SAT September Issue 2015

southSouth asia times 1 Asia Times

SAT

S E P T E M B E R

1

J u l y

CELEBRATING 13TH YEAR OF PUBLICATION

2 0 1 5

2 0 1 0

South Asia Times Vol.13 I No. 2 I SEPTEMBER 2015 I FREE s o u t hasiatim es.com .au

I

Ph: (03) 9095 6220 M: 0421 677 082

LOANSDIRECT LOANS MADE EASY!

I

Add: PO Box 465, Brentford Square, Victoria 3131

E FRoE bile

Car Loans

M p!

Ap

Home Loans Personal Loans

www.loansdirect.com.au

Melbourne Office: Suite 19, 17-19 Miles Street Mulgrave VIC 3170 Pankaj Goyal P: (03) 9819 4656 F: (03) 9818 3300 E: harry@loansdirect.com.au Like us and Share on:

FREE Consultation!

Call 03 9819 4656

Truck Loans New Homes, Plans & Permits, S/E Development Sites: iaussiebuilders.com.au

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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

Australian Credit License: 385597 Credit Ombudsman Member: M0007205 Real Estate Agent License: 074446L

Editor: Neeraj Nanda

south asia 2 South Asia Timestimes

GUEST EDITORIAL

S E P T E M B E R

Europe squabbles while refugees die

2 0 1 5

The Syrian refugee crisis is creating headlines globally. Europe is seeing a steady flow of thousands of them and some countries have announced to take in specified numbers. But refugees are suffering and dying while some in the European Community are squabbling. Refugees have a right to protection and asylum. Most ‘regime change’ refugees are from Libya, Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. It’s a human tragedy which needs immediate solution. Australia should also open its arms and take in as many as possible. The write-up below explains the need to abandon ‘legal status’ and adopt an ‘humanitarian approach’ towards the refugees. - Editor

By Thalif Deen

U

NITED NATIONS, Aug 30 2015 (IPS) - As tens of thousands of refugees continue to flee conflictridden countries, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria, Western European governments and international humanitarian organisations are struggling to cope with a snowballing humanitarian crisis threatening to explode.

Hungary is building a fence to ward off refugees. Slovakia says it will accept only Christian refugees, triggering a condemnation by the United Nations.

The crisis was further dramatized recently when the Austrians discovered an abandoned delivery truck containing the decomposing bodies of some 71 refugees, including eight women and three children, off a highway outside of Vienna.

Sweden and Germany, which have been the most receptive, have absorbed about 43 percent of all asylum seekers.

But in Germany, despite its liberal open door policy with over 44,000 Syrian refugees registered this year, there have been attacks on migrants, mostly by neo-Nazi groups.

The crisis is likely to get worse, with the United Nations predicting over 3,000 migrants streaming into Western Europe every day – some of them dying on the high seas.

The Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) says more than 2,500 refugees have died trying to cross the Mediterranean into Europe this year.

British Prime Minister David Cameron has come under fire for dehumanizing migrants as “a swarm of people coming across the Mediterranean, seeking a better life, wanting to come to Britain”.

Harriet Harman, a British lawyer and a Labour Party leader of the opposition, shot back when she said Cameron “should remember he is talking about people and not insects” and called the use of “divisive” language a “worrying turn”.

The three countries with the largest external borders – Italy, Greece and Hungary – are facing the heaviest inflow of refugees.

The 28-member European Union (EU) remains sharply divided as to how best it should share the burden.

While Western European countries are complaining about the hundreds and thousands of refugees flooding their shores, the numbers are relatively

“We have to remember [refugees] are human beings. Often they have no choice but to leave their homes. And they must have unhindered access to basic human rights, in particular the right to protection and health care."

-- Francesco Rocca, President of the Italian Red Cross.

insignificant compared to the 3.5 million Syrian refugees hosted by Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon The New York Times quoted Alexander Betts, a professor and director of the Refugees Studies Centre at Oxford University, as saying: “While Europe is squabbling, people are dying.”

German Chancellor Angela Merkel says the EU is facing one of its worst crises ever, outpacing the Greek financial meltdown, which threatened to break up the Union.

In a hard-hitting statement released Friday, U.N. SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon said he is “horrified and heartbroken” at the latest loss of lives of refugees and migrants in the Mediterranean and Europe.

He pointed out that a large majority of people undertaking these arduous and dangerous journeys are refugees fleeing from places such as Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan.

“International law has stipulated

– and states have long recognized – the right of refugees to protection and asylum.”

When considering asylum requests, he said, States cannot make distinctions based on religion or other identity – nor can they force people to return to places from which they have fled if there is a well-founded fear of persecution or attack.

“This is not only a matter of international law; it is also our duty as human beings,” the U.N. chief declared.

Meanwhile, international organisations, including the United Nations, have been calling for “humanitarian corridors” in war zones – primarily to provide food, shelter and medicine unhindered by conflicts.

Francesco Rocca, President of the Italian Red Cross, told IPS: “On our side, we ask for humanitarian corridors, respect for human dignity and respect for Geneva Conventions [governing

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

the treatment of civilians in war zones] for reaching everyone suffering.”

Regarding people on the move – and people fleeing from these conflicts – “we have to remember they are human beings. Often they have no choice but to leave their homes. And they must have unhindered access to basic human rights, in particular the right to protection and health care,” he said.

Rocca said these people don’t want to escape; they love their homes, their teachers, their schools and their friends.

“But these are terrible stories of people who have been driven from their homes by violence in Syria, Sudan and other conflicts. For almost three years we have asked for humanitarian corridors,” but to no avail, he said.

“I strongly support the Red Cross EU Office position on migration and asylum in the EU, which clearly recommends respecting and protecting the rights of migrants whatever their legal status, respecting the dignity and rights of all migrants in border management policies, sharing responsibility in applying a Common European asylum system.”

As far as the Italian Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) are concerned, he said: “We urge for a humanitarian approach to tackling the vulnerabilities of migrants, rather than focusing on their legal status.”

—Edited by Kanya D’Almeida

S E P T E M B E R

COMMUNITY

2 0 1 5

southSouth asia times 3 Asia Times

Shobhaa De: One has to stand up against bullies and take them on

By Neeraj Nanda

M

elbourne: Controversial and outspoken Indian author Shobhaa De has said women are invisible and are in purdah. She was answering to questions by author Samhita Arni during the recent Australia India Institute organised ‘In conversation with Shobaa De’ at the Melbourne University.

“We do not even see ourselves.

We are afraid of being judged. Time has come we need to be tough about ourselves,” she said.

Shobhaa describing her career said, “Modelling told me the value of money and the sweat behind it. I got fantastic breaks and was editor at 23. It gave me economic freedom.

At 67 with three daughters and two sons, I stand on my own legs and have nobody to fear.”

Answering to a question on sexual violence in India she said, “Sexual violence has nothing to do with sex, it's just violence.”

And added, “In the last 4-5 years this violence has been alarming.”

“The biggest challenge against sexual violence is to get the message across in rural illiterate India and TV is a good medium as people can see and hear it, “she said.

About writers Shobhaa said, “No writer can live in a bubble or cocoon. Many cases have been filed against me and demos held outside my home.”

But, “One has to stand up against bullies and take them on, she said.

“No one in the world can stop a writer from writing as he or she wills. The writers should have originality, curiosity, passion and

imagination.

One should write what one feels and not think about the consequences,” she said.

She said in India one can see the writing on the wall with attacks on press freedom, bans on books etc. and that “We are living through it”.

In a rather bold way, Shobhaa said, Sometimes there is no substitute for the F... word. The F... word is the best word and now the D...... (Divorce) word is also important for women who are just used and want to get rid of it.

Answering to a question by SAT, Shobhaa said, “There has been some change also with women ready to take risks and moving ahead in life.”

About India, Shobhaa said, “Despite enormous disparities the country also has opportunities in different sectors. The example of a dalit, Mayawati becoming the Chief Minister of India’s most populated state proves this.”

Shobhaa De was in Melbourne for the Melbourne Writers Festival.

—SAT News Service.

contents P8

P3 P2

GUEST EDITORIAL

P3

SHOBHAA DE REPORT

P6

P8

P6

P 10

P 14

OM MUSIC TRIBUTE TO MANOJ KIMAR

PAK I-DAY CELEBRATED

BANGLADESH COMM BACKS LABOR

SOUTH ASIA

P 10 P 12

IFFM 2015 A BIG SUCCESS KUMAR VISWAS REPORT

P 12

P 22 P 34

ENTERTAINMENT

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

P 34

south asia 4 South Asia Timestimes

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

S E P T E M B E R

2 0 1 5

S E P T E M B E R

southSouth asia times 5 Asia Times

2 0 1 5

Bring Back Your

Natural Beauty

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

south asia 6 South Asia Timestimes

COMMUNITY

S E P T E M B E R

Star studded IFFM 2015 a big success

By SAT News Desk

M

elbourne: The IFFM2015, with an array of excellent movies and events laced with top film personalities proved its worth as a cultural icon of the world’s most liveable city. The world’s biggest movie industry showcasing its excellence with mainstream and art house movies engaged the community and mainstream Australia consolidating Victoria and Australia’s multicultural ethos.

The festival left behind beautiful memories never to be forgotten.

In April, IFFM ambassador Vidya Balan launched the theme

of IFFM2015 as ‘Equality’, citing the theme as “reflecting a dialogue that's on in every which way, that's happening in theatre, dance and cinema. And not just in art, but in everyday lives.

IFFM2015 was the largest and most ambitious yet: with 50 plus screenings, Q&As and master class sessions, a flag-hoisting event by Bollywood icon Anil Kapoor for the Indian Independence Day, the Telstra Bollywood Dance Competition (with 27 dance groups performing across the afternoon at Federation Square); and the second IFFM Awards Night, with the inaugural Equality Fashion Show!

The festival kicked off with

a bang with a screening of the Sundance award winning film, Umrika, starring Suraj Sharma.

Crowds gathered at Hoyts Melbourne Central for the two opening screenings with special guests, Anil Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor, and Katti Batti trio, Nikhil Advani, Imran Khan and Kangana Ranaut.

The Indian Independence Day was celebrated with an emotional and memorable flag-hoisting by Anil Kapoor with Indian High Commissioner in Canberra Hon. Mr. Navdeep Suri , who led a packed Federation Square in a rousing rendition of the Jana Gana Mana and Jai Hind!

Work safe.

Workplaces that are serious about safety, have managers that are committed to safety.

At the end of the day, safety matters.

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

2 0 1 5

The huge crowd swelled for the Telstra Bollywood Dance Competition: as Federation Square filled as far as the eye could see. The sun came out for the festivities; and Katti Batti trio Nikhil Advani, Kangana Ranaut and Imran Khan acted as judges for the afternoon of the dance competition and celebration.

Indian funny man Kiku Sharda, dressed as his moniker Palak, kept the captive crowd in stitches; and 27 diverse, talented and captivating Bollywood dance groups danced the afternoon away.

The overall winners of the day were: Presented by Telstra: The Dancing Bird (Preteen) Natya Bollywood and Bollywood Dimensions Presented by Air India: Hannah Dawson (solo) Equality was our overarching theme for the festival: of race, sex, gender and ability: encapsulated in our film curation and, most significantly, in our inaugural Equality Fashion Show.

Contd. on pg 7

S E P T E M B E R

COMMUNITY

2 0 1 5

southSouth asia times 7 Asia Times

New home sites at Featherbrook, Point Cook

M

elbourne: The Central Equity is excited to announce the release of new land at one of Point Cook’s most popular estates, Featherbrook. The Sunnybrook precinct of land will consist of a range of new homesites adjacent to the existing Featherbrook community. Buyers can now choose from a wide selection of new home sites in a range of sizes and orientations to suit different budgets and needs. The choice was made easier at the grand opening on Saturday 5th September 2015.

The Sunnybrook land release at Featherbrook offers all the benefits of living in this vibrant, established community, with its excellent amenities and beautiful natural features.

On the day, prospective buyers wanting to learn more about the Sunnybrook release enjoyed a free Barista coffee, BBQ and vegetarian food and view 15 display homes by some of Melbourne’s leading builders. A mortgage provider was also available to attend to

enquiries regarding finance.

There was also the opportunity to see the vibrant community hub at Featherbrook and the abundance of landscaped public spaces and recreation facilities that are a key attraction of the estate.

The Featherbrook village offers a hub for the local community with the popular Brook Bistro and a range of shops, cafes and food outlets, as well as a medical centre and pharmacy. A Woolworth’s supermarket and 14 specialty shops at the Featherbrook

Shopping Centre provide excellent local shopping and lifestyle facilities.

Featherbrook Community Centre includes a kindergarten, play areas, meeting spaces, maternal health care services and weekly church services. Next door to that is the newly opened Platypus Junction Childcare Centre, Nature abounds at Featherbrook, with public parklands and wetlands providing a beautiful setting for leisure and sports activities. There are walking

and riding tracks throughout, recreation areas and excellent sporting facilities, including an AFL-size oval.

The CBD and key employment centres are easily accessed by car and there is a bus service that runs through Featherbrook and provides a connection to Williams Landing Train Station.

Featherbrook is also close to a range of select primary and secondary schools, major shopping centres and a host of recreational facilities.

Affordability is paramount for new homebuyers and unlike many new estates in Point Cook, purchasing at Featherbrook does not incur any on-going owner’s corporation (body corporate) fees.

A project of mulit-awardwinning developer Central Equity Land, Featherbrook meets the same exacting standards that have won that company several major industry awards in recent years.

Central Equity Land Marketing Manager, Jeremy Vile says, “Featherbrook is

highly sought-after because it offers so many beautiful natural features and great value, close to major shopping, employment and education centres. New buyers like the fact that the majority of the amenities have been delivered already therefore new residents can enjoy all the facilities of the estate as soon as they move in.”

A great selection of prime home sites is available in the Sunnybrook precinct in a range of sizes and orientations to suit different design and budget requirements. Flexible design guidelines will make it easy to build the home of your choice. New house and land packages start from only $375,000.

The Featherbrook sales office is located at 275 Sneydes Rd, Point Cook at it’s open from 10.00am to 5.00pm from Monday to Friday and 11.00am to 5.00pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Information is also available at www. featherbrook.com.au or by ringing 1800 445 520.

Star studded IFFM 2015 a big success

Contd. from page 6 Our IFFM Awards Night, with Equality Fashion Show, celebrated individuals from all walks of life, as models and non-models walked the ramp in exquisite pieces by Australian and Indian designers.

Cate Sayers – CEO of e.motion21, walked the ramp with her daughter, Alle, who delighted the audience with a hair-whip at the edge of the ramp.A silent auction of the designers’ clothes was held: with all funds going to the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Edgy Kannada film, Naanu Avanalla...Avalu (I Am Not He...

She), explored the lives of the transgender within India, and director BS Lingadevaru explained the challenges of creating a film on such a taboo topic. Australian filmmaker Ana Tiwary screened

her pertinent documentary Sunshine & Shade, and discussed the effect of racism upon students in our current climate.

Nagesh Kukunoor captivated, thrilled and inspired an immersed audience at his filmmaking masterclass: sharing anecdotes, insight into his filmmaking processes, and insider industry information.

This festival was the biggest yet: with more events and screenings than any years’ prior.

Fed Square was filled as far as the eye could see, and the Great Hall at the NGV was crammed to capacity for the IFFM Awards and Equality Fashion Show.

Packed cinemas soaked up inspiration from award-winning filmmakers and producers: and the masterclass sessions thrilled film and comedy-lovers alike!

INDIAN FILM FESTIVAL OF MELBOURNE AWARDS 2015 – WINNERS Best Actor: Irrfan Khan – Piku / Shahid Kapoor – Haider Best Actress: Bhumi Pednekar–Dum LagakeHaisha Best Director: Shoojit Sircar–Piku Best Film: Piku Best Indie Film: Kaaka Muttai (Crows Eggs) IFFM Excellence in Cinema: Anil Kapoor Telstra People's Choice Award: PK Western Union Short Film Competition Winners It’s Your Fault – All India Bakchod (India) Road to Grand Final – Mark Hellinger and Jesse Maskell (Australia) —SAT News Service.

Leave safe.

Find out how safe your workplace is at howsafeisyourworkplace.com.au

At the end of the day, safety matters.

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

south asia 8 South Asia Timestimes

COMMUNITY

S E P T E M B E R

Om Music Group’s Independence Day tribute to Manoj Kumar By: Swati Somaia

M

elbourne, 14 August : The Om music group on 14 August held a tribute night in honour of Manoj Kumar well known Bollywood actor who is well known for famous patriotic movies such as Upkaar, Kranti, Purab aur Pashchim and many more along with the singing legend Kishore Kumar!

The evening took off with Amitabh Singh, singing the famous song ‘Bharat Ka Rehnewala hoon’, getting the audience in the patriotic mood. He then entertained with a mix of patriotic and romantic songs from Manoj Kumar and Kishore Kumar’s repertoire, songs such as Mere Desh Ki Dharti, Raat Kali Ek Khwaab Mein Aayi and many more solos and duets. The song ‘Yeh Jeevan hai’ was amazing which touched the audiences’ heart.

Then came the beautiful duet ‘Main Na Bhoolonga’ sung by Amitabh and Neela Unadkat from ‘Roti kapda aur Makaan’ which means "I won't forget " and I'm sure no one can forget the beautiful haunting entry of Priya Singh in a white saari with a candle in the ghostly atmosphere created by the tech team of Om Music Group.

The audience was mesmerised by this beautiful ghost as she floated

around the audience, with her wonderful singing ‘Gumnaam Hai Koyi’. The ghostly sequence followed by another ghostly number ‘Naina barse’ sung by Neela Unadkat, enchanting the haunted theme.

It was a memorable evening filled with many beautiful duets sung by Priya, Kunal, Mandy, Neela & Amitabh and supported

by Rohit Kumar, a fine

musician, sound engineer and recordist who is simply loaded with talent and is great multitasker. Rohit was complemented by Kunal on the Keyboard and Vishal (Vishy) on Guitar.

As Om Music Group supports and promotes the local talent, this time there were two guest singers who added more color to the evening, Mrs Chandravali Jha, who beautifully sang

the sentimental song from one of Manoj Kumar’s hit movies ‘Do Badan’, Lo Aa Gayi Unki Yaad’; and another talented classically trained singer, Aditi, who performed ‘Is Duniya Mein Jeena Ho To’ from the movie ‘Gumnaam’ got the audience enjoying to the tune.

Given that it was 14th August just a night before the Indian Independence Day, the show appropriately

2 0 1 5

concluded with the national anthems of India & Australia which were sung by Amitabh, Priya & Aditi and the audience proudly joined them singing along.

The next month show on Friday, 11th September, Om music Group invites all Hindi Cine-music lovers to join them in celebrating the birth centenary of Shri Rajinder Singh Bedi ji, who wrote famous dialogues for films like Madhumati, Abhimaan, Daag, Devdas, Mere Sanam, Mere Humdum Mere Dost, Jawani Deewani, Sanam Teri Kasam and many more. A few of Mr Bedi’s family members including his daughter, son-in-law and grand-daughter, who are based in Melbourne, will be joining to share some of their fond memories. This will surely be a show not to be missed, to be held at Visy Cares Auditorium, Harvester Road, Sunshine at 7pm.

For further details contact Amitabh Singh from the Om Music Group at 0422 028 076.

Om Music Group is a talented group and should be supported and recognised for their commitment and dedication for providing many enjoyable events for our community. Every month a new theme is organised with slide shows and a live music band and the show is filled with songs trivia and jokes for the entrainment for the audience.

Tourism growth led by China & India: Andrew Robb

By SAT News Desk

m

elbourne, 1 September : Minister for Trade and Investment – with responsibility for tourism – Andrew Robb, welcomed the latest International Visitor Survey showing international visitor spend grew by 10 per cent to a record $33.4 billion, or $3.2 billion more than the previous year.

This is the strongest yearly growth since 2001, the period of the Sydney Olympic Games.

“Today’s result once again demonstrates that tourism is one of our great strengths. Tourism can be our fastest growing sector this decade if we continue

to leverage our ‘clean, green and safe’ brand to position ourselves as the number one, long-haul destination in Asia,” Mr Robb said.

China remained the dominant source of growth with a 22 per cent increase in visitor numbers (864,000) and a 32 per cent increase

in expenditure. Chinese tourists are now worth some $7 billion to the Australian economy.

“With China now accounting for one in every five dollars spent by international visitors, it is clear that China is vital to the sustained growth of

our tourism sector. That is why the Government has announced a 10 year multiple-entry visitor visa for China (available online and in Mandarin language), and earlier this year struck a landmark aviation deal that will triple air capacity to 67,000 seats per week, between Australia and China by the end of 2016,” Mr Robb said.

With Australia having co-hosted the ICC Cricket World Cup earlier this year with New Zealand, India was one of the fastest growing markets with expenditure reaching a record $1 billion for the first time (up 39 per cent), while visitors increased 20 per cent to 207,000. India is now our 8th largest tourism market, up

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

from 11th the previous year.

For the first time, international visitors attending the Cricket World Cup were eligible to enter both Australia and New Zealand under a joint visitor visa arrangement.

Record growth in visitors was also achieved by the US market (up 9 per cent to 544,000 arrivals) and New Zealand (up 3 per cent to 1.2 million arrivals).

“With new records for international tourism, growth in spend not seen since the Sydney Olympic Games and a reinvigorated tourism investment pipeline, the Australian tourism industry is well positioned to prosper as one of our great economic strengths,” Mr Robb said.

S E P T E M B E R

2 0 1 5

COMMUNITY

southSouth asia times 9 Asia Times

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

south asia 10 South Asia Timestimes

community

S E P T E M B E R

2 0 1 5

Bangladeshi community backs Labor

By SAT News Desk

M

elbourne: The Bangladeshi Friends of Labor (BFOL) organized a Leadership Dialogue for the Bangladeshi Community on 22nd August 2015 at the newly built Tarneit Community Learning Centre. This program was organized to open the new horizon for Bangladeshi community to actively participate in mainstream Australian politics and to network with other community leaders.

Keynote speaker of the event and a leading Bangladeshi academician and community leader Dr. Sharif As-Saber highlighted that this is the right time to participate in the Australian politics and Labor is the right platform. Mr. Manoj Kumar, chairperson of the Sub Continent Friends of Labor said, together with Labor we will take the South

Asian community forward.

Cr. Intaj Khan informed that his door is always open for any community matters.

Mr. Ajmul Huda, a member of the BFOL team, while introducing their organization to the audience insisted that as a new and emerging community, we need to participate in the mainstream debates on social economic and political fronts constructively to build a better, inclusive and colourful Australia for all of us. We must inspire and lead our community towards full participation and engagement, and to become active citizens to take the benefits of a diverse and multicultural Australia, he added.

Ms. Sophie Ismail, Federal Candidate for Melbourne, shared her story and inspired the audience.

While introducing Hon. Telmo Languiller MP, Mr.

Jasvinder Sidhu highlighted on the intellectual capacity of the Bangladeshi Community. Hon. Telmo Languiller MP spoke about unity, expressed his gratitude to the Hon. Gough Whitlam’s decision to welcome migrants, and why Labor is the right platform for the migrants.

Hon. Joanne Ryan MP expressed her commitment towards the western suburbs, shared her journey in Labor and expressed her desire to closely work with the Bangladeshi community.

Mr. Kabir Patoary, president of the Victorian Bangladeshi Community Foundation that runs the Western Region Bengali School and the Victorian Bangla Mobile Library, spoke on behalf of the Bangladeshi Community and informed the speakers about the needs of our community. Mr. Guri Singh, president of the Sub Continent Friends

of Labor thanked the speakers and the audience and emphasized on the unity amongst the South Asian communities and strengthening relationship with other communities.

Mr. Rashidur Rahman Tanveer , Mr. Morshed Kamal , Dr. Ahmed Sharif Shuvo, Mr. Khandaker Islam , Mr. Ehteshamul Kabir , Mr. Mdhali Dhali , Mr. Mohammad Hassan , Dr.Saniyat Islam, Mr. Abdul Ahad, Ms. Kaushalya Vaghela , Mr. Dinesh Chouhan, Mr. Aloke Kumar , Mr. Aakash Kumar , Mr. Neeraj Nanda, Ms. Molina Swarup Asthana , Mr Puneet Gulati, Mr. Narinder Kumar Garg , Mr. Abdul Mujib.

Mr. Josh Gilligan, and Ms Molina Asthana were present amongst many other distinguished guests.

The Bangladeshi Friends of Labor (BFOL) is an initiative of the Bangladeshi community in Victoria who are driven by Labor values. BFOL has a vision of becoming a grassroots level political activist group where future leaders can be created for the community

The Bangladeshi Friends of Labor (BFOL) is an initiative of the Bangladeshi community in Victoria who are driven by Labor values. and for the country. BFOL wishes to raise awareness about the Australian political process in our community by encouraging participation in the sociopolitical debates of the day in a constructive way.

BFOL can be contacted at bfol.vic@gmail.com or https://www.facebook.com/ BangladeshiFriendsofLabor.

—SAT News Service.

Foreign licence holders need to pass drive test

By SAT News Desk

m

elbourne: If you are a foreign driving licence holder then it does not mean you automatically have a right to drive in Victoria. You have to clear the drive test which local drivers pass before starting to drive.

“Unsafe overseas drivers will be prevented from driving on Victorian roads, under changes aimed at making the licensing system fairer and safer, “says a VicRoads media release.

From Tuesday, 1 September 2015, overseas drivers who fail the VicRoads

drivers understand Victorian road rules and are tested to the same standard.

“Just because a person is licensed to drive in another country is no longer a good enough reason to automatically allow them the right to drive in Victoria,” Mr Shelton said.

“We know that in the five months to May 2015, less than 60% of overseas licence holders who attempted the VicRoads practical drive test, actually passed.

“We’re closing a loophole that has let unsafe drivers practical drive test will no VicRoads Executive from foreign countries longer be allowed to drive in Director of Registration and revert back to their Victoria using their overseas Licensing, David Shelton said overseas licence, even after licence. the changes ensure failed the practical www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) that 9095all6220, they’ve 0421 677 082

component.

“It means that any driver who displays unsafe behaviour or ability during testing will be unable to drive until deemed safe.”

“An overseas driver who fails the practical test but wishes to continue to drive in Victoria will be required to obtain a Victorian learner permit and adhere to all restrictions or, obtain a Victorian driver licence by resitting and passing the practical drive test, “ the media release says.

It is an offence to drive unlicensed in Victoria and penalties of up to $379 apply.

Source: Vic Roads, 27 Aug, 2015.

S E P T E M B E R

southSouth asia times 11 Asia Times

2 0 1 5

PANDITH : RAVI VARMA NEW IN MELBOURNE

Call for appointments

0415 599 636 0415 943 035

2/1 Nicholson Court Clayton VIC 3168 1 minute walk from train station PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL

Open 7 Days From 8:30am to 8.00pm

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

south asia 12 South Asia Timestimes

community

S E P T E M B E R

Kumar Viswas excels at SAPAC Forum By our community reporter

M

elbourne: The South Asian Public Affairs Council (SAPAC) organised a forum on ‘South Asian & Australian Cultural Engagement’ on 26 August at the Thornbury Theatre. The forum was addressed by noted Hindi poet and Aam Admi Party (AAP) leader, Mr. Kumar Viswas . In a speech mixed with poetry, humour and politics, Mr. Viswas, kept the audience spell bound with his simple language and contemporary topics weaved into poetry. His rapport with the audience was complete as one after another he touched topics of human interest.

“I have brought poetry to the masses in the language they understand from the domain of a few,” he said.

Explaining his involvement with poetry and politics, Mr. Kumar Viswas said, “I did not want to join politics. Even now I am not a politician. The difference between politics and poetry is 180 degrees.”

“When a thought comes to mind and it is weaved through into words it becomes poetry. But in politics what is in the heart is not spoken. For example, we have raised many vital questions in India but no answers are being given”, he said.

Kumar Viswas criticised the elitist anglicised leaders in the subcontinent for being away from the

people and asked them at least not to see their dreams in the same way.

Praising SAPAC for bringing the subcontinent people together in Australia, he said, people in South Asian countries can be in opposition to each other but that does not make them opponents.

Kumar admitted his party’s anti-corruption crusade may not succeed in his lifetime but gains have been made. He criticised the current Prime Minister for not speaking on vital issues and keeping mum in the Parliament.

About new technology, he said, he has benefitted from exposure through You Tube by performing differently from my stage shows.

“It depends how one uses You Tube. If you have the same stuff on You Tube as on stage, then it does not work,” he told SAT. The poet cum politician who is in charge for overseas affairs, funds and campaign in the AAP, feels his party will win in the next Punjab elections.

Ai the upcoming Bihar elections, he feels, the Nitish-Lalu-Congress combine will get through.

In Bihar, the BJP, has internal dissentions and too many claimants for leadership, he said.

Puneet Gulati and Dr. Kaushal Srivastava recited poems for Kumar Viswas. The gathering was also addressed by SAPAC leaders Dr. Shahbaz Chaudhry and Manoj

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

2 0 1 5

Kumar among others.

Kumar brothers presented shawls to the present VIPs. Later Kumar Viswas posed for photos and selfies with people who had admired him during the event. The SAPAC committee did a good job and MC Kaushaliya Vaghela handled the stage well often interacting with Kumar Viswas.

A few other events with Kumar Viswas took place with the one at Melbourne Central, La Trobe University and Heritage Receptions attracting big crowds. The poet was as his usual at these events.

No doubt, Kumar Viswas left a lasting impression on Melbourne’s Indian and South Asian communities.

—SAT News Service

S E P T E M B E R

2 0 1 5

southSouth asia times 13 Asia Times

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

south asia 14 South Asia Timestimes

community

S E P T E M B E R

344th Aradhana of Shri Raghavendra Swamiji Melbourne By our community reporter

M

elbourne: Nearly 600 devotees participated on the first day of the grand Shri Raghavendra Swamiji Aradhana (Poorvaradhana) celebrations here. It is the first Aradhana hosted by Sri Krishna Brundavana (SKBM) in Melbourne. The Aradhana was celebrated on all 3 days across different parts of the city.

The event was attended by local Councillors, including the Mayor.

Shree Raghavendra Seva Samiti (SRSS) was formed 5 years ago on May 20th 2010 with a humble resolution – to establish Shri Raghavendra Swamiji Brundavana in Melbourne! Such were the earnest prayers of the SRSS founders and the devotees that Raghavendra Swamiji (Rayaru) graced his presence exactly after 5 years - on May 20th 2015!

Rayaru is here to stay as he has travelled along with his Lord Sri Krishna and Vayudevaru!!

Within three months of operations the SKBM is already an integral part of the daily lives of devotees! SKBM priests have conducted over 12 Homas, 5 Aradhanas (including the current one), 4 Satyanarayana Poojas (every Pournima or Full Moon Day), and Upakarma for devotees.

It is encouraging that several local devotees, from the same suburb as the Priest House, are learning about the services

through their friends or through the Facebook Page (Sri Krishna Brundavana Melbourne). Some are even learning about it through their friends and relatives in India!!

Both SKBM and SRSS were excited about this Aradhana! It was the first major religious and cultural event of the year! Sri Krishna Brundavana and Puttige Mutt celebrates Shri Raghavendra Swamiji Aradhane in four continents across the world. It was like a 5 day Test match for the organisers!

Day 1, Aug 28 - We started the grand festivities with Rigveda Upakarma and Varamahalashmi Pooja.

Day 2, Aug 29 - Continued with Yajurveda Upakarma and Shri Satyanarayana Pooja at the venue (Gaelic Park). Eight families participated in the Satyanarayana Pooja and over 50 devotees joined.

The second day was

also crucial with all the transportation and set up activities at the venue.

Day 3, Aug 30 – Big day… the day of the grand Aradhana!! It started at 4:30 AM with the cooking and ended at 2:00 AM that night as volunteers moved the Lord, Pooja items and cooking items to the next venue, about 60 kms away on the other side of the city.

Day 4, Aug 31 - The Madhyaradhana day…! It was heartening to see over 150 devotees attending the morning and evening pooja, despite being a working day!!

Day 5, Sep 1 – Rayaru Aradhana at SKBM for the first time with the Uttararadhana celebrations!

The Aradhana celebrations on Day 3 (Aug 30) at Gaelic Park was a grand event! We witnessed the largest gathering of Raghavendra Swamiji devotees in Melbourne – nearly 25 per cent more

than last year.

The morning Pooja started at around 9:00 AM followed by 108 recitals of the Raghavendra Swami Stotra. Young devotees aged 5 and above offered Sangeeta Seva to the Lord.

It was encouraging to see such young children, several of them born and raised in Australia, sing so clearly with crisp pronunciation and without missing a single beat of Tabla.

Every year SRSS releases a souvenir with insightful articles by local devotees.

It also provides an update of the activities of the past year and planned activities of the future. This year the highlight was the arrival of SKBM! The souvenir was inaugurated by the Mayor of Casey (Councillor) – Mr. Mick Morland. (The Priest house is in the council of Casey).

In his address to the devotees the Mayor highlighted the diverse

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

2 0 1 5

ethnicity of Casey with close to 160 different nationalities and ethnicities present in Casey. He was delighted to have SKBM operating from within the Casey council and encouraged us to celebrate our culture.

The Mayor was also joined by his fellow Councillor– Damien Rosario. Mr Rosario also addressed the crowd and was extremely excited to be part of such a joyous celebration. The participants were happy to see Councillor Rosario mingle along with devotees and also partake prasada (food) sitting cross legged on the floor.

The two councillors were also joined by the Chairperson, South Asian Friends of Labour – Mr. Manoj Kumar and the Editor, South Asian Times – Mr. Neeraj Nanda. All the guests were felicitated on stage and received the blessings of Swamiji! We were all blessed to hear the Aashirvachana from His Holiness Shri Suguneedra Teertha Swamiji! All devotees received Teertha (holy water) from our Chief Priest, Mr. Shankar Narayan Bhat. The devotees later enjoyed the delicious prasada (food) in a proper sit down fashion.

The SRSS committee members toiled for several days coordinating and organizing for the event without any signs of fatigue.

And lastly, the enthusiastic volunteers who came from all parts of the city worked hard and offered a variety of services.

—Source: Supplied.

S E P T E M B E R

community

2 0 1 5

Pak I-Day celebrated in Wyndham

By Farooq Dhar

M

elbourne, 16 August : An impressive event was organised by the Sohni Dharti Australia to celebrate the 69th Independence Day of Pakistan. The highlights of the event were flag hoisting

by Cr. Gautam Gupta on behalf of the Mayor Cr. Peter Maynard and Speaker Victoria Assembly Hon.Telmo Languiller. Other Councillors from Wyndham were also present on the occasion.

People from various suburbs of Victoria came to attend the event with great fervour and enthusiasm.

Children presented remarkable performances of national songs and delivered speeches to highlight the sacrifices made by our ancestors. Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal were paid tributes in speeches by children who wore traditional clothes of Pakistan.

On the occasion, the children reminded everyone about the sacrifices made by

Army Public School Children and performed on ‘Bara Dushman Bana Phirta Hai Jo Bachon say Larta Hay’.

The children also presented ‘Lab Pay Aati Hai Dua’, ‘Dil Dil Pakistan’ and ‘Hum Zinda Quom Hain’.

Councillor Gautam Gupta while representing the Mayor Wyndham Council congratulated the Pakistani community on the Independence Day. He shared that it is the first time that the Civic Centre at Wyndham has been provided for any national day celebrations including flag hoisting. He said that we are starting

the Civic Centre activation program from Pakistan Day. He committed of making all the support available for multicultural events organised by Sohni Dharti in Wyndham.

The Speaker Victoria Assembly Hon Telmo Languiller while addressing the gathering said that the Pakistani community has contributed to Australian and other foreign societies through their capable human resources in the field of science, medicine, engineering and other fields.

He said that the event and gathering has been very

southSouth asia times 15 Asia Times

impressive. He further added that there are many opportunities for Pakistani community to come forward and play a more active role in the development of the country. The presenters of the day were Jacob Bhatti, Sadia Shafique and Saima Rani who were spectacular in entertaining the people. A brief introduction of Sohni Dharti Australia was given by Asghar Ali Khan, Treasurer Sohni Dharti. He introduced officials of Sohni Dharti including Khalid Farooq (President), Yaqub Bhatti (Vice President), Farooq Dar (General Secretary) and Sannia Azeemi (Member).

The Sohni Dharti team appreciated the support of Wyndham City Council for providing resources, guidance and support to make this event possible. They especially acknowledged the full support of Cr Guatam Gupta. The community appreciated the efforts of Sohni Dharti for organising the event and showed their emotions for the love of their country. A huge appreciation was paid to the Wyndham

People from various suburbs of Victoria came to attend the event with great fervour and enthusiasm.

Council for providing Civic Centre for the event and other support services.

The sponsors of the event mainly Raine and Horne, The Bank of Melbourne, Daneem Homes, Zaman Homes, ACOT, SK Education Services, Auslink Training, Mindwrap Tutoring and Consulting, Shooting Stars Education, Staging Company, SPL, NSDC, SAARC Travels, Mani Sports, UMATI and Haan Ji Radio were appreciated for their contributions. *General Secy, Sohni Dharti Inc. Australia, C-9, 100 Overton Road, Williams Landing Shopping Centre, Williams Landing 3027 Ph: 99390679

indya foods presents OF

N

Y

EARS

S

14

TI O C ELEB RA

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

south asia 16 South Asia Timestimes

COMMUNITY

S E P T E M B E R

India-Australia agree to deepen defence ties

By SAT News Desk

M

elbourne & New Delhi, 3 September: Australia and India have decided to deepen defence ties between the two countries.

The Australian Minister of Defence Mr. Kevin Andrews four day visit to India from 31 August to 3 September saw talks between Indian Defence Minister Mr. Manohar Parrikar followed by delegation level bilateral talks to discuss shared strategic interests.

The two countries also announced India-Australia Naval exercise next month.

After the talks the two sides issued the following joint statement: “The Ministers acknowledged the positive progress made during the past year in bilateral defence cooperation, and underscored their ongoing interest in fostering and maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The Ministers also discussed the centenary of the First World War and recalled the contribution made by the Indian and ANZAC forces during the Gallipoli campaign.

The Ministers affirmed their desire to continue to broaden and deepen the bilateral defence relationship based on shared strategic interests and to implement

the action plan outlined in the Framework for Security Cooperation agreed to by the Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Tony Abbott on 18 November 2014.

Given both nations' interest in the Indian Ocean and its vital importance to regional and global trade, the Ministers acknowledged the importance of freedom of maritime navigation and agreed that maritime security should remain a key component of the bilateral defence relationship. Australia and India will also continue to cooperate through joint work as part of the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus construct. The Ministers also agreed to continue enhancing relationship between Indian and Australian navies, through bilateral ship visits, exchanges as also through Indian Ocean

Naval Symposium and such other fora.

The first Navy-to-Navy Bilateral Maritime Exercise will be held later this month.

The exercise will involve multiple ship visits and maritime assets from both the countries. The exercise will foster greater interoperability and cooperation between both nations and further contribute to maritime security.

Both the Ministers noted that since the last Defence Ministers' Meeting, India and Australia have held Defence Policy Talks, and bilateral Army, Navy and Air Force Staff Talks. To further bolster this good progress, it was agreed that the Ministerial level meeting may continue to be held regularly while the Army to Army talks would now be held on annual basis.

The Ministers agreed

that specific initiatives for enhanced cooperation will include the following activities: The Defence Science and Technology Organizations and the Defence Research and Development Organization would continue to explore opportunities to identify areas for cooperation, initially through an exchange of letters followed by the respective organization heads meeting later in 2015.

The commencement of a partnership between our respective peacekeeping centres. This will start with closer engagement to enhance knowledge sharing and mutual capacity building.

Increased Air Force cooperation on aviation safety and air worthiness, including subject matter experts' exchanges, to progress mutual understanding and improve capability.

Royal Australian Navy participation in the Indian Navy International Fleet Review in February 2016. The continuation of the Bilateral Maritime Exercise on a biennial basis.

The establishment of a Joint Working Group on Defence Research and Material Cooperation.

Closer Air Force engagement, including Indian attendance at the Royal

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

2 0 1 5

Australian Air Force exercise PITCH BLACK. The creation of a closer Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (CIED) relationship, commencing with a regular subject matter expert exchange.

The Ministers agreed that implementing these initiatives would further strengthen the already robust defence relationship between Australia and India and that their longterm objective is to develop a significant defence and security relationship. This will be important as we respond to shared challenges and work together to ensure a secure and stable region.

Minister Andrews thanked Minister Parrikar for the hospitality he received during his visit to India and said he is looking forward to hosting the next Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Australia.”

The day before, Mr. Kevin Andrews had called on the Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi. He also visited the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate and paid homage to the martyrs by laying a wreath there. Later he was accorded inter-Services Guard of Honour in the lawns of South Block. He also attended a round-table meeting at Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA).

—SAT News Service.

S E P T E M B E R

2 0 1 5

COMMUNITY

southSouth asia times 17 Asia Times

WAVES

CONSULTANCY

Migration & Education Consultants Your Success Is Our Reward

IMMIGRATION SERVICES Premier Consultancy for Australian Immigration & Education with over 22 years of combined experience.

EDUCATION SERVICES Visit us at : Level 4, 50 Queen Street, Melbourne, Vic 3000 Phone: 9629 4529, Fax: 9629 4629, Email: info@wavesconsultancy.com www.wavesconsultancy.com

MA

Member of Migration Alliance

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

QEAC B070

AUSTRALIA

south asia 18 South Asia Timestimes

URANIUM ISSUE

S E P T E M B E R

2 0 1 5

Australian Parliament panel talks of "significant risks" in supplying Uranium to India "The second area of risk”, according to Roy, relates to “the regulation of India’s nuclear facilities”.

By Our Representative

I

n a setback to India, a new report by the Australian Parliament’s treaties committee has said that there are “some significant risks” in selling uranium to India.

India sealed an agreement for the supply of uranium for “peaceful uses of nuclear energy” during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Australia in September 2014.

The just-released report wants the Australian government to commence selling uranium to India only when India achieves “full separation of civil and military nuclear facilities as verified by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)”, with India establishing “an independent nuclear regulatory authority under law”, and this regulator is ensured complete “independence”.

The setback comes a week after Australian Minister of Defence Kevin Andrews met Defence Minister, Manohar Parrikar in New Delhi on September 2, 2015.

The report, prepared under the chairmanship of Liberal MP Wyatt Roy, talks of “three areas of risk associated with the agreement”, to quote Roy. According to him, the first is the risk to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT), to which India is “not a signatory”. In fact, according to him, India “exists in isolation from the nuclear nonproliferation mainstream.”

Wanting the Australian government to “engage in diplomatic effort” to produce a “genuine non-proliferation”, Roy, however, believes, as of today “it is not realistic to expect India to renounce the manufacture of nuclear weapons and dismantle

its nuclear arsenal”, as the country “borders two other nuclear weapons states with which it is occasionally in conflict.”

“The second area of risk”, according to Roy, relates to “the regulation of India’s nuclear facilities”. Here, he says, “Both the AuditorGeneral of India and the International Atomic Energy Commission have identified a number of weaknesses in the regulatory framework that jeopardise nuclear safety and security.”

Given this framework, Roy says, the committee under him “has made a recommendation that the sale of uranium to India only commence when these weaknesses have been addressed.”

And the third risk, says Roy, relates to “two unresolved issues relating to the provisions of the Agreement”, especially the “the terminology used in the consent mechanism for

the refinement of nuclear materials, and the question of whether the proposed Agreement breaches the Treaty of Rarotonga.”

The “risks” have be referred to alongside the report suggesting that it would make good business sense to sell uranium to India. It insists, Australia possesses 30 per cent of the known global reserves of uranium ore and the agreement with the Government of India “can double the size of Australia’s nuclear mining sector”, with Australian export income could “add up to $1.75b to the Australian economy”.

Meanwhile, the Australian Greens have said the agreement was putting “short-term political expedience above global security”. In their comment on the report, they have underlined, “As such, the Australian Greens cannot support this agreement and

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

urge others to do likewise.”

The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons has asked the Australian government to ensure that all safeguards are in place before the treaty is ratified. “It is disingenuous for the committee to recommend ratification while simultaneously acknowledging the substantial deficiencies that must be addressed before the agreement can be acted on,” it said in a statement.

Says Dave Sweeney of the Australian Conservation Foundation, the report’s claims that the uranium mining industry will double as a result of the potential deal “do not stack up... Australian uranium production in 2014 was the lowest for 16 years.

Uranium provides less than 0.2% of national export revenue and 0.02% of Australian jobs.”

—Source: Counterview

S E P T E M B E R

2 0 1 5

community

southSouth asia times 19 Asia Times

Adam Gilchrest appointed education envoy to India “Consistent with the pillars of the Draft National Strategy for International Education, the Australian Government is committed to reaching out to the world.

By SAT News Desk

M

elbourne, 20 August: In a move set to strengthen Australia’s education ties with India, Adam Gilchrist AM has been appointed as Australia’s inaugural ambassador to India on education. The aim being to recapture the Indian education market which suffered massively as a consequence of the Indian student trouble in 2010. There has been a considerable fall in Indian student numbers since then with more enrolments in the US and UK. The Minister for Education and Training, Mr. Christopher Pyne MP, announced Mr. Gilchrist’s appointment prior to attending the annual Ministerial Dialogue and third Australia-India Education Council meeting in India on 24 August 2015.

“I am delighted to announce Mr Adam Gilchrist AM as the first Australia-India Education Ambassador,” Mr Pyne said.

“Adam will play an important part in supporting the growth in the strong bilateral education relationship between Australia and

India, to help ensure that Australia continues to be seen as a high quality provider of education.

“Consistent with the pillars of the Draft National Strategy for International Education, the Australian Government is committed to reaching out to the world.

“I see Adam’s appointment as helping to build on this, as he will help grow our already strong education partnership with India and raise Australia’s profile and reputation.

“The Indian people recognise Adam as one of cricket’s greats, and the values he espouses both on and off the field – excellence and integrity – are precisely those with which Australia aligns its reputation for high-quality education, training and research,” Mr Pyne said.

Mr Gilchrist said he was excited about his new role and welcomed the challenge ahead of him.

“I am honoured to have been chosen to perform this important role in helping strengthen the education ties between our two countries,” Mr Gilchrist said.

“For the past seven years in my

capacity as an ambassador at one of Australia’s best research universities I have seen first-hand the vital role education plays in the development of modern India.

“Having spent so much of my cricketing career playing in India, I have gotten to understand the important bond Australia has with India.

“Being Australia’s first education

ambassador to India will give me the opportunity to put so much back into that relationship through the all-important focus of learning and training.”

Adam Gilchrist will join Minister Pyne in New Delhi, India on 24 August 2015 to help showcase the quality of Australia’s education systems in India.

—SAT News Service

Sangeet Sandhya Open forum for music lovers – classical, semi-classical & film music

Saturday 4/04/15 - Aditi Gadre and Shoaib Safi Saturday 6/06/15 - Nicholas Buff and Sri Ram Aiyyer Tuesday 4/08/15 - Ustad Aminul Huque and Amitabh Singh Chauhan Saturday 3/10/15 - Radhey Shyam Gupta and Robyn Kerr Saturday 5/12/15 - Madhuri Kamtikar and Shoaib Safi

Swar Sandhya Open forum for music lovers; Karaoke – Popular Indian Music Bring your own music, perform and enjoy

Saturday 3/1/15 Saturday 2/5/15 Saturday 5/9/15

Saturday 7/3/15 Saturday 4/7/15 Monday 7/11/15

Venue: Waverly Meadows Primary School,

Time: 8.00pm

Columbia Drive, Wheelers Hill Free Entry, with ample parking, Free tea, coffee and biscuits Contact: Phone- 0402 074 278 or 0407 559 113 email- sangeetswarsandhya@gmail.com www.facebook.com/sangeetsandhya

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

south asia 20 South Asia Timestimes

S E P T E M B E R

2 0 1 5

At the FIAV Mult

Victorian Premier Hon. Daniel Andrews addressing FIAV Multicultural Gala Dinner on 14 August, 2015.

At the AIII India Day 2015.

COMMUNITY

Victorian Premier Hon. Daniel A the opening of Son

At the AIII India Day 2015.

At the Wyndham IFFM 2015

At the Wyndham IFFM 2015

At the bollywood through the ages event

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

At the Wynd

At the bollywood through the ages event

S E P T E M B E R

southSouth asia times 21 Asia Times

2 0 1 5

ticultural Gala Dinner.

PHOTO NEWS

Andrews addressing a gathering at nya Kilkenny MP’s office.

dham IFFM 2015

Hon. Daniel Andrews at Sonya Kilkenny MP’s office.

Gulam Abbas event at the Hungarian Community Centre.

Janmashtami celebration at the Hare Krishna Temple

Gulam Abbas sings a gazal at the AIII India Day 2015.

Happy moments on the last day of the IFFM-2015 at Hoyts, Melbourne Central.

Kumar Vishwas at the Melbourne central event.

Janmashtami celebration at the Hare Krishna Temple

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

South Asia Times south asia 22 South Asia Timestimes

south asia

SOUTH ASIA

S E P T E M B E R

2 0 1 5

Takeaways from Sri Lanka’s elections

By Col. R. Hariharan

A

fter the din of recently concluded general election in Sri Lanka is over, the United National Party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has been sworn in as Sri Lanka’s prime minister. He is poised to work with a national unity government. There are eight takeaways from the election and its aftermath that can help in visualising the future course of events in the island nation.

Positive trends A number of positive trends have emerged both in the conduct and in the aftermath of elections. People have shown that whipping up of Sinhala nationalist rhetoric or holding up the bogey of revival of Tamil separatism is not enough to win elections.

They would rather prefer clean governance than ostentatious of display of power by the rulers. The peaceful conduct of elections holds a lesson for other South Asian nations: if the national leadership is determined it can ensure the government, administration and election commission come together, without working at cross purposes, to conduct peaceful elections. The abhorrent trend of local politicians waving pistols and intimidating the public that had invaded the body politics in recent times.

The election has shown they

will have to change their act.

Rajapaksa’s fault lines The electoral defeat of the former president for a second time within six months showed that he had not understood the dynamics of change that had become embedded in public discourse to win elections.

Comparatively, Sirisena despite his low profile and soft rhetoric had done better.

Of course, Rajapaksa will continue to be respected as a national hero for eliminating the Tamil Tigers. Yes; Southern Sinhala Buddhist constituency will probably continue to vote for him. No; that will not be sufficient to win an election without an inclusive agenda. And the bogey of revival of terrorism of the LTTE kind probably carries only limited credibility.

The failure of Rajapaksa come to power showed the limitations of banking upon personality cult. But that is not enough to recoup credibility in public life; integrity in action is equally important. His reputation appears to have been badly bruised by allegations of corruption, misuse of office, family politics and cronyism.

So Rajapaksa has to clean up his act rather than depending upon his cronies’ advice if he does not want to fade away from political limelight.

And keep the family at arm’s length; they have already done enough damage to him.

Sirisena’s strengths President Sirisena has demonstrated that he was unfazed by political obstacles in the run up to the election. Probably other Rajapaksa and other SLFP leaders had underestimated his courage of conviction to pursue his end goals with doggedness and push aside political obstacles. Though he was not strong within the party to prevent Rajapaksa hijacking the SLFP and the UPFA alliance, Sirisna showed enough mettle to express his determination to prevent Rajapaksa coming back to power. Probably this created enough confusion among the leaders who jumped to the Rajapaksa camp to carry out damage control.

Sirisena dissolved the Central Committee which was working against his interests as party leader at the first opportunity without the usual political palaver. If he can build upon his credibility, chances for the durability of the national unity government are bright. And that is necessary to fulfill the promises he made to get the January 8th mandate from the people.

Ranil’s tough task table The smooth-talking prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has a tough task ahead. From his interview to The Hindu, he appears to be aware of it. Completion

of the structural change process to improve integrity of national institutions; improve accountability of the government and administration to the people; complete corruption investigations and bring the culprits to book; refine the election process; resume the political process with Tamil leadership to bring it to a logical conclusion; and last, but not least, build national consensus to produce a constitution to embed the changes made. This a tall order for any political leader to fulfill. Ranil had failed to take the peace process 2002 to a satisfactory conclusion; and President Kumaratunga and Prabhakaran were there to share the blame. But he has none now. Can he succeed?

He appears to be clear that the UNP and SLFP have to come together to fulfill his tasks. Though President Sirisena is with him, will SLFP stop sharpening their axes and rise up to the occasion to help the prime minister? Even the famous court astrologers would not dare to answer this question; so it’s wait-andwatch time now.

Muslim polity The election has shown that the Muslim voter is no more the meek follower of their leaders. They cannot take the peoples support for granted any more. That means in future the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC)

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

and the All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) will think twice before going along with Rajapaksa. Rajapaksa’s failure to attend to the concerns of Muslim community during anti-Muslim violence by fringe elements has cost him dearly in both the elections he faced. It could haunt him for some time despite all his skill at political maneuvering.

Tamils want positive action The Tamil voter wants action-oriented approach than an emotional approach to improve his lot now. He is getting tired of empty rhetoric glorifying Tamils, notwithstanding the indelible and grime memories of the LTTE armed struggle for separate Eelam. The moderates within the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leadership had excluded former LTTE cadres in their electoral discourse. But they cannot ignore their genuine grievances highlighted by their independent group, in any political dialogue with the Wickremesinghe government.

To sum up, TNA should work on an action plan to immediately improve the quality of life of the war-affected population still living on the fringe as well as take up development work without any delay. For this they need to adopt a nuanced approach than solely depending upon resumption of political dialogue process.

Contd. on page 24

S E P T E M B E R

southSouth asia times 23 Asia Times

2 0 1 5

Wyndham Eid Festival Inc. Presents

Multicultural Eid Festival 1st Time In Wyndham City

WYNDHAM

EID

Features

FESTIVAL

• Multicultural Family Event • Live Cultural Performances • Free Parking • Various Stalls of Clothing, Heena, Face Painting & Balloon Twisting • Mouth Watering Food Stalls • Close to Public Transport & Train Station • Kids Rides & Amusement • Police Presence & Security

FREE ENTRY

SUNDAY

27 SEPT 2015 th

9.00 AM TILL 6.00 PM

AT PRESIDENTS PARK, MCGRATH ROAD, WYNDHAM VALE, VIC - 3024

A GREAT EVENT FOR ALL FAMILIES PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY LOCAL COMMUNITIES...

ALL ARE WELCOME

For Sponsorships and stall bookings Please Contact:

Mujeeb - 0425 800 498 | khalid - 0430 536 888

Email: wyneidfestival@gmail.com | Facebook: wydhameidfestival www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9095 6220, 0421 677 082

south asia 24 South Asia Timestimes

SOUTH ASIA

S E P T E M B E R

2 0 1 5

Takeaways from Sri Lanka’s elections Contd. from page 22 Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has indicated that his willingness to rework the federal format within the ambit of 13th constitutional amendment.

Though this may not meet Tamil aspirations fully, Tamils should use this opportunity to work with him rather than against him lest they miss the opportunity when the constitution is recast. In a nut shell, Tamil leaders will have to be pragmatic rather than dogmatic in their approach.

No corruption Rajapaksa’s failure showed people are probably not going to forget the allegations of massive corruption against him soon. This would come as a surprise for many because corruption is an endemic problem in Sri Lanka, just as it is in India or any other South Asian country. So political leaders of all hues will have to clean up their style of backroom politics. Such an environment would enable President Sirisena to introduce checks to root out not only corruption in public life and government but also break up the politico-bureaucrat-business nexus that had been the bane of Sri Lanka.

Time for positive action from Tamil Nadu The defeat of Rajapaksa has

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

deprived Tamil Nadu politicians and TV anchors of their favourite whipping horse. The soft profile of Sirisena, and lack of fireworks in Sri Lanka politics now and conciliatory noises at the UNHRC have pushed Sri Lanka from mainstream political discourse in Tamil Nadu. The success of Sirisena-Wickremesinghe combine in the parliamentary election has further downscaled Sri Lanka from visual media’s TRP quest. Time has come for the ruling AIADMK to get away from political rhetoric and to produce a broader positive action agenda to benefit Sri Lankan Tamils.

They could expand upon the positive vibes created in the wake of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Jaffna to benefit Tamils trying to pick up their normal life. As a first step AIADMK should interact not only with Sri Lankan Tamil leaders but also the people to understand their pressing needs. Tamil Nadu has the resources to undertake this; what is needed is the will. Some of the areas that come to mind are increasing job opportunities for widows and youth by investing in new enterprises and opening up educational institutions in Tamil Nadu. Such positive action could reinforce the AIADMK’s political strength particularly at a time when opposition parties are in total disarray and state elections are in the horizon.

—Source: The Citizen, Sept. 3, 2015

S E P T E M B E R

2 0 1 5

southSouth asia times 25 Asia Times

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

south asia 26 South Asia Timestimes

S E P T E M B E R

2 0 1 5

The dye is caste in Gujarat

By Rajiv Shah

A

hmedabad : I think it was 1994 when I first met Japanese scholar Takashi Shinoda, an Indologist, during my routine visit to the Sardar Patel Institute of Economic and Social Research, Ahmedabad, at that time still known for some quality research.

Once headed such academics of highest order such as DT Lakdawala and YK Alagh, the institute has since collapsed – at least this is what I learn from Gujarat’s academic circles, with whom I had developed good rapport before I was shifted to Gandhinagar to report on government affairs for the Times of India in 1997.

Unassuming, Shinoda took me to the institute canteen for tea, and told me of his latest area of interest – social mobility and occupational diversification of different castes over several decades. What he told me was indeed of great interest to me – that Gujarat’s “enterprising” Patels, who I thought till then were mainly a farming community, had still not overtaken the Banias in business. However, he underlined, “The way things are happening, they will soon overtake Banias.”

Shinoda gave me the text of the draft report, which he had prepared in English for those “interested” in the subject. “I find that the lowest level of occupational diversification is that of the scheduled castes (SCs), particularly the Valmikis.

In fact, they have virtually seen no social mobility”, he said, pointing towards how occupational diversification is “a little higher” among the other backward class

(OBC) communities, and was “still highest among the Shahs and other Bania surnames.”

Those days, though a “Shah”, I had still not become fully caste conscious. The family to which I belong, broadly Gandhian in belief, had rarely talked about our caste or sub-caste. What struck me when I shifted to Ahmedabad from Delhi in 1993, however, was, every time I met a Gujarati brethren whom I didn’t know, I was asked a specific question: “Shah etle keva?” or what type of Shah I was.

Initially I didn’t understand the question, hence I would smile to get away from an answer.

As time passed, I came to know what I should be telling those who ask this question – that I wasn’t a Jain Shah but a Hindu Shah.

Later I found that people were interested in a further classification – what type of Hindu Bania (Vania in Gujarati) I was, whether I was a Machkania Vania, a a community to which, I came to know much later, my mother belonged, or a Khadayta Vania, about which my father used to talk somewhat during his later days of his life.

There are perhaps other classifications, too, but I have still not been able to understand the nuances.

Yet, I learned from some of my “caste men” that Vanias – whatever their surname – still ruled the roost in Gujarat’s business.

After all, enterprise is in their blood. They were (and are) Gujarat’s textile barons. They have diversified to different parts of the world – Mumbai, Kolkata, US, UK, everywhere. Now I do know: If Ambani is a Hindu

Vania, Adani is a Jain Vania.

At that time, I had never heard, at least from those who were remotely associated with my family, that Patels were slowly proving to be equally enterprising, if not more.

All that I knew about Patels was Chimanbhai Patel, who, mobilizing Patel farmers, occupied the gaddi in Gandhinagar in early 1990s, first with the help of another Patel, BJP’s Keshubhai Patel, before coming back to the Congress fold.

Yet, the fact is, in 199394, there wasn’t much talk about how Patels were diversifying into trade and business in a big way, as Shinoda had tried to prove in his draft. “I will finalize the report and send it to you”, he told me just before I left for Gandhiagar in 1997, where I was to live for the next 14 years. As he had promised, Shinoda sent me across a hard copy of the translated version of his research work, which was originally in Japanese. Much later, he emailed to me a shorter version of his research, published in “Economic and Political Weekly” (August 26-September 2, 2000), which I have preserved on my computer.

Recently, during the Patel upheaval, I decided to read through his paper again. Titled “Institutional Change and Entrepreneurial Development: SSI Sector”, the sub-heading of the paper is interesting: “The small scale sector in Gujarat has formed a fairly steady base of industrial activity.

Yet there have been few attempts to study the caste and social background of small entrepreneurs.”

I believe, the situation hasn’t changed a bit. It

adds, “This paper using state compiled data sets analyses entrepreneurial development among different social groups in the state and derives interesting results.”

As Shinoda had told me, what he had done was to take data of the names of owners of functioning manufacturing units from whichever “authentic” sources he could, such as the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and the Gujarat government industries department’s propaganda wing, the Industrial Extension Bureau. The data that he collected isn’t just of the small scale units, but also of medium and large-scale industries, and consists of enterprise name, name of the entrepreneur, type of industry, and address. He fed all of it in the computer, and with the help of software, separated well-known surnames of different castes, identifying the industrial units these surnames owned.

While there could be some error in correlating surnames with castes – Patels could also be Dalits, for instance – he possibly presumed that the error would be negligible, arguably because there were (and are) very few Dalits with Patel surname, and even among them the chance of their becoming businessmen was (and is) negligible.

While in 1994, Shinoda had told me that Patels were about to overtake Banias, the paper he published in EPW in 2000 declared that they had in fact already overtaken Banias. Pointing out that the title Patel “has become widely accepted among the populous and powerful Patidars since the

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

“...why are Patels agitating, and whether they will face more retaliation, particularly from OBCs, is something that needs explanation.”

1930s”, he said, the surname denoted “a village head, a governmental functionary before independence… irrespective of his religion or caste”.

Things had changed. The rural Patel was no more just rural. Giving a complicated analysis, which is what all good scholars would do, at one point Shinoda explains, “Examining the distribution of major surnames in the list, the name Patel occupies the top position in all industries, except hosiery and garments. The dominance of Patel is overwhelming. Shah follows Patel, occupying either second or third place in most of the industries.”

Then follows Panchal, an OBC caste, which is “not only very frequent” but ranks second to Patels in metal and machinery-related industries.

Contd. on page 27

S E P T E M B E R

southSouth asia times 27 Asia Times

2 0 1 5

The dye is caste in Gujarat Contd. on page 26 As for Brahmin or Kshatriyas, he says, one does not find any industries with a high concentration of their surnames. The scholar elaborates, the name Patel accounts for 22.3 per cent of all manufactured products in the sample. Its share is particularly high in food products (53.6 per cent), wood products (45.4 per cent), and non-metallic mineral products (34.1 per cent). To quote him, “These same agrobased and rural-based industries have played a very important role in the entrepreneurial development of the Patidars. Wood products and non-metallic mineral products are closely linked to the construction industry, which the Patidars have dominated in recent years.”

As is visibly clear to any keen observer, the pattern has continued.

Patels have further diversified over the last one-and-a-half decades into other areas. They currently own India’s biggest diamond polishing units in Surat and Amreli, for instance, and they “import” polishing workers from different parts of Gujarat, mainly Amreli in Saurashtra. Many of them are sons of Patel farmers.

Forming one of the most formidable NRI communities in the US, Patels gained a lot in 1990s after the Gujarat government, under a Patel chief minister, Keshubhai Patel, abolished the law which barred farmers to buy agricultural land beyond eight km limit. This has apparently helped many Patels to turn to real estate in a big way.

Patel NRIs and their relatives took advantage of this, and have bought huge pieces of land across, a former senior official, a Brahmin, told me bitterly once.

The Patels’ concentration is not just high in industry; it is also pretty high in the government. While there is no authentic figure, at least two senior Gujarat government officials – one of them is a Patel – have told me that Patels form between 18 and 22 per cent of all government officials, though admitting that the concentration is “not so high in the police.” Patels are said to be forming 12 per cent of Gujarat population.

According to these officials, in the police Patels would be “less than eight per cent” – and as one goes down the ladder, it would be even less, “about five per cent”, to quote one of the most knowledgeable journalists. The officials agreed,

the lower police order is filled with OBCs, such as Thakores, who formed the foot soldiers during the pre-Independence era, and Bharwads, the cow breeding community, apart from the “warrior class”, the Rajputs.

“This”, added the top Gujaratbased journalist, “explains the reason why one can possibly call the recent unprecedented police attack on Patels after the rally in Ahmedabad on August 25 a sort of caste revenge. Of the nine Patels who died during the agitation which turned violent on August 26, police hit four on the head.”

After all, Patels want a slot in the OBC quota of 27 per cent, or alternatively no quota at all – which would be simply unacceptable for the numerically strong Thakores, Kolis, Bharwards and other OBCs, who form about 42 per cent of Gujarat population.

Given this framework, why are Patels agitating, and whether they will face more retaliation, particularly from OBCs, is something that needs expert explanation. While there are conspiracy theories taking rounds – some say RSS began it all, pointing out to how Patel agitation flared up after RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat reportedly met Surat’s Patel diamond barons – this doesn’t seem to explain things.

More than five lakh Patels gathered in Ahmedabad to demand reservation, which cannot happen because of a conspiracy. Is Gujarat economy, especially the small the medium sectors which are heavily dependent on Patels, in crisis? Did the Patels fail to get the share which they had expected from Narendra Modi’s biennial Vibrant Gujarat world business meets? Is there a higher degree if underemployment among the educated youths, a large section of which forms Patels? Do Patels feel that their erstwhile supreme leader, Keshubhai Patel, currently in the US, was slighted by an OBC Modi, as is the visible perception?

Though Gujarat has a Patel chief minister – Anandiben Patel – she isn’t considered a Patel leader, like Keshubhai Patel was. In fact, one well-known Modi biographer informally called her a “dummy chief minister”!

DISCLAIMER : Views expressed above are the author's own.

Source: TOI Blogs,August 29

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

south asia 28 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW South Asia Timestimes

S E P T E M B E R

‘Cleaning Ganga is difficult but not impossible’

By Stella Paul

S

TOCKHOLM, Sep 4 2015 (IPS) - Globally, more than 748 million people do not have access to safe drinking water. That is more than double the population of the entire United States.

United Nations data suggests that 1.8 billion people – that is 500 million more than the population of China – drink water that is faecally contaminated. Every year, over two million people die due to a lack of clean water.

According to the latest World Water Development Report, demand for water could rise by 55 percent by 2050, an increase driven primarily by the manufacturing sector.

As the international community shifts its poverty eradication framework from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to its highly ambitious sustainable development agenda, the issue of water has never been more critical.

Between the din of policymakers trapped in endless high-level debates and scores of citizens feeling the pinch of drought, thirst and water transmitted illness – some sources say that 5,000 children die every day as a result of water-borne disease – a few voices are making themselves heard, lending clarity to one of the world’s most complex and urgent problems.

Among them is Rajendra Singh, the winner of this year’s prestigious Stockholm Water Prize, sometimes referred to as “the Nobel Prize for water”, for his 35-year-long commitment to water management and conservation.

Singh himself has been affectionately nicknamed the ‘Water Man of India’ and is credited with reviving an ancient rainwater harvesting technique that has breathed new life into several rivers and returned clean, running water to over 1,200 villages in his home state of Rajasthan, located in the north-east of the country.

With its massive rivers and their countless tributaries making up one of the most

complex freshwater systems in the world, India provides an excellent case study in water management.

Over 150 million people in this country of 1.2 billion currently live without access to fresh water, compounding widespread poverty and raising serious questions about energy, environmental degradation and sustainable development.

On the sidelines of the recently concluded World Water Week 2015, IPS correspondent Stella Paul sat down with the renowned Indian water activist to hear his views on the future of this scarce and incredibly precious resource.

Excerpts from the interview follow Q: You always say, “We do not need new policies. We need water action”. What do you really mean by that?

A: Let me speak of India.

In India, there is no dearth of policies and acts; there are many [laws] regarding water conservation, water management and water use.

But these policies and acts are not executed properly, which

is why there is no concrete action. Now we need to start clear, community-driven, decentralized work on water.

And the role of the government in [this type of ] water management is very important: providing adequate resources to communities and creating an environment that is conducive to taking action.

There should be joint action between the government and the community for water management. We need four things for that: water literacy, water conservation, water management and efficient use of water.

Q: You say the government should create the environment and provide the resources for water action. It is often thought that ‘resources’ means ‘money’, which comes from the private sector. How do you respond to that?

A: Change never comes from the private sector’s money. For real change, we need the government and the community. What we need is not corporatization, but communitization of democracy.

If the corporate sector does

everything, then, where is the democracy?

In Rajasthan, we have many corporations, but we also have a water parliament. We maintained the community’s rights here. We maintained a democratic environment.

People rose up here. Wherever people rose for their rights, those robbing society had to run away. Corporations are here and they are here to stay – but it is important to see that they do not loot the people and that they do not pollute the system.

Q: We are entering the era of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In regards to water, what must the government do differently, compared to what it did during the MDGs? A: Life, livelihood and dignity – all of these three are linked to water. In the SDG era, we have to give the highest priority to water. We have to put everything aside for a while and just focus on water. We shouldn’t get tangled [up in] projects, indicators and the LFAs (Logical Framework Approach), but stay focused on actual work.

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

2 0 1 5

Today there is massive encroachment of water bodies.

To prevent this encroachment, we must conduct identification, demarcation and notification of the water bodies. In many cases, due to erosion, there is a lot of silt in the water and since there is no clear title of the water body, the real estate lobby encroaches upon it.

Encroachment on the river is a problem that is found across India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and other regions as well. Poverty in the [Asian] region is a result of a water crisis, because of disrupting people’s water rights. If we end this, we can make the entire region water adequate.

For instance, the 2005 National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) was originally created to revive and reshape the country’s water system. The then Minister of Agriculture in India, Raghunath Singh, came to us, saw my work and decided to design a programme through which action can be taken in regards to water.

The same should be done again. NREGA should be mandated to focus only on water.

Q: You were on the board of Mission Clean Ganga (the third-largest river in India).

Can the river be ever truly revived?

A: It’s difficult but not impossible. But the government is only engaging with engineers, technicians etc. The government has not engaged with the sons and daughters of the Ganga – the people. If the government truly involves people in the Clean Ganga Mission, it can take a maximum of 10 years to revive the river.

In fact, any of the country’s dead rivers – the Musi River, the Mithi River, etc – can be revived in 10-15 years. What we need is the political will of the government and the participation of common people.

I am a seed of hope. I never lose hope. I restore what has been damaged – this is the philosophy of my life.

—Edited by Kanya D’Almeida

S E P T E M B E R

2 0 1 5

southSouth asia times 29 Asia Times

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

ihNdI-puãp

south asia 30 South Asia Timestimes

ás;¬q

vWR 12² a'k 2

Eixy;

$;”Ms

s‹p;dkIy

हिन्दी-दिवस - २०१५ भारत में तथा अन्य दे शों में जहाँ भारतीय रहते हैं , १४ सितम्बर को ‘हिन्दी-दिवस’ मनाया जाता है | इस दिन हिन्दी की स्थिति का आकलन किया जाता है और हिन्दी को उसका उचित स्थान तथा उपयुक्त सम्मान दिलाने के वायदे किये जाते हैं | जगह-जगह कवि-सम्मेलनों का भी आयोजन किया जाता है | परन्तु हिन्दी की स्थिति वैसी की वैसी ही बनी रहती है | ऑस्ट्रेलिया में भी इस महीने विभिन्न स्थानों पर हिन्दी-दिवस मनाया जा रहा है | ऑस्ट्रेलिया में इस वर्ष के हिन्दी-दिवस का विशेष महत्व है क्योंकि एक लम्बे संघर्ष के बाद इस वर्ष ऑस्ट्रलियाई सरकार के निर्दे श पर राष्ट्रीय स्तर पर कक्षा १० तक का पाठ्यक्रम तैयार किया जा रहा है जो अगले वर्ष से उपलब्ध होगा| इसका एक सबसे बड़ा लाभ यह होगा कि सामान्य स्कूलों में हिन्दी एक विषय के रूप में पढ़ाई जा सकेगी यद्यपि कि यह हर स्कूल पर निर्भर करे गा कि वह कौन-कौन सी विदे शी भाषाएँ अपने स्कूल के पाठ्यक्रम में शामिल करे | इसलिए जो माता-पिता अपने बच्चों को हिन्दी सिखाना चाहते हैं , उन्हें अपने स्थानीय स्कूल में हिन्दी को पाठ्यक्रम में शामिल करने की माँग करनी होगी| इस महीने पितृ-दिवस और शिक्षक-दिवस भी हैं | इसके अतिरिक्त श्री कृष्ण जन्माष्टमी, गणेश-चतुर्थी, पर्यूषण तथा बक़रीद के त्योहार भी हैं | पाठकों को इन सभी विशिष्ट अवसरों तथा त्योहारों पर शुभकामनाएँ| इस अंक के ‘काव्य-कंु ज’ स्तम्भ में हिन्दी दिवस तथा पितृ-दिवस आदि विषयों से सम्बंधित कवितायेँ हैं | साथ में हिन्दी के बारे में एक लेख है | इसके अतिरिक्त, ‘संक्षिप्त समाचार’, ‘अब हँ सने की बारी है ’, ‘महत्वपूर्ण तिथियाँ’ व ‘सूचनाएँ’ स्तम्भ भी हैं | लिखियेगा कि आपको यह अंक कैसा लगा। —दिनेश श्रीवास्तव

p[k;xn sMb'/I sUcn;E\ ihNdI-puãp k; ¬ýeXy a;ŽS$^eily; me' ihNdI k; p[c;r-p[s;r krn; hw) p[k;ixt rcn;ao' pr koé p;irÅimk nhI' idy; j;t; hw) ihNdI-puãp me' p[k;ixt rcn;ao' me' le%ko' ke ivc;r ¬nke apne hote hw'² ¬nke ilye sMp;dk y; p[k;xk ¬Êrd;yI nhI' hw') hStili%t rcn;E\ SvIk;r kI j;tI hw' prNtu ”leK$^^;Žink åp se ¾ihNdI-s'SkOt¾ f¹;\$ me' rcn;E\ .eje' to ¬nk; p[k;xn hm;re ilE ai/k suiv/;jnk hog; kOpy; apnI rcn;E\ ákh;iny;\² kivt;E\² le%² cu$kule² mnor'jk anu.v a;idâ inMnili%t pte pr .eje'-

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

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

k;

ihNdI

S E P T E M B E R

2 0 1 5

pirixã$â

istMbr² 2015

k;Vy-ku'j

के सरी हिंदी उगाओ

डॉ. म्रदल ु कीर्ति, अमेरिका, ईमेल- mridulkirti@gmail.com

विश्व भाषा भूमि में, केसरी हिन्दी उगाओ विश्व है परिवार इसको 'दे व भाषा' भी बताओ। केसरी हिन्दी सुगंधा, सुरभि से अवगत कराओ। सेतु हिं दी का बनाकर, सीख लो और कुछ सिखाओ। विरल हिं दी -सरल हिं दी, गूढ़ गर्भा सीख जाओ , वर्ण,अक्षर, व्याकरण के मर्म गहरे जान जाओ। स्वर व ् व्यञ्जन अमर अक्षर, नाद का दर्शन सुनाओ। पाणिनी के सूत्र 'हिं दी' में छुपे, यदि जान पाओ। 'शांति सर्वं' 'धी ' के उद्गम मन्त्र भी जग को बताओ। विश्व हित ऋषियों की वाणी, योग का उद्भव सिख़ाओ। संस्कृति संस्कृ त समाहित, संस्कारी साम गाओ। हिन्द जय, जयहिं द हिं दी, जयति जय हिं दी गुँजाओ।

मेरी मातृभाषा हिन्दी -

माध्यमिक कक्षा के विद्यार्थीगण

ग्लेन वेवर्ली केंद्र, वी.एस.एल, मेल्बर्न, ईमेल- b.nisha@gmail.com

मातृभाषा स्नेहमयी गोद है अपनी मातृभूमि की अभिव्यक्ति है ,पहचान है , समृद्ध संस्कृति की। शब्दों को दिल तक पहुँचना चाहिए मातृभाषा पढ़ते हैं इसीलिए।।

किसने कहा हिन्दी सिर्फ एक भाषा है

यही संस्कृति बचाने की सशक्त आशा है । भाषा संस्कृति की बेहतर समझ बनाये

नई पुरानी पीढ़ी को खूब बातें सिखाये।| मेरे मन में हिन्दी पढ़ने की है अभिलाषा

हिन्दी-दिवस

दादा-दादी से बोलकर सीखुँगी अपनी मातृभाषा।

श्रींती तृप्ता बधावन, नई दिल्ली, ईमेल- gazelleindia@yahoo.com

हिन्दी हिन् दुस्तान की, यह तो शान है भारत महान की।

हिन्दी है श्रृंगार भारत माता का, यह बिंदिया है प्यारी माँ की। करोड़ों दिलों पर है राज इसका, यह तो शान है सारे जहाँ की।

अँग्रेज़ों को न बिठाये ऊँचे आसन पर, हिन्दी है लोरी प्यारी माँ की।

हिन्दी हिन् दुस्तान की.....

अँग्रेज़ी की भाषा ‘हाय’ और ‘हे लो’ की, यह तो भाषा है ‘मॉम’ और ‘डै ड’ की

हिन्दी तो अपनी भाषा, प्यारी मुस्कान अपनी माँ की।

हिन्दी सरल और समृद्ध भाषा, यह तो खान है ज्ञान के भंडार की।

वेदों, उपनिषदों, धर्मग्रंथों की आत्मा, यह भाषा वैज्ञानिक तकनीकों की। हिन्दी हिन् दुस्तान की.....

हिन्दी है भाषा जन-जन की, यह तो भाषा मानस, गीता और पुराण की अनपढ़ भी गायें आनंद से, चौपाई मीठी-प्यारी मानस की। हिन्दी दिवस मना कर शान बढायें भारत महान की हिन्दी हिन् दुस्तान की....

चैनल अनेक विख्यात हैं आज हिन्दी में, समाचार, पत्र-पत्रिकाएँ भी हिन्दी में

‘वेब’ के ठिकाने बहुत हैं , ‘डॉट-काम’ पर भी ‘चैट’ हो सकती हिन्दी में हिन्दी न निर्बल, न बेचारी, यह तो शक्ति है हर इन्सान की

हिन्दी हिन् दुस्तान की....

अँग्रेज़ी पढ़कर हम हो गए बोर

हिन्दी लाओ, आओ पढ़ें कुछ और। हिन्दी बोलने में होता है गर्व

हम इस भाषा से सीखते हैं पर्व। हिन्दी सीखने के है असंख्य लाभ

दूसरे के समझे बिना, कर सकते हैं वातार्लाप।

भारत, नेपाल, पाकिस्तान या फ़ीजी कहीं भी जाये

हिन्दी आये तो आप कभी न घबराएँ। हिन्दी पढ़ने के कई लाभ हैं

अपनी संस्कृति को नए विचारों से सीखते आप हैं । एक और भाषा सीखना नहीं है हानिकारक

हिन्दी सीखने के लिए आप सभी को मुबारक।।

पिता की खोज

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

पितृ-दिवस के अवसर पर, मैं दे ख रहा हूँ मित्रों को,

उपहारों का भण्डार लिए,

पुष्पों का सुन्दर पुंज लिए|

सॉफ्टवेयर, माइक्रोसॉफ्ट संस्करण भी ‘एस.एम.एस’ की सुविधा भी हिन्दी में

पिता-पुत्र के मिलन-दिवस पर

हिन्दी हिन् दुस्तान की....

दे ख सकूँ तेरा स्वरूप

मारीशस, नेपाल, मालद्वीप व फ़िजी में भी छटा आज हिन्दी महान की आओ हिन्दी-दिवस मनाओ, हिन्दी हमारी जान है

मेरी भी अभिलाषा है

अनुराग भरी जिज्ञासा है |

जननी तो स्वर्गादीप गरीयसी, यही हमारी आन है

भावों के गहरे सागर में,

हिन्दी हिन् दुस्तान की....

जिसके अंदर छिपा हुआ रहस्य भरा जीवन का संबल|

विश्व स्तर पर पहुँची, हिन्दी है भाषा बूढ़े और जवान की शक्ति दायिनी माता, विश्व विधाता यह भाषा है भारत महान की

आज धड़कता मेरा दिल है

हिन्दी गंगा का प्रवाह

पिता तुल्य उस व्यक्ति पर,

डॉ. सुधश े , नई दिल्ली, ईमेल- dr.sudhesh@gmail.com

हिन्दी गंगा का प्रवाह नित बहने वाला बाधाओं के रोड़ों से क्या रुकने वाला?

निहित स्वार्थ के पर्वत उच्च पदों के टीले

गंगा के प्रवाह में सब कुछ बहने वाला। सौ धाराएँ मिलती हिन्दी के सागर में

सागर की गहराई हिन्दी की गागर में

कितने रं ग बिरं गी मोती इस से ले लो

शर्त एक पहले डूबो इस रत्नाकर में।

कुछ अपनी पोखर को मान रहे हैं सागर

तट पर बैठे गाल बजाते हैं नित गा कर ठहरे जल में काई का जंगल ही उगता

लेकिन कुछ पोखर को मान रहे कमलाकर।

खोज रहा मोती को,

हिन्दी की गंगा में ठहरा हुआ न जल है यह सौ झरनों से मिलने को बहुत विकल है झरना बनती नदी नदी से गहरा सागर हिन्दी की गंगा में सौ झरनों का जल है ।

कुछ अपने नाले को कहते बड़ा समुन्दर साम्प्रदायिक विष के सोते फूटे अन्दर खारे आँसू जल से होगी नहीं सफ़ाई

इसे मिला दो हिन्दी की गंगा के अन्दर। हिन्दी का साम्राज्य विरोधी का नारा है अँग्रेज़ी का भक्त ग़ुलामी का मारा है

तमिल, मराठी, बंगाली, उर्दू बहनें हैं

हिन्दी तो इन सब की आँखों का तारा है ।

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

जिसने जीवन बीज दिया

संस्कार, शक्ल और रं ग दिया| विज्ञान जनित मेरा उद्भव पिता विहीन कहलाता हूँ ,

‘सरोगेट मदर’ का मैला आँचल फिर भी दे ख न पाता हूँ |

तुम्हें समर्पित मरता क्रंदन, खोज रहा हूँ जीवन बंधन जहाँ कहीं हो तेरा कानन

स्वीकार करो मेरा अभिनन्दन| आँसू की बूँदें पोंछ रहा

मैं मिलने की प्रत्याशा में, तुम भी थोडा याद करो

जीवन की लम्बी यात्रा में जहाँ कहीं हो तेरा कानन

स्वीकार करो मेरा अभिनन्दन|

S E P T E M B E R

southSouth asia times 31 Asia Times

2 0 1 5

मैं हिन्दी हूँ ...मैं हिन्दी हूँ । बहुत दख ु ी हूँ । स्तब्ध हूँ । समझ में नहीं आता कहाँ से शुरू करूँ ? कैसे शुरू करूँ ? मैं, जिसकी पहचान इस दे श से है , इसकी मिट्टी से है । इसके कण-कण से है । अपने ही आँगन में बेइज़्ज़त कर दी जाती हूँ ! कहने को संविधान के अनुच्छेद ३४३ में मुझे राजभाषा का दर्जा प्राप्त है । अनुच्छेद ३५१ के अनुसार भारत राष्ट्र का यह कर्तव्य है कि वह मेरा प्रसार बढ़ाए। पर आज यह सब मुझे क्यों कहना पड़ रहा है ? नहीं जानती थी कि मेरा किसी 'राज्य-विशेष' में किसी की 'ज़ुबान' पर आना अपराध हो सकता है ।मन बहुत दख ु ता है जब मुझे अपनी ही संतानों को यह बताना पड़े कि मैं भारत के ७० प्रतिशत गाँवों की अमराइयों में महकती हूँ । मैं लोकगीतों की सुरीली तान में गूँजती हूँ । मैं नवसाक्षरों का सुकोमल सहारा हूं । मैं जनसंचार का स्पंदन हूँ । मैं कलकलछलछल करती नदिया की तरह हर आम और ख़ास भारतीय ह्रदय में प्रवाहित होती हूँ । मैं मंदिरों की घंटियों, मस्जिदों की अजान, गुरुद्वारे की ‘शबद’ और गिरजाघर की प्रार्थना की तरह पवित्र हूँ । मैं आपकी,

-डॉ. निशा भटनागर, मेल्बर्न, ईमेल-b.nisha@gmail.com

आप सबकी, अपनी हिन्दी हूँ । विश्वास कीजिये, मैं दिखावे की भाषा नहीं हूँ । मैं झगड़ों की भाषा भी नहीं हूँ । मैंने अपने अस्तित्व से लेकर आज तक कितनी ही सखी भाषाओं को अपने आँचल से बाँध कर हर दिन एक नया रूप धारण किया है । फ़ारसी, अरबी, उर्दू से लेकर 'आधुनिक बाला' अँग्रेज़ी तक को आत्मीयता से अपनाया है । सखी भाषाओं का झगड़ा मेरे लिए नया नहीं है । इससे पहले भी मेरी दक्षिण भारतीय 'बहनों' की संतानों’ ने यह स्वर उठाया था। मैंने हर बार शांत और धीर-गंभीर रह कर मामले को सहजता से सुलझाया है | इस समय जब सारे दे श में विदे शी ताकतों का ख़तरा मंडरा रहा है , ऐसे में आपसी दीवारों का टकराना क्या उचित है ? लेकिन कैसे समझाऊँ और किस-किस को समझाऊँ? यदि कोई दम ठोंक कर कहता है कि मेरा अस्तित्व मिटा दे गा तो मैं क्या कल की आई हुई कच्ची-पक्की बोली हूँ जो मेरा नामोनिशान मिटाया जा सकता है ? मैं इस दे श के रे शे-रे शे में बुनी हुई, अंश-अंश में रची-बसी ऐसी जीवंत भाषा हूँ जिसका

रिश्ता सिर्फ ज़ुबान से नहीं दिल की धड़कनों से है । मेरे दिल की गहराई का और मेरे अस्तित्व के विस्तार का तुम इतने छोटे मन वाले भला कैसे मूल्यांकन कर पाओगे? इतिहास और संस्कृति का दम भरने वाले छिछोरी बुद्धि के प्रणेता कहाँ से ला सकेंगे वह गहनता जो अतीत में मेरी महान संतानों में थी।मैंने तो कभी नहीं कहा कि बस मुझे अपनाओ। बॉलीवुड से लेकर पत्रकारिता तक और विज्ञापन से लेकर राजनीति तक हर एक ने नए शब्द गढ़े, नए शब्द रचे, नई परं परा, नई शैलियों का आविष्कार किया। मैंने कभी नहीं सोचा कि इनके इस्तेमाल से मुझमें विकार या बिगाड़ आएगा। मैंने खुले दिल से सब भाषाओं का, उनकी शब्दावली का, शैली और लहज़े का स्वागत किया। यह सोच कर कि इससे मेरा ही विकास हो रहा है । मेरे ही कोश में अभिवृद्धि हो रही है । अगर मैंने भी इसी संकीर्ण सोच को पोषित किया होता कि दूसरी भाषा के शब्द नहीं अपनाऊँगी तो भला उद्दाम आवेग से इठलाती-बलखाती यहाँ तक कैसे पहुँच पाती?

मैंने कभी किसी भाषा को अपना दशु ्मन नहीं समझा। किसी भाषा के इस्तेमाल से मुझमें असुरक्षा नहीं पनपी क्योंकि मैं जानती थी कि मेरे अस्तित्व को किसी से ख़तरा नहीं है । पर हाल की कुछ घटनाओं ने एक पल के लिए मेरा यह विश्वास हिला दिया है | जब भारत के एक प्रदे श की विधान-सभा के सदस्य को भारटी की राजभाषा हिन्दी में शपथ लेने से रोकें और उसे क्षेत्रीय भाषा में शपथ लेने पर बाध्य करें तो यह बात काफी चिंताजनक बन जाती है | पिछले दिनों मैं और मेरी सखी भाषाएँ मिलकर त्रिभाषा फ़ार्मूला पर विचार कर रही थीं। लेकिन इसका अर्थ यह तो क़तई नहीं था कि हमारी संतानें एक-दूसरे के विरुद्ध नफ़रत के खंजर निकाल लें। यह कैसा भाषा-प्रेम है ? यह कैसी भाषाई पक्षधरता है ? क्या 'माँ' से प्रेम दर्शाने का यह तरीका है कि 'मौसी' की गोद में बैठने पर अपने ही भाई को दशु ्मन समझ बैठो। क्या लगता है आपको, इससे क्षेत्रीय भाषाएँ खुश होगी? बिलकुल नहीं। हम सभी भारतीय भाषाएँ संस्कृ त की

बेटियाँ हैं । बड़ी बेटी का होने का सौभाग्य मुझे मिला, लेकिन इससे अन्य भाषाओं का महत्व कम तो नहीं हो जाता। और यह भी तो सच है न कि मुझे अपमानित करने से किसी क्षेत्रीय भाषा का महत्व तो नहीं बढ़ जाएगा? यह कैसा भाषा गौरव है जो अपने अस्तित्व को स्थापित करने के लिए स्थापित भाषा को उखाड़ दे ने की धृष्टता करें । मुझे कहाँ-कहाँ से प्रतिबंधित किय जा सकता है ? पूरा एक प्रदे श तो बहुत दूर की बात है अकेली मुंबई से मुझे निकाल पाना संभव नहीं है । बरसों से भारतीय दर्शकों का मनोरं जन कर रही फिल्म इं डस्ट्री से पूछ कर दे ख लो कि क्या मेरे बिना उसका अस्तित्व रह सकेगा? कैसे निकालोगे लता के सुरीले कंठ से, गुलजार की चमत्कारिक लेखनी से? आज भी जब कोई कवि, लेखक, कलाकार किस एक प्रांत से निकल कर पूरे भारत में अपनी प्रतिभा प्रदर्शित करना चाहता है तो उसे हिन्दी का सहारा लेना पड़ता है | इसलिए हिन्दी का भविष्य सुनिश्चित है | इसका अस्तित्व कोई नहीं मिटा सकता है |

s'i=Pt sm;c;r

‘अषाढ़ का एक दिन’ नामक हिन्दी नाटक का मेलबर्न में मंचन

२९ अगस्त, २०१५ को मेल्बर्न के कीज़बरो उपनगर में चैंडलर कम्युनिटी सेंटर में ‘कलाविष्कार’ नामक संस्था ने मोहन राकेश रचित ‘अषाढ़ का एक दिन’ नाटक का मंचन किया| इस नाटक का कथानक प्रसिद्ध संस्कृ त कवि कालीदास की जीवनी पर आधारित है | सभी कलाकारों ने अपने-अपने पात्रों की भूमिका भली-भाँति निभाई और स्टेज तथा प्रकाश का प्रबंधन बहुत अच्छा रहा| नाटक के दो दृश्यों के चित्र साथ में दिखाए गए हैं | लम्बे-लम्बे हिन्दी संवादों को याद करना और उन्हें उपयुक्त भावनाओं के साथ प्रस्तुत करना आसान काम नहीं था परन्तु कलाकारों ने यह काम खूबी से किया| ‘कलाविष्कार’ को स्थापित हुए अभी केवल तीन वर्ष हुए हैं परन्तु इतने थोड़े समय में ही इस संस्था ने नृत्य व नाटक के प्रस्तुतिकरण में एक विशेष स्थान बना लिया है |

हिन्दी-अध्यापिका को मिला ’टीचर ऑफ़ द इयर‘ सम्मान

२९ अगस्त, २०१५ को ‘विक्टोरियन स्कूल ऑफ़ लैंग्वेजेज़’ की ८०वीं वर्षगाँठ के अवसर पर आयोजित एक समारोह में ‘सनशाइन केंद्र’ में हिन्दी अध्यापिका, श्रीमती अलका केशरी (साथ की फोटो में मध्य में) को वी.एस.एल. ने ‘आसवेल्स’ सम्मान के अंतर्गत इस वर्ष का ‘टीचर ऑफ़ द इयर’ सम्मान प्रदान किया| श्रीमती केशरी हिन्दी-पाठों को रोचक बनाये रखने के लिए, अपनी कक्षा में अन्य विशेषज्ञों को आमंत्रित करती हैं और विद्यार्थोयों द्वारा विभिन्न क्रिया कलापों, जैसे शिक्षा-सप्ताह, सामुदायिक सेवा, त्योहार और खेल-कूद आदि का आयोजन करती हैं | इस सम्मान प्राप्त करने के लिए उन्हें हिन्दी-पुष्प की ओर से बहुत-बहुत बधाई|

भारतीय सांस्कृतिक सम्बंध परिषद् के महानिदेशक की वी.एस. एल. के प्रधानाध्यापक के साथ बैठक बुधवार, २६ अगस्त, २०१५ को भारतीय सांस्कृतिक सम्बंध परिषद् (इं डियन काउन्सिल फॉर कल्चरल रिलेशंस) के महानिदे शक (डायरे क्टर जनरल) ने विक्टोरियन स्कूल ऑफ़ लैंग्वेजेज़ का दौरा किया और प्रधानाध्यापक, श्री फ्रैंक मेर्लिनो के साथ भेंट की| उनके साथ ऑस्ट्रेलिया में भारत के उच्चायुक्त, श्री नवदीप सूरी तथा मेल्बर्न में भारत की कौंसल जनरल, श्रीमती मणिका जैन भी उपस्थिति थीं| वी.एस.एल. की और से प्रधानाध्यापक के अतिरिक्त, उप-प्रधानाध्यापक, श्री स्टेफो स्टोजानोवस्की तथा हिन्दी संकाय की संयोजिका श्रीमती मंजीत ठे ठी ने भी इस बैठक में भाग लिया| इस बैठक में इस बात पर विचार किया गया कि हिन्दी की शिक्षा प्रदान करने में भारत सरकार किस प्रकार वी.एस.एल. की सहायता कर सकती है | आशा है इस बैठक के सकारात्मक परिणाम भविष्य में दिखाई दें गे|

२. साहित्य-संगम प्रस्तुत करता है –हिन्दी दिवस २०१५ (साहित्य संध्या) ५ सितम्बर (कृ ष्ण जन्माष्टमी, शिक्षक-दिवस), 6 सितम्बर तिथि व समय- शनिवार, १९ सितम्बर, शाम ७ बजे से आरम्भ (पितृ-दिवस, ऑस्ट्रेलिया), १४ सितम्बर (हिन्दी–दिवस), १७ सितम्बर स्थान – फिलिप्स होर रूम, क्यू (Kew) लाइब्ररे ी, कोथम (Cotham) (गणेश चतुर्थी), १८ सितम्बर (पर्यूषण पर्व), २५ सितम्बर (बक़रीद), २ अक्टूबर (महात्मा गांधी जयंती), १३-२१ अक्टूबर (नव-रात्रि)| रोड तथा सिविक isivk (Civic) ड्राइव के नुक्कड़ पर, क्यू (Kew), मेल्वे सन्दर्भ (४५ डी-६) प्रवेश निःशुल्क है| अधिक जानकारी के लिए सुभाष शर्मा (फ़ोनsUcn;E\ ०३९५५५), हरिहर झा (फ़ोन-०४३३ १७८ ३७७) या नलिन शारदा १. भारतीय कौंसलावास मना रहा है – हिन्दी-दिवस (फ़ोन- ०४०२ १०८ ५१२) से संपर्क कीजिए| तिथि व समय – सोमवार, २४ सितम्बर, शाम के ६ बजे से ७.३० बजे तक| ३. ‘शारदा कला केंद्र’ प्रस्तुत करता है स्थान – ३४४ सेंट किल्डा रोड, मेल्बर्न, विक्टोरिया-३००० स्वर संध्या (५ सितम्बर), राग-रंग में उस्ताद गुलाम अब्बास खाँ का अधिक जानकारी के लिए, श्री अंजन भौमिक से vcons@ संगीत (११ सितम्बर) तथा संगीत संध्या (३ अक्तूबर) cgimelb.org पर संपर्क कीजिए|

mhTvpU,R itiqy;\

शुक्रवार, ११ सितम्बर, रात के ८ बजे से आरम्भ| स्थान - वेवर्ली मेडोज़ प्राइमरी स्कूल, ११ कूलाम्बिया ड्राइव, व्हीलर्स हिल, विक्टोरिया (मेल्वे सन्दर्भ- ७१ जी-११) समय- रात के ८ बजे से आरंभ अधिक जानकारी के लिए, संदीप को (०४०७) ६१२ ६२२ या सौरभ को (०४०२) ३२६ २३२ पर फ़ोन कीजिए| ४. प्रसिद्ध गायक व संगीतकार, हरिहरण का भक्ति-संगीत कार्यक्रम स्थान- शिव-विष्णु मंदिर का सांस्कृतिक केंद्र, ५२ बाउन्ड्री रोड , कैरम डाउन्स समय – शाम के ५ बजे से रात के ८.३० बजे तक टिकट खरीदने तथा अन्य जानकारी के लिए, अनु (फ़ोन-९८९३ ४५१६) या कुगन (फ़ोन -०४३० ३६६ ९०९) या सांथिनी (फ़ोन- ०४१७ ११७ ०५०) से संपर्क कीजिए|

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

ab h\sne kI b;rI hw

वृद्ध महिला की वसीयत एक वृद्ध महिला ने अपनी वसीयत तैयार करने का निश्चय किया और अपने वकील से दो अंतिम इच्छायें व्यक्त कीं| पहली इच्छा थी कि उसके शव को दफ़नाने की बजाय दहन किया जाये| दूसरी इच्छा थी कि उसके शव-दहन के पश्चात उसकी राख ‘वाल-मार्ट’ नामक सुपर मार्के ट के ऊपर बिखरायी जाएँ| वकील ने पूछा - ‘वाल-मार्ट’ पर क्यों? महिला ने उत्तर दिया – क्योंकि मेरी पुत्रियाँ निश्चित रूप से सप्ताह में दो बार वहाँ अवश्य आएँगी| प्रेषक- डॉ. सुरेश गुप्ता, मेल्बर्न

South Asia Times south asia community 32 South Asia Timestimes

quick community guide Radio GUIDE

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

SBS Radio's South Asian

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

Daily TUESDAY 5 PM Hindi.....................................

6 am to 8 am – 97.7 FM Hindi....................................

2 pm to 4 pm – 97.7 FM kannada Sydney SBS Radio 3

Melbourne SBS Radio 3 WEDNESDAY Tuesday 3-4 PM Hindi.................................... .6 am to 8 am – 97.7 FM Hindi.........................................

12 to 1 pm – 93.1 FM Nepali Sydney 97.7 FM & SBS1Radio 2 12 pm - 92.3 FM Punjabi............................

1 am to Melbourne 93.1 FM & SB Radio Hindi................................... .8 pm to 29 pm – 97.7 FM Saturday & Sunday 4-5 PM

THURSDAY PUNJABI Hindi...............................

5.30 am to 7 am – 97.7 FM Sydney 97.7 FM & SBS Radio 2 9 pm – 92.3 FM Tamil....................................

8 pm to Melbourne 93.1 FM & SB Radio 2 Sinhalese..........................

1 1 pm to 3 am –92.3 FM Monday & Friday Punjabi.............................

9 pm to 10 pm – 93.1 FM 9-10 PM SINHALESE FRIDAY Sydney 97.7 FM & SBS Radio 2 Indian.................................. .8 Radio am to 29 am – 88.3 FM Melbourne 93.1 FM & SB Monday & Friday

11AM-12 PM SATURDAY Sinhalese............................ 7 am to 8 am – 92.3 FM TAMIL TSydney amil.....................................

12-12.30 97.7 FM & SBS Radio 2 pm – 88.3 FM Indian.................................... am to26 am - 92.3 FM Melbourne 93.1 FM & SB5Radio Monday & Saturday Punjabi..........................................

12-2 am – 92.3 FM 8-9 PM Indian................................

9 pm to 10 pm – 92.3 FM Punjabi..................................................

11 pm to 1 am urdu Sydney 97.7 FM & SBS Radio24/7 2 Radio stations Melbourne FM & SB Radio 2(Subscription) Indian Link93.1 Radio Wednesday & Sunday 18000 15 8 47 6-7 PM Radio Santa Banta (Internet) Santabanta.com.au WORLD NEWS AUSTRALIA RADIO SydneyJhankar 1107AM88.6 & SBSFM; Radio 1 Thursday; 8 to Radio Every Melbourne 1224AM & SB Radio 1 10 pm; Contact: 94668900 or 0411247320 or Monday & Friday 9404 2111 6-7 am & 6-7 PM

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

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

S E P T E M B E R

SHEPPARTON Gurdwara Sahib Shepparton 240 Doyles Road, Shepparton VICTORIA 3603 PH: (03) 5821 9309

JAIN Melbourne Shwetambar Jain Sangh Inc 3 Rice Street, Moorabbin, Vic - 3189, Australia. Phone: +61 3 9555 2439 info@melbournejainsangh.org http://www.melbournejainsangh.org

Melbourne West Mosque 66-68 Jeffcott Street, Melbourne Ph: 03 9328 2067

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

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

Sri Lanka Consulate

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

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

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

Bangladesh High Commission, Canberra

Coburg ISNA Mosque 995 Sydney Road, Coburg North

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

Fax : (61-2) 6290-0544 E-Mail :hoc@bhcanberra.com

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

Consulate of Nepal, Melbourne

United Migrant Muslim Assn.

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

SIKH

Heidelberg Mosque Corner Lloyd & Elloits Streets, West Heidelberg

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

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

Glenroy Musala 1st Floor, 92 Wheatsheaf Road, Glenroy

TV News

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

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

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

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

Readymade Garments

Al Nur Mosque 34-36 Studley Street, Maidstone

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

Meadow Heights Mosque Hudson Circuit, Meadow Heights

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

Springvale Mosque 68 Garnworthy Street, Springvale

EMERGENCY CONTACTS EMERGENCY CONTACTS Police, Fire & Abulance ........................

Victoria State Emergency Service (SES).......................................

Traffic hazards and freeway conditions..........................

Gas escape...........................................

132 771 Poisons information........................

13 11 26 Maternal and Child Line................

13 22 29 Parentline...........................................

13 22 89 Kids Help Line.........................

1800 551 800 Lifeline (provides confidential telephone counselling).................

13 11 14 Suicide Help Line....................

1300 651 251 Animal Emergencies..................

9224 2222

HIGH COMMISSION FOR PAKISTAN,CANBERRA

MUSLIM

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

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

2 0 1 5

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

132 500 13 11 70

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

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

southSouth asia times 33 Asia Times

quick community guide

S E P T E M B E R

2 0 1 5

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

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

INDIAN CONSULATE

VIEW POINT

South Asia Times

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

South Asia Times south asia 34 South Asia Timestimes

Entertainment

S E P T E M B E R

2 0 1 5

SAT EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH IMRAN KHAN

Katti Batti is about relationship, says Imran Khan

Q: So, what actually happens?

A: We have a live in relationship for five years and then it collapses.

By Neeraj Nanda from Mumbai

M

UMBAI: Director Nikhil Advani and Producer Siddharth Roy Kapur’s Katti Batti is due for release on 18 September. This is Imran Khan’s 13th film teaming up with Queen fame Kangna Ranaut, fresh from the success of Tanu Weds Manu Returns. I

recently flew to Mumbai and caught up with Imran Khan at Nikhil Advani’s office where I saw a 25 minutes preview of the movie with Imran Khan and later talked to him about the film.

Excerpts from the interview: Q: What is ‘Katti Batti’ about?

A: It is a relationship based movie and gives the message that love is above everything.

Q: Conservative forces could oppose such a theme.

A: No, the conservatives cannot do that because the move says love is the real thing.

Q: The theme of the film, ‘live in relationship ‘is taboo in Indian society.

A: Yes, it is a relationship movie but the subject is not a taboo. This is because, people in the movie, are not against this relationship. In fact, they accept it.

Q: The Katti Batti theme has shades of Queen?

A: It is different from Queen as in Katti Batti the relationship blossoms well and when it breaks down the focus is on how the boy will cope with it.

Q: But relationships also break up in arranged marriages.

A: Yes, they do end up in quarrels but here the issue is how to deal with the new situation.

Q: So, in Queen it was a

Your Community Marriage Celebrant • • • • • • •

Marriage registration Notice of intended marriage Overseas Registration Marriage - Notice Special services to overseas students Assist passport applications, overseas visa Interpreting, translating and Secretarial services

For Information contact N.R. Wickiramasingham. CMC JP. Mobile: 0404 059 231 Phone: (03) 9794 7942 Fax: (03) 9794 0414 Email: wickiram@hotmail.com 34 James Street, Dandenong, Victoria 3175 Authorised by the Commenwealth of Australia Reg: A4978

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

woman and in Katti Batti it is a man. Is there a message for men as there was one for women in Queen.

A: It’s different from Queen as here the man (me) does not want to leave the relationship but the girl (Kangna) leaves it.

Q: Then...?

A: The man has a passion to continue the relationship.

Q: How was it acting with Kangna?

A: I have acted in 12 movies and in Katti Batti it was a big thing to work with Kangna. We tried to do movies together earlier but could not because of this or that reason. But finally came together in Katti Batti.

—SAT News Service.

S E P T E M B E R

southSouth asia times 35 Asia Times

2 0 1 5

SRI RAGHU RAM ASTROLOGY CENTRE World Famous Astrologer from Indian Generations

PANDITH: RAGHU RAM is in Melbourne Speaks

Are you suffering from any of the following problems:

English Hindi Tamil Telugu

VISA HEALTH FAMILY MARRIAGE LOVE BUSINESS EMPLOYMENT HUSBAND & WIFE RELATIONSHIP PROPERTY COURT CHILDREN PROMOTION LOTTO ETC

Has Serviced

He is an expert in Palm, Face, Photo Reading & Numerology & Predicts your Past, Present & Future.

Performs Home / Shanti Pujas, Sudarshana Chakras, Laxmi Chakras, Vastu Consultation - Home & Commercial Premises, Protection from Black Magic & any evils don’t worry any more.....

UK Switzerland Germany Singapore Malaysia New Zealand

CALL FOR APPOINTMENT

Specialist in Black Magic Spirit Removal

0424 975 226

SOLUTIONS

1000% GUARANTEE

3 Mason Street (Only 1 Min Walk From Dandenong Train Station) Dandenong VIC 3175 E: somuprince1188 @gmail.com

7 Days A Week - 10:00 AM TO 7:00 PM www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9095 6220, 0421 677 082

south asia SAT EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS 36 South Asia Timestimes

S E P T E M B E R

2 0 1 5

PHANTOM IS INTENSE THRILLER: KATRINA KAIF

Saif Ali Khan: It’s a Phantom mission

By Neeraj Nanda from Mumbai

S

aif Ali Khan stars with Katrina Kaif in Director Kabir Khan’s new spy thriller ‘Phantom’ scheduled for release in Australia on the 28th August by the Mind Blowing Films. The movie will have its World Premiere on 27th August at the Hoyts Melbourne Central as the closing night of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2015 (IFFM-2015). Saif Ali Khan has acted in more than 60 movies since 1992 and many of them were hits. I interviewed him in a cool vanity van at Mumbai’s Mehboob Studio’s, where he was busy shooting. In a candid conversion he detailed the theme and his character in ‘Phantom’ and also spoke on other issues of import.

Excerpts from the interview: Q: Why is the movie called ‘Phantom’?

A: Phantom means a ghost. My character is on a mission without credit.

It’s a black operation.

Despite success the world will not know who did it.

My character is a person thrown out of the army but there is nothing on file. It’s a Phantom mission.

Q: Tell me more about your character?

A: He is very dark. He does not get along with people. The government offers him a secret mission.

The backdrop is an international terror network and the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack.

Q: What feeling you had doing this character? Felt patriotic?

A: Doing something patriotic as a character one does not have to feel patriotic. You are risking

your life to save the country.

Don’t have to stress that too much.

Q: Anything patriotic like Manoj Kumar movies in ‘Phantom’?

A: No, that would be disastrous today. The audience is more educated and aware. Simple notions don’t work. India has changed. Every decade is different. Those who watch movies in India have changed. Manoj Kumar’s time was different but may work again one day at the right moment.

Q: The movie is being called sensitive.

A: There is a political side which can be highlighted.

It’s black and white. There are people responsible and people know who they are.

Q: Some might not be happy with the film’s theme.

A: The villain or those who did it will not be happy.

Better to see the movie and decide. Kabir Khan will not make a film targeting someone.

Q: What’s the message of the film?

A: The factual message of the movie is more exciting than the fiction. I would want to know who is responsible for 26/11 and who are they? Why they are not being brought to justice?

The hero is the fantasy and the negative part is the realistic part. It’s like a Fredrick Forsyth novel, theme is a factual situation and the hero is fictional.

Q: And inspiration from the situation.

A: Inspiration will come later. It’s about entertainment.

Q: And the action in the movie.

A: Lots of action. The hero lands up in Syria with militant commandos in a

war zone with bullets flying and gun fighting around.

Q: What’s your message for the IFFM-2015?

A: I am proud to be part of the Indian film industry. One of the few film industries which has survived Hollywood. We have a responsibility to make better movies. Thank god, we have a lovely audience to support us.

Q: What do you expect from your fans in Australia?

A: I don’t know what I expect from them but know what they expect from us.

Those missing home have a connection through us. They want us to be entertaining.

Q: New technology, for example, like You Tube is a help or hindrance?

A: It depends who you are and what you trying to do.

Any multilayered technology can be used positively and negatively. Though piracy is a problem.

Q: Why piracy is there?

A: Piracy is encouraged because many people cannot afford expensive stuff. If this stuff is economically priced piracy will have no meaning.

Q: Bollywood is global now and needs new themes.

A: We need better writers and they need to be paid well. Because we don’t pay them well the top talent does not write for movies.

Q: Like your dad do you play Cricket?

A: Yes, very much. I also like watching Cricket. It’s a family passion. We have Cricket stuff all around the home.

Q: What was the inspiration from dad?

A: He was a role model for me as a father, gentleman and a good man.

—SAT News Service.

By Neeraj Nanda from Mumbai

U

TV’s new thriller ‘Phantom’ directed

by Kabir Khan based on 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks starring Saif Ali Khan & Katrina Kaif will hit the silver screen in Australia on the 28th of August. On the 27th of August, a day before the official release, the movie will be screened as the closing event of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2015 at the Hoyts cinema, Melbourne Central. I flew to Mumbai earlier and caught up with Katrina Kaif at the iconic Mehboob Studios, Bandra (West). A relaxed but alert Katrina answered my questions with ease.

Excerpts from the interview: Q: Why is the movie called ‘Phantom’?

A: Phantom is a ghost which comes, gives and vanishes.

No one knows where it goes.

Similarly, no one is meant to know when and what happened to the covert mission in the movie.

Q: What’s your role in the movie?

A: I play a RAW (Research & Analysis Wing) agent who has abandoned her life behind and moved on. This instigates her to a dangerous mission.

Q: Why do you call it a dangerous mission?

A: Because it goes to a conflict zone, involved in violence and there is lots of

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

action.

Q: The movie was also shot in Lebanon?

A: That’s a beautiful country with rugged landscape. I work there in a refugee camp.

Q: It’s being said that the movie has a ‘sensitive’ subject. What’s sensitive about it?

A: The backdrop is 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Director Kabir Khan does not hurt anyone’s sentiments. Facts are facts. One individual does not represent the country. All care has been taken about the subject.

Q: Tell me more about the shooting?

A: Everything was interesting during the shoots.

In fact, it was a mission to shoot the movie.

Q: What’s the movie’s message?

A: The movie sympathises with people paying the price of a country’s bad impression.

It cannot be blamed for an individual’s act. These elements are in many countries.

Q: Is the film a tribute to the victims of terrorism?

A: Maybe, yes.

Q: How was it working with Saif Ali Khan?

A: Very nice. He is intelligent and does things intensely.

He talks about everything including cinema and politics.

Q: How would you describe ‘Phantom”?

A: It’s a thriller and very intense.

We wanted it to be like that.

—SAT News Service.

S E P T E M B E R

2 0 1 5

southSouth asia times 37 Asia Times

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

south asia 38 South Asia Timestimes

movie review

PHANTOM:

DESI REVENGE

By Neeraj Nanda

M

elbourne: Since the partition of the subcontinent in 1947, India and Pakistan have fought three wars (four if we count the Kargil episode) and many a peace moves have failed (including the current one) despite the people of the two countries longing for peace.

The Mumbai 26/11 terror attacks put the subcontinent on the boil again. The attacks were fatal and innocent lives were lost. The allegation of across the border masters behind these attacks went viral. The world’s biggest democracy was angry and peace took a back seat. Phantom has come with this background. The elimination of Bin Ladin by the US in Pakistan territory in the now famous raid has its echoes in Director Kabir Khan’s Phantom.

Based on the book ‘Mumbai Avengers’, its screenplay was written in coordination with the book’s author Hussain Zaidi's on the aftermath of 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

Phantom has an angry ex army man (Saif Ali Khan) and a mysterious Parsi girl (Katrina Kaif), a RAW agent chasing 26/11 handlers into their dens and eliminating them. The two hours and 15 minutes action packed movie with Hollywood style car chases and bullets criss crossing laced with stereophonic sounds keeps one glued to the screen. The rather fast moving movie sifts from one country to another towards the climax.

Terrorism and religion are separate and a whole nation cannot be blamed for the negative acts of a few. But obvious inferences can be made. But can a nation of a billion people remain silent? One wonders will South Asia ever get out of its troubles – a legacy of the split which refuses to go.

Crossing many countries Katrina and Saif pin down the culprits one by one and finally mow down the mastermind while he is addressing a rally. Obviously, there are people helping them (Katrina & Saif) and

Terrorism and religion are separate and a whole nation cannot be blamed for the negative acts of a few. But obvious inferences can be made. But can a nation of a billion people remain silent? the tedious racy escape overcoming difficult hurdles (so easy in the movie) at the checkpoint and the airport are likely to cheer many.

The climax is a mix of triumph and tragedy.

The movie’s slogan, ‘The story you wish was true’ speaks for itself. Both ‘Bajrangi Bhaijan’ and ‘Phantom’ based in the subcontinent have their own messages. It depends how you see things. Still it is politically daring as a subject. The ban across the border was expected but people are going to see it, anyway. Common people are the main victims of ‘terrorism’ in any country and, I suspect, a lot of introspection is in the offing.

Saif does well in his Rambo style role and Katrina keeps moving with him. Pritam’s ‘Afghan Jalebi (Ya Baba)’ sung by Asrar (Syed Asrar Shah), is mesmerising. ‘Saware’, sung by Arijit Singh is good to listen.

To see the movie in Australia check www.mindblowingfilms.com.

—SAT News Service. www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9095 6220, 0421 677 082

S E P T E M B E R

2 0 1 5

S E P T E M B E R

2 0 1 5

southSouth asia times 39 Asia Times

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

south asia 40 South Asia Timestimes

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

S E P T E M B E R

2 0 1 5