice Winston and Sagara Gallage. Amongst the officials interrogated on camera, only Shah and Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid represent the current umpire panel of the International Cricket Council (ICC). The channel, however, claimed that Sharfudoullah refused to give any favour in lieu of money offered by the undercover reporters. But Shah, who has officiated in 40 Oneday Internationals and three T20 Internationals, was ready to fix any match at international or domestic level. Shah also revealed that Pakistani batsman Nasir Jamshed "fixed" matches in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), the channel said. In another video of the sting, Sri Lankan umpire Gallage agreed to leak information on the pitch, weather, toss, and the playing elevens of India and Pakistan ahead of their World Twenty20 warm-up match Sep 17 for Rs.50,000. He was the fourth umpire in the game. Dissanayake went a step ahead. Gamini claimed that by providing liquor to Sri Lankan Cricket (SLC) officials, one can get Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102
any work done. During the reporter's conversation with Ghauri, a former ICC umpire from Pakistan, the latter promised to do anything for a payment. He has officiated in 43 ODIS and 14 Tests with his last international game back in November 2010. The channel said Ghauri's countryman Siddiqui was also ready to get a decision in favour of India for money. Anees promised that he would manage the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to accept a decision favourable to India.
India drop to third in T20 rankings COLOMBO, Oct 8 (IANS) India dropped a place to third in the ICC Twenty20 International rankings released Monday 8 October. Newly crowned World Twenty20 champions West Indies jumped five places to second with 121 points, six points behind table leader Sri Lanka. World T20 semifinalists Pakistan dropped three places to sixth. Suresh Raina retained his fifth position in the batsmen's rankings as the highest placed Indian. The only other Indian batsman in the top 10 is Virat Kohli on 10th. No Indian bowlers are in the top 10 in the bowler's rankings.
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48 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2012
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