Indian Weekender 9 December 2016 by Indian Weekender

9 DEC2016

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9 December 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Prime Minister resigns, shocks the nation Rizwan Mohammad

rime Minister John Key on Monday, December 5, announced his decision to resign in a week’s time from his position. Mr Key’s expectation is that the National Party caucus will hold a special meeting on December 12 to select a new leader. In an emotional speech, Mr Key announced his decision to leave the leadership of the National Party and to step down as the prime minister of the country. “It has been an enormous privilege to be Prime Minister of New Zealand, and these last eight years have been an incredible experience.” Mr Key said. Reports say that the prime minister’s close staffs were made privy about this incoming announcement a day before going to public. Mr Key’s speech suggested that he intended to give enough time to the new leader before the next general elections in 2017. “Just a few days ago I marked the anniversary of my eighth year as Prime Minister and my tenth as leader of the National Party. “Such an occasion seems a fitting time to not only take stock of the past 10 years, but to look forward,” Mr Key said. He cited the immense pressure on his supportive family during his political career as the driving factor behind his resignation. “Throughout these years, I have given everything I could to this job that I cherish, and

this country that I love. All of this has come at quite some sacrifice for the people who are dearest to me–my family. “For my wife Bronagh, there have been many nights and weekends spent alone, many occasions that were important to her that I simply could not attend,” he added. “The National Party is in great shape. Bill English has told me that in all his years here, ours is the most cohesive Cabinet he has seen. “But I do not believe that, if you asked me if I was committed to serving out a fourth term that I could look the public in the eye and say yes.” Mr Key has conveyed the Governor-General and Cabinet coalition partners that he will be leaving his position on December 12. “This has been the hardest decision I have ever made, and I do not know what I will do next. But for me, this feels the right time to go,” Mr Key said. Anticipating the disorient that accompanies any leadership transition, Mr Key has endorsed his trusted colleague and deputy for last 10 years, Deputy PM Bill English, if Mr English chose to bid for the leadership role. Leader of the Opposition Andrew Little acknowledged Mr Key’s service to the nation: “John Key has served New Zealand generously and with dedication. I wish him and his family the best for the future.

“Although we may have had our policy differences over the years, I respect the prime minister’s decision to stand down. “Well, he has certainly led this country through pretty difficult times. He has been there at the end of the global financial crisis, he has been there at the times of natural disaster like the earthquake in Christchurch, and he has provided that reassurance that New Zealand had needed,” Mr Little said. The Labour leader asserted that the party has been preparing for the next general elections in 2017 and is confident to stand against any National Party candidate for the top job. “Labour is ready and willing to contest the 2017 general election. We will present a credible choice for people and look forward to the opportunity to contest the election on our values and vision for New Zealand,” Mr Little said in a media statement. The business community of New Zealand is calculating the aftermath of Key’s resignation may bring to the economy of the country. “The announcement of Prime Minister John Key’s resignation has come as yet another surprise and shock on the political scene this year,” PwC’s Corporate Treasury Advisory Roger Kerr said. The National Party caucus will vote on Monday, December 12, to elect a new leader and prime minister of the country.

NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 9 December 2016

John Key’s tryst with India

(Top) John Key with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to India and (above) Mr Key with Indian President Pranab Mukherjee during latter’s visit to New Zealand

thinking has also been undergoing some significant changes from seeing itself as a sub-continental power to a maritime power. The vast stretches of South Pacific Ocean and the island nations in that region, including New Zealand, gradually started gaining traction in India’s overall strategic

thinking. At home, New Zealand has just recently managed to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China under the previous Labour government, which has a potential to significantly increase bilateral trade between the two countries and bring more prosperity to New Zealand. Mr

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2014 when Narendra Modi became the new Prime Minister of India riding on a massive mandate for domestic economic reforms in India. Since then, there has been a lot of anticipation in enhancing bilateral trade between both the countries. Towards this goal, Mr Key again visited India earlier in October this year. The two main issues that attracted major attention in his second visit were FTA and India’s request for New Zealand’s support in gaining membership of elite Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG). Once again, this visit was not short of personal bonhomie between Mr Key and Mr Modi, although fell short of achieving mutually desired goals. In conclusion to Mr Key’s tryst with India, there are two important unfulfilled goals. First, he has invested significant emotional energy in securing an FTA with India and would have wished to leave a legacy like Helen Clark’s FTA with China. His early retirement plan may have left that goal unachieved. Similarly, for India, Mr Key’s departure may have an effect on India’s efforts in gaining entry into the coveted NSG. He has personally taken great strides in understanding India’s energy needs and commitment to global climate change that are driving its current desire to get access to NSG. John Key will be missed by India, too. See John Key’s Indian connect, in pictures on page 4

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rime Minister John Key can safely take credit of repositioning New Zealand’s bilateral relationship with India. New Zealand’s bilateral relationship with India has always been underpinned on Commonwealth ties, shared democratic values, people-to-people relations and sporting links between the two countries. However, it is to the credit of PM Key to take leadership in taking this relationship to a different level. Although much remains to be achieved in this bilateral relationship, still there is a remarkable progress in the way two nations have begun to see each other since the beginning of 21st century. Mr Key came to power in New Zealand (2008) when India’s political and economic environment was maturing after a tumultuous decade of the 1990s. India in the 90s witnessed tremendous changes and its world view then can at best be described as evolving. In India, economic socialism has given way to liberalisation and globalisation and political idealism was replaced by a new found pragmatism and realism in the foreign policy. Since the beginning of the 21st century, India has begun attracting significant global attention due to its decade-long high economic growth and the hard power capabilities. Added to this, India’s strategic

Key was looking towards the second fastest growing major economy in the world for bringing more prosperity in New Zealand and stability and world peace. It was in these circumstances that New Zealand and India were both looking towards each other that Mr Key took the initiative to build bridges with India and launched the famous NZ-India Inc Strategy. Initiated in 2011, the stated vision of this strategy was to make India a core trade, economic, and political partner for New Zealand by 2015. Working towards this goal, Mr Key visited India for the first time in 2011 on the invitation of the then Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. During this visit, Mr Key was accompanied by Trade Minister Hon Tim Groser, a high-level business delegation. Both prime ministers discussed the possibility of FTA between the two countries and agreed to create a task force to coordinate efforts towards this direction. It will not be an exaggeration to say that post this visit , the mutual bonhomie between the political elites of the two countries was elevated to a level unseen before. The personal effect of Mr Key’s charisma on Indian political elites cannot be undermined. Since then, Prime Minister Key has been regularly meeting Indian leadership on the sidelines of many global events and conferences around the world. This continued even after the change of government in India in

Future

Sandeep Singh

NEW ZEALAND

9 December 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

The end of another innings: time to move on John Key, Outgoing PM of New Zealand

his week I announced my resignation as Prime Minister and Leader of the National Party. This was the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make but for me this feels the right time to go. Throughout my 14 years in Parliament, including eight years as Prime Minister, I have given everything I could to this job that I cherish, and this country that I love. Being leader of both the National Party and the country has been an incredible experience. Along with my Cabinet and National Party Caucus colleagues, we have helped create a more confident, outward-looking and multi-cultural New Zealand that competes and succeeds on the world stage. Simply put, for me, being Prime Minister has been the most remarkable, satisfying and exciting time of my life. But despite the amazing career I have had in

“

On the day I walk from the Parliament buildings for the last time, I will leave a richer person for the experience, and hoping and believing that New Zealand has been well served by the Government I led.

politics, all of this has come at quite some sacrifice for the people

who are dearest to me - my family. I want to spend more time with my

wife Bronagh and our two children Stephie and Max. I have also never seen myself as a career politician, and I certainly never wanted my success in politics to be measured by how long I spent in Parliament. More than anything else in my time in Parliament, I have tried to be straight and true with New Zealanders. I believe a leadership change, for the right reasons and handled well, is good for a political party. It allows for fresh thinking and new ideas. For all these reasons, I made the decision to step down as Leader of the National Party and as Prime Minister. On Monday, December 12, National MPs will hold a special caucus meeting to select a new leader and later that day I will tender my resignation to the Governor-General. The National Party is in great shape and I absolutely believe we can win the next election.

LOOKING BACK:

Announcing my resignation this week gives the Cabinet and National Caucus plenty of time to settle in with a new leader before heading into the next election with a proud record of strong economic management, a commitment to the most vulnerable in our society and lots of ideas to keep lifting New Zealanders up in the world. While I intend to stay in Parliament long enough to avoid the cost and inconvenience a by-election would cause the good people of my electorate of Helensville, I will at an appropriate time prior to the next election step down as a Member of Parliament. On the day I walk from the Parliament buildings for the last time, I will leave a richer person for the experience, and hoping and believing that New Zealand has been well served by the Government I led. Last but not least, I wish to put on record my everlasting gratitude to the New Zealand public for their support, faith and encouragement. It has been my absolute privilege to serve you all.

JOHN KEY’S INDIAN CONNECT

www.iwk.co.nz | 9 December 2016

Andrew Little cancels India visit again I Sandeep Singh

n a span of two months, Labour Leader Andrew Little has to cancel his India visit the second time. Earlier, it was due to the shock waves of the deadly Kaikoura earthquake in the South Island. Now, it is due to the political shock waves send by the surprise resignation of the Prime Minister John Key.

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The Labour Leader was scheduled to depart for India on Tuesday, December 6. However, when Mr Key chose to surprise the nation on Monday and announce his resignation, Mr Little called off his India visit. Mr Little was scheduled to travel directly to New Delhi and meet several high-level ministers in the Indian government.

Year of missed India visits

n a rare tweak of destiny, the year 2016 can be safely declared as a year of botched India visits from the New Zealand’s political elites. Till now there have been three occasions of scheduled visit from the New Zealand Prime Minister and the Leader of Opposition and all three have their shares of forced delay and cancellation. It started in October when Prime Minister John Key’s official Royal New Zealand Air Force Boeing 757 broke down in Townsville in Australia, en-route to India. Earlier it was anticipated as a minor technical snag, however, later turned out to be a major technical problem floundering repeated attempts to take off from the Australian town. Eventually, the flight had to be aborted, and another New Zealand Defence Force plane was called from Antarctica to take the Prime Minister entourage to India. There was more than twelve hours delay which necessitated the cancellation of Mumbai leg of PM’s India trip.

Mumbai is the financial centre of India, and many important business-to-business engagements between the two countries had to be abandoned due to that forced delay. Subsequently, Labour Leader Andrew Little’s two successive plans to travel India in a span of two months were cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. Apart from this, another interesting though a trivial, connection between India and New Zealand’s political elites is the fact that Prime Minister Key’s India visit in October was his last official bilateral visit to any foreign country as the Prime Minister of the country. Mr Key had travelled to Peru to attend the APEC Economic Leaders’ meeting from November 19-20. Before Peru, Prime Minister was scheduled to travel to Argentina for an official bilateral visit which was cancelled due to Kaikoura earthquakes. Thus, making the India visit as his last official bilateral visit, in the capacity as the Prime Minister of New Zealand.

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9 December 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Mt Roskill gets a new MP after three decades Sandeep Singh

t Roskill electorate gets a new MP for the first time in almost three decades. The by-election was necessitated when Phil Goff, the longstanding Labour MP vacated the parliamentary seat after being elected as Auckland’s Mayor. The overwhelming electoral verdict handed in favour of Labour’s Michael Wood does not do complete justice with the tense pre-election campaigning in the constituency. It also does not vindicate the perceived ‘close call’ projections made by many media commentators before the election night. On the contrary, the results on election night on Saturday, December 3, made it appear as almost a nocontest where Mr Wood romped home in style to resurrect himself and the Labour Party by winning the much hotly contested Mt Roskill by-election. The final vote count confirmed Mr Wood’s tally of total votes at 11,170—a clear majority of 6518 over his nearest rival Dr Parmjeet Parmar of the National Party. As expected in any by-election, there was a low voter turnout (35.6 per cent) where only 16,857 voters turned out to cast their ballot as opposed to a total of 47,266 enrolled voters in Mt Roskill. In the last general election (2014), 33,392 in the Mt Roskill electorate voted.

Michael Wood and Labour Party leader Andrew Little at the celebrations

Dr Parmar conceded her defeat in a post-result media stand up and extended congratulations to Mr Wood. The atmosphere at the Winstone Park Tennis Club, which was hosting the election night reception for the Labour candidate, was electrifying. Labour leader Andrew Little, who was apparently under pressure to save this traditional Labour bastion, finally breathed a sigh of relief with the outcome. Mr Wood, ecstatic with the results, thanked his supporters and voters for entrusting their confidence in him. He pledged to follow Phil Goff’s legacy of caring and nurturing his electorate. Undeniably, Mr Wood

has saved the Labour’s bastion for now. There is no doubt that the Labour Party was under tremendous pressure to retain its traditionally safe seat. National has been playing an intense mind game since the start of campaigning by claiming to be under no pressure to win the Mt Roskill seat, thus shifting all the pressure on the Labours. The outgoing prime minister has intensified the pressure on the Labour leader just before the end of the campaign by stating, “I think if Mt Roskill was to go to National, then I think really that would be terminal for Andrew Little.”

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“

I think if Mt Roskill was to go to National, then I think really that would be terminal for Andrew Little

Against this backdrop, it will not be an exaggeration to suggest that the Labour has done well in taking up the challenge thrown upon them by the National in this by-election. Mr Little has taken the lead early in, setting the momentum for the byelection by bringing forward the light rail project on the Dominion Road.

He has pledged his party’s support in funding half the cost of the project. Simultaneously, they have done well in retaining the ethnic electorate votes with the party after the emergence of the exclusive ethnic immigrant-based New Zealand People’s Party (NZPP) in the fray. Mt Roskill is one of the most ethnically diverse electorates in New Zealand with 39 per cent of voters identifying themselves as of Asian origin, and 45 per cent of the entire voters being born overseas. Roshan Nauhria, NZPP’s president and a candidate in this byelection, has openly claimed while campaigning that “we will get more Labour’s vote than the National’s.” This submission evidently emanated from his belief that Mt Roskill was “Phil Goff’s safe seat rather than a Labour’s safe seat”. Mr Nauhria managed to get only 709 votes. Speaking to Indian Weekender immediately after the results were announced, Mr Naurhia acknowledged that they might have failed in getting their message across to the voters. The Labour win has not only ascertained Mr Little’s right to return to the parliament as the party leader as questioned by Mr Key but it has also resurrected Mr Wood’s political career, which would have been questioned by a possible second defeat after the previous defeat in Botany (2011) by-election.

Undeterred Nauhria, focused on 2017 elections Rizwan Mohammad

he Mt Roskill by-elections ended on Saturday, December 3, as Michael Wood retained the long-standing Labour seat for the constituency. Roshan Nauhria, who started New Zealand People’s Party (NZPP) a few months back, was able to collect only 709 votes at the election. Although the numbers were significantly low for Mr Nauhria, far below his closest contestants Mr Wood and Dr Parmjeet Parmar, the party leader is undeterred and confident for the general elections in 2017. Mr Nauhria announced his candidature for the Mt Roskill seat on October 9—the day Phil Goff won the Auckland Mayoral elections. From the day it was formed, NZPP focussed its campaign on addressing law and order and the rising crime against ethnic migrants in the constituency. It is largely believed that Mr Nauhria secured his votes from the ethnic migrants in the electorate. On days leading up to the election results, Mr Nauhria was seen distributing newsletters and pamphlets outside Lotus Supermarket on Stoddard Road, Veggie stores on Carr Road and on the Royal Oak roundabout a day before the election. “We were expecting a lot more vote, but it did not happen,” Mr Nauhria told Indian Weekender. “Talking about the reason behind not securing enough votes, Mr Nauhria said, “Maybe I am not much experienced [or] did not do the right campaigning. Perhaps we could not get the message across to the community.”

NZPP Chair Roshan Nauhria

Mr Nauhria confirmed that he would definitely run for the general elections and with a better and stronger planning. Labour’s Michael Wood received 11,170 votes followed by Dr Parmar with 4,652 votes from a total of 16,857 votes received in the by-elections. “I am surprised that Michael won with such a huge majority,” Mr Nauhria said. He conceded his defeat congratulating Mr Wood, and he added, “I didn’t think Dr Parmar could have won. Next year we will have better strategies to connect more with the community in Mt Roskill.”

NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 9 December 2016

John Key takes a shot at immortalisation Sandeep Singh

n a shocking announcement on Monday, December 5, Prime Minister John Key surprised the nation by declaring his decision to step down from his position. The announcement came in the traditional media stand-up due every Monday after his cabinet meetings. Over the past eight years, these post-cabinet meeting media stand-ups have witnessed many major policy decisions of the government. However, not many would have anticipated something such as this coming from a seemingly mundane media stand up. The speech, which began at 12:45 p.m. had its normal elements of composed elegance— one of the many attributes of Mr Key’s brand of politics—before the prime minister began to meander into the uncharted territory of signalling the decision to step down when his voice began to waver emotionally. No politician in recent public memory has embarked on this unchartered territory. With a risk of being dubbed as a eulogy, it is asserted here that through this uncharted pathway, Mr Key has taken a shot at immortalisation in public memory. It is not every day that an immensely successful and popular prime minister of a country, with a record approval ratings for a third consecutive term, and no real challenge in sight to his position and charisma, either in government or opposition, makes a deliberate choice of stepping down. Abdicating power at its peak is usually not associated with the mortals. For the ordinary ones, 19th-century British politician and commentator Lord Acton has commented that “power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” The ‘corruption’ for a politician in Mr Key’s shoes of high popularity and absence of any real challenge to his position would be in faltering to abdicate power timely, before it becomes too ‘late’. Lateness here implies reaching a stage where leaders are displaced through an internal coup or loss of popularity in public that would lead to being gently chided away from the position of authority. Nothing of this sort happened with Mr Key. He has exercised his ‘power from within’ with courage, to despise the ‘absolute power’ conferred on him externally by the dynamics of modern electoral politics to defy Lord Acton’s comment on the mortals that absolute power corrupts absolutely. This surely gives him a pathway to immortalisation in the public minds. Mr Key’s claim to perennial fame is not purely from his domestic popularity in this country. In fact, he can take some credit in contributing towards New Zealand’s global image in world politics.

The way Mr Key has led the nation through the global financial crisis, the way he made New Zealand’s voice heard with respect at the global power centres, and his personal connect with world leaders such as US President Barrack Obama and former UK Prime Minister David Cameron and many others have enhanced New Zealand’s international image. Make no mistake. If New Zealand would not have been a small nation in the vast stretches of the South Pacific Ocean and seemingly situated somewhere else in the main global heartland, then Mr Key’s resignation would have attracted far more awe and reverence from the world community. However, the Prime Minister’s script to immortalisation is not purely without some challenge. What could potentially blemish if not altogether spoil Mr Key’s legacy is the ensuing competition for the leadership transition in the National Party. So far, the decision to resign appears to be made on the basis of what is good for Mr Key himself and not necessarily for the National Party and New Zealand. However, this is yet to be proven. If National Party’s and New Zealand’s script is to falter slightly from the current cruising position, then history will point back to this present moment when Mr Key arbitrarily chose to press the ‘reboot’ button. What if this forced leadership transition does not translate into a reality as envisaged by the outgoing prime minister. It will certainly be asked then that why this reboot was deliberately set at the first place. Even in computers, usually, the reboot button is pressed when a computer is not working properly. It must be for some reason that we do not press reboot button in computers when it is functioning efficiently. However, this again is something that will be determined in the future. Until that time, Mr Key can be exonerated from any imaginary blemish on his bid on immortalising himself within public minds. The “pride” that he seeks for “leaving on his terms,” can be safely granted to him by a thankful nation.

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SOUTH LINE

News-in-brief from South Island

Santa comes to town The 70th and 19th editions of the annual Santa parades concluded in Christchurch and Dunedin respectively this week Gaurav Sharma

arking 70 years of something is no mean feat. Especially in the rapidly changing modern life with so many distractions all around. But Christchurch’s Annual Santa Parade achieved that on December 4. With time, the event has become more multicultural in nature, with Indian, Chinese, Nepalese and Fiji floats proving to be great crowd pullers. While the first edition of the annual event featured just three horse-driven floats, this year—the 70th edition—had more than 130 floats parading through the 1.9km route with thousands gathering on the sides of the city’s famous Riccarton Road. More than 3,500 people took part in the parade, which was skilfully managed by more than 4,00 volunteers. Run by the Christchurch Children’s Christmas Parade Trust, which owns 40 floats, the parade ended with Santa coming on a speciallydesigned float, depicting fairies, reindeer, and his castle. However, this year, the Parade was not free from controversies. First was the issue of the Confederate flag, which was flown on the Dukes of Hazzard float last year. It was absent from this year’s parade when the Trust decided to remove it after some members of the public raised objection due to the flag’s link with white supremacist movement. Another was the float featuring children dressed as First Nations and native Americans, specifically the Ojibwe tribe. Called by some as “highly inappropriate and culturally insensitive”, the organisers decided to keep the float saying that they have the “blessing of the Ojibwe tribe” to parade the float.

Dunedin

Further down from Christchurch, in the Otago region, another annual Santa Parade was held on Sunday, December 4, announcing the arrival of Christmas festivities in the town. The parade, which is in its 19th year, saw more

State of local emergency extended in Kaikoura | the touristic town has seen massive booking cancellations | insurance claims pile up | ship routes being thought off | milk is being picked up now from dairy farms | demolition of buildings start in Wellington Gaurav Sharma

W Christchurch Santa Parade; (right) Sikh community part of the Parade

than 80 floats, with many local businesses contributing towards making Otago’s largest free public event a great success. Fire engines, clowns, and Santa Claus were the main attractions for children. The event ended with a family-friendly musical concert held at Octagon, Dunedin’s city centre. According to Dunedin City Council, the festivities will continue this week with the opening of Pixie Town at Otago Settlers Museum on December 9. “Visitors will be able to enjoy the historic exhibition, visit Santa and have their photo taken, make Christmas crafts, dress-up like

a pixie or relax with a Christmas book,” the Council informed. Notably, public will have access to the historical display only for a short time due to increasing fragility caused by age. Pixie Town was first displayed at the Dunedin DIC department store in 1951.

South Island focuses international students well-being The Ministry of Education initiates public discussions with all stakeholders on a new education strategy based on the Auckland experience Gaurav Sharma

ssues of international students coming to New Zealand, which adds almost $3b to the country’s economy annually, is a hot topic in the country now, especially when hundreds of Indian students are being deported on charges of providing false information to the authorities here. Set in this context was the public meeting organised by the Ministry of Education in Christchurch on December 5 to deliberate ideas on improving on the draft “international student wellbeing strategy”. When in force, the strategy will update the Leadership Statement for International Education announced in 2011. “With inputs from the the Human Rights Commission and Education New Zealand, the new strategy is based on the four pillars of economic well-being, quality education, health well-being, and inclusion,” Belinda Himiona, Senior Policy Manager, International Division, Ministry of Education said. On the question of how to ensure that international students are not exploited in workplaces, she added, “That will form an important part of the new strategy, and we are working with the Ministry of Business,

Recovery in full swing, but this summer is a write-off

Public meeting in Christchurch to discuss the new international students well-being strategy; Rakesh Naidoo, Strategic Advisor, Race Relations, New Zealand’s Human Rights Commission (seen on extreme left)

Innovation and Employment to chalk out the details.” Furthermore, on the question of why is the Ministry of Education not naming and shaming the private tertiary education providers that are engaging in education trafficking, Ms Himiona explained, “Not naming such providers, which are alleged to be engaged in these activities, is fair so as to give them a chance to share their side of the story with the authorities. As and when the investigations are complete, the names are revealed as is evident from some of the recent examples in Auckland.” Sahinde Pala, Regional Project Manager, Education New Zealand, and Rakesh Naidoo,

Strategic Advisor, Race Relations, New Zealand’s Human Rights Commission, also attended the meeting. Sharing the actions taken to date, Ms Pala concluded, “The orientation information stocktake and student focus groups undertaken by the Auckland Agencies Group have revealed the difficulties international students face in getting jobs after [the] completion of their courses. This is mainly due to not having adequate New Zealand experience. Pairing done through programmes such as Industry Connect and Work Ready, volunteering, and internships are some of the proposed solutions—a pilot for which are already in place.”

hile Civil Defense has made huge progress in the recovery and relief efforts after the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in North Canterbury, the state of local emergency in the worst-hit Kaikoura was extended for another week on December 6. This comes as electricity supply has been restored to most of the areas, fuel restrictions have been lifted, and water supply is slowly coming to normal. Meanwhile, giving a major relief to the 22 dairy farms in Kaikoura, Fonterra has started picking up milk from these farms on December 5, the first time in more than three weeks. This came as Civil Defense opened the inland route (of State Highway 70) for milk tankers, taking out the stuck campervans, essential freight, and other vehicles. Almost 60 businesses have also taken up the employee wage subsidy announced by the government as part of the ongoing relief efforts. The subsidy will be reviewed just before Christmas and a decision of whether to extend the scheme would be made then. But one thing is certain. This summer is a complete write-off for the tourism-dependent town with campgrounds, motels, and B&Bs reporting massive booking cancellations. Even Hamner Springs—famous for its natural hot water pools—which escaped any damage has seen almost half of their bookings cancelled. Insurance claims are also piling up with the Earthquake Commission (EQC) revealing that it has received nearly 15,000 November 14 earthquake-related claims till now, with more than 2,00 alone from the Marlborough region. FMG, the rural insurance company, has put the figure for claims to be close to $40m in rural areas of the three districts of North Canterbury, Marlborough, and Kaikoura. Till date, the company has received more than 700 claims. Looking forward, alternate routes for freight transport, namely the use of ships, are being advocated. Not without its problems, though. New Zealand Shipping Federation while welcoming the idea, which would provide a much-needed lifeline during natural disasters, called for more investment in the country’s ports to ensure the idea’s feasibility. In the capital also, which suffered extensive damage to some of its CBD’s buildings, the demolition work of the northeastern area of the Queensgate mall got under way this week. The entire work will take close to two months. The Wellington High Court building, cleared by engineers to be structurally sound, will only open by early 2017. Finally, the parliament also passed two of the three earthquake-related bills this week, including the Hurunui/Kaikoura Earthquakes Emergency Relief Bill and the Civil Defence Emergency Management Amendment Bill. A third bill is still in discussions.

NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 9 December 2016

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t was a perfect evening for all the Sufi aficionados in Auckland as famous singer duo Nooran Sisters gave an electrifying performance in the city on December 3. Saturday evening at Vodafone Events Centre saw Jyoti and Sultana Nooran crooning their popular numbers like Allah Hoo, Patakha Guddi and Tung Tung among many others in the packed hall, that left the audience asking for more. The sisters, who hail from Jalandhar, India and follow the Sham Chaurasi Gharana and Mirasi traditions of music, enthralled one and all with the high on energy performance which went on for over three hours. Audiences were seen enjoying their vocal range as well as their trademark style which includes clapping above their heads during singing. The duo was also accompanied by their father Gulshan Meer, who accompanied them on the harmonium along with occasional

singing during the concert. The Nooran family also shared a few experiences and anecdotes of their musical journey which has been full of problems as their family didn’t have enough money. One of the highlights of the show was when the duo sang a Tamil song amidst a loud applause. Talking about their experience of performing in New Zealand, Jyoti said, “I am so happy to be in New Zealand and performing in front of such a just great audience. It is overwhelming. I have never seen such a great audience” Sharing the same sentiment, Sultana said, “We are so humbled by all the love and affection we have got here. We would surely want to come back to New Zealand soon. I would like to say a big thank you to everyone for their love.” The sisters, who are blessed with strong voice along with pleasing personalities, shot to fame thanks to MTV Soundtrippin and Coke Studio and are slowly but steadily creating a niche for themselves.

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NEW ZEALAND

9 December 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

The ‘politics’ of student protests in Mt Roskill Sandeep Singh

ndian student deportation is a sensitive issue for the wider community, and Indian Weekender has always taken the lead in covering this issue and raising a voice with the concerned authorities through our various platforms. However, the latest student protest at a Mt Roskill polling station during the electoral voting has raised some questions that deserve serious attention. The Mt Roskill by-election has attracted much public attention for the fact that it represents one of the most ethnically diverse electorates in New Zealand, and there were two Indian-descent candidates in the fray, prominent among them being National List MP Dr Parmjeet Parmar. Probably this explains a provocative title for the event “March on Parmar for Indian students” with an apparent goal of cornering the Indian-descent MP on the pretext of failing to support the Indian students. As reported earlier on our website, Migrant Worker Association, the lead organiser of student protest, had organised a student protest, supposedly to raise voice for the hapless students facing deportation notice on Saturday, December 3. For the uninitiated, December 3 was the scheduled voting day for the Mt Roskill byelections. On an election day in New Zealand, electoral commission directive is in place, clearly embargoing media or any member of public from refraining from indulging in any activity or publishing that can potentially affect the voters.

It is therefore that a typical media entourage that is visible on any such protestations was mostly missing from the scene. Though, Indian Weekender had still covered the event and delayed publishing of this news till 7 p.m. till when there was an embargo on news publishing. The protest rightly brought the police on the scene with a warning to the protesters about a possible arrest if they did not back off, leaving some questions that need answers. First, the important issue is that are the international students prepared to risk an arrest while already being on the shaky ground in the country with a deportation notice served? Although the student’s desperate situation is understandable and widely acknowledged by the community, it needs to be established that they are prepared to be arrested on the charge of interfering election process in the country. The organisations leading such student protest on the pretext they have been “exploited” by the current National-led government have to answer the question if they are also not themselves “exploiting” these hapless students—a charge that they lay so repeatedly on the National government. Migrant Worker Association’s event announcement on social media says about Dr Parmar that “she serves the wealthy and the Government and not the people in need. How many houses can one person own in the midst of a housing crisis, with people sleeping in garages and cars?” Against this backdrop, it is important to ask if our international students should be worried

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or be seen publically lobbying to seek answers to such questions that Migrant Worker Association raises on their social media platform. International students in New Zealand are considered as “guests” of the country until they gain residency if that is a goal at all. Should a country’s “guests” be seen publically protesting on such questions completely unrelated to their stay relatively short stay in the country? To argue that these students are consciously indulging in such misguided protests will be an over-statement. To this day, student protest organisers have not been able to approach

the immigration minister directly or devise an alternative strategy to achieve the desired ‘help’ for the students. All they have been doing is singularly targeting Indian-origin MPs, which questions the sanctity of their intentions. Apparently, as of now, it is appearing that the student protest organisers are using hapless students to politically ambush Indian-descent MPs, with the obvious intention of creating political space for some other aspirants. However, this does not help the situation of international students in any possible way.

Paper from stone offers new solution to deforestation Rizwan Mohammad

ith deforestation being one of the main global concerns, a company in Auckland has secured an agency to make papers from waste rocks. The process of creating stone paper was first started in Taiwan in 1999, and it has been under development since then. In 2009, Auckland-based Stone Paper Company branded the product ‘Rockstock’ for the Australian, New Zealand, and Pacific markets. The demand for global paper is 400 million tonnes and it is estimated to shoot up to 500 million tonnes in the next decade. Stone Paper Company uses waste rocks from the building industry such as stone rock, marble, and tiles, as it is rich in Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3). The products produced by Rockstock essentially contain 80.9 per cent of CaCO3. The waste marble is cracked to 30 mm pebbles and then grounded to fine CaCO3 powder (as found in tofu, baby powder, paint, and toothpaste). The powder is mixed with High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) resin (18 per cent), which is just a minor ingredient that turns into pellets and then converts it into rolls of paper. The pulp-based paper industry uses acid, alkali, bleach, and other adhesive chemicals that give colour and texture to the final product. Stone Paper manufacturing uses no chemicals to whiten the product, as CaCO3 gives the white colour and makes the end product more environmental friendly. The papers produced using this technology is divided into two classes: R-Class, the papers that can be recycled, and S-Class, the sustainable range. “These papers are of much superior quality from the papers available in the market, and it is environmentally friendly as well. It does not emit carbon dioxide into the air, does not need water and chemicals that otherwise pollute the river streams and affect the natural habitat,” Alan Good, CEO of Rockstock said.

The rich mineral stone papers are nontoxic and photodegradable. The process of discarding the product also does not harm the environment. It solidifies and turns as hard as an egg shell when kept under the heat of the sun, eventually turning into dust and mixing with the soil. Rockstock is a tree-free paper that preserves the rapidly diminishing forests. By utilising ground up waste (CaCO3) as the essential substance rather than tree fibre, Rockstock replaces a constrained and required resource with a superfluous mineral, considered as generation waste in different businesses. For every tonne of paper manufactured by this process as compared to pulp-based paper production, 7480 gallons of fresh water is saved, 19.05 kg of water-borne waste is reduced, approximately 20 trees are less chopped, and less CO2 and other chemicals are emitted into the environment. Rockstock produces four million tonnes of paper every year that has a huge market in the United States, UK, and Canada and an increasing market in New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific region. Rockstock products are already being seen in the market. The papers used as receipts in the supermarkets, parking tickets, thermoformed range of food trays, polythene lookalike photodegradable carry bags, etc., are mostly Rockstock products.

NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 9 December 2016

Auckland to witness classical Indian music concert Rizwan Mohammad

two-day classical music concert is being held on December 10 and 11 at Blockhouse Bay Community Hall in Auckland. More than 250 people are expected to attend on each day. Music Extravaganza 2016 is the annual music show by Sargam School of Indian Music that was started in 2013 with the aim of providing a platform to students who are learning the art of Indian classical and semi-classical music. It is held in December every year. This year, the concert will see 80 participants with instruments such as sitar, violin, piano, and tabla, performing Indian classical, semiclassical (film classical songs), devotional, and instrumental songs. But the highlight of the show would the performance from Satvik Veena (modified slide guitar) player Pt Salil Bhatt from India. A total of 80 performers using instruments such as Sitar, Violin, Piano and Tabla are set to enthral its audience, and the highlight of the concert will be the Satvik Veena recital by Pt Salil Bhatt. Sargam School of Music has a pool of talented young musicians. Most of them have performed at different community events and national-level shows. The musicians are renowned for their fusion performances at award community functions and ATEED Diwali, which is held at Aotea Square every year. There will be choirs presenting ancient raaga music in vocal and instrumental music in tabla recitals. Formed in 2006, Sargam School of Indian Music is devoted to Indian classical music. The school was established with the aim to train students in Indian classical vocals and instrumental music. Students come different ethnic backgrounds such Europe, Fiji, Malaysia,

South Africa, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Tonga, China, and the United States form a part of Sargam. Since it was established, the school has organised Indian classical music concerts with international and local musicians.

About Salil Bhatt Salil Bhatt is the creator of the Satvik Veena and an heir to a 500-year musical legacy. Bhatt represents the the dynamic, newage, Indian musician. Hailed as the ‘Global Indian Musician’, Bhatt has done solo concerts and international collaboration for exotic jugal bandies and global fusions. In his 25-year career as a musician, he has gathered a big fan base across Germany, Australia, America, Taiwan, England, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Austria, and Italy. Bhat is the son of legendary slide guitar player India’s Grammy award-winner Padmashree Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt. Bhatt has been trained by his mentor, Pt Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, and specialises in playing high-speed taans. He follows Classical Indian Raga to its purest form. Salil Bhatt will conduct a workshop on Sunday, December 11 from noon to 2 p.m. followed by a performance by the students at 5.30 p.m.

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NEW ZEALAND

9 December 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Dream of first Indian-origin electorate MP halted, needs more work Sandeep Singh

he political tsunami unleashed by Prime Minister John Key’s sudden announcement of resignation on Monday has dwarfed many other political news of interest. One such news that can potentially diminish fast from the public attention under the massive emotional deluge precipitated by Mr Key’s resignation and the ensuing contest for the next leader of the National Party is the news that the dream of sending the first Indian-origin electorate MP to parliament came to a grinding halt on Saturday, December 3. Although nipped in the bud, it came tantalisingly close to realisation in the recently concluded Mt Roskill by-election. Just before the election day, Indian Weekender came out with its editorial piece stating that let the best candidate win in this Mt Roskill by-election. Michael Wood’s sweeping majority has put aside any doubt who was the best candidate in this by-election. The nature of his landslide victory would have necessitated multidimensional analysis on local and national politics if otherwise not precluded by the sudden announcement of Prime Minister’s resignation. This piece picks up a line of analysis about the grinding halt to the budding dream of sending the first Indian-origin electorate MP to the Parliament. It is not to suggest that there was a consolidated urge within the wider Indian community to see an Indian-origin electorate MP. It is only to suggest that Mt Roskill is one of the most ethnically diverse constituency in New Zealand with roughly around 20% population of Indian descent and two candidates who succeeded in making most of the pre-election noise were of Indian origin. One was self-made successful businessman Roshan Nauhria, who formed his political party claiming to speak exclusively for ethnic immigrants in New Zealand. The other was sitting National List MP Dr Parmjeet Parmar, who had a good run in the last general election at the same Mt Roskill seat against the mighty Phil Goff.

It will not be an exaggeration to assert that it was Dr Parmar’s candidacy that raised the most expectation of seeing the first Indian-origin electorate MP in parliament. In fact, this was a projection made by some National supporters and members of Dr Parmar’s campaigning team as reported by Indian Weekender previously. Many National supporters have then seen this by-election as an opportunity to effectuate some dramatic results after Mr Goff’s fortuitous departure from the scene. If that was a chance at all, then it has been squandered or lost for some considerable time. Mr Wood’s landslide victory has set aside any such hopes in the near future. Adding to this is the Labour’s pre-election claim that has been gaining traction in media post election results that the Nationals chose a weak candidate. It is of some interest to investigate further about this lost opportunity to send the first Indian-origin electorate MP and the perceived weak candidacy of Dr Parmar. Indian Weekender initially spoke to several community leaders about Dr Parmar’s defeat, as these leaders are often expected to be bearers of community sentiments and aspirations. So it was natural to expect to get some real reasons behind Dr Parmar’s loss. Our efforts were checkmated by astonishing levels of “political correctness” in this postTrump era of politics where political correctness stands threatened altogether.

Indian Calendar - December 2016 Date

Day

Festivals & Observances

1 Dec

Thur

Chandra Darshan

3 Dec

Sat

Chathurthi Vrat

5 Dec

Mon

Vivaah Panchami

6 Dec

Tue

Champa Sashti/ Subramanya Sashti

8 Dec

Thur

Masik Durgashtami

10 Dec

Sat

Mokshada Ekadashi, Gita Jayanthi

11 Dec

Sun

Vaishnava Mokshada Ekadashi

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Pradosh Vrat, Karthikai Deepam

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Dattatreya Jayanthi, Rohini Vrat

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Margashirsha Purnima, Annapurna Jayanthi

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Dhanu Sankranthi

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Sankastha Chathurthi

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Kalashtami

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Saphala Ekadashi

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Pradosh Vrat/ Shani Tratodashi

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Tue

Masik Shivaratri

29 Dec

Thur

Paush Amavasya/ Hanumanth Jayanthi

31 Dec

Sat

Chandra Darshan

Courtesy of e-Puja.co.nz –The largest religious online Puja platform

Most of the community leaders even failed to acknowledge that Dr Parmar has experienced a crushing defeat. Kuldeep Arora, owner of the India Gate restaurant and a Mt Roskill resident, expressed “satisfaction” in the number of votes secured by both Indian-origin candidates. “I would not say that Dr Parmar fared poorly or even Roshan Nauhria, for a first-time aspirant in electoral politics,” Mr Arora said. Similarly, Prakash Biradar, secretary New Zealand Indian Citizen Association (NZICA) was unaware of the six per cent decline in Dr Parmar’s votes from the last general election and affirmed that “she was well connected with the community.” Many other community leaders chose to find respite in Mt Roskill’s traditional affinity with the Labour Party and Phil Goff’s personal legacy in the electorate. Petrified with this level of “political correctness” in the community leader’s take and the squandered opportunity of sending an Indian-descent electorate MP to parliament, Indian Weekender dug in deep to directly engage with the community. Unsurprisingly, in this endeavour, some key factors emerged, which better explain Dr Parmar’s electoral defeat and threw some light for the future if the dream of Indian-origin electorate MP has to be ever realised. Vaishali Sharma, a doctor and a resident in Mt Roskill said, “Dr Parmar is only a face of the National Party who goes to community events and give speeches but does not appear to be connected with the community. “She is very cold and straight-faced.” Echoing similar views was another resident of Mt Roskill, Mukesh Kumar, who argued that “although she was seen everywhere around campaigning, she was not connecting with the people. That is why she got fewer votes than the last time.” Another Mt Roskill resident who preferred to remain anonymous commented that “Dr Parmar was of little help for the real problems in the community.” Nikhil Kalluri, a resident of Richardson

Street, took exception to the fact that Dr Parmar was seen too often with the prime minister rather than with the community. “That was more a reflection of arrogance,” Mr Kalluri said. Almost as a rule, everyone in the community compared Dr Parmar’s perceived distance from the community with Phil Goff’s personal connect with everyone he met in public. In fact, hearing from the community, it will not be an exaggeration to assert that many residents have extended their loyalty from Mr Goff to the next Labour candidate Mr Wood. Although, it will be unfair to draw any comparison between Dr Parmar and Mr Goff, who has mastered a personal brand style politics that possibly only Mr Key does better than him in the current New Zealand politics. It will be naive for Dr Parmar or any other future Indian-origin aspirant to parliament to ignore the underlying message of “need for connecting more” with the community. There is no point in hiding behind the National Party assertion that Mt Roskill was a safe seat for the Labour and “we were not expecting to win.” The main political parties are welcome to make their independent assessment of byelection results. Jasbir Dhillon, president of Global Indians, a National Party outfit, declined to comment on this seemingly overwhelming community feeling of disconnect with Dr Parmar. “There is always an opportunity to connect more with the Indian community and translate that into a win for the National Party in 2017 that should not be missed,” Mr Dhillon said. Indian Weekender’s attempts to get comment from Dr Parmar on this line of enquiry was unsuccessful as she chose to deflect the question and continue with a standard message of thank you to the Indian community. From an Indian community perspective, this by-election was a lost opportunity to send the first Indian-origin electorate MP to the parliament and the community, community leaders, commentators, and political aspirants should not leave the scene without some “critical learning” for the future.

Community Patrol ensures more safety in Mt Roskill Rizwan Mohammad

team of volunteers have been patrolling the streets of Mt Roskill to ensure safety in the community. The Mount Roskill Community Patrol is affiliated to Community Patrols of New Zealand (CPNZ), which has more than 160 community patrols, involving around 6,000 volunteers nationwide. It also covers Sandringham, Three Kings, Balmoral, Lynfield and Hillsborough. A growing number of active volunteers have been signing up for community patrolling to help the police make the community a safer place to live in. Any individual over 18 who shares concerns over the safety of the community can be a part of the group. The applicants are examined by the police and trained within the patrol. Those selected abide by the code

of conduct and sign a declaration of confidentiality. A police liaison officer is also allocated to work with the patrol. “The goal of the patrol is to make sure the people and the businesses in the area are safer, and the offenders are aware that they are being watched,” Merril Bourne, secretary for Mt Roskill Community Patrol said. Patrollers go out in pairs regularly, acting as the “eyes and ears” for the community and inform the police in case of any suspicious activity or an incident that requires urgent attention. The police also notify the patrol of any trouble spots or any suspicious activities to keep an eye on, monitoring it on a regular basis. The patrol also operates during the day in shopping malls and supermarkets to reduce shoplifting. It is hoped that a recent reduction in crime in the Mt Roskill area may

be as a result of the supervision and regular scrutiny by the community patrol group. “We write reports on activities in the areas we patrol, noting any suspicious behaviour or vehicles etc., which the police may find useful for their investigations”, Vai Ravindran, a Community Patrol member said. Currently, the patrollers use their personal vehicles for patrolling, using CPNZ magnetic strips on their cars. Besides helping reduce crime, the group also aims to raise funds to purchase a patrol vehicle. The patrol closely works with Roskill Together, a community initiative at various local events and has received immense support from Puketepapa Local Board and Auckland Council. The patrol is based at the Mt Roskill Community Policing Centre on 1213 Dominion Road, Mt Roskill.

NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 9 December 2016

Ashima Singh: creating new benchmarks in business Rizwan Mohammad

shima Singh is the lawyer and co-founder of Legal Associates, a successful law firm in South Auckland. She was recently honoured with Businesswoman of the year 2016 at Indian Newslink Business Awards 2016. Indian Weekender spoke to Ashima to know more about her journey from starting as a student to working as a registrar at Auckland Court to winning this prestigeous award. IWK: Tell us about your journey as a lawyer. Ashima: Since I started studying LLB from the University of Auckland, I had dreamt of becoming a successful lawyer. In my early days, I worked in Auckland Court as a registrar. I practised law in different firms in the city for some time before I started Legal Associates with my husband, Raj Pardeep Singh. The focus of my legal career has not just been to use the legal knowledge and skills I have to cater to clients’ legal concerns. I have been extremely passionate about educating the community about legal matters as well. IWK: Tell us a little about your firm? Ashima: Legal Associates is a law firm based in Papatoetoe, South

Ashima Singh receiving the award from Auckland Mayor Phil Goff

Auckland. Raj is the principal owner of the company and we have been in practice for almost two years. Our company specialises in Immigration Law, Property Law, Employment Law, Family Law, Criminal Law, and Wills & Trusts. We have a diverse ethnic team of lawyers and admin that come from different backgrounds such as India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Samoa, China, Tonga, and Japan. This diversity helps us to connect with our clients and gain a better understanding of their issues. Thus, we can provide the best legal advice. IWK: How did you feel receiving the award?

“

We have a diverse ethnic team from different backgrounds which helps us to connect with our clients and gain a better understanding of their issues.

Ashima: With a humble heart, I accepted the award for the Businesswoman of the Year 2016 at

the Ninth Annual Indian Business Awards by Indian Newslink on November 28. As a co-founder of Legal Associates, I am proud to have been recognised for my efforts and the efforts of the Team in the past year. I was also recently appointed as a partner at Legal Associates, which is an indication of a significant phase in my life. I would add that this would not have been possible without the great work that the team does and the clients that we have. I am confident that this achievement will allow me to continue to help and educate the community in a greater way.

IWK: What was the criterion for the nomination for the award? Ashima: The nominated should have a successful business and a sound financial stability and work ethics. The business must also be running for at least full one fiscal year. IWK: Legal Associates was the finalist in Excellence in Innovation and Best MediumSized Business. What do you think the company has best to offer? Ashima: Regarding innovation, we provide training to our staffs that inspire new thoughts and approaches to the way we do things. The team gains additional experience that the business will benefit from possible and new ideas and approaches.

The basis for our innovative project selection and management process is to address the need in the community for a law firm that understands the needs of immigrants to New Zealand. We also focus on client satisfaction. We ensure that our clients are given the best legal services. Our customers continue to refer potential clients to us because they are happy with the services we provide. IWK: What do you think is the USP of Legal Associates? Ashima: Employees of our firm come from different ethnic backgrounds. We believe that this is strength for us because it allows us to cater to a broader range of clients. We understand migrant needs because we are all first-hand migrants, and we understand the struggle that our customers face while establishing a life in New Zealand. We continue to train our staff so that they can better address the needs of migrants. We also encourage new ideas and ways to provide timely and quality legal services to our clients. IWK: How valuable is the award for the company and its growth for the long run? Ashima: We are pleased that our services have been recognised. The award will boost our firm’s business, extend the reach of our brand, and people will know that we are an award-winning team who they can trust.

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NEW ZEALAND

9 December 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Auckland girl soares high in modelling world Rizwan Mohammad

uckland-based Kiwi-Indian Neekita Naidu dominated the stage at Miss India Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Touch the Soul 2016 in Sydney earlier in September 2016. Neekita, a travel and tourism consultant at a company in Sydney, started her journey at a mall photo shoot in Auckland, and today has become a supermodel renowned in both New Zealand and Australia. Neekita was on a short trip to Auckland last weekend, and Indian Weekender spoke to her about her journey into the world of glamour and fashion.

gave me significant exposure in the Asia-Pacific region. Thailand hosted the final event of the pageantry, and it was a grand event. The contest was my first national exposure into the fashion world and the fact I made to the top finalists was a big confidence boost for me.

Neekita Naidu with Ms Universe Super Model 2016 trophy in Bulgaria

IWK: What changed following Miss Universe NZ contest? Neekita: I started getting more recognition in the fashion industry, and it was another kick-start for the modelling career. Print adverts, TV commercials for beauty products, everything just flowed in.

IWK: When did you develop the passion for modelling? Neekita: I started my journey in the modelling industry almost seven years ago. I was walking down Sylvia Park mall when I came across a walkin photo shoot. I just went in for fun, and my pictures came out well. Later, the media agency approached me and asked if I would be interested in doing some photo shoots for print. So I grabbed the opportunity and that is how I was in the industry.

IWK: How did you manage your professional life as a travel consultant in Auckland? Neekita: It was a little difficult to balance both. After a while, in late 2014, I took a short break from the fashion world and focussed on my job. So in the meantime, I would perform at different fashion shows, but mostly, I concentrated on my work. I did wedding and bridal shows, walked the ramp during the Diwali function in Auckland and other fashion shows in the city.

IWK: What was your turning point in this industry? Neekita: I participated in the Miss Universe NZ contest in 2013 and that was a big turning point for me. It was surprising, as I steadily made my way into the top 15 finalists. I was ranked number 13, and that contest

IWK: How was it winning two titles in 2016? Neekita: 2016 has turned to be amazing as I participated in two international contests and won both. For a change, I moved to Sydney in mid-2016 and started working in another travel company there.

Neekita: I never dreamt of becoming a supermodel but things fell into place, and I kept progressing. It has been humbling, and I wish to work harder to scale better heights.

Neekita Naidu being crowned as Ms India Australia - Touch the Soul 2016 by Krisma Kapoor

In September, I won Miss Indian Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Touch the Soul 2016 in Sydney. I was crowned by Bollywood Diva Karishma Kapoor as she was the judge for the finals. In November, I won the Miss Universe Supermodel title held in Bulgaria. This was one of the toughest competitions I have faced in my seven-year career in the fashion world.

Neekita: I see Priyanka Chopra as my role model. I have been following her from the day she stepped on to the Miss India stage. She has proved herself and now is she is renowned even in the Hollywood industry.

IWK: What do you think was your USP at the Miss Universe Supermodel 2016? Neekita: I would say my Indian background, and my tall, dusky and skinny personality.

IWK: What draws you towards the glamour world? Neekita: I love what I do. I enjoy doing the photo shoots, walking the ramp, and expressing myself. This is what keeps me glued to the glamour industry. Doing more shows across different platforms and places has polished my skills and I have become better than I was a day before.

IWK: Who do you see as your role model?

IWK: Looking back, how would you describe your journey?

IWK: How was been the support from your family? Neekita: I come from a conservative Fiji-Indian family, and there were objections initially. Once I stepped into the fashion world, I kept moving forward, and I gained quite a momentum very soon. I followed my passion, and later I started getting support from my family members. It feels proud when a friend calls and says they saw my picture in some magazine or a newspaper. IWK: What advice would you like to give to budding models? Neekita: I would say, if modelling is your passion, then do not look back. There will be sleepless nights but just follow your dreams. Confidence is the key, and if you do not exhibit that, then you will not succeed. There are different shades to this industry so do not let people take advantage of you and make your decisions wisely.

NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 9 December 2016

Diversified, strong economy is an important buffer in challenging times Kanwaljit Bakshi National List MP

he focus of government ministers at present is very much on developing, and then rolling out, support packages for people affected by the Kaikōura earthquake and its aftershocks. But the recent display of the force of nature has been a timely reminder to all New Zealanders about the need to be prepared for potential natural disaster events.

Indian students suffer from flawed system

It is important we ensure to be prepared not just for ourselves, but for the ones we care for—families, friends, elderly neighbours or the young family next door. We can’t be shy about sitting down with family to talk about a plan and how we might work together and check-up on each other in the event of an earthquake. And just as it is prudent to have a personal plan of action for challenging times, so it is with the economy. The best-performing societies in the world don’t get there by luck. They get there by adopting polices which reward investment in job-creating, and income growth-supporting enterprises. And in these times of somewhat turbulent geopolitical events in parts of the

world, we’ve also been reminded in recent weeks of the benefit of living in a country with a strong, and increasingly diversified economy. New Zealand’s regional economies are reaping significant employment and income growth opportunities due to the success of the National government’s tourism strategy. In this year’s budget, we invested a further $45 million in tourism over the next four years, on top of the over $130 million National was already investing every year to facilitate tourism sector growth. That the strategy is paying growing dividends to our regional economies was confirmed in data just published by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment or MBIE.

MBIE says tourism expenditure grew in every single region in the 12 months to October 31, 2016. Expenditure in the Nelson region, for example, increased 16 per cent over the year to stand at $334 million, while spending in Otago was up 14 per cent to $3.4 billion. Tourism spending in the Bay of Plenty was up 10 per cent to stand at $1.7 billion in the same period. MBIE’s analysis indicates National’s strategy to ensure all regions benefit from the exceptional growth happening right now in tourism is working to diversify our economy and strengthen its resilience to deal with any unexpected local or global challenges on the horizon.

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0508 15 16 17

Barry Coates

Green Party List MP

he failure of the New Zealand tertiary education system has left Indian students at risk from deportation and degraded qualifications. It is not an isolated case. The government’s approach to ‘light regulation’ has too often meant failed self-regulation, or no rules enforced at all. As a result, there is system-wide failure across the tertiary education sector. Students caught up in the scams and criminal activity have lost out, but so has New Zealand’s reputation and the international education sector. It is shameful that National Party politicians have put the blame on the students, without recognising that it is the deregulation-at-all-costs model that has let them down and imposed costs on us all. There have been plenty of warning signs. In 2003, taxpayers spent $620,000 bailing out 220 students after the Modern Age Institute of Learning Schools failed, seriously damaging New Zealand’s reputation with Chinese students. The government bailed out two other language schools soon thereafter, and there has been a long list of scandals subsequently. However, the lure of big business has been strong. The government has competed for students in India against competition from Australia, Canada and the UK, and has facilitated a race to the bottom in enforcement of regulation. Not only has corruption been allowed to flourish amongst agents, but there has been collusion with the education providers. They and the government regulators have turned a blind eye to students without the necessary funds, qualifications and English language skills. Despite mounting evidence of fraud perpetrated by agents in India, it was not until March that Immigration New Zealand undertook an investigation into collusion between agents and banks to falsify applications. There are multiple investigations still ongoing and further cases of fraud are likely. This is no way to build a successful international education sector for the future. There needs to be a sound regulatory structure, properly enforced. The government’s deregulatory approach has caused a litany of failures in other sectors, including the Pike River mining disaster, finance company collapses, and leaky buildings. Thousands of vulnerable New Zealanders have suffered and the economic costs for taxpayers have run into billions of dollars. The Green Party is calling for a change in approach. Lax regulation and the chase for short term returns needs to be replaced by smart regulation – identify the potential risks and put in place proper standards, controls and institutional accountability that is required. Smart regulation aims to protect the vulnerable, enhance New Zealand’s reputation, build the sector over the long term and provide a decent education for students.

Barry Coates is a Green Party List MP based in Auckland. His portfolios include Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

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READERS SPEAK

What do you think about Prime Minister’s resignation

Editorial

Leadership change: from contest to consensus

t is evident now that Bill English has got the numbers to cross the line to become the next Prime Minister of the country. Obviously, unless no more drama unfolds in the next few days. Harold Wilson’s popular quote that “a week is a long time in politics” has probably never been so relevant for the New Zealand politics than now. Soon after Prime Minister’s resignation on Monday, December 5, our small editorial team has struggled with one question that possibly every New Zealander is keenly watching – who will be the next Prime Minister of the country? Initially within our editorial team, a slightly different question was raised – how will the next Prime Minister be elected? The line of enquiry proposed within our team was that how the next Prime Minister should be elected: contest or consensus? The proponents of this idea in our team were of the opinion that consensus should be the preferred way of transition of power. This way stability and cohesiveness could be maintained in the post-John Key cabinet. Given that John Key himself has made a claim while announcing his resignation that he was told by his deputy Bill English that this was the most cohesive cabinet in the last eight years, it was assumed that cohesiveness of cabinet is an important factor for this National government. It was argued in our editorial team debate that consensus building should be the best strategy to elect new National Party leader and the Prime Minister. This argument was based on the assumption that an open and possibly, a fierce contest can potentially risk stability. It is not always easy to roll back leadership ambitions once they are blown out openly in public and fiercely contested. Like all editorial ideas, this idea was also debated and then discarded in favour of a better idea. The better idea at that time was that contest is the essence of any successful democracy. Believing in the essence of the contest within a democracy, our team worked on another story that why, not the next Prime Minister be elected directly by the people of New Zealand instead of just 59 MPs, especially six to nine months before next general elections could be held. Come Thursday, this fast emerging news that Bill English has got enough numbers of MPs who have openly declared their support for his leadership bid has again forced us to visit back to our earlier discarded idea of the importance of consensus in electing the next Leader. With news of Mr English having sufficient numbers Judith Collins in a smart move has already withdrawn her name from the contest, possibly saving her leadership ambitions for another day. It is not clear for how long Jonathon Coleman will hold the forte remains to be seen, though he has made conciliatory comments in the Parliament today. However, it appears that contest has given way to consensus for now which is not altogether bad for the general health of New Zealand’s democracy. Without sounding arrogant, it can be argued that common sense dictates that any unsolicited leadership change should be handled carefully through consensus. Leaving contest for another day probably when all New Zealanders can participate in electing their new Prime Minister. For now, consensus prevails on contest.

Indian Weekender : Volume 8 Issue 38 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.: 09-2137335 | 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 - 711 Mt Albert Road, Royal Oak, Auckland. Printed at Horton Media, Auckland Copyright 2016. Kiwi Media Publishing Limited. All Rights Reserved.

Dr Nadeem Ahmad, Epsom I think John Key has done an excellent job as the Prime Minister for the last eight years. There will be a time when you call it a day and want to dedicate most of your time with your family, and I think he has the liberty to do that. There will be a little uncertainty when the seat vacates but I think that’s momentarily and things should be stable in no time.

Kirit Patel, Onehunga John Key’s resignation is a bit of a loss for the people; he was a person with a good grasp on the economy. John Key did not come with a political baggage; he was down to earth and could relate to the people. He should have stayed for the next term, and I am sure he would have won the election again.

Shaibal Chakraborty, Mt Eden I think John Key took an early call by resigning from the post. He is a man of many talents and has the potential to deliver more. Of course, there will be a little instability and chaos, but that will vanish soon. National has an excellent talent pool, and the most deserving person will take the Prime Ministerial post.

Sam Varghese, North Shore NZ PM stunned me with his decision when he announced that he was resigning. He is one of the most outstanding national leaders in the world today and has done an extraordinary job for the country. But I also agree that it would be a good time for fresh blood and some new faces.

Shradha Ramani, CBD He has been the Prime Minister for a long time. I am curious to see how his resignation will have an impact on the housing market. The candidates put forward by the party for the new National leader position are nowhere as popular as him. It’s a game changer for the next election.

Richa Bajaj, CBD I am still disturbed from our Prime Minister’s resignation. I supported John Key because he related to people. I respect his wish to spend more time with his family but still leaving the position at such big time of Kaikoura earthquake is shocking. There isn’t anyone worthy of taking over from him as the leader of the National Party. Well, his resignation is good or bad, only time will tell. I hope and wish for a better New Zealand.

“The re is a close conne c t ion be t we e n ge t t ing up in t he wor ld and ge t t ing up in t he mor ning.

— Anonymous

www.iwk.co.nz | 9 December 2016

OPINION/EDITORIAL

‘Less-cash’ society can ensure financial, digital inclusion of the masses Amit Kapoor

ith the government decision to withdraw Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes as legal tender, an ongoing debate on cash, no-cash or less-cash society has gathered steam. Before moving into a debate on cash, it is necessary to understand the nature of money. It is hard to define what money is. If one looks at the nature of money, one is inclined to agree with Aristotle who believed that every object has two beings—one for which it was created and other a value for which it could be bartered or sold. From the coral shells in Africa to minted coins during the Roman Empire to the paper currency notes during the Tang Dynasty in China to Stockholm Banco issuing the first notes in Europe in the late 17th-century, money/currency has undergone several changes but yet has remained the same. The rise of the central bank came next, and post that the innovation of charge cards, which later transformed into credit cards, debit cards and travel cards. After the 1990s, with digitisation, there is an interesting story that is unfolding around digital currency. Before discussing the merits and demerits of cash-versus-digital, it is pertinent to note the function money serves. Money has primarily three functions, namely, as a store of wealth, as a unit of measurement, and as a medium of exchange.

The first function can be served well by a physical asset as well—like gold or a piece of real estate—but the other two functions of money— as a unit of measurement and as a medium of exchange—seem to be better conceived in terms of cash currency than physical objects/ commodities. With respect to an exchange, this is especially acute since money also acquires a liquidity aspect. You cannot exchange land for money very quickly. Similarly, real estate and value of gold can change considerably with time and are dependent on cash. So

cash has utility in being used as a meaningful means for transactions to take place between individuals who don’t know each other. Despite these benefits, in recent times, cash’s utility has been questioned. In his recent book on cash titled ‘The Curse of Cash’, Harvard economist Kenneth Rogoff raises some fundamental concerns about cash in advance economies in general and the US 100 dollar bill. “Even as people in advanced economies use less paper money there is more cash in circulation,” he argues. A record $1.4 trillion,

or $4,200 for every American, is circulating, mostly in $100 bills. He raises concern about this excess cash being used for tax evasion, corruption, terrorism, the drug trade, human trafficking and the like of a massive global underground economy. Another problem of cash in developed markets is of limiting possible monetary policy choices in a negative interest rate regime where people will stockpile more cash and abandon treasury bills. In the Indian context, too, these problems of cash hold true barring the last one as the interest rate situation is very different at present from what it is in developed countries. The fact that cash has limitations does not mean digital money is without its share of problems. A recent report by the Cambridge Security Initiative (CSI) authored by Alfred Rolington points out that threats posed on the digital currency are considerable. These include threats like criminal cyber theft, attacks on ATM machines and on electronic bank accounts. Another important point is digital money’s usage in the time of calamitous situations like a flood when electronic device usage may be disrupted. Then there are aspects related to privacy that raise questions about governments and individual freedom in societies that are aiming to go cashless. Some countries, especially the Nordic countries like Sweden, have been tempted to go

cashless. However, despite this, at present they do use paper money. One can see a move away from physical currency towards digitisation, which is fundamentally information. The nature of money is yet again at a crossroads with information replacing paper and coin currency. It is a disruptive change similar to the move away from barter to commodity currency to fiat currency. The Utopian conception of a “cashless society” is still an idea whose time is yet to come. Pime Minister Narendra Modi is right when he says that the move is towards a more ‘less-cash’ society rather than a complete “cashless” society. Even governments elsewhere are taking a hard look at where 17 cash and digital currency fit the need of citizens to store and exchange goods and services in an economy. In that, the Indian government has taken a bold and hard step (critics say rather abruptly) and fundamentally shifted the balance towards “lesscash”, not more of it. Over the coming years, it must think about making this “less-cash” society plug more leakages and bring in more financial and digital inclusion of the masses. (The article is co-authored with Sankalp Sharma, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Competitiveness, India. Amit Kapoor is Chair, Institute for Competitiveness & Editor of Thinkers. The views expressed are personal. )

The Indian right is more moderate than the far-right in West Amulya Ganguli

onald Trump’s victory has been ascribed to the anger of the white working class in the US over the discontent caused by globalisation because of the curtailment of job opportunities. The same explanation has been offered for the success of the proBrexit group in Britain and the rise of the far-right parties in France, Germany and elsewhere in Europe. But there are deeper reasons. First, the discomfiture of the white Europeans over the ascent of the black and brown nations after the end of colonisation was compounded by the need for the immigration of these very same “coloured” people to make up for the shortfall in the working population in Europe caused by the two World Wars. As long as these new citizens performed menial jobs and looked upon their stay in their adopted countries as a temporary sojourn that would end as soon as they had made enough money to go back home, the British or the French reluctantly accepted their presence in their midst. But the newcomers never returned home. Moreover, the second- and third-generation immigrants were

no longer as subservient as their parents to the whites or willing to do lowly jobs. Then came the new laws on racial equality which meant that they could no longer be discriminated against at the workplace or elsewhere. As a result, the white man’s country was becoming multicultural or “multi-culti”, as the brown sahib, Nobel laureate V.S. Naipaul, ruefully said. In the US, the scene was different— but only slightly. There, too, the civil rights movement sought to give equal status to the blacks. But racism persisted, as is evident from the recent ugly episode of Michelle Obama being called an “ape in heels” by a Trump supporter who expressed relief at the possibility of the First Lady in the White House again being “classy”—and white. As the blacks remained an unassimilated group in the US more than a century-and-a-half after the end of the Civil War, the racial problem was exacerbated by the influx of the light browns—the Mexicans and Latinos. These “aliens” might have continued to live as second-class citizens in the US and the UK if globalisation and automation did not ensure that factories could operate anywhere in the world where the

wages were lower than those in the “advanced” countries of the West. The relocation of the industries and the outsourcing of service sector jobs meant that for the first time in living memory, the whites were at the receiving end. To make matters worse for them, the new-fangled concepts of human rights and open borders meant that asylum-seekers from war-torn countries of the Middle East— ”cockroaches” as a writer in the pro-Brexit Daily Mail called them— would have to be given shelter in the white countries of Europe and North America, thereby further skewing their colour composition and bringing in new cultural and religious practices. As Brigitte Bardot said, “My country, France, my homeland,

my land is again invaded by an overpopulation of foreigners, especially Muslims.” It is not surprising that Bardot has called Marine Le Pen the “modern Joan of Arc”, for the leader of the National Front in France fears that immigration is an “organised replacement of our population”, threatening “our very survival”. In the US, the leader of the white supremacist National Policy Institute has noted that “America was, until this last generation, a white country designed for ourselves and our posterity. It is our creation, it is our inheritance and it belongs to us”. The ideas of “Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite” have gone for a toss, therefore, in France, as has the Magna Carta in Britain along with

the stirring words of the Statue of Liberty near the New York harbour, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses...” These reflected the views of the enlightened whites. But, now, old-fashioned racism, which had simmered below the surface, has come to the fore. But even as a majority of the whites turn to racism and xenophobia, India has shown that “multi-culti” is not a dirty word. Indeed, the values of pluralism are so deeply ingrained in India that even the right-of-centre Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has become moderate under Narendra Modi, who, in the words of Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, has changed from being a “hate figure to an avatar of modernity and progress”. Unlike the preference of the whites to either exterminate or subdue the indigenous populations—the Native Americans in the US, the Aborigines in Australia—India has always been a land of assimilation with its 4,635 communities and 22 constitutionally recognised languages. In contrast, Europe and the US have been conflict-prone with the “enemy” ranging from blacks to Jews to Muslims. Amulya Ganguli is a writer on current affairs. The views expressed are personal.

FIJI

9 December 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

PM outlines plans for COP23 to UK official P rime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama outlined Fiji’s plans for the COP23 presidency at a meeting with the United Kingdom’s Minister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Baroness Anelay of St Johns. This is part of a global effort to build support for Fiji’s presidential agenda at the 23rd session of the Conference of the Parties. He highlighted this during a meeting in

London. Mr Bainimarama laid out Fiji’s vision as president of COP23 and as co-host of the High-Level UN Conference on Oceans to be held in New York in June 2017. During the bilateral talks, the Prime Minister and Baroness Anelay explored opportunities for closer economic co-operation between Fiji and the UK. This was particularly in relation to Fijian Made goods and Fijian sugar.

The Prime Minister also noted Fiji’s bid for a seat on the Human Rights Council for the 2018-2020 term. He held the meeting in London prior to attending the 50th International Sugar Organisation Council Meeting. Mr Bainimarama would then head to Brussels where he is scheduled to meet with the President of the European Council Donald Tusk.

The Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama (middle), held talks with the UK sugar company, Tate & Lyle Sugar, in London

Pooja makes Miss World Talent semi finals

iji’s pick to the Miss World competition Pooja Priyanka yesterday qualified for the semi finals for the talent category. She performed a dance from a Bollywood movie Taal which featured Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who was a Miss World in 1994. Ms Priyanka, who is competing with over 110 contestants from all over the globe at the United States capital Washington DC, is excited with her first foray into the international event. On Miss World- Fiji’s, Facebook page Ms Priyanka said, “YaY! First round of results are in and I’m so excited to be showcasing our incredible fusion of cultures. Thank you to my dear #MissWorldteam. This would not be possible without you. Anita Chand Shokoufeh Shojaei Arthi Wardan Ashishna Sharma Pallavi Wardan Vishal Sharma Shaleen Jas Andhy Blake This one is for you”. Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) TV producer and presenter Andhy Blake said: “This is the huge achievement for any Miss Fiji contestants to the Miss World platform because this is the first time Fiji has made it in the talents and we look forward to the finals.”

High Level political dialogue between EU and Fiji

Miss World Fiji Pooja Priyanka, with Miss Seychelles Christinne Barbier sharing the Christmas spirit in Washinton DC (Photo: Miss World Fiji)

Vote for Miss World-Fiji

iss World Fiji, Pooja Priyanka is urging Fijians at home and overseas to vote for her in the Miss World, People’s Choice Award category. On Miss World-Fiji’s Facebook page, Ms Priyanka said: “Bula Fiji!

Have you voted yet? Please download the Miss World App in the App store for FREE, browse contestants, SELECT FIJI and cast your vote. Your vote is important and count towards the People’s Choice Award! Help Fiji reach Number 1! #MissWorld #MissFiji.”

Ms Priyanka is competing with over 110 contestants from all over the globe at the United States capital, Washington DC. Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) TV producer and presenter, Andhy Blake is also urging all Fijians to continue voting for Ms Priyanka.

he second High Level Political Dialogue between the European Union and Fiji under article 8 of the ACP-EU partnership (Cotonou) Agreement was held in Brussels, Belgium. The meeting which was a continuation of last year’s dialogue in Suva was opened by Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama. Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific of the European External Action Service, Gunnar Wiegand, outlined priorities for international and regional cooperation with Fiji arising from global challenges such as climate change, oceans and migration. Fiji presented its global agenda in 2017 and invited the EU to support Fiji’s COP23 Presidency and the High Level UN Conference on Oceans, co-hosted by Fiji and Sweden. The Parties exchanged views on future cooperation after 2020, recognising the need to replace the Cotonou Agreement with an ambitious successor that would build on the success of the current Agreement and reflect the specificities and needs of the Pacific region.

Fiji has sugar at heart: PM

iji will not give up on its sugar industry. A new action plan will be put together to identify what works, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama told a major industry meeting in London. While delivering remarks at the 50th Session of the International Sugar Organisation Council in London, Mr Bainimarama spoke about the resilience of the industry in the face of devastation by Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Winston. “The Fijian industry is undertaking a review of its Sugar Action Plan 2013-2017 to identify what is working and what is not. To find out why certain targets haven’t been met and what needs to be done to meet them,” he said. “And set new targets and time lines, plus new policy guidelines and investment plans, to take us forward. All this will be included in a new successor plan for the industry for the next three to five years starting next year – 2017.” He said Fiji does not intend to give up on sugar cane. “On the contrary, we intend to continue with our programme to modernise the industry, to embrace new technology to improve our yields

and give us the information we need to make better planning decisions,” the PM said. “We must extract as much sugar as we can from a single plant and value add with new products and by-products. “We must build our resilience to the threat to the industry posed by climate change. “And we must constantly scan the horizon for new markets and work as hard as we can as an industry to give those markets what they require.” Fiji’s aim, he said, was to reduce the cost of production, maximise revenue and ensure that the industry remains viable and sustainable. “Because that is our ultimate duty to Fijian people and especially those who rely on sugar. “That we provide the industry with the right leadership and all work as a team—one people, one industry —as we move forward together in challenging times.” Special mention to EuropeanUnion’s assistance to the industry. Mr Bainimarama made special mention of the European Union for assistance provided post-Winston in rehabilitation efforts.

The Minister for Local Government Parveen Bala today announced that Miss Pacific Islands 2016 Anne Dunn is Fiji’s new Ambassador for Climate Change and Environment

Dunn named Fiji’s new ambassador for Climate Change and Environment

he Minister for Local Government Parveen Bala today announced that Miss Pacific Islands 2016 Anne Dunn is Fiji’s new Ambassador for Climate Change and Environment. Speaking at the welcome reception for the newly crowned Miss Pacific Islands, Bala says he is proud of what Dunn has achieved and making her

the new ambassador will be a very good platform for Climate Change and Environment in the country. Meanwhile Dunn says she is honored to have come this far as Miss Hibiscus, Miss Fiji, Miss Pacific Islands and now the Ambassador for Climate Change and Environment. Dunn says whatever she has achieved has given her the

confidence to speak about issues and has given her the privilege to meet many people. Bala has also announced that the committee to organise the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2017 will be formed in January 2017. The Miss Pacific Pageant 2017 will be held in Nadi in November next year.

www.iwk.co.nz | 9 December 2016

JAYALALITHAA:

INDIA

A shy actress who became queen of Tamil Nadu

Venkatachari Jagannathan

he was a shy girl when she first stepped into the movie world. Decades later, by when she was one of the most popular actors in Tamil, Jayalalithaa became a colossus in Tamil Nadu’s politics, one who dreamt of playing a larger national role too. Jayalalithaa, who died on Monday (December 5) night after a 74-day battle for life, was a politician par excellence, a Brahmin woman who reached the pinnacle in a state where anti-Brahminism is very strong and led her AIADMK party to four victories in assembly elections —the last two in succession. Affectionately called “Amma” by fans and party activists, Jayalalithaa wielded power with an iron hand, many men in the party falling at her feet at public events. But she enjoyed genuine popularity, particularly among the economically weaker sections who regarded her as a virtual goddess. Jayalalithaa certainly knew what it takes to negotiate the roller-coaster ride of power. Born in Karnataka on February 2, 1948 into an Iyengar family and named Komavalli, Jayalalithaa moved to Chennai in the 1950s to live with her mother who worked as a stage and Tamil film actress. At 16, she acted in a Kannada movie which turned out to be a blockbuster. She also acted on stage for years even as she continued to study. Although she wanted to pursue higher studies, Jayalalithaa gradually veered towards acting. Her first Tamil movie was “Vennira Aadai” (1965). Over the decades, she acted in 140 films in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and even one in Hindi “Izzat” opposite Dharmendra.

Losing in 1996, Jalayalithaa returned to Her acting career peaked after she was paired power in 2001 but had to step down after with the legendary M.G. Ramachandran or her name figured in a court case. After MGR. The success of their film “Aayirathil being cleared, she took over again in Oruvan” (1965) turned Jayalalithaa into a 2002 and ruled till 2006. She wrested the leading heroine in Tamil movies. The two were state from the DMK in 2011, but had an instant hit on the silver screen and they were to step down in September 2014 after said to be friends too in real life. being convicted in a corruption case by a It is widely believed that it was MGR who Bengaluru court. prompted Jayalalithaa to join politics. But in Acquitted, she took back the reins in reality, she made her own choice. May 2015 and led her party back to power MGR appointed her the AIADMK’s in 2016, when she became the first in three Propaganda Secretary in 1984. But it was her decades to win an assembly poll in the state for grit and tenacity that helped Jayalalithaa, a a successive term. Jayalalithaa was considered Brahmin in the Dravidian movement, to move Senator Hillary Clinton. But her government’s mercurial. She withdrew her support to the her way up. When MGR fell ill and was under response to the 2015 Chennai floods cost her BJP government of Atal Bihari Vajpayee after medical treatment in the US, Jayalalithaa led some seats in the city in 2016. giving the government several sleepless nights the AIADMK’s alliance with the Congress in When she was admitted to Apollo Hospitals in 1999. She also had a love-hate relationship the 1984 general and assembly elections. on September 22, no one believed she would with the Congress. At the same time, she was Life became choppy after MGR died in come out of it in a coffin. She was hyperactive not at home with the national opposition which December 1987, leaving Jayalalithaa to battle in May, winning the election. She was dead preferred the DMK over the AIADMK. it out with his wife Janaki for the leadership of in December. Jayalalithaa implemented a water scheme to the AIADMK. The party split into two factions. A charismatic leader who was at home in quench the thirst of Chennai and made rain In 1989, the two factions reunited under Tamil, English and Hindi, a rare quality in water harvesting mandatory. Jayalalithaa’s leadership and she was elected Tamil Nadu politics, Jayalalithaa has also She also brought in women’s police in the its General Secretary. In the same year, she was recorded many songs and written several stories. state and the “Cradle Baby” scheme. elected to the Tamil Nadu assembly for the first Jayalalithaa had been in and out of power The way she managed relief work after time. She became the first woman opposition several times, battling incumbency and the 2004 tsunami drew praise from then US leader in the state. There was vitriolic opposition corruption charges. But she never gave up. to Jayalalithaa’s ascendancy in Tamil politics, especially from the DMK. But she countered all that. In 1991, In her sad demise, we have lost a unique mother’s embers of Auckland Tamil Association she became the Chief Minister of touch that had brightened the lives of millions of express their deep sorrow at the demise Tamil Nadu in elections held after people during the last three decades. She was the of Ms. Jayalalitha, Chief Minister of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s greatest woman political leader in contemporary Tamil Nadu. In her we saw the perfect blending assassination at an election rally India. An Era comes to an end in Tamil Nadu politics. of the strong will of an able administrator and the near Chennai. RIP Puratchi Thalaivi compassion of a philanthropist.

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INDIA

9 December 2016| www.iwk.co.nz

India explains plan to

Demonetisation has had an adverse impact: Air India Express

expand n-power capacity N A s it continues in its attempt for membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), India on Monday, December 5, explained how it will expand its nuclear energy capacity to 60 GW. “I would also like to reiterate at the outset India’s commitment to global nuclear disarmament, nonproliferation and peaceful uses of nuclear energy,” Minister of State for External Affairs M.J. Akbar said in his address to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Security in Vienna. “Today, with India having taken a leadership position in the effort to combat climate change, India will expand its nuclear energy capacity from the current level of around 6 GW to over 60 GW,” he said At the same time, without naming Pakistan, Akbar said that “few phrases in the language can wholly convey the magnitude of the potential danger of terrorists finding their way, while acting on their own or with the help of revanchist elements, to nuclear instruments”. “The sane world wants to prevent malignant actors from getting access to nuclear and radiological material and facilities. “Recent developments show that terrorist use of WMD (weapon of mass destruction) materials is not a theoretical concern. A breach of nuclear security could lead to unimaginable consequences,” he said, Akbar said that the ministerial conference was critical, and underlined the IAEA’s “central role in strengthening the global nuclear

security framework, in facilitating national efforts on nuclear security, in fostering effective international cooperation, in setting future priorities and in forging technical and policy guidance” “India has always held that nuclear security is the domain of national sovereignty but this national prerogative demands national responsibility,” he noted, adding that “responsible national actions and effective international cooperation should be pursued together to prevent non-state actors and other malignant forces from threatening the lives of innocents on a mass scale, destabilising regional stability and international peace”. He also asserted that India was party to all the 13 universal instruments accepted as benchmarks for a state’s commitments to combat international terrorism, and welcomed the entry into force of the 2005 Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Materials (CPPNM) this year. But he also sought the world’s support for

the India-initiated Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at the UN. “As we continue efforts to achieve universal adherence and reporting to these instruments, we must not forget the urgent task of closing out negotiations on a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the UN which has been under discussion since 1996,” Akbar said. “Such delay hints at a lack of collective will on an existentialist issue that has become the most serious threat to world peace since 1945.” Stating that IAEA occupied a crucial space between the international legal foundation of nuclear security and the initiatives of its member states, he said, “India has been consistent in its support for the agency. It must have predictable and sufficient resources for its nuclear security work. In April this year, India announced another contribution of $1 million to IAEA’s Nuclear Security Fund.”

Tata Group no one’s personal

fiefdom, says Mistry; Tatas hit back

head of the extraordinary general meetings called by several Tata Group companies to remove him from their boards, Tata Sons’ ousted Chairman Cyrus Mistry appealed for support from stakeholders on Monday, December 5, saying the group “is no one’s personal fiefdom”, even as the Tata Sons hit back at him. “The Tata Group is no one’s personal fiefdom: it does not belong to any individual, not to the trustees of Tata Trusts, not to the Tata Sons directors, and not to the directors of the operating companies. “It belongs to all the stakeholders, including every one of you. I, therefore, urge all you to think beyond the here and now. I urge you to have your voice heard loud and clear. I ask you to be part of defining the future,” said Mistry in a letter addressed to the stakeholders. Tata Sons, however, rebutted the charges Mistry levelled against the Group and dubbed his letter a rehashed version of his earlier statements, press reports and leakages.

“Indeed, the Tata Group is no continue,” Mistry told the company’s one’s ‘personal fiefdom’. After he investors in the letter. became the Chairman of Tata Sons, “The governance charter across it is Mistry who converted the Group the Tata Group, including the into his ‘personal fiefdom’, with his holding and operating companies, unilateral actions destroying precious requires repair to conform to institutional memory of the House of company law and global best Tata,” said Tata Sons in a statement. practices viz. protection of interests of all stakeholders, including Mistry’s 14-page letter— minority shareholder,” he reiterated. ”Representation under section 169 Recalling his family’s 75 of the Companies Act, 2013. The years of relationship In respect of special notice Tata Trusts for removal of Cyrus P. are ‘public charitable with the Group, with Mistry as Director”— trusts’. Their beneficiaries significant stake in Tata Sons over 50 also called upon the are the general public of government to ensure India. They are not family years, Mistry said neither his family trusts as one normally that Tata Trusts thinks of trusts carrying nor he had thought function under the law. a family name that ownership of a Tata Trusts hold 66 substantial equity stake per cent stake in the holding gave them a special position company of the industrial in the Group. conglomerate Tata Sons, with 18 per “The Tata Trusts are ‘public cent held by the Mistry family, 13 charitable trusts’. Their beneficiaries per cent by Tata companies and the are the general public of India. They balance three by individuals. are not family trusts as one normally “People who have been complicit thinks of trusts carrying a family or have enabled ethical and legal name,” said Mistry in his letter. transgressions or have demonstrated The Tata Group has over a blatant disregard for good 660,000 employees and 4 governance should not be allowed to million shareholders.

ational passenger carrier Air India’s international budget subsidiary Air India Express on Monday, December 5, said that demonetisation has had an adverse impact on the number of passengers flying out of India. “Demonetisation has had an adverse impact. We believe it to be a short term one,” K. Shyamsundar, Chief Executive Officer of Air India Express, said in an interview to BTVi. Even the overseas manpower agencies have slowed down. So, there has been an impact, we’ve not been able to quantify it, but it is visible in daily collections and we are hoping that it will be a shortterm impact.” According to Shyamsundar, the impact of demonetisation has been seen impacting the number of passengers flying from India. “The impact is actually on passengers flying from India. It’s basically those passengers who pay for their own fares. So if there is an actual physical cash crunch, it impacts,” Shyamsundar said. On the financial performance front, he pointed out that the company had increased its revenues last year by about Rs 250 crore. “There was of course an impact of fuel. It might have contributed to the extent of half of our net surpluses. But, then it is an all-round improvement in load factors, in efficiencies which led to the load factor being high,” Shyamsundar added.

India considering long-term gas contracts for power plants: Goyal

ndia is looking at signing long-term gas contracts with other countries to run its under-utilised power plants, Power Minister Piyush Goyal said on Tuesday, December 6. “We are hoping to tie up long-term gas contracts so that we can start powering our gas-based power plants once again many of which are running at a very low level of capacity utilisation,” Goyal said addressing a ministerial session at Petrotech 2016 hydrocarbons conference in New Delhi. Three phases of auction for re-gasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) have been completed so far and the fourth phase is presently under operation. In September, nine stranded gas-fired power plants emerged as successful bidders for Rs 187.14 crore subsidy to get natural gas supplies of 9.93 million standard cubic metres per day (mscmd). The plants include that of the Ratnagiri power project at Dabhol in Maharashtra, and of the firms GMR, GVK and Lanco, for running a total 5,070 MW capacity. “These plants would generate 8.81 billion units of electricity which will be supplied at or below Rs 4.70 per unit to the purchaser discoms (distribution companies) during the period from 1st October 2016 to 31st March 2017,” the statement said. “This will involve government support of Rs 187.14 crore from the Power System Development Fund,” it added. According to the ministry, 29 plants comprising 14,305 MW capacity had no supply of domestic gas and were eligible to participate in the latest auction process.

Patanjali targets reaching one lakh crore production by 2020

oga guru turned businessman Ramdev on Tuesday, December 6, said his FMCG venture Patanjali Ayurved is targeting to shore up its production to Rs one lakh crore by 2020. “Patanjali has been registering 100 percent growth for the last four years and this year too we have been growing at the same pace. Our target is to take our inhouse production to Rs 50,000 crore in the next two-three years and ultimately reach the target of Rs one lakh crore by 2020,” Ramdev said at the ‘Agenda Aaj Tak’ event in New Delhi. The aim to end the hegemony of international companies on the Indian economy, he said “Our imports consist of over Rs 25 lakh crore while another Rs 25 lakh crore is taken away by foreign companies. If we need to break this hegemony and our dependence on foreign companies, we need in house production of at least Rs.100 lakh crore. Our endeavour is to create and promote Indian entrepreneurship,” said Ramdev. While hailing the Narendra Modi government’s move to demonetise higher denomination notes, Ramdev said it was essential to continue taking further steps to check and prevent corruption and black money. “Demonetisation has broken the back of terrorism and Naxalism (Maoism) as their entire funding was in black money. This move will effectively address the issue of black money. However, the government should continue to take further steps to ensure black money does not make a comeback to the system,” he said. Admitting that demonetisation has caused hardships for the common people, Ramdev said: “Maybe there was needed some more preparation for implementing the scheme but at the same time, it could have led to leaking of information and the entire exercise would have failed.” He also said that the government needed to reconsider its decision to introduce the Rs 2,000 notes.

INDIA ABROAD

www.iwk.co.nz | 9 December 2016

Trump to retain Indian

prosecutor appointed by Obama Arul Louis

S President-elect Donald Trump is going to keep Indian American Preet Bharara in his job as a high-profile federal prosecutor with charge of Wall Street and important security matters in New York. Bharara, who was appointed by President Barack Obama, told reporters after meeting with the president-elect recently that Trump asked him to continue as the US District Attorney for Southern New York and “I agreed to stay on.” Bharara has the reputation of being a crusader against financial institutions that have been blamed for the recent great recession and have been attacked by Trump for causing economic hardship around the nation. He has taken action against major banks like Citibank and JP Morgan Chase, forcing them to pay billions of dollars to the government to settle the cases. He has prosecuted over 100 of Wall Street executives for criminal activities like stock trading irregularities using insider information. They include several Indians like Rajat Gupta, the former head of the consulting company McKinsey and Goldman Sachs director, who served two years in jail for colluding with the Sri Lankan American hedge fund operator Raj Rajaratnam in a stock market scam. The meeting with Trump and the offer to have Bharara is unusual both because he is a Democrat and an Obama appointee

Preet Bharara

—the only one so far that the Republican has said he will keep on—and because despite its visibility, the job is not of the high-level that Trump is currently trying to fill. Therefore, it shows the importance Trump attaches to the areas of potential prosecution that Bharara oversees. Like Bharara, Trump is highly critical of Wall Street manipulations and irregularities, saying: “Wall Street has caused tremendous problems

for us.” “I’m not going to let Wall Street get away with murder,” Trump has declared, and Bharara would be his minion to ensure that. Bharara has prosecuted several New York politicians for corruption. The senior-most among them is state assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, a Democrat, who was given a 12-year sentence for corruption. Bharara, whose full name is Preetinder Preet Singh Bharara, was born in Ferozepore in 1968 and immigrated to the US as a child. He sparked a diplomatic stand-off between India and the United States in 2013 when he had a Dalit Indian diplomat, Devyani Khobragade, arrested and strip-searched over allegations that she had made a false statement in the visa application for her maid. Other diplomats accused of similar offenses were not similarly treated by Bharara and the humiliating action against Khobragade, the Deputy Consul General in New York, brought retaliatory action against by India against US diplomats in India. Secretary of State John Kerry expressed regret for the incident and the matter was diplomatically resolved with her being allowed to leave the US without prosecution. Citibank paid a $158m fine to settle a case Bharara brought against it for misleading the government about loans and in another case made a $7bn payment to the government after Bharara began investigating its Mexican unit.

Indian-origin astronomer spots tiniest asteroid

sing data from four different telescopes, a team of astronomers led by an Indian-origin researcher has reported that an asteroid discovered last year is the tiniest known asteroid. At two meters (six feet) in diameter, the asteroid, named 2015 TC25, is also one of the brightest near-Earth asteroids ever discovered, the researchers said. “If we can discover and characterise asteroids and meteoroids this small, then we can understand the population of objects from which they originate: large asteroids, which have a much smaller likelihood of impacting Earth,” said Vishnu Reddy, Assistant Professor at University of Arizona’s Lunar and Planetary Laboratory in the US . “In the case of 2015 TC25, the likelihood of impacting Earth is fairly small,” Reddy, an alumnus of Madurai Kamraj University in Tamil Nadu, said. Small near-Earth asteroids such as 2015 TC25 are in the same size range as meteorites that fall on Earth. Astronomers discover them frequently, but not very much is known about them as they are difficult to characterise. By studying such objects in more detail, astronomers hope to better understand the parent bodies from which these meteorites originate. Discovered by the University of Arizona’s Catalina Sky Survey last October,

Reddy argues that new observations from the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility and Arecibo Planetary Radar show that the surface of 2015 TC25 is similar to a rare type of highly reflective meteorite called an aubrite (Representational Image)

2015 TC25 was studied extensively by Earthbased telescopes during a close flyby that saw the micro world sailing past Earth at 128,000 kilometres, a mere third of the distance to the moon. In a paper published in The Astronomical Journal, Reddy noted that new observations from the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility and Arecibo Planetary Radar showed that the surface of the asteroid is similar to a rare type of highly reflective meteorite called an aubrite.

Aubrites consist of very bright minerals, mostly silicates, that formed in an oxygen-free, basaltic environment at very high temperatures. Only one out of every 1,000 meteorites that fall on Earth belong to this class. “This is the first time we have optical, infrared and radar data on such a small asteroid, which is essentially a meteoroid,” Reddy said. “You can think of it as a meteorite floating in space that hasn’t hit the atmosphere and made it to the ground, yet,” Reddy noted.

UAE-based teen wins Children Peace Prize

n Indian schoolgirl based in UAE has won this year’s International Children’s Peace Prize for her fight to save the planet. Kehkashan Basu, a 16-year-old schoolgirl, was presented the award by Nobel Peace laureate Mohammad Yunus at a ceremony held in The Hague on December 2, Gulf News reported. At the age of eight, Basu organised an awareness-raising campaign for the recycling of waste in her Dubai neighbourhood. In 2012, she founded her own organisation, Green Hope, which carries out environment-focused campaigns. Basu went on to become the youngest ever Global Coordinator for the Major Group for Children and Youth of the UN Environmental Programme. Basu has addressed various international conferences and her org a n i s at i o n Green Hope was now active Kehkashan Basu in ten countries with more than 1,000 young volunteers. “It is a great achievement for such a young person to already have such reach and impact with her important message,” said Yunus. “Kehkashan teaches us that we all have a responsibility to work towards a sustainable future,” he added. The schoolgirl won because she had proved her ability to start a movement with real impact, said Marc Dullaert, the founder of the KidsRights Foundation. The Amsterdam-based global children’s aid group runs the award programme, which started in 2005. After receiving the prize, Basu said she would “keep campaigning to encourage children and adults to create a more sustainable future”. Basu currently divides her time between the UAE and Canada, where she has moved to study. “I call upon everyone to think of how they can contribute to the preservation of the environment...Time is not on our side—we have to act now, or we will have polar bears under palm trees,” she said.

Researcher bypasses Apple’s iPad activation lock

emanth Joseph, a Kerala-based security researcher, has identified a bug running in iOS 10.1 version of Apple’s operating system that allowed him to bypass the activation lock on an iPad. The activation lock in Apple’s iPhone or iPad is hard for someone other than owner of the device to hack and set it up as a new device. Joseph bypassed activation lock in a locked iPad by discovering a weakness in the device setup process running iOS 10.1, Forbes reported on December 2.

When Joseph was asked to select a Wi-Fi network, he chose ‘other network’ and selected WPA2-enterprise as the type of network to connect to, that gave him three input fields to fill—name, username and password. Upon testing, he came to know that there is no character restriction in those fields and he typed thousands of characters than iOS can handle, expecting that it would cause the software to crash. This caused the iPad to freeze and then he locked it by closing Apple’s magnetic Smart

Cover over the screen. After opening the cover, the device was at the same screen, but as few seconds passed by, it crashed to iOS home screen. This made Joseph bypassed the activation lock and to have full access to the iPad. The bug discovered by Joseph was reportedly fixed in an iOS update last month. According to Joseph’s website, he is currently working as information security researcher at the firm Slash Secure and also serving as commander at Kerala Police Cyberdome.

He is founder of India’s first open security community for students called 0SecCon (www.0SecCon.com). Joseph has been listed Google’s Hall of fame and received a bounty of $7500 for reporting a critical vulnerability in Google Cloud Platform. Earlier, researchers at US-based Vulnerability Lab discovered the iOS 10.1.1 bug. Like Joseph, the team began by overloading the Wi-Fi setup fields and employed a smart cover. Just like in Joseph’s iPad scenario, the home screen appeared for an instant and then it’s gone.

SPORTS

9 December 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

deserved to beat India beat Pakistan to lift Barcelona Real Madrid: Enrique Women’s Asia Cup title F I ndia defeated Pakistan by 17 runs to retain the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Women’s Twenty20 Asia Cup title at the Asian Institute of Technology Ground in Bangkok on December 4. The Bangkok win was India’s sixth Asia Cup victory in as many meets. India last won the title at Guangzhou, in China, in 2012. Opting to bat first, India scored 121/5 with veteran Mithali Raj scoring a brilliant unbeaten 73 runs. Apart from her, lower-order batswoman Jhulan Goswami (17) was the second top scorer for India. India refused to play a bilateral series against Pakistan between August 1 and October 31 in the sixth round of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Women’s Championship calendar recently.

India won the final by 17 runs

The ICC docked six points from India as a punishment. For Pakistan, Anam Amin scalped two wickets while Sana Mir and Sadia Yousuf took one wicket each. In reply, Pakistan started off the run chase on a good note as openers Ayesha Zafar (15) and Javeria Khan (22) scored 24 runs in four overs.

Middle order batswoman Bismah Maroof also played a crucial role by scoring 25 runs. But apart from them no other player contributed much as they could manage 104/6 in their allotted 20 overs. For India, Ekta Bisht scalped two wickets while Anuja Patil, Jhulan, Shikha Pandey and Preeti Bose contributed with one wicket each.

Cash crunch rules out Federer, Serena from IPTL

he current cash crunch in the country, following the November 8 demonetisation has led to multiple Grand Slam champions Roger Federer and Serena Williams pulling out of this season’s International Premier Tennis League (IPTL), the organisers announced on Tuesday, December 6. Both Federer and Serena were scheduled to play the final leg of the $100,000 tournament in Hyderabad from December 9 to 11. The Swiss star was to play for the Indian Aces while Williams was signed by the Singapore Slammers.

“We are sad to announce that Roger Federer and Serena Williams won’t participate at this year’s IPTL,” founder and managing director of IPTL, Mahesh Bhupathi, said in a statement in New Delhi. “We have had challenges this year, and we were hoping to get past them. With the current economic climate in India and the uncertainty of spending money, I reached out to both Roger and Serena to explain the situation. They have been both been very supportive of the IPTL the first two seasons and we look forward

to bring them in future years.” The IPTL could have been Federer’s comeback tournament ahead of the Australian Open early next year. He has been out since July following a knee surgery. Williams, on the other hand, last played at the US Open in September, following which she has stayed away from the circuit with a shoulder injury. The season will witness a total of 17 matches, with each of the four teams playing eight matches in a customised round robin format.

Singapore Airlines 2017 to India (Blackout dates apply) (NEW DELHI / MUMBAI / KOCHI) Commence travel between (01 February to 30 November 2017) One-way Fares starting from NZD 595* Return Fares starting from NZD1090* Sales ends on 19 December 2016.

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C Barcelona manager Luis Enrique has asserted that his team deserved to win and blamed the players for wasting chances following the draw against arch-rivals Real Madrid at the Nou Camp Stadium in Barcelona. Barcelona had taken the lead eight minutes into the second half on Saturday (December 3) evening thanks to a Luis Suarez strike. But Real Madrid managed to snatch a point from the ‘El Classico’ when Sergio Ramos found a last Luis Enrique minute equaliser. “In the second half, we were the with the chances we had,” the former better side, but we didn’t manage to Spain international was quoted as get the second (goal) and they ended saying by the FC Barcelona website. up equalising. That said, we deserved Following Saturday’s result, Real to win. It is not the best result for Madrid continue to lead the Spanish us. It was a very even first half and top flight standings with 34 points a second that we were better, we from 14 matches. Barcelona are at created chances. We continued the second spot with 28 points, one looking for the second to In ahead of third placed Sevilla. avoid being levelled, but my opinion, the Enrique rued the fact we were unable to do performance of the that Barcelona were so,” a bitter Enrique team was higher than unable to reduce Real said after the match. that of the rival, but we Madrid’s lead and urged “In the first half we have to improve, it is clear. his players to improve saw two good teams I say this even when we their record at home. win, and even when trying to control the “Even though many we draw. ball, an equal duel games still remain, we must without real chances, improve, especially at home. with a lot of tension and “In my opinion, the performance evenness. The second was different, of the team was higher than that of we created chances, we took the lead the rival, but we have to improve, via a set play, and then we continued it is clear. I say this even when we having the ball, wanting the second win, and even when we draw. We goal and controlling the game. can improve in all aspects of the “Madrid, in a very characteristic game: offensive, defensive ... We are play from them, drew level, and we ambitious,” he added. paid the price for not killing the game

FUN ZONE

www.iwk.co.nz | 9 December 2016

Answers to last week's puzzles

Sudoku

Crossword

Animal Word Scramble 1. DRBI

8. OLIN

15. POLNIHD

2. DGO

9. MYOEKN

16. LARLIGO

3. OENDYK

10. EEB

17. EMSUO

4. GFRIEFA

11. KDUC

18. EGTRI

5. GLOILARTA

12. RGFO

19. ABRITB

6. TAC

13. TPNLEHEA

20. ATR

7. EHSOR

14. ORCDCIELO

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

FEATURES

9 December 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

‘Bookshops will always remain a paradise for avid readers’ Somrita Ghosh

he smell of books while entering a bookstore is probably the most hypnotising aroma for an avid reader. Though e-commerce platforms have been muscling in, shop owners maintain that book stores will always be the first preference for those bitten by the reading bug. “Who says people don’t like coming to book stores? Good books will always bring readers back to shops. For them a shop is not just a place to buy books but also a platform where likeminded meet and talk about common interests. Why else would chains like Crosswords and Om Book Stores be opening more and more outlets?” Anuj Bahri Malhotra, the secondgeneration owner of the iconic Bahrisons in New Delhi, asked. Bahrisons, located in upscale Khan Market in New Delhi, was established in 1953 by Anuj’s father, Balraj Bahri Malhotra. “Book lovers will always opt for buying from book stores because, for them, getting physically connected with a book is important. They can never trust books purchased online and therefore, for us, those book lovers are treasured ones,” Sanjeev Arora of Famous Book Store said. Located in the Janpath market near Connaught Place, New Delhi, the book store was established in 1943 in Lahore and, after partition, it shifted to Delhi in 1948. Mirza Asad, who looks after the Midland bookstore located in South Extension-1, also shared similar thoughts on the survival of bookstores in the e-commerce era. “Old customers always keep coming to bookstores. We have even seen three generations who have been our regular customers. There are many old books, translated works which

you won’t find on e-commerce platforms but will surely get in a book-store and this is a big advantage,” Asad added. Bookshop owners can perfectly understand the need of a customer and this keeps them ahead of online sales. “Only a shop-owner can understand the need of a reader, and that makes a vast difference from online sales. They can only provide discounts but can never understand the requirements of a reader,” Bahri maintained. Asad too stated that he can now easily identify a reader’s preference when someone enters his shop. “This is what I have been doing so long. Not just the book lovers but we also read books and keep a track so that we can immediately provide Bahrisons bookstore in Khan Market, New Delhi the requisite book,” beamed Asad as he handed over a copy of Bapsi Sidhwa’s The Pakistani Bride is certainly a craze, but this does not mean to me. bookshops will close down or won’t receive Asked about the craze for purchasing readers. Offering discounts won’t Only books online or opting for a Kindle help you to survive in the long a shop-owner version, the bookshop owners run,” Arora responded. can understand the opined that it is the youth who “Online has also given need of a reader, and are failing to get physically rise to the sale of pirated that makes a vast difference connected with books. books. Most of the time “A major problem with from online sales. They can people cannot judge from only provide discounts but the youth is that they cannot its advertisements and end can never understand the connect physically with books. up purchasing a pirated copy. requirements of They can wait for five days There have even been cases a reade after ordering a book online, where pages are not printed but are not ready to give that same properly or paper quality is very time to a bookshop, because they are poor,” Asad added. impatient,” Bahri replied. The owners also conveyed their dissatisfaction “People are opting for online purchases with publishers as well. “Publishers are giving because of the discounts they are offering. preferential treatment to the online sellers We bookshop owners can’t blame the people with a higher discount and full coverage of because anybody will tend to purchase products discounts,” Bahri lamented. available at a lesser price,” Asad pointed out. “With high discounts offered by publishers Despite this, the owners voiced similar to e-commerce platforms, they are killing thoughts when asked why they don’t consider themselves; the owner loses interest in the e-commerce platforms themselves. “There

books. If we order a good number of copies, the publishers offer discounts—but they are not ready to give discounts for fewer copies,” Asad explained. A number of book stores have been closing down, but the shop-owners said this was not due to lack of sales but soaring real estate prices. “People have assumed that online marketplace has captured the market and that shops are closing down owing to this. However, this is not true. A bookshop like Fact and Fiction (in Basant Lok in Vasant Vihar) closed down last year (after a 30-year run) because they lost a (rent) case in court,” Bahri stated “Real estate prices have gone up and shop owners often fail to adjust to the soaring rents. Those who have their own shops are safe. In Connaught Place, there used to be 19 book shops, now only eight are surviving,” Asad pointed out. One thing is for sure: e-commerce or whatever, bookshops are going to be around for ever—perhaps in reduced numbers, but they’ll be there for sure.

Blissfulness is just the beginning Sadhguru, Isha Foundation

he moment I say “spirituality,” people say, “Yes, I want to be peaceful.” Don’t walk the spiritual path for peace. You don’t have to be on the spiritual path to be peaceful. If you go climb a mountain and sit there, it will happen. If you take a long walk and lie down, you will sleep peacefully. If you eat a complete meal, you will sleep peacefully. You don’t need the spiritual process to be peaceful. It is a shame that the so-called spiritual teachers around the world proclaim that spirituality is about being peaceful. The longing for peace has essentially come from troubled minds. For them, peace is a big commodity that they have to seek. If you are not using your mind for self-torture, why would you think of peace? Would you seek exuberance of life or would you seek peace? All of us will “rest in peace” when we are dead. Now is the time to live. But people have lost control over their mental faculty – what should have been a miracle has become a misery manufacturing machine. Even being ecstatic is not a goal by itself. If you are blissful by your own nature, then the important thing is, you are not the issue anymore. There may be other issues in existence that you can look at them. But if you are an issue yourself, what other issue will you take into your

Sadhguru Sadhguru is a yogi, mystic, visionary, and a spiritual master with a difference. An author, poet, and internationally-renowned speaker, his wit and piercing logic provoke and widen our perception of life. isha.sadhguru.org

hands? Mysticism evolved only in those places where people learnt the technology of being ecstatic by their own nature. If you experience a little bit of pleasantness— whether it is by drinking, dancing, or doing some other crazy thing—you will never explore any other dimension of life because keeping yourself happy is a great challenge and a fulltime job. For most people, the pursuit of happiness has become the goal of life. Happiness is not something that you achieve. It is something that you start with. As children, we all started joyfully without any hassle.

Only if you are blissful, you will truly explore all aspects of life. Otherwise, you will not dare to because maintaining your own little bit of pleasantness within you is such a big challenge. Where is the question of taking on bigger challenges? There was a time when we believed that whether the tree in our house bears fruit or not depended on God’s will. But we took charge of these things. Now we know what the problem is if this tree is not bearing fruit. We know what to do with it. Slowly, we figured out all these things. Similarly, if your self has not blossomed, it is because you are not doing the right thing with yourself. When we understand this, a spiritual

process begins. Once you are not an issue, being peaceful, joyful, or blissful is not an effort anymore. Then naturally you want to know what is behind everything. This is not an induced quest. It is natural for humans to seek. However, the spiritual process is not a conscious choice. It is a kind of a compulsive behaviour. But unless you handle it consciously, it will not yield. Unless one experiences the universality of one’s nature, I would say the human form is wasted. You do not need a human body, intelligence, and awareness to eat, sleep, reproduce, and die. Every worm or insect can fulfil that better than a human being. If you want to know, experience, and be able to handle other dimensions of life, it is important that you have no rigid structures in your mind. The biggest thing in the existence is not some God sitting somewhere. The life process itself contains the creation and the Creator. If you are willing to go beyond the surface substance of what you call “yourself,” suddenly everything is malleable. Here and there, now and then are all mixed up. The individual and the universal are no longer different. Isha New Zealand conducts free monthly Isha kriya meditation practice and Upa yoga for general public. For more information, contact 0221099771/02102763956 or visit www.ishafoundation.org

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December 9 to 15 | By Manisha Koushik ¡¡ Aries (Mar 21-Apr 20) If love is what you seek, it is celebration time already as you manage to impress someone from the opposite camp. You may resent someone in the family keeping a tab on your activities, but it may be for your own good. Don’t feel reluctant in meeting a senior to explain things in person on the work front, as it will save you the hassle of being called for explanation later. Some of you may devote your energy in finding ways to enhance your earning. Lucky number: 9 / Lucky colour: Rosy brown

¡¡ Cancer (Jun 22-Jul 20) You are likely to add to your fame and prestige on the social front. An initiative taken by you on the family front will be appreciated by all. A secret admirer may express his or her feelings for you. Those pursuing higher studies are likely to taste success soon. Praise is in store for those working for a professional setup. Better remunerations can be expected by those going in for a job switch. You manage to keep good health by adopting a better and healthier lifestyle. Lucky number: 22 / Lucky colour: Dark slate grey

¡¡Taurus (Apr 21-May 20) Overstraining on the fitness front may cause problems, so take it easy. Employees may demand a pay hike and put you in a spot. Professional matters will need to be handled with care to avoid mistakes. Differences with spouse over some issue are foreseen towards the mid of the week. Power game may ensue on the romantic front and threaten to end the relationship. Problems are foreseen for those undertaking a long journey over the weekend. Discussing property matters with someone knowledgeable is okay, but take your own call.

You are likely to achieve something big on the social front through family support. If love has eluded you up till now, don’t despair as your perfect mate is waiting to begin a romantic journey together. Don’t take on more than you can handle on a business trip. Someone can go back on his or her word at work and put you in an embarrassing situation. Impulse buying can affect your bank balance adversely. Your health doesn’t appear all hunky-dory, so take care.

Lucky number: 1 / Lucky colour: Peach

Lucky number: 18 / Lucky colour: Sandy brown

¡¡ Gemini (May 21-Jun 21) An active social life is likely to keep you busy. Love can come knocking at your door, so be prompt in letting it in. Those fond of travel are likely to have their wish fulfilled this week. Keeping someone in good humour on the professional front will prove beneficial to your career. Those looking for a suitable accommodation are likely to find one that fits their pocket. You will have to tighten your belt on the financial front, if you want to save for an expensive item.

¡¡ Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 23)

Lucky number: 5 / Lucky colour: Bluish green

¡¡ Leo (Jul 21-Aug 22)

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) Some of you are likely to enjoy a long drive as the week begins, maybe to meet someone related to you. Efforts on the work front are likely to bring praise and appreciation for you. A social event may be organised at home for someone who has come from overseas or out of town. Your romantic endeavours are likely to bear fruit as the one you love sends positive signals. Money will not pose any problems as you spend judiciously. You are likely to find yourself more energetic than usual as the week progresses.

¡¡ Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 21) A windfall can be expected by some on the financial front. Figure and physique that you are trying to achieve is likely to become a reality with regular workouts. A professional matter will be resolved in your favour. You may find spouse off mood due to some misunderstanding, so try to clear the air. Lover may resent you not being able to spend more time with him or her and can create a scene. You will need to be careful while on the road.

Lucky number: 3 / Lucky colour: Coffee

¡¡ Aquarius (Jan 22-Feb 19) You are likely to devote some more time in looking after your fitness and physique. Your work on the academic front may not be found up to the mark and require reworking. A game of one-upmanship may ensue on the social front and may lead you to frustration. Stagnation may set into a long-term relationship on the romantic front, if you don’t do something about it. Delays are foreseen for those undertaking a long journeys. Don’t expect immediate reciprocation for the help extended to someone.

¡¡ Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22) Your interest in spirituality is likely to be awakened. Possibility of visiting a pilgrimage site cannot be ruled out for some. Good intentions in accomplishing something at work will make higher ups overlook your mistakes. You can make plans with friends to organise a beat up on the social front. Love life promises to be exciting as partner gives his or her support. Conserving money at this juncture is advised, but do spend money on essentials. Don’t take undue liberties where health is concerned. Lucky number: 11 / Lucky colour: Purple

Lucky number: 6 / Lucky colour: Forest green

Lucky number: 8 / Lucky colour: Light blue

This is a lucky week for you. A situation causing worry on the professional front is likely to be resolved without any difficulty. You will be able to enjoy the same quality of life that you used to as money comes to you. Those unwell are likely to enjoy perfect health soon. You are likely to be much sought after on the social front. Love life proves most satisfying as you enjoy a better understanding with partner. Shifting to a new house can become a hassle for some.

¡¡ Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21) You feel nice with people around you, but don’t do enough to make this happen. The week may find you socialise with your near and dear ones. Love begets love, more so on the romantic front. So, give love and expect to have a scintillating time in the company of lover. Someone may take you to meet one of your old friends or associates. On the professional front, you will be able to put adequate efforts to complete a difficult task within the deadline.

¡¡ Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20) You are likely to achieve much on the professional front this week. Businesspersons will find business picking up. Profits accrue for those who have ventured into something new. A family get together may find you in your element. Someone from the opposite camp can tug at your heartstrings and usher in romance! Disruptions while travelling can be expected by some, but it will be due to outside factors. Not heeding the advice of elders can lay you up in bed with an ailment or two.

Lucky number: 4 / Lucky colour: Dark grey

Lucky number: 2 / Lucky colour: Pink

Lucky number: 17 / Lucky colour: White

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Why no one is buying a tablet anymore @maheshk

pple launched iPad in 2010 and it was instantly hailed as a device that had the potential of revolutionising mainstream computing. In the last six years, Apple has introduced various new iterations and updates to the iPad range. Besides Apple, almost every other hardware manufacturer jumped into the fray with their version of tablet—mostly based on Google’s Android operating system, with Samsung, Asus, and Amazon leading among them. Tablets were a completely new line of devices, something between a mobile phone and a laptop that offered the portability of a mobile phone and the power of a laptop. It became a huge success with sales peaking at 26 million units reported in Q1 of 2014. However, in the last three years, there has been a marked decline in the sale of iPad units. To its credit, Apple has been trying to reinvent the lineup by experimenting with different sizes and introducing new software features, but the sales seem to have tapered off. Similarly, when Samsung launched Galaxy Tab in 2010, Android aficionados bought the device in hordes. Samsung also introduced new sizes starting from 7.0 inch to 7.7, 8.9, 10.1 and 10.5. Despite initial momentum and a hugely popular Galaxy branding, Samsung’s tablet range recently recorded almost 25% decline in the year-over-year market share. So why is no one buying a tablet anymore? Let’s look at three main reasons that might be causing the across-the-board lag in the demand for tablet computing devices.

Mobile phones and laptops are getting better

hen the iPad was launched, the average size of mobile phones was around 4.5inches. So the iPad seemed a great device to consume media, browse the internet, or check e-mail. Since then, mobile phone displays have

Slowdown in innovation

got bigger and better. Currently, the size of an average mobile phone is 5.25 inches. Also, the phones have got smarter and more powerful. A new line-up of phones known as Phablet with a display size of six inches and more has also been introduced by some manufacturers. This bigger screen size enables better media consumption and web surfing, thus eliminating the need for a tablet. On the other hand, laptops are evolving in this new landscape. They are going portable with detachable screens. Google’s Chromebooks and Microsoft’s Surface series among other similar devices, bring greater firepower in a compact form, thereby hurting the sale of tablets. With all these latest developments, a consumer does not want to own three devices when they can just have one ‘in-pocket’ device and one ‘in-bag’ device.

When tablets made their way into mainstream computing, there was genuine excitement and curiosity with what an iPad or a Galaxy Tab could do. Since then, there have only been modest or iterative changes. Different sizes, retina display, haptic feedback, or pressuresensitive stylus are not enough anymore to lure new customers in big numbers who are ready to shell out $700 to $1000. Also in terms of apps, there has not been any breakthrough noticeable enough to warrant an upswing in the sales. Almost all new tablet devices lack a compelling reason to bring in new buyers who seem to be happy with their phones and laptops.

Lack of motivation to upgrade So you already have an earlier model of iPad. Are you enticed enough to upgrade to a newer model? While this links to the second reason, the upgrade cycle has some merits on its own. Normally, a consumer holds onto a mobile phone for about 1824 months. On the other

Technology used in Netflix, Google can help planetary research

achine learning—a powerful tool used for a variety of tasks in modern life, from fraud detection and sorting spam in Google, to making movie recommendations on Netflix—can help scientists determine whether planetary systems are stable or not, a study says. “Machine learning offers a powerful way to tackle a problem in astrophysics, and that’s predicting whether planetary systems are stable,” said study lead author Dan Tamayo from the University of Toronto Scarborough in Canada. Machine learning is a form of artificial intelligence that gives computers the ability to learn without having to be constantly programmed for a specific task. The benefit is that it can teach computers to learn and change when exposed to new data, not to mention it’s also very efficient. The researchers found that the same class of algorithms used by Google and Netflix can also tell us if distant planetary systems are stable or not. The method developed by Tamayo and his team is 1,000 times faster than traditional methods in predicting stability.

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Machine learning offers a powerful way to tackle a problem in astrophysics, and that’s predicting whether planetary systems are stable

“In the past we’ve been hamstrung in trying to figure out whether planetary systems are stable by methods that couldn’t handle the amount of data we were throwing at it,” Tamayo said.

It’s important to know whether planetary systems are stable or not because it can tell us a great deal about how these systems formed. It can also offer valuable new information about exoplanets that is not offered by current methods of observation. There are several current methods of detecting exoplanets that provide information such as the size of the planet and its orbital period, but they may not provide the planet’s mass or how elliptical their orbit is, which are all factors that affect stability, Tamayo noted. The method developed by Tamayo and his team was published online in the Astrophysical Journal Letters. “What’s encouraging is that our findings tell us that investing weeks of computation to train machine learning models is worth it because not only is this tool accurate, it also works much faster,” he added. It may also come in handy when analysing data from NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) set to launch next year. The two-year mission will focus on discovering new exoplanets by focusing on the brightest stars near our solar system.

hand, the refresh cycle for a laptop is from three to five years. Barring a few earlier models of Android-based tablets, the old tablets seem good enough for web surfing or media consumption. It seems that tablets have got into the territory of TV sets. There is no incentive to upgrade to a newer model that just has some minor design changes or a new chip inside. As a result, consumers hang on to the tablet devices for four or more years. With all the above reasons for not buying a tablet device, there are still enough reasons for some consumers to buy them. These include the fact that seniors find big screens more usable for media consumption or for reading a book. These are also great for kids to take to their school and work on their projects or assignments. Some enterprises are also trying to find new uses of tablet devices in their businesses to offer customer-focused experiences. I think tablets can still make a comeback if a company comes up with a breakthrough in design or a great new app comes out that benefits consumer or business users. If you are planning to buy or upgrade to a new tablet device, do share your thoughts.

Writing, accessing data made easy with new material

n a first, scientists from Switzerland have developed a new perovskite material with unique magnetic properties that can be used to build next-generation hard drives, making writing and accessing data on them easy. Due to generation of more and more data, storage systems like hard drives with higher density and efficiency are required. To fulfil this requirement, materials whose magnetic properties can be quickly and easily manipulated in order to write and access data on them are needed. Scientists from Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) have now developed a perovskite material—a calcium titanium oxide mineral composed of calcium titanate—whose magnetic order can be rapidly changed without disrupting it due to heating. The work done in this Research institution in Lausanne, Switzerland, has been published in Nature Communications. Magnetism in material arises from the interactions of localised and moving electrons of the material. By easily modifying magnetic properties, it could of an enormous advantage in many applications such as magnetic data storage.

The new material that the scientists developed offers exactly that. Bálint Náfrádi, project lead, synthesised a ferromagnetic photovoltaic material in a lab. “We have essentially discovered the first magnetic photoconductor,” Bálint Náfrádi said. This new crystal structure combines the advantages of both ferromagnets, whose magnetic moments are aligned in a well-defined order, and photoconductors, where light illumination generates high density free conduction electrons. “This study provides the basis for the development of a new generation of magneto-optical data storage devices,” Náfrádi pointed out. These would combine the advantages of magnetic storage— long-term stability, high data density, non-volatile operation and rewritability—with the speed of optical writing and reading, he added.

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Having a party? We would like to hear from you. Reach us at editor@indianweekender.co.nz and get featured on this page.

Meet and Greet dinner for Nooran Sisters at Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Grand Haveli restaurant in Manukau, Auckland

Bollywood Affair party in full swing at Mikano, Auckland

WANTED! 28

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IWK Reviews

he more one watches cinema, the better one appreciates the crucial value of a strong script. The cinematographer, editor, director, et al, can only do so much if the script fails to soar. Sujoy Ghosh rides on the strength of his outstanding thriller Kahaani (2012) to team up this time with cowriter Suresh Nair for a different version of the same formula (they have averred that this is not a sequel). They rustle up a good deal of quality suspenseful story-telling for two-thirds of the run-time, but then the fatigue in thinking starts to show. The one unquestionable reason for this movie to exist is the impressively direct way with which it deals with the issue of child sexual abuse, especially in a country where discussion of sex is still largely a taboo and sexual abuse of children is even more of a suppressed reality. The same month of release two years ago, Kashyap’s remarkable Ugly dealt with this subject as a tangential plot angle, but here it is, right at the open centre of this thriller. The movie commences as Vidya Sinha (Vidya Balan) rushes through her morning chores to set out for work, while cautioning her young daughter to look after herself. That juncture onwards, both mother and daughter are pushed into a succession of harrowing events straight out of a nightmare.

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9 December 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Higher leaps of imagination

The most arresting parts involve the attempts to rescue a little girl from sexual abuse by a relative who lives in the same house.

Hospitals, abductions, cops, criminals, the rescue of a traumatised child and even a coma are thrown into the mix as timelines are shuffled, and the story runs on parallel tracks covering a police investigation while rewinding Vidya’s past. Inevitable comparisons with the first instalment reveal the second picture’s weaknesses. Vidya Balan’s character lacks the behavioural sparkle of her previous avatar, though she is resourceful and determined to the same degree. She is plump, dresses frowsily, is poorly kept, and looks tired all the time, but none of that would have mattered much had a bit more of brightness and wit been introduced into her demeanour. Balan remains a gifted actress but one wishes she had improvised more in Kahaani 2. Arjun Rampal as a young cop delivers a solidly controlled performance but is not given more to chew on. Shades of moral complexity and sly treachery would have better suited this film’s villain, but once his true nature is revealed, Jugal Hansraj’s antagonist is reduced to a boring two-dimensional baddie. The most arresting parts involve the attempts to rescue a little girl from sexual abuse by a relative who lives in the same house. An elderly lady in the family wonders aloud how this can possibly happen— an inherently stupid question that

betrays a poor understanding of the range of human nature. A police inspector concludes it is a false case after he questions the six-year-old girl who denies any such abuse. Kahaani 2 plainly shows this moronic circus to demonstrate how incompetently and blindly these incidents are often handled in real life. Did I miss the movie’s absence of songs? No. This has little to do with the movie’s excellent narrative flow. The main reason is that I have left behind in the cradle of childhood the rattle toys that many grown-ups among the audience and producers still insist on being musically shaken in their face for every Indian movie. It looks like there’s going to be a Kahaani 3. Ghosh thus ably draws upon his MBA background to employ some principles of ‘vertical integration’ where one venture is used to create more and directly connected business opportunities for another one. I would not begrudge this type of further enrichment of his bank account as long as he able to rediscover and infuse the same superb story-telling into the potential third version as he did in the first Kahaani. Director: Sujoy Ghosh

Hindi (English subtitles available) Rating: 3.5/ 5 (between ‘good’ and ‘excellent’)

Befikre has more than just kissing scenes: Ranveer

ctor Ranveer Singh says that his forthcoming film Befikre has a nice story apart from the much talked about kissing scenes. “Yes, there is a story. When Adi sir (the film’s director Aditya Chopra) showed the trailer to me before releasing it, I asked him why he is releasing a promo that has so much more to it? The promo does not give you anything about the world of the film,” Ranveer said in Mumbai. “I had an argument with him regarding that, but I think he wants the audience to discover the characters of the film while watching and that is why he deliberately cut a very surface level promo. It’s a very conscious choice that he made to ‘under promise and over deliver’ to his audience,” he added. The actor, who is paired with actress Vaani Kapoor in the film, said the audience will start discovering the two characters from the first scene of the film once people watch it. “Though it is light-hearted, it is not a frivolous film,” said Ranveer, who has shown his romantic side in films like Band Baaja Baaraat, Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, Lootera and Bajirao Mastani. The audience will get to see more of it in Befikre, which is the celebration of carefree love and a romantic relationship. How are love stories in Hindi cinema changing and is the audience receptive towards it? He said: “I think we have room for both—Befikre and Bajirao Mastani. Yes, there is a generational shift when it comes to the outlook of a romantic relationship. The young

generation communicates through social media more. That was not accessible during my formative years like when I was 17-18 years old.” “Now, judging people based on their choices of romantic relationship is not cool. The young generation is open-minded. However, there is room for classic romantic love stories as well.” Befikre is his first film in which he is being directed by Chopra, head honcho of Yash Raj Films. Talking about his equation with the filmmaker, Ranveer said, “You see the directoractor equation is more substantial and dynamic than a producer-actor. We have interacted more during the shooting of the film.” “So, I got to know a different side of him... whether he has a wicked sense of humour or has a bindass carefree attitude. He is a private person and as an actor, I feel fortunate to know him closely.” In the p a s t ,

Ranveer has acted in Chopra-produced films, including the actor’s debut movie Band Baaja Baaraat. What makes it so special to be part of any Yash Raj Films project? He said, “I think there is a certain amount of assurance with which the production will be executed. The film will be mounted and you know there will be no stone

unturned from the producer’s end to do the best for the film. And there is a certain amount o f prestige value to it.” Befikre is all set to release on December 9.

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Anoushka Shankar: I’m interested in composing film music Haricharan Pudipeddi

ive-time Grammy nominated sitarist and composer Anoushka Shankar, who is currently touring India as part of a charity event and in support of her ninth album Land of Gold, says she is interested to foray into writing and composing music for feature films. Even though it’s not her greatest desire in the world, Anoushka said in an interview, “I’ve been making music for a while, and composing for films is an area I really want to explore. I would love to start writing music for films.” Asked if she has any composer in mind she would like to collaborate with, she said, “There are so many amazing musicians and I want to work with all of them.” On her fifth nation-wide solo tour of India, she said “a lot of magic can happen on stage”. “Our lives have become so mechanical, that sometimes even playing with a kid can bring you back into the current moment. “Playing in front of a live audience is one of those things where you’re connecting with people in that moment,” said the daughter of late sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar. “When you’re performing at a concert, you experience a kind of electricity and that allows alchemy to happen between people and that’s very powerful.

Big B, Sunny lead in ‘hottest vegetarian celebrity’ contest

egastar Amitabh Bachchan and actress Sunny Leone have been raking in the votes for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India’s Hottest Vegetarian Celebrity 2016 contest. Sunny, who makes her debut on the list, said, “(It) took me a while (to) come (to) terms with (vegetarianism)... but I have seen things I can’t erase from my mind which made me stop eating meat”. Hot on their heels are Sonam Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, Jacqueline Fernandez, Shahid Kapoor and R. Madhavan. In PETA’s Glass Walls video exposé, narrated by R. Madhavan, chickens’

As a musician, there’s nothing more incredible than that,” she explained. For Anoushka, who has been touring the word since she was 14, life motivates her music. “It’s hard for me to write constantly. So most of the times my writing tends to be in response to my emotions. Everything I go through or experience in life channels through my music,” she said, admitting this results in a lot of personal unfoldment in her work. The 35-year-old is married to British filmmaker Joe Wright, and they have two sons. How has her music changed after she became a parent? “It’s the biggest change I’ve gone through in life. It has changed me hugely as a person and it has automatically changed my music, too,” she said. Having been playing sitar from a very young age, asked as a musician does she ever face a saturation point, Anoushka said, “A musician is continuously expressing through music, constantly creating new music, and hence, the saturation level of not being fulfilled won’t come up.” Even if she’s down on one project, she said, “I always have another project to reinvent. And

then there’s

throats are cut while they are still conscious, and pigs scream as they’re stabbed in the heart. Cows are seen crammed into vehicles in such large numbers that

while you are walking on the ramp,” said Aamir. Aamir, 51, who looked dapper in a pinstripe suit, said he isn’t a fashion-conscious person. “I am habituated in wearing wrong outfits. People don’t take me seriously when it comes to fashion. So, I don’t have any fear of poor fashion sense,” he said. The PK star, however, praised his onscreen daughters for their fashion sense and performances in the forthcoming film Dangal. “Sanya and Fatima are fashion

their bones break as they’re hauled off to slaughter houses, where many are dismembered while they’re still alive. PETA India will announce the winners before the end of the year.

Aamir shies away from walking on ramp

uperstar Aamir Khan, who was recently spotted at a menswear fashion event, says he doesn’t like to walk on the fashion ramps as he gets nervous of the attention received while sashaying down the ramp. “I’ve walked once... only for Salman Khan for his Being Human charity. Otherwise, I shy away from walking at fashion shows. I feel like hiding while everybody watches you

queens. They have a great fashion sense. Both of them give me tips on what to wear,” said Aamir. “Watch Dangal to see Sanya and Fatima’s performances. They are outstanding... much better than me. You will forget me after watching them,” he added. Aamir, who featured in the fourth season of talk show Koffee with Karan with wife Kiran Rao, was also asked about his appearance in the current season. He said, “I would definitely want to go to Koffee with Karan, but he is not calling me.”

life and other influences to get inspired.” Her latest album, Land of Gold, explores the stories of the “voiceless and dispossessed”. “The central message of Land of Gold is the recognition of resilience of the human spirit and our ability to find the place where enduring hope resides. Everyone is, in some way or another, searching for their own Land of Gold,” she said. Apart from her regular collaboration, she has teamed up with guest artistes’ rapper M.I.A and actress-activist Vanessa Redgrave on this album. “They’re wonderful artistes but they also represent something in context of the album. For instance, M.I.A’s status as a refugee and Vanessa’s activism brings a different perspective to the music,” she said. As part of the tour, Anoushka has already performed in Chennai, Mumbai and Pune. Next on the itinerary are New Delhi on December 9, Bengaluru on December 10 and Hyderabad on December 11.

Will work on my biopic after 10 years, says Sushant

ctor Sushant Singh Rajput, who tasted fame with the TV show Pavitra Rishta, says he will work on his biopic after 10 to 15 years. Sushant, 30, who was praised for playing ace cricketer M.S Dhoni in the film M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, said, “After 10 to 15 years, I will work on my own biopic.” He was speaking to media at the Van Heusen and GQ Fashion Nights 2016 in Mumbai on December 4. About the show, Sushant said, “It is a great experience and I’m feeling great in this outfit by Shantanu & Nikhil. The thought behind the collection is amazing.” Titled Kashmiriyat 1990 by the popular fashion designer duo Shantanu and Nikhil Mehra, the collection was inspired by the tribesmen of the valley. Other Bollywood celebrities like Hrithik Roshan, Anushka Sharma, Mandira Bedi, Yami Gautam and Prateik Babbar were also present at the menswear fashion event. Sushant also spoke about his much-awaited film Raabta, which has been in news for his chemistry with his co-star Kriti Sanon. “Raabta will be released next year. I am working on it. I hope the film gets appreciated like my last film on Dhoni,” he said.

FEATURES

9 December 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Jeet wins hearts with his bat Swati Sharma

he young Jeet Raval, born in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, would probably have never thought that one day he would be playing for the Blackcaps—New Zealand’s national cricket team. Raised in a traditional joint family in India, Jeet developed the passion for the sport in the backyard of his house where he played cricket with his cousins. At the age of 16, Jeet moved to New Zealand with his parents. Just like any other migrant, he went through initial struggles trying to adjust to the new culture and language. But it wasn’t too long before he picked up his bat again and hit the field. He started playing cricket for Avondale College and Suburbs New Lynn Club. Jeet recently rose to fame when he played his first international Test match for his country. He says that people call his wife Surabhi, whom he married in May 2016, his lucky charm and he cannot agree with them more. Indian Weekender spoke to the rising star about his journey and more. IWK: How was your experience playing for the national team recently? Jeet: It was an amazing experience playing for the Blackcaps. There is no better feeling than receiving your test cap for the first time and walking out on the field to sing the national anthem with your teammates. I was emotional thinking of my family, all the sacrifices they have made for me to realise my dream, and the years of hard work. And then to go out and make contributions towards us winning a series against number two test side in the world was a whole new experience—one that I will cherish for the rest of my life. It was a wonderful beginning. IWK: How and when did you develop an interest in cricket? Who is your idol? Jeet: From what I have been told, I started playing cricket as soon as I

Pujara as they are all from the same age group. They were the big guns in the opposition teams at the time, and they have rightly gone on to do well for the Indian cricket team.

Jeet Raval

could walk. I grew up playing gully cricket with my cousins. It wasn’t until the 1996 Cricket World Cup that I started to follow the game more seriously. My dad put me in a coaching clinic where I learnt the basic techniques of the game. My dad used to play volleyball at the same time, and he took me to one his training sessions. Near his volleyball training session, I spotted Shree Vidyanagar High School’s cricket team training and asked my dad if I could bowl to them. My dad asked the team coach, Praful Tailor, and he agreed. The coach liked what he saw and offered me to join the school so I could play for the team. This is how I got into cricket, and the opportunities opened up from there. I have had quite a few idols over the years. I always admired Sachin (Tendulkar). He was God’s gift to India, and I was fortunate to have witnessed his batting on TV. I also admire Sourav Ganguly. I am a lefthanded batsman, so I tried to bat like Ganguly. During recent years, I have admired Rahul Dravid and Michael Hussey.

IWK: Tell us about your journey from a cricket-lover schoolboy to the National team batsman. Jeet: It has been a long journey and one that has had a lot of ups and downs. After performing well for Avondale College and Suburbs New Lynn cricket club in late 2004, I was selected for Auckland age group sides Under-17 and Under-19. Playing for Auckland Under-19 was a big stepping stone back, as it allowed for an opportunity to be selected for the prestigious New Zealand Under-19 cricket team. I was selected for the team to participate in I wouldn’t say the ICC Under-19 cricket world we need more Kiwicup held in Indian players in the team, M a l a y s i a , Both of these mentally tough but it should be encouraging which India guys epitomise for Kiwi-Indian cricketers to ended up the definition winning. pursue their cricketing dreams of hard work, I later deter mination, after seeing the likes of Ish found out that grit, and sheer Sodhi, Jeetan Patel playing I had not been concentration for the Blackcaps. in the country required to succeed for long enough to in cricket. represent New Zealand And it is not just on the field. at the international stage. I admire them for the way they have It restricted my participation in carried themselves off the field in a the Under-19 world cup, which was humble and genuine way. a major setback in terms of proving my worth against my peers around IWK: Tell us about your cricket the world. experience back in India. Two years later, I made my first Jeet: I played cricket for Gujarat debut for the Auckland Aces against Under-15 and Under-17 team. the touring West Indies team, and I started out as a medium-fast later that season I played my first bowler in my first match against domestic match against Central Mumbai Under-15. District where I scored 256. That I didn’t bowl well in that match, was the highlight of my career until but I managed to score 21 runs this recent test series victory against batting at number nine and almost Pakistan. saved the match for our team. After a strong season for the For the next match, my coach Aces last year, I was selected for the asked me to bat at number four, and Blackcaps to tour Zimbabwe and I scored a century at Sardar Patel South Africa in July this year. Stadium in Motera, in Ahmedabad. Since then, I gave up bowling IWK: How was your experience and concentrated on batting. I have during Zimbabwe and South played against the likes of Ravindra Africa tour? Jadeja, Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar

“

of Sargam School of Music. Tickets: $20, one ticket for two concerts.

Sargam School of Music Annual Concert Date: Saturday-Sunday, December 10-11 Time: 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Venue: Blockhouse Bay Community Hall, 524 Blockhouse Bay Road, Auckland

Rabi’i al Awwal Event: The life of Prophet Muhammad

Date: Sunday, December 11 Time: 3:30 p.m. onwards Venue: Zayed College, 44 Westney Road, Mangere, Aucklan Join us for the annual gathering where we recite ‘The Shimmering Light’ compiled by Habib ‘Umar bin Hafiz’, in the remembrance of our beloved Prophet Muhammad. All are welcome, food will be served.

Children and Youth Summer Camp 2017

Sargam School of Music is organising its annual concert on December 10 & 11. Pt Salil Bhatt (Renowned Indian Classical Musician, deciple and son of Grammy Award Winner Pt Vishwa Mohan Bhatt.) will perform and also it will be featuring the performances by the students

Date: Monday to Friday January 9 to 13 Time: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Venue: Mt Roskill War Memorial Hall, 13 May Road, Mt Roskill Auckland Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust is organising the annual Summer Camp’ 2017 for children aged 6 to 14 years. The summer camp is aimed at translating cultural values into everyday activities for children and to promote emotional development and enrichment of the young minds. The focus will be on imparting skills like personality

Jeet: It was a wonderful experience touring Africa with the Blackcaps. Although I did not play any match on the tour, I got an opportunity to learn about the team dynamics and also had a first-hand experience of international cricket. It can be daunting when you first go in the set-up, but I became familiar with the training routines, game day set-up, etc. IWK: What do you think about the current line-up of the Blackcaps? Do you think we need more Kiwi-Indian players in the team? Jeet: This Blackcaps team is strong in every facet of the game, and I am sure it will continue to entertain Kiwi fans for a long time. I wouldn’t say we need more Kiwi-Indian players in the team, but it should be encouraging for Kiwi-Indian cricketers to pursue their cricketing dreams after seeing the likes of Ish Sodhi, Jeetan Patel playing for the Blackcaps. IWK: Who are your personal favourites in the Indian cricket team? And what do you think about Virat Kohli’s captaincy? Jeet: My personal favourites in current Indian team are Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin. Both of them are extremely hard working and have an incredible level of skill. I enjoy Kohli’s captaincy. He is a positive captain who leads by example. It seems as he has the ability to bring the best out of every single player, and he also engages the crowd in the battle.

IWK: The Indian community in New Zealand is proud of your selection in the national team. Any message to the community? Jeet: All I would like to say is that New Zealand is a land of opportunities. You will get your share of success if you are willing to work hard and not give up through tough times. Whatever you may be interested in, I would say set goals, work hard, seek professional guidance, and enjoy the journey.

development, leadership, community involvement and tolerance/understanding of multiple culture and ethnicity, at an early age. The multiple activities which will include writing, sports, draw/colouring/paint, craft, music, playing on wheels, planting and other fun-filled amusement activities, will polish and groom the children. For more information and enrolment, contact Jeet Suchdev on 0212221020 or Ruchika Agarwal on 620 0579 / 021 08881461 or drop off an email at bsct1995@gmail.com

Vipassana Meditation Centre Open Day

Date: Sunday, February 5, 2017 Time: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Venue: 153 Burnside Road, Makarau, Kaukapakapa, Near Auckland Vipassana Centre near Auckland has been operating for more than 25 years, offering 10 day residential courses in Vipassana Meditation as taught by Mr. S.N. Goenka. Vipassana Technique is a practical technique which enables one to lead a more positive,balanced and happy life and has nothing to do with any organised religion. Vipassana Trust is a charitable organization. All expenses are met by donations from students who have benefited from a 10 day meditation course. info@medini.dhamma. org, website: www.medini.dhamma.org

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