Bit September 15

Indian Times

Brisbane

A Division of Qld Multicultural Times

Print Post Approved PP:424022 1724

Iconic India Day Fair 2015 a huge success!

Volume 12, Number 12 Saturday, September 12, 2015

As God is One, we respect all Religions

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• Article page 16

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From the Publisher MAY I begin by congratulating the organising committee of GOPIO Queensland for the amazing job they did hosting the biggest ever India Day Fair. It is a very challenging task and the team did a wonderful job of facilitating the event. As the fair grows every year so does the responsibility. With the increase in numbers the administrative burden gets bigger and more challenging.

The paperwork required is horrendous.

Safety and crowd control measures has resulted and increased police presence, that too on a user pays basis, this was an additional cost, as previously police presence had never been on a user pay basis, so apart from the usual police presence such as community liaison officers, we had to actually hire police for the policing. I must congratulate our very well behaved community for an incident free India Day Fair 2015.

Kamal Khan was definitely a draw card. A record number of stalls did roaring business as they had two opportunities, lunch and dinner sales. The committee now has a big task of planning for next year’s India Day Fair.

And now to Krishna Janamastnami, this year we have witnessed a record number of Janamastnami celebrations throughout Australia. I personally took part in many celebrations, beginning with the Janamastnami celebrations organised by DJJS (Divya Jyothi Jagarti Sanasthan) in Sydney. Brisbane Indian Times and Australian Indian Radio were proud to have supported this event in Sydney. The function was attended by many community leaders and politicians. The highlight was the very well choreographed Janamastnami stage play. In Brisbane I attended Krishna Janamastnami celebrations at Gayatri Mandir Boondall, Shree Laxmi Narayan Mandir in Burbank, Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir in North Mclean and ISKCON temple in Seventeen Miles Rocks. All of the celebrations were very well attended, but I

personally witnessed the largest gathering at ISKCON Temple in Burbank. The atmosphere was such that you felt that you were in Vrindavan. The goodness and welcome feeling that flowed through all gave you a feeling of transcendental bliss. The programs were well organised and executed. I was asked to address the devotees at DJJS and ISKCON Janamastnami celebrations, quite a humbling experience. I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone the very best for upcoming Ganesh Chaturithi.

Congratulations are also in order for Kairali Brisbane for their Onam celebrations together with the tug O war competition. Kairali Brisbane is keeping the age old tradition alive by promoting the music, culture, food and traditions. Marchant Ward office and Stafford Rotary hosted the Lanham Festival; I was once again delighted to host the festival as the MC. Lord Mayor Graham Quirk officially opened the festival at 2:45pm. The festival was funded

by Lord Mayors Suburban initiative fund.

Brisbane Indian Times together with Australian Indian Radio continues to support a number of community events. We are particularly pleased to be associated with Oktoberfest, FICQ Diwali, Queensland Symphony Orchestra Bollywood Gala, Sangeet Mela, Log Geet Samellan just to name a few.

We were pleased to attend both community consultations of citizenship issues, the first one by Michelle Rowland MP and the second one by Hon Phillip Ruddock MP. It was interesting to note the viewpoints of both sides of politics, especially as the Syrian refugee situation worsens.

I will finish off by wishing all the best to the new committee of Indian Programming Group of Radio 4EB 98.1 FM. Until next Month Happy Reading Umesh Chandra

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Inside

• Letters to the Editor.......................2 • Migration Matters...........................4 • Local News.................................5-25

• Who, What, Where, When...28 - 29 • Health & Well Being................32-35

• Astrology...........................................36

• Real Estate................................37-39

• Business Directory.......................40-41

• Classifieds..........................................42 • What’s On................................42-45

• Bollywood & Entertainment...46-47 • Sport...............................................48

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

2 - THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2015

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2015 — 3

Migration Updates....

Subclass 457 Visa – Employer Obligations SUBCLASS 457 visa is arguably one of the most utilised of the visa subclasses available within Australia. Figures released by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection in July 2015 stated that the number of Subclass 457 visa applications lodged between June 2014 and March 2015 rose by 15%, from 35,440 applications to 40,870.

Employers who wish to sponsor employees under the 457 visa subclass should be aware that it is not only the visa holders that are subject to strict conditions upon approval of the applications. Under the 457 visa scheme, approved business sponsors are required to meet certain obligations in order to maintain their sponsorship. These include ensuring equivalent terms of employment between their Australian workers and their sponsored workers, ensuring proper records are kept, ensuring proper salaries are paid, meeting the training benchmark, and ensuring that employees are undertaking the roles for which they have been sponsored. A full list and explanation of the responsibilities is available at the Department of Immigration and Border Protection website.

Employers need to be aware that the Department of Immigration and Border Protection can, and do, regularly conduct audits of business sponsors to ensure that these obligations are being met. The Department officers have authority to attend workplaces without any prior warning to the employer, and request documents and information to ensure that the employer is meeting their obligation. Occasionally inspectors will request the information immediately, but generally will provide

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some time for the employer to provide the requested documents. If the information provided shows that the employer has not been meeting their obligations, the business can find itself sanctioned from sponsor further employees, or worse, have their sponsorship cancelled altogether. This in turn negatively impacts on the visa status of the sponsored employee.

Migration Guru regularly help employer’s to not only better understand their sponsorship obligations, but can also assist with the sometimes complicated issues that arise when a business has been audited. Our team of experienced Migration Agents can assist an employer to understand exactly what is required to be provided to the Department, as well as working with the employer to prepare submissions to address any shortcomings uncovered by a business audit. Migration Guru can further provide training to employers to ensure they meet all their obligations in the future to ensure any further monitoring from the Department is a stress free experience for both employers and visa holders.

Migration Guru Pty Ltd, Level 22, 127 Creek Street, Brisbane, 07 3218 2738 MARN 0324607, MARN 1384452, MARN 1175591 & MARN 1382609 Disclaimer – The above article constitutes only generic information on migration issues, and does not constitute specific migration advice to any entity or individual.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2015 — 5

Toowoomba Languages and Cultures Festival celebrates tenth year

• Gitie House and Frances Holmes prepare Toowoomba Languages and Cultures Festival.

THE 10th annual Toowoomba Languages and Cultures Festival held on 9th August, was a tremendous advertisement for the city and the region.

About 15,000 people attended the festival in Queens Park to eat wonderful food, watch traditional dance and experience practices from all around the world.

Brisbane Babas Band did the headline act while Dreas Dance Masala was quite a popular act. Cultural diversity was on display via music and dance.

The Toowoomba region is one of the most culturally diverse regions in Queensland with 10% (15,785) of our residents born overseas and even more remarkably, 123 different nationalities and ethnic groups residing within the region's boundaries.

I believe this cultural diversity is one of our greatest assets as we go forward as a community.

The Toowoomba Regional Council has been a supporter of this festival since it began 10 years ago and has seen it grow, as we have as a city.

It is a founding stone of the push within our community to become a place of peace and harmony.

A number of different faiths and cultures

have banded together with council to continue to promote this message and look for other initiatives to continue to build on what we trying to achieve.

The Toowoomba region has become a refugee welcome zone in recent years and this initiative continues to build our reputation as a true multicultural society.

Anyone who attended the weekend's festival would have been greeted by smiling faces and a sea of colour as those from different cultures showcased their traditional dress and fare.

Events like this one help us in many ways to understand each other and help break down the barriers which sometimes exist between different cultures.

This is turn helps the wider community by introducing new ideas, new concepts, new ways of tackling problems.

The Toowoomba region is known for its innovation and these new cultures add to this mix, by showing us a different way to do things.

I also have to congratulate all the members of the TLC committee and the volunteers who've worked very hard to bring together such a high quality community-driven event.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2015 — 7

Greeters step into Brisbane’s bayside THE city’s famous Brisbane’s Greeters will share stories about the Bayside for the first time in September, when they launch special Wynnum Manly walking tours.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the free bayside ‘greets’ would enable residents and visitors to see and hear first-hand the experiences, stories and sights around the Wynnum Manly foreshore.

“The Brisbane Greeters have developed a special walking trail by working closely with the Quandamooka community as part of the Quandamooka Festival 2015,” Cr Quirk said.

“Quandamooka refers to the traditional home country of the area’s Indigenous people, which takes in our spectacular Moreton Bay and the Redlands.

“The Quandamooka Festival celebrates the culture of the local clans through arts, sport and recreation and these greets will enable participants to hear many Quandamooka dreaming stories.

“The greets will be hosted by local Wynnum Manly volunteers, along with those from Brisbane, who are passionate about sharing the area’s stories, hidden secrets and special places.”

Wynnum Manly Visitor Information Centre Manager, Deirdre Thomson said that the new local greets would draw in tourists to the Bayside and add to the fantastic activities already on offer.

“These free tours will offer personalised,

detailed offer a unique insight into our area’s local history,” Ms Thomson said.

“We anticipate this will bring many more visitors to Wynnum Manly and give them a taste of what we have to offer on the Bayside.

The Quandamooka Festival is overseen by the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC). CEO Cameron Costello said the new greets would be complementary to existing tours run by the Quandamooka people.

“We are pleased to now have this program with the Brisbane Greeters that will further share insights into our area’s traditional culture,” Mr Costello said.

“Brisbane Greeters have worked closely with QYAC and have consulted with the Quandamooka people to ensure that such insights are shared in a culturally appropriate and respectful manner.

“The Brisbane Greeters will provide a unique insight into the continuing culture of the Nughi, Nunukul and Goenpul clans of Quandamooka for residents and visitors alike.

“This is a strategic partnership between QYAC and the Brisbane Greeters to bring our stories to life and enhance the visitor experience within the Brisbane region.”

For information, go to visitbrisbane.com.au/ Brisbane-Greeters and to book tours, contact the Wynnum Manly Visitor Information Centre on ph: (07) 3348 3524.

LionCat becomes the pride of the Brisbane River LORD Mayor Graham Quirk unveiled the latest in a series of sporting team-skinned CityCats to roar up the Brisbane River, with a brand new Brisbane Lions design.

Cr Quirk said the vessel, now dubbed LionCat, was the third CityCat to be emblazoned with the colours of a favourite local sporting team as part of Council’s Team Brisbane campaign.

“We want everyone to get behind our local

sporting heroes and what better way to show our pride in our AFL team than with our very own LionCat, which features the team logo and colours, as well as a montage of historic Lions moments and legends on the interior.

“The 25-tonne, 165-seater Beenung-Urrung CityCat has just been revamped with reconditioned seating and carpeting, new paintwork and the ‘mane’ attraction – an eye-catching Brisbane Lions livery.

OBITUARY Razeena Sufiya Khan “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajioon” To Allah we belong and to him we shall return.

(Quran 2:156) “Kullu nafsin zaa-iqatul maut, summa ilaynaa turjaoon” Every soul shall have a taste of death, then to us you will be definitely returned.” (Quran 29:57) IT is with deep regret and sorrow that we announce the tragic death of RAZEENA SUFIYA KHAN, only daughter of Mr Mohammed Hassan and Late Mrs Rabia Khan of 40 Reedan Street, Everton Park who passed away on 11th August 2015.

It is reported that she was very badly injured in a tragic road accident on Webster and Hamilton roads roundabout, Chermside West, where she had stopped to give way to an oncoming traffic.

It is alleged that a young driver, hit her on the driver’s side at high speed causing life threatening injuries which resulted in her death two weeks later at Royal Brisbane Women's Hospital.

Her life at 50 was cut short by the driver who lives to see this tragedy.Her 20 year old daughter, Alia Rahman, who was a passenger, suffered only minor injuries.

Razeena was originally from Suva Fiji.

She had been a very intelligent and outstanding student during her school days and also had an impeccable record of work history both in Fiji and Australia.

A perusal of these speaks volumes and is a proof of her commitment and dedication to her study and work attitude.

Born on 18th March 1965 she first attended Vatuwaqa Primary School in Fiji, then Palmerston North High School in New Zealand and finished with distinction at Suva Grammar High, one of the top high schools in Fiji. She joined University of the South Pacific to complete Bachelor of Science and Post Graduate Diploma in Bio-Chemistry. After graduation she joined University of the South Pacific as a Demonstrator in Chemistry and Junior

Lecturer. This led her to a career in Fiji School of Medicine as a lecturer in Bio-Chemistry. She was awarded an Australia Government scholarship to study Graduate Diploma in Clinical Chemistry at Griffith University, Nathan Campus in Brisbane. On completion she joined the staff as Demonstrator in Cell and Molecular Biology.

After her marriage she worked at Bullivants Natural Health Products Ltd, Virginia, and Brisbane as Regulatory and Export Affairs Officer and later moved to Queensland Biochemics Pty Ltd, Virginia as Regulatory Affairs Supervisor. This led her to a posting as Quality Assurance Manager at Australian Cosmetics Manufacturers in Eagle Farm. Rozeena moved to Blue Care Community working at both North and Southside (Gordon Park, Ashgrove, Milton,and Coopers Plains ) in positions such as Senior Care, Relief Community Care Cordinator and Assistant Care Management Cordinator.

She had also worked at Better Care, Brisbane South and Audit and Disability Services, Queensland. Before her death she was working in Anglicare and pursued a Diploma in Business Management and Certificate in Workplace and Training Assessment.

Her 22 year old son, Javed Rahman, has completed a degree in Bachelor of Engineering and her 20 year old daughter, Alia Rehman, is pursuing a degree in Child Care.

Her untimely death has devastated her father, two children and relatives here and abroad.

We pray to Allah Subhanhu- wa- tallah to shower His blessings in her grave and to grant her a place in Jannatul Firdaus.

(Highest abode in Heaven) and give patience (sabr) to her family. Contributed

by Haji Shahban Ali

See the historic City Hall organ up close with new tours

Make new friends while getting active and healthy. Brisbane City Council offers a range of free or low-cost activities for everyone.

Visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/activeandhealthy to find out how you can become part of our active, healthy city.

8 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2015

BRISBANE Lifestyle Chairman Cr Krista Adams has announced the start of a new dedicated tour of City Hall’s 120 year old Father Willis organ, with a behind the scenes look at the unique instrument and the chance learn more about its history.

Cr Adams said the 45 minute tours were being offered for the first time in the history of City Hall and would explore the intricacies of one of Australia’s largest pipe organs.

“Our Father Willis organ is one of the largest organs in Australia, featuring 4300 pipes, the tallest of which stand at an impressive 13 metres high, with the smallest at 10 centimetres,” Cr Adams said.

“The organ was built in 1891-92 by Henry Willis & Sons, Camden Town, London for the Brisbane Exhibition Concert Hall.

“In 1900 Council purchased the organ and it was relocated, enlarged and modernised for Brisbane’s new City Hall which opened in 1930.”

“There are no two identical pipe organs in the world; each one sounds and looks different, and our Father Willis organ is regarded as one of the best pipe organs in Australia.

Cr Adams said when City Hall closed for its $215 million restoration in 2010, the organ was removed, before being reinstalled and rededicated in 2014.

“This painstaking restoration of the organ itself included various specialist works such as French polishing, cabinet making, leatherwork, electrical wiring and computer programming,” she said.

“The sound of each of the 4,391 individual pipes was recorded before removing it from City Hall in 2010, to make sure it would sound exactly the same as the day it was www.indiantimes.com.au

removed from City Hall.

“This meticulous restoration work is worthy of being admired up close and these tours are the perfect way to not only see the organ but to hear it in all its glory, with a performance by a qualified organist,” she said.

“Fans of the organ can also hear it in action during a special performance by Spics and Specks star Barry Morgan, at his concert Mr Barry Morgan Plays the Big Organ, on 15 October.”

Tours will be held at 1.30pm on the following dates: • 25 August • 8 September • 22 September • 13 October • 27 October • 10 November • 24 November Tours are free and wheelchair accessible, however bookings are essential and can be made at museumofbrisbane.com.au/ organtours or by calling (07) 3339 0800.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2015 — 9

“Missile Man” and former 11th President of India Dr Abdul Kalam leaves us to complete his mission Tribute in Brisbane

By Srimathi Narayanan “A dream is not that which you see while sleeping. It is something that does not let you sleep.”

“My message, especially to young people is to have courage to think differently, courage to invent, to travel the unexpected path, courage to discover the impossible and conquer the problems and succeed.

These are the great qualities that they must work towards. This is my message to all young people.” With this message, we all celebrated our beloved Dr Abdul Kalam’s life on the 29th of July at Mt Ommaney library.

This gathering was organised by Mr Palani Thevar and Mr Sripathi Kathiresan within a short time. Despite their work and other commitments, they have successfully organised this meeting promptly. Thank for their efforts in arranging and inviting special guests from all walks of life to share their thoughts and memories about Dr Abdul Kalam were tremendous.

To the event, the honorary Consul Mrs. Archana Singh and the first OCI recipient Ms Manju and distinguished guests gathered to share some of Dr Abdul Kalam’s great experiences with his simple life. The 11th President was greatly missed not only

by India, but by the world.

Ms Manju shared her experience of meeting the extraordinary man at the Rashtrapathi Bhavan and being invited to attend the Indian republic day celebration.

Dr Prasad Yarlagadda – President of Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland shared his view on losing of great man and former 11th President of India. President of India Australia Society of Queensland Inc Mr Ramanathan recited a poem in Tamil to the audience expressing the huge loss and its impact on him and the world, which brought the gathering to tears.

Two key people Mr Ashok Bright and Mr Natarajan Kandasamy (also represented Tamil Association of Queensland) former student of Madras Institute of Technologies (Dr Kalam’s studied in this college) student shared their own and personal experience

10 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2015

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about such a great man. There were a few other guests little girl Lakshitha of Brisbane Tamil School, Dr Ramadevi Dhanasekaran from Radio 4 EB – Tamil, Brisbane Tamil youth Mr Diloshaan Sripathy, Sathish Rajendran of Brisbane Super Kings, Mrs Rathna from Telugu community, Dr Krrishnamohan who shared their memories about Dr Abdul Kalam.

I was so blessed to have been given the opportunity to share my views learnt about Dr Abdul Kalam. My parents have told me many of his philosophies about life. He has said that: “Never give up, don’t let failure destroy your dream, concentrate without thinking of the result, don’t let success get to your head and always put country above race and religion.” Dr Kalam practiced all of them. These words of wisdom should echo within us.

In his book, “My journey… transforming dreams into actions” he quoted that he failed to become a pilot, became a scientist.

“It is only when we are faced with failure we realise there are always resources within us.” These words will ring in my ears which will inspire me and millions around the world to continue to dream and complete their mission.

In honour of Dr Abdul Kalam, let’s all plant a tree.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2015 — 11

Adam Gilchrist announced as Australia’s new education ambassador to India

Narthana Malla

THE students of Eswaralaya Kalaikoodam staged “Narthana Malla” as part of their annual concert at St John’s Anglican College in Brisbane. The show consisted of several items performed at a very high standard, and included a dance drama as well as various classical items. The students got the chance to show off their artistic skills and kept the audience spellbound at all times.

All of the items were choreographed by the Guru: Smt. Manga Surendran. The show started off with “Lingashakam” and was followed up sev-

eral classical items for the live music. Eye movements, facial expressions, and costumes were of the highest standard and the audience were captivated. The show will no doubt live on in our minds for many years to come.

Eswaralaya Kalaikoodam, a classical Bharatha Natyam school; was established

by Smt. Mangaleswari (Manga) Surendran in Sri Lanka in 1981.

The school has since migrated, and been running in Brisbane for the last 12 years. Over this decade several students Manga has conducted several arangatrams in both New Zealand and Sri Lanka.

IN A move set to greatly strengthen Australia’s education ties with India, Adam Gilchrist AM has been appointed as Australia’s inaugural ambassador to India on education.

The Minister for Education and Training, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, announced Mr Gilchrist’s appointment prior to attending the annual Ministerial Dialogue and third Australia-India Education Council meeting in India held on 24 August 2015.

“I am delighted to announce Mr Adam Gilchrist AM as the first Australia-India Education Ambassador,” Mr Pyne said.

“Adam will play an important part in supporting the growth in the strong bilateral education relationship between Australia and India, to help ensure that Australia continues to be seen as a high quality provider of education.

“Consistent with the pillars of the Draft National Strategy for International Education, the Australian Government is committed to reaching out to the world.

“I see Adam’s appointment as helping to build on this, as he will help grow our already strong education partnership with India and raise Australia’s profile and reputation.

“The Indian people recognise Adam as one of cricket’s greats, and the values he espouses both on and off the field – excellence and integrity – are precisely those with which Australia aligns its reputation for high-quality education, training and research,” Mr Pyne said.

Mr Gilchrist said he was excited about his new role and welcomed the challenge ahead of him.

“I am honoured to have been chosen to perform this important role in helping strengthen the education ties between our two countries,” Mr Gilchrist said.

“For the past seven years in my capacity as an ambassador at one of Australia’s best research universities I have seen first-hand the vital role education plays in the development of modern India.

“Having spent so much of my cricketing career playing in India, I have gotten to understand the important bond Australia has

with India.

“Being Australia’s first education ambassador to India will give me the opportunity to put so much back into that relationship through the all-important focus of learning and training.”

Adam Gilchrist joined Minister Pyne in New Delhi, India on 24 August 2015 to help showcase the quality of Australia’s education systems in India.

Australia’s Education Ambassador to India “I am really pleased Adam Gilchrist has taken on the role as Australia’s first Education Ambassador to India.

Adam will help ensure that Australia continues to be seen as a high quality provider of education.

The people of India recognise Adam as one of cricket’s greats.

On and off the field, he’s famous for excellence, enterprise and hard work – the same qualities that characterise our education system.”

Prime Minister, Tony Abbott MHR

GCHCA elects a new committee: 2015 Queensland Multicultural President Dr. C. Arunagiri Awards winners announced executes the vision THREE outstanding QueenslandTHE members of the Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association (GCHCA) elected a new committee at the AGM on Aug 16th 2015. The AGM was a fun filled affair with members interacting with each other and asking critical questions on the best way forward towards achieving the Hindu Education and Cultural Precinct. The outgoing committee updated the members on the progress made so far. The Building Approval (BA) application is due in November and this is causing significant challenges in terms of resources. Members discussed ways to overcome some of these challenges and how individuals can contribute. It was a rewarding experience for members which ended with a delightful samosas, chai and coffee. The association thanks profusely the services rendered by the outgoing committee members (Dr. Shunil Sharma, Mr. Rajiv Haikerwaal, Dr. G. Subakumar, Mr. S. Barataraj, Dr. M. Anandan, and Mr. Sures Sinnadurai).

The following volunteers are the fortunate ones serving the 2015 management committee: President: Dr. Chinniah Arunagiri Vice President: A/Prof. V. Muthu Secretary: Mr I. Siva Joint Secretary: Mrs. Neela Ramiah Treasurer: Mr. Rathinam Srinivasan Assistant Treasurer: Mr. Siribalamurali Director of Cultural Activities: Prof.

Thiru Aravinthan Director of Religious Activities: Dr. Murali Rajaratnam Director of Educational Activities: Mr. Kartik Menon Director of Resources, Media, Publicity

and Asset Managemment: Mr N. Mugunthan Director of Youth and Community Activities, Fund Raising Activities and Event Management: Mr. Ramanathan Karupiah The stage 1 of the project would cost about $2.5 million and significant progress has been made in detailed design work with the help of many volunteers from all facets of life. We are very thankful for their sincere commitments towards building this unique precinct in a short time. The audited accounts of the association is publically available on the GCHCA website (www.GoldCoastHindu.org).

The Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association seeks the ongoing support of members of the community to make this vision a reality. Every Hindu in South East Queensland is invited to join as a member and contribute to the noble objectives of the association. You can send an expression of interest to gchcan@gmail.com. Taxdeductible donations through credit card or bank transfer can be made to the GCHCA Building Donation Account: BSB: 064¬-474 Account: 1048 8900.

This year GCHCA’s annual Navaratri Festival will be held on Saturday, 17th October at the Nerang Bicentennial Community Centre. The evening will include performances by various prominent South Asian artistes followed by a vegetarian dinner. The wider community is invited to book the ticket (free) early through https://goo.gl/e8uNUv and join in the celebrations.

12 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2015

ers, four organisations and a high school were all winners at this year’s Multicultural Awards.

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Shannon Fentiman presented the awards at the annual gala dinner at Brisbane Convention Centre last night as the opening to Queensland Multicultural Week.

“The Queensland Multicultural Awards has been acknowledging exceptional individuals, businesses and organisations since 1990 and I was honoured to be part of this year’s celebrations,” she said.

“We know that Queensland has always drawn strength from the rich cultures and traditions of people from diverse backgrounds.

“These awards are about publicly acknowledging those people who work and volunteer to promote the benefits of a multicultural society and help our newest Queenslanders to feel at home.”

Winners of the awards were – • Business Excellence award winner The World Wellness Group.

• Education and Training Innovation award winner - Kirwan State High School • Outstanding Volunteer award winner – Daphne Fung, founder and Vice-President of the Toowoomba International Multicultural Society (TIMS).

• Communications and Media Achievement award winner - The Change Makers Project • Services and Communities award winner - Brisbane City Council • Multicultural Ambassador Award winner – Yasmin Khan • Minister’s Multicultural Award winner

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– Gabriela Corridore • Minister’s Multicultural Youth Award winner Welcoming Intercultural Neighbours(WIN).

“It’s great to see such a diverse range of communities and regions represented in this year’s awards,” Ms Fentiman said.

“Our multicultural communities have contributed greatly to Queensland’s social, cultural and business life.

“They have created jobs, wealth and ideas, and strengthened the harmony of our great state, which is why it’s important to recognise and celebrate their valuable contribution.”

Ms Fentiman said the awards was the perfect opportunity to kick off Queensland Multicultural Week, the state’s largest celebrations of multiculturalism.

“The week promises to be bigger and better – packed with more than 75 events, performances, activities and workshops being held in communities across the state,” she said.

“It’s the perfect opportunity to get together with friends, family and the wider community to share your story and celebrate your ancestry and I encourage everyone to get involved.”

For more information on the awards visit www.qld.gov.au/qma and for more information about Queensland Call 07 3865 6533

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2015 — 13

22 Tabla Players in One Night!

APSQ - Seniors week lunch at Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre

By Jitendra Deo President APSQ ARYA Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland members had pleasure of hosting the seniors week lunch at the Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre on August 16. The theme for senior’s week celebration was -make connection: share your story. This initiative is by Queensland Government and seniors’ week was from August 15 to August 23.

The members from Indian Senior Citizens Association and Fiji Senior Citizens Association of Queensland took part in celebrations and it was very well attended function. Sabha members formed the part large audience present.

The programme began with Yaj and Yajmaan was Pundit Justice Devendra Pathik family. It was also Pundit Pathik ji’s birthday. The Yaj was conducted by Pundita Usha Rai “Arya Ratna”. The Yaj concluded with Yaj geet by Soneel and Ravneel Deo. After the Yaj Pundit Devendra Pathik ji was given flowers on his birthday, by children.

The official programme started with welcome by President of APSQ Shri Jitendra Deo. Jitendra ji spoke on seniors’ week, and

thanked all the seniors present for accepting the invite and attending. He also said that the theme is so relevant with today’s programme, Make Connection-share your story. President also wished Pundit Devendra Pathik ji on his birthday, and thanked him for being so active and being Patron of the Sabha.

Shrimati Prabha Mishra spoke on behalf of President of Indian Senior Citizens Association, Shri Tirat Achal ji. She thanked Sabha for taking such an initiative regarding seniors and wished the seniors all the best. Shri Raymond Saran, President of Fiji Senior Citizens Association of Queensland addressed the audience and briefed about events of their association, and thanked Sabha for the invitation.

The Bhajans formed the last part of the programme, and Yuva Dal members Keshav Chand, Kunal Chand, Soneel Deo, Ravneel Deo, and Vijendra Ray presented Bhajans.

Master Lalta Prasad presented a very well written song regarding the celebration.

Bhajans were also sung by guests present.

Shri Sukarm Pal Singh Ji, briefly spoke on seniors’ week and moved vote of thanks.

The programme concluded with the lunch.

14 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2015

ON Saturday 1st August 2015, the night after Guru Purnima (the full moon for Gurus), Ashu Babu Memorial Tabla School held their 8th annual concert at QLD Multicultural Centre, paying homage to the Benares tradition of classical tabla. There was a real step up in quality this year with 21 students all preparing well in the preceding months and playing their best on the night.

“We have to thank my senior guru-bhai Govinda Chakraborty for the way he influenced our lessons in his visit for Sangeet Mela last September, resulting in a lot more attention being paid to counting rhythms and maintaining correct posture while playing. Quite a number of the intermediate students started to get more deeply into practice in the last year, ” said tabla teacher Shen Flindell.

Among the highlights were 4 year old Aarav Vaidya, the ladies duo of Anna and Rhea, a powerful group performance by 5 students from Westlake and Chermside, and the senior trio of Sanjey, Tito and Jesinthan. Most moving of all was the performance by Varun Lal, who had been scheduled to perform in the inaugural school concert in 2008, but had a tragic car accident which left him unable to walk, talk, or move much at all. After years of intensive therapy and hard work

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he restarted tabla lessons last year and nailed his performance! He's unable to use his left hand so performed a kayda and paran composed especially for the right hand only.

The evening closed with a rousing half hour tabla solo by Shen Flindell.

Harmonium accompaniment was given by Joseph Nand and this year's concert also featured dilruba accompaniment by Adarshbir Singh for a few of the acts, which really added to the colour of the naghma. Many thanks to Brent James for the photos, to our regular sponsors Brisbane

Call 07 3865 6533

Call 07 3865 6533

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2015 — 15

• Photo Moments Photography@Reena Augustine.

Iconic India Day Fair 2015 a huge success!

• Photo Moments Photography@Reena Augustine.

INDIA Day Fair 2015 has been a huge success, it is amazing to see a community driven function so successful. The ever growing festival does have its challenges, but the dedicated team managed to overcome them all.

First, the venue, quite prestigious but demanding, the pristine Roma Street Parklands and the wonderful amphitheatre, comes with its share of challenges. Roma Street Parklands management has very strict rules which need to be abided by.

They are very strict with the management as they have to protect the parklands; festivals tend to take a toll on the facilities hence the extra care.

India Day Fair from its humble beginning has grown significantly, and as a result the regulative requirement has grown as well.

The costs have grown significantly; the paperwork involves a series of permits and licences which are very time consuming to acquire. Everyone on the committee works on a voluntary basis to achieve this. This year the committee had to deal with the added costs of hiring Queensland Police service.

India Day Fair is a grand public celebration of India’s Independence Day, the festival engages the wider community and exposes Indian Culture, Cuisine, Music and tradition to the wider community. Queensland Government has recognised this as a major (Iconic) Queensland festival. Apart from the cultural items, GOPIO Queensland arranges kid’s activities such the jumping castles and colouring competition, this section is sponsored by Intech Institute of Technology.

India Day Fair is a free family event, and probably the only event of its size and calibre that has no entry fee. The quality of the

stage programs are second to none and the demand for performance spots is very high.

The total project is funded by Government grants, Corporate and media sponsorship, stall hire and in kind donation of time and services of committee members and volunteers.

Traditionally India Day Fair was held on the closest Sunday to 15th August, this year we were fortunate that 15th of August actually fell on a Saturday, so the committee decided to hold India Day Fair on 15th August itself. This was a wise decision and was well accepted by our community. The feedback from dignitaries was that the official program should be shifted to a bit later in the day; the committee took this on board as well.

The numbers of stalls were increased this year; the terrain is not very suited for the many more stalls hence the numbers have to be limited. All stalls holders did quite well with the record number of attendees this year. Stalls management is a huge task, Vivek Chopra and his team did very well to manage the bump in and bump out schedules, the added costs of extra track mats was a worthwhile investment.

The day began with Bhakti Sangeet by ISKCON Temple Brisbane; this devotional music segment was nicely presented and much appreciated by all. Cultural items on the stage began at 10:30 am and went on till the grand finale at 9pm in the night. GOPIO Lifetime achievement award was presented to Mr Shamim Ishaq (pictured below).

• Photo Moments Photography@Reena Augustine.

16 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2015

• Photo Moments Photography@Reena Augustine.

Mr Shamim Ishaq: born 1st July 1940 Pilibhit, U.P., (India); migrated to Australia in 1969 to take up a job offered by an Australian Exploration Company based in Sydney and Mount Isa. He has worked for last 49 years in mining and mineral exploration industry in India, Australia and PNG. Mr Ishaq has been a part of Brisbane, Queensland social, cultural, and literary scene for last 44 years. He has been active member and served in executive positions such as President, Vice President with various Multicultural and Indian organisations.

Some of these included: India Club of Queensland, India Australia Society, AMU Alumni Association, Indian Cultural Association, Hindu Mandir Association, BEMAC, Radio 4 EB, Migrant Resource Centre, Urdu Society, Hindi Society.

The award was presented by Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ms Shannon Fentiman. The VIP reception was held at the upper end of the Park near gate six and Mahatma Gandhi statue. The parade this year had a record number of participants.

The parade was led by Melam Brisbane, a group of traditional Malayalee drummers.

The team of twenty drummers were very professional and added colour and variety.

After the parade the official program began, this included President Yousuf Alikhan’ address, welcome to Country, Flag raising etc. As the official program now falls within the primetime slot of day, speeches had to be kept at a minimum. The cultural items on the stage were of high

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standard. In selecting the performers, preference is given to regional community groups and other professional groups. The stage is very large and single or individual performances are not suited.

The grand finale show stopper performance of Kamal Khan was a sell out success. This was the first time Brisbane audience saw a Bollywood singer perform live on stage without having to pay any entry fee. This was a huge commitment from GOPIO Qld to stage an international artist like Kamal Khan. The show was secured via the services of Fli High productions. The amphitheatre was full to capacity for the show. The crowd roared and cheered Kamal Khan as he pumped out all the popular numbers. GOPIO Qld had managed to get the suspended speakers for better sound, another added cost, but an effort well worth undertaking.

The fireworks extravaganza is always a crowd pleaser, though it is hard in terms of vantage point, taking into account the security management. Overall the feedback has been very positive, the credit truly goes to each and everyone involved with Indian Day Fair.

GOPIO Queensland would like to thank their platinum Sponsors Springfield Land Corporation, all the other sponsors, the stall holders, performers, the parade participants, volunteers, QPS, Queensland Government, Brisbane City Council and Roma Street Parklands management and staff for their support in staging this mega event.

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Call 07 3865 6533

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2015 — 17

Sangeet Mela 2015 Indian Classical Music & Dance Festival EXPERIENCE the cream of Indian culture at Sangeet Mela 2015, Brisbane’s premiere Indian Classical Music and Dance event, to be held 2pm-10pm Saturday 19th September at QLD Multicultural Centre, 102 Main St, Kangaroo Point.

Delight in the beauty and grace of Bharat Natyam dance, the exciting spins and footwork of Kathak dance in synchronicity with live tabla, dynamic sitar, peaceful bansuri flute, and awe-inspiring South and North Indian vocals by our headline artists Srimati Manda Sudharani and Kumar Gaurav Kohli. Featuring over 20 top local, interstate and international performers, Sangeet Mela 2015 will be grand celebration of Indian classical culture. Chai, snacks and meals by Sitar Restaurant will be available, to share in the company of fellow music lovers.

Organisers Sangeet Premi Club and EthnoSuperLounge are proud to announce our full programme: Smt Manda Sudharani (Visakhapatnam) (pictured left) is an “A-Top” grade Carnatic Vocalist renowned for popularizing the format of ‘Pallavi Singing’ since the early 1980s.

Pt Pooran Maharaj (Varanasi) is the son of the renowned Tabla Samrat of Benares Gharana, Late Pt Kishan Maharaj, and a senior representative of his lineage. He will be presenting a tabla solo and also • Renowned accompanying Hindustani Tabla Master vocalist Kumar Gaurav from Varanasi, Kohli (Punjab), an accom- India, Pt plished younger artist Pooran Maharj. whose voice is reminiscent of Pandit Jasraj.

The evening session will open with Kathak dance by Dr Helena Joshi (Brisbane), accompanied on tabla by Sri Shen Flindell and other local artists.

Also performing: Sri Sridhar Chari (bansuri, mridingam – Melbourne), Sri Kranthi Kiran Mudigonda (violin –

• Mathuja Bavan (Bharat Natyam dance) is receiving a Rising Star Award and openingthe festival from 2pm.

Sydney), Sri Maharshi Raval (tabla – Sydney), Dr Mansey Kinarivala (Hindustani vocal), Dr Indranil Chatterjee (sitar), Ku Janani Ganapathi (Bharat Natyam dance), Sri Rahim Zullah (harmonium), Sri Joseph Abhay Nand (harmonium), and Sri Adarshbir Singh (dilruba).

The festival will open with performances

by Sangeet Premi Rising Star Award winners Ku Roshini Sriram (Carnatic vocal), Sri Arthavan Selvanathan (mridangam), Sri Manbir Singh(Hindustani vocal – Sydney), Ku Mathuja Bavan (Bharat Natyam dance), and Sri Sanjeyan Sivaananthan (tabla).

Date: Sat 19 Sep, 2pm-10pm Venue: Qld Multicultural Centre Tickets: conc $40, single $45, family $130, silver $100, gold $150. $5 extra at door.

Bookings: http://tinyurl.com/SangeetMela2015 Event Website: http://sangeetmela.org

Peter Lane Rai met Sonya in a Brisbane Church...here is her story

By Peter Lane Rai

Mega event, Diwali 2015 celebration by Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland (FICQ) FICQ being an umbrella body representing Indian Diasporas living in Queensland has been celebrating Diwali as an annual mega event since 2010. As it has become a customary to celebrate the most euphoric event, Diwali at the spectacular location, this year too we are celebrating the event at King George Square, Brisbane on 16th of October, 2015.

Diwali in Queensland Diwali in Brisbane has been embraced warmly by the mainstream Queensland population. The last few years’ celebrations have portrayed the performances by eminent artists from various parts of India and Australia and have been a huge attraction for Brisbane audiences.

This year’s celebrations also starts by midday with a line-up of talented musicians, traditional dance performances, mesmerising classical instruments and colourful Bollywood dances, all singing and dancing into the evening. This visual extravaganza will be complimented by an array of Indian traditional, indulgent dishes and sweets available throughout the day. The highlights of this event are a free photo booth set up by MoneyGram where the entire day, you will get a chance to take a free photo and get the copy printed on spot and guess what? It’s absolutely free!

2 raffle draw sponsored by Singapore Airlines and Target Travel and Tours, where each draw has 1 free return ticket to India. The tickets will be available at most of Indian outlet at cost of $5 each and also can be purchased from FICQ stall on the day of the event.

About our sponsors Once again this event is greatly supported by various organisations to uplift the community spirit and for promoting harmony.

The Queensland Government, under Celebrating Multicultural Queensland Grants Program, has been funding initiatives that celebrate and promote Queensland’s multicultural identity, increase community awareness of benefits of multiculturalism, foster community cohesion, and support equal access to opportunities by people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Brisbane City Council’s grants program provides funding to encourage cultural events and activities in their community that increases community identity and connections, social inclusion and reduce isolation.

Springfield is Australia’s fastest emerging new city. The community of 32,000 and as a regional hub is designed to service populations of 500,000 people within a half an hour’s travel from its CBD. The project which was established under an Act of parliament in 1997 has so far attracted more than $11.7 billion in both private and public investment and has been masterplanned against pillars of health, education and information technology.

MoneyGram is the winner of Prestigious Excellence in Remittance Business Award, that helps people send money anywhere in the world. Their mission is to connect family, friends and loved ones through reliable, 10-minute transfers for emergencies, celebrating big moments and providing for life’s essentials.

Brisbane Indian Times (BIT) and Australia India Radio (AIR) - Our media partners BIT, established in 2003 is Brisbane’s first full colour Multicultural / Indian newspaper, whose motto is “As God is One, we respect all Religions”. Being a multicultural newspaper, BIT publishes articles from many different cultural backgrounds / organisations and faiths. AIR is a division of Brisbane Indian Times. The 24 hour online radio station will compliment Brisbane Indian Times by providing community news, interviews, upcoming events and Bollywood music.

Target Travel and Tours - our travel partner is an IATA approved travel agent specialised in discounted airfares to India, Indian Sub-Continent and other parts of the world. It has won many awards from various airlines as well as the winner of BIT Multicultural Award. Mr Shyam Das, Managing Director is a great supporter of the social events of different communities.

Singapore Airlines - It is one of the best airlines in the world. It has been awarded No. 1 many times for their in-flight and ground services. They do offer very competitive fares and their coverage of the world is excellent. Target Travel and Tours enjoy selling Singapore Airlines and it is one of their top selling travel agents. “FLY THROUGH SINGAPORE – FAST FORWARD TO EUROPE.”

By Prakruthi Mysore Gururaj Public Relations Officer – FICQ. Readers can find more about FICQ at our website, http://www.ficq.org.au/ and our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FICQInc.

Sonya’s story as told to Peter Lane Rai MOTHER Mary comes to me - I was born in Mumbai so was following Hinduism a little. However, my mother went to St Michael's Church for Mother Mary worship on Wednesdays to keep NAVINA (a prayer for 9 Wednesdays) for my brother.

So I also went along.

I worked in Mumbai at the Tata Cancer Hospital and Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) and was involved in many projects on TB, HIV and Cancer Rehabilitation run in the KEM Hospital, LTMMC Hospital and Tata Cancer Foundation.

My work was not specifically with people living with HIV and Cancer, but I came in contact with this community and saw their problems while working on my projects. It was a heart breaking experience to work with them and I was moved by their problems. I decided to help this community after completing my projects.

I then helped St Michael Church with the 'Reach Out Project'. which contacted those with HIV and AIDS, to educate them about the disease, and raise money to improve their life.

I could not continue working with them when a church from Kerala took over the project.

Those in the HIV community, especially the lower and middle class, do not talk freely about their family problems, family violence and sicknesses. Currently there are many Indian Government facilities for them but as they are not well educated they

Council opens doors for youth employment

do not understand what benefits they can get from them.

So by having one on one meetings, workshops and educational group meetings this will help them to understand their problems and get better.

When I worked for the Cancer Rehabilitation Center (part of the Cancer Foundation) I realised that the family problems of these people are similar to the family problems of HIV/AIDS people. They need somebody to talk to them and make them understand that these diseases are not a curse and will not be cured by any black magic or scary rituals. The people are still confused and scared of taking about their problems.

Later I worked for a short time at the orphanage of the Sister of Mary's Church in Mumbai before I migrated to New Zealand in 2001. In 2003 I accepted Christianity, was baptised in 2005, attended a Church in Kelson, Wellington and later attended a Pentecostal-Church that was in Malaya lam and English. Then in 2014 I came to Brisbane and I love being here .

18 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2015

FINANCE, Economic Development and Administration Chairman Julian Simmonds is encouraging the city’s young people to apply for Council’s new employment programs aimed at boosting opportunities for young job seekers.

Cr Julian Simmonds said the four new programs would open up fresh opportunities for a wide range of career paths including tertiary work experience, apprenticeships, and traineeships.

“As part of the Lord Mayor’s Budget, he announced an extra $1.4 million would be invested into new development programs for young people including pathways for traineeships, pre-vocational placements, cadetships and work experience students,” Cr Simmonds said.

“These programs are designed to boost job prospects for the city’s young job seekers and ensure our organisation continues to contribute to Brisbane’s economic development.

“This also triples the number of available positions within Council’s employment programs, with 409 positions now available, compared with 128 positions last financial year.

“This added investment in our youth development programs will help ensure our next generation of residents have access to a range of opportunities that will help build the skills, knowledge, and expe-

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riences for fulfilling employment well into the future.”

Cr Simmonds said the new programs are designed to give all young people the chance to get ahead, including people working towards a tertiary degree as well as those working towards vocational qualifications.

“The cadetship and work experience pathways are designed to support both domestic and international tertiary students studying across a range of fields such as engineering, business, finance, town planning and human resources,” he said.

“Brisbane’s universities are continuing to nurture a vast range of talented students, and Council is committed to ensuring it has opportunities available to attract these innovative minds.

“The pre-vocational pathway offers training courses in fields such as electrical, automotive and horticulture and involves a six week program to boost opportunities for gaining a Council apprenticeship.

“These types of programs are vital to ensure Council has a well-equipped and diverse workforce and I encourage young residents to apply for these new opportunities.”

For more information or to apply for the different programs, visit brisbane.qld.gov.au or call Council on (07) 3403 8888.

Call 07 3865 6533

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2015 — 19

Everyone deserves a ‘happily ever after’ BEING in love is an adventure; tions and create a service that the ups, the downs and everywould help people who wantthing in between. Most of the ed to come to Australia.” time, we take for granted that we In 2009, Emma started up her will spend the rest of our lives own migration firm dedicated beside our partners. to making the move to a new Unfortunately, not all of us are country less stressful for couthat lucky. ples and families. After almost When the one you love is from a a decade Freedom Migration different country, things like visa has grown to become a promiapplications suddenly become a nent migration service big issue in your relationship. provider in many cultural Every year, 79% of family visa communities. applications are made up of part- • Emma Drynan.

“I am grateful for how far ner visas but the number of refusals keeps we’ve come but no matter how big we grow increasing. When you have to navigate as a firm, I will always remain close to my through forms, checks and interviews, your clients,” Emma said. fairytale ending can sound really far away.

“I started because there aren’t many firms Fortunately, this is one battle you don’t who cater to this personal aspect and I have to fight alone. One Brisbane migration wanted to adapt to these families and couagent strongly believes that everyone ples in a way that would make them feel deserves a ‘happily ever after’. comfortable.”

Emma Drynan, managing director of Emma says that partner visas have a speFreedom Migration, is a partner visa spe- cial place in her heart because her parents cialist and knows very well how applying had to apply for one to be together. for a visa can be an emotional roller coast“My parents had to navigate the immigraer. tion system to be together and I want to “As a migration agent, I work with couples give other people the best chance at success from many different cultural backgrounds too,” Emma said. and have seen how the pressures and uncer“Being a migration agent gives me access tainty of the migration process has affected to resources that can better help applicants each of them,” she said. and ensure that they avoid common mis“There is a lot more to it than people think. takes. The quality of an application can The immigration process itself is confusing affect whether it gets approved and so it is but the worst part is being separated from important that applications are done corthe ones you love.” rectly. ” At 18 years old, Emma pursued her passion “I love a good romance and in my field for culture and people by moving to China. there is no shortage of touching stories. I Whilst she studied Chinese, she encoun- have seen grown men cry after being reunittered countless questions from people who ed with their wives or girlfriends and I genlonged to start a new life down under but uinely believe that everyone deserves a didn’t know how. happy ending.”

“Living in China, I had a lot of families asking me questions about migrating to If you or anyone you know is hoping to Australia but I was limited in the help I apply for partner, skilled work or employercould give them,” she said. sponsored visas, do not hesitate to call “I decided to get the necessary qualifica- Emma at 3112 5204.

Brisbane Marketing Student wins Miss India Australia 2015 NIBEDITA PAL, 20 Years marketing student, from Brisbane, Queeensland, Australia, is the Miss India Australia 2015 winner by Raj Suri. In addition to English, Nibedita can speak Hindi, Bengali and German languages.

Nibedita Pal gets a fully paid 7 days trip to Mumbai, India starting 30 August.

Nibedita will be officially representing Australia, as Miss India Australia, in the Miss India Worldwide 2015 grand finale in Mumbai, India on 5 September 2015 competing against 36 countries. While in Mumbai, Nibedita will have the opportunity to network with the worldwide delegates, attend industry events, training and workshops. Nibedita will also take part at the special “Africa night” on 4 September in Mumbai. There will be opportunity to meet industry professionals. Expected Bollywood celebrities to attend in Mumbai are: Neha Dupia, Eisha Gupta, Neil Nitesh Mukesh, Jimmy Shergill, Poonam Dhillon , Manisha Lamba to name a few and other fashion designers and TV celebrities.

In Mumbai, as the Miss India Australia 2015 winner, Nibedita will take part, along with the 35 Worldwide contestants in workshops in Grooming ( by Ritika Ramtri - Pageant Coach) - Dance and Choreography ( by Sandeep Soparkar) and Self Image/Bollywood ( by Raj Suri ) Nibedita is being sponsored and mentored

by Sydney based image and Bollywood consultant Raj Suri and will be exclusively represented via Raj Suri associate talent office in Mumbai. http://www.missindia.com.au/miss-indiaaustralia-2015/ The Miss India Australia finalists are selected on the basis of intensive additions and self image/Bollywood workshops in Australia. http://www.missindia.com.au/miss-indiaaustralia-2015-finalists/ The Miss India Australia 2015 other achievers are: Miss India Australia 2015 - Photogenic

- Pooja Priyanka - 24 years old from Sydney Miss India Australia 2015 - Best Classical Dance Rabia Stanley - 19 years old from Sydney Miss India Australia 2015 - Professional - Megna Sanam - 25 years old from Melbourne Miss India Australia 2015 - Beautiful Smile - Savvy Nandal - 24 Years old from Adelaide Miss India Australia 2015 - Beautiful Eyes - Sanya Chopra - 22 years old from Sydney Miss India Australia 2015 “Public Choice” subtitle winner will be announced on 16 September 2015 after the online voting completion.

About Miss India Australia - Founded in 2001 by photographer/media/film producer Raj Suri, Miss India Australia is the first ever-national talent search in Australia for women of Indian origin, affiliated to the Miss India Worldwide which is celebrating its 24th year in 2015 represented by 36 countries. “Miss India Australia embraces the best of Australian and Indian culture presenting a unique opportunity for Australian women to engage with and celebrate rich heritage with contemporary Australian identity. The aim is to to in still confidence and self belief through industry auditions, combined with self image workshops, in young Australian women of multicultural backgrounds. Thereby giving a voice to this unique identity and positively contribute to modern Australia “- founder Raj Suri

Willkommen to Oktoberfest Brisbane 2015 Australia’s largest German Festival!

IT’S almost here, that time of the year when visitors from near and far embrace their inner German at the nation’s finest and most authentic German Festival – Oktoberfest Brisbane! Experience Germany first-hand at the Brisbane Showgrounds, over the weekends of 9-11 & 16-18 Oktober 2015.

Oktoberfest Brisbane is Australia’s largest German Festival and ranked by National Geographic in the Top 10 Oktoberfests outside Germany - a true testament to the passion of the two German-Australian families who decided to share their cultural traditions with Brisbane in 2008.

Now in its eighth year, the festival puts its own special spin on Munich’s world famous festival for its 37,000+ visitors, over the second and third weekends of Oktober.

"We love sharing our culture with the many other cultures living, visiting and studying here in Brisbane and beyond.

We want people to experience the authentic sights, sounds, smells, tastes, hospitality and fun - and feel as if they've stepped right into the middle of Germany!", explained Reimer & Louise Moeller, one of the festival's organising families.

The Brisbane Showgrounds is transformed into a mini Bavaria, complete with an authentic Biergarten, wooden floors and traditional tapping of the first keg by the city’s Lord Mayor. The massive Moreton Bay figs create shade to the alfresco dining area that boasts hundreds of sets of genuine Munich Oktoberfest wooden tables and benches.

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The fare is traditionally German, including the likes of sauerkraut to accompany the traditional German sausages, pork knuckle and schnitzel, freshly-baked pretzels, Lebkuchen hearts and strudel. The first pork knuckle of the festival - the Pork Knuckle of Destiny - is auctioned off to raise funds for Youngcare, Oktoberfest Brisbane’s charity partner. Our lager and wheat beer (“Weissbier”) are exclusively created for us by the 343 year old Tucher Brewery in Bavaria, while international award-winning Burleigh Brewing Co. handcrafts our German-style dark beer (“Dunkelbier”). All our beers are brewed in accordance with the German Purity Law. There are also a variety of German wines - red, white and sparkling - to be enjoyed.

Even the music is truly German, with the 6-member Oktoberfest band flying in directly from Munich, just for Oktoberfest Brisbane. From rock to traditional folk and popular Oktoberfest hits, the band recreates the atmosphere from their Bavarian homeland. Other genuine forms of entertainment for the young and young at heart include the yodellers, German dancers, cow bell ringing and leg slapping.

Unique to the festival, the competitions of Miss Oktoberfest Brisbane and Bavarian Strongmen encourage visitors to truly embrace their inner German. The Beardmeister competition has proven its popularity since its inception two years ago. This year, the Beardmeister competition is being presented in association with Jimmy Rod’s Barbershop, and is poised to be a fierce battle of the www.indiantimes.com.au

beards. Jimmy Rod’s will also have a pop-up barbershop on-site at the festival, giving free haircuts. Other features in 2015 include new menu items, new rides and ‘OktoberFEAST - A Gourmet Exbeerience’ with beer connoisseur Matt Kirkegaard and 2014 Masterchef contestant Emily Loo. At this German Festival there’s plenty of fun for the little ones, including an exclusive Kinder Zone, fun new rides, a puppet theatre and petting zoo. In true support of the German love for football, Brisbane Roar will be making an appearance at our Torwandschiessen, or Go for Goal corner, helping to raise funds for Youngcare. Oktoberfest Brisbane is a true family affair - organised by families, for families, friends and loved ones. For a memorable day full of food, beer, wine, culture and traditions, make your way to Oktoberfest Brisbane and embrace your inner German!

Where: Brisbane Showgrounds, 600 Gregory Tce, Bowen Hills, QLD When: 9-11 & 16-18 Oktober 2015 Time: Fridays: 4pm - midnight /Saturdays:11am - midnight Sundays: 11am - 8pm Program: Full event program will be available at oktoberfestbrisbane.com.au from late September Tickets: Tickets / entry details are available now at oktoberfestbrisbane.com.au/about/tickets Social: Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest Youtube Google+ Hashtags: #OktoberfestBrisbane #OFBris15 @OktoberfestBris (Twitter & Instagram) Call 07 3865 6533

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2015 — 21

Bishnujee Singh recipient of Society of Operations Engineers Plant Engineer of the Year 2015 THE Society of Operation Engineers, London has announced Plant Engineer of the Year 2015 Award to Eur Ing. Bishnujee Singh.

Mr. Bishnujee Singh was highly commended for this award, which aims to recognize the important work done by plant engineers, the award celebrates those who have made an outstanding contribution to any aspect of plant,works,services,maintenance, or facilities engineering.

Executive Director of Society of Operations Engineers (SOE) Ian Chisholm in his Congratulatory message has said “As chief executive of SOE I would like to offer you my warmest congratulations, and thank you for the outstanding contribution you make in representing your sector.

Through your hard work and determination you are making a real difference to the

future of SOE. On behalf of SOE I would like to thank you for your continued commitment and support”.

Mr. Singh currently heads Cayley Aerospace Inc as Chief Executive Officer in Lynnwood, Washington, USA. Also he has recently been honored with Fellow of Royal Aeronautical Society, London on 04th August 2015 which is regarded as the highest award in Aerospace Engineering profession.

Mr. Singh is existing Fellow of Society of Operation Engineers, Fellow of Institute of Plant Engineers, and Fellow of Engineers Australia besides being Fellow of Institute of Mechanical Engineers (UK).He is Graduate of The Aeronautical Society of India and MSc Advanced Engineering from Sheffield Hallam University, England.

Melvin Jones Fellow Award presented to Surendra Prasad OAM SURENDRA Prasad OAM was recently presented with the Melvin Jones Fellow Award

by Lions Club of Brisbane Macgregor.

The award was in recognition of his dedicated service to the communities for the last 11 years as a member of Lions Club of Brisbane Macgregor, the largest Lions Club in District QI. Surendra served as President of the club in 2008/09 and was awarded President Excellence medal from Lion International.

He served as project coordinator for all

major projects in the club. For the Bridge to Brisbane that was held on 30 August he was the coordinator for the parking project.

Surendra has received many other awards in the 11 years from Lion International.

About: Lions Club International is a secular nonpolitical service organisation founded by Melvin Jones in 1917 in America it had 46,000 clubs and more than 1.4 million members in over 200 countries around the world.

Melvin Jones Fellow Award was named after founder Melvin Jones regarded as top award in Lions International.

Michelle Rowland, Shadow Minister for Citizenship and Multiculturalism

Community consultation at Wavell Heights with community leaders ON Monday 24th Michelle Rowland held a community consultation at Wavell Heights Bowls club, multicultural community leaders were invited to attend the consultation.

The PM has announced measures to strip dual nationals of their citizenship if they’ve been engaging in terrorism, is that something that the Labor Party will support? This is the burning question that the community has and Michelle Rowland has been out in the community sharing her view point on this, this is what she had to say: “We are open to looking at any sensible measures that will keep our citizens safe and that includes any potential changes to the Citizenship Act. We have asked for a briefing on this matter, I do believe the Opposition is yet to receive that briefing. But what is concerning is that we still haven’t seen any proposed legislation in this area. There is a lot of media commentary around this but we’re yet to see the detail of this, and more concerning I think is the fact that we have a Cabinet that is divided on this issue but it also leaking on this issue, so it is a cause of great concern.

I really wouldn’t know whether this is window dressing or whether these are proposals that are in fact quite complex.

I would say it is a problematic area. You have everything from issues of statelessness, you have issues of the dual citizenship, and also the fact that Australia has had a long arrangement where if our citizens go off and fight for another country against Australia that they are stripped of their citizenship. We also have, in the case of Daesh, people unfortunately leaving Australia and going over to these areas and probably the first thing they do is burn their passports. So in essence, seeking to revoke their own citizenship. So they’re problematic issues but just as an example Julie Bishop’s initial comments, she was alive to this and it’s clear that from the reports we’ve had out of the Cabinet that she’s questioned this issue of dual citizenship. If we were to strip someone who was eligible to be a citizen of another country, what’s to say that this other country would or wouldn’t accept them so they could in fact be rendered stateless? All these questions we are yet to see the detail of the proposal in order to properly analyse it.

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I would support any measures that are actually going to end up keeping our country safe but in the absence of any detail on these points it is really difficult to draw a conclusion. I am therefore not surprised that the Minister, but also the Department, haven’t been able to clarify it yet.

I’m open to proposals that help to promote inclusion in our country, and I’m open to the public being able to have a say on that. I would be interested in knowing the process on this. The Prime Minister announced arrangements where the public were going to be consulted and as someone who attends many citizenship ceremonies and who assists people to gain citizenship of this country, I know how prized it is, I know how valued it is by people and I know how much even people of school age value it as well. So I’m open to anything that would promote social inclusion and we’ll see how this progresses.

I would say related to these matters is the fact that there are a number of issues that are bubbling away on the government’s side so I think a clear position needs to be stated. For a start, that the government absolutely guarantee that they won’t water down the protections against racist hate speech in the Racial Discrimination Act; that we actually have a Prime Minister who doesn’t, as he did in February, basically criticise leaders in our community, accusing them of not meaning it when they say they are opposed to measures which would possibly promote terrorism or have people attracted to radicalisation. I think these notions are ones that need to be addressed as the starting point. Also when we talk about social inclusion, in a very practical sense it means giving people who are at risk, young people, not only young males – the focus has been on young males but I think we need to look at young females, giving them pathways to meaningful education and employment opportunities and under this government all we have seen are cuts to very successful employment funds that were working even in my local area.

I would be very disappointed if that were the government’s attitude to this. Even the late Malcolm Fraser made the comment that anyone who would deny that Australia is a www.indiantimes.com.au

multicultural country has already lost the argument. I’m pleased to use the term because I think it has meaning in our society and the number of members of parliament from all sides whom I see at so many events and speaking in Parliament who use the word and mean it I think says something about the acceptance of the term and what it means.

I voted against the proposition when it came before the Parliament last time, some years have passed since then. I did make a commitment at the time of that vote and since I would consult the constituents of Greenway before the vote came up again and I’m committed to carrying that through.

In terms of the time frame for this, what would probably end up happening – just knowing the way things work here – that Private Members Bill would be introduced, Bill would speak on it, but then it’s up to the Selection Panel to decide when it comes on for debate. So the reality is, it could actually get parked for quite a while so we don’t actually know when it would come up. And that I think would put the focus on the Prime Minister to consider the issue of a conscience vote within his own party.

Because this is an issue of a conscience vote and it’s the only one that I have had, last time I took the view that I would need to be informed by my constituents but as I said, we look at events that have been happening around the world. Things change quickly over a very short amount of time. I would never presume that the views my electorate held and expressed a couple of years ago would be the views that they hold today. Even look at Ireland, 20 years ago homosexuality was illegal and look at the progress that has been made since then. I think it’s important for Members to reflect the views of their electorate and it’s important for Members of Parliament who say they’re going to do that to actually do it so I look forward to that.

I firstly want to get the views of the electorate and I think that it’s important in a conscience vote situation for a Member to actually take views from a wide variety of people.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2015 — 23

Krishna Janmashtami

• Janmashtami act by DJJS Brisbane Chapter in Sydney.

• Havan during Janmashtami at Shree Laxmi Narayan Temple, Burbank.

kṛṣṇa janmāṣṭamī, also known as Krishnashtami, Saatam Aatham, Gokulashtami, Ashtami Rohini, Srikrishna Jayanti, Sree Jayanti or sometimes simply as Janmashtami, is an annual celebration of the birth of the Hindu deity Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu.

The festival is celebrated on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the month of Shravan (August–September) in the Hindu calendar. Rasa lila, dramatic enactments of the life of Krishna, are a special feature in regions of Mathura and Vrindavan, and regions following Vaishnavism in Manipur. While the Rasa lila re-creates the flirtatious aspects of Krishna's youthful days, the Dahi Handi celebrate God's playful and mischievous side, where teams of young men form human towers to reach a high-hanging pot of butter and break it.

This tradition, also known as uriadi, is a major event in Tamil Nadu on Gokulashtami. Krishna Janmashtami is followed by the festival Nandotsav, which celebrates the occasion when Nanda Baba distributed gifts to the community in honour of the birth.

• Janmashtami pravachan by Pundit Tripathi ji at Vishnu Maya Mandir.

Krishna was the eighth son of Devaki and Vasudeva.

Based on scriptural details and astrological calculations, the date of Krishna's birth, known as Janmashtami, is 18 July 3228 BCE and he lived until 18 February 3102 BCE. Krishna belonged to the Vrishni clan of Yadavas from Mathura, and was the eighth son born to the princess Devaki and her husband Vasudeva.

Mathura (in present day Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh) was the capital of the Yadavas, to which Krishna's parents 24 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2015

Vasudeva and Devaki belonged. King Kansa, Devaki's attended by many dignitaries and politicians such as Julie brother, had ascended the throne by imprisoning his father, Owens, Mayor of Paramatta Cr Scott Lloyd, Dr Geoff Lee, King Ugrasena. Afraid of a prophecy that predicted his Umesh Chandra and Harmohan Singh Walia of GOPIO death at the hands of International. The program Devaki's eighth son, was hosted by members of Kansa had the couple DJJS from all over Australia; locked in a prison cell. the members from Brisbane After Kansa killed the first played a major role in facilisix children, and Devaki's tating the event. Brisbane apparent miscarriage of Indian Times and Australian the seventh (which was Indian Radio were major actually a secret transfer supporters of the event. of the infant to Rohini as In Brisbane numerous Balarama), Krishna was janmāṣṭamī celebrations born. were organised, Pundit Following the birth, Praveen Shandil led the celeVishnu ordered Vasudeva bration at Gayatri Mandir in to take Krishna to Gokul Boondall, Pundit Harihar to Nanda and Yashoda, Shastri led the celebration at where he could live safely, Shree Laxmi Narayan away from his Uncle Temple in Burbank, while Kansa. Vasudeva took • Mr & Mrs Deo Chand offering their prayers during Dharam Guru Pundit Harsh Krishna with him and Janmashtami at Gayatri Mandir Boondall. Pooja was officiated by Ram Tripathi Ji led the celecrossed the Yamuna to Pundit Praveen Shandil. bration at Shree Vishnu reach Gokul. There, everyMaya Mandir in North one was asleep; so he quietly kept him there and returned Maclean. with Yashoda's daughter. Kansa, thinking her to be Devki's A grand celebration was organised by ISKCON Temple eight child, threw her on a stone. But she rose into the air Brisbane on Sunday 6th September. and transformed into Yogmaya (who is Vishnu's helper) and The activities included Darshan, janmāṣṭamī feast, 108 warned Kansa about his death. Then, she disappeared steps Pad yatra, cultural items, religious discourses, aarati Krishna grew up in Gokul with his brother, Balram. He and speeches. The temple site at Jennifer Street, Seventeen then returned to Mathura and killed Kansa with the help of Miles Rocks was transformed to resemble Vrindavan. A Balram. record number of devotees attended the function.

Hindus celebrate Janmashtami by fasting, worshipping Janmāṣṭamī is one of the major festivals of ISKCON. Krishna and staying up until midnight, the time when Krishna is believed to have been born.

Images of Krishna's infancy are placed in swings and cradles in temples and homes. At midnight, devotees gather around for devotional songs, dance and exchange gifts. Some temples also conduct readings of the Hindu religious scripture Bhagavad Gita.

In Australia this year a record number of celebrations took place, the first one was held by Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan in Sydney, the celebration was • Bhajans at ISKCON Temple. www.indiantimes.com.au

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Rajasthani Kutumb of Victoria celebrates the Festival of Teej Courtesy Rajasthani Kutumb of Victoria THE Festival of Teej is celebrated in India mainly in the state of Rajasthan. This festival is dedicated to Goddess Parvati and Mythologically celebrates Goddess Parvati’s union with lord Shiva after a 100 year strict penance.

The festival of Teej is celebrated in various parts of Rajasthan with great pomp and show however how would it feel finding yourself this time in a far off land like Melbourne?

Not to worry because now you have the proud privilege to celebrate the same with the same pomp and show and festivity.

For the last 12 years the Rajasthani Kutumb of Victoria has not only been celebrating the rajasthani festivals and rituals and its vibrant culture but also acquainting the Australian citizens about Rajasthan.

This year on 23rd August 2015 this big Rajasthani family once again gathered to celebrate “Teej Mahotsav 2015”. The advent to the celebration was with Lord Ganesh Vandana (Prayer) followed by the ritualized worship and pooja of Teej Mata (Goddess Parvati).

The celebration was fun-filled and made lively with various events like songs, quizzing and various games and dance and enjoyed and played together by all family members. The event was also marked by astounding performances by kids and ladies which included dances based on rajasthani folk etc and Fancy dress presentation by kids as a reflection to the rich culture of our great nation India.

What more does a Rajasthani wish for than to celebrate the occasion not just ritually but with best of culinary experience and great food too. Mouth watering food and snacks were and add up to the occasion and was loved by all. The guest of honour of the program were Mr. Hong Lim, Member of Parliament, Ms. Manika Jain, Consular General of India, Mr. Chidambaram Srinivasan, VMC Commissioner and Mr. Paul Klisaris, Mayor of City of Monash.

The President of The Rajasthani Kutumb of Victoria Mr. Anuj Gupta apprised that the Rajasthani Kutumb is non-profit organisation and for the past 12 years has been commemorating the celebration of Teej, Diwali and Gangaur festivals in Melbourne.

The association bonds its members through its various programs and celebrations and keeps them attached to their roots. He also further advised that any rajasthani/ rajasthan resident coming to Melbourne and in need of any kind of help can without any hesitation whatsoever contact the Rajasthani Kutumb of Victoria (www.rajkov.org).

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2015 — 25

26 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2015

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2015 — 27

Who, What, Where, When

• Abhishek Bachchan’s visit at Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir. Right: Dharam Guru Acharya Pt Ram Harsh Tripathi ji reciting the mantra while Abhishek Bachchan Ji plants the Amla tree.

Photo’s courtesy Devika Maharaj.

• Islamic Society of Qld members helping raise funds for Islamic College of Brisbane. Photo courtesy Shahban Ali.

• Ladies enjoying EID at Br Shabbar & Suhan Shah’s place. Photo courtesy Shahban Ali.

• Syro-Malabar Cultural Fest - Darshanam 2015. The Bishop Mar Bosco Puthur inagurated the Fest and the Hon. Antony Lynharm was the chief guest. Councillor Fiona King also participated in the lighting of the lamp. The Secretary of Central Coordination Committee of SyroMalabar Community in Brisbane Jolly Karumathy made the welcome speech, Chaplain Fr Peter Kavumpuram thanked all the participants.

• Guru Poornima Palki Festival at Virginia State School Hall organised by Sai Saileshwara Temple attended by more than 400 people on 30 July 2015.

• Pasifika Women’s Alliance held a multicultural Women’s day at Queensland Multicultural Centre on 26th August 2015, Wayne Briscoe executive director of Multicultural Affairs Queensland was the chief guest

• Above and Below: AIR & BIT stall crowded at India Day Fair, below AIR team.

• Kairali Brisbane hosts Onam 2015 via a series of activities, on 8th August they held the card game with Arts competition, on 15th August they held the Kairali youth Vision, a program specially for Kairali youth, on 22nd August they held the Ladies and gents Tug of War and sports day. The grand finale was the Onam celebration at Cavendish Road State High School, Holland Park.

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Who, What, Where, When

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• Above: Umesh Chandra as MC for Lanham Fair welcomes the official party on stage. Seated from left: Cr Norm Wyndum, Cr Andrew Wines, Cr Fiona King, Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, Ewan Walker from Stafford Rotary Club.

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• Left: Lord Mayor Graham Quirk chat to the stilt walkers.

• Right: Lord Mayor with Usha Chandra (Vice President GOPIO Qld) and Councillor Fiona King at Lanham Festival.

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• As part of Senior’s week celebrations MP Kate Jones shared morning tea with local seniors.

Kate is pictured with Anand & Regina Prasad.

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• Official Event Decorators for Satrangi Peenghi Concert - Dream Style Decorators recieving an appreciation award from Harbhajan & Gursewak Mann.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2015 — 29

Allama Mashriqi, His Family & the Khaksars Paid the Price for Freedom On Mashriqi’s 52nd Death Anniversary and the Anniversary of the End of British Rule in the Sub-continent

By Nasim Yousaf History has shown that freedom comes at a steep cost to those who fight to liberate a nation from oppression. Allama Mashriqi, his family, and the Khaksars paid the price for the freedom of the subcontinent through their tremendous sacrifices for the nation.

In 1930, Allama Mashriqi, a legendary freedom fighter, founded the Khaksar Tehrik to liberate the subcontinent (now comprised of Bangladesh, India and Pakistan) from the clutches of foreign rule.

The Tehrik was a private army based on the principles of social service, brotherhood, and discipline. The movement’s message of justice, equality and freedom resonated with the masses and it quickly spread across India. By 1940, the Tehrik was the most powerful and disciplined private army in all the region and was comprised of millions of members. Through demonstrations, marches, camps, pamphlets, speeches, Khaksar newspapers (e.g.“Al-Islah”), and other activities, the Khaksars had mobilized the masses for freedom.

Recognizing the Tehrik’s growing power and influence, the British Government desperately tried to crush the movement from the very beginning. In 1932, they barred Mashriqi from entering the North West Frontier Province (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) - the ban continued until 1937. And later, in 1940, when Mashriqi was on the verge of ending British rule, police killed many Khaksars in a brutal assault (on March 19, 1940) and arrested Mashriqi and his elder sons. Authorities also raided Mashriqi’s house and cruelly injured Mashriqi’s son Ehsanullah Khan Aslam. The news of Mashriqi’s arrest and the massacre of the Khaksars spread worldwide and was reported on the radio and in print media (in India, Australia, Germany, UK, USA, and other international outlets).

The massacre of Khaksars on March 19 was a black day and a turning point in the history of India. The horrific actions of the Government created tremendous public outrage and further compelled the masses to drive for freedom; the Khaksars and their followers were now even more determined to attain independence for the nation.

Seeing the movement as a grave threat to their rule, the British further intensified their efforts against Mashriqi and the Khaksars. Planning meetings were held by the British Government to try to preserve their rule and the Government launched massive efforts to crush the Khaksar Movement. They banned the Khaksar Tehrik (first in Punjab and later in the entire India) and its “Al-Islah” newspaper. Police raided Khaksar offices across India and seized or impounded Khaksar materials.

Many seized Khaksar materials were also sent to the Viceroy of India and other highlevel British officials in India and England.

Thousands of Khaksars and Mashriqi’s sympathizers were arrested, injured, or killed and several were sentenced to life imprisonment. The Khaksars, whether in jail or not, were persecuted and their families harassed. Many were falsely accused – without any proof of violent activity – of being terrorists or “fifth columnists.” All along, the Secretary of State and Viceroy of India were actively involved. The Viceroy held a meeting with the British Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army and other British high-ups and discussed ways to crush the Khaksar Tehrik. The authorities made desperate efforts to try to implicate and defame Mashriqi and his organization; even though the Government found no credible evidence against him, Mashriqi was kept imprisoned without a court trial for a long period of time, as the British knew that no other organization posed a greater danger to their rule in India.

Beyond their actions against the Khaksar organization, the British also tried to attack Mashriqi on a personal level. Mashriqi was kept in solitary confinement at Vellore Central Jail. The Government confiscated his accounts and property. For this reason, Mashriqi’s son (Ehsanullah Khan Aslam), who was injured during the police raid on March 19th, was not able to obtain proper medical treatment; he eventually succumbed to his injuries and died on May 31, 1940. He was buried in Lahore; Mashriqi was not allowed to be with his family during this time nor to take a final glimpse of his son. Meanwhile, other members of his family and followers were harassed or tortured. The lives of his young daughters (Hameedhah, Mehmoodah, and Masuda, who were from his first wife, Wilayat Begum) and wives were threatened.

Mashriqi wrote: “The most recent and the crowning addition to the above tyrannies is an anonymous letter posted from clearing Charing Cross Post Office Lahore on the 4th July 1941delivered to me on the 11th July-threatening the life of my ladies at Ichhra!...In the distress that I have felt over the threat and the

insult, also in the helplessness to which I have been reduced, I have no alternative but to put this also to the credit of the Government who have taken possession of my body most unjustly and have reduced me to this state.”

Despite the atrocities against him, Mashriqi remained resolute and ultimately decided to begin a fast unto death while in prison to continue the push for freedom and obtain his and the Khaksars’ release. When he was on the verge of death, the Government finally released him (although they still restricted his movements).

Ultimately, in spite of the Government’s best efforts, they could not stop Mashriqi and the Khaksars’ determination to bring freedom. The Khaksar resistance and antiimperialist activities pushed the Government to the point where they had no choice but to leave the sub-continent. The sub-continent thus obtained its independence and Pakistan and India emerged on the world map (for a detailed account, read the author’s published works).

Mashriqi continued fighting for justice for many years following independence. He died in Mayo Hospital in Lahore on August 27, 1963. With his death, a vital chapter of South Asian history was closed. News of his death spread like wildfire; special bulletins by major newspapers were published and distributed in the streets of Pakistan.

The day after his death, nearly all the newspapers in the country (including Dawn, Pakistan Times, Jang, Nawa-i-Waqt, Kohistan, Imroze, Mashriq, The Eastern Times, and others) featured the news in front-page headlines. International media also reported of Mashriqi’s death.

Mashriqi’s millions of followers and supporters around the world were grief-stricken. Condolence messages poured in from prominent leaders, including the President of Pakistan (Ayub Khan), and from supporters all over the globe. Airplanes, buses, cars, and trucks full of people arrived in Lahore to attend Mashriqi’s funeral procession, which was over a mile-long and included more than 100,000 people. All

Hindu Devata - Deity HINDU’S generally believe in Bhagawan and in a number of Devatas. Bhagawan is also known by many other terms including Ishwar, Paramatma and Parabrahma. The closest equivalent word in English for Bhagawan is God or the Supreme Personality of Godhead and for Devata the terms deity or demigod are commonly used.

Bhagawan or Parabrahma is distinguished according to specific attributes as Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Many other names are used to relate characteristics of Parabrahma, especially of Lord Vishnu who is believed to incarnate in many forms. Similarly Lord Mahesh is believed to appear in a number of self-born Jyotirlinga.

The term Devata is sometime used as a synonym of Bhagawan or Parabrahma, however Hindu scriptures show clear distinction between them. Parabrahma is one whereas Devatas are many.

The word Devata is derived from the Sanskrit root word “deev” which means ‘to shine’. The derivative word Devata is translated as heavenly, divine, terrestrial things 30 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2015

of high excellence, exalted and shining ones. Hindu scriptures hymn Devatas with attributes of divine power and celestial luster fitting their meaning.

The earliest Hindu Scripture, the Rigveda, mentions thirty-three Devatas (RV 1.139.11), eleven each living in the sky, on the earth and in the water. Other rendition shows eleven living in the heaven, eleven on the earth and eleven in the mid-air.

The Brihad-aranyaka Upanisad (3.9.1-9) describes thirtythree Devatas that comprise twelve Adityas, eleven Rudras, eight Vasus, Indra and Prajapati. It also notes higher numbers of three hundred three and three thousand three Devatas, which are believed to be manifestations of thirty-three Devatas.

Twelve Adityas are believed to reside in the heaven, the space beyond earth gravitation. They are different aspects of the Sun, demonstrating twelve months of a year. Eleven Rudras are residents of the mid-air and represent diverse aspects of atmospheric forces. Other interpretation relates www.indiantimes.com.au

along the route, people showered Mashriqi’s body with flowers. Many wept and some even fainted when they caught a glimpse of the departed leader. Mashriqi was accorded a military-style burial by the Khaksars, who wrapped his body in the Khaksar Tehrik’s flag, gave him a guard of honor, and honored him with a 101-gun salute (Note: the author, Nasim Yousaf, was in attendance at the funeral and has provided a detailed account in his book entitled “Allama Mashriqi & Dr. Akhtar Hameed Khan: Two Legends of Pakistan.” Also visit the following Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AllamaMashriqi .1).

Mashriqi, his family, and the Khaksars paid a very heavy price for the freedom of the people of the sub-continent. They endured all atrocities – whether arrests, bans, threats, restrictions, torture, attacks, etc. – to achieve their objective. Throughout his long and illustrious career, Mashriqi was arrested approximately six times and his movements were restricted at least twice.

He was also attacked a number of times and stabbed in 1947; he survived all the attacks.

Mashriqi’s determination to liberate the people of India, no matter what the personal cost, is inspirational. It is important to remember this hero, his family, and the Khaksars for their sacrifices; but more importantly, their struggle provides an opportunity for the people of the subcontinent to learn the true cost of freedom.

Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India should create research institutes to publish materials, facilitate research, and develop an official, academic biography and documentary or film on Allama Mashriqi and the Khaksar Movement. A nation only prospers when it honors its heroes and remembers those who fought for its freedom.

The author is Allama Mashriqi’s grandson.

For additional information on Allama Mashriqi and the Khaksar Tehrik, visit social media sites including Facebook, YouTube, DailyMotion, Flickr, Twitter, and Scribd.

Copyright © Nasim Yousaf 2015

eleven Rudras to ten breaths and mind of a person. Fire, the earth, the air, the sky, the sun, the heaven, the moon and the stars are eight Vasus. Vasus encompass all on the earth. Indra is the rain Devata and Prajapati is the creator of all beings on the earth. Despite variations in specific names of Vedic Devatas, scholars commonly accept their number to be thirty-three.

Many people believe that the number of Devatas in Hinduism is thirty-three Crore (330 million). This is an error and is a result of misinterpretation of the word ‘trayastrimsati koti’ which means thirty-three great and dominant.

Evolution of Hinduism from Vedic to Pauranic and subsequent Bhakti period and modern renaissance has influenced believers’ perceptions about Devatas.

Many divine personalities appear in Pauranic texts, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. In some cases characteristics of a divine personality have been demonstrated in different forms at different situations. The concept of spouse has been added to make qualities of divine personalities commonsensical. The theory of incarnation brought additional factors to add to divine attributes. All these contributed to change in perception about Devatas.

Continued page 32 Call 07 3865 6533

HAJJ / PILGRIMAGE – The Rituals of Hajj

By Ml.M.Nawaaz Ashrafi Note: This article presents a summarized version of the steps involved in Hajj. Hajj pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam – i.e. one of the five obligatory duties of a Muslim. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran: “And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka’bah ) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision and residence); and whoever disbelieves [i.e. denies Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah), then he is a disbeliever of Allah], then Allah stands not in need of any of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists).” (Aal-e-Imran, 3:97) The rites of Hajj were laid down by Allah (SWT) to mark historic events in the life of Prophet Ibrahim, which show his absolute and total submission to the Will of Allah.

The Building of Kaabah With the help of his son Ismaeel (Ishmael), Ibrahim (alaihis salam) built the House of Allah on the ground where the Kaaba stands to this day.

The Archangel Jibraeel brought from Paradise a stone, known as the Black Stone (Al-Hajar Al-Aswad), which was set into one corner of the Kaaba.

In the Holy Qur’an, the Kaaba is described as follows: “The first House (of worship) Appointed for men was that at Bakka (Makkah) Full of blessing And of guidance. For all kinds of beings.” (Aal-eImran, 3: 96) There are three Ways of Performing Hajj: * Hajj al-Tamattu’ * Hajj al-Ifrad * Hajj al-Qiran The stages of Hajj al-Tamattu’ and the rituals that must be performed are described in the following: Ihram Ihram is distinctive garb of the male pilgrim worn during Hajj or Umrah. It consists of two pieces of white un-sewn and plain cloth.

One of the pieces is wrapped around the midriff to cover his body from just above his navel to his ankles, and the other is draped around his shoulders to cover the upper body. The pilgrim should wear a pair of stitched or unstitched sandals or shoes which do not cover the ankles. The head should not be covered, and no other clothing should be used. For ladies, their ordinary and unpretentious clothes of everyday wear which fulfill the Islamic conditions of public dress, regardless of the color, constitute their Ihram. Their hands and face should be uncovered in Ihram but heads should be covered.

Things to be avoided in the state of Ihram A Muhrim (someone who is in state of Ihram) must avoid the following acts: Cutting hair, shaving any parts of the body, clipping nails, putting perfumes or colognes, killing or hunting animals, sexual intercourse, making marriage proposals, or marriage contracts. He should be focused solely on the Hajj.

Entering the Masjid Al-Haram The pilgrim should enter the Holy Sanctuary (al Masjid al Haram), preferably right foot first through the Bab as-Salam gate, reciting the Talbiyah: ‘Labbayk, Allahumma Labbayk.

Labbayk, La Shareeka laka labbayk.

Innal-hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk La shareeka lak’ The above means: ‘Here I am O Allah, (in response to Your call), here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise, grace and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.’

He should then say: “In the name of Allah, may peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, forgive me my sins and open to me the doors of Your mercy. I seek refuge in Allah the Almighty and in His Eminent Face and in His Eternal Dominion over the accursed Satan.”

After this, the pilgrim moves forward to prepare for the circumambulation of the Kaaba (Tawaf).

To prepare for the Tawaf, he must ensure ablutions have been performed. He should pass the upper garment of the Ihram (the rida’) under the right arm and over the left shoulder, thus leaving the right shoulder bare. This procedure is called iddtibaa’.

When he reaches the Black Stone (al-Hajar al-Aswad), he has arrived at the starting Call 3865 6533

point for the circumambulation (Tawaf), and he may cease reciting the Talbiyah.

Niyyah (Intention) The pilgrim next stands facing the Kaaba, with the Black Stone to his right and performs the Niyyah (i.e. express his intention to start the performance of Umrah).

Performing the Welcome Tawaf and Sa’i Tawaf is the devotional act of circumbulating (i.e. walking around) the Ka’bah while reciting prayers and supplications. One complete circuit around the Ka’bah constitutes a shawt ( plural: ashwat), and seven ashwat complete one Tawaf.. During Tawaf (circumbulating), the pilgrim cannot enter inside the Kaaba nor stop anywhere around it.

Doing Sa’i between Safa and Marwah After expressing Niyyah for Sa’i the pilgrim performs the act of walking and a bit of running(for males only) between the hills of Safa and Marwah during the Umrah.

Safa – a small hillock approximately 200 yards from the Ka’bah inside the Masjid AlHaram.

Marwa – a small hillock located approximately one hundred and fifty yards from the Ka’bah.

Ihram for Hajj al-Tamattu’ If one performs Hajj al-Tamattu’, he completes the Umrah and ends the Ihram. The pilgrim then re-enters the state of Ihram for Hajj from his location in Makkah.

8th of Dhu’l-Hijjah On 8th of Dhu’l-Hijjah the pilgrim bathes himself (ghusl); puts on the white clothing of Ihram; and after donning Ihram and verbally declaring the intention to perform Hajj, recites the Talbiyah. The same prohibitions of Ihram are applicable once again.

Going to Mina from Makkah Mina is a desert location approximately three miles from Makkah where several Hajj rites are performed. The Pilgrim goes to Mina on 8th of Dhu’l-Hijjah. He stays in Mina for one day from after dawn prayer (Fajr) on 8th of Dhu’l-Hijjah till after dawn prayer (Fajr) on 9th Dhu’l-Hijjah. He performs five prayers, starting with the noon (Zuhr) prayer and ending with dawn (Fajr) prayer on the day of Arafat. The pilgrim also collects some of the seventy small pebbles that are needed later for the “stoning” ceremony (ramy).

9th of Dhu’l-Hijjah (Going to Arafat from Mina) This is the Day of Arafat. The pilgrim stays in Arafat from after dawn until after sunset on 9th Dhu’l-Hijjah.

After performing the dawn (Fajr) prayer at Mina, the pilgrim leaves for Arafat on the morning of the 9th of Dhu’l-Hijjah. In Arafat, as much time as possible is devoted to prayers, repentance for sins, and in seeking the forgiveness of Allah.

From noon onwards, Wuquf should be performed at Arafat. This is the most holy of times when the pilgrim stands alone with Allah. Facing the Qibla in the Holy City of Makkah, hands should be raised and prayers offered to Allah with all one’s heart, even in one’s own language, for the forgiveness of sins.

When the sun has set, the pilgrim should leave Arafat for Muzdalifah.

Going to Muzdalifah from Arafat (9th – 10th of Dhu’l-Hijjah: The pilgrim stays in Muzdalifah from after sunset on 9th of Dhu’l-Hijjah until after the dawn prayer (Fajr) on 10th of Dhu’l-Hijjah.

The stay in Muzdalifah is under the open sky. The evening prayer (Maghrib) is offered followed by an overnight stay.

While at Muzdalifah, the pebbles needed for the “stoning” ceremony (ramy) should be gathered. Some pebbles may have been collected in Mina but one should ensure having enough by picking up as many as required from the foot of the hills at Muzdalifah. 70 pebbles in total are needed.

At dawn, after offering Fajr (the dawn prayer), before the sun has risen, the pilgrim sets off for Mina.

10th of Dhu’l-Hijjah (Proceeding to Mina from Muzdalifah) The next stage is proceeding to Mina for the stoning (ramy) of Jamarat ul Kubra; the stoning is performed according to pre-determined schedules. The stoning is followed by the sacrifice and the shaving/cutting of hair (Halq/Taqseer).

After the stoning of the devil, a Sacrifice of an animal such as a lamb is required.

The pilgrim then leaves the state of Ihram,

by shaving his head (or, if a woman, by clipping her hair). The prohibitions imposed by Ihram are now removed, except for sexual relations. (Husband and wife may not enjoy conjugal relations until after Tawaf al-Ifadha – the Circumambulation of the Kaaba, central to the Hajj rites.)

The next stage is proceeding to the al Masjid al Haram in Makkah to perform Tawaf al-Ifadha.

10th of Dhu’l-Hijjah (Tawaf al-Ifadha in the Holy City of Makkah) The pilgrim returns to the Holy City of Makkah to perform Tawaf al-Ifadha on 10th of Dhu’l-Hijjah.

Tawaf al-Ifadha is an essential element of Hajj.

The pilgrim circumambulates the Kaaba seven times and then offers prayers (rakaat) behind Maqam Ibrahim; performs Sa’y between Safa and Marwah and drinks water from the Well of Zamzam. The Hajj Tawaf (Tawaf al-Ifadha) having been completed, the state of Ihram is completely ended and all restrictions are lifted including those relating to sexual relations with one’s spouse.

11th – 13th of Dhu’l-Hijjah (Returning to Mina from Makkah) The pilgrim stays in Mina for up to three days for the stoning of the three pillars representing Satan (ramy of the three Jamarat).

The three pillars will be stoned in a set order, performing ramy al-uula, ramy alwusta and ramy al- kubra. The pilgrim then may return to al Masjid al Haram to perform the Farewell Tawaf after ramy on 12th of Dhu’l-Hijjah, or he may stay till 13th of Dhu’l-Hijjah, performing ramy for the third time, before returning to al Masjid al Haram for the Farewell Tawaf.

The act of stoning the devil (shaytan) commemorates the three attempts the devil made to tempt the Prophet Ibrahim (alaihis salaam). The Prophet rejected all three of the devil’s attempts, stoning him and driving him away. The three stone pillars mark the places where the failed temptations took place and the act of stoning commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim’s constant obedience to Allah and the vanquishing of the devil.

Farewell Tawaf in the Holy City of Makkah This, the Farewell Tawaf (Circumambulation), marks the end of one’s Hajj. Sa’i does not form part of the Farewell Tawaf.

Departing for home The Hajj is now completed and the pilgrim can leave the Holy City of Makkah promptly for his next destination.

(Hajj al-Tamattu’ has an extra stage after performing the Welcome Tawaf and Sa’y i.e. the third step Ihram for Hajj al-Tamattu’ which is not included in Hajj al-Ifrad and Hajj al-Qiran.)

AL MADINATUL MUNAWWARAH ALL HUJAAJ / PILGRIMS VISIT THE ENLIGHTENED CITY OF MADINAH WHICH HOSTS THE HOLY MAQAAM AND SHRINE OF SAYYIDINAA MUHAMMAD SALLALLAAHU ALAIHI WA SALLAM BEFORE OR AFTER THE HAJJ. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT FACTOR IN THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE HAJJ. Madinah Munawarrah (“the enlightened city”) ranks as the second most holiest place in Islam after Makkah. It is the city that gave refuge to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) and the early Muslims upon their migration from Makkah and where lies the burial place of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). * The city of Madinah was originally known as Yathrib, an oasis city dating as far back as the 6th century BCE. During the war between Jews and Romans in the third century CE, many Jews fled Jerusalem and migrated to their ancestral place of Yathrib (present Madinah). Nero sent a massive Roman force under Petra Lenidas to Madinah to massacre the Jews in 213 CE. A community survived and by the time the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) had migrated there was a large Jewish presence around the city. * The Jews were eagerly waiting for the arrival of a prophet who, according to their scriptures, would appear in Madinah. They used to taunt the local Arabs that when he did arrive, according to their prophesies, the

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Jews would destroy the pagans as the ancient people of Aad and Thamud had been destroyed for their idolatry. However, when they realized that the final prophet was chosen among the Arabs rather than from the Jews their pride got the better of them and they rejected him even though as the Quran mentions (in 2:146) they recognized him as they recognize their sons. In spite of this, there were some Jews who embraced Islam, most notably Hussain bin Salam, one of their most learned Rabbis. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) changed his name to Abdullah bin Salam. * The city of Madinah was not unfamiliar to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) when he emigrated there. His father Abdullah was buried there and when he was six years old he had travelled with his mother Aminah and their devoted slave girl Barakah (later to be known as Umme Ayman). In later life he recounted how he had learned to swim in a pool which belonged to his kinsmen with whom they had stayed, and how the boys taught him to fly a kite. However, not long after they had set out for the return journey his mother fell very ill, and died a few days later at Abwa, not far from Yathrib where she was buried.

Barakah did what she could to console the boy, now doubly an orphan and brought him back to Makkah. * About a year before the migration, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) had dispatched Mus’ab bin Umair (may Allah be pleased with him) on a mission to propagate Islam (Tableegh) to the people of Madinah. Many of the Ansar became Muslims at his hands. * Madinah is 210 miles (340 km) north of Makkah. At the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him), Madinah was approximately the size of the present masjid and the surrounding white tiled area. * Narrated Anas (may Allah be pleased with him): Whenever the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) returned from a journey and observed the walls of Madinah, he would make his mount go fast, and if he was on an animal (i.e. a horse), he would make it gallop because of his love for Madinah [Bukhari]. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him): “For the believer, Madinah is the best place. If only they could understand it’s virtue fully, they would never leave it, and whoever departs from Madinah, having become disenchanted with it, Allah will send someone better to replace him. And whoever bears patiently the ordeals of Madinah, for him shall I be an intercessor(or witness) on the Day of Qiyamah.” [Muslim] * It is narrated by Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her): When we came to Madinah, it was an unhealthy, uncongenial place. Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) fell sick and Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) also fell sick; and when Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) saw the illness of his Companions he said: “O Allah, make Madinah as beloved to us as you made Makkah beloved or more than that; make it conducive to health, and bless us in its sa’ and mudd’ (two standards of weight and measurement) and transfer its fever to Juhfa.” [Bukhari] * It is stated in another hadith: “There will be no town which Ad-Dajjal (the anti-Christ) will not enter except Makkah and Madinah, and there will be no entrance (road) but the angels will be standing in rows guarding it against him, and then Madinah will shake with its inhabitants thrice and Allah will expel all the nonbelievers and the hypocrites from it.” [Bukhari] Narrated Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) said, “Verily, Belief returns and goes back to Madinah as a snake returns and goes back to its hole (when in danger).” [Bukhari] MAY ALLAH TA’ALA GRANT ALL OUR HUJJAAJ A HAJ MAQBOOL AND MABROOR. AAMEEN. AND A JOYOUS EID UL ADHAA MUBARAK TO ONE AND ALL.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2015 — 31

Hindu Devata - Deity Double portion...

Continued from page 30

Now it is a normal practice to worship Devatas such as Lord Ganesh, Hanuman, and Devis for example Goddesses Laxmi, Saraswati, Durga, Parvati, Gouri and Kali.

The feminine aspect of Devata is Devi.

Each of the Devatas and Devis has specific divine supremacy.

Original thirty-three Devatas remain valid although their importance and characteristics have readjusted. The Sun or Aditya remains popular as the god of the sky or the heaven. Nine planets or Navagraha have become prominent Devatas. Indra with the power of lightning bolt is the king of all Devatas and resides in the mid-air.

Fire is the Devata on the earth. It is believed to be the carrier of oblations to specific Devatas according to chanted Mantras.

Varuna is the Devata of water and resides in seas, rivers and other water bodies.

Yama is the Devata of death and resides in the netherworld. Vayu or air is the Devata in the atmosphere and sustains living beings, humans, plants and animals.

Ashvini Kumaras, themselves twin Devatas, are the physician of Devatas and live in forests. Vishwakarma is the divine architect whereas Vastu Devata relates to building construction.

Hindu tradition also assigns specific Devata to each direction of the compass

and different regions of the universe.

Sthana Devata, Grama Devata, Griha Devata, Ishta Devata, Kula Devata and Vana Devata are common terms that relate to specific place, objects or individual human beings. Such nomenclatures are used to offer respect and to worship divinities connected to them.

Human beings, rivers, forests, mountains, animals and birds are deified according to their importance. Followers of a number of branches of Hinduism consider their Guru as divine and worship him as a Devata.

River Ganga, Govardhana Parvata, Cow as Kamadhenu, Garuda as vehicle of Lord Vishnu, Nandi as mount of Lord Shiva are some of the Devatas and Devis which are worshipped at different occasions.

It is not mandatory for Hindus to believe in all Devatas and Devis. A person can believe and worship a Devata or Devi of his choice or may believe only in the Parabrahma in the form of his preference.

It is assumed that the consideration of divinity in individuals, plants, animals and natural objects expands positive energy for appreciation of surrounding environment.

It also helps maintain a balanced relationship with the nature and contributes to peace and understanding among various inhabitants of the planet earth.

More information on Hinduism will follow in the next edition of BIT. Awadhesh Sharma

Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland Inc

Vedic view of life...

PRARTHANA means prayer to God to be our This manta describes six of guide. Prayer is asking God’s attributes and is a for God’s inspiration and prayer to God to help us help so that we may gain acquire at least elements of Jitendra Deo spiritual knowledge, some of the same attributes President wisdom, strength and in our lives. The mantra determination to acquire starts by stating that God is virtuous qualities in ourselves as well as the Radiance that enlightens everybody live a virtuous life, learn humility and with because He is the source of all knowledge our abilities help fellow human beings. that is known by truth. God is the Supreme After making one’s best effort, it is asking Light that leads us forward in our life, God, the Universal Benefactor, for His towards brightness and away from ignoblessings so our requests are fulfilled. rance and darkness. After acknowledging Praying teaches us humility and reminds us that God is the Supreme Radiance, we pray that we are not all powerful like God. It for radiance in our own lives also. Similarly also helps us acknowledge our limitations in this mantra, God is addressed as the and our arrogance so that we learn where Almighty and the storehouse of Infinite we need to improve. Praying also reminds Strength, Vigour and Vitality, Courage and us of our moral duties (dharma) both to our- Fortitude followed by prayer that we may selves and to others and further shows us also acquire an element of the same attribthat we should seek God’s counsel first and utes in our lives. then that of our fellow humans, not the When we pray to God, or ask God for other way around. something, it is not a passive request. When The following Veda mantra is an example we ask for God’s grace and also make an of prayer to God: active commitment to change our life, we become deserving of God’s gifts. Giving is Tayjo asi tayjo mayi dayhi, viryam asi God’s attribute and He gives all of us what veeryam mayi dayhi, we deserve based upon our karma. When Balam asi balam mayi dayhi, ojo asi ojo we pray, our actions should not contradict mayi dayhi, our prayers. A person praying for good Manyur asi manyur mayi dayhi, saho asi health is not expected to eat six doughnuts saho mayi dayhi. (Yajur Veda 19 : 9) and/or drink six beers daily. Moreover, if

OFTEN we read about sucing close behind. Elijah had been a cessful and affluent people. very successful prophet in Israel.

They have accomplished He called fire down from heaven their goals in the public eye. more than once, he parted the river But being successful isn’t Jordan and walked across it on dry just about what you make land, he brought a dead boy back Pastor Joseph Dass to life, including many other mirahappen for yourself, it’s about what you make hapcles. But Elijah understood this pen for others. It’s when you principle that to be truly successful realise that God has not blessed you so you he had to help someone else succeed. When can sit on the throne and let everyone see they arrived at their destination Elijah your achievements and accomplishments, asked Elisha what he could do for him. He but to be a blessing to others. That is real- blessed Elisha with his best and Elisha ising that God has helped you to win so you brought about twice the number of miracles can help others to win. compared to Elijah. Elijah let Elisha Too often we hold back in being a blessing, receive a double portion blessing. to show generosity, to help someone finanElijah’s attitude was, God has blessed me cially because we are too focused on what so I am going to be a blessing to someone we could lose. Luke 6 v 38 says "Give and else. Friend that’s how we should live. Our it will be given to you. A good measure, attitude should be, I got blessed with this pressed down shaken together and running employment so I am going to help someone over, will be poured into your lap….." That who is striving, to find a job. God blessed means when we live a life of giving out we me with a house so I am going to help will be live a life of always receiving. So someone get a house. I came out of an when there is plenty we will be happy and addiction and am going to help someone when there is just enough we will hold our break the habit. I was blessed with a happy peace. This is our trust in God that He will family so am going to help a struggling keep us supplied all the time. family get back on track.

Every day we should make a plan to be a We can look for ways to help others sucblessing to someone, to give our best. In the ceed. Reach out with your abilities and talscriptures we read of Elijah coming ents you have been given. True success is towards the end of his earthly ministry and when we help others along the way. to be taken up to heaven. As he was mov- God bless you, ing towards Jordan, he saw Elisha follow- Pastor Joseph Dass

we ask God to give us something (i.e. share with us), then we must be willing to share what we have with those who are less fortunate.

Lastly, as acknowledged in this mantra, God is the Foremost Power and we should only ask Him when we need something. We should, therefore, not seek protection or shelter from those who seem to be powerful but are actually quite vulnerable themselves. Such shelter or protection from other humans, in the long haul is doomed to failure. Therefore, one must first and foremost ask God, the Giver of all givers with humility and generosity. An advanced aspirant who has completely surrendered to God does not ask anything for himself or herself but only for the welfare of others.

Such aspirants leave the responsibility of their welfare, shelter and protection to God and trust that God will meet their needs one way or another.

There are a few things one should remember about praying: • One must never pray for impossible things (such as asking that the sun rise in the West). It is wrong to test God. • One must never pray for the harm or the destruction of others just because we disagree with them but it is wise to ask God’s help and grace when one is fighting for truth and righteous causes.

• As stated above one should never pray for help without first having made one’s best effort. Prayer is not a substitute for action (karma). God helps those who help themselves.

• Prayer does not mean chanting God’s name over and over but requires one to

make an improvement in his/her character and conduct of life. Prayer is also a time for self-reflection and to think about whether or not one has become more virtuous by discarding personal vices. Without an attempt to change one’s life, prayer is not only useless but also hypocritical.

• One must pray for oneself and not ask a priest to pray on one’s behalf. The role of a priest is that of a teacher, guide and confidante to help a person understand the spiritual aspects of life and to teach someone how to pray and meditate.

• While one should not ask others to pray on one’s behalf, it is perfectly appropriate to pray for the well-being of others, nation and the universe. It is a generous and unselfish gesture and may include praying for wisdom for your enemy so that the two of you may reconcile your differences.

• Summarising above, one prays not only for one’s personal spiritual, mental and physical welfare but also for that of others, extending one’s requests to all mankind and nature as well. Most of the prayers in the Vedas are for “us” rather than for “me,” with great deal of emphasis on being generous and giving to others because this allows one to receive God’s blessings. (cont. in next issue)

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

Follow the trail to Council’s tip shops for 2015 Garage Sale Trail BRISBANE City Council is encouraging residents to take a sustainable approach to recycling and clean out their garages by registering for the 2015 national Garage Sale Trail.

Field Services Chairman Councillor David McLachlan said the event was a fantastic opportunity for residents and business owners to sell good quality second-hand items, but also help contribute to a cleaner, greener Brisbane.

“Hosting a registered garage sale, stall or shop is a great way to connect with neighbours and friends, fundraise, declutter the home, encourage sustainable living and divert waste from landfill,” Cr McLachlan said.

“Council is committed to diverting waste from landfill as part of the Zero Waste strategy and this initiative is a great way to promote recycling and reuse.

“Council will register the Brisbane tip shops in Geebung and Acacia Ridge as the city’s biggest garage sales for the 32 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2015

third year, where keen bargain hunters can pick up items such as household furnishings, collectables, books, toys and sporting equipment.”

The Garage Sale Trail campaign is now in its fifth year and last year involved more than 350,000 Australians in more than 150 council areas across the country.

In 2014, 530 garage sales were registered in the Brisbane area, resulting in the sustainable reuse of enough items to fill 7420 shopping trolleys.

Cr McLachlan said Council’s tip shops salvaged more than 390 tonnes of quality household items from the transfer stations for sale in 2014-15.

“Since Council opened its first tip shop in 2010, more than 1200 tonnes of household items have become tip shop treasures instead of landfill, showing the value of reusing what we can,” he said.

“All funds raised by the sale of tip shop items go to the www.indiantimes.com.au

Endeavour Foundation, who support people with disabilities, which is another great reason for people to add the tip shops to their Garage Sale Trail.

“I encourage residents to take part in the Garage Sale Trail by adding the tip shops to their trail or holding a sale of their own to help make Brisbane a cleaner and greener city.”

This year’s National Garage Sale Trail will be held on Saturday 24 October.

Garage sale registrations for the 2015 Garage Sale Trail can be made at www.garagesaletrail.com.au from Monday 10 August and sale holders who register before 25 September will receive a free sale kit in the mail.

For more information about Council’s tip shops, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au, contact Council on 07 3403 8888 or download Council’s free Brisbane Bin and Recycling app from the App Store or Google Play.

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Health Beauty Wellbeing Five foods to eat everyday to get that fit and flat tummy

Thick is in: Show some love to your eyebrows, grow them out IF you thought the only eye makeup you had to focus on was the signature liner, a swipe of kohl on the waterline and maybe a pair of faux lashes, think again! Power brows can make or break your beauty game, and it’s time you pay them some attention.

Comeback of the bold brows Over-styled and over-groomed brows are out of fashion ladies, in case you are still following the caterpillar-thin brow route. English model-actor Cara Delevingne has been monumental in bringing back the thick-browed look and celebs have jumped on the bandwagon in full-force. Even our Bollywood ladies have not shied away from sporting eyebrows that frame the

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face perfectly, without looking painfully thin and forcefully arched.

Adding volume Apart from your salon appointment, eyebrows also need their own home care regime and product space in your vanity case. Not all of us have bushy brows to start with, so the use of filler makeup that makes them look thicker and more luscious are also vital. “Use a brow shadow to fill in the eyebrows. With an angular brush, apply the shadow on and around the brows, without straying too far from the natural hair line.

With an eyebrow pencil, give shape, and for voluminous look, use mascara over the eyebrows,” says makeup expert Kanikka Gauraav Tandon.

Oil therapy and tricks Your eyebrows need daily care too, which in turn helps in better growth and avoids dryness or flakiness.

“Every morning after you bathe, when the brows are wet, comb the hair with an angular brush to give them adequate shape. You can also try massaging your brows with olive oil every night before bed to turn them darker and thicker with time,” says beauty expert Bharti Taneja. “To thicken the eyebrows, the best way is to dip the eyebrow pencil in desi ghee/olive oil/castor oil and apply over the brows daily.

Massaging the brows with the pulp of aloe vera plant every alternate day also helps,” adds Tandon.

HT - Snigdha Ahuja

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HATE those tyres around your tummy? Belly fat could be the most stubborn fat to get rid of.

While it is important to work out and cut down your fat intake, there are certain food items that are known to help budge the bulges. Here’s what you must include in your diet to get that flat tummy.

Eggs - Eggs are a must have if you want to reduce and manage your weight. Apart from providing proteins, eggs have the ability to quickly increase your metabolism. However, if your cholesterol level is high, then consume only egg whites and not the egg yolk. Egg whites are a pure source of protein, and so, they are ideal if you want to lose weight.

Oatmeal - Wondering why you feel hungry for sugary products like doughnuts in the morning?

It is because your early morning snack attack is caused by a dip in sugar levels. Go for plain oatmeal, as they are fibre rich.

They promote healthy satiety, as they stay in your stomach for hours. It is an excellent choice if you want to curb and reduce belly fat.

Green beans Don’t compromise on your dose of daily carbohydrates if you are planning to lose weight.

Green beans provide the right

amount of calories, along with fibre and protein to keep you energised throughout the day.

Include green beans in your salad and soups. The fibre of green beans also helps manage your blood sugar levels, which helps you ward off those afternoon sugar cravings. It also promotes digestive health and removes toxins from your body.

Nuts - Whenever you feel a little craving in the middle of your meals, go for a box of nuts rather than gorging on junk food like chips and chocolate.

Nuts such as almonds, cashew nuts and pistachios are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and have a low calorie count. However, skip salted nuts, as too much sodium raises blood pressure.

Berries - The ideal combination of fibre and antioxidants makes berries a must if you are looking to lose belly fat. The antioxidants in berries such as strawberries and blueberries block the activity of an enzyme responsible for breaking starch into simple sugar, which means fewer simple sugars are released into the blood stream, lowering the blood sugar and the corresponding insulin response. This is the key for weight control because insulin shuttles excess sugar into fat cells.

HT

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2015 - 33

Health Beauty Wellbeing

Soar Throat 7 Natural remedies

$7M clinical trial funding set to save lives

Sore throats may not require antibiotics

By Mazhar Sayeed Continued from last issue OVER the past few decades, we’ve seen a rise in bacteria capable of resisting our modern antibiotics. The result has been potentially dangerous and even deadly infections. The overuse of antibiotics can contribute to resistant bacteria, so doctors now ask patients to think twice about asking for prescriptions. Sore throats, for example, are often caused by viral, not bacterial infections. That means antibiotics won’t help. We have some natural solutions, however, that may make you feel better.

What Causes Sore Throats?

Allergies, dry air, and outdoor pollution, as well as illnesses like the common cold, flu, measles, chickenpox, mononucleosis (mono), and the croup, can all cause sore throats. These illnesses are all viral infections that will not respond to antibiotics.

Bacterial infections are responsible for only a small percentage of sore throats, including those linked with strep throat, whooping cough, and diphtheria. Most doctors recommend calling a doctor only in cases of severe sore throat accompanied by a fever, or when swollen tonsils block the throat.

Remedy #1: Licorice Root Even if a sore throat isn’t serious enough to warrant a trip to the doctor, it’s still painful and may interfere with a good night’s sleep. Fortunately, there are a number of at-home remedies you can use to soothe the pain and irritation. Licorice root has long been used to treat sore throats, and recent research shows it is effective when mixed with water to create a gargle solution. A 2009 study, for instance, found it soothed patients’ throats and diminished coughing after surgery.

Remedy #2: Slippery Elm - We don’t have many studies on slippery elm, but it’s long been a traditional remedy for sore throat. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, Native Americans took it to relieve coughs and sore throats. Slippery elm has a mucuslike substance in it. When mixed with water, this substance forms a slick gel that coats and soothes. To use, pour boiling water over powdered bark, stir, and drink.

You may also find slippery elm lozenges that will help.

Remedy #3: Honey Honey mixed in tea or simply taken straight up has long been a home remedy for sore throat. Scientific studies have confirmed this natural wonder works.

A study of 139 children with upper respiratory infections, for example, found that honey was even more effective at taming nighttime coughs than common cough suppressants. Studies have also shown that honey is an effective wound healer, which means it may also help speed healing for sore throats.

Remedy #4: Salt Water Your mother may have recommended gargling with salt water. If so, she was probably right. According to Student Health Services at the University of Connecticut, gargling with

warm salt water can help soothe a sore throat and break down secretions. It’s also known to help kill bacteria in the throat.

The University of Puget Sound adds that a salt water solution consisting of a half teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water can help reduce swelling and keep the throat clean.

Remedy #5: Marshmallow Root Like slippery elm, marshmallow root contains a mucus-like substance that coats and soothes a sore throat. Simply add some of the dried root to a cup of boiling water to make tea. Sipping the tea two to three times a day may help ease throat pain. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that few studies have been conducted on marshmallow in humans. However, they also note that some research has found that marshmallow solutions can help soothe irritated mucous membranes.

Remedy #6: Sage and Echinacea Sage and echinacea together may help reduce sore throat symptoms. A 2009 study observed 154 patients at least 12 years old with sore throats. For the next three days, these participants received either an echinacea/sage throat spray or a medicinal chlorhexidine/lidocaine spray. They used two puffs every two hours, up to 10 times a day. Results showed that the echinacea/sage spray was just as effective as the medicinal spray for treating sore throats.

Remedy #7: Peppermint - How about a comfortable throat and fresh breath at the same time? The American Cancer Society notes sprays containing peppermint oil may relieve sore throats.

The University of Maryland Medical Center adds that peppermint has menthol, which helps thin mucus and calm sore throats and coughs. A 2011 study also found that a combination of five herbs, including peppermint, when used in a spray solution, improved sore throat more than a placebo.

A 2008 study reported peppermint contains anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, which may help encourage healing.

Other Remedies - Lots of Options Available - Chamomile tea Other potential sore throat soothers include eucalyptus, which you’ll likely find in natural throat lozenges and cough syrups, and Chamomile tea. Trying out these various natural remedies—while making sure to drink lots of fluids and get your rest—may help you feel better more quickly, and save you a trip to the doctor’s office.

Help stop the spread of the flu by getting vaccinated. Learn the pros and cons of both FluMist nasal spray and the shot to decide which is best for you.

Strep throat isn’t just a sore throat—it’s highly contagious and can lead to serious complications. Here are a few tips for managing strep throat.

If you're experiencing pain in the sinuses, you could have sinusitis. Learn more about the symptoms of sinus infection in this slide.

Whatever is causing your stuffed-up nose, here are eight ways to get your nose unclogged so you feel—and breathe—better.

A lot of conventional "wisdom" about cold therapies can make you sicker than when you first started. Learn which cold treatments are fact and which are merely fiction.

Note: Should you need any clarifications, please do not hesitate to contact my email: sayeedmaz_12@hotmail.com

34 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2015

• L-R: A/Prof Sandro Porceddu (Director Radiation Oncology PAH), Arthur Davis (patient) and his wife Guiliana Davis.

QUEENSLAND cancer patients are set to benefit from greater access to world-leading treatments thanks to a five-year funding deal worth $7 million for independent clinical trials in Queensland hospitals.

The funding, to be jointly provided by Queensland Health and Cancer Council Queensland, is expected to increase participation in cancer clinical trials led by national and international research teams.

In 2015-16 the funding will enable more than 140 trials focused on more than 12 cancers including breast, skin, pancreatic, ovarian, prostate, lung, bowel, cervical and head and neck cancers.

PA Hospital patient, Arthur Davis, has overcome tonsil cancer thanks to treatment that was included in a trial looking at reducing the intensity of treatment to improve quality of life without influencing the curative outcomes.

“If you are unfortunate to have a cancer scare and you get the chance to participate in a clinical trial, go for it,” Arthur said.

“You get the best care and lots of personalised attention.”

“The first thing you want to know when you get a shock diagnosis is am I going to live. The great thing about clinical trials is that doctors can isolate the cancers that can be treated in a better way.”

Director of Radiation Oncology Research at PA Hospital, Associate Professor Sandro Porceddu said that if cancer treatment can be delivered with fewer side effects, patients recover quicker and they can get back to work sooner.

“Reducing toxicity of treatment is all about lessening the effects of chemotherapy while not reducing the effectiveness of treatment on curing the cancer.

Collaborating across centres and with

many patients gets us the clinical indications we need to change treatment options for key areas of cancer.”

“Arthur had a great outcome from his treatment and he was part of a trial that reduces the amount of treatment required to cure his throat cancer. What’s important is that he speaks normally and he had no scars as a result of the treatment that was provided.”

“As it applies to PA Hospital, research funding has had the involvement of over 1000 patients on clinical trials in the past.

This funding is a way to expand the number of trials and the number of patients we can have on trials to improve curative treatments for cancer.”

Health and Ambulance Services Minister Cameron Dick said the project would help to broaden the state’s research base, which was a primary aim of the Palaszczuk Government.

He said the trials had the potential to significantly improve patients’ chances of survival and also help treatment protocols for future patients.

One aspect of the funding is that it will allow the employment of specially-trained data managers in research institutes and hospitals.

“Annual patient recruitment in independent clinical trials has increased from 87 patients in the year 2000 to more than 1850 patients now enrolled in co-operative clinical trials in Queensland,” Mr Dick said.

“These trials give those diagnosed with cancer a chance to be involved in critical research to better the lives of the 27,000 new cancer patients diagnosed in Queensland each year.” health.gov.au

Get grilling for prostate cancer month WHY not throw on your apron this month to support this year’s Big Aussie Barbie to fight prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men and accounts for about 28 per cent of all male cancer cases in Queensland.

Although prostate cancer affects many Queensland families, there is a relatively low awareness of it.

That’s why the Big Aussie Barbie campaign is a great idea to get blokes, their families and the community together so we can talk about men’s health.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia is hosting the campaign to raise more than $1 million for their research and support programs.

Support groups help raise awareness of

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prostate cancer in their local communities.

Many groups invite guest speakers such as nurses, doctors, nutritionists, social workers, physiotherapists and pharmacists to provide people with more information.

There are 28 support groups in Queensland For more information on the Big Aussie Barbie visit http://bigaussiebarbie.com.au/ Call 07 3865 6533

Health Beauty Wellbeing How to get rid of Hyperpigmentation

By Nimisha Modi Hetvi Hair & Beauty 04 123 500 13

HYPERPIGMENTATION of the skin can cause uneven color and dark patches.

Excessive production of melanin is responsible for this condition.

Hyperpigmentation can occur on almost any part of the body, including the face, neck, hands, arms and legs.

The root cause of excess melanin production is generally attributed to internal factors like hormonal changes in the body, pregnancy and various health problems. External factors like excessive sun exposure, skin injury, burning, emotional stress or contact with certain chemicals can also cause hyperpigmentation.

You can get rid of hyperpigmentation naturally with the help of some simple and easy home remedies.

Here are some ways to get rid of hyperpigmentation.

1. Lemon:- Lemon contains citric acid that helps bleach the skin, making it a popular home treatment for hyperpigmentation. This natural bleaching agent can effectively fade dark blemishes on your skin.

Extract fresh lemon juice and rub it on the skin using a cotton ball.

Leave it on for about 10 to 15 minutes, and then wash it off with water. Follow this remedy twice daily for a few months until you notice improvement.

Alternatively, you can prepare a facial mask with equal amounts of lemon juice and raw honey. Mix the ingredients well and then apply it to the affected skin. Cover the skin with a warm towel for 15 minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Do this once a week for a few months.

Note: Those who have sensitive skin must dilute the lemon juice with a little water before using it.

2. Raw Potato:- Raw potato works very well to help lighten hyperpigmented skin as well as other spots and blemishes on the skin.

Potatoes contain catecholase, an enzyme that is believed to help lighten skin tone.

Peel a potato and cut it into thick slices. Put a few drops of water on the surface of a potato piece and then rub it on your skin for five to 10 minutes. Then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Do this three or four times a day for at least a month.

Grate one medium-size potato and squeeze the juice out of it. Add an equal amount of lemon juice to it and mix well.

Apply the solution on the pigmented area and leave it on for about 20 to 30 minutes before washing it off. Do this twice daily for

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a month.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar:- Apple cider vinegar is simply miraculous when it comes to reducing the appearance of dark patches on the skin due to hyperpigmentation. It has excellent skin lightening as well as astringent properties that can help restore your skin’s natural color.

Mix equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water. Use this solution to rinse the affected area. Leave it on for two to three minutes, and then rinse it off with lukewarm water.

Follow this remedy twice a day for a few weeks.

Alternatively, add two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to half a glass of warm water.

Then mix in one teaspoon of honey. Drink this solution twice a day, morning and night, for a couple of weeks until you notice improvement.

4. Vitamin E:- Often referred to as the skin vitamin, vitamin E is an obvious treatment for skin hyperpigmentation. Being an antioxidant, vitamin E neutralizes the effects of harmful UV rays of the sun and repairs and protects the skin.

Puncture one vitamin E capsule and put the contents in a bowl. Add three or four drops of castor oil to it and mix well. Apply the mixture on the affected skin before going to bed. Rinse it off the next morning. Follow this remedy daily for two to three weeks.

You can make a homemade mask with onehalf cup of Fuller’s earth, one tablespoon of blended papaya and the contents of two vitamin E capsules. Mix the ingredients together to form a thick paste. Apply the mixture evenly on the affected area, leave it on for 20 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water. Repeat this regularly, once a week.

You can also massage vitamin E oil into the affected skin for 10 minutes twice daily to reduce hyperpigmentation.

Follow this simple remedy for a few weeks until you get positive results.

5. Turmeric:- Turmeric has bleaching properties that can help get rid of the symptoms of hyperpigmented skin. Plus, turmeric can keep the skin free of infection.

Mix one teaspoon each of turmeric powder and lemon juice.

Apply it on the affected area. Allow it to sit for 20 minutes and then rinse it off with cold water. Avoid going out in the sun for an hour after following this treatment.

Do this once daily before showering to maximize results.

Alternatively, you can make a paste by mixing five tablespoons of turmeric powder with 10 tablespoons of milk.

Apply this paste on the affected skin and gently massage for five minutes. Leave it on for 20 minutes and then wash it off with warm water.

We will continue this article for next month.

Until then enjoy spring.

We know it's hard but sleeping at same time daily is healthy IT is important to get an ample amount of sleep daily but just as important is to sleep at the same time daily, researchers from Washington State University have found.

Ilia Karatsoreos, assistant professor in the department of integrative physiology and neuroscience, shifted mice from their usual cycle of sleeping and waking and saw that while they got enough sleep it was of poorer quality.

The animals also had a disrupted immune response, leaving them more prone to illness.

"This represents a very clear dysregulation of the sleep system. Over time, this could have serious consequences for an organism's health," Karatsoreos said.

Most sleep research focuses on the effects of sleep deprivation or the overall amount of sleep an animal needs.

The work by Karatsoreos and his colleagues, published in the journal Brain,

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Behavior and Immunity, is a rare look into the circadian process, a brain-driven clock that controls the rhythms of various biological processes.

The cycle is found in organisms that live more than 24 hours, including plants and single-celled organisms.

The disrupted animals, researchers found, had blunted immune responses in some cases or an overactive response in others, suggesting the altered circadian cycle made them potentially less able to fight illness and more likely to get sick.

Research into the system has significant implications for modern living.

"The disruption of the circadian clock is nearly ubiquitous in our modern society due to nighttime lighting, shift work, jet lag and even the blue-tinged light emitted by cell phones and tablets," the researchers noted.

HT

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2015 - 35

‘Equality’ is a rich theme for a star-studded celebration of Indian cinema

By Rama Gaind

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne is the first Indian cinema award show of its kind in Australia. The second annual celebration was held last month.

A number of India’s biggest stars were special guests for 2015. The stellar list featured Anil Kapoor, who over the last 30 years has established himself as one of Bollywood’s pre-eminent actors and made his Hollywood debut as the quiz show host in the Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire.

He attended the festival with his actressdaughter, Sonam Kapoor.

• Rajkumar Hirani, director of PK, highestgrossing Indian film of all time.

Other VIPs included Rajkumar Hirani, director of PK, the highest-grossing Indian film of all time and a highlight of this year’s ‘Hurrah’ section; screen legend Simi Garewal, aka The Lady in White; Bollywood heartthrob Imran Khan; Shonali

Bose, director of Margarita With A Straw; Nagesh Kukunoor and Elahé Hiptoola, director and producer of Dhanak, which scooped The Grand Prix of the Generation Kplus International Jury for the best feature-length film at the Berlin Film Festival this year; 2015 Indian National Award -winning director, Srijit and multi award-winning actress Kangana Ranaut (Queen) and Pakistani superstar Fawad Khan.

The star-studded 14-day festival presented a world-class program that overflowed with gala events, master classes with India’s leading film celebrities and more than 45 films screened across four Melbourne venues.

Unifying theme IFFM kicked off with Umrika, which won the World Cinema Dramatic Audience Award at this year’s Sundance Film Festival for illuminating cultural divides through its portrayal of a young Indian boy’s mythologising of America.

The opening weekend coincided with India’s independence day on August 15 and the festival commemorated this important event through ceremony, dance, fashion and the recognition of excellence in India’s film culture.

Daytime celebrations included the raising of the Indian flag at Federation Square, followed by the Telstra Bollywood Dance Competition judged by a panel of festival guests, leading into the evening, awardwinner celebrations at the National Gallery of Victoria.

A jury panel of Indian and Australian film legends and experts featuring Simi Garewal, Rajeev Masand, Andrew

Astrology Aries - March 21 - April 20 The dull office atmosphere and lack of desire to do new things may annoy you, around the beginning of the month. However, the positive influence of Jupiter shall help to overcome the negative vibes.

Businesspersons must postpone crucial meetings and refrain from signing significant contracts, as this month may be less opportune for them. Instead, make good use of this period to review and revise your growth strategy. Although your financial condition shall improve, due to the benevolent aspect of Jupiter, you should remain very alert and strictly abstain from taking finance related decisions, because Mercury will turn retrograde as the month progresses. Expect growth in your career after Saturn moves into Sagittarius, around the mid-month.

This is also the right time to sharpen your skills and improve your performance. After a tiring day in office, you shall wish to spend a quiet time with your better half. But, he-she may be busy socialising outside, and while at home, both of you may have a hot debate over trifle matters. Anyway, things shall change for the better in the coming days, assures Ganesha. The month-end might be less favourable for professionals, as you may be forced to increase your efficiency. With Mars aspecting your 1st House, you might express your anger against the excess and undue work pressure.

Taurus - April 21 - May 22 Honesty is the best policy – this will be your slogan for this month. The heavy workload may force you to burn the midnight oil. Yet, you shall enjoy working and also easily attain your goals. Both seniors and co-workers will appreciate your positive approach and dedicated efforts. The planetary alignment of Mars with regards to Saturn indicates disharmony in marital life. Compromise with your life partner and give space to each other, advises Ganesha; and the situation will soon normalise in the coming days.

You may spend time to review your past decisions, particularly in the financial sphere, around the middle of the month. However, avoid taking any major decisions related to investing money. Significant rise in expenses may not allow you to save anything for the rainy days, and also compel you to take a loan. Professionals shall focus on preparing plans for moving up the ladder, during the latter half of this month. Domestic issues may also be the pain in the neck. Some nagging health issues may now come to the fore, and might subside very slowly. Weak digestive system as well as an injury are strongly indicated, as per the planetary configuration around the month-end.

Gemini - May 23 - Jun 21 Your workplace atmosphere looks set to be congenial during the first fortnight. You shall be in a cheerful mood and now devise your growth strategy.

Business tours undertaken during this period will enable you to widen your customer base and renew old contacts. A romantic month lies ahead for singles, whereas married ones may be less fortunate. You will give top priority to your family and go on a short vacation to keep your loved ones happy. This shall give you a break from the daily grind and also strengthen the family bond. But, get ready to face tough times and shoulder more work responsibilities, after mid-month. To add to your woes, Saturn may decrease the probability of your success. Accept your drawbacks, and work to hone your skills to increase the chances of attaining your targets, advises Ganesha. Businesspersons need to refrain from taking any risks and making crucial decisions in the second fortnight of the month, as the Lord of your Sign - Mercury will now be retrograde. However, this is the right time to re-examine and revise your business plans. You shall succeed in increasing your earnings to meet the rising demands of your family, and also save some money for the future. Be watchful around the

• Anil Kapoor was special guest at IFFM celebrtations in Melbourne last month.

Anastasios, Jill Bilcock, and Nikhil Advani honoured winners in the categories of Best Film, Best Performance, Best Director and Best Independent Film together with the recipient of the People’s Choice Award.

With ‘Equality’ as its unifying theme, this year’s festival explored the richness of contemporary Indian cinema across seven program streams, featuring films spanning Bollywood to art-house and documentaries, as well as, hosting the second edition of the annual Indian Film Festival of Melbourne Awards.

The festival also welcomed two of India’s leading fashion designers, Anamika Khanna and Gaurav Gupta.

Celebrate diversity The festival presented five dynamic program streams of new and classic films from India and the subcontinent.

Festival director Mitu Bhowmick Lange said, “Indian filmmakers – from independent short film makers to our most powerful directors – turn their gaze to issues of freedom and equality in the contemporary

world and celebrate the diversity that defines us all”.

The theme is explored in a number of critically lauded features and documentaries.

Prominent examples included Naanu Avanalla...Avalu (I Am Not He...She), which focuses on a day in the life of a transgender; Unfreedom, a film banned in India for its frank depiction of a lesbian relationship; Tell Me A Story depicting four stories about life in Bombay as a gay man; the award-winning documentary Newborns, about women who survived acid attacks; and the runaway hit PK, a film that broke box office records while polarising Indian audiences through its courageous and bold discussions of religion and religiosity.

The section ‘Hurrah’ featured the best mainstream Hindi cinema over the last 12 months, featuring such hits as Haider, a modern re-telling of Shakespeare’s Hamlet and the recipient of numerous domestic and international awards; and Piku, whose truthful portrait of a female protagonist navigating modern Indian society was a huge commercial as well as critical success.

‘Beyond Bollywood’ presented art house and cinema in regional Indian languages, ‘Films from the Subcontinent’ focused on films from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal: ‘Girl Power’ featured films celebrating female characters; ‘Film India World’ focused on Indian films that crossed international borders; while ‘Master Stroke’ showcases some of the greatest classics from India’s rich cinematic history including screenings of Satyajit Ray’s digitally remastered classics Charulata and Nayak.

www.ganeshaspeaks.com month-end, especially in crowded places, as there are chances of a theft.

Cancer - June 22 - July 22 The slow pace of growth on the career front will impel you to rapidly move ahead. But, the malefic planet Ketu may create obstacles in your path and retard your progress. In spite of working arduously, you may be unable to deliver the best quality or miss the deadlines.

You might also get upset, as benevolent Jupiter seems to be less supportive, this time around. Avoid a job change, as luck may not be on your side, during this period. Freshers seeking their first job must also remain patient, as the stars are less favourable. The first fortnight may be average for businesspersons. Although you shall feel comfortable monetarily, a financial crunch is foreseen around the mid-month. You also need to remain cautious in the second phase of this month, as payments might get delayed, and you may never receive some of your dues. This is the right time and an auspicious month for purchasing your own house.

However, marital relations may be non-cordial, as your spouse may not be on the same wavelength. Amicably resolve the issue to restore peace and harmony, advises Ganesha. Anyway, life will change for the better around the month-end, due to the positive influence of Mars.

Leo - July 23 - August 22 Career related issues will top your priority list during this month. With the stars in your favour, you can also expect significant progress in your profession. However, after malefic Saturn changes its position around the middle of the month, you may experience some hindrances. Do not feel low and take it in your stride, recommends Ganesha. Also, boldly face the challenges and just make the most of today.

Businesspersons need to be on the guard and postpone crucial business deals during this period. Refrain from taking major financial decisions, as Mercury will be retrograde during the latter half of the month. Singles shall now find a suitable match, thanks to the benevolent planets. But, the conjunction of the Sun and Rahu may cause marital problems. Yet, you will manage to sail through in the coming days. Do not neglect your health, as you may be prone to blood related disorders like anaemia, especially around the month-end. Remember precaution is better than cure! So, eat, sleep and exercise well, to remain fit and fine. Sudden rise in household expenses is indicated, towards the latter half of the month. Anyway, with luck on your side, you shall also get a chance to earn some extra money.

Virgo - August 23 - October 22 Things may move at a snail's pace on the career front, but freshers seeking a job shall be delighted as they will get desired job. Businesspersons shall travel overseas to close a significant deal, during the former half of the month. Also, remain alert as you may most probably meet with an accident. Although married life will be pleasant and peaceful, utilise this opportune period to fortify the marital bond. Tactfully handle delicate situations on the domestic front, and focus on devising your business strategies, around the middle of the month. Remarkable academic performance of kids shall raise your spirits, this time around. Mercury will be retrograde and posited in Libra during the second fortnight. Those already doing a job may now get confused, and should therefore refrain from taking critical decisions. You will spend extravagantly, as you shall be very comfortable financially, during this month. However, do not park your funds in any investment schemes. A close friend or relative may also ask for a loan, but ensure that you lend an affordable amount, advises Ganesha.

Take good care of your health as orthopaedic, heart and blood pressure related issues may be the cause of con-

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

36 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2015

cern, during this period.

Libra - September 23 - October 22 You will now try your best to move ahead in your career, and also expect accolades. But, with Mars and Venus posited in the 11th House from your Sign, some distractions may hold you back. You may wish to rebel against your seniors due to the burdensome tasks and constant pressure to meet the tight deadlines.

Anyway, do not turn a deaf ear to criticism, warns Ganesha. Instead, remain composed and jump the fence, once you get a better job. A dull and slack period is foreseen for businesspersons. Although regular inflow of money shall come your way, you will be discontented with your financial status. Moreover, rising expenses may land you in hot waters. Anyway, avoid earning the quick buck, and do not get lured by speculation related activities. Singles seeking a soul-mate shall rejoice for their wish will be fulfilled. Someone special shall now come in your life and make your dream comes true. Married couples may not be able to enjoy their relationship to the hilt this month, as the difference of opinion might strain their bond. Let the turbulent tide settle down, and the discuss things amicably, suggests Ganesha. And, things shall start to fall in place, as the time passes. You shall remain in the pink of health for a better part of the month, as the benevolent Jupiter is on your side. You may also manage to strike a lucrative business deal, around the month-end.

Scorpio - October 23 - November 21 The cosmos indicates some significant events during this month. Eager to impress people you will try your best to enhance your personality, and also make all efforts to attain your objectives. Delighted by your performance, superiors may assign additional responsibilities to confirm your ability. Work relentlessly to succeed, advises Ganesha. Jealous by your growth, colleagues may try to find faults. Businesspersons dealing with foreign companies shall strike a lucrative and prestigious project. However, carefully read the documents before signing any deal. You may get puzzled while deciding the path to progress, around the midmonth. Just change your attitude to move in the right direction. Although the inflow of money shall increase during this month, you will be inclined to increase your income. But, avoid earning money the easy way. Some personal issues may bother you, and eventually you will realise that remaining composed shall help to resolve the problem. Singles will be pleased as they shall now find an ideal match. The starry alignment may not allow you to remain healthy during this month. Thus, eat healthy food, take enough sleep and exercise regularly to stay fit. Also, take the prescribed medicines and follow the necessary precautions recommended by your doctor.

Sagittarius - November 22 - December 22 Domestic matters will top your priority list during this month. You shall now spend a lot of time with your dear ones. Entertainment and leisure activities, weekend picnics and visiting a holiday resort with family is foreseen. The conjunction of Jupiter and the Sun in the 10th House, during the first fortnight sounds well for professionals. You shall now have a strong urge to taste success and swiftly achieve your targets. Make hay while the Sun shines advises Ganesha, because Saturn will soon enter Sagittarius and hamper your progress.

Focus on sharpening your skills to comfortably handle some challenging tasks. This is also a propitious month for businesspersons dealing with government organisations. Make good use of this beneficial period by reviewing your past decisions and plugging the loopholes. You may also wish to make more money to lead a luxurious life and buy expensive things to please your loved ones.

But, move ahead on the right path, as the short-cuts may land you in deep waters. The Lord of the 7th House of Partner – retrograde Mercury may cause disharmony in marital life during the last week. Just prudently han-

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dle the situation and the month will end on a happy note.

Capricorn - December 23 - January 30 Expect remarkable changes in your fundamental traits during this month. Instead of being a workaholic, you shall now spare considerable amount of time for your near and dear ones to fulfil your responsibilities and please your family. The planetary combination of Rahu and Mercury in your 10th House might cause mood swings and irritate you. Relations with your boss may be non-cordial as they might not approve your working style. Check your temper and do not go against the tide, cautions Ganesha. This might also tarnish your image in workplace. Anyway, you shall be on cloud nine, as marital life will be blissful, this time around. You would also feel comfortable financially during the first half of this month, but businesspersons may not achieve the desired growth. Just remain alert, and utilise this dull period to re-analyse and amend your business strategies accordingly. A nagging illness may bother you around the middle of this month, otherwise you shall enjoy good general health. Your budget may go for a toss in the second fortnight, as the retrograde movement of Mercury will lead to rise in both domestic and personal expenses. Sales revenue may also decline around the end of the month.

Aquarius - January 21 - February 19 You may get irritated and unnecessarily debate over trifle matters with peers, around the beginning of this month. The heavy workload and tight deadlines may also bog you down. This might impel you to change your job, and the stars shall help to find a better workplace. You may feel uncomfortable financially during this period. However, abstain from taking the shorter routes to earn some quick cash, warns Ganesha. A religious occasion at home may also increase your expenses.

Married life shall be hunky-dory in the first fortnight.

Businesspersons need to remain alert, else they might miss a good earning opportunity. You should re-examine your past decisions and prepare sure-fire plans for the future, around the mid-month. But, avoid taking decisions regarding crucial matters. The second fortnight looks to be less opportune for professionals. Relations with co-workers may turn sour, and you might have to work arduously to prove your mettle. Marital relationship may now get strained owing to some minor issues.

Devote more time for your sweetheart and frankly discuss the problems to bridge the communication gap and restore normalcy. Some extra money will come your way in the last week. The planetary positions may adversely affect your resistance power.

Pisces - February 20 - March 20 Some obstacles may slow down your pace of progress on the work front. However, your agile mind will provide precise solutions to easily overcome these hindrances. You shall now be able to complete pending tasks and chalk out plans for the future. Businesspersons may face hard times while persuading their partners regarding some issues. You will be in the seventh heaven, as your kids shall excel in studies as well as extra-curricular activities. As a reward, you will take them to some entertainment places and arrange a weekend picnic. But, disagreements over petty issues may create marital rifts.

Maintain the patience of a saint to sail through the rough waters, advises Ganesha. You shall be comfortable financially in the first fortnight. The hard task master, Saturn will enter Sagittarius in the second half of this month, and compel you to become disciplined, which shall turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Middle-aged persons should remain watchful as a nagging ailment may come to fore, this time around. Declining health of a senior family member might also bother you. Life may be like a roller coaster ride in money matters, as sudden expenses may land you in a tight spot.

Call 07 3865 6533

Real Estate News Variable Interest rates as low as 3.99%

By Gagan Tandon 0425 158 280 A HOME loan is a big commitment and one you will most probably be living with for a few decades. That’s why some research around home loan products can be particularly helpful in making sure you get the right home loan for your circumstances when you are buying property. Every bank has their own policy and pricing when it comes to lending. From borrower’s perspective everybody’s circumstances are different when it comes to picking the right kind of mortgage finance, hence it is important to discuss your personal situation in depth with an expert.

Once you are a home owner doesn’t mean that you needn’t give your home loan any further thought beyond your monthly repayment. In fact, it can be very beneficial to conduct regular reviews of your home finance. Bank’s keep making changes to their interest rates and it is possible that you may be paying a higher interest than the average market. In today’s market variable interest rates are as low as 3.99%. What is yours? And when did you checked yours the last time?

Everybody has different needs at the time

E ST S R EA I F L E R

of buying property, you may also have similarly disparate circumstances five or ten years down the track. You may find that the loan structure that was perfect for you just a few years ago now doesn’t quite work as well in your current situation.

Home owners choose to change how their mortgage finance works for a variety of reasons. You may wish to restructure your loan to better take advantage of market conditions, which could have changed significantly since buying their house. It could be that you now have more debts and would like to consolidate these with your home loan so that you can get a more competitive interest rate and one simple monthly payment. Alternatively, if your income has increased, you might like to join other home owners in seeking a way to increase your mortgage repayments so that you can get mortgage free faster. Also if you have got equity in your existing property you may be unsure about how to use it to purchase an investment property.

Home loan review may be able to help you achieve one of these goals, which is why it is good to check in with your mortgage adviser for a home loan health check. If you don’t have a mortgage adviser, we provide this service to you at no cost. For a fee-free and no obligation discussion please feel free to ring us or drop me a line in an email.

Home ownership recognised as a way to a dignified retirement THE REIA welcomed the report by the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA), The Super Challenge of Retirement Income Policy which examines the economic impacts of Australia’s ageing population and decreasing housing affordability.

The President of the REIA, Mr Neville Sanders, said that “the report makes a number of recommendations that are aimed at ensuring a prosperous and dignified retirement for all Australians and calls on government to recognise the role of housing in contributing to a decent retirement”.

“One of the ways that can contribute to this is to allow first home buyers access to

their superannuation funds to purchase owner-occupied housing. This is something that REIA has long advocated”.

“Superannuation is an important financial asset of Australian households. Aside from home ownership it is the second most important financial asset with over 80% of all Australian households holding at least some savings in their superannuation account.”

“It needs to be recognised that superannuation and home ownership are both components of a retiree’s nest egg and not competing products. By buying earlier in life retirees have every prospect of having a higher equity on retirement and a larger nest egg on downsizing.”

Gagan deep Tandon, Dip FMBM, MBA Personal Mortgage Adviser Brisbane QLD p 07 3252 4799| m 0425 158 280| F: 07 3852 1699

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Real Estate News RBA holds rates steady as market enters spring session THE Reserve Bank has kept rates steady at 2% as the property market gears up for the spring season.

At its monthly board meeting the RBA maintained its ‘watch and wait’ approach amid a weakening share market, concern over the impact of a slowdown in China and the ongoing Greek debt crisis.

The widely-anticipated move keeps Australia’s official cash rate at its lowest ever.

RBA Governor Glenn Stevens says the economy continues to expand at a moderate rate and while growth is below the longer-term average, Australia has seen reasonably strong growth in employment and a steady rate of unemployment in the past year.

“In such circumstances, monetary policy needs to be accommodative. Low interest rates are acting to support borrowing and spending. Credit is recording moderate growth overall, with growth in lending to the housing market broadly steady over recent months,” Stevens says in a statement.

“Dwelling prices continue to rise strongly in Sydney, though trends have been more varied in a number of other cities.

The Bank is working with other regulators to assess and contain risks that may arise from the housing market.

“The Board today (1 Sept) judged that leaving the cash rate unchanged was appropriate at this meeting.

“Further information on economic and financial conditions to be received over the period ahead will inform the Board’s ongoing assessment of the outlook and hence whether the current stance of policy will most effectively foster sustainable

growth and inflation consistent with the target.”

What does it mean for you?

CoreLogic RP Data Head of Research Tim Lawless says home owners are reaping the benefits from the lowest interest rates since the 1950s.

“With housing generally the largest component of a household’s debt, the low mortgage rate setting should help to minimise any mortgage stress and encourage spending in other areas of the economy,” he says.

“For those looking to buy into the housing market, low interest rates provide a good incentive to buy and are likely to ensure the housing market remains active.

Prospective buyers need to be realistic though; mortgage rates won’t stay this low forever and their budgets will need to allow for the times when interest rates return to more normal levels, although that timing is likely to be some way in the future.

Lawless says the RBA is likely to hold rates steady at their current levels, but says there may be another cut to come.

“Given the weaker economic growth readings for the Australian economy, financial markets are currently indicating that we may see another 25 basis point rate cut early next year.

“Economic growth has been sluggish with the latest GDP coming in at a fouryear low for the June quarter this year.

“Stimulating economic activity and household consumption by keeping interest rates low is another factor in the RBA’s decision to keep the cash rate at its current historic low.”

- Sarah Millar, realestate.com.au

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WHATÊS ON!

12 September...

Wynnum Women’s Club proudly presents LOK...6.30pm at Runcorn Heights State School, 200 Nemies Road, Runcorn. First time in Queensland. $15 per person / $10 children 6 to 12. Dinner will be provided. Sponsorship opportunities available. For more information visit www.wynnumwomensclub.org or call0412 248 056 Musical evening with Ustaad Ghulam Abbas Khan and now presenting his son Ghulam Hasan Khan in Brisbane for the first time...Rare opportunity to listen to father and son of famous Sahaswan Rampur Musical Gharana. 7pm for 7.30pm start at 62 Newnham Road, Mount Gravatt East (Finish Hall) Entry fee $30 per person. For further information and bookings contact Rahim Zullah 0414 988 907 or Wahid Popil 0434 412 443

FREEDOM MIGRATION – FREE Partner Visa Information Session... Freedom Migration is hosting

For all the latest in events visit our website www.indiantimes.com.au and click on What’s On Follow us on Facebook!

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Divorced Jatt Sikh female 33 year old from Brisbane, 5.5″, Aus Citizen, 1 child is looking for a Jatt Sikh under 35 years. Tall, clean shaven working boy, any visa. SMS 0456 002 201 or email sunshine.bris@yahoo.com

Brisbane Indian Times proudly serving the Multicultural Community since 2003 proudly sponsors this page for community organisations / non profit organisatons! To view full list of upcoming events visit www.indiantimes.com.au

SEPT / OCT 15 a FREE Partner Visa Information Session to help you!

This session will help you determine which visa class is the best for you, what are the basic requirements to lodge an application and give you a chance to get answers to pressing questions from a partner visa specialist. Being separated from your loved ones is hard enough, so don’t risk your family’s future too.

Save yourself from committing common mistakes and give you and your family the best chance at success!

When: Saturday 12th, September; 11am- 12pm. As the session is FREE, places are limited. To reserve your place now, call 3112 5204 or register online at www.freedommigration.com or through the Freedom Migration Facebook page.

12 to 13 September...

FASA (Fiji Australia Sports Association) Navtarang Community Cup – Interested teams (0/30’s, 0/40’s & Premiers) should contact via email fasa.sydney@gmail.com Please note tournament date may need to be rescheduled if NSW league is not com-

pleted then .Also check out FASA’s Facebook profile – Fiji Australia Sports Association for updates

13 September...

Bala Samskar Kendra celebrates Vinayaka Chathurthi – 2.15pm for 2.30pm start at Sunnybank State High School (use Turton Street entrance). If your children want to make their own clay Ganesha, please bring them along. Children will also be taught about Ganesha Symbolism. If you want to take home a clay Ganesha please book in advance to avoid disappointment. Contact bskqld@live.com.au or call Aruna 0433 082 203 / Ranjani 0422 431 397 / Krrishna 0411 776 509

17 September...

Sai Baba Aarti Program – Ganesh Chaturthi...Details below

Sri Selva Vinayagar Koyil – Vinayaka Chathurthi / Maha Ganapathy Homam...from 4pm onwards – tem-

ple will be open all for Dharshanam. Sponsorship costs: $1001, $501, $101. For sponsorships please contact Temple Priest 07 5547 7302 or HASQ President Wimal 0411 591 394

17 - 20 September...

Hindu Society of Qld Inc - Gayatri Mandir - Ganesh Chaturthi...178 Lyndhurst Road, Boondall. Thursday 17th from 7.30am Ganesh Sthapana, Maha Abhiskedam, Pooja and Aarti. From 6pm onwards Bhajan, Ganesh Pooja Aarti and Mahaprasad. 18th and 19th September from 7.30am Maha Abhiskekam, Pooja and Aarti. From 6pm onwards Bhajan, Ganesh Pooja and Mahaprasad. Sunday 20 September from 10am Ganesh Visarjan Procession. To book Havan or Mahaprasad please contact Punditji on 0470 477 599 or Subash Chand on 0413 022 033. All devotees are welcome to participate in singing Ganesha bhajans in the Mandir. For more information contact Prakash Shandil 0408 876 414 or Sunil Maharaj 0488 324 891 or visit www.hindusociety.qld.org.au

THURSDAY 17 September7:30 PM

Festival celebration ²aarti , bhajjans and archana M: 0 4 0 5 3 9 2 7 9 3

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42 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2015

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2015 — 43

WHATÊS ON!

18 to 20 September...

Chinmaya Mission Australia (Brisbane) presents Annual Family Weekend Retreat with Br Gopal Chaitanya... Love & Relationships – Tips for Happy Family Life / Krishna Loves Me – Life Skills for Teenagers & Kids. 7pm (18th) to 2pm (20th) at Kindilan Outdoor Education and Conference Centre, Cnr Days Rd and German Church Rd, Redland Bay. For registration / additional information please contact Anand 0413 435 016 or Sangeetha 0401 074 738. Early bird rates applicable for payments before 6 September

19 & 20 September...

Guru Nanak Sikh Temple, Inala – SIKH YOUTH CAMP...Open to children from 4 years old and teens and youth. Registration Open Now - $10 per participant. Come take part in fun activities to increase your Sikh knowledge and discuss the essence of Sikh religion. To secure a place contact GNST parmgikaur@hotmail.com 19 September...

Sangeet Mela – Indian Classical Music and Dance Festival...see flyer page 47

Eswaralaya Kalaikoodam annual concert “Evening of Classical Dance”...For further information please contact Smt. Manga Surendran on 0433 967 489

20 September...

Bengali Society of Qld presents Live concert – Subhamita Banerjee...6:30 pm at University of Queensland – GHD Auditorium, QQ ST. Lucia. This year Subhamita is going to perform Rabindra Sangeet, Modern Bengali and Hindi songs. Tickets from $20 (student) / $35 (Bronze) / $50 (Silver) / $75 (Gold) Contact Malvia Sen 0401 939 983, Ranajit Das 0451 996 805, Arindam Chatterjee 0415 035 610 / subhamita.bne@gmail or visit www.bsqonline.net.au for more information.

24 September...

Queensland Symphony Orchestra presents Bollywood Gala – Music of India... See flyer page 43

26 September...

Damini Women’s Association of Qld Inc fundraising Domestic Violence Project...6pm to 10pm at Calamvale Community College (Auditorium), 11 Hamish Street, Calamvale. Come along and enjoy the inspiring talks, songs and dances. Meet the members of Damini. Learn more of their activities. Remember there will be lots of delicious food and snacks on sale. Tickets are only $10, we encourage you to purchase your tickets prior to the event. For further information and tickets contact President Lila Pratap on 3390 8110 / 0431 648 802 – V/President Kanthi Wijesoma 0435 811 901 1 October...

St John’s Anglican Cathedral FREE morning

Concert... Event: FREE morning concert – St John’s Cathedral started FREE lunchtime concerts in 2012 to give music students at or close to professional playing standard an enthusiastic audience and a beautiful venue in which to play. 11 am to 11.50am Venue details: St John’s Anglican Cathedral, 413 Ann Street, Brisbane 4000 Performers: Students from the Queensland Conservatorium of Music Ticket price: FREE Further information: www.stjohnscathedral.com.au or 3835 2222

3 to 5 October...

FASA (Fiji Australia Sports Association) presents Fiji community’s sports event of 2015...the International Veterans Soccer Tournament – Teams from Aust, NZ & Fiji. Divisions – 0/40’s & 0/30s For queries contact FASA via email fasa.sydney@gmail.com Also check out FASA’s Facebook profile – Fiji Australia Sports Association for updates 8 October...

Palace Centro: Learning to Drive Opening Night – View information page 46

9-11 & 16-18 October...

Oktoberfest Brisbane at Brisbane Showgrounds...

View flyer page 45, further information page 24 10 October...

Lalitha Kalaya School of Bharatanatyam – Rasaanubhara...The Essence of Dance... You are invited to attend the Grand Bharatanatyam Evening presented by Guru Smt. Padmalakshmi Sriram and her disciples. 5.30pm to 7.30pm at Indooroopilly State High School – 11 Ward Street, Indooroopilly.

Tickets: Single $10 / Children (between 5 & 15 years) $5 / Family (two adults, two children) $25. Dinner will be sold at minimal price after the programme.

For sponsorship and ticket pre-booking please contact Sriram 0406 860 078 – www.lalithakalaya.com

14 October to 22 October...

Hindu Society of Qld Inc - Gayatri Mandir - Navraatri (Durga Naomi) celebrations...178 Lyndhurst Road, Boondall. For more information contact Prakash Shandil 0408 876 414 or Sunil Maharaj 0488 324 891 or visit www.hindusociety.qld.org.au 16 October...

FICQ Diwali Celebration...see flyer page 45

17 October...

GCHCA annual Navaratri Festival...Held at the Nerang Bicentennial Community Centre. Evening will include performances by various prominent South Asian artistes followed by a vegetarian dinner. The wider community is invited to book the ticket (free) early at www.goo.gl/e8uNUv and join in the celebrations.

26 October...

Chinmaya Mission Australia (Brisbane) presents On a

44 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September 2015

Brisbane Indian Times proudly serving the Multicultural Community since 2003 proudly sponsors this page for community organisations / non profit organisatons! To view full list of upcoming events visit www.indiantimes.com.au Quest – film on a visionary’s life and his mission...

Grand Premiere Movie of H.H. Swami Chinmayananda, in the presence of Br. Gopal Chaitanya. 6.30pm (ticket booth opens at 6pm) Schonell Cinema 2 & Live Theatre, University of Queensland, Bldg 22 / Lvl 3 Union complex, Union Road, St Lucia. Tickets $20 (Adults), $15 (Child, Concession, Pensioner), $50 3P-Family Pass (2 Adults, 1 Child), $60 4P – Family Pass (2 Adults, 2 Children) Free parking. Contact Aarti 0434 617 615, Vidya 0431 663 211, Manu 0400 192 362 or Sangeetha 0401 074 738.

Weekly Events...

Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Qld Inc – Vedic Yaj (Havan) –The Sabha performs Havan Yaj every Sunday from 24pm at Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre, 198 Learoyd Rd, Willawong and the public is welcome to be part of it. The members of public now can perform Havan Yaj at the centre. The fee of $50 is required for use of centre facilities to cover operating costs. The Havan Kund, utensils are available for use as well The Havan ingredients can be supplied if you are unable to get them. Mango sticks, Ghee, Samagri, Chamfor etc is available at the centre as well for $25. The seating capacity of the Yajshalla (Havan Hall) is 100. Contact Vice President Mrs Sushila Pathik for further information and bookings on 3314 6059. Contact Jitendra Deo 3263 1914 or Hari Chand 3345 4716 or visit www.aryasamajqueensland.com for further information.

Australian Pentecostal Assembly Brisbane – Sunday Worship every Sunday 9am-11.30am at 84 The Community Place, 84 Kedron Park Road, Wooloowin Qld with Pastor Prakash Jacob. Cottage Meeting every Tuesday 7.30pm-9pm / Kids Bible Study every Friday 7pm-7.45pm / Intercessory Prayer every Friday 7.459pm. Worship in Hindi, English, Malayalam and other Indian Languages. For more information Phone 07 3315 5597 / 0413 347 562 or email info@apabrisbane.com.au / www.apabrisbane.com.au

Brahma Kumaris Australia – Meditation & Positive Thinking Sessions – Mondays 10.30am to 11.30am: Regular meditation should improve your ability to focus and think clearly. By practising mediations which cultivate our ability to sense and care for our natural energy we are able to live life with greater awareness and confidence. Each class includes guided meditations, discussions, short talks and the introduction and practice of techniques. Each session is a different topic. Meditation sessions Tuesdays 6.30pm to 7.30 pm and Sundays 5.30pm to 6.30pm. During these sessions there will be meditation commentaries, music and periods of silence. You can come and go at any time during these sessions. Venue: 27 Bordeaux Parade, Mermaid Waters. Please phone to register – 5575 2126. Email goldcoast@au.brahmakumaris.org or visit www.brahmakumaris.org/au/whatson

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Brisbane Multinational Church – Hindi Church Service – Every Sunday at 9.30am at 757 Gympie Road, Lawnton. Special service to pray for healing, deliverance and other spiritual problems. Next Hindi Service is on Saturday 12 September at 5.30pm.

Enquiries Ps Joseph Das 0424 180 240 Nundah Yoga - FREE meditation classes – Nundah Community Centre, 14 Station Street, Nundah.

Organization of Hindu Malayalees Queensland (OHM Queensland) – Monthly Bhajans held every first Saturday of Malayalam calendar. Activities include Bhajans, Malayalam Class, Library service, religious short educational presentations, vegetarian dinner etc. For further information please contact President Krishnan AK on 0418 727 570 or ohmqueensland@gmail.com Sai Baba Aarti Program – Every Thursday 7.30pm – Virginia State School, 1678 Sandgate Road, Virginia (next to Virginia Train Station) Aarti & Archana opportunity for all attendees, Prasad & Dinner provided.

Enquiries call 0405 392 793 / saibababrisbane@gmail.com / Like on facebook www.facebook.com/SaiBabaBrisbane

Sri Selva Vinayakar Koyil (Ganesha Temple) Brisbane (South Maclean) – For full list of upcoming events please visit www.sriselvavinayakar.org

The Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association - Gold Coast Bhajan - monthly Bhajans held every third Friday of the month starting at 7.15am at the Helensvale Community Centre - 31 Discovery Rd, Helensvale. Activities include Bhajan recitals, short educational presentations and free vegetarian dinner.

All are cordially invited to attend. For further information please contact Director/Religious Activities, Mr S Barataraj on 0417 588 839 or gchcan@gmail.com or visit www.goldcoasthindu.org The Mantra Room – Live Kirtan – Spend an evening of sacred Yoga chant with Gayatri, Ishvara, Jayadharma and friends Fridays 6pm, Sundays 5pm and Wednesdays 7pm at Australian School of Meditation & Yoga, 236 Montague Road, West End. Amazing Vego Food $5. Come celebrate, meditate and let the music set you free. For more information call 3844 8441 or email brisbane@asm.org.au

Yoga in Daily Life – Discount Yoga Classes – every Thursday at 6pm and every Friday at 4.30pm, they are $10 for 1 hour and half, with relaxation, asanas, pranayam and meditation, at Yoga in Daily Life Brisbane Ashram. Also full moon meditation at 7.45pm – 8.30, every Purnima by Donation. Yoga in Daily Life – 46 Doggett Street, Newstead Qld 4006. www.brisbane.yogaindailylife.org.au / brisbane@yogaindailylife.org

Call 07 3865 6533

9-11 & 16-18 Oktober 2015

Opening Hours & Entry Fees OPENING HOURS

ONLINE* TICKETS

GATE TICKETS

Fridays

4pm - midnight

$19

$20

Saturdays

11am - midnight

$24

$25

11am - 8pm

$17

$18

Sundays

*Early Bird tickets available online until 30th September.

Online Group tickets for 10 or more enjoy a 10% discount. Discount for groups not available on GATE TICKETS. Under 18’s FREE when accompanied by and supervised by a responsible adult at all times.

OktoberfestBrisbane.com.au #OktoberfestBrisbane

Once Again, A musical evening with Ustaad Ghulam Abbas Khan now presenting his son Ghulam Hasan Khan in Brisbane for the first time.

Rare Opportunity to listen to father and son of famous Sahaswan Rampur Musical Gharana.

OPENING NIGHT USTAAD GHULAM ABBAS KHAN

GHULAM HASAN KHAN

8th OCTOBER

DHEERAJ SHRESTHA

at Palace Centro Cinema 39 James St, Fortitude Valley

6.30pm for 7pm Tickets $16

Venue: 62 Newnham Road, Mount Gravatt East (Finish Hall)

Includes a drink on arrival & Indian Delicacies

Day: Saturday 12th September 2015 Time: 7:00 pm for 7:30 start Entry Fee: $ 30 per person.

Co-presented by

For further information and bookings: Rahim Zullah (0414 988 907) Wahid Popil (0434 412 443) Call 07 3865 6533

Join us on opening night at Palace Centro Cinema for an Indian soirée co-presented by Brisbane Indian Times and Australian Indian Radio for a screening of Learning to Drive.

Fusing the glamour of the boroughs of New York and the culture and colours of India.

www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2015 — 45

Bollywood & Entertainment Sooraj Pancholi is the new teen sensation

IN a short span of time, Sooraj Pancholi, who makes his debut with Hero, has garnered an impressive fan following.

What's also commendable is that his popularity extends across various social media platforms.

From writing and blogging about him to posting his images, netizens are supporting the young actor in every possible way.

Even during his inter-city tours for the promotion of this Nikhil Advani-directed film, fans have been turning up in big numbers to show their support for him. While he agrees that all this is

extremely overwhelming, Sooraj concedes that this popularity and fanfare has also put some pressure on him. That's all the more reason for him to put in more effort and stand true to the expectations of his followers. "It's very humbling when you're welcomed with open arms, especially when you have just begun your career," he sums up.

Hero, produced by Salman Khan Films and Mukta Arts, and released worldwide by Eros International, opens in cinemas on September 11.

TOI

NEIL Nitin Mukesh who recently wrapped up the last leg of his shooting schedule for Sooraj Barjatya's 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo' has an interesting connection with the director's 1994 film, 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!', featuring Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit.

On her 12-year-old son's insistence, his mother, Nishi, spent an huge amount to watch it. "My sister Neha and I were adamant that we had to see the film, first day, first show. All the tickets were sold out but we finally managed to lay our hands on three going for Rs 500 each.Now, that was a fortune for a middle-class family at the

time but mom didn't want to disappoint us," Neil says.

On their way home, he was contrite. Nishi told him he could make it up to her by working in a Sooraj film featuring Salman.

"The day I signed this film, she was the first person I shared the news with," says Neil, adding that on the last day of his shoot, Sooraj had a surprise for him."After I gave my last shot with Bhai, Sooraj sir played the song 'Mujhse judaa hokar tumhein door jaana hai, pal bhar ki judaai, phir laut kar aana hai' from 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!' It was unbelievable!"

How Neil Nitin Mukesh paid his mom back after 21 years

Palace Centro: Learning to Drive Opening Night…8 October 2015 JOIN us on opening night at Palace Centro Cinema for an Indian soirée co-presented

by Brisbane Indian Times and Australian Indian Radio for a screening of Learning to Drive. Fusing the glamour of the boroughs of New York and the culture and colours of India. Saris optional!

Learning To Drive stars Academy Award winner Ben Kingsley and Academy Award nominee Patricia Clarkson.

This is a charming, cross-cultural comedy about a pair of unlikely friends in a wonderfully uplifting film about new adventures and life lessons in middle age.

Winner of the audience award at TIFF, if you loved the Lunchbox and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, you will love Learning To Drive.

Synopsis: Wendy (Patricia Clarkson) is a fiery Manhattan author whose husband has just left her for another woman; Darwan (Ben Kingsley) is a soft-spoken taxi driver from India on the verge of an arranged marriage.

As Wendy sets out to reclaim her indepen-

dence, she runs into a barrier common to many lifelong New Yorkers: she’s never learned to drive. When Wendy hires Darwan to teach her, her unraveling life and his calm restraint seem like an awkward fit.

But as he shows her how to take control of the wheel, and she coaches him on how to impress a woman, their unlikely friendship awakens them to the joy, humor, and love in starting life anew.

Screening Details

Palace Centro Cinema – 39 James St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 Thursday October 8, 6.30pm for 7pm commencement Tickets $16 (Includes a drink on arrival and Indian Delicacies) Listen to Australian Indian Radio for a chance to win tickets to the opening night.

If you don’t win, you can still purchase your tickets from

www.palacecinemas.com.au

UMRIKA - Now Showing at Hoyts Sunnybank

Umrika - 2015 comedy - drama film Release Date: 10 September 2015 Starring: Suraj Sharma (Life of Pi), Tony Revolori (The Grand Budapest Hotel), Smita Tambe, Rajesh Tailang (Siddharth, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel), Pramod Pathak, Adil Hussain (Life of Pi), Amit Sial (Titli), Sauraseni Maitra and Prateik Babbar (Dhobi Ghat).

Directed & Written by: Prashant Nair Produced by: Swati Shetty and Manish Mundra

Umrika premiered at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the World Cinema Dramatic Audience Award. Director Nair said the film is “about the mythology of America and, more generally, how cultures perceive each other: the stereotypes, assumptions, misunderstandings and labeling as “exotic” of all things unfamiliar”.

Synopsis: A small village in India is invigorated when one of their own travels to America (aka, UMRIKA) and details his adventures through letters home, sparking community debate and inspiring hope. But when the letters mysteriously stop coming, his younger brother Rama (Suraj Sharma) sets out on a journey to find him. With the help of his best friend Lalu (Tony Revolori), Rama retraces his brother’s path to find himself charting one of his own. Set in the mid-1980s, UMRIKA is a funny and meaningful story of the lengths taken to realize one's dreams.

Written and Directed by Prashant Nair (Delhi in a Day), UMRIKA (Hindi for America) stars Suraj Sharma (The Life of Pi, Million Dollar Arm, season 4 of Showtime’s Homeland) as Rama. Co-stars include Tony Revolori (SAG Awards nominee for The Grand Budapest Hotel), Smita Tambe, Adil Hussain, Rajesh Tailang & Prateik Babbar.

Produced by Swati Shetty and Manish Mundra. Prashant Nair took “Umrika” through the Sundance Labs.

46 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2015

Hoyts Sunnybank - Sunnybank Plaza

For session times or to book tickets visit www.hoyts.com.au

www.indiantimes.com.au

Call 07 3865 6533

Call 07 3865 6533

www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2015 — 47

Sports News

3rd consecutive win for Micah X1

• From left to right kneeling are-Paras, Chetan, Guri and Ravi.

Standing left to right: Dean, Hiren, Luis, Rajkumar, Saad, Hitesh and Arif. (Deepak & Dhronal not in photograph)

CONGRATULATIONS Micah X1 for another spectacular win in premier grade of warehouse cricket. This is their 3rd consecutive win in top grade of warehouse cricket.

Captain Arif and the boys have been consistence in their performance throughout the season winning every single game through the league stages, the Semi Finals and the Grand Finals.

Season highlights are: Raj Kumar Gohain batting maestro scored a mammoth of 316 runs over 8 games Outstanding Bowling performances, wickets taken: Arif 17, Guri Singh 15, Luis Hermida 15, Rajkumar 12 and Hitesh 8.

Outstanding Fielding performance: Saad Farooqui wicket keeper/ batsman and fielder took 5 brilliant catches shedding his gloves and fielding for one of the games, he's still smiling.

Outstanding individual performance: Greyson Jones for scoring 158 not out for our semi finals Outstanding on and off field behaviour: Paras

Special acknowledgements: Micah X1 are appreciative for the participation of Sandeep Singh, Harry Singh, Jayendra Desai and Mani Singh for turning up at a short notice when we were short of players.

Shane Watson retires from Test cricket after new injury AUSTRALIA’Ss veteran all-rounder Shane Watson announced his retirement from Test cricket on Sunday 6 September.

The last match of the 34-year-old's 59-Test career, which spanned a decade, came in the Ashes opener at Cardiff which England won by 169 runs.

Watson made 30 and 19 with the bat, and failed to take a wicket, causing him to lose his place for the rest of the series, with 23year-old Mitchell Marsh becoming the Test side's preferred all-rounder.

Watson's Test retirement was announced on Cricket Australia's official website.

"It's been a decision that hasn't come lightly, over the last month especially," he said.

"I know it's the right time to move on and still hopefully play the shorter formats of the game, one-dayers and T20s.

"I've been through a lot of different waves of emotion about what is right for myself, my family and most importantly the team as well.

"Over the last couple of days there was a lot of clarity (for me) of what the right decision was. I just know that I've given everything I possibly can to get the best out of myself."

Australia coach Darren Lehmann added: "Shane has been a fantastic servant for Australia in Test cricket.

"His determination to be the best he can be over more than a decade in the longest format has been an example to everyone and we look forward to him continuing to contribute in limited-overs cricket in the time to come."

Watson, who captained his country in one Test, stepped down after being ruled out of the rest of the one-day international series by a calf injury sustained in the tourists' victory at Lord's on Saturday which put Australia 2-0 up against England with three to play.

An Ashes winner in 2013/14 and a member

of the Australia side that lifted this year's World Cup, Watson's career has been blighted by a variety of injuries.

Shifted up and down the batting order, including a relatively successful period as an opener, Watson's career Test figures of 3,731 runs at an average of 35.19 and 75 wickets at 33.68 meant he could not be considered a great all-rounder.

Conversion rate When fit, the strapping Watson looked the picture of a modern professional athlete.

But a failure to convert promising starts into hundreds - he got to fifty 28 times in his Test career yet scored just four centuries and a recurring tendency to get out lbw, saw him become something of a figure of fun, even among Australia supporters, some of whom were often riled by his repeated inclusion in the side.

"I haven't achieved certainly all the things I dreamed of achieving in Test cricket - average 50 with the bat and in the 20s with the ball. That's obviously the dream as an allrounder to achieve and obviously I didn't get anywhere near that," Watson later told reporters.

"Of course, I didn't convert the 50s into 100s that I certainly would've (liked to), but it's certainly not through lack of trying. I was doing everything I could. It just wasn't meant to be in that regard."

Watson also had his run-ins with Australian management, notably when, at the time when South African coach Mickey Arthur and captain Michael Clarke were at the helm, he was one of four players dropped from the squad during the 2013 tour of India for not doing their 'homework' after failing to provide a written report on how to improve the team's performance.

Watson's Test exit follows Clarke's retirement from all international cricket after the recent 3-2 Ashes series loss in England.

48 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2015

ENGLAND striker Wayne Rooney equalled Sir Bobby Charlton's England goal-scoring record of 49 as Roy Hodgson's side hammered San Marino 6-0 in Serravalle on Saturday 5 September to qualify for the Euro 2016 championships.

Rooney scored from a contentious penalty in the 13th minute, leaving him with an international record identical to Charlton's, that of 106 caps and 49 goals, but the Manchester United star will have to wait to claim the record outright after being substituted by Hodgson in the 58th minute at the Stadio Olimpico.

England led 3-0 by that point courtesy of a Cristian Brolli own goal -- ironically, the 49th own goal scored in England's favour - and Ross Barkley's first goal for his country, and late efforts from substitutes Theo Walcott, who scored twice, and Harry Kane completed a routine win.

England have now scored 37 goals in their six games against San Marino, currently ranked 193rd in the world, and will tackle Switzerland at Wembley on Tuesday, seeking an eighth straight win in Group E, their place at next year's tournament in France secure.

Hodgson used the occasion to award Jonjo Shelvey his second cap, three years after winning his first against the same opposition, and he took up a position in front of the back four on a dry, uneven pitch.

All eyes were on Rooney and he needed little time to find the net, tucking a penalty into the bottom-right corner after Marco Berardi had been penalised for an infringement that only Cypriot referee Leontios Trattou appeared to have seen.

San Marino goalkeeper Aldo Simoncini parried from Rooney and James Milner shot

wide before England doubled their lead when Brolli headed Luke Shaw's cross into his own net.

Substitutes combine The own goal created a three-way tie -- of sorts -- at the top of the England all-time scoring chart, as 'own goals' drew level with Rooney and Charlton, an emblem of the 1966 World Cup-winning team, on 49 goals.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain saw a shot deflected over following panicky defending

by Davide Simoncini just before half-time, but seconds into the second period he tore down the right flank and crossed for Barkley to head in his first England goal.

The stage was set for Rooney's 50th England goal, but to the dismay of the 2,550 travelling fans, Hodgson elected to withdraw his captain shortly before the hour, with Kane taking the Manchester Uited striker's place.

Fabian Delph and Walcott also entered the fray and they combined for the fourth goal in the 68th minute, Delph drilling in a cross from the left for the Arsenal forward to tap in from close range. Quick-fire goals from Kane and Walcott swelled the scoreline further as San Marino tired, the former coolly chipping Aldo Simoncini from Shelvey's pass, the latter rolling a shot into the bottom-left corner.

San Marino substitute Danilo Rinaldi almost embarrassed the visitors late on, but after cutting in from the right onto his left foot, he shot straight at Joe Hart.

Walcott could have had a hat-trick, poking wide in the closing stages, but the headlines were already destined for Rooney, who will hope to stay on the pitch long enough to score goal number 50 against Switzerland.

Desi boys win again!

• Standing from left:- Gurjeet, Hitesh, Harender, Paras, Pinda, Ajay, Arif, Sam Sitting from left:- Dhronal, Gaurav, Sandeep, Vishal.

DESI boys team is very happy after winning second consecutive A3N grade of warehouse cricket.

They finished top of the points table after league stages and won grand finals easily by 8 wickets. Paras top scored in the grand finals with 64 runs.

www.indiantimes.com.au

Sandeep Dhaliwal and Samuial Masih won best batsman trophy with 241 and 244 runs respectively.

Palvinder Singh and Harenderpal Singh won best bowlers trophy for desi boys with 25 and 39 wickets in the season.

Call 07 3865 6533

Call 07 3865 6533

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2015 — 49

50 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2015

www.indiantimes.com.au

Call 07 3865 6533

Call 07 3865 6533

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2015 — 51

APPLY NOW AT WWW.MISSINDIA.MENU EMAIL - FRANCHISE@MISSINDIA.NET.AU pHONE - (07) 3040 8420

52 - THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2015

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Call 07 3865 6533