Indian Weekender 28 July 2017 by Indian Weekender

28 JULY2017 | Vol 9 Issue 18

ALL THE ISSUES. ALL THE DEBATES. THAT WILL SHAPE YOUR VERDICT. PRESENTING

Deputy PM PAULA BENNETT at New Lynn Gurudwara

KANGANA RANAUT

TULJAI PARKER in top 20 for Miss Universe NZ 2017

Pg 5

Saif's nepotism letter disturbing

Pg 28

Pg 30

www.iwk.nz

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LOSS OF ITS BELOVED LEADER AND 'MAN OF GOD'

Wenceslaus Anthony VISA CONDITIONS

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NEW ZEALAND

Friday, July 28, 2017

The Indian Weekender

Community loses a pious man:

Wenceslaus Anthony passes away in India ¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

espected Kiwi-Indian businessman and Papal Medal receiver Wenceslaus Anthony passed away on Sunday, July 23 at Apollo Hospital in Chennai, Mr Anthony had been on a business and holiday trip away from New Zealand for the last eight weeks and had just returned from Israel and Egypt before falling ill. He was admitted to the Apollo Hospital on Friday, July 21, where he underwent a series of tests. It all started with a kidney failure but ended up in multiple organ failure which led to his untimely demise. On his trip with his family, Mr Anthony visited several cities in North and South India; he met the then President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi and Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe. He also attended his nephew’s wedding in Kerala earlier last week. Mr Anthony was a former co-chairman of the India New Zealand Business Council (INZBC) and had accompanied former Prime Minister Sir John Key twice on his official visits to India. He was an integral part of the business delegation to India that fostered establishing stronger trade relationships between the two nations. Wenceslaus Anthony came to New Zealand in 1999, and with his perseverance and hard work, he started an import-export business that became the turning point of his life. His hard work and honesty rewarded him with a good name in the local and national business community.

Wenceslaus Anthony

Mr Anthony was an ardent community worker and the chairman of the Mother Teresa Interfaith Committee.

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Mr Anthony was an ardent community worker and the chairman of the Mother Teresa Interfaith Committee. He established the Mother Teresa Interfaith Committee in 2010, on the 100th birth anniversary of Saint Teresa which led it to become an annual event in the community’s calendar. Mr Anthony received Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) by Queen Elizabeth II in December 2013 for his services to New Zealand-India relations. In May 2017, he was conferred the Papal Medal, Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice (Decoration of Honour of the Roman Catholic Church) awarded by Pope Francis.

Dame Lyndsey Freer, a spokesperson of the Bishop of Auckland Catholic Diocese, pinned the medal on Mr Anthony in the presence of a large gathering at St Mary’s Church in Auckland. Vicar General Bernard Kiely presented the framed citation. Mr Anthony is survived by his wife Susan, son Akash and daughter Sneha who were with him in his last moments along with his relatives. High Commissioner of India in New Zealand, His Excellency Sanjiv Kohli, has expressed his condolences. “It is a great loss for the family and the community. I and the High Commission have lost a dear friend and a solid support. May God grant strength to the family and peace to the departed soul,” Mr Kohli said. Prime Minister Bill English also conveyed his condolences as he said, "My thoughts are with his family and friends." His associates and friends in Auckland are distraught and praying for his family. Early in the week, many political leaders from all sides of the political spectrum asked about his wellbeing from The Indian Weekender’s publisher who was a very close friend of Wency – as he was affectionately called. His funeral was conducted on Wednesday, July 26 in Chennai. A commemoration service will be conducted in Auckland towards the end of August, details of which will be published later. The Indian Weekender family extends its heartiest condolences to Mr Anthony’s family.

The Indian Weekender

NEW ZEALAND

Friday, July 28 2017

Industry pushback compels government to back down on immigration T ¡¡ SANDEEP SINGH

he Government has finally backed down from the initially proposed changes in the immigration policy as proposed earlier this year in April, relaxing remuneration bands separating low and mid-skilled workers after consultation with businesses. According to the latest announcement made on Thursday, July 27, Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse has confirmed changes to temporary work visa conditions. The remuneration band for mid-skilled workers seeking temporary visa (Essential Skill Work Visa) will be 85 per cent of the New Zealand median income, which is currently $41,538 a year, instead of $48,859 as earlier proposed during the consultation. “The Government is committed to striking the right balance between ensuring New Zealanders are at the front of the queue for jobs and making sure our regions have access to temporary migrant labour necessary for sustained economic growth,” Mr Woodhouse said. “We are also committed to ensuring that lower-skilled migrants are clear about their future prospects in New Zealand, which is why we consulted on a number of changes to temporary work visa conditions,” Mr Woodhouse said. The changes consulted on included introducing remuneration bands to help determine skill levels; a maximum duration of three years for lower-skilled visa holders, after which a minimum stand down period will apply before they are eligible for another lower-

Michael Woodhouse

The changes consulted on included introducing remuneration bands to help determine skill levels; a maximum duration of three years for lower-skilled visa holders, after which a minimum stand and requirements for partners and children of lower-skilled visa holders to meet visa conditions in their own right skilled visa; and requirements for partners and children of lower-skilled visa holders to meet visa conditions in their own right. There has been much pushback from the industry, especially those from the regions far

away from Auckland who feared that Auckland issues were dominating policy affecting their ability to hire skilled work force to keep their businesses going. There were 170 submissions made to the government after the government has released the first draft of changes in immigration policy for wider public consultation. The Indian Weekender has been speaking with many such industry associations and their representatives on concerns around drastic reduction in the number of migrant workers. Katie Milne, National President of Federated Farmers of New Zealand, expressed concern about the “gap in our workforce that migrant workers fill.” “It is a huge issue that farmers have to face. NZ Inc’s productivity will be affected if there are not enough people available in the labour pool. “The seasons stop for no man, and when harvest comes, or cows start to calve, there need to be people available to do the work required. Obviously, they need to be skilled as well or be able to get trained here for our conditions to fill those vacancies if Kiwis don’t want to change vocations and take up the work. It is as simple as that.” Ms Milne said. Similarly, Simon Wallace, Chief Executive Officer, New Zealand Aged Care Association, which has made an active submission to Immigration New Zealand (INZ) in May outlining their industry’s concerns against the government’s proposed changes in immigration policy. “The Government is proposing to introduce measures that will limit the time for these temporary work visas to only three years when

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the visa holders will be required to leave the country. This will compromise the business continuity and have an impact on the quality of care for our elderly residents. “The sector has estimated that we will need extra 1,000 caregivers each year between now and 2026 to cater for an ageing population and in our case an increase in rest home residents from 38,000 to 52,000. While our rest homes do everything they can to employ local New Zealanders, we cannot meet all our labour needs from Kiwis alone. We have to employ migrants,” Mr Wallace said. According to ANZ’s Business Micro Scope survey released on Wednesday, July 26, about 23 per cent of small businesses had rated “shortage of skilled employees” as their biggest problem holding them back in an otherwise good looking last quarter. However, not everyone was equally appeased with the newly introduced relaxation in immigration policy. Federated Farmers were quick to register their disapproval of these relaxations. “The changes restrict the vast majority of migrant dairy farm workers to a maximum of three consecutive one-year visas (maximum three years) before an enforced stand-down where they must leave NZ for 12 months. “Given the depth of labour shortages in rural areas this will only force out migrants who have been invested in, trained and integrated into the farm and community, to be replaced by another migrant who is new to New Zealand,” Federated Farmers immigration spokesperson Chris Lewis said.

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'Shortage of skilled labour

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bout 23 per cent of small businesses rate shortage of skilled employees as their biggest problem holding them back in an otherwise good looking last quarter where growth expectations have hit a two-year high. It is important to note that some 97 per cent of enterprises in New Zealand are small businesses and include enterprises those with no employees, micro (1-5 employees), and small (6-19 employees) enterprises. According to ANZ’s Business Micro Scope survey, June 2017, after a slow start to the year, the confidence among small businesses have rebounded in the June quarter, and their activity expectations are the highest in two years. The ANZ Business Micro Scope is a quarterly indicator which focuses on the prospects of small businesses across New Zealand. The survey was launched in March 2012 to address a lack of ongoing research specific to the small business sector According to the survey, a net 17 per cent of small firms are confident about business conditions over the year ahead, up from 14 per cent in the March quarter. The rise in confidence is mirrored in other key indicators for small business sentiment and activity tracked by the survey. The ANZ composite measure – a key proxy for growth based on a firm’s own

activity outlook, hiring, investment and profit expectations – improved to +22, its highest since Q1 2015. The most positive outlook was from intermediate businesses (6 to 20 staff) which edged up from +27 to +29, while micro businesses (up to five staff) held at +15. “As we approach the middle of the year, small businesses are increasingly upbeat about investment, employment and profit expectations,” said Antonia Watson, ANZ’s Managing Director Retail and Business Banking. “They’re confident in the New Zealand business environment over the next 12 months, and their own growth prospects during that time. “Profit expectations are particularly strong with a net 28 per cent of small firms expecting higher profits on the horizon – the highest for the past three years and a sentiment shared by businesses across a broad range of sectors,” Ms Watson said. However, the quarterly survey again highlighted a significant problem holding back small business was a shortage of skilled labour. A net 23 per cent of small businesses reported a lack of skilled employees as their biggest problem, followed closely by regulation on 22 per cent. According to MBIE’s small business sector report 2014, small businesses employ about 30 per cent of the total work force.

Friday, July 28, 2017

The Indian Weekender

Saree lovers meet in Wellington

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women’s group in Wellington recently got together to share their love for India’s favourite ethnic attire—saree. More than 50 women draped in an array of beautiful sarees gathered to celebrate the beauty of sarees. The meet was a humble attempt to revive the charm of sarees by encouraging women to dress up in sarees and display the various types and traditional sarees of India, the work of the artisans and spend a nice evening networking with each other. Saree is considered one of the oldest forms of clothing in the world and is traditionally worn by the women in the Indian sub-continent. It is an unstitched piece of fabric, measuring from about 4.5 metres to 8 metres and is rectangular. Different regions of the sub-continent have their own specialty sarees, different weaves, different textiles and textures, varieties of silks and

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The Indian Weekender

NEW ZEALAND

Friday, July 28 2017

New Lynn Gurudwara celebrates eight years of seva G ¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

urudwara Sri Guru Harkrishan Sahib, Auckland, New Zealand celebrated its eighthyear of establishment on Sunday, July 23. National List MP Kanwaljit Bakshi and High Commissioner of India in New Zealand Sanjiv Kohli welcomed Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Paula Bennett, who was invited as the chief guest at the event. Amongst others present at the event was MP for Te Atatu Phil Twyford, list MP for Mt Roskill Dr Parmjeet Parmar, National Party’s candidate for Kelston Bala Beeram, Labour Party’s candidate for Papakura Jesse Pabla, Mandeep Kaur along with other officers representing New Zealand Police. Ms Bennett along with other parliamentarians and community members attended the langar being served in the langar hall. She then proceeded to the Gurudwara hall where Sikh devotees were seated, and the kirtan was in progress. In her address to the community, Ms Bennett expressed her joy being a part of the multicultural community and shared her views on the diverse society that New Zealand has become. She congratulated the community for the eighth anniversary of the Gurudwara and acknowledged the contribution of the Sikh community towards growth and progress of this country. After her address, a small prize distribution ceremony was held where children as young as four-years old were awarded for learning the Gurbani and performing Kirtan.

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Friday, July 28, 2017

The Indian Weekender

A musical evening of fun and nostalgia ¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

band of singers took the audience on a nostalgic trip at the Mohammad Rafi tribute concert on Saturday, July 22 at Avondale College. Titled Woh Jab Yaad Aaye the evergreen hit song from the 1963 film Parasmani, the event witnessed Auckland’s top sensational voices sing the melodies of the yester years. Umesh Sharma, a singer, himself organised and hosted the show. The audience hummed alongside him every song he sang on the stage. Every song met with hoots, whistles and applause that was followed by another great performance. Voices of renowned Auckland artists Guncha, Rini Dadheech, Bhavna Suroshi, Sweta Diwekar and Sreeutha Nannegari echoed in the hall while the audience hypnotised themselves into the melody. The event played the melancholy as well as the joyous numbers sung by legendary singer Mohammed Rafi. Singers Ravi and Dharmesh joined Umesh on stage to sing the songs sung by Rafi, Kishore and Mukesh together. Mayur Patel on keyboards and Chirag on Rhythm who travelled from Mumbai, India specially for the event, wowed the audience with their performances at the tribute concert. Raat Ke Humsafar from the film An Evening in Paris, Jo Wada Kiya Wo Nibhana Padega from Taj Mahal, O Hasina Zulfon Wali from Teesri Manzil, Main Pyar Ka Rahi Hoon from Ek Musafir Ek Hasina and Saare Shehar Me

Aapsa Koi Nahi from Bairaag were some of the many songs played at the concert. A medley of songs sung by Asha Bhosle and Lata Mangeshkar was also presented to the audience, and it was received with another set of applause. The event concluded with a standing ovation for the singers.

Young Indian designer’s silk showstopper selected for NZFashion Week ¡¡ SWATI SHARMA

proud Indian from God’s own land – Kerala – is taking her passion for fashion to the next level. Raishal Harrison is among 16 talented fashion designers whose silk showstoppers will open three shows at New Zealand Fashion Week to be held from August 28 to September 3 at ANZ Viaduct Events Centre in Auckland. In four years of being in New Zealand, Ms Harrison has fallen in love with the people, the culture and the beauty of New Zealand. And her fascination for the vibrant colours brought her closer to her dream. “I came across a campus show that featured design students and their life in fashion school. I was fascinated by the colour palettes, illustrations, patterns, and the fabric choices the students made, andwas completely hooked on to the idea of becoming a fashion designer in the future,” Ms Harrison revealed. The Manukau-based full-time fashion student hopes to work in the fashion industry soon. Her design in Resene Limerick – a silk genius is the first step along that path whichhas been chosen to open the Resene Designer Runway in three public shows at New Zealand’s pinnacle fashion event, for which tickets are on sale now at iTicket. Eightymetres of glistening silk in 16 Resene colours will emerge in the form of world-class fashion finery, giving New Zealand’s newest fashion design talent a chance to make an earlier-than-usual career debut. Stage lights will bring brilliance and sparkle to their looks as each show opens. Thousands of fashion-savvy eyes and hundreds of cameras will capture the moment. Ms Harrison says that being an Indian fashion designer in NZ, the two cultures majorly influence her work. “Auckland is all about street fashion but here they don’t take the risk of playing it with bold colours. Whereas India loves its electric colours and prints. As a designer, I want to incorporate

both the west and the south Asian influence into high fashion streetwear,” she said. However, Ms Harrison’s most profound fashion influence is her homeland India. “It’s the land of colours, culture, festivals, prints, textiles and mostly utter chaos.My goal is to be a designer with purpose, providing work for women and contributing to the education of children.” In her own words, “a vivid dreamerwho is finally taking baby steps into making mydreams a reality with God Almighty beside me as my rock.” Ms Harrison plans to eventually start her own streetwear label both in New Zealand and India. From a total of 36 diploma students studying at NZ Fashion Tech campuses in Auckland and Wellington, 15 were selected to travel and study in Indiafor six weeks with Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asiain July, 16 were selected to show their work at New Zealand Fashion Week in August, and seven achieved both. This is the fourth consecutive year Resene has joined with the New Zealand Institute of Fashion Technology (NZ Fashion Tech) in this unique education-meets-colour collaboration, staged every year in the lead-up to Fashion Week. A winner will be chosen by the judges to receive a special Resene prize, which includes tickets to high-end Fashion Week shows and a custom-made Tailor’s Form, an essential toolof-trade for a fashion designer. The winner will be revealed the week before Fashion Week.

The Indian Weekender

Friday, July 28 2017

NEW ZEALAND

A Sikh ceremonial kirpan triggers police raid on city bus ¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

olice raided an Auckland city bus on Monday, July 24, when a passenger had reported a Sikh man carrying his ceremonial knife – an article of faith of Sikhism. The man travelling on the Inner Link service bus in the Britomart and Queen St. area was carrying a ceremonial knife (kirpan) which is traditionally worn by Sikhs. The incident happened around 10 a.m. – a busy time for the city commuters. The police stormed the bus and asked the man to take off the kirpan and surrender, which he did politely, a witness reported. “I saw the police car with sirens blaring behind us, and the police came on the bus ‘with a gun’ and asked the guy ‘Get your hands up so we can see them and get out of the bus’.”, the witness told New Zealand Herald, who asked not to be named. The passenger, thought to be in his 20s, was wearing a turban and had a long, curved “sword-like” kirpan strapped behind his back on the left side, which the police removed, said the witness. They said that the armed offender’s squad was not sent, but the witness was adamant he saw at least one officer carrying a firearm. “Police spoke with the man, who is a Sikh,” said the police spokesman. “He was in possession of a ceremonial kirpan, which is customary for Sikhs. The man, who is lawfully living in New Zealand, was polite and cooperative and no further action was taken.” The spokesperson said the ceremonial kirpan wasn’t confiscated. National MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi has a member’s bill in the Parliamentary ballot which, if drawn and passed, would allow Sikhs to wear a kirpan under certain circumstances. A baptised Sikh has five articles of faith, and the kirpan is one of them, Mr Bakshi said. Recalling a similar incident from the not so distant past, where a member of the Sikh community was barred from entering cricket match being played between India and Zimbabwe during the 2015 cricket world cup, community leader Sunny Kaushal pointed that at that time the Sikh community had taken up the issue with law makers including the then Justice Minister. “Together, we have been taking up this issue from a long time and approached various political leaders and Members of Parliament over the years, including arranging their visits to Gurudwaras and organising presentations on 5Ks - kesh (uncut long hair), kanga (a comb), kara (an iron bracelet), and kachehra (under shorts),” Mr Kaushal said. Earlier this month, when Prime Minister Bill English visited Kolmar Road Gurudwara, Papatoetoe, he was also apprised about these cultural aspects of Sikhism and popular expectations among the community of being allowed to move freely in public places along with these important cultural artefacts. Mr Bakshi has also previously spoken about the need for legislation around ceremonial daggers, so it’s clear they are not weapons and are safe to be worn. The bill will ensure the kirpan can be no more than 10cm and must be worn under clothing. It will also require those who wear it also to be wearing the other four articles of faith – kesh (uncut long hair), kanga (a comb), kara (an iron bracelet), and kachehra (under shorts). In 2008, Mr Bakshi became an MP and the then Speaker of the House, Lockwood Smith, allowed him to wear the kirpan in Parliament and on planes. “A kirpan is usually worn inside one’s attire and normally is not exposed. It is blunt and doesn’t have a sharp edge.” He didn’t know of any other incidents where Sikhs had been stopped for wearing a kirpan, but said: “We are a multicultural society and it just shows that a bit more work needs to be done to understand other cultures.” Mr Bakshi said.

The kirpan is a ceremonial sword or knife which is carried by Sikhs as a commandment given by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. The word kirpan is believed to be formed with kirpa, meaning "mercy" or "grace"; and aanaa, which means "honor" or "dignity". A true Sikh is expected to have the courage to defend the rights of wrongfully oppressed irrespective of their color, caste, or creed.

VERDICT2017 2017- SPECIAL - SPECIALFEATURE FEATURE VERDICT

Friday, July 28, 2017

The Indian Weekender

New Zealand People’s Party to legalise use of 'reasonable force for self-defence' ¡¡ SANDEEP SINGH

he New Zealand People’s Party is seeking to revolutionise the country’s law and order policy landscape by offering to legalise the use of “reasonable force for self-defence” by people facing assault and threat to their family and property. “The threat of criminal charges is the last thing anyone wants to think about when confronted in their home or business. “However, we face a situation where criminals know people are more afraid of the legal consequences of fighting back than they are of them. “The party wants to give victims the right to defend their family and property,” the party’s press release on the law and order policy launch said. The party also want police to determine whether the force used in self-defence was reasonable. Currently, this power is invested exclusively in the judiciary. “The current system where it is decided by courts whether selfdefence was reasonable takes up valuable resources of our justice system and criminalises victims who have themselves just gone through a highly traumatic event,” the press release said.

According to this policy, the Police will still have the power to charge someone when it can be shown the force used was completely unreasonable for the situation, or there were motives other than self-defence. “However, the party does not condone the arming of the public to defend themselves in any way,” says the press release. The policy was launched today at a popular Asian food restaurant on the Dominion Road, Auckland that had been a “victim of the current crime spree that New Zealand is facing.”

Massive ramp-up of Police department

he Party is also keeping the police department at the centre of its newly launched law and order policy and calling for a massive ramp up in terms of staffers and police stations. The policy is calling for augmenting police numbers by a whopping 2400 and adding at least 50 extra Mobile Police Stations to cities and towns across New Zealand. The policy aims to lift the New Zealand population to police ratio from the current levels of 1: 538 to

an ambitious 1: 450. “The current g o v e r n m e n t ’s announcement of extra 880 police by 2020 will only bring the population to police ratio to 1: 527,” the party’s press release on the law and order policy said. Speaking at the policy launch, the party leader Roshan Nauhria said that “giving police the ability to recruit based on population growth should allow them to maintain constant high levels of service and not have to go begging to the government every few years. “Consistency in staffing levels will also go a long way to soothing out the crime rate burst that we see every few years, as whenever police staffing levels get stretched, the

crime rate goes up. The policy also calls for providing an “accommodation supplement” to officers working in Auckland along with providing for stronger deterrents against attacks on the police. The party is also for giving senior station officers more power to decide when officers should carry firearms. “The arms race between criminals and the New Zealand Police has long been lost by the Police. “As a country, New Zealand needs to have an honest conversation about arming our police force, and it is a conversation we need to be proactive about. “Let’s not wait until more officers die before we pluck up the courage to take a good look around,” the party announced.

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The Indian Weekender

Friday, July 28, 2017

Tax cuts versus social spending: what will decide Kiwi-Indian votes in this election?

VERDICT 2017 - SPECIAL FEATURE

C re a te Y O U R D R E A M D AY I N T H E WA I R A R A PA WITH OUR WEDDING & ACCOMMODATION PACKAGES ¡¡ SANDEEP SINGH

n a major election play, the government has announced tax cuts earlier during the budget this year, with a promise to rain down money on workers and families with a $2.2 billion Family Incomes Package which will include tax threshold changes and changes to tax credits. It means that workers earning more than $52,000 a year will get about $20 a week after April 1, 2018, when this will be implemented, seemingly asking voters to vote for the National Party, if they want to receive that extra money in their accounts. The Labour Party has already declared that they will scrap National’s planned tax cuts saying that “now is not the time for tax cuts.” “It is simply not credible for the government to say that a thousand-dollar tax cut for Bill English and me should be a priority over ensuring New Zealanders have homes to live in, modern schools, and world-class healthcare when they need it,” Labour leader Andrew Little said. Instead, Labour proposed its ‘Targeted Families Package,’ which it says will deliver up to $48 a week extra to middle-income families (and not the top earning families as the Labour Party alleges would benefit in the National’s tax cut plan). One important question that needs to be asked here is: why is the time not right for tax cuts as we are told that our economy is in good shape with the government’s debt to GDP ratio lowest in about two decades, books are in surplus and employment is growing as never before, with around 10,000 jobs being created every month as Prime Minister Bill English has been saying publically? In fact, Prime Minister English had suggested enthusiastically that the National Party might want to do another tax cut again, sometime soon. Speaking at the party conference in Wellington in June earlier this year, Mr English said: “Wouldn’t it be great if we could do it again.” To be fair to everyone, then it might also be asked here why New Zealand continues to remain a low-wage economy, as many experts believe, if everything is as good in the New Zealand economy as the National Party wants us to believe. Like everywhere else in life, the truth

is somewhere in between and it seems the promises of tax cuts and social spending are being raised as a matter of political priorities – not by economic exigencies. Eventually, both tax cuts and social spending are seeking to help the end users – the voters – with some extra cash that each political party is calling differently. Like National’s tax cut can help tax-payers save an extra $10.86 or $20 a week depending upon how much they are earning. Labour’s education policy can save parents from being asked to pay $150 school donations every year. There seems to be a lot of clutter right now in the minds of Kiwi-Indian voters in New Zealand around this hotly contested issue of tax cuts and social spending that needs explanation.

What do tax cuts do for the economy?

he expert opinion is divided about the short-term and the long-term benefit of tax cuts on a country’s economy. Tax cuts mean reduction in individual taxes, which largely benefits targeted tax-payers by increasing their real income. Therefore politicians often see tax cuts as rewarding taxpayers. However, tax cuts largely result in decrease in the real income of the government, therefore leading to question why a government would want to do that as a loss of income will directly impact government’s ability in social spending (things like health, education and so on, which are seen to benefit those towards the lower income bracket). Generally, governments choose this pill (accepting a decrease in revenue) for a variety of reasons such as increasing the level of domestic spend in the economy to boost overall demand within country’s economy or just to reward tax-payers. It is not clear though, what is the driving factor behind the National Government’s proposed tax cuts.

Social spending: differences in priorities

ifferent political parties have different priorities in terms of spending their dollar. While National Party’s stated goal is to use the maximum value of their earned dollar to service the country’s debt and improve

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VERDICT 2017 - SPECIAL FEATURE

its books. The Labour Party traditionally prefers to delay servicing of debt and use as much value from an earned dollar as possible toward spending more on social sectors such as education, health, etc. Both these goals, servicing national debt and social spending are important political goals and are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as many tend to believe. While the National Party also spends socially such as recently announced Accommodation Supplement to assist families (on benefit) living in relatively high-rent areas, the Labour party, on the other hand, seeks to catch up with National’s demonstrated preference of servicing the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio. Currently, 23 per cent of GDP (when the OECD average is 71 per cent), National’s target is to drive it down to between 10 per cent and 15 per cent of GDP by the middle of the 2020s. The Labour (and the Greens) has set a target of 20 per cent in five years of coming to power.

National’s and Labour’s promises on tax cuts and social spending

gainst this backdrop, it is important to have a brief overview of what voters can expect in this election. Labour will spend an extra $17 billion over four years on health, education and family incomes in the Budget if it wins the coming election. $8bn on health (This is on top of what National has already committed). This extra health money would go to “mental health services, more affordable primary care, providing more operations and the latest medicines,” as the party claims. $4b on education will mean a plan to end ‘voluntary’ school donations for parents, rebuilding outdated school buildings,

The Labour Party traditionally prefers to delay servicing of debt and use as much value from an earned dollar as possible toward spending more on social sectors such as education, health, etc

addressing teacher supply issues and few other policy measures offered in 2014 campaign like requiring ECE centres to employ at least 80 per cent qualified teachers by the end of its first term and extending the 20 hours of free ECE education for three- and four-year-olds to 25 hours per week. Labour plans to spend $5bn between Working for Families, Best Start package and the Winter Energy Payment. National Party’s promised tax cuts plan can potentially give an extra $1000 a year to many average Kiwi-workers and families. Expectedly, both political sides are blaming each other for making improper calculations and having differing priorities.

Friday, July 28, 2017

The Indian Weekender

Tax cut versus social spending Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi

National Party List MP

n Budget 2017 National took a significant step in delivering the benefits of a strong economy to New Zealanders. In particular, we want to strengthen families by lifting their incomes. I’d like to share with you some of the ways the Government is helping families and how the Budget’s Family Incomes Package helps them share the benefits of strong growth. If you look at a family on a benefit with three children, since 2014 they will have found it easier to get their children into early childhood education, thanks to significant extra investment in the sector. On April 1, last year they would have received an extra $25 a week thanks to the first increase in benefits in over 40 years. Our growing economy is also making it easier for members of this family to move into work, with over 200,000 jobs created in the last three years. That’s why we have the lowest proportion of people on a benefit in 20 years,

and today there are more than 50,000 fewer children in benefit dependent households than five years ago. If one of them is a care and support worker, they received a significant pay boost from 1 July. A full-time care and support worker on the minimum wage now takes home at least an extra $100 a week thanks to the increases passed by the Government. That’s on top of normal pay increases – with the average annual wage up $12,000, twice the rate of inflation, since we came into office. The Budget’s $2 billion Family Incomes Package, which kicks in next April, will provide extra support through tax reductions, increases to Working for Families and increases to the accommodation supplement if a family has high housing needs. It will raise the incomes of 1.3 million families by an average of $26 a week. The Families Incomes Package is the next step in allowing Kiwi families to spend more of their own money, to make the decisions that are best for them. We want to reward Kiwis for their hard work. National believes taxpayers make better use of their own money than politicians.

What will decide KiwiIndian votes?

owards this goal, this week’s election special issue is focussing on the debate between tax cuts versus social spending, calling all political parties to put forward their views. This will help Kiwi-Indian voters in making their choices clearly for the forthcoming general elections.

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The Indian Weekender

Nine long years of chronic underspending on public services

VERDICT 2017 - SPECIAL FEATURE

Friday, July 28, 2017

Let’s make New Zealand great - together

Priyanca Radhakrishnana

James Shaw

Labour MP candidate from Maungakiekie

Co-leader, Green Party

ike many other migrants, I moved to New Zealand for its stunning natural beauty, a world class education system and its reputation as a safe, fair society. New Zealand is a wonderful country and staying on and making it my home was the best decision I have ever made. However, there’s so much more we need to do to ensure that everyone regardless of their socio-economic status or background have the same opportunities and access to services. As many have said, the greatness of a society and its moral progress can be judged by the way it treats its most vulnerable. In New Zealand today, we have 75 000 children who live in cold, damp, moldy homes – over half of them have at least one parent who is working. Every year, 40 000 children are hospitalized with preventable respiratory illnesses largely caused by substandard rental homes. Homelessness figures have been rising and we now have 41 000 people who are living in cars, garages and tents or sleeping rough on the streets. Most people my age can’t even dream of buying a home unless their parents can afford to help them out financially. On the campaign trail, I meet young mums who tell me they have to choose between putting food on the table. More than 500 000 New Zealanders can’t afford to see their GP. New Zealand has got the worst access to equitable

primary health care in the world, second only to America. Since 2009, there has been a 51 per cent increase in total mental health callouts to the Police, who call it an ‘indictment’ on the wider mental health service that Police are left to care for the most vulnerable. In 2016, then Police Minister Judith Collins signed off a four-year Police strategic plan that stated there would be no increase of Police numbers for the four-year duration. After considerable opposition from Labour, the government decided to increase Police numbers by 880. Unfortunately, according to NZ Police an increase of just 880 meant that “there will be no dedicated extra resources for rural New Zealand or Auckland and limited additional crime prevention capacity”. NZ Police asked for an increase of 1165 Police to make even a ten per cent reduction in serious crime. Labour’s fiscal plan focuses on addressing the Government’s chronic underfunding of health, community safety, education and housing instead of giving tax cuts to the rich. The next Labour-led government will ensure that our nation once again treats its most vulnerable with dignity. In September, please use your vote to change the government to one that works for the many, not the few.

his year will be key in New Zealand’s history. On one side, you have parties like the Green Party who are promoting responsible investment, prudent fiscal settings and a managed approach to solving the many issues that we as a country face. On the other, you have irresponsible parties like the National Party and their coalition partners. National has spent about nine years in office now and we’ve seen the results. Our hospitals choked with untreated patients, our rivers polluted and our streets teeming with too many families without a home. It’s not an accident that New Zealand is now the most expensive place to buy a home (according to the Economist) and has the highest rate of homelessness (according to both the OECD and Yale University) in the developed world. Meanwhile news about long hospital waiting lists and exhausted medical staff continue to make headlines. Is it any wonder with the consistent underfunding that our hospitals and clinics have to cope with that they’re feeling the strain? And more and more we are seeing that communities are feeling unsafe. No wonder when there’s an aggravated robbery almost every week. No wonder that a stretched police force is failing to provide the protection because

TOUGHEST ON CRIME OWN YOUR FUTURE

PARTY VOTE Authorised by L Fergusson, Level 2, 27 Gillies Avenue, Newmarket, Auckland

of the lack of resources. Too many dairies are being robbed and police are taking too long to respond. New Zealand used to be the envy of the world for our clean rivers, our pristine drinking water and our 100% pure clean green image. But now our rivers are unswimmable, 45,000 New Zealanders are drinking water mixed with faecal contaminants and our emissions are the fifth highest in the developed world. None of this has happened by accident. This is the result of National spending it’s time in government looking after special interests. The Greens will put you and your family first. We will fix broken public services so that you or your kids can get the help you need – whether from a doctor or a police officer – when you need it. We will make sure that every New Zealander has access to affordable, warm, dry and healthy housing. We have a plan to clean up our drinking water so we can drink pristine water without faecal contamination. And our real climate action plan with a Green Infrastructure Plan will generate jobs and keep New Zealand safe from climate change. Because the Green Party knows that it is only when we put aside our individual differences and work as one – that we can be Great Together.

VERDICT 2017 - SPECIAL FEATURE

Friday, July 28, 2017

‘Tax cuts will get our tick,’ says New Zealand People’s Party Anil Sharma

President, New Zealand People’s Party

he major proportions of Indian population in NZ are new migrants who arrived to NZ from late 1990’s and early 2000’s. During these years number of Indians arriving in NZ has increased with most coming on student visas. They have successfully transitioned from students to citizens in 7-8 years and working full time. Partners of these new migrants also have joined their other half in supporting the family by taking up jobs. Most Kiwi-Indians would favour tax cuts as opposed to welfare payments because of this very reason. Once the income levels of households increase, they usually do not qualify for any welfare benefits like accommodation benefits, community services card, etc. and feel the pinch by way of increased taxes on total household income. Increased tax deductions put these families at disadvantage as they have to pay more tax on total income earned at the same time they do not get the necessary benefits associated which is a double whammy for them. Reducing the tax rates on total income earned is one of the solutions which will work in favour of KiwiIndian families who want to get ahead on par with other prosperous countrymen. Social spending by way of more welfare benefits will be a de-motivating factor

for people who want to work or start new businesses. Once people start working and getting paid will lead to giving back by way of expenditure in retail, grocery and other items leading to overall development of economy. Money comes back to the government by way of GST and other taxes leading to increased spending by the government. On the other hand increased payments for welfare will create a dependency syndrome where people do not want to work and feel de-motivated to work. They will have a false sense of security that money will be available at the end of the week and will spend on things not essential. The real worth of wealth is lost and people will find ways to avoid work. This will lead to a generation of dependency which is detrimental to the whole society. Social spending may play a part in the decision making of Kiwi-Indians in the next 20 years when these migrants will grow old and may need social benefits for health and pension schemes. At present the proportion of Kiwi-Indians needing these welfare schemes is very small so the majority would favour tax cuts which will make more money available for them to spend on housing, groceries, schooling and healthcare. We can say unequivocally that Kiwi-Indians will look up to a party which will deliver on this promise of tax cuts which will be more beneficial for them not only in the short term but also in the long period as they establish their working culture as the main cause for survival.

labour.org.nz/vision

Fresh Policies to:

Put more community police on the streets

Build affordable houses for families

Michael Wood MP Spokesperson for Ethnic Communities

Get young people into jobs, education and training

Andrew Little MP Labour Leader

Labour’s Ethnic Communities Outreach Team Michael.Wood@parliament.govt.nz ethnic.communities@parliament.govt.nz 85 Grafton Rd, Auckland NZ 1010 09 373 3332

The Indian Weekender

High Commission of India Wellington, New Zealand

INDIA @ 70

School Competitions This year, India celebrates 70 years of freedom. On this occasion, High Commission of India invites you to take part in two competitions! The competition is open to all school students in New Zealand, Samoa & Niue.

Prizes to be won in each competition:

Poster Competition Topic: My Idea of India Paper size: On A4 paper only Eligibility: Age 8 – 12 years

Submit via Post only to: High Commission of India PO Box 4045, Wellington 6011

1st Prize: NZ$ 200 2nd Prize: NZ$ 150 3rd Prize: NZ$ 100

Essay Competition

Topic: Journey of Independent India Word Limit: Not exceeding 1000 words Eligibility: Age 13 – 18 years Submit via Email only to: com.wellington@mea.gov.in

Submission details:  Submit on or before: 07 August 2017 (Monday), 5:00PM (NZST)  Entry must include: Copy of your ID (showing your age/ date of birth). Also include the name of your school & provide your full home address. For queries, please email: com.wellington@mea.gov.in Website www.hicomind.org.nz

Connect with us on: Facebook @HighCommissionofIndiaNewZealand

Terms & Conditions:  Only one entry per person will be accepted.  Entries after the submission deadline will not be accepted.  An entry without the requested details, will not be accepted.  No responsibility will be taken for late/lost/misdirected email or post.  Entering the competition is deemed as acceptance of these terms and conditions.  Winners will be announced mid-August 2017 via email and social media.  High Commission reserves all rights on any aspect of the competitions.

Twitter @IndiainNZ

Raj Singh Candidate for Manukau East

Raj is the founder and Principal of a South Auckland based law firm who wants to share his professional success by giving his community a voice and representing them in Parliament through his work with the Green Party. He is passionate about policy, law, effective communication and leadership, education and immigration. Raj often offers legal education seminars to communities.

Authorised by Gwen Shaw, Level 1, 17 Garrett Street, Wellington

Your Family Safe

Tough on Crime to Make 2,400 More Police On The Streets 50 Exta Mobile Police Stations

Get Tough on Serious Youth OďŹ&#x20AC;ending

Accomodation Supplement For Auckland Police OďŹ&#x192;cers

Tougher Sentencing for Youth Committing Robbery and Burglary

Stronger Deterrent for Attacks on Police

Boost the Youth Justice System

Party Vote

Protect Victims of Crime Legalise Self Defense

Create A Comprehensive Gun Register

@NZPeoplesParty

Rehabilitation Based Sentencing Increased Access to Rehabilitative Services Multi Disipline Sentencing Boards

nzpeoplesparty.org.nz/lawandorder

Authorised by Anil Sharma, 258-260 Balmoral Road, Sandringham, Auckland

NEW ZEALAND

SOUTH ISLAND FACES THE NATURE’S FURY AGAIN Massive flooding across the region caused by last week’s C

Friday, July 28, 2017

The Indian Weekender

Vanakkam Tamizha - a radio show connecting the South Island Tamil community ¡¡ GAURAV SHARMA

storm; state of local emergency declared in various cities ¡¡ GAURAV SHARMA

ast week for two days, July 21 and 22, many parts of Canterbury, particularly Selwyn, South Canterbury and Waimakariri, experienced record rainfall, leaving the ground saturated and causing flooding in some areas. Hundreds of houses were evacuated, roads turned into rivers, and Christchurch, Dunedin, Timaru, Waitaki and the wider Otago region declared a local state of emergency. While the rains stopped on Sunday morning and all states of emergency were lifted by Wednesday this week, the region – eastern areas of the South Island – is still reeling from extensive flooding. Making matter worse, are predictions from Metservice of another storm hitting the South Island this weekend, which could possibly bring more flooding to already saturated Canterbury. Notably, New Zealand defence forces were called in flood-hit areas in Canterbury and Otago. They helped people out of Christchurch, Dunedin, Oamaru, Timaru, Waitaki, Ashburton and Outram as flood waters due to the rising Heathcote and Taieri Rivers threatened homes. As the current was too strong in some areas to evacuate on foot, boats were used for the same. To not let burglars take advantage of the evacuations, police patrols were in place overnight in majority areas.

Standout statistics: (coutesy NIWA- National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research) • Oamaru’s wettest day on record since daily rainfall records started in 1950. That happened on Friday when 161.2mm was recorded in 24 hours. The previous record was 128mm in April, 2006. In a normal July, Oamaru’s total rainfall is 40.6mm. Moreover, winter 2017 has now become Oamaru's wettest on record and July 2017 the wettest July for the town on record. • Dunedin had its wettest July day on record since 1918 on Friday when 89mm fell – beating the 2007 record of 75.8mm. • Christchurch recorded 88.6 mm at the airport. Christchurch’s normal July total rainfall is 64.7mm. The extreme rainfall over the weekend coincided with some very high storm tides for Christchurch. The peak storm tide about about 3:15 pm on Saturday was equal highest recorded in last 13 years

Flooding also closed roads throughout Canterbury and Otago, including parts of State Highway 1. Boiling water advisories were issued in many parts of the region. Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel who lifted the city's state of emergency on Tuesday said, “The immediate dangers posed by significant rainfall and abnormally high tides are now behind us. Although we are transitioning into a recovery period, we are still monitoring river levels, tides and weather forecasts

very closely.” Meanwhile, Minister of Civil Defence Nathan Guy, while praising the efforts of those who were involved in responding to the floods said, “The impacts of these floods will be felt for some time in communities throughout Canterbury and Otago. Thus, the Government is ready to provide support where it’s needed, and financial assistance is available to local authorities that have been affected. “As further rain is forecast in coming days, we urge the public to take care. Don’t drive through floodwaters and avoid non-essential travel as there is still widespread surface flooding and debris on the roads,” he cautioned.

oordinated by a Sri-Lankan Tamil, Luxmanan Selvanesan, who moved to Dunedin in 1999 to study as a student, Vanakkam Tamizha – the only radio show in the South Island in the ancient classical language of Tamil, celebrated its sixtieth show last month. Along with Rajesh Katare and Suresh Emperumal, Mr Selvanesan runs the radio show every Tuesday at 7pm, using the platform of Otago Access Radio (OAR) on the frequency 105.4FM. “We are very thankful to OAR, especially its community liaison manger Jeff Harford, in helping us run the only Tamil show in the South Island. In fact, he was our guest last month, at our sixtieth show. Our aim is to celebrate the richness of Tamil language and culture. Its a place for uniting Tamil communities, with no national barriers,” Mr Selvanesan said. An initiative of an informal grouping of Tamilians in Otago known as the Dunedin Tamil Friends (DTF) - with almost 200 members from countries including India, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia as well as Fiji - Vanakkam Tamizha was launched in early 2016. Normally, the weekly show includes local Tamil community news, interviews, popular music, as well as sharing of

poems and literary works. “We also publicise migrant stories of successful Tamilians across New Zealand. Latest in this series was our interview with Pancha Narayanan, who is a Malaysian Tamil and the present President of the New Zealand Federation of Multicultural Councils,” Mr Selvanesan added. An important and widely appreciated recent innovation that Vanakkam Tamizha did was to launch a ladies only segment in their show. “Geeta and Aruna, who are Singaporean and Malaysian Tamil respectively, hosted the first show where they discussed issues affecting ethnic women in the region. Additionally, they also gave a moving tribute to the legendary actress Manorama, who passed away in 2015, and has a mention in Guinness World Records for acting in over 1,500 films in a career spanning nearly six decades,” he added. “Going by the success we have achieved in bringing the community together, we will be incorporating DTF as a registered charity later this year. Till now, it has been more of an informal grouping of like-minded people,” he said.

Indiance delivers yet another quality production with Finding Aaliyah ¡¡ IWK BUREAU

Christchurch Airport opens B multi-faith prayer room In what is probably the first such in New Zealand, the official opening of the prayer room took place on July 21 ¡¡ GAURAV SHARMA

he new Christchurch Airport prayer room is located on the ground floor next to the domestic baggage area collection point, between international arrivals and the check in hall. The prayer room is open during the domestic terminal hours of operation, seven days a week. Signs at strategic locations guiding visitors towards the room are also in place. “The dedication ceremony was attended by representative leaders of the Catholic, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist communities attended and individually blessed the room. It was done in the spirit of friendship and respect, to embody why the room was built,” a spokesperson of the Christchurch Airport said. The room has a varied selection of holy books, both in English and bilingual to ensure people of all faiths feel welcome, the spokesperson added. One of those who attended the ceremony was Ibrahim Abdul Halim,

one of the trustees of the Canterbury Muslim Community Trust and former vice-president of the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand. “Ms Sara Percy, the Duty Manager at Christchurch International Airport – who deserves a lot of credit for this – contacted us a month back with the proposal. Then we met to chalk out the details. We have kept copies of Qur’an and other Islamic literature, and prayer mats in the room. A sign indicating the direction toward

Mecca is also in place,” Mr Halim said. “While to start with, the room will be used by men and women both, in time, we are looking for separate rooms for the genders. With Christchurch becoming more and more multicultural, and the number of visitors increasing by the day, this is a much-needed initiative. And the Christchurch Airport authorities deserve a lot of credit for making this a reality, in what is probably a first in New Zealand,”Mr Halim added.

ollywood was brought to life on stage at the ASB Theatre in Auckland on Saturday, July 22. Indiance, New Zealand’s original Bollywood dance school, put on another breath-taking performance. Finding Aaliyah was a spectacular show that brought all the elements of a Bollywood movie alive and within touching distance. The sets, the lighting, the song selection was all complemented perfectly by the unbelievable choreography and acting put on display. The story was filled with songs and dances from all over India. The tour guide character was exceptional and had many chuckling with every punchline perfectly delivered. He was the soothsayer and sometimes the counsellor for the other actors. The two main male actors took the audience on a journey through their view of India. Their friendship was one many people could relate to. It started tentatively as many new relationships but grew in depth as the story went on. The whole first half was a blur of colour, lights and laughs. The opening of the second half had the audience knowing who Aaliyah was in the first two scenes and then the rollercoaster was at its peak with twists and turns to come. A very clever story play intertwined the two boys and their relationship with Aaliyah, which became an issue and this is where your curiosity was aroused.

When would they find out who they are? Who would tell them? And how would they react? As one of the boys was Aaliyah’s brother he was protective over his sister, the other being her boyfriend made things complicated. With a bit of fumbling around and understanding, the boys finally resolved their differences and a happy ending was a nice conclusion to the show. The reactions of the audience after the show mirrored what the cast and crew felt. It was a huge success. Reviews: “Had a date night with my youngest son on Saturday night at the Indiance NZ Finding Aaliyah show…fabulous songs, dancing, costumes, scenes – a true Bollywood experience!”Impressions Event Design NZ “Congratulations Indiance for delivering the show Finding Aaliyah at international standards. Your creativity and art is a gift. The team worked hard to make sure the show captured the audience. Indiance, keep up the great work.” –Ella Kumar “Another beautiful production by Indiance. Every show gets better and better. This is the goal. Keep learning, keep growing and dream big.” – An audiencemember (unnamed)

FIJI

Rama Krishna Mission launches cardiac stress test facility M The Indian Weekender

Friday, July 28 2017

inistry of Health and Medical Services Permanent Secretary Philip Davis while opening the Sarada Medical Centre, acknowledged Rama Krishna Mission’s contribution to health services in Fiji. The privately-run Centre is Rama Krishna Mission Fiji’s first Cardiac Stress Test Facility located at Ashram Road, in Nadi “Organisations such as the Rama Krishna Mission play a vital role in working alongside Government to improve people’s access to vital health services,” Mr Davis said. “We recognise that Government plays a lead role in paying for health care, we also need to welcome others who can help deliver health care, and this medical centre is a perfect example of the public and private sectors working together for the benefit of the local population,” he said. He added that there was a need to move on from a view that Government was the only organisation that could deliver health care and recognise that other organisations were as capable, indeed sometimes more capable, of providing what people needed. “I must be clear that I am not arguing for privatisation of our health system. It is widely acknowledged that the best and fairest health systems are those where Government is the major funder. “This is to ensure that we make the best possible use of the resources that are allocated to us and we work cooperatively with others who share a healthier and happier Fiji.” The total investment of the project is $80,000 which includes equipment, manpower and drugs. The EST machine worth AU$30,000 (F$48,336.28) was donated by the Ranchhod

Fiji rejoins Miss Asia Pacific after 29 years

fter a lapse of 29 years Fiji will once again be part of the Miss Asia Pacific International Pageant. Pageant Local Marketing committee member, Solomone Rabuli said the platform was similar to the Miss World pageant but focusing mostly on the Asia Pacific countries. He confirmed that eight contestants were picked from 15 young Fijian women who participated in the auditions last month in Suva. Mr Rabuli was a 2013 Hibiscus King contestant. He said as part of the selection criteria the contestants agreed to wear a bikini and have to meet expected criteria. The contestants’ first exposure was on Saturday last week. They were part of the clean-up campaign organised by the Pacific Islands Development Forum. “The cleanup campaign is the start, and is aimed at getting the young women to go out and do community work,” Mr Rabuli said. “The contestants have also been attending workshops learning more about climate change,” he said. He said in the upcoming weeks there will be community visits where the contestants will be learning first hand issues affecting climate change in Fiji. Sponsors for the event include Image Fiji Limited, Tanoa Plaza Hotel, Navneet Studio and Aspire Network. The committee welcomes sponsors willing to support the event. The crowning finale will be held on September 9. The queen represents Fiji in the Philippines in November. The last contestant who represented Fiji in 1988 was former Miss Hibiscus, Lenora Qereqeretabua, under the then name Miss Asia Pacific Quest. Fiji joins Samoa, Cook Islands, and Guam from the Pacific Islands in this year’s pageant.

Foundation based in New Zealand. “This initiative is a response to the high incidence and risk of cardiac diseases among Fijians,” Rama Krishna President Swami Tadananda said. He thanked those that have continued to support this charitable initiative to serve people and save lives. “Our approach is to proactively screen heart diseases for early detection and adopt treatment or measures to prevent or minimise further escalation to levels requiring major interventions. This is a first of its kind for Western, Viti Levu,” Mr Krishna said.

Ministry of Health and Medical Services Permanent Secretary Philip Davis at the Sarada Medical Centre, Ashram Road, in Nadi on July 19, 2017.

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Thought of the week

“Build your own dreams or someone else will hire you to build theirs.” – Farrah Gray

Editorial

Why blaming migrants for Auckland public transport woes would not help?

he recent unfortunate incident of finding a human body near the Papatoetoe train station on Wednesday, July 26, and the accompanying chaos in transporting commuters to their respective destinations has ‘quietly’ brought to attention the burning question of resilience in Auckland’s public transport system. Quietly because, otherwise in the present election related high-decibel environment, almost every noise related to Auckland’s public transport and other infrastructural woes is intrinsically linked with – immigration – and the “record level of immigrants” arriving in New Zealand’s largest city. As if we all have collectively become intellectually challenged to some extent to mull about these issues without relating them with immigration in any manner. In that regard it was a bit refreshing to be able to spare a thought about Auckland’s public transport system without having to put the blame on immigrants, though the context was completely unfortunate and unwarranted. The question of resilience is important because defined in a simple way resilience is the ability to survive a crisis and to thrive in a world of uncertainty. City planners and decision makers might want to reserve the question of resilience for a situation or a crisis involving gravity of a higher magnitude called as hazard. However, from an ordinary commuter’s perspective, a situation of this magnitude would also merit the question of resilience as it has the potential to cause major disruptions in their day to day life. According to reports in the media, the incident was reported at around 7.30 a.m. requiring attention of the police and emergency services and disrupting train services till about 10.30 a.m. when normalcy was restored – thus bringing to the fore the issue of resilience in the public transport system. A three hour long disruption in the city’s public transport system that claims to be a fast growing global city, especially during the peak hours of commuting, is not an ideal situation for anyone. It is also not the best reflection of the way we are preparing our public transport system for the future, especially the resilience part. A similar situation in a Melbourne train station earlier this month requiring police attention (though not involving any injury or death) caused only a thirty-five minute delay and a better response of alternate travel arrangements for the commuters. In comparison to that, there was major chaos and wait time for commuters in the Papatoetoe incident before bouncing back to normalcy. For many, this will be a question of the fact of single rail lines, which is again linked to question of (or lack of) investments, or differing priorities (between train and bus as the main carriers of Auckland’s people) or at best it could be a choice between ‘steady growth’ versus ‘rapid growth’ proposals. Apparently, the government in 2007 had noted that a ‘steady growth’ (of public transport spending and infrastructure construction) was favoured over the ‘rapid growth’ proposals advocated by Auckland area leaders such as Papakura District mayor John Robertson, because the associated costs, raised by means such as a regional fuel tax, might put too much financial pressure on Auckland. Since then a lot of water has gone under the bridge. What has remained permanent is that Auckland’s public transport system seems to be growing, almost aimlessly, with too many ideas floating around and without much concerted action. Often it appears that the question of Auckland’s public transport is caught up or paralysed amidst ongoing clutter of ideas and noises that are believed to have stopped our planners and decision makers from taking decisive actions to improve - and “record level of immigration numbers” is one such idea that has seemingly obscured our ability to think clearly on public transport. In contrast, there are multiple issues in the complex planning and administration of public transport that also need attention.

Auckland Weather forecast for the week July 28 - August 1, 2017

Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thu Cloudy with a few showers

13° 7°

Mainly Cloud Occasional fine, increasing rain chance Light winds developing shower.

13° 6°

15° 9°

Rain, easing to showers

Rain with Showers little with northwind westerlies

15° 9°

16° 9°

16° 11°

This week in New Zealand’s history 2 August 1983 Protest as USS Texas visits Auckland

he visit of the nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser Texas sparked anti-nuclear rallies on land and sea. Port visits by United States warships had been controversial for a number of years. Two nuclear-powered cruisers, USS Truxtun and Long Beach, had attracted protest when they visited New Zealand in 1976. On each occasion, Civil Defence established a public safety headquarters for the duration of the visit. Similar action was taken for the visits of the submarines USS Pintado in 1978 and Haddo in 1979.

4 August 1923 Rail tunnel pierces the Southern Alps

he opening of the 8.5-km Ōtira tunnel completed the long-planned transalpine railway between Christchurch and Greymouth. At the time, it was the longest tunnel in the southern hemisphere and the sixth-longest in the world.

4 August 1965 Cook Islands achieves self-government

irst included within the boundaries of New Zealand in 1901, the islands were governed by a Resident Commissioner until 1946. When they achieved self-government, Cook Islanders remained New Zealand citizens.

Indian Weekender : Volume 9 Issue 19 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.

The Indian Weekender

OPINION/EDITORIAL

Friday, July 28, 2017

Indian Diaspora – Debatable issues and actions needed VEER KHAR

tanding tall at around 200,000, the Indian diaspora is one of the major ethnic groups in New Zealand. With mainly the labour class coming in as ‘early settlers’, the modern day Kiwi-Indians are making their presence felt in almost every field and even dominating some of the sectors. Law abiding, hardworking, living simple, focused on their children and proud of their heritage – are some of the distinct characteristics of these people. There are other identifiers which do not hold them in high esteem, though, and these include a lack of selfrespect, docile nature, prone to exploitation, living cheap, stagnated in history and even discriminating among their own. The following write up is intended to shake this inertial stance and generate a debate to bring about the much needed change.

¡¡ Issue 1:

Kiwi Indians are without any representation in the NZ Parliament. We must clearly understand that the MPs of Indian origin are the list candidates of respective political parties and not as representatives of the Indian community. H ence we have no basis of asking for their accountability or even pushing our agenda through them. In China the communist party decides representation for the community and we do not see it much different when National or Labour or others decide representation of ethnic groups. Outcome: The diaspora is devoid of democracy. ¡¡ Way forward could be to seek membership of any of the ‘Indian Associations’ and engage to bring in modern day democratic

Discourse of the Diaspora We leave our land And look for a home Away from home.

We own or rent a few square feet And share space with others. We shun our culture, language And mingle with others. We learn their culture, language And the ways of their living. We adjust with their food, Their dress and their deeds. We learn their slogans And praise their heroes. We raise our children Singing their songs. Our efforts go in vain, Our mingling becomes a dream And we look for a new vocabulary. We create our own discourse With a deep sense of alienation And the diaspora rises. Sanjib Kumar Baishya Assistant Professor, University of Delhi New Delhi, India

practices. Strong community associations can then make provisions to usher in representation. The List MP System does not substitute representative governance – particularly for major players like Kiwi-Indians. ¡¡ Issue 2: When we enter most of the dairies run by Kiwi-Indians, the environment is gloomy and ready to surrender to the first pocket knife-bearing adventurer. Being on the receiving end perpetually denotes a docile and weak character. ¡¡ From the current practice of playing ‘exploited’ all the time, it is high time that we take appropriate measures with regard to operation hours, self defence mechanisms, charge safety royalty to companies that want dairies to sell the products that invite ‘addicts’ and change the whole outlook of the business. Owner’s exploitation of the Operator may also

need to be brought to forth. Dairy can’t act as the flagship of Kiwi-Indians any more. ¡¡ Issue 3: Most of our religious places are run as private enterprises with practices like male- female segregation’ and many other practices that we find difficult to digest in the 21st century. ¡¡ To ensure our next generation continues to value spiritual wellness and adheres to some basic disciplines, any such practice needs an abrupt end or we may even have to boycott any such institution. We may have to advise the Prime Minister and other leadership of the country that their visit to such places only strengthens these obsolete, superstitious practices. ¡¡ Issue 4: Immigration rules that prevent parents coming to live with children or the rules that delay after marriage union (as one of the partners is coming from India) are mainly affecting Kiwi-Indians

As a community we love to take care of our parents and we still try to look for an ‘Indian partner’ but because we lack a coherent voice, we allow such rules that are anti basic human rights. The community needs to put in a joint front to get it changed. Again this needs individuals to join17 and make associations’ representative and then the same need to work together to be a force to reckon with. And the list of Issues goes on… Elections provide an opportunity to take stock of such things and we Kiwi Indians should avail the opportunity. A debate is being organised on Saturday, September 2, 2017, at Vodafone Centre by Indian Association of New Zealand and all are welcome to join. Details will follow soon. Veer Khar is the community leader and former president of the India Association of New Zealand (IANZ). The views expressed here are those of the author's alone and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of The Indian Weekender

India's 14th President sworn–in

INDIA

Friday, July 28, 2017

pledges to follow ‘mantra’ of Constitution

growing up in a mud house in an Uttar Pradesh village, Kovind said he has had a long journey. “Yet this journey is hardly mine alone. It is so telling of our nation and our society also. For all its problems, it follows that basic mantra given to us in the Preamble to the Constitution ensuring justice, liberty, equality and fraternity and I will always continue to follow this basic mantra.” President-elect Ram Nath Kovind and his wife pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat before In another line that avoided any reference to being sworn as the 14th President of India in New Congress occupants of the Rashtrapati Bhavan Delhi on Tuesday barring two, Kovind said he was conscious he was following the footsteps of stalwarts such as Rajendra Prasad, S. Radhakrishnan, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and his predecessor Pranab Mukherjee. Referring to Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel and Constitution’s architect B.R. Ambedkar, the President It is said these leaders did not appropriate believe that political that the land freedom was enough; of Lord Buddha it was crucial to also should lead the world achieve economic in its search for peace, and social freedom tranquility for millions. and ecological “The key to India’s success is its diversity. balance. Our diversity is the core that makes us so unique. In this land we find a mix of states and regions, religions, its ancient values and compliant with the fourth languages, cultures, lifestyles and much industrial revolution, he said. more. We are so different and yet so similar “There is no dichotomy there, no question and united.” of choice. We must combine tradition and 21st century India will be in conformity with technology, the wisdom of an age-old Bharat and the science of a contemporary India.” He said as the gram panchayat must determine India’s consultative and communitybased problem solving, “the Digital Republic must help leapfrog developmental milestones”. But nations were not built by governments alone. The government can at best be a facilitator and a trigger for society’s innate entrepreneurial and creative instincts. Nation building requires national pride. “We take pride in the soil and water of India. We take pride in the diversity, religious harmony and inclusive ethos of India. We take pride in the culture, heritage and spirituality of First photo of former President Pranab Mukherjee at his residence — 10, Rajaji Marg, New Delhi. India. We take pride in our fellow citizens.” Saying each citizen was a custodian of India’s well-being, Kovind said the armed forces that guard of honour. Then the outgoing President eeping with the tradition, President protect the borders were nation builders. was given a guard of honour by the Presidential Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday So were police and paramilitary forces that Bodyguards. gave a warm farewell to his fight terrorism and crime as well as farmers, After inspecting the President’s immediate predecessor Pranab Mukherjee scientists, nurses, doctors, entrepreneurs and Bodyguards, Mukherjee was accompanied and accompanied him to his new residence artisans. India believed in the principle of to his new residence by Kovind, led by the –10, Rajaji Marg – a short distance from one world. horse-mounted bodyguards. the massive Presidential Palace, to bid him “It is appropriate that the land of Lord The formal ceremony was attended by good bye. Buddha should lead the world in its search a host of VVIPs, including Prime Minister Earlier, Kovind was given a guard of for peace, tranquility and ecological balance. Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra honour by the President’s Bodyguards after India’s voice counts in today’s world. The Mahajan, union ministers, opposition leaders, being sworn in as the new President. governors, chief ministers and Chiefs of Staff Before entering the study of the Presidential entire planet is drawn to Indian culture and of the three services. Palace, Kovind inspected an inter-services soft power.

aking history as the first occupant of Rashtrapati Bhavan from the BJP, President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday, Julu 25, pledged to always follow the basic mantra of the Constitution to ensure justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. Elected to the highest constitutional office last week, Kovind was administered the oath of office by Chief Justice of India J.S. Khehar at a brief but glittering ceremony in the Central Hall of Parliament before a gathering of MPs, Chief Ministers and diplomats. Taking oath in the name of God, Kovind pledged to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and the law” and devoted himself to the services and well-being of the people of India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ministers, opposition leaders including Sonia Gandhi and former Prime Ministers Manmohan Singh and H.D. Deve Gowda attended the event. At the end of over three hours of protocol and formalities on a rain-marred day, the new President accompanied his predecessor Pranab Mukherjee to the latter’s new abode -- 10 Rajaji Marg -- after his warm farewell at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. In his speech, Kovind hailed the vision of Mahatma Gandhi and Sangh icon Deen Dayal Upadhyay and said there was a need to build India as “an economic leader as well as moral exemplar”. “For us, those two touchstones can never be separate. They are and must forever be linked.” Recalling his humble beginnings from

The Indian Weekender

Indira Gandhi saw herself as an environmentalist, not politician: Jairam Ramesh

ndira Gandhi may have been criticised for her policies during her tenure as Prime Minister and called authoritative but what people hardly knows is that she was very much an environmentalist and naturalist, said senior Congress Indira Gandhi in leader Jairam Ra- Himachal Pradesh; winter mesh on the life of 1956 (Courtesy Indira Gandhi: A Life in Nature) India’s iron lady. The former Union Environment Minister was speaking at an event organised at the Foreign Correspondent’s Club of South Asia to promote his recent book “Indira Gandhi: A Life in Nature” published by Simon & Schuster India, (Price Rs 799, pp 448). The book, which is released to mark the centenary year of Indira Gandhi, is an unconventional environmental biography. “The environmental Indira Gandhi was entirely different. Very few are aware of her inclination towards environment. She became a politician not by choice but by force of circumstances. She was born in a political family and grew up within the influence of politics,” Ramesh observed. He pointed out that Gandhi’s initial days at Santiniketan took her closer to nature. It was also her education in Switzerland and her stay with her mother in the hills that helped shape her inclination towards nature. While talking about the relevance of his book in the present scenario, Ramesh said Indira Gandhi was the main brain behind the implementation of four laws that govern environment regulation in India -- the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974, the Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1981. “Not just that, the state Pollution Control Boards, the Central Pollution Control Board, the Ministry of Environment were all created by her. She was also India’s first Minister of Environment from 1980-1984,” he said. Ramesh cited an example on how in the 1970s, Indira Gandhi was the only leader in the world to make environment a global and political issue. “In 1972, when the UN had its first Conference on Environment in Stockholm, Indira Gandhi was the only Prime Minister in the world to attend it apart from the Swedish PM,” he pointed out.

Pranab Mukherjee enters his new residence

Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi watching lions in Gir, Gujarat; November 1955 (Courtesy Indira Gandhi: A Life in Nature)

Privacy cannot be excuse for The Indian Weekender

INDIA

Friday, July 28, 2017

evading tax obligations: Jaitley

n the backdrop of the debate generated by the appeals on Aadhaar being currently heard by the Supreme Court on whether privacy is a fundamental right, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said privacy cannot be touted as an excuse not to comply with one’s legal obligation on tax matters. “Taxes are the backbone of any economy. In India, the mindset of the people on taxes is gradually changing and they want that no one should be exempt from tax,” Jaitley told Income Tax (I-T) Department employees at an event here to mark Income Tax Day 2017. “Privacy cannot be made an excuse for noncompliance,” he said, exhorting the Department officials to expand the tax base in a nonintrusive manner. The I-T Department has made quoting the

citizens. The data of each person is linked to a Aadhar Unique ID number mandatory in filing unique 12-digit identification number. income tax return from July 1. On the sidelines of the event on Monday, The Supreme Court is considering whether Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) privacy is a fundamental right of every citizen Chairman Sushil Chandra told reporters that in a case that could have implications for the Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) will not have to country’s biometric identity programme. give details of their bank accounts held outside Activists, lawyers and politicians have the country while filing their income tax returns, challenged the government over the legal provided they are not seeking refunds. basis of the Aadhaar priogramme, while “It (providing details of foreign the apex court will decide if the "Taxes are the bank accounts) is not mandatory. It system should be thrown out backbone of any is optional. It is for cases where or modified. economy. In India, the refund is sought,” Chandra said. The Aadhaar unique ID That column in the income authority has collected mindset of the people on taxes fingerprints, iris and facial is gradually changing and they tax returns (ITRs), he said, is to want that no one should be be filed in “only one condition, scans, as well as addresses, exempt from tax" that is, if they (NRIs) are seeking phone numbers and personal a refund.” details of more than 1.1 billion

Nitish dumps RJD, Congress; to form government with BJP

n dramatic developments in Bihar, Nitish Kumar resigned as Chief Minister dumping the RJD and Congress to stitch a new alliance with BJP, which quickly announced support to a new government under him and said it will join it too. Nitish Kumar, whose resignation was immediately accepted by Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi, is expected to stake claim to form the new government on Thursday in which Sushil Kumar Modi is likely to return as Deputy Chief Minister. Ending a 20-month-long coalition of the Grand Alliance that defeated the BJP in 2015, Nitish Kumar met the Governor in the evening and handed his resignation claiming he can't work in the "current circumstances" following corruption charges against Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav -- son of RJD chief Lalu Prasad. But he didn't rule out a tie-up with the BJP to run a future government. As if in synchronization, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Nitish Kumar's resignation, the BJP announced its support to the JD-U leader, Bihar BJP leaders had dinner with Nitish Kumar and then gave a letter of support to the Governor -- all in a matter of three hours. "I have been doing my best to provide good governance... But the circumstances have so developed that it was difficult for a person like me to continue to be in power. That is why I met the Governor and gave my resignation," he told reporters outside Raj Bhavan. He was initially evasive about taking support from the Bharatiya Janata Party. "What has to

BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi and other party leaders during a meeting called after Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar resigned from his post

happen has happened. What will happen now you keep watching. We will definitely keep Bihar's interest in mind and do what is good for Bihar and its people," he said. Nitish Kumar did not recommended the dissolution of the assembly, indicating his readiness to work with the BJP. Shortly after Prime Minister Modi welcomed the developments in Bihar, BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi said his party was against mid-tern polls. "Many many congratulations to Nitish Kumar for joining the fight against corruption. 125 crore citizens of the country welcome and support this honest move," the Prime Minister tweeted. "It is the need of the hour to rise above political differences for the bright future of Bihar and unite in the fight against corruption," he added. Nitish Kumar responded: "I am thankful to Narendra Modi for supporting the decision I took." The BJP Parliamentary Board quickly met in Delhi and appointed a three-member committee of Bihar leaders to study the situation.

473 pilgrims leave for Amarnath

he smallest batch of 473 pilgrims left here on Wednesday for the Amarnath cave, an official said. As the 40-day long ongoing yatra to the Himalayan cave in the Kashmir Valley entered its 28th day, the number of pilgrims shrunk further than in the last few days, the official said. The group left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in an escorted convoy of 14 vehicles. “This is the lowest number of pilgrims undertaking the yatra on a single day since its beginning on June 29,” he added. So far, more than 2.50 pilgrims have paid obeisance inside the cave shrine situated 3,888 metres above the sea-level. The cave houses an ice stalagmite structure

that devotees believe symbolizes mythical powers of Lord Shiva. The devotees approach the Cave Shrine either through the traditional south Kashmir Pahalgam route or through the north Kashmir Baltal route. So far, 48 pilgrims have died during the Yatra. The Yatra will conclude on August 7 with the arrival of the ‘Chari Mubarak’ (Lord Shiva’s Mace) at the cave shrine on ‘Shravan Purnima’ coinciding with the Raksha Bandhan festival.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley

10 islands chosen for holistic development

he government has chosen ten islands in Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar for their holistic development in the first phase of work being done by newly constituted Island Development Agency (IDA), it was announced on Monday. Smith, Ross, Aves, Long and Little Andaman in Andaman and Nicobar while Minicoy, Bangaram, Suheli, Cherium and Tinnakara in Lakshadweep are among those selected in the first IDA meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh after detailed consultations with key stakeholders, a Home Ministry statement said.

Andaman and Nicobar.

are being prepared for identified islands with principles of sustainability, people’s participation, eco-system preservation and determination of carrying capacity as the

"It was also decided that Lt The IDA was set-up on guiding principles. Governor of Andaman June 1 following the Prime “Such an exercise is and Nicobar Islands Minister Narendra Modi’s being taken up for the and Administrator of review meeting. first time in the country,” Lakshadweep Islands will In the meeting, Rajnath Amitabh Kant said. be included as members Singh presented the vision for IDA Chairman and of IDA" developing India’s maritime former Navy chief, Admiral economy while preserving the natural D.K. Joshi (retd.), suggested eco-system and addressing the security taking up suitable interventions concerns. He also emphasised upon the need for sustainable implementation of planned for sustainable development of islands with projects. During the meeting, the progress people’s participation. being made for the formulation of integrated master plans and other matters concerning the islands development were reviewed, the statement said. “It was also decided that Lt Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Administrator of Lakshadweep Islands will be included as members of IDA,” the statement further said, adding with this meeting, the efforts for holistic development of islands of NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant made a India received a major boost. Other members of detailed presentation on the current status the IDA including the Cabinet Secretary, Home and the way forward for holistic development Secretary, Environment Secretary, Tourism of identified islands. He said that concept Secretary and Tribal Welfare Secretary also development plans and detailed master plans participated in the meeting.

INDIAN ABROAD

Friday, July 28, 2017

Greet global

Alphabet appoints Pichai to its board of directors

audience with

Hindu salutations, Miss T&T urged

Chanka won the Miss World Trinidad and Tobago 2017 title last Sunday. She was crowned by the reigning queen Daniella Walcott after beating back some tough competitors

n the Caribbean nation, where 44 percent of the population is of Indian origin, the new Miss Trinidad & Tobago has been advised to greet global audiences at the Miss World 2017 pageant in China in October with Hindu salutations like Sita Ram, Namaste. Chandini Chanka will be the person of Indian origin in 40 years to represent the multi-ethnic society at the international beauty contest in Sanya, China. Surujdeo Mangaroo, Public Relations Officer of the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC), the country’s premier socio-cultural organisation, made the plea at a reception held in Chanka’s honour at Divali Nagar, Chaguanas, earlier this week. Chanka won the Miss World

Trinidad and Tobago 2017 title last Sunday. She was crowned by the reigning queen Daniella Walcott after beating back some tough competitors. “I want to remind Miss Chanka that as she makes her way on the international stage ... please do not forget or ignore the traditional Hindu form of greetings, Sita Ram, Namaste,” Mungroo said. He said that when Chanka won the annual Miss Divali Nagar Queen Contest in October 2015, she strode the walkaway “with dignity, poise, confidence and conviction that she was the winner all through, even before the results were announced”. “I hope these values would be applied at the Miss World Queen

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Pageant in China in October and to bring home that glory and international honour as a Hindu woman for Trinidad and Tobago,” Mangaroo said. Chanka is the only daughter of Debra and Krishendath Chanka of Aranguez, San Juan. She has a brother and holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations and has been accepted to pursue a law degree at the University of the West Indies in September. She has plans to become an attorney. Trinidad and Tobago’s Indian diaspora hails principally from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. People from these two states were brought to the country to enhance the agricultural capacity of the then colony between 1845 and 1917.

lphabet Inc., the parent company of Google, has appointed Indian-born Google CEO Sundar Pichai to its board of directors. “Sundar has been doing a great job as Google’s CEO, driving strong growth, partnerships and tremendous product innovation. I really enjoy working with him and I’m excited that he is joining the Alphabet board,” said Larry Page, CEO of Alphabet, in a statement. As Google’s CEO, Pichai is responsible for Google’s product development and technology strategy, as well as the company’s day-to-day operations. He joined Google in 2004 and helped lead the development of key consumer products which are now used by over a billion people

Google CEO Sundar Pichai

In 2014, Pichai took over product, engineering and research efforts for all of Google’s products and platforms. After years of working closely with Google’s co-founders, Page and Sergey Brin, Pichai became Google’s CEO in August 2015.

Amarinder wants Canada to rein in radical Sikh elements

unjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh stressed the need for Canada to rein in the radical elements trying to use its soil to spread strife and divisiveness in India. He raised the issue with Jalandhar-born Canadian MP Rameshwar Singh Sangha, who called on him here. “While such elements, including Khalistani supporters, could not have any impact on the Canadian political environment, they could influence the people of India and vitiate the atmosphere here. “Unfortunately, these elements were successful in spreading their

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh

divisive messages in India through the use of the social media,” he said. Amarinder Singh also said the Canadian government should crack down on these forces and ensure that they do not have a free run on social media and other public platforms.

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WORLD

Friday, June 28, 2017

Zuckerberg has ‘limited’ NASA issues safety tips to understanding of AI: Elon Musk view solar eclipse I

eople who plan to view the solar eclipse should check the safety authenticity of viewing glasses to ensure they meet basic safety standards, NASA has recommended A total solar eclipse, which is when the Moon completely covers the Sun, will occur across 14 states in the continental US on August 21, along a 112 km-wide swath of the country. More than 300 million people in the US potentially could directly view the solar eclipse, and NASA wants everyone who will witness this celestial phenomenon to do so safely. “It’s common sense not to stare directly at the Sun with your naked eyes or risk damaging your vision, and that advice holds true for a partially eclipsed Sun,” NASA said in a statement on Friday. “But, only with special-purpose solar filters, such as eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer, you can safely look directly at the Sun,” the statement added. Eclipse viewing glasses and handheld solar viewers should meet all the criteria such as they should have certification information with a designated ISO 123122 international standard, have the manufacturer’s name and address printed on the product, not be used if they are older than three years, or have scratched or wrinkled lenses, not use homemade filters Ordinary sunglasses – even very dark ones -- should not be used as a replacement for eclipse viewing glasses or handheld solar viewers “While NASA isn’t trying to be the eclipse safety glasses ‘police,’ it’s our duty to inform the public about safe ways to view what should be a spectacular sky show for the entire continental US,” said Alex Young, Associate Director at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Centre in

Greenbelt, Maryland. “It’s important that individuals take the responsibility to check they have the proper solar eclipse viewing glasses. With the eclipse a month away today, it’s prudent to practice ahead of time,” Young added. An alternative method for safe viewing of the partiallyeclipsed Sun is with a pinhole projector. In addition, the space agency has coordinated with medical and science professionals to provide additional safety information to the public. This image of the moon crossing in front of the sun was captured on Jan. 30, 2014, by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory observing an eclipse from its vantage point in space. Credits: NASA

Neuroticism may be linked with long life

ndividuals with higher levels of neuroticism – a personality trait associated with negative emotions – are likely to have longer lifespan and lower risk of mortality, regardless of their health conditions, a study has claimed. Persons with high levels of neuroticism are more likely to experience negative emotions – nervousness, worry, and guilt – compared with those who have lower levels of neuroticism. “Our findings are important because they suggest that being high in neuroticism may sometimes have a protective effect, perhaps by making people more vigilant about their health,” said lead researcher Catharine R. Gale from the University of Edinburgh. The findings showed that higher

neuroticism is linked with slightly lower risk of death from all causes and cancer. However, “we found that this protective effect was only present in people who rated their health as fair or poor”, Gale explained.

“We found that people who scored high on one aspect of neuroticism related to worry and vulnerability had a reduced risk of death regardless of how they rated their health,” Gale said. For the study, published in the journal Psychological Science, the team examined data collected from 502,655 people aged between 37 and 73. Participants completed a validated personality assessment measuring neuroticism and indicated whether they thought they were in excellent, good, fair or poor health overall. The data also included information on participants’ health behaviours (smoking, physical activity), physical health (body mass index, blood pressure), cognitive function, and medical diagnoses (heart problems, diabetes, cancer).

n the ongoing spat between two tech honchos, Founder and CEO of SpaceX Elon Musk has hit back at Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, saying the Internet entrepreneur’s understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) is ‘limited’. “I’ve talked to Mark about this (AI). His understanding of the subject is limited,” Musk tweeted. The tweet came after Zuckerberg, during a Facebook livestream last week, castigated Tesla founder Musk for arguing that care and regulation was needed to safeguard the future if AI becomes mainstream. “I have exposure to the very cutting-edge AI and I think people should be really concerned about it,” Silicon Valley Business Journal quoted Musk as saying. Responding to this, Zuckerberg said during livestream: “I think people who are naysayers and try to drum up these doomsday scenarios – I just, I don’t understand it. It’s really negative and in some ways I actually think it is pretty irresponsible.” Musk has been speaking frequently on AI and has called its progress the “biggest risk we face as a civilisation”. “AI is a rare case where we need to be proactive in regulation instead of reactive because if we’re reactive

"I think people who are naysayers and try to drum up these doomsday scenarios – I just, I don’t understand it. It’s really negative and in some ways I actually think it is pretty irresponsible." in AI regulation it’s too late,” a report in TechCrunch quoted him as saying. Zuckerberg calls himself an optimist when it comes to AI. Inspired by Iron Man’s artificial assistant (AI) “Jarvis” and his

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Founder and CEO of SpaceX Elon Musk

capabilities, he has coded and developed his own “Jarvis” to run his home. Zuckerberg has built a simple AI that he can talk to on his phone and computer, and that can control his home, including lights, temperature, appliances, music and security, that learned his tastes and can even entertain his daughter Max. The system he developed uses several AI techniques, including natural language processing, speech recognition, face recognition and reinforcement learning. During the recent livestream session with his fans, he observed that AI would be “responsible for such lifesaving services as diagnosing diseases and driving cars”. “One of the top causes of death for people is car accidents still and if you can eliminate that with AI, that is going to be just a dramatic improvement,” Zuckerberg said. The war of words between the two top CEOs is not new. Last year, when a SpaceX rocket carrying a Facebook satellite broke up into fragments during its launch in Florida, the incident stirred a controversy between Musk and Zuckerberg.

Elton John feels Prince Harry inherited ‘incredible’ gift from Diana

inger Elton John says Prince Harry inherited late Princess Diana’s “incredible” gift of making people feel everything was going to be alright. In the upcoming documentary, Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy, friends, family and admirers of the late royal speak candidly about her charitable efforts. The show recalls how, by shaking hands with a patient at Britain’s first Aids unit, at London’s Middlesex Hospital in 1987, she smashed the notion that the virus was passed by touch. Sir Elton said: “It was considered to be a gay disease and for someone who was within the Royal Family and who was a woman, and who was

SIR Elton John has paid tribute to Princess Diana’s groundbreaking campaign work and told Harry he has inherited her ability to put people at ease

straight, to have someone care from the other side, was an incredible gift. John says that her efforts to promote HIV and AIDS awareness live on through her son, reports people.com. “She had that incredible ability – which (Harry) kind of inherited – to make people feel at ease and make them feel that everything’s gonna be all right,” John, 70, said in the documentary. “I haven’t experienced many people in my life who have that ability, but she could walk into a room of people and make them feel as if everything was great,” he added.

Elton praised Diana's work to help HIV/Aids patients

Diana was a campaigner for HIV and AIDS awareness and treatment. And, along with John, the documentary features appearances by Diana’s brother Charles Spencer

and singer Rihanna, who took an HIV test alongside Prince Harry in Barbados last December to help break the stigma of getting tested.

Diana shakes hands with an AIDS victim as she opens the AIDS ward at Middlesex Hospital

SPORTS

Friday, July 28, 2017

The Indian Weekender

DHAWAN, PUJARA TONS TAKE INDIA TO 399/3 AT STUMPS VS SRI LANKA C

enturies from opener Shikhar Dhawan (190) and one-down Cheteshwar Pujara (144 not out) helped India reach 399/3 at stumps on the opening day of the first of the three-Test cricket series against Sri Lanka . Electing to bat at the Galle International Stadium, India rode on a 253-run second wicket effort between a blazing Dhawan and a steady Pujara to surpass the highest ever first day’s total of 351 runs in Sri Lanka. Later, Pujara, who notched his 12th Test century, and Ajinkya Rahane (39 not out) put on an unbeaten 113-run fourth-wicket stand to take the visitors to their second ever highest opening day’s total – the highest being 417/2 in the 2009-10 home series against Sri Lanka. Dhawan smashed the rather ordinary Sri Lankan bowling all around the ground, racing to 190 runs off 168 deliveries with 31 boundaries studding his hurricane innings. The 31-year-old Dhawan, who got into the 16-member squad as Murali Vijay was injured, registered his fifth century in Test cricket -- a perfect way to send a message to the selectors. It was also his highest score in the five-day format. His opening partner, Abhinav Mukund (12), who got into the playing XI due to Lokesh Rahul’s illness, however, couldn’t impress the selectors. Mukund struggled a bit, hitting only two India's Shikhar Dhawan celebrates his boundaries off pacer Lahiru Kumara century on Day 1 of the first test match during his 26-ball stay in the middle. between India and Sri Lanka at Galle International Stadium in Galle, Sri Lanka. But the left-hander virtually gifted his wicket to Nuwan Pradeep when he decided to go after a ball which

moved away slightly after pitching. Pujara joined Dhawan and enjoyed some early luck when he edged Pradeep off the second ball he faced but the ball went for a boundary after landing wide of the slip cordon. Dhawan however, continued to display excellent form at the other end, finding the fence at regular intervals. Pujara soon settled his nerves and gave Dhawan excellent support at the other end as the former collected runs very quickly and registered his century after the lunch break. Equally aggressive against the spinners, the Delhi batsman further dominated the Sri Lankan bowling after reaching the three-figure mark. Dhawan finally fell when he tried to smash a Pradeep delivery over mid-off but mistimed his shot and Angelo Mathews pulled off an easy catch in the first ball of the 55th over. Just after the 10-minute tea break, India suffered a big blow when captain Virat Kohli was caught by wicket-keeper Niroshan Dickwella, attempting to pull a bouncer from Pradeep, with India at 286/3. Pujara, who was batting on 77 then, was joined by Rahane and the pair played some sedate cricket. Pujara and Rahane took ones and twos as the Sri Lankans stepped up the pressure with their confidence boosted by Kohli’s wicket. Pujara broke the dry patch by despatching veteran left-arm spinner Rangana Herath for two fours in the 66th over. And in the fifth ball of the next over, a drive towards mid-on off Kumara gave him a two to complete his hundred in 173 deliveries. By that time, Rahane too had a grip on the conditions and he was looking good at 39 not out from 94 deliveries at the end of the day’s play, with Pujara unbeaten on 144 as India look strong for a huge total on the second day.

July 28 to August 3 | By Manisha Koushik 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 ¡¡ Aries (Mar 21-Apr 20) A daunting task will be accomplished with ease, as you set your mind to it. Professional excellence is likely to keep you on the forefront at work. You are likely to get the better of someone who is envious of your success. Financially, you will remain comfortable and even take a chance to splurge. An active lifestyle adopted by you will suit you perfectly in remaining fit. Hectic activities on the social front may upset your personal schedule. Lucky Number- 5 / Lucky Colour- Light Green ¡¡ Taurus (Apr 21-May 20) There are many options available to you, so don’t be in any hurry to choose without due deliberations. You will be able to impress all and sundry on the professional front. Performing well on the academic front is a foregone conclusion. Your cost cutting measures are likely to benefit you a lot. Maintaining a balanced diet may begin to show on your body earlier than expected. Disagreements and arguments threaten to spoil the domestic atmosphere. Lucky Number- 7 / Lucky Colour- Golden Brown ¡¡ Gemini (May 21-Jun 21) You may not be in the right frame of mind this week for completing a pending task, so take your time. Getting deeply involved with someone on the romantic front cannot be ruled out for some. Shifting to a better accommodation is indicated for some. Office politics threaten to

get the better of you, so remain guarded. Things may go on a downswing on the academic front and get you all tensed up. Keep your financial position under wraps. Lucky Number- 9 / Lucky Colour- Magenta ¡¡ Cancer (Jun 22-Jul 20) You are likely to add to your reputation on the professional front by volunteering for something challenging. Getting into a better salary grade is possible for some. You will be successful in getting something you wanted on the academic front. Your active lifestyle will ensure that you remain fit and energetic. A trip is in the offing, so pack your bags and enjoy. Lucky Number- 18 / Lucky Colour- Red ¡¡ Leo (Jul 21-Aug 22) There is some good news that awaits you at work. Financially, you are likely to remain on a safe wicket, but controlling your urge to splurge. A happening time with your near and dear ones is foreseen. Something that you do on the social front may give you instant recognition. Those in a long-term relationship may take their romance to the next level. Looking up people you have not met in years is possible. Health remains satisfactory. Lucky Number- 4 / Lucky Colour- Violet ¡¡ Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 23) Don’t expect any favouritism on the academic front, as you are likely to be judged on merit.

You are likely to establish yourself firmly on the professional front. Professional rivalry may egg you on to perform better. Lover will respect your need for space and keep away. Shifting closer to workplace is possible for some. Switching to a healthy diet is indicated for those wishing to come back in shape. Not having enough to splurge may frustrate some. Lucky Number- 17 / Lucky Colour- Navy Blue ¡¡ Libra (Sep 24-Oct 23) It is important to keep everyone on your right side, especially during the present period. You may develop feelings for someone working closely with you and usher in a budding romance! A spot of leave may find you packing bags for a short vacation. Shifting in the vicinity of your workplace to avoid commuting cannot be ruled out. You may have to give your hundred-and-one per cent to profession, if you expect to make your mark. Lucky Number- 8 / Lucky Colour- Light Blue ¡¡ Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22) You may have to keep a promise, if you want to win over someone on the romantic front. Professional rivalry is likely to discourage you from giving your best. Disappointments on the academic front cannot be ruled out for some. Investing in a dubious scheme in the hope of getting rich quick may make you lose a substantial amount. Searching for a suitable mate for yourself or someone eligible may prove most challenging. Plan a leisure trip. Lucky Number- 1 / Lucky Colour- Light Brown ¡¡ Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21) Don’t be upset if someone’s views on an issue may not coincide with yours, take it in your stride. You may take a break from routine to pursue something that you like. An invitation to a wedding or party is possible. You are likely to think up ideas to make your love life more fulfilling. Some adjustments may need to be

India's Cheteshwar Pujara celebrates his century on Day 1 of the first test match between India and Sri Lanka at Galle International Stadium in Galle, Sri Lanka

made on the work front, but will not affect you. Overspending may upset your home budget. Lucky Number- 6 / Lucky Colour- Peach ¡¡ Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 21) Taking care of someone who means a world to you is likely to bring untold benefits for you in the future. You are likely to prove your mettle on the professional front. Enrolling in a prestigious academic institution cannot be ruled out for some. Wedding of someone eligible in the family is likely to be solemnised. Those in love are likely to take their romance to the next level. An excursion with friends is possible this week. Lucky Number- 11 / Lucky Colour- Pink ¡¡ Aquarius (Jan 22-Feb 19) Extending a helping hand without even being asked is possible. Setting priorities is likely to assume importance, as workload increases on the professional front. Confusion prevails on the academic front, but you will be able to take the right decisions. Hectic pace of a social event may drain you, but you will enjoy it all the same. Financially, this week does not augur well for you, so remain extra vigilant. Lover may plan out something special, so play along! Lucky Number- 15 / Lucky Colour- Parrot Green ¡¡ Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20) It is difficult to fathom the commitment of a subordinate, but give the devil its due. Sticking to priorities at work will help you in tackling all issues in an orderly manner. Better options on the academic front may materialise soon. An investment option is likely to suit your requirement. Keeping good health will become your aim and you will put in the efforts to achieve it. Someone’s insensitivity in a social gathering may hurt and upset you. Lucky Number- 22 / Lucky Colour- Violet

The Indian Weekender

Crossword

TIME OUT

Friday, July 28, 2017

Answers to last week's puzzles

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

FEATURES

Friday, July 28, 2017

The Indian Weekender

Top 6 destinations to escape to this winter

hile the world in the northern hemisphere is all set to bask in the sun with summer on the way, our Kiwis are dealing with the not so good cold and rainy weather. Most cities have already started to experience the winter blast with temperatures going as low as -2 degree Celsius. With winter not leaving us so soon, an idea of going on a holiday doesn’t sound that bad, does it? Here are our top picks for you to choose from to escape the winter and have all the fun in the sun –

Los Angeles - United States of America

ive your American dream. It’s just the perfect time to go especially to Los Angeles with its sprawling beaches and crazy night life – it gets only better in the summers. The city is always buzzing with concerts and carnivals. Besides, who knows if you are lucky enough you might just spot one of your favourite Hollywood stars having brunch at one of the local cafés. The temperature is as high as 30

degree Celsius these days and with longer days, cooler nights, get ready for some endless entertainment. Getting there – Direct flight (12 hours) from Auckland to Los Angeles – Air New Zealand & American Airlines.

London – England

ondon is the place to be for all the Harry Potter fans. Give yourself a break this winter and visit London for a magical encounter. The Warner Bros. Studio tour will give you a true Harry Potter experience. From props, costumes to the actual film sets – it is sure to blow your mind. For all our non-Harry Potter fans, there are heaps of things to do from top class museums to just walking down the historical streets witnessing beautiful architecture. For those looking for some royal treatment – why not visit the Queen at Buckingham Palace? Getting there –All major Airlines from Auckland – Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Malaysian Airlines, Thai Airways.

Dubai – UAE

Looking to go on a holiday somewhere exotic? Love shopping? Well think no more – fly to Dubai. With Emirates introducing a direct flight from Auckland to Dubai, it’s never been easier for our Kiwis to explore this beautiful city which is also known as the business hub of the world. Experience how it feels to be at the top of the world- quite literally in Dubai as it

and the beautiful botanical gardens are sure to intrigue each person who visits it. Keep in mind Singapore can be a little expensive as compared to other south Asian countries, but the dollar value of Singapore and New Zealand is almost the same, with Singapore’s dollar value being slightly higher. Getting there – Direct flight from Auckland (10 hours) with Singapore Airlines.

Vancouver – Canada

Bangkok – Thailand has the world’s tallest structure ‘Burj Khalifa’. Besides all the gold lovers must visit Dubai’s Gold Souk (Gold Market). Guys beware, the girls with you might just go crazy there. Getting there – Direct flight from Auckland (17 hours) with Emirates.

a n g k o k the capital and the most populous city of Thailand is the perfect south Asian getaway. But make sure y o u have at least a week or two to explore as only 2-3 days are just not enough. From buzzing city life, temples, palaces to secluded beaches, Bangkok’s got everything. Also, if you are a foodie then you are in for a treat. Bangkok has a wide variety of food. Its known for its cheap eats. You will never feel like eating Thai curries at your local takeaway, once you have eaten in Bangkok. So, don’t get rid of your summer clothes just yet, pack them in your bag and fly off this winter – Bangkok is waiting! Getting there – Direct flight (12 hours) from Auckland to Bangkok with Thai Airways.

Singapore

he ultimate destination for a nice family holiday. Singapore caters to adults as well as kids. The famous Universal Studios is in Sentosa Islands in Singapore. The thrilling rides at the theme park will be a dream come true for your children. Besides the night safari

ust like our picturesque New Zealand, Canada also has a beautiful city – VANCOUVER. It has got a mix of both urban a n d natural surroundings with forests and mountains. A must see is the Stanley Park Seawall which is a 28 Km long pathway which is also the world’s longest waterfront path. For all tramping enthusiasts, there are couple of tracks around the famous Cypress and Grouse mountains. June to August is the best time to go to Vancouver. o, all the people looking for an adventurous holiday should stop looking for a destination and must visit this spectacular city this year. Getting there – Direct flight from Auckland (13 hours) with Air New Zealand. So choose one of the destinations above and call us on our toll-free no. at 0800 224 7365 for some amazing flight deals. Happy Winters!

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FEATURES

RECIPES

Friday, July 28, 2017

V E G E TA R I A N

The Indian Weekender

Aloo Matar A warming potato and pea curry, gently

flavaoured with whole cumin seed

simple, wholesome Aloo Matar works well when everything else fails. It is popular in North India and considered a favorite comfort food. Potatoes are inexpensive and readily available. Just a few carefully selected spices adds a twist to a classic pea and potato combination.

¡¡ 1 tsp ginger paste ¡¡ 1/2 tsp green chilli paste ¡¡ 1/2 tsp red chilli powder ¡¡ 1/2 tsp tumeric powder ¡¡ 1 large tomato ¡¡ 2 cups water or as required ¡¡ 1/2 tsp garam masala powder ¡¡ Salt to taste ¡¡ 1/2 cup fresh coriander leaves, finely

Preparation Time: 5 Min Cooking Time: 35 Min Serve: 4 Taste: Medium

INGREDIENTS ¡¡ 2 medium potatoes ¡¡ 3/4 cup peas ¡¡ 1 medium onion ¡¡ 3 Tbls oil ¡¡ 1/2 tsp cumin seeds ¡¡ 1 pinch of asafoetida ¡¡ 1 tsp garlic paste

chopped to garnish.

METHOD ¡¡ Wash, peel and dice the potatoes. Rinse peas and keep aside.

PARENTING

Father’s involvement can help kids stay in shape

athers’ involvement in caregiving is linked to decreased likelihood that children would develop childhood obesity, says a study. The researchers found that fathers’ participation in physical child care activities like bathing and dressing children or taking them outside for walks and playtime was "There associated with reduced likelihood that is growing their children would become obese evidence of the from age 2 to 4. importance of fathers’ involvement is seen as more “There is growing evidence of the involvement in raising important. Fathers have noted feeling neglected during visits importance of fathers’ involvement children in other with their child’s pediatrician in raising children in other areas of areas of children’s according to the researchers. children’s development. development. The findings suggest that "Our study suggests there may be encouraging fathers to increase their benefits to child health as well,” said lead involvement with raising children and including author of the study, Michelle Wong, from fathers in childhood obesity prevention Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public efforts may help reduce obesity risk among y Health, Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, oung children. The researches hope for future Maryland. The study, published in the journal studies to understand the relative caregiving Obesity, used data from a survey conducted in involvement of both mothers and fathers a nationally representative sample of children to formulate methods to better tackle the in the US. Current parenting childhood obesity obesity epidemic. interventions primarily target mothers as their

66 | India’s Most Wanted Recipies

¡¡ Blend the onion to make a fine paste using

a food processor (or grate them). ¡¡ In a heavy-bottomed pan heat oil on a medium heat. ¡¡ Add cumin seeds and asafoetida; when the cumin seeds start to crackle, add the onion paste and sauté until light-brown in colour. ¡¡ Add garlic and ginger paste, sauté for another minute. ¡¡ Add green chilli paste, stir, add red chilli powder and turmeric, stir again (turn the flame down so that the spices don’t burn). Add chopped tomato and sauté for 2–3 minutes until oil surfaces.

Ruby Dhillon

¡¡ Add potatoes, peas and salt to the masala,

along with with 1 cup of the water, and mix well. Cover and cook until the potatoes are soft and the peas are cooked. ¡¡ Sprinkle over the garam masala powder, mix well (if the gravy becomes thick then add more water, 1/4 cup at a time). Add salt to taste ¡¡ Garnish with chopped coriander. ¡¡ Serve hot with Jeera Rice or Roti Ruby's Tip: You can add more or less water to adjust the dish’s consistency to your preference

Make shared parenting mandatory: Activists

ctivists, fighting for shared parenting in case of divorce or separation, demanded a law to make shared parenting mandatory seeking punishment for parents who disobey the court orders regarding child visitation. “Ahead of Father’s Day, we are demanding implementation of the Law Commission of India 2015 report that provides equal legal status and joint custody of the children to both parents,” Kumar V. Jahgirdar, founder and president of the Child Rights Initiative for Shared Parenting (CRISP), said He said the joint custody of a child has to be made mandatory by reforming family laws. Bengaluru-based CRISP – whose activists from its regional chapters in Chandigarh, New Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Lucknow will observe silent protests and awareness campaigns on International Father’s Day that falls on every third Sunday of June (June 18 this year) – is pushing for reforms in family laws. Jahgirdar, who is seeking adequate paternity leave just like women, said these days when both parents are working, the role of the father in nurturing a child has become all the more important.

“The central government has to introduce a bill in the ensuing session of Parliament on shared parenting with necessary amendments in guardianship and custody laws as recommended by the Law Commission irrespective of the child’s gender,” he said. The two laws – the Guardians and Wards Act of 1890 and the Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act of 1956 – at present decide the custody of children in divorce cases. According CRISP estimates, more than 25,000 divorce cases are pending in family courts in Bangalore alone. In the country, the figure totals over 500,000. She said there is need for change in the existing laws on rights of grandparents along with the fathers. Jahgirdar’s NGO has also been demanding a separate union ministry for children and to delink from the existing Ministry of Women and Child Development since the objectives of both women and children are different. It is seeking an end to discrimination between maternal grandparents and paternal grandparents and has demanded that family courts treat both equally.

interests of the child as these keep changing with age, time and social dynamics. Parents rely on their instinctive understanding of their children’s interests, which is loosely based on

day-to-day observations and clues they pick up during their interactions with them.” She also pointed out that one pursues activities that are more performance driven, then earns education degrees out of peer pressure, and usually takes up a career that is in demand but not always as per their liking. “Most people you meet will say they would have picked a different career path, given a choice. It is no surprise then that while these decisions fulfil us in the short run, in the long run they only lead to dissatisfaction and professional fatigue,” she said.

Kids who follow their interests build a happier tomorrow: Survey

majority of parents feel their childs interest was a reflection of their happiness, reveals a survey. The survey, conducted by Pinwi (PlayInterest-Wise), a data driven app for child development and smart parenting, revealed a growing awareness that focussing on a child’s interest vis-à-vis performance from an early age can lead to nurturing activities that can ensure happier adults tomorrow. On a sample size of over 800 respondents across India, 73 per cent of the parents felt their child’s interest was a reflection of their

happiness; 16 per cent linked interest to hobbies and 11 per cent to aptitude. Further findings revealed: 54 per cent parents had ‘somewhat of an idea’ about their child’s interests, while 20 per cent did not know what their children’s true interests were and the rest 26 per cent said they have a good idea about the interests of their child. Rachna Khanna, founder and CEO, Pinwi, said: “The findings of the survey throw up a vital point that while parents place a lot of emphasis on their child’s interest they are constantly struggling to keep up with the ever evolving

ENTERTAINMENT

Friday, July 28, 2017

The Indian Weekender

AUCKLAND’S HOTTEST BOLLYWOOD STATION Sonam: I learnt from my parents that best friends make the best couples

Arjun Kapoor: I am very proud that I hail from the film fraternity, I am never apologetic about it

rjun Kapoor is currently gearing up for the release of his movie Mubarakan which also stars Anil Kapoor, Ileana D›Cruz and Athiya Shetty. When a leading daily asked the actor if he is scared of being tagged as a metrosexual hero, Arjun replied, “I don’t think I have been tagged as a metrosexual hero. Half Girlfriend did well in UP, Bihar, Rajasthan and Indore. Gunday also did well in those regions. Ishaqzaade was a pan-India success at that point.” He added, “I am always trying to meander my way into every household in India. I want to be a pan India hero. That’s how you can survive. When you have survived for four or five years and have a body of work, you should only look towards making more inroads. You cannot be stuck in personas of being massy, urban, classy, sophisticated or rustic. These are tags that you can break.” On not being completely Bollywoodised, the actor revealed, “I am very proud that I hail from the film fraternity. I am never apologetic about it. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t other facets to my personality. I am a well-rounded person, not just physically (laughs).” Would Arjun ever take up a movie that portrays women derogatively and Arjun stated, “Films mirror society. When you read about a character, if it’s not written with a particular agenda, say where they not purposely trying to malign the opposite sex and the journey brings about a catharsis, then it makes sense.” “If a film is derogatory towards women, I won’t affiliate myself with it. That is not the reality I would like to put out in the world,” he added. I There are many times when it is said that Bollywood has a am very heavy influence on the masses. On this, the actor got candid proud that I hail from and said, “If we, as filmmakers and creative people, start the film fraternity. I am becoming the do-gooders and the cleansers of society, it never apologetic about it. means that the infrastructure of our government has let That doesn’t mean that there us down drastically. aren’t other facets to my Do you mean to say that we are the only cause for personality. I am a welleverything bad that happens in the country? If that is the rounded person, not just case, then there is a fundamental flaw in the system.” physically Directed by Anees Bazmee, Mubarakan is slated to release today, July 28.

onam Kapoor recently walked the ramp for Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla in the capital for their bridal show and won hearts instantly. Earlier, she was the showstopper for Ralph and Russo, where she stole the limelight wearing an ivory gown. Recently, during an interaction with a daily, Sonam was asked about her favourite rituals in Indian weddings. To which she stated, "The best part has to be the coming together of friends and families under one roof to celebrate. I also love how couples write passages or vows for one another and read them out… I think it’s really meaningful and beautiful. Besides that, I love everything about shringar andmehandi, along with all the games that one plays during different ceremonies." The fashion icon also spoke about her parents Anil and Sunita Kapoor saying, "Yes, they are really cool and always in sync with one another." She further added, "They let us choose our own paths. They are, in fact, my role models for a picture perfect marriage. I have always modelled them as an ideal couple and learnt from them that best friends make the best couples. More than that, I also have learnt that wedding is not as important as a successful marriage." Sonam was also asked about her definition of a bride, she said, "A happy bride is the best bride. I think someone who’s happy and excited to start her new life is always a quintessential bride." Meanwhile, on the work front, Sonam will next be seen in Veere Di Wedding, PadMan and Sanjay Dutt biopic.

Raj Kapoor greatest influence in my life: Anil Kapoor

ctor-producer Anil Kapoor says presented heroines better than Raj Kapoor. late legendary actor-filmmaker Raj “His films’ music and background Kapoor has had the greatest influence score was also so unbelievable. He was on his life. absolutely extraordinary. During the promotion of his upcoming "A true Indian filmmaker who believed in film Mubarakan when actor Arjun Kapoor presenting heroines so beautifully. I don’t asked Anil about his greatest influence in the think there is anybody who has presented their entertainment industry, Anil said: “Without heroines so well than Raj Kapoor. So for me, any discussion it has to be Raj Kapoor. he is the greatest influence on my life from the He is the greatest showman, fantastic Indian film industry,” Anil said. entertainer, great director and his films used to Meanwhile, Anil said he and his brother, be really entertaining. producer Boney Kapoor, are more than A “All his films have such brothers. true Indian recall value that they are “We are more than brothers, filmmaker who believed still so much relevant in we are like friends. It’s a bond in presenting heroines so today’s times as well. beautifully. I don’t think there is which is difficult to describe. Be it films like Shri anybody who has presented their We both started our career 420, Awaara, Mera heroines so well than Raj Kapoor. at the same time. We made Naam Joker, Bobby and some good films together. So for me, he is the greatest many more.” "We together gave all influence on my life from the Anil said no one our blood, sweat, money and Indian film industry,

property to make films what we wanted to make, and that’s what me and Boney are and always will be till our dying day.” Anil and Boney also have a brother named Sanjay Kapoor. Asked about the naughtiest one among all the three brothers during their childhood, Anil said: “I was the naughtiest kid among all my brothers. Boney and Sanjay used to get caught by our parents, but I never used to get caught after doing mischief. “Sanjay was the most decent one among us and Boney and I used to fight a lot and he used to hit me very often but his contribution in my career has been tremendous.”

Celebrating the spirit of

HIGH COMMISSION OF INDIA

70-year-old

NEW ZEALAND

young India’s

independence

WHERE TRADITION MEETS MODERN

Friday 18th Aug 6pm onwards at Bharat Bhavan Kilbirnie,Wellington Sunday 20th Aug • 3pm onwards at Mahatma Gandhi Center Kingsland, Auckland

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FEATURES

Kangana finds Saif’s open

Friday, July 28, 2017

letter on nepotism ‘disturbing’ A I fail to ctress Kangana Ranaut, who started the nepotism debate by labelling filmmaker Karan Johar as its “flag bearer” during his chat show, says she found the open letter by her Rangoon co-star Saif Ali Khan on the subject “disturbing”. A day after Saif shared his views on the debate, Kangana wrote an open letter, published on Saturday in the Mid-day tabloid. “While I enjoyed some of the perspectives on this subject, I did find a few disturbing ones. This morning, I woke up to one such open letter, written by Saif Ali Khan,” she wrote. “The last time I was deeply pained and upset about this issue was when Karan Johar wrote a blog on it, and even once declared in an interview that there are many criteria for excelling in film business. Talent is not one of them.” Kangana said: “I don’t know if he was being misinformed, or simply naïve, but to discredit the likes of Dilip Kumar, K. Asif, Bimal Roy, Satyajit Ray, Guru Dutt, and many more, whose talent and exceptional abilities have formed the spine of our contemporary film business, is absolutely bizarre.” Before addressing her letter to “Dear friend Saif”, she wrote: “My request is that people must not misconstrue this and pit us against each other. This is just a healthy exchange of ideas, and not a clash between individuals.” “In your letter you mentioned that, ‘I apologised to Kangana, and I don’t owe anyone any explanation, and this issue is over.’ But this is not my issue alone.” She said nepotism, “on many levels, fails the test of objectivity and rationale. I have acquired these values from the ones who have found great success and discovered a higher truth, much before me. These values are in the public domain, and no one has a copyright on them. So, we owe an explanation to everyone who either owns, or wants to own these values. Like I said, we are the ones who will shape the

understand how you can compare genetically hybrid racehorses to artistes

future of the coming generations.” Referring to another part of Saif’s letter, she wrote: “You talked about the relationship between genetics and star kids, where you emphasised on nepotism being an investment on tried and tested genes...I fail to understand how you can compare genetically hybrid racehorses to artistes!” Are you implying that artistic skills, hardwork, experience, concentration spans, enthusiasm, eagerness, discipline and love, can be inherited through family genes? she asked. “If your point was true, I would be a farmer back home. I wonder which gene from my gene-pool gave me the keenness to

observe my environment, and the dedication to interpret and pursue my interests.” She also said: “You also spoke of eugenics – which means controlled breeding of the human race. So far, I believe that the human race hasn’t found the DNA that can pass on greatness and excellence. “If it had, we would’ve loved to repeat the greatness of Einstein, Da Vinci, Shakespeare, Vivekananda, Stephen Hawking, Terence Tao, Daniel Day-Lewis, or Gerhard Richter.” The subtext of all her discussions on this subject has been to encourage outsiders to take the path less travelled, she said in her open letter in mid-day. “If you don’t find acceptance in the mainstream, go off beat -- there are so many ways of doing the same thing,” she wrote.

The Indian Weekender

Priyanka to be honoured at Toronto International Film Festival

he Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) will honour actress Priyanka Chopra at its annual soiree on September 6, the day before the event kicks off with its opening night film. Helping kick off its 42nd edition, the gala at Bell Lightbox will feature Priyanka in conversation with festival artistic director Cameron Bailey. She’s expected to talk about her career as a Bollywood icon before segueing into Hollywood, reports hollywoodreporter.com. The Quantico actress made her Hollywood debut with Baywatch, after bringing her Bollywood films like Mary Kom and What’s Your Raashee to the festival in 2014 and 2009. Priyanka joined Selma director Ava DuVernay and fellow actors James Franco and Ben Richardson as part of a short films jury for a TIFF competition last year. Toronto is also honouring Priyanka for her activism. She also devotes time to Unicef as a goodwill ambassador. Proceeds from the gala will help fund talent development programmes at the Canadian festival to get more women behind and in front of the camera. The Toronto International Film Festival is set to run from September 7-17.

Film industry has taught me lot of patience: Taapsee

ctress Taapsee Pannu, who has impressed many with her strong willed and fearless woman characters in films like Pink and Naam Shabana, says the film industry has changed her a lot as a person as she can “kind of” take a lot of “non-sense” “I think it (film industry) has changed me quite a bit,” Tapsee said when asked how she has transformed as an individual over the years after entering the industy. “From being extremely impulsive, short tempered or the person who used to be over planned in a way that I never used to believe in taking risks...now, I have totally changed. I used to say no before even trying anything, but now I have at least started to believe in ‘never say never’ and that anything can happen in life,” she said. “I have started being more experimental so, I have changed quite a bit, especially in terms of patience. I think this industry has taught me lot of patience as I used to be extremely short tempered. But now, I can kind of take a lot of non-sense,” added the actress at the launch of American performance and lifestyle footwear brand Skechers’ 90th store at Ambience Mall in Gurugram. Taapsee, who made her acting debut with a south Indian film, has made a name in Bollywood with movies like Baby, Pink and Naam Shabana. After becoming a part of these hard-hitting films, the actress is now set to add some glamour quotient to her filmography with David Dhawan’s directorial Judwaa 2. She says the film, a remake of Salman Khan’s 1997 released Judwaa, is going to add a lot to her career. “People will see me in a totally different look and they are going to realise that I can probably pull off something which is as different as this (Judwaa 2) compared to what I have done before. My Hindi audience hasn’t really seen the glamorous side of me so, probably for me, it will

be exciting to see the reaction of the audience after they see me in this film,” she said. But it’s not a forced step to show the world that she can do different kinds of films. “It’s not just to show everyone that I can do different stuff, but also for myself because as an actor you can get drained out if you keep on doing same kind of stuff. I really want to switch gears and try different things, genres and roles so that I can refresh as an actor and keep exploring different sides of my personality also,” said Taapsee. So are we going to see her doing more such films after Judwaa 2, an action comedy? She said: “I am going back to do some really serious hardhitting genre which I am lately associated with. So I will go back to that because that has given me the image I have today. I would like to continue with that. I want to do something really substantial and hard-hitting,” said the actress. It’s not just films, the actress is also getting a lot of brand endorsements. She feels that just like her films, she chooses brand deals as well if it echoes with her

sentiments. Giving reference of Skechers, she said: “I am very sport active person. I love playing different types of sports so, I really enjoy wearing these type of shoes (sneakers). It’s just an easy way of going around the city because you are walking a lot. “The colours and designs they have is amazing. They also have street wear collection which is up-to-date with fashion so, you are not only comfortable but you can be fashionable too.”

FEATURES

Kiwi-Indian among top-20 finalists for Miss Universe NZ 2017 30

Friday, July 28, 2017

SWATI SHARMA

nother young woman is making our community proudby representing it on the national stage. India-born Kiwi Tuljai Parker is one of the top 20 finalists for this year’s Miss Universe NZ (MUNZ), and is preparing hard for the national beauty pageant. In a conversation with The Indian Weekender, she revealed more about herself, her values, interests and the “pool party”. Here are a few excerpts: IWK: For those who don’t know about you, how would you introduce yourself ?: Tuljai Parker: It has been a long and beautiful journey since coming to New Zealand 19 years back. I came to NZ when I was two. My parents, who are both PhDs in science, came here for a better lifestyle. They tell me stories of their struggle during the first year. But they had the will to be successful and to take charge of their life. Slowly they worked their way up, and now we are settled in Palmerston North. However, life has not been very smooth, as my parents were often working in different cities most of the time, due to their professions. My dad often jokes that this is the secret to their long-lasting marriage. My mum is the one who built my confidence, who helped me become a versatile and multifaceted woman and who made me believe as a kid that “I could do anything I put my mind to”. This is why I am here today, representing New Zealand at a national event. IWK: How has been your life growing up in New Zealand? TP: I relate to several cities of New Zealand. We briefly lived in Auckland for about a year, moved to Palmerston North for about two years, and then settling in Hamilton for almost fourteen years where I completed all my schooling. During my Year 13 at school, mum was transferred to Palmy. After school, I had considered different careers like medicine, engineering, flying and architecture. I chose engineering and innovation management at Massey. Given the opportunities in Auckland, later I decided to move to Albany by myself. My junior years in school I was involved in several extracurricular activities so that I could have a more rounded personality. I achieved junior black belt in Kyokushin karate, played violin as a member of the Waikato Youth Orchestra, participated in several cultural

Weber Bros Circus: Adrenaline

Date: Friday, July 21 onwards until Saturday, August 5 Time: 2-3 sessions everyday starting 1 p.m. Venue: English Ellerslie Racecourse, 80 Ascot Ave, Remuera, Auckland Adrenaline opens at Ellerslie Racecourse on 6th July where the show will run for five weeks before coming to an end with a final matinee performance on Sunday, August 6 with at 12 p.m. Dates include matinees during school holidays, twice at weekends. Adrenaline is a fistful of fun for the whole family, with extreme stunts, hilarious acts and daring moments that will have you

Tuljai Parker foreign language possibly French or German over this year. IWK: Have you always wanted to be in beauty pageants? TP: Would you believe if I said, I had never worn any makeup except lip gloss or the occasional lipstick until my audition at MUNZ semi-final round? I believe in inner beauty which is another virtue instilled in me by my family. Of course, I will have to be made camera and audience ready for the competition and will adorn the necessary makeup then. But I will leave this in the hands of the professional experts from MUNZ who did a fantastic job on my face during the semi-finals. Thanks to Samala Cosmetics. I am confident they will present me in the best manner for the finals too.

activities such as dance and drama with Indian associations, did indoors rock-climbing, learnt swimming and tried out various other activities. I am presently in my final year (i.e.Year Four honours) of Engineering and Innovation management. I am quite looking forward to completing the degree and using my knowledge to help start-ups or established companies bring new products to the world market. IWK: How do you feel about being an Indian in a foreign land? TP: I think we all should be proud of our culture and heritage. Indian culture is unique and shows an amazing unity in diversity. India and Indians have, for centuries, contributed to the good of the world. I like my Indian heritage, and I am also mindful of recognising Kiwi ethics and values. I can speak a bit of Hindi (learned from movies and when I did my internship at Siemens in Mumbai) and Marathi (from my dad and grandparents) and am almost fluent in Tamil, my mother tongue. But at home we speak English which is a common language for all three of us. I plan to learn a

on the edge of your seats. Acts such as The Globe of Death, FMX and the show-stopping Human Cannon, along with fantastic dancers, stunning outfits and entertainers for kids of every age.

CAB Pakuranga/ Eastern Manukau

Date: Saturday, August 5 Time: 9.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Venue: Howick Local Board Meeting Room, Pakuranga Library Building, 7 Aylesbury Street, Pakuranga CAB Pakuranga/Eastern Manukau will hold a free information sessions for newcomers on Career Counselling. This session will cover CV writing, Cover letters, Interview preparation skills, Job search tools, The session

The Indian Weekender

IWK: How are you preparing for Miss Universe NZ? TP: I am organising a Charity Fund Raiser in the form of The Pool Party at QBE’s Albany Stadium Pools on Saturday, 5 August. This being a community fundraiser, I have made it a family event. 50 per cent of the money raised will go to Variety—the Children’s Charity to support underprivileged Kiwi kids in need and 50 per cent will support my journey in Miss Universe NZ. Tickets are only $10. So I would urge everyone to please contact me for tickets. Keep those votes coming, donate to the charities and help me win this. Check me out on Facebook @TuljaiParkerMUNZ Appeal to the Indian community: As the only Indian in this competition to have reached the finals, I need the help and support from all my Indian community members. I make a strong appeal to go to my Facebook page, vote for me and also contribute to the Variety Children’s charity from the link on my page. Votes cost a dollar and from every bundle of five votes, one dollar will be donated to charity. Donate here: http://bit.ly/2pIc5zs

IWK: How do you represent the Indian community? TP: A woman is multifaceted and has several dimensions. As an Indian-born Kiwi, I represent values that Indians hold high, such as respect for elders, focus on education, tolerance, family first, enjoy all festive celebrations, and adore our culture and century-old traditions. I am proud of my heritage and acknowledge this fact. On the other hand, I have been raised in Aotearoa / New Zealand which also has very good values such as honesty, integrity, empathy, gratitude and kindness. Therefore, I represent us all. Every New Zealander, no matter where you are and what you do, if you agree with any of my values, then I represent you.

facilitated by Janine Comer and will be followed by a talk on ‘what employers are looking for’ by Amelie Lecomte from Kelly Services and one of the representatives of Work and Income will explain how they can help in Job Search. Lunch will be provided. Please confirm your by phoning or texting Vani Kapoor at 021 459250 or email at settlement.pakuranga@cab. org.nz (registration starts on Monday 17 July)

Cab Nelson

Date: Thursday, August 3 Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Venue: Elmer Turner Library, 27 Halifax St, Nelson Central CAB Nelson will hold a free information session for newcomers on “Employment Matters” The topics will cover Self-employment and setting up small businesses in New Zealand, Immigration issues relating to self-employment and small businesses, Tax obligations, Personal stories from migrants and newcomers. Complimentary drinks

and finger food provided. For more information call Hilary Clifton at CAB Nelson Tasman on 03 548 2117 or email coordinator.nelsontasman@cab. org.nz or just come along.

CAB New Lynn

Date: Saturday, July 29 Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Venue: English Language Partners, Level 1, 3091 Great North Road, New Lynn CAB New Lynn is holding a free information session for newcomers on

Finding Employment in New Zealand. Join us to learn how to prepare your Curriculum Vitae and Cover Letter for New Zealand workplace. Bring your draft CV, letter and the advertisement for your preferred job and you will get a hands-on training. Facilitated by Adon Kumar and staff from Citizens Advice Bureau New Lynn. Lunch provided. 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

Immigration Translation Centre Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, Urdu, Sinhalese, Arabic, etc.

Accurate, professional, prompt service by accredited translators. Approved by LTSA/AA/Immigration New Zealand. Birth/Marriage/Police Clearance Certificates, Diplomas, Letters, etc. 181 Hobson Street Auckland City 09-3570922, 021-488-525 Email: dsoh@ymail.com

The Indian Weekender

FEATURES

Friday, July 28, 2017

NON-SMOKERS TOO AT RISK FROM SECOND-HAND SMOKE

ban on smoking in public places came into effect across India eight years ago, but India still remains home to 12 per cent of the world's smokers and they, with their second-hand smoke, pose a threat to those who don't smoke. Healthy non-smokers exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke are at an increased risk of developing coronary atherosclerosis, warns a senior cardiologist from New Delhi, citing earlier findings which new studies have bolstered. Investigators have observed a doseresponse relationship between second-hand smoke exposure and atherosclerosis as documented by CT angiography, said Dr (Col) Anil Dhall, Director of Cardiovascular Sciences at Venkateshwar Hospital in New Delhi. The &quot;extent and importance of second-hand tobacco smoke exposure as a major global health issue cannot be overestimated&quot;, say researchers. In their analysis, low-to- moderate and high exposure to second-hand smoke remained major risk-markers. Indeed, it appeared to be a more powerful predictor of coronary atherosclerosis than traditional risk factors such as diabetes,

The analysis showed that individuals exposed to low-to- moderate levels of second-hand smoke were approximately two times more likely to develop atherosclerosis compared with those who had minimal secondhand smoke exposure. For those exposed to high levels of second-hand smoke, the risk of atherosclerosis was 3.5 times higher when compared with those exposed to minimal second-hand smoke. Dr Dhall listed measures that can be adopted to protect oneself and one's family from second-hand smoke:

¡¡ Quitting smoking if you are not

hyperlipidemia—an elevation of one or more fat proteins in the blood; commonly referred to as high cholesterol—and hypertension. The findings were based on data compiled by the National Cancer Institute and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the US. The data showed second-hand smoke as an important modifiable risk-factor for cardiovascular and other diseases. Second-hand exposure remains

under- appreciated as a risk factor amongst doctors and patients, and is something that needs to be looked at in people's medical history and is really not asked that often, researchers said. Atherosclerosis—sometimes called hardening of the arteries— can also slowly narrow the arteries throughout the body. When

atherosclerosis a f f e c t s coronary arteries, it becomes the No.1 killer. M o s t of those deaths are from heart attacks caused by blood clots. In a study using CT angiography, the presence of any coronary calcified plaque was significantly associated with second-hand smoke exposure.

already a non-smoker;

¡¡ Not allowing anyone to smoke anywhere in or near your home;

¡¡ Not allowing anyone to smoke

in your car, even with the windows down; ¡¡ Making sure your children&#39;s daycare centre and schools are tobacco-free; ¡¡ Seeking out restaurants and other places that do not allow smoking; ¡¡ Teaching your children to stay away from second-hand smoke; and ¡¡ Being a good role model by not smoking or using any other type of tobacco.

For more information about how we can provide health insurance for you and your family please contact advisers@nib.co.nz or speak with your financial adviser.

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