Indian News Queensland- April 2018 Issue 7 Vol 1 by Australia India News

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APRIL 2018

Indian News Queensland | EDITOR’S WORDS PUBLISHER Dr. Ram Mohan info@indiannewsqld.com.au EDITOR & ASSOCIATE EDITORS editor@indiannewsqld.com.au Ashutosh Raina (Honorary) Susmy Nair Geetha Raghavan DESIGNER Tsai Min-Yi PHOTO COURTESY Shri Adigopula FOR ENQUIRIES, CONTACT: Dr. Ram Mohan sales@indiannewsqld.com.au Phone: 1 300 859 066 DISTRIBUTION Star Promotions Indian News Queensland Unit 49, 391, WICKHAM TERRACE, Ground Floor, Spring Hill, Brisbane, QLD – 4000 Web: www.indiannewsqld.com.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/IndianNews-Queensland

From the INQ Team Dear Readers, Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) has begun and Gold Coast welcomed more than 6,600 athletes and team officials from 70 Commonwealth nations and territories. GC2018 will feature the largest integrated sports program in Commonwealth Games history, comprising of 18 sports and 7 para-sports. It will be the fifth time Australia has staged the Commonwealth Games following Sydney (1938), Perth (1962), Brisbane (1982) and Melbourne (2006) – making Australia the nation that has hosted the most number of Games. Tickets are still available for 12 sports - be a part of the action! Make sure you don’t miss out and get a taste of all the sport you could see in person in April, with tickets starting from just $20 for adults and $10 for children. INQ wishing Indian team, the very best of CWG 2018. INQ Available @ Your Nearest Store City Brisbane

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APRIL 2018

Indian News Queensland | CWG EVENTS

Indian-origin Reena Augustine and Pushpa Bakshi carry the baton in Queens Baton Relay

Reena Augustine carrying the baton n a county of over 24 million, to be one of 3,800 selected to represent Australia in the Queen’s Baton Relay ahead of the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, is something to be immensely proud of. And for the Australian Indians, seeing their own take part in it, is something special. On the 29th of March, Pushpa Ajay Bakshi took the final relay stretch of the Ipswich relay leading the Baton into a community celebration at Limestone Park, Ipswich. An active member of the community, Mrs. Bakshi is part of several both professional and community groups outside. Mrs. Bakshi has been a part of professional groups in the UK and Australia for over 30 years and is currently involved in several valuable roles within the local community. A life and business coach, she also held positions as a Treasurer for Rotarians, SeniorVice President of Ipswich Chamber of Commerce, Member of the Australian Institute of Directors, Professional Fellow Accountant, Senior Tax Auditor and Master Neuro Strategist, as well as a Senior Leader for the Anthony Robbins Group. Mrs. Bakshi has also been involved in many community projects including the Disability and mental health services, Global Women’s Council, various business councils, Zonta, the Indian AND African associations, the Multi-Cultural Associations in Northern Queensland, as

Pushpa Bakshi with Mayor of Ipswich Andrew Antoniolli well as mentoring both CEOs, higher management and students alike. On International Women’s Day, Mrs. Bakshi was recognized at the Queensland Women in Leadership Awards for her outstanding work, resilience and leadership skills, adding to numerous accolades. She was an Entrepreneurial and Innovative Leader finalist. “I find it difficult to put into words, how happy and contented I feel by supporting our community,” she says. To top it all off, Mrs. Bakshi will also be competing in the Games’ ‘Gold Run’, which is a five-kilometer Fun Run held on a stretch of the Games marathon course after the closing ceremony. On 31st March 2018, day 96 of Queens Baton Relay, Reena Augustine represented Australian & Indian community and carried the baton starting from 999 Brunswick Road, New Farm at 3pm. Reena came to Australia as a student, and now she is a proud Australian citizen. She works as a migration agent. Reena offers her service to the community as a photographer, event organizer, stage manager and many more. She loves to bring people together from all walks of life and continues to promote multiculturalism to remove all barriers. One vision, one goal and a team to unite the multicultural community of Australia was achieved through the award-winning Multicultural fashion show 2015, 2016, 2017

Mrs. Pushpa Bakshi carrying the baton www.indiannewsqld.com.au

which led Reena to be the Queen’s Baton Bearer 2018. Because of her Multicultural fashion show which aimed to bring several nations together she went on to win the Brisbane Women in Business Award for Community Dedication 2016 and She won the Lord Mayor’s Multicultural round table scholarship for 2017-2018, Further, she was placed within the Lord Mayor’s final 12 for the 2016 Mayoral Awards and a finalist in the category of Entrepreneurial and Innovative Leader by access community center: Vice President of Lion’s Club United Asia Business Inc, community Radio Presenter at Brisvaani, Cultural coordinator at world arts Multi-cultural Inc. & was a finalist in the National Awards for the Indian Community 2016. When asked what’s the inspiration behind her community involvement, Reena beamingly says, “I volunteer because I want to give something back to the community. I strongly believe that if you want to live in the community and feel to be a part of it you must give something back! Australia is a very inclusive country and the Queen's Baton carries a strong message of inclusivity, diversity and community so I am extremely proud to be part of such a meaningful event. All the baton bearers I see here gave so much to the community and to be included with them means a lot to me and it inspires me beyond words.”

Baton bearers of New farm Market

Reena Augustine with Mr Steve Biddle, Regional Director, Department of. Home Affairs and family

Team cheering for Reena at the relay

Baton Bearers of Ipswich

APRIL 2018

Indian News Queensland | CWG EVENTS

CWG 2018: Indian athletes to watch out for!

Neeraj Chopra for Javelin Throw Neeraj Chopra for Javelin Throw Neeeraj Chopra, the 20-year-old javelin-thrower from Panipat, Haryana, has already proven that he can excel not just at the regional level, but at the world-level as well. The star javelin-thrower made people sit up and take notice by winning gold at the IAAF World Under-20 Athletics Championships at Bydgoszcz, Poland, in 2016, with a world record throw of 86.48 metres. It was India's first-ever world record and gold medal at any world championship in athletics, an area where hitherto the country never had a significant presence. What now makes every Indian look to him for a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games is the fact that his Federation Cup effort is the best so far this season among jave-

Sanjeev Rajput for Shooting

lin-throwers from the Commonwealth nations, distinctly ahead of the 83.63 metres set by Australia's Hamish Peacock. Before his Federation Cup feat, he had won silver at the international javelin meet at Offenburg, Germany, in February this year, with a throw of 82.8 metres. Last year, he clinched gold at the Asian Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar with a championship record throw of 85.23 metres, after having looked listless in his first few attempts. A few days prior to the Asian Athletics Championships, he had sent the spear soaring to 84.67 metres at the prestigious Diamond League in Paris. He won gold at the South Asian Games in 2016 too, with a throw of 82.23 metres, equalling the national record in the process.

Sanjeev Rajput for Shooting Born on January 5, 1981, in Jagadhri, Haryana, Rajput comes from a humble family, with his father, a streetfood vendor, being the only means of financial support for the family. After attending the SD Public School in his hometown, Rajput enlisted with the Indian Navy, where continues to serve as Master Chief Petty Officer II. Three years after he debuted in 2001, he recorded his first major achievement in the sport, collecting three golds and a silver in the 2004 SAF Games in Islamabad.

The following year saw him win another gold, this time at the Commonwealth Shooting Championships in Melbourne in the 50m rifle 3 position pairs event. It was the year 2006, however, which propelled him into the spotlight. In his second trip to Melbourne in as many years, this time for his maiden appearance in the Commonwealth Games, he won the bronze in the men's 50m rifle prone singles event, with a score of 594. His confidence boosted after the CWG medal on debut, he went on to win another bronze that year, this

time at the Asian Games in Doha. The years between 2010 and 2011 were also quite rewarding for Rajput. Not only was he conferred the Arjuna Award in August 2010, but he was also adjudged the Services Best Sports Person for the year 2009-10. He won a double gold in the 50m rifle 3 positions event in the Commonwealth Shooting Championships in Delhi that year, before collecting a gold in the ISSF World Cup in Changwon, South Korea — his best performance in the tournament.

Mehuli Ghosh for Shooting

Vikas Thakur for Weightlifting Vikas Thakur for Weightlifting The Ludhiana-based lifter shot into the limelight as a 20-year-old ‘man-mountain’ in the 2014 edition of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. That was his maiden appearance at the CWG, and Thakur lifted 150 kg in snatch and 183 kg in clean and jerk to win a silver medal. His overall tally of 333 kg was just two kilograms short of New Zealander Richard Patterson’s lift. Next year, at the National Weightlifting Championship in Patiala, Thakur lifted 341 kg (154 kg in snatch and 187 kg in clean and jerk) to create a national record. The previous record was also held by him www.indiannewsqld.com.au

— he had lifted 339 kg (153 kg in snatch and 186 kg in clean and jerk) at the 35th National Games in Thrissur, Kerala in the same year. He was named among the 16 Indian weightlifters who had made the cut for the 2018 Commonwealth Games. In the previous edition of the Games, India had bagged 12 medals, including three gold. Thakur, who had missed the yellow metal in 2014, will look to go one better this year. It will be interesting to see how moving up weight category will impact his performance, but Thakur will enter the arena as one of India's genuine medal hopes.

Mehuli Ghosh for Shooting Mehuli Ghosh was 12 when guns and rifles caught her fascination. The source was as unlikely as one would imagine: the popular Hindi detective show “CID”. That fortuitous affliction gradually transformed into a passion strong enough for her to convince her father of modest means to invest in her. A year of persistence later, Mehuli’s father – a temporary employee with the West Bengal government — collected enough money to enroll her in Serampore Rifle Club. It was not a smooth sail in the academy, as two years ago, a pellet fired by her hit a spectator. She was suspended from the academy, and it affected her confidence. All of 14, she slipped into depression, her shooting dreams seemingly over. Her mother, Mitali Ghosh, then stepped into the picture and helped resurrect her daughter’s morale and career. Karmakar, the Olympian who narrowly missed a medal in London in 2012, took the youngster under his wings and Ghosh began to make her mark. Two medals came in the 2016 Nationals, eight in the 2017 Nationals, followed by a gold medal in the youth category of the Asian Airgun Championships in Japan. At the ISSF World Cup in Mexico, she finished third in the 10-metre air rifle event before pairing up with Deepak Kumar in the mixed team event for her second bronze at the event.

Mary Kom for Boxing Mary Kom for Boxing Chungneijang Mary Kom Hmangte better known as Mary Kom hails from from the Kom tribe in Manipur. She is a five-time World Amateur Boxing champion, and the only woman boxer to have won a medal in each one of the six world championships. Nicknamed "Magnificent Mary", she is the only Indian woman boxer to have qualified for the 2012 Summer Olympics, competing in the flyweight (51 kg) category and winning the bronze medal. She’s back for one final flourish and the legendary boxer would look at the Gold Coast CWG as perhaps the perfect swan song. A medal at the Commonwealth Games is missing from her impressive medal haul from all over the world, and at the age of 35, Mary Kom would know this is her last shot. In her return to competitive boxing last year, she regained her title of Asian champion by beating Hyang Mi Kim in the 48kg final to claim her fifth gold medal at the Asian Boxing Championships. She might not be one of the favourites for the CWG, but if history is anything to go by, one can’t count out Mary Kom.

APRIL 2018

Indian News Queensland | CWG EVENTS

Sanjita Chanu for Weightlifting Sanjita Chanu for Weightlifting Situated in India’s northeast, Manipur has consistently been a supply line for international-quality weightlifters -- Khumukcham Sanjita Chanu being one of them. She was inspired by the legendary Kunjarani Devi and took up the sport quite early in her life. Success too came early for her as she went on to clinch the first gold medal in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow at age 20. She won the yellow metal in the 48kg category, overcoming state-mate Mirabai, who won the silver in the same category. Sanjita won with a total lift of 173kg (77kg + 96kg), while Mirabai grabbed the silver with a cumulative effort of 170 (75kg + 95kg).

Saikhom Mirabai Chanu for Weightlifting

Such was Sanjita’s dominance that her total of 173kg missed the Games record by just two kilograms. She qualified for this year’s Games after clinching gold at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships. She bagged the gold in women's 53kg with a total effort of 195kg (85kg + 110kg). But it will be tough for her to replicate her 2014 victory this time around, considering her recent form. At the World Weightlifting Championships last year in November, where Mirabai clinched gold, Sanjita could not live up to her potential. She finished fifth in her category. She will look to get back some of the lost confidence with a gold-medal winning effort in Gold Coast.

Saikhom Mirabai Chanu for Weightlifting Born in a poor family at Nongpok Kakching in Manipur, Mirabai is the youngest of six siblings. She has two brothers and three sisters. Her father still works as a lower level employee at the Public Works Department in Imphal, the state capital, while her mother runs a small shop at their village. Mirabai had won a silver in the last Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, having finished behind compatriot Sanjita Chanu, but in the four years since then the 23-year-old Manipuri has made rapid strides to reach a truly world class level. She lifted a total of 170 kg (75kg in snatch and 95 kg in clean and jerk) in Glasgow but

three years later, she had a total lift of 194 kg (85+109) to win the gold in the World Championships in USA in November last, becoming only the second Indian weightlifter to achieve the feat. Before the World Championships, she had also won the Commonwealth Championships gold in Australia in July last year with a total lift of 189 kg (85+104). She is currently training at In2Performance Centre at Victoria Noble Park in Melbourne, an elite training centre. All the 16 Indian weightlifters who are taking part in the CWG are training here since 9 March. They will leave for Gold Coast on 1 April. The CWG record in this weight category is 175 kg (77+98), in the name

of Augustina Nwaokolo of Nigeria, which she achieved while winning gold in 2010 Delhi Games. A look at Mirabai's opponents in 48kg in Gold Coast, provided by Commonwealth Weightlifting Federation, shows that all the competitors except Mirabai has a personal best of below 180kg. Mirabai's likely closest rival will be Amanda Braddock of Canada who has a personal best of 173 kg. Her event is on 5 April, the first day of competitions, and if she wins a gold, that could be the first one for India in this CWG. Head coach Vijay Sharma said that a gold from Mirabai is more or less assured as she is head and shoulders above the rest of the field.

Pooja Dhanda for Wrestling Pooja Dhanda for Wrestling Born on New Year's Day in 1994, Dhanda, the daughter of a tractor driver with the Haryana Animal Husbandry Centre in Hisar, was actively involved in sports from an early age. Before devoting herself fully to wrestling, Dhanda had a brief stint in the world of judo, from where she had even drawn a medal. Dhanda got her wrestling career off to a good start with a silver in the 2010 Youth Olympics in the 60kg category. Three years later, she would debut in the national championships, in which she would defeat accomplished grappler Babita Phogat in the final. The following year saw her win bronze in the 57kg category of the Asian Wrestling

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Championships in Almaty in Kazakhstan, which not only happens to be her biggest achievement on the international circuit so far but was also her last medal at a major event. She pulled off a major upset by beating the defending Olympic champion and two-time world champion, Helen Maroulis, while representing Punjab Royals in third edition of the PWL earlier in February this year and it was exactly the kind of feat that would have helped her believe in herself once again. PWL3 turned out to be a roaring success for her, as she went on to beat Olympic bronze medallist Odunayo Adekuoroye and world championship silver medallist Marwa Amri, aside from her memorable win over Maroulis.

Babita Kumari for Wrestling Babita Kumari for Wrestling Babita Kumari has earned the right to be mentioned in the same breath as some of India's finest sports persons after her achievements on the global stage in the past decade. The wrestler's career was expected to hit the peak in Rio in 2016, where she was one of the pre-tournament favourites to land a medal. However, she was stunned in the opening bout by Greek wrestler Maria Prevolaraki, who beat her 5-1, forcing her to lay her dreams of an Olympic medal on the mat. The 28-year-old hasn't returned to the international arena since. Knee injuries have hampered her comeback bid. An appearance in the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) also didn't end well as she was beaten in 46 seconds by Sofia Mattsson. The 2014 CWG gold medallist though appears to be on track for the Gold Coast event after making several changes to her training regime to maintain the premium level of fitness required to compete at the highest level.

Ankur Mittal for Shooting Ankur Mittal for Shooting A silver medal at the 2017 ISSF World Cup in July, gold medals at the Asian Championships, Acapulco World Cup and 2017 Commonwealth Championships, topped by a silver medal in the men's double trap event at 2017 ISSF World Shotgun Championship is evidence enough to state that Ankur Mittal is currently India's best double trap shooter. Proficiency in single trap will enable him to have a chance at participating in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, a feat he cannot achieve with double trap. With Mittal putting on himself the onus of going a step better at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, his love for double trap shooting and a possible last hurrah in the category at the top level could prove to be the catalyst for his greatest career achievement till date.

APRIL 2018

Indian News Queensland | CWG EVENTS

PV Sindhu for Badminton

Saina Nehwal for Badminton Saina Nehwal for Badminton Saina Nehwal is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated athletes in India. She has been delivering the goods right from the start of her career and at 27, she still has a lot to offer. At the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Nehwal will be looking to replicate the success of her 2010 campaign where she became the first Indian women’s singles shuttler to win gold for the cricket-crazy country. Saina trained at the Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium, where coaches SM Arif and Nina Prasad would look after the young shuttler. Her talent had already caught the eye of many on the domestic circuit, including her future coach Pullela Gopichand.

The Hyderabadi shuttler created history by clinching the U-19 national title in 2006 and the prestigious Asian Satellite Badminton tournament (India Chapter) twice, becoming the first player to do so. Later that year, the 16-year-old Nehwal became the first Indian girl and the youngest player from Asia to win a four-star tournament — the Philippines Open. That same year, Nehwal was also the runnerup at the 2006 BWF World Junior Championships, where she lost a hard-fought match against top-seed Chinese Wang Yihan. In 2008, Nehwal became the first Indian to win the World Junior Badminton Championships by defeating ninth seeded Japanese Sayaka Sato 21–9, 21–18.

Sushil Kumar for Wrestling Sushil Kumar for Wrestling Sushil has been one of the most impactful sportspersons from India in recent times, if one discounts the Virat Kohlis and Rohit Sharmas of the world. He is a two-time Olympic medallist, the only athlete from India to win two individual Olympic medals, that too, back-to-back. Sushil is also a two-time gold medallist in the Commonwealth Games, winning the 66kg freestyle title on his home turf in New Delhi in 2010 and the 74kg freestyle title in Glasgow in 2014. This apart, he has multiple medals from World Championships, Asian Games, Asian Championships and Commonwealth Championships. It goes without saying that on Australia's Gold Coast, expectations of a hat-trick of golds at the Games will ride sky-high on Sushil as he takes the mat in the 74kg category. The Sushil-Narsingh tussle divided public opinion, with a group arguing that renown should not be reason enough for preferential treatment and www.indiannewsqld.com.au

that current form should be taken into account. Those sympathetic to Sushil's cause pointed out that he had not asked to be sent directly to the Olympics in place of Narsingh, but only that a trial be conducted to determine the better medal prospect in the 74kg category. It was argued that an athlete who had proven his class and capacity on the big stage on so many occasions should not be begrudged a chance to earn an Olympic berth. The Delhi wrestler qualified for the 2018 Commonwealth Games in the 74kg category by beating Praveen Rana and Jitender Kumar in the selections trials held in December last year. Sushil would now have to put these controversies behind him and lead India's gold quest in Gold Coast. He has not seen much action since the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014, and that may be a bit of a worry. He has warmed up for the big fight with the Commonwealth Championships gold in December and needs to guard against letting the momentum drop.

In the same year, she became the first Indian woman to reach the quarterfinals at the Olympic Games when she upset World No 5 and fourth seed Wang Chen of Hong Kong. She continued her titlewinning streak by claiming the gold medal at the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games, having claimed silver in the previous edition. Despite the early blow in Rio, Nehwal underwent surgery and graced the court again at the end of the year. She won the 2017 Malaysia Masters before claiming a World Badminton Championship bronze medal in Glasgow. Not only that, she sharpened her strokes and oncourt movements to become the national champion last year.

PV Sindhu for Badminton India’s ace shuttler PV Sindhu will enter the 2018 Commonwealth Games as one of the favourites to stand on the podium yet again, but this time, with a gold medal. Expectations are high from all participating shuttlers, following their upward trajectory in the last 12 months. However, Sindhu is expected to at least get a silver medal back home. Her parents PV Ramana and P Vijaya are both former international volleyball players. Sindhu's father Ramana himself is an Arjuna awardee and was part of the Indian team that won the bronze medal at the 1986 Asian Games. At age 8, Sindhu watched national coach Pullela Gopichand’s performance at the 2001 All England Championships and was inspired to choose the racquet over a volleyball. She first learnt the basics of badminton at the Indian Railway Institute of Signal Engineering and Telecommunications in Secunderabad before joining Gopichand Academy in Hyderabad.

Sindhu won her first Grand Prix Gold title in 2013 by winning the Malaysian Open. Even the 2012 London Olympic gold medallist Li Xuerui was surprised by Sindhu's attacking prowess and precision at the net. Slowly, Sindhu and Gopichand’s hard work paid dividends as she went on to claim the Macau Open a few months later and was conferred the Arjuna Award by the Government of India. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Sindhu defeated the likes of Tai Tzu Ying, Wang Yihan and Nozomi Okuhara before losing to Carolina Marin of Spain in the final of the women's singles. Since then, the young shuttler took the circuit by storm, winning the 2016 China Open and reaching the Denmark Open final. She continued her fine form in 2017, winning the Syed Modi Grand Prix Gold, India Open and the Korea Open titles. There's more to it. Sindhu missed out on claiming the Hong Kong Open, Dubai World Superseries Finals, Senior Badminton National Championships and World Championships gold by a whisker. In November, Sindhu was placed second in the BWF Rankings.

Vinesh Phogat for Wrestling

Jitu Rai for Shooting

Vinesh Phogat for Wrestling Having defeated Polish wrestler Iwona Matkowska in the qualifying tournament for Rio 2016 quite comfortably, Vinesh had advanced to the quarterfinals of the main event. But unfortunately, she injured her knee in the bout with Sun Yanan and had to be stretchered off, her dreams of an Olympic medal shattered. She is Geeta Phogat's cousin and like Geeta, she was also coached by Mahavir Singh Phogat. Other than that, her achievements speak for themselves. Vinesh first shot to limelight in 2013 during the Asian Wrestling Championships, when she bagged the bronze medal by defeating Thailand's Tho-Kaew Sriprapa in the repechage round. In the same year, she had the opportunity to win gold in Commonwealth Wrestling Championships but couldn't defeat Nigeria's Odunayo Adekuoroye. Representing India in the women's freestyle 48kg category at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, Vinesh breezed past Rosemary Nweke and Jasmine Mian in the quarter- and semi-finals respectively before beating local wrestler Yana Rattigan 3-1 in the final to clinch gold. Since then, she has won at least one medal every year. Bronze at the Asian Games in 2014 Incheon; Silver at the 2015 Doha Asian Championships followed by a bronze in Bangkok in the same competition in 2016 and then again, a silver in New Delhi in 2017. Now as she heads to Gold Coast in Australia for the 2018 Commonwealth Games, Vinesh would like to continue the trend.

Jitu Rai for Shooting To put into context how brilliant Jitu Rai's achievements have been, the first time the Nepalese-born shooter picked up a gun was when he joined the 11 Gorkha Rifles regiment of Indian Army as a 20-yearold in 2006. It would be another two years before Jitu took up shooting as a sport he would excel in. Jitu’s journey hasn’t been rosy. The Naib Subedar was sent back twice from the Army Marksman Unit in Mhow for his poor performances before he managed to establish himself in the camp. After a couple of ISSF World Cup appearances in 2013, Jitu burst on the world stage by clinching three World Cup medals in just nine days. Jitu won his first World Cup medal at Munich on June 11, with a silver in the 10m Air Pistol event. He then won another silver in the 50m Pistol event a week later, capping it off with a gold in the 10m Air Pistol event in Maribor just two days later. Jitu’s purple patch continued in his first Commonwealth Games appearance at Glasgow in 2014 as he won gold in his favourite 50m pistol event. At the 2014 ISSF World Shooting Championships in Granada, he won silver in the 50m event, behind the legendary South Korean Jin Jong-oh.

APRIL 2018

Indian News Queensland | CWG EVENTS

Sakshi Malik for Wrestling Sakshi Malik for Wrestling This girl from Mokhra village in Haryana's Rohtak district ended India's long and frustrating wait for a medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics with a bronze in the 58kg freestyle category. Sakshi has now set her eyes on the Commonwealth Games, in the 2014 Glasgow edition of which she won a silver medal. Among her biggest international victories is a bronze at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games. This apart, her collection of medals includes bronze medals at the Asian Championships in 2015 (Doha), Commonwealth Championship in 2013 (Johannesburg) and World Junior Championships in 2010 (Budapest); silver at the 2017 Asian Championships in New Delhi and Asian Junior Championships in 2009 (Manila). She had won gold at

the Asian Junior Championships in 2012 in Almaty. She beat Tayla Tuahine Ford of New Zealand in the 62kg freestyle category to win gold at the Commonwealth Wrestling Championships in Johannesburg in December last year. However, her campaign in the World Wrestling Championship in 2017 ended with a whimper as she crashed out of the first round, losing to Luisa Niemesch of Germany. Sakshi booked her berth for the 2018 Commonwealth Games by passing the selection trials at STC, Lucknow, in December 2017 and will compete in the 62kg category. At Gold Coast, Australia, the Olympic bronze medalist will lead India's charge in wrestling in the women's section and will want to translate reasonable success in 2017 to major success this year.

Kidambi Srikanth for Badminton Kidambi Srikanth for Badminton It’s been a dream run for the TOISA Sportsperson of the Year, after scooping an unprecedented four Superseries titles in 2017. Building on the promise shown during his run to the quarter-finals of the men’s singles at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Srikanth made it large last year, winning the Indonesia Open, Australian Open, Denmark Open and French Open and moving to No 2 in the BWF men’s singles rankings. In addition to these four Superseries wins, Srikanth reached the final of the Singapore Open where he lost to compatriot B Sai Praneeth (the first instance of two Indian shuttlers reaching a Superseries final), reached the quarter-finals of the Badminton World Championships and was runner-up at the National Badminton Championships. Srikanth Nammalwar Kidambi was born in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh on 7 February 1993. His father KVS Krishna is a landlord, and his mother Radha a house-wife. Srikanth’s elder brother K. Nandagopal is also a badminton player. Srikanth has made rapid strides in the world of badminton and should have his sights on emulating compatriot Parupalli Kashyap, who won gold at the 2014 CWG.

Gagan Narang for Shooting Gagan Narang for Shooting The London Olympics bronze medallist, along with Jitu Rai and Apurvi Chandela, will be anchoring India's gold quest at Gold Coast, Australia as part of the 27-member shooting squad for the Commonwealth Games. Narang had won silver in the 50-metre rifle prone and bronze in the 50-metre rifle three position categories respectively, at the 2014 Commonwealth Games at Glasgow. The previous two Commonwealth Games, at New Delhi in 2010 and in Melbourne in 2006, saw him reap richer harvests, winning four gold medals both times. In 2010, he paired with India's Beijing Olympics hero Abhinav Bindra to win the 10-metre air rifle event. He also went on to win the individual 10-metre air rifle event. His two other gold medals at the New Delhi Games came in the 50-metre air rifle three position events in both paired and individual categories.

Apurvi Chandela for Shooting Apurvi Chandela for Shooting Apurvi Chandela will enter the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, as the reigning champion with the aim of becoming the first Indian shooter to defend her title at the games. Chandela made a name for herself in air rifle shooting rather quickly. She was inspired to take up the gun at the age of 15 after Abhinav Bindra's historic gold medal victory in Beijing, 2008. Four years later, Apurvi's adept approach helped her turn professional. In her first year at the senior circuit she won the gold medal at the National Championships in 2012. She won two medals — gold and bronze — at the 35th Intershoot competition held in 2014 in the Netherlands. Her shooting career was burnished with a gold at her first outing at the CWG in the 10m air rifle event at Glasgow in 2014. At the same event, Ayonika Paul clinched silver to improve India's medal tally. With

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the women's air rifle team failing to qualify for the London Olympics in 2012, the CWG victory added significance to the victory. On the personal front, Chandela battled an ankel ligament tear, before winning the gold medal. She won the event with much aplomb, on the back of a games record score in qualification and in the finals. Moving from strength to strength, Chandela, a recipient of the Arjuna award, became the first Indian woman to secure a berth for the Rio Games by winning a bronze medal at the World Cup in Changwon, South Korea in 2015. Subsequently, it was also her first World Cup medal. The 25-year-old is one of the biggest names that will begin the quest for a medal from the Indian contingent and the Olympian will be looking to start the year on the right note, with events like the Asian Games and the ISSF World Championship lined up later in 2018.

Poonam Rani Malik- Hockey team India (Girls) Poonam Rani Malik- Hockey team India (Girls) Indian field hockey player Poonam Rani hails from Haryana and has been selected to represent India at the 2016 Olympics. She is said to have been inspired to play hockey after watching the

India win the gold medal at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, England. The team she is in is led by Rani Rampal (who has now represented India in around 160 matches in the last over eight years, is considered to be one of the most experienced and dependable players in the Indian side)

His 2006 CWG golds also came at the same events. Again, his partnership with Bindra worked wonders, as the duo won two golds together. At the Asian Games, Narang has won two silver medals (2010) and a bronze (2006). This is apart from the multiple medals at ISSF World Championships, World Cups and World Cup Finals. 2016 wasn't a great year for him. He failed to qualify for the 10-metre air rifle category and was dropped from the Indian team for the first three World Cups, and then put on a very meek show at the Rio Olympics. The year 2017 was slightly better, with his winning silver at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Shooting Championships. Narang will participate in the 50-metre rifle prone event at the Commonwealth Games and his vast experience and pedigree on the big stage makes him one of the biggest medal prospects for India.

while experienced goalkeeper Savita will shoulder the duties of vice-captain at the Commonwealth Games. Her latest wins are 4th Women’s Asian Champions Trophy at Singapore (From 29th October to 5th November. Indian Team-Won Gold Medal.), O. Hockey World League at Vancouver, Canada from 1st to 9th of April 2017. (WINNER), 9th Women Asia Cup at Kakamigahara, FIH World Round 2 at New Delhi, India from 18th to 24th Of February 2013. (WINNER), FIH World Cup Hockey Junior Women, Monchengladbach, Germany from 15th July to 4th of August 2013. Indian Team Won Bronze Medal, 8th Womens Asia Cup at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 17th to 28th of September 2013. Indian Team Won Bronze Medal, Womens Asian Champions Trophy at Kakamighara, Gifu, Japan from 30th of October to 10th of November. Indian Team won Silver Medal, XX Commonwealth Games Women at Glasgow, Scotland from 23rd of July to 3rd of August 2014, 17th Asian Games at Incheon, Korea from 19th September to 2nd of October 2014. Indian Team Won Bronze Medal, FIH World League Round 2 at Delhi, India from 7th To 15th of March 2015. (WINNER). APRIL 2018

Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

International Women’s Day 2018 By Damini Women’s Association of Queensland Inc

Hon. Mrs. Archana Singh, Damini Assocn. Preseident Lila Pratap and QBR bearer Reena Augustine

amini Women’s celebrates International Women’s Day each year with different themes. This year’s theme was “To Serve Humanity”. Mrs Lila Pratap, Founder/President of Damini Women’s, highlighted on a project that Damini Women’s recently did in Fiji Islands, “Damini Kids Project” by providing basic education needs for 18 children in a remote school. Mrs Pratap also highlighted that “these are our children” and we would be providing their basic education needs until they finish their education. The project was very well received by the audience. The International Women’s Day celebration started with a dance by Miss Bhavana Kaushal and followed by Welcome to Country - Auntie Delmae Barton an Opera Performer. The Chief Guest was Mr Peter Russo MP, member for Toohey who represented Hon Stirling Hinchliffe, Minister for Local Gov-

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ernment, Minister for Racing and Minister for Multicultural Affairs. Other VIP Guests were Mr Duncan Pegg MP, Member for Stretton, a great support of Damini Women’s, Mrs Archana Singh, Indian Console of Brisbane, Cr Kim Marx, Cr for Runcorn Ward, sponsored the program, Mr Ricky Lashand and Ms Mary Kenyi from QPS. A diverse community leaders participated in the celebration on the night; Mr Shyam Das, Target & Travel Tours and Convenor for Radio 4EB Hindi Segment, Dr Ram Mohan, President Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland Inc, Past presidents of FICQ, Professor Prasad Yalagarda, Mr Surendra Prasad, Mrs Ragamai Yalagarda, President India Australia Society, Mrs Janeth Dean, President Qld Muslim Welfare Association, Mrs Pam Smith, President VIEW Club, Mrs Kushla Sahai, President, Ekta Women’s Group, Mr Serge and Mrs Anna Voloschenko, Mrs Lima Hopoate,

Hon. Consul of India Mrs.Archana Singh

President, Pasifika Women’s Alliance, Mr Jitendra Deo, President Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Qld Inc, Mr Ashok Prasad, President Sanatan Qld Inc, Mr Lewis Lee, Honorary past president of WAMCI. A tremendous entertainment was provided by DJSV Sound & Lighting, Asha the only female DJ while Desi Catering provided the sumptuous meal on the night. Our two remarkable Masters of Ceremony were Reena Augustine and Bhavana Khandar with Damini greatest entertainer Mrs Prakruthi Mysore Gururaj who won the hearts of everyone. Congratulations. Mrs Pratap said it was a very successful Event with the support of all the volunteers who helped us pre-setting and post tidying up. On behalf of Damini Women’s Association of Qld Inc “A VERY BIG THANK YOU TO EACH AND EVERYONE” who supported us. Look forward to seeing you all next year.

APRIL 2018

Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

IWPG, Joint Memorial Service for the late Gu Ji-in "Death by Coercive Conversion, Severe Human Rights Issue". Held at Reddacliff Place, Brisbane, Australia, along with locations in 40 different other countries

Prakruthi Gururaj, Reena Augustine and others at the event

he International Women's Peace Group (IWPG) and the International Women's Peace Human Rights Committee had set up a joint memorial altar and held a memorial service at Redcliffe Place in Brisbane, Australia. The service was in remembrance for the late Ms. Gu Ji-in, who had passed away after her parents had suffocated her during her attempted escape from a coercive conversion program at a recreational lodge in in Hwasun, South Jeolla Province

on the 30th of December, 2017. The memorial service started with a short opening remark concerning the unfortunate situation that played out, followed by a silent tribute for Ms. Gu Ji-in and to the other victims of coercive conversion programs. This was followed by a description of the events that unfolded, a memorial speech and an offering of flowers. About 50 citizens visited the service. Mrs. Prakruthi Mysore Gururaj, Peace Ambassador of Australia for IWPG presented the memorial

speech, expressed her condolences and said, "A special law against coercive conversion programs should be enacted to work off the grudges of the late Ms. Gu Ji-in, and we have to realise the enactment of such a law so that there won't be another Gu Ji-in." The International Women's Peace Human Rights Committee received signatures of support for the petition demanding the 'Closing of Korea Christian Heresy Research Centre', the 'Punishment of Coercive Conversion Pastors' and the

upcoming Gold Coast Commonwealth Games from early 2016 was noted. Thanking all the members of the community, President Thevar declared all executive committee (EC) positions vacant. Certificates of appreciation were presented to the outgoing (EC) for their outstanding contribution to FICQ for the last two years. Prof Kamal Puri, election returning officer chaired the polls to elect office bearers for a two-year term, calling for a secret ballot for positions receiving more than one nomination and called for on-floor nominations those positions that did not get any nominations. Parminder Singh of the Punjabi Cultural Association of Qld Inc and Dr Ram Mohan of India Australia Society Inc. were nominated for the post of president. Srikar Andem of Brisbane Telangana Association Inc was nominated for the post of vice president. Dr Venkat Pulla of Brisbane Telangana Association Inc was nominated for the post of public relations officer. The following floor nominations were accepted: Parminder Singh for the post of secretary, Anoop Nannuru of Qld

Telugu Association Inc. for the post of vice president, Ralphy Alappat of Malayalee Association of Qld Inc. for the post of treasurer and Satish Rajendran of Varnam Cultural Society Inc. for the post of assistant secretary. Prof. Kamal Puri declared the elected FICQ Executive Committee for 2018 and 2019 as follows: Dr Ram Mohan – President Srikar Andem – Vice President Anoop Nannuru – Vice President Parminder Singh – Secretary Raphy Alappatt – Treasurer Dr Venkat Pulla – Public Relations Officer Satish Rajendran – Assistant Secretary The newly elected EC continued the AGM, with Dr Ram Mohan chairing the proceedings and Parminder Singh recording the minutes. Outgoing President Thevar congratulated the newly elected team and proposed that EC members needed to consider conflict of interest and requested them to refrain from business with FICQ when they were part of EC. President Ram Mohan thanked the community members for providing him the opportunity to serve FICQ and shared his vision.

IWPG Ambassador Prakruthi Gururaj speaking at the event 'Enactment of a law against religious discrimination'. The demand for all these actions to be taken had already been written to the President of the Republic of Korea on June, 2017 by Ms. Gu Ji-in through the "Shinmungo", an office of the Blue House which takes in the concerns of the citizens and to become the voice of the people for the President. Leaflets of her letter addressing the President were made available during the service. One citizen had this to say regarding the situation; "Although it hap-

pened in South Korea, I couldn't help but join this memorial service as the issues of human rights and religious discrimination go beyond the boundaries of nation and race. It's such a pity, and I hope the truth is made known so that those who were involved receive the consequences for their actions." In the Republic of Korea, where the incident took place, roughly 120,000 people showed their support for the deceased by turning up to memorial services in about 40 different locations throughout the country. IWPG presented a petition in regards to the case of Ms. Gu Ji-in and the victims of coercive conversion programs to the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, the National Human Rights Commission of Korea, the Korean National Police Agency, and the Supreme Court of Korea, for the adjustment of these flaws in the Korean constitution in the hopes of eliminating the possibility of any more people falling victim to these unlawful activities instigated by coercive conversion pastors.

New Team elected at the AGM of The Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland Inc

he annual general meeting (AGM) of The Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland Inc. was held on March 4, 2018. It was chaired by FICQ President Palanichamy Thevar and the minutes were recorded by FICQ Secretary Nikhil Reddy. President Thevar presented the annual report, acknowledging all the member organisations, supporters, including sponsors and highlighted the many events organised by FICQ in the previous year, including Diwali 2017, which continued to increase in popularity, Citizenship Ceremony, Protest against Meat and Livestock Advertisement, Support for Late Manmeet Alisher family, Community Reception for Indian communities, India-Australia Day and grant workshop for organisations. The role of member organisations, dedicated volunteers and sponsors in ensuring the success of these events was acknowledged. Increasing the visibility of FICQ through updating the website, Twitter, Facebook page, regular liaison with all three levels of Government, the Department of Immigration and diverse Indian communities and strengthening the working relationship between the Indian High Commission in Canberra and Australia. The members' key role in the www.indiannewsqld.com.au

The newly elected EC appointed Dr Maha Sinnnathamby as Patron, while Palanichamy O Thevar, the outgoing president, Prof Prasad Yarlagadda, Dr Naidu Bodapati, Surendra Prasad and Jim Varghese were appointed Advisors for a two-year term in consultation with members present at the AGM. Veal & Prasad were appointed auditor and Prof Kamal Puri was appointed the returning officer. The following names were proposed for non-elected members to discuss their suitability for appointments as:

Festival Coordinator – Navin Kumar Cultural Coordinator – Dr Preethi Suraj, Kethaki Aapte Assistant Treasurer – Shaji Theckenath Voluntary Coordinator – Prakruthi Gururaj President Ram Mohan provided an update on the upcoming Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. Secretary Parminder Singh concluded the AGM by thanking all the attendees and the wider community.

New FICQ team

APRIL 2018

Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Harmony Day celebration by Fiji Senior Citizen Association of QLD Inc.

ommunities come together and shown their unity in diversity on the unique occasion the Harmony Day Celebration at Multicultural Hub. The event was organized by Mr. Surendra Prasad, OAM President of Fiji senior’s association. Many spoke at the event and inspired the migrants about their Multicultural country, Australia. Eminent speakers were from Chinese, Tongan, Indian, Indonesian, Niue Island, African and Fijian Community. The event was attended by Ms. Jessica Pugh MP Member for Mt Ommaney Representing Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Hon Sterling Hinchcliffe MP, Garry Page CEO-ECCQ, Chris

Allanson speech (Senior Sergeant, Officer in charge Annerley Police), Ram Mohan President- FICQ representing Indian Community, Kenny The Tonga Robin Hood representing Tongan community, Tunde Solanki representing African Community, Prakruthi Mysore IWPG Multicultural Ambassador, Mr. Lewis Lee OAM from Chinese community, Roman Kingi from Niue Island Community, Agnes WHITEN from Pilipino Community, Steve Evans from Universal Peace Federation, Vera Pottinger from Indonesian community and Dr. Vasuki Sithirasenan from Queensland Tamil Mandram.

The Multicutural community members present at Harmony day celebrations of Fiji Senior Assocn.

Lewis Lee OAM, Surendra Prasad President of Fiji Senior Assocn, Reena Augustine of Red Carpet functions and Prakruthi Gururaj, Ambassador of IWPG

Join the Celebration of Pioneers Festival by Fiji Senior Citizen Association of Qld Inc By Prakruthi Mysore Gururaj, Member of Organising Committee

iji Senior Citizens Association of Queensland Inc is organising Pioneer Festival which is also well known as Girmit day on 12th May 2018 at Ekibin Park South next to Multicultural Hub, 20 Arnwood Place, Annerley. This event is being celebrated to remember those Indian men and women who were brought to Fiji as indentured labourers for the plantation and for the Government from 1879 to 1916. Over 60,500 labourers were transported to the Fiji Islands over a period of 37 years where they had to sign a 5 years contract (Girmit) to work in Fiji. Despite many hardships and atrocities committed on the Girmitiyas (Pioneers of indenture labour in Fiji) by overseas Colonial Sugar Refining Company (CSR) of Australia and lack of education and other facilities, they made great sacrifices and with hard work they made significant contributions towards education, maintaining their culture and traditions, building schools, Temples, Mosque, etc., for their

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future generations in Fiji. It is for such a vision that today’s third generations are professionals and skilled people in Fiji and who are spread around the world. The celebration will be a token of appreciation to all the pioneers for their sacrifices and achievements which they made towards building a bright future for their generations to come, at the same time working with the local and other communities in building Fiji a multicultural society and have now become a big community of contributors to multicultural country Australia. This festival is about recognising and acknowledging their contributions and commemorating them for their work for their community and the state. The festival will be an extravaganza with stalls, stage shows and children rides. Fiji Senior Citizens Association of Queensland Inc invites all the diverse communities to join the celebration with a slogan ‘Let us honour them, Let us remember them and Let us thank them’.

APRIL 2018

Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Team Brisbane shines at Annual Sikh Games at Sydney

nnual Sikh Games was conducted from 30th March to 1st April 2018 at Sydney. Participants from Brisbane left their mark at the games with many teams claiming medals and cups. ICSC - Max Daredevil Cricket Trophy Winner ICSC Volleyball Team - Bronze Medal BPCC - Soccer Calamvale Girls Winner BPCC - Soccer U-15 Boys Winner BPCC - Soccer U -10 Boys - Runner Up

Tennis Tournament in Ipswich

n the 25th of March at Chermside Road, Ipswich, a Round Robin Tennis Doubles Tournament was organised by Badminton Coach Fred Daniels. Aena Singh Suhag of 8th grade took part along with her teammate Tamika Philip. They played three Matches and won 2 lost 1, resulting them coming second W//15 games in JO1(Junior 1), which is the highest grade. They were each rewarded a Medallion and a Towel and happily posed for photos with their Coach (Fred Daniels). Aena is the daughter of Surender Suhag and Neetu Suhag hailing from Haryana, a state of India. She is also a child actress who performs with her parents at Indian Shows and festivals to promote the diversity of Indian culture.

Winners with Coach Fred Daniels

Australia Indian Business Council Roundtable at Brisbane

IBC held a historic select Roundtable with Natalie James from Fair Work Ombudsman and Giri Sivaraman from Maurice Blackburn. The Roundtable was a productive dialogue on how to best comply with Australian workplace laws, especially through collaboration with the Workplace Ombudsman in educational programs with Jimmy Varghese. India had consultations with Tony Huber, visiting Consul General of Australia (based in Mumbai) in Brisbane with some of the AIBC QLD committee members, National Vice chair Jim Varghese, AIBC QLD Vice President Nishant Kedia. The event was hosted by state director DFAT Derek Brown. www.indiannewsqld.com.au

AIBC team with the guests

Natalie James (Fair Work Ombudsman), Giri Sivaraman (Maurice Blackburn) and Jim Varghese (National Vice Chair)

APRIL 2018

Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association Hindu Solar New Year Celebration

Tamil (Putthandu)/ Malayalam (Vishu) New Year and Jagath Guru Aadhi Shankaracharya’s birthday celebrations on Bhajan day - Friday 20 April at Helensvale Community Centre, 31 Discovery Drive from 7.15pm onwards.

e are celebrating the Hindu Solar New Year (which falls on 14 April) on our Friday Bhajan day on 20 April and Aadhi Shankaracharya’s 1,230 birth anniversary too. Let us enjoy and celebrate the Hindu Solar New Year festival to bring peace and prosperity to our lives and Jagath Guru Aadhi Shankaracharya’s birthday who instilled bhakti (love) by singing Bhajagovindam, who promoted Gnana (knowledge) by writing commentary for the Upanishads, Gita and Brahma Sutras, who

promoted vairagya (dispassion) by singing atma shatkam [lyrics on our true self (existence, knowledge & bliss)]. My humble pranams (prostrations) to all the great teachers of the world. The Hindu Solar New Year festival symbolises the best time to start new ventures, the spread of peace and goodwill via art, dance and get together. To celebrate the beginning of new hopes and aspirations, we will display an auspicious sight, make offerings, sing, dance and have a grand bhajan sandhya (lyrical evening ex-

pressing our love for the Divine) . Please bring a plate of your favourite vegetarian food to share. Ram Navami celebrated on Friday, 23 March. We celebrated Lord Rama’s birthday with Pooja, Stotras, Bhajans and Rama katha (stories) with Shri Hanuman Raj group which was followed by Aarthi (light from wicks soaked in ghee (purified butter) and/or camphor offered by devotees) which ended with a sumptuous meal and a variety of desserts.

Brisbane mesmerized and uplifted by joyous performance of the Manganiyar Seduction!

ueensland Performing Arts Centre had the Manganiyar performing in the March 2018. The Manganiyars are said to have their origins in the Dholi musician caste. They mostly come from Jaisalmer, Barmer and Jodhpur, in the Thar Desert. The Manganiyars say that music is 'in their blood'. "They traditionally performed for Kings, however over the years their patrons have shifted from Kings to people who could give them a meal," their representative told Weekend Notes. "It was in the 1970s that ethno musicologist the late Komal Kothari

discovered them and gave them a new life in contemporary times, and spaces. Their repertoire includes ballads about the Kings and Sufi poems written by various mystics. They have songs for birth, marriage, feasts and more, and even though they are classified as folk musicians, their traditional music is classical, and it clearly indicates the roots of classical music in India. It is the combination of raw folk with the complexity of classical music that makes them so special." What Instruments do they Play? Aside from amazing vocals, instruments include…

Kamaicha – a bowed stringed instrument with skin membrane sounding board. Dholak – a barrel-drum with drum skins on both ends of the barrel. Kartal – clappers made from wood. Morchan – you'd know this one as a 'jaws harp'. Alghoza – a sweet-sounding double flute often made of wood. Venu (Carnatic flute) Pullanguzhal – the flute you associate with snake charmers.

Donate Bricks for GCHCA Multi Purpose Hall Build

Please support the build of the Multi Purpose Hall for your children’s’ children by giving Brick Donation (tax deductible donations) which will imprint yours or your loved ones legacy for years to come. The build will promote culture, education and spiritual well being which will help the greater community in Queensland to be physically and mentally agile. Your names and those you want to keep in memory will be captured on a virtual wall and kept for generations to come. http://culture.goldcoasthindu.org/brick/ Donate to: GCHCA Building Donation Account BSB: 064 - 474 A/C 1048 8900 (donations of more than $2 are tax deductible) http://culture.goldcoasthindu.org/donations/

Manganiyar Seduction performers

Manganiyar Rajasthan Troupe performing www.indiannewsqld.com.au

APRIL 2018

Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Nadananjali School of Dance performs for a noble cause

Dancers depicting Lord Mahavishnu resting on Sheshnag (serpent) with wife Goddess Lakshmi near his feet

wami Vivekananda established the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission in 1899 after his return from the West to India. He felt that the organization should strive for the unfoldment and development of individuals to blossom into splendid personalities. The method of this development should be through welfare of society. Vedanta philosophy as practically demonstrated in the lives of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda teaches us that each soul is potentially Divine. And the ultimate goal of life is to manifest this inherent divinity. The Vedanta Centre in Springfield Lakes is a branch of this Organization. The Centre has been rendering service to the community in particular for a long time in Brisbane. It has received a parcel of land in Springfield lakes wherein it aims to conduct various Cultural, Spiritual and welfare activities. The first building on the land is under construction. It will house two large halls, a Library, a Soup

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kitchen and residence for monks. The land donated in Springfield lakes will provide a variety of different uses designed and oriented in a manner that accommodates the Vedanta community and their associated religious needs and beliefs. The integrated development of facilities for the community of Vedanta followers that includes: • A range of residential accommodation types such as independent living houses, townhouses and units for sincere followers of the Vedanta faith. • A place of worship (Temple) with ancillary housing for monks and other religious officials. • A community center providing facilities to service the day to day needs of the followers of the Vedanta faith in relation to medical treatment (medical Center), laundromat, conference hall.

•

Institute of Culture to research and study Culture, Philosophy and Civilizational subjects. • A child care facility to support the needs of the community. The Nadananjali School of dance organized a dance show on the 31st March 2018 from 6.30 p.m. to 9p.m at the St. John’s Performing Arts Centre in Forest Lake to assist with this. The dance showcased the diverse and rich cultural tapestry of Indian dances. Smt. Chitra Yogi Srikhanta choreographed the dance and an amount of $15,000 was raised in aid for building a new Multipurpose Community Hall in Springfield Lakes. The Centre appeals for funds from the general public and extend their support to complete the construction of the first facility (ashram). For details, email: - info@vedantabrisbane.org or call 0738189986.

Swami Atmeshananda of Brisbane Vedanta Centre

APRIL 2018

Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

4EB Tamil Oli-Gathered And Tethered With Health Awareness Workshop By Bagyashree Shankar

Tamil Oli ladies participation

AMIL OLI - 4EB communal radio of Queensland’s members converged on 25th March 2018 as a part of annual meet up from 09:00am till 02:30pm at Wynnum Community Centre. The conventional gathering also featured health awareness programme within the groove. The event commenced with a warm welcome address by Mrs.Remadevi Dhanasekar, Convenor-Tamil Oli and inaugurated by Dr.Ram Mohan: Scientist, President of Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland with a felicitation speech. The hall was full with enthusiastic audiences that comprises of more than fifteen “Tamil Oli” broadcasters, members and their family. The health awareness workshop delineated the more prevailing health issues like diabetics, obesity, mental stress, cardiovascular diseases and

sleep disorders. The programme also covered the preventive measures and management of the respective health concerns. The intention of the event attained the calibre as the doctors, who were specialists in specific fields took charge of the crowd. The cardinal men of the event were: Dr.Sundar Veerapan, Fellow Cardiologist at LCCH, Brisbane; Dr.Suresh Sadasivam, Consultant Respiratory and Sleep Paediatrician at LCCH, Brisbane; Dr.Varadharaj Kengiha, Dental Surgeon, Brisbane and Dr.Suresh Duraiswamy, General Practitioner, Brisbane. Dr.Sundar Veerapan took the initial session of the occasion with his informative presentation that apprised about the cardiovascular diseases. He also covered the causes, with relevant materialistic data figures, with both preventive and curative measures. Dr.Sundar dealt with the prime issue

All broadcasters tamil oli team

Dr Sundar Veerapan (Cardiologist) with Mr.Basker Palaniswamy (Tamil Oli Broadcaster) www.indiannewsqld.com.au

of recent days i.e, obesity with many pieces of advice. The next consecutive session was grabbed by Dr.Suresh Sadasivam, Respiratory and Sleep Paediatrician. Dr.Suresh seized the event by explaining the importance of sleep and how predominantly sleep contributes to one’s physical, mental and social health. He also added values to his facts by stating definitely the elements that lead to sleep apnoea (a sleep disorder) and their adverse effect on children. Before tea break, the chief guest issued certificates to the broadcasters. The dental specialist Dr.Varadharaj Kengiha overviewed the prevalent dental problems and the reasons for the issues. He elaborated the concerns more precisely depicted with images and explanatory pictures. He further elucidated the predominance of having healthy and organic dental habits for an individual. He

even overlooked the methods of treatments for various disorders. Dr. Suresh Duraiswamy, General practitioner, fashioned his session with the best definition for health. The doctor further comprehended the most trivial ailments of every prime part of the body. Likewise he explained the external facts that would lead to health hindrance and briefed about the precautionary measures. The presentation of each doctor was followed up by an interactive discussion of the doctors with the audience. The doctors were cordial and approachable, and answered every single question of the audiences. After lunch break it was pursued by the mutual productive feedback session managed by Mr.Kumarathasan Kandiah, with the broadcasters and the members of Tamil-Oli. The event evoked more positivity amongst the community and thus

Dr Ram Mohan with Mr. Balasubramaniam Sinnasamy (Senior member of Tamil Oli)

Dr Suresh Sadasivam (Respiratory and Sleep Pediatrician) with Uma Palvannan (Tamil Oli Broadcaster)

contributed to the society’s well being. The program has definitely changed the people’s idea of health and the related consequences. The highlight of the health workshop is that the doctors’ presentations were provocative as they interacted in Tamil (communal language). Without any shadow of doubt, the program encouraged the participants to carry message and to spread with the wider world. The doctors’ speeches will be broadcasted in Tamil Oli4EB community radio so as the idea reaches vast community across the world. The event was hosted by Mr.Shankar, the technical department was handled by Mr.Bharathidasan, the photography by Mr.Mahesh with the assistance from Mr.Durai, afternoon lunch was prepared by Mrs.Jothi and was brought to the venue on time by Mr.Rajinikanth, the organising team led by Mr.Siva Kailasam and help from Mr.Kannan including every broadcaster of Tamil Oli for the event. The programme’s closure was with a thanking note by Mrs.Saradha Ravichandran appreciating Lord Mayor’s Suburban Initiative Fund, Councillor Peter Cumming, Councillor Jonathan Sri, Mr. Ross Vasta MP (Federal Member Bonner electorate) and members of Tamil Oli for sponsoring the event. The programme was also supported by non profitable Heart Foundation and Cancer Council. The gathering was supported by media as well, that includes Indian News Queensland, Brisbane Indian Times, Australian Indian Radio and 4EB Radio.

Dr Suresh Duraiswamy ( General Practicioner) with Mugunth Subramaniam ( Tamil Oli Broadcaster). Next to lectern Shankar Jayapandian ( Broadcaster and MC of the event)

Dr Varatharaj Kengiha (Dental surgeon) with Rajinikanth Jayaramam (Tamil Oli Broadcaster and Vice Convenor)

APRIL 2018

Indian News Queensland | ACHIEVEMENTS

Gurpreet Pinky Singh, Multicultural ambassador for Commonwealth Games Gold Coast 2018 shares her excitement!!

inky Singh is the President of Punjabi Welfare Association of Australia (PWAA). She is also the women Multicultural chief of Liberal National party (LNP) QLD. For people of Indian origin, Pinky’s name is synonymous with the various community service she does for the Indian community in Brisbane. She also recently received an award from Delhi Govt for working as a community leader in Australia. Hence it came as no surprise when she was selected as one of the Multicultural ambassadors of the CWG GC 2018. In an exclusive interview with INQ, she shares her enthusiasm about the upcoming games.

b) What are you most looking forward to about the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games? i.e. competition, the atmosphere, the entertainment? (laughs) I am looking forward to seeing EVERYTHING!! I can already sense the anticipation, enthusiasm and sparks in the air as the date to the opening is nearing!! The last Commonwealth games in Queensland was hosted 36 years ago and when I think of seeing so many communities coming together, it would be really interesting!! To be honest, I look forward to the atmosphere. I am sure it would have multiculturalism and sportsmanship at its best!!

a) Pinky, as a Commonwealth Games Community Ambassador, what does it mean for you to represent the Indian and Punjabi communities? The Commonwealth games is a large event and to represent the Indian and Punjabi community at an international event like this, means a lot to me. Australia is a very inclusive country and events like these give people like me a platform to carry the strong message of Australia’s inclusivity and diversity to the world. The ambassadors I see here gave so much to the community and it inspires me to do more. I feel immense pride in representing Indian and Punjabi communities.

c) What sports matches will you be attending over the two weeks of competition? I was so looking forward to it that I am attending so many sport events. Having CWG in home country is certainly an advantage!! I am going to make the most out of it! d) Are there any key athletes that you are looking forward to supporting? I feel Badminton, shooting, boxing and weightlifting are some of the disciplines where a rich haul of medals is expected. This year there’s a good mix of youth and experience in the athletes participating. I respect the hard work and dedication the athletes are showing. May the best one win!!

e) In what ways do you think the Indian and Punjabi community will show support for the Commonwealth Games? As far as community support goes, it is already overwhelming to receive so much interest from the Indian and Punjabi communities. Over the past few weeks, I have received countless phone calls from community members and how they can show their support. Most people I know are going to the event. Its great to see such involvement from Indian community. f) Gold Coast has some great attractions. If you were to give some advice to visitors to the Gold Coast, what three attractions would recommend? Gold Coast is internationally famous for its beaches. So, Surfers Paradise is a must!! I would also recommend the local theme parks Dreamworld, Movie world especially if you're with your family. Sky Point Observation Deck is my personal favourite! The Gold Coast Festival program featuring 12 action packed days of culture and entertainment is something I am certainly going to recommend. Why limit ourselves to sports when we can have the best of both- sports and art!! I am sure its going to be magical.

Pinky Singh (Pic Courtesy Justine Walpole)

Brisbane Ladies shine in MRS. INDIA GLOBAL 2018

Upma Singh _ Neetu Suhag with Actress Model Mughda Ghodse and other participants

RS INDIA GLOBAL 2018 pageant was organized in Adelaide. Total of 22 contestants participated in the event across Australia. Famous Model and Actress Mugdha Ghodse was the main judge of the competition. Upma Singh won the title FACE OF BRISBANE MRS. INDIA GLOBAL 2018. She is a published International Model in more than 18 national and international maga-

zines and is extremely passionate about fashion industry. Her longterm vision is to run an organization, which supports women above 30 years and encouraging them to follow their dreams. In the same competition, Neetu Suhag, also from Brisbane won the Title of MRS. CONGENIALITY GLOBAL INDIA 2018. The judge complimented Neetu on her confidence and was highly impressed by her Haryanvi Culture and Style. Actress Model Mugdha Ghodse

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Upma Singh

Neetu Suhag APRIL 2018

Indian News Queensland | LOCAL & NATIONAL

3 months until plastic bags banned for retail use in Queensland

he days of shoppers having their groceries packed in new plastic bags are coming to an end in Queensland with retailers banned from providing them in 3 months’ time. The state-wide ban on single-use plastic bags comes into effect on July 1 with shoppers forced to purchase an alternative bag or bring their own from home. “Whether it’s grabbing groceries at the supermarket or picking up dinner from the local takeaway, conventional plastic bags will no longer be available to shoppers,” National Retail Association’s David Stout said. Plastic bags are not biodegradable. They fly off trash piles, garbage trucks, and landfills, and then clog storm water infrastructure, float down waterways, and spoil the landscape. If all goes well, they end up in proper landfills where they may take 1,000 years or more to break down into ever smaller particles that continue to pollute the soil and water.

Plastic bags also pose a danger to birds and marine mammals that often mistake them for food. Floating plastic bags regularly fool sea turtles into thinking they are one of their favourite prey, jellyfish. Thousands of animals die each year after swallowing or choking on discarded plastic bags. This mistaken identity issue is apparently a problem even for camels in the Middle East! Plastic bags exposed to sunlight for long enough to undergo physical breakdown. Ultra-violet rays turn the plastic brittle, breaking it into ever smaller pieces. The small fragments then mix with soil, lake sediments, are picked up by streams, or end up contributing to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and other oceanic trash deposits. Finally, producing plastic bags, transporting them to stores, and bringing the used ones to landfills and recycling facilities require millions of gallons of petroleum, a non-renewable resource which can arguably be better used for more

beneficial activities like transportation or heating. Meanwhile, here are a couple of things you can do to help: Switch to reusable shopping bags. Reusable shopping bags made from renewable materials conserve resources by replacing paper and plastic bags. Reusable bags are convenient and come in a variety of sizes, styles and materials. When not in use, some reusable bags can be rolled or folded small enough to fit easily into a pocket. Make sure you wash them regularly. Recycle your plastic bags. If you do end up using plastic bags now and then, be sure to recycle them. Many grocery stores now collect plastic bags for recycling. If yours does not, check with your community recycling program to learn how to recycle plastic bags in your area. If you are looking for sustainable ecofriendly bags for yourself or your business visit https://www.ecobags. com.au/

Plastic bags harming the environment

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APRIL 2018

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APRIL 2018

Indian News Queensland | LOCAL & NATIONAL

Nine Indians posing as CWG imposters detained by Australian Border Force at Brisbane Airport

group of Indian nationals has been arrested and detained as “imposters” claiming to be journalists covering the Commonwealth Games. The Australian Border Force (ABF) said one 46-year-old man has been charged with people smuggling and falsifying documents, after the group was questioned at Brisbane

airport and eight were found to be carrying fraudulent media accreditation. The man has been remanded in custody and was due to appear before the Brisbane magistrate’s court on Thursday. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in jail. The other eight individuals have been sent to immigration detention.

Rakesh Kumar Sharma was remanded in custody after appearing in the Brisbane Magistrates Court.

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ABF said an air liaison officer (ALO) in Bangkok had flagged the group as potential non-genuine travelers as they transited on the way to Australia, and they were detained and questioned on arrival. “Anyone wishing to enter Australia, including athletes, team officials, spectators and the media, must hold a valid visa and accreditation and must be deemed to be a legitimate visitor,” the ABF regional commander Terry Price said. “We have a skilled network of ALOs at key overseas international airports who can identify travelers of concern and stop them travelling or, as in this case, provide real-time information to alert colleagues onshore.” “The ABF remains highly alert to other similar attempts that may occur as we get closer to the start of the Commonwealth Games.” The Queensland deputy police commissioner, Bob Gee, said the incident was proof that the system to stop illegal arrivals using the Commonwealth Games as cover worked. The Commonwealth Games start on the Gold Coast on 4 April.

Indian athletes in high spirits cleared of ‘syringe' controversy

ndian athletes have been hit hard by the syringe controversy in Gold Coast (Australia) with the Commonwealth Games organizers targeting all arriving batches of Indians for dope testing. India's build-up to the Games was marred when syringe was found outside the rooms of some Indian athletes, speculated to be boxers. But they seemed unruffled by the syringe controversy that has cast a shadow on their Commonwealth Games build-up as they enthusiastically took part in the flag-hoisting ceremony at the athletes' village on 2nd April. Five-time world champion MC Mary Kom was seen shaking a leg while the likes of

javelin star Neeraj Chopra merrily posed for pictures at the event. The athletes cheered excitedly when the flag was hoisted before indulging in some sloganeering to celebrate the moment. "We are focussed on the training, nothing more. We don't know anything else," said a boxing coach with the team. The Indian boxing contingent heaved a sigh of relief on 3rd April after it escaped any major sanction for use of syringes at the Commonwealth Games village by its doctor Amol Patil, who was let off with a reprimand for not disposing the needles as per stipulated procedure.

Indian athletes at CWG GC 2018

APRIL 2018

Indian News Queensland | LOCAL & NATIONAL

Conference of the International Solar Alliance at New Delhi

he International Solar Alliance (ISA) was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then French President Francois Hollande at the U.N. Climate Change Conference in Paris on November 30, 2015. The idea was to form a coalition of solar resourcerich countries to collaborate on addressing the identified gaps in their energy requirements through a common approach. The founding ceremony of the International Solar Alliance was held in New Delhi on March 11. It was followed by the first summit of the Alliance. The ISA is open to 121 prospective member countries, most of them located between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn as this is the region worldwide with a surplus of bright sunlight for most of the year. 61 countries have signed the ISA Framework Agreement. These include Australia, Bangladesh, Benin, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Chad, Chile, Comoros, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba,

Djibouti, Dominican, Republic, DR Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, France, Gambia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, India, Kiribati, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nauru, Niger, Nigeria, Peru, Rwanda, Sao Tome, Senegal, Seychelles, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, UAE, Uganda, Vanuatu, Venezuela and Yemen. Apart from being a founding-member, India plays a significant role in the alliance in terms of being a host as well as a major contributor to the achievement of the target. The ISA is the first international body that will have a secretariat in India. India, with a target to produce 100 GW of solar energy by 2022, would account for a tenth of ISA’s goal. “India will produce 175 GW electricity from renewable sources by 2022 and 100 GW will be from solar energy,” Mr. Modi said, addressing the ISA. “Distribution of 28 crore LED bulbs in three years has saved $2 bil-

PM Narendra Modi poses for a picture with Australia_s Governor General Peter Cosgrove and his wife Lynne lion and 4 GW of electricity. India will also provide 500 training slots for ISA member-countries and start a solar tech mission to lead R&D.” Speaking at the founding conference of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), Modi presented a 10-point action plan that includes making afford-

able solar technology available to all nations, raising the share of electricity generated from photovoltaic cells in the energy mix, framing regulations and standards, consultancy support for bankable solar projects and creating a network of centers for excellence. He said that 13 solar projects

by India across the world worth $143 million have been completed or are in the process of being executed. He also said that India would give $1.4 billion in aid to 15 other developing nations for 27 more solar projects.

Group photo of the World Leaders at the Founding Conference of the International Solar Alliance, New Delhi, 1 March 2018

Should Australia follow India’s lead in farming the sun’s rays and create solar parks?

ustralia is a huge landmass with an incredible amount of sunshine, so should our farmers be able to farm the sun's rays? This is what is currently taking place in India, with the world's largest solar farm being built in agricultural Karnataka in south-west India. The Karnataka Solar Power Development Corporation has built the solar farm, known as the Pavagada Solar Park, which generates 2,000 megawatts of electricity, a figure that translates to approximately 4 per cent of Australia's installed electricity capacity. To build the solar farm, more than 2,300 Indian subsistence farmers are leasing their land to the energy company and making more income www.indiannewsqld.com.au

than they can make through traditional farming. Each farmer is paid 21,000 rupees per acre per month, a figure that equates to approximately $420. This rental income is more than double their income from farming and the Indian government is fully supportive of the project. This ambitious project, spanning five villages, looks at farmers as the key partners and as the beneficiaries. The Pavagada Solar Park is creating new job opportunities." Tim Buckley, director of Energy Finance Studies at the Institute for Energy, Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) said the collaborative model could work for Australian farmers.

"It is a model that could work in Australia, but because of the size of Australian farms the energy companies would not need to negotiate with any more than one or two farmers — instead of the 2,300 farmers like in India," he said. "We wouldn't need farms on that scale, and on a large pastoral property a medium-sized solar farm would not impact on the grazing operation." Renewable energy projects are growing. Forecasts are also firming up about how rapidly renewable energy is growing throughout Australia. Green Energy Market's Tristan Edis in Melbourne is forecasting Australian solar installs would treble to

possibly 3.5GW in 2018. He also estimates there are 4,960MW of renewable energy projects under construction right now across Australia in wind and solar combined. And almost all of that growth is occurring in regional Australia. Mr Buckley said Premier Anna Palaszczuk recently boasted there were 3,000 construction jobs being generated right now just in Queensland renewables. "But it is not a single solar company, there are something like 20 projects currently underway there alone," he said. "That is the scale of the employment we are seeing already in Queensland around some of these projects. "And to put it in perspective this is three times the amount of solar

generation plants that were built in 2017." Tom Swann from The Australia Institute has done a study on renewable energy jobs backing up the view that renewable energy was already creating jobs. He said the Australia Institute research shows that, depending on what policy settings were put in place, between 10,000 and 35,000 jobs would be generated by renewable energy projects. Mr Buckley said this was all happening despite a reduction in the renewable energy rebate schemes. "It is counterintuitive to drop government assistance, but business and the big corporates are increasingly going with solar and other renewables," he said. APRIL 2018

Indian News Queensland | LOCAL & NATIONAL

Indian High Commission Latest Updates

he High Commission represents the Government of India in Australia and, as such, is responsible for safeguarding and promoting Indian interests in the country. These include a strong and multifaceted bilateral relationship with Australia comprising political, economic, commercial, consular, cultural, scientific and other elements. INQ brings to its readers all the Latest Updates of Indian High Commission in Australia to keep you informed about its recent developments and activities. In addition to India's consulate in Brisbane, India has 4 other representations in Australia. These rep-

resentations include a high commission in Canberra consulates in Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. The High Commission of India undertakes activities of different types including provision of consular services such as passports and visas. The Indians in Queensland can seek the help of Indian High Commission for any grievance. Indian high Commission will try and advice you on what to do and whom to go to. if required, they shall take up the matter with the relevant authorities. In QLD, you can get in touch with Indian Honorary Consulate in Brisbane via call (+61) 422 309 952 or indcon@optusnet.com.au

High Commissioner Dr. A. M. Gondane meeting Swami Vaishampayan, Angela Hass, Director Mehul Somaya, Director & Company Secretary Krishna Nadimpalli, State Coordinator of Art of Living Foundation Australia

The Navy Contingent from HMAS Darwin participated in the International Fleet Review at Visakhapatnam.

The High Commissioner Dr . A.M Gondane met with Hon. Member of Parliament Julian Lesser at Parliament House. The issues related with interests of both the countries were discussed

High Commissioner of India, Australia inaugurated AusIndia Fair at Canberra

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Consul General Amit Kumar Mishra participated in special panel discussion, organised by Australian Institute of International Affairs for Western Australia, looking at the challenges and opportunities ahead for India. The panel also included Professor Anu Rammohan - Associate Dean (International) for the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Education, Mr Michael Carter - President of the Australia India Business Council in WA, and Mr Tom Calder - State Director for Austrade in WA

Australasian Association of Ayurveda and India in Australia (Consulate General of India, Perth) organised a health and wellness seminar on 23 March 2018 to promote Ayurveda in Western Australia. The event was attended by more than 60 persons including political figures, officials, academicians, Ayurveda practitioners, and enthusiasts.

APRIL 2018

Indian News Queensland | AD

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APRIL 2018

Indian News Queensland | FINANCE & WEALTH

Gamification: The way to Financial Wellness By Kanak Jain

Kanak Jain presenting Invest in India at Australia India Business Council forum at Brisbane, QLD

f the various ways of securing financial health, investing soundly is number one. But while seeing one’s money grow is very pleasurable, the homework that leads to the growth, is not. It is boring number crunching and quickly makes you yawn. The creative right brain goes to sleep, and the process is robbed of interest. Often enough this leads to second rate investment decisions or worse. On the other hand, playing games encourages creativity, keeps the emotional/creative right brain hemisphere active and is pleasurable. Also, generally it’s financially unproductive. The Volatility Game, combines the best of both the worlds. In a most enjoyable gaming environment, it teaches the players to use the dreaded volatility factor of the market to ones’ own advantage and make ones’ portfolio grow faster, sustainably. As the game continually sends new information to the player, the enjoyable atmosphere makes the informa-

tion sink in in the players’ minds and turn it into new financial knowledge which is retained very well and is forever accessible to the player. Research firmly indicates that information gathered in a friendly and enjoyable atmosphere is better retained and better utilized. Metaphor/Story The Rotary Club in India had 28 members, all active people with considerable financial resources at their command. To attract investments, institutions like banks, Mutual Fund houses etc. often asked them for speaking slots at their meetings. The club agreed as they felt that some of these speakers, who were important people themselves, would eventually become members of their clubs. As a rule, the fact rich presentations made little impressions on the Rotarians and little investment ensued. Even the little that did was not actively investigated and pursued. One day a bright Financial Advisor asked for a slot to play The Volatility Game, an investment-oriented computer game with the Rotarians and the club agreed. Throughout the game the audience remained curious and their attention engaged. They saw videos of the life of a common man. They saw the history of the financial markets’ ups and downs, the associated facts and

figures, and spell-bounded, watched how it impacted the life of the man in the street. As the rounds of the game proceeded among the hurrahs, the audience absorbed the concepts of the power of compounding, its huge importance in the long-term investment process, important financial ratios and their meanings, the concept of investments making for a stronger nation and such diverse ideas. The 90-minute program was a resounding success and the net outcome was within about a month, almost all the members were invested and active in the investment field. The Financial Advisor had become a Rotarian himself. The Rotary Club now had a solid program and became the center for Financial Knowledge dissemination all over the country. With the Financial Literacy as mission the Advisor became the chairman of the Financial Literacy Committee of the Rotary district. The momentum spread over the country and continent. Gamification is a great way to make ideas, presentations and products interactive and user friendly. The watchword is: “Play & Grow Rich”, “The best is yet to come.” Kanak@Asksuskan.com Website - www.volatilitygame.com

SRI SELVA VINAYAKAR KOYIL (GANESHA TEMPLE) BRISBANE (South MacLean)

Sri Selva Vinayakar Mahotsavam 2018 Dear Sri Selva Vinayakar devotees, Hindu Ahlaya Sangam Qld Inc (HASQ) cordially invites you to Sri Selva Vinayakar Temple Brisbane (South Maclean) for Mahotsava Festivals 2018. The Mahotsavam for Lord Sri Selva Vinayakar will be starting on Friday 6 April 2018 with Thwajarohanam (Kodiyetram), and Rathotsavam (Thaer) on Saturday 14 April 2018. The festival will conclude with Theertha utsavam and Thiruoonjal followed by Thwajavarohanam (Kodi Irakkam) on Sunday 15 April 2018. Poongaavanam festival for Sri Selva Vinayakar will be held on the following day evening Monday 16 April 2018. Mahothsava Chief Priest: Sivagama Segara Sivaneri Semmal Brahma Shri M.K.S SANTHARUPA Sivacharyar (SSVK Brisbane) Mahothsava Chief Coordinating Priest: Brahma Shri N.EESWARANIVASA Kurukal (SSVK Brisbane) With the great presence of Siva Shri BALA INDRA Kurukal (MA) (Sydney Murugan Temple) This is the 3rd Mahothsavam for Sri Selva Vinayakar in this temple since the Kumabaisekam was held in May 2015, the Management Committee and members of the Hindu Ahalaya Sangam, cordially invite all devotees and well-wishers to participate in these glorious festivals and acquire the blessing from Lord Sri Selva Vinayakar. Utsavam will take place daily with Abishegam in the mornings and Alankaara Uthsavam in the evenings. The Management Committee would welcome many volunteers to render their service during this grand festival period. For further information, please contact our Temple on 07 5547 7302 or the President (HASQ) Mr M. Surendra on Mob: 0407 753 991.d.

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APRIL 2018

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APRIL 2018

Indian News Queensland | HOROSCOPE

Horoscope April 2018 Aries

Mar 20 – Apr 20 Happy Birthday, April Ariens! Your natural will power is strong, and hard work boosts finances late this month. Its action based on principles that wins prizes for you. Be a champion and lead the way! Your appeal to friends and those you love is strong this month, take time to share your best ideas. At mid-month your charm and way with words attract new admirers. You can expect good responses to inquiries sent to local gurus. Late this month be sure to pay attention to news affecting your financial resources. The 23rd shows great prospects for business. Though you’ll feel pressured by deceptive signals from social organizations, stand firm and rely on your instincts.

Taurus

Apr 20 – May 21 Happy Birthday, April Taureans! Early April shows self-development and unusual behind-the-scenes ideas create opportunities late month. Dreams become reality if you proceed carefully. After Easter (the 15th) you express yourself with charm and clarity. Your closest relationships benefit from helping others. Recognize “we are all in the same boat” to build new alliances. Prepare for changing conditions in your personal as well as business life. People admire your professional skills and status: be willing to take risks with in your career. Don’t make any new moves in late April. Your financial base may increase this month and is more stable.

Gemini

May 21 – Jun 21 Your self-confidence helps you make major improvements in your personal as well as home and work life. You feel you’re on the winning team in April! You may become a bit more cautious on the 20th. Serious problems are few, though some partnership doubts may arise. In your social life, expect to make pleasant personal contacts in a group setting. Cooperate even when someone close shows anger. Jealousy or lack of self-confidence may be behind his/her behavior. Be understanding. After Easter, focus on interior life and meditation. There are plenty of clues to help you explore your inner self. Higher education has a lot to offer now. Pursue ideals.

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Cancer

Jun 21 – Jul 23 You’re emotionally strong, feel a sense of power in your career activities and in your public life. In late April you enjoy meeting those you share important interests with – this could be at religious or scientific events. You’ll learn a great deal on the 23rd; use this knowledge for your own advantage and prepare for new adventures! Your personal life improves after the 7th: you’re much less nervous then about career matters and your calm, relaxed manner attracts others to your side. After the 19th is a go-ahead signal for love, friendship and career-related benefits. In the health department you need to be sure you don’t overwork: take time off when change is too sudden. Be alert to your own needs, don’t force the pace. Gentle exercise, such as yoga, can keep you moving, yet feeling peaceful and centered.

Leo

Jul 23 – Aug 23 Leos are enthusiastic now and pursue ideals that matter to many. You seek the newest books, may sign up for a college course. You relate to the wider world in early April. You improve friendships as you explore. Later in the month focus on public events: these could occur in connection with your job or a favorite charitable or political cause. You’re socially very active: share your concerns with the new people you encounter. Slow down after the 20th. Expect pressure from close partners who may think you’re being too unconventional as you involve yourself in interesting but unusual studies. They can’t stop you, you’re full of creative energy! Expect a special opportunity in romance or having to do with art around the 14th.

Libra

Sep 23 – Oct 23 April offers Librans many unusual creative opportunities. If there is a hobby or art project you have put on hold because of time pressures, use this month to pursue it. At the same time ideals greatly extend your intellectual perspective. In your personal life, partnership relations give new dimensions to intimate affairs. Love and self-confidence increase for you this month. Late in the month there is a more serious side to events: you may be asked to make decisions in shared ownership matters that affect your future. The 23rd favors clear communication. You need great mental alertness now: change could be unsettling.

Scorpio

Oct 23 – Nov 22 Late this month is a great time to improve your relationship with someone who’s very important to you. Scorpios have extra energy to make serious new friends as well. Time is on your side. April tells you to make decisions to improve diet, exercise and/or working conditions. A sense of humor is a distinct healing asset in April; draw on yours often! Your emotional attitudes are contradictory at home: you want to create an all-new family scene, but an inner voice says, “Don’t do it.” You have new opportunities to express yourself about finances on the 14th. Resources require work and close supervision.

Courtesy: horoscope2018.guru

Sagittarius

Nov 22 – Dec 22 You seem to just grow stronger as spring moves into full swing. You’re creative and romantic all month. Be sure to use your talents and enjoy new pleasures. Sagittarians are emotionally intense this month. Your social life is graced in relationships. Entertain, be generous with your time and resources. Your health requires that you not only take doctors seriously but that you research health matters yourself late April. Mental alertness means a lot. Avoid alcohol or other mind-bending substances, especially on the 28th.

Capricorn

Dec 23 – Jan 20 Domestic life is important to you early this month. Capricorns want home surroundings to be fresh and beautiful. Gifts to those you love are appreciated, especially if you make it plain that you give only to express admiration. Late in April, you’re cheered by creative pleasures. Personal happiness seems near after the 19th. At the same time, you understand the need to deal with inner turmoil. Review your life. There are important events affecting your finances as well as spiritual resources. You need to stand up, play an independent role in financial plans. At the same time, be aware that April can spoil progress. Avoid dangerous detours. Your health is in expert hands in April.

Aquarius

Jan 20 – Feb 18 This is an interesting month for Aquarians because Uranus (one of your strong planets) and Neptune are in your solar 1st house of personality the whole month. These energies give you chances to take on new projects. Avoid deceptions on the 28th. It’s a month when you need to be well-informed. Read, sign up for courses, consult experts in your field. Your home life benefits from this creative flurry. Family members seek your advice. When you’re not busy studying and helping others at home, there is some extra time for pursuits you do for pleasure and creative expression. It’s a great month for romance. Also, you can make serious gains toward long-term ideals. Stay in touch with organized groups.

Pisces

Feb 18 – Mar 20 Your ability to make the best use possible of all your resources, financial as well as spiritual, increases in April. A self-confident approach earns good fortune this month. Your professional life or public contacts benefit from a hands-on active approach. Don’t wait for someone important to notice you – take the initiative. Major changes will hurt if you let yourself get too upset. Rational study, a clear mind are your assets. One of your Pisces planets, Neptune, in your solar 12th house of meditation (with Uranus) gives you wonderful dreams. Your home life shines with enthusiasm, seasonal entertainment.

Virgo

Aug 23 – Sep 23 Life at home is rather volatile for Virgos this month. You do your best to defuse conflicts between family members. Accept the fact that for much of the month there are stressful changes in shared legal matters. Be tolerant of life’s imperfections. Late in April a more idealistic time begins. Important life changes this month is a remarkable asset for your closest relationships. Your self-confidence increases this month. April benefits important career moves; be sure to strive for the support of the authorities in your life. Late in the month you need to slow down at work to stay healthy. April also gives you both new health programs and the insight to use them wisely.

APRIL 2018

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APRIL 2018

Indian News Queensland | CULTURE

Kairali BrisBane

small group of professional people migrated from India particularly from the south- western coastal state of Kerala and settled in Brisbane south side have started to get together in the year 2005 to greet and share their interests and concerns. This interaction continued further and the concept and inspiration to form an association came up in the year 2008 for the wellbeing of the members. As a result of this, an association by the name “KAIRALIBRISBANE” was registered in the year 2009. Kairali Brisbane also coordinate/ liaise with Federation of Indian Association of Queensland (FICQ) to sustain harmony and mutual support for cultural and social activities with other Indian communities. Most of the members of this association have accepted Australian citizenship and very much interested in participation and strive to support development programs. Influence of this community is felt by the business community around the area and their support for hosting many of our events and activities are all the more encouraging and mutually beneficial.

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Seasonal Programs Onam celebration, Christmas-Easter celebrations, all Australian tug of war (a type of sport where two teams compete to pull the rope) and other kind of sports and games competitions attract a crowd of more than 1000 people every year. Apart from the seasonal major events every year, we have the following recurring Programs for the wellbeing of the community and society at large which ultimately aimed to contribute to a healthy nation building Recurring programs Our Youth empowerment program (YEP) which we have already brought forward this year is kick started and going forward with the objective of bringing up our youth to engage better and effectively with their respective families and community. This program includes personal development sessions, knowledge-based sessions where scholars/ experts from different fields share their knowledge to give insight to inspire youth, providing platforms for showcasing talents, Sessions with health checks surveys and group activities for building inner strength,

sessions to recognize and celebrate achievements etc. Under this program we are also looking forward to running community development programs and this could be liaised with local council’s community development programs as far as it can align homogeneously based on opportunity and common benefit. From this year we have planned Multicultural day to reach out and interact with other communities with the vision of cultural integration to facilitate a collaborative local society rather than remaining in respective community pockets with its own dynamics and inert behaviours. Through this initiative we do aim to see that our future generation will have all the ease required to relate and interact harmoniously with other communities around for a better future (to feel at home) in an integrated nation building environment. “Kairali Cheer n’ Fitness” Programme We do have an ambitious plan to bring up an invigorative program called “Kairali Cheer n’ Fitness” for relaxation and wellbeing of all

our community member categories with sports and games items which could include meditation, yoga and other rejuvenating methods such as Ayurveda Massages etc. We ought to overcome certain resource constraints such as venue and facilities in order to make this plan a reality as a successful project. Despite all

the hurdles and resource constraints we are quite optimistic to find required support from local government schemes. To join us kindly mail to info@kairalibrisbane.com

Kairali Brisbane team with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk

APRIL 2018

Indian News Queensland | WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ON

SRI SELVA VINAYAKAR KOYIL (GANESHA TEMPLE) BRISBANE (South Maclean)

Newsletter 135-7

Panguni/Phalguna Month (mid-April 2018 to mid-May 2018) Festivals Dear Sri Selva Vinayaka devotees, Hindu Ahlaya Sangam Qld Inc (HASQ) cordially invites you to Sri Selva Vinayakar Temple Brisbane (South Maclean) for Chithirai / Chaitra Month Festivals.

Sri Selva Vinayakar Chariot Festival /Hindu New Year Vilambi Varusham Starts on Saturday 14 April 2018 Sri Selva Vinayakar Theertha Thruvizha/Lalitha Sahasranama Stotram Chanting on Sunday 15 April 2018 Sri Selva Vinayakar Poongava Thiruvizha on Monday 16 April 2018 Monthly Chathurthi Viratham on Thursday 19 April 2018 Sri AyyapaSwamy Mesha Rasi Masa Abishekam on Saturday 21 April 2018 Pirathosha Viratham on Friday 27 April & Sunday 13 May 2018 Sri Selva Vinayakar Varushabishekam on Saturday 28 April 2018 Chitra Powrnami & SathyaNarayanar Poojai on Sunday 29 April 2018 Sangadahara Chathurthi onThursday 03 May 2018 Vishnu Shastranamam & Paaraayanam on Sunday 6 May 2018 Natesar Abishekam on Monday 07 May 2018 Saint Thirunavukarasar Curu Poojai on Wednesday 9 May 2018 Visit Brisbane Sri Selva Vinayakar (Ganesha) Temple and get the Blessing of Lord Ganesha. For further information please contact our Temple on 07 5547 7302 or the president Mr: M.Surendra on Mobile-0407-753991

Temple Website: http://www.sriselvavinayakar.org Follow us on (click the icons): 4915-4923, Mt Lindesay Highway, South Maclean, Queensland-4280, Australia, Phone: +61 7 5547 7302

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APRIL 2018

Indian News Queensland | WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ON

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APRIL 2018

Indian News Queensland | BOLLYWOOD

Bollywood Actor Irrfan Khan Reveals he is diagnosed with 'Neuroendocrine Tumour'

ays after the actor said he is suffering from “a rare disease” and will share details when there is a “conclusive diagnosis”, he today tweeted, saying he will be leaving the country for recovery. Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan who has acted in Hollywood movie 'Jurassic World' has been diagnosed with Neuroendocrine Tumour. Days after the actor said he is suffering from “a rare disease” and will share details when there is a “conclusive diagnosis”, he today tweeted, saying he will be leaving the country for recovery. “The unexpected makes us grow, which is what the past few days have been about. Learning that I have been diagnosed with Neuroendocrine Tumour as of now has admittedly been difficult, but the love and strength of those around me and that I found within me has brought me to a place of hope. The journey of this is taking me out of the country, and I request everyone

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to continue sending their wishes. As for the rumours that were floated NEURO is not always about the brain and googling is the easiest way to do research ;-) To those who waited for my words, I hope to be back with more stories to tell.” According to Cancer.net, "An endocrine tumor is a mass that begins in the parts of the body that produce and release hormones. Because an endocrine tumor develops from cells that produce hormones, the tumor can also produce hormones. This can cause serious illness." "A neuroendocrine tumor begins in the hormone-producing cells of the body’s neuroendocrine system, which is made up of cells that are a combination of hormone-producing endocrine cells and nerve cells. Neuroendocrine cells are found throughout the body in organs such as the lungs and gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach and intestines. Neuroendocrine cells perform specific functions, such

as regulating air and blood flow through the lungs and controlling how quickly food moves through the gastrointestinal tract." Khan, in his tweet, rubbished rumours that claimed he was diagnosed with brain tumour. "As for the rumours that were floated, neuro is not always about the brain, and googling is the easiest way to do research," he said. Earlier this month, the 51-year-old actor said he and his family were jolted by the knowledge of his illness and requested his fans and followers not to “speculate” about his health. On February 21, the actor’s spokesperson had released a statement, saying that he has been diagnosed with a “severe case of jaundice”. Next day, director Vishal Bhardwaj, who was scheduled to begin the shoot of his next, starring Irrfan and Deepika Padukone, postponed the filming of the project citing health concerns of his lead actors.

Irrfan Khan

APRIL 2018

Indian News Queensland | BOLLYWOOD

Movies Coming Soon

Subedar Joginder Singh RELEASE DATE: 06/04/2018 Pari is an upcoming Indian supernatural horror film starring Anushka Sharma Kohli, Parambrata Chatterjee, Ritabhari Chakraborty and Rajat Kapoor. The story starts where a man rescues a woman and invites her into his home only to find out that he may have unwittingly invited something far more sinister. Is the woman an evil entity or a vessel for the supernatural?

Krishnarjuna Yuddham RELEASE DATE: 13/04/2018

Krishnarjuna Yudham is an upcoming telugu comedy entertainer from Nani in dual roles for the first time.

Mercury RELEASE DATE: 13/04/2018

Mercury is a 2018 Bollywood silent-thriller, helmed by Karthik Subburaj. The movie stars Prabhu Deva, Sanath Reddy, Deepak Paramesh, Remya Nambeesan etc., in the lead roles. The movie is produced by Dhaval Jayantilal Gada & Kaarthekeyen Santhaman under the banner Stone Bench Pvt Ltd. The music for Mercury is composed by Santhosh Narayanan & Mithoon. The movie will have cinematography by Tirru.

October RELEASE DATE: 13/04/2018

Vishwaroop 2 RELEASE DATE: 18/04/2018

Vishwaroop 2 is an upcoming spy thriller film simultaneously being released in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi and being written, directed and co-produced by Kamal Haasan. It is sequel to the blockbuster Vishwaroop and stars Kamal Haasan, Rahul Bose, Pooja Kumar and Andrea Jeremiah in the lead roles.

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October is an upcoming 2018 Indian Hindilanguage romantic drama film directed by Shoojit Sircar and written by Juhi Chaturvedi. The film stars Varun Dhawan, Banita Sandhu and Gitanjali Rao in lead roles. It is produced by Ronnie Lahiri and Sheel Kumar under Rising Sun Films productions.

APRIL 2018

Indian News Queensland | PHOTO FEATURE

Breakfast with Multicultural Minister Hon. Stirling Hincliffe

CWG GC 2018 Opening ceremony

Dance performance at Commonwealth Multi Faith service event

Commonwealth Multi Faith service event at John Cathedral

Nadananjali Dance performance for the Vedanta Centre Brisbane

Team cheering for Reena

CWG GC 2018 Performance of Opening Ceremony www.indiannewsqld.com.au

APRIL 2018

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Limited Tickets. Unlimited Memories. Buy tickets now at gc2018.com/tickets

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DAY ONE: Thursday 5th April

India

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Women’s

9:30

HO0501

DAY TWO: Friday 6th April

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Women’s