Sat october 2016 pgs 40 by South Asia Times

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South Asia Times Vol.14 I No. 3 I OCTOBER 2016 I FREE s o u t hasiatim es.com .au Editor: Neeraj Nanda

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festival editorial

Festival Season To Boost Multicultural Ethos By Neeraj Nanda

elbourne: It’s come again and will keep coming. The last three months of the year are all set to dazzle with the festive season! 2016 is no exception. Big and small events cum celebrations are already happening. Victoria’s multicultural atmosphere will no doubt, add to the festivities. Different communities will mix with each other and exchange gifts and sweets. Eid was celebrated some time back and Diwali is on our door step. Some of you will be going overseas and celebrating with friends and relatives. Those who are here the fun will not be less. And this season we will once more pledge to maintain respect for each other’s faith’s and culture. This is the best bet to preserve multicultural Victoria and Australia. Diwali (also spelled Devali in certain regions) or Deepawali, popularly known as the "festival of lights",

is an important festival in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism, celebrated for different reasons, occurring between mid-October and mid-November each year. For Hindus, Diwali is one of the most important festivals of the year and is celebrated in families by performing Laxmi puja and traditional cultural activities together in homes. For Jains, Diwali marks the attainment of moksha or nirvana by Mahavira in 527 BC. For Sikhs, Diwali is celebrated as Bandhi Chhor Diwas (The celebration of Freedom), and celebrates the release from prison of the sixth guru, Guru Hargobind, held captive by Mughal Emperor in the Gwalior Fort in 1619. In recent times, in India, Australia and other countries, Diwali is celebrated by people of all communities irrespective of region or religion. It reflects the multicultural dimension which unites people into humankind. Diwali fairs are held in all prominent Australian towns by Indian organisations and attended

by people of all faiths and communities. It is also known as the ‘Indian X-Mas’ to many Australians. The name "Diwali" is a contraction of "Deepavali", which translates into "row of lamps". Diwali involves the lighting of small clay lamps (diyas or dipas) filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil. But these days electric lights light up homes and offices. During Diwali, all the celebrants wear new clothes and share sweets and snacks with family members and friends. Diwali as per belief commemorates the return of Lord Rama, along with Sita and Lakshmana, from his 14-year-long exile and vanquishing the demonking Ravana. In joyous celebration of the return of their king, the people of Ayodhya, the Capital of Rama, illuminated the kingdom with earthen diyas and by bursting firecrackers. The festival starts with Dhanteras on which most Indian business communities begin their financial year. The second day of the

festival, Naraka Chaturdasi, marks the vanquishing of the demon Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama. Amavasya, the third day of Deepawali, marks the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth in her most benevolent mood, fulfilling the wishes of her devotees. Amavasya also tells the story of Lord Vishnu, who in his dwarf incarnation vanquished the Bali, and banished him to Patala. It is on the fourth day of Deepawali, Kartika Shudda Padyami, that Bali went to patala and took the reins of his new kingdom in there. The fifth day is referred to as Yama Dvitiya (also called Bhai Dooj), and on this day sisters invite their brothers to their homes. Meanwhile, in Melbourne the festival season has begun and the cultural scene has been picking up. Big Diwali fairs are taking place soon! The AIII Diwali Fair will be at the Sandown Racecourse on Sunday 23 October and the Celebrate India is organising one day

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earlier at the Federation Square on Saturday 22 October. Diwali fairs and other events are also planned in different suburbs. Many good movies are also gearing up for release in cinemas during this season. Shopping around will also be great fun. Indian and South Asian shops are full of Diwali stuff and Indian Sweet shops are gearing up for all those who have a sweet tooth. Christmas and New Year eve festivities and parties are not far away. Exciting and fun filled days lie ahead. The community will be active and enjoy the season in a typical multicultural atmosphere. Living, working and enjoying together will further enhance out togetherness. South Asia Times (SAT) will bring you all the reports from overseas and here of the fun filled days ahead in its hard copy, website and social media. We at SAT wish you all the best of enjoyment and entertainment to you and your family for all festivals and during the season.

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Migration â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;flexible & responsiveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to needs BY SAT News Desk

elbourne, 22 Sept: Australia's permanent migration programme in 2015-16 has delivered outcomes to meet the nation's skills and economic needs and to facilitate family reunions.

The Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton said the permanent migration programme helped to boost Australia's economy. "Australia is a migrant nation and our orderly and well managed migration programmes deliver economic, social and cultural

benefits to our society," he said. In the year to end of June, 190,000 places were available for permanent migration and just under that number were filled by newcomers. The majority of new immigrants were in the Skilled stream (128,550) which equates to 68 per cent of the

programme. Most of the skilled visas went to Employer Sponsored, State and Territory Government Sponsored and the Regional Skilled category to help fill critical skills needs. Mr Dutton said professionals accounted for 65 per cent of the places to the primary applicants in the Skilled stream and these professionals would help build Australia's future. "The addition of these skilled workers to Australia's workforce complements rather than competes with domestic workers. "Our first priority will always be jobs for

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Australians, but where genuine skills shortages exist we fill the gaps with these skilled migrants. "Our immigration programmes are flexible and responsive to the needs of our economy and labour market," Mr Dutton said. The family migration programme prioritises reunion of partners and children and 60,912 visas were granted in 2015-16. In 2015-16 Australia offered refuge to more than 17,000 people under the Refugee and Special Humanitarian programme â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which included the largest offshore humanitarian intake in 30 years.

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Latest health spending figures reveal mixed trends By SAT News Desk

anberra, 6 October: Growth in Australia's spending on health remains slow, but health now represents a greater proportion of the economy than ever before, according to a new report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). The report, Health expenditure Australia 2014– 15, shows that $161.6 billion was spent on health goods and services in 2014–15. While this was $4.4 billion (2.8%) higher in real terms than in the previous year, it is the third consecutive year that growth was below the 10-year average of 4.6%. Despite this, health spending reached 10% of Gross Domestic Product for the first time. 'This suggests that while growth in health spending is slow, it is faster than growth in other areas of the economy,' said AIHW spokesperson Dr. Adrian Webster. The report shows that total health spending by

governments ($108.2 billion) was 1.3 per cent higher than in the previous year— less than one-third of the average annual increase over the decade of 4.3 per cent. 'The slow growth in government spending was mostly driven by a fall in state and territory government spending—the only time this occurred in the decade,' Dr. Webster

said. State and territory governments contributed $42.0 billion in 2014–15 (or 26% of total spending). This represented a fall of 0.4 per cent in real terms on the previous year. 'This is compared to average annual growth of 4.8 per cent per year,' Dr. Webster said. The Australian Government contributed

$66.2 billion (41% of total spending), up by 2.4% on 2013–14 (compared with average annual growth of 4.0%). Non-government sources (individuals, private health insurance and other nongovernment sources) provided the remaining $53.4 billion (33.1%). 'Growth in nongovernment expenditure in 2014–15 was higher than for

The Australian Government contributed $66.2 billion (41% of total spending), up by 2.4% on 2013–14 (compared with average annual growth of 4.0%). government, at 5.9%, and above the average annual growth over the decade of 5.4%,' Dr Webster said. Growth for individuals (out of pocket expenses) was 3.7% and it was 6.8% for private health insurance. —SAT News Service

IFFM one of the finalists for Melbourne Awards By SAT News Desk

elbourne, 10 October: The Indian Film festival of Melbourne (IFFM) has been selected as one of the finalists for the Melbourne Awards, which is the apex award given in the city. For over a decade, these awards have provided the City of Melbourne with a platform to celebrate the inspirational achievements of people and organizations whose passion and commitment have helped make Melbourne one of the most livable

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cities in the world. The awards celebrate significant contributions in the areas of Environmental Sustainability, Community, Multiculturalism and strengthening Melbourne’s Profile. The winner will be announced on Saturday November 12, at Melbourne Town Hall, hosted by Channel 7 and the Lord Mayor.

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Australian Lawyers for Human Rights reject marriage equality plebiscite By SAT News Desk

elbourne, 10 October: Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) calls for a parliamentary vote on marriage equality rather than a patronising, painful and persecutory plebiscite. ALHR’s LGBTI Subcommittee Co-Chairs, Kathryn Cramp and Nicholas Stewart issued a statement stating that: “Marriage equality must not come hand in hand with attacks on fundamental antidiscrimination laws such as the right to be free from harassment and vilification. The legal recognition of relationships cannot come at the cost of other civil rights. It’s time for marriage equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community.” Mental health experts oppose a plebiscite. Twothirds of Australians support marriage equality, only one

electorate in the country has a majority of voters against same-sex marriage, and national support for a plebiscite has fallen far behind national support for a Parliamentary vote. Ms Cramp said, “The federal MP for Dawson, George Christensen, and the Australian Christian Lobby have called for the marriage equality bill to contain provisions allowing businesses to refuse service to LGBTI couples. Such an exemption

from antidiscrimination law will necessarily be couched in terms that have widespread ramifications beyond wedding plans. We should not create marriage equality in this country at the expense of day-today equality for the LGBTI community.” Mr Stewart stated, “If the majority of Australians support marriage equality, the Australian should move on with a free vote in Parliament. We live in a country where our

are elected to represent our views in parliament and that is precisely what they should do. ALHR calls on the Prime Minister to give effect to Australia’s representative democracy rather than engaging in a populist project that is not binding on parliament and will cost hundreds of millions of dollars.” On the issue of inclusiveness, Ms. Cramp said, “We should allow not only lesbian and gay couples to marry, but also make

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intersex and non-binary people equal before the law. Under some state laws, it is necessary for a transgender person to divorce before their legal application to change their registered sex will be accepted. We should not obligate Australians to get divorced for their sex to be recognised before the law.” The ALHR media release says it “rejects the plebiscite and we call on the Australian parliament to pass a marriage equality bill that is inclusive of all intersex and transgender Australians. After many decades of education and campaigning, the Australian population supports the call for marriage equality by parliamentary vote. The plebiscite is expensive, unpopular and constitutionally unnecessary in the Australian democratic system. Let’s move on and make marriage equality a reality and give a fair go to all Australians.”

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New community engagement grants by the Fair Work Ombudsman By SAT News Desk

elbourne, 23 Sept: Guidelines for new grants to deliver advice and assistance on workplace laws to vulnerable groups in the community have been announced by the Fair Work Ombudsman. In its 2016-17 Budget, the Federal Government committed $7.3 million over four years to fund the Community Engagement Grants Program. Applications from notfor-profit community organisations are now open for the program, which will commence on January 1, 2017. The Community Engagement Grants Program builds upon the work previously undertaken under the Community Based Employment Advice Services Program. Through the Community Engagement Grants Program, the Fair Work Ombudsman will provide funding at a rate not exceeding $1.8 million

a year for four years to not-for-profit community organisations to undertake a range of services, projects and programs of work to supplement the Agency’s statutory functions. The Fair Work Ombudsman is responsible

for ensuring compliance with Commonwealth workplace relations legislation by employees and employers through advice, education and, where necessary, enforcement. “It is a strategic priority of the Fair Work

Ombudsman to assist vulnerable workplace participants and the Agency is increasing its community engagement services, particularly those directed at culturally and linguistically diverse communities, says a media release. The Fair Work Ombudsman feels that some members of the community are more likely to be vulnerable to exploitation in the workplace and less likely to understand and assert their workplace rights or obligations due to factors such as age, English language skills and cultural barriers. The media release says, “It is also recognised that individual workers with problems at work may be reluctant to approach the Fair Work Ombudsman for assistance because of these barriers and that there are also situations where a person’s employment problems are manifestations of broader or underlying problems, such as family

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and domestic violence and mental health. As such there is, at times, a need for more specialised and intensive assistance than government can provide. The Fair Work Ombudsman recognises the important role community organisations can perform in providing client-centred and holistic services in response to employment issues experienced by vulnerable and disadvantaged members of the community.” Information on how relevant organisations can apply for funding under the Community Engagement Grants Program can be found at www.fairwork.gov.au/ grants. Employers and employees who have any uncertainty or questions about their workplace rights and obligations are encouraged to visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website at www.fairwork. gov.au or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 for advice. —SAT News Service

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SBS National Languages Competition winners announced By SAT News Desk

elbourne, 14 September: Nearly 20,000 students nationwide, aged 4 to18 years, entered the inaugural SBS National Languages Competition which aims to encourage and celebrate a love of learning languages in Australia. SBS and Community Languages Australia (CLA) announced six national winners across three age categories. The theme for the 2016 SBS National Languages Competition was ‘what does learning language mean to you?’ The SBS winner in the junior category, Natalie Chung (6, Acacia Ridge QLD) illustrated what learning Cantonese means to her and the People’s Choice winner Vaiga Karthik (4, Narre Warren South VIC) illustrated what learning Tamil means to her. In the secondary primary category, SBS winner Kathir Janaki Sakthivel (11, Cranbourne Victoria) responded in Tamil and People’s Choice winner Anahid Andisheh

Far (10, Bonner ACT) responded in Persian. In the senior category, SBS winner Katerina Buck (18, Beckenham WA) responded in Russian while the People’s Choice winner Raaid Ahmed Mollah (14, Wyndham Vale VIC) responded in Bangla. SBS Director of Audio and Language Content Mandi Wicks said: “We’re thrilled with the huge response we have received from across the country to the inaugural SBS National Languages Competition. It’s been wonderful to see the range of beautiful illustrations and written submissions which indicate how important language is to many young Australians today. Australia is one of the most multicultural and multilingual nations, and we believe the SBS National Languages Competition delivers on SBS’s purpose to inspire Australians to explore and celebrate diversity.” Seventy two national finalists from across the country were announced on 30 August. One winner from each of the three

The theme for the 2016 SBS National Languages Competition was ‘what does learning language mean to you?’ categories was selected by an SBS judging panel including Director of Audio and Language Content, Mandi Wicks, SBS Arabic24 presenter Heba Kassoua and TV screenwriter, columnist and author Benjamin Law. In addition, Community Languages Australia selected 24 entries from the 72 national finalists, who were eligible for the People’s Choice Competition. One

SBS National Languages Competition winners withDirector of Audio and Language Content, Mandi Wicks. Photo: SBS winner per category was voted by the public between 30 August and 9 September. The winners, as selected by the SBS judging panel and the public vote, will be flown to the SBS National Languages Competition Awards Ceremony in Sydney

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to accept their award and prize on Saturday 8 October. To view the 72 national finalist entries, go to sbs. com.au/radio/nlc-peopleschoice For more information, go to sbs.com.au/nlc —SAT News Service

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Indian Sr. Citizens awarded Australia Post Community Grant By Neeraj Nanda

Melbourne, 10 October: A local senior’s community organisation from Forest Hill has been awarded $9,270 as part of Australia Post’s 2016 Our Neighbourhood Community Grants program, for connecting people in their local community and helping to build a more inclusive, connected society. Indian Senior Citizens Association of Victoria was selected for ‘A digital technology learning program for isolated CALD seniors taught by teenaged volunteers' which will run a three-month digital technology learning program for isolated CALD Indian seniors with an intergenerational focus. “We’re so thrilled to be one of the recipients of Australia Post’s Our Neighbourhood Community Grants. This funding will help us to enable 30 Indian seniors and 30 young teenagers to come together

and work towards a shared goal of digital technology learning on a one-to-one basis. It will foster positive community spirit and create connections between the two generations from different communities where previously there were none. It will empower the Indian seniors to become confident users of digital technology and social media,” said Indian Senior Citizens Association of Victoria President, Dinesh Sood. Australia Post Managing Director and Group CEO, Ahmed Fahour, said the

Our Neighbourhood Community Grants program was created to recognise the important role smaller charities and community groups play in bringing people together and helping local communities thrive. “At Australia Post, we believe in the power of communities. We understand the importance of local projects and the positive difference they make in their communities. We launched the Our Neighbourhood Community Grants to focus on supporting smaller

charities and local groups that often get overlooked for funding elsewhere. “Since its inception in 2013, we’ve been inspired by the efforts of hundreds of community groups who work hard to build lasting connections within their communities and neighbourhoods. “We heartily congratulate all of this year’s successful applicants including Indian Senior Citizens Association of Victoria for their work in connecting people and for the positive impact they’re creating in their local community.”

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At Australia Post, we believe in the power of communities. We understand the importance of local projects and the positive difference they make in their communities. To learn more about the Our Neighbourhood Community Grants program, how to donate to the Our Neighbourhood Trust and to view the list of 2016 Grant winners, visit www.ourneighbourhood. com.au —SAT News Service

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Australia returns smuggled Indian sculptures to India By SAT News Desk

elbourne, 19 September: At an event with the Minister for the Arts, Senator the Hon. Mitch Fifield, and the Indian Minister for Culture and Tourism, the Hon. Dr. Mahesh Sharma, the National Gallery of Australia (NGA) formally returned three statues it bought from its Asian art collection to the Indian Government. The stolen statues smuggled out of India were bought by the NGA from an art dealer. According to the ABC, “The gallery purchased the sculptures, Goddess Pratyangira and Worshippers of the Buddha, in 2005 from a New Yorkbased dealer called Art of the Past.” “Company owner Subhash Kapoor was arrested in 2011 over alleged links to the illicit art trade, and is currently awaiting trial. Together the statues are worth an estimated $1.1 million, but documentation provided to the gallery during their purchase is suspected to have been falsified, “ says the ABC. “The decision to return the Goddess Pratyangira and Worshippers of the Buddha statues is the result of extensive research by the NGA into the provenance of its Asian art collection,” a media release from the Senator the Hon Mitch Fifield, Minister for Communications Minister for the Arts and Manager of Government Business in the Senate says. Receiving the artefacts, Dr. Mahesh Sharma said, "Our sincere thanks to the Government of Australia and Prime Minister Malcolm

Turnbull and Minister Mitch Fifield and the National Gallery of Australia for the gesture of returning these three antiquities, which will carry a big message of the relations between two countries". Speaking on the occasion Minister Mitch Fifield stated, "This is the ethical demonstration of National Gallery of Australia." He added, "This process in which Indian and Australian governments are working together is a testimony of quality and health of the bilateral relations". Indian High Commissioner Mr. Navdeep Suri and top officials of National Gallery of Australia attended the event. —SAT News Service

The stolen statues smuggled out of India were bought by the NGA from an art dealer.

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SAT EXCLUSIVE

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AR Rahman to enthrall Melbourne on 16 February 2017 By SAT News Desk

elbourne, 26 September: In an Asia TOPA exclusive and in partnership with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Charindaa, Arts Centre, Melbourne are holding the ‘The Music of AR Rahman’ – a one-night gala concert event at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Thursday 16 February 2017 performed by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra with the superstar himself as the special guest performer. Described as the world’s most prominent and prolific film composer by Time Magazine, AR Rahman is an Indian composer, singer, songwriter, record producer, musician, and philanthropist. His works are best known for fusing the delicate intricacy of eastern classical composition with the innovations of electronic music and the majesty of traditional orchestral arrangements. AR Rahman has won two Academy Awards (including for Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire for Best Original Song), two Grammy Awards, a BAFTA Award, and a Golden Globe and is one of the highest paid composers of the motion picture industry. He has also become a notable humanitarian and philanthropist, donating and raising money for beneficial causes

and supporting numerous charities. The Music of AR Rahman celebrates his incredible contribution to the world of film music. It is led by AR Rahman’s long term collaborator UK Conductor

Matt Dunkley, with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra performing AR Rahman’s compositions. The orchestra will be joined by international guest soloists S. Navin on flute and Asad Khan on sitar, as well as vocal soloists and the 30-voice Melbourne Symphony Orchestra chorus. AR Rahman will take to the stage as Special Guest, which will be his only appearance in Australia. “The rich concert repertoire consists of blockbuster hits from the composer’s collection, expect to hear a selection of his greatest moments in film composition such as Cry of Rose from Roja, Chan Chan from Water, Theme from Lagaan, Bombay Theme from Bombay, Changing Seasons, Mangal Pandey: The Rising Suite, Slumdog Millionaire Suite, 127 Hours Suite, and the very popular Jai Ho!. Compositions have been specially arranged for this big orchestra event, “ says a media release. “In India, a country of a billion inhabitants, where film and pop music are one, A.R. Rahman, 43, dominates the music industry so totally that he has supplied the sound track for a whole generation. He enjoys the godlike devotion of India's youth, but everyone from the street child who sweeps train platforms to the middle-aged doctor in Mumbai's posh Malabar Hill hums his tunes. “says the Time Magazine. CNN says, “Rahman has sold 200 million albums worldwide -- more than the Beatles -- and is worshipped throughout much of Asia, where he's known as the Mozart of Madras.” AR Rahman concert is part of the Asia TOPA: Asia-Pacific Triennial of Performing Arts – a multi art form celebration of creativity and culture to be held in Melbourne from 13 February – 6 March. More than 350 artists and producers from 15 Asia-Pacific

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AR Rahman has won two Academy Awards (including for Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire for Best Original Song), two Grammy Awards, a BAFTA Award, and a Golden Globe and is one of the highest paid composers of the motion picture industry. nations will be represented with events ranging from Papua New Guinean hip hop performances, to Bollywood concerts, installations, talks, forums and exclusive performances by the National Ballet of China, in collaboration with Orchestra Victoria and The Australian Ballet. The Music of AR Rahman is a co-production by Arts Centre Melbourne, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and CHARINDAA for Asia TOPA: Asia-Pacific Triennial of Performing Arts. CHARINDAA (Charities Through Indian Arts in Australia) organize and promote Indian arts and cultural programmes for the benefit of several worthy and deserving charities. Asia TOPA is a joint initiative of the Sidney Myer Fund and Arts Centre Melbourne and is supported by the Australian and Victorian Governments. —SAT News Service

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Luv-Kush Ramlila

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Politicians & Bollywood spice up Luv Kush Ramlila

From Rajiv Sharma

ew Delhi: Festive spirit is on high these days. Ganesh Pooja,Navratre Durga Pooja and Dusherra are over and Diwali is on the way. This October hundreds of Ramlila’s were held all over India. The world’s biggest of them, Luv Kush Ramlila, was witnessed the world over by satellite channels this year. Luv Kush Ramlila's President Ashok Aggarwal said, this time more than 50 artists from the film world participated in our Ramleela. He said actors are more professionally trained and Ramleela audiences have high expectations. We had a great response with this change. Ashok Aggarwal further said a team of 60 people from the film industry was on the job for action drama in sequences like taadka wadh, lanka dahan etc. All the stunts were conducted under the guidance of Kaushal Moses who has worked in more than 300 films including the recent Bajirao Mastani.

Delhi CM Arvind Kajriwal (2nd from right) and actor Ajay Devgan(centre) at the Luv Kush Ramlila.

Gajendra Chauhan as Ravan India’s Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu and the Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal also enjoyed the Luv Kush Ramleela along

Ashok Aggarwal, showman of world's biggest Ramlila, Luv Kush with superstar Harish with their family members. More than 2,000 volunteers worked round the clock for months to make the show successful. In the historical Red Fort ground

Shakti Kapoor (centre) in a powerful role

Actress Ashok Aggarwal, turned politician showman Rupa of world's Dutta and biggest Hari Om getting ready Ramlila, forLuv a scene Kush with superstar Harish

where sitting arrangement was made for about 25,000 people. But the footfall was beyond imagination. Ashok Aggarwal says the credit of this success goes to

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the blessings of his father Sukhbir Sharan Aggarwal and other senior members of Luv Kush Ramlila Committee and above all "Prabhu Shri Ram".

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SPECIAL REPORT

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Diversity on Australian TV is a far cry: Screen Australia study By SAT News Desk

elbourne, 23 October: Diversity on Australian TV is a far cry as far as non-Anglo Celtic (people who are not of British and Irish descent) people are concerned. The finding comes from Screen Australia which released in August this year a significant study of diversity on Australian screens since television began in 1956, entitled ‘Seeing Ourselves: Reflections on Diversity in TV Drama’. The much talked about ‘multicultural Australia’ does not seem to be reflected on the small screen. The study analysed all 199 dramas (fiction excluding animation) that aired between 2011 and 2015 inclusive, finding 18 per cent of main characters in the period were from nonAnglo Celtic backgrounds, compared to 32 per cent of the population. A notable exception to this trend is Indigenous representation, making a dramatic turnaround in screen presence. Only four per cent of main characters had an identified disability compared to an estimated 18 per cent of Australians, whilst 5 per cent of main characters were identified as LGBTQI, yet this group is estimated to be up to 11 per cent of the population. “Diversity on screens has been a hot topic in recent years locally and abroad, so in undertaking this milestone study, Screen Australia sought to empower the industry with a baseline of data that could become a springboard for change,” said Graeme Mason, CEO of Screen Australia. “Throughout the year-long process of completing this study, it is clear there is an appetite for change within the industry and for that change to be authentic rather than tokenistic,” he says. THE METHOD “Measuring on-screen diversity involves considering a range of subjective issues such as perception and personal identification. To produce a set of benchmarks that acknowledge these concerns, we used multiple methods and contextualised the numbers with surveys and interviews,” said Rebecca Mostyn, Manager of Research and Strategy at Screen Australia. “The 1,961 main and recurring characters across all 199 dramas in the fiveyear period were analysed by identifiable cultural background, disability status,

sexual orientation and gender identity.” “The results were then mapped against the cultural backgrounds of the actors playing these characters based on their country of birth and that of their parents. Both measures were compared to Government data on the population.” Beyond the numbers, Seeing Ourselves also provides a frank insight into industry thinking courtesy of the 214 survey responses and 39 consultations with all manner of screen professionals, from casting agents through to producers, broadcasters and actors at all career stages. RESULTS: CULTURAL BACKGROUND The study found that although 32 per cent of Australians have backgrounds other than Anglo-Celtic, only 18 per cent of main characters were not Anglo-Celtic. 24 per cent of actors were of diverse cultural backgrounds which suggests a degree of ‘blind’ casting - the practice of casting a role without prescribing the actor's background. This practice is valuable as it normalises diverse casting, resulting in a greater level of ‘incidental’ diversity and opportunities for culturally diverse actors beyond those tied to the story. However, survey respondents did caution against ‘ethnicity substitution’ (e.g. a Chinese person playing Thai) being considered interchangeable with blind casting. Overall, 64 per cent of all programs included at least one character which was not Anglo-Celtic. Children’s shows and comedies tended to be more diverse than other dramas. The surveys and consultations noted that the high cost of drama, along with the imperative to attract broad audiences and international buyers, can make investing in untested diverse talent and stories risky. Whilst broadcasters have displayed

a willingness to cast diversely once talent is established (e.g. Miranda Tapsell in Love Child), there is evidence audiences are starting to look elsewhere for diverse content (e.g. online) and diverse talent are seeking work overseas. Indigenous representation has bucked this trend. A 2002 study entitled Broadcast in Colour found that in 1992 there were no Indigenous Australians in sustaining roles on Australian TV, and by 1999 there were two. This latest study reveals a remarkable shift, with 5 per cent of main characters being Indigenous, despite making up 3 per cent of the population. The 5 per cent figure matched exactly to the proportion of Indigenous actors in the period, suggesting authentic casting of Indigenous actors in Indigenous roles. The change in Indigenous representation is no accident, but rather the result of decades of work by Screen Australia’s Indigenous Department (and its various previous incarnations), the pivotal role of the ABC’s Indigenous Department, as well as other organisations and production companies including Blackfella Films, Brindle Films, CAAMA, Goolarri Media, state screen agencies, broadcasters and training institutions like AFTRS. There is evidence this trend will continue, with Cleverman already aired this year and The Secret Daughter soon to premiere. “You cannot underestimate how powerful it is for Indigenous people to turn on the TV and see a face that looks like their own,” said Penny Smallacombe, Head of Indigenous at Screen Australia. “Whilst overall diversity on Australian screens clearly has a very long way to go, what the Indigenous experience shows is when you have Indigenous decision makers within funding bodies and broadcasters, coupled with initiatives that support Indigenous writers, directors, producers and

actors, diversity and good entertainment can be one in the same.” RESULTS: DISABILITY The percentage of Australians with disabilities is more than four times the percentage of characters with disabilities on TV. Only 10 per cent of dramas had at least one character with a disability. Some disabilities are not outwardly visible, so parity in representation is not necessarily a practical goal. Nevertheless, the study revealed Australians with disabilities have lacked opportunities to be involved with behind-the-scenes decision making, such as a presence in writer’s rooms or on-set, which in turn can flow on to a lack of diversity on screens. The survey results showed mixed feelings around the ongoing practice of nondisabled people being cast in disabled roles, and a call for greater opportunities for actors with disabilities. RESULTS: SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY Up to 11% of Australians are of diverse sexual orientation or gender identity, but only 5% of characters in TV dramas were identifiably LGBTQI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, queer or intersex). The study period included shows where a character’s sexual or gender identity was central to the plot (e.g. Carlotta, Please Like Me, Peter Allen: Not The Boy Next Door), however it was also common for major dramas to include characters where their diverse orientation was simply incidental including Offspring (Kim Akerholt), House Husbands (Kane Albert), Janet King (Janet King), Neighbours (Aidan Foster and Aaron Brennan) and Winners & Losers (Jonathan Kurtis). Although the signs of authentic representation are welcome, the volume is arguably underwhelming.

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NEXT STEPS The surveys and industry consultation sessions reveal an almost universal preference for authentic representations of diversity rather than mandated controls like a quota system. However, there are some clear logistical problems that have been hampering the path to more diverse television. For instance, it’s rare that writers have paid research time to investigate diverse stories and characters, so if they don’t have any personal experience with disability, for example, it can be difficult to write a disabled character authentically. Furthermore, many survey respondents argued diversity in the writer’s room itself was a priority. Ensuring there is enough diverse on-screen talent coming into the industry to be able to cast appropriately is also a challenge, and some of the structures in place in other markets to encourage diversity have not eventuated in Australia. For example, in the USA it’s common for casting calls to include ‘send any ethnicity’ roles. Self-censorship was a recurring theme in the survey responses, and this can materialise throughout the creative process, from preconceived notions about what the audience want, right through to avoiding casting non-Europeans as villains for fear of being seen as racist. “With 94 per cent of Australians watching TV regularly, the medium remains powerful and influential, so the need for greater diversity is essential and we have been buoyed by the industry enthusiasm to engage with this study,” said Graeme Mason, CEO of Screen Australia. “We don’t want tokenism, but we don’t want inaction either. Now we have the numbers, we need to work out a path towards diversity on screens together that is genuine, lasting and both creatively and commercially fulfilling.” The screen industry will have two opportunities this year to further the dialogue on diversity, firstly with the 1 September presentation (already done) of interim findings of the Australian Film Television Radio School’s paper on worldwide bestpractice in diversity equity and inclusion. This will be followed by Screen Producers Australia’s Screen Forever conference (15-17 November) which will include a session on diversity. —The report is based on Screen Australia media release, 24 August 2016.

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Indian Army and the politician: A symbiotic relationship?

By Rahul Bedi*

EW DELHI, October 7, 2016: The Indian army is not a politicized force in the same way as Pakistan's and neither does it play any role in the politics and administration of the country. And it never will, for a variety of reasons, the foremost being that democracy for all its warts and shortcomings is well entrenched in India, and executive control over the Olive Greens is firmly established. But it is a reality, talked about in hushed tones that, over decades, the military-politician nexus has somewhat diluted the military's overall professionalism and apolitical stature. Unarguably, India’s political establishment has chipped away at the military’s operational decision making capabilities, an assertion that will doubtlessly be challenged by the loutish gaggle of bewhiskered retired army officers, hysterically hyperventilating on television news channels every evening. Senior army officers admit that the ‘political gains factor’ has, perforce, to be accommodated into their strategy at every step, at times blunting even their operational edge. They concede that operational flexibility, at times, ends

up being subservient to political expediency, rather than larger, well-considered tactical and even strategic considerations. In army messes this is referred to as looking-over-the-shoulder syndrome as they operate. By defining operational content in limited political terms- as appears increasingly evident in the surgical strikes by Indian Special Forces in PakistanOccupied-Kashmir, the fundamental and underlying character of military engagement alters. Over years this has degenerated into a symbiotic relationship between the politicians and the uniforms, for oldfashioned profit. The former uses the army for political benefit, whilst the latter secure promotions and high office after retirement for services rendered. It suits both parties to invent triumph and to manufacture good news through a pliable media that insulates the establishment from public anger and the collective

dismal record of failures. Activities like surgical strikes, allow politicians to milk the army’s combat abilities to their advantage on the election trail. Such institutional infirmities undermine the conduct of any country’s military leadership, as this ends up adversely tailoring and altering its postures to the demands of the ruling party, rather than the government of the day. Such activity remains a well-practiced manoeuvre, dating not that far back to the Kargil conflict when a caretaker BJP-government was in office. For, as the Kargil war wound down, another one began- to protect the image and legitimacy of the BJP administration and the army’s izzat, badly dented by Pakistan’s ghost-like ingress into the mountainous region. Their collective weapon of choice to execute this invidious battle was the media. The army, for its part, insisted it had not vacated

any forward posts the previous winter before hostilities erupted in May 1999. It claimed no hard intelligence existed that Pakistan was planning a limited offensive and after hostilities did erupt, it insisted that its execution was flawless and all claims of command failure- of which there were innumerable-untrue. The media obliged with the overriding sentimentlike presently- being that all criticism was ill-placed, misinformed, motivated, dishonest, and, above, all anti-national. The politician rode skillfully on the obliging army’s back and the entire strategy worked brilliantly. A large section of the country’s newspaper reading public and even larger television audience, never ever came to know about the gross political and military mismanagement and incompetence over events leading to the disastrous Kargil war, or its execution in which over

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500 Indian soldiers died and another 1,200 were injured, many permanently maimed. The inquiry commission into the Kargil war remained a formality, and like all such government investigations failed in apportioning unpardonable lapses that escalated the situation to a near-nuclear exchange that needed US intervention to defuse. Even after competent histories of the conflict written by former officers like MajorGeneral Y.M. Bammi,The Impregnable Conquered, and Major-General Ashok Kalyan Verma, Blood on the Snow, confirmed accounts of major errors, the mainstream media-like after the September 29 surgical raids across the Line of Control- opted to remain unquestioning. Weeks later, in October 1999, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance was sworn into federal office. Perhaps the posters that have sprung up in recent days across pollbound Uttar Pradesh, Goa and Punjab featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi as Ram and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar as Hanuman, is a redux of an earlier event featuring the army. The reciprocal arrangement continues. —Source: The Citizen *Rahul Bedi is a senior journalist writing on defence and strategy

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Liberated Men

By Aasim Sajjad Akhtar

ep 9 2016 (Dawn, Pakistan) - He world is dominated by men. It has not always been this way — throughout recorded history there have been societies in which women have exercised significant power over both their own lives and those of men. In the modern world, however, patriarchy is very much the rule. While it is possible to identify pockets in which men and women are relatively more equal, they remain the exceptions which make the rule. As male domination goes, Pakistan is up there with the worst. A casual perusal of daily newspapers, TV bulletins and social media sites confirms this; not a day goes by without report of abuse against women, including murder, rape and disfigurement. Meanwhile, the systematic discrimination against women in public and private spheres is so taken for granted that it is virtually invisible. The fact that more and more is said about the status of women and girls in this country speaks for some kind of change, however

nominal. Public discussions about male domination are the first step towards addressing what is a deep, structural problem. Having said this, the ‘debate’ is limited to a very small cross section of society. It often feels like those talking about patriarchy and the need to challenge it are speaking amongst themselves. Certainly, it would be impossible to suddenly involve those who are deeply hostile to even the idea that women and men are equally human. The sway exercised by mullahs and so-called ‘tradition’ over a large majority of people in this society means that many of us actually believe that women are born inferior to men and that they are fated to have certain social roles — indeed, reactions to women who transgress established boundaries suggest that we also feel entitled to undertake punitive actions in the name of maintaining moral order. Public debate on male domination is limited to a small circle. It is indicative of just how deeply patriarchal norms are internalised within us that many women are active agents of male domination

both vis-à-vis their understanding of the world and their actions within it. This deep internalisation is reflected in how women interact with one another as well as in their deference to men, and this is why those who challenge patriarchy assert the need to ‘liberate’ women from their mental chains, so as to be able to stand up to the everyday oppression that they encounter. Those who are suspicious of the feminist cause — men and women alike — tend to see it as an attempt to turn all women against men, a characterisation which is both ridiculous and inaccurate. It is precisely the fact that we are all products of patriarchal structures that there is no question of propagating a simple, noholds-barred war between men and women. It is the task of conscious men and women both to understand and challenge the structure — which, in turn, is upheld by men and women both. Yet there is little question that the primary beneficiaries and defenders of male domination are men. And this is why men are likely to react negatively to the cause of women’s

southSouth asia times 25 Asia Times liberation, to one extent or the other. After all, relinquishing a position of privilege — especially that which is seen as ordained — is far from easy. There are, of course, some men who consider themselves enlightened, who take up the cause of women (sometimes despite their suspicions of ‘feminism’). Many husbands and fathers accord relative freedom to women and girls in the home which then translates into longer-term gains. At a more general level, progressive men are active participants in various political and social movements challenging patriarchy. I would count myself as one of the latter. But I still feel hesitant in calling myself a ‘liberated man’. Having been politically active for many years, I can safely say that my understanding of and commitment to the feminist cause has evolved considerably over time, and is likely to do so further. I am increasingly aware of just how deeply I have internalised patriarchal ways of being. To be ‘liberated’ is not a discrete event, but a process that unfolds over an extended period of time. Indeed, there is a danger

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that men who see themselves as liberated can overlook the most obvious transgressions. Unfortunately many progressives can talk, think, and act in ways that are not always consistent with their overt commitments. We may believe that we are enlightened because we don’t engage in the barbaric practices of unbridled misogynists; that we fight for women’s causes in public; that we sensitise other men to the feminist cause. But the fight does not end there. In fact the most important part of the fight is in our daily engagements, in our everyday conversations, in reining in our convictions that our opinions matter more. Since the ‘debate’ is still largely amongst ourselves, it is worth remembering that patriarchy begins at home, and liberation does too. The writer teaches at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. Published in Dawn, September 9th, 2016 This story was originally published by Dawn, Pakistan

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Killings create climate of fear in Bangladesh By Amy Fallon

HAKA, Sep 29 2016 (IPS) - Like the living room of any proud family, the one in Ajoy Roy’s house boasts photos of the eldest son, Avijit. A large framed portrait which has a powerful presence in the room hangs on the mint-coloured wall as Ajoy, a retired physics professor who at the age of 80 is frail but still mentally alert, sits in a chair below it, sipping tea. It is the image of a popular Bangladeshi writer and bio-engineer, tragically murdered for his beliefs along with scores of other atheist writers, bloggers, publishers, gay activists and religious figures by suspected Islamist militants in the predominantly Muslim country over the past few years. “Avijit wasn’t an activist on the streets, but he used his pen to protest against social injustice, religious fanaticism and propagate the idea of secularism, the main theme of his writing,” Ajoy, wearing a traditional lungi around his waist, told IPS. “It’s a terrible loss. It cannot be compensated for.” More than 50 writers, activists and others have been killed in Bangladesh since 2013, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW). Avijit, 42, a U.S. citizen who lived in America with his wife Rafida Ahmed, was hacked to death after the pair went to the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka for a book festival in February 2015. There have been many more killings since then. This July, 23 people, including 17 foreigners, were killed at a bakery in the diplomatic zone of Dhaka, in one of the worst terror attacks ever in Bangladesh. Five of the involved suspects were killed in a police operation at the eatery, while one survivor was arrested and remanded, and another jailed, the Dhaka Tribune later reported. The suspected ringleader of the attacks and his two affiliates died in a police raid in August, but the search is still on for a coordinator, the arms suppliers and funders of the attacks. After the murders of

Maruf Rosul, a Bangladeshi writer and activist who has received death threats from Islamic militants for his blog posts. Credit: Amy Fallon/IPS two other activists, LGBT campaigners Xulhaz Mannan and Mahbub Rabbi Tonoy, in April, the government, under international pressure over the spate of killings, arrested about 14,000 people. Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director at HRW, said despite no further attacks since the brutal bakery murders, there were “concerns” that the crackdown was leading to “an arbitrary rounding up of usual suspects”. The drop in incidents meanwhile “suggest that the state could have acted effectively earlier” to prevent the killings, she said. There was still a “climate of fear” in Bangladesh among writers and members of minority groups, said Ganguly. “Some have been able to leave the country, but many more, still in Bangladesh, fear that the government will not do enough to protect them,” she said. Maruf Rosul, 29, a secular writer, photographer, filmmaker and activist who pens for various outlets, including freethinking site Mukto-Mona, set up by Avijit and now being run by his successors, said Islamic extremists in the country had been silenced. “But the government has not taken the proper action

to uproot these evil forces,” Rosul, who said he was on an extremist group’s hit list, but as a “frontier activist” couldn’t go into hiding, told IPS. “I am worried about the future.” His anxiety was growing ahead of the Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival for south Asia’s Hindu community. Rosul said “every year” during the festival there were attacks by Islamic extremist groups in Bangladesh, yet officials did nothing but issue “sympathetic statements”. “As there is no strong law enforcement, we are worried about our Hindu friends,” he told IPS. A Hindu tailor, hacked to death in April, is among those who have been killed in the country. The sixth edition of Dhaka Literary Festival (DLF) is also due to take place in mid-November. Director Ahsan Akbar told IPS that preparations were in “fullswing”. “We have had only a couple of cancellations so far, citing security fears, but the encouraging news is our speakers are really looking forward to the event and we expect no more cancellations,” he said. Given the recent wave of murders though, Akbar said “writers in the country today are unfortunately selfcensoring and thinking twice about what they write and

publish”. “Bangladeshi writers outside of the country are deeply sympathetic and doing many things to raise the awareness amongst the international community, such as engaging with PEN International,” he said. “It is astonishing how we sometimes forget the interconnectivity in of all this: an attack on a writer in Bangladesh is – in a way – an attack on a writer in the West or anywhere else for that matter.” Olof Blomqvist of Amnesty International told IPS that “the investigations into the targeted killings are ongoing, and there have been arrests made in some of the cases. Genuine justice will of course take time, but it is worrying that the perpetrators have so far only been held to account in one case, the killing of Rajib Haider in 2013. “The authorities must ensure that those responsible are held to account, but also do more to protect those people at risk,” he said, adding that, “We still get desperate pleas on a weekly basis from people who have received threats and are afraid for their lives if they stay in Bangladesh.” “Police must create a climate where activists who have been threatened feel safe to approach

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police and not fear further harassment,” Blomqvist said. Ganguly also said in order to prevent more attacks, the Bangladeshi authorities needed to deliver a message that they believe in “peaceful free expression”. “They should not recommend to those at risk that they self-censor to avoid hurting religious sentiment and becoming targets for retribution,” she said. In 2015, after the killing of writer Niladri Chatterjee Niloy, Bangladesh’s police chief warned bloggers that “hurting religious sentiments is a crime”. Police killed one of the key suspects involved in Avijit’s murder in June, but two others escaped, they said, and are still at large. Following his son’s death, Ajoy, who said Avijit had been targeted by extremists in the few weeks before his death, and that he had warned him not to return to Bangladesh, could be forgiven for going into hiding. But he said he was continuing “my activism” against fundamentalist groups, and had been invited to speak at various institutions. “I’m not scared,” said Ajoy. “I have lost my son, after that I have nothing to care about.” Ajoy said he wanted Avijit to be remembered as a “courageous young man who would face any hard situation for democracy, for secularism, for freethinking”. It was his wish that “the younger generation follow in his footsteps”. “I would not discourage these courageous young people to quit blogging, speaking your mind, because Bangladesh is constitutionally a secular, democratic country so we must uphold the constitution,” said Ajoy. “We have to make the common people understand that this is not an antiMuslim country, it is liberal,” he said. “Although a large number of Muslims are here, they’re also liberal.” IPS made several attempts to contact the Bangladeshi police and government for comment, but they did not respond.

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त्योहारों का महीना

इस वर्ष अक्तूबर का महीना त्योहारों से भरा-पूरा है । अक्तूबर के आरं भ से ही नवरात्रि के पर्व के दौरान दर ु ्गा-पूजा व डांडिया-रास लीला के नृत्य कार्यक्रम शुरू हो जाते हैं । उसके बाद दशहरा व दिवाली के त्योहारों की तैयारी होने लगती है । दीपावली का त्योहार विभिन्न धर्मों के अनुयायी मनाते हैं । और इस दिन का उनके लिए अलग-अलग महत्व होता है । दिवाली से जुड़ी अनेक कहानियाँ जिनमें रामलक्ष्मण-सीता के १४ वर्ष वनवास के बाद वापस अयोध्या लौटने तथा राजा बाली और वामनावतार की कथाएँ सर्वाधिक प्रसिद्ध हैं । दिवाली के ही दिन, सिक्खों के छठे गुरु हरगोबिन्द सिंह जी ने ५२ हिन्दू राजाओं को बंदीगृह से मुक्ति दिलाई थी और इसी दिन जैन धर्म के प्रवर्तक, महावीर जी का निर्वाण हुआ था। सिक्ख धर्म के अनुयायियों के लिए यह महीना गुरु ग्रन्थ साहे ब की स्थापना के कारण भी बहुत महत्वपूर्ण है । यह महीना सभी भारतीयों के लिए भारत के राष्ट्र-पिता, महात्मा गांधी तथा भारत के भूतपूर्व प्रधानमंत्री लाल बहादरु शास्त्री के जन्म-दिवस की भी याद दिलाता है । भारत के इन दोनों सपूतों ने ही दे श की सेवा में अपना जीवन अर्पित कर दिया था| हमें इनके जीवन से सीख लेनी चाहिए। इस महीने में पड़ने वाले सभी त्योहारों के लिए सभी पाठकों को हमारी शुभ कामनाएँ। इस अंक के ‘काव्य-कंु ज’ स्तम्भ में मुख्यतः दिवाली तथा गांधी/ शास्त्री जयंती से सम्बंधित कवितायें हैं | साथ में, दिवाली के त्योहार से सम्बंधित एक लघु कथा भी है । इसके अतिरिक्त, ‘अब हँ सने की बारी है ’, ‘महत्वपूर्ण तिथियाँ’ व ‘सूचनाएँ’ स्तम्भ भी हैं । लिखियेगा कि आपको यह अंक कैसा लगा। -दिनेश श्रीवास्तव पुनश्च- पिछले अंक में ‘हिन्दी में’ शीर्षक हरिहर झा की कविता में दो पंक्तियाँ प्रकाशित होने से रह गई थीं। यह कविता, इस अंक में फिर से प्रकाशित की जा रही है ।

p[k;xn sMb'/I sUcn;E\ ihNdI-puãp k; ¬ýeXy a;ŽS$^eily; me' ihNdI k; p[c;r-p[s;r krn; hw) p[k;ixt rcn;ao' pr koé p;irÅimk nhI' idy; j;t; hw) ihNdI-puãp me' p[k;ixt rcn;ao' me' le%ko' ke ivc;r ¬nke apne hote hw'² ¬nke ilye sMp;dk y; p[k;xk ¬Êrd;yI nhI' hw') hStili%t rcn;E\ SvIk;r kI j;tI hw' prNtu ”leK$^^;Žink åp se ‘हिंदी संस्कृ त’ या मंगल’ f¹;\$ me' rcn;E\ .eje' to ¬nk; p[k;xn hm;re ilE ai/k suiv/;jnk hog; kOpy; apnI rcn;E\ ákh;iny;\² kivt;E\² le%² cu$kule² mnor'jk anu.v a;idâ inMnili%t pte pr .eje'-

Editor, Hindi-Pushp, 141 Highett Street, Richmond, Victoria 3121 é-mel se rcn;E\ .ejne k; pt; hw- dsrivastava@optusnet.com.au

apnI rcn;E\ .ejte smy² apnI rcn; kI Ek p[it apne p;s avXy r% le')

ihNdI

N O V E M B E R

pirixã$â

k;Vy-ku'j दिवाली

दिवाली का मेला

जगमग करती आई दिवाली भर लो तेल से दीयों की थाली स्वच्छ करो तुम धाम को अपने सजा दो इसे झंडियों, गुब्बारों से

स्थान था मेल्बर्न, शहर के बीच

-सुमन वर्मा, मेल्बर्न ईमेल-suman08@hotmail.com

आओ बच्चों दिवाली मनाएँ घर-घर में हम दीप जलाएँ फुलझड़ी और पटाखे छुड़ा कर दिवाली का हम पर्व मनाएँ

-डॉ. कौशल किशोर श्रीवास्तव, मेल्बर्न ईमेल-kkps44@yahoo.com

मशहूर ‘फ़ेडरे शन स्क्वायर’ का प्रांगण,

जहाँ लगे रं गीन दिवाली के मेले में

बॉलीवुड नृत्य के मनोहर प्रदर्शन के बीच असाधारण भीड़ में

एक बुज़र ु ्ग पति-पत्नी बिछुड़ गए पथ भ्रमित पत्नी ने ड्यूटी पर तैनात

नए-नए वस्त्र पहनकर सब मित्रों को पास बुला कर मिल कर खाओ दध ू -मिठाई सबको दो दिवाली की बधाई

एक सिपाही से निवेदन किया,

छोड़ दो राग, द्वेष की भावना पूर्ण करो तुम मनोकामना दरू करो तुम भेदभाव तोड़ डालो बीच की दीवार

उत्तर मिला –

ख़त्म करो अन्धकार यहाँ से प्रकाशित कर घर को दीयों से लक्ष्मी–गणेश का पूजन करके कामनाएँ शुभ दिवाली की दे के ।।

दिवाली आई

-हरिहर झा, मेल्बर्न ईमेल-hariharjha2007@gmail.com

भई कै सा है उजियारा! जबकि अमावस काली आई नभमंडल के तारे बोले, जगमग दीवाली आई

नासमझी में चाशनी कढ़ाई से लार क्यों टपकाएँ

सज-धज के बहुत, मिठाई से भरी वह थाली लाई दीये की ज्योति में भाव बदले, रं ग बदले ज़माने के जीवन था बेरंग कितना, अब गालों पर लाली आई

2 0 1 5

कृ पया मेरे पति को खोजने में मदद करें । सिपाही ने पूछा – 'पति का नाम क्या है ?' 'उनका नाम लेना मेरी संस्कृति के ख़िलाफ़ है यह मेरा धर्म नाश करे गा

अगले जन्म में दख ु दायी होगा।

aKtUbr, 2016

बाल लम्बे हैं , माथे पर सिंदरू है और साड़ी का रं ग नीला है ।'

पत्नी का नाम पूछने पर उसने कहा-

'पत्नी का नाम लेना मेरी मर्यादा के प्रतिकू ल है , यह मुझे अपमानित करने का प्रयास है ।' ऑफ़िसर ने कहा-

'क्षमा करें , मेरी ऐसी कोई मंशा नहीं। मैं इस दे श से बाहर गया नहीं, मैंने उच्च शिक्षा पायी नहीं

आपकी सामाजिक परम्परा का मुझे ज्ञान नहीं।' उसने किया दरू भाष पर सूचना का प्रसारण, थोड़ी ही दे र में हुआ

एक प्रौढ़ा का कं ट्रोल कक्ष में आगमन

साथ में था एक वर्दीधारी सिपाही का समर्थन।

पति-पत्नी ने हँ स कर किया परस्पर अभिवादन और मदद के लिये दिया सभी को आशीर्वचन।

हाँ, मैं बताती हूँ,

ऑफ़िसर ने दोनों से कहा –

माथे पर टीका है , बालों का रं ग भूरा है

जब मैंने दे खा प्राचीन सभ्यता का अवशेष

उनका क़द मध्यम है , रं ग श्यामल है , और श्वेत वस्त्रधारी है ।

'यह अवसर हमेशा याद रहे गा

इस ज्ञानवर्धन के लिये धन्यवाद विशेष।'

दस ू री ओर पति ने भी

मैं दे ख रहा था यह दृश्य

'मेरी पत्नी भीड़ में खो गयी है ,

यहाँ होता है सांस्कृतिक मिलन का दर्शन

पुलिस कं ट्रोल कक्ष में सूचना दी, मेरी दृष्टि कमज़ोर है ,

इस जन-समूह में खोज पाना मुश्किल है , कृ पया मेरी मदद करें

और मेरे आशीर्वाद के पात्र बनें।

उसकी काया छोटी है , रं ग गोरा है ,

हिन्दी में

सोचा, क्या मेला भी है शिक्षा का मदिर? जिसमे शामिल है

गोरे , काले, भूरे, पीले का अद्त भु मिश्रण,

और होता है तथाकथित, नस्लभेद का दमन, आयें, हम करें इस मेले का अभिनन्दन यही है उभरते भविष्य का दर्पण।

-हरिहर झा, मेल्बर्न ईमेल-hariharjha2007@gmail.com

क्यों सब थे नाराज़ी में, बैठे गाल फु लाये जब

उर्दू, व्रज, अवधी के कवि का रं ग समाया हिन्दी में

बेसध ु थीं वे रातें, कु छ भान पहनने का भी किसको?

कन्नड़, बंगला, गुजराती हो, सब को बहना सी प्यारी, आज़ादी के लिए कौन सी भाषा बोली बापू ने?

फेंके हम पर निगाहें , टाइम नहीं था घरवाली को

बालक की तुतलाहट, माँ की लोरी थी किस भाषा में? चक्कर खाए रामू ने जब आफ़िस में गिटपिट सुन कर

दीपों से दीपक जलते तो घर में ख़ुशहाली आई

अब नथनी चमके, कितनी कान में सुंदर बाली आई

‘दिवाली मुबारक़ हो’ कहती हुई लो साली आई|

तुलसी, मीरा ने भक्ति का गीत सुनाया हिन्दी में

विविध सुरों में समरसता का जाद ू भाया हिन्दी में

बड़बड़ गीत से खेले थे, उनको भी गाया हिन्दी में

२ अक्तू बर

गीतों की झंकार, दिलों का प्यार धड़कता है किसमें? बॉलीवुड का चमत्कार, इसलिए तो छाया हिन्दी में

अँग्रेजों का ज़ुल्म समझ में सबको आया हिन्दी में

मंत्री तक को आसमान से नीचे लाया हिन्दी में।

-भारती बिबिकर, मेल्बर्न ईमेल-bharatibibikar@gmail.com

सुनो बच्चों, विशेष है , दो अक्तूबर का दिन , आओ, चलो, मनाओ आज दो - दो जन्मदिन ||

'जय जवान, जय किसान' का लगाया नारा छोटी सी उस मूर्ति का रहा बुलंद सितारा ||

विश्व-वंद्य बापूजी को आज कर लो याद, लालबहादरु शास्त्रीजी को साथ में कर लो याद ||

तज कर स्वार्थ दोनों ने, कष्ट उठाये अपार , दे श के हित ही दोनों ने, जीवन दिया वार ||

पाठ सत्य - अहिं सा का, बापू ने था पढ़ाया, परिचय अपूर्व दृढ़ता का 'लाल' ने था दिया ||

एक ही जन्मदिवस दोनों का, 'महात्मा' और 'लाल', गुण अपना उनके हम, करें हिन्द खुशहाल ||

सत्याग्रह का अपूर्व, अद्त भु पथ किया निर्माण, विश्व हुआ विस्मित बढ़ा बापू का सम्मान ||

करें हिन्द खुशहाल, कर लें प्रण यही हम आज, कहे ' भारती ' धन्य दोनों, भारत के सरताज ||

www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9095 6220, 0421 677 082

O C T O B E R

south South asia Asia times Times 31

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s'i=Pt sm;c;r

मेलबर्न में मनाया गयाहिन्दी दिवस २०१६

१० सितम्बर,२०१६ को मेल्बर्न के भारतीय कोंसलावास में धूमधाम से हिन्दी दिवस का आयोजन किया गया। कार्यक्रम का शुभारम्भ सुश्री मणिका जैन के स्वागत भाषण से प्रारं भ हुया। उन्होंने हिन्दी के प्रयोग तथा भविष्य में हिन्दी की आवश्यकता और हिन्दी का अधिकाधिक प्रयोग करने पर बल दिया। कार्यक्रम का संचालन साहित्य संध्या के जाने माने कवि डॉ. सुभाष शर्मा तथा आस्ट्रेलिया की विश्व सुन्दरी प्रतियोगी २०१५ राशि कपूर ने मिलकर किया। द्वीप प्रज्जवलन के बाद राशि कपूर ने हिन्दी वंदना प्रस्तुत की। तदप ु रांत विभिन्न वक्ताओं ने हिन्दी के mhæv के बारे में भाषण दिए। डॉ. सुभाष शर्मा ने विदे श में बसे लोगों को बच्चों को तीन भाषाएँ (मातृभाषा, अँग्रेज़ी, हिन्दी) सिखाने का सुझाव दिया। विक्टोरियन स्कू ल ऑफ़ लैंग्वेजेज़ (वी. एस.एल) के प्रधानाचार्य श्री फ्रैंक मर्लिनो ने बतया की उनके स्कू ल के ९ केन्द्रों में और विक्टोरिया के दो अन्य सरकारी स्कू लों में हिन्दी पढ़ाई जाती है । रें जबैंक प्राइमरी स्कू ल के प्रधानाध्यापक श्री कॉलिन एवरी ने बताया कि उनके स्कू ल के विद्यार्थी किस प्रकार स्काइप द्वारा भारतीय विद्यार्थियों से संपर्क करते हैं और विद्यार्थी तथा अध्यापकगण एक दस ू रे के दे शों में आते जाते रहते हैं । डॉ. दिनेश श्रीवास्तव की अनुपस्थित में उनका सन्देश डॉ. पल्लवी शर्मा ने पढ़ा। इसके पश्चात, वी.एस.एल. के ब्लैकबर्न तथा सनशाइन केन्द्रों के विद्यार्थियों ने हिन्दी अध्यापिकाओं, श्रीमती अनुश्री जैन तथा श्रीमती अर्पणा कुमार के निर्दे शन में रोचक कविता पाठ, नृत्य तथा संगीत के सुन्दर कार्यक्रम प्रस्तुत किये। तत्पदप ु रान्त, श्री अमिताभ सिंह और कुणाल मेहता ने राष्ट्र प्रेम के गीतों से लोगों को मन्त्र मुग्ध कर दिया। फिर कवि-सम्मेलन का आरम्भ हुआ, जिसमें श्री हरिहर झा तथा सुभाष शर्मा, सुनील त्यागी, ड़ा राज खिल्लन, मोहित नैन, अरविन्द गैन्धर, सोनल शर्मा,

संस्मरण

मेल्बर्न में दिवाली की वह रात

-सुमन वर्मा, मेल्बर्न

मैं बहुत दिनों से दिवाली का इं तज़ार कर रही थी क्योंकि इस साल मेरे पुत्र अमन की शादी के बाद यह पहली दिवाली थी। अब प्रतीक कालिया, तन्वी मोर, विनय झा, सुश्री तो दिवाली में केवल दस दिन ही बाक़ी थे। विमलेश ने विभिन्न रसों की रोचक कविताएँ मेरा छोटा पुत्र मानव भी न्यूयॉर्क (अमरीका) प्रस्तुत कीं। श्रोताओं द्वारा विशेष रूप से से बहुत समय के बाद परिवार संग दिवाली निम्नलिखित कवितायें पसंद की गईं - मैं मनाने मेल्बर्न आ रहा था। उससे मिलने की शेफ हूँ मज़ाक नहीं (सुनील त्यागी), ये मन में बड़ी उत्सुकता थी। अब तो बेताबी से बादल (मोहित नैन), घास (अरविन्द गैन्धर), उसके आने के दिन गिन रही थी। उसे नज़र मैं दिल्ली से बोल रही हूँ (विमलेश शर्मा), भर दे ख लूँ तो मन को शान्ति मिल जाए। मज़ा ही कुछ और है (विनय झा)। कार्यक्रम एक माँ और बच्चे का भी कितना पवित्र व का समापन श्री हरी प्रसाद जी के धन्यवाद मधुर रिश्ता है सिर्फ एक माँ का हृदय ही प्रस्ताव से हुआ। कार्यक्रम का मुख्य प्रबंधन बता सकता है । कोंसलावास के श्री राकेश मल्होत्रा ने किया। समय बहुत कम था इसलिए मैंने जल्दी एक सप्ताह पश्चात, १७ सितम्बर को से खाने के लिए चीज़ें जुटानी शुरू कर दीं। साहित्य संध्या की एक विशेष बैठक में भी रात भर मुझे यही चिंता थी कि न जाने हिन्दी-दिवस मनाया गया। इस अवसर पर उस दिन मौसम कैसा होगा? अगर बारिश हिन्दी के महत्व, ‘हिन्दी के राजभाषा बनने आ गई तो ४० लोगों के साथ दीवाली कैसे के इतिहास और हिन्दी अंकों के अंतर्राष्ट्रीय मनाऊँगी? मेल्बर्न में मौसम भी बहुत जल्दी स्वरूप के उपयोग पर विचार-विमर्श हुआ बदल जाता है । पल में सर्दी और पल में और स्थानीय कवियों ने अपनी-अपनी गर्मी। मैंने इतना सुहावना मौसम कहीं नहीं रचनाओं का पाठ किया। भारत के इं दौर पाया। सच ऑस्ट्रेलिया में रहने का यही नगर से आये हुए श्री अनिरुद्ध जोशी आनंद है कि यहाँ हर पल नया मौसम और ने राजनितिक परिदृश्य पर एक सुन्दर समुद्र तट के अनुपम नज़ारे , हरियाली व कविता पाठ किया। साथ ही उनकी पत्नी ख़ूबबसूरत दृश्य ही मन को सदा ख़ुश कर श्रीमती नीता जोशी जी ने भी साहित्य दे ते हैं । और कविता के बारे में अपने विचार सामने इतने इं तज़ार के बाद आज दिवाली का रखे। कार्यक्रम का संचालन बहुत सुन्दर शुभ दिन भी आ गया और किस्मत से सुबह ढं ग से युवा कवि सुशील कालरा ने किया। उठते ही सूर्य की किरणों से आँगन भरा इस अवसर पर डॉ. सुभाष शर्मा ने यह हुआ था। दोपहर को भारत से भाई-बहनों व भी बताया कि साहित्य संध्या (वेस्ट) मित्रों के दीवाली की शुभ कामनाओं के फ़ोन का शुभारम्भ हो चुका है । इसकी पहली आने शुरू हो गए थे। शाम ६ बजे तक पार्टी साहित्य संध्या २७ अगस्त २०१६ को के लिए मित्रों के आगमन का समय भी हो लैवर्टन ‘कम्युनिटी हब’ में संपन्न हुयी गया था। गुब्बारे , झंडियों और दीया-बत्तियों जिसमें १५ कवियों ने भाग लिया। उन्होंने से घर दमक रहा था। मैनें चारों तरफ़ सूचना दी कि मेलबर्न के पश्चिमी क्षेत्रों में मिट्टी के दीयों में रुई और सरसों का तेल साहित्य संध्या (वेस्ट) हर दस ू रे महीने भर कर बाहर सब जगह जला कर रख दिए हुआ करे गी। इस अवसर पर छोटे बच्चों के थे। कुछ दीए एक बड़ी से थाली में सजा कर लिए राजुमार ऐडम और राजकुमारी सलीमा रसोई की मेज़ पर भी रख दिए ताकि आतेकी कहानी पर डॉ. सैफ़ चोपड़ा द्वारा लिखी जाते सब उनको निहार सकें। मेरे क्लब के पुस्तक का विमोचन भी हुआ। कहानी कुछ संगीतकार मित्र अपने संग गिटार और का पाठ डॉ. सैफ़ चोपड़ा की पत्नी श्रीमती हारमोनियम आदि भी लेकर पहुँचे गए थे। फ़ातिमा चोपड़ा ने किया। हमारा छोटा सा काले रं ग का कुत्ता —डॉ. सुभाष शर्मा, मेल्बर्न ‘टॉम’ भी ख़ुश था। बिलकुल टे डी बेयर सा लगता था। शायद उसे महसूस हो रहा था की घर में कुछ होने वाला है । दिन-भर ऊपर नीचे उछलता और अपनी दम ु हिलाता नज़र आता। जहाँ-जहाँ मैं जाती हर जगह इशारा इं टरनेश्नल पपेट ट्रस्ट का कठपुतली मेरा साथ दे ता। शाम के सात बजे तक सब कार्यक्रम (१४-१६ अक्तूबर), जाद ू (२४-२५ मित्र पहुँच गये थे। मैंने बाहर बरामदे में अक्तूबर), सुखजीत खोसला का कविताअभिनय (२९ अक्तूबर), कलाक्षेत्र फ़ाउन्डेशन द्वारा प्रस्तुत जटायु मोक्षम भरतनाट्यम नृत्य (२९-३० अक्तूबर)। इन कार्यक्रमों के बारे में तथा अन्य नगरों में कार्यक्रम की तिथियों व स्थान के विवरण के लिए, निम्न वेबसाइट दे खिये http://confluencefoi.com

ऑस्ट्रेलिया में भारतीय उत्सव-‘कान्फ़्लुएन्स’.

‘कान्फ़्लुएन्स: फ़स्टेवल ऑफ़ इण्डिया’ कार्यक्रम के अंतर्गत ऑस्ट्रेलिया के सात प्रमुख नगरों में अगस्त से नवम्बर के बीच भारत और ऑस्ट्रेलिया के प्रमुख कलाकार सांस्कृतिक कार्यक्रमों द्वारा दो सभ्यताओं का संगम प्रस्तुत कर रहा है । इस उत्सव के अंतर्गत, अक्तूबर के महीने में मेल्बर्न में निम्न कार्यक्रम आयोजित किये गए हैं – बिजोय जैन की शिल्प कला प्रदर्शनी (१ अक्तूबर से २२ अक्तूबर तक),

भारत जाने के लिए ई-टू रिस्ट वीसा की वेबसाइट

मेल्बर्न के भारतीय कौंसलावास से मिली सूचना के अनुसार, भारत के लिए ई-टू रिस्ट वीसा प्राप्त करने की सही अधिकृ त वेबसाइट है – indianvisaonline.gov.in कुछ जाली/नकली अनाधिकृ त वेबसाइट हैं -

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समय- रात के ८ बजे से आरम्भ। स्थान - ब्रैंडन पार्क प्राइमरी स्कू ल, १-५ १ अक्तूबर (महाराजा अग्रसेन जयंती, नवरात्रि निनेवाह क्रे सेन्ट, व्हीलर्स हिल, विक्टोरिया का आरम्भ), २ अक्तूबर (गाँधी तथा शास्त्री प्रवेश निःशुल्क है । जयंती), ३ अक्तूबर (मुस्लिम नए वर्ष का स्वर-संध्या तथा सुगम-संध्या के कार्यक्रमों के आरम्भ), ९ अक्तूबर (दर ु ्गाष्टमी), ११ अक्तूबर बार में जानकारी के लिए संदीप से (०४०७) (दशहरा), १२ अक्तूबर (मोहर्र म), १६ अक्तूबर ६१२ ६२२ या निखिल से (०४३०) ९२२ ८५१ (महर्षि वाल्मीक जयंती), १९ अक्तूबर (करवा चौथ), २० अक्तूबर (गुरु ग्रन्थ साहे ब स्थापना- पर और संगीत संध्या के बारे में जानकारी दिवस), २९ अक्तूबर (नरक चौदस), ३० अक्तूबर के लिए नीरज (०४५२) ६६९ ३०५ या सौरभ से (०४०२) ३२६ २३२ पर फ़ोन द्वारा संपर्क (दीपावली), ३१अक्तूबर (गोवर्धन पूजा), १ कीजिए। इन कार्यक्रमों के पहले एक घंटा नवम्बर (भैया दज ू ), ६ नवम्बर (छठ पूजा), १४ नवम्बर (गुरु नानक जयंती), २४ नवम्बर निःशुल्क योगाभ्यास करना चाहें तो रं जना से (०४०७) ६१२ ६२२ पर संपर्क कीजिए। (गुरु तेगबहादरु शहीद-दिवस) ।

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सच ू नाएँ

संगीत संध्या (शनिवार, १ अक्तूबर) तथा स्वरसंध्या (शनिवार, ५ नवम्बर)

२.नाट्यदर्पण इंडियन थिएटर अकादमी प्रस्तुत करता है – प्रसिद्ध लेखक गिरीश कर्नार्ड द्वारा रचित व निर्दे शित हिन्दी

ही खाने-पीने का इं तजाम किया हुआ था। लेकिन लोग सब ओर घूम-फिर रहे थे और हँ स-हँ स कर वार्तालाप में व्यस्त थे। कुछ लोग ऊपर छज्जे में ही खड़े बातें करते नज़र आ रह थे। ८-१० बच्चे भी इनमें शामिल थे। लोग बड़े मज़े से चाय-पानी का लुत्फ़ उठा रहे थे। बात-बात पर हँ सी के ठहाकों की आवाज़ कानों में गूँजती और बरामदा ख़ुशी से भर जाता। बच्चे, बड़े सब बाहर पटाखे और फ़ुलझड़ियाँ छुड़ा कर ख़ुश नज़र आ रहे थे। टॉम तो डर के मारे ज़ोर-ज़ोर से भौंकता रहा फिर न जाने कहाँ जाकर छिप गया। उसके लिए पटाखों की आवाज़ काफ़ी अजीब थी और वह डर के मारे छिपता भाग रहा था। मेरे पास उसे सँभालने का समय नहीं था। दे खते ही दे खते मौसम बदलने लगा। हवा ख़ूब तेज़ बहने लगी और हल्की-हल्की बूँदा-बाँदी भी शुरू हो गई। सब लोग अपनी कुर्सी उठाकर बड़े से हाल जैसे कमरे में पहुँच गये। शीघ्र ही संगीत का कार्यक्रम आरम्भ हो गया। संगीत की धुन में सब के पाँव थिरकने लगे। सब लोग संगीत में बड़ी दिलचस्पी ले रहे थे। संगीत ख़त्म होते ही भोजन और मिठाईयाँ मेज़ पर सजा दी गयीं। हमारे मित्र डॉ.यशपाल जी ने पूजा की सारी सामग्री एकत्रित करके ‘लक्ष्मी’ और ‘गणेश’ की पूजा की तैयारी शुरू कर दी। एक स्टील की थाली में चाँदी के कुछ सिक्के दध ू में भिगो दिए और अगरबत्ती व दीए जला कर सबको पूजा के लिए हाथों में फू ल पकड़ा दिए।

अचानक ही मुझे घर की पिछली तरफ़ से हल्की सी ठक-ठक की आवाज़ सुनाई दी। मैं चुपके से उठ कर पिछले दरवाज़े पर पहुँच गई। मालूम नहीं इतनी रात को कौन हो सकता है ? बाहर की बत्ती जलाई और मैंने दरवाज़ा खोलकर दे खने की कोशिश की। सामने ही एक भारी सा आदमी मुँह पर नक़ाब डाले, हाथों में चाकू पकड़े खड़ा था। मेरी तो जैसे जान ही निकल गई। उसने मुझ से कहा – 'तुम्हारे पास जितने भी ज़ेवर व पैसे हैं मुझे जल्दी से सौंप दो नहीं तो तुम्हारा जीवन ख़तरे में है ।' दस ू रे कमरे में अभी लक्ष्मी-गणेश का पूजन चल रहा था और सब लोग खड़े -खड़े आरती गा रहे थे और किसी को मालूम नहीं था कि मेरे घर के पिछवाड़े में क्या हो रहा था? मैं तो डर के मारे काँपने लगी। सारा घर लोगों से भरा हुआ है और यहाँ मेरी गर्दन पर किसी ने चाकू लटका रखा है । मुझे समझ में नहीं आ रहा था की करूँ तो क्या करूँ ? किसे बुलाऊँ मदद के लिए? मैं उस चोर से निपटारा पाने के लिए अपने बक्से के पास अपने ज़ेवर निकालने के लिए पहुँची ही थी कि टॉम जो वहाँ पर छिप कर बैठा था लपक कर चोर पर कूद पड़ा। टॉम लगातार भौंकता ही जा रहा था। उसका शोर सुनकर कुछ लोग वहाँ पर पहुँच गये। चोर ने भागने की बहुत कोशिश की लेकिन सब ने उसे मिल कर पकड़ लिया और पुलिस के आने तक उसे छोड़ा नहीं। आज तो टॉम ने सबकी जान बचा दी। सच यह दिवाली और टॉम का चमत्कार मुझे जीवन भर याद रहे गा।

विदेशों में बसे भारतीय मल ू के व्यक्तियों के बच्चों के लिए छात्रवृत्ति

भारत सरकार ने विदे शों में बसे भारतीय मूल के व्यक्तियों के बच्चों के लिए वर्ष २०१६-१७ में भारत में स्नातकपूर्व (अंडर ग्रैजुएट) स्तर अध्ययन के लिए छात्रवृत्तियों की घोषणा की है । इन्हें प्राप्त करने के लिए विद्यार्थियों की आयु १७ से २१

वर्ष तक होनी चाहिए और उनके माता/पिता को एन.आर.आई./ पी.आई.ओ. होना चाहिए। आवेदन की अंतिम तिथि १४ अक्तूबर, २०१६ है अधिक जानकारी के लिए निम्न वेबसाइट दे खिये - http://spdcindia. gov.in/login/index.php.

नाटक ‘नागमंडल’ तिथि व समय – शनिवार, १५ अक्तूबर तथा २२ अक्तूबर (दोपहर ४ बजे) स्थान – चैंडलर कम्युनिटी थियेटर, २८ आइज़क रोड, कीज़बरो टिकट बुक करने के लिए निम्न वेबसाइट दे खिये - http://natyadarpan.com.au/ अधिक जानकारी के लिए मांधार से (०४३०) ६६६ ८९८ पर फ़ोन द्वारा संपर्क कीजिए।

६.संकट मोचन समिति के तत्वाधान में आयोजित – (क) दशाहरा (मंगलवार, ११ अक्तूबर शाम को ५ बजे से ८ बजे तक) (ख) शरद पूर्णिमा कथा व कवि तथा संगीत गोष्ठी (शनिवार, १५ अक्तूबर, शाम को ५.३० बजे से ७.३० बजे तक कथा, ७.३० बजे से ९.०० बजे तक कवि व संगीत गोष्ठी) (ग) संकट मोचन समिति के सीनियर ग्रुप की बैठक व दिवाली उत्सव (शनिवार, २३ अक्तूबर, सुबह ११ बजे से दोपहर के २ बजे तक) स्थान – संकट मोचन केंद्र, १२८९ ए नार्थ रोड, ओकले अधिक जानकारी के लिए, अरविन्द श्रीवास्तव (फ़ोन- ०४२७ २७४ ४६२, ईमेल - arvind@ sankatmochan.org.au) से संपर्क कीजिए।

५. साहित्य संध्या (वेस्ट) की दस ू री बैठक (रविवार, २३ अक्तूबर) स्थान – प्वाइं ट कुक कम्युनिटी सेंटर, १-२२ चीथम (Cheetham) स्ट्रीट, प्वाइं ट कुक लाइब्रेरी, प्वाइं ट कुक टाउन सेन्टर समय – दोपहर ३.३० बजे से शाम के ६.३० बजे तक

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ab h\sne kI b;rI hw

पति-पत्नी और गणपति

पति- काश! मैं गणपति होता, तो तुम रोज़ मेरी पूजा करती और मुझे लड्डू खिलाती, बड़ा मज़ा आता।

पत्नी – हाँ, काश तुम गणपति होते तो मैं तुम्हें रोज़ लड्डू खिलाती और हर साल विसर्जन करके नए गणपति को घर ले आती। बड़ा मज़ा आता।

पति-पत्नी की टे लीफ़ोन पर बातचीत टे लीफ़ोन बूथ के बाहर खड़ा एक

आदमी – 'माफ़ कीजिए, आप पिछले आधे

घंटे से फ़ोन पकडे हुए हैं लेकिन इतनी दे र में आपने एक शब्द भी नहीं बोला है । क्या मामला है ?'

फ़ोन-बूथ में खड़ा व्यक्ति – 'मैं अपनी पत्नी

से बात कर रहा हूँ।' प्रेषक- सुरेश गुप्ता, मेल्बर्न

South Asia Times south asia community 32 South Asia Timestimes

quick community guide Radio GUIDE

www.ekantipur.com/en THE RISING NEPAL: www.nepalnews.com.np

SBS Radio's South Asian

SUNDAY Language Programs Hindi..................................9 am to 10 am – 93.1 FM BANGLA Urdu................................10 am to 11 am – 93.1 FM Sydney 97.7 FM & SBS Radio 2 Tamil...............................11 am to 12 pm – 93.1 FM Melbourne 93.1 FM & SBS Radio 2 Hindi.................................8 pm to 10 pm – 88.3 FM Monday & Saturday Singhalese.......................8 pm to 11 pm –97.7 FM 6-7 PM GUJARATI MONDA Y Sydney 97.7 FM & SBS Radio 2 Hindi....................................3 to 4 pm – 93.1 FM Melbourne 93.1 FM & SBSPm Radio Bengali...............................4 pm to 5 pm – 93.1 FM Wednesday & Friday 4-5 PM Hindi...................................6 pm to 8 pm – 88.3 FM Indian (Fiji)..................................6 pm to 8 pm 88.3 HINDI Punjabi........................1 1 am to 12 Sydney 97.7 FM & SBS Radio 2 noon 92.3 FM Melbourne 93.1 FM & SBS Radio 2

Daily TUESDAY 5 PM Hindi..................................... 6 am to 8 am – 97.7 FM Hindi.................................... 2 pm to 4 pm – 97.7 FM kannada Sydney SBS Radio 3

Melbourne SBS Radio 3 WEDNESDAY Tuesday 3-4 PM Hindi.................................... .6 am to 8 am – 97.7 FM Hindi......................................... 12 to 1 pm – 93.1 FM Nepali Sydney 97.7 FM & SBS1Radio 2 12 pm - 92.3 FM Punjabi............................ 1 am to Melbourne 93.1 FM & SBS Radio Hindi................................... .8 pm to 92pm – 97.7 FM Saturday & Sunday 4-5 PM

THURSDAY PUNJABI Hindi............................... 5.30 am to 7 am – 97.7 FM Sydney 97.7 FM & SBS Radio 2 9 pm – 92.3 FM Tamil.................................... 8 pm to Melbourne 93.1 FM & SBS Radio 2 Sinhalese.......................... Monday & Saturday 1 1 pm to 3 am –92.3 FM Punjabi............................. 9 pm to 10 pm – 93.1 FM 9-10 PM SINHALESE FRIDAY Sydney 97.7 FM & SBS Radio 2 Indian.................................. .8 am to 92am – 88.3 FM Melbourne 93.1 FM & SBS Radio Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri

11AM-12 PM SATURDAY Sinhalese............................ 7 am to 8 am – 92.3 FM TAMIL TSydney amil..................................... 12-12.30 97.7 FM & SBS Radio 2 pm – 88.3 FM Indian.................................... 5 am to 62am - 92.3 FM Melbourne 93.1 FM & SBS Radio Sun, Mon, Wed, Sat Punjabi.......................................... 12-2 am – 92.3 FM 8-9 PM Indian................................ 9 pm to 10 pm – 92.3 FM Punjabi.................................................. 11 pm to 1 am urdu Sydney 97.7 FM & SBS Radio24/7 2 Radio stations Melbourne FM & SBS Radio (Subscription) 2 Indian Link93.1 Radio Wednesday & Sunday 18000 15 8 47 6-7 PM Radio Santa Banta (Internet) Santabanta.com.au WORLD NEWS AUSTRALIA RADIO SydneyJhankar 1107AM88.6 & SBSFM; Radio 1 Thursday; 8 to Radio Every Melbourne 1224AM & SBS Radio 1 10 pm; Contact: 94668900 or 0411247320 or Monday & Friday 9404 2111 6-7 am & 6-7 PM

South Asian websiteS India TEHELKA – www.tehelka.com OUTLOOK – www.outlookindia.com FRONTLINE- www.flonnet.com THE HINDU: www.hinduonnet.com TIMES OF INDIA: www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com HINDUSTAN TIMES: www.hindustantimes.com Pakistan DAWN: www.dawn.com THE FRIDAY TIMES: www.thefridaytimes.com THE NEWS INTERENATIONAL: www.thenews.com.pk Sri Lanka DAILY MIRROR: www.dailymirror.lk DAILY NEWS: www.dailynews.lk THE ISLAND: www.island.lk Nepal THE HIMALAYAN TIMES: www.thehimalayantimes.com KANTIPUR NATIONAL DAILY:

PLACES OF WORSHIP HINDU Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple 57 Boundary Rd, Carrum Downs, Melbourne, Vic 3201, Ph: 03 9782 0878; Fax: 03 9782 0001 Website: www.hsvshivavishnu.org.au Sri Vakratunda Vinayaka Temple 1292 - 1294, The Mountain Highway, The Basin, Vic 3154, Ph: 03 9792 1835 Melbourne Murugan Temple 17-19 Knight Ave., Sunshine VIC 3020 Ph: 03 9310 9026 Durga Temple (Durga Bhajan Mandali) Neales Road, Rockbank, Vic 3335 Ph: 03 9747 1628 or Mobile: 0401 333 738 Hare Krishna (ISKCON) Temple 197 Danks Street, Middle Park Vic 3206 Ph: (03) 9699 5122 Email: 100237.354@compuserve.com Hare Krishna New Nandagram Rural Community Oak Hill, Dean’s Marsh Rd., Bambra VIC 3241, Ph: (052) 887383 Fax: (052) 887309 Kundrathu Kumaran Temple 139 Gray Court, ROCKBANK Victoria 3335 Ph: 03-9747 1135 or M: 0450 979 023 http://www.kumarantemple.org.au/

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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

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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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Rebel re-signs as naming partner for Women’s Big Bash League By SAT News Desk

elbourne, 5 October : Cricket Australia has announced that Australia’s largest sports retailer, Rebel, has re-signed as the naming rights partner of the Rebel Women’s Big Bash League for the next two seasons, following the enormous success of WBBL|01. A media release says, “The renewed partnership will see Rebel receive naming-rights for WBBL|02 and WBBL|03 and will result in a significant increase in the level of investment and support for the competition. The partnership also forms an integral part of Rebel’s long-term strategy to support women’s sport and female sports participation.” Cricket Australia Head of Big Bash, Anthony Everard, has welcomed the news of Rebel re-signing for the WBBL as the latest exciting news for WBBL|02. “It was fantastic to work with Rebel on the

successful first season of the Rebel WBBL and we are very pleased that they have elected to come back on board for the next two seasons,” Mr. Everard said. “Rebel have really embraced the major purpose of the WBBL, to inspire girls to play cricket, and it will be exciting to work with Rebel across the next two seasons as we look to grow the competition and women’s cricket, and to be a leader in women’s sport in Australia.” Rebel’s Managing Director, Erica Berchtold, echoed the commitment to the Rebel WBBL and female cricket in general. “Rebel is fully committed to taking a strong leadership position in championing female sports participation. The Rebel WBBL provides an outstanding platform to reinforce and showcase this commitment,” Mrs Berchtold added. “The players are fantastic role models and the increasing exposure of the competition will encourage

Cricket Australia Head of Big Bash, Anthony Everard, has welcomed the news of Rebel re-signing for the WBBL as the latest exciting news for WBBL|02.

more young girls to pick up a bat and ball and enjoy playing.” The Rebel WBBL|02 will open with a free carnival weekend at North Sydney Oval on Saturday 10 December and Sunday 11

December, with all eight clubs in attendance and six matches taking place over the course of the weekend. Four of these matches will be broadcast live on Network Ten, including a prime time match between

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

the Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Stars on the Saturday night. The season, comprised of 59 matches in 50 days, will include 12 matches broadcast by TEN as well as 14 double-headers with the KFC Big Bash League. For more information about the Rebel WBBL please visit www.bigbash. com.au.

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focus

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Fossil fuel expansion has reached the sky’s limit: Report By SAT Sports Desk

he embedded carbon emissions from the oil, gas, and coal in currently operating fields and mines, if they run to the end of their projected lifetimes, will take us just beyond the Paris Agreement’s 2˚C warming limit, and even further from the goal of 1.5˚C, a new study has found. The study scientifically grounds the growing movement to keep carbon in the ground by stopping all new fossil fuel infrastructure and industry expansion. The analysis, “The Sky’s Limit,” was released today by Oil Change International, the day after world leaders gathered in New York to speed entry into force of the Paris Agreement. It focuses on the potential carbon emissions from developed reserves – where the wells are already drilled, the pits dug, and the pipelines, processing facilities, railways, and export terminals constructed. The report uses industry data from Rystad Energy, a leading oil and gas consultancy, and compares it against carbon budgets derived from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Developed reserves of oil and gas alone, even if coal were phased out immediately, would take the world beyond 1.5°C. “If the world is serious about achieving the goals agreed in Paris, governments have to stop

the expansion of the fossil fuel industry,” said Stephen Kretzmann, Executive Director of Oil Change International. “The industry has enough carbon in the pipeline – today - to break through the sky’s limit.” Report author Greg Muttitt noted that while previous studies on carbon budgets have focused on the burning of fossil fuels, this analysis focused on what these budgets mean for the supply of fossil fuels in the first place. It is the first time a study has looked at current fossil fuel extraction operations and made the logical conclusions based on climate science. “Once an extraction operation is underway, it creates an incentive to continue so as to recoup investment and create profit, ensuring the product – the fossil fuels – are extracted and burned. These incentives are powerful, and the industry will do whatever it takes to protect their investments and keep drilling,” he said. “This is how carbon gets “locked-in” “It is not too late. It’s still possible to go another way.” said Muttitt. “With a properly managed decline of the industry, we can replace the fossil fuels with renewables quickly enough to meet our energy needs and climate goals. Perhaps more importantly, we can do so in a way that protects workers, communities and the climate.” The first, and most important step, the report notes, is to stop any new development. Projected investment in new fields,

mines, and transportation infrastructure such as pipelines over the next 20 years is $14 trillion –a lethal capital injection. The report lists examples some of the biggest projects around the world that cannot go ahead – in the US, Canada, Australia, India, Russia, Qatar and Iran. Governments would need to make hard choices about the phase-out of existing projects and, the report recommends, this should start in the developed world. “There are only three possibilities here,” said Muttitt. “We can manage the decline of our existing fields, shifting to clean energy and redeploying workers. Or we continue to develop new reserves that then have to be shut down suddenly, stranding assets, costing investors, and causing havoc in fossil fuel extraction dependent communities. Or we just carry on as we are – and wreak economic, ecological and human catastrophe on the world.” “Continued expansion of the fossil fuel industry is now quite clearly and quantifiably climate denial” said Kretzmann. “Subsidizing or permitting or profiting off of the expansion of the fossil fuel industry is now clearly the moral equivalent of selling cigarettes in a cancer ward.” References to India: The Front Lines of Expansion The consequence of our analysis is that no new

extractive or facilitating infrastructure should be built anywhere in the world. We identify here the countries where the largest new construction is proposed, stopping which must be a priority. Coal The world’s largest and fifth-largest coal producers, China and Indonesia, have declared moratoria on new coal mine development. The second-largest producer, the United States, has implemented a limited moratorium on new coal mines on public lands. These three countries account for roughly twothirds of the world’s coal production (or 60%, if US production on non-federal lands is excluded).[i] The first priority must be to make these moratoria permanent, and to extend the U.S. moratorium to all coal mining in the country. The two countries that are currently proceeding with major coal mining development are Australia and India: Australia: Nine coal mines are proposed in the Galilee Basin in Queensland. They would have combined peak production of 330 Mt of coal per year, amounting to 705 Mt CO2 of emissions per year – if this were a country, it would be the world’s 7th largest emitter.[ii] Table 5 shows the six mines that have filed applications for regulatory approval, with estimated recovery of 9.6 billion metric tons of coal over their lifetimes, leading to 24 Gt of CO2 emissions.

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This would total 6% of the global carbon budget for 1.5°C. Three further mines – Watarah’s Alpha North, GVK/Hancock’s Alpha West, and Vale’s Degulla – have not yet started the approvals process. Table 5: Proposed Coal Mines in Australia’s Galilee Basin[iii] Mine Company Expected recovery / Mt coal Carmichael Adani 5,000 China Stone MacMines 1,800 China First Watarah Coal 1,000 Alpha GVK / Hancock 840 Kevin’s Corner GVK 470 South Galilee Bandanna/ AMCI 450 TOTAL 9,560 Sources: Individual Project Environmental Impact Statements India: In 2015, the government of India set a target of tripling national coal extraction to 1.5 billion metric tons per year by 2020, with majority-stateowned Coal India Limited increasing its extraction to 1 billion metric tons per year, and other companies increasing from 120 Mt per year to 500 Mt per year. [iv] Most commentators expect production growth to fall well short of these goals; the IEA’s projection of production from existing and new mines is shown in Figure 6. Data are not available on the reserves in new mines. —Source: International Energy Agency

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CINEMA

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Bombay Talkies exhibition at ACMI to capture the nostalgia of early Indian cinema By SAT News Desk

elbourne: In 1934, ambitious and entrepreneurial filmmaker Himansu Rai (1892-1940) and his movie-star wife Devika Rani (1908-1994) co-founded the legendary Bombay Talkies film studio. Releasing 40 films over 20 years the studio was one of India's most innovative and highly resourced, launching the careers of several prominent luminaries including Ashok Kumar and Raj Kapoor. The exhibition showcases, for the very first time, the Dietze Family Trust archive,

a Melbourne-based treasure trove of more than 3000 cultural artefacts once owned by Himansu Rai. The archive is the most comprehensive collection

of 1920s and 1930s Indian film studio ephemera in the world and is run by Melbourne based Peter Dietze, grandson of Himansu Rai. The exhibits are rare

and vital sources for the history of Indian cinema. Peter Dietze is the second of three grandsons, with Walter being the eldest and Paul, the youngest. Their grandmother was Mary Hainlin, a German actress and Himansu Rai’s first wife. With lavish production values and a global outlook, Bombay Talkies was renowned for producing films on controversial topics such as the castesystem and women’s roles in Indian society. It is credited with introducing the musical narrative structure that characterises modern Bollywood, as well

as spearheading the film world’s first international co-productions. The exhibition is part of the Asia Topa (January to April 2017) a joint initiative of the Sidney Myer Fund and the Arts Centre Melbourne and is supported by the Victorian Government. Exhibition Bombay Talkies (FREE) ACMI, Gallery 2 Thursday 2 February to Sunday 2 July 2017 CREDITS Image credit: Film still from Throw of Dice (Prapancha Pash), with Seeta Devi and Himansu Rai, 1929. Image courtesy of the Dietze Family Trust.

business

Declaring Carmichael coal mine as “critical infrastructure” absurd: Greenpeace By SAT News Desk

risbane, 10 October 2016 – The Queensland government’s decision to list the Carmichael coal mine as “critical infrastructure” is absurd and indefensible, says Greenpeace Australia Pacific. “The ambitious targets of the Paris Agreement are completely incompatible with opening up new fossil fuel projects. It’s absurd for Australia to give special privileges to a coal mine as the global agreement enters into force [1],” said Greenpeace Australia Pacific Reef Campaigner, Shani Tager. “Paving the way for Australia’s largest coal mine just after the reef has suffered the worst coral bleaching in its history is indefensible. “A project of this size, scale and controversy needs proper scrutiny, not to be pushed blindly through the approval process. “The Queensland government is supposed to be protecting the reef, but instead it’s pushing through coal mines that will endanger it.” Despite the latest government support, the Carmichael project remains

The mine, rail line and water infrastructure have been deemed critical infrastructure. (Source: adanimining.com) in financial disarray and faces legal challenges as well as a coal market in structural decline. “This mine does not have any of the finances it needs to proceed. International

investors have shunned Carmichael because funding it would be a major financial risk,” Ms. Tager added. The proposed mine would be 28,000 hectares in size and if it ever got to full

production, would put 121m tonnes of greenhouse gas into the atmosphere each year. NOTES [1] The Sky’s Limit:

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Why the Paris Climate Goals Require a Managed Decline of Fossil Fuel Production. http://priceofoil. org/2016/09/22/the-skyslimit-report/ —SAT News Service

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FINANCE

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What is financial planning?

By Balki Balakrishnan

t some time or other you may have wondered what financial planning is all about, why do you need a financial plan, and how a financial advisor can assist you in creating wealth for your and your family. If you haven’t this article may inspire you to think along those lines. Financial Planning is all about developing strategies to manage your financial affairs and achieve your financial goals in a systematic and professional manner – and the first step in the journey would be to get the right advice. You could achieve your financial goals by yourself if you have the inclination, aptitude and most importantly the time. In our walk of life, we seek the expertise of various professionals such as Doctors, Accountants, Mortgage Brokers etc. We do this because a mistake could be costly. What we are doing by hiring professionals to manage certain tasks is that we are outsourcing that task to experts in the field. It is very similar to what businesses do – that

is outsource non-core activities and concentrate on core activities, the tasks that you do well. A financial advisor is a trained professional who can assist you to create and protect wealth for your family. Setting financial goals and achieving them are important because health and wealth are critical to prosperity. A survey of Yale University showed that only 3% of the students had written down their financial plans for the future. Twenty years later a follow up survey of the sane graduates showed that the assets of the 3% who had not written down their plan exceeded the combined assets of the 97% who had not demonstrating the need for a financial plan.

Why would you need a financial advisor? Finance is a complex subject. The government legislation, the dynamics of the economy and changes in your personal circumstances make it more complex. In a globalized world where the market never sleeps financial matters are becoming increasingly complex. For example the recent proposed changes to superannuation by the Australian government will have an impact on the financial future of many Australians. The monetary and fiscal policy changes create winners and losers in the market place on a daily basis. A good advisor with up-to-date education, training, experience, skills and the tools of trade can assist you to manage these challenges. Advisors are also trained to take a holistic view and advise you on wide range of financial matters to make that all the pieces fit together. A good advisor can help you in myriad ways. They help you set your goals by a process of education, challenges and discussion. More importantly they will help you in avoiding expensive mistakes. The

result is that you will feel in control of your future and life regardless of your current wealth. The first step in an advice process is initial consultation where the advisor will talk to you about your financial goals, aspirations, concerns and your finances. Normally this initial consultation is free and you have no obligation to proceed. They will then put together a personalized plan based on the building blocks to create, manage and protect your wealth. The plan may include products and service as building blocks or the advice may be strategic in nature. A financial plan is dynamic in nature. Therefore, you should plan for a constant ongoing review to keep it relevant and make sure that your goals are achieved in an orderly fashion over a period of time. The advisor will review the performance against the plan periodically and make changes to finesse the plan if required. A financial advisor could advice you on many financial matters including Budgeting and savings, tracking of budgets, cash

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flow analysis, investing to create wealth, wealth protection, funding children education, superannuation including SMSF, pre and post retirement planning, and age pension to name a few. What really happens when you engage the services of a financial advisor is that you are acquiring a personal financial controller for yourself and your family. A recent ANZ survey on adult financial literacy and self-efficacy (self-belief in ability to change one’s financial situation) mentions “Both women and men with higher levels of financial self-efficacy were more likely to have investments in shares, managed investments and property and to have obtained advice from a financial planner in the last 12 months.(Italics and highlights are mine).” (Source: (ANZ Survey of Adult Financial Literacy in Australia May 2014) So, if you are interested in taking control of your financial futureby making the right decisions with your money, then good financial advice can help.After all, families with strong financial foundation create a strong community and as a result a stronger country.

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