Indian Weekender 12 February 2016 by Indian Weekender

12 February, 2016 • Vol. 7 Issue 45 • www.iwk.co.nz

NZ’s first Kiwi-Indian weekly newspaper

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CONTENTS

12 February 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

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New Zealand An evening of nostalgia at Md Rafi concert Pg

Fiji The sacred rock part-II

Features Love makes the world go hmmm

MATHS, PHY, CHEM, BIO, ENG & ACCOUNTING

TUITIONS

Balu Mallela Chancellor’s scholarship to study Medicine at Sydney University.

NCEA, CAMBRIDGE & I.B (Year 1 to 13)

Individual Attention Reasonable Fee The Excellent performance of our students is a testimony of our efforts

Maximum 8 students per batch Specialised teachers for each subject.

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Beehive 2016 job prospects strong for those into making things Pg

India How a soldier survived for 6 days buried under snow Pg

Techmate Self-driving cars— where are they going?

SPECIAL FEATURE

The rise of the Kiwi Indian www.iwk.co.nz | 12 February 2016

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Swati sharma & Maya Shivam

tatistics New Zealand has indicated a growing trend in the number of people immigrating to New Zealand. This figure has been boosted by the numbers of students from India and China. Amongst the long-term immigrants, though, after the number of people returning from Australia, the largest influx of skilled migrants, is from India. This phenomenon is also not new and the numbers of skilled migrants from India has been

consistently high and rising. Although initially it seemed like the immigration policy was designed to keep Indians/Asians out, all it has really done is slightly changed the kind of people arriving on our shores. The Indians now arriving are skilled, equipped and ready to form a significant part of the workforce. It is indeed a matter of pride that the five per cent of the total Kiwi population contributes to over eight per cent to the New Zealand economy and growing. That is a real indicator of the growing face of the Kiwi Indian. Coming from a country which does not have dole or any such social-benefit system, we come engrained with the capacity and attitude to work hard, persevere and make our place. It is thus not surprising to see that Indians today are truly contributing in all significant spheres in the community. We have always been known for our business acumen, however, we are now making our presence in the Public Sector, the Emergency Services, the Medical Services, the Corporate and Finance sectors and even New Zealand Politics. The Kiwi Indians are now a growing force that can no longer be overlooked. It is a voice that is being heard loud and clear and the one medium that never pulls back from bringing out such positive stories of the Indian

community is Indian Weekender. Indeed, we speak the language of the community and are the kaleidoscope of the Kiwi Indian community to the world. This is our 200th issue and we want to celebrate along with the entire community. After all, it is only because of our readers, advertisers, supports and friends that we have been able to be the number one choice of the people. A publication that was born in the thick of the recession, one that the pundits predicted would die before the end of its first year, stands tall and proud and now 200 (issues) strong. The journey has not been easy, definitely not a bed of roses. We have been assailed by many storms and persecutions, brickbats and stones but the one thing that has kept us going is the support from our community. Thank you for your support! â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Team Indian Weekender

SPECIAL FEATURE

12 February 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Even though we feature the success stories of migrants having settled in New Zealand, we decided that on the occasion of our 200th issue we will bring out a little slice of the various fields that the Kiwi Indians are engaged in and contributing in. Red Needless to say, each one has behind them, their own unique story of hard work, perseverance, and persistenceBlack to make Orange this “God’s own country” their home. This 200th issue is dedicated to the rising face of the Kiwi Indian.

Mahesh Ranchhod

Ajay Kumar

CEO, Ranchhod Property Group and Ranchhod Foundation.

Managing Director, Global Financial services Ltd

Immigration Status: Citizen

he Ranchhod Group is a group of New Zealand and Australian companies designed to invest in and manage commercial properties in Australia and beyond. Born and brought up in New Zealand, Mahesh moved 14 years ago from Wellington to shift from car, rental and finance industries to property business opportunities in Auckland. During the global financial crisis in 2008, the Ranchhod group ceased the opportunity by purchasing commercial real estate in Auckland CBD and gradually expanded their business to Australia. Now the group has offices in Sydney and Brisbane and is soon opening one in Wellington. Mahesh’s wife- Tejal Ranchhod, a Chartered Accountant, is also involved in the Ranchhod Group as the senior accountant while his father Raman Ranchhod- QSM also continues to serve the group even after retirement. Mahesh bears a passion for property and to serve humanity. The Ranchhod Foundation is involved in many philanthropic projects to help those in genuine need for the basics in life such as food, water and shelter. Mahesh recently travelled and personally contributed to the relief operations for the earthquake-hit Nepal with trucks of blankets and food supplies. The foundation also helps the local community in New Zealand with various projects such as Star Ship Hospital and Shanti Niwas Emergency Housing Project for abused elderly. The foundation has also established a hospital in India. The foundation is also a part of various humanitarian projects around the world such as World Vision, Fiji Humanitarian Aid, fee sponsorship for students from India, free medical camps and eye check-up camps in India. There are several other humanitarian projects in the pipeline.

Jeet Suchdev Founder, Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust; Social worker Immigration status: Citizen

eet moved to New Zealand in 1987 and ran successful businesses in hospitality and tourism sectors. He founded BSCT in 1995 to fulfil his dream to serve the community and assist the vulnerable to build a stronger and cohesive community. Under his leadership and guidance BSCT has evolved to become a successful community organisation and has been recognised for its work. Jeet is a Justice of peace and recipient of Queen Service Medal. He is currently a trustee of the Auckland Regional Migrant Centre and an ex-member of Auckland Mayor›s Ethnic People’s Advisory Panel. He is believer of ‘service to man is service to God’ and wishes to continue offering his services for the betterment of the community.

Nilesh Dasharath Redekar Transportation Planner

Immigration status: Citizen

ilesh’s journey in New Zealand began in 2006 as a student in Canterbury University and he was lucky enough to secure a job in the council after his studies. The Kiwi-land has given him many opportunities at personal, professional and social level.

Immigration Status: Citizen

jay arrived in New Zealand in 1998 with his wife and two children. He single-handedly started his company and is now one of the largest mortgage advisers and a leading insurance advisor in New Zealand. He is a proud father of a son who is a qualified software engineer and MBA, and a daughter who has majored in Property Finance and Commerce. Ajay gives the credit of his success to his customers, his team, banks, insurance companies and well-wishers.

Sekhar Bandyopadhyay Director, New Zealand India Research Institute; Head, School of History, Philosophy, Political Science and International Relations Professor of Asian History

Immigration status: Citizen

ekhar has been living in New Zealand for almost 24 years now. She holds two administrative positions at Victoria University of Wellington and also teaches courses on modern Indian history. He lived with his wife Srilekha and daughter Sohini who is currently finishing a law degree at Victoria Law School. He joined Victoria University in 1992 as a young lecturer in History with the duty of teaching modern Indian history. From there he gradually rose to the position of Professor in 2006 and was appointed Deputy Dean in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. In 2012, he was appointed the inaugural director of newly established New Zealand India Research Institute. In January 2016, he was given the additional duty of heading the School of History, Philosophy, Political Science and International Relations. In 2009 he was made a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand— the most prestigious academic honour in this country. In his academic career he has written six books and edited or co-edited eight books. In 2014, for his book Decolonization in South Asia, the Government of West Bengal, India honoured him with the ‹Rabindra Smriti Puraskar›, its highest literary award.

Chirag Sinh Solanki Academician and Thespian,

Owner, International College of New Zealand, Secretary, Rangmanch

Immigration status: Citizen

hirag is living in New Zealand since 2001 and has been through a rollercoaster of ups and downs. Chirag is a follower of Christ and says that when the Bible says that ‘the promised-land is the land of honey and milk’, God might have meant Aotearoa. He says that the challenges that this land threw upon him have only helped him reach where he is today. He is married to the reigning Mrs India New Zealand Rupal Solanki. His son Siddhraj is a hard core cricket and soccer lover and has been awarded the Player of the Year 2015. Theatre is at the core of the Solanki family as they spend most of their weekends and couple of evening every week, over nine months of the year in script writing, script reading, and drama rehearsals.

www.iwk.co.nz | 12 February 2016

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Prabhu Singh

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Accountant

Immigration status: Citizen

rabhu belongs to a business class family from Mumbai and moved to New Zealand in 2004. He realised the potential in property investment in New Zealand and has been actively involved in property investment ever since. Having a finance background, he opted to utilise his expertise in the area and worked in the same field to ensure a good lifestyle and spend quality time with the family as well. He enjoys a great social circle and social recognition that comes with his wife Kashika Singh’s profession as a radio jockey. Being a “Mumbaikar” and having also lived in the fast lane in Dubai for a number of years, New Zealand provided the perfect contrast giving him the perfect work and family life balance. It is a decision which he says he will never regret.

Gurpreet Sidhu Yoga instructor,

Immigration status: Citizen

urpreet turned her passion and love for yoga into her profession and is now helping others transform their lives though the ancient Indian healing mechanism. After arriving in New Zealand in 2001 and being a qualified Yoga teacher, Gurpreet decided to dedicate her life to the service of people by sharing her knowledge of the age-old wisdom and wellbeing technique. She teaches group classes at her yoga studio and also shares, with the community, her yogic wisdom of importance of healthy body and mind in our life. Continued on Page 6

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12 February 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Continued from Page 5

Rupal Chirag Sinh Solanki

Aditi Red Patel

Thespian and full-time voluntary worker

Dentist

Immigration Status: Citizen

upal arrived in New Zealand in December 2004 to join her husband. A firm believer in Jesus Christ, Rupal is involved in various voluntary activities to help and support communities in Auckland. She is a known face in the theatre fraternity of Auckland, having performed in more than 10 full-length plays and 15 small plays and skits. She is the reigning Mrs India New Zealand and believes that it is never too late to achieve your dreams. Mother of a six-year-old boy, she considers hes family as her greatest strength. Her husband Chirag Sinh Solanki is a well-known name in academic industry and is also an actor. Rupal feels that her journey has become memorable and more interesting with her husband and son also joining her in her passion towards performing arts. Rupal is currently playing different roles by working as a victim support worker with Glenn Innes Police Station, a bible teacher, a jingles and short scripts writer and a character model.

Kashika Singh Radio Jockey, Producer and Promotion Executive, Humm 106.2 FM Immigration status: Resident

ashika Singh is a popular name in the Kiwi-Indian community and is often considered as the face of popular Indian Radio channel Humm FM. She hosts the mid-morning show catering te lifestyle. She also manages the promotions and is part of the marketing team. Although Kashika got her residency back in 2004 but arrived in New Zealand in 2011 from Dubai while husband was already settled here. Kashika feels that she got her artistic instincts from her parents and thr environment around her as her father was the Director at All India Radio back homa and mother was a classical singer. She feels that her husband and two daughters are her support system. Music is the common interest of her family. Kashika’s career started with an advertising agency and grep as a successful hospitality manager. She has come a long way in her professional journey by hosting TV shows for Doordarshan, Zee TV in India and Channel 729 in Dubai with 100 episodes of cookery shows. She has worked with various radios in Mumbai and Dubai as voice-over artist and has also been master of ceremonies for various Bollywood shows. With her strong background in show-bid she has been entertaining the Kiwi-Indians since then.

Garry Gupta Director, Media Solutions Kiwi Ltd. Immigration Status: Resident

arry moved to his family in New Zealand in 2010. His family hails from New Delhi with ancestors belonging to the original trader class of the Chandni Chowk area of old Delhi. His family, even today, follows the tradition of a joint family with his own family, parents and brother’s family all living together in Auckland. Garry had extensive film-production experience after working with Rajshri Films in India which helped him enter New Zealand with the job of line-producer for the first Indo-Kiwi movie—Curry Munchers. He then moved to marketing and business development of popular media brands in Auckland including Indian Weekender and Humm FM. Alongside, he also managed marketing communications of the India-New Zealand Business Council. Since 2015, he has been working towards growing a boutique digital marketing agency, which serves SMEs with new websites, social media marketing, email-marketing and various other forms of digital marketing with an aim to provide the best marketing leverage to the Kiwi-Indian community.

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Immigration status: Citizen

diti arrived in New Zealand in 1996 with her family of five, her husband, two adult daughters, her mother in law and her dog Hugo. Aditi says their journey was hard initially for the first 7 years , but describes it as “totally worth it”. Since both she and her husband are medical professionals Aditi says that her husband and she had to requalify to be able to practice in New Zealand. The hard work paid off and we are settled now. Describing her work as a Dentist, Aditi says, “I create dream smiles”.

Thomas Shaji Kurian Business Development Manager, Bidvest Foodservice Christchurch

Immigration adviser, RIYA migration consultants Immigration status: Citizen

eing in New Zealand for around 14 years now, Thomas feels that moving here was one of the best decision he ever made. Although he was uncertain about his decision to move to New Zealand back in 2000, but the success and contentment he has achieved now makes him think otherwise. Thomas’s wife Elizabeth works for MBIE and son is studying Masters of Child and Family Psychology.

Ameya Naik Business Development ManagerGlobal Sales, The Langham Immigration status: Resident

meya came to New Zealand as a student in 2008 to study International Hospitality Management from AUT, while his family stays in Mumbai, India. During his studies, he worked part time at the Sky City-The Grand hotel and joined The Langham—one of the best five star luxury hotels in New Zealand, in 2009. He joined The Langham with an entry level role and gradually got promoted as a BDM—Global Sales. He current looks after groups, meetings and incentive business for the hotel and weddings.

Pawan Arora Accounts Manager and student Immigration status: Citizen

awan arrived in New Zealand in 2000 with his parents and is currently studying B.Com./LLB. His parents are currently in the hospitality industry, running successful Indian restaurants in Auckland and he plans to join the family business. He believed that joining the family business is one of the best decisions he has ever made as it has allowed him to come across a number of challenges that a business faces which an ordinary internship from past experience does not cater for. He began working at the family business over six years ago when he was still at high school. Gaining experience by working within the accounts department over the past couple of years has allowed him to currently take up the role of Accounts Manager. Continued on Page 26

NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 12 February 2016

Are you ready to vote in the final flag referendum?

Auckland Museum announces Lantern Festival Programme

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Ring in the ‘Year of the Monkey’ this Chinese New Year at Auckland War Memorial Museum’s Lantern Festival programme. IWK Bureau

he celebrations of Chinese New Year are at the doorstep with the Lantern Festival approaching fast. The Domain will witness two days of the vibrant festival to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Monkey. This year’s event will be held on February 20 and 21 and will include hands on activities for kids and the families along with a special concert by New Zealand’s leading piano trio, NZTrio. The programme kick off with E-PAC’s Lion Dance and will be followed by a range of performances and other activities throughout the day. “Over the last five years our annual Lantern Festival programme has gone from strength to strength, and with the festival being held right here in the Domain this year will be bigger than ever,” said Sally Manuivera, Director of Public Experience. “We relish the opportunity to connect Aucklanders with the Museum’s collections through our fun and diverse programme which celebrates Chinese culture and the Chinese community in Auckland,” she said.

Two international performing groups are bringing their puppetry and music to the Museum on February 20, afternoon. The Shanghai Puppet Theatre Company have been bringing Chinese legends to life since 1960, and in New Zealand the visiting Shanghai puppeteers will mark the Year of the Monkey with an excerpt from the well-known story Journey to the West. The Guangdong Music and Folk Art Troupe is a world renowned professional art troupe specialising in composing and performing Guangdong-style music.

Some of the museum’s collections have been brought out of storage for the occasion, including precious Chinese jade objects, small embroidered textile treasures, and pounamu taonga which will be on display in the auditorium lobby. Students from the Confucius Institute will be on hand for sessions in Chinese calligraphy, Chinese words and special Chinese New Year greetings over both days. Over the weekend Auckland based artist Wei Lun Ha will be showcasing traditional calligraphy painting in live demonstrations.

And get hands on and make your own lantern in our craft workshop. NZTrio’s performance “Spirit of Chimes’ is kept for the finale. ‘Spirit of Chimes’ is a treasure trove of exotic music from China and New Zealand matched with large scale visual images of historical jade and pounamu artefacts unearthed from the Museum’s collections. Critically acclaimed as ‘a national treasure’, NZTrio has been playing to audiences around the world for over a decade. Every NZTrio performance is an intimate, dynamic and engaging ride—sometimes calm and tranquil, sometimes wild and intense. More information about the Lantern festival and tickets information of NZTrio show can be found at: aucklandmuseum.com

Mark your calendars Saturday, February 20, 2016 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.Sunday, February 21, 2016 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

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he second referendum on the New Zealand flag is just a few weeks away, and the Electoral Commission wants to ensure all eligible New Zealanders are enrolled and ready to vote. “Voting papers for the second referendum will be sent out by post, so it’s very important to make sure your enrolment details are up to date,” says Robert Peden, Chief Electoral Officer. “If you’ve moved house, or if you were expecting a voting paper for the first referendum and didn’t get one, or if you’re not sure you are enrolled at all—now is the time to check.” The referendum runs from Thursday, March 3 until Thursday, March 24. Voters will be asked to choose between the current New Zealand flag and the preferred alternative design selected in the first referendum in late 2015. The flag that receives the most votes in the second referendum will be the official flag of New Zealand. “People need to make sure that they are enrolled and that their details are up to date now, as only those enrolled before voting begins will receive a voting paper,” says Mr Peden. “Check your details now—it’s easy. You can do it at www.elections.org.nz or by calling 0800 36 76 56. And if you’re not enrolled, you need to do it now.”

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12 February 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Kids’ health the focus heading into new school year National List MP

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Auckland in the world’s top 20 most dynamic cities

an increase for Māori and Pacific four-year-olds with 87 per cent of Māori children and 88 per cent of Pacific children getting their B4 School Check last year. The B4 School Check includes hearing, eyesight, height, weight, and oral health assessments, as well as comprehensive health and development questionnaires. Checks are provided free through a range of community health services. On 1 July a new childhood obesity health target will come into force. Under the target, 95 per cent of children identified as obese in the B4 School Check will be referred to a health professional for assessment and family based nutrition, activity, and lifestyle interventions. The health target is one of 22 initiatives which form part of the Childhood Obesity Plan. This National-led Government is committed to giving children the best start to life, and ensuring kids develop healthy habits early on to prevent poor health in adulthood. As the school year begins it’s good to know our children’s health needs are being better met than ever before.

uckland has been recognised globally as a city on the move, being named for the first time in JLL’s top 20 City Momentum Index (CMI). Now in its third year, the CMI—compiled by global commercial real estate firm JLL— tracks the speed of change of a city’s economy and commercial real estate market. The 2016 report is entitled The Rise of the Innovation-Oriented City. One of the world’s most sustainable and liveable cities Covering 120 major established and emerging business hubs across the globe, the CMI identifies those cities which have the most dynamic urban economies and are adapting most rapidly to the imperatives of technological and infrastructural transformation. The CMI report refers to Auckland as “one of the world’s most sustainable and liveable cities” and “among the most dynamic city economies globally [which] have been able to achieve global reach without significant economies of scale.” The report reads, “The ongoing redevelopment of the Wynyard Quarter is reshaping the city’s waterfront, while a healthy innovation ecosystem is driving significant demand for new commercial real estate, with Auckland likely to experience the most vigorous office rental growth

of any city in the CMI over 2016.” Auckland an international competitor The CMI highlights Auckland alongside other similarly sized cities such as Dublin and Austin— all of which are smaller cities achieving global reach and “gaining rapid momentum and competing in highly contested global markets.” The CMI also cites some large scale projects currently underway in Auckland which will play an important role in Auckland being internationally competitive, including the City Rail Link and Wynyard Quarter development. “Auckland’s inclusion in the CMI top 20 for the first time is further global recognition of how, since the united city began, Auckland is on a roll,” says Mayor Len Brown. “Major transformational projects like the City Rail Link and the continued development of the Wynyard Quarter, which are highlighted as being key to Auckland’s momentum in the CMI, are changing the face of Auckland for the better. It’s great

that this transformation is being recognised globally.” A focus on innovation Building the foundations of an innovation-oriented economy through technology, creating cutting-edge new businesses, attracting talent and nurturing vibrant inclusive communities are also highlighted in the CMI as being important for a city’s momentum, adds Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) Chief Executive, Brett O’Riley. “Cities that are focused on innovation are a feature of the CMI top 20, and Auckland can certainly be included amongst this group,” says O’Riley. “GridAKL in the Wynyard Quarter Innovation Precinct is one of the many examples of the innovation economy which is developing quickly here, and helping Auckland to grow its reputation as an innovative hub in the Asia Pacific region.”

An evening of nostalgia at Mohammad Rafi concert Rizwan Mohammad

wish this evening never ends” exclaimed one among the audience at the ‘Old is Gold’ concert on February 6, Saturday at Dorothy Winston Centre in Auckland. Organised by Mohammad Rafi Academy of Music, the one-time concert was held in the memory of the legendary Bollywood singer Mohammad Rafi. Rafi Sb, as he was popularly called by veterans is renowned for his evergreen collection of songs filled with both melancholy and joy. The crowd settled at 7 in the auditorium as Amit Das Sengupta, the man behind the eventintroduced the choir, the band and the show. The show commenced with a song from 1979 hit Sargam followed by ‘Tum Mujhe Bhula Na Paoge’ from ‘1970’s Pagal Kahin Ka’ sung by Amit Das himself. The crowd instantly joined the singers and hummed along. The auditorium erupted in a thunderous applause at the conclusion on each performance.

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Kanwaljit Bakshi e all know when kids are healthy and active they are better equipped to succeed at school. That’s why this Government is committed giving their children the best possible start in life. Around 780,000 children under-13 are benefitting from free GP visits and prescriptions thanks to the $90 million invested over three years in Budget 2014. Latest figures show the rates of children under-13 visiting their GP is 23 per cent higher when compared to the same quarter last year. So far 99 per cent of GPs around New Zealand are offering free GP visits for under-13s. Results have been particularly good for Māori and Pacific children. There was a 25 per cent increase in the number of Māori, and a 21 per cent increase in the number of Pacific children being seen by their GP – a great result. With more children starting school for the first time this year, we’re already on track to exceed last year’s B4 School Checks numbers. In 2014/15 the programme reached a record 92 per cent, that’s over 58,000 preschoolers across the country – the highest rate since the programme began back in 2008. It’s been particularly encouraging to see

Auckland in the world’s top 20 most dynamic cities

Songs from the movies like Hamrahi (1974), Bahu Begum (1967), Asli Naqli (1962), An Evening in Paris (1967) were some of the many songs reverberated in the auditorium. The nine-member band, the choir and a fleet of versatile singers took the spectators on a nostalgic rjourney. People hummed, tapped and sang alongside the band making the evening a truly memorable one. Amongst the many performers were Akhila and Siddhartha with ‘Abhi na jao Chhor kar’ from 1961’s blockbuster ‘Hum Dono’, Suchita with ‘Tere Husn ki Kya tareef karoon’ from ‘Leader’. There were bursts of laughter at times with the quirks of the performers and then it was back to musice and songs. Other singers who made the evening brighter were Rachit with ‘Jawaaniya yeh mast mast ’, ‘Ahsaan tera’ by Guncha, Shweta and Shoumick with ‘Jhil mil Sitaro ka angan hoga’ and the little star of the evening was the 11-year-old Abhya, she wooed the audience with her sweet voice with the song

‘Aasmaa se aaya farishta’ and ‘Pyar se dekho’. The show was a tribute to the Bollywood legendary singer Mohammad Rafi who has won 6 Filmfare and 1 National award in his lifetime and rules the hearts of many music lovers around the world.. The academy has RD Burman’s concert scheduled for Saturday, March 12, 2016, at the same venue.

NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 12 February 2016

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It’s our big 200 and Team IWK wishes to thank all its advertisers, readers, contributors, supports and friends for continuing to walk this journey with us... onward and upward!

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TPP presented for treaty examination

rade Minister Todd McClay on Tuesday announced the commencement of Parliamentary treaty examination of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP), following signature of the Agreement on 4 February 2016. “The Government has presented the final text of TPP, together with its National Interest Analysis (NIA), to the House of Representatives for treaty examination by the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Select Committee. “During Parliamentary treaty examination, the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee can choose to call for public submissions. After it has completed its treaty examination, it will then report back to the House of Representatives and, if it chooses, make recommendations to the Government,” says Mr McClay. Alongside these documents,

the government also presented the text of four intellectual property treaties to which New Zealand will need to accede under TPP, along with the separate National Impact Analyses required for each of those treaties. “Legislative changes required in order to implement TPP will be introduced to Parliament at a later stage, and go through normal Parliamentary procedures. “The full set of legislative changes that will need to be taken

up by this Bill is set out in the NIA. “Only when these steps have been completed, and other countries have completed their own domestic approval procedures, will TPP be able to enter into force.” The Government will also be running a number of road shows and hui-a-iwi after signature for interested members of the public, and to assist businesses with preparation for TPP’s entry into force.

2016 job prospects strong for those into making things

ertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Steven Joyce released the 2016 Occupation Outlook report and mobile app on February 8 which shows job prospects continue to be very good in highly skilled, fast growing industries such as high-tech manufacturing and ICT. “Software developers, ICT systems and business analysts, for example, are in high demand reflecting New Zealand’s growing technology software and services sector,” Mr Joyce says. The fourth annual Occupation Outlook report contains all the information needed to help job seekers and students make good study and career decisions. “The report and app bring together the latest information in an easy-to-use overview of job demand, likely income levels, and training requirements for different career pathways. This year we’ve also expanded the number of occupations from 50 to 60. “The growth in Auckland, the ongoing Canterbury rebuild and other regional building activity means that there is steady work in the construction and infrastructure trades, with carpenters, joiners, project managers and architects

all benefiting from increasing demand for their skills. “We are still short of engineers in New Zealand. Job prospects are extremely good for civil, geotechnical and structural engineers, particularly in Auckland and Christchurch where large roading and infrastructure projects and building activity are fuelling demand. “The Occupation Outlook provides current and relevant labour market information that is crucial in helping guide decisions for students and job seekers. It arms them with the information they need to carefully consider what career path they want to choose and what training they need to do to get there,” Mr Joyce

says. The Occupation Outlook app can be downloaded free from the App Store for iPhones and iPads, and the Google Play store for Android devices. The app also includes links to Just the Job occupation videos which bring to life what it is really like to work in particular occupations. Included in this year’s report are four special features: careers in the creative industries, on-the– job-training, management and defence forces. The Occupation Outlook report is published by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and draws on a wide range of information including: • Actual employment trends and other key statistics compiled by MBIE and Statistics New Zealand • Expertise from Careers NZ, tertiary institutions, industry associations, industry training organisations, licence and registration boards, and other industry stakeholders • Qualification completions and graduate income information from the Ministry of Education. The 2016 mobile “Occupational Outlook” app can be downloaded at your app store.

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Encouraging immunisation for older children

ealth Minister Jonathan Coleman says a new awareness campaign starts from February 9 to remind parents and caregivers of older children about the school based immunisation programme. “While infant immunisation rates have dramatically improved since 2008, immunisation rates for older children have stayed steady,” says Dr Coleman. “Parents of older children should have the same confidence in immunisation that parents of younger children have. Reducing the spread of whooping cough and preventing HPV has a big effect on the health of our young people.” Children are offered free immunisations at age 11 against tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough, and for girls at age 12, human papillomavirus (HPV). School immunisation programmes begin early in the school year, and many Year 7 and 8 students will be bringing home consent forms with the most up to date information on the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines. “Schools are a convenient place for older children to get immunised against a range of preventable illnesses,” says Dr Coleman. “Protection against these serious diseases is important. Tetanus spores can be deadly if they infect a cut or a scratch. We have regular outbreaks of whooping cough in New Zealand, and around 50 women a year die of cervical cancer, which is primarily caused by HPV. “While the National Cervical Screening Programme has been

very successful in adults, we’d like to see greater uptake of the HPV vaccination in young women to prevent the development of cervical lesions later in life— currently 62 per cent are fully immunised. “Since the HPV immunisation programme began eight years ago, there has been a significant reduction in high grade cervical lesions in young women.” A two week national radio campaign gets underway from today. There will also be digital advertising for parents who search online for information on immunisation. Information will also be provided for schools to use in their newsletters. The Ministry of Health is working on improving the links between school based immunisation programmes and general practices so children who don’t have their vaccinations at school are offered them by their general practice.

Big bill for CERA spin doctors

he Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority has had a major blowout in its public relations budget, despite the fact the organisation is meant to be winding down, says Labour’s Canterbury Spokesperson Megan Woods. “CERA is meant to be closing up shop soon, but in the last financial year they had a 37% increase in the amount spent on public relation campaigns. “CERA now employs a whopping 19 communications staff—that’s compared to just 11 by the Ministry of Education and 7 by the Ministry of Health. That’s a huge amount of taxpayer

money spent on spin doctors by an organisation that is meant to be in its dying days. “On top of its big internal spend, CERA also spent over $1.6 million on external PR and media agencies. “With major anchor projects years behind schedule, Cantabrians will be wondering why the Government is spending so much on spin and delivering so few results,” says Megan Woods.

NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 12 February 2016

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City safer for young revellers

Electorate Office: 7 Fulton Cres, Otara 09 274 9231 or 09 278 9972 jenny.salesa@parliament.govt.nz

elp is at hand for party-goers in the central city this summer, especially on weekends and throughout Orientation Week. Auckland Safe Zone will set up at Queen Elizabeth Square, Britomart, from 5 February to 19 March on weekend nights when thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot going on in the city. For the first time, it will also be available on the Wednesday and Thursday nights of student orientation week. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We fully expect large numbers of young people to be out enjoying themselves in our fantastic city at night, but we would always hope that they drink responsibly, drink plenty of water, have a good meal before heading out and make good decisions when trying to get home,â&#x20AC;? says Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Community Development and Safety Committee Chair, Councillor Cathy Casey. â&#x20AC;&#x153;However, despite the best plans, sometimes people enjoying the late night scene in the city may need a little help to sober up, get hydrated, stay safe or get home, or even get medical attention,â&#x20AC;? she says. Auckland Safe Zone will also provide just thatâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a safe zoneâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;for more serious concerns. The Safe Zone will offer a water station, rest area, mobile phone charging station, travel information, medical help, safe refuge and advice that might contribute to

Papatoetoe: YouthLine Building, 145 St George Street, Friday mornings 9.30am to 12pm Otahuhu: Otahuhu Town Hall, 10 -12 High Street Monday mornings 9am to 12pm

the reduction of alcohol-related harm and further injury. Auckland Safe Zone will be located in Queen Elizabeth Square, Britomart, from 10pm to 4am overnight on: Friday 5 and Saturday 6 February Friday 12 and Saturday 13 February Friday 19 and Saturday 20 February Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 February (student orientation week) Friday 26 and Saturday 27 February Friday 4 and Saturday 5 March Friday 11 and Saturday 12 March Friday 18 and Saturday 19 March Aucklanders are encouraged to look out for the zone and usher anyone through to this safe area if they need support.

Authorised by Jenny Salesa, Parliamentary Buildings, Wellington

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Myanmar on a revolutionary path David Shearer

Labour MP

ollowing the first democratic election in decades, Myanmar now has a new government. It was moving to recently see people - who just a few short years ago would have been seen as political activists or criminals - walking into parliament as parliamentarians to take up their positions. What a remarkable turnaround. The process now begins for the election of a president. Three groups will vote: the lower house, the upper house and the army. Each group will put forward a candidate. The winner will become the president and the two runners up will become the vice presidents. Sadly, Aung San Suu Kyi, who overwhelmingly won at the general election in November, cannot be president because of a law passed by the military forbidding anyone to be president whose children possess a foreign passport – as Aung San Suu Kyi’s children do.

Undeterred, she has said that she will still be in charge, even if she is not president. The world is now watching how Aung San Suu Kyi will deal with the sub-groups of hard-line Buddhist monks who have been inciting violence towards the Muslim Rohinga minority. Before the election it would have been political suicide for her criticise monks in such a deeply Buddhist nation. The question now is whether she will allow the Rohinga – many of whom have lost their Burmese citizenship among other humiliations - to be treated as second-class citizens in the new Myanmar.

Presents

Healing those divisions is absolutely essential for the future of the country. What a challenge for Aung San Suu Kyi, transforming from an activist and rebel leader into a national leader capable of bringing all sides together. In a sign that there are already changes towards a more tolerant government, young New Zealander Philip Blackwood was released from prison in Myanmar last week. You might remember he was jailed for posting an image of Buddha wearing headphones on social media. In New Zealand society, where we have freedom of religion, that wouldn’t have caused a

Govt to move forward on City Rail Link Parmjeet Parmar

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problem. But in Myanmar Philip felt the full force of the law. It was wonderful to see him reunited with his family – including his toddler daughter - in Wellington last week. Myanmar is a highly strategic country that borders both India and China. It was once the wealthiest country in Asia: rich in minerals, the rice-bowl of the Asian region. Its potential remains vast but it has been plagued by dictatorships and corruption. The Burmese people deserve better than they’ve had since 1962. New Zealand already has an embassy there and has pledged support and help to the Myanmar government. Irrespective of which party is in power in New Zealand that commitment will continue on for the long term. Certainly I feel strongly that we should support Myanmar in its journey ahead. The Burmese recognise New Zealand as a country that stands with them, and doesn’t talk down to them. When I was in Myanmar observing the elections in November, I saw the spark of idealism and of enterprise – it’s there. It simply needs the conditions to ignite and transform Myanmar into something much greater than it is now, and more in line with what was expected of it 60 years ago. I have high hopes that this will happen.

he National-led government is investing more than ever before in Auckland’s transport network. We are spending $1 billion a year on public transport and a safe, reliable and efficient motorway system. Auckland is home to a third of our population. It’s the country’s largest commercial centre, and it’s growing at a great rate of knots. As a government, we’ve made strides in bettering the region’s transport system. That’s why we’re continuing to back Auckland to accommodate the extra 700,000 residents it’s expected to gain by 2045. The Prime Minister has announced the government will work with Auckland Council to bring forward the start date of the City Rail Link. The government is also working to formalise its funding commitment from 2020, which he Council has indicated would allow construction of the main works to start in 2018, at least two years sooner than currently envisaged. Stretching 3.4 kilometres and running

up to 70 metres below the CBD, the Central Rail Link will forge a vital connection between Britomart Station and the existing Western Line stop at Mt Eden. With stops planned at Karangahape Road and Aotea Square, the City Rail Link will cut 17 minutes off the train trip from Henderson to downtown Auckland. When Auckland’s transport network thrives, Auckland thrives. More and more people are choosing Auckland as a place to live and do business. Accelerating the $2.4 billion City Rail Link is a vote of confidence in the future. It’s a signal to residents, investors and visitors alike that the direction Auckland’s travelling in is a positive one. For a city that’s hosted the America’s Cup, the Rugby World Cup, the NRL Nines and has so much more planned, the City Rail Link will only add to Auckland’s growth and momentum. As an Aucklander myself and a locally based MP, I look forward to seeing this exciting project get on track sooner rather than later as Auckland’s transport system moves further into the future.

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FIJI

12 February 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Zika virus declared global health emergency

he World Health Organization has declared that the Zika virus poses a global public health emergency. The infection, which experts fear is spreading very fast, has been linked to thousands of babies being born with underdeveloped brains. This alert puts Zika in the same category of international concern as Ebola and will help fast-track research and aid toward fighting the infection. Although the mosquito-borne virusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s symptoms are relatively mild, it is believed to be linked to

a surge in cases of microcephaly, a condition in which a baby is born with an abnormally small head and brain. WHO chief Margaret Chan said the link between the Zika virus and microcephaly was â&#x20AC;&#x153;strongly suspected but not yet scientifically proven.â&#x20AC;? On its website, WHO says it is deeply concerned about this rapidly evolving situation for four main reasons:

the

possible of infection malformations

association with birth and

neurological syndromes the potential for further international spread given the wide geographical distribution of the mosquito vector the lack of population immunity in newly affected areas and the absence of vaccines, specific treatments, and rapid diagnostic tests Also, conditions associated with this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s El NiĂąo weather pattern are expected to increase mosquito populations greatly in many areas.

Fiji PM sends well wishes to NZ on Waitangi Treaty annivesary

he Prime Minister Hon Voreqe Bainimarama has sent well wishes to the Government and people of New Zealand as they commemorate 176 years since the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. In a letter to his New Zealand counterpart, the Rt Hon. John Key, Prime Minister Bainimarama said Fiji values its relations with New Zealand and expressed pleasure at the recent developments in bilateral and multilateral relations between the two countries. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dear Prime Minister, as you commemorate the 176th Anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi on 6 February, I convey to you the warm greetings and best wishes of the Government and the people of Fiji. Fiji values its ties with New Zealand and is pleased with the warming relationship that has evolved in the last fifteen months through various re-engagement opportunities at bilateral, regional and international levels.â&#x20AC;? In his letter, the Prime Minister said that Fiji and New Zealand can work together to address some of the common challenges facing the region â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in particular, the issue of Climate Change. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am confident that the cordial links that now exist between our two countries will continue to strengthen in order to provide the enabling space for collaboration on the common challenges of peace, security, climate change and the protection of our oceans and seasâ&#x20AC;?, the Prime Minister said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We wish you and all the people of New Zealand a joyous celebration in the true spirit of Waitangi Day.â&#x20AC;?

ilmmaker Gary Yost was invited to spend eight weeks on a remote Fijian island of Vanua Levu documenting its people and their culture. Marin County, CA-based filmmaker Gary Yost is best known for his short film The Invisible Peak about a project to restore the West Peak of Mount Tamalpais to its natural state. The film was shown in numerous film festivals to acclaim and awards. Most recently, Gary was invited to the Fijian island of Vanua Levu by Gavin de Becker, founder of the Naqaqa Giving Foundation to film the indigenous people of that island. Gary says that for a seemingly simple place, Fiji is remarkably complex. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In just 140 years, Fiji has come from being the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most recent cannibal/warrior culture, to being renowned as the happiest place on earth.â&#x20AC;?

Source: Fiji Sun

months to vote on the 5 designs through

to 19, five designs will be chosen,

social media and text messaging. It is expected that the design with the most votes will be announced on 1 July to be our new

Members of the public will have 3

Today, indigenous Fijians, who make up about half of the island nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 903,000 inhabitants, are given arable land as a birthrightâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; crops grow so easily that only a few hours of tending a day are required to feed a familyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and Fijians live rent and mortgage free. The entire country is obsessed by rugby, seen as a way to channel their warrior heritage. The Image Flow caught up with Gary in the midst of editing some four terabytes of footage shot during his eight weeks in Fiji.

he Fiji U19 cricket team was defeated by 226 runs during the play-off match against the Afghanistan U19 team for the ninth place in the quarterfinal of the International Cricket Council U19 Cricket World Cup. The national team won the toss and elected to field first. Afghanistan made 341 runs in 50 overs with a wicket to spare. Afghanistanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Karim Janat looked to be the forerunner for the team, paving the way for the win after the team lost early wickets in the top order. Janat secured 156 runs from 132 balls, hitting 6 sixes, 12 fours and had a strike rate of 118.8. Fiji played chase but could not surpass the target. They were all out for 114 runs in 31.2 overs. Cricket Fiji High Performance

earlier this year. From March 1

members of the public to vote on.

Gary Yost

Fiji suffers 226 run defeat to Afghanistan

the 23 designs were published

through the PMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office, for

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Filmmaker: The beauty of Fiji can make you cry

Extension of Fiji flag feedback period

he Fijian Government has announced the extension of the feedback period for designs for the new national flag to February 29, 2016. The Government has received a number of new submissions since

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consultations,

national flag. The new national flag will be raised on Constitution Day which is on September 7. Submissions for new designs can be sent to newfijiflag@ gmail.com, hand delivered to

Manager Josefa Rika had earlier told this newspaper that the team could likely be ranked among the top 16 among more than 120 countries that play the sport in the underage division. Fiji take on Scotland tomorrow in their second quarter final playoff match at 3pm.

the Department of Information Ground Floor, New Wing Government Buildings, 26 Gladstone Road, Suva or mailed to the Department of Information, PO Box 2225, Government Buildings, Suva.

FIJI

www.iwk.co.nz | 12 February 2016

The sacred rock- Part II

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Avinesh Gopal

T is a rock that stands out like a mountain. For nearby villagers, it is a sacred place as it was once occupied by their forefathers. They believe it is shaped like a man if seen from the top. Some distance away or directly opposite it is an island, which villagers say, is shaped like a woman. But they say there is nothing known to link their rock to the island. The rock is known as Uluinavatu, which translated literally means head of the stone or stone head. It is near Vitawa Village in Rakiraki, a district that is filled with stories related to the iTaukei and their ancestors. People travelling on the Kings Rd cannot miss seeing the rock unless they are asleep, as it is metres away on the right side if going from Rakiraki to Tavua. A place on the rock is also said to have healing powers and the spirit of the villagers’ ancestors is believed to be still up there. There is also evidence on the rock that cannibalism was rife on the rock hundreds of years ago. Villagers say that if someone looks properly, then they will be able to figure out what looks like giant human faces at different places on the rock. Pottery dating back to about 1000BC has also been found on the rock, which probably makes it one of the first human settlements in Fiji. From the rock comes the clan name Navatu and also the name of a school that caters for children from the four villages which make up the clan. The Navatu clan consists of Vitawa, Narewa, Vunitogoloa and Naivuvuni villages. With the approval of the Tu Navatu, Ratu Akuila Kubou, a villager related the story about the rock. Inia Waqa, 57, said the rock was sacred to Vitawa villagers because it was a place where their ancestors once dwelled. Mr Waqa said archeologists’ reports suggest people lived on Uluinavatu long before the birth of Jesus Christ. He said archeologists had collected pottery dating back 1000BC from the base of the rock and some human bones were also found there. “Recently, villagers started cleaning the place to make a path to the top of the rock,” he said.”While clearing the bushes, the youths found human remains on the rock and further up at one place is a well. “The well is known to have been there for ages and it is believed to have been the source of water supply for our ancestors who lived there once. “As far as the well is concerned, we don’t know how it was made up in the rock.” Mr Waqa said human bones could be found at different places on the rock. He said some of the bones were quite big, which proves that their ancestors who lived on the rock were big people. “There are also seashells on the top of the rock and one can only wonder how they reached there from the sea. “Some caves are also up on the rock and these would have probably been used by our ancestors to take shelter. “There is also a place on the rock where our ancestors sharpened their tools, as marks seen on a stone indicate this.” Mr Waqa also revealed that the former turaga ni koro (village headman) of Vitawa Village, Josefa Kasami once took pictures on top of the rock. He said when the photographs were uploaded on a computer, some bure could be seen in the background. “There is no bure on the rock. But the Uluinavatu itself is a sacred place for villagers and we believe that the spirits of

our ancestors still live there. “Some human bones are still at different places on the rock and pottery pieces are also on the top of the Uluinavatu. “If you dig around on the rock, then there’s a possibility of you finding either some human remains or pottery pieces.” Mr Waqa also said Uluinavatu, to them, was known as the man and an the island named Cubu was the woman. Cubu is directly opposite Uluinavatu, facing each other, so to speak. “If you see the Uluinavatu from somewhere on top, then you’ll see that it’s shaped like a man,” said Mr Waqa. “And if you have an aerial view of Cubu,

then it is shaped like a woman facing the sky. When asked if there was a connection between the Uluinavatu and Cubu, Mr Waqa said there were no stories passed down the generations to suggest there was a link. However, Mr Waqa said if someone looked properly, then he/she would be able to figure out some giant human faces on the Uluinavatu. “The faces can be seen at different places on the rock, even if one views it from the Kings Rd. “Apart from our belief that our ancestors spirits still live there, the rock also has healing powers as experienced by villagers,” Mr Waqa said. “Everything

A special rock to the people of Navatu who inhabit four villages in Rakiraki, Ra, Uluinavatu.

is there. You talk to them and they will respond to you. I believe in it.” Fiji Times

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Thought of the week

Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.

— C.S. Lewis

Editorial

From the desk of the Managing Editor

ast week I had the opportunity to witness Quidam, by the spectacular Cirque du Soleil. As I sat there as a part of the audience and watched in amazement the intricate and complex moves by the artists practically in mid-air, with no safety nets or harnesses, or others being hurled up in the air by their teammates whilst the others stood in position to catch their landing, my mind was busy thinking. I was reminded of a few lines by Andrew Carnegie “Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.” This was it. These were a group of common young artists who had dedicated themselves to a common goal while they shone in their individual segments to produce something that makes them legends in their field internationally. They took leaps of faith in mid-air in the trust that their other team members would be accomplishing their own parts in the act and they would remain safe. This is teamwork. I always describe it like the cogs in a well-oiled machine. Should even one cog lose its momentum or get out of sync the entire machinery stands the risk of breaking down. However, should each team member direct their energies to a common vision they can achieve uncommon results. Such is also the story of the team at Indian Weekender. It has been the dedication and commitment of each individual team member towards making it what it is, it has been this hard work that has achieved this spectacular feat, that today we are proudly releasing the 200th issue of our publication. The story of our journey has been told a few times, but I thought today was the appropriate time to acknowledge the hard work that the team puts in, behind the scenes. Credit also goes to our advertisers, our supporters and friends who have made this journey from one to 200 possible. In this issue, we talk about the rising face of the Kiwi-Indian community to now establish itself with 200,000 strong and most of them engaged in gainful endeavours that are contributing immensely to the New Zealand economy. We have tried to bring out a cross section of the various different fields that Kiwi Indians are engaged in. It is also the time of the year when love is in the air. It’s time for Valentine’s Day. To celebrate this we bring you a story of interesting traditions and practices from around the world that could give you more ideas on how you would like to celebrate this day with your beloved. Also, we did not want to take away from your other weekly delights, like your astrology column, the other local stories, news and other features. We begin a new chapter at Indian Weekender and we hope that our friends and supporters will continue to walk hand in hand with us on our journey – from here to eternity. With deep gratitude to all. Until next time.

Pick of the week

‘From Above’ Craig Goodwin, snapped this photo of a meteor streaking across the night sky at the Second Beach in La Push, Washington. He was looking to create images of “compositions revealed by the receding waters...” but as it turned out, his photo opportunity came from above. Photograph by Craig Goodwin, National Geographic Your Shot

Giri Gupta

Indian Weekender : Volume 7 Issue 45 Publisher: Kiwi Media Group Limited Managing Editor: Giri Gupta | girigupta@xtra.co.nz Editor: Annu Sharma | editor@indianweekender.co.nz Chief Reporter: Swati Sharma | reporter@indianweekender.co.nz Reporter: Rizwan Mohammad | iwk.rizwan@gmail.com Reporter: Esha Chanda | iwk.eshac@gmail.com Reporter: Kumar Suresh | iwk.kumar@gmail.com Chief Technical Officer: Rohan Desouza | rohan@indianweekender.co.nz Sr Graphics and Layout Designer: Mahesh Kumar | mahesh@indianweekender.co.nz Graphic Designer: Yashmin Chand | designer@indianweekender.co.nz Accounts and Admin.: Farah Khan | accounts@indianweekender.co.nz Sales and Marketing: 022 3251630 / 021 1507950 | 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 Indian Weekender is published by Kiwi Media Group, 98 Great South Road, Auckland Printed at Horton Media, Auckland Copyright 2015. Kiwi Media Group. All Rights Reserved.

Word: Pack a sad Meaning: To throw a tantrum Usage: Hey! Don’t do that or she’ll pack a sad.

Tip from the trenches Valentine’s Day tip

Getting her a gift for Valentine’s day? Tell her you got her somethings and have her guess what it is. She’ll list the things she’s been wanting.

OPINION/EDITORIAL

www.iwk.co.nz | 12 February 2016

Make agritech startups cool: creating a new generation of entrepreneurs

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n India, many startups are actually happening in the organic agriculture space but little is known of or heard about them. They may not have found space in Vigyan Bhavan during the inauguration of #StartupIndia by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on January 16. Overwhelmingly the glitz of technologyled startups were there for everyone to see. They are the now famous ones in online marketing like Flipkart or those in transportation aggregation like Ola. This is a fantastic initiative. It has the architecture of giving entrepreneurs the space to do what they do best, creating products and services from ideas and making them work - the startup ecosystem. After making them work, curating them to be able to monetize it, before ramping it up in terms of scale. That an idea can fail and hence needs that exit route is planned well. Self-certification is a key ingredient. This will take away the ‘babu’ or small time bureaucrats who have no clue as to what entrepreneurship is all about impeding the process. They do not even want to understand it. They just want to get in the way. They add friction and costs. All counterproductive. If I am writing all this, believe me I have had the opportunity to going down this road myself. But better, I have had the opportunity to listen to thousands of young people who have had to contend with this ‘harassment’. In one sweep our prime minister has gotten rid of this. Thumbs up to that. Making it easier to register and get loans is the next big thing. Creating a tidy Rs.

10,000 crore ($1.5 billion) fund for startups is also a great initiative. If the ministries all ensure that there is minimum government, then I am sure the #StartupIndia will lift off. Why should this be limited just to technology-led startups? What we need to do is to connect it to agriculture. Make AgriTech startups cool. This is where the real fun is going to be because India’s teeming millions of young people will have to be part of the food security apparatus. This needs careful handling as there is a message in the startup plan that only tech startups are in. Agro-startups will enhance our ability to grow our food locally and build the largest food basket in the world. Such startups will have the resilience to

adapt to the vagaries of weather induced by climate change. Will NABARD be up to the task? Can it leverage the fundamental momentum that is being given by Prime Minister Modi in solving the key issue of young people leaving their farms and going elsewhere? Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, played host to an agriculture ministers’ meet which was flagged off by union minister Radha Mohan Singh and Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling. The keynote speech was by Dr. Ramesh Chand, a member of the NITI Aayog. He is a long-time professional in the field of agriculture. What he said was remarkable. How can we make #StartupIndia available to the farming sector? It is not just about giving sops but

turning to making farming profitable once again with cheaper input costs. Critically, technology is available for the farms. Many young and tech background people have found solace and their calling in buying poor and degraded land and making it into vibrant agri businesses. There are many instances out there. Take, for instance, Lumiere Organic, headed by Manjunath and headquartered in Bangalore. It started with just growing what is now known as organic food and vegetables. It now has a roaring organic food restaurant. Guess who are its main customers? Technology-fatigued souls from Bangalore’s millions working in the hi-tech industries! All looking for the organic balm. Manjunath wants to source products from far away Sikkim. So what is required? Get young entrepreneurs to do just what Manjunath and many others have done. Young people need to get the space to start and, if need be, fail. This is what entrepreneurship is all about. Sikkim, under Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, has created a state that is fully organic. Sikkim is the brand; Sikkim needs to be leveraged. Can we now marry Prime Minister Modi’s #StartupIndia with #OrganicSikkim and field 1,000 young entrepreneurs? This is a challenge worth taking. This is a partnership worth exploring. This perhaps is the opportunity of the decade before us. What it needs is to be able to have a quick mechanism like an incubator in Sikkim to leverage the full potential of #StartupIndia.

What are the credentials required to play in IPL? Veturi Srivatsa

he defeat on Tuesday, February 9, in the Twenty20 International against Sri Lanka brought the Indian players down to earth after the auction euphoria of the Indian Premier League (IPL) barely two days before the game. None of the new-found IPL millionaires was playing at Pune, though the highest-paid Indian, Pawan Negi, was in the squad. Nor, for that matter, was half the Sri Lankan team good enough for the franchises of the highly popular Twenty20 pro league. Dominated by the IPL rejects -- Secuge Prasanna, Dasun Shanaka, Milinda Siriwardana, Dishamantha Chameera and Sanchitha Senanayake - the islanders nearly bowled the Indians out for less than a hundred before coasting to a fivewicket victory. The Sri Lankans can raise the inevitable question, what credentials are required to get into an IPL team? Is a good domestic season enough to get the IPL ticket? Or, is the auction windfall truly a lottery? How does a promising overseas player get in? The answer is a bit of luck is essential in getting into the mix

of a franchise think-tank. At the end of it all, the teams will have to get the right blend of Indian and overseas players. If the route to getting into the India side is via the IPL, an India cap can also make one a millionaire as it has happened with Pawan Negi. Negi is seen as skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s choice for the Asia Cup and the World Twenty20. That’s the break he badly needed and a couple of days later he became the highest paid Indian at the auction though Negi’s promise is unquestioned. Yet, some IPL choices are inconceivable as they defy common sense and cricketing logic. In an auction where players pitch their base price at Rs 2 crore and Rs 1 crore, do not get sold whereas the ones pricing modestly at less than 10 lakh, become millionaires overnight! To pick the best from a bunch of 351 players going under the hammer is clearly a jugglery for the franchises to get the best buy for the money at their disposal. Imagine only 94 could be accommodated by the eight franchises. Things should improve for players once Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals return to the fold to possibly make it a ten-team format after serving their two-year suspension for

marring the spirit of the sport. The unsold players can easily field not one but two teams to challenge the IPL teams. George Bailey, Martin Guptill, Usman Khawaja, Hashim Amla, Tilekeratne Dilshan, Mike Hussey, Adam Voges, Brad Haddin, Darren Sammy, Lahiru Thirimanne, Cameron White, Marlon Samuels, Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, Nuwan Kulasekera, Manvinder Bisla, Grant Elliot, to name the more popular and acknowledged Twenty20 gypsies, might have expected to be in the league. Bailey, Dilshan, Sammy, Hussey and Bisla not finding a place is a little puzzling considering that they have been match-winners not long ago. Sammy and Hussey are actively involved with the global Twenty20 circuit. The only explanation could be as overseas professionals, it would be difficult to accommodate them in the playing eleven. But then someone like Hussey could be of immense value as coach or adviser like Ricky Ponting for Mumbai Indians, Jacques Kallis for Kolkata Knight Riders and Stephen Fleming for CSK. Bailey, who had taken the Kings XI Punjab to the final two years ago was dumped after the team’s poor showing last year. A big shock was Aaron Finch,

an acknowledged T20 specialist, scraping through as a last-minute afterthought buy. Domestic cricketers can look forward to becoming millionaires as uncapped players had a great auction. Karnataka batsman Karun Nair (Rs 4 crore), Rajasthan fast bowler Nathu Singh (Rs 3.2 crore), Baroda all-rounder Deepak Hooda (Rs 4.2 crore) and Tamil Nadu leg-spinner Murugan Ashwin (Rs 4.5 crore) barged in on a day when there were no takers for Test left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha after doubts were expressed over his bowling action, though he has been cleared. As the debate rages over the veracity of some of the players getting such huge amounts, the argument in their favour is a fair number of them got in on the strength of their performances on the domestic circuit. Franchise coaches/advisers short-listed them. The most successful Indian batsman at the ongoing Under-19 World Cup Rishab Pant, the team’s captain Ishan Kishan and all-rounder Mahipal Lomror went through the auction taking impressive pay packets to open the doors for the other teenagers. Most of the teams had a clear idea about their playing eleven, particularly which four overseas

players can get in. That’s a lot of homework, even if you don’t agree with their calculation. For instance, Royal Challengers will have little manoeuvrability as their four overseas players are Chris Gayle, Shane Watson, AB De Villiers and Mitchell Starc. Of course, Watson is there as an all-rounder. Interestingly, they were keen on regaining Yuvraj Singh but Sunrisers Hyderabad snatched him. Gujarat Lions, too have a problem as their overseas list include Brendon McCullum, Dwayne Smith, Kevin Pietersen, Aaron Finch and Dwayne Bravo and so have Kolkata Knight Riders who have Morne Morkel, John Hastings, Jason Holder and Andre Russell and Shakib Al Hasan. If the Lions have to choose between opening batsmen Finch and Smith, Kolkata will have to pick either Hastings or Holder. The other teams will also have hiccups in selecting their eleven to start with and it is to be seen who grabs the opportunity. At the end of it all, the excitement is to see which teams got their computation right. That will be known when the players get into the field.

INDIA

12 February 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Modi govt approach banks for funding Swachh Bharat Mission

he Narendra Modi government is now looking at the private sector to aide its Swachh Bharat Mission and provide financial assistance for building toilets for poor families, union Rural Development Minister Birender Singh said on Tuesday. He asked commercial banks and micro-financing institutes to come forward for credit disbursal to these families for construction of toilets. “The finance ministry has included water and sanitation into the new list of priority sectors for lending by commercial banks. There is an incentive of Rs.12,000 for toilet construction for BPL (below poverty line) families, but to achieve universal coverage, there is a dire need for easy financing by commercial banks and other financial institutions,” the minister said at conference ‘Innovative Financing for Clean India’ in New Delhi. He noted the NDA government is committed to bring a monumental reform in country’s

sanitation. “More than 14.7 million toilets were constructed in the rural areas under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s pet project Swachh Bharat Mission, but still close to 50 percent of our rural population still does not have access to a toilet,” he added. He said his ministry’s policies provide lot of scope for small and medium private sector institutions to engage in waste management

and improvisation of village environmental management infrastructure. “Private sector needs to come forward in a big way for credit disbursal to achieve the goal of making India, an open defecation free country by 2019,” the minister said asserting sanitation is closely linked with poor health, low education status, malnutrition and poverty. Rural Development Secretary J. K. Mohapatra stressed the need for creating strong synergy between self-help groups (SHGs) and Swachh Bharat Mission across the country. Urging the banks and microfinance institutions to extend credit for sanitation and water sectors, he also said that the poor are not only credit-worthy and enterprising, but they are extremely responsible borrowers also. He also expressed satisfaction that the self-help group movement is gaining momentum in IndoGangetic belt and in central India after its success in south India.

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Swedish prime minister to take part in Make in India week

wedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven will arrive in India on Saturday, February 13 on a two-day visit to participate in the Make in India Week in Mumbai and also hold bilateral dialogue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Löfven leads a high-level delegation comprising state secretaries, senior officials from the Swedish government, heads of agencies and industry leaders from his country to participate in the Make in India Week which also gets underway on Saturday. Sweden will have the largest country pavilion in the Make in India Week with participation from 18 companies across various sectors, said a press release issued by the Swedish embassy. Löfven will inaugurate the Swedish pavilion along with Modi after which he will deliver the keynote address at the ‘Sweden Seminar’ on smart manufacturing. Löfven will also participate in the Sweden India CEO Round

Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfve

Table together with industry leaders from the two countries. The Swedish prime minister will also visit Pune, which is a hub for Swedish companies since the 1960s. In Pune, Löfven will visit facilities of two Swedish majors— Tetra Pak and Ericsson. The Tetra Pak plant in Pune is a state-of-theart facility with a modern footprint based on green technology. The Ericsson plant will serve as an export hub for the company.

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How a soldier survived for 6 days buried under 35-feet snow

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hile it was nothing short of a miracle that an Indian Army soldier was found alive six days after being buried under 35 feet of snow on Siachen glacier—and presumed dead, not only the tough survival training modules that he underwent to face natural calamities but also the ice may have played a key role in his survival, say health experts. “Organs are usually transferred or preserved in frozen situation. In the soldier’s case, there is a possibility that the ice turned into a saviour which protected him from death,” Sameer Shrivastava, head of the department of noninvasive cardiology at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, said. Lance Naik Hanumanthappa Koppad continued to be in shock with low blood pressure and was put on ventilator in the Intensive Care Unit of the Army Hospital (Research & Referral) in the national capital where he was flown in from Siachen base camp and admitted earlier on Tuesday. The next one-to-two days were critical for the soldier, a medical bulletin said. “Internal injuries can only happen when the external part

of the body is damaged owing to extreme weather conditions. Apart from physical injuries, heart rate becomes very slow leading to cardiac arrest and basal metabolic rate (BMR) goes down leading to slow death while stuck in an avalanche which, miraculously, did not happen in this case,” Dr Shrivastava said. Health experts also believe that Koppad survived because he was trapped in an air pocket. Soldiers posted in harsh icy conditions across the world are trained to look for air pockets in case of an avalanche and know how to clear the snow near the nose and the mouth so that they can keep

breathing. “Air pocket created between the snow-layer can possibly be a reason for the soldier’s survival. He was successful in getting some oxygen trapped in the air pocket that allowed him to breathe. Also, strong will-power to survive must have acted as an added advantage,” said Col H.S.

Chauhan, president of the Indian Mountaineering Foundation. According to the Switzerlandbased International Commission of Alpine Rescue (ICAR), those who are completely buried in an avalanche have a survival rate of 50 percent. “It is vital not to get buried completely. Once you feel the avalanche has come to a stop, you must try to get something sticking out of the avalanche. Move your other arm across your face to the opposite shoulder to create an air bubble around your head and mouth,” said the website. Lance Naik Koppad was one of the 10 soldiers of 19 Madras Regiment unit who were swept by the deadly avalanche on February 3 when they were manning the highest helipad in the world on Saltoro Ridge of Siachen glacier. The soldier was found to be conscious but drowsy and disoriented. He was also severely dehydrated, hypothermic, hypoxic, hypoglycaemic and in shock. “He has been placed on ventilator to protect his airway and lungs in view of his comatose state,” the Army Hospital (Research & Referral) medical bulletin said.

Internet should not be a monopoly of few: Ravi Shankar Prasad

auding the telecom watchdog’s decision on discriminatory pricing, Communications Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has said internet is one of the finest creations of the human mind and it should not become the monopoly of a few. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in a much-awaited regulatory order on Monday, February 8 had said that no service provider would be allowed to charge “discriminatory tariffs” for data services on the basis of content. “We very much appreciate

this decision of TRAI whereby differential tariff in case of data services has been rejected. The view of our government from the beginning has been very clear, which I have also articulated in the Parliament, that is, internet is one of the finest creations of human mind and it should not become the monopoly of few,” Prasad told reporters. “Differential pricing on data, whether it is Free Basics or any other mode, is plainly not acceptable,” the minister said adding that the internet “must be available without discrimination.”

Harsimrat Badal pushes foreign multi-brand retailing in foods

ood Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Tuesday called for fully opening up foreign direct investment (FDI) in multibrand retail of the food products produced and processed in India so as to benefit farmers and reduce inflation. “I have requested the prime minister that 100 percent FDI in multi-brand retail of those food products which are produced and processed in India should be allowed. So that those big companies can create infrastructure especially for the agriculture sector and bring the latest technology for the farm sector,” she said at the eighth Global Food Processing Summit

organised by industry chamber Assocham in New Delhi. “This is in the interest of both consumers and farmers as it will bring down food inflation, create more jobs and lead to rapid infrastructure development,” she said. Harsimrat Badal noted, that FDI in multi-brand retail has come in the food sector in India, for example, in her home state Punjab. “It has benefitted everybody, there is no trader in the middle who has lost out, there is no farmer who has lost, no industry has lost out, so it has been a winwin situation and it has been a tried and tested formula,” she added.

The watchdog has also called for a fine of Rs 50, 000 per day for each act of contravention, subject to a cap of Rs 5 million. Prasad further said the government fully respected the freedom of expression

and discourse on social media and interned adding that “our government is committed towards digital inclusion.” He said that the government was expanding Digital India into every “nook and corner of the country, and taking extraordinary steps to empower the people through technology, to create a knowledge economy, the very concept,” in order to bring about digital inclusion. The sector regulator’s move was seen as a setback to offerings such as Facebook’s Free Basics and Airtel Zero.

People of Kashmir want end to terrorism: Minister

eople of Jammu and Kashmir want an end to terrorism, Minister of State in the PMO Jitendra Singh has said, noting that there was a feeling among residents of the Kashmir Valley that they had been “cheated” due to militancy. In an interview with ETV, he also said that the government was committed to welfare of Kashmiri Pandits and would do whatever it could for them. Jitendra Singh, who is MP from Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir, said the environment in the state had improved and people were yearning for development. “I will say one thing that the environment has changed in such a way that people themselves want the terrorism to end. This feeling is not only in my constituency areas but also in the Kashmir valley. “People of Kashmir Valley know that in the name of terrorism, they were cheated and some people benefited from this. There has been no change in the condition and life of the common man. Today’s youth there is seeing and feeling how youth from other areas are growing and developing. He does not want stay away from growth and development,” Jitendra Singh said. Asked if the Bharatiya Janata Party will again form an alliance government in Jammu and Kashmir, which was presently under governor’s rule, he did not give a definite answer. “Our state and central leadership will decide on further strategy looking into the situation,” he said. The BJP and People’s Democratic Party had joined hands to form government in the state after a fractured mandate but governor’s rule was imposed after the death last month of Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, as the PDP did not come forward to stake claim. He noted the Kashmir Valley is incomplete without the Pandits who “have the right to go back to their motherland”.

Australia offers to help India with rooftop solar plants

ustralia can help expand the spread of rooftop solar plants in India, Australia’s Queensland state Minister for Energy Mark Bailey said on Tuesday. According to India’s power ministry, Bailey told Power and New and Renewable Energy Minister Piyush Goyal at a meeting in Brisbane that Queensland has the necessary expertise to help India expand rooftop solar penetration as three out of its 10 households have solar panels. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Minister for Natural Resources Anthony Lynham also attended the meeting. The Indian government has set a target of building 100 gigawatt (GW) solar capacity by

2022. Goyal is in Australia leading the Indian side at the ongoing India-Australia Energy Security Dialogue from February 8-11, focusing on sharing Canberra’s expertise in liquefied natural gas (LNG), renewable energy and clean coal technology. “Australia’s strong track record in mine health and safety is world class and can be shared with India,” India’s power ministry cited Lynham as saying

at the meeting. In response, Goyal said, “India’s manpower and Australia’s technology can come together to combine the best of both worlds.” Declaring Queensland’s willingness to export its expertise in mining, state’s Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said they were keen to ensure that the Great Barrier Reef (off Queensland) was not damaged in any way. The Gautam Adani-led Adani Group’s proposed $16.5 billion project for developing the Carmichael coal mine and associated railway line and port in Queensland is currently held up owing to environmental litigations and delay in getting the mining lease.

INDIA

12 February 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

MP Bindra inspires 11000 youth

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Z First List MP Mahesh Bindra graced the Indian Student Parliament session Pune earlier this month. Founded by Rahul Karad, MP Mahesh Bindra presented the Bhartiya Chhatra Sansad (BCS) attended by 11,000 enthusiastic young minds. “The event was held in Pune, my birthplace, it was a pleasure to see dynamic young Indians turning up in such huge numbers” added MP Bindra. Speakers from all around the globe and of all ages presented their stories and thoughts to the eager students at the event. MIT School of Government hosted the event, pioneered by Dr Vishwanath Karad, whose objective is to help cut the learning curve that inspires a leader with maturity. “The title of the Indian Student Parliament was “Inspiring Youth, Strengthening Democracy” and it lived up to its name” mentioned MP Bindra. The prerogative at MITSOG is to hone a school of substantial thinkers who understand that every decision needs to be carefully weighed before it is implemented. The school educates the students between the ages of 18-25 and has secretaries and joint secretaries from over 25000 colleges and 400 universities across India. Eminent personalities from around the world like revolutionist Anna Hazare, filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker, former President of India Late APJ Abdul Kalam, Nobel Laureate The Dalai Lama, Hollywood actor Daniel Radcliffe have delivered their speeches at Indian Student Parliament (ISP).

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MP Bindra shared his experience being in India and mentions that his trip became more memorable by being a part of ISP and delivering a speech at the school

MP Bindra shared his experience being in India and mentions that his trip became more memorable by being a part of ISP and delivering a speech at the school. “They (youth) are our next generation of leaders and it warms my heart that our future is in good hands” concluded MP Bindra. New Zealand First is right behind the upcoming Youth Parliament in July of this year.

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American firms asked to take advantage of Digital India initiative Arun Kumar

ndia’s future as a technology powerhouse and its plans to connect India’s 600,000 villages to the Internet through the Digital India programme were the focus of a roundtable of top American and Indian companies. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Startup India initiative also came up at the roundtable with Indian Minister for Communications & IT Ravi Shankar Prasad hosted by the US-India Business Council (USIBC) at Cambridge, Massachusetts, last week. The roundtable was attended by USIBC President Mukesh Aghi and senior executives of American and Indian companies that included Google, AT&T, MasterCard, Facebook, American Tower Corporation, UST Global and iTech. USIBC comprises 350 top-tier US and Indian companies advancing US-India commercial ties. “Digital India provides an enormous investment opportunity for both global technology companies and startups from tech hubs like Boston and Silicon Valley,” Prasad said. “India is sitting on the cusp of a digital revolution,” he said. “Whether it is big metropolitan cities or small towns, a well-connected India has the potential

to not only usher in economic and welfare opportunities for its citizens, but also the global economic order.” The Indian “government is taking every policy decision in a transparent, predictable and reasonable manner,” Prasad said encouraging “American businesses to take advantage of the Digital India programme, and the growth opportunities in India.” Prasad also outlined the progress that has already been made to implement Digital India programme and his priorities for the future. Aghi said, “Prime Minister Modi’s directive to connect Indians across the country is a tremendous opportunity for both Indian and US companies alike.” Noting that 85 percent of Indians still do not have access to the Internet, he said “the

government could make it easier to obtain clearances to install cell phone towers.” “IT infrastructure can be further expanded by lifting the ban on foreign satellite operators so they can provide spectrum in hard-to-reach areas.” Dan Gupta of UST Global commented on the economic growth that can be spurred by the Digital India initiative and adoption of key technologies across sectors. “By some estimations, the Digital India initiative could help boost India’s gross domestic product (GDP) by around $550 billion—upping its GDP by $1 trillion by 2025,” he said. Sonny Khurana, CEO of iTech, praised the rapid strides in connectivity and the startup ecosystem under the current government.

Indian woman rescued in Germany reaches Delhi

urpreet, the Indian woman who was rescued from a refugee camp in Germany along with her eightyear-old daughter, reached New Delhi last week, the external affairs ministry said. Ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup said at a media briefing here that she returned on an emergency certificate as she had not gone abroad by following the normal procedure. “Our embassies and consulates issue these certificates to Indian citizens to return to to their country,” he said. Gurpreet’s rescue became possible after swift action was taken by the external affairs ministry after she posted a video on the internet last week in which she claimed that she was hoodwinked into going to Germany by her husband’s family where she and her daughter were kept in a refugee camp. Following this, Sushma Swaraj said that the authorities were in touch with the father of Gurpreet, who hails from Faridabad in Haryana, and that the external affairs ministry has got the full report from the Indian embassy in Germany. “We have brought Gurpreet and her eight-year-old daughter from the refugee camp to our consulate in Frankfurt,” Sushma Swaraaj tweeted.

Four Indian Americans selected to US IIT-Delhi alumnus Soumitra National Academy of Engineering Dutta to head Cornell’s new

our Indian American engineers are among 80 new members selected to the prestigious US National Academy of Engineering (NAE) for their valuable contributions to the society. Anil K. Jain, Dr Arati Prabhakar, Ganesh Thakur and Dr K.R. Sridhar were formally inducted during a ceremony at the NAE’s annual meeting in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, NAE president C.D. (Dan) Mote Jr announced in a statement. Jain, a distinguished professor in the department of computer science and engineering at the Michigan State University in East Lansing, was elected for his contributions to the engineering and practice of biometrics. A B.Tech graduate from the Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur, his research interests include pattern recognition, computer vision and biometric recognition. Jain has also been a consultant to the Indian government’s Aadhaar programme that provides a 12-digit unique ID number to the residents of India based on their fingerprint and iris data. Prabhakar, director of the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in Virginia, was chosen for national leadership to advance semiconductor and information technologies. Beginning her career as a Congressional Fellow, Dr Prabhakar has served on the National Academies’ Science Technology and Economic Policy Board. In addition, she chaired the Efficiency and Renewables Advisory Committee for the US Department of Energy.

Thakur, who is the president of Thakur Services Inc. in Houston, Texas, was named a member for leadership in the implementation of integrated reservoir management techniques. Sridhar, the principal co-founder and chief executive officer of Bloom Energy Corporation in California, was selected for the “contributions to transport phenomena and thermal packaging of electrochemical systems and generation of clean, reliable and affordable power”. Prior to founding Bloom Energy, Sridhar was director of the Space Technologies Laboratory (STL) at the University of Arizona where he was also a professor of aerospace and mechanical engineering. His work for the NASA Mars programme to convert Martian atmospheric gases to oxygen for propulsion and life support was recognised by Fortune magazine which cited him as “one of the top five futurists inventing tomorrow, today.” Along with the new members, the total US membership goes up to 2,275. Election to the institution “is among the highest professional distinctions accorded to an engineer,” the statement read. Founded in 1964, the NAE is a nonprofit institution that provides engineering leadership in service to the nation. Its mission is to advance the well-being of the nation by promoting a vibrant engineering profession and by marshalling the expertise and insights of eminent engineers to provide independent advice to the federal government on matters involving engineering and technology.

business college

oumitra Dutta, an alumnus of the Indian Institute of TechnologyDelhi, will become the dean of a new integrated College of Business being launched by the Cornell University during the 2016-17 academic year. Dutta currently is dean and professor of management and organizations in the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University. He is considered an authority on the impact of new technology on the business world, especially social media and social networking, and on strategies for driving growth and innovation by embracing the digital economy. The Ithaca, New York based Ivy League institution announced that the new college was aimed at cementing the university’s position as a world-class centre of teaching and research for business management and entrepreneurship. The new College of Business will comprise Cornell’s three accredited business programmes: the School of Hotel Administration (SHA), the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, and the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management. “Being able to leverage Dyson’s strength in international development and agricultural economics, SHA’s expertise in hospitality, entrepreneurship, and real estate (through the Baker Programme in Real Estate), and Johnson’s depth in economics, finance, and executive training will naturally lead to a College of Business

that stands out for its unparalleled breadth of instructional excellence,” said Dutta. “A more prominent and collaborative platform will elevate opportunities for faculty to conduct innovative research and be at the forefront of their fields.” “Bringing together Cornell’s three business schools will also establish an effective administrative structure that will be immensely beneficial to the University’s ability to continue to attract the best and brightest faculty and students,” Dutta said. Dutta has earlier served as the Roland Berger Chaired Professor of Business and Technology and was the founder and academic director of the eLab at INSEAD, a top-ranked graduate business school in Fontainebleau, France. Dutta received a B.Tech in electrical engineering and computer science from the Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi. He received an MS in business administration, an MS in computer science, and a PhD in computer science from the University of California at Berkeley.

KID ZONE

12 February 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Can you complete the picture of the cat on the left, by copying the complete picture on the right

Adam and Eve

Draw a path from Adam to the animals that he named.

Panda: These magnificent mammals are omnivores. But whilst they will occasionally eat small animals and fish, bamboo counts for 99 per cent of their diet. Send us stories, drawings, poems and other contributions by your little ones along with their photographs for this page. E-mail us at editor@indianweekender .co.nz

SPORTS

www.iwk.co.nz | 12 February 2016

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Olympic movement shows support for Rio 2016

ith Brazil currently in recession, International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach on Monday said stakeholders will cooperate with each other to help the 2016 Rio Games achieve a balanced budget. “The Olympic movement will show solidarity with the Brazilians in order to achieve a balanced budget, which will then serve as a solid foundation for the next six months to have finally successful and excellent Olympic Games in Brazil,” Bach told Rio 2016 official website. On February 1-2, Rio 2016 met with representatives of the 28 Olympic summer sport International Federations (IFs) in a joint effort to deliver efficiencies in the budget for the Olympic Games. In line with the IOC’ s Agenda 2020 reforms, strategies for maintaining a balanced budget were the focus of the meeting at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne,

Switzerland, reports Xinhua. The parties worked together to find creative solutions that will allow organisers to deliver successful Games on a responsible budget. Sustainability and legacy are key to all Games planning and the Rio 2016 organising committee is committed to using zero public money. The meeting was part of the ongoing close dialogue between the IOC, Rio 2016 and the IFs. Rio 2016 president Carlos Nuzman led the Rio 2016 delegation and was accompanied by his executive director of sport Agberto

Guimaraes and sport director Rodrigo Garcia. The IOC was led by Olympic Games executive director Christophe Dubi and sport director Kit McConnell. Among the ideas designed to increase efficiency that were presented to the IFs were shared working areas and more costeffective transport solutions. Matt Smith, executive director of the International Rowing Federation (FISA), said that the meeting was “really useful for us all” before adding “we have to be very efficient and make the Games financially viable for the future”.

Women’s 2017 cricket World Cup venues announced

he International Cricket Council (ICC) this week confirmed that Derbyshire, Gloucestershire, Leicestershire, London and Somerset in England will be hosting the women’s 2017 World Cup matches. The tournament will be held from June 26 to July 23. It will be the first time that the tournament will be held in England since 1993 when the hosts defeated New Zealand in the final at Lord’s ground. “In this country, last summer’s record-breaking attendances for the Women’s Ashes series showed there is a growing audience and appetite for women’s cricket - we witnessed excellent crowds, including full houses at Chelmsford and Hove, coupled with growing media and commercial interest,” Clare Connor, the ICC women’s cricket committee’s chairwoman said in a statement. Steve Elworthy, England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB)

director of events said: “This is a very exciting time for the women’s game in this country and staging a Women’s World Cup here will really help drive interest and participation in women’s cricket at every level.” “It’s critical we use this event to reach out to young children in particular so we’ve moved the tournament start date to earlier in the summer - a decision which will help our host venues encourage attendance by engaging with schools in the build-up to the event.” According to the format of the tournament, eight sides will participate in a single-league format with each side playing the other once. The top four sides following the conclusion of the league matches will progress to the semi-finals with the winners clashing at Lord’s on 23 July. A total of 31 matches will be played during the 28-day tournament.

ASTROLOGY

12 February 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Weekly forecast: February 12 to February 18 ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

Your absence may tell on the progress of a project or a task at work. Getting even with someone working against your interests may bring you into a needless confrontation, so think out subtler ways to deal with the situation. A family member’s contribution will prove invaluable on the business front. Desire to multiply your money manifold may consume you, so expect early success. Health remains satisfactory

You will need to get better acquainted with something you want to take up in a professional way. Making a positive beginning in a matter that had been worrying you for long is indicated. Take full advantage of your contacts to achieve your objectives on the academic front. Positivity and bonhomie will matter much in creating a favourable domestic environment. Take steps to make yourself financial strong.

Whatever you are involved in may take some time, but is certain to give positive results so don’t give up midway. Things are likely to work for you on the academic front. Wait and watch policy will work wonders in a contentious situation. Money comes to you from an unexpected source. Your level-headed approach will help smooth ruffled feathers. A fitness tip will benefit you immensely.

Your close association with your well wishers are set to get you some great professional opportunities. Be tactful in handling a family situation and don’t let things escalate. Someone with an ulterior motive may try to mislead you on the financial front, so remain guarded. A change of scene will be most welcome at this juncture for rest and rejuvenation. A transfer is on the anvil for government servants.

Lucky No.: 11 Lucky Colour: Baby Pink

Lucky No.: 4 Lucky Colour: Navy Blue

Lucky No.: 4 Lucky Colour: Dark Blue

Lucky No.: 3 Lucky Colour: Rose

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

Don’t take issues in a relationship lightly or you can be in for a shock. Your impulsiveness may irritate others, but will get the work done quickly. Be regular on the academic front. Your performance on the academic front remains satisfactory. Weight watchers will manage to derive full benefits by regulating their diet and continuing their exercise regime. You stand to gain in a business venture.

It may become increasingly difficult to hold the interest of someone close, if you keep upsetting him or her, so take your call. Time to sort things out in your personal life is here, so get at it. You manage the professional front well by getting totally involved in your job. Those academically inclined may opt for higher studies or may even go in for research.

Your ideas at work are likely to work and add to your professional reputation. Take your time in arriving at a crucial decision on the personal front, as it may have far reaching consequences. Preparing well for a competition may require extra efforts, so give it your best. Someone’s advice will help restore your confidence in undertaking a responsibility. Expect a pleasant surprise towards the end of the week from someone close.

Your indifference to someone’s plight can make you unpopular with him or her, so be more responsive. Those not pulling along in a relationship need to decided now, any which way. Someone moving in with you may add to your burden, but little you can do about it at this juncture. Inadequate bank balance may need prompt attention. A change of scene is needed for improving health

Lucky No.: 8 Lucky Colour: White

Lucky No.: 1 Lucky Colour: Magenta

(March 21-April 20)

(April 21-May 20)

(July 23-August 23)

(August 24-Sep 23)

Lucky No.: 4 Lucky Colour: Navy Blue

(May 21-June 21)

(Sep 24-October 23)

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov 23-December 11) Take steps to refurbish your social image by being more helpful and considerate. A boost to earning and profits is foreseen and will help make your financial front strong. Completed paperwork will help you get a loan sanctioned for your dream house. Your initiative on the romantic front will keep your chances alive with the one you admire. Make concerted efforts to come back in shape.

CAPRICORN

(Dec 22-January 21) You are likely to make rapid progress in something that you have taken up recently. It is time you reached out to someone in need of your help. Don’t make things difficult for someone trying to mend the relationship. Diet and exercise is good for health, but maintaining it may pose problems for some. Bonhomie and camaraderie will be your driving force at work; keep up the spirits.

Lucky No.: 15 Lucky Colour: Chocolate Lucky No.: 5 Lucky Colour: Green

AQUARIUS

(Jan 22-February 19) Go all out to achieve what you have wished for on the academic front, as stars appear auspicious. Those seeking suitable employment may have to make some compromises. A misplaced item or money may have to be given up as lost. Homemakers may go in for renovation work to give a facelift to the house. Those pursuing higher studies may get lucky in campus recruitment.

Lucky No.: 7 Lucky Colour: Turquoise

(June 22-July 20)

(Oct 24-November 22)

Lucky No.: 18 Lucky Colour: Peach

PISCES

(Feb 20-March 20) You may stubbornly take a stand on something you feel is right, despite negative reactions from others. Keep your cool, even if things don’t go your way; they are set to improve as the week progresses. This is a good time to implement you ideas at work. You may need to stress more on financial management to get better returns. An invitation to a party or function may provide you an opportunity to meet someone special. Lucky No.: 11 Lucky Colour: Maroon

By Manisha Koushik Manisha Koushik is the talented daughter and associate of world renowned celebrity astrologer Dr Prem Kumar Sharma. She is gifted with strong intuitions and clairvoyance right from the childhood. A practicing astrologer, tarot card reader, numerologist, vastu and fengshui consultant is based in India but maintains a global presence through the online channels. She is available for consultations online as well. Reach out to her to explore what the future holds for you. Let her tarot cards do the magic and numbers make you understand which choices in life will be best for you! E-mail: support@askmanisha.com | Website: www.askmanisha.com Contact: +91-11-26449898, 26489899 | Mobile/Whatsapp: +919015607139

FEATURES

www.iwk.co.nz | 12 February 2016

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Anjali Trihima Basra

f you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day so I never have to live without you.” When from the depth of the heart echo these words for someone you have loved and always will, the heart misses a beat and the eyes become misty because the soul experiences something which no one else sees such is the strength of love.

United States of America: Apart from Valentine ‘s Day being an opportunity to express their feelings towards their loved one or to offer the hand of friendship to others, the tradition of sending an ‘anti-Valentine’ card is also popular. These cards bearing an insulting message for an enemy, or a goodbye for the existing partner with the message C-Ya! (See you!), would mean that the partner wants to end the relationship.

SENDING MONEY TO LOVED ONES THIS VALENTINE’S DAY

A perfect synonym for such an expression is Valentine’s Day, a special occasion to celebrate love and romance. Valentine’s Day, also known as Saint Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is a celebration observed on February 14 each year. It all began when Saint Valentine was arrested for performing weddings for soldiers and Christian forbidden by the church for being persecuted by the Roman Empire. Evolving over the years and gaining popularity, this day is symbolised with heart-shaped candies, chocolates and baloons, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid the world over. World-wide? Certainly, but with different traditions. With every country celebrating Valentine’s Day in their own way, let’s take a look to some fun and interesting Valentine’s traditions around the world. Great Britain: On the eve of St. Valentine’s Day, women would pin four bay leaves to the corner of their pillows and then eat boiled eggs with salt (I prefer eating fried eggs though). They believed they would dream of their future husbands. Japan: Celebrates two Valentine’s Days on February 14th and on March 14th. On February 14th women give chocolates not only to their boyfriends, bosses and to boys who are friends (this is surely the best). The men get to do the same on March 14th, which is called ‘White Day’. South Korea: Although Valentine’s Day is celebrated as in Japan, but if women didn’t receive anything on these dates, they go to a restaurant on April 14th and eat black noodles to suffer for being single. China: Sending roses! Well what’s new? It’s actually the number of roses sent. Sending one rose means “You are my only love,” sending 11 roses means “you are my favorite,” sending 99 roses means “I promise you everlasting love,” and sending 108 roses means “marry me.” Isn’t that sweet? Denmark: Marked with funny letters: Men in this country send “gaekkebrev” (funny letters) to women on Valentine’s Day with anonymous romantic messages. At the end of the letter is a riddle and a point for each letter of their name. If the woman guesses correctly, the reward is an Easter egg.

FUN FACTS: common phrase, “wearing your heart on your sleeve”, has its origin from the Middle Ages. According to a popular tradition, young men and women would draw chits from a bowl, to know the names of their valentines and then, would wear that name on their sleeve for the entire week. Excitement abuzz: It’s not only women who are generally excited about this romantic day, men too spend quite a lot to make their partners happy. Flying Robin: It is said that if a woman sees a flying robin on Valentine’s Day, it is likely that she will marry a sailor. In case, she sees a flying sparrow then she marries a poor but a happy man. If it is a goldfinch, then luck is about to shine because there is a millionaire waiting for her. Perhaps the most intriguing of all is the fact that around 5% American women are in the habit of sending flowers to themselves on the eve of Valentine’s Day. However, girls don’t lose heart if you haven’t been proposed yet. The year 2016 is a leap year and a celebration in itself. Although we all are aware that it is customary for men to propose, but Feb 29 is the day of exception, as the girls can propose to their Sweethearts on this day and experience the change in trend.

VALENTINE GIFTS: he Red Rose symbolizing strong romantic feelings is the preferred choice for most. Cupid, the son of Venus, the Roman god of love and beauty, who often appears on Valentine cards and gift tokens holding a bow and arrows as he is believed to use magical arrows to arouse feelings of love. Lastly, all-time favourites, the chocolates and candies in heart shaped boxes are very popular. Yet the true embodiment of affection is the most beautiful and incredible gift of love- the Taj Mahal in India. Built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan as a memorial to his wife; it stands as the emblem of the eternal love story and has witnessed this day for ages and will do so till time immemorial. I personally believe, the day is a celebration of love and one does not need too many reasons to spoil someone you care about. So get those chocolates and flowers and brighten someone’s day. Happy Valentine’s Day dear readers, stay blessed and remain happy.

e v o L Lief ‘ofa

ਪਸਦ ੰ ਹੈ

pag-ibig

thân ái

사랑 Alofa

ආදරය moving money for better

*Fees subject to change (local taxes and service charges may apply). Western Union also makes money from currency exchange. Subject to terms and conditions of service. Funds may be delayed or services unavailable based on certain conditions, including amount sent, destination country, currency availability, regulatory and foreign exchange issues, required receiver action(s), identification requirements, Agent locations hours, difference in time zones or selection of delayed options. Additional restrictions may apply. See Western Union Send Form and Terms and Conditions for details. Western Union transaction limits do apply. ©2016 Western Union Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

SPECIAL FEATURE

12 February 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Vimmi Joneja

Nilima RedVenkat

Teacher

Project Manager, Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust

Immigration status: Citizen

immi’s is a small family of 4 with his husband and two children. She arrived in New Zealand in 2001. Like other migrants, Vimmi and her family also had a teething phase where they faced struggles and challenges. They moved across the country for about 5 years for job opportunities. From last 10 years her family is settled in Auckland and doing well.

Rajeev Kumar Renal Physiologist

Immigration Status: Resident

ajeev lives in here with his wife, Madhu and 11-month-old son Ryan. Born and brought up in Bihar, India, he completed his degree from St Johns Medical College, Bangalore. Being a cricket-fan, he first came to New Zealand on visitor visa to watch India-New Zealand cricket match in 2008. During his stay of one month here, he went places and realized that this is the place where he would like to spend the rest of his life. The warm and welcoming nature of people made him build his career in this country. He got a job in Auckland Hospital and joined it in 2009 after getting appropriate visa. Since then he’s offering his services to the hospital and says he loves his job.

Nimi Bedi Special Advisor, Community Empowerment Unit, Auckland Council Immigration Status: Citizen

imi’s journey in New Zealand has been quite exciting and challenging. She arrived here in 2002 and didn’t have any friends to guide or support here. But as she persevereg,e life itself taught her to become a stronger and a better human being. Today she is well settled and contributing immensely to the community. Her husband is an interpreter in Auckland while her son lives in Christchurch with his wife and son. Nimi believes that her zeal to provide advice and support to new migrants, which they were deprived of, has helped her reach her current position. She feels that the diversity of Auckland has given her the opportunity to understand interfaith and intercultural similarities with all possibility to embrace the differences.

Hitesh Sharma Director, Revel Events Ltd

Director, Mumbai Memories Ltd

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ilima Venkat is a well-known name in the Indian community. She migrated from Nigeria to New Zealand in 1998 with her husband and three daughters. As an immigrant, she realised the challenges that come with ‘being different from the mainstream’. For her family and herself, settling in New Zealand was a positive experience albeit a hard one in the beginning. New Zealand’s multi-cultural society’s acceptance of Indian cultures and festivals made the settlement process easier for her. She has been involved in Shanti Niwas Trust since 1999 in various capacities for the wellbeing of seniors and the Kiwi-Indian community. She is also involved in various organisations such as The Asian Network Inc., Sahayata, Member of the Counties Manukau Police South East Asian Advisory Board, Asian consumer representative, HDC’s Consumer Advisory Group, etc. She was awarded Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in 2013. She is a Justice of Peace and feels happy to be able to contribute to the community as a whole and to the South Asian community in particular.

Prakash Grover Senior Psychologist, Speech Pathologist and Counsellor Immigration status: Citizen

rakash lives with his wife Punita Grover who is a senior special educator (teacher) in Ministry of Education School in Auckland. His elder son, a doctor, works in a prominent hospital in Perth while the younger one is employed with the New Zealand Defence Force. Prakash believes that journey of migration for his family was based on the foundation of four pillars: proactive preparation and landing here as largely informed, togetherness and support of each other and for each other, keeping the focus on adapting and learning fast, and positive socialisation and networking. Immigration journey for their family was relatively smooth, the reason being, collecting all relevant facts about the needs, cultural aspects, social structures, educational details and potential hazards in the country.

Sebin Subash Owner, Southern Spices restaurant Immigration status: Resident

ebin arrived here in 2009 and lives with his wife and a daughter. After starting his journey as a chef at Lincoln University, Sebin is now a proud owner of a restaurant. He believes that slowly and steadily, hard work and patience always pays.

Immigration status: Resident

Aditee Naik

Management /mentoring professional

tarting his New Zealand journey as a student in 2008, Hitesh completed his degree in event management from CPIT, Christchurch. He lives with his wife in Christchurch, while his extended family lives in Bhopal, India. Soon after completing his studies, Hitesh secured an internship with Christchurch City Council’s events team. Later, he joined Vbase, one of the biggest venue management companies in New Zealand. Currently, Hitesh is working as the event coordinator in CPIT’s marketing team.

Immigration status: Citizen

ducation brought Aditee to New Zealand over eight years ago and invited her parents to live along with her a few years ago. New Zealand is now her home to. She says that she enjoys the best of both worlds—Indian culture as well as the kiwi lifestyle.

www.iwk.co.nz | 12 February 2016

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Congratulations Indian Weekender on achieving another milestone

FEATURES

12 February 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Self-driving carsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; where are they going? Red

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Mahesh K

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Usage of autonomous cars will become as normal as using an elevator. Remember how there used to be an operator in earlier elevators? But now you just press a button...

et us face it. Humans are terrible drivers. Traffic-related accidents kill around 1.5 million people a year worldwide. If you are from Delhi like me, you would dread getting in the car during peak hours. All this is about to change with self-driving cars. Yes, you would be able to text, doze and drink while in the car. While there has been quite a buzz around Google and Teslaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s self-driving cars recently, there has always been a fantastic sci-fi element about cars zipping on the roads without a driver. Let us understand what is happening and what does the future hold for autonomous cars.

this might come down, though. It is safe to say that it will be at least another 10 years before we see a mass usage of self-driving cars. Future

Googleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s self-driving car

History Sci-fi authors have been telling stories about vehicles that do not need a driver and even fly for hundreds of years. But realistic experiments began only in the 1920s. In the 1950s, the experiments seem to be going somewhere with trials happening. Then in the 1980s, real progress was made when Carnegie Mellon University and MercedesBenz along with Bundeswehr University Munich showcased working prototypes of self-driving cars. This encouraged the industry and today almost every automobile or tech company worth its salt is experimenting and researching in this field including Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Audi, Nissan, Volvo, Bosch, Tesla Motors, University of Parma, Oxford University and Google. The countries that are planning to operate self-driving cars based transport systems include U.K, France, Italy and Belgium while Germany, Spain and Netherlands have already allowed testing robotic cars in real conditions. In the U.S., there have been extensive testing and trials going on in a few states. Advantages:

Eliminate human error element thus

reducing accidents Safety on the roads and better flow of traffic Since the car is driven by a computer, it does not matter if the occupant is blind, intoxicated, under age or distracted The Earth Institute has forecasted the reduction of U.S.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; fleet of vehicles by a factor of 10

Inside the XchangeE concept car, everyone can relax, even the driver. (Credit: Rinspeed)

Major hurdles Critics say that there are hundreds of driving decisions that need to be made which work because of human judgment. The computer might not be able to sense how other human drivers will behave and drive. Things might improve when all vehicles get computer-driven until then self-driving cars will have to be on the roads with humans behind the steering wheels. Of course, there are many regulatory hurdles which will take a long time to clear. Just a few hours ago, it was reported that U.S. vehicle safety regulators are prepared to interpret the artificial intelligence system as â&#x20AC;&#x2122;driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in the context of self-driven cars in place of traditional â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;humanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; drivers. This is a major step toward getting the regulators approve the autonomous vehicles on the roads. There is also the issue of cost and affordability. All the sensors, GPS array, the computer system will bring the cost up to US$300,000. As the adaptation will grow,

Now that self-driving cars are real and there have been proofs that they could be used for mass usage, it is not a question of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ifâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; but â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;whenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; will we see self-driving cars up for sale. According to some studies, by 2025, there could be 200,000 to 250,000 self-driving cars worldwide. The annual sales of such cars are predicted to jump to 11.8 million by 2035. Which means a cumulative total of a staggering 54 million cars on the road by 2035. The poster boy of automobile technology, Elon Musk says usage of autonomous cars will become as normal as using an elevator. Remember how there used to be an operator in earlier elevators? But now you just press a button. I really love the fact that the cars will have wider learning capabilities which mean that cars will not just learn from themselves but from other cars on the road too. Imagine the collective driving experience these cars will have. Suddenly the drive motorway 1 during peak hours does not sound too scary.

Virtual reality will take time to develop: Facebook

hese are still early days for the virtual reality (VR) technologyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adoption and the VR ecosystem will take time to develop globally, social media giant Facebookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top executives have predicted. Addressing a gathering at the Goldman Sachs Technology and Internet Conference in San Francisco on February 10, Facebook chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg said that turning virtual reality into a business is part of the firmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 10-year plan rather than an immediate action item.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Her comments could be aimed at muting investor enthusiasm for the new sci-fi technology in the short term,â&#x20AC;? said a Fortune report. Echoing her comments, Facebookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chief financial officer David Wehner said there is much that can be â&#x20AC;&#x153;accomplished with virtual realityâ&#x20AC;? but it is still â&#x20AC;&#x153;very early daysâ&#x20AC;?. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It will take time to develop the ecosystem,â&#x20AC;? Wehner added. According to the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading information technology research company

Gartner Inc, the head-mounted displays (HMDs) are an emerging market and in 2016, the VR market will progress toward mainstream adoption for consumers and enterprise use. â&#x20AC;&#x153;New virtual reality HMDs for consumers, such as the HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Sony PlayStation VR, and Microsoft HoloLens are expected to be available along with video games and entertainment content as well as business applications critical for their success,â&#x20AC;? Brian Blau, research director at Gartner said in

companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s report recently. Facebook has been credited with taking an early bet on virtual reality by acquiring startup Oculus VR for $2 billion in early 2014. The company is expected to start shipping its Oculus VR headsets in March as Oculus has already started taking orders for its $599 consumer-focused headsets. Sandberg said that in the fourth quarter, Facebook saw a 51.7 percent jump in revenue to $5.84 billion. The mobile ads accounted for 80 percent of total ad revenue.

ENTERTAINMENT

www.iwk.co.nz | 12 February 2016

Black Anupam Kher goesOrange gaga over Tere Bin Laden: Dead or Alive

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also has a talent for making grown men quake in their boots every time he picks up the director’s mike! Fun to watch when it’s directed elsewhere... scary to be on the receiving end! Prakash Jha, sorry sir but I just couldn’t resist,” the actress captioned the video. Jai Gangaajal, releasing on March 4, features Priyanka in the role of a police officer.

Aditya Roy Kapur gifts Katrina truck full of roses

Hrithik Roshan, Yami Gautam to star in Kaabil

ctor Anupam Kher cannot stop praising Abhishek Sharma forthcoming directorial Tere Bin Laden: Dead or Alive which also stars his son Sikander Kher. The Padma Bhushan recipient says it is an amazingly funny film. After seeing a preview of the film, Anupam took to his Twitter handle and posted that the film which stars actors Manish Paul, Pradyuman Singh and Piyush Mishra in lead roles, is a mad film. The Saaransh actor posted: “Loved Tere Bin Laden. Such an Amazingly funny film after a long time. Congratulations ‘Shetty Sisters’. Director Abhishek Sharma is Brilliant. It is a mad mad film.” He also praised the lead actors posting: “All depts (departments) of Tere Bin Laden are fantastic. Great Team effort. Manish Paul, Pradhuman Actor and Piyush Mishra are fabulous in the film.” The comedy film is a sequel to the 2010 film Tere Bin Laden and is set to release on February 26.

Prakash has talent to make grown men quake: Priyanka

collected over Rs.23 crore in its opening weekend itself. Ghayal Once Again, which released on February 5, found appreciation by critics and audiences alike. After minting Rs.7.20 crore on its opening day itself, the film witnessed good growth towards the weekend, collecting Rs.7.65 crore on Saturday and Rs.8.40 crore on Sunday last week, read a statement. Sunny, who vowed the audience with his role of Ajay Mehra in 1990 film Ghayal, is seen in a similar avatar in Ghayal Once Again, which he has also written and directed. The new film also stars four young actors Rishabh Arora, Shivam Patil, Daina Khan and Anchal Munjal in lead roles. Om Puri and Soha Ali Khan are also a part of the film.

ctor Aditya Roy Kapur gifted his Fitoor co-star actress Katrina Kaif, a truck full of roses on the occasion of International Rose Day on Sunday. As International Rose Day is celebrated across the country exactly one week prior to Valentine’s Day, that falls on February 14, Aditya thought that this would be a perfect gesture of making Katrina feel special, said a statement. The idea came to the actor a couple of days back and he immediately got on to make arrangements for it with the backdrop of Jai Mahal in the pink cityJaipur, where the duo is promoting their forthcoming film, read a statement. Directed by Abhishek Kapoor, Fitoor is set to release on Friday, February 12 and also stars Tabu.

Ghayal Once Again mints Rs.23.25 crore in opening weekend

ctor Hrithik Roshan is excited about starting a new journey with Kaabil, a new project which will see him sharing screen space with Yami Gautam. The film will be produced by Hrithik’s father, filmmaker Rakesh Roshan; and directed by Sanjay Gupta. “Im looking forward to this journey.

ctor-filmmaker Sunny Deol’s action directorial Ghayal Once Again, which marks his return to the silver screen as angry man Ajay Mehra,

filed by her husband Sunjay Kapur claimed that she had married him for his money and that she had failed not only as a wife and daughter-in-law but also as a mother. He also claimed that she didn’t allow their kids, whose custody battle is going on, to meet him. Karisma’s lawyer had said that they’ll tell the court he was causing great harm to the children by spreading false stories and by talking about the issue in public. Karisma was last seen in Dangerous Ishq, a film which was hyped as her comeback. About hardly being spotted nowadays, she said, “I selectively leave the house. I think family is most important and my kids are most important. So I’m very happy being at home, so now you’ll ask me if I’m going to do a film, but I’m not ready to do a movie, and whenever I feel like doing it, I will do it.”

Game Of Thrones season 6 on Indian TV in April

ill Jon Snow make it back from the ring of death or has his journey in Game of Thrones ended? Indian fans of the hugely popular international medieval fantasy TV show won’t have to wait for long to know the answer. English channel Star World Premiere will bring the much anticipated season six of the HBO series to India right after its US telecast in April this year, read a statement. Other channels from the cluster—Star World and Star World HD—will also take the viewers through all the seasons of the show, which is a dramatic telling of a story of families vying for a throne. The season one to five will be aired on the channels from February 15. The show, a fantasy show inspired by novelist George R.R. Martin’s bestselling series, has racked up 12 Emmy awards from its 24 nominations in 2015.

Kaabil - we are capable of much more than we can ever imagine. Yami Gautam we are going to rock this! Sanjay Gupta,” Hrithik tweeted this week. Even Yami is happy about the news. “Can’t wait to commence this journey Hrithik! Super elated to be working with you! Let’s go,” she posted on Twitter. Gupta, who last directed Aishwarya Rai Bachchan starrer Jazbaa, tweeted, “Good Morning... And what a wonderful morning it is. I woke up to our film Kaabil officially announced by my producer Rakesh-ji.”

Karisma avoids question on divorce, says not ready for films

ctress Priyanka Chopra says her Jai Gangaajal director Prakash Jha is “amazing” at his craft, but his anger can get “scary”. Priyanka took to Instagram and shared a video of the 63-year-old filmmaker in which he is seen shouting at his crew members for not working properly. “Here’s a little fact about Prakash Jha... apart from being an amazing director, he

ctress Karisma Kapoor avoided questions related to the controversy surrounding her divorce and also said that she wasn’t ready for films now. Present at the Nykaa.com Femina Beauty Awards in Mumbai last week, Karisma was asked about the ongoing reports related to her divorce, but before the question could be completed, she said, “No comments, thank you,” and walked away. According to reports, the divorce petition

An official Star India spokesperson said, “The telecast of Game of Thrones on Star World and Star World Premiere will not only excite existing fans but also captivate first time audiences in India. This is just the first in a line of exceptional content we have planned for the year.” The final episode of the fifth season showed Jon Snow, one of the main characters essayed by British actor Kit Harington, lying lifeless in the snow. And since then the audience is rooting for Harington to come back.

ENTERTAINMENT

12 February 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Sonam lauds celebration of ‘women of worth’

ctress Sonam Kapoor, who as L’Oreal Paris brand ambassador this week unveiled the trophy, introduced the jury and announced the categories and the nominees for the Women of Worth Awards 2016, said the event is a “perfect way” to applaud women who are the changing face of modern India. Women of Worth Awards 2016 celebrate and felicitate extraordinary Indian women for their powerful contribution to the society. Expressing her support, Sonam said, “It’s an honour to be a part of this amazing campaign and the Women of Worth awards that is the brainchild of L’Oreal Paris. The brand has always celebrated the strong spirit of women, and these awards are a perfect way to admire and thank these accomplished women who represent the changing face of modern India. “With their unwavering passion, determination, selfless contribution and ability to pursue their dreams, they are a true inspiration and I am extremely happy to be in the presence of such great Women of Worth.” The platform will scout, recognise and felicitate the achievements of ordinary women who have achieved extraordinary success in making a difference to the lives of others through their bravery, conviction and drive. Manashi Guha, vice president— Marketing, L’Oreal Paris India, said, “Women of Worth Awards

is philanthropically a huge initiative undertaken by the brand to strongly support the extraordinary contribution made by Indian women in their respective fields. “These awards are our small way to distinguish the achievements of such women who embody the spirit and values of our brand.” On International Women’s Day on March 8, a conclave with eminent personalities, opinion leaders, the ‘Women of Worth 2016’ jury members and spokespersons from L’Oreal Paris and NDTV will be organised to discuss a range of subjects impacting the evolving role of women in India and issues

impacting society. The awards ceremony itself will be held in Mumbai on March 28.

Red Black Orange Huge improvement in Indian cinema in past few years: Lisa Ray

shq Forever actress Lisa Ray says Hindi cinema has shown significant improvement since the time she left the industry in the early 2000s. After she left the industry, Lisa worked in many international projects. On the difference between the other industries and India, Lisa said, “Actually I don’t like to focus on the differences. Hindi cinema has moved so far since I left in 2001. I think if you’ve been here for the whole time, you think that some things are not working, and there is always room for improvement.” “But remember, I’m seeing Hindi cinema after at least 10 years, since I’m doing a film after many years. I think there has been a huge improvement. So I think we should also stop and congratulate ourselves and then keep moving ahead and think of what else we need to improve.” Lisa’s last film in Hindi was the critically acclaimed Water directed by Deepa Mehta. She then featured in many international projects such as I Can’t Think Straight, and Let the Game Begin among others. About what prompted her to make a comeback with Ishq Forever, she said, “One of the most important things is that you look at the script, and the fact that Javed Jaffrey was there and also the producer Shabbir Boxwala is a very old friend of mine, so many different factors.” Lisa plays a RAW agent in the film directed by Sameer Sippy.

“The character is so interesting, we don’t get to see an older woman in Hindi cinema who is strong, independent. I’m going to turn 44 in April, and I’m very proud of who I am. I know that you can’t be hot in your 40s. “I think it’s a different age we’re living in where women are strong, financially independent and I wanted to play that kind of character on the big screen, it was very exciting for me,” she said. Lisa and her husband don’t have children till now. But when they do, she said, “I can’t show my children any of my films until they’re teenagers because they’re serious films. “I’m very proud of them, like ‘Water’ and many other films. I wanted to do a fun, light-hearted rom (romantic) venture which I can show to my children when they’re young and that’s another reason to do Ishq Forever.”

www.iwk.co.nz | 12 February 2016

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