Desi Australia Digital Magazine August 2021 Edition

AUGUST 2021

“Keeping you connected”

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NEWS I HEALTH I COMMUNITY NEWS I TECHNOLOGY I YOGA I TALENT

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CONTENTS

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In Focus: 48 Canberra Radford College - building stronger connections The Kathakar 12 KavishiTelling the stories through hand gestures, footwork, and facial expressions

the Voice Behind 56 Meet Jalebi Baby

62 Government funds 06 NSW teaching community languages Indian 10 The Tea Room Festival 2021, 16 OzAsia Adelaide Celebration of Asian Australian

– A coffee table book, 66 Light

by Parabjeet Singh

talent on new level

24 22 of 20 Appointment New Members of SAMEAC libraries and tertiary 24 Country students are the winners from National Backyard Cricket

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fundraising campaign Canberra

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Our Superstars Making a Mark in Theatre & Music

Days to your 30 87Dream Health & Body Distancing during 36 Social COVID19 does not mean Social Isolation: Download Our App

Disclaimer: All rights reserved. Do not re-use any content and photo from Desi Australia without the prior written permission from the editor. All the material published in Desi Australia, including articles, features, fillers, advertisements, and all other contents, are published in good faith, and the editor or the Desi Australia magazine cannot be held liable for any errors or omissions. All material is published on the understanding that it is copyright free, and Desi Australia accepts no liability for any subsequent copyright issues. We also cannot accept responsibility for and do not endorse views expressed by www.DesiAustralia.com the contributors.

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PUBLISHER

Hello Everyone,

Desi Media Group (Desi Australia Pty Ltd)

Editor-in-chief Arti Banga

NSW Editor: Harmohan Walia

Sales and Marketing: Dimple Deez

Victoria Editor: Daljeet Bakshi

Queensland Editor: Priya Singh

ACT Editor: Rajni Ghai Malhotra

Western Australia Editor: Ankita Tandon

South Australia Editor: Daljeet Bakshi

Designer

Ravi Mathur

Address: Desi Australia Pty Ltd PO Box 102, Casula, NSW 2170 Email : info@DesiAustralia.com

Mob: 0433121339

While in Australia some states are gripped in the hands of lockdown, the Australian players have done their best in the Olympics to provide entertainment to their fellow citizens at home and made their country proud.

This year marks the 75th Independence Day for India and though There will be minimal public gatherings for the celebration, we commemorate and remember the collective effort and sacrifices of many individuals who demonstrated selflessness for the independence of their country.

We hope you enjoy reading this edition as we bring to you the hidden talents of South Asian community,

Arti Banga

Editor-in-Chief

articles on how to look after your health in COVID 19, life experiences, along with the latest happening across the major cities of Australia.

Stay safe and stay healthy.

DesiAustralia.com “Keeping you connected”

Indian Independence Our best wishes to India and the Indian-Australian community on India’s Independence Day.

Julian Leeser Member for Berowra

Fiona Martin Member for Reid

Alex Hawke Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Member for Mitchell

Scott Morrison Prime Minister

Paul Fletcher Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Member for Bradfield

Concetta Fierravanti-Wells Senator for New South Wales

Authorised by A.Hirst, Liberal Party of Australia, Cnr Blackall and Macquarie Sts, Barton ACT 2600.

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75th

Indian Independence Day From our homes to yours...our best wishes to the Indian Community celebrating Independence Day! Thinking of building a new home...HomeWorld invites you to explore over 300 display homes from 50 Building Companies across 5 locations.

Compare the latest in new home building, including first home buyer options, large family homes and custom built designs.

See multigenerational living options such as duplexes or granny flats (perfect for independent living while staying connected to those you love).

Right now the best way to start planning your brand new home is to head to homeworld.com.au, where you can view the display homes, floorplans and connect directly with the Builder’s sales teams.

Stay up to date through our Facebook and Instagram #homeworldaus homeworldaustralia

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Community News | Sydney

NSW Government funds teaching community languages

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By Waren Duncan

he New South Wales Government has made a significant re-commitment ($10.18m) to the teaching of community languages across the state.

In a video message to the Annual Gala Dinner of the NSW Federation of Community Language Schools, the Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, said she was incredibly proud of the teachers, the volunteers, the parents and students of community language schools “because I know the importance of being a good citizen but also about being proud of one’s cultural heritage”.

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“It is really incredible that around 600 community language schools exist across the state and it is really important that we as a State Government support you”, she said.

dinner by Victor Dominello, Minister for Customer Service and Minister for Digital, and former long-term Minister for Citizenship and Communities, who announced the Government grant to loud applause.

The Premier, who learnt her own family language, Armenian, at a Saturday community language school, told the gathering that “being bi-lingual today has had enormous benefits and I’m proud of that fact”.

The President of the Federation, Lúcia Johns, welcomed the commitment which, she said, “would guarantee the continuation and expansion of the organisation’s important work right across the state”.

She and the Minister for Education, Sarah Mitchell, were represented at the

The Prime Minister, Mr Scott Morrison, also addressed the gathering in a message

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Community News | Sydney

in which he paid tribute to the Federation for its “efforts and powerful work support-

ing tens of thousands of students as they develop a deeper connection to their family

heritage.

“Language and cultural literacy are ever more important in our increasingly connected world. For Australia, they are a vibrant and essential part of our national economy and fundamental to our vibrant multicultural project.

In thousands of ways, you help strengthen families and bridge the gap between the generations”, he said. The NSW Federation of Community Language Schools represents 250 member schools teaching 87 different languages to around 38 thousand students in 460 locations across the state.

Message from the Mayor of Blacktown City

Indian Independence Day As the Mayor of Blacktown City, I would like to send my warmest wishes to all members of our city’s Indian community on the occasion of Indian Independence Day.

Councillor Tony Bleasdale OAM

Mayor of Blacktown City

Blacktown City is one of the most multicultural cities in Australia, with our residents representing 180 nationalities and speaking 182 languages.

It gives me great pride and joy to be Mayor of a great city where we have so many cultures, including the Indian community, which is one of our top 5 countries of origin.

Indian Independence Day commemorates the nation’s independence from the United Kingdom on 15 August 1947.

I am extremely proud of the way our local Indian community has led the way during this difficult time through its many examples of kindness to others.

Best wishes to all on this auspicious occasion.

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Mag Corner

Welcoming Cities Sympos

By Indranil Halder

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onoured to attend the Welcoming Cities Symposium 2021 at Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour as a guest of Sonia Ghandi from Gandhi Creation.

A symposium developed in partnership with Department of Home Affairs (Australian Government) , NSW Government and Scanlon Foundation.

The key objective is to identify areas of development for an Australia that can keep welcoming new migrants in the future.

Attended by Hon.Alex Hawk MP, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs address the delegates with Sneha Chatterjee, Regional Director(NSW/ ACT, Department of Home Affairs, Australian Government).

Welcoming Australia: Welcoming Australia program was founded by Brad Chilcott, who was at the symposium with Chair Anthea Hancocks and Chief Executive Officer Aleem Ali. They talked about the program’s involvement over the last ten years. The program came into existence after 2010 toxic public debate of refugee and ‘asylum seeker’. Brad identified a necessity. Welcome Australia program came into existence. A fascinating time line of the program’s work was present in its celebratory brochure. The brochure highlighted many achievements including produc-

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tion of a show for the Adelaide Fringe Festival called Refugee Stories and Secret Recipes. Welcoming Australia program has grown tremendously with 56 members to represent 8 million people over last five years. In 2016, David Lubell ( Founder of Welcoming America) talked about the idea of ‘Welcoming Cities’ to 150 attendees in Melbourne Town Hall. Welcoming Australia is celebrating 10 years of its existence with the hosting of Welcom-

AUGUST I 2021

ing Cities Symposium 2021 at the Australian National Maritime Museum.

Welcoming Cities Symposium: During Welcoming Cities Symposium 2021, some of the topics discussed with representatives from across various parts of Australia included communication, racism and strategies to help new migrants settle in Australia.

South Australia or Queensland were identified by George Megalogenis (

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Mag Corner

sium 2021 author and Journalist ) possible states for future new migrants settlements as cities such as Sydney and Melbourne have reached population saturation.

In Sydney, migrants from China, India and UK that tops the chart even though, Sydney suburbs of Blacktown, Liverpool and Parramatta are home to over 80 different nationalities. With nationalists from across the globe, the above mentioned suburbs are gearing towards diverse and multicultural communication for greater community engagements.

While in Melbourne, migrants from India who are on the top of the chart.

Molina Swarup Asthana from Melbourne (whose shoes have been featured in an exhibition titled : A Mile in My

Shoes at the Australian Maritime Museum) also spoke on ‘Responding to Racism’ at the symposium. She highlighted the need for greater response to reduce racism in Melbourne. Last but not the least, implementation of strategies for new migrants seemed to be the key for Australia’s successful future.

According to Molina,”The Symposium also brought together international, national and local policy-makers, researchers, business innovators and civic leaders to share, explore and discuss the challenges, benefits and opportunities of migration, settlement, cultural diversity and inclusion.”

Creating an inclusive Tomorrow : Due to pandemic, the Australian migration may have temporarily stopped but the million dollar question is, how can Australia handle it better to welcome new migrants, once the boarder opens? The reasons for Australia to

welcome new migrants are ageing population, significantly low birth rate and education system unable to produce required number of professionals needed to run Australia.

Welcoming Australia values the engagements and interactions with people across the country inclusive society. It has a great potential to sustainably run the country and settle skilled migrates. It is about belonging and bringing people together while listening and learning. It was great for me to learn that we are all thinking for an Australia where everyone has an equal opportunity to belong, contribute and thrive regardless of their culture, faith and sexuality. Such strategy will have a great impact to benefit Australia and her people and Welcoming Australia is definitely helping the process.

For more information visit : https://symposium.welcomingcities.org. au/

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Indian Independence Day

Authorised by Michelle Rowland MP, Australian Labor Party, Suite 101C, Level 1, 130 Main Street, Blacktown NSW 2148

WISHING YOU A N D Y O U R FA M I LY A HAPP Y

Michelle Rowland MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR GREENWAY

PO Box 8525, Blacktown NSW 2148 Level 1, Suite 101C, 130 Main Street, Blacktown (02) 9671 4780 Michelle.Rowland.MP@aph.gov.au www.michellerowland.com.au MRowlandMP

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Community News | Sydney

The Indian Tea Room High Tea to Raise Funds for Women Empowerment

By: Rekha Rajvanshi

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he Indian Tea Room – High Tea with an Indian Twist on 30th May at Hornsby War Memorial Hall, brought many dynamic women of Sydney together.

The Indian Tea room is an annual event, successfully held for the past five years to support various charities and causes.

The objective of the high tea this year was to raise awareness and funds for IWE (Indian Women Empower), a newly formed organization.

IWE was established to address the complex relational and multifaceted nature of issues faced by Indian women in Australia.

The aim is to connect women to better themselves, improve self-worth, determine choices, and discover their potential. To achieve this vision, IWE will regularly hold

programs, workshops, and events to connect women, support and encourage their potential and promote a sisterhood.

The organizer of this event Mansi Khanna said – ‘Our belief is creating a safe haven for women! Supporting women is paramount and we stand with IWE to achieve that.’

Speakers at the event were Melissa Monterio – CEO of CMRC and one of the founding members of IWE, who spoke about women empowerment. Then Harinder Kaur of Harman foundation said a few words about how her organization will be collaborating with IWE in the future.

A short play by Crescendo Films on domestic violence was sensational. It was directed

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AUGUST I 2021

ably by Jyotsana Sharma and performed beautifully by the solo-actor Akanksha Srivastava.

Fashion show by Krina Parikh of Ethnic wear expo with the models Sarita Menon, Hiral Adhyaru , Clr Reena Jethi added glamour to the event. The makeup artist was Sonu Sodhi.

Dance performances headed by Shona Thapliyal of Balaji Nritya Bharati Dance Academy Sydney, were enjoyed by the audience. Sumptuous custom-made food – burgers, sandwiches, and desserts, catered by Ponds catering, was enjoyed by all.

A sum of AU$3,500 was raised through the event which will be used to support workshops and events to empower women especially new migrants. www.DesiAustralia.com

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Community News | Brisbane

Finding our Heritage - Playing our Part in South Asian Heritage Month

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Joseph Kolapudi rowing up South Asian has its upsides and its downsides, and often living in a multicultural society is a reflection of our cultural attitudes, values and beliefs, and the interplay between Western ideology and the diversity of our Eastern roots. However, the recent launch of South Asian Heritage Month has been a refreshing recognition of what makes our cultural community unique to the tapestry of history.

Inaugurally commencing in 2020, South Asian Heritage Month originally launched in the UK as a month-long commemoration of the historical importance of the contributions of South Asians to the landscape of the country, across the sectors of arts, culture and heritage. This year marks the second consecutive year that South Asian Heritage Month has been held, which began on the 18th of July, denoting the day of that the Indian Independence Act of 1947 came into being, through until the 17th of August, the day that the Radcliffe Line was also drawn in 1947, noting the geographical boundaries that marked India, Pakistan and Bangladesh becoming nation states.

With the onset of COVID-19, this year’s theme extended to the inclusion of digital dialogues, online events, and virtual celebrations of diverse South Asian organisations, creatives and initiatives within the wider diaspora; and the first time this extended beyond the UK. This year, there were multiple South Asian-led organisations and initiatives in Australia that took part in hosted conversations, in partnership with authors, artists, and acclaimed creatives.

“We Will Write our Stories” was the first digital dialogue held online by the Australian South Asian Centre, located in Melbourne, with multiple authors and speakers from both the UK and Australia weighing in on the conversation regarding inspiring new generations of South Asian writers. Over 150 people attended online, which included live Q&A sessions, online conversations, as well as digital opportunities for budding authors to launch their own stories and book ideas.

Following on from this online event, a hosted conversation by SolveSquad, an online Download Our App

response platform launched in collaboration with the World Economic Forum Global Shapers Brisbane Hub, covered the topic of South Asian Youth and COVID-19, in regards to facing challenges and identifying opportunities springing forward from the pandemic. In connection with a local UK-based charity known as People against Poverty, and in conversation with the South Asian Forum, a nationwide network connecting emerging leaders from multicultural backgrounds, this dialogue helped to highlight examples of new initiatives within the community to connect people during lockdown, discuss mental health challenges affecting individuals due to isolation, and provide new perspectives on post-COVID-19 realities, including virtual volunteering and community platforms assisting others online.

As South Asian Heritage Month continues, over 100 events across the month-long commemoration of cultural traditions and celebrations have brought many together, despite the distance of time and space. It has also shown the resilience and ingenuity of South Asians across the diaspora, who have been able to develop new initiatives and ways of engagement in spite of the pandemic, and especially as many seek to find and foster community in the face of COVID-19.

Beyond the month-long celebrations, organisers have been ideating ways to further the importance of recognising cultural leaders and emerging opportunities; and will be making South Asian Heritage Month into a year-round platform for individuals and organisations to get involved.

For many, this has also sparked the search for cultural belonging. Due to the recent challenging times, it has become evidently important, more than ever, for communities of colour to be able to put aside differences and come together around a common purpose. For South Asians, this has meant recognising the efforts of those outside of the subcontinent, especially the international community, expats, and thirdculture-kids who have been leading the conversation for leaders of the future.

and different perspectives continues. As new platforms emerge, it is encouraging that there is a united front for multiple generations of South Asians to converge during a single observance, especially centering around South Asian Heritage Month and all that it means and signifies for the wider community.

Continuing this conversation forward, there are many different ways for those within the South Asian context to be involved; including initiatives such as South Asian Writers, which will be highlighting a video series featuring pandemic perspectives Shakti Mental Health Melbourne.

Additionally, the digital dialogues will continue to be hosted through YouTube Live, as well as featured on the online platform for South Asian Heritage Month. Future events and initiatives will also feature collaboration calls for young South Asians to be featured and contribute to ongoing discussions regarding heritage and cultural values.

Identifying with our desi heritage is often both a challenge and an opportunity; in that, reconciling our differences and connecting with our culture requires taking initiative in a society where being unique can be problematic.

However, embracing these differences and being aware of our diversity and how we add value to the world we live in can actually bring communities together into a closer knit society in which we can develop new ways of understanding and engaging with others.

For our culture to be truly recognised, we need platforms such as South Asian Heritage Month as a showcase of our community, to preserve our legacy, and unite our society as a whole for generations to come.

This cultural observance has also led many to bridge the gap through partnering with other South Asian collectives and initiatives, especially as the conversation for championing diversity AUGUST I 2021

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Talent

Kavishi- The Kath Telling the stories through hand gestures, footwork, and

By: Priya Singh

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athak is one of the main genres of ancient Indian classical dance and is traditionally regarded to have originated from the travelling bards of North India referred as Kathakars or storytellers. These Kathakars wandered around and communicated legendary stories via music, dance and songs quite like the early Greek theatre.

The genre developed during the Bhakti movement, the trend of theistic devotion which evolved in medieval Hinduism. The Kathakars communicate stories through rhythmic foot movements, hand gestures,

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facial expressions and eye work. This performing art that incorporates legends from ancient mythology and great Indian epics, especially from the life of Lord Brisbane based Kavishi is a teen Model and dedicated Kathak Dancer. Her rhythmic footwork and graceful movements have strong stage presence. A natural with many shorts on Instagram and her own YouTube channel, she was introduced to the world of Kathak by the

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Talent

hakar facial expressions renowned Guru Rani Khanam ji Disciple of Pandit Birju Maharaj ji. She has performed in many prestigious Events & Festivals since past 8 years.

She has also done many Print shoots with prestigious brands, worked as child actress in Zee Music Album and also worked with many bollywood celebrities like Mr. Amitabh Bachchan, Jayapradha, Cricketer Mahindar Singh Dhoni and many more.

She is a youth icon with approx one million Followers on her Social Handles and she is already training Classical Kathak to young kids in Brisbane.

Happy Indian Independence Day On behalf of the City of Parramatta, I would like to extend my best wishes to everyone celebrating Indian Independence Day.

Cr Bob Dwyer Lord Mayor City of Parramatta Council

126 Church Street, Parramatta PO Box 32, Parramatta NSW 2124 P 02 9806 5050 E council@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au

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“

A DV E R T I S E M E N T

Wishing the Indian Community of South Australia and around the world a Happy Independence Day

“

H O N S TE V E N

M A R S H A LL m p

MEMBER FOR DUNSTAN PREMIER FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA Unit 2, 90-94 The Parade, Norwood SA 5067 (08) 8363 9111 dunstan@parliament.sa.gov.au StevenMarshallMP steven_marshallmp

Authorised by S Marshall, Unit 2, 90-94 The Parade, Norwood SA 5067.

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Community News | Adelaide

OzAsia Festival 2021, Ad

Celebration of Asian Australian talent

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By: Daljeet Bakshi

ue to covid 19 pandemic major events got cancelled or postponed. World renowned OzAsia Festival hosted by Adelaide Festival Centre in Adelaide every year features and celebrates cultural diversity and Asian Australian talent. The festival returns to Adelaide Festival Centre following last year’s online offering.

This year it will mark the first full-scale OzAsia Festival to be delivered under the leadership of its new Artistic Director, Annette Shun Wah: “OzAsia Festival 2021 takes place at a critical moment for Australia’s engagement with Asia, and there’s no better time to ensure the people who best embody that connection – Australians of Asian background – lead the conversation. This year’s distinctive and forward-looking program presents a wealth of exceptional talent and exciting new voices. I invite audiences to enjoy exploring the many treats we have in store, and I can’t wait to see you all in October.”

OzAsia 2021 will feature more than 300 artists in what is expected to be the world’s

most significant showcase of Asian Australian talent, with tickets now on sale for an exciting range of contemporary works.

His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AC, Governor of South Australia and OzAsia Festival Patron: “OzAsia Festival brings together artists with many different voices and perspectives. The wide range of events highlighted in the program for this year are more than just arts experiences – they are opportunities to celebrate, and enjoy, the rich cultural diversity of the Asian region. The festival truly has it all – from free community events right through to ground-breaking stage productions and a stunning film program. I am also looking forward to the Moon Lantern Trail, a reimagining of the ever-popular Moon Lantern Parade. I am proud to be Patron of

this fantastic festival and to see how much OzAsia Festival has grown since its inception. It is heartening to see how it has been enthusiastically embraced by the community for 14 years.”

The Honourable Steven Marshall MP, Premier of South Australia: “I am delighted to see the return of this unique festival which has, over the years, been embraced by so many Australians and friends in the Asia Pacific region.

“By showcasing the best of contemporary art experiences from Asia and fostering positive relationships between Australia and its neighbouring countries, OzAsia Festival provides major opportunities for artists to play their part in connecting people and communities. The Government of South Australia is proud to support OzAsia Festival 2021, and I congratulate Adelaide Festival Centre, Annette Shun Wah, and everyone involved in making it possible.”

Adelaide Festival Centre Artistic Director & CEO Douglas Gautier AM: “As Australia’s leading contemporary arts festival fostering cultural engagement between

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Community News | Adelaide

delaide

claimed pianist Belle Chen will present the Australian premiere of Destinations, while The Special Comedy Comedy Special features some of this country’s leading Asian Australian comedians.

t on new level Australia and Asia, OzAsia Festival is an important celebration of diversity within Australia and artistic excellence. Artistic Director Annette Shun Wah is our country’s most prominent and respected advocate for Asian Australian artists and their work, and this certainly shines through in the exciting program she has delivered. I look forward to welcoming you all to Adelaide Festival Centre for this spectacular showcase of contemporary Asian Australian performance at its finest.”

The extensive program of this year: This includes World premiere performances include The Demon by award-winning novelist Michael Mohammed Ahmad, who will debut his talents as a playwright at OzAsia Festival 2021.

Adelaide audiences will also be the first to enjoy When by seasoned OzAsia Festival performer Mindy Meng Wang, who will combine film and live music to share emotional stories of life during lockdown.

Internationally renowned martial arts performer Maria Tran will present her new theatre work Action Star, and choreographer/dancer Alison Currie and award-winning Japanese soloist Yui Kawaguchi will perform in their first collaboration together for Somewhere, Everywhere, Nowhere.

Indonesian-Australian artist Jumaadi is

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Nexus Arts will host Pinoy St Party, a night of street food and entertainment led

by Filipino musician Kuya James, along with Playlist by progressive independent acts Rainbow Chan, Corin, (Mindy Meng Wang and Sui Zhen.

reinvigorating the ancient art of shadow play for Perahu-Perahu, while The Long Walk will see boundary-pushing choreographer/ filmmaker Sue Healey combine dance and drone footage for a livestream from the rugged yet beautiful coastline of Robe, South Australia.

Storytellers will be the focus of two unique experiences at this year’s festival. Double Delicious will see a stellar cast including renowned author Benjamin Law and celebrity chef Elizabeth Chong reveal the secrets of dishes significant to their lives, while Open Homes immerses audiences in the personal and moving accounts of everyday people who have chosen to call Adelaide home.

Major events at Her Majesty’s Theatre include Ahimsa: Meditations on Gandhi, a heartfelt tribute celebrating the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth, and Hand to Earth with Yolngu songman Daniel Wilfred, Korean jazz vocalist Sunny Kim and the Australian Art Orchestra. Ac-

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Dance theatre work two will explore the interdisciplinary relationship between contemporary dancer Raghav Handa and maestro tabla musician Maharshi Raval, while Sydney Theatre Company and Riverside’s National Theatre of Parramatta present Anchuli Felicia King’s White Pearl – a blisteringly funny satire about a skincare company whose new TV commercial goes viral for all the wrong reasons.

Foodies favourite Lucky Dumpling Market will return to Elder Park, and the ever-popular Moon Lantern Parade is evolving from a one-night event to span four days of free family experiences across the festival’s opening weekend. Starting at Adelaide Festival Centre and taking audiences over the Oval footbridge to Pinky Flat, the newly named Moon Lantern Trail will boast roving performances, interactive workshops and live music – along with plenty of giant lanterns on display.

New writing and ideas program In Other Words is on its way to the Adelaide Riverbank Lawns for OzAsia Festival’s closing weekend (November 5-7). Program Curator Laura Kroetsch, a long-time curator and producer of literary and ideas events, will be joined by writer/broadcaster Benjamin Law and award-winning Indian Australian author

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Community News | Adelaide

Roanna Gonsalves as guest curators.

In Other Words will bring together some of Asia and Australia’s most inspiring contemporary writers as they engage in vital conversations about our past, present and future. The program – to be revealed in full in September – includes ticketed event Lunch on the Riverbank with Parwana, which will invite patrons to enjoy a special lunch, conversation and book signing with local writer and restaurateur Durkhanai Ayubi.

Other speakers confirmed so far include broadcast journalist Marc Fennell, filmmaker Tony Ayres, Indigenous rights advocate Larissa Behrendt, finance expert Satyajit Das, newsreader Mimi Kwa, barrister Lyma Nguyen, foreign correspondent James Oaten, economist Geoff Raby AO, University of Cambridge Professor Sujit Sivasundaram, food writer Hetty McKinnon and women’s health and safety advocate Amani Haydar.

Performance art piece AEON†: TITAN ARUM is among OzAsia Festival’s visual art highlights, with an installation at Nexus

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Arts including live appearances merging dance with uncanny puppetry by Justin Talplacido Shoulder.

Japanese Australian artist Mayu Kanamori is using her exhibition Untitled.

Showa to try to reunite a collection of more than 300 family photographs with their owners. The new Ian & Pamela Wall Gallery at Her Majesty’s Theatre will host On View: In Translation featuring video portraits of dancers from Hong Kong and Japan, while the Dunstan Playhouse’s Station Foyer will display daily screenings of The Strangers by Taiwanese artist Yuan Goang-Ming.

and people enjoy the display of exquisite arts, performances and Asian food.

Desi Media, South Asian Media group, wishes all the best to the organisers, participants. Follow the guidelines of SA Government, SA Health, SA Police , Adelaide Festival Centre and relevant authorities managing the safe plan during covid 19.

Think Safe, Act Safe, Be Safe and enjoy the great festival!

(Thanks Media & pubicity team Adelaide Festival Centre, pic cour- tesy Hele )

The Art Gallery of South Australia will host exhibitions True Self and A Vast Emporium. Over at Mercury CX, the film program includes a celebration of Shanghai-born director Wong Kar Wai. The full OzAsia Festival program can be viewed online at www.ozasiafestival.com. au.

Hope this year this festival spirit will bring smiles and enjoyment . Lets hope everything goes well with covid situation

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Community News | Adelaide

Appointment of New Members of SAMEAC First Board meeting of new members held in Adelaide ticultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission.

These Commission members have tenure of three-year starting from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2024.

By: Daljeet Bakshi

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outh Australian Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission (SAMEAC) got its new members after the appointment announced by the State Government. In June 2021, the South Australian Government appointed new members to the South Australian Mul-

The Commission plays an important role in the promotion of social inclusion and raising awareness and understanding of multiculturalism in South Australian community.

Ms Adriana Christopoulos, was appointed as the chair of SAMAEC. As the Chair of SAMEAC, Adriana brings with her extensive experience in working with diverse communities. This includes her

previous term on the South Australian Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission since July 2018, together with her leadership skills and board experience on the Australia Day Council. Adriana served on the Australia Day Council from 2008 to 2015 and chaired the Council from 2013 to 2015.

The first board meeting was held in presence of The Hon. Steven Marshall MP Premier of South Australia and The Hon Jing Lee MLC (Assistant Minister to the Premier).

Premier Marshall congratulated incoming chair Ms Adriana Christopoulos and the 14 members. .

The Hon Premier said, “The Commission will draw on the cultural diversity, skills and experience of its newly appointed members to provide valuable advice to the South Australian government about the needs, aspirations and contributions of South Australians from diverse backgrounds.”

“Through SAMEAC, our Government will continue to support the growth and advancement of our multicultural communities.”

“The State Government looks forward to working with the new Chair and members to strengthening our vision for intercultural development and multiculturalism in South Australia.”

Desi Australia media congratulates the new members and look forward for the extensive activities promoting cultural diversity , harmony and social inclusion within the community that the new members take on under the leadership of the State Government.

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Mag Corner

Prema- Vinny Lunar’s Single in Berlin, navigating the city’s kaleidoscope of eclectic sounds. The song felt a perfect fit for Vinny as it does justice to the endless nights spent in jazz open mics and Afrobeat parties.

Adapting. Evolving. Assuming form. Vinny Lunar is more confident and evolved than ever before.

FOLLOW ON: www.facebook.com/vinnylunarmusic; www. instagram.com/vinnylunarmusic; www.soundcloud.com/vinnylunarmusic

Vinny Lunar is an artist reborn.

The Indian-Australian musician writes, records and produces music that seamlessly fuses RnB, electronica, and South-Asian melodies. His music tips it hat to an eclectic range of influences ranging from Motown soul and modern R&B, to the iconic film scores of AR Rahman that characterised Bollywood’s 90s musical renaissance.

Vinny’s culturally fluidity and versatile ear allows his music to shatter stereotypes and mainstream narratives about what it means to be South Asian. As a musician who was born in Hyderabad, India and who has lived in Australia, Germany and Sweden, Vinny’s new sound displays the strength of a culturally diverse identity and an adventurous artist willing to take risks to define himself on his own terms. Vinny’s natural status as an outsider with a chameleonic taste in music makes him equally comfortable at a Tame Impala, James Blake or Erykah Badu concert. Embracing his third culture identity, he effortlessly switches in and out of different languages in his releases, cleverly dancing between his native tongue Telugu, Hindi and English in Download Our App

his new releases. Switching up from dulcet R&B melodies to hard-hitting hip hop flows, Vinny Lunar’s latest songs evoke his Indian heritage with a tasty modern twist.

His recent release, “Prema,” represents a pivotal and natural shift both in sound and creating an affinity towards his motherland. Prema, which means love in the South-Indian language of Telugu is an ode to South-Asian beauty and iconic Bollywood stars of the 90s. With references spanning Chakha Khan to Shah Rukh Khan, the song cleverly documents Vinny’s rediscovered love for his own culture and heritage after years away from Australia. “It took me going to the other side of the world to finally realise the beauty in my own culture, heritage and complexion” said Vinny The track was created with Sydney-based producer Moody, from three-piece party-starters True Vibenation. The bass heavy Afrobeat trap production hits hard as Vinny croons through his reflections of a glowing South-Asian woman.

The two musicians connected during their time AUGUST I 2021

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Advertisement India Independence Day.pdf 1 5/08/2021 5:32:12 PM

“

Authorised by Peter Malinauskas MP, Parliament House, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000.

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The South Australian Indian community has made a significant contribution to our State which can be measured by the social, economic and cultural contributions.

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On behalf of the South Australian Labor Party, we wish you all a happy Indian Independence Day.

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MY

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CMY

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Peter Malinauskas SA Labor Leader

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN LABOR

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Mag Corner

MANAGE YOUR ENERGY FIELD !!!

Make your breathing a part of your everyday awareness.

By: Sanjivani Kalsi

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nergy management is actually one of the best ways to spending your energy more wisely and help to cut your cord from all the negativity that is not good for your higher self !!!

When we learn to manage our energy, we create healthier choices, activities and action.

You will see the change and healthier outcome Always find your personal breathing space, come up for air.

Breathe Breathe beautiful soul. The breath is the vital bridge between your body and soul.

Take a time to a few deep, conscious breaths and allow life-giving energy and vitality to enter your body. By doing so, your body, mind, and soul will have a chance to pause and gain some inner clarity, calmness, and direction.

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Everything in moderation Moderation is the key to balance in all aspects of life.

Detoxing is not always about your diet. It can be your thoughts, your surroundings, your unhealthy relationship and your addiction too.

Be In Gratitude Appreciate what you have and value it. Try counting your positives and be grateful for all the good things and people in your life. Treat failure as an opportunity to learn a new and better lesson from life, and that’s the trick to manufacture optimism and be in an eternal state of gratitude.

with full of love and care.

Advice: Give your soul a personal vacation. A break from lack of interest, a break from routine and promise to yourself a motivation and wonderful day start.

As your light become stronger and clearer, you will find clarity and purpose.

Love Who You Are No change starts outside of yourself.

Change starts first from within. Loving ourselves isn’t a one time event.

It’s an endless, ongoing process.

Bringing hope and inspiration !

Ignite the strengthen the spirit within your family, your friends and your workmates. Uplift everyone by igniting that spark that is within their soul. Walk in with a smile, do a kind little gesture, complement them, be a bit silly and run around

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Wishing you and your family

A HAPPY INDIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY! Member for Strathfield

Office: Suite 2, 36 - 38 Victoria Street, Burwood NSW 2134 Phone: (02) 9747 1711 Email: Strathfield@parliament.nsw.gov.au Authorised by Jodi McKay MP. Funded using parliamentary entitlements.

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Mag Corner

Country libraries and tertiary students are the winners from National Backyard Cricket fundraising campaign

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he LBW Trust has now distributed the funds raised during the inaugural National Backyard Cricket program, held last summer to country libraries across Australia and tertiary education projects in India and Sri Lanka.

54 country libraries across Australia have received funding grants which will enable these libraries to complete projects ranging from computer access for young people, to ESL classes, special needs programs and coding classes. Almost half the grant applications requested funding for technology equipment.

Harvey Norman has generously matched the funds raised for libraries during the National Backyard Cricket program enabling grants to meet the technology needs of 21 libraries.

In total, nearly $70,000 in grants will be distributed to country libraries working with our partner, Friends of Libraries Australia.

Tertiary students in India and Sri Lanka have also been the recipients of the funds raised by the National Backyard Cricket program for overseas education. At a time when the pandemic has devastated the lives of so many in the Indian subcontinent, the support provided to the students to support their education and relieve pressure on their families has been invaluable.

There were 125 games of backyard cricket played during the National Backyard Cricket program, with over 320 donors helping to raise more than $125,000. The program was

supported by cricketing royalty including; Justin Langer, Alex Blackwell, Ryan Carters, Russel Arnold, Alyssa Healy, Ed Cowan and Michael Holding.

David Vaux, Chair of The LBW Trust said, “National Backyard Cricket was an opportunity for families and communities across Australia to come together and have fun playing our iconic game after an extremely challenging 12 months, while supporting an important cause at the same time. We are so thrilled we can support local libraries and overseas tertiary education as we know they both have a powerful impact on learning and life outcomes.”

al Backyard Cricket. The program exceeded our expectations. Together with our partners, we are proud of National Backyard Cricket’s success in its first year. We have established a great platform for National Backyard Cricket to build on.”

For more information, please visit https:// nationalbackyardcricket.com/.

“We are heartened by the generosity of the Australian public who participated in NationDownload Our App

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GREETINGS FROM

The electorate of Werriwa is a rich multicultural community.

The Indian diaspora is an important part of South Western Sydney and your contribution to Australian society is a compliment to our national migration story.

15 August 2021 is a special day. It is important to commemorate and remember the great sacrifice made by so many in the name of independence and freedom.

It is vital we share, protect and advance our cultures for future generations to ensure they stay connected to community, history and language.

I acknowledge the 75th year of Indian Independence, look forward to continuing to celebrate with you well into the future and wish the Indian community the best.

Member for Werriwa

Authorised by Anne Stanley MP, ALP NSW, Shop 7/441 Hoxton Park Rd, Hinchinbrook NSW 2168

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25

Talent

Our Superstars Making a Mark in

Theatre & Music

From Canberra to Perth, two remarkable young ladies in our community are making their mark in music and theatre. While superstar Avneesha with over 1.1million followers on TikTok continues to win audiences with her music and comedy, Shubshri Kandiah who played the role of Princess Jasmine in the national tour of Disney’s Aladdin will soon premiere as Ella in Cinderella.

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By: Sheila Dhillon

esi Australia was fortunate to be able to interview both these artists to find out what drives them to do what they do and the key to their success. We can’t wait to see what else these amazing young talents have in store and wish them the very best as they scale even further heights!

Avneesha

Canberra-based triple threat actor, singer and comedian, Avneesha, has over 1.3 million followers on TikTok and has released her own music as a songwriter. Having created her TikTok account (@avneesha_official ) just two years ago, Avneesha has an avid base of followers who appreciate her unique blend of comedy and music. Avneesha proudly Download Our App

describes herself as a Canberra local, filming all her TikToks and music videos in the Nation’s Capital with the help of her husband and friends. Today, Avneesha is also a co-host on one of Australia’s major radio networks, iHeartRadio which has launched TikTok Trending, a show that presents TikTok trends and news.

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself Avneesha.

A: I was born in Sydney and when I was in Year 5 we moved to Canberra. I was always interested in the arts and everything creative.

My Dad was always singing, and really he’s the one who introduced me to music. I remember since I was very, very young, we would perform at the Gurdwara and sing ‘shabads’.

I would also play the tabla and we would sing along with the harmonium. That was my first introduction to music and singing.

Q: When did you cultivate an interest for the performing arts?

A: My dad set up an association called the Canberra Multicultural Artists Association where he would host artists and performers. There would be people from all around Canberra who would come to sing, dance and even perform martial arts. It was really fun.

That was kind of once again, my introduction to performing. It was not too long after that I started writing songs and taught myself how to play the guitar.

Q: When did you realise that you want to take AUGUST AUGUST I 2021 I 2021

this talent to the next level?

A: In high school, I started looking at Drama and participating in the local school theatre in musicals and performances. Outside of school, I also tried to get into theatre but I somehow knew that music was always my calling. In Uni, I decided that I would just focus solely on singing and without really telling my parents; I took a year off to audition for any singing or music opportunity. I had no idea what I was doing, but at that time, I thought that was the right decision. Although initially surprised, my parents were very supportive, so I’m quite lucky. And it was during one of these auditions that an opportunity presented itself to join a girl group called Mischief. I was in that band for over five years and that allowed me to travel a lot. Although it was very different to what I’m doing now, I learned so much through the experience.

Q: Tell us about your partner who has been a pivotal part of your journey.

A: My husband has definitely been a big propeller. He encouraged me to release my own music, and that’s when I started working on my first song, Control. We wrote this together and it was also at about the same time that I found the social platform TikTok. I noticed a lot of people were posting funny acting and comedy videos and things that I thought were hilarious. And I was like, you know what, I might post a video. Although the first few videos were so embarrassing, to my surprise, some of them went viral. And so it all came www.DesiAustralia.com

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Talent

back in full circle - my acting and music. In addition to his day job, my husband also helps me with a lot of my project management, filming, direction and editing of my videos. I think I just got really lucky!

Q: Where do you draw your inspiration from?

A: My dad is a really big factor because he was always the one to push me in front of the stage. He always wanted me to perform and thought that singing was a beautiful thing.

My mum as well was supportive of my music but at the same time would always stress the importance of education, and this is guidance for which I’m really grateful. I also draw my inspiration from many artists. I listen to a lot of alternative R&B, new artists in that space and those that I meet along the way.

Q: Has social media helped your success?

A: Times are changing so much right now in terms of social media and what you can do compared to years ago when someone wanted to be an artist or a musician. It was really difficult back then to get into the industry because it was gated quite heavily; but now everyone can be a distributor of their own content. The Internet has been a great equalizer. Anyone can create their social platforms and market themselves and their music or anything they’re trying to do. So I think this is the best time to pursue your passion.

Q: What have been your biggest highlights in your journey so far?

A: I would probably say a big highlight was the release of my first EP, Too Many Feels.

That was a big moment for me and I was really happy that it actually happened. I also host a radio show called TikTok Trending and that’s been such an amazing experience. And obviously, a big highlight was reaching the 1million followers on TikTok. That was just like the most exciting thing ever!

Q: So what was the turning point where it all went viral on TikTok? A: I started posting videos impersonating characters like a Dad and Mum on TikTok and these just took off. Then I started creating parody musicals by incorporating these characters; so I was really combining my acting and singing and these did really well.

Q: What would you say have been your biggest challenges so far?

A: I think the biggest challenge has been overcoming self-doubt especially when you put yourself in the forefront of social media. In Download Our App

addition, I do a lot of alternative R&B which carries a certain kind of image. But the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that I wouldn’t be doing any of this if I had put myself in a box.

I love being creative, so the best way to get past that self-doubt and any kind of mental friction was by putting out content every day and just staying passionate and authentic.

Some days are really tough, but it’s all about staying consistent, focused, and persistent. In addition, I keep reminding myself every day why I do what I do!

Q: Did you ever experience any kind of stigma from the community and how did you overcome it?

A: I would definitely say yes especially when you’re naturally surrounded by people who are academics. I was running around on the Internet and sometimes felt isolated with the things I was doing. Sometimes we have gatherings where I may feel a bit insecure about my life choices, but at the same time, I think when you love something enough and you’re really passionate about it, it makes no sense to put your energy elsewhere. I know that I wouldn’t be a fun person to be around if I was restricting myself from doing what I love most. But for the most part, I’ve been lucky because my parents are so supportive.

Q: What would your advice be to younger people who are trying to make their mark?

A: I have a long way to go myself especially with establishing my music, but a takeaway for me from other people I’ve listened to and who I’m inspired by is that it’s a lot of hard work and it’s about being persistent and consistent. It’s about doing the work every day and being focused on what the end goal is, and then breaking those down into micro goals so you can achieve them.

It’s also important to not let anything deter you for too long. We all have our bad days, but, but anything great takes a lot of time.

And so I would say to anyone who’s following their passions, whether it is music, acting or wanting to be a doctor, everything takes time, but if you stay consistent, it’s achievable.

breaking out of something that has been instilled inside you for many years can be a daunting thing. Having said that, I don’t think anything is impossible, but it takes a lot of courage.

Q: What do you do outside of this? Do you have any other hobbies?

A: Unfortunately, I was never too good at sports, but I love tennis and my husband and I have been talking about starting boxing. I pretty much do all my content creation, and that accounts for a lot of hours in a day but I’m trying to teach myself how to produce, so this is going to be a long journey. I’m also constantly thinking about the next song and once that song is released, it’s about the next song. This has been my world for the last two years.

Q: What are your plans from this point on?

What can your fans look forward to?

A: One thing I’m really excited about is releasing my new song called Pretty Girlz.

There’s definitely more new music on the way and I also want to do more on radio like TikTok Trending. And hopefully once COVID is behind us and it’s safe for everyone to get back out there, I look forward to performing in front of live audiences.

Follow Avneesha on TikTok @avneesha_official and Instagram @ avn.eesha natasha@newlandglobal.com @natashajha

Q: Do you think it’s harder for individuals in the Indian community to break into music and the performing arts?

A: I’ve been fortunate in that regard, but I do think it would be harder for those whose parents think music or the creative arts is something that shouldn’t be considered as a career. That would be difficult; and AUGUST AUGUSTI 2021 I 2021

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Talent

Shubshri Kandiah

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hubshri is a graduate of the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Griffith University, holding a Bachelor of Musical Theatre. Having launched her professional career, playing the role of Princess Jasmine in the national tour of Disney’s Aladdin, Shubshri is fast becoming a sought-after performer. Her credits include Brianna in Belvoir’s national tour of Fangirls, Ismene in Antigone with Queensland Theatre and The Pearlfishers with Opera Queensland. As a woman of South Asian heritage, Shubshri is proud and honoured to be taking on the role of Ella in Cinderalla in Sydney this year.

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself Shubshri A: I was born in Perth, Western Australia and I went to school at St. Pius X primary school and Penrhos College. I moved to Brisbane when I was 19 because I got accepted to study Musical Theatre at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Griffith University. It was a hard move because I’m very family and community oriented and I didn’t know anyone in Brisbane.

Q: When did you cultivate an interest for the performing arts?

A: I grew up performing, learning Bharatanatyam as soon as I could walk at Saraswati Mahavidhyalaya and being constantly involved in their productions and events such as The Swan Festival of Lights in Perth.

studying music as a subject at school and voice being my performance instrument.

I loved it so much and quite naturally progressed to wanting to further study after school. I auditioned for university programs for three years until I was finally accepted into the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Griffith University in Queensland in 2015.

Q: Is anyone else in your family an artist?

A: No one in my family is a professional artist, but my mum is naturally very gifted in both singing and dancing, and I think I get that love for both from her.

Q: When did you realise that you want to take this talent to the next level?

A: My interest in musical theatre developed in high school and knew I wanted to study it further. I’m not sure I knew it was my passion and what I wanted to pursue as a career until a few years after I left school though.

Q: Where do you draw your inspiration from?

A: My mum is a massive inspiration.

She’s someone that takes every opportunity to pursue things she’s passionate about and super hard working – you never see her rest!

Q: Tell us about your formal training journey?

A: I started singing lessons when I was 12 years old after being a part of my primary school musical. It was just a hobby until my later school years when I was

Q: What have been the biggest challenges so far?

A: Unfortunately Covid has probably been the biggest challenge for me. It’s been a period where I’ve had the most uncertainty around work and have lost

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AUGUST AUGUST I 2021 I 2021

multiple contracts. It’s been a massive challenge going from spending so much time dedicating myself to becoming the best performer I can be and having jobs taken away because of circumstances beyond my control. Between contracts that have gone ahead (luckily), I’ve had to find other work to keep afloat such as working in restaurants. It has really tested me to find ways which I can use the skills that I have. I think the best thing that has come out of this period has been that I discovered the joy of teaching, and I’ve been lucky enough to have been able to teach singing and musical theatre to children.

Q: What would you say have been the biggest lessons you’ve learnt along the way?

A: The biggest lesson I’ve learnt is that every situation, even ones that you may think are negative, presents an opportunity to learn and grow and it’s not what you are given but what you choose to make out of what you are given.

Q: What have been the biggest highlights in your journey so far?

A: One of the biggest highlights of my journey was the first night I got to www.DesiAustralia.com

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Talent

perform the role of Princess Jasmine in Aladdin. It was my 23rd birthday that day and I got to perform in Brisbane which was the city I spent three years at uni in and now live in. That night at the show, I walked out of the stage door and all of my friends and teachers and family were there waiting for me. I felt so lucky to have so much love and support and joy.

Q: Tell us about more about Aladdin and Cinderella – how it all happened and everything you went through?

A: I auditioned for Aladdin right after graduating from uni in 2017. In April of the following year I joined the company and performed the role of Princess Jasmine in Brisbane, Perth, Auckland, Adelaide and Singapore. I had a really wonderful experience on the show and having grown up loving Disney films, it was such a joy to be a part of a childhood favourite story. I’ve never performed at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney, which is actually the first place I saw a professional musical so I’m really excited to be performing there in Cinderella.

Q: There is so much untapped talent in our community; what would be your advice to other young artists trying to make their mark?

A: If you’re truly passionate about something, keep trying even if you get knocked back. I think you’ll always face challenges or setbacks but it’s how you deal with those challenges and push through that shows true success.

but the opinions of other people wasn’t something I put too much thought into. I think it’s important to remember everyone is different and everyone has different skills and talents. I also believe success is not defined by how much money you make or how prestigious your job is, but

Q: What do you think are the most important characteristics an artist needs to have to succeed?

A: I think you need to be persistent, be able to take on direction and criticism and put that feedback into ways you can improve, and you have to be a person that other people want to work with, which comes from being kind to everyone.

Q: What do you do outside of performing?

A: I have a lot of other hobbies! Apart from spending time with my family and friends, I love to do Pilates and yoga, and I also enjoy sewing and spending time with my plants

Q: Do you believe it is harder for individuals in the Indian community to break into the performing arts?

A: I think it’s a really exciting time in the performing arts industry for diverse talent. So many more diverse stories are being told and casting directors are making active choices to have casts that reflect the world we actually live in. Who would have thought a person of Indian descent would be cast as Cinderella? Very exciting times for all people of colour.

Q: What are your plans from this point on? What can audiences look forward to?

A: At the moment I’m enjoying some time off before rehearsals for Cinderella begin in October. The show will be playing at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney from November. Audiences can look forward to a perfect night at the theatre with a much-loved story with a fun twist to the tale, some incredible music and lavish costumes and sets. It will be a night to enjoy for sure, and something I think we all need after these dark Covid times.

Q: Did you ever experience any stigma from within the community and if so, how did you overcome this?

A: I was never super academic. I think I experienced pressure from the community around school scores and getting into courses that were considered prestigious, Download Our App

how happy you are doing what you do.

Follow Shubshri on Insta @ shubshrikandiah AUGUST AUGUSTI 2021 I 2021

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Health

87 Days to your DREAM HEALTH & BODY Poornima Vamsi is a Hormone Balance Coach who can guide you to reset your hormones, rejuvenate your mind & soul and reboot your body that will enable you to release up to 15kgs in 87 days.

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ost women these days suffer from a range of health issues – often relating to hormones and can be reversed without going on any fad diets or fancy routines as stated

by Poornima. She caters to health requirements arising out of Thyroid, PCOD, PCOS, and Diabetes or just being over-weight with a high BMI. A mum of 2 boys aged 9 and 4, her quest to help herself goes back to half a decade when she was diagnosed with hormonal imbalances leading to Thyroid and Ankylosing Spondylitis. Weighing a whopping 90kgs, she found it hard to do day to day chores forget about playing with kids or going for walks. For a lively and cheerful persona that she had, life seemed hazy as she saw herself getting into postpartum depression. Deep down in her heart, she knew she had to do something and while you read this – do you also have a feeling running in your heart about your health?

practices that she incorporates in her coaching sessions, her clients not only release weight easily but also holistically shift their lifestyle for their better self.

Poornima assures you that there are no supplements and no kung fu diets you have to take to undergo a healthy hormonal transformation. The program that she caters is for 87 days and many of her clients have mentioned of it as a miracle way to their DREAM HEALTH.

8 years of research, analysis, and studying, today she is grateful and blessed to be out of Thyroid medication, bringing her weight to 60kgs and most of all having this burning desire to help women like YOU – you heard it right, just like YOU! Poornima believes – “If there’s no health, it doesn’t matter how much of anything else you have”.

Anything that is perceived by the mind can be conceived by the body! That said, we work strictly on one rule of “eat your staple food” while you reset and rejuvenate your hormones. This might sound strange and unbelievable at the start, but as she teaches her clients, she admits openly as well – If you don’t eat food that you did while you were raised by your family, you won’t be consistent, and then fret as you will not see desired results.

As a coach she comes into the picture focusing on how these foods when prepared Download Our App

rightly help in accelerating your metabolism thus making the entire process of releasing weight a fun. She also works with her clients in identifying the energy blocks and knots that has put the person in the state of dis-ease and while they release those knots through the ‘Energy Breakthrough Methodology’ AUGUST I 2021

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Yoga

YouGo with Rajni – Let’s Be Mindful Series

By: Rajni Ghai Malhotra

W

hether we like it or not, accept it or not, most of us are suffering from pandemic fatigue.

Amidst the chaos, unpredictability and uncertainty that we are all living in, navigating each day has become a challenge either emotionally, mentally or physically.

Many of us have been impacted by the constantly changing lockdown and restrictions status of where we live. Many others have had to deal with loss of loved ones near and/or far, unable to be by their side, haplessly watching from the distance, waiting anxiously for news, having to make peace with worry and grief.

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Pandemic Yoga 101 – 10 minutes a day to keep the blues away When we are living through such a crisis of global scale, it is essential that we fortify ourselves with enough skills to deal with each day as it comes and not let it take is down. That’s where yoga comes in.

“Yoga teaches us to deal with each day as it arises and then put it down” BKS Iyengar During the past few months of immense personal struggle as my dear ones fought the virus, I have come to realise the power of yoga even more deeply and to understand the real meaning of these words by the great yogi BKS Iyengar. It was a dark time when days turned into nights, nights into weeks.

But through that phase, yoga played the AUGUST I 2021

perfect role of helping me repeatedly regain focus and balance.

How to focus on the asana/breath when the mind is turbulent It is totally understandable that at times like these it is harder to commit to a regular yoga practice. It may be difficult to focus on the asana or sit with a clear mind during meditation when your emotions are out of control, you may not be able to make time for a long practice session every day, you may be too distracted to be able to bring the intent of a focused practice. But that’s OK. Let us take the ‘baby steps’ approach. I call it www.DesiAustralia.com

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Yoga

Pandemic Yoga 101 – 10 minutes a day to keep the blues away. Using the wise words of BKS Iyenger, I will walk you through two easy steps towards helping yourselves in regaining balance each time you feel you are losing it and keep you fortified for when you feel you are being stretched beyond your capacity mentally and emotionally.

Step 1: As the day arises You are starting a new day – you might be in lockdown, home schooling, working from home, on calls all day supporting family and friends through their struggle against the pandemic. The start of the day is the right time to connect with your higher self, strengthen yourself to be able to charge through the day’s challenges.

5 minutes of deep mindful breathing or pranayama Sit in a comfortable position and breathe gently at your normal pace for a minute. Allow your body, breath and mind to collect together in the physical space you are sitting in. With intent stretch your every breath to be a deeper inhalation and exhalation. As you breathe, take care that your belly rises as you inhale and relaxes as you exhale. Tune yourself to your breath and Download Our App

remind yourself that you are blessed, you are strong and you will be able to steer yourself with courage and grace. Gently, when you are ready to come out of this meditation, ease your eyes open and reintegrate with your ordinary day.

Step 2: Put the day down It has been a long day, filled with challenges both emotional and physical. It is essential that you get a good night’s rest and awake fresh to take the new day on with renewed energy. For a calm, undisturbed sleep, try Savasana.

5 minutes of Savasana (Corpse pose) The idea is to lie flat on your back and relax and introduce a physical stillness which will result in bringing a stillness in your thoughts.

Gently close your eyes and let the weight of your body flow into the surface you are lying on. Slowly, starting from your toes, moving upwards, relax your body and let kindness and gratitude flow through your system.

Bring your attention to your breath, make it slow and calm and with every breath remind yourself any 5 things you can find even in this crisis, to be thankful for. It could be as simple as having been able to spend a few minutes of AUGUST I 2021

quality time with your family, the fact that you, your partner, your children are well and safe, a thoughtful message from a friend (and so on). If at any point a disturbing thought occurs, consciously push it away or try to block it with a positive thought. Gradually allow the harmony of thought and breath let you drift into slumber.

It is undeniably hard to stay connected with yoga when we are losing connection with ourselves, with those we love, with the world at large but it is also at such a time when it is most crucial for our wellbeing that we do not give up on it.

There YouGo! If there is one thing that can help us keep our mental health and wellbeing in check in such tumultuous times, it is the renewed hope and balance that we gain through yoga.

Regardless of the restrictions and lockdown in your area, yoga can be done in the comfort and confines of your home, all you need is enough space to roll out your mat and the intent to engage in practice.

Yours mindfully, Rajni Follow Rajni on Facebook @YogaWithRajni www.DesiAustralia.com

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Mag Corner

HSC- Survival guide for parents

By: Preeti Gupta

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eing a parent to an HSC student is hard enough and when you throw the pandemic in the mix it seems like a nightmare. I can feel the affected parents nodding vigorously, as they read these lines.

Photo Credit: Punita Yadav

Having been a teacher for HSC classes for three decades, I would like to bring a little perspective and maybe even some relief to you. The following tips are what I tell parents depending on their particular issue. It’s in broad categories.

Tips For Parents of current HSC Students: 1. Don’t smother your child, just be there like a dumb prophet ( as my wise mum says). You don’t need to fuss over them all the time, but just be alert to the signs of distress to step in and be helpful.

2. Don’t nag! Resist the temptation. Instead encourage your child to have little breaks with

Photo Credit: Deepali Shipurkar Student in ‘study’ mode

or your balcony. Maybe share how you felt before your HSC. 3. Remember there is life after the HSC. We all are living proof of it!! It’s extremely important that you provide a balance between the importance of the HSC and life beyond it.

Don’t get caught up in the parents’ group chatter.

I understand you will start experiencing FOMO. So do the next best thing keep perspective when you read all the chatter on the parents’ group on Social Media. By now you would have worked out the various ‘types’ on that platform. Pay attention only to the sensible type. STOP trying to live vicariously through your child!

Photo Credit: Punita Yadav

either a cuppa or lemonade in the lounge, garden Download Our App

4. Don’t throw the comment or variations of ‘we do so much for you but....’ Nothing worse than hearing this from your parents. There are better ways of ‘guilting’ them if you absolutely have to. Use humour. Keep your anxiety levels under control. Talk to ‘normal parents) aka parents who have been through this pain at least AUGUST I 2021

Student in ‘relax’ mode playing Cricket with Dad.

a decade ago or even your own parents. They give you fantastic insight and in a no-nonsense manner.

5. Don’t forget food. Feed them well. Feed them their favourites. Even get them into kitchen, as there is nothing more therapeutic than kneading and bearing the pizza dough. First hand experience from my school days.

6. Give them hugs and cuddles. They may have gained height and may look like an adult, but they are still, somewhere deep down your baby who was fearful of the unknown!.

7. Last but not the least, keep your sense of humour. Remember, this too shall pass. What remains with the children is how they felt at this point in time. I’m sure you want them to remember that they were loved and supported with no dramas.

Best of luck! www.DesiAustralia.com

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Happy 75 Indian th

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35

Health

Social Distancing during COVID19 does not mean Social Isolation: social distancing with social isolation. We can maintain social distancing during COVID19 and yet remain socially connected creatively.

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By: Ms Anju Mathur

e humans are social beings and our social connections are a fundamental aspect of healthy living. Especially for older adults, having and maintaining social connections is one of the key factors related to living well and aging well.

During COVID19 pandemic social distancing policies means that most people will have to spend much of their time at home. For the elderly people this has led to increased self -isolation. While following the government guidelines on safety, hand hygiene and social distancing, we need to be creative in the ways we connect socially and address the isolation.

My message is simple – not to confuse

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5 Easy to follow tips to remain socially connected and active: 1. Pick up your phone and talk to your loved ones, or send them a text message or email to say that you are thinking of them; 2. Make Technology your friend - Meet your friends virtually and stay in contact – You can stay connected through Zoom and organise virtual get together and see each other and talk to each other as a group of friends; 3. Connect with your neighbours – having a cup of coffee in your own front yard/porch, drive way and waving to each other, gives a sense of comfort that we are all there for each other; 4. Become a volunteer – you can sign up with your local community organization and sign up to do welfare phone calls; 5. Teach yourself a new skill – if you are fond of cooking, learn to make a new dish and share your recipes with your friends and family; if you are fond of singing, start to

AUGUST I 2021

learn a new song and then share your new skill with your loved ones.

And remember to stay physically active - any activity is better than none- Physical activity has a huge potential to enhance our wellbeing. Exercise and physical fitness have benefits for our emotional, physical and mental health. Exercise increases our level of endorphins, which are natural mood lifters, even a short 10 minutes of brisk walking increases our mental alertness, energy and positive mood. Participation in any regular physical activity can increases our self-esteem and can reduce stress and anxiety.

Key message is that right now we need more of social connections so let’s get creative in creating social connections and remaining physically active and fight loneliness and social isolation.

About the writer: Ms Anju Mathur is a Dementia Consultant & Ageing Well Consultant Founder and President of Dementia Support Group for Indian Australians

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Health

Taking charge of your mental and physical health in this pandemic

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By: Sanjana Suryawanshi

solation, depression mental health – all words we have heard plenty of times before and even more so after the pandemic drove us all indoors. While we may become desensitised to hearing about this, mental health is even more important especially as Australia gears up to become social once more.

The pandemic has been hard on a lot of people, isolating the elderly, putting pressure on working parents to manage home schooling and full-time work and just generally for everyone else as we have been forced to reduce our social interactions. Mental health has not only impacted individual health but also families as Australia has seen an unpresented rise in domestic violence and suicides.

And as we gear up to go back to ‘normal’ life it has led to social anxiety in a lot of people as well.

While mental health in itself is an enigmatic subject that affects each individual differently there are some common symptoms and signs that we can all look out for. While this is in no way a prescription on how to deal with mental health, the following are helpful tips we can all actively use to understand how we are feeling and identify signs of mental and emotional distress early on.

Some of the common signs of mental and/ or emotional stress are: 1. Lack of focus or motivation 2. Irritability 3. L ack of interest in talking to friends and/ or family 4. E ating too much or eating too less 5. R a pid weigh gain/loss 6. C hanges in sleeping patterns (sleeping considerably more than usual or finding it hard to sleep at all) Download Our App

The above symptoms may sound obvious and are not by any means exhaustive, they are often easy to miss. It is easy to blame staying at home to eating excessively or not being able to sleep at night and ignore that there may be an underlying stress from work or other aspects of your life.

While not all of us may experience this stress at an extreme level a drastic and sudden change, especially a forced one is bound to affect everyone in some way. So the best way to look after your mental health is to identify these signs early on and address them before they manifest into anything serious. The easiest way to identify these signs are to stop and think why your habits have changed and is it simply a lack of discipline or if there is indeed cause for emotional / metal stress.

Below are some steps you can take to improve your mental health and to improve productivity in your day to day life: 1. Set small, long and medium term goals Setting goals is an important way in which you can bring some discipline and structure to your day and which will go a long way in giving you a sense of control and stability.

It is often easy to set a long term goal that sounds fantastic but a lack of plan can demotivate you just as easily. Try setting short term goals first and taking baby steps. An excellent example is going to the gym 3 days a week and you pre-fix those 3 days. Once you have done this for a few weeks you find yourself motivated to go more often and being more flexible with your days and time rather than losing motivation.

2. Set strong boundaries between work and home Working from home is now the new way of working and will continue to do so even after AUGUST I 2021

the pandemic. As we get comfortable with the idea, it is easy to blur the lines between work hours and private time. I often find myself logging in at 8 pm just to check emails or staying up to finish a task that was only going to take me 10 mins to do. Not having strong boundaries will stop you from mentally switching off leading to a burnout in the long run. Rather spend Concious time with your friends and family and enjoy the downtime.

3. Actively reach out to family and friends through a mode that is comfortable for you While this is the most obvious, it is often hard for people to reach out and express their distress. Feelings of being judged or not being understood hold many people back from reaching out. Remember that humans are social creatures and need interactions for mental and emotional wellbeing. If you are uncomfortable reaching out to friends or family, reach out to a person you are relatively comfortable around. There is no prescribed way to reach out either. Pick a method that is the most relaxing and suited to you. It could be a phone call or a text message or an email.

There is no right or wrong!

4. Take up a hobby / activity that you like While this might make you want to roll your eyes at the obviousness, it is easy to be get wrapped up in work and chores. Taking up a hobby, especially one that can be challenging or different will help you challenge yourself mentally and physically. It can also be a great way to learn new skills or a fun social activity with friends and family.

The above list is only some generic tips to enable you to actively take charge of your mental and physical health. There are of course may many more ways that can be tailored to suit each individual’s needs and comfort.

The most important thing is that you take an active interest in your own mental and physical health rather than growing complacent. It does takes initiative and effort on your part and you may need to try a few different things before you find what works for you.

But remember that the benefits are many and will help you become your best version yet. www.DesiAustralia.com

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Cover Story

India celebrates its 75th Independence Day this year, it is a day to remember our forefathers who sacrificed their lives for the independence of a nation that we today live in, a nation which is proud of its rich heritage, history of thousands of years, a nation where the rich and prosperous Indus Valley civilization blossomed and was nurtured here. We are a nation of religious independence, where spirituality transcends the boundary of religions, where everyone is treated as equal and is under the same law and order system as mentioned in the largest written constitution in the world, the Indian constitution. Our Bollywood songs are enjoyed all over the world; the three Khans of the Bollywood industry have fans all over.

By: Eshan Sharma

The Story of Independent India

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t the time of Independence, India was divided into more than 500 princely states; the interim government integrated all the states within the territory of India.

Today we are a family of more than 1.2 Billion citizens and a nation with millions of youth members in this kin, making this nation the youngest. In India, as it was renamed by our colonial masters, we believe in our ancient culture, the ‘bharatiyta’ of our culture where we consider our guest as god, this world as a family, whatever we are today is because of our roots.

We consider our land equivalent to heaven: ‘janani janma bhumishcha swargadhapi ganiyasi.

The Indian Independence Act, 1947: In the year 1947, the UK Parliament passed the Indian Independence Act 1947 transferring legislative sovereignty to the Indian Constituent Assembly. India still retained King George VI as head of state until its transition to full republican constitu-

tion. The struggle for our Independence was a long journey; the first full-fledged war against the British was fought in the year 1857 to 1947 when we finally got independence, not just that but the struggle was much longer than that, the battle of Plassey, the battle of Buxar et cetra are notable in this regard.

How we developed during these years from 1947 to 2018 is an example for most of the nations. India just after Independence was at around 1% GDP and today our projected growth is 7.4% almost making us the third largest economy in the world in the years to come after the economies of the US and China.

The biggest gamble in the History of Democracy: In 1952, when the first general elections were to be held under the leadership of Sukumar Sen, who was the first Chief Election

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Cover Story

Commissioner, India played the so called ‘biggest gamble in the history of democracy’ by introducing the term ‘Universal Adult Franchise’ and we risked our very existence as a nation, because at that time, democracy survived only in the developed countries of the west but we took the chance and that turned out to be the biggest achievement of our nation as a whole, the Congress was elected to lead the nation under the leadership of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, previously the nation was ruled by an interim government and the first speech Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru gave at the Parliament House, the famous ‘Tryst with Destiny’ speech, is worth remembering and I can feel that patriotic vibes as I continue writing about it. “ Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially.

At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom.

A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance. It is fitting that at this solemn moment, we take the pledge of dedication to the service of India and her people and to the still larger cause of humanity. ” -Tryst with Destiny speech, Jawaharlal Nehru, 15 August 1947

Australia at Adelaide Stadium, or having a McDonalds Burger.

The ray of hope for this 74 years young India is its youth itself, which is undoubtedly revolutionary and it strives to get the best out of the available resources.

India is a nation which is being

The Independence of India was a remarkable event in the history of this civilized world, and we are getting better. The Independence of our nation was a result of a long struggle which inspired many other countries too; we respect the sacrifices of our forefathers for this land.

continuously shaped by the diversity, shared cultures and history, and many languages.

It’s a land which provided refuge to thousands of refugees and we made them feel a part of our fraternity. The good thing is India and Australia are friends for many years now, even under the British regime, you may refer to the western Australian town of Australind which is a portmanteau word named after Australia and India. Mangalore city is situated in both the countries. Towns of Cervantes, Northampton and Madura were used for breeding cavalry horses for the British Indian Army during the late 19th century. So, both the countries have shared a significant share of history together and in the 21st century too, the youth of both the nations are going to be the best out of all, India always want to develop together with all the countries and we believe in sustainable development.

I read an interesting fact in this regard that after World War II happened, the Australian government under Ben Chifley supported the independence of India from the British Empire to act as a frontier against communism. Later, under Robert Menzies, Australia supported the admission of India as a Republic to the Commonwealth Nations. So, this friendship of both the nations is meant to grow and as our young friends usually say that both the countries and its youth are going to be the best friend forever.

India is a nation which celebrates each and every season with full enthusiasm and this is what makes us ‘Indians’. We have a rich culture and in contrast we are one of the most experienced country for the term ‘globalization’ where today almost every kid wears a blue jeans, have a hot dog in snacks, surfs the internet, posts a picture on Facebook, get an update about the US Presidential election or any test match or One day match happening between India and Download Our App

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Life Experinces

The Many Hats of a Woman!

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his is my story, my journey from being an affluent father’s daughter to a successful woman in the corporate world.

From being born to a family of landlords who are prevalently orthodox and very affluent, a family where women don’t venture out, let alone build a career, my journey unfolded from a daughter born with a silver spoon, who knew nothing about the outside world, into a successful professional in the corporate world, continuously surpassing my male counterparts along the way.

Married as a teenager only to be ‘complimented’ that beauty and brains cannot go with each other, and that I would never be able to complete my Engineering degree, I was determined to prove everyone wrong! I took every challenge that came my way with persistence, tenacity and determination. My partner stood by me as I graduated with flying colours.

I proudly reciprocate to the popular quote “Behind every successful man there is a Woman” with “Behind every successful woman there can be a Man”. This strengthened my belief in the institution of marriage and the role of an encouraging and supportive partner.

From a fresher to a seasoned professional, I always had the passion in me to outclass, thus proving my male counterparts wrong on numerous occasions.

As I landed my first technology job after graduation, I experienced gender discrimination.

I realized that systems made it harder for women to succeed at work compared to their male counterparts. Unconscious gender bias in the IT companies I worked for was evident Download Our App

AUGUST I 2021

and I had to work harder than my male counterparts to prove my worth. Though there were setbacks in my career as I juggled many roles I played, that of an employee ,wife and mother, I championed the cause for women in IT and mentored women by inspiring confidence and empowering change as I grew in my career.

Today, as a woman in the world of technology, I am extremely proud of my feats in every walk of life and proudly coach my daughters to nurture their ambitions and have a passion to excel. I have made my family proud that women can still don the various hats and continue to excel. Progressing in my career, changing countries, taking on full blown responsibilities never came easy. To onlookers it may have looked like a perfectly clicked photograph, but little did they know the number of retakes I have had to take to get to this happy portrait of life.

Before I end my personal story, I would emphasize the fact that WOMEN are powerful beyond measure. We wear so many hats during the day which is quite remarkable. How do we do it so effortlessly? Have you ever thought about all the different roles you play? There are probably way too many to mention in my story. I would like to see every woman get the much-needed pat on the back in recognition for all they accomplish and all that they do so seamlessly! We are masters at multi-tasking and in my humble opinion; more organizations must encompass more women leaders. We bring the warmth to communication, the key to all success. www.DesiAustralia.com

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Life Experinces

My Blessings, My Strength “I am prouder of my years as a single mother than of any other part of my life.”

J.K. Rowling

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his is the story about the extraordinary journey of a very ordinary girl, one who chose the most difficult path to fulfil her dreams, keeping the interest of her children as her topmost priority. This is my story. I am a single parent, and this was not what I hoped to choose. Like many others at one point I believed that my fate was carved in stone and could not be changed. But that soon changed ……I knew I had to break out and break free …… I needed to focus on my children, my blessings!

I come from a very conservative middleclass small-town family. I got married when I twenty-two into a similar family and was a mother a year later. One blessing through this change into a married woman, and then a mother was that I had continued with my job, as well as with my studies. And through this journey I continued to receive great support not just from my mother, but my employer too. Both were my mainstays and biggest supports as I struggled in my personal life, finally giving me the courage to move to a bigger city, Mumbai. My kids were young, just six and two-and-a-half years old, but my dreams were big.

Initially, it was a tough challenge, but I managed for it is only through one’s courage, patience, and perseverance that one finds the strength to cope. No matter what went on in my personal life, I always knew I wanted the best for my children.

I was prepared to make any sacrifice for their sakes, and I did not want them to be negatively affected by my personal situation. My mother who continued to be my biggest support always came to my rescue.

I continued my journey, this time as a single mum, my children and I started a new life in a small unit in Mumbai. Things were nowhere near rosy, but I had my children, and they had me. I had a good job and God watched over us.

Then came the news that my application Download Our App

for an Australian PR, while progressing well for me, could not go ahead for my children as I did not have the formal custody documents. This initiated a painstaking exchange of letters, legal documents, emails, and phone calls. It took over a year to convince the Australian Consulate to consider my case as a special one-off case. They did. In 2017, my children and I received our permanent visas. We moved to Australia. But with this came other challenges. Though I wanted this, I was not very sure about leaving my comfort zone and venturing outside India to explore my options. But I was determined to build a better life for myself with my children.

That motivation was crucial as it meant leaving a secure job and a promotion. Once the visas came through, I knew I had to leave my extended family, my friends and my dear ones. The resolve was there, and another journey had begun.

strong and determined woman that I am.

‘Being a single mother is twice the work, twice the stress, and twice the tears, but also twice the hugs, twice the love, and twice the pride.’

This time I landed in a different country with just my bags, with neither friends nor relatives for any support. My only support was my faith, my mother and my extremely compassionate bosses in India. This time again, with a clear focus, and strong perseverance, I was unstoppable. This beautiful country welcomed me with open arms and within the first two months I had the offer of a good job. Subsequently, my kids started their schooling, and emboldened, I filed for a formal divorce. Slowly yet surely, things started settling down in a country that had once felt strange.

My journey has not been easy: at every step, I was told that I was taking bold and unusual decisions. Many friends and many family members did not approve of my choices, but I kept getting to the goals I had set. I took one day at a time and promised myself that I would strive to improve my situation every day. My children were at the core of every decision I made. They are my blessings and my reason to live. More than that, they define me and have made me the AUGUST I 2021

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Receipe

M

ost of us have been fortunate to be born in a free country. However, regardless of our generation or physical location, we celebrate our Independence with gratitude.

Some may hang a flag, search for good quotes/pictures to post (been there done that), cook (the situation since morning at our individual headquarters) or just reminisce. But whatever we do our emotions of patriotism bring us together today.

Wait! Wait! While we have, you all

here…

Together, lets pray for our Motherland to: have the STRENGTH to overcome hardship maintain its PEACE and, always GROW above all.

Happy Independence Day from one proud Indian to another.

Jai Hind!

To make it more fun we did a High Tea with tri colour theme too..

Sandwiches , muffins,Pistachio, orange and vanilla macaroons, Masala Tea, Saffron Coffee Shot( it’s an Arabic flavor) Our Amazing followers were given the challenge to post their photos: Sharing some of their photos too Thank You Cheryl and Deepti, Seema for accepting this..

We hope these meals brighten up your day too!

We are Rassasyfied... Until next time ...

WatdoyouMeal Team

We wanted to keep it as simple as we could, but our taste buds never let us get away with simple flavors. So here it is : Tricolour kheer- made with khush flavor (green) and saffron flavor ( orange)

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43

Life Style

KEEP HIM

HOOKED

S

By: Abbey Singh

urely marriages are made in heaven but you have to put some extra effort here on earth to keep it going.

Yes, he loves you the way you are, but he also wants you to like how you look and feel. But he might not know how to suggest you get a new haircut, join a gym or take a day off from the kids.

Instead, he “doesn’t say anything until it builds up to the point of coming off.

Show him you value his opinion by asking him about your look or health habits eg: When he see chipped nail polish, he can tell that you live a busy lifestyle and don’t have a lot of time to relax (or worse, don’t care much about your appearance) If you see that your polish is chipped, take three minutes out of your day to remove the rest. Clean, naked nails are better than the alternative.

There is a saying “happy wife equals a happy life” and it is not completely wrong. A woman who is stressed out and overworked can be irritable and preoccupied, making it impossible for her to take care of her own and her home. With all the things a woman has to juggle in life, it is important that she takes a day to herself once in a while to go to the spa and get a much-needed massage, or even just go to the salon and get a facial. When you are relaxed and stress-free, you will have control on

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your life and you will be able to impress your husband. Maintain basic hygiene, comb your hair, smell nice and wear fitted clothes. Dressing well will always have a positive impact. Wear a dress

AUGUST I 2021

that your husband likes, and brush up your appearance. Wearing clothes that compliment your figure not only make you attractive but also boost your selfconfidence.

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45

Technology

WINDOWS 10 – LIVELY WALLPAPER - TUTORIAL and press on the first link that comes up (should end with rockdanister.github.io).

Step 2:

Step 4: Press the ‘Get’ Button, and a small widget will appear at the top asking whether you want to open another application for you to be able to download ‘Lively Wallpaper’.

Step 6:

E

By: Sarang Vengurlekar veryone has their own likings when it comes to being able to customise their daily equipment. With a Windows 10 Operating System, you have the ability to customise mostly everything throughout your pc with a single download and it being a free and simple process. One of the most popular uses include the ability to use live wallpapers instead of the normal boring wallpapers we are forced to use, and the other being the customisation of the taskbar (found at the bottom of your windows pc/laptop). Yes, these applications don’t affect your daily use of the machine, but it can create a style to your machine causing you to have a unique one, while others have basic one.

Please keep in mind this does not work for Apple/Mac computers.

Lively Wallpaper: ‘Lively Wallpaper’ is a widely used and popular application among many which allows your wallpaper to essentially be live, in theory you can have a gif as your wallpaper. It comes with multiple pre-downloaded wallpapers or you can use a gif to show the animation on repeat. Below is a step-by-step process on how to download and upload your own wallpaper. (Includes pictures).

When the website loads, scroll all the way down up until the section where it says ‘Download’.

After you press ‘Get’, it will change ‘Get’ into ‘Install’, press the ‘Install’ button and it will start to download. After it downloads, it will change the ‘Install’ button into ‘Launch’.

Step 3:

Step 7: Either press the ‘Launch’ button or press the

There are two ways into downloading the application, in this step-by-step, we will use the ‘get it from Microsoft’, press the button you will be redirected to an official windows website.

Step 1:

Search up ‘Lively Wallpaper’ in any browser Download Our App

Step 5: A Microsoft store application will open where AUGUST I 2021

you will see the exact same page, and again press ‘Get’ www.DesiAustralia.com

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Technology

windows key on your laptop/pc to bring up a small panel in the bottom left, then search up lively wallpaper, and press the application under ‘Best Match’. This will open the ‘Lively Wallpaper’ application.

Step 8:

You can now either use and customise the stock wallpapers or you can add your own one.

Before you add a new wallpaper, you need to make sure your wallpaper is a gif and is downloaded. To find a wallpaper which is a gif is quite simple. Open your browser (chrome, microsoft edge etc.), and search up anything that you want as your wallpaper, and then go into ‘Images’. Now to make sure that your wallpaper is a gif, you need to press the ‘Tools’ button which will open a small drop-down box which will show 5 buttons, press the 3rd button (‘Type’ button) which will open another drop-down box, showing 4 options where the last option is ‘Gif’, press ‘Gif’ to ensure your wallpaper is a gif.

Below is an example, you do not need to use the exact same wallpaper.

Step 11: Once you insert your image (or add a youtube video) a window will appear which will allow you to change the title, description, author and website (which is where your youtube video’s URL will be entered if you add a youtube video that is). You don’t need to change anything but if you want you can. After you are okay with the description, title and so on, you can press the ‘OK’ button which will apply the wallpaper/gif/ youtube video over your existing wallpaper.

Step 9: After you press the ‘Gif’ button, it will refresh and will show ‘Gif’ at the bottom left of every image. Select an image (make sure it is the same resolution as your monitor, otherwise it will come out looking pixelated) and right click anywhere on the picture when

it shows up as bigger image on the right-hand side. It will show another drop-down box, find where it says, ‘Save image as…’ and left click on it, and a small window will open asking you where to save the image. (Remember where you stored the image as you will need it afterwards).

Step 10: Open the ‘Lively Wallpaper’ application and press the ‘+’ icon at the top left of the application. It will redirect you to a page where it shows you how to add your image, (you will see the ‘Enter URL’ button, this button allows you to

use a youtube video as your wallpaper, you can use this instead of using a gif wallpaper). Either drop and drag the image in the library (the first page you see when you open the application) or you can press the ‘Browse’ button and search for your image/wallpaper.

You are now done! Do not worry if the application does not open when you start your machine, all you have to do is open the ‘Lively Wallpaper’ application and it will automatically do it for you! Enjoy a soothing and animated wallpaper!

If you found this article handy and informative, please provide your feedback to sarang@ vengurlekar.com Download Our App

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47

Community News | Canberra

Canberra In Focus: Radford College - building stronger connections In conversation with Ms Karen Mahar, Deputy Head Junior School

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By: Rajni Ghai Malhotra

he pandemic hit us over a year ago bringing with it changes to almost every sphere of our lives. One such sector is Education. In a matter of days, schools were shut down and teachers had moved to providing online lessons to students.

Adapting to learning remotely and staying connected despite the lockdown were only a part of the many challenges that schools were faced with.

Recently, I had the opportunity to have a conversation with Karen Mahar, Deputy Head of Junior School at Radford College, about the impact of COVID-19 on students and their learning during the past year. It was an interesting conversation that led to discussion on the pivotal role of schools in general, and Radford College in particular, on how they promote strong connections and a safe environment for students to feel a strong sense of identity within the community, helping them grow with a greater awareness of the world they live in. What follows are snippets from the conversation and a close look at some of the key events in the Radford Calendar that make the school the happy healthy community that students take pride to be part of.

What have been the key take aways (learning points) from the past year

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of COVID induced changes?

With the first anniversary of the restrictions associated with the outbreak of COVID – 19, it seems timely to reflect on lessons learnt as members of Radford and as part of larger communities, including local national and international.

It was Charles Darwin who was first quoted as saying “In the long history of humankind (and animal kind too) those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed.”

Communities throughout the world have been affected in different ways. Thankfully, for our community, it would seem things have been as good as they could have been.

What has been apparent over the past 14

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months is the significance of human connection, kindness and empathy towards one another, both for mental and physical health. While we promote the importance of self belief, self esteem and self interest, a bigger picture on life reveals the greater value of collaboration with others in achieving common goals and objectives and the value of participation in building self worth as a consequence.

In Australia our remote location, being isolated from other countries; our predominantly well educated population; relatively low population densities and strongly connected communities all proved enormous advantages in successfully combating any COVID outbreaks.

If we are to genuinely believe the anecdote, ‘humans will show their true colours during

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Community News | Canberra

adversity’, it seems appropriate to expect that the circumstances encountered also provided an opportunity for our minds to be awakened to the idea of the rewards of also being kinder to each other. In the instance of combating COVID, we were all proven to be kinder to one other as we banded together to help one another fight the threat of virus, in addition to our society, in general, also proving to be kinder and more considerate/less destructive of our environment.

COVID – 19 has the potential to be remembered as a time of great discovery for each of us. This time of isolation has allowed us time to pause and reflect, with the opportunity to derive a greater understanding of ourselves, a renewed respect for the favourable influence of others and a newfound appreciation of our considerable and predominantly unfavourable impact on our environment.

If we have learned these lessons, it will be more apparent that we can overcome and achieve so much more, collectively and collaboratively, than we can as individuals. This is a powerful lesson on the importance of community in fostering our sense of well-being, in addition to offering the potential to create a society where we demonstrate truth, compassion and wisdom.

Would you share an insight into Harmony Day at Radford College and how it plays a role in bringing students together/celebrating our differences?

Each year, including earlier this year, our community acknowledged Harmony week, including the celebration of Harmony Day on 21 March.

addition to obtaining an ongoing feeling of hope and personal value, can directly influence how we feel about ourselves, others and our environment. Research reveals that having a sense of belonging to a school environment is an established protective factor for a child and a positive influence on their adolescent health, education, and social wellbeing.

Ms Karen Mahar, Deputy Head Junior School Karen Mahar is Assistant Principal, Deputy Head of Junior School at Radford College Canberra. In more than a decade that she has been at Radford, Karen has helped shape young minds by inspiring excellence. She is passionate about well-being of students and strives to create an environment that promotes positive education. Karen is relationship focused and believes in forging connections based on collaboration, communication and integrity.

This event provides our community an opportunity to celebrate Australian multiculturalism; the richness of experience that fostering diversity can bring to our culture; and the harmonious relationships it nurtures and cultivates within our community. The central message of Harmony week is that through demonstrating kindness and achieving harmony, we can each instil a sense among ourselves and others that we can all belong.

There are many advantages to members in our community feeling connected through achieving a sense of belonging. Fulfilling this objective, in

What is the significance of Foundation Day?

Each year the last day of Term 1, we celebrate a significant day in our community, Foundation Day. On this day, our community acknowledges ‘who we are’ and celebrates our College values: Living in Truth, Rising in Compassion and Walking in Wisdom.

The whole day is shaped around reflecting on and rejoicing in who we are as a community. To begin the day, the entire community (in excess of 2000 students and 250 staff) gather in the College Gym, to experience ‘the Telling’. There is music, dancing and storytelling.

Radford has been gifted a story, which we refer to as ‘The Telling’, the Story of Yungbali.

Yungbali is a myth that draws on the imagination of the Jewish-Christian narrative as well the context of Ngunnawal land. Ngunnawal words like yungbali (song), wingarraminga (breath) and dirrum dirrum (‘the sound of red’ a symbol of the land) are used to invite us into a story of creation, destruction and re-creation. While these themes are particular to the Jewish-Christian narrative, they are also universal concepts that are lived out in particular settings.

On Foundation Day, it has become a tradition for our Junior School students to plant bulbs.

The promise that a bulb offers a flower in the Springtime is a rich illustration of how from little things big things can grow.

During 2020 we embraced the rainbow symbol that popped up all over the world. It was an effort to spread hope and positivity during the COVID-19 isolation period. The vibrant and beautiful colours of a rainbow remind us all that there is always sunshine after any rain.

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Photo credit : Radford College

Like all stories, meaning is not limited to one interpretation. After the service all students participate in house group activities and compete for points to win “The Bishop’s Cup”. Our Secondary students travel all over Canberra enjoying sporting games, creative pursuits and leisure activities.

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Talent

A STOREHOUSE OF

TALENT

I must confess that I have been keenly following Sagarika’s journey as a young Bharatanatyam prodigy and she every time has always ‘danced’ surpassed all expectations. In June, just before the lockdown came into effect, we Sydney siders got to see another display of her talent through “Bhakthi”, a solo pursuit.

By: Poornima Menon

W

hile the audience were awe-struck and mesmerised with every rendition, there was one question on every lip, “How could someone so young perform with such depth of maturity?” So, I decided it was time to get to know Sagarika a little more and also how she had matured as a dancer since I spoke with her two years ago.

Sagarika started learning Bharatanatyam from the tender age of four.

At the time it seemed the natural thing to do as her mother, Manjula Vishwanath is a renowned dancer and teacher. It wouldn’t come as surprise if the first sounds that Sagarika Download Our App

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learnt to recognise were the sounds of the ankle bells that Bharatanatyam dancers wear.

Little did she realise the impact this dance form would have on her life.

“It seemed that when everything else was continuously changing in my life, dance was my constant,” says Sagarika. She further continues, “Bharatanatyam has taught me so much about our culture, our beliefs, our values. I would be incomplete if dance did not exist in my life”.

Watching Sagarika dance is a beautiful sight.

Like most children, she started on this learning journey very casually; at the beginning it was about meeting the other students and having fun. But soon her teacher realised that she had a flair and was a www.DesiAustralia.com

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Talent

seriously and is considering it as one of her careers in the future. Though the love for Bharatanatyam has consumed her life, she balances it well with academics. When asked about her daily routine, she says, “To be honest I don’t do any other extra curriculars due to lack of time. My focus is only on my academics and dance. I train about 20-30 hours a week in dance. After my school, I train about three weekdays and on weekends.

My life is all about dance and studying.” She has watched her mother multitask and feels she is able to do it too. She has a well-structured routine that gives her ample time to focus on her schoolwork and practice dance.

She understands that a dancer needs to have patience and commitment in abundance to be able to excel.

natural dancer. The time had come for her to invest more into learning the dance form and getting better at it. Things began to change and by the time she was eight, she started devoting more time to learning and practising what she had learnt.

She had her first solo performance when she was nine, but when she watched her performance later, she realised that she could have done better. “So, watching my own self perform is the best way I have learnt to correct myself,” she says. She believes she has gained more poise, grace, and balance with regular practise. She also has learnt to comprehend the Indian mythology better which helps her bring out her bhavas or emotions better. Regular and committed practice has helped build her stamina and the fact that she could dance non-stop for one and half hours during the “Bhakthi” performance is a testament to that.

Sagarika takes her dance very Download Our App

Sagarika knows what her strengths are as a dancer, and this is a great quality to have.

When asked to elaborate, she says with a smile, “My expressions. I can bring any character to life as I feel the character. I also feel grace is also my biggest strength and of course, along with my smile”. She is of the strong belief that, “Lots of style and grace in dancing is definitely required for a dancer”.

For someone as young as her, Sagarika takes the accolades she receives with a maturity way beyond her years. She is delighted that people who come to watch her perform, enjoy her performance, and feel a connection.

“If your audience can’t relate to you, I guess they would be bored. So definitely there must be something right that I am doing”, she remarks.

her favourite piece too.

Finally, Sagarika’s message to all aspiring, young dancers is never to give up and to be consistent, patient and extremely committed.

“Bharatanatyam is not something that one can learn overnight, it does take a lot of time and effort to learn this art form, sometimes it can be tiring physically, but the outcome is just brilliant”. When asked where she sees herself in the next two years, she said, “I love the space I am in at the moment. I want to learn more, train more, perform more which will help make me a better dancer. I want to travel the world performing. And we have plans on that”.

Wish you the very best, Sagarika! Looking forward to more amazing performances by you.

Sagarika practised for her solo production, “Bhakthi” along with her preparation for the year 6 Selective Schools exam. When questioned about the choice of the concept, she said, “As I said earlier my strength lies in my expressions and I wanted to bring out my devotion in dance, my mom and I decided that ‘Bhakthi’ is one of the hardest bhavams to work on for a 11-year-old like me and would be a good challenge to take on”. She acknowledges that she is extremely fortunate to have her mother as her guru, who explained the characters and their emotions in detail. This helped her understand and grasp them better. The 2-month long training was intense. Of all the different stories of Bhakthi presented, my absolute favourite was the one depicting Lord Hanuman. Sagarika brought out the mischievous nature of the monkey-God very well. Incidentally, that is AUGUST I 2021

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Talent

Meet the Voice Behind

Jalebi Baby Shweta Subram’s voice is behind the hook in the viral hit, Jalebi Baby, which has people dancing all over the world! Currently in Dubai, Shweta has been overwhelmed with the love and admiration she has received for this single by Indo-Canadian singer Tesher, aka Hitesh Sharma and American singer-songwriter Jason Derulo.

It was such a pleasure for Desi Australia to speak to Shweta and learn about her journey, the highlights, challenges and lessons learnt. We’re now looking forward to Shweta’s new song “Doli” which will be releasing soon!

By: Ruhani Dhillion

Q: Tell us about yourself Shweta.

A: I was born in Dubai and this is where I am right now, but during my teenage years, we had moved to Canada for a period. For me, music was always a hobby and I never really took it seriously. My parents enrolled me into many classes and it was always a juggle between music, dance and school. But I do feel that these classes really paid off because in school I would get involved in a lot of music, dance, and drama, and all that the training was very helpful.

A: I come from a South Indian background and music is a very big thing in the Southern part of India where from a young age, parents put their children in some form of music or dance. My grandmother and my father are trained Indian classical singers. During my trips back twice a year, I’d be exposed to so much music and it made me wanted to learn more. My maternal grandmother who had a beautiful voice was in fact my biggest critique. I would be humming something and she’d stop me in the middle if the notes or expressions were not right.

Q: When did you realise that you want to take this talent to the next level?

A: There was this competition happening in Canada (much like American Idol), but it was organised by a group from India, and all my friends were after my life to compete. It was an intense four-month long competition in which I competed and won. That’s when everything changed for me. I started realising how much I loved music and I wanted it to be more than just a hobby.

After I won that competition in North America, I was sent to India as part of the prize package.

I went to Mumbai and had the opportunity to explore the industry. It was so fascinating just to see the way they make music for movies, but I wasn’t quite ready to move to India. Instead I came back to Canada and started writing my own songs. I wrote my first original Jee Le and my second single Ajooba.

Q: When did you cultivate an interest in music?

I remember putting that out and a couple of months later, I got a call from music director Salim Sulaiman, telling me they were coming to Canada for the IIFA Awards. They wanted me to perform with them and it was surreal. I thought it was a prank call and couldn’t believe it. They came, and I had two days to prepare a song and perform with them on stage. We see these things on TV and here I was with Shah Rukh Khan, Karan Johar and Bipasha Basu right in front of me. So that’s when I think it went to the next

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level. In 2015, I did my first Bollywood movie, Hawaizaada with Ayushmann Khurrana and sang the title song, Dil-e-Nadaan.

Q: Where do you draw your inspiration from?

A: My parents are a big source of inspiration for me as well as watching and listening to legendary singers like Lata Ji and Asha Ji. I was very lucky to have toured with Sonu Nigam before the pandemic. He had invited me to perform with him in South America, so that was a great opportunity. One can learn so much from that man – just traveling with him and seeing him day in and day out, and the way he leads such a disciplined life.

Q: What have been the biggest challenges so far?

A: I think for me it was getting into the music industry during an era when social media was not so big. If I had social media at that time, it would have been very different for me. Another challenge was that I had never lived in India, and to pursue playback in Bollywood, you have to be in India. I was geographically very, very far away and it was definitely a limitation.

Q: What have been the biggest highlights on your musical journey so far?

A: You know, that’s a tough one to answer because every time something new happens, obviously that’s a highlight at that particular moment. But the best experience which I feel I’ll cherish for the longest time was when I was chosen

by The Piano Guys to render an Indian adaptation of Swedish House Mafia’s Don’t You Worry Child. With them, I got to perform at the Carnegie Hall in New York and that’s a dream come true for any singer.

Q: Tell us about the Jalebi Baby journey!

A: In between the www.DesiAustralia.com

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Talent

young artists trying to find their mark?

A: Social media today is inundated with so much content, and a lot of people out there are trying to make a mark, so you have to be unique.

But even that can go either way. You can be too unique and people won’t care or you can be unique enough that you stand out and people take a liking towards you; so what do you do?

I’d say first and foremost, pick a bunch of people who have more followers than you and don’t be shy or afraid to reach out to them. They might not respond but it doesn’t hurt to try and crosscollaborate or do live sessions with them because that’s how you learn and grow.

But to be quite honest, for me it’s quality over quantity. You can have 10 million followers, but sometimes I don’t even know how many are real or not. That’s the other problem with social media where you can buy likes; you can buy followers and you can buy comments. You can buy literally anything and create this perception to the world that, oh, I’m so great. But that’s not what it should be about. Your work should speak for itself. If you sing a song and it touches people’s hearts and people start following you for that reason, that’s more important.

pandemic and the lockdown, one of the things that ended up being the highlight of my career was Jalebi Baby! I remember I got a message from Tesher saying he was working on a song called Jalebi Baby for which my voice and tone would be perfectly suited.

The interesting thing is that he initially told me my voice would be used for the background vocals. I had no idea it would end up being the hook of the song! And it all happened really quickly. I had a set up in my house with a laptop and microphone and I recorded those two words and sent it across. Two weeks later my friend tells me the song is out and my vocals are all over it. So that’s how it all happened; and the amount of love and admiration I’ve been receiving since has been amazing. It just got bigger and bigger and bigger; and suddenly everyone was talking about Jalebi Baby and dancing to it on Instagram and TikTok, and even at the Olympics.

Q: Who are your favourite artists?

A: My favourite artist is Sonu Download Our App

Nigam. And if you ask about female artists, I would say Sunidhi Chauhan because she’s got a very different voice. For international artists, I’d say Celine Dion and Whitney Houston. I’ve got pretty diverse range of artists that I enjoy listening to.

Q: You are able to sing in so many languages – how did that come about?

A: My parents are actually multilingual. Even though I’m South Indian by background, I mostly spoke Hindi. My mum can also speak Konkani because she was from Mangalore so I would speak Konkani. Whilst being raised in Dubai, it was mandatory to learn Arabic in school; so that’s how I learnt Arabic as well. I was raised in a household where there was a lot of languages spoken and it also helped listening to music from different languages and watching different regional movies; so I think that’s why languages come easily to me. Whether I’m given lyrics in Hindi, Punjabi or Tamil, I find it pretty easy to follow; and all credit goes to my parents.

Q: There is so much unrecognised talent out there so what would your advice to other AUGUST I 2021

Q: What do you think are the most important characteristics an artist needs to have to succeed?

A: I think being original and finding your own sound, your own style, and just writing down your ideas. That’s how I made my first two songs: Jee Le and Ajooba.

Q: What do you do outside of singing – what are your other hobbies?

A: I think I have a seed of acting in me somewhere. Right now, I’m obsessed with this one girl who does these funny videos of how Punjabi aunties talk and I try and imitate her just for fun!

Apart from that, I enjoy dancing and catching up on my Netflix.

Q: What are your plans from this point on?

What can your fans look forward to?

A: So I have a song that I’m working on called “Doli” and I can’t wait to release it. I think every Indian girl will relate to it because it’s a fun wedding song which says “tu aake zara mere doli sajaa ja”, so she’s basically asking the guy to decorate her palanquin and take her with him.

I’m working on that and a few other originals.

But for now, people can look out for “Doli”.

Follow Shweta on YouTube: http://bit. ly/1QWp5r8, Instagram: @shwetasubram or Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/shwetasubram www.DesiAustralia.com

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Sports

N

eeraj Chopra became India’s second individual Olympic champion - after Abhinav Bindra - with his men’s javelin throw gold at Tokyo 2020.

It was India’s first track-and-field medal at any Olympic Games.

In the 2016 IAAF World U20 Championships, Chopra set the world under-20 record of 86.48 m.[10] Chopra was also selected as the flagbearer at the opening ceremony for India at the 2018 Asian Games, which marked his first Asian Games appearance.[11][12] He scored a goldmedal winning throw (88.06m) at the 2018 Asian Games[13] and 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Chopra won the gold medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics with a throw of 87.58m. He is one of only two Indians to win an individual gold medal at the Olympics,[14][15] as well as the youngestever Indian gold medalist in an individual event and the only one to have won gold in his Olympic debut.[16] Chopra was born in Khandra village, Panipat district, Haryana.[17][18] At the age of 12, Chopra was a very mischievous and obese boy who weighed 90 kilos, causing local lads to tease him about his appearance, saying he resembled the popular image of a sarpanch, or village head.[19] Concerned about

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India at Tokyo Olympics 2020

T

ill now, Indians won 7 medals in total. Two of these are Silver medals and three are bronze medals and one Gold medal. We are providing the

sports and players who won a medal for India in Tokyo Olympics 2020. Below is the table which contains the sports, players, and medal type.

Game

Athlete

Medal

Javelin throw Wrestling (57 KG) Weight Lifting (49 Kg Women) Women’s Singles Badminton Women’s Welterweight Boxing Hockey Wrestling (65 Kg)

Neeraj Chopra Ravi Kumar Dahiya Mirabai Chanu PV Sindhu Lovlina Borgohain Indian Hockey Team Bajarang Punia

Gold Silver Silver Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze

his weight, Chopra’s father enrolled him in a basic gymnasium at Madlauda, which Chopra had to cycle to and from 24 kilometers a day.

[19] After informing his parents of his dislike for the Madlauda gym where he was its youngest member, he was enrolled in a gym at Panipat.

[19] While there, Chopra would

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also frequent the nearby Panipat Sports Authority of India center, where a javelin thrower named Jaiveer Singh recognized his early talent at the javelin throw.[19] Observing his ability to achieve a 40-metre throw without training and further impressed by Chopra’s drive, Jaiveer began coaching him.

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L

ovlina Borgohain (born 2 October 1997) is an Indian boxer and an Olympic medal winner. She won a bronze medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics (Tokyo) in the Women’s welterweight event, becoming only the third Indian boxer to win a medal at the Olympics.[1][2] She also won bronze medal at the 2018 AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships and the 2019 AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships.

[3][4][5] She won the gold medal at 1st India Open International Boxing Tournament held in New Delhi and silver medal at 2nd India Open International Boxing Tournament held in Guwahati. Borgohain is the first female athlete and the second boxer from Assam to represent the state in the Olympics.[6] In 2020, she became the sixth person from Assam to receive Arjuna Award.

I

ndian men’s hockey team A resolute Indian men’s hockey team rewrote history as they won an Olympic medal after 41 years, defeating a plucky Germany 5-4 to win the bronze in an edge-of-the-seat play-off match of the Tokyo Olympics on Thursday.

The eight-time former gold-winners, who battled a heartbreaking slump in the last four decades, made the resurgence of the last couple of years count in the best way possible with an Olympic medal.

After a 41-year wait, the Indian men’s hockey team finally have an Olympic medal since the gold at the 1980 Moscow Olympics.

After being 3-1 down at one point, India made a big comeback to beat Germany 5-4 and claim the bronze medal.

It is their third Olympic bronze medal - after the 1968 and 1972 Games - and their 12th Olympic medal overall. It was India’s fifth medal at Tokyo 2020.

B

ajarang Punia was born in the Khudan village of Jhajjar district in the state of Haryana, India.[3][4] He began wrestling at the age of seven and was encouraged to pursue the sport by his father.[5] Punia grew up a rural area. His family did not have money for traditional sports.

Instead, he had to partake in free sports like wrestling and Kabaddi.[6] Punia’s father was a wrestler as well and at a young age, his family started him at a local mud wrestling school.

Punia started to skip school to go to wrestling practice.[6] In 2015, his family moved to Sonepat so that he can attend a regional centre of Sports Authority of India.

Currently, he works in Indian Railways on the post of Gazetted officer OSD Sports.[4] Punia enjoys seeking out knowledge of his village elders.[6] He is married to fellow wrestler Sangita Phogat, who is one of the famed Phogat sisters.

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R

avi Kumar Dahiya, also known as Ravi Kumar,[2] is an Indian freestyle wrestler who won a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the 57 kg category. He is also a bronze medalist from 2019 World Wrestling Championships and a two-time Asian champion.

Dahiya was born in 1997 and hails from the village of Nahri in Sonipat district, Haryana. Since age 10, Dahiya was trained

by Satpal Singh at the Chhatrasal Stadium in North Delhi. His father Rakesh Dahiya, a small farmer, would travel 8-10 km every day from their village to the Chhatrasal stadium to deliver fresh milk and fruits, which were part of his wrestling diet, for more than a decade.

India’s Olympic medal winners name list Athlete

Medal

Event

Olympics

Norman Pritchard Norman Pritchard Indian hockey team Indian hockey team Indian hockey team Indian hockey team Indian hockey team KD Jadhav Indian hockey team Indian hockey team Indian hockey team Indian hockey team Indian hockey team Indian hockey team Leander Paes Karnam Malleswari Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore Abhinav Bindra Vijender Singh Sushil Kumar Sushil Kumar Vijay Kumar Saina Nehwal Mary Kom Yogeshwar Dutt Gagan Narang PV Sindhu Sakshi Malik Mirabai Chanu Lovlina Borgohain PV Sindhu Ravi Kumar Dahiya Indian hockey team Bajrang Punia Neeraj Chopra

Silver Silver Gold Gold Gold Gold Gold Bronze Gold Silver Gold Bronze Bronze Gold Bronze Bronze Silver Gold Bronze Bronze Silver Silver Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Silver Bronze Silver Bronze Bronze Silver Bronze Bronze Gold

Men’s 200m Men’s 200m hurdles Men’s hockey Men’s hockey Men’s hockey Men’s hockey Men’s hockey Men’s bantamweight wrestling Men’s hockey Men’s hockey Men’s hockey Men’s hockey Men’s hockey Men’s hockey Men’s singles tennis Women’s 54kg weightlifting Men’s double trap shooting Men’s 10m air rifle shooting Men’s middleweight boxing Men’s 66kg wrestling Men’s 66kg wrestling Men’s 25m rapid pistol shooting Women’s singles badminton Women’s flyweight boxing Men’s 60kg wrestling Men’s 10m air rifle shooting Women’s singles badminton Women’s 58kg wrestling Women’s 49kg weightlifting Women’s welterweight boxing Women’s singles badminton Men’s 57kg wrestling Men’s hockey Men’s 65kg wrestling Men’s javelin throw

Paris 1900 Paris 1900 Amsterdam 1928 Los Angeles 1932 Berlin 1936 London 1948 Helsinki 1952 Helsinki 1952 Melbourne 1956 Rome 1960 Tokyo 1964 Mexico City 1968 Munich 1972 Moscow 1980 Atlanta 1996 Sydney 2000 Athens 2004 Beijing 2008 Beijing 2008 Beijing 2008 London 2012 London 2012 London 2012 London 2012 London 2012 London 2012 Rio 2016 Rio 2016 Tokyo 2020 Tokyo 2020 Tokyo 2020 Tokyo 2020 Tokyo 2020 Tokyo 2020 Tokyo 2020

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Sports

P

usarla Venkata Sindhu (born 5 July 1995) PV became only the 2nd Indian athlete (and 3rd to confirm) in Tokyo Olympics 2020 after Mirabai Chanu to win a medal. Sindhu had won the women’s singles badminton silver at the Rio Olympics, which was also her Games debut. Sindhu had fallen agonisingly short of the gold medal as she lost the title match to Spain’s Carolina Marin despite winning the opening game five years ago.

Sindhu broke into the top 20 of the BWF World Ranking in September 2012, at the age of 17.[9] Beginning in 2013, she won a medal at every world championships, with the exception of 2015. She is just the second woman after Zhang Ning to win five or more medals at the world championships. She represented India at the 2016 Summer Olympics (Rio), becoming the first Indian badminton player to reach a final. She won the silver medal after losing out to Spain’s Carolina Marin.[10] She made her second consecutive Olympic appearance at the 2020 Summer Olympics (Tokyo) and won a bronze medal, becoming the first Indian woman ever to win two Olympic medals.[11][12] Download Our App

S

aikhom Mirabai Chanu (born 8 August 1994) is an Indian weightlifter. She won the silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in Women’s 49 kg.[2][3][4][5] Mirabai Chanu has won the World Championships and multiple medals at the Commonwealth Games. She was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India for her contributions to the sport. She was awarded Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award by the Government of India in 2018.[6] Chanu won the silver medal in the women’s 48 kg weight class at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, Glasgow; she went on to break the games record en route to the gold medal at the 2018 edition of the event held in Gold Coast. Prior to the 2020 Summer Olympics, her biggest achievement came in 2017, when she won the gold medal at World Weightlifting Championships held in Anaheim, California Saikhom Mirabai Chanu was born on 8 August 1994 in Nongpok Kakching[7] about 30 km away from Imphal city, Manipur[8] to a Meitei family. Her family identified her strength when she was just 12. She could easily carry a huge bundle of firewood home when her elder brother found it hard to even pick it up.

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Australians at Tokyo Olympics 2020

A

ustralia finishes its campaign in Tokyo with 17 gold medals, the equal most of any Olympic Games along with Athens 2004.

After disappointing returns in London and Rio, it’s certainly a welcome change as we have struggled in recent Olympic Games.

It was also one of the most-watched Games with so many Australians in lockdown with nothing to do but cheer our Aussies on.

And didn’t we have some performances to be proud of? A new generation of athletes broke through to lead the way while some of

‘We’ve got one’ in Rohan Browning When Rohan Browning took out his heat in the Men’s 100m, the entire country was left in shock. Here is this incredible athlete who managed to produce the fastest time ever by an Australian at the Olympics.

Most of Australia was left speechless, except of course the incomparable Bruce McAvaney who always has the right thing to say.

While he wasn’t able to get through the semifinals, in just over ten seconds Browning made his mark on the world of athletics.

our most popular athletes finally took home a medal.

We combed through all the moments, and trust us, we watched them all, to put together the top ten Australian moments from the Tokyo Olympic Games.

Honourable Mentions It’s a credit to how well Australia performed at the Games that so many moments failed to make the top ten.

All of these could have easily snuck their way into the list but just missed out.

Sailors lead from the front Matt Wearn started the Aussie sailing gold rush when he took out the Men’s Laser (with one race to spare).

Then Mat Belcher and Will Ryan followed his lead by taking out the Men’s 470, also with a race to spare.

Nothing more Aussie than getting the job done quickly and being able to enjoy the moment in the final medal race.

Owen Wright’s comeback to Olympic bronze It has been well-documented the journey that Owen Wright went through to get back to surfing. A traumatic brain injury left Wright having to learn how to walk again.

To come back and win an Olympic bronze medal at the first time Surfing is being held at the Olympics? An inspirational moment that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

Andrew Hoy’s individual medal at 8th Olympics The fact that Andrew Hoy was competing at his eighth Olympic Games was an achievement in itself.

For the 66-year-old to come away from it with an individual bronze medal and a team silver?

Remarkable and inspiring.

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Australia’s footballers take on the world When the Olyroos secured a 2-0 win over Argentina in the opening days of competition, it set the scene for the fortnight to come.

While they were unable to get out of their group, it was a moment that showed just how quickly the nation can get behind our Olympic athletes.

For our Matildas, while they didn’t come away with a medal it was a tournament that they can certainly be proud of.

The incredible quarterfinal win over Great Britain will go down as one of the greatest games of Olympic football, ever.

Kaylee McKeown and Emily Seebohm share the podium There was a special moment towards the end of the swimming programme in the 200m backstroke when Kaylee McKeown took home her second individual gold medal of the Games.

Finishing in third was Emily Seebohm, an Aussie swimming legend at her fourth Olympics.

What followed at the medal ceremony was a special moment where Seebohm presented McKeown with her medal and the pair stood together on top of the podium.

A moment that typified the Australian team’s closeness these Games and signified a changing of the guard to the new generation of Aussie athletes.

Double gold for Australia’s rowers In the space of an hour, Australia’s rowers won two gold medals on July 28.

Australia’s Men’s and Women’s Four both came home strong to take out the win in a moment that could hold real significance for the future of Australian rowing.

Artacho del Solar and Clancy claim Beach Volleyball silver Mariafe Artacho del Solar and Taliqua Clancy were the fifth-rated team going into the Olympics but their campaign surpassed all expectations.

They beat the number one team in the world on their way to the final where they narrowly lost to the American pair of April Ross and Alix Klineman.

It was an incredible run that should set them up for more success in the years to come.

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Patrick Tiernan’s display of determination To start the Athletics calendar for Australia, Patrick Tiernan dragged himself across the line in the Men’s 10,000m final.

It was a moment of pure spirit. An Aussie athlete who gave his all and was out on his feet.

But he was determined to finish and eventually crossed the line.

He had to be taken from the track in a wheelchair but the legacy he created in that moment is one that won’t be forgotten. And thankfully, he had no lasting injuries.

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TOP TEN AUSTRALIAN

MOMENTS FROM THE TOKYO OLYMPIC GAMES 10. High jumper Nicola McDermott and Javelin thrower Kelsey-Lee Barber take home medals from the field Barber was the first to compete, in her final she left everything out there to produce a season’s best throw of 64.56m to claim a bronze medal. She missed out on silver by five centimetres. For the incredibly focused Nicola McDermott, the Women’s High Jump final was the perfect time to announce herself to Australia and the world. She produced a personal best performance of 2.02m to better her Australian Record and keep her gold medal hopes alive.

While she came away with the silver medal, she won plenty of admirers for her determination and spirit in the high jump final.

9. Harry Garside wins historic boxing medal for Australia When Harry Garside defeated Kazakhstan’s Zakir Safiullin in the Men’s Lightweight quarterfinal, he did something that no Australian boxer had done in 33 years. Win a boxing medal at the Olympics.

Garside is quite an incredible athlete. He pushes himself constantly. He finds ways to get outside his comfort zone because he knows that doesn’t only make him a better boxer, it makes him a better person. After winning a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, there were high hopes around Garside’s Olympic campaign. Although he fell to Cuba’s Andy Cruz in the semifinals, his performance surpassed expectations despite not coming home with the gold.

It was a campaign to be incredibly proud of for an athlete who is set to inspire lots of young athletes around the country. This is a boxer who wants to break stereotypes. He’s happy to shrug off the hypermasculinity often associated with boxing by showing off his nails painted in the ring. His bronze medal was incredible. But his impact out of the ring is set to be just as large.

8. Melissa Wu finally claims an individual Olympic medal Sixth in Beijing. Fourth in London. Fifth in Rio. It seemed like Melissa Wu could go

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throughout her career without an individual Olympic medal. The four-time Olympian will go down as one of Australia’s greatest ever divers but finally completed her legacy in Tokyo when she won bronze in the Women’s 10m platform.

It was a moment that flew slightly under the radar with all the other incredible medal celebrations, but it’s an achievement that deserves celebration with all the bells and whistles.

Here is an athlete who burst onto the world stage as a 13-year-old, has had to deal with injuries and personal tragedies and has still been able to compete at the elite level of international competition. The emotion on her face once she realised she had won a medal was incredibly special. Her comments made it even more poignant when she revealed she had previously considered quitting diving after her sister passed away. “The first time (I thought about quitting) for me was when my sister passed away in 2014,” Wu said.

“That was a huge challenge for me to overcome and it’s something that is continually very challenging for me and my family.

“Diving saved me a bit and gave me something to re-focus on and keep going after that.”

7. New events capture Australia’s golden imagination There was plenty of scepticism when it was announced that new events like Skateboarding and BMX Freestyle were coming into the Olympics in Tokyo. With breakdancing not far around the corner in Paris 2024, many thought it was a sign that the Olympics were moving away from what made them special. But it turned out to be the exact opposite.

Across the skateboarding competition, we saw this incredible camaraderie between the competitors. No matter who was in the lead, they were all genuinely having an incredible time and wanted each other to perform at their best. None more so than Aussie Keegan Palmer who took out the gold medal in the Men’s Park final. The shock on his face after his first ride said it all. Even before that, fellow Aussie Logan Martin claimed the inaugural gold medal in the Men’s BMX Freestyle with an incredible

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run.

It was a performance that captured Australia’s attention and gave Martin his place on the Olympic stage after a long career competing around the world. And what about that trick on the second run, even though he knew he had the gold medal wrapped up? Incredible!

We’re all in for these new sports at the Olympics.

6. Emma McKeon makes Olympic history ‘McKeon at six?’ I hear you say? It’s a historic achievement and one that may never be beaten by an Australian and it speaks to the moments that finished above it.

The 27-year-old claimed seven medals (four gold, three bronze) in Tokyo to take her total Olympic tally to 11. The most of any Australian, ever. Two well-deserved individual gold medals in the 50m and 100m freestyle showed just how dominant the Wollongong local has become in the pool.Her seven medals in Tokyo is also the joint-most by a female athlete along with Soviet gymnast Maria Gorokhovskaya back in 1952.

The moments that summed up McKeon’s Olympics were her incredible dedication to the Australian team. Backing up after heats to swim in relays. Rushing off from medal presentations to race again. Spending 30 seconds in a warmdown pool after a race to be ready for a relay final. It was a remarkable week for McKeon who conducted herself with incredible poise.

There’s every chance that she remains Australia’s most successful Olympian for decades to come. Could she add to her tally in Paris, time will tell.

5. Ash Moloney and Cedric Dubler’s shared decathlon triumph Australia had never won a medal in the Men’s decathlon before Ash Moloney won bronze in Tokyo. It was a determined effort from the 21-year-old who kept setting personal bests and had to set an Australian record to lock up third place. But the moment that sticks in everyone’s mind was the effort of his Australian teammate Cedric Dubler in the 1500m.

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Moloney went into the race, the last event of the decathlon, in third place with his lead slowly dwindling. With American Garrett Scantling and Canada’s Pierce LePage hunting him down, he needed to finish within seven seconds of Scantling to ensure the medal. Halfway through the race, it looked like Scantling was going to steal the medal from the Aussie’s grasp.

However, Dubler ran alongside Moloney and started yelling at him and motivating him to give it his all. The experienced Dubler was keeping track of what Moloney needed to do and he was well behind the pace. It inspired Moloney to take it up a few gears and power home. As he crossed the finish line, in the background you could see Dubler pumping his fist in the air, knowing his teammate had secured a medal. An incredibly special moment.

4. Patty Mills and the Boomers finally get their medal After losing to Spain by a point in a dramatic bronze medal match in Rio, it almost seemed destined that the Boomers would never claim an Olympic medal. This golden generation of basketballers had come close on four occasions only to finish 4th each time. In Tokyo, the Boomers breezed through the group stages and comfortably accounted for Argentina in the quarterfinals.

It set up a date with destiny. The USA in the semifinals. Could this be the moment the Aussies assured themselves of a medal.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be as Kevin Durant led his troops to a dominant win over the Aussies after we got close. It meant our hopes were left to the bronze medal match again. Standing in our way this time was the prodigious Luka Doncic who had led Slovenia to the semifinals in their Olympic debut.

Australia wouldn’t be denied their medal this time though. An incredible 42-points from the inspirational Patty Mills delivered the Boomers bronze. Their first Olympic medal. It was a special moment for a team that all of Australia has been behind for years. It was a long time coming, but boy, was it worth the wait!Let’s let the man himself sum up exactly how special a moment it was for Australian basketball.

3. Australia’s new favourite Bol inspires the nation Peter Bol. The 27-year-old 800m runner who

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inspired a nation. When Bol broke the Australian Record in his heat to book his place in the semifinal he caught our attention. Then he went on to win his semifinal in a new Australian record and the whole nation was on it’s feet.

Here was this incredible Australia dominating on the world stage.

Then closer to home the story of Bol captured our imagination. Footage of his family celebrating his semifinal triumph went viral purely because of the joy in that room. It’s surprising the roof was still on after the noise they made. Bol went on to finish 4th in the final an incredible achievement for the Sudanese-born runner who made absolutely everyone proud.

“I didn’t know if I was going to win, but I knew one thing for certain,” Bol said after the final.

“That the whole of Australia was watching and that carried me on.”

2. Ariarne Titmus takes the 400m crown over Katie Ledecky As Ariarne Titmus powered through the final fifty metres of the 400m freestyle final, Australia held its breath.

Here was this incredible young swimmer with the hopes of a nation on her shoulders, about to defeat arguably the greatest female swimmer of all time. It took a new Australian Record of 3:56.69 for Titmus to take the crown but it was the start of what was to come for Australia in the pool. While her celebrations might have been subdued, in the stands coach Dean Boxhall went nuts with his ‘Ultimate Warrior’-inspired pelvic thrust.

Behind the gold medal and the viral celebration was over four years of hard work and dedication. Titmus followed it up by defeating Ledecky in the 200m, however, the American did come away with the 800m and 1500m titles. But to see the 20-year-old Aussie rise to the occasion on the biggest stage of all was a moment I don’t think any Australian watching will ever forget.

1. Jessica Fox finally gets her gold When Jessica Fox crossed the line in the Women’s C1 final in first place, it was the culmination of over a decade of hard work.

Here was an athlete, one of the most popular in Australia right now, who had come so agonisingly close to glory on so many occasions.

At London 2012, she finished with a silver

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medal and just 0.61 seconds off first place. In Rio in 2016, she finished with a bronze medal after a two second penalty cost her second place. Then in the Women’s K1 at Tokyo, she again finished in third place. Two penalties added four seconds to her time and relegated her from the top of the podium to two steps down.

It was a heartbreaking moment felt by all of Australia who were on the edge of their seats willing Fox across the line. But Tokyo would be special not just for Fox but for women’s paddle sports. It’s the first time we would see a Women’s C1 (canoe) event in the Canoe Slalom at the Olympic Games.

Fox made it clear early how special it would be for her to compete in the event and hopefully take home a medal. “It’s the first time that the women’s canoe event will be on the Olympic programme, which is huge for our sport to finally have the gender equality and equal number of men and women,” Fox said.“It’s an amazing opportunity to be able to do both events. We fought really hard to get to this point in my sport as women, so I am really proud to be the representative of Australia in the first women’s C1 Olympic event.“It’s a big honour for all the women who fought for us to be in this position.

“Being able to compete in the women’s C1 makes these Olympics definitely more special.

To be on that podium, to be one of the first, would be amazing.”

Fox went into the semifinals of the C1 as the fifth-fastest racer. A fantastic semifinal had her as the fastest for the final and meant she would race last, again. With Great Britain’s Mallory Franklin sitting in first with a time of 108.68, Fox knew exactly what was needed to win.

With a faultless final run of 105.04, Fox secured her maiden Olympic gold medal. A moment celebrated by the entire nation.

Immediately she was embraced by her mother and sister who were at the course, Fox was overcome by emotion.

Fans were more concerned by the commentary at home where father Richard managed to contain his excitement in calling her run.

But you could hear how much the occasion meant to him. His daughter was finally an Olympic champion.

An incredible moment for Australia and our number one Aussie moment for the Tokyo Olympic Games.

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Mag Corner

Light – A coffee table book, by Parabjeet Singh Capturing the people of Perth in images and words - an Indian photographer stranded in Perth in 2020, now in COVID-ravaged Bangalore India

P

arabjeet Singh is a Bangalorebased photographer and filmmaker whose work has been published internationally in newspapers and magazines. In 2020, following a difficult year, he embarked on an international holiday to reignite his creativity and positivity only to find himself stranded at his first stop Perth, Western Australia thanks to COVID 19. His journey through that emotionally and financially complicated year inspired the creation of his just released coffee table book ‘Light’.

It captures 15 inspirational people Parabjeet met in Perth at that time, in both his superb photographs and captivating prose. People he credits as being his ‘light at the end of the tunnel’.

“My life swerved from a fabulous holiday into a crash landing, my three-month visit to Australia now stretched ahead for the unforeseeable future. With international travel prohibited I couldn’t get back home.

I was borderline depressed and lonely,” Parabjeet said.

“Perth is an expensive city and things weren’t looking favorable for me especially without an income. I had no choice but to spend my remaining holiday money to get a student visa and do odd jobs to make it work. And it did for a while, but I was facing the decision to sell my photographic equipment so I wouldn’t be penniless. I logged on to the classifieds to do just that and a ‘Photographer for Hire’ ad jumped right out at me. That is where my story took a right turn.”

The job Parabjeet applied for and got, is not one renowned for creativity, but familiar to us all in Australia, a School Photo photographer. A job that does not exist in India. His boss, Jeremy Atlan from 3 P Photography generously gave him a car, deducting payments from his paychecks, so he could travel the sprawling suburbs of Perth in order to do his job and make a living with his skills as a photographer. They are now very good friends.

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backyard swimming pool of a new friend.

“Light is a book about the people I met and lessons I learnt during a difficult period in my life. The 15 stories featured in the book, with photographs completely shot over the course of 2020, mean a lot to me because when I look back at that time, they were the light at the end of my tunnel. I hope these stories inspire and make you believe in second chances as they did for me.

This book is dedicated to life’s surprises.”

Parabjeet hopes to return to Australia.

Light.

Hardback, 88 Pages, Published by ‘White Falcon Publishing’, India,

Photography, for Parabjeet is not about pointing and shooting images. The alchemy he believes lies in knowing your subject and what makes them unique. There is a story in every frame and the learning never stops. His Subjects in ‘Light’ each have their own story whether it is 106 year-old Nellie Marriott, dancer Drew Holloway; Congolese model Astrid Tshidibu who features on the cover; or 16 year-old Boudene Huckle who helped him refine his outstanding underwater photography skills in the AUGUST I 2021

Link for purchase in Australia: https:// www.amazon.com.au/Light-ParabjeetSingh/dp/1636401899/

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