india fiji today

JULY 2011

PUBLISHED & EDITED

BY ARUN MAHARAJ HAYWARD CALIFORNIA

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INDIA FIJI TODAY

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Contents Editorial / Fiji Feature Fiji Abroad Perspectives Indian Film World Fiji Today India Today India Sites

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PUBLISHER’S PROFILE ARUN MAHARAJ Publisher / Editor—India Fiji Today CALIFORNIA JAYCEES SENATOR JAYCEES INTERNATIONAL SENATOR PAST CO—CHAIRMAN CALIFORNIA BUSINESS ADVISORY COUNCIL RECEIPIENT OF AMERICAN NATIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARD INVITED TO THE US PRESIDENTIAL DINNER IN WASHINGTON D.C PAST NATIONAL PRESIDENT FIJI JAYCEES FORMER CHAIRMAN FIJI JAYCESS SENATE PAST PRESIDENT NASINU JAYCEES FORMER ADVISOR VALELEVU HOSPITAL CARNIVAL COMMITTEE REPRESENTED FIJI IN THE JAPAN JAYCEES YOUTH VOYAGE—1983 FIJI DELEGATE TO THE JAYCEES WORLD CONGRESS IN JAPAN—1986 FORMER SECRETARY OF THE ‘FIJI TEACHERS UNION CREDIT UNION’ FORMER TEACHER IN FIJI—TAUGHT AT VUNIMONO HIGH SCHOOL IN NAUSORI– DAV COLLEGE IN SUVA AND RISHIKUL HIGH SCHOOL IN NASINU

India Fiji Today Publisher & Editor Arun Maharaj Hayward, California 510 : 875 0568 indiafijitoday@gmail.com

Sacramento Correspondent Kristeen Prakash Contributing Writer Jai P. Narayan Correspondents Mahesh Bharadwaj Delhi, India Indar Nair Sydney, Australia

Arun Maharaj Publisher/Editor

FROM THE PUBLISHER Dear Reader—Welcome to ‘India Fiji Today’ July issue. This is a monthly electronic magazine and it has been set up to keep the Fiji community here in USA informed about the happenings back in their former home, Fiji and the Fiji community abroad. It is obvious that the Fiji community here has an interest in the affairs of Fiji. Almost thirty thousand former Fijians are settled in America and the majority are settled on the West Coast state of California. Since the majority of the former Fiji residents settled here are of Indian origin, materials and articles on India has been included for their interest.

Disclaimer Fiji Today/India Today Fiji Lifestyle is the editor’s review on the major happenings back in Fiji based on the information from Times of India, other Indian publications, Fiji Times; Fiji Sun; visitors to and from Fiji and other Fiji publications. These are editor’s own views based on the information from those sources. The articles are the editor’s original articles and any error/s are regretted and the editor / publisher is not responsible for any such error/s and or further discussions.

Subhash Chandra Auckland, New Zealand

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F IJI F ACTS

Government Buildings Suva, Fiji

GAINED INDEPENDENCE FROM BRITAIN—1970 FIRST MILITARY COUP—1987 SECOND COUP—2000 THIRD COUP—2006 POPULATION—850,000 ABOUT 67% Fijians and Other Minority Races Indians about 33% Prior to the First Military Coup Indians were in Majorit FIJIANS SETTLED ABROAD Australia –48,000—(2006 Figures) New Zealand -37,000-(2006 Figures) Canada –24,000-(2000 Figures)

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PRIME MINISTERS OF FIJI Late Ratu Sir K. Mara—1970-1987 Late Timoci Bavadra– 1987—1987 Sitiveni Rabuka—1987-1999 Mahendra P. Chaudhary-1999-2000 Laisenia Qarase-2000-2006 Frank Bainimarama-2006 to Date

PRESIDENTS OF FIJI Late Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau Late Ratu Sir K. Mara Late Ratu Josefa I. Uluivuda Ratu Epeli Nailatikau

NUMBER OF ISLANDS More Than 300—ABOUT 100 ARE INHABITAT

EDITORIAL/ F IJ I F EA TU RE F IJI F EATURE N O M O RE Q U EEN ’ S P I CTU RE O N F I J I B A NK N OT ES A ND C OI N S Fiji government’s move to remove the portrait of Queen Elizabeth 2 from its bank note and coins is a bold step taken by the country. Fiji broke its ties from the British Empire when it was declared a republic soon after military coups of 1987. Fiji currency notes carried the queen’s portrait for the last 24 years without queen being the head of state of Fiji. The head of the state became the president and the governor— generals office became history for Fiji

after 1987. Fiji has been suspended from the commonwealth since 2009.

The new notes and coins are believed to be in circulation in an year’s time. It will take a while to settle with the new look currency. British monarchy has been idolized by Fiji since the country was handed over to Britain in 1874.

There was a time when Queen Elizabeth 2’s portrait along with the royal family found a favorite spot in most homes and public buildings in Fiji.

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Fiji ABROAD A REVIEW ONLY JULY 2011

FIJI SCHOOL’S EX– STUDENTS CELEBRATION IN SYDNEY AUSTRALIA Fiji community is known for its festivity nature whether it be in Fiji or abroad.

The rich celebration aptitude among the community makes it possible to organize many festivities. The Suva Grammar School Ex– Students celebrations in Sydney showed the spirit among the Fiji community is higher even abroad.

Among the series of events held by the association was the cruise of the Sydney Harbor which is believed to be the highlight of the celebrations of 2011. Australia has the largest Fiji community abroad, with a population of around fifty thousand, with most settled in Sydney.

FIJI USA FESTIVAL 2011 INTRODUCES BEER GARDEN The annual Fiji Festival USA is scheduled for July 2 and 3 at the Cal State University East Bay. Among the activities is the introduction of Beer Garden which should attract a good turnout. This year marks the 10 th anniversary of the Fiji USA Festival. The festival has grown in all aspects in

PUBLISHED & EDITED BY ARUN MAHARAJ

these years. Having the privilege of being a part of the first - ever Fiji Festival ten years ago I had the honor of introducing the Miss Charity Contest which has become a highlight of the festival. Reportedly this year will honor all the previous charity and beauty contest winners.

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PEOPLE MISS FIJI USA 2010—KRISTEEN PRAKASH

Kristeen Reigns as Miss Fiji USA for 2010 / 2011 Kristeen Prakash of Sacramento, California was declared the Miss Fiji USA during 2010 Fiji Festival in Hayward.

She appears on the cover of ‘India Fiji Today’.

A Perspective

INDIA FIJI TODAY

JULY 2011

Pt. Rajendra Maharaj

By Pt. Rajendra Maharaj-Seaside-California Hindu Priest & Peace Consultant, Ordained Clergy, Minister Of Religion & Marriage Celebrant, 1759 Hilton Street,Seaside, CA. 93955. Home Phone: (831) 393 0679.Cell Phone: *831) 521 8400.

E-Mail- punditfijian@aol.com - rajendra@sbcglobal.net DISCLAIMER this article and any files transmitted with it are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity and purposes to which they are addressed or meant for. Please note that any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the writer or sender and do not necessarily represent those of the others. Finally if this article does not appeal to you, then immediately delete or ignore it. The recipient should check the article and any attachments for the presence of viruses or inflicting remark. I PUNDIT RAJENDRA MAHARAJ will not accept any; LIABILITY, CRITICISM, ANNOYANCE or ADVERSE REACTION what so ever, to the contrary of its intention caused by any misinterpretation, miss-understanding or non-acceptance of the same.

KARMIC LAW OF BIRTH AND RE-BIRTH Am attempting to answer questions asked by many in regards to KARMIC LAW OF BIRTH AND REBIRTH or INCARNATION. All the words and laws stipulated herein are not only mine, but from various Puranas like Brahmn Puran, Devi Bhagwat, Bhagwat Puran, and the Garud Puran, teachings from our Shatras and adorable Mahatmas and Rishis. I shall feel fully rewarded if in anyway, anyone benefits from this composition. May Lord give everyone power and strength to cancel all of past Karma’s misdeeds and not accrue anymore to enable the Souls MOKSHA. Guru Nanak Dev Ji said, "A True Friend is one who leads his/her friend to 'Righteous Living '" When asked what Righteous Living is, Him and the Great Masters announced in various ways".

1. "Naam Japna" - remembering God through meditation and/or Simran(Surrendering to his Lotus Feet) 2. "Kirat Karo" - earning an honest living 3. "Vand Chakko"(Par Upkaar) - selflessly serving others, sharing income and resources.

However, we have to be careful when undertaking the 3rd requirement - it has to be performed only where there is a need and not relentlessly.

Sharing with the rich is not considered fulfilling the 3rd Requirement, nor is spending your life within a circle of friends who move you away from Righteous Living.

It is important that we be part of charity, community work or help the underprivileged in any form.

May Almighty Grace Peace onto us and the Universe.

TO BE CONTINUED IN THE NEXT ISSUE...

This article is the view and opinion of the writer. The publisher/editor does not necessarily endorse the opinion.

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A Perspective INDIA FIJI TODAY

July 2011

By Arun Maharaj –Hayward-California

THE FRUIT OF GENUINENESS Being genuine in your actions is the way to happy living.

Genuine actions go a long way towards attaining positive results in life. Even in material things, genuine materials last much longer than those that are fake. ‘Genuine gold will always shine brightly even if it is put in dirt or mud but fake gold will only shine briefly even if it is polished constantly’. The concept of ‘being genuine’ is a quality in human beings which is generally ignored and not taken seriously although it is one of the most important of all the characteristics . Positive and lasting results are not possible without genuine actions.

We can draw an analogy between genuine actions and pretences to truth and lie. Genuine actions is like truth while pretenses are like lies. We see in real life situations that genuine actions bear fruit for yourselves like being genuinely being involved in your work or profession; studying for a particular profession; commitment to business etc.

Along with these personal

life effects genuine behavior has an implication on the world surrounding us particularly on your relationships with people. A genuine relationship lasts, where one is prepared to give and not

people are in relationship with others but are not able to achieve the true satisfaction or love on their part of the relationship. A genuine worship of the Lord or someone would provide peace and satisfaction whereas the pretense to worship for fame may not provide peace and eventually the fame will die out leaving one in total oblivion.

Even in greeting someone, which is a very temporary relationship, where you may not meet that person ever again in life, differences can be made between genuine greeting, either verbal or handshake, and a fake one.

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to take advantage of the relationship and be ready to gain all the time. Those who always believe in gaining something out of a relationship without ever being prepared to give in are not in genuine relationship and the relationship will fall apart. It is a paradox of life that

“Be genuine and you may find a genuine world around you and not a fake one.”

Arun Maharaj Former Teacher—Fiji Jaycees International Senator California Jaycees Senator Past National President Fiji Jaycees

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INDIA SITES

VISHNUPAD TEMPL GAYA—BIHAR A 16th century temple which was carved out of a single rock. In the far east state of Bihar the temple is visited by millions from India and abroad on yearly basis. A place of pilgrimage for the dead ancestors the temple has extreme beauty.

A Perspective

INDIA FIJI TODAY

JULY 2011

By Jai P. Narayan—Union City-California

The Beauty of Creation We sometimes wonder why we are here in this world. Regardless of the complexities surrounding our existence, we can’t help but marvel at what creation is about and what it has provided us from the time of conception to our final time in this world. There are many things to be thankful for. This short article deals with a basic, but a central concern in our lives, that is, the provision of food and shelter.

While we do not know why we are here, we do know that we originated with food supply guaranteed. With our connection to our mother through the umbilical chord for 9 months or so, the required nourishment for our formation and development was ready and available. We were dependent on our mother for food, comfort and shelter, and she was dependent on some superior force to provide sustenance to both of us.

The automatic mechanism, which provided us food and comfort, ceased to exist when we came out in this world of reality. But the scheme of creation did not leave us high and dry. It seems that the creator designed that the direct

responsibility should now be passed on to someone else.

This was where our parents

JAI P. NARAYAN

came in. There was so much love and affection, or Maya as some may call it, that someone else was ready to take care of us.

This was again an automatic thing that happened in our lives. We did not have to worry about where our next meal was coming from and whether we would have shelter over our heads. We did not question who was responsible for our sustenance and did not incur any monetary debts. Once again we got everything we needed.

Things changed when we came to the stage of

providing for our livelihood. In many cases parents are still there to provide some kind of support. But now we are truly responsible for what we make of our lives. Sometimes life is not easy and we have to struggle. But in the final analysis some unseen power keeps us going. The reality of the matter is that someone has provided us the means and resources to survive in this world.

Admittedly, there are many in this world who suffer extreme poverty and deprivation. But even in most unfortunate of cases, there is always some relief available.

So whatever the stage or circumstances of our lives, we have been given the means to survive, in some way or the other.

Isn’t this marvelous?

Views and opinions expressed are not necessarily that of the editor/publisher

Jai P. Narayan Former General Manager Administration—Fiji Sugar Corporation Ltd. - 1990—1998— Currently HR Director Innovative Circuits Engineering Inc.

INDIAN FILM WORLD JULY

I NDI A FI J I TODAY

2011

RAJ KAPOOR STREET NAMING IN TORONTO CANADA—A PRIDE FOR INDIA Having a street named after Raj Kapoor in Brampton, in the suburb of Toronto is obviously a great achievement for the Kapoor family and India as a whole. It is believed during the IIFA award in late June in Toronto Canada, a prestigious Indian Film award held out of India, Raj Kapoor Crescent, a new street was inaugurated. The Kapoor family comprising of Mrs. Raj Kapoor, sons and daughters and daughter-in -law

were all present during the street naming ceremony in Toronto. Raj Kapoor has been one of the greatest showman of his times. As an actor, director and producer he gave numerous hits which are still cherished by fans today. The Kapoor family has given a chain of actors from Prithviraj Kapoor, Raj Kapoor’s father, to Ranbir Kapoor, Karishma and Kareena Kapoor, his grandchildren.

TINA MUNIM—NOW TINA AMBANI—WIFE OF ONE OF THE RICHEST MEN IN INDIA Tina Munim came into public limelight when she represented India at the International Teen Princess Contest and won the Miss Photogenic and Miss Bikini Award. She entered the Indian Film Industry in 1978 by Dev Anand’s ‘Des Pardes’. She was teamed with the then superstar Rajesh Khanna and together they acted in many films including Khanna’s home production ‘Alag Alag’. Later she moved to California, USA for further studies and finally married Anil Ambani, one of the richest men in the world.

Veteran ActorAshok Kumar Would have Turned 100 Years this Year.

Born in 1911 he died in 2001 at age 90.

I NDIA T ODAY INDIA FIJI TODAY

APRIL 2011

D ELHI D RUNK D RIVING people decide to drive after consuming With a population of around fouralcohol. In a recent crack—down on teen million it can be imagined the drunken driving it is believed over a number of people on the streets of thousand people India’s capihave been arrested tal on daily INDIA TODAY and jailed for drunk basis. Drunk driving. driving adds to the comAccidents take motion on many lives when the roads. they occur on busy Most people roads. Delhi being use public capital and the sectransportaond most populous tion but the city of India is vismotor cars ited by many Indiand other veDriving on Indian Road ans from the outer hicle users parts of India. The contribute constant crack down on crime and loitergreatly to the road usage. The heavy trucks use considerable part ing on Delhi roads will probably make it a of the roads. To make things worse safe city in India to travel to.

I NDIA T ODAY INDIA FIJI TODAY

APRIL 2011

R AJNI A BBI 窶年 EW M AYOR OF D ELHI India has a legacy of producing woman leaders. The election of Rajni Abbi a 49 year old professor INDIA TODAY at the Delhi University as the new Mayor of Delhi has added to the list of renowned ladies who are serving or have served India.

Currently the office of the President of India is held by Pratibha Patil; Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh is

held by Mayawati and the leader of the Congress Party is being held by Sonia Gandhi. There are also some women in the current government holding important portfolios.

The legacy of Lone Road User woman leadership started with Indira Gandhi becoming the first woman prime minister of India.

F IJI T ODAY INDIA FIJI TODAY

JULY 2011

MYSTERIOUS FIND OF SKULLS IN YASAWA Fiji has some fascinating things like the Tagimocia flower in Tavueni, which does not grow anywhere else in Fiji; the dateline that divides Taveuni in two days.

FIJI TODAY ‘YEATERDAY and TODAY, a fascinating site; the Floating Island in Labasa and the Hot Water springs in NEW LOOK MH– SUVA Vanua Levu.

The recent findings of about one hundred skulls and bones in a Yasawa village has added to the natural mysteries of the country. It is believed the skulls and bones were discovered by a villager while he was digging the grounds for building his house. An amazed villager

called on the police and the news reporters to witness the findings.

The bones seemed to be of huge men in the mass burial. The bones were later buried in another grave by the villager.

Reportedly there is no clue and the villagers are not aware of the history of the mass burial. A boat buried nearby on the coast could be linked to the mystery.

In addition to the mysterious finding, there are reports of over one hundred cows gone missing from the village in one day, a few years back and their whereabouts have not been known to date.

F IJI T ODAY INDIA FIJI TODAY

JULY 2011

C ORRUPTION U NDER A TTACK The government’s dedication for ridding corruption seems to be the major priority for now. The case of a Labasa businessman involved in a fraud act adds to the number of corruption cases already brought to justice. It is believed the Labasa busiFIJI TODAY nessman, a hardware dealer falsely obtained money from a government ministry for materials not supplied to a church. The government official is also believed to have been charged. It seems such acts of corruption have been a common practice of some businessmen and some government officials. to obtain money falsely. Much of such cases

were not brought to justice in the past and the people involved took great advantage of the fact.

The sudden actions by the government has left some corrupt people in total despair as they probably were under the impression that their actions were the order of the day and they will keep winning and will never be exposed. The exposure of one A RURAL SCENE of Fiji’s leading businessman’s fraudulent behavior is a huge crackdown on corruption in Fiji. Sentencing the businessman shows the level of seriousness on the policy of corruption in Fiji. This should act as a major deterrent for future corrupts acts.

F IJI T ODAY INDIA FIJI TODAY

JULY 2011

S CHOOLS R ACIAL N AMES The recent name changes policy Attempts have failed to achieve a implemented for schools that were government of national unity. The named after religions and races is a schools name change policy may be highly bold move. It is believed hard to accept by some religious about fifty and racial orschools throughout Fiji ganizations FIJI TODAY had their names controlling the changed recently. The schools but is schools when founded a definite posiby various organizative step totions must have had wards achievsome religious or racial ing ‘national ideals and principles unity’!

A COASTAL SCENE which were fulfilled over the years. Majority Fiji has come of Fiji’s schools are controlled by a long way from the days of ‘Alliance religious groups. Schools have and Federation Parties’ based on rabeen functioning very much on reli- cial lines. The concept of national gious and racial lines with no disunity has been propagated in the pute as teachers and school heads past during elections by many were the preferences of the school prominent politicians of the past but committees. Race and religion much was not achieved. The recent played an integral part of the school schools name change policy may system. There have been talks of bring the realization of ‘national national unity in Fiji for a long time. unity’ in Fiji.

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F IJI T ODAY INDIA FIJI TODAY

JULY 2011

F RAUD A CTS OF T AXI D RIVERS Some Nadi taxi drivers seem to Tourism has been providing be deceiving the innocent tour- constant income to Fiji as an ists whom they depend for their industry for a long time and the business. Fraud deceptive acacts seem to have tions by the FIJI TODAY made strong roots unreliable few in many business can put the incircles in Fiji. It is dustry in jeopbelieved some taxi ardy. drivers operating from the Nadi AirIt is also beport are cheating lieved that the A MARIGOLD GARDEN窶年ASINU the tourists by drivers are overcharging them obtaining forby not using taxi meters. Taxis eign currencies from the tourare supposed to use meters but ists for fare. The foreign curto make more money from the rency is later sold to people innocent visitors who are in a who deal in foreign currency at way at the mercy of the taxi a higher rate. The taxi drivers drivers, the drivers fix their own make additional money and the fares which are obviously much buyers gain by obtaining formore than the normal meter eign currency without dealing fare. with the banks.

F IJI T ODAY INDIA FIJI TODAY

JULY 2011

S Y D N E Y G I R L ’ S D ROW N I N G Drowning in Fiji waters have claimed many lives, some of even tourists. The reFIJI TODAY cent drowning of a 28 year old girl from Sydney adds to the many drowning cases of Fiji. It is believed the deceased drowned while scuba diving in Beqa. Reportedly she was holidaying in Beqa with her boyfriend and had gone out for diving when the accident occurred. Desperate attempts were made

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to save her by the instructors and her boyfriend but she died after being taken out of the water where she had drowned.

Fiji waters are attractive for the tourists WESTPAC BANK– SUVA as the tropical climate of Fiji makes it a pleasant experience with warm water diving. Accidents of this nature is regrettable but can be avoided with proper care taken.

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F IJI T ODAY INDIA FIJI TODAY

JULY 2011

E XCESSIVE R AIN —A C AUSE OF A LARM IN V ANUALEVU Excessive rain seems to be a The villagers are in danger of constant threat of flooding in typhoid as they use water that various is not safe to parts of drink. The vilFIJI TODAY Fiji. It has lagers have no almost beoption but to come a use water from part of life creeks and rivthat people ers that are dehave to clared as undeal with safe after the flood rerecent flooding lated proband excessive NASESE WATERFRONT lems. The rain. recent excessive rain and fear of flooding Pipe water supply is not availclosed down schools in Vanuable in many parts of Fiji paralevu for children’s safety. Reticularly in the remote areas portedly there is a likelihood of and people have to depend on typhoid outbreak in Bua area. the natural source of water.

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