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CELEBRATING 13TH YEAR OF PUBLICATION
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Vol.13 I No. 5 I DECEMBER 2015 I FREE s o u t hasiatim es.com .au
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Little India to become Indian Cultural Precinct
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editorial
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DANIEL ANDREWS FULFILLS PROMISE
Little India to become Indian Cultural Precinct
By Neeraj Nanda
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elbourne: The announcement of the setting up of Victoria’s first ever ‘Indian Cultural Precinct’ in Dandenong’s Little India and another soon in the West after a feasibility study has stirred the fast growing Indian community as never before. It is for the first time the Indian community along with the other South Asian communities have achieved something, which gives them a sense of pride and reinforces their unflinching faith in multicultural Victoria and Australia. Multicultural Affairs Minister Robin Scott was joined by Member for Dandenong Gabrielle Williams on 2 December to announce the fulfillment of Labor Government’s promise made by Premier Daniel Andrews at Federation Square Diwali celebration in 2014. The 2015-16 Victorian budget had announced $ 500,000 for the first Indian Cultural Precinct. In fact, it all started off as an agitation cum campaign by the thirty plus traders of Little India, Foster Street, Dandenong to save their businesses and livelihood from instant destruction by Vicurban's Dandenong Revitalization Plan. Livelihoods built over the years seemed to be crumbling and roads leading to Little India were without any customers. The issue was a hot topic during the previous Coalition Government and Little India traders launched a signature campaign followed by a rally outside the Victorian parliament in 2011. Inside the Parliament Labor MP, Jude Perera, raised the issue and the coalition led by then Premier Ted Baillieu brushed it aside as a ‘Labor mess’. The current Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, then the Leader of the Opposition visited Little India two times and heard the grievances of the traders. Many other MP’s, Ministers and diplomats also visited the place to have their own assessment.
Due to the 'Save Little India' campaign by the traders, a six months rent relief was won but the danger of loosing Little India remained a grim reality. During these years the traders faced immense hardships including loss of business and an uncertain future as many of them had crossed their middle ages. Having no superannuation, their businesses were their only hope in their twilight years. The Labor government’s decision to have Indian precincts in the southeastern (Little India) and western suburbs (Wyndham) is being seen as a masterstroke balancing act and a political bonanza. Both areas are Labor strongholds and it would have been insane if the current announcement had been different. The message for the Indian/South Asian communities across Victoria is crystal clear. Labor promised and delivered. Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Finance Hon. Robin Scott made the announcement at the Dandenong Civic Centre amidst clapping by leading community members, MPs and Council officials. Mr. Scott said, “ This Precinct will become a hub of activity – hosting festivals, a draw card for tourism, supporting small businesses and boosting the local community in Dandenong.” “We will also create a second Indian precinct in Wyndham to grow and celebrate the large and thriving Indian community in Melbourne’s West,” he said. The Minister also expressed his desire to attend the opening of the Precinct in Dandenong and celebrate the occasion with the Indian community. Dandenong Member of Parliament, Gabrielle Williams said, “ We listened to the community members and groups to determine the best location for this precinct, and it’s a huge win for the people of Dandenong.” “Both Precincts will recognize the important contribution the
Indian and South Asian communities continue to make to Victoria every day,” she said. Talking to SAT, Minister Scott said, “ I want the Indian community to enjoy their culture and activities at the new Precinct just like the Chinese, Italian and Greek
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communities do in their precincts.” The ‘Feasibility Study On A Location For An Indian Cultural Precinct’ by Acil Allen Consultants & SGS Economics & Planning said about Greater Dandenong, “ … Contd. on pg 4
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Little India to become Indian Cultural Precinct
Contd. from pg 3 The municipality best met the assessment criteria, in particular demonstrating a strong readiness to commence.” “In contrast, at present Wyndham does not yet have a critical mass of co-located Indian and South Asian themed businesses that could form the foundation and basis of a cultural precinct in the traditional mold,” the study says. Interestingly, as it happens, with this announcement of Indian Cultural Precincts, there are many claimants for the success of this achievement, including those
who have played no role in supporting the traders and were absent from the scene when Little India traders were in peril. It goes without saying the main driving force behind the Indian Cultural Precinct success are the traders of Little India, Dandenong. Yes, many dedicated community activists who worked hard at every stage of the campaign backed them. The 'Save Little India' campaign has been lead by Kaushaliya Vaghela for the traders since 2011 and supported by Labor leader Manoj Kumar and many others in the community. Kaushaliya Vaghela says,
“I am thankful to each and everyone who has supported me in running the 'Save Little India' campaign. The announcement of building first 'Indian Cultural Precinct' in Dandenong is a huge achievement for the traders and is a matter of pride for the entire Indian Community in Victoria, Australia. The extraordinary efforts put by the Little India traders to save the Little India precinct did not go in vain. This announcement has brought certainty to the traders that they will be able to continue their trading in Dandenong.” “My vision is to see the first 'Indian Cultural Precinct' built in Dandenong which
encompasses the existing Little India Precinct, which will be enjoyed by our South Asian communities and wider Australian communities for generations to come. Also, I am very glad that the funding has been announced for the second Indian Precinct to be built in Wyndham area”, she said. Manoj Kumar who has been associated with the issue from the beginning says, “Four years ago, we demonstrated outside the Victorian Parliament to protect our multicultural icon "Little India @ Dandenong". As a result of this with the support of many people, the first Indian precinct was announced at Dandenong and the 2nd in Melbourne’s West
by Victorian government. Thanks to the Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews & his team to make it happen.” “I also congratulate Little India traders & all others including Alok Kumar, Aakash Kumar, Neeraj Nanda, Kaushalaya Vaghela, Guri Singh, Deepak Vinayak, Narinder Kumar Garg and Vinayak Kolape for their hard work and strength to continue the campaign till it happened. Well done,” he said. Victoria is the home to Australia’s largest Indian community, with more than 111,700 Indiaborn Victorians. No doubt, Premier Daniel Andrews and his Labor government need to be thanked and congratulated for this historical decision.
UK, India, China born top in migrant income: ABS By SAT News Desk
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elbourne: Getting information from the Indian Consulate has become easy now. The Consulate General of India, Melbourne has now launched its user friendly redesigned website: www.cgimelb.org. More or less all relevant information/ links have been incorporated in the website. The new site has many sections including information about the Consulate, Consular Services and Trade & Investment. Melbourne, 3 December: Skilled migrant taxpayers contributed $32 billion, or 72 per cent to the total $45 billion in migrant income in 2010-11, say figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today. “This is the second release of experimental data on migrants’ personal income. Results again show some distinct differences influenced by visa stream, number of jobs held, country of birth and gender,” said Jenny Dobak from the ABS.
In 2010-11, skilled migrant taxpayers were most likely to be born in the United Kingdom,
India and China*, with almost half (49 per cent) hailing from these countries. Migrants from
the United Kingdom reported the most income with $10 billion followed by Indian-born migrant taxpayers with $6.5 billion. A case study on migrants born in China* showed that they received $3.3 billion in total income, of which $3 billion was Employee income. 70 per cent of Chinese*-born migrant taxpayers who reported Employee income were in the Skilled stream. Another case study showed that migrants who held more than one job with a Skilled or Family visa recorded a decrease in their median Employee income whilst those on Humanitarian and Provisional visas who held more than one job recorded an increase in median Employee income. About two-thirds of migrant taxpayers held a skilled visa, with most between 25 to 44 years of age. The data showed that Skilled migrant taxpayers: 4Generated 65 per cent
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($1.5 billion) of total Own unincorporated business income. 4Reported $788.9 million in Investment income (62 per cent of the total). 4Recorded $215 million in Other income, with males responsible for 77 per cent ($164.6 million). 4Were mainly employed as Professionals (35 per cent) and Managers (11 per cent). Gender, employment status, industry of employment and job history was significant factors influencing the level of income of migrants. Results showed that: 4Median Employee incomes for skilled males exceeded skilled females across all age groups. 454 per cent of migrant taxpayers were males reporting 65 per cent or $29 billion of total income. 4Two thirds of Own unincorporated business income earners were males, who received 75 per cent or $1.7 billion of this type of income in 2010-11. —SAT News Service
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Year-end bash with Jill Hennessy MP welcomes Indian Precinct in the West
By our community reporter
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elbourne: Yearend party & to celebrate the Indian Cultural Precinct announcement for Wyndham with Jill Hennessy MP/Vic Minister for Health & Ambulance Services. The party held at the Aangan Indian Restaurant, Derrimut was attended by local and
other community leaders and activists including Cr. Intaj Khan and Manoj Kumar. Jill Hennessy addressed the gathering and wished them well and expressed her happiness over the decision also to have an Indian Cultural Precinct in the West. Intaj Khan in his speech wished all the best for the New Year and joy at the Indian Precinct decision for Whyndham.
Adelaide Fans endorse day-night Test cricket By Neeraj Nanda
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elbourbe, 1 December :Cricket fans who attended the historic Commonwealth Bank Test in Adelaide recently have overwhelmingly endorsed day-night Test cricket. A survey taken at the ground during the first two days of the highly anticipated match has shown most fans now prefer their traditional cricket under lights. The positive response by fans was reflected by record crowds and television ratings, with the national TV audience for the third day peaking at 3.19 million viewers, making it the highest rating day in Nine’s 2015-16 Summer of Cricket. The national television average of 2.34 million viewers that took in the final session of the match made for the most watched nonAshes Test session since rating records began. “The total match attendance of 123,736 people over three days, made it the highest nonAshes attendance in the Adelaide Oval’s history,
beating the mark of 113,009 set in last year’s Test against India. The attendance figure was higher than the sum of the previous 10 days of Test cricket between Australia and New Zealand in Adelaide,” says a Cricket Australia media release Eighty five per cent of the people surveyed at the ground supported day-night Test cricket as a good idea. And almost as many (81 per cent) claimed that all Adelaide Tests should now
be played under lights. Two thirds claimed they were now more likely to attend a day-night Test than a match played during the day. Playing under lights proved an attraction for a new audience, with almost half those spoken to saying they attended at least in part because of the novelty value. The pink ball also received strong approval despite some concerns
leading into the match that it may be difficult to see. Two thirds of those surveyed found the pink ball easier to pick up than the traditional red ball while another 25 per cent said there was no difference. Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said the survey reinforced the strong acceptance of day-night Test cricket by the many thousands of fans who attended the match or tuned
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in on television and radio. “At Cricket Australia we are about putting fans first so we are delighted that so many have embraced the day-night Test concept,” Mr Sutherland said. “We are constantly striving to give cricket fans what they want and as such, with the endorsement of visiting countries, we will seek to schedule more daynight Tests. “The experience in Adelaide last weekend demonstrates the huge potential the day-night format has in revitalising Test cricket all over the world. I would strongly encourage other Test playing countries to enthusiastically embrace the opportunity to host their own day-night Test matches. “We believe that having the ability to move matches into the evening provides cricket fans with greater access to the game and there is no doubt that this will help grow interest in Test cricket.” The spectator research was conducted by Futures Sport + Entertainment on 27 and 28 November at the Adelaide Oval. —SAT News Service
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Free WIFI for Noble Park & Springvale By Neeraj Nanda
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elbourne, 2 December: The City of Greater Dandenong is extending its free Wi-Fi zones to help residents, businesses and visitors to the municipality stay connected. Wi-Fi is has been switched on this month in Springvale’s Multicultural Place and the Noble Park Civic Space in Douglas Street. The Noble Park Wi-Fi zone will extend to the Aubrey Moss Memorial Garden in Douglas Street, which should provide Wi-Fi coverage at the new Skate Park. Mayor HeangTak said free Wi-Fi was already available in Dandenong’s Harmony Square and at the Dandenong and Springvale libraries. “Council wants to create inviting public spaces and offering free internet
connection is one way to get people to stay and enjoy their environment,” Mayor Tak said. “Whether you want to work or study outside a local cafe or park, or you
want to post a photo to social media, or monitor and respond to important emails, there are plenty of ways to take advantage of the free connection.”
With the free outdoor public Wi-Fi users will: • be able to access the network outdoors, at street level • Have no download limits • Have no time limits, but
will be asked to log in again after one hour of use • be able to access Wi-Fi from 5am-11pm daily. Connecting to the free WiFi can be done in four easy steps: • Locate your device at Multicultural Place, Noble Park Civic Space or Aubrey Moss Memorial Garden Wi-Fi hotspot • Go to the Wi-Fi settings on your mobile device and select Free Council WiFi • Follow the prompts on the screen to connect • Start using Wi-Fi. No personal details such as email, passwords or personal data will need to be provided to access this free service. Visit www. greaterdandenong.com for more information. —SAT News Service
New citizenship law New Oz High to counter terrorism Commissioner to Sri Lanka
By Neeraj Nanda
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elbourne, 4 December: The Australian Parliament has passed new citizenship law targeting duel nationals who are involved in terrorism overseas. “The Australian Citizenship Amendment (Allegiance to Australia) Bill 2015 updates and modernizes a long standing provision of Australian law to reflect the new age of terrorism, a media release says. The legislation will strip Australian citizenship from dual citizens who are involved in terrorist conduct overseas or convicted of a terrorism offence in Australia. It will also ensure terrorists who are dual nationals are prevented from returning to Australia and dual nationals who engage in terrorism within Australia can be removed where possible. The changes to the existing legislation were necessary to reflect the current threat that Australia and the rest of the world faces. Australia’s current threat
By SAT News Desk
M level is now at ‘probable’ – meaning that there is credible intelligence assessed by our security agencies that indicates individuals or groups have developed both the intent and capability to conduct a terrorist attack in Australia. Dual nationals who engage in terrorism are
betraying their allegiance to this country and do not deserve to be Australian citizens. The Governments highest priority has been and will always be keeping Australians and the community safe and secure. —SAT News Service.
elbourne: Australia’s new High Commissioner to Sri Lanka will be Bryce Hutchesson who will also have non-resident accreditation to the Maldives. MrHutchesson is expected to take up his appointment in early February 2016. “I thank outgoing High Commissioner Robyn Mudie for her contribution in advancing Australia’s interests in Sri Lanka since 2012, “ said Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Julia Bishop in a media release. MrHutchesson is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Until recently he was
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acting First Assistant Secretary of the South and West Asia Division. He has served overseas as Deputy High Commissioner in New Delhi, with earlier postings in Bangkok and Tel Aviv. He has also served in Washington with the Office of National Assessments. In Canberra, MrHutchesson has led DFAT’s South Asia Branch, Executive, Planning and Evaluation Branch and several branches responsible for international security. MrHutchesson holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne. —SAT News Service
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Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival
Dion Lee to headline The Grand Showcase
By SAT News Desk
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elbourne, 3 December: The Melbourne Fashion Festival Ltd. (MFF), the not-for-profit organisation that owns and delivers the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival, is thrilled to announce Dion Lee as the feature designer of the Festival’s 2016 spectacular solo runway. ‘The Grand Showcase Featuring Dion Lee’ Supported by marieclaire will take place in the breathtaking Royal Exhibition Building on Wednesday 9 March, 2016. Dion Lee, the internationally renowned and celebrated Australian fashion design visionary will take to the runway of one of the Festival’s impressive new venues, the Royal Exhibition Building, in a theatrical collection presentation that is not to be missed and is sure to be a highlight of the 2016 program. The grandeur of the
The Grand Showcase Featuring Dion Lee’ Supported by marieclaire will take place in the breathtaking Royal Exhibition Building on Wednesday 9 March, 2016. Royal Exhibition Building will provide a fitting backdrop for Dion Lee’s sublime collection, which crosses contemporary with classic, structure with flow, and understated with confidence. Playing with a balance between the natural and the artificial, the collection contracts textures and showcases never-
before-seen silhouettes. Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival CEO Graeme Lewsey said, “We are excited to enrich the milestone 20th Festival with a Grand Showcase featuring Dion Lee. As winner of the Festival’s National Designer Award in 2010, it gives us great pleasure to be a part of
Dion’s growth and to celebrate him now as a strong and influential creative and designer in the local and international industries.” Dion Lee said, “It is an enormous honour to be featuring in The Grand Showcase during such a significant year in Festival’s history. I am so excited to be
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presenting in the new venue as the Festival evolves once again.” Tickets are now on sale through Ticketek or online at the Festival’s new website, VAMFF. COM.AU. Sign up to be a Festival Member to be the first to receive all the latest program updates and premium seating exclusives. —SAT News Service
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Victorian multicultural awards for 75
By SAT News Desk
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elbourne, 4 Dec: Victoria has recognized 75 recipients from 23 communities and faiths for their contribution to society. They were honoured for theiroutstanding achievements in Victoria’s Multicultural Awards for Excellencein a special ceremony at the Government House. Coordinated by the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC), “the 2015 awardsrecognised recipients who have demonstrated true passion and commitment to serving our state’s multicultural community, “ says a media release. VMC Chairperson Helen Kapalos said the dedicated recipients set an example for all Victorians to follow. “The Victorian Multicultural Commission thanks and congratulates all 2015 award recipients for their inspirational and tireless contributions. As the voice of Victoria’s culturally and linguistically diverse communities, we look to them as role models who champion and embrace cultural diversity,” she said. Ms. Kapalos joined the Governor of Victoria,
the Hon. Linda Dessau AM, Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Robin Scott, to present the awards. Now in their 14th year, the awards are presented across 10 categories including media, local government, service to the community, education and police service. Among this year’s recipients were two extraordinary women who make a difference in the lives of culturally diverse Victorians. Carmel Guerra, founder of the Centre for Multicultural Youth, was presented with the highly prestigious Premier’s Award for Community Harmony for her achievements working with disadvantaged young refugees and migrants. “I am honoured to be awarded the Premier’s Community Harmony Award, and amproud to be leading an organisation committed to empowering young people. We set young people up for success through our diverse set of programs which foster leadership, confidence and social unity to help build stronger communities in Victoria,” said Ms Guerra. RoshanBhandary,
VMC Award for Wicki
VMC Chairperson Helen Kapalos said the dedicated recipients set an example for all Victorians to follow. program manager at InTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence, was inducted to the Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll for developing community engagement programs that aim to break the silence around family violence. The 2015 recipients include 56 individuals and 13 organisations. Over the past 14 years, 1775 individuals and 459 organisations have been recognised in the awards. For all details of the awards and recipients check-www.multicultural. vic.gov.au/projects-andinitiatives/promotingharmony/awards-andrecognition-programs/ multicultural-awards-forexcellence —SAT News Service
By SAT News Desk
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amalingam Wickiramasingham has been awarded Victoria’s Multicultural Award for Excellence – 2015 in a glittering ceremony on 4th December. Mr. Ramalingam has been working
Colorful Diwali celebration in Wyndham By SAT News Desk
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elbourne: Wyndham residents celebrated the Wyndham Diwali Festival with great enthusiasm this year. It has become established as one of the great multicultural events of Melbourne. This year had a fantastic turn out of local residents and other Victorians to unite together in the celebrations of the Festival of the Lights at the President Park of Wyndham Vale, of Wyndham City Council. Many elected members and local Councilors attended the event. Health Minister of Victoria, Hon. Jill Hennessy
spoke about the importance of the festival to the West and the wider community. Minister Jill Hennessy and Councillor Intaj khan, portfolio holder for Economic Development of the Wyndham City Council, alongside Subcontinent Friends of Labor visited many local traders, including food stalls, businesses to listen to their thoughts and development of the Western suburbs. Jill Hennessy is advocating for more health services for the Western region. Cr. Khan believes the Festival of Lights is a great event of Wyndham city to be shared and celebrated by all. —SAT News Service
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in culturally diverse communities. In 1993, he setup the Victorian Tamil Cultural Association and the Victorian Tamil Cultural School. He is also member of the Southern Migrant Resource Centre. And Vice President of the Australian Tamil refugee Council.
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Mind Blowing Films finalist in Melbourne Awards 2015 By SAT News Desk
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elbourne: The Mind Blowing Films, once again proved its worth recently by being honored on being selected as the finalist in the category “CONTRIBUTION TO PROFILE BY A CORPORATION” at the Melbourne Awards 2015. The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) hosted by Mind Blowing Films is a unique celebration of Indian Cinema and cinemas from the sub continent, provides a unique and collaborative community event that celebrates the rich culture of India in Melbourne. IFFM strengthens Victoria’s well-established cultural and economic relationship with India and has become a key event on Victoria’s cultural calendar. Since its inception in 2012, the festival has reached an ever-widening audience and delivered an extensive and colourful program, delighting festivalgoers and Indian film buffs. Melbourne awards are the city’s highest accolade that celebrates inspirational Melburnians and ideas. It acknowledges outstanding achievements of organisations and
individuals whose passion and commitment makes Melbourne such a unique place to live, visit and do business. Hosted by Lord Mayor the Gala Awards Dinner took place at the iconic Melbourne Town Hall on Saturday, November 14, 2015. The Indian Film Film Festival was privileged to compete against the grande : Melbourne Convention Bureau, the ever loved Tennis Australia and the global automobile player GM Holden. IFFM has congratulated the Melbourne Convention Bureau who won this award for positioning Melbourne nationally
and internationally as a business events destination that goes above and beyond for organisations,
planners and delegates, creating lasting social and community impacts. In one year alone (December
70c postage stamp to cost $1 Australia Post is not proposing to increase the price of concession stamps or stamps for seasonal cards. By SAT News Desk
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elbourne, 27 November 2015: From New Year (2016) Australians will be paying more for postal services. Australia Post is proposing the cost of its basic postage rate (BPR) of $1 for letters delivered on a new timetable, which allows an extra two business days for delivery to occur. The proposed hike would take effect from
4 January 2016. Postage stamps for letters delivered at the current timetable cost 70 cents. Australia Post’s proposal also includes price increases for the delivery of large letters. Australia Post is not proposing to increase the price of concession stamps or stamps for seasonal greeting cards. “The proposed rise in the BPR is aimed at increasing Australia Post’s revenue from
its reserved letter services so as to offset continuing losses as delivery volumes of these letters decline. Australia Post considers that its reserved letter business is not recovering its costs and, in the absence of price increases and efficiency reforms to its business practices, will experience further losses given that the volume of letters is expected to continue to fall,” says an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) media release. —SAT News Service
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2013 – December 2014) MCB achieved a world-first, hosting five of the world’s largest health conferences. These attracted almost 35,000 experts in their field to Melbourne, of whom 27,050 (75 per cent)were international. The five conferences contributed an estimated $204 million to the economy. MituBhowmickLange , Director Mind Blowing Films said “ To be competing with such great corporations like MCB , Tennis Australia and GM Holdern is a big acheivement for the Mind Blowing Films and for our community that appreciates Indian cinema . It has just encouraged us to work even harder and come back next year with incresedfervour. I am very thankful to the City of Melbourne to recognise our humble efforts and to all sponsors and partners for their support” Even though Mind Blowing Films didn't win at the Melbourne Awards, Indian Film festival of Melbourne won with support, love & so many experiences . IFFM willl be back next year in 2016 with even more exciting and diverse program packaged with a bit of Indian glamour. —Supplied
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An evening of Kashmiri music & dance
By our community reporter
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elbourne: It was a different but beautiful cultural evening organized by the Australian Kashmiri Association last month at the Monash Community Hall, Clayton. To be precise the heart and soul of SufianaKalam
came alive laced with the music of Santoor and Sitar. ShahnazFida Husain gave the welcome address and Sabah Khan announced the program. The Kashmiri crowd seemed to gear up for the evening as SanjeevKulkarni delivered the opening performance. Dr. FayazWani followed by a performance by Mehmeet, Bilal and
Irfan introduced the special guests from Kashmir. Both the pre and post intermission sessions were mesmerizing with AtulFotedar, Mehmeet, Bilal and Irfan performing in the second half of the event. The traditional Kashmiri dance also added to the cultural ambience. The music, songs and the dance were
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an perfect tribute to the rich Kashmiri cultural tradition. No doubt, it was a welcome cultural event and one hopes more are in the offing. Dr. RiazDewani, acknowledged the organizers for making the event a success and the guest and local artists for their unforgettable performances. —SAT News Service
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79.4 % couples in Australia lived together before marriage By SAT News Desk
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elbourne, 26 November: Most couples that get married in Australia live together prior to marriage. Latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) statistics for 2014 reveal 79.4 % marriages were between couples that were living together. "Most marriages take place in spring and autumn with almost two-thirds of all marriages occurring in these seasons," said Paull Hoffmann from the ABS. "In 2014, there were 121,197 marriages registered in Australia. Most marriages (79.4
per cent) were between couples who had lived together prior to marriage." "Almost three-quarters
of these marriages (72.5 per cent) were between couples who had never married before and most were performed by civil
celebrants (74.1 per cent). This was the first marriage for about 81 per cent of all brides and 80 per cent of grooms." Median age at marriage has remained stable for both males and females for the last ten years following many years of gradual increases. The median age at marriage in 2014 was 31.5 years for males and 29.6 years for females. Agespecific marriage rates provide a more detailed picture of the age at which people marry. In 2014, the highest age–specific marriage rates were for people between 25–29 years of age. "In 2014, there were 46,498 divorces granted
in Australia, equating to approximately 2 divorces for every 1,000 people," said Mr Hoffmann. "In 2014, 41.5 per cent (19,281) of the divorces were the result of a joint application and 47 per cent involved children under the age of 18." "The median duration of the marriages that ended in divorce in 2014 was 12 years. The median duration of these marriages to separation was 8.4 years." More than half (58.6 per cent) of the females granted a divorce in 2014 were under 45 years of age at divorce compared with 49.1 per cent of males. —SAT News Service
Aangan’s magical cuisine is a treat
By SAT News Desk
M
elbourne: Little did I know I was in for a big treat. The occasion was a year-end party plus the celebration of proposed Indian Precinct in the West with Jill Hennessy MP and Victoria’s Minister
for Health & Ambulance Services at the Aangan Indian Restaurant, Deer park. While the party was on I came across Sumit Malhotra, owner of the restaurant. As we introduced ourselves he took me for an interesting glimpse of the first floor Bollywood lounge of the restaurant. It has
the perfect ambience of Bollywood with Indian style arrangement. I am sure the customers there were enjoying Indian food, as I did later downstairs. Nearby there is also a screen projection where Bollywood dances and music keeps on going. The place is quite big and customer service perfect.
A party, I feel, needs such a place. You name any Indian food and it is there. I had Samosa Chaat, Palak Paneer, Lamb Curry, Daal, Naan/Roti … you can order endless Indian stuff and be happy. I have to thank the organizers of the party for having me at such a good restaurant. Sumit also has another
Your Community Marriage Celebrant • • • • • • •
Marriage registration Notice of intended marriage Overseas Registration Marriage - Notice Special services to overseas students Assist passport applications, overseas visa Interpreting, translating and Secretarial services
For Information contact N.R. Wickiramasingham. CMC JP. Mobile: 0404 059 231 Phone: (03) 9794 7942 Fax: (03) 9794 0414 Email: wickiram@hotmail.com 34 James Street, Dandenong, Victoria 3175 Authorised by the Commenwealth of Australia Reg: A4978
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Aangan in West Footscray. Online orders are also taken. I am sure a visit to such a restaurant will introduce you to India’s magical cuisine. It’s a home away from home! For all information check – www.aangan.com. au or call (03) 8361 7280 (Deer Park)/(03) 9689 4175 (West Footscray).
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Experience Melbourne - in real time
By SAT News Desk
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elbourne: Utilising Twitter’s newest live video streaming app, Periscope, Tourism Victoria is inviting the world to experience Melbourne - in real time. The latest phase of the five-year Play Melbourne campaign, Play Melbourne Live will broadcast a series of ‘games’ – events, stories, people and places – from Melbourne, to the world. Live and unfiltered, the campaign offers viewers real and authentic glimpses into the 'world’s most livable city'. Periscope users gained exclusive access to some of the city’s major events and exhibitions, including the world-premiere of Andy Warhol - Ai Weiwei at the National Gallery of Victoria on 10 December – a day before it opened to the public. Future games will include a ground pass to the Australian Open, back stage at the runway of the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival and a seat at Melbourne Food and Wine Festival’s flagship event, the
Bank of Melbourne’s World’s Longest Lunch – which this year will take place on the 2016 Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix track at Albert Park. In-between these major events, Periscope livestream broadcasts will include daily local life, uncovering the sights, sounds and characters of Melbourne. Followers will also meet MasterChef star George Calombaris in his experimental kitchen, Press Club Projects, where he will create the dishes that may or may not make it onto the menu at fine dining institution, The Press Club. The broadcasts will
be available to view by a global audience via the Periscope app. Those who follow @Melbourne on social media will receive notifications of when the ‘games’ are live. Ministerr of Tourism and Major Events, John Erensaid,“Melbourne is the world’s most livable city, and Play Melbourne Live gives viewers from right around the world a chance to see for themselves why.” “From our quirky laneways to fine dining restaurants and world-class events, this is a real-time tour not to be missed.” Following on from the success of groundbreaking, award-winning Remote
Control Tourist, Play Melbourne Live is another world first. The 'games' use a custom-made ball embedded with a smartphone designed to be passed around by Melbournians while streaming live footage of the city via Periscope. Play Melbourne Live has already broadcast two ‘games’ which have taken viewers on a journey through the laneways and design studios of Melbourne; up to the rooftop dome of State Library Victoria; and around the open air gallery of street art that is Fitzroy and Collingwood. Highlights of these ‘games’
can be found at www. playmelbourne.com.au Continuing to reward curious, adventurous ‘early adopters’ of new technology, Play Melbourne Live is a game that locals and visitors play every day. Now Melbourne, Victoria invites the world to play along. Managing Director for Twitter, Australia, Karen Stocks said, “We love seeing our partners use Twitter in innovative ways that give our users immersive and memorable experiences.” “Tourism Victoria set the bar high last year with its award-winning Remote Control Tourist campaign, and with its new campaign using Periscope in a unique way to teleport viewers from all around the world to some of Melbourne's best destinations live, Play Melbourne promises to be even better. We can't wait to see what they have in store.” For more information check www.playmelbourne. com.au for highlights from the first two broadcasts and see www.piecesofvictoria. com/play-melbourne-live for more media information and images. —SAT News Service
Literary/Poetry Eve. & Books Exhibition 27 Feb '16
5 pm to 9 pm Sterling Theologica College, 40-60 Jackson Road, Mulgrave - 3170 ENTRY FREE
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Historic Paris Agreement on Climate Change
Paris, 12 December 2015 - An historic agreement to combat climate change and unleash actions and investment towards a low carbon, resilient and sustainable future was agreed by 195 nations in Paris.
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he Paris Agreement for the first time brings all nations into a common cause based on their historic, current and future responsibilities. The universal agreement’s main aim is to keep a global temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius and to drive efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels. The 1.5 degree Celsius limit is a significantly safer defense line against the worst impacts of a changing climate. Additionally, the agreement aims to strengthen the ability to deal with the impacts of climate change. To reach these ambitious and important goals, appropriate financial flows will be put in place, thus making stronger action by developing countries and the most vulnerable possible, in line with their own national objectives. “The Paris Agreement allows each delegation and group of countries to go back home with their heads held high. Our collective effort is worth more than the sum of our individual effort. Our responsibility to history is immense” said Laurent Fabius, President of the COP 21 UN Climate change conference and French Foreign Minister. The minister, his emotion showing as delegates started to rise to their feet, brought the final gavel down on the agreement to open and sustained acclamation across the plenary hall. French President Francois Hollande told the assembled delegates: “You’ve done it, reached an ambitious agreement, a binding agreement, a universal agreement. Never will I be able to express more gratitude to a conference. You can be proud to stand before your children and grandchildren.” UN Secretary General Ban Kimoon said: “We have entered a new era of global cooperation on one of the most complex issues ever to confront humanity. For the first time, every country in the world has pledged to curb emissions, strengthen resilience and join in common cause to take common climate action. This is a resounding success for multilateralism.” Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), said: “One planet, one chance to get it right and we did it in Paris. We have made history together. It is an agreement of conviction. It is an agreement of solidarity with the most vulnerable. It is an agreement of long-term vision, for we have to turn this agreement into an engine of safe growth.”
“Successive generations will, I am sure, mark the 12 December 2015 as a date when cooperation, vision, responsibility, a shared humanity and a care for our world took centre stage,” she said. “I would like to acknowledge the determination, diplomacy and effort that the Government of France have injected into this remarkable moment and the governments that have supported our shared ambition since COP 17 in Durban, South Africa,” she said. Agreement Captures Essential Elements to Drive Action Forward The Paris Agreement and the outcomes of the UN climate conference (COP21) cover all the crucial areas identified as essential for a landmark conclusion: Mitigation – reducing emissions fast enough to achieve the temperature goal A transparency system and global stock-take – accounting for climate action Adaptation – strengthening ability of countries to deal with climate impacts Loss and damage – strengthening ability to recover from climate impacts Support – including finance, for nations to build clean, resilient futures As well as setting a long-term direction, countries will peak their emissions as soon as possible and continue to submit national climate action plans that detail their future objectives to address climate change. This builds on the momentum of the unprecedented effort which has so far seen 188 countries contribute climate action plans to the new agreement, which will dramatically slow the pace of global greenhouse gas emissions. The new agreement also establishes the principle that future national plans will be no less ambitious than existing ones, which means these 188 climate
action plans provide a firm floor and foundation for higher ambition. Countries will submit updated climate plans – called nationally determined contributions (NDCs) – every five years, thereby steadily increasing their ambition in the long-term. Climate action will also be taken forward in the period before 2020. Countries will continue to engage in a process on mitigation opportunities and will put added focus on adaptation opportunities. Additionally, they will work to define a clear roadmap on ratcheting up climate finance to USD 100 billion by 2020 This is further underlined by the agreement’s robust transparency and accounting system, which will provide clarity on countries’ implementation efforts, with flexibility for countries’ differing capabilities. “The Paris Agreement also sends a powerful signal to the many thousands of cities, regions, businesses and citizens across the world already committed to climate action that their vision of a low-carbon, resilient future is now the chosen course for humanity this century,” said MsFigueres. Agreement Strengthens Support to Developing Nations The Paris Agreement underwrites adequate support to developing nations and establishes a global goal to significantly strengthen adaptation to climate change through support and international cooperation. The already broad and ambitious efforts of developing countries to build their own clean, climate-resilient futures will be supported by scaled-up finance from developed countries and voluntary contributions from other countries. Governments decided that they will work to define a clear roadmap on ratcheting up climate finance to USD 100 billion by 2020
while also before 2025 setting a new goal on the provision of finance from the USD 100 billion floor. Ms. Figueres said. “We have seen unparalleled announcements of financial support for both mitigation and adaptation from a multitude of sources both before and during the COP. Under the Paris Agreement, the provision of finance from multiple sources will clearly be taken to a new level, which is of critical importance to the most vulnerable.” International cooperation on climate-safe technologies and building capacity in the developing world to address climate change are also significantly strengthened under the new agreement. Signing the Paris Agreement Following the adoption of the Paris Agreement by the COP (Conference of the Parties), it will be deposited at the UN in New York and be opened for one year for signature on 22 April 2016--Mother Earth Day. The agreement will enter into force after 55 countries that account for at least 55% of global emissions have deposited their instruments of ratification. Cities and Provinces to Companies and Investors Aligning Today’s landmark agreement was reached against the backdrop of a remarkable groundswell of climate action by cities and regions, business and civil society. During the week of events under the Lima to Paris Action Agenda (LPAA) at the COP, the groundswell of action by these stakeholders successfully demonstrated the powerful and irreversible course of existing climate action. Countries at COP 21 recognised the enormous importance of these initiatives, calling for the continuation and scaling up of these actions which are entered
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on the UN-hosted NAZCA portal as an essential part in the rapid implementation of the Paris Agreement. The LPAA and NAZCA have already captured climate actions and pledges covering: Over 7,000 cities, including the most vulnerable to climate change, from over 100 countries with a combined population with one and a quarter billion people and around 32% of global GDP. Sub-national states and regions comprising one fifth of total global land area and combined GDP of $12.5 trillion. Over 5,000 companies from more than 90 countries that together represent the majority of global market capitalisation and over $38 trillion in revenue. Nearly 500 investors with total assets under management of over $25 trillion Christiana Figueres said: “The recognition of actions by businesses, investors, cities and regions is one of the key outcomes of COP 21. Together with the LPAA, the groundswell of action shows that the world is on an inevitable path toward a properly sustainable, low-carbon world.” More Details on the Paris Agreement All countries will submit adaptation communications, in which they may detail their adaptation priorities, support needs and plans. Developing countries will receive increased support for adaptation actions and the adequacy of this support will be assessed. The existing Warsaw International Mechanism on Loss and Damage will be significantly strengthened. The agreement includes a robust transparency framework for both action and support. The framework will provide clarity on countries’ mitigation and adaptation actions, as well as the provision of support. At the same time, it recognizes that Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States have special circumstances. The agreement includes a global stocktake starting in 2023 to assess the collective progress towards the goals of the agreement. The stocktake will be done every five years. The agreement includes a compliance mechanism, overseen by a committee of experts that operates in a non-punitive way. The COP also closed on a number of technical issues. Under the Kyoto Protocol, there is now a clear and transparent accounting method for carryover credits for the second commitment period, creating a clear set of rules.
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Bhagwant Mann, A
AP (AamAdmi Party) MP from Sangroor (Punjab) and famous comedian Bhagwant Mann was in Melbourne last month and was present at many events. Thousands of Punjabis, Indians and South Asians attended these functions and enjoyed Bhagwant Mann’s standup Punjabi comedy. A rare breed being a politician-comedian he is riding a popularity wave in Punjab and his performance has been appreciated in the Indian Parliament. A man of the people Bhagwant Mann’s event at the Sandown Racecourse and Thornbury Theatre attracted thousands. He was welcomed in the session of the Victorian Parliament and facilitated by Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams in the Parliament with a lunch along with his organizers and community leaders and activists. Creative Events organized his Australia events and need all the congratulations for the good job done. —SAT News Service
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MP in Melbourne
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Climate refugees flooding Dhaka
By Sohara Mehroze Shachi
d
HAKA, BANGLADESH, Nov 25 2015 (IPS) - With multiplying impacts of climate change – increasing floods, cyclones, and drought – thousands of climate refugees are migrating to Dhaka. And the city, well beyond its carrying capacity, is bursting at the seams. The word most often associated with Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is perhaps, “overpopulated.” Supporting more than 14 million people on less than 325 square kilometers (125 square miles) of land, the city’s drainage, waste management and transportation infrastructure is on the brink of collapse. Against that backdrop, it is hardly surprising to find the Bangladesh capital among the worst cities to live in on the Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2015 ranking. To delve beneath the apparent reasons – overpopulation, waterlogging and congestion – is to reveal a major underlying cause: unsustainable levels of climate-induced displacement and migration. And the problems are washing up along Bangladesh’s 700 kilometers of low-lying coast. Rising
sea levels and cyclones heighten the risk of flooding, while riverbank erosion and seawater intrusion are set to have a devastating impact on the nation’s population. “Over the next two to three decades millions of people will no longer be able to live and earn their livelihoods from farming and fishing as they are now,” said SaleemulHuq, a senior fellow with the Climate Change Group of the International Institute for Environment and Development. Conversely, prolonged droughts are affecting arable land by causing soil erosion and damaging crops that depend on predictable monsoon patterns. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates 20 million people will be displaced in Bangladesh in the coming five years. That is more than the cumulative populations of Los Angeles, Chicago and New York City. And this should be very worrying. Even now, many of the halfa-million-plus people who move their families – along with their hopes – to Dhaka, are driven there by the effects of climate change.
No streets paved with gold But the Bangladeshi capital, which teeters on less than 1
percent of the country’s overall landmass, is far from being the promised land. The combination of explosive population growth and land scarcity has sent its property and rental prices through the roof. And given that most climate refugees come from humble financial backgrounds, they are left with little alternative but to join the estimated 3.4 million people who already live without gas or electricity in cramped and substandard squatter settlements, known as bosti. Even in their new homes, they cannot escape the environmental disasters that drove them to seek shelter in the flimsy shack-like houses in this low-lying city on the banks of the Burigangariver. The incidence of flooding in Dhaka is increasing, and the lack of water and sanitation facilities means waterborne diseases such as diarrhea and typhoid are widespread. But health and pollution are not the only problems bostidwelling climate migrants face. Rahmat Ali, a resident of Dhaka’s biggest slum Korail, moved to the city when saltwater logged his farmland. Once an agricultural worker, he now scrapes out a living as a rickshaw puller. “It is very hard work for little money. But there are few options for the likes of us, who
have lost our lands and homes, and now have nothing left to go back to.”
Slow response to an urgent problem With ubiquitous bostis and climate refugees dominating the cityscape, more affluent Dhaka residents are becoming increasingly desensitized and apathetic to their plight, and are coming to accept it as the norm. This apathy is reflected in the country’s policy sphere. “People are migrating to cities because the nation is not responding to their risks,” says Aminul Islam, a member of the National Displacement Strategy Working Group under the Ministry of Disaster Management. While Bangladesh has developed a solid strategic framework for tackling climate change – including its National Action Plan for Adaptation and the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan – it has not yet prescribed any adaptation programs specifically addressing climateinduced internal displacement. And that, thinks Islam, is a failing. “The country needs a long-term vision and adaptation plan for reducing displacement,” Islam said. “The provision of climate resilient habitat, livelihood
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opportunities and civil facilities for the vulnerable will reduce incentives to migrate to cities.”
Dhaka, precursor for catastrophe? Even if Bangladesh were to increase its adaptation efforts 100-fold, it can only go so far in protecting its people. From a Bangladeshi point of view, what it desperately needs are mitigation efforts by major carbon-emitting nations. At the end of November, the world’s leaders will congregate in Paris to try and achieve a universal, binding agreement for combating climate change. And for the millions of people living in vulnerable countries such as Bangladesh, their success at the negotiating table is crucial. The situation in Dhaka illustrates how climate change is neither something that affects only polar bears, nor a problem only for future generations. Many fear that failure to act now will render the Bangladeshi capital a precursor for wholesale climate catastrophe. This story was sourced through the Voices2Paris UNDP storytelling contest on climate change and developed thanks to Tamsin Walker and @ DeutscheWelle.
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southSouth asia times 23 Asia Times
The challenge of climate change: an Indian perspective
By ArnabJyoti Das
n
EW DELHI, INDIA, Nov 19 2015 (IPS) - Few countries in the world are as vulnerable to the effects of climate change as India is with its vast population (of over 1.2 billion) that is dependent on the growth of its agrarian economy, its expansive coastal areas and the Himalayan region and islands. In 2014, the World Health Organisation (WHO) in its Ambient Air Pollution (AAP) database, revealed that thirteen of top 20 dirtiest cities were Indian. Delhi topped the list followed by Patna, Gwalior and Raipur. Realizing the problem, the government formulated a policy for abatement of pollution providing multipronged strategies in the form of regulations, legislations, agreements, fiscal incentives etc. Over time, the thrust has shifted from curative to preventive measures through adoption of clean technology, reuse and recycling, natural resource accounting, environmental audit to bring about sustainable development. A recent example is the Rs
2,315 croreHubli-Ankola railway line cutting across the Western Ghats in Karnataka which has been shown a red signal by the Supreme Court of India’s panel on forest and wildlife, which said that the project’s “huge and irreparable” ecological impact would “far outweigh” its actual tangible benefits. Mobile enforcement teams have also been deployed on regular basis at various locations for prosecution of polluting vehicles and not having Pollution under control (PUC) certificates. The broad policy framework on environment and climate change has been laid down by
the National Environment Policy (NEP) 2006, which promotes sustainable development along with respect for ecological constraints and the imperatives of social justice. The country has a definite plan of action for clean energy, energy efficiency in various sectors of industries, steps to achieve lower emission intensity in the automobile and transport sector, a major thrust to non-fossil based electricity generation and a building sector based on energy conservation. Wind energy has been the predominant contributor to the renewable energy growth in India accounting for 23.76
GW (65.2%) of the renewable installed capacity, making India the 5th largest wind power producer in the world. Solar power is poised to grow significantly with solar mission as a major initiative of the Government of India. Solar power installed capacity has increased from only 3.7 MW in 2005 to about 4060 MW in 2015, with a CAGR of more than 100% over the decade. The ambitious solar expansion programme seeks to enhance the capacity to 100 GW by 2022, which is expected to be scaled up further thereafter. India’s investment in climate change appears to be ramping up domestically as well. People are very particular in buying any vehicle or electrical equipment, they look for fuel economy and power savings guide certified by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). The best way forward is by making investments in leapfrog technologies such as ‘100% renewable energy’. Dharnai in Bihar (India), is a shining example. The village faces extreme poverty, and high illiteracy rates. But life in Dharnai has transformed
in the 10 months since an affordable solar grid arrived, the first village in India where all aspects of life are powered by solar energy. Battery backup ensures power is available around the clock and solar water pumps has improved the access of farmers to fresh water resources. The story of Dharnai ‘solarpowered micro-grid’ could be an exemplary model for bringing clean energy to all and combat climate change. People argue that renewable sources of power are not financially viable, especially for developing economies but they need to realize that any prototype of any model is always the most expensive to build. It is through constant improvement that we reach an optimized process; this is a cornerstone upon which industry has been built and it is through this principle that I believe we can make our transition to a new era in sustainable development. This story was sourced through the Voices2Paris UNDP storytelling contest on climate change and developed thanks to UrmiGoswami and @ timesofindia.
Merry XMas
HAPPY NEW YEAR Australian College of Trade Thornbury Theatre 859 High St., Thornbury Victoria 3071 www.acot.vic.edu.au
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My Journey As A Pakistani Hindu ISLAMABAD, 6 December: When I went to the United States for a semester abroad, I was frequently asked a rather bothersome question, “How are you treated, being a minority in your country?” My answer has always been very simply, I am treated just like anyone else; one of their own.
By Rak Kumar Gujar
F
or the last four years, I have been living with a Muslim family as a paying guest and I have never felt discriminated on the basis of my religion, or any other basis for that matter, in their home. The only form of prejudice I have ever faced is when I went to Islamabad for higher education. As I introduced myself in class, the mere mention of my name made the other students and teacher question if I was Indian. I couldn’t understand how they failed to know that the Pakistani population constituted 1.2% Hindus. However, that wasn’t the last of it. During a cricket match between India and Pakistan, one that we were watching in class, and I was supporting the Pakistani team, much to the astonishment of some of my classmates. In fact, a friend of mine even asked why I was not supporting the Indian team. In that moment, I wish I had a Pakistani copy right patent next to my name, so I didn’t have to give any explanations. Did I have to support the Indian team simply because of my name or religion? As far as my identity is concerned, there are many times that I have had to
show my NADRA identity card to ensure people that I am a Pakistani, be it the local merchant or the traffic police. But I don’t believe a Muslim feels any differently in the US. I am sure s/he has to prove his/her identity as an American-Muslim too. Unlike what everyone seems to think, for me, it has been a blessing to be born into a Hindu family in a Muslim state; I have been treated with nothing but respect, care and love. From schooling to university, I was always surrounded by Muslim friends. I have studied Islamiat like every other student in Pakistan, and furthermore, I was extremely appreciated by my teachers. I was the first Hindu to get admission in the Army Public School Chhor Cantonment in MirpurKhas, Sindh. I remember the days when I used to fast during Ramazan as a respectful gesture to my Muslim friends. On the first day of my fast, the warden of the hostel offered me a seat near him and we opened our fast together. I also remember the days when I participated in Muharram procession in the small town of Dhoronaro. Even though the common notion is that minorities in Pakistan need to be pitied, I have never
felt that way. Most of the blame I would set for such a deplorable reputation would be at the media; it has portrayed the situation of the minorities living in Pakistan as third-class citizens. Yet, I have never been treated anything remotely close to that. Last month, I travelled to India for the first time as I had to attend a conference in Chandigarh. Even though I was in a country that was home to millions belonging to the same religion and caste as me, I missed my country, my home, my identity and my people. I won’t deny that I was bombarded with questions regarding the status of Hindus in Pakistan. But being a Pakistani Hindu, I was unbiased and precise with my answers. I told them that I have always felt like a star of my country and I feel safe, which is why I am as loyal as any Muslim in the country. Pakistan doesn’t just belong to Muslims; it belongs to all the residents of its soil. Furthermore, there is good and bad everywhere in the world, but one should stay positive and if it’s about the security, then the Muslims themselves are not safe either. So why single out a particular community based on what is being portrayed to the world?
I believe religion is not the cause of tension between us, as religion itself teaches us tolerance and coexistence. I have been sharing my religious festivals (Holi, Diwali, and Rakshabandhan) with my Muslims friends and I tend to participate in their festivals (EidulFitr) with the same zeal. I even took my friends to Katas Raj Temple, which is the national heritage, just so they realise that it doesn’t just belong to Hindus. We are a happy family with different identities. As a nation, we share the same food, clothes, buildings, laws, and events. All these elements are what bring us together under the same umbrella, then why do we look for reasons to hate each other? Besides, living here as Raj, my name has provided me quite a unique edge over everyone else; according to one of my female friends, my name is easy to remember (I believe I have Shahrukh Khan to thank for that), and makes me easy to fall in love with! Well, there we have it. I wouldn’t want it any other way. Surprised? (Raj Kumar Gujar is from Umerkot, Sindh. He is working with PEAD Foundation (Peace Education and Development) in Islamabad. He is a social
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We are a happy family with different identities. As a nation, we share the same food, clothes, buildings, laws, and events. All these elements are what bring us together under the same umbrella, then why do we look for reasons to hate each other? entrepreneur, runs a small home business to empower women through exhibiting their handicrafts in a big markets of Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. He is also an educationist and runs a school back in his home town). (This article was originally published by the author at: https:// aaghazedosti.wordpress. com/2015/12/04/myjourney-as-a-pakistanihindu/comment-page1/#comment-649. It has not been independently verified).
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Sri Lanka’s RTI Bill has "no teeth"
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ollowing the footsteps of India, the Sri Lankan Cabinet has approved a Draft Right to Information (RTI) Bill for tabling in Parliament. While welcoming the development, the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) in its preliminary analysis has said that the proposed RTI Commission in the Bill is virtually toothless with no power to impose any sanctions on anybody for non compliance. Pointing this as one of its major weaknesses, which would need to be plugged, CHRI’s RTI expert based in Delhi, VenkateshNayak, who has prepared a note, said, “The RTI Commission will not be able to impose its writ and champion the cause of transparency in the absence of powers to impose sanctions.” According to Nayak, the Bill allows Attorney General's Office “an exemption to protect its communication with government” from RTI pleas, which is “a blanket exemption, not in tune with international best practice standards.” As for “trade secrets and intellectual property (IPR) related information”,
the Bill allows disclosing them “in public interest but only by a public authority.” Commented Nayak, “The power to direct such disclosure must also be given to the RTI Commission as they are an appellate body.” Objecting to “third party provisions”, which are spread out all over the Bill, the note says, “There is an undue weightage given to confidentiality in one provision and to the public interest override in another provision. This will create confusion and make almost every third party information contentious.” Nayak said, “The Government
under President MaithripalaSirisena had announced that they would enact an RTI law within 10 days of his taking office, earlier this year. However the RTI Bill was could not be tabled in Parliament. Instead the Constitution was amended to include RTI as a fundamental right.” An RTI consultation organized by CHRI in alliance with International Centre for Ethnic Studies, Colombo, on December 3-4, 2015, which brought RTI practitioners and experts from all over South Asia and Australia, saw interaction with Sri Lankan civil society and media representatives,
functionaries of the Attorney General's Office and various statutory authorities such as the Law Commission and the Press Complaints Commission. Among those who participated included Bangladesh’s DrShamsul Bari, chair, Transparency Advisory Group, South Asia and Research Initiatives, Bangladesh; Nepal’sTankaAryal, executive director, Citizens' Campaign for RTI; Maldives’ Hamid Mohammed Thoriq of Transparency Maldives; WajahatHabibullah, former Chief Information Commissioner, Central Information Commission, India, and Chair, CHRI;
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Shailesh Gandhi, former Central Information Commissioner. “Also participated in the consultation was Prof KalimUllah, Information Commissioner, RTI Commission, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, who shared with participants the design of their RTI laws and the manner of their use and implementation till date”, Nayak said. “Prof Rick Snell, acting dean and head of school, Law Faculty, University of Tasmania resourced the workshop explaining best practices and challenges to the implementation of freedom of information (FOI) laws in advanced jurisdictions like Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United Kingdom”, he added. “Participants highlighted the need for spreading awareness about the contents of the Draft RTI Bill to enable people all over Sri Lanka to debate it in an informed manner and give their suggestions to the government and their elected representatives for strengthening the Draft Bill before it is approved by Parliament”, Nayak said. Source: counterview.org
south asia 26 South Asia Timestimes
south asia
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By 30 June 2015, 1300 farmers had killed themselves in Maharashtra, according to the state government’s own admission, with half of the year still to go. The ongoing drought in Marathwada was supposed to deepen the crisis, which it did, with the toll reaching 997 there alone by 30 November 2015. The total number of suicides in the state has crossed 2400, as against 1981 suicides it admitted in 2014.
India : Soft loans for sugar barons, suicide for farmers By Avinash Pandey
T
he government further concedes that many of these are ‘eligible’ farm suicides: the land was in the victim's name and there was evidence of indebtedness, which makes them ‘eligible’ for compensation. Even overlooking the fact that these criteria oust women and landless labourers squarely from even a possibility of getting considered ‘eligible’, the numbers are significant. According to the Maharashtra government, 722 out of the 1300 farm suicides by June 30 were ‘eligible’ suicides. Revenue officials also admitted to 626 out of 997 farmers’ suicides in Marathwada being ‘eligible’. That the government has yet to provide the compensation is another matter altogether. The government is not always slow in dealing with distress however, as seen in the case of the sugar mill owners. These poor guys owed some Rs 2,532.49 crore to the Maharashtra sugar cane farmers, many of whom figure in the suicides statistics, whose sugarcanes they bought and did not pay for. They could not, as Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (hereafter Food Minister) Ram Vilas Paswan told the LokSabha in February, due to the falling sugar prices. "The outstanding sugarcane dues are mainly on account of low realisation from sale of sugar," he had said in a written reply to a question.
That not a single sugar mill owner has reportedly committed suicide, unlike thousands of farmers, is beside the point. Well aware of the crisis and its impact on farmers, the Union Government approved a Rs. 6,000 crore interest-free loan to sugar mills to enable them to clear cane arrears payable to farmers in June 2015. The gazette notification for the same was issued by the Department of Food and Public Distribution and can be accessed here. This was, interestingly, not the first such package for sugar mill owners to bail out farmers—the incumbent union government had given interest free loans of Rs. 4,400 crore to the sugar industry for paying cane arrears in June 2014 as well, soon after coming to power after the general elections in May 2014. The previous government had also approved an interest free loan of Rs. 6,600 crore for the mills for clearing sugarcane arrears. Unfortunately, going by the government’s own data, not much of the money seems to have reached the farmers. The total payments sugar mills owed to the farmers in June 2014 was pegged at 11,000 crore. The amount, as per Food Minister Paswan’s own admission, rose to Rs 16,364 crore by February 2015, and to a whopping Rs 21,000 crore by April. Out of these arrears, Uttar Pradesh sugar mills owed the farmers the maximum at Rs 7,870.57 crore, followed by Maharashtra at Rs 2,532.49
crore, and Karnataka at Rs 2,154.97. The government, of course, makes the claim that the money owed by the sugar mills have come significantly down to Rs 12,248 crore at the end of the 2014-15 season. Have a cursory look at the figures and the lie gets busted. The arrears that stood at Rs. 11,000 crore at the end of 2013-14 season reached to Rs. 12,248 crore at the end of the 2014-15. That is a clear increase of Rs. 1248 crore, not a ‘reduction’, significant or otherwise because of whatever relief measures the government claims to have pressed in service. Where did all the money given to the sugar mills to pay the farmers go, then? The answer to this is far from clear, though one possibility is it having been used to keep the sugar mills afloat, most of them privately owned with a very small number being under cooperatives. The presence of leakages is admitted by officials themselves. A senior government official from the co-operative and marketing department of Maharashtra, quoted in this media report, admits the same“Banks should ensure that the amount is given to farmers only. Banks need to play a crucial role. Otherwise, it happens that the money is taken from the government but never reaches the farmers. We hope that all sugar mills will implement this decision in the larger interest of the farmer community." Even if some of the funds made it to the farmers,
this would not change their predicament as they would need to spend the money on expenditures warranted from the last year as well; such as daily needs, education, health care and other social responsibilities. Such soft loans to sugar mills therefore cannot effectively address the crisis of the farmers, a crisis they have to deal with day in and day out. While sugar mill owners can wait for government bailouts, ordinary farmers do not have this luxury, a fact that keeps surfacing in farm suicide statistics. Furthermore, many of the private defaulters do not have their businesses confined to the sugar industry alone; they have diverse portfolios that include huge profit making businesses, some even based on the byproducts of the sugarcane crushing, such as ethanol refineries. Why then, do governments keep bailing out the industrialists and not the farmers? The answer is simple: industrialists are indispensable to the system that masquerades as democracy in India, while farmers—divided over a hundred fault lines—are not. The industrialists fund political parties and their electoral campaigns, farmers cannot. Further, helping ‘industry’ goes well with the dominant ‘growth and development’ discourse propagated by powers across the world, whereas helping farmers comes under ‘subsidies’ that need to be done away with. Sadly, with so many
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Well aware of the crisis and its impact on farmers, the Union Government approved a Rs. 6,000 crore interestfree loan to sugar mills to enable them to clear cane arrears payable to farmers in June 2015. farm suicides, this state of affairs cannot continue without having serious consequences to both the society and the republic. And the republic cannot solve the farm crisis by bailing out sugar barons. It needs to come up with something that addresses the real problems ailing both the farmers and the industry. Keeping mills afloat with public money, and making farmers continue to grow sugarcane with diminishing to no returns, resulting in farm suicides, is not a solution to the problem. About the Author: Mr. AvinashPandey, alias Samar is Programme Coordinator, Right to Food Programme, AHRC. He can be contacted at avinash.pandey@ahrc.asia - Asian Human Rights Commission, Dec. 4, 2015.
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Gujarat local polls: Cong “bounces back’ in rural areas, cities remain BJP bastion urban support.
The elections – held on November 22 and November 29 – are however being interpreted as suggesting that is BJP is not invincible. Gujarat has, for the last over a decade, been a state, which has won the reputation where anyone could win in the name of the BJP and NarendraModi. Despite urban defeat, results show that the Congress defeated the BJP in some of those city areas where it was considered strong, especially in the Patel-dominated areas. This was especially visible in Rajkot, where Patel vote matters the most – it bagged 34 seats against the BJP’s 38.
By Darshan Desai
A
hmedabad :In a major setback, Prime Minister NarendraModi has lost face in his home state, Gujarat, where the ruling BJP has heavily lost in local body elections to the opposition
Congress, written off in the state after the 2014 LokSabha polls, when it failed to win even one seat, conceding all 26 to the BJP. Coming close on the heals of the shock Modi’s party suffered in Bihar, the BJP could win just six district panchayats as against the Congress’
victory in 24. Simultaneously, the BJP could win just about 67 talukapanchayats as against the Congress’ scorecard of 134. The BJP ruled 30 out of 31 district panchayats and 150 out 231 talukapanchayats after the last elections to the local bodies, held in 2010. Yet, the fact is, while district and talukapanchayats may be cause for rejoice to the Congress, the party has not been able to make a major headway beyond the rural areas. Thus, the BJP not only retained all six municipal corporations – Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Rajkot, Bhavnagar and Jamnagar – for which the polls were held, it won 34 municipalities as against Congress’ scorecard of just 11. No doubt, the BJP’s victory in six city municipal corporations and municipalities has been diluted, as its victory margins have gone down, but the Congress’ failure suggests that it has a long way to go to gain
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In the outgoing Rajkot Municipal Corporation, the BJP had 49 members, as against Congress’ just 10. But as for Ahmedabad, things remain look pretty well entrenched for the BJP. This time, the BJP won the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation won 142 seats out of 192, as against just 154 in 2010. The polls are considered as the first popularity test since Modi left Gujarat, leaving the chief ministership to his closest ideological protégé, Anandiben Patel, nearly two years ago. It was also the first poll in the state in the wake of Patel community protests demanding reservation in jobs and educational institutes. Also this is the first election which the BJP wanted to be postponed in Gujarat, claiming that the law and order situation was “not conducive” to hold a free and free election. Such view was not taken even in the aftermath of the 2002 communal riots, when the BJP, riding on the Hindutva wave, sought early elections. In fact, following petitions by individuals, the Gujarat High Court had to force the elections on Gujarat. Source: counterview.net
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Rajendra Chopra’s ‘Samay Sang- Jeewan Rang’ launch soon
southSouth asia times 29 Asia Times Short synopsis on Debt Consolidation Loans with Bad Credit
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amay Sang - Jeewan Rang: A Collection of Hindi Poems (Hindi) Paperback –is Rajender (Rajan) Chopra’s poems in this new Hindi poetry book are about life (Jeewan/Jindgi) and time (Samay). His poems are the essence of his knowledge gained from his parents, teachers, friends, books and the experience he has gained by observing and continuously analysing the values, beliefs, attitude, culture and the philosophy of the people from all walks of life. In his poems Chopra has attempted to express his thoughts about the sufferings and injustices of class and caste system. Rajender (Rajan) Chopra was born in Hafizabad (India). He spent his early childhood and schooling in Sonepat (Haryana) and Delhi. Having worked for a few years in India he migrated and worked in Canada and the USA. He did his Bachelor of Science in engineering (from USA) and a MBA (from USA and Australia). He migrated to Australia in 1983. His poems have been published in Guldasta (BhartiyaVidyaBhavan), Hindi Pushp (South Asia Times) and a few other Indian newspapers of Melbourne. Poetry for him is the essence of life and nature of human beings, their behavior and the physical environment we live in. He has been reciting poems at radio station, television, various social functions/gatherings such as “SahityaSandhya’’, Hindi Niketan, Watsonia Library and a few other Hindi/English gathering of poets. The paperback is of 168 pages and is available from www.amizon.co.uk. Source: amazon.co.uk
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बड़ा दिन (क्रिसमस का त्योहार)
भारत में क्रिसमस का त्योहार बड़े -दिन के रूप में मनाया जाता है | विश्व के विभिन्न दे शों में इस त्योहार को मनाने के तौर-तरीके थोड़े थोड़े भिन्न हैं परन्तु सामान्य रूप से यह एक ख़ुशी का त्योहार है और इस दिन लोग ईसामसीह का जन्मदिन मनाते हैं ; अपने-परिवार के साथ मिलजुल कर खुशियाँ मानते हैं और एक दस ू रे को उपहार दे ते हैं | वैसे तो यह ईसाइयों का प्रमुख त्योहार है परन्तु सामाजिक रूप से इस उत्सव में अन्य धर्मों के लोग भी शामिल होने लगे हैं | एक दस ू रे को इस त्योहार की शुभकामनाएँ भेजना एक सामान्य बात हो गयी है | इस अवसर पर यह याद रखना आवश्यक है कि ईसामसीह ने शांति, प्रेम और सौहार्द का सन्देश दे ते हुए अपने प्राण न्योछावर कर दिए| हजारों वर्ष बाद भी आज लोग उनके त्याग की गाथा गाते हैं | सभी पाठकों को क्रिसमस तथा आगामी नव-वर्ष की शुभ कामनाएँ| इस महीने, भारतीय सविंधान के प्रमुख निर्माता, स्वर्गीय भीम राव अम्बेडकर की पुण्य-तिथि भी है | एक दलित अछूत जाति में पैदा होने और कठिन संघर्षमय जीवन के बावजूद, वे स्वतन्त्र भारत के प्रथम कानून-मंत्री बने| बाद में धर्म-परिवर्तन करके उन्होंने बौद्ध धर्म ग्रहण किया| उन्होंने न केवल दलितों बल्कि समस्त भारतीय समाज के सामने एक अच्छा आदर्श रखा| इस अंक के ‘काव्य-कुंज’ स्तम्भ में क्रिसमस, भीम राव अम्बेडकर तथा अन्य विषयों से सम्बंधित कवितायें हैं | साथ में, क्रिसमस से सम्बंधित एक लघु-कथा तथा तनाव से निपटने के बारे में एक लेख है | इसके अतिरिक्त, ‘संक्षिप्त समाचार’, ‘अब हँ सने की बारी है ’, ‘महत्वपूर्ण तिथियाँ’ व ‘सूचनाएँ’ स्तम्भ भी हैं | लिखियेगा कि आपको यह अंक कैसा लगा। —दिनेश श्रीवास्तव
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बड़ा दिन (क्रिसमस) स्मृति-पषु ्प -डॉ. बी.ए.डे विड, मेल्बर्न ईमेल-blissdavid50@gmail.com
यह बड़ा दिन बहार का दिन है , चैन का दिन क़रार१ का दिन है , यह चमन के सिंगार२ का दिन है ज़िन्दगी के निखार का दिन है यह बड़ा दिन...................... शुक्र३ का दिन है बंदगी का दिन, क्यों न हो यह बड़ी ख़ुशी का दिन, यह तो परवरदिगार४ का दिन है यह बड़ा दिन........................ कोई शिकवा५ ज़ुबां पर आये क्यों, दिल किसी का कोई दुखाये क्यों, आज तो सिर्फ़ प्यार का दिन है , यह बड़ा दिन........................ अब यक़ीनी नजात६ है अपनी , किस क़दर खुश हयात७ है अपनी , यह बड़े ऐतबार का दिन है , यह बड़ा दिन................. है ख़ुशी आज ग़म के मारों की , मिट गयी फ़िक्र गुनाहगारों की, बखश़् ीश-ए-गुनाहगार८ का दिन है , यह बड़ा दिन................. सारी दुनिया की जाग उठी क़िस्मत, गोया धरती पर आ गयी ज़न्नत९, रहमत-ए-बेशुमार१० का दिन है , यह बड़ा दिन........ १. आनंद २. श्रृंगार ३. धन्यवाद दे ने योग्य ४. परमेश्वर ५. शिकायत ६. मुक्ति ७. जीवन ८. पापियों को क्षमा करने ९. स्वर्ग १०. असीमित कृ पा व आशीर्वाद नोट: इस वर्ष, २५ दिसम्बर (क्रिसमस के दिन) शुक्रवार है |
मेरा गाँव, मेरा घर
(स्वर्गीय भीमराव अंबडे कर जी की स्मृति में)
-भारती बिबिकर, ईमेल- bharatibibikar@gmail.com
अग्नि में है तपता जब, स्वर्ण तभी सच्चा बनता , भासमान तद्वत भीम, संताप-अनल में झुलसता || रूढ़ियों की जंजीर में बंधा, संयमी संतप्त हुआ, संयम से संचालित, नव-अभियान संपन्न हुआ || विषमता के सर्प को, बन विषधर धारण किया, अस्पृश्यता के हलाहल को, कर्मयज्ञ में जला दिया || अनलपंख बन अनन्वित अत्याचार का विरोध किया, सुषुप्त अस्मिता को परिजनों की, गरज-गरज आह्वान किया || राष्ट्र - हित हे तु बुद्ध का, भीम ने अनुसरण किया, एकता बरकरार रखने,' बुद्धं सरणं' अपनाया || अतीत के अजस को, उचित है विदग्ध करना, सुघटित बल से उचित रक्षित अपना' कल' करना || बाबासाहब की स्मृति में, दे श-प्रेम का पुष्प अर्पित, बलसागर में अवगाहन करने, हो शक्ति मन में संचरित ||
-लक्ष्मी दत्त नौटियाल, हरिद्वार, ईमेल-ld.nautiyal@rediffmail.com
कितने वर्षों का दर्द हृदय में हैं पाले, दे खा दशकों में गाँव को अपने, हुआ मन आकु ल, तड़पा मन, किसकी बाट जोह रहे हैं ये बूढ़े आँखें छलकीं मेरा घर, मेरा प्यारा घर, यहाँ निराशा में आशा का दिखे वही मिट्टी, पत्थर के छोटे -छोटे , कु मार्ग से सद् मार्ग का कोई दीप नहीं है जलाता पर खंडहर बने टू टे घर न जाने किस सुबह, किस साँझ को, थी वही टे ढ़ी-मेढ़ी संकरी पगडं डी, इनकी अंतिम सांस का आना रुक जाता फिसलन वही,बीच-बीच में कं टीली झाड़ी, नुकीले पत्थर आँगन वही, खलिहान वही, मेरे गाँव की छवि हो गई है ऐसी टू टी मुंडेर, पर वीरानी में मृत लगते थे सब जैसे सतपुड़ा के ऊंघते घने जंगल कहते हैं गाँव-गाँव का विकास हुआ है , झाड़ वाले, जंगली घास वाले, फिर विकास से वंचित क्यों थे ये सब कटी झाड़ियों वाले, मकड़ियों के जाल वाले प्रकृ ति प्रदत्त नाले, पोखर, सब सूख गए थे, अजगरों वाले, बाघ वाले, गुलदार वाले, जिन पर थे हम सब निर्भर| सुबह शाम अंधकार वाले, दिन रात दहाड़ वाले, क्यों लुप्त हुई वह चहल-पहल, घर की दहलीज पर बैठे भयंकर बाघ वाले, चौपाल जो थी कभी मेरे गाँव की अपनी? नैतिक थी जो व्यवस्था कभी गाँव की, बंजर खेत,खलिहान क्यों दिखा रहे थे मुझको, अनैतिक हो गई वह व्यवस्था सारी अनमनी और नीरस छवि अपनी माननीय लोगों ने नैतिक होने की शपथ थी खाई हर दिन भोर में नमस्कार करते थे हम, पर तिजोरी भर रहे थे अपनी सारी रवि की आभामय स्वर्णिम किरणों को अब आसमान छूते अस्तव्यस्त दानव सम दरख्तों ने, फिर भी मुझे अब उस रे त वाले, छुपा लिया उन किरणों को बालू वाले शहर में, घर नहीं महज बसेरा लगता है पर्यावरण, वातावरण के नाम पर कभी-कभी स्वभावगत दम घुटता है , क्या सब गाँवों को जंगल बनने दें ? गाँव के लिये मन अकु लाता है मानव आबादी के बदले कहाँ ये टिमटिमाते मुस्कराते सितारे , विषधर, बाघ, चीतों, सियारों की आबादी बढ़ने दें ? कहाँ वह शहरी धुंधला आसमान? दे ख रहा हूँ नई-नवेली दुल्हन, बूढ़ी ताई, नन्ही बिटिया वह शहरी जीवन दर्शन, के वल भोगवाद, भावना नहीं, मनवता भी है कहाँ? कोस-दो कोस जल भरने जाती किन्तु तन की दरू ी, मन की दरू ी, छलकती गगरी बचाती सिर में, सीमाओं के पार हूँ मैं एक बंद मयूरी नुकीले पत्रों से हैं ख़ुद को बचाती उस मिट्टी के आँगन की सोंधी-सोंधी ख़ुशबू आवारा, अपराधी, नशीले युवक बचे हैं गाँव में और उस घर की है अब लम्बी दरू ी| या बेसहारा रुग्ण जर्जर बूढ़े
2 0 1 5
idsMbr² 2015
जलवायु परिवर्तन
-डॉ कौशल किशोर श्रीवास्तव, मेल्बर्न ईमेल-kkps44@yahoo.com यह है मेल्बर्न का विस्तृत प्रांगण जिसका प्रकृ ति करती है अनुपम श्रृंगार इसके आभूषण हैं डै न्डेनाँग पहाड़ियों पर हरियाली की श्रृंखला दरू -दरू तक फै ला सुनहला समुद्र तट और चतुर्दिक लहलहाते वृक्षों का वृंद जिसे कई बार मिला है सर्वश्रेष्ठ वैश्विक शहर का सम्मान जो है ऑस्ट्रेलिया के मुकुट का चमकता रत्न यही है हमारा मेल्बर्न ! प्राकृ तिक सम्पदा ने दिया है इस भूभाग को 'भाग्यशाली दे श' का चर्चित उपनाम जो है हम सबों का अभिमान जंगल, पहाड़, समुद्र और मरुभूमि का संगम करता है सम्पूर्ण दे शवासियों का अभिनन्दन सदियों से इसी संगम ने दिया है सुखद जलवायु का उपहार वसन्त की बहार, वर्षा की बौछार उष्णता का अहसास और नीले सागर के आलिंगन का संस्कार आज मैं व्यथित हूँ, सोचमग्न हूँ जलवायु परिवर्तन पर विस्मित हूँ, जंगलों की हरियाली पर उदासी की छाया है उन्हें वर्षा की प्रतीक्षा है , सागर की ऊँची लहरों में उफ़ान है जैसे वे हमें निगलने को अग्रसर हैं , मरुभूमि में अभूतपूर्व तपन है उनसे आती हवाओं में अग्नि का प्रकोप है , पहाड़ों पर अजीव सूनापन है शायद पशु-पक्षी भी भय-ग्रसित हैं आज सर्वत्र चर्चा है ‘ग्लोबल वार्मिंग’ की धरातल और वायुमंडल के बढ़ते तापमान की जिसके लिये असीमित औद्योगीकरण पर आरोप है लोभ-लालच का आर्थिक साम्राज्यवाद दोषी है , इसी ने प्रकृ ति का सन्तुलन बिगाड़ा है विनाशकारी जलवायु परिवर्तन को बुलाया है दुनिया के अनेक विकसित महानगरों में वायुमंडल प्रदषि ू त है , आकाश धूमिल है और पानी में ज़हरीले तत्व शामिल हैं , ये सभी हमारी उन्नत सभ्यता की दे न है क्या यही हमारा भविष्य है ? यह एक युद्ध है मानवीय और प्राकृ तिक शक्तियों के बीच वैज्ञानिक और नैसर्गिक रचनाओं के बीच, प्रश्न है 'क्या मनुष्य जीत पायेगा?' तभी एक आवाज आयी प्रकृ ति के आँचल में ही मानव जन्मा था न सभ्यता थी, न विज्ञान था, मानव असहाय था प्रकृ ति ने उसे माँ का प्यार दिया था अपने वक्ष से लगाकर जीवनदान दिया था, बुद्धिमान मनुष्य ने मुझे भी दिया है 'प्रकृ ति माता' का सर्वश्रेष्ठ सम्मान, फिर यह द्वंद कै सा? विजय का प्रश्न कै सा? सन्तति और माता में संघर्ष कै सा? पेरिस जलवायु सम्मलेन की संध्या पर हम करें संकल्प पर्यावरण संरक्षण का, प्रकृ ति के सानिध्य का और उर्जा की बचत का यह है हमारा कर्तव्य और अधिकार जिसे दुनिया करे गी स्वीकार मेल्बर्न को बनाए रखें स्वस्थ और सुन्दर और यही सन्देश भेजे विश्व के अन्दर !!
december
south South asia Asia times Times 31
2 0 1 5
स्वर्णिम चप्पलें
लघु कथा
क्रिसमस के केवल चार दिन शेष थे| मेरी कार हमारे स्थानीय सुपर-स्टोर के सामने पार्क थी| मेरे पास उन लोगों के नाम की सूची थी जो हमेशा कहते हैं कि उन्हें कुछ नहीं चाहिए परन्तु क्रिसमस पर उपहार मिलने की अपेक्षा करते हैं और न मिलने पर बुरा मानते हैं | ऐसे लोग, जिनके पास सब कुछ था और महँ गाई को दे खते हुए, मेरे लिए उनके लिए उपहार ख़रीदने का काम आसान नहीं था| फिर भी मैंने जल्दी-जल्दी उनके लिए उपहार शापिंग ट्रॉली में भरे और चेक-आउट की लम्बी लाइन में खड़ा हो गया| यह लाइन, अन्य लाइनों की तुलना में छोटी थी, फिर भी मुझे लगा कि मेरा नम्बर आने में कम से कम बीस मिनट लग जायेंगे| मेरे आगे, लाइन में दो छोटे बच्चे खड़े थे- लगभग पाँच वर्ष का एक लड़का और उससे भी कम आयु की लड़की| लड़का, अपने से काफ़ी बड़ी साइज़ के फटे हुए जूते और ढीली-ढाली निकर तथा एक पुरानी, मटमैली बरसाती पहने हुए था| वह अपने हाथों में तुड़े-मुड़े कुछ डॉलर के नोट पकड़े हुए था| लड़की के कपडे भी इसी प्रकार फटे -पुराने थे| लगता था उसके बालों में बरसों से तेल नहीं पड़ा था| उसके हाथों में सुंदर चमकीली स्वर्णिम चप्पलों का जोड़ा था| स्टोर में क्रिसमस-गीतों की आवाज़ गूँज रही थी और वह प्रसन्नतापूर्वक उन्हें गुनगुना रही थी| अंततः जब चेकआउट रजिस्टर तक उसका नम्बर आया तो लड़की ने काउं टर पर बहुत धीमे से काउं टर पर स्वर्णिम चप्पलों का जोड़ा रखा, मानो वे एक बड़ा खज़ाना हों| काउं टर पर खड़े व्यक्ति ने घंटी बजाई और
कहा – छह डॉलर, नौ सेंट| लड़के ने अपने हाथ के तुड़े-मुड़े डॉलर के नोट काउं टर पर रख दिए और अपनी जेब टटोलने लगा| कुल मिला कर वह तीन डॉलर और दो सेंट जमा कर पाया| उसने कहा – 'हमें इन्हें वापस करना होगा| हम इन्हें ख़रीदने फिर आयेंगे'| लड़की ने सिसकते हुए कहा – 'लेकिन जीसस को ये चप्पलें बहुत अच्छी लगतीं'| लड़के ने कहा – 'रो मत, हम लोग कुछ और मेहनत करें गे और बाक़ी डॉलर इकट्ठा करके, इन्हें ले जायेंगे'| मैंने जल्दी से कैशियर को तीन डॉलर दिये| ये बच्चे काफी समय से लाइन में खड़े इं तजार कर रहे थे और फिर यह क्रिसमस का समय था| अचानक छोटी-छोटी बाँहों ने मुझे घेर लिया और कहा – बहुत-बहुत धन्यवाद| मैंने पूछा – 'तुमने क्यों कहा था कि ये चप्पलें जीसस को पसंद आएँगी?' लड़के ने जवाब दिया 'हमारी माँ बीमार है और स्वर्ग जाने वाली है | हमारे पिता का कहना है कि वह क्रिसमस के पहले ही जीसस के पास जा सकती है | लड़की ने कहा – 'हमारे पादरी ने बताया है कि स्वर्ग में सड़कें सुनहरी हैं – ठीक इन सुनहरी चप्पलों की तरह| उन सड़कों पर इन सुनहरी चप्पलों में चलते हुए, हमारी माँ कितनी सुंदर लगेगी!' मैं अपनी आँखों के आँसुओं का न रोक सका| मैंने कहा – 'हाँ, ज़रूर|' चुपचाप मन में मैंने ईश्वर को धन्यवाद दिया कि इन बच्चों द्वारा उन्होंने मुझे क्रिसमस का असली सन्देश याद दिला दिया| कुछ प्राप्त करने से दे ना कहीं उत्तम है | प्रेषक – डॉ. सुरेश गुप्ता, मेल्बर्न
s'i=Pt sm;c;r
तनाव सर्वव्यापी, जन्म से मृत्यु तक प्रत्येक जीव से अटू ट रूप से जुड़ा है । इससे बचना असंभव है । सामाजिक तथा व्यक्तिगत दोनों रूपों में युग, समय, तथा स्थान के साथ तनाव का रूप बदल जाताहै । आदि मानव के लिये जीवन सुरक्षा ही तनाव का मुख्य कारण रहा होगा। सामाजिक ढाँचे के बदलने के साथ जीवन सरल तथा उपयोगी बनाने के साधनों को संजोने की चेष्टा पर आधुनिक युग में तनाव केन्द्रित हो गया। अत: आज तनाव का प्रमुख कारण आशानुरूप मांग तथा साधनों के बीच होड़ है । मांग, समय, धन, शक्ति, ज्ञान आदि किसी रूप में हो सकती है और इन्हीं की सीमित मात्रा में उपलब्धि, सामाजिक तथा व्यक्तिगत तनाव उत्पन्न होने का कारण है । तनाव यदि लगातार बना रहता है तथा एक सीमा पार कर जाता है केवल तभी वह मानसिक तथा शारीरिक रूप में हानिकारक तथा तनाव से उत्पन्न रोगों को जन्म दे ता है या बढ़ाता है । समस्या केवल तनाव की सीमा को पहचानने तथा उसे बढ़ाने की है । वैसे तनाव मानव जीवन तथा सांस्कृतिक विकास के लिये आवश्यसक भी है । पूर्णतया तनाव रहित जीवन रोमांच, प्रेरणा तथा स्फूर्ति रहित होगा। मानव के भीतरी तथा बाहरी वातावरण में परिवर्तन के कारण भी तनाव उत्पन्न होता है । तनाव की परिस्थिति में जीवन क्रियाओं में परिवर्तन होता है जिनके द्वारा जीव परिवर्तित स्थिति से निपटने के लिये शक्ति प्राप्त करता है । वस्तुत: ऐसे परिवर्तन दो प्रकार के होते हैं , पहले वह जो बदली परिस्थिति के प्रभाव को सीधे कम करे , जैसे ठं ड से शरीर की तापोज्जनक क्रियाओं को बढ़ा कर शरीर
के तापक्रम को स्थिर रखना और गर्मी में पसीने द्वारा शरीर को ठं डा करना दस ू रे ऐसे परिवर्तन जो सभी परिस्थितियों में सामान्य रूप से होते है जैसे हारमोन ग्रंथियों-पिट्यूटिरी तथा ऐड्रीनल-का तेजी से काम करना। इन ग्रंथियों से निकले हारमोन्स का शरीर में व्यापक प्रभाव पड़ता है - जैसे रक्तचाप तथा रक्तसंचार का बढ़ना। सांस का तेज होना, हृदय गति का बढ़ना, शारीरिक तापक्रम का बढ़ना, मांसपेशियों का तन जाना, मस्तिष्क तथा ज्ञानेन्द्रियों का सचेत होना। फलस्वरूप मनुष्य ऐसी अवस्था में शारीरिक तथा मानसिक रूप से अपनी पूरी क्षमता से काम करता है । समय के साथ या तनाव के समाप्त होने पर शारीरिक जागरूकता की यह परिस्थिति समाप्त हो जाती है और सभी प्रणालियॉं अपनी आराम की अवस्था में वापस लौट आती है । तनाव जनित रोगों से बचने तथा तनाव को कम करने के लिये शारीरिक प्रणालियों को आराम की स्थिति में लौटना आवश्यथक है अन्यथा शरीर को अपनी खोई हुई
इस वर्ष की अंतिम साहित्य संध्या २०१५ क्यू लाइब्रेरी, मेलबर्न क्यू में शनिवार २८ नवंबर को संपन्न हुई| सर्वप्रथम डॉ. सुभाष शर्मा ने साहित्य संध्या की पूरे वर्ष की गतिविधियों पर प्रकाश डाला तथा बताया कि साहित्य संध्या हर दस ू रे महीने होती है परं तु इस वर्ष साहित्य संध्या के कवियों ने हिन्दी के प्रचार प्रसार हे तु १४ अन्य कार्यकर्मों में भी भाग लिया| इस वर्ष की अंतिम साहित्य-संध्या का संचालन डा. नलिन शारदा ने किया| इस संध्या के विशिष्ट अतिथि भारत से पधारे डा मृगेश तथा श्री एवं श्रीमती अरुण शारदा थे| डा मृगेश ने हास्य-व्यंग्य की धारा प्रवाह प्रस्तुति दी जिसमें फूलन दे वी के लोक सभा में अपने ही भाई बिरादरी के लोगों के साथ बैठने के अनुभवों का रोचक चित्रण था| श्री अरुण शारदा ने भारत में असहिष्णुता पर एक भारतीय मुस्लिम द्वारा लिखी कविता का ज़ोरदार पाठ किया| अरुण जी की पत्नी ने हिन्दी के लिए भारत के बाहर किये जा रहे प्रयासों को सराहा| कविताओं के विषय मिश्रित थे ताहिर (दर्द आनंद) के मथुरा के पण्डे का वर्णन तथा फ्रेडरिक
ऑफ़ लैंग्वेज के क्षेत्रीय एरिया मैनेजर डॉ होल्गर नोर्ड ने अपने संक्षिप्त भाषण में कार्यक्रम की सराहना की हिन्दी शिक्षा संघ के अध्यक्ष, डॉ नरे न्द्र अग्रवाल ने शिक्षकों की प्रशंसा की और उपहार वितरण किया हिन्दी शिक्षा संघ ने इस समारोह के लिये पाँच सौ डॉलर का अनुदान भी दिया -डॉ. कौशल किशोर श्रीवास्तव
की अंगरे जी-कविता की मल्टीमीडिया प्रस्तुति बहुत ही प्रभावशाली रही | डा दिनेश श्रीवास्तव ने हिन्दी के नए राष्ट्रीय पाठ्यक्रम के बारे में बताया जो अगले वर्ष से लागू हो जाएगा| पर्यावरण पर डा. कौशल श्रीवास्तव का चित्रण हाल के आमंत्रित किया गया| इस कार्यक्रम में कुल अंतर्राष्ट्रीय पर्यावरण सम्मेलन (पेरिस) मिला कर ३१ काव्य प्रेमियों ने भाग लिया| के सन्दर्भ में सटीक लगा| बालीवुड के गीत एवं संगीतकार डा. रवीन्द्र जैन के गीत जो राह चुनी तूने को श्री रमेश दवे ने अपना मधुर स्वर दिया| मध्यांतर के बाद भी उपस्थित कवियों ने अपनी पति-पत्नी कविताओं और मधुर स्वर में गीतों का पति (अपने एक मित्र से) – मेरी पत्नी समाँ बाँध दिया| कार्यक्रम का समापन ‘वास्तु-शास्त्र’ में बहुत विश्वास करती है | आने वाले वर्ष की शुभ कामनाओं से मित्र - तुम्हें कैसे पता लगा? हुआ और २६ जनवरी के अवसर पर होने पति – जब भी हमारी आपस में लड़ाई होती वाली साहित्य-संध्या के लिए श्रोताओं को
ab h\sne kI b;rI hw
है , वह कोई भी ‘वस्तु’ उठा लेती है और उसे ‘शस्त्र’ की तरह इस्तेमाल करती है |
भारतीय संस्कृति का केंद्र–मेल्बर्न का उपनगर डैन्डेनाँग
बुधवार, २ दिसम्बर, २०१५ को विक्टोरिया सरकार के बहु-सांस्कृतिक मामलों के मंत्री, माननीय रॉबिन स्कॉट ने मेल्बर्न के उपनगर, डै न्डेनाँग में भारतीय संस्कृति स्थापित करने की घोषणा की| मंत्री महोदय ने मेल्बर्न के पश्चिमी उपनगर क्षेत्र विंढम (Wyndham)
mhTvpU,R itiqy;\
में भी भारतीय सामुदायिक केंद्र स्थापित करने में सहायता करने का वचन दिया| स्मरणीय है कि डै न्डेनाँग में बड़ी संख्या में प्रवासी भारतीय रहते हैं और वहाँ भारतीय खान-पान, भारतीय वस्त्र-परिधान आदि के प्रमुख केंद्र हैं | इसके अतिरिक्त, वहाँ दक्षिणी एशिया का
६ दिसम्बर (डॉ. भीम राव अम्बेडकर की पुण्य तिथि), ८ दिसम्बर (बोधि-दिवस), २३ दिसम्बर (मालिड अन नबी, ईद-ए-मिलाद), २५ दिसम्बर (बड़ा दिन/क्रिसमस), १ जनवरी (नव-वर्ष), १३ जनवरी (माघीसिख), १४ जनवरी (लोढ़ी), १५ जनवरी (पोंगल, मकर संक्रांति), १६ जनवरी (गुरु
शक्ति को पुन: प्राप्त करने का समय नहीं मिलता और तनाव जनित थकावट तथा शारीरिक हानि की संभावना बढ़ जाती है | मनुष्यी को तनाव को सहन करने तथा उसे प्रबन्धित करने के लिये प्रशिक्षित किया जा सकता है । इस प्रक्रिया में तनाव की मा़त्रा को धीरे -धीरे बढ़ाते हुये मानव को तनाव ग्रस्त बनाकर उसे वहन करवाया जाता है । इस प्रक्रिया को परिस्थिति अनुकूलन कहते हैं । इस प्रकार के प्रशिक्षण का लाभ यह भी है कि एक प्रकार के तनाव को सहन करने वाला व्यक्ति अन्य तनावों को भी सहन करने की क्षमता प्राप्त कर लेता है । इस प्रक्रिया को क्रास ऐडे प्टेशन अथवा विपरीत अनुकूलन कहते हैं । ‘मैराथान’ धावक लम्बी दौड़ के साथ-साथ गर्मी को सहन करने की अधिक क्षमता रखते हैं । उनके शरीर का तापक्रम अधिक हो जाने पर भी वह ‘हीट-स्ट्रोक’ से पीड़त नहीं होते। गर्मी में प्रशिक्षित व्यक्तियों में थका दे ने वाले परिश्रमिक कार्य करने की क्षमता सामान्य व्यक्तियों की अपेक्षा अधिक होती है । इन व्यक्तियों में पसीना शरीर के ऊॅंचे तापक्रम पर बनना शुरू होता है । इसीलिए उनमें पानी तथा लवण का ह्रास कम होता है । व्यायाम भी अनुकूलन तथा विपरीत अनुकूलन के लिये विशेष उपयोगी है , नियमित रूप से सक्रिय व्यायाम करने से शरीर तथा मस्तिष्क दोनों ही तनाव से कम प्रभावित होते हैं । व्यायाम से हृदय वाहिका प्रणाली सक्रिय रहती है । मस्तिष्कम का रक्त संचार भी बढ़ता है तथा भावनात्मक परिपक्वता आती है । तनाव को सहन करने की सीमा बढ़ जाती है । (क्रमशः)
वर्ष २०१५ की अंतिम साहित्य संध्या
वी.एस.एल. के डैन्डेनाँग केन्द्र का हिन्दी वार्षिकोत्सव
१४ नवम्बर २०१५ को बाल दिवस के अवसर पर डै न्डेनाँग विद्यालय में हिन्दी समारोह का आयोजन किया गया इसमें वहाँ के छात्रों ने कई मनोरं जक कार्यक्रम प्रस्तुत किये जिसमें वन्य प्राणियों का सम्मलेन, मूक नाटिका, संगीत और नृत्य काफी आकर्षक थे छात्रों और अभिभावकों की अच्छी उपस्थिति थी विक्टोरियन स्कू ल
तनाव से निपटिये - बचिये नही -डॉ. कौशल किशोर श्रीवास्तव, दिल्ली
कवि और उसकी प्रेमिका प्रेमिका – विवाह के पहले मैं तुम्हें बता दे ना चाहती हूँ कि मुझे खाना पकाना नहीं आता है | कवि – मैं भी एक बात साफ. कर दे ना चाहता हूँ कि मैं कवि हूँ और मेरे घर में पकाने को कुछ है ही नहीं|
सवर्प्रथम भारतीय संग्रहालय भी है और यह पहले से ही ‘लिटिल इण्डिया’ के नाम से जाना जाता है | बायीं ओर चित्र में माननीय माननीय रॉबिन स्कॉट, ‘फ़ेडरे शन ऑफ़ इन्डियन एसोसिएशंस ऑफ़ विक्टोरिया’ के अध्यक्ष, डॉ. शरद गुप्ता जी के साथ हैं |
गोविन्द सिंह जी की जयंती)| १. संगीत संध्या (५ दिसम्बर) तथा स्वरसंध्या (२ जनवरी) समय- रात के ८ बजे से आरम्भ| स्थान -वेवर्ली मेडोज़ प्राइमरी स्कू ल, ११ कूलम्बिया ड्राइव, व्हीलर्स हिल, विक्टोरिया (मेल्वे सन्दर्भ- ७१ जी-११)
समय - रात के ८ बजे से आरं भ अधिक जानकारी के लिए, संदीप को (०४०७) ६१२ ६२२ या सौरभ को (०४०२) ३२६ २३२ पर फ़ोन कीजिए| २. साहित्य संध्या (शनिवार, २५ जनवरी) समय- रात के ८ बजे से १० बजे तक स्थान – फिलिप्स होर रूम, क्यू (Kew)
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लाइब्रेरी, कोथम (Cotham) रोड तथा सिविक (Civic) ड्राइव के नुक्कड़ पर, क्यू (Kew), मेल्वे सन्दर्भ (४५ डी-६) प्रवेश निःशुल्क है | अधिक जानकारी के लिए सुभाष शर्मा (फ़ोन-०४३३ १७८ ३७७) हरिहर झा (फ़ोन०३९५५५), या नलिन शारदा (फ़ोन- ०४०२ १०८ ५१२) से संपर्क कीजिए|
औरतों को दे खने का समय रमेश (नरे श से) – तुम रोज़ सुबह डॉक्टर की क्लिनिक के बाहर खड़े हो कर औरतों को क्यों घूरते हो? नरे श (रमेश से) – क्योंकि क्लिनिक के ‘नोटिस बोर्ड’ पर लिखा है – औरतों को दे खने का समय सुबह ९ बजे से ११ बजे तक का है |
—प्रेषक- डॉ. सुरेश गुप्ता, मेल्बर्न
South Asia Times south asia community 32 South Asia Timestimes
quick community guide Radio GUIDE
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SUNDAY Language Program Hindi..................................9 am to 10 am – 93.1 FM BANGLA Urdu................................10 am to 11 am – 93.1 FM Sydney 97.7 FM & SBS Radio 2 Tamil...............................11 am to 12 pm – 93.1 FM Melbourne 93.1 FM & SB Radio 2 Hindi.................................8 pm to 10 pm – 88.3 FM Monday & Saturday Singhalese.......................8 pm to 11 pm –97.7 FM 6-7 PM GUJARATI MONDA Y Sydney 97.7 FM & SBS Radio 2 Hindi....................................3 to 4 pm – 93.1 FM Melbourne 93.1 FM & SBSPm Radio Bengali...............................4 pm to 5 pm – 93.1 FM Wednesday & Friday 4-5 PM Hindi...................................6 pm to 8 pm – 88.3 FM Indian (Fiji)..................................6 pm to 8 pm 88.3 HINDI Punjabi........................1 1 am to 12 Sydney 97.7 FM & SBS Radio 2 noon 92.3 FM Melbourne 93.1 FM & SB Radio 2
Daily TUESDAY 5 PM Hindi..................................... 6 am to 8 am – 97.7 FM Hindi.................................... 2 pm to 4 pm – 97.7 FM kannada Sydney SBS Radio 3
Melbourne SBS Radio 3 WEDNESDAY Tuesday 3-4 PM Hindi.................................... .6 am to 8 am – 97.7 FM Hindi......................................... 12 to 1 pm – 93.1 FM Nepali Sydney 97.7 FM & SBS1Radio 2 12 pm - 92.3 FM Punjabi............................ 1 am to Melbourne 93.1 FM & SB Radio Hindi................................... .8 pm to 29 pm – 97.7 FM Saturday & Sunday 4-5 PM
THURSDAY PUNJABI Hindi............................... 5.30 am to 7 am – 97.7 FM Sydney 97.7 FM & SBS Radio 2 9 pm – 92.3 FM Tamil.................................... 8 pm to Melbourne 93.1 FM & SB Radio 2 Sinhalese.......................... 1 1 pm to 3 am –92.3 FM Monday & Friday Punjabi............................. 9 pm to 10 pm – 93.1 FM 9-10 PM SINHALESE FRIDAY Sydney 97.7 FM & SBS Radio 2 Indian.................................. .8 Radio am to 29 am – 88.3 FM Melbourne 93.1 FM & SB Monday & Friday
11AM-12 PM SATURDAY Sinhalese............................ 7 am to 8 am – 92.3 FM TAMIL TSydney amil..................................... 12-12.30 97.7 FM & SBS Radio 2 pm – 88.3 FM Indian.................................... am to26 am - 92.3 FM Melbourne 93.1 FM & SB5Radio Monday & Saturday Punjabi.......................................... 12-2 am – 92.3 FM 8-9 PM Indian................................ 9 pm to 10 pm – 92.3 FM Punjabi.................................................. 11 pm to 1 am urdu Sydney 97.7 FM & SBS Radio24/7 2 Radio stations Melbourne FM & SB Radio 2(Subscription) Indian Link93.1 Radio Wednesday & Sunday 18000 15 8 47 6-7 PM Radio Santa Banta (Internet) Santabanta.com.au WORLD NEWS AUSTRALIA RADIO SydneyJhankar 1107AM88.6 & SBSFM; Radio 1 Thursday; 8 to Radio Every Melbourne 1224AM & SB Radio 1 10 pm; Contact: 94668900 or 0411247320 or Monday & Friday 9404 2111 6-7 am & 6-7 PM
South Asian websiteS India TEHELKA – www.tehelka.com OUTLOOK – www.outlookindia.com FRONTLINE- www.flonnet.com THE HINDU: www.hinduonnet.com TIMES OF INDIA: www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com HINDUSTAN TIMES: www.hindustantimes.com Pakistan DAWN: www.dawn.com THE FRIDAY TIMES: www.thefridaytimes.com THE NEWS INTERENATIONAL: www.thenews.com.pk Sri Lanka DAILY MIRROR: www.dailymirror.lk DAILY NEWS: www.dailynews.lk THE ISLAND: www.island.lk Nepal THE HIMALAYAN TIMES: www.thehimalayantimes.com KANTIPUR NATIONAL DAILY:
PLACES OF WORSHIP HINDU Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple 57 Boundary Rd, Carrum Downs, Melbourne, Vic 3201, Ph: 03 9782 0878; Fax: 03 9782 0001 Website: www.hsvshivavishnu.org.au Sri Vakratunda Vinayaka Temple 1292 - 1294, The Mountain Highway, The Basin, Vic 3154, Ph: 03 9792 1835 Melbourne Murugan Temple 17-19 Knight Ave., Sunshine VIC 3020 Ph: 03 9310 9026 Durga Temple (Durga Bhajan Mandali) Neales Road, Rockbank, Vic 3335 Ph: 03 9747 1628 or Mobile: 0401 333 738 Hare Krishna (ISKCON) Temple 197 Danks Street, Middle Park Vic 3206 Ph: (03) 9699 5122 Email: 100237.354@compuserve.com Hare Krishna New Nandagram Rural Community Oak Hill, Dean’s Marsh Rd., Bambra VIC 3241, Ph: (052) 887383 Fax: (052) 887309 Kundrathu Kumaran Temple 139 Gray Court, ROCKBANK Victoria 3335 Ph: 03-9747 1135 or M: 0450 979 023 http://www.kumarantemple.org.au/
D E C E M B E R
SHEPPARTON Gurdwara Sahib Shepparton 240 Doyles Road, Shepparton VICTORIA 3603 PH: (03) 5821 9309
JAIN Melbourne Shwetambar Jain Sangh Inc 3 Rice Street, Moorabbin, Vic - 3189, Australia. Phone: +61 3 9555 2439 info@melbournejainsangh.org http://www.melbournejainsangh.org
Melbourne West Mosque 66-68 Jeffcott Street, Melbourne Ph: 03 9328 2067
4 Timbarra Crescent, O’Malley ACT 2606 (Australia), Tel: 61-2-62901676, 61-2-62901676, 62902769, 62901879 & 62901031, Fax: 61-262901073 Email: parepcanberra@internode. on.net, Postal Address: PO Box 684, Mawson ACT 2607 (Australia)
Broadmeadows Mosque 45-55 King Street, Broadmeadows Ph 03 9359 0054 Islamic Call Society 19 Michael Street, Brunswick Ph: 03 9387 7100
Sri Lanka Consulate
Islamic Centre of Australia 660 Sydney Road, Brunswick Ph 03 9385 8423
32A Brunswick Street ,Walkerville 5081 Melbourne , Phone: 9898-6760, 9248-1228 Email: rodney@techno.net.au
Australian Islamic Cultural Centre 46-48 Mason Street, Campbellfield Ph: 03 9309 7605
Bangladesh High Commission, Canberra
Coburg ISNA Mosque 995 Sydney Road, Coburg North
43, Culgoa Circuit, O’Malley, ACT-2606 Canberra, Australia, Ph: (61-2) 6290-0511, (612) 6290-0522, (61-2)6290-0533 (Auto hunting). Fax : (61-2) 6290-0544 E-Mail :hoc@bhcanberra.com
Coburg Mosque (Fatih Mosque) 31 Nicholson Street, Coburg Ph 03 9386 5324 Deer Park Mosque 283 Station Road, Deer Park Ph 03 9310 8811
Consulate of Nepal, Melbourne
United Migrant Muslim Assn. 72 George Road, Doncaster Ph 03 9842 6491, Footscray West Mosque 294 Essex Street, Footscray
SIKH
Heidelberg Mosque Corner Lloyd & Elloits Streets, West Heidelberg
CRAIGIEBURN Sri Guru Singh Sabha 344 Hume Highway, Craigieburn VICTORIA 3164 (see map), Ph: (03) 9305 6511 KEYSBOROUGH Gurdwara Sri Guru Granth Sahib 198 -206 Perry Road, Keysborough VICTORIA 3073 (see map) LYNBROOK Nanaksar Taath, 430 Evans Road, Lynbrook VICTORIA 3975, (03) 9799 1081 HOPPERS CROSSING Sri Guru Nanak Satsang Sabha 417 Sayers Road, Hoppers Crossing VICTORIA 3029, Ph: (03) 9749 2639 WERRIBEE Gurdwara Sahib Werribee 560 Davis Road, Tarneit VICTORIA 3029 PH: (03) 8015 4707
Email: cyonzon@nepalconsulate.net.au Level 7, 28-32 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Ph: (03) 9650 8338 Email: info@nepalconsulate.net.au
Glenroy Musala 1st Floor, 92 Wheatsheaf Road, Glenroy
TV News
Islamic College of Victoria (Mosque) 201 Sayers Road, Hoppers Crossing Ph 03 9369 6010
SBS1 – Daily NDTV News - 11 am - Monday to Saturday. (From New Delhi, India). Urdu news SBS1 - PTV News – 9.30 am - Every Sunday – (From Pakistan).
Huntingdale Mosque 320-324 Huntingdale Road, Huntingdale Ph 03 9543 8037
Readymade Garments
Al Nur Mosque 34-36 Studley Street, Maidstone
Roshan’s Fashions 68-71 Foster Street, Dandenong, Vic 3175 Ph: (03) 9792 5688
Meadow Heights Mosque Hudson Circuit, Meadow Heights
Raj Rani Creations 83-A Foster Street, Dandenong, Vic 3175 Ph: (03) 9794 9398
Springvale Mosque 68 Garnworthy Street, Springvale
EMERGENCY CONTACTS EMERGENCY CONTACTS Police, Fire & Abulance ........................ Victoria State Emergency Service (SES)....................................... Traffic hazards and freeway conditions..........................
Gas escape........................................... 132 771 Poisons information........................ 13 11 26 Maternal and Child Line................ 13 22 29 Parentline........................................... 13 22 89 Kids Help Line......................... 1800 551 800 Lifeline (provides confidential telephone counselling)................. 13 11 14 Suicide Help Line.................... 1300 651 251 Animal Emergencies.................. 9224 2222
HIGH COMMISSION FOR PAKISTAN,CANBERRA
MUSLIM
Sankat Mochan Temple 1289 A North Road. Huntingdale Morning: 10.30 am – 12.30 pm daily Evening: 4:30 pm – 8.00 pm daily Site: http: www.sankatmochan.org.au Contact: 0427 274 462
BLACKBURN Sri Guru Nanak Satsang Sabha 127 Whitehorse Road, Blackburn VICTORIA 3130, Ph: (03) 9894 1800
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desi estyle 76 Foster St., Dandenong 3175 (03) 87744853; 0413707685 000
132 500 13 11 70
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Heritage India 54-56 Foster Street, Dandenong, Vic 3175, Ph: (03) 9791 9227 Site: heritageindia.net.au
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quick community guide
D E C E M B E R
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contd from previous page DVDs, Music CDs & Film Stuff Baba Home Entertainment 52C Foster St., Dandenong 3175, (03) 97067252 1st Migration PL, Suite 110, Level 1, 672 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn Vic 3122
Travel Agents Gaura Travels 1300 FLY INDIA or 1300 359 463 info@gauratravel.com.au Supa Cheap Travel 381 Burwood Road, Hawthorn 3122 Ph: (03) 98194656; Mobile: 0420201155 info@supacheaptravel.com.au www.supacheaptravel.com.au Mann Travel 329 Clayton Road, Clayton 3168 info@manntravel.com.au www.manntravel.com.au Travel House 284 Clayton Road, Clayton 3168 Ph: (03) 95435123, Mobile: 0425803071 mail@travelhouse.com.au
INDIAN CONSULATE
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South Asia Times
PHONE NUMBERS Phone Number for General Consular Enquiries(operational only during Consular Working Hours i.e. 0930 hrs to 1230 hrs, Monday to Friday) For PCC and PCC and Driving License Verification enquiries 03- 96825800 02 8223 9908/ 1900 969 969 Email ID for General Consular Enquiries consular@cgimelb.org Visa enquiries: visainfo.inau@vfshelpline.com Passport/Police Clearance Certificate/ Driving License Enquiries passportinfo. inau@vfshelpline.com, OCI/PIO Enquiries ociinfo.inau@vfshelpline.com CONSULAR SERVICES (Passport, Visa, OCI, PIO & Miscellaneous) Please note that all these consular services are handled by VFS Global (Indian Passport and Visa Service Centre) The Consulate General of India in Melbourne will continue to provide to residents of Victoria and Tasmania the following consular services, for which applications would have to be lodged directly with the Consulate: Miscellaneous OCI Services • Miscellaneous Consular Services (such as attestation of documents, transfer of visas from old to new passport, affidavits, birth certificates, life certificates, certificate required to transport ashes or mortal remains to India etc) IMPORTANT: The Consulate does not accept credit cards, EFTPOS, personal cheques or company cheques. Please send only money orders or bank cheques with applications sent through the post. Cash payments are accepted only at the counter.
(MELBOURNE) Address : 344, St. Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia , P.O. Box No: 33247 Domain LPO Vic 3004 General phone: +61-3- 96827836 Fax No: + 61-3- 96968251 Web site: www.cgimelb.org
WORKING HOURS General Working Hours 9.00 am to 5.30 pm Monday to Friday, Consular Working Hours 09.30 am to 12.30 pm Monday to Friday, (except on public holidays observed by the consulate)
MLG Lawyers Ronny Randhawa 144 Sydney Road, Coburg Vic Ph 9386 0204 & 138 Walker Street, Dandenong Vic Ph: 9793 9917 Mobile : 0402 256 712
International Students International Student Care Service (ISCS) www.multicultural.vic.gov.au/iscs Ph: 1800 056 449
Vera Lawyers Kusum Vaghela Level 1, Suite 2, 373 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong Vic, Mobile: 0433 827 124
Property FIRST Property PL, Suite 110, Level 1,672 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn Vic 3122
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South Asia Times south asia 34 South Asia Timestimes
Entertainment
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‘Last Page’ from the Director with compassion
There were 12 regional and 3 Bengali films chosen for screening at the Indian Select at the 21st Kolkata International Film Festival. However, it was not an uphill task for the jury to pick the best because the average quality of films left much room for improvement though some of them had already bagged National Awards last year. In this scenario, picking up the best film was easy and smooth going and there was no debate among the three-jury members who represented the Indian Film Critics Association founded in 2013. By Shoma A. Chatterji
t
he winner was Last Page (Kannada) directed by Nikhilmanjoo Lingaiah. This is his second feature film the first being Hajj that explores a mother-son relationship in an extremely impoverished family. The son dreams of taking his mother to Hajj while the mother wishes him to marry a young widow who lives on the other side of the river. Lingaiah who has a solid background in theatre, bagged the Best Actor Award for his work in the film at the Karnataka State Awards in 2013. Last Page explores the metamorphosis in the character of Somanna (H.G. Somashekar Rao) an old, retired school teacher who lives with Janaki (Bhargavi Narayan) his wife in a small two-storeyed house in one corner of the city. Somanna is a cantankerous old man who constantly nags his wife and gets into heated arguments with the neighbourhood grocer. He is a difficult man to live with but his wife takes all this with stoic calm as she goes about her household chores without a murmur. Fate intervenes when Somanna has a heart attack and needs an emergency surgery. He rebukes the surgeon for having accepted the payment for this from his son and insists on clearing the bills himself. His sickness follows by the surgery brings about a change in his behaviour especially towards his wife. Afraid that death is lurking round the corner, he sets about making arrangements for the financial stability of his wife in his absence. One fine morning, it is Janaki who dies of a heart attack on the way to hospital. Somanna tries to cope with his new lonely life by going for walks and sitting down beside a pond where boys come to play. He finds that they fail to
make paper boats that keep afloat and teaches them how. The film ends on this note of hope. The message on empathy for senior citizens comes across only through suggestion and implication and is never loud or crude. Lingaiah’s celluloid statement on old age and the small idiosyncrasies that accompany it unfolds a beautiful story over a brief span of 60 minutes without lingering over small issues. The production design of the little house behind the grilled iron gate which makes a screeching sound when it is opened and shut are examples of the director’s keen eye for detailing.
The interiors of the house are painted in simple colours, furniture is simple but the one thing that throws up a facet of Janaki’s character is that she does every single household chore herself, dispensing with household staff probably because her husband is a stingy old man but honest to the core. There are small flashbacks into Somana’s past as a teacher where he puts his foot down on any kind of compromise with his principles and his job. He gets into a tiffy with the grocer who refuses to accept lozenges in place of small change and comes back without fetching his packet of milk. Janaki then comes, apologizes to
the grocer, pays him the small change and brings the packet home. This not only fleshes out the difference between the husband and wife but also focusses on the wife’s acceptance of her husband’s foibles. The editorial pace of the film is slow but it has a rhythm of its own in keeping with the two elderly protagonists of the film who are in no hurry to reach anywhere. The actors, including the brief cameos portrayed by the surgeon, the paramedical staff, and the coaching class teachers in the flashback are so spontaneous and natural that at times one feels one is watching a
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documentary film. The music is low key and subtle and so is the film. It does not hold a flag or shout slogans, real or metaphorical but manages to get its message across through its subtlety that makes the message all that more intensive and deep reaching. The director has followed a minimalistic approach in terms of characterisation, physical and social ambience to portray the life of an old couple who keep away from a socially active life either because they are too old or because they are not interested. The cinematography is not very low key but is not loud either, focussed on quire a few close-ups when the camera holds their facial expressions for the audience to be privy to. Janaki’s pain comes across in one scene when she says quietly that it was Somanna who drove their son away when he complaining about the son leaving them to fend for themselves in their old age. The son, who remains off screen and is not audible through his voice, makes his presence felt when he pays for his father’s surgery directly to the hospital knowing that his father might not accept any grace from him. The citation by the Jury states that Last Page was chosen among the 15 entries “for its delicate balance among form, content and technique to narrate a story that is a powerful metaphor pleading empathy for the aged.” A poignant and lovely offering that says everything it had so say and some more, over the brief span of 60 minutes. Lingaiah’s inclination towards the marginalised and the oppressed through his two films Hajj and Last Page is understandable when one learns that he has a degree in human psychology, has worked for several NGOs and believes in the theory that making a film means building a nation. Filmmaking is his passion in life. —Upperstall, Dec. 13, 2015
Business
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southSouth asia times 35 Asia Times
Greenwashing: Are companies walking the talk?
NEW DELHI, 4 December: The issue of green washing is one that must be taken into account when considering sustainable consumption as it involves the influence of the style of communication of the goods via advertising and hence emphasizes the linkage between consumption and advertising. In fact, firms spend large amounts of money on green advertising and CSR initiatives because they want to be perceived as socially and environmentally friendly with the hopes that such perception would lead to more favorable brand attitudes and purchase intentions. It should be noted that when this green advertising becomes misleading, however, it is attributed to corporate greenwashing claims, which, as previously detailed, adversely impacts on CSR efforts and reputation. While greenwashing is a phenomenon, there should be consideration of the importance towards sustainability that is being adopted by companies. While Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has been a buzz word of which one outward manifestation is reporting on an annual basis of work carried out towards CSR and the fact that for many companies, the Triple Bottom Line: Society, Economy and Environment, which is also referred to as ‘Planet, People, Profit’ is considered in all business decisions and the growth trajectory of businesses. By Nitya Chhiber
A
n emphasis on sustainability is usually only associated with organizations such as the United Nations but work on Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP). After all, it should be noted that SCP is most specifically been recognized by the United Nations Sustainable Development Knowledge Platform and is referred to as “Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns,” and is goal number twelve out of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals. Therefore, it has now been established that sustainable growth is now a recognized goal for many institutions, including corporate as well as non-corporate ones. Let us consider the benefits of being sustainable for the former, in a little more detail. After all, “the benefits by appearing to be a green company come in the form of a higher stock price, more customers or favoured partnerships with green organisations. Not to mention, the tax benefits associated with maintaining a green and sustainable image, as in, “if the perception of environmental quality is high, the demand is so large that a lower level of taxation is sufficient to reach the optimum.” In a rush towards meeting demand for a sustainable and environmental image, some firms have resorted to not walking
the talk. According to the Independent, the Volkswagen scandal involves “fitting cars with software designed to give false readings in emissions tests.” Thus, there needs to be the realization that Mandated disclosure without monitoring the truthfulness of reporting could lead to incentives for firms to lie about or exaggerate their environmental performance . This scandal, according to the Economist is “likely to throw into question a wider range of claims about emissions and fuel efficiency.” The Economist also cites a domino effect which would make people question the quality and credibility of Made in Germany products. Most importantly, the scandal has revealed the need for companies to have evidence to support what is disclosed in Corporate Social Responsibility reports. Volkswagen was finally caught off-guard by the EPA in terms of its claims as according to the Economist, the EPA “goes on to acquire vehicles at random for testing at a later date, to see if the cars on sale to the public live up to the claims.” Thus, the aspect of greenwashing has only come into play when the claims of Volkswagen have been crossexamined. Therefore, the better definition of greenwashing is in its application as a strategic communication tool to camouflage a firm’s lack of efforts in engaging in true environmental performance. The Volkswagen scandal has
shown how consumer behavior is actually malleable but at the same time has caused one to question whether organizations that claim to be sustainable are often subject to closer scrutiny from government, competitors, and consumers. The reputational risk that the Volkswagen scandal has caused is, from a particular perspective, on the level of rigor of European rigor over regulations, in comparison to the rigor of regulations over emissions that are applied in the United States. In fact, most recently, in the aftermath of the Volkswagen scandal, European policy makers moved ahead on Wednesday with plans to begin subjecting cars to on-the-road testing of exhaust emissions, rather than rely solely on laboratory tests, according to the New York Times. However, not all stakeholders are happy with the level of rigor of these tests and in fact; automakers have lobbied for the testing to be easier to comply with. Let us consider the steps that are being taken by companies in order to avoid being tinged with green-washing claims. One such method, in the case of companies involved with furniture, is to opt for collaboration with forest certifying bodies such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). Such collaboration is being carried out in order to uphold the credibility of the sustainable work that
is being carried out by paper producers, which in turn reflects their sustainable best practices in terms of sourcing supply. In fact, many companies thus resort to certification schemes so that they do not have to spend money in marketing, as in, certification appears to be in a transition period in which security of supply and production efficiency is becoming more important than consumer communication. Another way in which companies can show that they are walking the talk, so to speak, with regard to sustainability is by making use of eco-labelling. In fact, timber-based products have been associated with the implementation of ecolabellingschemes, for example, eco-labelling has existed in paper products such as paper and disposable coffee cups. When considering eco-labelling, it must be carried out in a manner that is complemented by adequacy of information. To take an example about the importance of adequacy of information, Green Mountain Roasters (now Keurig Green Mountain) realized that the majority of American consumers did not understand the abstract term “fair trade,” despite the use of the Fair Trade Certified Label on the brand, according to GreenBiz. However, another issue with eco-labelling is its regulated usage. It must be only applied on the product after the respective due process has been carried out and that just placing the label
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should not equate a sustainable supply chain. Overall, there is a vital need to allow there to be progress towards a climate changepositive environment, where a variety of stakeholders are aware that climate change is occurring, including consumers. The Volkswagen scandal has shown that corporate efforts towards meeting clean air targets cannot be solely relied upon. In fact, the greenwashing side of the Volkswagen scandal must evoke questions pertaining to sustainable consumption and those who are meaning to make a difference by the purchase of durable goods, such as cars. After all, it is all right to implement regulations and policies hoping to meet climate change target both nationally and internationally, but to ensure a wide participation over meeting them, there needs to be variety of ways to make a difference, including the population at large, of which many are consumers and who may want to make a difference by sustainable consumption of cars, which has been taken advantage of in the Volkwagen scandal. After all, societal adaptation occurs at multiple social scales, including (i) individual behaviour, (ii) formal laws, incentives and governance arrangements, and (iii) evolving norms, attitudes and understanding. (Nitya Chhiber, is currently with YES Institute, a public policy initiative of YES Bank). Source: The Citizen
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business
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Investing in propertyIs it the best way to achieve financial freedom? Do you think that property investing is the best way to achieve financial freedom? It has advantages but there are some other ways to achieve financial freedom faster. Before proceeding further, let us discuss about the term “Business”. By Nitya Chhiber
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t is obvious to say that business are quit risky. In survey, they have the statistic that merely 9 out of 10 business fail within the first 5 years as estimated. However, if you can build a successful business then you can create financial freedom from that business only. The best thing about business is you can start either from scratch or with little money. Preferably, start your business from scratch because you can work it in your free time. With business, you can grow very quickly as compared to properties reason being, to property, you do its renovation then you rent them and later on, you're waiting for that market to increase. With business, you can create growth rapidly. Secondly, when you are investing in some property, it is limited in the scope of growth. How much you can do renovation.
Market will grow until what extend. How much rent you can charge? Therefore, it is very passive, business grow very fast if you know what to do and how to run your business. It can turn out to be an asset for you. Management plays a key role in business. If you hire a manager for running your business, the important part is that you can step back from all the file work and just focus on daily management. Thus, it becomes a passive income stream. Therefore, you can achieve financial freedom without selling your business. In business, there are things you just have to learn, there’s lots of stuff to travel through, finances that you just need to do, lots of management, lots of making stuff out of nullity. Therefore, business is hard. One of the advantages of property finance is that you will keep your job. If you were going to run a business, you would like to be very successful, most of the
time you’re getting to ought to go tired. Which suggests going away your employment, going away your steady financial gain to figure within the business. However, if you’re financing in property, you'll be able to keep your steady financial gain, you'll be able to keep your job, and you'll be able to invest in property
on the facet. Rents will passively go up over time. The property will passively go up in worth because of the market’s growing and you don’t have to be compelled to do, this enables you to pay most of it slow in your job and enjoying your life. Therefore, you can build your portfolio on the facet and
it grows passively for you. That’s a significant good thing about property. If you’re happy in your life, job, the way your career is progressing, spending quality time with your family or friends outside and you want less risk and more financial freedom, then property is the simplest strategy for you to realize monetary freedom. I hope that this has been useful. Is property finance the simplest thanks to succeed monetary freedom? I believe the solution is no. and business is the simplest way to succeed monetary freedom. However, I believe for lots of individuals, absolutely, yes. Property is that the best thanks to succeed monetary freedom. Aussie Builders ABN: 24 145 982 145 Suite 19, 17 - 19 Miles Street, Mulgrave, VIC 3170 Tel: 03 8400 4565 | Fax: 03 9818 3300 harry@iaussiebuilders.com.au —Supplied.
India’s GDP growth ‘oil fueled”: World Bank
A recent World Bank analysis, even while predicting that India’s growth rate would be around 7.5 per cent by the end of the present financial year ending March 2016, believes that it is largely “oil-fueled.” Carried out by Frederico Gil Sander, senior economist, World Bank, it says, “The drastic decline in global crude oil prices since June 2014 clearly played an important role”. By Nitya Chhiber
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As a net oil importer, the halving of oil prices has been a bonanza for India. External vulnerabilities were greatly reduced as the lower oil import bill shrank the current account deficit despite anemic exports”, says Sander. He adds, “Lower oil prices also helped contain prices of global commodities, and along with the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI’s) prudent monetary policy led to a significant decline in inflation.” Quoting an “interesting” piece, which also points towards this phenomenon, Sanders quotes economists of the top rating agency JP Morgan’s SajjidChinoy and Toshi Jain who “estimate that India benefited from a 2.1 percent of GDP terms-of-trade shock over the last four quarters, two-thirds of which have been spent, which implies a 1.3 percentagepoint fillip to GDP growth in the previous four quarters.” In an opinion piece in a prominent business daily, Chenoy argues, “What this suggests is that after netting out the oil impact, underlying growth may have been closer to six per cent, reflecting the export slowdown and rural stress.”
Answering the question, “Why does this matter?”,Chenoy insists, “Because this is a one-time 'growth' windfall, if oil prices stabilize… there will be no incremental 'growth' impact through progressively higher purchasing power or corporate margins.” Chenoy’s believes, “In all the discussion about India's growth performance and
prospects, the elephant in the room is barely discussed. Growth sceptics worry about a sluggish global economy and a struggling rural economy. Growth optimists point to the government's reform efforts and the impact these will eventually have on the ground.” “What's surprising about this debate”, he says, is that nobody talks “about the
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most significant driver of growth in India over the last year: a massive, positive terms-of-trade shock in the form of lower oil prices that has boosted activity.” Elaborating, he says, “India is a very large commodity importer, in general, and oil, in particular. So when oil prices collapse from $110 to $45, economic agents in India experience a large income windfall: resources that should have been transferred to the outside world are now retained by households, corporates and the government”, leading to GDP growth. “To the extent that some of this income is consumed or invested rather than saved, it translates into higher economic activity and growth”, Chenoy says, going over to a complex exercise of explaining how this happened, and what would be the impact on the Indian economy in the near future. Calling it an “uncomfortable reality”, the rating agency economist believes, few have seen that “growth has benefitted significantly – over a percentage point – because of the collapse in oil prices. That will soon go away, if prices stabilize. And other drivers of growth will need to quickly step up, if a slowdown is to be avoided.” Source: counterview.net
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sports
India Cricket Tour of Australia 2016
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ndia will be playing 5 One Day Internationals (ODI) and 3 Twenty20 matches against Australia in Australia starting from 12th June 2016. Channel 9 will broadcast the series in Australia. TV channel broadcasting the series in India is Star Sports in India and
the subcontinent countries. The Indian tour to Australia will start with the 1st ODI on 12 January 2016 and will end on 31st January with the last of three back-to-back Twenty20s. The full series schedule: Indian Tour of Australia 2016 Schedule – Confirmed
NO MATCH DATE VENUE 1 1st ODI 12 January Perth, Western Australia 2 2nd ODI 15 January Brisbane Cricket Ground 3 3rd ODI 17 January Melbourne Cricket Ground 4 4th ODI 20 January Manuka Oval, Canberra 5 5th ODI 23 January Sydney Cricket Ground 6 1st Twenty20 26 January Adelaide Oval 7 2nd Twenty20 29 January Melbourne Cricket Ground 8 3rd Twenty20 31 January Sydney Cricket Ground
Players selected for rebel WBBL Associate Rookie Program
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elbourne, 10 December: Talented players from developing cricket nations are being given the chance to take part in the inaugural rebel Women’s Big Bash League. Players from China, Hong Kong, Papua New Guinea, Ireland, Scotland, Thailand and the Netherlands have been selected to join the eight rebel WBBL clubs as part of a joint initiative between Cricket Australia (CA) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) to develop emerging players in nontraditional cricket countries. The players were selected following the recent ICC Women’s World T20 Qualifier in Thailand. The program will provide players with an opportunity to be involved in the rebel WBBL and be exposed to elite cricket. It also serves as important preparation for players ahead of the 2016 ICC Women’s World T20 to be held in India. Each of the rookie players will train with their rebel WBBL club during a two-week placement and attend home matches during that period. In the event of an injury to a contracted player, rebel WBBL clubs will be permitted to use their Rookie as a local replacement player, which would not contribute to the club’s overseas player limit. ICC Associate and Affiliate member nations Ireland, Scotland, Thailand, Papua New Guinea, China and the Netherlands each nominated up to three players to be considered for selection ahead of the ICC Women’s World T20 Qualifier. “Nominated players were considered by a selection panel consisting of Cricket Australia’s Women’s Youth Coach Cathryn Fitzpatrick, former England player Holly Colvin, former Bangladesh Test Cricketer Aminul Islam, and ICC Head of Global Development Tim Anderson, with the final
selections made after observing players throughout the tournament, “ says a media release. "The women's game has made great strides in recent years, with participation numbers, investment levels and playing opportunities all at record highs,” said ICC Head of Global Development Tim Anderson. The introduction of the WBBL continues this momentum, and, with the support of Cricket Australia, it is great to have some of the best Associate and Affiliate players involved in this event." The following players have been chosen as the rookies for the rebel WBBL Associate Rookie Program: Miranda Veringmeier (Netherlands) Adelaide Strikers Norma Ovasuru (Papua New Guinea) Brisbane Heat Kim Garth (Ireland) - Hobart Hurricanes Mariko Hill (Hong Kong) - Melbourne Renegades Wu Juan (China) - Melbourne Stars Rachel Scholes (Scotland) - Sydney Sixers SuleepornLaomi (Thailand) - Sydney Thunder The Perth Scorchers Associate Rookie will be announced by the club in the coming days. Kim Garth, who has arrived in Hobart following Ireland’s victory over Bangladesh in the ICC Women’s World T20 Qualifier, spoke about her excitement about the program at her first training session with the Hobart Hurricanes. “I’m really excited to join the Hurricanes this summer and be part of a professional set up. Getting to play and train with some of the best players in the world and see how they operate is also something I am really looking forward to.” www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9095 6220, 0421 677 082
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