Indian Weekender 1 April 2016

1 April, 2016 • Vol. 8 Issue 2 • www.iwk.co.nz

NZ’s first Kiwi-Indian weekly newspaper

The pulse of Kiwi-Indians

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“WE WILL RISE AGAIN”

They say all good things must come to an end and so it was for the Black Caps’ magical run at the World Twenty20 in India 50 deliveries between Roy and Alex Hales (20). Hales departed when he mistimed a Mitchell Santner delivery into the hands of Colin Munro at long-on, but the early momentum kept England in good stead.

Leg-spinner Inderbir Singh (Ish) Sodhi gave the Kiwi fans a glimmer of hope by sending back Roy and England captain Eoin Morgan off consecutive deliveries in the 13th over. But that did not prove to be enough to carry New Zealand through.

Jos Buttler brought up the winning runs and underlined England’s dominance in spectacular fashion by pulling a Santner delivery into the stands beyond the midwicket fence.

Sodhi registered figures of 4/42 in his four overs, while Santner (1/28) was the only other New Zealand bowler to claim a wicket.

Earlier, asked to bat first, New Zealand posted a competitive total of 153/8 in their 20 overs.

The Kiwis should have got a bigger total, but England did well to take wickets regularly in the latter half of the innings to restrict their opponents. Munro put in a useful knock for New Zealand with the bat, scoring 46 runs off 32 balls with seven

boundaries and a six.

Experienced pacer Ben Stokes was the most successful among the England bowlers with figures of 3/26. Willey handed England an early breakthrough as Martin Guptill lashed out at one that shaped away only to see the edge carry to Jos Buttler behind the stumps.

Munro and Kane Williamson proceeded to lay the foundation for a competitive total with a 74-run partnership in 50 balls.

Williamson perished through an easy caught and bowled effort by Ali after tossing a skier to mid-off. Plunkett had his revenge on Munro in his second spell when the Kiwi left-hander went after a delivery, which was well outside off, only to slice it to Ali at third man.

That seemed to slow down the New Zealand run rate a bit. Ross Taylor did not last long, snapped up by Eoin Morgan off Chris Jordan’s bowling in the 17th over.

Anderson seemed to be in good knock, scoring 28 off 22 deliveries. But his dismissal in the 18th over ended Kiwi hopes of amassing a big total. The result brings to an end what has been an impressive tournament for the Blackcaps, if not ultimately successful.

Some of the team will return to New Zealand, while many will stay on for the start of the IPL. With this tournament Nathan McCullum also retires officially and will be truly missed.

Expressing their feelings about the tournament, Blackcaps, in their official statement said, “It’s been a great ride and the entire Blackcaps unit has appreciated all the support from around the world and particularly back home in New Zealand.

Late nights and early mornings on behalf of the boys has been an awesome effort.

Losing hurts but hope we did enough to make you proud and we will rise again.”

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ngland produced a dominant performance to deny New Zealand by seven wickets in their World Twenty20 semi-final at the Ferozeshah Kotla Stadium in New Delhi on Thursday morning (NZT).

New Zealand were the only unbeaten team in the group stage and were expected to put up a strong fight. But England were far superior with both bat and ball on a pitch that was not too easy to bat on.

Needing 154 runs to book their tickets for Sunday’s title clash, England overhauled the target in 17.1 overs.

Opener Jason Roy played a starring role with the bat for England, plundering 78 runs off 44 balls. The 25-year-old righthander hit 11 boundaries and a couple of sixes during his innings.

England, who won the World T20 in 2010, are thus in line for their second title in the shortest format of the game.

In the final, they will meet the winner of the second semi-final between India and West Indies which will be played in Mumbai on Friday early morning (NZT).

The former winners were boosted by a quick opening partnership of 82 runs in

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ICG’s Easter mela

Keep the NZ flag flying

Gaurav Sharma

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or the first time, a democratic process took place where the future of the country’s flag was decided by the citizens. Now that the mandate is out, it is time to put speculations and accusations around the flag referendum to rest.

There have been various theories that have been floating around the flag referendum, which neither does any justice nor does it respect the democratic opinion and the pluralistic ideas in our society.

Calling this referendum a brainchild of one person and trying to associate it with a person’s intended legacy is questioning the wisdom of nearly 43% of the voters who wanted a change in flag.

This referendum was a once in a lifetime opportunity, which polarised the people of this country on a long pending political and emotional issue that allowed them to take a strong stand. It paved the way to rest the issue with dignity, which has been hovering around us for a long time now.

While there have been many sets of teeth clenched on the 26 million dollars spent, one needs to look at the positive aspects that the entire process has brought out too. The flag referendum was definitely not flawed and the testament to that is the strong 900,000 votes that the new flag received. To see the Lockwood flag still flying on the houses, vehicles, etc., even after many days of result coming out makes a statement in itself.

One also needs to understand that the entire process transpired only because

56.6% This referendum was a once in a lifetime opportunity, which polarized the people of this country on a long pending political and emotional issue that allowed them to take a strong stand there was a general discontentment regarding the existing flag among some major sections in the society. To blame it on the current government and specifically, John Key would serve no purpose. One should actually congratulate John Key from playing a pivotal role in bringing the issue out for open debate and resting it, once

43.2% for all. Finally, it is also important to note that though some people were reluctant to take a stand on the matter initially, eventually joined the national debate.

Proof for that would be the major increase in percentage of people voting at different phases of voting during the whole process.

While the first referendum to pick the alternate design saw 49% of the registered voters taking part, 67.3% took part in the final referendum.

If anything, this referendum has only increased the value and the standing of the flag. Although the flag remains same after the referendum, it now has the stamp of being a first democratically elected flag in the world making it much stronger and bolder than before.

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ndian group in Christchurch. The city-based Indian Cultural Group (ICG) successfully hosted the Easter Mela 2016 on March 27 at the Pioneer Sports and Recreation Centre—a first of its kind event to be organised.

With more than 800 people attending and established stars of the Punjabi music scene such as Sharry Mann and Ninja enthralling the crowds, the event carried on for almost six hours.

The two, along with a few upcoming singers from Punjab and six local singers from Christchurch and Auckland, made sure that the crowd got a mix of tunewith-the-times trendy Punjabi songs, romantic melodies and traditional Punjabi folk numbers.

Sandeep Sachdev, president of ICG, said, “Our goal was to fuse Easter celebrations with an Indian melalike atmosphere, which by all accounts we succeeded in doing. Apart from the concert on stage, we had food stalls and shops selling traditional Punjabi clothing and footwear. It took our almost 50 volunteers close to three months to put the show together. I am most heartened by the fact that we were able to give our local talent the chance to sing alongside the Punjabi greats.”

A meet-and-greet session was alos organised with Sharry Mann. Event coordinator Rajwinder Singh said, “While other singers have left for Australia to carry on with their commitments there, Sharry will be performing in Tauranga on April 2”.

The event was also held in Auckland at Vodafone Events Centre with the same artists and was a houseful show.

In Auckland, the event was organised by 5Rivers Productions.

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Religious Diversity Centre launched in Wellington

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IWK Bureau

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eligious Diversity Centre (RDC), a centre set up by Religious Diversity Trust, was launched on Wednesday, March 30, in the Grand Hall of New Zealand Parliament by former Prime Minster Rt Hon Helen Clark.

The RDC will be a national centre of education and research excellence fostering an appreciation for and understanding of religious diversity among all New Zealanders. It will provide training and professional development for those working in a multicultural, multi-religious environment, high-quality research and educational opportunities. It will also offer a point of call for expert advice on issues of religious diversity for policymakers and media. As Prime Minister, Helen Clark supported New Zealand’s National Statement on Religious Diversity and was instrumental in New Zealand becoming one of the four sponsoring nations of the Regional Interfaith Dialogue that involved 15 Asia-Pacific countries. The former Prime Minister graciously accepted to be the Patron of the RDC. “The time has come for a Centre that ensures accurate information is available about New Zealand’s religious communities and the issues that impact on them—and on us all,” said Centre Chairperson Jocelyn Armstrong. “If sound knowledge feeds into wide public discussion then quality policymaking can be achieved for the country.”

Concerns raised over the absence of a Hindu representative Hindu Council of New Zealand (HCNZ) has questioned the absence of

a representative from Dharma-based communities such as Hindu and Buddhist in the board of trustees. No religion accounts for the largest following in New Zealand and is also missing from the set of trustees.

In view of this, Hindu Organisations, Temples and Associations (HOTA) Forum in New Zealand organised a meeting on March 11 in Mangere, Auckland to discuss the establishment of RDC. The participants raised concerns over the absence of Hindu and Buddhist representatives from the trust board, the lack of gender diversity, the similarities/differences and relationships between the newly formed RDT, the Interfaith Council that exists in multiple cities in the country and the New Zealand Federation of Multicultural Councils, and the selection process for the current board of trustees.

The Hindu community significantly contributes in the field of education, health, science and technology, economy and administration, and the absence of a Hindu perspective on the trust board creates a risk of not defining and interpreting the Hindu Dharma society and culture.

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Safe cycling–we all win Red

Barry Coates Green Party

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cycle fairly quickly, so maybe the driver just didn’t realise that a cyclist would be coming up so fast. Whatever the reason, she pulled out from a side street right in front of me. I braked hard, swerved, and just managed to avoid her. She drove off and I was left shaking, thinking about how close I had come to being another cycling statistic on our roads. I still cycle every day, but I worry about accidents.

According to the New Zealand Transport Agency, concern over safety is the main reason for a huge decline in the number of New Zealand children who walk or cycle to school. In 1989, half of all kids walked or cycled to school and only a third were dropped off by car. These proportions have now reversed. If you visit a school around 8:30 a.m. or 3:30 p.m. you will see the huge queue of cars driven by parents dropping off and picking up children. This not only worsens road safety but also adds to road congestion, climate emissions and child health and obesity problems.

There is a better way. The Green Party is calling for a change in transport policy.

The priority should shift from building more and more roads to give priority to alternatives—more frequent buses and trains, and safer cycling and walking. This would also reflect some of the changes

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already going on in cities such as Auckland where there has been a big rise in people using trains, buses and bikes, rather than cars. More government investment in better alternatives would give people choice and help an even faster shift away from our dependence on cars.

Better options for school children is an obvious starting point. The Green Party proposes investment in safe walking and cycling infrastructure, a 30km/hour speed limit as the default around schools, and joint work with communities and schools to identify safe routes and encourage kids and parents to use them.

T h e s e are smart Green

policies. They are affordable, good for people, good for the economy and good for the environment. It’s time for a change.

We need new thinking and new ways to improve our quality of life.

See www.greens.org.nz for details of our Safe to School policy.

Barry Coates is next on the Green Party list to get into Parliament. He is setting up a Sustainability Programme at the University of Auckland Business School, and was the former CEO of Oxfam New Zealand.

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Syro-Malabar Catholic Community of Kerala celebrates Easter

Syro–Malabar Catholic Community of Kerala celebrates Easter

Gaurav Sharma

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he Syro-Malabar Catholic Community—a soon-tobe-registered non-profit and consisting mainly of members from the Malayalee (hailing from Kerala) Christian community of Christchurch—celebrated Easter and marked Good Friday last weekend.

The 350-strong gathering on Good Friday and Easter Sunday at St Bernadette’s Catholic Church in Christchurch was the community’s largest celebration till date.

“Christians around the world celebrate the occasion marking the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. On Friday, we had a

two-hour holy mass during which verses from the Bible about the crucifixion were read out.

“On Saturday night, devotees gathered around 11:30 at the church to attend the midnight mass. It carried on till early morning on Sunday,” informed Renju George, one of the main organisers of the event.

Bipin Joy, who has been in Christchurch since 2012 and was earlier a member of the church choir added, “Our next event will take place in May, which is celebrated as the Month of Mother Mary. We will be observing Marian feast days for the celebration of events in the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary and her veneration.”

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Holi celebrations in Christchurch Gaurav Sharma

holika dahan being carried out, and people applying gulaal tikkas on each other. The event took place at our Association’s home in Ferry Road and ended with a light supper,” informed Ramesh Bhana, president of the CIA.

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he Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam S w a m i n a r a y a n Sanstha (BAPS) organised Holi celebrations in the Swaminarayan temple in Christchurch on March 20.

Sanjay Patel, secretary of BAPS in Christchurch, informed, “We had a gathering of about 200 people, who participated in bhajan-kirtans.

“Rang and gulaal were also at hand for those who wanted to put colourful tikkas on each other.

Some light refreshments were also served in the end.”

But importantly, he added, “Our celebrations involved dressing the idols of gods and goddesses in the holi theme with them holding pichkaris.

It was symbolic of Bhagwaan Swaminarayan playing Holi with

The BAPS Holi celebration in Christchurch

all of us, the bhaktjans. The joy of getting immersed in the colours of his bhakti is unparalleled.”

Christchurch Indian Association The Christchurch Indian Association (CIA) also organised its Holi celebrations for the first time ever.

“Almost 60 people attended the event, which saw a pooja being performed, a symbolic

Christchurch Fiji Association The Christchurch Fiji Association (Cfcessa) organised a Fiji Faag night on March 23.

“Supported by NZ Flames Barber, the Faag mandali carried on till late night.

Fiji-Indian has this tradition where we sing faag (Holi-related folk songs) on the full-moon night holika is set on fire. This is also carried on the next morning during dhuleti when all of us play with colours.

The faag mandalis visit homes of friends and relatives, exchanging sweets, applying colours and playing music,” Vinesh Prakash, secretary of the Association informed.

An Indian team wins the afternoon grade cricket Gaurav Sharma

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arist Harewood Eco Travels 3B cricket team, comprising players from India and one from Pakistan, has been declared winners of the afternoon grade cricket in Christchurch in the just concluded season.

Organised by the Christchurch Metropolitan Cricket Association (CMCA)—the organisation that looks after the adult club and youth cricket

Marist Harewood Eco Travel 3B cricket team—winner of afternoon grade in Christchurch

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in the city—and spanning more than six months from October to March, the tournament saw teams playing more than 20 matches each.

And incredibly, Team Marist Harewood, which played 21 matches in all, lost only one match throughout the season in its journey to becoming the CMCA 3B Grade and Cup Champions.

Allen Surendar, captain of the team, who came to Christchurch in 2009 from Tamil Nadu and works with the City Council noted, “We formed this team in 2011 and this is the first time we have managed to lift the trophy. We came pretty close last year, though.”

The icing on the cake was team member Shafeeq Ismail winning the Marist Harewood Cricket Club’s coveted trophy for the most successful bowler across all grades. He took 36 wickets in the entire season.

According to CMCA, out of the total 125 cricket teams across all grades in Christchurch, around six to eight have mostly Indian players. These teams are mainly from Marist Harewood, East Christchurch Shirley, Addington and Halswell cricket clubs.

“And this is the first time an Indian team has won the afternoon grade tournament making our win sweeter. What would be even better if Dhoni lifts the World T20 Cricket Cup later this week. A final between the Black Caps and Team India would be a dream come true,” concluded Surendar.

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Four tips to help your children become readers Black

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nternational Children’s Book Day is celebrated around the world on April 2 and getting ready to flick through some of his favourite books, is Year 3 student from Auckland, Rudra Patel.

He may only be nine years old but Rudra is a passionate learner who is confidently studying English and Maths material usually seen in high school at his local Kumon Centre.

His mum, Sejal, said, “Rudra has exceeded all our expectations. On the second day of school, his principal called us and said that Rudra was far ahead of his age and he knows lots of things and that was very good to hear.”

Part of Rudra’s academic success is due to his love of reading. When Rudra and his little sister finish their Kumon for the day, they like to relax with a book. “We all do homework together and then we get to enjoy reading books. That’s what we did yesterday. I finished all my work so today I’m just reading and writing and resting,” he said.

Here are a few tips to help you instil the same love of books and reading in your children.

1. Give your children a number of book options and let them pick the book they most want to read. This gives children a sense of ownership making it more likely they will want to read and finish the book. For a list of recommended books for young readers, visit www. readtogether.com.au.

2. Set a strong example by ensuring your children are able to see you

read your own books and regularly discuss reading with your children. As one Kumon student said, “I saw dad reading and thought that it looked interesting so it made me want to start reading too!”

3. Have books readily available around the house and within your children’s reach. It can also be helpful to create a relaxing reading space around the house and to get in the habit of making books a possible activity if your children feel bored or tired.

4. And, of course, reading aloud to your children for just 10 minutes a day, whether in English or another language, is still one of the best ways to encourage their love of reading.

For more tips and information about reading to your children, visit www. readtogether.com.au or get in contact with your local Kumon Centre by calling 0800 458 666.

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ADVERTORIAL

1 April 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Customers make GFS the top mortgage adviser in NZ Red

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ecently, Global Financial Services celebrated its 17th anniversary. In as competitive an industry as mortgages, it is truly an achievement for a business with just a single professional mortgage adviser not only to survive for so long but also to claim the highest value of mortgages in the country in a single year.

The core philosophy

Whenever we have met Mr Ajay Kumar, not even once has he not mentioned GFS’ core philosophy—“We always depend upon the customer, the customer never depends on us. If the customer gives us a chance to serve them, in fact, they are obliging us and not the other way around. We are nothing without our customers.” Ajay believes that it is this philosophy that has made him the biggest mortgage adviser in NZ.

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Since 1999, GFS has been helping Kiwis realise their dreams by helping them get loans to purchase their first home, investment property, business or commercial property.

Over the last 16+ years, GFS has seen and handled just about every type of scenario imaginable when it comes to lending. This rich experience and their focus on ‘Customer First’ mantra has made them stand out from the competition and win various accolades from the industry. Here, congratulating them on their 17th anniversary, we profile the company and their unique achievements.

Swati Sharma

When asked the single most important reason for this success, GFS Managing Director Ajay Kumar said, “If we look after our customers, they will look after us.”

In this article, Indian Weekender shares with readers the success story of the country’s top mortgage adviser, what makes them different from others and what is coming up next.

Time and again, advertisers make claims of being number one but how can customers find out who is actually number one? We have been reading stories about GFS being the top mortgage advisers in the country so we went on to find out what their claims are based upon: Are they really number one? We found out that there is not just one but many aspects that make GFS better than others in the industry.

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Don’t focus just on small benefit but focus on totality and see who is saving you more money, who is making you mortgage free sooner. Talk to everyone, but go to the one who is making you home-owner sooner.

Tailor-made solutions

Many of you must be thinking that there are many mortgage advisers in Auckland these days, then why should one go to GFS? What makes them different?

“We think that no two customers are the same. Each has different financial

needs and priorities. Hence, we can’t apply one formula to everybody. Here at GFS, we give each of our customers a tailor-made solution, one that suits their priorities and which is in their best interest. We consider our customer as our family, which they can put their trust in,” says Ajay.

We agree with Ajay here. With money matters, we think, anybody would want to take advice or help only from someone they can trust as their own, who will save them from any kind of monetary loss. And this quality of GFS certainly proves them different than others in the market.

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ADVERTORIAL

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“When the customer approaches us and then the bank offers its terms and conditions, we negotiate with the bank to improve it.

“Being constantly in touch with most of the banks and aware of what is happening in the property and financial markets, GFS is able to compare the best deals being offered by different banks. As deals vary from application to application, GFS is able to negotiate a better deal based on customer needs.

“The market today is based on three factors: cash back, discount on the rate of interest and in insurance— cheaper premium. But if you calculate the actual gain, it is not much. For example, your loan is of $500,000 and one bank offers you an interest rate of 4.29 per cent while another bank offers 4.19 per cent rate of interest. Of course, 4.19 is lesser than 4.29 per cent but the benefit to the customer on a $500,000 loan is only $500 a year which is less than $10 a week, not much.

“GFS goes a step further. It focuses on reducing your interest cost and that too within your capacity and without imposing any new condition on you.

It does it by reducing the term of your loan without increasing your fixed loan instalment.”

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NZ Herald writes about GFS delivering excellent customer service “Dedication and devotion only towards customer service, from day one, is the most important reason behind our success,” says Ajay.

Ajay says that their customers are their family and it is their responsibility to look after their family.

“We develop long term relationships with our customers. We understand their needs, their financial priorities and work hard for them till they are satisfied. If we look after our customer, the customer will look after us. Their satisfaction will boost our brand image in the market and society. This also helpsthe banks get good quality customers through us. So, in our model customer is on the top of it and rest all falls together with that.”

It won’t be hyperbolized to say that considering their customer as God and serving them well has in turn paid-off them quite well.

Helped us get on track with finances and proper insurance! Feeling very confident our family is now moving in the right direction.

Highly recommend their service. GFS team instilled the confidence in me with their proper financial advice.”

Unique plans that save interest “GFS has a unique system to reduce your loan term and save interest without increasing your loan repayment instalment, by using the capacity of the customer which is different for everyone. We have successfully used it since 1999 and nearly 3,000 customers have benefitted from it.”

Latest technology for addressing customer needs

The other reason why GFS is able to do it is its proprietary CRM software that they have developed ground up to help their clients according to their needs.

Technology has been one of the main reasons behind the success of GFS. Ajay says that their CRM software has been developed by their own team, which enables them to upgrade it as and when the needs of their customers change.

The latest addition in their tech-tools is the recently launched chat window on the GFS website. This interactive tool helps customers or visitors get quick answers to their queries related to mortgage and insurance. This is certainly helpful when you are looking for some information on the website but can’t find it. GFS has a dedicated team to handle the queries on the chat window and you will get an instant reply to your questions.

GFS recently also implemented IP telephony and call recording system that helps the customer provide voice authorisation over the phone itself.

This system has significantly saved the time of the customer from nearly five days to five minutes depending on their requirements.

For illustration, in the above example itself, if we reduce your loan term by even one year, on a loan of $500,000 at a rate interest of four per cent, you save interest costs of $20,000 per year which is much greater than saving $500 a year. If we save five years, it is saving $100,000 in interest for you.

The GFS difference is to achieve this without increasing your fixed loan instalment and according to the capacity of the customer. If the customer requests, we can provide the Interest Saver Plan in writing. The customer can check on an ongoing basis how they are progressing in paying off their mortgage faster as well as the interest saved. For any queries customers are welcome to meet us for ongoing support and guidance. For all these services there is no extra fee charged to the customer.

“The savings typically range around a hundred thousand dollars depending on the customer’s financial needs and capacity. In some cases, customers can even save up to a million dollars.”

“So Global, along with focusing on small details, targets at the bigger benefits to the customer without any additional cost.

Our claim is there in writing and we take responsibility until you become mortgage free, until you finish the loan—and that too at no cost to you, our valued customer.

“I can’t see any other mortgage service provider offering this type of service and which is what GFS takes pride in.”

So if you have chosen GFS as your mortgage or insurance adviser, you can rest assured that they will be there with you whenever you need them, now and always.

Social media to communicate better with customers Social media has taken over the major mode of communication from past few years now.

Hence, GFS has been actively communicating with their customers and clients through Facebook since last year.

On their Facebook page launched in June 2015, they have received more than 90 five star reviews from their customers. Add to it, they have 29 reviews on Google+. Again it’s probably the highest number for any mortgage advisor in New Zealand.

Better employer

The reason behind GFS’ excellent customer service is their team who takes care of their customers’ needs and stays in regular touch. Most of the team members at GFS are migrants. GFS has strived to be amongst the best employers in the KiwiIndian community. It provides some of the best career and growth opportunities to immigrants who are well educated and have rich overseas experience. It is also one of the best paymasters for new immigrants—paying them top dollar.

Hence, most of their staff are well qualified graduates from reputed universities and professionals who have had management experience in top banks or multinational corporates.

Ajay says, “Every employer wants to hire people with local experience but do not count their international experience.

However, at GFS, I am proud to say that 90 per cent of our team do not have local experience but their output is much better than the others. We give jobs to those too who have overseas experience. We did $825 million of business in last 12 months.

This only proves one thing that the overseas

experience is no less effective and valuable than local experience.”

GFS provides both financial and training support to its employees for studying while working. It also encourages them to attend industry conferences and webinars so that they can provide the latest market updates to their customers.

“When we hire people, we make them mortgage or insurance specialists with training,” adds Ajay.

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ADVERTORIAL

Winner of

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1 April 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Global Financial Services Ltd GFS—the most decorated Red

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Each of the rooms at the GFS office is graced with awards and accolades. The total number of awards the company has won to date is 29 in the past eight years—much more than what other competitors boast of. These include awards from leading banks, insurance companies and business awards sponsored by ANZ, ASB, Westpac (Auckland Chambers and ATEED), BNZ (INLIBA) and AIA Insurance.

Savingofinterest cost on your loans | Delivering greatbanks customer | Advice tailored “There are thousands mortgage advisers in New Zealand and currently, are theservice only entity that keep recordstoofyour all of needs them. If they are you to families their continuous support years! saying that we are number one,Thank then I think all4,000+ other claims made for by any other company do not havefor any16+ merit.

These awards are definitely a motivation for us.”

Trusted to be the best...

Ajay Kumar receiving the supreme business award from HonourableGovernor General and the Honourable Prime Minister ion 2010.

Best Financial Adviser Award

(Mortgage & Insurance) BNZ- Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards 2015

Excellence in Customer Service Award

No. 1 Mortgage Adviser Awards

Westpac Auckland Business Awards 2015 - Auckland South

ANZ Bank ASB Bank

New Zealand’s top mortgage & insurance advisers… Looking after your family’s biggest assets since 1999!

Arranged $3.5+ billion of Loans | $2.5+ billion of Insurance covers Disclosure Statement available, upon request and free of charge

WWW.GLOBALFINANCE.CO.NZ | 09 - 255 55 00 |

Ajay Kumar receiving the supreme business award from Honourable Governor General and the Honourable Prime Minister in 2010.

GFSNZ

ASB Bank’s General Manager of Business Banking and Retails Specialist Services Ajay Kumar receiving the ANZ Bank’s presented the Number One Broker Valued Business of the Baden Martin (left) - Partner ANZ's head of Year third party distribution, Aseem team member) Award for NewAgarwal(GFS Money Advanced Award andAward Jonathan Singh (Business Development ANZAjay Bank) with Ajay Kumar (right) of from Penny Ford, Director of Manager, to Mr. Kumar of Global Financial Global the ANZ Bank head office in Auckland afterfor receiving ANZ ANZFinancial Bank andServices Head ofatSales, Auckland, Services Ltd (GFS) the year JulyBank's 2014 top mortgage adviser award and Valued Business Partner Award 2015.

Global Markets to June 2015.

Michael Barnett (CEO of Auckland Chambers) presenting the Westpac Auckland Business Award 2015 to Ajay. Photo: Topic

Baden Martin (left) - ANZ’s head of third party distribution, Aseem Agarwal(GFS team member) and Jonathan Singh (Business Development Manager, ANZ Bank) with Ajay Kumar (right) of Global Financial Services at the ANZ Bank head office in Auckland after receiving ANZ Bank’s top mortgage adviser award and Valued Business Partner Award 2015.

Ajay of GFS receiving the Best Financial Adviser Award (Mortgage & Insurance) 2015 from Mai Chen (left), Director of BNZ Bank and Natalie Cameron, CEO of AIA Insurance in the presence of Honarable Steven Joyce (Minister for Economic Development, Auckland Mayor Len Brown, Andrew Little (Leader of the NZ Labour Party) and Anthony Healy (CEO and MD of BNZ)

ADVERTORIAL

www.iwk.co.nz | 1 April 2016

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GFS actively participates in social and community activities.

Ajay believes that he has received a lot from the community and it is his responsibility to give back to the community.

The GFS team contributed their oneday salary to help the victims of tropical cyclone Winston that recently hit Fiji.

GFS has also engaged in philanthropy for Fiji where GFS will sponsor the education of five students from Fiji, whose families have been severely affected by the cyclone.

Ajay explains, “The students that are brilliant in education would lose the opportunity to go back to school because their families have lost everything in the disaster and can no longer support their education. GFS is taking the responsibility of educating at least five students, to start with.

“I believe if you help in educating one child in the family you actually help the entire family. That child can support its

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What dignitaries say about GFS

entire family if educated. We will not let such bright students discontinue their education. We will support their education, at least for next five years. We can grow this support in future but we have started with five.”

GFS has also been always supporting sports and cultural events of the Indian community of all ethnic backgrounds Some recent examples include: • Title Sponsor of the Indian Sports Awards 2015 and 2014 • Annual sports meets of the Gurudwaras at Takanini and Tauranga in March 2016.

• Special sewa at Takanini Gurudwara.

GFS has been doing this for many years.

• Holi, Diwali and Fiji Fetsivals • Main sponsor of the Kite Festival organised by Vaishnav Parivar every year • Dandiya nights at North Shore and Howick

“I personally wanted to congratulate you and your company, Global Finance Ltd, on being one of our finalists for the Westpac Auckland Business Awards - Southern Region. It is a great achievement to be one of the top four in the Customer Service Delivery category. In our industry, we too believe that customer service is key, and we are proud to celebrate this acknowledgement with you. We look forward to meeting you at the Awards event on Thursday 8th October.”

- Peter Thompson, Managing Director, Barfoot & Thompson “Global Financial Services is consistently our top performing broker partner.

We’re proud to support Ajay as he grows his business, and we appreciate his continued support for ANZ as we work to help more New Zealanders into their own home.”

- Baden Martin, ANZ’s Head of Mortgage Adviser Distribution “Congratulations to Ajay Kumar and his team for winning the well-deserved award.”

- Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, National List MP “I understand… you have helped thousands in achieving their financial goals…”

- Jamie Lee Ross, MP for Botany “You have every reason to feel extremely proud of your achievements -Dr. Jackie Blue, former MP of National Party

Ajay Kumar (GFS) presenting the award at Tauranga Gurudwara to a lucky winner in the presence of MLA of Aam Aadmi Party from India and office bearers of Sri Kalgidhar Gurudwara, Tauranga

“Congratulations on being given this prestigious award!

-Phill Goff, MP for Mt Roskill

What next in 2016

GFS sponsors Kite Festival 2015 organised

by Vaishnav Parivar

Sri Daljit Singh Ji presenting the 2015 award to Ajay Kumar for supporting the Otahuhu & Takanini Gurdwara Sahib & providing community service

GFS will continue providing excellent customer service, which it has been rewarded for so consistently.

GFS is expanding its reach by opening a branch in West Auckland. A new branch in Henderson will soon be operational.

GFS also plans to further improve technologically to fulfil the expectation of customers and well-wishers.

Ajay started GFS with the vision of helping customers not only to get the mortgage but also advising them on how to pay it faster and save thousands of dollars in interest costs. This was then further extended to getting the right insurance, which would protect the family home in the face of unforeseen events.

After analysing all the facts, we must say GFS is undoubtedly the country’s top mortgage service provider and is walking their talk by following their vision then and now, and aspire to do so in future as well.

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NEW ZEALAND

1 April 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

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April brings more support for families

returning to work a priority.

That’s why childcare assistance is increasing so sole parents can go back to work when their youngest child turns three Parmjeet Parmar instead of five.

National List MP Parents in work will be better supported by an increase in ith Easter over for Working for Families payments another year, many of $24.50 for very low-income New Zealanders have something else to look families, and up to $12.50 a week forward to. Extra support for for low-income families.

Together the increases to families, which has been made benefits and Working for Families possible by the Government’s tax credits will help more than careful economic management, half a million children, including kicks in on April 1.

190,000 children in benefitFor the first time in 43 years, dependent homes.

Paid parental benefit rates are rising beyond leave increases for the second inflation for families with children.

They will receive an extra $25 a time from April 1. This means week from April 1. However it is new parents will get 18 weeks important we continue to make paid parental leave to spend with

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their newest family member.

Paid parental leave is also being extended to cover more work circumstances and those who have responsibility for the care of a child under six but may not be the biological or adoptive parents of that child. Parents of premature babies will now be entitled to extra

weeks of parental leave payments.

The minimum wage is increasing again, as it has done every year National has been in office, from $14.75 an hour to $15.25. We’re careful to do this in a way that means people on the lowest incomes are paid more but don’t lose their jobs. Laws banning

Big multinationals dodge tax Phil Goff

Labour MP

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t’s wrong that many of the large multinationals operating in New Zealand pay almost no tax. That’s on top of many of New Zealand’s richest people not paying the top tax rate despite earning many times more than wage and salary earners who are on the top tax rate.

Part of the price of living in a civilised society and getting the services we need is paying our fair share of the taxes governments need to function. I have no

problem with that. I got a good education largely paid for by the State. I hope not to need our public health service, but want to know that if I have a serious illness or accident it will be available to me. I am happy to pay my share for other things such as police, defence and corrections and meet the costs of our transport system.

It was recently revealed that 20 multinational corporations who recorded nearly $10 billion in annual sales in New Zealand pay just $1.8 million in tax here.

This seems largely to be tax avoidance, which is legal rather than tax evasion, which is not.

We need urgently to change our laws to close the loopholes and we need to work globally to address the inadequacy of international

tax law. People who have worked in these corporations say that they choose to transfer the profits they make here to countries which are tax havens. Their deliberate policy is to avoid profit showing up in a country such as New Zealand where the company tax rate is

28%. Merck, Sharp and Dohme, a big pharmaceutical company, for example, is reported as having earned $46.9 million revenue in New Zealand in 2014 but paid only $127,000 in income tax.

Companies like this say what they are doing is perfectly legal.

It may be but ethically it’s quite wrong. We are being ripped off and it’s time the Government did something about it.

Local corporates are themselves critical of the way multinationals can make huge profits and pay so little back. Simon Moutter, Chief Executive of Spark, comments ‘They are profit shifting and stripping a lot of value out of the country and not leaving much behind’.

zero hour contracts will also come into force. April also brings $232 million of ACC levy cuts to work levies paid by employers and self-employed people and the earners’ levy that everyone in the paid workforce pays. Later in July there will be reductions to motor vehicle levies, saving motorists around $65 on average.

Reflecting our commitment to keep superannuation and veteran’s pensions at 66 per cent of the average wage, these entitlements will be increasing too. Superannuation has increased by more than 34 per cent since 2008—double the rate of inflation.

These April changes show our growing economy is translating into real benefits for New Zealanders.

If multinational corporations and our own wealthiest citizens all paid their fair share, then maybe we would have the money to invest in badly needed infrastructure such as Auckland’s transport system which these corporations and individuals use but don’t pay for.

We need the New Zealand Government to crack down on tax dodging. We need it to work internationally through the OECD, the international organisation responsible for tackling the problem of companies shifting their profits to tax havens.

It’s time for multinationals to be required to pay their fair share in tax on the profits they make here.

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NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 1 April 2016

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Visitors urged to stay safe at Hunua Falls

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uckland Council is reminding people that the Hunua Falls pose several risks to members of the public due to sharp drops in depth and can be an unsafe place for swimmers as the falls have swift currents.

The council regularly reviews safety measures in place at the falls, and in the past

has installed detailed signage and supplied Angel Rings (life rings) to be available on site for visitors to use.

Auckland Council staff are assisting the police in their investigations after a 13-yearold went missing at the falls yesterday and is the second person to have drowned at the falls in as many weeks.

“Our thoughts are with the family during

this tragedy,” Mace Ward, General Manager for Parks, Sport & Recreation, says.

“We will work with the police and Watersafe NZ on their investigations and on reviewing the site.”

#LightpathAKL hits 100k mark Accredited Agent

(Head Office)

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Special Fares to Indian Subcontinent Mt Eden man Nathan Spoonly made the 100,00th journey across the popular new cycleway on the morning of March 30.

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ore than 100,000 cycle journeys have now been made over Te Ara I Whiti—Auckland’s Lightpath—since its opening in December.

Mt Eden man Nathan Spoonly made the 100,00th journey across the popular new cycleway on the morning of March 30.

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Five-fold increase in cyclists on Nelson Street Aucklanders have made an average of 848 cycle journeys a day across the Lightpath. This has led to a five-fold increase in people cycling on Nelson Street during the week.

More than 1000 cycle journeys a day The Lightpath was a popular attraction over the Easter break, with an average of more than 1000 cycling journeys each day.

“Seeing these big numbers at the weekends and public holidays tells us that the Lightpath is well-used by Aucklanders for leisure and recreation as well as for commuting,” says Kathryn King, Auckland Transport’s Cycling and Walking Manager.

“It confirms what all the research says: if you make a city more bike-friendly, more people will cycle and they will cycle more often.”

Indian weekender is available at 100+ outlets all over New Zealand.

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INDIANEW ZEALAND

Thought of the week

The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.

— Ayn Rand

Editorial

From the desk of the Managing Editor

“

Memorise these four words: passion always trumps excuses! However, keep in mind that when I use the word passion, I’m not referring to the romantic notions that this concept conjures. Instead, I’m equating it to a vigorous kind of enthusiasm that you feel deep within you and that isn’t easy to explain or define. This kind of passion propels you in a direction that seems motivated by a force beyond your control. It’s the inner excitement of being on the right path, doing what feels good to you and what you know you are meant to do.

It’s my contention that the mere presence of passion within you—and the enthusiasm that comes with it—is all you need to fulfil your dreams. And let’s take a brief look at the word enthusiasm. As the novelist and woman of letters Madame de Stael noted in 1810: “The sense of this word among the Greeks affords the noblest definition of it; enthusiasm signifies God in us.”” ~Wayne Dyer from Excuses Begone!

This is fantastic! And in the same vein, I also like the saying “A dream is not the one you see when you are asleep, but the one that does not let you sleep”. People who seem to have led full, vigorous lives often complain of being insomniacs. The only difference is that their insomnia is not due to a health condition, but that passion and enthusiasm to bounce back and get on with achieving their dream is what keeps them awake at night. I too have been through phases like this and I am sure a lot of you can relate to this as well. In any endeavour, it is not just important that you believe in your dream, but also that you fuel it with the energy of all that you’ve got. When we begin to live this way, there is no room for excuses or procrastination.

Some dreams are also sometimes shattered, as with the Black Caps and their stint at the T20. Even though England was a strong team, each of us backing the Black Caps somehow believed that we would make it to the finals. The Black Caps defeat was heartbreaking, but just like true champs, they have promised to rise again, and I am certain that all of us believe that they will deliver their promise. Having said that, I realise that all eyes are on India now. The dream of winning the championship is still alive!

Our own flag is here to stay with the final results of the referendum out. Although it seems that there was a majority of people who wanted a change, it eventually came down to the choices we had.

Another packed issue with interesting reads. We hope you enjoy reading it and make it all worth it for us so that we keep our enthusiasm and passion flaring and do it all over again, next week.

Pick of the week

Until next time.

Giri Gupta

In a first, thousands of widows celebrated Holi in India last week. Even today, in some parts of the country, widows are not allowed to celebrate festivals.

Photo credit: Melanie Dornier

Indian Weekender : Volume 8 Issue 2 Publisher: Kiwi Media Group Limited Managing Editor: Giri Gupta | girigupta@xtra.co.nz Editor: Annu Sharma | editor@indianweekender.co.nz Chief Reporter: Swati Sharma | reporter@indianweekender.co.nz Reporter: Rizwan Mohammad | iwk.rizwan@gmail.com Reporter: Esha Chanda | iwk.eshac@gmail.com Reporter: Kumar Suresh | iwk.kumar@gmail.com Chief Technical Officer: Rohan Desouza | rohan@indianweekender.co.nz Sr Graphics and Layout Designer: Mahesh Kumar | mahesh@indianweekender.co.nz Graphic Designer: Yashmin Chand | designer@indianweekender.co.nz Accounts and Admin.: Farah Khan | accounts@indianweekender.co.nz Sales, Marketing & Distribution: 022 3251630 / mahesh.iwk@gmail.com Views expressed in the publication are not necessarily of the publisher and the publisher is not responsible for advertisers’ claims as appearing in the publication Views expressed in the articles are solely of the authors and do not in any way represent the views of the team at the Indian Weekender Published by Kiwi Media Group, 98 Great South Road, Auckland • T. +64 09 213 7335 Printed at Horton Media, Auckland Copyright 2015. Kiwi Media Group. All Rights Reserved.

Phrase: A feed Meaning: A meal Usage: Jack: I’m hungry bro.

John: Alright, let’s go for a feed.

Tip from the trenches

Tips for your next job interview

• A cardinal rule—reach on time and make a good first impression • Ask insightful questions. Interviewees are often judged on the basis of the questions they ask.

• Create your ‘Story Statement’—your reply to standard questions such as “Tell me about yourself” • Always follow-up. Drop a e-mail after your interview to check if you don’t hear back from the interviewer.

• If you don’t get hired, find out the reason and apply that knowledge for the next round of interview.

HALL OF FAME

www.iwk.co.nz | 1 April 2016

Inviting nominations for Kiwi Indian Honours 2016

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The guidelines, which need to be adhered to, for nominations, are as follows:

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Established 2013

The Indian Weekender calls upon nominations for those who have built a road to glory for themselves and left a path for the coming generations to tread on; who have touched the lives of thousands and enriched the society with their being; who’ve brought fame and respect to New Zealand and the KiwiIndian community. The Indian Weekender invites nominations for such personalities from the community for getting inducted into the Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame 2016. We also invite nominations for Kiwi Indian Young Achiever of the Year and Kiwi Indian Unsung Hero of the Year 2016.

Nominate Online : http://bit.ly/1QZJcTO

Entry Form: Form for nominating candidates for Kiwi Indian Honours 2016

Nominator Details

Nominee Details

Name of the Nominator

Name of the Nominee

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|

1. He/she needs to have an undisputable recognition in his or her field of work.

2. Nominated by a nominator of repute. Further, the nominator has to be in confirmation with the nominee.

3. The nominator has to provide their full contact details. No anonymous applications will be accepted.

4. All fields of work are welcome. For the purposes of this award, ‘field of work’ can be politics, business, sports, art, culture, or any profession.

5. The definition of Kiwi Indian, for the purposes of this award, hereby, is defined as follows: any person of Indian origin, from any part of the world, who has settled here in New Zealand. To be of Indian origin, at least one of the parents of the nominee have to be Indian, by blood. Thereby making the nominee of Indian lineage.

6. The nominee must have either a Permanent Residency (PR), or Citizenship of New Zealand to be eligible for consideration.

7. The nominee should have no prior convictions.

8. Age is no bar; for minors, under the age of 18, parental consent will be required.

9. The successful candidate will be required to attend the ceremony in person. In case a person is not able to attend, due to any unforeseen circumstances, the jury will use its discretion.

10. The jury’s decision will be final and binding; and cannot be challenged.

Please fill and post it to the address below

About the Nominee For how long have you known the Nominee?

Professional details of the Nominator

Age of Nominee Sex

Address & Contact number of Nominator *

Category

Why do you think the nominee qualifies for the honour?

Please state your reasons for nominating the above person. You may mention the achievements of the Nominee in his/her profession.

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Address & Contact number of Nominee *

How according to you has the Nominee brought fame and respect to the Kiwi-Indian community?

Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame Kiwi Indian Young Achiever of the year (16 to 35 years only) Kiwi Indian Unsung Hero of the year

Declaration by Nominator I have received confirmation from the Nominee for this application.

Nominee has accepted to appear in person for the ceremony, if he/she gets accepted for the induction to Hall of Fame 2016.

Yes

No

Yes

No

I hereby declare that the above information is true to the best of my knowledge. I also allow Indian Weekender and the Jury to use the information provided for background checks and to contact either me or the Nominee for the purpose of getting any more information.

Signed:

What to do next?

Please take a print out of this form, sign and send to us at: Jury Panel, Kiwi Indian Honours 2015 98, Great South Road, Epsom, Auckland

(Add extra pages to this form if required.)

For details contact Indian Weekender on 09-2137335 or go to: www.indianweekender.co.nz

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1 April 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

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The man behind Fiji’s Miss World Brand

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esponsible for selecting finalists, training them for stage, finalising wardrobes, producing the contest and preparing Miss Fiji for the international Miss World competition is FBC TV producer and presenter, Andhy Blake This year will mark Fiji’s sixth time competing for Miss World, the largest and oldest beauty contest in the World.

The Miss World Fiji contest is scheduled for May 7 at The Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva where 10 finalists will compete to represent Fiji on the Miss World stage. The man responsible for selecting finalists, training them for stage, finalising wardrobes, producing the contest and preparing Miss Fiji for the international Miss World competition is FBC TV producer and presenter, Andhy Blake.

Mr Blake acquired the Miss World licence for Fiji in 2011 when he worked alongside the Miss World New Zealand organisation and moved to Fiji in 2012 to begin the Miss World Fiji contest.

“I was always fascinated with the Miss World contest since age five and remember watching each year, memorising the title holders,” he said.

“It was the beauty of the women and stage productions that

captured my attention. “It was always my vision to be affiliated to such an organisation as Miss World and now I have fulfilled that goal.”

Before moving back to Fiji in 2012, Mr Blake worked as a stylist and fashion show producer in New Zealand for 13 years.

Some of the shows he has produced and worked on includes New Zealand Fashion Week as Assistant Producer, Style Christchurch as Producer, Cult Couture Fashion Awards as a stylist and he was invited to be part of America’s Next Top Model, cycle 14 in 2010.

“Fashion and pageantry has always been my background and with my past experiences, I am blessed to be working with FBC TV and producing Jejemon, Fiji’s first fashion TV show,” he said.

Mr Blake is the producer and host of the popular Jejemon

show that airs on FBC TV every Thursday at 7 p.m.

Jejemon is Fiji’s first fashion and lifestyle show that also features international travel.

It profiles local and international fashion events, designers, models, celebrities and stylists.

“With FBC TV and Jejemon, I have been very privileged to travel the world. I have worked in Bali and Jakarta in Indonesia, Sydney, Wellington, Hong Kong, Sanya in China, Los Angeles, London, Paris and Toulouse in France and traveling to Singapore next week for work.”

The Fiji Broadcasting Corporation is officially managing Miss World Fiji while The Grand Pacific Hotel is the official host partner Fiji Airways is the official airline partner and The Fiji Sun is the official print media partner.

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Gujrati Samaj NZ helps cyclone-hit Fiji

Left to right: Vijay Mody, Harish Lodhia, Dilip Patel, Dilip Thakkar, Kirit Parikh

Left to right: Dharmendra Mehta, Vijay Mody, Harish Lodhia, Kirit Parikh, Dilip Thakkar

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embers of Gujarati Samaj New Zealand Inc. have contributed $2,000 towards the relief fund for cyclone-hit Fiji and recently, handed over the cheque to the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Fiji in Auckland, Mr Harish Lodhia

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INDIA

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Use technology, water conservation: PM to farmers

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rime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, March 27, called for use of technology and water conservation to increase agricultural productivity as he listed out various pro-farmer initiatives of his government.

“The government is planning to make five lakh new ponds through MGNREGA. “These will be our assets to conserve rain water which will help the farmers to irrigate their land in view of deficit monsoon,” Modi said in the 18th edition of his monthly radio address Mann Ki Baat.

Asking people to find new ways to conserve water, the prime minister said the ponds should be kept clean so that “more and more water can be conserved”.

He also requested farmers to download and use Kisan Suvidha app, which will provide all the information regarding agriculture and new technologies to improve the farm productivity.

“You will be amazed to know that we are presenting a Kisan Facility app for our farmers as part of Digital India campaign.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

If you download it in your mobile, information related

to weather forecast, aggro-medicines and

latest other

developments in the fields will be on your finger tips. You will have better knowledge of crop prices and position of farmmarkets,” Modi said, insisting the mobile application will connect the farmers directly with the agricultural scientists.

“It is a myth that such a facility can only be used by urban people and youth,” he said, asking farmers to file a complaint to him if they find any difficulty in the mobile application. He also urged farmers to use lesser fertilisers as “their overdose is ruining the soil of its fertility and bringing hazards to the countrymen”.

Referring to the World Health Day (April 7), Modi called for eradicating diabetes from the country and asked people to do Yoga and physical exercise to fight the disease.

“Please defeat diabetes this time. India was home to around 6.5 crore diabetics in 2014.

The disease brings many other problems with it and it was responsible for more than three per cent deaths in our country,” Modi said. Mentioning the government’s steps to deal with

rising cases of tuberculosis, he said people should not delay going for check-ups if they find out any symptom of the disease.

“There are more than 13,000 microscopy centres and four lakh DOTS providers in the country who grant medicines free of cost,” Modi said.

Admitting that India is lagging behind in tourism sector compared to the world, Modi asked countryman to give thrust to tourism.

He insisted on the need to attract more tourists to India by making the country’s tourists destinations more attractive.

He said tourism has great potential for generating employment for millions of the youth of the country.

Calling for collective efforts in this direction, Modi said the governments, NGOs and society can play a pivotal role to further develop tourism sector.

The prime minister also lauded the efforts of Western Coalfields Limited Nagpur for developing eco-friendly mine tourism circuit.

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INDIA

1 April 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

India, Pakistan must show more maturity in bilateral relations

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eading former diplomats and experts on March 28 called on governments of both India and Pakistan to show more maturity in handling bilateral relations.

“We are 69-year-old countries.

We are grown-ups and why don’t we take responsibility for ourselves? There is no point blaming the rest of the world for anything wrong happening in India-Pakistan relations or the condition we are in,” former national security advisor and foreign secretary Shiv Shankar Menon said in a discussion on India-Pakistan relations.

The discussion was organised

by India International Centre at the re-release of book State of Denial on Pakistan by the late B.G. Verghese. “There are sensible people on both sides of the line who, I think, understand the conditions better. Whether we are able to convince the world powers, say the western countries is a secondary issue for me I believe we can take care of ourselves,” Menon added. Senior journalist Prem Shankar Jha said, “If you

Former national security advisor and foreign secretary Shiv Shankar Menon

wish to develop, you have to reach peace with your neighbours and for that you have to reach out with hand of friendship as (then prime minister Atal Bihari) Vajpayee ji did.”

He suggested that India should have conducted the plebiscite in Kashmir as mentioned in the UN Security Council resolution. “If a plebiscite has not taken place, Pakistan is squarely responsible for it. When Pakistan had refused to conduct a plebiscite on their part of Kashmir, why didn’t (then

India’s economy a bright spot due to good policies: Modi Red

Prime Minister Jawaharlal) Nehru go ahead and hold a plebiscite in Indian Kashmir? That plebiscite would have gone 100 per cent in our favour,” he claimed.

“As late as April 2004, a European agency had conducted a secret poll in our Kashmir and results were 61 per cent people polled saying they want to stay with India. Only six percent said they would like to go to Pakistan.

Thirty-three per cent said they were on neither side. If that poll was true after 14–15 years of death, destruction and alienation of the place you can imagine the result of the plebiscite if it had happened,” he added.

Former union minister Shashi Tharoor described Verghese’s book as the most explicit description of IndiaPakistan relations. “His vision was extensive as he had seen the creation of Pakistan and the two countries growing together. He had suggested measures which go beyond geo-political solutions,” Tharoor said but did not express his personal or Congress’ views on the issue.

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rime Minister Narendra Modi on March 28 said that India’s economy was a bright spot in the world due to his government’s good policies and not good fortune.

Addressing the Bloomberg India Economic Forum 2016 meeting, he said that the Indian economy was doing well despite various problems and bad weather conditions that impacted agriculture.

“We have not been lucky with the global trade. We have not been lucky with the weather. But the fact remains that the Indian economy is doing well as a result of effective management,” he said.

The prime minister took a dig at the opposition parties, without naming any, saying there were people who remained confused as to how this could be possible.

Outlining his government economic policies, Modi said all possible efforts were being made to achieve higher growth rate in all sectors. The prime minister said he was confident that despite adverse situations, the government would be able to achieve the desired results.

He said investments during the third quarter of the current fiscal had been a “record” in sectors such as agriculture and others. “This is concrete evidence that ‘Make in

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India’ initiative of the government is having a good impact,” he said.

During his speech, which was shown live in various countries, Modi spoke in detail about India’s rural economy, saying that once it improved it would have a good effect on other sectors as well.

Stressing on good irrigation and quality seeds, Modi said that the central government had its focus on the problems of the farmers.

“We plan to double farmers’ income in the years to come, he said, adding that the government was investing in cold storages and trying to reduce post-harvest losses of the farmers.

“We will ensure that higher share in profits (from farm produce) goes to the farmers,” he said. “I am sure that we will achieve the target of doubling the income of farmers,” the prime minister said. He also criticised the previous central government for its failure to implement the Food Security Act in totality and not doing much through the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act scheme.

Modi said that his government was performing well in these fields. He said he would be able to transform the country with public support.

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INDIA ABROAD

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Indian-origin researcher working to beat ‘superbugs’

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esearchers, including one of Indian-origin, have developed novel peptide-like analogs or peptoids that have the similar antimicrobial properties as peptides but more robust.

The discovery, paves the way for creation of new generation antibiotics that can defeat the so called multi-drug resistant bacteria “superbugs”.

Like proteins, peptides are chains of amino acids that participate in the metabolic system of living organisms and the immune

system. They are the first line of defence against a broad range of pathogens, and are released by the body in the earliest stage of infection.

These peptides are attractive antimicrobials. However, they degrade in the body and have short half-life.

Rinki Kapoor along with her PhD advisor and professor Annelise Barron of Stanford University studied novel mimics of antimicrobial peptides or peptoids for their antibacterial activity against

multi-drug resistant bacteria, also known as superbugs.

In one of their studies, they showed that peptoids kill resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa—one of the leading bug causing hospital associated infections.

The group synthesised seven different peptoids and compared their activity with three different antibiotics.

In a separate study, Kapoor and Barron also revealed that peptoids kill resistant Mycobacteria—bacteria responsible for

causing Tuberculosis, a leading cause of death worldwide. In this study, published in the journal of antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy (AAC), they evaluated the efficacy of six different peptoids against Mycobacteria.

“These molecules are currently under research and development and merit further studies to investigate their potential as new class of drugs for treating resistant bacterial infections,” Kapoor said.

Indian-origin woman restaurateur is a hit in Ghana

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urinder Kaur Cheema came to Accra four decades ago from her native Baroda in India’s Gujarat state to support her businessman husband. Today, she is a successful entrepreneur in her own right with two popular Indian restaurants, is often called on by the diplomatic community to provide catering services on special occasions and is an active social worker.

“Surinder Kaur Cheema must be saluted for single-handedly building one of the most successful Indian restaurants in Ghana,” Amar Deep S. Hari, the Indian-origin CEO of prominent IT firm IPMC, said.

From a housewife, Cheema later turned to teach at the Ebenezer Secondary School in Accra for a while, and has now settled

on selling India through her restaurants.

“It was after 13 years that I started my first restaurant Kohinoor Restaurant at Osu (an Accra suburb). I have now been able to add another one, Delhi Palace at Tema (a port city),” Cheema said.

Cheema, who now employs about 35 people, said she would love to increase the number of restaurants she runs “but it is not easy because of my numerous commitments”.

She divides her time between running her restaurants and ensuring that women affected with breast cancer get treatment, some rural communities get schools and water. “Through the work of the Indian Women’s Association, we have been able to raise money to get women in the country

Kohinoor Restaurant at Osu in Accra

treated for breast cancer. Among other similar projects, we recently provided a school at Nima in Accra and provided a borehole for water to the people of Abanta near Koforidua in the eastern region,”

Cheema said. Last year, when heavy rains led to the flooding of some parts of Accra killing several people, Cheema led the Indian Women Association to provide food and other essentials to those who had been rendered homeless “I did not meet the women but we were told that the food that was supplied to us was brought by the Indian Women Association and their leader is the one who owns the Kohinoor Restaurants,» Ama Konadu, one of the victims who received the support, told said “We are proud to have Mrs Surinder Kaur Cheema as a role model for the next generation, both to the Indian and Ghanaian communities,” Hari said.

Preneet inaugurates the 29th Sikh Games in Brisbane IWK BUREAU

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aharani Preneet Kaur ExForeign Affairs Minister of State, Govt of India, was the Chief Guest at the 29th Annual Sikh Games held in Brisbane, Australia held over the Easter weekend. The event held at Moreton Bay Club was a sight to behold as the otherwise very quiet area was engulfed in a sea of colour and enthusiasm, which is the hallmark of the prosperous and hardworking Punjabi community of Australia and New Zealand. She inaugurated the games along with Senator Lazarus, Federal MP from Moreton Grahm Piret, MP from Stratton Duncan Pegg and MP from Mount Tarnya Smith and others.

The enthusiasm of the people to meet their leader was immense and people could be seen jostling to catch a glimpse or snap a selfie with her. A handful of boys, wearing t-shirts of the Aam Aadmi Party tried to heckle her but better sense prevailed in the crowd as others in the general public did not allow them to indulge in this unwanted hooliganism in the otherwise peaceful environment. She was also accompanied by Ms Karan Brar the elected representative from Muktsar in Punjab.

Ms Brar is the daughter-in-law of the illustrious S. Harcharan Singh Brar ex-CM of Punjab.

Earlier in the day, the Maharani got a rousing welcome at Brisbane airport where more than a hundred supporters swamped the arrivals lounge to welcome their leader.

The colourful flowers bouquets they

presented her were a sight to behold for other Australians who were in the arrivals lounge and not used to such an enthusiastic Punjabi style welcome ceremony.

Upon reaching the Moreton Bay Sports Club grounds, the entire management committee of the Sikh Games was there to receive her and escorted her to the dais where she sat alongside all the other Australian senators.

In her speech, she congratulated the hard working people of Punjab who have left their home country and have now made a mark for themselves in Australia. She also highlighted the importance of sport to the

all-round development of mind and body and assured the people of all her support to such community programmes aimed at the betterment of the community and instil a sense of comrade.

She expressed her anguish at the current state of affairs back home in Punjab, which is now plagued with farmers committing suicide due to bad policies of the current Government and the ever increasing drug menace that is destroying the youth of Punjab.

She reminded the people that under the Maharaja Amarinder Singh’s Congress-led Government in Punjab, the farmers were

prosperous and their crops were being lifted on time and payment was also made on time.

The land prices were high and all this led to Punjab being ranked number one state for most of the five years this government was in power. As a comparison, under the current Government, Punjab is now ranked number 19th. She promised that in 2017 when the Amarinder Singh-led Government comes to power, they will bring an end to this drug menace, eradicate corruption and revive the industry thus creating jobs for the youth. She also assured that farmers will get high-quality seeds and pesticides, which they have been deprived by the present corrupt regime.

This will bring the farming economy of the state back on rails and bring all-round progress and prosperity.

She vociferously pleaded that Punjab is in crisis and thus there is no time for any experimentation with parties who have been newly formed and are plagued with internal indiscipline. As an example, a party in Punjab won four parliament seats after giving a lot of hollow promises to the people.

Soon thereafter, half of their MP’s decided to revolt and go on their own. Punjab now needs good governance, which can only be provided by an experienced leader such as Captain Amarinder Singh who has done this earlier and can do it again.

This visit was coordinated by Honey Sekhon Office on Special Duty to the Maharani who reached this region in advance to ensure that this visit was a success.

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SPORTS

1 April 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Indian women’s hockey team undaunted ahead of Hawke’s Bay Cup

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ollowing confident and notable performances at the South Asian Games (SAG) and the South African tour, the Indian women’s hockey team launch their campaign in the Hawke’s Bay Cup in Hastings, New Zealand, on April 2.

There will be two things paramount on the minds on the team—fitness and converting short corners into goals. These are the two key areas that chief coach Neil Hawgood, his coaching staff and senior members of the squad have singled out.

If India are to outplay New Zealand and China, they would need to sustain the intensity for the entire duration of the matches. Even Ireland are capable of springing a surprise.

These four teams make Pool B of the Hawke’s Bay Cup while Australia, South Korea, Japan and Canada make Pool A of the April 2–10 tournament. “In the past we

have lost some crucial matches due to fitness and not being able to convert penalty corners. We have been paying extra attention to these two critical aspects. Chief coach Hawgood is obsessive about improving the fitness levels of those in the camp,” said Deepika, who will lead the team in the absence of Ritu Rani.

“In modern hockey, converting penalty corners makes a huge difference between winning and losing. We have to learn from the mistakes of the past and ensure they are not repeated.”

The prospect of taking on higher ranked teams in the Hawke’s Bay Cup is not weighing down the 18-member team. Although, doing well in New Zealand is the immediate target, the squad is aware that history beckons them in Rio de Janeiro for which they have qualified after a long wait of 36 years.

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India beat Australia in thriller to enter World T20 semis

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irat Kohli led the way with a sublime half-century as India defeated Australia by six wickets at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium on Sunday, March 27, to enter the World Twenty20 semi-finals.

The in-form Delhi lad remained unbeaten on 82 runs off 51 balls as the Indians survived a few early setbacks to overhaul a difficult target of 161 with five deliveries to spare.

Sunday’s match, the last in Group 2, was a virtual quarterfinal as the winners qualified the semi-finals. India finished their group engagements with three wins in four matches.

The Indians were off to a shaky start with openers Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma going back to the dugout without too many runs on the board. Watson snared Suresh Raina with a welldirected short-pitched delivery in the eighth over to leave the hosts in trouble at 49/3.

Kohli and Yuvraj Singh tried to script an Indian comeback, adding 45 runs between them in 38 balls. Yuvraj was clearly

in some discomfort as he was hobbling while running between the wickets. But he battled bravely to post 21 runs off 18 balls with one boundary and a powerfully six off Adam Zampa.

But just as it seemed that Kohli and Yuvraj could take India to a safe position, the latter was undone by an excellent piece of fielding from Watson when he mistimed a slower one from Faulkner. Yuvraj’s dismissal seemed to prod Kohli into action as he unleashed the big shots.

The 27-year-old right-hander hit the hapless Faulkner for two boundaries and a six off successive balls in the 18th over to bring the target within India’s reach.

He then smashed four consecutive boundaries off Coulter-Nile in the next over to virtually wrap up the issue. With four runs needed in the final over, India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni dispatched Faulkner’s low full toss to the long-on fence to complete a thrilling win for India.

Saina, Sindhu advance in Indian Open badminton

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aina Nehwal and P.V. Sindhu started their campaigns with spectacular wins in the women singles while the mixed doubles pair of Manu Attri and Ashwini Ponnappa also entered the pre-quarterfinals of the India Open World Badminton Super Series at the Siri Fort Sports Complex on March 30.

singles match, Sindhu thrashed Jeanine Cicognini of Italy 21–8, 21–8.

In the mixed doubles, Attri and Ponnappa posted an easy 21–7, 21–3 win over Kapil Chaudhary and Smriti Nagarkoti. However, it was a bad day for India in the men’s singles. Srikanth had an intense battle against China’s Houwei Tian

Indian badminton player PV Sindhu during a India Open badminton match in New Delhi

Indian badminton player Saina Nehwal during a India Open badminton match in New Delhi

However, the Indians did not enjoy too much success in the men’s singles as defending champion Kidambi Srikanth, H.S. Prannoy, Ajay Jayaram and B. Sai Praneeth lost their respective matches in the round of 32 to be knocked out of the tournament.

The second seeded Nehwal started with her dominating shots and gave no room to Tanvi Lad in a one-sided match. Saina, who represents Awadhe Warriors in the Premier Badminton League, registered a straight sets win by 21–7, 21–13 to advance to the pre-quarterfinals. In another women

and the defending champion gave a tough fight in the third set. However, Tian won the tough contest.

In another match, Jayaram lost to Germany’s Marc Zwiebler 12–21, 21– 13, 19–21. On another court, Prannoy was defeated by T. Saensomboonsuk of Thailand 21–23, 21–18, 13–21.

Earlier, Sai Praneeth went down to Sony Dwi Kuncoro of Indonesia 20–22, 13–21.

Praneeth started well against Kuncoro, but lost momentum after the first set and eventually crashed out of the tournament.

KIDS ZONE

www.iwk.co.nz | 1 April 2016

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Across 1. Princess who lost her glass slipper 5. Little Mermaid 8. Native Americ an princess that fall s in love with John Smith 11. The genie in the lamp granted Ala ddin one 12. Pirates use this to find their treasu re 13. Beautiful prin cess that falls in love with a beast 14. Never_ _ _ _ whe re Tinkerbell lives 15. Brave princess

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The Lark In The Corn-Field

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nce a Lark made her nest in a corn-field. Soon she laid eggs in it. After a few days small babies hatched out of them.

One day the baby-larks overheard the farmer say, I will call my neighbors to reap this field. The Baby-larks got alarmed to hear this and told their mother about it.

Don't worry, said the mother. Some days later, the farmer came again and said, I will call my relatives to reap this field. The baby-larks afraid again.

Fear not, said their mother. But the next day the farmer came there with his little son and said, I will reap this field tomorrow. Now is the time to go. When a man says he will do the work himself, he will certainly do it, said the mother-lark. MORAL : Don't fear hollow threats.

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ADVERTORIAL

1 April 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

From spiritual wisdom towards maximum happiness C Red

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hinmaya Mission New Zealand has been organising free public talks in Auckland for the past 16 years, in which we have brought to Aucklanders the opportunity to listen to two of our most eloquent speakers and direct disciples of the Master, His Holiness Swami Chinmayananda.

This tradition of disseminating Vedantic wisdom (wisdom from the Upanishads and Geeta) in the English language for the benefit of the modern generation was initiated in the Chinmaya Mission through PujyaGurudev Swami Chinmayananda himself.

His Holiness Swami Tejomayanandaji (Spiritual Head of Chinmaya Mission Worldwide) has treated us with His wisdom on six visits to the City of Sails, whilst His Holiness Swami Swaroopanandaji (Regional Head of Chinmaya Mission Australasia) has conducted spiritual discourses on nine such occasions.

The topics covered in these visits have ranged from talks on Srimad Bhagavad Geeta, Sundarkand, Sri Hanuman Chalisa to talks on Life Management Techniques, Tips for Happy Living and the latest one being talks on Managing Anger, Stress, Love and Relationships,etc.

These GyanaYagnas (free spiritual discourses in English), which are organised

by Chinmaya Mission give all Aucklanders from any background the opportunity to connect with spiritual wisdom as taught in the sacred ‘gurukula environment’.

This tradition of disseminating Vedantic wisdom (wisdom from the Upanishads and Geeta) in the English language for the benefit of the modern generation was initiated in the Chinmaya Mission through Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda himself.

The main aim was and continues to be to re-educate the masses by giving us the opportunity to dive deep into the scriptures and freely collect the gems that lie within them, and use them in our daily life to make us happier individuals.

Thus the motto of the Chinmaya Mission worldwide is “To give maximum happiness to maximum people for maximum time.”

His Holiness Swami Swaroopananda is one such master of Vedanta, who is not only the direct disciple of Swami Chinmayananda but is also one of the

most loved speakers in the spiritual world.

Over the past 30 years, Swamiji has inspired millions across the globe from Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne, Hong Kong, Singapore, Manila, Jakarta, Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Bahrain, Dubai, Nigeria, Kenya, London, Boston, etc. reaching out to all ages.

Swamiji is particularly loved by the youth, as His words seem to bring meaning and inspiration in their lives and help set them on the path to happiness.

Swamiji is the author of the personal development programme titled ‘Make It Happen’ and has conducted these seminars in many multinational corporations across the globe. His ability to bring deep spiritual ideals down to a common man’s understanding and merge it with his daily challenges is quite

(Disclaimer: The above material has been supplied by the Chinmaya Mission New Zealand)

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MAHESH BINDRA BASED IN AUCKLAND

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Level 1, 21 East Tamaki Rd, Papatoetoe, Manukau 2025 Ph: 0800 BINDRA (246372) mahesh.bindra@parliament.govt.nz

rare indeed.

The upcoming talk series which is from April 26 to 30, during the second week of the school holidays, is on Sankat Mochan—eight verses on Sri Hanumanji written by the great poet saint Goswami Tulsidasji. These verses give an insight to problems and their solutions.

Over the duration of the 5 weeknights, Swamiji will guide us through these verses and reveal to us their deeper meaningthus making them beneficial for us. These sessions are free of cost and are open to all.

The talks are held at Dorothy Winstone Centre (Auckland Girls’ Grammar School Hall), Howe Street, Newton, Auckland from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Swamiji will also be taking Mediation— The Early Awakening sessions at Chinmaya Nikunj ashram in Mangere (63, McKenzie Road, Mangere Bridge, Auckland) for three morning sessions from April 27 to 29, 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. for those who are interested in deeper spiritual sadhana (practices).

These sessions are charged at $75 for the three days and spaces are limited so for registration or more information please contact 2756954 or e-mail hariom@ chinmaya.org.nz We at Chinmaya Mission New Zealand extend a warm welcome to people of all ages, across all cultures and communities to take this opportunity and attend these events slated to take place in Auckland. Do bring the family along and your friends.

See you then! We will be waiting to serve.

Authorised by Mahesh Bindra, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

ASTROLOGY

www.iwk.co.nz | 1 April 2016

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Weekly forecast: April 1 to April 7 ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

An important development at personal front brings jubilation for entire family. An improvement in financial position would enable to make important purchases. The company of love partner makes you forget about the work. A cheerful state of mind brings mental peace.

You will discover travel destinations that are unique and magical. You will have to go out of the way to buy your dream house.

Timely and swift action would give an edge over others at professional front.

Parents are likely to be cooperative despite your erratic behaviour. Good time to divert attention to spirituality to enhance mental toughness. Your travel plans are smooth, but the toughest part is that your partner doesn’t have much time for leisure activities. If you want to really benefit make sure you carefully listen and follow friend’s advice.

Explore new investment opportunities that comes your way, commit only after considering the viability of the projects. Don’t forget to plan something special with partner to enjoy the ecstasies of love. Cutting down the number of parties and pleasure jaunts would help in keeping in good mood. If you want to travel start planning your trip now. It is high time to get ready to face the life of adventure and risk.

Luck Colour: Maroon Lucky Number: 4

Luck Colour: Green Lucky Number: 9

Colleagues and subordinates will lend a helping hand enabling to complete the work on time. Help from family members would take care of your needs. Your brilliant ideas would help in bringing financial gains. Attending a social event/family function brings a romantic encounter. A pleasure trip gives the much-needed tonic to health. A trip that is unconventional and adventurous will be favourable enjoy every minute of it. Getting your dream home will be the greatest pleasure for you. You are likely to join a humanitarian group to enjoy peace.

Luck Colour: Sea green Lucky Number: 11

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

Service people, artists and those in creative field will get several new opportunities. You will be in the mood to celebrate with family and friends this week on. Improvement in finances is certain. Finally, you have found the time for your deserving break, travel will be favourable. A good deal for your new property is ready to be made. Make sure you are not very busy in own affairs otherwise chances of people losing interest in you are high.

Your greatest gains will come through your creative ideas at professional front. Good advice from family members brings additional gains.

Investment is recommended but after a proper advice/guidance. Company of love partner would inspire to take initiatives this week. You must realise your true potentials to regain selfconfidence. If you are planning a vacation, be sure to consider your family and friends.

The company of family and friends will keep you in a happy and relaxed mood. Speculation coupled with some unexpected gains improves financial health. Love works like a panacea as you find sanity.

Adventurous holidays, the best way to experience with your friends, it is the right time to enjoy. You might be facing problem if you invest on long term plans. You need to sincerely devote yourself to excel in whatever you do.

You will be on the seventh heaven when you receive recognition for your achievements at work. You will make good money this week, but don’t let it slip through your fingers. You are likely to maintain good health that would also give you success. You will have to go out of routine work to enjoy your vacation. Those wishing to apply for home loan can proceed.

Luck Colour: Pink Lucky Number: 5

Luck Colour: White Lucky Number: 8

Luck Colour: Cream Lucky Number: 1

(March 21-April 20)

(April 21-May 20)

(July 23-August 23)

(August 24-Sep 23)

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

(Nov 23-December 11) Don’t forget to spend quality time in the company of family friends you care. Put your extra money at a safer place promising to return you on time.

Love partner touches soul that would take imagination to unlimited heights.

A continuous positive thinking gets rewarded as you succeed in whatever you do this week. Take a trip, as there is some place waiting for you.

Luck Colour: Magenta Lucky Number: 2

(Dec 22-January 21) Your creativity will amaze people around you besides enhancing career prospects. Someone’s timely help would enable visualizing succeeding in love. Planning a vacation, keep an eye on your expenditure before you travel. If you’re planning a property, be sure to consider the legal aspects.

You will have to be original in your conversation because putting up an act would take you nowhere.

Luck Colour: Violet Lucky Number: 6

(May 21-June 21)

(Sep 24-October 23)

AQUARIUS

(Jan 22-February 19) New job opportunities for some will be better than expected. Love takes a new turn as you brace yourself for wedding bells. With a positive outlook & confidence, you succeed in impressing people around you. It’s great time for perfect family vacation to an exciting destination. You are likely to start a new construction work in home or office later this week.

Luck Colour: Indigo Blue Lucky Number: 5

(June 22-July 20)

Luck Colour: Yellow Lucky Number: 3

(Oct 24-November 22)

Luck Colour: Blue Lucky Number: 7

PISCES

(Feb 20-March 20) Believe it or not someone in the family is watching you closely and considers you a role model. Investment made this week would enhance prosperity and financial security. Mental alertness would enable to solve a tricky problem. Travel opportunities full of challenges are often the beginning of great enterprises. Your dream for new house might be full filed this week.

Luck Colour: Red Lucky Number: 8

By Manisha Koushik Manisha Koushik is the talented daughter and associate of world renowned celebrity astrologer Dr Prem Kumar Sharma. She is gifted with strong intuitions and clairvoyance right from the childhood. A practicing astrologer, tarot card reader, numerologist, vastu and fengshui consultant is based in India but maintains a global presence through the online channels. She is available for consultations online as well. Reach out to her to explore what the future holds for you. Let her tarot cards do the magic and numbers make you understand which choices in life will be best for you!

E-mail: support@askmanisha.com | Website: www.askmanisha.com Contact: +91-11-26449898, 26489899 | Mobile/Whatsapp: +919015607139

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FEATUREs

1 April 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

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The story behind All Fools’ Day Esha Chanda

A French error

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ike most ancient traditions, the origin of April Fools’ Day is shrouded in mystery. While many theories float around, some trace the observance of April 1 to 1582—the year when France switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar. Most of the rural French population, who were unaware about the change, continued to celebrate the start of the New Year during the last week of March, and thus were labelled fools. Pranksters would target these unsuspecting individuals and stick a paper fish on their back, thus terming them as Poissons d’Avril (April Fish). The tradition stuck and continues till today.

Renewal festivals Alex Boese, the curator of the online Museum of Hoaxes that was established in 1997, links April Fools’ Day to renewal festivals—a celebration in different cultures to observe the start of spring. Often these celebrations revolved around mischief, misrules and deception but observed a strict timeframe. Therefore, the tradition of playing pranks on April 1 expires at noon, post which, the prankster is termed as

a fool.

The British media didn’t stop there. In

British origins Another folklore traces the birth of the tradition to 13th century Britain. Legend has it that any road that the King placed his foot on, turned into public property.

When the inhabitants of Gotham, a town in Nottinghamshire, England, heard about the then King’s travel plans to their town, they expressed their disagreement with the monarch to claim the land. When the soldiers tried to force their way into the town, the residents pretended to be lunatics and thus avoided the King’s entry.

According to popular belief, April Fools’ Day today commemorates this day.

Silly shenanigans The world has been a victim to numerous pranks and hoaxes that are now etched into the history of this popular tradition.

Topping the list is BBC’s Swiss spaghetti harvest. In 1957, the broadcasting company ran a segment where they announced that after a mild winter followed by spring, Swiss farmers were treated to a bumper spaghetti crop. Many viewers fell for the prank and called BBC to know more about how they could plant their own spaghetti tree. The broadcast, till today, remains the most popular April Fools’ Day hoax.

1977, The Guardian published a series of articles on the newly-found San Serrifee nation in the Indian Ocean that consisted of semi-colon-shaped islands. Its two main islands were Upper Caisse and Lower Caisse. Readers across the nation called The Guardian office to enquire more about this island paradise. Little did they realise that everything on the island was named after printer’s terminology.

In 1996, American fast food chain Taco Bell, ran a full-page advertisement in seven

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leading newspapers in the United States claiming that they had bought the Liberty Bell and renamed it to The Liberty Taco Bell. Outraged citizens called the Taco Bell headquarters and the National Park Service to express their dismay over the decision.

Around noon, Taco Bell revealed that it was a prank.

Over the years, New Zealand has played their part well in playing pranks, with the most popular being the Great Wasp Swarm hoax. In 1949, Phil Stone, who worked as a DJ for radio station 1ZB, informed his listeners about a mile-wide wasp swarm that was spreading in the country and was headed towards Auckland. He advised them to wear socks over trousers and to leave honey-smeared traps outside their house doors. Aucklanders heeded to his advice until Stone later revealed that it a hoax.

While many people were amused, the New Zealand Broadcasting Service did not take the prank very well saying that it undermined the rules of broadcasting by reporting false news.

The one prank that probably still continues to live till date is the annual press release created each year for the non-existent New York City April Fool’s Day parade. 2016 marks the 31st year of the parade.

IT’S TIME TO FALL BACK Esha Chanda

On Sunday, April 3, New Zealanders will turn back their clocks by an hour. Here’s how the practice originated, interesting facts about DST and a few myth busters.

The first Daylight Saving plan was introduced in the House of Commons in February 1908 by MP Robert Pearce.

Origin

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enjamin Franklin’s trademark wit is often given credit for the practice of moving clocks backward before the start of winter. In 1784, he wrote a letter to the Journal of Paris expressing his thoughts on resetting the clocks forward by an hour in spring and back during fall.

His essay titled An Economical Project for Diminishing the Cost of Light, which explored this practice to reduce the usage of candles, was later published in the journal but was overlooked only to be later revisited

by Englishman William Willett in 1907.

However, the British House of Commons rejected his proposal and it wasn’t until 1916 when the Parliament introduced the British Summer Time. Two years later, President Woodrow Wilson passed Fast Time, as it was known then in the United States, as a law.

Firsts

Daylight saving time was first used in Thunder Bay in Ontario, Canada in July 1908. But Germany was the first country to implement the practice nationwide. On April 30, 1916, the clocks were turned an hour ahead.

The first Daylight Saving plan was introduced in the House of Commons in

Myth busters

February 1908 by MP Robert Pearce. A year later, a bill was drafted but the proposal was rejected numerous times and was therefore never adopted as a law.

In New Zealand, George Hudson first advocated the use of DST but his idea was often ridiculed. In 1909, Parliamentarian Hon. Sir Thomas Sidey raised the issue and presented a Member’s Bill in 1910. His bill went through rounds of criticism and rejections, but Sidey was persistent. He reintroduced the bill every year for 20 years.

Although the bill came close to becoming a law twice, once in 1915 and then in 1926, it wasn’t until 1974 when the Time Act was passed.

Exceptions Although around 70 countries in the world observe DST, nations around the equator do not adjust their clocks twice a year. Countries such as Japan, China and India do not practise DST. In the United States, only 48 states follow DST. Hawaii and most of Arizona are the exceptions. Guam, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands and American Samoa also do not follow DST. The same goes for Australia where it is not observed in Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

DST is for farmers Unlike popular belief, daylight saving time was never meant to help farmers. They were the ones who opposed the idea as they thought it reduced their productivity.

It helps in energy conservation Studies have shown that instead of saving energy, more energy is consumed because of DST. While it was initially thought that it saved national electricity usage by one per cent, it was later found out that it led to a one per cent increase.

It is good for business Changing clocks twice a year costs the US economy billions of dollars a year due to disruptions in the airline and retail industry.

It has health benefits DST has few benefits because disrupting sleep patterns can lead to restlessness and a loss in productivity.

FEATURES

www.iwk.co.nz | 1 April 2016

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An avo a day actually keeps the doc away Maya Shivam

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id you know that Avocados are rich in potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K1, and vitamin B-6? In fact, avocados are one of the best examples of the “food as medicine” concept. With their high amounts of vitamins and minerals as well as phytonutrients, which are special nutrients from plants that help heal the body, they can actually help keep the doctor away.

There are some amazing avocado benefits for your health and appearance.

Here are the top 10 benefits.

Cardiovascular or heart health

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eart disease is still the biggest killer in countries like the USA and the UK. Heart disease is now being recognised as a disease of inflammation with experts now believing that high consumption of pro-inflammatory processed vegetable oils and fats are a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The advice is lowering polyunsaturated fat consumption and increasing the amount of healthy monounsaturated fatty acids in your diet.

Avocado is an excellent source of monounsaturated oleic acid. Research has shown this beneficial form of fat reduces dangerous LDL cholesterol in the blood at the same time as increasing the more beneficial HDL cholesterol. Eating avocado has also been found to decrease high blood triglyceride levels, another common predictor of cardiovascular problems.

Avocados also contain a rich variety of other heart-healthy nutrients, high levels of vitamin E in avocado help prevent cholesterol oxidation while their potassium can regulate high blood pressure that may lead to both heart disease and kidney problems.

Avocados are also an excellent source of folate, known to reduce dangerous homocysteine levels in the blood, another predictor of cardiovascular disease and considered excellent for pregnant women.

This wonder fruit even contains phytosterols for reducing cholesterol absorption, as well as significant amounts of dietary fiber. The fiber content of avocados moderates blood sugar levels, guards against both cardiovascular problems and diabetes, and helps prevent constipation.

Avocados for blood pressure

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ost diets lack in potassium. This deficiency can lead to high blood pressure, which is, in turn, a significant risk factor for heart attack, stroke and kidney disease.

Avocados are known to be particularly rich in potassium, even higher than bananas, and a good food to eat for normal blood pressure and a lower risk of kidney failure and heart disease.

Aside from this, the oleic acid and dietary fiber in avocados help normalize blood sugar levels, providing further benefits for heart health and lowering the risk of diabetes.

Cancer prevention

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vocados are a wonderful source of antioxidant carotenoids like alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, betacryptoxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin.

These antioxidants protect your body’s cells against cancerous changes due to free radical damage and are considered your front line of defense against numerous diseases.

The monounsaturated fats in avocado also help with carotenoid absorption and studies suggest it has a protective effect against breast cancer in particular.

Avocados also contain high levels of vitamin C which is considered protective against many non-hormonal cancers, like pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer and lung cancer. Also, vitamin E considered a potent anti-cancer antioxidant.

Avocado skin benefits

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he monounsaturated fats found in avocado are beneficial for improving your skin tone and appearance. They help maintain good moisture levels in the epidermal layer of your skin that make it look and feel soft and healthy.

These omega-9 fats are also known to assist in reducing skin redness and irritation and are involved in repairing damaged skin cells. A good dietary intake of monounsaturated fat can moderate sebum production as well, which helps control acne, blackheads and excessively oily skin.

Benefits also include protecting your skin from wrinkles and other visible signs of aging with its antioxidant carotenoids; vitamin E which helps guard against photoaging from sun exposure; and vitamin C which is involved in the creation of elastin and collagen for maintaining your skin’s elasticity and firmness.

Avocado for diabetics

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iabetes is a disease now reaching epidemic proportions, especially in a country like New Zealand. If the rate of new cases continues it will put a huge strain on the medical system.

For diabetics, the oleic acid in avocado is especially recommended for its ability to lower ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol while raising the ‘good’ HDL cholesterol. Keeping cholesterol levels in check is vital for diabetics as they have a much higher risk of cardiovascular disease and helps improve insulin function and blood glucose levels.

Other benefits of avocado for diabetics include its vitamin C for strengthening blood vessels and capillaries and improving immune function, additionally the vitamin E lowers cholesterol oxidation that can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

The high levels of potassium in avocados also help in regulating blood sugar.

Read more about the benefits of avocada in our next issue.

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ll in all, avocados are a very healthy food for those living with diabetes and for people wishing to lower their risk of developing the disease.

Once you do get your avocados, all you need to do is try out these great recipes >>

Avocado Brownies

well.

4. Add in flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt, mixing with a large spoon until combined. Do not over mix.

5. Stir in avocado oil until it’s well distributed and the batter is somewhat smooth.

6. Fold in chopped chocolate, then spread batter in pan.

7. Bake for 30 minutes, or until middle is set.

8. Remove and let cool completely, then frost and top with grated chocolate if desired.

For the Frosting: 1. Add avocado to the bowl of an electric mixer and beat until mashed and creamy.

2. With the mixer on low speed, add in vanilla then slowly add in powdered sugar, scraping down the sides if needed, until smooth frosting forms.

3. Frost brownies once cooled.

Avocado-Shiitake Summer Rolls

3. In a small bowl, combine 6 tablespoons spicy almond coconut sauce with rice noodles and cashew pieces.

Building rolls: 4. Place three slices of avocado in the middle of rice paper.

5. Top with 2 tablespoons sauced rice noodles, one slice shiitake, and 4-5 slices bell pepper.

6. Roll like a burrito.

Total Time: 1.5 hours (includes brownie cooling time) Ingredients: For Brownies: • 2 large ripe avocados, mashed as well as you can (about 1 1/8 cups) • 250 gms high-quality dark chocolate, melted • 1 cup granulated sugar • 2 large eggs • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 3 tablespoons avocado oil • 100 gms high-quality dark chocolate, chopped For Frosting • 1 large ripe avocado • 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract Method: For Brownies: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 2. Whisk mashed avocado and melt chocolate.

3. Whisk in sugar until combined, then add in eggs and vanilla extract, mixing

Dairy, egg, soy, and gluten free, vegan Time: 15 Minutes INGREDIENTS: • 6 rice paper wrappers • 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced • 3/4 cup cooked rice noodles • 1/3 cup raw cashew pieces • 6 tablespoons spicy coconut almond sauce (plus extra for dipping) • 6 large shiitake mushroom slices, rehydrated • 1/2 orange bell pepper, sliced into matchsticks Method: Rice paper preparing technique: 1. Have a large plate/surface ready to fill/ roll wrapper 2. Hold wrapper under water faucet running cool water, getting both sides of wrapper wet. Remove from water and while still firm, place on a plate and begin to fill. Rice paper will soften as it sits, but will not be so soft that it sticks to the surface or rips when handling.

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ENTERTAINMENT

1 April 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

National Awards: Baahubali wins Best Film; Big B, Kangana get Best Actors

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layered story of people caught up in changing social and moral values”.

Social media platforms were abuzz with users slamming the importance given to Bollywood vis-avis regional cinema.

Another interesting facet that emerged was that the honours went to movies which w e r e t r u e blue box office

ilm-maker S.S. Rajamouli’s southern magnum opus Baahubali: The Beginning was named the Best Feature Film at the 63rd National Film Awards announcement in New Delhi this week. Bollywood stars Amitabh Bachchan’s performance in Piku and Kangana Ranaut’s dual act in Tanu Weds Manu Returns was lauded with the Best Actor and Best Actress honour.

Baahubali: The Beginning, which was a box office wonder, was lauded for being an “imaginative film, monumental by its production values and cinematic brilliance in creating a fantasy world on the screen” by film-maker Ramesh Sippy, head of the Feature Film jury.

Baahubali was even named for the award for Best Special Effects as these brought out the “emotional and dramatic upheavals of the story” in the movie.

While some other marvels of southern cinema have found a place in the list of winners, Bollywood clearly stole the limelight with Bajrangi Bhaijaan winning the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment; and Sanjay Leela Bhansali getting the Best Direction Award for Bajirao Mastani, which also won the Best Supporting Actress award for Tanvi Azmi.

The period drama even emerged victorious in the Best Cinematography category, while Remo D’Souza won the Best Choreography honour for “creating enchanting moves” for the track Deewani

mastani, and Shriram Iyengar, Saloni Dhatrak and Sujeet Sawant won for the movie’s production design.

In the audiography section, Biswadeep Chatterjee’s sound designing and Justin Ghose’s re-recording of the final mixed track for the Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone starrer, have been honoured.

Another big Bollywood winner was Dum Laga Ke Haisha, which was not just named Best Hindi Film, but also won the Best Female Playback Singer for Monali Thakur for a “delightful and soulful rendition of a song of love”, Moh moh ke dhaage. The use of “fresh, simple array of metaphors” in the song by Varun Grover was appreciated

with Best Lyrics honour. A Special Jury Award went to Kalki Koechlin for her “realistic performance as a young woman afflicted with cerebral palsy” in Margarita, With A Straw, whereas Ritika Singh, a kick boxer-turned-actress, got a special mention for “gutsy performance of a boxer in the making”.

Neeraj Ghaywan, whose unusual drama Masaan found critical acclaim nationally and internationally, has been encouraged with the Indira Gandhi Award for Best Debut Film of a Director for “his perceptive approach to film-making in handling a

wonders in 2015. As for the Screenplay segment, the award for the Best Screenplay Writer (original) is shared by Juhi Chaturvedi (Piku) and Himanshu Kumar (Tanu Weds Manu Returns)—who have even shared the Best Dialogue honour— while the Best Screenplay Writer (adapted) award has gone to Vishal Bhardwaj for Talvar.

Big B to feature in James Bond-inspired look

I don’t have energy, dedication for Hollywood: Kareena

who has grown up wanting to be like his mother and not like his father and will be seen doing household. Directed by R. Balki, the film is slated to release on April 1.

“Shame on people for trolling Anushka Sharma non-stop. Have some compassion.

She has always only given me positivity,” Kohli wrote on Twitter this week.

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opular Indian actors are landing roles in international projects, but actress Kareena Kapoor Khan says she is not eyeing Hollywood.

Stop speculating, leave us alone: Arbaaz-Malaika on their ‘break’

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egastar Amitabh Bachchan is set to don a suave and stylish look a la Hollywood’s world famous spy character James Bond. And he will also be surrounded by a “bevy of beauties”.

In a blog post that he shared last weekend, Big B wrote that he has a photo shoot for a magazine wherein “they intend to replicate a certain Mr. Bond, surrounded by a bevy of beauties”.

For the veteran actor, it “seems far too incongruous than any situation”.

“But what the heck... Let’s face it. It is not too often that a 74-year-old shall get such opportunity... so INDULGE!!!”

Big B is one of the most active stars of his times in present-day Bollywood. Whether it is the small or big screen—he has continued to take up varied assignments over his fourdecade association with Indian showbiz.

Asked if she would like to feature in a Hollywood film, Kareena said, “I have no interest in Hollywood. Today, people are watching Hindi films all over the world and in fact Hindi films are dubbed in all languages... So, it’s not that they (West) don’t know other actresses.

“To work in Hollywood, a different kind of energy and dedication is required, but I don’t think I have that in me.”

Kareena is currently busy promoting her film Ki & Ka—a film which breaks gender stereotypes with its theme. The actress credits her husband Saif Ali Khan for being supportive and allowing her to do the film.

The movie features Arjun Kapoor as Kabir, an IIT graduate and a house husband,

ctor Arbaaz Khan and Malaika Arora Khan has confirmed that there’s some trouble in their paradise, but they have requested for a stop on speculation regarding their personal life.

The couple’s married life has been dogged by controversy in the recent past, with rumours that they have gone splitsville after 17 years of marital bliss.

On March 28, they issued a joint statement to a media outlet, saying that they have separated, but are on a “break” to “figure out our lives”.

While sharing a link of the article with their social media followers, Arbaaz and Malaika shared, “Humble request to the media, stop speculating and leave us alone.

Will talk when ready, please respect our privacy.” The rumours of the couple’s split started when an online platform reported that Malaika has moved out of their home with their son Arhaan.

Shame on people for trolling Anushka: Virat Kohli

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ndia’s star batsman Virat Kohli has slammed haters for trolling his former girlfriend Anuskha Sharma.

He wrote a longer message on Instagram to extend support to the Bollywood actress.

“Shame on those people who have been having a go at Anushka for the longest time and connecting every negative thing to her.

Shame on those people calling themselves educated. Shame on blaming and making fun of her when she has no control over what I do with my sport,” Kohli wrote in the post. “If anything she has only motivated and given me more positivity. This was long time coming. Shame on these people that hide and take a dig,” he said, while adding that he doesn’t need any “respect for this post”. Have some compassion and respect her. Think of how your sister or girlfriend or wife would feel if someone trolled them and very conveniently rubbished them in public,” he wrote.

ENTERTAINMENT

www.iwk.co.nz | 1 April 2016

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Earlybird Fares Return fare starting from

Delhi ...................... $1234* Amritsar ............... $1288* Hyderabad ........... $1174*

Mumbai ................... $1244* Kolkata .................... $1175* Ahmedabad ............ $1278*

*Offer ends on 31st May 2016 unless sold out prior.Advertised fares are all inclusive for travel on the route Auckland-India-Auckland(via Sydney/Melbourne/Delhi), priced as on 01st April 2016 for outbound travel on 16th April 2016 and inbound travel on 17th May 2016, with 8 kg carry-on luggage and 30 kg check-in baggage.Travel between Auckland and Melbourne/Sydney permitted on our interline partner Air New Zealand (NZ) Virgin Australia (VA), Qantas (QF) only.Outbound travel is permitted from 01st Apr 16 to 21st Jun 16 or 06th Jul 16 to 13th Sep 16 or 28 Sep 16 to 10 Nov 16.Travel must be completed within 3 months from the date of departure. Prices are correct as on 01st April 2016 and small variations in prices may occur as a result of changes in airport taxes or currency fluctuations. Offer is subject to availability and fares are valid on Air India operated flights only. Basic fare and fuel surcharge are non refundable and change/no-show fees apply. For full terms and conditions, please visitwww.airindia.com or contact your local travel agent or call Air India on (03) 90218720 / (02) 92833370.

Note:-Passengers travelling to Amritsar will be provided with STPC at Delhi airport if the same day connecting flight is not operated.

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1 April 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Connecting medical science with people Red

Swati Sharma

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he was the Young New Zealander of the year 2010, the Indian New Zealander 2011 and recently was awarded the Young Alumna of the year 2016 at University of Auckland. Now based in San Francisco, Dr Divya Dhar, has recently completed a dual Master of Business Administration (majoring in healthcare management) and a Master of Public Administration (majoring in business and government), degree at the Wharton School and Harvard Kennedy School.

Dr Divya Dhar

The P3 foundation With a mission to end ‘extreme poverty within our generation’, she started P3 Foundation—a non-profit organisation run by and for youth in 2009. Dhar considers the launch of the foundation as her biggest success.

She says, “I always believed in the power of young people to change the course of history. Working with the team at P3 Foundation is still one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. We run awesome events such as World Changers Conference. We are also doing fundraisers such as our effort to support Oxfam for collections for Cyclone Winston (in Fiji).”

Goodbye pagers This young Kiwi-Indian is now building a bridge between medicine and people with Seratis, a platform to enable care coordination for healthcare providers.

“I found that I was wasting about an

hour every day failing to reach other health professionals such as nurses, occupational therapists or speech therapists. I found this to be such a pain that I wanted to help solve it. That’s how Seratis was born,” Dhar says. While at Wharton,

Dhar along with his classmate Lane Rettig decided to end the use of pagers in hospitals and thus co-founded Seratis with Lane. Seratis is a patient-centric mobile communication app that takes advantage of smartphone capabilities to allow healthcare providers to coordinate, track and analyse patient data.

Divya launched the app at several American healthcare providers with the help of her top talent team. Seratis won the $850,000 Verizon Healthcare Innovation Award in 2014 and the app has been featured in several major publications including Huffington P o s t , Techcrunch and Boston Globe.

So how does Seratis actually work?

“Using a pager was wasting about an hour a day trying to reach my colleagues to discuss critical patient care information.

This was slowing time of discharge

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“I always believed in the power of young people to change the course of history. Working with the team at P3 Foundation is still one of the most meaningful experiences of my life

for my patients and contributing to poorer health outcomes for them,” Dhar replies. “Seratis shows you on a realtime basis who else is looking after your patient (taking into account shift changes) and enables you to message them securely using your mobile phone and bypassing the pager.”

Auckland achievements While in Auckland, Dhar served as Vice President of the New Zealand Medical Students’ Association while studying Doctor of Medicine at the University of Auckland between 2005 and 2009. During that time, she undertook policy work to combat the problem of “doctor drain”, which was later adopted by the New Zealand Government.

Dhar believes that technology can be used to enhance medical services further in the near future.

“Technology is only just starting to penetrate health care. We’ll be seeing some massive shifts such as robots helping take care of elderly or having all your data in one place and having it help you predict what will help improve your health,” she says.

www.iwk.co.nz | 1 April 2016

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MELBOURNE WORLD’S MOST LIVEABLE CITY