Diwali Special

Indian News hosts ‘Home & Away Diwali’ for international students

Brisbane, 15 November (India News Bureau): India News Australia in collaboration with the Institute for Australia India Engagement, International Education and Student Services Pty Ltd and Connect Within and Beyond organised a Diwali party of the Indian students who had to celebrate the festive occasion away from their families due to travel restrictions caused by the Coivid-19 Pandemic. The event was organised at the Multicultural Hub in Annerley, Brisbane, which was made available by Mr Surendra Prasad, President of the Fiji Senior Citizens Association of QLD. Around 40 guests and students attended the event in which Dr Ram Mohan, Chairman and Publisher, India News, Dr Ashutosh Misra, CEO and Executive Director, Institute for Australia India Engagement, Dr Venkat Pulla, Executive Director, International Education and Student Services Pty Ltd and Ms Prakriti Mysore Gururaj, Director, Connect Within and Beyond, Mr Kartik Singh, India News TV Director and IAIE Media Coordinator and Mr Nishit Chandan, Business Development Executive, India News addressed the students and guests. On the occasion several students shared their experiences and also flagged their respective academic and professional pursuits. The event was also given a melodious and musical shade by DJ Deep and the moments were captured by Mr Talha Baig, India News, Technical Editor. The event was organised with the kind support of My Agastya Yeturi, Mr Abhishek and Ms Ananya Dhyani, among others. The celebration was supported with funding help of few organisations and individuals -- Mr Surendra Prasad from Fiji Senior Citizens Association of QLD, Professor Prasad, Chair of India House project, Dr Ashutosh Mirsa, CEO of Institute for Australia- India Engagement, Dr Venkat Pulla, International Educations and student services, Mrs Prakruthi Mysore Gururaj, from the organisation Connect Within.

PRIME MINISTER

MESSAGE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER

DIWALI 2020

Warmest greetings to everyone celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Lights, it’s a special moment for people of many faiths.

At the time of the new moon, on the darkest day of the month, Diwali carries a powerful message. It tells of how light dispels darkness.

Most years, we often think of this dispelling of darkness as a theoretical concept rather than something that is experienced and overcome.

This year, Diwali’s message has a special significance. Every nation on earth is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lives and livelihoods have been lost as we have witnessed the most dramatic shock in generations.

Despite this, we have a common hope. Throughout 2020, despite our own fears, we have supported each other, encouraged each other, and stood with each other.

We have drawn strength and inspiration from our medical professionals, teachers, cleaners, retail staff, police and Defence Force personnel and so many more who have responded to the crisis with compassion and professionalism. Around the clock, medical researchers are working on a vaccine – a vaccine that nations like Australia are committed to sharing.

Yes, we have seen darkness this year, but the light is overcoming that darkness. There is light ahead, and there is hope.

Australia is the most successful multicultural nation on earth and at this Diwali, I pay tribute to all those who have brought this tradition to our shores. I also acknowledge the hundreds of millions worldwide participating, including many close friends in India.

I have been privileged to attend Diwali celebrations in the past, and remember those times fondly.While this yearwill, understandably, be different, Ithankeveryone whois celebrating for finding ways to celebrate while also keeping the community safe.

At this Diwali, may the hope of our humanity that we have seen throughout this year, dispel the darkness and challenges of our times.

The Hon Scott Morrison MP Prime Minister of Australia

November 2020

MESSAGE OF SUPPORT

The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk MP Queensland Premier and Minister for Trade Member for Inala

I offer my sincere greetings to Queensland’s Indian community for the 2020 Diwali Festival and congratulate all community members for their efforts in bringing everyone together after a challenging year. Diwali is a wonderful and important annual event. One of my great joys as Premier of Queensland is to see festivals such as this which celebrate our rich cultural diversity. The tradition of Diwali stretches back thousands of years, with families and communities coming together to celebrate the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil and hope over despair. When Diwali was celebrated last year, no-one knew that the 2020 event would be held amid the ongoing impact of a global pandemic. Nevertheless Queenslanders have a special reason to celebrate Diwali this year. We are safe because we have all been strong and worked together. I know that so many of you have stepped up in our state’s time of need. You have provided thousands of meals and food hampers. You have provided shelter and banded together to help strangers during COVID-19. I am also tremendously proud and grateful that Queenslanders of Indian background joined our Care Army without a moment of hesitation. While this year’s celebrations may be more physically distant than we are used too, we are now bound closer together as a state because hope again triumphs over despair. Congratulations, thank you again, and enjoy the festival.

The Hon. Anthony Albanese MP

Leader of the Opposition

The Hon. Anthony Albanese MP DIWALI 2020

Leader of the Opposition I wish all of you a wonderful Diwali festival. As a celebration of the victory of light over darkness, it is a most welcome and timely antidote to the uncertainty that surrounds us. The glow of your diyas will take an even greater importance this year. DIWALI 2020 We have all had to adapt to the realities of the coronavirus pandemic, yet even amid all this upheaval, Diwali will stand tall as a striking expression of your tradition and your I wish all of you a wonderful Diwali festival. As a celebration of the victory of light over darkness, it spirituality, your devotion and your faith. Diwali was here long before the pandemic, and it is a most welcome and timely antidote to the uncertainty that surrounds us. The glow of your will be going strong long after the pandemic has passed into history. diyas will take on even greater importance this year. The pandemic means the nature of your celebrations will be different this year, but what We have all had to adapt to the realities of the coronavirus pandemic, yet even amid all doesn’t change is, Diwali’s promise that the darkness will be broken by the light. I this upheaval, Diwali will stand tall as a striking expression of your tradition and your spirituality, your sympathise with those who aren’t able to return to their ancestral homes; and to those devotion and your faith. Diwali was here long before the pandemic, and it will be going strong long unable to celebrate with their families this year. after the pandemic has passed into history. I wish you joy, I wish you good feasting, and I wish by this time next year, we’ll all be The pandemic means the nature of your celebrations will be different this year, gathered together again in the glow of the diyas. but what doesn’t change is Diwali’s promise that the darkness will be broken by the light. I sympathise with those who aren’t able to return to their ancestral homes, and to those unable to celebrate with their families this yearYours . sincerely,

I wish you joy, I wish you good feasting, and I wish by this time next year, we’ll all be gathered together again in the glow of the diyas.

Anthony Leader of the Australian Labor Party Albanese

Yours sincerely,

Anthony Albanese

Leader of the Australian Labor Party

Hon. Annastacia Palaszczuk MP Queensland Premier Minister for Trade PO Box 6022 Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600 • Tel:(02) 6277 4022 • Fax:(02) 6277 8592

Message from The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of Brisbane Councillor Adrian Schrinner

I warmly welcome you to Diwali 2020 – a celebration of the annual Indian Festival of Lights and the triumph of light over darkness.

This year certainly has brought a number of challenges to our communities. However, I am proud that the people of Brisbane have worked together to ensure we can move forward from the COVID-19 pandemic with positive energy.

While the way we celebrate Diwali will look different in 2020, it continues to be an important time to acknowledge the bonds of family, and to consider how each of us can help those less fortunate by offering friendship and social support.

I would also like to acknowledge the significant contribution that Brisbane’s Indian community continues to make to enriching our city.

Please accept my best wishes for a joyful Diwali 2020.

Yours sincerely

Adrian Schrinner LORD MAYOR

Katarina Carroll

APM, Commissioner, Queensland Police Service

DIWALI 2020

“The Queensland Police Service, wishes you all a happy, healthy and safe Diwali. Whilst this year’s Festival of Lights is likely to be more low-key, it is still a wonderful opportunity for all Queenslanders to join with you in embracing our rich cultural and spiritual diversity”.

All firecrackers sale licenses in Delhi suspended prior to Diwali Ram Janmabhoomi Deepotsav adds sparkle to Diwali

by Ananya Dhyani The greatness of a culture can be found in its festivals

Festivals reflect our traditions; they amplify our identity and unite us. Diwali, the festival of lights and happiness is a symbol of victory of good over evil and light over darkness. It is a reminder that light always dispels darkness which metaphorically also inspires the world engulfed in pain, deaths and suffering caused by Covid-19. Festivals such as Diwali always hold a special place in the hearts of the India diaspora and also students residing in Australia. The fondness of this festival is deeply rooted in their memories of the yore when they celebrated it with their friends and families back in India. The mouth-watering sweets and savouries, clay lamps and Diwali lights spread adorning the facade of homes, new colourful attires, game of cards, Lakshmi puja and of course unending calls and visits by relatives and friends. Not to forget the fireworks which now seem to have become a taboo amongst the urban class; all making it an unforgettable and grand affair for posterity. India, a culturally vibrant country known for its beautiful traditions and family values, is witnessing a transition wherein the new generation is migrating overseas for studies and chasing dreams.

Home away from home

Australia, the land of opportunities has now become home to over a 100,600 international students in recent years, making Indian students the second largest student population in Australia for education. They have slowly nurtured a mini India away from India in down under. This year, the pandemic has made it difficult for many students like me to go visit our respective families in India. But Australia has always been very kind, warm

Ayodhya (UP) (IANS): After more than 500 years, earthern lamps were lit to illuminate the Ram Janmabhoomi site here on Diwali. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath lighted lamps during the ‘Deepotsav’ programme in the city on November 13. According to Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust chief Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, “It was a real Diwali this year, which New Delhi, November 8 (IANS): Delhi’s Jaitpur, and 16.3 kg of after a prolonged exile.” In a major development ahead of Diwali, the Delhi Police on November 8 suspended all licenses issued for sale of firecrackers and said that further action would be taken on the National Green Tribunal’s directions. illegal firecrackers seized from his possession. Cases under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Explosives Act were registered. Earlier, a supplier of illegal crackers was apprehended from his shop at Raghubir Nagar, and State Tourism Minister Neelkanth Tiwari said that more than 5 lakh lamps were lit on the occasion of Diwali. “If there was no coronavirus pandemic, lakhs of devotees would have participated in this programme,” he pointed out. Ahead of Diwali, the Delhi Police seized 593 kg of illegal crackers being sold in various parts of Delhi. Seven people have also been arrested in this regard and cases registered against them. “The Delhi Police has also arrested two for bursting firecrackers after registering eight cases in this connection,” a senior police officer said. On November 7, a man was arrested selling illegal fireworks without any license in south a total of 414.6 kg of different varieties of illegal crackers and explosive were recovered from his possession. The Delhi government has imposed a blanket ban on firecrackers, including those branded ‘green’, between November 7 and 30, with the city reeling under the impact of hazardous air quality and a steep rise in the number of Covid-19 infections. The Chief Minister had already directed that separate programmes should be organised daily during ‘Deepotsav 2020’, following the COVID protocols. Around 5.51 lakh earthen lamps were also lit at Ram Ki Paidi in Ayodhya. Diwali was celebrated across the country on November 14. All monasteries and houses were illuminated in the holy city on Diwali. Singing of ‘bhajans’ and Ramayana recitals were held in monasteries. A grand decoration of Ayodhya on the Festival of Lights was also done. Illumination at all temples, including Shri Ram Janmabhoomi, Kanak Bhawan, Ram Ki Paidi, and Hanuman Garhi was done through electric lighting. The devotees, however, participated through the virtual platforms. A digital broadcast of the Diwali programmes was done for the devotees who were not able to physically visit the temples owing to coronavirus restrictions. Ever since it came to power in Uttar Pradesh in 2017, the BJP government has been organising grand ‘Deepotsav’ or Festival of Lights in Ayodhya on Diwali every year.

Reminiscing and celebrating the festival of lights away from home

Courtesy High Commission, Canberra

celebrated the return of Lord Ram and hospitable to us. No wonder our families sometimes rue the long gaps in between WhatsApp calls but take our point when we tell them how beautiful this country is wherein the larger community makes us feel at home and participates and celebrates our Indian festivals, like Holi and Deepawali. They have a special liking for Holi, the festival of colours and the tradition of lighting oil lamps at Deepawali, and that have over the years become a potent symbol of India’s soft power.

Treats, lights and annual cleaning

“It was the temptation of mouthwatering sweets that got me through the Diwali cleaning”, Devang, a university student exclaims with laughter. It has been over two years since Devang first came to Australia to pursue his Master’s degree in Information & Technology at the Queensland University of Technology. He nostalgically reminisces, “I haven’t been to India for the past two years, but let me tell you, Diwali in Gujarat is like no other. The energy is at its highest during this festival and there is nothing not to love about it”. Kartik Pratap Singh, a former student at QUT says, “The food, the lighting, the poojas, going around the neighbourhood and greeting everyone, receiving amazing gifts, ah! It’s so nostalgic. Due to Covid we are stuck here and not able to visit our families, which is a huge dampener for me. But friends around compensate for that”. Talha Baig, a student at Charles Sturt University shares, “Jumping over chakras was my most favourite thing to do and as dramatic as it sounds, it was seen as a brave act amongst kids to perform back then. Diwali away from India is never the same. But I am happy to escape all that cleaning part of the festival”.

The unification of diversity

“I didn’t see Diwali just as a Hindu festival when I was growing up in Pune since my friends from every community participated in the celebrations”, recalls Dr Prutha. She too is an international student from India who graduated with a master’s degree from Griffith University. “When I was in India, my father would take us to buy firecrackers on the morning of Diwali, and God did we give him a run for his money?” chuckles Prutha. “Like most of my fellow mates here, homemade sweets by our mothers was the highlight of Diwali”, she exclaims. She also laments being stuck here during Diwali. “I had been long planning to surprise my family by paying them a visit on the day of Diwali but I guess it will have to be a virtual one” she says with a subdued smile, but with a caveat that she is looking forward to celebrating it with her friends in Brisbane and Gold Coast in her mother’s favourite saree. Dr Prutha too acknowledges the warmth and hospitability of Australians in joining in Indian celebrations, compensating for the absence of loved ones.

Celebrating together

Deepawali is an occasion to beat the pall of gloom cast by Covid and the initiative by India News to celebrate Deepawali with international students is a welcome gesture. It will create an ambience of belongingness, frolic and warmth way from home during these tough times. Many are looking forward to it and once again recreating Deepawali as a close and well-bonded family. We stand together strong to spread the light in every dark corner of our surroundings and to pep each other up and spread hope and love. We at India News wish all Indian students and our fellow Australians a very happy Deepawali across Australia. Ananya Dhyani is a Consulting Editor at India News.

$1 billion manufacturing agreement secures Australia’s national health security

Anew high-tech vaccine manufacturing facility will be developed in Melbourne to secure Australia’s long-term supply of critical health products including pandemic influenza vaccines and life-saving antivenoms. The $1 billion agreement between the Morrison Government and Seqirus also provides the ability to rapidly manufacture vaccines when responding to health pandemics in the future. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the new complex would be the largest influenza vaccine manufacturing facility in the Southern Hemisphere. “Keeping Australians safe is my number one priority and while we are rightly focused on both the health and economic challenges of COVID-19, we must also guard against future threats,” the Prime Minister said. “This agreement cements Australia’s long-term sovereign medical capabilities, giving us the ability to develop vaccines when we need them.” “Just as major defence equipment must be ordered well in advance, this is an investment in our national health security against future pandemics.” Health Minister Greg Hunt said under the agreement, Seqirus would invest $800 million in the development of the facility project, creating 520 construction jobs, commencing in 2021. “This new facility will guarantee Australian health security against pandemic influenza for the next two decades.” “Our government’s strategy to protect the health and wellbeing of Australians and the Australian economy, as well as having access to a world class health system.” “This is a major milestone, ensuring that Australia can mass produce vaccines against future flu pandemics, as well as continuing onshore production of seasonal flu vaccines, Q fever vaccines and antivenoms. Without this historic agreement, the nation would need to source these critical medical products from overseas. Seqirus is currently the only company making influenza and Q fever vaccine in Australia, and the only company in the world making life saving antivenom products against 11 poisonous Australian creatures (snakes, marine creatures and spiders). The current agreement between the Australian Government and Seqirus—a subsidiary of CSL Ltd—is due to end in 2024-25. To continue onshore manufacturing in Australia, Seqirus will now invest in a major new vaccine manufacturing facility close to Melbourne airport to replace its existing, ageing production facilities in Parkville, Melbourne. The highly specialised production facility is expected to be operational by 2026 with the contract for supply of these critical products extending to 2036. Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said Australia’s manufacturing capability had been a huge asset during the COVID-19 pandemic and this agreement will keep us in a strong position. “The Morrison Government knows just how important it is for Australia to be able to stand up for itself when it really matters,” Minister Andrews said. “This investment will not only allow us to continue to manufacture the essentials we need well into the future but it will also create and secure high paying manufacturing jobs across a range of skills. “This agreement is just one in a range of investments we’re making to drive Australian manufacturing forward and create jobs. We’re also investing a further $1.3 billion through our Modern Manufacturing Initiative into projects across six priority areas, including medical products.” The Morrison Government acted quickly and decisively to address the consequences of COVID-19 and as a result, Australia has achieved some of the best health and economic outcomes in the world. More than $18.5 billion has committed to support the emergency COVID-19 health response to the pandemic, including $3.2 billion to secure access to over 134.8 million doses of potential COVID-19 vaccine candidates developed by the University of Oxford-Astra Zeneca and the University of Queensland, Pfizer-BioNTech and Novavax. The Victorian Government has also supported the procurement of suitable land for Seqirus.

Shop #2, 493, Ipswich Road, Annerley QLD 4103

Springfield aims to become world’s greenest city by 2038 under new strategy

More than three billion dollars will be invested into Springfield City on Brisbane’s doorstep, under an Australianfirst strategy designed to make it the world’s most eco-friendly community by 2038. Springfield City Group (SCG) Chairman Maha Sinnathamby today welcomed the 18-year plan, devised under a strategic alliance with ENGIE, a world leader in the global transition to clean, green resilient economies. Mr Sinnathamby said the comprehensive blueprint would help the city – where the population is expected to triple to about 130,000 over the next two decades – “get to the stage where we are producing more energy than we consume” by 2038. “We have one chance – and the responsibility to our residents both now and into the future – to get this right and be an ongoing example for others to follow,” Mr Sinnathamby said. “The focus on efficient and sustainable energy production, storage, and integration with the community - has never been more important for Australia, and for Springfield City, which is the nation’s fastest-growing community.” The partnership between Springfield City Group (SCG), which recently celebrated its 28th birthday, and ENGIE was formalised in 2018. The new roadmap – the first of its kind for an Australian city - was developed by Tractebel, a worldleading engineering company for sustainable projects. Under the eco-friendly strategy, at least a third of Springfield City would be set aside as “green space” and residents would have widespread access to electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and a hydrogen bus network, and see 100% of their power delivered through renewable sources. “Master-planned around connective pillars of health, education and technology – and with innovation underpinning our city’s livability and sustainability, Springfield City is perfectly placed to rapidly implement Tractebel’s strategy,” Mr Sinnathamby said. “Our goal is to have no homes or businesses powered by fossil fuels by 2038, with hydrogen-powered buses providing transport options, and solar panels installed on every suitable rooftop.” More than three billion dollars

Springfield City Group Chairman Maha Sinnathamby

will be invested into Springfield City on Brisbane’s doorstep, under an Australian-first strategy designed to establish Greater Springfield as the world’s greenest city by 2038. Speaking from Singapore, ENGIE’s Asia-Pacific President Paul Maguire said: “We are proud to be delivering the road map in partnership with Springfield City Group. “ENGIE and Tractebel are uniquely positioned to build tailored strategies that optimise and operationalise the value of a customer’s assets and provide financial options, engineering expertise and operational excellence”. In line with the strategic plan, infrastructure work has already started in Greater Springfield, where more a third of the third of the city’s homes already have rooftop solar units. Major buildings including the Orion Shopping Centre and the Springfield Tower have also had panels installed. The installation of EV charging stations is also underway and will put Springfield among the first urban areas in the country equipped to handle large-scale EV adoption. The action plan – which will be reviewed every two to three years - outlines five key pillars: • Urban – Maintaining 30% green space; developing urban agriculture and green transport routes • Mobility – Reduction from 1.98 to 0.8 cars per household while ramping up EV charging infrastructure to enable accelerated EV adoption; creating sustainable last-mile solutions (e.g. electric scooters and bicycles); transitioning to hydrogen buses and developing shared transport solutions • Buildings – Using bioclimatic design, solar protection, and district cooling; delivering public education programs on efficiency • Energy – Establishing 100% local renewable share; putting solar panels on all available rooftops; developing hydrogen refueling; implementing energy storage, and • Digital – Becoming a world leader in innovative and smart city solutions. More information is available at https://www.greaterspringfield. com.au/engie-springfield-citypublish-australias-first-zeronet-energy-road-map

Adani launches a new brand for its mining business to celebrate 10 years in Australia

This year, as Adani celebrates of new jobs and opportunities its 10thanniversary in for Australians, just when they Australia, the international are needed most because of the energy powerhouse is launching COVID-19 economic recession. a new brand for its Australian “More than 1,500 people are mining business, Bravus Mining currently employed on the & Resources. Carmichael mine and rail Project Bravus Mining & Resources CEO, and more than $1.5 billion worth Mr David Boshoff, said now that of contracts have been awarded,” construction of the 10 million he said. tonne per annum Carmichael “We are proud to say that 100 per Project was well underway, cent of the people working on our it was the ideal time to give project live in Queensland. That Adani’s mining business its own has given us a strategic advantage Australian brand. during COVID restrictions and “Our 10 years in Australia means we can keep working with has been a journey that has few interruptions, providing tested the resilience, skills and a much-needed boost to the determination of our people Australian economy.” and has confirmed the depth Mr Boshoff said Bravus’ high of our commitment to regional quality coal would be part of Queensland. the Adani Group’s sustainable “We have made a significant investment in Queensland and we will be here for the long haul employing local people and doing business in Australia,” Mr Boshoff said. energy mix solution, as the world transitions to a low emissions future. The Adani Group is investing in a sustainable energy mix of coal and renewables to provide populations in the world and it is growing rapidly. Right now more than 200 million people in India do not have adequate access to electricity and thermal coal imports will continue to rise “The Adani Group walks the talk as the world’s number one international solar company and the largest private supplier of thermal electricity in India, demonstrating there will be a Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) announced that it has over 15GW of solar capacity under operation, construction or under contract, and it is this renewable energy coupled with Bravus’ high Bravus will deliver the reliable and affordable base load in order to meet the demand of demand for both in the energy quality thermal coal that will be Carmichael Project in Central power for developing nations, this growing population with mix,” Mr Boshoff said. required to rise to the challenge Queensland, a project which has already created thousands such as India. “India is one of the largest economic ambition.” Recently, Adani Group company of meeting growing energy demands.