Sat november issue 2016

SAT

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CELEBRATING 14TH YEAR OF PUBLICATION

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READ INSIDE

South Asia Times

Vol.14 I No. 4 I NOVEMBER 2016 I FREE s o u t hasiatim es.com .au Editor: Neeraj Nanda

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GUEST EDIT PG 5 COMMUNITY PG 3 COVER STORY PG 6 417 VISA STORY PG 12 AIII DIWALI PG 20 SCFOL DIWALI PG 22 SOUTH ASIA PG 24 CINEMA PG 25 BUSINESS PG 34

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INDIAN FILM FESTIVAL OF MELBOURNE WINS THE MELBOURNE AWARD READ ON PAGE PG 6

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COUNCIL ELECTIONS

southSouth asia times 3 Asia Times

Three South Asians elected to Councils in Victoria

By SAT News Desk Out of the numerous South Asian and Indian origin candidates in the recently held Council elections three were elected. Tim Singh and Intaj Khan (Indian origin) were elected to the Derabin and Wyndham Councils. Seema Abdullah (Pakistani origin) was elected to the Shepparton City Council.

Tim Singh

(City of Darebin) Tim Singh is the past Mayor in the City of Darebin, a multicultural city of 135,000 people. He has been working in the Darebin Ethnic Community Council, the Federation of Indian Students of Australia, the Sikh community at both CraigieburnGurdwara and Blackburn Gurdwara, the Darebin Overseas Students Advisory Committee and the wider local community.

Tim has studied at the Prahran College of Advanced Education, Preston Technical School, Monash University and the Dimano Creek Technical School.

Seema Abdullah

(Greater Shepparton City Council)

Seema, was elected Councillor in the Greater Shepparton City Council recently with been elected as a Councillor, with the third highest number of votes after preference distribution when 9 out of 29 candidates got selected. With her South Asian (Pakistani origin). “I am humbled and so proud of the Greater Shepparton community for its huge support and faith in me. Thank you so much to every person who supported me. Every little bit helped! I look forward to continuing this journey and doing my best for each and every constituent”, she said in a Fecbook post.

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Intaj Khan

(Wyndham City Council) Intaj Khan, elected Councillor for the second time this year in the Wyndham Council. He graduated from CQUniversity with a Bachelor of Engineering Technology.

In the last Council he was chairperson of the Economic Development committee for the Wyndham City Council.

He was also the Council’s delegated representative for several internal and external advisory committees including the Audit and Risk Management Committee and Victorian Local Governance Association. Intaj is the founder and CEO of Western Institute of Technology (WIT), a Registered Training Organisation that focuses on providing quality education and training to local and international students.

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GUEST editorial

southSouth asia times 5 Asia Times

Air pollution emerges as a top killer globally – Part 1

By Martin Khor*

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ENANG, Nov 11 2016 (IPS) - New research is showing that air pollution is a powerful if silent killer, causing 6.5 million worldwide deaths as well as being the major cause of climate change.

Air pollution has emerged as a leading cause of deaths and serious ailments in the world. Emissions that cause air pollution and are Greenhouse Gases are also the main factor causing climate change.

Therefore, drastically reducing air pollution should now be treated as a top priority.

The seriousness of this problem was highlighted by the heavy smog that enveloped New Delhi for days at the beginning of November, forcing the government to declare an emergency, schools to be closed and a ban on construction work for several days.

The level of the harmful PM2.5 pollutants had almost reached 1,000 at some times in the Indian capital city, far above the safety level of 60.

Recent research shows that air pollution is the number one environmental cause of human deaths and kills more people annually worldwide than road accidents, violence, fires and wars combined.

This “silent killer” is not as dramatic or visible as car crashes, murders, terrorist attacks or natural disasters, but it is nevertheless even more dangerous as it contaminates vital organs, causing serious diseases and deaths to many millions of people.

Altogether 6.5 million people worldwide are estimated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to have died prematurely in 2012 because of air pollution.

This means that of the 56 million deaths worldwide in 2012, 11.6% or one in nine were attributable to air pollution.

In comparison, there were 5 million deaths from all injuries including from road accidents (1.3 million deaths), falls, fires, and war in 2012, according to WHO data.

Indeed, air pollution may have become one of the top killers. Tobacco use, usually described as the world’s leading preventable cause of death, is responsible for nearly 6 million deaths annually, or around 10% of total deaths.

Air pollution may have overtaken it as the world’s leading cause of death.

The WHO estimates that there are 4.3 million deaths attributable to indoor pollution and another 3.7 million deaths to outdoor pollution.

Because some deaths may be due to both outdoor and indoor pollution, it is not possible to add up the two figures to obtain the total deaths.

Thus in its latest estimate in September 2016, the WHO has explained that there were 6.5 million deaths from outdoor and indoor air pollution combined in 2012.

Young children are among the most vulnerable to the effects of air pollution. A new UNICEF study released on 31 October 2016 found air pollution is a major contributing factor in the deaths of around 600,000 children under five every year, and that around 2 billion children live in areas where outdoor air pollution exceeded the WHO air quality guidelines.

Besides its threat to human lives and health, air pollution is also the major cause of climate change as it is linked to much of the Greenhouse Gas emissions.

The Paris Agreement of the UN Climate Change Conference that came into force on 10 November aims to limit the rise of the average global temperature to 2 or 1.5 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial era levels.

At the current rate of global emissions, and even at rates reduced by the Paris Agreement commitments, global warming will far exceed this limit, and thus the world faces potentially catastrophic effects to the global environment, food supplies and also human health.

Thus, air pollution ranks as the biggest threat to both human health and the

environment. Reducing this pollution should therefore be at the top of the global agenda as well as national agendas.

Outdoor Air Pollution At the end of September, the WHO for the first time published country-by-country details about the extent of outdoor air pollution and the deaths associated with it.

The study shows that 3 million premature deaths worldwide were linked to ambient or outdoor air pollution in 2012. Of this, 88% of the deaths were in developing countries and two out of three occurred in the Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific regions.

Two countries alone accounted for more than half of the total deaths — China with 1.03 million and India with 621,138.

Other high-numbered countries include Russia (140,851), Indonesia (61,792), Ukraine (54,507), Egypt (43,531), Nigeria (46,750), Pakistan (59,241), United States (38,043), Bangladesh (37,449), Turkey (32,668), Japan (30,790) the Philippines (28,696), Vietnam (27,340), Poland (26,589), Iran (26,267), Brazil (26,241) and Germany (26,160).

Most of the deaths attributable to outdoor air pollution were caused by non-communicable diseases, especially ischaemic heart diseases (36% of the total deaths), strokes (36%), lung cancer (14%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (8%), and acute lower respiratory infections (8%).

The situation is truly pervasive: 92% of the world’s population are exposed to the dangers of unsafe air quality as they live in places that do not meet the WHO health standard for outdoor air

quality.

The world as a whole has an annual median exposure to outdoor mean annual concentration of PM2.5 of 39 microgram per cubic metre.

This is four times above the WHO’s guideline limit of 10 microgram per cubic metre for PM2.5.

The regions with the highest outdoor air pollution rates are Eastern Mediterranean high-income countries (91 microgram per cubic metre of PM2.5), Eastern Mediterranean low and middle income countries (55), Southeast Asia (55), Western Pacific low and middle income countries (49) and Africa (32).

The situation is truly pervasive: 92% of the world’s population are exposed to the dangers of unsafe air quality as they live in places that do not meet the WHO health standard for outdoor air quality.

Countries with high incidence of outdoor air pollution include Saudi Arabia (108 microgram per cubic metre of PM2.5), Qatar (103), Egypt (93), Kuwait (75), Bangladesh (84), Cameroon (65), Mauritania (65), United Arab Emirates (64), India (62), Libya (61), Pakistan (60), Bahrain (60) and China (54).

The PM2.5 level is the annual median concentration of particulate matter of a diameter less than 2.5 micrometres. PM2.5 includes very fine (and thus the most damaging) particles of pollutants such as sulphate, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, black carbon and mineral dust, which penetrate and lodge deep inside the lungs and in the cardiovascular system, posing the greatest health risks of developing cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and lung cancer.

Air quality is normally measured in terms of daily or annual mean concentrations of PM10 or PM2.5 particles (with diameter of 10 or 2.5 micrograms) per cubic metre of air volume.

(The WHO guidelines for particulate matter (PM) outdoor pollution is an annual mean of 10 microgram per cubic meter for particles below the size of 2.5 microns in diameter, and 20 microgram per cubic metre for particles below 10 microns in size.)

The world also suffered 84.9 million years of life lost in 2012, attributable to outdoor air pollution, according to the WHO report. Years of life lost is a measure of the extent of premature death compared to the normal expected life span.

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Of the total years of life lost, 26% was due to lung cancer, 17% to stroke, 17% to acute respiratory disease, 16% to ischaemic heart disease and 8% to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The WHO report “Ambient air pollution: a global assessment of exposure and burden of disease” was based on satellite data, air transport models and ground station monitors for more than 3000 rural and urban locations.

The study does not include indoor or household air pollution, which may be even more dangerous than outdoor air pollution.

Indoor Air Pollution Worldwide, 4.3 million people die annually from indoor air pollution, mainly from stroke (34%), ischaemic heart disease (26%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (22%), pneumonia (12%) and lung cancer (6%).

The main form of the deadly household pollution is the use of solid fuels for cooking and heating. Nearly 3 billion poor people rely on wood, animal dung, charcoal, crop wastes and coal which are burned in highly polluting simple stoves or open fires.

The resulting pollution, which includes small soot particles that penetrate deep into the lungs, especially affects women and children who spend a lot of time near the kitchen or hearth. poorly ventilated homes, indoor smoke can be 100 times higher than the acceptable levels for fine particles, according to WHO. The use of kerosene lamps for lighting also exposes the families to very high levels of fine particles.

The emissions of black carbon and methane from the stoves also contribute to outdoor air pollution and increase climate change as both are powerful Greenhouse Gases.

The WHO has new indoor air quality guidelines for household fuel combustion and recommendations on types of fuels and technologies to protect health, in addition to guidelines on specific indoor pollutants. It will also do a study of indoor pollution and when the figures are published they will reveal the full problems caused by air pollution. *Martin Khor is Executive Director of the South Centre, a think tank for developing countries, based in Geneva.

(Part-2 will appear in the SAT December 2016 issue)

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Indian Film Festival of Melbourne wins the Melbourne Award M

By Neeraj Nanda

elbourne, 12 November: For many years the best liveable city in the world, Melbourne is witness to a festival of movies which showcases the world’s biggest cinema industry. Yes, Hollywood in number two after Bollywood (Indian film industry) and it comes live with a tsunami of movies, events, masterclasses, top film personalities with all the glaze and glitter.

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), the iconic annual event this year was honoured with the prestigious ‘Multicultural Award’ for ‘Contribution to multiculturalism by a corporation’ by the city of Melbourne, with none other than the Lord Mayor RobortDoel, handing the plaque to IFFM, CEO MituBhowmick Lange at a glittering 2016 Gala Award ceremony at the Historic Melbourne Town Hall.

It was smiles and cheers as the award was announced and the IFFM team occupying two tables jumped with joy and MituBhowmick Lange moved to the stage for the award. It was a befitting honour for the film festival, Mitu and her team who have consolidated the largest foreign festival in the Southern hemisphere, a unique blend of inclusive multicultural celebration.

It showcases the best

cinema from India and the subcontinent, and providing a platform for up-and coming filmmakers, dancers and performers to showcase their work.

“IFFM is the first Indian event to have won the Melbourne award. The other

finalists in the category were Crown Melbourne and Melbourne Museum, both who were lauded for their efforts in promoting Indigenous culture, says a IFFM media release.

The Melbourne Award honour a diverse range of

contributions, focusing on individuals, community organisations and corporations who work tirelessly for the benefit of the city.

The IFFM invites nonIndian Australians to take part in many interactive

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and free live shows, creating bonds of greater understanding and experience between the communities of Australia and India, while celebrating the rich culture of India and the subcontinent in Melbourne.

Over the years, the festival continues to be a success, with surging audience numbers and significant cultural involvement of Melbourne with visitors from interstate and overseas.

Thousands participated in the 2016 festival and Bollywood star Rishi Kapoor unfurling the tricolour at the Federation Square was one of its big highlight. The year before Anil Kapoor did the same.

The line-up of movie stars and film professionals from many Indian and subcontinent languages with around 50 movies became a rage among movie goers. A seminar on addressing gender inequality was praised for highlighting a relevant and much debated social issue.

In its earlier festival it celebrated the 100 years of Indian cinema and paid tribute to the Bollywood legend Yash Chopra (2013) and female empowerment was the focus in the 2016 festival.

Bollywood’s leading actress VidyaBalan is the Brand Ambassador of the IFFM and top leading film personalities of cinema in India and the subcontinent have graced Melbourne during the festivals.

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Adani uses Getty stock images to show ‘angry locals’ in ad campaign

By SAT News Desk

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elbourne, 28 October: In a move to gear up public opinion in its favor in Queensland The Adani Group is facing flak from a prominent environment group for his controversial Coal mining project for using Getty stock images in its advertising campaign.

Coordinator of the Mackay Conservation Group, Peter McCallum, says the Getty stock images The Adani Group used today (27 October 2016) in their Queensland advertising campaign, to represent angry locals, is “true to form and just another chapter in Adani’s sustained campaign of misinformation in a desperate attempt to build support for its controversial mining project”.

The ad campaign (see photo), running in state and regional papers, employs a stock Getty image of a

"Large group of serious business people looking at the camera (see photo)”.

“Adani couldn’t even find real people to go into their ad campaign. Adani’s stock and trade is misinformation and this ad campaign is no exception,” said Mr. McCallum.

“The foreign owned miner continues to claim its project would create 10,000 jobs, when evidence provided in court, under oath, by Adani’s economic witness revealed it would only generate 1,464 additional jobs.

“Even with the port and rail line factored in, the project will only create a maximum of 25 per cent of the jobs Adani claims, “Frustrating court action is another of Adani’s catch cries, yet our case resulted in the Environment Minister conceding that he made an error in his approval of the mine and the court then set it aside.

“Scrutiny by the courts

has unveiled Adani’s habit of making misleading claims and doing poor environmental assessments, and has at the most delayed the project by one to two years.

“Adani is again manipulating communities this week to obtain discounts and subsidies from local governments, by playing regional cities off against each other to host the company headquarters.

“This foreign owned company, headquartered in Gujurat, doesn’t care about locals, our environment or the Great Barrier Reef, it cares about its profits. This is symbolized by the fact it couldn’t even find real people for this latest ad campaign.

“If we were to run newspaper ads we’d have no trouble finding Mackay residents, Indigenous representatives, farmers, reef scientists and tourism operators to have their photos taken.

“Adani can splash all the

money around it likes, but at the end of the day the mine must stand on its own two feet, not be rushed through by governments bullied into

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action and acting against the best interests of Queensland locals and our precious environment,” Mr. McCallum said.

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southSouth asia times 11 Asia Times

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Penalties imposed over threats to Indian doctor

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risbane: The operators of a general medical practice south of Brisbane werepenalisedlast month more than $51,000 for subjecting an Indiantrained doctor to “appalling” treatment after he complained to the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Windaroo Medical Surgery Pty Ltd, located at Loganholme Shopping Village, has been penalised $39,600 in the Federal Circuit Court for threatening the doctor to try to coerce him into withdrawing the complaint – and then cutting off his pay when he refused.

In addition, company director Dr Sheila Pathmanathan has been penalised $7920 for her part in the threat and cutting-off the doctor’s pay – and fellow director Dr Tan Thi Thanh Tran has been penalised $3960 for threatening the doctor.

The Court has also ordered Windaroo Medical Surgery and DrPathmanathan to jointly pay the doctor $24,724 compensation for economic loss and distress suffered.

The penalties and compensation order are the result of legal action by the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Acting Fair Work Ombudsman Michael Campbell says the outcome of the matter sends a message that retaliating against a worker simply for exercising a workplace right is serious conduct that will not be tolerated.

“It is completely unacceptable and unlawful for an organisation to seek retribution because a worker has exercised their legal right to lodge a complaint with the Fair Work Ombudsman,” Mr Campbell said.

“We will not hesitate to take enforcement action against any organisation that unlawfully threatens and coerces workers.”

The Indian doctor came to Australia in 2009 on a medical practitioner visa to work at Windaroo Medical Surgery and lodged a complaint with the Fair Work Ombudsman in December that year after a dispute with the company.

Judge Michael Jarrett found that DrPathmanathan, Dr Tran and Windaroo

breached a coercion provision of the Fair Work Act in February, 2010 by threatening the doctor that he would not be paid unless he withdrew his complaint.

Judge Jarrett also found that Windaroo and DrPathmanathan took unlawful adverse action against the doctor by ceasing payments to him a month later, after he refused to withdraw the complaint.

The doctor resigned in May, 2010 and returned to India with his young family.

Judge Jarrett described the treatment of the doctor as “appalling” and found that it had caused him distress.

Judge Jarrett said Windaroo, DrPathmanathan and Dr Tran knew the doctor was in “significant financial difficulty” and that withholding payments from him would “add to his financial distress”.

“It was done either in the hope that (the doctor) would relent and withdraw his complaint, or as punishment for not succumbing to the earlier coercion,” Judge Jarrett said.

Judge Jarrett described the

Acting Fair Work Ombudsman Michael Campbell says the outcome of the matter sends a message that retaliating against a worker simply for exercising a workplace right is serious conduct that will not be tolerated. attempt to coerce the doctor as a serious contravention.

“To coerce a person into withdrawing a complaint made to the Fair Work Ombudsman in exchange

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for something to which they were in any event entitled is a gross contravention of s.343 of the Act,’’ Judge Jarrett said.

“It is not difficult to infer that the contravention was designed with the explicit intent of avoiding scrutiny by the regulatory authority.

“The contraventions were clearly a deliberate attempt to deprive (the doctor) of his right to bring a complaint to the Fair Work Ombudsman and his right to payments under the contract for services he had with the first respondent.”

Judge Jarrett found that there had been “no expressions of regret or remorse” from Windaroo, DrPathmanathan and Dr Tran.

Employers and employees seeking assistance can visit www.fairwork.gov.au or contact the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94.An interpreter service is available by calling 13 14 50 and the website also has materials translated into 27 different languages.

—Source: Fair Work Ombudsman, 5 October

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417 visa-holders underepaid

By Neeraj Nanda

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elbourne: The Fair Work Ombudsman last month released its report into the experiences of 417 working holiday visa-holders in Australia.

After an extensive two-year national Inquiry consulting a diverse range of stakeholders and regional visits, the Fair Work Ombudsman’s report contains new insights into the experiences of backpackers when they work in Australia.

The 417 visa is a temporary visa issued by the Department of Immigration & Border Protection (DIBP) to young people who want to holiday and work in Australia.

To be eligible to stay in Australia for a second year on a 417 visa, a visa-holder is required to undertake 88 days specified paid work in their first year in a designated regional area and in certain industries, such as agriculture, fishing, and meatand-poultry production.

The Inquiry was established in August 2014 in response to escalating complaints from working holiday makers to the Fair Work Ombudsman and concerns that the 88-day requirement, which at the time need not have been paid work, was being exploited by some employers.

Serious conduct was identified with respect to 417 visa-holders in the Fair Work Ombudsman’s earlier Inquiry into Labour Procurement Arrangements of the Baiada Group.

The Inquiry sits alongside the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Harvest Trail Inquiry focused on the horticulture sector, which commenced in August 2013 and is due to report in 2017.

The Inquiry into the experiences of 417 visaholders emphasises the importance of backpacker labour to regional Australia.

But it also identifies opportunities to strengthen education and compliance frameworks and efforts to ensure that this vital labour source is not exploited.

A key part of the Inquiry was a survey of more than 4000 overseas workers who had been granted a secondyear 417 visa after working in regional Australia.

Pleasingly, 38 per cent of respondents were positive about their regional work experiences and a majority said they would recommend the 417 visa to others, though fewer would recommend the second year.

However, the survey and other Inquiry work also indicated serious concerns about the working conditions for backpackers, particularly

while undertaking their 88 days of specified paid work.

The survey findings indicated that a significant majority of recipients (66 per cent) felt that employers take advantage of people on working holiday visas by underpaying them. Most (59 per cent) also agreed that backpackers are unlikely to complain about their working conditions in case their work is not signed off by the employer.

These fears are reinforced by the experiences of some 417 visa-holders, with 35 per cent of survey respondents stating they were paid less than the minimum wage, 14 per cent revealing they had to pay in advance to get regional work and 6 per cent had to pay an employer to ‘sign off’ on their regional work requirement.

Deductions from pay were also common and often not agreed in writing as required by the law (only 21 per cent of respondents say written agreement was provided).

Most survey respondents were unaware of their workplace rights in Australia, with lack of awareness highest among Asian workers.

The Fair Work Ombudsman is concerned that some unscrupulous employers are targeting this cohort, especially via social media and websites, establishing a business model around the placement of vulnerable visa holders in work and associated accommodation, imposing unlawful deductions on pay and charging fees to place visa-holders into employment.

Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James says the survey confirmed that overseas workers seeking regional work to satisfy the 88-day requirement and obtain a second-year 417 visa are particularly vulnerable to exploitation.

Ms James says the Working Holiday Maker program, designed to facilitate cultural

exchange, is in some cases being treated by both visa holders and employers as a ‘ticket’ to work in Australia.

These dynamics may be impacted by the relatively low minimum wages in countries of origin of some backpackers. For example, the minimum wages in Taiwan and South Korea over the course of the Inquiry were less than half Australia’s current minimum wage of $17.70 per hour.

“In particular, the desire for a second-year 417 visa can drive vulnerable workers to agree to work for below minimum entitlements and in some circumstances, enter into potentially unsafe situations,” Ms James said.

“The Inquiry findings show that while many 417 visa-holders who work in Australia have a positive experience, many are being subjected to underpayment or non-payment, unlawful deductions, sexual harassment, unsafe working conditions and other forms of exploitation.

“The backpacker labourforce is vital to some industries associated with food production in regional areas but we are at risk of it being a black-market, exploited labour-force if the settings remain the same.”

Noting recent changes in the landscape to tax arrangements and the establishment of the Government’s Migrant Worker Taskforce, the report recommends changes to visa rules and laws, better use of existing laws and an enhanced and more joined-up effort across government to ensure 417 visa holders are better protected and more aware of their work rights.

The report also recommends that academics and migration experts be enlisted to help research and solve labour-force issues associated with the need to balance cultural exchange, Australia’s international

reputation, regional laboursupply needs and the vulnerability of 417 visaholders.

BACKGROUND The Government’s Working Holiday Maker program commenced in 1975 and has expanded over more than 40 years to the point where it is heavily relied upon in addressing the labour shortage associated with food production in regional areas of Australia.

Since December 2015, 417 visa-holders have been obliged to undertake paid work for the 88 days specified regional work they do, and when lodging a request for a second-year visa with DIBP, are required to provide pay slips and an Employment Verification Form signed by their employer confirming the work was undertaken.

Between July 1 and December 31 last year, 417 visas were granted to 86,847 people, and 19,320 of these visa holders elected to undertake 88 days of specified regional work in order to secure a second-year visa.

Most second-year visa signoffs are for visa-holders who have worked in agriculture, forestry and fishing. Most work is performed in Queensland.

At the end of 2014, Taiwanese 417 visa-holders were the highest users of the second-year 417 visa, followed by the United Kingdom and South Korea.

The Fair Work Ombudsman’s Inquiry into the experiences of 417 visaholders in Australia was launched in 2014 in response to an escalating number of requests for assistance from temporary visa holders, including allegations that some operators were using the 88-day requirement to exploit vulnerable overseas workers.

The trend has continued and the Fair Work

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Ombudsman is now receiving a higher proportion of requests for assistance from visa-holders than ever before.

Reflecting Australia’s position as operating within the global economy, approximately 7 per cent of our nation’s total working population is comprised of temporary visa holders with work rights.

In 2011-12, just 5 per cent of dispute forms lodged with the Fair Work Ombudsman related to visa holders. In 2015-16, that figure had increased to 13 per cent.

In 2011-12, only 23 per cent of visa holders who came to us for assistance were 417 visa holders. By 2015-16, that figure had doubled to 44 per cent.

INQUIRY ACTIVITY The Inquiry had a specific focus on the nature and operation of the 88 day requirement, including the impact it has on the work experiences of 417 visa holders and whether it is a driver of non-compliance with the Fair Work Act. In so doing, the Inquiry sought to identify opportunities to address any non-compliance.

The Inquiry team used the Fair Work Ombudsman’s data and intelligence and information from other sources to establish the employer, industry and geographical areas of most interest and then engaged with a diverse range of stakeholders, gathering specific and comprehensive information alongside testing areas of most concern.

Stakeholders consulted included regional employers who are high users of 417 visa-holders seeking to satisfy the 88 day requirement, unions and employer groups, community groups, local councils, government bodies and businesses active in providing services to backpackers.

Meetings were also held with the Canadian, Korean, Irish, French and British consulates, as well as the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office.

The Fair Work Ombudsman also surveyed more than 4000 overseas workers who had been granted a secondyear 417 visa after working in regional areas of Australia.

While the focus was on understanding the broad drivers of non-compliance, numerous requests for assistance from workers were examined and Inquiry work has contributed to the Fair Work Ombudsman commencing more than 25 dedicated investigations and pursuing a number of enforcement actions.

CONTD. ON PG 13

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southSouth asia times 13 Asia Times

417 visa-holders underepaid...

CONTD. FROM PG 12

FINDINGS The Inquiry found that the 417 visa is often regarded less as an opportunity for cultural exchange and rather, primarily, as a ‘ticket’ to work in Australia and the 88 day requirement is having the unintended consequence of driving some vulnerable workers to enter into potentially unsafe situations and to agree to work for below minimum entitlements.

The need for the visaholders to produce evidence from their employer that they have completed 88 days requisite paid work, is placing some overseas workers seeking a second-year 417 visa in a precarious situation.

Safety concerns are raised particularly where young workers - especially females with limited English travelling alone - are encouraged through the 417 second year visa requirements to travel to remote areas to undertake specified work.

The power imbalance is creating an environment where some unscrupulous operators are exploiting vulnerable visa-holders who are reluctant to report unsafe working conditions, sexual harassment and other forms of exploitation for fear that employers will refuse to provide the required evidence.

The Inquiry found many instances of 417 visaholders finding themselves in situations where they had no option but to agree to the conditions imposed on them by their employers.

The Inquiry noted that there is no legal or statutory requirement for an employer to sign the Employment Verification Form and there are no penalties for employers who refuse to sign the form even when the work has been completed.

The Inquiry encountered concerning patterns of behaviour with respect to the treatment of 417 visa-holders, including: 4underpayment and nonpayment of wages, 4sexual harassment and workplace health and safety issues, 4exploitative workforce cultures and behaviours in isolated and remote workplaces, 4employers and hostels withholding passports without authority, 4employers engaging in sophisticated labour supply chains involving sham contracting, with visa-holders being engaged as contractors and not employees, 4employers making unlawful deductions from

wages and unlawfully requiring visa-holders to spend part or all of their wages in an unreasonable manner, 4employers requiring visaholders to do unpaid work in exchange for providing evidence that they had completed 88 days requisite paid work, 4visa-holders offering, or being induced to offer, payment to employers and third parties for assistance to gain a second-year 417 visa, 4employers recruiting workers by offering to assist them with second-year visa requirements if they agree to perform unpaid work, 4employers advertising jobs to overseas workers seeking a second-year 417 visa, but then imposing unlawful demands and conditions, such as requesting they pay for the job and for accommodation, 4visa-holders working for free in exchange for noncertified accommodation programs, and 4employers requiring visaholders to pay money upfront for tools and equipment that the business was legally required to provide.

The Inquiry found a widespread lack of understanding among 417 visa-holders of their workplace rights in Australia was making them particularly vulnerable to exploitation, with those less informed being more likely to be exploited.

Consular officials reported that 417 visa-holders were most vulnerable to exploitation in Australia when they were not aware of their lawful entitlements, without sufficient funds and undertaking the specified work toward the end of the first year.

The officials also indicated that some 417 visa-holders were reluctant to complain because they regarded the visa program as a “pathway to Australian permanent residency”.

Case studies identified some familiar concerns – multiple tiers of contracting, entities with a history with the Fair Work Ombudsman involved in supplying labour, registered places of businesses not being accurate and a failure on the part of some contractors to engage with Fair Work Inspectors.

However, more positively, a number of meat processing operations took action to address a number of these issues during the course of the Inquiry.

For example, Thomas Foods introduced induction material in multiple languages and auditing of its supply chain. It has already enhanced its governance following

the release by the Fair Work Ombudsman of its report into the Baiada companies.

Other companies chose to employ workers directly as opposed to through labourhire arrangements and ceased using ‘contracting’ arrangements.

As part of the Inquiry, the Fair Work Ombudsman commissioned a survey of the 43,219 overseas workers who had been granted a secondyear 417 visa in the 2013-14 financial year – and responses were received from 4056 individual workers.

While a majority of respondents reported a satisfactory experience, the survey information, combined with other Inquiry intelligence, showed that some especially vulnerable nationalities within this cohort, in particular those from Asian countries whose language and home cultures are significantly different from Australia, are being deliberately exploited.

The survey results confirm the Fair Work Ombudsman’s intelligence that some unscrupulous employers and agents are setting out to exploit and make money from visa holders in an organised manner that is demonstrative of a structured business model.

This includes deliberately targeting vulnerable workers through websites and forums directed at particular nationalities, attracting them to regional areas of Australia and then profiting off them through combining the placement of 417 visa holders in work and associated accommodation, imposing unlawful deductions on pay and charging fees to place visa holders into employment.

Overall, the survey responses from secondyear 417 visa holders indicated that: 450 per cent reported they did not know their workplace rights well, with lack of awareness of workplace rights highest among Asian workers, 435 per cent stated they were paid less than the minimum wage, 428 per cent were not paid for some or all of the work they did, 414 per cent revealed they had to pay in advance to get regional work, 46 per cent had to pay an employer to ‘sign off’ on their regional work requirement, 427 per cent reported they were paid in cash, 4Almost two in five (38 per cent) described their regional work experiences as excellent or very good, 4Just over a third (35 per cent) described their regional work experience as only fair or poor,

486 per cent said they would be very likely or quite likely to recommend the first year visa and 68 per cent said they would recommend the second year visa, 466 per cent felt employers take advantage of people on working holiday visas by underpaying them, 459 per cent agreed that backpackers are unlikely to complain about their working conditions in case their work is not signed off by the employer, 457 per cent were provided with accommodation as part of at least some of the specified work they undertook and of these workers, 25 per cent labelled their accommodation as poor, and 4Of respondents provided with accommodation, deductions from pay were for accommodation were common - but only 30 per cent said they provided prior agreement for this and only 21 per cent said they provided written agreement.

The Inquiry analysed websites commonly used by 417 visa-holders to find work in Australia, including Gumtree, Korean website Hojunara and Taiwanese website backpacker.com.tw.

Gumtree representatives informed the Inquiry that visitors had strongly engaged with Fair Work Ombudsman advertisements on the website promoting minimum pay rates in the horticulture industry and that they had a ‘report and take-down’ policy for job ads that raised compliance concerns, responding promptly when contacted by government agencies.

The representatives said they would welcome the opportunity to work more closely with the Fair Work Ombudsman in future.

RECOMMENDATIONS In the Inquiry Report, the Fair Work Ombudsman makes a series of recommendations focused on enhancing the regulatory framework and Enhancing information, education, compliance and support.

Enhancing the framework: • Collaboration between the Fair Work Ombudsman and DIBP in establishing a federal– state, inter-agency working group that examines current and future regulations to develop a holistic compliance and enforcement model that considers placing increased onus on employers with 417 visa holder employees to comply with state and federal legislation; strengthening sanction frameworks for employers who contravene relevant legislation; and more diverse items of evidence to validate specified work to

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minimise the power imbalance between the visa holder and employer.

• Reviewing and enhancing information sharing between the Fair Work Ombudsman and other regulators to assist in the gathering of evidence against unscrupulous employers necessary to prove breaches of workplace and other laws.

Enhancing information, education, compliance and support: • Ensuring all existing laws and sanctions are being fully utilised to take action against unscrupulous employers in their recruitment and exploitation of vulnerable 417 visa holders, including immigration, tax, corporations and consumer protection laws.

• Collaboration between the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Australian Tax Office (ATO) to support the establishment of a publicly available Employer Register for employers of 417 visa holders.

• Exploring opportunities to work with a broader range of stakeholders to extend the channels through which information and support is delivered, including: promoting the Employer Register to key stakeholders (including organisations that host websites dedicated to 417 visa holders such as DIBP, the Department of Employment, Tourism Australia, Austrade and consulates) in order to advise workers they should only work with registered and compliant employers.

• Ensuring appropriate information sharing between Fair Work Ombudsman, the ATO and DIBP to enable records to be cross-referenced and verified.

• Designing and implementing other education and compliance initiatives to address workplace exploitation, including reviewing the conditions required by 417 visa holders to obtain Australian Business Numbers as well as exploring technology that would support the simple recording of working hours.

The Fair Work Ombudsman also recommends continuing to partner with academics and migration experts and investing in research to solve the need to balance cultural exchange, Australia’s international reputation, recognised regional labour supply needs and the vulnerable nature of the 417 visa holder cohort.

The Fair Work Ombudsman will submit the recommendations to the Government’s recently announced Migrant Worker Taskforce for consideration.

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DDT on sale in South Asian outlets: SBS investigation

By SAT News Desk

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elbourne, 27 October: An exclusive investigation by SBS Radio’s Punjabi program has revealed Australian consumers face potentially dire long-term health outcomes with revelations some food imports from India contain chemicals including pesticides, arsenic, lead and even the carcinogen DDT. When listeners started raising concerns about foods purchased, predominately from South Asian grocery stores, SBS Radio commissioned laboratory testing. Among the most concerning findings were the presence of chemicals in food, which either exceed Australian standards, or are not permitted in foods sold in Australia.

The investigation found the popular Indian spice brand "MDH" contains pesticides above the limit specified by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). SBS can also reveal Kohinoor basmati rice contains the banned insecticide Buprofezin.

“The examination also revealed deceptive behaviour – including relabelling - and failing to comply with regulations, which meant potentially allowing health-endangering food to hit shelves around the country. In some

instances, SBS Radio journalists found use-by dates illegally extended by months - even years,” says a SBS media release.

SBS Punjabi Radio Executive Producer, Manpreet Kaur Singh said: “This investigation exposes potentially harmful contaminants that may be present in foods that Australians consume on the mistaken assumption that all foods sold in the country comply with strict quality standards.”

Talking to SAT, India at Home CEO Rajesh Bhatia said, “All we want is that the food product we sell is the right product and the customer is happy with it.”

“Australian customs and quarantine decides which

imported product is to be tested in a lab to verify its Australian requirements. If they say OK, the product is sold and if otherwise then it is not sold,” says Raesh.

SBS Radio also reveals that the widely used clarified Asian butter Verka Ghee was found to contain traces of the carcinogenic insecticide DDT. Although within permitted levels set

by FSANZ, some experts believe that even consuming a relatively small amount could be harmful.

RMIT Health Sciences Professor Marc Cohen told SBS Radio that chemicals like DDT can have a multigenerational effect on humans, which means pregnant mothers pass it on to their unborn children.

"We have a huge epidemic of reproductive infertility.

Two years ago, cancer became the biggest killer on the planet. It overtook heart disease and stroke. This is not an inherent genetic problem. This is an issue of post-industrialisation, the world is exposed to more carcinogens, and cancer is now the most common cause of mortality on the earth.

“It's not just the smoking gun this one chemical causes this one problem when they're in combination you get a whole host of problems and we all contain a toxic cocktail based on our life history that impacts on our health,” said Professor Cohen.

The Department of

Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR) targets and monitors food determined to pose a high or medium risk to public health. All other foods are considered to be ‘surveillance foods’.

Surveillance foods are randomly inspected at a rate of 5 per cent of all consignments. Food scientist Dr Kamal Vilkhu says it's simply not enough.

“The number of samples or the number of products being tested is just a handful which does not give any good representation of the results. The testing regime is not up to the standard to pick up the most poisonous or deadly chemicals in those products,” said Dr Vilkhu.

The investigation also reveals that Betel nut, a banned carcinogen seed in Australia, is readily available at some South Asian grocery stores in Melbourne. The Australian Drug Foundation advises that "there is no safe level of drug use" for Betel Nut. A comprehensive report on the investigation can be found on the SBS World News website - including detailed responses from all stakeholders.

The full online investigation is now available: sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/ punjabi/en/explainer/ dangerous-imported-foodsavailable-australia Watch the full report on SBS World News Australia today evening at 6.30pm.

Cr. Jim Memeti elected Dandenong Mayor third time

By SAT News Desk

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elbourne 11 November: Red Gum Ward Councillor Jim Memeti has been elected Mayor of the City of GreaterDandenong for the third time.Cr Memeti has served as a councillor since 2005, and was previously elected Mayor in 2010and 2014.

He was elected as the new Mayor last night as the 2016/17 councillors were sworn in following their election on 22 October.

“As the newly elected Mayor I promise to lead this Council with sincerity and passion, and I will ensure the councillors will work together to achieve the best for our community,” Cr Memeti said.

“I am a passionate advocate for this city. I am intensely proud of our diversity and our sense of community, and I promise you all that I will continue to work to make Greater Dandenongan even better place to live work and study.”

During his last Mayoral term Cr Memeti said one of his proudest achievements was overseeing the opening of the new civic centre, which has provided a centrepiece for the revitalisation of central Dandenong.

Over the next 12 months, he will oversee a number of projects to help revitalise Springvale, including the refurbishment of the Springvale Town Hall, the laneways project and the new Tatterson Park Pavilion.

“I am very excited to see the transformation of Springvale over the next 12 months and into the future,” he said.

Cr Memeti said collaboration was the key to success at Council, and he looked forward to working with the CEO John Bennie, executive team, and fellow councillors during his term as Mayor.

“I would like to acknowledge my predecessor, Cr HeangTak, who led us through the past 12 months,” Cr Memeti said.

“The challenges facing local government are ongoing but I believe our great city is looking to a prosperous future and by working together we will achieve great outcomes for all our residents.”

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417 visa-holders underepaid...

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“Addressing these systemic problems requires a sustained and co-ordinated effort on the part of Government and stakeholders, including considering whether the settings are right,” Ms. James said.

“If we want sustainable outcomes, if we want to change behaviour over time, it requires a genuine investment across a number of regulators and interest groups working together with a clear mission to close the loopholes being used by those deliberately exploiting visa holders for profit.

“There are opportunities for businesses, communities and industries that care about their reputation to work with us to achieve a culture of compliance with Australian workplace laws.

Those who turn a blind eye to exploitation face very real risks – legal risks and risks to reputation and impact on their bottom line.”

Ms James says the Inquiry report is a timely opportunity for the Fair Work Ombudsman to remind employers that we have minimum pay rates in Australia, they apply to everyone, and they are not

negotiable.

Employers cannot undercut minimum wages, even if employees offer to accept lower rates – and they must keep accurate time-and-wages records at all times.

It is not acceptable for an employer to take advantage of any worker, especially those that are vulnerable, including overseas workers who speak limited English and have limited understanding of their workplace rights.

The exploitation of visaholders working in Australia has long been a priority for the Fair Work Ombudsman and we will continue to actively encourage overseas workers who have concerns that their workplace rights are being compromised to contact us.

The conduct being complained of by visa holders is at the serious end of the spectrum, best illustrated by the increase in visa holders that feature in our litigations. In 2012-13, we filed 16 litigations that involved contraventions of a visa holder’s workplace rights – 32% of our total litigations for that year. Four of those matters involved 417 visa holders.

In 2015-16, 38 of our 50

litigations involved a visa holder, being 76% of all litigations filed. Sixteen of those litigations involved a 417 visa holder.

More than one third of all of the Fair Work Ombudsman’s enforcement outcomes in 2015-16 involved a visa-holder and significantly, half of these enforcement outcomes - that is, the issuing of compliance notices, the execution of enforceable undertakings and the filing of legal proceedings - involved 417 visa-holders.

The Fair Work Ombudsman’s recoveries for underpaid visa-holders have also increased significantly.

In 2011-12, the Fair Work Ombudsman recovered $718,000 for all visa-holders, with $67,000 of this for 417 visa-holders.

In 2015-16, the Fair Work Ombudsman recovered just over $3 million for all visaholders, with $1.37 million of this for 417 visa-holders.

Intelligence gained throughout the Inquiry has already contributed to a number of enforcement actions against employers found to have exploited workers seeking a secondyear 417 visa. Examples include:

Westpac celebrates Diwali

The Fair Work Ombudsman commenced legal action against a Northern Territory operator earlier this year alleging he underpaid 12 workers - including 11 overseas workers seeking to obtain a second-year 417 visa - a total of $35,630. Some were allegedly paid nothing for work performed. See: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/ about-us/news-and-mediareleases/2016-media-releases/ september-2016/20160923mango-shop-litigation The Fair Work Ombudsman recently secured Courtordered penalties of almost $70,000 against the operators of a Queensland farm with a history of flouting workplace laws for exploiting six overseas workers seeking to obtain a second-year 417 visa.

(See: https://www.fairwork. gov.au/about-us/newsand-media-releases/2016media-releases/september2016/20160926-i-luv-penalty) The Fair Work Ombudsman entered into an Enforceable Undertaking earlier this year with a labour-hire company supplying workers to an abattoir in Western Australia after the labour-hire company underpaid 27 of its employees – most of them overseas workers seeking

to obtain a second-year 417 visa - more than $35,000.

(See: https://www.fairwork. gov.au/about-us/news-andmedia-releases/2016-mediareleases/may-2016/20160531comprehensive-cleaning-eumr) The Fair Work Ombudsman’s Harvest Trail Inquiry - which is aimed at improving compliance in the horticulture industry, with a particular focus on labourhire arrangements and supply chains – is ongoing and an Inquiry Report is expected to be published in 2017.

Employers and employees seeking assistance can visit www.fairwork.gov.au or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94.

An interpreter service on 13 14 50 and the website contains materials translated into 27 different languages.

The Fair Work Ombudsman’s Anonymous Report function enables members of the community to alert the Fair Work Ombudsman to potential workplace issues.

Intelligence can be provided at www.fairwork.gov.au/ tipoff.

—Source: Fair Work Ombudsman, 15 Oct. 2016.

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By SAT News Desk Melbourne, 4 November: The Westpac Banking Corporation celebrated Diwali with customers and supporters at the Mulgrave Country Club with great fanfare. In fact, this has been a tradition for many years.

Each year Westpac lights up with Diwali. The glittering evening of Bollywood entertainment, dancing and Indian food took place with the lighting of the traditional Diwali lamp and a short speech by SAT Editor Neeraj Nanda. Top Westpac official also gave his Diwali speech followed by Bollywood dancing. The evening also had door prices with all the networking and celebrations.

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Immigration scam targets migrants

By Neeraj Nanda

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elbourne: The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is warning migrants to watch out for scammers pretending to be from the ‘Department of Immigration’, threatening deportation and demanding money.

The ACCC has received 300 reports about this scam since March, with more than $150,000 reported lost.

“The scammers target migrants and temporary visa holders, claiming there are problems with their immigration paperwork or visa status and they need to pay a fee to correct the problem and avoid deportation. These scammers often glean personal information from social media, making the demands seem more legitimate,” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard has warned.

“Recently, these scams have been going one step

further, threatening the arrest of loved ones, or claiming they have already been arrested or detained.

They demand payment through wire transfers or iTunes gift cards.”

“Scammers may try to pressure you by calling incessantly and harassing you, even threatening to send the police to your house. Simply hang up and do not respond. If you give your money to a scammer,

you will never see it again,” Ms Rickard said.

“The Department of Immigration and Border Protection will never ask for wire transfers or iTune cards as a payment option.”

“If in doubt, don’t use any contact details provided by the caller, instead look up the government department or organisation yourself in the phone book or online and phone or email them.”

ACCC Media: 1300 138 917 / Protect yourself • If you receive a phone call out of the blue from someone claiming to be from the ‘Department of Immigration’ or any government agency telling you that you will be deported unless you pay a fine, hang up.

• If you have any doubts about someone who says they are from a government department, contact the department directly. Don’t use any phone numbers, email addresses or websites provided by the caller – find them through an independent source such as a phone book or online search • Never send any money via wire transfer or any other means to anyone you do not know or trust.

• Never give your personal information, bank account or credit card details over the phone unless you are sure you are speaking with a trusted source and you understand why the person is calling you.

If you think you have

provided your details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.

• Be aware of DIBP fees and charges and make sure you know why you have been asked to pay more.

You can check DIBP’s fees and charges at: http://www. border.gov.au/Trav/Visa/Fees • Know your visa status and entitlements. The DIBP may not have any need to contact you so if you receive a call from someone claiming to represent the DIBP and you are concerned, do not provide your personal information and end the call.

You can report immigration fraud matters to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection through their Immigration Dob-In Service (link is external).

You can report scams to the ACCC via the Scamwatch report a scam page or by calling 1300 795 995.

—Source: Australian Consumer and Competition Commission, 4 October.

Labor-Coalition spat over ‘Respectful Relationships’ curriculum

By SAT political reporter

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elbourne, 26 October: The Daniel Andrews led Labor government in Victoria and the Liberal opposition are locked in a bitter spat over the proposed ‘Respectful Relationships’ program, which Education Minister James Merlino says, “… is about teaching our kids to treat everyone with respect and dignity so we can start the cultural change we need in our society to end the scourge of family violence.”

But Nick Wakeling MP, Shadow Minister for Education addressing the Indian media today said family violence is a complex issue. The program “is not a true reflection of males in Victoria’, he said replying to a pointed question

by SAT, if the program was anti-male.

In a media release dated 20 October and distributed today, Nick says, “Schools should never be used to brainwash our children with propaganda about white male privilege, how “masculinity” encourages “control and dominance” over women, or how men are “socially engineered” to

express their pain and stress in anger and violence”.

The Shadow Minister says, “the program goes too far and the coalition will scrap it if returned to power in 2018.”

The Andrews Labor Government has invested $21.8 million to roll out this important initiative, delivering on a recommendation from the Royal Commission on Family Violence.

Age-appropriate resources for the curriculum include lesson plans and activities that help students learn and practice social skills and apply them in a positive way to

learning, life and relationships.

“The focus of the subject in primary years is on treating everyone with respect and dignity, with the secondary years subject building on this by teaching students about the relationship between gender and power, “says a media release by Deputy Premier and Minister of Education, The Hon. James Merlino MP. The resources have been developed by world-leading experts from Deakin University and the Melbourne Graduate School of Education, led by Associate Professor Helen Cahill who

worked with UNESCO on similar resources used in the Asia-Pacific. The Andrews Government is investing $21.8 million on the program starting next year, delivering on a recommendation from the Royal Commission on Family Violence.

“The curriculum has been developed following a trial of a whole-of-school approach that was run in 19 Victorian schools by the Department of Education and Training and the anti-family violence organisation Our Watch,” the media release says.

Mary Barry, CEO of

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Our Watch told 3AW the program works and is not discriminatory and it is about respect. It gives young people, boys and girls, the skills to reject on unhealthy aggressive behaviour and discrimination.

"It is definitely not saying that all men are perpetrators and all women are victims." – Mary said on 3AW. She told 3AW survey's conducted by Our Watch say men are perceived as better politicians than women and have access to better professions than women. "We're trying to breakdown that stereotype and breakdown that power."

But Nick Wakeling feels it’s an ideological program without community/parents consultations and the Premier should stop implementing the program of “forcing his values on other people’s children, and start focusing on the basics such as teaching our kids to read, write and count.”

Hon. James Merlino defending the program says, All the evidence shows that the education is the key to ending the vicious cycle of family violence, which is why teaching Respectful Relationships as schools is important.”

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UNIONS MEETING TO HONOUR MANMEET AISHER

SINGH SABHA DIWALI EVENT

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GARBHA IN CRANBOURNE

DIWALI DINNER OF SELANDRA RISE AUST. INDIAN RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

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AIII’s Successful Diwali Fair 2016 Sparkles Melbourne

By SAT News Desk

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elbourne, October 23: Years of continuity and tradition once again came into picture when the Australian Indian Innovations Inc. (AIII), put up an excellent Diwali fair at the Sandown Racecourse, Springvale this year. In fact, the AIII started celebrating

Diwali 15 years ago and the fair is now an icon of the best living city in the World.

A symbol of Victoria’s and Australia’s multicultural and secular ethos, AIII Diwali is an annual event which gives many a surprises whenever held. No doubt, this year was no exception despite the weather playing hide and seek.

People in their thousands started trickling in around

noon and thronged the variety of stalls which dotted the fair. There were stalls selling Indian food and snacks, travel agents, migration agents, loan givers, tattoo stall, kids ride, banks, mobile companies, snacks companies and what not.

Obviously, the food stalls with yummy curries, Indian breads, Chole-Bhutare, Chat-Papri and so on were

the busiest. But others were not behind with their freebies and souvenirs.

By evening there were thousands with families.

The entertainment part was popular with Bollywood dances and Chinese Snake dance. Families had a good sitting arrangement for the entertainment section and outside car parking was easy going. It was an exceptional family event

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pieced together by the AIII committee. This was one of the best in the last 15 years.

The VIP guests were led

by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and one by one they addressed the crowds with Rashi Kapoor (AIII Brand Ambassador) being the Emcee. The Premier wished a happy Diwali to all and praised the AIII for the fair.

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Others who addressed were Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams, Inga Peulich Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs and for Scrutiny of Government, Former Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu and Dr. Sundaram, VMC among others.

Main sponsors Gaura Travel and Disha Migration representatives along with AIII’s Yogen Lakshman also addressed the gathering detailing its achievements over the years.

In totality it was a multicultural fair of music, dances, food, rides,

networking, love for each other and the victory of good over bad. The community and businesses, in fact, made the event a big success along with the commitment and hard work of the AIII Committee. It was an event no one will ever forget.

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SCFOL Celebrates Diwali with the Unions

By SAT News Desk

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elbourne, 30 October: For the first time the unions in Australia celebrated the festival of lights – Diwali, along with the Subcontinent Friends of Labor (SCFOL) at the historic Trades Hall in the city. A foundation of friendship between the unions and the South Asian communities was laid as the Victorian Multicultural Minister Hon. Robin Scott lighted the Diwali lamp and participated in ‘aarti’. The battle hardened CFMEU space in the Trade Hall premises became a symbol of multicultural Victoria and Australia.

Hon. Robin Scott addressed the gathering and greeted everyone

for Diwali. In a Facebook post the Minister said, “It was joyful to celebrate Diwali yesterday evening, along with some of my parliamentary colleagues at the Victorian Trades Hall.

A wonderful celebration organised for the first time in partnership between Victorian Trades Hall Council and Sub-Continent Friends of Labor Victoria (SCFOL Vic).To all those who are celebrating today, wish you a Happy Diwali once again!”

There were lively classical and Bollywood dances and lots of music and tasty food for all. A Bollywood dance class was also help making everyone happy.

Others who addressed the Diwali gathering were Hon. Andrew Jiles, Federal MP for Scullin

and shadow Assistant Minister of education, Maria Vamvakinou Federal MP for Calwell, Hon.Hong Lim Victorian MP and Parliamentary Secretary for Asian engagement and Multicultural affairs, Manoj Kumar - Chairperson of

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Victorian Trades Hall Council.

Others who contributed were SCFOL Core committee and team - Aloke Kumar, Kaushaliya Vaghela, Aakash Kumar, Neeraj Nanda, Deepak Vinayak, Praveen Kumar, Ranjan Srivastav, Nusarat Nassim, Abhimanyu Kumar, Vinayak Kolape, SCFOL Geelong team & all.

Big support also came from Gurdeep Dhillon and Abhmanyu Kumar and Praveen Kumar among others.

The focus of the event Subcontinent Friends of was to integrate the Labor Vic, Mathew Kunkel community with mainstream Project Organiser - Victorian Australia and especially Trades Hall Council, Cr. unions and working people.

Intaj Khan - SCFOL advisor Community expectation is and Wyndham councillor, now that similar event will Vinayak Kolape - SCFOL be held each year at the official and Matt Kunkel Trades Hall.

Project Organiser,

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SAPAC Business Forum

By SAT News Desk

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elbourne, 4 November: The South Asian Public Affairs Council (SAPAC) held its Annual Business Forum on 4 November 2016 with great enthusiasm. The event held at the Thornbury Theatre, Thornbury attracted a large number of business people and community activists.

The main speakers at the forum were Mr. Rakesh Aggarwal (MD Saurani Group of Companies) and Mr. Kamrul Hussain Chowdhury (Chairman PNS Group and MD, PNS Graphics Australia). The main sponsor of the event was Mr. Ali Mohammed (MD Planet Insurance and Financial Planning).

A beautiful and informative souvenir was launched on

the occasion and distributed to the participants. The Editor of the souvenir Dr. Mo Jamal says, “I consider SAPAC as a perfect platform where people from various backgrounds and professions come together from all South Asian countries and help create Harmony, beyond the realms of colour, caste, creed, religion, that has long been desired in the increasingly diverse culture in Australia”.

Hon. Julian Hill MP said, “It is encouraging to see such an active dialogue amongst Melbourne’s diverse South Asian Communities. Australia’s diverse population is something to celebrate, and is an important asset as we deepen our connections in the Indo-Pacific region in the years and decades to come.”

The SAPAC President

Dr.ShahbazChaudry said, “I would like to express my appreciation for the support received from committee members, our principal sponsor for the event, our guests and from everyone throughout South Asian communities”.

Mr. Ali Mohammed,

Planet Insurance said, “We at ‘Planet Insurance and Financial Planning’ appreciate such movements by an organisation like SAPAC. These initiatives help the community at large and help building a better society. By sponsoring an event for SAPAC, we believe

www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082

that we are making a humble contribution towards a noble cause.”

Many in the SAPAC committee, VIPs and Mr. Ali were honoured on the stage for their contribution to community work and making the forum a big success.

The SAPAC committee consisting of Dr.ShahbazChaudry, Mr. BandhuDissanayake, Dr. Sharif As-Saber, Dr. Noel Nadesan, KaushaliyaVaghela, Manoj Kumar, DilkiPerera, Alok Kumar and Neeraj Nanda made the forum an incredible business event.

The excellent and well managed Thornbury Theatre was a real gem as an event venue and added to the success of the business event.

For all info about SAPAC – www.sapac.net.au.

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Demonetization: Witless and Anti-People n

By Prabhat Patnaik

EW DELHI: Narendra Modi went on national television at 8 p.m. on November 8 to announce that from midnight of that very date, i.e. in a mere four hours’ time, 500 and 1000 rupee notes would cease to be legal-tender.

The justification

advanced for this bizarre move was that it would strike at “black money”.

An additional argument was thrown in, to the effect that fake currency notes used by “terrorists” would now cease to be effective, and some particularly enthusiastic supporters of the government even went to the extent of calling it a “surgical strike against

terrorism”.

I shall come to the fake currency issue later. Let me first look at the “black money” argument which even President Pranab Mukherjee has gone out of his way to endorse. This argument, namely that the demonetization of 500 and 1000 rupee notes constitutes an attack on “black money”, is based on an utter lack

of understanding of the nature of “black money,” a conception of it that is staggering in its simplemindedness.

The implicit understanding is that “black money” consists of hoards of cash which are held in trunks or pillowcases or buried under the earth.

With this understanding, it is then suggested that if

500 and 1000 rupee notes are demonetized, then people going to banks to exchange large amounts of old notes for the new legal tender would make the banks suspicious; and banks in turn would convey their suspicions to the tax authorities who would then catch the culprits.

CONTD. ON PG 25

Indian Govt. statement on Rs. 500 & 1000 demonetisation

By Prabhat Patnaik

w

ith a view to curb financing of terrorism through the proceeds of Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) and use of such funds for subversive activities, and for eliminating Black Money, Government decides to cancel the legal tender character of the High Denomination bank notes of Rs.500 and Rs.1000 from the expiry of the 8th November, 2016.

With a view to curb financing of terrorism through the proceeds of Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) and use of such funds for subversive activities such as espionage, smuggling of arms, drugs and other contrabands into India, and for eliminating Black Money which casts a long shadow of parallel economy on our real economy, it has been decided to cancel the legal tender character of the High Denomination bank notes of Rs.500 and Rs.1000 denominations issued by RBI till now. This will take effect from the expiry of the 8th November, 2016.

1. Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) in circulation in these denominations are comparatively larger as compared to those in other denominations. For a common person, the fake notes look similar to genuine notes. Use of FICN facilitates financing of terrorism and drug trafficking.

Use of high denomination notes for storage of unaccounted wealth has been evident from cash recoveries made by law enforcement agencies from time to time. High denomination notes are known to facilitate generation of black money.In this connection, it may be noted that while the total number of

bank notes in circulation rose by 40% between 2011 and 2016, the increase in number of notes of Rs.500/- denomination was 76% and for Rs.1,000/- denomination was 109% during this period.

New Series bank notes of Rs.500/and Rs.2,000/- denominations will be introduced for circulation from 10th November, 2016.

Infusion of Rs.2,000/- bank notes will be monitored and regulated

by RBI. Introduction of new series of banknotes which will be distinctly different from the current ones in terms of look, design, size and colour has been planned.

3. The World Bank in July, 2010 estimated the size of the shadow economy for India at 20.7% of the GDP in 1999 and rising to 23.2% in 2007. There are similar estimates made by other Indian and international agencies. A parallel shadow economy corrodes and eats into the vitals of the country’s economy. It generates inflation which adversely affects the poor and the middle classes more than others. It deprives Government of its legitimate revenues which could have been otherwise used for welfare and development activities.

4. In the last two years, the Government has taken a number of steps to curb the menace of black money in the economy including setting up of a Special Investigation Team (SIT); enacting a law regarding undisclosed foreign income and assets; amending the Double Taxation Avoidance

Agreement between India and Mauritius and India and Cyprus; reaching an understanding with Switzerland for getting information on Bank accounts held by Indians with HSBC; encouraging the use of non-cash and digital payments; amending the Benami Transactions Act; and implementing the Income Declaration Scheme 2016.

5. In order to implement the above decisions of the Government and keeping in view the need to minimise inconvenience to the public, the following operational guidelines have been issued:(i) Old High Denomination Bank Notes may be deposited by individuals/persons into their bank accounts and/or exchanged in bank branches or Issue Offices of RBI till the close of business hours on 30th December, 2016. (ii) Old High Denomination Bank Notes of aggregate value of Rs.4,000/- only or below held by a person can be exchanged by him/her at any bank branch or Issue Office of Reserve Bank of India for any denomination of bank notes having legal tender character, provided a Requisition Slip as per format to be specified

by RBI is presented with proof of identity and along with the Old High Denomination Bank Notes.

Similar facilities will also be made available in Post Offices. (iii) The limit of Rs.4,000/for exchanging Old High Denomination Bank Notes at bank branches or at issue offices of Reserve Bank of India will be reviewed after 15 days and appropriate notification issued, as may be necessary. (iv) There will not be any limit on the quantity or value of Old High Denomination Bank Notes to be credited to the account of the tenderer maintained with the bank, where the Old High Denomination Bank Notes are

tendered. However, in accounts where compliance with extant Know Your Customer (KYC) norms is not complete, a maximum value of Rs.50,000/of Old High Denomination Bank Notes can be deposited. (v) The equivalent value of the Old High Denomination Bank Notes tendered can be credited to an account maintained by the tenderer at any bank in accordance with standard banking procedure and on production of valid proof of Identity. (vi) The equivalent value of the Old High Denomination Bank Notes tendered can be credited to a third party account, provided specific authorisation therefor accorded by the said account holder is presented to the bank, following standard banking procedure and on production of valid proof of Identity of the person actually tendering. (vii) Cash withdrawal from a bank account, over the counter will be restricted to Rs.10,000/subject to an overall limit of Rs. 20,000/- in a week for the first fortnight, i.e., until the end of business hours on November 24, 2016. (viii) There will be no restriction on the use of any non-cash method of operating the account which will include cheques, demand drafts, credit/ debit cards, mobile wallets and electronic fund transfer mechanisms. (ix) Withdrawal from ATMs would be restricted to Rs.2,000 per day per card up to November 18, 2016. The limit will be raised to Rs.4,000 per day per card from November 19, 2016 onwards. (x) For those who are unable to exchange their Old High Denomination Bank Notes or deposit the same in their bank accounts on or before December

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30, 2016, an opportunity will be given to them to do so at specified offices of the RBI on later dates along with necessary documentation as may be specified by the Reserve Bank of India. (xi) Instruction is also being issued for closure of banks and Government Treasuries, on 9th November, 2016. (xii) In addition, all ATMs, Cash Deposit Machines, Cash Recyclers and any other machine used for receipt and payment of cash will remain shut on 9th and 10th November, 2016. (xiii) The bank branches and Government Treasuries will function from 10th November, 2016. (xiv) To avoid inconvenience to the public for the first 72 Hours, Old High Denomination Bank Notes will continue to be accepted at Government Hospitals and pharmacies in these hospitals/Railway ticketing counters/ticket counters of Government/Public Sector Undertaking buses and airline ticketing counters at airports; for purchases at consumer co-operative societies, at milk booths, at crematoria/burial grounds, at petrol/diesel/ gas stations of Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies and for arriving and departing passengers at international airports and for foreign tourists to exchange foreign currency at airports up to a specified amount.

6. The relevant Notifications are available in the website of Finance Ministry (http://finmin. nic.in/). Further details including Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are available on the website of the Reserve Bank of India (https://www.rbi.org.in/).

—Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), New Delhi, 8 Nov 2016.

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EXCLUSIVE/CINEMA

southSouth asia times 25 Asia Times

Move over Krissh, new superhero ‘Maham’ hitting the Silver screen soon

By SAT Cinema Desk

m

umbai, Oct 30, 2016: When the world is in peril, there are many who are called upon to save the day. Everyone is familiar with the stories. If asked most could tell about the likes of Kal-El who came down from the planet Krypton to right wrongs under the disguise of Superman.

Or the tales of billionaire playboy, Bruce Wayne, who travels the night dressed in a bat suit fighting criminal syndicates taking over Gotham City known as Batman. Often these heroes who feel the call to fight crime and take back their cities all have one thing in common – United States citizenship. Many are called, but few are chosen and now a new superhero is about to rise and take his place as the chosen. His name – Maham!

Unlike the previously mentioned superheroes, Maham has been chosen by Lord Shiva to assume his duties and save the world. Born and raised in India, the film will contain no mythological elements and will take place entirely in contemporary world settings. While many might

expect a strong established lead actor from Bollywood industry but, all of these phenomenal leading men are a package the public is already familiar with and full of preconceived expectations based on past work.

In helping this film to capture contemporary public interest, long time business man and first time producer Vignesh Sharma has an exciting and invigorating new face to introduce to the world through this role. Additionally, the film will be filmed in London, Goa and Delhi as well as being filmed in the Hindi and English languages.

Sharma, a successful businessman and now founder of Bollywood's newly minted Oxiigen Motion Pictures is offering a product on level with any Hollywood hero.

“We all know that every Big Hollywood movie and franchise series gets their visual effects (Post production) done in India,” states Sharma, “including Life of Pi and Game of Thrones. So, why can’t we make a movie of Hollywood standards?” Maham will be of those Hollywood standards and we will make sure this movie and character “Maham” will

Sharma, a successful businessman and now founder of Bollywood's newly minted Oxiigen Motion Pictures is offering a product on level with any Hollywood hero. travel to Holllywood.

Many Big names from the Bollywood industry are associated with this project. The Cast and crew announcements will be revealed later in a grand way.

Pre-production of the movie is going on and the first look of Maham and a Teaser will be released in two months. For regular updates stay tuned at www.o2mpictures.com

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Demonetization: Witless and Anti-People

CONTD. FROM PG 24

“Black money” would thus get exposed, and this would discourage further transgressions in future.

Now, the second part of this argument, even assuming that “black money” actually consists of cash-hoards, makes little sense. If a person possesses, say, unaccounted money of Rs.20 crores, and that too in 500 and 1000 rupee notes, then such a person will certainly not come with the entire Rs.20 crores to a bank to change it into the new legal-tender (he will not be allowed to do so anyway); he would rather send several factotums to the bank, each carrying a small amount, and would do so over a number of days prior to the December 30 deadline.

In fact even this prolonged effort would be unnecessary, since all sorts of intermediaries would come up fairly soon who would do this job of exchanging old notes for new ones on behalf of customers for a consideration. With such “black operators”, exchanging “black money” from the old legal tender to the new legal tender, the idea, mooted by “experts” on several TV channels, that demonetizing 500 and 1000 rupee notes would unearth illegal cash-hoards makes little sense.

More importantly, however, this very conception of “black money” is absurd. Indeed the term “black money” itself is a misnomer, since it conjures up the image of a stock of money which is supposed to be held not openly, in the form of bank deposits, but clandestinely in the form of currency notes, and that too in pillowcases or in containers buried in the earth.

Actually when we talk of “black money” we have in mind a whole set of activities which are either entirely illegal, such as smuggling, or drug-running, or procuring arms for terrorist organizations, or are undertaken in excess of what is legally permitted, or are not declared at all so that taxes are not paid

on them. If 100 tonnes of minerals are extracted but only 80 tonnes are declared to be extracted, in order to reduce tax payment, then we have a case of “black money” being generated.

Likewise, if $100 of exports are undertaken but only $80 are declared, and the remainder $20 are kept abroad in Swiss Banks, which is against the law, then we have a case of “black money” being generated. Or if rupees are changed into foreign exchange through the hawala route and kept as deposits abroad, then we have a case of “black money” being generated. In short, “black money” refers to a whole set of undeclared activities.

“Black money”, it follows, refers not to a stock but to a flow. ”Black activities”, like “white activities”, are meant to earn profits for those engaged in them; and simply keeping a hoard of money earns no profits. What Marx had said about business activities also holds about “black activities”, namely that profits are earned not by hoarding money but by throwing it into circulation; the “miser” does the former, the capitalist the latter. And those engaged in “black activities” are capitalists not misers. Of course, in any business money is also held for a shorter or longer period (e.g. during the C-M-C circuit); but this is true as much for “white activities” as for “black activities”, so that the belief that the differentia specifica of “black money” is that it is held while “white money” is used for circulation, is completely

without any basis. All money circulates, with occasional pauses when it is held, whether it is employed in “black activities” or “white activities”. The essence of unearthing “black money” lies therefore in tracking down “black activities”, not in attacking money-holdings per se. And this requires honest, systematic, and painstaking investigation.

Long before the days of computers, the British Internal Revenue Service had earned the reputation that it would eventually catch up with any tax defaulter simply through a process of grinding and meticulous investigation.

True, Britain is a small country compared to India, but that only means that the size of the tax administering personnel has to be larger, tailored to the needs of the country; and if this is done, then unearthing “black money”, at least in the domestic economy, is merely a matter of patient and efficient tax administration.

A sizeable portion of “black activities”, however, is operated through banks located abroad; indeed some would say that this constitutes much the larger portion. Narendra Modi himself before his election had talked of “bringing back” the “black money” stashed abroad, suggesting that the bulk of “black money” was located abroad, even though his remark displayed the same naïve understanding that “black money” referred to a hoard rather than to a range of activities. But if foreign banks constitute

the predominant source of funding “black activities”, then the demonetization of 500 and 1000 rupee notes, while causing much hardship to ordinary people, will do little to eliminate such activities.

This is not the first time that such demonetization of currency notes has occurred in India. In January 1946, the 1000 and 10000 rupee notes were demonetized; and in 1978 the Morarji Desai government had demonetized 1000, 5000 and 10000 rupee notes from the midnight of January 16. But even in 1978, let alone in 1946, this had caused no hardships for the ordinary people, since most of them had scarcely ever seen such a note, let alone possess one. (Even in 1978 Rs.1000 was a lot of money and common people hardly saw notes of 1000-rupee denomination).

But that move of the Morarji Desai government, even though it did not impinge on common people, did not end the scourge of “black money” either. The Modi government’s move, while equally ineffective in countering “black money”, has the added flaw of impinging severely on common people.

Some have argued that, whether or not the demonetization of 500 and 1000 rupee notes itself has the effect of countering “black money”, it represents a long-term move away from a cash-using economy, and amounts in that sense to a restraint on unaccounted activities that are typically not financed through recognized institutional channels. But quite apart from the fact that “black activities” financed through foreign banks will still escape detection in a cashless India, the very idea of a cashless India represents a pipedream of a segment of the elite, which is totally unaware of the difficulty that a common person faces in obtaining a credit card, or even opening a bank account (despite Modi’s loud boasts about expanding people’s bankability). The move towards a cashless economy, while not being realized, will simply become

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an additional means through which the common people will get squeezed.

But, what about the other argument that such demonetization acts against terrorism by preventing the circulation of fake currency notes printed “across the border”? This argument hinges crucially on the assumption that the technology employed in printing the new legal tender will prevent any possibility of faking it. Let us accept that assumption. Even so, the introduction of such new legal tender which cannot be faked, at the expense of the existing legal tender, could have been effected in a gradual and altogether unobtrusive manner, exactly as the introduction of new currency notes in lieu of the old ones is routinely effected.

It is not as if the government was expecting an avalanche of fake notes on the night of November 8; why could it not have avoided the sudden, surprising, and massive attack on the security and convenience of the people that it launched on the night of November 8?

What the Modi government has done is unprecedented in the history of modern India. Even the colonial government had shown greater sensitivity to the convenience of the people than the Modi government has done by demonetizing only those notes which were possessed by the super-rich and not those possessed by the people at large. This “emergency measure”, however, is in line with the numerous other measures being currently pursued by the Modi government which has embarked on an undeclared “Emergency”: it is as fatuous as it is against the people.

(Professor Prabhat Patnaik is a reputed economist and scholar.

He is Professor Emeritus at Jawaharlal Nehru University and author of several books including The Value of Money, The Retreat to Unfreedom, A Theory of Imperialism (co-author Utsa Patnaik) —Source: The Citizen, November 13,2016

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CINEMA

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Spectacular Bollywood movies in NovEMBER & DECEMBER 2016

By SAT News Desk

M

elbourne: This November and December there is a spectacular line up of Bollywood films to be released in Australia. November starts with the action packed FORCE 2 starring the macho John Abraham and gorgeous Sonakshi Sinha releasing on 18th November.

On the same day releases a love story with Neha Sharma and Aashim Gulati starring in TUM BIN 2. On 25th November, King Khan and the adorable Alia Bhatt come together for DEAR ZINDAGI. It is a story everyone will relate to because it is about life and all its ups and downs.

December kicks off with the biggest romance of the year, BEFIKRE, releasing on 9th December.

It is directed by Aditya Chopra who is returning to direction after 8 years and stars Ranveer Singh and Vaani Kapoor. On 23rd December, Aamir Khan comes back to the big screen after 2 years with DANGAL, a true story based on the life of Mahavir Singh Phogat and his daughters.

TUM BIN 2

RELEASE DATE: 25 November 2016 STARRING: Alia Bhatt, Shah Rukh Khan, Ali Zafar, Aditya Roy Kapur, Kanal Kapoor LANGUAGE: Hindi (With English Subtitles) PRODUCER: Gauri Khan, Karan Johar, R Balki DIRECTOR: Gauri Shinde Teaser 1: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=5DkO7ksXY8E Teaser 2: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=EMqP7PFTjHU SYNOPSIS: This is the story of Kaira, a budding cinematographer in search of perfect life. A chance encounter with Jug, an unconventional thinker, helps her gain new perspective about life.

She discovers that happiness is all about finding comfort in life's imperfections.

BEFIKRE RELEASE DATE: 18 November 2016 STARRING: Neha Sharma, Aditya Seal, Aashim Gulati LANGUAGE: Hindi (With English Subtitles) FORCE 2 DIRECTOR: Anubhav Sinha TRAILER: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=YLvNFx1qvDg SYNOPSIS: Eight months after Taran lost her fiancé Amar in a skiing accident in the French Alps that her family could really convince her to move on with life. It was baby steps in the beginning with the help of her own sisters that she began to get a hold of her present and future. The wonderful memories from the past still haunted her. Every Street in Glasgow where she spent wonderful moments with her drew her back to Amar. And then Shekhar came in to her life. At 26 Shekhar was privileged to have been through the worst and the best that life can offer.

He was a wise man who knew the RELEASE DATE: 9 December 2016 exact meanings of life of death both.

STARRING: Ranveer Singh Vaani Taran found solace in his company.

Kapoor She discovered to tread in to the LANGUAGE: Hindi (With English RELEASE DATE: 18 November 2016 life ahead. Most people do not live Subtitles) STARRING: John Abraham, one fairy tale love story in a life time PRODUCER: Aditya Chopra Sonakshi Sinha, Tahir Raj Bhasin and Taran was on the verge of living PRODUCTION HOUSE: Yash Raj LANGUAGE: Hindi (With English another when……

Films Subtitles) DIRECTOR: Aditya Chopra PRODUCER: Vipul Amrutlal Shah DEAR ZINDAGI TRAILER: https://www.youtube.

DIRECTOR: AbhinayDeo com/watch?v=p7X7mwcEJ-w TRAILER: https://www.youtube.

SYNOPSIS: Befikre is a story that com/watch?v=r4O4Xec60_k celebrates being carefree in love.

SYNOPSIS: A gripping storyline, A quintessential Delhi boy Dharam high-octane action and a dash of (Ranveer Singh) comes to Paris for drama - Force 2 promises to be one work and in search of adventure. of the thrillers to look forward to Just when he is about to embark on in 2016.Set in parts of China, India this journey of his life he bumps into and Budapest (Hungary) - the story a wild, free spirited, French born opens when three undercover RAW Indian girl Shyra (Vaani Kapoor) agents are killed in synchronized A feisty romance ensues between assassinations across Asia posing a the two in which both of their threat to India. Tough as nails former personalities- one being an equal cop Yash (John Abraham) then sets match for the other are tested to the out to nab the mastermind, who is limit. Battling their ups and downs, a mole in the Indian embassy along both realize that love is a leap of with female officer KK (Sonakshi faith that can only be taken by those Sinha). They are like chalk and who dare to love. cheese with different working DANGAL styles.Rebooting and building RELEASE DATE: 23 DECEMBER a strong franchise for Force, its 2016 second edition will witness larger STARRING: Aamir Khan, than life action sequences, intense SakshiTanwar, Fatima Sana Shaikh performances and twice the force. www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082

LANGUAGE: Hindi (With English Subtitles) PRODUCER: Aamir Khan, Kiran Rao &Siddharth Roy Kapur DIRECTOR: Nitesh Tiwari TRAILER: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=x_7YlGv9u1g SYNOPSIS: Dangal, which means ‘wrestling’, revolves around the extraordinary life of Mahavir Singh, an ex-wrestler who could never accomplish his dream of winning India an international Gold medal in wrestling. He has to give up on his dream due to financial pressures.

Mahavir Singh pacifies himself and resolves if not him, his would be son would one day realize his dream. However, destiny has other plans. Over almost two decades he and his wife are blessed with four children, all girls. Mahavir Singh loses hope.

But, when one day his eldest daughter Geeta, now 14 years old and the second one Babita, now 12 years old, bash up some grown up boys from the neighbourhood for teasing them, he realizes that his daughters have what it takes to be world-class wrestlers. Hope is back in his life. After all, a gold medal is a gold medal whether a boy wins it or a girl.

What follows is a relentless pursuit of Mahavir Singh, over a period of 10 years, in making his daughters world-class wrestlers.

He leaves no stone unturned. He trains them with boys, like boys, to beat boys in various local village wrestling tournaments. He removes every temptation that comes between his daughters and wrestling. He makes sure they don’t just fight, but fight to win. Against all odds he bravely embraces all criticism from the society, lack of money, apathy from officials and much more, but never gives up… all to see India win Gold.

FOR ALL DETAILS CHECK: www.mindblowingfilms.com

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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/

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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

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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

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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

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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).

SOUTH ASIAN Garments Roshan’s Fashions 68-71 Foster Street, Dandenong, Vic 3175 Ph: (03) 9792 5688

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

Jewellery Bhadra Laxman Jewellers 22ct Gold Jewellery / Silver Pooja (03) 9846 7661

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

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south asia 34 South Asia Timestimes

BUSINESS

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How a Small Business can crack the 'Word of Mouth' Puzzle

BY SHRIRAM IYER

recommendation' which will only measure intention.

Businesses that do measure intention, tend to get comfortable knowing that their customer base is filled with such 'fans' who display a strong intention to recommend.

But intention alone can never translate to financial success for a business. All that matters is action or behaviour.

w

e have all either heard or used the phrase, 'It's the thought that counts'. In the world of business, it doesn't count at all. The only thing that counts is this sign - '$' (or whatever currency you are dealing in).

If a small business cannot generate enough revenue and margins over a sustained period, it will not survive. It is as simple as that.

'Word of Mouth' obviously plays a huge role and businesses acknowledge that.

But many businesses are under the misconception that WOM is a part of BAU (Business as Usual). That if a business operates as per normal, the WOM effect will kick in naturally and take the business forward. It is a dangerous misconception.

Some businesses do something about it - they conduct market research in the form of customer satisfaction surveys and try to understand the 'voice of the customer'. But even that is not enough.

Why Listening to The Customer Is Not Enough?

It is surprising how often senior management in large corporates invest time and money in collecting customer intel and in understanding the consumer's mindset. But there is a yawning gap between the collection and reporting of insights to actual actionable behaviour.

Detailed packs and presentations will not help a business owner grow the business unless the core of customer feedback is actioned upon. The root causes of customer dissatisfaction, for example, need to be

implemented, otherwise, the entire exercise of market research is a colossal waste of money and time. And this is a big example of how 'intentions' differ from 'behaviour' - a very important distinction that needs to be understood by business owners.

'Intention' and 'Behaviour' Are Not the Same Small businesses do not have the marketing budget to conduct extensive market surveys. They certainly cannot afford to not action any market research they might have managed to gather.

A simple research question is to gauge the 'likelihood of

Bridging the Gap Bridging this gap is easier than it seems. But it requires a lot of commitment from the business owner. A complacent approach that banks on intention alone, will not work.

The referral process has many touchpoints and business will need to validate the initial referral at every touchpoint, for example, the business website.

The validation process more often than not will take place on the web.

The 'stark raving fan' even though has the right intention to recommend might not actually end up doing do. WHY? Possibly because life got in the way and they simply forgot about you (I am serious!). Or

www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082

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The author

they possibly don't know who to recommend you to, so they put it in the 'too hard' basket.

Or your 'fan' doesn't want to be THAT guy who spams everyone!

They way to get around this is to run a clever, well structured referral / incentive program that engages the 'fan' and draws them into your world, making them take ownership of your product / service.

The trick is to be able to set up an efficient referral program without blowing your marketing budget. That's where I come in.

What Next? A Cup of Coffee!

If you run a small-to-medium business and are keen to see how this could benefit your bottom line, give me a call on +61 424 287 904. I have worked across multiple industries and know one thing for a fact failing to convert intention to desired behaviour can and will cost the business dearly!

I am happy to chat over coffee to see how best we can work together to ensure you invest your marketing dollar in the right place!

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TOURISM/TRAVEL

southSouth asia times 35 Asia Times

Discover Shah Rukh Khan’s Dubai

Dubai Tourism partners with the Bollywood superstar to highlight the best of Dubai

By SAT News Desk

d

ubai, UAE: November, 2016: Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) today announced an exciting new collaboration with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. The project, comprising a series of short films, will see the actor unravel the secrets of Dubai, offering his fans a chance to see the exquisite city through the megastar’s eyes.

Already well acquainted with Dubai, Shah Rukh Khan is the perfect advocate for the city, which he often refers to as his second home. By showcasing Dubai through his eyes, the project aims to appeal to ‘King Khan’ fans across the globe, giving them the opportunity to explore the city and its many offerings.

Shah Rukh Khan commented, “Dubai is a second home to me...

Whether I am here on vacation with my family and friends or my many business trips here for shoots, it's a city that I truly relate to on so many levels - driven, passionate and spirited. And I can't wait to take my fans and fellow travelers from around the world on an unexpected discovery of a city that I love.

This new collaboration with Dubai Tourism is exciting and one that I am personally very passionate about. Watch this space."

Slated to be released across various Dubai Tourism channels in December, the series of short films will kick start a year-long campaign of multiple Dubai Tourism projects in collaboration with Bollywood.

Conceptualised with the aim to strengthen and

and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said, “We are delighted to partner with Shah Rukh Khan for this special project, which highlights Dubai’s diverse offerings that cater to every type of traveller. We look forward to exploring Shah Rukh’s strong connection with Dubai, and sharing his unique experience with a global audience. These upcoming collaborations with the Bollywood industry will reinforce the strong role India has played in our city’s evolution and further fortify our bond.”

celebrate the bond and cultural links between Dubai and the subcontinent, the campaign underlines the importance of India as a key source market for inbound tourism to the emirate.

IssamKazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism

DUBAI TOURISM About Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) With the ultimate vision of positioning Dubai as the world’s leading tourism destination and commercial hub, Dubai Tourism’s

mission is to increase the awareness of Dubai among global audiences and to attract tourists and inward investment into the emirate.

Dubai Tourism is the principal authority for the planning, supervision, development and marketing of Dubai’s tourism sector. It markets and promotes the Emirate’s commerce sector, and is responsible for the licensing and classification of all tourism services, including hotels, tour operators and travel agents.

Brands and departments within the Dubai Tourism portfolio include Dubai Convention and Events Bureau, Dubai Calendar, and Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (formerly known as Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment). In addition to its headquarters in Dubai, Dubai Tourism operates 20 offices worldwide.

There is no place like home with Gaura Travel & Jet Airways

By Shilpa Dhanothia

m

elbourne: It’s surprising how quickly conversations turn to our home countries or cities when we meet people from a shared background. Reminiscing about childhood, growing up, addas, food etc. leads to an inevitable longing to visit.

Moving abroad has its own charm but is also rife with challenges and uncertainties which most of us deal with alone. It brings out a warrior we didn’t know existed inside of us. As we integrate more into the nuances of the new culture and try to build a life here, the ubiquitous thought of home always lingers at the back of our minds.

Gaura Travel is a multiaward winning travel agency based in Australiaand hasmultiple offices and 24/7 contact centres in the Indian subcontinent.

‘Gaura’ in Sanskrit means golden and is the hallmark of the company’s genuine approach and has been serving the Indian diaspora for the past 10 years. With

strong belief in the power of family and spending time with loved ones, the company specialises in connecting families. In a time when the travel industry is characterised by turbulence and travel agents are shutting down, Gaura Travel has proved its trustworthiness through service excellence and strong customer focus.With high community engagement and transparent operations,the company has proved that it is here to stay.

Jet Airways is a world-

class airline known for its superior services and socially responsible initiatives to support the underprivileged members of the society. Over the years they have achieved phenomenal success while ensuring the highest standards of quality.

Jet Airways flies to 21 international destinations and 47 destinations within India. The strategic alliance between Jet Airways and Etihad Airways recorded a 63% surge in passengers travelling between Abu

Dhabi and India in 2015. This alliance has opened new sectors making destinations more accessible.

Gaura Travel and Jet Airways have worked closelytogether for a number of years.They were principle sponsors for the My Light Diwali Carnival event hosted by Australian Indian Innovations Inc. in October 2016. This Indian community event bought together thousands of Indians despite of poor weather conditions.

Balloon artists raised up a storm for kids with exciting

www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082

balloon twisting at the Gaura and Jet stall. Co-operation between organizations of repute and stature makes their commitment stronger and performance better. 2017 marks the 10th Anniversary for Gaura Travel and as is customary there will be celebrations and events galore. Watch out for exciting announcements and offers as they successfully march into 2017.

Gaura Travel is your Best way home and Jet Airways brings to you the Joy of flying.

south asia 36 South Asia Timestimes

FINANCE

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Who to trust?

BY BALKI BALAKRISHNAN

L

ike most things in life creating wealth also needs primarily a plan and then the successful execution of that plan over a period of time.

The author Consequently, a financial plan is an ongoing process that enables you to achieve your financial goals and financial freedom.

A financial plan is much more than just buying financial products or services I stress the importance of a sound financial plan to my clients by telling them that they don’t need to be wealthy to afford a financial plan, but need one to be wealthy. A Financial Planner/Advisor is a professional who not only prepares a plan to achieve your financial goals but also is there for you throughout the life cycle of the plan to make sure that you succeed. Thereby, you are developing an ongoing relationship with an advisor and therefore it becomes critical that you choose the right one the first time.

So, how do you choose good Financial Advisor? The purpose of this article is to help you identify a good advisor. You should be mindful

that your investment experience is going to depend on how good your choice is.

What would a financial advisor such as myself will look for in a financial advisor?

Qualification & Experience: Make sure that the advisor is qualified (CFP, DFP. ADFP etc.). You can verify this from their Financial Services & Credit Guide (FSCG) and/or their web site. Ask them to articulate their experience and specifically in the areas that you have in mind.

Transparent Advise Process: A good advisor should follow a definite advice process from beginning to end. The advisor should be able to explain the deliverables that you can expect, and the metrics by which the advisor can convince you eventually that you are better off financially by the advice. Therefore, look for a well-defined advice process from the advisor and ask the advisor to explain.

Independence: This is a critical requirement. Understand whom the advisor work for and how they are remunerated. Look for conflicts of interest. Make sure that they are independent and therefore can advise you on products and services that are in your best interest without any constraints.

Continuity: Financial plan is not a one shot affair. You need the advisor to walk the talk with you to achieve

your goals. For a variety of reasons you may not be able to contact the advisor when you need them most.

Therefore, make sure that the advisor has a backup in case you can’t get to the advisor.

Reputable Licensee: A financial advisor has to have a financial service license on their own or should be an authorized representative of a licensee who holds the license. The licensee and the advisors have mutual obligations.

One of the important obligation of a licensee is to making sure that the advisor has the requisite up-to-date qualification, knowledge, experience and skill. The licensee also imposes a code of conduct and code of ethics an advisor has to adhere to. Therefore, look for a reputable licensee backing up the advisor.

Value Proposition: A good financial advisor will present a positioning paper after having done the research.

This document will set out in broad terms the recommended solutions for your consideration, the cost of recommended products and services and also the advisor fees.

A professional advisor will walk you through this document and then offer you the opportunity to terminate the advice process unconditionally if you do not see a value in the advisor’s proposition.

A clean record: Make sure that the advisor has a clean track record. You

www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082

can search for this information in moneysmart.gov.au web site Transparent fee structure: Understand how the advisor is paid and specifically the fees for advice on topics you seek advice on. Make sure that the advice you receive will add value to your financial affairs. A good advice costs but will make you financially much better off. Therefore, you should consider this spend as an investment.

COMMUNITY FINANCIAL SERVICES PTY LIMITED ABN39 814 682 399 are Authorised Representatives of AMP Financial Planning Pty Limited, Australian Financial Services Licensee and Australian Credit Licensee.

This article contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information. If you decide to purchase or vary a financial product, your financial adviser, Community Financial Services Pty Ltd and other companies within the AMP Group may receive fees and other benefits. The fees will be a dollar amount and/or a percentage of either the premium you pay or the value of your investment. Please contact us at 0419 506 560 if you want more information.

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southSouth asia times 37 Asia Times

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south asia 38 South Asia Timestimes

LITERATURE

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Firaq on Prem Chand

This piece has been written in the backdrop of Prem Chand’s 80th death anniversary on October 8, 2016

t

he late Prof Raghupati Sahai ’Firaq’ Gorakhpuri, one of the greatest Urdu poets of the last century, winner of the first Jnanpith Award, and an interpreter of the agonies, yearnings and struggles of the people latent in his romantic couplets, had a very strong ego. Except for some masters of a distant era like the English poet Wards worth or Urdu poets like Meer Taqui Meer, he rarely praised any of his contemporaries in superlative terms.

It is, thus, very exciting to note that he held in great esteem a writer of prose whose mosaic of repertoire seemed to be different from the canvas of romanticism that ‘Firaq’ used for much of his poetry. Consider what ‘Firaq’ writes about his chance meeting, around 1912, with someone who became his mentor: “I had reached BA class clearing all examinations. I had come to my home town, Gorakhpur, from Allahabad during summer vacations.

One evening I had gone on a walk to the premises of a huge building of a bank at Gorakhpur. There I met a friend, Mahabir Prasad Poddar (later, one of the proprietors of the famous Gita Press), who had another gentleman with him.

Apparently, he looked a very ordinary person, wearing a dhoti reaching down to a little below his knees, a kurta that was much shorter than common kurtas, ordinary shoes on his feet.

I started talking to Poddar about new books.

His companion also joined the discussion and the subject turned to Prem Chand. Poddar asked me, ‘Do you want to meet Prem Chand?’ It seemed to me as if he was asking if I wanted to acquire the entire wealth of the world. I could not think of my good fortune to be able to see Prem Chand with my own eyes. Showing utter disbelief for his words I asked him, ‘Meeting Prem Chand? How, where and when?’ Both of them started laughing and Poddar told me that the gentleman with him was none other than Prem Chand. I felt as if my breath was going to stop.

In fact, along with extreme happiness, I felt a little bit heart-broken. Because Prem

Chand appeared to be a person with very ordinary looks whereas I had assumed that such a great litterateur could not be that ordinary-looking, Yet, I was very happy to see Prem Chand.”

Before his chance meeting with Prem Chand, ‘Firaq’ had been introduced to Prem Chand’s stories starting with BarreGharkiBeti (Daughter of a Respectable Family) that appeared in a very reputed Urdu periodical, Zamaana, published from Kanpur, which received contributions from some of the best-known writers as also social reformers of the beginning of the last century. “No story had, thus far, had an influence on me as this story did...

Publication of a new story by Prem Chand in Zamaana was considered an important event in the world of literature,” he writes.

As Prem Chand later came to teach at a school in Gorakhpur, ‘Firaq’ became a daily visitor to his house where Prem Chand talked to him about his life’s struggles against all odds. He told him how at a very young age, he had the privilege of attending daily sittings of some very intelligent elders

at his friend’s house where there was a reading of the classic Tilism-e-HoshRuba (The Magical Ravishing of Senses), a great work written collectively by a group of writers with their own experiences of enchantments.

“Listening regularly to Tilism-e-HoshRuba, Prem Chand’s world of sub-conscious thoughts was awakened like how after reading Alif Leila the dormant artistic consciousness of the famous novelist Charles Dickens had got awakened. Then, the flow of Urdu prose too created a thunder within Prem Chand,” ‘Firaq’ writes.

‘Firaq’ has written, in this obituary piece following Prem Chand’s death in 1936, about his great art of story-telling. But what is of great interest here is to know about Prem Chand’s contribution to the evolution of ‘Firaq’ as a great litterateur, that is not well known.

‘Firaq’ has traced Prem Chand’s rise as the greatest writer of his time in Urdu as well as in Hindi. Around 1919 ‘Firaq’ rejected his selection for the ICS and Prem Chand too, “whose salary would have gone uptoRs 1000,

gave up his job along with me taking part in the NonCooperation Movement,” ‘Firaq’ recollects.

‘Firaq’ reminisces: “In a way I was also made a litterateur by Prem Chand.

My first writing was got published in Zamaana by Prem Chand. When I was a political prisoner in jail it was Prem Chand who got some of my stories published in well-known perio-dicals. I had written a critique of his novel, Goshae-Aafiyat (Prem Ashram in Hindi) in jail itself after which he wrote to me: “I felt a spiritual upheaval after reading your critique. You understood my novel better than me.”

‘Firaq’ concludes what is probably one of the most moving obituaries of the great writer of Godaan and various other novels and innume-rable short stories thus: “While reading a book

by Prem Chand one feels as if mother India has lifted us in her arms. We hear murmurs of our hearts in Prem Chand’s voice. We get in the magical writings of Prem Chand the life of India, the temper of India, its agonies and ecstasies, its fate, its pious dignity

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(suhag) in a manner that is difficult to find elsewhere.

This is the reason why among the contemporary writers of Hindi and Urdu Prem Chand has achieved popularity not only in India but international popularity as well.”

This obituary of Prem Chand by ‘Firaq’ Gorapkhpuri is included in a volume of his selected writings (FiraqGorakhpuri: MuntakhibTehreerein, compiled by Professor Ali Ahmad Fatmi), published sometime ago by the National Book Trust. Prof Fatmi has to be congratulated for including some of the brilliant prose writings of the great poet, in this volume, along with a selection of his great poetry.

His prose is as absorbing as is his poetry. It is an excellent introduction to his prose for those who have known him only as a great poet. It should be read by all lovers of Firaq’s immortal poetry.

The author is a veteran writer and journalist who was associated with Mainstream as its Assistant Editor in its early years.

—Source: Mainstream Weekly, New Delhi, November 5, 2016

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INDIA POLITICS

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southSouth asia times 39 Asia Times

Bellicose BJP and antsy AAP: Why Kejriwal's "surgical strikes" earned the ire of panic- stricken Gujarat rulers

BY R. K. MISHRA

c

ats stalk quietly and wolves prey in packs but why is the behemoth of a BJP getting paranoid over antsy AamAdmi Party (AAP) and barking up all manner of trees?

Quite simply, because it’s iron clasp grip on Gujarat is slipping and a queasy national party leadership is stuck for options to reverse the trend.

AAP, analysts say, is set to make impressive gains in Punjab and Goa and this will majorly impact election results in Gujarat which goes to polls in the last quarter of 2017. A mere foot-in-the door is all that AAP needs in the prime minister’s home state to make ants crawl up the pants of the NDA government in the 2019 general elections.

A panic stricken Goliath is even mulling the ultimate option of early elections in Gujarat along with UP and Punjab, more to stretch AAP to oblivion than to run the Congress out of reckoning.

While BJP president Amit Shah has asked the state party leadership to get into poll mode post haste, the Congress, marinated

by Modi through three state Assembly elections, still remains a pregnant hippopotamus in languorous recline, notwithstanding it’s significant gains in the December 2015 local self government elections.

Grasping the opening, AAP has been sprightlier with Kejriwal making

‘surgical’ strikes in Gujarat to capitalize on the lapses of the BJP government before moving back to the safety of his stronghold. Stung to the quick, the administration resorts to reprisals against the beneficiaries which completes the vicious circle that helps Kejriwal consolidate on his gains.

AAP has truly become the bugbear of the BJP. Even before he stepped onto the Gujarat soil on a three day visit ending October 16, 2016, posters appeared in the name of ‘unheard’ organizations equating him with terrorists like Osama bin Laden, Hafiz Saeed and the HizbulMujahideen's Burhan Wani.

Put up around Unjha and Mehsana towns in North Gujarat and Surat in the south, these termed him as "Hero of Pakistan” and a “traitor” to India.

Interestingly, these pasted posts made their appearance only in the citadels of Patidar rebellion against the BJP led Gujarat government just the night before Kejriwal was to meet the family members of those killed during the proreservation agitation by the upper caste Patels.

Ever since Kejriwal came out in support of the Patidar and Dalit stirs in the state, he has earned the ire of the BJP which rules Gujarat but this has only heightened his appeal amongst this class. AAP's Gujarat convenorGulab Singh Yadav has been categorical putting the blame squarely at the doorsteps of BJP chief Amit

Shah.

“Just the presence of our leader rattles this government”, he said. He has a point. Hours before the all important Surat rally of the party,the Delhi police turned up to arrest him, making Yadav the fourteenth Delhi AAP legislator to be picked up by the cops. Alas, too late for the Surat rally was a roaring success.

Permission for the rally was not easy. The Surat police sat placid on the request made in August for a rally in mid-october and budged only after the High Court intervened with a show cause notice to the state government.

Earlier in July, the South Gujarat University withdrew permission for a similar Kejriwal function and the trade body which had extended the invitation was forced to back down.

The authorities, however, had no problems granting permission for rallies in Surat by Shah, union minister SmritiIrani and even Congress legislature party leader ShankersinhVaghela.

Gujarat BJP spokesperson Bharat Pandya denies any role of his party though the sequence of events do not bear this out. The targeting of Kejriwal has been vicious in Gujarat though less than after he worsted the BJP to an auto-load in Delhi, an upgraded municipal corporation ‘packaged’ as a state government. And yet the might of the Centre runs in awe slapping cases on legislator after AAP legislator,14 of them, by last

count.

It is true to a pattern for those who have watched a decade and a quarter of Modi rule in Gujarat. In fact an extension. All the Gujarat police officers who were behind bars under court ordered investigations in numerous fake encounter cases, including chargesheeted ones, are back in plum posts while those who slogged to bring them to book are fighting for their lives.

Only last week TarunBarot who was arrested in connection with the Ishrat Jahan and Sadiq Jamal encounter cases has been reinstated post-retirement on a one year contract as DSP, Railways. In contrast, Inspector General of Police, Satish Verma who assisted investigations under High Court orders stands shunted to the North-East and is locked in a battle to retain government accommodation for his family which is mandated under the rules.

Instances abound.

As things stand, the BJP, it’s novice chief minister Vijay Rupani and state party chief JituVaghani are all at sea in their new charges.

Rupani ,a Shah appointee, like Congressmen of yore, keeps looking Delhi-wards for both inspiration and orders, and Vaghani, a Patel has problems gaining the support of his community, let alone run the party.

Political interns fronting for Shah are poorly placed, stepping into Modi’s shoes in Gujarat, let alone helming the party into elections.

Even Shah with all his

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muscle and Modi support cut a sorry figure when his show of strength in Surat in September was sabotaged by the agitating Patels who have been boycotting government functions and ministers with considerable success. Shah would find the going tough if he himself takes over in Gujarat!

Survey the scenario.

Patidars who comprise 15 per cent voters have been on the warpath since July 15, 2015 demanding reservation and their leader Hardik Patel though incarcerated out of Gujarat under court orders is now a force to be reckoned with.

Close on their heels come the OBC who are nearly 45 per cent of the population and are opposing any possible cut in their quota. Led by AlpeshThakore they have chosen a more sanitized way of demonstrating their clout by targeting bootleggers and the cops who make merry through liquor prohibition-a huge industry in Gujarat.

Then follow the warring Dalits, comprising 7 per cent, who have already scalped a chief minister (Anandiben Patel) and are still on the job headhunting.

All in all, not a re-assuring experience for the BJP to find 82 per cent of the state’s population up in arms against the government and Kejriwal wading into the turmoil, as aggressive as Modi used to be attacking the centre during his Gujarat days! *Senior Gandhi Nagarbased journalist.

Source: counterview.net

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