SAT October Issue 2015

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CELEBRATING 13TH YEAR OF PUBLICATION

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Fun-Packed Festive Season To Spice UP Multicultural ethos!

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EDITORIAL

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Festival season to spice up multicultural ethos

By Neeraj Nanda

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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! 2015 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 recently 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’s.

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. Ganesh Chaturthi and Janamashtmi have just passed and much more is coming.

Big Diwali fairs are taking

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place soon! The AIII Diwali Fair will be at the Sandown Racecourse on Sunday 25 October and the Celebrate India is organising one at the Federation Square on Saturday 7 November.

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.

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 during the season.

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Diwali Traditions & Customs offered to the deities as "Bhog" and then the devotees approach and take Prasad. Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped in every Hindu household.

In many Hindu homes it is a custom for the wife to put the red tilak on the forehead of her husband, garland him and do his "Aarti" with a prayer for his long life. In appreciation of all the

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eepavali, the literal meaning of which in Sanskrit is 'a row of lamps.' Filling little clay lamps with oil and wick and lighting them in rows all over the house is a tradition that is popular in most regions of the country.

Even today in this modern world it projects the rich and glorious past of our country and teaches us to uphold the true values of life. It is associated with many customs and traditions. One of the most curious customs, which characterizes this festival of Diwali, is the indulgence of gambling, especially on a large scale in North India.

The first day of five day long Diwali celebrations is of great importance to the rich community of western India.

Houses and business premises are renovated and decorated. Entrances are made colorful with lovely traditional motifs of Rangoli designs to welcome Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. To indicate her long-awaited arrival, small footprints are drawn with rice flour and vermilion powder all over the houses. Lamps are kept burning all through the night. Believing this day to be auspicious women purchase some gold or silver or at least one or two new utensils.

Lakshmi-Puja is performed in the evenings when tiny diyas of clay are lighted to drive away the shadows

tender care that the wife showers on him, the husband gives her a costly gift. This Gudi Padwa is symbolic of love and devotion between the wife and husband. On this day newly married daughters with their husbands are invited for special meals and given presents. Diwali celebration is a very happy occasion for all.

of evil spirits, devotional songs- in praise of Goddess Laxmi are sung and Naivedya of traditional sweets is offered to the Goddess. There is a peculiar custom in Maharashtra to lightly pound dry coriander seeds with jaggery and offer as Naivedya In villages cattle are adorned and worshiped by farmers as they form the main source of their income.

In south cows are offered special veneration as they are supposed to be the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi and therefore they are adorned and worshiped on this day On second day there is a traditional practice specially in Maharashtra of taking bath before sunrise with oil and "Uptan" (paste) of gram flour and fragrant powders. In northern India, especially in places like Punjab, Diwali is dedicated to the worship of Lord Rama. While in Bengal, Kali/Durga, the goddess of strength, is worshiped.

Diwali is one of the few Hindu festivals, which is celebrated in every part of the country, even in states like Kerala that has Onam as its main festival. To the Jains, Deepavali has an added significance to the great event of Mahaveera attaining the Eternal Bliss of Nirvaana.

Govardhan-Puja is also performed in the North on the fourth day. This day is also observed as Annakoot meaning 'mountain of food'. In temples especially in Mathura and Nathadwara, the deities are given milk bath and dressed in shining attires with ornaments of dazzling diamonds, pearls, rubies and other precious stones. After the prayers and traditional worship innumerable varieties of delicious sweets are

contents P 16

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EDITORIAL

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DIWALI SWEETS

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Shriram Iyer storyteller

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Shriram Iyer interview

The god of many things

Om Music Group report

Hindi pushp

Unindian premier

Entertainment

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Bring Back Your

Natural Beauty

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Diwali is one of the biggest Hindu festivals is right around the corner, and it’s time to get cooking some delicious sweets and snacks. If you are in India, you'd be relishing tonnes of decadent sweets that would be decking the Mithaiwallahs or Halwai ki Dukan (sweetmeat shops). But being in Australia, it’s hard to find some of those authentic delicacies. Yet, that's no reason to sit back and brood. Here are some really easy yet delicious Diwali Special Sweets that you can make right at your home; make the most of your time, so you can enjoy the other celebrations too with equal gusto!

5 easy homemade

Diwali sweets 42 cups dessicated coconut 42 tsp cardamom powder 42 tbsp sugar 41/4 cup nuts - chopped (pistachios, almonds, cashews) 4A few strands of saffron - to decorate

1 Rava-Besan Laddoos

Ingredients 41 cup Besan (Gram Flour) 41 tbsp Ghee (Clarified Butter) 42 cup Rava (Semolina) 41 cup Sugar 41-2 cup Water 4Sliced Almonds and cashews to garnish Method Take the ghee in a non-stick pan. Once the ghee is melted add rava to it and half roast it till it becomes faint light pinkish and starts giving out roasted smell. Don't overcook it.

Then add the besan to it and roast again for about 5 mins till the mixture becomes golden brown in color.

Along with this, keep another pan to make the sugar syrup with all the sugar and water. Keep stirring the sugar syrup and check the consistency till it comes to single-wired texture (take a little sugar syrup between your fingers and check to see that the syrup forms a single strand as you pull your fingers apart).

Take the rava-besan mixture in a plate and allow it to cool. Once the sugar syrup is done, don't let it cool much, and add it to the rava till it becomes like a thick paste. Keep adding the syrup a little at a time, just enough so you can make a loose ball when you take some mixture in your hand.

Mix everything well and let it rest for 7-8 hours or even for overnight, to be on the safer side. You can see that the mixture when cooled enough, it becomes a bit thicker than before; Make laddus out of it and garnish them with sliced almonds and cashews.

These can be stored in an air-tight container for about 10-12 days at room temperature, and more if refrigerated.

2. Koprapaak (Coconut Burfi)

Method Keep a little coconut and a few pistachios aside for garnishing. Mix the condensed milk and the remaining coconut in a bowl. Add the sugar and elaichi powder and stir on a low flame for about 4-5 mins. The milk is already thick, so don't overheat else it may get burnt. Remove from flame, then add the chopped nuts and set aside till the mixture has cooled down enough to handle with your hands.

Shape into small laddoos(round balls). Roll each laddoo in a little dessicated coconut.

Garnish each with a slit of pistachio and saffron.

Alternately, you can spread the mixture after removing from flame into a slightly greased plate or thali which has edges. Then use a knife to cut into squares or diamonds if you want to make Coconut Burfi instead of laddoos.

3. Microwave Peda (Milk Pedas)

Method Wash the rice once. Keep it aside.

Fry some sugar in ghee for a min. Add the rice to the sugar and fry for a min. Add 2 cups of water to it and allow it to cook in a pressure cooker upto 3 whistles. After that remove the lid and add milk to cooked rice. Let it boil for 5 mins, then add sugar. Boil again for 5 mins. After that add condensed milk to it to make it nice and thick.

Finally add cashew nuts, garnish with some saffron strands, and serve, either hot or cold.

5. Shahi Pista Roll

Ingredients 41 tin (nestle) Condensed Milk 41 cup (whole) Milk Powder 41 tbsp Kewra Essence or Rose Essence 41/4 cup finely chopped Pistachio 42 tbsp melted (unsalted) Butter Method Mix together the condensed milk, milk powder, melted butter and the essence in a microwave dish (preferably) a corning ware dish. Microwave it for first four minutes. Remove and stir it thoroughly. Again microwave it for another 2 minutes. Remove and let it cool for sometime.

Divide them equally into small lemon sized balls.

Take an empty thread spool and one by one press the balls with the spool on a wax paper.

Now you get a beautiful design. Sprinkle the finely chopped pistachio on the pedas. The pedas are ready. Serve it on a decorated dish.

4. Phirni or Kheer (Rice Pudding)

Ingredients 41 can condensed milk

** you can reduce the sugar to half or skip it if using sweetened condensed milk cashew nuts fried in ghee - for garnish

Ingredients 41 cup - rice 41 litre - milk 41 tbsp ghee (clarified butter) 41/2 cup condensed milk (unsweetened) 41 cup - sugar

or Pista Burfi

Ingredients 4Pista (Pistachios), unsalted and chopped, 1 Tbsp 4Khoya or mawa, 1/2 cup 4Milk powder, 1 tspn 4Sugar, 2 Tbsp 4Varak (silver foil), 3-4 sheets (optional) 4Cardamom, powdered, 1/2 tspn Method Take khoya and sugar in a thick pan and heat over medium heat with continous stirring till it start to leave the sides, about 5 minutes. Add cardamom powder.

Transfer to a plate and let it cool so that it is comfortable to touch. Add milk powder and knead well to make it a dough. Divide the dough into smaller balls and roll each to form a long cylindrical (tube) of diameter 1 cm. Carefully stick the silver foil all round each of the tubes. (optional) Cut each roll into smaller rolls of 2cm size.

Store in an air-tight container. If its too hard for you to make the rolls, just spread the mixture on a greased plate, let it cool, then cut into diamond shapes to make Pista Burfi instead.

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AIII Diwali Fair 2015 to light up the festival season

By SAT News Desk

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elbourne: The festival of lights is all set to light up The City of Greater Dandenong which is gearing up again for the Annual Diwali Festival.

Springvale is all set to become a little India on Sunday 25 October 2015 for the AIII’s Annual Diwali Celebrations. Everyone in Melbourne is aware that the AIII has been over the years celebrating the festival of lights with enthusiasm laced with lots of hard work to give wholesome festival entertainment to the community.

The Australian Indian Innovations Inc (AIII) will host its 14th successive Diwali Fair at the Sandown

Racecourse, attended over the years by almost 180,000 people of all ethnic origins. It is considered one of the best organised and attended festival fair in Victoria.

Among the many showcases on offer at Sandown this month will be mouth-watering and exotic Indian food and drinks, Ice Cream vans, several Indian and South Asian ethnic clothing stalls, Jewellery stalls, Tattoo artists and a variety of children’s rides.

It is a non alcoholic family event with lots of security and free parking all over for you. The whole day entertainment laced with fireworks in the evening are the highlights of the festival.

AIII volunteers will be there

to help you in need and a medical room arranged just in case of any need.

Talking to SAT, Mr. Yogen Lakshman, AIII said, “All efforts will be made on the event day to make things comfortable for the community and take back beautiful memories of entertainment and festivity”.

“AIII is a community organisation and hence the 2015 Diwali Fair is geared to serve all those who come on the day, “he said.

This year’s principal sponsor is Indya Foods – a leading importer, marketer and distributor of ethnic food products Australia wide with head office based in

Melbourne, Victoria. Their distribution network spans into Victoria, New South Wales, ACT, Queensland, South Australia, Northern Territory, Tasmania and Western Australia.

The AIII has commissioned Dr RnB Entertainment (Melbourne’s leading Event Director of Dr RnB Entertainment has brought this multi-genre production to the limelight with his enthusiasm, diligence and passion for the music event promoter) to provide a massive four hour non-stop programme on stage to showcase all aspects of Indian culture and Bollywood.

Dr RnB Entertainment is a Melbourne based business born in January

2015. Mr Rajesh Yadav (Raj), world. Dr RnB Entertainment does not only focus on live music, club nights and festivals, but has expanded their expertise to fashion shows and entertainment in charity events. Raj has made it a point of this business to showcase local talents from disc Jockeys to local bands. He is keen to bring out the talents of artists, performers and models, no matter what their background is. The key is their desire to excel.

AIII Diwali Fair 2015: SUNDAY 25 October, 2015, SANDOWN RACECOURSE, 591-659 Princes Highway, Springvale (Mel. Ref. 80 C-9); Time from 11.30 am to 9.30 pm; www.aiii. org.au

indya foods presents N

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$5 Entry

FREE for Kids below 12yrs

Diwali FAIR

Melbourne’s Largest Multicultural Event • Free Ample Parking • Stall Under Cover • Full Police And Security • Seated Firework Display • • Safe Family Environment • Alcohol Free • Food & Veriety Stalls • Henna & Tattoo Stalls • Kids Rides • • Multicultural Programmes • Grand Fireworks Finale •

Sunday 25 October ‘15 Sandown Racecourse

591-659 Princess Hwy, Springvale (Mel Ref:80 C-9)

from 11:30 am to 9:30pm Yogen Lakshman M: 0403 337 142 Babu Akula M: 0417 635 033

www.aiii.org.au / A.I.I.Inc

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Diwali decorations Rangoli

Rangolis are colourful geometric patterns drawn on the floor to welcome Lakshmi Mata or the Goddess of Wealth. The designs are commonly made with colored sawdust, chalk, flour or rice-grain. Drawing Rangoli patterns in front of the the courtyards or the entrance of the house on religious occassions is a very old custom in India.

A lot of creativity and hard work is involved in the making of Rangoli designs.

This Diwali, you can help your mom by making some Rangoli patterns yourself.

All you have to do is, take a handful of rice grains and soak them in different colors overnight; dry in sun the next day. Next, draw any design you like with wet chalk and simply fill it with the colored rice.

rafters, roof lines, and porch railings of your home.

Adorn your house with flowers

home as well create a divine atmosphere.

Decorative Lamps

Diyas and Candles

Diyas and candles are an integral part of Diwali decorations. Adorn every nook and corner of your home with splendid diyas and candles on Diwali.

These days, these items come in varied and artistic designs made specially for the occasion of Diwali. It's even better if you buy some

incensed sticks or aromatic candles with different fragrance. Light it in the place of worship at your home. These will enliven the surroundings of your

Diwali is the ‘Festival of Lights’ and so everyone wants to light up their homes as best as possible.

Decorative lamps are a popular item to brighten every room of your home on Diwali. With a variety of lamps available in the market, you are sure to find a set of them of your choice.

These come in various

shapes and sizes and of materials ranging from glass to brass to marble and the like. Buy a number of these and illumine your home this Diwali.

Electric bulbs

For outdoor light decorations, you can buy some electric lights. There are electric string lights, lighting pipe, tiny bulbs etc to adorn your yards and gardens. Strings of electric lights are perfect to adorn mantles and doorways,

Flowers are another great item to adorn your home with. Markets offer a lot of floral items for home decorations that you can buy during Diwali. You can also buy flowers like roses, lilies and jasmines in dozens. String some of these into garlands and fix them skillfully in your stair handles, on the wall or on the entrance door as 'toran's. Attach a string of electric light with each floral strand. It will look magnificent. Put some flowers in glasses, penstands or glasses to enhance the beauty of your house.

Your home will look like a living paradise.

Mind Blowing gets 2015 highest grossing foreign film award for PK

By Neeraj Nanda

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elbourne, 12 October: Aamir Khan’s ‘PK’ released this year in Australia by the Mind Blowing Films has won the prestigious Award presented

by Michelle Gater, General Manager - Programming & Content Hoyts Cinemas for the Highest Grossing Foreign Film in Australia’.

“With a total box office collection of $2,110,842 , the award was accepted by Mitu Bhowmick Lange & John Molloy, Mind Blowing Films – this represents back-to-back wins for Mind Blowing Films, who won this category in 2014 with Dhoom 3,” says a AIMC media release.

Talking to SAT, Mitu Bhowmick said, “We are delighted to win the very special award for a second year in a row.

We are deeply grateful to the producers Disney UTV , Raju Hirani for making this wonderful film , Hoyts for all their wonderful support and of course everyone out there who gave the film so much

Hoyts GM,Programming Michlle Gater, Mitu B Lange & John Mollay at the event.

Photo: Mind Blowing Films love “ IN 2009 the award went to The Intouchables, in 2010 it went to The Women On The 6thFloor, the 20111 award went to The Girl Who Played With Fire, The Girl With the

Dragon Tattoo got the award for 2012 and the 2013 award went to the movie Coco Avant Chanel.

To celebrate the presentation of the key Highest

Grossing Box Office Awards in Australia and New Zealand for 2014/2015, the 70th AIMC hosted a special dinner with an ‘In Conversation’ session during the meal on

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October 12,2015, Gold Coast, Queensland.

Managing Director of Deluxe Australia, Alaric McAusland led the chat with Director Jocelyn Moorhouse, whose film The Dressmaker earned an enthusiastic reception at a Screen Australiahosted screening last night – and Jeremy Sims, Director of Last Cab to Darwin, which yesterday passed the $7.2 million mark at the Australian box office.

The Australian International Movie Convention (AIMC) is the premier event to showcase the Australian film industry and provides opportunities for industry stakeholders to reflect upon and shape the issues that affect the business of motion pictures and to network with local and international colleagues. The Australian International Movie Convention is held annually on the Gold Coast, Queensland and hosted by NACO, the National Association of Cinema Operators – Australasia.

—SAT News Service

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Shriram Iyer: The storyteller of Melbourne

I spread social awareness through music & writing: Shriram Iyer

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SAT EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

By SAT News Desk

By Neeraj Nanda

elbourne: “You never know what life has in store for you,” says Shriram Iyer, an accomplished singer, also known as ‘Siyer’ to his fans. While music has been Shriram’s claim to fame – his accomplishments include having performed with Shankar Mahadevan, Udit Narayan, Sadhna Sargam, to name a few and over 2.5 million views on YouTube, SAT discovered a different side to Shriram – his writing.

Shriram Iyer is one of the few authors of Indian origin, residing in Australia to be published by a traditional publisher in India in the world of fiction. His first novel, ‘Wings of Silence’ was published by Westland / Silverfish in India and was also picked up for translation by Darun Publishers in South Korea. “Getting published is a significant first step in an author’s journey,” he says, taking pains to explain why many good authors never get published.

‘Wings of Silence’, a story about siblings, narrates a fictional tale of a deaf boy who wants to run in the 1980 Olympic marathon in Moscow.

The story, narrated by his younger brother, depicts the struggles of the two brothers bound together by destiny. “There was a huge research element and my first book took almost four years to write,” Shriram told SAT. Shriram’s second book ‘Let Me Go’, which explores themes of hope, friendship and loyalty, will be published in 2016 by ‘Fingerprint Fiction’ an imprint of Prakash Books. The publishers have secured worldwide rights to print and e-books along with first right of refusal for his upcoming works.

Shriram embarked on a fourcity India tour (Mumbai – Pune – Bangalore – Chennai) and saw for himself, the insatiable appetite for fiction in India, now widely regarded as a booming literary market. Shriram and his book were talked about in most of the leading dailies in India, as well as primetime coverage on leading radio stations. The online world also took a great liking to the book, with bloggers providing detailed analyses on their blogs. “Many who read and liked the book, also felt that it would make a brilliant film.” Shriram tells us that there is strong interest from filmmakers, but he is waiting for the right moment to announce the big news.

Shriram has meanwhile, completed his third book, ‘The Charioteer’s Son’, a semi-fictional piece based on the epic Mahabharata. Currently in submission phase, Shriram is also mid-way through his fourth book – fictional take on domestic violence in Melbourne.

Shriram warns us how important it is to stay away from Vanity publishers. “As an author one should get paid to publish, not pay to

hriram Iyer is a rare combination of a singer and writer excelling in both.

His mesmerising singing and literary pursuits speak for themselves. Popular in Australia and overseas, Shriram Iyer, has made a name for himself which dreams are made of. I caught up with him on a chilly and wet evening and chatted with him on his creative passions. He was relaxed and candid in his replies.

publish.” While there is merit, according to him in traditional publishing, he does believe selfpublishing is not a bad option for some.

“Self-publishing must not be confused with Vanity publishers. Selfpublishing is like running your own business,” he says.

His love for writing is closely associated with his passion for music.

“I write the lyrics of all my songs,” he says, referring to his hit collaboration with singer-producer Bobby Beebob as Saffron Groove, as well as his debut album, ‘Is Dhundh Mein’, where he wrote and composed the entire album. Incidentally, the album was produced by Grammy award winner, Ricky Kej and released by Shriram’s mentor – Shankar Mahadevan in 2007.

But unknown then to Shriram, his love for penning songs had a hidden meaning – he was to discover in 2008, that he had the talent and the passion to write fiction.

It was during a walk with his wife, Deepthi, when she suggested he write ‘Wings of Silence’ as a novel, after he narrated the concept to her.

His doctor wife, Deepthi Iyer works as a GP and is also doing a PhD at the Melbourne University. “I enjoy reading his early drafts and providing a different perspective as a reader would,” she says, showing full faith in Shriram’s journey ahead as a novelist.

This Shriram feels is due to the support of his wife and his parents that he gets the confidence to create.

For Shriram, it is hard to pick between his love for music and writing. As part of the balancing act, Shriram alternates between writing and music and recently released two new age spiritual fusion songs as part of his upcoming album. Both songs, one on Janamashtami and the other on Ganesh Chathurthi were well received.

Shriram sees himself devoting equal times to both art forms and says the biggest challenge is to create sustainable careers out of them. But he is also quick to add that he is close to finding the answer.

—SAT News Service.

EXCERPTS FROM THE INTERVIEW: Q: You are both a singer and writer. How do you make them compatible?

A1: End of the day they are both creative art forms and involve storytelling. The beauty is that while they can co-exist, they also lend themselves to being stand alone careers for me. I enjoy the variety it brings to my routine. It is just a question of effective time management and practical goal-setting.

Q: If given a chance to choose you would be a writer or a singer?

A: It’s the same as asking a father to choose between two of his kids. I am happy with being known as both. On the other hand, I am also not fussed with one getting more success than the other. As far as I am concerned, I will make time for both. My purpose in life is to create and to entertain. Both writing and music allow me to do that.

Q: You seem to be on a writing spree after ‘Wings of Silence’. Where do you get the new ideas from?

A: I often say this when I am asked to teach writing to school kids – ‘creativity is like an unexpected, yet desirable guest. You never know when it can come knocking. So keep the door of your mind open all the time’. Ideas are easy to get when you are on the lookout for them all the time. I enjoy ‘what-if’ scenarios and from these some stories are born.

With time they mature and develop further. My writing spree comes from my obsession with storytelling.

Q: Why so few Indians/South Asians in Australia in the writing business?

A: In my view, this is because a career in arts in general is frowned upon.

Children are encouraged to achieve only academic success, and maybe sporting to an extent. But music, writing and other creative fields are only seen as hobbies. You are right in calling it a business, for that’s what it is. Pity, the general world doesn’t see it that way.

Many creative people are reluctant and even scared to unleash the writer within them. I would definitely like to see an increase in writers and I will do my bit to ensure that.

Q: You say you are a fiction writer but can something in the world come out of nothing?

A: Ultimately, all fiction comes from a combination of either the writer’s own experiences or observed experiences in addition to the writer’s imagination. End of the day, the themes are pretty standardised, but

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there is unlimited room for creativity within them.

Q: How did Shankar Mahadevan become your music mentor?

A: In 2005, I performed with him in a concert in Auckland. Since then, he has been kind enough to advise me on how to improve. From encouraging me to learn classical music to introducing me in person to A. R. Rahman, he has been a pillar of encouragement. On hearing my original compositions, he encouraged me to complete my album and promised to launch it in Mumbai, which he did in 2007. He provides honest feedback on my songs and had me perform with him as part of his concerts in Bangalore and Hyderabad.

Each time I meet him, it is a learning experience in music and life in general.

He is a great mentor and a well-wisher.

Q: In music, do you see online (for example, You Tube) as an asset or prefer live performances.

A: I think both have a place and I have been fortunate to enjoy success in both. But I do have soft spot for live performances as I enjoy interacting with the audience and entertaining them in person. The energy levels in live concerts are simply incomparable.

Both online and live performances feed off each other.

Q: Has the Internet enhanced you as a singer or writer professionally?

A: Yes it has. There are many valuable learning resources, which aid me in my pursuit of self-development as an artiste.

Q: Would you agree that too much Bollywood has diluted our music traditions?

A: Oddly, Bollywood music too is part of our tradition. Popular and mainstream activities will always influence the ‘traditional’ art forms.

Having said that there is a reverseeffect too with music traditions influencing Bollywood music. End of the day, it comes down to personal preference.

Q: Lastly, what as a singer-author is your commitment to society?

A: I am very passionate about using music and writing to spread awareness about social issues that I am passionate about. My first book, ‘Wings of Silence’ was distributed to deaf schools across India, courtesy of Reliance Industries Ltd. My fourth book tackles the difficult topic of domestic violence in Melbourne. In short, while I may not be able provide solutions to all that ails our society, I can and I will aid in spreading social awareness through both music and writing.

—SAT News Service.

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BOLLYWOOD THROUGH THE AGES

Breathless with Shriram Iyer By our community reporter

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elbourne: Film music has long held our fascination and ruled our hearts. And it was fitting that on 30th August a show called ‘ Bollywood Through The Ages’ did exactly that at the Chandler Community Centre in Keysborough.

Shriram Iyer a.k.a ‘Siyer’ was the lead singer of this musical treat, headlining a show filled with music, melody, masti and most importantly a truckload of wonderful memories. ‘Siyer’ was in top form, singing the old and the new, the melodious and the foot tapping with equal ease, engaging the audience throughout the show with his wonderful voice.

‘Siyer’ was ably supported by a six-piece band – Parth Pandey did a fine job on the keyboard as did Arun Kumar on the Acoustic Guitar. They added their

finesse to memorable songs like ‘Pukartha Chala Hoon’ and ‘Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin’.

Ajay Kavasseri did a fine job singing the former as well as ‘Chaudvin Ka Chand’.

The true value of an experienced musician was shown with the seasoned Dhansukh Panchal providing superb support on the Thumbas and Dholak to iconic songs like ‘Roop Tera Mastana’ sung with panache

by Nishant Bakshi and ‘Kal Ho Na Ho’ rendered soulfully by ‘Siyer’ amongst many other songs. Heman was an excellent supporting act on the bass guitar bringing songs like ‘Bol Na Halke Halke’ and ‘Pehla Nasha’ to life. Classical songs like ‘Madhuban Mein Radhika’ were sung superbly by ‘Siyer’ and supported brilliantly by Deepesh Valob on the tabla, a true revelation. The first half ended on a high, once again with ‘Siyer’ and Deepesh teaming up together to present a jaw-droppingly entertaining presentation of

‘Ek Chatur Naar’.

Sneha Mahajan, with her mellifluous voice serenaded the audience with her beautiful rendition of ‘Galliyan’ and ‘Iss Mod Se’ captivating listeners with her renditions.

The blend of melody and rhythm was balanced perfectly with songs like ‘Dil Tadap’ sung as a duet with the very talented Samra Ram who also lent her voice to rocking songs like ‘Badtameez Dil’ and the A.R.Rahman medley. Popular singer, Nishitha Vissamraju made the audience tap to their feet with songs like ‘Radha Teri Chunari’ and ‘Aajkal Tere Mere Pyaar’.

It was refreshing to see original content presented by ‘Bobby Beebob’ and ‘Siyer’ as their collaboration ‘Saffron Groove’ rocked the night with their super hit ‘Aaja Phir Se’ with over 2.5 million views of YouTube.

Their mashup ‘Sooraj Dooba Hai’ was also very wellreceived.

Rhythmic and iconic

songs like ‘Mehbooba’ were brought alive by the boisterous rendition by singer Atul Fotedar ably supported by Gurinder Bhogal on the acoustic drum kit.

Saffron Groove saved the best for the last – an A.R. Rahman Medley that finished with ‘Vande Mataram’ performed by all the singers on the show.

It was a riveting end to a highly entertaining concert that showcased the talent and versatility of Shriram Iyer, now known to us as

‘Siyer’, who literally left us ‘Breathless’ with his penultimate rendition of Shankar Mahadevan’s classic – a song that has rarely been even attempted by singers in Melbourne, let alone sung to a standing ovation.

Kudos for a memorable evening and an excellent display of teamwork and camaraderie. Now Melbourne, if you missed this, make sure you go to the next show by ‘Siyer’ and his brilliant team.

—SAT News Service.

Temporary visa holders have equal rights

By SAT News Desk

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elbourne, 10 September: The Government has announced further measures to help protect vulnerable workers by providing additional information and resources to visa holders so they understand their workplace rights.

The Government is rolling out improvements to visa grant notices across a range of temporary visas, with notices to students and temporary graduates to be updated next. The Government has also launched a new Pay And Conditions Tool (PACT) so workers can easily check their pay rates.

The best defence for temporary visa holders against being underpaid or treated unfairly in the www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9095 6220, 0421 677 082

workplace is to know their rights, Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash said today.

“All workers are entitled to the same pay, conditions and protections under Australian law, regardless of whether they are a temporary visa holder, a permanent visa holder or an Australian citizen,” Minister Cash said.

“Every person who is granted a temporary visa receives a visa grant notice from the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

We’ve recently improved the information in these notices so working holiday makers and 457 visa holders fully understand their workplace rights on issues including wages, discrimination, bullying and harassment.”

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Australia pledges full force against dodgy education providers

By SAT News Desk

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elbourne, 18 September: Assistant Minister for Education & Training Senator Simon Birmingham has said there have been serious allegations reported about the registered training organisation (RTO) Phoenix Institute and broker Education Circle and the Department of Education and Training has been asked to investigate.

“I have asked for my Department to consider commencing the processes to remove the Phoenix Institute as a VET FEE-HELP provider,” Senator Birmingham said in a media release.

“I have asked the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) to conclude as fast as they reasonably can, their investigations in to this training provider and to consider, as part of those investigations, suspending or revoking their license to operate as a training provider.

“I have also requested that ASQA and the Department consider investigations into any other RTOs using Education Circle as a broker.

“I say to any RTO or broker – if you are offering inducements to enrol, you are breaking the law, and under reforms introduced by this Government, you will be held accountable.

“If a provider is telling people that they “will never earn enough to pay it back”, they are breaking the law, and that provider will be dealt with.

“If providers are signing people up to contracts that are unfair, they will be held accountable, both by my Department, ASQA and

potentially also by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, with whom my Department is working closely on a number of investigations into such allegations.

“It is exactly this sort of behaviour– offering inducements, signing up people who have no understanding of what they are signing up for, and no capacity to undertake the course – which I am addressing through the changes to the VET FEE-HELP scheme that I announced earlier this year.

“I encourage anyone with any concerns or evidence to contact the national training complaints hotline on 13 38 73.”

Senator Birmingham made it clear that he was keeping a close eye on the sector and indicated the Government will go further if those who are doing the wrong thing do not clean their act up.

ASQA and the Department of Education & Training will be asked to consider the case for similar actions against any other RTOs doing the wrong thing.

Meanwhile, The Minister for Education & Training, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, has introduced new legislation to streamline regulation, remove duplicative requirements and cut red tape for Australia’s international education providers.

Mr Pyne said the Education Services for Overseas Students (Streamlining Regulation) Amendment Bill 2015 removes unnecessary reporting from the ESOS Act while protecting the high quality of Australia’s international education sector.

—SAT News Service

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WHAT’S HAPPENING NEW AII DIRECTOR RECEPTION (15 Oct.)

What is happening to contemporary India? In his inaugural address as Director of the Australia India Institute, Professor Craig Jeffrey will answer these crucial questions. After the public lecture, the AII will host a free reception in the Old Quad, next to the Old Arts Building, to celebrate the arrival of its new Director. Food, drink and music will be provided – as well as a special performance by a Bollywood dance troupe! Event on Thursday October 15, 2015 in the Old Arts Building, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne VIC 3010, Australia for this special event! Booking essential - www.aii.unimelb.edu.au/.

DUSSEHRA@DURGA TEMPLE (25 Oct)

Sri Durga Temple (705-715 Neale Road, Rockbank Vic 3335) will celebrate Dussehra on 25 October, 2015 on Sunday 2pm to 8 pm. Evets on the day include Ravan Ddahan, Ram Leela, Kids rides games, fireworks, stalls, sports, bhangra, songs, bhajans, and dandia. No entry fee but $ 5 for car parking.

Info: (03) 9797 1628 (temple manager).

DIWALI @ SANDOWN (25 Oct.)

AIII Diwali Fair at the Sandown Racecourse, Springvale on Sunday 25th October 2015. Activities include gala stage performers – singers, musicians & dancers, extravagant glamour of a fashion show, tantalizing food varieties, other surprising stalls, children’s rides & fireworks. Gates open at 11.30AM and close at 9.30PM. Trains drop off at Sandown Park Station. The venue boasts guaranteed free ample car parking and under cover stalls. Full security and police presence. It’s an alcohol and meat free event.

Entry fee $ 5 and free for kids below 12 years. Info: Sunil Kumar on 0433 003 303 / 0413 153 606 or Yogen Lakshman 0403 337 142 for all details including stalls and sponsorship.

DIWALI IN GEELONG (13 Nov.)

Deakin University is hosting a Diwali celebration again this year and is and the invitation is open to the alumni and their families located near Geelong. Date is Friday 13 November 2015 from 4 pm – 6 pm @ KD Stewart Centre, at the Deakin Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus (in the gym straight ahead from Entrance 1). Entry is free.

Info: diwali@deakin.edu.au.

DIWALI@FED SQ (6-7 Nov.)

Diwali @ Federation Square will take place on 6 and 7 November 2015. Food and variety stalls & voluntary work. Events include film shows, Diwali at melbourne Airport, Diwali carriage, dance performances, illumination of iconic buildings in the CBD. Email: contact@celebrateindia.org.au l SMS: 0499161230 l facebook.com/ celebrateindia.

DIWALI@WYNDHAM (14 Nov.)

Wyndham Diwali will be celebrated on 14 Nov., 2015 @ President’s Park, 370 McGarth Road, Wyndham Vale 3024. For all details – www.wyndhamdiwali.org. au.

NAVRATRI @ HOPPERS CROSSING (3, 10, 17 & 24 Oct)

Navratri & Dandiya dance night etc. will be celebrated on 3, 10, 17 & 24 Oct at the Encore Events Centre, 80-82 Derrimut Road, Hoppers Crossing 3029. Time: 7 pm onwards. Info: www.sargammusic. com.au.

Punjabi News on SBS 2 TV daily at 11.35 am By our community reporter

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elbourne, 1 Oct: There is good news for Punjabi speakers as the SBS TV will start telecasting news in Punjabi, from Indian network PTC News, on SBS2 daily at 11.35 am under its World Watch program. Hindi news from NDTV is already being telecast daily at 12 noon.

This new addition to the World Watch news service will also be available daily through SBS on Demand (sbs.com.au/ondemand) and the SBS Punjabi webpage, sbs.com.au/Punjabi.

SBS Director of News and Current Affairs Jim Carroll said: “SBS is the most trusted network for news from across the world and we are proud to bring more global coverage to all Australians.”

“Our nation has changed. There are twice as many speakers of languages other than English (LOTE) in Australia than 30 years ago. Increasing our language news offering is about actively playing a role in supporting Australia’s diverse multi-

cultural communities to participate in Australian life. This further cements our position as one of the world’s most linguistically diverse broadcasters through what will be a significant increase in our LOTE content offer. Whether people want to

watch or listen on their smart phone, or tune in on TV, SBS offers the most comprehensive and diverse news service.”

As a part of the new schedule, between 5:00am and 7:30am from 4 October 2015, SBS will become the new breakfast destination for international news coverage from some of the world’s most respected broadcasters all delivered in English.

The line-up includes bulletins from NHK (Japan), France 24, Deutsche Welle (Germany), Al Jazeera News (Qatar) and CCTV (China).

Additionally, audiences can listen to SBS Radio’s Australian based Punjabi program at 9pm weekdays on SBS Radio 2 with analogue and digital radio, digital TV, online, or the SBS Radio App. The Punjabi News is part of SBS’s World Watch programming, which is currently made up of 44 international news bulletins, broadcasting across SBS, SBS 2 and SBS on Demand.

The full World Watch schedule is available at sbs.com.au/guide.

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Rajinder Singh Bedi Birth Centeneray Celebrations

Om Music Groups musical tribute to Rajinder Singh Bedi

By Dolly Kaher*

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elbourne: Since the beginning of 2015, it was my wish to do something to celebrate my grandfather, Padmashree Rajinder Singh Bedi’s birth centenary in Melbourne.

He was an Urdu writer of progressive writers' movement, playwright, who later became a Hindi film director, screenwriter and dialogue writer.

I had approached a few people, but things did not materialise. The day I attended Mother’s Day program arranged

by Om Music Group’s Amitabh Singh, it dawned on me that who other than Amitabh and his golden voice to sing the songs from my grandfather’s movies? So, I approached him and thus started our journey of creating the wonderful event that finally took place on the 11th September 2015 at Visy Cares Hub, Sunshine. It was a memorable occasion for all my family members, especially my mum, who will cherish it all her life.

Amitabh and his wife Priya were stars of the show. They sang the most nostalgic and beautiful numbers from the movies which my grandfather – Rajinder Singh Bedi (fondly called Bauji by family members) had produced, directed or had written dialogues / screenplay for.

The event was graced by the presence of Mrs Jaya Sharma – the voice of SBS Radio Hindi for 28 years - anchoring the program.

She was well versed with the facts about Bauji’s life

and writings as she had hosted a program on SBS Radio on his 10th death anniversary in 1994.

Jaya’s husband, Mr. Arun Sharma, Chairman of Celebrate India, rendered beautiful numbers that evening. He sang Ya dil ki suno duniya wallo from the award winning movie Aupama. Amitabh and Arun also sang Mai re main kaise

kahoon from Bauji’s most acclaimed and another award winning movie Dastak. The performance was so flawless that it brought tears to my parents’ and all family member’s eyes.

The other singer who did equal justice to Bauji was Aditi Gunturu, a young classical singer, who sang Baiyan na dharo from

Dastak again.

Mandy Bansal, Kunal Mehta and Thilika also sang beautifully, sending us down memory lane.

Rohit Kumar (music and sound director) with Kunal Mehta did a sterling job on the keyboard. We were also honoured to have Dr Saratchandranji singing Chal ri sajani from Bombai ka Babu.

Dr Nalin Sharda – president of NRISA - spoke about Bauji’s Sahitya Akademi award winning novel - Ek Chadar Maili Si. He gave a brief insight on the plight of a woman who is widowed at an early age in rural India.

We missed Mrs Neela Unadkat very much who is the part of the OM Music group as on the same day she became a grandmother – many congratulations to her!

We are very thankful to Mr Amitabh Singh and Priya Singh who entertain

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us every 2nd Friday of the month with a theme. This September was our day and what a perfect event he created for our family. We are truly blessed and thank Amitabh and Priya from Om Music Group.

As all good things have to come to an end, the evening too was concluded

by Amitabh and his group singing Suhana safar aur yeh mausam haseen from another award winning film Madhumati. Not only did he sing, but he had the audience involved in the singing too.

We wish Amitabh and Priya every success in their future endeavours and look forward to a Tribute to the living legend Sanjay Khan and the Style icon of Hindi cinema, Feroz Khan on Friday 9th October 2015 at VISY Cares Hub, Sunshine. *Grand Daughter of Padma Shri Rajinder Singh Bedi

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Brett Lee’s spicy innings start with ‘unindian’

By SAT News Desk

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elbourne, 9 October: The premier of the much awaited ‘unindian’, Australian made crossover movie at the Village Rivoli, Hawthorn East was a colourful and well attended event. The ‘unIndian’ team – Director Anupam Sharma, Cricketer turned actor Brett Lee, actress Tannishta Chatterjee and others associated with the movie were the star attractions.

The red carpet event took off with the arrival of the ‘unindian’ team and off course Brett Lee and Tannishta Chetterjee (‘Bricklane’ fame) were the attractions with the director Anupam Sharma.

A large number of media persons were there to cover the event and many a movie fans were present.

There were photo sessions, interviews, talks, finger food and drinks.

The desi ‘filmi’ ambience was there as people moved in to the cinema hall and

the ‘unindian’ team came in front of the screen and one by one addressed the gathering eagerly waiting to see the movie.

Addressing the film fans and guests Lee said - Love conquers cultural and other barriers is the message of the movie. Director Anupam Sharma addressing the crowd thanked his team all those present for coming to support the movie.

The cross over movie was later screened. The 4.5 m movie released throughout Australia on October 15 on

Aashad Ka Ek Din staged in Melbourne

By SAT News Desk

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elbourne: Chandler Hall here was witness to yet another scintillating and captivating theatre performance on 29th August 2015. The occasion was all-time classic and Sahitya Kala Akadami award winning play ‘Aashad Ka Ek Din’, watched to pindrop silence by the capacity crowd. Set in the Shivalikh ranges of Himalaya, the playwright, Mohan Rakesh has given a new twist to legendary Kalidas story in his play. He has introduced a new character, Mallika, who is the inspiration behind Kalidas’s illustrious poems.

The play has three Acts. The first belongs to young Kalidas and Mallika. The second Act shows Mallika pining for her lover, who is lost in Ujjaini’s attractions. The third Act brings Kalidas back to his village where passage of time has changed everything.

It was so nostalgic and rare to be able to witness a stage play of the finest class from the pages of Indian history brought to the footsteps of Melbourne

audiences. For those who were lucky enough to be in the audience, it wasn’t just the ‘Paisa Wasool’. It was the quenching of a thirst of soul and hit everyone with some soul-searching questions.

Playing the lead role of Mallika, Reshma Parulekar, Co-founder of Kalavishkar, brought the audiences to teary eyes with yet another stellar and lively performance. It was a poignant tale of power, love, acute guilt, fun, ultimate sacrifice and self-realization, brought to fore by some powerful performances by the local artists. Those powerful characters and dialogues touching every facet of human life, are as relevant today as they

were in the era of Kalidas, thus transcending time and geography.

The play was directed

by Kalavishkar Co-founder Mandar Vaidya who also played the role of Dantul in the play.

Aptly named ‘Kaarwan’, the evening also included two beautifully choreographed colourful Indian folk dances; Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma and Kashmiri Folk Dance Bumaro Bumaro.

Connoisseurs of theatre in Melbourne believe that this was one of the finest pieces of theatre performed in Melbourne and yet again, stamps Melbourne as the deserving arts capital of Australia.

—SAT News Service

100 screens.

Movie synopsis: Beautiful divorcee and single mother of one, Meera (Tannishtha Chatterjee) is an Australian of Indian origin. Smart and independent, she has carved out a successful life for herself and her daughter ... despite family pressure to find 'a nice Indian match'. Then Meera meets Will (Brett Lee)... tall and blonde with a charming smile. But falling in love with an Australian man is not only scandalous - it's unindian! Does she do as

her family wishes? ... Or does she follow her heart and live her life the way she wants? Highlighting the complexities of wooing another from a different culture, ‘unindian’is a comedy with a lot of heart and a little spice! (Source: Now Running) Credits : Director: Anupam Sharma; Screenplay: Vikram Singh, Thushy Sathi; Music composed by: Salim Merchant, Sulaiman Merchant; Running time: 1h 42m —SAT News Service

Skilled Occupations List (SOL) 2016-17 submission process now open

By SAT News Desk

S

ubmissions for the 2016-17 review process are open for business and industry and will be accepted until 30 October 2015. One needs to see the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) page (http://www.education. gov.au/skilled-occupationslist-sol) for more details.

The process of updating the SOL List for 2016-17 is now underway. As part of

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

this and to help inform its labour market analysis , the Department is seeking expert advice and evidence about the suitability of occupations for inclusion on the SOL. Relevant stakeholders, including representatives of industry, employee, trade and professional organisations are welcome to make a submission from 1 October 2015 until 30 October 2015.

—SAT News Service

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Misgivings over Geneva resolution

By Jehan Perera

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OLOMBO: The cosponsoring of the Geneva resolution by the government and the support given to it by the TNA is a positive indication of the evolution of a spirit of partnership and joint problem-solving at the highest levels of national and international decision making that is necessary for promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka.

However, this goodwill needs to be seen in practical terms at the ground level too in which people become the direct and immediate beneficiaries. Most people appear prepared to give the new government a chance at this time. It is important that the people’s confidence in the process of transition is sustained.

However, observations from the ground are that the majority of people are not aware of the significance of the resolution or the content of its recommendations. In the North there is frustration at the slow pace of change.

There are groups both in the North and South of the country that are trying to generate opposition to the UN resolution. A group of 71 Sinhalese university academics have issued a public statement expressing their opposition to the involvement of foreigners in the accountability process.

In the North, on the other hand, there are Tamil groups that are angry that the resolution does not provide for the setting up of a fully international judicial mechanism. In Paris, Tamil Diaspora activists even went to the extent of violently attacking a meeting at which parliamentarians from the TNA were speaking. They accused the parliamentarians of betraying the Tamil people by agreeing to less than an international accountability mechanism.

The TNA which won the overwhelming majority of parliamentary seats at the general elections has been taking a moderate

approach in its relationship with the government.

The appointment of TNA leader R Sampanthan as the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament is one positive outcome of this process of constructive engagement with the government. The TNA has also shown seriousness in acknowledging the negative role they and others in the Tamil polity have played in the past in aggravating the conflict. it has said “We also accept and undertake to carry out our responsibility to lead the Tamil people in reflecting on the past, and use this moment as a moment of introspection into our own community’s failures and the unspeakable crimes committed in our name, so as to create an enabling culture and atmosphere in which we could live with dignity and self-respect, as equal citizens of Sri Lanka.”

It has also called on the government to cooperate fully with the TNA and the international community in dealing with the past in a manner that will assuage the feelings of the victims of all communities.

On the issue of the UN Human Rights Council resolution also the TNA has been playing a constructive role. The ideal position of the Tamil polity is an international accountability mechanism on account of the failure of previous domestic attempts to address human rights violations and bring the perpetrators to justice. On the opposite side is the view expressed by the 71 Sinhalese academics who oppose the international involvement. However the

TNA has also said that it will support the outcome of the UN resolution which recommends a Sri Lankan judicial mechanism that has an international component in it. The TNA statement on the Geneva resolution said, "Nevertheless, the Resolution - if implemented - provides a genuine opportunity for real progress on accountability and reconciliation. We are grateful to the cosponsors of the Resolution for engaging with the TNA throughout the process, and accommodating our concerns and views.”

The main concern of the Tamil polity with regard to the proposed Sri Lankan judicial mechanism is that it will end up without delivering anything tangible either in terms of truth, justice, reparations or institutional reforms. There is a deep mistrust of Sinhalese-led governments due to past failures that needs to be bridged. Therefore it is important that the present government shows the Tamil people, in deeds and not only in words, that it is different from the past governments. The government has announced that it will set up the basic elements of the mechanism

by January next year. But from a realistic perspective, the government cannot show its goodwill and trustworthiness by focusing only on the setting up the accountability mechanism as this is likely to take more time than anticipated.

The government’s intention to setup the accountability mechanism soon may not materialize for a number of reasons.

One is the need to obtain consensus within the government itself. There needs to be coordination between the various institutions and power centres involved in its materialization, including the President's office, the Prime Minister’s office, the Foreign Ministry, the office of National Unity and Reconciliation headed by former President Chandrika Kumaratunga and the Ministry of National Dialogue, in addition to all the other government institutions that need to cooperate in implementation. It may be several more months before the mechanism becomes functional and begins to deliver results.

In this interim period it is possible that opposition forces will gather in strength and discredit the process.

The setting up and implementation of the accountability mechanism is of primary importance to international human rights organizations and also local activists and civil society groups.

Although the TNA seeks to work in partnership with the government, it has said it will “urge the government to implement the Resolution in a spirit of honesty and cooperation, in particular, the Council's affirmation of the need for the participation of Commonwealth and other foreign judges, prosecutors, investigators and lawyers in a court enabled to try international crimes, through a Special Counsel for prosecutions.” But it is also important to bear in mind that the Tamil people on the ground have a wider interest. They want justice for past wrongs and non-recurrence of human rights violations through institutional reforms.

They also want immediate changes in the ground situation that impact upon their lives.

A priority concern in the North, especially in Jaffna its capital, is the return of land taken over by the security forces for the purpose of establishing high security zones. These were established to prevent the LTTE from infiltrating

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and firing their long range artillery into military bases.

But today the elimination of the LTTE and total destruction of their long range artillery means that there is no need for the high security zones. This land is now either growing wild or is being utilized for commercial purposes by the security forces, while the people who own the land are in camps for the displaced. The conditions in these camps are poor in general and become atrocious in times of rain and in some cases the people do not have access to basic amenities such as their own wells. There are about 30,000 internally displaced persons still living in Jaffna.

Another issue is the continued imprisonment of persons accused of being members or supporters of the LTTE. Recently one of them, a woman, was released by the High Court without charge after having been held in prison custody for 15 years. In court she complained she had been tortured and had marks to show it. The government did not have any evidence other than her confession taken by torturing her.

These are the sores that rankle in the Tamil polity, and which were told to me when I visited Jaffna last week. Those who spoke to me said that the people had voted for the government in the expectation that it would take immediate steps to release their land and those kept in government custody. They had expected these changes to take place immediately after President Maithripala Sirisena was elected in January and the new government was formed.

There is a sense of being let down by the slow pace of change that can become metamorphosed into a sense of betrayal by those who are in opposition to the TNA and do not believe in its constructive engagement with the government. The government needs support and understanding from the North when it deals with the pressures from the South.

Source: TheCitizen, 12 October

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By Sourav Banerjee

R

eligious laws always tend to claim permanence, while historical laws seek to abolish its excesses.

Trapped in the crossfire between the archaic and new, dazed in the tension of this historical process, which is evident in modern times, man looks for a respite. He wishes to be something not ‘him’; sighs wish ‘you’ are here. It leads him towards a religious experience that exists only as absurd, contradiction and utopia.

With the mushrooming of god incarnations — offspring of a god and a mortal or a mortal elevated to lesser divine rank — in thousands and the phenomenon of believer’s ever increasing ‘father-fixation’ and ‘motherfixation’, mankind’s quest for god, divine or spirituality has been reduced to a false hope implicit in the modern anthropomorphic gods.

The otherwise long and arduous spiritual journey to reach god or attain ‘godhood’ is drastically scuttled to such an extent that man now needn't care to delve deep into the myth and mystic of the divine and reach the heaven of Zarathustra for liberation, the only reason being, today he can afford a luxury of consulting living gods or goddesses for his material and spiritual needs in his vicinity, real-time.

Man’s sheer curiosity and ‘running before time’ restlessness forced him to relocate heaven to his home town and replace the incommunicado gods with his choice of living gods and goddesses, who by engaging through DIRECT dialogues and interactions would heal the individual as well as the social ills; so is believed. And consuming this belief and people’s sense of urgency, the parasitic human-gods thrive.

After all, it is mutually agreed that if we cannot ascend to where god is when we need him the most, then let him descend to where we are. It’s because the whole purpose of referring to god in anthropomorphic terms is to make god more relevant to humans. Without anthropomorphism, since god is invisible and immaterial, he is lost in the MARKET of modernity.

The phenomenon of this burgeoning anthropomorphic gods and people falling for it is dialectical in nature with two exclusively opposite qualitative aspects. Promising side is that with the gradual erosion of faith in fictitious heavenly bodies, man has at least intellectually evolved thus dared to discard the illusory existence of god and the monopoly of heaven that has been purportedly scripting his destiny for eons

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The God of many things

and started believing more in man himself for its good or more precisely, immediate existential needs.

Perhaps, it seems wiser to find a saviour in human being than an abstract romantic entity. On the other hand, the worst part is that the more numerous the god (on earth), the more pervasion of autocratic and theocratic power in social life, exploitation, and misery for man. Truth confused, the degeneration of faith has become so much that the relationship man has forged with god (god men and god women) now is more of a trade and political than a journey to achieve ‘truth’, spiritual well being or self emancipation.

The disturbing obvious fact is that when blessing comes from the object behind the faith rather than from the faith itself, the purposes are never solved. In the guise of religious or spiritual guide, by exploiting the faith and man’s precarious existential crisis, the ‘object’ (read god man/ god woman) always tries to establish its rule, authority and hegemony detrimental to people’s aspirations. The fundamental contradiction therefore rests between the ruler and the ruled, and in the tug of war, the narcissist ‘god AFFILIATES’ have hitherto succeeded to privatise the

god and government, as our collective consciousness failed to grasp that “faith alone can give blessing (if needed at all), not the object behind it.”

The scenario in impoverished and economically weaker countries is further grim. For instance, in India, the land of faith and spirituality, the self-appointed messengers of god - sundry spiritual gurus to whom people comfortably submits in search of solace - have been flourishing well while settling political scores to business deals (godman Chandraswami), suggesting dowry (Radhe Maa), castrating their followers and killing witnesses (Dera Sacha Sauda’s Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh), owning vast empires (Mata Amritanandamayi, Satya Sai Baba) and indulging in incredible acts that are least saintly.

And evidently, not only political audacity, consumed by greed and ruthless power, numerous god men and god women exhibit extreme sexual perversions including sex slavery, rape, sodomy, murder, peadophilia, and so on, which further affirms, power and coercion go hand in hand.

But tragically, these ugliest of crimes and controversies could not diminish the count of rapt followers belonging to all the economic and political

classes, cutting across all regional barriers.

While ‘faithfools’ (mostly poor and the oppressed) overlook the glittering and blatant hypocrisy of these demigods and subscribe to them, ‘powerfools’ (ruling class) exploit them for their better survival; be it mobilising electoral support, bagging business deals or fighting political rivals. The high and mighty such as former British PM Margaret Thatcher, Sultan of Brunei, Hollywood actress Elizabeth Taylor (followers of Chandraswami), American business tycoon Isaac Burton Tigrett (disciple of Satya Sai Baba) and countless others were attracted by the magnets and miracles of these god affiliates, though their quest for ‘power’ than ‘truth’ is by now more than exposed.

In 2011, now rape accused godman Asaram Bapu who has millions of followers (read voters) was state guest of seven Congress and BJP ruled states. Chief Ministers who have publicly hailed him include Chhattisgarh’s Raman Singh, Shivraj Singh Chouhan of Madhya Pradesh and Prakash Singh Badal of Punjab. Such is the farce.

Why do we need refuge?

Psychological compulsions Post ‘great depression’ of

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40’s, devastating World War II, gory militarism and sociopolitical upheaval of 60-70’s across the world and further intoxicated by globalisation generated robotic lifestyle, growing economic disparity, unemployment, debt, cuts, and political repression, today people have been terrified and socially alienated to such an extent that a pathetic sense of utmost insecurity and existential angst — anguish, forlornness, and despair — have shrouded the global psyche. The anxiety is so deep that it makes people feel ‘no direction home’ and disoriented in a vast Kafkaesque world where liberty is a statue, like a child left alone in a cruel, merciless island.

Quantum of such anxiety is directly proportionate to the rise of modernity, and with the modernity being enough celebrated since last hundred years, humanity has already suffered a severe haemorrhage within. We can hear the child crying “here I am, will you send me an angel.” The shrill is getting louder.

Such bewildering condition always warrants a saviour to look up to, who would provide some certitude in a very uncertain world. The psychological dependence becomes so intense and overwhelming that the absence of a messiah pushes people to a massive existential turbulence, where drugs, alcoholism, and suicide become the only escape. Here comes the messiah to man’s rescue after massive failures.

With exceptional manoeuvring capability to connect with the anxieties and fears of a victim through their theatrical, provocative oratory skills, these ‘spiritualists’ work “like opiates to people”. With their least concern and knowledge of the ancient spiritual and religious doctrines and traditions, to modern man they are no more than an efficient psychiatrist with good counselling and PR skills.

Capitalising on the crisis of time they put on an image of celestial saviours in blood and flesh striving to stand by their followers in their thick and thin and thus gradually replace the traditional ‘isht devta' or one's personal/family god.

They are growing popular because unlike the invisible gods they are always accessible, within reach and their concerns revolve around the practical solutions for day to day living crisis of man. Their familiarity flourishes because the weak and the oppressed need to cling to someone who understands them and the wild world they are thrown in, who by combining the material and spiritual would reflect on the absurdity people confront in their everyday lives and try to sooth them, without alienating divine from the social.

Contd. on pg 24

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The God of many things Contd. from pg 23

With faith having an impact on healing, such healing qualities of these demigods are the reason behind people finding a refuge in them and HAPPILY tolerating the rampant sexuality of these anthropomorphic gods. In terms of classical psychoanalytic theory or Freudian psychology, the child-like believers, driven by an unconscious desire, share an incredibly strong psychosexual and emotional relationship with these modern gods as parents.

Such identification with the god men is the successful resolution of the Oedipus complex; his and her key psychological experience to developing a mature sexual role and identity. Also, eroticised faith like Hindu Tantric practices or the cult of the Shakti, has always been a big strand in several religious traditions and therefore culturally brought up the people to accept the perverse sexuality of these god men and god women. The aberration is such that even some sects in India prescribe a woman to spend some time with a priest and become

pregnant if she was not able to conceive.

Modern day popular film — Hollywood, Bollywood and other ’woods — is another phenomenon that reaffirms the people’s tolerance of the sexuality of god men and women in their modern avatars. The sexuality is inviting. Since these stars are the icons people draw their moral lessons and social inspirations from, their presence as followers, portrayal of superheroes, and their sexuality easily identifies with the modern concept of god men or women as role models. “This makes for a complex and ambivalent psycho space contemporary god men and women inhabit and capitalise on.”

Cultural reasons Culture has a meaning in the universe of the faithful. To the followers, the modern gods are more of a gaudy character than the traditional philistine one. In a bid to survive the onslaught of capital, globalisation and free market, these god men have already submitted and adapted to the contemporary neoliberal political system by betraying the archaic, severing all relations with the

ancient spiritual traditions, and reconstructing spirituality on the basis of a popular culture.

Unlike the older ones with behind-the-clouds personality, they do not indulge any more in just Platonic love with their subjects.

They hug (Mata Amritanandamayee), dance and do shopping in a pink mini-skirt or jeans in uptown malls (Radhe Maa), enjoy sex or going on a date in private luxury HOTELS AND RESORTS (Sarathi Baba), are passionate about top-end fashion accessories, expensive jewelleries and luxury sedans (Dera Sacha Sauda's Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh) and also provide solace. Such vulgar display of wealth and least ascetic lavish lifestyle are what the upwardly mobile middle-class population aspires to. Therefore, instead of challenging the blatant economic exploitation and spiritual fallacy of these god men and women, it is the dream modern men seek. While these real gods epitomise the aspirations of their generation, they argue, if devils can wear Prada, then why not the gods?

Establishing a cultural hegemony that helps to rule is another primary

concern of these sundry god men. For instance, in India, with the substantial Hindu majority support, these god men profess to defy West by building a counter culture. On 14 February, 2011, Asaram's Yoga Vedanta Seva Samiti (YVSS), organised a Matri Pitri Poojan Divas ("mother-father worship day") in Rourkela, Orissa, and declared a crusade against the Valentine’s Day as a Western cultural invasion.

Asaram's aspiration was supported by many prominent Indian politicians including President Pranab Mukherjee despite the fact that change in culture too is historical inevitability. In 2015, the Chhattisgarh government institutionalised the practice, and directed all schools to observe Matru-Pitru Diwas ("mother-father day") every year on 14 February. Such is the cultural regression.

These reasons are self explanatory and it is not unfounded to say: it’s not superstition but an urgent need for a solution to the massive rupture (economic, political and social) inside society that drives people to believe in anthropomorphic gods.

Pained by the acute feeling of having been abandoned

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in a precarious world and in search of meaning, direction, and purpose, the need to believe far exceeds the need to expose spiritual debauchery and profligacy. Therefore the human gods will only sprout in ever increasing frequency till the existing theology and its modus operandi are vehemently challenged, not as a theoretical construct, but as a life practice. Days are not far when anthropomorphic gods as a conjecture of time will challenge the monolithic construct of elusive gods of heaven as well as the religions on earth. Such is the desperation. In the cacophony of such existential cries we must not discount the German radical poet Heinrich Heine’s warning: I call'd the devil, and he came, And with wonder his form did I closely scan; He is not ugly, and is not lame, But really a handsome and charming man. A man in the prime of life is the devil, Obliging, a man of the world, and civil; A diplomatist too, well skill'd in debate, He talks quite glibly of church and state.

Currently he is staggering under Sanskrit and Hegel.

Source: The Citizen

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Opinion: Dance with the Dragon

By N Chandra Mohan*

N

EW DELHI, Sep 18 2015 (IPS) - Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a meeting with India Inc. to discuss the global economic crisis and how the country can seize the emerging opportunities.

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government does believe this crisis is indeed an opportunity as the economy’s fundamentals remain strong.

India is also considered the best performing economy globally. However, instead of providing suggestions, industrialists outlined their worries, ranging from higher taxes to protecting domestic industries like steel from dumping. One consequence of this meeting was a defensive response by India in slapping a safeguards duty on specific steel imports from China, among other countries.

The government, for its part, does not have any ideas either beyond basking in the glow of selfsatisfaction that India has overtaken China in growth.

With a new base year and

methodology for computing the gross domestic product, the economy has the stride of an Asian tiger than a sluggish elephant! Growth in the current financial year is 7 per cent, a pace that is a tad higher than that of the Chinese economy.

Instead of engaging with the dragon and creating interdependencies that is a win-win situation for ‘Chindia’, the fact of being ahead in the growth sweepstakes is the allimportant issue that has occasioned a sense of

triumphalism.

India now has the opportunity to “take the baton of global growth” from China, stated the minister of state for finance. “The world needs other engines to carry the growth process” added finance minister, Arun Jaitley.

What these ministers conveniently overlook is that a slowdown in China has greater global consequences than a statistical uptick in India’s pace of expansion.

The prospects of the world economy would

deteriorate dramatically if the deceleration in China’s growth gathers momentum. If a country that accounted for 40 percent of global growth last year cannot expand as fast as it did in earlier decades, it can trigger a global recession by itself.

The Indian economy also cannot keep expanding at the current rate indefinitely.

A burst of acceleration is often followed by an equally sharp deceleration. India has experienced 17 years of accelerated expansion

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from 1993 to 2010. China’s example is a singular one as it has expanded at a superrapid rate for more than three decades.

The big question is not if, but when the slowdown kicks in. Having enjoyed robust expansion, the law of averages is bound to assert itself. There is thus a strong probability that India’s growth also will brake sharply like China’s according to US economists Lant Pritchett and Lawrence Summers.

Contd. on pg 26

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Is Modi making in India?

By N Chandra Mohan

I

n this article N Chandra Mohan, an economics and business commentator, writes that India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ' Make in India' economic programme is inspired by the East Asian manufacturing export success story of development. However, whether he succeedes in doing so is far from obvious. East Asian countries succeeded when the global trade was booming. Can a similar outward-oriented strategy get going now when global trade winds are adverse as they were in the 1930s?

New Delhi, Sep 12 2015 (IPS) - Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ PROGRAMME is inspired by the East Asian manufacturing export success story of development. Earlier, when he was chief minister of the state of Gujarat, he expressed an ambition of modelling the state on South Korea.

Whether he succeeded in doing so is far from obvious. Now, as Prime Minister of India from May 2014, whether he can replicate the success story of South Korea and China at the national level is equally far from obvious. East Asian countries succeeded when global trade was booming. Can a similar outward-oriented strategy get going now when global trade winds are adverse as they were in the 1930s?

The world economy is likely to grow by 3.3 per cent this year, not far from the rough rule of thumb indicating a recession. Only 63-odd

countries are set to grow by four percent or more! Half of these are in Africa and close to a third are in Asia.

The advanced countries are afflicted by secular stagnation.

This is an extremely uncertain environment to launch an export drive. As the world economy cannot accommodate another export-led China, India’s central bank governor Raghuram Rajan suggested ‘Make in India’ ought to be re-oriented to ‘Make for India’, that is more dependent on the vast domestic market than relying on incentivized exports alone!

The Prime Minister flagged off ‘Make in India’ in his extempore Independence Day address from the ramparts of the Red Fort on August 15, 2014. He openly welcomed foreign investors to come and set up facilities in this country and talked of encouraging export-oriented manufacturing.

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, in its maiden budget, also indicated a desire to attract big-ticket foreign direct investment in infrastructure like railways, power and highways.

Modi has expressed a vision of building a diamond quadrilateral of bullet trains connecting major metropolises on the Tokaido Shinkansen model and dedicated industrial corridors.

Does this add up to an East Asian model? Not quite.

The South Korea miracle did not happen democratically, but under strong-arm dictators. And the State played a huge role in providing cheap credit to South Korean big business.

More importantly, there are preconditions at the level of human development that do not obtain in India. Forget the poor track-record on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Before take-off, South Korea saw huge investments in education that improved literacy and schooling. Land reforms were in place to ensure unlimited labour to work in the export units.

As the bulk of India’s workforce has low levels of education or none at all, can it attempt this trajectory?

Modi, for his part, wants to boost the manufacturing sector in a big way and make India a global hub. The previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government also sought to improve the competitiveness of manufacturing, but was a miserable failure.

The share of manufacturing in the nation’s output of goods and services has stagnated at 15-16 percent. The ground for serious concern is that this sector is not absorbing the millions who stream out from the farms and head to towns and cities for work. Neither can the services sector, for that matter. There is no alternative to taking up casual and temporary jobs in the vast low-paying informal sector.

What has been the response to ‘Make in India’? In the nine months since it was formally launched, the ones most enthusiastic about it are investors from East Asian countries like Japan, South Korea and China! Japan’s Softbank, India’s Bharti Enterprises and Taiwan-

based Foxconn announced a joint venture to invest 20 billion dollars in renewal energy projects.

Foxconn, the world’s largest contract manufacturer, is also scouting locales to set up 10-12 facilities in India by 2020 according to its chairman Terry Gou and has announced plans to invest five billion dollars in Maharashtra.

China’s smart phone giant Xiaomi has launched its made-in-India handset.

The foreign investor response is most discernible in automobiles.

South Korea’s auto giant Hyundai Motor Co. is considering a third auto plant after Modi’s visit to that country to pitch for foreign DIRECT INVESTMENT to boost local production.

Mercedes Benz is doubling its assembly capacity to 20,000 units. Ford is planning to ship its India-made EcoSport to the US in October 2017. The leader, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, is building its third factory in Gujarat. Addressing auto component suppliers, Suzuki’s chairman, Osamu Suzuki, suggested that Make in India should really be a Quality in India programme! Honda Motor Co, too, is expanding one of its plants.

Auto India has acquired critical size with the presence of most global auto giants and strong domestic players. This has, in turn, catalysed a thriving auto component industry.

Domestic players, including component manufacturers, have forayed abroad and acquire prestigious brands like Jaguar Land Rover and Ssangyong.

While the market for small cars

is booming, it is interesting that even Audi and Daimler Benz are witnessing bullish sales. India is already a base for the global plans of Japanese motorcycle manufacturers.

However, foreign direct investment alone cannot make this flagship programme work as it constitutes only a miniscule 3.9 percent of fixed investments in plant and equipment. It needs the full-fledged participation of India Inc, leading segments of which prefer to invest more outside than domestically. The 16 billion dollars auto giant Mahindra prefers to incubate its latest offering, the GenZe electric scooter, entirely in the US! The warrant for an allAmerican product is that “we really felt that India didn’t have the start-up atmosphere…” stated Anand Mahindra, chairman, in a candid interview to the Financial Times. Mahindra’s move forcefully underscores the challenges Prime Minister Modi faces in pushing for ‘Make in India’. There must be broader agreement on what it means. Is ‘Make in India’ compatible with design, manufacturing and assembly being done elsewhere in the world in a supply chain-driven globalized economy?

To incentivize India Inc, the NDA government also must cut red tape and radically improve the conditions for doing business.

Above all, raising the threshold levels of human development is imperative to kick-start manufacturing in the country. This path need not be an East Asian one but one Made in India.

Opinion: Dance with the Dragon Contd. from pg 25

For such reasons, there are mutual advantages if India gets closer to China. India Inc. must take a long-term view of the engagement. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh firmly believed that this process of coming together of the two countries represented an ‘international public good’ when the spectre of recession haunts the global economy. “It is a historic necessity for the two great neighbours to work together. There will be areas of competition, and there will be areas for cooperation. There is enough space in the world for both countries to continue to grow and address the developmental aspirations of their peoples,” argued Singh way back in 2008.

China’s problems can, in fact, be a huge gain for India’s Make in India

programme as it has a lot of investible resources while we have the requirement.

The big problem is that India Inc. is very hesitant about Chinese investments.

The dragon has run out of surplus labour and wages are fast rising. Some of its labour-intensive industries like textiles have begun to shift out to lower wage economies like Vietnam and Bangladesh. This is a huge opportunity that can be leveraged by India. The PM’s India Inc. meeting only threw up a suggestion that China extends six-month credit to companies, whereas in India companies struggle even for 15-day credit.

India Inc. harbours a defensive mindset about China. Although it is India’s most important trading partner — bilateral trade volumes have risen to 70.6 billion dollars — there is unease over China’s trade surpluses that have ballooned to 37.8 billion dollars in 2014.

Industry’s concern is that the surge in Chinese exports affects Indian manufacturing; that it cannot compete as the latter’s pricing mechanism is opaque with massive subsidies. The yuan is also devalued, sending ripple effects across all emerging countries, including India.

This translates into a targeted flood of Chinese goods into India, resulting in huge surpluses year after year.

There are no prizes for guessing that India’s huge trade imbalance deters a closer truck with China.

India’s position appears more akin to a Third World country that exports raw materials like iron ore and cotton while importing manufactured goods.

While mining, textiles and clothing make up a large chunk of our exports, China exports a range of electrical and other types of machinery to India like automatic data processing machines and transmission

apparatus for radio and telephony. India must diversify its exports as intermediates, parts and components for regional and global supply chains are becoming more and more important in China’s imports.

Despite the problems they face in India, Cuinese investments have been rising since January 2015 when equity inflows were up to 159 million dollars.

They rose to 275 million dollars in February and 203 million dollars in May. Some of these are by Alibaba and Huawei in the technology space.

The Dalian Wanda Group plans huge investments in retail properties and industrial townships. Two Chinese industrial parks are coming up in Maharashtra and Gujarat. This flurry of interest has been especially marked after India launched its flagship PROGRAMME to encourage domestic manufacturing last year.

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Attracting more such investments to help build India’s industrial sector is the best way to take advantage of the current world-wide crisis, regardless of its spread, depth and severity. The Chinese (including the Japanese and South Koreans) can help modernize our railways, build power facilities, highways and dedicated freight corridors.

The wrong way is to get defensive by protecting Indian industry against Chinese goods through safeguard duties. * N Chandra Mohan is an economics and business commentator.

The VIEWS expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, IPS – Inter Press Service or the SAT- South Asia Times.

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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

4 Timbarra Crescent, O’Malley ACT 2606 (Australia), Tel: 61-2-62901676, 61-2-62901676, 62902769, 62901879 & 62901031, Fax: 61-262901073 Email: parepcanberra@internode. on.net, Postal Address: PO Box 684, Mawson ACT 2607 (Australia)

Broadmeadows Mosque 45-55 King Street, Broadmeadows Ph 03 9359 0054 Islamic Call Society 19 Michael Street, Brunswick Ph: 03 9387 7100

Sri Lanka Consulate

Islamic Centre of Australia 660 Sydney Road, Brunswick Ph 03 9385 8423

32A Brunswick Street ,Walkerville 5081 Melbourne , Phone: 9898-6760, 9248-1228 Email: rodney@techno.net.au

Australian Islamic Cultural Centre 46-48 Mason Street, Campbellfield Ph: 03 9309 7605

Bangladesh High Commission, Canberra

Coburg ISNA Mosque 995 Sydney Road, Coburg North

43, Culgoa Circuit, O’Malley, ACT-2606 Canberra, Australia, Ph: (61-2) 6290-0511, (612) 6290-0522, (61-2)6290-0533 (Auto hunting).

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Coburg Mosque (Fatih Mosque) 31 Nicholson Street, Coburg Ph 03 9386 5324 Deer Park Mosque 283 Station Road, Deer Park Ph 03 9310 8811

Consulate of Nepal, Melbourne

United Migrant Muslim Assn.

72 George Road, Doncaster Ph 03 9842 6491, Footscray West Mosque 294 Essex Street, Footscray

SIKH

Heidelberg Mosque Corner Lloyd & Elloits Streets, West Heidelberg

CRAIGIEBURN Sri Guru Singh Sabha 344 Hume Highway, Craigieburn VICTORIA 3164 (see map), Ph: (03) 9305 6511 KEYSBOROUGH Gurdwara Sri Guru Granth Sahib 198 -206 Perry Road, Keysborough VICTORIA 3073 (see map) LYNBROOK Nanaksar Taath, 430 Evans Road, Lynbrook VICTORIA 3975, (03) 9799 1081 HOPPERS CROSSING Sri Guru Nanak Satsang Sabha 417 Sayers Road, Hoppers Crossing VICTORIA 3029, Ph: (03) 9749 2639 WERRIBEE Gurdwara Sahib Werribee 560 Davis Road, Tarneit VICTORIA 3029 PH: (03) 8015 4707

Email: cyonzon@nepalconsulate.net.au Level 7, 28-32 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Ph: (03) 9650 8338 Email: info@nepalconsulate.net.au

Glenroy Musala 1st Floor, 92 Wheatsheaf Road, Glenroy

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Islamic College of Victoria (Mosque) 201 Sayers Road, Hoppers Crossing Ph 03 9369 6010

SBS1 – Daily NDTV News - 11 am - Monday to Saturday. (From New Delhi, India).

Urdu news SBS1 - PTV News – 9.30 am - Every Sunday – (From Pakistan).

Huntingdale Mosque 320-324 Huntingdale Road, Huntingdale Ph 03 9543 8037

Readymade Garments

Al Nur Mosque 34-36 Studley Street, Maidstone

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

Meadow Heights Mosque Hudson Circuit, Meadow Heights

Raj Rani Creations 83-A Foster Street, Dandenong, Vic 3175 Ph: (03) 9794 9398

Springvale Mosque 68 Garnworthy Street, Springvale

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Sankat Mochan Temple 1289 A North Road. Huntingdale Morning: 10.30 am – 12.30 pm daily Evening: 4:30 pm – 8.00 pm daily Site: http: www.sankatmochan.org.au Contact: 0427 274 462

BLACKBURN Sri Guru Nanak Satsang Sabha 127 Whitehorse Road, Blackburn VICTORIA 3130, Ph: (03) 9894 1800

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desi estyle 76 Foster St., Dandenong 3175 (03) 87744853; 0413707685 000

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Heritage India 54-56 Foster Street, Dandenong, Vic 3175, Ph: (03) 9791 9227 Site: heritageindia.net.au

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quick community guide

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contd from previous page DVDs, Music CDs & Film Stuff Baba Home Entertainment 52C Foster St., Dandenong 3175, (03) 97067252 1st Migration PL, Suite 110, Level 1, 672 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn Vic 3122

Travel Agents Gaura Travels 1300 FLY INDIA or 1300 359 463 info@gauratravel.com.au Supa Cheap Travel 381 Burwood Road, Hawthorn 3122 Ph: (03) 98194656; Mobile: 0420201155 info@supacheaptravel.com.au www.supacheaptravel.com.au Mann Travel 329 Clayton Road, Clayton 3168 info@manntravel.com.au www.manntravel.com.au Travel House 284 Clayton Road, Clayton 3168 Ph: (03) 95435123, Mobile: 0425803071 mail@travelhouse.com.au

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PHONE NUMBERS Phone Number for General Consular Enquiries(operational only during Consular Working Hours i.e. 0930 hrs to 1230 hrs, Monday to Friday) For PCC and PCC and Driving License Verification enquiries 03- 96825800 02 8223 9908/ 1900 969 969 Email ID for General Consular Enquiries consular@cgimelb.org Visa enquiries: visainfo.inau@vfshelpline.com Passport/Police Clearance Certificate/ Driving License Enquiries passportinfo. inau@vfshelpline.com, OCI/PIO Enquiries ociinfo.inau@vfshelpline.com CONSULAR SERVICES (Passport, Visa, OCI, PIO & Miscellaneous) Please note that all these consular services are handled by VFS Global (Indian Passport and Visa Service Centre) The Consulate General of India in Melbourne will continue to provide to residents of Victoria and Tasmania the following consular services, for which applications would have to be lodged directly with the Consulate: Miscellaneous OCI Services • Miscellaneous Consular Services (such as attestation of documents, transfer of visas from old to new passport, affidavits, birth certificates, life certificates, certificate required to transport ashes or mortal remains to India etc) IMPORTANT: The Consulate does not accept credit cards, EFTPOS, personal cheques or company cheques. Please send only money orders or bank cheques with applications sent through the post. Cash payments are accepted only at the counter.

(MELBOURNE) Address : 344, St. Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia , P.O. Box No: 33247 Domain LPO Vic 3004 General phone: +61-3- 96827836 Fax No: + 61-3- 96968251 Web site: www.cgimelb.org

WORKING HOURS General Working Hours 9.00 am to 5.30 pm Monday to Friday, Consular Working Hours 09.30 am to 12.30 pm Monday to Friday, (except on public holidays observed by the consulate)

MLG Lawyers Ronny Randhawa 144 Sydney Road, Coburg Vic Ph 9386 0204 & 138 Walker Street, Dandenong Vic Ph: 9793 9917 Mobile : 0402 256 712

International Students International Student Care Service (ISCS) www.multicultural.vic.gov.au/iscs Ph: 1800 056 449

Vera Lawyers Kusum Vaghela Level 1, Suite 2, 373 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong Vic, Mobile: 0433 827 124

Property FIRST Property PL, Suite 110, Level 1,672 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn Vic 3122

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Entertainment

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How truth is made ambiguous

By Saumil Gandhi

L

ike most people who have followed the Arushi Talwar case in the media, the point that intrigued me most was this – after months of evidence and counter evidence, I was not able to pick a villain or choose a side.

The umpteen flip flops triggered both by an apparently bungled investigation and a hedonistic media in overdrive meant that from this distance, your opinion mirrored primarily what the press covered. You couldn’t believe that parents could kill their child, yet a voyeuristic surprise existed every time you read a report that hinted this indeed was the case. You found it easy to believe that the domestic help would be the guilty, and their exoneration startled you with its unexpectedness. It was sheer drama; exactly how the media wanted it.

Less than halfway through the film, and you realized that the makers did find a party guilty, and the suspense ended sooner than you’d have hoped for. That was perhaps the only part of Talvar that could therefore be considered a slight disappointment. It’s not of course, because the clarity and conviction

of the makers in taking a stand against the investigating agencies, officials, and the larger justice system in an emotionally sensitive situation is admirable.

Talvar is a superbly crafted case against the government agencies that prosecuted Arushi Talwar’s parents for her murder.

Combining intensive research with cinematic liberties, the story quietly and without prejudice shows the extent to which an innocent couple is trapped in the web of a hopelessly unprofessional and often malicious investigation.

The final scene, where Irrfan Khan ridicules the investigation team, is combustible. Dialogue and performances are elevated to refined levels, and less is more has never been more effective. Note the ignorantly happy assistant who keeps on presenting photos and other evidence to the presiding officer, unknowingly digging his grave each time. Or the churlishness of the junior office presenting his ridiculously theoretical assumptions that preempt real proof to prove his point.

The support roles aid the ultimate purpose of the scene – to prove the parents are innocent – as much as the leading man Irrfan does, and it is gratifying to see

the balance that director Meghna Gulzar achieves here by using the antagonists just as effectively to construct the scene.

All this is of course held together by a very solid, thorough and detailed screenplay. The narrative is mistakenly compared

revelations, and at each stage shows what really happened – according to her, of course – and how it was covered up by the investigating authorities. There is no great conspiracy or revelation on why the CDI – the investigating authority – chose to mislead

to Akira Kurosawa’s landmark film, Rashomon. Kurosawa actually delved into the ambiguity of truth there, and you never quite know which version of the truth to believe. Meghna Gulzar is clear on what the truth is, and chooses to show how it is made ambiguous. She patiently takes the story through the various

the case, and the writers choose to attribute the grave injustice that happened to human frailties like personal egos and greed.

This realism is extended in the film’s treatment. Shot extensively on handheld, aided with a minimal background score and production design, Talvar gives you a feeling of immediacy to the proceedings.

And yet it’s not all serious, as you

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

can’t help but smile when the radio in one scene breaks into “Mera kuch samaan…” at one point. Tabu’s track is questionable, and is not the most elegant device to give Irrfan Khan’s character a human perspective. It succeeds in showing his character to have its own flaws, but his performance itself is pitch perfect. Both – his ownership of, and submission to, a character – make it a master class, and his consistency in delivery such brilliant performances in equally mesmerizing films has meant that you equate a film with him in the lead as a quality product. This is equal to how we would consider every SRK film in the 90s to be a blockbuster, and is a huge tribute to one of our best actors. Giving him equal support are Neeraj Kabi and Konkana Sen Sharma as the bereaved parents wrongly accused of murdering their child.

Watch them act out a hypothetical scene where they are supposed to murder their child, and you’ll know the difficulty of their roles in navigating the film.

Talvar minces no words giving you a judgment. The beauty of the film though, lies in the fact that it does not need to say much to make its point.

Source: Upperstall

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south asia 36 South Asia Timestimes

film review

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By SAT News Desk

M

elbourne, 9 October: Greg Sneddon’s Arrows of the Thunder Dragon has been selected as Australia’s official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 88th Academy Awards. The movie will now compete with 80 other entrants from around the world to be shortlisted for nomination.

“I’m thrilled and honoured for our film to represent Australia in the Academy Awards foreign language category,” says Writer / Director /Producer Greg Sneddon. “I feel Arrows of the Thunder Dragon is important on a few levels, not the least of which is that it is a thinkingperson's film that relies on subtle story content to engage the audience. The Bhutanese traditional way of life and death is quite remarkable in its sophistication.”

Screen Australia arranges an independent panel to make the selection from the eligible Australian foreign language films each year. To be eligible for consideration in the category, a film must be defined by predominantly non-English dialogue and have been theatrically (cinema) released in its country of origin for at least seven days. Only one film can be submitted from each country.

Australian film on Bhutan selected for Best Foreign Language Academy Award

“Despite being an Englishspeaking country, Arrows of the Thunder Dragon marks our fourth selection in a row for this category after Charlie’s Country in 2014, The Rocket in 2013 and Lore in 2012,” says Richard Harris, Head of Business and Audience at Screen Australia.

“We heartily congratulate Greg and all the team from Arrows of the Thunder Dragon and now wait with bated breath to see if the film makes the next selection hurdle. If Arrows of the Thunder Dragon does get nominated in the category, it would be the first official Australian entry to

ever do so,” he said.

The 88th Academy Award nominations will be announced on 14 January 2016, with the awards presented on 28 February 2016. The movie’s producers are Greg Sneddon (Aust) Tshering Dorji (Bhutan);Director ,Writer and Music - Greg Sneddon (Aust); Cinematographer - Leki Dorji (Bhutan);Film Editor - Jill Bilcock (Aust) The cast includes Khandhu, Tshering Zangmo, Karma Tshering, Shacha (Bhutan). The movie trailor can be viewed at - https:// vimeo.com/124122940 Synopsis - Set in the 1980s, the story follows brother

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

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and sister Kuenphen and Jamyang where, in a remote Bhutanese village, they learn traditional archery from their old warrior grandfather.

The respected but eccentric old man uses a heavy hand and strict discipline to train the young Kuenphen in the art of traditional archery. It becomes clear Kuenphen has opportunities to further his interests while sister Jamyang must stay home to weave, cook and get married; a fate the young woman is not willing to accept without a fight. When Kuenphen has to leave the village to take his mother on a three day walk to the old castle for medical treatment, Jamyang's own desire to explore a wider world other than the norm of following her mother’s traditional life is stimulated.

Filmed entirely on location in the breathtaking Himalaya Mountains, the actors are made up of local highland village people. The traditional life in tiny isolated Bhutan is striking. Featuring current members of the famous Bhutanese Olympic women's archery team who will be seen competing at the Rio Olympic Games, this beautiful story from the ancient Buddhist Kingdom that aims for 'Gross National Happiness', examines the gentle toughness required to overcome all odds - and win at what means most.

—SAT News Service.

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“knowledge is to be shared and not to be concealed�

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south asia 38 South Asia Timestimes

book review

Book on Firaq, an oasis In a parched land

By Saeed Naqvi

I

n my current pre-occupations with the depressing state of world affairs, the arrival of a book, “Firaq Gorakhpuri” for review, provided relief. The author, Ajai Mansingh claimed to be a relative of Firaq.

This was intriguing. Raghupati Sahai Firaq, was a straightforward Kayastha from a distinguished family of Urdu poets. It turns out that Mansingh claims descent from one of Firaq’s sisters.

Oddly, Mansingh has lived in Canada for over decade teaching subjects unrelated to poetry. He then settled down in Jamaica which I associate with Rastafarians, Ocho Rios and fast bowler Michael Holding, not Firaq.

All information is not necessarily knowledge.

Mansingh’s painstaking compilation of the great poet’s family and relatives does not shed even a shaft of light on a genius who spent his life in poetic gatherings, mushairas, intellectuals, artists, students and teachers of Allahabad University.

The book has triggered a procession of personal memories.

Once when I was visiting my cousin Mushtaq Naqvi in Allahabad, the great Urdu critic, Saiyyid Ehtesham Hussain dropped by.

He had to meet Firaq Sahib and asked me to accompany him. Firaq Sahib held forth on a book by Prof. Aijaz Hussain, Head of the Urdu department and Firaq’s regular companion.

Ehtesham Sahib, a man of few words, was mesmerized. Returning home, Ehtesham Sahib muttered mostly to himself about Firaq’s “incisive” mind, how he had shed light on aspects of the book only a genius can discover.

This admission was significant because Ehtesham’s critique of the book had created waves in literary circles. Firaq’s observations were novel and fresh. Throughout the journey back home, Ehtesham kept shaking his head in silent admiration.

My cousin Mushtaq was close to Firaq on two counts. Firaq’s youngest brother, Yadhupati Sahai, was the head of department, English literature at Allahabad University where Mushtaq was a lecturer. Also, Musthaq’s maternal grandfather, Mir Wajid Ali, had been a much respected senior in Naini jail where Firaq too had spent a term during the freedom movement.

The day after Ehtesham Sahib’s visit, Mushtaq visited Firaq.

“Ehtesham Sahib was terribly excited about your fresh insights into Prof. Aijaz Hussain’s book.”

“Which book?” Firaq rolled his eyes mischievously. “I know Aijaz so well, I don’t need to read his book.”

This was just one example of Firaq’s perceptive, razor sharp mind. He had sent away the greatest critic in the land deeply impressed by his insights into a scholarly book he had not read. He had anticipated his friend Aijaz’s mind with stunning accuracy.

In his book Ajai Mansingh expresses unhappiness with the way Firaq has been projected. Most of the writings on Friaq, he alleges, were based on gossip.

At the very outset the Author, lists four generations of Firaq’s family as sources for the book. In this list the Mansinghs are prominently inserted. Firaq would have torn his hair. He was not a family man at all. One of the unhappiest events of his life was his marriage. The language he sometimes used to describe his wife is almost unprintable.

Firaq was one of Urdu’s greatest poets, but he was not what you would call a nice man. He says so himself.

“Munh se hum pane bura to naheen kehte ki Firaq, Hai tera dost, magar aadmi achcha bhi Naheen” (I will not call him names because Firaq is your friend. But let me warn you, he is not a good man.)

He could be self centered and insincere.

Many flattering stories about himself were half truths. Firaq passed the ICS examination. Not true. He got into the provincial civil service but, under the spell of the Nehru family, joined the national movement. He was a professor in the ENGLISH Department. Incorrect. He spent his life as a lecturer. Yes, he was one of the most popular teachers the university ever had.

He had all the contradictions great men are sometimes endowed with. In full flight of his imagination, he could, in one moment be with the stars, clouds, the milky way.

In the next moment he touches deep emotions with rare delicacy. He is probably the most sensuous poet since Meer Taqi Meer. Shabe wisaal ke baad aayina to dekh I dost Tere jamal ki dosheezgi nikhar aayee (Look at the mirror after a night of love You look more chaste and maidenly) Or Woh tamam rooe nigar hai Woh tamam bos o kanar hai Woh hai ghuncha, ghuncha jo dekhiye Woh hai choomiye to dahan, dahan. (She is all beauty to behold She is all entangled arms and lips She is a rose bud for eyes to dwell on In a kiss she is all mouth.)

Did Firaq dominate the literary scene even though contemporaries like Josh Malihabadi, Jigar Moradabadi and Yaas Yagana Changezi were also on the stage? Such an assertion would be fiercely challenged by partisans. Josh was unparalleled in the boom and vigour of his diction; Jigar in his unsurpassed lyricism; Yagana in the startling novelty of ideas.

Firaq derives his sensuousness from Behari as well as Keats. As a teacher of English literature, he had allowed the Romantic movement to influence him greatly. He was to that extent much more cosmopolitan than his contemporaries. A few decades down the line Faiz Ahmad Faiz emerged as a poet with a mind truly in the modern idiom. His personal friendships extended from Edward Said to Louis MacNeice.

Faiz was quite considerably helped by the fact that he lived in Lahore, the liveliest cultural centre until 1947. Lucknow and Delhi never quite recovered their élan after 1857.

Majaz possibly the finest talent of the century, languished in Lucknow’s decadence. His dozen or so ghazals and long poem, Awara, rank with the best in Urdu poetry.

It is in this galaxy that Firaq shines incomparably. He courted controversies, including the one which caused Oscar Wilde to be jailed by Victorian England. Like Wilde, Firaq was a scintillating conversationalist, whose company was sought by all ages.

Ajai Mansingh’s plaint is that most of the Firaq stories were “unethical, mischievous and libelous,” as they were based on “gossip”.

He says all the writings were based on Firaq’s “last twenty five or thirty years when he had become mentally deranged and morally bankrupt.”

Here is a clear case of libeling the dead.

Firaq attended Mushairas until the 70s. He died in 1982.

What a genius like Firaq needed was a Boswell, to record the public record of his wit and erudition, not a tedious compilation of relationships the great poet would have had difficulty recognizing.

Source: The Citizen, September 20, 2015 www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9095 6220, 0421 677 082

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