Indian Weekender Digital Edition 17 February 2017 by Indian Weekender

17 FEB2017

Vol. 8 • Issue 46

NZ’s only Kiwi-Indian weekly

The Pulse of Kiwi-Indians since 2009

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Immigration scams: getting underneath ministerial intervention ¡¡ SANDEEP SINGH

he plight of nine Indian students and their families currently under a symbolic sanctuary in the Unitarian Church in Ponsonby continues to attract public and media attention, although much-needed ministerial help does not appear to be in sight. On February 2, six months after the request for ministerial intervention was initially raised, the lawyer of these students received a notification informing that Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse had declined to intervene in the issue. This was followed by a statement that the minister does not consider these students as a victim and will have to leave New Zealand. A spokeswoman for Mr Woodhouse and Associate Minister David Bennett had said that the ministers had nothing further to add to Mr Woodhouse’s previous comments on the issue. Previously, on many occasions, other senior ministers in this government have repeatedly commented that the students bore the responsibility of making sure their documentation was legitimate, thus suggesting that there is a collective resolve within this government on denying any general amnesty to these students. It is another matter that if the government had demonstrated a similar resolve earlier in clamping down systematic abuse or inefficiency within Immigration New Zealand, (INZ) then it would have been in much wider public interest and New Zealand’s international image than sticking to guns and denying students to at

Mohammad Salman (left) and Manoj N. speak to Indian Weekender in the church

least complete their education which they have paid for. In 2015, a year before systematic fraudulent practices were reported in the Indian student market, there were allegations of similar graft involving Filipino farm workers, where thousands of Filipino farm workers faced the risk of deportation on the allegation of falsifying visa documents. At that instance, Immigration INZ had affirmed that “INZ has since strengthened its verification processes and is confident that similar offending has been prevented.” However, the emergence of a similar problem in verification of visa documents in Indian students’ application a year after suggests otherwise.

These repeated immigration scams in successive years should have warranted questions about the integrity and efficacy of INZ. However ignoring that question, for now, let’s focus on how the government and the Immigration Minister have chosen to respond to the plight of people reportedly affected by the allegation of graft in INZ. At that instance, Mr Woodhouse had announced new instructions stating that applicants who admit to previously providing incorrect information but who are compliant in all other respects will be eligible to be granted a further work visa, as long as they meet all other essential skills requirements. He had said at that time that “the approach acknowledges that many of these workers are making a significant contribution to their employers and their communities and are wellsettled in New Zealand.” It is important to note that the ministerial discretion is an absolute discretion (a term introduced in the Immigration Act of 2009), which is beyond any scope of review of any kind whatsoever. It is a general expectation that ministerial discretion is exercised in wider public interest and is based on evidence and factors that could not be considered comprehensively during the due bureaucratic process. In that vein, this time, the minister had so far decided not to consider intervening at all, which obviously is beyond the scope of any review but does raise some questions related to Indianconnection, which may be of some concern to all Kiwi-Indians.

The starting point of the thought process is that what prompted the minister then to conclude that Filipino workers who had apparently paid thousands of dollars to falsify documents deserved another fair chance of being in New Zealand in comparison to Indian students who at least deny being a part in forging their visa documents. Does the factor of needs and pulls of dairy industry versus international education industry be a deciding factor in leading to a divergent understanding of the government on an apparently same issue? It is important to note that both, the dairy and international education industries, are among New Zealand’s top export earners but apparently needs of dairy industry is being slightly more valued than the expectations from international education industry. Or even worse, is the global image of corruption in India, influencing decisionmakers in New Zealand in taking slightly stern decisions when dealing with visitors from India? If this is a case, then it is a matter of grave concern for individual visa applicants from India since for all practical purposes, they would not have much control on the larger corruption prevailing in their homeland. A favourable ministerial intervention for at least the nine students would be a symbolic assurance to a large number of prospective Indian visitors and Kiwi-Indians in New Zealand that there is no such stereotype related to corruption in India within New Zealand’s bureaucracy.

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www.iwk.co.nz | 17 February 2017

Students’ deportation: where is Indian community’s support? ¡¡ SANDEEP SINGH

s hopes dwindle for the embattled Indian students, currently under the “symbolic sanctuary” of Ponsonby based Auckland Unitarian Church, questions are being raised about the missing support from the Indian community, especially their leaders. Speaking exclusively to Indian Weekender, Alastair McClymont, the immigration lawyer representing these students, expressed surprise and anguish over the missing support from important stakeholders in the Indian community including gurudwaras and temples, and especially the two National MPs. “It seems unbelievable to me that so many people in the Indian community have had this problem in the past, and continue to have this problem but do nothing to support these nine extremely brave students who are willing to stand up, not only for their rights but also for the rights of every single Indian student and Indian migrants in this country. “The Indian community has just stood by silently and said nothing,” Mr McClymont said. On Wednesday, February 15, one student was picked up by the immigration compliance team from his home, when he was away from the church. At the time of reporting, the student was held in Central Auckland Police Station where immigration officials were making the travel arrangements for him. It is reported that the student will be flown away to India on Friday, February 17. Sensing the intent of the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) to use force to remove the

students from church and send them away, media waited in full force at the church. However, nothing happened further as the immigration officials and police choose not to come inside the church. Mr McClymont was told by the manager of compliance team of INZ that they do not intend to come to church on Wednesday to forcefully remove the students. Speaking further to Indian Weekender, Mr McClymont was critical of the non-committal attitude of the Indian MPs, especially the two National List MPs on this issue. “They are not providing any support whatsoever. In fact, the two National List MPs of Indian–origin simply copy and paste the statement of the minister of immigration and [are] calling these Indian students fraudsters and demanding that they should be deported and are standing by government position. “They seem to be on the side of corrupt Indian agents and schools which extract millions of dollars from these students. They don’t seem to care about the miseries that these individual students are facing in these countries,” Mr McClymont lamented. Meanwhile on being asked by Indian Weekender that what other legal options are available to these students Mr McClymont said that they have proposed to the Immigration Minister that if INZ officials believe that students have committed fraud then they should be prosecuted in the court of law which also gives students a chance to defend themselves in court rather than facing deportation without them being heard in the court of law.

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Christchurch faces nature’s fury again ¡¡ SANDEEP SINGH

lthough it might be too early to describe Christchurchfires as purely natural as investigators are yet to determine how the fire actually started, it will not be an exaggeration to say that people of Christchurch are experiencing another natural disaster in what can be described as a relatively short span of time for a city to be exposed to repeated natural disasters.

Start of the fire

he first fire, believed to have been caused by an electrical problem, began on Monday, February 13, along the Early Valley Rd in Lansdowne. By 7 p.m., crews were battling a second blaze on Marley’s Hill, south of the city.

A perplexed response to a growing fire

state of civil emergency was declared on Wednesday (february 15) night, 48 hours after continuous burning, of what Selwyn District Principal Rural Fire Officer Douglas Marshall had described as a “not contained” fire. Civil Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee had questioned the emergency response to raging fires in Christchurch’s Port Hills, saying he was “perplexed” why a civil emergency was not declared earlier. “I’m perplexed as to why you’ve got the Selwyn District or rural fire fighters running things inside Christchurch city council district...boundaries. This is just one huge frustration,” Mr Brownlee lamented.

“

The fire, which started in Marleys Hills on Monday night, has now spread over 1800 hectares on the Port Hills.

Evacuation in full swing

mergency services were out since first light of Thursday (February 16) morning, fighting the huge Port Hills fire concentrating their efforts on three fronts at Worsleys Road, Early Valley Road and Governors Bay. At the time of reporting on Thursday, the fire had spread

over 1800 hectares on the Port Hills. Reports on the number of houses destroyed or damaged varied overnight. Fire Service had confirmed that five houses had been lost—three in Worsleys Road and two in Hoon Hay Valley Road. Emergency services were preparing to continue their operations for at least over the weekend and said the immediate emphasis was on directing the huge fire away from people and property. According to New Zealand Fire Service, the fire fighting effort on Thursday included 15 helicopters and fixed wing aircraft, the maximum number that can safely be in the air at any one time, and ground fire fighting crews from the New Zealand Fire Service, Department of Conservation, territorial authorities and volunteers. Helicopters were brought in from throughout the South Island, and

out of town fire service staff from both Nelson and Timaru and were boosting local resources. Twentyone urban appliances were on the Summit Road, eight on Worsleys Road and ten on Early Valley Road. There was a total fire ban in plan in North Canterbury. Fire Region Manager Steve Turek said it is important that there is no type of fire lit so fire resources can remain concentrated on the major fire. Christchurch Police had dedicated 50 staff working around the clock on the operation. Police assisted by New Zealand Defence Force staff had managed the evacuation of residents in at-risk areas. 400 homes were evacuated by police by Thursday afternoon with hundreds of other residents choosing to self-evacuate. Police had warned the situation is extremely volatile and should the fire change direction; people may have to leave at short notice. Superintendent John Price of Christchurch Police said patrols were also working around the clock in both areas at risk and those evacuations.

“We are providing reassurance to residents about evacuation, but also to others that we are keeping a watchful eye on their property,” Mr Price said. Welfare and health agencies were on standby reading to step in at a moment’s notice. Christchurch District Health Board reported no overnight admissions due to respiratory issues. Around 11 evacuees were at the Te Hapua Halswell Centre at the time of reporting. Catering was being provided with donations from the local supermarket assisting. While the Welfare Centre had been set up in the community room at Te Hapua Halswell Centre, the facility’s library and pool were operating as usual. A welfare centre also remained open at Nga Hau e Wha National Marae on Pages Road. Welfare agencies will provide updates on how to access a range of services. The public is encouraged to follow official updates on the Christchurch City Council’s Newsline website and social media, as well as other emergency services updates.

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Former Indian student from Auckland found dead in India ¡¡ SWATI SHARMA

former Indian student living in New Zealand, who was on his India visit, was found dead in a hotel room in Punjab under suspicious circumstances. Sandeep Singh, who hailed from Jamalpur village near Bhogpur, Punjab went to India in December 2016 for his brother’s wedding. As per the news reports in India, Mr Singh’s family went to Jalandhar city with him from their village on February 8 from where he boarded an Indo-Canadian bus—a direct bus service to New Delhi airport. However, when Mr Singh did not reach New Zealand on time, his family grew suspicious. When his brother went to Delhi to enquire, he found out that Mr Singh did not board any flight but had rather returned to Jalandhar on the same day. He rented a room in Hotel Grand Horizon in front of Jalandhar city bus stand. He stayed there for three days and did not try to establish any contact with his family. The hotel staff said that on February 11, he ordered tea in the morning. In the afternoon, when the cleaning staff went to his room, he did not respond. When the room was opened with a master key, Mr Singh was found dead. The local police is treating the death as suspicious and is investigating, but a friend of Mr Singh from Auckland, who does not wish to be named, told Indian Weekender that it is possible that he would have ended his own life. They told us that Mr Singh was devastated as he had failed to get his work visa renewed. They added that his post-graduate job search visa had ended on March 31, 2016 and he was on an interim visa until September 2016. Mr Singh was working at one of the Pak’ n Save stores in Auckland but he failed to get his work visa renewed that would have allowed him to

Sandeep Singh (Photo: Facebook

stay in the country. Mr Singh’s family was unaware about this and his friend from Auckland told us that he couldn’t tell his parents about his situation. He feared that it would be difficult for them to bear this news after they spent their life savings to send him to New Zealand for a bright and successful future.

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Conference on Get ready for the biggest Bollywood bang New Zealand story of

global Indian diasporas

¡¡ SWATI SHARMA

he week of love—Valentine’s week—ended on a super happy note for one our readers and a fan of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. Many of you would be aware that Indian Weekender gave its readers an opportunity to meet the superstar and other Bollywood celebrities—Bipasha Basu, Sonakshi Sinha, Prabhu Deva, Badshah, Maniesh Paul and Daisy Shah—in person in Auckland. The celebrity group will be in New Zealand for Da Bang The Tour, their first-ever show together on April 21. Suman Maharaj of Auckland became that one lucky person to get the opportunity to win that one golden ticket to the meet and greet event with the stars. Indian Weekender chose the winner in a lucky draw through a live video from our Facebook page. Mrs Maharaj’s excitement was quite evident as she started screamed with joy after hearing that she will get to meet the celebrities. We congratulate Mrs Maharaj and hope that she enjoys this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to the best. The Da Bang tour is bringing some of the most popular Bollywood celebrities to New Zealand. Each celebrity being featured in the show has a huge fan base with Salman Khan leading them all. The show is expected to be the biggest ever Bollywood show in New Zealand considering that Auckland

¡¡ SANDEEP SINGH

Inset: Winner of Indian Weekender’s Meet Salman Contest Suman Maharaj

had hosted huge shows when Badshah visited Auckland. One can imagine the scale of the show when seven top Bollywood and TV celebrities will rock the stage all at one time. It is sure to be the best so far. The contemporary actor and daughter of veteran Bollywood actor Shatrughan Sinha, Sonakshi was paired with Salman in Dabangg and Dabangg 2. For whom, dancing is worship, Prabhu Deva is not less than a god. Watching the two-time National Award winner live on stage would be one of the best moments of the life not only for his fans but others also.

Auckland had already witnessed the Bollywood rapping sensation Badshah in 2015 but this time is going to be way bigger and better. Famous TV host Maniesh Paul, and choreographer and actor Daisy Shah will add the additional tadka to the show with their wittiness and talent. All in all, this is an opportunity not to be missed. The tickets are selling fast, and the chances are that if you wait untill the last moment to buy your tickets, you might just miss out on witnessing the biggest Bollywood extravaganza in New Zealand.

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iasporas around the world, including the Indian diaspora, are attracting the significant attention of academic experts, social scientists, and policymakers in both host and destination states. India has been the top source country for migrants to New Zealand, and many other popular destinations in the West in the last decade. In this context, global experts from academia, government, bureaucracy, and the representatives of the Indian diaspora are gathering together on Friday and Saturday, February 17– 18, in a conference on New Zealand story of global Indian diaspora at the city campus of Auckland University of Technology (AUT). The two-day conference is organised by the New Zealand – India Research Institute (NZIRI), a national centre of Indian studies in New Zealand, in collaboration with AUT, with the support of Asia New Zealand Foundation, Human Rights Commission, and Education New Zealand. The conference titled ‘Global Networks-Indianness Abroad: The New Zealand Story’, appears all set to revisit an important attribute of diaspora as described by Fiona Adamson and Madeleine Demetriou—a “social collectivity” with the ability to sustain a collective

national, cultural, or religious identity through a sense of internal cohesion and sustained ties with a real or imagined homeland. The keynote speaker will be Dr Purnima Mankeker from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), who will be speaking on the global cultural perspective on migration and the ‘unsettling India,’ and Professor Paul Spoonley, Pro-Vice Chancellor Massey University, who will be speaking on demographics, race relations, and ethnic relations. The conference’s opening remarks will be delivered by Prof. Sekhar Bandyopadhyay, Director, NZIRI, and Dr Jian Yang, Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Minister for Ethnic Communities. Among other topics of interest in the conference, one of generic interest to the wider audience appears to be ‘Diasporic Living’, where several diaspora representatives would be sharing their day-to-day life experience as a member of the community in the host nation—New Zealand in this instance. The speakers in this segment of the conference are Dr Paula Ray, Dr Tracy Berno, and Jared-MackleyCrump. The conference convenors are Dr Alison Booth, Dr Vijay Devadas and Dr Berno of AUT.

www.iwk.co.nz | 17 February 2017

Woman pleads guilty in Huntly racial attack ¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

happening. Muslim women are often the ones who bear the brunt of attacks by strangers in egan Sarah Louise Walton, a 27-yearpublic places,” Islamic Women’s Council of old from Auckland, who was arrested New Zealand (IWCNZ) said. on February 12 for being involved in “We encourage all Muslim women to report a racial attack in Huntly, pleaded guilty in the Hamilton District Court. instances of harassment and abuse, either to us or the Human Rights Commission and to the Aucklander Mehpara Khan and her friends New Zealand Police where appropriate. We had lodged a complaint with the police after offer our support to the victims of this attack,” they crossed paths with Ms Walton during a IWCNZ added. break on their trip back to the city from Huntly, who verbally assaulted them. Ms Walton appeared in the Hamilton District Court on Monday, February 13 and pleaded The incident occured when Ms Khan and guilty to behaving in an insulting manner that her friends stopped to use the public toilet in was likely to cause violence and to two charges Huntly. Ms Khan recorded a video of the of assault to victim Mehpara Khan. assault and shared it on her Twitter account, where Ms Walton, who appears to be drunk, threw cans of alcohol at her while shouting: “Now get the f*** off, you ugly f****** Muslim b****.” Ms Walton also tried to punch Ms Khan which she avoided. She also calmly responded to the attempted physical assault by stating, “I was born here. I have the right to be here.” Ms Walton continued her tirade on the girls, threw the beer can at them and then went back to the toilet block. Ms Khan and her friends, shocked and terrified with the incident, continued their journey back to Auckland. Ms Khan reported the incident at the police station in Manukau and the video posted along with Ms Khan’s statement, “Who said Islamophobia doesn’t exist. This just happened in Huntley. I’m shaking,” caught attention on social media and had more than 2000 retweets and hundreds of supportive comments from fellow Kiwis. “It is very disappointing but not surprising, watching the video of Mehpara Khan being attacked in A screen capture from the video uploaded by vitcim Mehapara Huntly, to see this kind of event Khan- Megan Sarah Louise Walton (right)

NEW ZEALAND

17 February 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

SOUTH LINE Kahfir goes live Afghanis lose the on February 17 game but win hearts News-in-brief from South Island

¡¡ GAURAV SHARMA

DJ-turned-Punjabi music composer is releasing his first video song this weekend across all platforms

he 13 edition of the most-awaited annual sports event for ethnic communities in Christchurch—the Christchurch Global Football Festival— concluded on Sunday, February 12, with Javidan, a team comprising expats from Afghanistan, going down to two-time defending champions Irish Rovers in a nail-biting penalty shoot-out. The teams were level at one goal each at the end of the regulation time. Started in 2003 as a forum to bring people from different nationalities living in Christchurch together, the festival this year was organised by the Christchurch City Council in collaboration with Christchurch Football Centre and New Zealand Police and was supported by Mainland football and Plains FM. In all, 320 players aged 16 and above participated in 16 teams. Apart from Javidan, other teams from the Indian subcontinent included Nepal and Bhutan, showcasing the passion that part of the world has for the “beautiful game”, as it is called. Another notable participation was from Canterbury Fiji, which took the fifth place trophy. Speaking after receiving the runners-up medal, Meysum Shafahi, captain of the Afghani team, praised his team for the effort they had

¡¡ GAURAV SHARMA

jay Sharma is a man well-known in Christchurch’s Indian community for all the heart-pumping music he has provided at various celebrations since 2013. Now, the popular DJ has decided to step up his game and venture into the field of composing music. “For me, it is the natural progression. Ever since I left Punjab to move to Melbourne in 2007, I have been dreaming of this. When I shifted to Christchurch almost four years back, I brought all my equipment and slowly established my own studio here,” Mr Sharma said. Now, Kahfir—which is Ajay’s adopted stage name—has recreated the hit song Duja Aunda Sardar with singer Tarsem Jassar and will be releasing the video on February 17 on all music platforms such as YouTube, Saavn, Amazon, Spotify, iTunes, and a popular Punjabi music streaming website geetmp3.com. The song’s original music was given by Deep Jandu and was sung by Mr Jassar himself. The promotional video song has been shot in Christchurch and Auckland and will be the first of many, Mr Sharma informed. “I have already shot five videos in collaboration with singers from India, New Zealand, Australia, and the US. These will be released over the course of next few months.

Ajay Sharma - or Kahfir, in his studio in Christchurch

“While my first target is the Punjabi-speaking population of New Zealand and Australia, eventually I want to enter our homeland of Punjab, which is where the real magic happen,” he concluded.

put in to reach the finals. “We have performed very well, and I am proud of our achievement. This year, we stumbled at the last step. Maybe next year, we will win the trophy,” he said. Deepak Pandey, who hails from Butwal in Nepal and played in the Nepali Gorkhali Football Club’s team, and Akash Drukpa, team manager and captain of the Bhutanese team known as Lhotshampa, praised the professional organisation of this year’s edition. Mr Drukpa also expressed hope of seeing an Indian football team participating in the tournament soon. “It would be good if we see an Indian football team in next year’s edition,” he said. Notably, his team also won the festival’s fair play award, as it didn’t have a single booking (red or yellow cards) throughout the three-day tournament. Vinay Prasad, a member of the Canterbury Fiji football team, which has won the tournament three times in the past, had the last words, “While we have four different clubs in Christchurch where people from Fiji play, all of us come under one banner of Canterbury Fiji to participate in this tournament. In the last 13 years, we have seen the Football Festival grow leaps and bounds. Apart from the cultural diversity this event showcases, we also get to learn different styles of play, which help us in improving our game.”

The final between Afganistan (in blue) and Ireland went into penalties

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AT THE

NEW ZEALAND

Community loses a dedicated nurse GLENBROOK VINTAGE RA

Malayali Samajam gears up for Community Day ¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

he Auckland Malayali Samajam will be celebrating Community Day on Saturday, February 25 at Royal Oak Intermediate. More than 1,000 members of the Malayali community are expected to turn up for the event. Community Day is an occasion for all Malayalis in Auckland to come together and share an evening of music, food, and joy with the other community members. The patrons of the community can showcase their talents and actively participate in various cultural as well as indoor sports events. The main highlight of the programme will be Sangeetha Sandhya, a platform where any singer from the community can sing karaoke. Also, the programme ‘Shining Stars’ will give an opportunity to the youth of the community to showcase their talents in the form of any cultural performance such as dance, mimicry, storytelling and drama. Community members will also get a chance to play carrom, chess, and popular card games from Kerala such as Gulan Perish, Support, and Kazhhutha. Recently, the Auckland Malayali Samajam also organised a Yoga workshop called Praana for the community on Saturday, February 11 at Epsom Methodist Church Hall in Auckland. Conducted by Dr Smitha Mary, the workshop educated attendees on the benefits of yoga in an individual’s physical and spiritual life.

Two Indians stabbed in Christchurch robbery

our inquiries,” Detective Inspector Darryl Sweeney had noted then. Now, the coroner will find out when, where, how, and why the death happened. Meanwhile, the city’s Fiji Indian community has rallied behind the grief-stricken family as Ms Naidu, who worked as a nurse at the Cashmere View Rest Home and Hospital in Christchurch, hailed from Nadi in Fiji. Sources close to the family told Indian Weekender that she was married twice and was living separately from her second husband when the unfortunate incident took place. She is survived by two sons and a daughter, who is the youngest. Ms Naidu’s mother and siblings, some of whom are based in Sydney and others in Fiji, have already flown in to support the children, and the community is extending all the help it can to the family, sources said.

Near Waiuku, 50 minutes south-west of Auckla SATURDAY 23rd and SUNDAY 24th MARC

he Canterbury Police, after completing scene examination of a shed fire on Tankerville Road in the Christchurch suburb of Hoon Hay, have confirmed that the person found deceased in the incident that took place on February 9, was a 51-year-old woman named Savita Devi Naidu. Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Worner informed that the matter has now been referred to the Coroner. “There are no suspicious circumstances and police are not seeking anyone else in connection with the death,” he said. As reported earlier, the police and specialist officers were called to the Hoon Hay address around 8 a.m. on Thursday, February 9, after a body was discovered in a shed fire. Initially, the death was treated as unexplained and a formal identification and post-mortem was carried out.

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¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

¡¡ GAURAV SHARMA

wo Indian employees at Domino’s Pizza in Christchurch were stabbed during a robbery on Monday, February 13. At around 10:10 p.m. the police received a report of an aggravated robbery at the outlet on Harewood Street, Bishopdale in Christchurch. Two heavily disguised and armed men entered the outlet and demanded money. Although the two staff members present at the counter complied, the money was kept in a time-delay safe and therefore the robbers couldn’t get much. In a fit of anger, they stabbed the two employees before fleeing the scence. According to the sources, both the employees were alone in the store when the incident happened, which might have emboldened the attackers to stab them. Amrit, one of the two employees at the scene, received serious but not life-threatening wounds to the stomach and was transported to Christchurch Hospital, whereas Bhupinder, the other employee, received a cut on his chest and was treated at the scene by St John. The offenders fled the store with an undisclosed sum of money. The police immediately made enquiries in the area in an attempt to locate the two men but could not find them. Police did a scene examination on the morning of February 14 and CIB are currently investigating the case. Victim Support services have also being provided. “Police are currently investigating the incident, and the Domino’s staffs affected are receiving medical care. Domino’s number one priority is the safety of our staff, and at the moment, our focus is on their well-being and recovery,” Angela Hayes, Domino’s Communications Manager, said. “Domino’s will continue to work closely with the local police, including providing CCTV footage to aid the investigation,” Ms Angela added. Police have asked residents of Bishopdale and Harewood to come forward if they find any discarded clothing in the areas. Any person who might have knowledge of the robbery or has witnessed anything suspicious in the area can contact the police on 03 363 7400.

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Rafi Kishore Mukesh Night—a tribute to the legends ¡¡ IWK BUREAU

one-of-its-kind live musical bonanza titled Rafi Kishore Mukesh Night will be held at Dorothy Winston Center, Auckland on Saturday, March 4. The musical evening that will commence at 6:30 p.m. will feature singers who will represent each legend’s singing style. Arif Zia, Joseph Jose, Viraj Maki who are well known to Indian music lovers in Auckland, will be accompanied by melody queens Vidya Teke, Arpita Chanda, Shweta Shirsat and Srishaa Iyer. The evening will be filled with a perfect blend of classics and will be a walk down the memory lane for the audience. So do mark down the date and time and be a witness to this unique entertainment filled music. The event is being presented by Creation Group NZ which has been organising several fund-raising shows from five years including that for natural disasters in Fiji, Nepal, etc. Tickets are priced at $20 each, and all proceeds from the event will go to charity. Here is a little about the talented artists to be featured in the show.

Arif Zia

rif has organised and performed in innumerable shows in Auckland, earning a lot of accolades and admirations from the audience. Arif hails from New Delhi, India and has organised live shows back home too. Deeply inspired by the legendry singer Mohammed Rafi, he has been singing mostly the legend’s songs from a very young age.

Arpita Chanda

national prize winner for light classical music and patriotic songs, Arpita released her first album in 2004. A regular performer at All India Radio for 10 years, she has performed with legendary singer Manna Dey and is also the winner of inaugural Moyesha Voice Search 2004, winner of Voice of Auckland 2006, and a regular performer at a number of cultural events in New Zealand.

Joseph Jose

oseph is renowned for reliving the inimitable Kishore Kumar in his performances. He believes the legend has deeply influenced him by his style of singing and therefore loves to reproduce the legend’s melodies. Joseph hails from Kerala, India.

Srishaa Iyer

rishaa is a 19-year-old student at Auckland University. She has been learning classical singing from the age of five and has been a part of singing competitions in Auckland and India. She is actively involved in community events and local shows every year. She has written, composed and released her first English music video single.

Vidya Teke

idya has been singing right from her childhood and had formal education from her father, a few wellknown music gurus from Pune, India, as well as from Gwalior gharana. She has taken part in numerous singing competitions and has won most of them including Kaun Banega Superstar in Auckland. She has conducted a number of stage shows and live-in-concerts in India, NZ and Fiji.

Viraj Maki

iraj hails from Mumbai and had his classical training initially with Pandit Ramesh Jule of Kirana gharana and then with Tulika Ghosh. He has performed in several events in Mumbai under the guidance of music director Kuldip Singh with their musical plays and musical performances at Prithvi Theatre in Mumbai. He has been performing in numerous Auckland events since 2004.

Shweta Shirsat

hweta was born in a music loving family and started her training in Indian classical music at the age of five. Shweta gained expertise in Indian classical and light classical music. She has performed with the famous playback singer Amit Kumar during his concert in Auckland.

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NOMINATE YOUR FEMALE HERO ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY Parmjeet Parmar MP is seeking nominations for Mt Roskill female heroes to be celebrated on International Women’s Day. If you know an amazing woman in your family, or in the Mt Roskill community who deserves recognition, please nominate her. SEND NOMINATIONS TO: Parmjeet.parmar@parliament.govt.nz or ring Parmjeet’s Mt Roskill office (09) 620 6707. Nominations close Friday 3 March 2017 Funded by the Parliamentary Service and authorised by Dr Parmjeet Parmar List MP, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

Great start to the new year Dr Parmjeet Parmar

National List MP

arliament is back in action and as we launch into this year, we can have confidence New Zealand is on the right track. National has certainly hit the ground running, with the Prime Minister visiting the UK and Europe in early January to advance New Zealand business and trade opportunities in the region. The Prime Minister also announced this year’s general Election will be held on Saturday, September 23, saying it is important to provide New Zealanders with certainty. The government is gearing up for the challenges of election year with a busy agenda and a clear plan for our country’s future—

building on the strong momentum we have achieved over the past eight years. I’m looking forward to working for and with you to make 2017 another productive year. On the very first day back I had the opportunity to take part in the debate to support the Prime Minister’s statement. The budget date was also announced last week. Finance Minister Steven Joyce has announced the 2017 Budget will be delivered on 25 May. It will be centred on providing opportunities for all Kiwis to get ahead.

The budget will seek to give businesses the confidence to keep investing and keep growing, to provide more opportunities for New Zealand families. A key element of the budget will involve investing in the public services and building the infrastructure for a growing New Zealand. The budget will continue a relentless focus on reducing debt to 20 per cent of GDP by 2020/21. Our economy remains one of the strongest in the developed world and Kiwi families are seeing the benefits.

Around 250,000 extra jobs have been created over the past three years and unemployment is falling. The average annual wage is now $58,400—up $12,000 since we were elected in 2008 and more than double the rate of inflation, while interest rates are at 50-year lows. The country is back in surplus and we’re getting better results from important public services like hospitals, schools and social programmes. We are seeing strong growth in sectors such as tourism, ICT, construction, and hightech manufacturing. New Zealand is also experiencing our biggest building boom—in the past five years, annual residential building consents have more than doubled. In Auckland, they have almost tripled which is a fantastic news for first home buyers. National is committed to ensuring this stability, and progress continues as we head into this year.

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In conversation with Punjabi rap star Bohemia ¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

oger David aka Bohemia, the AmericanPakistani Punjabi rapper rocked his fans at The Powerstation in Mt Eden on Saturday, February 11. Considered the first Punjabi rapper who brought a revolution into Punjabi music, Bohemia is known for eccentric lyrics inspired from his rough childhood memories and his love for poetry. This was his second performance in New Zealand in the last two years. The crowd went ecstatic with Bohemia’s grand entrance to the stage. Clad in his signature hoodie jacket, track pant, and a skull cap, the rap star delivered his hit numbers such as Sahara, 420, Diwana, Aitbaar, Tera Pyar and Zamana Jalli and Meri Jeet from his 2017 album Skull and Bones.

Speaking to Indian Weekender, Bohemia got nostalgic sharing his journey that began with small gigs in California. Excerpts from the interview below.

IWK: How did you get your first break in the music industry? Bohemia: I had a rough start moving to the United States from Pakistan. My mum passed away, and we went through both financial and emotional troubles. For almost two years in California, I roamed on streets, without any goal and like a homeless person. Back in Pakistan, I used to play keyboard, which came to my rescue in the US. I made some friends there who asked me to play the keyboard for them, did gigs with them, hung out in the studio, and that is where it all started. I used to perform at parties, and one day, I realised that I was more than just a keyboard player. I didn’t want to be just another face. I wanted to do something original so that people would remember me and my work. I picked up the pen and started writing songs and that changed everything. My first independent Vich Pardesa de was an instant hit and reached top 10 on BBC Radio in 2002. IWK: How would you say you have evolved in the last one-and-half decade? Bohemia: The music industry is one of the most dynamic and rapidly changing industries. There has to be a new song, a hot song now and then; that is the trend. Most singers have

become trend followers instead of becoming trendsetters. My fan following has grown over the years, and they love me for the songs I did 10 years back, and they are used to the ‘Bohemian Era’—the Punjabi rap era I introduced. Whenever I do shows, I make sure I have my old hit songs in the playlist. It is incredible to see how the crowd connects to them and their hoots are my reward. As a person, yes, I have evolved to be a better person and a settled family man. IWK: Tell us about your latest album Skull & Bones. Bohemia: My latest album is me going 15 years back when I started this venture. The album is entirely produced by me, right from the lyrics, composition, music, recording, designing the graphics, and the video. I have made that album from a mindset of an adolescent, someone who is rough, yet has delicate emotions, is new to the industry and a mind that has a thousand thoughts to share. IWK: Any Bollywood projects in the pipeline for you? Bohemia: I worked with Akki paaji (Akshay Kumar) previously in Chandni Chowk to China, his Hollywood production Breakaway, 8x10 Tasveer, and Desi Boyz. For a while, I abandoned Bollywood and wanted to work more on my rap music, but now I am open to experimentation and Bollywood too.

IWK: What is your message to your fans? Bohemia: Stick to your roots, read books, study, and educate yourself, that is the key to success. Someone who has started from the scratch, from a very low level, knows how to build an empire. No matter what you aim to do, immerse yourself in it. The pain is always momentary, but the outcome will always be rewarding, that too, in the long run. My album Skull & Bones that I produced as a one-man band wouldn’t have been possible had I not known every aspect of making music, from scratch to the polished final product.

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www.iwk.co.nz | 17 February 2017

Time to celebrate the

success of Kiwi-Indians ¡¡ SWATI SHARMA

Kiwi Indian Young Achiever This award is dedicated to the young guns of our community, between the age of 16 and 35, who have done exceptionally well in their field, be it sports, education, job, technology, science, entertainment, food, politics, or business.

In Auckland and Waikato

Due to popular demand we are looking for people

who want to look after babies upto 5 years in your home

N W I I DI A

• • • • • •

Work from your own home Days & hours to suit you Extensive Toy & Equipment Library Opportunity to train Subsidised excursions & Outings Generous referral reward

This award is dedicated to people who have been tirelessly working for the community but often go unnoticed. Through this award, we thank them for their contribution and hope that it motivates others to work towards a better world.

N W I I DI A

Kiwi Indian Unsung Hero

N W I I DI A

ndians have been making their country proud all over the world through their achievements. Their success stories continue to inspire people who aspire to reach greater heights in their field of work. It becomes the society’s responsibility to reward and motivate those with extraordinary achievements. With that idea, five years ago, Indian Weekender started the Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame that celebrates the success of the Kiwi-Indians who have made the community proud. The journey began with one award where members of the community who have contributed towards the society were inducted into the Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame. In 2015, two more awards were added—Kiwi Indian Unsung Hero and Kiwi Indian Young Achiever. In the last five years, MP Kanwaljit Bakshi, Dr Ajit Swarn Singh, Dr Kantilal Naranji Patel and Dr C.S. Benjamin have been inducted into the Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame for their extraordinary work in their profession. Mr Bakshi was the first inductee after he became the first Sikh Member of Parliament in 2008. Dr Singh was inducted into the prestigious honour in 2014 for being the first Fiji-born Indian to be appointed to the District Court Bench in the New Zealand. Dr Patel was inducted in 2015 for his immense contribution to the country’s healthcare system. The man, who came to this country with $20 and a medical degree in 1974, has today built the country’s largest private clinician-owned primary care providing organisation known to all as the Nirvana Health Group, which is spread across 36 locations in New Zealand. Dr Benjamin, the reigning Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame inductee, was recognised for his exceptional contribution to the community in South Pacific with his work with NZAID and Ministry of Foreign Affairs for 10 years as the coordinator of New Zealand Medical Treatment Schemes for seven South Pacific countries that include Fiji, Samoa, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.

For more information call us today on

0800 JEMMAS 0800 536 627 www.jemmas.co.nz

Indian Weekender is inviting nominations for this year’s Kiwi Indian Honours. If you know of someone who has set an example for others through their work, someone who has been serving the community selflessly for years, someone who has reached greater heights of success at a young age, it is time to acknowledge them and their work. Nominations are open for all three categories—Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame, Kiwi Indian Unsung Hero, and Kiwi Indian Young Achiever. Just fill in the form on page 23 and post it to us at Level 1, 133A Onehunga Mall, Onehunga. Or visit www.halloffame.co.nz to nominate. Nominations close on Monday, April 13, 2017. So hurry!

KANWALJIT SINGH BAKSHI MP BASED IN MANUKAU EAST Auckland Office Unit 1, 131 Kolmar Road, Papatoetoe, Auckland Ph 09 278 9302 Email bakshi.mp@parliament.govt.nz Postal Address PO Box 23136, Hunters Corner, Auckland 2025 www.kanwaljitsinghbakshi.national.org.nz

Funded by the Parliamentary Service and authorised by Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi MP, 1/131 Kolmar Road, Papatoetoe

www.national.org.nz

FIJI

17 February 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

Bainimarama: Sugar would be sustainable P rime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says that sugar would be a sustainable industry. “Our sugar cane industry is here to stay and Government is committed to create an economically, viable, modern and sustainable industry,” he said. Mr Bainimarama was responding to a motion by the Opposition yesterday for a bipartisan select committee to collectively find solutions to revive the sugar industry to ensure it remains vibrant. He said an agreement of two political parties that usually opposed

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama outside Parliament

each other’s political views was not conducive to revive the industry.

India commits to support Fiji fight climate change

iji and India have had an excellent ongoing cooperation in the spheres of agriculture, health, sugar industry, SME sector, climate change, education, women empowerment, human resource development and culture. These were the sentiments shared by India's High Commissioner to Fiji Vishvas Sapkal at the 68th Republic Day of India reception held at the Civic Centre in Suva last week. Mr Sapkal assured that the Indian government was committed to supporting Fiji in the fight against climate change. He also acknowledged the Fijian Government for its election as

India’s High Commissioner to Fiji Vishvas Sapkal

President of COP-23. Present at the event were President of Fiji Major General (Ret'd) Jioji Konrote, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and other Government Ministers.

The search for Miss World Fiji begins

rganisers of the Miss World Fiji Pageant will go to the four main centres next month in search for 10 young women to compete for the chance to represent Fiji on the world stage. "The Miss World Pageant is not really concerned about a woman's looks but rather we are looking for that young woman who is elegant and is really very confident," Mr Blake said. "What we will do for the first time is visit the four main centres to give young girls an easier opportunity to be in the competition." The pageant team will travel to; ¡¡ March 11 – Lautoka (venue TBC) ¡¡ March 18 – Nadi (venue TBC) ¡¡ March 25 – Suva: Tappoo's ¡¡ 1 April – Labasa: Grand Eastern Hotel The Miss World Fiji Pageant will be held at the Grand Pacific Hotel from June 5-10 and ten girls will compete in front of five local judges who represent three main sectors. "The judges background are journalism, sports and fashion because of what the combination brings to the table and how it will help us choose the right representative. “A journalist can pick out a good speaker and sports people can identify physically fit contestants while a fashion judge can tell us who has good fashion style." "We are looking for a very confident young woman who is ready to promote Fiji on an international scale. We are not just talking about

He said the National Federation Party and Social Democratic Liberal

Party were two parties that didn’t agree with each other’s policies. However, the motion was defeated by 31 votes to 14 while four didn’t cast their votes. National Federation Party MP, Prem Singh while speaking on the motion, said that they needed to work together as political parties to revive the sugar industry. Opposition member Biman Prasad said they need to leave the past and work together. Mr Singh said the events of December 2006 had been difficult for sugarcane growers around the country.

He said there was a need to revive the sugar industry which had been the backbone of Fiji’s economy for the last 100 years. Mr Singh said more than 200,000 people around the country were dependent either indirectly or directly through the sugar cane industry. He said the number of registered sugarcane growers and sugar produced had decreased over the last 10 years. Mr Singh said sugarcane farmers faithfully performed their duties during difficult times and it was Government’s duty to look after their livelihoods.

Plans to own military equipment for UN peacekeeping missions

ith Contingent Owned Equipment, Fijian troops will be able to serve in their various missions with their own lorries, generators, trucks Plans are in place to maximise reimbursement opportunities available for Fiji in United Nations peacekeeping missions. Republic of Fiji Military Forces director peacekeeping, Captain Humphrey Tawake said this was the way forward in our peacekeeping endeavours – to put in place our own Contingent Owned Equipment (COE). At the moment Fiji is using UN owned equipment. The only equipment we take from Fiji for peacekeeping duties is our personal equipment. With COE, Fijian troops will be able to serve in their various missions with their own lorries, generators, trucks and more. “Now that we know that peacekeeping is the leverage of our international commitments and international relations, we want to capture all that is available in the UN peacekeeping system,” Captain Humphrey said. This opportunity was not captured years ago, because the political will from Government was not there, he said. The COE system was adopted

Republic of Fiji Military Forces director peacekeeping, Captain Humphrey Tawake pays a courtesy call to the president of the United Nations General Assembly Peter Thomson on the sidelines of the Contingent Owned Equipment (COE) conference in New York. Photo: RFMF Media Cell

by the United Nations to simplify the means by which countries are reimbursed for providing equipment, personnel and self-sustainment support services to formed military or Police contingents in peacekeeping missions. Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka are the top five contributors of peacekeeping with their COE.

“Approval has to go through Government for capital funding. The initial cost will be high obviously but within five years we should be able to recover the cost,” Captain Humphrey said. The Fijian delegation was in New York to attend the COE conference. It also paid a courtesy call to the United Nations General Assembly president, Peter Thomson.

One year: Time to pray for 44

promoting the country as a tourist destination but she has to be able to showcase our other unique aspects," Blake said. The Miss World Fiji Pageant which has seen increasing success in the past two immediate representatives; Britney Hazelman and Pooja Priyanka, is eager to find someone who can take their achievements and build on it. "Pooja was able to really sell Fiji on an international scale and she had a very good online presence. People followed her from all over the world. Almost every pageant portal (website) would feature her in their rankings." Ms Priyanka placed in the top 20 for the talent competition and in the top 24 for her Beauty With A Purpose project, the best by any Miss World Fiji representative. The venue for Miss World 2017 is not yet confirmed, Mr Blake said.

he Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama, has called for a weekend of prayer and reflection from Friday as Fiji prepares to commemorate the anniversary of Tropical Cyclone Winston. Forty-four Fijians were killed when the Category 5 storm struck the country, reaching its peak intensity on February 20, 2016. The Prime Minister says the thoughts of the entire nation, 12 months on, will be with the families of those who lost their lives. “Next weekend, and especially Monday 20 February, will be a very painful time for the relatives and friends of those we lost. “And I ask everyone to do what they can to comfort them and help make that pain more bearable,” he said. “We ask all religious bodies to make appropriate preparations for the weekend of remembrance, which will begin next Friday and

Devastation from Cyclon Winston

continue through to the anniversary itself. Whether you attend church, a mosque or a temple, I ask everyone in the lead up to the anniversary to pray for those who lost their lives, pray for the loved ones they left behind

and give thanks for our nation’s deliverance.” The Prime Minister called on every Fijian to reflect on the tragedy and especially the pain caused by the loss of life and widespread devastation.

www.iwk.co.nz | 17 February 2017

WORLD

Trump says he’ll bring down cost of Mexican wall

S President Donald Trump tweeted on Saturday, February 11, that the media was wrong to say the cost of his promised wall along the United States’ border with Mexico would be steeper than initially projected, promising that his negotiating skills will bring the price down sharply. “I am reading that the great border WALL will cost more than the government originally thought, but I have not gotten involved in the design or negotiations yet. “When I do, just like with the F-35 FighterJet or the Air Force One Program, price will come WAY DOWN!” EFE news quoted Trump as saying in a tweet. The Twitter post about the wall was the President’s first since January 26, when he reiterated that Mexico should pay for the barrier considering the US’s large trade deficits with its southern neighbour stemming from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which he has repeatedly criticised as a onesided deal. Trump, who says the wall is necessary to thwart illegal immigration, also has accused Mexico of not doing enough to

Immigration raids fulfil campaign promise: Trump

S President Donald Trump said on Sunday, February 12, on Twitter that the recent increase in immigration raids to detain undocumented foreigners comes in fulfilment of his campaign promises, adding that the majority of the people being seized for deportation are “gang members, drug dealers & others”. “The crackdown on illegal criminals is merely the keeping of my campaign promise. Gang members, drug dealers & others are being removed!” EFE news said. On January 25, Trump signed executive orders on immigration that, besides calling for construction of a wall on the USMexico border, asked for an increase in personnel to be able to accelerate the raids to find not only undocumented migrants, but also minors without any criminal record. That constitutes a toughened stance on deportations from the policy pursued by the Barack Obama administration, which gave priority in deportations to people with criminal convictions or serious crimes on their records. In recent days, Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids have been increased to find undocumented migrants, and witnesses and immigrant organisations have said that people without criminal records are also being taken into custody. Immigration officials and police have denied that the raids are a coordinated attempt to accelerate deportations and have said that their actions are merely “routine”.

20 couples tie knot on Mandela's prison island on Valentine's Day

wenty couples celebrated Valentine's Day on Tuesday, February 14, by getting married on Robben Island, where South African president Nelson Mandela spent 18 years imprisoned for his activities against the apartheid regime. The couples left in a boat from the port of Cape Town on Tuesday morning and returned later the same day with their new marital status, EFE news reported. One of the couples, Grace and Michael Msibi, travelled from Johannesburg to take part in the event on the small island off the coast of Cape Town. "It was the monument of apartheid but now it has turned out to be a place of love. We want to add to its history," said Msibi. The ceremonies were held in the chapel of the island, where masses used to be held before the fall of the regime of racial segregation and the closure of the prison. South African Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba officiated at the weddings, and the brides and grooms later celebrated with their guests at a banquet. Located about 7 kilometers (4.35 miles) from the shore of Cape Town, Robben Island has been used as a prison in the last centuries.

A U.S. flag is seen next to a section of the wall separating Mexico and the United States, in Tijuana, Mexico

prevent undocumented migrants from crossing the border. Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto, who has vowed that

his country will never pay for the wall, cancelled a scheduled visit to the US amid the flap, although he and Trump spoke by phone on January 27 and agreed not to publicly discuss funding for the border barrier. The speaker of the US House of Representatives, Republican Paul Ryan, pledged in late January that the GOP-controlled Congress would approve funds for the wall and estimated it would cost between $13 billion and $15 billion. But analysts at Bernstein, a research and brokerage firm, have put the wall’s price tag at as high as $25 billion, or double the cost of a new highway linking the US’s east and west coasts. Since his surprise victory in the November 8 elections, the former real-estate mogul has secured commitments from Lockheed Martin and Boeing to lower the cost of the F-35 Joint-Strike Fighter programme and Air Force One programme, respectively. He had criticised the costs of those programmes and threatened to cancel the orders.

Editorial Student arrests: mercy, morality or confusion

“The more you t rave l , t he more you discove r t h at t he wor ld is be au t if ul e ve r y whe re .” — Er ic R ipe rt

t is interesting to note that ever since Bill English has become the Prime Minister of the country earlier this year, morality and religion have become important factors in New Zealand’s political space. The latest and the most vocal instance where religion has been invoked in some way to achieve desired support from the Bill English led National government, is the Unitary Church’s offer for a symbolic sanctuary to the embattled Indian students facing deportation notice from the Immigration New Zealand (INZ). The earliest instance was when Mr English had to clarify his position on the issue of samesex marriage immediately after being declared as National Party leader to succeed former Prime Minister John Key. Since then there is a marked increase, if not an undoubted increase in the invocation of religion within New Zealand’s political space. Undoubtedly, there is no denying the fact that the case of eight Indian students seeking ministerial intervention to overturn their deportation notice have some merit in at least seeking a favourable ministerial intervention. It is equally important to take note of the visible role of morality and religion in the political scene, which for now seems to be an outcome of Mr English’s public views on religion. Mr English is known to be a social conservative from a rural background who is a devoted and practising Roman Catholic. According to Unite senior organiser Joe Carolan, the latest move was intended to “embarrass Prime Minister Bill English, who is himself Catholic, into taking pity on the students.” The developments on Wednesday, February 15 clearly suggest that this move of seeking sanctuary in the church has brought some confusion, if not an embarrassment of any kind for the government authorities as originally intended by the organisers. The compliance team of Immigration New Zealand (INZ) had picked up one student from his home, while being away from the church and had begun preparations to send him away from New Zealand. However, student’s lawyer was later informed by the INZ compliance team manager that they do not intend to enter into the church to forcefully execute deportation notice – a fact later confirmed by the Immigration Minister himself. The Immigration Minister had said that it’s unlikely that arrests will be made while the Indian students on fraudulent documents are holed up in a church. “This is a place of religion, a house of God, and I don’t think it’s appropriate that people get wrestled to the ground and taken out in a church,” Mr Woodhouse said. For this day and age in the twenty-first century, such confusion is not common if not completely unusual. It would be interesting to see how state and church will eventually resolve the current standoff. Meanwhile, students can continue to hold their New Zealand dream for some more time, although it’s not clear what they aim to achieve from this situation if they have to remain holed inside the church to avoid a forceful eviction from New Zealand.

Indian Weekender : Volume 8 Issue 46 Publisher: Kiwi Media Publishing Limited Managing Editor: Bhav Dhillon | bhav@indianweekender.co.nz Content Editor: Sandeep Singh | sandeep@indianweekender.co.nz Chief Reporter: Swati Sharma | swati@indianweekender.co.nz Reporter: Rizwan Mohammad | rizwan@indianweekender.co.nz Chief Reporter—South Island: Gaurav Sharma Chief Technical Officer: Rohan Desouza | rohan@indianweekender.co.nz Sr Graphics and Layout Designer: Mahesh Kumar | mahesh@indianweekender.co.nz Graphic Designer: Yashmin Chand | design@indianweekender.co.nz Accounts and Admin.: 09-6366306 | accounts@indianweekender.co.nz Sales and Distribution: 022 3251630 | sales@indianweekender.co.nz 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 Kiwi Media Publishing Limited - 133A, Level 1, Onehunga Mall, Onehunga, Auckland. Printed at Horton Media, Auckland Copyright 2017. Kiwi Media Publishing Limited. All Rights Reserved.

This week in New Zealand’s history February 17, 1873: WHEN RUSSIA ‘INVADED’ AUCKLAND Daily Southern Cross newspaper carried a sensational story about a Russian invasion of Auckland. The news almost created panic before some readers saw the asterisk in the headline, which referred to a date three months in the future. The hoax news mentioned that Russian marines had taken the mayor of Auckland hostage. It was just a fake news created to exploit the fear of Russians and boost newspaper sales.

February 18, 1957: THE LAST EXECUTION IN NZ The last execution in New Zealand was carried out on this date when 68-year-old Walter Bolton, convicted for murdering his wife, was hanged at Mt Eden prison. In 1961, the death penalty was abolished by the parliament.

February 22, 2011: DEADLY EARTHQUAKE HITS CHRISTCHURCH An earthquake of 6.3 magnitude struck Christchurch and Lyttelton and killed 185 people on February 22, 2011, at 12:51 p.m. This happened six months after a more powerful earthquake of 7.1 magnitude had hit Canterbury on September 4, 2010. Following the earthquake, a national state of emergency was declared. Dust clouds caused by the February 22 earthquake (© Gillian Needham)

OPINION/EDITORIAL

www.iwk.co.nz | 17 February 2017

If Kejriwal wins Punjab, it will alter course of politics ¡¡ SAEED NAQVI

The emerging consensus that there is a wave in favour of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab is terrible news for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress, not because they will have lost the election but because the road ahead will become that much more difficult. The image of Narendra Modi, after reversals in this round of the election, will have lost sheen irretrievably. The euphoria his victory in the May 2014 general election had generated should have begun to evaporate after two successive AAP victories in Delhi in December 2013 and February 2015, the Rashtriya Janata Dal-Janata DalUnited (RJD-JDU) victory in Bihar followed by BJP defeats in the 2016 assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry. These did not appear to demoralise him. But defeat in key states in the current round will create internal restiveness and aggravate the political effects of demonetisation. For the Congress, the AAP’s further rise spells an existential danger. Its inability to reclaim lost ground in the northern states will begin to look like a pitiable reality, exactly as the visage of the Gandhi-Nehru parivar will. Holding on to Akhilesh Yadav’s coat-tails in Uttar Pradesh will carry neither Rahul Gandhi nor the Congress very far. That Priyanka Gandhi may give the party a helping hand at a critical juncture is a hope some peripheral Congress leaders nurse.

If her behaviour were anything to go by, she is by some accounts in indifferent health and cannot focus even on Rahul and Sonia Gandhi’s constituencies, Amethi and Rae Bareli, which have been assigned to her for safe-keeping. But she clearly has a tremendous sense of survival. There were fears during the 2014 general elections that these seats would be swept away in the Modi wave. That her mother and brother may not be in the next Parliament was an unnerving prospect. She stiffened her sinews and in two weeks of campaigning ensured success for her sibling and her mother. She has talent but, apparently, is short on stamina. There are several reasons for the Congress’ expected defeat. Among

the reasons is the habitual delay in naming the chief ministerial candidate. Amarinder Singh was projected as Chief Minister far too late in the day. Congressmen murmur but never actually say that the Congress President will not project anybody who might have the potential of eclipsing the family, particularly Rahul Gandhi. I am not implying Amarinder specifically, but there are instances. I have always maintained that in 2014 Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit may well have come up trumps in the state had the party High Command by hint or gesture talked of her in Prime Ministerial terms. Remember the state victory would have been her fourth in a row.

Her late husband had been a popular IAS officer; she had been a minister in the Prime Minister’s Office. Instead of these credentials being advertised, something that would have enthused the cadres, the High Command demonstrated hostile indifference. Dikshit lost. That was the beginning of Kejriwal and AAP. It is now of course too late in the day for any movement towards the fulfilment of Sonia Gandhi’s dream of crowning Rahul Gandhi as Prime Minister. What future for the party Vice President who is now playing second fiddle to Akhilesh Yadav in Lucknow? During the Panchmarhi conclave of the Congress in September 1998, senior leaders Kamal Nath, Arjun Singh and Jitendra Prasad had refused to see the writing on the wall: they had shot down a proposal that the Congress must seek alliances for survival. “No,” they said, “we must recover the social base lost to the Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party.” By what feat was this goal to be achieved? Chandrajit Yadav and Rajesh Pilot (Sachin Pilot’s father) cried themselves hoarse: “In the present circumstances, there is no alternative to alliances.” What irony, then, that 18 years after Sonia Gandhi shot down alliances at the Panchmarhi conclave, an alliance has been forged in Uttar Pradesh precisely with a party which was anathema to Congress leaders who are even today part of the Sonia coterie.

The BJP and the Congress would not have been in the state of funk in which they are today had they defeated each other in the contest. As the third force called AAP rises from Delhi to Punjab, making inroads in Goa too, the demoralisation of the Congress in states like Rajasthan will become palpable as results start coming on March 11. Corporates, comfortable with alternating between the Congress and the BJP, will now have to find new ways of placing their bets. In anticipation of the Punjab results, Kejriwal has already immersed himself in the Delhi Municipal Corporation elections due in two months. What must cause considerable disquiet to the Modi-Amit Shah duet is the AAP targeting Gujarat. To make matters worse, Hardik Patel, the Patidar icon, is already positioning himself in that state as a Shiva Sena leader. 17 Despite the chaos attending demonetisation, Modi was able to prove one thing: he could make the country stand outside banks without any leader being able to ignite a revolt. Things will change now. The momentum behind Kejriwal and Akhilesh Yadav will make Mamata Banerjee, Nitish Kumar-Lalu Prasad and others look like a muscular array of regional forces. Where Rahul Gandhi fits into this arrangement, only time will tell. Saeed Naqvi is a senior commentator on political and diplomatic affairs. The views expressed are personal.

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India puts record 104 satellites into orbit in single mission

ndia on Wednesday, February 15, created a world record by successfully putting into orbit 104 satellites, including the country’s own Cartosat-2earth observation satellite, in a single mission. With the launch, ISRO surpassed the 37 satellite launch record set by a Russian rocket on June 19, 2014. The co-passenger satellites comprised 101 nano satellites, one each from Israel, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the UAE and 96 from the US, as well as two nano satellites from India. The total weight of all the satellites carried on-board is about 1,378 kg. Multiple satellite launches with a PSLV rocket is not new for ISRO, having launched 20 satellites on June 22, 2016. “One hundred and four satellites have been put into orbit,” Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman A.S. Kiran Kumar said soon after the launch, congratulating the space agency’s team on its success. Exactly at 9.28 a.m. the PSLV-XL variant rocket standing 44.4 metres

tall and weighing 320 ton tore into the morning skies with fierce orange flames at its tail. Gathering speed every second, the rocket raced towards the heavens amidst the cheers of the ISRO officials and the media team assembled at the rocket port here. President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Sonia Gandhi have congratulated ISRO on the success. Science and Technology Minister Harsh has also congratulated ISRO. Around 28 minutes into the flight, the rocket completed its birth ‘karma’ slinging all the 104 satellites into their intended orbits as per the scheduled sequence. The PSLV rocket is a four stage rocket alternatively powered by solid and liquid fuel. The Cartosat-2 satellite weighs 714 kg and has a mission life of five years. “The Cartosat satellite is the fourth one in the Cartosat-2 series of earth observation satellites. Already three are in the orbit and

two more will be launched. Once all the six Cartosat-2 series satellites are launched the Cartosat-3 series would begin,” an ISRO official said, preferring anonymity. According to P. Kunhikrishnan, Director of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) three more launch missions are slated this year. In his congratulatory tweet, the Prime Minister said: “Congratulations to ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) for the successful launch of PSLV-C37 and Cartosat satellite together with 103 nano satellites.”

he AIADMK faction led by acting Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam erupted in joy on Tuesday, February 14, after the Supreme Court restored the conviction of party General Secretary V.K. Sasikala and two of her relatives in a disproportionate assets case. Opposition parties like DMK and Congress have termed the apex court’s decision as historical. “Justice has prevailed. We are happy,” former AIADMK MP K.C. Palaniswamy told media. According to AIADMK’s Palaniswamy, the legislators supporting Sasikala will now shift their loyalty to Panneerselvam. “If she has a plan B-projecting somebody else for the post of Chief Minister, she will not succeed,” Palaniswamy said. Speaking to reporters, DMK Working President M.K. Stalin said, “Justice has been restored. Now the Tamil Nadu Governor should take steps to have a stable government in the state.” “It is a historical judgement. Justice has been delivered against

corruption after 20 years of struggle,” Tamil Nadu Congress spokesperson Gopanna told media. Exuding happiness at the judgement, DMK’s former MP Thamarai Selvan asserted “the judgement was expected as the Karnataka High Court justice Kumaraswamy’s decision acquitting late Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa and others was riddled with holes and inconsistencies.” A Supreme Court division bench on Tuesday set aside a Karnataka High Court order staying Sasikala’s conviction by a trial court. Security has been tightened at the beach resort near Chennai where AIADMK legislators supporting Sasikala are being housed for the past several days. The AIADMK party in an attempt to ring fence Sasikala tweeted: “Whenever Amma (Jayalalithaa) faced trouble, Sasikala took it upon herself. She is doing it again now. Justice will prevail.” Acting Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam hailed the Supreme Court verdict convicting AIADMK General Secretary V.K. Sasikala and asked party MLAs to unite.

“Amma’s ‘atma’ is alive. She is guiding us in spirit,” Panneerselvam told a large gathering of supporters, referring to the late J. Jayalalithaa who died on December 5. “It is evident from the good news we have got,” he said, soon after the Supreme Court upheld the conviction of Sasikala and two of her relatives for corruption charges. Referring to the bulk of AIADMK legislators who Sasikala claims support her, he said, “It is up to the MLAs to resolve the crisis. I urge everyone to forget the differences and unite.” He also urged the party cadres to maintain peace and said Jayalalithaa’s “welfare policies” would continue. Meanwhile immediately after the Supreme Court upheld her conviction for corruption, AIADMK General Secretary V.K. Sasikala sacked acting Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam and 19 leaders from the party. All of them were dismissed on charges of acting against the party’s policies and principles.

Tamil Nadu politics going through a topsy-turvy ride T

Indian Navy is “Net Security Provider” in Indo–Pacific region:Indian Naval Chief

he Indo-Pacific region, which houses nearly 60 per cent of the world's population, faces both traditional and nontraditional maritime challenges for which the Indian Navy functions as a 'Net Security Provider' in the Indian Ocean region, Indian Navy chief Sunil Lanba said on Tuesday, February 14. Listing these, he said the traditional challenges include unresolved sovereignty issues, territorial disputes, contradictory positions on international norms, maritime muscle-flexing and general militarization of the region. Among the non-traditional challenges, Admiral Lamba named piracy and maritime terrorism and warned that any disruption of trade in the region would have an adverse impact not only on the regional but also the global economy. Speaking during The Gateway of India Geoeconomic Dialogue, 'IndoPacific: Possibilities and Portents' organised jointly by the Ministry of External Affairs and think tank Gateway House, he outlined the significance of this region in terms of conflict, population density, peculiarity of maritime trade routes, availability of natural resources and as the fastest growing economic region in the world. As far as India's viewpoint was concerned, he said they are charting a course of economic growth using a civilisational ethos of Realism, Coexistence, Cooperation and Partnership. To achieve these goals, Indian Navy will continue to be the 'Net

Indian Naval Chief Sunil Lanba

Security Provider' in the Indian Ocean Region and has already taken several initiatives like antipiracy operations, Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief, Indian Ocean Naval Symposium and resource-sharing with other navies in the region. Any disruption of peace and stability in this region would adversely affect India's economic growth and aspirations of empowering our masses; he pointed out. Stating that India and Indian Navy's maritime strategic is built on strategic deterrence, maritime cooperation and capacity building, Lanba expressed hope this region would emerge as a region of opportunities' and do their best to overcome portents to the extent feasible.

Demonetisation may hurt BJP in UP's Shahjahanpur

uresh Khanna, the BJP candidate from Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur, is seeking his eighth consecutive election victory in this urban constituency but the going may not be easy for him. There is an unabated resentment over demonetisation amid possible polarisation of minority votes in favour of Samajwadi Party candidate Tanveer Khan. "It is a close fight between Khanna and Khan," Anuj Kumar, a resident of Bijalipura in the city, said. And the tilt may be in favor of Khan as anger among the business community was visible against the BJP over the issue of demonetisation. Many of them complained that their businesses in the last three months have fallen drastically. Sukhbir Gupta runs a readymade showroom in the city's main market

and he alleged that his sales have decreased in the aftermath of the November 8 announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to spike high currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 ostensibly to curb corruption and black money. "Even during the marriage season, sales didn't pick up," Gupta said, claiming he had to lay off some staff at his shop.The city has about 3.6 lakh voters, out of which 1.3 lakh are Muslims who can turn the tide against Khanna. Shahjahanpur voted on February 15 in the second phase of the assembly elections along with 66 assembly constituencies. V.K. Bhatnagar, a former general manager of the Balrampur Group Sugarmill said Khanna had failed in carrying out any development work that has angered many in the constituency.

Modi not my enemy, says Uddhav Thackeray

hiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray has said he has no enmity with Prime Minister Narendra Modi but he has the right to speak his mind. "I had good relations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. There is no personal enmity, but when you find that his policy is causing damage to the country, then one has to oppose... PM Modi is not my enemy, but I have the right to

say what is good and what is bad," Thackeray said in an interview with India TV on Tuesday, February 14. Notably, Shiv Sena is an ally in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party at the Centre. Hitting out at the central government's demonetisation move, he said, "Did affluent people die because of 'notebandi'? I didn't notice

a single rich man standing in queues. Nearly 200 people lost their lives while standing in the queues. One of them was a jawan of BSF." "In their manifesto, they (BJP) had promised to bring back black money stashed in Swiss banks and put it in people's accounts. Demonetisation could be the Prime Minister's own decision but how many people were rendered jobless, how many people died? Unemployment has increased,

who is responsible for that?" he said. The Shiv Sena chief took a jibe at Prime Minister Modi, saying he didn't care "how many inches wide his chest is" the Prime Minister should have "a heart inside his chest". Speaking on the ongoing Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, Thackeray said Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav should be "given another chance" to become the Chief Minister.

"He (Akhilesh) is a young man, and if provided he doesn't make any mistake, he should get a chance," Thackeray said. Asked whether his party was moving out of alliance with the BJP in Maharashtra, Thackeray quipped, "They (BJP) can also take the decision (to break the alliance), why should I take? Could they have formed the government without our support?"

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Aero India kicks off with Make in India in focus

ith Make in India as its focus, and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar wooing global aerospace firms to make their products in India, Aero India 2017 kicked off on Tuesday February 14, with a flypast of the indigenous-built LCA Tejas, Light Combat Helicopter, and first ever public display of the Light We Utility Helicopter. Aero India 2017 underway at Yelahanka Air Base, Bengaluru have an Parrikar, in his inaugural ecosystem for Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) Pavilion. inaugural event. address, invited aerospace defence manufacturing, A colourful flypast showcased R a j u , firms to make their with ease of doing India's increasing capability in speaking at products in India, business for global firms, manufacturing aircraft, with first the occasion, which had opened a liberalised investment ever public display of Light Utility highlighted up the defence sector Helicopter LUH. India for foreign direct policy and norms to set up that production units, joint was the fastest investment, partnerships, India is one of the few countries to ventures and research growing aviation collaborations and have developed a combat helicopter. facilities across the sector in passenger joint ventures. The air Show witnessed a fly past country terms in the world "We have an ecosystem for by the Make in India formation and held tremendous defence manufacturing, with ease consisting of HTT-40, Hawk-i, potential to graduate from the of doing business for global firms, Dornier-228, Su-30MKI and the present position of being ninth in a liberalised investment policy and Tejas Light Combat Aircraft. the world to being the third largest norms to set up production units, This was followed by the fighters by 2022. joint ventures and research facilities tearing through the skies displaying Among the highlights on the across the country," he said as he a host of aerobatic manoeuvres opening day was handing over of the inaugurated the 11th edition of the – the Su 30 MKIA followed by Indigenous Airborne Early Warning five-day biennial expo. Sweden's SAAB Gripen, Tejas LCA, and Control System (AEW&C) This edition of Aero India, for the the American F-16 Falcon and the christened 'Netra' to the Indian Air first time, combined the defence and French Rafale. Force, making India the fourth nation civil aviation segments into a holistic The Yakovlev aerobatic team, the to have developed the technology on event with the co-involvement of the Skycats, the Surya Kiran Aerobatics its own, after US, Russia and Israel. Defence and Civil Aviation Ministries Team and the Sarang helicopter Parrikar also unveiled the full in the event. display team also presented a scale mock-up of Indian Multi-Role Civil Aviation Minister Ashok scintillating performance. Helicopter (IMRH) at Hindustan Gajpathi Raju was also present at the

IAF gets AEW&C; India only fourth country to develop eye-in-sky technology

n indigenous Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&C) christened 'Netra' was handed over to the IAF on Tuesday, February 14, at the ongoing 'Aero India 2017', ushering India into an elite club of nations that have developed such technology on their own. The United States, Russia and Israel are the other countries which have developed the technology for the system. The indigenous system mounted on an aircraft can track area within 240 degrees of its sides at any given point of time. The handover of the system – mounted on a Brazilian Embraer-145 jet – by the Defence Research and Development Organisation to the Indian Air Force (IAF) was done in the presence of Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, DRDO chief S. Christopher and Defence Minister's Scientific Adviser G. Satheesh Reddy. The AEW&C consists of a state-ofthe-art active electronically scanned radar, secondary surveillance radar, electronic and communication counter measures, LOS (Line of Sight) and beyond-LOS data link,

Modi remembers Dayanand Saraswati on birth anniversary

rime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, February 12, paid his tributes to Swami Dayanand Saraswati on his birth anniversary and acknowledged his impact on social reform. “Tributes to Swami Dayanand Saraswati. His noble efforts towards social reform and education continue to have a lasting impact,” the Prime Minister said. Saraswati was a vedic scholar and a staunch critic of idolatry prevalent in the Hindu religion. Throughout his life, he strove to overthrow the influence of priesthood on society and pronounced the practice as a corruption of the original teachings of the religion.

President congratulates DRDO for successful missile test

resident Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday, February 12, congratulated DRDO and its scientists for the successful test firing of the Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV) Interceptor Missile. “I extend my hearty congratulations to all those associated with the successful test-firing of the Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV) Interceptor Missile,” Mukherjee said in a message to Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) Chairman S. Christopher. “The nation is proud of this accomplishment made by DRDO. This is a significant milestone in boosting India’s defence capabilities and will provide enhanced security against incoming ballistic missile threats,” he said. “Kindly convey my greetings and felicitations to the members of your team of scientists, engineers, technologists and all others associated with this mission. I wish the DRDO continued success in the coming years,” the President added. With this, India now joins a select group of nations having an effective Ballistic Missile Defence System.

‘India currently home to a booming e-commerce business’

igital is not perceived only as a sales channel anymore as it has become a way of life, says a representative of Fossil Group, a brand that owns the franchisee of some sought after foreign labels like Michael Kors, Emporio Armani and Kate Spade. The Indian e-commerce business is projecting a jump of upto $45 billion by 2021. Close to 240 million people are forecast to purchase products online by 2019. And this is only the start,” Paul Ruban, General Manager of Fossil Group said. He also feels that there is dramatic shift in the rise of digital influence. Also, 56 per cent of the population is under 30 years of age and 80 percent of the online traffic is purely generated from mobile phones. It’s clear that the role played by the digital medium to influence purchases is rapidly increasing by the day. “This, we feel will set the benchmark in terms of influencing offline sales through the online medium and paving the way for an omni channel environment,” he added. Keeping with this trend, Fossil just launched its franchisee brand Michael Kors on Amazon Fashion.

Asi@Connect project launched to bridge digital divide in Asia-Pacific

IAF helicopters participate in Aero India 2017 at Yelahanka Air Force Station, Bengaluru

voice communication system and self-protection suite, built on an Emb-145 platform, having a midair refueling capability to enhance surveillance time. A complex tactical software has been developed for fusion of information from the sensors, to provide the air situation picture along with intelligence to handle identification/classification of threat. It has battle management

functions, built in-house, to work as a network centric system of Integrated Air Command & Control System (IACCS) node.This system has been developed and evaluated through collaborative efforts between the DRDO and the Indian Air Force. The IAF is already using the Israeli Phalcon AWACS on the Russian IL76 heavy-lift aircraft to detect aerial threats from jets or missiles even from a distance of 400 km away.

to some other place, it is his choice. I am not concerned," Parrikar said at a press conference on the sidelines of "Aero India 2017". He also said that he has so far just heard of it, and there is no official communication from the US government. "As far as we are concerned, there is so far no issue, there is no letter. I am only hearing about it," he said. Explaining it further, the minister said: "An OEM (original equipment manufacturer) helping a strategic partner will need their government's

something, their government will give them in-principle approval, so that they can quote." Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said that Boeing is already manufacturing beams in Nagpur, and the HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd) is making doors for Airbus. "Aviation manufacturing is going to a lot of countries, so it is better to ask the companies what their stand is," Raju said. Parrikar said: "India is already part of a global supply chain."

Parrikar not concerned with 'America First' call approval. If they are proposing If someone wants to shift production efence Minister Manohar Parrikar said the "America First" call of US President Donald Trump is not a concern for India or the Make in India programme. Asked if Trump's America First would come in the way of Make in India and stop US firms from participating in the programme, Parrikar said: "You should have put this question to Boeing, they are there at the exhibition... Boeing, Lockheed Martin, etc.""What I will say is what I want... I want you to Make in India.

NEWS in BRIEF

ver 55 million researchers, academics and students across the AsiaPacific, including India, are set to benefit from a new phase of dedicated research and education (R&E) networking – Asi@connect, co-funded by the European Union (EU), which was inaugurated at the Asia Pacific Advanced Network 43 (APAN43) meeting. The Asia@connect aims to seamlessly extend and build on the successful Trans-Eurasia Information Network (TEIN) initiative, an EU press release said on Tuesday, February 14. Asi@Connect is the successor project to TEIN4, the most recent phase of the TEIN initiative. It currently supports 24 countries/economies by providing a regional high-capacity internet backbone for R&E collaborations within the Asia-Pacific, and its interconnection to the pan-European GÉANT network, and with other parts of the world. Asi@Connect corresponds closely to the core project objective of “digital connectivity” and has linkages to both India’s flagship project “Digital India “and the EU’s “Digital Single Market”, it said.

India, US resolve to further expand bilateral ties

xternal Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday, February 15, held a telephonic conversation with new US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson during which both leaders resolved to “further expand and deepen” India-US ties. “The External Affairs Minister and Secretary Tillerson resolved to work together closely to further expand and deepen the multi-faceted strategic partnership between India and the US,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement here. It said the two leaders “emphasised that close and strong relations between India and the US were not only in mutual interest but also had regional and global significance”. “In this context, they agreed to intensify cooperation in various sectors, including defence and security, energy, and economy,” the statement said.

INDIA ABROAD

www.iwk.co.nz | 17 February 2017

Techies welcome in Canada after Trump ban

ndian-origin tech leaders in Canada say the controversial visa and travel restrictions imposed by US President Donald Trump will be a boon for tech recruitment and investment in Canada. “This provides a great opportunity for the best talent from India to come, live and work in Canada,” said Shafin Diamond Tejani, the CEO of Fantasy 360, a Vancouver-based global leader in creating immersive experiences and games using Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR). “We are already getting inquiries from Indian techies, both in India and in the United States, about relocating

to Vancouver,” said Tejani, whose family is originally from Gujarat. Together with his partner Ray Walia, another NRI in Vancouver who runs the not-for-profit tech incubator Launch Academy, Tejani is working on streamlined avenues to attract top tech talent from India. The duo is part of the Canadian technology community that has written to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urging him to provide visas to those caught by Trump’s executive orders. “In choosing to hire, train, and mentor the best people in the world, we can build global companies that grow our economy,” said the letter

different countries, employing over adding, “By embracing diversity, 350 people and generating we can drive innovation to We over $100 million in benefit the world.” as leaders annual revenues. Tejani and his and peers need to For Ray Walia, associates have a ensure that the proper who co-founded target of bringing infrastructure, support, a dozen Indian and education is in place to Launch Academy start-ups with a help the next wave of young in 2012 to become Vancouver’s top focus on VR/ entrepreneurs around the AR/MR to British world build technology and startup-incubator, the situation in the Columbia, which global businesses that US has prompted also has a shortage will help shape the his group to set up of programmers future for all of specialised services and other skilled IT us for Indian techies looking professionals. to relocate to Canada. Walia “We are confident we will be able has developed a programme at to this,” said Tejani, whose companies Launch Academy that leverages the have launched over 40 start-ups in 21

Badiani to showcase at New York Fashion Week

ndia-born US-based designer Premal Badiani will showcase Indian fashion at New York Fashion Week. She says it could open an avenue for Indian textile makers. Badiani’s latest collection ‘Root Cause’ is based on soft and fluid silhouettes in warm shades of maroon. The earthy undertones of the fabric are further complemented with the green and gold embroidery that endorses ‘green awareness’. “The inspiration behind this collection is to bring awareness of the human impact on environment and to promote social responsibility by adopting sustainable fashion as a lifestyle choice,” Badiani said. “The primary fabric used is made from natural cellulosic fibres and produced from wood pulp, a natural renewable resource,” she said. This highlights the brand’s philosophy of environmental awareness that believes caring about the planet is not a seasonal choice but needs to be done all year round, she added. “Through this collection, the brand wants to promote sustainable fashion in the luxury market,” Badiani said. The designer feels showcasing this line at the New York Fashion Week will bring more opportunities to Indian textile makers. “This opportunity will open an avenue not only for me and other designers, but also for the entire community of Indian textile makers and handloom weavers to get their craft noticed and acknowledged in the international fashion industry,” said Badiani.

Canadian Startup Visa Program. The programme helps international start-ups relocate their head offices to Canada and within six months grant Permanent Residency in Canada for up to five key members of a startup and their family members. “We as leaders and peers need to ensure that the proper infrastructure, support, and education is in place to help the next wave of young entrepreneurs around the world build technology and global businesses that will help shape the future for all of us,” said Walia, whose other family business has also organised over 200 Bollywood concerts around the world.

Indian singer revives George Perkins' civil rights anthem

ndian American singer Zeshan Bagewadi has repurposed George Perkinss 1970 song Cryin in the streets as a song for todays civil rights struggles, an American radio network reported. The original song was based on an observation of the Martin Luther King Jr's funeral, but Bagewadi echoed it as the reflection of his own experiences as a Muslim and Indian American. "I see somebody marching in the street. I see somebody crying in the street. I see somebody dying in the street.' [I was] struck... how simple it was, how poignant it was," Bagewadi said. "What needs to be done here is simple. Muslims need to ally ourselves with those who have paved a path for us and who has been on the front line of the struggles. So we need to appropriate their struggle. We need to appropriate the pain," Bagewadi said. Bagewadi was born to Indian Muslim parents in Chicago. His father was a journalist, one of the few in India to cover the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s and 70s, American.

Indian American singer Zeshan Bagewadi

"My father was always drawn to the black artistic expressions and read Lanston Hughes, Zora Hurston.You listen to Curtis Mayfield sing ‘people get ready, there's a train a comin.' You listen to Mahalia Jackson singing ‘Joshua Fit The Battle of Jericho.' If that doesn't galvanise you, I don't know what will," he said.Music has more power than mere words, he added.

Premal Badiani

Her label Premal Badiani has creations which are marked by layering, embellishments, intricate draping and attention to details.Her show at the New York Fashion Week is on Tuesday. Another Indian name to showcase at the gala is Vaishali Shadangule.

BHARATIYA MANDIR

Mahashivratri

SHIV PURAN KATHA-18.02.17(SATURDAY) TO 24.02.17(FRIDAY) SHIVRATRI 25-02-2017 SATURDAY

H1-B visas help make US firms globally competitive: Indian envoy

ith a private member’s bill being introduced in the US Congress that seeks to fix the minimum salary of H1-B visa holders at $130,000, India’s Ambassador to the US Navtej Sarna has said this visa category has actually been crucial in making American companies globally competitive. “You know, this H1-B scheme has been crucial in making US companies competitive globally, in increasing their client base, in increasing their innovations,” Sarna said. “And it is the Indian tech industry which has been actually creating jobs here. There are reports, analyses by very respected houses which say that over 400,000 jobs have been directly and indirectly supported in the US,” he said. The Ambassador pointed out that Indian tech companies have invested $2 billion in a four-year period and have paid $20 billion in taxes. “Out of every 100 H1-B visas have resulted in support to 183 jobs in the US,” he said. “So, it is again a win-win situation and this is very important because, you know, the US companies... nine out of the 15 top tech companies in India are American companies.” Sarna said this relationship was a symbiotic one and has the “potential of becoming much stronger for both countries”. Asked if he was trying to send across a message to new US President Donald Trump, he said: “I

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think this is information which needs to be out there.” Silicon Valley Democrat Zoe Lofgren introduced the bill which pegs the minimum pay requirement for short-term work visas at $130,000 as against the current minimum of $60,000. And it suggests bar on jobs to the spouses of such visa holders. Around 70 per cent of the H1-B visas issued by the US goes to Indians.

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India thump Bangladesh by 208 runs

pinners Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin picked up four wickets each as India bowled Bangladesh out for 250 in their second innings to clinch the one-off cricket Test by 208 runs on Monday, February 13. Resuming the day at overnight 103-3, Bangladesh lost two wickets in the first session to be at 202-5. Then till the tea session, they lost the rest of the five wickets, struggling against Jadeja, Ashwin and pacer Ishant Sharma, who bagged two wickets. Following the win, skipper Virat Kohli's side has now gone 19 Tests undefeated – an Indian record, bettering Sunil Gavaskar's 18-match unbeaten streak between 1976 to 1980. Kohli also captured six consecutive Test series. They won away against Sri Lanka and the West Indies away before prevailing over South Africa, New Zealand and England. The latest triumph was a comprehensive show by Virat Kohliled side. They put up a mammoth total of 687-6 declared in their innings before bowling Bangladesh out for 388. Then, India scored at a rapid pace in their second innings before declaring at 159-4, setting a target of 459 for the visitors to score over a session and a full day. "Credit to our bowlers, they were able to get result on this kind of a

Taskin Ahmed of Bangladesh in action on the fourth day of the only test match between India and Bangladesh in Hyderabad

track. Considering that the wicket was very good to bat on, it took a bit of patience for us to get wickets during Bangladesh first innings," said Kohli, who scored 204 and 38 in the two innings respectively and was declared Man-of-the-Match. "If you have two world class spinners in your side, you can tell your pacers to attack, and that's something that has really worked for

us, the partnership between spinners and fast bowlers. They feed off each other," Kohli said. "This game was again a revelation for Umesh (Yadav), Bhuvi bowled wonderfully with the old ball as well. Ishant has always been a very good old-ball bowler as well." On the final day, overnight batsman Mahmudullah (64) waged a lone battle as he posted his 13th

Black Caps name squads to face Proteas

wo squads of 14 men have been named for the Black Caps upcoming Twenty20 and ODI series against South Africa. Luke Ronchi will make his return from injury in the Black Caps one off Twenty20 at Eden Park on Friday, February 17, and also features in the ODI squad. Having been brought into the squad for the final ODI against Australia, Ish Sodhi maintains his place in the squad, which has been named for the first two ODI matches in Hamilton and Christchurch. The New Zealand XI squad to play a warm-up Twenty20 against South Africa on Tuesday has also been named. NZ Selector Gavin Larsen said he’s been happy with the form of the frontline spinners in the side gives Twenty20 squad. us flexibility and Ish is an aggressive “The way we performed in the bowler who in the right conditions Twenty20 series against Bangladesh can be a real threat for us. was really pleasing and it’s a format “South Africa are the top ranked we’ve been consistent in over a long team and have a number of players period,” said Larsen. who can change the game very “It’s an exciting team. There’s quickly. It’s going to be a massive a lot of experience, but you also challenge.” have the likes of Tom Bruce, Ben Martin Guptill will not feature in Wheeler and Lockie Ferguson who the match at Eden Park Outer Oval have made bright starts to their as a precautionary measure, but international careers. Adam Milne will make his return to 'It will be great to have Luke cricket after an extended period on back in the mix. He’s the number the sideline. one white-ball wicketkeeper in the “Adam has put in an incredible country and brings considerable amount of work to get back out on experience to the group.” the park, so it’ll be a big moment Colin Munro is the one omission for him on Tuesday. We’ve named from the recent ODI squad to face a really strong side for the match, Australia, which will see Neesham which should be a tough contest get the opportunity to bat further and allow a few of our up the order. South players the opportunity “Colin hasn’t quite Africa are the to get a first look at shown the consistency he top ranked team the South African would like in the middleand have a number of team. order and we feel players who can change “There’s a few Jimmy is deserved of the game very quickly. fresh faces in the an opportunity with the It’s going to be a squad, with the bat at six. Having two massive challenge” likes of Glenn

Luke Ronchi

fifty in Test cricket, while rest of the batsmen failed against the pressure exerted by India at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. The pressure told on the visitors from the morning. Experienced left-handed batsman Shakib Al Hasan could add only two runs to his overnight score of 21. A delivery from left-arm spinner Jadeja bounced high, hitting the rough to

kiss Shakib's gloves for an easy catch by Cheteshwar Pujara at short leg in the second over of the day. At 106-4, captain Mushfiqur Rahim joined Mahmudullah in the middle and the pair negotiated the pressure exerted by India for a while. Mahmudullah opened up with two edgy fours off paceman Umesh Yadav and once he got settled, Jadeja and off-spinner Ashwin failed to trouble him. Ashwin, however, ended the 56run partnership as an attacking Mushfiqur danced down the track but couldn't clear Jadeja, who took a running catch at mid-off. Then Mahmudullah partnered Sabbir Rahman (22) as they showed the doggedness and willingness to battle it out with a 40-run stand for the sixth wicket till the lunch session. Bangladesh were 202-5 at lunch. Ashwin completed the rout by dismissing the last batsman Taskin Ahmed (1) with a leg before decision following a review by the Indians. The visitors were packed off for 250. At the end, Kohli's counterpart Rahim too conceded the loss to the Indian bowlers. "It's quite tough out there in the second innings. India have a lot of options, not only among the spinners but the fast bowlers as well." "Hopefully we learn from this and come up with better performance," he admitted.

BCCI names unchanged squad for first two Tests against Australia

he Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday, February 14, announced the 16-member India Test squad for first two Tests in the four-match home series against Australia. The selection committee, led by M.S.K. Prasad retained the same squad which defeated Bangladesh by 208 runs in the one-off Test match at Hyderabad. The first match of the four-match rubber will start from February 23

in Pune. The second match will be played in Bengaluru from March 4-8, according to a BCCI's official release. Squad: Virat Kohli (Captain), Murali Vijay, K.L. Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Wriddhiman Saha (wicketkeeper), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav, Karun Nair, Jayant Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Abhinav Mukund and Hardik Pandya.

India thump Pakistan to retain blind World Cup title

Phillips and Mark Chapman coming off superb Super Smash seasons. It’s a great opportunity for them to test themselves against some of the biggest superstars in world cricket.” South Africa arrived in New Zealand late on Sunday night. Squad for Twenty20 Series: Kane Williamson (c), Corey Anderson , Trent Boult, Tom Bruce, Lockie Ferguson, Colin de Grandhomme, Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, James Neesham, Luke Ronchi (Wkt), Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ben Wheeler. Squad for ODI Series: Kane Williamson (c), Trent Boult, Neil Broom, Lockie Ferguson, Colin de Grandhomme, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, James Neesham, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Ross Taylor. New Zealand XI v South Africa: Glenn Phillips, Neil Broom, Henry Nicholls, Tom Bruce, Ross Taylor, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Todd Astle, Adam Milne, Matt Henry, Henry Shipley, Zak Gibson.

spirited fielding performance coupled with some excellent batting by Prakash Jayaramaiah helped India thrash Pakistan by nine wickets in the final of the cricket Twenty20 World Cup for Blind at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore and retain the title. Opting to bat first, Pakistan made 197/8, with Badar Munnir blasting 57 off 37 balls. He was well supported by Muhammad Jamil, who made 24. In reply, India rallied around Prakash and Ajay (43) to chase down the target with 2.2 overs to spare. Prakash was unbeaten on 99, hitting 15 boundaries during his quickfire 60-ball knock. Prakash was adjudged Man of the Match and also won the tournament’s best wicketkeeper award. Pakistan’s Riasat Khan was adjudged Player of the Series in the B1 category for his overall aggregate of 452 runs and four wickets. Badar Munnir won the Man of the Series award in the B2 category with 417 runs and eight wickets while Sri Lanka’s star player Suranga sampath was adjudged Man of the Series in

the B3 category for his 733 runs and four wickets. Pakistan began their innings on a strong note, but soon after the drinks-break India struck with the crucial wicket of Munnir. That gave India the opening, and they never looked back from there. They went on the offensive to take wickets at regular intervals as Pakistan lost momentum. Ketan Patel and Md. Jaffar Iqbal were the most successful among the Indian bowlers with two wickets each. Prakash, the vice-captain, was superb behind the wickets, creating pressure on the Pakistan batsmen. Pakistan put up a respectable total, but India had a definite strategy in place. Ajay and Prakash, India’s two best batsmen, started in blistering fashion, putting on an opening stand of 110 runs in just 61 balls. Ajay was run out, but Ketan showed good form to race to 26 before retiring hurt when an incoming ball ripped through his jaw line. “The coaching camps where the team worked on many things allowed everyone to gell well,” Indian captain Ajay Reddy said after receiving the trophy.

Inviting nominations for Kiwi Indian Honours 2017 K IW

I I NDI A

The guidelines, which need to be adhered to, for nominations, are as follows: 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 (e.g. politics, business, sports, art, culture, or any other profession. 5. The definition of Kiwi Indian, for the purposes of this award, 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. 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 juryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision will be final and binding; and cannot be challenged.

Established 2013

The Kiwi Indian Honours recognise those individuals 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 have brought fame and respect to New Zealand and the Kiwi-Indian community. The Indian Weekender invites nominations for such personalities from the community for getting inducted into the Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame 2017. We also invite nominations for Kiwi Indian Young Achiever of the Year and Kiwi Indian Unsung Hero of the Year 2017. Nominate Online: visit www.iwk.nz or www.halloffame.co.nz to nominate Post your nominations: Fill this form and post it to use at the address given below.

ENTRY FORM: Form for nominating candidates for Kiwi Indian Honours 2017

Nominator Details

Nominee Details

Name of the nominator

Name of the nominee

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.

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. Yes

Nominee has accepted to appear in person for the ceremony, if he/she gets chosen for the nominated category for Kiwi Indian Honours 2017. Yes

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:

Date:

What to do next?

Please take a print out of this form, sign and send to us at: Jury Panel, Kiwi Indian Honours 2017 Level1,133A Onehunga Mall, Auckland 1061

(Add extra pages to this form if required.) For details contact Indian Weekender on 09-6366306 or go to: www.indianweekender.co.nz

Play sudoku online at:

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FUNZONE

Sudoku

Daily Sudoku puzzle No. 3773

Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and each of the 3x3 squares contains thelevel digits from 1Sudoku to 9.puzzle No. 3771 2017-02-08 Daily Sudoku puzzle No. 3774 2017-02-11 2017-02-10 all Medium Daily Medium level

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2017-02-07

Answers to last week's puzzles

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17 February 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

7 4

Chemistry quiz

Crossword

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1. What is the first element on the periodic table? Puzzle solution: Puzzle solution: 2. What is the centre of an atom called? Play sudoku online at: Play sudoku online at: 3. True or false? Acids have a pH level below 7. Page 1/2 Sudoku puzzle No. 3766 2017-02-03 Sudoku puzzle No. 3767 2017-02-04 4. What is the main gas found in the air we breathe? 9 2 5 4 1 7 8 3 6 3 7 4 5 2 8 6 1 9 5. 5. True or false? An electron 4 7 1 3 8 6 5 9 2 carries a positive charge. 5 2 9 1 7 6 3 8 4 6. Famous New Zealand sci3 6 8 9 5 2 1 4 7 8 6 1 9 4 3 5 7 2 entist Ernest Rutherford was 6 8 3 2 9 4 7 1 5 awarded a Nobel Prize in 7 1 6 3 9 5 4 2 8 which field? 7 1 4 5 3 8 2 6 9 2 5 8 4 1 7 9 6 3 7. What is the chemical symbol 2 5 9 7 6 1 4 8 3 for gold? 4 9 3 8 6 2 1 5 7 Puzzle solution: 8. K is the chemical symbol for Puzzle solution: 1 4 7 6 2 9 3 5 8 which element? 9 4 2 7 5 1 8 3 6 5 9 2 8 4 3 6 7 1 9. What orbits the nucleus of 1 8 online 7 6 at:3 9 2 4Play 5 sudoku online at: Play sudoku an atom? 8 3 6 1 7 5 9 2 4 10. At room temperature, what Sudoku puzzle No. 3765 2017-02-02 6 3 puzzle 5 2 No. 8 3768 4 72017-02-05 9 1 Sudoku is the only metal that is in liquid form? 3 4 9 7 1 5 6 2 8 2 4 7 1 9 5 6 3 8 11. 11. True or false? A neutron 5 8 1 2 6 9 7 4 3 has no net electric charge. 5 8 1 7 3 6 2 9 4 12. A nuclear reaction where 7 2 6 4 8 3 1 9 5 9 3 6 2 4 8 5 7 1 the nucleus of an atom splits 6 7 2 8 4 1 5 3 9 into smaller parts is known 1 5 9 3 7 4 8 2 6 as nuclear fission or nuclear 1 5 8 3 9 6 2 7 4 6 7 3 8 5 2 1 4 9 fusion? 9 3 4 5 2 7 8 6 1 13. What is H20 more common8 2 4 6 1 9 7 5 3 ly known as? 8 6 3Puzzle 1 7 solution: 4 9 5 2 3 6 8 Puzzle 4 2 solution: 7 9 1 5 14. What is the third most com2 9 5 6 3 8 4 1 7 mon gas found in the air we 7 1 5 9 6 3 4 8 2 breathe? 4 1 7 9 5 2 3 8 6 15. What is the name given to 4 9 2 5 8 1 3 6 7 Sudoku puzzle No. 3764 2017-02-01 Sudoku puzzle No. 3763 2017-01-31 substances that are initially involved in a chemical 7 2 4 8 6 3 9 5 1 6 1 9 3 4 8 5 7 2 reaction? 3 6 9 5 1 7 4 2 8 16. True or false? Bases have a 2 7 4 6 9 5 8 1 3 pH level below 7. 5 8 1 2 9 4 3 7 6 8 5 3 7 2 1 4 6 9 17. Is sodium hydroxide (NaOH) an acid or base? 4 3 8 7 2 6 1 9 5 1 4 8 5 3 9 6 2 7 18. Atoms of the same chemical 9 5 2 4 8 1 6 3 7 7 9 2 1 6 4 3 8 5 element that have different atomic mass are known as? 1 7 6 3 5 9 8 4 2 5 3 6 8 7 2 9 4 1 19. True or false? A proton car2 9 5 6 3 8 7 1 4 9 6 1 4 5 7 2 3 8 ries a positive charge. 20. What is the fourth most 8 4 3 1 7 5 2 6 9 3 8 5 2 1 6 7 9 4 abundant element in the 6 1 7 9 4 2 5 8 3 4 2 7 9 8 3 1 5 6 universe in terms of mass?

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Water quiz 1. True or false? Sound travels faster through water than air? 2. Water is made up of what two elements? 3. What is another name for a tidal wave? 4. True or false? The Indian Ocean is the biggest ocean on Earth. 5. The solid state of water is known as what? 6. Can the average human survive without water for a few days or a few weeks? 7. True or false? Pure water is tasteless. 8. Nimbus, cumulus and stratus are types of what? 9. True or false? Water is an example of a chemical element. 10. Does water cover more or less than 50% of the Earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surface? 11. True or false? Water boils at

12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17.

18. 19. 20.

100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit). When water is cooled, does it contract or expand? Water freezes at what temperature? True or false? Water is easy to compress. What is the chemical formula of water? The deepest point in all of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oceans is named what? True or false? The consumption of bottled water has risen significantly over the last few decades. Pure water has a pH level of a around what number? What is the longest river on Earth? True or false? Ice sinks in water.

Send us stories, drawings, poems and other contributions by your little ones along with their photographs for this page. E-mail us at reporter@ indianweekender. co.nz

Word Scramble 1. MTOIGRNIA 2. ETRONIVNMNE 3. PERCSOICMO 4. EMEERTRUAPT 5. ATEPLHEN 6. NICNTETON 7. EREMIENXTP 8. UCSLEUN 9. CELEOLMU 10. NPALMTIU

11. EOKSLENT 12. MRTISAPSMOOEH 13. PIEELCS 14. SYHITOTSHSOEPN 15. ITRDSOAE 16. CLNEOIRESTC 17. ACRLIEG 18. SURREPSE 19. ONACMNIMIOTUC 20. ONVOTUILE

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www.iwk.co.nz | 17 February 2017

Are you ready to go Hyperloop?

FEATURES

¡¡ @MAHESH K

ou have travelled on roads, bridges, tunnels. You have travelled in trains, boats, cars, airplanes (and maybe a space shuttle). How about travelling in a capsule gliding inside a tube? Sounds like straight out of a sci-fi book or movie? Actually, this might quite soon be a reality. The brainchild of billionaire visionary Elon Musk, the concept of Hyperloop was developed in 2012 when he was looking for a fifth mode of transport to avoid traffic jams on the road.

WHAT IS HYPERLOOP

n essence, it is a high-speed transport system that consists of a steel tube raised about six meters above the ground. Inside the tube would be aluminium pods or small capsules that can hold up to 28 passengers. The pods would have no wheels to avoid friction. So a feasible solution for the propulsion was found to have a nearvacuum chamber (low-pressure tubes) with a small amount of air. Think of the air hockey table where the puck is levitating slightly above the surface. In the case of a hyperloop pod, the air will come out from the pod, creating a cushion of air rather than the surface as in the case of the air hockey table. Theoretically, hyperloop pods can travel at 760 mph or 1,220 km/h, which is just under the speed of sound. Mr Musk also suggested that the tubes would either be electrically-propelled or solar-powered and can generate more energy than it consumes, thus acting as a power generator as well. The entire project cost was estimated to be around $6 billion, which might be considerably less than the cost of building a high-speed rail network for the same distance. After announcing the concept in 2012, Mr Musk published a white paper in 2013 on the hypothetical levitating train in a vacuum tube. He initially thought of patenting the idea but later invited feedback and suggestions for

HYPERLOOP TRANSPORTATION TECHNOLOGIES (HTT)

H Elon Musk

improving the design and said that it would be an open source project. Mr Musk is not involved in the project either commercially or in any official capacity. Various other initiatives and organisations started working on the project and have since then launched several commercial projects. Some of these are:

Professionally, don’t take people on their face value; use your intellect to make the necessary judgement. It is time to revise your old methods of relating to people. Adopt a different strategy to get things done from the juniors. Your financial growth will be linked to sensible investments, so put your money wisely. Spend some time to pamper yourself with a spa. Spend quality time with the loved ones. Keep a close tab on your health and follow a strict exercising regimen. Lucky number: 11 / Lucky colour: Baby pink

¡¡Taurus (Apr 21-May 20) You might feel enthusiastic about the idea of meeting interesting people this week whom you can share your thoughts and concerns with. Constructively use the resources at your disposal in order to cope up with the challenges coming your way. Be objective about certain decisions you need to make as your emotions may be clouding your judgement. Avoid making hasty decisions when it comes to finance. Love life needs to be prioritised. Flowers and chocolates should do the magic to please your beloved. Lucky number: 7 / Lucky colour: Lemon

¡¡ Gemini (May 21-Jun 21)

TRANSPOD

t is a Toronto-based startup that designed a prototype of a commercially viable pod. They are conducting various tests to improve the technology, safety, and speed. It is too early to know if a commercial Hyperloop transport is viable and safe or not. But it looks like Mr Musk’s vision combined with the enthusiasm of thousands of engineers around the world could definitely accelerate the Hyperloop technology and accelerate the speed in which we travel in the future.

HYPERLOOP ONE

t was one of the first companies that started working on the commercial Hyperloop system. The company launched in 2014 and has since then conducted a live trial and has also conducted several feasibility studies to connect various cities in Europe and in Dubai.

February 17 to February 23 | By Manisha Koushik ¡¡ Aries (Mar 21-Apr 20)

TT is an organisation with no employees. But there are more than 500 engineers working on the project around the US on a part-time basis. HTT has said that it is at least 10 years away from commercially deploying the Hyperloop technology. They have also been conducting feasibility studies in the Middle East. Recently, Bibop G. Gresta, founder and chairman of HTT, was in India where he spoke about the technology and how he was talking to various governments around the world about the potential of the technology. He also

hinted that soon there could be an important announcement about Hyperloop in India.

¡¡ Cancer (Jun 22-Jul 20)

Manisha Koushik is a practicing astrologer, tarot card reader, numerologist, vastu and fengshui consultant based in India with a global presence through the online channels. She is available for consultations online as well. E-mail her at support@askmanisha. com or contact at +91-11-26449898 Mobile/Whatsapp: +919015607139 • www.askmanisha.com

¡¡ Libra (Sep 24-Oct 23)

¡¡ Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 21)

Maintain your calm attitude and try to resolve the issues amicably. Confrontation and anger will only worsen the things. Focus your energy on something more productive and concrete. This might be a challenging phase where you need to use your skills and expertise to prove your point. You may be asked to rework on the tasks assigned to you. Don’t lose heart but give it your best shot once again. Confirm that money invested in insurance or pension plans proves beneficial to you.

Projects that allow you to make use of your creative abilities will interest you most right now. Learn to organize your work if you want positive results. Success will not only bring appreciation but give your morale that much needed boost. Be ready to accept the new ideas. Expressing your feelings to your beloved will improve your love life. Health of elders in the family may require concern. Make sure your family doesn’t feel neglected.

New commitments may take a while to materialize but these certainly ensure the potential to succeed. With your confidence and skill, you are sure to get exactly what you dream of, no matter what others think or believe in. Certain issues that affect your romantic relationships might upset you temporarily. Romantic Prospects look positive, as some of you wish to take your friendship to a next level. Monetary offerings should be accepted with caution.

Lucky number: 13 / Lucky colour: Dark purple

Lucky number: 15 / Lucky colour: Parrot green

Lucky number: 1 / Lucky colour: Light red

¡¡ Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)

¡¡ Aquarius (Jan 22-Feb 19)

¡¡ Leo (Jul 21-Aug 22) This is one of your best phases when your organizational expertise will be appreciated and your communication skills will be complimented. Find ways to restructure your domestic priorities to maintain the relations well. A change in work environment is needed to avoid routine tensions. Focus on your capabilities and decide what is best for you. This will help you chalk out a better plan regarding your approach for the same. Finding love at the workplace is a possibility for those single. Lucky number: 8 / Lucky colour: Dark coral

¡¡ Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 23)

It is an excellent week for those who wish to achieve and conquer. Grab every opportunity to express your opinion in the meetings with the top management. Delays and obstacles can be overcome with the help of some valuable insights from the seniors. Family members may feel anxious if you are unable to keep your promises, you made with them. Expect the unexpected on the financial front. Investment in stocks at this time will ensure good times as the cash register keeps ringing. Lucky number: 22 / Lucky colour: Dark turquoise

¡¡ Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)

Confusions and misunderstandings may occur over decisions taken by you in the past. This week colleagues may not appreciate your ideas in the business meetings. But this is not a right time for you to cheek people who hold positions of authority. Be polite and let your work speak for your capabilities. A fluctuation in sales figures is a matter of great worry for retail owners. Something not budgeted for, may have to be bought in an emergency.

It is the right time to gear up for some smart and bright career moves. Kick off the distractions that obstruct you from meeting deadlines. You are probably too desperate for rewards. This is the reason why you want to focus on new initiatives that allow you to express your creativity. Be assertive but diplomatic when dealing with wilful subordinates. Avoid any arguments with dear ones this week. Put mutual plans on hold to sustain your financial position.

This week is likely to be a rewarding for you. Business partnerships will prove to be favourable and new contracts will be signed. Be proactive and take initiative to put your plans to action, but better be practical about your expectations. Ups and downs in the relationship can be overcome if you can spare some time together and talk about the differences. Do your homework well and be prepared with the relevant information. Advice regarding financial matters will prove fruitful.

Lucky number: 3 / Lucky colour: Saffron

Lucky number: 17 / Lucky colour: Saffron

Lucky number: 22 / Lucky colour: Blue

Out of the box thinking will enable you to come up with innovative ways to handle problems on the professional front. It seems to be a busy period where you may have to put in extra efforts to get through your tasks and filter out distractions. Disagreements among family members need to be handled with care. Avoid imposing your decisions on them to maintain conjugal happiness. Good health allows you to cope with stress. Not bringing discipline in your life may put you at risk of a lifestyle disease. Lucky number: 20 / Lucky colour: Yellow

¡¡ Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20) This is a perfect week to cheer up people who mean the most to you, especially if they have been feeling low lately. Getting along with people who stimulate you intellectually will be helpful in adding new elements to your routine. Do not make any financial commitments if you are not too sure about them. Planning a short holiday or a special evening with your beloved will give the much needed relaxation and spice up your relationship. Lucky number: 11 / Lucky colour: Golden brown

FEATURES

17 February 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

Who am I: Sadhguru in conversation with Shekhar Kapur Shekhar Kapur (SK): Let’s explore the idea of identity. Who am I? What do I identify with? Sadhguru: To operate in the world, you need an identity. If you are in Mumbai and someone asks, “Who are you?” you cannot say, “I’m a nobody”—that would be ridiculous. So to function in the society in which you exist, you need an identity. This “Shekhar” will not do because there may be too many Shekhars. You need a “Kapur” attached to it. This gives you an identity. If you say “Shekhar Kapur,” even if I do not know anything else about you, just by listening to your name, I know you are obviously of Indian origin, from a certain region. Cultural identities give people a certain access, an ability to function with each other. In that sense, identity is perfectly fine. But if you believe, “I am that; I am a Kapur,” you are in trouble because your identity limits you in a huge way. Your mind always works around your identity; what you are identified with always seems to be right. What you are not identified with does not seem to be right. Once it happened that a man from Islamabad went through one of our programmes. He did not tell anyone that he was from Pakistan because of the whole political situation. Only on the evening of the last day, he came and told me, “I am from Pakistan.” I said, “That’s great! I truly appreciate that you came here. You should have told everyone. People would have reached out to you.” But in his mind, he thought this identity could be a problem. Being Indian or Pakistani is essentially a political identity, which just popped up 50–60 years ago. Before that, there was no such thing. So where did this come from? We invented it, right? Someone drew an artificial line and said, “Those who fall this side are Indians; those who fall that side are Pakistanis.” And just

a soul,” it satisfies you, but if you think a little more, even that does not work. Only if your perception takes you there, it will work. Because only what you perceive, you know. What someone else tells you is only a story. It may be a true story, but it is still a story. Stories may entertain you, inspire you, or solace you, but stories will never be a solution in your life. Stories will never make you realise the essential nature of who you are. SK: So there’s no alternative to working hard towards perception?

Shekhar Kapur in conversation with Sadhguru

see how much trouble it has caused because people got identified with that. Having an identity for practical purposes of operation in the world is one thing, but creating an identity within yourself is a different thing. If you are trying to build your essential nature with your identity, it will be a big mess. That means you will not be a human being. You will just be a thought, idea, opinion, or bundle of prejudices that go with that identity. Every identity is a prejudice. The moment you are identified as an Indian, everything Indian seems to be nice to you. Something which is against that is also against you. This is not something that you have to consciously think; your mind just works like that. SK: So how do I go beyond identity? Sadhguru: If you want to function in Bollywood, it is better if people know that you are a film-maker. Otherwise, no one will ask you to make a film. To work in the world, that identity is necessary. But if you believe, “I am a film-maker and that’s who I am,” it hugely cripples you because your mind will work only around that. The deeper your experience of life, the better a film-maker you

would be and the better you would be in anything. If there is a school teacher teaching six-year-olds, the deeper that person’s experience of life is, the better a teacher he or she is. The deeper my experience of life is, the better a guru I am. Isn’t that also true with film-making? But the depth of your experience will be crippled the moment you identify yourself with something. You can deepen your experience only if you are wide open to everything, isn’t it? Right now, the human condition is such that without knowing anything about the nature of his existence, without knowing anything about himself, he is trying to somehow pass through the world. Obviously, it is going to be very accidental. When a person is going through his whole life in an accidental manner, he will naturally be in a great sense of anxiety, fear, and struggle. If you are blind, walking from here to there is a struggle. If your eyes are open and you can see, you can walk through joyfully. Life has become a struggle because there is no clarity of perception as to what is you, what is the world, and what is the nature of this existence. If I tell you, “You are a human being,” it satisfies you, but if you think a little more, it does not work. If I tell you, “You’re an atman; you’re

Sadhguru: Why should you work hard to become yourself ? If you want to become something else, you have to work hard. To be yourself, why should you have to work hard? There is no such thing as working hard there; you are that anyway. It is just a quest. Enlightenment is not an achievement; it is just a realisation. When we say “realisation,” it simply means you perceive what is already there. You did not invent, create, or attain anything. You just realised what was already there. So enlightenment is a realisation; it is not an attainment. It is not difficult either. It is just in a different direction. Right now, your whole perception of life is through the five senses—seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and touching. Sense organs, in the very nature of things, are outward bound because they are essentially created for your survival. You can see what is around you. You cannot roll your eyeballs inside and scan yourself. Even if something as small as an ant crawls upon your hand, you can feel it. Within your body, so much blood is flowing—can you feel it? In the very nature of things, right now your perception is outward bound. But the basis of your experience is inside of you. All this is happening within you in many different ways as it is necessary for your survival. What is day for you

Malayali Community Day

Antarkhoj

Date: Saturday, February 18 Time: 6 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Venue: Logan Campbell Centre, Epsom, Auckland The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha has organised a night of intrigue, entertainment and festivities featuring a cast of over a hundred and a script specifically written for the Indo-Kiwi community, ‘Antarkhoj’ is set to be a production like no other. The free event - hosted in Hindi, will attract people of all denominations within the Indian community. The event will be attended by visit of Sadguru P.P. Tyagvallabh Swami and Sant Mandal.

CAB Manurewa

Date: Saturday, February 25 Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Venue: Manurewa Library Community Room, 7 Hill Road, Manurewa CAB Manurewa will hold a free information session for newcomers on Education System

in New Zealand. Please come and join to find about New Zealand Education System, choosing the right school for your family, and understanding the obligation to study. Registration and light refreshments will be at 10am. The session will promptly start at 10.30am and finish at 1.30pm followed by light lunch. For more information please call at Patricia Pera at 0211222014 or Armmajit Kaur at 0211421855 or Email at settlement.manurewa@ cab.org.nz.

Shivratri at Bhartiya Mandir

Date: Saturday, February 25 Time: 8 p.m. onwards Venue: Balmoral Temple, 252 Balmoral Road, Sandringham Maharoodra Abhishek Pooja will be held, Amarnath Shivling ice will be available for Darshan, Bili patra will be available from the counter. Mahaprasad will be served from 6 pm onwards.

Date: Saturday, February 25 Time: 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Venue: Royal Oak Intermediate, 74 Symonds St, Royal Oak, Auckland Auckland Malayali Samajam is coming up with Community Day programme for the Malayali community of Auckland. The highlights of the program will be card games, chess, carom, Sangeetha Sandhya (Karaoke night) and a talent show. All Malayalis are welcome! For more information go to www. aucklandmalayalisamajam.org.nz.

Holi 2k17

Date: Sunday, February 26 Time: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Venue: 1229 Coatesville-Riverhead Highway, Auckland, New Zealand 0892 The annual festival of colours to be celebrated by Holi-festival of Colours Auckland is expected to witness more than 5000 people. Come to the free event with family and friends and play with colours, from noon till evening.

Christchurch HoliFestival of Colors Date: Saturday, March 4 2017 Time: 11a.m. to 3 p.m.

is night for another creature, so even what is light and darkness is your making. That is why in this culture, we went on saying, “It is your karma.” Karma means action. When we say, “It is your karma,” we are saying your experience of your life is 100% your doing and no one else’s. Right now, your sense organs are all outward bound but the basis of your experience is within you, so you have no way to access it. The necessary basis to look inward has not been created in the society today. There was a time when spiritual process was the main feature of this culture. At that time, realised beings were not a rarity. Sages and saints were just about anywhere because the necessary infrastructure was there. “Why is it so difficult?” It is not difficult. Because we did not maintain that infrastructure of looking inward in the society because you did not cultivate that right from your childhood. Now it looks like a faraway thing. No society has invested enough towards the inner well-being of a human being. We have hospitals, schools, toilets, but we do not have enough infrastructure for the inner well-being of humanity. That is exactly what we are trying to build now—the necessary infrastructure for the spiritual process in the world. Isha New Zealand conducts free monthly Isha kriya meditation practice and upa yoga sessions for general public on every second Saturday of the month. For more information, contact 021 545 923/021 027 639 56. Sadhguru is a yogi, mystic, and visionary and a prominent spiritual leader. An author, poet, and internationallyrenowned speaker, Sadhguru is the founder of Isha Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to human wellbeing. isha.sadhguru.org Shekhar Kapur is an Indian film director and producer. He is a critically acclaimed director who rose to popularity with Bandit Queen. He was nominated for Academy awards for Elizabeth and its sequel Elizabeth: The Golden Age.

Venue: Central Christchurch 221 Gloucester Street, Christchurch This year Holi is all about celebrating the people of Christchurch. Cultural-fusion performances will showcase the many different cultures in our community, joining together for one big party. Tips for the day: • Wear old clothes as the colour may not wash out. • Wear comfortable flat shoes that you don’t mind getting stained. • Bring cash to buy colour and enjoy delicious Holi food. • Parking is limited so plan your trip before the day.

CAB New Lynn

Saturday, February 11, March 11 and April 8 2017 Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (TBC) CAB New Lynn will hold three free information sessions for newcomers on Finding Employment in New Zealand. The topics will cover: Pre-employment – What you need to know? Job search – How to apply for jobs? Preparing for your first job. To register please drop in, call or email at Citizens Advice Bureau New Lynn, Library Building, 3 Memorial Drive, New Lynn. Phone 827 7830 or 827 4731, Email newlynn@cab.org.nz. Light refreshments will be provided.

FEATURES

www.iwk.co.nz | 17 February 2017

Slaying in my sleepwear: Fashion trend 2017 ¡¡ AKANKSHA MEHRA HARIDASANI

he fashion shows are wrapped up and the trends are set to make way into your closet before you know. 2016 marked as a significant year with the rise of casual chic trends— sneakers, off shoulder s, and the everlasting c h o k e r. 2 0 1 7 promises to showcase pretty, edgy, groundbreaking, and totally wearable looks that we can’t wait

DP travelling in comfort and style in this black Ralph Lauren silk robe.

Slip into jeans and a tee and dress it up with a floral Kimono. Team it with a pair of block heels f or added comfort.

to get our hands on. The fashion this year will bask in the glory of 2016, which embarked the beginning of lazy yet lavish style, making fashion more conformable than ever. One such trend this year is transforming sleepwear into street fashion. Yes, bedtime wear is not just for the bed anymore. Evidently, the idea has been slowly and carefully developed with the introduction of silk pyjamas, sweatpants, and slip dresses. Disclaimer: we are not touting basic cotton PJs, nightgowns, or onesies. While an average shopper finds the idea quite unacceptable, the industry is convinced and has released the mantra of wearing sleepwear into bed and slay in it while wearing it at a cocktail party. How to wear it right? The connoisseurs of fashion have introduced silk robes, kimonos, and pyjamas that are meant to be worn with high heels, accessorised with a chic bag, with a splash

Gigi Hadid just turned the whole idea of a trackie with this three-piece blush suit, longline bomber jacket, and fresh white sneakers.

of red lipstick and to be carried off with a certain panache. Choose subtle colours such as oyster or white for a soft look. You could even opt to team the sleepwear with a pair of jeans, trousers, slip dress or a bomber jacket with trainers. However, the key is to polish the look before you step out comfortably. Ensure to keep the cuffs short or bracelet length to set the tone as sensual and classy. The trend has been sported by top celebrities and is making way into the market. Check out the style guide to seek some inspiration for your stylish avatar this season. Our very own Bollywood queen Deepika Padukone seems to love this trend and has been endorsing it on a number of occasions. So when your work stress outweighs the desire to plan a stylish outfit, these chic robes will come handy. Up your style quotient and add versatility, flattery, and polish in your wardrobe. Welcome to a modern world of fashion where style and comfort co-exist.

A perfect example of complementing the robe with a slip top, jeans, and sleek shoes.

Killing it in Chloe silk pyjama robe set.

Does it again in an oriental kimono inspired silk pyjama set by Gucci

FEATURES ENTERTAINMENT

Sad that My Name Is Khan is still relevant: SRK

uperstar Shah Rukh Khan, whose movie My Name Is Khan” on Sunday, February 12, clocked seven years since its release, feels sad that the film’s plot about the plight of Muslims in the US after 9/11 is still relevant in present times. The 2010 drama film, which also featured actress Kajol, told the story about Rizvan Khan, who embarks on a journey to meet the US President after his son’s killing and attempts to change people’s perception about religion. Shah Rukh tweeted: “It’s kinda sad too that My Name Is Khan is still relevant. But thanks Karan (Johar), Ravi, Kajol, SEL Shibani Niranjan Deepa Jimmy and all cast/crew for a special film.” The actor’s message, it seems, hints at US President Donald Trump’s controversial executive order to temporarily bar entry into the US to refugees and citizens from seven Muslim-majority nations. The order suspends for 120 days the entry of all refugees and the issuing of visas for 90 days for citizens from seven countries – Libya, Sudan, Somalia, Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Iran – until new mechanisms can be put in place to screen them

more effectively. Karan, who helmed the film, thanked Shah Rukh, who essayed the role of Rizwan Khan in the film. “Thank you Rizvan for spreading your love, your message, your innocence... Seven years of My Name Is Khan,” Karan tweeted. Brazlian author Paulo Coelho, who is popular for his thought provoking literary works, also congratulated Shah Rukh. Coehlo took to Twitter, where he shared a screenshot of one of his previous tweets which mentioned that Shah Rukh deserved an Oscar for his work if Hollywood was not manipulated. In a fresh tweet along with the screenshot, Coelho wrote: “My Name Is Khan and I am not a terrorist’ Congratulations SRK for the seventh anniversary of this wonderful movie!.” The message in the screenshot read: “His first and (only movie) I watched (this year, even it was released in 2008) was My Name Is Khan. And not only the movie was excellent, but SRK deserved an Oscar if Hollywood was not manipulated. He kindly offered to send the other titles – As you probably guess, it is not easy to find them in Switzerland.”

17 February 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

My character in Running Shaadi closest to me: Taapsee

ctress Taapsee Pannu is very excited about the release of Running Shaadi, and says the character she portrays in the movie is similar to her real self. “I am very proud of Running Shaadi. Dada (Shoojit Sircar, who has produced the film) gave me Pink after seeing what I could do in Running Shaadi. I can tell you this without hesitation that my character Nimmi, in this film, is the closest to the person that I am in real life.” How? “Like Nimmi, I am a Punjabi, a sardarni. But I am a little wary of the way Punjabi men and women are portrayed in our films. They are always loud, always aggressive, forever singing dancing screaming. Yes, all this is a part of the average Punjabi’s DNA, but all sardars are not boisterous all the time. A Punjabi woman also has a softer and more gentle side. This, I’ve shown in Running Shaadi.” Taapsee’s biggest temptation to do Running Shaadi – which also features Amit Sadh – was the opportunity to break away from stereotypes. “The Punjabi girl I play is different from what we see. The Bihari guy Amit Sadh plays is not the stereotypical Bihari speaking person in the sing-song voice. In fact, when Amit was researching for his character, he met a Bihari gentleman who told him, ‘Bihari is not a language. It’s an attitude’. That one sentence became the basis of Amit’s character. Like I said, this girl in Running Shaadi is the closest to the kind of person I am, while the girl in Pink was very different from who I am.” The fact that she played a character very close to her heart helped Taapsee a lot in Running Shaadi. “I took the liberty of asking for changes in scenes and constantly questioning him. Amit Roy was very flexible. He was worried about my accent.But I got it right. I had such a ball shooting with the two Amits.” Taapsee is confident of scoring a post Pink success with Running Shaadi.

Not in a delusion doing

younger roles: Anil Kapoor

The 60-year-old attended the re-launch of the ollywood actor Anil Kapoor says iconic new Excelsior cinema. Along with him, he has no misconceptions about the entire Ram Lakhan cast, including actor Jackie his age and agrees to do roles Shroff and filmmaker Subhash Ghai, were present which excite him and is not concerned at the event. about whether the role is of an older or “I never look back. I always look forward to the younger person. next film I am doing. You must be wondering why Asked why he still plays much younger roles I am wearing a turban? This look is for my next compared to his contemporaries, Anil said: “That’s film Mubarakan. Yes, of course, there are a lot of not true. I played Ranveer and Priyanka’s father memories attached when I see the old footages of in Dil Dhadakne Do. It depends on the role. I the films.” remember when I did Eeshwar, I played “I feel very proud, more than being It a grandfather.” emotional,” Anil said when asked was an “Similarly, when I did Lamhe about his reactions to seeing the honour to work with I was Sridevi’s father. old footages of his films like a fantastic and a great Therefore, it depends Ram Lakhan. filmmaker like Subhash on the character. If Ghai. We really learnt a lot, “It was an honour to work the character excites especially Jackie (Shroff) and with a fantastic and a great me, I do it. It doesn’t me. We are standing in front of filmmaker like Subhash matter if it is younger you because of Subhashji’s Ghai. We really learnt a lot, or older.” contribution. We feel proud especially Jackie (Shroff) and He added: of being part of such an me. We are standing in front “However, obviously I entertaining film of you because of Subhashji’s can’t play Lakhan (from contribution. We feel proud of Ram Lakhan) now. I am not being part of such an entertaining film,” in a delusion about me, which he added. is very important for every actor.”

Dev Patel wins Best Supporting actor at BAFTA Awards 2017

ndian-origin British actor Dev Patel on Sunday took home a BAFTA Award for the Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Lion – a film about an Indian boy – which also got the Best Adapted Screenplay honour. The winners for the 70th British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards were announced at the Royal Albert Hall. Dev, known for “Slumdog Millionaire”, was nominated for the award with Aaron TaylorJohnson (“Nocturnal Animals”), Jeff Bridges (Hell or High Water), Hugh Grant (Florence Foster Jenkins) and Mahershala Ali (Moonlight) He had lost the Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role award to Aaron Taylor-Johnson at the 74th Golden Globes recently, but after getting a BAFTA Award, chances are high he may bag

an Oscar too. Patel, who was suited and booted with a bow-tie in place for the ceremony said earlier: “I would be lying if I say that awards are not amazing. Awards can really change someone’s career. You get recognition. “You might get scripts that you didn’t get earlier. But I never took up a project thinking about a golden statue.” Directed by Garth Davis, Lion is based on Saroo Brierley’s best-selling autobiography A Long Way Home. It’s a true story about an Indian boy who falls asleep on a train only to wake up and realise he is miles away from home in a strange land where he does not speak the language. He experiences many challenges before getting adopted by a couple in Australia.

Years later, he sets out to find his lost family. In the Best Adapted S c re e n p l ay category, Lion was contending with films Arrival, Hacksaw R i d g e , Hidden Figures a n d Nocturnal Animals.

Nana Patekar to get Lifetime Achievement Award

eteran actor Nana Patekar will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Bodhisattva International Film Festival (BIFF) in Patna for his contribution to Indian cinema. “Bodhisattva Voice of Change Lifetime Achievement Award is going to Nana Patekar for his immense contribution to Indian cinema and unmatched dedication in the field of social work and responsibility,” Sneha Routray, Grameen Sneh Foundation President and BIFF organiser, said. Grameen Sneh Foundation, through an initiative called Bihar: Ek Virasat, organises the international film festival every year. The organisers claim that over 3,000 films from Iran, the US, France, Italy, Spain, Britain Turkey, Russia, Brazil, Germany, Argentina, Bangladesh, Canada, Portugal, Austria and Mexico, among others, have been received as entries to the festival under feature film, documentaries and shorts categories. Among the expected attendees are Ketan Mehta, Mahesh Bhatt, Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Shatrughan Sinha, Shyam Benegal and Swara Bhaskar, Routray said. BIFF will be held from February 16 to 23.

FEATURES

17 February 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

Meet young golfer in the making ¡¡ SWATI SHARMA

ehaj Sapra, a 10-year-old golfer from Auckland, recently made it to the top five during the Auckland tour of US Kids Golf Championship held in December and January. She is a Year Six student at Kristin School and is the house captain for junior school. She enjoys leadership roles and aims to become a lawyer and a professional golfer when she grows up. “My experience at US Kids was great and it is something I would like to do over and over again,” she said in a conversation with Indian Weekender, adding that she enjoys golf and would continue to play the sport. Ms Sapra started playing golf at the age of six and is now acing the sport. In the recently concluded US Kids Golf championship, she grabbed fifth spot. She developed an interest in golf in her school and played in two school competitions before heading to the US Kids Golf championship. “I played my first 18 holes ever on December 18, 2016 during the championship and came fifth, which was great. It was funny because on the first hole, I got stung by a bee, which was a bit painful. But now, when I think about that, I think it was worth it,” Ms Sapra said. Apart from being interested in the game,she said that she enjoys playing golf because she gets to spend more time with her dad, who is always there to help her with her practice, to cheer her, and sometimes also to play with her. “I played my second game for the championship on January 22 where my dad was my caddy. I loved it, as I got to spend more time with him.” Ms Sapra wasn’t entirely interested in golf when she started playing it but she believes that it is her family’s support and encouragement

SEHAJ SAPRA, the young golfer

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Sehaj Sapra started playing golf at the age of six and is now acing the sport. In the recently concluded US Kids Golf championship, she grabbed fifth spot.

Sehaj Sapra (right) with her father Bobby Sapra

that has kept her going through hard times of practice sessions. “I wouldn’t have been able to do what I have done without my mum, dad, and sister’s support. My family supports me in all my decisions. My family were patient with me and

kept encouraging me to play golf. And I started becoming more interested three years later.” Apart from golf, Ms Sapra also enjoys swimming and playing rugby. She finds her inspiation in Lydia Ko of New Zealand— world’s number one golfer.

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“Lydia Ko is such an inspiration. She became world’s number one player in professional golf at the age of 17, and I think it is a huge achievement. Not just New Zealand but [the] entire world is [also] proud of her. She is so good, and I want to be as good as her,” she said.

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