Indian News Queensland - Jan 2020 Vol 3 Issue 4 by Australia India News

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JANUARY 2020 Vol 3 Issue 4

Bushfires: Indians show solidarity with victims

Sikh Volunteers Australia volunteers with free-food van

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JANUARY 2020

Indian News Queensland | EDITORIAL PAGE Dear Readers,

FOR ENQUIRES Contact: Dr. Ram Mohan info@indiannewsqld.com.au Phone: 1 300 859 066 EDITORS Harpreet Bhagrath Dr Ram Mohan Dr Venkat Pulla EDITORIAL SUPPORT, WEBSITE DESIGN & MANAGEMENT Cosmos Media www.cosmosmedia.info Joyce Thomas

New South Wales and Victoria have been the worst hit by the bushfires, and the latter is officially in a "state of disaster" in the new year. That bushfires in the south-east Australia, with 5.5m hectares of land burned, 22 lives lost and countless people displaced, have been a disaster will be an understatement, in my view. These bushfires have gone beyond the definition of disaster. It has been a disaster upon disaster upon disaster, I reckon. Every day we heard of the destruction and the suffering and thought it will end now, it will end now. It never did. But there's a silver lining in every cloud. At least this state of disaster has brought the various communities closer together. It was so refreshing to watch the Indian community chipping in to contribute their mite towards the relief efforts. Inside we have covered some uplifting stories of Indians exemplifying their solidarity with the victims. Of particular note have been the owners of the Desi Grill restaurant in Bairnsdale in eastern Victoria, who gave their all to support the sufferers. Very touching stuff indeed. Page 3 has the details, along with the rest of the good stories on this very bad behaviour of mother nature. Another silver lining has been the rest of the world also praying for Australia. As the Indians did havans and yags here for the rain gods to appear, the world has been with us as well. Truly, the way a tragedy can bring humanity closer, nothing else can. Come to think of it, these tragedies and the sufferings are what binds us humans together, isn't it? That's when the epiphany strikes. That's when one goes, "Aha! we're all one. We are all in it together."

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JANUARY 2020

Indian News Queensland | LOCAL & NATIONAL

Bushfires: Indian community chips in to support victims

s the bushfires raged and destroyed homes, claiming 22 lives so far, the Indian community chipped in to show their solidarity with the victims and contribute their mite. Arya Samaj Queensland organised a havan yag for fire victims and to pray for the rain. Special ved mantras were recited as the community prayed for rain. Also, a large-scale multi faith community prayer and fundraiser for bushfire relief has been organised by the Indian community for Sunday, 12 Jan, at a central Brisbane location. Indian Cultural and Sports Club is organising donation drives as well as collecting non-perishable items such as clothes, toiletries, canned foods, etc., for distribution among the victims. "This is tragic time for some communities and we can feel the pain. It is time for all of us to show our support to the communities with whatever little we can," the club wrote on its Facebook page. Sudha Manian of Yatra Music has pledged to donate 10% of ticket

sales from its upcoming event Yatra Holi Sandhya. "It's tragic and we feel the pain of the victims. It’s time to support the communities, firefighters and volunteers who are going through tough times," Manian said. Call for donations and support for the victims have come from numerous other prominent Indian community members, such as, Paviter Kumar Noori, producer at BrisAsia Festival, Reena Augustine, owner-founder of Red Carpet Functions, Prerna Pahwa, among numerous others, who all voiced their concerns for the victims and called for donations through their Facebook accounts. Indian eatery provides free meals to Aus bushfire victims The owners of an Indian restaurant in Australia were giving out free meals to those affected by the devastating bushfires in Victoria, one of the worst hit states, a media report in the Daily Mail said. Kanwaljit Singh and his wife Kamaljit Kaur own the Desi Grill in Bairnsdale in eastern Victoria where fires have destroyed homes and

Staff at the Desi Grill Bairnsdale (file photo; supplied)

Donations sought resulted in one death. The couple and their staff have been cooking curry and rice, which is being handed out by Melbourne-based charity Sikh Volunteers Australia to those living in temporary shelter. Singh, who has lived in the area for six years, said he felt he had a "duty" to help his fellow Australians. "It's terrible out there. People are severely affected and they need food and shelter. It's our duty to serve them when they need us the most," he told the media. "We follow the Sikh way of life. We are just doing what other Australians

Sikh volunteers serve food to bushfire victims in East Gippsland

team from the Sikh Volunteers Australia (SVA), a Melbournebased non-profit organisation, camped in the bushfire-affected area to serve food to the people evacuated due to raging bushfires that have caused significant property losses in the East Gippsland area, as per a report published in SBS Punjabi. Manpreet Singh of SVA said he heard the news about evacuation orders in areas in East Gippsland on 30 Dec. “As soon as we came to know about this, we started preparing meals, loaded all the food on our van we drove to Bairnsdale oval where many evacuees had been sheltered,” Mr Singh said. Mr Singh and three other volunteers from SVA served hot vegetarian food to people until 1:30 am on 31 Dec. A local Indian restaurant, Desi Grill, offered its kitchen for preparing meals, saving Mr Singh and his team trips back to Melbourne.

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Sikh Volunteers Australia volunteers with free-food van

Arya Samaj Queensland organised a havan yag for fire victims and to pray for rain are doing today, and that is to serve and pray for the people who have been hit hard by these terrible bushfires." Singh said his team helped volunteers cook 500 meals on New

Year's Eve. "We have the capacity to cook for up to 1,000 people in a day. We have stock of rice, flour and lentils which we think should be sufficient for the next week or so," The Daily Mail quoted Singh as saying.

Yuvraj terms Australia bushfire as 'tragic'

ormer Indian batsman Yuvraj Singh on Jan 2 termed the devastating bushfires in Australia as tragic, saying it's time action is taken against the raging issue of global climate change. Earlier, Australia opener David Warner hailed the firefighters currently working day and night to douse the flames of the bushfires, saying they are the real heroes.

Former Indian Cricketer Yuvraj Singh has termed the Australia bushfires as 'tragic'

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Sikh Volunteers Australia team ready with breakfast on Day 7 of their efforts in Bairnsdale, Victoria “They saw us were serving free food and two local Punjabis from Bairnsdale offered to give us a hand before Desi Grill offered

their kitchen to for cooking the food. Otherwise, we’d have done this in Melbourne and brought it here,” Mr Singh said.

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JANUARY 2020

Indian News Queensland | LOCAL & NATIONAL

Australia assesses damage to life and property

Australian bushfire (Photo credit Wholesome Culture Instagram)

Photo taken on Jan 3 shows the smoke-shrouded city of Melbourne; the city is choking in smokes from bushfires

ustralia assessed the damage caused by the destructive bushfires that were still blazing in the south of the country and claimed another life, bringing the death toll to 22 with hundreds of homes razed.

Penrith, west Sydney. Thick smoke from the raging bushfires in Australia had even turned the skyline of neighbouring New Zealand's Auckland city to an 'eerie' shade of orange on 5 Jan.

"Our immediate focus today isn't just on containing and controlling and protecting life, it's also to focus on recovery," Berijiklian told the media, adding that there were many displaced people.

numbering in the hundreds as a result of the fire activity yesterday," NSW Rural Fire Service chief Shane Fitzsimmons said on Jan 5, adding that temperatures had dropped, in a temporary reprieve.

The states of New South Wales (NSW), Victoria and South Australia were facing more than 200 fires fanned by strong winds and temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. The highest temperature recorded was 48.9 degrees in

NSW Premier Gladys Berijiklian confirmed on Jan 4 that one person had died due to cardiac arrest while defending a neighbour's home near Batlow town, some 460 km southeast of Sydney. This casualty took the bushfire death toll since September to 22, 13 of them since the last week of 2019.

Around 500 more houses had been burnt in southeastern Australia in the last week of Dec, taking the count of damaged homes since September to 1,500, and at an estimated cost of more than A$430 million ($299 million).

Fitzsimmons also expressed his "disappointment and frustration" in coming to find out through the media that Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced he would deploy some 3,000 army reservists and allocate AU$20 million to fight the fires.

"We expect to see property damage and property destruction probably

Morrison, who has been criticised extensively for his lack of response to the crisis and rebuked by some in affected areas, was again criticised after releasing on 4 Jan an advertising video about military deployment for the fires. Bushfires have burnt through about 900,000 hectares of land in Victoria, with 700,000 of those hectares razed in East Gippsland. In the NSW coastal town of Eden, hundreds of people were weighing up the advice of authorities to evacuate.

Australia Bushfires beyond words, PM cancels firefighters are real India trip over heroes: David Warner bushfire crisis A ustralian opener David Warner on Jan 2 hailed the firefighters working day and night to douse the flames of the devastating bushfires, saying they are the real heroes. Warner shared a horrific picture of a person with a dog watching the devastating forest fire and said: "I just saw this picture and I'm still in shock. "My heart, my family's hearts are with you. These fires are beyond words. To every firefighter, volunteer to every family, we are with you. You are the real heroes. You do us proud."

David Warner shared a picture of a person with a dog watching the devastating fire and said 'I just saw this picture and I'm still in shock'

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra

rime Minister Scott Morrison on Jan 3 cancelled an official visit to India amid the ongoing bushfire crisis that has so far killed at least 22 people and has destroyed thousands of acres of land. Morrison called his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on the phone to inform him about the cancellation of his four-day trip,

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which was to begin from January 13, Xinhua news agency quoted sources as saying. Morrison also called an emergency meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) on Jan 4 to discuss escalating the military response to bushfires, which were expected to be exacerbated by catastrophic weather conditions.

JANUARY 2020

Indian News Queensland | ADVERT

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JANUARY 2020

Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

New Year celebrations with Anna Thanam held at Sri Selva Vinayakar temple

ri Selva Vinayakar Koyil (Ganesha temple), Brisbane, organised the New Year celebrations, Anna Thanum and Kajamuha Samharam on Jan 1. After the Abishekam, the regular puja and Alankara puja, Kajamuha Samharam and Pirayachitha Abishekam were performed. Then after one more special puja, Anna Thanam (dinner) was served to the devotees. Earlier the same day, Sri Santhan Kurrukal, the chief priest, on behalf of the management committee of Hindu Alaya Sangam, offered his blessings on the new year to the devotees. Sri Selva Vinayakar Templeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Year Anna Thanam started more than a decade ago in Brisbane, and it has become a significant event in the templeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s calendar. The program is run by few volunteer families and sponsors. The food is prepared in the temple premises and served to devotees who visits the temple on every New Year day. Concept of Anna Thanam The Sanskrit word Annadanam, another spelling for Anna Thanam, literally means the offering or sharing (danam) of food (anna).

In Bhagavad Gita, Sri Krishna says that from food all beings are evolved (annad bhavanti bhutani). Even in Vedas, Upanishad, Ramayana, or Mahabharata, feeding a hungry person was treated as the greatest service to mankind. Anna Daanam Mahaa Daanam (offering food is the best gift in the world) is a very popular Sanskrit verse which has motivated millions of Indians to perform this divine act. Also, Annadhanam is a way of viewing the life as precious and aiding its survival. Sharing food is sharing life. That is the reason Annadhanam is even called jeevandhan.

Sri Selva Vinayakar Koyil, Ganesha Temple, in Brisbane

Sri Santhan Kurrukal, the chief priest, offered his blessings on the new year to the devotees

Anna Thanam (dinner) being served to the devotees

Cr Angela Owen gathers support from the bushfire victims through 'Dignity Packs'

r Angela Owen of Calamvale Ward, through her Dignity Packs drive, tried to assist people displaced by the bushfires and who have been given shelter in evacuation centres. "For many people who have lost all their material possessions the only thing left for them is their dignity - these packs will support them maintaining their dignity," said Cr Angela Owen. "I am working in conjunction with a local committee (Marilyn Thurtell, Jennie Latimore and Pinky Singh) to put packs together and my office will also be a collection point for any resident who would like to personally prepare a Dignity Pack and drop it off before Friday 10 January." She also thanked the local businesses -- MTR Property Group, www.indiannewsqld.com.au

PJs Gardening Services, Bargain Mania Forest Lake, Woolworths Forest Lake, Coles Forest Lake Target Forest Lake, and Croft & Company as well as Punjabi Welfare Association Australia -- who supported her drive and helped her put together the Dignity Packs. Dignity Packs include travel size soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, comb, razors, tissues, and body lotion, all within a toiletry bag. Founder of Punjabi Welfare Association Australia Pinky Singh said: "our hearts go out to all the people displaced by the bushfires and we are happy to support by volunteering in putting the packs together." Dignity Packs can be dropped at the Office of Cr Angela Owen Shop 10, 168 Algester Rd, Calamvale.

Cr Angela Owen with Amjit at Drakes Parkinson with Cr Angela Owen helping with packing the their donation of stock for the Dignity Packs Dignity Packs

JANUARY 2020

Indian News Queensland | COMMUNITY

Mithra: Care for kids with disabilities

i t h r a Rehabilitation Centre in Chennai provides multidisciplinary care and rehabilitation to children with physical and mental disabilities caused by polio, cerebral palsy, autism, Down's syndrome, and multiple disabilities. Thanks to the generosity of supporters across Australia, the children at Mithra find love, comfort, and care. The less privileged in the society can have

their basic needs met without any distinction of caste, creed, religion, gender or economic status. Mithra was started in 1977 by Sr. Mary Theodore OAM, an Australian nun. She went to India in 1951 and built the institution. Friends of Mithra Inc. are registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission. The willing donors can visit their website at friendsofmithra.org (or mithra.org.in). Mithra provides care and rehabilitation to children with physical and mental disabilities caused by polio, cerebral palsy, autism, Down's syndrome

Volunteers at work at the Mithra, Chennai centre

FICQ President Dr Ram Mohan (centre) with the Mithra folks at the Chennai centre

Damini's Lila Pratap: Champion of women's welfare

aving served in Queensland Police as an adjudicator, founded a women's association Damini, and undertaken numerous social welfare activities uplifting women, Mrs Lila Pratap has been a leading figure working towards women's empowerment in Queensland. Lila Pratap was born in the beautiful Taveuni island, known as the Garden Island of Fiji. One of seven siblings, Lila migrated to Australia in 1989 with husband and two daughters, Geetu and Poonam. Lila founded Damini Women’s Association of Queensland (DWA) in August 26, 2006 to undertake activities that empower women and children. The journey has not been easy for Lila with many obstacles, but today DWA is known at all levels of government, be it national, state, or local. Sewing was one of DWA's aims since its inception. Their sewing project launched on 29 January, 2011 with the help of the then State MP for Chatsworth, Hon Steve Kilburn. As one of their first acts of social service, DWA made 102 cushions and donated them

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to Hindu Mandir Association of Qld on 10 July, 2011. They also made curtains or table clothes for women in the mainstream Queensland communities and for the underprivileged. Under the Damini banner, Lila undertook social welfare activities and worked with diverse communities in Brisbane, such as Taiwanese, Fijian, Indian, Islamic Punjabi, Arabic, Sudanese, Filipinos, Tamils, Maharashtrians, Bengalis and the Indigenous communities. Lila holds Masters in General Management and in Human Resources Management and mentors members at Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI). She was nominated for Australian of the Year Awards in 2008 and also in the year 2010. She served the Queensland Police for a long time as an adjudicator. She was the HR team leader, and she also received the Queensland Police Service Medal 2001–2014. During natural calamities also, she gave herself wholeheartedly to helping those affected, and she was nominated twice for Queensland Flood and Cyclone Citation Awards 2010–2011.

Lila Pratap with the school kids in Taveuni island, Fiji

JANUARY 2020

Indian News Queensland | LOCAL & NATIONAL

Once climate concerns are addressed, Adani coal project has its merits Besides job creation, it will help in addressing energy crisis in Asia

t a time when issues related to climate change are taking centre stage throughout the world, concerns have once again been raised regarding Adani’s Carmichael coal project. Following an intense campaign by activists, a movement of engineers to shift the industry away from fossil fuels, and extreme internal pressure on the management by its staff, the global engineering and services firm GHD has finally announced that it has concluded its work on Adani’s Carmichael coal project, snapping a 10-year association with the company. Another engineering firm, Siemens is also considering to review the contract with Adani’s coal project in Australia. All these developments come at a time when there is energy crisis and job crunch across the nation, with the project promising to deliver on both counts.

Climate change a concern Although issues that link Adani’s project to climate, calling it a “dangerous project”, should be considered and addressed, a wholesome opposition of the project is unwarranted considering the fact that the company has promised appropriate measures to address the concerns of the environment activists. Moreover, Queenslanders have voted in favour of the Morrison government on this issue as well, considering both the pros and cons of the project. Companies such as GHD and Siemens have been put under tremendous pressure, and while GHD has backed out of the project, Siemens may also follow suit. Adani prepared to downsize To address some of the concerns, Adani has said its Carmichael mine will be smaller than what was planned earlier, mining 10 to 12

million tonnes of coal a year with the option of increasing up to 27 million tonnes. In this respect, Adani's supporters are of the view that the coal is needed to fuel Asia's power stations. If they do not get it from Australia, they will have to get it from somewhere else. Moreover, the Carmichael project has claimed that it will create around 1500 direct jobs and over 7000 supporting jobs. However, opponents say that to keep global warming to 1.5 Celsius above pre-industrial levels would need the shutdown of coal-fired power within decades and a moratorium on new coalfields. The way forward The need of the hour is to desist from politicising the issue and work on a realistic assessment of the merits and demerits of the project, both in the short run and

the long run. Environment and climate change are real concerns, but so are energy and job concerns. There have been instances in India and elsewhere where the installation of nuclear power plants have been opposed, citing safety and pollution concerns. But once these concerns are addressed through a scientific assessment done by experts, public fears are allayed and the projects have gone ahead. The same could be done here for the Carmichael project as well.

Chairman and founder of Adani Group Gautam Adani (Photo IANS)

Adani Carmichael mine (Courtesy Scroll)

Sluggish growth no deterrent to Mahindra’s Australia dreams The USD $20 billion company has concentrated on its Australian operations in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria

Adani group Chairman Gautam Adani, Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani and Mahindra and Mahindra Chairman Anand Mahindra during UP Investors Summit 2018 in Lucknow on Feb 21, 2018 (IANS)

Mahindra dealership, Plaza (Photo courtesy Mahindra)

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Auto

Mahindra,

Adelaide

umbai-based auto giant Mahindra is no pushover. Its tenacity to stay on and overcome hurdles in markets and expand footprints has led it to become a formidable corporate giant in India. It has now taken up the initiative to make its presence felt in the Australian car market despite a slow take-up of its vehicles. The company has firm conviction in its ability to make a place for itself in the global market, including in Australia, riding on the quality of its vehicles. Its dual cab a favourite Although much remains to be done to win the hearts of its potential consumers in Australia, its “backto-basics” dual cab has emerged as a favourite for regional Queensland buyers in the market. However, company’s Chairman Anand Mahindra, in a media report recently, has expressed his frustration with the company’s Australian performance. He said that he had hoped for greater progress in their business in Australia. Mahindra has 37 automotive dealers and 40 agriculture outlets in Australia, with about 800 people working for it, besides its Tech Mahindra business. The USD $20 billion company has concentrated on its Australian operations in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.

Mahindra is here to stay Although the company has incurred consecutive financial losses and has found it a difficult task to make its mark in the Australian market, its Chairman Mahindra is confident the company is all geared up for the long haul. He says that he wants Mahindra to engage even more in Australia. Australia inspires him, and therefore, he wants to make further inroads here. In fact, Australian qualities are akin to Mahindra’s brands, says the Chairman. Mahindra is a 74-year-old Indian company that operates in more than 100 countries successfully. Therefore, its excellent past track record in various countries offers the company the conviction of winning over Australian consumers through its wide-range of products. In 2015 it had recruited former Australian test cricketer Matthew Hayden as its ambassador and then made him its board member a year later.

Reasons for company’s slow growth in Australia Mahindra’s chief of international operations, Arvind Mathew, says that the company’s slow growth is due to its infancy in Australia. It has to compete with brands such as Ford and Holden which already have a firm footing on the Australian soil. Moreover, according to Arvind’s assessment, Australians take their sweet time to pick up a new product and a new brand. Besides, Australia’s new car market continues to show a slowdown, with a sharp drop in the number of sales compared to this time last year, as per the figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries. Naturally, for a company like Mahindra, it is taking some time to establish itself firmly in the market. However, the company’s leaders are hopeful they will be able to establish themselves in the Australian car market in the long run.

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JANUARY 2020

Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Gala dinner marks AIBC's Australia India Annual Address in Sydney

IBC's Australia India Annual Address NSW chapter (Sydney) witnessed an enriching panel discussion between Mr. Peter Varghese AO and Ambassador Anil Wadhwa, both of whom spoke on economic strategies of India and Australia, during a gala dinner at Four Seasons Hotel on 12 December. The panel discussion was moderated by AIBC National Chair Mr. Jim Varghese, and Consul General of India Manish Gupta also addressed the gathering. Keynote speaker was Federal Minister of Agriculture, The Hon MP Bridget Mckenzie, officially representing The Hon Scott Morrison MP, Prime Minister of Australia. In her keynote address Senator, The Hon Bridget McKenzie, said, “It is going to be a new chapter in the Australia India trade relations, with the Prime Minister’s visit to India in the New Year. We reaffirm our partnership with India.” She said the Federal Government was focused on helping Australia build business-to-business relationships with partners in India to expand the agribusiness trade. Jim Varghese AM, AIBC National Chair, said India was the fourth largest trading partner for Australia, with a total investment of over $15 Billion. “Our economic relations are heading for a new phase with the planned visits to India by The Hon Scott Morrison, Prime Minister of Australia." “AIBC aims to be represented in both delegations. There are common opportunities and sectors identified both in India Economic Strategy and forthcoming Australia Economic Strategy such as mining, energy, education, infrastructure, sport, agriculture,” he further said. Manish Gupta, Consul General of India, Sydney, said India is streamlining economic processes such as creating a “one nation and one tax” system. “India’s competiveness, ease of doing business has vastly improved and was being driven by the younger generation who formed a large part of the general population. Another important factor was swift transformation and adaptation of new technologies by India," he said. The event included a lively, interactive session with Peter Varghese AO and Anil Wadhwa, well moderated by Jim Varghese AM, AIBC National Chair. This very interesting session brought insights in mutual economic strategies, identified opportunities and a clear common road map to success.

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The Hon MP Bridget Mckenzie, Manish Gupta, Consul General of India, Sydney, Jim Varghese AM, AIBC National Chair, among other business leaders

Federal Minister of Agriculture, The Hon MP Bridget Mckenzie, speaking on the occasion

Mr. Peter Varghese AO (left) and Ambassador Anil Wadhwa during the panel discussion

Jim Varghese AM (left), Hon MP Bridget Mckenzie (2nd left), and Consul General of India Manish Gupta (right) at the dinner table

JANUARY 2020

Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Ismaili community clocks 10,000 hours of community service in 2019

he Ismaili Community Engaged in Responsible Volunteerism (ICERV) in Australia and New Zealand had pledged to contribute 10,000 hours of community service in 2019, and with the year now over, have gone beyond their target and reached 10,100 hours of service. Their aim was to put their values into action to improve the quality of life of others. "It was important to focus our efforts of contribution by working on two main themes: poverty alleviation and sustainable planet," say the ICERV's community outreach leaders. The contributions have come from all members of the community, including seniors, mothers, youth, primary children, professionals and retired members, all of whom participated in a range of activities across Australia and New Zealand. The Brisbane ICERV team participated in Clean Up Australia, Red Cross blood donation drives, food drives during Ramadan, and Christmas food drive collaborating with St Vincent De Paul Society.

ICERV volunteers at the Clean Up Australia Day event at Downfall Creek Bushland Centre in Chermside in March 2019

An ICERV volunteer during the Blood and Plasma Donation Drive at Red Cross Chermside in October 2019

Ismaili community packing food into hampers to be donated to St Vincent De Paul Society for Homeless People during Christmas Food Drive in December 2019

BAPS organises blood donation drive in Kingston

APS Swaminarayan Sanstha organised a blood donation drive with the help of the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood on 7 December, 2019 at Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Kingston. The blood donation drive was organised as a part of the ongoing celebrations to commemorate the birth centenary of Brahmaswarup Pramukh Swami Maharaj, who lived by his motto: â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the joy of others lies our own. The Red Cross provided a donor mobile that was capable of collecting blood from four individuals at a time. Each donor was to be registered before they were able to donate their blood. The entire process from registration to collection lasted nearly one hour per donor. By the time the donor mobile left the mandir at 4.00 p.m., 33 people were able to donate blood. Healthy vegetarian snacks and light refreshments were served to all donors throughout the day. Wes Thomas of the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood commended BAPS on the well-organised blood donation drive. He also reiterated

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the importance of giving blood and explained how many lives are saved by such contributions.

Donors can book an appointment to donate by either calling 13 14 95 or visiting www.donateblood.com.au. By the time the donor mobile left the mandir at 4pm, 33 people were able to donate blood

The entire process from registration to blood collection lasted nearly one hour per donor

The Red Cross donor mobile was capable of collecting blood from four people at a time

Each donor was to be registered before they were able to donate their blood

JANUARY 2020

Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

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JANUARY 2020

Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Multicultural communities raise funds for bushfire relief

risbane’s Fijian, Indian and Chinese communities jointly raised more than $10,000 for bushfire relief in late December. Mr Surendra Prasad, president of the Fiji Senior Citizens Association of Queensland (FSCAQ), joint organiser of the fundraiser, said the fundraiser drew support from many ethnic groups from South East Queensland. At the fundraiser event, also in attendance were Queensland LNP Senator Mr Paul Scarr, and local councillors Angela Owen of Calamvale, Fiona Cunningham of Coorparoo and Kim Marx of Runcorn. Messages of support were read from Queensland’s Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Stirling Hinchliffe and Member for Moreton, Graham Perrett. The function was co-organised by Mr Jack Sun, chairman of the St George Chinese Memorial Committee, and more than eighty people attended at short notice. Attendees enjoyed a dinner of Chinese and Indian food and were entertained by Burmese-born guitarist and soloist Mr Michael Po Saw, who sang a variety of Australian and Christmas songs.

(L-R) Aunty Peggy Tidyman, Lewis Lee OAM, Cr Angela Owen, Surendra Prasad OAM, Senator Paul Scarr, Cr Kim Marx, Jack Sun and Cr Fiona Cunningham

Several thousand dollars were raised from a multi-draw raffle and the auctioning of bottles of wine autographed by the Prime Minister, Queensland’s Premier and Brisbane’s Lord Mayor. Also, Aunty Peggy Tidyman donated aboriginal

pottery and photo montage and portrait of Lewis Lee OAM. The function was held at the Multicultural Hub, Annerley, the cultural centre managed by the FSCAQ. (Photos: Robin Sun and Richard Huang)

Senator Paul Scarr (left), Cr Fiona Cunningham (middle), Cr Angela Owen and Cr Kim Marx

Damini organises fancy dress Christmas party

amini Women’s Association held its annual Christmas party for children and women at the Wynnum Community Hall in Wynnum on December 8. The event was well attended by womenfolk from the community as well as the kids. Children danced as well as sang Christmas Carols along with the youth leaders from the community. Besides dancing and singing for the kids, there was a magic show by Magic Glen, with even parents participating in the show. Also, there was the visit from Santa Clause, with gifts, toys and selfie photos for the kids. The food, arranged by Anita Chand and Mrs Lila Pratap, was scrumptious, locally made, and supplied by well wishers of Damini Women’s Association. The association organised its first Christmas party for children 13 years ago in December 2006; in fact, the organisation launched with that event. The major sponsors of the event were Brisbane City Council, Cr Peter Cunningham, Councillor for Wynnum/Manly Ward via Lord Mayor’s Community Grant. Other sponsors were FICQ and two anonymous prize donors. www.indiannewsqld.com.au

Magic Glen during his performance on stage

Also, Damini received the raffle prizes and Christmas gifts from the Council members, namely, Mr Ross Vasta MP, Federal Member for Bonner Ward, Mr Duncan Pegg MP, Member for Stretton, Mr Steve Minnikin MP, Member for Chatsworth, Cr Ryan Murphy, Councillor for Chandler Ward and Cr Lisa Atwood, Councillor for Doboy Ward. Damini in Sankrit means “lightening”, and when put in context, translates to more as 'being a strong woman'. The association seeks to support

women and children and empower them by assisting them to develop knowledge and skills necessary for full participation in the society. The association's flagship event is the International Women’s Day, which will be held on March 7 at Queensland Multicultural Centre in Kangaroo Point. For more on that, people can contact President Mrs Lila Pratap at daminiwomensassoc@gmail.com or Secretary Amrita Deshpande at amritakd@yahoo.com.

Damini President Mrs Lila Pratap and the participating kids on stage

Raffle prizes and Christmas gifts about to be distributed

JANUARY 2020

Indian News Queensland | DANCE & MUSIC

Holi Sandhya to bring rang, raag and ras to Brisbane

s part of the BrisAsia 2020 Festival, Yatra is bringing a classic musical evening – Holi Sandhya – A Celestial Journey, featuring close to 40 artists, including multicultural instrumentalists, dancers and two strings ensembles. Holi Sandhya will commemorate the Indian festival of Holi at twilight (Sandhya) in celebration of victory of “good over evil”. The event will bring together the passion and energy of various artists to produce dance and music that deliver rang (colour), raag (tune) and ras (emotions). Featuring some of Brisbane’s best instrumentalists and contemporary dancers from District Studios and supported by Yatra Sitar ensemble and Jindalee Senior Strings ensemble, the evening will take you through a celestial Journey of contemporary music and dance, depicting the belief in Hindu mythology that Nava Grahas (9 celestial bodies) cast their influence on the energy of human beings on Earth. As a solo artist in Australia, Sudha Manian, organiser and the lead performer of the show, has performed the traditional Indian classical music on various platforms and has collaborated with other diverse artists to compose, create and perform fusion/world music. Considered one of the finest

Sudha Manian with Gareth Mewesician, Steve Shankar, Steve Stiller, Efiq Zulfiqar and Ravi Singh sitar players in Queensland, in 2018 she was the featured artist at the Commonwealth Games 2018 hosted at Gold Coast. She performed the sitar along with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra for “Parade of Nations” at the 2018 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony on 4 April, 2018. She has showcased the sitar and participated in interactive music performances at the Woman of the World 2018 (WOW). She was also the “wild card” artist for the Bliss Concert, performing with Camerata (Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra) at the QPAC. Recently in July 2019 she was awarded “The Global Women Achiever’s Award” in Music in Mumbai. Earlier in 2016, she was a featured musician on BEMAC’s Culture Train and has performed

at numerous festivals throughout the country, including the Brisbane International Jazz Festival, Festuri Festival, Shepperton Music Festival in Melbourne, among others. Most recently, Sudha has formed a prodigious group called “Yatra” whose roots are steeped in Indian classical music. Meaning a journey, “Yatra” is a neoclassical band comprising sitars, didgeridoo, percussion, tabla, and vocals. Together “Yatra” creates a perfectly orchestrated sound evoking a cocktail of emotions and an orchard of stories. Yatra has performed on many platforms, Queensland Diwali Festival in 2017, Chariot Festival, to name a few. Tickets: You can get your tickets from here: www.gardenstheatre.qut. edu.au/whats-on/2020/sandhya.php

here at home in Australia. Not content with confining his talent, Rahim has been imparting his expertise at the SA RE GA MA School of Music (see more at: www.rahimzullah.com.au) which he has been running since 2003. A number of well-known singers and musicians have benefitted under his tutelage.

Urdu Forum is a not-for-profit organisation that promotes greater understanding of Urdu language, culture and literature. Their activities include mushairas, musical events, Urdu classes and similar functions that serve to foster harmony and multiculturalism in Australia.

YATRA PRESENTS HOLI SANDHYA 2020 Yatra is an Australian performing group that promotes diversity and cultural integration by collaborating with various artists to produce music that engages the hearts and mind. As part of the BrisAsia 2020 festival, Holi Sandhya commemorates the Indian festival of Holi at twilight (Sandhya) in celebration of victory of “good over evil”. Yatra brings together the passion and energy of various artists to produce dance and music that delivers Rang (colour), Raag (tune) and Ras (emotions). 22 FEBRUARY 2020 AT 7 PM QUT GARDENS THEATRE, 2 GEORGE STREET, BRISBANE FEATURING SUDHA MANIAN | STEVE STELLER | GARETH MEWES | STEVE SANKAR RAVIKESH SINGH | EFIQ ZULFIKAR | DISTRICT DANCE GROUP| YATRA SITAR ENSEMBLE | JINDALEE SCHOOL SENIOR STRING ENSEMBLE

Yatra will take you through a ‘Celestial Journey’ of contemporary music and dance, depicting the belief in ancient Indian mythology that Navagraha (9 celestial bodies) cast their influence on the energy of human beings on Earth.

“Jazbaat” – A Musical Tribute To Mehndi Hassan and Jagjit Singh

he musical artistry of two great maestros, Mehndi Hassan and Jagjit Singh, was brought back to life at the “Jazbaat” dinner concert organised by the Urdu Forum at the Taste of Saffron restaurant recently. “Jazbaat”, which translates to “emotions”, convincingly portrayed the passion and ethos that perhaps only Urdu poetry can evoke. Performing before a packed house, Rahim Zullah and Bhavna Baliyan enthralled the audience with some of the most popular compositions of the two greats. They were ably accompanied by Paramjit Singh on tabla. Over the past few decades, Rahim has made immense contribution to Indian classical music in Brisbane and beyond. He has been mesmerising audiences with his silken voice and vast repertoire of Urdu geet and ghazals in USA, Canada, India, Singapore and

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Paramjit Singh (left) on tabla

JANUARY 2020

Indian News Queensland | FASHION

Ravishing Fashionistas runway's launch party organised

fter the success of their casting call near the end of November 2019, the launch party of the Ravishing Fashionistas runway event was organised by erstwhile models and socialites Upma Kite and Reva Durai on Dec 5 at Indian Brothers Annerley. The final event Ravishing Fashionistas Runway and Crowning Ceremony will take place on 1 Feb at Stamford Plaza, Brisbane City. Upma, Reva and their team have been working hard towards the gala event, and part of the profit from the event will go to Dignifying Women that supports domesticviolence survivors. Tickets to the final event are available at Eventbrite. Photos courtesy: Adrian Phoebe, Upma Kite

(From L-R) Jennifer Vines, Upma Kite, Umesh Chandra, Usha Chandra and Tanu Jayaswal

Prativa Maharjan (left) with friends at Indian Brothers Annerley

(From L-R) Prativa Maharjan, Upma Kite, Suneel Oberoi, Prabhraj Rajbir Rosie and Reva Durai at Indian Brothers Annerley

Prabhraj Rajbir Rosie (left) and Reva Durai (right)

Preview of the Blender's Pride Fashion Tour unveiled

ime came to a standstill on Dec 21 at DLF Emporio in Delhi when the audience were shown the preview of the upcoming grand fashion extravaganza, Blenders Pride Fashion Tour, that celebrates 'The Pride of India'. Here's a teaser

of the awe-inspiring mix of glamour and individuality as ace designers revealed eclectic themes along with their beautiful muses. The date of the final fashion event has not been revealed yet. Photos: IANS

Fashion designer Manish Malhotra and his muse Kiara Lal Advani at the Blenders Pride Fashion Tour 2019 Preview, in New Delhi

Fashion designer Sandeep Khosla and muse Kusha Kapila at the Blenders Pride Fashion Tour 2019 Preview, in New Delhi

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Archana Vijaya, Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, Rhea A Kapoor, Kiara Advani, Anamika Khanna and Manish Malhotra at DLF Emporio, India's finest luxury retail destination

Muse Rhea Kapoor and fashion designer Anamika Khanna at the Blenders Pride Fashion Tour 2019 Preview, in New Delhi

Models at the Blenders Pride Fashion Tour 2019 Preview at DLF Emporio, in New Delhi

JANUARY 2020

Indian News Queensland | NEWS FROM INDIA

Amid protests and apprehensions, Citizenship Amendment Act a reality now

The Act facilitates the non-Muslim immigrants from India's three Muslim-majority neighbouring states of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan to become citizens of India By Rabindra Mukherjee

he Modi government in India seems to have a penchant for controversial enactments and policy decisions. If the monsoon session of Indian Parliament scripted history by trashing the controversial Article 370 of the Indian Constitution that gave special powers to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, this winter session that ended recently saw the enactment of the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). What is the Citizenship (Amendment) Act? This Act facilitates the non-Muslim immigrants from India's three Muslim-majority neighbouring states of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan to become citizens of India. Though the Act doesn't explicitly state it, the very fact that it entitles Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians facing religious persecution in the three states of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan to seek Indian citizenship shows an attempt to exclude Muslims. This amendment is to the Citizenship Act, 1955 which requires the applicant to have resided in India for 11 of the previous 14 years. The amendment relaxes this requirement from 11 years to six years for Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians from the three aforementioned states. Who are the beneficiaries? The Citizenship (Amendment) Act grants citizenship to the Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhist, Jains and Parsis from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh who had arrived in India before 31 December, 2014. What it means is that people belonging to these religions, who come to India from these three countries have a chance to become Indians, even in the absence of requisite documents. This also has the implication that they will not be deported for not having the requisite documents. Why the protests? In the aftermath of the implementation of the Act, there are two distinct protests taking place across India. In the northeast, the nature of the protest suggests that the people there fear the implementation of the Act in its current form will result in influx of immigrants from the neighbouring countries in their areas that may alter their demographic and linguistic uniqueness. Another kind of protest that is taking place in the rest of India, especially in Kerala, West Bengal and Delhi, suggests that people are against the deliberate exclusion of Muslims. They allege that such exclusion of a www.indiannewsqld.com.au

Youth Congress workers stage a sit-in demonstration against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) 2019 and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), outside the residence of Punjab BJP President Shwait Malik in Amritsar, on Dec 24

Presidency University students and teachers participate in a protest rally against the CAA at Collage Square in Kolkata on Dec 24 (Photo IANS)

Students participate in a protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and a proposed countrywide National Register of Citizens outside Jamia Millia Islamia Campus, in New Delhi on Dec 25 (Photo IANS)

Protesters participate in a candlelight protest march against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in Bengaluru on Dec 24 (Photo IANS)

Noted writer-activist Arundhati Roy participates in a protest rally against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and a proposed countrywide National Register of Citizens, at Delhi University in New Delhi on Dec 25 (Photo IANS)

particular community is against the ethos of the Indian Constitution. It is pertinent here that the Citizenship (Amendment) Act does not apply to tribal areas of Tripura, Mizoram, Assam and Meghalaya because of being included in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Also areas that fall under the Inner Limit notified under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873, will also be outside the purview of the Act. In other words, the Act keeps almost the entire Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland out of the ambit of the Act.

What is ahead? The Modi government is now attempting to initiate an information campaign in favour of the Act to educate the masses in India. There is an attempt to assuage the fears of the Muslims in India that they are in no danger. As Prime Minister Modi himself has said that no citizen of India, which includes the Muslims, will be harassed following the implementation of this Act. However, as of now, the Muslim community and their supporters across India are not convinced regarding the intentions of the government. A national debate in India on this

issue is the need of the hour, as there is a fear of this Act being linked to the controversial National Register of Citizens (NRC), which identified and eliminated illegal immigrants from Assam on Supreme Court orders. It was a longstanding demand of Assam. But ever since its implementation, there has been an increasing demand for its nationwide implementation. However, the NRC implementation in Assam witnessed the exclusion of the names of over 19 lakh applicants, including Hindus. Now, the Citizenship Amendment Act will have to ensure they are not harmed.

But the fear that the Act may be linked to NRC and in the garb of throwing out illegal immigrants, a particular community may be harassed still remains. It is now for the government to act swiftly and allay the fears of the minority community. A recent speech by the Indian Prime Minister seems to indicate that the Government of India has no intention of linking Citizenship Amendment Act to NRC. However, only time will suggest if the government is able to win the confidence of the minority community. JANUARY 2020

Indian News Queensland | RELIGION

ASQ organises ved prachaar and yajur ved prayan yag

rya Samaj Queensland organised ved prachaar and yajur ved prayan yag from 9th till the 13th of last month at Regents Park. Acharya Prabhamitra ji and Acharya Awrity Ji, both vedic scholars, provided spiritual discourse during the event. Breakfast and dinner were served on morning and evening sessions, and the ved prachar and the yag were well attended by the Indian community on all days. The devotees also got the chance to partake in the meditation, parvachaan and bhajans.

ASQ members with Acharya Prabhamitra Ji (3rd right)

Acharya Prabhamitra Ji (white shirt) overlooking the yag proceedings

Present at the ved prachar -- Kanya Pradhan, Ajesh Singh, Christy Deo, Ajay Singh, Sheral Yogita Nand, Ronika Singh, LaltaKala Prasad, Shanjeshni Deo and Anu Tomar

Devotees with Acharya Prabhamitra Ji and Acharya Awrity Ji

Coming events at Hindu Society Of Queensland (Gayatri Mandir) 1. 2020 Radiothon by Radio Brisvaani • From 10:30am to 12:30pm on Sunday 19 January

2. Gayatri Mandir's 28th Anniversary • With Ma Saraswati prayer and welcome 2020 with blessing from Goddess of Knowledge, Wisdom and Learning • Program from 10:00pm to 12:30pm on Sunday 26 January, 2020 • Hawan yag and prayers sung in praise of Goddess “Ma Saraswati” • Hawan yag sponsors: $101 per Couple and $51 for Individual • Students who like to take part should give their names to Nirla Pandey on 0403 317 424 • Students taking part in the program will be given a package as blessing from “Ma Saraswati” • Maha prasad (lunch) will be provided

3. 2020 Antakshri Competition • Saturday 8 February, 2020 at Coorparoo Secondary College, corner of Stanley Street East and Cavendish Road • Food at 6pm and program from 7pm to 10pm

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• Anyone may compete; free to register to compete and all type of singers welcome • Audience participation, with lots of giveaway prizes • Guest artists/singers and music by talented artists • Judge’s decision will be final; trophies and other prizes to be won • Tickets - $15; children under 10 are free (dinner included) • For enquires to register to

compete, please call Deepak Kumar on 0403 629 381 and 3812 364 and Anita Ram on 0452 504 502 • Plenty of parking inside school compound Weekly Programs • Every Tuesday : From 7pm to 9pm : Ramayan and Kirtan • Every Friday : From 7pm to 9pm : Ramayan and Kirtan • Every Sunday : From 5pm to 7pm : Kirtan and Aarti

JANUARY 2020

Indian News Queensland | TRAVEL

Kolkata: A Culture Aficionado’s Delight By Deepika Banerjee

f any city in India deserves its sobriquet, it is undoubtedly Kolkata ‘the City of Joy’, for this erstwhile capital of the British Raj is unlike any other city as it throbs with life and has a soul of its own. As the infamous, terrible winters were setting in on the Northern Plains, my parents and I planned to go on a pilgrimage to Kolkata. What I came back with was a treasure trove of knowledge about the ancient and modern cultures co-existing in this city with perfect harmony. It was at around 8 in the morning during the middle of November when our train, the Howrah-Kalka Express ambled into Howrah Station. After managing to maneuver out of the crowded station and grabbing one of the ubiquitous yellow taxis, we entered the main city, where we were greeted with a cacophony of blaring horns from innumerable cars and other vehicles on the roads. We were heading to Bansdroni in South Kolkata where one of my mother’s maternal uncles awaited our arrival. As our car moved forward, the three of us watched with gaping mouths the British colonial buildings with their towering pillars, which impressed me immensely. This place is wellrenowned for Kalighat Kali temple, a revered Hindu temple built in the early 19th century and it consists of several shrines where devotees pay their obeisance to Goddess Kali. In spiritual abode At the crack of dawn, we woke up and took a cab to Kalighat. The peaceful atmosphere of the morning stood in sharp contrast to the chaos and din of the previous day. As we reached the entrance of the temple surrounded by street shops selling a variety of paraphernalia needed as offerings, we were astounded to see that even at this early hour there were hordes of devotees walking briskly towards the temple. I can still hear the sonorous sound of the bells and the thumping of the dhak (drum) accompanied with the chantings by the priests and the hollering of the devout visitors reverberating in my ears as the serpentine queue in which we had blended in moved forward towards the main temple where the idol of the deity presided. I began to await in earnest the moment when I would get the opportunity to offer my prayers. Our next destination, about an hour and a half away, was Dakshineshwar Kali Temple in North 24 Parganas on the eastern bank of Hooghly river, Hailed as the most significant international pilgrimage centre in the district, its foundation stone was laid in the mid-19th century by Rani Rashmoni and it is inextricably associated with Sree Ramakrishna Dev, a mystic of 19th century Bengal. It houses an idol of goddess Kali standing on the chest of a supine Lord Shiva and the two www.indiannewsqld.com.au

Kalighat Kali temple idols rest on a silver lotus throne. On the opposite side facing the temple are similarly built series of temples housing Shivling in each of them. A visit to Dakshineshwar, however, is incomplete without a visit to the awe-inspiring Adyapith Temple. Adyapith is a temple of AdyaMa (an incarnation of Goddess Kali). It is said to have been built by SreeAnanda Thakur, a disciple of Sree Ramakrishna. The beats of drums before the goddess seem to induce a kind of trance-like feeling. It is proclaimed that it is the only place which has the capability of rousing spirituality in even the most hard-core atheist. Venturing into the realms of the colonial past At the breakfast table, we chalked out our itinerary for the day, commencing our excursion with a visit to the Victoria Memorial, the monument that epitomises Kolkata’s irrefutable link to the British era. Located on the grounds locally known as Maidan by the bank of the Hooghly, this majestic monument is a colossal marble building which was built by Lord Curzon as a tangible dedication to Queen Victoria. The monument, which is now a museum, has a remarkable architecture which is primarily a blend of British, Mughal, Venetian and Egyptian styles. It is surrounded by vast grounds replete with lush green grass and plethora of vegetation. As we entered the main hall, we were awestruck by the vaulted ceiling and the exhibits which comprised marble busts and full-length statues of the British Governor-Generals. As we went further inside, there were oil paintings on display providing a visual chronological history of Bengal. Savouring the gastronomic delights One of the best things about Kolkata is that you can find authentic Bengali dishes in even the most unpretentious of restaurants. As it was nearing lunch time, we headed to one of the eateries in the vicinity. I can never forget the delightful experience of relishing rice with succulent pieces of Bhapa ilish (steamed Hilsa fish) and koshe-koshamangsho (a special mutton curry). For dessert we were told to have some of the mouth-watering sweets at the

Victoria Memorial best shop located in the Hedua district. When we located Girish Chandra & Nakur Chandra’s shop at Hedua, it did not seem to have anything extraordinary to offer. Though we were told that even celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan order sweets from here for any party he organises, it was difficult to believe the story. But when we tried their famous Kodapak (a sweet made of dried whole milk filled with date palm syrup), it melting in our mouth gave us the first glimpse of why the celebrities coming to Kolkata invariably visit this shop. The next day we prepared to bid adieu to Kolkata, though reluctantly. Kolkata is a city that is difficult to imagine unless it is fully explored. As for now, I await another chance to visit the city; till then memories will suffice.

Dakshineshwar Kali Temple

Girish Chandra & Nakur Chandra sweets shop

Bhapa Ilish

INDIA, SRI LANKA, NEPAL, BANGLADESH, PAKISTAN, FIJI AND OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD. “We also specialise in escorted tours to India/Sri Lanka/Nepal and other parts of the world”

JANUARY 2020

Indian News Queensland | SPORTS

ICC Women's T20 WC a boost to women empowerment

or sports lovers across the world, especially cricket lovers, there is much to cheer about this year. With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, which comprises 10 teams, beginning from 21st February this year, followed by ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in October, there is much entertainment on offer this season. While women will be playing 23 matches between 21st February and 8th March, men’s contest will involve 16 countries representing 45 games from 18th October – 15th November. What is even more exciting is that for the first time in T20 cricket, both men's and women’s teams will play in the same country and the same year. As many as eight cities and 13 venues throughout Australia will play host to the matches. On top of it, the men’s and women’s final will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. To make it more meaningful, the women’s final is also scheduled on International Women’s Day on March 8, 2020. Support galore for Women’s World Cup Support of leaders has poured in from across Australia for the ICC T20 World Cup 2020, according to its local organising committee. The leaders are urging people to

take part in and carry forward the positive momentum in this sport for women and girls. Among the several prominent leaders who have pledged their support are Alex Blackwell, ICC T20 World Cup winning Captain, Ann Sherry AO, Chair, UNICEF Australia, Bronwyn Klei, CEO, Netball South Australia, Carol Fox, President, Women Sport Australia, and a host of others. General Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC, Former Governor-General of Australia has expressed his delight for supporting cricket’s T20 World Cup in 2020, especially Australia’s big ambitions for the Women’s T20 World Cup. Justin Langer, Head Coach, Australian Men's Cricket Team has called it inspirational for the coming generations, especially the fact that equal importance and attention has been given to both women’s and men’s T20 tournaments. The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is the biennial international championship for women’s T20 International cricket. The 2020 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is scheduled to be the seventh ICC Women’s T20 World Cup tournament. Partnership with UNICEF a further boost The ICC’s decision to extend its partnership with Unicef until the Women's T20 World Cup in 2020

Women's T20 World Cup 2020 Final will take place on International Women’s Day (Photo courtesy ICC)

Kareena Kapoor Khan unveiling the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2020 trophy (Photo ICC) will further boost women’s cricket in particular and the cause of empowerment of women in general throughout the world. Unicef will now continue to endeavour to help bring positive transformation to women and girls, bringing about awareness for the work that the organisation does for children's rights in cricket-playing nations around the world. In this regard Unicef Australia chair Ann Sherry feels that cricket has great power to make a difference in the lives of children, especially girls, by providing them leadership skills to achieve their goals.

Fans pose with the ICC T20 World Cup 2020 trophy

Members of the Australia Women_s team pose with the ICC T20 World Cup 2020 trophy

BSK Cricket Cup 2019 finals and awards ceremony held

he final of the Brisbane Super Kings' 7th Annual Cricket Cup, the multicultural T20 tournament, was held between Gamma Desi Boys and Calamvale Warriors at CJ Greenfield, Richlands, on Dec 15, 2019 and the awards ceremony on Dec 17. At the awards ceremony, the awards were presented to the winners and achievers by Cr Lisa Atwood and Cr Angela Owen. Councillor Owen was also instrumental in getting the night lights installed at the cricket ground for kids training program. The sponsors of the tournament were also presented the mementos for their involvement and contributions.

Dignitaries and MPs posing on stage for the shutterbugs

Cr Lisa Atwood presenting the memento for sponsorship to Dr Ram Mohan, President, FICQ

Cr Angel Owen speaking on the occasion

Cr Lisa Atwood presenting the memento for sponsorship to Mr Surendra Prasad, President, FSCAQ

Cr Angela Owen (4th left) posing with the other ladies present at the awards ceremony www.indiannewsqld.com.au

Lord Mayor Adrian Shrinner (3rd left) with others

JANUARY 2020

Indian News Queensland | SPORTS

Indian cricket in 2019 - A moment to remember By Yajurvindra Singh

aptain Virat Kohli's final statement on Indian cricket at the end of the year was so true. He said, "2019 is one of India's best years in cricket barring those 30 minutes at the World Cup." If one reflects on the performance of Indian cricket in 2019 which started with a bang by beating Australia in a Test match series, for the first time, in Australia. This truly remarkable achievement by the Indian side not only gave it that much-needed boost to their morale and confidence but also established them as the best Test side in the world. There were a few defeats during the year, but most of them were on account of experimenting, resting senior players and giving opportunities to Indian players sitting on the bench. The most significant moment that humbled the strong Indian cricket side and the year's performances was their semi-final defeat against New Zealand in the World Cup. The Indian team had played extraordinarily well to head their group in the preliminary stage, losing only to the ultimate winners, England. Chasing a moderate total of 239 runs for victory, India's formidable top order collapsed in just 30 minutes and were tottering at 24 for 4 even before the first 10 overs were bowled. India never recovered from that blow and their dream of winning another World Cup faded in the horizon. Looking back at the curtains now drawn on 2019, this was perhaps the only blemish that tarnished the significant performances of the India side. The great West Indian side had a similar moment in the 1983 final when they lost to India in the World Cup. To them then, it looked like a total that they would normally chase without blinking an eyelid, but it turned out to be their nemesis. Cricket has these uncertain moments, and the song, "one moment in time" sung by the wonderful singer Whitney Huston for the summer Olympics in 1988 held in Seoul, is so appropriate, not only for an individual but also for a team. These precious moments are all that one hopes and prays for, in the life of a sportsman. This is what finally establishes them and the team of being a winner or an also ran. The South African cricket side is a good example of how mental pressure of failure could even affect future teams. They have on many occasions looked like a winning side in an ICC tournament and have failed to deliver due to several different reasons. The side is now branded in world cricket as "chokers", and this tag, unfortunately, has remained every time their side plays in another ICC

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Australia's Indian community will be eagerly waiting for the T20 World Cup scheduled to be held in Australia in October and November this year (Photo courtesy ICC)

'2019 is one of India's best years in cricket barring those 30 minutes at the World Cup' -- Indian skipper Virat Kohli (File photo IANS) Having two of the best T20 batsmen in Rohit Sharma (above) and Virat Kohli, India will be one of the likely tournament favourites for the World T20 in Australia

The likely Indian T20 team will comprise of a majority of the players who were part of their World Cup 2019 side World Cup tournament. They have International cricket is played more in the last two decades produced in the mind than on the field. For some outstanding cricketers, but them to be at the world stage, somehow lady-luck has never blessed already makes them players who them when they most need it to have the potential and skill to be break out of the barriers of the past. there. With less than a dozen T20 The year 2020 has the World T20 games left in the Indian calendar later in the year in Australia. India before their first World T20 match will be one of the likely tournament on October 24, 2020, they not only favourites, especially as they have require to fill the million dollar two of the best T20 batsmen in question that still prevails about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as the middle order batters, but also, well as three of the top pace bowlers about their mental preparation for in Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed the task ahead. Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The IPL (Indian Premier League) At present, the likely Indian T20 will play an important part in the team will comprise of a majority of final composition of the Indian T20 the players who were part of their side, but playing for a franchise is completely different from when one World Cup 2019 side. wears the Indian colours. This is a major factor that concerns With more than a billion people one. For India to be successful, they following every step of the will need to forget those disastrous teams' progress and the added 30 minutes of their moment in responsibility of playing for the time of the year 2019. The skills, nation, the pressures are as different confidence and capability of the as chalk and cheese. Indian side are well known to one One wishes the Indian team a and all, but the team will be tested super 2020, with victory over New more on their mental rather than on Zealand and Australia in order to their cricketing capabilities. qualify for the final of the ongoing This is where the BCCI will need to World Test Championship, as well play a significant part in ensuring as for them to bring the World T20 that a mental coaching and trophy home -- a cup that they won strengthening is also an important in the inaugural year of 2007. part in the preparation of the side (Yajurvindra Singh is a former Test for the World Cup T20. cricketer) Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/IndianNewsQueensland

JANUARY 2020

Indian News Queensland | YOUTH

The best Christmas gift I could get As You Sow, So You Reap By Jyoti Dedhia

Suhani

owadays, everyone, not just teenagers, are on their phones, for what seems like all the time. This increase of screen-time makes us lose sight of what’s really important. I wrote this poem “The best Christmas gift I could get” in hope of making people realise how much importance we give to our phones, especially during the holiday break, when we have loads of free time in our hands. The holidays are a time to celebrate Christmas, spend time with your family, do stuff you enjoy doing and relax. Now, I’m definitely not saying that you should lock up your phone into a drawer and throw away the key, because that’s certainly not the best thing to do. We all should learn to use our phones to a limit. With all that said, I wish you all a very Happy New Year!

These holidays, my mom took my phone away, She said I spent too much time on it, and that it did me no benefit, I wholeheartedly disagreed with her, I don’t spend too much time on my phone, But then she also said that I don’t spend time with my family and am always alone, She just didn’t understand, I bet she wanted to ruin my holidays, and had this all planned, She said that studies show that teens who spend less time staring at screens are happier, But I think that doing that will make me no more merrier, What can a few posts on Instagram, a couple of videos on YouTube, some texting with friends, Do anyone any harm, or reduce their charm? My dad said that I needed to get into the Christmas spirit, And look at screens to a limit, Well, I must say that being without my phone for days was definitely hard, And from the inside, I felt like my world was torn apart, Everything I was missing out on, The online chat, the posts, the texts, I felt angry, Though that made me nothing but even more cranky, Now assured that the universe wasn’t in my favor, I tried to forget about my phone, And even though I hate to say it, Without my phone, the world didn’t end, I was still alive, And I had spent more time with my family than I had in weeks, combined, After the holidays ended, My mom said that I could have my phone back, I took it back, But promised to use it to a limit, And when I was promising my mom, it felt more like I was promising myself, These holidays, I got the best gift ever, I learnt about giving importance to things other than my phone, Things that truly matter, Things that will be there for me when I need them, Things like my family

Rohit Sharma embraces heartfulness meditation

ast month, I got in an interesting conversation with my son, which reinforced my belief that kids can be taught life lessons by simple proverbs. Some things are easier said than done. As a kid we have all learned proverbs in school. One of them was “As you sow, so you reap”. We were told the meaning was that your actions will decide the consequences. But you finish your school and forget all about it. Life has its own way of teaching the lessons you forgot. Fast forward, many years later, little did I know that I would have to use the same proverb as an example to straighten out some parenting concepts. Parenting does not come with a manual. However, we have always relied on innovative and modern thinking to raise our children. So one fine day, I decided to use this proverb on my son. Now, despite being told repeated times, my fellow always removed his clothes inside out while bathing, up till that day. Once or twice, I had noticed and straightened the clothes for him, but eventually it became a habit, for both of us. Nothing worked. So I stopped telling him what he has to do. Instead, when I folded his clothes, I made sure, they were inside out. He did not notice for some days, but having to do it every day made him sit up, so to speak, one day. So he asked me, “Mom, how come every day my clothes are the wrong way”. I felt elated, thinking that the kid has finally understood his mom’s frustration now that he has to himself put an extra effort to straighten his clothes every day. "Aha! This is my moment!" I grinned.

Me: “Well, son, how you remove your clothes while going for shower, are the way, they are washed and that way they are folded”. Son: "I don’t like it. You know, it is sort of extra work. If it was the right way, I could end up saving more time. Next time make sure, my clothes are in the right order." Me: "Done. But for that, dear, you have to put an effort to sort your clothes the right way, when you are putting for washing. Will you do that for me? That way, we both save time." This conversation did the trick for me. When you put the proverb learned in school to actual use, you realise the meaning. No learning ever goes waste in life. A simple proverb, said in the right situation at the right time, is mightier than any hands-on parenting. The above example was just a fraction of the benefit exercising this proverb bestows. In fact, `As you sow, so you reap’ has much larger significance in our everyday life too. You put an effort, which is your action and you get the results, which can equate to the consequences of your actions. You do good, you get good and vice versa.

ndian cricketer Rohit Sharma took to heartfulness meditation as he visited the global headquarters of Heartfulness in Kanha Shantivanam at Chegur near Hyderabad on Jan 3. The leading batsman, accompanied by his wife Ritika, met Kamlesh Patel, also known as Daaji, the guide of Heartfulness, understood how Heartfulness meditation system works and undertook a meditation session from Daaji. "As soon as I entered Kanha Shantivanam I felt an environment of positivity. It's very true when you are close to nature there is so much positivity and meditation will be more impactful. My experience with heartfulness meditation has been amazing and I felt so light and so positive. There is so much negativity around and we need to increase positivity and meditation can certainly help," according to a statement quoting Rohit Sharma. Rohit Sharma said he wants to bring some of his teammates to this place, one as a pristine getaway and two as a place for meditation. "I know kids and youth want to have fun but it's important that www.indiannewsqld.com.au

Rohit Sharma during a practice session at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Dec 13 (Photo IANS) meditation has to be on the top of the list that is how one can be aligned and stay in the game and can make the right decision and it is very important to be in the zone." "I am delighted that he has embraced heartfulness meditation and this should also inspire many more to turn to meditation as a way of life to bring about balance in their lives," said Daaji. As a part of his day-long trip, Rohit Sharma laid the foundation stone for the cricket stadium and training centre to be used by the students of

the Heartfulness Learning Centre. The cricket stadium is named after Rohit Sharma. "Rohit Sharma like all great achievers in the world, is an example of what the human mind is capable of doing when it becomes focussed. It is quite apt for a cricketer of his like to lay the foundation stone for the cricket stadium here and I am confident that some of students of Heartfulness learning centre, inspired as they are by his visit would one day emulate his feats," said Daaji.

JANUARY 2020

Indian News Queensland | HEALTH

Varmam and Thokkanam health therapies

‘V

armam’, a branch of the Siddha system of medicine, is also known as ‘marmam’, which translates as ‘secret’. The basic principles of the Siddha system mention the meeting points of muscles, nerves, joints and skin (including hair roots), called Varma Nilaigal or vital points for the flow of prana. Thokkanam (thokku means skin and anam means tone/heat) is one of the 32 external practices in the Siddha system. It uses specific massage techniques for the treatment of diseases caused by aggravation of vata (kinetic force), or where pitta (transformational energy) or Kapha (potential energy) are disturbed. Origin 'Varmam' is a branch of Siddha system of medicine, evolved as an ancient Dravidian martial art "Varma Adimurai" meaning "pressure-point striking". Later, it transformed to a healing science. Ancient Varma text, Varma Sastra Athi Nool says Lord Siva taught varmam to his wife Goddess Parvathi, and later Goddess Parvathi taught to their son Lord Muruga. Lord Muruga then taught Siddhar Agathiyar. As per manuscripts available today, there are at least 3 known schools of thoughts of Varmam, namely Agasthiyar, Bogar, and Rama Devar. Agasthiyar was deemed as the leader of all Vedic sages in Sanathana Dharma and the pioneer of many Siddha disciplines including the Varmakalai. Bogar—a siddhar, known as Bo Yang in China—learnt the art in Tamilnadu and developed acupuncture and acupressure in China. Ramadevar or Uromarishi

or Yacob Siddhar spread Siddha medicine to the Arabs, translated his works to Tamil from Arabic. Bodhidharma, a Prince of Pallava Dynasty in South India, an expert in Varma Kalai, became a monk and moved to China and established the Shaolin temple. According to Zen lineage depicted in traditional Zen Lineage Charts, Bodhidharma is the 28th teacher in an unbroken lineage from Shakyamuni Buddha. He is also the lineage ancestor of every Zen master since that time in China, Vietnam, Korea, and Japan. Technique Varmam: In the body there are 108 varma nilaigal (vital points for the flow of prana) that are responsible for overall health. Twelve major points control the function of the vital organs. Pressure is applied to the Varma Nilaigal at a particular and given strength. The technique needs great expertise because even a slight deviation from the correct pressure may cause adverse results. Thus the knowledge of this ancient art was kept a secret to avoid falling into the wrong hands. Thokkanam: There are nine techniques used to massage. It can be done in sitting, walking, standing, lying-supine and lying-lateral positions. Three types of force are used - mandham (mild), mathimam (moderate) and sandam (severe). Benefits The scope of Varma therapy is quite vast, with activation of even a single Varma point can be utilised to treat many conditions. Proper activation of these vital points influences the body’s subtle energetic system to restore balance and healthy function

to the area being treated. Varma therapy is used to treat a range of conditions including osteoarthritis, musculoskeletal disorders, endocrine disorders (e.g. diabetes), asthma, eye problems, stress and depression. Varma Therapy is also being applied in cases of autism and cerebral palsy. Thokkanam also has a broad range of benefits. It promotes physical rejuvenation and muscle tone, improves circulation and oxygenation of cells, relieves stress, joint pain and stiffness, calms the nerves and boosts energy. It is a holistic system for disease prevention and promotes effective lifestyle management. An advantage of Varma and Thokkanam therapy is that it works well in conjunction with allopathic medicine, complementary and alternative medicine. Gayathri Sankaran Gayathri Sankaran is an Australasian Association for Yoga Therapists-accredited yoga therapist and MHA-accredited naturopath. Gayathri began practicing yoga

when she was growing up in India and went on to train at Andiyappan Yoga Centre. In further studies, Gayathri was awarded an MSc in Yoga and Naturopathy from the Tamilnadu Physical Education and Sports University. She also holds an MSc in Applied Microbiology from the University of Madras. adding to

her qualifications, she was recently trained in Varma (Vital points Stimulation) and Thokkanam (Siddha massage) sciences in India. Readers can get in touch with her for yoga/naturopathy/Varma therapy at 0435663139 or e-mail at mantrams108@gmail.com.

gazing at the plant was, though not involving physical movement, an active interaction with plants that office workers could do quickly and easily at their desks. Participants were offered a choice of six different types of plants to keep on their desks: air plants, bonsai plants, san pedro cactus, foliage plants, kokedama, or echeveria. Each participant chose one of the six types of small indoor plants and placed it near the PC monitor on their desk.

The calming effects calculated during the study showed that anxiety decreased significantly from pre- to post-intervention. The study suggests that placing small plants within close sight contributed to psychological stress reduction across the board. The researchers suggest for business owners that small indoor plants could be economical and helpful in efforts improve office conditions for employees.

Desk plants can reduce stress at work: Study

eople who often feel stressed in office, please take note. Researchers in Japan have found that small plants situated within easy viewing at your workplace linked to various stress-reducing benefits. For the study, published in the journal HortTechnology, the research team explored the practical use of indoor plants to boost mental health among employees typically removed from exposure to healthy green environments. "At present, not so many people fully understand and utilise the benefit of stress recovery brought by plants in the workplace," said study researcher Masahiro Toyoda from University of Hyogo in Japan. "To ameliorate such situations, we decided it essential to verify and provide scientific evidence for the stress restorative effect by nearby plants in a real office setting," Toyoda said. For the findings, the research team investigated changes in www.indiannewsqld.com.au

psychological and physiological stress before and after placing a plant on the workers' desks. Sixtythree office workers in Japan were the participants of this study. The participants were directed to take a 3-minute rest while sitting at their desks when they felt fatigue. There were two phases of the study: a control period without plants and an intervention period when the participants were able to see and care for a small plant. The researchers measured psychological stress in the participants using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The ratio of the participants whose pulse rate lowered significantly after a 3-minute rest with interaction with their desk plant proved definitive. The objective of this study was to verify the stress-reducing effect of gazing intentionally at a plant in a real office setting when a worker felt fatigue during office hours. Each plant used in the study was chosen and cared for by the worker.

Both passive and active involvement with plants in the workplace were considered for their contribution to mitigation of stress and fatigue. Participants were provided routine visual access to plants by having their choice of plant situated conveniently on their desks (a passive involvement with plants). They also had the opportunity to care for their plant (an active involvement with plants). Furthermore, the researchers considered that intentionally

JANUARY 2020

Indian News Queensland | MIGRATION

Q&A Session with our migration expert

Question 1: B Mathew My student visa subclass 500 for EPIQ RN study was rejected. Are there again chances for rejection if I apply for subclass 600 visa? Please advise. Ans: Please note any visa application is assessed against the criteria applicable to that class of visa. In your case, student visa application has been rejected due to failure in satisfying the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criteria. The visitor visa is also a category visa that requires GTE criteria to be satisfied. Hence, your visitor visa application will also be processed based on those requirements applicable to that category visa. It is applicantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s responsibility to prove that you will be returning after visiting Australia with a genuine purpose. In your case, if the course is more than three months, visitor visa is not suitable. You may note your first student visa application rejection would not have any prejudicial impact on any future visa applications, provided you furnish documentary evidences to satisfy requirements of such a visa.

Question 2: A Unni I came to Australia on 2018 November for doing MPA MBA. I completed 2 semesters then I changed the course to automotive mechanic because for accounting PR points are 95. My visa expires on March 2021, so I want to change my student visa. Is it possible or should I resort to any other method? Ans: Please note you are on student visa in Australia for higher studies at AQF level 9. Your current course is a lower level course in AQF table. As per the visa conditions, you must change your student visa suitable to your current studies, hence you need to apply for a new student visa onshore. Question 3: S S Chacko I am a nurse with BSc degree and 6.5 years' experience. I am 31 and have OET score Listening-B, Reading-B, Speaking-B, Writing-C+. My husband is 34 and a nurse (GNM). Could you please tell me which visa category I'm eligible for? Ans: Please note to migrate to Australia as a Registered Nurse, primarily you must be a qualified nurse having registration from

Send all your queries and doubts on migration to us on:

info@indiannewsqld.com.au

the AHPRA. This is a multi-stage process for applicants with overseas qualification. Since January 2020, the AHPRA introduced a new assessment model for overseas nurses. It is an outcomes-based assessment (OBA) for overseas nurses who hold a qualification that is relevant but not substantially equivalent or based on similar competencies to an Australian approved qualification. The OBA is a two-step assessment process: a multiple-choice exam and an objective structured clinical exam. After being duly registered as a RN in Australia and completing positive skills assessment, you will be eligible to lodge EOI for pointbased skilled migration, if you get minimum 65 points in calculation. Regarding your husband, as he is GNM qualified, he would not get registration as RN in Australia. He may be eligible to get registration as Enrolled Nurse in Australia, but that occupation is not on the list for independent skilled migration under subclass 189. Question 4: Antony A I am in Australia on a 457 visa since February 2018. My occupation is

on skills list. My CV is attached. Please advise on skilled migration. Will I get PR from the employer after 2 years of job with them? Ans: We have gone through your CV. At this stage, you may not get required point for skilled migration without better score in English test and partnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s points, provided she is qualified and eligible to claim points. Regarding employer sponsored PR, there are few options. Your occupation, Motor Mechanic, may be eligible for subclass 186 (DE) visa if you hold positive skills assessment and three years previous experience in your field. The other option is you have to stay with the current employer for three years, and if the employer nominates you for PR, you have a chance to apply for it. Question 5: O Oshodi I am having my wedding in May next year, and I want my family members to come over for the wedding. I'm on bridging visa at the moment. I have applied for partnership visa (subclass 820) last year November. My partner is an Australian citizen, and we have a

PRATHAP LAKSHMANAN MA, LLB, LLM, GradDipLP (Lawyer & Migration Agent / Qualified Education Agent Counsellor) TN Lawyers & Immigration Consultants

Solicitor Prathap Lakshmanan daughter together. We have been in civil partnership since September 2017, and we got engaged in September last year. What will it take to apply for visa for my parent, my four siblings and one brother in-law? I need your assistance to help me lodge a group application for them. Ans: Thank you for the email.Your parents and other family members can apply for visitor visa to attend your marriage. The visitor visa should be individually lodged and processed separately. All applicants could not be included in a single application. Email: info@tnlawyers.com.au Web: www.tnlawyers.com.au Skype: prathap.tnmc

MQSN Christmas Party: Music, beer, wine, food and good company

ulticultural Queensland Social Network (MQSN) ran a successful Christmas Party in Link Espresso, Eight Miles Plain on 18 Dec. About 70 people, including MQSN advisory board members, diversity community leaders, government agencies, multicultural service providers and honorary consul general Margaret Jane Grummit, attended the party.

Lewis Lee OAM (3rd left), Surendra Prasad OAM (3rd right) and Renna Augustine (2nd right), with others at the party

Mr Umesha Chandra (right)

Selfie at the party

Senator Paul Scarr (left) along with others at the party

The event was filled with happy and rich Christmas atmosphere. People tasted the great food, enjoyed the amazing music with beer and wine, met multicultural people from other communities, got to know each other and learnt from each other. The prominent people present at the party included Senator Paul Scarr, Brisbane City Council Macgregor Ward Cr. Steven Huang, Carl Wu, Sandra Beynon, Sean Murphy, Lewis Lee OAM, Umesh Chandra, Surendra Prasad OAM, Agnies Withen AM, Peter Low, Renna Augustine, Aunty Peggy Tidyman, Michelle Allsop, Michael Po Saw Ben Hu and his BNCA volunteer team.

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JANUARY 2020

Indian News Queensland | BOOKS & LITERATURE

Star-studded launch for Amit Khanna's book

galaxy full of stars like Karan Johar, Boney Kapoor and Javed Akhtar among many others were in attendance for the launch of noted lyricist Amit Khanna's latest book 'A History of Media and Entertainment in India', which is an encyclopedic study of the history of Indian media and entertainment, published by HarperCollins. The event was also attended by former actress and politician Jaya Bachchan, Star India Chairman Uday Shankar and Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) Chairperson Prasoon Joshi among others. Bollywood producer Mukesh Bhatt too was in attendance at the starstudded launch and spoke about the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) to the media present there. The book, which was unveiled in the capital on December 13 at the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, starts with an examination of the origins, looking at a wide array of aspects including the state of entertainment during the Harappan and Vedic times, details from the Natyashastra, the early drama, music and dance of Kalidasa, the development of ragas,

A galaxy full of stars like Karan Johar, Boney Kapoor and Javed Akhtar among many others were in attendance on Dec 22 for the launch of noted lyricist Amit Khanna's latest book, A History of Media musical instruments and early folk traditions, the genesis of classical dance forms, developments through the ages, including in the Mughal period and in the southern kingdoms, in the northeast, and under the Marathas and the British.

Independence onwards, "Words Sounds Image" takes a decade-wise look at the evolution of newspapers, cinema, music, television, dance, theatre and radio. The author, Amit Khanna, has worked across every segment

in the field of media -- print, radio, television, films, stage, live entertainment and digital media. He started his film career as an executive producer, writer and lyricist with actor-film-maker Dev Anand's Navketan Films in 1970.

He has written the lyrics of 250 film and several non-film songs and in the 1980s, wrote, directed and produced many critically acclaimed feature films, documentaries, commercials and TV programmes.

Shashi Tharoor named Urdu Forum to for Sahitya Akademi launch Urdu language classes Award 2019

rdu Forum last month announced the launch of its weekly Urdu language classes, which are being offered free on Sundays. According to the founders of the organisation, Urdu language classes are in response to the persistent demand from parents whose school-going children were either born here or had made Australia their home at an early age and were finding it difficult to communicate in Urdu. The classes will also benefit those who can speak Urdu but are unable to read or write because of unfamiliarity with the Nastaliq script as well as those who might want to learn a second language. To meet these criteria, the courses are tailored to suit both adults and children. They include the basic conversational Urdu and reading and writing courses. The classes are free and will be held on a weekly basis every Sunday from 2-4PM at the Brisbane City Council’s Toowong Library. To coincide with Queensland Schools www.indiannewsqld.com.au

Term dates, the first class will be held on Sunday, February 2, 2020. A not-for-profit organisation, Urdu Forum was formed to promote Urdu language and literature with a special emphasis on education. In doing so, part of its objective, as maintained by the organsation's founders, is to promote inclusiveness, harmony, social cohesion and enhance multiculturalism in Australia. Urdu is a centuries-old language. With over 200 million native speakers and between 500-600 million second-language speakers in the world, it ranks 19th among the approx. 6,900 languages spoken in the world. According to the 2016 census, there are 69,131 Urdu speakers in Australia, and Urdu ranks 16 out of 93 languages spoken here. Registrations are now open. To enrol or for further information, please contact Ghazal Basit on 0412 076 864 or Yousuf Ali Khan on 0401 006 430, or email them at: urduforumbrisbane@ gmail.com.

minent author, politician and diplomat Shashi Tharoor was among the 23 writers named for the Sahitya Akademi Award 2019 for his book ‘An Era of Darkness: The British Empire in India in the creative nonfiction in English category. Sahitya Akademi Secretary K. Sreenivasa Rao made the announcement in a press release. The awards, comprising an engraved copper plaque, a shawl and Rs 100,000 in cash, will be given away on Feburary 25, 2020 during the Akademi's Festival of Letters. They relate to books first published during the five years immediately preceding the year of Award - in the period January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2017. Tharoor's book appeared in 2016. A masterful weaver of words that have won him innumerable accolades, Tharoor is the author of bestsellers like ‘Why I Am

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor A Hindu', ‘The Paradoxical Prime Minister' and ‘Inglorious Empire'. Tharoor, who represents the Thiruvananthapuram constituency

in the Lok Sabha, is also the patron of the Kerala Literature Festival happening in Calicut this month.

JANUARY 2020

www.indiannewsqld.com.au

Indian News Queensland | WHAT'S ON

JANUARY 2020

www.indiannewsqld.com.au

Indian News Queensland | WHAT'S ON

JANUARY 2020

www.indiannewsqld.com.au

Indian News Queensland | WHAT'S ON

JANUARY 2020

Indian News Queensland | ENTERTAINMENT

Indian Movies Coming Soon Ae Kaash Ke Hum

Chhapaak

RELEASE DATE: 10 January, 2020 Language: Hindi (with English subtitles) Director: Meghna Gulzar Cast: Deepika Padukone, Vikrant Massey

RELEASE DATE: 17 Jan, 2020 (releasing in India) Cast: Vivan Shah, Priya Singh, Sophiya Singh Produced: Kiran K Talasila, Pankaj Thalore Directed: Vishal Mishra Written: Vishal Mishra, Aabhar Dadhich Shooting locations: Dharmshala, Himachal Pradesh Genre: Romantic tragedy Duration: 98 minutes

Jai Mummy Di

Sab Kushal Mangal

RELEASE DATE: 3 January, 2020 Language: Hindi (with English subtitles) Director: Karan Vishwanath Kashyap Cast: Akshaye Khanna, Priyaank Sharma, Riva Kishan

RELEASE DATE: 17 January, 2020 Language: Hindi (with English subtitles) Director: Navjot Gulati Cast: Sunny Singh Nijjar, Sonnalli Seygall, Supriya Pathak Jai Mummy Di is a light-hearted family comedy that portrays the trials and tribulations a couple has to endure due to the dynamics between their mothers.

Panga RELEASE DATE: 24 January, 2020

Love Aaj Kal 2

RELEASE DATE: 14 February, 2020

www.indiannewsqld.com.au

Language: Hindi (with English subtitles) Director: Imtiaz Ali Cast: Kartik Aaryan, Sara Ali Khan, Randeep Hooda

Language: Hindi (with English subtitles) Producer: Fox Star Studios Director: Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari Cast: Kangana Ranaut, Jassi Gill, Richa Chadda, Neena Gupta, Pankaj Tripat Panga is inspired from the life of a national level kabbadi player from India. It follows her struggle, triumphs and her reflections upon the importance of love and family support to be successful. JANUARY 2020

Indian News Queensland | ENTERTAINMENT

Tollywood Prabhas’ role Another superstar for Asuran director’s next film in Jaan still a suspense T amil super-hit movie Asuran is being much talked about as Venkatesh is remaking the film. Now, the film’s director Vetrimaran is in the news once again. Vetrimaran is said to have brought in the team superstar Surya as the hero of his next film, which is likely to be launched very soon with a lot of publicity. The action drama will be produced by Kalaippuli Thanu, the star movie producer. As to when the movie will hit the screens will be known soon.

Entha Manchivaadavuraa to release on Jan 15

ntha Manchivaadavuraa, Kalyanram and Mehreen Pirzada’s family entertainer, is all set to unveil on January 15. The movie is likely to face tough competition from Sarileru Neekevvaru, Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo and Darbar. But the team Entha is exuding confidence about the film’s theme, which is said to be a complete family outing this season. Not only that, director Satish Vegesna has revealed the film’s main theme. This movie has a strong message: in this materialistic world, every human being must do something to benefit others. Entha Manchivaadavuraa has been produced under Aditya Music and Sridevi Movies banners.

t is now a hot topic as to what is Prabhas’ role in the ongoing period romantic drama, Jaan. In fact fans are curious ever since the project started earlier this year. Earlier, speculations were rife that Prabhas will be seen as a palm reader in Europe. Some even said that Prabhas would be seen as a thief. And the latest talk is that he will be playing the role of a thief who steals vintage cars and bikes. However, fans have to wait until the film unveils next year to know his real role in the film. The next shooting schedule of Jaan will commence from January after the holidays. Pooja Hegde is the leading lady in this trilingual

drama. Radha Krishna Kumar is the director, and it is being produced under Gopi Krishna Movies and UV Creations banners.

Novel strategy to promote Iddari Lokam Okkate

opular producer Dil Raju’s forthcoming movie is a romantic drama, Iddari Lokam Okkate. The film was unveiled on December 25, and it features Raj Tarun and Shalini Pandey. News is that Dil Raju has been promoting the film in a new manner. What is more is that Dil Raju has already paved the way for a special preview of Iddari Lokam Okkate for several students of a private intermediate college in Hyderabad.

The ace producer will soon make arrangements for special previews for inter students in Vizag and Vijayawada and several other cities. The producer is expecting to capture his target audience, the youngsters.

Mahanati bags four Filmfare awards

t was a proud moment recently for the makers of Mahanati, the well-known biopic on legendary heroine Savithri. This blockbuster film became the recipient of four main awards at the recently concluded 66th Filmfare Awards South held in Chennai. While Keerthy Suresh won the Best Actress, the film’s male lead Dulquer Salmaan bagged the black lady for Best Actor (Critics). The film also bagged the Best Film (Telugu) award.

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Director Nag Ashwin won the Best Director award for his outstanding work in recreating Savithri Amma’s illustrious life. The film was released in May last year and became a massive hit at the boxoffice by collecting nearly 40 crores. It also won three National Awards earlier this year, including the Best Actress award for Keerthy Suresh, Best Feature Film Telugu and Best Costume Design.

JANUARY 2020

Indian News Queensland | ENTERTAINMENT

Bollywood Rani Mukherji: My Kajal to get wax statue at character in 'Mardaani Singapore museum, fans stoked 2' stands for women's empowerment

ctress-model Kajal Aggarwal tweeted last month that her wax statue would be unveiled at Madame Tussauds in Singapore next year, making her Twitter fans congratulate her. Kajal also took to Instagram to share the news. Kajal wrote on @MsKajalAggarwal: "Excited and honoured to unveil my very own wax figure at Madame Tussauds Singapore! "On February 5, 2020 , I will be @ mtssingapore in the Ultimate Film Star Experience to introduce my figure, staya" One fan posted pictures of Prabhas and Kajal and wrote: "Her name is

ctress Rani Mukherji, who is currently riding high on the positive response her latest release "Mardaani 2" is seeing, says the intention of making the film was to make the country aware of the new and growing threat that women face from underage criminals committing sexual crimes. "Mardaani 2" has minted over Rs 28.05 crores in a week. "'Mardaani 2' is a reflection of society and the times that we live in. I'm happy that the film is resonating with audiences across the country because it has a very important message. Our intention was to make India aware of the new and growing threat that women and girls face from underage criminals, who are resorting to such violent crimes, " Rani said. She added: "If 'Mardaani 2' is making people sit up and take notice of the situation, our job is done." For Rani, the franchise will always be most special because she sees herself in the protagonist Shivani Shivaji Roy.

"'Mardaani 2', for me, will always be extremely special because I'm deeply attached to the character of Shivani Shivaji Roy. Her beliefs are my beliefs, her vision for society and India are my beliefs, her way to never stop doing the right thing and speak up against injustice resonates with my core," she said. Rani hopes Shivani inspires others to do the right thing and be selfreliant. "She is an important cinematic character because she stands for women's empowerment. She stands against gender inequality," said the actress.

Dr Shriram Lagoo is no more

ollywood celebrities took to social media to mourn the demise of veteran film and theatre actor Dr Shriram Lagoo, who passed away on Dec 17. He had acted in several Hindi films part from being a popular icon of Marathi stage and cinema. Remembering Dr Lagoo, Rishi Kapoor tweeted: "R I P. One of the most natural spontaneous actors, Dr. Shreeram Lagoo sahab leaves us." Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar expressed on Twitter: "Saddened to hear demise of veteran actor Dr. #ShriramLagoo sir. He was

Netizen calls Akshay Kumar 'spineless'; Anurag Kashyap agrees Akshay Kumar, who last month faced wrath from people for "accidentally" liking a controversial tweet amidst protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act, was called "spineless" by a Twitter user, and filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has similar views about the "Gold" actor. "I have immense respect for Akshay Kumar. It must be extremely difficult to be trained in Martial Arts with a spine missing," the user tweeted. Reacting to the tweet, Kashyap wrote: "Absolutely." It all started after Akshay took to Twitter to clarify that he had earlier "accidentally" liked a tweet by Jamia Millia Islamia university students. At a time when many Bollywood celebs were lashing out at authorities over tension at Delhi's Jamia Millia Islamia, Akshay landed himself in a

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finally in the list with the legend. First South Indian actress to have a wax statue..." One fan gushed: "Wooow... Now that's called Mitravinda... the beautiful princess." International Indian Film Academy Awards wrote on @IIFA: "All smiles as the gorgeous @MsKajalAggarwal is all set to get her wax statue unveiled at #MadameTussaudsSG!" Kajal, who made Bollywood debut opposite Ajay Devgn in blockbuster 'Singham', has joined the list of popular Tollywood celebrities like Prabhas and Mahesh Babu whose statues have been put in Madame Tussauds.

great socialist and versatile actor, his contributions will always be remembered for his memorable roles in theatre & films. #OmShanti". Veteran actor Paresh Rawal wrote: "Truly a GREAT theatre actor Dr Shreeram Lagoo Saab is no more. AUM Shanti." Urmila Matondkar also expressed her memories of the great actor with a tweet in Marathi, which translates to "You shaped me as an actor. You saw the talent in a girl from a middle-class family and introduced me to the silver screen. I'll never be able to pay back what you have done for me. Will Miss you #ShreeramLagoo".

Dr Lagoo is best known for his roles in Bollywood movies like "Ek Din Achanak", "Laawaris", "Gharonda" and "Muqaddar Ka Sikandar" apart from Marathi plays like "Natsamrat" and "Himalayachi Saoli". He is survived by wife Deepa Lagoo, a son and a daughter.

Twinkle Khanna: Onions are a girl's best friends She took to Instagram to share a picture of her onion earrings once again, which have now started sprouting shoots. Posting a selfie wearing the earrings made of onion, Twinkle captioned: "From one shoot to another:) I am glad I got the chance to wear my priceless gifts that were brought home from a shoot, before they started sprouting shoots themselves:) #OnionsAreAGirlsBestFriends".

soup by liking a video that mocked the attack on Jamia. He later clarified, "Regarding the 'like' on the tweet of Jamia students, it was by mistake. I was scrolling and accidentally it must have been pressed and when I realised I immediately unliked it as in no way do I support such acts."

Kashyap even slammed the government, calling it "fascist". "This has gone too far.. can't stay silent any longer. This government is clearly fascist .. and it makes me angry to see voices that can actually make a difference stay quiet," Kashyap tweeted on Monday.

t looks like Twinkle Khanna can't stop obsessing over the new onion earrings that actor and husband Akshay Kumar gifted to her.

The earrings made of onion were recently gifted to Twinkle by Akshay Kumar, which he got for her from "The Kapil Sharma Show" while promoting his latest film "Good Newwz". She had earlier shared a photo of the onion earrings on Instagram.

JANUARY 2020

Tara Sutaria reminds Milan Luthria of Vidya Balan

ilmmaker Milan Luthria says actress Tara Sutaria reminds him of Vidya Balan, whom he directed in the 2011 hit, "The Dirty Picture". Luthria is currently working with Tara on "Tadap", the Hindi remake of the Telugu hit film "RX100". "Tadap" marks the Bollywood debut of Suniel Shetty's son, Ahan Shetty. "Nostalgia can be eerie. It gives you goosebumps when it catches up in unexpected ways. Tara's audition wasn't planned. She flew in from somewhere and on the spur of the moment I asked her to do the scene from 'The Dirty Picture' in which Vidya shows Emraan Hashmi her old pictures and they are attracted to each other for the first time," Luthria said. "She did it effortlessly and very quickly, and I was transported back to the day of the actual shoot. It was one of the most talked-about scenes from the film. Then, just a couple of days back on set in Mussoorie, she (Tara) was talking about how she is a huge fan of Vidya and the film,

and (that she) has seen it eight to nine times. She couldn't believe she got to do audition on a scene from the film," he added. The Telugu version of "RX 100", which released last year, stars Kartikeya Gummakonda and Payal Rajput. The film is a love story with an interesting twist. "Tadap" is scheduled to release next year.

Indian News Queensland | ENTERTAINMENT

'Laung Laachi' first Indian song to get 1-billion YouTube views

"Laung Laachi", the popular track from the Punjabi film of the same name and starring Ammy Virk, Neeru Bajwa and Amberdeep Singh, has become the first Indian song to reach one billion views on YouTube, claims T-Series. Composed by Aman Jay, written by

Harmanjit, with music by Gurmeet Singh and sung by Mannat Noor, the 2018 song took the internet by storm ever since its release. "It's quite surreal! The song has been hugely appreciated and over one billion views is certainly a huge validation from music buffs. It has

struck an emotional chord with viewers across the globe and we are extremely happy by the humongous success of the song," said Bhushan Kumar, chairman and managing director of T-Series, which released the music of "Laung Laachi".

Ananya Panday Roshan Abbas to SRK: excited to work Say something, you're with Deepika from Jamia too Padukone R adio jockey and actor Roshan Abbas questioned the silence of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan over the violence against students of Jamia Milia Islamia in Delhi. Abbas on Tuesday took to Twitter and asked him who has made him quiet. "Say something @iamsrk you are from Jamia too. Who has made you so quiet? #IStandWithJamiaMilliaStudents," Abbas tweeted. A string of Bollywood celebrities

ctress Ananya Pandey says working with Deepika Padukone in an upcoming film ticks off a bucket list wish. It was announced a while ago that Ananya will be seen with Deepika in an untitled project co-starring Sidhant Chaturvedi. "I'm really delighted that I can finally tick it off my wishlist now. The film is really of a different genre, where there will be some romantic drama. It's something that I haven't done before and I'm looking forward to," added the actress, who made her www.indiannewsqld.com.au

debut this year with "Student Of The Year 2" and followed it up with "Pati Patni Aur Woh". "Deepika Padukone is an actress I truly love and I also really enjoyed watching Siddhant in â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Gully Boy'. Moreover, I'm working again with Dharma Productions, which feels like home and I'm really happy about it. I'll forever be grateful to Karan (Johar). My director Shakun Batra, I believe, is one of the finest in the industry and he has been the dream director I've always wanted to work with," Ananya gushed.

including Rajkummar Rao, Taapsee Pannu, Alankrita Shrivastava, Richa Chadha, Anubhav Sinha, Anurag Kashyap and Parineeti Chopra have posted opinions all through Monday on the amended Citizenship Act (CAA) and the countrywide tension it has unleashed, which was triggered off after protests at Delhi's Jamia Millia Islamia University. However, Bollywood bigwigs like Amitabh Bachchan, SRK, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan have not taken a stand yet. Akshay Kumar liked a tweet related to Jamia and

then came out to say he had done so by mistake, thereby drawing widespread flak on social media. Abbas's tweet comes in the wake of severe protests against CAA, which continues in different parts of the country including Delhi, UP, Assam, Hyderabad, Aligarh and Kolkata. The contentious Act, passed in the winter session of Parliament seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi and Christian communities coming from neighbouring countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.

SRK takes five hours to get ready: Gauri Khan

uperstar Shah Rukh Khan takes way more time to get ready than his wife Gauri Khan. This candid confession came from none other than Gauri herself. "I take five minutes and he (SRK) takes 5 hours," said Gauri, adding

that SRK has a big room full of only wardrobes. To which, Shah Rukh replied: "I wear the same clothes everywhere. I wear the black suit, so you got to have a difference in black suit everytime you wear."

Gauri's revelation about SRK came during an interview with the news channel NDTV. The star couple were at the Vogue X Nykaa Fashion Power List event where they bagged the Most Stylish Couple of the year award.

JANUARY 2020

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