Indian News Queensland July 2019 - Vol 2 Issue 10

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JULY 2019 Vol 2 Issue 10

International Yoga Day celebrated in Brisbane and Gold Coast

United Nations International Day of Yoga, the marquee annual event of the yoga calendar now in its fifth year, was a laudably successful event in both the cities. ...Page 3

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Indian News Queensland | PUBLISHER’S WORD 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 PHOTOGRAPHERS Brian Sullivan Redsun Photography DESIGNER Tsai Min-Yi PUBLISHING & DISTRIBUTION Star Promotions ADDRESS Indian News Queensland Unit 49, 391, WICKHAM TERRACE, Ground Floor, Spring Hill, Brisbane, QLD – 4000 Web: www.indiannewsqld.com.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/Indian-NewsQueensland

Dear Readers, Refugees have been central to the building of the modern Australia, a progressive nation with a strong economy. Mr. Steve Biddle, Regional Director, Department of Home Affairs, summed it up beautifully during the Refugee Week last month when he acknowledged "the significant economic, social, cultural, sporting and leadership contribution that people from refugee backgrounds have made in helping to build a modern and diverse Queensland and Australia". Another heartening event past month was the International Yoga Day, which drew large crowds in Brisbane and Gold Coast. Yoga makes people healthy, and healthy people spell overall prosperity in society. So good to see a good thing take off like that. G-20 summit at Osaka saw a host of meetings take place between world leaders on bilateral and multilateral levels. Even though nothing constructive happened, in terms of Earth-shaking deals, the meetings between US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping and INQ Available @ Your Nearest Store Indian Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi did ease up the pentCity Stores up tensions due to ongoing trade wars. Mirch masala Delights of Paradise Swades Foods Bombay bliss Sami Import & Exports Global Convenience Store KKN Spices Goa Indian Fusion Rasoi master Spice World Indian Grocery The Chilli Spice Curryhub Indian Aroma Townsville Indian Groceries Cairn Indian Groceries Flavourin, Rockhampton Roshni Indian Restaurant, Mackay Nilima Indian Restaurant Krishna Spice

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

International Yoga Day 2019: Locals celebrate in Brisbane and Gold Coast

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nited Nations International Day of Yoga, the marquee annual event of the yoga calendar now in its fifth year, was a laudably successful event in Brisbane as well as Gold Coast. In Brisbane the day was celebrated on June 29 at the Forgan Smith Lawns, University of Queensland, St Lucia. In Gold Coast the celebrations took place at Justins Park, Burleigh Heads. The Australian School of Meditation and Yoga hosted the International Yoga Day in Brisbane and Gold Coast. The day's proceedings were led by a diverse mix of the best handpicked local teachers who took the attendees through flowing in-

spirational yoga asanas, sacred music with some of the nation’s leading kirtan bands, guided meditations, and long and luxurious relaxation sessions. Thousands of attendees nationwide are reported to have taken part in the celebrations. Growing more and more well-known across not just Australia, but globally, Yoga Day Festival brings together Australia’s icon-conscious community and those simply interested in celebrating and learning more about yoga. The standard offerings at both the event venues were interactive yoga asanas, yoga workshop tents, yoga dance, kids yoga, yoga games, songs, plant-based vegan food trucks, and mindfulness and breathing exercises.

Participants in Justins Park, Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast

At Gold Coast event, yoga dance and songs kept the day fun and entertaining, even for kids

Instead of dividing, Yoga unites. Instead of further animosity, Yoga assimilates. Instead of increasing suffering, Yoga heals - Prime Minister Narendra Modi Courtesy narendramodi.in

Honorary Indian Consulate Mrs Archana Singh (2nd left) along with others at the Yoga Day in Gold Coast

Mother-child duo at the International Yoga Day

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Participants in the Yoga Day in Gold Coast

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Eid Down Under 2019 A Real Winner of an Event

Helicopter ride was on offer for the adventurous ones Eid Down Under

The festivities went on till late evening with firworks display as well Food, fashion, music and other entertainments marked this year’s celebrations Eid Down Under, a celebration of the Eid al Fitr, was hosted by the Islamic Council of Queensland in Brisbane on June 8 in Karawatha. The event in 2019, like previous years in 2017 and 2018, was a huge hit with the Muslims as well as the broader Brisbane community. Food, fashion and a ride sky-high Just like the previous years, Eid Down Under created a festive atmosphere in the Muslim community. While the streets were being intricately decorated for the occasion, families were busy presenting their children with gifts. At the Eid Down Under celebrations this year, there were many events for children and adults alike. Among many other things sumptuous food and fashionable outfits on display attracted

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visitors’ instant attention. Then there was the helicopter ride, which was arranged to entertain those who wished for an adventure trip to the skies. Art and craft competitions were also organized giving an opportunity to those who wanted to showcase their talents. Fun and music Among many other attractions, one of them was the petting zoo at which visitors, especially children, had the opportunity to handle and feed the animals they love. However, if there was a yearning for soul-stirring music, one could attend a live programme of Nasheeds. Nasheeds are Islamic hymns sung by the Muslims. If this was not enough, there were more entertainments in the form of stage shows, with depictions of superheroes and cartoon characters. Then there were fireworks, which lit up the atmosphere highlighting the festive spirit

Courtesy

Courtesy Eid Down Under of the day. The festivities went on till late evening. Eid is the occasion when the Muslim community seeks to promote a sense of friendship and compassion with their neighbours. The festival offers an opportunity to celebrate current friendships and create new ones within the wider community. Muslims worldwide celebrate Eidal-Fitr after a month of fasting during Ramadan. This festival, along with Eid al-Adha a few months later, is two of the most important celebrations in the Muslim calendar. Eid Down Under, a family friendly-event provides a chance for the Muslim community to celebrate the end of Ramadan by connecting with friends from other groups and communities. An important objective of Eid Down Under is to promote cohesion, acceptance and understanding of cultural diversity and its benefits across the community.

Traditional dance performance on stage during the evening festivities Courtesy Eid Down Under

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Luminous Lantern Parade celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity

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ulticultural Development Australia’s (MDA) 12th Luminous Lantern Parade, an annual affair, was organised on June 7 to celebrate the Queensland Week. The Luminous Lantern Parade is an occasion for Queenslanders to welcome new Australians and celebrate the country’s cultural diversity, heritage, its people, places and history. This free event unites the government, community leaders, multicultural communities and common Queenslanders. MDA, an independent organisation, has been at the forefront of welcoming the new Queenslanders with a range of support services fostering independence, prosperity, equality and opportunities for everyone. An illumination march The people participating in the parade carried hand-held lanterns to illuminate the South Bank precinct as a symbol of hope and to create a conducive atmosphere to greet the newcomers to the country. The Luminous Parade this year exhibited an array of new lanterns. Some of the larger lanterns included

a koala, owl, kangaroo, rainbow serpent, and iconic Brisbane landmarks, including the Story Bridge and City Hall. Luminous parade walkers had the choice either to carry a small hand-held lantern or join another community group with a large lantern. As many as 39,000 people participated in the spectacle of light and sound. Music enthralls The parade, which started at the Wheel of Brisbane, went past the South Bank Cultural Forecourt to the bathing pools and back up the Arbour past the ABC building and returned to the Cultural Forecourt. At the forecourt, a thrilling experience in the form of a world music concert awaited them, along with many food stalls and coffee bars offering delicacies from around the world amidst a festive atmosphere for the whole family. The music concert featured the Rwandan Cultural Dance Group, the Queensland Police Pipes & Drums, the Bolivia Marka Dancers, the Unbreakable Dance Crew, the Miramar Dance Group and the Izalco Latin Band.

Photo courtesy MDA Twitter

Stirling Hinchliffe MP, Sandgate (left) and Prerna Pahwa (middle)

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Indian News Queensland | NEWS

A low-down on the happenings back in India A new Union government and the health of Indian states Shah as Home Minister Happenings in Bihar, Bengal, Jammu & Kashmir and Maharashtra among major concerns of the new government

Shah was Gujarat’s youngest Home Minister at 43, when Modi was the Chief Minister

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PM at Madison Square Garden, New York Courtesy narendramodi.in

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he elections in India are now done and dusted. The razzmatazz of election campaigning, followed by the buoyant celebratory din created by the supporters of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the stunning silence of the decimated Opposition are now history. Narendra Modi, after being re-elected to power with a huge

mandate, has now accomplished the all-important job of forming his government without delay, and his work is now cut out. India being a federation, naturally the focus is as much on the states and their functionaries as it is on the Union government and its ministers. While the Modi government comprises 24 other Cabinet Minis-

ters, besides Modi, nine Ministers of State with Independent Charge, and 24 Ministers of State, the spotlight is especially on two ministers among many new faces---- the new Home Minister Amit Shah, who is also the BJP president, and the surprise pick of them all, former Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar, who is now the new Foreign Minister.

mit Shah’s elevation to the position of Union Home Minister comes as a reward for making BJP seemingly invincible in the elections. But Shah is not new to the job of Home Ministry assigned to him. Shah was Gujarat’s youngest Home Minister at 43, when Modi was the Chief Minister. Even as Modi has high expectations from his new Home Minister,

Shah’s immediate challenges are many, including the Jammu and Kashmir crisis, surging Naxal movement, resolving Ram temple issue, undertaking police reforms, and ensuring cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship between the Centre and the states of the country. Moreover, he needs a makeover of his public image as a hardliner from the right-wing Hindutva brigade to a more secular and benevolent one.

Finance Minister’s work cut out

Jaishankar - Best Pick for Foreign Affairs

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Jaishankar’s ascent to the position of Foreign Minister has taken everyone by surprise. As the former foreign secretary in the previous Modi government, he had done enough to win Modi’s faith, which would have ensured him tenure in the second term of the Modi government. But after Sushma Swaraj declined the offer to contest election this time around opting for a possible retirement from her political career, Modi needed her successor to be an expert in the field. At a time when international political scenario is fast changing, and India is facing multiple challenges from its neighbouring countries as also from other powerful countries, Modi wanted a Foreign Minister who is experienced enough to steer India to a position of strength vis-à-vis its international foes and allies. Jaishankar’s stint as India’s envoy to China and the US makes him the best person to handle India’s foreign affairs, as these two countries pose maximum challenge to India’s aspirations globally.

Nirmala Sitharaman, the new Indian Finance Minister

N Jaishankar’s stint as India’s envoy to China and the US makes him best suited to handle India’s foreign affairs

Jammu & Kashmir still on the edge

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cts of terror continue in Kashmir as an Indian Army Major is killed in a terrorist attack recently in Anantnag district. While the Army, CRPF, BSF and the state police have been undertaking

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counterinsurgency operations in the state, there is little sign of any peace and stability in the region any time soon. The state is still under the President’s rule and a decision as to whether state assembly elections can be held in

the near future is expected to be taken by the Election Commission of India post Amarnath Yatra in the state. Meanwhile, south Kashmir is proving to be a hotbed of terrorism and insurgency in the state.

irmala Sitharaman, the new Indian Finance Minister, has been consulting industry experts, as she has a budget to present on July 5 that addresses the economic concerns of the country. A sluggish economy, a now-revealed low economic growth rate and a high level of unemployment are far

from what a new Finance Minister would like to be staring at when she takes over the Ministry. Besides, the farm distress is another legacy of the previous Modi government that she has to deal with. Economic reforms, which had altogether disappeared during the reign of the previous two governments, need to be spearheaded with utmost urgency.

Bengal on the boil

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olitical violence continues unabated in West Bengal as two more people were killed in Bhatpara in West Bengal’s North 24 Paraganas district on June 20. While the BJP has managed to breach West Bengal Chief Minister’s bastion, it has come at a cost as the Party has lost over 50 workers in

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incidents of violence in the state. The law and order situation in the state continues to be a challenge to the Chief Minister’s governance, and the recent doctors’ agitation in the state, which snowballed into a nationwide doctors’ stir, has further aggravated the situation.

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Indian News Queensland | NEWS

Reddy demands special status for Drought in Maharashtra Andhra arathawada and the cost of many who are suffering

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Vidharbha regions in Maharashtra were reeling under acute shortage of water till June end. These areas had been declared drought-affected by the government. The worst part was that along with shortage of water supply, these regions also witnessed the emergence of water-tanker mafias who are making money at

owing to shortage of water. The state government’s efforts to assist the people did not prove effective as there is extreme dependence on rainfall. To add to the woes of the people, the Indian Meteorological Department predicted that both the regions will get average to above average rainfall this year but they will have to wait a little longer for it.

States hog the limelight

Jagan Mohan Reddy, the new Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh

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agan Mohan Reddy, who is also the new Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, is pitching for special status to be accorded to Andhra Pradesh, following the carving out of Telangana state from Andhra Pradesh. The difficulty of redistribution of assets between the new state of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh has been a huge task, especially in the light of the fact that a bifurcation was done of a prosperous state like Andhra Pradesh. That Jagan Reddy's YSR Congress

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won 151 from 175 seats, trouncing the TDP in the state assembly, and in the Lok Sabha polls, the party won 22 of 25 parliamentary constituencies, making it the fourthlargest in Parliament, behind the BJP, the Congress and the DMK, have immensely increased its bargaining power for a special status for Andhra Pradesh. If its demand for a special status is accepted by the Union government, it will mean a large infusion of central funds to assist the state government's plans to build its new capital Amaravati.

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ven as the Union government gears up for the challenges ahead, the states in India have a diverse assortment of tales to recount. Since the 90’s of the last century, each general election in India has witnessed the rise of

regional parties to the centre stage of national politics. The rout of the Congress across the country has coincided with the rise of a regional party, thereby strengthening the voice of regional parties in national politics. One of the recent success stories down south is that of

Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSR Congress Party) led by Jagan Mohan Reddy in Andhra Pradesh. The Party’s stupendous success in the Lok Sabha and the state assembly elections has given its leader a bargaining power even at the national level.

Bihar reels under encephalitis

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f Bengal is on the boil, Bihar is reeling under disease and death. As of now, more than 100 children have died in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur due to encephalitis. This district in Bihar is said to be a children’s nightmare, and fares poorer than most African

countries in terms of mother-child nutrition. The state government has, till now, failed to rise up to the occasion and provide necessary assistance to the victims of the disease. Recent data have revealed that the Bihar government has been apathetic towards improving

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child nutrition and healthcare in Muzaffarpur district, resulting in the present tragedy.

JULY 2019

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Indian News Queensland | LOCAL & NATIONAL

Premium Calamvale land release launched to the market

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ast month saw the public release of Easthaven Calamvale, with Morada Group’s stylish new land sales centre officially opened by Cr Angela Owen, Councillor for the Calamvale Ward. Located on Menser Street and only 500m from the family friendly Calamvale District Park, Easthaven Calamvale comprises just 19 freehold lots, all level and retained, ready for a range of new homes. Lots range in size from 400m2 up to 590m2 and are priced from only $408,000 to $499,000. Unlike most other land subdivisions in the area, property developer Morada Group has listened to the market and has designed their new subdivision with all lots above 400m2 and all frontages wider than 12.5m. “This is a very educated market with high expectations. We know buyers want quality, so it was important that we ticked all of the boxes when it came to designing and constructing the subdivision,” said Morada Group director, Will Hancock. Morada Group completed the civil works just before Easter, but opted to wait until after the federal election to launch the land. That deci-

sion paid off with 5 lots selling to local owner occupiers on the launch weekend. “There has never been a better time to buy,” said Morada Group director, Ben Jobber. “Interest rates are at an all-time low with further cuts expected later this year, banking regulator lending changes are on the horizon, tax cuts are on the way from Canberra and the reelection of the Morrison government means no changes to negative gearing,” he said. Another indicator that now is the time to build a new home is the fierce competition amongst project builders, with many slashing their prices and offering big incentives to build new after a slower than usual 12 months. Builders are throwing everything at prospective customers

to build now. Morada Group has teamed up with a few builders including Metricon, Simonds Homes and DC Living to offer competitive house and land packages at Easthaven Calamvale, with 4-bedroom packages starting from as low as $609,000. Calamvale is a highly sought-after suburb, bordering the popular Sunnybank and Sunnybank Hills. It is very well connected to the Brisbane CBD and Gold Coast via the M1, Logan and Gateway Motorways. Only 13 minutes away is the Sunnybank Market Square, which is currently undergoing a $40 million redevelopment. For more information about Easthaven Calamvale, visit www.easthaven.com.au

Morada Group extended Fallon Court and Lambert Drive to create 19-level and retained freehold lots

Cr Angela Owen, Councillor for the Calamvale Ward officially opening the new sales centre with Morada Group directors Ben Jobber (left) and Will Hancock (right)

Easthaven Calamvale is an infill land subdivision, surrounded by existing residential properties

VACANT LAND FROM O N LY $ 4 0 8 ,0 0 0

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Indian News Queensland | LOCAL & NATIONAL

Order of Australia: Exemplary work in various fields by Indian-origin Australians recognised Indian-origin Australians among several others who were honoured with Order of Australia awards as part of Queen’s birthday ceremonies Australia like India is known as a vibrant, multiracial and multicultural nation. According to the June 2018 figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the India population in Australia accounts for 2.4% of the Australian population. With a total population of 592,000 as of June 2018 (Australian Bureau of Statistics), the Indian diaspora is a force to be reckoned with in Australia. They have contributed immensely to Australia’s culture, wellbeing and prosperity. This became obvious when as part of Queen’s birthday ceremonies Indian-origin Australians were among several Australians who received the country’s top honours for their significant contributions in fields as diverse as medicine, music, education and finance. Indians' Contribution in Medicine and Psychiatry Among those honoured Prof (Dr) Jayashri Kulkarni, the Director of the Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre received Member of Order of Australia (AM) medal for significant service to medicine in the field of psychiatry. She founded and now directs a large psychiatric research group, the Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre. The Centre aims at developing new treatments and delivers services to people with different kinds of mental illnesses. Jayashri’s focus is on women’s mental health and she has worked in this area for 25 years to improve the quality of care for women with mental illnesses. Her relentless efforts bore fruit as a women-only wing was opened at The Alfred Hospital Psychiatry Unit. She has also been the Director of Monash Partners Academic Health Science Centre, Neurosciences & Mental Health Stream. Earlier, she was instrumental in establishing the Dandenong Psychiatric Research Centre, Dandenong hospital, and in 2015, she founded the Australian Consortium for Women’s Mental Health. Prof. Kulkarni strongly advocates women’s mental health and wants it to become a national priority, including mental health in pregnancy.

Prof Jayashri Kulkarni is the Director of MAPrc and has over 25 years of clinical experience in women’s mental health www.indiannewsqld.com.au

Another Indian-origin woman, Prof (Dr) Winita Hardikar, was honoured with Members AM for significant service to medicine, particularly to paediatric liver disease and transplantation. She and her colleague Dr Katie Allen had the distinction of performing the first liver cell transplant in Australia. Since 2013, she has been the Head of Liver and Intestinal Transplantation at the Royal Children’s Hospital, besides being the Director of Gastroenterology and Clinical Nutrition since 2016, and Head of Hepatology since 2003.

Dr Winita Hardikar is a paediatric gastroenterologist, Head of the Liver and Intestinal Transplant unit at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne Urban Planning and Civil Engineering If medicine is an area where an Indian-origin Australian has contributed significantly, they have not been far behind in urban planning and construction of buildings, the sine qua non of urbanization and development in any country. This is precisely why Mahalingam Sinnathamby, who has turned 80, was conferred Member of Order of Australia (AM) for his outstanding contribution to the building and construction industry and a host of other services to community. It all started in the early nineties when he acquired some 2860 hectares of land near Brisbane, a place that was then facing several planning-related problems. Sinnathamby embarked on a journey to transform the place into what became Australia’s largest fully masterplanned city, next only to Canberra. A civil engineer by training, Sinnathamby’s dream has been of a city offering combined health, education, technology and transport facilities. Though his was a humble beginning, he is now one of the wealthiest persons in Australia. He is now the chairman of Springfield City Group, an organization that has supervised the building of the single largest planned city. The project had won the award of the World’s Best Master Planned Community given by International Real Estate Federation. It had also been honoured with Australia’s Best Master Planned Community, an award

given by Urban Development Institute of Australia, besides winning many other awards.

Mahalingam Sinnathamby, was conferred Members AM for his outstanding contribution to the building and construction industry Computer Science and IT Two professors of Indian-origin Prof Arun Kumar Sharma and Prof Dharmendra Prakash Sharma were awarded Members AM for their significant services in the fields of computer science, information technology and higher education. Prof Arun Kumar Sharma, who is currently the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation) at The Queensland University of Technology, has made many outstanding contributions to many areas of research. He is the co-founder of the Cooperative Research Centre for Smart Internet Technology, a seven-year project to link universities, industry and federal and state governments in the research and development of high-end internet technologies. He also became the co-founder and Director of the National ICT Australia. This organisation played a pivotal role in initiating significant ICT-related research for the Australian economy.

ment of the society. According to him, for this to happen education needs to play its part in bringing about awareness among the people about these possibilities.

Prof Dharmendra Prakash Sharma Community Service For any society to thrive it needs to nurture its children, and resource mobilisation is the key to realization of such aspirations. In this respect persons like Shashi Kochhar are perfectly placed in any progressive society. Shashi migrated to Australia from India in 1978, and in 2019 he has been recognised with OAM for his selfless services to the Australian community, and most significantly for raising millions of dollars for Royal Children's Hospital and Monash Children’s hospital. He is the founder of Friends of Children Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that works in association with other organisations with a view to providing better health and education for children. He also spearheads a cleaning campaign for Clean Up Australia Day every year, which reminds of India’s own Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. His other contributions include donating blood over 145 times and delivering bread to aged care, asylum centres and other needy places for years.

Prof Arun Kumar Sharma is the Deputy Vice Chancellor at The Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane Another Indian-origin academician Prof Dharmendra Sharma was given Australian Order AM for significant services to Higher Education and Computer Science. Prof Shrama, who was born in Fiji, is the Distinguished Professor in Computer Science, University of Canberra and is also the Chair of University Academic Board at the university. He has done research in areas such as distributed AI and the applications of AI to human-centered modelling and problem solving. The professor believes that AI is going to bring about a change for the better-

to Australia, she has been working relentlessly in the field of Carnatic music through performance and teaching this art form. Jayshree is the Vice-President of Federation of Indian Music and Dance, and is also the founder of Sapthaswara School of Carnatic Music. The school, which had very few students when it came into existence, is now said to be one of the best music schools in Melbourne. After striving for many years, the Carnatic music is now gaining popularity in the country.

Jayashree Ramachandran was honoured for her service to the performing art through Indian music and dance Multiculturalism However, Australia is a country of varied cultures, even among its Indian-origin population. To cater to the multicultural population of Australia, the endeavour ought to be to foster learning of languages and community-building. This is precisely why the significance of Dr Krishna Dhana Nadimpalli’s contributions was acknowledged and he was honoured with OAM in recognition of his service to multiculturalism in the Australian Capital Territory. Originally from the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, Dr Nadimpalli, an environmental scientist by profession, has always been enthusiastic to work for social inclusion and empowering communities. Towards this end he has served the Indian community as well as the multicultural community in Canberra. To serve the Indian community, Dr Krishna founded the Telugu School (Telugu Badi) in Canberra and the Federation of Telugu Associations in Australia. He has been instrumental in getting National Accreditation for the Telugu language.

Shashi Kochhar is the founder of Friends of Children Foundation Music and Performing Arts But, even as humanity takes centre stage, culture progresses only with the efforts of connoisseurs of art and music. Jayashree Ramachandran, a Carnatic music vocalist, is one of them. Ramachandran was honoured with OAM for her service to the performing art through Indian music and dance. Ever since she came

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Dr Krishna Dhana Nadimpalli JULY 2019

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

QUT's Meet and Greet session with H.E. Gondane

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is Excellency Dr. A.M. Gondane, who was visiting Brisbane for the International Yoga Day, visited QUT, Garden Point campus, on Monday, July 1 and met with all students and staff of Indian origin over afternoon tea. Prof. Prasad Yarlagadda from QUT arranged and coordinated the event, and a number of professors, researchers and students of Indian background met Dr A. M. Gondane. At the start of the session, Prof. Yarlagadda requested Dr. Gondane to present his vision and possible pathways to enhance collaboration between researchers/academics of Indian diaspora with their counterparts in mainland India in various science and technology areas. Dr. Gondane spoke about the collaborative links between Australia and India and explained the intention of Indian government to invest $100 million as part of Australia India Strategic Research Funds.

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Researchers present there asked Dr. A.M. Gondane about possible measures that should be taken by Indian diaspora in Australia to improve science and technological innovation and what can Indians learn from success of China, in terms of industrial growth and scientific innovation. On behalf of Indian staff and students from QUT, Prof. Prasad Yarlagadda thanked his Excellency Dr. A.M. Gondane for his thoughtprovoking and inspirational talk to motivate young researchers and students. Prof. Prasad also thanked Dr. Ram Mohan, President, Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland (FICQ) for the opportunity to host the Meet and Greet session, and thanked Mrs. Archana Singh, Honorary Consulate of India in Brisbane, and also various members of QUT for attending this event. The session concluded after an evening tea hosted by the university.

Dr. A.M. Gondane with QUT professors, researchers and students

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JULY 2019

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Young Talent Night 2019 draws crowd

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hree Sanatan Dharam Hindu Association of QLD Inc organised the 2019 Young Talent Night on Saturday 29 June, 2019 at QVCC Hall. The event was attended by a crowd of over 350 people.

The event saw variety of performances by the kids, teenagers and youths, including cultural songs, dances, drama, solo instruments, and fashion parade among others. The event also included buffet dinner.

Girls performing cultural dance on stage

Team of kids singing devotional song

Children chanting hyms and singing devotional songs

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

GOPIO hosts networking event in Gold Coast

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OPIO Gold Coast hosted business networking event for the community leaders, business persons and entrepreneurs on June 29. The event gave participants the opportunity to build their network over drinks and also meet with High Commissioner of India H.E. Dr. Ajay Gondane and share ideas with him.

H.E. Dr. Ajay Gondane (3rd from right) with participants

High Commissioner of India H.E. Dr. Ajay Gondane (2nd from right) during the dinner along with others

Some of the participants at the event

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

H.E. Gondane unveils Mahindra Australia’s All-New XUV500 for Australian market

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ustralia India Business Council (AIBC) QLD Chapter held a networking event, sponsored by Mahindra Australia, for its members and non-members from the Queensland business community on June 4, 2019 where the Indian automobile giant Mahindra Australia’s All-New XUV500 was unveiled by High Commissioner of India H.E. Dr. Ajay Gondane.

Also present on the occasion were Jim Varghese AM, National Chair, Australia India Business Council (AIBC), Cr Ryan Murphy representing Lord Mayor of Brisbane, FICQ President Dr Ram Mohan, Dr Tanya Unni, Ankit Taneja, National Manager, Mahindra Australia, and business and community leaders along with members of AIBC.

High Commissioner of India H.E. Dr. Ajay Gondane posing with Mahindra Australia’s All-New XUV500 Photo - Sravan R Kappen

FICQ President Dr Ram Mohan (2nd from left) and Dr Tanya Unni (middle) posing with others Photo - Sravan R Kappen

High Commissioner of India H.E. Dr. Ajay Gondane (2nd from right) and AIBC chairman Jim Verghese (3rd from right) along with other dignitaries Photo - Sravan R Kappen

Photo - Sravan R Kappen

All the dignitaries and AIBC and Mahindra officials at the event together

AIBC chairman Jim Varghese speaking on the occasion Photo - Sravan R Kappen www.indiannewsqld.com.au

Photo - Sravan R Kappen

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

GAQ's annual Refugee Week picnic a fun affair celebrated in Brisbane

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The picnic organised by GAQ is an annual event and is open to nonmembers also

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ujrat Association of Queensland organised their annual picnic for the community members on June 9 at Rocks Riverside Park, 17 Mile Rocks. The event was open to members and non-members alike, and GAQ has been organising the annual picnic

for more than 20 years now. This year, Vedic Hero Books were first displayed and given out to those interested. The games, barbeque, dance, music, veg and non-veg food, and the general weather on the day made the outing a fun affair, as is evident from the moments captured in camera.

Barbeque, boys and BYO drinks

ommunity Leaders Forum celebrated Refugee Week, which falls from June 16 to June 22 in Australia, at the Department Of Home Affairs in Brisbane on June 18. Several distinguished activists and dignitaries spoke at the event, including Mr Steve Biddle, Regional Director, Department of Home Affairs, Ms Kerrin Benson, CEO of Multicultural Development Australia, and Australian of the Year awardee Mr Alija Buol OAM. "As we celebrate Refugee Week 2019, I would like to acknowledge the significant economic, social, cultural, sporting and leadership contribution that people from refugee backgrounds have made in helping to build a modern and diverse Queensland and Australia," said Mr Biddle. "The energy, resilience, determination and joy I have witnessed from people settling into our country during my time in Queensland has been inspiring. Refugees are a critical component of our national identity. They represent a picture of aspiration and help us all to be proud of the country we live in. I look forward to seeing this great national story continue to build in the years to come, and I wish everyone a very happy Refugee Week," Mr Biddle further said. Refugee Week is Australia’s peak annual activity to inform the public about refugees and celebrate positive contributions made by refugees to Australian society. The first Refugee Week events were organised in Sydney in 1986 by Austcare. The

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) coordinated the first World Refugee Day on June 20, 2001. Refugee Week provides a platform where positive images of refugees can be promoted in order to create a culture of welcome throughout the country. The ultimate aim of the celebration is to create better understanding between different communities and to encourage successful integration enabling refugees to live

in safety and to continue making a valuable contribution to Australia. Over the past 20 years, Refugee Week celebrations have developed in a number of other countries. While there are minor differences in the dates for Refugee Week, all include World Refugee Day (June 20). In Australia, Refugee Week is scheduled to ensure that it does not clash with public holidays in any Australian state or territory.

Australian of the Year awardee Mr Alija Buol OAM

CEO of Multicultural Development Australia, Ms Kerrin Benson speaking at the event

Annual Peace Symposium

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he Women’s Auxiliary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Queensland held their annual Peace Symposium on June 15, 2019 at Bait-ul Masroor Mosque in Stockleigh. More than two hundred women came together to discuss how women play important roles as nation builders in an effort towards establishing peace within society. Senator for Queensland, Clair Moore; Brisbane City Councillor, Kim Marx; Aboriginal Elder, Aunty Heather Castledine; CEO Access Community Services, Gail Kerr; Logan and Brisbane City Councillors, Australian Federal Police representatives and presidents and members of various community organisations were some of the key dignitaries attending the event. Keynote faith speakers were Judith Gibbons, from the Uniting Church in Toowoomba; Prakruthi Gururaj, Multicultural Ambassador for Red

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Carpet Functions; and Sabah Janud, representative of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Community of Queensland. As part of this annual event, the women’s auxiliary present donations to various community organisations every year. This year, the Refugee Association of Queensland, and Logan Helping Hands were recipients of $2000 in donations from the auxiliary. On the event, the president of the

Guests at the peace symposium

auxiliary Nuzhat Ayesha commented: “Muslim women play a fundamental role towards the establishment of a peaceful society. Islam teaches us that the responsibility of building peaceful societies and nations depends on the contributions of women, in their roles as daughters, wives and mothers. If each one of us as women realise our potential and fulfill our roles within society to the best of our abilities, then no doubt we can nurture peaceful societies.”

Prakruthi Mysore Gururaj, Multicultural Ambassador for Red Carpet Functions, speaking on the occasion

Councillor Kim Marx

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Vedanta Brisbane holds Annual Multicultural Programme

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risbane Chapter Vedanta Centre of Sydney held its 15th Annual Multicultural Programme at Indooroopilly State High School on June 22. The programme included cultural dances and classical music performances by the community members. Vegetarian food was served at the end of the evening. The Vedanta Centre is a branch of the Ramakrishna Order in India. Its main

objective is to spread the universal message of Vedanta. Vedanta is an ancient philosophy of India from which many schools of Hinduism and Buddhism have evolved. It teaches that our true nature is spiritual and that we may realise this directly through practices such as devotion and worship (bhakti yoga), learning and selfinquiry (jnana yoga), reflection and meditation (raja yoga) and serving God in mankind (arma yoga).

Raynuha Sinnathamby, Charis Mullen MP - State Member for Jordan with community leaders

Swami Atmeshananda speaking on the occasion

Classical dance performance by one of the artists

Indian cultural dance performance

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Indian News Queensland | CULTURE

Multicultural Queensland Social Network founded in Brisbane

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ulticultural Queensland Social Network was founded on June 19, 2019. The aim of MQ is to gather community leaders, people with big influence in multicultural sphere and people with rich skills in multicultural services to share their experiences and work together by crossing cultures and organisations.

Community leaders from various cultures together at the event

Shankar Mahadevan to perform in Brisbane

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fter seven long years, the famous trio ShankarEhsaan-Loy are coming down under to entertain Australia. They will be performing at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre in Brisbane, Hillsong Concert Hall in Sydney, and Melbourne Convention Centre in Melbourne on the 26th, 27th and 28th July, respectively. ‘Maa Tujhe Salaam – Vande Mataram’ (salutations to you, mother) -- these lyrics by Vikky Sagar shot to fame the voice of Shankar Mahadevan in 2002. The patriotic song touched a raw nerve of Indians as

Fiji Senior Citizens Association President Mr Surendra Prasad it was released a few days after an attack by terrorists on the Indian parliament in December 2001. Earlier, the trio Shankar-EhsaanLoy had achieved fame by composing music for a much appreciated film ‘Taare Jamin Par’ by Aamir Khan. Shankar Mahadevan has sung in many Indian languages. His repertoire includes devotional, classical, semi-classical and Bollywood music. His album ‘Breathless’ made Mahadevan famous. 'Breathless' is a steady stream of a song thata goes on without a break, stanzas, verse or apparently even a pause for breath. Shankar has also featured in

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Western music, accompanying Stevie Wonder. He performed for the United Nations in New York during the International Jazz Day Sunset Concert, 2012. Do not miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in superb music and dynamic rhythms. The RKSV foundation, which is hosting these concerts in Brisbane and Sydney, would be donating the profits from these concerts to nominated charities. Tickets are available for the Sydney and Melbourne concerts with www.premiertickets.co and for the Brisbane concert at www.ticketek.com.au.

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Indian News Queensland | AD

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Dosa Hut, Mt Gravatt, celebrates 2nd anniversary

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osa Hut, widely acknowledged for bringing authentic South Indian food culture to Australia, beginning at Melbourne, celebrated the 2nd anniversary of their Mt Gravatt store on June 9. To mark the occasion, the managers decided to

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bring down the prices of around 20 hot-selling items in their store. Established in 2007, Dosa Hut was born out of a passion for food. Praveen Indukuri and Anil Kumar Karpurapu both came to Australia to study telecommunications. Being the foodies they were, they decided

to bring alive their love for South Indian food with Dosa Hut, as there weren’t many places where one could get authentic South Indian food at that time. What started off as a foodie venture has now become an increasingly successful brand of quality Indian cuisine in Melbourne and Brisbane.

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Dance competition showcases Bollywood dance and music

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Photos - Kim Borg t was full house at Bollywood Australia Dance Competition (BADC) held over the weekend of 17-19 May at Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts in Fortitude Valley, an evening full of passionate dancers showcasing their talents to five judges. Brisbane is home to a thriving Indian dance scene, and the 3-day dance event BADC showcases the glamour, melodrama and energy of Indian dance. “These days almost anything can be Bollywood,” BADC Director Paviter Kumar Noori emphasises. “So long as it’s Bollywood music, almost anything goes.” Mr Noori and Andrea Lam are the co-producers of BADC. “We saw such tremendous talent within the Indian dance population of Brisbane,” Miss Lam says. “Dancers are incredibly underrated. If they make it look too easy, people assume it is easy to do without taking into account the years of training required to make it look easy.

We have enormous respect for this and really want to create a platform where dancers can be showcased, and Bollywood dancers can connect with each other, as well as with the wider Brisbane dance scene.” “The idea is not only to have a place for the Indian dance community to be showcased, but to also connect with the larger community of dancers to skillshare, collaborate, or to simply see what else is out there,” said Mr Noori. The BADC directors brought together the judging panel of local and international dance artists including Sonali Bhadauria, one of India’s most prominent independent choreographers and YouTube sensation, Ramona Lobo, Sydneybased Bollywood choreographer for SYTYCD Australia and Bollywood Star, Wanida Serce, director of Pink Matter, Sammie Williams, independent artist and co-director of Elements Collective, and Helena Joshi, director of Infinity Kathak.

"Heartfelt thanks to all our performers who left their hearts on stage; the audience who kept them going, the incredible MC's; amazing ticketing staff, ushers and runners; fantastic judges," BADC wrote on their Facebook page.

Winners! First Overall - LAKS dance crew Second overall - Tapori Squad Third overall - Nisha Bhaga

Achin Bedi (in Black) and LAKS Dance Crew

Divisional Winners Upper solo/duo/trio - Nisha Bhaga Youth solo/duo/trio - Dhrishti Deepak Kandpal Upper group - LAKS dance crew Youth group- Let’s Bollywood! Sonali Bhadauria (in black) and Aditya Pankhaniya (2nd from right in front)

Gujrati dancers triumph at BADC

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isha Bhaga from Gujrati Association of Queensland (GAQ) dance team took home the trophy in the Adult Division of BADC, besides being 3rd Overall Winner. Besides Nisha Bhaga, six other Gujrati community members, Dina Amin, Raksha Tappoo, Anjni Mis-

tri, Ashmini Dhother, Bhavini Carpenter, Meera Gandhi made up the GAQ dance team at the BADC. "We truly thank our supporters, our family, friends and GAQ Community for their love and support at Bollywood Australia Dance Competition 2019," one of the participants Bhavini Carpenter said.

Helena Joshi (in orange) with one of the performers

GAQ dance performers with Gujrati community

Dance performers from GAQ

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Helena Joshi with younger participants

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19


Indian News Queensland | BUSINESS

Community Service VHP holds Crack Your First Award honour Job workshop for migrants

Mr Jitendra Deo (middle) with the Community Service Award presented to him by Duncan Pegg MP State Member for Stretton (right)

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uncan Pegg MP State Member for Stretton honoured Mr Jitendra Deo with the Community Service Award of Stretton Queensland Day Award on 6 June. The award was for highest commitment to community service which Mr Deo provided for 15 years, including nine years as the

President of Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Qld. "I wholeheartedly thank Hon. Duncan Pegg MP, all the members and well-wishers of Arya Samaj fraternity, members of our Indian community and members of our greater Brisbane community," said Mr Deo on receiving the award.

Workshop in progress at Griffith University

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EWA Australia and Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) of Australia Queensland Chapter jointly hosted the first session of "Crack your First Job" workshop at Griffith University. The speakers shared several valuable tips on how to crack the first job in Australia. It is not easy to find a job in a new country, with different culture and environment. There are

so many small and big barriers in finding and securing a good job and even in understanding the job market. But the speakers provided effective tips and tricks to crack the first job. They also shared their personal experiences and knowledge. They shared general valuable tips on successful job search strategies, preparing job application, role description, writing resume, cover letter,

understanding application tracking system, pre-interview preparations, interview process, post interview tasks, networking strategy, self-assessment, salary guide, job seekers' challenges and improving LinkedIn profile that can help them crack the first job. The information provided in the workshop was useful for the experienced applicants as well.

Gold Coast HealthTech symposium educates aspiring entrepreneurs

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esides touching upon various aspects and prospects of digital health, the Gold Coast HealthTech symposium, held on May 30 at Cohort Space, Southport, was the ideal event for those looking to start, grow or accelerate their HealthTech business. "Being a cosmetic innovator and brand builder has been the most challenging part of the career," said Dr Tanya Unni, Founder Director of Amtan Medical, while speaking at the

symposium. “When pushed against the wall, one can actually witness several doors of opportunities opening up. Not being afraid of making mistakes and taking risk at the right time has been my mantra for success,� Dr Tanya said. She also elaborated upon her journey from India to Gold Coast and how she built her career as a doctor, doctorpreneur and cosmetic brand innovator. Dr Tanya has worked and trained in

three continents, founded eight medical centres across Queensland and is rapidly becoming known as one of the leading cosmetic physicians in Australia. The symposium also included eminent speakers in the Queensland Health and Technology domains like Dr Chris Davis, Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Dr. Kara Burns, EHealth Queensland, Dr Adam Brand, Gold Coast Health, Damian Green, Gold Coast Health, Tiah Goldstein, Interwoven.

Five of the eminent speakers at the symposium -- Dr Tanya Unni, Dr Chris Davis, Dr. Kara Burns, Dr Adam Brand, Damian Green www.indiannewsqld.com.au

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20


Indian News Queensland | ACHIEVEMENTS

The Global Women Achiever Awards 2019 felicitates 44 Indian women, including a Brisbanite

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ommemorating the International Father's Day 2019, DYK Health Group, NGO Unity Mission Foundation and GLK Global Events organised The Global Women Achiever Awards (TGWA) 2019 in Mumbai. Indian women from different walks of life were felicitated for their meritorious achievements and contribution to the society and nation. At the awards, 44 women were felicitated, including renowned badminton player Saina Nehwal, Oscar Award Winner filmmaker Guneet Monga, veteran choreographer Saroj Khan, Sudha Manian (music) from Brisbane Australia, actress Preetika Rao, Kathua case Lawyer Deepika Rajawat, to name a few. Brisbanite Sudha Manian is considered one of the finest sitar players in Queensland, and in 2018 she was the featured artist at the Commonwealth Games 2018 held in Gold Coast. She performed the sitar

along with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra for “Parade of Nations” at the 2018 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony. She has also participated, with her sitar, 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 concert hall, South Brisbane. More recently, Sudha and her group YATRA hosted the Yatra Holi Sandhya, as part of the BrisAsia Festival 2019. Event was presided by Padam Vibhushan Ustad Gulam Mustafa Khan Sahaba and Chief Guest Shri Hemant Bhargava, Managing Director of Life Insurance Corporation of India. They were joined by renowned singer Padam Shri Hariharan and his mother Smt. Alamelu Mani, who was presented the Life Time Achievement Award.

The event was conceived and managed by producer and director Farz Khan and co-presented by GLK Global Events. "The global women achiever’s award is an outstanding platform not only to bring distinguished women on one platform but also to channelise their energies to empower more women in future. If these women come together to support more women, imagine the speed of new dimensions opening up for all of us," said Smita Parikh of GLK Global Events. "We are felicitating and acknowledging the work of great women stalwarts, which will encourage other women to go out and create a mark for themselves and feel equal in all ways. I would like to take this platform to congratulate all the winners and tell every female to break the stereotype and follow her dream," said Ms Saira Qureshi and Farz Khan, founders of TGWA Awards.

Some of the award winners and the event orgnanisers

Renowned singer Padam Shri Hariharan (centre), Maithili Subramanian (left) and Sudha Manian (right)

UPF awards new Ambassadors of Peace

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he Universal Peace Federation (UPF), Australia, recognised the new Ambassadors for Peace from Australia on June 1. UPF acknowledges individuals whose lives exemplify the ideal of living for the sake of others, and who dedicate themselves to practices of reconciliation, overcoming barriers, and building peace within their communities. "As a new Ambassador for Peace, it's my mission to assist in establishing world peace. I hope to continually stand up for human rights and peace globally, especially in my home nation, Afghanistan," said Ms Rita Anwari, Founding Director of Women Empowerment and Leadership in Australia and one of the awardees earlier nominated by the Director of the Queensland chapter of the UPF, Dr Susi Evans.

Besides Ms Anwari, other new recipients of Ambassador of Peace award are Ms Aishwarya Somal, the Director of Emerson Family Law and the Founder of Global Pathways Education Services; Detective Inspector Karen Ballantyne, who has 28 years of service in QPS behind her and is currently the trainer at QPS Academy; and Honey La Rosa Binny, President of largest Filipino Organisation in Qld. Launched in 2001, Ambassadors for Peace is the largest and most diverse network of peace leaders. They come from all walks of life representing many races, religions, nationalities, and cultures, and commit to stand on the common ground of universal moral principles, promoting reconciliation, overcoming barriers, and building peace.

(From left) Honey La Rosa Binny, Detective Inspector Karen Ballantyne, Mr Steve Evans, Ms Aishwarya Somal, Ms Rita Anwari and FICQ President Dr Ram Mohan

UPF's Ambassador for Peace awardees - Ms Aishwarya Somal (left), Ms Rita Anwari (middle) and Detective Inspector Karen Ballantyne with their awards www.indiannewsqld.com.au

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21


Indian News Queensland | RELIGION

Mansa Devi - the Wish-fulfilling Goddess By Sharon Bath

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anasa Devi or Mansa Neelakantha (blue-throated one), Devi is worshipped and Manasa Devi was glorified as mainly in the north Vishahara, the destroyer of poison. and north-eastern The Saviour of Snakes regions of India, especially during Another story from the scriptures the monsoon season. She is the tells us that Sage Kashyapa was presiding deity of snakes and Manasa Devi’s father and she was reptiles, a status said to be given to born from his mind for the divine her from Lord Brahma. Tribal people purpose of controlling snakes and have long worshipped Manasa Devi other reptiles. Sage Kashyapa is one believing that she not only cured of seven ancient sages (rishis) called snakebite, she prevented it. She is Saptarishis in the Rigveda. During also worshipped for granting wishes this time in history when there were for prosperity and fertility, as well as many snakes in the world, one of curing diseases. the local royal family members was Birth of a Snake Deity killed by snakebite. Even though There are at least two stories about the snakebite was a curse from anManasa Devi’s birth from the Hin- other sage, the royal family vowed Yagya Shala, within the Mansa Devi temple complex Courtesy Raman Sharma - WikiMedia Commons du scriptures. One is very mystical, to wipe out the entire snake family an esoteric story which says that by performing a great Sarpa satra – the humans and snakes. It’s said that arms. She wears a red silk sari, holds There is a story which says that MaLord Shiva was her father. Manasa a snake sacrifice that would destroy the snakes even today in this partic- a lotus in two hands, a snake in haraja Patiala (1891-1938) once means “conceived in the mind”. all living serpents. Manasa Devi ular area of India are harmless. As- another and blesses with the other dreamt of the great goddess who The story tells that Lord Shiva was needed to marry and produce a di- tika was a great sage in his own right hand. She is surrounded by snakes told him that she appeared at a place beside a lotus pond, thinking erotic vine child who could save the snake and he saved his father’s ancestors and has a swan by her side. She sits called Mani Majra. He followed the thoughts about his better half, Par- clan. Eventually she married a saint from dropping down from heaven. on a pink lotus flower and rests her Divine Mother’s instructions and vati Devi and accidently discharged named Jaratkaru and came to be As mother of Astika, Manasa Devi foot on a smaller blossom; the other built a temple to glorify Mansa Devi is known as Astika Mata. leg is tucked up under her, as if in and to win her blessings. his seed. The semen ran down the known as Jaratkarupriya. stem of a lotus flower to the lower Marriage to Saint Jaratkaru; Birth How Manasa Devi Became God- meditation. She wears elaborate Many fabulous stories surround headwear made of gold and deco- Mata Manasa Devi Temple; this regions and touched a statue carved of Astika dess rated with hooded cobras, much by Kadru, wife of Vasuki Naag, and Saint Jaratkaru also had his own Manasa Devi is named Jagad Gauri like an Egyptian goddess. According holy location is like a magnet which the inert statue came to life. Manasa motive for marrying Manasa Devi because of her fair complexion. She to devotees of the divine mother, attracts devotees of the divine Devi is known as Padmavati (resemand producing a child, which was to is the disciple of Shiva, so she is Manasa Devi has divine attributes mother, especially during the fesbling a lotus blossom). appease his ancestors and stop their called Shaivi. Manasa Devi is devot- and is recognised for her capac- tivals of Navratri dedicated to the Sister of Respected King Vasuki fall of grace from the heavens. After ed to Lord Vishnu, so she is called ity to bless devotees and fulfil their great mother goddess. Mata Mansa Devi temple is regarded as one of The two stories agree that Manasa the marriage a divine child, a son, Vaisnavi. She is named Naga Bhagi- prayers, wishes and desires. the main shakti peethas (seats of the ni because she can remove the effect Devi was the sister of Vasuki Naag, was born. He was named Astika. Mata Mansa Devi Temple, Chandeity); as the forehead of Sati is said of poison. These are just a few of her the king of snakes. We may recog- However, once the child was condigarh to have fallen there. Mansa Devi names, but Manasa Devi has many nise Vasuki (her brother and king) ceived, unhappily for Manasa Devi as the snake ornament worn around her marriage was over, and Saint sacred names attributed to her. It is Mata Mansa Devi temple is dedi- temple, near to Chandigarh is a very the neck of Lord Shiva. Vasuki Naag Jaratkaru resumed his old life as a said that she received her status as cated to the Hindu goddess Mansa popular temple in the region. a goddess from Lord Krishna who Devi, a form of Shakti (supreme One of the highlights of a visit to has also gained fame as the snake wandering hermit. used by the Devas and the Asuras in She went to Kailash and continued she worshipped at the request of mother goddess). The temple com- Mansa Devi temple is to have the the great churning of the ocean of her austerities. In this story she was her guru, Lord Shiva. In turn, Lord plex is located in the foothills of darshan (sight) of the majestic, old milk called Samudra Manthan. Nurture spiritual lifeAs- Krishna worshipped Manasa Devi, Shivalik montain range in the state peepal tree, a tree considered to be a discipleyour of Lord Shiva; her son According to folktales from Bengal tika grewmeditation up under the care tu- which exalted her to goddess status. of Haryana, India. The complex sacred in India. Because the divine through onandthe it was Manasa Devi who saved Lord torship of Lord Shiva (his guru) and Mansa Devi is known as Siddha Yo- covers a vast one hundred acres. It mother is known for her kindness, inner Light (Jyoti) and Sound is situated several kilometres outside unbounded compassion and merShiva from the deadly poison (hala- Vasuki Naag (his uncle) and fulfilled gini and Maha Jnanayuta. of the city of Chandigarh, near to cy, devotees place red and golden (Naad) andofrealise true A Graceful Goddess hala) that he drank in order to save the wishes his father,your Saint JaratMani Majra in the Panchkula dis- threads on the tree, representing creation from imminent destruchis mother, self.karu Alland events areManasa free.Devi Manasa or Mansa Devi is a form of trict. One can easily get a bus to their desires and prayers. Once the tion. This poison churned from the and the entire snake clan. Astika (as Shakti. Manasa Devi is known as milky ocean turned Lord Shiva’s destined) stopped the great sacrifice Nitya (eternal). She is described as Mani Majra from Chandigarh bus wishes or prayers are fulfilled the devotees comes back to thank Maneck blue. Thus Shiv Ji became of snakes and made peace between a very beautiful goddess with four stand. nasa Devi and untie the thread.

The great snake sacrificial fire

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22


Indian News Queensland | TRAVEL

Traditional Laad Bazar Bangles

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visit to Hyderabad, without seeing Charminar and without buying our laad Bazaar Bangles, is a waste. I would have added the once famous Salarjung Museum too, but I am told many rare pieces have found their way out of museum. Here is a photo feature by one of the brightest photographers from Warangal, Telangana. Mr Rama Madhu Gopal Rao. Gopal Rao studied photography at College of Fine Arts, Hyderabad. His work on Kakateeya Architecture was honored with Associateship from Royal Photography Society, London in 2007. He is currently pursuing a senior fellowship in photography from Ministry of Culture, Government of India. We wish to acknowledge his Photos and most of the text here. Apart from weddings, these bangles are sold around festivals like BonaluJatara, MedaramJatara, EdupayalaJatara, InavoluJatara, Kothakonda Jataraand Komuravelli Jatara. And Bathukamma Panduga. (Festival). Laad Bazaar is located in the heart of Hyderabad’s old city, which is spread around the iconic Charminar. It is always colourful and bustling with activity, particularly during Ramzan. Laad Bazaar was built by the Qutub Shahis, who founded the city of Hyderabad in the 1590s. Even in modern times, the market continues to trade in a variety of items that are a part of the standard wedding trousseau, including bangles, bridal wear and jewellery. The Laad Bazaar Bangles are made locally. They are made in small karkhanas (workshops) tucked away in narrow lanes or attached to the rear of bangle shops. There are many women and children are employed in this industry, particularly in the Talab Katta area around the Charminar. Because of this, karkhana owners are not happy to

show around the processing units. Outsiders in their premises. Though they were initially hesitant, Jaffarbhai eased up to my presence after my frequent visits, and gave me access to their karkhana. Here, I was able to witness, first-hand, the various techniques and skills involved in bangle-making, as well as the condition of the living spaces of the craftsmen working here. Most karkhanas are integrated with the craftsmen’s residences, where they live with their extended family, many of whom also receive handson training from childhood. This is how the skills and knowledge are passed down through generations in the same family. The hardware and tools needed for the craft are relatively simple and are usually custom-made locally. The raw materials used in the production of bangles are sourced from outside the state. The demand of the bangles has grown over since the 1980s. There are currently around 4,000 craftsmen working in Laad Bazaar market. However, Hyderabad is not the only city which has a legacy of bangle-making in India. They are also produced in Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh, where the industry specialises in the making of glass bangles. Though glass bangles are also made in Hyderabad, the Laad Bazaar bangles are made of lacquer. In fact, it is believed that Laad Bazaar derives its name from ‘lac’, which is the local word for lacquer. Lac is a resinous secretion produced by the ‘Kerria lacca’ insect, and the raw material is sourced from the Kusum tree also known as CeyolnOak, (Schleicheraoleosa) on which the insects are farmed. The lac is purchased from dealers in its raw form and then processed, coloured and worked through designs using slow heating. The bangles are then decorated with various glass and bead embellishments.

By Venkat Pulla

These finished bangles are then packaged and sold at the shops in Laad Bazaar, where customers can mix and match bangles to suit their liking. In addition to the shops at Laad Bazaar, bangles also find their way to festivals such as Bonalu Jatara, which falls in the month of July/August and can be seen outside temples, through mobile vendors and also during other festivals. Offering of Bangles to Goddess Maha Kali,by women along with jaggery and specially cooked ricein an earthen pot decorated with neem leaves and turmeric is a tradition in Telangana. This offering is known asbhojanam, from which the festival Bonalu gets its name. Gopal Rao’s Photos capture the bangle an icon of Hyderabad’s inclusive and syncretic culture that cuts across religious denominations as they form part of the attire of women in weddings, during Ramzan or Bonalu Jatara.

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Indian News Queensland | SPORTS

ICC World Cup: India's chances hinge on Rohit Sharma Shedding his impetuosity, Rohit Sharma is keen to anchor the innings and score big, which may well give India a sure shot at bagging the cup, writes Devashish Chakraborty

W

hen he is striding out to bat, he does not look very enchanting, to say the least. For the uninitiated, he does not inspire much as he approaches the wicket and takes his guard. But then, this is Rohit Sharma for you, India’s wise captain for one-day internationals and also for this World Cup. But he isn’t what he used to be even a few years back. That he has loads of talent, no one doubted even then and no one doubts even now. But he lacked patience back then, often playing brilliantly only to fall clumsily to a shot that was uncalled for, untimely and impetuous. However, that was Rohit of yesteryears. Today’s Rohit has mellowed down, not so much with age as with experience and sharing of responsibilities. Cut-out for the limited version What makes Rohit Sharma a different proposition in one-day international matches? This question is pertinent because quite inexplicably he has not been able to cement his place in the test team. For a batsman of his high class and stature it is intriguing indeed. But this is just a digression, for in the limited overs version of the game, he can be ruthless to the extent of being the bowlers' nightmare. On his day, Rohit can single-handedly demolish any attack on any pitch under any condition, if it is a limited overs game in progress. Nowadays he takes time to settle down and desists from playing any impetuous shot and keeps his adrenalin rush under control. Of course, he has a perfect foil in Shikhar Dhawan who is flamboyant right from the beginning of the innings. That allows Rohit to take time and get himself in for a long innings. Delectable shot maker Once he goes past a score of 40 or 50, his confidence in his shots increases to such an extent that he plays balls over the boundary ropes with consummate ease and quite frequently. His wagon wheel shows his all-round ability. He is a delight to watch when he wields his bat, unleashing delightful, wristy flicks reminiscent of VVS Lakshman in modern era and even Gundappa Vishwanath of the yore. When he

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hits the balls, they invariably stay hit, as the commentators would say. There is what has now become a cliché now while describing his batting that he exhibits lazy elegance. When he is on song he hits sixes effortlessly. At his imperial best vs Pakistan Against Pakistan the other day in a high-voltage World Cup match, he scored 140 off 113 balls, and once again gave momentum to the innings, while shouldering the responsibility of calming the nerves of KL Rahul, who was opening the innings in place of injured Shikhar Dhawan. He was at his imperial best scoring his second ton of the World Cup. In fact, it was his innings that initially rattled and then demoralized the Pakistan bowling attack, never to find their rhythm back again. The lackluster Pakistan bowling had even rubbed off on their batting which was far from convincing on a wicket that did not have demons of any proportion. India’s chances hinge on him It may not be a mere speculation to suggest that IPL captaincy for Mumbai Indians may have done him a world of good, and he treasures his wicket more than he ever did in the past. For India’s fortunes in this World Cup, Rohit’s performance in each game will be crucial, as India win more games when Rohit hits a century than when he fails to covert his scores into a big one. That he relishes big innings and changes gear in the latter half of the innings have been on display ample of times. While Virat Kohli may arguably be the best batsman in contemporary times, in one-day internationals Rohit’s innings have set the platform for India’s victory far more emphatically than anyone else's. Since Indian bowlers are doing a brilliant job with spinners joining the party against Pakistan, it is India’s batting that has to perform consistently. Meanwhile, an occasional hiccup does happen from a batting perspective, as it happened against the minnows Afghanistan. Here again Rohit’s early dismissal exposed the middle-order way too early and it wilted under pressure, underscoring the point that there may be a chink in Indian batting armour.

While Virat Kohli may arguably be the best batsman in contemporary times, in one-day versions Rohit has contributed to India’s victories far more emphatically

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IPL captaincy for Mumbai Indians may have done Rohit a world of good, making him treasures his wicket more now

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Indian News Queensland | SPORTS

INAS SIVUS INDIA

Sports for ALL For Persons with an Intellectual dis-ability

INDIA at the

2019 INAS Global Games Brisbane, 12th to 19th October, 2019 World’s largest sporting event for athletes with an intellectual disability

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Indian News Queensland | BOOKS & LITERATURE

Tamil–Oli now a part of Speak My Language program

Website of first Malyalam novel Indulekha launched

Mrs Uma Palvannan (left) and Mr Bharathi Rajendran

4

EB – Tamil Oli is broadcasting ethnic cultural programs with contribution from volunteers for more than 30 years from Brisbane. Few months back, Tamil-Oli ventured with ‘InbathamilOli’ (a Sydneybased online Tamil radio) to extend its presence across Australia. Lately, Tamil-Oli radio is being listened to by Tamil people not just from Australia, but also from the other parts of world, especially from India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Singapore. Adding to this, Tamil – Oli is now a part of "Speak My Language program", an initiative funded by the Commonwealth Government under the Dementia and Aged Care Services Fund Research and Inno-

vation Grants 2017. The main goal of this program is to provide information about healthy ageing to culturally and linguistically diverse seniors and their carers. The project harnesses the strength and scope of community radio to inform diverse communities about the Commonwealth's aged care system. This program is scheduled to broadcast for 6 weeks – every Sunday 9pm to 10pm through 4EB FM (98.1). Program features six unique topics in each segment which includes (but not limited to) My Aged Care, Dementia Stages, Elder Abuse, etc. Throughout these 6 weeks, various Tamil speaking doctors from Brisbane, aged cared experts, senior members among the community

speak about their experiences, challenges, stories and secrets for ageing well in Australia. Mr. Bharathi Rajendran from Tamil Oli team will be hosting this program along with the bilingual facilitator Mrs.Uma Palvannan. Listeners can tune into 98.1 FM to listen to this show. Alternatively, Listeners can also listen via On-Demand links which will be published in Tamil Oli’s Facebook page – Brisbane 4EB Tamil Oli Radio. For more info about Speak My Language, please visit www.speakmylanguageradio.com. To get more info on how to listen to this show, contact tamil@4eb.org.au or Facebook page – Brisbane 4EB Tamil Oli Radio.

T

he website of 'Indulekha', the first Malayalam novel by O. Chandu Menon, has been officially launched. The website was launched by renowned Koodiyattam artist Ms Kapila Venu at Abhinaya festival held at Brisbane, Australia. The great granddaughter of.Chandu Menon and founder chairperson of Chandu Menon Foundation, Dr Chaithanya Unni presided over the event. The website www.indulekha. online was launched as part of the 130th year celebration of the novel 'Indulekha'. "Malayali women have always drawn inspiration from the timeless

character Indulekha," says Kapila Venu. Video messages from K. Jayakumar IAS, Chief Patron of Chandu Menon Foundation and Dr. Rajasree Warrier, Managing Committee member were also exhibited. Chandu Menon Foundation is celebrating the 130th year of 'Indulekha' with several literary and cultural events. Chandu Menon Memorial Short Film Contest has also been announced. Entries are invited on the basis of the theme "Man Who Stands Up For A Woman". Non Resident Indians can also apply for the contest.

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To register contact:

Siva: 0409 892 025 Sabitha: 0406 477 661 Mano: 0431 375 926

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Lalita Sahasranama (lalitāsahasranāma) is a text from Brahmanda Purana. Lalita Sahasranamam contains the 1000 names of the Parvathi and it is the only Sahasranama that does not repeat a single name. Anyone who chants Lalita Sahasranama is showered with good health, wealth, prosperity and all auspicousness (sarva mangalam). Meditating on the meaning of the stotras is a means for reaching moksha. VHP strives for the ideal of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one large family) Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/IndianNewsQueensland

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Indian News Queensland | MIGRATION

Q&A session with our migration expert Question from A. Gopalan I have completed my diploma in Mechatronics from Singapore in 2005. Kindly suggest some degree courses in Australia, which have great scope but not necessary Mechatronics-related. Answer: Thank you for the email. To get student visa to Australia, basically you must prove Genuine Temporary Entrant criteria. It means that you have to prove that you are coming to Australia as student to genuinely undertake a course which is relevant in your field of study, and that upon completion, you return to your home country. In your case, it is stated in the CV that you are currently employed. Your last qualification was in 2005, and if you have any gaps between your qualification and employment, you have to convince reasonably why it occurred. Also, you require English score, at least IELTS (Academic) 6.5, and proceed with the student visa option. Many Australian universities offer bachelor level courses in Mechatronics. They have their own requirements for admission, which vary from other universities.

Question from S. Thomas I have completed one-year Master course in Australia. Is the Graduate Diploma in Public Health suitable for me to complete my two years of study in Australia and apply for 485 post study stream visa? Answer: As per regulations for Post-Study Work Stream, a graduate certificate or graduate diploma after the Masters would not satisfy Australian study requirement. The DoHA information clearly states: The student would have to meet the Australian study requirement using the Master Degree only. If the Master Degree was completed within six months prior to application for the 485 visa, this qualification could be used to meet the Australian study requirement for that visa. Question from B. Xavier I got married recently and applied for visitor visa for my spouse, but it was refused. In the decision letter it was stated I could go for AAT appeal. My doubt is, is it worth going to AAT?. Will this rejection affect the spouse visa? Can I apply one more tourist visa in the Sponsored Stream? Please clarify our doubt.

Answer: We have gone through the decision notification of the delegate. Certain statements in the visa application adversely affect the outcome as it seems the visa applicant wants to stay with her spouse in Australia through a visitor visa. This is against the objective of the visitor visa regime in Australia. The applicant must be a genuine temporary visitor in Australia when he/she comes through visitor visa. We don’t recommend you to go for AAT appeal as it may take more time to get a decision. However, you are not restricted to apply for another visitor visa. You should prove the visa applicant is genuinely visiting you for a short period. The visitor visa refusal would not affect your spouse visa application in any way. Question from R. Rocky I am 33-year-old, radiography bachelor degree holder. Currently, I am working as dental X-ray technician since 2014 in Middle East. Do I have any chance for migration to Australia?

Answer: Your qualification is an eligible academic degree to seek migration to Australia. However, the work experience would not be suitable for migration to Australia. Medical Diagnostic Radiographer is an eligible occupation for skilled migration. Dental Technician is in the state sponsored occupation list. Your role as Dental X-ray Technician may not match with substantial part of role description for Dental Technician. Hence, the state sponsorship is also difficult in this case. Question from S. Baby I am currently residing in Australia. I heard about DAMA visa for semi skilled workers, in remote area, that allow them to work for 5 years and provides pathway for residency eventually. I would like to bring my brother, a nurse by profession in India, but he couldn't meet IELTS requirement in Australia in this visa but I am not sure how to or where to start. Could you please let me know more details about this visa category and how to proceed if my brother is a good candidate for the same.

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

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Answer: Thank you for the email. We understand from your brother’s CV that he is GNM qualified nurse. He can work only as an Enrolled Nurse upon being formally registered in Australia. Please note that to work as a Enrolled Nurse or a Registered Nurse in Australia, primarily you must go through registration requirements of NMBA. To get registration, you must satisfy the English language requirement. Regarding the DAMA visa, as explained in earlier columns, you need an employer nomination to go ahead with the process. An applicant can’t lodge a visa application without a prospective employer nomination under DAMA scheme.

Email: info@tnlawyers.com Web: www.tnlawyers.com.au Skype: prathap.tnmc

JULY 2019

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Indian News Queensland | HOROSCOPE

Horoscope July 2019 Aries

Mar 20 – Apr 20 Home, family and personal security get your attention. You’ve been spending quite a while already restructuring your foundation for future success and achievement. Intellectual and mental pursuits keep inborn initiative razor sharp. Your inner cruise director is working overtime. You may spend a lot of energy playing or fall in love quite passionately. Everyday environment/activities should still be pleasant. Social life is still in high gear. Continue expressing feelings of appreciation toward special others. Anyone received a special ‘proposal’ since April? Continue to use that extra self-expressive energy to create something unique. Enlightenment comes first regarding career/public image then regarding groups/ friends/goals.

Taurus

Apr 20 – May 21 Everyday environment is ablaze with activity. Speaking, writing, and learning are top priority! You’ve been spending quite some time pursuing deeper knowledge to learn to better your existence. The home front buzzes with activity. There will be numerous conversations. Some take a nostalgic turn. Watch out for confrontations with family members. Use inborn Taurean energy to remain stable. Home renovations or starting the building of a new home is best done before Mercury goes retrograde. Financial opportunities, negotiations and investments still favored. Beautiful things and places still attract you. Enlightenment comes regarding your need to expand your personal horizons then in regard to your career/public image.

Gemini

May 21 – Jun 21 Finances/personal values undergo change. You’ve been concentrating on wealth, possessions, and self-worth for a while. What’s really important to you? Communications in your daily environment increase dramatically. That’s one of your inborn talents! Tempo of daily life accelerates. Ensure the power of your words doesn’t become a destructive weapon. Venus continues to transit your solar birth sign since April. You’re still more personable, sociable and charming. Continue asking for what you want. You might get it – at least until early August. Enlightenment comes regarding intense emotional/joint financial issues then in regard to expanding your horizons.

Cancer

Jun 21 – Jul 23 Happy Birthday, you tender, caring, nurturing crustaceans! Your new astrological year begins with Saturn still

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teaching you to look inward for honest self-evaluation in order to deal with shortcomings and weaknesses. Partnership/ relationship issues may be revealed on the 2nd. Pay attention this month to what you value in life – materially, intellectually, and spiritually. Negotiations with others concerning money or property may begin. Loved ones may need your care. Charitable activities promote soul growth. Avoid the urge to make unwise and impulsive purchases, and the tendency to force your beliefs on others. Month’s end may reveal emotional experiences more intense than usual.

Leo

Jul 23 – Aug 23 Do you dynamic lions feel as though you’ve been in a fog? It begins to clear by mid month. Then you’ll have a lot to communicate. Make use of that extra burst of energy as Mars continues transiting your birth sign until August 10th. It will be about 22 months before you get that extra burst again. Be careful not to roar too loudly! Activities with groups and with friends are increased this month. Social life is enhanced – invitations may be numerous. Interaction with women may occur often. Many of you are still working on your spirituality and learning to accept yourself for who and what you are. Enlightenment is yours this month in the areas of work and health, and then later in regard to partnership/relationship issues.

Virgo

Aug 23 – Sep 23 Practical, detailed and conscientious – that’s how you’ll operate in your group activities and in pursuing your goals and ambitions. People you associate with are a reflection of yourself. You’re still being asked to consider whether they deserve you or whether you must move on. Your ultimate life vision is still being restructured. Meditation helps open your mind to higher visions and calms edginess that’s hard to pin down. Say everything that needs to be said. Unspoken words – keeping secrets – this month might be held against you. Favorable circumstances in business and professional life arise. Enlightenment comes concerning what you love to do or possibly in romance and then regarding functions you perform on a daily basis.

cated in group activities and amongst friends. Don’t be over bearing with your burning passion for goals and ambitions. A guardian angel remains on your shoulder until the end of September. Enlightenment comes first regarding home, family or security issues, and then in regard to some romantic, creative, or pleasurable pursuit.

Scorpio

Oct 23 – Nov 22 Use your inborn need for deep involvement and intense transformations to help expand your personal horizons through metaphysical, religious, or spiritual pursuits. A new course of study helps advance your career. You’re still in a period of searching for the meaning of life. A good month for travel. Communicate what you need in your professional life. Promote your public image. Avoid petty details. Creative energy pours into your career/ public image. Watch out for conflicts with others. Intimate encounters continue with more depth and intensity. Now Venus is direct, credit applications are favorable. Enlightenment comes regarding something in your everyday environment and then concerning home or family issues.

Sagittarius

Nov 22 – Dec 22 There is a lot of intensity in your normally open and light-hearted world. You’re still learning the limitations of your own resources and how much you need to cooperate with and how much you depend on others. New courses of study not only

broaden your scope of life but they might awaken something deep in your soul. Partnership/relationship issues continue to progress smoothly. Some may finally decide to get married. Legal issues may be resolved out of court. New experiences entice you. Travel favored as long as you don’t go too far too fast. Long distance moves may be in the works. Enlightenment comes regarding finances and/or your set of values, and then concerning communications in your everyday environment.

Capricorn

Dec 23 – Jan 20 Partnership/relationship issues continue needing to be addressed. Saturn still transits your chart’s sector requiring analysis of commitments and expectations in your relationships. Look inward. Reflect on deep psychological truths. Get in touch with hidden aspects of yourself. Expect intense and profound conversations. A good month for research and investigation. Work related matters/ employee relationships continue smoothly. So does the tendency to overindulge in food and drink. Your ability to handle sudden urgent situations is being tested. Experiences yield transformation in how you assert yourself. Enlightenment comes first about personal emotional issues then in regard to your values or how you spend money.

Aquarius

Jan 20 – Feb 18 Your innovation and originality is being drawn upon at work or in your

everyday service. You’re still in a period of learning the value of daily work and service, and of keeping your body functioning in a healthy manner. Communication flows in a creative fashion in partnerships/relationships. People may enter your life that uncannily resemble and act like others you know. Fun, entertainment, and having a good time are still priorities. A new relationship could begin. Watch the tendency to get either overly passionate or angry and violent with others. Make sure conflicts that arise are worth fighting over. Enlightenment comes regarding spiritual or mystical disciplines, and then in regard to personal emotional issues.

Pisces

Feb 18 – Mar 20 Summertime is when you are drawn most to romance, creativity and pleasure. You’ve been in an extended period of exploring personal creativity and self-expression. The purpose of your existence is one of your biggest concerns. Communications abound at work or within areas of personal service. The pace of your daily rhythm accelerates. Health issues surface. Watch out for disputes and arguments with coworkers. Exercise programs benefit you now. The atmosphere at home and with family should still be pleasant. Redecoration fever still burns. Spring-cleaning taken longer than anticipated? Enlightenment comes regarding groups/friends/goals/ambitions, then regarding your higher spiritual connection.

Libra

Sep 23 – Oct 23 You’ve been quite expressive these past few months as your ruling planet has been in Gemini for an extended stay. Foreigners may be playing a key role. Consciousness-expanding experiences broaden your vision and provide personal growth through some Venusian endeavor. Your personal stage is highlighted. Personal reputation becomes public. Your creative words will be communi-

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Indian News Queensland | WHAT’S ON

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Indian News Queensland | WHAT’S ON Tamil Association Queensland (Inc.) ��ன்ஸ்லாந் � த�ழ் சங் கம் (இைண) வழங் �ம் …

�ைளயாட்� �ழா

SPORTS CARNIVAL 2019

ெநாண்� (Hopscotch)

இற�ப் பந் தாட்டம் (Badminton)

ைகப் பந் தாட்டம் (Volleyball)

க�� இ�த்தல் (Tug of war) மகளிர் ��ப் பாட்டம்

ேபணிப் பந் � (Tin can & ball)

தாயம் (Dice game)

(Women’s cricket) பல் லாங் �� (Mancala)

On Saturday, 6th of July 2019

@ Centenary State High School 1 Moolanda St, Jindalee QLD4074 From 9am to 5pm

Open for all event. Men, women & Kids will be categorised as per the gender, age & sport depending on the number of entries. Volley ball winners & Women Cricket winners to receive perpetual trophies along with individual recognition. Each sport winners will be awarded with individual trophies. You can register as Individual or Family or as a team

Please report by 8:o0am for 8:30 am start. No late comers are allowed & no refund will be made. Lunch & Drinks available for purchase for a reasonable price. Please follow the link https://forms.gle/3J1YTTcjLvYtDWik9 to fill out the attached form with choice of your games & send it before 22nd June 2019 to the email tamilassnqld@gmail.com For further details: Contact: Jeyanthira Kumar: 0432168310, Balu: 0413914894, Saipriyaa: 0474266722

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Mahayaj Sponsorship For your Donation towards Yajna sponsorship of $250 please kindly contact: Mr. Jitendra Deo - 32733029 / 0411 798 012 Mr Sunil Dutt– 5513 3410 Mr. Sandeep Kumar - 0451 569 712 Please pre-register your interest to participate in the Yaj so that organisers can make arrangements. This is a fundraising event.

Havan Yaj ceremony is one of the most important rites laid down in the Vedic scriptures for householders and is part of the eternal Sanatan Vedic Dharm/culture. Yaj is the cornerstone of the Vedic way of life .The benefits of Havan/agnihotra are multi-dimensional . ALL WELCOME

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Indian News Queensland | WHAT’S ON

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Indian News Queensland | BOLLYWOOD

Indian Movies Coming Soon Chal Mera Putt (Punjabi with English subtitles)

Baaji

RELEASE DATE: 26 July 2019 Producer: Karaj Gil Director:Janjot Singh Cast: Amrinder Gill, Iftikhar Thakur Nasir Chinyoti, Simi Chahal

Khamoshi RELEASE DATE: 15 August 2019

Mission Mangal tells the story of scientists at Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) who contributed to the Mars Orbiter Mission, which marked India's first interplanetary expedition. Director: Jagan Shakti Cast: Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan, Taapsee Pannu, Nithya Menen and Sonakshi Sinha

One Day Justice Delivered RELEASE DATE: 28 June, 2019 An upcoming action thriller film revolves around an investigation by a police officer (played by Esha Gupta), into the vanishing of important persons in a state capital. The music of the film was composed by Joy-Anjan,VikrantParijat, Rishi Singh. Director: Ashok Nanda Cast: Anupam Kher, Esha Gupta, Kumud Mishra, Anusmriti Sarkar Producer: Ketan Patel and Swati Singh

Munda Hi Chahida RELEASE DATE: 12 July 2019 The film revolves around Dharminder who lives with his father and grandmother and has three sisters and two daughters. He feels suffocated surrounded by females in his home and outside and wants a son as his next child. He becomes superstitious and acts as a pregnant father acting on the advice from a local sadhu. This film narrates his ordeal and him eventually growing out of his selfishness and rigidity. Director: Santosh Subhash Thite and Deepak Thaper Producer: Neeru Bajwa and Shri Narotam Ji Films Cast: Harish Verma , Rubina Bajwa

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RELEASE DATE: 28 June, 2019 Baaji is a thrilling and a dramatic tale set against the background of a fading Lollywood and the emergence of a new order in Pakistani cinema. The story focuses on a fading star, Shameera, who yearns to make a comeback, and her relationship with a young girl, Neha, from inner city Lahore, who has big dreams of her own. The story takes a turn when a Pakistani-American director who has just completed his maiden venture in Hollywood comes to Lahore to be a part of the revival of the local film industry. Searching for a classic face, he chooses Shameera for the film. And so begins the a high-voltage story of desire, ambition and betrayal. Director: Saqib Malik Cast: Meera, Amna Ilyas, Osman Khalid Butt, Mohsin Abbas Haider, Ali Kazmi, Nisho, Nayyar Ejaz

Hume Tumse Pyaar Kitna A film about obsession and infatuation of Dhruv (a young and handsome bookshop owner) and his romantic attraction to Ananya, a beautiful, attractive author/ professor residing in the enchanting hills of Manali. His love for Ananya entails obsessive thoughts and fantasies of her and a desire to form a relationship with her. But he is heart broken when Ranveer, a hotelier in Manali with a striking personality, and Ananya are RELEASE DATE: engaged. His love is not 28 June, 2019 reciprocated and he feels violated. How he tries to get Director: Lalit Mohan the woman he wants, in his Cast: Karanvir Bohra, own strange and obsessive Priya Banerjee, Sameer way, is the theme of this film. Kochar

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Indian News Queensland | BOLLYWOOD

Salman helped me during Bharat, says Sunil Grover

Shah Rukh Khan to attend 2019 Indian Film Festival in Melbourne

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ollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is slated to be the special guest at the 2019 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM). He is likely to attend the IFFM Awards Night on August 8 and will officially announce its opening the next day on August 9. Shah Rukh Khan has starred in over

80 Bollywood films and is the recipient of many awards, including 14 Filmfare Awards. For his contributions to Indian cinema, the Indian government has honoured him with the Padma Shri. He has also been awarded both the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and the Légion d'honneur by the French government.

Photo courtesy Facebook

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ctor-comedian Sunil Grover, who starred recently in Salman KhanKatrina Kaif ’s Bharat, has said Salman often assisted him by improvising on the sets and even supported him during the shoot. Sunil was Salman’s best friend in the film, which also saw other stars like Katrina Kaif and Jackie Shroff.

Incidentally, Bharat has done very well at the box office in India. Sunil felt the pressure of acting alongside a big star like Salman Khan, but was all praise for him. He is seen mostly doing comedy-related roles in present times, but he says he is ready to take up a serious and intense role if he is offered one.

Will serve as an Not responsible inspiration, Anupam Kher for delay in Sacred on his autobiography Games 2 release: V Saif Ali Khan Sunil Grover Salman Khan

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ctor Saif Ali Khan has denied media reports that popular Netflix series Sacred Games 2 has been delayed because of him. Saif, who is playing a cop in the series, which also features Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Pankaj Tripathi, has said that

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Netflix may have their reasons to move the release date ahead, as all the actors have already completed their assigned jobs. Some media reports claim that Netflix wants to make the most of the popularity of Huma Qureshi-starrer series, Leila, before releasing Sacred Games 2.

eteran Bollywood actor Anupam Kher has authored his autobiography titled Lessons Life Taught Me, Unknowingly with the firm conviction that it would inspire and set people, especially those from small towns, in the right direction. Earlier, Anupam had also presented his life through a stage play Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai. The National Award-winning actor is in favour of an optimistic attitude. The 64-year-old actor had made his debut in Saaransh, way back in 1984 and in his 35 years of journey in the film world he has acted in over 500 Bollywood films. Recently he has acted in The Accidental Prime Minister, a film based on former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The actor has also had stints in the Hollywood industry, including Silver Linings Playbook and Bend it Like Beckham.

Anupam Kher

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Indian News Queensland | BOLLYWOOD

Rani Mukherji all The curtain falls With the demise of Girish Karnad, a glorious chapter for socially-relevant ofan Indian literature, theatre and cinema has come to end movies, will star in Mardaani 2

Besides his literary prowess, Karnad also served as the director of the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India and as the chairman of the Sangeet Natak Akademi

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ani Mukerji, whose movie Hichki last year was much appreciated by critics and fans alike, has revealed that she is picking films that along with striking a social conversation also become box office hits. She thanks her lucky stars for being able to select the scripts from the ones offered to her. She is also thankful to the directors and the writers for selecting her for a role and for giving her the script that suits her. The 41-year-old actor is all

Rani Mukherji

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for making socially-relevant movies. Besides Hichki Rani had played the role of a specially-abled person in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Black, in which she played the role of a blind and deaf woman, and bagged Filmfare award for Best Actress. Rani Mukerji will be next seen in Mardaani 2, which will see the directorial debut of Gopi Puthran. The release date of the film has not yet been finalised. Child trafficking will be the theme of Mardaani 2, just like Mardaani.

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hen one of the stalwarts among Indian playwrights Girish Karnad (81) breathed his last on June 10, his last rites were anything but spectacular. There were no politicians, film stars, directors or bureaucrats in attendance to offer floral tributes to the mortal remains of what was once a spectacular literary career. Common people were not making a beeline for the last glimpse of the celebrated actor, director and litterateur. There was also no arrangement for a state funeral for one of Kannada’s prominent figures. No priests were called in and hence no religious rituals were conducted. It was a private affair, just as Karnad had scripted for the last act of his life. It all ended without any media glare and publicity. His Early Life In his autobiography, Adadata Ayusha, Karnad writes that there was an occasion when his parents had considered terminating his mother’s pregnancy, while he was in her womb. But, as was ordained, the doctor did not turn up even after a long wait, and the idea was subsequently dropped. This is precisely why Karnad dedicates his autobiography to the doctor, Madhumalati Gune, who did not turn up that day to abort his mother’s pregnancy. Rest is, of course, history, for the boy grew up to afford his parents enough reason to thank Providence for what did not happen that fateful day. That Karnad did not approve of religious ceremonies post his passing is not very difficult to fathom. His father, a doctor by profession who conducted post-mortems, was an atheist himself and detested any religious ceremonies. That they belonged to a Brahmin family did not

deter them from keeping their distance from Brahmin priests, whom the father did not hold in high esteem. Karnad’s early life in Sirsi, Karnataka, instilled into him a sense of secularism, and in Dharwad, also in Karnataka, he was initiated into the world of literature and drama. He graduated in Mathematics and Statistics from Karnataka University and pursued Philosophy, Politics and Economics as Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford. His Contribution to Literature Initially, Karnad aspired to be an English poet; however, he ended up becoming a Kannada playwright. His first play, Yayati, the tale of a mythological king, was written in 1960, when he was still in Oxford. However, his creation Tughluq (1964), the story of the 14th century sultan of Delhi, Muhammad Bin Tughlaq, made him scale the heights of literary fame. This play was staged in multiple Indian languages by several theatre companies. For his contribution to theatre, he

was awarded the Padma Shri (1974) and the Padma Bhushan (1992). He was also honoured with the Jnanpith award for his contribution to literature. Besides his literary prowess, he also served as the director of the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India and as the chairman of the Sangeet Natak Akademi. Karnad ---- the Activist Karnad was not just the sort of personality who would be lost in the world of fiction and drama. He was also a critic of what happened in Indian society and politics. He was against the caste system, and vehemently criticized the rightwing’s aggressive form of nationalism, which found expression in the murders of journalists such as Gauri Lankesh, who spoke loudly against the ruling party’s Hindutva agenda. And his sensibilities did not end here. He was also an environmental activist and had recently participated in a protest against cutting of 800 trees to construct a bridge in Bengaluru.

One of the stalwarts of Indian playwrights Girish Karnad (81) breathed his last on June 10

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