SAT June 2014

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CELEBRATING 11th YEAR OF PUBLICATION

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South Asia Times Vol.11 I No. 11 I JUNE 2014 I FREE s o u t hasiatim es.com .au Editor: Neeraj Nanda

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Ashoka Award 2014 Read on page 7

No bail for woman nabbed with drugs from New Delhi

Read on page 6

Asylum burn victim feared deportation

Terror paralyses Pakistan, need for hard action...read on page 5

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Read on page 8

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2 0 1 4 “SANKAT MOCHAN KENDRA” OPENING THE DOORS FOR SPIRITUAL, MORAL AND PHYSICAL COTENTMENT on 15 June 2014

For the Indian Community of Melbourne, Sunday the 15 June 2014 is going to be another historical milestone in the history of our settlement in Australia. Sankat Mochan Kendra (SMK) – A Center comprising of Hindu Temple following the North Indian Traditions and a place providing relief in dire difficulties, is going to be inaugurated on this day at 1289 A- North Road Huntingdale located at a walking distance from the Huntingdale railway station and in front of the Monash University Bus Stop.

Sankat Mochan Kendra is a culmination of six years planning and hard work of the members of Sankat Mochan Samiti Inc. (SMS). SMK comprises of a space of about 300 square meters which is going to house the Temple where Shri Ram Darbar, Hanuman Ji, Durga Mata, Shiva Ling, Ganesh Ji, and Navagraha deities will be worshiped. Shri Shirdi Sai Baba’s Murti and other idols shall also be included as per advice of devotees. Another space of about 80 square meters will be used as office space, Social welfare and traditional cultural education to enhance our inherited values.

Our Belief: Sankat Mochan means Remover of titanic colossal difficulties and Hanuman Ji (Monkey God) is believed to be the God who helps to eradicate these calamities. Hanuman Ji is the inspiration for the people who believe in Seva (selfless assistance and services). This motivated the establishment of Sankat Mochan Kendra (SMK) where SMS members are committed to make a world of difference by providing Spiritual, Moral and Physical support to individuals, families and communities at the time of critical needs. Our activities are: Spiritual Activities: The temple shall be open to devotees on Tuesday evenings and on Saturdays and Sundays for Pujas (Devotional Hindu rituals) and meditational religious chanting. Devotees can also sponsor to perform any special Pujas to celebrate festivals, special family occasions in the temple. There will be special Pujas to celebrate numerous Hindu festivals in typical North Indian traditions and styles.

Social Welfare Activities: It is pleasing to note that the Indian population is growing at the fastest rate as migrating population. With this naturally we are also going to face numerous challenges. The Social Welfare activities of the Kendra is going to focus on building the solid infrastructure to take care of the growing welfare needs of our community. SMS members want to create a feeling of confidence in the new members of our community that in us they can find a family away from their own family back home and a friend who is there to listen and share your grief and provide assistance to the best of our ability.

Educational Activities: For a healthy and happy life one needs to work on healthy mind, body and spirit. Indian traditions, culture and spirituality have a very long history and they have a lot to offer in terms of their values and richness. Regular discourses shall be organized which shall stimulate the interest in traditional values and enhance the knowledge of Indian traditions and culture to the other communities in the multicultural Australia. This shall bring the communities together to build a harmonious society.

The Opening Ceremony: The traditional Hindu rituals shall be performed to initiate Sankat Mochan Kendra on the auspicious Sunday 15 June 2014 from 9.00 am till in the afternoon by our learned Pandit Rajesh Tiwary. For further information please contact Dr Sunila Shrivastava, President SMS on 0427 274 462 or email – sankatmochansamiti@gmail.com

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GUEST EDITORIAL

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Terror paralyses Pakistan, need for hard action n

By Ajit Kumar Singh*

EW DELHI: In an attack symbolic of the deteriorating security environment across Pakistan, more than 10 terrorists, equipped with suicide vests, grenades and rocket launchers, infiltrated the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh, at mid-night on June 8-9, 2014, engaging in an extended fire fight against Security Forces (SFs), that had resulted in 24 deaths till the time of writing.

The dead included the 10 attackers, and at least another 14 people, including 10 members of the Airport Security Forces and a flight engineer with Pakistan International Airlines.

Explosions and gunfire that rang out across the airport through the night, ended just before 5am(PST) on June 9, after a five hour siege, when the last of the 10 attackers was killed.

However, the military later stated that the operation had been re-launched, as gunfire had resumed. The operation continues at the time of writing.

The Chief Minister of Sindh Province, Syed Qaim Ali Shah, admitted, "They were well trained. Their plan was very well thought out."

Indeed, one senior Pakistani intelligence official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed that some of the terrorists tried to hijack a plane, but were unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, claiming responsibility for the attack, Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ‘spokesperson’ Shahidullah Shahid declared that the attack had been planned much earlier, but had been ‘postponed’ due to the peace talks.

Karachi, the port city which has been on the boil since long, had been on tenterhooks for last three days after the British police arrested Altaf Hussain, the leader of the Muhajir Quami Movement (MQM), the city’s biggest political party, who lives in London, on suspicion of money laundering on June 3, 2014.

Hussain was, however, released on June 6, but remains under investigation.

Pakistan’s fragile security

environment was equally evident in another attack on June 8, 2014, which occurred in the neighboring province of Balochistan, in which at least 23 Shia pilgrims returning from Iran were killed in a terrorist assault on two hotels – Al-Murtaza hotel and Hashmi hotel – located in Taftan tehsil (revenue unit) of Chaghai District, near the Iranian border. The terrorists attacked the pilgrims when their convoy of 10 buses stopped at the two hotels.

Four of the attackers were later killed by the Levies Forces, after a heavy exchange of fire. A banned outfit, Jaish-ul-Islam, claimed responsibility for the attack.

According to partial data compiled by the South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP), at least 1,895 people, including 859 civilians, 759 terrorists and 277 SFs have been killed in 593 incidents of killing in the first five months and eight days of the current year. Of these, 593 incidents of killing, 152 were major incidents (each involving three or more fatalities), resulting in 1312 deaths.

The number of suicide attacks and resultant fatality during this period stands at 18 and 12, respectively.

These fatalities occurred in incidents of explosion, sectarian attacks and other terrorist violence, across Pakistan.

The violence is all pervasive, with Sindh, primarily Karachi, being the worst hit, recording at least 389 civilian fatalities,

followed by Balochistan, at 192 civilian fatalities; and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 166 civilian fatalites. In terms of overall fatalities, FATA was at the top, registering 594 fatalities (including 477 terrorists).

Despite this unabated terror within Pakistan, there is an ongoing attempt at the highest echelons of power in the country, both in the military and the civilian establishment, to appease the ‘good terrorists’. A series of talks have been held between a faction of the TTP and the civilian Government in the recent past, even as terrorist violence has persisted. The talks have now been suspended, but a claim made by a former Chief of Army Staff, Gen (Retd.) Mirza Aslam Beg, once again confirms that the military-mullah combine remains at the core of terror in Pakistan, and any respite from this menace can only be achieved, if ever, by rupturing this bond. In a media interview, Beg stated, “It (the talks) were troubled as irrelevant people were holding talks. It will bear positive results when the army and the Taliban, who are the actual parties to the conflict, will meet to resolve their issues. There was no justification for talks between the Government and TTP as it was bound to yield no results.”

More interestingly, referring to a suicide attack targeting the SFs in which two senior Army officers were killed on June 4, 2014,

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Beg claimed this was a retaliatory assault by the TTP, adding, "That is not the first time the Tehreek-eTaliban Pakistan have killed Army officers to avenge the military’s strikes. Both the Army and the Taliban have been killing each other during the last 10 years in retaliation. Such acts by TTP will not hinder the peace talks."

Astonishingly, for a military establishment that displays such a wide tolerance for acts of murder by the TTP, the spectrum of tolerance for dissent and criticism from the media has been starkly narrow.

There have been relentless attempts to silence the media, with the civilian Government expectedly toeing the Army’s line.

Significantly, top Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir (47) was seriously wounded in a targeted shooting in Karachi on April 19, 2014.

Mir’s car was ambushed as soon as it left Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport and was on the way to his Jang group-owned Geo TV’s office. Mir had earlier told his family, friends, colleagues, Army and Government officials in writing that he would hold Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lt. General Zaheerul Islam responsible if he was attacked. Indeed, Mir’s younger brother and journalist, Amir Mir, claimed, "Hamid Mir was on ISI’s hit list since Ahmed Shuja Pasha was its chief.

CONTD ON PG 6

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No bail for woman nabbed with drug consignment from New Delhi

By News Desk

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ydney/Melbourne, 9 June: A 53-yearold New Zealand woman, Tuvaine Puri, faced Parramatta Bail Court charged with importing approximately five kilograms of methamphetamine into Australia. She landed at the Sydney Airport at 7 am on a flight from New Delhi.

Puri, who wiped away tears as her application for bail was rejected by the court’s registrar, has lived in Victoria for the past five years.

She told police she had travelled to India to meet a man, who had paid for her flights media reports say.

“While in New Delhi, an unknown Asian lady dropped a bag off to her at her hotel and told her to give it to a man by the name of Kumar at Sydney

airport when she arrived,” documents before the court say.

“She was told the bag had business shirts, ties and engineering parts. She did not open the bag but thought something was wrong.’’

The detection took place when Australian Customs

and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) officers examined the baggage of the woman after she arrived on a flight from India, on Sunday 8 June 2014.

During the examination ACBPS officers located eight cardboard boxes each containing a small

lathe chuck in the woman’s baggage. After deconstruction a white crystalline substance that tested positive for methamphetamine was revealed to have been built into the goods. Further forensic testing will be conducted to confirm the exact weight and purity of the substance, says a Joint ACBPS & AFP media release.

The woman was subsequently handed over to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for further investigation.

The woman was charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, namely methamphetamine, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code Act (Cth) 1995.

The maximum penalty for the offence is life imprisonment or a fine of

Terror paralyses Pakistan...

CONTD FROM PG 5 Zaheer-ul-Islam continued the policy of his predecessor.

The ISI personnel are always present at airports. They knew his movement from Islamabad to Karachi and blaming terrorists for this act is just nonsense."

ISI and the military establishment, said to have been unhappy with Hamid Mir’s talk shows on Balochistan’s insurgency, ex-president General (Retd.)

Pervez Musharraf’s treason trial and the military’s interference in politics, were infuriated by these public denunciations.

Soon after the attack on Hamid Mir, and Amir Mir’s accusations, the Defence Ministry demanded that Geo TV’s broadcastlicense be suspended. Despite Geo TV‘s public apology on May 26, 2014, that "we have concluded that our coverage immediately after the tragic and unnerving attack on Hamid Mir on April 19 was excessive, distressful and emotional", the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), on June 6, 2014, declared that it had formally shut down Geo TV for 15 days and imposed a $101,500 fine.

On the same day, Geo TV issued a statement observing, "Geo and Jang Group (have) served legal notice on the Ministry of Defence, Inter-

Services Intelligence (ISI) and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) for defaming and maligning the group." Given the might of the military, in a country where journalists are under constant threat, the outcome of this confrontation is not difficult to predict.

It is useful to recall that, according to a recent report

by Amnesty International titled "A Bullet Has Been Chosen for You", at least 34 Pakistani journalists have been killed as a direct result of their work, just since 2008.

Despite the sheer quantum of bloodshed in terrorist depredations within Pakistan, the state continues with its patronage to the entrenched terror industry, and to the strategic export of terrorism from Pakistani soil. Pakistan’s support to various Taliban factions operating in Afghanistan, and a range of terrorist groups acting in India, has been repeatedly documented. Most recently, on May 23, 2014, gunmen armed with machine guns and RPGs attacked the Indian Consulate in Herat Province in Afghanistan. Personnel of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and Afghan SFs killed all four attackers in an encounter that lasted 10 hours. Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai later confirmed, "According to information given to us by a Western intelligence agency,

the perpetrators of the Herat attack belonged to the LeT [Lashkar-e-Taiba]. This was mentioned in writing in the report shared with us".

It has long been an open secret that LeT is the ISI’s ‘most trusted’ ally in its terrorist enterprises.

Waziristan, the lawless tribal region of Pakistan, has for long served as a safe haven for terrorist groups operating in India and Afghanistan, among other countries. A number of Central Asian terrorist groupings, including the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), Islamic Jihad Union (IJU) of Kazakhstan, the East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) and Jama’at Ansarullah (Society of Allah’s Soldiers) of Tajikistan, and Al Islambouli Brigades of al Qaeda, continue to receive protection on Pakistani soil.

Recent reports indicate that a new terrorist formation, Ansar Al-Tawheed fi Bilad Al-Hind (The Supporters of Monotheism in the Land of India), has been established in this region.

While the Army remains reluctant to sustain operations in terror infested FATA and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the enthusiasm for operations, including ‘kill and dump’ actions against activists and their families, in Balochistan, continues to increase. On June 5, SFs in the

Province launched another operation, killing at least 30 Baloch rebels in the Dera Bugti District of Balochistan.

Balochistan Home Minister Sarfraz Bugti said the militants were members of the Baloch Republican Army (BRA). One SF trooper was also killed and another eight were injured during the exchange of fire. Again on June 8, 10 Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) militants were killed in the operation. Conspicuously, SATP shows that Balochistan has recorded at least 3,176 civilian fatalities since 2004. 294 civilian killings (192 in the South and 102 in the North) have been claimed by Baloch separatist formations such as the United Baloch Army (UBA), BRA, BLA and Balochistan Liberation Tigers (BLT).

The Islamist and sectarian extremist formations, primarily Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ), TTP and Ahrar-ul-Hind (Liberators of India) claimed responsibility for the killing of another 502 civilians, all in North, mostly in and around Quetta. The remaining 2,380 civilian fatalities – 1,457 in the South and 923 in the North – remain ‘unattributed’.

A large proportion of the ‘unattributed’ fatalities, particularly in the Southern region, are believed to be the result of enforced disappearances carried out

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up to $1,275,000.

ACBPS Regional Commander New South Wales, Mr. Tim Fitzgerald, said that detections of illicit drugs at the border reduced the harm such substances caused the community.

"By stopping illicit drugs at the border Customs and Border Protection, working alongside the AFP, minimizes the harm they can cause our communities, our hospitals, and society at large," Mr Fitzgerald said.

AFP Acting National Manager Aviation Wayne Buchhorn said authorities will continue to work together to stamp out the illicit drug trade.

"No matter how big or small the importation, we will be there to stop it," Acting Assistant Commissioner Buchhorn said.

—SAT News Service

by state agencies, or by their proxies, prominently including the Tehreek-e-Nafaze-Aman Balochistan (TNAB, Movement for the Restoration of Peace, Balochistan).

Pakistan persists in its perverse policy of cultivating its ‘loyal’ terrorist formations, which are used both for external strategic extension and domestic political management, even as it seeks to suppress groups that have turned renegade, or that have raised the banner of revolt against Islamabad. It is, however, the spaces created for ‘friendly terrorists’ that are being progressively occupied by groups inimical to the state, in a blowback that threatens to snowball beyond the state’s capacities of ‘management’. The attack on the airport in Karachi is just another in a long chain of devastating terrorist strikes against Pakistan’s critical infrastructure and security establishments.

With a military and political establishment that refuses to relinquish the instrumentalities of terrorism as instruments of state policy, Pakistan can only continue its accelerating hurtle into chaos. * Research Fellow, Institute for Conflict Management Source: Inter Press Service (IPS), June 11.

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Ashoka Award 2014 for Louise Asher & Amitabh Mattoo

By our reporter

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elbourne, 30 May : Victoria Minister Louise Asher, the Minister for Trade, Employment, Tourism and Major events and on Australia India Institute (AII) inaugural director Amitabh Mattoo were awarded the Australia India Business Council’s (AIBC) 2014 Ashoka Award for their contributions to IndiaAustralia relationship.

The Awards were presented to Minister Asher and Prof Mattoo at a glittering function at the RACV Club attended by the Victorian Governor Mr.Alex

Chernov and several Australian and Indian dignitaries. The event was also attended by a large number of prominent guests from businesses, government, media and the community.

The 2014 Ashoka Award is the third in the series that was started in 2012 by the AIBC President Mr. Ravi Bhatia and the Ashoka Award Committee. Prof Mattoo is the first Indianorigin person to receive the award.

Receiving the 2014 Ashoka Award from the Indian High Commissioner Mr. Biren Nanda, Minister Asher said the Victorian government has been

working on a four-point engagement programme for building ties with India which included enhancing understanding between the two sides through cultural and student exchange programmes and also building strategic, trade and investment relations.

Minister Asher said that since 2011, she has been on trade missions to India six times from which "the reported exports were recorded at over USD 653 million dollars".

Prof Mattoo, while thanking Dr Ravi Bhatia for the award, said though relations between Australia and India have improved and grown over past few

years, there was still a big scope to further strengthen it.

Speaking on the occasion, the Indian High Commissioner, Mr. Nanda said the new Indian government has been assertive about trade and investment which Australia should see as a unique opportunity to build future relations.

“Because of it having its own majority in Parliament the present government will have greater ease in pulling its agenda but there might also be hurdles in fulfilling

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the many expectations,” Mr. Nanda said.

Dr Ravi Bhatia said that, quite coincidentally, the evening turned out by a celebration not only for Ashoka Award but also for the elections in India that have conclusively demonstrated the strengths of a democratic city.

He said that the strong mandate given to Mr Modi had invigorated the nation for rapid economic growth and opportunities.

- SAT News Service.

—SAT News Service

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Asylum burn victim feared deportation

By our reporter

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elbourne: A Sri Lankan asylum seeker, of Tamil origin living in Geelong died of 99 per cent burns June 1 after apparent self- harm. He was on a bridging visa and had come to Darwin via boat last year.

He was shifted to the Alferd Hospital where he died.

Talking to the media Immigration Minister Scott Morrison called it a ‘ very serious incident’ and ‘ it is not the first of these incidents that has taken place and it is a matter now of working through the important next steps to ensure all the necessary processes are followed.” ” The department and its Asylum Seeker Assistance Scheme provider are working with the hospital and community, with

members of the family also to make funeral arrangements and to contact the next of kin none of whom are understood to be in Australia, “he said.

The man, who was aged in his 20s, suffered burns to 99 per cent of his body in a horrific incident in West Fyans Street.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports, “

Ambulance Victoria spokesman John Mullen said paramedics were called to West Fyans Street in the Geelong suburb of Newtown at 11.38 on Saturday (31st May) morning. Mr Mullen said the man was doused in petrol, which had been ignited, causing ''full thickness'' burns to nearly 100 per cent of his body.”

The SMH quoted a Victoria Police spokesman as saying: ''At this stage we believe the injuries were self-inflicted.''

According to the 93.9 Bay FM (Geelong), “Refugee support groups have named the man as Leo Seemanpillai. Friends say Mr Seemanpillai was an honourable man who volunteered in aged care and made contributions to children living in poverty in India.But they say he had grave concerns for his future after two of his friends were recently returned to detention.”

“The Refugee Action Coalition's Ian Rintoul says we need to change the way people on bridging visas are processed, so this kind of thing doesn't happens again.” the radio said.

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The Refugee Action Coalition's Ian Rintoul says we need to change the way people on bridging visas are processed, so this kind of thing doesn't happens again.

—SAT News Service

At-risk 300 Afghan’s settled in Australia

By News Desk

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he Australian Government has granted permission for permanent settlement to more than 500 Afghan nationals who were employed in support of Australia's mission in Afghanistan, together with their families. They have now been granted visas to Australia under the 2013-14 refugee and humanitarian programme. Most of these Afghans are already in Australia and faced physical and other dangers in Afghanistan.

'This policy reflects Australia's fulfilment of its moral obligation to those who provided invaluable support to Australia's efforts in Afghanistan,' Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Scott Morrison said.

'I commend our government agencies and partners for their assistance in this programme including the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, Defence and the Department of Social Services, who have been working closely together to ensure we can honour our commitments to those who helped our troops,' he said.

Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon David Johnston, said the locally engaged employees (LEE), including interpreters, were assessed to be at risk of harm after providing critical support to the Australian Defence Force and Australian Government agencies in Afghanistan, by breaking down cultural and language barriers, says a

media release.

'Many of these employees were placed at significant risk of harm by insurgents in Afghanistan, due to the highly visible and dangerous nature of their employment,' Minister Johnston said.

Minister for Social Services, the Hon Kevin Andrews MP, said the humanitarian settlement services (HSS) programme had provided these employees and their families with early, practical support to help them participate in the economic and social life of Australia.

'Through the HSS, the Australian Government has provided

resettled Afghan employees with a range of support, including accommodation, household assistance and access to government, community and health services,' Minister Andrews said.

'Many have already commenced employment or vocational training opportunities and their children are enrolled in school.'

The majority of those already settled in Australia arrived over the latter part of 2013 and early 2014 after submitting their applications by the initial deadline of the end of September.

‘It is has been imperative for

the government to conduct this process with a high level of discretion, given the sensitivities and risks involved for the applicants and their families. As a result, and for their protection, the government has been reluctant to comment on this programme until now.’

“It is now important that those who have now come to Australia under this programme are allowed to get on with their lives, with their families, as new Australian residents and in the future as citizens,” the media release says.

Australia is committed to continue supporting Afghani-

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It is now important that those who have now come to Australia under this programme are allowed to get on with their lives, with their families, as new Australian residents and in the future as citizens. stan beyond 2014, when the International Security Assistance Force mission in Afghanistan ends.

Following the completion of Australia's mission in Uruzgan and the departure of Australian Defence Force personnel from the province, Australia has shifted to a nationally orientated mission which will continue to provide training and advisory support to the Afghan National Security Forces.

—SAT News Service

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Kashmiri Pandit’s hold annual camp

By our reporter

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elbourne: Kashmiri Pandit's Cultural Association (KPCA) in Melbourne held their Annual Winter Camp at the Phillip Island YMCA facility from June 7th to June 9th this year. A group of over 40 Kashmiri Pandits(KP) including children converged at the picturesque beach facing camping site and spent two days together as one big Kashmiri family.

The Camp, one of the biggest social events of KPCA Melbourne held every year, gave the KP families a chance to enjoy and celebrate the Kashmiri culture Down Under.

KPCA president Sid Kaul said ‘the annual camp is an effort of the community to celebrate and take pride in Kashmiri culture and traditions. It is important to preserve our identity in these challenging times so this event is an important one in our social calendar as we meet and connect with our compatriots.''

During the camp, the members took part in

several sports and fun filled activities like archery, beach walk, cycling, yoga, meditation, Zumba session, cricket, volleyball and tugof-war.

Activities for kids like a painting competition on Kashmir were also held during the camp giving a unique opportunity for kids to learn about Kashmiri culture.

The event reached to the next level when the members got dressed in Pherans, the traditional Kashmiri dress, and danced on Bollywood numbers.

As it is a known fact that no KP event can be complete without its mouth watering food, the campers enjoyed the traditional food like mutton Yakhni, Roganjosh, Paneer, Lotus stem curry, Khate Baigan and Chicken curry. Even the beverages served included Kahwa and sheer chai (Salted tea).

KPCA secretary Neel Raizada said ‘From authentic food, people to cold weather, this camp has definately left us with the most authentic taste of Kashmir in Australia.''

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

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Pedestrian Safety P

By Ash Dixit*

EDESTRIANS • Cross roads at marked crossings or traffic lights wherever possible.

• If there is no crossing, avoid crossing where you cannot see approaching traffic, such as near a bend in the road or a crest of a hill.

• Always walk on footpaths and nature strips where possible and walk so that you face oncoming traffic.

• Be sure that a driver has seen you and male eye contact if possible.

• Make yourself visible by wearing bright clothing during the day and white or reflective clothing at night.

• At railway crossings, wait for the gate to open and the bells to stop ringing before you cross the track.

• Headphones and mobile phones can be a distraction. When crossings the road, walk straight across and look and listen for traffic whilst crossing.

• Obey the law to avoid a $72.00 fine for jaywalking.

• Use Super tram stops where possible as these are linked with pedestrian crossings.

ROAD SAFETY FOR CHILDREN Research shows that children under 10 do not have the skills and experience to be safe in traffic on their own. Listed below are some guidelines to be followed to assist children with road safety.

• Children under 5 should cross the road with an adult holding their hand.

• Children between 5 and 10 should be actively supervised by an adult when crossing the road.

• Parents should actively

plan with their children safe walking and cycling routes.

• Find out what traffic safety programmes are taught at school and reinforce this at home.

Research shows that children under 10 do not have the skills and experience to be safe in traffic on their own. Listed below are some guidelines to be followed to assist children with road safety.

ROAD SAFETY FOR CYCLISTS • Slow down and be aware of pedestrian movement near schools and shopping centres.

• Make eye contact with other road users and never assume a person has seen you.

• Alert pedestrians of your path by using your bell or voice to warn them.

• Be seen by wearing bright clothing during the day and reflective clothing at night. * The author is a Senior Constable Victoria Police

—SAT News Service

Australia to allow 190,000 migrants in 2014-2015

By News Desk

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elbourne, 24 May: Australia will allow 190,000 migrants into the country including 128,550 for skilled migration, 60 885 places for family migration and 565 places for migration under the special eligibility stream.

‘The family stream will see more places being allocated for partners and children which together increase by 335 places, in recognition of the strong social and economic benefits of close family reunion, while the number of places in the contributory parent category has also been increased by 500 places,’ says a media release. 'The additional 4,000

places in the family stream which the previous government allocated to maritime arrivals have been removed, resulting in a saving of around $267 million. Growth in business visa programmes will be prioritised and over $300 million will be saved through changes to Australia's 2014-15 migration programme, Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, the Hon Scott Morrison, said.

The current budget allocates almost 68 per cent of Australia's migration places to skilled migration, and reprioritises employer-sponsored visas. The family stream will see more places being allocated for partners and children which together increase by 335 places, in recognition of the strong social and economic benefits

The family stream will see more places being allocated for partners and children which together increase by 335 places. of close family reunion, while the number of places in the contributory parent category has also been increased by 500 places.

—SAT News Service.

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China ahead of India in Napthine Australian perception opposes of best friend increase

to minimum wage By our reporter

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By our reporter

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elbourne: Who is Australia’s best friend in Asia? The just released Lowy Institute poll 2014 has some interesting facts on the question. Fieldwork for the Poll was conducted between 12 and 27 February 2014 and key results on many issues are available on its website.

A glance at the report reveals the Australian public gives China as much of a claim to that title as Japan. Asked to choose between Japan, China, Indonesia, India, Singapore or South Korea, 31% of Australians say that China, Australia’s largest trading partner, is ‘Australia’s best friend in Asia’. Twenty-eight per cent choose Japan as Australia’s best friend in Asia, a statistically equivalent result.

Next comes Singapore, with 12% seeing it as our best friend in Asia. Indonesia, our largest near neighbour, comes fourth (9%), followed by India (5%) and South Korea (5%).

“Australians hold mixed views on China. This year’s ‘thermometer’ recorded Australians’ warmth towards China at 60°, its equal highest score in our history of tracking, reinforcing our finding that many see China as Australia’s best friend in Asia.

However, not all aspects of the relationship with China are regarded so warmly,” says the report.

Two issues that concern Australians, according to the report, are China’s military threat with half the Australian population believing China will become a military threat to Australia in the next 20 years and Australians have expressed a wariness of Chinese investment in Australia. In 2014, a majority (56%) considers that the Australian Government is allowing too much investment from China, compared with a much smaller 34% who say the amount of Chinese investment is about right. Only 4% say the government is not allowing enough investment from China.

—SAT News Service

elbourne: The Napthine Government has opposed an increase to the minimum wage, despite the Fair Work Commission awarding an $18.70 increase to the lowest paid Victorians.

The Napthine Government, in its submission, warned the Commission to be ‘cautious’ when considering an increase for the lowest paid, despite the spiralling cost of living and the government’s increases to fees and fines.

The Napthine Government’s submission stated, “It is imperative that minimum wages do not act as an impediment to affected workers securing and maintaining employment, or regaining employment once out of the workforce. In order to limit potential negative impacts, the FWC should exercise caution when determining minimum wage adjustments in its Annual Wage Review 20132014 decision.”

But the Federal Budget will see minimum wage earners in Victoria worse off, cutting nearly $40 from their personal budget every week. $80 billion will be cut from Victorian schools and hospitals.

Our core values are equality and social justice

By Martin Pakula MP

A

s the State Member of Parliament who represents the areas of Keysborough, Noble Park and Springvale, I take great pleasure in welcoming people to our community who have recently decided to call Australia home. I am proud to be your representative in the State Parliament.

In particular, I am delighted to see the growing Indian communities in the south east of Melbourne contribute an enormous variety of cultural, culinary and economic benefits to our local neighbourhoods. Our local area’s cultural diversity is one of our greatest strengths and it is further enhanced by those joining us from India.

In my capacity as a member of the Opposition Labor Cabinet, I hold the shadow portfolios of Attorney General, Corrections, Gaming & Racing and Scrutiny of Government.

My role as Shadow Attorney General enables me to ensure that while we are the Opposition, we take a stand when we see Government decisions that are unjust or will disadvantage members of the Victorian community.

Victorian Labor believes in strong communities, not individual gain at the expense of others. We believe in a fair go for everyone. The Labor Party’s core values are equality and social justice. We have a strong history of standing up to injustice, racism and discrimination – and fighting for equality and fairness.

The Federal Government has recently said that it intends to undo key elements of the Racial Discrimination Act that protects us all by preventing racists from publically airing their views. We are standing strongly against these possible changes. My federal counterpart, the federal shadow Attorney General, Mark Dreyfus QC MP, also represents the people of Keysborough. He is leading the campaign against any changes to the Racial Discrimination Act and Labor will continue to fight this massive risk to our united, inclusive society.

I am also passionate about education. My wife and I have two primary school aged children and we understand the importance of giving all kids the best start in life through a top quality education. Victorian La-

bor places an enormous emphasis on excellent early childhood education, primary and secondary schooling, and training opportunities in TAFEs or higher education. We have an outstanding record of investment in education and it will be a top priority if we are elected to Government in November. Every Victorian deserves the best education and the opportunities it brings. If you live in Keysborough, Noble Park or Springvale and have State Government issues I can assist you with, please do not hesitate to contact my office on 9547 6262 or email me at martin.pakula@parliament.vic. gov.au. I look forward to representing you.

Hon Martin Pakula MP, State Member for Lyndhurst

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

Victoria’s Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations says, “Denis Napthine doesn’t know how tough it is for families at the moment.”

“He’s taxing Victorians more than ever before, he’s doing nothing to stop the rising cost of living and now he’s opposing a simple increase in the minimum wage.”

“Under Denis Napthine and the Liberals, lowincome families are on their own.”

The Napthine Government has increased car registration fees by $25 and collected millions from vehicle registration fees.

The Government will reap an additional $225 million from traffic fines, but aren’t putting anything back into local roads, local bus networks or local car parks around train stations.

An analysis of council rate rises since 2003-04 revealed bills soaring by an average of 87 per cent, from $735 a year to $1373.

On top of that over 400,000 Victorian families will have their family payments cut.

And Under Tony Abbott’s plans Victorians will be forced to spend more to visit the doctor.

This is on top of cuts to hospitals, and increasing the costs of medicines for families.

—SAT News Service

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COMMUNITY NEWS

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Overseas Indian Affairs Ministry abolished

Plea to upgrade Pound & Shrives Roads intersection

By our reporter

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By News Desk

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ew Delhi & Melbourne: The new NDA government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has abolished the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs - MOIA (Earlier headed by Mr. Vayalar Ravi in the UPA government) and merged it with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). So, now there is no independent or separate

Ministry in the Indian government for the Indian Diaspora spread all over the world.

SAT checked the PIB site and found that Mrs. Sushma Swaraj is the Minister handling external affairs and overseas Indians affairs. Ex- Gen V. K. Singh (former Army chief) is the Minister of state for external affairs and overseas Indian Affairs. A look at the MOIA site reveals it has not yet been updated or revamped.

—SAT News Service

elbourne: The campaign to upgrade the notoriously congested and dangerous intersection of Pound and Shrives Roads must continue, State Labor Member for Narre Warren South Judith Graley said recently.

Ms Graley was joined by the Shadow Treasurer Tim Pallas and members of the local Indian Community at the accident hotspot earlier today.

“Rarely does a week go by where I am not contacted by a local resident who is sick and tired of finding themselves stuck in traffic at this intersection,” “I invited Mr Pallas to come down today to see for himself just how dangerous and congested this intersection has become on Napthine’s watch,” “It beggars belief that after almost four years of worsening congestion, countless nearmisses and multiple accidents that this government refuses

to act.” Ms Graley slammed the Napthine Government’s failure to listen to the local community’s concerns about this dangerous intersection.

“I have raised this matter on behalf of the local community in the Parliament, I have written to the Minister, organised a petition and still the Napthine Government refuses to do a single thing about it,” “In fact, if the desperate State Budget of Mr Napthine’s is any guide, roads in Casey simply no longer exist,” “Not one cent of new roads funding was provided for our growing local community, as our current roads buckle under the pressure,” “I urge everyone who is yet to get involved to join our campaign for safety upgrades at the intersection of Pound and Shrives Roads,” “We mustn’t allow Mr Napthine to get away with abandoning our local community.”

—SAT News Service

Chef, bricklayers & wall/floor tilers added to the skilled occupation list By our community reporter

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elbourne, 9 June: The Australian government has added three indemand trades to the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) for immigration to ‘help meet the skills needs of the Australian economy’. There are already 188 skills in the SOL. The added skills are chefs, bricklayers and wall and floor tilers.

The Minister for Trade and Investment, the Hon. Andrew Robb and the Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Senator the Hon. Michaelia Cash announced that chefs, bricklayers and wall and floor tilers will be added to the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) from July 1 to help meet the skills needs of the Australian economy.

Minister Robb said the addition of chefs to the SOL reflects that the occupation

is in short supply, coupled with strong growth projected in the café and restaurant sector.

“The inclusion of chefs, as well as the further inclusion of building and construction occupations will ensure Australia can fill the workforce needs of the next wave of tourism infrastructure,” Mr Robb said.

“We are seeing investment interest from a number of international hotels groups. Luxury high-yield Banyan Tree resorts visited Queensland recently. Hong Kong-based Marriot hotel group have announced their Ritz Carlton brand is re-entering the Australian market after more than a decade with a new hotel in Perth and Crown’s plans for Barangaroo in Sydney will add to the city’s luxury tourism offering.”

“These developments will need tourism and hospitality workforce that will ensure Australia can compete at the high-value end of the tourism sector – including international quality chefs,” he said.

Minister Cash said the Australian Workforce and Productivity Agency (AWPA) provide annual recommendations on the SOL to ensure it responds to Australia’s changing skill needs.

“The AWPA analyses evidence such as the labour market, education and training, migration and general economic and demographic data to make sure we get the balance right,” Minister Cash said.

“In this case, bricklayers and tilers have been added to the list because of an increase in demand predicted for these occupations as well as a decrease in apprenticeship completions.”

The SOL is used for people applying for the independent or family sponsored points tested visa or temporary graduate (subclass 485) graduate work stream.

Before prospective migrants can apply for independent skilled migration, they must submit an expression of interest via SkillSelect.

No existing occupations are being removed from the SOL, says a media release.

—SAT News Service

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

Minister Robb said the addition of chefs to the SOL reflects that the occupation is in short supply, coupled with strong growth projected in the café and restaurant sector.

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Melbourne Durbar Adnan ‘Lifts’ weight Low voting mars AIBC poll loss enthusiasts

By Desi Oz

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eople who went to hear Adnan Sami at the Palais Theatre on Sunday, 8 June got a bonus talk on weight loss. The smart Adnan who was once 230 kgs and now about one third of that gave some solid tips to the audience on weight loss based on his personal experience.

In a nut shell he said he deleted Wheat, Rice, Oil and a few more things from his food plates for about four years and became what he is now. Will power or commitment, he said, was also a must with this. Adnan who is an actor, singer and musician wondered how some people think he sang better when he was fat.

He said he had not taken

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any special treatment from a doctor or had any operation or so to cut down his weight. The ever smiling Adnan while

entertaining his audience during the concert left many a desi Melbournian ending up eating less Chapaties and Rice.

Komagata Maru Centenary year

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elbourne, 28 May: This November Australia will host the Group of Twenty (G20) Leaders Summit in Brisbane and Australia Post is marking this major event with the release of a new domestic base-rate (70c) stamp.

Looking back at the historical incident of 1914, after exactly a century in 2014, the Canadian government recently issued a stamp, respectfully remembering the tragedy affecting the lives of more than 350 Indians in its centenary year.

However, it’s sad the incident is not being remembered with an equal respect in India, not even by the people in Punjab or its state government, officially.

The incident: Komagata Maru, was a Japanese steamship hired by an influential Sikh Baba Gurdit Singh sailing towards Canada with 376 Indians aboard including 340 Sikhs, 24 Muslims and 12 Hindus as per the history books. The ship reached Vancouver on May 23, 1914 but due to certain migration restrictions its passengers were not allowed to get off and only 20 out the 376 people were given the permission after proving their resident status. The ship was then sent back to India and it again reached a port near Calcutta after a

long, tiring voyage towards the end of September (after four months). But shockingly, here several travellers of the ship were gunned down by the British troops near Baj Baj ghat and only a few managed to escape whereas the rest were all imprisoned in their own country by the British rulers.

Rare Hind Film made on the historical tragedy.

Jeevan Sangram - Writerproducer-director Rajbans Khanna made a spirited Hindi film titled JEEVAN SANGRAM in the year 1974, which was a fictional account of the events after the ship came back to India. The movie featured Shashi Kapoor, Radha Saluja, Om Shiv Puri, Man Mohan, Iftekhar, Murad, Asit Sen, Jalal Agha & many more in the key roles of

revolutionary Indians and had its soundtrack composed by Kalyanji-Anandji. The songs had melodious voices of Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Usha Mangeshkar, Mahendra Kapoor and Narender Chanchal, singing the lyrics of Indivar, Gulzar and M.G. Hashmat. Plus the screenplay and dialogues were also written by Gulzar and Qamar Jalalabadi together which certainly gave another finer edge to the project undoubtedly.

Made with a very authentic feel of Punjab, it had some thoughtfully written dialogues in its well-executed climax, mentioning the teachings of Jesus Christ and the huge sacrifice of the entire family and his four young sons by the tenth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh.

Unfortunately,JEEVAN SANGRAM, remains one of those visionary but forgotten films made on the Indian Independence movement in the 70s and the KOMAGATA MARU incident is still unknown to many. The film is a rare find in the home video market was found on a Russian language site.

So, then try to watch this unheard of gem. The link to see the movie : http://indi-tv.ru/video/ starye-filmy/parol-goluboilotos-jeevan-sangram-drama. html Source: Bobbytalkscinema

elbourne/ Sydney: The recently held Australia India Business Council (AIBC) National elections have thrown up an interesting scenario. Results have been out where Dipin Rughani was reelected National Chairperson defeating David Trench and Sheba Nandkeolyar was elected National Vice Chairperson defeating Gautam Gupta. But behind this result lies a hidden fact. Only 148 out of about 500 members (Australia wide) voted in the elections, organised by the Australian Electoral Commission. Thus only 28 % of voters exercised their franchise. It’s a rather dismal performance for

the peak Indo-Australian business body to have such few members voting. Dipen got 95 votes and the defeated David got 38 votes. Sheba Nandkeolyar got 85 votes and the defeated Gautam Gupta got 38 votes. The poll was embodied in controversy after a few members wrote a letter to Ms Gloria Burgess, Returning Officer, Australian Electoral Commission (AEC), Rockdale Office, NSW demanding termination of the election calling it ‘faulty’ and ‘corrupted’.

But the poll went on and ended with its lowest ever turnout. The new leadership is now there and one has to wait and see what happens next.

Australia Post honours G20 Leaders Summit

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elbourne, 28 May: This November Australia will host the Group of Twenty (G20) Leaders Summit in Brisbane and Australia Post is marking this major event with the release of a new domestic baserate (70c) stamp.

"Australia Post is honoured to commemorate the 2014 G20 Leaders Summit with this stamp issue," said Australia Post Managing Director and CEO, Ahmed Fahour.

"The hosting of the G20 Leaders Summit is the pinnacle event of Australia's G20 Presidency. The summit gives Australia an opportunity to strengthen engagement with the world's major economies. It will also showcase Brisbane, and Australia, as world-class destinations for tourism, education and business," Mr Fahour said.

The design of the official G20 stamp is the result of a competition held across the country's secondary schools and judged by the Australian community.

The competition was a wonderful opportunity for students to showcase their creative talent, and produce a design that best represents the G20 and Australia's role as host.

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

The winning design,

by MacKillop College in Werribee, Victoria, draws inspiration from the significance of the G20 and the role of the host city, Brisbane.

The associated products available with this stamp issue include a first day cover, sheetlet pack, maxicard and a sheetlet of 10 x 70c stamps.

The G20 Leaders Summit stamp issue has been available from 3 June 2014 at participating Australia Post retail outlets, via mail order on 1800 331 794 and online at auspost.com.au/stamps while stocks last.

—SAT News Service

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Need to address structural causes of poverty, social exclusion

mines; unjust global trade rules and unequal financial architecture; corruption and brazen impunity; and the privatisation of essential social services like health and education.

All these result in furthering inequalities, ruining the environment and impoverishing communities across the globe.

By Amitabh Behar

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n the following paper, Amitabh Behar* talks about the ‘golden threads’ of global development versus the ‘poison threads‘, the latter according to Behar are the real causes of endemic poverty, growing inequality and exclusion. Part of the development dialogue paper series, published by the Dag Hammarskjöld Foundation, whose aim is to provide analysis and practical recommendations on important development issues, the paper says, “The global leadership and the UN face the sizable challenge of making a historic choice between continuing the legacy and hegemony of neoliberalism or of weaving together a ‘new deal’ which is truly transformative and puts the poor and ordinary citizens at the centre”: ‘Tharcherism’ Margaret Thatcher’s funeral in 2013 was attended by representatives of more than 170 countries with the particular exception of Iran, North Korea and Argentina. It was a demonstration of the continuing spell of ‘Thatcherism’ on the global community inspite of her polarising legacy. The world has changed dramatically since her demitting office in 1990- with the collapse of the Soviet bloc, Internet explosion, 9/11 and more recently the rise of BRICS (acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), particularly China. However, amidst all these monumental changes the fundamental frame of local (i.e. national) and global policy and political discourse around the world has largely revolved around the fulcrum of ‘Thatcherism’ and neoliberalism.

Unfortunately, this discourse is hegemonic and reflects the dictum so often used during Margaret Thatcher’s time; ‘there is no alternative’. This is notwithstanding the very serious challenges and political alternatives from Latin America; continuing fuel, food and financial crisis; questions of environmental sustainability; the iconic ‘Occupy Movement’ along with peoples’ struggles around the world in the Arab Spring or the anti-rape protests in Delhi and though numerically feeble but morally powerful slogan of ‘an alternative world is possible’ from the World Social Forum.

Amidst this neoliberal fundamentalism, the declaratory activism of the United Nations flourished and gained ground in the nineties in the form of several historic conferences including Cairo, Rio, Beijing, and Copenhagen, on crucial human rights and developmental issues leading to a powerful Millennium Declaration of the United Nations saying ‘We have a collective responsibility to uphold the principles of human dignity, equality and equity at the global level. As leaders we have a duty therefore to all the world’s people, especially the most vulnerable and, in particular, the children of the world, to whom the future belongs’.

Most remained skeptical of the UNs ability to deliver substantively on any of the outcomes of these declarations including the Millennium Declaration. The framing of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as the path to achieve the Millennium Declaration soon exposed the reduced ambitions of the UN. The big gains emanating from the hard work of the nineties through the various conferences were diluted by a simple matrix presenting a set of reductive and charitable indicators leading to activist protests calling these ‘Minimalist Development Goals’. The idea of politics and rights were consciously and by design taken out of the global development discourse.

MDGs: Unprecedented interest Despite the weaknesses of the MDGs, the global community recognised the power and influence of a jointly agreed developmental framework. This resulted in an unprecedented interest in the framing of the post-2015 developmental framework amongst development practitioners and civil society actors. Laudably, the UN responded by setting up an ambitious consultative process

Golden or poison threads

of reaching out to millions of people and other stakeholders through online platforms, around 100 country consultations (which in turn held consultations with diverse stakeholders like youth, trade unions, civil society etc), thematic global conferences and several other initiatives. On top of this, the UN set up the High Level Panel of eminent persons, co-chaired by the Heads of States of Liberia, Indonesia and the United Kingdom. The HLP in turn had multiple rounds and channels of consulting various stakeholders.

This was further followed up by the release of the Secretary General’s report on the MDGs and the new development agenda in the UN General Assembly in September 2013. After this, the platform shifted to the Open Working Group (OWG) meetings, but the process of consultations and incorporating inputs from a variety of stakeholders continued. Surely, the UN has been able to set up a fairly broad based consultative (but not fully inclusive) process, though it is not clear how these enormous inputs would systematically feed into the final outcome document. This has raised concerns about the real intent of these consultations, seen primarily by some observers as public posturing while according to many critical voices the defining narrative of the post-2015 is pre-scripted.

The UN system and its machinery along with some member states have galvanised significant online and offline action along with much debates and discussions by think tanks and research institutions for advise and leadership on the post-2015 framework. The global leadership has a historic opportunity of playing a crucial role in developing a global developmental framework which could eradicate extreme poverty and ‘uphold the principles of human dignity, equality and equity, particularly from the perspective of socially excluded and marginalised people and communities’ as enshrined in the Millennium Declaration. The world therefore has a serious possibility of presenting an alternative vision which is transformational for people, communities and countries.

A new deal?

The global leadership and the UN- and especially the Secretary General, face the sizable challenge of making a historic choice between continuing the legacy and hegemony of neoliberalism or of weaving together a ‘new deal’ which is truly transformative and puts the poor and ordinary citizens at the center. A transformative ‘new deal’ not merely for smoothening the rough edges, which are becoming more and more visible since the financial crisis, but actually making fundamental changes in the organising principles of local (i.e. national) and global economy and governance to address the growing disconnect between common people and the institutions and structures governing them.

Leave no one behind

The two most important UN reports on the process of developing the new framework are aptly titled ‘Leave no one behind’ and ‘A life with dignity for all’, reflecting the aspirations from the new post-2015 development goals.

To achieve these objectives as the reports

note, we need a transformative shift in the way development is visualised, designed and implemented. In addition it needs a shift of gaze and focus. The current focus on eliminating extreme poverty has to be truly transformed into a frame of achieving justice in which extreme poverty is a manifestation of acute injustice and not a problem in itself.

To match these expectations the new framework would need to build on seven essential principles, namely, universal and comprehensive human rights; special focus on the structurally (i.e. social, economic and political) excluded communities; gender justice (including private and public spheres); environmental justice (going beyond questions of environmental sustainability while ensuring rights of Mother Earth); accountable and just governance (at national and international level); equal and just global trade and financial architecture; and building abiding peace (moving from absence of conflict to real and lasting peace). Looking at the current discourse of the post-2015 agenda, it is clear that once again the UN would be articulating the post-2015 developmental framework in the language of goals and indicators.

While the idea of goals and indicators has some merits, it would be critical to go beyond merely outcome goals and indicators by adding process indicators to monitor the actual realization of the transformative agenda and inclusion indicators to reflect the real success of the new transformative framework reaching the last person.

Anger or aspiration

Globally we are witnessing two strong and parallel narratives, one of anger and the other of aspirations. Institutionalised power denies the existence of the narrative of anger. For instance, the international and multilateral institutions keep presenting Tunisia and Egypt as ‘poster boys’ of development and governance in the region, until a few weeks before the Arab Spring broke out in 201011 , totally missing the peoples’ anger in the country. Similarly, peoples’ aspiration for life with dignity is completely ignored or at best subsumed within the growth-led model of development. The idea of ‘golden threads’ so passionately pursued by the UK Prime Minister David Cameron, as one of the cochairs of the HLP in 2013, has the potential of repeating the same mistake by not connecting with the narrative of people’s anger or aspirations of life with dignity. This approach also once again focuses on manifestations of poverty and does not confront the structural causes of poverty.

If the UN is serious about eradicating extreme poverty and inequity it has to address the poison threads of global politicaleconomy, which perpetuate and accentuate poverty by creating conditions of inequity and by alienating the rights of poor and ordinary citizens. The double speak of talking of ‘golden threads’ on the one hand and the continuing with the poison threads on the other hand needs to stop in the post-2015 discourse. These poison threads include privatisation of natural resources – land, water and forests – on which most excluded and poor communities survive for their livelihood; corporate land grabs and mega-

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We need to juxtapose Prime Minister Cameron’s idea of ‘golden threads’ with the realities and life experiences of the majority of the global people for understanding the ‘poison threads’ of local and global development which are the real causes of endemic poverty, growing inequality and exclusion. For instance, the idea of building a global partnership amongst donor countries, multilaterals and private wealth is viewed as an important ‘golden thread’ for raising financial resources to achieve the MDGs and its successor. Unfortunately this approach is embedded in a charity and aid framework ignoring the more fundamental questions about reasons for paucity of financial resources and does not attempt to find sustainable and structural solutions.

There are enough studies which show that adequate financing for development can be achieved domestically if we focus on the ‘poison threads’ of illicit financial flows and unfair tax exemptions and incentives.

According to the Global Financial Integrity report ‘Illegal financial flows from developing countries over the decade ending 2009’, developing countries are estimated to have lost US$ 8.44 trillion to illicit flows in a decade.

On the other hand, we have developed taxation systems across countries which in the name of encouraging economic activities give large tax breaks and exemptions to private corporations, often at the cost of domestic resource mobilisation. To take an example, a study by the Center for Budget and Governance Accountability (CBGA) suggests that if half of the tax revenues presently foregone in India due to the plethora of exemptions in the central government tax system would instead get collected, this would generate additional tax revenues worth 3% of the GDP. To get a sense of proportion it is useful to note that the current expenditure on public health in India hovers around 1.2% of GDP. The other critical ‘poison threads‘ in this domain would include the continuation of tax havens, corruption and unfair trade systems.

This is an illustration of the ‘poison threads‘ or the structural causes from one critical sphere of development. In every dimension of development we have structures, processes and systems which lead to creation of poverty and marginalisation. The global leadership and the UN need to shift their gaze away from addressing the manifestations of poverty towards addressing the structural causes of poverty and social exclusion. Several civil society actors came together in March 2013 in Bonn to discuss the post-2015 agenda and announced the end of their honeymoon with the UN-led post-2015 process by issuing an eight point ‘red flag’ statement, which include land and water grab; extractive development model; planetary boundaries; gender justice, economic and financial architecture; human rights; peace and conflict; and corruption and accountability.

The post-2015 development agenda is a historic oppor­tunity for a generation of leaders. They have a chance of altering the course of history. However, if they do not seize this opportunity, we would witness a growing sense of disillusionment and deepening of the global narrative of anger, which might erupt at any time. amitabh behar— *Executive Director, National Foundation for India (NFI, http://www.nfi.org.in) and Cochair of Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP, http://www.whiteband.org, is one of the largest anti poverty alliance proactively engaging with the post-2015 agenda). Email : amitabh.behar@gmail.com) Source: Counterview

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Two new A380 services call for double the celebration.

For the first time, Singapore Airlines will launch A380 services to two destinations on the same day. With two new flights that take you directly to Delhi and Mumbai, getting to India’s business and cultural centres has never been easier.

SINGAPORE SQ402, A330 SQ406, A380

DELHI DEP: 0235 DEP: 1725

ARR: 0535 ARR: 2005

SINGAPORE

SQ401, A330 SQ403, A380

DEP: 0925 DEP: 2205

ARR: 1740 ARR: 0610+1

SINGAPORE SQ422, B777-200 SQ424, A380

MUMBAI DEP: 0730 ARR: 1020 DEP: 1915 ARR: 2155

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SQ421, B777-200 SQ423, A380

SINGAPORE DEP: 1145 DEP: 0025

ARR: 1945 ARR: 0820

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Pakistan’s Coal rush: A bubble waiting to burst

By Farrukh Zaman and Chaitanya Kumar

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ARACHI/NEW DELHI, Jun 1 2014 (IPS) Mukhtar Ali is one of the many Pakistanis who are furious at politicians and authorities for failing to provide citizens with a regular supply of electricity during the smouldering summer months.

Life for the 42-year-old shopkeeper in Karachi, Pakistan’s financial hub, becomes especially unbearable when his business suffers due to load-shedding (rolling power cuts), or when he tries to sleep at night without a fan to cool him.

“This has been going on for years now,” Mukhtar told IPS. “We have been promised on several occasions by previous governments and even the present one that the energy crisis will be resolved in their tenure. But so far, things remain the same. I cannot even express my anger towards such hypocrisy.”

The ongoing energy crisis is certainly one of the greatest challenges that Pakistan is facing. The current power shortage in the country has been estimated to be around 6,000 megawatts, with the industrial sector being hit the hardest due to the shortfall.

2011, almost 70 percent of industries have either shut down or have outsourced their operations to countries like Malaysia and Bangladesh. The Economic Survey of Pakistan notes that during 2011-2012 around 4.8 billion dollars, or two percent of gross domestic product (GDP) was lost due to power outages.

As a result, after years of massive blackouts that have plagued the country and destroyed much of its industrial sector, energystarved Pakistan is setting its eyes on a coal-fired future.

Recent discoveries of massive ‘low’ and ‘low to medium’quality coal reserves in the southern part of the country have led many to endorse the decision to compensate for the current energy deficit by setting up coal-fired power plants. as the dirtiest of all fossil fuels, coal is considered one of the largest contributors of carbon emissions that are causing rapid climate change.

Around the world, coal has been the cause of several social

Estimates suggest that Pakistan can generate around 1,1000 megawatts of electricity through solar and wind sources. Photo: WWF-Pakistan and environmental conflicts, and has resulted in massive human displacements in recent history.

Additionally, coal-related industries are responsible for creating water scarcity and food risks in countries where the use of water for energy is prioritised over agriculture and food production. This has led many experts and specialists in the energy and climate sectors to show reservations towards coal-fired power plants.

“Coal is exhaustive and an unsustainable resource for Pakistan,” Umama Binte Azhar, a sustainability expert at the London-based Brunel University, told IPS. “Pakistan has been one of the worst impacted by extreme weather disasters due to climate change in recent years.

We will only be adding to the problem if we expanded the use of coal and other fossil fuels.”

Energy production through coal consumes huge quantities of water. A typical 660-MW coal power plant, for instance, requires up to three billion gallons of water annually for its cooling system. Imagine having several such coal plants set up in a country that is already facing severe droughts and water shortages; it is a daunting prospect.

Despite this, the recent discovery of coal reserves in the Thar Desert in Pakistan’s southern Sindh Province has sparked both domestic and international interest. For example, China is set to invest around 1.5 billion dollars in Thar Coal. Similarly, Burj Power, a UAE-based company, has signed a deal worth 700

million dollars to set up four coal plants at Port Qasim, near Karachi.

Many UK and Czech-based companies are also expected to make such investments in Pakistan for the same purpose. A recent agreement signed between the Pakistan government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) stipulated that the latter would provide 900 million dollars worth of assistance to help Pakistan set up a power project in Jamshoro, a district of the Sindh province.

An estimated four coal plants are poised to become operational by 2016 at various points around the country to generate electricity. What is alarming about this plan is that running the plants will require coal to be imported in huge quantities from countries like Indonesia and South Africa since most coal deposits in Pakistan have low energy density.

The operation will be extremely costly, and will hold Pakistan hostage to imports and international markets for many years to come.

Neighbouring India is learning this lesson the hard way, with high import prices of coal making thermal power plants economically infeasible without massive government bailouts and soaring energy prices to the end consumer.

Regional experiences Pakistan is not the only country with plans to exploit coal for energy. Developing countries around the world and primarily South Asia are fixated on the notion that coal is cheap

and therefore a viable source of energy for growing the economy and fighting poverty.

With almost 450 coal-fired power plants proposed to come up in the region, India’s hunger for this dirty fuel is rising. But the truth is that a majority of these plants will likely fail to come into being, as the last few years have shown.

Domestic coal production has hit a plateau as poor mining and transport infrastructure, as well as corruption scandals, have crippled Coal India Limited (CIL), the world’s largest coal miner. Efforts are underway to import coal from countries like Indonesia and Australia but rising coal prices have put a spanner in the industry’s works.

Over 30 power plants went on a distress sale last year as enthusiastic entrepreneurs built coal plants in haste but were unable to run them owing to massive coal shortages.

This has become a recurring theme in India that is pushing coal-financing institutions to completely rethink their investment strategy.

Bangladesh is another example of where coal is being looked at as the panacea for poverty. But the recent eruption of public dissent against the proposed 1,320MW Rampal power plant in the southwestern Khulna district – which is known in Bangladesh as the gateway to the ecologically sensitive tidal forest area called the Sunderbans – shows that the industry will not have it easy.

As coal plants begin competing for people’s

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need for land and negatively impacting agriculture, health and livelihoods, opposition for them will only rise as witnessed in pockets across the subcontinent.

Sri Lanka is steadily increasing its coal dependence as it projects 70 percent of its energy by 2025 to come from coal but that growth is mired in complex geopolitics that questions the primary motive behind coal expansion: is it to satisfy the capital interests of a few or the energy needs of the masses?

The story in Pakistan could turn out to be the same, as coal prices continue to head northwards and international financial institutions like the World Bank and the ADB grow increasingly wary of their investments in this fossil fuel.

Among the available alternatives, renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and biomass have vast potential in Pakistan. Despite their high installation costs, renewable energy systems incur far fewer operational and maintenance expenses, making them highly profitable in the long run.

Globally, the cost of renewables has decreased drastically. Considering that the prices for solar panels have fallen from five dollars/watt to less than a dollar per watt in just a few years, solar energy has proven to be an affordable and practical option for Pakistan, especially since the country falls under a sun belt.

The wind corridor at GharoKeti Bunder in coastal Sindh is another potential source of power generation waiting to be fully explored. It has the potential to generate about 11,000 megawatts of electricity, according to a report published by the Pakistan Meteorological Department.

Regrettably, “inadequate investments, power tariffs, and institutional constraints have resulted in the dismal situation where renewable sources are not being fully tapped,” Asad Mahmood, the technical manager at the Energy Conservation Fund (ECF), told IPS. Experts say Pakistan can avoid the trap that rapidly emerging economies have fallen into, and instead draw up a blueprint for large-scale decentralised renewable energy deployment. In a rapidly changing climate, nothing less would be acceptable.

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Are the Adani’s now shopping in the media market? editor-in-chief of the Indian Express and Shanker being promoted to Editor. Both were reported to have been running the newspaper between them earlier as well.

The Ambani’s have consolidated their hold on TV 18 and although a deal has not yet been signed for a public face to lead the group, the Managing Director Raghav Bahl has put in his papers and left.

Of course, praising the Ambani’s in a note, he has said the usual about being there to see the transition through. Rajdeep Sardesai who has technically not resigned, and when last heard, was involved in some basic negotiations with the Ambani’s has take a months leave. And in a note to his ‘team’ has said, “To end the speculation and concern expressed by so many of you, just think I should clarify: after a long and wearying (and highly enjoyable) election season, I am taking a short break from the newsroom (haven’t taken one in over a year!). I will be on a month’s leave: reading, writing, travelling, watching the World Cup soccer, and, hopefully, recharging the mind. Aim to be back on the 1st of July. Please keep the energy levels up through the next few weeks and always put journalism first!” Insiders

By Seema Mustafa

N

EW DELHI: The media grapevine never stops buzzing and in an economy of ‘acquisitions’ it is only natural that the Ambani’s takeover of the TV 18 network of channels will be followed by heightened speculation centering around : who next?

In the fast paced game of musical chairs where the players are in keen competition, the Adani’s have emerged as the next possible media moghuls with their sights reportedly set on NDTV. This rumour is of course, based on the fact that NDTV is a fast losing concern, its shares having dropped dramatically over the years, with owner Prannoy Roy and his wife reportedly willing to sell if the offer is good and meets their terms and conditions.

In play now is reportedly the second industrial house very close to Prime Minister

Narendra Modi, the Adani Group that is reported to be in negotiations with NDTV. A price is also mentioned on the not so inaccurate grapevine, and according to some self styled ‘insiders’, fast and hard negotiations are on. However, this could not be confirmed by The Citizen independently.

NDTV’s anchor Barkha Dutt has reportedly been approached by the Ambani’s as well for TV 18, with talks on with Times Now’s Arnab Goswami and according to latest news even with present anchor Rajdeep Sardesai.

In fact if media gossip is to be believed, every other television journalist has been ‘approached’ by the Ambani’s as this has become the measure of his or her new worth.

The Adani family was present in full strength at Modi’s oath taking ceremony as were the Ambani’s.

Gautam Adani who has mainly confined his business

to Gujarat has built an empire from scratch, over 30 years.

He is not in media, and till date has not shown any interest in owning or running television channels. However, media control is the new way forward given its role in the recent election campaign.

Meanwhile former Indians Express Editor in Chief Shekhar Gupta is all set to join the India Today group after June 15 with reports suggesting that he will become the Vice Chairman of the India Today Group, second only to Aroon Purie who is the Chairman. He will be the Editor in Chief as well, a position currently held by Purie who will hand this over to Gupta.

Interestingly earlier it was reported that Gupta, whose relationship with the Indian Express group chairperson Viveck Goenka has been iffy, would leave with his close team Raj Kamal Jha ad Unni Rajen Shanker. However, both have stayed back with Jha being appointed as the

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The Adani family was present in full strength at Modi’s oath taking ceremony as were the Ambani’s.

Gautam Adani who has mainly confined his business to Gujarat has built an empire from scratch, over 30 years. are not sure whether the ‘return’ will happen.

The fluid situation thus continues, with several television channels bleeding financially. The new dispensation at the centre is expected to bring in changes, as happened last time, with relations between the big media, politicians and corporate companies meshing into one big whole.

Source : TheCitizen, June 6

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southSouth asia times 27 Asia Times

India to build cultural centre at Jaffna

By News Desk

K

ARACHI/NEW DELHI, Jun 1 2014 (IPS) Mukhtar Ali is one of the many Pakistanis who are furious at politicians and authorities for failing to provide citizens with a regular supply of electricity during the smouldering summer months.

New Delhi, 9 June : The Indian government will be constructing a Cultural Centre at Jaffna. A Memorandum of Understanding for implementation of the project was signed by the High Commissioner of India Mr. Y.K. Sinha and the Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Development, Dr. Nihal Jayathilaka.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Hon’ble Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Economic Development, Government of Sri Lanka.

The Cultural Centre is to be built in the next 36 months, on a plot of land adjacent to the Jaffna Public Library, made available by the Jaffna Municipal Council. The Centre and the adjoining water body - the Pullukulam will be transformed into an integrated cultural space that can also accommodate openair performances with the help of a floating stage.

“The purpose of the Jaffna Cultural Centre, which is being built at an estimated cost of SLR 1.2 billion, is to provide suitable social infrastructure for the people

of the Northern Province, especially for the people of Jaffna, to help them to reconnect with their cultural roots as well as to the rest of the country and to rejuvenate and nurture the ancient cultural heritage of Jaffna”, says the Indian High Commission, Colombo website.

The Centre will enable the people of Jaffna to enjoy various local and international cultural products. It would also serve as a delivery centre

for training, instruction and education in a variety of cultural disciplines. The Centre is being developed as an iconic building that will emerge as a cultural forum that embodies coexistence and cooperation amongst the various communities on the island.

The Centre would comprise a theatre-style auditorium (with projection facilities) with a capacity of up to 600 people, a multi media library with on-line research facilities, exhibition

and gallery space and a museum. It would also have an instructional wing, which would have facilities to conduct classes in vocal and instrumental music, dance and languages, including a language lab. It would also be able to serve as a hub of socio-cultural activities, for which a conference hall-cumseminar room is included.

In order to select a unique and iconic design for Jaffna Cultural Centre, the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) was

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entrusted with the task of conducting a National Design Competition. 29 entries were received, out of which the design submitted by Archt.

Madura Premathileka was unanimously selected as the design for the Centre. The evaluation was based on the technical acceptability, context plan, aesthetic / architectural language, space efficiency, billability and environment friendly, sustainable architecture.

—SAT News Service

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Increasing rapes in india point to rotting social environment of India

By Bindu Mohanty*

I

f a woman can’t be safe on a public bus, then what’s one to do?”

Nandita Das, famous actor and human rights activist, fumed. She was referring to the infamous Delhi gang rape incident, which took place in December 2012. Sitting in a garden-café in the international town of Auroville, discussing gender issues over a cup of tea, I was encased in my bubble of comfort and safety with the privilege of intellectually conversing about the deep-rooted problems of Indian society, without it being part of my lived reality.

I often think of India, much celebrated for the diversity of its society, in terms of invisible encapsulated bubbles where different classes and groups of society live next to each other in separate worlds that have little to do with each other. Take Dwarka for instance. Dwarka is that part of Delhi, where the victim once lived in a two-room tenement with her family.

When I am in Delhi, I too live in Dwarka, in my brother’s securely guarded threebedroom apartment. I move around in air-conditioned taxis shielded by darkened glass windows from the poverty, the frustration, and the plight of the people in the Dwarka slums. Our worlds are geographically close and yet worlds away.

But there are times, as in those wintry days of December, when these separate worlds, these invisible glass bubbles collide with a force and brutality that leaves one gasping. The reports of the Delhi gang rape, the horror and the brutality of the story, so permeated my consciousness that I couldn’t sleep for nights, filled with rage, sorrow, and helplessness. So was it, with many of my friends. Men and women alike.

Rape in India is nothing new. Rape is a fairly common phenomenon in patriarchal and feudalistic societies. So was it in Europe before Enlightenment.

So was it and is it now in India. In many parts of rural India, boys are brought up in homes where male superiority is unquestioned and domestic violence and rape are not out of place. On a tangential note, forced sexual intercourse within the sanction of a marriage is not considered rape under Indian law. Along with a handful of other countries, such as China, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, India has the dubious distinction where marital rape is not a crime. Indeed, marital rape is even sanctioned by the Hindu Marriage Act 1955, which says a wife is duty-bound to have sex with her husband. Characteristic of India’s socio-religious schizophrenia is the fact that in the predominant Hindu culture, women (especially wives) are worshipped as goddesses while at the same time being subject to oppression and violence.

Impact of globalisation So while sexual violence in India is not new, what is novel is the increase in

sexual violence in spite of, or perhaps because of, the economic prosperity of the middle classes brought about by globalization. As millions of young men migrate daily to the cities lured by its riches, a deeply-entrenched feudalistic consciousness finds itself at odds with the modern, emancipatory consciousness of the urban milieu. All six rapists had journeyed from poor villages—from Uttar Pradesh, from Rajasthan, and Bihar—to seek their fortunes in Delhi. The rapists, and here is the chilling factor, in their age, their education (or the lack thereof), and their social status fit the average description of the Indian male to the tee.

Europe took over three centuries for the democratic ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity to become enduring social norms. Women’s rights followed soon after. In India, these norms having been borrowed from the West, and having been shackled to colonialism, it will take much, much longer. Moreover, social equality is an ideal that the Hindu mind finds difficult to embrace, hard-wired as it is to a religiously sanctioned castesystem. Yet, paradoxically, economic globalization with its glittering ads and borrowed veneer from the West is trying to shortchange the process of social evolution. Think of a bullock cart hitched to a Ferrari. That is modern India for you.

The ruthless form of market-driven globalization that India has subscribed to, since the nineties, is creating cultural upheavals and rending the fabric of our society apart. India’s abrupt change from a sleepy socialist republic with an agrarian economy to a rapacious capitalistic society, despite its much-touted increased GDP, has not been without its costs. Increasing urban migration with its attendant problems, increasing slapstick development accompanied by rampant corruption, increasing gap between the rich and the poor, and sigh, increasing crimes against women are the negative externalities of India’s growth.

Had we as a nation, as economists Jean Dreze and Amartya Sen so persuasively argue, invested more in education, we would have better empowered the poorer sections of society to benefit from the economic gains of globalization. But given

the poor state of India’s education, globalization, by deepening the fissure between the rich and the poor, has further disempowered the average Indian male. Uprooted from his native village to a filthy, crowded slum in the city, average Indian male is continually mocked at his failure to climb up the socio-economic ladder as the disparity between haves and have-nots is so glaringly obvious in the cities. Somehow, women are more successful than men in seizing the economic opportunities thrown open by globalization.

Studies show that women in India perform consistently better at academics than men. Consequently, and in keeping with Dreze’s and Sen’s theory, women are better positioned to take advantage of jobs created by the global market. The Delhi gang rape victim, even though she came from the marginalized sections of the society, was a bright young woman, passionate about her studies, passionate about tutoring the kids in her neighborhood, and about earning the money needed to pay for her studies. Freed from her traditional obligations, supported by her family in her choices, she was all poised to steadily climb up the economic ladder. She paints a very different picture than those of her assailants, who also came from that same lower working-class section of the society.

Economic changes are a precursor to the changes in social roles of men and women. Traditional roles of men and women are disrupted in societies that are in transition. And if men are unable to take full advantage of the economic opportunities or embrace the inevitable social change towards greater gender equality, they turn resentful.

They resent the changes in women’s roles, functions, and status, and this resentment expresses itself in violent ways.

In a feudalistic society, a woman is not an individual. She is someone’s property. She either is a wife, a mother, a daughter, or a sister of a man. And that knowledge guarantees a certain degree of safety. A woman, on her own, is considered “loose” and fair game for any man to claim her as his “property”.

This lesson was driven home to me as an adolescent growing up in India.

Once when I was walking down a street, a gang of guys (loafers we used to call them) made a lewd comment at me.

But then immediately another guy, in that same gang proclaimed, “Leave her alone. She is Raja’s sister.” This insight into the Indian male psyche was used, I later learnt, by street-smart Delhi women.

When facing possible harassment by a gang of men, the trick was for the woman to go to the likely leader of the gang and ingratiatingly address him as “bhaiyya” or brother. Acknowledgement of such kinship granted one protection.

For again, in a feudalistic society, one honors one’s kith and kin, and in India,

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the relationship between a brother and a sister is particularly sacrosanct. Also in the class or caste-driven feudalistic societies, crimes that would not be tolerated within their own castes are sanctioned if they are perpetrated on the “other.” It is said of two of the more violent rapists that they never harassed the women in their own slum but acted with cruel impunity towards a stranger.

Feudalistic code in changed environment It is a mark of our decaying social order that the unwritten feudalistic codes of conduct by which a woman navigated the chauvinistic Indian society are no longer reliable norms. As long as I was accompanied by a man, I used to feel safe in India, for I clearly belonged to that man. But the Delhi rape, followed by a more recent Mumbai rape, belies that understanding. In both cases, the male companion of the victim was beaten and tied up. What I found even more distressing about the Delhi incident that the juvenile rapist (who turned out to be the most violent of them all) lured the woman to board the bus addressing her as “didi” or elder sister. If I don’t feel safe, even when I am accompanied by a male escort, and if I can’t trust someone who addresses me as a sister, then what can I rely on? Such are the troubling thoughts of Indian women in our contemporary times.

What roused a generally complacent nation to an outpouring of public outrage was the brutality of it all. In my living memory, the only time I recall such brutality was that shown by the mobs in Gujarat against the Muslims during the 2002 riots, and that was clearly a pre-mediated, orchestrated event. With the Delhi incident, no matter what the pent-up frustrations of these six men were, no matter how much the cheap alcohol had obfuscated their consciousness, it is still difficult to comprehend the viciousness of these men towards a complete stranger. There are perhaps things that we will never know. These six men, by their own admission, “were out to have fun.” Were the other unreported incidents of such “fun” earlier? Was the 18-year old trying to “prove” himself to the others, by his show of violence? We will never know.

But there are other things that we do know, such as the immaturity of our society in its attitude towards sex and sexuality. For a country that bequeathed the world the Kamasutra, why do we as a nation shy away from openly acknowledging the sexual repression among the young in our society? Surely it is a perversion that sexual desire, an innate biological impulse, is denied socially permissible outlets outside of marriage? And given the enduring poverty of working class men, marriage and thus sexual gratification is delayed until long after the body reaches sexual maturity.

Surely there is something perverse about that? Religious and social norms have so twisted this instinctive impulse of bodily desire that most Indians (and

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Increasing rapes in india... contd from page 28

again this is true of some sections of society more than others) think of sex as something dirty—to be refrained from or done furtively. And then media bombards us with contrary but equally distorted messages about the intense and uncontrolled nature of desire. Given the nature of the male sexual drive, little wonder that that all this results in a warped mindset where sexuality is deformed with men having a greater proclivity towards sexual violence and abuse. Nearly one in four Indian men has committed some act of sexual violence, according to a survey conducted in 2011.

The fact that most publicly committed rapes in India are gang-rapes speaks volumes of the emasculation of the Indian male through systematic (economic and otherwise) disempowerment. It was only recently I learnt that the staple pornographic fare for young Indian men,

from lower economic strata of society, is enactments of gang-rapes. What underlies the psychology of gang-rape is a sense of belonging or identification with a group. Again, the feudalistic mindset shows up, for in such societies, allegiance to the clan is more important than asserting one’s individuality. Increasing gang-rapes in India undoubtedly point to the increasing sense of inadequacy and consequently, emotional dependency of men upon one another.

Sadly, gang-rapes tend to be more violent for it is not an individual but a larger organism, the group that acts. The group lends power to the individual. The process of embracing a group identity leads to de-individualization: one is no longer guided by the moral compass of one’s own scruples, and personal responsibility is easily shifted to the

group. There was a telling, and even touching, anecdote where one could see this struggle between the group morality that one temporarily adopts and one’s own conscience resurface after the crime: One of the Mumbai rapists came home and kept mumbling to his mother about seeing the girl’s face in the floor.

Psychological and sociological theories to explain torture and abuse abound. Personally, I lean towards the opinion that sociopaths are not born but made. As Philip Zimbardo (a Stanford social psychologist known for his investigation into the causes of systemic abuse at Abu Ghraib) proved with his famous Prison Experiment, in a bad environment, even “good” people do horrendous things. The increase of rapes in Indian cities, even after the public outrage of the Delhi incident, points to

the rotting social environment of India.

We all were left naked, bleeding, and unconscious by the highway on that cold December night. We all are doomed to be hanged in the near future. And we will all continue to suffer individually and collectively till we find ways to change our society for the better. There are no easy solutions, and it will be long, painful journey towards economic empowerment, gender equality, and sexual liberation. And till then I, along with millions upon millions of women in India, no matter whether they are rich or poor, salaried or jobless, from the villages or from the cities, will walk the streets of India with fear. *Writer, teacher, consultant based in Auroville, Tamil Nadu; passionate about environmental and social sustainability.

—Counterview, May 12, 2014

Sri Lanka under international scrutiny for religious intolerance

By Jehan Perera

C

OLOMBO: In addition to being subjected to international scrutiny on account of wartime human rights violations Sri Lanka is now coming under international scrutiny for religious intolerance.

Several incidents have highlighted the rise of Sinhalese nationalism that is at odds with the requirements of national reconciliation that includes the ethnic and religious minorities.

These have included attacks on mosques and churches.

The attacks on Christian churches have been going on for the past two decades at least. Most of these attacks have been against the new churches that are active in attempting religious conversion allegedly by unethical means of providing for the material needs of those whose conversion is sought.

However, as most of these conversions take place at the local level and in relatively poor areas, they do not receive much media publicity. They are one of the unacknowledged problems concerning inter-community relations in the country.

On the other hand, the attacks on the Muslims have received considerably more media publicity. This on account of the higher visibility of some of the targets that have been located in more densely populated urban areas. The institutions attacked have been both mosques and commercial establishments owned by Muslims. One of these attacks was on a media conference organized in a Colombo hotel by the Jathika Bala Sena (JBS) in which a mixed group of Muslim and Buddhist clergy sought to explain the resettlement of Muslim IDPs in the North. It has been alleged that the resettlement of Muslims was on a forest reserve meant

for wildlife preservation and that a Muslim Minister of the government was behind this anti national action.

What made the JBS media conference an unusual event was the participation of several Buddhist monks who spoke alongside Muslim clergy to deny the allegations that it was illegal or anti national. What gave the media conference even greater significance was the violent disruption it suffered at the hands of another group of Buddhist monks from the Bodhu Bala Sena (BBS), which has the interests of the Sinhalese Buddhist majority as its main campaign theme. With the police watching passively, this second group of BBS monks berated the first group of JBS monks for betraying the interests of the Sinhalese Buddhists and for speaking on behalf of Muslim interests. They also ordered the JBS monks to apologise for the stance they had taken.

Incidents such as this in which the religious clergy have taken the lead role in anti-minority actions and the police has remained inactive have made the ethnic and religious minorities feel helpless and vulnerable. If the police is unable to protect the citizens of the country they have no one else to go to for protection. It also reinforces the arguments being made that the Sri Lankan identity as defined by the government fails to include all ethnicities and religions but favours the majority. However, it is important to believe that the failure of the government to use the state machinery to protect the ethnic and religious minorities is not a permanent feature of life in Sri Lanka. It is currently manifesting itself because there are those within the government who see Sinhalese nationalism as a force to be harnessed for electoral gain at a time when elections are

anticipated.

At the level of the communities where people live, the situation is different.

There is a liberal and moderate spirit amongst the people at the community level that can be reached if only the political leaders are prepared to give such leadership. The evidence of goodwill is abundant at the community level wherever inter-religious gatherings take place. This is especially the case in areas where ethnically mixed populations live in close proximity. Small groups of extremists can create disturbances in these areas. But the ethos o f the larger majority is to live in peace and harmony.

In these circumstances the application of the law would suffice to quell any disturbance.

It is the non-application of the law due to political interference that has made inter-ethnic and inter-religious relations within the country a potential point of conflict.

One of the Buddhist monks who attended an inter-religious conference that I attended recently had also taken part in the ill fated JBS meeting that was brought to an end by the BBS. He related his experience of having attended multi religious

functions and preached the Buddha’s message to a large number of non-Buddhists, so that the wellbeing of all sentient life could be ensured. It was with this motivation that he had attended the JBS meeting where he had come under attack. After the meeting I spoke to this monk.

He told me that his temple was akin to an inter-religious place of worship as he had Tamils and Muslims as his community. The Tamils in particular, who were Hindus, came to his temple to take part in religious ceremonies and to make him offerings of alms. He said his temple was there to serve as a refuge to all.

These actions of religious service on all communities are indicative of the spirit of pluralism in Sri Lankan society.

This spirit was also captured by the report of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission appointed by the President to address post-war concerns. It stated that the common values of the religions could be harnessed for national unity. This spirit may not be visible on the surface today because the political leadership of the country, particularly in the government, is not of one mind on this very important matter. There is a belief that one section of the government is supportive of the nationalism of the BBS and likeminded organizations. This is why their aggressive actions are accompanied by passivity on the part of the police, even when they break the law. On the other hand, there is a belief that the President himself is in favour of pluralist values. The monk I spoke to said that after the attack on the JBS media conference, the President called him and told him to continue with his work.

The coexistence within the government of high level leaderships that have different views on pluralism means that both the moderate and

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extremist positions within the majority Sinhalese community find expression within the government. This may explain the government’s remarkable ability to mobilize the electoral support of the Sinhalese majority across-the-board at elections. In post-war Sri Lanka, the main mobiliser of popular support continues to remain ethnic nationalism and the government has the upper hand in this regard. However, the government’s vulnerability lies in its present inability to win over the ethnic and religious minorities to its side, as seen at the last provincial elections held in the Western and Southern provinces. A strengthening of the moderate approach could help the government reach the minorities too, without jeopardizing its hold over the vast majority of the Sinhalese electorate, who are moderate in the main.

Such a display of moderation on the part of the government, if it occurs, would need to be reciprocated by civil society and other non-political groups.

They need to adopt a strategy of engagement with the government and collaborate with sympathetic government members on issues where they have a shared framework of values. Although the space of civil society has continued to shrink, the President’s telephone call to the JBS monk indicates that there still remains sufficient space for a considerable amount of reconciliation work to be done.

At the inter-religious meeting I attended, there was a request to arrange for a meeting with the President so that things could be put right. This spoke to the need for civil society and rights groups to make a greater effort to dialogue with the government instead of shying away from it.

Source: The Citizen, 9 June, 2014

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भारतीय प्रजातंत्र – एक नई दिशा

यह कैसा बुखा़र?

हाल ही में हुए चुनावों ने भारतीय प्रजातंत्र को एक नई दिशा प्रदान की है | पहली बार ऐसा हुआ है जब कांग्रेस पार्टी के अतिरिक्त किसी अन्य राजनीतिक दल को लोकसभा में इतना बहुमत मिला है कि वह किसी अन्य राजनीतिक दल की सहायता के बिना अपने बल पर सरकार बना सके| चुनाव के परिणाम भारतीय प्रजातंत्र की परिपक्वता का परिचय दे ते हैं | इन चुनावों में भारत की जनता ने कई क्षेत्रीय और साम्प्रदायिक राजनीतिक दलों के स्थान पर एक राष्ट्रीय दल को समर्थन प्रदान करके भी दे श को एक नई दिशा प्रदान की है | यह बात भी उल्लेखनीय है कि भारत के नये प्रधान मंत्री ने एक साधारण तेली परिवार में जन्म लिया था| अपने पिता की दक ु ान में चाय बेचने के कारण उन्हें चायवाला कहा गया| उनकी माँ ने दस ू रों के घर में बर्तन माँजने का काम करके घर की आर्थिक व्यवस्था बनाये रखी| अपनी मेहनत से शिक्षा प्राप्त करके उन्होंने बी.ए. और एम.ए. की उपाधियाँ प्राप्त कीं और अपनी प्रतिभा के बल पर गुजरात के मुख्य-मंत्री बने जहाँ उन्होंने महत्वपूर्ण विकास-कार्य किया| इस बात से यह स्पष्ट है कि कोई भी व्यक्ति, अपनी जाति, धर्म के बावजूद, अपनी योग्यता के आधार पर दे श के उच्चतम पद तक पहुँच सकता है | गुजरात में उनकी उपलब्धियों को दे खते हुए ही जनता ने श्री नरें द्र मोदी को भारत का प्रधान-मंत्री चुना है | दे श को उनसे बड़ी अपेक्षाएँ हैं | आशा है कि वह भारत को एक नई दिशा दे ने में समर्थ होंगे| इस अंक में विभिन्न विषयों पर रोचक कविताएँ हैं और भारत के विभिन्न नामों के बारे में तथा विश्व में भारत की दे न 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

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- डॉ कौशल किशोर श्रीवास्तव, मेल्बर्न मैं पिछले महीने ही स्वदे श से आया हूँ ऑफ़िस में अधिक व्यस्त रहता हूँ, अगल बगल झाँककर स्थानीय लोकाचार सीखना चाहता हूँ, ऑस्ट्रेलियाई संस्कृ ति की एक झलक दे खना चाहता हूँ। आज शुक्रवार का अपराह्न था आधा ऑफ़िस खाली हो चुका था, मैंने कुछ साथियों से पूछा, "क्या बात है ? आज महिलाएँ प्रायः गायब हैं , एक बिचारी उस कोने में कम्प्यूटर पर व्यस्त है क्या उसके ऊपर कोई विशेष बोझ है ?" किसी ने कहा, "यह जून का महीना है , आधा वर्ष बीत चुका है , आर्थिक वर्ष का अन्त है , नयी नीति की शुरुआत है । पूरा दे श एक विशेष विषाणु से पीड़ित है यह बार बार आता है , क्रिसमस का केक इसे बहुत पसन्द है इसलिए दिसम्बर में ज़रूर आता है और नये वर्ष की बधाई दे कर स्वयं चला जाता है । महिलाओं पर इसका विशेष प्रकोप है इसीलिए महिलाएँ ऑफ़िस से बाहर हैं ।" "क्या वे चिकित्सालय गयी हैं ? या इस से पीड़ित होकर घर चली गयी हैं ? मैं चिन्तित हूँ कार्यालय का असीमित बोझ मुझ पर ही पड़े गा, सप्ताहान्त में भी आना पड़े गा अन्यथा बॉस का गुस्सा मुझे ही सहना पड़े गा।" "चिन्ता मत करो, इस विषाणु का बुख़ार शुक्रवार की शाम चढ़ता है पर रविवार की रात ख़त्म हो जाता है , सोमवार सुबह इसकी अन्तिम दशा होगी महिलाएँ प्रसन्न मुद्रा में मेज़ पर दिखेंगी ।" "इस विषाणु का नाम क्या है ? क्या इसका इलाज नहीं ? या इसके टीकाकरण का प्रावधान नहीं ?" "इसका सही नाम तो मैं भी नहीं जानता पर प्रायः इसे 'बिक्री का बुख़ार' कहते हैं , इसका इलाज भी है क्रेडिट कार्ड से दिन-रात ख़रीददारी करना, जिसके पास जितना अधिक बैंकों के कार्ड हैं उसका इलाज उतना ही जल्द सम्भव है ।" "जब तक यह बुख़ार ख़त्म होता है बैंकों का कर्ज़ दन ू ा हो जाता है , जब परिवार पैसों के अभाव में बीमार हो जाता है तो बैंकों में दिवाली का त्यौहार होता है ।" "यह सिलसिला जीवन शैली का एक अंग है तुम भी शीघ्र समझ जाओगे, पहले दो-चार क्रेडिट कार्ड लो फिर पत्नी को उपहार दो, यहाँ की संस्कृ ति को अपनाओ गर्व से ‘ऑस्ट्रेलियन’ कहलाओ।"

दहे ज की बेटी

हुई पराजय मेरी, लेकिन कैसे अपनी कहूँ कहानी| मुनिया की यादों के आगे अपनी व्यथा सूक्ष्म लगती है | दनि ु या का हर कोना ढू ँ ढा, दे श-विदे श भ्रमण कर आई| मुनिया की श्यामल छवि जैसी मूर्ति कहीं न पाई| साहब की कोठी के पीछे , रहती थी रामू की मुनिया| हर सिलवट, हर परत महकती, ऐसी थी रामू की मुनिया| अम्मा से कहता था रामू, मैं मुनिया को पढ़वाऊँगा| मेरी बेटी लाचार न हो, कुछ ऐसे सबक सिखाऊँगा| फिर ब्याह करूँगा ऐसे घर, संगीत जहाँ की भाषा हो| और मेरी मुनिया राज करे , यह उन सबकी अभिलाषा हो| मुनिया का चंचल शैशव, मुझको रहा हँ साता जीवन भर| और जीवन के हैं क्या मूल्य, लक्ष्य और तृप्ति कहाँ पर होती है | सब कुछ सीखा था मुनिया से, सुन्दरता कैसी होती है | एक भद्र पुरुष के, होनहार बेटे ने माँगा मुनिया को| मुनिया के पीले हाथ योग्य, वह युवक लगा था रामू को| फिर अम्मा के निर्देशन में, साहब की कोठी चमक उठी| चाँदी की झूमर झाला, घुघ ं रू, गीतों से थी खनक उठी| रामू ने जोड़े हाथ वहाँ, पंचों की शहनाई गूज ँ ी| पलकों पर रखना बिटिया को, यह है मेरे जीवन की पूज ँ ी| मुनिया के क़दमों में दे खा,

तूफ़ान मेल हर इतवार हम-सफ़र अनुभवी बुज़र्ग ु बैठे बतियाते हैं डाक में तो अब बस बिल आते हैं । अब तो भाई ईमेल है , फ़ेसबुक है / और न जाने क्या-क्या और है आने वाला ! सोचता हूँ मैं , है तो बात सही लिखता नहीं अब मन की बात कोई ! ईमेल है क्या तुरंत मेल है , तूफ़ान मेल है पढ़ा, झटपट लिखा और भेज दिया पल भर में गया ,पहुँच भी गया, ई-सन्देश! बोला एक बूढ़ा, होते थे जैसे पहले तारसन्देश - कम से कम शब्दों में ! बचाते भी तो थे पैसे हम बेचारे , मिडल-क्लास वाले !

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-शैलजा चतुर्दवे ी, सिडनी उत्साह नए घर जाने का| और छिपा हुआ था आँखों में, एक दर्द हमें ठु कराने का| कितने युग बीत गए लेकिन, मैं अक्सर करती हूँ विचार| किस मिट्टी के थे बने हुय,े मुनिया की डोली के कहार|| उनका हर पग, हर क्षण, ले जाता मुनिया को उस दरू दे श| सज कर हर डोली जाती पर, किसने दे खा क्या रहा शेष| हरकारा रोता आया, रामू, मुनिया तेरी नहीं रही| संघर्ष तुझे करना होगा, यह इस दनि ु या की रीति रही| तेरी बेटी में सब गुण थे, वैभव की बस रह गयी कमी| आँगन की तुलसी झुलस गयी, हर भाषा की रह गयी थमी| गीली आँखों को दे ख, कहा अम्मा ने-पगली रोना क्या? आदर्शों पर मिटने वालों की, हार-जीत का होना क्या? क्या फिर से मुनिया को इस समाज को अंधकूप में गिरने दें ? संभव है इन बलिदानों से कल की मुनिया जी पायेगी| रामू के चेहरे पर दे खी व्यथा, कि जिसका पार नहीं था| जला दिया मुनिया को मेरी, जीवन था, व्यापार नहीं था| तब से मैं करती आयी हूँ, हर पीड़ा, पीड़ित की तुलना| हर व्यथा सूक्ष्म लगती मुझको, मुनिया की यादों के आगे| हुई पराजय मेरी, लेकिन कैसे अपनी कहूँ कहानी| अपनी व्यथा सूक्ष्म लगती है , मुनिया की यादों के आगे|

- प्रेम माथुर, पर्थ ये भी तो है कि समय नहीं है तेज़ बहुत है रफ़्तार तरक्की की। भाग-दौड़ क्यूँ ये ,मालूम नहीं है , मंज़िल क्या है , मालूम नहीं है ! गहराई में उतरें तो कैसे कैसे सोचें, कैसे समझें रफ़्तार ही है बस, वक़्त नहीं है ! और क्यों कुछ सोचें, क्यों कुछ समझें ? होते रहते हैं दिल फ़ेल असमय वैसे भी क्यों फिर डालें चिन्तन का बोझ दिलों पर क्यों फिर तोड़ें दिल हम अपने , और अपनों के, भावुक हो कर ? तुरंत मेल है , तूफ़ान मेल है दनि ु या… , ये दनि ु या … , तूफ़ान मेल अतीत-स्वप्न के लिए समय नहीं है भावुकता की दिलों में जगह नहीं है बतियाते रहते हैं यों ही हम बूढ़े, बेकार लोग!

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p[;cIn k;l me' .;rt Ek b@¹; r;ã$^ q;) a;j ke ké dex jwse ÅIl'k;² ml;y;² is'g;pur² l=ÃIp² My;m;r² nep;l² b;'gl;dex² itBbt² .U$;n² p;ikSt;n² a;id ”s vOhd .;rt ke a'g qe) yh r;ã$^ /n-/;Ny² s'pd;² EeXvyR se pU,R q;) ”se ¾sone kI ici@¹y;¾ kh; j;t; q;) ¬s smy .;rt n kevl Ek bhut sMp„ r;ã$^ q; biLk D;n-ivD;n² icikTs; a*r a;?y;Tm ke =e] me' .I bhut a;ge q;) log dUr-dUr se yh;\ ix=; p[;Pt krne a;te qe) anek ivdexI y;i]yo' ne apnI y;];-ivvr,o' me' .;rt kI girm; k; b%;n iky; hw) ”n me' se kuz p[mu% VyiKtyo' k; s'i=Pt pircy nIce idy; gy; hwákâ f¹;hy;n - Ek cInI b*õ i.=uk q; ijsne p;\cvI' xt;BdI me' .;rt kI y;]; kI) ¬s smy .;rt me' sm[;$ cN{guPt iÃtIy k; x;sn q;) vh p;i$lpu] áp$n;â tq; g*tm buõ ke jNmSq;n² luiMbnI .I gy; a*r ¬sne cIn l*$ kr vh;\ b*õ /mR k; p[c;r iky;) á%â ×enTs;'g - Ek cInI b*õ i.=uk q; jo mh;r;j; hWRv/Rn ke smy lg.g 630 é0 me' .;rt a;y; q;) ¬sne n;l'd; ivXviv´;ly me'² jo apne smy k; bhut p[isõ ivXviv´;ly q;² Vy;kr,² s'SkOt a*r b*õ yog x;S] sI%;² buõ /mR sMb'/I le%o' k; s'SkOt se cInI me' anuv;d iky; a*r apnI puStk ¾sI. yU. kI.¾ me' .;rt kI s;m;ijk² a;iqRk² /;imRk tq; s;'SkOitk iSqit k; v,Rn iky;) ágâ ”Bn btUt;- morKko k; inv;sI q;) ké vWo| tk ivi.„ dexo' kI y;]; ke b;d vh ihNdukux pvRt ke r;Ste k;bul

-l+mI dÊ n*i$y;l² meLbnR² a;ŽS$^eily; Ö hirÃ;r² .;rt

áaf¹g¹;inSt;nâ hote huE idLlI ph\uc; a*r sult;n muhMmd tug¹lk k; r;jdUt bn;) b;d me'² sult;n ne ¬se dUt bn; kr cIn .ej;) ¬skI y;]; k; v,Rn .*goilk D;n ke ilye bhut l;.p[d p[m;i,t hua;) á`â v;Sko-d;-g;m; (Vasco-DaGama) - putRg;lI q; ijsne svRp[qm .;rt kI y;]; 1497 é0 me' kI qI) vh tIn b;r .;rt a;y;) vh Ek s;mui{k %ojkt;R q;) ¬se smu{I jh;j¹o' ke aitirKt %gol x;S] k; .I aCz; D;n q;) vh swink ke åp me' .;rt se Vy;p;r krne a;y; q;) ¬ske n;m pr hI gov; p[;'t ke Ek ngr k; n;m ¾v;Sko-d;g;m;¾ p@¹;)

g¹u¹l;m .;rt

¾sone kI ici@¹y;¾ hone ke k;r, ivdeixyo' kI nj¹r sd; .;rt pr lgI rhI) ké b;r ivdeixyo' ne .;rt k; /n lU$; a*r ”se gu¹l;m bn;y;) ivdexI a;v[Ð;'t; .;rt kI /rohr² ivr;st² s'pd;² yh;\ tk ik s>yt; .I le kr clte bne) somn;q ámh;dev m'idrâ gujr;t ko %i<@t kr aq;h Sv,R² hIre² jv;hr;t lU$e gye) ”s m'idr ko 17 b;r to@¹; gy;) mhmUd gj¹nvI ne ”se sn( 1024 me' lU$; ifr mugl b;dx;h a*r'gj¹eb ne sn( 1702 me' ”se ifr igr;y;) a\g[ej¹I srk;r ne .I kuz km nhI' lU$;) a;j .I mh;r;nI Eilj¹;beq iÃtIy ke muku$ me' jo kohnUr k; hIr; lg; hw² vh .;rt se hI le j;y; gy; q;) ivdeixyo' ke l;lc tq; a;psI fU$ ke k;r,² .;rt swk@¹o' vWo| tk g¹ul;mI kI j'j¹Iro' me' jk@¹; rh;) phle twmUr se le kr b;br a*r ¬ske mug¹l v'xjo' ne .;rt pr r;Jy iky;) ¬ske b;d lg.g 200 vWo| tk itj;rt ke bh;ne .;rt a;yI óyI ib[i$x ¾éS$ ”i<@y; kMpnI¾ Ã;r; Sq;ipt a\g[ejI srk;r ke a;/In rh;) ”s bIc .;rt ke kuz Sq;no' pr putRg;lI tq; p[Ð;'sIsI x;sn .I rh;) du.;RGy kI b;t yh ik dex ke g¹ý;ro' ne hI a;psI vwmnSy ke k;r, .;rt me' ivdexI x;sn kI Sq;pn; me' a*r ¬ske bn;ye r%ne me' ivdeixyo' kI pUrI mdd kI a*r .;rtIyo' ko trh-trh se p[t;i@¹t krv;y;) .;rtIy phle mugl s>yt; me' r'ge ifr a\g[ej¹I s>yt; me') g¹ul;m rh kr ai/k;'x .;rtIy apn; a;Tm-sMm;n %o bw#e a*r .;rtIy s>yt; v s'SkOit ko ivdexI s>yt; v s'SkOit se hIn m;nne lge)

Svt''] .;rt

a\g[ej¹I x;sn ke iv¨õ .;rtIyo' ne Ek lMbI l@¹;é l@¹I jo sn( 1857 me' a;rM. hué qI a*r sn( 1947 me' sm;Pt hué) ”s l@¹;é me' anek vIr xhId huE) a't me'² 15 agSt² 1947 ko mh;Tm; g;'/I ke netOTv me' .;rt ko a\g[ej¹I x;sn se muiKt to imlI pr dex k; iv.;jn do r;ã$^o' me' kr idy; gy;) Svt'] .;rt k; ny; s'iv/;n bn; a*r 26 jnvrI² 1950 ko .;rt ke g,t'] ág,=jn² t']=x;snâ ko p[j;t;'i]k r;ã$^ bn;ne kI `oW,; kI gé) .;rt kI vtRm;n iSqit ko de%te huE² yh p[Xn pUzn; Sv;.;ivk hw ik Ky; .;rt me' scmuc jnt; k;

x;sn Sq;ipt ho p;y;À Ky; yh;\ ¬n a;dxo| k; p;ln ho p;y; ijnke ilye aneko' xhIdo' ne apn; jIvn bild;n kr idy;À Ky; ¾sTymev jyte¾ ásTy kI sd; jIt hotI hwâ² ¾vsu/wv ku$uMbkm(¾ ás;r; s's;r Ek pirv;râ Ev' ¾x;iNt¾ a;id %o%le xBd m;] bn kr nhI' rh gye hw'À Ky; .;rtIyo' ne apne m;nvIy mULyo'² s'SkOit v sMm;n ko bc; r%; hwÀ a;j kI yuv; pI!¹I ko .$k;v se bc;ne kI a;vXykt; hwÉ ¬nkI a;x; ko suri=t r%ne kI j¹årt hw Kyo'ik ve dex me' apei=t pirvtRn l; skte hw') Sv;mI ivvek;n'd ne kh; q; - ®mer; ivXv;s a;j kI yuv; pI!¹I me' hw) ”sI me' se mere k;yRkt;R inkle'ge² jo xer kI trh hr smSy; ko hl kr de'ge®)

.;rt kI ivXv ko den

p[;cIn k;l se .;rt jgd(gu¨ rh; hw) a;?y;iTmk D;n tq; yog-mnn ke aitirKt gi,t² ivD;n² ivxeWkr JyoitRivD;n tq; icikTs; a*r p;kiv´;² s'gIt² nOTy² ic]kl;² Sq;pTykl; a;id ke =e] me' .I .;rt ag[,Iy rh; hw) xUNy tq; dxmlv p[,;lI .;rt ne ivXv ko dI hw) yog tq; ic'tn-mnn jo a;j pUre ivXv me' lokip[y ho rh; hw² vh .I .;rt kI hI den hw) piXcmI dexo' me' ab a;yuveRd icikTs; põit ke b;re me' .I ¨ic j;gOt ho rhI hw a*r ”se vwkiLpk icikTs;-põit ke åp me' SvIk;r iky; j; rh; hw) Smr,Iy hw ik .;rtIy s>yt;² yoropIy s>yt; se bhut pur;nI hw) D;n kI roxnI .;rt se hI s;rI duiny; me' fwlI qI) ”'glw'@ me' jb Sv;mI ivvek;n'd se iksI ne pUz; ik jb a;pke dex me' ”tne D;nI log qe to hme' D;n dene Kyo' nhI' a;ye to ¬Nho'ene ¬Êr idy; ik ”'glw'@ tb q; hI kh;\ jo ve D;n dene a;teÀ Ky; hm;re mh;pu¨W yh;\ ke j'glo' ko D;n is%l;teÀ

a;/uink k;l me' .I .;rt ke s;ihTyk;r² vwD;ink² gi,tD a*r aNy =e]o' ke ivxeWD dex-ivdex me' mhTvpU,R k;yR krte a; rhe hw' a*r ké .;rtIyo' ko nobel purSk;r se .I sMm;int iky; j; cuk; hw) ”nme' se kuz VyiKtyo' k; s'i=Pt pircy nIce idy; j; rh; hwákâ @;. rvIN{ n;q $wgor - p[isõ s;ihTyk;r² kl;k;r tq; s'gItD) apnI s;ihiTyk kOit ¾gIt;'jil¾ ke ilye sn( 1913 me' nobel purSk;r se sMm;int) x;'it-inketn ivXviv´;ly ke s'Sq;pk tq; rvIN{-s'gIt ke p[,et;) á%â sr cN{xe%r ve'k$ rm, .*itk-x;S] ivxeWD² sn( 1930 me' ¾rmn-p[.;v¾ kI %oj ke ilye nobel purSk;r se sMm;int) sn( 1929 me' ¾sr¾ kI ¬p;i/² sn( 1954 me' .;rt rTn tq; sn( 1957 me' leinn x;'it-purSk;r se sMm;int) ¾b'glUr irscR ”'S$I$yU($¾ ke s'Sq;pk) ¬nke n;m se .;rt me' hr vWR 28 f¹rvrI ko ¾r;ã$^Iy ivD;n-idvs¾ mn;y; j;t; hw) ágâ @;. hrgoib'd %ur;n; - sn( 1968 me' icikTs;-ivD;n me' nobel

kUliMby; @^;”v² ×IlsR ihl² ivK$oiry; ámeLve s‹d.R-71 jI-11â smy - r;t ke 8³00 bje se a;rM.) १६ जून (गुरु अर्जुन दे व शहीद दिवस), p[vex in"xuLk hw) २८ जून (रमज़ान का आरं भ), 29 जून ai/k j;nk;rI ke ilE nIrj áf¹on (रथ-यात्रा), १३ जुलाई (असाढ़ पूजा-दिवस-बुद्ध धर्म), – 0439 980 551â aqv; ini%l áf¹on-0430 922 851â se sMpkR kIijye २९-३१ जुलाई(ईद-उल- फि़तर) aqv; inMn vebs;”$ dei%ye - http://www. sharda.org/Events.htm sUcn;E\ 1³ s'gIt s'?y; áxinv;r² 7 jUnâ tq; 2³ s;ihTy-s'?y; - apne log² apnI Svr s'?y; áxinv;r² 5 jul;éâ b;te' áxinv;r² 19 jul;éâ Sq;n - vevlIR me@oj¹ p[;”mrI SkUl² 11

mhTvpU,R itiqy;\

purSk;r tq; b;d me' pµ-.UW, ¬p;i/ se sMm;int) anuv;'ixk s'iht; ájenei$k ko@â pr xo/-k;yR) ¬nke xo/-k;yR se kw'sr jwse rogo' ke k;r, j;nne a*r ¬nke inv;r, ke b;re me' sflt; iml sktI hw) á`â @;. sub[hm<ym cN{xe%r %gol .*itk x;S]I áEeS$^if¹ij¹Ks ivxeWDâ) sn( 1983 me' nobel purSk;r) b[÷;'@ kI ¬TpiÊ ke b;re me' %oj) á@.â amTyRsen - sn( 1998 me' aqRx;S] me' nobel purSk;r se sMm;int) S;;ihTy ke =e] me' .I a;r³ke³ n;r;y,² %uxv't is'h² mh;Xvet; devI² vI³Es³ n;yp;l² a¨'/tI r;y a;id anek s;ihTyk;ro' ne apnI rcn;ao' Ã;r; a'tr;Rã$^Iy :y;it aijRt kI hw) pr ”n sbse b!¹ kr² .;rt ne ivXv ko mh;Tm; g;'/I k; VyiKtTv idy;² ijNho'ne ivXv ko sTy;g[h Ã;r; aNy;y se l@¹ne k; Ek ny; trIk¹; idy; ijsk; anukr, m;i$Rn lUqr ik'g tq; neLsn m'@el; jwse b@¹e ivXv-net;ao' ne .I iky;) ”ske aitirKt ib[$en me' imÊl S$Il ¬´og ke m;ilk² l+mI n;r;y, imÊl tq; l;@R Svr;j p;l jwse VyiKtyo' ne Vy;p;r tq; ¬´og ke =e[] me' p[mu% yogd;n idy; hw a*r de rhe hw' ameirkI p[x;sn me' g;gIR `oW² inx; des;é jwse logo' ne apnI ivixã$ phc;n bn;yI hw) r;kex xm;R tq; kLpn; c;vl; ne a'tir=-y;]; Ã;r; ”s =e] me' nye kIitRm;n Sq;ipt ikye hw') ipzle vWR .;rt ne m'gly;n p[=ep, Ã;r; ”s idx; me' Ek mhTvpU,R kdm ¬#;y; hw) .;rt Eixy; k; phl; dex hw ijsne sflt; pUvRk Ek a'tir=-y;n m'gl g[h pr .ej; hw) ”s y;n Ã;r; m'gl g[h pr mIqen gws kI ¬pliB/² bwK$Iiry;² %injo' ke Svåp a*r p;nI kI ¬plB/t;² jIvn jIne ke anukUl v;t;vr, a;id ke b;re me' ¬pyogI j;nk;rI imlegI) sUcn;-s'c;r tq; p[*´oigkI ke =e] me' .I .;rt ne bhut p[git kI hw) a;j ivXv ke s.I dexo' me' a;pko .;rtIy kMPyU$r ivxeWD iml j;ye'ge) b'glUr² hwdr;b;d gu@¹g;'v a;id me' sUcn;-p[*´oigkI ke p[mu% keN{ hw') ”ske aitirKt² .;.; prm;,u anus'/;n keN{ tq; .;rtIy pe$^oilym v p[b'/n s'Sq;no' me' p[ixi=t yuv; dex-ivdex me' b@¹I ¬pliB/y;\ h;isl kr rhe hw') a;iqRk åp se .I .;rt k;f¹I tej¹I se a;ge b!¹ rh; hw) jb yorop tq; ameirk; a;iqRk s'k$ se guj¹r rhe qe² ¬s smy .I .;rt kI a;iqRk-ivk;s kI dr s;t p[itxt qI) a;x; hw ik agle 10-15 vWo| me' .;rt Ek a;iqRk mh;xiKt ke åp me' ¬.reg;)

¬ps'h;r

s'=ep me' p[;cIn k;l me' .;rt sone kI ici@¹y; q;) ”s pr anek ivdeixyo' ne a;v[Ðm, iky; a*r ”se g¹ul;m bn;y;) pr'tu ab .;rt Svt'] hw a*r p[git ke m;gR pr cl rh; hw) a;x; hw ik dex-ivdex me' rhne v;le s.I .;rtIyo' ke yogd;n se .;rt Ek b;r ifr apn; %oy; hua; g*rv p[;Pt kr leg;)

Sq;n - b;Žlivn mIi$'g åm² b;Žlivn l;”b[erI² 336 ×;”$ h;ŽsR ro@² b;Žlivn (White Horse Road,Balwyn)

ámeLve s‹d.R-46 é-8â) smy - x;m ke 8 bje se r;t ke 10 bje tk) p[vex in"xuLk hw) ai/k j;nk;rI ke ilE² inMn vebs;”$ dei%ye - http://www.sahityasangam. org aqv; p[of¹esr niln x;rd; áé-mel" nalinsharda@gmail.com ) ko á0402â 108 512 pr f¹on kIijye)

s'i=Pt sm;c;r

मेल्बर्न में संकट मोचन केन्द्र की स्थापना

‘संकट मोचन समिति’, १५ जून, २०१४ को मेल्बर्न में ‘संकट मोचन केंद्र’ स्थापित करने जा रही है | इस केन्द्र में एक मन्दिर, समाज कल्याण संगठन और एक शिक्षा संस्थान होगा जो मेल्बर्न और विक्टोरिया के बढ़ते हुए भारतीय समुदाय को सांस्कृतिक, पारं पारिक व धरोहर शिक्षा की सुविधाएँ प्रदान करे गा| यह केन्द्र, मेल्बर्न के उपनगर, ‘हं टिंगडे ल’ में १२८९-ए पर स्थापित किया जायेगा| स्थापना का कार्यक्रम, १५ जून को सुबह ९ बजे (वास्तु -पूजन) से आरम्भ होगा, दस बजे महा-गायत्री हवन और १२ बजे श्री राम दरबार की स्थापना होगी| तत्पश्चात, हनुमान चालीसा का पाठ, आरती, क्षमा प्रार्थना व शान्ति पाठ और प्रसाद व महाप्रसाद का आयोजन है | अधिक जानकारी के लिये अथवा इस केन्द्र की स्थापना या इसके कार्य में सहायता करने के लिए डॉ. सुनीला श्रीवास्तव से (०४२७ २७४ ४६२) पर फ़ोन द्वारा अथवा निम्न पते पर ईमेल द्वारा सम्पर्क कीजिए - sankatmochansamiti@gmail.com

डॉ. मुकेश है कड़वाल को स्वर्ण पदक

२४ मई, २०१४ को ‘ऑस्ट्रेलियन मेडिकल एसोसिएशन’ (ए.एम.ए.) की राष्ट्रीय महासभा में डॉ. मुकेश है कड़वाल को उनकी सेवाओं के लिये स्वर्ण पदक प्रदान किया| स्मरणीय है कि डॉ. है कड़वाल सन ् १९९५ में विक्टोरिया से ए.एम.ए. के ‘कौंसिलर’ चुने गये थे और सन ् २००१ में ए.एम.ए. की विक्टोरिया शाखा के सभापति और सन ् २००५ में दो वर्षों के लिये, ए.एम.ए. के राष्ट्रीय सभापति चुने गये| वे भारतीय मूल के पहले व्यक्ति हैं जो इस पद के लिये चुने गये थे| सन ् २००८-२००९ के दौरान वे ‘ऑस्ट्रेलियन हे ल्थ ऐंड हास्पिटल्स रिफार्म कमीशन’ में कमिश्नर थे| वे ‘वर्ल्ड मेडिकल एसोसियेशन काउन्सिल’ के सन ् २००७ से सदस्य रहे हैं और पहली बार सन ् २०११ में उन्हें इस संस्था का अध्यक्ष चुना गया| वे न केवल भारतीय मूल के पहले व्यक्ति बल्कि पहले ऑस्ट्रेलियन हैं जिन्हें इस पद के लिये चुना गया| इन सभी पदों में उन्होंने डॉक्टरों, अस्पतालों और रोगियों की चिकत्सा व दे खभाल के लिये महत्वपूर्ण काम किया| दर्भा ु ग्यवश, सन ् २००८ में वे एक नस्ली दर्घट ु ना का शिकार हुए जिससे उबरने में उन्हें लम्बा समय लगा परं तु उसके बाद वह वापस उत्साहपूर्वक अपने काम में लग गये| हिन्दी पुष्प की ओर से उन्हें इस नवीनतम सम्मान के लिये बहुत-बहुत बधाई|

फीजी में मनाया गया गिरमिटिया आगमन दिवस

सूवा में भारतीय उच्चायुक्त ने १५ मई, २०१४ को गिरमिटिया आगमन दिवस मनाया| इस अवसर पर भारतीय उच्चायुक्त ने फीजी में गिरमिटियों के फीजी में योगदान पर प्रकाश डाला और एक सांस्कृ तिक कार्यक्रम प्रस्तुत किया| इसके अतिरिक्त, इस अवसर पर, फीजी म्यूज़ियम’, ‘टी.आई.एस. आई. संगम’ तथा ‘प्रवासी यूथ क्लब’ ने गिरमिटियाकाल की कलाकृ तियों के प्रदर्शन का भी आयोजन किया| इस अवसर पर मुख्य अतिथि थे – फीजी के यातायात मंत्री| कार्यक्रम में लगभग ६०० व्यक्ति उपस्थित थे जिन में वरिष्ठ अधिकारी, शिक्षक, विभिन्न दत ू ावासों के प्रतिनिधि तथा वरिष्ठ भारतीय-फीजी सम्मिलित थे| फीजी में अन्य स्थानों, उदाहरण के लिए, लौटोका में फीजी विश्वविद्यालय में तथा गिरमिट काउन्सिल द्वारा आयोजित ‘गिरमिट सेन्टर’ में तथा अन्य संस्थानों में भी गिरमिटिया आगमन दिवस मनाया गया| इस अवसर पर ‘फीजी म्यूज़ियम’ ने बच्चों के लिए मिट्टी के बरतन बनाने की एक कार्यशाला का भी आयोजन किया|

ab h\sne kI b;rI hw पति-पत्नी और शतरं ज का खेल

दनि ु या भर में शतरं ज ही एक ऐसा खेल है जो पतियों को उनकी असली स्थिति से परिचित कराता है | शतरं ज में एक बार में राजा केवल एक घर चल सकता है लेकिन रानी पर कोई पाबन्दी नहीं होती है , वह एक बार में, जितने घर चाहे पार कर सकती है और सीधे, टे ढ़े, जैसे चलना चाहे चल सकती है |

व्यापारी पुरुष-यात्रियों के लिए विशेष-सुविधा

एक एयरलाइन ने व्यापारी पुरुष यात्रियों के लिए विशेष सुविधा प्रदान की जिसके अनुसार पति का टिकट ख़रीदने पर पत्नी का टिकट मुफ़्त मिलता था| इस कार्यक्रम की अत्यधिक सफलता के बारे में जानने के लिए, एयरलाइन ने पुरुष यात्रियों की सभी पत्नियों से पत्र द्वारा पूछा कि उनकी यात्रा कैसी रही| सभी पत्नियों ने एक ही जवाब दिया – “कौन सी यात्रा?“

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(प्रेषक –डॉ. सुरेश गुप्ता, मेल्बर्न)

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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

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

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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................................

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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

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info@melbournejainsangh.org http://www.melbournejainsangh.org MUSLIM Melbourne West Mosque 66-68 Jeffcott Street, Melbourne Ph: 03 9328 2067 Broadmeadows Mosque 45-55 King Street, Broadmeadows Ph 03 9359 0054 Islamic Call Society 19 Michael Street, Brunswick Ph: 03 9387 7100 Islamic Centre of Australia 660 Sydney Road, Brunswick Ph 03 9385 8423 Australian Islamic Cultural Centre 46-48 Mason Street, Campbellfield Ph: 03 9309 7605 Coburg ISNA Mosque 995 Sydney Road, Coburg North Coburg Mosque (Fatih Mosque) 31 Nicholson Street, Coburg Ph 03 9386 5324 Deer Park Mosque 283 Station Road, Deer Park Ph 03 9310 8811 United Migrant Muslim Assn.

72 George Road, Doncaster Ph 03 9842 6491, Footscray West Mosque 294 Essex Street, Footscray Glenroy Musala 1st Floor, 92 Wheatsheaf Road, Glenroy Heidelberg Mosque Corner Lloyd & Elloits Streets, West Heidelberg Islamic College of Victoria (Mosque) 201 Sayers Road, Hoppers Crossing Ph 03 9369 6010 Huntingdale Mosque 320-324 Huntingdale Road, Huntingdale Ph 03 9543 8037 Al Nur Mosque 34-36 Studley Street, Maidstone Meadow Heights Mosque Hudson Circuit, Meadow Heights Springvale Mosque 68 Garnworthy Street, Springvale

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southSouth asia times 33 Asia Times

FIFA World Cup – Where the spectacle is the champion

By Mario Osava

R

IO DE JANEIRO, Jun 14 2014 (IPS) - The seven-year-old got bored after running here and there for five minutes, amidst a group of a dozen classmates. He eventually stomped off the field because he hadn’t managed to kick the ball even once.

“Football is like that, you have to be patient,” he was told by the phys ed teacher who was introducing the group of young students to the sport. Although it might not seem like the most necessary character trait for practicing sports.

So how to explain the passion ignited by football in the most varied regions and cultures of the world? Why does the FIFA World Cup, which opened Thursday in Brazil, awaken so much enthusiasm on all of the world’s continents?

Romario de Souza Faria, one of the greatest Brazilian footballers, whose five goals in the 1994 World Cup in the United States ensured Brazil’s victory, actually spent very little time with the ball in any particular 90-minute game. He became a national hero with his lightning fast strikes.

In 2007, when he tried to convert the thousandth goal of his career, a reporter noted that Romario held the ball for only 16 seconds in the entire game. At one point he went 30 minutes without touching it.

The few goals in any given football match – there are even games that end 0-0 – are tedious for many who prefer the faster pace of basketball or volleyball, where games end with dozens, and generally more than 100, points.

Other people think some of football’s rules are irrational, such as offside, which interrupts the play at a peak moment, when the forward is in an ideal position to score – and drive the fans wild.

There are others who complain that football is too violent. Broken bones and other injuries are all too common as players kick and elbow and crash into each other – sometimes without even being penalised. The opposite of volleyball, where excessive physical contact is avoided.

But despite everything, football has won over huge majorities of the population in much of the world, and is still growing in popularity, overcoming traditional preferences and resistance, like in the United States and Japan.

Still, it can’t be described as a completely universal sport, because it has yet to win significant support in some large countries like China and India.

The secret of football’s overwhelming popularity and consequent success on the business

front does not appear to lie in the fields, the players or the ball, but in the minds of the spectators. It is as a show, more than as a sport to be practiced, that it became the champion.

Many sports, especially team sports, have managed to draw enormous audiences in person and on TV. For example, there is baseball in the United States and Japan, basketball in many countries, or cricket in India, Australia and other former British colonies.

But football has singular aspects that make it the most popular sport, capable of attracting an estimated 3.6 million stadium-goers during the 20th World Cup, which is being hosted by 12 Brazilian cities from Jun. 12 through Jul. 13.

One fundamental element is that fans feel powerful, by supporting their team or analysing the players’ moves.

More than spectators, fans feel like participants and designers of alternatives in the games, because football is an open work of art, a stimulus for creativity. Their collective support tends to influence the results more than in any other sport.

The fans have a big picture of the game; they can see the entire field and follow all the moves, unlike the players, who are in the thick of things, surrounded – and harassed – by their rivals, and have a more narrow view of what is going on.

As the saying goes, every Brazilian is a coach. Fans reach their own conclusions about tactics,

plays, the best use and combination of the players’ skills – infinite details that can be decisive.

The discussions and arguments are endless, as is news about the sport. Perhaps there is no journalism so exhaustive and widely read as football coverage.

Two decades ago, Brazilian João Havelange, former president of FIFA (1974-1998), said offside should not be eliminated since the “imperfection” of football is one of the reasons it is so popular, because it generates so much debate.

Football in its extreme complexity makes it possible for anyone to feel expert or knowledgeable enough to evaluate, analyse, have their own ideas about games, teams, referees, coaches and players.

The fact that it basically involves the feet, running counter to human evolution that concentrated people’s skills in their hands, adds uncertainties that bring it close to chaos theory. Secondary factors can be decisive, all of the actors count, and – another essential aspect – it is a team game.

The best teams tend to win more, but every king has his plebeian days; no one is invincible. Because of all this, the support of the fans has a much greater influence than in other sports – which is recognised in many tournaments, where a goal scored on the rival’s field is worth more than one in their own stadium.

The frequency with which fortuitous events end up determining an outcome encourages fans as well as the practice of

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football. The most mediocre players, no matter how few chances they get, can score a goal at some point or make a good play. Like in the lottery, that hope or faith moves athletes and fans.

The success of football as a spectacle grows with each World Cup and is reflected in the more than 18,000 journalists accredited for the current edition in Brazil as well as the thousands of nonaccredited reporters.

The result is excessive commercialisation, according to many Brazilians who have complained about and protested the concessions that the Brazilian government made to FIFA as conditions for hosting the World Cup, including nearly 12 billion dollars in investment in stadiums, airports and urban infrastructure.

The hero of 1994, Romario, now a Socialist Party legislator, said in January that FIFA is “the real president of the country” until the Cup ends. Brazil has become the “slave” of an institution that is “100 percent corrupt,” he said on another occasion.

The suspicions grew in the last week, after the British press alleged that corrupt payments were made to Asian and African officials with influence in FIFA to secure the choice of Qatar as host of the 2022 tournament.

What sporting or market criteria would justify that choice? That question is hanging in the air as the world’s largest sporting event is in full stride.

South Asia Times south asia 34 South Asia Timestimes

Business

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Wheat smuggling to Afghanistan means higher prices for Pakistan

By Ashfaq Yusufzai

P

ESHAWAR, Pakistan, Jun 4 2014 (IPS) - With its lush valleys and wellwatered plains, Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province produces plenty of food for the local population, including 10 million tons of wheat every year. So why are the people of this bountiful mountainous region going hungry?

The answer lies just across the 2,400-km-long border that separates the country from neighbouring Afghanistan, in the food-stalls, shops and grocery stores where the bulk of the KP’s foodstuffs are sold for hugely inflated prices.

Locals and experts blame the massive smuggling network that whisks wheat out of Pakistan’s frontier province, leaving behind an unsustainable demand for – and unaffordable price tags on – the basic commodity, which 65 percent of the population relies on as a staple.

According to Zahid Shinwari, president of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chamber of Commerce and Industries, the KP loses some three million tons of wheat to smugglers every year, causing price spikes of over 33 percent.

“The problem gets particularly severe when the local harvesting season ends in June, because that’s when the aggressive smuggling begins,” the official told IPS. While 50-kg bags of wheat cost nine dollars in 2013, that same quantity now sells for 11 and 12 dollars. At first glance the difference might not seem like much, but in a region where the average monthly income is 60 dollars, some families say the price rise could mean the difference between nourishment and hunger.

As it is, thousands here are walking a fine line. According to a 2008 survey conducted by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), 65 percent of children and 40 percent of women living in the KP are malnourished. Take away their basic foodstuffs and the situation will only get worse, experts say.

Muhammad Haroon, a shopkeeper in KP’s capital Peshawar, says the problem is quickly reaching a crisis point, with some 500 to 600 trucks packed with wheat leaving the province every single day.

“We are not getting enough stock from the flourmills for local consumption,” the disgruntled grocer told IPS. No sooner is the harvest gathered than smugglers make off

Trucks loaded with sacks of wheat are being smuggled across Pakistan’s borders into Afghanistan. CPHOTO : Ashfaq Yusufzai/IPS with the bulk of it, while the rest is immediately purchased and hoarded by the wealthy, in a bid to avoid the inevitable price hikes that accompany the shortages.

In the end, says Haroon, it is the poor who suffer; a full 40 percent of the KP’s population lives below the poverty line, and they are the ones most affected.

On the other side of the border, the smugglers are seen as a godsend.

According to Abdul Qadir, an Afghan trader, his landlocked country has traditionally been dependent on Pakistan for its food requirements, including 80 percent of its wheat needs. Rice, oil, soap and pulses also make their way through checkpoints and onto the shelves of Afghan shops.

Qadir told IPS officials on both sides are equally complicit in the illicit operation because of the high bribes offered in exchange for safe passage through the busy Torkham border crossing close to KP, and the Wesh-Chaman border, which links the Pakistani city of Quetta with the Afghan city of Kandahar.

These bribes, which can reach 100 dollars per truck, push prices of the smuggled goods even higher – up to 45 dollars for a 50-kg sack of wheat – “but still Afghans buy them” according to the trader. He blamed a lack of water, overuse of pesticides and three decades of war

for Afghanistan’s perennial food shortages.

Meanwhile, other provinces in Pakistan are starting to feel the heat of the illicit activity.

Chaudhry Ansar Javid, who heads the Sindh chapter of the Pakistan Flour Mills Association (PFMA), says his own province lost 800,000 tons of wheat to Afghanistan last year.

“The wheat flour produced in Sindh also reaches Central Asian states, as well as Iran, through the Chaman border crossing in Balochistan province,” he told IPS. In the past 15 days alone, Javid said, the price of a 100-kg sack of wheat has soared from 20 to 25 dollars and could go on rising at a phenomenal rate unless the government takes immediate steps to curb the smuggling, or allows Pakistan to import enough wheat to account for the demand in neighbouring Afghanistan.

At present, Pakistan produces some 250 million tons of wheat per year, according to Anees Ashraf, president of the All Pakistan Flour Mills Association (APFMA).

“This includes 16 million tons in the Sindh province, 58 million in Punjab, 2.5 million in Balochistan and 10 million in KP,” he told IPS, adding that the latter has born the brunt of the smuggling operation.

Forced to seek alternative sources of this basic commodity, the KP government has come to rely

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heavily on some 400 trucks from the Punjab, which carry a daily supply of about 2,000 tons of wheat to the struggling region.

Now, even that lifeline is threatened by the fact that Afghan importers go directly to Punjabi wheat producers and buy up whatever stocks they can get, said Haji Musarrat Shah, vice president of the KP chapter of the APFMA. Fearing its own shortages, the government of Punjab has imposed a ban on wheat stocks to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he told IPS. Officials say this move is illegal and are now pressing the Punjab government to lift the ban and spare the people of KP from high prices and hunger.

“Under the constitution it is illegal to stop the supply of anything from one province to another,” KP Chief Minister Pervez Khattak told IPS, adding, “The federal government should intervene.”

Some say the situation is creating a powder keg, with the local population growing ever more hostile towards their neighbours.

Already KP is home to some three million Afghan refugees who have been dependent on limited local resources for the past 30 years, according to Khattak.

If prices keep rising, it will put undue pressure on a region that is already fraught with poverty and militancy.

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ANZ gets RBI nod to open branches in Gurgaon and outer Bangalore

By News Desk

M

elbourne: The Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ) is all set to expand its banking business in India. It has received in-principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to open two new branches which will support growing trade and investment flows to and from India.

Located in the fastest growing industrial and commercial centres of India, the new branches will be based in Gurgaon and outer Bangalore.

ANZ CEO, International & Institutional Banking, Andrew Géczy said in a statement here “The approval to open branches in these commercial hubs will strengthen our super regional strategy, expand our ability to support clients and build on our position as a leading bank in Asia.

“India is the world’s third largest economy on purchasing parity terms and it remains one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Despite a recent slowdown, trade flows between India and the rest of Asia increased by 900% over the past 10 years to US$330

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billion and it is the fourth largest destination for Australian exports.

“Continuing to connect our customers between India and the other 32 countries in our network creates a further driver of growth for ANZ,” Géczy said.

ANZ India CEO Subhas DeGamia said “The new branches will complement our existing branch in Mumbai by enabling greater coverage and connectivity for our customers. This adds to ANZ's value proposition in India where our business has gained significant momentum including our achieving Lead Arranger status for Indian offshore financings.

Over time, we will seek to broaden our franchise in the country to further support our customers in the region.”

The in-principle approval is valid for 12 months during which time ANZ will finalise its plans before seeking final approval.

ANZ’s Mumbai branch currently offers Indian Rupee and foreign currency services, working capital and term financing, transaction banking, global markets, deposits and advisory services to its customers in India and across 32 nations.

—SAT News Service

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Interview with ANZ CEO India

Our focus is on the India-Australasia trade and investment corridor: Subhas DeGamia

By Ashfaq Yusufzai

AC: Can you give us some examples of how that business is developing?

S

ubhas DeGamia has been India Country Head for ANZ since 2008 leading ANZ’s non-funds based advisory business. In 2011, he was named Chief Executive Officer of the bank in India with the commencement of ANZ’s banking operations in the country. Subhas joined ANZ in 1989 and has more than twentyfive years of experience in financial markets and institutional banking including senior leadership roles with ANZ in New Zealand, Australia, India and across Asia and in business advisory with PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Here is an interview with him by Andrew Cornwell which appeared in the ANZ Blue Notes site.

SDG: We now bank our key relationships across multiple geographies with a slew of products.

This includes supporting trade financing needs of customers in the Asia Pacific region, multi-nationals’ needs within India, supporting our natural resources clients to secure raw material supply and good quality assets, and fulfilling the capital needs of Indian clients in international markets.

Our experienced team on the ground working very closely with the ANZ team across the network is making a huge difference for our clients.

By Andrew Cornwell Andrew Cornell: Subhas, ANZ established its Mumbai branch in 2011 and the business today supports top tier institutional and corporate clients in India and across ANZ’s other 32 markets, with a focus on financing and risk management needs. Given ANZ is not seeking a retail base, is it necessary to have more branches?

Subhas DeGamia: The new branches will complement our existing branch in Mumbai by enabling greater coverage and connectivity for our clients. And over time, we will seek to broaden our franchise in the country to further support our customers in the region.

I think it is important to remember India is a vast country with diverse cultures and different ways of doing business. It takes a fair bit to be close to your customers - and it is important to be close to them.

The three branches will give us a very good spread across the entire country – with a presence in the North (Gurgaon), West (Mumbai) and South (Bangalore).

All three locations are strategic vantage points for business in India and for India with the rest of the world.

India has seen rapidly growing business centres, but some centres are more important than others. Mumbai is India’s financial centre and has a spread of commercial and wealth activity. New Delhi is home to the central government, and most state owned enterprises. Gurgaon, where we now have approval for, is the prime business hub in the National Capital Region – and is home to some of the largest businesses. Nearly 50 per cent of the Fortune 500 companies, and subsidiaries of large multi-national corporations, I am informed, are housed there. It is witnessing rapid urbanisation and has the third highest per capita income in India.

Then you have Bangalore where of course ANZ has more than 6000 staff in its shared services operations and technology hub. This is a very strategic city, and has been on the global map for IT and the services sector and it gives us a gateway to the southern Indian cities.

And face to face contact is very important for business in India.

AC: Do you need more branches then?

SDG: India has clear regulations

governing the approval of new branches, so physical expansion can take time.

The three branches I would say give us plenty of opportunity. It gives us a good base to grow.

AC: How quickly is ANZ growing in India? We have seen a period of financial uncertainty, inflation issues, now a new government.

SDG: Well our business has gained significant momentum.

We have made great progress since we set up – across our target client segment assisting them across geographies and have developed our trade finance, cash management and financial markets businesses.

Our strategy is to focus on the India-Australasia trade and investment corridor. Given our expanding Asian network, this is a strong proposition to Indian companies operating and wishing to expand across the region; and multinationals with business interests into India.

More specifically, playing to our strengths, we leverage the regional connectivity and our industry specialisation in natural resources, agribusiness and infrastructure and strong financing capability. One of the things we have been able to do for our clients is connect them with investors, whether through leading loan syndication or through debt capital markets structures.

We are now the number one International Mandated Lead Arranger for Indian Offshore financings by number of transactions in 2013 completed by a foreign bank.

With our new branches, we are looking to both deepen the services we can offer existing clients and obviously also attract new clients given our broader reach.

The network capability, with Australia, New Zealand and the rest of Asia is really important.

We have made great progress since we set up – and enjoy strong relationships with India’s largest conglomerates and banks and other stakeholders in India.

AC: And that huge political change we have just seen with the election of the Modi government and the end of UPA era?

SDG: Actually, this has been expected for quite some time. I think when you consider the recent past, there was financial uncertainty, high inflation, which the Reserve Bank of India has done a very good job in addressing and bringing market stability in the latter half of the last year .

The issue thus far at the government was a lack of leadership, a lack of good governance.

Now the new government has brought with it expectations of more certainty, of faster decision making. We are already hearing this from our clients, when we are out at meetings, there is now more of an air of confidence.

India, for many people, has been a country of long term promise. The fundamentals are very strong.

There is still so much restructuring, reform of the economy needed but the feeling is now there is governance.

Foreign investors seem more confident, local industry too.

The new PM Modi has a strong track record as a ‘doer’, and this is reflected in the strong mandate he has now achieved.

In general, the expectations are that there will be an improvement in doing business in India and with India, more efficient government facilitation and “declogging of the system”, some easing on the foreign direct investment front.

Revival of infrastructure, urban planning and other capital projects are other expectations.

Bigger issues such as a revamp of land acquisition and environmental clearances are more complex to tackle and are unlikely to be resolved in a hurry, although we expect the government to give strong impetus to their resolution.

Overall though, it will be a positive impact for growth.

AC: And how is the Indian economy travelling now?

SDG: We do believe there will be a gradual recovery. Of course, it’s not a magic wand. But the economy is in much better shape now than it was at this time last year.

If the monsoon doesn’t spring any negative surprises, India could very well be in a sweet spot in the second half of 2014 with growth prospects

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looking brighter.

ANZ expects a GDP growth of 5 per cent this year and between 6 to 6.5 per cent in the 2015-16 financial year.

While the outgoing government put the economy on the path of fiscal consolidation and the new government is likely to stay on the path and at the minimum ensure that the fiscal deficit for 2014-15 financial year doesn’t exceed last year’s 4.6 per cent of GDP. We would expect the government to target a deficit that’s somewhat lower than 4.6 per cent with rationalisation of spending, subsidies in particular, and divestments as key ingredients.

We see headline inflation softening back toward 8 per cent. But beyond 2014, inflation may very well end up being sticky-high around 8 per cent, above RBI’s objective of 6 per cent for end-2015, mainly because food inflation seems to be a structural issue. The new Government though is intent on tackling inflation by reducing structural blockages.

With regards the rupee, in the nearterm ANZ strategists expect USD/INR to go to 57.5 before it gradually settles around 60 in 12 months’ time.

AC: Having now secured permission for the two new branches and given your macro-economic outlook and positive expectations of the new government, you’re obviously positive on India. Where are the major opportunities?

SDG: India is the world’s third largest economy on purchasing power parity terms and it remains one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

It has favourable long term fundamentals which will underpin GDP growth of 5-6.5 per cent after the recent slowdown.

There are favourable demographics: approximately two-thirds of the population are in the working age group.

There will be a growth in consumption. India’s massive urbanisation will underpin growth.

Currently 52 per cent of China’s population is urban compared with 31 per cent in India.

With the 4th largest banking revenue pool in Asia and expected growth of approximately 16 per cent, India remains an attractive though well competed market for foreign banks. It has low banking penetration and a high savings rate which is expected to help the banking revenue pool grow at 16 per cent, and nearly 41 per cent of the population is unbanked.

And as far as Australia goes, there are significant trade and natural resource linkages with Australian-Asian economies combined with increasing funding requirements of Indian corporates and banks.

Despite the economic slowdown there have been significant FDI inflows with 20 per cent from Asia. India’s trade with Asia, Australia and New Zealand is growing. Robust bullion demand has made India the second biggest consumer in the world.

We think the growing demand supply gap in natural resources plays to ANZ strengths as does India’s need to secure its food supply.

Source : Blue Notes, 5 June

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