Indian Weekender 14 April 2017 by Indian Weekender

Akshay Kumar

14 APRIL2017

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Vol. 9 • Issue 4

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Cyclone Cook dampen holiday-goers’ spirits this Easter ¡¡ SANDEEP SINGH

any holiday-goers from Auckland and across the entire North Island are forced to re-evaluate their travel plans this Easter weekend with Cyclone Cook gathering strength and scheduled to make a landfall somewhere between the Bay of Plenty and Coromandel Peninsula at around 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 13. This cyclone Cook is being regarded as the worst storm New Zealand has seen in generations, according to MetService. Conditions are expected to be so hazardous that MetService is advising people to seriously consider altering Easter travel plans and not to “take any chances”. Several local councils in the North Island had declared a state of emergency warning people to prepare for the worse. People have been warned to be prepared for another round of deluge, flash flooding, slips and other emergencies emanating from the incoming cyclone. Meanwhile, Auckland Council and Civil Defence Emergency Management Group are advising Aucklanders to clear gutters, check drains, keep an eye on weather forecasts and plan travel very carefully – it is going to be a very wet lead up to Easter across the Auckland region. MetService is continuing to monitor incoming tropical rain bands and the impact of tropical

The flooded Waimea River near the Appleby Bridge

cyclone Cook, making its way towards New Zealand from the Pacific.

THURSDAY UPDATE Early in the morning, there was flooding in the low-lying areas of Thames- Coromandel region forcing Thames-Coromandel District Council to declare a state of emergency. This was after the Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management Group had already declared a state of emergency on Wednesday closing all 57 schools and about 80 early learning services in the region. In Auckland, many schools and offices were closed in the afternoon to minimise possible risks when cyclone eventually hits the central business district later in the evening. The Auckland Harbour Bridge

Surface flooding at an apple orchard near Riwaka, Tasman during recent heavy rains

may be closed or have restrictions put in place if the wind gets too strong. Metservice has forecasted winds of up to 140km/h and the New Zealand Transport Agency will be monitoring conditions on the bridge. At the time of going to press long queues of commuters were being seen in Auckland CBD with people trying to leave the city before the landfall of the cyclone. Similarly, people living on the Coromandel Coast were being evacuated to higher ground as the cyclone threatens extensive

flooding. The Tapu River in the Coromandel Peninsula was close to breaching its banks on Thursday afternoon. Waves of up to 5 meter on Coromandel’s east coast are expected, which could cause coastal inundation, especially in low-lying areas near rivers and streams that are flood-prone at high tides when there is heavy rain. Meanwhile, people have been advised to avoid visiting the Coromandel until at least Saturday. Thames Valley Civil Defence had welfare teams on standby in Whitianga, Whangamata, Tairua,

Pauanui, Coromandel Town and Thames, should they be needed. Councillor John Watson, Deputy Chair of the council’s Civil Defence and Emergency Management Committee, urges Aucklanders to prepare for a wet week ahead. “We’ve had a lot of rain already in the last four weeks, and the region is pretty water-logged. It’s a good idea, while it’s still fine, to make sure gutters and drains on your property are clear, and any blockages that you see on public land are reported to the council swiftly. “If you’re driving this Easter weekend, check the weather forecasts regularly and, if you’re heading away when the worst of the weather is forecast to hit, perhaps think about adjusting your plans. “Stay safe this holiday weekend Auckland,” Mr Watson said. Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) has called for all Kiwis to take extra caution this Easter in the wake of severe weather warnings across the country. “Traditionally Easter is one of the last opportunities to get out on the water before winter sets in,” says CEO Jonty Mills. However the unseasonal weather patterns we’re experiencing need to be taken into consideration when planning water based activities this Easter,” Mr Mills further added. WSNZ is encouraging people to listen to local authorities and MetService before planning any activity.

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BOLLYWOOD SET TO DESCEND ON AUCKLAND ¡¡ SWATI SHARMA

ust in a week, the Bollywood will land in Auckland to enthral New Zealanders with power-packed performances and full-on entertainment. The countdown has begun, and with only a week to go, the organisers are all set and looking after the minutest of the details of the show. Taking the lead on event management, Deepa Sen of RS Promotions says that this is going to be the biggest Bollywood production ever. “It has officially been declared by Ticketmaster that Da Bangg has sold the most number tickets for any Bollywood show ever in the country,” she told Indian Weekender.

“Not just that, the project manager of the show has also said that this is the biggest and craziest set-up they have ever done for a Bollywood show. So clearly, that tells us what this show is going to be like. If you miss it, you are missing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she added. The stars are rehearsing day and night for the show. Recently, Sonakshi Sinha and Maniesh Paul shared their practice videos on their Instagram handles.

Talking about the show’s preparation in Auckland Ms Sen said that the lighting would be the best part of the show and it would be very different from what Bollywood lovers have seen in New Zealand. The grand stage, multiple LED screens, the extraordinary lighting arrangement will surely take this show to another level, she said. Apart from the arrangements made in New Zealand, the Da Bangg team is bringing a large number of props and costumes from India too. Ms Sen says that there will be a lot of interaction and engagement with the audience as well. “Those who are coming for the show won’t just be spectators. Rather they all will actually get to be a part of the experience. We have made special arrangements to give everyone that unique experience. But you’ll have to be there to know what it is,” she says. Lead by megastar Salman Khan, who is returning to New Zealand after two decades, the tour features superstar Bipasha Basu, Prabhu Deva, Sonakshi Sinha, Badshah, Maniesh Paul and Daisy Shah hence making for the biggest Bollywood cast to star in a live show.

The stars will be accompanied by more than 100 crew members and will arrive in Auckland on Thursday, April 20. The huge stage and venue setup at Vector Arena will begin on Wednesday, April 19. An exclusive meet and greet with the entire star cast will be held on Thursday. During the show on April 21, one lucky person will get a chance to win a Being Human t-shirt, autographed by Salman Khan especially for New Zealanders. “Salman was kind enough to sign a Being Human t-shirt for his fans in New Zealand. He wrote ‘Kia Ora NZ’ on it and personalised it for us. It would be a big takeaway for one of the concert-goers.” Talking about other promotions, Ms Sen said that the results of currently-running ‘Selfie le le re’

promo will be announced on Saturday, April 15. The winner will get an exclusive pass to the meet and greet event, an upgrade to the VIP tickets of the show and other goodies. Meanwhile, as we all prepare for the grand welcome of the megastar Salman Khan, Indian Weekender is delivering your personal welcome messages to the man himself on a life-size welcome card. If you want us to deliver yours too, visit our website or go to bit. ly/2nZwmiz and submit your messages before April 16 and we will make sure that your love and affection for your superstar reaches him. We will keep you updated with each activity related to the Da Bangg The Tour, just keep an eye on our Facebook page at facebook.com/IndianWeekender.

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Is Labour Party seeking an ‘easy ride’ to power on anti-immigration sentiments? ¡¡ SANDEEP SINGH

oes Labour’s election campaign manager Phil Twyford’s latest comment that Labour is promising to cut immigration suggests that the Party is seeking an ‘easy ride’ on anti-immigration sentiments to power? New Zealand Herald reported on Sunday, April 9, that Labour Party is mulling on cutting immigration numbers if sworn to power in next elections. There seems to be an urge in the Labour Party to ride on anti-immigration sentiments in this next election. The temptation to ride on anti-immigration sentiments is inherently present in most political parties around the world. More a political party is away from the power; more are chances of it falling prey to such naive temptations. These temptations are termed as naive as most of the times they are not backed with scientifically proven data and rationale. In the pre-Trump era of politics, such temptations were reserved as the exclusive domain of parties at the periphery of political processes in respective countries with mainstream parties taking a more responsible approach towards immigration. It seems that this has changed in the post- Trump era of politics with our Labour Party taking a plunge on anti-immigration sentiments.

Otherwise, what will explain Labour’s callousness in promising to cut immigration numbers even when they are not yet ready with a policy to offer? This is not a completely altogether new for the Labour Party which has previously on many occasions sought refuge in blaming people born overseas for Auckland’s infrastructure woes. In general anti-immigration sentiments are built upon three main pain points – strain on public services, immediate loss of jobs for native workers and socio-cultural factors of aversion to ethnic diversity or xenophobia in some extreme cases. Luckily for New Zealand, Labours are only picking up on the strain on public services and infrastructure, particularly Auckland’s infrastructure. “The current level of immigration without proper investment in infrastructure is totally irresponsible,” Mr Twyford had said on Sunday, April 9. However, will they deviate further into raising voices on the other two issues raised commonly to bolster anti-immigrant sentiments remains to be seen in the future?

Jacinda Ardern, the newly anointed Labour’s Deputy Leader cautiously remarked that no-one could deny the role immigration has played in New Zealand’s economy and diversity, but it was time for a discussion about whether Auckland could offer the “Kiwi life” to new migrants. Apparently, the strategy for Labours seems to ride on the anti-immigration sentiments cautiously without being seen publically against any particular ethnic migrants. One simple way to do that is by blaming incoming new migrants for Auckland’s infrastructural woes. In this endeavour it is convenient to repeatedly point towards the increase in record numbers of net migration, reaching a high of 71,333 this year and a total of 12,000 new residents in Auckland over a period of last three years. However, this is not a complete picture though, as migrants do not only increase the burden on public services and infrastructure. Instead, they also contribute to the local economy by bringing valuable skills and human resources along with contributing additional revenue to the public exchequer. In fact migrants anywhere in the world rarely get a free or no-charge access, to the services and infrastructure of the host nation. There is no doubt that Auckland is growing and creating some pressures on its infrastructure particularly housing and public transport, but blaming only migration for this is denying recognition to the role migrants play in Auckland’s growth story.

It will not be an exaggeration to say that many comparable world cities around the world such as Toronto, Vancouver, etc., which enjoys the prestige and status of being major world cities could not have become what they are today without the valuable contribution of migrants from all over the world. Likewise, holding incoming immigrants responsible for what many describes as growing pains of Auckland is a serious question mark on the resilience of New Zealand polity and New Zealand as a nation. According to findings in a study Fiscal Impacts of Immigration in 2013, established migrants contributed approximately 35% more to income tax revenue per capita than the New Zealand-born. Assuming all things remain same for the last three years where a net 120,000 residents were added for the Auckland super city, these new residents would also have contributed an additional 35% income tax revenue. Government and the opposition political parties would do well to propose innovative ideas to how best to use this additional corpus being created by new migrants for the development of Auckland’s infrastructure instead of beating the drum around immigration numbers. When political parties start blaming immigration numbers without an appropriate policy in place just before the elections, then it suggests their despondency to win elections riding on anti-immigration sentiments.

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What’s the fuss about this radio show? ¡¡ IWK BUREAU

hile the Indian origin community in Auckland had been well served with their own language and cultural radio stations for past many years, a new radio show recently developed and launched by HUMM FM 106.2 is fast gaining attention in the community.

Going by the eclectic name of What’s the Fuss, this vibrant and refreshing program combines hard-hitting political discussions, burning community issues and cricket chitchat under the segment Silly Point every Sunday from 4-6 p.m. on 106.2 HUMM FM. The show is setting its bar high with ambitious plans to include high profile politicians and community leaders to come on the show to have a dialogue with the listeners. Among its most prominent guests are Prime Minister Bill English, Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett and Leader of Opposition Andrew Little. The show seems to be presenting balanced stories addressing the local community and bring forward community aspirations for better solutions to the matters of collective concern. It will not be an exaggeration to assert that What’s the Fuss is a hard-hitting platform for the Kiwi Indian voice to be heard forcefully. Presented by a team of career journalists

the show has set HUMM FM 106.2 phone lines ringing and listener’s feedback streaming in on the HUMM FM interactive app. As one of its avid listeners –Seema Chatly, co-owner Chatly Group of Backpackers & Motels, commented “I like the way this show is coming along and definitely tune in to listen to the lively banter between the wellinformed panellists. I would like to hear more about issues which affect us on a day to day basis whether related to our home, children or businesses,” “We are keen to bring in the voice of our listeners to the forefront and compel our political leaders and community representatives to provide some answers and support the concerns of the community in a more proactive manner. What’s the Fuss is the first step in this direction, and we are working towards creating a show to bring the views, opinions and discussions with the experts on board,” says HUMM FM Director, Roshila Prasad. The What’s the Fuss panel consists of Ajai, Roy, Ragini, Ram & Rohit. Tune in every Sunday from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. on HUMM FM 106.2 for a taste of What’s the fuss.

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150 Indians to participate in World Master Games 2017 ¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

¡¡ SWATI SHARMA

round 151 Indians are travelling from India to New Zealand to compete at the 9th World Master Games to be held in Auckland. The world’s largest multi-sport event is held every four years with 28 sports categories and 45 disciplines. The 10-day event will start on Friday, April 21 with the opening ceremony at Eden Park and conclude on Sunday, April 30. Archery, Badminton, Baseball, Basketball, Canoe, Cycling, Lawn Bowls, Rowing, Rugby, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Triathlon, Sailing, Volleyball, and Waterpool are some of the 28 sports categories. New Zealand will host 231 matches across 48 competition venues in Auckland and the Waikato region over ten days this year. Most of the Indian sportsmen and women travelling to New Zealand are participating in the athletics (cross country/road runs), basketball, cycling, golf, squash, swimming, table tennis, weightlifting, and para-athletics. Athletes as young as 25 years old and as old as 101 years old are participating in the mega sporting event. 101-year old Man Kaur, 78year old Usha Sharma, 77-year old Dharam Paal Sharma, and 76-year old Shaila Tilak are competing in the cross country run in athletics. “Age is no bar, therefore I am interested in participating in the world-level championship here,” Usha Sharma, the 78-year old athlete said. 82-year old Om Autar Seth, 73-year old

Bakula Patel and 71-year old Gopal Rao are competing in the swimming category, and 81year old Mukund Palvalkar is participating in Badminton group. “Even though I am suffering from Asthma since last 55 years and this has never been an impediment in my pursuit of becoming a National Swimming Champion since last 15 years. I would like to swim till the last day of my life,” Om Autar Seth, the 82-year old swimmer said. Ella Kumar, a member of the Puketapapa Local Board, is participating in the 10 km cross-country run scheduled for 7:30 am on Saturday, April 22. Ms Kumar is also a volunteer at the event and will be lead a team of volunteers at three venues, Pakuranga Golf Club, Trust Arena and Henderson Sports Complex. The closing ceremony will be held at 7.30 p.m. at the Entertainment Hub on Queens Wharf on Sunday, April 30. The next World Masters Game will be held in Kansai region of Japan in 2021.

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Satta Vairowalia returns with a new single

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ward-winning lyricist Satnam aka Satta Vairowalia of Auckland is back with his another single Yaadan Teriyan. It is a romantic song with a message and has been written and sung by Mr Vairowalia. The song will be officially realeased soon. Yaadan Teriyan is being launched under the banner of Reejhan Films and has been produced entirely in New Zealand— from recording to mixing and shooting. Sandeep Singh Bath of Reejhan Films said that this is a good sign for the growth of the Punjabi media and film industry in New Zealand. “We are proud to say that this is a complete in-house production. Our entire team is based in New Zealand, be it the music composer, editor, videographer, director or actors. We want to focus on good work and also want our local community to grow. And we are happy to be moving in that direction,” Mr Bath said. The media screening of the video song was held on Saturday, April 8 and received a positive response from the attendees. The song has originally featured in the award-winning Punjabi film Asal Janam and has been reproduced as a single video song. Gurneet Rehsi has given a soothing music that suits the feels and lyrics of the song, while the directors Samir Patil and Mr Bath have done a great job is making sure that the right message is delivered through the video. Mr Bath said that they want to promote local talent and encouraged anyone from New Zealand, who needs a platform to showcase their talent, to approach him.

“I want to invite anyone who has a talent and is looking for a medium to show it to the world to get in touch with us. We will not only give them a platform but will also provide support as much as possible,” he said. Mr Vairowalia said that writing this song was a different experience for him as this was the first time he wrote a song for a situation or a story. “I had always written songs and then a video or a situation was created according to it. But this time I was given the story and had to write for that. It wasn’t easy but was a great experience and I enjoyed it a lot. I hope people also show their love to Yaadan Teriyan like they did to Geetkariyaan,” he said. Satta Vairowallia recently won the Best Song with Meaningful Lyrics award at the PTC Punjabi Music Awards 2017 for his last song Geetkariyaan, sung by Gurshabad and himself.

Popular fulllength Gujarati play returns

www.iwk.co.nz | 14 April 2017

¡¡ SWATI SHARMA

ujarati theatre artists are all set to bring a full-length play to give the Gujarati patron a taste of their homeland. After three full-house shows, Mara Var No Varghodo (meaning ‘My husband’s wedding procession’) is returning on May 2728 and will be performed at Green Bay High School Performing Arts Centre, 161 Godley Road, Auckland. There has been a continuous public demand of the play to be performed again. A 100 per cent on comedy quotient, it is sure to leave you in splits as it was seen in the last three shows. But it is a comedy with a message and has something for everyone to take home with them. The play has no language barrier and anyone who knows Gujarati, Hindi or Marathi would be able to understand and enjoy it. It is scripted by Jayesh Bateriwala and features Rupal Solanki, Jayesh Bateriwala, Jyotsana Trivedi, Shweta Diwaker, Kuntal

Trivedi, Chirag Solanki, Sachin Purohit, Prashant Belwalkar, Richisha Desai and Sidhhraj Solanki Back in 2011, the Gujarati theatre scene was not much active in Auckland, but it has recently picked up pace with increasing number of Gujju productions. The cast and crew are all excited to showcase the evergreen production and is ready to give an opportunity for the diaspora to see a highquality production. This play is not to be missed if you want to enjoy a relaxing laughter-filled evening and the surprise elements in the play.

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SOUTH LINE

News-in-brief from South Island

Muhammad Yunus: Social businesses

and entrepreneurship should be encouraged in NZ ¡¡ GAURAV SHARMA

n the last 40 plus years that the Nobel Peace Prize winner, Mr Muhammad Yunus and his brain-child Grameen Bank, have been servicing the people of Bangladesh, the country has taken great strides in all the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) – ranging from halving extreme poverty rates to halting the spread of HIV/ AIDS and providing universal primary education. Sharing this was Mr Yunus, I while addressing a gathering believe in Christchurch on April in and work 9 – an event organised towards three zeros. by SingularityU Zero poverty, zero Christchurch Chapter, in unemployment, and a build up to the Social zero net carbon Enterprise World Forum emission. (SEWF) 2017, scheduled to be held in the City in September. He was visiting South Island to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Lincoln University to operate the first Yunus Social Business Centre in New Zealand. Such centres are established across the world – including in Australia and London – to build awareness of social business, and undertake training and education,

¡¡ GAURAV SHARMA

Muhammad Yunus addressing the gathering in Christchurch on April 9

provide mentoring, and support research on social business. “Our decades of learnings which can be applied to New Zealand as well, include encouraging more and more social enterprises to mushroom in this country. Even private businesses should also direct their CSR funds towards social businesses.

Prayer meeting for the two Sikh boys recently killed in an accident

Additionally, the way to tackle unemployment and get people out of welfarism is to empower them and encourage entrepreneurship,” Mr Yunus said, elaborating on what New Zealanders can learn from his massive body of work. “If you ask me what worries me the most, it is the wealth concentration at the top. Eight

people own more than the bottom 50 per cent of the world’s population. “It’s unsustainable in the long run,” he added. Mr Yunus concluded sharing his vision for the future, “I believe in and work towards three zeros. Zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero net carbon emission.”

RIPE FOR REDEVELOPMENT

ndians in Christchurch joined hands in sharing the grief of two families who lost young men recently in an accident north of Christchurch. In a prayer meeting held at the City’s Latimer Square on Sunday, April 9, and attended by hundreds, tributes were paid to Kamal Preet Singh, 22, from Punjab, and Lovepreet Singh Waraich, 19, from Haryana. Both died on March 28, when their car collided with a truck in Culverden in North Canterbury. According to the Indian High Commission in Wellington, both their bodies have been sent to India to their respective families.

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www.iwk.co.nz | 14 April 2017

Prospective first home buyers in Community embarks on fund-raising drive for community get free-expert advice $1.2m Indian Centre in Christchurch This came out in the first-ever home buying seminar held for the Indian community in the City ¡¡ GAURAV SHARMA

any prospective first home buyers in the Indian community in Christchurch were delighted to hear some precious advice on how to arranging capital from a Credit seasoned expert. history, “For turnsecurity against the key projects – loan, terms of the loan, house and land repayment arrangements, Indians at the first-home buying seminar packages, you the purpose for buying pay a deposit to spread awareness among the property, capacity for C h r i s t c h u r c h upfront and based social the Indian community on their repayment, and upfront the remainder options.” Explaining what he calls organisation Indian deposit, are the main when the property eight keys that banks consider Cultural Group considerations. is complete. It’s before approving mortgages, Mr (ICG) on April 10. important to note that Miglani noted, “Credit history, The seminar was part of you may be able to purchase security against the loan, terms of a series of informative sessions such a package with as little as 5 the loan, repayment arrangements, ICG organises, dealing with issues percent deposit. of health, finances, and women the purpose for buying the And your KiwiSaver firstproperty, capacity for repayment, empowerment. On the need for home withdrawal or KiwiSaver and upfront deposit, are the this particular initiative about HomeStart Grant can make a part main considerations. buying property, Mr Sandeep or all of your deposit,” informed Sachdev, President of ICG, added, Most first home buyers don’t Mr Nathan Miglani, from Loan “Arranging finance for buying a have 20 percent deposit, but you Market, while addressing the property is a complicated process, will need at least 5 percent of gathering at a free first-home especially for first-home buyers. genuine savings to qualify for a buying seminar organised by the That’s why we brought in Nathan brand new turn-key property.”

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The trustees of the Canterbury Indian Community Centre Trust

¡¡ GAURAV SHARMA

he recently incorporated Canterbury Indian Community Centre Trust (CICCT) has started raising funds to make the dream of an Indian community centre in Christchurch a reality in the next two years. The Trust hit the ball rolling on April 8 in a specially organised ghazal and old Hindi melodious songs night, where the attendees were introduced to the objectives of CICCT by Mr Ponnuram Venu Gopal, one of the its trustees. “The Indian Community Centre will be a place of Indian identity, where we can host community events; family functions; as well as language, arts and music classes. Our organisation is nonreligious and non-regional, and has come into existence solely for making the Indian community

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centre a reality,” Mr Gopal added. CICCT has estimated that the Centre will cost almost $1.2 million. It is also envisaged to provide sports facilities, as well as host a library on Indian culture and history, and a small museum depicting the journey of Indians in the South Island. Mr Rajiv Gulati, another trustee, also launched the organisation’s website (cicc.org.nz) on this occasion, and introduced all the 13 trustees to the wider community. “Anyone who wants to help can make monthly contributions, and spread awareness about this initiative. We will also be organising special events similar to today’s song night, as well as garage sales, to raise funds for this initiative,” Mr Gulati said.

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14 April 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

Aucklanders celebrate Vaisakhi with great pomp and show Devotees from places as far as Pukekohe, Hastings, Hamilton, and Tauranga had also come to the grand Vaisakhi celebrations in Otahuhu. “The event is not just a celebration but something to leave behind for the coming generations. We need to educate our next generation of children the importance of this festival so that the culture remains alive in their hearts,” Mr Singh added.

Sikh community members join the nagar kirtan in Otahuhu

¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

ore than two thousand men, women and children gathered at the Vaisakhi celebrations on Saturday, April 8, in Auckland. The annual event was organised by Supreme Sikh Society of New Zealand, which looks after the Gurudwara Sahib, Otahuhu and Gurudwara Sri Kalgidhar Sahib in Takanini. Vaisakhi is one of the most important events in the calendar of the Sikh community as it commemorates the establishment of Khalsa or the Khalsa Panth of warriors under Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. This day has an enormous significance in the lives of the farmers as it is the time for them to harvest the months of toil in the field. Every year Vaisakhi is celebrated with immense enthusiasm and grandeur by the Sikh community in New Zealand, especially in Auckland, Hastings and Tauranga. The day comprises of saying prayers, singing hymns and thousands join the parade called nagar kirtan. “We did our first nagar kirtan in the year 1996, and since then have always been

successful in getting the masses be a part of this great tradition for the last 22 years,” Daljit Singh, a member of Supreme Sikh Society said. The celebrations commenced at 10 a.m. with a kirtan (chanting of hymns) by Kuldip Singh Kanpuri. This was followed by another kirtan by Harnam Singh Sri Nagar and a Katha by Singh Sahib Giani, a Granthi from the Golden Temple in Amritsar who travelled to New Zealand for the celebration. The nagar kirtan (street parade) started at 12.30 p.m. from Otahuhu Gurudwara on Princess Street with children clad in blue, white and saffron uniforms, Khalsa badges on their turbans and holding modular wooden sticks, spears and swords. The children performed Gatka – a traditional form of combat training on the streets, while the parade moved towards the Otahuhu shopping mall. An open trailer decorated with flowers and items paraded alongside the devotees on the Otahuhu streets. The trailer carried the holy book of the Sikh community Sri Guru Granth Sahib along with the priest of the Gurudwara and many senior members of the community.

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Vaisakhi— the day Khalsa was born ¡¡ RANJIT SINGH

n Sikhism, Vaisakhi is celebrated every year on April 14 (first day of Vaisakh month as per Nanakshahi calendar). This was the day when the 10th guru of Sikhs– Guru Gobind Singh founded a unique body known as Khalsa at Anandpur Sahib in 1699. The Sikhs had started facing religious persecution during the reign of Mughals in India. The ninth guru of Sikhs and father of Guru Gobind Singh, Guru Teg Bahadur was executed in 1675 for protecting the rights of Hindus. In 1699 Guru Gobind Singh summoned his followers from all over India at Anandpur Sahib on the day of Vaisakhi. He encouraged them to uplift their faith and preserve their religion. Addressing the huge gathering, he raised his sword and asked a volunteer willing to sacrifice his life for their faith. There was a complete silence. He repeated his demand three times. On his third call, a person stood up and came forward offering his life. Guru sahib took him inside the tent and reappeared after some time with his sword covered in blood. He repeated this process four more times. After some time, he came out with the five volunteers in blue dresses and turbans. He named them panj pyare meaning five beloved ones. The five volunteers were Bhai Daya Singh, Bhai Dharam Singh, Bhai Mohkam Singh, Bhai Himmat Singh and Bhai Sahib Singh. Then they were baptised in a ceremony called Pahul in which Guru sahib prepared amrit or the holy water in a bowl.

Guru sahib’s wife Mata Sundri Ji added patashas (sugar crystals) in the bowl, and Guru sahib recited Gurbani while using his double-edged sword (kirpan) to stir amrit. Once he completed Gurbani recitation, he served and sprinkled the amrit on the panj pyaras. He then knelt before them and requested them to baptise him as well. He said, “I am where the five beloved ones are,” and said that they are the embodiment of ‘guru’ themselves. He introduced five distinctive symbols known as five K’s—Katchera or underwear, Karra or iron bracelet, Kesh or unshorn hairs, Kirpan or sword and Kangha or wooden comb. Guru sahib gave the titles of ‘Singh’ to men which mean lion and ‘Kaur’ to women which mean princess. With the creation of Khalsa, he blessed Sikhs with purity, equality, courage and sacrifice. Ranjit Singh a reader of Indian Weekender and is currently working for Auckland Transport. He actively takes part in community works by providing appropriate information on different occasions through writing or vocally. Through this article, he wishes to educate the wider community about Vaisakhi’s importance in Sikh religion.

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www.iwk.co.nz | 14 April 2017

NZ Sikh Society founder passes away ¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

rominent Sikh community leader Harbans Singh Randhawa, aged 88 died at Waikato Hospital in Hamilton on Thursday, April 6. Mr Randhawa, who served the community for more than four decades, played an integral role in establishing a strong Sikh community in New Zealand. He was the founding member of the New Zealand Sikh Society which was formed in 1964. He also laid the foundation stone of the first Sikh religious centre in New Zealand in 1977, Gurudwara Sahib Ji on Te Rapa Road, Hamilton. Mr Randhawa was born in 1928 in a village in Punjab, India. He completed his schooling in Jalandhar City and later joined the Indian Army services at Jalandhar Cantonment. In 1945 he married Srimati Bakshish Kaur in Jalandhar. Mr Randhawa came to New Zealand in 1949 and joined his father, Mr Inder Singh Randhawa on the family farm near Taumarunui. Mr Randhawa’s wife, mother and elder sons, Ajit and Jarnail acceded to the family in New Zealand in 1953. After spending several years back in India, he settled with his wife on a dairy farm in Waikato in 1963. He served the Central Indian Association, and he was awarded a life membership of the NZ Sikh Society for his decades of services and contribution to the community. In 1991, he was awarded the Hind Rattan Award by the Indian Prime Minister for his outstanding service among the Indian Diasporas. He was also awarded the Queens

Service Medal in the year 2000 by the Governor-General of New Zealand. Community leaders and members of the NZ Sikh Society attended Mr Randhawa’s memorial service at the Hamilton Park Crematorium Chapel in Hamilton on Tuesday, April 11 at 11.30 a.m. This was followed by a religious ceremony at the first Sikh Gurudwara, Te Rapa in Hamilton. Mr Randhawa is survived by his sons, daughters and grandchildren.

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14 April 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

Advisory panels to bring more views on Auckland Council table ¡¡ SANDEEP SINGH

uckland Council’s demographic advisory panels have kicked off a new three year term this week, ensuring the views of Aucklanders spanning generations, cultures, ethnicities and abilities continue to be represented in council decisions. The recruitment process for the Disability Advisory Panel, Ethnic Peoples Advisory Panel, Pacific Peoples Advisory Panel, Rainbow Communities Advisory Panel (Māori positions) and Seniors Advisory Panel was stretched out for seven weeks starting from December 19 to February 9. These advisory panels offer strategic advice to the council on regional policies, plans and strategies and matters of interest to their respective communities. While the advisory panels do not have decision-making powers, their insights are vital to informing the work of council staff and recommendations presented to the mayor, elected members and council committees. At an induction forum on Monday, April 11, Mayor Phil Goff had thanked new and returning panel members for the responsibilities they have taken on for the betterment of Auckland city. Mr Goff acknowledged the importance of the role of members of these advisory panels in bringing the views of Aucklanders to the council table. Currently, a separate recruitment process designed by Auckland’s young people is underway for the Youth Advisory Panel. The Youth Advisory Panel is set up by the Mayor of Auckland and Governing Body

*Conditions Apply

as the voice of young people, ensuring they have a voice within the democratic process of the Auckland Council, as well as advise Council on matters relating to Youth. It is a leadership position as the incumbent would be representing their local area on the Panel, alongside other young leaders from Auckland. There will be 21 members who will be selected from 21 local board areas. Shail Kaushal, the local Puketapapa board member, is encouraging youth aged 14-24 to apply for this position. “I am encouraging all youths; especially in Puketapapa area to think about this opportunity. “I was privileged to go through a similar opportunity in 2010 which highlighted to me the positive difference that public service can make. “So you never know where you may end up by taking such an opportunity,” Mr Kaushal said. The term for all advisory panels, including the youth advisory panel will be until September 2019. All panel members are paid meeting fees for each meeting and workshop that they attend and are reimbursed for travel expenses as per the Auckland Council Fees Framework and Expenses Policy for Appointed Members. There are slight changes on how the youth advisory panel will be selected this term based on the recommendations from young people across Auckland. A regional selection process for the Youth Advisory Panel has now been developed.

Applicants must now live, work, study and/or have meaningful connections to the local board areas they want to apply for. Members are selected rather than elected. To qualify: • Need to be aged between 14 and 24. • Not have any previous criminal records. • No conflict of interest with Auckland Council (e.g. you are not elected or are working for Auckland Council) • Be a NZ Citizen or Permanent Resident. Selection Criteria will require applicants to have a clear understanding of the roles and functions of the Youth Advisory Panel, good understanding of the issues young people are facing in Auckland, good understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi and ability to work as a team. Selection Panel will shortlist applicants, with interviews taking place from April 18th to 28th.

Application closes on Monday, April 17. Each of the panels will meet over the next three months to plan their forward work programme to the end of the current term of council in 2019. The work programme will include at least one community forum per year to facilitate direct engagement between the council and their respective communities.

Kabaddi league enthrals local crowd ¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

he 12th edition of Kabaddi Cup 2017 organised by Kabaddi New Zealand Federation is reaching its final stages with its deciding matches scheduled for Sunday, April 23 in Takanini. The tournament started on Friday, March 19 with a total of 11 clubs competing for the title. Kabaddi Cup has gained tremendous momentum over the years as players from Canada, Australia, America and India participate in the tournament. This year, 22 players, two umpires, two internationally renowned commentators from India are participating in the tournament with two Indian players - a raider and a defender, assigned equitably to each team. Two veterans who kept the Kabaddi fire alive in Punjab have also been called at the tournament to be honoured by the NZ Kabaddi Federation. Kabaddi, the Indian contact team sport has received global recognition and is played at major competitions such as Asia Kabaddi Cup, Kabaddi World Cup, Pro-Kabaddi League and at Asian Games where India has won all seven Gold medals since 1990. In New Zealand the first local Kabaddi match was held in 1990, and the first major tournament was organised in 2005 with the opening of the Sri Kalgidhar Sahib Gurudwara in Takanini. Since then Takanini Gurudwara had been taking a lead in bringing players from international clubs based in Australia, Canada, US and India to the delight of local fans of the game in New Zealand. This year the inaugural match was played at the Gurudwara Sri Kalghidhar Sahib Takanini sports complex on Sunday, March 19, in Auckland, which was followed by matches in Hamilton, Hastings, Te Puke, and Papatoetoe. The eleven teams in the league are Waikato Sports Club from Hamilton, Hawkes Bay Sports Club from Hastings, Kalgidhar Sports Club, Punjab Kesri Sports Club, Malwa Lions Club and Desh Punjab Sports Club from Auckland, Dashmesh Sports Club and Young Sports Club from Te Puke, Tiger Sports Club, Bhindrawala and Bay of Plenty Sport Club from Tauranga. Two independent referees and two international umpires have also been reined in to judge the matches at the tournament.

Photo courtesy:Kabaddi365.com

Hundreds of Kabaddi enthusiasts have cheered these players at the games held at different locations with running commentaries in Punjabi language. Of the five matches held so far Kalgidhar Sports Club from Auckland and Waikato Sports Club from Hamilton have won one match each while Dashmesh Sports Club from Te Puke has won three games. The semi-final matches are scheduled to be held at Te Puke on Friday, April 14 and Papatoetoe on Sunday, April 16, 2017. The final game will be held on Sunday, April 23 from 11 a.m. at Takanini Gurudwara. Two volleyball tournaments were also held beside the Kabaddi Cup on Sunday, March 19 and 26 at Takanini Gurudwara sports complex. Three teams Kalgidhar Lions, New Zealand Black Spikes, and Bay of Plenty Sports Club competed in the two-weekend tournaments. Bay of Plenty Sports Club won the March 19 tournament beating NZ Black Spikes, and Kalgidhar Lions beat the NZ Black Spikes on March 26 finals.

NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 14 April 2017

Family violence—it’s not OK Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi

National List MP

amily violence is one of New Zealand’s most difficult social issues. It can take a number of forms, including physical, verbal, emotional, economic, religious, and sexual abuse. We understand the effects that family violence has on our society, our communities and our future generations. We also understand the need to act sooner to keep victims safer and change perpetrator behaviour. And we need a new approach to better identify the risk and recognise the patterns of family violence. That is why this government is putting a stake in the ground and making changes to help reduce abuse in Kiwi families. We are making system-wide changes. Across 16 different portfolios, ministers and departments are working together to redesign the way our system prevents and responds to family violence. This is part of our cross-agency work overseen by the Ministerial Group on Family Violence and Sexual Violence. We are starting by overhauling our civil and criminal laws to build a more integrated and more effective legal framework for tackling family violence. Our Family and Whanau Violence Legislation Bill is the biggest reform of domestic violence laws in 20 years. The Bill proposes changes to better support victims and their families. Protection orders will be easier to apply for with simpler application forms. And non-government

“

We are starting by overhauling our civil and criminal laws to build a more integrated and more effective legal framework for tackling family violence

organisations (NGOs) will be able to apply on behalf of particularly vulnerable victims who are unable to apply themselves. We also understand the value of early intervention and helping perpetrators change their behaviours and break the intergenerational cycle. That is why we will create an independent risk and needs assessment pathway for police safety order referrals - directing perpetrators to programmes and services they need. Family violence is also a big issue in our ethnic communities. The Police have also reported an increase in family violence issues in ethnic communities. Recently I had the opportunity to visit Gandhi Nivas with the Rt Hon Prime Minister Bill English. Gandhi Nivas is a partnership between Nirvana Foundation, Counties Manukau Police and Sahaayta Counselling and Social Support. It provides early intervention and prevention services to at-risk individuals with the objective of helping them change their behaviour, reduce the likelihood of further domestic violence and increase safety for their families. Other organisations such as

Bhartiya Samaj and Shanti Niwas run under the able leadership of Shri Jeet Suchdev and Smt Nilima Venkat also provide support to victims of domestic violence. These partnerships are effective in addressing root causes of domestic violence. The bill also proposes changes to better protect the safety of adult and child victims following separation. Courts must consider extra family violence factors when assessing a child’s safety in Care of Children Act (CoCA) proceedings, including whether a temporary protection order has been made and if there have been any breaches. We want family violence offending to be clearly flagged in the criminal justice system. Our changes will facilitate the sharing of perpetrator information among

all sectors and professionals to inform risk assessment and management and assist the court processes. The bill also ensures family violence is effectively prosecuted and that behaviours are clearly criminalised by introducing new family violence offences of strangulation, coercion to marry, and assault on a family member. Family violence is not a problem that government can solve alone—it requires all New Zealanders to think differently, we all need to. The government is working hard to reduce New Zealand’s rate of family violence. However, everyone in our community needs to think differently and take action to tackle this important issues.

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14 April 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

$155m donation a wonderful gesture: PM

rime Minister and COP23 president Voreqe Bainimarama says Germany’s support of $70 million Euros (around F$155m) to host the COP23 is a wonderful gesture. The conference will be held at Bonn, Germany, in November. Fiji’s Cop 23 logo was launched at the Suvavou House yesterday. Mr Bainimarama said the logo would be viewed by billions of people around the world through media and social websites. He said while Fiji was the incoming president for COP23, there was no way that the country could accommodate more than 20,000 people at the meeting. Welcoming the German State

From left: German State Secretary for Environment Jochen Flasbarth, Cop23 design competition winner Maria Ronna Pastorizo-Sekiguchi and Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama after unveiling Fiji’s Cop23 logo on April 11, 2017.

Secretary for Environment, Jochen Flasbarth and his delegation, Mr Bainimarama said Germany was generously hosting the conference and picking up the cost of doing so. “It is a wonderful gesture and

especially when the German Government has said that it wants this to be a Fijian COP and has offered to pay for our branding of the event and the Fijian performers, cultural items and artifacts that we

the many people who have helped them accomplish their dreams. Ms Ravaga, who is a graduate in Bachelor of Computer Application, shed tears of joy remembering the hardship she went through. “Graduating with my Fijian family was such a proud moment. I remember the first day we stepped foot into the Acharya gates and now having to leave is pretty hard,” she said. “I would like to dedicate this accomplishment to my family especially my mum and dad, for playing an instrumental role

in believing and having faith in me. Graduating today was only a dream that I doubted myself accomplishing. “This wouldn’t be possible without the Lord for helping and guiding us throughout the three years and I thank ICCR for giving us the opportunity.” Sheldon Chanel, a graduate with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Journalism, Psychology and English, said studying in India was an opportunity of a life time. “Leaving the luxuries of my home and coming to a completely unfamiliar place was certainly

Fijian five graduate in India

ife is a struggle in India especially for any foreign student but that did not stop five Fijian students to graduate on April 7, 2017 from the Acharya Institute of Graduate Studies (AIGS) affiliated with Bangalore University. The Fijian graduates are: Sheldon Chanel, Rebecca Heather, Mereoni Liema Ravaga, Rajveer Bali and myself. It was a day we will always remember as we donned our caps and gowns and flashbacks of the challenges we faced. Each graduate has their own stories of struggle and

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will take to Bonn to infuse COP23 with the Bula spirit,” he said. He said Fiji would be working closely with Germany and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to make COP23 an absolute success. Meanwhile, he announced the winners of our national logo competition and unveiled the winning design. Maria Ronna Pastorizo-Sekiguchi of the Fijian design company – the Greenhouse Studio – is the winner. Mr Bainimarama said the final design was based on her entry into the competition and a logo that would be seen around the world in the coming months and one which

every Fijian could be proud of. He said the logo captured the vulnerability to climate change of a small island developing state like Fiji. “The island partially submerged and a huge wave bearing down on it. The wave as you can see is also in the form of a cyclone, with that eye in the middle. “So especially in light of our experience with Cyclone Winston last year that caused so much heartbreak, this is a very stark and effective message to take to the world,” he said. Ms Pastorizo-Sekiguchi, who has a designer and communications background said she came up with the concept as she thought of Fiji’s state during TC Winston.

nerve-racking, but it was made easier by the people I met here, some of whom were equally new to the place and the others who had learnt to adapt before me. “The real reason I made it was because of my friends who have

now of course become family. Without whose help and support my resolve would have faltered.” The students came to India to study under the Indian Centre for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarship.

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aking a tangible, positive difference to peoples’ lives is the most important thing any government

can do. Thanks to nine years of sound economic management which has put New Zealand back on track financially, we are in an excellent position to do just that. And we are taking advantage of that opportunity. A couple of weeks ago, I had breakfast with the children of Holy Cross School in Porirua to mark the eight millionth free breakfast served in schools across the country., Thanks to the KickStart Breakfast programme, 28,000 students in more than 900 schools now start each day with a healthy breakfast at no cost to their schools. The programme is a partnership between government, Fonterra and Sanitarium, supported by volunteers who run the breakfast clubs. From the community to central government, it is great to see everybody doing their bit to give kids the best start to the day. Later that day, I launched the new Ministry for Vulnerable Children, Oranga Tamariki with Social Development Minister Anne Tolley. This new ministry is another milestone on a journey this Government began six years ago to better understand the lives of our more

vulnerable people. It will work with families and whānau to ensure children and young people have access to the care and support they need to make the most of their lives. It will do this by putting children and young people’s safety and wellbeing first, and ensuring they have a say in the decisions that affect them. I really enjoyed meetinga number of young people at the launch who have been in state care at some point, and have had the opportunity to contribute to the overhaul. I’m pleased to report they seemreally positive about this change. We have made a number of other changes to support New Zealanders and their families recently. On April 1, we increased superannuation by 1.4 per cent, maintaining our commitment to keep superannuation at 66 per cent of the net average wage; wereduced ACC levies further;and we increased the minimum wage by another 50 cents an hour. I’m proud of this National-led Government’strack record of increasing the minimum wage every year since coming into office. We also increased benefit rates by 1.1 per cent. This comes on top of last year’s increase to benefits for families with children by $25 a week, the first time in 43 years a government has lifted them. Ever since I became Prime Minister, I’ve been clear we are committed to improving peoples’ lives. This National-led Government will continue to work hard to make New Zealand an even better place to live, work and raise a familyand these are some practical changes that will make the lives of New Zealanders better.

FIJI

www.iwk.co.nz | 14 April 2017

Easter spreads happiness: Indian envoy

lthough we follow different faiths and religion, the basic religion for mankind is humanity. These were remarks by Indian High Commissioner to Fiji Vishvas Sapkal during the Good Friday and Easter Hymn Singing at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Suva on Tuesday, April 10. Mr Sapkal said: “We will be celebrating Easter and Good Friday next week. “Easter gives a message for helping others, spreading happiness, giving to the needy and poor people. This is the reason the event is arranged on that occasion. There is nothing greater than music which gives you the message of peace coming together and be united.

Fiji Day overseas voter registrations

verseas voter registration drive for Fiji's 2018 General Election will take place during the Fiji Day celebrations this year. Electoral Commission chairman Suresh Chandra said registration teams would be deployed to countries where Fiji had foreign missions. "The Fijian Elections Office (FEO) will be working closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to coordinate logistics and other facilitations to implement the program," he said. "The registration drives planned this year will allow overseas Fijians who still hold a valid Fiji passport to prepare and make arrangements to meet our registration teams during the Fiji Day celebrations." Mr Chandra said in order to register, the FEO would require the applicants to produce a valid Fiji passport. "Further details for the registration drives will be released in due course." The FEO had already completed the voter registration drive for the Pacific where they registered eligible Fijians in Kiribati, Tonga, and Cook Islands. No details have been revealed yet on how much the overseas voter registration drive would cost.

Fiji joins UNCCD programmes

ijian communities, government and non-government stakeholders have adopted the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) national action programs. A project of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UNCCD program international co-ordinator Douglas McGuire said these groups were using improved sustainable land and forest management practices and technologies. Mr McGuire said in early November last year an operational taskforce comprising relevant stakeholder reps assessed the gaps identifying priority needs of communities and stakeholders in addressing land degradation, desertification and drought. "At the end of the field visit, the project has identified gaps and needs which the project will hope to bridge, ranging from capacity building on relevant skills to product development and market access at the community level, national level as well as the private sectors," he said. "Concurrently, activities have been also identified that focus on monitoring current productive landscape through awareness on sustainable land management practices." Meanwhile, the project's national coordinator Maika Daveta said addressing land degradation was the responsibility of all land users and thus needed to be addressed in an integrated manner with participation of all stakeholders.

“So I think this is the most appropriate occasion before celebrating Easter and Good Friday next week. Although we follow different faiths and religion Although but the basic religion for mankind we follow is humanity.” different faiths He said being a good human is the and religion but the most important thing. “Unless you help each other you basic religion for mankind cannot be a good human being. This type is humanity of programmes helps to bring communities

together and follow the march on the peace road. Be happy and enjoy your Easter while you help each other to spread happiness everywhere and always try to give something more to the poor to get blessings,” Mr Sapkal said.

Indian High Commissioner to Fiji Vishvas Sapkal at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Church in Suva, on April 8th, 2017. Photo: Ronald Kumar

Editorial Police allocation of new staff: what does it mean for Indian community?

“Do something now, that will make the person you’ll be tomorrow, proud to have been the person that you are today.”

– Anonymous

Police Commissioner Mike Bush had made an announcement on Wednesday, April 12, about the allocation of new Police staff across each district in New Zealand. Essentially there is nothing new in the announcement except the fact that Commissioner Mike Bush has allocated the new staff to each police districts. This is a follow-up of the Prime Minister’s announcement in February about the $388 million investment in Police. The investment will see an increase of 880 sworn and 245 non-sworn staff over four years. The sworn staff will be recruited over the next four years from July 2017, with approximately 220 new additional recruits added per year. The response to this latest announcement across the political spectrum of New Zealand is not surprising as those in opposition are scorning it as too little and too late whereas government is projecting it as a major boost towards crime prevention. The announcement is critical and a welcome for four major rural centres – Kaitaia, Matamata, Wairoa and Rolleston – for receiving approval for a 24/7 police response service. The assurance of having a 24/7 police response service in the vicinity is a major relief for anyone. However, Kiwi-Indian community’s recent tryst, and accompanying discontentment, with, the Police system is about the way the existing 24/7 police response system has performed. If social media interactions and wider community interactions are to be believed, then there is a seeming disquiet about the way police has lately responded to the concerns of increasing incidents of crime on the members of the community. The recent incident where a liquor store manager holed up with a prospective thug was denied immediate police help by the very same 24/7 police response system. This recent announcement of increased numbers and that too over a period of four years does not immediately assuage the concerns of the Kiwi-Indian community.

Auckland Weather forecast for the week April 15 - 21

Apparently, there is a perpetuating belief within the community that most failures in police responses to situations, what community believes are incidences of crime, do not necessarily emanate from lack of investment, instead are more institutional.

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For instance, many in community lament that Police personnel fail to visit the crime scene of burglaries even 24 hours after reporting of incidents. Therefore the general expectation with the community is ‘something more’ and ‘something different’ from the New Zealand police. In this regard, it is also important if the community is appropriately educated about the overall operational system of New Zealand police. Often recent migrants, and in many instances, even those living for a considerable period in this country does not have a clear understanding and hence an accurate expectation from the New Zealand police. Until the time, our police eventually overcome the spurt in “youth-crime” recently seen across the country; let’s focus on education and setting right expectations. Indian Weekender : Volume 9 Issue 04 Publisher: Kiwi Media Publishing Limited Managing Editor: Bhav Dhillon | bhav@indianweekender.co.nz Content Editor: Sandeep Singh | sandeep@indianweekender.co.nz Chief Reporter: Swati Sharma | swati@indianweekender.co.nz Reporter: Rizwan Mohammad | rizwan@indianweekender.co.nz Chief Reporter—South Island: Gaurav Sharma Chief Technical Officer: Rohan Desouza | rohan@indianweekender.co.nz Sr Graphics and Layout Designer: Mahesh Kumar | mahesh@indianweekender.co.nz Graphic Designer: Yashmin Chand | design@indianweekender.co.nz Accounts and Admin.: 09-6366306 | accounts@indianweekender.co.nz Sales and Distribution: 022 3251630 | sales@indianweekender.co.nz Views expressed in the publication are not necessarily of the publisher and the publisher is not responsible for advertisers’ claims as appearing in the publication Views expressed in the articles are solely of the authors and do not in any way represent the views of the team at the Indian Weekender Kiwi Media Publishing Limited - 133A, Level 1, Onehunga Mall, Onehunga, Auckland. Printed at Horton Media, Auckland Copyright 2017. Kiwi Media Publishing Limited. All Rights Reserved.

Some Period sun with of rain a stray shower 20° 15°

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A little rain with sunshine

Sunny to partly cloudy

Some sun with a shower

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Periods of sun and clouds

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This week in New Zealand’s history 16 April 1912 News of Titanic sinking reaches NZ A century after it sank on its maiden voyage after hitting an iceberg, our fascination with the Titanic continues. In April 2012 the cruise ship Braemar sailed from Southampton on a sold-out ‘Titanic Memorial Cruise’. Closer to home, Wellingtonians enjoyed a Titanic-themed dinner. Across the ditch, Melburnians were promised ‘the most fun you will have in one night’ at the Titanic Theatre Restaurant.

18 April 1840 Samuel Revans prints first newspaper The first newspapers published in New Zealand rolled off Samuel Revans’ printing press a month after his arrival at Port Nicholson (Wellington).

OPINION/EDITORIAL

www.iwk.co.nz | 14 April 2017

New Zealand could do better in educating international students ¡¡ DR DAVID PANG

Everyone has their heroes. Nominate yours.

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The bum-onseat approach to recruiting international students—maximizing profit, cutting costs, providing low-value courses—will result in ill-prepared students studying in low-value institutions.

The Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame recognises individuals who have built a road to glory for themselves and left a path for the coming generations to tread on. The Indian Weekender invites nominations for such personalities from the community for getting inducted into the Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame 2017. We also invite nominations for the Kiwi Indian Young Achiever of the Year and the Kiwi Indian Unsung Hero of the Year. To nominate, visit www.halloffame.co.nz Media Partner

N W I I DI A

2015

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Dr Pang is a former international student at Victoria University of Wellington, University of Auckland and Massey University, and was an Academic Learning Adviser at the University of Auckland.

Contract Dispute Resolution Scheme was implemented to provide remedies for contractual and financial disagreements between students and providers. But tougher compliance and enforcement in securing international students’ rights and welfare should also consider the following: Not all international students are the same and academic, social, and personal issues are not necessarily the same as the local students. Host institutions need to provide tailored programs for international students against the trend of mainstreaming international student support as generic ones for all in the campus. This trend must be reexamined. The bum-on-seat approach to recruiting international students—maximizing profit, cutting costs, providing low-value courses— will result in ill-prepared students studying in low-value institutions. These self-induced predicaments, as recent incidents have shown, will damage New Zealand’s global reputation. This must be corrected. High maintenance students—those needing costly support to bring them up to speed—tend to see international education as the pathway to immigration and employment in New Zealand. The New Zealand Educated brand needs to be defined more precisely by emphasizing academic outcomes rather than being used as a means to an end. International students are a critical resource. The policy aspiration to grow this sector to five billion dollars annually by 2025 requires dedicated effort and high level oversights. And appointing a key official in international education of ministerial rank has the potential of bringing cohesion and influence to the vision, policy and practice in international education. The OECD and other similar agencies are projecting that 21st-century competitiveness in international education will be driven by the number of students studying outside their country of citizenship: 8 million annually by 2025. New Zealand needs to raise its level of readiness for the next wave of international students by focusing on their rights to safety, dignity, and security. Without considering their rights, education providers cannot claim that they have the best interests of international student wellbeing in mind. In this regard, all stakeholders must continuously ask this quality assurance question: what and how much more can we do to give the international students a truly New Zealand educational experience?

he well-being of international students has stimulated public attention and received much criticism in recent times. The state of the international education sector was scrutinised by the media suggesting that not everything was in order in the 4th largest export revenue earner in New Zealand—after tourism, meat and dairy. Questions were raised about course standards, assessment integrity, fraudulent student visa, and the poor delivery of education by the private sector providers in particular. The symbolic protest by the Indian international students against their deportation orders by taking refuge in a church in Auckland to avoid deportation early this year is another continuing saga of missteps within the education export industry. Potentially, this will damage New Zealand’s global brand as a world-class education provider. International education is big business. Increasingly, there is an overriding concern whether the revenue-driven approach to international education will eventually put its sustainability at risk. Internationally, there are repeated calls for the regulatory framework governing the care for international students in host countries to be strengthened, implemented and monitored. For example, in 2012, the European Association for International Education called for creating a global quality assurance framework in international education. Its own International Student Mobility Charter was an attempt to seek a new balance of values including international students’ rights and welfare. In Australia, the violent attacks on Indian international students in Melbourne in 2009 prompted an immediate call to pay attention to care for international students and lift it to a standard commensurate with other critical industries. The ‘duty of care’ was subsequently conceptualised as human rights. Four core principles were included in the Principles to promote and protect the human rights of international students published by the Australian Human Rights Commission in 2012. They are: enhancing the human rights of international students, ensuring all international students have access to human rights and freedom from discrimination protections, understanding the diverse needs of international students, and empowering international students during their stay in Australia. It was argued at that time that “these principles will ensure safe, positive and productive stays for international students who come to Australia to study.” Australia has further raised international education to a new level of sophistication by appointing a Minister for International Education in 2015. New Zealand was a pioneer in taking a quality assurance approach to educating international students. Its legal and administrative infrastructure was further strengthened in July 2016. The Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2016 has replaced the previous Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students. At the same time, a new International Student

2015

INDIA

Australia awards

14 April 2017| www.iwk.co.nz

India, Australia to strengthen defence, security partnership

AU$1.1m scholarship to Indian scholars

ustralian minister Simon Birmingham on Tuesday, April 10, awarded a threeyear scholarship worth AU$1.1 million (Rs. 53,315,968.06) to 11 Indian students while leading a high-level delegation visit to the TERI-Deakin Nanobiotechnology Centre (TDNBC). The visit marked the celebration of the Indo-Australian academic and research alliance. The TERI Deakin Nanobiotechnology Centre, the most advanced in the world, was inaugurated by the Indian and Australian Prime Ministers on Monday, April 10. The scholarships are awarded to Ph.D students engaged in research programmes at the TERI-Deakin Nanobiotechnology Centre. These students are currently enrolled at Deakin University under the Deakin India Research Initiative (DIRI), which was launched in India in 2009. DIRI builds on Deakin University’s world-leading expertise in material sciences, nanotechnology and biotechnology. While addressing the gathering, Education and Training Minister Birmingham said: “The TERI

Deakin Nanobiotechnology Centre facility is not incredible because we are commissioning bricks and mortar, it’s incredible because of the brains, the students, the knowledge that is embedded within the facility, and the potential that they (students) are going to realise in so many different ways.” The three-year scholarship programme is predominantly designed to equip the best of the talent with advanced research facilities. Under this programme, Deakin University and TERI will provide joint supervision to the students. TDNBC envisions meeting the demand for a global, skilled workforce in nanobiotechnology.” Under the program, each student is provided with a full tuition fee waiver from Deakin University up to an amount of approximately AU$100,000 for a period of three years. During the programme, the students travel to Deakin University in Australia for a period of six to eight months during their Ph.D to work closely with their Deakin supervisor. Elaborating on the scholarship programme, Vice

I Narendra Modi with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in the Delhi Metro

Mumbai- Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull during his visit to TCS office in Mumbai on April 11, 2017

Chancellor of Deakin University Jane den Hollander AO said, “The three-year scholarship programme is predominantly designed to equip the best of the talent with advanced research facilities. “Under this programme, Deakin University and TERI will provide joint supervision to the students. TDNBC envisions meeting the demand for a global, skilled workforce in nanobiotechnology.”

TERI Director General Ajay Mathur further added, “Within five years, the Centre aims to have a number of researchers, including Ph.D students, enrolled at Deakin. With its cutting edge technology at the disposal of these bright minds, this Centre will help India make a mark on the global map for building new capabilities and bringing new innovations in the field of science and technology.”

ndia and Australia decided to deepen their bilateral defence and security partnership and boost cooperation in maritime safety and security. "The Prime Ministers committed to deepening the bilateral defence and security partnership... As fellow Indian Ocean nations, the two Prime Ministers also underscored Australia and India's joint commitment to enhancing regional cooperation in promoting maritime safety and security," said a Joint Statement after Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Malcolm Turnbull held talks accompanied by their respective delegations. The two sides "expressed their support for peace, stability, prosperity, security and integrity of Afghanistan", stressing the need for "early peace and reconciliation through Afghan-owned and Afghan-led process" and calling for "ending external support for terrorism". India welcomed the passage of the Civil Nuclear Transfers to India Act by the Australian Parliament, which could ensure commercial exports of Australian uranium begins soon. In September 2014, India and Australia signed a Civil Nuclear Agreement for Australian supply of uranium to India.

www.iwk.co.nz | 14 April 2017

Work like Hanuman, Modi tells BJP MPs

rime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, April 10, expressed satisfaction on a successful budget session, which he said had been "very meaningful and useful", and advised BJP MPs to work like Lord Hanuman to publicise the g overnment's achievements. Addressing Bharatiya Janata Party MPs here, Modi told them not to wait for his instructions

before carrying out government work among the people. "When Lakshman went into coma, Hanumanji went to find a cure without any prodding. Similarly, MPs must go ahead without waiting for instructions. They need to carry forward the government's work among the masses," a BJP MP who attended the meeting quoted Modi as saying. Modi's remarks came after he

greeted people and MPs on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti. Modi urged the MPs to get inspiration from Hanuman. "Take inspiration from Hanuman. He never took anything from anyone but he kept giving. You also need to give to people like him," Modi said. Asking MPs to go their parliamentary constituencies, Modi they too needed to establish

Yogi, Uma vow to make Ganga clean

ttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met Union Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Conservation Minister Uma Bharti and assured her of all support and cooperation from the state government in cleaning up the Ganga. "The largest stretch of the river passes through Uttar Pradesh and hence it is even more the responsibility of the state to keep the river clean," he said, while underlining that for success of the 'Namami Gange' project, it is necessary that its tributaries are also cleaned up. The entire machinery of the state will now have to work on a war footing for this purpose, Adityanath said, stressing on the need of holding meetings of heads of the development blocks, members of the local Panchayats and village heads of districts on the banks of the river so that the

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath (right) and Union Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Conservation Minister Uma Bharti

cleaning up of the Ganga is take up in a mission mode. Uma Bharti said that in absence of support and cooperation in the past regimes in Uttar Pradesh, the 'Namami Gange' project was not achieving the desired results but now that the present government is headed by a dedicated saint like him, she was sure that the Ganga cleaning would be a success. Union Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Conservation Secretary Amarjeet Singh said at the meeting that under

the 'Namami Gange' project, 19 projects worth Rs 2,900 crore were being run in Allahabad, Kanpur, Varanasi, Gadhmukteshwar, Kannauj, Bulandshahr and Vrindavan through which capacity to purify 391 MLD of water would be created. At this, the Chief Minister said that a decision has already been taken by the state government to shift out leather industry units out of Kanpur and Kannauj in a phased manner, which will contribute in a big

their own identity despite banking on him (Modi). Later, talking to reporters, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Ananth Kumar said the Prime Minister dubbed the budget session as 'Vijay Prapti Satra' (Winner Session) for the government. "Modiji said the budget session was very meaningful and useful. It was a 'Vijay Prapti Satra'," Kumar quoted the Prime Minister

INDIA

as saying. BJP sources said Modi also spoke about the positive mood among people reflected in the sweeping win for the BJP in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand in the just held assembly elections. "This is a golden opportunity for us to lift the lives of the poor, the deprived. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is the time for doing more development and reforms," Modi said.

Parliament passes HIV/AIDS Bill

arliament on Tuesday, April 10, passed the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Bill, which provides for the prevention and control of the disease and protection of human rights of those affected by it with the Lok Sabha's nod to the legislation. "It will empower the people affected with the disease by giving them legal sanctity," Health Minister J. P. Nadda said in his reply to the debate in the lower house before the bill was passed. The bill prohibits any kind of discrimination against such people on ground of treatment, employment and workplace. "The government will provide free treatment to the people infected with HIV. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The ministry will soon come out with a new test and treat policy for the people living with HIV for providing free treatment to them,"

Union Health Minster JP Nadda.

he said dubbing the bill as patientcentric and progressive in nature. The Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Prevention and Control) Bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha on March 21. Nadda said the government has spent Rs 2000 crore on Anti Retroviral Therapy drugs for such patients last year, while 22,000 testing facilities for HIV and AIDS are functional in the country.

INDIA

14 April 2017| www.iwk.co.nz

NEWS in BRIEF

Amarinder woos corporates in Mumbai for Punjab investments

ess than a month after taking over as Punjab Chief Minister, Amarinder Singh on Monday began his threeday visit to Mumbai and met top industrialists and corporate honchos and offered sops to woo prospective investors. Under his ‘Invest Punjab’ initiative, Amarinder Singh met Tata Sons Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran, ICICI Bank CEO and Managing Director Chanda Kochhar, Goldman Sachs India Chairman Sonjoy Chatterjee and Godrej Group Chairman Adi Godrej. Amarinder Singh also met KPMG India Chairman and CEO Arun K. Kumar. Leading a delegation comprising ministers and officers, the Chief Minister promised to streamline systems and processes in Punjab to make it more investor- and

T Mumbai- Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh during a meeting with Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran in Mumbai.

industry- friendly. He reiterated his commitment to provide power to industry at Rs 5 per unit. Chandrasekaran agreed to visit Punjab to explore the possibility of setting up a major project. Kochhar agreed to consider the possibility of shifting the ICICI Bank’s backend operations to SAS Nagar adjoining Chandigarh in the next stage of their expansion, a state government spokesman said. The Chief Minister met Reliance

Industries Limited Chairman Mukesh Ambani and his brother Anil Ambani on Tuesday April 11, apart from other leading industrialists and corporates. The Congress government led by Amarinder Singh assumed office on March 16. The new government faces serious challenges like huge debt of the state, unemployment, flight of industry and low investments.

How India lost an Island chain in the Bay of Bengal A chain of islands that once existed in the Bay of Bengal now lies buried under water, according to a new study by Indian oceanographers. If this long island chain that stretched from north to south had not been swallowed by the sea, it could have offered a natural barrier against tsunamis like the one that killed thousands in 2004, they say. These islands had existed during the Late Cretaceous age – about 68 to 80 million years ago, according to their report in the journal Current Science. Currently, they lie as a "ridge" buried beneath the enormously thick sediment discharged by the Ganges and Brahmaputra river systems. The ridge, known as Eighty-five East Ridge – so named because it runs nearly parallel to the 85 degree east longitude – extends north-south for about 2,500 km from the Mahanadi Basin in the north Bay of Bengal to the Afanasy Nikitin Seamount in the equatorial Indian Ocean. That part of the ridge in the Bay of Bengal that once hosted the islands "is completely buried under the Bengal Fan sediments," says the report by K.S. Krishna at the National Institute of Oceanography in Goa and his co-workers. According to the authors, "In spite of more than three decades of research carried out by scientists from different countries, the origin of the ridge still remains a conundrum." In their research, they studied the seismic structure of the ridge.

Curbing sex determination test ads should not affect genuine information: SC

he Supreme Court said that while prohibiting the advertisement on sex determination techniques on the internet, care has to be taken that it does not interfere with the access to genuine information on the subject. In a note of caution, the bench of Justice Dipak Misra, Justice A.M.Khanwilkar and Justice Mohan M. Shantanagoudar said that “information graduates to knowledge and knowledge to wisdom” and care has to be taken that any prohibition may not also block academic information on the subject. Noting that “curiosity was fundamental to right to know”, the bench said that there should be restrictions on the sex determination tests and there is a law governing the field. “We have to see, if in our prohibitory order, are we going to trench upon the right to know.” However petitioner Sabu Mathew George told the court that they were not seeking any blocking of generic information but only seeking curbs on any direct or indirect promotion of sex-determination techniques.

NDA to fight 2019 Lok Sabha elections under Modi’s leadership

he National Democratic Alliance (NDA) passed a resolution to fight 2019 Lok Sabha elections under leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sources said. “NDA leaders decided to work together to succeed in 2019 Lok Sabha elections under Narendra Modi’s leadership,” said a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, who attended the meeting at the Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra at Chanakyapuri in New Delhi’s diplomatic enclave. “Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan made the proposal for fighting Lok Sabha election under Modi and it was accepted unanimously,” the BJP leader added. The NDA meeting was attended by 33 parties but there was no any discussion on the upcoming presidential or vice presidential elections. Addressing the media, Financial Minister Arun Jaitley said the NDA meeting endorsed the policies of the government specially its “pro-poor policy”. “Despite the bad shape of economy, the government did a good job and headed towards development. There was not a single corruption charge against the government in its last three years’ reign,” he said.

BJP should abstain from MCD polls to atone: Swaraj India

Currently they lie as a "ridge" buried beneath the enormously thick sediment discharged by the Ganges and Brahmaputra river systems.

below the thick pile of Bengal Fan Their study sediments." showed that at the time of ridge In conclusion, the authors say emplacement about that "the 85 deg.E Ridge remained 80 million years ago, as a series of island mounts with the ocean floor was around four variable reliefs in the middle of kilometres below sea level and the Bay of Bengal during the Late about 500 to 1,000 metres of Cretaceous and got completely the ridge summit existed above submerged below the sea level sea level. around 68 million years ago". The researchers say their study "In case such submergence had has provided strong evidence not happened, the 85 deg.E Ridge to indicate that the ridge peak would have remained an island remained above sea chain analogous to present The level as an island day Maldives Islands in processes of for a short period the Indian Ocean and thermal subsidence during the Late Hawaiian Islands in and sedimentation Cretaceous the Pacific Ocean," load together placed the age before it they say. subsided "due island chain below the sea "Then it would to thermal level, and then below the have acted as a thick pile of Bengal subsidence and 'natural geo-wall' Fan volcanic load". protecting mainland sediments It may have taken India from devastating about 6 to 12 million tsunami waves generated years for all the peaks of the near the Sunda subduction zone." ridge to subside below the sea Now, an important question. level, says the report. Did India lose additional land part "The processes of thermal under her territory? subsidence and sedimentation "The answer," the authors say, load together placed the island "is probably an unfortunate yes." chain below the sea level, and then

lamming the BJP for making Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) “bankrupt” and a “den of corruption” in its 10-year-long rule, Swaraj India said that the party should refrain from contesting the polls as “atonement”. “True atonement for the BJP which made the MCD bankrupt and den of corruption in its 10 years of rule will be only when the party abstains completely from the MCD elections and apologise to people of Delhi, instead of just denying ticket to its sitting councillors,” said Swaraj India President Yogendra Yadav. Conducting a road show for party candidates in North MCD region, he reiterated his party’s promise of “Saaf Dil, Saaf Dilli. Seeking to expose the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) misrule in the MCD, he said that in a bid to hide its misdeeds as a party, the BJP has declared that none of its sitting councillors will be fielded in this election “as if those individuals were responsible for this systemic loot and rot in MCD”.

Shortage of over 9,000 officers in Army, Navy: Minister

here is a shortage of 7,986 officers in the Indian Army and 1,256 in the Navy till January, the government informed Parliament on Tuesday, April 10. In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre said there is no shortage in the Indian Air Force till date. He said there is also a shortage of 25,472 Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) Minister of State for Dein the Army, against which 78,205 recruits were fence Subhash Bhamre undergoing training. “As such, there is no significant problem of shortage in Other Ranks in the Army,” the Minister said. The shortage at the JCO-equivalent ranks is 12,785 in the Navy and 13,614 in the IAF, Bhamre added.

www.iwk.co.nz | 14 April 2017

Indians become biggest migrant

INDIA ABROAD

IIFA returns to US: New York to host its 18th edition

group in Victoria: Australian Census T I ndian people are Victoria’s biggest migrant group for the first time in history, Australia’s national census has found. The first results of the census revealed that after 12 years of strong growth India was the biggest source of migration to the state, beating England for the first time,

Xinhua news agency reported. Harish Budhiraja, who moved to Australia in 2005, said Indians see Victoria as accepting and multicultural. When Budhiraja moved India was not even a top four source of migrants to Victoria, with England, New Zealand, Italy

and Vietnam holding the top four spots. England remained the most prominent source of migrants for Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory but China was number one for New South Wales and New Zealand the most prominent

in Queensland. “Indians still see Australia as the land of opportunity when it comes to education, research and the standard of living,” Budhiraja was quoted as saying. He said he had not experienced any racism in his 12 years in Victoria.

Canadian PM to visit India soon: Envoy

ith India-Canada ties "blooming and thriving", Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to visit India either late this year or early next year, the country's High Commissioner to India Nadir Patel said. "The India-Canada relationship is blooming and thriving," Patel said at a media interaction organised by the Indian Association of Foreign Affairs Correspondents (IAFAC). "We have already held four strategic dialogues," he said. Stating that Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Trudeau have met both formally and informally, he said that "our leaders have developed a very strong relationship". Modi visited Canada in April 2015 when Stephen Harper was the Prime Minister. It was the first standalone prime ministerial visit from India to the North American nation in 42 years. According to Patel, Trudeau is scheduled to visit India either "late

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

this year or early next year" at the invitation of Modi. "We are yet to finalise the dates," he said.Seven Canadian cabinet ministers have visited India in the last eight months. The High Commissioner said that both Trudeau and Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland "have made it clear that India is top

priority for Canada". "Delhi is our largest diplomatic mission in the world," he said. Stating that bilateral trade and investment was "largely balanced", he said that there was "$14-15 billion of Canadian investment in India in the last two years". "There are around 1,000 Canadian companies in India of

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which 400 are physically present," Patel said. However, he lamented the fact that bilateral trade stood at only $8 billion given that "we do $2 billion of trade per day with the US". "There is potential do a lot more," he said. In terms of what Canada can offer to India, he cited food security, aviation, start-ups and clean energy among various sectors. He said that Canada was keen to have a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with India. "SMEs (small and medium enterprises) of both countries stand to gain the most," the High Commissioner said As for the civil nuclear agreement signed during Modi's visit, he said that administrative guidelines have been concluded and "things are moving fast" In this connection, he said a delegation of Canadian companies would be visiting India to discuss nuclear technology.

he organisers of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend and Awards are readying a "big blockbuster" for the gala's 18th edition to be hosted in New York this July. This is the first time that the event will be held in New York – described as the city that never sleeps. But the IIFA magic was first brought to Tampa Bay in the US in 2014, when stars like John Travolta and Kevin Spacey were in attendance. The event – the biggest Bollywood celebration internationally – will be held on July 14-15 at the iconic MetLife Stadium, known for hosting National Football League games, major concerts and other entertainment events. On the first day will be the IIFA Weekend press conference and IIFA Rocks, followed by the glitzy IIFA Awards on day two – and they are hoping to sell as many as 40,000 tickets for the event. Andre Timmins, Director, Wizcraft International, which produces and organises the annual jamboree, said: "It has been a big decision to take IIFA to New York. We have been working towards this for the last six months. It is extremely exciting from IIFA's perspective, because after 18 years, we now want to change the game. "We are looking at this as a big blockbuster movie we are putting out in America." The bidders for 2017's show included Lisbon, Paris, Switzerland and several places in the Far East.

SPORTS

14 April 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

Chawrasia, Deepa honoured at Calcutta Sports Journalists’ Club annual awards

olfer SSP Chawrasia, who has won the Indian Open champion twice, and the country’s lone woman Paralympic medallist Deepa Malik were conferred the Sportsperson of the Year and Inspiration of the Year awards respectively at the annual function of the Calcutta Sports Journalists Club (CSJC). Chawrasia received the award amidst loud applause at the ICCR auditorium here. “Without journalists nobody will know sportspersons. I hope this award becomes a lucky charm as I get ready for tournaments in Japan, China and England,” Chawrasia told the audience. Deepa, who bagged a silver medal in shot put on a wheelchair in the Rio Paralympics last year, had to skip the event due to family engagements. “This means a lot to me. It is good that performances of athletes in Paralympics is being covered,” Deepa said through a video message.India wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha, currently playing for Kings XI Punjab in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), was hounoured with a special award. His wife, Debarati, received it on behalf of the Bengal cricketer.

Members of the Bengal Santosh Trophy team, including captain Rana Gharami, scorer of the winning goal in the final against Goa Manvir Singh and coach Mridul Banerjee, got special awards for their feat. Special awards were also given to Pranab Nandy, coach of the Bengal under-19 team that emerged as the Cooch Behar

Trophy champion, and Anindita Chakraborty for helping Bengal become the national table tennis champion. The award winners: Sportsperson of the year: SSP Chawrasia; Junior sportsperson of the year: Saurav Singh; Inspiration of the year: Deepa Malik. Athletes of the year: Mohammed Rafique and Jeje Lalpekhlua (football); Abhimanyu Easwaran (cricket); Moumita Dutta (table tennis); Atanu Das (archery); Sathi Dolui (hockey); Chandan Bauri and Rajashree P r a s a d (athletics, men a n d women winners r e s p e c t i ve l y ) ; Utsava Palit (badminton); Sitamoni T u d u (basketball); Tithi Dhara (volleyball); Arpita Mukherjee (chess); Moupriya Mitra (aquatics-diving). Special awards: Wriddhiman Saha (cricket), Mridul Banerjee (football), Anindita Chakraborty (table tennis), Pranab Nandy (cricket), Manvir Singh (football), Rana Gharami (football). Lifetime achievement awards: Satayabrata (Raju) Mukherjee (cricket), Dibyendu Barua (chess), Shyam Thapa (football).

April 14 to April 20 | By Manisha Koushik ¡¡ Aries (Mar 21-Apr 20) Positive developments can be expected on the professional front. Don’t miss out on details in your haste to meet the deadlines. Being too satisfied with your performance will hamper your results in competitive exams. Don’t take out your frustrations on someone who has your genuine concern in mind. Family discussions could get volatile if you are not careful. Socially, you remain popular. Accidental benefits are indicated. You may be in a mood to splurge. Lucky Number- 5 / Lucky Colour- Turquoise

¡¡Taurus (Apr 21-May 20)

¡¡ Cancer (Jun 22-Jul 20) A youngster may upset you. Do not take it to heart and focus on solutions. An opportunity to further your career may materialize, so take the initiative. Marriage talks prosper for the eligible in the family. You may feel cheated on the monetary front by someone close, but it is best not to make an issue of it. Accept the invitation for an evening party to relax from a hectic schedule. Some of you can pass through a tight financial situation. Health needs care. Lucky Number- 3 / Lucky Colour- Coffee

¡¡ Leo (Jul 21-Aug 22)

India-Australia Sports Partnership launched

ustralian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said that Victoria University and University of Canberra will assist India to establish a 'National Sports University' on the lines of the Australian Institute of Sport. The assurance by Turnbull came at the launch of the India-Australia Sport Partnership (IASP) jointly with Indian Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Vijay Goel in the presence of cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar. Under the IASP, the two countries will cooperate in four key areas - athlete and coach training and development, sports science, sports governance and integrity and grassroots participation. In this context, the visiting dignitary and Goel met some young girls from Mumbai slums who are being taught to play sports by Apnalaya, an NGO with which Tendulkar's mother-in-law Annabel Mehta is associated. Turnbull praised the initiative, saying that "sports builds up social capital". Goel said that India has a lot to learn and share with Australia on the sports front. "The IASP would facilitate exchange of athletes, coaches, technical officials and sports scientists between the two

countries," he added. Goel said India has started treating sports as a very important component of public health management as well as education. "We have launched a major programme, 'Khelo India', for developing a sporting culture at grassroots level and we are planning to introduce sports as a compulsory subject in schools," he added. He announced that the National Sports Talent Identification & Development Portal would be launched in India shortly. Winding up his trip to India on Wednesday, Turnbull said: "My trip has been all about deepening more engaged collaboration between Australia and India in the fields of economics, sports, health, science and education." Earlier, Turnbull met Maharashtra Governor C.V. Rao and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at Raj Bhavan. "We discussed and decided on ways to move ahead in collaboration with Australia in transport, communication and infrastructure sectors in Maharashtra," Fadnavis said. In this context, he apprised Turnbull of the investment opportunities like the 200 km Mumbai Metro, Coastal Road Projects and NagpurMumbai Expressway.

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

¡¡ Libra (Sep 24-Oct 23) This week, a busy schedule faces you on the professional front. You are likely to have a good time in the company of your near and dear ones this weekend. A plan on the home front may get you all excited. Those longing for love are certain to find it soon. You will be able to cut on time in travelling to a distant destination by taking a better route. A piece of good news awaits some in the property market. Romantic relationships could go haywire if you do not spend time with each other. Health remains excellent. Lucky Number- 15 / Lucky Colour- Cream

¡¡ Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)

¡¡ Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 21) You may find someone attitude at work against your interests, but little you can do about it. Someone may take you to task for something not completed on the academic front. Efforts made on the social front may go unrecognised and frustrate you. You may be at risk of getting drawn into an argument at work and get unnecessarily stressed. Fear of something bad happening on the medical front can give some sleepless nights. Financial health needs care. Lucky Number- 6 / Lucky Colour- Light Green

¡¡ Aquarius (Jan 22-Feb 19)

Workload may steadily increase, if you don’t tackle it in a timely manner. Avoid interfering in other people’s business. You will do well to keep your distance from senior this week. Health and your own well being may make you mentally tensed, but it will be without any basis. Softening your stance on some domestic issue may not be the right course of action, but do take your call. Love life will be good. Gains from unexpected sources are foreseen.

Time is favorable for earning, so put your best foot forward. Money may no longer be a problem. Find ways to work around obstacles that crop up. New commitments in business will have a long term effect, so make your choices carefully. You may be in a mood to splurge. A sense of determination combined with diplomacy will ensure that you stay on schedule. Resist falling in addictive habits. Strict dietary control and exercise is the need of the hour.

A matter you are finding it difficult to come to terms with may make you suffer some more. Your suggestions may be opposed on the professional front and all your convincing may also not work. Someone you have an appointment with is likely to make you waste your time waiting. You may find it difficult to avoid an embarrassing situation on the social front that you have, more or less, brought upon yourself. Loss of money is foreseen.

You will be able to derive much satisfaction from helping out someone on the family front. An ancestral property is likely to be sold for a handsome amount. You will get the opportunity you wanted on the professional front. Your popularity is set to rise on the social front. Looking up someone you have not met in years is possible this week. Lover may be waiting for you to take the initiative on the romantic front, so don’t disappoint!

Lucky Number- 9 / Lucky Colour- Maroon

Lucky Number- 3 / Lucky Colour- Golden Brown

Lucky Number- 11 / Lucky Colour- White

Lucky Number- 1 / Lucky Colour- Pink

¡¡ Gemini (May 21-Jun 21)

¡¡ Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 23)

¡¡ Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)

¡¡ Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20)

Do not blindly follow the footsteps of someone on the professional front. Someone you repose full faith in is likely to leave you in the lurch. Fond memories of yesteryears may make you emotional and long for time gone by. Overriding concern for health may make you paranoid. Someone from the opposite camp may show interest in you. Do consider the opportunity to travel to another city. Someone’s overbearing presence at home may annoy you.

Sometimes it is best to overlook the shortcomings of others for a better relationship. You will do well to address some concerns of spouse or a family member on the family front. Your own resolve will keep you fit and energetic. Those playing the stocks are likely to hit the jackpot. Some investments in the past may mature to give handsome returns. You may be especially chosen to head a committee or some other governing body.

Getting resigned to fate may have its own benefits. You are set to enjoy a family gathering this week. Someone arriving from overseas can get you all excited. Your efforts on the professional front may not get immediate results, but promise to be encouraging. Success is foreseen for those seeking an easy loan. Positive developments on the romantic front are envisaged. Delay is foreseen in a journey, but you will be able to make up the time.

There are times that you wish would never end, but everything that begins must also end, so relax and be happy! Seeking expert guidance for an ongoing project at work will be a step in the right direction. A decision on the professional front may prove favourable to you. Financially, you may experience a surge in your earnings. Bank balance remains in the pink of health for some. A romantic evening out is foreseen. Health remains satisfactory.

Lucky Number- 7 / Lucky Colour- Peach

Lucky Number- 4 / Lucky Colour- Peach

Lucky Number- 8 / Lucky Colour- Saffron

Lucky Number- 2 / Lucky Colour- Deep Sky Blue

Play sudoku online at:

www.sudokukingdom.com

Play sudoku online at:

www.sudokukingdom.com

Sudoku

Daily Sudoku puzzle No. 3828

4 8

Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and each of the 3x3 squares contains allMedium the level digits from to 9.puzzle No. 3829 2017-04-07 Daily1Sudoku Medium level Daily Sudoku puzzle No. 3830 2017-04-08 2017-04-06 3

5 3

2 9

2 3

6 7

7 2

4 1 8

Answers to last week's puzzles

7 8

2 2

Medium level

7 3

1 7

4 3

3 5

3 2 6

Word Scramble

Crossword

Page 1/2

5 7

8 2

9 7

FUN ZONE

www.iwk.co.nz | 14 April 2017

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34.

Page 1/2

Daily Jumble

IEP TIRUF OACBN ECEHSE LPAPE EDRAB GBELTEVEA NCDAY CRIE Play sudoku online at: Play sudoku online at: AAANBN Play sudoku online at: OOTMTA www.sudokukingdom.com TTCLEUE www.sudokukingdom.com www.sudokukingdom.com NCRO OATOPT TARYBRESWR AGHRMRUBE AOEGRN PIAZZ Puzzle solution: Puzzle solution: Puzzle solution: OUPS OLCDU Sudoku puzzle No. 3820 2017-03-29 Sudoku puzzle No. 3821 2017-03-30Sudoku puzzle No. 3822 2017-03-31 THO RTOMS 7 6 2 9 5 3 8 4 1 4 7 2 5 8 3 9 1 6 8 2 6 7 4 1 9 5 3 UNSNY 3 8 5 4 1 7 6 2 9 1 9 5 6 2 7 4 8 3 3 5 7 6 2 9 1 8 4 FENI 4 1 9 2 8 6 3 7 5 6 3 8 4 1 9 2 5 7 4 9 1 3 8 5 6 2 7 YDLUCO 1 4 7 8 3 5 9 6 2 8 1 4 2 7 5 6 3 9 9 1 5 4 3 7 8 6 2 LCDO 5 9 3 6 7 2 1 8 4 7 5 3 9 6 1 8 4 2 2 4 8 1 9 6 3 7 5 HTAE 8 2 6 1 4 9 5 3 7 2 6 9 3 4 8 1 7 5 6 7 3 8 5 2 4 1 9 SSANEO 2 5 8 3 9 4 7 1 6 5 8 7 1 9 6 3 2 4 7 6 2 9 1 4 5 3 8 NWDI 1 8 4 5 7 3 2 9 6 6 7 1 5 2 8 4 9 3 3 4 6 8 5 2 7 9 1 SCTFREAO 5 3 9 2 6 8 7 4 1 9 3 4 7 6 1 2 5 8 9 2 1 7 3 4 5 6 8 NSWO 1. CHOCOLATE 11. SUNDAY 21. RED LIAH ERRSSUPE 2. HIDE 12. LEAVES 22. HAPPY IRNA 3. FRIDAY 13. FOLIAGE 23. CONFUSED Page 1/2

Hitori Objective and Rules of Hitori Eliminate numbers until there are no duplicates in any row or column. Eliminate numbers by marking them in Black. You are not allowed to have two Black squares touching horizontally or vertically (diagonally is ok). White cells must not be isolated from the rest of the board.

General Knowledge Quiz 1. The caped crusader, Batman, operated in which city? Gotham city 2. What was the name of Michael Jackson’s famous chimpanzee companion? Bubbles 3. Which fruit gave its name to a desk top computer in 1984? Apple 4. What type of animal was Babe in the film of the same name? Pig 5. Who’s slogan was Put a Tiger in Your Tank? Esso 6. What colour are Superman’s shorts? Red 7. What is the unit of currency in India? The Rupee 8. What is the closest planet to Earth? Venus 9. True or False - Hair yanked out by the roots will not grow back? False 10. Which supermarket chain uses Jamie Oliver in their adverts? Sainsburys

11. What is Fred Flintstone’s favourite sport? Bowling 12. True or False, women blink twice as much as men? True 13. What mineral is spinach high in? Iron 14. What was the name of the green Tellytubby? Dipsy 15. How many wings does a butterfly have? Four 16. What sort of hat did Laurel and Hardy wear? Bowler 17. Which cartoon dog has the initials “S.D.” on his collar? Scooby Doo 18. What is the name of the fairy in Peter Pan? Tinkerbell 19. Which TV animation has a robot called Bender? Futurama 20. What are the three primary colours in white light? Red, Green and Blue

4. RABBIT 5. EGGS 6. BUNNY 7. HUNT 8. MARSHMA 9. LOW 10. BASKET

14. TREES 15. SQUIRREL 16. BROWN 17. ACORN 18. RAKE 19. WIND 20. SEASON

24. ANGRY 25. PRIDE 26. LONELY 27. SAD 28. SURPRISED 29. ENVY 30. SHAME

1. Which planet is closest to the sun? Mercury 2. How many holes are there in a ten pin bowling ball? 3 3. What is a baby seal called? A Pup 4. How many valves or keys does a trumpet have? 3 5. How is the number 5 written in Roman numerals? V 6. What cheese shares its name with an English Gorge? Cheddar 7. In which country is the Louvre Museum? France 8. Which is the tallest mountain in the world? Mount Everest 9. What is the name of Fred Flintstones daughter? Pebbles 10. How many village people were there? 6 11. How many wings does a bee have? 4 12. True or False: All polar bears are left-handed? True 13. How many arms does a starfish usually have? 5 14. What is the name given to a group of Lions? Pride 15. Cats were once sacred animals in what ancient culture? Egyptian 16. Who were the backing group for Bill Hailey? Comets 17. In Children’s TV, Who had the ability to swap heads? Worzel Page 2/2 Page 2/2 Page 2/2 Gummage 18. What was the name of the cow in “The Magic Roundabout”? Ermintrude 19. What type of sandwiches were Paddington’s favourite? Marmalade 20. What type of vegetable is a mange-tout? Pea

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

FEATURES

14 April 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

Denimology: Denim trends making their way Back into 2017

f 2016 took baby steps towards the revival of fashion from retro scape then 2017 has hit ubiquity. Amongst the trends, denims have carved a robust niche. Denim is diverse and has made its way through shoes, jackets, shorts, skirts and bags. If you are looking for an ideal casual Friday outfit and have a skinny jeans ready to go then think again. A better option would be rummaging through your boyfriend’s cupboard and slipping into his jeans (intended pun fail alert). This season is all about boyfriend jeans, culottes, distressed edges and patch work. Check out denim styles which are trendy this season:

¡¡ AKANKSHA MEHRA Front Button Pants: If you are a 70s kid then this one is for you. Front buttoned jeans are a natural progression from the rise of high buttoned denim skirts since last year. It also hints the impending return of boot cut which will not be surprising after witnessing a number of comeback trends.

Ruffled Jeans: This is one mini trend which has extended throughout, from sweaters to dresses and added layers to our shows, collars, sleeves chest and what not. Ruffled ankles bring femininity to the look and adds some adorable to the sexy.

Slit Hems: Slit hems work exactly like ankle cut but embraces a softer cut whilst being embellished by a slit at the end. It is a partial straight cut which will show off your legs and shoes very well. Tip: Choose great shoes to compliment in order to ace this look.

ere are some food items, which can also be great cleaners

Club soda: When was the last time you cleaned your kitchen sink? Take some baking soda and scrub it till it shines.

Tips to protect hardwood floor in monsoon

Ketchup: It can be used to remove tarnish from copper utensils. But don’t forget to rinse them with warm water once you have scrubbed them with some ketchup.

Oatmeal: It acts as a natural cleanser of dirty hands. Slather some oatmeal with water and rub your hands together to remove all the dirt and germs.

Ankle Cuts: Are you looking to branch out from the regular skinny jeans / jeggings? Then ankle cut is your thing. This season is all about edgy and sharp cuts to perfectly define the silhouette. Ankle cut achieves it rightly by flattering the hip and thigh areas.

The fashion realm has to offer a spate of denim options and a variety of designs. It almost seems that masculinity and femininity are at tug of war but it has definitely embraced everyone’s taste and sense of style.

Natural cleaners you did not know

Over The Top Embellished Denim As the whimsical aesthetics go extreme with the design, this jean is sure to pep up your look a notch higher. Feel free to tone it down with a plain white tee for a day look or with a chic sequin top for a dinner party.

Soaked rice: While cleaning glass bottles and jars, use a cupful of uncooked rice to clean all of them. Fill a little more than half a jar with warm water and add a few grains of rice. Cover it up and shake it vigorously and then clean. Black tea: Do you have a bucket full of tools which are rusty? Brew some black tea and let it cool down. Then immerse the tools for a few hours in the tea and wipe them with a cloth later.

nsure that rain water does not enter your home and harm your hardwood floor and remember to mop it regularly to prevent damage during the monsoon. Here are the tips on how to protect your hardwood floor: • Ensure that rain water does not enter your home and harm your hardwood floor. In case it happens, do mop the floor immediately. • Make sure the floor is free from moisture this season. Wax the hardwood floor as the moisture warps the planks. • Mop the floor regularly with a damp mop or micro-fiber mop to keep the planks moisture-free.

Health Tip of the Week Eating carbs doesn’t make you fat. Carbs contain less than half the calories of fat and tend to be more filling - making you less likely to overeat. Eating carbs in moderation does not lead to weight gain. Excessive calories lead to weight gain rather they come from carbs, proteins or fats. Try to limit or avoid saturated and trans- fats as they are the number 1 culprits that lead to heart disease and high cholesterol.

• Avoid using harsh floor cleansers as these may harm the hardwood flooring. Use floor cleaners and wax polish recommended by the hardwood flooring companies. Do not buy local-made cleaners or polish. • Ensure that there is enough ventilation for fresh air or else humidity will bring dampness, harming the floors. Use of electric or manual de-humidifiers is highly recommended during this season. • If the hardwood floor has been recently installed, then spaces or gaps must have been made in between the joints of the planks. These would get filled in and expand due to moisture in the air. Also, no gaps would now be visible. Therefore, the monsoon would give a uniform look to your hardwood Floor.

FEATURES

www.iwk.co.nz | 14 April 2017

EASTER HOLIDAYS GETAWAY IDEAS

t’s that time of the year again. Finally, a break from the mundane life. Easter weekend is here. If you still have not planned anything, don’t worry, here are some ideas for you. Easter holidays are the best way to say good bye to the awesome New Zealand weather and welcome the drizzly winters. Whether you are looking for something outdoor and adventurous/ family time or a romantic gateway, there is something for everyone.

Rotorua

bout an hour and half drive from Auckland, Goat Island could be the ideal way for our daredevils who live around Auckland and don’t wish to travel too far. It has one of the best snorkelling spots of the country. Not only that, but Goat Island is New Zealand’s first ever marine reserve, so don’t forget to carry your go pros and waterproof phones to click under water pictures of some amazing fishes.

Waitomo Caves

Lake Tekapo

Coromandel

oromandel is one of the most favourite holiday spot for Explore the splendid Waitomo Caves in the beautiful Waitomo region which is not only known for its Glow Worm caves, But, also its geological and cultural history. The kids will just love the boat ride to the cave which are beautifully illuminated by hundreds of glow worms. Waitomo is known to have the highest number of glow worm population. So, make sure you plan a visit to this place soon.

has the most exciting adventure called ‘Skywire’. Experience a mix of both -- thrilling speed and the calmness of nature. The freefall can reach up to 100kph, well what are you waiting for? Get your backpacks and get going to experience this epic ride.

Wakatipu Basin - OffRoad Driving

ant to plan something special for your better half ? Nothing can be better than planning an evening star gazing and we in New Zealand are lucky to have the best place to do that. People from all over the world visit

Waiheke Island

he one topping our list would be Rotorua. It is ideal for people looking for some adventure. White water rafting is one of the major attractions for people all over and Rotorua has the world’s largest commercially rafted water falls – The Tutea Falls. At 7metres high, it will be an experience of a lifetime.

Goat Island

Aucklanders. The huge coastline helps keep the weather moderate all year around. Besides the beautiful beaches and hundreds of natural hideaways, make it the perfect destination for couples to have quality time with each other. The famous cathedral cave walk at Coromandel is one of the best kiwi walks and it could be the perfect natural setting for a romantic date. So why spend hundreds of dollars at a fancy restaurant?

h, well who doesn’t know of Waiheke Island? Just 40 minutes from downtown Auckland in a ferry, it is the second largest island in the Hauraki Gulf. Waiheke has something for everyone. Being an island it goes without saying that it has some amazing beaches. Boating, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding are few of the beach activities. Apart from these there are beautiful baches which the visitors can rent for their stay while at Waiheke. Waiheke is also known for its Zip lining which again is an activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Besides, the world-famous Waiheke vineyards are not to be missed.

NELSON

eople in South Island don’t you worry, there’s lots to do for you guys too. Nelson

holiday in New Zealand is incomplete if you don’t get to see any of the ‘Lord of the Rings’ locations. They are spread all over the country. But this one is sure the hidden gem which not a lot of people know about. Wakatipu Basin is a beautiful plain in South Island surrounded by the magnificent mountains in central Otago. It is perfect for all the driving enthusiast who are looking for an adventurous drive. The spectacular scenery is sure to leave you guys awestruck.

Lake Tekapo as it comes under the Dark Sky Reserve (having the darkest skies in the world). If you are lucky enough you can even witness the southern lights which will make your night even more eventful. So, pack your backpacks, call your friends and set yourself free to one of these stunning places. Remember Easter is just once a year, make sure you spend it wisely and of course eating loads of Easter eggs!

TRUST TRAVEL CORNER TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY Travelling is not only limited to visiting new destinations but it’s all about EXPLORING the destinations. At Travel Corner, we provide solutions for any of your travel needs emerging from requirements of air tickets right through to your arrival back into your home town. All services in your trip are at your fingertips at www.travelcorner. co.nz We are proud to be market leaders in providing professional advice/service with immense knowledge in travel industry.

Mobile: 022 4747 454 | Email: info@travelcorner.co.nz

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14 April 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

A culture of peace ¡¡ SADHGURU, ISHA FOUNDATION

ith all the faculties bestowed upon human beings, you’d think they are the most harmonious beings on earth. But if you look at the history until now, the world has never really been peaceful. People have been fighting for food, people have fought over boundaries, and people have fought on their faith, their belief systems. People have fought for wealth; people have been and are still fighting for their gods. We have always found an excuse to fight. We need to understand this, the way human beings are right now, if you take away one strife in the world, another is bound to evolve. When World War II ended in 1944, many nations around the world vowed never again to fight; they said never again are we going to create this horror on the planet. Over 50 million people had died. They said this is enough. But in reality, since 1944 to this day, there has not been a single day’s break in fighting around the world. Somewhere, or the other Today in any city, if you say someone is some battle or the other has been going on a big man, it does not mean he is the most without a single day’s break. So this is a clear intelligent man. It does not mean he is the manifestation, a clear declaration by human most loving man or the most skilful man, beings, that the way we are right now, we are neither does it mean he is the most incapable of being peaceful. meditative man at all. It simply means We need to understand this– the world is he has got the maximum amount of not a globe. The world is its people. If we do money in the town. not work for individual transformation, if we So our whole orientation has do not look for ways of making the individual become economics. Unless the subtle peaceful, talking about world peace is just aspects of life become imperative, peace one more entertainment in the world. is just a dream. I would prefer that people Without attending to individual human stop talking about it. We are doing this with beings, trying to bring about any kind our education as well. Who are we teaching of change in the world, always leads to our children to remember? Alexanders, more problems. Ghengis Khans and Adolf Hitlers. So much attention is given to these people that If you look back on the great In you can forget Mahatma Gandhi revolutions on the planet, pursuit of our and Gautam Buddha, but not generally what happened economic wellbeing, them. during these revolutions the volume of violence that was much more horrible They even called we have imposed on every than the situations which Alexander, Alexander the other creature on this planet existed before them. great! I would like to add is unspeakable. Don’t think of a third name to him — Most of the time all violence as just killing another Alexander, the great idiot, that we achieved was that human being. Any destruction because he was one person we replaced one tyrant of life, beyond the need who wasted life– his life with another set of tyrants. for one’s survival, is and other people’s life, like But as far as individual violence. nobody else. human beings were concerned, within themselves, there was no At the age of 16, he started basic change in their experience of life. fighting. For another 16 years, he fought From all this, it should have been clear to us non-stop, killing thousands of people on that if there are no peaceful human beings, his way. He died at the age of 32, in the there is no peaceful world. most miserable condition because he had Now, if we look at the situation we are managed to conquer only one-half of the setting up right now in the world, we have world, the other half was still left. Only an laid foundations to ensure that there is no utter idiot can fight for 16 years like this. peace on this planet. There are various But someone like Gautama Buddha is only aspects to it. One important aspect is that we a footnote in our history books. We read are making economics the most important about Gautama not because he was Buddha, part of human life. but because he was a king. His name was mentioned not because he was a realised In today’s world, your love is not being, not because of forty years incessantly important; your joy is not important; your working for human well-being. freedom is not important; your sensibilities are not important; your music and dance He was so much more intense than are not important; the most important thing Alexander in transforming human lives, is economics. Once you make economics the but we have forgotten him. For 16 years of most important thing, fighting is inevitable. slaughtering people, our children remember As the resources on the planet are limited, Alexander as ‘great’. with our lives being driven by the engine In pursuit of our economic wellbeing, the of economics, war is inevitable; peace volume of violence that we have imposed is impossible. on every other creature on this planet is

unspeakable. Don’t think violence as just killing another human being. Any destruction of life, beyond the need for one’s survival, is violence. If you look at it

that w a y, today societies are filled with enormous amounts of violence; our very existence is violence. It will take us a thousand years to understand that the violence that we impose upon other creatures on the planet, whether it be a plant or a worm or an insect or any other animal, it is going to have an impact on our lives. It takes us a thousand years to realise this, unfortunately. If you do not allow this energy which you call as life right now to find its expression, it naturally tries to find its way out in violent ways. If you look around the world today, you will see almost everything is becoming violent. Our music is becoming violent, our dance is becoming violent, our culture is becoming violent. Just the very way we move, just the very way we do things in our lives is becoming violent. Once in a way it is bound to spill over on the street. You should not be surprised that it is spilling over onto the streets. You look at yourself as an individual and see, how many moments in a day you can’t stand the person who is sitting next to you. You trying to hold yourself back is going to work only for a certain period– somewhere it is bound to explode. Right now the world community is sitting on a disastrous foundation. Peace is something that these people have not even tasted in themselves. What right do we have to expect it in the social and world situations?

Unless we are willing to work to change the foundations on which the world community is built, peace is not a possibility. Another big reason why the world is perpetually flooded with conflicts is that our religions have failed us completely. The moment man became religious it should have been the end of conflict, but unfortunately, everywhere in the world, religion has become the main source of conflict. It has taken the maximum number of lives and caused the maximum amount of pain on the planet for thousands of years. For centuries the most horrible things on this planet were done in the name of religion. Religion and quarrelling cannot go together. But unfortunately, we have many quarrelling religions. We have become so devious that we can kill in the name of Rama, in the name of Jesus or in the name of Mohammed. Somewhere we have lost the basic sense of what religion is. True religion is an inward step. But today it has become only about belonging to this group or that group. This has only brought hatred, conflict and separation among people. We have seen this any number of times in India. The same people who are together today, who are friends, and neighbours, the moment they identify with their religions, suddenly they separate. Tomorrow they are burning each other’s homes. Ten minutes ago, they did not even think about such a thing. The moment they get identified to some religious group, they are willing to fight. If they did not belong to these groups, they would have no reason to fight. Some individuals will fight for some personal reasons, that is different. But the whole group of people would have no reason to fight, and this kind of mass stimulation of animal energy wouldn’t happen. What the world needs is not more religions or more followers, but people committed to becoming peaceful themselves. Just one Jesus or one Buddha will not do. Many are needed. If people just learned how to be absolutely still with great intensity, you would see all violence would simply evaporate from the planet. It is not slogans and statements that will bring peace to the world, but a lifelong striving to produce peaceful human beings. On all levels of our human societies if we work for creating peaceful humans, especially among the leadership, key people, people who are in responsible positions in various spheres of activity, be it business, politics, industry, bureaucracy, if we can create people who are truly peaceful within themselves, people who have some sense of wholeness within themselves, they definitely will let peace percolate to large segments of society. Peace is not in terms of just avoiding war, but establishing an active culture of living in peace in the world. Isha New Zealand conducts free monthly Isha Kriya meditation practice and Upa yoga sessions for the general public. For more information pls contact: 021545923/02102763956. Named one of India’s 50 most influential people, Sadhguru is a yogi, mystic, a bestselling author & poet. Sadhguru has been conferred the ‘Padma Vibhushan’ by the Government of India in 2017, the highest amongst the annual civilian awards, accorded for exceptional and distinguished service.

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14 April 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

AUCKL AND’S HOT TEST BOLLY WOOD STATION

Akshay on National Award:

I’ve never cheated to win an award

A T

ctor Akshay Kumar, who has won the National Film Award for Best Actor for Rustom, feels great to have won the most prestigious award of the country. his year belongs to actor Akshay Kumar. While his movies are setting the cash register ringing at the box office, the actor himself has won the National award for Best actor for Rustom, a film loosely based on Nanavati case. The 64th National Film Awards for the films released in 2016 were declared on Friday, April 7. “Of course, 2016 has been fantastic, I couldn’t have asked for more... I guess there was more (referring to the award).. I don’t think anything can top this National Award win,” he says. While other winners are busy planning parties, the busiest actor is busy shooting his next. But when we insist he takes out time for a quick chat, he obliged. “It is great news. National Film awards are the most prestigious awards in the country. It is a moment of pride for sure. The first reaction, honestly, was if this was a late April Fool’s joke (laughs)! Actually, I am still trying to process this win, it is a mix of many emotions - surprise, happiness and, most prominently, gratitude to the jury, makers of the film, my parents and of course the beloved fans ,” says Kumar, who has a midas touch, what with delivering three hits a year, and sometimes even five. His latest hit being Jolly LLB. However, he likes to wear his success lightly. All he would say about his stardom is that likes to “be honest with his work and would give it his best to people who trust him” with their money and love. “Itna keh sakta hun mai ki ye award bhi maine imandari se jita hai. Maine aaj tak cheating nahi ki. Neither have I ever made a call to anyone to win an award nor have given money or done favours for it,” says the actor in his signature candour. In the past, he has shared that he often gets offers from organiers of award shows telling him that , “if you perform at the show, they can give half the money and an award as well”. But the actor, says, “I tell them that they can give me complete payment and keep their awards with them. The love and support that I get from my fans is more important.” The actor, who is married to author Twinkle Khanna, daughter of veteran actors Dimple Kapadia and (late) Rajesh Khanna, often jokes that his wife tells him that her parents are National award winners but he doesn’t get awards. Well, looks like witty Twinkle will have to think of a new one liner.

People don’t want to marry these days, says Shraddha Kapoor

ollywood actress Shraddha Kapoor, who is playing the lead role in Mohit Suris upcoming film Half Girlfriend, says these days while parents are quite open about the idea of love marriages and live-in relationships, there are many youngsters who are commitment-phobic. Half Girlfriend is a film based on an eponymous novel by writer Chetan Bhagat, who had o n c e

in a relationship. At times do not explained that the term is for a want to settle down... phenomenon where boys and As in, marry the girls are not clear about their Half person. On the relationship status with each Girlfriend is other. Asked about her other hand, a film based on an our earlier opinion on becoming eponymous novel by a ‘half girlfriend’, writer Chetan Bhagat, who generation Shraddha said: “Well, had once explained that the – our parents – are there are relationships term is for a phenomenon in all our lives that you becoming where boys and girls are more accannot name. not clear about their cepting torelationship status “Like in this film, I wards respectwith each other. also believe there are ing our choice, relationships we have even if it is a live-in sometimes in life, where relation, keeping our happiness in you have someone who is mind. I talk to my parents about it more than openly,” she added. just a friend but not Shraddha spoke at the trailer launch of the film, which also exactly a boyfeatures Arjun Kapoor and is directed by Mohit Suri. friend... It’s someKnown for her singing skills and where in asked if she has crooned any track the middle.” for Half Girlfriend, Shraddha said: “No, but I played basketball. That’s “I have seen a new experience that I enjoyed many of my friends who do not want during the shooting.” to fully commit The film is releasing on May 19.

Pink reached so many people because of Amitabh: Director

irector of ‘Pink’ Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury credited megastar Amitabh Bachchan for the wide reach and spread of the film among the people. “The film spread so far and wide, and reached so many people, because of Amitabh Bachchan,” Roy Chowdhury said after Pink was adjudged “the best film on other social issues” in the National Film Awards announced earlier during the day. Bachchan essayed the role of a retired lawyer in the movie that created a flutter with its content that challenged rigid social concepts and underscored sensitively the rights and dignity of women. Praising the entire team, he said Pink was made with of love and belief. Chowdhury recalled that he had originally wanted to do the film in Bengali but producer Shoojit Sircar and Ronnie Lahiri suggested it be made in Hindi. “Shoojit and Ronnie suggested the film be made in Hindi as the

subject is very wide and must reach the maximum number of people. So thanks to them, we made the film with lot of love and belief. The credit goes to the entire team,” he said. “The people accepted the film very well. Now we have got the award. It is a great feeling,” he added.

Stop treating women as pets, urges Randeep Hooda

ctor Randeep Hooda, who is seen as the host of TV show MTV Big F Season 2, feels surprised that even in the 21st century there are families who restrict their daughters from living their dreams. An upcoming episode of MTV Big F Season 2 will tell a fictional story of a young and aspiring Hijabi singer named Ayesha (played by Shernawaz Jijina) and her love for music. Her brother, being the man of the house, doesn’t allow her to take her hobby seriously. Ayesha’s love for her brother and mother restrains her from being rebellious and standing up for what she loves the most. However, she makes an attempt and does what she wants. Talking about it, Randeep said: “It surprises me that even in the 21st century there are families who suppress the passions of their daughters. It is high time society stops treating women as pets that need to be disciplined or caged. “It’s funny how we keep talking about equality for all genders all the time and force our own daughters to give up on their dreams. Women have the right to do whatever they want. Let them be free-spirited, let them soar high and live their dreams. It’s about time we changed.” Shernawaz considers herself “lucky” to portray this role on TV. “Women and their desires are still suppressed in our country and it’s about time we should do something about it. Ayesha’s story is a source of inspiration for many girls out there who know they have it in them and just need a little push,” Shernawaz said. The show delves into the psyche of Indian women to explore their hidden desires in order to give them the confidence to break free of societal taboos and claim their desires and their bodies. The episode of MTV Big F Season 2 featuring Ayesha’s journey will be aired on Sunday.

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14 April 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

New-age children's movies breaking stereotypes ¡¡ AZERA PARVEEN RAHMAN

he "once-upon-a-time" and "happily-ever-after" fairytales that children and young adults are heavily fed on while growing up have often reinstated patriarchal notions and gender stereotypes: the princess is almost always "slender, fair, and delicate" and forever awaits her prince charming. A trickle of new animated films are attempting to change this narrative in today's politically correct and genderneutral times. Walt Disney Animation Studio's "Moana", which hit the screens in 2016, is one such story. Moana is a feisty young girl who, despite her father's best efforts, embarks on a daring mission to save her people on her island. She meets the oncepowerful demigod Maui, who, after casting doubts on her ability to be on such a risky adventure, finally guides her in her quest. Moana is unlike the other Disney princesses. She does not wait for someone else, much less a "prince charming", to rescue her when she is faced with monsters in the ocean. She does all the slaying and the voyaging by herself. "Frozen", yet another Walt Disney production, was again female-centric and was a blockbuster hit when it was released in 2013. A story of two sisters, this tale hands over the rescue

operation to the young Ana, who is determined to bring back her elder sister, Elsa, from her self-imposed exile after she set off an unending winter because of mishandling her magical powers. What takes the cake, though, is the answer to the quintessential question: What is the act of true love that will save the dying princess? No, not a "true love's kiss". The story leads the young audience -- and the rest like us -- to push the boundary of "true love" beyond what may exist between a man and a woman in a romantic relationship. But what difference does that make, do you ask? It's just fiction! "Any movie that's relatable impacts children," says author Vani Mahesh who has recently written an Indian mythology-based comic book for

Salman Khan’s Da-Bang, The Tour

Date: Friday, April 21 Venue: Vector Arena, Auckland Bollywood heartthrob Salman Khan will set the stage on fire on April 21 at Vector Arena. The Da-bang tour will include Bollywood A-listed actors Sonakshi Sinha, Bipasha Basu, popular TV host Manish Paul, actordancer-director Prabhu Deva, and rapper Badshah. Tickets are available on www.dabangnz2017.com and on Ticketmaster.co.nz.

‘Fun and Food Extravaganza 2017

Date: Saturday, April 22 Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Venue: Malaeola Samoan Convention Centre, 16 Waokauri Pl, Mangere, Auckland The Syro Malabar Catholic Mission of Auckland (SMC) has organised a day of food and fun at the Malaeola Samoan Convention Centre on Saturday, April 22. This year’s food fest will include cuisine treats from various parts of India, Philippines, Samoa, New Zealand and much more. This festival is an opportunity for the food

the famous Amar Chitra Katha publisher. "When a girl watches another girl being fearless, it naturally evokes the same emotions in her. Autobiographical movies, like 'Dangal', probably have an even higher impact because kids can see their icons in action." Clinical psychologist Debasmita Phukan agreed, saying that gender stereotypes begin to be acquired by the age of five. "By the time a child reaches adolescence, what society considers 'appropriate' or 'inappropriate' with respect to a certain gender is well understood," she said. In a fast-evolving society where children have ready information at the click of a button, 32-year-old Anushree Vaidya carefully chooses the TV and movie content her three-year-old daughter is exposed

to. "I don't want my daughter to be caged within stereotypes -- that a girl must be fair and demure. I want her to grow up as a strong individual, and since at this age it's usually cartoons that they idolise, I choose our movie content accordingly," the young mom said. It's pertinent to point here that it's not just young girls who get influenced by gender stereotyping through stories -- be it through movies or books. Boys are equally impacted. "When a patriarchal society leads a child to believe that girls are helpless and demure, and boys are 'manly' only if they are bulky and get into fights, stories like 'Sleeping Beauty' and 'Snow White' only reinforce these stereotypes, thereby perpetuating patriarchy," Debasmita added. "And patriarchy is dehumanising and discriminating to men too," said feminist activist, poet and author, Kamla Bhasin. "Boys are discouraged from crying from an early age -- tears are seen as a sign of weakness -- and are made to believe that they are protectors of women, as a result of which their emotional intelligence can be left deeply wanting. In some cases this can lead to difficulty in accepting rejection and deepseated frustration." There has, however, been some change in mindsets which is reflected in the movies that are

being made now. If one were to trace Walt Disney's movies, the early Disney princesses were the typical damsels-in-distress, like Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Snow White who could not get themselves out of their own problems. As feminism rose in America, Disney reinvented its princess with The Little Mermaid in the 1980s -- rebellious and ambitious, who married her true love. Then came Pocahontas who stood for herself, and Mulan who fought off an entire army to save her country. Similarly, in a society which considers cooking and dancing to be essentially feminine actions, "Ratatuoille" and "Happy Feet" welcomed the thought that passion does not have a gender and that it's ok to be different. A Whatsapp video doing the rounds recently showed a young mother being pulled into an "intervention" by Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White. "It's 2017," the trio said, "Don't you think it's time you stop reading such stories to your child... these stories have just been lazy misinterpretations and propaganda by male writers." Then what do I read to my child, asks the mother. "Tell her real stories, of real-life heroes like Madam Curie and Kalpana Chawla." The video was a fictional set-up, but the suggestions? Take your pick.

lovers to give try new cuisines from India and different countries. More than 5,000 people are expected to attend the food festival.

Sellers, combined with great networking opportunities. For more information on the event, visit TRENZ website www.trenz.co.nz.

Deep Peace Meditation: Acharya Das

Kiss the Sky

Date: Wednesday, April 26 Time: 10:30 a.m. Venue: Vec Freyburg Room, Mt Roskill War Memorial Hall, 13 May Road, Mt Roskill The search for Peace and Happiness in a stressful world. Deep Peace Meditation hosts special guest speaker and respected international teacher of yoga wisdom and meditation Acharya Das. More information on 09 815 2585 and all are welcome. Free Event.

Date: Thursday, June 29 until Saturday, July 1 Time: 7:30 p.m. onwards Venue: Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna Beach The New Zealand Dance Company forges its stellar reputation for choreographic mastery and extraordinary contemporary dance with the premiere of its 2017 triple bill Kiss the Sky, opening 29 June at the Bruce Mason Centre for four performances only. The season includes special opportunities to connect with The New Zealand Dance Company through an engaging “whole whanau” workshop and creative pre- and post-show talks.

TRENZ 2017

Date: Tuesday May 9 to Friday May 12 Time: 6 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Venue: Queens Wharf, Auckland, New Zealand TRENZ is New Zealand’s most significant businessto-business travel and trade show, with over 1200 delegates attending over the four day event. This leading event will captivate you with exciting new products and

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