SAT
southSouth asia times 1 Asia Times
CELEBRATING 13TH YEAR OF PUBLICATION
2 0 1 6
READ INSIDE
South Asia Times
Vol.13 I No. 7 I february 2016 I FREE s o u t hasiatim es.com .au Editor: Neeraj Nanda
I
Editorial Oz-India Energy Dialogue Business Adani Solar investment SAFOL marching ahead Sports pgs Book Review South Asia Entertainment
Ph: (03) 98848096 M: 0421 677 082
LOANSDIRECT LOANS MADE EASY!
I
pg 3 pg 4 pg 12 pg 13 pg 15 pgs 16-20 pg 21 pg 22 pg 36
Manjit Singh 04 04 04 00 66 See page 35
Add: PO Box 465, Brentford Square, Victoria 3131
Car Loans Home Loans
E FRoE bile
Melbourne Office: Suite 19, 17-19 Miles Street Mulgrave VIC 3170
M p! Ap
Pankaj Goyal P: (03) 9819 4656 F: (03) 9818 3300 E: harry@loansdirect.com.au
Personal Loans
www.loansdirect.com.au
See page 2
Like us and Share on:
FREE Consultation! Call 03 9819 4656
Truck Loans New Homes, Plans & Permits, S/E Development Sites: iaussiebuilders.com.au
Migration Services
MARN: 0901266
Australian Credit License: 385597 Credit Ombudsman Member: M0007205 Real Estate Agent License: 074446L
f e b r u A R Y
Education Services
- Student Visa, Dependent Visa, - Parent Visa, Tourist Visa, TR/PR, EOI - Student visa extension - Employer Sponsorship (457,RSMS,ENS) - Streamline visa processing (SVP) - Skill Assessment ( TRA, CPN, NIA, ACS, VETASSESS Etc) - Change of course - Family Migration (Parents, Spouse, Child) Admission in college / university - State Sponsorship Services - Expert education advice - MRT, RRT & Minister Intervention
CECA Melbourne Level 7, Suite 703, 227 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC 3000.
03 9663 1318 info@ceca.com.au | www.ceca.com.au
RELATIONSHIP CHALLENGES See page 34
9 YEARS OF TRUSTED SERVICE OVER 100,000 FLIGHTS SOLD 24/7 CUSTOMER CARE ATAS ACCREDITED
WWW.GAURATRAVEL.COM.AU 1300 FLY INDIA (1300 359 463)
www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082
south asia 2 South Asia Timestimes
www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082
f e b r u A R Y
2 0 1 6
f e b r u A R Y
editorial
2 0 1 6
SAT
South Asia Times
PUBLISHER/EDITOR Neeraj Nanda M: 0421 677 082 satimes@gmail.com
EDITOR (Hindi Pushp) Dr. Dinesh Srivastava dsrivastava@optusnet.com.au
SAT NEWS BUREAU/Australia (Melbourne) Neeraj Nanda satimes@gmail.com
SAT NEWS BUREAU/South Asia (New Delhi, India) RAJIV SHARMA rajeev.anchor@gmail.com
SAT ADVERTISING (Melbourne) M: 0421 677 082 & E: satimes@gmail.com PHOTO SECTION (Melbourne) AP Guruswamy apgfoto@yahoo.com M: 0431 482 258 Kulbir Photographer creativeartmedia.au@gmail.com M: 0430 306 255
SAT Design Bala Imagine
address P O Box 465, Brentford Square, Vic. 3131 Phone: (03) 9095 6220; Mobile: 0421 677 082 Email: satimes@gmail.com/
WEBSITE www.southasiatimes.com.au
E-PAPER https://issuu.com/shobzz/docs FACEBOOK: facebook.com/pages/
south-asia-times-SAT Twitter: twitter.com/southasiatimes
Skype: neeraj.nanda
southSouth asia times 3 Asia Times
FROGS IN THE WELL
By Neeraj Nanda
L
iving in Melbourne for more than a decade has been an interesting experience. When I landed here on a rainy-cold day little did I realize the situation I was getting into. Technology since then has leaped into smart phones (then there were the heavy ones) with unlimited calls and Internet. Calling home was a few Dollars per minute from a Telstra fixed phone and now it’s free through Skype or What’s App. I used to rush to the local Milk Bar (was rather surprised by the name) each morning to buy a copy of The Age to satisfy my appetite for news. These days even the smaller version (tabloid) remains a remote possibility. The news is on my laptop or smartphone or on the social media. International channels are accessible and even if a man sneezes in a remote Indian town the news is there. Migrant communities like to get news from the home country. Nothing unusual or wrong. After all the ABC radio still broadcasts the BBC World Service news. The glut of news from all countries keeps people glued to the TV or social media. News flashes on the smart phone are also handy. There are some who have never seen any Australian TV Channel since they made home Down Under. It’s like living in Australia and thinking elsewhere. For them GST, Nauru refugees or the Moomba festival are as remote as Pluto. Talk about politics of India or another country you are likely to get an analytical analysis. An expert in on hand. Interestingly, many of them only attend their own community events or see TV
programs (including political) coming from overseas. Overflow of such information through the Internet, in fact, hinders (for many) their integration in mainstream Australia. Though some argue Australian TV news itself is more of UK and US centric apart from the local news. So, while knowing the world is essential it remains a fact an Australian resident should know what’s happening in Australia. This could, possibly, help integration into the mainstream. The lacks of integration and despite large numbers the South Asian community (Indians are the largest) almost have no political representation in elected bodies. A person without knowing Australian society and
contents P3
EDITORIAL
P6
AAP CONVENER
P 11
AIII HOLI
6
P 12
LESSON FROM DAVOS
P 13
ADANI SOLAR PLANS
P 14
PHOTO FEATURE DISCLAIMER South Asia Times (SAT) is a monthly newspaper published in English (2 pages in Hindi) from Melbourne, Australia. Contributors supply material to SAT at their own risk and any errors will be corrected as quickly as possible. SAT does not accept responsibility for the authenticity of any advertisement, text content or a picture in the publication. No material, including text or advertisements designed by the SAT or pictures may be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the editor/publisher. Opinions/stories/ reports or any text content are those of the writers/contributors and not necessarily endorsed by the SAT.
P 15
SAFOL MARCHING
P 16
SPORTS
18
P 17
MADRAS BANYAN TREE
P 21
BOOK REVIEW
P 22
SOUTH ASIA
P 30-31
HINDI PUSHP
P 36
ENTERTAINMENT
20
www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082
politics has little chance of moving up the ladder socially or politically. An Australian is a ‘gora’ and supporting the home team at the MCG a norm. Australia is a multicultural society is always on the lips. On top of it information overload from home keeps local developments irrelevant. Basically, one does not have to keep eyes shut at the world or home developments. A fair balance is needed where one keeps tab on what information goes into our heads. Globalization and strides in communications have made integration or assimilation a rather grey area. It’s tough in the information age but one should make efforts not ending up as a Frog in the well.
south asia 4 South Asia Timestimes
NATIONAL
f e b r u A R Y
2 0 1 6
Harinder Sidhu Australia’s new HC to India BY SAT News Desk
M
elbourne: Ms. Harinder Sidhu will be Australia's next High Commissioner to India. This was announced by Foreign Minister Julia Bishop in a media release saying the Government will continue to push for the conclusion of a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement with India, designed to take our economic relationship to a new level. Ms Harinder Sidhu replaces current High Commissioner Mr. Patrick Suckling who has been in New Delhi since 2013. She is the second Indian origin High Commissioner to India after Mr. Peter Varghese. Ms Sidhu will also have nonresident accreditation to Bhutan. Ms Sidhu said she was looking forward to her new role in a dynamic country. “India is one of the most exciting places for
a diplomat to be at the moment. India’s economic prospects are bright and it is becoming a more influential and active international player,” she said. “The Australia-India relationship has grown substantially over the past few years and I will dedicate myself to building that relationship further. “At a personal level, I have always been fascinated by the country of my heritage and am keen to learn more about India – its language, culture and history – while I am there.” “Both sides of my family are from the Punjab – my father was born in India,” she said. Ms Sidhu was born in Singapore and settled in Australia with her family as a child.She speaks a little Punjabi and Hindi but is looking forward to the opportunity to become more fluent. According to SBS Radio the new High Commissioner
is also eager to indulge her passion for Bollywood movies. “The first movie I remember watching as a child was Brahmachari, it starred Shammi Kapoor and Mumtaz, and I’ve been hooked ever since,” she said. One of Ms Sidhu's first tasks in the job is likely to be hosting the Australian men's and women's cricket teams in India for the T20 next month. "I'm looking forward to seeing both the Australians and Indians in action. I hope to get to Mohali for the match and, with luck, see them both in the final, too. May the best team win." Ms Sidhu is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, most recently serving as First Assistant Secretary of the Multilateral Policy Division. She has previously served overseas in Moscow and Damascus. Ms Sidhu’s
previous roles included First Assistant Secretary in the Department of Climate Change, Assistant DirectorGeneral in the Office of National Assessments and Senior Adviser in the Department of the Prime
Minister and Cabinet. She holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Economics degree from the University of Sydney. Sources : Julia Bishop’s media release & SBS Radio report.
India Australia Energy Security Dialogue
India wants affordable LNG price from Australia: Piyush Goyal By SAT News Desk
M
elbourne:India and Australia held their third Energy Security Dialogue in Canberra (8-11 February). The need for more energy resources by the Indian economy and how Australia can contribute in it formed part of the vital agenda. India pressed Australia to make LNG price affordable for imports to cut India’s dependence on Coal. Mr. PiyushGoyal India’s Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Coal, Power and New and Renewable participated in a Energy Security Dialogue with the Australian Minister for Resources, Energy and Northern Australia, Mr. Josh Frydenberg in Canberra. Mr. Goyal emphasized the need to make the Energy Dialogue a regular feature with alternate meetings in each country. He also proposed five new working groups be set up in the energy field viz 1) Renewables and grid integration; 2) Clean Coal technologies for efficient
The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Power, Coal and New and Renewable Energy, Mr.PiyushGoyal and the Australian Energy & Resources Minister, Mr. Josh Frydenberg, at the 3rd India Australia Energy Dialogue, at Canberra, Australia on February 10, 2016. Photo : PIB power generation; 3) Energy Skill development; 4) LNG and Coal Gasification including Coal Bed Methane (CBM) and 5) Energy efficiency and Smart grids. Mr. Frydenberg welcomed the idea and asked the officials to prepare a blue print on the same. Speaking about the Indian energy sector, Mr. Goyal pointed out that if the price of LNG
(Liquid Natural Gas) could be brought down to an affordable rate then India could provide an assured off-take for Australian gas and this would help safeguard Australian investments. In his response, Mr.Frydenberg said that while the Australian Government could not determine prices of gas, a regulatory framework could be worked out
which can facilitate lower prices through vertical integration. Throwing light on the power situation in India, Mr. Goyal said that more than 20 per cent of the population did not have access to electricity and providing energy security through affordable energy was a priority. Therefore if other alternative sources of energy were not available at af-
www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082
fordable rates then India would have to continue relying on Coal. The poor of India cannot pay for more than 150 years of emissions by the developing world. Even now the per capita consumption of coal in India was at the levels of USA 150 years back in 1870, he said. The Minister also disclosed India’s plan to electrify within 1000 days from 15th August 2015. Of the 18, 542 un-electrified villages as on 1st April 2015, more than 5,000 have already been electrified. He highlighted India’s usage of transparent data dissemination through apps so that public can be aware of electrification and energy efficiency (LED bulb) programmes and can hold government accountable, says a PIB media release. Welcoming Indian investments in Australia, Mr. Frydenberg said the Australian Government was looking at ways to address procedural issues faced by certain investors. Mr. Goyal thanked Australia for their support saying this was appreciated. —SAT News Service
f e b r u A R Y
2 0 1 6
southSouth asia times 5 Asia Times
www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082
south asia 6 South Asia Timestimes
community
f e b r u A R Y
2 0 1 6
AAP announces Overseas Country Conveners
Rakesh Prajapati AAP Convener for Australia BY SAT News Desk
M
elbourne : The Aam Aadmi Party has organized its Indian supporters, who live in foreign countries, as ‘AAP Overseas Teams’. On behalf of Convener of the AAP Overseas, Dr. Kumar Vishwas, AAP Overseas has come out with its official structure for AAP Volunteers' teams located overseas. Each country team will
be lead by a Convener, for example the Canada team will be lead by the AAP Overseas Canada Convener. The Convener will work with a team of six other office bearers namely Secretary, Treasurer, Fundraising Convener, Outreach Convener, Media Convener & Social Media Convener. In smaller countries the team size may be reduced. The roles and responsibilities are defined on the website (http://
overseas.aamaadmiparty. org/aap-announcesoverseas-structure). Within a country, depending on the size of the country, there will be zonal, state and/or city teams that will mimic the same structure, a media release says. AAP Overseas Teams includes Indian citizens only, also called NRIs. They do not include Persons of Indian origin, who are citizens of foreign countries. —SAT News Service
The media release has declared the following AAP Overseas Country Conveners: Australia: RakeshPrajapati Canada: Jaskirat Mann Qatar: DilipKutty Singapore: Naveen Nizamudeen United States Of America: PradeepSundriyal Additionally, AAP Overseas Team has also announced the responsibility of Secretary for the United States of America to SreekanthKocharlakota. Office Of AamAadmi Party Overseas Call @ +918588835551 ; +918588833481; Mail to: overseas@aamaadmiparty.org Facebook: facebook.com/AAPNRI; Twitter: twitter.com/AAPOverseas Rakesh Prajapatie: rakesh.prajapati@aapaustralia.org.au;m: +61 430 506 451
Garhwali & Kumoni songs at Uttranchal event By SAT News Desk
M
elbourne: The Uttaranchal Society of Australia Inc. is organizing for the first time UttarakhandSangeetSandya (Cultural Night) on March 28, 2016 at The Heritage Reception Centre, 514-
516 High Street, Epping, VIC 3075, where Uttarkhand’s most admired folks singers Narendra Singh Negi, MeenaRana, PritamBhartwan and PrakashKahala along with their musicians will make the event a truly memorable one. They will entertain the audience
by singing melodious Garhwali and Kumoni songs. People from Uttarkhand are cordially invited to join the evening in large number to make it a success. For further information please contact: Arun Pandey 0425 241 355, Prem Rawat 0423 419 722, Manoj Mishra 0411 148 042, Ashwani
Bowel cancer often develops without any warning signs. Support Bowel Cancer Australia to help save lives.
www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082
Nautiyal 0403 104 291, Trilok Bhandari 0413 795 137, Hemander Bisht 0403 257 863, Virender 0402 553 341, Manmohan Bisht 0423 688 474, Virender Bisht 0413 164 821, Umed Bora 0401 731 525, Nand Kishore Rana 0433 232 088 . —Supplied
f e b r u A R Y
2 0 1 6
southSouth asia times 7 Asia Times
www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082
south asia 8 South Asia Timestimes
community
f e b r u A R Y
2 0 1 6
Splash of color, music, entertainment & fun
at AIII 8th Holi Mela 2016
By SAT News Desk
M
elbourne: the Australian Indian Innovations INc. (AIII) has celebrated Holi-the festival of colors for the last seven years. This year again it will be celebrated with big fanfare at the Sandown Racecourse, 591-659 Princess Highway, Springvale., the grounds of the iconic Melbourne Racing Club, AIII’s signature home for 15 years. Since the year it started AIII Holi has never looked back and
moved ahead each year with greater enthusiasm and gaiety. This years Holi will have massive entertainment with the South-Eastern suburbs leading Disc jockeys DJ Baba and DJ Vijay churning out popular and hit Hindi and Punjabi numbers. Prominent dance groups are likely to perform during the celebrations to add spice to the Holi colors. Talking to SAT, YogenLaxman, AIII said, “ All efforts are being made to make the AIII Holi 2016 the best ever with all the
entertainment laced with the splash of colors.” “AIII has over the years attracted 30,000 visitors to this event at Sandown Park, and this year will be no exception,” he said. The executive committee of the AIII has invited local businesses to be a part of the Holi celebrations by participating as sponsors or taking up a stall to promote business. Stall application from AIII contacts in its advertisement in prominent local papers and social media. The program on the day will kick of at 11.30
am and end at 6.00 pm. The starting event will be ‘HolikaDahan’ and later powder color will be available for sale for attendees. No watercolor is permitted during the event and viable security arrangements have been made for the day. Many of the stalls will have different variety of Indian/South Asian food, which will cater to the taste buds of the gathering. Free ample parking is available for the event. It’s a family event and entry is $ 5 per person and free for kids below 12 years.
AIII 8th Holi Mela
Date: 20 March 2016 Venue: Sandown Racecourse, 691-659 Princess Highway, Sprinhvale. Time: 11.30am to 6pm Contacts: Yogen Lakshman 0403 337 142 or Sunil Kumar 0413 153 606 Site: www.aiii.org.au
Tiger Air service to Bali from 23 March By our business reporter
M
elbourne, 2 February: Tiger Air is starting its first international service to Bali, Indonesia from 23 march, 2016. The airline will base an extra three aircraft at Melbourne Airport for this new direct service to Bali, creating 70 new jobs. Victoria’s Minister for Industry Lily D’Ambrosio helped officially unveil the first of Tigerair’s three Boeing 737-800
aircraft at Melbourne Airport on 1st February. The Minister said, ““Tiger Air’s new international service to Bali from Melbourne Airport will create 70 new full time jobs and boost Victoria’s economy.” “We are working to create jobs and grow Victoria’s aviation industry, which is worth more than $1 billion to the state’s economy , he said. The new service to Bali will
carry more than 2,500 additional international visitors a week, creating new jobs and boosting the economy. TigerAir has employed 70 new cabin crew for the service to Bali and an extra 50 cabin crew for other domestic routes, with all staff being trained in Victoria. The company employs over 600 staff in Melbourne, including cabin crew, pilots, and ground handling and maintenance.
www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082
The Andrews Labor Government is working to create local jobs and grow Victoria’s aviation industry, which is worth more than $1 billion to the state’s economy, says a media release. Member for Sunbury Josh Bull said, “It is great to see Tigerair growing their operations at Melbourne Airport. Today’s announcement is great for local jobs and the local economy.” —SAT News Service
f e b r u A R Y
southSouth asia times 9 Asia Times
2 0 1 6
Presents
8th
HOLI MELA SUNDAY
20 2016
MAR
Sandown Racecourse 691-659 Princess Hwy, Noble Park
from 11:30 am to 6 pm
Food & Variety Stalls ee for Entry Fr low Kids be 12 yrs
Holi ka Dahan at Noon Children’s Rides
NON STOP MUSIC
Entry
LIVE BROADCAST
LIVE DHOL
RADIO DHARKAN
SIMDA
Powder Colours
Free Ample Parking Safe Family Enviornment
$5
Massive Sound
Tantalising Dancers & Dhol DJ VIJAY
DJ BABA
Full Police And Security Alcohol Free Henna & Tattoo Stalls
Yogen Lakshman Sunil Kumar
0403 337 142 0413 153 606
www.aiii.org.au
www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082
/ A.I.I.Inc
south asia 10 South Asia Timestimes
community
f e b r u A R Y
2 0 1 6
Bijoy Jain to design Melbourne’s third M Pavilion By SAT News Desk
M
elbourne, 9 February: The Naomi Milgrom Foundation has announced that prominent Indian architect Bijoy Jain of Studio Mumbai will design its third annual MPavilion. Earlier, the 2015 structure — designed by Amanda Levete — closed following in Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Gardens after four months stay. Binoyis one of the world’s most fascinating architects,’ said Naomi Milgrom, chair of the Naomi Milgrom Foundation. ‘His approach to design reflects a deep concern for craft, sustainability and community. Studio Mumbai’s work inspires us all to reconsider the way we design and continues MPavilion’s interest in collaboration and global connectedness.’ Bijoy Jain’s best known projects include ‘Copper House II’, ‘Palmyra House’, ‘Ahmedabad House’ and ‘Saat Rasta’. Binoy is
Binoy Jain. Photo Timothy Burgess currently working on a weaving workshop in India – Ganka Maki Textile Studio;
a multi-activity hotel space – Onomichi Community Center in Japan; and a hotel
wellness center in France. ‘I’m honored to be commissioned by the Naomi Milgrom Foundation to design the next MPavilion in Melbourne,’ commented Bijoy Jain on receiving the commission. ‘I want it to be a symbol of the elemental nature of communal structures. likenaomi, I see MPavilion as a place of engagement: a space to discover the essentials of the world – and of oneself,’ he said. MPavilion 2016 will be presented free to the public from October 5, 2016 until February 5, 2017. Founded in 2014, MPavilion is a unique architecture commission and design event for Melbourne, initiated by the Naomi Milgrom Foundation with support from the City of Melbourne and the Victorian State Government. Every year for four years, an outstanding architect is commissioned to design a temporary pavilion for the Queen Victoria Gardens, in the centre of Melbourne’s
Boroondra Sri Lankan, Indian & Fijian Club
By Neeraj Nanda
T
his Cultural Club was started around in 2007 with the intention of providing entertainment and other services to the community.We meet once a month at the Balwyn Library, No. 336, Whitehorse Road, Balwyn 3103, from 10 am to 2.00 pm. with members from Sinhala, Tamil, Australian, Spanish, Indian, Fijian, Indonisian, Irish and much more.
At these gatherings, we provide: • Ability for all members of different communities to sing songs in their own languages, • we have a good,
qualified Tai Chi Master who gives Tai Chi exercises, • we get Guest Speakers from all fields, e.g. Doctors, Professors, Lawyers etc., • we supply a special lunch. The Boroondara City Council, North Balwyn Rotary Club and Whitehorse City Council, 94.1 FM 3WBC Radio are supporting us. Melbourne is a multicultural city and therefore, our aim is to bring all cultures and communities, food, and music under one umbrella, and support everyone in the best possible way. If you are interested, please contact Raja de Alwis, the President of the Club, on 0478 964 496 or email kingraja6@hotmail.com
www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082
I’m honored to be commissioned by the Naomi Milgrom Foundation to design the next MPavilion in Melbourne,’ commented Bijoy Jain on receiving the commission. Southbank Arts Precinct. An event hub, a meeting place and an invitation to experiment, each MPavilion brings creative collaborators together to present a free, four-month program of talks, workshops and performances. —SAT News Service
f e b r u A R Y
southSouth asia times 11 Asia Times
2 0 1 6
Akhil Australia Marathi Sammelan (AAMS) 2016
M
elbourne :Marathi community in Australia is very excited that the Akhil Australia Marathi Sammelan (AAMS) i.e. All Australia Marathi Convention will be held from March 25 – 27, 2016 at Kingston City Hall, 979 Nepean Hwy, Moorabbin Vic 3189, and with their overwhelming response to AAMS 2016 almost 87% of the seats (of the total capacity) have already been sold out!!! Those who have not yet purchased a ticket please visit web site – www.aams2016.org as early as possible to avoid any disappointment. This year AAMS 2016 has invited numerous well-known artists from India including educationalists, social workers and doctors. It is interesting to know that people from other Australian states along with Melbournians are eagerly waiting to welcome these international artists for this Sammelan, and enjoy and participate in the various entertaining programmes that will be held during /three days. The Sammelan, besides presenting entertaining programmes, will also facilitate the following subjects: • Art and entertainment • Sports and adventure • Literature and spiritual discourse • Culture and social work
• Science, education and environment • Industry and business • Health and service Participants from all states will present quality entertainment programmes on pre-selected and approved topics. A brief history The all women Maharashtra Mandal committee of 1992 had a vision of forming the Akhil Australia Marathi Sammelan (AAMS). This vision was realised in 1993 and the first Sammelan came into effect, which was held at a high school in Mentone (Melbourne), and had around 350 attendees. The Sammelan is now held every
2 -3 years alternating between Melbourne and Sydney. So far, Melbourne has hosted the Sammelan in 1993, 1997, 2004, and 2010, while Sydney has been host in 1995, 2000, 2007, and 2013. Enthusiastic artists from Adelaide, Canberra, Brisbane, Perth and Darwin have participated in the Sammelan and have entertained the audience with plays, music, songs, folk dances, and other items. Such is the popularity of the event that it is now common to have 1000 attendees with the number expected to rise.For the past two Sammelans, we have invited popular and famous artists from India to perform in Australia. These artists have collaborated with our local talent and performed plays. The AAMS was started with the intention of all Maharashtrians in Australia coming together, meeting and greeting, and knowing one another. This has been progressing well and we hope that it will continue to grow with increased participation in our endeavour to preserve our rich Marathi culture in Australia. We encourage all of you to please come and join us in Melbourne on March 25, 2016 for the much awaitedAkhil Australia Marathi Sammelan. Some of the popular programs at AAMS2016 areMarathi Play GosthaTashiGamtichi This Marathi play marks the stage debut of ShashankKetkar who plays the protagonist in this play. The
Sangeet Sandhya Open forum for music lovers – classical, semi-classical & film music
Saturday 6/02/16 - Cyril James Saturday 2/04/16 - Ustad Aminul Haque Tuesday 4/06/16 - Shubhangi Pandey Saturday 6/08/16 - Sneha Mahajan Saturday 1/10/16 - Chanchal Mandal Saturday 3/12/16 - TBA
Swar Sandhya Open forum for music lovers; Karaoke – Popular Indian Music Bring your own music, perform and enjoy
Saturday 2/1/16 Saturday 7/5/16 Saturday 3/9/16
Saturday 5/3/16 Saturday 2/7/16 Monday 5/11/16
Venue: Waverly Meadows Primary School,
Time: 8.00pm
Columbia Drive, Wheelers Hill Free Entry, with ample parking, Free tea, coffee and biscuits Contact: Phone- 0402 074 208 or 0407 559 113 email- sangeetswarsandhya@gmail.com www.facebook.com/sangeetsandhya
www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082
theme of the play is as old as the hills- generation gap and how it overall affects the relationships among people. Only here, the gap is more like a valley. On one side stands the father, Sanjay Dikshit (MangeshKadam), a middleclass Marathi manus; and on the other, Kunal (ShashankKetkar) his abrasive, with-it son. What adds edge to their conflict is the fact that Dikshit lives in Vile Parle (E). That makes him a very special strain of middleclass Marathi manushood. His home, neighbourhood, time-tested values, social ideas and middle order job are like his security blankets. Try to tear them away and you draw blood Marathi theatre movement is as rich as the Marathi language. Maharashtrians, wherever they are in the world, their love towards Marathi theatre does not decrease. The common Marathi man is not only fond of Marathi theatre, but is also very aware of its rich heritage. Therefore, the biggest appreciation that an actor can get is winning the hearts of the Marathi audience. In view of this appreciation, Marathi theatre has produced many actors who have subsequently become world renowned. One such personality is MrSharadPonkshe. Not only has he captured Marathi theatre with his brilliant performances, but he has also regaled the audience through Marathi cinema and television serials. —Supplied
South Asia Times south asia 12 South Asia Timestimes
Business
f e b r u A R Y
2 0 1 6
The lesson from Davos:
No connection to reality R By Roberto Savio*
OME, Jan 27 2016 (IPS) - The rich and the powerful, who meet every year at the World Economic Forum (WEF), were in a gloomy mood this time. Not only because the day they met close to eight trillion dollars has been wiped off global equity markets by a “correction”. But because no leader could be in a buoyant mood. German Chancellor Angela Merkel is losing ground because of the way she handled the refugee crisis. French President Francois Hollande is facing decline in the polls that are favoring Marine Le Pen. Spanish president Mariano Rajoy practically lost the elections. Italian President MatteoRenzi is facing a very serious crisis in the Italian banking system, which could shatter the third economy of Europe. And the leaders from China, Brazil, India, Nigeria and other economies from the emerging countries (as they are called in economic jargon), are all going through a serious economic slowdown, which is affecting also the economies of the North. The absence of the presidents of Brazil and China was a telling sign. However the last Davos (20-23 January) will remain in the history of the WEF, as the best example of the growing disconnection between the elites and the citizens. The theme of the Forum was “how to master the fourth revolution,” a thesis that Klaus Schwab the founder and CEO of Davos exposed in a book published few weeks before. The theory is that we are now facing a fusion of all technologies, that will completely change the system of production and work. The First Industrial Revolution was to replace, at beginning of the 19th century, human power with machines. Then at the end of that century came the Second Industrial Revolution, which was to combine science with industry, with a total change of the system of production. Then came the era of computers, at
the middle of last century, making the Third Industrial Revolution, the digital one. And now, according Schwab, we are entering the fourth revolution, where workers will be substituted by robots and mechanization. The Swiss Bank UBS released in the conference a study in which it reports that the Fourth Revolution will “benefit those holding more.” In other words, the rich will become richer…it is important for the uninitiated to know that the money that goes to the superrich, is not printed for them. In other words, it is money that is sucked from the pockets of people. Davos created two notable reactions: the first came with the creation of the World Social Forum (WSF), in 1991, where 40,000 social activists convened to denounce as illegitimate the gathering of the rich and powerful in Davos. They said it gave the elite a platform for decision making, without anything being mandated by citizens, and directed mainly to interests of the rich. The WSF declared that “another world is possible,” in opposition to the Washington Consensus, formulated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and the Treasury of the United States. The consensus declared that since capitalism triumphed over Communism, the path to follow was to dismantle the state as much as possible, privatize, slash social costs which are by
definition unproductive, and eliminate any barrier to the free markets. The problem was that, to avoid political contagion, the WSF established rules which reduced the Forums to internal debating and sharing among the participants, without the ability to act on the political institutions. In 2001, Davos did consider Porto Alegre a dangerous alternative; soon it went out of its radar. At the last Davos, the WSF was not any point of reference. But it was the other actor, the international aid organization Oxfam, which has been presenting at every WEF a report on Global Wealth. Those reports have been documenting how fast the concentration of wealth at an obscene level is creating a world of inequality not known since the First Industrial Revolution. In 2010, 388 individuals owned the same wealth as 3.6 billion people, half of humankind. In 2014, just 80 people owned as much as 3.8 billion people. And in 2015, the number came down to 62 individuals. And the concentration of wealth is accelerating. In its report of 2015, Oxfam predicted that the wealth of the top 1 per cent would overtake the rest of the population by 2016: in fact, that was reached within ten months. Twenty years ago, the superrich 1 per cent had the equivalent of 62 per cent of the world population. It would have been logical to expect that those who
run the world, looking at the unprecedented phenomena of a fast growing inequality, would have connected Oxfam report with that of UBS, and consider the new and immense challenge that the present economic and political system is facing. Also because the Fourth Revolution foresees the phasing out of workers from whatever function can be taken by machines. According to Schwab, the use of robots in production will go from the present 12 per cent to 55 per cent in 2050. This will cause obviously a dramatic unemployment, in a society where the social safety net is already in a steep decline. Instead, the WEF largely ignored the issue of inequality, echoing the present level of lack of interest in the political institutions. We are well ahead in the American presidential campaign, and if it were not for one candidate, Bernie Sanders, the issue would have been ignored or sidestepped by the other 14 candidates. There is no reference to inequality in the European political debate either, apart from ritual declarations: refugees are now a much more pressing issue. It is a sign of the times that the financial institutions, like IMF and the World Bank, are way ahead of political institutions, releasing a number of studies on how inequality is a drag on economic development, and how its social impact has a very negative impact
www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082
on the central issue of democracy and participation. The United Nations has done of inequality a central issue. Alicia Barcena, the Executive secretary of CEPAL, the Regional Center for Latin America, has also published in time for Davos a very worrying report on the stagnation in which the region is entering, and indicating the issue of inequality as an urgent problem. But beside inequality, also the very central issue of climate change was largely ignored. All this despite the participants in the Paris Conference on Climate, recognized that the engagements taken by all countries will bring down the temperature of no more than 3.7 degrees, when a safe target would be 1.5 degrees. In spite of this very dangerous failure, the leaders in Paris gave lot of hopeful declarations, stating that the solution will come from the technological development, driven by the markets. It would have been logical to think, that in a large gathering of technological titans, with political leaders, the issue of climate change would have been a clear priority. So, let us agree on the lesson from Davos. The rich and powerful had all the necessary data for focusing on existential issues for the planet and its inhabitants. Yet they failed to do so. This is a powerful example of the disconnection between the concern of citizens and their elite. The political and financial system is more and more self reverent: but is also fast losing legitimacy in the eyes of many people. Alternative candidates like Donald Trump or MatteoSalvini in Italy, or governments like those of Hungary and Poland, would have never been possible without a massive discontent. What is increasingly at stage is democracy itself? Are we entering in a Weimar stage of the world? *Roberto Savio, founder and president emeritus of the Inter Press Service (IPS) news agency and publisher of Other News.
f e b r u A R Y
business
2 0 1 6
southSouth asia times 13 Asia Times
Adani to invest in Australian Solar projects By Neeraj Nanda
M
elbourne, 12 February: After the delayed Carmichael Coal mine project in Queensland, facing environmental and indigenous opposition, Indian mining giant Adani has announced plans to invest in Solar projects in Australia. The announcement came during the visit of Indian Energy Minister PiyushGoyal’s visit to attend the 3rd India-
Australia Energy dialogue. Fairfax media has quoted Minister PyushGoyal as warning Indian investment in Australia could be deterred if obstacles to the giant Adani Enterprises coal project in the Galilee basin are not overcome. Despite the warning Adani Australia in a move to balance environmental opposition to the Coal project announced plans for Solar investments in Queensland and South Australia.
In a statement, Adani Australia says the proposed investments in Solar generation “…would be in addition to, not in lieu of, the company’s existing and planned further investments in the mine at Carmichael, the North Galilee Basin Rail, the port at Abbot Point and the port’s expansion. If and when these opportunities come to fruition, Adani will update the market on the value, scope and nature of these
investments.” “The company’s planned investments in Australia would leverage this expertise, as well as the company’s focus on photovoltaic manufacturing opportunities, which would provide valuable export and employment opportunities in India at the same time as Adani’s existing investments in Queensland provide substantial employment and export opportunities, the statement says.
www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082
The announcement came during the visit of Indian Energy Minister PiyushGoyal’s visit to attend the 3rd India-Australia Energy dialogue.
south asia 14 South Asia Timestimes
photo feature
f e b r u A R Y
2 0 1 6
Gurukul tour of Victorian Parliament
Nepalese New Year event at the Thornbury Theatre
Nepal political leader welcomed Group photo includes Dr. BijayaSubba (third from left), Central Committee Member, UML & Chief of Central Social Service Dept., Human Rights & NGOs Sector and 2 times Member of Parliament in Nepal visiting Australia, BomYonzon, Nepalese community leader in Melbourne (1st left), Manoj Kumar and families. Dr. BijayaSubba informed about the democratic system and new Constitution in Nepal and took an update on the political system in Australia. www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082
f e b r u A R Y
southSouth asia times 15 Asia Times
2 0 1 6
SAFOL marching ahead in Victoria By our community reporter
M
elbourne: The Subcontinent Friends of Labor (SFOL), a body that unites supporters and members of the ALP from the Subcontinent, has in recent months been active to garner support for the Labor Party in Victoria. Three functions were held in Geelong and Wyndham to unite and create leadership values among its members. The presence of new migrants from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal at SAFOL events has gladdened the organizers and the party with Victoria already a Labor stronghold. According to Manoj Kumar the aim of the organization is to “ update the South Asian people with Labor values and prepare them for forthcoming council elections. Their role in future state and federal elections will also be crucial.� In Geelong, it was a great question and answer session with Hon. Richard Marles MP & Shadow Immigration Minister, Ms. Christine Couzens (Local state MP for Geelong) & Libby Coker (Federal Labor
Candidate for Corangamite). KaushaliyaVaghela (Secretary of SCFOL) was the MC for the forum and the event included a welcome speech by Manoj Kumar (Chairperson of Subcontinent Friends of Labor). The local unit of the SAFOL is now being setup with NirajKaranjit as the coordinator and regular interaction between the Geelong and Melbourne units has been planned. It has also been decided to look for possible candidates for Council elections in Geelong. Meanwhile, the event in Wyndham was a big success. The forum was on Leadership in Local Government and was held at the Tarneit Community Centre. The Chief Guest was Victoria's Parliamentary Secretary for Health MaryAnn Thomas MP ( state member for Macedon). Others attending included Mayor Jennifer Young ,Manoj Kumar , Ravi Bhatia, Neeraj Nanda ,Aloke , KaushilayaVaghela, Cr. Intaj Khan ,Cr. Lobo , GurudevRatan , from Sh. Durga temple Joshi ,Julka ,Rishi , Danish Chawan, VinayakKolape, activists and many more respective
members of different communities from all over Melbourne . A booklet by Manoj Kumar was launched detailing the procedures for contesting
the Council elections in October 2016. The main issue raised by most speakers was that time has come for the subcontinent people to join
www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082
mainstream politics and a start-up from the Council elections will be a good step. It was felt that the SFOL was doing a good job in this direction.
South Asia Times south asia 16 South Asia Timestimes
Sports
f e b r u A R Y
ICC World T20: Australia’s men’s and women’s squads confirmed By SAT Sports Desk
M
elbourne: Cricket Australia has announced the men and women’s squads to represent Australia at the upcoming ICC World Twenty20 in India. The Australian men will be aiming to win the tournament for the first time, while the women’s side the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars, are searching for their fourth straight title. The Australian men’s T20 International squad will be led by current Test and One-Day International captain Steve Smith, replacing Aaron Finch who has held the role since October 2014. National Selector Rod Marsh said it was the right time for Smith to captain Australia in all three formats. “Aaron Finch has done a very good job captaining Australia in T20 cricket. He will have benefited enormously from the leadership opportunity and will remain a highly respected leader within the Australian squad. “However since he became T20 captain, there has been a broader leadership transition in Test and oneday international cricket with Michael Clarke retiring and Steve Smith assuming the captaincy in Test and one-day cricket. “We think now is the right time for Steve to lead Australia in all three forms of the game as it offers us important continuity, not only ahead of the World T20, but beyond that tournament as well. “Overall, we believe the squad we have selected is well-balanced and has the experience and talent required to be successful in India and help us win the World T20 title for the first time. “We were able to look at a number of players during the BBL and the recent T20 International series against India and have selected the best short-form players available for the conditions we will encounter.” Finch (hamstring), Nathan CoulterNile (shoulder), and James Faulkner (hamstring) have all been named in the squad subject to fitness. “Aaron, Nathan and James are all very important players and we want them with to be a part of this World T20 campaign. We are hopeful that they will be able to take part in some form of competitive cricket before leaving for South Africa. However, we will be guided by medical advice and an update on their fitness will be provided closer to the time of departure,” Marsh said.
The 15-player Australian men’s squad, which will travel to South Africa ahead of the tournament for a three-match series of T20 Internationals against the Proteas, is: Steve Smith (c) New South Wales Sydney Sixers David Warner (vc) New South Wales NA Ashton Agar West Australia Perth Scorchers Nathan Coulter-Nile West Australia Perth Scorchers Aaron Finch Victoria Melbourne Renegades John Hastings Victoria Melbourne Stars Josh Hazlewood New South Wales Sydney Sixers James Faulkner Tasmania Melbourne Stars UsmanKhawaja Queensland Sydney Thunder Mitchell Marsh West Australia Perth Scorchers Glenn Maxwell Victoria Melbourne Stars Peter Nevill New South Wales Melbourne Renegades Andrew Tye West Australia Perth Scorchers Shane Watson New South Wales Sydney Thunder Adam Zampa South Australia Melbourne Stars The 15-player Australia women’s squad, which will also travel to New Zealand later this month for a three match T20I series is: Meg Lanning (c) Victoria Melbourne Stars Alex Blackwell (vc) New South Wales Sydney Thunder Kristen Beams Victoria Melbourne Stars Lauren Cheatle New South Wales Sydney Thunder Sarah Coyte South Australia Adelaide Strikers Rene Farrell New South Wales Sydney Thunder Holly Ferling Queensland Brisbane Heat Grace Harris Queensland Brisbane Heat Alyssa Healy New South Wales Sydney Sixers Jess Jonassen Queensland Brisbane Heat Beth Mooney Queensland Brisbane Heat Erin Osborne ACT Sydney Thunder Ellyse Perry New South Wales Sydney Sixers Megan Schutt South Australia Adelaide Strikers Elyse Villani Western Australia Perth Scorchers Australian Test wicket keeper Peter Nevill, who played for the Melbourne Renegades in the KFC Big Bash League, will make his T20 International debut having been selected ahead of Renegades teammate Matthew Wade. “We feel our batting depth in this squad is sufficient enough that we can have a specialist wicket-keeper in the squad. We want Australia’s best wicket-keeper playing in this tournament and we consider Peter Nevill to be the best in the country right now.” In line for their T20 International debuts are Perth Scorchers left armorthodox spinner Ashton Agar and Melbourne Stars leg-spinner Adam Zampa, who complement the right arm off-spin of Glenn Maxwell. “Given the conditions we are likely to face in India we wanted to have a number of different spinning options available to us. Ashton Agar, Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell give us plenty of flexibility in the slow-bowling department which is incredibly important in this format.”
Australia’s first match of the tournament is against New Zealand on 18 March at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala. Australian men’s ICC World T20 fixture – Super 10 Group 2 18 March v New Zealand, Dharamsala 21 March v (winner of group A), Bengaluru 25 March v Pakistan, Mohali 27 March v India, Mohali Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars squad The Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars squad to contest the ICC World Twenty20 includes 12 players from its recent home T20 International series against India, plus Perth Scorchers batter Elyse Villani, Sydney Thunder off-spinner Erin Osborne and Melbourne Stars leg-spinner Kristen Beams. Naomi Stalenberg, who made her T20 International debut against India in Adelaide on Australia Day, has been omitted.
www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082
2 0 1 6
Chosen by Cricket Australia’s Women’s National Selection Panel (WNSP), the squad will also tour New Zealand in the lead-up to the tournament for three T20Is on 28 February, 1 March and 4 March. Commenting on the squad, WNSP Chairman of Selectors Shawn Flegler said: “We believe this group contains a good mix of youth and experience that will give us the best chance of contesting the ICC World T20 title. “We’ve got a number of options covered with our bowling attack as well as several batters who can produce the attacking game-style we want to play. “The players have had a solid build up to the tournament with strong competition against India in our recent home series, as well as the first season of the WBBL which not only included Australia’s leading players, but some excellent cricketers from overseas. “That preparation, plus a short series against New Zealand later this month, should prepare the team well for a tough pool group at the World Twenty20. We know that we’ll need to be at the top of our game to overcome the other talented teams in the competition. “It’s an exciting time for the entire squad, but in particular Beth Mooney and Lauren Cheatle who made their international debuts just a few weeks ago. Beth showed positive signs at the top of the order while Lauren impressed with the ball. This will be another great opportunity for these young players. “Naomi Stalenberg misses out after making her T20 debut for Australia this summer, but she is an exciting prospect and we will continue to monitor her development closely,” Flegler said. Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars’ ICC World T20 fixture – Pool Group A 18 March v South Africa, Nagpur 21 March v New Zealand, Nagpur 24 Match v Sri Lanka, New Delhi 26 March v Ireland, New Delhi Prior to the three T20s against New Zealand, a 13-player squad will compete in three ODIs against New Zealand on 20, 22 and 24 February. Perth Scorchers batter Nicole Bolton has been selected in the Australian ODI squad only. T20-only players Osborne, Villani and Cheatle will join up with the Australian T20 squad in New Zealand after the ODIs on 26 February. The Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars ODI squad is due to fly out to New Zealand on 18 February. Source: Cricket Australia
f e b r u A R Y
2 0 1 6
sports
southSouth asia times 17 Asia Times
Madras Banyan Tree, Glen Huntly: Exotic food from South India…
By Neeraj Nanda
T
he Banyan tree (Bargad) is the national tree of India and its name originated from the Gujarati language, banya meaning "grocer/merchant," not "tree." The Portuguese picked up the word to refer specifically to merchants and passed it to the English. English writers began to tell of the banyan tree, a tree under which merchants would conduct their business. The tree provided a shaded place for a village meeting or for merchants to sell their goods. Eventually "banyan" became the name of the tree itself. Madras Banyan Tree name as an
Indian restaurant reflects the massive variety of food it serves just like the Banyan tree gives massive shade. The exoticness and exclusiveness of its food is reflected at the Glen Huntly branch menu. The name Madras symbolizes its typical South Indian cuisine but it also serves North Indian and Indian Chinese delicacies. In fact, you can order both South and North Indian food for a rather mixed experience. One can enjoy eating the crisp masala Dosa and soft Idlis with Sambar and chutney. Don’t forget you have 17 verities of Dosas to choose from. This includes Cheese Masala Dosa, Onion PodiDosa and SaadaDosa. The Idli and Vadai come in different combinations and one
can always add one of the Utappam (6 verities) dish with it. The North Indian food has a variety of Chicken, Lamb and Seafood curries which can be eaten with Rice, Naan or Tandoori Roti. If you are just a vegetarian then the list is endless with Lentils, Spinich, Veggie Kuruma, Mushroom Masala, Dal Peshwari, Paneer Butter masala and PalakPaneer. Plus, you have soups, Samosa, PaneerTikka, fried Fish etc. as Entrée, which actually will push you towards the Mains. The restaurant has many specials like Dosa Nights, Sunday Brunch, Happy Hour and free home delivery up to three kms. Orders are also taken for catering
and parties big or small. A visit to the Madras Banyan Tree, Glen Huntly, no doubt, will be a tasty experience never to be forgotten. A franchise will soon be opening in Clayton! Trading hours are – Dinner – Mon to Sun: 6 pm to 10 pm. Sunday Brunch Buffet: 12 pm to 3 pm. MADRAS BANYAN TREE 109 GRANGE ROAD, GLEN HUNTLY VIC 3163 Ph: (03) 90415758 Facebook : https://www.facebook. com/madrasbanyantreearglenhuntly Site: www.madrasbanyantree. com.au Email: glenhuntly@ madrasbanyantree.com.au
India favorites for T-20 World Cup: Shane Watson By Neeraj Nanda
S
ydney, 31 January:Australian Captain Shane Watson was speaking after his side’s seven-wicket loss to India at the Sydney Cricket Ground in the final Twenty20 International of the KFC Series, a result that gave India a clean sweep of all the three matches against Australia on Sunday night. Shane said Australia will take the positives from the loss and had no doubt India wearing the tag of favorite for the ICC World Twenty20 in March to be held in India. Shane made an unbeaten 124 out of his side’s 5-197 but India chased down the score, winning with a four off the
last ball to finish on 3-200 with 52 to Rohit Sharma, 50 for player of the series ViratKohli and an unbeaten 49 from Suresh Raina. Raina who hit the winning boundary on the last ball of the match said, “Australia has no need to panic despite the series loss coming so close to the ICC World Twenty20.” And added he won’t be blaming the loss on debutant wicketkeeper Cameron Bancroft, who missed a tough stumping chance to dismiss Raina before he had started scoring. Australia’s next action is on Wednesday when it plays the first One-Day International of three on the Qantas Tour of New Zealand, with two Tests to follow.
www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082
Shane said Australia will take the positives from the loss and had no doubt India wearing the tag of favorite for the ICC World Twenty20 in March to be held in India.
south asia 18 South Asia Timestimes
sports
f e b r u A R Y
2 0 1 6
Indian teams for Asia Cup and ICC World T20 announced
T
he All-India Senior Selection Committee and Women’s Selection Committee met in New Delhi to select India’s team for the upcoming Asia Cup and the ICC World T20. The India Men’s team will play the Asia Cup in Bangladesh from Feb 24-06 March followed by the ICC World T20 to be held in India from the 8th March to 3rd April. Both the men’s and the women’s team will play in the ICC World T20. Indian Team for the ICC World T20 (Men): MS Dhoni (Captain), ShikharDhawan, Rohit Sharma, ViratKohli, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, RavindraJadeja, HardikPandya, RavichandranAshwin, JaspritBumrah, AshishNehra, AjinkyaRahane, Harbhajan Singh, Mohammed Shami,
PawanNegi. Indian Team for Asia Cup (Men): MS Dhoni (Captain), ShikharDhawan, Rohit Sharma, ViratKohli, Yuvraj Singh, RavindraJadeja, HardikPandya, RavichandranAshwin, JaspritBumrah, AshishNehra, Suresh Raina, AjinkyaRahane, Harbhajan Singh, Mohammed Shami, PawanNegi. Indian Team for ICC World T20 (Women) :Mithali Raj (Captain), JhulanGoswami, SmritiMandhana, Veda Krishnamurthy, HarmanpreetKaur, ShikhaPandey, RajeshwariGayakwad, SushmaVerma, PoonamYadav, VR Vanitha, AnujaPatil, EktaBisht, Thirushkamini MD, Deepti Sharma, NiranjanaNagarajan. —Source: BCCI Media Release
Southern Stars win ODI series against India
By SAT Sports Desk
M
elbourne, 5 February: Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars won the ODI series following Australia’s sixwicket win against India in the second ODI at the Blundstone Arena in Hobart. The match was streamed live at cricket.com.au. Nicole Bolton scored 77 and put on a 138run opening stand with captain Meg Lanning (61) as Australia chased India’s total of 8/252 with 20 balls left. Earlier, India’s SmritiMandhana scored 102 in a Player of the Match performance. Ellyse Perry picked up three wickets.
www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082
The Southern Stars won the series with one match still to be played this Sunday (7 February) from 2.20pm (local time) at the Blundstone Arena, Hobart. Entry is free, with fans also able to live stream the match on cricket.com.au. Addressing the media after the match Nicole said, “ We are trying to strike bigger and getting close to becoming a 300 runs team.” “Time out in the middle of the ODIs is invaluable and places them well for the T20 World Cup,” she said. With this win the Southern Stars pick up 2 more points for the 2017 World Cup qualification, with Australia still placed top of the Women’s Championship table.
f e b r u A R Y
southSouth asia times 19 Asia Times
2 0 1 6
WAVES
CONSULTANCY
Migration & Education Consultants Your Success Is Our Reward
IMMIGRATION SERVICES Premier Consultancy for Australian Immigration & Education with over 22 years of combined experience.
EDUCATION SERVICES Visit us at : Level 4, 50 Queen Street, Melbourne, Vic 3000 Phone: 9629 4529, Fax: 9629 4629, Email: info@wavesconsultancy.com www.wavesconsultancy.com
MA
Member of Migration Alliance
www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082
QEAC B070
AUSTRALIA
south asia 20 South Asia Timestimes
sports
f e b r u A R Y
2 0 1 6
Australian tennis greats honored as Australia Post Legends By SAT News Desk
M
elbourne, 22 January: Eleven of Australia's most loved and celebrated singles tennis players are being honored by Australia Post as the recipients of the 2016 Australia Post Legends Award, and will appear on a new postage stamp. This year's Legends Award, which marks 20 years since its inception, highlights eleven of Australia's tennis elite, who have all achieved personal success in their sporting careers and played an important role in shaping the positive image of Australian tennis globally. The 2016 Australia Post Legends Award recipients are Pat Cash, Ashley Cooper AO, Roy Emerson, Neale Fraser AO MBE, EvonneGoolagongCawley AO MBE, John Newcombe AO OBE, Patrick Rafter, Tony Roche AO MBE, Ken Rosewall AM MBE, Frank Sedgman AM and Fred Stolle AO. In addition to the Legends Award stamp series, Lleyton Hewitt is being honored on a special edition farewell stamp to commemorate his retirement from competitive tennis and as the new captain of the 2016 Davis Cup team. Ahmed Fahour, Managing Director & Group CEO, Australia Post, said this year's award honors eleven Australians who have demonstrated sportsmanship, tenacity and inspiration through their
sporting and community achievements. "We have such a rich history of talented tennis champions in this country, so it seemed fitting as we celebrate 20 years of the Legends Award, to highlight Australian tennis and some of the inspirational singles players Australia has seen over the decades. The legacy these players have created in the sport of tennis continues to attract and inspire new generations of players to the game," Mr. Fahour said. "We're also thrilled to celebrate and congratulate Lleyton Hewitt on such a successful career as he retires from competitive tennis this year. Through his dedication and commitment to the game, he continues to be an outstanding ambassador not only for the sport, but also for Australia," MrFahour continued. The 2016 Australia Post Australian Legends will be honoured at official Australia Day Council events hosted in all capital cities, with the first luncheon-taking place in Melbourne today. Each Legend will also be presented with a 24-carat gold replica of their stamp. Pat Cash said about receiving his Legends award: "Australians love sport like no other nation and for me to be honored on a stamp as one of the legends, is an amazing acknowledgement. I never imagined my face being used as a means of postage!" Ashley Cooper AO said about receiving his Legends
award: "I was so proud to be asked to be on a stamp. I certainly never thought it would happen and to be amongst such a great group of people, well I'm just really chuffed." Roy Emerson said about receiving his Legends award: "Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine that my photograph would be on an Australian postage stamp. What an honor it is for me to be chosen, I am delighted." Neale Fraser AO MBE said about receiving his Legends award: "Tennis gave me a life I never could have dreamed of. To think that I would join this illustrious group of people that have been recognized in the history of the award, it makes me a very proud Australian." EvonneGoolagongCawley AO MBE said about receiving her Legends award: "Being on a stamp is a wonderful honor. Lately I have really been appreciating what I've done in my career, because I never stopped to think about it." John Newcombe AO OBE said about receiving his Legends award: "I'm a very confident person and I have great self-belief but I never expect things to come along. So when I received the call from Australia Post to say they wanted to feature me on a stamp, I thought to myself I'm such a lucky bloke." Patrick Rafter said about receiving his Legends award: "I remember in 2000 the Olympians who won gold were featured on a stamp which I thought
was really cool. This is an amazing milestone and acknowledgement from Australia Post and I'm proud to be a part of it." Tony Roche AO MBE said about receiving his Legends award: "Tennis has an extremely proud history in Australia, one that I hope will continue for many years to come. To be given the honor of having a postage stamp recognizing the significance of Tennis in Australia is both special and humbling." Ken Rosewall AM MBE said about receiving his Legends award: "Tennis gave me the opportunity to travel the world and I'm proud my name is recognized with the game. It's humbling to think you're going to be on a stamp, especially alongside some of my long-time friends – it's a good feeling." Frank SedgmanAM said about receiving his Legends award: "It's such an honor. We were just athletes doing our best, so to be thought about after all these years it really is just an amazing honor." Fred Stolle AO said about receiving his Legends award: "I am both honored and excited to be chosen along with a distinguished group of friends and it's a good lesson for the younger generation that childhood dreams can come true. For myself and my family this is very special." The Legends Award criteria honors 'inspirational' living Australians who exemplify tenacity, imagination, perseverance, devotion, integrity and compassion,
www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082
In addition to the Legends Award stamp series, Lleyton Hewitt is being honored on a special edition farewell stamp to commemorate his retirement from competitive tennis says a Australia Post media release. The Legends Award was initiated in 1997 when Sir Donald Bradman was the first living Australian to be honored on an Australian stamp. Prior to that, the only living people honored on Australia’s stamps were members of the royal family. The 2016 Legends will feature on a $1 stamp, with all Legends featuring in a stamp pack, first day cover, a set of maxi cards and booklet of 10 stamps for collectors. The stamps and associated products are available at participating Australia Post retail outlets, via mail order phone 1800 331 794 and online at www.auspost.com. au/stamps from 21 January 2016 while stocks last. —SAT News Service
f e b r u A R Y
2 0 1 6
The Dark Side of Leadership: Handling leaders with a hidden side
T
here are those who follow and those who lead. Then there are those who challenge the status quo and reinvent the potential that leadership holds. Just like two sides of the coin, leadership has the power to make or break great companies. While management is necessary – leadership is what helps great a winning company. But there is a fatal flaw with the concept of leadership. Through various interviews, I’ve observed there is an ongoing pattern of behaviour exhibited by a leader that may result in overall negative organisational outcomes based on the interactions between the leader, follower
and the environment in which they operate. What that means is every leader has a dark side to their existence. This is where the book get’s its name – ‘The Dark Side of Leadership’. Decades of research has shown that failed leadership is at the heart of very bankrupt and failed company.While this is a global conversation, expressing the dark side of leadership is unacceptable and is socially discouraged. The book is a conversation starter in this field. The goalsof the book: • Guide you in understanding what the dark side of leadership is. • Assist you in identifying leaders with the dark side. • Give you real life examples on how to handle leaders who have the dark side. Lastly, the book will also contain some of the transcripts of the interviews that were taken during the research phase. Interviewees include the likes of Brett Biddington AM, Adam Burford, Sir Richard Branson, Sam Walsh, and many more... “Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish.”, said Steve Jobs.
book review
southSouth asia times 21 Asia Times
UK writer’s new book on Sikh history R
emnants of the Sikh Empire – Historical Sikh Monuments in India & Pakistan is a journey made via historical remnants in modernday India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan that lead into the heart of the empire of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The book written by Bobby Singh Bansal, a UK based historian and filmmaker, catalogues numerous structures historically associated with the nobles and courtiers of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s reign during the early nineteenth century. From Mughal to Sikh edifices, Remnants of the Sikh Empire shines a spotlight on undiscovered residences including forts, haveli’s, memorials, mansions and palaces across these countries that have never been published before. In order to complete this volume, the author travelled extensively across remote regions along the Afghan-Pakistan border with the assistance of the Pakistan Army in order to compile rare footage that document these habitats. Some of the structures include strategic forts built in the tribal areas of Pakistan by the legendary Sikh hero Hari Singh Nalwa, the existence of which had been completely unknown to the general public. The Sikh reign lasted only for eighty-four years but its footprint remains to this day. Remains of Sikh architecture exist in the urban and rural landscape of Punjab especially in Pakistan. Unfortunately, the state of many of these Sikh relics in Pakistan in particular
are in a state of decay, and without restoration projects will continue to rapidly vanish from the living inventory of Sikh history. Bansal’s book, while exploring the aesthetic behind these various architectural sites, also peels back on their relationship with the powerful nobles and courtiers of the opulent Lahore Durbar who reshaped the architectural landscape of Punjab and Kashmir in the nineteenth century. A remnant of the Sikh Empire catapults the
www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082
reader into an unforgettable journey, retracing the rich heritage of the Punjab to its apex during the mighty Sikh Empire. The book has been published by the Hay House Hong Kong (2015) and captures over 100 rare black and white illustrations. It includes colored images taken by the author in the remote but hazardous areas of Pakistan and Indian Kashmir. The book is now available directly from Hay House Publishers and Amazon.com. Source: South Asian Post
South Asia Times south asia 22 South Asia Timestimes
south asia
SOUTH ASIA
f e b r u A R Y
2 0 1 6
Wanted, a democratic system in Pakistan
“In any case, Pakistan is not going to be a theocratic State to be ruled by priests with a divine mission” – Jinnah
By Humayun Gauhar
L
et me first say,” I told my wife who I could see was spoiling for an argument, “that Nasser Jaffar has set a great tradition by resigning as Chairman PIA after three employees of the airline were shot dead by God knows who while protesting against its privatization. Nasser is ahonourable man who, perhaps in a moment of madness, agreed to join a gang of dishonourable men. By resigning he has redeemed his honour. Stay away from bad governments that are products of a bad system my friend, because the leaders of such governments have to invariably be bad too.” “Yes,” said my wife. “He has. Nasser is a good man and one of our few civilized people around, a gentleman in the true sense. Be that as it may,” she said in high dudgeon, “I can’t understand you. You don’t like the parliamentary system yet you don’t want the army to intervene either. Then what the hell is it that you want?” “Yes,” added Maverick the Monkey, Commanderin-Chief of the E-7 Monkey Brigade who had also joined the conversation on our terrace. “You want change but you also say that the system should be allowed to continue and self-correct. Self-correct by the time we are all dead? Yes, what do you want?” “I want a democratic system that works and delivers to the people,” I said trying to stop myself from getting hot under the collar and exploding. I’m fed up of saying the same thing to deaf ears. “Maverick my good man, not by the time we are dead but Pakistan is dead. Sure I wanted evolutionary self-correction, but when it seems that self-destruction, not selfcorrection is in the genes of the system, then I wonder. Is there the danger that the while self-destructing the system could take Pakistan with it? The process has already gone a long way in that direction. So I’m thinking feverishly. If I were convinced that the army could bring change for the better on a long-term basis
and not for the usual few years, I would be all for it. Four times has the army got the chance to act as redeemer and deliverer. Four times it failed abysmally. It showed us mirages of prosperity like flashes in the pan and then returned us behind square one back into the hands of our old political fiends along with their equally fiendish progeny, stooges and jesters whom it had promised to rid us of. Meantime, the generals continued to create more bonsai politicians to become future fiends but they lose control of them. They should do neither: create bonsai politicianfiends or try to control them. We forget that generals belong to the same ruling class as the rest of us so their spontaneity is the same. In the second of those four military spasms the army presided over the disintegration of Pakistan. Blame Bhutto and Mujib as much as you like, but the buck stops with the ruler. That was one “fat and flabby” general called Yahya Khan who was himself a buck in rut. “To be fair you cannot expect generals to have the capacity to totally reinvent the system,” I continued,
warming to the subject. “But then, nor should the generals think that they can. Since thankfully I am not hostage to western political, judicial, bureaucratic and social constructs, so the problem still remains: what sort of system should we have that arises from the native, is truly democratic and delivers? “For direction,” I suggested, “why don’t we listen to what our founder Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah said. Speaking to the military he said: ‘Do not forget that the armed forces are the servants of the people. You do not make national policy: it is we, the civilians, who decide these issues and it is your duty to carry out these tasks with which you are entrusted’. “Note that Mr. Jinnah said ‘civilians’, not ‘politicians’. Good thought though, but the great man could never have imagined that our small feudal-tribal minds with bad intent caused by continuing mental colonization would adopt the colonizer’s system that would regularly hand policymaking over to rapacious and stupid civilians who would hardly ever be proper representatives of the people, who stand for
their hopes, aspirations and frustrations. The problem is the system for these civilians are ‘elected’ under its bad fashion after the army gives them birth. Such civilians are more interested in megalomania for selfaggrandizement. It is they who secretly go through GHQ’s Gate Number 3 to beg the generals to mount a coup – so long as the generals don’t forget them. It is civilians who have always created conditions conducive for military intervention. Is that why the army creates them, to periodically pave the way for them to intervene? “As the people’s situation worsened a bigger problem arose: nationhood and national integration. Today those who don’t have genuine stakes left in the country are more than those who do. It is every province for itself as the last general election results betray, with Punjab the favourite whipping boy to the point that the Punjabis are getting dangerously fed up. The question that no one dared to utter in the past, ‘What has Pakistan given us?’ is now escaping from the lips of most ordinary citizens, the ‘common man’ as they are called, not the miniscule
www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082
filthy rich who have participated in the plunder of Pakistan. “Look at how our clueless government sleeps while Pakistan misses the boat and Iran catches it, with China being asked to seriously consider Iran’s port Chabahar as a viable replacement for Gwadar in unstable Pakistan’s unstable province Balochistan.” “If that happens,” moaned Maverick, “it will be treason of the highest order not only by those who caused it but also by those who let it happen.” “But you haven’t answered my question,” scolded my wife. “You keep talking to this monkey. You are against the British parliamentary system and you are against an army takeover if they follow their standard operating procedure. Then what the hell is it that you are after? What can make us change for the better and save ourselves?” “The point of a sword, my dear lady,” I replied. “The point of a sword.” “And who will be holding the sword may I ask you my incorrigible romantic?” she asked. “This pure messiah is neither in my hands nor in yours. As Faiz said, it is only in the hands the people, the wretched of the earth. If the people rise, pure sword in hand, with the army at least not opposing them if not supporting them, change for the better could occur and evolve. For a while there could be a reign of terror, as the French Revolution was initially called, but if the people don’t rise, real terrorists who are already wielding an impure satanic sword will. It is for no reason that the operation against terrorists in North Waziristan is called ‘Zarb-eAzb’ – ‘Strike of the Sword’ – ‘Azb’, meaning ‘purity’, being one of the swords of the Prophet (pbuh) that he fought with in the battles of Badr and Uhud. “Remember Iran?” explained Maverick. “The people took to the streets and finally the army acted in concert with them to overthrow the Shah. We came close to it when Imran Khan and TahirulQadri brought the people out, but
f e b r u A R Y
south asia
2 0 1 6
southSouth asia times 23 Asia Times
Wanted, a democratic... the army didn’t support them at the time, perhaps because the generals thought the two were too confused, too egotistical, too unpredictable and had the wrong people around them.” “That may be so, Maverick,” I said, “but could it also be that the generals were being selfish and letting Imran and Qadri do their dirty work for them, which was to denude the civilian government of the power that the army wanted because the civilians couldn’t handle it? The generals got what they wanted. However, the generals should know that supporting the people is supporting God, for the people are His vicegerents. But neither rebellion nor army intervention would work unless the purpose is clearly to change the status quo for the better and finally make Pakistan into an Islamic Welfare State as Mr. Jinnah told us to do. Else they will fail again.” “The people won’t rise,” scoffed my wife, “so what pipedream are you having?” You don’t mess with a Diva in umbrage, but I
risked it. “Don’t say that. The people have risen twice before but lost because they placed their faith in power hungry politicians and generals. You forget, my dear little lady, they rose once against Ayub Khan and again against Bhutto. But both times they were being controlled by ruthless charlatan politicians and generals, rascals, rogues, freebooters and carpetbaggers all, exploiting fake platforms only to grab power any old how – the PPP’s Islamic Socialism and the Six Points of East Pakistan’s Awami League the first time and Nizame-Mustafa of the mullahs joined by lost secular politicians in an unholy gaggle of nine called the Pakistan National Alliance or PNA the second. They made the mess messier, but they did rise. They failed because they were not clear about what they wanted. ‘Democracy’, they said, ‘Islamic Socialism’, but they didn’t understand what democracy or socialism are and don’t to this day. Nor Islam. They didn’t understand that ‘Islamic Socialism’ and ‘Nizam-e-
Mustafa’ were only slogans in the hands of ruthless feudal-tribal politicians and semi-educated political mullahs only to fool them. ‘Islamic system’ they said without understanding God’s Islam and His intent and objectives or ‘maqasid’. All they parroted were the myriad ‘interpretations’ of Islam done by mullahs who always miss God’s point, often deliberately, for their intent is self-serving so they mislead the people. Take guidance from Mr. Jinnah who variously said: “The great majority of us are Muslims We follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). We are members of the brotherhood of Islam in which all are equal in rights, dignity and self-respect. Consequently, we have a special and a very deep sense of unity. But make no mistake: Pakistan is not a theocracy or anything like it”… “In any case Pakistan is not going to be a theocratic State to be ruled by priests with a divine mission.” [Emphasis added]. The terrorist-loving mullahs we are landed with are no scholars but ‘fitna’,
troublemakers who spread discord and disharmony – ‘fasad’. If the army or the people fail now, it’s over to the terrorists. Get used to wearing a burqa and staying at home my dear lady and I will grow a beard and start wearing my shalwar above my ankles. “As things are going,” I continued, “it is the terrorists who are wielding the sword today. They have changed your life. But because human beings are inherently adaptable, you don’t really notice it much and get used to it without realizing it. Could you have imagined that parents would be frightened to send their children to school one day? That schools would be closed for days because of terrorist threats? Could you ever have imagined that there would be security red alerts all the time? Could you have imagined that large parts of cities would be cordoned off into ‘red zones’ by governments, zones that effectively belong to the terrorists because of the fear they have instilled in the hearts of security and law enforcing agencies? So wisdom and the survival
www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082
I want a democratic system that works and delivers to the people,” I said trying to stop myself from getting hot under the collar and exploding. I’m fed up of saying the same thing to deaf ears. instinct demand that before terrorists force us to change our ways at the point of a sword, we should do it ourselves because it is more likely then that change will be for the better rather than what the terrorists will bring.” The wife and the monkey fell silent. —Source: The Citizen, February 2016
south asia 24 South Asia Timestimes
south asia
f e b r u A R Y
2 0 1 6
“A fair day’s wage for a fair day’s work?” According to the Italian Ministry of Labour and Social Policy estimates, three out of four Bangladeshi workers in Italy work in the tertiary sector. 23,3% of them are employed in the hotel, restaurant and catering sector. Credit: Simba Shani Kamaria Russeau/IPS
By Francesco Farnè
R
ome, Feb 4 2016 (IPS) “During the first months in Italy, I always prayed for rain. I spent hours checking the weather forecast” said Roni, a 26 year old graduate from a middle-income family in Bangladesh. His father, a public servant and his mother a home maker, Roni had to sell umbrellas on the streets of Rome for more than a year before finding a summer job by the sea at a coffee shop, popularly known as a ‘bar’ in Italy. In a recent interview with IPS, Roni explained that in 2012, he left his country, like many other Bangladeshis, in search of better opportunities in Europe. “I decided to leave for economic reasons; it was impossible to get a job in Bangladesh, even though I am a University graduate. I had heard that many friends and relatives made a fortune in Italy and wanted to be like them”, said Roni. According to ISTAT 2015 (Italian National Institute of Statistics) estimates, there are more than 138.000 Bangladeshi nationals legally residing in Italy – a 9 % increase compared to 2014. Like Roni, many in the Bangladeshi community play a significant role in the Italian economy as part of the labour force. In particular, 75.6% of Bangladeshi workers in Italy are employed in the service sector. Additionally, more than 20.000 Bangladeshi entrepreneurs were registered as business owners in 2013, according to the “Annual report on the presence of immigrants – The Bengali Community” issued by the Italian Ministry of Labour and Social Policy.
Roni describes the process of getting a visa as very complex. “There are two kinds of visas, one for agricultural workers and one for all the others. The former is quite easy to obtain and costs less, about € 8.000, while for the latter, the one I obtained, a sponsor residing in Italy is required and the cost is over € 12.000.” “I paid my sponsor directly, and he completed all the required documentation”, he continued, “and once he obtained the nullaosta (clearance), I could apply for my visa at the Embassy of Italy in Bangladesh. I was lucky as it took only three months for the documents to be ready. Many other people have to wait much longer and deal with and pay two or three in between agents to connect them with the sponsor.” Although it is widely known that the Bangladeshi migrants look out for each other, Roni says that getting support from the established Bangladeshi community has been a challenge. “Since the day I arrived, I sensed a lack of solidarity, fraternity and belonging within my national community. [Those] now in a position to help others seem to forget that once they were the ones in need. It looks like they forget their immediate past and think they are not like this anymore and therefore don’t want to do anything with them”, said Roni. “No one helped me with my job search nor gave me any indication on where to buy umbrellas to sell, nor helped me with the language, as I did not speak Italian. My sponsor just helped me find a place to sleep – a room shared with nine other
strangers I had to pay for myself – and that’s it”, he continued. After 18 months of search, Roni has now found a job in a restaurant and is much happier. In addition, he has a contract which will enable him to renew his residency permit. He earns more than € 1000 per month, enough to send some money home. Roni explained that remittances are an integral part of his “mission” here in order to help his family back home, since his father retired. As he needs over € 400 per month for his own survival in Italy, he is able to send home between € 400 and € 600 per month. His family uses the money for subsistence and for rent. Indeed, after China, Bangladesh is the second country of destination of remittances from Italy, amounting to € 346.1 million in 2013 (7.9% of all remittances), according to the Annual report by the Italian Ministry of Labour and Social Policy. When asked for details of his contract, Roni revealed that even though he is contracted for six hours of work each day, he works for 10 hours or more for the same wage, and, days of leave or sickness do not count as working days. Roni claims he is paid less than other workers with different nationalities. Although Roni’s terms of employment appeared to be better than those of other migrant workers, it nevertheless disregards many of the employment rights regarding remuneration, sick-leave, and weekly working hours outlined in the many directives set out by the EU Commission. “This is not only about bad bosses exploiting migrants”, said Roni, “we, as migrant
workers have to stand up for our rights and stop accepting these humiliating conditions. As long as there is another migrant willing to accept unfair conditions, my attempts to fight for a better contract and for workers’ rights will be in vain.” “I think government policies to protect workers are good”, he continued. “It is not a matter of policies, it is how they are implemented to make sure that laws are respected. In fact, after government officials carried out an inspection at my workplace, we were immediately hired, gaining formal access to basic welfare and social protection measures.” Roni concluded by making an appeal to his own people: “let’s help each other and put our strengths together. Do not forget to help the newcomers, as it will pay off! I myself had helped two Bangladeshi nationals hosting them at my place and paying the rent for them. They will repay me as soon as they get jobs. Solidarity will lead to a win-win situation and it is the only way to improve our condition.” Roni is just one of the many faces representing the migration crisis Italy is facing today. With the weakest suffering the worst consequences of the crisis, from a policy perspective, there is no doubt that an integrated EU approach will be the only effective way to face the issue. This is especially true when attempting to ensure implementation and enforcement of the social welfare laws, human rights and labour rights laws. At both the national and local level, Italian institutions, as well as non-governmental organizations, have a key
www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082
Many in the Bangladeshi community play a significant role in the Italian economy as part of the labour force. In particular, 75.6% of Bangladeshi workers in Italy are employed in the service sector. role to play. They must raise awareness and enhance understanding of these issues. Workers must be aware of their “labour and employment rights, social and welfare rights, and where to seek assistance”, as stated by the International LabourOrganisation (ILO) in its publication “Protecting the rights of migrant workers: a shared responsibility”. All of this can significantly help create long-lasting legislative changes that are needed in the employment sector to ensure that migrants rights are protected. Finally, Italian institutions and civil society organisations should demand stricter controls by the authorities to ensure that existing laws are actually enforced and implemented, as suggested by Roni.
f e b r u A R Y
southSouth asia times 25 Asia Times
2 0 1 6
Uttaranchal Society of Australia, Inc. First time in Australia
cordially invites your presence
Uttarakhand Sangeet Sandya
With renowned singers Shri Narendera Singh Negi, Meena Rana, Pritam Bhartwan, Prakasha Kahala and music team
On March 28, 2016 from 6 pm onwards at The Heritage Reception Centre, 514-516 High Street, Epping, VIC 3075 For Enquiries: Arun Pandey 0425 241 355, Prem Rawat 0423 419 722, Manoj Mishra 0411 148 042, Ashwani Nautiyal 0403 104 291, Trilok Bhandari 0413 795 137, Hemander Bisht 0403 257 863, Virender 0402 553 341, Manmohan Bisht 0423 688 474, Virender Bisht 0413 164 821, Umed Bora 0401 731 525, Nand Kishore Rana 0433 232 088
www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082
south asia 26 South Asia Timestimes
south asia
f e b r u A R Y
2 0 1 6
Family planning in India is still deeply sexist NEW DELHI, Feb 9 2016 (IPS) - The tragic death of 12 women after a state-run mass sterilisation campaign in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh went horribly wrong in 2014 made global headlines. The episode saw about 80 women “herded like cattle” into makeshift camps without being properly examined before the laparoscopic tubectomies that snuffed out their lives. In another incident in 2013, police in the eastern Indian state of Bihar arrested three men after they performed a botched sterilisation surgery without anaesthesia on 53 women over two hours in a field. By Neeta Lal
D
eaths due to sterilisation are hardly new in India. According to records, over four million such operations were performed in 201314 resulting in a total of 1,434 deaths between 2003 and 2012. Between 2009 and 2012 the government paid compensation for 568 deaths resulting from sterilisation according to health ministry data. Health activists point out that the primary reason for this mess is an overt focus on female sterilisation in the government’s family planning programme and a woeful lack of birth-control choices for women. Other forms of contraception are not available on an adequate basis because of the lack of health-care facilities. Injectable and Progestinonly pills are on offer only in private hospitals which severely inhibits their usage by poor women. Worse, male sterilisation is still frowned upon socially. This places the onus of birth control on women with limited participation from men. According to latest research by the global partnership, Family Planning 2020 (FP2020), female sterilisation accounts for 74.4 per cent of the modern contraceptive methods used in India. As against this, male sterilisation is merely 2.3 per cent, while use of condoms is 11.4 per cent. The use of pills constitutes just 7.5 per cent of modern methods, whereas injectables and implants are almost absent. In the southern state of Karnataka, for instance, women account for 95 per cent of sterilisations conducted at family welfare centres. Family planning experts attribute this sharp gender disparity to an entrenched patriarchal mindset and ingrained societal attitudes. This is the main reason, say activists, why despite vasectomy being a far less invasive and less complicated procedure as
compared to tubectomy, more women are forced to undergo sterilisation. Doctors reckon that tubectomies are about 10 times more common in India. “In male sterilisation, surgeons cut and seal the tube that carries sperm from the testicles to the penis. This is far less painful than female sterilisation that involves cutting, sealing or blocking the fallopian tubes which requires the entire abdomen of a woman to be cut open,” explains Dr. Pratibha Mittal, senior gynaecologist and obstetrician, Fortis Hospital, New Delhi. The Family Planning Association of India (FPAI), Bengaluru chapter says it receives requests from 70 to 80 women for tubectomy every month. “Rarely, if ever, does a man enquire about vasectomy,” stated a doctor. According to health activists, rural women are under enormous pressure from husbands and in-laws to not go in for any oral contraceptive method or injections. Hence, they’re left with no option but to opt for surgery. The women are also offered all kinds of petty inducements to undergo sterilisation surgery highlighting the risks women face in reproductive health in a country battling high rates of poverty. Everything from washing machines to blenders to cash incentives are used to lure women to opt for sterilisation. Health workers say sterilisation targets set by the government also push women into surgery. It is due to regressive societal attitudes that even the government’s marketing and advertising campaigns for family planning programmeemphasise promotion of contraceptive pills that are used by women, instead of condoms used by men to tackle the issue of population control. “The government’s overemphasis on female sterilisation is following the easy way out thereby avoiding the difficult task of educating a vast
population about other options. Teaching poorly educated women in remote communities how to use pills or contraceptives is more expensive than mass sterilisation campaigns,” says NehaKakkar, a volunteer for non-profit Family Planning Association of India that promotes sexual health and family planning in India. What is worrisome, say experts, is that the number of men seeking sterilisation has plummeted in the last five years. Statistics released by Delhi government show that in 2009-10 men accounted for 20 per cent of all sterilisations. It reduced to 14 per cent in 2010-11, 13 per cent in 2011-12, 8 per cent in 2012-13, 7 per cent in 2013-14 and 5 per cent in 2014-15. Sterilisation camps were started in 1970 under the family planning programme in India with the help of the UN Population Fund and the World Bank. However, they acquired infamy during the 22-month-old Emergency in the mid-1970s when the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi suspended democratic rule and statefunded organisations unleashed a draconian campaign to sterilise poor men through coercive means. Hundreds of men — some as young as 16 or 17, some even unmarried — were herded into trucks and taken to operating theatres in makeshift camps. Those who refused had to face police atrocities. Health activists say such coercion never works. “There needs to be a concerted campaign to educate men about sterilisation. Most men believe that they become
sexually weak after getting sterilised which isn’t true. Wives, under pressure, then take on the onus of family planning on themselves forgetting the fact that their husbands are equally responsible for this,” explains Dr. Mittal. Experts emphasise that a paradigm shift in attitudes is what’s needed to change sterilisation trends in the country. More so as India is all set to overtake China as the world’s most populous nation by 2030 with numbers approaching 1.5 billion. Worse, 11 per cent more male children are born every year as compared to females, as against a benchmark of 5 per cent shows UN data deepening an already skewed sex ratio. A 2012 report by Human Rights Watch urged the government to set up an independent grievance redress system to allow people to report coercion and poor quality services at sterilisationcentres. It also said the government should prioritise training for male government workers to provide men with information and counselling about contraceptive choices. But there is little evidence that this has been implemented. Be that as it may, there’s succour to be derived from the fact India’s population growth rate has declined significantly from 21.54 per cent in 1991-2000 to 17.64 per cent in 2001-11. According to government data, India’s total fertility rate has also plunged from 2.6 in 2008 to 2.3 in 2013. With constant media pressure, besides sterilisation, the government
www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082
What is worrisome, say experts, is that the number of men seeking sterilisation has plummeted in the last five years. Statistics released by Delhi government show that in 2009-10 men accounted for 20 per cent of all sterilisations. is also trying to increase the basket of contraceptives and making them available under the national family planning programme. India has recently introduced injectable contraceptive as part of national family planning programme. “Providing greater choice and improved access to modern contraceptives should become an inextricable part of India’s health and genderequality programme,” advises Kakkar. “Public sensitisation campaigns about the benefits of family planning, and replacing coercive surgeries with access to a range of modern reproductive health choices, should form the bedrock of our health strategy.
f e b r u A R Y
southSouth asia times 27 Asia Times
2 0 1 6
SRI RAGHU RAM ASTROLOGY CENTRE World Famous Astrologer from Indian Generations
PANDITH: RAGHU RAM is in Melbourne Speaks
Are you suffering from any of the following problems:
English Hindi Tamil Telugu
VISA HEALTH FAMILY MARRIAGE LOVE BUSINESS EMPLOYMENT HUSBAND & WIFE RELATIONSHIP PROPERTY COURT CHILDREN PROMOTION LOTTO ETC
Has Serviced
He is an expert in Palm, Face, Photo Reading & Numerology & Predicts your Past, Present & Future. Performs Home / Shanti Pujas, Sudarshana Chakras, Laxmi Chakras, Vastu Consultation - Home & Commercial Premises, Protection from Black Magic & any evils don’t worry any more.....
UK Switzerland Germany Singapore Malaysia New Zealand
CALL FOR APPOINTMENT
Specialist in Black Magic Spirit Removal
0424 975 226
SOLUTIONS
1000% GUARANTEE
3 Mason Street (Only 1 Min Walk From Dandenong Train Station) Dandenong VIC 3175 E: somuprince1188 @gmail.com
7 Days A Week - 10:00 AM TO 7:00 PM www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082
south asia 28 South Asia Timestimes
south asia
f e b r u A R Y
2 0 1 6
Women’s empowerment in Bangladesh RANGAMATI, Bangladesh, Feb 12 2016 (IPS) - On a gloomy weather in a hilly suburb in Tarabonia, three women keep themselves busy stitching clothes. The informal shop-cum tailoring outlet is the only one of its kind in the neighbourhood and so the shop has a good record of sales of apparels. MinuBaiMarma, a 27 year-old housewife who runs the rented shop, gives a smile and attends to her regular customers. Customers keep ordering for new dresses, especially before festivals and Minu and her husband earn a fairly good amount of profits to run the family.
By Naimul Haq
S
even years ago, Minu’s family life was not so happy. Minu and her husband, AthuseMarma, had to resort to heavy lifting work in cattle farms or plow arable hilly land. “We literally had no earnings. We had to work as day labourers to make living. It was like no work, no pay. That is how life was at that time,” said Minu who broke into tears. Minu lives in a suburb of Rangamati, one of the three hill districts (Chittagong Hill Districts, CHT) of Bangladesh located about 350 km south-east of the capital Dhaka where tribal people, who constitute the majority of the population, live off agriculture. People of the hill districts earn 40 per cent less than the average of US $1,300 in the rest of the country. With a focus on tribal people, Young Power in Social Action (YPSA) has been implementing microfinance programmes aimed at economic development in the CHT.
Minu became a member of YPSA in October 2009 and soon after she started with a loan of US$ 50 and repaid it in multiple installments by July 2010. Minu borrowed US $1,500, the highest single loan amount, in October 2015 after she repaid all the previous 7 loans. “With the loan I bought a sewing machine to stitch dresses. This was my dream and I soon gained expertise in dressmaking,” said a visibly delighted Minu, adding, “My life has changed after I joined YPSA. Today I have a proper home. My children go to school. We eat proper meals. I am also saving money that I make from this small business.” Poverty is now history for Minu. Like her, there are over 25,000 members of YPSA of 1,609 groups in the CHT who enjoy economic freedom. Mohamad Manzur Murshed Chowdhury, Director, Economic Development of YPSA told IPS News: “We invite only those who live in extreme
poverty like day labourers, landless, farmers, small traders and physically challenged people, all of them show potential in utilizing loans.” Murshed, who showed this correspondent some beneficiaries of YPSA’s microfinance programmes in Kowkhali in Rangamati, said “We don’t just lend money but each group members undergo certain training and awareness programmes. During their participatory group meetings they learn about business opportunities and help one another.” As of October 2015, YPSA distributed over US$ 37,000,000 collateral free loans that have transformed lives of very poor people who once had no power or voice in the society. CheyaChakma, a 26 yearold housewife who runs a souvenir shop with her husband at the heart of Rangamati city also made a fortune from borrowing money from YPSA’s microfinance programme. She is a successful small
entrepreneur who has no shame in concealing her destitute past. “I was broken and practically had to beg to survive but today I am proud to be empowered. I can decide what to do with my family and indeed plan our future,” said a smiling Cheya. Bangladeshi women today are more aware of their rights than they were a decade ago. Microfinance has been a revolutionary tool in lending them a voice. Women’s empowerment – considered key to
www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082
addressing poverty — has seen a major emphasis in the national development programmes. HasibHossain, founder and Executive Director of ProyasManabikUnnayan Society which runs a weekly radio programme on presenting successful women whose capacity consistently increased in using borrowed money, said: “In a maledominated conservative society women are always suppressed but policies in favour of women’s development have broken that stereotype. More women in rural areas today are engaging in businesses — a testimony of their freedom.” Various surveys show that when equipped with the proper resources, women have the power to help their families and entire communities escape poverty. When women earn an income, they reinvest 90 per cent of it in their families while for every year a girl spends in school she raises her family income by up to 20 per cent. Educated girls grow into educated women, who in turn have healthier babies and are more likely to educate their children. Empowerment is the total sum of changes needed for a woman to realise her full human rights and potential. Shireen Haq, one of the founders of Naripokkho, a leading organization fighting for women’s rights told IPS News, “Women with monetary incomes do appear to exercise more decision-making power than those whose work does not generate cash incomes, but this is not a major trend. On the other hand, women heads of households do have more decision making power by default.” adding that “microfinance programmes targeting women have, despite all limitations, expanded income earning opportunities for women and have provided many women with the means for their first economic ventures.”
f e b r u A R Y
southSouth asia times 29 Asia Times
2 0 1 6
largeSt free entrY multicultural holi eVent
PRESENTS ar Spectacul at 8.00pm S k r o w e ir f
FESTIVAL OF COLOURS SaturDaY
26 march 2016 th
SrikriShna Jagannath rath Yatra BY iSkcon temple
11.00 am till 9.00 pm PRESIDENTS PARK, WYNDHAM VALE
?
amazing kiDS riDeS
gueSS who tania zaetta
auStralian celeBritY
GREAT START TO THE EASTER BREAK HOLIDAYS COME ENJOY WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS 10 hourS of entertainment colour run familY frienDlY cloSe to puBlic tranSport SecuritY anD police preSence fireworkS mouth watering fooD StallS chilDren riDeS liVe performanceS + more EVENT SPONSORS
OUR EVENT SUPPORTERS
EXCLUSIVE FIREWORKS PARTNER
EXCLUSIVE EXCLUSIVE PRINTING PARTNER PRINT MEDIA PARTNER PRINT & DESIGN
For Sponsorship and Stall enquiries contact below:
V i n a y a k k k o l a a p e 0 4 1 0 6 1 4 111 │ k a p i l k a t p e l l y 0 4 2 2 2 9 9 6 6 0 E m a i l : w y n d h a m h o l i @ g m a i l . c o m │ W e b s i t e : w w w. v c a a . o r g . a u
MELBOURNE
www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082
वह दिन कब आएगा
-लक्ष्मी दत्त नौटियाल, भिवाणी, भारत ईमेल-ld.nautiyal@rediffmail.com
www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9095 6220, 0421 677 082
www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9095 6220, 0421 677 082
South Asia Times south asia community 32 South Asia Timestimes
quick community guide Radio GUIDE
www.ekantipur.com/en THE RISING NEPAL: www.nepalnews.com.np
SBS Radio's South Asian
SUNDAY Language Programs 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 & SBS 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 & SBS 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 & SBS Radio Hindi................................... .8 pm to 92pm – 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 & SBS Radio 2 Sinhalese.......................... Monday & Saturday 1 1 pm to 3 am –92.3 FM Punjabi............................. 9 pm to 10 pm – 93.1 FM 9-10 PM SINHALESE FRIDAY Sydney 97.7 FM & SBS Radio 2 Indian.................................. .8 am to 92am – 88.3 FM Melbourne 93.1 FM & SBS Radio Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri
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.................................... 5 am to 62am - 92.3 FM Melbourne 93.1 FM & SBS Radio Sun, Mon, Wed, Sat 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 & SBS Radio (Subscription) 2 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 & SBS 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/
f e b r u A R Y
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
Indian Consulate Address: 344, St. Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia P.O. Box No: 33247 Domain LPO Vic 3004 Consular Enquiries: +61-3-9682 5800 (9.30am-12.30noon only) General Enquiries (other than Consular): +61-3- 9682 7836 Fax No:+ 61-3- 9696 8251 Email: consular@cgimelb.org Web site: www.cgimelb.org
Broadmeadows Mosque 45-55 King Street, Broadmeadows Ph 03 9359 0054 Islamic Call Society 19 Michael Street, Brunswick Ph: 03 9387 7100 Islamic Centre of Australia 660 Sydney Road, Brunswick Ph 03 9385 8423
Indian Consulate Consular services are handled by VFS Global Visa / Passport / PCC / IDLV / PIO / OCI services contact VFS +61 2 8223 9909. Address: Part 4 Suite, Level 12, 55 Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 Site : www.vfsglobal.com/india/australia/
Australian Islamic Cultural Centre 46-48 Mason Street, Campbellfield Ph: 03 9309 7605 Coburg ISNA Mosque 995 Sydney Road, Coburg North
Services handled by Indian Consulate Melbourne itself: OCI Misc. services, Registration of Birth, Birth Certificate, Renunciation of Indian Citizenship, Surrender of Indian Passport, New Passport Details on PIO, Transfer of Valid Visas, Marriage Certificate, Affidavit for Applying Child’s Passport in India, Documents Attestation.)
Coburg Mosque (Fatih Mosque) 31 Nicholson Street, Coburg Ph 03 9386 5324 Deer Park Mosque 283 Station Road, Deer Park Ph 03 9310 8811 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
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
INDIAN CONSULATE
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
2 0 1 6
Glenroy Musala 1st Floor, 92 Wheatsheaf Road, Glenroy
Islamic College of Victoria (Mosque) 201 Sayers Road, Hoppers Crossing Ph 03 9369 6010 Huntingdale Mosque 320-324 Huntingdale Road, Huntingdale Ph 03 9543 8037 Al Nur Mosque 34-36 Studley Street, Maidstone
HIGH COMMISSION FOR PAKISTAN,CANBERRA
Meadow Heights Mosque Hudson Circuit, Meadow Heights
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)
Springvale Mosque 68 Garnworthy Street, Springvale
EMERGENCY CONTACTS EMERGENCY CONTACTS Police, Fire & Abulance ........................ Victoria State Emergency Service (SES)....................................... Traffic hazards and freeway conditions..........................
Student Welfare Officer in the Indian Consulate Melbourne Consulate General of India, Melbourne Address: 344, St. Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC – 3000 Phone: 03-96826203 Fax: 03-96968251 Email: cgo@cgimelb.org Website: www.cgimelb.orgExternal website that opens in a new window Contact person for Students welfare: Mr. Nirmal K. Chawdhary Designation: Deputy Consul General Mobile: 0430020828
000 132 500 13 11 70
www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082
Sri Lanka Consulate 32A Brunswick Street ,Walkerville 5081 Melbourne , Phone: 9898-6760, 9248-1228 Email: rodney@techno.net.au
southSouth asia times 33 Asia Times
quick community guide
f e b r u A R Y
2 0 1 6
VIEW POINT
South Asia Times
contd from previous page Bangladesh High Commission, Canberra 43, Culgoa Circuit, O’Malley, ACT-2606 Canberra, Australia, Ph: (61-2) 6290-0511, (61-2) 6290-0522, (61-2)6290-0533 (Auto hunting). Fax : (61-2) 6290-0544 E-Mail :hoc@bhcanberra.com
Consulate of Nepal, Melbourne Email: cyonzon@nepalconsulate.net.au Level 7, 28-32 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Ph: (03) 9650 8338 Email: info@nepalconsulate.net.au
TV GUIDE SBS1 – Daily NDTV News - 11:05 am - Monday to Saturday. (From New Delhi, India). Urdu news SBS1 - PTV News – 9.30 am - Every Sunday – (From Pakistan).
Travel Agents Gaura Travels 1300 FLY INDIA or 1300 359 463 info@gauratravel.com.au Travel House 284 Clayton Road, Clayton 3168 Ph: (03) 95435123, Mobile: 0425803071 mail@travelhouse.com.au
lAWYERS
MLG Lawyers Ronny Randhawa 144 Sydney Road, Coburg Vic Ph 9386 0204 & 138 Walker Street, Dandenong Vic Ph: 9793 9917 Mobile : 0402 256 712 Vera Lawyers Kusum Vaghela Level 1, Suite 2, 373 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong Vic, Mobile: 0433 827 124
SOUTH ASIAN Garments Roshan’s Fashions 68-71 Foster Street, Dandenong, Vic 3175 Ph: (03) 9792 5688 Raj Rani Creations 83-A Foster Street, Dandenong, Vic 3175 Ph: (03) 9794 9398 desi estyle 76 Foster St., Dandenong 3175 (03) 87744853; 0413707685 Heritage India 54-56 Foster Street, Dandenong, Vic 3175, Ph: (03) 9791 9227 Site: heritageindia.net.au
DVDs, Music CDs & Film Stuff Baba Home Entertainment 52C Foster St., Dandenong 3175, (03) 97067252
www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082
south asia 34 South Asia Timestimes
special article
f e b r u A R Y
2 0 1 6
2 billion couples & relationship challenges
*Joseph Chamie is an independent consulting demographer and a former director of the United Nations Population Division. By Joseph Chamie*
N
EW YORK, Feb 3 2016 (IPS) The relationship challenges that the world’s 2 billion couples confront vary considerably by circumstances, including age, sex, education, income, marital status, family size, length of relationship, urbanrural residence, customs, religion and region of the world. Nevertheless, 10 major challenges among married and cohabiting couples may be identified across countries. First, despite international agreements, government policies and public information campaigns, forced and child-bride marriages unfortunately continue to take place in many less developed countries, especially in subSaharan Africa and South Asia. For example, no less than twothirds of the women aged 2024 years old in Niger, Central African Republic, Chad and Bangladesh were married or in union before they were 18 years old (Figure 1). Typically the family coerces the girl or young woman into a marriage or union to an older man. In many instances, the family fears unwanted behavior, sexuality and undesired relationships with men outside their ethnic, cultural, religious or caste group. Also, parents may have made a marital promise regarding their daughter, wish to strengthen family links, desire to protect and enhance their daughter’s standing, reduce household expenditures or ensure land, property and wealth remains within the family. A daughter who is perceived to have violated the honor of her family or has an unintended pregnancy may be forced into marriage or in extreme instances killed by a family member. Forced marriages may be abusive and intended to be a punishment to as well as a means of restoring honor to the family. Second, spousal abuse is not limited to forced marriages and constitutes a serious challenge to a couple’s relationship. Domestic disputes, including confinement, intimidation, psychological abuse and partner violence, is a worldwide problem happening among many both married and cohabitating couples. Globally, nearly one out of three women who have
Source: UNICEF. The percent of women 20-24 years old who were married or in union before they were 18 years old. been in a relationship report that they have experienced some form of physical and/ or sexual violence by their intimate partner. Although some 125 countries have outlawed domestic violence, it’s estimated that more than 600 million women live in countries where domestic violence is not considered a crime. Third, sexual relations, intimacy and love/affection constitute another area that is often challenging for couples. Dissatisfaction with sexual relations in many instances leads to emotional infidelity, extra-marital affairs, erosion of trust and separation or divorce. One often-noted difficulty in a couple’s relationship is the woman complaining that her partner seems to want sex all the time with little attention to her wishes and the man being frustrated that his partner uses sexual intimacy strictly on a reward and punishment basis. Those issues take on added salience as some contend that marriage implies automatic conjugal rights with a husband entitled to be intimate with his wife any time he wants and a wife dutybound to oblige. Fourth, decisions on whether and when to have a child, the number and spacing of children and how the children should be reared often present an important consequential challenge for many couples. Men and women may have differing views on having children, their respective roles and responsibilities in parenting and childcare and expectations and future goals for their children. The use of contraception
and abortion to limit as well as space childbearing remains a sensitive matter for couples in many parts of the world. While in many industrialized nations the woman typically has the final say in reproductive and pregnancy decisions, in many developing countries these issues remain a contentious issue for many couples. Fifth, another major challenge encountered by couples is the broad issue of communication. Often it is not an inability or unwillingness to understand each other, but rather simply a stubborn refusal to allow or accept the existence of a partner’s positions or viewpoints. The lack of effective communication frequently leads to recurrent arguments, habitual bickering, lack of appreciation, detachment, unwillingness to forgive, emotional stress, and in some cases physical violence. Two toxic forms of communication frequently reported are “nagging” – a widespread complaint of male partners – and “the silent treatment” – a common complaint of female partners. Sixth, finances or money is an often-reported major challenge that couples face in their relationship. Many couples quarrel over budgeting expenses and savings, their partner’s income, differing spending styles and inheritance issues. Invariably, one person in the relationship, usually the male, tries to control the resources, restrict the spending of the other and make the major financial decisions. Seventh, harmonizing employment, careers, togetherness and work-life balance is increasingly a
difficult challenge for many couples. With the spread of the two-career couple and nuclear family, the roles and responsibilities of men and women in a marriage or relationship have changed, differing considerably from those even in the recent past. The lack of equality in a relationship and mutual respect for each other’s work and career may lead to resentment, stress and unhappiness. While working wives reduce the financial burdens for spouses, their employment may weaken the husband’s traditional authority in the family. Also, wives and female partners who work outside the home and have with husbands or partners who are frequently not around are likely to be dissatisfied with the usual division of labor in the household as they find themselves doing more than their fair share of domestic chores and familial responsibilities. Eight, many couples are challenged by a partner’s personal shortcomings, misbehavior and dysfunctional habits. Addiction, substance abuse, alcoholism, promiscuity, jealousy, domineering, lying, and narcissism are some of the serious issues that jeopardize and weaken a couple’s relationship. When one partner feels the other is immature, irresponsible or untrustworthy, the relationship or marriage is likely to suffer, undermining affection, attraction, cooperation and fidelity. The difficulties become exacerbated when the partner resists seeking outside assistance or heeding needed remedial measures. Ninth, unfulfilled and differing expectations of marriage or an intimate relationship are another major challenge for couples. Women and men typically have different understandings, needs and priorities regarding marriage, love, romance and the nature of intimate relationships. Unrealistic expectations when entering marriage and relationships are not uncommon, especially among the young and immature women and men. Disappointments, unmet promises and boredom can arise in a couple’s relationship, especially after a number of tedious and
www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082
uneventful years. Tenth, for many couples and marriages dealing with in-laws can be a burdensome challenge. Achieving the right balance and rapport with the parents of ones partner can have significant consequences on the stability and well-being of a couple’s marriage or relationship. Given individual histories and personal viewpoints, couples may find themselves strongly disagreeing about the appropriate amount of time, care and assistance to be provided to in-laws. Those issues become even more complex in cases of second marriages, blended families, ex-spouses and the rearing of children and grandchildren. In many instances difficulties with in-laws originate between with the wife and her husband’s mother. This is frequently the case, especially in patrilocal communities, because both are competing for the husband’s attention, dedication and support in family and domestic matters. As one wife has tersely noted, “Our marriage has three people … me, my husband and his mother.” No doubt some will disagree with the aboveenumerated ten major relationship challenges facing the world’s two billion couples and may propose different key challenges. However, nearly all would agree that couples in virtually every part of the world encounter significant challenges and difficulties with their spouses or partner at various times in their relationships. Those challenges, which may range from minor annoyances to serious offenses, have generally been viewed as personal matters to be worked out by the couple. Modern societies, however, have vital interests in promoting strong and harmonious relationships of couples and marriages, supporting family formation and childrearing, ensuring the basic human rights, dignity and security of both women and men, and protecting the welfare of children. As one adage has discerningly affirmed, “Peaceful family, prosperous country”. *Joseph Chamie is an independent consulting demographer and a former director of the United Nations Population Division.
f e b r u A R Y
2 0 1 6
southSouth asia times 35 Asia Times
Literary/Poetry Eve. & Books Exhibition 27 Feb '16 5 pm to 9 pm Sterling Theologica College, 40-60 Jacksons Road, Mulgrave - 3170 ENTRY FREE
CONTACTS: Kaushal Srivastava 0425712083/kkps44@yahoo.com Dr.Shahbaz Chaudhry 0434231547/baaz35@hotmail.com
We look forward to seeing you SUPPORTED BY
www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082
South Asia Times south asia 36 South Asia Timestimes
Entertainment
f e b r u A R Y
2 0 1 6
'White Nights', a path breaking venture in Malayalam cinema By P. Baburaj
M
alayalam cinema is on a roll. Young film makers, actors and technicians have come in and they have brought in a lift of fresh air. Mainstream malayalam cinema has been stagnating for some time. Now these young people rule the box office in malayalam film industry. But these changes are perhaps more noticable among the non mainstream or "art house cinema' in malayalam. Film makers like Sudevan (CR. No. 89), SanalkumarSasidharan (Oralpokkam), Manu Kakkanadan (Mundrothuruthu), Sajinbabu (Unto the dusk) ShanavasNaraniipuzha (Kari). These filmmakers are venturing in areas hitherto unknown in malayalam cinema, experimenting with form and content. These relatively inexpensive cinematic ventures are facilitated by democratization of digital technology. In to these group of exciting filmmakers come Razi with his debut feature WHITE NIGHTS. Razi's film is inspired by the story WHITE NIGHTS written by Fyodor Dostoyevsky in 1848. Dostoyevsky tells the story of the companionship of the two lonely people during the white nights in St. Petersburg in Russia. The film is dedicated to the great writer but Razi's story is placed in Attappady, the remote tribal area in Palakkad District in central Kerala. WHITE NIGHTS is divided
into two sections. Five nights in the forest where two strangers meet and reminisce their past and five days elsewhere in Attappady where a deprived and oppressed tribal community grapple with their present. The male protagonist is Manu, an artist who drifts into Attappady searching for a meaning in life. He is also looking for a girl who left him rebelling against his possessiveness. While he comes to wash his jeep in a forest stream late at night, he meets a tribal woman on the hanging bridge. Over the course of the next five nights, they meet sharing their past. He comes to know that her name is Chelli, a divorcee with a child. She narrates her harrowing life tale to him. Crux of her story is her passionate relationship with a woman named Jyothi and the consequences she had to face at home and in the
community. If nights are filled with conversation and introspection, days are for survival issues and action. The tribal characters you see in Razi's movie are not the naive stereotypes you often come across in other movies. They are resilient beings trying very hard to exist in a world which is hostile to them. Issues that tribal communities face in Attappady like alienation from land, alcoholism, infant deaths and loss of tribal languages are highlighted in WHITE NIGHTS. But they are not addons, they form an integral part of the plotline. Manu is not the typical urban educated hero who set out to right the wrongs in rural India. He has no intention to leading the tribals in their fight against injustice. He sympathizes with them and he is willing to help out. In a poignant scene in the movie,
Manu suggest to Chelli that perhaps the way out is to organize themselves. Are you a Maoist?, asks Chelli. Manu only smiles. WHITE NIGHTS is devoid of clichĂŠs and stereotypes. Life as it is played out in front of the camera. Emotions are towed down. Camera is in observer mode, especially during the night scenes. Camera hovers around, keeping a distance as if afraid to intrude. There is a near absence of close ups in the day scenes also. Razi is well secured by his technical crew. Shehnad Jalal's Cinematography is excellent. Shehnad's night scenes are ethereal and the days stark. Krishna kumar's sound design is subtle. The director does not paint bleak picture of the tribal community despite their hard coming. They are presented as a people proud of their culture, songs, dances and language. Thus tribal
www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082
songs and music dominate the sound track. Same sex love has never been presented in such sober and mature manner in malayalam movies before. There is no titillation involved. The tribal community has never been portrayed in a real life situation before in our cinema. Razi and the WHITE NIGHTS team deserve kudos for a path breaking venture. P. Baburaj is an award winning film maker Razi, director and producer of 'White Nights' , went on to study at FTII in Pune after his BFA from College of Fine Arts at Thiruvananthapuram and MFA from MS University, Baroda. He has designed the production of numerous acclaimed Malayalam and Hindi films. His forte covered stage productions, print production, television shows, documentaries and music videos. Amidst his projects in films, Razi has exhibited his paintings and photographs at various solo and group shows in India and Europe. Many of his works are with private collectors in India, Canada, UK, Belgium, and New Zealand. He also works as a guest faculty at various fine arts colleges across Kerala. VeluthaRathrikal is his first feature and he has directed a docu-feature, The Third Eye of Resistance (95 min) that won Cinema of Resistance Award at SIGNS film festival 2013 and directed a travelogue film, The Paradise Unexplored (75 min). Contact:razi. artdirector@gmail.com —countercurrents.org
f e b r u A R Y
NEW movie
2 0 1 6
southSouth asia times 37 Asia Times
NEERJA
Release Date: Feb 19th 2016 STARTIng: sonamKapoor, ShabanaAzmi, Shekhar Ravijiani Directed by: Ram Madhvani Produced by: AtulKasbekar, Fox Star Studios and Bling Unplugged; Trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?time_ continue=1&v=7779JrWy04g
S
ynopsis: ‘Neerja’ is a biopic and a cinematic representation of the dramatic events that unfolded on September 5th, 1986 when Pan Am Flight 73 from Bombay to New York was hijacked in transit at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi by Palestinian extremists from Abu Nidal’s terrorist outfit. This is the story of NeerjaBhanot, a 23-yearold part time model, who was the head purser on the flight. Neerja had escaped an abusive marriage at a very young age and as a life change, decided to become an airhostess, subsequently impressing everyone so much that they made her a purser. Throughout the horrifying situation, Neerja didn’t succumb to her fears and instead she fought her personal demons from
the past and from the minute the plane was hijacked, through the terrifying 17 hours to the grueling end, she used her courage, wits and compassion to make sure that the passengers were protected, going as far as to hiding the passports of the American passengers. Through her swift thinking and brave actions, she managed to save the lives of 359 passengers and crew on board out of 379, all at the cost of her own life. Neerja was hailed internationally as ‘the heroine of the hijack’ and posthumously became the youngest recipient of India’s highest civilian honor for bravery, the Ashoka Chakra and was bestowed the Flight Safety Foundation Heroism award by U.S.A, Tamgha –eInsaaniyat (awarded
for showing incredible human kindness) by Pakistan, Justice for Crimes Award by United States Attorney’s office for the district of Columbia, Special Courage Award by the U.S. government and the Indian Civil Aviation Ministry’s Award. This is a portrayal of Neerja’s strength, courage and sacrifice and an attempt to bring before the world this lesser known Indian hero’s story, so that she becomes an example and inspiration to young girls all over for generations to come. We salute NeerjaBhanot! Source: Mind Blowing Films
www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082
south asia 38 South Asia Timestimes
NEW movie
KAPOOR & SONS
RELEASE DATE: 18 March 2016 starting: Sidharth Malhotra, Alia Bhatt, Fawad Khan, Rishi Kapoor LANGUAGE: Hindi (With English Subtitles) PRODUCER: Karan Johar&HirooYashJohar DIRECTOR: ShakunBatra
S
SYNOPSIS: Rahul and Arjun have returned back hometo Coonoor, to be with their grandfather in (what they think will be) his last few days, after he has a heart attack at the age of 90. Rahul, for his age, seems to have built a pretty good life for himself; a good looking man, doing very well professionally, living in a swanky apartment in London, and also planning to pursue architecture along with writing. On the other hand is his younger brother- Arjun. Arjun is also an aspiring writer, living in New Jersey, clearly struggling to make ends meet. These two brothers aren’t exactly the ‘inseparable’ brother duo we are used to seeing in our movies. The awkwardness and tension between them is apparent from the word go. Their arrival in India quickly unfolds their individual relations
with their parents as well. Rahul is clearly the perfect one, loved by all, Arjun seems like the neglected one who according to the family is too immature/irresponsible to take decisions. The brothers arrive in India to find that their little family isn’t as perfect as they had imagined. Their parents no longer sleep in the same room and their father seems to have developed a relationship with a long time family friend, which is making their mom uncomfortable. Furthermore, the family is going through a severe financial crunch as well. The brothers have returned to the same old home, but with totally different dynamics. Their parents get into quarrels over their financial situation, ending marriage, and other bad decisions. The sons on the other hand have their own battles with the parents, and with each other. .
www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082
f e b r u A R Y
2 0 1 6
f e b r u A R Y
2 0 1 6
southSouth asia times 39 Asia Times
www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082
south asia 40 South Asia Timestimes
f e b r u A R Y
190m 800m
www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082
400m
2 0 1 6