Indian Weekender January 8, 2016 by Indian Weekender

8 January, 2016 • Vol. 7 Issue 40 • www.iwk.co.nz

NZ’s first Kiwi-Indian weekly newspaper

The pulse of Kiwi-Indians

SIT boss honoured

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8 January 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

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SIT CEO named Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit SIT has played an important part in bringing more Indian students to Southland and we want to expand it further. We also wish to keep supporting Indian Weekender and Giri Gupta in future too.

IWK Bureau

enny Simmonds, Chief Executive of Southern Institute of Technology (SIT), was named Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit—a recognition for her service to education, sports and community in Southland, in the New Year’s Honours 2016. On being asked about how she feels about the honour, Penny says, “I feel absolutely honoured to have been given this honour. This is truly the reflection of the work that not only SIT has done but also all those involved with SIT.” She says that the honour means a lot as it “recognises the importance of the work SIT has done not only for education but also the communities involved with it.” She says that SIT wishes to continue the work they have been doing. “I think part of the recognition is about the good work that SIT has done especially for the international students and we

Penny Simmonds with PM John Key at Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame 2013

hope to expand it further. SIT has played an important part in bringing more Indian students to Southland and we want to expand it further. We also wish to keep supporting Indian Weekender and Giri Gupta in future too.” SIT has been closely associated with Indian Weekender with its iconic Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame. Penny has personally been involved with the event’s success over the years since its inception. In her conversation with Indian Weekender, Penny also pointed out the looming shortage of

employees in Southland and says she hopes to see not only Indian students but also employees choosing Southland as their study and work destination. Simmonds was appointed as the chief executive of SIT in 1997. SIT has campuses in Invercargill, Gore, Queenstown and Christchurch and a successful distance learning faculty through SIT2LRN. Prior to her appointment as chief executive, Simmonds was in a management position at SIT from 1990 to 1997. She is a Board Member of

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Venture Southland, a combined local authority economic development group, as well as Chair of Hockey Southland, President of New Zealand Hockey, Community Trust of Southland Board Member. Simmonds is a former Director of the Southland Museum and Art Gallery and former Board Member of the New Zealand Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics, the Southland District Health Board and Southland Disabilities Services. Simmonds was a recipient of the Woolf Fisher Fellowship in 2000. Simmonds implemented the Zero Fees Scheme at SIT in 2001 that attracted thousands of

students to Southland. She also introduced a marketing strategy, which increased the number of international students from 29 in 2000 to 1,000 in 2014. Penny’s inclusive approach to the Indian and other ethnic communities is also one of the reasons that SIT today can boast of a large number of Indian students undertaking various study programmes in Invercargill. While this has meant a great opportunity and support for the students from India, it has also meant a large amount of investment injected into the Southland economy. It would not be an exaggeration to say that it has been Penny’s leadership that has contributed to putting Invercargill on the world map. Besides spearheading important educational initiatives, Penny also contributes to the community in many other ways through her participation on boards of numerous organisations committed to various philanthropic, educational and recreational services to the community.

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8 January 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Shefali Mehta named for Queen Service Medal IWK Bureau

IWK Bureau

he provisional road toll for 2015 is 321, Associate Transport Minister Craig Foss says. “It’s incredibility sad and disappointing to have lost so many lives on our roads in 2015. The road toll is not just a number— every figure represents not only the life lost but also grieving families, friends and communities,” Mr Foss says. “While it’s too early to say why the toll increased in 2015, data from 2012– 2014 shows drivers continue to make the same mistakes.” The common contributing factors to fatal and serious injury road crashes include: • Speeding: 30 per cent

Feeling proud of the work she does, Mehta says, “My favourite thing about Community Service is that it’s an efficient use of my time. All at once, I am creating new friendships. Learning how my community works so that I can help the needy and less fortunate people in our community and participating in activities to make a difference in the world.” She has previously been honoured with the British Empire Medal, Queen’s Birthday List 1994 for Papua New Guinea. “Despite my internationality, I am proud Indian. I believe we should be able to retain traditional values and be able to think outside of the Box. We have now adapted New Zealand as our Home,” says Mehta.

Wellington Zoo urges community to ‘Take a Lead’ IWK Bureau

he world’s smallest penguin is in decline, but Wellingtonians can help make a difference. While the sunny weather has seen people flock to beaches and natural spaces, Wellington Zoo is making a small request that could make a big impact for wildlife—keep your dog on a lead. “Research shows that dogs pose the biggest threat to Kororā Little Blue Penguins, and we see this first hand with patients at The Nest Te Kōhanga,” said Amanda Tiffin, Veterinary Practice Manager at Wellington Zoo’s The Nest Te Kōhanga. “We’re currently nursing one Kororā back to health after it suffered injuries in a dog attack, and it’s just one of several that we’ve seen over the last year.” While the Veterinary Team are experts in providing care for native species such as Kororā, the community can help prevent these injuries by keeping dogs on a lead while they’re out enjoying Wellington’s natural spaces. “Saving native wildlife is a crucial part of the work we do here at The Nest Te Kōhanga, and returning native animals back to the wild is an important part of our conservation work,” said Tiffin. “We were able to release another Kororā back to the wild on Saturday after it had arrived emaciated and weak. We’re working to make sure that other Kororā don’t run the risk of running into dogs that are not kept on leads—as

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dding to the pride that the Kiwi-Indians have brought to the Indian community in New Zealand, another Indian has been named for the queen service medal in the New Year honours 2016. Shefali Mehta will be honoured among 51 others for her services to the Indian Community in Auckland. Mehta has been a member of Rotary Club Auckland Harbourside since 1998. Under her leadership as president (2012–13), the club raised NZD 106,890.00 for Starship Hospital and Auckland Medical Research Foundation (AMRF). She is National Secretary of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO NZ). Mehta moved to New Zealand in 1997 and has been associated with many community support organisations since then. In February 2011 she was appointed as Justice of the Peace in Auckland. Since 2011 she has been Deputy Chairperson for Global India New Zealand and Chairperson of the Women’s Wing. She is also one of the key members of a committee that is driving the need for a culturally appropriate Rest Home, Aashirwad for senior citizens of South Asian Origin. She was previously involved in community activities in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, including as Chairperson of the Cancer Foundation, Friends of the Disabled Association and the Special Education Centre for Red Cross.

2015 road toll disappointing

dogs will follow their natural instincts to sniff out the strong smelling birds.” Four Kororā that have been rescued by The Nest Te Kōhanga now reside at Wellington Zoo in a custom-designed habitat in the Zoo’s newest experience, Meet the Locals He Tuku Aroha. While vets were able to save them, the injuries each Kororā had sustained meant that they would not be able to fend for themselves in the wild. “Hundreds of Kororā call Wellington home, but lots of people don’t actually know about them or see them,” said Daniela Biaggio, Wellington Zoo Conservation Manager. “The Kororā that live here at the Zoo help our visitors connect with our local wildlife and learn about what makes them unique, as well as showing how we work to save Kororā in the wild.” “At Wellington Zoo we partner with Forest & Bird’s Wellington Branch on the Places for Penguins project that provides safe nest boxes,” said Biaggio. “Along with other volunteers, we also monitor the local Penguin population. We’re all working together to make sure Kororā thrive in our capital city.”

• Alcohol/drugs: 29 per cent • Unrestrained occupants: 20 per cent • Driver distraction: 8 per cent “Long-term, the number of people killed on our roads is reducing, dropping by over a third (36 per cent) between 2000 and 2014,” Mr Foss says. “The government is committed to making New Zealand roads safer and reducing the number of people killed and injured in crashes. “Road users have a role to play too. I urge all drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians to be vigilant and considerate while travelling these holidays.” Foss is urging drivers to remain focussed and vigilant as they head home these holidays. “My deepest sympathies go out to anyone who lost a friend or loved one this holiday season.

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“Many people are still on holiday and still driving long distances on unfamiliar roads. By taking a little extra care, we give ourselves and our families the best chance of making it home safe and sound. “We all know what we need to do: avoid alcohol, drive to the conditions, wear a safety belt and make sure children are appropriately buckled in.” Tragic road toll calls for strategy re-think. The government’s road safety strategies need an urgent re-think following the increase in road deaths over 2015, says Labour’s Transport Spokesperson, Sue Moroney. “The worst road toll since 2010 comes in the year that National introduced its confusing zero speed tolerance campaign

and its shambolic ACC car risk rating scheme. Both of these strategies were touted as measures to reduce road deaths and injuries, but this year has seen the reverse occur. With just hours to go, the 2015 road toll sits at 319 [as of this morning]—25 deaths more than 2014 and 66 more than 2013. “Behind the statistics lies an intolerable amount of grief and distress. “The cost of these tragedies to families, our communities and the country is immense. It’s time to take stock. “We are now at the half-way point in the government’s 10-year Safer Journeys strategy, yet more people are dying on our roads. Transport Minister Simon Bridges must heed the many warning signs and consider changing policies that obviously aren’t working,” Sue Moroney says.

Minister welcomes victory against ISIL IWK Bureau

efence Minister Gerry Brownlee has welcomed news that Iraqi troops who were trained by the New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF) Building Partner Capacity mission in Taji were part of the force that has retaken the city of Ramadi from Daesh (ISIL). “The success of these troops results from their commitment to the training programme they have been involved in. New Zealand and Australian trainers can take some pride over the successful action by the recruits,” Mr Brownlee says. “NZDF trainers have gone into a dangerous environment and professionally established a training operation, which is up skilling large numbers of Iraqi troops to better equip themselves to fight.

“New Zealanders can be very proud of the work our troops are doing to professionalise the Iraqi security forces.”

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www.iwk.co.nz | 8 January 2015

GOPIO NZ celebrates 7th anniversary

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IWK Bureau

he Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO NZ) recently celebrated its seventh anniversary. President Alkesh Sharma said that it was a day of celebrating the contribution GOPIO NZ had made in 2015. It was also a day of reinforcing the values the organisation stands for and congratulate and commend the vision the founding members had. He spoke of the team work and the commitment of the Executive Committee and the work of the various chapters. Hon Minister Paula Bennett was the key note speaker and she highlighted the increasing bilateral relationship between India and New Zealand. She expressed her appreciation of the contribution people of Indian Origin make to New Zealand. Mr Wenceslaus Anthony, Chair of the Multi Culture Business Advisory board, said that the increase in pride and benefits for overseas Indians has not only encouraged them to retain Persons of Indian Origin or Overseas Citizenships of India, but also created a major difference in the way they are perceived in the nations where they live and work. He believed that organizations such as GOPIO NZ are living examples as they are a showcase of Indians not only making a mark in New Zealand but also internationally. GOPIO NZ felicitated Hon

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8 January 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Muslim youth take to Auckland streets for New Year’s Day clean-up IWK Bureau

he Youth Association of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community New Zealand gathered its members from across Auckland to continue its annual tradition of the New Year’s Day clean up. This year, the location chosen was Mission Bay waterfront and surrounding parks in Auckland. President of Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association of New Zealand, Azeem Zafarullah said, “The clean-up day is part of the true Jihad being undertaken by Ahmadi Muslims worldwide, under the guidance of the Khalifa of Islam, His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad. “In stark contrast to the violent Jihad commonly practiced by religious extremists and viewed through the lens of the media, true Jihad literally means to struggle. It is a personal battle against one’s inner temptations. The Greater Jihad as described by the Prophet Muhammad (may peace and blessings of God be upon him) is a spiritual battle waged against one’s corrupt and selfish desires with the objective of purifying the soul. One of the tools of this greater Jihad is selfless service.

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L It is in this spirit of selfless service with which Ahmadi Muslim youth will take to the streets on New Year’s Day to clean up their community after the festivities.” In the spirit of partnership, non-Muslim individuals and groups were also welcomed to participate in the clean-up, which started in the early hours of the morning at Selwyn Reserve, Mission Bay. “New Zealanders are at the forefront of promoting peace, social harmony, building mutual respect and accepting individual differences. “It is our responsibility as citizens to ensure New Zealand keeps leading in this regard. Every year, on New Year’s Day,

our community members gather to offer a special early morning prayer for a year of peace and harmony in the world. The New Year’s Day clean-up is one of many initiatives we carry out in the true spirit of serving our country as taught by the true Islamic teachings. Our goal is to remove any misunderstandings of Islam with the message of Love for All, Hatred for None, said Mr Zafarullah. The New Zealand branch of Ahmadiyya Muslim community was established in 1987 and has more than 400 members. It is a registered charitable organisation and endeavours to be an active and integrated community within New Zealand society.

ast year, the Ministry of Transport conducted a review of the passenger service sector framework that proposed changes to New Zealand’s regulatory environment. The review explored different ways that could maximise benefits for customers while maintaining the safety of passengers, drivers and vehicles. The small passenger service sector includes taxis, private hire services, shuttles and dial-a-driver services. On December 14, 2015, the Ministry issued the consultation paper that sets out five options for the public post the completion of the review. Option 4 where operators have a responsibility under a new single class system has been identified as the preferred approach to be undertaken in the future. BK Sharma, director of Cabchooze, a taxi-booking mobile app, said, “With these proposed changes, everybody wins: the industry and the consumer.” He says that New Zealand’s taxi ecosystem is already quite good— the least regulated in the world. However, some problems such as high fares and inconsistent

Looking back, looking forward Paris Agreement on climate change is a major step forward to safeguard our planet, to protect vulnerable people suffering from climate change and to ensure there is a viable future for our families and their children

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he seeds of our future are sown from the decisions we take in our past. As we enter the New Year, it is important to look at two crucial decisions in 2015 that will have a crucial impact in 2016 and beyond. Firstly, the Paris Agreement on climate change is a major step forward to safeguard our planet, to protect vulnerable people suffering from climate change and to ensure there is a viable future for our families and their children. It has been 23 years since the signing of the Climate Change Convention at the Earth Summit in 1992, and at last we have an international agreement. I was in Paris for the negotiations, contributing to the civil society and public pressure on governments to deliver a strong agreement. It was partially successful. The agreement aims to protect vulnerable people by keeping global temperature rise below 1.5°C (above pre-industrial temperatures).

Achieving this aim will require governments, businesses and all of us to change our behaviour. The targets that governments have submitted so far are well above that level, and the five yearly reviews mandated under the Paris Agreement will be crucial. The Paris Agreement will send a strong signal to those who have not yet been convinced, including investors, local government and policymakers.

Governments from 196 countries agreed an ambitious agreement that will phase out coal, oil and gas, and require huge changes to our cities, our transport, our agricultural systems and our economy. However, there are problems with the agreement. It allows for international offsets, a loophole pushed by our government ministers. A similar scheme under the Emissions Trading Scheme

resulted in New Zealand businesses spending more than $100 million on fraudulent schemes in Eastern Europe, China and other countries. Our emissions are now forecast almost double 1990 levels by 2030, one of the worst of the OECD countries. By contrast, countries such as Switzerland have committed to reductions of 50%. Another problem is that the Paris Agreement is largely unenforceable. Its 31 pages are largely about plans, rather than the tangible commitments that are needed. This is in stark contrast to the other major

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fees, long waiting times and variable fare tariffs still needs to be addressed. “When implemented, everyone in the industry will have to carry out background checks on drivers, require drivers to keep log books, limit the number of hours drivers work, require every vehicle to hold a certificate of fitness and require every vehicle to have a security camera or apply for an exemption,” added Mr Sharma. The consultation will continue until Friday, February 12, post which the submissions will be analysed. The forms can be completed online on www. transport.govt.nz/spsreview or a written submission using the template available on the website can be sent in an e-mail to spsreview@transport.govt.nz with the word Submission in the subject line. The form can also be couriered to Small passenger services review, Ministry of Transport, PO Box 3175, Wellington 6140. “I expect the changes to be fully implemented by the end of 2016,” says Mr Sharma. “Everyone (taxis, private hire, shuttle, ride sharing) will be under the same umbrella. That’s got to be good.”

agreement negotiated in 2015— the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA). Together with annexes and side letters, it runs to more than 6,000 pages, and has hundreds of enforceable rules. One of the enforcement mechanisms is Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS), which would allow foreign multinationals to challenge New Zealand government laws and policies in an international tribunal, and overturn decisions by our courts. A similar mechanism in other treaties has allowed challenges to Germany’s energy policies, Canada’s moratorium on fracking, and oil and gas regulation in a number of countries. There is a real danger that ISDS will be used to stop a future New Zealand government taking action to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. It is not too late to stop the TPPA. There are several steps required before it comes into law and there is considerable opposition, including in the United States. It is also not too late to strengthen government policy on climate change. Those are some important challenges for 2016.

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www.iwk.co.nz | 8 January 2015

Married 76+ years? The search is on for NZ’s longest married couple

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IWK Bureau

amily First NZ has been inundated with nominations for the longest living married couple in New Zealand with the current benchmark being 76 years. “Currently the longest married couple that we have been made aware of is about to celebrate their 76th wedding anniversary, which is very impressive! But are they the longest married couple in New Zealand? We are encouraging family members to let us know if there is a longer-married couple out there,” says Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First NZ. “The previous longest marriage that we’re aware of in New Zealand is a Christchurch couple who we believe celebrated their 79th wedding anniversary before the husband died in 2013. “The current record in the US where the concept originally began is a couple from California who had celebrated 82 years of marriage.” Nominations will be taken until January 15 with the winners named on February 14 to coincide with National Marriage Week. Winners will be selected solely from nominations submitted. Appropriate gifts—including a family photo shoot—will be presented to them by Family First NZ at a ceremony to be held at the winner’s location during Valentine’s week. “This is an opportunity to promote marriage and

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honour couples who have done the ‘hard yards’. We want to celebrate with couples who are setting the example for younger married couples just starting out,” says Mr McCoskrie. Nominations are open to any married couple (either NZ citizen or NZ resident) and may be submitted by e-mail admin@ familyfirst.org.nz or by posting to Family First NZ, P.O.Box 276-133, Manukau City 2241. The contact information for sending in a nomination simply requires the name of the couple, their wedding date and where they currently reside—plus a contact phone number or e-mail address of the individual nominating the couple.

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ITA year-end meet promises an eventful 2016 Red

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ndia Trade Alliance concluded 2015, its foundation year, with a yearend event that was full of promise for its prospects in the New Year. More than 50 invited guests attended the event at the offices of Price Waterhouse Coopers on Auckland’s waterfront on December 22. New Zealand Minister for Trade Todd McClay was the chief guest. It was significant that this was his first official event and public address after his appointment the week before. Just back after notching success for New Zealand at the WTO meeting in Nairobi, Mr McClay spoke eloquently about the country’s trade agenda, outlining the potential of deepening engagement with India as it blazes along its impressive trail of growth while also referring to the ongoing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement. Outlining the potential for New Zealand-India trade, the minister said, “With a GDP growth of 7.2 and with a 13% increase in FDI, India is growing fast. We already have a $580 million worth of export to India annually making it the number one trading market for New Zealand in South Asia— and all this even before we have an FTA.” Speaking exclusively to Indian Weekender after his address,

Above: From left: Mr Giri Gupta, MP Jami-lee Ross, Trade Minister Hon. Todd McClay, Sunil Kaushal, Acting High Commissioner of India Sandeep Sood, MP Mahesh Bindra and Hon. Dr Richard Worth

Minister McClay said, “We have $20 billion trade with both European Union and China. But we need to be careful not to concentrate on any one part of the world. We need to have a diverse approach to our trade and that is the reason why we are pursuing the free trade agreement with India.” Sandeep Sood, Acting High Commissioner of India in New Zealand, also addressed the gathering that included two parliamentarians—National MP Jamie Lee-Ross and New Zealand First MP Mahesh Bindra. Although he refused to be drawn into discussing a time for the long-discussed FTA, he sounded optimistic about the growth of trade relations between the countries. “It would not be right to compare [the] time taken

New Zealand Minister for Trade Todd McClay was the chief guest. It was significant that this was his first official event and public address after his appointment the week before. for FTAs to be signed between New Zealand and any other country and time taken for FTA to be signed between India and New Zealand. Recent round of talks took place in February between the two countries, and I am confident that the FTA will be signed soon and it will be financially beneficial to both the countries.” Earlier, ITA General Secretary Sunil Kaushal and ITA Chairman Giriraj Gupta welcomed guests at the event, the former detailing the evening’s proceedings and the latter briefly outlining

the alliance’s activities. Price Waterhouse Coopers Partner Ravi Mehta also addressed the gathering. Delivering his vote of thanks, ITA Deputy Chairman Dr Richard Worth, also a former National Party MP, said ITA had grown into an important forum for businesses owned by Indian diaspora in New Zealand. “ITA is simply not offering businessmen a fuzzy social fellowship. It has much more things to offer to its members. ITA has networks in New Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad. With all these networks at our disposal, I think we can deliver in a measurable way real great advantages to our members,”

he added. With more than 50 members under its wings, ITA has been bridging the gap between the business communities in India and New Zealand with initiatives at several levels. One such initiative is the recently launched publication, India Trade Alliance Courier. Giri Gupta, Chairman of ITA said, “India Trade Alliance Courier is truly a courier. It is a monthly publication, which carries business messages, knowhow, ideas and proposals between the business communities of the two countries.” The ITA’s Executive Committee met before the event to discuss the alliance’s plans for 2016.

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elegations from more than 30 countries have been hosted by the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority since 2011 as diplomats come to see first-hand how the city is recovering. “Regularly meeting with officials from all over the world has allowed us to pass on our knowledge to the global community about recovering from a disaster,” says CERA Acting Chief Executive John Ombler. “We have also learnt a great deal from them about recovery from disasters that they have been through, and as a result we have formed lasting relationships.” “Giving visiting officials a tour of the city has been a great way of showing the progress that is happening in Christchurch, and promoting investment and trade opportunities that are occurring in the region.” Particular care has been paid to maintaining close ties with other countries that lost citizens in the February 2011 earthquake. “It’s very important that we keep the families and official representatives of other countries that experienced loss of life in the devastating February earthquake informed of what’s happening in our city.” The unique circumstances in Christchurch have also allowed CERA to pass on important knowledge to students and academics from universities across

New Zealand and the world. “We have had hundreds of students and academics from institutions as varied as Tokyo University and Harvard request speaking engagements and tours of the city with CERA officials,” says Mr Ombler. “These students and professors are often involved in subjects such as earthquake engineering or aspects of geology, and are keen to learn from Canterbury’s experiences. They are the future leaders in these fields, and will be the people dealing with the effects of future disasters. Some will be involved in the development of technology to minimise future impacts. “The opportunity to spread knowledge and insight into the effects of the earthquakes in Canterbury and what we have learnt through the rebuilding process continues to be an important part of CERA’s work. “Over the last four and a half years we have engaged with over 800 organisations and individuals specialising in a variety of fields, including disaster management, science, trade and investment delegations, social agencies, and the building and construction sector.”

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Global interest in Christchurch’s recovery

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www.iwk.co.nz | 8 January 2015

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An Uncensored Life—an ode to Zerbanoo Gifford Red

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ast week, I had the pleasure of meeting an amazing lady. Many of us would like to be forthright, brazen, brave and bold, but lack the confidence to do so. I attended four events, where I had the pleasure of hearing from author Farida Master and the fabulous Zerbanoo Gifford. A senior journalist, Ms Farida Master has been an author and editor with several publications for the last 30 years. She started off as a rookie journalist in a star-studded world and soon went on to edit magazines such as Stardust, Citadel and Society Fashion—all from the Manga Group of Publications. Author of The Making of a Legend, the life sketch of Dr K.B. Grant, Ms Master believes her incredible journey so far was to prepare her to take on the challenge of An Uncensored Life—the biography of Zerbanoo Gifford. The book talks about the incredible life of a fiery politician, a dedicated philanthropist, a champion of women, a devoted wife, indulgent mother, an acclaimed author of several books and founder of ASHA Centre in England. A suburban housewife and a political virgin at that, Zerbanoo astutely masterminded campaigns from her kitchen table. She boldly challenged the self-serving politicians who didn’t quite know how to deal with the British Asian firebrand activist.

she asked them. She tapped into

The book is targeted at young adults, women and the ‘all-about-me generation’, looking for an incorruptible, strong and glamorous role model in a modern world filled with a litany of mistrust, covert racism and prejudice. After a whirlwind book tour in India, Ms Gifford was the keynote speaker at the World Zoroastrian Youth Congress held for the first time in New Zealand at King’s College. She received a standing ovation from the inspired youth in the audience. What would you like written in your obituary

BHARATIYA MANDIR

LOHRI

Celebrations Evening

Time:7.45Pm Onwards Prizes for the following will be given Bharatiya Mandir, 252-254 Balmoral Road, Auckland 1.Best Graba-Male 4.Best Dress-Female When: Thursday 14th January 2016 2.Best Garba-Female 5.Bestof Garba-Child-Up to 15 yrs Programme Aarti 7pm to 7.45pm 3.Best Dress-Male 6.Best Dress-Child Lohri Pujan 7.45pm to 8.00pm Followed by Arti Prasad Mahaprasad from&Doodh 8.00pmPoha to 9.00pm For Further Details Contact For more Shri information contact: PunditSharmaji Govind Sharma Ph 8462677 Acharya Joshiji or Pt.Govind on 09–8462677 Or Ravin Kotak – (021) 2550438 (Chairman-Religious Committee) Ravin Kotak- Chairman-Religious Committee on 09-39 111 90

A suburban housewife and a political virgin at that, Zerbanoo astutely masterminded campaigns from her kitchen table. She boldly challenged the selfserving politicians who didn’t quite know how to deal with the British Asian firebrand activist. their sense of social responsibility and made them think about making a contribution to the world, thus leaving their footprints on the sands of time. The first public reading was at the Swaminarayan Temple in Papatoetoe. The reading and Q&A session captivated the young and old. The programme was organised by Ashika Prasad and managed by the youth of the temple. Eleven-year-old Samiya Patel introduced the author, and Vrinda Soma introduced Zerbanoo. Samiya shared her thoughts with me:“I found her very inspiring and a generous lady. The story of how a seven-year-old girl in England could raise 10 pounds by making flags out of spare material and stopping people outside of her hotel, and exchanging them for 1 penny for the street children in Pune. She then sent the money to the [then] Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru, to help these children. The PM replied thanking her for her kind deed and said if every child in England had the generosity you showed, there would be no street children in Pune.” Ashika shared her impressions with me: “I found the quote ‘power of now’ very inspiring. As women, we always keep putting things off sometimes as a wife, as a mother, as a daughter, as a sister, etc., but the reality is that we never really get on with it due to our own excuse stemming from our own fears; fear of society and fear of failure.

We are always waiting for someone else to take the first step for us. All we need to do is “focus and work hard” to achieve our goals. I found Zerbanoo to be a highly intelligent, inspiring woman. She is beautiful on the inside as well as outside. A mentally strong, fearless woman who stands for what is right. I respect her high moral values especially the fact that “she does not lie” says a lot about her. She has everything in the world yet she still works on behalf of the less privileged. This makes her a spiritually elevated soul [and] an amazing human being.” There were so many anecdotes from the book that had the audience mesmerised. We all took away pearls of wisdom and a renewed energy of ‘can do’. She will be back here, and I hope more people will take the opportunity to hear her speak and perhaps attend a workshop. One paragraph quote should be the inspiration for women for 2016. I take great pride in the fact that women are complex, creative and centre of the community. We have an emotional GPS, an unspoken intelligence that we are attuned to. Women are intuitive, can multitask and are able to mix emotions with reason. We are more coccilitary, are lateral thinkers and make sure we get the end result. ‘The roster may crow but it is the hen that lays the eggs’. Women are the doers. Talking about her trip to New Zealand, Zerbanoo said, “New Zealand has been magical for me. I felt so welcome from Maori warriors sticking their tongues out at me. A very old yoga practise to clear the whole system to the extraordinary welcome at all the talks I attended that was arranged by the brilliant and big hearted Ranjna Patel. New Zealand is now in my soul. I hope soon there will an international ASHA Centre near a Auckland where the young will experience the same warm welcome I have and where they will share their shared heritage knowing that they the young of the world are the true change makers.”

www.iwk.co.nz | 8 January 2015

GFS wins ANZ Bank’s top broker awards

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IWK Bureau

he year ended with a big bang for Mr Ajay Kumar of Global Financial Services. In December 2015, he was awarded two top broker awards from ANZ Bank: Mortgage Adviser of the Year 2015 for being the number one mortgage broker for the year of ANZ Bank and Valued Business Partner of the Year 2015 for consistently being one of the top brokers for three consecutive years. It was a great for the GFS team to win the awards from New Zealand’s and Auckland’s largest home lender. Mr Kumar extended his thanks to his GFS customers and the GFS team. He said that it was only with the support of the 4,000

Ajay Kumar receiving the Valued Business Partner of the Year 2015 Award from Penny Ford, Director of ANZ Bank and Head of Sales, Auckland, Global Markets

families that they could have achieved this. GFS’ investments in the latest technology, infrastructure, CRM system developed inhouse and getting the best people to be a part of the organisation has helped them provide the best service and savings to their customers.

From left: Darrin Franks (GFS), Aseem Agarwal (GFS), Baden Martin (Head of Mortgage Adviser Distribution at ANZ), Saurabh (GFS), Manoj (GFS), Ajay (MD of GFS) with Andrew Webster (General Manager, Retail & Business Banking at ANZ)

NEW ZEALAND

8 January 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Government intervention needed to stop student exploitation Phil Goff

Labour MP

nternational students come to New Zealand for a quality education, in search of better opportunities and because they are attracted by our scenic beauty and lifestyle. Many find that New Zealand does indeed offer all those opportunities and more. These students benefit from their New Zealand education and about 20 per cent stay on as permanent residents and contribute significantly to New Zealand. However, for some others their experiences of student life in New Zealand is very different. According to recent media reports and accounts from students themselves, Indian international students are being misled by offshore education agents. These agents entice them to study in New Zealand by assuring them of managerial positions and permanent

residence upon completion of low-level management courses. In some cases, students’ expectations of the quality of education and the standard of facilities are not met. They find themselves studying less and working longer hours in order to be able to survive in New Zealand. Such students are vulnerable to worker exploitation. They are under pressure to agree to substandard work and pay conditions. Most are often afraid to draw attention to themselves by making a complaint and potentially jeopardising future opportunities to apply for permanent residence status. For these international students, their New Zealand experience is one of struggle, hardship and very different to the version they were ‘sold’ prior to entering New Zealand. The New Zealand Association for Migration and Investment, a non-profit professional association for immigration advisers and lawyers, is pushing for increased regulations for offshore education agents. Under current legislation, offshore education agents are exempt from the licensing requirements that onshore agents and other immigration agents are subjected

to. However, they are only allowed to provide immigration advice related to obtaining student visas. However, it appears that offshore education agents who are exempt are offering advice on pathways to permanent residence in addition to advice on student visas and permits without being authorised or trained to do so. The lack of licensing requirement means that many of them may not have correct or up-to-date information on changes to Immigration legislation or policy, and that there are less checks and balances to ensure that exempt advisers do not wilfully mislead students for increased commission. A 2014 independent report commissioned by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment notes that student visas account for a high proportion of visa applications submitted by exempt advisers when compared with the other visa categories. According to the report the licensing system has been effective in terms of removing the worst operators from the profession, but there are ongoing issues. The most risky area is in the student visa advice market and particularly the advice

given to migrants seeking permanent residency in New Zealand through Student visa pathways. The report acknowledges that “the cumulative harm of incompetent and/or unethical advice can be significant in some cases, and irreversible in others. Some applicants have faced serious financial loss due to exorbitant fees; others have suffered irreparable damage to careers, family dislocation, and significant personal hardship; some people have had to leave New Zealand, be removed, or remain here illegally (and face removal in the future). At the very extreme, we were also told during this review of cases of suicide.” Every individual studying in New Zealand, whether a citizen, resident or international student deserves to receive a high quality education. Offshore agents who mislead students coming to New Zealand set them up to fail and give New Zealand a bad name. The government should intervene to ensure that the advice provided by offshore education agents is competent, realistic and is provided by agents acting ethically. Not to do so is negligent on the government’s part.

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www.iwk.co.nz | 8 January 2015

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Auckland’s climate change effort acknowledged on world stage

uckland has been admitted to the world’s leading local government climate change action group, C40. “Our inclusion in this group is recognition of our efforts in terms of climate change to date and means we now have international support to increase the pace,” says Mayor Len Brown. C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group is a network of world megacities committed to addressing climate change and which supports those cities to collaborate effectively, share knowledge and drive meaningful, measurable and sustainable action on climate change. “Auckland is an exceptionally diverse city made up of around 200 different ethnicities,” says Mayor Brown. “By joining C40, Auckland will have access to more than 80 like-minded cities around the world, finding and implementing innovative solutions to the common climate challenges we face. I look forward to working with my fellow civic leaders in the network to tackle one of the most pressing issues of our time.” Auckland is the newest member of its global network as well as the first city in New Zealand to join. C40 drives urban action that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and climate risks while increasing the health, wellbeing and economic opportunities of urban citizens. The Mayor is now finetuning the action Auckland will take in the wake of the Paris Agreement to limit

global warming to well below two degrees Celsius, with the intent to pursue a 1.5-degree target. Among the initiatives the Mayor says Auckland is already implementing but which require more effort in the wake of the Paris Agreement are the continued transformation of Auckland’s transport system with the focus on public transport and cycle and pedestrian walkways and leading by example with Council procurement, building and infrastructure design. Rio de Janeiro Mayor and C40 Chair Eduardo Paes says the addition of Auckland strengthens the network as it seeks to create liveable cities for urban citizens today and a sustainable future for generations to come. “In the wake of the historic Paris Agreement major action by cities is required to support that deal and put the world on a path to climate safety. I look forward to partnering with Mayor Brown to help build a sustainable future for all.”

NEW ZEALAND

FIJI

8 January 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Fiji-born actor gains recognition in Bollywood

iji-born actor Anil Rai Mani has gained popularity in Bollywood and is shining in the industry for his talent and contributions. Mani received the top Mumbai Global Achievers Award in Juhu, Mumbai. The Nirankush famed actor was praised by top Bollywood actors for his contribution and encouragement to the industry. Mani has dedicated this award to his fellow Fijians. “This is all through the support and blessings from the people of Fiji. “I am thankful to Fiji for the inspiration that has enabled me to fight the challenges with honesty and politeness,” he

Anil Rai Mani

said. Mani said all he needed from his people was support and encouragement. “This award

is very much appreciated. Thank you Mumbai Global for honouring me with this prestigious award. I am sure my fans out there must be very happy. “A big thank you to my Fijian friend Sherine Prasad for flying from Lucknow to Mumbai to receive this award on my behalf on such a short notice. “What a way to end 2015. I am blessed by not the quantity but by the quality of people around me.” Mani is performing a lead negative character in an upcoming movie The Power. He already has four feature films in career. The Power is Mani’s second film in Bollywood, after Nirankush. The movie is planned to be released in India soon.

Community activist Tuilau to receive Queen’s Young Leaders award

student of The University of the South Pacific (USP) is among 60 young people from across the Commonwealth chosen to receive the Queen’s Young Leaders Award for her exceptional work in the community. Luisa Tuilau, who is studying under the Bachelor of Arts programme and majoring in Psychology and Law, said she hopes to use her skills and knowledge to make an integral impact on our Pacific island nations. Ms Tuilau, 23, who hails from Namara in Tailevu, said she applied because she saw that the Queen’s Young Leaders programme provided a platform to increase awareness of the issues that Pacific island nations have been advocating for years such as West Papua’s struggle for self-determination. The Queen’s Young Leader Award recognises

Luisa Tuilau, a student of The University of the South Pacific

and celebrates exceptional people aged 18–29 from across the Commonwealth, who are taking the lead in their communities and using their skills to transform lives. Winners of this prestigious award will receive a unique package of training, mentoring and networking, including a one-week residential programme in the United Kingdom. Ms Tuilau explained that the award recognised the work

of Youngsolwarans, a group of youths in the Pacific that advocates against extractive industries such as seabed mining, climate change and social justice issues including the freedom of the people of West Papua. “Youngsolwara is a regional group, which has chapters in New Zealand, Hawaii and Papua New Guinea. Our chapter in Fiji consists mainly of concerned USP students. We advocate through dance, poetry, songs, art and social media. The Queen recognises our work and commitment to our Pacific island nations. This award also encourages us to keep on fighting for the freedom of our West Papuan family.” Ms Tuilau added she did not expect to win but also did not doubt the chances of winning. Other recipients from the Pacific include Australia, New Zealand, Kiribati, Nauru, PNG, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

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Vaibhav’s long journey to national recognition

aibhav Kapadia has a white streak on his eyebrows, a physical feature not common to many. Other than that he stands out when grouped with his teammates, as he is the only Fijian of Indian descent in the national U19 cricket team. Kapadia took up the sport at the age of 12 when he and his family took a trip to India. “In India, plenty people play cricket. There would be one small ground and there would be four or five teams all playing cricket on that field. Cricket over there (India) is what rugby is like here in Fiji. When we had gone I used to see the young kids playing every day on the grounds and thought it was exciting so I decided to join them. That’s when I first took up the sport and it stuck ever since,” he said. Five years down from his first cricket match overseas, now at 17, Kapadia is part of the national U19 cricket team to the Junior Cricket World Cup. It has been a long tiring road for the Natabua High School student who has had to juggle both school and training, having to make regular trips to Suva to get game time with the rest of his teammates. First selected to the national team to the East Asia Pacific World Cup Qualifiers in January last year, he hasn’t turned back from his goal to play the sport he loves as well as maintain a career goal of becoming a chartered accountant. “Sometimes it gets hard to travel back and forth, from Lautoka to Suva and back but it’s worth it. I had stayed at a friend’s place for the past six weeks when we were undergoing intensive training with the team. They were actually university students so when they had their break, I was alone which was hard as I was missing home. When I was selected for

the qualifiers I had to start school late because we went in February and then when I got back I had to catch up with school. When the team started intensive training, I started two months late because of exams and I am glad I did well and have the opportunity to now fully concentrate on training again,” he said. His family has rendered him their full support with his brother taking time out from his schedule to help him train every day. “My parents left India for Fiji 25 years ago; they were from the State of Gujarat. I was born here though so this is home. They have been very supportive of me in the sport, my brother mostly who trains with me,” he said. While the sport is relatively small in Fiji and India being the powerhouse of cricket, Kapadia joins other Gujaratis who made the big leagues, the likes of brothers Yusuf and Irfan Pathan and Munaf Patel. He has become the first Fijian of Indian descent to play in a cricket world cup having earlier last year crated history by qualifying in New Zealand. “There isn’t very much cricket in Lautoka. It’s not big in school either because a lot of the schools here are largely academic oriented. I love playing cricket and one of the best things about it is that I get to play the sport that I love and also get to know the team, majority of who are from Lau and I get to travel to other countries doing all this,” he said. Kapadia and the rest of his team depart the country for Australia on Wednesday for a two-week training stint with the Maroochydore Cricket Club. They will later on depart Australia for Bangladesh who plays hosts for the U19 CWC scheduled from January 22 to February 14.

Fiji Airways introduces A330 international services

iji Airways introduced its first Airbus A330-300 on Auckland, New Zealand service January 6. The aircraft was delivered to Fiji at the end of December 2015. It will also be used on other international services such as to Sydney, Australia, and Los Angeles, California, from January 16. The new schedule comes as the airline is also due to start a new service to Singapore in April, as well as a planned San Francisco route from June. The airline, which welcomed new CEO Andre Viljoen in October last year, has committed to expanding its longSource: Fiji Sun

haul operations from its base at Nadi, Fiji. Viljoen, previously the CEO at Air Mauritius, was appointed after CEO Stefan Pichler left to head up airberlin. The Pacific island nation flag carrier rebranded from its previous Air Pacific name to Fiji Airways in 2013, and has outlined a plan for fleet expansion and “exploring further commercial opportunities, including new routes,” Viljoen said. Fiji Airways operates a 14-strong fleet of A330-200s, Boeing 737-800s and 700s, along with regional ATR 72s and -42s. It serves destinations to more than 15 international and regional destinations around the Pacific.

Airbus A330-300

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www.iwk.co.nz | 8 January 2015

I love Fiji: Pakistani student

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bdul Basit and his Punjab friends plan to continue studies in Fiji. Studying away from home can be tough, but for Pakistani student, Abdul Basit, he feels at home. Mr Basit was awarded the Best Baking and Pastry student of ServicePro International Tourism and Hospitality Institute during their graduation at Studio Six Apartment in Suva. He graduated with eight of his friends from Punjab, Pakistan. He has been a student at the institute for the past six months. “We all come from the same province and our love for cooking

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International Students from Pakistan with Service Pro-International and Hospitality Institute Director, Epi Gonewai (white shirt) and Chief Guest, Head Chef of Holiday Inn Hotel in Suva, Philippe Garand (red shirt) after the graduation

was what inspired us to come over and learn more about cooking here in Fiji,” Mr Basit said. “We love it here since everyone is very helpful towards us. We have been able to learn how to cook and bake Fijian foods and we

are also hoping to introduce the Punjabi menu here next year.” Mr Basit and his friends plan to pursue further studies in Fiji next year. Best and overall in cooking and baking pastry student Anasaini Waqavuki’s said her love

Singh proves doubters wrong

eing the first person in her family to join the Republic of the Fiji Military Forces was a milestone achievement for Artika Singh. Ms Singh was among 212 soldiers who were part of the Basic Training Passing-out Parade at the Force Training Group headquarters in Nasinu. The former student of Nasavusavu Secondary School from Vanua Levu said it was challenge being a woman in a male dominated institution. “I have learned so much and I have proved so many people wrong with what I have achieved today. I am the first in

Artika Singh poses with her parents

the family to join the military and this is a milestone achievement. “Twelve weeks of training was very tough and a challenge too. Because I was not used to the kind of physical training and I had to keep up to my colleague’s pace in the platoon. “It was even harder being far away from home especially

not getting in touch with them for quite a long time since they were the only main source of my motivation. Ms Singh advised young women that their career shouldn’t be determined by a certain gender’s domination in a particular institution. “Sometimes most young women underestimate themselves that they can’t join the military because they are weak or the mentality that it’s only for men. “This mentality should not exist in our society anymore because women have the capability to make a change. I want to thank the instructors, my parents and

for cooking inspired her to pursue cooking studies. “I was studying Information Technology before I took up this course and then I told my parents that my passion lies with cooking,” Ms Waqavuki said. “I believe that most youths in Fiji today do not achieve their target while studying in Universities because their passion is not with the subject that they are studying.” Ms Waqavuki, like any other child, was obedient to her parents, but said she was blessed her parents followed through with what she loved doing.

family for their support; for giving me the courage and strength to endure the training,” she said. Her mother, Sunita Devi, who came from Savusavu to witness her daughter’s achievement could not hold back her tears when she saw her daughter being part of the parade. Her father could not attend the event. “This is a proud moment for our family and we want to thank everyone who has supported our daughter throughout her journey till today,” she said. The 21-year-old said she was happy that she could also fulfill her father’s dream.

Fiji To host big UN Oceans meet

he high level UN Conference on Oceans and Seas will be held in Fiji in 2017. This follows UN General Assembly’s decision, which was welcomed by Global Ocean Commission yesterday. The meeting will support the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and Sustainably Use the Oceans, Seas and Marine Resources for Sustainable Development. It is scheduled from June 5 to 9, 2017. The resolution adopted underlines that the successful implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will depend upon a revitalised and enhanced global partnership for sustainable development, bringing together governments, civil society, the private sector, the United Nations system and other actors. This was originally proposed by the Fijian and Swedish governments. The SDGs were adopted in September 2015 as part of the UN 2030 Agenda. Fiji’s permanent representative to the UN, Ambassador Peter Thomson said the 2014 report of the Global Ocean Commission clearly demonstrated that ocean’s health was caught in a cycle of decline and that international ocean governance was fragmented He said the resolution would ensure a coming together of the international community to drive the implementation of SDG14 and reverse the cycle of decline.

INDIANEW ZEALAND

Thought of the week

One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain. — Bob Marley Editorial

From the desk of the Managing Editor

“

Most people think there’s never enough time to be successful, but there is when you block it. Time blocking is a very result-oriented way of viewing and using time. It’s a way of making sure that what has to be done gets done. Alexander Graham Bell said, “Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand. The sun’s rays do not burn until brought to a focus.” Time blocking harnesses your energy and centers it on your most important work. It’s productivity’s greatest power tool. — Gary Keller in The ONE Thing As the New Year unfolds and we all prepare to get back to work, let us use at least one thing this year that we do differently from all other years. I assure you that this little change will go a long way in making a real difference to your outcomes. Time blocking can or cannot be this one thing that you might choose to do. Whatever it is that you think you need to do, make that small change. As a wise man said—if you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got The Indian Weekender returns this week after its annual break, and we sincerely hope that all our readers have had a good break and we hope that this new year brings with it the realisation of all your dreams. During our break, Mr Modi decided to make a surprise trip to Lahore on Christmas Day, which has been applauded by the media and the leaders worldwide as being a great step in the right direction in promoting peace in the region. While we celebrated New Year, India (Pathankot) came under siege by terrorists who attacked the strategic air base. On the other hand, parts of north-east India were hit by an earthquake. The one bright spot that described the start of 2016 for India was the discovery of child prodigy Pranav Dhanawade, who scored more than 1,000 runs in 323 balls—not out! This is indeed tremendous. We bring you stories on each of these happenings. Here in New Zealand, we were proud to have the inclusion of Mrs Shefali Mehta in the New Year’s Honours list. Indian Weekender would like to congratulate her for this honour—very well done. The entire team at Indian Weekender also wishes to extend our heartiest congratulations to Penny Simmonds, CEO of the Southern Institute of Technology, for her receiving the Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. This is indeed a great honour and one that is extremely well deserved. Indian Weekender has been closely associated with SIT and has witnessed first-hand the tremendous effort that Penny puts into contributing to the community. As the year unfolds, we look forward to bringing to you 50 more issues, carefully and lovingly put together, of your favourite community publication. Besides this, we also look forward to newer, bigger and better experiences in bringing the iconic Kiwi Indian Hall Of Fame, with the Kiwi Indian Thought Series, the Auckland Diwali festival and other surprises that we have planned for the year. As we begin our 2016 journey, we would like to thank all our readers, advertisers, supporters and wellwishers for their unflinching support and hope that this continues and grows further this year. Happy New Year once again. Until next time. Giri Gupta

Indian Weekender : Volume 7 Issue 40 Publisher: Kiwi Media Group Limited Managing Editor: Giri Gupta | girigupta@xtra.co.nz Editor: Annu Sharma | editor@indianweekender.co.nz Chief Reporter: Swati Sharma | reporter@indianweekender.co.nz Reporter: Rizwan Mohammad | iwk.rizwan@gmail.com Reporter: Esha Chanda | iwk.eshac@gmail.com Reporter: Kumar Suresh | iwk.kumar@gmail.com Chief Technical Officer: Rohan Desouza | rohan@indianweekender.co.nz Sr Graphics and Layout Designer: Mahesh Kumar | mahesh@indianweekender.co.nz Graphic Designer: Yashmin Chand | designer@indianweekender.co.nz Accounts and Admin.: Farah Khan | accounts@indianweekender.co.nz Sales and Marketing: 022 3251630 / 021 1507950 | sales@indianweekender.co.nz Views expressed in the publication are not necessarily of the publisher and the publisher is not responsible for advertisers’ claims as appearing in the publication Views expressed in the articles are solely of the authors and do not in any way represent the views of the team at the Indian Weekender Indian Weekender is published by Kiwi Media Group, 98 Great South Road, Auckland Printed at Horton Media, Auckland Copyright 2015. Kiwi Media Group. All Rights Reserved.

Pick of the week

Prince George arrives for his first day at Westacre Montessori School nursery in Norfolk this week. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge released two photographs to mark the occasion. The shows Prince George standing in front of the mural on the outside of the nursery building.

I’ll see you right Meaning: Promise between friends to help out in time of need Usage: I’ll see you right for money till you get your job back

Tip from the trenches

Here comes the sun: Your summer skincare routine • Parched lips can be a problem in the summer as well. So make sure that lip balmis handy! • Sun blocks are not just for beach days. Apply SPF even when you’re going out to run errands or for a short walk. • Load up on fruits rich in antioxidants such as watermelon and strawberries • Don’t forget your feet. Get regular foot scrubs and pedicures to avoid dull skin. • Invest in a good pair of sunnies and a wide brim hat

OPINION/EDITORIAL

www.iwk.co.nz | 8 January 2015

2016 Hodge-Podge: Cricket, Pakistan, Russia, Syria and Israel

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Saeed Naqvi

ne enters 2016 with some happy thoughts, and some anxieties too. Of New Delhi’s umpteen dailies, three had photographs of spin bowlers on the shoulders of their page one on the last day of the year. There were two photographs of R. Ashwin and one of Moeen Ali who helped England beat South Africa at Durban. Two days ago, Nathan Lyon, the Australian off spinner, was declared man-of-match against the West Indies at Melbourne. The return of the spinner in 2016 promises to relieve the monotony of pace attack as the only armour in the bowling arsenal. The spinner, with loops of varying heights, a turn both ways and a doubly deceptive capacity to go straight, offers a more intellectual engagement. It causes the batsman to use his feet, reflect. What reflection when Mitchell Starc hurls thunderbolts at 160 km? Lightening reflex, yes. I can never forget the hush that descended on Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi when Bishan Singh Bedi was handed the ball as first change. What magic was he going to weave around the batsman? The performance of Ashwin and Jadeja in the recent seasons could well promise the return of an era of spinners. Yasir Shah, Sunil Narine, Imran Tahir, Rangana Herath and others mentioned above signal the return of the spinner in international cricket. The other happy development is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s surprise stopover at Lahore on his way back from Moscow and Kabul. There is a cricketing question attached to this initiative. A series of meetings are scheduled but there is hesitation to play what would be the world’s most-watched Test series. After the bitterness between the countries in the recent past, a full blown cricket tour by Pakistan to India may strain emotions. But if there is any sincerity in Modi’s

Lahore visit, an abridged Test series, even in a neutral venue, could be an initiative that would help soften the atmosphere. The Lahore initiative would be credible only if there is evidence of a changing mindset among the ruling elite. The air has to be slowly cleared of Indo-Pakistan and Hindu-Muslim tension. A cricket series with the right political backing can go a long way in clearing the air. But if communal polarisation is the electoral requirement for, say, the 2016 elections in Assam, West Bengal and Kerala, improved relations with Pakistan cannot be seriously on the BJP’s agenda. Arrival of carved rocks for construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, or BJP MP Hukum Singh and MLA Suresh Rana holding Mahapanchayats in Shamli and Muzaffarnagar where large-scale antiMuslim pogrom took place in 2013, confirm one’s worst fears. There is no intention to keep aggressive Hindutva in check. If this, indeed, is to be the policy, it will be totally incompatible with any effort at peace with Pakistan. I have a theory of the triangle for subcontinental peace. India-Pakistan, New Delhi-Srinagar and Hindu-Muslim as

one triangular complex of issues. It is elementary geometry that a contradiction or expansion of any one of the lines or angles will impact on the other two. Indo-Pakistan peace will immediately bring down HinduMuslim temperatures and cause Srinagar to wonder if some sort of a settlement is round the corner. Since such a settlement is nowhere in sight, any meaningful progress on the Indo-Pakistan track is simply not possible. There is a further complication. If Hindu consolidation is the strategic aim of Hindutva, of which the BJP is a part, minorities will be required as the “other”. This again flies in the face of Indo-Pakistan normalisation as a BJP priority. There are impediments to peace on the Pakistani side too. This is not to argue that peace is impossible. Indeed, South Block is feeling extremely buoyant after the Prime Minister’s Moscow visit where “Make in India” received a boost in nuclear and defence fields. In fact, two nuclear plants for Bangladesh will be a joint Indo-Russian project. New Delhi with friends not just in one bloc but in many places feels that much more secure to make appropriate advances

towards Pakistan. Also, India takes over as President of BRICS in February. This will entail two Putin visits in 2016—one to attend the BRICS summit and another overdue bilateral visit. Chinese President Xi Jinping will also be here for BRICS. Absence of normalisation with Pakistan will stand in the way of India taking advantage of gas pipelines from Central Asia or the Chinese Silk Route initiative. Modi will be in Islamabad for the 2016 SAARC summit. Between SAARC and BRICS so much can be achieved with a Pakistan which is inclined to be in step. It turns out that almost the first important Arab leader to visit New Delhi in the New Year (in fact in January) will be Syrian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Walid Muallem, carrying a message from President Bashar al Assad. Modi, fresh from his conversations with Putin, will of course note the similarity of views between Moscow and Damascus. He will find these views not out of sync with those being spelt out by Secretary of State John Kerry either. Muallem’s inputs will be crucial because in January begins the process of identifying Syrian opposition groups who will sit at the table along with the official Syrian delegation to focus on government formation in Syria. A huge difference of opinion has erupted on who is a terrorist. Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, Jordanian lists of terrorists in Syria differ. Of course India has an abiding interest in the outcome but does New Delhi have a role? Muallem may have a suggestion. Soon Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj will have occasion to compare Muallem’s version with what is furnished to her in Tel Aviv which she visits soon. She may discern in Israel that the Jewish state’s favourite candidate in the US elections is Hillary Clinton and not Donald Trump despite his brazen overtures to Bibi Netanyahu. It is all happening in the New Year.

The directive principle on prohibition has become irrelevant Amulya Ganguli

s in the case of decriminalising homosexuality, the Supreme Court is a few steps behind perceptions and social reality in India in the matter of favouring official restrictions on the consumption of alcohol. In its judgment supporting the Kerala government’s decision to confine drinking in public to bars in five-star hotels, the court has nevertheless said that the practice still carries a ‘social stigma’. It is doubtful, however, whether this observation is valid, for the taint is fast disappearing in middle and upper class homes where offering a drink to friends and visitors has become routine. Etiquette of this kind was far less common 50 to 60 years ago among the middle class— though not the upper classes—when there was an element of ‘stigma’ associated with drinking. To the elderly in those years, imbibers of alcohol were invariably the rich and decadent zamindar class or the dissolute individual. By allowing drinking only in five-star bars, which cater to the affluent, the Kerala

government can be said to be recalling that half-a-century old stereotype of the rich, depraved tippler. Even the five-star establishments might have been included by the judiciary in the ban on drinking but for the sake of tourism. But this perception, too, is incorrect because not all foreign tourists are rich, as a look at Delhi’s Paharganj hotels will show. Indeed, a majority of the tourists comprises backpackers or belong to the middle class. This applies to domestic tourists as well. By allowing, however, the purchase of drinks from retail outlets so that a consumer can drink at home, the government has revealed the half-baked nature of its prohibition policy. In any event, the fallacies of such an ill-considered approach to the issue are obvious. From the time of Morarji

Desai’s attempts to impose prohibition in Bombay in the years immediately after independence, the negative aspects of such a policy—boot-legging and the appearance of crime syndicates—have been apparent. These ill-effects were also seen in America in the 1920s when prohibition spawned the Mafia. Yet, if periodic attempts are still made by state governments to follow this flawed route, the reason has less to do with their professed moral concerns than a desire to pander to a section of voters—the women of mainly lower middle class and working class families, who have been victims of abusive alcoholic husbands. However, the damaging fallout in the states which have experimented with prohibition shows that the remedy can be worse than the disease because of the brewing of illicit liquor, which can kill. It is curious that none of these possibilities are taken into account by proponents of a ban among politicians. Nor are they bothered by the fact that a ban in one state cannot be implemented when there may well be a neighbouring state where liquor is available. Apart from these difficulties in enforcing

a foolproof ban, the prohibitionists will have to come to terms with the conviction, especially among the middle class in the age of liberalisation, that diktats forbidding what they may eat or drink or read or choose as a life partner are out of sync with a modern nation aiming at operating bullet trains and building smart cities. Drinking today is a part of the social scene all over the world as the phrase, cocktail circuit, indicates. If the term is sometimes used derisively, it is to mock the snobbish elitism of the drinkers and not their habit. Where even the conservative BJP is showing ambivalence about its attitude towards beef, with Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar saying that it is a matter of ‘personal opinion’, a ban on alcohol is difficult to justify. It will be better for politicians to focus on some of the other directives such as ensuring equal pay for equal work, protecting children and youth from exploitation, providing just and humane conditions of work and so on instead of on prohibition.

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Salaam-Namaste—the Modi-Sharif tryst Maya Shivam

anta arrived this year bearing something that has swept the entire world off its feet. The entire Western and American media are raving about it let alone the media of the two countries. Yes, they are indeed talking about Modi’s surprise visit to Pakistan on Christmas day. Strategists have rightly named Modi the modern-day Chanakya, and he proves this right time and again. This visit has created a conducive atmosphere for both India and Pakistan to move towards resolution on substantial issues that have troubled not only the two countries but also the entire region. Barring the Congress, which questioned the suddenness of Modi’s move, the Indian Prime Minister’s two-hour halt in Lahore on his way home from Kabul has been widely welcomed. It is reported that Modi broke the ice by telephoning Sharif from Kabul to extend birthday greetings to him. Although Indian officials said that Sharif had asked him to break his Kabul-Delhi journey in Lahore, Pakistani officials say Modi sought an invite, and Sharif gave him one and was a gracious host. Modi then flew into Lahore, hugged

Sharif and the two leaders took a helicopter to Sharif’s ancestral residence at Raiwind where they sipped Kashmiri tea and discussed confidence-building issues. But let us not forget the backdrop of these talks, which is certainly menacing enough. The two countries have fought four major wars since Independence and have a fastpaced piling-up of scores of nuclear weapons always pointed at each other. Of course, India’s stronger economy means that even though Pakistan may not win an arms race, any wise man will see that this race really has no winners. This was, however, the first visit of an Indian premier to Pakistan in 12 years and

has thus raised hopes for peace across the region. But let us not be too quick and get carried away by the hugs and handshakes that are ruling the media. If history is any guide, similar emotions were created when former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited Lahore on the Dosti Bus in 1999, Pakistan’s General Musharraf visited Agra in 2001 or Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif visited Delhi in 2014 to attend the swearing-in of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. But the initial excitement proved effervescent and soon enough it was status quo with both countries back to their tough stands. The tensions along the line

of control have been high and the two countries have pointed fingers at one another. It may also be pertinent to note that during their respective visits to Washington earlier this year, both Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Army Chief General Raheel Sharif expressed their concern about India’s aggressive posturing and Pakistan’s inability to devote full attention to Afghanistan’s stability in the face of this threat. So this dialogue could have been initiated by Washington. But that was not the only stimulus. Modi’s image was being tarnished by the growing incidence of intolerance in India attributed to the rise of Hindu nationalism made worse by his silence on the matter. So a change of stance was the call of the hour. This was good diplomacy. But the question still remains: what will come off the dialogues? The two countries have conflicting expectations of each other and different priorities. Pakistan has long argued that the Kashmir dispute should be resolved first, or at least in conjunction with other areas of mutual concern. India has been and will remain unwilling to offer to Pakistan any concessions on Kashmir. But all said and done

there are some things different this time. China, for example, has a massive investment in the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor, linking Pakistan’s Gwadar Port to China’s Xinjiang province. Does that make China a stakeholder in India-Pakistan peace? The corridor is being considered a part of the larger Chinese plans to stabilise the region on its periphery and to this end is expected to open avenues of regional trade. Clearly China realises that it can only reach its potential if there is peace in the region. On the other hand, there is the US that for its own reasons continues to nudge Pakistan and India towards peace. Then there are the businessmen friends of the two Prime Ministers who are eying the economic prospects in a peaceful and stable Afghanistan. In the ultimate analysis, much would depend on whether the two leaders will be able to show not only bold, imaginative and sustainable leadership but also policies that change destinies of their peoples. Anything less will be a repetition of the same old story. But as they say, “a thousand mile journey starts but with a single step”. This was a good first step in the right direction.

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Start-up India Movement to launch on January 16 SENDING MONEY TO A BANK ACCOUNT THESE HOLIDAYS

rime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the Start-up India Movement—an initiative undertaken by the government to nurture the start-up environment in the country. As indicated in his radio programme Mann ki baat, the event will unveil the full action plan for the initiative, highlighting schemes the government will take to address the various aspects needed to develop a conducive start-up ecosystem in India. Start-up founders, venture capitalists, angel investors and CEOs will join the PM to launch the movement, the commerce and industry ministry said on Tuesday. As many as 1,500 start-up founders from across the country will convene at the event aimed at celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit of India’s youth. “The closing session will be addressed by Modi, who will formally launch the initiative and unveil the Start-up Action Plan,” said a ministry statement. The day-long workshop will feature panel discussions on “Unleashing Entrepreneurship and Innovation: What do Indian Start-ups Need to Grow and Prosper”, “Celebrating Women: Stories of Innovative Women Entrepreneurs”, “How digitisation will change India’s future”, “Making Indian Healthcare Leapfrog” and “Financial inclusion is within reach”. As a special feature, Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha will chair a panel discussion on “Show me the money: How

do we capitalise entrepreneurship”, the statement said. “A unique question and answer session titled ‘Face-to-Face with policymakers’ is also being organised wherein secretaries of key government ministries and departments will answer questions on how government will be creating an enabling ecosystem for Start-ups,” the statement said. Questions will be answered by secretaries from the departments of revenue, human resource development, corporate affairs, financial services, economic affairs, science and technology, biotechnology, electronics and information technology, micro, small and medium enterprises and skill development. Uber founder Travis Kalanick, Softbank CEO and founder Masayoshi Son and WeWork founder Adam Nuemann will feature in interactive talks. Internet giant Google’s session titled “Launchpad Accelerator” will involve live pitches to potential investors from early stage start-ups, the statement said. Live telecast of the event is planned in IITs, IIMs, NITs, IIITs, central universities and youth groups in as many as 350 districts across the nation. The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) in association with Invest India, iSpirt, YourStory, NASSCOM, SheThePeople.tv and Kairos Society along with the youth wings of industry bodies FICCI and CII are organising the event.

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ICT, digital innovations can save agriculture: Karnataka CM

nly Information Communication Technology (ICT) and digital innovations can rescue the agriculture sector plagued with myriad problems, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Tuesday, January 5. Siddaramaiah called for use of ICT models and tools for localised forecasts to protect against weather-related problems. “The application of ICT in agriculture generates possibilities for solution to the problems of rural people and also to promote agricultural production by providing timely and tailor-made scientific information and intelligence to farmers,” he said. The chief minister was speaking at the eighth Global Communication Research

Association International Conference on ‘Innovation Digital Applications for Sustainable Development’ organised by the University of Agricultural Sciences. “It is important to empower poor farmers with information and communication visa-vis assets and services to increase their productivity and income as well as protect their food security and livelihood.” The three-day conference will focus on seven themes, including Modern Media in Agricultural Communication, Content Generation and Skill Development for ICT-based applications, IT Acts and Policy Framework: Concerns, Issues and Challenges.

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8 January 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Keyword – Peace

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A homage to the martyrs of Pathankot Maya Shivam

s the world was swinging in 2016, a strategic airbase in India was under attack from terrorists. Indians from across the world closely followed reports by the media on the operation that continued to January 4 when it all ended. But precious lives were lost during this time—seven armed forces personnel lost their lives in keeping the country’s security intact. The six terrorists, who entered the airbase dressed as army personnel, were also killed. Since this attack came soon after PM Modi’s surprise visit to Pakistan that was warmly received by his counterpart Nawaz Sharif, this clearly was aimed at derailing the peace process in the region. It is heartening to learn that both the governments remain committed to continuing the dialogue on peace that started over cups of Kashmiri tea in Raiwind on Christmas Day, 2015. Here are a few reasons why India should not retreat from this big step towards peace. The time is now It is never too early to be talking peace. The two countries have been at loggerheads since Independence and it is not surprising that the terrorist organisations, numerous of them emanating out of Pakistan have used this relationship breakdown to their advantage. It’s important to realise that these terrorists belong to no country and are not attached to anyone. The damage is being caused on both sides of the border and therefore it is important that open communication channels between the leadership of both countries be put in place and peace be given a chance. Several attempts have

The time is now It is never too early to be talking peace. The two countries have been at loggerheads since Independence and it is not surprising that the terrorist organisations, numerous of them emanating out of Pakistan have used this relationship breakdown to their advantage.

previously been made at this peace process but sooner or later the two countries return to their tough stands. India wants to talk cross border terrorism first and foremost and Pakistan wants to talk Kashmir before any other dialogue can even begin. Pakistan’s support to terrorism comes from its desire for Kashmir, which it has not been able to acquire militarily. This first step therefore for a friendly and open dialogue between the two countries is monumental to establish the peace of the land. Talking Kashmir and terrorism, along with trade, visas and everything else, can bring India long-term gains.

is perhaps critical that India is seen as being the protagonist for bringing about this change. This is a time of immense international pressure be it from Washington wanting peace in the region for the sake of Afghanistan, or China that is wanting to reach its potential with the trade corridor it wants to establish with Pakistan or be it the business lobbies of the two countries that realise the importance of peace in the region for economic prosperity. To add to the list is the nuclear capability of the two countries. In an environment such as this—it is imperative that India continues to engage Pakistan in a dialogue for establishing peace in the region.

Be seen as the change Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” It

End the blackmail If terror strikes are aimed at halting India-Pakistan talks,

then why give the terrorists what they want? Why give in to the blackmail and bullying? If the talks prevail despite this attempt to derail them, then the terrorist would have received the retaliation that is the need of the hour. It is important that they realise that their trick is not working anymore.

Work with the voice of the people For years one has heard stories of brotherhood amongst the peoples of the two countries. Needless to say our shared history and culture makes the bond even stronger. Now that the leaders of both countries have shown an interest to have a dialogue, talks with Pakistan should be used as an opportunity by both sides to build public opinion for peace in both countries. Doing this will be vital in isolating those who do not want normalisation of relations, such as terrorists and their supporters. Making Patahnkot the starting point for peace will be a true homage to the courageous heroes who laid down their lives in the line of duty

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www.iwk.co.nz | 8 January 2015

Odd-even scheme: Bassi against vigilantism

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he odd-even plan for fourwheeled vehicles was unveiled by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi. Under the plan, four-wheelers with odd registration numbers would ply on odd dates and those with even numbers would run on even dates. To curb the alarming air pollution, the Delhi government as a temporary measure came out with odd-even scheme for vehicles. Private vehicles with odd- and even-numbered licence plates were effective from January 1 allowed to ply on alternate dates. The restrictions apply Monday to Saturday daily between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., and none on Sunday. The Delhi government, however, exempted any car carrying a patient or being driven by single women, CNG-certified vehicles, VIPs, two-wheelers, ambulances, defence vehicles and embassy vehicles from the new regulation. Delhi Police Commissioner B.S. Bassi cautioned against any form of vigilantism during the odd-even vehicle movement restriction plan, saying volunteers intended to be deployed by the Delhi government should assist the force as briefed by them. “DP (Delhi Police) to enforce odd even. Requesting government: volunteers to assist

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Delhi Police and to act as told. All Note: rule of law and vigilantism are incompatible,” Bassi said in a tweet. The odd-even scheme will be implemented on a trial basis between January 1 and 15. Bassi also elaborated on how volunteers would work. “Once volunteers report to police, they shall be briefed and deployed as per an action plan. No undue harassment of road users is the objective,” Bassi added. Car pooling database released for Delhi, NCR

car pooling database for Delhi and NCR was released

on Tuesday in a bid to encourage people to share their ride to work to reduce traffic and pollution, a Gurgaon police officer said. “This database will be a tool to look beyond car pooling by individuals and bus sharing by organisations. It will be a way ahead to use existing corporate and institutional data to reduce traffic and pollution in Gurgaon, Delhi and NCR,” a police spokesman said. There are more than 100,000 commuters in Delhi-NCR. The current consortium members, including Snapdeal, Fidelity, Authbridge, Fractal Analytics,

Genpact, Covergys, and many more, see the value in moving beyond car pooling between individuals to possible bus pooling between clusters of companies or at least providing data to private or public bus operators to optimise their routes. This open commuting database will help corporates to jointly plan their office transport efficiently by replacing office cabs and individual cars with CNG buses, the officer said. Fresh pleas in HC against odd-even scheme

resh petitions were filed on Tuesday in the Delhi High

Death toll in Manipur quake reaches eight, normal life affected

ormal life continued to be affected in Manipur on Tuesday as the death toll in the 6.7 magnitude earthquake rose to eight in the state. “Three people each died in Imphal East and Imphal west districts while two deaths were reported in Senapati district. The government will pay Rs.5 lakh each to the next of kin of those killed,” Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam Gangmei said. Even as all educational institutes in the north-eastern state were closed for a week, offices too declared a holiday for two days. Most shops and business establishments were also closed. A shortage of essential commodities and other consumables were reported since the main marketing complex in the state capital was shut. Vehicles and pedestrians were barred from crossing the damaged Minuthong bridge over the Imphal river that connects the eastern and western parts of state capital Imphal. Rapid response teams of the health department fanned out in the interior rural and mountainous areas of Manipur to provide medical relief to the affected. Although 35 members

of the National Disaster Response Force teams are working in Tamenglong district, no report of recovery of any dead body was received so far. More than 100 houses and shops were damaged in the hill district. Reports of damage to several school buildings in other districts of Manipur were received though there was no report of any casualty. The temblor at 4.35 a.m. had its epicentre in Tamenglong district. It also jolted Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram and Tripura, besides Myanmar and Bhutan. Meanwhile, angered over the damage caused

to the women’s market in Imphal, hundreds of women vendors on Monday allegedly beat up Subhas Chandra, superintending engineer of the Manipur Public Works Department (Building Circle). Chandra was deputed to supervise the construction of a modern marketing complex by Simplex Infrastructure Company in place of traditional sheds for women vendors. The pillars, walls and other parts of the structure collapsed due to the earthquake on Monday, following which Chandra arrived at the spot to assess the damage. The women vendors said they had lodged complaints about

cracks and leaks in the complex even before they shifted there but the state government turned a deaf ear. Meanwhile, some organisations, including the All Manipur United Clubs Organisation, the International Peace and Social Advancement demanded a probe into the “substandard” construction of the marketing complex. Works Minister Kh. Ratan accompanied by officials inspected the damage caused by the earthquake, one of the worst in the last 50 years. Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh has convened a cabinet meeting to review the situation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh discussed on phone the post-earthquake situation in the state and other areas. Modi also spoke to Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who is visiting Assam, and asked him to oversee the situation. India’s north-east region is considered the sixth major earthquake-prone belt in the world. In September 2011, Sikkim suffered heavy damage as a quake hit the state.

Court challenging the Aam Aadmi Party’s decision. A division bench of Chief Justice G. Rohini and Justice Jayant Nath heard other bunch of public interest litigations on Wednesday. The fresh PIL filed by the president of Delhi High Court Bar Association, Rajiv Khosla, sought quashing of the December 28 administration notification on the issue. “It is submitted that the said scheme has been brought out and been made applicable to public without carrying out any feasibility study and is hampering the legal fraternity in carrying out their professional responsibility of practising as an advocate in different courts and tribunal in Delhi,” Khosla said in his PIL. Another plea filed by B. Badrinath said the Delhi government’s scheme violates his fundamental rights—equality, freedom of movement and right to practise any profession or occupation, guaranteed under the Constitution. The court had earlier refused to put on hold the odd-even scheme for plying four-wheelers on the national capital roads but asked the state government to take into consideration the issues of physically challenged commuters while formulating the scheme.

IIM Bangalore school courses top-ranked in Central Asia

hree post-graduate courses of the staterun Indian Institute of Management have been ranked top in Central Asia by Paris-based international agency Eduniversal, which specialises in higher education, the B-school said on Tuesday. The three courses of the IIMBangalore are the two-year post-graduate programme in management, one-year postgraduate programme in public policy and management and oneyear full-time residential executive post-graduate programme. “Ranking is part of the agency’s study of best masters and master of business administration (MBA) in 30 fields,” the statement noted. “We have renewed our presence as the top management school in Central Asia, having been recognised as the number one business school in the zone, for three of our long-duration programmes,” said Ishwar Murthy, dean faculty, IIM Bangalore, in a statement. Eduniversal evaluation system rates an institution on three criteria—reputation of the programme, first salary post graduation and student satisfaction, the statement added.

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8 January 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Paris remembers the Unknown Indian Soldier Ranvir S. Nayar

n a moving ceremony, organised for the first time, martyred Indian soldiers were remembered at the iconic Arc de Triomphe, which is home to the Flame in the Memory of the Unknown Soldier. The flame has been rekindled by the French army every single day since November 1923, even during the Second World War when Paris was occupied by the Germans. However, so far it had never been done in the memory of Indian soldiers, even though more than 10,000 of them laid down their lives in the defence of France and other allied nations in the First World War, which had seen more than 130,000 Indian soldiers arrive in France to battle the Germans. The proof of the valiant Indian soldiers lies in Neuve Chapelle, a small village

on the border with Belgium, where 4,200 Indian soldiers were killed in intense fighting that lasted over three days. The Indian armies finally drove out the German occupiers and gained control of this strategic village. To commemorate these soldiers, the Indian community got together with the Indian embassy to organise a ceremony for the first

time. The initiative was taken by Rajaram Munuswamy, secretary general of GOPIO International, the organisation that brings together persons of Indian origin in various countries around the world. “In this centenary year of the World War I, we have organised several events to honour Indian soldiers and that is why we approached the

Indian-origin man starts own political party in Britain

n Indian-origin corporate banking worker has set up his own political party and called for Britain to throw open its borders, a media report said. Harjinder Singh, a former UK Independence Party (UKIP) candidate for Birmingham’s Perry Barr constituency, has set up the Open Borders Party as he disagrees vehemently with his former Eurosceptic party’s immigration policy, the Birmingham Mail reported. “I wanted to leave the EU, but I’m a libertarian and I believe in independence and freedom,” Singh was quoted as saying. He added that he wants an open border, as long as new arrivals do not have a criminal record or contagious disease, pay an entry fee, are denied state benefits and pay higher tax rates for several years. According to him, the policy would bring huge economic benefits, boosting the economy with new labour and saving the

taxpayer a fortune spent trying to keep migrants out. He said UKIP did not entirely share his views. “I was a little bit naive with regard to some of their other policies, as they’ve bolted some on, and those don’t represent me.” “That for me is where I draw the line, but with regard to the main core party view, which is to leave the EU, UKIP were the only party saying that, which is why I joined.” Singh plans to contest

next elections and hopes to attract some like-minded people to join his party and support him. The 38-year-old made headlines during the British general elections campaign by waving at thousands of cars a day passing through the busy Scott Arms junction in Great Barr. He finished third behind Labour Party MP Khalid Mahmood and Conservative candidate Charlotte Hodivala.

French defence ministry to allow us commemorate the ceremony at this unique monument. This is the first time in the history of France that the Indian community is remembering its soldiers,” Munuswamy told this correspondent. For this occasion, GOPIO chose a very auspicious and indeed apt day, December 16, which is also celebrated as the V-Day in 1971 war with Pakistan and which led to the creation of Bangladesh. The flame was lit by Indian Ambassador Mohan Kumar in the presence of more than 400 members of the Indian diaspora, who had gathered not only from France but also from Britain, Guadeloupe and Mauritius, among other countries. Notable among those present were GOPIO International president Diljit Rana and GOPIO International chairman Mahen Utchanah.

Sikhs in the US attacked

ith Sikhs increasingly becoming the target of racial attacks in the US, a media report says they are frequently mistaken for terrorists and radicals as they are conflated with Muslims by many Americans. In the latest string of incidents targeting turbaned Sikh Americans, Amrik Singh Bal, 68, was assaulted in California while waiting for a ride to work, the Washington Post reported. According to police, the suspects after striking the victim with their car and assaulting him while he was down, yelled: “Why are you here?” The attack is being investigated as a hate crime. “Sikhs have been mistaken for terrorists and radicals and continue to suffer after 9/11,” the Post quoted Iqbal S. Grewal, a member of the Sikh Council of Central California, as saying in an interview to the Fresno Bee following the Saturday assault. However, xenophobic intolerance against Sikhs is not new and started soon after they began arriving in the Pacific Northwest to fill logging jobs in the early 20th

Former refugee bags Queen’s honour in UK

ami Ranger, an Indianorigin person who began his life as a refugee in Delhi during Partition but is now one of the richest men in Britain, has been honoured with the third highest title in the British honours. Ranger, a philanthropist businessman, was awarded the Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the New Year’s honours list. Ranger was born in July 1947 in Gujranwala, now in Pakistan,

two months after the death of his father, Shaheed Nanak Singh of Multan. His mother took Rami and his seven brothers and a sister to India on a train’s coal tender. Ranger studied at Modern School and later Mohindra College, Patiala, and obtained a degree in arts from the Government College, Chandigarh. He discontinued studies after reaching the United Kingdom, where he had gone to study Bar at Law in May 1971.

Ranger worked in a London branch of KFC for 35 pence an hour. After seven years, he was made redundant. After a brief stint working in retail, he set up his own freight forwarding company in 1987 with just two pounds, a typewriter, a car and a self-storage unit. Ranger’s first business was to ship cargo by sea, air and land. Now, he owns and heads two huge companies—Sun Mark Ltd. and Sea Air and Land Forwarding

Before the flame was lit, the diaspora members organised a small march on the Champs Elysées, bearing the Indian tricolour as well as the flags of France and GOPI. On the occasion, Mohan Kumar thanked the Indian community in France for having taken the initiative and joining in the efforts of the Indian embassy to ensure that a proper recognition is awarded to the valiant efforts and sacrifices made by the Indian soldiers in France over a century ago. After the brief ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe, the event continued in a near-by hotel where the Indian ambassador and prominent GOPIO members shared their thoughts on the unity and cohesion needed among the communities worldwide to combat the terrorism which has no frontiers and affects the humanity.

Ltd. Both his companies received the Queen’s Award for Export Achievement 1999 and the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013. Ranger is also chairman of the British Sikh Association and a patron of the Princess Trust. The philanthropist businessman is also a patron of the Gandhi Statue Memorial Trust, London. He had helped install a statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Parliament Square, London.

century, according to Simran Jeet Singh, a senior religion fellow at the Sikh Coalition, a non-profit advocacy group. “Pretty immediately after our arrival in this country, we became targets of xenophobia,” Singh said. The Sikh Coalition said there were more than 300 cases of violence and discrimination against Sikhs in the US in the first month after the 2001 attacks. Earlier this month, a Sikh store clerk in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was shot in the face during a robbery. The victim reported that the assailant called him a “terrorist.” Following an attack by a Muslim couple at a social services centre in San Bernardino, California, a gurdwara in nearby Orange County was vandalised with hateful graffiti earlier this month, according to the Sikh Coalition. In September this year, Inderjit Singh Mukker, a father of two on his way to the grocery store, was savagely assaulted in a Chicago suburb after being called “bin Laden.”

SPORTS

www.iwk.co.nz | 8 January 2015

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Dhanawade: a new prodigy

on of an auto-rickshaw driver in Kalyan, 15-yearold Mumbai school cricketer Pranav Dhanawade had one goal—to be a hard-hitting batsman and score a lot of runs. On Tuesday, his dream finally came true when he scored a world record-shattering innings of 1,009 not out in an H.T. Bhandari Cup Under-16 inter-school tournament match. Pranav’s epic 323-ball knock consisted of a staggering 59 sixes and 129 fours. His team, K.C. Gandhi High School, declared their innings at 1,465 for six with Pranav remaining unbeaten at 1,009. He batted for 395 minutes and had a strike rate of 312.38. The youngster broke a 116-yearold record after surpassing 652 on Monday, thus taking over the reins of the highest individual score (including minor cricket) from A.E.J. Collins of England. The wicket-keeper batsman started playing cricket at the tender age of five at Modern Cricket Club under coach Mobin Sheikh. The Class 10 student

also participated in the Mumbai selection trials and accompanied his teammates from Kalyan to Churchgate for the matches Indian cricketers hail Dhanawade Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar and veteran offspinner Harbhajan Singh took to Twitter on Tuesday morning to congratulate Dhanawade “Congrats #PranavDhanawade on being the first ever to score 1000 runs in an innings. Well

Real Madrid replace coach Benitez with Zidane

eal Madrid president Florentino Perez has announced that French football great Zinedine Zidane will replace Rafa Benitez as the head coach. Perez said the club on Monday made the “difficult” decision to dismiss Spaniard Benitez after Real Madrid were forced to settle for a 2–2 draw against Valencia in a match where the Los Blancos enjoyed the lead on two separate occasions. “I would also like to announce that the Real Madrid Board of Directors have decided to name Zinedine Zidane as the new coach of the first team,” the president of the club with the most number of European titles—10, declared. Zidane, who played for Real Madrid between 2001 and 2006, worked as an assistant to Ancelotti before taking charge of the organisation’s B team, Real Madrid Castilla. The 43-year-old, regarded as one of the best European playmakers of the last 50 years, led France to victory in the 1998 World Cup and the European title in 2000. He was also part of Real Madrid sides that won La Liga and the Champions League. “There can be no doubt that Zidane is one of the game’s alltime great figures. He knows better than anyone just what it means to lead the Real Madrid first-team squad,” Perez said of his new chief tactician. “He’s fully aware of how tough and at the same time how exciting

done and work hard. You need to scale new peaks!,” Tendulkar posted on his Twitter handle. Harbhajan was equally effusive in his praise for the wonder kid. “well played...no matter what levels cricket it is but numbers are just unbelievable.another @ sachin_rt in making?,” he tweeted. Former India Test opener Aakash Chopra wrote on Twitter: “Pranav Dhanawade has scored 1000 runs in an innings...well played, son???? Request to media—please leave him alone??”

batting and do well,” Rahane said. Maharashtra to bear all expenses for teen cricket prodigy Impressed by Pranav Dhanawade’s international record-busting performance, the Maharashtra government has decided to foot all his educational and coaching expenses, state Education Minister Vinod Tawde said. “Pranav’s spectacular performance scoring over 1000 runs and creating a new world record, is indeed a matter of great pride for the entire state and the whole country,” Tawde said in a congratulatory message. The minister said that the state government offers all help to the 15-year-old Thane schoolboy and ensure his complete coaching in cricket through the sports department. “We shall offer assistance to Pranav for his further education and cricket coaching,” Tawde assured after speaking with the cricket hero’s father and congratulating him.

Gayle fined for asking female reporter out

this demanding position is. You (Zidane) have our complete confidence and our support in the task of bringing excitement and entertainment to the supporters in each and every game, and the fans will be right by your side.” Zidane said, “Firstly, I’d like to express my gratitude to the club and to you, president, for giving me the opportunity to coach this team. We’re the best club in the world, with the best fans in the world. “What we have to do, and what I’m going to try to do, is make every possible effort to see this team win something this season. I’m going to work as hard as I can and to the best of my ability with all the players, and I believe that everything will turn out well. The most important thing is to get down to work with the team tomorrow.”

Commentator Alan Wilkins tweeted: “The numbers for Pranav Dhanawade are mind-numbing! 1009 from 323 balls. 59x6s, 129x4s. 870 runs in boundaries! Did anyone in Mumbai see it?” India limited-overs skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and star batsman Ajinkya Rahane also congratulated the young prodigy. “It is not a joke. It is serious business. It is a tremendous effort to score 1009 runs in an innings. The talent he has needs to be nurtured in the right direction. His parents and coach need to guide him well as this talent needs to go a long way,” Dhoni said at a press conference before leaving for Australia tour. Ajinkya Rahane also praised the 15-year-old and hoped to see him play for India in future. “Good luck and congratulations to Pranav for this feat. 1009 runs is difficult to say and he has scored it. I hope he plays this way and I want to see him play with us in the national team in future. I will advise him to stay focused and practise and concentrate on his

ce West Indies batsman Chris Gayle was fined 10,000 Australian dollars ($7,190) for asking a female TV presenter out on live television during a Big Bash League (BBL) match. The amount will be donated to the McGrath Foundation, a breast cancer charity in recognition of Jane McGrath Day at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), according to Cricket Australia (CA) website. The 36-year-old was speaking to reporter Mel McLaughlin during a Big Bash game. “To see your eyes for the first time is nice. Hopefully we can have a drink afterwards. Don’t blush baby,” he said. In the game, Gayle’s side the Melbourne Renegades beat the Hobart Hurricanes by five wickets. Gayle later apologised for the incident but said the reactions were “out of proportion”. “There wasn’t anything meant to be disrespectful or offensive to Mel. If she felt that way, I’m really sorry for that,” Gayle told reporters. “It was a simple joke. The game was going on. Entertainment, things get out of proportion but these things happen.” The fine leaves Gayle free to play in the Renegades next fixture, the highly anticipated Melbourne derby rematch with city rivals the Melbourne Stars. Renegades CEO Stuart Coventry said in a

statement, “Chris’s comments were completely inappropriate and disrespectful. There is simply no place for these type of comments at the Melbourne Renegades. “The club would like to extend a formal apology to Mel McLaughlin. Mel is an outstanding sports presenter. We think of her very highly and the club and players will ensure we work with her in a professional and respectful manner in future. “We’ve had s e v e r a l discussions with Chris over the p a s t day

and he has acknowledged that his comments were out of line. “We would also like to formally apologise to our members, supporters and the wider public for offence caused. The club is based on values of respect towards every member of the community.” Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland also spoke against

Gayle’s behaviour. “It’s not a nightclub, and I think one of the things that perhaps hasn’t dawned on everyone is it’s actually a workplace,” he said. “Anyone that sees the humour in that is misunderstanding and somewhat delusional about the situation.”

KIDS ZONE

8 January 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Find the path

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k now... u o y d i D

There is evidence that mosquitoes are more attracted to people with the blood type 0 than those who have A or B.

Find the one that is different

Scorpion k now... u o y d i D can hold his breath for up Rats breed so quickly that in to six days. just 18 months, 2 rats could have created over 1 million relatives.

Join the dots

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

www.iwk.co.nz | 8 January 2015

Around the world in 2016

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FEATURES

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Global events worth travelling for this year Esha Chanda

It’s showtime in Rio

The festival will be held from February 11 to 21. The complete line-up of the movies will be released later this month on the official website.

Shakespeare. The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C. sent the First Folio—the first printed collection of Shakespeare’s plays that was published seven years after his demise—on a tour to all 50 states. Britain’s cultural institutions will celebrate the poet’s life and works with exhibitions, screenings, performances and conferences. Open air theatre Shakespeare’s Globe in London will be in the centre of this celebration with The Complete Walk—a two-day event on the banks of River Thames that will have 37 screens along a 2.5-mile route between Westminster and Tower Bridge. In New Zealand, Auckland will be host to a full-scale temporary pop-up of the Shakespearean Globe Theatre. The replica will appear at 38 Grey’s Avenue off Mayoral Drive, which will have a capacity for a 900-strong audience.

A world of film More than 10,000 athletes from 206 countries will gear up this year for the much-talked about Summer Rio Olympics. During the 17-day long event, from August 5 to 21, 42 sports will be contested, which includes two new additions—golf, which returns after 112 years and rugby, which returns after 92 years. The events will take place across 32 competition venues in Deodora, Maracana, Copacabana and Barra. If you haven’t bought a ticket yet, you have another chance. The last batch of tickets go on sale in February. More details on www.rio2016.com/en

Celebrate the bard’s legacy

Four centuries after his death on April 23, 1616, the world will observe the 400th anniversary of William

The year of Roald Dahl

If you’ve spent your childhood tucked under the covers reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory past your bedtime, head to Cardiff where the world of Roald Dahl will come alive. 2016 marks the centenary of the Welshborn author known for children books such as Matilda and Fantastic Mr Fox. The highlight of the celebration is City of Unexpected scheduled for September this year. A city-wide celebration of Roald Dahl’s creation, it will bring a mix of theatre, art and performances across Cardiff.

A celebration of music

One of the world’s leading film festivals, the Berlinale has been celebrated annually since 1978. The festival that shows about 400 films per year across different genres, length and formats, and plays host to more than 20,000 professional visitors from across 128 countries including more than 3,700 journalists. In its 66th year, Coen brother’s Hail, Caesar! will be the opening film. This year, the festival will also see Indian film SAIRAT by Nagrant Manjule and New Zealand’s Born to Dance by Tammy Davis, which have been selected to compete in the Generation 14Plus section. What separates Berlinale from its Venice and Cannes counterpart is that it is open to fans.

Iceland Airwaves made its debut in 1999 and since then has grown into one of the world’s most popular and influential music events. An annual music festival held in Iceland’s coastal capital of Reykjavik, the event features bands from across the music spectrum, both international and the country’s favourites. The 2015 line-up saw 120 new additions, and this year, it’s expected to be bigger and better. The festival will take place from November 2 to 6, and the line-up will announced later this year on its official website.

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Is it time for a cleanse? Maya Shivam

any people like to kick off the New Year (more like the middle of January) with a juice cleanse. There are several reasons why one would do that—the top, of course, is the fact that we may have partied a bit too much leading up to Christmas and carrying on into the new year. Secondly, the festive season really is not the time when we want to watch what we are eating. But like all good things must come to an end, so do the holidays. It is time then to return to life and reality, to bring back the balance that we would have resolved to keep through the year. We bring you a few tips for a juice cleanse and a few recipes for healthy juices and smoothies. As you approach the cleanse, remember to: DRINK MORE WATER The juice cleanse helps you to pay attention to your body’s needs. Often thirst is mistaken for hunger. Add more water to your diet to be hydrated and eliminate false hunger. Water also transports nutrients through your body so making sure that you are well hydrated is the first step towards a cleanse. CUT BACK ON CAFFEINE AND SUGAR For best results, you want to bring your body into a more alkaline state. If you enjoy coffee or drink soda, you should definitely start to cut down on these. INCORPORATE MORE FRUITS AND VEGGIES Aim to include at least a few serving of raw fruits and vegetables into your diet. Including raw food will increase your enzyme consumption, resulting in better digestion and more energy. TAKE A STEP AWAY FROM ANIMAL PRODUCTS As you move closer to your cleanse, start eliminating meat, eggs and dairy from your diet. Animal products place high demands on the digestive system so it is good to start to reduce the burden.

ELIMINATE PROCESSED FOOD It is better to completely eliminate processed foods from your diet in preparing your body for a cleanse. Once you have done that your body is now ready for a system reset or a Cleanse or some people even call it detox. DURING THE JUICE CLEANSE LEMON IS THE MIRACLE FRIEND Warm water with lemon first thing in the morning is an incredible liver stimulant that begins the cleansing process before you even have your first sip of juice. Warm lemon water is a ritual that we encourage you to continue post cleanse for continued health.

Include lots of veggies and fruits. The foods to absolutely avoid in the first few days after your cleanse are red meat, dairy, alcohol, processed or fried foods. The best is to include smoothies. It is important to monitor how you are feeling through the year and remain mindful of what you put in your body. As they say, let your food be thy medicine.

his is a great wake me up drink for first thing in the morning. It can easily replace your morning espresso.

This juice is particularly good for the liver and clears out the toxic remnants of alcohol. • 1 apple • 2 carrots • 1 pear • 1 lemon • 2-inch root of fresh turmeric or half teaspoon ground turmeric Juice all ingredients. Add the lemon and turmeric in the end.

Aim to drink a juice every two to three hours. For some people, six or eight juices per day feels like a lot but skipping juices will leave you hungry and may result in your blood sugar levels falling. Even if you are not hungry when it is time for your next juice, drink. The MCN Syndrome (MUST CHEW NOW)

AFTER CLEANSE

THE

CELEBRATE ACCOMPLISHMENT

JUICE YOUR

Take a moment and celebrate what you accomplished for your mind and body. You will also be feeling the amazing benefits from your healthy new lifestyle. STAY MINDFUL As you slowly return to normal eating remain mindful of your choice of foods.

The Golden Glow

The Awesome Green

ENSURE YOU HAVE ENOUGH

If you are experiencing MCN syndrome, first check in with yourself and see if you are really hungry or if you are simply craving that chewing sensation. There are few schools of thought that encourage the addition or inclusion of some nuts and raw vegetable and fruit to support your cleanse. Just be wise in your selection.

Blend the beets with half the almond milk for one minute. Add the remaining ingredients one at a time until you have a delicious looking smoothie.

ABC Miracle

• • • • • •

½ cucumber (unpeeled) A handful of spinach A handful of kale 1 green apple Half a handful of parsley 1 lemon Remember to juice your juiciest vegetable first. Add some cucumber, then spinach. Then juice some more cucumber and add parsley. Finally, add the apple the Kale and the lemon. Drink immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 8 hours. The Pink of Health Smoothie • • • • • •

1 beetroot, washed, peeled and diced 6 strawberries 1 frozen banana 3 dates (soaked overnight) 2 prunes (soaked overnight) 1 cup almond milk

This is being referred to as the miracle drink. When taken over long periods on an empty stomach, this juice is beneficial for brain function and memory, for bloodrelated diseases, for kidney function and for a radiant spotless skin. It also helps fight cancer. • 1 apple • 1 carrot • ½ beetroot Juice all ingredients together. Enjoy fresh.

FEATURES

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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 Glitterati

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Ushering the good times in at Old Fort

Auckland rolls in 2016 with a bang

New Year bash at Tom Tom

ENTERTAINMENT

8 January 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Bollywood in 2016 Swati Sharma

016 is definitely going to be money minting year for Bollywood with some of the biggest releases slated to appear on the silver screen. The three Khans of Bollywood—Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan are ready to claim the highest box office collections, yet again. Let’s take a quick look at the list of Hindi movies worth watching this year. Wazir

plans the evacuation of 170,000 Indians stranded in Kuwait. Release: January 22 Fitoor The film is the adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novel Great Expectations. The eagerly-awaited movie shot in Kashmir is a romantic drama directed by Abhishek Kapoor and produced by Siddharth Roy Kapoor. Release: February 12

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Udta Punjab The film showcases the current drug menace in Punjab. Reports say that Alia will be playing a Bihari laborer and Kareena will be seen as a doctor. To know more, you’ll have to wait for June 17 to watch the film. Release: June 17 Raees The crime thriller is set in 1980s Gujarat. SRK plays a cruel bootlegger while Siddique, who plays a tough cop, challenges

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friends from foes will compete at the box office this year with Salman Khan’s Sultan supposedly clashing with SRK’s Raees. Salman is playing a wrestler from Haryana in the film. Release: July 2016 (Eid) Dhoni: The Untold Story Directed by Neeraj Pandey, the movie is a biopic of cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni, played by Sushant Singh Rajput. The film also stars John Abraham, Fawad Khan, Gautam Gulati and Ram Charan as Yuvraj Singh, Virat Kohli, Zaheer Khar and Suresh Raina respectively. Release: September 2 Dangal

his business. Pakistani actress Mahira Khan makes her debut in Bollywood with this film. Release: July 2016 (Eid) Two of the finest actors of the industry come together for the first time. The taut thriller, deft action, and the duo’s chemistry should not be missed. Release: January 8 Airlift Filled with action and patriotism, the movie is based on the true story of Iraq’s invasion in Kuwait in 1990 and how an Indian-Arab billionaire (Akshay Kumar)

The film is based on the true story of air hostess Neerja Bhanot who fought to save the lives of 359 passengers on a hijacked plane in Karachi in 1986. This film portrays the courageous character of Neerja. Release: February 18

Sultan

Fan Khan plays a double role in the film that is a story of a fan and the Bollywood star. Release: April 15

The two most popular Khans of Bollywood who recently turned back to

Aamir Khan returns to re-claim Christmas period on box office. Khan portrays the role of wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat, father of Geeta Phogat—India’s first female wrestler to win gold in 2010 commonwealth games. Release: December 23

Hollywood movies that will rule the box office Esha Chanda

ast year saw Jurassic World, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Mad Max, The Martian, and Avengers: Age of Ultron. This year promises to be better with more superhero, sci-fi and fantasy movies. Here’s our round-up of some of the most-anticipated movies to hit the silver screen in the next 12 months.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

t’s no surprise that this one makes to the top of our list. Before Episode XIII hits the screen in 2017, fans will be taken back to a galaxy far far away with the first stand-alone Star Wars movie. Whether we’ll see Darth Vader again or not is yet to be discovered, but so far, fans know that the movie will be set before the event of Star Wars: A New Hope (1977) and after Revenge of the Sith (2005). Cast: Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Riz Ahmed Release date: December 16

The BFG

ust when die-hard Harry Potter fans thought it was the end of the magical world, Warner Brothers and JK Rowling announced the spin-off of the Harry Potter series. Directed by David Yates, the fantasy drama film is inspired by the book of the same name by Rowling. Eddie Redmayne stars as Newton Scamander in this upcoming trilogy that starts in New York and is set 70 years before the Harry Potter series. After completing his global expedition to find magical creatures, Newt arrives in New York for a brief meeting. Things take a turn when a magical case is misplaced and Newt’s fantastic beasts escape brewing trouble for the wizarding and No-Maj (American for Muggle) worlds. The movie marks the screenwriting debut of the author. Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Alison Sudol Release date: November 18

teven Spielberg brings the world of Roald Dahl on the silver screen with this American fantasy adventure film. Based on the novel of the same name, the film narrates the story of a young Londoner Sophie and a Big Friendly Giant’s adventure to capture man-eating giants who have evil plans of invading the human world. Cast: Ruby Barnhill, Mark Rylance, Penelope Wilton Release date: July 1 Suicide Squad

ased on the DC Comics antihero team, Suicide Squad brings together an ensemble cast featuring Will Smith as Deadshot, Jared Leto as the Joker, Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn and Cara Delevingne as Enchantress. This American superhero film will be the third instalment in the DC Extended Universe. Cast: Will Smith, Jared Leto, Margot Robbie, Joel Kinnaman, Jai Courtney, Cara Delevingne and Viola Davis Release date: August 5

Assassin’s Creed

cinematic adaptation of the hit video game, this action-adventure game is produced by Michael Fassbender who also stars in the movie as Aguilar, a 15th century Spanish Assassin, and presentday Callum Lynch. Lynch discovers he is a descendant of the secret Assassins society. After reliving the adventures of his ancestor Aguilar, he prepares to fight against the oppressive Knights Templar. Directed by Justin Kurzel, the movie is scheduled for a 3D release. Cast: Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, Michael K Williams Release date: December 21 Other 2016 releases: • • • • • •

Hail Caesar! on February 5 The Jungle Book on April 7 Snowden on May 13 Finding Dory on June 17 Star Trek Beyond on July 22 Alice in Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass on May 27 (July 14 in New Zealand)

ENTERTAINMENT

www.iwk.co.nz | 8 January 2015

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Hope to work with Suriya: Rajkumar Hirani

ilm-maker Rajkumar Hirani, known for blockbusters such as PK and Lage Raho Munna Bhai, is looking forward to work with Tamil actor Suriya. “I hope I get to work with Suriya someday. He’s a fabulous actor and I’ve seen some of his impressive work,” Hirani told reporters. Hirani spoke at the audio launch of Tamil film Irudhi Suttru, which has been made in Hindi as Saala Khadoos. Suriya attended the event as a special guest. Hirani has co-produced the film, starring R. Madhavan, with S. Sashikanth and C.V. Kumar. Directed by Sudha Kongara, the film also stars Ritika Singh and Mumtaz Sorcar in important roles. According to Sudha, it was Madhavan who was instrumental in getting Hirani on board. “It was Madhavan who took the project to Hirani when we were facing some financial issues,” she said. In the film, Madhavan plays a boxing coach who has a reputation of being a hard task-master. Actor Siddharth and film-maker Bala were also present at the event. “For many years, Madhavan and I were known as the chocolate boys of the industry. I think he has finally gotten rid off that tag,” Siddharth said.

Dilwale mints Rs.335 crore worldwide

ollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s romantic action comedy film Dilwale is going strong in theatres, especially overseas, even after three weeks of its release. The film has made a gross collection of Rs.335 crore worldwide. The Rohit Shetty-directorial, which also stars Kajol, Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon, among others, has minted Rs.141.58 crore in India so far and an overseas collection of Rs.149.80 crore, thus

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taking its net total to Rs.291.38 crore, read a statement. Diwale, which marks the return of Bollywood’s most-loved onscreen couple, Shah Rukh and Kajol, after five years, released alongside film-maker Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Bajirao Mastani on December 18 last year. The film has collected $7.5 million in the Gulf which is the second highest so far for a Bollywood film. In Malaysia, Dilwale raked in $1 million, which is the highest so far. US collection of the film now stands at $4.8 million, while in Britain, the movie has collected 2.17 million pounds.

Why should we worry about Oscars, asks Bhansali

Chauranga has no competition with Wazir: Sanjay

anjay Suri’s Chauranga is releasing alongside Wazir, which features biggies such as Amitabh Bachchan and Farhan Akhtar. But the actor-producer feels they have no competition, and says that both the films can co-exist at the box office. Asked if there’s any reason to worry with Wazir releasing on the same day, Sanjay replied, “It is great because it is a bigger film. We are not worried as every Friday there will be one film or the other. The film sheds light on the violence of class oppression that continues to exist in rural India, while Wazir seems to be a revenge saga and also talks about an unusual bond shared by a paralysed chess grandmaster and an ATS officer. Sanjay rued high ticket prices, while Mishra pointed out that spiralling ticket prices come as a blessing in disguise for independent filmmakers. “High ticket prices sometimes help independent films as people go to watch bigger films and then they don’t get it and then they watch other films being screened,” quipped Mishra. Adding to this, Sanjay said, “We hope that Wazir is houseful... in fact, gets overflowing”.

ilm-maker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, whose film Devdas was India’s entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars in 2003, believes that the Indian film industry shouldn’t worry too much about the coveted US award. “Why should we be so worried about the Oscars and why do we want an acknowledgment from foreign (film industry)? Why is that? Do they ever say that they need a National Award,” Bhansali asked. Bhansali, who is enjoying the success of his latest film Bajirao Mastani, said he has “no idea” about his next project. “I have no idea and that’s the fun of it. I want to go into the New Year discovering new ideas. At the moment I am enjoying the success of Bajirao Mastani,” the celebrated film-maker-director said.

I never do films for relationships: Divya Dutta

Calling her next film titled Chalk N Duster, helmed by Jayant Gilatar, “most interesting”, she said, “I was going to meet somebody. I was in a building lobby and then I met the director by chance. He said ‘I was going to call you up.’ I asked ‘why?’. He replied, ‘I am starting a film called Chalk N Duster. I want you to do the main negative role’.” Shocked by the offer, the actress thought that the director was joking. “He was serious. The kind of faith he had in me... I instantly agreed to do the film,” she said. But Divya added that she is not one of those actors who will take up a project for the sake of friendship. “I never do films for relationships. They only add on. There are some things that you do instinctively. Being an actor, it’s very important to keep the actor in me happy. I am sure people won’t call me for anything stupid. The kind of work you do, is what matters,” said the actress, who has impressed with her work in films such as Veer-Zaara, Delhi-6, Welcome to Sajjanpur and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. Her forthcoming film, which will hit the screens on January 15, is based on commercialisation of education. Divya says it depicts reality. “Everything has become commercial... right from the medical department to teaching. Anything that is ambitious, that offers opportunity has become commercial,” she said.

Was really excited, anxious to work with Big B: Farhan Akhtar

ctress Divya Dutta says working with friends makes the experience enjoyable but doing a film for the sake of friendship is not on her todo list.

ctor-director Farhan Akhtar, who will be seen sharing screen space with megastar Amitabh Bachchan in the film Wazir, says he was really excited and anxious to work with him in the forthcoming movie. Asked if it was intimidating to work with Big B, Farhan told reporters: “It was not intimidating. I was really excited (to work with him). So that was the predominant

kind of emotion.” “Anxious to a certain degree of course, because you kind of want to be there with him because you know what he is capable of doing. So just anxious about that. I think those were the two main things.” Farhan, who directed the 73-year-old thespian in the 2004 war drama film Lakshya, says that he had an “out of body experience” on the “first day of shoot” with Amitabh. The 41-year-old actor will be seen essaying the role of a tough Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) officer named Daanish Ali in Wazir. Asked how different this role was from the others he has essayed, the Dil Dhadakne Do star said, “It’s a completely different part. It’s a completely different film. So you can’t compare.” Directed by Bejoy Nambiar, Wazir is co-produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Rajkumar Hirani. The film also features Aditi Rao Hydari, Neil Nitin Mukesh and John Abraham in pivotal roles.

Don’t want to restrict myself to a particular genre: Bejoy Nambiar

ilm-maker Bejoy Nambiar, who has made a string of thriller movies such as Shaitan, David, Pizza and more recently Wazir, says he wants to explore more genres. Asked if he would venture into other genres, Nambiar said, “Definitely, I would love to explore more genres. I don’t want to restrict myself to particular one.” “I want to do films that would challenge me as a director because I just don’t want to restrict myself to say a thriller or a drama genre,” added the Kochi-born director, who is awaiting the release of Wazir, which hits the screens on Friday, January 8. The movie stars Farhan Akhtar, Amitabh Bachchan, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Aditi Rao Hydari and John Abraham. Talking about what he plans to do after the movie, Nambiar said, “Well, right now the focus is just on Wazir. So let that come out and let people watch it. I am working on other stuff too. But first priority is Wazir”.

FEATURES

8 January 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

On the ramp and beyond

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Esha Chanda

For Fiji-born Neekita Naidu, a chance win at a photo shoot paved her way into the world of modelling. Seven years and many pageants later, she is now on her way to Fiji to compete in the World Supermodel South Pacific event. In an interview with Indian Weekender, Naidu spoke about her journey so far and how she balances a full-time job and her passion for modelling.

Neekita Naidu

IWK: When did you develop an interest in modelling? Neekita: Unlike most, modelling was not something that I had dreamt of or even considered of succeeding in. It all started with a win at a random photo shoot in a mall competition where the photographer and studio were so impressed that they handed me onto an agency. My family and friends encouraged, and one after another, I was offered jobs. Since then, I have never looked back. It has helped me to be more confidence. I have grown and learnt a lot from the experience, and now it has become a part of my life. IWK: How would you describe your journey so far? Neekita: It has been incredible. I have so many people to thank who have helped me. I appreciate the ones who have supported and motivated me to strive for the best. I have met industry personalities whom I have learnt from. When I look back, I feel proud of what I have accomplished. From the first day I stepped into the industry, I have received many opportunities and it is an amazing feeling to be recognised not in New Zealand but overseas as well. IWK: What does the upcoming World Supermodel South Pacific event in Fiji involve? How have you prepared for it? Neekita: World Supermodel is an internationally recognised annual pageant in its ninth year where models from across South Pacific who have two or more years

Kite Festival

Date: Saturday, January 16 Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Venue: Avondale Racecourse, 90 Ash Street, Avondale, Auckland Be a part of this one-day festival and enjoy the fun of kite flying. A family day out with stage performances, face painting, food stalls, colour competition and many more fun activities. Buy raffle ticket to go into the draw to win Return air ticket for India. Free parking available. For more information, contact Manhar Patel on 09 6270380.

of experience compete for the title. There are four stages to go through and the finals are being held at The Pearl South Pacific Resort. I have been looking for sponsors for the competition along with a lot of self-promotion on social media. I have been eating healthier and regularly going to the gym. There’s a lot to do before I head to Fiji. The best part is that it is my home country, so I am quite excited!

It all started with a win at a random photo shoot in a mall competition where the photographer and studio were so impressed that they handed me onto an agency

IWK: What other pageants have you participated in before? Neekita: I was the first Indian to reach the finals during the Miss Universe New Zealand in 2013. I had also participated in the first Miss Tanoa where I was the first runner-up, and Miss Indian Princess where I reached the top 4 and was crowned Miss Charity. The runway has its own thrill where every single eye in the audience is glued on you. It’s such a confidence booster. IWK: You’ve been working as a database specialist for an international travel company. How do you balance your full-time job with your passion for modelling?

Free employment assistance workshops

Date: Tuesday, January 19, Tuesday, February 2 and Wednesday, February 10 Time: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on January 19 and February 2 and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on February 10 Venue: Auckland Regional Migrant Services (ARMS), 532 Mt Albert Road, Three Kings ARMS is organising two free job search workshops for new migrants on Tuesday, January 19 and Tuesday, February 2. The workshop provides new Kiwis with advice and guidance on finding work, writing a CV and cover letter, answering interview

Neekita: It becomes difficult to juggle, so I only do projects that I find unique and that grabs my attention. I have become more selective. IWK: When you’re not working fulltime or busy with photo shoots, you can be found... Neekita: ...at home with my family or out for lunch and dinner with friends. I love adventures so we usually go on day trips, as it refreshes your mind. But just sitting down and listening to music works perfectly for me.

questions and communicating with potential employers. The seminar is open to newcomers on full work visas and who have been in New Zealand for less than two years. On Wednesday, February 10, ARMS is holding a special LinkedIn workshop, teaching migrants how to use professional networking website to improve their chances of finding work. The workshop is open to all migrants and costs $15.To register and for more information, contact ARMS on reception@arms-mrc.org.nz or call 09 625 2440.

IWK: What is the best fashion advice you’ve ever received? Neekita: Don’t dress for anyone else but for yourself, and most importantly be confident in what you wear. IWK: Any message for upcoming/ aspiring models? Neekita: Don’t be scared to step into the industry. Over the years, I have realised it is important to be creative in this field unlike the stereotype that modelling is only about striking beautiful poses. You need originality and funk to stand out.

Art Club #16: Iceberg Smash

Date: Saturday, January 9 Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Venue: Pah Homestead, TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre, 72A Hillsborough Road, Hillsborough, Auckland Drop into Art Club: Iceberg Smash for a fun art activity once a month at the Pah Homestead, TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre.Practice your skills and learn a little more about the art on display! This month’s theme is ‘Elusive Earth: Refined Images of Antarctica’ and create an arctic iceberg artwork.Suitable for children aged 4 to 10 years old. The entry is free and bookings are not essential. Classes run for approximately 30 minutes. For more information, contact on reception@ wallaceartstrust.org.nz or at 09 639 2010.

FEATURES

www.iwk.co.nz | 8 January 2015

Stop treating Google as your doctor

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Nishant Arora

re you among those who log in to Google every time you are down with body ache, fever or cold, only to get more confused and scared? Many young Indians with smartphones in their hands are falling prey to the “Google-as-your-doctor” phenomenon and the dangerous trend is on the rise in the country, health experts feel. Although there is nothing wrong in checking your symptoms or trying to find more about your illness on the internet, they say that one should know where to stop. The ideal situation is to use search engines only when someone is diagnosed with a certain medical condition and wants to know more about it. The information available on internet should be used to educate oneself rather than trying to find a cure for the disease. “The biggest problem is that internet is loaded with enormous information which could be correct too but then your symptoms could be similar to some other disease which may cause confusion. Therefore, correct diagnosis of your health abnormality is very important,” Dr Satnam Singh Chhabra, head (neuro-spine surgeon) at the Sir Gangaram Hospital said. He has observed many young Indian

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adults getting hooked to the internet to look for every little thing, even self-diagnosis. For instance, if one has a health abnormality, then the instant reaction is to Google the symptoms before seeing a n expert or a doctor. “ B u t one should be careful as people normally look for symptoms to get rid of curiosity and anxiety but to the contrary, it just worsens the scenario and leaves them more anxious,” Chhabra said. According to Dr (Prof) Raju Vaishya, senior consultant (orthopaedic and joint replacement surgeon) at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, one should beware of getting trapped into “Google as your doctor” behaviour as this may cause more harm than good. “Yes, there is an increasing surge in young Indians with smartphones who Google common health symptoms. I find more such patients coming to me with queries related to hand, wrist and elbow,” Vaishya said. Dr R K Singal of the BLK Super-specialty

Hospital had an interesting case study to share: “Once a patient in his mid-30s came to me with severe headache. He told me that he thought he had a brain tumour. After diagnosis, w e

found t h a t headache was due to prolonged sore throat and rhinopharyngitis (common cold).” “The patient visited me after a month of self-diagnosis through internet. Whatever he found on the internet made him believe that he had a brain tumour,” Singal said. According to Singal, people in the 25–40 age group are more hooked on to the internet and such self-diagnosis only increases one’s anxiety. Dr Rahul Gupta, senior

neuro and spine surgeon at Fortis Hospital in Noida, is attending to many young Indians who come to him with weird health queries after scanning Google. “Self-medication via the internet can be dangerous. Patients at times do not follow our advice and waste our time with silly questions,” he stressed. According to Gupta, Google is good when it comes to searching for a good doctor, checking spellings of a medication and reading about general health-related issues. Another danger of selfdiagnosis is that you may think that there is more wrong with you than there actually is. “For example, if you had insomnia, inattention and depression, you may believe that

One should be wise enough to understand which is an authentic website with relevant content, as there are a lot of paid sites which exist only to make business you have a sleep disorder or major depression. Thus, you may make

Tips to help your child love learning

f you’re having trouble entertaining a household full of bored children, the summer holidays can seem like they stretch forever. More damagingly, studies have shown that children can drop a learning level if left to their own (electronic) devices over the long summer break, with not enough mental or physical stimulation. University of Canterbury Lecturer Glynne Mackey, Programme Coordinator for Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood), from the College of Education, Health and Human Development, says families with children of all ages can learn a lot while having good times together. “Children will hold close holiday memories of their family having time with them so they return to school or their early childhood education centre with a feeling of belonging to a loving, caring group. They also become more confident when adults encourage their skill development, trust them to be responsible with carrying out tasks appropriate to their age, and acknowledge their participation and good ideas.” Here are a dozen of her ideas for involving your children in informal learning opportunities and creating some memorable brain-stimulating family fun together:

1. Gather with family and/ or friends to organise a concert. Share the responsibilities, make popcorn, print a programme, create music and dance numbers to perform for each other. 2. Think about

some great books to read together and remember to bring out those educational games the children may have received for Christmas. Read aloud to younger children; they learn to read by example. Make up poems together. 3. Make regular visits to the local public library, where librarians can help you with some

great books for children of all ages and reading abilities. The public library also has kids’ programmes available over summer. 4 . Cooking, baking a n d menu-

planning together can include science and maths, such as reading recipes (similar to following scientific formulas, especially something exciting and easy like three-ingredient hokeypokey), measuring and weighing ingredients, timing the cooking. Menu-planning could include calculating the money you need

to buy the ingredients and sticking to a set budget. Maybe compare nutrition and costs with eating out. 5. Family and adults often have more time to spend time with children during the holidays, which is important to maintain strong relationships. Make sure you have uninterrupted conversations away from distracting technology and social times where children participate in the planning. Adults need to be aware of how much time they spend on their portable devices while in the company of children. 6. Watch an age-appropriate movie or TV show together and discuss it with your child. Ask: what they thought of the main story? Did they like or dislike the hero and villain? Was the show acted well? What about the music? You can show that you value your child’s opinion while developing their critical perspective. 7. Get growing and make a garden together—use books or the internet to find out about the best plants to grow at this time of the year. Plants that grow quickly and/or produce food that your child likes to eat are a good idea. 8. Listen to your children’s ideas for what they want to do— try to do some of the outings

things worse by worrying more as well,” Singal noted. Self-diagnosis is also a problem when you are in a state of denial about your symptoms. One may think that generalised body aches started with a worsening of mood, but a doctor may elect to do an electrocardiogram for chest pain that reveals possible coronary artery disease, the experts felt. Are health websites trustworthy when it comes to answering health symptom queries? “I don’t see any harm in doing that because it’s about your health after all. In fact, a lot of times my patients come back with queries after surfing about their health abnormality on the internet,” Chhabra said. So, educate yourself as much before or after you visit your doctor, but let the experts do their job. Let your doctor prescribe you a treatment well-suited for your ailment. “One should be wise enough to understand which is an authentic website with relevant content, as there are a lot of paid sites which exist only to make business,” Chhabra advised. Vaishya asked youngsters to share their internet-acquired knowledge with the doctor but not to force it upon the doctor to follow it. “Trust your doctor more than Google,” Gupta summed up.

they suggest. Involve them in the planning and keep them informed about what is coming up each day. 9. Maybe give them a set amount of money (in cash) for the holidays, or week by week, depending on your child’s age. They get to plan how they want to spend it and keep a log of how it is used to encourage financial literacy and budgeting skills. Talk about their plan and how it might best be achieved. Have some unpaid tasks expected as being part of the family group and some paid tasks if they want to earn extra money to put towards their goal. It is okay to make some mistakes. This could be valuable for future financial decisions. 10. Visit your local recycling centre, such as Creative Junk, for some great ideas on how to rethink, re-use and recycle creatively, and see what the children can create from a bag full of bits, such as some wearable art. 11. Explore local walks and discover, by reading or talking to others, the history of the area and what people a long time ago once did there. Talk about how this has changed. 12. Make a pictorial record of some of these holiday adventures to send to a friend or relative far away.

Earlybird Fares Return fare starting from

Delhi ...................... $1342* Amritsar ............... $1364* Hyderabad ........... $1268*

Mumbai ................... $1268* Kolkata .................... $1268* Ahmedabad ............ $1370*

*Offer ends on 29th February 2016 unless sold out prior. Advertised fares are all inclusive for travel on the route Auckland-India-Auckland(via Sydney/Melbourne/Delhi), priced as on 06th January 2016 for outbound travel on 10th March 2016 and inbound travel on 10th April 2016, with 8 kg carry-on luggage and 30 kg check-in baggage. Travel between Auckland and Melbourne/Sydney permitted on our interline partner Air New Zealand (NZ) Virgin Australia (VA), Qantas (QF) only. Outbound travel is permitted from 16th Feb 16 to 15th June 16 or 06th July 16 to 30th September 16. Travel must be completed within 3 months from the date of departure. Prices are correct as on 06th January 2016 and small variations in prices may occur as a result of changes in airport taxes or currency fluctuations. Offer is subject to availability and fares are valid on Air India operated flights only. Basic fare and fuel surcharge are non refundable and change/no-show fees apply. For full terms and conditions, please visit www.airindia.com or contact your local travel agent or call Air India on (03) 90218720 / (02) 92833370. Note:-Passengers travelling to Amritsar will be provided with STPC at Delhi airport if the same day connecting flight is not operated.