Indian Weekender 25 March 2016

25 March, 2016 • Vol. 8 Issue 1 • www.iwk.co.nz

NZ’s first Kiwi-Indian weekly newspaper

The pulse of Kiwi-Indians

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CONTENT

25 March 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

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New Zealand

Sports

In conversation with ISCC’s president

New Zealand enters World T20 semi-finals

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World

Kids Zone

Terror strikes Brussels

Easter special

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Features

Techmate Apple hopes small is big

Mastering the art of Odissi dance

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www.iwk.co.nz | 25 March 2016

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Kiwi Indians prepare for the Royal visit IWK Bureau

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n air of excitement is palpable throughout the community, which is keenly waiting to welcome the well-educated, soft-spoken and sophisticated Preneet Kaur affectionately referred to as the Maharani of Patiala, who is coming to meet the people of Indian

origin in New Zealand from March 26 to April 1. As Indian Weekender had the honour of speaking to her, at the very outset she wanted us to convey her best wishes on Holi to the entire Kiwi Indian Community.

Ms Kaur has devoted her life to the service of the people and was the Member of Parliament from 1999 to 2014 and served in the Government of India as the Minister of State for External Affairs under the leadership of the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. She is currently MLA in the State of Punjab and is a senior member of India’s oldest political party the Indian National Congress, which has produced great leaders and Prime Ministers such as Jawahar Lal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.

She hails from the illustrious Patiala Royal Family of India, which is well-known both in India and abroad. Her husband Maharaja Amarinder Singh is the current Head of the royal family. He served as the Chief Minister of Punjab from 2002 to 2007. Presently, he is the sitting President of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee and Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the 16th Lok Sabha, having been chosen for the position after his election as a Member of Parliament from Amritsar, where he defeated the prominent BJP leader Arun Jaitley the current Finance Minister.

As Minister of State in India’s External Affairs Ministry, she made an indelible mark on the global scene when she chaired the plenary session of the United Nation where the UN General Assembly approved setting up of a single entity within the world body to promote equality for women.

The establishment of this new composite UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, which is to be

known as ‘UN Women’, brings together as many as four women-related agencies of the world body. This feat was achieved after intense negotiations.

Ms. Kaur has a long and chequered history of championing the cause of women. She said India has always been at the forefront of issues relating to gender equality, mainstreaming and

She hails from the illustrious Patiala Royal Family of India, which is well-known both in India and abroad. Her husband Maharaja Amarinder Singh is the current Head of the royal family. He served as the Chief Minister of Punjab from 2002 to 2007.

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empowerment. She recalled that Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit was the first woman president of the UN General Assembly in 1953. Noting that India is home to more than half a billion women, she said India has taken major strides in the area of political empowerment of women. Today, more than a million women elected representatives participate in political decision-making at the grassroots level, she said.

Speaking to Indian Weekender she expressed her utter displeasure and dismay at the current BJP Akali Government in Punjab, which orchestrated a systemic failure of agriculture, which once used to be the backbone of the state of Punjab. With the Punjab economy primarily based on agriculture, the viability of the profession of farming is extremely important and has assured that in 2017 when her Party under the leadership of Maharaja Amarinder Singh comes to power, they will ensure the return of prosperity for the average farmer in Punjab, who have unfortunately been driven to commit suicides under the anti-farmer policies of the Akali-BJP Government.

She is passionate about the people of Punjab and their well-being. She highlighted that the Government led by her husband as the Chief Minister from

25 March 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

2002 to 2007 implemented the Right to Information Act, 2005, and set up the State Information Commission, to ensure accountability and transparency in the government functioning. During that time, the produce of farmers was being purchased in a timely manner and payments were made to the farmers within three days whereas today the farmers are being driven to suicides. Suvidha centres were launched and the programme to computerise land records was initiated to stop corruption led tampering of land records.

Compared to the present day Bankrupt Punjab, during the rule of Maharaja Amarinder Singh, Punjab became a preferred investment destination and was adjudged No. 1 State to live and work in 2003, 2004, 2005 and again in 2005 as per India Today survey.

Appreciating the religious sentiments of the community, Ms.Kaur was instrumental in getting a new train introduced from Bathinda to Katra with a stop at Patiala.

Under her aegis, the process of acquisition of the Indian Passport was also streamlined and simplified. Talking

exclusively to the Indian Weekender, Ms. Kaur emphasised the need for all the NRI’s to look Black through the Orange farce of Red showmanship being orchestrated by the current Government and thus empower the decades old, tried and trusted Congress Party under the leadership of Maharaja Amarinder Singh to save the future of Punjab, which was once the Golden state and the food bowl of the entire country.

If anyone wishes to meet her Royal Highness during her stay in New Zealand, she can be contacted via her secretary at apsekhon@gmail.com or contact Harminder Cheema on 0211410102.

She will be visiting the Gurdwaras in Papatoetoe and Takanini on Sunday, March 27 and on Monday, March 28, she will be in Hamilton. She will also be inaugurating the India-NZ Business Council speaker series India Unplugged on March 30 at 5:30 p.m. at the New Zealand Trade & Enterprise Office on Quay Street Auckland.

More details of this event can be had from Garry on 0212924519. Humm 106.2 FM radio and Radio Spice will also be carrying daily updates on her visit including her interviews. Indian Weekender will publish regular updates of her visit on our website www.iwk.co.nz and Facebook page.

New Zealand to welcome the next Governor General Dame Patsy Reddy IWK Bureau

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rime Minister John Key has welcomed the announcement that the Queen has approved the appointment of Dame Patsy Reddy as the next Governor-General of New Zealand.

Dame Patsy will be appointed for a five-year term starting September 14. She succeeds Sir Jerry Mateparae who will complete his term on August 31.

“I am delighted Dame Patsy accepted the role,” says Mr Key. “She is a passionate New Zealander, a well-respected businesswoman and a staunch supporter of our creative sector.

“She is thoughtful, articulate and has a brilliant legal mind. I am sure New Zealanders will be proud to have her as our Governor-General.”

The Prime Minister said, “New Zealand is well regarded for gender equality, having been the first country to give women the vote. Dame Patsy’s appointment sends a strong message about New Zealand valuing women in leadership roles.’’

Mr Key says it has been a privilege to work alongside Sir Jerry Mateparae.

“I would like to thank Sir Jerry for his dedication and service in his role as Governor-General and wish him and Lady Janine all the very best for the future,” says Mr Key. There will be a state farewell for Sir Jerry Mateparae on August 24.

Dame Patsy was born in Matamata and lived her early years in TeAkau and then Minginui, where her parents, Neil and Kay Reddy, were school teachers. The family moved to Hamilton when she was six and she completed her schooling at Hillcrest Primary School, Peachgrove Intermediate and Hamilton Girls High School.

Graduating from the Victoria University of Wellington in LLB in 1976 and an LLM (First Class Honours) in 1979, she joined the Law Faculty as a Junior Lecturer and subsequently as a lecturer.

Dame Patsy has had extensive experience in governance and consulting roles, both in the private and public sector. In addition to Air New Zealand and Sky City Entertainment, she has served as a nonexecutive director of Telecom Corporation, Southern Petroleum and New Zealand Post.

In 1982, she joined the law firm Watts and Patterson (now Minter Ellison Rudd Watts), and became the first female partner in 1983, specialising in tax, corporate and film law. In 1987, she joined Brierley Investments Ltd as Group Legal Counsel and subsequently became Group Manager for Special Projects. During her 11 years at Brierley Investments, she was involved in numerous mergers and acquisitions, including the privatisation and subsequent

flotation of Air New Zealand and the construction, establishment and flotation of Sky City Entertainment Ltd. She represented Brierley Investments on the Boards of both of these companies following their listing and continued to serve on the board of Sky City Entertainment as Deputy Chair until 2008. In 1999, she and two colleagues co-founded Active Equities Limited, a private investment company.

Dame Patsy has had extensive experience in governance and consulting roles, both in the private and public sector. In addition to Air New Zealand and Sky City Entertainment, she has served as a non-executive director of Telecom Corporation, Southern Petroleum and New Zealand Post. Her current governance roles include Chair of the New Zealand Film Commission, Deputy Chair of New Zealand Transport Agency, Chair of Education Payroll Ltd and independent director of Payments NZ Ltd. She has also served as a member of the NZ Markets Disciplinary Tribunal and as a member of the Risk and Assurance Committee for the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. Major

consulting roles have included as an Independent Reviewer (with Sir Michael Cullen) of Intelligence and Security in New Zealand, Independent Facilitator of the Joint Working Group on Pay Equity, Senior Reviewer for Performance Improvement Framework Reviews of government agencies, and as a Chief Crown Negotiator of Treaty Settlements for Tauranga Moana and TeToko Toru.

Dame Patsy has also had significant involvement in governance of creative and charitable organisations, including as Trustee of the New Zealand International Festival of the Arts, the Victoria University Foundation, the Victoria University Art Collection Trust, the Spark Art Trust, the Wellington Jazz Festival Trust, the Symphony Orchestra Foundation, and Sky City Community Trust. She was a founding Trustee and advisory board member for New Zealand Global Women and has chaired the Board of the New Zealand Film Archive.

In 2014, she became a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (DNZM) for services to the arts and business.

Dame Patsy is married to Sir David Gascoigne and they divide their time between Wellington and the Wairarapa.

Her interests include the arts in all forms, but especially film, the visual arts and opera, gardening, cooking and her miniature poodle, Coco.

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www.iwk.co.nz | 25 March 2016

Success story continues

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ear 2015 marked another successful year for Brilliance Educare Centre, with the year being one of the best in the eight years of shaping students’ academic achievements.

Its students have achieved the top awards in NCEA and Cambridge examinations, both nationally and internationally.

One student was awarded the top in the world award for Cambridge IGCSE Maths while another received a Chancellor’s scholarship to study medicine in Sydney University.

There were 14 NCEA scholarships gained

by Brilliance’s students this time, four of which was in Calculus, one being a year 12 student from St Peter’s college (Jacob Anithottam), which is a rare achievement.

Three students received scholarship in Physics, two each in Statistics, Chemistry and Accounting and one in Biology “The number of scholarships (14) our students achieved this year has been quite impressive; the previous best was six in 2014,” said the Managing Director Raji Chacko (M Sc, B Ed, PGDME).

Arun Ravindran from MRGS gained six scholarships: Calculus, Statistics, Physics, Chemistry, Accounting and Economics, the first three being outstanding scholarships.

All year 13 students of brilliance in 2015 gained university entrance and were enrolled in prestigious courses such as Bio Med, Health science, Engineering and Law in top Universities such as Auckland University, AUT, Otago, Monash and

One student was awarded the top in the world award for Cambridge IGCSE Maths while another received a Chancellor’s scholarship to study medicine in Sydney University.

University of Sydney. The centre also boasts of 95% of its last year’s NCEA students gaining Excellence or Merit Endorsement in the NCEA stream and many of its Cambridge and IB stream students passing out with flying colours.

This year, the centre is offering special batches for scholarship classes in Calculus and other subjects. Brilliance conducts afterschool tuition classes for all school subjects in all year levels and all three streams—NCEA, Cambridge and IB. They also provide tuitions for University maths.

Brilliance is located at 20 Frost Road, Mt Roskill near the Mt Roskill Schools.

For more details visit www.brillianceducare.co.nz or call 09 6240829

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In conversation with ISCC’s President Natu Rama

Established in 1997, the Indian Social and Cultural Club (ISCC) in Christchurch has been working for the last 18 years to provide the community with cultural events, representation at various forums and support as required. At the Club’s Annual General Meeting held recently, a new executive committee was elected led by the President Natu Rama, who has been living in Christchurch since the 1970s. Indian Weekender caught up with him for a detailed chat on his vast experiences in the Garden City. Below are some excerpts.

Gaurav Sharma

IWK: Tell us a bit about your family history in New Zealand.

Natu Rama: Incidentally, our family is marking 100 years in Aotearoa this year as it was in 1916 that my grandfather Ramaran Chod landed in Auckland.

Later, my father and my uncles followed him. Finally, I came to New Zealand in 1960 as a nineyear-old. After my schooling and college, I became the first Indianborn aircraft engineer in New Zealand and went on to work for Air New Zealand till 1983. I have been running my own businesses in the Garden City since then.

IWK: When did your involvement with the Indian community in Christchurch begin?

NR: It goes back to the 1980s.

At that time, I was the President of another and the oldest Indian

community group—Christchurch Indian Association. And we did some good then. Most notably, we used to have Gujarati (most immigrants in Christchurch were from the Navsari region of Gujarat then) language classes for two hours every Sunday for our children. By organising various social events around these classes, we ensured that the young generation always remains rooted in the great Indian tradition. We carried on with these classes for 15 years, which was an achievement in itself.

Then, after taking a break from community work for a while, I became part of the ISCC in 2006 when I was elected its President.

That was the year we took our annual Diwali celebrations to the wider community.

Another milestone came in 2008 when we secured a threeyear core funding from the City Council, which took our Diwali celebrations to another level. The

community, making it a momentous occasion for all of us who have seen the event grow leaps and bounds over the last decade.

IWK: So now that you are the President of ISCC again, what are your future plans for the Club?

NR: I want the Club to have a permanent home; a place where anyone can come, have a cup of tea, share their stories and have a laugh or two. A community centre sort of a place. I believe all of us should work towards making that a reality.

“The government and employers should share the risk of employing a migrant, as it is a win-win for everybody”: Natu Rama, President ISCC

venues in those years were right in the middle of the city in Cathedral Square and Victoria Square.

Now after the earthquakes, our permanent venue has been the Horncastle Arena since 2012.

So this year, ISCC will be celebrating its 10th anniversary of taking Diwali to the wider

IWK: As an elder of the community, what advice do you have for the Indian community in New Zealand?

NR: Two simple things. First, we must celebrate and appreciate the success of fellow Indians.

Second, when we immigrate to a new culture such as New Zealand,

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www.iwk.co.nz | 25 March 2016 we must leave all our baggage behind and share our wonderful Indian tradition Red Black Orange with the community at large. Kiwis are welcoming and accommodating, much like Indians. There’s so much to learn and share with one another.

owner, employing people for the last three decades. So I understand the psychology of employers in New Zealand.

IWK: You have seen the Indian community grow in Christchurch from virtually nothing to thousands now. So many Indians students are also coming to New Zealand to study these days. What’s your advice to them regarding job prospects and their future careers here?

NR: My solution is simple, and I have shared this with government authorities and some prominent politicians as well.

Why don’t we have a policy where the government shares some of the risks associated with employing a migrant in the initial few months; something similar to what we had in the 1970s with Malaysia.

To explain, once an employer employs an Indian migrant, the new employee is placed on an apprenticeship sort of, for say, six months. For this training period, the government shares the wage burden of the new employee, which is progressively reduced during the course of these six months. After the six-month training is done, the entire salary of the new employee would be paid by the employer.

This is a win-win for everybody. The Indian migrant gets a job. The government gets a taxpayer. And the said New Zealand business gets an employee familiar with the Indian market and business practices.

It’s a sure shot pathway for success in the billion-strong Indian market for New Zealand businesses.

NR: My advice would be that before coming here, do your own thorough research. Then after coming here, always have a look out for skills in demand and fine tune your skills-set as per the demands of the marketplace.

I do believe that New Zealand businesses are losing out on a big fortune with our migrant population not being gainfully employed. But there’s no racial prejudice in that as suggested by some observers. It’s just that because the customer base in New Zealand is low, employers are cautious about taking risks. It’s what we call the watermelon theory. You are not sure about the taste until the melon is cut. Similar is the risk in employing migrants. But once you do employ a migrant, train him or her properly, they often turn out to be the most reliable employees. I have been a business

IWK: So what can be done to rectify this situation, especially with regards to Indian immigrants?

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Kishore Kumar’s legendary Padosan to be relived in Christchurch Gaurav Sharma

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irected by a 22-year-old Masters student at the University of Canterbury, Shawn Thomas, under the aegis of his Christchurch-based dance school Bollywood Dreams, the Garden City is going to witness its firstever dance musical based on the 1968 classic Padosan in April.

Amit Kumar, who himself is a popular playback singer and was only 12 when Padosan was shot, also shared some anecdotal stories about the famous quirkiness of Kishore Kumar and the mutual admiration between the talented star cast Amit Kumar, son of the legendary Kishore Kumar, who unveiled the launch poster of the event, Meri Padosan PK—A Bollywood Dreams Musical, in Auckland recently, said, “The movie had an average opening initially. But as word spread slowly, it became a cult classic.”

Kumar, who himself is a popular playback singer and was only 12 when Padosan was shot, also shared some anecdotal stories about the famous quirkiness of Kishore Kumar and the mutual admiration between the talented star cast, which also included Sunil Dutt, Saira Banu and Mehmood.

Thomas, who is assisted by Zia Garcia and Supriya John in choreography and by Waleed Bukhari with dialogues added, “It was exciting to listen to Amit Kumar share what led to the making of Padosan, which has always been my favourite movie. Our two-hour musical, featuring 45 performers from my dance school and 45 Bollywood dance medleys including most from Padosan, is a tribute to the legendary singer.

“Moreover, it’s a creative expression capturing all the emotions and drama of the golden era of Indian Cinema. While this is our first-ever show, we hope to treat the Christchurch crowds to even bigger productions in future,” he concluded.

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Dunedin’s Indian Students Association celebrates 10 years Red

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he almost 200-member strong University of Otago’s Indian Students Association (ISA) is celebrating its 10 years of existence this year with a special ISA Cultural Night planned for later this year.

course of two days, we had an attendance of just under 900, making the event a huge success. I, myself, participated in the function for the first time last year. And it was such good fun that I decided to be a part of ISA this year.”

Apart from showcasing Indian culture to one of the Southernmost parts of New

While small events including the upcoming Holi celebrations and the Easter egg hunt fill up ISA’s social itinerary, the association’s flagship event is the two-day Cultural Night organised in September every year.

Anu Kaw, a member of ISA’s newlyelected executive committee informed, “Our organisation is made up of Otagobased tertiary students that come together to organise events for our members and the wider Dunedin community throughout the year. While most of our members are either international students from India or KiwiIndians, the ISA is open to all.”

Recalling her experience of last year’s Cultural Night, Kaw added, “Over the

Zealand, an important role that ISA plays, even though incidental, is helping international students from India feel at home amid foreign surroundings.

Niranjan Ramesh, a bio-materials doctoral student at the University who recently moved to Dunedin from Chennai noted, “It definitely helps, especially in the initial months. ISA has many members who have been in New Zealand for few years. Their experiences and guidance are invaluable for recently-arrived students like me.”

“All of us are students and face the same issues, which have very similar solutions,” he concluded.

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The unification of Purusha and Prakriti

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his dedication in mastering BharatNatyam.

The dance, which is predominantly learnt and performed by girls, is difficult for the male gender to adept balance between virile and feminine energies.

Sam’s performance depicted the character of Lord Shiva and at times illustrated attributes of Maa Kaali alleviating the pains and sorrows of the world, showcasing the power of good over evil.

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ance is one of the purest forms of connecting oneself with the divine.

When it comes to classical dances such as Bharatnatyam or Odissi, one has to learn and practice for years to master these most distinguished forms of art.

A full house booking at the Raye Freedman Arts Centre last Saturday evening was a testament to the enthusiasm of the Kiwi Indian audience for this subtle yet powerful form of art.

Well-renowned Indian classical dancer Dr Sam Goraya performed at the dance recital, the show which is also scheduled to be held in Australia in April.

Shanti Ravi hosted the show who is a patron of this rich art form. The two-hour dance recital reverberated with an elated and a raised applause by the spectators.

The dance itself is an expression of worship for the performer Sam Goraya.

The recital commenced with Mangala Charana raag by Gurjari Todi and Taal by Triputa/Ektali.

The union of Purusha and Prakriti is considered to have led to the creation of the universe and that is what was depicted in the dance.

National List MP Kanwaljit Bakshi graced the show as the guest of honour and applauded the efforts of the organisers and community members for encouraging such events away from its birthplace.

Mr Bakshi also lauded the efforts of young Abhishek Ravi, son of host Shanti Ravi, for

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Gulaal, gujia and mayhem—Bura na mano, Holi hai!

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oli (also called Holika) is an annual Hindu festival of colours celebrated on the day after the full moon in the Hindu month of Phalgun (March). It celebrates the arrival of spring and is a commemoration various events in Hindu mythology and is time for disregarding social norms and indulging in general celebrations and merrymaking.

Holi is probably the one of the least religious Hindu festivals. During Holi, Hindus generally light a bonfire on the eve of Holi and on the day spray friends and family with colours, both dry and mixed in water. Holi is also a time to drink bhang (a drink made of cannabis) in the name of Lord Shiva. So Holi is the time when humans and their environment cast away the grey and gloom of winter and embrace the colour and celebration of spring. Holi is typically celebrated all across India also as an agricultural festival, its form and rituals may differ depending on what state of India you are from.

The most popular legend commemorated by this festival of colours involves an evil king named Hiranyakashyapa who forbade his son Prahlad from worshipping Lord Vishnu. But Prahlad continued to offer prayers to the lord defying his father. This annoyed King who made various attempts to kill Prahlad. During a particular attempt on Prahlad’s life, King Hiranyakashyapa

called upon his sister Holika for help. Holika had a special cloak that protected her from being harmed by fire.

Hiranyakashyapu asked her to sit on a pyre with Prahlad, by tricking the boy to sit on her lap. The legend has it that Holika had to pay the price of her sinister desire with her life. Everyone watched in amazement as Holika was burnt to death while Prahlad survived without a scar. Prahlad, who kept chanting the name of Vishnu, came out

unscathed as Vishnu blessed him for his extreme devotion.

In other beliefs, the festival of Holi is also associated with the enduring love between Lord Krishna (an incarnation of Vishnu) and Radha. According to legend, the young Krishna complained to his mother Yashoda about why Radha was so fair and he so dark. Yashoda advised him to apply colour on Radha’s face and see how her complexion would change.

Because of this association with Krishna, Holi is extended over a longer period in Vrindavan and Mathura, two cities with which Krishna is closely affiliated.

Holi, in general, is spread out over two days (it used to be five, and in some places it is longer). The entire celebration is associated with letting go of social restrictions and simply indulging in playful celebrations of colours. It is a day that brings people of all ages, castes and colours together. Often people get away with a lot by using a common saying heard during Holi Bura na mano, Holi hai (Don’t feel offended, it’s Holi).

On the eve of Holi, a public bonfire is lit, commemorating the burning of Holika.

The fire is lit sometime between 10 p.m. and midnight.

New Zealand also celebrates Holi in its own unique way. Here are some celebrations you might want to join for Holi this year.

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Holi celebrations in New Zealand Waitakere Indian Association

Live DJ music, dance, food stalls and a special set up for people to enjoy the festival of colours.

• Date: Sunday, March 27 • Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Venue: Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mt Lebanon Lane, Henderson

Holi—colours in the park

In its fourth year, Holi—colours in the park, an annual event by Humm FM, will have food, music, entertainment and an explosion of colours, followed by an outdoor screening of a Bollywood film from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

• Date: Saturday, April 2 • Time: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

• Venue: Three Kings Reserve, Auckland

Hindu Council of New Zealand

The Wellington chapter of Hindu Council of New Zealand has organised two free events: the Holika Dahan (bonfire), followed by the celebration of the festival of colours.

• Date: Holika Dahan on March 23 • Holi colours celebration on March 26 • Time: Holika Dahan, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Holi colours celebration from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

• Venue: Holika Dahan at Hutt River Bed off street from Harcourt Werry Drive, Lower Hutt

Holi colours celebration at Riddiford Garden, next to War Memorial Library, Lower Hutt CBD

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SPECIAL FEATURE

www.iwk.co.nz | 25 March 2016

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Esha Chanda

Prepare to get soaked

Melon skiing, anyone?

Originated from the practice of sprinkling water on family members and elders for good fortune and prosperity for the coming year, Thailand’s New Year’s Eve celebration has now translated into a three-day water fight festival.

Celebrated every year from April 13 to 15, the Songkran Festival is the country’s longest public holiday where locals take to the streets and splash water at each other.

While most people use water guns and hoses, some carry gallons to throw ice-cold water at passer-bys. The festival marks the end of the hottest period in Thailand and the start of the annual rainfall. Chiang Mai, Thailand’s northern capital, organises the biggest Thailand Water Festival parade every year.

The small town of Chinchilla in Queensland has a peculiar biennial festival. Known for commercially growing melons, as part of attracting visitor to the town, Chinchilla started the Melon Festival in 1994. The celebration, which will next take place from February 16 to 19, 2017, hosts numerous melon-themed events that include melon skiing, melon iron man, melon bungee, pip spitting and melon tossing. In its debut year, the town had a crowd of 3,000, which increased to 10,000 in 2009.

A messy mayhem The sleepy little town of Boryeong, 200 km south of Seoul, plays host to millions of tourists every year during its annual mud festival. Conceived in 1998 as a marketing strategy to promote and spread awareness about the quality of Boryeong mud cosmetics—the mineral-rich mud is

believed to be beneficial to skin due to its Germanium and Bentonite content—this tiny local festival grew up to become a global event. The festival that takes place in July on the Daecheon Beach features mud wrestling, mud sliding, mud fireworks and mud king contest.

Sloshed!

On Saint Peter’s day (June 29), Spaniards douse each other in wine during La Batalla

del Vino in Rioja, which translates to the battle of wine. Part of the Haro Wine Festival, wine-warriors are compulsorily dressed in white before jugs of wine are poured on them at this annual celebration in the wine-making town of Haro. The history of the festival is a little muddled with some saying that the odd tradition can be traced back to a dispute with a neighbouring town over the ownership of the mountain ranges separating them.

Others believe that the mountain was home to a monk, who became the patron saint of Haro. Pilgrims would gather around the

spot for a feast, which would turn a little rough and eventually lead to a wine fight.

The battle usually lasts until afternoon, post which everyone heads back to the city where the celebrations continue.

Flying oranges Another tradition with a murky history that goes as far as the 12th century and now has men, women and children hurling a citrus fruit at each other is Spain’s Battle

of Oranges. The tale behind this annual battle is the revolt of the townspeople on the palace owned by Marquis Raineri Biandrate, a tyrant who attempted to rape a young woman but met his death when the woman fought back and decapitated him. The Battle of Oranges observes this medieval uprising where people on foot represent the commoners and the ones on floats, the tyrants’ guards. Their ammunition—crates of oranges that are pelted at each other. The day of combat takes place in March every year in the northern Italian city of Ivrea.

World’s largest paint party It started off as a college festival in Florida in 2006 and later spread its wings to the biggest cities in the world.

Life in Colour, which was earlier known as Dayglow, fuses thumping music with dance and paint. The 2016 spring tour, which kicked off in January, made pit stops in Denver, Manchester, Lansing and Kalamazoo and will now venture to Seattle, Houston, Izmir, Chicago and Dubai.

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NEW ZEALAND

25 March 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Churchill Fellowship Auckland shortlisted for applications open for 2016 Ultimate Sports City Award

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he applications for Churchill Fellowships for 2016 are open now and Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Jo Goodhew has welcomed the announcement.

“I would encourage those who would like to test ideas with their counterparts overseas or observe new and emerging practices to get in and apply,” Mrs Goodhew says.

Churchill Fellowships enable recipients to travel overseas and connect with people in other places, share ideas and gain insights that lead to innovation and enhancement in New Zealand.

“They are an exciting way to learn more about topics that will benefit New Zealand communities as well as the individual,” Mrs Goodhew says.

Several Fellowship opportunities are available this year including two additional types of Fellowship: the Winston Churchill Hawke’s Bay Design Trust Fellowship, and for the first time, the Winston Churchill New Zealand China Friendship Society Fellowship.

“The Fellowships are aimed at those interested and with expertise in industrial design, and/or product design, or in building understanding of New ZealandChina relations.

“The traditional Churchill Fellowships are open to all New Zealanders at all

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uckland has been shortlisted in the top 10 SportBusiness Ultimate Sports Cities Awards, reinforcing its global reputation for hosting international sporting events.

In an announcement made in Paris, Auckland was listed alongside other great international sporting cities including Calgary, Copenhagen, Glasgow, London, Los Angeles, Manchester, Melbourne, New York and Tokyo. The short list for the biennial awards is selected from a long list of 30 and an initial selection of 150 cities.

stages of their career, in all professions, industries, occupations and trades,” Mrs Goodhew says.

Recent Churchill Fellowships have supported the investigation of topics such as the examination of Māori musical instruments held in museum collections overseas, and how overseas food system initiatives that are creating opportunities to improve the environment, could be applied in New Zealand.

Applications must be submitted by July 31.

For more information and to see what other Fellowships have been awarded visit www.communitymatters.govt.nz

A major events destination Mayor Len Brown says it is great to see Auckland again recognised on the global stage, holding its own among the world’s best.

“Auckland has seen first-hand how events can transform a city. We adopted Auckland’s Major Events Strategy five years ago with a clear vision to build Auckland into a great major events destination, and this recognition supports the strategy and the results it is achieving for Auckland,” he says. “It’s no coincidence that the shortlisted cities are not only known for staging great events, but also for their quality of life, transport and infrastructure—they are known internationally for being great places to live, work and visit.

“Our events, from things like last year’s ICC Cricket World Cup and FIFA U-20 World Cup, to the inaugural Tāmaki Herenga Waka Festival and Pop-up Globe this year, and the World Masters Gamescoming up next year, are truly showcasing Auckland as one of the world’s

most liveable cities.”

Events inject millions into economy Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) Chief Executive Brett O’Riley says, “Acknowledgements like this, and being recognised amongst cities of this calibre, show that Auckland’s Major Events Strategy is returning great results for Auckland.

“Since it was implemented, Auckland has gained a reputation as a world-class events city, capability in the local events industry has grown considerably, and ATEED-sponsored major events have exceeded their targets, contributing $204 million to the regional economy and generating 1,265,000 visitor nights for the city.

“Major events are a key driver of our visitor economy, and of the economic, social and cultural development of our region,” says Brett O’Riley.

2016 line-up looking good ATEED’s 2015–16 major events portfolio includes 34 events, ranging from the Downer NRL Auckland Nines and ITM 500 Auckland V8 Supercars to Pasifika, the Auckland Writers Festival and the inaugural Auckland City Limits, happening this weekend at Western Springs. The highly successful 2014–15 major events season, which included the ICC Cricket World Cup, FIFA U-20 World Cup and the Volvo Ocean Race Auckland Stopover returned $85 million to the regional economy and generated 426,500 visitor nights.

“Imported steel must be tested to meet New Zealand standards” Plan ahead for Easter weekend travel T he government must urgently toughen the checks to ensure imported steel meets the quality standard which exists to protect New Zealanders, Labour’s Regulatory Reform spokesperson David Parker says.

“It is crazy that the high standards New Zealand-made steel must meet is not enforced for imported steel.

“There have now been a raft of complaints about imported steel being labelled with a quality certification it doesn’t meet.

“The official New Zealand Standard for Steel Reinforcing Materials is AS/NZ 4671:2001.

“Failure to test imported product to ensure it meets that standard puts New Zealanders at risk.

“It also undermines our own steel manufacturers, as their higher spec product is squeezed by lower quality imported

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steel.“The 2013 cross party report on manufacturing raised the specific issue of New Zealand manufacturers being undermined by inferior imported products.

The government has sat on its hands for years.

“When the Australasian Certification Authority for Reinforcing and Structural Steels calls New Zealand the ‘Wild West’ of steel testing, there is a serious problem.

“The government must instruct the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment to immediately test imports against the standard,” David Parker says.

he long hot summer is likely to add to the usual holiday weekend traffic on Auckland and Northland highways this Easter (March 25 to 28).

The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) says planning ahead for your Easter travel will help motorists stay safe and avoid delays.

The Agency’s travel team has put together maps to show the peak holiday traffic times to help people decide the best time to travel to avoid the queues. More details can be found at New Zealand Transport Agency.

Real travel time information While most road works across Auckland and Northland will be on hold throughout the Easter weekend, motorists still need to be aware that speed restrictions, closed road shoulders and reduced lanes will still be in place at some major construction projects.

Motorists are advised to take plenty of care through these areas. Work will continue on the Brynderwyn Hills project.

Traffic hot spots Heading out of Auckland the traffic will start to build on SH1 in both directions from about 3 p.m. on Thursday afternoon through to the evening as people try to make

an early getaway. It’s likely to remain heavy for much of the day on Friday especially between Puhoi and Wellsford and on State Highway 2 to Coromandel.

Weather will play a big role in determining the busiest peaks for people returning home again, but based on previous years, traffic is heaviest from mid-morning Monday and will remain busy through the day.

Tips for planning ahead Predicted peak times can change based on incidents, weather and even driver behaviour. So using real time travel information is the best way to get up to date and accurate information about road and traffic conditions. Check out NZTA’s Traffic and Travel pages at New Zealand Transport Agency. Or plan ahead by signing up to On The Move to get email notifications about road and traffic conditions on the route you plan to travel. Don’t forget to check Twitter and Facebook for regular updates on delays, incidents and congestion hotspots.

Those planning to use the Northern Gateway Toll Road can also make the journey even more hassle free by prepaying their tolls at www.tollroad.govt.nz.

NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 25 March 2016

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Free tertiary education for our children David Shearer Labour MP

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istorically, our schools have been one of the greatest things about living in New Zealand.

Our education system has been copied by many other countries around the world, and generations of Kiwis—no matter how well-off they are or where they live in the country—have had confidence in their local schools to give their children a world-class education.

Everywhere I’ve lived in the world it’s been true that parents— no matter what their culture or politics—want to give their children the very best education they can.

A good education will lift a family out of poverty, but it can also enable a career and fulfilment at work, give choices in life, be the means to support a family, and enable families to buy their own home. My father was a school

principal, so education was a big deal in our household growing up.

My wife Anuschka and I want the same for our kids, and so it goes.

New Zealand has always had an education system to be proud of.

In my experience that’s certainly the aspiration of the Indian community.

Indian families want their kids to do well at school. So many Indian parents will tell me about how well their kids are doing. It comes with a lot of hard work, but it’s the reason so many are in professional positions.

Last century, Labour Prime Minister Peter Fraser gave a speech about education that has become famous and still inspires Labour’s education policies to this day. These were his words: “The government’s objective, broadly expressed, is that all persons, whatever their level of ability, whether they live in town or country, have a right as citizens to a free education of the kind for which they are best fitted and to the fullest extent of their powers.”

To this day, Labour is the progressive party when it comes to education. Andrew Little chose to make education the focus when he made his first major speech this year. He later said it was inspired by Peter Fraser’s timeless philosophy.

In that speech, Andrew announced Labour’s new Working Futures Plan. The plan will provide three years of free post-school education across a person’s life so Kiwis can adapt and thrive in the changing 21st century economy.

Since the National government took office in 2008, Tertiary

student numbers have dropped by 20% and apprenticeship numbers have slumped by 22%. That’s appalling. It means a less educated New Zealand. It’s urgent that we keep learning and adapting.

The very nature of work is changing rapidly in New Zealand, and we need to seize the opportunities of the future.

We need one of the best educated work forces in the world.

Labour’s plan means that no matter what path someone chooses to take after they leave school, be it university or an apprenticeship, or other training,

they will get the skills they need to succeed without being shackled with years of debt. Importantly, the plan will continue to be available throughout a person’s lifetime. So if you are made redundant, or need to retrain for a more relevant career, you will still be able to access free tertiary education.

It means our children will be able to adapt to the skills needed in our society and businesses will always be able to find the skilled workers they need to prosper.

Labour’s “Working For Futures” plan is an education policy, but it’s also a strategically clever economic move. To get ahead, New Zealand needs an innovative and job-rich economy to support the growth, education and living standards Kiwis deserve.

We’re thinking long-term about a better New Zealand.

Historically, our education system has been one of the best and most equal in the world. We want that for our future as well.

The National-led government’s childhood obesity plan Kanwaljit Bakshi National List MP

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ackling the issue of obesity is a key priority for the government. Among other initiatives to counter obesity we launched the Childhood Obesity Plan in October 2015.

New Zealand is now one of the few OECD countries to have a

target and comprehensive plan on childhood obesity. At the core of the Childhood Obesity Plan is a new health target.

We want to see 95 per cent of children identified in the B4 school check as being obese referred to a health professional. Last year 1,400 children who received B4 schools checks were referred on for obesity related support. We expect that to grow to more than 4,000 by December 2017. This National-led government knows it is important to encourage people to be active so we’re expanding initiatives such as Kiwi Sport,

PlaySport, and sport programmes in schools.

Community programmes such as Healthy Families NZ will also continue to be rolled out around the country. We’re working with

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the food industry on the role they can play, including appropriate advertising targeting children and food labelling.

There is strong support from manufacturers and retailers for

the Health Star Rating system.

Around 1,000 products with Health Star Ratings are now on supermarket shelves. There’s no single solution that will fix obesity. That’s why we’ve implemented a Childhood Obesity Plan with a range of interventions across Government, the private sector, communities, schools and families. We’re committed to meaningful improvements in areas that really matter to Kiwis.

We’re making real progress on challenging issues and will continue to deliver more effective and productive services.

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25 March 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Fiji extends state of natural disaster by 30 days

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iji’s state of natural disaster has been extended for another 30 days through until April 19, to allow relief and rehabilitation work to continue where basic services and facilities remain limited.

In a statement the government says the declaration applies only to the Red Zone—those areas severely affected by Tropical Cyclone Winston.

They include the northern Yasawas, Bua, Wainunu, Wailevu, Vaturova, Tunuloa, Savusavu, Rabi, Wainikeli Cakaudrove, Koro, Gau, Ovalau, Verata, Wainibuka, Nakorotububu, Saivou, Rakiraki, Tavua, Ba and the northern Lau group including Vanua Balavu.

The Fiji Times has quoted the natural disaster management

permanent secretary Meleti Bainimarama saying the extension would allow the continuous deployment of state resources and personnel for relief operations.

He also says it will mean

health authorities can allow for any possible disease outbreak, especially in severely affected areas, and to fully utilise the foreign aid and expertise that’s available.

Ship’s major relief role

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ew Zealand’s multirole vessel HMNZS Canterbury has played a major role in its humanitarian work to rebuild the lives of those on Vanua Balavu, which were devastated by Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston.

She is anchored off Lomaloma, Vanua Balavu Island and is serving as the maritime base for the New Zealand Defence Force’s humanitarian aid operation in the islands of the northern Lau Group.

The other New Zealand boat, offshore patrol vessel HMNZS Wellington, arrived back in New Zealand on March 19 after operating for almost three weeks in northern Lau, where it delivered around 70 tonnes of essential aid supplies.

Canterbury’s Seasprite helicopter has been transporting New Zealand medical volunteers and staff from Fiji’s National Disaster Management Office between Vanua Balavu and nearby islands. People of Vanua Balavu have showed great appreciation for the humanitarian work carried out by the personnel from the New Zealand Defence Force to help

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NZ ready to offer more help

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ew Zealand will work with the Fijian government in helping Fiji rebuild.

These were the words of New Zealand Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee after returning from a visit to Vanuabalavu via Helicopter.

Minister Brownlee says he will be holding discussions with the government in terms of how they can provide more help.

“At this stage we have no plans for an immediate pull out. There’s still more work to be done. There’s still work to be done and we can rotate more people in here if necessary. We have some long history as partners in a Military sense and that’s developing well at the moment and Minister Natuva will talk more on this tomorrow.”

The Minister is in Fiji for a twoday visit to witness firsthand the rehabilitation work carried out

by New Zealand personnel on the ground in Fiji.

Meanwhile, New Zealand Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee says the Fijian government has organised a well prepared plan to

get to a recovery point after the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Winston.

Brownlee says he understands that the challenge is huge.

Brownlee says with the extension of the Natural Disaster Period by the Fijian government, they have no intention of leaving anytime soon as there is still work left to be done.

He also met Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and told him that New Zealand will always be here to assist.

Malnutrition outbreak

D An RNZAF NH90 helicopter takes off from the flight deck of HMNZS Canterbury whilst in Suva Port. Five NZDF staff in Fiji are being investigated with regards to an unknown substance.

rebuild their lives. Atelaite Cama of Malaka Island, Vanuabalavu, said the fact that Arrival of HMNZS Canterbury to Suva, Fiji following Tropical Cyclone Winston members of the NZDF were actually based on the island was humanitarian aid operation in of great assistance to the people of Fiji is one of its largest peacetime Vanua Balavu. deployments to the Pacific.

Meanwhile, New Zealand Around 450 combat engineers, Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee soldiers, sailors and aircrew, two visited Vanua Balavu with Major ships and six aircraft including General Tim Gall, the commander three helicopters have been New Zealand Joint Forces, to deployed since February 21 as part witness first-hand humanitarian of the New Zealand Government’s work being carried out on assistance to Fiji as it recovers the island.

The NZDF’s from the effects of the cyclone.

isaster relief officials are closely monitoring an outbreak of malnutrition on Koro Island.

National Disaster Management Office co-ordinator on the island Jioji Satakala confirmed the outbreak was among children.

Mr Satakala said of the 24 cases on the island, 13 children with ages ranging from six months to five years were suffering from malnutrition in Tuatua Village.

He said the island had very limited food sources because most had been destroyed during Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston.

He said the outbreak affected children the most because of the wrong food types being given to them on the island.

“Children are supposed to have five meals per day so children are

only taking three meals and no juice. These people (parents) tend to give the adult food to the kids, that’s another cause.”

He said the children were initially given staple food after the disaster, but that had stopped because of limited supply.

Mr Satakala said NDMO had constructed feeding tents in the 14 villages around the island where parents could feed their children.

He said officials were now adding vitamins to children’s food to give it more nutritional value.

“This has been taken care of by the health officials. They are taking tour of the villages and talking to parents. We have provided the families with feeding centres. It is one tent per village where parents can feed their children.”

$73.3m paid out so far in FNPF assistance

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he Fiji National Provident Fund has so far paid out $73.3 million for 66,967 applications.

Chief Operating Officer Jaoji Koroi said total applications received so far is 146,000 of which

about 20% are for the $5,000 assistance. Koroi said the payout for the Tropical Cyclone Winston assistance is unprecedented in its 50 years history.

Koroi said when you put things into perspective, the total number

of applications they have received in the last three weeks is more than the total number of applications received for 2014 and 2015.

He is urging members to be patient and allow the staff to process applications received for

the Natural Disaster Assistance.

Koroi is also pleading to Fiji National Provident Fund members not to report to their offices to follow up as they are only congesting the office, disrupting normal processes and tying up

resources that could be used to process members applications.

Members of the Fiji National Provident Fund are requested to call them on 5670 for Cyclone Winston assistance queries.

FIJI

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Economies vulnerable to climate issues

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iji and other small island countries depend on the direct budget from countries such as New Zealand and Australia when it comes to climate change mitigation and adaptation.

This is because those countries and their economies are also vulnerable to climate issues.

“For countries [such as] Australia and New Zealand, up to 80 per cent of their budget is aid.

“So you can see the vulnerabilities in climate conditions but also in the economies,” said Attorney-General and

Hopeful lasses attend final Miss World Fiji casting

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oung Fijian female hopefuls attended the final casting for the search for Fiji’s next representative to the Miss World Pageant at the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation in Suva. The young women who attended the casting were required to match the standards of the competition one of which is to be between the ages of 17 and 25.

She also has to be a Fiji passport holder, single with no children, never married, must be talented, fit, have a passion for charity work and beauty with a purpose and must have a clean police record.

The Grand Pacific Hotel is the official host partner for this year’s contest alongside Fiji Airways which is the official airline partner to the pageant. Miss World Fiji 2016 will be crowned on May 7 at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva and will represent the country at the 66th Miss World finals to be held later in the year.

The Paris agreement on climate change is insufficient

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rime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says this will be his message when when Fiji formally ratifies the Paris agreement in April.

“I will be going to New York next month for the formal ratification of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. And I will be going with the strongest of messages that what has been agreed so far is not enough.

As well as keeping global temperatures down, we need the industrialised countries to face up to their responsibilities to nations such as Fiji.

It isn’t enough for them to reduce the carbon emissions that have produced this crisis in the first place.’’

Adopted by 195 countries, the Paris agreement sets out a global action plan to put the world on track to avoid dangerous climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2°C. The agreement is due to come into effect in 2020.

Minister for Finance Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum at the International Monetary Fund meeting in India last week.

He said technology development in terms of mitigation was critical, especially for small economies such as Fiji.

“You wouldn’t see homegrown technology being developed as the economy scale is not there. I met a minister in India who has agreed to help us in terms of renewable energy. That’s the type of collaboration that we need and require.”

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said the economy scale does not exist in small island countries.

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Thought of the week

The difference bet ween genius and stupidity is: genius has its limits.

Editorial

— Alexandre Dumas-fils

From the desk of the Managing Editor

“

To build confidence, build competence. Nothing creates and undergirds a confident disposition like knowing you’re prepared for the challenge...

The athletes who are most successful at using such techniques as visualization, articulation, and positive self-talk are those who have done the most work to hone their skills and raise their competence level; these are ultimately the fundamental tools of success. There is no way to short-circuit that process. Mental techniques can enhance, but can never replace, the hard work of preparation. Great confidence is rooted in great preparation. Only those who prepare for greatness can reasonably expect it.” ~Tom Morris from The Art of Achievement

I have always maintained that nothing works like hard work. You may begin to work smart but you learn even the smart tricks after having put in the hard work. We live today in a world of instant gratification and everyone wants to take the shortest route to success, but I will say this—nothing prepares you like being prepared.

When you know that you have turned all corners, done everything you could, that is when you are most prepared for success. This rule always works, whether it is a job interview, pitching for a new deal, delivering a presentation or any such crucial juncture in life. I completely agree that you are most confident when you are most prepared.

This is another big issue and we are also celebrating two occasions —Holi and Easter. So first and foremost, on behalf of the entire Indian Weekender team, I extend our heartiest wishes to all our readers for a very Happy Holi. May this festival of lights fill your lives with happiness and colour.

Easter is upon us and it is the long weekend. Most people will be heading out to have a well-deserved break. It is important that amidst our excitement of having time away with our friends and families, we keep safety foremost in our minds. NZ Police has issued several warnings about road safety over the long weekend and it is important that we remain aware at all times. To add to this, as I write this there are also severe weather warnings in place so let us drive to the conditions at all times.

That said, we wish everyone has a great Easter.

New Zealand is preparing for its new Governor General. Dame Patsy Reddy has been confirmed to take over from Sir Jerry Mateparae on September 14. On that note,the Kiwi Indians are preparing for their own Royal visit from the Maharani of Patiala Ms Preneet Kaur—a devoted politician and community worker. It will be an honour to have a visit from someone of her stature. Indian Weekender will carry regular updates on her visit in our subsequent issues, website and Facebook page.

The current issue is full of other happenings in the community and interviews with personalities that people wish to know more about.

On behalf of the entire team, I once again wish everyone a very auspicious and a colourful Holi and the best of wishes for a wonderful Easter. We hope the Easter bunny brings you happiness that lasts through the year.

Until next time.

Giri Gupta

Pick of the week

Simply Irresistible

A New Zealand silvereye stretches toward a Puya alpestris, a dramatically coloured flowering plant that is native to Chile and attractive to nectar-sipping bird species. When the flowers bloom, the silvereye is intoxicated. I spent a delightful afternoon capturing [images of] these fleeting birds at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens in Christchurch, New Zealand, writes Your Shot community member Chew Yen Fook, who shared this photo. (Image Courtesy: National Geographic)

Indian Weekender : Volume 8 Issue 1 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, Marketing & Distribution: 022 3251630 / mahesh.iwk@gmail.com 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.

Phrase: Chilly bin Meaning: A cooler bin used for keeping drinks cool Usage: Toss those beer bottles in the chilly bin before the barbeque party

Tip from the trenches

For a good night’s sleep • Reduce your caffeine intake • Turn off your gadgets at least 30 mins prior to sleeping • Avoid bedtime tipple • Limit daytime naps

HALL OF FAME

www.iwk.co.nz | 25 March 2016

Inviting nominations for Kiwi Indian Honours 2016

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K IW

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The guidelines, which need to be adhered to, for nominations, are as follows:

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Established 2013

The Indian Weekender calls upon nominations for those who have built a road to glory for themselves and left a path for the coming generations to tread on; who have touched the lives of thousands and enriched the society with their being; who’ve brought fame and respect to New Zealand and the KiwiIndian community. The Indian Weekender invites nominations for such personalities from the community for getting inducted into the Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame 2016. We also invite nominations for Kiwi Indian Young Achiever of the Year and Kiwi Indian Unsung Hero of the Year 2016.

Nominate Online : http://bit.ly/1QZJcTO

Entry Form: Form for nominating candidates for Kiwi Indian Honours 2016

Nominator Details

Nominee Details

Name of the Nominator

Name of the Nominee

17

|

1. He/she needs to have an undisputable recognition in his or her field of work.

2. Nominated by a nominator of repute. Further, the nominator has to be in confirmation with the nominee.

3. The nominator has to provide their full contact details. No anonymous applications will be accepted.

4. All fields of work are welcome. For the purposes of this award, ‘field of work’ can be politics, business, sports, art, culture, or any profession.

5. The definition of Kiwi Indian, for the purposes of this award, hereby, is defined as follows: any person of Indian origin, from any part of the world, who has settled here in New Zealand. To be of Indian origin, at least one of the parents of the nominee have to be Indian, by blood. Thereby making the nominee of Indian lineage.

6. The nominee must have either a Permanent Residency (PR), or Citizenship of New Zealand to be eligible for consideration.

7. The nominee should have no prior convictions.

8. Age is no bar; for minors, under the age of 18, parental consent will be required.

9. The successful candidate will be required to attend the ceremony in person. In case a person is not able to attend, due to any unforeseen circumstances, the jury will use its discretion.

10. The jury’s decision will be final and binding; and cannot be challenged.

Please fill and post it to the address below

About the Nominee For how long have you known the Nominee?

Professional details of the Nominator

Age of Nominee Sex

Address & Contact number of Nominator *

Category

Why do you think the nominee qualifies for the honour?

Please state your reasons for nominating the above person. You may mention the achievements of the Nominee in his/her profession.

M

F

Address & Contact number of Nominee *

How according to you has the Nominee brought fame and respect to the Kiwi-Indian community?

Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame Kiwi Indian Young Achiever of the year (16 to 35 years only) Kiwi Indian Unsung Hero of the year

Declaration by Nominator I have received confirmation from the Nominee for this application.

Nominee has accepted to appear in person for the ceremony, if he/she gets accepted for the induction to Hall of Fame 2016.

Yes

No

Yes

No

I hereby declare that the above information is true to the best of my knowledge. I also allow Indian Weekender and the Jury to use the information provided for background checks and to contact either me or the Nominee for the purpose of getting any more information.

Signed:

What to do next?

Please take a print out of this form, sign and send to us at: Jury Panel, Kiwi Indian Honours 2015 98, Great South Road, Epsom, Auckland

(Add extra pages to this form if required.)

For details contact Indian Weekender on 09-2137335 or go to: www.indianweekender.co.nz

18

INDIA

25 March 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

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rime Minister Narendra Modi said that “nationalism is our strength” and needs to be spread while the BJP stressed the ideology of “nationalism” guides its belief, and the constitution allows freedom of speech but does not permit “destruction of the nation”.

“Nationalism is our strength and it should be further spread,” Home Minister Rajnath Singh quoted Modi as saying in his concluding remarks at the twoday meet of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s national executive.

According to him, Modi also said that anti-nationalism would not be tolerated at any cost. The political resolution, passed at the meet, said that ideology of nationalism guides the party’s belief and direction.

“Constitution of India allows complete freedom to dissent and disagreement but does not permit destruction of the nation. We completely support freedom of expression,” Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told reporters after the resolution’s passage.

On Bharat Mata ki Jai, he said, “We believe this is one issue on which there should be no debate. People in India should have absolutely no difficulty as far as this slogan is concerned and the best example we saw yesterday (Saturday) at Eden

Gardens (during India-Pakistan Twenty20 world cup match).”

The resolution said that “nationalism, national unity and integrity are an article of faith with the BJP” and accused a “very microscopic minority” of “indulging in a kind of demagogy that goes against the very essence of our constitution”.

“Talking of destruction of Bharat can’t be supported in the name of freedom of expression,” it said, warning the refusal to chant Bharat Mata Ki Jai in the name of freedom is also unacceptable.

“Our constitution describes India as Bharat also and refusal to chant victory to Bharat is tantamount to disrespect to our constitution itself. Bharat Mata Ki Jai is not merely a slogan. It was a mantra of inspiration to countless freedom fighters during the independence struggle.

“It is the heartbeat of a billion people today. It is reiteration of our constitutional obligation as citizens to uphold its primacy.

The BJP wishes to make it clear that it will firmly oppose any attempt to disrespect Bharat and weaken its unity and integrity.”

BJP president Amit Shah, in his address on Saturday, March 19, said the party would not accept criticism of the nation in the name of freedom of speech and expression.

he Karnataka government would set up four technology business incubators across the state in 201617, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Friday, March 18.

“The incubators will be set up in the areas of Internet of Things (IoT), Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) robotics, 3D printing, nanotechnology, medical devices, health technology and clean technology,” he said while presenting the budget.

Referring to the start-up policy framed to encourage innovation and building an ecosystem for growth of start-ups in IT, biotech, ESDM and other knowledge sectors, he said state-run Keonics would set up the incubators and common instrumentation facilities in Bengaluru and in the IT parks of Shivamogga, Bagalkote and Kalaburgi.

“Ten incubators will also be set up in post-graduate and professional institutes across the state under the new age incubation network.

“An incubator will come at Bagalkote for research and development in biotech startups,” he said.

The budget has also proposed to set up centres of excellence and finishing schools in IT, electronics and animation sectors on the lines of Biotechnology Finishing Schools (BTFS) across the state. “The Rs.56 crore Bengaluru bio-innovation centre has

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presents state budget 2016–17 at the Vidhan Sabha in Bengaluru

been commissioned to provide access to high-end instrumentation and laboratory facilities to micro, small and medium enterprises,” Siddaramaiah said.

The state government has also set up the Karnataka Semiconductor Venture Fund with Rs.100 crore corpus to provide venture capital to chip companies.

The budget has proposed to allot Rs.222 crore to the department of IT, BIT and S&T in the ensuing fiscal.

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INDIA

www.iwk.co.nz | 25 March 2016

19

Still facing technical glitches OROP payout have with Dreamliners: Air India reached over two third

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pensioners: Parrikar

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ational carrier Air India on Monday, March 21, said that it continues to face technical glitches on its fleet of Boeing-787 Dreamliners.

The revelation from the airline came after its AI 701 Kolkata-New Delhi flight, with Pakistani High Commissioner Abdul Basit among the 236 passengers on board, had to be cancelled on March 20.

“Air India flight AI 701, operated by B787, scheduled to depart at 5:30 p.m. on 20th March, 2016, was taxing out when a technical snag was detected,” the airline said in a statement.

“Engineers started repairs and finally after several attempts to operate the flight at 10.10 p.m., the aircraft was grounded and the flight was cancelled.”

According to the airline, arrangements were made to take care of all the 236 passengers.

D Air India’s Dreamliner

“All passengers were given an option for hotel accommodation and food. While, some passengers opted for hotel stay option, others especially from Kolkata, went back home and for them transport reimbursement was made,” the statement elaborated.

The airline pointed out that it arranged for an alternate aircraft to fly the remaining 131 passengers. “However, by the time boarding completed, one of the pilot crossed the FDTL (flight duty time limitations), and the aircraft could not be flown,”

the statement informed. “Some passengers decided to stay inside the aircraft till it departed at 6.30 a.m. this morning with alternate set of pilots.”

The airline blamed technical glitches with its Dreamliner aircraft as the reason for such an incident.

“Air India is continuously taking steps to minimize such incidents.

However, Air India is still often faced with teething technical glitches in Dreamliner aircrafts.

The same is being addressed with the manufacturer Boeing on a regular basis.”

Delhi’s next odd-even traffic scheme from April 15

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he next phase of the oddeven formula aimed at battling pollution in Delhi will be launched from April 15 to 30, and 400 ex-servicemen will be recruited to help enforce the system, it was announced on March 21.

“The second phase of the oddeven formula will begin from April 15 for 15 days,” Delhi’s Transport

Minister Gopal Rai said. He said it would be decided by April 8 if women would be exempted—like in the first odd-even scheme from January 1 to 15.

The minister said the recruitment of ex-servicemen would be completed by April 1.

The route of Delhi Metro feeder bus services would be shortened to

ensure better services during the fortnight when many are expected to switch over to public transport.

He said school buses would not be used this time to meet public demand for more buses.

Rai said the air pollution would be monitored across the National Capital Region, not just in Delhi, during the odd-even scheme.

efence Minister Manohar Parrikar on March 21 said that increased pensions under the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme have been disbursed to two third of the beneficiaries and the remaining will get it by mid-April.

“The OROP pensions are being disbursed at a very fast speed. By February 17, two third of the pensioners were covered,” Parrikar told reporters. “Before Holi, most of them (pensioners) should be covered,” he said.

Those left out will get their pensions in the first two weeks of April, the minister said.

An official statement released later said pension payments have now been credited to the accounts of 13.02 lakh pensioners totalling about Rs.2,293 crore.

The money has been released through Defence Pension Disbursing Offices (DPDOs), the State Bank of India (SBI) and the Punjab National Bank (PNB).

By March 17, the DPDOs had released about Rs.606 crore to about 3.20 lakh defence personnel, the SBI released Rs.1,337 crore to 7.75 lakh pensioners, including family pensioners, and PNB released about Rs.350 crore to about 2.07 lakh pensioners, including family pension cases.

Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar

Other banks assigned the task of disbursement of revised pension have been directed to complete the payments latest by March-end, the statement added.

On September 5, 2015, the Centre announced its decision to implement the OROP, a demand which was made more than four decades ago.

In pursuance of this decision, a notification was issued on November 7, 2015, by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare in the defence ministry.

As many as 101 OROP tables were released by the department on February 3, containing revised pensions of different ranks and categories.

westernunion.co.nz

20

SPORTS

25 March 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

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India maul Pakistan to extend World Cup hegemony

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he Indian middle order’s most trusted soldier Virat Kohli anchored a tricky chase to enable his side humble arch-rivals Pakistan by six wickets in a raincurtailed World Twenty 20 group 2 tie at the packed Eden Gardens on March 19. The hosts, thus, kept intact their all-win record against the neighbouring nation in World Cup matches.

Kohli top-scored with an unbeaten 55 of 37 balls, while captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni remained unconquered on 13, as India reached their target of 119. Earlier, Pakistan had posted 118/5 in the shortened 18-over game. It was a day of evens-stevens in the two countries’ cricket rivalry, as the Indian women lost to their counterparts from Pakistan by two runs via D/L method in the World Twenty20 at the Ferozeshah Kotla in Delhi. At Eden Gardens, Pakistan bowler Mohammad Sami returned figures of 2/17, as the visitors suffered their first loss to India. Having set a target of 119 runs, Pakistan pacers were able to make early inroads in the famed Indian batting line-up.

Mohammed Amir claimed Rohit Sharma before Mohammad Sami uprooted the stumps of Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina. India were then tottering at 23/3 inside five overs. Yuvraj Singh and Kohli then came together in a 61-run stand. They did not take any undue risk but pounced upon the loose balls. After 10 overs India had recovered to be at 60/3. Both batsmen delighted the crowd with some stupendous

Above: Indian player Hardik Pandya celebrate fall of a wicket Right: Indian batsman Virat Kohli during the ICC WT20 2016 match between India and Pakistan

stroke play, which included a hit from Yuvraj against Wahab Riaz. But the same shot led to his undoing four balls later.

Kohli then tried closing the innings with some scintillating boundaries. At the other end, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni was content in running the singles and giving his partner the strike. But with seven runs needed, Dhoni lofted Mohammad Irfan for a straight six.

Earlier, put into bat, Pakistan managed to set India an asking rate of 6.61 runs per over with Shoaib Malik being the top scorer.

For India, spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja returned economical figures of 0/12 and 1/20, respectively. Off spinner Ashwin was able to get quite some purchase off the Eden strip from his first over. At the other end, Ashish Nehra and Jasprit Bumrah were able to keep a tight leash on the willowers, who managed only

24 in their power play of five overs.

Part-time off spinner Suresh Raina then got rid of Sharjeel. The left-hander’s mistimed loft was gobbled up

by Hardik Pandya who took an outstanding catch.

Shahid Afridi promoted himself up the batting order to have a go but he too found it difficult coping with the turn.

Shahzad, feeling the pressure at the other end, tried a heave against Bumrah but only managed to get it to point, where Jadeja took the catch running back a few steps.

After 10 overs, the visitors were 51/2.

With the innings running out of steam, Afridi (8) tried to belt a few against the inexperienced Hardik Pandya. But his first hook against the youngster ended straight down the throat of Virat Kohli at long on in the 12th over.

Malik and Umar Akmal then got together to carry forward the innings. The duo struck Pandya for 15 runs in the 14th over which included two big sixes.

But then, Akmal (22) and Malik departed in quick succession which pegged Pakistan back further.

New Zealand beat Pakistan to become the first semifinalists in World T20

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ew Zealand beat Pakistan by 22 runs in Mohali, India on March 22 to qualify for the semi-finals of the World Twenty20 cricket tournament.

Electing to bat first, New Zealand rode on Martin Guptill’s 48-ball 80 to post 180 for five wickets before restricting Pakistan to 158 for five in their 20 overs.

The win saw New Zealand move to the top of the Group B table with three wins from as many matches while Pakistan’s chances of advancing further dimmed after two straight losses.

Left-hander Sharjeel Khan (47) gave Pakistan a strong start in their reply to reach 76/1 in seven overs.

Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson introduced Ish Sodhi to produce the match’s defining phase.

The leg-spinner removed the dangerous looking Shahid Afridi and conceded only 25 runs from his four overs. He also created enough pressure for Mitchell Santner to pick up two wickets and strangle Pakistan to a 22-run defeat.

Pakistan needed 52 in 24 balls with six wickets in hand. But Umar Akmal and Shoaib Malik could hardly find the gaps, as Pakistan failed to hit a boundary in its last 31 balls and finished on 158 for five.

With its third consecutive win, New Zealand became the first team to qualify for the semi-finals.

Earlier, Martin Guptill led the way with some power-packed batting as New Zealand posted a challenging total of 180/5 in their World Twenty20 Group 2 match

against Pakistan at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium.

Guptill smashed 80 runs off 48 balls with 10 boundaries and three sixes. Ross Taylor, who remained on 36 off 23 deliveries and Corey Anderson (21) played useful knocks in the later stages of the innings.

Pacer Mohammad Sami (2/23) was the best performer among the Pakistan bowlers, although he did take some punishment from Guptill in his first spell.

Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi (2/40) also bagged a couple of wickets.

This was New Zealand’s third match of the tournament.

KIDS ZONE

www.iwk.co.nz | 25 March 2016

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Easter Crossword Solve the crossword using the list of words and the clues 1 1

A dream

O

3 2

On a snowy cold night, I see a bright new star shine beautifully...

Was I dreaming that night?

Felt so warm and sweet.

A Christmas feast with Santa and his elves was in North Pole as the sun rose I woke up in my bed thanking God for my life.

The Fairy Tulips

basket 2

bonnet

3

bunny 4

5

4

chicks

5

chocolate 6

6

7

daffodil

7

eggs hunt parade

8

spring

8

Across

Down

1. Easter eggs are often

1.

4.

6.

8.

Across made out of this treat!

4. Collect your eggs in this.1.

Easter eggs are often 6.

The season in which made out of this treat!

Easter is celebrated.

Collect your this.one in 2.

8. Youeggs mayinwear The seasonthe in Easter whichparade.

Easter is celebrated.

3.

You may wear one in the Easter parade.

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1. These hatch out of real

Downeggs.

2. You may an These hatch outgoofonreal Easter egg ... eggs.3. Cheerful, yellow spring You may go on an flower.

Easter egghe... visit you this 4. Will Cheerful, yellow spring year?

5. We give chocolate ones flower.

Easter.

Will heatvisit you this 7. Show off your Easter year? bonnet at one!ones 5. We give chocolate Copyright Š www.ActivityVillage.co.uk - Keeping Kids Busy at Easter.

7. Show off your Easter bonnet at one!

nce upon a time there was a good old woman who lived in a little house. She had in her garden a bed of beautiful striped tulips. One night she was wakened by the sounds of sweet singing and of babies laughing. She looked out at the window. The sounds seemed to come from the tulip bed, but she could see nothing. The next morning she walked among her flowers, but there were no signs of any one having been there the night before.

On the following night she was again wakened by sweet singing and babies laughing. She rose and stole softly through her garden. The moon was shining brightly on the tulip bed, and Kids will be much more confident in writing and spelling the word "chick" the flowers were swaying to and fro. The old woman looked closely and she saw, standing when they've had a go at this worksheet. Why not colour in the picture too? by each tulip, a little Fairy mother who was crooning and rocking the flower like a cradle, while in each tulip-cup lay a little Fairy baby laughing and playing.

The good old woman stole quietly back to her house, and from that time on she never picked a tulip, nor did she allow her neighbours to touch the flowers.

The tulips grew daily brighter in colour and larger in size, and they gave out a delicious perfume like that of roses. They began, too, to bloom all the year round. And every night the little Fairy mothers caressed their babies and rocked them to sleep in the flowercups.

The day came when the good old woman died, and the tulip-bed was torn up by folks who did not know about the Fairies, and parsley was planted there instead of the flowers. But the parsley withered, and so did all the other plants in the garden, Ac i i and from that time nothing would grow there. But the good old woman's grave grew beautiful, forŠ www.ActivityVillage.co.uk - Keeping Kids Busy v i l la g the Fairies sang above it, and kept it green; while on the grave and all around it there sprang up tulips, daffodils, and violets, and other lovely flowers of spring.

Chick Handwriting Worksheet

Ddddddddddd chick Chick Ddddddddddd chick Chick Chickchick Chick chick Chick Ddddddddddd chick Chick chick Chick Ddddddddddd chick Ddddddddddd tv

ty e

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

22

ASTROLOGY

25 March 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Weekly forecast: March 25 to March 31 ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

The question, whether to spend on a particular expensive item or not, can put you in a dilemma. Balancing act between home and office can put some working women ill at ease.

You succeed in putting an ambitious project on the tracks, but going ahead with it may not be a cakewalk.

Love beckons and promises to give immense joy and fulfilment. Your involvement on the domestic front will be much appreciated.

Your efforts at work will be recognised and add to your reputation. Impulse buying threatens to upset your financial applecart. A feeling of desperation is likely to overwhelm some, but it will be unfounded. You will be able to provide full focus on the romantic front and make it rock!

An entertaining time is ahead for those on a conducted tour. You can feel a bit under the weather.

A piece of good news is likely to warm your heart and keep you aglow. You will manage the work entrusted to you admirably and come into the good books of people who matter. Financial worries evaporate as new avenues of earning open up. An old friend or a relative is likely to pay you a visit. You will be able to catch the eye of the one you secretly love.

Your happy-go-lucky nature and jovial disposition will help in making you the life of a party or a function. A scheme that does not seem lucrative at this point of time is likely to prove profitable in the future. Those in love will enjoy each other’s company. Your decisions on the domestic front are likely to bring in positive changes.

More efforts are needed for you to enjoy perfect health.

Lucky No.: 7 Lucky Colour: Rose

Lucky No.: 9 Lucky Colour: Saffron

Lucky No.: 2 Lucky Colour: Lemon

Lucky No.: 9 Lucky Colour: Sandy brown

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

You are likely to be recognised for your efforts on the professional front.

Some of you can be invited overseas for lecture or consultancy. Chance of a raise is possible for some. Timely and correct decision will help you in saving a lot of money. You can expect a good time with lover. Homemakers will get a chance to implement their ideas. Some sort of meditation course will help you to de-stress yourself completely.

Things that were going wrong for some time start to improve. You feel more at peace with yourself and are much better able to cope with everyday tensions. Those in government jobs will be able to take positive steps to further their careers.

A financial crunch being experienced by some will soon be over. A conscious effort on your part will help boost earning. It will be bliss for those in love.

You can be at the receiving end at work for a tardy job. It is important not to arrive late for a meeting or an appointment. The opportunity you had been waiting for may not arrive and can leave you high and dry. Your habits can irritate spouse and may even lead to a showdown. Problems on the health front will soon become a thing of the past for some.

An issue that is worrying you on the professional front will resolve itself. Your kind and helpful nature is likely to add to your popularity.

It is best to postpone an important financial decision as stars don’t seem favourable. Family life will be most satisfying as your spouse is all out to cater to your moods. Wedding bells can soon toll for some. Self-discipline will be required to enjoy excellent health.

Lucky No.: 3 Lucky Colour: Peach

Lucky No.: 18 Lucky Colour: Rose

Lucky No.: 15 Lucky colour: Royal blue

Lucky No.: 15 Lucky colour: Rosy brown

(March 21-April 20)

(April 21-May 20)

(July 23-August 23)

(August 24-Sep 23)

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

(Nov 23-December 11) You may desire something expensive, but your financial situation may not allow you to do so. Chances of making a relationship permanent by tying the knot are foreseen for some. Not everyone at work will be willing to toe your line and can even rebel. Those worrying about their medical reports can lay their fears at rest. Take all actions to make a long distance journey comfortable. A delayed payment is received.

Lucky No.: 15 Lucky colour: Peach

(Dec 22-January 21) Things start looking brighter on professional front. Those in the creative field will be in a position to dictate their price. Your workable solution to a professional problem will get the go ahead from higher ups.

Handsome earnings are foreseen for those associated with the fashion and textile industry. You may not get lucky in the draw of a flat or a plot. Excellent health is yours for the asking.

Lucky No.: 9 Lucky Colour: Cream

(May 21-June 21)

(Sep 24-October 23)

AQUARIUS

(Jan 22-February 19) Success is foretold for those travelling out of town or overseas on a business trip. An investment may not give as much returns as was anticipated.

You are likely to get a chance for nurturing your personal relationships that are under the weather. Your lack of focus and persistence at work may be noted by seniors. A lucrative investment scheme may tempt you, but take advice before going in for it.

Lucky No.: 15 Lucky Colour: Red

(June 22-July 20)

(Oct 24-November 22)

PISCES

(Feb 20-March 20) Those wanting to remain in the social circuit will need to shed their reluctance of meeting more often.

You can remain in a confused state at work due to too many responsibilities.

Not investing in a scheme that seems lucrative at this point of time will save you from a future loss. Meeting an exciting person on the romantic front is likely for some. A minor ailment can aggravate, if neglected.

Lucky No.: 6 Lucky Colour: Peach

By Manisha Koushik Manisha Koushik is the talented daughter and associate of world renowned celebrity astrologer Dr Prem Kumar Sharma. She is gifted with strong intuitions and clairvoyance right from the childhood. A practicing astrologer, tarot card reader, numerologist, vastu and fengshui consultant is based in India but maintains a global presence through the online channels. She is available for consultations online as well. Reach out to her to explore what the future holds for you. Let her tarot cards do the magic and numbers make you understand which choices in life will be best for you!

E-mail: support@askmanisha.com | Website: www.askmanisha.com Contact: +91-11-26449898, 26489899 | Mobile/Whatsapp: +919015607139

ASTROLOGY

www.iwk.co.nz | 25 March 2016

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WORLD

25 March 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

34 killed in Brussels as terror strikes Europe Red

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t least 34 people were killed on Tuesday as two deadly explosions rocked the Zaventem airport in the Belgian capital and a more powerful blast ripped through a train coach at a metro station in the heart of Brussels in the worst terror attack in Europe in four months.

Fourteen people were killed as two quick explosions took place in the country’s biggest airport just before 8 a.m. on March 22 in a departure area, breaking windows, furniture and machinery, leaving it looking like a war zone.

More than 80 people were injured in the huge blasts, which triggered a panic run by hundreds of stunned passengers and staff from the airport building.

Authorities said a suicide bomber was to blame for one explosion and that someone was heard shouting in Arabic and open fire moments earlier.

A Kalashnikov was later found near the body of a dead man.

An hour later, another explosion shattered the middle of a three-coach train car at the Maalbeek Metro station, leaving the carriage in a heap of mangled wreck with 20 dead and 55 injured, 16 of them critically.

As the global community rallied in solidarity with Belgium, Prime Minister Charles Michel called it a “moment of tragedy” and blamed it on “blind, violent and cowards”.

He declined to link the bloodbath with the March 18 arrest in Brussels of Salah Abdeslam, the suspect in the Paris terrorist attack that killed 130 people in November last year.

The injured included two employees of the privately-owned Indian airline Jet Airways.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key condemned the attacks in Brussels and said that New Zealanders are thinking about the people and the government of Belgium.

“We utterly condemn these appalling acts which have killed and wounded so many,” Mr Key said.

“No innocent person should have to worry about such violence when going about their daily lives and New Zealand stands with Belgium in the fight against terrorism.

“Atrocities like this and the recent attacks in Turkey are a stark reminder of why the international community must stand together in the global fight against terrorism.

“Our thoughts are with Belgians in the aftermath of this shocking attack.”

The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade are working to ascertain

whether any New Zealanders have been caught up in the attacks and any who are in Brussels are urged to make contact with their families. At this stage there are no reports of any New Zealanders being affected.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the terror attacks were “disturbing” and “condemnable”.

Jet Airways said it quickly moved guests and staff on the landside at Brussels airport away from the terminal and transit guests in the terminal building to hangers in coaches.

Prime Minister Michel said, “We were already fearing attacks. That has happened now.” He said Belgium was determined to deal with the situation, and that a suicide bomber was involved in the airport attack.

The airport and all public transport were shut down after the bloodbath. So was the European Union headquarters, near the Maalbeek station where 20 people died. Belgium’s nuclear plant in Huy town was evacuated.

Ways to prepare for a meeting with a financial adviser Varun Jani

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avigating through the financial journey can be tricky but your financial adviser can help sort out your personal finance issues. Most first meeting are free so get the most value.

Make a list of questions. Think through your goals, what do you want to achieve?

Only authorised financial advisers (AFA) are able to offer full advice.

Financial advisers have a common practice to conduct a discovery meeting with a new client. So for a successful initial meeting with your financial adviser, do everything that you can to be fully prepared.

Take all your personal and financial details and these all information and documents can provide an insight to your adviser for your current financial situation, lifestyle, values and goals. Here are some tips to prepare for an inceptive consultation with a financial adviser.

Be open-minded for a healthy discussion To take a full advantage of your consultation time, you should have an open mind when you take a financial advice from someone. It is always advisable to consider financial planning questions and prepare to share your views and responses to your financial adviser. The more you share about your goals, financial situation and family needs, the better your financial adviser will be able to deliver optimal solutions.

A financial adviser will need to know: • Your age • Your personal income documents • Family income • Any possible health or probable external circumstances that might affect your finances • Projected future income levels • Daily expenses • Monthly expenses such as credit card payments, mortgage, rent or loans • Future expenses • Assets and liabilities • Current investments or investment account details if any • Tax returns • Basic information such as birth dates and address of joint account holders and beneficiaries • Number of dependents Prepare a list of questions Write down all your questions. If, after the initial free first meeting, you see the value of having a financial plan prepared, you will be committing to a plan fee and the advisor needs all the jigsaw pieces of your life to create a plan that covers all your questions and goals. The more information you share the better the “picture” you will get.

Work out financial matters with your partner

Talk to your partner. This is a crucial step before taking any advice from any financial adviser. Do a favour to your financial adviser and have a one-one-one conversation with your partner and explore agreements and disagreements over joint budgeting, savings and investing. The focus should be on your strengths as individual as well as a couple as well as the planning you need to do.

Be realistic and be prepared to talk about your goals Don’t expect immediate answers and solutions. You will be beginning a financial planning journey. Be realistic in front of a financial adviser and consider all aspects in this process.

Financial goals are something more substantial than dreams or wishes so sit down and have a word with your family about your career, life stages and goals.

In the investment world, higher potential returns require additional risks. Generally you do not require maximum return in every area. As is so often said, “Those who fail to plan, plan to fail.”

The second meeting After the first meeting the adviser should have should have most of the information required. There may be follow up work required from you to fill in some gaps that you will have sent to the adviser. At the second meeting, the financial adviser

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An intern working at the airport told Al Jazeera, “When I heard the first explosion, lots of people started screaming and running. When I heard the second explosion, which was about 30 seconds after the first, everything got chaotic. I could see panic on everyone’s face, blood on their bodies.”

French President Francois Hollande said, “Terrorists struck Brussels but it was Europe that was targeted and all the world that is concerned. Today it is Belgium, yesterday it was France.”

France is seeking Abdeslam’s extradition so that he stands trial for his alleged role in the November rampage of gunfire and suicide bombings, which killed 130 people in Paris.

should have a draft plan to discuss with you and work through any fine tuning.

There may be some priority selections for you to make in you plan as now your will begin to see what is realistic and achievable.

Understand how the adviser is paid After the free initial session (usually 40 mins), the adviser is required, under Financial Markets Authority Code, of you details on the experience and competency of the adviser and how they are paid.

The adviser will agree with you a fee for the financial plan. When you come to implementing the plan, you should understand how the adviser will be paid for providing you with solutions. It may be by a fee or commissions. Either way the adviser has a legal obligation to act in your best interests. Fee advisers take away any ambiguity! All the advice should be fully documented.

Note: Some advisers provide an online free financial health check, which is a powerful way of preparing for the first meeting.

Varun Jani is the personal assistant to Michael Taylor AFA whose Disclosure Document can be found at www. strategicfp.co.nz/ This article is of a general nature and no substitute for personalised financial advice

FEATURES

www.iwk.co.nz | 25 March 2016

Apple hopes small is big

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Mahesh K

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hile all smartphones have been supersized lately, a new phone from Apple (which went big with iPhone 6) has decided that small is big too.

Analysts say that it might be a genius move on Apple’s part to stimulate stagnating sales of iPhone. With one stroke, Apple can counter the army of cheap Android phones that are flooding the market. At the same time, it also gives a reason to upgrade for people who prefer smaller phones In other updates, the iPhone 5S gets a 12MP rear camera with support for 4K video, Live Photos and features True Tone Flash. It will be driven by an A9 chip, which Apple claims is twice as fast as the old iPhone 5S along. 5S will also have same graphic capabilities as the 6S. Other ‘new’ features include a longerlasting battery, faster wireless connections and new colours. The phone does not come with 3D Touch, though, which was touted as a new feature in 6S line-up.

The 16GB SE model starts from US$399 and 64GB starts from US$499.

Analysts say that it might be a genius move on Apple’s part to stimulate stagnating sales of iPhone. With one stroke, Apple can counter the army of cheap Android phones that are flooding the market. At the same time, it also gives a reason to upgrade for people who prefer smaller phones.

Apple mentioned that they continue to record high demand for smaller phones with more than 30 million smaller 5S selling last year.

Sony introduces new range of professional laser projectors xpanding its presence in the professional projectors solutions category, consumer electronics major Sony has launched five new laser and lamp projectors, an official statement said.

Smaller iPhone

At a recent event on its Cupertino campus, Apple launched some iterations of its popular products, which include new iPhone SE that replaces the iPhone 5S. The phone retains the size of the almost four-year-old 5S with a four-inch screen but gets new guts.

Apple’s flagship iPhone 6S has a 4.7-inch screen and 6S Plus has a 5.5-inch screen.

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Smaller iPad Pro At the same event, Apple also announced 9.7-inch in addition to 12.9-inch iPad Pro, which it recently launched. The new iPad keeps the same dimensions as the iPad Air but boasts of new features from the higher-end model and gets a 256GB model. It supports Apple Pencil, has four speakers and gets a swanky keyboard case. Prices start at US$599 for 32GB version while 256GB is priced at US$799.

Apple Watch gets cheaper While no Apple Watch updates were announced, it got a price cut. It will now cost $50 less. Also, Apple announced a “spring line-up” of new bands and new colours for its sport and leather bands.

With Apple Watch started at US$299 now, can we expect reinvigorated sale? Only time will tell.

Other announcements include the availability of a latest version of Apple’s

TV software tvOS 9.2 with support for Siri search. So no need to type letters on the remote while searching. Just say it. Apple also introduced new social initiatives such as Environment Renewal, which tries to recycle old phone parts to be reused. CEO Tim Cook also re-emphasised on Apple’s vow to fight for powerful encryption and user data safety.

The projectors aim to cater to professional users who require higher level of brightness and resolution, with enhanced versatility and affordability for business, academic, large venue or entertainment use, the statement added.

The new products include three 3LCD laser models (VPL-FHZ65, VPL-FHZ60 and VPL-FHZ57).

The new laser models deliver brightness of 6,000 lumens (VPL-FHZ65), 5,000 lumens (VPL-FHZ60) and 4,100 lumens (VPL-FHZ57). The other two are lamp models.

The new laser models are designed to deliver enhanced picture quality with new features such as “reality creation” and “contrast enhancer,” both technologies already in use by Sony’s home theatre projection systems for high-end consumer entertainment, the statement added.

The new projectors also offer colour space adjustment and colour correction features for more accurate colour reproduction. A laser light source means there is no lamp that needs to slowly warm up or cool down, no lamp to limit tilt angle and no compromise between high brightness and high resolution.

Smartly designed, the new laser models’ “quick turn on/off” requires only approximately seven seconds for the brightness to ramp up after turning on, the statement said.

NEW ZEALAND FIRST LIST MP

MAHESH BINDRA BASED IN AUCKLAND

Contact Auckland Office

Level 1, 21 East Tamaki Rd, Papatoetoe, Manukau 2025 Ph: 0800 BINDRA (246372) mahesh.bindra@parliament.govt.nz

Authorised by Mahesh Bindra, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

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FEATUREs

25 March 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Sage who shows how to nix Karmic debts while fulfilling our worldly duties

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imalayan sages perform years of rigorous Sadhana and meditation to awaken all chakras of their Kundalini as it is the ultimate state of spirituality. And yet only a few ever succeed in invoking all chakras. Invocation of Kundalini gives enormous spiritual power that uplifts everyone around. But we rarely get to benefit from that spiritual power as most sages hardly ever leave the Himalayas.

Brahmrishi Sri Guruvanand Swami has invoked all chakras of his Kundalini. But unlike other Himalayan sages, he chose to be among us to help us. He considers service to humanity as the greatest religion and work of life. His rigorous meditation over many years has given him the divine powers and energy to give solutions to the problems of all who come to him. Popularly known as guruji, his guidance and teachings have touched the lives of hundreds of thousands across the globe. He has made it easy for us to understand the true meaning of religion so we can overcome our

karmic debts while we fulfil our worldly duties.

It is remarkable that a spiritual saint of his calibre has also achieved impressive academic distinctions.

Gurudev holds several degrees including M. Tech. from IIT, Kharagpur (equivalent to MIT and Harvard in the USA); Ph.D. in Astrology; and Masters in Sanskrit, Vedas, and Jyotish.

He has been Honorary Principal and professor at various academic institutions including Banaras Hindu University.

With Gurudev’s background in Science, he looks for ways to bring the scientific mentality and the spiritualism together in creative dialogue. With his life transformative spiritual message, he inspires, empowers, keeps us informed and engages us as we move forward with our spiritual quest. His spiritual mentor was the Yogiraj Devaraha Baba—one of the most esteemed saints of recent times. His ideal is Swami Vivekananda, whose philosophies and ideologies have greatly influenced him. He is a renowned

scholar of Hinduism, Jainism and Indian philosophy. He also has a deep understanding of the scriptures of Christianity, Islam, Sikhism and Buddhism.

Guruji has travelled to more than 170 countries to spread his message of awareness, tolerance, and service to humanity. He has participated in several international religious conferences, including the All Religion World Conference where he has been honoured with The Best Personality gold medal numerous times. Shree Brahmrishi Ashram, founded by him in Tirupati near the famous Tirumala Hills in Andhra Pradesh, is committed to helping people.

It has various programmes on a continuous basis serving the troubled, poor and needy. The focus of the Ashram is to remove ills in the society by way of constructive developments. The Ashram is being developed and shall have, among other facilities, a Yoga Kendra, Meditation centre, Naturopathy centre, Super Specialty Heart hospital for the

poor and needy, Orphanage, Mahila Ashram, Old Age home and a school for the poor.

Guruvanand Swamiji will be visiting New Zealand on a spiritual tour. Two events are scheduled in Christchurch and Auckland.

Free admission. All attendees will be given a rudraksha blessed

by Sri Gurudev. Register at guruvandananz@gmail.com

Christchurch

Date: Thursday, April 28 Time: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Venue: Sudima Christchurch Airport Hotel 550 Memorial Ave, Christchurch, New Zealand Contact: Thomas Shahji 021 2397167 Laxmi Jhunjhnuwala 021 778322 skthomas0908@gmail.com Free admission for all.

Register to confirm your seat at skthomas0908@gmail.com.

Auckland

Date Sunday, May 1 Time: 4 p.m. onwards Venue: The Mahatma Gandhi Centre 145 New North Road, Eden Terrace Auckland

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FEATURES

25 March 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Mastering the art of Odissi dance Red

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At the tender age of five, he started learning Odissi dance. After years of rigorous training under the guidance of many maestros, today, Dr Sam Goraya, has mastered the art of this beautiful dance form. Indian Weekender spoke to him during his trip to Auckland last weekend where he charmed the audience with his scintillating performance of the dance recital Purusha and Prakriti.

Esha Chanda

IWK: How was your experience while performing the show in Auckland?

IWK: What piqued your interest in the dance form?

Sam: Firstly, I would like to thank my sponsors AB International, Urja, The Property Agency, Travelshop and Property Apprentice for their support and generosity.

There have been many more behind the scene who have worked tirelessly in organising this performance. I feel everyone in Auckland has embraced Odissi and has been extremely supportive of my contribution to the Indian community.

I have always enjoyed performing in Auckland in front of a talented and musically inclined audience. I feel a great positive energy bouncing back in the theatre whenever I dance in Auckland. The audience has been welcoming, supportive and encouraging that makes me want to perform here more often and present Odissi in the most relaxed manner. I shall be back here again with some new concept next year.

Sam: My mother Kirpal Kaur Goraya learnt dance and music in 1950 and 60s.

Odissi dance form had almost died its natural death after the 17th century after the influence of Mughals and later on by British Raj. In 1958, the great gurus of Odissi came together and formed a group called (revival) and through their combined efforts, gradually refined the traditional repertoire and technique. My mother taught my sister Arvinder and me this beautiful Odissi dance form that was in the process of getting revived and refined in those days. I was always fascinated with this art form due to the balanced energies of the Tandava and Lasya aspect and felt connected with it right from the beginning.

In the early 1980s, my mother handed me over to Padmashree Madhavi Mudgal at Gandharv Mahavidalaya—an institute that is regarded for its high standards. Madhavi didi took good care of me and developed me with care as a solo male Odissi dancer, as there were not many emerging male dancers in those days. I acquired a good understanding and a new prospective on Odissi dance through Madhavi’s methodical and structured approach that she acquired through many years of sadhana with guru Kelucharn Mahapatra. Since then, I have never stopped Odissi and this is my biggest passion. I breathe and live this beautiful dance form every day.

IWK: What led you to perform different shows in Melbourne and Auckland?

Sam: I want to use my dancing in a positive manner to help underprivileged children of this world from all walks of life. Last year, my performance Triguna raised approximately $6,000 (AUS) for Kiran Bedi’s organisation India Vision Foundation (IVF) that supports children whose parents are in Tihar Jail in New Delhi.

Previously, I used to dance in Melbourne regularly but when I visited my parents and family in Auckland, I saw a great potential with the huge artistic Indian community that is intelligent and has a great knowledge about dance and music. Most performances that take place in Auckland are of high calibre, and hence I decided to perform alongside other talented artists.

The Royal Easter Show

Date: 24 Mar 2016 - 28 Mar 2016 Time: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Venue: ASB Showgrounds, 217 Greenlane Road West, Epsom, Auckland NZ’s largest and most loved family show–The Royal Easter Show is back with a massive line-up of entertainment, circus acts, rides and exhibits, plus an A&P Show, that has been running for

IWK: How do you think can young classical dancers be encouraged and given a platform to showcase their talent?

Indian classical dance is not something that one can learn in a year or two. It is a long-term sadhana that takes years to master.

IWK: Under whose guidance have you learnt the dance form?

Sam: Initially, I trained with Kirpal Kaur Goraya and then with Padmashree Madhavi Mudgal in Delhi. In 1992, I migrated to Australia where I danced with Chandrabhanu in Bharatam Dance Company for more than 10 years and continued working with him for 20 years.

Currently, I am under the guidance of Monica Singh who continues to temper my technique to fine-tune the balance of male and female energies. I continue to practice navarasa sadhana that I learnt with a renowned master of Koodiyattam Guru Venu G in Kerala. I also spent time at Rudhraksh Foundation in Odisha under the guidance of Guru Bichitrananda Swain and Lingaraj Pradhan.

more than 160 years. Key attractions will be- the big rides from Mahons Amusements, three huge pavilions of prize winning livestock, the celebrated Zirka Circus returns with eight shows a day, the New Zealand Strongman competition and ice skating rink.

Fireworks displays will close the event each night. Entry to the event is free but rides and amusements cost extra.

IWK: How, according to you, is dance a form of self-expression?

Sam: Indian classical dance is not something that one can learn in a year or two. It is a long-term sadhana that takes years to master. One can be well-equipped with the technique of an Indian classical dance by the age of 25 or 30, but the real self-expression only comes later on with age and maturity when you are not thinking about the technique and it becomes second nature to you. The abhinaya only gets more mature and effective with age when one has experienced many emotions and sentiments in life. In my opinion, a dancer’s ability can only be measured if he or she can bring out rasa in the audience and move them.

IWK: Tell us something about your recent dance recital Purusha and Prakriti.

Sam: Purusha and Prakriti is a complex concept to attempt using dance as a medium. I researched the matter carefully and created my own interpretation in an easy-to-understand commentary for the public. I selected six important dances created by various gurus that I believe are the best fit for this performance.

Purush is one’s true self, soul or pure consciousness and Prakriti is Mother Nature, the manifest material world or Maya. Prakriti is considered to be the female creative energy that is subconscious and Purush is the male energy that is consciousness.

This performance is close to my heart, as all the profit generated through this work in Auckland and Melbourne will be used to purchase food for the underprivileged Odissi dancers of Odisha. I am also hoping to bring out one of the renowned dancers from this group to perform in Auckland and Melbourne in 2017.

Sam: In my opinion, an Indian classical dancer should go through a disciplined training for many years where he or she should perform in group choreographies first, to gain confidence and performance qualities. This not only gives one the exposure but also teaches the sense of space, projections and how to adjust on the stage at the time of disaster and still stay professional. After many years of group work, a dancer may be ready to be presented as a solo artist. I feel many young dancers can benefit greatly from navarasa sadhana to evoke sentiments and emotions in the audience. I delivered workshops in Odisha and Melbourne, and I am willing to help young dancers if anyone wants to learn this important aspect of dancing that has so much richness in itself.

IWK: The dance form is often considered to be dominated by women, but more and more budding and brilliant male Odissi dancers are breaking the myth. What are your thoughts on it?

Sam: It is my belief that in post-colonial India, the role of a male in a socio-economic sense was to go and earn income to support their family and female members to stay back and look after the family and raise children. This was one of the reasons that we saw many female dancers emerge in four or five decades after independence.

However, things have changed since then and male and female roles are shifting in the right direction and equality is becoming paramount. This has increased the number of male dancers coming forward while female dancers are still holding their position quite strongly.

IWK: Any other shows in the pipeline?

Sam: My next performance is in Melbourne on April 23 at The Coopers Malthouse Theatre. After that, I would need at least one year to create a new concept and learn a few new dances to present to Auckland and Melbourne along with a talented artist from Odisha.

www.iwk.co.nz | 25 March 2016

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FEATURES

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ENTERTAINMENT

25 March 2016 | www.iwk.co.nz

Fashion line might be on the cards: Randeep Hooda

“People are finding that there is something new, something good, so fingers crossed.

They are saying that so far, it’s the most interesting and the best character that I’ve done, so hats off to Shakun (Batra),” he added. Considering the response, have the celebrations already begun for Sidharth?

“Of course! We have been celebrating

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ctor Randeep Hooda, who has walked ramp for many designers, says he might launch a fashion line in future, but for now he is finding his “own footing in style”.

Bollywood stars such as Kangana Ranaut, Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone as well as Karan Johar have shared their fashion sense through a line, capsule collection or collaboration. And it seems Randeep is ready to take the same path.

Randeep, who walked into the world of glitz and glamour as a model before entering the tinsel town as an actor, was back on ramp last week as the showstopper for designer Rohit Kamra at an ongoing fashion event.

When asked about sharing his style statement with the world, he quipped that he is not ready to ask others to follow his style yet.

“I was a model before acting. Maybe that (fashion line) is on the cards but I don’t know. I think I am still finding my own

footing in my style. As I am associated with horses, so that takes a lot of my time. Let us see... that (fashion line) might be on the cards but I don’t want to be pompous and say ‘Hey, follow my style’,” Randeep said.

What is his personal fashion sense?

“I think dress for the occasion. I opt for tuxedo for formal occasions, and maybe a bandhgala for traditional wear,” he said.

The actor looked dapper as he exuded sophistication in a white jacket teamed up with brown trousers, and also seemed to have got back to a fit frame. He went on a weight loss spree for his avatar as Sarabjit Singh for the biopic Sarbjit.

He lost weight to get to the skin of the character, but the actor urged people to refrain from following the same pursuit as it is “not healthy”.

“I don’t think you should try that weight loss at home. I don’t think it is healthy for you. Just eat, enjoy life. It helps your brain to be pleasant,” he added.

Randeep’s love for horses is a known fact. So when he was asked about the recent incident where a horse was brutally thrashed and injured reportedly by a politician, Randeep said he is not sure about the turn of events, but it was a sad incident.

“I’m not sure how the horse got injured.

I have not been following it but the fact that the horse got injured is very sad and we are going through political tussles. But I am sure he is in safe hands,” Randeep said.

Sidharth thrilled with positive response to Kapoor & Sons

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ctor Sidharth Malhotra is thrilled with the response that his latest film Kapoor & Sons has been receiving. He is overwhelmed that some are even calling it the “best character” that he has done till date.

“The response coming in has been very good... All positive so far. Be it online or the calls and messages... The whole team is very happy, excited, and we hope that we have a great run. People should promote a good film through word of mouth,” Sidharth said.

since Friday night. We are doing precelebrations since day before when we showed it to people at screenings. Then we’ll also do a post-celebration... Very excited!” Sidharth commented.

Directed by Shakun Batra, Kapoor & Sons also stars Alia Bhatt and Fawad Khan.

The film released on Friday, March 18.

Actors in Raees will help me improve my performance: SRK

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ollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan hopes the presence of actors as “fine” as Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Pakistani talent Mahira Khan in Raees, helps him “improve” his own performance in the movie.

Talking about the movie, SRK told the media on the sidelines of the Times of India Film Awards, “I think we have a great set of

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actors. The film is a little more on the real zone. Rahul Dholakia is directing it.

“There is Mahira Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub.

We have really fine actors. I am really impressed by the quality of actors we have in the film and hopefully they will help me improve my performance.”

The 50-year-old actor even has a film with young and raring-to-go actress Alia Bhatt. It’s a yet untitled project to be directed by Gauri Shinde.

On working with the 23-year-old Student Of The Year actress, SRK said, “Alia is not in awe of me. She is beautiful. I have known her since childhood... She is just beautiful.”

This year, there’s a lot happening on the career front for Shah Rukh. While his Fan is slated to release soon, there’s also news that he has been signed on to work in Aanand L. Rai’s next project.

There has also been a buzz that he is playing a dwarf in Rai’s film, but clarifying this, he said, “Who reported this? If journalists have reported this, it is not true.

So I’ll tell you when I will do the film. Yes, I am talking to Aanand, Imtiaz and five other directors... I start new films in June or July after I finish last bits of Raees,” he said.

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BIG TEAM. BIG RESULTS.

For Buying, Selling or Property Management Call Bobby Sapra & Team.

3101-, 3103 Great North Rd, New Lynn, Auckland 0600 T. 09 825 1000 F. 09 826 3095 E. newlynn@harcourts.co.nz | www.shelterrealty.nz

52 Rosebank Road, Avondale, Auckland 06 T. 09 820 0024 F. 09 828 1346 E. avondale@harcourts.co.nz | www.shelterrealty.nz

Perfection is what we strive for.

KSS AluminiumFabricators of aluminium joinery

At Kiwi Home Loans, we go an extra mile to save you money and ensure hassle-free processing. We leverage our experience and expertise to structure your loan and help you get debt-free faster.

SERVICES: With years of expertise as a fabricator of aluminium joinery, KSS Aluminium is a name trusted by Builders & Homeowners.

Get in touch with us and transform your living space.

We also do renovations viz. changing of timber joinery to aluminium joinery, commercial, conservatories and shop frontage/s.

For a free no-obligation quote, call Karim at

021 2752746

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Residential Loans Construction Loans First Home Buyers Property Investors Debt consolidation 5% saved deposit Business Loans Insurance and more...

Don’t wait! Call Raj today at 022 3683240 11A George Terrace, Onehunga, Auckland 1061 T: 09 320 3872 / E: sales@nulookcentral.co.nz

Rajesh Mehta Ex-banker with 6 years experience Registered Financial Adviser

3101-3103 Great North Road, New Lynn, Auckland 0600 M. 022 368 3240 T. 09 282 4107 / E. raj@kiwihomeloan.nz www.kiwihomeloan.nz DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this material is not intended to form professional legal advice or legal opinion.

Readers are advised to obtain their own specific legal advice.

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