September 2023 - Online Edition

TwenTy years of BrisBane indian Times Volume 20 numBer

On 24 September 2003, Brisbane Indian Times was launched at Ballymore Rugby Club in Herston. Brisbane Indian Times was officially launched by the then Mayor of Redcliffe, Councillor Allan Boulton. The humble launch event sought the support of all religions and community organisations. Umesh Chandra and Usha Chandra remain the publishers; the

Late Mr Parmesh Chand, in his advisory role, provided editorial assistance and support, Katriona Scshuller became the first manager, and Rekha Hakim was the first marketing manager. At the same time, Christine Oertel was the finance manager of Chantex Pty Ltd, under which Brisbane Indian Times operated.

From the humble beginning, the publication

has grown from strength to strength, surviving the ups and downs of the industry.

From the outset, the paper has maintained its print quality and community connection. A strong focus on local news not limited to the Indian community only but the broader multicultural society has been the magic mantra for Brisbane Indian Times. COnTD. On PG 49

From le F t: Hajji Sultan Deen, Umesh Chandra OAM, Mrs Usha Chandra, Late Mr Parmesh Chand, Mr Sarat Maharaj- FICQ President 2003, Neil Roberts MP member for Nudgee, Redcliffe Mayor Councillor Allan Boulton, deputy Mayor Brisbane City Council Councillor Maureen Hayes at the launch of Brisbane Indian Times on 24th September 2003.

from the Publisher

SPRInG has sprung in our part of the world; it's September, which marks the beginning of the Brisbane Festival, the river fire extravaganza. Though everyone missed the Army Tiger Helicopters, we understand and stand for the three US Marines killed after their MV-22B Osprey crashed on Tiwi Islands during a military training exercise. The new format is different, and we did miss many of the activities that Brisbane was used to during the River fire.

Did you know that this is our twentieth-anniversary edition? (Volume 20 Number 01) Yes, we have survived the twenty years of ups and downs and the challenges of running a newspaper; starting a venture is easy, sustaining it and remaining relevant in another matter.

ADVERTISInG: 0430 193 715 sales@indiantimes.com.au

JOURnALIST/ CORRESPOnDEnTS

• Thakur Ranjit Singh (NZ)

• Thilliar Varnakulasingham (NZ)

• Shalendra Prasad (Fiji)

• Rama Gaind (Canberra)

• Ml. Nawaaz Ashrafi

• Imam Muhammad Aslam

• Pastor Joseph Dass

• Haji Abdul Rahman Deen

• Jitendra Deo

• Nimisha Modi

• Ranjita Pillai (Immigration Matters)

• Awadhesh Sharma

• Peter Lane Rai

• Shailendra Singh

• Ravi Vastrad

• Amod Datar

• Ashok Attri

• Gagan deep Tandon

• Brian Sullivan (Photography)

• Rajesh Chand

Brisbane Indian Times is a monthly newspaper published in English. No material, including advertisements designed by Brisbane Indian Times, may be reproduced in part or who without the written consent of the manager. Opinions carried in Brisbane Indian Times are those of the writers and not necessarily endorsed by Brisbane Indian Times. Brisbane Indian Times will not be held liable for any advertising / editorial content - Advertisers supply / approve content therefore should any content be deemed inappropriate it is the advertisers / correspondents responsibility. While every effort has been made to capture the true likeness to colour printing is an art and therefore we cannot guarantee an exact matching of product to image. Refund / Credit is not given as a result of the previous mentioned.

All corresondence should be addressed to:

Brisbane Indian Times, PO Box 197, Taigum Qld 4018. Ph: (07) 3192 5188 Fax: 3865 5864 / prod@indiantimes.com.au

From the Editor:

If you would like us to publish your letters, feedback, comments on any of our stories or suggest ideas columns or features, please send your submissions to:

Brisbane Indian Times Suite 5, 2281 Sandgate Road Boondall Qld 4034 or E-mail: prod@indiantimes.com.au

We were firmly committed to the community connection from the outset and have delivered on that premise. We have constantly strived to maintain and improve the quality of our publication, but with rising production and distribution costs, it has not been easy.

Our heartfelt gratitude to the many correspondents who have voluntarily supplied articles month after month; a special shout out to our advertisers, without whom we would not exist. We would also like to show our appreciation to the many outlets who stock and distribute our printed versions.

Our in-house team, who often burn the midnight oil to put everything

together, and your dedication and commitment remain unparalleled; our external partners, namely our printers and distributors, all form part of the team that balances the equation.

I was honoured to have inaugurated the GOPIO Cairns chapter; Subash Chetry and this team did a fantastic of arranging the event. I flew up there for the day of the inauguration. Jess Kumar did much groundwork for the chapter inauguration, and Seema Chauhan of GOPIO Gold Coast suggested to the prospective team to form GOPIO Cairns. Overall, it was a very well-attended event that got much media attention. Subhash Chetry also attended the India Day Fair in Brisbane, wishing the new chapter the best.

A very successful India Day Fair is behind us now. The Iconic event is a crowd-pleaser, and it is a given fact that it will always go ahead despite the management committee's challenges. The appointed committee must overcome those challenges and deliver the event to a high standard. Despite other events in Brisbane, at the same time, attendance was large and pleasing to see.

Just after the India Day Fair, I left for India to take part in the Indian Diaspora Leaders G20 forum in New Delhi. The event was a precursor to the main event, and I was honoured to have been invited; the event was very well organised and delivered to a very high standard. New Delhi looked pristine and lush after

the rains and floods, so the timing was perfect from my perspective. Delegates from twenty-six countries attended the three-day event.

While in India, I visited Khetri Rajasthan, our ancestral home, the birthplace of my Dadaji (Grandfather). I was so happy to spend time with my cousins, nephews and Chachiji (Aunty), the senior-most in our clan. Khetri is undergoing massive change., The old fort is being renovated to its original glory (to an extent). Ramakrishna Mission has completed the renovation's first stages and introduced the state-of-the-art sound and light show. The interactive museum designed by young students is necessary for anyone visiting Khetri. The little streets are much cleaner now with the much-needed introduction of a garbage collection truck, with a PA playing a song of self-respect and pride promoting an immaculate India, great initiative.

September also brings us Janmashtami; congratulations to many organisations observing the event in Brisbane. Congratulations to DJJS on a very successful Bhagwat Katha; seeing the event organised and run professionally was very pleasing. Another very successful event was the Timeless Wisdom Conference on Hindu Scriptures by BAPS Swaminarayan Research. Institute held at BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Kingston. BAPS is known for delivering quality. All presentations were excellent, but Professor Sarva Daman Singh OAM’s presentation was par excellence.

I was honoured to attend the 12th anniversary of the Australian fag at the National Flag Day event in King George Square. The National Flag Association observes the annual day in Brisbane, and guests gather for a morning tea in the city hall.

We attended the Merdeka Day event in King George Square, marking Malaysia’s 66th Independence Day; the city hall was lit up with the Malaysian National colours. This year's celebrations, themed “Malaysia Madani: Tekad Perpaduan Penuhi Harapan,” captured the heartfelt wishes of Malaysians of all stripes alike for a united, harmonious, and prosperous nation.

Last but not least, we attended the official launch of Brazil Week at City Hall; the official launch reception marked the beginning of a weeklong celebration of Brazil. As a member of Lord Mayor's multicultural roundtable, I get invited to all cultures; we all try to support each other as much as possible. Earlier in the month, on the same day as the India Day Fair, I attended the official opening of the Korean Festival in King George Square. It is time to thank everyone for making the first twenty years very successful; we could not have done it without you all looking forward to the next phase of the journey. Until next month, Happy Reading

—Umesh Chandra OAM Publisher

The Pathway to Permanent residence: a Guide to the Permanent residence (skilled regional) Visa (subclass 191)

InTRODUCTIOn:

As a leading migration law firm, we aim to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191), which serves as the pathway to permanent residence for eligible holders of the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (subclass 494) visas.

nO MInIMUM InCOME REQUIREMEnT:

It is important to note that the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) does not have a minimum income requirement. Currently, there is no legislative instrument in place specifying a minimum income threshold for this visa category.

InCOME ASSESSMEnT REQUIREMEnTS:

To be eligible for the subclass 191 visa, primary applicants must provide notices of assessment issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for three income years out of the five years of their eligible visa. If you have already lodged your application, it is vital to verify that your submission includes these three notices of assessment.

GOVERnMEnT COMMITMEnT:

The Australian Government is dedicated to streamlining the migration system in the national interest. It aims to assist migrants who are already living and working in Australia, contributing with their skills to the nation's growth and prosperity. The government provides clarity on their prospects for permanent residence through various visa pathways, including the subclass 191 visa.

FURTHER InFORMATIOn:

For more detailed information and to stay updated on the latest guidelines and requirements, we encourage you to visit the official website of the Department of Home Affairs: Immigration and Citizenship (homeaffairs.gov.au). Alternatively, you may seek personalized advice from Migration Guru to address specific concerns related to your situation.

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

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

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

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

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limited-time 'escape to Paradise' offer to Khao lak resort

By Rama Gaind

WHEn we go on vacation it means having nothing to do, and all day to do it in!

That’s what happens when you stay at a beachfront retreat in southern Thailand. Nowadays, travellers do not just want to see a new destination – they want to live it, breathe it and feel it.

Whether you want to experience the relaxing, uplifting, warm, intentional or natural, a visit to JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa and JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort Suites is on the cards. Take advantage of the comprehensive collection of experiences that encompass every aspect of the resort. Impressive is one description that comes to mind.

Connect with the stunning beauty of Khao Lak. Once at the beach hotel, you begin to rediscover the beauty of your surroundings in the midst of sun, sea and sand, tropical greenery, granite mountains and stunning waterfalls. Located in peaceful Khao Lak, Phang Nga, you feel inspired by the beauty of Thailand with the pristine white sand beach that blends into the azure waters of the Andaman Sea.

As well, the resort has unveiled 21 signature experiences for 2023 that will

enable every holidaymaker to explore the authentic heart of this destination. Let an invigorating and immersive encounter stimulate the senses with exotic sights, sounds and smells as you discover the rich culture of Khao Lak with a beachfront Sunday market. Treat your children to an array of inspiring experiences and activities, including the chance to watch a magician perform tricks or take part in kids’ daily rituals at Sala, the casual poolside restaurant, such as sea boxing, games, cookie decorating and more.

If you’re passionate about sustainability, the innovative Art of Trash workshops use creativity by taking debris and driftwood from the shore and turning it into stunning sculptures. You could be invited to the Shark Nursery, a dedicated marine sanctuary that connects all ages with the Andaman Sea’s threatened bamboo sharks. Join the fully trained team of conservationists to find out how they nurture the sharks,

from the incubation of eggs to the time of release.

GOLDEn SHORES

Relax with your loved ones and reconnect with the

world on the golden shores of Khuk Khak Beach. Have a family picnic, complete with a tipi, picnic basket, blanket and so much more, or gather your loved ones for

a family barbecue, crafted by a private chef and filled with fresh ingredients, local seafood and prime meats. If being at one with nature is your preference, then head

noTHinG To ProVe

enough, successful enough." We think if we work harder, outdo someone, and be liked by everyone; we will feel good about ourselves.

Pastor Suresh Dass Joseph josephdass@optusnet.com.au

DEAR READER, bringing you the word of God is always good. Today I want to talk to you that you have nothing to prove. It is easy to fall into the trap of getting into the "proving mode." Too often, we are trying to get our worth and value from our performances, looks, and where we live. While it is good to do our best, we should not be trapped with questions like, "Am I talented enough, strong

The problem is that we are getting our value from the wrong place. We are living in this proving mode. You must realise that your true worth and value come from your Heavenly Father, not people. Once settled with this, you won't chase after people to validate and approve of you. You are secure in knowing that God already supports you. People will only see you from their level of perception and often label you accordingly. But Our God is high and lifted. He is full of love and mercy. He doesn't see you as people do, but He sees you as His masterpiece, well-able, strong, and mighty. The scriptures tell us that our Heavenly Father had already seen and validated us before our parents knew us.

When you're comfortable with your gifts and content with your looks, you're happy with your personality. You don't go around competing with others, jealous of a friend that's more talented, living to impress that neighbour who seems to be more successful. You knowyou're one of a kind, a masterpiece, made in the image of God.

In the scripture (Matthew 8 v 1-4), we read of this leper who came and worshipped Jesus. After Jesus touched him, he was instantly healed. Then Jesus said something very interesting, "See that you tell no one, but go your way, show yourself to the priest…". I am sure the man wanted to go and tell all those people, who didn't like him, would call him names, throw rocks at him, and chase him away (as was the norm in those days) that he

had been healed, he could become friends again and live among his neighbours with his family. But instead, Jesus told the man to go and get the priest's approval first. The priest was God's representative. Once the priest checked the man, he would take him into society, and everyone would accept him.

Here are 3 lessons we can learn from this lepper.

1. You don't need the approval of all the people. You only need the approval of the right people. Jesus told the lepper not to tell all the people but to go to the priest. When you go and share how God has opened windows of heaven and blessed you, given you your dream job, and children making wise decisions, then not everyone will appreciate it. You have to understand that, on purpose, some people will not like you. They are not going to be for

down to the JW Garden, where you can learn about the three signature ingredients: rosella, Thai basil and lemongrass. It can be seen all around the resort.

This is where you step into a world of organic, freshly-grown produce. The extensive garden is dedicated to cultivating a wide range of indigenous ingredients, including exotic herbs and spices, native vegetables and tropical fruits, which are used in the restaurants, bars and spa.

Be as active as you like (or not). Whether you’re an experienceseeking traveller, in search of a culinary haven, participating in in-house workshops, master classes, mindful moments, water sports or wellness activities, there is something to suit everyone’s taste.

Take advantage of the limited-time 'Escape to Paradise' offer, with valid stay dates that end on 31 December 2023.

you. This is a part of God's plan for your life. So, when they ignore you, won't say hello, you wave at them, but they won't even look at you. That's all okay. You will not be devalued by them ignoring, not approving, not liking you. When you stop seeking people's approval, God will send you to the right people who approve and agree with you.

2. Living with a proving mindset is bondage. In the scriptures, we read, "whom God sets free is free indeed." Here God says you have nothing to prove. When you begin each day declaring who you are in Christ, a child of God, chosen by God, a new creation in Christ, you don't need all the people's approval. It would help if you learned to be okay with people not knowing your side of the story.

3. If someone other than God can determine

your worth, then that person can make you feel like a prisoner anytime they decide to. We read in the bible, "Fearing people is a dangerous trap." When a critic's opinion becomes your own, you live in prison.

Face it: Some people you're trying hard to impress will never be impressed. That's why Jesus told the man not to go to the people for their approval but to the priest. Once he got the priest's approval, other people's support did not matter much. He was accessible and ready to settle again among his people and family.

Similarly, the bible talks about Jesus being our High Priest. God truly knows your worth and value. He keeps the records, and His approval is all you need. When you put your faith in Jesus, you declare that God loves and approves of you. God bless you!

The intimate dining experience on the beach at sunset is one of a host of experiences at JW Marriott Khao Lak, in Thailand.

Young explorers discover herbs and spices at the JW Garden.

Families enjoy a picnic together on the lawn at the resort.

Pursuing Happiness, Killing the Planet

In our pursuit of happiness and wellbeing, we have caused much harm to every other creature on this planet; we are threatening the very life of this planet and in the end our own lives. This pursuit of happiness has always been on. Ever since man lived in caves and forests, he has always sought to be happy and well. When he did not have the tools of science and technology, it did not matter how vigorous his pursuit was, other creatures could still exist on this planet. But in the last hundred or two hundred years, armed with the miracles of science and technology, his pursuit has become very dangerous. Never before have people had to think in terms of the survival of the planet.

So as the tools we possess in our hands become more powerful, it is all the more important that human beings pursue their inner enlightenment also. We must understand that this pursuit to find happiness outside of yourself is a foolish effort which will never come to any kind of fulfillment. It will be an endless run. You know within yourself that no matter what is offered to you, you are not going to be satisfied; you

will always want the next thing and the next thing.

People have demonstrated this in many ways but the ridiculous part of the world is, everybody wants to go through the process and only then realize it. In India, a lot of sages and saints, for example Gautama the

Buddha, were kings who voluntarily turned into beggars. A king means in terms of power, pleasure, property – everything –he is the top person. But he realizes that his life is not getting anywhere so he chooses to turn inward. It is not necessary that all of us have to struggle to become kings and only

at the end of our lives realize that it makes no difference. We must learn from other people’s experience; they have gone through the process and taught us a lesson. Today especially in the western societies, average citizens have what even kings and queens could not dream of a hundred

A king me A ns in terms o F power, ple A sure, property –everything – he is the top person. But he re A lizes th At his li F e is not getting A nywhere so he chooses to turn inwA rd.

and technology, we have brought ourselves to a selfthreatening situation. So it is an absolute necessity for your survival and the planet’s survival that every human being turns spiritual, that he brings that dimension into his life. Otherwise it is not just a question of wasting your life, you will do things that will harm many other creatures on this planet.

years ago. In spite of that, man is no happier than what he was back then.

There was a time when in a society, if a few people were spiritual, the rest of the people just go to them for blessings and sustain their lives. But today, spirituality is no more a fancy pursuit. With the tools of science

Ranked amongst the fifty most influential people in India, Sadhguru is a yogi, mystic, visionary an a New York Times bestselling author Sadhguru has been conferred the Padma Vibhushan by the Government of India in 2017, the highest annual civilian award, accorded for exceptional and distinguished service.

down memory lane for BrisBane indian Times

Bees saal Baad - afTer TwenTy years

Sanjay Chandra, Shikha Chandra, Rekha Hakim, Katriona Scshuller, Usha Chandra, Umesh Chandra OAM, Christine Oertel, and Late Mr Parmesh Chand at the launch of Brisbane Indian Times 24th Sep 2003

Some familiar faces at the launch function of Brisbane Indian Times in 2003

The first copy of Brisbane Indian Times is released at the Hindu Society of Queensland Diwali function at Coffee Club Auditorium

Brisbane Indian Times stall at Indian Bazaar, Mount Gravatt Show Grounds

Brisbane Babas Band in its formative stage, performed at the launch function of Brisbane Indian Times

Gary Hardgrave and Mayor Alan Boulten join in for the release of the first copy of the Brisbane Indian Times

Katriona and Rekha, the initial in-house team of Brisbane Indian Times

Taking delivery of the famous BIT mobile

GoPio Queensland’s india day fair 2023 attracts large numbers

BRISBAnE Aust 19th, GOPIO Queensland held its iconic India Day Fair in the usual venue, Roma Street Parkland. Despite other events in Brisbane like Ekka, Graba, etc., the attendance at the India Day Fair was impressive. The attendance reinforces that this event is on everyone's calendar, and everyone always looks forward to the event. GOPIO Queensland India Day Fair is an established event, and the general public knows where it will be held and is familiar with the successful format. The banners on Story Bridges say “GOPIO Queensland India Day Fair, " which is sufficient. In the lead-up to the event, the social media team did an excellent job of promotion, and attendance could be attributed to all promotion efforts of the media partners and social media team.

There will always be and have always been challenges for the management committee in delivering the event to a high standard; the management committee must overcome the specific challenges and provide the event. The compliance requirements and production costs have grown significantly and must be managed diligently.

The showstopper this year was popular Bally Saggo, arranged via Nach Balliye Events; as GOPIO Queensland did not put any poster launch, Nach Balliye invited the GOPIO Queensland team to their sold-out boat cruise event for the poster launch with Bally Saggo. The showstopper segment, as usual, was viral.

The weather this year was perfect, compared to last year when few showers challenged the organisers, the event began with the famous Sai Saileshwara Group’s bhajan performance and continued throughout the day with various stage items, including Prana

Dance Group, Orioz Group, Nadaan Parindey, Jhanak group, Independent Duo, ABCD Bollywood group, Nach, Yashvi and Ashvi Jain, APQI girls, Mishikha and friend, Noopur Dance studio, Gidda Junior Group, Oneness Bhangra, Rhythms Dance group, Springfield Lakes

Bollywood group, Sargam Music Academy, dancing Divas, Nritya Bharati Kathak group, Javish, Shere Punjab, Lets Bollywood, Tapori Squad, and others.

The VIP reception in Sunset Glade was very well attended, with many guests accepting the GOPIO

Queensland invitation. The parade is a crucial feature of the India Day Fair, which leads the VIPs to the stage area for the formal proceeding. Parade participation was good, and much coordination was required to align the parade timing to the VIP and stage

areas; stage items need to be managed to accommodate the arrival.

The formalities saw speeches from the GOPIO Queensland president Indu Kant Sharma, Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers MP, Minister Leanne Linnard, Mrs Archana Singh Honorary counsel for India in Queensland, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, GOPIO Qld Patron Dr Maha Sinnathamby AM. Following the speeches, Australian and Indian Fags were raised while Sargam Music Academy led the national anthems.

There was no lifetime achievement award presentation this year, a key component missed by the community; there were many stalls. The sponsors for this year were in Gold Category: Brisbane City Council, Springfield City Group and Austec Services. In Silver Category: Nach Baliye Event, Australian Technology and Agriculture College and Dream style decorators. In the Bronze category: Multicultural Australia, Copy Cat Printing, Cocoon Homes, George Harnett Metropolitan funerals, Parsram and Stone Galleria. Media Partners Brisbane Indian Times and Australian Indian Radio. Supporting Organisation: DJJS Brisbane chapter, Sant Nirankari group ( 20 to 30 volunteers annually). Additional Led screen advertisers: Cr Vicki Howard, Cr Charles Strunk, Cornerstone Law Office, Oz Food Hunter, Globenet Realty, Century 21, Shri Yoga Vedanta Seva Samiti Au & NZ Inc and Cabbage Patch.

GoPio Cairns launched amidst the indian independence day celebration

CAIRnS burst into a mix of colour and emotion on 13 August, as GOPIO Cairns Inc. marked India’s Independence Day with grandeur. But this vivacious gathering wasn’t merely a celebration of freedom that set the city’s heart aflutter. It also signalled the formal inauguration of the GOPIO Cairns chapter, illuminating a fresh path for connectivity and unity among the Indian diaspora in the region. The blend of patriotic fervour and cultural display truly turned Fogarty Park Esplanade into a kaleidoscope of vibrant traditions, leaving an indelible mark on Cairns’ cultural tapestry.

With Fogarty Park Esplanade dressed in a splendid ceremonial vibe, the day’s events began with the majestic unfurling of the Indian and Australian flags. As the national anthems played, stirring a collective sentiment of pride, the scene was set for a memorable gathering of unity and culture.

Umesh Chandra, OAM executive Vice president from GOPIO International, graced the event's inauguration. The distinguished guest’s words highlighted the integral role such chapters play in

fostering cultural exchange and unity among people of Indian origin.

Aju J Mathew, the Joint Secretary of GOPIO Cairns Inc., welcomed the attendees with elegance and introduced the team leading the chapter, including:

Subash Chetry –President

Dr. Suresh Kesavan –

Vice President

Manish Mathew –

Treasurer

Gurdip Singh – Asst.

Treasurer

Jess Kumar – Secretary

Jatinder Singh –

Executive Member

President Subash Chetry’s poignant welcome speech was not only a note of gratitude but also an insightful glance into the purpose of GOPIO Cairns Inc. In his words, the chapter aims to bridge Cairns's geographical and

opportunity gaps and connect the community with a wider global network.

“Independence Day is not just a date on the calendar but a testament to the unity, resilience, and indomitable spirit of a nation,” President Chetry stated.

Over 200 people, including

eminent personalities, participated in the event. A lively cultural showcase featured mesmerising performances like the Bhangra and Bharatnatyam dances, symbolising India’s rich cultural fabric.

The event, supported by Cairns Regional Council

and Mahindra, and spiced up by SpicyBite Restaurant, concluded with heartfelt thanks from Jessica Kumar, the Secretary of GOPIO Cairns Inc.

As the echoes of celebration continue to resonate, the inaugural Independence Day ceremony and the formal

launch of GOPIO Cairns Inc. undoubtedly etch a vibrant mark on Cairns’ cultural landscape. It’s a spirited start, but for GOPIO Cairns, the journey has just begun, and the future looks promising as the chapters of cultural collaboration continue to unfold.

GoPio Gold Coast aGm and community connection

GOPIO Gold Coast Inc.

Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin

GOPIO Gold Coast Inc. held their 4th AGM at Sankalp Restaurant. The event was attended by members ready to share their views to help the future growth of the organization.

The elected new team for 2023-2025 is as follows:-

President - Pradip Gorasia

Vice President - Mokhtiar Singh

2nd Vice President - Preetham Krishna

Secretary - Madhuri Soni

Joint Secretary - Paddy Krishnan

Treasurer - Jessy Kaurah

Asst. Treasurer - Varsha Badhe

Cultural Coordinator - Shrey Baluja

Youth Coordinator - Janvi Makanjee

Appointed Advisors - Pushpinder Oberoi & Seema

Chauhan

Appointed Auditors - Thiel Partners

GlOBAl Organisation of People of Indian Origin

GOPIO Gold Coast Inc. organised to provide 200 meals to the Homeless in Gold Coast. Thank you to Gurdwara Sahib Gold Coast for assisting in making the meals and Mok Sandhu, Varsha Badhe & Pradip Gorasia for packing and delivering the meals to Show The Way, who will distribute them to those in need.

On the 15th of August it was "Har Ghar Tiranga" at Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tates’ Office as Indian Independence was celebrated with Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin GOPIO Gold Coast Inc. committee

GOPIO Gold Coast attended India Day and took part in the parade

Corelogic Home Value index shows housing recovery gains momentum in august as national home values rise 0.8%

(0.1%) and Tasmania (0.0%).

“With internal migration trends normalising across regional Australia, and less demand side pressures from net overseas migration than in capital cities, regional markets generally aren’t seeing the same level of recovery,” Mr Lawless said.

accounted for around 15% of total net overseas migration.

“Housing values across the combined regional areas of Australia are up 1.6% since a trough in February, compared with a larger 6.0% rise in values across the combined capitals.”

capital gain over the three months ending August.

CORELOGIC’S national Home Value Index (HVI) marked a sixth consecutive monthly rise, up 0.8% in August. The monthly gain was a slight acceleration from the 0.7% increase in July, interrupting a two-month trend of slowing capital gains. Since bottoming out in February, the national HVI is up 4.9%, adding approximately $34,301 to the median dwelling value.

The recovery trend remains broad-based, with every capital city except Hobart (-0.1%) recording a rise in dwelling values over the month. Gains were led by a 1.5% increase across Brisbane, followed by Sydney and Adelaide where home values were up 1.1%.

CoreLogic Research Director, Tim Lawless, noted the trend in housing values, although generally positive, is diverse.

“Sydney has led the recovery trend to-date with

a gain of 8.8% since values found a floor in January this year. Brisbane has also posted a strong recovery with values up 6.2% since bottoming out in February.

“At the other end of the scale, some other capital cities are better described as flat, with Hobart home values unchanged since stabilising in April, while values across the ACT have risen only mildly, up 1.0% since a trough in April. These are also the only two capital cities where advertised supply is tracking higher than a year ago, suggesting a rebalancing between buyers and sellers is a key factor contributing to the stability of values in these regions.”

Within the capital cities, it is generally house values rather than unit values that have showed a sharper recovery trend. At the combined capital cities level, house values are up 6.3% since bottoming out in

February, compared with a 4.9% rise in unit values. The more significant rise in house values comes after a larger drop through the preceding downturn, where house values were down -10.7% compared with a -6.5% drop in unit values.

“Most cities are showing a larger rise in house values compared with units, however Sydney stands out with the most significant difference through the recovery cycle to-date, possibly due to the more substantial decline in house values which fell by -15.0% through the recent downturn,” Mr Lawless said.

Conditions across regional housing markets were mixed, with values down over the month across the non-capital city regions of NSW (-0.2%) and Victoria (-0.6%), rising firmly across regional Queensland (0.8%) and SA (0.9%), and holding relatively flat in regional WA

“Historic migration data from the ABS shows that prior to the pandemic, regional Australia had only

Across Australia’s regional SA3 markets, areas of the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast comprised seven of the top 10 markets for the largest

“Coolangatta home values surged 6.2% over the past three months, followed by the Sunshine Coast Hinterland (5.8%) and Gold Coast North (5.6%). Strong internal migration into these areas is likely to be a key factor supporting housing demand and housing values in these areas,” Mr Lawless said.

REnT values rose for the 35th consecutive month nationally in July. However, monthly rent growth has eased over the past four months. In regional Australia, rent value growth has been slowing since April last year, and rents are close to flattening out (albeit at high levels).

Slowing rent growth is expected to be one of the key housing market trends next year, for several reasons. Firstly, the cash rate is expected to fall, which could increase investment and first home buyer activity. Secondly, income growth is expected to slow, which might prompt a change in housing preferences. Lastly, stretched rental affordability could see movements to more affordable areas, and base effects mean there will be a limit to how high growth can go. These factors are unpacked in more detail below.

1. Rents move with interest rates, and interest rates could be on the way down next year

Annual growth in rent values and interest rates move together over time. Figure 1 shows rolling annual growth in the CoreLogic rent value index against the RBA cash rate target.

In 2024, each of the major banks is now forecasting a

decline in the cash rate. A reduction in interest rates could increase demand from housing investors, and increased investment purchases add to rental supply, which may serve to lower rent growth.

Expectations that the RBA will be done with rate hikes in 2023 may even be contributing to an early recovery in investment activity. Figure 2 shows the rise in new investment loans secured since the start of the year. Investment loans are offsetting the rate at which new investment listings are being added to the market.

2. Softer income growth could lead to a change in housing preferences

Household income growth shifted higher through the pandemic. Initially income growth was supported by the largest peacetime fiscal stimulus package on record, and later, tight labour market conditions supported wages growth. ABS measures of total gross household income in the national accounts has averaged 1.4% per quarter since the start of the pandemic, almost double the growth rate in the five years prior (0.8%).

Income growth is likely one of several factors that contributed to the breakup of share-houses through the pandemic. People could

afford leases on more spacious properties, which has contributed to lower stock levels as households spread out across the dwelling market.

However, income growth could be another metric that slows next year. Monetary policy is taking effect in reducing demand in the economy, the unemployment rate rose to 3.7% through July, and annual growth in the WPI slowed to 3.63% in the latest print. As income growth slows, renting households may look to adjust their housing situation, and re-form share houses. In regional Australia, the average household size has returned to pre-pandemic levels, and is starting to rise across the combined capital cities.

3. Rental affordability is becoming stretched

High growth in rent values has seen an increase in the share of income required to service new rents, which was estimated to be 30.8% nationally at March 2023 (the highest level since June 2014). CoreLogic’s measure of rents have increased 29.3% since a low in August 2020, or the equivalent of a rise in median weekly rents of $134.

Rent value growth is likely to slow because of base effects alone, but renters also

tend to be on lower incomes, which means there could be a ceiling on how high rents can go before tenants adjust their housing preferences. As noted in the previous section, this can look like more share-housing. It could also be showing up in internal migration patterns. In the 12 months to June last year, ABS data showed more affordable rental markets like Logan –Beaudesert and Ipswich with the first and third highest volume of net internal migration across the country. This overtook the Gold Coast, which had the highest

net internal migration in the previous year. Such internal movements could ease demand in the most expensive rental markets, bringing down growth in the national rents.

Most markets now seeing a slowdown in growth, some rent falls

Figure 3 shows rolling annual growth in house and unit markets across the capital cities. Most rental markets are now seeing growth flatten out, or moving lower. Canberra rents are firmly in decline, and Hobart house rents look as though

they will soon follow.

Rent values also fell in the 12 months to July across a handful of SA4 markets, including the South East of Tasmania (down -4.5%), the Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven (down -3.8%), and the Capital Region of NSW (down -1.3%).

Just because rent growth slows, doesn’t mean we should lose sight of reform Importantly, although we are likely to see a further slowdown in the pace of rent increases, rental affordability challenges are likely to persist.

Three reasons rent growth will slow in 2024

Buyers Like What They See at Brookwater.

Your 5 minute neighbourhood:

Just 35 minutes away from Brisbane CBD, the interest among buyers has been at a record level, according to Narendran Sinnathamby, the General Manager of Brookwater Residential. Brookwater’s current land release, The Dress Circle, is situated around the first nine holes of the championship golf course designed by Greg Norman. It is the only integrated golf community near Brisbane. “Discerning buyers are recognising that Brookwater is a premium lifestyle destination,’’Mr Sinnathamby said.

“The Dress Circle, Brookwater is situated within Springfield City, one of Australia’s fastestgrowing regions. Springfield City sets the standard for world-class master-planned urban environments in the 21st century and has become a blueprint for nation-building,” he added. “The area boasts outstanding schools, and state-of-the-art health facilities, and is now home to the Brisbane Lions AFL Club. Everything you need is within reach.”

Within the Springfield City area, there are 12 schools, 22 childcare facilities, and the University of Southern Queensland providing a remarkable array of options for both private and public amenities, making it an ideal choice for growing families.

Springfield City is positioned as the gateway to the western corridor of Southeast Queensland. With an expansive area of 2,860 hectares, it is Australia’s largest master-planned city and the first of its kind since Canberra.

- The wider Springfield Growth Corridor including Springfield and Greater Springfield is currently home to 145,300 people.

- This is expected to grow rapidly to almost 200,000 people in 2026 and over 435,000 in 2041.

- Represents an annual growth rate of 5.6% over the 20 years to 2041.

LARGE REGISTERED HOMESITES FROM $615,000

*Please be advised that the provided outline is intended solely for location reference purposes and is indicative only.

Health City Springfield Central – home to Mater Private Hospital Springfield, Aveo Springfield and Quest Apartment Hotel.

Orion Springfield Central offering major retail shops, restaurants, a movie theatre and food court.

arya PraTinidHi saBHa of Queensland

Samaj Havan Yajna Satsang at Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre

Yogeshwar Shri Krishn Chandra Ji

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

VED Prachaar in Brisbane

ARyA Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland Inc members held a very enlightening,rewarding, inspiring and enormously successful 3 days Friday

4/08/2023 to Sunday

6/08/2023 VED prachaar

by renowned and respected Pracharak Acharya Ashish Arya Ji Darshanacharya

from India at the Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre.

Pracharak Ji spoke so eloquently, articulately on various applicable subjects related to VED with forceful expression, engaging the audience ,explaining with clarity, simplicity and explicitly, the audience

easily understanding and appreciating the eyeopening presentations.

Acharya Shri.Ashish Arya Ji is a exceptionally confident communicator, polished and smooth speaker. The message from the Pracharak who was well acquainted with the Vedic topics was definite and relevant to our

Healthy Lifestyle

BEInG healthy should be part of our overall lifestyle. A lifestyle choice is a personal and conscious decision to perform a behaviour that may increase or decrease the risk of injury or disease. Living a healthy lifestyle can help prevent chronic diseases and long-term illnesses. Feeling good about ourself and taking care of our health every day is so important. Maintain a healthy lifestyle by doing what is right for our body as recommended by the health professionals.

Physical fitness is not the sole basis of being healthy; being healthy means being mentally and emotionally fit. Healthy lifestyle choices in our everyday lives can benefit us both physically and mentally. Choosing healthier habits will lead to a longer, happier life along plus it will lower the risk of chronic illness.

But making healthier choices isn’t that easy but is extremely essential. There are many temptations and distractions that can steer

us away from positive and healthy daily habits.

For a well-rounded, healthy individual, Be conscious in our dietbalanced healthy diet, the best way to eat for health is to choose a variety of foods from each of the food groups every day, maintaining a regular exercise routine,healthy physical activity level,Yoga ,Pranayam , once you’ve integrated it into your routine activities it becomes an easy enough habit to stick to. As you may be aware, exercising Yoga ,Pranayam brings many physical and mental benefits that affect our daily lives, engage in the things you are passionate about and good for the

daily lives and we deeply appreciate the time and effort from the respected Pracharak Ji. The receptive audience,members of the public also appreciated the heart touching comforting Vedic bhajans and similarly enjoyed the delicious, mouth watering dinner and mishtaan.

King of Yogis Yogeshwar Shri Krishn Chandra Ji Maharaj was highly talented personality. He was super human with many fold characteristics of being a scholar of Vedas, worshiper of GOD, observing celibacy, powerful, good political qualities, experienced speaker, religious and spiritual person. Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati revealed the facts about Yogeshwar Shri Krishn Js brighter and unblemished character in his immortal text “Satyarth Prakash – Light of Truth” writes“Look the life (history) of Shri Krishan Ji is supreme in Mahabharata. His characteristics, deeds, nature and conduct was like AAPT – (noble, highly learned and religious seers) persons. Come, let us celebrate the birthday of the Gem of Aryas, Shri

Krishn Chandra Ji Maharaj as adopting true directions/ guidelines from his supreme brighter character ओ३म

योगेश्वर श्री कष्ण चन्द्र जरी श्री कष्ण योगेश्वर थे, महातमा थे, महा्वरीर, धमामातमा थे। ्वह ्वेदभक्त, ईश्वरभक्त,

community,Get enough sleep The importance of getting enough quality sleep cannot be overstated. Surround yourself with encouraging friends and people that will provide you with constructive criticism every once in a while to

help you improve. To ensure good health: eat lightly as recommended by the health expert, breathe deeply, live moderately, cultivate cheerfulness, and maintain an interest in life make it a habit to always look at the brighter side of life.

मानय्ता ्व कायमा ्वेद ष्वरुद् नहीं था। ्वह ईश्वर के भक्त ्व उपासक थे और इसरी कार्ण ्वह योगेश्वर कहलाये। जनम लेने, सख-दःख का भोग करने से ,्वेद के अनसार कममा करने से ्व मतय को प्ाप्त होने के कार्ण ्वह श्ष्ठ जरी्वातमा थे, महातमा, योगेश्वर ,महा्वरीर, धमामातमा कहलाये ।

daV ColleGe Ba fiJi reunion-BrisBane – 9 sePTemBer 2023 reunion sPeCial

Lamba Safar to School - Long walk for education 1961-65.

Rajendra Prasad [With introduction by Thakur Ranjit Singh]

The DAV High School was not in league with the secondary schools like the Xavier College, ranked as the best secondary school in Ba. In a way, it was not the best, as it always scooped the brightest students that transited from primary schools to secondary schools. In this regard, credit should also go to other secondary schools that did more to promote education in Ba.

RajendRa Prasad is a veteran of DAV Ba. On the occasion of the fourth DAV COllEGE BA FIJI REUNION in Brisbane in September, 2023, he narrates his adventure of walking 6km daily to DAV. And his school mate and travelling (walking) companion was Ba soccer legend, Josetaki Kurivutu.

Rajendra is from a sleepy rustic village on the banks of Ba River, Vaqia. He is the former Town Clerk of Ba and now lives in Auckland. He is the proud author of two excellent books on Fiji’s history: Tears in Paradise and Enslaved in Paradise.

He attended DAV with former Education Minister in Chaudhry Government, Pratap Chand, who was invited to attend reunion in Ba in 2019. He could not make it. Hope he can make it to Brisbane Reunion

Here is literally, a walk down the memory lane of 6 km track along from Vaqia to Naidrodro and Rarawai to Varadoli at DAV College on a daily basis. This really is a walk down the memory lane……………………….. Please read on, from the author himself.

RAJEnDRA PRASAD:

I recall, there is a song of pleasure with the music of pain, which reside indelibly in

my mind and heart. I am drawn to it often and yet it wasn’t easy, getting up at 6 am in the morning to get ready for school, walking 6 miles through narrow tracks (pagdandi), dodging and ducking the flora drenched by dew or rain. I had to cross a creek and a koro, where my friend Josetaki Kurivutu, Ba and Fiji football ace, lived. Together we walked through Naidrodro, the CSR settlement carved out with the labourers sheltered in tightly packed decrepit units, depicting class of the occupants at their lowest level, which progressively elevated to better homes for the kailomas, (Mixed race ) followed by the super homes for the Europeans. This was my daily initiation into the cruel division of humanity in a class-based CSR Company enterprise.

We walked and we talked about numerous things, as we trudged to and from school,

in every Crisis…

Key Scriptures:

defying distance and ignoring the taut muscles and aching feet. Some days, I travelled alone, which I enjoyed as much, if not more, meditating profoundly on many things, which again tended to lessen the distance.

On my return home, I was always pleased to see two very important people from our village. One was Ram Chandar and the other Arjun Naidu who played for Ba football team and represented Fiji too. They trained at the CSR Company ground, adjoining the Rarawai mill and usually rode on horses but occasionally, Ram Chandar went on his motorbike. Our eyes would meet, greetings acknowledged but we would not have the luxury to stop for a yarn, as time drove us to reach certain points within certain times.

During this period, our school principal was Hari Singh

and other teachers included, Brij lal, Mahendra Pratap, Som Prakash, Ms Manorama Bali and later, Kailash Chand Jain, Ms Asha Basu, R. B. Mathur, Ajay Singh and Satyendra Singh. In 1962, two great events took place – DAV won the secondary schools Inter-district Tournament for the first time and it was the magic of my friend Josetaki, whose superb skills made this possible for us.

Secondly, the DAV Girls and DAV Boys High School amalgamated, making DAV a co-educational institution. I will never forget the day the girls arrived in the Empire Bus. Seemingly, the boys had prepared themselves to receive the ‘angels’ but lacked sophistication in presenting themselves with the required dignity. It was all new to us and our glazed eyes echoed the unusual beat of our hearts. It had not experienced such close orientation in the past. However, the excitement died soon and we adjusted to the new environment as if we were always a co-educational institution.

The girls occupied the front benches in every room and demand for benches just behind the girls was at the premium level. Generally, those who occupied these benches did not do as well as others in their exams due largely to multiple distractions.

It was not only boys salivating for girls but the school principal Hari Singh fell in love and married Ms Asha Basu, the former Principal of DAV Girls’ High School. Prior to the marriage, three of us boarded with Hari Singh and her arrival imposed on us another duty. When they quarrelled, she disappeared in the night, which meant us breaking our studies to look for her with the Tilley lamp in our hand. We often found her under the veranda and the duty of luring her out her hideout rested on Hari Singh. Apart from this, we enjoyed the privilege of staying with them.

The Principal, Hari Singh, was the master of English language and his essay writing assignments propelled us to match his expectations. I enjoyed the challenges and he encouraged me to compete in the essay writing competition, sponsored by the CSR Company (1964) for the Ba secondary schools, which I won. The prize was a voucher to purchase books from a Ba Book Centre, R. C. Bali & Bisun. I distinctly remember buying one book with the title, “Goddam the White Man”. Why I chose this book with such a title, I do not know nor do I know the contents. However, this prize awakened in me the desire to pursue my interest in writing, which gradually became a lifelong obsession.

the comfort, peace assurance of salvation.This salvation produces a transformed life in us to overcome all kinds of floods and fires.

We hope this message will bring you Good News of a Great comfort in these troubled times. Our theme is simple and clear. It is to make God real and personal. And to present God as a living and loving Person; so you may understand His true character, nature and relate to Him personally.

In conclusion, I would like to pay my tribute to the management of DAV High School, teachers and students who collectively enriched my life. I also pay tribute to the Arya Samaj of Fiji, a sectarian institution, whose investment in the provision of schools throughout Fiji is unmatched, as it now has the University of Fiji to its credit. Their pursuit in the establishment of schools began in difficult times but they never wavered in their commitment to expand and keep their doors open without prejudice.

I left DAV in 1965 and distinctly remember the last day I stepped out of the school boundary, which brings nostalgic memories. Sadly, I have failed to convince my children that I walked daily to and from my school, located 6 miles away from my home. They dismiss it as fake news or natural progression to senility!

My best wishes to everyone joining the DAV High School reunion in Brisbane on 9 September, 2023.

[about the author: Rajendra Prasad was a student of daV Ba from 1961-1965 inclusive. He is author of two historical books on Fiji: TeaRS In PaRadISe and enSLaVed In PaRadISe He lives with his family in auckland and contemplates on producing a documentary, based on his first boo, Tears in Paradise.]

miracle that happened to me was the changing of my heart and mind. When we learn to humble and accept the free gift of God’s love and mercy to touch your hearts, you qualify for a miracle.

deaR ReadeR, We all live in a world that is troubled and traumatised through many disasters.

Some of these crisis are natural such as floods and storms. But, some are due to the human greed and pride that leads to war between nations.

Regardless of the source of our problems and issues in our life; we need divine help in every crisis moment. We need know and understand how we can receive such help from our Creator God. The Bible reveals

this God as a great Shepherd, Rock of the ages, Anchor for the soul, A strong tower, A sure refuge and much more. But the key question is you must know how to enter into His safe refuge.

We enter into this divine safety by having right relationship with our God. It is not by set of rules that religion teaches, or a tradition of our forefathers. It is purely based on knowing God thorough a personal encounter.

But first, we have to

recognise our sins. We need to repent for our sins. The Bible says everyone (all humanity) has sinned and fallen short of God’s glorious standards of living (Romans 3:23).

When fear, anxiety troubles surround us, then we need to raise our faith God. Faith is like an anchor. This anchor in God is strong and unbreakable; no power in this world has capacity to break this.

A complete trust in Christ produces such a security in

our mind and spirit. Here we experience a peace beyond our human reasoning. This trust and faith is the result of having a personal relationship with God Almighty. God has given invitation to all humanity to come and be reconciled through Jesus Christ.

Jesus is gracious and compassionate and full of mercy. He alone has defeated the death and raised to everlasting life. Therefore, to all who call on to Him will receive

God is not an object or an image or an imagination of human mind. God is a living and loving person. We find this amazing revelation in the pages of Holy Bible. Keep reading His Words with an open heart and humble spirit. You will encounter His awesome forgiveness, mercy and unfailing love.

I am a recipient of many miracles in my life. And I know that many of my friends and family also have encountered the supernatural favour. This is purely as the result of relationship that we have been developing through the Holy Scriptures. It has nothing to do with our great service to our job or community, it is simply knowing who we are as God’s children. Therefore the greatest

When you say a prayer with childlike faith and sincere heart, God send a miracle power your way. No amount of good works or million dollars can buy or create a miracle. Miracle is simply learning to know and say YES to our Creator and lord Jesus and letting His love flood our hearts. Therefore the greatest miracle is when you know you have been forgiven and made a new creation.

If you need a miracle today, why not say YES to the Miracle Maker Jesus Christ. Say this prayer with sincere hearts; “Father God, I need your help, forgive me, heal me, I believe that Jesus died for my sins and rose again to give me a life of miracles. Bless me with your unlimited grace and mercy.

Thank you God in Jesus name I pray, Amen”. Friends if you said this prayer for the first time, write to us, so we can help you to grow in the life of supernatural miracles that are waiting for you. Our email is: navig8grace@ gmail.com

Thakur Ranjit Singh, FIJI PUNDIT

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”

- Isa. 43:2

Jesus said “arise and shine…”

Cover of ENSLAVED IN PARADISE, another book by RAJENDRA PRASAD

Thakur Ranjit Singh, Shashi Shankar Singh, Aruna Prasad and Author Rajendra Prasad - Girmit Day in Auckland.

Rajendra Prasad receiving the book CHALO JAHAJI from Professor BRIJ LAL.

RAJENDRA PRASAD -Author of TEARS IN PARADISE and ENSLAVED IN PARADISE with DAV literary award.

RAJENDRA PRASADS BOOK COVER-TEARS IN PARADISE

HINDU SOCIET Y OF QLD INVITES YOU TO CELEBRATE

Ganesh Chaturthi

Tuesday 19 Sep t ember 2023 6pm to 8.30pm

Program conducted

Gayatri Mandir

Enquiries President: Jai Ram 0418786919

PRO/ Assistant Secretary: Neelima 0405409156

178 Lyndhurst Road BOONDALL Pooja : Starts at 6.00pm Havan & Pravachan Aarti

Mahaprashad will be served

by Pujniye Pundit Suresh Shandilji

a. C. Bhaktivedant swami Prabhupad

ABHAy Charanaravind

Bhaktivedant Swami Prabhupad was a Sanyasi of Gaudiya Vaishnav Sampraday. Swami Prabhupad founded the International Society of Krishna Consciousness, commonly known as ISKCON. He worked tirelessly to spread the teachings of Krishna Consciousness throughout the world.

Early life - Prabhupad was born on September 1, 1896 in Kolkata, India. He was named Abhay Charan De. His father was Gour Mohan De and his mother’s name was Rajani De. Gour Mohan was a cloth merchant although the family’s inherited occupation was a gold and silver jewellery business. After completing his school education, Abhay studied at the Scottish Church College. During his college days, Abhay married Radharani Datta.

Abhay had no interest in politics but had great respect for Mahatma Gandhi for his adherence to the principles of Gita and his spiritual insights. After completing his fourth year of college and passing the examinations, Abhay declined to accept his degree, as a support to Gandhi’s call for boycott.

Gour Mohan was disturbed by the prevailing situation in the country at that time. To secure his son’s future, he arranged a good job for his son with the help of his family friend Dr Kartik Chandra Bose. Dr Bose had his own establishment, ‘Bose’s Laboratory’ in Kolkata. He accepted Abhay as a department manager in his firm.

Abhay had been familiar with Sadhus and religious preachers, who usually visited his home. They did not impress him. However, in 1922 on his friends’ insistence, he went with them to see Srila Bhaktisiddhant Sarasvati, a Goswami of the Gaudiya Vaishnav Sampraday. During their meeting, the Goswami told them that as they were educated young men, they should preach Lord Chaitanya’s message throughout the world.

Abhay began associating with the Vaishnav devotees. He learnt the history of the Sampraday and its spiritual masters. The teaching of Lord Chaitanya had become obscured over time due to misinterpretation by his dishonest followers. Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur re-established the authentic teaching of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu through his writings and preaching.

Bhaktisiddhant Sarasvati was the son of Bhaktivinod Thakur. He conveyed the essence of Lord Chaitanya teachings, that Krishna was the supreme personality of Godhead and chanting of his holy name should be stressed over all religious practices. On the authority of scriptures, he stressed the importance of Mahamantra, ‘Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna, Krishna, Hare, Hare; Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama, Rama, Hare, Hare’. Abhay was impressed by his philosophy and read spiritual texts of the Sampraday.

Spiritual path – Abhay moved to Prayagraj with his family due to his business commitments. In 1932, he was initiated and became a disciple of Bhaktisiddhant Sarasvati. He started preaching the teachings of his guru and also managed his business responsibilities.

Abhay used to visit his guru whenever he was in Kolkata.

The guru was impressed by Abhay and expressed his desire for him to publish books to spread the teachings of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Especially, he wished to spread Krishna consciousness in the West. Bhaktivinod Thakur had expressed a similar desire, which had remained unfulfilled. In December 1936, Bhaktisiddhant passed away. Abhay pledged to fulfil his wish. He continued working for the pharmaceutical company as well as preaching his guru’s teaching.

The Abhay family relocated to Kolkata. In 1944, Abhay started his publication, Back to Godhead as a medium to realise the wishes of his guru. He was its writer, editor, publisher and distributor. His wife and children stayed in Kolkata, and he lived away from them in Prayagraj, which was the centre of his business activities.

During a preaching session in Jhansi, he met a number of professionals who were interested in his discourse. With their support, he started a new organisation named the ‘League of Devotees’. Through the League he wished to spread the teachings of his guru. He started caring less for the pharmaceutical business and became more interested in preaching. Eventually his business failed.

He visited his family to discuss the prevailing situation. After meeting his family members, he realised that attachment to family was a hindrance to his spiritual activities. He left his family and business for good and returned to Jhansi. The environment for spiritual activities in Jhansi had changed and he could not stay there. He moved to an ashram in Delhi where he lived for some time with his Gurubhai, a disciple of the same guru.

He continued working on Back to Godhead and started translating Bhagavatam. He distributed his magazine to the prominent and influential people in the capital. Impressed by his work, the Gaudiya Vaishnav Society bestowed on him the title of Bhaktivedant Swami.

He moved to Vrindavan and resided in the Vanshi Gopalji temple. Later he moved to the Radha Damodar temple. He used to commute to Delhi from Vrindavan to distribute his magazine and collect funds,

he had received from selling his books to the ship’s captain. His visa was valid for two months. A representative from Traveller’s Aid sent by the Agarwal family from Butler, Pennsylvania met him at the port.

Swamiji arrived at the Agarwal’s home in Butler, where Gopal lived with his American wife Sally and two children. He was allotted a room at the YMCA to stay, and visited the Agarwals during the day. He spoke to various community groups about his philosophy during his stay at the YMCA.

After spending a month in Butler, he went to New York. A student of Dr Ramamurti Mishra received him. Swamiji had an earlier communication with Ramamurti. He stayed in a room provided by Ramamurti, who operated the Mishra Yoga Society. Swamiji delivered lectures at the Yoga Society. He came in contact with many students of the Society and a number of other local people.

had deteriorated and so he was hospitalised. After his release from the hospital, he visited San Francisco again to guide disciples in holding the Rath-yatra. Eventually, his devotees started ISKCON centres in other cities of North America.

Swamiji thought of starting an “American House” for his American devotees in Vrindavan. He returned to India in July 1967 and stayed there for five months. He deputed his American disciples to preach Krishna Consciousness in India and himself returned to San Francisco. During his visit to the Boston ISKCON centre, Swamiji accepted the name Prabhupad.

He wished to establish an ISKCON centre in the UK. His disciples established contact with George Harrison and John Lennon of Beatles and made arrangements for welcoming their guru. Prabhupad arrived in London in September 1969 and established an ISKCON centre in the city.

which allowed him to continue his work.

In 1959, he was initiated as a Sanyasi of the Gaudiya Sampraday. After a formal initiation ceremony, his name became Abhay Charanaravind Bhaktivedant Swami. His desire for dissemination of Krishna consciousness in the West became even stronger.

He returned to Delhi, where he got a free room in the Radha Krishna temple in a neighbourhood called Chippiwada, near Chandani Chowk. Here, he continued working on his books, including commentary and translation of Bhagavatam.

In 1962, he published his first volume of Bhagavatam. He sent his book to the President, Prime Ministers, businessmen and other important individuals, who gave him positive reviews. After receiving their encouragements, he intensified his work on Bhagavatam. At the same time, he continued mulling over ways to preach Krishna Consciousness in the West.

Preaching Overseas - In Vrindavan, Swamiji met a businessman named Mr Agarwal, and casually mentioned to him his wish to go to the West. Mr Agarwal volunteered to get him a sponsor by asking his son Gopal, who lived in Pennsylvania, USA. One day, the Ministry of External Affairs informed Swamiji that a ‘No Objection’ certificate for travelling to the USA was ready for him. On enquiry, he found out that Gopal Agarwal had sponsored him to bear his living costs in the USA.

He needed to arrange a passport, visa, P-Form and travel fare. He approached Sumati Morarji, the head of the Scindia Steamship Company, who had helped him with donations for printing volume two of the Bhagavatam. Morarji agreed to send him to the USA in the company’s cargo ship Jaladuta and promised to provide other necessary assistance.

On August 13, 1965, Swamiji left Kolkata on the Jaladuta for New York. He celebrated his 70th birthday on the ship by chanting the Maha-mantra and distributing Prasadam. He arrived in New York on 19th September 1965. He had forty rupees and twenty dollars, which

Later, he moved to an independent accommodation, where many young people met him. Some youths were children of wealthy families but were living as a hippy. They were attracted to him and enjoyed his preaching and the practice of singing and dancing, which were new and unusual for them.

Some expressed their desire to become his initiated disciples. He explained them the specific requirements to become his disciple. Four rules were mandatory that included abstaining from meat-eating, illicit sex, intoxication and gambling. In addition, the initiated disciples were required to chant daily a certain number of the Maha-mantra.

First time in the USA, he initiated eleven disciples who later played important roles in spreading his philosophy. He also performed the marriage rites between two disciples. Through their association with him, many young people stopped taking drugs and other related unsavoury practices. The media highlighted the positive effects of his preaching on the local youth.

In 1966, Swamiji incorporated the “International Society of Krishna Consciousness”. The purposes stated within its article of incorporation were similar to those given in the prospectus for the League of Devotees established in Jhansi.

Swamiji started public worship of Krishna at a place near his residence, which became the first ISKCON centre. He delivered lectures, which were followed by distribution of meals. Many local residents attended the program and became his disciples. He declared that Krishna Consciousness should be delivered to all races.

In January 1967, he travelled from New York to San Francisco. The disciple couple whose wedding ceremony he had performed earlier in New York had invited him to inaugurate a temple there. Swamiji inaugurated the temple. In addition, he taught the disciples the correct way of worship and proper practices to be followed in a temple. He advised them to perform Rath-yatra similar to that normally held in JagannathPuri.

He returned to New York from San Francisco. His health

He was mindful of his mortality and wanted to secure the future of his organisation. Following his return to the USA from London, he drafted the structure for management of ISKCON. He envisaged that a Governing Body Commission, GBC, consisting of twelve persons would manage the organisation. He also prepared a statement about the Bhaktivedant Book Trust account, which would be used to publish his books and establish temples throughout the world.

In 1970 he returned to Kolkata. From there, he travelled to Mumbai and Surat where various social programs were arranged for him. The presence of American devotees attracted huge crowds to his events.

He focussed on the temple building programs in India. In Mayapur, he planned for building the huge Chandrodaya Mandir. In Vrindavan, he laid the foundation of Krishna Balaram temple. In Mumbai, he installed RadhaKrishna deities at a potential site for a temple.

In 1971, Prabhupad started an extensive world tour, preaching his philosophy of Krishna Consciousness. He sent his disciples to many countries. He visited Australia, Japan, Hawaii and various centres in the USA and Mexico. He also visited the Soviet Union, Kenya and other countries, and established centres wherever possible. Many prominent people including George Harrison of the Beatles and Alfred Ford, the great grandson of the American industrialist Henry Ford, had become his disciples.

Prabhupad travelled around the globe multiple times, preaching his philosophy, which continued until early 1977. His health had deteriorated. He was brought to Vrindavan, where he stayed at the Krishna Balaram temple. On November 14, 1977 Srila Prabhupad left the mortal world.

Prabhupad is considered to be a representative and messenger of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu to the world. ISKCON, his legacy, has become a major religious tradition. ISKCON temples, free meals and book distribution, social services and chanting of Maha-mantra remain popular in numerous countries. —Awadhesh Sharma, www.hinduguru.com.au

accumulate not for enjoyment, rather set your mind on God for your good

only mistake we commit. Nothing more!

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

To save the youth who are being ruined due to the lustful festivals like valentine’s day, in 2007 Pujya Bapu ji-initiated celebrations of Matri-Pitri Pujan Diwas (Parents’ worship day) on 14th February. Pujya Bapu ji felt that, due to the blind imitation of Western culture there has been a steep rise in the incidences of alcoholism, suicide, and other immoral activities, especially among the youth during the last week of December. To rescue the youth from this debauchery and denigration, Pujya Bapu ji came up with the idea of worshipping a sacred Tulsi plant (holy basil). So, with a view to awaken the cultural pride of India and to save the countrymen from mental slavery, in 2014, he initiated celebration of Tulsi pujan on 25th December.

Pujya Bapu ji has always emphasized the necessity to follow rich Indian culture and always said that it is only the Indian culture and Sanatana dharma which can give the world true happiness & peace.

Dear readers, in this article Pujya Bapuji talks about fulfilling sensual pleasures. Quoting references from our scriptures, Pujya Bapu ji reminds that sensual pleasure will end soon, and will end in misery. Sensual pleasure is inherently fleeting – too fleeting to be fulfilling.

“The various kinds of sensual pleasures are liable to destruction. They are the cause of worldly bondage, what for, O men, do you wander about so busily? Now do not accumulate them. If you trust upon my

word, then it is better for you to fix your mind, made pure by the calming down of the hundredfold network of hopes, in contemplation within your own Self for the extermination of your desires."

(Vairagva Shataka: 39)

Bhartrihariji Maharaj is elucidating here that sensual pleasures are worthless, impermanent and perishable. They do not remain unchanged for ever. The robust youth of today will become old tomorrow and walk with a stick for support. Though these sensual pleasures are unsubstantial, man overcome by delusion remains entangled in them. If you do not develop attachment to them considering them ephemeral and concentrate your mind to contemplate on God and do devotional practices every moment, you will be freed from repeated births and deaths and attain supreme bliss.

Saint Kabir says,

I accumulate this many. May I enjoy this many pleasures; may I enjoy luxuries and comforts, may I earn name and fame, may I get a high position in society, may I enjoy sound health, may I become such a person.” Give up all these desires and you will develop true yearning for attainment of God. The cause of not developing a yearning for God as much as is necessary is your inability to renounce the things as much as is required. What is renunciation? The Gita states that abandonment of desire is renunciation.

योगरी यञजरी्त

“This body is not trustworthy as it gets destroyed in a moment. Remember the Lord on every breath. There is no other means.”

It occurs in Pujya Bapuji’s ambrosial words soaked with his realization of Self which awakens dispassion that: “The world is an ocean. As the ocean is full of water, the samsara is full of death. One's journey to death begins the moment one is born. There is no union which is not associated with (impending) separation. There is no accumulation or sense of pleasure which is immune to destruction and separation.

किरीर मन ्तो एक है, भा्व ्तहाँ लगा्व | भा्व गरु

the mind is one you may set it on what you like. Be devoted to Guru if you like or enjoy sense pleasures.”

If you destroy the yearning for worldly things, you will develop true yearning for the attainment of God. “So many rupees I have accumulated, may

“A yogi should concentrate his mind constantly by staying in a solitary place, alone, with mind and body controlled, free from expectations and free from acquisition." (The Gita: 6.10)

One who wants to realize the supreme Truth should not accumulate anything for personal enjoyment. If you earn for helping others and spend in good deeds, it is okay. But do not accumulate with the thoughts “I shall enjoy these things; they will be useful to me in old age.’’ Elevate yourself above desires of worldly enjoyments. The path becomes longer because we set our mind on God for some time, not constantly.

One should remain constantly engaged in efforts to attain SelfKnowledge by assimilating the grace of a Self-realized one completely. Make efforts constantly, not intermittently. If you live in solitude, meditate on the Supreme Self, do satsang, subdue your body with senses and mind, become free from expectations and if you refrain from accumulating things for personal enjoyment, you can easily attain Supreme

Self. You attain Self-bliss spontaneously.”

Just living in a solitary place is secondary solitude. It is good for the person entangled in personal enjoyments and selfish activities to extricate him from it in the initial stage. But to engage oneself in the divine works of SatGuru ‘for the good of the many as well as for the happiness of the many’ for public welfare and to dissolve petty desires and narrow beliefs of the mind in the love of the One all-pervading God; and to dissolve the outgoing tendencies of the mind into One Supreme Self is primary solitude.

The world (appearance) is composed of names and forms. It involves many doers (kartas) and experiencers (bhoktas). It is the locus of actions done by the efficient cause of space and time, and the fruits of these actions. Its creation and true form are incomprehensible for the mind. The omniscient and omnipotent cause of the creation, sustenance and dissolution of such a world is Brahman.

You are capable of attaining God-realization. Never consider yourself incapable or lowly. Suppose a brahmin is invited by a gentleman for lunch. The Brahmin arrives at his house. He is given a seat and a plate, and a glass of water is kept before him. Still, if the Brahmin doubts whether the man will serve him food, it is ridiculous.

Similarly, God has given us the human body. He has instilled faith in our heart and so arranged that we could come under the tutelage of saints and also provided us with scriptures like the Gita, Ramayana, Upanishads, Shri Yoga Vasishtha Maharamayana etc. to guide us. This is akin to the Brahmin getting an invitation for lunch, a seat, a plate and a glass of water in front of him. Now if we think ourselves

to be incapable for Godrealization that would be the biggest incapacity in itself. I made such and such mistakes; 1 am not entitled to attain God' -such thoughts are extremely detrimental.

What should we do in this regard? First of all, make a firm resolve to attain God. Secondly, worship God believing yourself to be His. The worship does not bear fruit because the worshipper believes that he/she is a rich or a poor man, a weak or a strong man, a man or a woman. Do not worship being strong or weak. You were, are and will always belong to Existence Absolute, Knowledge Absolute and Bliss Absolute. Therefore, worship the Supreme Self as one belonging to Him. One has made a firm resolve of attaining God should reiterate, “I shall remain equanimous in pain and pleasure." Lord Krishna says in the Gita.

“Consider as equal, pleasure and pain; gain and loss; victory and defeat. Then join the warfare; thus (doing your duty as a warrior) you will not incur sin." (2.38)

The Lord talks here of equanimity in pleasure and pain; why? Because equanimity gives spiritual benefits. What do you typically do? Godrealization becomes secondary for you; and you devote yourself fully to attaining success in the world. If the Brahmin doesn't partake of the food and runs away, what can the gentleman do? Similarly, God has given us the human body for God-realization. But if we go astray hankering after sense-enjoyments and indulge in deceit, slander, and corruption, what can He (God) do?

In fact, God is ever attained. However, we grant reality only to the everfleeting things of samsara and not to the Supreme Self That never deserts us, nor do we love Him. This is the

This jiva is wandering in the forest of samsara believing himself a doer, experiences happyunhappy, virtuous soulsinner. When as a result of any virtuous deed he takes refuge in any Self-realized SatGuru, the SatGuru imparts instructions on Knowledge to him, “You are not ignorant. You are free from caste, race. You are not the doer, experiencer, sinner or virtuous soul. Having forgotten your true nature that is free from the stain of ignorance (shuddha), Truth absolute, Knowledge absolute and Bliss absolute, Pure Consciousness, you are identifying yourself with these states and believe yourself the same. Remember your own real being. Know Thyself. Then you will attain supreme bliss. Hearing the spiritual instructions of the SatGuru the jiva gives up the belief of being an individual soul, attains steadfastness in non-dual consciousness as the witness, non-different from One Brahman and gets absorbed in the ocean of Bliss (Brahman).

To listen Vedic/ knowledge stories or to listen 24X7 live divine Satsang, please search “Mangalmay live” on google, visit http://www. ashram.org/live or search

“THE SBM STUDIO” on you tube. By the Divine Inspiration of Bapu ji, the weekly sessions of Bal Sanskar and yoga are held in Brisbane, Melbourne and in Sydney. The kids are trained to learn yogic mudras, techniques, yogasnas and pranayamas. These yogic techniques along with jap and meditation help kids in attaining virtues like righteousness and selfrestraint. The kids learn precious keys to develop intelligence and take advantage of chanting and meditation while playing and laughing. Please read more about our Vedic culture in the next issue of “The Brisbane Indian Times.”

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

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

‘naTiya-layam’ an exquisite performance of joy and divinity

THE Nadananjali School of Dance conducted an Indian classical dance programme on Saturday, 26th August 2023, at the St.John’s Performing Arts Centre in Forest Lakes, Queensland. The event was held to support the Vedanta Centre’s Fundraising efforts to conduct welfare activities, especially the Vedanta Soup Kitchen, which serves food to the needy.

‘Natiya-Layam’, as the programme was aptly titled, provided the students of Smt. Chitra Yogi Srikanta is the platform to exhibit their talents. Preservation of culture plays a vital role in a community’s furtherance of moral and spiritual values. To this end, the dance programme acted as a catalyst in ensuring that the future generation is soaked in the hoary traditions of Indian culture.

The dance programme mostly revolved around the theme connected with the personality of Sri Krishna.

While dance items like prayer to Lord Ganesha, Shiva tandava nrityam, etc. delighted the audience during the first half of the programme, the second half was dedicated to the description of the life and glories of Sri Krishna. A dance drama on the life of Sri Krishna depicting the scenes of the baby Sri Krishna killing Pootana -the emissary of evil king Kamsa, destroying the pride of the poisonous snake Kaaliya, the sweet mischief caused by the child Krishna when he stole the dresses of the Gopis who had entered

the river Yamuna for their bath (thereby teaching them a lesson about surrendering one’s identity to the Divine), the episode of wicked Kaurava Duryodhana disrobing Draupadi and Sri Krishna’s assurance to her by supplying yards of cloth to cover herself (showing that God will never forsake His devotee), killing of wicked king Kamsa and Sri Krishna in disguise obtaining the protective gear (Kavacha kundala) to help win the war by Pandavas – transfixed the audience.

The dancers gave their very best to perform highly

complicated steps with ease. The dance items were choreographed by Smt.Chitra Yogi Srikanta. Dr.Preethi Suraj coordinated the event very well.

Samskruthi Queensland – a voluntary organisation – came forward to cook an excellent dinner sold at the venue as part of the fundraising event. The Big Belly Indian Restaurant, Goodna, supported the event with some snacks as their contribution towards the event. The programme was sponsored by the Brisbane Indian Times, The Leadership

Company, More Than House Loans, SSK Entertainment, the Springfield City Group, Asmi, Brookwater Residential, Target Travels and Tours,

Tulsi Spice and Indian Street Food and Dr.Ashim Majumdar. The Vedanta Centre is very grateful to the supporters of this event.

Who, What, Where, When...

Ladies of United Malayalee’s of Queensland create a record by group dance

Participants at Maha Yagna

Panchali Gohain and Anu Sharma, after their dance item at Sargam Music Academy annual concert

Students of Sargam Music Academy cheer after their successful performance at Sargam Music Academy’s annual concert

Havan after Maha Bhagwat Katha at Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir by Dharam Guru Acharya Pt Ram Harsh Tripathi Jee during Purshotam Maas

Dharam Guru Acharya Pt Ram Harsh Tripathi Jee blesses Desai family for their tremendous support for SVMM

Dharam Guru Acharya Pt Ram Harsh Tripathi Jee blesses the Saini Family for their continued support of SVMM

“ Raja Bali” with Chief guest and president of United Malayalee’s of Queensland at their Kerala fest

Dharam Guru Acharya Pt Ram Harsh Tripathi Jee blesses the food donor family for their tremendous support for SVMM

Devika Maharaj sings a delightful number at Sargam Music Academy’s annual concert

It’s Bhangra Time by Rich Virsa at Sargam Music Academy Annual concert

Who, What, Where, When...

Students’ performance at Shrishti’ Academy of Speech, Music and Drama on Saturday, 12th August 2023.

Joe Kelly chats to attendees at the Ukrainian cultural display during opening night at Sunnybank Multicultural Gallery

Invited guests at the launch of the Ukrainian culture display at Sunnybank Multicultural Gallery

Certificates of appreciation presented to the Ukrainian community by Centre management and Multicultural Gallery

Murali Ramakrishnan at Shrishti’ Academy of Speech, Music and Drama

DJJS Brisbane Chapter organised Shrimad Bhagwat Katha Gyan Yagna at Sunpac, Sunnybank, from 25th August till 31 August; the well-organised event was well attended and received excellent feedback (full article will be in the next issue)

The exalted and miraculous Character of our master Prophet muhammad (PBuH)

By Ml. M.Nawaaz Ashrafi

IF there is any personality that has lived on the face of this earth who was complete in every regard and the life of whom can serve as a beacon of guidance for people of every walk of life, that personality would undeniably be the personality of Muhammad (PBUH). Muslims follow Him because of Him being the Prophet of their religion and those who do not follow Islam also hold Him at a higher pedestal when it comes to human character.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born in Arabia in the city of Makkah about 1400 years ago. Since then the world has not seen the likes of Him in every regard and the study of human history shows that there have been none better than Him before Him as well.

The key factor that brings reverence and respect to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in both the Islamic and the non-Islamic circles is His character. He was the best in character and He also said about in one of His hadiths in the following way:

“Allah has sent me to perfect good manners and to do good deeds.” (Bukhari)

The lines below discuss some major character traits of Prophet (PBUH) that every Muslim should spread as much as possible.

1. ALL FOR THE SAKE OF ALLAH:

Prophet (PBUH) as selfless as a person could be in life. All his undertakings and motives were just to fulfil the order of Allah and He did not undertake any action out of His personal desire and will. He lived every day of His life for the sake of Allah and everything which He did was for the Almighty. The extent of His selflessness can be seen from the example of His preaching in the valley of Taif, where people lead naughty children to throw stones at Him while He was preaching. He had to run for His life and He was all covered in blood. But still He did not complain to Allah about Him, rather one of His companions narrates:

“The Prophet (PBUH) resembled a Prophet who was harmed by His people. He wiped the blood from His face and said: ‘O God! Forgive my people, for they know not!” (Bukhari)

Such is the selflessness in His character and every moment of His life was for the sake of Allah and spreading His message.

2. MAnnERISM:

Prophet (PBUH) was the epitome of good manners. Every action that He undertook in life represented the highest morals and manners that a person could exhibit. He was an Ideal being in terms of manners

and ethics, the likes of which the world has not seen. As one of His companions notes about His manners:

“The Prophet (PBUH) did not swear at anyone, nor was He rude, nor did He curse anyone. If He desired to reprimand someone, He would say: ‘What is wrong with him, may dust be cast in his face!” (Bukhari)

Thus if a Muslim is to give an example of the manners of someone, there would be none more suitable than Muhammad (PBUH).

3. HUMOUR:

People think that being a religious leader of Islam, Prophet (PBUH) had nothing to do with humour, rather He was all strictness and stringency. This perception is wrong, as Prophet (PBUH) was the one with the finest sense of humour, the likes of which again cannot be seen in anyone. His sense of humour was not vulgar in any sense or anything that would debase or make fun of someone, rather it was fine. Anas (RA) reports such an example by saying:

“Once a man asked Muhammad (PBUH) for an animal to ride. He replied that He would give him the baby of a she-camel to ride on. The man asked ‘What would he do with a shecamel baby?’ Muhammad (PBUH) replied, ‘Is there any camel which is not born of a she-camel?’”

4. PEACE LOVER:

The general notion regarding Islam and Prophet (PBUH) is that they both encouraged violence in people and were and are not in favor of peace. It is totally baseless, because the religion Islam itself is peace and Prophet (PBUH) was a lover of peace. He wanted people to live in harmony and always encouraged people resolve their differences by opting for peace, instead of going for violence. In one of his Hadith Prophet (PBUH) said: “Let us go to resolve the situation and make peace between them.” (Bukhari)

Thus, Muslims should spread His message of peace by giving examples out of

the actions He undertook to ensure peace.

5. KInD TO CHILDREn: Prophet (PBUH) always treated kids with kindness and mercy. He always enjoyed their company and played with them to make them happy. One such example can be seen from His life when He used to say to kids:

“I’ll give such and such (i.e. gift or so) to the one who comes to me first.”

So they used to race and fall on His back and chest. (Ahmad) This shows His treatment towards kids and there are countless other examples in His lifetime where He commanded parents to be loving and caring towards their children.

6. GEnEROSITy: Generosity is another hallmark of the personality of Muhammad (PBUH). He was the most generous person there could ever be. He preferred others over Himself and always fulfilled the needs of anyone who came to Him to ask for something. One of His companions notes:

“The Prophet (PBUH) did not refuse to give anything which He had to someone if he asked for it.” (Bukhari) His generosity is something that Muslims should aspire to and spread the examples of His generosity to other people as well so that the world could become a better place.

7. CARInG OF WOMEn: Another allegation against Islam is that it is a religion that oppresses women, therefore, being the bringer of the religion, Muhammad (PBUH) is also attributed with women oppressing attributes. This perception is also wrong, because Prophet (PBUH) was very caring of the rights of the women and commended His followers to give special treatment to women by giving them respect and equal rights that they ought to have. In one of His hadiths He said:

“Whoever (brings up) two girls till they come of age,

from happening.

10. COOPERATIOn:

Prophet (PBUH) is the best and the highest among people, however, whilst all the greatness and grandeur, He was cooperative towards people and helped others in doing the chores in any way He could help them. He never treated Himself as someone special, rather He would mix with common people and cooperate with them in any way He could. As one of His companion narrates regarding the battle of Trench:

above hadith. Therefore, one can realize the disconcert He had for the worldly possessions and material things.

13. MODESTy:

Another striking personality attribute of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is His modesty. He was the modest of all and never encouraged any kind of vulgarity, rather He was bashful and strongly encouraged modesty in His followers. In one of His hadiths, He said:

will be in the next world along with me, like my two fingers joining each other.” (Abu Dawud)

If He were an oppressor of women, He could have simply mentioned male orphan children, however, He gave preference to raising up of female children. This shows the care He had for women and their rights.

8. PLEASAnTnESS:

Another misconception is that Prophet (PBUH) would be someone who would always be harsh and strict on the people He interacted with. It is also a wrong perception because Prophet (PBUH) was the most pleasant person. He would greet everyone with a smile and always spoke to people with gentleness. His companion said about Him: “I have never seen a man who smiled as much as the Messenger of Allah.” (Tirmidhi)

This shows that the personality of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was pleasant and gentle. A person who would smile most of the times ought to leave a good impression on people, and wherever He would go He ought to have spread love and pleasantness.

9. COnCERnED ABOUT ORPHAnS: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did not just love who were around Him, nor did He only loved those who were related to Him, rather He considered the entire society. In society, He was especially considerate of orphans and would commend His followers to take special care of the orphans as they did not have parents to look after them. In one of His hadiths, He said:

“The best house among the Muslims is one where an orphan is well treated, and the worst house among the Muslims is one where an orphan is badly treated.” (Ibn Majah)

Muslims must take a leaf out of His treatment of orphans and treat the orphans fairly and wherever one sees the orphans being oppressed, a Muslim should raise voice for it and stop it

“I saw the Messenger of Allah on the Day of the Trench carrying dirt (that was dug from the trench) until His chest was covered with dirt.” (Bukhari) Thus, a Muslim must also not value status or rank, rather be helping towards people and give his or her fair share in the efforts that all of the people are putting.

11. AnIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVIST:

Perhaps Muhammad (PBUH) was the first animal rights activist on the face of this earth who raised voice for the fair treatment of animal. He told people that animals were also creation of Allah and they deserved to be treated fairly, instead of being harsh, strict and ignorant towards them.

Hazrat Aisha (RA) narrated:

“I once found difficulty in riding a horse, so I kept reining it in repeatedly. The Prophet (PBUH) then said, ‘You must have gentleness.’” (Muslim)

Ergo, Muslims should learn from His treatment of animals and should try being as gentle and as considerate towards animals as possible and treat them fairly.

12. DISASSOCIATIOn FROM WORLDLy POSSESSIOnS:

A person who is so selfless that He would give anything that He had to anyone who asked for it and would do everything for the sake of Allah, it is quite natural that person has little or no concern with the worldly possessions. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did not want anything of this world, rather whatever He had He spent it on other people and helped them solve their material problems and issues. Regarding this attribute of His personality, one of His companions notes:

“The Messenger of Allah did not leave any gold or silver currency, or a slave, male or female, after his death. He only left behind his white mule, his weapons and a piece of land which He declared as charity.”

(Bukhari)

Prophet (PBUH) was the Prophet of Allah, the leader of Islam however, when He passed away all He left was nothing as mentioned in the

“Modesty is a part of teachings of the previous Prophets and anyone who lacks it is most likely to do whatever he likes.” (Reported by Abdullah ibn Maslamah)

Thus, modesty is imperative to Islam and Prophet (PBUH) being a living and breathing Islam ascertains that He was modest in every respect.

14. COnSIDERATE:

Whether it be animals, women, children, orphans, enemies, fellow Muslims, followers, elders, or it be anyone in the society, for everyone of them Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was considerate. He would love children and orphans, He would treat animals fairly, He would give women their rights, He would respect the elders, He would provide what people asked of Him, thus He was considerate to everyone without any discrimination. Prophet (PBUH) said in a hadith:

“I stand up for prayer intending to prolong it. In the meantime I hear the wailing of a baby and I have to shorten my prayer, being apprehensive lest my recitation of a long verse may tell upon the baby’s mother.” (Bukhari)

15. GEnERAL APPEARAnCE:

In His general appearance , Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as beautiful, pure, simple, gentle and yet so common as any other person could be. His general appearance is detailed by one of His companions in the following way:

“The Prophet (PBUH) was a person of average height. His shoulders were wide. His hair reached his earlobes. Once I saw Him adorned in a red garment; I never saw anything more beautiful than Him.” (Bukhari)

In a nutshell, no matter whichever walk of life it is, whatever situation of life it is, a Muslim is to turn towards the personality of Muhammad (PBUH) and find that particular piece of guidance from it. Muslims must spread the life of Prophet (PBUH) because it is not only good for Muslims, rather the goodwill that comes from it has a universal appeal and will help make the world a better place.

The importance of Prophet muhammad and His status as a role model

THE life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is full of countless examples that show his status as a role model for Muslim societies and individuals. His life is one that was dominated by a superior morality, good habits, noble and gentle feelings and superior skills, all of which are characteristics that help prevent people from getting entangled in a web of sin. The rich and the prosperous, the poor and the needy, the ruler and the ruled, the weak and the lonely, the conqueror and the victorious commander, the teacher and the student, the preacher and the mentor, the merchant and the craftsman, the employer and the employee - in other words, every sort of person can find truths in Prophet Muhammad's life that constitute an example for them to follow.

Prophet Muhammad's status as a role model is an issue based on the Holy Quran and the sunnah. Islamic scholars, as with many other issues, have examined the status of the Prophet as a role model and leader not in a sectional framework, but from a unified perspective, and they have reached the conclusion that the best method is to examine the verses of the Holy Quran that determine and demonstrate the status of the Prophet as

a whole. For this reason, when discussing the status of the Prophet as a role model, issues such as believing in the Prophet, obedience to the Prophet, following the Prophet, and disagreeing with the Prophet also come to the fore.

THE HOLy QURAn AnD THE ROLE MODEL STATUS OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD

In the Holy Quran the only verse that refers literally to the status of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as a role model is as follows: "Verily in the messenger of Allah you have a good example for him who looks unto Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah much."

"Verily in the messenger of Allah you have a good example for him who looks unto Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah much."

The Arabic word uswa (example) in the original verse means example or model that should be obeyed and followed. A person who follows another person's lead imitates that person; they follow their attitude and style. That is to say, they identify themselves with that person. In terms of Islamic faith, usva, that is to say being an example or a role model, is an attribute that is found in those who possess goodness,

beauty and righteousness. This verse shows the importance of Prophet Muhammad's sunnah in the lives of Muslims. As a matter of fact, the Quran clearly states that Prophet Muhammad has a superior character and demonstrates an exemplary life style.

If one accepts that Islam is the final and perfect religion, then it would be inconsistent to not consider the life of Prophet Muhammad as an example for the Muslim community or to not accept his life as something that shapes and guides the daily lives of Muslims. For that reason, the life style and personality of Prophet Muhammad, demonstrated during his prophethood of 23 years, includes very significant provisions and principles for the religious, political, social and moral life of Muslim communities as a whole. The following hadith summarizes the statements found in the Quran:

"The best of speech is unquestionably the speech of Allah. That is the Book of Allah (the Quran). The best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad. Of all matters, the most evil of things are those which are newly-invented (in religion), and every innovation is a deviation, and every deviation leads people to Hell"

THE SUnnAH AnD PROPHET MUHAMMAD'S STATUS AS ROLE MODEL

Islamic scholars state that the terms sabil (road), sirat al-mustaqim (straight path) and Uswa al-Hasana (best of examples), which are mentioned in the Holy Quran, in the hadiths of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and in the words of his Companions, are words and terms that represent the concept of the Sunnah. All these terms indicate the path to be followed and the model to be taken as an example. The name of this road is the Sunnah, and it is collectively followed by the Companions of Prophet Muhammad and the believers.

Johann Flück, who mentions the great cultural unity that was accomplished by Islam, believes that the reason for this is the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad, who serves as a role model (al-uswatu'l-hasana) for every Muslim; he concludes: "Sunnah forms the face of Islam and gives it the characteristic features that we see all around the Islamic world." At this point, how the Quran introduces and describes Prophet Muhammad and the status of the Prophet according to the Quran is of great importance to us. As a matter of fact, all the characteristics of a

person who is an example and a role model must be known and thus their life can be examined in detail. The information on this subject must be accurately passed on to the following generations. The life of the Prophet is unique when looked at from this perspective.

The Quran repeats many times that Prophet Muhammad is neither superhuman nor a deity, but that he is a human being.

Prophet Muhammad verifies this truth over and over again. The conclusion of scholars on this subject, which is also of great importance for the role model status of Prophet Muhammad, is that every action of the Prophet is not necessarily related to necessity or good deed, and often only represents a routine action. This is because the Prophet practiced routine, good, or obligatory actions, but he never practiced sinful actions that are prohibited. All actions performed by Prophet Muhammad have been examined, and if the indications show that this was an action performed to become close to Allah, that action is followed, otherwise it is not necessary to follow it. If the action was a routine action, people may perform it or not. This status as a role model is not only present in issues that are considered

compulsory, but also in fields that represent routine actions.

The exemplary and role model status of the Prophet have a quality that covers all types of Sunnah. Each type of Sunnah is right and there is no place for superstition in them. The role model status of the Prophet is not limited to merely worshipping or actions that are a compulsory part of the religion, a requirement, or examples of good morals. The Sunnah descriptions given by the hadith researchers are in line with the verses found in the Quran about his role model status and the orders and advice he gives in the Sunnah context; it is according to all these factors that general opinion is formed. "The Sunnah, whether it constitutes a base for a provision or not, are all the words, actions, teachings, characteristics, examples of the morality and personality of Prophet Muhammad."

THE ISLAMIC SOCIETy OF ALGESTER WILL BE CELEBRATInG EID MILAD Un nABI (S)

On SUnDAy 1 OCTOBER 2023 FROM 2.30 TILL MAGHRIB AT THE ALGESTER MASJID.

On BEHALF OF THE ISLAMIC SOCIETy OF ALGESTER WE WISH yOU AnD yOUR FAMILy A JOyOUS MILAD MUBARAK.

Kavita ji

COnTD. FROM PREVIOUS MOnTH

This shows that the same “I” has a different function at each stage. How these different functions of the same “I” come about needs further clarification. The statement “I exist” presupposes the presence of “I” which is the witness of this existence. This witnessing entity is átman or unit consciousness and its presence is established by the feeling of existence that one displays by one’s every action. That this assertion of “I exist” is different from átman or unit consciousness is seen from the fact that this “I” presupposes the presence of my átman or unit consciousness. This feeling proves that unit consciousness is only consciousness and that without consciousness existence is not possible. Without consciousness there can be no feeling of existence. What then is going to witness the existence of “I”? Consciousness is therefore essential to create the feeling of mahattattva or buddhitattva.

To be explicit, mahattattva or buddhitattva cannot exist without átman or unit consciousness. But the witnessing entity and the pure “I” feeling appear to be different functional forms of the same “I”. In fact the “I” that witnesses my existence, also manifests itself as the “I” of “I exist.”

The witnessing “I” is unit consciousness or átman and it manifests itself as mahattattva or buddhitattva and thus establishes its own existence. It is the witnessing entity or unit consciousness which on taking up the function of the “I” of “I exist”, is called mahattattva or buddhitattva. Thus unit consciousness is not only consciousness, it also has

what is dharma?

a quality with the help of which it manifests itself through different functions. This quality is not consciousness, as otherwise it would not be necessary for unit consciousness to manifest itself as mahattattva and express itself as the “I” of “I exist”, which is different from the witnessing entity. Consciousness and its quality are therefore two separate entities in átman or unit consciousness. As this quality is different from consciousness, it must have been obtained from somewhere. There must be some other factor to qualify átman to make it manifest itself as mahattattva. That which gives this quality to átman is called Prakrti. In other words, it is due to Prakrti qualifying átman that it is manifested as mahattattva and gets the feeling of “I”.

Prakrti needs an explanation. Prakrti is the entity which controls natural phenomena. Prakrti is neither nature nor quality. For instance, the quality of burning is said to be the nature of fire. There must be something which gives this quality to fire; just as there is some entity which gives its quality to unit consciousness. That which qualifies unit consciousness is Prakrti and not the quality which is exhibited due to Her influence. Prakrti is a Sanskrit word and is derived pra – kr + ktin and it means to do something in a special way. Unit consciousness establishes its existence only by being qualified by Prakrti. In other words, Prakrti qualifies unit consciousness or átman to give it the feeling of its existence. Energy is required to perform any action. As Prakrti performs the action of qualifying átman or unit consciousness, She is a unique force. She is the principle which qualifies unit consciousness.

By Shrii Shrii Anandamurti

It is Prakrti who, by Her influence on unit consciousness, gives it the qualities of different functions. Prakrti is a unique force – a principle. But some questions which arise are: whose principle is She, and where does She come from?

Prakrti is the principle of Puruśa, and it is by His own principle that Puruśa is influenced and qualified. As Prakrti is the principle of Puruśa, She must exist within Puruśa. In fact She always does. Unit consciousness and its prakrti can never be separated from each other, just as the burning principle of fire which cannot be separated from fire. Anything which acquires a characteristic quality due to the influence of a principle or force, cannot exist if that principle or force is withdrawn from it. The two will always go together, and so do unit consciousness and its principle, prakrti. Unit consciousness and its prakrti are inseparable like the two sides of a sheet of paper. The only function of Prakrti is to continually create different forms by Her influence over consciousness.

Unit consciousness is the witnessing entity and realizes its existence only when it is qualified to manifest as “I” of “I exist.” The principle of Prakrti which establishes the existence of unit consciousness by qualifying Puruśa is called sattvaguńa, the sentient principle, and the part of mind which is thus formed to give the feeling of “I exist” is called mahattattva or buddhitattva. It will be more correct to say that under the influence of sattvaguńa, unit consciousness manifests itself as mahattattva or buddhitattva.

Every action presupposes existence. Unless I exist, I shall not be able to see. Here

also we find that “I” has two different functions or aspects. The first is the witnessing entity or consciousness, which, in order to prove or realize its existence, has acquired the feeling of “I exist,” and the same “I” now performs the function of seeing. The “I” of “I exist” is the buddhitattva which, while seeing something, takes up the function of seeing in addition to establishing the existence of unit consciousness. When unit consciousness is influenced by Prakrti, it manifests itself as buddhitattva. Similarly, the additional ability to perform an action is also caused by the influence of Prakrti on buddhitattva. Prakrti will also be present in buddhitattva as it is only a manifestation of unit consciousness, and Prakrti is bound to be with unit consciousness wherever and in whatever form it may exist. The principle or guńa of Prakrti which gives this quality or capacity to buddhitattva is called rajoguńa, the mutative principle. Thus when buddhitattva is influenced by Prakrti, it displays two functions or aspects. The latter, which it gets from rajoguńa and which gives it the capacity or quality to perform an action, is known as ahamtattva. That is, buddhitattva manifests itself as ahamtattva when influenced by rajoguńa or the mutative principle of Prakrti.

Every action is bound to have a result in the end. For example, when you look at a book the result is seeing the book. How we see a book was explained earlier. Citta, which is a part of mind, picks up the formproducing tanmátra of the book and itself becomes the form of the book. It is that book that ahamtattva sees. Citta takes the form of what

ahamtattva wants it to be. When ahamtattva sees a book, citta becomes that book, and when it hears a sound, citta becomes that sound. Citta therefore is entirely dependent on ahamtattva for its form.

Citta keeps on changing its form at the bidding of ahamtattva. It must then be very closely connected with ahamtattva. How citta is formed needs clarification. Citta, as was explained earlier, is a part of the mind, and buddhitattva and ahamtattva are the other two parts. Buddhitattva and ahamtattva are manifestations of unit consciousness formed due to the influence of sattvaguńa of Prakrti over it and of rajoguńa over buddhitattva. In other words it is unit consciousness which, under the influence of Prakrti, takes up the function of ahamtattva in the second stage. Hence Prakrti is present in ahamtattva and is bound to qualify it further. In fact, it is due to Prakrti qualifying ahamtattva that it manifests itself as citta. The quality of Prakrti which influences ahamtattva is called tamoguńa, the static principle. It is as a result of the influence of tamoguńa that ahamtattva, or the “I” that performs actions, has to take up the mental image of the result of its action. This means that when “I” see a book, it is “I” that becomes like the book. Another “I” thus comes into being under the influence of tamoguńa. It is this “I” which takes the form of the mental image of the book during perception. This “I” which becomes like the book or takes on the form of the book is citta. Thus it is unit consciousness which gradually manifests itself as citta.

In the preceding paragraphs it was established by logic and reasoning that it is only unit consciousness

which, under the influence of the different principles of its Prakrti, gradually manifests itself as citta, and as a result of this, mind comes into being. The existence of unit consciousness is essential for mind, which is only a gradual manifestation of unit consciousness under the qualifying influence of Prakrti. Mind, in fact, cannot be formed without the presence of átman or unit consciousness. But we know that mind is present in every individual. Hence átman or unit consciousness is also present in every individual. There are innumerable individuals in this universe, and as átman or unit consciousness is reflected in each one, there appear to be many átmans or unit consciousnesses. The collective name for all these átmans or unit consciousnesses is Paramátman, Bhúmácaetanya, Brahma or Bhagaván. Just as twelve units make a dozen, twenty make a score, and the collective name for a very large number of soldiers is an army, the collective name for all the unit consciousnesses is Paramátman, Bhúmácaetanya or Bhagaván. The name Bhagaván should not be construed as a mighty human figure with powerful hands and feet. It is the collection of all our átmans. The nearest word in English which may be used for átman or unit consciousness is “soul”, so Bhagaván may also be called Universal Consciousness or Universal Soul. This shows that Bhagaván does exist and that It exists as Paramátman or Universal Soul, Bhúmácaetanya or Cosmic Consciousness, or Brahma, the Eternal Blessedness.

1955, Jamalpur | Published in: Ánanda Márga: Elementary Philosophy

KInGSTOn, Brisbane, In a pursuit to bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary living, the BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute (BSRI) hosted a thought-provoking educational conference titled 'Timeless Wisdom' on August 20, 2023, at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Brisbane. The event aimed to shed light on the enduring relevance of Hindu scriptures in the modern world, illustrating how these age-old teachings can serve as guiding lights in today's intricate and fastpaced society.

Over 40 prominent community leaders representing 25 diverse Hindu organisations gathered to partake in the conference, underscoring the significance of this event within the Hindu community. The conference opened with a solemn puja ceremony, a Vedic ritual dedicated to revering the scriptures, setting a spiritual and intellectual tone for the proceedings.

The keynote speaker, Pu. Aarshpurush Swami set the stage for the conference by outlining the broader vision of the BAPS Research Institute, which established itself in Australia and New Zealand in 2022. The institute's establishment fulfilled the visionary ideals of Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj, who envisaged it as a platform to facilitate collective and respectful scholarly dialogue. The event

lived up to this noble vision by bringing together scholars and enthusiasts for a day of insightful reflection.

Apart from Pu.

Aarshpurush Swami, four distinguished speakers graced the evening with their erudition:

Sakhirai Prabhu Ji (ISCON): Sakhirai Prabhu Ji delved into the profound teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, presenting its timeless insights and applicability to the challenges of modern living. His discourse emphasised the Gita's universal truths that transcend temporal and geographical boundaries.

Mr. Krrishna Kanduri (HOTA Queensland): Mr. Kanduri offered a comprehensive perspective on the Vedas, shedding light on their spiritual depth and philosophical breadth. He highlighted the Vedas' role in fostering a holistic understanding of life and existence.

Dr. Sadashivam Suresh (Chinmaya Mission, Brisbane): Dr. Suresh, representing the Chinmaya Mission, eloquently explored the teachings of the Bhagavat Gita. His discourse focused on the practical application of the Gita's wisdom to navigate the complexities of contemporary life.

Prof. Sarva Dhaman Singh (Author & Writer): Prof. Singh's insights into the Upanishads enriched the conference by delving into the profound metaphysical concepts present in these ancient texts. His discourse illuminated the Upanishads' potential to inspire introspection and selfrealisation.

A notable highlight of the evening was the insightful discourse by Pu. Aarshpurush Swami. He eloquently delved into the profound significance of 'Satsang Diksha,' emphasising its potential to guide individuals towards righteous living

amidst the complexities of the modern era. The discourse resonated with attendees as Swami elaborated on how cultivating virtuous associations and nurturing one's inner virtues can lead to a fulfilling and purposeful life.

The conference garnered distinguished attention with the presence of VIP guest Mr John-Paul Langbroek, the Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Member of Parliament for Surfers Paradise. Mr Langbroek's attendance underscored the event's significance beyond the Hindu community, recognising the value of ancient wisdom in fostering a harmonious and culturally rich society.

The event brought together a constellation of diverse organisations, including FICQ, GOPIO, Hindu Council, VHP, HSS, Bhartiya Samaj, ISCON, Chinmaya Mission, Basava Samithi,

Kashmiri Pandit Association, and Shri Chenna Jiyar Swami (JET) representatives, alongside Hindu priests. The collective presence of these organisations highlighted communal unity and shared interest in exploring the depths of Hindu scriptures.

In conclusion, the 'Timeless Wisdom' conference organised by the BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute illuminated the enduring

'Timeless wisdom' at the BaPs shri swaminarayan mandir in Brisbane independence day kite festival in Gold Coast

relevance of Hindu scriptures in our contemporary lives. By embracing the insights from the Bhagavad Gita, Vedas, Upanishads, and other sacred texts, attendees discovered the profound guidance these teachings offer for navigating the complexities of the modern world. The event marked a significant step towards fostering intellectual growth, interfaith understanding, and cultural enrichment.

BROADWATER Indian Community in Gold Coast (ICGC) has hosted and celebrated the 77th Independence Day of India with a multi-cultural dance festival amidst hundreds of multi-cultural kiteenthusiasts flying colourful kites on the bright, beautiful, sunny day of 26th of August 2023. Yes, this is about the 4th Kite Festival of ICGC at the Broadwater Parklands in Gold Coast.

The parkland ground was full of colourful kite lovers, the dais was full of dazzling dancers from different countries residing in the Gold Coast sky, and many colourful kites were added with live music from 9 a.m. onwards. ICGC President –Manish Saini inaugurated the event. ICGC-Counsellors –

Pushpinder and Dinesh have hoisted the India Flag with notable dignitaries like Angie Bell (Federal Member for Moncrieff) and Rob Molhoek (State Member for Southport).

ICGC-Event Coordinators –Ree, Devika and Seema have wonderfully managed the dance competition with the support of Mohit Naren and Garry. Everyone could feel the pulse of unity as kites from every person from different parts of the world adorn the skies, celebrating harmony and togetherness. Not to forget, the delicious flavours from food stalls, ice creams, and juices increased the joy of listening to the live music and watching the great dance performances.

The event was completed successfully at 3 p.m., while many were asking what

the next event from ICGC is, and we cannot wait any longer!!! ICGC Treasurer / Marketing Manager – Venkat

& ICGC Secretary – Senthil has unveiled the ICGC membership card, which provides the advantage of discounted business transactions in and around Gold Coast with several merchandise. The first 80 membership cards were subscribed within 3 hours of the announcement. More about this event can be seen at https://www.incgc.org.au.

Joyous onam Celebrations and upcoming Krishna Janmashtami and Ganesha Chathurthi Celebrations at GCHCa precinct

GOLD Coast Hindu Cultural Association (GCHCA) conducted a vibrant Onam celebration in their precinct on Sunday morning, August 20th. The event was a delightful journey into tradition, featuring captivating performances that enthralled attendees.

Under the GCHCA's banner, the Onam festivities were a true spectacle. Smt. Panchami Santhosh's invocation song enriched the atmosphere, followed by the Thiruvathirakali dance, which created an enchanting ambience that brought the essence of Kerala to life.

The celebration resonated with the resonant melodies of Smt. Susmitha Ravi, who delivered moving Onam songs, Guruvayurappan songs and Thiruppugazh. These tunes captured the spirit of the festival. Smt.

Bindu Rajendren graced the stage with her graceful Mohiniyattam performance, telling a story of beauty through every step. Her performance captivated the audience, lost in the elegance she brought to the occasion.

The event concluded with a 20-dish onam sadya offered on banana leaves

by the volunteers. The guests of honour were MP Sam O'Connor (MP for Bonney) and Rowan Holzburger (the Electorate officer representing the office of senator the Hon Murray Watt), who gave speeches appreciating the GCHCA committee and the community for sharing the vibrant culture and bringing the community closer.

As their next event, GCHCA extends a warm and heartfelt invitation to you and your family to join them for Krishna Janmashtami celebrations on the 10th of September. This auspicious occasion, also referred to as Krishnashtami, Janmashtami, or Gokulashtami, marks the respectful celebration of the birth of Lord Krishna, the

divine eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Immerse yourself in the spirit of devotion and merriment as we gather to honour the life and teachings of Lord Krishna, whose wisdom and grace have illuminated countless lives throughout history.

EVEnT DETAILS:

Date: 10th September 2023 (Sunday)

Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, Bhajan, cultural activities followed by Prasad.

Venue: Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Precinct, 15 Byth St, Arundel QLD 4214

Please register via the following Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite. com.au/e/705100102387

Also, in September,, GCHCA plans to conduct

Ganesha Chathurthi at their GCHCA Precinct on Sunday the, 24th Sepof tember, 2023. Ganesha Chaturthi is also known as Siddhi Vinayaka Chaturthi and Ganesha Chatur. It is considered the most important day to worship Lord Ganesha. Lord Ganesha isregarded

asd the God of wisdom and remover of all obstacles. He is worshipped first among all Godd before starting any Puja or ritual.

Devotees are most welcome to bring the idol of Lord Ganesha (made of clay) to the GCHCA Precinct to worship and perform

symbolic immersion after the prayer.

GAnESHA CHATHURTHI

EVEnT DETAILS:

Date: 24th September 2023 (Sunday)

Address: Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Precinct, 15 Byth St, Arundel QLD 4214

9:00 am to9:30 amm

Ganesh Arrival Procession.

9:30am to 10am Ganesh Pooja & Aarti10:00 amam to 11:30 Bajan and Cultural activities.

11:30 am to 12:pm Ganesha VisarjaMidnight0am onwards Mahaprasad

Please register via the following Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite. com.au/e/708460493407

For more details, please visit GCHCA's website: http://GoldCoastHindu.or.g

Bangladeshi community in Brisbane to celebrate durga puja @ Paul Villa

DR TAPAn Paul and Pharmacist Suborna Paul will celebrate their first Durga puja at their home “Paul Villa” on the 24th of October.

This would arguably be the first family Durga puja among the Bangladeshi community in Brisbane.

Before the puja Dr, Paul and Suborna Paul organised an event on 6th August to welcome Devi Durga “Paul Villa”.

The officiating priest was Suman Chakraborty.

All the friends who directly contributed and supported the Paul Family to make the puja successful are as follows: Chandan Das, Beauty Das, Avijit Sarkar, Priyanka Biswas, Akhi Biswas, Palash Biswas, Manoj Saha, Ilora Das, Rajib Rana, Mithila Rana, Saon Baidya, Suchana Sinha, Sandip S Roy, Nath Da and Rina Boudi.

Thanghanat Garba 2023 with Jaysinh Gadhavi

REDBAnK PLAINS, Brisbane, the famous Indian folk singer Jaysinh Gadhavi’s Garba Night 2023 was held on 25th August 2023 for the first time in Brisbane, organised by Culture Fest of Brisbane

The gathering served as a unifying force for the Indian community, offering a splendid introduction to the rich cultural folk dance to diverse communities.

Impressively, the event gathered around seven hundred attendees under a single roof – a feat made achievable by the collaborative efforts of the Culture Fest of Brisbane and generous sponsors.

The event began with a prayer, and the singer opened the event with a short speech on how he felt after coming to Australia and performing for

the first time here. Then he started performing on stage, and people began dancing our folk dance on the ground in queues around the god’s temple for almost two hours. People enjoyed the event and danced a lot.

The evening was exciting, with more expansive community guests attending the event. The broader communities’ attendance

added glory and prestige to the event.

Jaysinh Ghadhavi and his team showcased their talent and beat variations with their instruments, taking audiences’ energy to another level. His melodious voice enthralled the audience, infusing a captivating essence throughout the event.

After the event, a photo session and meet-and-greet were organised, allowing attendees to interact with

the singer. The genuine and down-to-earth nature of Jaysinh Ghadhavi resonated deeply, endearing him to the audience. The attendees expressed their admiration for his remarkable talent. They implored the organisers to return to the event in the coming year.

The event’s success is a testament to the collaborative spirit of the singer, his team, sponsors, volunteers, and the dedicated organising team.

Each individual played a crucial role, channelling their unwavering dedication towards the event's success. The event’s excellence was duly acknowledged through a certificate and a gift to the sponsors, recognising their invaluable support and inspiring their continued commitment to cultural events. The Cultural Fest of Brisbane was proud to have organised this Garba night filled with joy, camaraderie, and excitement.

BsaPaC facilitates a community leaders forum

On 12th August, the Sunnybank library in Shopping Town was graced by the grand reception of various community leaders from different Brisbane communities. This included leaders from GOPIO, Brisbane Indian Times, Korean community of Brisbane, Chinese Heritage war memory, The Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland Inc. (FICQ), Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), Brisbane Telangana Association (BTA), the Queensland chapter of the Hindu Swayamsevaka Sangh, Tamil Association of Queensland, Brisbane Baha’i Community and Sewa Australia.

The meeting was a way of exposing the organisation to the group of prominent leaders in the forum.

The Basava Samiti of

Asia Pacific Ltd (BSAPAC), Brisbane Chapter Vice President Mr Chandra Subramani welcomed the leaders. Mrs. Prakruthi Mysore Gururaj provided an overview of Guru Basava. BSPAC Co-Founder, Architect and Executive Director Mrs Girija Karekal provided an overview of the BSAPAC objectives, purpose, and benefit to the community. All the gathered community leaders discussed and participated in an interactive discussion about the sustainability of charities and their crucial contribution to society.

Key delegate among the attendees was Mr Ron Mitchell from the United Nations, Mr Lewis Lee, Chairman, Australia China Cultural and Economic Promotion, Chinese Heritage War Memorial, Mr Umesh Chandra OAM Brisbane

Indian Times Australian Indian Radio Global People of Indian Origin, Mr Beny Aterdit Bol OAM President, Queensland African Communities Council, FICQ President Mr Anoop Nannuru and others.

BSAPAC released their community service video on this historic occasion. The video was about cherishing cultural diversity utilising

india day Parade 19 aug 2023

translation APIs. They bridged language gaps between Kannada, English, and Chinese, making dreams of sharanas come true and encouraging personal growth through the Learn2Grow program, which has been instrumental in offering training in technology and graphic design using Microsoft and Canva tools. It caters to those eager to learn but lack financial

means, providing a sandpit area to develop innovative ideas. The program's awards, recognition, and references prepare individuals for the industry and promote digital literacy, aligned with government STEM goals.

Basava Samiti's core values lie in engaging, Educate, Empower and Enlighten, creating a nurturing environment for all. BSAPAC embraces diversity, fosters

personal growth, and upholds our valuewe we work hand in hand to build a more inclusive and compassionate world.

Mr. Mallikarjun Patil, Secretary, concluded the program by thanking all the delegates. Youth representatives Mr. Siddesh Karekl and Ms. Janvi Chandra interviewed key delegates and obtained testimonials regarding the event.

multi-faith Prayers at Queensland Parliament 22 aug 2023

BSAPAC Key leaders also attended the multi-faith prayer event on the 22nd of August 2023 at the Queensland Parliament— our sincere thanks to Dr. Arsalan Mozaffari Falarti for his kind invitation.

Representing Basava Samiti of Asia Pacific and participating in the multifaith prayer services at the Legislative Council Chamber, Queensland Parliament House, in Brisbane City today was beautiful and encouraging.

It was an encouraging experience to share the progress services offered by the Charity since its establishment (Dec 2020) and the growth with several other community leaders.

BSAPAC's motto Engage, Educate, Empower, and Enlighten resonates in every soul.

The Queensland Faith Communities Council, supported by Joe Kelly MP, organised the event. Secretary QFCC Margaret Naylon hosted the

gathering. Commencing at 1 p.m., the event was marked by a gracious welcome and acknowledgement of the country by acting speaker, Honorable Joe Kelly, followed by the rendition of the Australian national anthem, beautifully led by Nava Revalk. After this, Mrs. Gail Paratz OAM, Chair of QFCC, introduced the Queensland Faith Communities Council.

The event's core was the diverse and heartfelt prayers offered by representatives of various faiths. Starting with Imam Mohammad Ate Rabbi Hadi of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Australia, Qld, the spiritual journey continued with contributions from Lozang Tsultrim of the Tibetan Buddhist – Karuna, Mr. Mokhtiar Singh of the Gold Coast Sikh Association, Dr. Arsalan Mozaffari

Falarti representing the Nematollahi Ghadeer Ali

Shahi Sufi Order, Ms. Linda Ward of Pegan Hearth Inc,

Reverend

This

was a testament to the power of unity, peace, and shared

humanity, transcending boundaries and fostering an environment of understanding and respect among diverse communities.

Susan Pickering of Queensland Churches Together, Rabbi Levi Jaffe of the Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies, Mr. Habib Jamal of Qld Muslims

Inc, Elder Wayne Maurer of The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints Qld, Mrs. Susan Handley of The Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is in Brisbane Inc,

and Swami Atmeshananda from the Vedanta Centre of Sydney Brisbane Chapter.

interfaith assembly

BSAPAC Brisbane Chapter participated in the parade organised by GOPIO Queensland at Roma Street Parklands, and all the members enjoyed the celebration on the 19th of 2023. Basava Samiti of Asia Pacific Ltd @ India Day Fair Parade led by little Advika Jalan, Aditya Jalan, Pritha & Prisha.

madras HC to review 2012 discharge of oPs in corruption case

CHEnnAI: The Madras high court has taken up suo motu revision of a 2012 order discharging former chief minister O Panneerselvam (OPS) in a corruption case, for which the hearing will be held on Thursday, the Bar has said.

This makes it the fourth suo moto revision taken up by Justice N Anand Venkatesh. The justice had in August alone taken up suo moto revision of orders discharging three Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)

ministers in disproportionate assets cases- K Ponmudy (education), Thangam Thennarasu (finance) and KKSSR Ramachandran (disaster management).

Tamil Nadu’s ruling DMK on August 24 said that they would move the Supreme Court against the Madras High Court’s action, a day after Justice Venkatesh opined that after they formed the government in 2021, the trial court became players in their side of the game.

DMK’s organising secretary R S Bharathi accused Justice Venkatesh of having “malafide intent” by picking and choosing cases

Puthuppally bypoll: Campaign hots up, Kerala Cm lists govt achievements

suo moto. After the DMK formed the government in May 2021, the Special Court for MP/MLA Cases (Principal Sessions Judge) in Virudhunagar district at Srivilliputhur discharged ministers Thenarasu and Ramachandran in December 2022 and July 2023 respectively. The disproportionate assets cases against them were filed during the previous AIADMK regime.

The justice warned that if this trend goes unchecked the

Special Courts meant for MP/ MLA trials would become a “playground for all sorts of condemnable practices which are handcrafted and orchestrated to subvert and derail the criminal justice system.”

Now, it is more trouble for OPS who has been politically orphaned after Edappadi Palaniswmai (EPS) expelled him from the AIADMK. OPS had approached the high court and Supreme Court against his expulsion but the court did not favour him.

Forest officials gun down sandalwood smuggler at Bannerghatta national Park

THE smugglers, unwilling to be apprehended, resorted to violence by attacking the forest staff with sharp weapons, including a sickle, an official added.

Bengaluru: A sandalwood smuggler was shot dead by forest officials at the Bannerghatta National Park on Tuesday night in self defence after the smugglers attacked them, officials said on Wednesday.

According to the officials, the deceased has been identified as Muniraju (38), from Natuvarahalli in Malur, Kolar district.

smugglers around 1.30 am on Tuesday while they were allegedly felling a sandalwood tree.

of force in self-defence, led to the demise of the accused. “Our investigation has revealed that forest officials acted out of necessity,” he stated. The police also recovered evidence from the scene, including a machete, sawing machine, sickle, and torch.

THE top brass of the Congress in the state, including leader of opposition VD Satheesan, have been stationed in Puthuppally for the past few weeks to hold public rallies and neighbourhood meetings.

KOCHI: Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan Wednesday listed the achievements and social welfare efforts of the LDF government at a public meeting in bypoll-bound Puthuppally in a bid to persuade voters of the Assembly constituency to choose his party CPI(M) at the ballot.

The bypoll in Puthuppally, scheduled on September 5 with the votes to be counted three days later on Sept 8, was necessitated by the demise of sitting Congress MLA and former chief minister Oommen Chandy on July 18.

“We announced and disbursed `1000 as Onam allowance for NREGS workers both in rural and urban areas. We spent `46 crore to pay allowance to 1.5 lakh workers. This Onam, we allocated `25 crore as benefits for workers of coir industry, `140 crore for workers of cash-starved KSRTC, `50 crore for cooks and helpers in government schools, `25 crore in the form of rubber subsidy, `43 crore for cashew board and `5.5 crore in the form of income support for employees of plantations and factories

which have remained shut. We handed over free Onam ration kits to over 6 lakh beneficiaries. These are the kind of interventions we have made across various sectors,” CM Vijayan said at the meeting.

At the same time, he mocked the opposition parties for being scared of the government’s interventions.

“There is a section of people who are scared of the word ‘kit’. When they hear ‘kit’, they get scared. The games they have played behind this, time will prove,” he said.

The chief minister, who was on his second round of campaigning in Puthuppally, also spelled out the progress the government made in the sectors of infrastructure development, national highway works, power, and industry modernisation.

“We are working on the hill highway project of 1189 kilometres and cutting through 13 districts. The cost is `3500 crore and funded through KIIFB. We have completed 155 kms so far and spent `1003 crore. For the 655-km long coastal highway which will run through nine districts, the cost is `6500 crore and there is a special rehabilitation package. Once realised, it will bring great progress in the state,” he said.

CM Vijayan claimed that his government is working

Forest authorities, after an increased felling of sandalwood trees in the forests, have intensified their patrols to catch smugglers, said officials in the know of the development.

According to the officials, deputy range forest officer (DRFO) Vinay Kumar and forest guards Michael and Yediyura encountered two

with the goal of eliminating extreme poverty from the state by November 1, 2025.

“Which other state can do what we do? How are we doing this? Through our unity and fraternity. We live with a secular mind without any discrimination,” he said.

He exhorted the voters to choose CPM candidate Jaik C Thomas in the upcoming bypoll by claiming that the LDF has never compromised with communalism.

The CM’s campaign, scheduled to cut across all eight panchayats of the constituency, is expected to provide fresh impetus to the CPM which last won an election in the constituency back in 1967. From 1970 till 2021, through a series of 12 elections, the voters of Puthuppally chose to side with Oommen Chandy, who won his debut election as a Youth Congress leader, became chief minister twice and emerged as the biggest mass leader of the Congress in the state. When he died

The smugglers, unwilling to be apprehended, resorted to violence by attacking the forest staff with sharp weapons, including a sickle, an official added.

DRFO Vinay used his official SBBL (smooth-bore breech loading) gun in selfdefence, resulting in the death of one of the smuggler, while the other managed to

on July 18, Kerala saw one of the most-attended public funerals in recent memory. His grave in Puthuppally is still visited by scores of people who come to pay respects.

It didn’t take long for the Congress to declare Chandy Oommen, Youth Congress leader and son of the late former CM, as its nominee in the Puthuppally bypoll. Chandy, widely seen as the frontrunner in the election, has been engaged in a feverish campaign to reach as many households in the constituency in a bid to attract votes. The top brass of the Congress in the state, including leader of opposition VD Satheesan, have been stationed in Puthuppally for the past few weeks to hold public rallies and neighbourhood meetings as part of a well-oiled campaign.

Satheesan said at a public meeting on Wednesday, “In the huge majority that Chandy Oommen will get in this election, the majority of votes would come from

escape, officials said.

With sandalwood fetching prices over of `12,000 per kilogram in the open market, poachers have been looking to enter the forest, said officials.”We have been diligently tracking these smugglers for the past two months as incidents of smuggling have surged,” Kalkere Wildlife Wing RFO Gururaja Sankeshwara said.

Bannerghatta Police inspector SA Umashankar said that forest officials’ use

women. It will be a warning by the women of Kerala to the Pinarayi Vijayan government. The most atrocities and crimes against women and children have been reported in this term.”

As for the BJP, which won just 8 percent of the votes cast in the 2021 election, the party

Police have registered cases against the smugglers under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including charges of criminal force on a government servant to deter duty (IPC 353), theft (IPC 379), and attempted murder (IPC 307). Additionally, charges have been filed under the Wildlife Conservation Act and the Karnataka Forest Act. Amid the unfolding investigation, Bengaluru rural deputy commissioner Dayananda and superintendent of police Mallikarjuna Baladandi visited the site to investigate into the incident.

has rallied around its district president Ligin Lal who is the official candidate in the bypoll. Top leaders of the BJP including state president K Surendran and union ministers V Muraleedharan and Rajeev Chandrasekhar, addressed campaign meetings.

why is Tamil nadu govt not transferring Kodanad case to CBi, asks ePs

The Kodanad tea estate in nilgiris district was late chief minister J Jayalalithaa’s summer retreat. On the night of April 23, 2017, a group of 10 men hacked to death a security guard at Kodanad estate. They broke into the bungalow and allegedly looted the place.

umesh Chandra oam attends the diaspora Community leaders G20 forum in new delhi

nEW DELHI: Umesh

Chandra OAM, representing GOPIO International, attended the three-day Indian Diaspora Community Leaders G20 forum in New Delhi.

It is a historic year for India as it holds the G20 presidency, which allowed it to influence global discourse and promote cooperation around several pressing issues of our times, like climate change, terrorism, and economic inequality, among others. Believing this to be the most opportune moment to begin a dialogue around the Indian diaspora and its contributions, the Indiaspora organised a three-day forum, the Indiaspora G20 Forum, focused on discussions around a variety of tracks such as foreign policy, financial inclusion, climate change, gender equality, healthcare, and others.

The three-day programme featured plenary and breakout sessions, networking breaks and a cultural evening. The speakers were drawn from various fields, including government officials and policymakers, businesspersons, entrepreneurs, sportspersons, artists, and activists—a panel of experts deliberated upon important issues not limited to the Indian diaspora.

The invitees included Diaspora community leaders, government functionaries, philanthropists, and students who were interested in understanding the multifaceted issues surrounding the present and future of the Indian diaspora, a community that is growing in influence and

stature worldwide, and their consequent impact on India’s growth and development.

G20 Forum was held in New Delhi, India, from August 22nd - 24th, 2023, at the Taj Mahal Hotel, Mansingh Road, New Delhi. India has been honoured with hosting the G20 Presidency this year. Thus, the Indiaspora took this opportunity to highlight and showcase the global diaspora's contributions and share their insights and perspectives as India strengthens its position in the world order.

The Forum was assembled on the recommendations of the G20 Leadership in India and was the only formal event focused on the diaspora. This year, the highlight was Philanthropy, Social Impact, Entrepreneurship and innovation, and Climate Change.

The Indiaspora G20 Forum provided an excellent opportunity to engage with government, business, and civil society leaders and discuss the challenges and opportunities posed by an ever-changing geopolitical and economic relations

landscape.

The Forum also featured stimulating conversations and panels of leading diaspora members who shared their expertise. Those participating in the Forum hailed from nations worldwide, including the

United States, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, Australia, and Singapore. Community leaders from G20 nations, such as Argentina, Brazil, Indonesia, Japan, Germany, The Netherlands, France, and South Africa were also

hosted.

A surprise guest at the event was AR Rahman and his son Ameen; the attendees also watched the Chandrayaan soft landing on the moon's South Pole on the big screen. The cultural items were very well-appointed

and choreographed. The colours of India featured various dance forms such as Kathakali, Manipuri, contemporary, Bhangra and Rajasthani; in the end, they all combined to the tune of Jai Ho in a very wellchoreographed sequence.

sinGaPore eleCTs a Person of indian oriGin as PresidenT

THARMAn Shanmugaratnam, of Indian origin, won by a huge margin over his two Chinese opponents.

Tharman

Shanmugaratnam, of Indian descent, was elected President of Singapore on September 1 with a landslide victory.

Shanmugaratnam, an academic economist, received 70.4 per cent of the vote and defeated his opponents of Chinese origin in the country's first contested presidential election since 2011.

A senior minister prior

to his presidential election, Shanmugaratnam will be the third President of Indian descent, following the third president of Singapore Devan Nair, and the sixth elect, Sellapan Ramanathan. He will succeed the eighth female president, Halimah Yacob. He served as Deputy Prime Minister from 2011 to 2019, Minister of Finance and Education.

Reacting to his victory, the President-elect said, “I thank my fellow Singaporeans, whichever way you voted, for your interest and calm

engagement in the issues raised in the Election. I believe the vote for me and what I stood for is a vote of confidence in Singapore itself, a vote of optimism in how we can progress together and support each other as Singaporeans.”

“It will be my duty to use the roles and responsibilities of the President to help us advance this future of optimism and solidarity. I will honour your trust in me and serve you with all my heart in the coming years,” he added.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien

Loong warmly welcomed the President-elect and expressed his confidence in Shanmugaratnam’s ability to fulfil his duties.

Prime Minister Loong said, "Tharman has a long and distinguished record of public service. I have every confidence that he will carry out his duties as President with distinction. I have called Tharman to congratulate him on his election and to assure him of my government’s full cooperation. Tharman has also declared his intention to work closely with the Government.”

FOCUS ON FIJI

ex-Cia employee’s conviction in big secrets leak is largely upheld

nEW yORK (Reuters) –

A U.S. judge on Tuesday threw out an obstruction charge but mostly upheld the conviction of a former Central Intelligence Agency software engineer for carrying out the largest theft of classified information in the agency’s history.

Joshua Schulte, 34, was convicted in July 2022 on four counts each of espionage and computer hacking and one count of lying to FBI agents, after giving classified materials to WikiLeaks in the socalled Vault 7 leak.

WikiLeaks in March 2017 began publishing the materials, which concerned how the CIA surveilled foreign governments, alleged terrorists and others

by compromising their electronics and computer networks.

Following the conviction, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams in Manhattan

called the theft “one of the most brazen and damaging acts of espionage in American history.”

In a 14-page decision, U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman

in Manhattan found “more than sufficient” evidence to support Schulte’s espionage and hacking convictions. But he said Schulte’s alleged lies to the FBI

arsenal sign spain’s world Cup winner Codina from Barcelona

(REUTERS) – Arsenal have signed Spain’s World Cupwinning defender Laia Codina from Barcelona, the Women’s Super League (WSL) club said on Tuesday.

Codina, 23, started all four of Spain’s knockout games at the World Cup that ended in a 1-0 win over England in the final earlier this month.

The centre back has seven caps for Spain and made 32 appearances

for Barcelona, winning two Champions League trophies and three LaLiga titles since joining in 2019. She also spent the 2021-22 season on loan at AC Milan and played 14 times.

“Laia is a world-class defender and I’m delighted to be working with her here at Arsenal,” coach Jonas Eidevall said.

“She has a great mix of technical ability and physical presence and we

believe this will allow her to adapt to our style here quickly.

“She has considerable experience of playing at the highest level and winning trophies, so I’m confident that she will be an excellent addition to our squad moving forward.”

Arsenal, who finished third in the league last year, begin their new campaign at home to Liverpool on Oct. 1.

Greece wildfire destroys area bigger than new york City

EVROS, Greece/ATHENS

(Reuters) – A wildfire burning in northeastern Greece for 11 days has destroyed an area larger than New York City, the European Union-backed Copernicus Climate Change Service said on Tuesday, as firefighters from five countries battled to contain the flames.

Fuelled by gale force winds and hot weather, the fire that began near the city of Alexandroupolis quickly spread across the Evros region, killing at least 20 people last week in Europe’s deadliest blaze this summer. It turned lush greenery into scorched earth and destroyed homes and livelihoods.

In a post on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, the Copernicus Emergency Management Service said the fire had ravaged at least 808.7 square kilometres (312.2 square miles). New York City takes up 778.2 square kilometres

(300.5 square miles).

Copernicus said last week the fire was the largest on European soil in years, and authorities said the fire was still highly dangerous.

Aircraft and hundreds of firefighters on the ground, including from Albania, Serbia, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, were battling the flames, the fire brigade said.

“We are trying to defend the rest of the unaffected area before the front line of the fire comes,” said Jiri Nemcik, commander of the Czech team. “The development of the fire is very dynamic so it’s very dangerous.”

Satellite images highlight the extent of the destruction in the area where formerly lush pine trees have been reduced to blackened, skeletal bark.

Panagiota Maragou, head of conservation at the Greece division of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), said at least

30% of the National Park of Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli Forest had been lost.

Because of its high biodiversity, the national park was “one of the most important protected areas in Greece and also in Europe, perhaps also on an international scale,” she said.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis chaired a meeting on Tuesday on the fires that have ravaged Greece, touching on preventative measures among other issues, a statement from his office said.

Environmentalists have long accused Greece of spending more funds on extinguishing fires than on prevention.

“We’ve seen in the case of Dadia and in the case of the Evros fire in general … one of the biggest fires in Europe, that a system that relies exclusively on suppression of fires is not working,” Maragou said.

agents did not support the obstruction charge.

The judge found “no meaningful distinction” between Schulte’s case and a 1995 Supreme Court decision, U.S. v. Aguilar, reaching the same conclusion.

“At best,” Furman wrote, “the government proved that Schulte, knowing of the existence of a federal grand jury investigation, lied to federal investigators regarding issues pertinent to the grand jury’s investigation. Under Aguilar, that does not suffice.”

Schulte represented himself at trial and in seeking to overturn his conviction. An earlier trial ended in a mistrial when

jurors deadlocked. Prosecutors have said Schulte was motivated to leak materials out of spite over how he thought the CIA treated him prior to his November 2016 resignation. Schulte is being jailed at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center.

He faces a second trial beginning on Sept. 11 for allegedly receiving more than 10,000 images and videos of child pornography.

Prosecutors said they found the material in Schulte’s Manhattan apartment, in an encrypted container beneath three layers of password protection, during the CIA leaks probe.

A lawyer representing Schulte in that case did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Williams’ office declined to comment.

The case is U.S. v. Schulte, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 17cr-00548.

Lion escapes into heavy traffic in Pakistani city of Karachi

Summer wildfires are common in Greece but the government says extreme weather conditions that scientists link to climate change have made them worse this year. Greece’s deadliest fire on record killed 104 people outside Athens in 2018. All but one of the dead in the Evros fire are believed to have been irregular migrants who crossed over from Turkey, evading police in the forest. Authorities fear more bodies may be found when the flames are put out, as Evros is a popular crossing into the EU for thousands of migrants and refugees every year.

The fires have spurred anti-immigrant sentiment in the region, according to Greece’s Racist Violence Recording Network.

Last week, police detained three men after a video emerged on social media showing migrants in a trailer

KARACHI (Reuters) – An adult lion escaped from a private vehicle amidst heavy traffic in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi on Tuesday, causing panic for two hours before it was recaptured, police said.

The lion was being transported by its owner when it escaped on the main road of the bustling port city during peak traffic hours, the police statement said.

“Our teams rushed here immediately. Praise be to Allah, it is with us safely and no one is in danger now,” Wildlife Inspector Mukhtyar Soomro told Reuters at the site of the lion’s capture.

The escaped lion had made its way into the basement of a nearby building after roaming on the road for some time.

The area saw a massive traffic jam with media vehicles arriving at the scene to cover the incident and crowds gathering to try to catch a glimpse of the escaped lion, a Reuters witness said.

The Wildlife Department

pulled by a jeep, and a man heard urging civilians to “round up” migrants he accused of setting the fires.

On Tuesday, a prosecutor launched a preliminary investigation into a separate incident after another video posted on social media showed four men, believed to be migrants, sitting on a

said the lion had been taken to its compound, as keeping lions in residential areas was banned.

“The owner of the lion has been detained and a case will be registered against him,” Senior Superintendent of Police Shiraz Nazir said in a statement.

Keeping wild cats as pets is not uncommon in Pakistan, where wealthy businessmen have been known to operate private zoos and sometimes parade the animals for the public.

In 2017, police in Pakistan arrested a man who took his pet lion for a night-time drive through the streets of Karachi.

Visuals of the lion went viral on social media, with users expressing alarm, but many others seeing the lighter side of the incident.

“Lion is taking stroll comfortably in Karachi as if he knows there is the law of the jungle here,” one user on messaging platform X posted, referring to the city’s high street crime rate.

dirt track beside a jeep, and a local man filming them, according to an official at the citizens’ protection ministry.

The official said the man, who appeared at the Alexandroupolis police headquarters, had been wanted for his alleged involvement in the “forcible immobilisation” of migrants.

sonalisa mishra Production hosts Bollywood fusion night with let’s Create events

BRISBAnE’S first Bollywood Fusion Night was held at Arcana Brisbane on 26th August 2023. Event was organized by Let’s Create Events (Jess Kumar – a passionate community member) and Sonalisa Mishra Production (Independent artist), who chose to support and fundraise for Cherish Women Cancer Foundation, an organisation that focuses on Gynecological cancer research and clinical trials.

Special Guest Sonia Daniels from the organisation, provided an insight on how this type of cancer can impact the lives of everyday women and how we can as a community help fundraise to find a kinder treatment for this deadly cancer. Jess and Sonalisa fundraised $3,000 and hopes to achieve a greater target next year.

The night was full of entertainment led by Music Director Steve Shankar, main keyboard player and guitarist, who can also play multiple instruments, the team included Sonalisa Mishra, Hari Vijayaraghavan, Manjay Aryal, Hemant Dua, Mokhyada and special singer Kim Hanson, followed by performances from Mokshya Academy, Tapori

Squad, Australian Indian Theatre and Sajita More.

MC Anu Sharma and Zain Chams wooed the crowd with their charms. Our guest speaker

Usha Chandra also raised awareness of breast cancer and how we need to support these great fundraisers and also the women in our community. Usha Chandra has been a long-term community advocate and she is very proud to see Jess and Sonalisa stepping up and wanting to be part of the wider community.

Anthony Shorten a community advocate was also invited and said this was one of a kind event and this type of event is much needed

to be shown in the wider community, as it embraces multiculturalism. Jess and Sonalisa are now eager to create their next event to deliver in December.

Special thanks to all our Sponsors Mosran Pty Ltd, Finance Point, Battery House, Nexus Immigration, Cargo Launch & Logistics, Max & Co Lawyers, Sankalp

– Aspley, Copy Cat – Printing and Signage, Shefali & Sanjay Gosalia, Srikant, Sameer Vora, Media Partners: Australian Indian Radio & Brisbane Indian Times.

Special mention to all raffle donors, PDI Photography and Sid Art Studio. Follow Let’s Create Events and Sonalisa Mishra production on Facebook.

Rani Mukerji started out in showbiz during her teenage years and today almost 27 years later, we continue to witness the actress shine on and off the silver screen. She has always be one of Bollywood’s beloved - right from Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat, Ghulam to Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Hum Tum, Black, to No One Killed Jessica to Mardaani and the recent Mrs Chatterjee vs Norwayher body of work has often left audiences impressed. And now, the actress opened up about future prospects and responded to questions about Mardaani 3 being on the cards.

In a recent interview with Film Companion’s Anupama Chopra, looking back at her journey as an actor over the years, Rani Mukerji discussed about the kind of characters she likes to play. While she also discussed about playing Debika Chatterjee in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, she also opened up Mardaani 3 as she finally gave some updates on the long-awaited film. The actress revealed, “I’m crossing my fingers because I would love to play the part of Shivani. When I did Mardaani 2, I was quite nervous because I had never done a sequel before. It’s because I leave my characters behind each time a film gets over and then I don’t know if I will be able to reprise that part again. With

Mardaani 2, I was surprised that I enjoyed reprising the part so now I want to reprise it again in Mardaani 3.”

She continued, “I will be very happy and excited if the Mardaani 3 script comes about and we would make the film. I as an actor always believe that we don’t want to do a film just because it sounds good, we need to make a film when the script is good and we want to make a film that makes a difference. With Mardaani 3, we can’t make a film if the story does not have that substance. It has to be something that people relate with today and girls find it empowering, only then we can do Mardaani 3. We can’t do it just because it sounds exciting. I am hoping that if they can crack a real good script, I would just get on with it.”

While Mardaani released in 2014, Mardaani 2 released in 2019. It features Rani Mukerji in the role of Inspector Shivani Shivaji Roy.

IT seems like the long feud between Sunny Deol and Shah Rukh Khan has come to an end which reportedly had started during Darr release. However, following the blockbuster success of Gadar 2, SRK made a call to Sunny to congratulate him on his win at the box office. SRK recently revealed that he had watched the movie and loved it.

Sunny told Times Now, “Shah Rukh Khan had seen the film. Before that, he had called me and wished me well. He was so happy, and he told me, ‘I'm so happy, you genuinely deserve it’ and I said thank you. Then I spoke to his wife (Gauri Khan) and his son (Aryan Khan). And he said tonight we are going to be watching this film. And after that, he had seen it, and I think that is when he tweeted.”

“It was so beautiful. Many times I've also called him up and we shared our thoughts on certain things,” he sai. He added, “About the past issues - whatever they were, I would

say time heals everything and we move ahead. That's the way life should be.”

Previously, Deol was unhappy with the way SRK’s character in Darr was glorified.

During an appearance on Aap Ki Adalat, Sunny said, “At the end of the day, people loved me in the film. They loved Shah Rukh Khan as well. My only issue with the film was that I did not know they would glorify the villain. I always work in films with an open heart and believe in the person. I believe working with trust. Unfortunately, we have many actors and stars who don’t function in this manner. Maybe that’s the way they want to get their stardom.”

aamir Khan Productions

to collaborate with sony Pictures for his return; to make an announcement on august 31?

THE makers are expected to make an official announcement of the same tomorrow, that is August 31.

For the unversed, the upcoming project is said to be produced by his own banner Aamir Khan Productions. The actor has locked the Christmas period, December 20, 2024, as the release date of the film. However, the director and other details are kept under wraps. The news was shared by the veteran trade analyst Taran Adarsh on

his official Twitter page on August 29. This is a major development for Aamir Khan fans, who have been eagerly waiting for his next film. The actor has been on a hiatus from acting since the release of his last film, Laal Singh Chaddha, in 2022.

The film failed to perform well at the box office, but Aamir Khan is still one of the most popular actors in India. His upcoming film with Sony Pictures is sure to be a major event.

sGPC objects to meezaan Jafri wearing “Kirpan” in Yaariyan 2 song, files police complaint; makers release official statement

THE Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has taken strong objection to actor Meezaan Jafri allegedly wearing a “kirpan”, a symbol of Sikh faith, in a song titled ‘Saure Ghar’ in the upcoming movie Yaariyan 2. The SGPC has filed a police complaint and asked for an immediate ban on the film and its song on YouTube.

The SGPC has said that it is not satisfied with the directors' clarification and that it is initiating legal action in the matter. The Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh has also directed the SGPC to take strict legal action in the matter.

In a statement, SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami said, "The insult to Sikh 'Kakaars' and Sikh principles cannot be tolerated in any film. The producer, directors, and actor of the film did not do it right by presenting 'Sikh Kakaar Kirpan' against Sikh principles and 'maryada' (conduct), he said."

The SGPC has also asked the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Ministry of Information Technology and Electronics, and Central Film Board of Certification to take action against the film.

astral limited collaborates with shah rukh Khan starrer Jawan to promote Bondtite adhesives

ASTRAL Limited partners with Shah Rukh Khan's Jawan to promote Bondtite adhesives, a brand that represents strength.

Astral Limited, India’s leading building materials company, is thrilled to announce its exciting collaboration with the much-awaited Shah Rukh Khan starrer movie Jawan, a partnership that echoes the spirit of strength, resilience, and firm bonds. This unique association marks a strategic move to promote the company’s flagship brand, Bondtite, which is renowned for its powerful bonding capabilities with the tagline

"Jode Ekdum Tight."

This collaboration exemplifies the Brand’s distinct marketing approach of incorporating larger-than-life elements to generate interest and intrigue around its brand. Joining hands with Jawan, Astral continues its tradition of pioneering copromotions that resonate with the audience.

Speaking about this exhilarating partnership, Kairav Engineer, Executive Director at Astral Limited, shared his enthusiasm, stating, "We are delighted to team up with Jawan, a movie that resonates with values of determination

and unity, much like our Bondtite that form unbreakable bonds. We eagerly anticipate the release of the movie on September 7, and the impact of our shared message."

As the release date of Jawan draws near, Astral Limited is excited to witness the impact of this partnership and the alignment of values between the brand and the movie's ethos. Astral Adhesives have also released a short promo featuring Shahrukh Khan promoting Bondtite and the association with the tagline #EkdumTightEkdumRight.

rani mukerji on mardaani 3; says, “i enjoyed reprising shivani, so now i want to reprise it again in mardaani 3”

sunny deol says ‘time heals everything’ as he addresses old feud with shah rukh Khan, says srK called to congratulate him for Gadar 2 success

rf fasHion weeK 2023 a mesmerizing night Celebrating artistic diversity and empowerment

BRISBAnE, Queensland -

In a fashion fusion theme, display of creativity and empowerment, RF Fashion Week 2023, presented by Ravishing Fashionistas (RF), took Brisbane city by storm, leaving fashion enthusiasts and onlookers in awe. The iconic Queen Street Mall served as the vibrant backdrop for the outdoor runway, where fifteen remarkable clothing and accessory designers showcased their masterpieces, redefining the fashion landscape.

CHARISMATIC MC SETS

THE STAGE

The evening commenced with the infectious energy of Damien Anthony AveryRossi, the charismatic MC who welcomed the audience to Brisbane's commercial fashion centre. Amidst the buzzing ambience, anticipation filled the air for an unforgettable night.

A STRIKInG DISPLAy OF ARTISTRy

As the sun set, the runway came alive with a symphony of colours and styles, with twenty-two dedicated models gracefully strutting their way through the city's

heart. From elegant couture to avant-garde creations, each designer's work showcased a remarkable fusion of diversity and artistic expression.

BEHInD THE SCEnES

The event owed its success to the unwavering dedication of the RF Support Team, which comprised admin, creative stylists, backstage experts, concept creators, and enthusiastic volunteers. Their tireless efforts were instrumental in making it all possible. A team of fifteen skilled makeup artists and ten hair stylists created the stunning looks for the models. Their expertise and creativity added a layer of magic to the

already mesmerising event. Photographers and media personnel's dedicated efforts to capture every remarkable moment were essential and left a lasting impact.

DESIGnER TALK

This year, just a day before the magnificent RF Fashion Week 2023, Designer Talk was hosted at Queen Street Mall. The event provided emerging and established designers with a platform to share their inspiring journeys and unique fashion statements. The ten designers eloquently expressed their creative visions, giving attendees a glimpse into the essence of their creations.

CELEBRITy GUESTS

AnD EnTHUSIASTIC ATTEnDEES

The event drew over 200 plus seated guests alongside a crowd of onlookers from the general public (approximately 150), all eager to witness the fashion extravaganza. Notable celebrity guests in attendance included Emma and Amy Sheppard from the renowned band Sheppard, Simone Elliot from The Real Housewives of Melbourne, Louise Owen, artist and creative director of Elaurante, Kylie Lang, Associate Editor at Courier Mail, and Georgia Clelland, Entertainment Reporter.

THE GRAnD FInALE

The highlight of the evening was the breathtaking finale showcase, where each designer's work took centre stage, captivating the audience. The runway spectacle accompanied a mesmerising live performance by singer and RF model Candice Diana, adding an ethereal touch to the already spellbinding event.

A TESTAMEnT TO BREAKInG STEREOTyPES

RF Fashion Week 2023 was more than just a style display; it celebrated women's empowerment. RF models from all backgrounds, ages, and

shapes walked the runway, showcasing established and emerging designer creations with boldness making a massive impact. There was an unwavering commitment to breaking stereotypes within the fashion industry. The event left a lasting impact, encouraging all women to embrace beauty and feel empowered in their unique identities.

As the curtains fell on the night, RF Fashion Week 2023 etched its mark in the fashion history of Brisbane, leaving fashion enthusiasts and participants eagerly looking forward to the next chapter of artistic diversity and empowerment.

nominations open for migrant achiever’s awards for 2023

nATIOnWIDE Migration and Education is pleased to announce its second Annual Migrant Achievers Awards 2023. It will be held at The Westin Brisbane, 111 Mary St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia, on October 7th, 2023.

The Migrant Achievers Awards recognises and honours the achievements of outstanding migrants who have excelled in their respective fields. The award has three categories: the Highly Skilled Migrant Award, the Businessperson Migrant Award, and the Young Migrant Award.

The event is an opportunity to showcase the valuable contributions of

migrants to the Australian community while providing a platform to encourage diversity and inclusivity.

The nominations are now OPEN for the Migrant Achiever's Award 2023.

If you want to nominate yourself or someone you know, please visit https:// r5e5e1o17ox.typeform.com/ to/y7OXuspE. Nominations will close on August 30th, 2023.

For more details, please visit the website: www. migrantawards.com.au and like and follow their Facebook page: https:// www.facebook.com/ migrantawards. Here are some highlights from the last year.

stigma and discrimination – chronic hepatitis B

WHAT IS THE DIFFEREnCE BETWEEn STIGMA AnD DISCRIMInATIOn?

Stigma – is when a person is seen or thought of negatively based on a certain characteristic such as skin colour, disability or even a medical condition etc.

Discrimination – is when a person is treated differently or unfairly based on that characteristic.

Hepatitis B is caused by a virus that enters the blood. It is mainly transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, and most people are infected by chronic hepatitis B at a very young age.

STIGMA

People often stigmatise hepatitis B (including selfstigmatisation) due to misconceptions about how it spreads, and worry about infecting their family, friends, or other close contacts.

Many people think hepatitis B is transmitted through sharing food. In fact, it is not transmitted this way.

Hepatitis B is mainly transmitted through blood, such as a mother with

hepatitis B can pass it on to her baby at birth (due to the contact of blood during birth); or someone may be infected by using unsterile medical procedures. Babies and young children being infected can develop chronic hepatitis B. Most young people and adults can clear the hepatitis B virus after being infected, they can have lifelong immunity and do not

need vaccination. Hepatitis B virus can be transmitted –but rarely – through sexual contact. Hepatitis B is not transmitted through saliva or through sharing food, or sharing cups, kissing, hugging, breastfeeding, or any other social contacts.

As hepatitis B is transmitted through blood, people should avoid blood contact and not share

person who has or has had hepatitis B or any other health conditions. There are only a few instances where a person with chronic hepatitis B needs to be disclose their status. It is generally your choice if you want to let anyone know that you have any of these conditions,

For Hepatitis B– you must disclose if you want to donate blood, sperm, organs, if you work in healthcare and perform ‘exposure prone procedures’, if you want to join The Australian Defence Force and you may need to advise when applying for insurance. You do not need to disclose if you work in any other jobs such as restaurants etc.

If you or someone you

know, have, or feel that you or they are being discriminated against because of having hepatitis B please contact the Queensland Human Rights Commission at qhrc.qld.com. au or call them on 1300 130 670 (remember to ask for an interpreter if you need one).

For more information, please see our webpage www.eccq.com/bbv or contact us at ECCQ. Either call 07-3844 9166 or email us at health@eccq.com.au

If you live in Cairns, you can also contact:

Faith Bassett

Phone: 07 42264769 or mobile 0405123691

Email: faith.bassett@ health.qld.gov.au

personal items such as toothbrushes, razors, and use bandaids to cover cuts. The best way to prevent hepatitis B is vaccination. You may be eligible for free vaccination if you have never been vaccinated against hepatitis B – talk to your GP.

DISCRIMInATIOn.

In Australia it is illegal to discriminate against a

Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and Sexual Health Program Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ)

How to Get rid of Hyperpigmentation

HEy GIRLS, 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 these three or four times a day for at least a month.

Grate one mediumsize 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 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.

Monthly Predictions sePteMBer - 2023

Aries ( 21st mA rch to 20th April )

Jupiter, the Sun, and Mercury are all in your favour this month. Uncontrolled desires from Mars and Ketu can have an impact on your plans and health. Unexpected spending on presents and romantic relationships in order to take a short vacation and celebrate this month. Savings will be available, but careful preparation is required. There can be some issues with the in-laws that need to be resolved. Try to keep your views and opinions negative. There will be some us and own in the marriage partnership that must be handled carefully. To avoid misunderstandings that could lead to a distant relationship in your marriage, try to have clear and healthy communication. It will be necessary to provide the love relationship your whole focus and quality time. Avoid responding to the government authorities in an aggressive manner as this may provide you with unknown issues. Success in a foreign country might come from business dealings with institutions or spirituality. This month, businesses that operate online or on websites may be successful. Sun and Mercury this month will give money to business competitors or members of the maternal family. Investments in the stock market can help you succeed financially. A unexpected conflict with a business partner can result from the Mars and Ketu movement, which can result in financial loss. With the transit of Mercury, students will be rewarded for their effort and willpower and will likely achieve their academic goals. With Venus and the Sun in transit, you might feel inspired to take up singing, which might help you succeed in your work. The upcoming competition will be won by the sports students.

cA ncer ( 22nd June to 22nd July )

Overall, you will benefit from Jupiter and Mercury's gifts. Simply manage your ego and hostility, as Mars and Ketu suggest. According to what Ketu and Jupiter are indicating, some of you may experience abrupt changes in your plans on both a personal and professional level. This month, it's important that you look after your health. If you are experiencing any health problems, pay attention to what Mars and Ketu are telling you. A regular physical will ease your burdens and safeguard your health. Mercury's movement this month will make it easier for you to enjoy your career and spend time with family. Your wise choice and persistence will result in the anticipated money benefit and business-related project success. Some of you can have sudden modifications to your company plan or get transferred. According to Mars and Ketu, this is not a very good month to make any significant real estate investments. Relationship problems brought on by misunderstandings or needless arguments with family members may generate tension this month. It would be best to prevent an unnecessary dispute because some of you might suddenly become involved in a divorce-related issue. Anyone of you going through a divorce can succeed in that. Financially speaking, this month may provide savings, but you are urged to seek professional counsel before making a significant investment or one that is tied to real estate. Jupiter can give a sudden increment in salary. Student can get success in research related exam. Those of you who are searching for a job can get delay to get success or some hurdle but Jupiter indicates your positive approach and effort can help you. School education might get disturbed because of bad health. Those of you who are in sports can face some issues with your mentor.

l i B r A ( 23rd s eptem B er to 22nd o cto B er )

This month is likely to be a fruitful one for your romantic life. The effects of the south node could lead to some insecurities or misunderstandings as the month goes on. Give your relationship some time before making a choice. Your love life will be harmoniously impacted by Jupiter and Venus in the second half of this month. You'll have a steady stream of cash and spend it on profitable endeavours. Mercury warns you, though, that your erratic thinking could endanger your finances and cause losses. The transiting Venus will bring several advantageous cash chances as the time goes on. Additionally, Jupiter can bring some fresh chances to improve your financial sector. The month seems promising for your professional development. Saturn, though, will call for much more diligence and methodical planning if you want your task to succeed. If you own a business, this can be an excellent moment to organise your efforts and focus them on finishing your unfinished projects. As the month goes on, the transiting Mercury may encourage you to consider growth and put into practise a long-planned strategy for gaining more progress. Despite your best efforts, the influence of Nodes will make continuing your education challenging because you won't be able to handle your workload. It will be difficult to pass tests that are competitive. Do not lose hope because the planetary effect is quite supportive of your academic endeavours in the last two weeks of this month. The planets this month could have a calming effect on your health. You'll be content and healthy thanks to Venus' passage in the second half of this month.

cA pricorn ( 22nd d ecem B er to 20th J A nuA ry )

Your love life and connection may prosper this month. But you must proceed slowly. If you are in a committed relationship, you could experience some difficulties in the beginning. It will be difficult for singles to interact with others. But don't let it cloud your judgement. Jupiter will bring a good time for your love life as the month goes on. This month, Venus will favour you, and your bank account will grow. You'll be able to strengthen your financial situation. However, the influence of the North Node suggests that your tendency toward excess may also surface, which could place unnecessary strain on your financial situation. You will gradually get a lot more chances to profit during this month. Venus and Mercury's influence this month is expected to present some excellent prospects for career advancement. There might be some significant corporate development. Your position will significantly improve as the month goes on, and you'll get considerably stronger as well. Transiting planets may make significant changes in your luck around the conclusion of the month. A few things could make you more stressed. This month will be good for your studies. However, because of the negative effects of South Node, you may experience some tension at the beginning of this month. During the second half of this month, your performance could significantly increase thanks to strong planetary support. Your energy levels will be high at the start of this month, and any health issues you may have could be resolved. Your health will be returning to normal. This month, Venus and Jupiter are in a favourable aspect that could protect your health.

tAurus ( 21st April to 21st mAy )

Overall, the favour of Venus and Jupiter will greatly ease your burdens. Workload and unforeseen travel are possible this month. You should work on budgeting for connected expenses and saving because Rahu and Saturn will provide both income and spending. You are encouraged to exercise patience and a constructive attitude because Mars and Ketu can cause hostility at work. Health must come first, and since the Mars transit might cause stomach ache, it is advised that you watch what you eat and incorporate fruits and leafy green vegetables. Those of you who are in love have happy and fulfilling relationships as well as successful marriages. However, this month's third phase could be challenging. Jupiter's blessings can have some favourable effects on a marriage, but Rahu and the Moon's movements call for patience and some breathing room. Those of you who are single will also experience success this month in finding the right spouse. There is a chance of success in a difficult exam. With the assistance of Mercury's blessings, there will be recognition and admiration. Your exam or study time may be impacted by the Sun's hostility and Mars-potential Ketu's for health problems. The graces of Venus will provide students with every kind of convenience and amenity about travel, literature, and digital instruction. A little get-together and celebration can also result from Venus activity. Rahu will promote international travel, religious inclinations, and a passion in learning more about occult science and meditation.

l eo ( 23rd July to 22nd August )

Overall, the gifts of Jupiter and Mercury will be to your advantage. Just control your ego and anger, as Mars and Ketu advise. Ketu and Jupiter suggest that some of you may encounter sudden adjustments in your plans, both personally and professionally. It's crucial that you take care of your health this month. Listen to what Mars and Ketu are telling you if you are having any health issues. You can lessen your obligations and protect your health by getting frequent physicals. This month's motion of Mercury will make it simpler for you to appreciate both your job and your family time. Your shrewd decision and tenacity will lead to the anticipated financial gain and project success related to business. Some of you might see abrupt changes to your work schedule or be transferred. Mars and Ketu suggest that this is not the best time to make any substantial real estate investments. This month, friction in relationships could be caused by misconceptions or pointless confrontations with family members. Because some of you may unexpectedly become embroiled in a divorcerelated matter, it would be wise to avoid an unnecessary argument. You can all do that if you're going through a divorce. Financially speaking, this month could save you money, but before making a large investment or one that is connected to real estate, you are strongly advised to see an expert. Jupiter may offer an unexpected pay raise. Students can succeed in exams including research.

s corpio ( 23rd o cto B er to 22nd n ovem B er )

You'll experience passion and love this month. Additionally, the early influence of Venus and Mars may improve your chances of finding love. Venus will make singles' romantic lives more exciting. The environment in the household will be joyful and peaceful as the month draws to a close. The effects of the stars could paint a positive financial picture at the start of this month. Things will significantly improve. Mercury predicts that you will make some wise financial decisions that will result in heartening financial advantages. Around the conclusion of the month, you may also have some cash windfalls. Starting this month, there may be a lot of resistance and challenges in your profession at all levels. Starting this month, there may be a lot of resistance and challenges in your profession at all levels. The influence of South Node suggests that there might not be harmony in the office and that you might not be able to win the favour of associates and seniors. The latter half's stars indicate that professionals will have promising futures. If you work in business, it can open you some opportunities for advancement. At the beginning of this month, the influence of the stars may create some adverse conditions for education. However, as the month goes on, the influence of Mercury and Jupiter signals a good stage for scholastic advancement. Planetary influences will uplift and inspire you. Your performance will significantly increase, and your mentors might compliment you. Your health at the start of this month is fairly favourably impacted by the stars. During the middle of this month, your health will need additional attention.

AquA rius ( 21st J A nuA ry to 18th Fe B ruA ry )

You'll be able to lift your head high and stand tall thanks to Mars. If you're dating someone, they might very well be your support system. Jupiter will assist you in understanding that the relationships and ties you have with the people you love are what matter in your relationship as the month goes on. Don't just live your life; do something to complete yourself. Financial matters could benefit from this month's events. Jupiter suggests that your previous investments could yield good returns. Additionally, your sources of income would expand. Venus might increase your chances of finding work and be good for your financial situation. You'll get the support of others around you because to your affable demeanour. You will have a lot of meetings, gatherings, or parties to attend if you work in business. Venus will encourage you to follow your objectives and make use of the people in your life to assist you in doing so. Jupiter may help you become ready for a variety of life experiences. To accomplish the necessary improvement, the student must remain well-focused and work harder. There will be some changes to your study schedule. Jupiter suggests that it will be beneficial to resolve some lingering concerns about your education, and you may also receive helpful advice from your mentors. The planetary forecasts for this month could help you stay in good health and shape. Mars suggests that you might want to routinely workout for fitness. Jupiter will bestow favours onto you, so you won't be troubled by any significant health issues at this time.

g emini ( 22nd mAy to 21st June )

You could experience some unneeded tension and workload this month. Aggressiveness might be brought on by the Sun and Ketu's movements, which needs to be managed with a good attitude. The movement of Mars and Ketu may result in ambiguous challenges from pals. Try to create some distance and open space in your friendships, as well as in your relationships with your family and coworkers, to make people feel at ease around you. Saturn's position will not change, therefore more work and effort will be required on both the professional and personal fronts. The Ketu and Mars movement will not be favourable for romantic relationships. You might become demanding in a romantic relationship, which could provide unforeseen difficulties. Married couples have the opportunity to travel or embark on international trips. Some of you might experience difficulties with the schooling of your children. Saturn may present a challenge or delay in achieving the desired outcome, but Mars may make an unexpected romance proposal. Financially, this month is not particularly favourable, but Mercury's movement will greatly assist you in making plans for upcoming expenses. Making a significant investment in the stock market is not favoured by the Mars and Ketu trend. With Jupiter's blessings, those of you who are having problems with debt or loans may be able to find alternative assistance or quick loan approval.

v irgo ( 23rd August to 22nd s eptem B er )

Some of you might incur costs for participating in religious activities and gaining new skills. Traveling to a foreign country or a place of worship might be expensive. Mars recommended you to postpone making any significant investments in the company. Mercury and the Sun are able to offer fresh jobrelated deals. Success in the wholesale industry is possible with the help of Saturn and Venus, but it takes time. Mercury advises you to pay close attention while you provide feedback to your supervisor and coworker. The family company may cause some delays in achieving the desired results.

sAgittA rius ( 23rd n ovem B er to 21st d ecem B er )

This month will be full of opportunities for you in terms of relationships. Making the right partner decision will be difficult for you, but all will turn out well in the end. You might do all within your power to make your spouse or partner pleased as the month goes on. Your efforts will pay off, and chances are excellent that you'll find love. In the latter part of this month, your partnership will be filled with a lot of affection. The planets will stir your yearning for cosiness as the week gets underway. The planets will present you with the chance to fulfil your desires. As the month goes on, the planetary situation for your finances will be quite good. The Nodes advise being a little extra cautious in the office at the start of this month since one of your coworkers might cause issues. Utilizing your talents and skills will enable you to outperform your industry's prospects in general. Be at ease; the planetary transit will usher you into a new stage of advancement in your professional career. This could be the month when all of your academic desires come true. Mercury's influence on the month foretells that you will work hard and diligently in your academics as it moves forward. You may have strong planetary assistance at the start of this month to keep your health. However, you should adjust your workload to your stamina. According to Mars, a rise in your stress levels may cause headaches and migraines. You can be slow and indolent at the end of the month. Intestinal issues could result from this. You need to eat a balanced, nutritious diet.

p isces ( 19th Fe B ruA ry to 20th mA rch )

This month's first week could bring up some challenging concerns that cause you to worry about your partnership. Nodes will have a negative effect on you. Reconciliation will be challenging if you don't act rationally in this situation. The later half of the month will be a fantastic time for married couples to take a quick, fun excursion out of town. Your finances and investment-related matters may continue to go smoothly this month. However, Mercury cautions that you shouldn't rely too heavily on others and that you should use caution while handling money. During this time, Mars may make you a touch overly ambitious. Don't put your money at danger for merely temporary advantages. According to the transiting Mars, those looking for new employment opportunities may receive some solid offers at the start of this month. You'll find it to be stressful and difficult, especially if you're in business. For you to advance in your career, the time starting around the middle of this month may continue to be favourable. If you work in business, you probably will have to travel this time. Although there won't be any significant issues with your academics this month, Mars' influence suggests that occasionally you can take your studies for granted due to overconfidence. You might also participate more actively in extracurricular activities with your pals and classmates. Your performance could consequently suffer somewhat. This month, your health will become better thanks to strong planetary assistance. You might be inspired to increase your level of fitness by Mars and Jupiter as well.

defending us open champion iga swiatek crashes out to Jelena ostapenko in stunning collapse

DEFEnDInG champion and world No.1 Iga Swiatek has been knocked out of the US Open in a 3-6 6-3 6-1 loss to Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko.

To add insult to injury, the defeat also means Swiatek’s reign at the top of the WTA rankings will end next week, when she will be replaced by current No.2 Aryna Sabalenka.

Ostapenko’s win was not necessarily a huge surprise, based on the pair’s previous match-ups: the 2017 French Open winner has now improved to 4-0 against Swiatek over their careers.

No other player owns four victories against the woman who has led the WTA rankings since April 2022.

“I knew I have to play my game,” Ostapenko said after accumulating 31 winners to 18 for Swiatek.

“I knew I have to be aggressive, because that’s what she doesn’t really like.”

Ostapenko will next face teenager Coco Gauff, who

ended Caroline Wozniacki’s US Open comeback with a 6-3 3-6 6-1 victory.

Wozniacki, who returned to Flushing Meadows for the first time since 2019 after coming out of retirement following the birth of her

two children, kept sixth seed Gauff on her toes for two sets but the Dane’s lack of match practice caught up with her and she ran out of steam.

Gauff handed Wozniacki a break with an unforced

Commemorating The 60th anniversary of The first south Pacific Games

PACIFIC Games Council

President Vidhya Lakhan, today (29th August, 2023) presented Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee President Makarita Lenoa, a framed blazer worn by gold medalist Lawn Tennis athlete, to mark the 60th anniversary of the inaugural South Pacific Games held in Suva, Fiji in 1963.

Mr. Lakhan spoke briefly on the inception of the South Pacific Games which originated from the visionary Dr Abdul Habib Sahu Khan of Lautoka, who proposed the concept during the 1959 South Pacific Conference in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea.

"The idea gained momentum and was embraced by the South Pacific Commission”.

"In a collaborative effort, nine territories convened in Noumea in March 1961, unanimously awarding Fiji the honour of hosting the first Games," he said.

Mr. Lakhan said the blazer belonged to a lawn tennis athlete whose team won the gold medal against the then favourites Tahiti in 1963.

"The Fiji Lawn Tennis team consisted of ten athletes including the recently departed Satyanand who was Fiji's High Commissioner to New Zealand," he said.

"The blazer belonged to team mate Rahim Zullah who kept his blazer and now resides in Brisbane,

Australia."

"It is my pleasure to invite the President of FASANOC to receive this blazer kindly donated by Rahim."

That was the first and only time Tennis won the Team Gold Medal at any Pacific Games for Team Fiji, making the blazer even more special.

Meanwhile, 60 years ago, on 29th August 1963, the official opening ceremony of the South Pacific Games took place at Buckhurst Parkwhere the then Governor of Fiji, Sir Kenneth Maddocks, declared the Games open in the presence of 8,000 excited spectators.

The Games welcomed 770 athletes and officials from 13 nations. Fiji fielded the largest team of 187 athletes and officials, with Kiribati and Tuvalu (then Gilbert and Ellice Islands) participating with a team of 12. Fiji topped the medal tally with 33 Gold, 23 Silver and 26 Bronze medals. Second was Papua New Guinea with 9 Gold, 11 Silver and 11 Bronze medals, followed by New Caledonia with 7 Gold, 9 Silver and 11 Bronze medals.

In the spirit of unity and competition, athletes from across the Pacific competed in ten sports: Athletics, Basketball, Boxing, Football, Netball, Rugby Union, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, and Volleyball. These events showcased the participants' dedication, skill, and sportsmanship, leaving a lasting impression on the

error in the first game of the match but levelled the contest in the fourth game and broke the 2018 Australian Open champion to love in the eighth.

The young American lost her edge completely in

the second set, where the mistakes piled up and she was forced to defend five break points across her first three service games.

Gauff handed her opponent another break in the opening game of the third set when she whacked a backhand into the net but broke back in the next game.

The 2022 Roland Garros finalist ran away with the momentum from there.

“She’s back and it’s like she never left,” Gauff said of her opponent, who has twice made the final at the US Open.

“To be out here on the court with her today was an honour.”

Wozniacki felt Gauff was building a strong challenge.

“She’s always been a great athlete. She’s always had the backhand, the serve, the fighting spirit,” she said.

Right now, it’s all coming together for her.”

Karolina Muchova

reached the quarter-finals with a 6-3 5-7 6-1 victory over China’s Wang Xinyu.

The Czech No.10 seed, a 2021 Australian Open semi-finalist, did it after losing control of the second set before regaining her dominance in the third with 32 winners.

“I came back to my game, to slice it more and to change the rhythm - that was the key,” Muchova, 27, said.

Muchova’s next opponent is the No.30 seed Sorana Cirstea, who beat the Swiss No.15 seed Belinda Bencic to reach the quarter-finals of a grand slam for the first time since 2009.

The 33-year-old Romanian, who has already put out No.4 seed and 2022 Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina, beat the Olympic champion 6-3 6-3.

“Sooner or later if you put in the hard work, it comes,” Cirstea said. - with AP

60th anniversary of the first south Pacific Games in Suva, Fiji

Pacific sports landscape.

The 1963 South Pacific Games also saw some remarkable achievements and memorable moments:

• The youngest competitor, 13-year-old Fiji Swimmer Joan Herrington, and the oldest competitor, a 45-year-old Tongan table tennis player, exemplified the diverse age range of participants.

• The Games attracted 280 technical officials and 91 radio and press representatives, demonstrating the widespread interest and attention they garnered.

• Fiji's Merewai Turukawa etched her name in history by winning the Women's Shot Put, becoming the first gold medalist of the Games.

• The Games witnessed two bone fractures, one in boxing and the other in soccer.

• A total of 59,694 paying spectators filled the venues, generating gross takings of $19,080.

• The Games flag was symbolically passed to New Caledonia, foreshadowing the future of this remarkable event.

Mr. Lakhan said watching the Games grow to what it is now was amazing.

"Team Fiji back than had 187 athletes now we have 500 and more athletes taking part in more sports," he said.

THE first South Pacific Games was held in Suva, Fiji in 1963. The Fiji Tennis Team won the Gold Medal; Rahim Zullah (now a resident of Brisbane, Australia) was a member of that team and recipient of the Gold Medal.

Fiji Association of Sports National Olympic

Mr. Lakhan said the Pacific Games is the pinnacle for some athletes, most of whom will never get to participate at a Commonwealth or Olympic Games.

"This is our Continental Games, and is also an opportunity for athletes from Oceania to qualify for either the Olympic

Committee (FASANOC) celebrated the 60th anniversary of the First South Pacific Games in Suva on 29 August. For this celebration, Rahim Zullah presented his Gold Medal Blazer to FASANOC.

The 1963 Games was the only time in the last 60 years that Fiji had won a

Games or Commonwealth Games as it is a recognised qualifying Games for certain sports," he said.

ABOUT TEAM FIJI

Team Fiji is a diverse and spirited team of athletes from across Fiji who compete at various prestigious sporting events, including the Olympic, Paralympic, Youth Olympic,

Gold Medal in tennis. On behalf of Rahim, the Blazer was presented by Mr. Vidya Lakhan, the President of the Pacific Games Council 2023. Rahim would like to thank Mr. Atma Maharaj for arranging the framing and transportation of his Blazer to Fiji.

Commonwealth Games, Commonwealth Youth Games, and Pacific Games.

FASANOC (Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee), founded in 1949, serves as the parent body of Team Fiji, playing a crucial role in protecting, supporting, and empowering Fiji's talented athletes on the global stage.

Young Rahim Zullah receiving the gold medal from the governor of Fiji at the time (1958- 1964) by Sir Kenneth Maddocks

Brazil weeK launCHed in BrisBane CiTy Hall

FOLLOWInG the major success in 2022, the vibrant culture of Brazil will be brought to Brisbane again, as announced at the grand opening launch of the second edition of Brazil Week that took place on the 31st of August 2023 at Ithaca Auditorium in Brisbane City

Hall.

The distinguished hosts of the evening were Rodrigo De Luca, the Vice President of the Australian Brazil Chamber of Commerce (ABCC), and Anna White, the Director.

The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Claudio Frederico

de Matos Arruda, the honourable Ambassador of Brazil to Australia, and the Honorable Cameron Dick MP, Queensland's Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment. The gathering further shone with the luminance of Ms Marisa Kenicke, Deputy Consul-

TwenTy years of BrisBane indian Times Volume 20 numBer 01

COnTD. FROM PG 1

The three levels of government and various community organisations recognise the publication well. Every copy of Brisbane

Indian Times Has been deposited with the National archives in Canberra, initially as a hard copy, and now it is deposited digitally.

In the beginning, Brisbane

Indian Times sought the services of Bayside Star for graphic design and page layout; this arrangement continued until Trudi Tarres joined the company and took over that role in 2004 and continued till 2017. Trudi served Brisbane Indian Times for thirteen years. Dilraj Kaur now manages the publication, while Jitender Kumar heads the Delhi operation, looking after the graphic design and page layout.

An initiative of Brisbane Indian Times was the Brisbane Indian Times and Commonwealth Bank

Of Australia Multicultural Community and Business awards. When Brisbane City Council took on the Multicultural Business Awards and the Queensland Government took on the Multicultural Community Awards, Brisbane Indian Times stopped as it would be duplicating the event; Brisbane City Council and the Queensland Government were sponsors of the BIT/CBA awards.

Brisbane Indian Times has supported many Community events and sponsored multiple events. Brisbane Indian Times and, since 2015, Australian Indian Radio have been media supporters of significant community events and have received various awards, certificates, and plaques.

Publishers Umesh and Usha Chandra were named Brisbane City Council joint citizens of the year in 2019, and in 2020, Umesh Chandra

was awarded the Order of Australia Medal.

Brisbane Indian Times has maintained the print version for the last twenty years; keeping in line with technology, the online version has been made available. The readership and reach have significantly grown over the years, and the number of people of Indian Origin keeps growing in Queensland. Brisbane Indian Times remains the first full-colour newspaper for the Indian Community in Queensland.

Brisbane Indian Times would like to thank all the correspondents for their continued support, all the advertisers without whom we would not exist, all the distributors for carrying our publication, all community organisations for your ongoing support, our printers, distributors, and all the readers and subscribers, you all have made this possible.

General for Brazil in Sydney; Mr David Crisafulli, Leader of the Opposition in Queensland and Shadow Minister for Tourism, as well as the Olympics and Paralympics; Cr Krista Adams, Deputy Mayor of the Brisbane City Council and Chair for Economic Development and the 2032

Olympic & Paralympic Games; Ms Valeria Noleto, Honorary Consul for Brazil in Queensland, and CEO of the Australia Brazil Chamber of Commerce; Senator Paul Scarr, Senator of Qld; Rob Grant, President of the Australia Brazil Chamber of Commerce, and members of

Once the distinguished guests were comfortably sat, the stage was graced by captivating entertainment from Sara & Bruno – Bossa Latina, alongside the mesmerising melodies of the Brisbane Choro Ensemble. The event concluded at 9 p.m. The celebration is set to run from the 31st of August to the 24th of September, spanning across Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Sydney, and the Gold Coast. A vibrant array of events awaits, including Business Day, Film Night, Sports Night, Night in Brazil, Fashion Day, Comunidade do Samba, and other enthralling experiences. Guided by ABCC’s vision, the event aims to illuminate Brazil’s rich cultural traditions, forge institutional links, and foster a deeper understanding of Australia-Brazil business opportunities.

riVerfire 2023 KiCKs off BrisBane fesTiVal wiTH a BanG

THOUSAnDS have turned out to the city’s best vantage points to celebrate Brisbane Festival’s dazzling Riverfire event, with more than 11 tonnes of explosives going up in smoke and a dazzling array of colours.

The Brisbane sky was awash with colour, and the waterfront was dotted

with people as more than

11 tonnes of fireworks exploded as part of the spectacular display on Saturday night.

Earlier in the evening, eager spectators were treated to the C17A Globemaster display – one of the defence forces ‘s biggest aircraft doing a low

flyover, and the EA-18G Growler show, with fighter jets speeding through the air at 900km/h.

Resources Safety and Health Queensland senior inspector said that approximately 1500 hours of work had gone into ensuring the display went off with the right bang.

Lord Mayors multicultural roundtable.

122nd australian national flag day observed

KInG GEORGE SQUARE, Brisbane, witnessed the annual Australian National Flag Day celebration on Thursday, August 31st, 2023. The formal proceeding, marking this significant occasion, unfolded from 9:30 a.m. to 9:53 a.m.

The celebrations started with an earnest commencement ceremony, followed by an address delivered by The Right Honourable, The Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Councillor Adrian Schrinner. Mr. Allan Pidgeon AM, President of the Australian Flag Association, also had an insightful address.

Adding a youthful touch to the event, Members of the Lord Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, Amelia Lynch, and Semisi Manu, conveyed messages from the GovernorGeneral and Prime Minster.

At 9:43 a.m. all guests rose in reverence as the Australian National Flag was hurled, accompanied by the strains of the national anthem. The Australian

Defence Force Flag Pary paraded and hoisted the flag with honour.

Post the formal proceedings, guests and dignitaries convened at the Balmoral room within City Hall to continue the celebration with a reception.

On September 3, all Australians are encouraged to celebrate the National Australian Flag Day to commemorate the day in 1901 on which the flag was first flown.

outstanding contributions to multiculturalism recognised

BRISBAnE The contributions of six individuals and organisations to supporting and promoting a united, harmonious and inclusive Queensland community have been recognised at the 2023 Multicultural Queensland Awards.

Winners include former Somali refugee Faysel Ahmed Selat and President of the Ukrainian Community of Queensland Peter Bongiorni

A former Somali refugee who was instrumental in helping to boost the vaccination rates of migrants and First Nations peoples at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic has been recognised at this year’s Multicultural Queensland Awards.

President of the Somali Community Association, Mr Faysel Ahmed Selat, was one of six individuals and organisations recognised for their outstanding achievements in supporting and promoting a united, harmonious, and inclusive Queensland community.

Since arriving in Australia as a refugee, Mr Selat has become a strong public health advocate and well-respected youth leader in Brisbane.

Mr Selat was awarded the Outstanding Contribution by a New Queenslander Award for his tireless efforts to ensure migrants and First Nations peoples have access to an inclusive public health system, combined with his work with the Queensland Police Service to develop a culturally informed response to reduce youth violence.

This year’s winner of the Minister’s Multicultural Award is Peter Bongiorni, President of the Ukrainian Community of Queensland, who was recognised for his incredible support to help newly arrived Ukrainians to secure homes, learn English, enrol their children in school,

access health care and settle successfully into Queensland lifestyle.

Other winners included Dr Maggy Lord from the University of Queensland and Mabel Park State High School’s Parents and Citizens Association who were recognised as Diversity and Inclusion Champions, and Rockhampton’s Dawn Hay and the Townsville Multicultural Support Group received Multicultural Sector Outstanding Achievement awards.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Multicultural Affairs Leanne Linard:

“The quality and diversity of the nominations this year made me incredibly proud to be a Queenslander.

“We have some truly remarkable individuals and organisations working across the state to ensure our communities are welcoming, where people can thrive and contribute positively.

“This year’s award winners and nominees are shining examples of how we are leading the way regarding diversity and inclusion.

“I congratulate all recipients and nominees and thank them for their leadership and dedication in creating a better Queensland.

“These awards round out another hugely successful Multicultural Queensland

Month.

“Queenslanders have participated in a wide range of events and activities across the state to celebrate our rich cultural and linguistic diversity.”

Outstanding Contribution by a New Queenslander – Mr Faysel Ahmed Selat

As President of the Somali Community Association of Queensland, Faysel Ahmed Selat has become a public health advocate and wellrespected youth leader in Brisbane who is passionate about inclusive public health access. During the pandemic, Faysel worked with Queensland Health to set up a vaccination hub in Inala to expedite the vaccination of migrants and First Nations peoples in the area and mobilised youths and elders to communicate life-saving advice. While volunteering at Refugee Health Queensland, he produced a video targeting doctors highlighting the importance of interpreters and translators in hospital environments. He has also worked closely with the Queensland Police Service to develop a culturally informed engagement and response strategy to reduce and prevent youth violence.

Minister’s Multicultural Award – Peter Bongiorni

As President of the Ukrainian Community of

Queensland, Peter Bongiorni’s incredible commitment to Queensland’s Ukrainian community is evidenced by the countless hours he volunteers to support not only Ukrainians born in Australia, but also those newly arrived in Queensland to secure homes, learn English, enrol their children in school, access healthcare and settle successfully into Queensland’s way of life. Peter has been instrumental in fundraising to assist newly arrived refugees, brokering an agreement with St Vincent de Paul Society to enable physical donations received from the local community to be exchanged for gift cards, and securing funding for two community officers to provide settlement support. He is committed to fostering intercultural understanding and promoting the traditions and cultural heritage of the Queensland Ukrainian community.

Diversity and Inclusion Champion (Individual) – Dr Maggy Lord

Dr Maggy Lord is a wellregarded and high achieving academic at the University of Queensland. Maggy is being recognised as the co-founder of the Mshauri STEM mentorship program – the only STEM mentorship in Australia focused on supporting students from culturally and linguistically

diverse backgrounds. She is an inspiring role model and mentor for young students, drawing on her extensive skills and experience to motivate and support them to pursue STEM careers.

Diversity and Inclusion Champion (Organisation) –Mabel Park State High School P&C Association

Recognising the important link between schools and communities, the Mabel Park SHS P&C provides a range of activities to strengthen cultural and community cohesion. This small group of dedicated volunteers worked tirelessly to deliver the first-ever OCEANIA: Queensland Schools

Multicultural Showcase – a unique multicultural event for students from more than 30 schools across Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, Moreton, and Gold Coast regions. The event brought students together to celebrate cultural diversity and proudly showcased both traditional and contemporary performances from the Aboriginal community, Cook Islands, Tahitian, Samoan, Tongan, Māori, and African Nations.

Multicultural Sector Outstanding Achiever (Individual) – Mrs Dawn Hay

Dawn Hay has been an active volunteer and community advocate for

over 50 years and is highly regarded for her compassion and unwavering commitment to helping others. Dawn has worked tirelessly for the Central Queensland Multicultural Association (CQMA) which is committed to cultural connectivity and harmony and supports people from diverse backgrounds to settle within the Rockhampton region. Thanks to Dawn’s leadership, the CQMA successfully secured funding from the Queensland Government and independent donations to enable it to provide employment opportunities, education, research, advocacy support, and community engagement for new and older migrants in the Central Queensland Area. She also volunteers with the Central Queensland Hospital Health Service committee to help culturally and linguistically diverse members of the community to navigate the healthcare system.

Multicultural Sector Outstanding Achiever (Organisation) – Townsville Multicultural Support Group

For over 30 years, the Townsville Multicultural Support Group (TMSG) has been advocating and supporting culturally and linguistically diverse communities across regional Queensland. Through their support services, partnerships, and innovative, communityled programs, they have helped over 80,000 new Queenslanders with a focus on economic independence and social inclusion for all. Committed to uplifting the voices of migrants and refugees, addressing local barriers, and creating sustainable opportunities in North Queensland, TMSG is promoting mutual understanding and respect and helping create a more welcoming and inclusive Queensland.

october 14 Voice referendum - date announced

Electronic voting would require legislative change, which is a matter for Parliament.

Telephone voting is available for those who are blind or have low vision and for those living in Antarctica.

Under the Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act 1984, it is an offence to vote more than once in a referendum.

If your name cannot be found on the certified list, you will be asked to spell it or print it on paper, and

the certified list will be rechecked. You may also be asked if you could be on the roll under a different name (do you have a former name?). If your name still cannot be found, or your name on the list has been marked somehow, you

will be directed to cast a declaration vote.

A declaration vote is when an elector declares their entitlement to vote.

Declaration votes are issued when the elector casts an absent, pre-poll, postal or provisional vote.

WITH the date finally announced for the 2023 Voice referendum, here is everything you need to know about how to vote, where, and what happens if you don’t.

Referendum date: October 14. A referendum is a nationwide vote to change the Australian Constitution. For a referendum to pass, a national majority of voters and a majority of voters in a majority of the states (at least four states) must vote ‘yes’ to the change.

The Indigenous Voice to Parliament Referendum is a vote on whether we want to alter the Constitution to establish an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve of this proposed alteration? Yes or no.

You can vote at any polling place on voting day. Like last year's Victorian election, polling places will be set up at local schools, churches and community halls, or public buildings. The locations of these polling places will be available on the AEC website. Polling places are open between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

There will be polling booths, placards and likely democracy sausages on offer, but as there is just one question that requires a yes or no answer, it will be much faster.

Postal voting, early voting and mobile polling will also be available for the referendum.

Voting is compulsory for Australian citizens aged 18 years or older. You may be fined if you do not vote or have a valid and sufficient reason. The AEC will write to you at the address listed on the electoral roll and ask you to provide a reason why you did not vote. It is at the discretion of the AEC’s Divisional Returning Officer (DRO) for each electorate to determine whether you have provided a valid and sufficient reason for not voting. The DRO will consider your case's merits and any

specific circumstances at the polling places within their division in deciding.

At a referendum, you will receive a ballot paper with the proposed amendment to the Constitution, followed by a question asking if you approve the proposed alteration. On the referendum ballot paper, you need to indicate your vote by clearly writing:

In the box if you approve the proposed alteration or NO in the box if you do not support the proposed alteration.

The AEC is required to distribute a pamphlet to Australian voters containing the Yes and No cases prepared by parliamentarians who voted for and against the proposed law. The booklet will be distributed to all Australian households throughout August and September 2023. The booklet contains a statement containing the proposed change to the Constitution, the case in favour of the proposed constitutional alteration, and the case against the proposed constitutional alteration. Each case consists of no more than 2,000 words. These pamphlets will arrive in your mailbox shortly.

When you arrive at the polling place, a polling official will ask you three questions: What is your full name? Where do you live? Have you voted before in this referendum? Suppose your answers match what is on the electoral roll, and you have not voted before in the referendum.

In that case, the polling official will mark you off the electoral roll, hand you a ballot paper and a pencil, and direct you to a voting screen where you cast your vote.

If a voter manipulates the wording of a referendum question on their ballot paper, whether by adding or deleting words, this will likely only make that voter’s intention regarding the actual question unclear. Doing so is likely to lead to an informal (donkey) vote.

The AEC conducts referendums under the Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act 1984.