Desi Australia Monthly eMagazine – Issue January 2020 by Desi Australia

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“Keeping you connected”

pHOTO credit: Owen Lunney

Sovereignty Never Ceded:

Why South Asians Should Stand With First Nations

NEWS I EVENTS I Health I LEGAL I TECHNOLOGY I YOGA I FOOD I Gallery

The Publication

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Young Journalist of the Year FEBRUARY I 2020

Alan Knight Student Award

Best Print Report Award

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WHAT’S INSIDE 17

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One Care 17 Care All Group & Turbans 4 Australia reach out to help of bushfire victims

Republic Day of India 46 71st was celebrated at Swami Vivekananda...

Akshay Kumar’s 51 42020 Films to Watch Out For in

Interaction 48 Community was held with Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe Member of Parliament...

Poor Dental Health 19 Can Cause Dementia? Do Healthy Gums Keep Our Brain Sharp?

Hair Clips Are Back 38 Fashion: in a Major Way-Here’s How to Nail The Trend

Against 06 Protests Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)

Hindi 56 Australian Indian Association’s (AHIA) program for seniors

to make 18 Ways a difference during and after the disaster…

celebrations 12 Cultural “Cultural Event” to celebrate Lohri, Makar Sankranti...

Point 44 View Madeline Saab’s Poem on Bush fire

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) 54 and Vishwa Hindi Diwas 2020 were celebrated at the Swami...

40 Kampavata (Parkinson’s disease) Ayurvedic view

Ghandi’s Death 36 Mahatma Anniversary at Jubilee Park, Parramatta

and embrace 08 Celebrate Sanskrit and Indigenous Languages.

Sydney 58 GOPIO North West helped over 5000 children in 10 years

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

Mob: 0433121339

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 the contributors.

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Hello Everyone, On 26th Jan we celebrated Australia Day and the Indian Republic Day. We sent the Australia Day and the Indian Republic day wishes to our family & friends, in response we received a very touching message from one our writers Shyamla who said she did not support Australia Day and instead decided to march with First Nations people on their day of mourning and survival - Brown people for Black power. There was a lack of Desi representation at the march which made us feel that many of us are not aware of the 65,000+ history of Australia’s First Nations. Shyamla has reflected on her experience of the march in this month’s cover story and hopes this will educate and encourage more Desi representation in the future. In this edition we have brought to light the talent from the Desi Community making their mark in the wider Australian community, may it be cricket or beauty pageant. As Valentine’s Day is approaching and many of us are planning our evening with family and friends, but

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Arti Banga

Editor-in-Chief

there is no special love than loving yourself. We bring to you the various ways in which you can enjoy Valentines with Yourself. We continue to bring to you the latest in fashion, health, Ayurveda, Technology, food and also keeping you connected with the latest happenings in the Desi Community. We hope you enjoy reading this edition of the Desi Australia Monthly Magazine. DesiAustralia.com “Keeping you connected”

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Desi News

Protests Against Citizenship Amendme

passed on 10 December 2019 with 311 members voted in favour and 80 against the Bill. The Bill was subsequently passed by the Rajya Sabha with 125 votes in favour and 105 votes against it. In a few days, the protests spread across India, though the concerns of the protesters vary. By: Harmohan Singh Walia

he Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests and National Register of Citizens (NRC) protests, are a series of ongoing protests in India, which was enacted into law on 12 December 2019. The Act also seeks to relax the requirement of residence in India for citizenship by naturalisation from 11 years to 5 years for migrants covered under the Act. According to the Intelligence Bureau, the immediate beneficiaries of the new law will be 25,447 Hindus, 5,807 Sikhs, 55 Christians, 2 Buddhists and 2 Parsis. The protests began in Assam, Delhi, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura on 4 December 2019, when the Union Cabinet clears the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 for introduction in the parliament. The Bill was Download Our App

The Amendment benefits Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Christian and Parsi refugees from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh, who sought refuge in India before 2015; the Amendment leaves out Muslims and others from these countries, as well as Tamil Refugees from Sri Lanka, Rohingyas from Myanmar and Buddhist refugees from Tibet. The proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC) will be an official record of all legal citizens of India where individuals would have to provide a prescribed set of documents issued before a specified cutoff date for inclusion in the register. The exercise of the NRC has already been carried out in the state of Assam. Those who fail to qualify for the NRC will be able to avail the benefits of the CAA if they claim to be religious minorities fleeing persecution from the listed countries. Protesters throughout India, see the new law FEBRUARY I 2020

as discriminating against Muslims and as unconstitutional; they are demanding the amendment to be scrapped and the nationwide NRC to be not implemented. They are concerned Muslim citizens of India will be rendered stateless and put into detention camps by the proposed nationwide NRC in combination with the CAA. They are also concerned that all citizens will be effected by the bureaucratic exercise of the NRC where they will have to prove their citizenship for inclusion in the registry. The protesters have raised voices against authoritarianism, the police crackdown in some universities and suppression of protests. The protests started in Assam on 4 December 2019, after the bill was introduced in parliament. Later on, protests erupted in Northeast India and subsequently spread to the major cities of India. On 15 December, major protests took place near Jamia Milia Islamia in New Delhi and Aligarh University. As the protests spread, private and public property was burnt and destroyed by mobs, and some railway stations were vandalized. Police forcibly entered the campus of Jamia Milia Islamia University, used batons and tear gas on the students, and more than 200 students www.DesiAustralia.com

Desi News

ent Act (CAA)

were injured and around 100 were detained overnight in the police station. The police action was widely criticized and resulted in students across the country protested in solidarity. On 24 December, despite widespread ongoing protests, the central government approved the updating of the National Population Register (NPR) and allocated Rs 3,941.35 crore (US$550 million) for it. The protests have resulted in thousands of arrests and 27 deaths as of 27 December 2019. Two 17-year old minors were among those reported to have been killed due to police firing live ammunition on protesters in Assam. So far, at least eight states have announced that they will not implement the Act or the National Register of Citizens (NRC). While one state and two union territories have refused to implement the CAA, three other states have only declined the implementation of the NRC. However the Union Home Ministry said that states lack the legal power to stop the implementation of Citizenship Amendment Act. According to Yashwant Sinha, a former adDownload Our App

ministrator, Minister of Finance and Minister of External Affairs under Prime Ministers Chandra Shekhar and Atal Bihari Vajpayee respectively, the unrest witnessed is also caused due to the economic crisis facing the country where the issue of CAA-NRC has acted as a trigger for it. The Indian economy has been witnessing a decreasing growth rate, increasing household debt, inflation, unemployment and economic inequality. Raghuram Rajan, an Indian economist and 23rd Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, attributed it to an “extreme centralization of power” under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

on 20 December. More than 100,000 protesters attended protest march named “Million March” against CAA in Hyderabad on 4 January.

The State Bank of India estimates a growth rate of 4.6% for the Financial year 2020, which would be the lowest since the 2008 Global Recession, where the growth rate had been 3.9%. The unemployment rate of India was reported to have a reached a 45 year high of 6.1% in the financial year of 2017-2018. The Center for Monitoring Indian Economy stated the unemployment rate to be 8.45% with a rate of 37.48% for the 20-24 age group and 12.81% for the 25-29 age group in October 2019.

Union Home Minister, Amit Shah said in Lukhnow rally on 21 January there is no provision in the amended law for taking anyone’s citizenship away. “A canard is being spread against the CAA by the Congress, SP, BSP and Trinamool Congress.” He further said the opposition is misleading people on CAA, and the law will not be scrapped despite the protests over it. Mentioning figures, he said the proportion of Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains in Pakistan and Bangladesh dropped drastically after partition. “Where have they gone? They were either killed, converted or came to India as refugees. He said five lakh Pandits were displaced from Kashmir, “but these parties did not utter a word”.

In Jamia Nagar, Delhi, three Delhi Transport Corporation buses were torched as protests turned violent. Violent clashes occurred in Delhi’s Seelampur area as well. 20 metro stations were closed to prevent the movement for protests. At least 700 flights were delayed and more than 20 cancelled due to traffic jams caused by police closing the roads to stifle protests. In West Bengal thousands of people joined demonstration led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her ruling Trinamool Congress party. 80,000 protesters concluded peacefully in Bangalore. 1000-1200 protesters were booked for organising a candle march inside Aligarh Muslim University for violating section 144. In Meerut, U.P government demanded Rs 25,000 each from more than 140 people, a total of Rs 40 lakh (US$56,000) as penalty for damages caused during the protest FEBRUARY I 2020

A masked mob, allegedly composed of Hindu extremists from Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, armed with rods and sticks attacked the campus of Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi and injured more than 40 students and teachers. The attack was described as an attempt to suppress student activism during the CAA protests. Aligarh Muslim University postponed all exams due to the ongoing CAA protests.

At Delhi’s Shaheen Bagh the protesters have been sitting on dharna for over 50 days to protest against CAA and demanding the removal of barricades from the road connecting Noida with Kalindi Kunj. Around 52 people have been detained. On 1st February, a 25 year old man fired two rounds in the air at Shaheen Bagh and was later taken into custody. No one was injured in the incident. Protests against CAA-NRC-NPR continuing at many cities in India. Pro and against CAA protests were conducted by Indians living in overseas countries including Australia. www.DesiAustralia.com

Language and Culture

Celebrate and embrace Sanskrit and Indigenous Languages

2019’s Samskrutotsavam was marked by an unwavering focus on this year’s celebration of Indigenous Languages, consequently drawing the attention of many dignitaries including Labor MP Mr. Paul Lynch, CGI, Mr. Manish Gupta and Mrs Gupta and President of HCA Mr. Jayaram, National Vice President of HCA, Mr. Surinder Jain and Miss. Charishma Kaliyanda, Liverpool councillor. Across the duration of the event, both junior and senior students presented a variety of items demonstrating their mastery over the oratory elements of Sanskrit language. The event began with Welcome to the Country by Uncle Evan and Swagata Bhashanam by two junior students, followed by Deepa Jwalanam (lighting of the lamp) by grandparents of our students. Sanskrit School teachers chanted the deepajwalana stotram of Adi Shankara. Taken directly from the Taittariya Upanishad, students opened with Shishya Anushasanam, typically a final instruction given by a Guru to the student, outlining the tenets of moral conduct. Junior students ignited the event by Ganeshavandana by action followed by showcasing Shiva Sutra Jalam, a vibrant enactment of how the ( Sound energy tuned as syllable) Sanskrit syllables arose to existence from the drumming of Lord Shiva’s cosmic drum (Damaru). Following this was Aranye Ashvaha a a a , phonetics book that was prepared as a project for DET based on Ants in the apple a a a. A re-enactment of the book was played on stage exhibiting various creative Download Our App

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Language and Culture

recital of the Shree Narasimha Panchakam of Jagadguru Adi Shankara. The release of Sydney Sanskrit School’s annual magazine, Medha, sparked enthusiasm from elders and dignitaries alike as it contained valuable articles written by Sanskrit scholars on the knowledge provided by Sanskrit texts. Sydney Sanskrit School also thanked sponsors, well-wishers and renowned Sanskrit scholars for their contributions towards Medha, School Magazine. Sri Samba Murthy was honoured for his contribution towards Medha writing an article, taking upanishat classes and as a judge for our school competitions. The conclusion of the annual day students of School recited a Sanskrit song (glory of Dharawal region), which heralds the beautiful and simplistic lifestyle adopted by the Indigenous people of the Campbelltown region (Dharawal). After awarding the talented winners of 2019’s Srimad Bhagavadgita and Subhashitam Competition with prizes as well as the Varnamala song (Grammar song), Students sang Garudagamana on Mahavishnu, the composition of Jagadguru Sri Bharati Teertha swami of Sringeri Jagadguru peetha. Prolonged drought is severely affecting our rural NSW and Queensland. SSS prayed for rain through a very special song which was in praise of Goddess Madurai Meenakshi and is said to bring showers of rain. This song was sung by Smt. Nadhamuni Gayatri Bharat, an acclaimed Indian classical musician. The song was written and composed by Gayatri’s grandfather Late.Kumaramangalam Srinivasaragavan, a Carnatic musician and an eminent composer of twentieth century, who had written 100+ songs in various languages and this song is special as it was actually written as per Mahaperiyava’s (Sage of Kanchi) instructions and blessings.

costumes in a visual spectacle, captivating the audience. Next, the senior students presented Vihaganukarana, an evocative account narrated by Maharshi Panini on how bird sounds were transcribed into Gunithakshara. The Download Our App

audience then indulged in Bhashavrukshaha, a metaphorical drama attempted at inspiring viewers to never forsake the mother language, Sanskrit. Adults learning under Sydney Sanskrit School also prepared a melodic FEBRUARY I 2020

The event came to a close with tri-language National anthem and Vandemataram (song on salutations to mother earth.) and the valedictory speech. All the guests enjoyed the sumptuous feast provided by parent volunteers of Sydney Sanskrit School. www.DesiAustralia.com

Mag Corner

An Australian View

of the World by Professor the Hon Bob Carr with Richard Broinowski AO

Prof Bob Carr Lecture

n the 4th of February 2020, Affinity hosted its first lecture series of the year with Professor the Honourable Bob Carr and Richard Broinowski AO. The welcome speech was kindly presented by The Honourable Barrie Unsworth, former premiere of NSW and a member of the Affinity Advisory Board. Bob Carr and Richard Broinowski dived into an indepth discussion of Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s view on worldly political issues. Broinowski presented questions ranging from the current unfortunate bushfires that have engulfed Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s land to the current trade relationship of the US and China. Broinowski stated how Carr feels about the bushfires and if it is a part of climate change to which Carr agreed that it is a climate event and a proof of

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Mag Corner

Gift for Richard Broinowski by Rorr Jeffs CEO Opera Australia. that the leadership of Xi looks like it has changed and China buys an estimated 40% of Australia’s exports and therefore Australia’s and China’s trade balance is ideal. The discussion ended with an audience Q and A session. Gifts of appreciation were then handed to Bob Carr by The Honourable Justice Michael Pembroke, Former judge of the Supreme Court. Rory Jeffs, CEO of Opera Australia gifted Richard Broinowski AO. Then, Alison Broinowski, former diplomat, presented Barrie Unsworth with a gift of appreciation.

continuous scientific evidence. There have been many articles and warnings since 1988 about the increase of global warming and the effects it can thus pose. To disregard the current bushfires as a non-climate emergency is therefore ignorant.

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The two individuals then delved into trade relations between the US and China and where Australia stands. Carr mentioned that Trump is a political genius and he uses it to change the opposing party and frame them as an opposition. Carr also mentioned

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The program concluded with Executive Director of Affinity, Ahmet Polat, closing the event with a few words of his own. Polat acknowledged the devastating bushfires and applauded the sense of community the unfortunate event brought. He pointed out that diversity within Australian society now and in the future is a great opportunity to form united and dynamic relations with the world.

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Gallery

Cultural celebrations

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cultural Eventâ&#x20AC;? to celebrate Lohri, Makar Sankranti and Pongal festivals was held at Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre of the Indian Consulate, Sydney on 17 January 2019. Many cultural teams participated in this colourful event.

By: Harmohan Singh Walia

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Thats Life

To push or to pull?

By Aruna Ladva

ow often do we find ourselves pushing for certain outcomes in life when, with a small shift in attitude, a twist of consciousness and a swing in the right direction, we can actually ‘pull’ or attract quite easily what we need. Learning to recognise what we need to push away or pull towards us in life takes time, attention and focus. In fact, normally we push where it could be best to pull, and pull where it might work better to push. When dieting, for example, we push away certain foods instead of pulling towards us the right foods that will help to eliminate the toxins and fats. Or, in our neediness we push to make relationships work, which may result only in pushing away other individuals, rather than pulling them towards us with genuine love, care and patience. If we find we are pushing too hard to achieve what we want in life, it could mean that we are not operating in the flow of the drama. It might be a good idea to persevere. Knowing when to hold on and when to let go is an art that comes with time and experience. When marketers push many products at us, it’s important to be able to discriminate between the want and the need. Just because they promote their wares by pushing them at us does not mean that we need to pull them towards us. If we learn to discern clearly, we will discover that there is very little that we have to pull towards us. With the right intention, Download Our App

whatever we need will come in front of us. When it comes to the subject of personal character building, instead of grappling to push away the aspects of ourselves that we don’t like, it’s much more effective to pull towards us the truth of who we are: love, light, peace and joy. Focusing on our negative aspects will tend to give them more energy and they will gain a greater hold over us. When we switch on the light and realise our own inner beauty, power and potential, then the darkness will evaporate. It’s time … to stop pushing and to start drawing towards us the things we really need in life. What we resist will persist. Therefore, let go of the struggle … and let’s invite abundance into our lives. FEBRUARY I 2020

Adapted from Aruna Ladva’s It’s time … to be cool How awareness and insight can make you calm and confident See also Aruna’s www.itstimetomeditate.org www.DesiAustralia.com

GURUJI MANDIR SYDNEY Â&#x201A; Â? Â&#x192; Â&#x201E;

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JAI GURUJI

Shivaratri Mahasatsang

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*Please note Darbar may be open during the day on Saturday and Sunday if a Sangat Satsang is held. For details if there is a Satsang being held please refer to the Jai Guruji Sydney Satsang notiďŹ cation group. To be added to the Whatsapp notiďŹ cation group, please email JaiGurujiSydney@gmail.com or sms/whatsapp 0402 773 997

Guruji Mandir Sydney Address: Building 5, 27 Rose Crescent, Regents Park, NSW

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Community News | Sydney

Care One Care All Group & Turbans 4 Australia reach out to help of

bushfire victims Parmjit Singh shares his thoughts on the most recent visit, â&#x20AC;&#x153;It has been a long run from start to finish, but very satisfying when hearing beautiful comments from our brothers and sisters in need. We met so many nice people in the bush and they were so thankful to see us amongst them that I do not have words to express. Personally, I have been feeling that it is much more satisfying to stay back here and help these needy individuals and families

ver the last few months the Australian community has been hit hard by bushfires. Looking at the devastating situation of those in the drought and bushfire affected areas of NSW, Care One Care all Group (COCAG) has diverted attention to help the victims of drought / bushfire in regional NSW. COCAG and Turbans 4 Australia (T4A) have been working consistently and delivering much needed supplies to fellow Australians in need. A 4th round of bushfire relief package was delivered on Saturday, 11th January 2020. The delivery contained two semi-trailer loads of bottled water and a truck load of groceries, toiletries, hygiene products and tools. These were delivered to the needy in regional towns of Milton, Mogo, Naroomba, Cobargo and Bermugai. A community kitchen (langar) was also set up at one of the bushfire affected locations in Milton. Care One Care All Group Chairman, Dr Download Our App

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Community News | Sydney

than going back to Sydney. There have been so many challenges, but the love from people gives us strength to overcome the obstacles. May God bless us with the strength to do more of such service of the beautiful community in the bush at this hour of needâ&#x20AC;?. The organisations had also carried out a Bushfire Run to South Coast on Friday night through to Saturday morning (3rd & 4th Jan 2020). They delivered a semi-trailer of bottled water and groceries to the victims of bushfires in the South Coast areas of Nowra and Ulladulla. Previously both these teams had also paired up to deliver a Drought Run to Armidale, and Download Our App

a Bushfire Run to Coffs Harbour and Tenterfield in the mid North Coast to help those communities. For your information, COCAG is a Western Sydney based charity organisation. The organisationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s services are primarily dedicated towards care of destitute, orphans, widows and other needy (poorest of poor) & homeless in Australia and India. If you would like to support with these ongoing projects you can get in touch with Care One Care All Group on +61416983334, email cocag.org@gmail.com or find them on Facebook @Care One Care All Group.

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Health

Ways to make a difference during and after the disaster… by Sumeet K Chawla Psychologist

hat an unexpected and highly stressful start to the new year. We are experiencing more intense and frequent bushfires because of the effect of climate change. The effects and damage of bush fires will be around for a while and our hearts have been heavy, as we come up with ways to fundraise and donate for the cause. We have lost human lives, more than half a billion animals, houses, properties, forestry, wildlife, livelihoods and so much more. These events have a significant impact on the mental health and wellbeing of community members and the grief and loss experienced by those impacted is unimaginable. While the threat of bushfires is frightening, there is a lot that family, friends, volunteers, community members, can do to help those affected, by promoting safety, comfort and help. Taking care of people’s needs, ensuring they are safe and secure and giving them back some control over their lives greatly supports their recovery. Many of those affected will also require further mental health support to assist recovery, but most people may recover on their own or with the support of compassionate and caring disaster workers, family and friends.

It is also important to be mindful that children too may have suffered disruption, losses, or lived through this frightening experience. Some other children may have been affected indirectly, through hearing about the disaster or knowing someone who has suffered loss. Individuals cope with trauma in different ways and there is no one standard reaction to the stress of traumatic experiences. Children are not

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always able to express complex feelings in the same way adults do and therefore do not often show the same reactions to stress as adults. It is important to look out for changes in children’s behaviour that suggest they are unsettled or distressed. Children require comfort, reassurance and support. It is essential to monitor how much your children are being exposed to media stories of the disaster as well, as it can become re-traumatising for the child watching repeated images of the disaster on television. It is best to try to protect/ avoid them from such media. Also, remember, to be kind to yourself. This is an emergency situation and it is a natural response that you are feeling anxious and stressed. To help yourself and others cope with their feelings, you cannot directly control what is happening, but you can manage your responses in this emergency and influence the impact it has on you and your family. Also, RSPCA NSW has urged people not to forget the wellbeing of their pets and other animals.

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If you are in Australia or Overseas please help by donating to State-based brigades like the NSW Rural Fire Service, which will go towards bushfire relief and to Australian Red Cross who are providing vital support to those affected, including emergency shelter, clothing, food, crisis, counselling services and so much more. NSW Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service (WIRES), a not-for-profit where trained volunteers rehabilitate injured wildlife, is also accepting donations to help pay for things including food, medical supplies and vet fees. (www.wires.org.au/donate/ emergency-fund ** For more information visit NSW Rural Fire Service website for more information on Bush Fire Alert levels and more useful resources including Planning ahead and Bush Fire survival plan. https://www.rfs.nsw.gov. au/ In a bush fire, it’s important that you stay up to date on conditions in your area. Let’s get together and lift each other up!

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Health

Can Poor Dental Health Cause Dementia? Do Healthy Gums Keep Our Brain Sharp?

by Ms Anju Mathur Dementia Consultant and Aging Well Consultant Awarded 2019 Volunteer of the Year Award for Hornsby & North Western Sydney as a Dementia Consultant

One Question that I often get asked as a Dementia Consultant is if there is a link between dental health and hygiene. The answer is quite simple: Healthy gums keeps your brain sharp! A new study from the University of Central Lancashire School of Medicine and Dentistry suggests poor dental health and a specific gum disease bacteria in the brain may be linked to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Researchers also from the US, Europe, New Zealand and Australia found bacteria called Porphyromonas gingivalis- that causes gum disease in brain samples from people who had died with Alzheimer’s disease. This bacteria may play a role in changes in the brain in Alzheimer’s disease, contributing to symptoms including confusion and failing memory. Senior research fellow at the University of Central Lancashire School of Medicine and Dentistry, Sim Singhrao, PhD, states “We are working on the theory that when the brain is repeatedly exposed to bacteria and/or debris from our gums, subsequent immune responses may lead to nerve cell death and possibly memory loss”. Since plaques and tau tangles - classic hallmarks of Alzheimer’s- accumulate in the brain for years before Alzheimer’s symptoms appear, the new research may have found the evidence that P. gingivalis may cause Alzheimer’s rather than be the result of the disease. Practicing good oral hygiene and health is not only essential for healthy teeth. It also plays an important role in maintaining a healthy mind and body – free from chronic diseases in the future. Top 10 Oral Hygiene Tips: 1. Pick the right toothbrush - there are several types of toothbrushes available in the market – manual and electric toothbrushes. Look for Download Our App

toothbrush whose head and bristles are small enough to reach into the crevices of your molars as food debris can hide into those spots after you eat. Use soft bristles for sensitive teeth and gums and medium bristles for plaque buildup. 2. Follow the correct brushing technique When brushing your teeth, hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle with respect to your teeth and gums. Brush with both up-and-down strokes and back-and-forth strokes, carefully navigating the inside of your mouth. And remember not to forget to clean your tongue and the roof of your mouth. 3. Brush regularly - you should brush your teeth twice daily with a duration of two minutes. If you have trouble following the 2 minute duration, try listening to your favorite short song, or set a timer on your phone to give yourself the time you need to thoroughly clean your teeth. 4. Use a Fluoride Toothpaste – Use fluoride toothpaste – fluoride in the toothpaste will keep your enamel healthy. 5. Change your toothbrush regularly – every 3 months get a new toothbrush. If you use the same toothbrush beyond 3 months you may not be getting the best clean anymore. 6. Floss regularly – Floss daily to maintain your healthy teeth. Use waxed floss for teeth that have less space in between them. If you’re wearing braces, a floss threader may help navigate your teeth better. 7. Complete your oral health routine with mouthwash - While brushing and flossing are enough for oral hygiene, adding mouthwash to your routine results in better cavity protection. To get the most out of your mouthwash, use FEBRUARY I 2020

the amount indicated on the label. If necessary, dilute the solution although this may lessen its efficacy. Keep your mouth closed and swish for as long as the label indicates, then rinse. 8. Stop snacking at night– Intake of sugary and acidic drinks at night needs to be avoided before going to sleep as it causes bad breath and tooth decay. Try not snack before sleeping as this lets food particles remain in your teeth that causes plaque growth. 9. Do not ignore aches and pains in your mouth – If you have a toothache or your gums feel sensitive or you bleed when you brush even if you do it gently- these symptoms may be caused by something serious. Make an appointment to visit your Dentist. Let your Dentist determine the underlying cause of your symptoms to prevent them from getting worse. 10. Schedule Dental Visits regularly Even if you brush properly, floss daily, and use mouthwash after meals, it is very important to see your dentist on a regular basis. Remember- Don’t ignore your oral hygiene. Take active steps to look after your dental hygiene, as not only will your teeth thank you, so will the rest of your body—and you just may be protecting your brain from getting Alzheimer’s disease. This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a Reference: Research paper: “Periodontitis and cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease” 2016 by Ide et al. Published online in the journal PLOS ONE. https://live.newscientist.com/speakers/simsinghrao www.DesiAustralia.com

Foodies Corner

[Review] Bare Witness

By: Minal Baghwat

he newly developed waterfront area in Rhodes has brought with it a new cafe for the locals to enjoy. I was really excited for another cafe near my area, and one that had a nice view also. Our journey to check out Bare Witness was a big family affair to celebrate a birthday, and it was such a wonderful one. One thing I will note here is that on the weekends it does get really very busy so it’s best for you to either call ahead, or be prepared to wait in line - but it’s worth it! Trust me! Walking in to the cafe you are greeted by friendly staff, and are shown to the 2 sections of the cafe. On the right you can grab your orders to go, while on the left you will see a large dining area. The cafe is decorated with gorgeous indoor plants, and gives the place a wonderful lush and fresh vibe. There’s outdoor seating too for everyone to enjoy. I love the light wood tables, and wooden chairs too, and the very simple floral arrangements on the tables too. It’s simple, and yet super effective.

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We kick started our orders with some drinks. We ordered a ‘Red’ juice and the ‘Elderflower Sparkling Iced Tea’. The red juice contained a combination watermelon and strawberry or also known as match-made-in-heaven. You cannot do any wrong with these two delicious fruits. The sparkling iced tea was a surprisingly refreshing and delicious drink that went down really easily - quite often elderflower flavoured drinks can be somewhat bitter. The Bare Witness version is incredibly light, and was perfect in the humid summer heat. The presen-

FEBRUARY I 2020

tation of the drink really made it even more worth it, and personally we loved how fancy it felt drinking from the done up glass. We highly recommend the iced tea on a hot summer day! In true blue Australian brunch style we opted for the ‘Avocado Bruschetta’, without the salmon, bacon or egg. The plate featured avocado with finger lime, heirloom cherry tomato, quinoa pickled eshallot, and a white balsamic vinaigrette. We were served up such an aesthetic plate of food which had a gen-

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Foodies Corner

erous 2 slices of sourdough for us all to enjoy. The servicing size was really great too. The finger lime elevated the creamy avocado and the light pickled flavour just added another dimension to what would have otherwise been a very standard brunch item. We all thoroughly enjoyed the meal. For a lighter option, the ‘Heirloom cauliflower’ is a great option. The charred vegetables including colorful carrots, broccolini and cauliflower coated in turmeric, chilli and seasoned with salt. The beetroot puree though really takes the cake in this plate with its rich yet sweet flavour base balancing out the bitterness of the rest of the vegetables. The thick cranberries in the bowl offered a wonderful tart flavour too. Personally I thought this was a really great side dish among all the other meals we had. One thing about Bare Witness in Rhodes is that the staff were very much okay about altering the menu items a little to better suit the dietary requirements of our table. The vegetarian version of the poke bowl was another really great meal that we ordered. Loaded with lots of fresh avocado, carrot and cabbage, the poke bowl was topped generously with toasted almond, hazelnut , and black and white sesame. This was certainly a really clean meal and felt ultra healthy in comparison to some of the more carb-heavy plates. If you are looking for a healthy meal, something very light, but also wonderfully fresh, then this is a really great choice to go for. I couldn’t resist ordering some mushrooms on bread for breakfast, so we

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ordered the ‘Truffled mushrooms’, sans the poached egg. These mushrooms were coated with loads of lightly salty butter, and had the most luxurious velvet texture. The bread below the mixture soaked up all the delicious juices running from the charred mushroom, all on top of a delicious nutty puree. I absolutely adored the smokey flavours on the plate which were elevated with the spicy micro herbs on top.

The pudding was lovely and warm and was made even more delicious with the toasted almonds and hazelnuts. I loved the fresh cherry, cherry crispy and dried cherries adding delicious tart and sweet flavour, as well as such a wonderful combinations of textures. Now thankfully the pudding is not overly sweet, and instead still feels wonderfully healthy. You can also choose to add some granola on top to make it more filling.

To finish up our meal we decided to share the ‘cherry chia pudding’ which was served with cherries in three different ways. The pudding itself was made with chia, sago seeds, coconut and watermelon. On top of this there was a really fresh acai berry sorbet, some bitter micro herbs and edible flowers too.

Overall we thoroughly enjoyed our whole experience – with so many great food options and varying flavours, we found ourselves pleasantly surprised.

FEBRUARY I 2020

Keep Eating, Minal from The Miniature Life

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Legal

What is the impact of the recent amendment made in relation to the Citizenship Act in India?

By: Mitu Gopalan here has been an uproar with regards to the recent amendment to the Citizenship Act that has been introduced in India.

As per Article 5 of the Constitution, you can obtain citizenship by: 1. Being domiciled; 2. Birth; 3. Or by descent. When the Constitution was drafted, they had expressly rejected the idea of linking religion with Indian Citizenship, as India was deemed to be a secular country. Accordingly, when the Citizenship Act of 1955 (“the Act”) was legislated, it proceeded to recognize Citizenship by way of birth, descent, registration, naturalisation and incorporation of territory. It is of relevant significance to note that religion is not a criteria in obtaining Indian Citizenship pursuant to the Act. However, the Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 (“the New Act”) was amended which prohibits illegal immigrants from becoming Indian citizens. The two primary and significant amendments are outlined as follows: 1. An illegal migrant is deemed to be a foreign citizen who has travelled to India without valid travel documents or stays in India beyond the period legally permitted. Prior to the New Act, an illegal migrant was not entitled to Indian citizenship. However, the New Act provides a pathway for illegal migrants to obtain Citizenship. This is where people of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian religious backgrounds and who had fled persecution from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan (before December 2014) can make a claim. 2. Prior to the New Act, a non-Indian citizen could acquire Indian citizenship or Indian nationality if the person had lived in India or worked Download Our App

for the federal government for a minimum of 11 years. However, the New Act fast tracks the process for naturalization by reducing the period of domicile for members of six religious communities – being Hindu; Sikh; Buddhist; Jain; Parsi and Christian – if they can prove that they are from Pakistan, Afghanistan or Bangladesh. They are only required to be living or working India for a period of six years before they can be eligible for citizenship by naturalization. What makes it even more damaging is that in India, the Natural Register of Citizens (“NRC”) was prepared solely for the State of Assam to identify illegal migrants. One of the predominant exercises was to sift genuine Indian citizens living in Assam from undocumented migrants. To be included in the register, applicants had to prove that they or their ancestors had entered India before midnight on 24 March 1971 (being the eve of the Bangladesh War). In 2014, the Supreme Court ordered for the NRC to be updated, in order to comply and work in conjunction with the Act. The process officially commenced in 2015 and the citizens in Assam were asked to submit the proof of Citizenship themselves to NRC. The Updated NRC was released on 31 August 2019, with approximately 1.9 million applicants failing to make it to the NRC list. The New Act does not speak about a nationwide register, though the Home Minister, Mr Amit Shah, had notified the Parliament during the Bill discussion that a nationwide register would be implemented. However, that is not the case. It is believed that the New Act will help protect Non-Muslims FEBRUARY I 2020

who are excluded from the Register and would bare the threat of deportation of internment. This also means tens of thousands of Bengali Hindu migrants who were not included in the NRC can still get citizenship to stay on in Assam. The significant issue is that the nationwide National Register of Citizenship process has given rise for concerns that the New Act selectively targets Muslims. Along with the Assam National Register having resulted in grave hardships to many. It is a herculean task whereby a person is requested to prove Citizenship on the basis of documentation after several decades. This is a process which will not be uniformly followed through, especially when a large section of the Indian population are illiterate. Since the New Act operates as a protective shield only for non-Muslims, there are valid concerns about the communal nature of the law. The proposed nationwide NRC, (which continues to be a proposal) if implemented will target illegal immigrants in India, but Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhist, Jains and Parsis coming from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh will not be affected (if they claim they have arrived in India after fleeing religious persecution). A number of petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutional validity of the New Act. The petitioners argue that the New Act results in religion-based discrimination violating Article 14 of the Constitution. It has also been vehemently argued that the Act violates the basic structure of Constitution by affecting one of the major fundamental rights of the constitution – that is, Secularism. Time will tell where it will all lead to. www.DesiAustralia.com

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Community News | Sydney

We all are aware of the horrendous bushfires ranging in NSW & QLD, was out of control, destroyed properties, caused unprecedented environment pollution and took lives of people including bush firefighters. India Club Inc. organised â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Bollywood Melodies & Beatsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; program for fundraising for RFS at Pennant Hills Community Centre on 27 January 2020 and managed to raise over $20,000 through auctions and donations.

By: Harmohan Singh Walia

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Community News | Sydney

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Talent

Contesting for my pride and

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Talent

By Vaibhavi Joshi “Zeal”

“Life doesn’t end for a woman when she gets married and has children. In fact there is a whole world waiting to be discovered. I am happy to be part of a pageant that celebrates a woman’s success and achievements inside the home”; said Reny George from Delhi, who will be heading to Surfers Paradise in March to take part in the Grand Finale as the National Finalist from NSW for Mrs Australia Galaxy 2020. Few years back, society used to hold girls’ appearances at a very high standard, when girls used to look at these pageant queens who had flawless bodies. They used to do extreme dieting and consuming unhealthy diet pills that were terrible for their bodies. Gone are those days, where society used to reject girls for what they look like. In today’s modern era, society has realised that God made us all unique and the body shaming is no longer tolerated in today’s society. Pageants industry has become equal opportunity ground and players regardless of Women’s status whether married or unmarried, skinny or curvy, teenagers or a mother. Reny; a wonderful mother of 2 kids is a living example of the changed mindset of today’s society. Pageants industry for married women opened its door back in 1984. Since then, the pageant intends to create awareness on domestic violence, gender inequality, societal oppressions and all forms of social injustices against women. It also provides funding and other structural support systems for humanitarian projects and programmes that can empower women, teenage mothers and children. The pageant industry started believing that they should be recognised for their ability to integrate, intellect, homemaking skills and beauty. Their focus is also on cultural identity and pride in womanhood as exemplified by well-known personalities in the field of corporate and public life. Reny, strongly believes that the pageant winner has the responsibility towards her community to portray a positive image when visiting other communities . She does this not just when she is there in an official capacity, but 24/7 during her reign. Download Our App

Reny, came to Australia in 2005 to work as a Registered Nurse in Sydney. She was not married when she came here. She tied her knot in 2006 and is blessed with two kids (a girl and a boy). She came on work visa and faced all those challenges of being an immigrant and also gone through the tough journey from an Australian Resident to an Australian Citizen. Fashion has always been her passion and craze. She loves to dress up and keep herself well groomed. She loves to create her own trend rather than following the bandwagon. She strongly believes in herself, body positivity and keeping her head and standards high. FEBRUARY I 2020

She never gets affected by other’s opinions or negative comments. She believes that being optimistic in every situation makes her happy and give it a go person. Most pageants require a contestant to develop a resume and do interviews. This just helps to improve these life skills for future use when applying for jobs, scholarships, etc. The competition is about physical beauty, marital stability/success, career progression, intellectual agility, social awareness, and humanitarian compassion. She believes that Pageants promote self-confidence, leadership, poise, and strong public speaking skills just to name a few benefits. www.DesiAustralia.com

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“Being crowned a queen in a local community is an opportunity for a young woman to be a role model for her community and most importantly to younger girls and women, to increase her self-confidence and to improve her public speaking skills”, she said. Pageants give all of the contestants a chance to learn about themselves and to branch out of their comfort zones to bring the best out of them. According to her, Mrs World Pageant is not only a platform to motivate mothers and married women to become the best possible version of themselves but, more importantly, to promote female empowerment as well. “I believe the pageant, if done ethically and responsibly, can help build up self-esteem and foster excellence, achievement and personal growth. Its mission is to empower these women to become role models to their peers, families and communities. It doesn’t aim to produce models but role models, she stressed. Did you ever had to give an on-stage speech in front of hundreds of people? Did you had to answer a question about your community and how you can better it, with no preparation and make it cohesive and articulate? These are all things that pageant contestants have to do on stage, said Reny while sharing her experience. That might seem counterintuitive. Some see pageants as cut-throat competitions designed to reward a very specific look or personality. Contestants, however, say pageants are lifechanging experiences that help them achieve academic and professional success. One of the judges Reny met mentioned that “I am not looking for a particular measurement. It’s about how they carry themselves. Are they confident as they walk? Are they enjoying it? Are they comfortable in their skin? Is this somebody that has this ‘it’ factor?” Though pageants are increasingly becoming racially and ethnically diverse, they still largely celebrate women whose bodies and identities do not challenge these oppressive standards. Reny turned her revelation into a campaign called Live Beautifully to tell young women that confidence and beauty are linked, you just have to love yourself the way you are and take pride for your individuality. She said “Mrs Australia Galaxy 2020 happened by chance. It wasn’t a planned decision but just happened. Maybe it was destiny playing it’s part.” The pageant has its international contest in Chicago USA later this year. Now, Download Our App

so that she will be heading to surfers paradise in March to take part in the Grand Finale as the National Finalist from NSW, she will be carrying the best wishes with her from her family, friends and the entire community. When asked “How do you shine and radiate and make people feel the joy you’re feeling?” She responses, “By embracing yourself and embracing others in my community”. She strongly follows her passion despite being a daughter, a wife, a daughterin-law , a mum and most importantly being an independent woman. Reny said for people who chose to be negative, there would always be criticisms about beauty contests, adding that people could always try FEBRUARY I 2020

looking at the beautiful side of things. For instance, she noted, the pageants for married women were created over 30 years ago and it draws contestants from over 50 countries to celebrate married women and family values with both glamour and respect. It was started with lofty and virtuous ideals as an event to recognise the contributions of women to their families, communities and countries. And now, the Mrs pageants can rightly include showcasing modern married women who possess style, grace, beauty and intelligence. Indeed, these contestants throughout the globe are living testimony to the continuously evolving empowerment of women who strive and achieve balance in their multifaceted lives. www.DesiAustralia.com

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Cover story

Sovereignty Never Ceded: Why South Asians Should Stand With First Nations

Morgan’s Mum, Morgan, Grace from BE COLLECTIVE CULTURE, L-FRESH The Lion, Zig Parker, Shyamla from BINDI BOSSES, Manjurah from Mongkee Henna

By Shyamla Eswaran

very January 26 I receive “Happy Australia Day” and “Happy Indian Republic Day” messages from well-meaning friends and family. The former signifies the British illegally claiming sovereignty while the latter celebrates India becoming an independent republic, free from British rule. In other words, as Indians living in Australia, we celebrate our sovereignty on the same day our First

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Nations had theirs usurped by the British through a systematic process of invasion, dispossession, rape, oppression, violence and genocide. But why? The tradition of having Australia Day as a national holiday on 26 January is only a recent one. It wasn’t until 1935 that all the Australian states and territories used the name ‘Australia Day’ to mark 26 January and only from 1994 did Australian states and territories begin to celebrate Australia Day www.DesiAustralia.com

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consistently as a public holiday on 26 January. Every Australia Day I usually stay home to avoid the collective amnesia that sweeps over the country. White Australians and migrants alike wrap themselves in Australian flags, enjoy barbies by the beach, binge on alcohol and party through the long weekend. That is, after all, the Australian way. For them, Australia Day is an annual national public holiday celebrating our landscape, lifestyle, freedom and democracy. It pays homage to Captain James Cook ‘discovering’ Australia in 1770 and then returning with eleven British ships - the First Fleet - to arrive on the shores of Port Jackson, Sydney on January 26, 1788. Growing up in the Sutherland Shire with migrant parents, it was a day to celebrate our western lives in the “lucky country” and to express gratitude for all that Australia has given us; increased work opportunities, better living conditions, free health care, western education. This year I opted to stand in solidarity with First Nations and joined the Survival/Invasion Day March from Hyde Park to Victoria Park where the 2020 Yabun Festival provided a safe space to “Resist Invasion, Celebrate Survival, Continue Culture”. I marched alongside my partner JP (Coloured South African), LFRESH the Lion (Punjabi, Sikh), Zig Parker (African-American) and Blak Douglas (Dhungatti). Together we walked carrying a range of lived experiences born out of persecution, oppression, discrimination and colonisation. It was heartening to see a placard reading “Brown People For Black power” and to hear Australia Tamil Arts drumming up a Kuthu storm during the march and at Yabun. Still, I couldn’t help notice a distinct lack of South Asian faces at Download Our App

Shyamla from BINDI BOSSES with John Paul Janke from NITV both the march and the festival. It got me thinking…. Persecution and colonisation form significant chapters within our own histories so why aren’t more of us showing up as allies for First Nations? Are we unaware or simply unwilling to accept how much we, as immigrants, have benefited from First Nations being forcibly removed from their lands, dispossessed, massacred by settlers, intentionally wiped out by European diseases and subjected to systematic oppression and erasure that persists to this day? As people who own homes, rent property and run businesses, we certainly benefit from their oppression. The turnout for the march overall was incredible with tens of thousands gathering. People of all ages from diverse backgrounds came together to listen, learn, march and protest the national denial of how Australia came to be while chanting these slogans: “Sovereignty never ceded” In international law, sovereignty FEBRUARY I 2020

refers to the power and full right of a governing body over itself, without any interference from outside sources or bodies. No other person, group, tribe or state can tell a sovereign entity what to do with its land and/or people once it has been acquired through conquest (conquered enemy and/or treaty of surrender), cession (treaty of cession) or settlement (uninhabited land). British colonisation and subsequent land laws were established on the illegitimate claim that Australia was terra nullius (land belonging to no one). As First Nations activist Michael Anderson pointed out, “reports of Aboriginal people throwing spears at the first white man was an act of sovereign Peoples in defense of their lands, territories and dominions…it was a military exercise authorised by their law and customs which, in total, represented an Act of State on behalf of the People. They were exercising their sovereign right to defend what was theirs.” www.DesiAustralia.com

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First Nations artists Blak Douglas & Jason Wing First Nations peoples never relinquished their sovereignty so, as Indians who celebrate our own sovereignty on January 26, why would we partake in the denial of First Nations sovereignty at the hands of British invaders? After all, it is on their land that we stand, reside and thrive while Australia remains a nation without a moral and legal foundation. In India freedom from British rule was gained after a long struggle that culminated on August 15, 1947 when Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru delivered his famous speech ‘Tryst with Destiny’, declaring India’s independence to its citizens. This freedom, however, did not go hand in hand with democracy and the right to choose Government. Since India did not have an official Constitution, it remained a constitutional monarchy under the rule of King George VI even after Independence. The Indian Constitution only came into effect two and half years later on January 26, 1950. “Always was always will be Aboriginal Land” Before the British invaded Download Our App

Australia, there were some 250 languages and 800 dialects spoken by First Nations peoples across the continent. Speaking those languages was actively suppressed by government policies as recently as the 1970s. Some First Nations peoples advocate for “Abolish the Date,” arguing that “Australia” does not exist since it fails to acknowledge that First Nations lived on and enjoyed rights to their land according to their own laws and customs for tens of thousands of years prior to invasion. For them, celebrating “Australia Day” - regardless of the date - is to accept a colonial construct rooted in their oppression. In fact, India as we know it today didn’t exist before or during British colonisation. It was formed through numerous policies enacted over a long period of time which eventually transformed into the modern concept of a Republic. Despite being a land with over 720 dialects, the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India lists only 22 official FEBRUARY I 2020

Indian languages for the Republic of India and only 14 of those were initially included. There are currently demands to include 45 more languages including Indian French, Banjara and Karbi which indicates just how much recognising cultural and linguistic diversity matters to us as Indians in our motherland. Imagine if each of us moved through this country with the same level of respect and awareness, learning about and acknowledging First Nations lands: Dharag, Dharawal, Gadigal, Wiradjuri. But I digress…. “Too many coppers not enough justice” The police presence was overwhelming as we marched from Hyde Park, down Elizabeth street, onto Eddie Avenue and down Broadway to Yabun Festival at Victoria Park. Their helicopters roared above our heads as we strained to hear various speakers peacefully express how denying their experience and existence has grave affects for us all. At Yabun we were greeted by no less than 50 uniformed police. It felt www.DesiAustralia.com

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entirely unnecessary other than to provide a small taste of how it must feel for First Nations to be disproportionately targeted. Resentment grew in my gut and was especially hard to ignore as T-shirts worn by protesters put faces to the long list of First Nations peoples who have died in custody or as a direct result of police brutality (TJ Hickey, Tane Chatfield, David Dungay Junior). Over the course of the day I had many interesting conversations and felt an overall sense of ease, surrounded by people who support and value First Nations and people of colour. It was actually one of the most inclusive experiences I have ever had in Sydney. Together we watched traditional and contemporary performances by the likes of Muggera Dancers, Felicia Foxx and Dan Sultan. We listened, we learned and we stood in solidarity with the people to whom we truly owe gratitude for our lives in the “lucky” country we call Australia. The hard truth we fail, or perhaps refuse, to acknowledge as South Asians is that we have suffered and are still emerging from the trauma of colonisation ourselves. It runs deep through our bloodlines and we can not ignore its effects because we ourselves are a product of it. Family and domestic violence, alcoDownload Our App

Photo by First Nations woman Carly Williams

Sovereignty Never Ceded: Why South Asians Should Stand With First Nations

First Nations artist Jason Wing holism, rape, linguicide, whitewashing, assimilation - we can relate, yet we sweep it all under the rug. We know the impacts of trauma, dispossession and being treated as a lesser human. Some of us have left our motherlands for better opportunities after our homelands have been left to deal with the leftovers of our colonisers’ feasts. Many of our ancestors fought hard to break free and many did. We celebrate this as Indians on Republic Day on January 26. So why don’t we empathise en masse with First Nations considering how much colonisation and British occupation has affected our own lives and histories in our homelands? We have much more in common with First Nations than we think and care to acknowledge. If only we would listen and learn to value and celebrate their survival in the face of brutality. This nation tried to wipe them off the face of this earth and failed. Their survival is FEBRUARY I 2020

a testament to the strength of their people, cultures, way of life, connection to this land and resistance. Imagine if we embraced their history as Indian Australians. It is up to all of us who benefit from the trauma and dispossession inflicted upon Australia’s First Nations to stand in solidarity with First Nations every January 26 and beyond. Until then, we can start by learning the name of the First Nations country we live on and researching the history of that land and its people. Go to the website of your local council, find their acknowledgement page and start the journey - 65,000+ years of history awaits.... Shyamla is a Performing Artist, Choreographer and Educator with three decades of dance experience, a background in Human Rights and a Masters Degree in International Human Rights Law & Policy. www.DesiAustralia.com

Technology

Robot Luggage By: Sarang Vengurlekar

arry on luggage is one of the most painful aspects of travelling we are always dragging a carry-on luggage with us at the airport and through immigration, duty free shopping and food courts. In recent years we have seen few new technologies added to the luggage that we carry with us such as GPS tagging, in-built charging ports etc. We have all also heard about the term Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it is making its way in to all our smart devices. We have had a massive explosion in the AI market as it has started to appear in our home automation systems, television sets, mobile phones and other smart devices. Although we were sure there are some places where AI may not show up anytime soon, but the speed of technological change is leaving behind our imagination and is able surprise us with devices that we had never ever imagined. Travelling is something we do on a regular basis and the reason for travelling might be work or personal but nonetheless it is always exciting apart from carrying the luggage. What if the luggage can take care of itself? Yes, we are looking at the new Robotic Luggage which has grasped attention of many people. Well you will be happy to know that luggage can now look after itself. We are looking at Robot Suitcase that can follow you everywhere you go and can also avoid obstacles while keeping your hand free. This is the Airwheel SR5 suitcase which has been a popular subject all around the world. The Airwheel SR5 uses high accuracy location technology to keep up with its owner. Users can change from auto-follow to tow mode at the push of the button as claimed by the manufacturer. The suitcase is also smart enough to detect its distance from its owner and send alerts to his/her smartphone. Download Our App

The app also allows you to change speed. It has anti-lost alarm, and other security settings. The suitcase can work indoors or outdoors and can travel on various surfaces such as Carpet, Tiles, Cement roads and more. It is also weatherproof therefore even while it is raining you will be able to let it travel with you. This has been a very popular product in India and can be purchased for 65,000 rupees or you may want to purchase it for USD$800 all around the world.

Travelmate uses intelligent AI software allowing the luggage to learn the optimal movement routines, delivering stability and range of motions. It simply pairs with a smartphone via the app. The battery it uses is the LithiumIon and can last up to 4 hours or 100 hours in standby. The luggage also meets the international standard and is fully TSA compliant.

You may think that Airwheel is the only company to come out with this unique robotic product but as we know there are many more brilliant minds out there thinking about the same idea therefore another competitor does exist to compete in this market for robotic luggage.

The most exciting feature is the locking mechanism. It has the most futuristic biometric system utilising the fingerprint sensor in addition to a mechanical key system for security & redundancy. Another feature of this luggage that is exciting is the built-in weighing scale which weighs all the contents of the luggage so you will always be sure about the figure during your check-in and immigration process.

Travelmate has introduced its series of its robotic baggage and as an addition they have three different sizes of these bags available for purchase. They have the Travelmate S, Travelmate M & Travelmate L.

There are many more features in these smart luggageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s compared above but the fact we can now travel to the airport handsfree is probably the ultimate feeling and therefore you can now enjoy every trip to the airport.

The price range for the series start from USD$1099 to USD$1499.

I hope some of you who travel frequently may want to invest is such a good piece of technology. If you are the one who already own one of these then I would love to hear from you. Please contact me on sarang@ vengurlekar.com

Compared to Airwheel, Travelmate is a bit different as it can function in one of two primary modes known as horizontal or vertical. FEBRUARY I 2020

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Thats Life

By Sanjivani Kalsi

hat’s my constant reminder to myself and to others Sometimes we mess up, things suddenly shift... butte have to keep moving forward remembering always who we roll with- God !! Trust the universe and it’s timing. Never gave up. Don’t count yourself out. We get experienced in life by having experiences and when we know better, we try to do better! If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward. “Accept yourself, love yourself, and keep moving forward. If you want to fly, you have to give up what weighs you down.”

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Struggles are Temporary. When you keep a good attitude and focus on the bright side of life, you’re more likely to overcome your struggles. Do what is possible and know when to release a situation that doesn’t work. Keep moving against the tide. Life is like a sea. It’s an an emotional tide, that will mke you laugh, cry and smile, all at once. Your responsibility is to keep moving, no matter how hard the tide is. You fall, you rise, you make mistakes, you live, you learn. So keep moving forward. Never give up. And remember, no matter how dark it gets, the sun will rise again. Good Vibezzzz Only FEBRUARY I 2020

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Gallery

Mahatma Ghandiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Death Anniversary at Jubilee Park, Parramatta

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Coverage by Harmohan Walia

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Fashion

Hair Clips Are Back in a Major Way – Here’s How to Nail The Trend

By: Abbey Singh

here’s a new way to accessorise this season, and it’s going to do wonders to your next bad hair day.

Hair clips and headbands are in the midst of one of the most impressive accessories these days. There’s also something undeniably sentimental about decorating your hair with sparkling clips and headbands you might well have worn as a child, or during your early teens. The easiest part of the look is actually the styling–you can throw a fabric headband on with a messy bun for a cooler casual look or a slicked back pony for a more retro feel. Thinner, embellished headbands make for the perfect date night accessory with a blowout or loose waves. You can basically throw a headband on with almost any hair style, but the key to make the look work is having lots of texture and volume in your hair. Spray dry shampoo at your roots to make sure there’s plenty of volume behind the headband.

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Ayurveda

Kampavata (Parkinson’s disease)

Ayurvedic view

Dr Naveen Shukla

Dr Vishal Sharma

yurveda the science of healing mainly focus on aim “swastasya swatha rakshanam athurasya vikara prashamana” the great words of ancient sages that could be simplified as prevention is better than cure. There is condition in which occurred pathology cannot be reversed but can be arrested from further progression and hence the person can be saved from its complication. Vata the prime factor of movement is the basic support for even other Dosha since it’s the only Dosha which could move and help other components Download Our App

to move if vata gets deranged all the other components will also get affected. Parkinson’s is a motar system affecting disease, related to CNS (central nervous system). It is caused due to degeneration of FEBRUARY I 2020

pigmented neurons in zona compacta of substantia nigra resulting decrease of dopamine level in brain further leading to motar disfunction or in simple words its just the death of dopamine generating cells. Still the cause of death of cells are unknown. Here the perwww.DesiAustralia.com

Ayurveda

son will be unable to control his movement since the dopamine is related to movement. Ayurvedic view of Parkinson: Ayurveda, we mainly give predominance to dosas (vata, pitta, kapha) and its equilibrium. In ayurvedic references Parkinson’s could be co-related to KAMPAVATA or VEPATHU which is caused by aggravated vata. In this condition, generalized involuntary movements of all parts of body / head only. The medications of kambavata is explained in our brihatries (susrutha samhitha, charaka samhitha and astanga hrudaya). In Charaka samhitha, a detailed description is provided along with its line of management. Incidence: 1. P revalence increases from 1% in people over 65 years to 5% people over 80. 2. B oth men and women are equally affected. 3. R arely seen in young generation, the Parkinson seen in young generation is coined as young onset PD. Aetiology: Not well known but factors contributing pathogenesis are: 1. Genetic factors 2. Accelerated aging 3U se of drugs like reserpine, ethanol etc. 4. Repeated history of fall 5. Toxins such as environmental (methyl-phenyl-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) etc.) Symptoms: Classical triads of Parkinson’s: 1. Resting tremors 2. Bradykinesia 3. Rigidity The other symptoms include. 1. Decreased facial expressions 2. Stooped posture 3. Pill rolling movements 4. Masked face 5. Sluggish speech 6. Difficulty in swallowing 7. Low rate of blinking Complication: 1. Frequent falls 2. Incapacitation 3. Depression 4. Dementia 5. Urinary incontinence 6. Constipation 7. Aspiration etc. Download Our App

Management: 1. Nidana Parivarjana (avoiding of causative factors like enviornmentals, toxins, drugs etc.) 2. Shodana chikilsa (bio clensing therapies like Panchakarma – the detoxification) 3. Samana Chikilsa (internal medications) Some effective drugs and oils in Parkinson’s: 1. Mahanarayana Thailam 2. Ksheerabala Thailam 3. Sahacharathi Thailam 4. Brahmigritham 5. Aswaganda Choornam 6. Dasamoolakwatha etc. *Note: These drugs should only be taken under ayurvedic physician supervison. Pathya-Apathya Pathya (Compatible food) : 1.Shali (Brown Rice) 2. Citrus fruits (Orange, Pomegranate, Peach etc.) 3. Vegetables 4. Nuts 5. Milk and fresh milk products except cheese 6. Garlic 7. Asafetida 8. Sprout beans etc. 9. Regular exercises 10. Be as active as possible FEBRUARY I 2020

Apathya (incompatible food) : 1. Yava (Barley) 2. Peas 3. Jambu 4. Excess protein diets 5. Hot spicy foods 6. Virudha aahara (incompactible foods) Nature Care Ayurveda Yoga Detox & Rejuvenation is the only Sydney based Ayurvedic centre where you can experience a complete range of Ayurvedic therapies like Panchakarma, Shirodhara, Detox, Abhyanga Body massage and consultation from experts. The team is highly professional and working under the direction of Director Dr Naveen Shukla (Representative Australasian association of Ayurveda for NSW), Dr Nikhila Venugopal (Marma & Gynae specialist), Dr Urmila Anil Kumar (specialist in Panchakarma and skin care) & Dr Vishal Sharma (Member International Academy of Ayurveda). Nature Care Ayurveda & Desi Australia in synergy focused to spread the word of Ayurveda in the community and promote wellbeing as “WE CARE FOR YOU” For more information /to see a doctor/ for specific health concern visit our website www.naturecareayurveda.com.au or call us on 02 9572 6990 www.DesiAustralia.com

Sports

Ball Balla and S

By Poonam Naik

izzling summer is big cricket time in Australia. Every local oval has teams practicing and playing each other in the peak of heat over their heads. The dedication, commitment and persistence of standing and playing under the extremes of Australian heat makes me feel a bit more in awe of the parents and children pursuing the great dream of becoming world class cricketers. Australia and India share their equal passion of the game. Every Indian parent wants their child to pick up the bat and the ball and just go break that glass window. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a six! And no parent will ever complain of 400$ spent on fixing the window. Really??? Some natural talent was easily picked up there. Natural talent then practiced over the years gives way to acquired talent. With the emerging migrant population from the Indian sub - continent, a lot of this talent has paved way to some Ball, Ballah and Desi Boyz in the field. Many local Indian clubs play each other fueling extra talent in the field. Suburbs like Blacktown, Fairfield and Parramatta have their own local cricket clubs that play each other and also nurture the desi talent in the children.

Recently, two Desi Boyz have been making waves in the area of multicultural talent in Australian cricket scenario. Tanveer Sangha, a 19 year old Punjabi munda from East Hills Public school has been an all rounder

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sportsperson since he was a little boy. He has played volleyball and cricket but over the last couple of years, it has been a serious shift to cricket. His dad Mr Sangha has himself played lots of sports from cricket and volleyball to kabaddi. Sports took their weekend away but made Tanveer mentally strong about the cool headed sportsmanship spirit. Tanveer trains with Cricket NSW 3-4 hours a day with average 5 days of commitment to the sport. Tanveer says Dad looked after his training and fitness and Mum contributed to his nutrition, diet and emotional well being. He loves listening to Punjabi songs and playing at the family pool table when he wants to unwind. Virat Kohli is his role model

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Sports

Desi Boyz Tanveer Sangha

from the Indian cricket team. Tanveer has recently played the Under - 19’s cricket representing Australian team at South Africa. He was the highest wicket keeper in the tournament. Yuvraj Sharma, another 17 year old graduate of Mountview Adventist College has been doing us proud at the cricket scenario. Yuvraj was a natural talent and his

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Yuvraj Sharma

dad Mr Sharma spotted his talent at 7 years and decided to move to Australia for his son’s cricket development. At 13 years, Yuvraj made 86 runs batting against boys three years older than him in the prestigious Green Shield. He too trains many hours with Cricket NSW. His family has been his biggest supporter to help him gain opportuni-

FEBRUARY I 2020

ties and stay on his cricketing goals. He looks up to Rohit Sharma as his role model for his elegant batting style. He has currently played the Under – 19’s Nationals at Perth, WA. Wishing both the Desi Boyz good luck in future cricketing endeavours. Hopefully we will soon see you in the big Australian team.

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View Point

9 year old Madeline Saab’s poem on Bushfire

Madeline Saab, 9 of year 3 has written this poem on ‘Fire’. The effect of the bush fires, burning homes and traumatised people and animals had an immense impact on her. In class, when the students were asked to write about their feelings on bush fires, this is what Madeline wrote. This was highly commended by her class teacher and school principal. Download Our App

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The office of Julia Finn MP will be temporarily relocating in order to renovate our current premises. From Monday 10 February 2020, our new address will be Suite 38/285 Merrylands Road Merrylands 2160. Our phone and email remain the same. P: 9637 1656 | E: Granville@parliament.nsw.gov.au

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Community News | Sydney

71st Republic Day of India was celebrated at Swami Vivekananda Culture Centre, Consulate General of India, Sydney . The Flag Hoisting ceremony was performed by Mr Manish Gupta, Consul General of India, Sydney. ‘Desh Bhagat Geet’, Kathak dance and Vande mataram was performed by Sydney Artists.

By: Harmohan Singh Walia

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Community News| Sydney

Mr Manish Gupta, Consul General of India, Sydney organised an Interaction Session over High Tea with Mr. Raosaheb Danve, Honâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ble Minister of State, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India at Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre on 17 December 2019.

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Community News | Sydney

Community Interaction was held with Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, Member of Parliament (RS) & President of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR),Government of India on Thursday, January 23, 2020 at Swami Vivekananada Cultural Centre, Counsulate General of India, Sydney. He said, India has goodwill all over the world, but we have to make the world understand the Indian culture. Q&A session was held in the end

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Community News | Sydney

By: Harmohan Singh Walia

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Mag corner

How to enjoy

Valentine’s Day… by yourself

By Vanshna Singh

e can all smell the love in the air because here comes the month of love, celebrating all things sweet and romantic. From rose shaped chocolates to beautiful flower arrangements, the month of love allows us to appreciate the beautiful people in our lives. But like many of us we may be spending Valentine’s Day in the comfort of yourselves. Fortunately, here are a few tips on how to enjoy Valentine’s Day… by yourself. 1. Practicing self-love Valentine’s Day is known for showing appreciation to people you love. But when was the last time you showed yourself some appreciation? It is equally as important to show yourself love as much as you show other people. Your relationship with yourself sets the tone for every relationship you have. Treat yourself to a nice night in and write yourself a little love letter that you can always look back on when you’re feeling down. Or even have a mini spa day at home. 2. Social media cleanse This is the perfect time to detoxify yourself from social media. Of course you’re going to get sick from watching all those couples on Facebook and Instagram, so why not take a break from it. Benefits include gaining a lot of free time, which you can use Download Our App

to boost your knowledge by reading or even catching up to your favourite show. Matter of fact, take a week off from social media and start living in the moment by reconnecting with the real world. 3. Go out with your friends As mentioned, Valentine’s Day is meant to be spent with the people you love, so how about spending it with your close ones. This can be the perfect excuse to catch up with old friends and new friends. Going out not only improves social interactions, but also can boost your happiness as well as reduce stress. Lucky for us, Valentine’s Day this year is going to be on a Friday. So go have dinner and catch a film or even host a wine painting night with a few of your friends. 4. Dinner for one Prefer staying in? How about making yourself a three course meal? Showing yourself that sense of appreciation may just be that one thing that doesn’t make you feel lonely this FEBRUARY I 2020

Valentine’s Day. You don’t only have to make food, how about trying a new cocktail? There are so many fun cocktail recipes that can be easily found online. Use this holiday as a reason to make your favourite foods, as well as learn new recipes. 5. Going on a date with yourself Now this may be hard one for many of us to do, especially on Valentine’s Day. But sometimes we need to take ourselves on dates and splurge, just because we deserve it. Book a table at your favourite restaurant or even go to your favourite bar. Buy yourself that bag you’ve been eyeing for while. Make this Valentine’s Day a day to show yourself gratitude. However, if you’re not one to be seen on a date with yourself, order take away, pour some wine and watch your favourite comedies. From practising self-love to going out with your friends, what are your plans this Valentine’s Day?

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Bollywood News

Akshay Kumar’s 4 Films to Watch Out For In 2020 Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar had a fantastic end to the decade with 4 back to back blockbusters released in 2019 itself which included Kesari, Mission Mangal, Housefull 4 and Good Newwz. All four films of Akshay Kumar have excededd expectations of audiences and have earned a remarkable total of Rupees 728 crores which is the highest by any Bollywood actor for 2019. In the meanwhile Akshay Kumar has also achieved the feat of having all four releases in a single calendar crossing the Rupees 100 crore mark each. Here are the four upcoming films of Akshay Kumar that fans are eagerly waiting for in 2020:

Sooryavanshi: Directed by Rohit Shetty, Sooryavanshi is the latest instalment in Rohit Shetty’s cop universe after Singham, Singham 2 and Simmba. The action-packed movie is slated to release on March 27th, 2020 and will reunite Akshay Kumar with Katrina Kaif after a long gap.

Laxmmi Bomb:

The film is slated for a June, 2020 release and is a horror-comedy film in which Akshay Kumar plays the role of a transgender. The film also stars Kiara Advani in the lead.

Bachchan Pandey:

Bachchan Pandey is the fourth and last release of Akshay Kumar for 2020. Written and directed by Farhad Samji the film will also star Kriti Sanon and is slated for a Christmas 2020 release.

Prithviraj:

Akshay Kumar will star in his first ever historical film ‘Prithviraj’ which is slated to release on Diwali 2020. The film is based on the heroic Prithviraj Chauhan and will also mark the debut of former Miss Universe, Manushi Chillar. Download Our App

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Community News | Canberra

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas and World Hindi Day

celebration by the High Commission of India, Canberra

health, academics etc could discuss issues relating to India and send their suggestions. HE Mr. A. Gitesh Sarma also delivered the Prime Minister’s message on World Hindi Day to all who attended the event.

he High Commission of India, Canberra celebrated Pravasi Bharatiya Divas and World Hindi Day on 9th January 2020 with an evening of talks and lectures by eminent academic experts and members of the diaspora. The event was attended by a large number of local diaspora community leaders, Australian community members and academics besides the official staff of the mission. In his address to the audience, High Commissioner HE Mr. A. Gitesh Sarma encouraged everyone gathered to work towards strengthening India-Australia relations. Emphasizing on the importance of the contribution of the diaspora to India, HE Mr. A. Gitesh Sarma said that cohorts of people in different professions such as education, Download Our App

Speakers at the event were Dr. Peter Friedlander, Associate Professor of Hindi & Indian studies at Australian National University, who spoke about ‘The ways of Propagation of Hindi Language in Australia and the Uniqueness of Hindi Language in the world’; Prof. Satish Chand, Professor of Finance in the School of Business at the University of New South Wales (currently based at the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra) who spoke about his ‘Shared Aspirations and Shared Dreams- Opportunities & Challenges”. Lastly, Mr Reji Thompson, Chair Canberra India Business Group, member of the local diaspora community who shared his recent experience of participating in Lok Kerala Sabha 2020 which took place in Kerala State Assembly Hall.

Photo credit: Rajni Ghai Malhotra

By: Rajni Ghai Malhotra

The evening ended with the High Commissioner HE Mr. A. Gitesh Sarma presenting gifts to the speakers and a vote of thanks, followed by light refreshments and interaction session for the guests. FEBRUARY I 2020

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Community News | Canberra

Republic Day-2020

celebration by High Commission of India, Canberra

By: Rajni Ghai Malhotra

Photo credit: High Commission of India

anuary 26, 2020 8:30 hrs India House, Canberra. The 71st Republic Day of India was celebrated at India House with a flag hoisting ceremony followed by the National Anthem.

The High Commissioner of India, HE. Mr. A. Gitesh Sarma shared the Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Address to the Nation with the gathering in Hindi and English. Also present at the occasion was ICCR President Mr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe who shared his insights and thoughts on the Republic Day and Australia Day, followed by light refreshments. Around 200 guests including members of the Indian community as well as friends of India attended the function. Download Our App

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Gallery

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) and Vishwa Hindi Diwas 2020 were celebrated at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Consulate General of India, Sydney on 9th January 2020. The Hindi panel discussion was chaired by Mrs Mala Mehta with panel members Kumud Merani Rekha Rajvanshi and Clr Reena Jethi.

By: Harmohan Singh Walia

Pravasis.

onsul General Mr Manish Gupta welcomed everyone and read PM’s message. He also spoke about the contribution of

There were two interactive panel discussion sessions. Panel Discussion on Bridging Australia and India was chaired by Neville Roach. Panel Members Dr GK Harinath, Dr Raju and Sheba Nandkeolyar discussed community and business implications of this relationship.

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IABBV Hindi school children & teachers recited poems and gave cultural performances. ‘#Boomerang2AustraliaSeKavitae’ An anthology of 40 Australian poets from six cities was released by the consul General Mr Manish Gupta. Sydney Hindi Poets of Boomerang 2 - Neena Badhwar, Dr Prabhat Sinha, Sanjay Agnihotri, Rajeev Maini, Mrinal Sharma, joined the book launch. Ramanand Garge, Director SVCC was the MC for the evening.

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Mag Corner

Australian Hindi Indian Association’s (AHIA) program for seniors Vinod Kumar Rajput and Shobha Ingleshwar entertained the audience with their melodious songs while celebrating Lohri festival. Mr Harmohan Walia recited some of his poems from his book “Lachakdaar Paani” and also distributed this book to those who can read Punjabi language. Many activities took place including the birthday celebration of a 96 years old lady (Mrs. Kailash Bhatnagar), fund raising, Ayurvedic lecture.

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GOPIO Sydney North West helped over 5000 children in 10 years

pectacular 10th Annual â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Caring and Sharingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; event was held at Bowman Hall, Blacktown on 20th October 2019 by GOPIO Syd North West. The GOPIO Sydney North West Chapter team has been conducting Caring & Sharing events for the last 10 years, raising much needed funds for the less privileged children in India and needy persons/organisations in Australia. The chapter annually supports Cancer Council of Australia and National Heart Foundation of Australia. Previously, the chapter helped victims of the Blue Mountains fire, the Fiji cyclone, the Nepal earthquake, FoxG1 and the underprivileged kids in Nigeria. Harmohan Singh Walia, president of GOPIO Sydney North West chapter has informed Desi Australia that so far over 5000 underprivileged school children have been benefitted in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Nigeria by providing them with uniform, warm clothes, socks, shoes, furniture, drinking water facilities, sports items and other basic amenities as per the need of the school children. This years Prof. Balkar Singh Kang (Treasurer) during his visit to India, provided basic amenities to Govt Primary School, Dhilwan, District Kapurthala and Govt Elementary Primary School, Jethuwal, District Amritsar on behalf of GOPIO Sydney North West team. GOPIO team organised help for Nigerian school children as well.

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Advetisment

TAJ UNSW & FRIENDS REUNION

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