13 JAN2017

Vol. 8 Issue 41

NZs only Kiwi-Indian weekly

Auckland | Christchurch | Wellington | Hamilton | Palmerston North | Hastings | Invercargill

Veteran actor

Om Puri

passes away

The Pulse of Kiwi-Indians since 2009

Pg

28

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13 January 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

Entries now open for

the Kiwi Indian Honours
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he biggest honours of the Indian

community in New Zealand have
already set a benchmark with crme
de la crme of the country attending the
annual gala to honour the achievers from
the community.
As the Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame turns five
this year, we now announce the entries open
for the three categoriesKiwi Indian Hall of
Fame, Kiwi Indian Young Achiever of the Year,
and Kiwi Indian Unsung Hero of the Year, for
year 2017.
Every year, Indian Weekender acknowledges the
achievements of the Kiwi-Indians who have
become a face in the crowd.
The Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame is an
endeavour to recognise individuals in the Indian
community and honour those who have enriched
and enhanced, not just our own community, but
the community at large, through their work and
achievements.
Apart from being the most prestigious honour
of the Kiwi Indian community, this award
is testimony to an undeniable recognition of
an individuals contribution to their field, be
it politics, business, sports, art, culture or any
other. The former recipients of the award that
was launched in 2013 were MP Kanwaljit Singh
Bakshi (2013), Judge Dr Ajit Swaran Singh
(2014), Dr Kantilal Naranji Patel (2015) and Dr
C.S. Benjamin (2016).
The Kiwi Indian Young Achiever of the Year
award recognises a young Kiwi-Indian (aged
between 16 to 35) who has done exceptionally
well in his/her field of work. The award was

launched in 2015 and was bestowed upon DJ

Charlie aka Prerna Singh in 2015, and neuroscientist Dr Malvindar Singh-Bains in 2016.
The Kiwi Indian Unsung Hero of the Year
is dedicated to individuals who contribute
immensely towards the society but have not been
recognised for their efforts. They are the masked
heroes of the society who have dedicated their
entire life to the serve our community. This
award was also launched in 2015 and was
bestowed upon Mr Pravin Patel in 2015 for his
service to the community and Mr Ramesh Patel
in 2016 for his contribution to the New Zealand
Hockey team.
So, if you have someone in your mind who
fits any of the above three categories, then send
in their nominations for the biggest awards of
the Kiwi Indian community. The nomination
form can be found on page 17. Just fill it in and
post it on the given address. Or visit www.iwk.
nz or www.halloffame.co.nz and submit the
nomination online.

Aamir Khan seen at Auckland

airport, creates buzz on social media
SANDEEP SINGH

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f the release of Aamir Khans muchawaited movie Dangal right at the beginning
of Christmas holidays was not enough to
excite his fans in New Zealand, he decided to
appear in Auckland just before the official end
of the holiday period.
However, just like his movies, his entry in
Auckland airport and further movements in
this beautiful country has kept his fans thinking.
Aamir Khan is known for making the most
thought-provoking and entertaining films
in Bollywood.
His movies such as Lagaan, Rang de Basanti,
Tare Zameen Par, 3 Idiots, PK and the latest
sports drama Dangal have always compelled
moviegoers to think long after leaving the
theatre. Few would have expected to be caught
up thinking about his whereabouts in New
Zealand on social media.
This Bollywood star never fails to mesmerise
his fans in whatever he does, whether in reel life
or in real life.
Surely, Bollywood stars do travel privately,
avoiding paparazzi, but rarely do they manage
to escape the watchful gaze of their fans all over
the world with this aplomb as done by Aamir
Khan in Auckland.
Apparently, only one picture has emerged so
far on social media as posted by one of his fans,
Nasir Khan, on January 8 soon after bumping
into the acclaimed actor at the Auckland
airport. Unless all other fans possibly present at
the airport or later are subconsciously holding
tight their selfies with the star.
Nevertheless, social media was full of buzz
around Aamir Khans presence in Auckland
including on Indian Weekenders social media post.
One fan Hurfish Mehta posted: Welcome
Aamir Khan to our beautiful city.
While others seem to be enjoying the
speculation drive going on social media in
locating the Bollywood star in New Zealand.
Mohammed Zeeshan commented: Ab dangal

Aamir Khan

hoga Amir Khan ko dhund ne ka, (implying,

now there will be a struggle to locate
Aamir Khan).
Meanwhile, some other fans took the
guesswork in social media to another level.
Shane Sohal posted: Contacted Star Taxi
Group for transportation. He is in Town
for real. Sanil Siwan appeared confident
while commenting: He is in Papatoetoe at
the moment. Tomorrow will be in Food for
Less in Otahuhu.
Undoubtedly, the ingenuity and creativity
displayed by Aamir Khans fan on social media
matched their heros creativity on the screen.
Indian Weekender has been trying to get access
to the Bollywood superstar through various
avenues, including following a lead that he was
staying at Pullman Hotel in Auckland CBD to
no result so far.
Until Aamir Khan does a PK on all of us and
appears again at a location and timing of his
choice and convenience, it is okay to leave him
alone to enjoy this beautiful country of ours.

NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 13 January 2017

Ranjna Patel

awarded Officer of the NZ Order of Merit 2017

SANDEEP SINGH

anjna Patel added another laurel to her

long list of accolades received for service
to the Indian community in New Zealand
when she was awarded Officer of the New
Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in the recently
announced New Year Honours List.
She was awarded in recognition of her services
to health and the Indian community
Mrs Patel, QSM, JP, was the only Kiwi-Indian
to be included in this years honours list.
The name Ranjna Patel does not need much
introduction in the community.
Her name is often heard in conjunction
with her equally popular and service-oriented,
visionary and entrepreneur husband Dr Kantilal
Naranji Patel, who has received many awards
and community recognition including Indian
Weekenders Hall of Fame award in 2016.
However, both have individual strong
personalities, passion, and commitment to the
community, which is a source of inspiration for
many in the community and beyond.
Today, its Mrs Patel who deserves undiluted
accolades and recognition for what she has
contributed so far to the health sector in general
and the Indian community in particular.
Mrs Patel has been the driving force behind the
expansion of Nirvana Health Group, one of New
Zealands largest primary health networks, which
she and her husband started as a sole GP practice
in 1977.
The Nirvana Health Group now serves as an
umbrella company for more than 30 medical
clinics servicing 190,000 registered patients
from predominantly lower socio-economic
communities. Mrs Patel sits on numerous advisory
boards including Lotteries, MIT South Asian
Advisory, and NZ Asian Leaders Group.

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Ranjna Patel

She was the first women president of Manukau

Indian Association from 2010 to 2012 and has
been a member of the executive committee of
the New Zealand Indian Central Association. She
chaired the South Asian Leadership Group and is
a member of the Counties Manukau South Asian
Police Advisory Board, Commissioners Ethnic
Focus Forum, the Middlemore Foundation Board,
Kootuitui ki Papakura Trust, and Global Women.
She has held ministerial appointments to the
National Advisory Council on the Employment
of Women and the Lottery Auckland
Distribution Committee.
Mrs Patel is a Trustee of International
Swaminarayan Satsang Organisation (ISSO)
and ISSO Seva, which provides programmes for
seniors, youth, and the community.
Recently, she has taken an active role in early
intervention for family violence prevention,
working closely with New Zealand Police on a
unique project called Ghandi Nivas, which offers
counselling and temporary accommodation for
family violence perpetrators. A total of 192 Kiwis
were on this New Years Honours list, representing
all sectors of the societybusiness, arts, charity,
entertainment, law enforcement, judiciary, sport,
culture, tourism, education, community, and
agriculture and farming. Of those, 75 were
women and 117 men.

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13 January 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

Robbers target dairy owners during holidays

A
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

spate of aggravated robberies, burglaries, and assaults

occurred during the Christmas and New Year holiday
period in different parts of New Zealand. At least
10 robberies and assaults and five burglaries were reported in
Auckland, Christchurch, Hamilton, Whangarei, Wellington,
Upper Hutt, Nelson, Waikato, and Hastings.
NZ Police, through different media, warned residents and
retail shop owners to be alert and report any suspicious activities
in their area. By default, the street corner dairy stores were the
easiest targets for the offenders where they assaulted them with
weapons for cash and cigarettes.

Devyish Dairy: Offender chased

with a broomstick

Devyish Dairy, Kilbirnie, Wellington

n Friday, January 6, a man entered Devyish Superette

in Kilbirnie, Wellington with a handgun demanding
money from the counter. The offender described as a thin
Caucasian man in his mid-20s, approximately 1.70 metres tall,
and carrying a bag, wore a hi-vis orange jacket, carried a gun
and fired a bullet into the ceiling of the store while demanding
the money.
He rushed in the store shouting money, money, money
before firing the gun at the roof, owner of the store Bharati
Gandhi said. The incident occurred at around 1:20 p.m. when
Ms Bharati, 52, was talking to her 17-year-old daughter behind
the counter. The offender jumped onto the counter and pulled
as much cash as he could and started running when Ms Bharati
grabbed a broomstick and whacked the offender on his head.
The moment I got the opportunity, I picked the long
broomstick from the corner and hit him on the head, and he
almost fell on the ground but managed to escape, she said.
CCTV footage showed that the man had earlier popped in the
store examining the place and pretending to be a customer, went
out only to return later prepared to rob.
The man snatched $100 from the counter and managed to
escape even after being hit by the broomstick.
Ms Bharati has owned the dairy for 22 years, lives with her
husband and three children in Kilbirnie and this was the first
time she experienced such an incident.
My daughter and I are beyond terrified, although we bravely
chased off the offender, she said. Ms Bharati and her daughter
were unhurt, and no other damages were done to the store. The
police took Ms Bharati and her daughter away in the car for
support and assistance while some police officers guarded the
dairy store for much of the afternoon. Ms Bharatis son stayed
with her in the store on Saturday, January 8, when it reopened
for business. The police is investigating the incident, and the
offender is still at large.

Duke Street Dairy, Hastings:

Offender wields axe to threaten
store owner

Paramjeet Singh with his son at Duke Street Dairy

man has attacked a dairy store owner after an argument

over a loaf of bread in Hastings.
Paramjit Singh, the dairy owner suffered from a
bruised forehead and eyes after being repeatedly hit several by

a shop raider at Duke Street Bakery on Wednesday, January 4

around 5 p.m.
According to Mr Singh, the offenders 14-year-old son took
a loaf of bread from the store and returned a few minutes later
with the crushed packet. Mr Singh protested that the bread he
gave earlier was fresh and perfectly fine and he cannot replace it
with another packet. The boy threatened to get his father to sort
the issue.
Do you know who I am? the boy angrily said [as he] stormed
out of the store, Mr Singh said.
The boys father turned up at the store a little later, grabbed
several bread packets from the back of the store and was going
out when Mr Singh protested. The man fiercely punched Mr
Singh on his forehead in front of his wife and children present
in the store. Mr Singh received grievous bruises on his face and
both of his eyes.
He had a handful of bread packets, and as soon as I tried to
stop him, he threw punches on me, Mr Singh said.
The man and his family were customers of the store and Mr
Singh had often helped them with bread and milk on credit and
during difficult times had offered it for free.
He lives a few houses from here, and he and his family
members would often come to the store saying we will pay you
later or take my car and give me the bread and milk and he
would ask for cigarettes at times, Mr Singh said.
Mr Singhs family members tried to stop him from hitting
him and chased him out of the store with a stick. However, the
dispute was not over.
A few minutes later, the offenders 26-year-old partner came
to the store wielding an axe from the door, threatening to hurt
him further.
The female was arrested later in the evening and appeared
in Hastings District Court on Monday, January 9. According
to reports, she pleaded guilty of the crime and has been given
a restraining order, to stay at least 100 metres away from Mr
Singhs family and the dairy store.

Bader Street Mini Mart, Hamilton:

Brazen daylight axe-wielding in
a dairy shop

Twin Waikato robberies on same

day, police suspect both are related

Rototuna Food Mart, Hamilton

wo men armed with a kitchen knife robbed Rototuna

Food Mart, off Hukanui Road in Hamilton at 2:30 p.m.
on Monday, January 2, 2017. Nimish Patel, 21, was at the
counter with his friend when the incident happened.
The offenders were reported to be of Pacific-island descent
and managed to take away cash and expensive cigarettes at knife
point. Both offenders were wearing hoodies and sunglasses and
threatened to stab the attendant if protested. The offenders took
40 packets of cigarettes, and electronic and vapour cigarettes as
well. Mr Patel, who has been living in New Zealand for two years,
started working at the store two months back. His friend Manan
Chachra often visits the store to help him in the afternoon. Both
Mr Patel and his friend are in shock after the incident.
The offenders came in a White Toyota Coroner and sped away
after taking the money.
The store was earlier robbed in August 2015, and owner
Rupan Patel had then wrestled with the offender who was armed
with a gun. Another robbery occurred at Mill Pricecutter Dairy
in Ngaruawahia (Waikato) at 11:15 a.m. earlier on the same day
(Monday, January 2) and the police is investigating if both the
incidents are related. This dairy also became the target for the
second time in 14 months and offenders got away with cash and
cigarettes from the elderly couple present at the store. The police
is investigating the incident, and no one has been arrested yet.

Manaia Dairy in Tokoroa

Manaia St Dairy, Tokorua

P
Bader Street Mini Mart, Hamilton

wo offenders armed with an axe and a crowbar entered

the Bader Street Mini Mart in Hamilton on Thursday,
December 29, 2016, just after 7 p.m. and robbed the
store of cash and cigarettes.
Kultar Singh, 21, was at the store counter and confronted the
robbers who threatened to harm him with the axe. The robbers
climbed on the till and took main cash counter and the Lotto
counter and also took away packets of cigarettes from the rack
behind the counter.
The owner of the dairy Jaspreet Singh was away with his
family to a nearby garden when the incident happened.
They knew our shop properly, as one of them ran to the store
room and disconnected the cables of the CCTV camera. He also
destroyed the camera so that he cannot be identified, Jaspreet
Singh said.
He demanded the keys of the safe in the store room. I said I
am not the owner, I dont have it, attendant Kultar Singh said.
Jaspreet Singhs brother, Tarageet Singh who owns the liquor
store next door alarmed by a customer came running into the
store with a hockey stick. He too was chased off by the offending
wielding axe on him. A customer, on realising the circumstances,
blocked the offenders car in the angular parking. The offenders,
however, crashed his car while reversing, climbed the footpath,
rammed into a store next door, and council dustbin on the
footpath corner and managed to escape the scene.
A few other bystanders alarmed the stores nearby that house
near 15 different convenient stores and another customer of the
store chased the offenders until they disappeared from the road.
The car was later found abandoned in a driveway near
Montgomery Crescent, and the police is investigating the
incident. The 21-year-old store attendant is petrified and is
receiving support from the community.
The offenders are still at large and yet to be arrested.

olice is looking for a medium built woman who robbed

Manaia dairy in Tokoroa, Waikato on Tuesday, December
27 at around 5 p.m.
The offender brandished a knife at the counter and took some
items from the counter. She was chased by the store attendant
before she escaped from the locality. The woman wore a dark blue
Adidas hoodie with gold stripes down the sleeves, and black tights
and is absconding. When Indian Weekender tried contacting store
owners, they declined to reveal the names of store attendants or
other details related to the incident.

Mobil Petrol Station, Nelson

man armed with a knife entered Mobil Petrol Station in

Tahunanui in Nelson on Tuesday, January 3, around 3
a.m. demanding cash and cigarettes from the attendant.
The attendant, as trained, activated the panic alarm that filled
the store with fog smoke and the
offender was unable to steal anything.
Shortly, the offender left the store
and was last seen walking around
Tahunanui Drive. The petrol station
attendant was unhurt, and there
was no loss of property as well. The
offender is still absconding.

Night n Day Dairy,

Nelson

man armed with a machetestyle knife entered Night n

Day dairy store in Stoke,
Nelson on Sunday, December 25,
at 10.25 p.m. and robbed cash and
cigarettes from the counter.
The female attendant at the store
was threatened with the knife but was
left unhurt. The man was arrested
four days later, and he appeared in
Nelson District Court.

Offender on CCTV camera

of Mobile Petrol Station in
Tahunanui

www.iwk.co.nz | 13 January 2017

Community comes forward

to support Hardeeps family
SWATI SHARMA

he year gone by ended on a devastating

note for the family of Hardeep Singh
Deol. The 25-year-old boy was stabbed
on Christmas day at a property on Cashmere
Road, Christchurch and died a day later on
December 26, 2016.
A 22-year-old woman, who has been granted
name suppression, has been charged with the
murder of the boy and appeared in court on
December 27. One of the friends, Indian
Weekender spoke to, had earlier confirmed that
the woman, who was in a relationship with Mr
Deol, had accepted hurting him, the motive of
which is still unknown.
The woman is now in police custody and will
next appear in High Court on February 3.
Mr Doel hailed from the Rania town of Sirsa
district in Haryana, India and came to New
Zealand to study hotel management in 2014
after completing his B Tech from a private
college in Malout, India.
He was on a work visa and had started
working as a pivot builder at Precise Water
Services in Christchurch in early November.
Mr Deols boss was shocked at the incident
and said that he was a gentle soul.
This is just a horrific bolt out of the blue.
Unfortunately, we dont know anything
about his personal life, but all we saw was a guy
who was very upbeat, kind, and struck us as a
good, honest bloke and came across as a gentle
soul, Managing Director of Precise Water
Services Mike Barnett was quoted as saying by
Stuff.co.nz.
Mr Deols family in India was unaware of his
relation with the woman. However, his friend
in Christchurch said that he knew the girl for

Hardeep Singh Deol

past 1520 days. He had told his family that

he has Christmas vacation for 15 days starting
December 25, the day he was stabbed.
His family, who had no means to get his body
back to India, was devastated after hearing
the news.
After the news was shared on social media
by Indian Weekender and some of Mr Deols
friends, the Indian community came forward
to support the family back in India. Many have
contributed towards providing financial aid for
by Mr Deols family.
A Sikh organisation Deg Tegh Fateh Sikh
Society Inc. Christchurch that has been
collecting fundsupdated on Facebook that
by January 12, they had received $16,808.43,
which will be transferred to his fathers account
in India.
Minister of External Affairs of India Sushma
Swaraj and Indian High Commissioner
Sanjiv Kohli extended their condolences to
the grieving family. All the expenses to fly the
body back to India on Friday, January 6 were
borne by the Indian High Commission in
New Zealand.

Tragic Fire deaths bring grief in

Sri Lankan community in Auckland

Photo: RNZ / Joanna Mackenzie

SANDEEP SINGH

hree generations of the family of a

prominent Sri Lankan humanitarian
lawyer had died in a fire incident in their
home in South Auckland just before Christmas
on December 22.
The father Kailesh Thanabalasingham who
was critically injured still remains in a medically
induced coma and may not be aware that he
had lost his five-year-old son, wife, and mother
in law.
Bhamini Theiventhiran, 39, died alongside
her five-year-old son Bareth Kailesh, and
65-year-old mother, Umadhevi Theiventhiran
when the family home in Flat Bush went up in
flames on early hours of December 22.
His 11-year-old daughter and 69-year-old
father in law were the two other survivors on
that fateful day.
The father missed the funeral for his wife,
son and mother-in-law held on January 5, at a
joint service at Manukau Memorial Gardens in
South Auckland.

Mr Thanabalasingham is currently an
executive officer of the Refugee Council of
New Zealand and has dedicated his life in
this country helping the most vulnerable
new citizens.
He was a pillar of the Sri Lankan and wider
ethnic communities, and the news of the
tragedy had left everyone stunned.
His father in law who has come all the way
from Canada to celebrate Christmas which
went horribly wrong, remains in shock and is
struggling hard to console his granddaughter.
Extended family members have arrived in
Auckland, supporting the daughter and fatherin-law duo following the tragedy, along with
looking after the unconscious father.
The Sri Lankan community is in deep shock
and grief since this fateful incident.
Fire investigators are completing a report on
the tragedy, which will be provided to police
and to the Coroner.
Police had issued a statement that the fire was
not being treated as suspicious.

NEW ZEALAND

NEW ZEALAND

13 January 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

BiharAssembly
Speaker visits NZ
IWK BUREAU

ust before going into Christmas and New

Year holidays last year, Bihar Assembly
Speaker Vijay Kumar Chaudhary visited
Auckland as part of his study tour to New
Zealand from December 23 to 26.
The study tour organised during the Christmas
holiday period was a part of an official tour to
study skilled development, culture, environment,
and New Zealands law and order.
Bihar is the largest producer of vegetables
and the second-largest producer of fruits in
India. Despite a high growth rate, the state is
often termed as BIMARU (sick) and ranks at the
lowest strata of the per capita income, which is
INR 5,772 as compared to the all-India average
of INR 23,946. It is estimated that eight times
of the population of New Zealand live below
poverty line in the state on less than one dollar
day. Even Chief Minister Nitish Kumar agrees
that the biggest issue confronting the state is a
high level of corruption.
Mr Chaudhary, a veteran former Congress
politician, joined Janta Dal United (JDU) in
2005 and was elected the Speaker of the Bihar
Legislative Assembly.
He previously severed as Leader of JDU party
in Bihar Legislative Assembly and the Minister
of Water Resources, Agriculture, Animal and
Fish Resources and Information & Public
Relations Department in the Bihar Cabinet
under Mr Kumar.
Mr Chaudhary has also served as Home
Minister and Finance Minister and presented
Bihars annual budget for 201415.
The Speaker and his family were given a
traditional Indian welcome with tilak and

Leaders of Indian Community with Vijay Kumar

Chaudhary at Mahatma Gandhi Centre

garland by the office bearers of the non-resident

Bihari diaspora, which includes Bihar Samaj
and Foundations Auckland chapter.
In Auckland, the speaker met the Indian
community leaders at Mahatma Gandhi Centre
organised by the New Zealand Indian Central
Association (NICA), the oldest established
Indian organisation in New Zealand.
He also attended a dinner meeting hosted
by National Party List Member of Parliament
Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi.
The speaker exchanged views on issues
related to Bihar, demonetisation, flood and
water resources of the state.
In a separate event, Mr Chaudhary also met
New Zealand First List MP Mahesh Bindra,
along with few local Bihari diaspora and
exchanged views on the democratic traditions
of New Zealand and current political and
economic scenario of present Bihar.
Later, the speaker and his family went for
sightseeing to Rotorua, the world famous town
known for its geothermal activity and Maori
culture. After the excursion, Mr Chaudhary left
for Sydney on December 26, 2016, on his way
back to India.

Muslim Youth wage Jihad against

litter on Auckland streets
IWK BUREAU

group of 30 Muslim youths chose to

welcome this New Year in a slightly
different manner by deciding to unleash
a war against litter on Auckland streets.
Starting early at 4 a.m. on January 1, this
group of young enthusiasts gathered in the
largest purpose-built mosque in New Zealand,
Masjid Baitul Muqeet, located in Manukau and
continued to work until early afternoon.
The group, armed with litter pickers, brooms,
dustpans, and garbage bags embarked upon
their Jihad against litter on Auckland streets.
Their mission was to strive to liberate their
communities from rubbish and litter, beautify
the parks and beaches, and fulfil their pledge of
sacrifice to their country of residence.
This mission was a part of a global Jihad
against litter organised by the Ahmadiyya
Muslims all around the world.
All around the world in countries such
as Germany, Denmark, Norway, Belgium,
Switzerland, Netherlands, Indonesia, Australia
the USA, the UK, groups of young Muslims
gathered during the early hours January 1 at a
local Mosque, offered prayers of global peace,
and commenced the cleaning drive.
The idea behind this mission is to demonstrate
Ahmadiyya Muslims commitment to their local
communities and countries of residence.
These groups around the world were hoped
to remove the negativity that surrounds the term
Jihad making people around them aware of its
true meaning. Jihad literally means to struggle
or strive. Jihad is to strive to reform ones self,
morally and spiritually, to strive to establish
peace in the world according to the true Islamic
teachings. Jihad, for this group of Muslims, also
stood for fighting the negative image presented
by some extremists.
Azeem Zafarullah, a young professional who
also serves as the president of the Ahmadiyya

Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth volunteers cleaning the

streets on the New Year day

Muslim Youth Association (AMYA) in New

Zealand, said that cleaning the streets was the
Muslim way to welcome the New Year. He
added, Loving ones country of residence is
part of the Muslim faith. New Year Day is a day
when we see lots of festive waste, so we decided
the best way to love the country at this time
would be to do litter picking.
Mr Zafarullah further emphasised, Regular
attendance at the mosque and engagement in
our charitable work and community service
allows the youth to see and experience the
peaceful and pluralistic teachings of Islam.
They become integrated into society, and it
becomes impossible for them to be influenced
by extremist clerics.
So while we may hear of the violent actions
of the so-called Muslim extremists around the
world, that there is a Muslim community waging
their peaceful Jihad under the banner of Love
for All Hatred for None.

New Zealand Peoples Party announces

candidate for Mt Albert by-election
SANDEEP SINGH

t Albert electorate will have some

more choices in the forthcoming byelection in February this year with
New Zealand Peoples Party (NZPP) announcing
their candidate.
NZPP has shortlisted Vin Tomar, a registered
early childhood teacher and real estate agent
and a practising licensed immigration adviser as
their candidate in the by-election necessitated by
Labours David Shearers resignation for a top
UN job in South Sudan.
NZPP is the countrys only political party
that seeks the exclusive support of immigrant
Indians and Asians. It was formed in August last
year with the main focus on law and order.
Roshan Nauhriya, founder and president
of the party, speaking with Indian Weekender
immediately after announcing their partys
candidate on Boxing Day, reiterated that
we are committed to building our party and
fight every by-election before the next years
general election.
Given the fact that Mt Albert, like Mt Roskill,
is also a diverse electorate with large numbers
of Indian and Asian immigrant residents, it is
an expectation within the party that it will gain
significant traction in the by-election.
An inner-city electorate in urban Auckland,
Mt Albert includes the suburbs of Pt Chevalier,
Grey Lynn, Westmere, Owairaka, Mt Albert,
and parts of Sandringham and Kingsland.
The Mt Albert electorate will see 31.6 per
cent residents born overseas as compared to
around 45 per cent in the Mt Roskill electorate,
where by-election was held on December 3
last year.

NZPP candidate for Mt Albert by-election Vin Tomar

Although Mt Roskill was not a big success for

NZPP, Mr Nauhria says these by-elections are
helping the party build the required momentum
for the 2017 general elections.
Earlier, National Party had chosen to give Mt
Albert by-election a miss citing reasons of eyeing
on general elections ahead in late 2017 and the
fact that Mt Albert was a Labour-safe seat
anyways. Labour Party had strongly criticised
this National tactic by saying that the party was
running-scared.
Labour deputy leader Annette King had
described Prime Minister Bill Englishs decision
as gutless, saying her party wanted to have a
proper discussion in Mt Albert about the issues
that mattered to voters.
English is running scared from his first test as
a leader. He clearly doesnt want another bloody
nose after the Mt Roskill defeat, Ms King had

then said. Jacinda Adern, the Labour Party List

MP for Central Auckland has put her name
forward to stand for the party.
It is highly likely that the Labour will nominate
Ms Adern as their candidate for the electorate.
The Green Party with whom the Labour
party have the understanding to work together
towards next general elections in 2017 is also
to stand a candidate for the by-election for
the reasons that it wants to give options to Mt
Albert electorate. Green Party co-leader Metiria
Turei said the Party was committed to standing
a candidate in Mt Albert, despite the likelihood
of a Labour win.
Interestingly, Vin Tomar, NZPPs candidate
in Mt Albert by-election was earlier a member
of Green Party and had worked in the grass
root campaigning of the party from April to
November last year.

Apparently, Mr Tomar was disillusioned from

Green Partys memorandum of understanding
with the Labour Party, which had resulted in
some intra-party changes which he did not
want to comment upon and had driven him
to resign from the Party and look for other
alternative options. On being asked that what
was his promise to the electorate of Mt Albert,
Mr Tomar asserted, I will be available for Mt.
Albert community 24 by 7.
I am a local and live in Mt Albert suburb.
I have personal connections with community
as a teacher and one of my agendas will be that
[if I am elected] I will not resign as MP for my
personal reasons or opportunity like Labours
MPs have been doing.
Mr Tomar sought to emphasise his community
connection with the Mt Albert community
through his previous role of an early childhood
teacher where he served in the community
and got rave reviews from the parents and the
community members.
He appeared confident of having the connect
with the community before voting in February.
Mindful of the fact that Mt Albert was a
traditional Labour seat and the National Party
had given a miss to contest the by-election, Mr
Tomar reserved his tirade against the Labour
Party for leaving the seat almost at their will.
Considering what the Labour Partys MPs
are doing for their personal reasons, I am fully
confident that people of Mt Albert electorate
would choose someone who is only committed
to them, Mr Tomar said.
The Electoral Commission said overseas
voting would start on February 8, withadvance
voting beginning on February 13. The vote is
scheduled for Saturday, February 25.

NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 13 January 2017

Government of India launches

AIRSEWA portal

n a move that can delight all inbound

travellers to India, especially Non-Resident
Indians and People of Indian Origin, the
Government of India is planning to launch a
single platform AIRSEWA service which aims
to provide all travel related service on one
single platform.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government
of India, has brought all the stakeholders in
the aviation sector, including airlines, airport
security, immigration, DGCA and others
together on a single platform so that any
passenger can get their concern or grievances
addressed in a time-bound manner.
The planners behind this recent initiative
are trying to exhaustively cover all issues on
which a passenger can face any inconvenience,
or requires information or guidance while
planning for, during, or on completion of
the journey.
More than 200 nodal officers have been
identified and trained in the overall aviation

The Ministry of Civil Aviation,

Government of India, has
brought all the stakeholders in
the aviation sector, including
airlines, airport security,
immigration, DGCA and others
together on a single platform
ecosystem for quality disposal of grievances
received on AIRSEWA.
It also incorporates the additional
functionality of providing real-time status
of flights and the various passenger services
available at various airports, including ways to
avail the same.
AIRSEWA can be accessed through its
mobile application on both Android and IOS
platforms, and also through its web portal-www.
airsewa.gov.in

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Last date for conversion of PIO

card to OCI card extended

he Government of India has decided to

extend the date for submission of the
application for registration as OCI card
holder by the erstwhile PIO cardholders until
June 30, 2017.
Earlier there was a deadline until December
31, 2016, which apparently could not be utilised
by many people.
Indian High Commission encourages
everyone to maximise the benefit of this
extension and get lodge the application at
the earliest.
The conversion of PIO cards into OCI
cards will be done free-of-charge (gratis) for
applications submitted until June 30, 2017.
It is important to note that the PIO Card
scheme has been withdrawn vide Gazette
Notification
No.25024/9/2014F.I
dated
09.01.2015. Henceforth, applicants may apply
for OCI card ONLY, as PIO card scheme is no
longer in existence.

Like our
Facebook
page

and stay
updated

The last date for submission of applications

for registration as OCI card holder in lieu of
the PIO card online has been extended until
June 30, 2017.
A separate online application form for
submission of an application for registration as
OCI card holder in lieu of PIO card is available
in the website http://passport.gov.in/oci/
capchaActionPIO.
All the existing PIO card holders are urged to
apply urgently for conversion of PIO to OCI.

NEW ZEALAND

13 January 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

SOUTH LINE

News-in-brief
from South Island

INDIANS WOW NELSON

The twin-wonder of Nelson, or the National World of WearableArt (WOW), and Classic Cars Museum has displayed two
award-winning garments from India in its permanent collection
GAURAV SHARMA

ince 2001, visitors from around

the globe have been treated
to the twin-wonders of
Nelson in the form of the World of
WearableArt (WOW) and Classic
Cars Museum.
Displaying one of Australasias
largest private collections of vintage
cars, visitors here in the museum are
also treated to more than 70 World of
WearableArt garments.
In this, designers create their
garments for categories ranging
from wearable art for children to
breathtaking Avant Garde and
open section garments, wearable
art inspired by flora, fauna, and the
cultures of the South Pacific, and
garments aiming for recognition
in creative excellence, costume,
and film, Man Unleashed and the
bizarre bra categories, inform the
museum curators.
Interestingly, in its permanent
historical collection, from among
hundreds of entries that arrive in
Nelson every autumn, WOW has
displayed two from India.
One is the garment named, The
Weaver Finch Colony, which had won
the WOWFactor Award in the open
section in 2007.
Created by N P Jayaraj with
coconut and banana fibres, bamboo,
cotton, fusing, and rexine lining, the
garment is inspired by the process of
weaver bird building its nest.
Another is called Jantar Mantar
created by Khadimul Islam, which
received an honourable mention in

The National World of WearableArt (WOW) and Classic Cars Museum in Nelson

the bizarre bra section in 2012. Made

from iron, plastic, and reflective
sheets, the garment got its name from
the Sanskrit word Yantra Mantra
meaning instruments and formulae
or literally, Magical Device, noted
Mr Islam.
The entire exhibition changes
in April and November each year,
and the annual highlight that every
designer looks forward to is the
spectacular and highly-theatrical
WOW performances held in
Wellington every spring.
The
eventWOW
Awards
Showstarted in Nelson in 1987
with a single evening show in a
country cottage.
Now it has grown so much that
last year, designers from 40 countries
entered garments in the competition
with finalists from 14 being selected to
appear on stage.
Here too, two entries from India
made it to the list of eventual winners.
Mai (I) by Pritam Singh and Vishnu
Ramesh from Gujarat won the
spyglass creative excellence section,

The Weaver Finch Colony by N P Jayaraj

displayed at WOW

while Heritage Rocks by Shantanu

Singh was the runner-up in the first
time entrant category.

Jantar Mantar by Khadimul Islam displayed at WOW

Christchurch lohri focuses on women empowerment

GAURAV SHARMA

based singer Gurinder Mann treating

audiences to some traditional Punjabi
ore than 400 people
boliyan and folk songs.
attended
the
lohri
Later as the evening warmed up,
celebrations organised for
the second time in Christchurch, the entire gathering joined the fun
this past weekend. An initiative of and danced on the dhol beats and
city-based social organisation Indian traditional folk music arranged by DJ
Cultural Group (ICG), the event Avi. Prizes for best-dressed male and
started with the traditional giddha female in traditional Indian clothing
dance and bhangra performances as well to best-dressed children were
by ICGs own dance group called also distributed.
The traditional flavour of the
Ankhile Punjabi.
evening
was further accentuated
Sandeep Sachdev, President of
by
the
festively
appropriate food of
ICG, noted, Our goal this year was
to focus on women issues and women sarson da saag with makki ki roti,
lassi, cholle kulche, and pani
empowerment. Thats why our
puri.
female members took the
Our
Overwhelmed
lead in preparing as
goal this year
by the response,
well as conducting
was to focus on
Mr
Sachdev
this years lohri.
women issues and
concluded, We
To follow it
women empowerment.
have succeeded
up, our member
Thats
why
our
female
in making a
Nimmi Bedi will
members took the lead
small part of
be starting an
Christchurch
in preparing as well as
informal
coffee
resemble
mini
conducting this
club soon where
Punjab
and
years lohri.
Indian and South
Haryana for an
Asian women can come
entire evening. Next on
and discuss their issues in a
cards
is the uttarayan makar
comforting environment.
sankranti
kite-flying
festival, which
Meanwhile, in a bid to give some
is
being
organised
by
the ICG on
encouragement to local talent, the
January
14,
at
Halswell
Domain in
event also featured a ChristchurchChristchurch. And all are invited.

Lohri celebrations in Christchurch

NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 13 January 2017

Auckland witnesses talent

of Future Maestros

KANWALJIT
SINGH BAKSHI
MP BASED IN
MANUKAU
EAST

(Above) A group of girls performing shabad at the event

(inset) Managing director of RSIM Manjit Singh

SWATI SHARMA

bout 90 students participated in the

recently held Future Maestrosan
event dedicated to showcasing the
talent of young children in Indian music
and culture.
Organised by Rhythm School of Indian
Music (RSIM) on December 18, the show
featured young artists from New Zealand,
India, and Canada who gave spectacular
performances that included classical vocal,
devotional music, Sufi music, and group tabla.
Vocal performance by Manjali Sharma and
tabla trio performance by Gurpreet Singh,
Vinayak Dev, and Vipul Dev were highly
appreciated by the audience.
The students of Amrit Indo-Canadian Academy came especially for the show
along with their teacher Harsharan Kaur
from Punjab, India, and gave a group shabad
(hymns from Guru Granth Sahib) and
tabla performance.

The
s h o w
a l s o
featured
the young tabla
master
from Punjab Rabab
Singh, son and
disciple of famous tabla master Kulwinder
Singh (disciple of legendary Ustad Alla
Rakha Khan).
Each participant was awarded a shopping
gift voucher as a token of appreciation
for participation.
Future Maestros was started by RSIM in
2012. The school was initiated by Manjit
Singha musician and qualified music teacher
from Indiaand his wife Daljeet Kaur in 2008.
It serves the multicultural society of South
Auckland with an objective to spread awareness
about Indian music and culture in the diverse
community of Aotearoa.
More than 100 students are enrolled in
the school.

Auckland Office
Unit 1, 131 Kolmar Road, Papatoetoe, Auckland
Ph 09 278 9302
Email bakshi.mp@parliament.govt.nz
Postal Address PO Box 23136, Hunters Corner,
Auckland 2025
www.kanwaljitsinghbakshi.national.org.nz

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10

NEW ZEALAND

13 January 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

Lo aa gayi
SWATI SHARMA

Sundar Mundariye,
tera kaun vichara,
Dulla Bhatti walalohri
vai lohri de mai lohri

f you have lived in North India,

especially Punjab, songs such
as this would have been quite
common after the new year rolls in
and people get ready for the first
festival of the year in the country
known as the country of festivals.
The sweet aroma of gud-til ke
laddu, moongfali (peanuts), rewdi, and
gachak makes you nostalgic and take
you back to the good old childhood
memories related to the festival.
Young kids used to start visiting every
house in the street weeks before the
festival and sing cheerful Lohri songs,
some of which we still remember, and

would
get
Lohri
treats
from
every household.
But if you are too lazy to go out
and give them treats, theyll still sing
songs but the ones you wont be happy
to hear; songs such as hukka vai hukka,
eh ghar bhukha (meaning the people of
this house are moneygrubber).
And on the day of Lohri, you
start getting ready and preparing for
the evening.
I remember collecting wood logs
from nearby areas with my younger
brother to create a bonfire.
Waiting for the tempting sarso ka
saag (curry made of mustard leaves)
and makki ki roti (corn flour bread)
along with gud-chawal (jaggary rice)
after the puja was a tough task
in itself.

All these memories

make me nostalgic of one
of my favourite festivals of
Punjab, and I am sure many who
have grown up in North India would
feel the same.
But now here we are, thousands
of miles away from our birth land.
You wouldnt find kids knocking on
your door, singing songs and asking
for treats. But the good news is that
recently some of the temples and
cultural associations have started
celebrating this festival to re-live the
memories of Lohri.
If you are looking for a place
to celebrate Lohri in a traditional
way, head to Bhartiya Mandir on
Balmoral Road on Friday, January 13
from 7 to 8 p.m. The celebration will
be followed by mahaprasadam.

BHARATIYA MANDIR
252-254 Balmoral Rd., Mt. Albert, Auckland Ph: 09 846 2677

LOHRI
Celebrations Evening

Lohri

History
Lohri has many stories of its
origin. However, it is mainly believed
to be a cultural celebration after the
winter solsticethe longest night of
the year. It is believed that daylight
starts increasing after Lohri. Other
popular associations to the festival
areharvesting of rabi crop in
Punjab region, beginning of the
financial new year for Punjabi
farmers, and more popularly, the tale
of Dulla Bhatti.
Dulla Bhatti, also referred as the
Robin Hood of Punjab, was a rebel
who robbed rich to help poor people
and rescued girls who were enslaved
in the Mughal empire. He arranged
their marriages and provided a
dowry for them. He is regarded as a
hero in the state. The most popular
Lohri song has his reference and
many believe that the festival is
dedicated to him.

On the day of Lohri, people in

Punjab light a bonfire in front of
their house and sing songs. Family
and friends get together, sing prayers,
and encircle the bonfire while
offering peanuts, rewdi, and sesame
seeds to the fire.
Lohri coincides with other
festivals that are celebrated in
different parts of India such as
Pongal, Bihu, Makar Sankranti
and Bhogi.

Celebrating the harvest

ther festivals that are

celebrated in different
parts of India such
as Pongal, Bihu, Makar
Sankranti, and Bhogi.

Pongal

Media
Support

When: Friday, 13th January 2017

Pragramme: Aarti - 7.00pm to 7.45pm
Lohri Pujan 7.45pm to 8.00pm
Mahaprasad from 8.00pm to 9.00pm
FOR ANY ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT :
ACHARYA SHRI UPENDRA BHAI JOSHI JI OR PT. GOVINDJI ON 09-8462677
OR
RAVIN KOTAK (RELIGIOUS COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN) ON 09-3911190

ongal or Thai Pongal

is a Tamil harvest
festival and is one of the
most important festivals
celebrated by Tamilians.
It is mainly celebrated to
convey the appreciation to
the sun god for providing
energy for agriculture. The
first rise of season is boiled
and consecrated to the sun
as a part of the celebration,
called Surya Maangalyam.
The four-day festival usually
starts on January 14 and
marks the start of suns
northwards journey known
as Uttaraayanam. The festival
is believed to be originated
more than 2000 years ago.
Pongal disha sweet dish
made from rice, milk, jaggery,
cardamom, raising, split green
gram and cashew nutsis an
important part of the festival
and is cooked in sunlight, the
dish being dedicated to the
sun god.

Bihu

ihu or Magh Bihu is also a

harvest festival celebrated
in Assam and marks the end
of the harvesting season in
the Hindu month of Maagha.
The week-long celebration
starts on the day of Makar

Sankranti and includes feasts

and bonfires. People build huts
(called meji) from bamboo,
leaves, and thatch. Meals
prepared for the feast are
eaten inside the hut, which is
burnt down the next morning.
Traditional Assamese games
such as buffalo fighting and
pot-breaking (tekeli bhonga) are
the highlight of the festival.
During the festival, Assamese
people make cakes of rice and
sesame seeds, and coconut
sweets.

Makar Sankranti

akar Sankranti or
Maaghi is the day
when the sun starts to travel
towards North marking the
decline of winter (in Northern
Hemisphere), and the days
become longer. It also marks
the arrival of spring in India
and is celebrated with kite
flying in many parts of the
country. This is a solar event
and hence is one of the few
festivals on Hindu calendar
that fall on the same date

every year, i.e. January 14.

This festival is celebrated
in the entire Indian region
but with different names in
different states. Guru Amar
Das, third guru of Sikhs, had
chosen Maaghi to be one of the
three festivals to be celebrated
by Sikhs apart from Vaisakhi
and Diwali.

Bhogi

hogi is celebrated in
Andhra Pradesh and
is a festival where discard
old things and replace them
with new things. They light a
bonfire at dawn with logs of
wood, old wooden furniture
that is no longer useful, and
solid fuels. This is called Rudra
Gita Jnana Yagna, implying
that the all old habits, vices,
attachment to relations and
material things are disposed
of in the sacrificial fire of
knowledge of Rudra or the
roaring god of hunt and
storm. Bhogi is celebrated the
day preceding Lohri, Thai
Pongal and Makar Sankranti.

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12

NEW ZEALAND

13 January 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

Indian-origin female bus drivers

in Auckland buses making community proud

T
SANDEEP SINGH

o see an Indian origin female

bus driver in Aucklands
public transport buses is not a
common expectation for many in the
community and beyond.
Such is the level of surprise and
bewilderment within the community
that it turns many heads around
every time one come across an
Indian-origin female bus driver.
In fact, this is not unnoticed
even among the people who
manage Aucklands vast fleets
of public transport buses and
struggles every day like any other
prospective employer to hire the best
available talents suited for the bus
driving job.
Darek Koper, Regional Operations
Manager for NZ Bus, a private
operator of Auckland Transport
buses affirmed, NZ Bus employs
1090 bus drivers in Auckland from
diverse ethnic groups and 11.7 per
cent of them are females.
The female gender is not as well
represented in numbers and is not
as ethnically diverse as that of their
male counterparts.
It is important to note that every
culture has their struggles with sexism
in accepting bus driving as a regular,
safe, and dignified career choice for
women. It is only that some societies
are bit delayed than others in
accepting female bus drivers.
The boundaries of tolerance
and acceptability have always
been pushed by some courageous
individuals who choose to defy the
prevalent norms of their times in
their respective societies.
In New Zealand, where women
were known to have driven buses
since the 1930s, it was not before
1974 when Carole Slater, 21, of
Island Bay became the first female
bus driver in Wellington.
It was closely followed in
Christchurch on January 8, 1979,
when another female bus driver
drove on the streets of Christchurch.
The concept of women drivers
in public transport buses has largely
remained a taboo for the societies
of Indian-subcontinent, including
India, for obvious reasons of
social conservatism.
That conservative attitude and
cultural attributes are understandably
carried across the Kiwi-Indian
community in New Zealand, thus
making bus driving a challenging
career choice for women in the
community.
As Mr Koper of NZ Bus further
opines, Indian females in particular
may still be reluctant to choose bus
driving as a career, or their cultural
background may be impacting
their choices.
However, it is important to the
point that winds of change in
cultural mindset in Indiaa place
that many people identify as their
original homeis already underway
in full swing. Way back in 1993, M.
Vasanthakumari became Indias
and often reported in local media
as Asiasfirst female driver of
public transport buses when she
was employed by Tamil Nadu State
Transport Corporation in Chennai.
Recently, in April 2015, Delhi
Transport Corporation, in the
state of Delhi, a state infamous for

Parminder Kaur Baghiana starting her first day as a bus driver

Baljjit Kaur

these female drivers have a myriad of

experiences on Auckland roads like
their male co-workers.
I enjoy meeting different people
from diverse background every day.
Many people take me for a
school-going girl driving their
public transport bus and often
appear sceptical about my ability to
drive them safely to their destination.
Once reaching safely they often
thank and encourage me for my
work, Navjot Kaur said gushingly.

Navjot Kaur

What brings you to this career?

Like everywhere else in life, their
individual passions for pursuing
a bus-driver career had different
underlying motivations.
I chose this career because of
inspiration from my family as my
father owns a transport business back
in India, Navjot Kaur says.
Parminder Kaur Baghiana also
drew inspiration from overseas, but
across the Tasman Sea in Australia,
New Indian women drivers in
rather than from India for her choice
NZ Bus fleet
of becoming a bus driver.
In 2016, NZ Bus has employed
I had seen an Australian video
three female bus drivers of
showing a turban-clad Sikh woman
Indian origin.
driving public transport buses in
Baljit
Kaur
was
Australia. Since then this idea
earliest to start in
Who
of driving a bus has stuck in
February whereas
cares about
my mind, Ms Baghiana
Navjot
Kaur
what others think
says.
and Parminder
about our job,
Baljit Kaur who also
Kaur Baghiana
comes from a family
started late in
says Baljit Kaur, a
owning
transport
October
and
sentiment
business back in India
November last
resonated by the had probably set her heart
year respectively.
other two
on a driving career for the
In
fact,
longest time.
Parminder Baghiana
I had previously wanted to jump
was supposed to be on her
into courier-driving and truck-driving
first day behind the wheels of the
jobs but chose not to pursue them for
buses when Indian Weekender met these
reasons such as long working hours
women drivers.
and heavy lifting required, Baljeet
All three drivers have been in
Kaur says.
the country for at least five to six
Towards these goals, she had also
years before breaking norms and
completed her New Zealand Class
starting a career as a public transport
2 driving license demonstrating
bus driver.
her passion towards pursuing a
Essentially, this is a story of their
driving career.
individual courage and passion for
However it was my husband who
challenging age-old conventions
inspired me finally to consider a busseemingly gripping communitys
driving career as an option, Baljit
mindset. Expectedly, Baljit Kaur,
further affirmed.
one with longest experience in the
profession among the three drivers
Defying cultural mindset
did most of talking with Navjot Kaur
Pursuing unconventional career
and Parminder Baghiana adding
choices especially those defying
their passionate inputs intermittently.
cultural mindset often requires
its conservative attitude towards
women, appointed Venkadarath
Saritha as the first female bus driver.
While the winds of change are
blowing everywhere to facilitate
more and more Indian origin female
bus drivers we bring here real stories
of three courageous women who
defy traditional cultural mindset
every day and drive public transport
buses on the Auckland streets.

mental
strength
and perseverance.
All three felt emboldened by sociocultural mindset and opportunities
available for girls in New Zealand to
pursue a bus-driving career.
The main thing is that how
my husband and family feel
about our job and luckily they are
very supportive.
Who cares about what others
think about our job, says Baljit
Kaur, a sentiment resonated by the
other two.
Experience on Auckland roads
The most important part of this
job, which is also a key factor in
perpetuating age-old traditional
mindset around this job, is the
exposure to public on city roads
without any visible support.
To the surprise of many, these
three new age Indian-origin women
drivers have an alternate view of the
nature of their jobs.
They see it as a mark of
their
independence
in
any
work environment.
You are your boss when you are
driving, and there is no one around
you to tell you what to do and what
not to do, Baljit Kaur says.
Despite this independence at the
workplace, these women drivers also
felt that this job offers a safe and wellsupported work environment.
You are always with passengers
and not everyone is simultaneously
bad in a given situation.
Therefore, for every difficult
passenger, there are many helpful
and considerate travellers in the bus
who promptly comes to your help.
Plus emergency support is just a
phone call away.
Armed with confidence that this
job offers enough freedom and safety,

Managing everyday conflict at

the job
Often driving job in a public
transport bus comes with a fear of
facing conflict on a day to day basis.
Surprisingly, these girls appeared
calm and confident to embrace
conflicts like in any other work
situation
demonstrating
their
emotional maturity suited for this
seemingly high-stress job.
Once again, Baljit Kaur who had
more real life situation in handling
conflict situations purely because of
the length of her tenure in the role
had more to share.
My first experience with
managing conflict was when a
passenger was eating food on the
bus to the distaste of another fellow
passenger who chose to raise her
voice seeking my intervention to
resolve the situation.
My initial gut feeling was to
pretend to have not heard it and
avoid conflict.
However, on being persisted, I
responded politely but assertively to
the passenger eating food which by
then had decided to cooperate and
stop eating on the bus.
This was a good learning curve
for me in managing conflict at the
workplace, Ms Kaur said.
Advice to other Indian girls on
a bus-driving career
There is an unmistakable sense of
joy, pride and purpose among these
women in their respective career
choices of being a bus driver.
This was adequately reflected in
their prompt response of yes, its an
excellent career choice.
The girls collectively identified
three main decisive factors for
bus-driving job freedom at the
workplace, safety, and well paid,
which gives them an opportunity to
lead their lives in a dignified manner.
http://www.nzbus.co.nz/careers

NEW ZEALAND

www.iwk.co.nz | 13 January 2017

13

Learning life skills at Summer Camp

RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

hartiya Samajs Annual Children andv

Youth Summer Camp has gained
immense popularity among the Indian
community for the past 15 years, with 107
students enrolling in the camp for 2017.
Children aged from six to 14 can enrol for
the five-day programme that involves indoor
and outdoor activities. Twenty-five volunteers
from different field of interests devote their
time and energy to organise various workshops
and activities.
The day at the camp starts off with prayer
at 8 a.m. at Mt Roskill War Memorial Hall
followed by 45 minutes of exercise and then
breakfast at 10 a.m.
The students go through different workshops
such as dancing, aerobic, arts and craft sessions,
outdoor sports sessions, drama workshop,
debate, extempore, public speaking, leadership,
and music.
I am fascinated to see how these children
speak up during debate and public speaking
sessions. They are enthusiastic, blatant, sharp,
and witty at the same time. It is a pleasure to
witness the children speaking their minds in
these sessions, Godrej Engineer, a mentor at
the camp, said.
The summer camp helps the children open
up about their aspirations and dreams and
learn about their hidden talents.
Through different activities we see children
tapping such talents that they are not even
aware of. They are aspiring storytellers, actors,
singers, dancers, poets, debaters, orators, sports
person, and artists, Roopa Suchdev, director
of the children camp, said.
The camp is supported by Auckland Council,
Auckland Library, and NZ Police who trains
and mentors the children on learning new skills.

Children at recitation workshop conducted by Auckland Library

Volunteer Simran Chadha holds the dance

workshop, Smita Biswas hosts reading and
recitation, Farheen Zia and Kashmira Kambata
host art and craft sessions, music workshop
is conducted by Vidya Teke, and Godrej
Engineer holds drama and public speaking and
leadership workshops.
I like being here because I enjoy the most. I
have made new friends and learned a little bit
of dancing and singing, and I get to play with
everyone here, an 11-year old child at the
camp said.
The workshop hosted by NZ Police educates
them on how to be safe in school, how to stop
bullying, abstaining from drug usage, safety in
houses and playgrounds, how to react in an
emergency, and how to help others in distress.
Children aged between six to nine are
given recitation lessons from the specialised
mentors from Auckland Library and are later

Art and Craft

workshop

supplied
with
workbooks where
child in them, Ms
they draw, colour,
Suchdev said.
and write.
The
children
I was stunned
are divided into
to see these childifferent age groups
dren saying diand the activities
alogues in such a
allocated to them are
beautiful manner in
monitored by one or
the drama sessions; crisp
Dance workshop
more mentors.
and making such intelligent
conversations. Its incredible what
The
sessions
go
from
they are capable of, Kal Kular, a mentor
eight in the morning to five in
at the camp, said.
the evening.
There are so many things, life skills that
Activities are conducted in The War
children do not get a chance to learn in
Memorial halls, their sports grounds, and the
school because they are often too held up in
Bhartiya Samaj hall. On the last day of the
their academics.
camp, Friday, January 13, the camp is scheduled
to visit Olympic Park in New Lynn for Indian
Such camps allow them to learn more
sports activities such as kho kho and kabaddi.
about arts and culture bring out the creative

FIJI

14

13 January 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

Fiji to host big Parliament Forum

round 23 countries will

converge at the 25th Asia
Pacific Parliamentary Forum.
The forum will be held at the
InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort
and Spa in Natadola from January
15 to 19.
There are 27 member Parliaments/
Countries of the forum however only

23 member countries are expected to

be part of this years forum.
A Parliamentary Secretariat said
that each member country was
only allowed around 10 delegates to
attend the forum.
The members of the forum were
Australia,
Cambodia,
Canada,
China, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica,

Ecuador, Fiji, Indonesia, Japan,

Laos, Malaysia, the Marshall Islands,
Mexico, Micronesia, Mongolia,
New Zealand, Papua New Guinea,
Peru, Philippines, the Republic of
Korea, Russia, Singapore, Thailand,
the United States of America, and
Vietnam. The official said Fiji was
member and it would host.

It is important to note that

delegates at the forum are key
policy and decision-makers in their
respective countries.
They are influential persons in
terms of law making, Government
oversight and representation of
electorates in their countries, the
official said.

The forums proceedings will

address political, security, economic,
social and cultural issues.
Thus
furthering
regional
cooperation
and
building
relationships between and among
parliamentarians from the Asia
Pacific region, the official said.

Diverse Fijian culture celebrated in India Bollywood Directors may

hobna Chanel Dance Group

represented Fiji at the
International Folk Dance
Festival recently in India.
During the festival, they performed
at the capital city of India, New Delhi
and the capital of the Indian state of
Odisha, Bhubaneswar.
Shobna Chanel Dance Group,
Choreography/Group
manager,
Shobna Chanel said, We were
happy and proud to represent Fiji at
the International Folk Dance Festival.
We show cased the multicultural
aspect of Fiji. We also took Fijis
diverse culture with us.
We performed traditional Fijian
dance and showed a fusion of Indian
and Fijian dance, she said.
Ms Chanel said they also showed a
little documentary about Fiji.
The International Folk Dance
Festival is organised by the Indian
Cultural Council Relations in India
and invites countries around the
globe to participate in the festival. Its
all about collaboration of cultures,
she said. Ms Chanel said the trip only
became possible by the assistance
of the Ministry of Education,

boost local economy: Khan

T
Shobna Chanel Dance Group performing at the International Folk Dance Festival in
India. Photo: Shobna Chanel

Heritage and Arts. The ministry

assisted them financially. Indian
High Commissioner to Fiji Vishvas
Sapkal said, This event in which
the Fijian dance group represented
has definitely boosted our bilateral
cultural relation.
It has made the relationship
between Fiji and India even stronger.
They have mesmerised the
audience in both the places by their
performance and people really
appreciated their performance,
he said.

Mr Sapkal said this event was

sponsored by Ministry for Education
and Indian High Commission.
Countries around the globe also
represented at the International Folk
Dance Festival and it was also a very
good opportunity for them to interact
with other countries.
This was the second time the
Shobna Chanel Dance Group
represented Fiji at the International
Folk Dance Festival and we will
sponsor them next years as well,
he said.

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op Bollywood directors Abbas

and Mustan Burmawalla
are hoped to boost the local
economy following a visit next
month. Nadi businessman Bobby
Khan confirmed, the brothers,
known for directing Bollywood films
in the thriller and action genres,
will be looking out for favourable
shooting locations in Fiji.
Also Mr Khans best buddy,
Bollywoods
famous
Actor/
Comedian Johnny Lever is coming in
February too.
The brothers have frequently cast
top Bollywood actors Akshay Kumar,
Bobby Deol, Akshaye Khanna,
Bipasha Basu, and Kareena Kapoor
in their work.
The duo directed landmark
Bollywood films like Khiladi, Baazigar,
Soldier, Ajnabee, Baadshah, Aitraaz,
Humraaz, 36 China Town, Race and
Race 2.
Mr Khan met with the two during
his visit to India a week ago.
Last week I have been to India
and I had convinced some of the

directors to come to Fiji and its a

beautiful place to do some movies
here, he said.
We need to get stars here to Fiji to
shoot some movies.
Mr Khan said other Bollywood
directors are also interested.
Abbas Mustan are coming to see
the location and they are planning to
shoot a movie here this year.
He said there are a lot of things
happening in Bollywood and the
other things they said they need
good cars. Mr Khan, a sports car
enthusiast, also promoted Fiji on
the improved infrastructure and the
use of cars. This includes a Ford
Mustang V8 (2016 model). The only
such car on Fijian soil was imported
on New Years for his son.
We have gone far ahead, and
there are a lot of sports cars which
can be used for Bollywood movies,
Mr Khan added.
Beautiful islands scenery and
thanks to the government through
the Film Fiji incentive and rebate put
in place.

FIJI

www.iwk.co.nz | 13 January 2017

Belgium seeks Fijis support for UN bid

elgium will seek Fijis support

in their bid to become a non
permanent member of the
United Nations Security Council.
This was revealed by the Deputy
Prime Minister and Minister for
Foreign Affairs in the Belgium
Government, Didier J L Reynders.
Mr
Reynders
met
senior
Government officials recently in
Suva on this issue and other possible
assistance other than the sugar
industry mapping, which they are
presently engaged in.
Mr Reynders said he was
looking forward to Fijis support
through talks with Prime Minister
Voreqe Bainimarama.
Belgium could be looking at
providing expertise to Fiji through
their private sector in the fields
of renewable energy and water
production and sanitation.
He also extended an invitation for
Fiji to be part of a meeting which will
be held in Belgium with the main
agenda being climate change.
Mr Reynders said Belgium was
just as concerned about climate
change and its effects on Pacific
Island countries.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs in the Belgium Government,
Didier J L Reynders distributing stationeries to the students of Veseisei Primary.
Photo: Shalveer Singh Aujla

We are organising a conference

in Belgium in March this year where
we will have a lot of people attending
from the Pacific Islands, he said.
I have sent an invitation to the
Prime Minister because are we trying
to find some ways in helping these
island nations.
He said another area was ridding
the oceans of pollution such as the
large amounts of plastic found at sea.
Meanwhile, Mr Reynders said
Belgium was looking at assisting
Fiji through the diversification of

products and markets when the

Cotonou Agreement ends next year.
We are thinking of the situation
next year 2018 when the Cotonou
Agreement comes to an end, he said.
It is very important to think of the
diversification of some products and
the diversification of the markets.
He said Fiji could start looking
at places besides the EU like Japan,
South Korea as new markets.
The Cotonou Agreement is a
treaty between the European Union
and the African, Caribbean and
Pacific Group of States (ACP).

Fiji marks World Hindi Day

he Fiji-based Indian High

Commission
celebrated
the World Hindi Day on

Tuesday, January 10, in Suva.

To commemorate the special day,

which is celebrated annually on

January 10, three personalities were

rewarded for their achievements
towards their dedication to the
Hindi language. Jimi Subhaydas, an
iTaukei and Hindi Singer, received
the Harmony award; Noorjahan

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Former Miss Fiji Zaira Begg

will travel to Macau on a wild card
entry to represent Fiji at the World
Supermodel Finals.
This was after she scored the
highest points in the adult category
of the competition which ended
Saturday, January 7.
Despite that she will have to pay
her own way to get there and to
participate, the 22 year old Ba native
said was very excited to be heading
to Asia.
The Nausori police officer said
she hopes the public attention she
received in the pageant will help ease
public perception of police officers.
"I hope that my being here will
help people realise that police officers
are ordinary people who have
passions too. To some extent I feel
this may help people to talk to me
comfortably."
"I hope people can openly share
their sorrows when they come to
the station."
Zaira won the evening wear
category behind eventual winner,
Australian teen Emily Norris-Perkins
Minister for Health and Medical
language was a form of identification
not only in Fiji but also around
the world.
"We should encourage our kids to
learn and speak Hindi at home from
an early age so that they don't lose

Zaira Begg

who won the swimwear category and

runner up Tiare Simonis a Cook
Island native from Australia who won
the photogenic category.
the concept and the importance it
has on their lives," Ms Akbar said.
Indian High Commissioner to Fiji
Vishvas Sapka said in Fiji, the level
of language was still concentrated
and mainly kept to its origins, which
was an encouraging sign for the
future generation. All winners were
given a cash prize of $500 each.

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READERS SPEAK

How did you spend your holidays?

Editorial

Left versus left, right versus right,

new theme of NZ politics in 2017?

quick overview of New Zealands political landscape in early 2017 pops up a question
in mind if left versus left and right versus right is going to be the new theme of politics
this year.

Although its too early, and naive to generalise about the political landscape for the whole
year, yet some signs, howsoever trivial, do suggest likewise.
Prime Minister Bill English chose to start New Year with what Stuffs political reporter Jo
Moir describes as pulled the pin, thrown a grenade and skipped the country before the blast
has even taken effect.
The context of this comment is Mr Englishs decision to skip Waitangi Day dawn service
celebrations on February 5 and 6.
Subsequently, speaking on behalf of many New Zealanders, Prime Minister made a divisive
statement that a lot of New Zealanders cringe at the protests that unfold on the National
Day just before catching the plane and leaving for Europe on his first official foreign trip as the
new Prime Minister.
Describing the protests accompanying national day celebrations as cringing for some
fellow New Zealanders has naturally created a mixed response.
Apparently, it is clear that among other effects such as initiating an intellectual debate, one
important consequence is the scramble for votes that can be safely termed as votes on the
right of the political divide.
There are myriad of interpretations of this move from Mr English early in the year.
While some see it as his attempt to break away from the shadows of former Prime Minister
John Key, under whom he has mainly served in the last decade, and cast a new image of a bold
leader of the National Party.
Others see it as a calculated move to consolidate what can be safely termed as votes on the
right in this election year, thus creating some concerns among the players that typically strive
for those votes.
So far the responses from those who compete for the votes on the right can best be described
as muted.
Maori Party, the coalition partner in the government, has largely evaded by saying that such
statement emanates from a lack of understanding about the day.

Deepshikha Sethi, Christchurch

Holidays mean quality family time for me. I visited a
farm for the first time with my family and also headed
to the beach during the New Year. Other than
travelling to holiday spots, I stayed home, barbequed
with family friends, watched movies and played with
my kids, which made these holidays complete and
special.

Keethan Sundar, Mt Eden

I am a professional photographer, so most of my
holidays are spent editing footage, doing photoshoots
(parties, weddings etc.) and expanding on my portfolio.
This time around, I made the most of my 2 day holiday
and stayed the weekend at Omaha beach with my
family. We jet-skied and took my drone for a spin,
shooting some amazing footage of the stunning beach
and compiled a short video of my time away.

Kanika Sidhu, Dominion Road

I was working during the first half of the holiday
period, so Christmas was busy and late, but that
too was fun. I started my holidays from the New
Year, went on a road trip with husband and friends
to remote parts of Northland and then to Omaha
Beach. The trip to the beach was the best part of this
holidays as we had the adrenaline rush while fighting
waves at the beach.

Shankar Kandel, Hamilton

I was desperately looking forward to some holidays
this year. I took my kids to Huka Falls in Taupo and
Bridal Veil Falls in the Waikato as they were asking
me for a long time. It was good to take off my mind
from work for some time and be with my children; I
needed that.

New Zealand First has completely remained muted in their response to Mr Englishs latest
move.
Either way, there seems to be some attempt to churn votes on the right.
This is very similar to another political arena, although on a smaller scale at the impending
Mt-Albert by-election, where Nationals exit leaves Labour Party competing against Green
Party and Mana Party who largely competes for the similar votes believed to be on the left of
the political divide.
This may be a microscopic observation of left versus left and right versus right on the
national political landscape, but there might be some ingenuity and excitement in New
Zealand politics if this happens.
At least after John Keys successive electoral triumphs in last three elections, which have
made elections bit monotonous, if not uninteresting altogether.
Indian Weekender : Volume 8 Issue 41
Publisher: Kiwi Media Publishing Limited
Managing Editor: Bhav Dhillon | bhav@indianweekender.co.nz
Content Editor: Sandeep Singh | sandeep@indianweekender.co.nz
Chief Reporter: Swati Sharma | swati@indianweekender.co.nz
Reporter: Rizwan Mohammad | rizwan@indianweekender.co.nz
Chief ReporterSouth Island: Gaurav Sharma
Chief Technical Officer: Rohan Desouza | rohan@indianweekender.co.nz
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Views expressed in the publication are not necessarily of the publisher and the publisher
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Views expressed in the articles are solely of the authors and do not in any way represent
the views of the team at the Indian Weekender
Kiwi Media Publishing Limited - 133A, Level 1, Onehunga Mall, Onehunga, Auckland.
Printed at Horton Media, Auckland
Copyright 2017. Kiwi Media Publishing Limited. All Rights Reserved.

Roshan Damor, Sandringham

I just got three days to enjoy the holidays; I was
working most of the last three weeks. When I did
get a little relief from work, I travelled to Northland
beaches with my roommates and the other two days
I slept and had a gala time at home.

Asif Iqbal, Glen Eden

Unofortunately, I was mostly working during the
holidays. But I did take a break as I had family
members visiting from India. During my days off,
I spent some quality time with family and enjoyed
summer with great food, friends.

Dont judge eachday by the harvest you

reap but by the seeds that you plant.
Robert Louis Stevenson

Inviting nominations for

Kiwi Indian Honours 2017
K IW

I I NDI A

The guidelines, which need to be adhered to, for

nominations, are as follows:
1.

He/she needs to have an undisputable recognition

in his or her field of work.
2. Nominated by a nominator of repute. Further,
the nominator has to be in confirmation with
the nominee.
3. The nominator has to provide their full contact
details. No anonymous applications will
be accepted.
4. All fields of work are welcome (e.g. politics,
business, sports, art, culture, or any other
profession.
5. The definition of Kiwi Indian, for the purposes of
this award, is defined as follows: any person of
Indian origin, from any part of the world, who has
settled here in New Zealand. To be of Indian origin,
at least one of the parents of the nominee have to
be Indian, by blood, thereby making the nominee
of Indian lineage.
6. The nominee must have either a Permanent
Residency (PR), or Citizenship of New Zealand to
be eligible for consideration.
7. The nominee should have no prior convictions.
8. For minors, under the age of 18, parental consent
will be required.
9. The successful candidate, will be required to attend
the ceremony in person. In case a person is not able
to attend, due to any unforeseen circumstances, the
jury will use its discretion.
10. The jurys decision will be final and binding; and
cannot be challenged.

Established 2013

The Kiwi Indian Honours recognise those individuals who have built a road to
glory for themselves and left a path for the coming generations to tread on; who
have touched the lives of thousands and enriched the society with their being;
who have brought fame and respect to New Zealand and the Kiwi-Indian community.
The Indian Weekender invites nominations for such personalities from the
community for getting inducted into the Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame 2017.
We also invite nominations for Kiwi Indian Young Achiever of the
Year and Kiwi Indian Unsung Hero of the Year 2017.
Nominate Online: visit www.iwk.nz or www.halloffame.co.nz to nominate
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18

INDIA

13 January 2017| www.iwk.co.nz

President flags concerns of

women marrying into NRI families

ighlighting the vulnerabilities

of Indian women marrying
into NRI families, President
Pranab Mukherjee on Monday said
that Indian community organisations
abroad
can
most
effectively
address their concerns even as the
government and its agencies deal
with the issue.
I would also like to flag the
concerns of women and girls in India
marrying into NRI families. Even
as the government and its agencies
deal with this issue, the concerns
of this particular section can be
most effectively addressed by the
local community organisations, the
President said. The President was
delivering the valedictory address
during the conferment of the
President Pranab Mukherjee at the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Divas in Bengaluru
Pravasi Bharatiya Samman at the
14th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya
total global remittances, amounting
Kutumbakam more than this,
Divas (PBD) held on January 7-9.
to USD69 billion in 2015, he added.
he added. On the eminent
Speaking on the Pravasi Bharatiya
The President appreciated
personalities from the diaspora,
Samman, Mukherjee said, It
the
overseas
Indians
Mukherjee gave the example of
While
was indeed an honour for
ability to assimilate
the Portuguese Prime Minister and
you showcase
me to have conferred
and maintain their
said, Dr Antonio Costa, the Prime
India to your host
the Pravasi Bharatiya
identity among
Minister of Portugal who is with us,
countries, you also
Samman on 30
other cultures.
has his roots in Goa.
bring along the cultural
members of the
He
also
His presence is a source of
heritage of your adopted
diaspora just a
lauded
their
inspiration for us, and for the Indian
while
back.
I lands to India. To my mind, i m m e n s e
Diaspora across the world.
nothing could exemplify
congratulate each
contribution to
Indias relations with Portugal
one of you for your our belief of Vasudhaiva their adopted
have been and continue to stay
Kutumbakam more
contributions to your
lands
through
warm and friendly with close
than this
countries of origin
dedication
and
political, security, cultural and most
and India.
hard work.
importantly people-to-people ties,
Highlighting
the
The President said,
he added.
contribution of the Non-resident
As a people exposed to the best of
He also cited the example of Vice
Indians working in the Gulf region
western technology and yet having
President of Suriname Michael
and South East Asia, he said, They
their civilisational moorings in the
Ashwin Adhin, considered as one of
are Indian citizens who migrate
ageless and eternal ethos of India,
the youngest Indian diaspora leaders.
for employment as low-skilled and
you are doubly blessed.
The Indian diaspora migrated
semi-skilled labour. They toil hard
While you showcase India to your
to
Suriname nearly 142 years ago.
day and night, and save to send the
host countries, you also bring along
More
than 230,000 persons of
fruits of their labour as remittances
the cultural heritage of your adopted
Indian-origin are living in Suriname.
to India, to maintain their families
lands to India.
Indians are one of the largest
back home.
To my mind, nothing could
expatriate
community amounting to
These remittances are the largest
exemplify our belief of Vasudhaiva
about
31.7
millions in the world.
by any diaspora, at 12 per cent of the

Digital governance will bring efficiency: Modi

dentifying Indias strength in

its demography, democracy,
and demand, Prime Minister
Narendra Modi on Tuesday, January
10, stressed the need for digital-based
governance to bring efficiency in the
countrys decision-making process
and to boost the economy.
Calling democracy Indias
biggest strength, he said: Some
people say democracy cannot deliver
effective and fast track governance,
but we have seen in last two and a
half years, it is possible to deliver
quick results as well.
Inaugurating the eighth edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global
Summit, Modi said that the digital economy had played key role
in transforming hardship-based
governance to system-based governance, discretionary-based administration to policy-based administration, and informal economy to
formal economy.
Digital technology has played a
key role. I often say that e-governance
is easy and effective governance. We
need quality driven governance.
Online process brings speed
and openness and decision making.
We are working to adopt and
absorb newer technology to bring
transparency and end discretion,
said Modi. He, however, did not
make any mention of demonetisation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

in his half-hour speech. Modi said

that India has registered excellent
growth, despite the global slowdown.
We have become sixth largest
manufacturing country in the world,
up from the ninth. Our growth of
manufacturing has registered nine
percent in 2015-16.
This is much higher than the
five-six per cent growth in previous
three years, he said. He said that the
government was further rationalising
its policies and procedures to make it
convenient for business and growth.
India is bright spot in the global
economy. World Bank, IMF and
other institutions have projected
even better growth in the coming
days. In 2014-15, India contributed
12.5 per cent of global growth. Its
contribution to global growth is 68
per cent higher, than its share of the

world economy, Modi told delegates

from 12 countries and industry
captains present on the dais.
According
to
the
Gujarat
government, investors and officebearers from over 100 countries were
to attend the eighth edition of the
biennial event, being held here from
January 10 to 13, with the central
focus of Sustainable Economic and
Social Development. Over 74,000
people have said to have registered
for the summit.
Modi said that in last two and
a half years, his government had
worked relentlessly to realize Indias
potential and to set rise in economy.
There is sufficient improvement
in key micro economic indicators,
GDP growth, fiscal deficit, inflation,
current account deficit, foreign
investment. India has become fastest
growing economy, he said.
Modi said that Indias food
processing industry is expected
to increase almost five-fold in
next 10 years, India is now the
emerging IT hub, it produces the
worlds second-largest number of
scientists and engineers, while the
entertainment industry is making
waves
worldwide.
Gujarat
Chief Minister Vijay Rupani
said that the summit was not
mere a summit but had become
an identity.

NEWS in BRIEF
Demonetisation will be an
important issue in assembly polls:
Manmohan Singh

ormer Prime Minister Manmohan Singh

on Monday, January 9, 2017, held
that demonetisation will have a very
significant adverse effect on the countrys GDP
and will be an important issue in all the five
states going to polls. Releasing the Congress
manifesto for the Punjab assembly polls, he
said the Narendra Modi governments decision
to demonetise Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes had
adverse effect on the countrys GDP.
I have said in the Parliament about Former Prime Minister Mandemonetisation having its effect on GDP and mohan Singh
it has already been established. According to
Central Statistics Office estimates (for 2016-17), the GDP growth will be 7.1
per cent as against the targeted 7.6 per cent.
But this estimate doesnt take into account the effect of demonetisation
on the system. If (that is done), you will see there will be a very significant
adverse effect on the countrys GDP, he said.
Attacking the government which maintained that the measure will not
harm anyone, he said it has already been established that it has affected
National Income and GDP. Manmohan Singh contended that the note
ban would be an important issue not only in Punjab but also in the other
four states which face elections. Apart from Punjab, Goa, Uttar Pradesh,
Uttarakhand and Manipur will vote in February and March.

Mumbai launches Indias biggest

public Wi-Fi network

ndias biggest public Wi-Fi network, and among the worlds largest, went
live at 500 dedicated hotspots across the city on Monday, Chief Minister
Devendra Fadnavis said.
Happy to dedicate Phase 1 of Mumbai WiFi for this instance, 500
Hotspots go live across various locations in Mumbai, Fadnavis said.
He added that while MumbaiWiFi is Indias largest public WiFi service
and one of the biggest globally and another 700 hotspots will be active by
May 1 - which is celebrated as Maharashtra Day.
As committed, 1200 WiFi hotspots will be active by May 1, 2017. We will
also monitor the progress on connectivity and speed, Fadnavis added, after
the first phase went active and became accessible to the people.
During the trial period between January 2-8, around 23,000 users
signed up in Mumbai and downloaded more than 2TB (TetraByte) data,
which Fadnavis termed as a major aspect of digital empowerment in
the state. The WiFi - free with unlimited usage till January 31 - is now
available at the offices of Mumbai Police Commissioner, Vidhan Bhavan,
KalaNagar in Bandra, Bombay High Court and other prominent public
places in the city and suburbs.
The Maharashtra Information Technology Corporation (MITC) has
collaborated with US-based companies like Hewlett Packard and Fortinet
for the technical aspects. The Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Litd is the
bandwidth provider and Larsen & Toubro is the systems integrator. The
latest move by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-Shiv Sena combine
comes as Mumbai and nine major civic bodies, plus 26 Zilla Parishads
prepare to go for elections next month, the dates of which are due to be
announced shortly.

Rahul Gandhi finalises Punjabs

candidates list

fter returning from a break, Congress

Vice President Rahul Gandhi on
Tuesday held a series of meetings
with senior party leaders and also finalised
the list of the remaining 40 candidates for the
Punjab assembly elections.
The
Congresss
Central
Election
Committee meeting for Punjab was held on
Tuesday afternoon and was attended by party
President Sonia Gandhi, Punjab Congress
chief Amarinder Singh and other leaders.
Punjabs final list of candidates has been
finalised and it is likely to be announced Congress Vice President
tomorrow (Wednesday), said a party source. Rahul Gandhi
The Congress has so far released names of its
77 candidates and is yet to announce the names of remaining 40 candidates
for 117 assembly seats.
Cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu, who will contest as
Congress nominee from Amritsar-East constituency, will join the party in a
day or two, according to the source. Punjab will go to polls in a single phase
on February 4. Earlier in the morning, Rahul Gandhi held a meeting with
senior party leaders at his residence to discuss the strategy ahead of the
upcoming assembly elections in five states starting from February 4.
Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi also attended
the meeting at Rahuls residence. This was Rahuls first meeting with party
leaders after returning from a break.

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20

INDIA ABROAD

13 January 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

Portugal PM Costa, US diplomat

Biswal among Pravasi awardees

ndian-origin Portugal Prime

Minister Antonio Luis Santos
da Costa and Indian-born US
diplomat Nisha Desai Biswal are
among the 30 awardees of the
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), it was
announced on Monday.
Costa, Nisha and other of
the diaspora have been conferred
the PBD 2017 awards for their
outstanding contribution in diverse
fields, including public service,
community service, social service,
business, education and arts &
culture, said the External Affairs
Ministry in a statement on the PBD
valedictory day. The 55-year-old
Costa, a Chief Guest at the threeday 14th PBD (Non-Resident Indian
Day) celebrations, is the son of Goan
father Orlanda da Costa.
As a senior Indian-American
diplomat, the 48-year-old Biswal,
who hails from Gujarat has been
overseeing the US foreign policy
and relations with 11 countries
in the region from Bangladesh to
Uzbekistan since October 21, 2013.

President Pranab Mukherjee giving the Pravasi Bhartiya Samman award to Portugal
Prime Minister Antonio Luis Santos da Costa

Costa and Biswal have been

awarded for public service and public
affairs. Of the awardees, six are
from the US, two each from Britain
and United Arab Emirates (UAE)
and one each from 27 other countries
the world over, noted the statement.
Five other overseas Indians from
the US sharing the honours with
Biswal are Hari Babu Bindal for
environmental engineering, Bharat
Haridas Barai, Mahesh Mehta and
Ramesh Shah for community service

and Sampat Kumar Shidramapa

Shivangi for community leadership.
Priti Patel and Neena Gill are the
awardees from Britain for public
service. Vasudev Shamdas Shroff
and India Social and Cultural Centre
from Abu Dhabi in the UAE are
the winners for community service
and philanthropy. Two more
organisations - Antwerp Indian
Association
in
Belgium
and
Singapore Indian Association in

Singapore have been honoured with

the award for community service.
The other four winners for
community service are Gorur
Krishna Harinath (Australia), Naseer
Ahamed
Mohamed
Zackiriah
(Brunei), Nalinkumar Sumanlal
Kothari (Djibouti) and Ariful
Islam (Libya). Other two winners
for public service are Pravind
Kumar Jugunath (Mauritius) and
Winston Chandarbhan Dookeran
(Trinidad & Tobago).
Raghunath Marie Antonin Manet
(France) and Sandip Kumar Tagore
(Japan) bagged for arts & culture.
Other awardees are Mukund
Bhikhubhai Purohit (Canada) and
Susheel Kumar Saraff (Thailand)
for business; Vinod Chandra Patel
(Fiji) for social service; Lael Anson E.
Best (Israel) for medical science; Tan
Sri Dato Muniandy Thambirajah
(Malaysia) for education & community
service; Raghavan Seetharaman
(Qatar) for business management;
Zeenat Musarrat Jafri (Saudi Arabia)
for education and Carani Balaraman
Sanjeevi (Sweden) for medicine.

Diaspora seeks more time to exchange old notes

he Diaspora comprising NonResident Indians (NRIs) and

Persons of Indian Origin
(PIOs) has sought extension of the
deadline to exchange or deposit the
banned notes till December 31.
"The deadline should be extended
by six months till December 31 as all
those having the banned notes will
not come to India just to exchange
or deposit them by June," Thomas
Abraham, a NRI from Duba said.
The
government
had
on
December 31 extended the deadline
to June 30 for the diaspora to deposit
or exchange the specified bank notes
(old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000) after the
November 8 demonetisation.
Resident Indians travelling or
living abroad temporarily have been
given three months (up to March
31) to declare the banned notes they
are carrying at airports on arrival
before submitting them in designated
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) offices
across the country.
"Though many of us may not hold
huge amounts of the banned notes as
we transact in local currency and the
Indian rupee is not fully convertible,
we should be given enough time to
exchange them since most of us
come to India once or twice in a
year," Abraham said on the margins
of the 14th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.

Diaspora seeks more time to exchange old notes

Another NRI from Oman said

the government should allow the
diaspora to deposit the banned
notes at Indian embassies or high
commissions and credit them in their
bank accounts in case the deadline is
not extendable after June 30.
"The RBI or overseas branches
of state-run banks like SBI (State
Bank of India) should be advised to
open counters at our embassies in all
countries for depositing the banned
notes whatever be their number as
they are our hard-earned cash," said
Gopalankutty Karnavar, a Muscatbased NRI from Kerala.

Several overseas Indian delegates

attending the three-day biennial
jamboree said they normally keep or
carry Rs 25,000-50,000 in cash when
coming to India for contingencies
despite having bank accounts and
using debit/credit for payments or
transactions.
"We bring a few thousands of
rupees with us whenever we fly to
India for initial expenses at airports
or food, local travel and purchases
before converting dollars or other
currencies," said Kanavar, a blue
collar worker from Alappuzha in
Kerala who heads the Malayli wing

of the Indian social club in the Gulf

country.
The Global Organisation of
People of Indian Origin also urged
the government to extend the
deadline to December 30, 2017, for
exchanging or depositing the high
denomination notes in RBI or SBI.
Terming the note ban a welcome
move, a majority of the diaspora said
its implementation was, however,
poor as their kith and kin were at the
receiving end of the cash-crunch and
the economic disruption.
"If the high value notes were
banned to fight black money,
terror funding, fake currency and
corruption, the move is laudable
though it exposes the government's
failure to curb the menace through its
enforcing agencies," a US-based NRI
said on the condition of anonymity.
Although
Prime
Minister
Narendra Modi on Sunday thanked
the diaspora for supporting the note
ban, many NRIs and IPOs said
unlike their resident Indians they
were not impacted by it as they don't
transact in rupee, which is not fully
convertible.
"The sudden ban has taken us by
surprise though not affected by it as
the rupee is not used in our country
and the value of our remittances is
intact in our bank accounts," said
James Mathew, an accountant in a
private firm at Manama in Bahrain.

NEWS in BRIEF
Pichai finally
receives IIT Kgps
distinguished
alumnus award in
person

oogle
C E O
Sundar
Pichai,
who
was conferred
with
the
Distinguished Sundar Pichai
A l u m n u s
Award by IIT Kharagpur in 2015,
was finally able to receive the award
in person at his alma mater, nearly
two years later.
Sundar Pichai was conferred his
Distinguished Alumnus Award in
the Board Room of IIT Kharagpur
on January 5, 2017. The award was
given to him at the 2015 convocation
but he was unable to come and
receive it in person at that time,
IIT Director PP Chakrabarti said in
a Facebook post late Thursday.
Pichai was back in the campus
after 23 years to interact with
students. He visited his old hostel
Nehru Hall, went to his old room,
common room, mess, library,
catwalk and refreshed his memories,
Chakrabarti said.

Skill programme for

Indians going abroad
for work: PM

rime Minister Narendra

Modi on Sunday said his
government will soon launch
a skill development programme for
young Indians seeking jobs abroad.
We will shortly launch a skill
development programme, the
Pravasi Kaushal Vikas Yojana,
targeted at Indian youth seeking
overseas employment, the Prime
Minister said at the Pravasi
Bharatiya Diwas 2017.
Modi flashed a PIO (Person
of Indian origin) card to say it
supersedes the individuals passport
as far as his ties to India are
concerned. When the PIO card is
seen, we dont see the colour of the
passport but the blood ties, Modi
said to huge applause. Referring
to Mahatma Gandhis return from
South Africa, Modi said this day
marked the return to India of one
of the greatest Pravasis and that
his governments priority was to
convert brain drain into brain
gain. NRIs and PIO have made
outstanding contributions. Among
them are politicians of great stature,
scientists of repute, outstanding
doctors, brilliant educationists,
economists, journalists, musicians,
engineers, bankers and did I
mention our well known technology
professionals, Modi said.

US Army to let Sikhs wear turbans, karas, keep beards

n another milestone for Sikhs, US

Army commanders have been
ordered to allow those of the
faith to wear turbans, karas and keep
their beards.
Army Secretary Eric Fanning on
Wednesday signed the order that
said: The soldiers brigade-level
commander will approve a request
for a religious accommodation
by Sikhs. Till now Sikhs had to get
permission from the Army Secretary,
a cumbersome process prone to
delays and not automatically given.
Now they need to apply only to their

brigade-level commanders, who will

have to give them permission except
in certain cases involving their safety
like exposure to poison gases.
Once it is granted they can keep
the exemption for most positions in
the military. Sikh Coalition Legal
Director Harsimran Kaur welcomed
the new rules.
We are pleased with the progress
that the new policy represents for
religious tolerance and diversity by
our nations largest employer, she
said. The order also allows Muslims
to wear hijabs. Muslim men can also

the three of them permission to

keep beards. The New York Police
wear turbans. According to the civil
Department, the biggest in the US,
rights organisation, Sikh Coalition
changed its rules last month to allow
members of the faith had been
Sikhs to wear turbans and keep their
serving in the US military from
beards. Last year Captain Simratpal
at least World War I. But in
Singh, an Afghan war veteran
1981, the army changed
who was awarded a Bronze
This
the rules to ban beards
Star, and two others
policy change
and turbans.
filed a case against
underscores
the army saying the
the militarys
My turban and
ban on beards and
commitment to these
beard
represent
turbans curbs their
my
commitment
values and is a sign of
religious freedom.
meaningful progress that to pluralism and
The
Army will ensure the strength equality, said Major
of our democracy
Kamaljeet
Singh
Secretary then gave

Kalsi, an army doctor who served in

Afghanistan and won a Bronze Star.
This policy change underscores
the militarys commitment to these
values and is a sign of meaningful
progress that will ensure the strength
of our democracy.
While the restrictions on having
beards still hold if there are risks like
exposure to toxic material, Fanning
ordered the army to test existing
products to see if they can be made
safe for those wearing beards and
to look for alternative equipment.

SPORTS

www.iwk.co.nz | 13 January 2017

21

Dhoni steps down as limited overs captain

ahendra Singh Dhoni has

stepped down as skipper of
India's limited overs sides,
the Board of Control for Cricket
in India (BCCI) announced on
Wednesday, January 4.
Dhoni, however, will be available
for selection for the three-match
One-Day International (ODI) and
T20 International series against
England, starting January 15.
"Mahendra Singh Dhoni has
informed the BCCI, that he wishes
to step down as the captain of the
Indian Cricket Team from the One
Day Internationals and the T20

Internationals formats of the game,"

a statement from the board read.
"He will be available for the
selection for the One Day and T20I
series against England and the same
has been conveyed to the Senior
Selection Committee."

Commenting on the development,

BCCI Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Rahul Johri said: "On behalf of every
Indian cricket fan and the BCCI, I
would like to thank M.S. Dhoni for
his outstanding contribution as the
captain of the Indian team across
all formats."
"Under his leadership, Indian
team has touched new heights and
his achievements will remain etched
forever in the annals of Indian
cricket," he added.
Test skipper Virat Kohli was on
Friday handed the reigns of Indias
One-Day International (ODI) and
T20 International cricket sides

Dhoni saved me many times from

getting dropped: Kohli

aying rich tributes to his

predecessor
Mahendra
Singh
Dhoni,
newlyappointed skipper Virat Kohli on
Saturday revealed that the Ranchi
wicketkeeper-batsman saved him
on numerous occasions from
getting dropped from the national
cricket team.
The 28-year-old, who took over
the mantle of the Indian side, said the
35-year-old Dhoni guided him during
his initial phase in international
cricket, while conceding that he has
big shoes to fill. Dhoni, had stumped
everyone by stepping down as Indias
One-Day International (ODI) and
T20 International (T20I) captain,
bringing down the curtains on a
trophy-filled era.
He will always be the person
who guided me initially and gave
me opportunities. He gave me ample
time and space to grow as a cricketer,
saved me from getting dropped from
the team many a times and that
is why we have a great amount of
mutual respect, Kohli said.
Obviously, these are massive
shoes to fill. You think of M.S. Dhoni
and the first word that comes to mind
is captain! You dont relate M.S.
Dhoni in any other way. For me, he is
always going to be my captain because
I started my career under him, he
added. Now that the stumper has
relieved himself of the baggage of
captaincy, Kohli wanted Dhoni to bat
higher up the order in his trademark
aggressive style.

I know the kind of person he is. If

I will ask him that where do you want
to bat he will tell me where ever you
will want me to bat but I would love
to see him bat higher up usually then
what he has been playing for the last
few years, he said.
I want that he
totally enjoys his
cricket, if
he enjoys
his cricket
and play
the
way
he has in
his initial years
then the team is
going be in very solid
space, he added.
Kohli, who took over
the reins of the Test
team midway through
the Australia tour in
December 2014, said
he believed in leading by
example and the added
responsibility of captaining
the side worked for him in any
format of the game.
Added responsibility has always
worked for me in the sense that you
have no room to be complacent or
relax at any stage.
Even in the Indian Premier
League (IPL), its very easy to throw
my wicket away after crossing 60
or 70 runs. But I push after that
because I realise that as captain
I have to set an example and I
have to firstly make that kind of

effort before asking my team-mates

to do it, Kohli said.
India are scheduled to take
on England in three One-Day
Internationals (ODI) and three
T20s, starting from
January 15.

Dhoni to be felicitated at
India-England Eden ODI

ndias outgoing limited-overs

team skipper Mahendra Singh
Dhoni will be felicitated by the
Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB)
when India play their third and
final One-Day International match
against England at the Eden Gardens
Dhoni stepped down as Indias
ODI and T20I captain recently.
Test skipper Virat Kohli has been
appointed as Dhonis successor. The

third ODI match will be played on

January 22. The first match will be
played in Pune on January 15.
Dhoni, who scored an unbeaten 68
in his last match as captain of India A
side playing a practice match against
England XI in Mumbai on Tuesday,
will be given a plaque and a shawl,
CAB officials said.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Courtappointed R.M. Lodha Committee
is expected to clarify on the CABs
query whether or not the assistant
secretary is an office bearer is
expected on Wednesday after a
meeting of the committee members.

NEWS in BRIEF
Djokovic beats Murray to
claim Doha title

Serbia's Novak Djokovic poses with the winner's trophy after beating Britain's
Andy Murray

NZ completes T20 series sweep Vs Bangaldesh

belligerent 41-ball 94 from

Corey Anderson propelled
New Zealand to a 27-run win
in the last T20 against Bangladesh,
sealing a 3-0 clean sweep, on Sunday.
Anderson and Kane Williamson
(60) put up a brisk 124-run stand to
power the hosts to a huge 194 for 4
after being asked to bat at the Bay
Oval in Mt Maunganui on Sunday,
reports bdnews24.com.
Bangladesh raced to 82-1 in the
ninth over, riding a rapid start from
Tamim Iqbal (24) and Soumya
Sarkar (42).
But the introduction of New
Zealand leg-spinner Ish Sodhi (2-22)
and other slow bowlers checked their
progress.
Chasing the massive target,
Bangladesh fell too far behind the
asking rate, finishing on 167 for
6 with Shakib Al Hasan adding a
fighting 33-ball 41.
The hosts were earlier reduced
to 41-3 in the seventh over after
Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Bin
Mortaza won the toss.

after Mahendra Singh Dhoni

stepped down as the limited overs
side captain.

ovak Djokovic beat Andy Murray 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 to defend his Qatar
ExxonMobil Open title and exact revenge on the World No. 1
tennis star.
In an electrifying final, the Serbian captured his first title since July
(Rogers Cup) and showed some of the fiery tennis that helped him dominate
the first half of 2016, according to the Association of Tennis Professionals
(ATP) website. The 29-year-old frequently encouraged the crowd to back
him, lifting his arms and pumping his fist while staring into the stands.
Best scenario I could ask for at the beginning of the season. Playing all
five matches in this tournament and then three hours against No. 1 of the
world, biggest rival, and winning in a thrilling marathon match, Djokovic
said after the match. It was a really, really thrilling performance from both
of us. Just a great way to start the year. Djokovics intense attitude was
matched by his aggressive on-court play. He charged the net 35 times
against Murray, winning almost 70 per cent of those points during the twohour, 54-minute final.
You have to construct the point well and find the right time to approach,
but you need to come in, Djokovic said. That controlled, aggressive style
of play is the way to win.
The Serbian had three championship points while serving at 5-4 but
Murray erased them all and won the next two games to force a decider.
The Djokovic win ends Murrays 28-match win streak, which dated back
to September when he lost to Juan Martin del Potro in Davis Cup action.
That streak featured five consecutive titles, including Novembers ATP
Finals crown when Murray beat Djokovic for the season-ending title and the
year-end No.1 ATP ranking.

Ronaldo wins FIFA best player

award

R
New Zealand players celebrate winning the series after the 20/20 International cricket match between New Zealand and Bangladesh at Bay Oval in Mount Munganui

Paceman Rubel Hossain (3-31)

dismissed James Neesham for 15
and Colin Munro for a duck in the
same over before Mosaddek Hossain
struck with his first ball to send back
Tom Bruce (5).
Captain Kane Williamson (60)
then struck his second fifty of the
series while left-hander Anderson
provided the late flourish, blasting 10
sixes and two fours in his unbeaten

knock. Anderson bludgeoned parttime medium-pacer Sarkar for three

sixes over mid-wicket, his 10 sixes are
the highest by a New Zealander in
the format.
Bangladesh stayed winless in their
first overseas tour after two years as
the T20 series whitewash follows a
3-0 sweep of the One-Day series by
New Zealand.

eal Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo won the FIFA Best

Male Player Award over his great rival Lionel Messi and Antoine
Griezmann for a stellar 2015-16 season, at a glittering ceremony.
Ronaldo also won the Ballon d'Or, given by France Football magazine,
in December, with both honours recognition for success in the Champions
League with Real and Euro 2016 with Portugal.
"I will never forget 2016," Ronaldo said, as quoted by the BBC on
Monday, January 9, 2017.
He thanked his team-mates, family and his whole staff. Leicester City
coach Claudio Ranieri won FIFA Best Men's Coach award. Argentine
legend Diego Maradona handed the award to Ranieri.
"I'm crazy now," said the Leicester coach, as quoted by the BBC. "Thank
you so much for voting me. I'm 65 now, I start now as a manger!"
Ex-Germany coach Silvia Neid won the FIFA Best Women's Coach
award. Mohd Faiz Subri, forward of club Penang in the 2016 Malaysia
Super League won the Fifa Puskas Award for the best goal.
Carli Lloyd, of Houston Dash and the US, a World Cup winner and
two-time Olympic winner, was honoured with the Fifa Best Female
Player Award.

FUNZONE

22

Sudoku
1

Earth Quiz

Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and each of the 3x3 squares contains all the
digits from 1 to 9.

3
8 7

3 5
6
1
4 7

13 January 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

8
2 5

2 9
7

6
2 8
3
9

9
8 9
3
5

2
7 1

1
3 8
5

4 5 3
8
7 8
4

2
1

1
9
6 7
3

3 8

2 7
2 5 8

4
5
3

2
7

9
8 6

Large print sudoku from largeprintpuzzles.com Large print sudoku from largeprintpuzzles.com
Large print sudoku from largeprintpuzzles.com

1 6
5

5 4 3
2
4
9
6 2
8

2
8 6
7
1 3
3

2
9
5

9
4

5
7 2
8

1
3
5
4
8 1 3 4
1 4
6
6

Crossword

Large print sudoku from largeprintpuzzles.com Large print sudoku from largeprintpuzzles.com

8 1
3

4
7 8 4

4
5

8
7 9
1
2
3
Puzzles to Print
Large print sudoku from largeprintpuzzles.com
Medium Kakuro Set 1
3

5 2

Kakuro Puzzles
41

12

20

13
24

17

42

14

16

10

10
23

16
24

Math Cross numbers Question for General

12

16

Each of the digits 1 through 9 is used once

and only once in each of these twp puzzles.
Can you figure out where they must be
placed so that each of the equations (both
hirizontally and vertically) are true? Only
positive numbers are involved

11
16

11
17

22

28

23

1. What is the name of the largest ocean on earth?

2. What are the two main metals in the earth's core?
3. Which is hotter, the center of the earth or surface of the sun?
4. What do you call molten rock before it has erupted?
5. What do you call it after it has erupted?
6. The Great Barrier Reef is found off the coast of which country?
7. What do you call a person who studies rocks?
8. Name the three time periods of the dinosaurs.
9. True or false? The Grand Canyon is around 10000 feet (3000 meters) deep.
10. What is the name of the deepest location in the world's oceans?
11. Over a long period of time while under extreme heat and pressure,
graphite turns into which precious mineral?
12. Outside of Antarctica, what is the largest desert in the world?
13. The gemstone ruby is typically what color?
14. What is the name of the highest mountain on earth?
15. Do stalactites rise from the floor or hang from the ceiling of limestone caves?
16. Cascade, horsetail, plunge and tiered are types of what?
17. Someone who studies earthquakes is known as a what?
18. What is the name of the layer of earth's atmosphere that absorbs the majority
of the
potentially damaging ultraviolet light from the sun?
19. The mass of the earth is made up mostly of which two elements?
20. What is the second most common gas found in the air we breathe?

10

3
23

40

24

14

17
17

16
puzzles-to-print.com

AN ETOPIAN WAR

hawn! Get in here now! Belinda Jones

yelled for her son.
Rolling his platinum eyes and
rubbing his spiked hair, Shawn fumbled into
the kitchen as he mumbled, Coming. What?
Belinda waved the paper in her hand
which looked tea-stained.
I'm tired of all these parties! she
screeched.
Shawn snatched the paper from her hand
and scanned it:
Dear Shaw Krader,
You are requested to join the Foursome
Black and defeat Lord Jawson and his
Crucifiers. The other three will be waiting
at Highgourt. This green button will take
you there. Pack your bags and leave as soon
as possible.
Highgourt.
M...m...a...aa, this isn't a party invitation
A vision flashed in Belinda's silver eyes.
No, she muttered to herself, Not Shaw,
Ma! I'm not Shaw Krader! I'm Shawn Jones!

Let me explain. You're from a different

planet called Etopia. So am I. I was banished
for marrying an Earthling, your Dad. Etopia
needs you to destroy Lord Jawson. He and
his Crucifiers have been murdering Etopians,
and Earthlings, like your Dad. Go Shaw, the
owner of the crimson moon, and save
Etopia. Belinda narrated.
Tears filled Shaw's eyes and anger
filled his mind. He would kill Jawson. He
ran upstairs and packed his bags. Belinda
blessed him with Etopian words before
Shaw pressed the button.
You're late! a low voice boomed as Shaw
picked himself up from the floor.
My name's Elgar Highgourt. Your mother
must have told you the story by now.
You will train with Mane, Jella and Laomi.
Master Brutae will train you four. You will
sleep with Mane in the males section and
you will come here when you are called.
Understood?! Elgar yelled in his assertive
voice.
Um yeah? Shaw replied reluctantly.

Find more Kakuro Puzzles

YES HEAD YOU WILL SAY! Elgar roared.

Jella stifled a laugh which was cut short
when Elgar glared at her.
The four walked to their rooms talking
about each other. They separated into
males and females.
I'm Mane, and you must be Shaw, Mane
spoke once they were in their room.

His cropped hair sat neatly on his head.

His eyes glistened emerald green and grew
bigger as he talked.
Here's your pet, Scornia. She's a Scrubble,
A small, fluffy animal with colossal
eyes looked at Shaw.
Mane explained, When her master orders
her to fight, she inflates into a ball and
squishes everyone to death.
Scornia jumped willingly into Shaws
hand.
The boys changed into their pyjamas and
hopped into bed. In minutes, they were
sleeping peacefully.
COURTROOM NOW, BOYS! Jella's voice
was heard behind the door.
Everyone arrived at the courtroom.
Mane and Shaw will be doing archery.
Jella and Laomi are doing powerballs. GO!
Master Brutae taught Mane and Shaw how
to become accomplished archers.
The whole academy practiced for days
on end, not knowing when the war would
begin. Everyone waited for the dreaded day
to come. One day, the academy was filled
with darkness. The enemy had arrived.
Story submitted by Abhaya Puthigae

Knowledge quizz

1. Who wrote the song 'Auld Lang

Syne'?
2. How many square meters are
there in a hectare?
3. What famous woman was
nicknamed 'The Iron Lady'?
4. Who won the Women's Doubles
title in the French Open 2010?
5. How many rings does Saturn have
around it?
6. How many strings does a standard
Spanish guitar have?
7. Who wrote the story of
Pinocchio?
8. What was the name of Adolf
Hitler's mistress?
9. Which of the five senses
develops first?
10. During which year was the
National Lottery introduced in Great
Britain?
11. What are the three primary
colours?
12. Is hot air lighter or heavier than
cold air?
13. Who was the President of the US
at the beginning of the 20th century?
14. What was the name of
the actress that John McEnroe
married?
15. In which ocean is Hawaii
situated?
16. Which star sign is represented by
the twins?
17. What year did Cliff Richard
release a song called 'Mistletoe and
Wine'?
18. How many carats are there in
pure gold?
19. Which town did the Pied Piper rid
of rats?
20. Who wrote 'The Little Mermaid'?

Send us stories,
drawings, poems and
other contributions
by your little ones
along with their
photographs for
this page. E-mail
us at reporter@
indianweekender.
co.nz

WORLD

www.iwk.co.nz | 13 January 2017

Obama to Trump: Trends

toward clean energy irreversible

utgoing US President Barack

Obama on Monday warned
President-elect
Donald
Trump against walking away from
a global climate deal, saying that
trends toward clean energy are
irreversible and will help drive
economic growth.
In an article published in research
journal Science, Obama wrote that a
massive scientific record shows that
climate change is real and cannot be
ignored and that left unchecked, the
continued growth of greenhouse gas
emissions could cause global average
temperatures to increase by another
four degrees Celsius or more by 2100,
Xinhua reported.
That rise would cost the world
economy about four per cent of
gross domestic product (GDP), which
could lead to lost US federal revenue
of roughly 340 billion to 690 billion
US dollars every year, Obama said.
Although our understanding of
the impacts of climate change is
increasingly and disturbingly clear,

US President Barack Obama and President-elect Donald Trump

there is still debate about the proper

course for US policy a debate
that is very much on display during
the current presidential transition,
said Obama, referring to Trumps
threat to withdraw from the Paris
Agreement to combat climate
change. However, he said that trends
toward a clean-energy economy that
have emerged during his presidency
will continue and that the economic
opportunity for our country to
harness that trend will only grow.

Obama noted that between 2008

and 2015 the US economy grew by
more than 10 per cent while emissions
of carbon dioxide emissions from the
energy sector fell by 9.5 per cent, a
result that should put to rest the
argument that combating climate
change requires accepting lower
growth or a lower standard of living.
He also pointed to increasing
private-sector investments in clean
energy, a dramatic fall in renewable
electricity costs, and a global cleanenergy race, which was lacking even
just a short time ago.

23

Alibabas founder meets Trump,

plans to help American business

ack Ma, founder and chairman

of Chinas e-commerce giant
Alibaba, on Monday met with
US President-elect Donald Trump
and discussed plans to help US small
businesses sell products to China
through the companys platform.
I think the president-elect is
very smart, he is very open-minded
to listen. I told him my ideas about
how to improve trade, especially to
improve small business, cross border
trade, Xinhua quoted Ma as saying
at Trump tower in New York after
meeting with Trump.
We specifically talked about ...
supporting 1 million small businesses,
especially in the Midwest of America.
Small businesses on the platform
selling products agriculture
products and America services to
China and Asia, he said.
They also discussed the ChinaUS relationship, which should be
strengthened and more friendly,
according to Ma.
(Trump) has concerns, and he
has solutions, that he wants to discuss
with China and us, he said.
We had a great meeting, and a
great, great entrepreneur, one of the

Jack Ma, founder and chairman of Chinas e-commerce giant Alibaba

best in the world. Jack and I are going

to do some great things, Trump told
reporters after the meeting.
Alibaba group said on Monday via
its official twitter that the company
works with US companies and
farmers to sell to over 450 million
Chinese consumers on its platform,
and it has set a goal of helping one
million US small businesses export
to China.

Trump ropes in son-in-law Kushner as presidential advisor

S President-elect Donald
Trump has confirmed
that he will add his sonin-law, Jared Kushner, to his White
House team as senior advisor to
the president.
Kushner would be an invaluable
member of my team as I set and
execute an ambitious agenda, said
the President-elect in a statement

acknowledging the appointment,

Efe news reported on Tuesday,
January 10, 2017.
According to the statement
released on Monday, Kushner would
work closely with Chief of Staff
Reince Priebus and White House
chief strategist Stephen Bannon,
forming a trio.

Trump said that this trio would

be an effective leadership team.
The communique also emphasised
the role that Kushner had in the
election campaign that culminated
in Trumps November 8 win,
saying that his participation was
instrumental
in
formulating
and
executing
the
winning
campaign strategy.

Kushner, an Orthodox Jewish real

estate businessman, who is married
to Ivanka Trump, the moguls
older daughter, would forego his
salary as presidential advisor, the
communique added.
The possibility that Trumps
son-in-law would join his team was
discussed for several weeks, although
that would appear to pose personal

challenges for Kushner because he

would have to divest himself from
his business activities to take on a
government post.
Kushner, who would turn 36 on
Tuesday, is the CEO of a company
focusing on New York and New
Jersey real estate investments and
since 2007 he has closed deals worth
some $13 billion, according to data
from the firm.

Still in holiday mood? Explore Auckland for that missing thrill

SWATI SHARMA

he official holiday period is

over. But if you are still in
the mood to have fun and are
ready to make the best of what youve
got, Auckland has a lot to offer.
From jumping off the Sky Tower,
taking a free fall with a bungee, flying
fox ziplines, beautiful and natural
beaches to wine tasting on Waiheke
Island, the City of Sails provides a
mesmerising mixture of adventure
and serenity to those who want to
add some thrill to their lives.
Aucklands vast harbour, quiet
islands, and vibrant landscapes
offer an exciting and accessible
mix of urban, water, and wildlife
activities, giving you a whole lot of
enjoyable options.
Off late, New Zealand has been
attracting an increasing number of
Indian travellers, which is expected
to grow even more. So while you are
living in one of the most liveable cities
in the world, why not take advantage
of its thriving multi-cultural hub of
cuisine, music, art and culture, and
extend your holiday plans?
1. One of the fun activities that is
sure to pump up your heartbeat
is the jump from the top of Sky
Towerthe highest and iconic
building of Aucklands skyline.
If you love adventure, you cant
miss this. The adrenaline rush
and the experience would be
hard to forget after the 192

meters jumpNew Zealands

highest and the only jump by
base wire. It takes you 11 second
to reach the ground, falling at
about 85 km per hour.
2. Zoom up 192 metres in
glass-fronted elevators to the
spectacular viewing platforms
and go for a SkyWalk. SkyWalk
involves a narrow walkway
on a ledge around the Sky
Tower192 meters high from
the groundwith no handrail.

You can see the entire city from

the highest platform in the city
and also try out some daredevil
tricks to satisfy your extra bit of
adventure quest.
3. Another adventure activity that
you would not want to miss is
the 40-metre Auckland Bridge
Bungee. A thrilling experience,
it is sure to surprise you,
especially if you are a waterlover and enjoy a nice ocean dip.
Attempt this must-do for neverforgettable fun.
4. If you are a nature lover, you
will surely enjoy the ziplines
and an eco-immersive forest
walk on breathtaking Waiheke
Island.The professional and
knowledgeable
guides
will
make your tour even more fun
and exciting.
5. One of the things that make
Auckland special is its vibrant
multiculturalism. From the first
Mori waka (canoes) and colonial

ships, Auckland has attracted

people of many cultures from
far and wide. Check out the
collection of Mori taonga
(treasures) at the Auckland
museum and watch one of the
daily cultural performances.
6. Take a walking tour of Aucklands
volcanoes with a guide from the
local iwi (tribe) to see remnants
of old fortified, terraced villages,
or visit Te Hana Te Ao Marama,
a replica of a 17th century
Mori village. You will be greeted
in traditional Mori way, called
Hongi, which involves touching
ones nose and forehead to the
other persons. It is considered
the equivalent of a formal
handshake, so be ready and
dont be shy!
7. Aucklanda
food
lovers
paradiseis home to some of
the best chefs, food producers,
and winemakers. You can find
almost all popular cuisines from

around the world in this city, be

it Chinese, Japanese, Malaysian,
Italian, French or American, and
if you are a vegetarian, head to
Aucklands Sandringham suburb
for the best Indian vegetarian
food. If you are a foodie, you
would not be disappointed by
what this city has to offer.
8. Award-winning Pinot Gris and
rich, full syrah are among the
citys specialities. If you are
a wine connoisseur, then visit
the beautiful Waiheke Island,
a 35-minute minute ferry
ride across the harbour from
downtown. Also known as the
island of wine, Waiheke has
around 30 boutique wineries
and vineyards served well with
speciality foods made with
locally-grown produce.
9. Auckland is also home to 48
dormant and extinct volcanic
cones, many of which offer
spectacular walking paths and
views at the top.
10. Last but definitely not the
least, the beautiful beaches of
Auckland are one of the worlds
best, especially those in North
Shore. If you have had enough
of and want to move away
from Mission Bay, add these
beautiful North Shore beaches
to your listSt Leonards beach,
Winstones Cove, Murrays Bay
Beach, Back Beach and Kennedy
Park, Castor Bay, Thornes Bay,
Narrow Neck and Cheltenham
Beach. Also, dont miss a
cruise on a classic yacht if you
love water.

24

FEATURES

13 January 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

PARENTING

Beware! Your social bias rubs off on your kid

T
he next time you try to utter biased or
discriminatory comments via nonverbal
signs such as a condescending tone of
voice or a disapproving look in the presence of
your kid, be careful.
According to a new study, young children
can catch the social bias by seeing even brief
negative signals expressed by adults and are
likely to generalise that learned bias to others.
This research shows that kids are learning

bias from the non-verbal signals that theyre

exposed to, said lead author Allison Skinner,
postdoctoral student in the University of
Washington in Seattle, US.
This could be a mechanism for the creation
of racial bias and other biases that exist in the
society, Skinner said.
Kids are picking up on more than we think.
You dont have to tell them that one group is
better than another, for them to be getting that

Childhood poverty can affect

adulthood psychologically

part from physical problems, people

with
an
impoverished
lifestyle
in childhood are also likely to
suffer significant psychological damage
during adulthood.
The findings of a study showed that
impoverished children had more anti-social
conduct such as aggression and bullying and
increased feeling of helplessness, than kids
from middle-income backgrounds. Poor kids
also have more chronic physiological stress and
more deficits in short-term spatial memory.
What this means is, if youre born poor,
youre on a trajectory to have more of these
kinds of psychological problems, said lead
author Gary Evans, Professor and child
psychologist at the Cornell University in New
York, US. The reason is stress, researchers said.
With poverty, youre exposed to lots of stress.
Everybody has stress, but low-income families,
low-income children, have a lot more of it,
Evans said. And the parents are also under a
lot of stress. So for kids, there is a cumulative
risk exposure. For the study, Evans tracked 341

message from how we act, Skinner added. For

the study, the team involved an initial group
of 148 children aged four and five, an equal
mix of boys and girls. In the first experiment,
the researchers found that children preferred
individuals who were depicted in good light as
opposed to another. These kids were exposed
to a brief video depicting nonverbal bias in
favour of one individual over another.In the
second experiment, pre-schoolers appeared to

Maternal depression may

reduce empathy in kids

M
participants over a 15-year period, and tested
them at ages 9, 13, 17 and 24.
The results revealed that the adults who
grew up in poverty had a diminished ability to
recall the sequences, tend to be more helpless
and had the tendency to give up easily as well
as had a higher level of chronic physical stress
throughout childhood and into adulthood.
The study was published in the journal
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

January 13 to 19 | By Manisha Koushik

generalise such bias to other individuals.The

spread of the bias observed in these experiments
lays a critical foundation for understanding
the way that social biases develop and spread
in early childhood.The findings underscore
the need for parents or adults to be aware of
the messagesverbal or otherwisethat they
convey to children about how they feel about
others, Skinner said. The study was published
in the journal Psychological Science.

others early and chronic depression

may increase the risk of children
developing
social-emotional
problems as well as impact their brains
empathic response to others distress
The findings of a recent study showed that
in children of depressed mothers, the neural
reaction to pain stops earlier than in controls,
in an area related to socio-cognitive processing.
As a result, these children seem to reduce
mentalising-related processing of others pain,
perhaps because of difficulty in regulating the
high arousal associated with observing distress
in others, said lead author Ruth Feldman,
Professor at Bar-Ilan University in Israel.
However, when mother-child interactions
were more synchronous, that is, mother and
child were better attuned to one another and
when mothers were less intrusive, these children
showed higher mentalising-related processing
in this crucial brain area.

It is encouraging to see the role of motherchild interactions. Depressed mothers are

repeatedly found to show less synchronous and
more intrusive interactions with their children
and so it might explain some of the differences
found between children of depressed mothers
and controls, Feldman added.
Apart from reduced empathy to others,
children exposed to maternal depression may
also have increased social withdrawal and poor
emotion regulation, the researchers said.
For the study, the team followed mother-child
pairs27 children of mothers with depression
and 45 controlsfrom birth to age 11.
Since 15-18 per cent of women in industrial
societies and up to 30 per cent in developing
countries suffer from maternal depression,
it is of clinical and public health concern to
understand the effects of maternal depression
on childrens development, the researchers
noted.The study was published in the Journal
of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent
Psychiatry (JAACAP).

Manisha Koushik is a practicing astrologer, tarot card reader,

numerologist, vastu and fengshui consultant based in India with a
global presence through the online channels. She is available for
consultations online as well. E-mail her at support@askmanisha.
com or contact at +91-11-26449898 Mobile/Whatsapp:
+919015607139 www.askmanisha.com

Aries (Mar 21-Apr 20)

Professionals need to give adequate time to their
clients if they want to retain them. Lover will be
more than happy to help you balance work and
romance. Certain financial proposals may not be
as clear cut as you think; gather more relevant
information before you make any decision. Your
over-insistence on something can put off lover. A
family youngster may need guidance in conserving
money. Avoid your finicky behaviour to enjoy these
moments in your life. Health requires attention.

Cancer (Jun 22-Jul 20)

This is your lucky period when whatever you touch
turns to gold! The professional front will be most
satisfying, as things run smoothly. Someones
prosperity is likely to make you green with envy.
You may want to find ways to increase your
contribution at the workplace. Focus your efforts
on the domestic front where the happiness seems
to be a little disturbed. Spouse or a close friend
can provoke you to do something that you may
later regret. Stay alert.

Libra (Sep 24-Oct 23)

You achieve much by being proactive at work.
Your analytical skills will be an asset and help
you find innovative ways to deal with complex
issues, especially on the financial front. You will
not go wrong anywhere if you maintain the same
curriculum. The performance of a family youngster
can become a matter of pride for you. Fitness buffs
are likely to enjoy perfect health provided you quit
drinking. Relationships improve as you want to
exploit the pleasures of sin and sensation.

Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 21)

Boredom threatens to set in at work, so take steps
to make your life exciting. Delay in some legal work
can cause concern. Avoid any transactions this week.
An old ailment may pester you but will be taken
care of. Getting rid of negativity vitiating your mind
may be easier said than done. Check someone
close going astray, but do it in a subtle manner. You
are creatively inspired and communication flows,
ensuring popularity amongst your social circle.
Avoid overspending on unnecessary things.

Lucky number: 7 / Lucky colour: Magenta

Lucky number: 17/ Lucky colour: Forest green

Lucky number: 6 / Lucky colour: Cream

Lucky number: 22 / Lucky colour: Navy blue

Taurus (Apr 21-May 20)

Work will be hectic, and you will be asked to
maintain a balance between focusing on your
tasks and helping colleagues with their projects.
So stay prepared to put in extra hours at work this
week. Meeting old pals will make you nostalgic.
Lethargy and inaction may get you out of shape
if you dont do something about it soon. Singles
could meet someone special in the family functions.
Family matters need more tactful tackling with
understanding and sensitivity. Someone in the
family is prone to ill health; take care.
Lucky number: 6 / Lucky colour: Coffee

Leo (Jul 21-Aug 22)

You have a reason to rejoice on the professional
front. Good earning will keep your morale high
and boost your self-esteem. Your performance on
the professional front is likely to be lauded by
all. Those married can be at daggers drawn with
spouse over some sensitive issue. Auspicious news
relating to a close friend or family member will
make you happy. A new acquaintance may present
a truly moving cultural experience. Accidental
benefits are indicated.
Lucky number: 27 / Lucky colour: Sea green

Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)

You make a niche for yourself on the professional
front, as you manage to pull some high-end
clientele. If you are attempting daring and
bold expansion plans, dont be swayed by
seemingly attractive long-term prospects. You
will be successful in delegating work to beat an
approaching deadline. Try and keep your options
open as new commitments or proposals need to
be studied in detail. Letting bygones be bygones,
you will be able to resurrect a flagging relationship.
Travel is indicated for some.
Lucky number: 7 / Lucky colour: Golden

Aquarius (Jan 22-Feb 19)

This is the right time to invest, as things look
bright on the financial front. If there are any wills/
legacies left to be completed, they must be done
without the slightest delay. Dont get emotionally
swayed by a scheming person and give in to his
or her demands. Performance at work can take a
nosedive, as you find it hard to cope up. Spending
time with family members will relax you from the
tensions at the work front. Plan a trip to a nearby
resort to recharge your senses.
Lucky number: 2 / Lucky colour: Brown

Gemini (May 21-Jun 21)

Your ability to discuss sensitive issues will be a
powerful asset in this week. You can expect full
support of family in all your endeavours. Those in
pursuit of romance could finally grasp that desired
prize. Probably you need to pay more attention to
detail as you are likely to make some mistakes
if you underestimate the situation. Dont take
any information at face value; verify all the facts
yourself before investing your hard earned money
somewhere.

Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 23)

Some serious career move is important at this
point. This is certainly not the suitable time to take
liberties in business matters. Prioritise spending
time at home on this weekend. Sharing your
concerns and worries with your partner will ease
your burden. Tone down your over competitive
tone on the work front. Financial gains are in the
offing. Students preparing for competitive exams
can begin processing their documents as stars
favour their aspirations.

Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)

Praise for a job well done at work is in store for
some. A workplace rival will not be able to upstage
you, as you will be able to stay a step ahead. There
may be opportunities hidden in current situations,
but you will need to aggressively seek them out.
Tips are likely to come in handy for those wanting
to play the stocks. Chance meetings could bring up
memories and make you nostalgic. Enemies who
troubled you in the past will start stepping back.
Avoid fat-rich foods to remain healthy.

Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20)

The appearance of a close competitor at work can
be a bit unsettling, but you will handle it effectively.
Creative and decorative undertakings will make
you shine. Curb your short temper attitude if you
do not wish to alienate friends. Family members
might prioritise looking the right match for
singles. Some of you may be hard pressed to give
quality time to the lover. Counselling youngsters
is favoured with chances of a positive impact.
Working towards spirituality is a possibility.

Lucky number: 9 / Lucky colour: Rose

Lucky number: 1 / Lucky colour: Pink

Lucky number: 2 / Lucky colour: Silver

Lucky number: 18 / Lucky colour: White

Study DEBT FREE under the Southern Institute of

Technology ZERO FEES SCHEME
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26

FEATURES

13 January 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

Meditation and healing,

the musical way

Indian Kite Festival

MOLLY PALANIEAPPAN
DATTA YOGA CENTRE NZ

Date: Sunday, January 15

Time: 11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Venue: Eastdale Reserve, Avondale, next to
Avondale College on Rosebank Road.
Vishanav Parivar of New Zealand (VPNZ) is
celebrating the 11th Indian Kite Festival on
the occasion of Makar Sankranti. VPNZ has
imported kites and threads from India which will
be on sale at the festival. There will be several
food stalls, ice cream and ice gola stalls. Some
of the main attractions of the festival include
entertainment for children in the form of fun
rides and climbing wall, slide, face painting
for the children, drawing competition and live
performances. You can also buy a $5 raffle
ticket to win a holiday package for two to Fiji that
includes five-days accommodation and many
more attractive prizes. This is a real family day
out and dont miss the event.

ith your eyes closed, you can perceive

your surroundings and appreciate
the nature that you would commonly
overlook, such as the chirping of the birds, the
sound of the light breeze or even the distant
sound of the cars passing.
Within a few moments, you would feel like
you have been transported into a different
dimension just by concentrating on the sounds
around you. In ancient Indian texts, sounds or
nada is revered highly. It is believed that all
creations originated from nada. The Vedas
have stated the importance of music in worship
and healing practices.
Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji of
Mysore (Sri Swamiji) is renowned for his music
for meditation and healing concerts.
He uses a method of healing through
music called Raga Chikitsaa lost
Yoga teaches that
ancient art that he is reviving in
the human body
this modern time. Sri Swamijis
in a specific rhythmic
has 72,000 nerves that
music therapy is combined
pattern. Disturbances
constantly vibrate in a
with
ayurveda,
psychology, specific rhythmic pattern. in the rhythmic pattern
gemmotherapy, and astrology.
are the root cause of
Disturbances in the
Sri Swamiji has explained and rhythmic pattern are the diseases. Sri Swamijis
proved the significance of nada in
music vibrations target
root cause of
ones life. He always says that the
these abnormal rhythmic
diseases.
right type of music can help relieve
patterns through the science
the stress of human mind. It is widely
of resonance. At the very
known that ailments within is graver and
least, the vibrations will leave one
more acute than the ones contracted externally.
uplifted with a sense of vitality and wellbeing.
If the mind is tranquil and happy, ailments of
Sri Swamiji has travelled the globe
the body and mind will be non-existent.
conducting music for meditation and healing
Yoga teaches that the human body has
concerts for world peace. Many have claimed
72,000 nerves (nadis) that constantly vibrate
to have benefited physically and mentally from

DATTA YOGA CENTRE New Zealand

presents for the rst time in New Zealand

Meditation and Healing Music Concert

by His Holiness
Dr.Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji
accompanied by His Celestial Music Troupe
Concert at Auckland:
4th February 2017,
6.00 pm - 8.30 pm
Dorothy Winstone Centre,
16 Howe St, Freemans Bay
Tickets: $100, $50, $30

Other programmes at Auckland

Datta Kriya Yoga: 28th-29th January 2017
Fickling Convention Centre
Hillsborough Room, Three Kings

Sri Chakra Puja: 5th February 2017, 5.00 pm - 8.30 pm

Sri Shirdi Sai Mandir, Onehunga
We welcome you to take part and benet from this unique Spiritual experience
For further details, contact:
Govardhan Mallela - 0211455708
Pravin Patel - 0211646468
Nagaraj Ambale - 0211498523
Valli Nagaraj - 0278388754
Email: enquiry.dycnz@gmail.com Website: dycnz.org Facebook: @dycnz

these music concerts. His music is not only

devotional but also invigorating.
Sri Swamiji always says, Physical health
results from a healthy mind. Celestial/spiritual
music helps in achieving relaxation by soothing
the nerves through peace of mind.
For the first time in New Zealand,
Auckland will be graced with an evening of
musical excellence.
Whether you are interested in meditation,
seeking peace of mind, or even just to
experience personally how music will affect
the body and your state of mind, be a part
of this event on February 4 at Dorothy
Winstone Theatre.

SUBSCRIBE TO
INDIAN WEEKENDER
NEWSLETTER AND
GET YOUR FAVOURITE
NEWSPAPER
DIRECT IN
YOUR MAILBOX

Music for Meditation

and Healing concert

Date: Saturday, February 4

Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Venu: Dorothy Winstone Theatre, Auckland
Girls Grammar School, Auckland
His Holiness Dr. Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda
Swamiji is renowned for His Healing and
Meditation music.He has been travelling
internationally for over 25 years propagating the
ancient musical knowledge Raga Ragini Vidya.
To find out more about Sri Swamiji and His
music visit:dycnz.org or yogasangeeta.org.

Vipassana Meditation
Centre Open Day

Date: Sunday, February 5

Time: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Venue: 153 Burnside Road, Makarau,
Kaukapakapa, Near Auckland
Vipassana Centre near Auckland has been
operating for more than 25 years, offering 10 day
residential courses in Vipassana Meditation as
taught by Mr. S.N. Goenka.Vipassana Technique
is a practical technique which enables one
to lead a more positive, balanced and happy
life and has nothing to do with any organised
religion. Vipassana Trust is a charitable
organization. All expenses are met by donations
from students who have benefited from a 10-day
meditation course. info@medini.dhamma.org,
website: www.medini.dhamma.org

Indian Calendar January 2017

Date
1 Jan
2 Jan
3 Jan
5 Jan
6 Jan
8 Jan
10 Jan
12 Jan
13 Jan
14 Jan
15 Jan
19 Jan
20 Jan
23 Jan
25 Jan
26 Jan
27 Jan
29 Jan
31 Jan

Day
Festivals & Observances
Sun
New Year Day
Mon
Chathurthi Vrat
Tue
Sashti
Thur
Guru Gobind Jayanthi
Fri
Masik Durgashtami
Sun
Vaikunta Ekadashi, Karthigai
Tue
Pradosh Vrat
Thur
Purnima, Arudra Darshan
Fri
Lohri/ Bhogi
Sat
Makar Sankranthi, Pongal
Sun
Sankastha Chathurthi, Maatu Pongal
Thur
Swami Vivekananda Jayanthi
Fri
Kalashtami
Mon
Ekadashi
Wed
Pradosh Vrat
Thur
Masik Shivaratri, Republic Day
Fri
Mauni, Thai Amavasya
Sun
Chandra Darshan
Tue
Ganesh Jayanthi
With compliments from www.e-puja.co.nz
The largest hindu online Puja platform

Dev Patel:

ENTERTAINMENT
FEATURES

www.iwk.co.nz | 13 January 2017

Live-in
relationships
not a negative
thing: Aditya

Never took up projects for golden statue

ndian origin British actor

Dev Patel, who lost the Best
Performance by an Actor in a
Supporting Role award to Aaron
Taylor-Johnson at the 74th Golden
Globes, said he never agrees to take
up a project thinking about awards.
Dev was pitted against Oscarwinning actor Jeff Bridges, Simon
Helberg, Mahershala Ali and
Johnson for the Golden Globe,
which was handed out at a glittering
ceremony at Beverly Hills, California
on Sunday, January 8 2017.
Prior to the ceremony, Dev
said over phone: "I am not really
holding my breath. I am feeling
very grateful to get nominated in
the category. Being just 26, I still
have a lot to learn. I am lucky that
I am able to represent India on an
international stage."
How important are awards for
him?
"I would be lying if I say that
awards are not amazing. Awards can
really change someone's career. You
get recognition. You might get scripts
that you didn't get earlier. But I never
took up a project thinking about a
golden statue," said the actor, who
made his debut in the Oscar-winning
film Slumdog Millionaire.
Talking about Lion, for which he
was nominated, he said: "When we
were shooting this film, we were
shooting in difficult situations.
Walking on the red carpet was the
farthest thing you can get in mind.
It's all about characters, the journey
and the story."
Lion, based on Saroo Brierley's
best-selling autobiography A Long
Way Home, is a true story about an
Indian boy who falls asleep on a
train only to wake up and realise

he is miles away from home in a

strange land where he does not speak
the language. He experiences many
challenges before getting adopted by
a couple in Australia. Years later, he
sets out to find his lost family.
The drama, directed by Garth
Davis, will release in India on
February 24, 2017.
This isn't the first time that the
actor, with roots in Gujarat, is
playing a character with an Indian
connection. In Slumdog Millionaire, he
essayed the role of Jamal Malik, who
was raised in the slums of Mumbai.
His third film, The Best Exotic
Marigold Hotel, presented him as an
Indian hotel manager. His next, Hotel
Mumbai, is again set in India. It is
based on the 2008 terrorist attack on
the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower hotel
in Mumbai.
Does he want people to remember
him as the actor who represented
India on international platforms?
"There you go. You said it in
a nutshell. Absolutely. I want the
world to embrace stories from India.
It (since such movies are made)
shows that markets Hollywood
and England are trying to explore
stories about people...not just about
an Asian person or a rich person. It's
about humanity," he said.
"When I decided to do the story
on Taj, we looked past the colour and
skin of the characters...(and focused
on) how some of the staff went over
and above to protect their guests in
times of terror," he added.
Asked about being attracted to
"underdog stories", he said: "I've
never been one of the supremely
popular kids. I look at these stories
as individuals who rise through

Nawazuddin a remarkable
actor: Shweta Tripathi

ctress Shweta Tripathi, who

will be sharing screen space
with Nawazuddin Siddiqui
in their forthcoming film Haraamkhor
said her co-star is a remarkable actor.
At first, I was worried sharing
screen with an actor like Nawazuddin
Siddiqui because he is a remarkable
actor and an outstanding person.
He didnt make me feel that I am a
newcomer, Shweta said.
Nawazuddin brings down himself
to match the level. I felt like I am
working with an actor who has same
experience like me, she said
Thats why I respect him so much.
I dont know anybody who does that.
He gives space to another co-star,
She added.
Working with him brings the best
of you. I really admire him. I think he
knows how he helped me in acting,
the actress said.
Once he said some actors need
to be choosy. That line stuck in my
mind. I am now super choosy with
the films. He also said talent cant be
suppressed. I truly believe in these
things, the Masaan actress said.
Shot in a small village in Gujarat,
the film explores the romance
between a 14-year-old school student
and her teacher. Decorated with
visuals set in a small village are the
main characters of the film, the
teacher, the student, a boy who has a

crush on the same girl and his friend

who helps him and the teachers wife.
The trailer is funny in parts
even as the film sets out to spread a
serious message. Directed by Shlok
Sharma, the film is releasing
today (January 13).

ditya Roy Kapoor, who will

be seen playing the lead role
in upcoming Ok Jaanu, thinks
that
live-in-relationships
which
are common these days are not a
negative thing.
It is not about what is right or
wrong. Live-in relationships are
common these days, thats why so
many movies are being made on the
subject. Many of my friends are going
through live-in relationships, some
have worked out and some didnt.
But I dont feel it is a negative thing
and marriage has to do anything with
it, he said at the press conference,
ahead of the films release.
The film sees Aditya and Shraddha
Kapoor as a young couple in a livein relationship in Mumbai while
Naseeruddin Shah and
Leela Samson play
an older couple
who are their
landlords.
I
dont
think it is
wrong if a
couple
who
want to get
married get into a
live-in relationship to
know each other better, he added.
Agreeing with her Aashiqui 2
co-star, Shraddha said: It (the
film) is an interesting take on
live-in-relationship. But Aditya
added: The film is not only about
live-in-relationship. Ok Jaanu is
actually a love story. The couple just
happens to be in a live-in. We are not
preaching about what is wrong or
how modern we are. It has shown the
relationship respectfully.
Directed by Shaad Ali, the
romantic drama is releasing today
(January 13).

adversity
and
face
challenges. Such stories
provide me inspiration."
But is it difficult for Indian
actors to work in Hollywood?
"No. What you have to do
is turn an obstacle into an
opportunity. I've learnt to embrace
my identity and not shy away from
who I am in films that I choose.
That's what has got me so
far," said Dev.

Sadhana Sargam:
I love celebration of melody in songs:
S
inger Sadhana Sargam, who
has worked in Bollywood and
other regional film industries,
says she enjoys melodious songs,
adding that film music has changed
a lot. Considering the fact that she
does not sing in Bollywood so often
and asked if she has any preferences,
Sargam said she loves songs that have
strong melody.
The music has changed (in film
music) and there are various genres
that we get to hear now. I love songs
that have strong melody. Unless I am
getting that, how could I sing? But
new singers are also talented and
they fit in to the trend. As a singer
I love the celebration of melody in
songs, Sargam said.
The singer, who is currently busy
preparing a list of songs for a concert
titled Roshan Se Roshan Tak, said that it
is quite a task to choose a few from a
long list of super hit songs of Rajesh
Roshan that she sang all through
her career.
With a combination of young
and veteran singers and a 50 piece
orchestra, music director Rajesh
Roshan is holding the concert in
Thane and Vadodara on January
28 and February 11 respectively to
commemorate the journey of three
generations of his family.
Sargam feels one of the special
factors of song recording earlier was

27

rehearsal that helped me to pick up

many nuances of playback singing,
especially expression.
Starting her musical journey at
the very tender age of four under
the tutelage of her mother Neela
Ghanekar, a classical singer,
Sargam lent her voice for popular
song Sooraj ek chanda ek tare
anek for Doordarshan at the
age of six. She has explored
all the platforms be it films,
television or pop album.
Some of her popular
songs are Aao na, Chup ke se,
Saat samunder, Pehla nasha, O
Paalanhaare, Jab koi baat bigad
jaye among others.
Talking about the popularity
of her song Jab koi baat bigad jaye
from the film Jurm, composed
by Rajesh Roshan, Sargam
said: As a singer, I treated all
the songs with equal passion but
I had no idea that it would be such
a hit song! I think though it is an
old song, people can still relate with
it.
Roshan Se Roshan Tak partnered
by 92.7 big FM also features singers
like Sudesh Bhosle, Palak Muchhal,
Jubin Nautiyal, Udit Narayan,
Babul Supriyo, Mohammad Aziz,
Shivranjani, Amay Date and
Pratibha Baghel.

28

FEATURES
ENTERTAINMENT

13 January 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

Bhumi
Pednekar:
Cinema is biggest, easiest way to
communicate with masses

er first film, Dum Laga Ke Haisha,

contained the message that over-sized
women are not at a disadvantage as
long as there is love.
Her second, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, too has a
societal message. Actress Bhumi Pednekar is
more than happy about Bollywood making
message-based films and says cinema is the
easiest way to communicate with the people.
I feel that todays people, audiences and
filmmakers, we all have become very aware of
the problems and the situations that we have
around us. Earlier, we were in a position to
ignore them... but I think we have now reached
a point where we cannot ignore certain things
and I think it is fantastic...
Cinema is the largest and the easiest way to
communicate with the masses and if you can
put it to good use, then why not, Bhumi asked.
The 27-year-old actress says Toilet-Ek Prem
Katha isnt preachy. It is a beautiful love story
that taps into a lot of aspects of our society as
well, she added.
While it is quite apparent from the title that
the film is about personal hygiene, the producers
are keeping the storyline close to their chests to
retain interest in the movie that is set to release
in June.
Fans of Dum Laga Ke Haisha fondly remember
Bhumi as the simple plus-sized Sandhya, and in
the upcoming film starring Akshay Kumar, her
role again seems to be on similar lines.
What I did in my first film is nothing like
what I am doing in Toilet: Ek Prem Katha. What

attracts me are real stories about real Indian

girls. Its not that I only pick those subjects.
I pick characters purely on the basis on how
good the story is and how good my role and
character are, Bhumi said.
Bhumi, who before entering the world of
films was a casting director, considers herself
to be lucky for bagging realistic roles.
I think I have been really lucky that I
have been getting roles where I can play
the girl-next-door or a girl... My roles
are not similar at all, she said.
Dum Laga Ke Haisha came in 2015 and
Bhumis next film is all set to release in
June 2017.
Will the time gap help her build a
new image?
The time I took off was planned
because I had to come back to being
Bhumi (my natural self) and it took
me this much time. I had gained
an insane amount of weight for
the film and I had to drop it
off, she explained.
She says she has taken
time to choose the scripts
that she really wants to be
a part of.
I have been really
lucky and touchwood, for
me, life has always been
on track, Bhumi added.

Amitabh gets US
embassy award for
fighting TB

It is inspiring that India and the US

are natural partners with a long history of
collaboration on tuberculosis prevention,
treatment, research and cure and I hope to
continue to do my bit in this partnership to end
tuberculosis in India, Amitabh reciprocated.
Verma and Amitabh first collaborated to
work on tuberculosis during an event two
years ago on September 10 and it soon grew
into a common passion around the cause
of eradicating tuberculosis. In March 2016,
Amitabh attended a reception at the US
Embassy in New Delhi as tuberculosis brand
ambassador and a survivor of the disease.

the planet. They are gods creations. Irrespective

of their field, they should be respected, he said.
Bollywood celebrities like Salim Khan,
Shekhar Kapur, Akshay Kumar and Farhan
Akhtar had earlier strongly condemned the
incident that took place during the New Year
celebration in Bengaluru.

The high cinema

gives is unmatchable:
Shriya Saran

Parents should
teach sons to respect
women: SRK

egastar Amitabh Bachchan was

given an award by the US Embassy
in appreciation for his invaluable
contributions to the US-India partnership
on tuberculosis, an official said on Monday
January 9 2017.
The award was presented on January 8 by
US Ambassador to India Richard R Verma to
the legendary actor who is also a tuberculosis
survivor and brand ambassador for the
initiative. Speaking on a live video-chat with
Facebook users, the two discussed the US
Embassys collaboration to end tuberculosis
in India and the US-India partnership among
other issues.
I thank Mr Bachchan for his dedication
to support the cause and for sharing his
story as a tuberculosis survivor to reduce the
stigma associated with tuberculosis, Verma
acknowledged.
He added that more lives can be saved and
ease the burden the disease places on families,
communities, corporations and India, referring
to the high incidence of tuberculosis-related
deaths in the country.

ollywood Superstar Shah Rukh Khan

has urged parents to teach their sons
how to respect women.
Asked about the recent Bengaluru mass
molestation, Shah Rukh said: It is completely
wrong. I feel mothers and fathers should teach
their sons how to respect women.
SRK spoke to media at the Archana Kochhar
Show, where he walked as a showstopper.
The charity event was held to raise funds for
free heart surgeries for 100 children at the
Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital &
Medical Research Institute.
All women as daughters or mothers are close
to my heart. Its high time we realise and make
sure that they are the most respected people on

Veteran actor
Om Puri passes
away, India
mourns

o other profession can match the high

that cinema provides, says actress
Shriya Saran, who has been acting
since she was 17. Shriya, who is now 34, said:
Cinema is the only profession where you get
a high even at the age of 65 when you land a
great role.
She was speaking at the first edition of
India Today Conclave South, and said that she
considers herself extremely lucky to be
an actress. Look at Amitabh Bachchan. Even
at his age, he gets to play great characters. At
his age, if youre in a different profession, would
you be allowed to do anything? I doubt. I feel
blessed to be an actress, she said.
On the acting front, Shriya awaits
the release of Telugu historic drama
Gauthamiputra Satakarni.

eteran Bollywood actor Om Puri,

whose repertoire as an actor
reflected a rare realism, died early
on Friday, December 30 2016, after a heart
attack, triggering nationwide outpouring of
condolences from top leaders, fans and the
film fraternity.
The widely celebrated Om Puri, 66, was
found dead at his Andheri West residence,
a family friend said. He is survived by his
son Ishaan, whom he had with former wife
Nandita Puri. The sudden demise of one of
India's most talented actors stunned the film
industry. Khalid Kidwai, producer of the
actor's upcoming film Ram Bhajan Zindabad,
said he met Om Puri on Thursday night
regarding the promotional activities of the
Hindi movie.
"He was in a happy mood and we conversed
till late evening before he went to his friend and
actor Manoj Pahwa's party. In the morning
when I learnt about his demise, I was in shock.
I still cannot believe it," Kidwai said.
In one of his last interviews, Om Puri
said prophetically on December 23: "My
contribution will be visible once I leave
the world."
Known for his deep baritone and distinctive
acting style, Om Puri had an affinity towards
socially relevant cinema. This drove him into
doing movies like Aakrosh and Ardh Satya which
proved to be box office hits. A National School
of Drama alumnus, Om Puri also featured in
movies like "Dharavi" and Mirch Masala and
explored the comedy genre with Jaane Bhi Do
Yaaro, Chachi 420, Hera Pheri, Malamaal Weekly
and more. His stint on the small screen saw
him feature in shows like Kakkaji Kaheen and Mr
Yogi. But his most notable work was in TV film
Tamas, which was helmed by Govind Nihalani
a filmmaker with whom Om Puri worked
very closely all through.
For his superlative work, he was honoured
with the National Film Award for Best Actor
twice for Arohan in 1982 and for Ardh Satya in
1984. Om Puri also nurtured an international
career, which started with a cameo in Richard
Attenborough's iconic Gandhi. Among some of
his British films were My Son the Fanatic, East Is
East and The Parole Officer. He also appeared in
Hollywood films including City of Joy, Wolf and
The Ghost and the Darkness. An advocate of peace
between India and Pakistan, he even featured
in Pakistani film Actor In Law. He also sank his
teeth into regional Indian film projects.
Political leaders from Prime Minister
Narendra Modi, Congress President Sonia
Gandhi and Chief Ministers Mamata Banerjee
and Vasundhara Raje mourned his death.
A much-loved actor for his simplicity and
humility, celebrities from Mumbai, Kolkata and
even from the southern film industry expressed
grief. The film fraternity said he was one of
the industry's "greatest" and "most passionate"
talent, who they believe will remain alive with
the body of work he has left behind.
A Padma Shri awardee and National Awardwinner, Om Puri was also made the honorary
officer of the Order of the British Empire
for his services to the British film industry. As
president of the Cine & TV Artistes Association
and a former chairman of the National Film
Development Corp (NFDC), he was focussed
on backing socially relevant content.

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30

FEATURES

13 January 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

Meet the young innovators

SWATI SHARMA

n our Face of the Week section this week, we

are featuring faces of two Aucklanders
Prashant Trivedi and Santhan Kusum,
developers of a website that will help the firsthome buyers save a lot of money.
Prashant, an African-born New Zealander
of Indian-origin, moved to New Zealand in
2001. With familys root in Indias Gujarat,
Prashant says he connected to his Indian roots
right from his childhood, and a visit to family
in Mumbai, New Delhi, and Ahmedabad is a
must whenever he visits India.
He graduated from the University of
Auckland with double degrees in Computer
Science and Finance before he started working
in the technology section at a large bank.
And that is where he met Santhan.
Born and brought up in Hyderabad in
India, Santhan moved to New Zealands
West Auckland with his family at the age of
10 in 2003.
Joint Secretary of New Zealand Telugu
Association, Santhan stays in touch with
his Indian roots by actively participating in
community activities.
He graduated with a degree in Software
Engineering from the University of Auckland
and started working at the bank with Prasanth.
Their new venture Mortgage Hub is gaining
quite an attention of those struggling to get
the best loan rates while buying a house in
New Zealand.
In a conversation with the duo, Indian
Weekender found out more. Here are the excerpts
from the interview.
IWK: What is Mortgage Hub?
Prashant Trivedi: Mortgage Hub is a
mortgage education and comparison website

Prashant Trivedi & Santhan Kusum

Prashant Trivedi (L) and Santhan Kusum (R)/ Photo: supplied

where users can compare the best mortgage

rates in New Zealand and connect with some
of the best mortgage advisers in the country.
The aim of Mortgage Hub is to empower New
Zealanders to make sound financial decisions.
IWK: How did you two come up with
this idea?
PT: While working at the bank, we realised that
the mortgage process still feels like a decade old.
Also, there was massive information asymmetry,

Shri Ram Mandir

11 Brick Street, Henderson

AKHAND HANUMAN
CHALISA PAATH 2017

which meant that everyday borrowers were

not educated on mortgages or the best rates
available, resulting in them getting a deal that
was less than ideal and ultimately losing money.
Santhan Kusum: We thought we could try
building something that could be an easy-to-use
platform to educate people and make comparing
mortgage rates easy while saving their time, stress,
and money.
We are also first-home buyers, so we have
had first-hand experience going through this
process, and we understand the pain points
well. We have learnt a lot through our journey,
and we want to ensure that no other homebuyer
makes the same mistakes we made.
IWK: Do you think this kind of service
was long overdue considering todays
fast-developing technology?
SK: Definitely. We can see in other parts of the
world that financial comparison sites are the
norm. With such a tough housing market in
New Zealand, something such as the Mortgage
Hub was long overdue.
In saying this, there are many areas of the
mortgage process that are still inefficient to
the banks, advisers and the borrowers. We
are hoping we can bring some innovation to
this industry.
PT: When people are looking to buy a house or
obtain a mortgage, there are so many different
sources of information that it isnt easy to
understand it all.

Saturday 21st Sunday 22nd January

Sat 21st
Sun 22nd

8am Sthapna & Roth Pooja of Hanuman Ji

IWK: What is your opinion about the

current housing scenario, and what,
according to you, could be a quick
solution to the housing-crisis
of Auckland?
PT: Its difficult to make a general statement
about the current housing situation. It is
definitely difficult for first-home buyers,
especially in Auckland where house prices are
at a record high.
I think the only quick fix solution is for
people to change their mindset about housing.
In all super cities around the world, apartment
living is the norm, and it has several benefits
compared to a standalone house.
If people want to stay in Auckland but are
struggling to find an affordable house, then
they have to consider apartments as the more
affordable option.
Otherwise, there are great cities around New
Zealand that still offer relatively affordable
house prices with a high standard of living, such
as Wellington, Christchurch, and Tauranga.
IWK: What other services your website
plans to offers in future?
SK: Our plan is to branch out from mortgages
and disrupt the financial services industry
by developing innovative digital solutions in
other space.
We are currently building credit card and
savings account comparison for students,
hoping to go live in time for the school and
university year.
Students are at a fragile time in their lives,
where the right financial choices can have
great benefits in their future, so we hope this
can be of use to them when choosing their
first credit card or looking at the best tertiary
savings accounts. We will also continue to
build various tools to help homebuyers. We are
always excited for suggestions from our users.
If you have any ideas, feel free to get in touch.

10am Chalisa Paath Starts

10am Chalisa Paath Ends

11am Hawan Yagna & Arti

12pm Prasad & Mahaprasad Served

Prasad & Mahaprasad will be served throughout the program
Specially blessed oil from Hanuman Ji Abishek will be available
Devotees are free to bring Prasad or make Roth on site

To register your interest please contact Avinesh: 021-834-280

shrirammandir.org.nz | facebook.com/ShriRamMandirNZ | PH: (09) 836-4647
s

We hope Mortgage Hub can be a single

place for homebuyers to do their own personal
research. By making information more
accessible and understandable, people can
make more informed financial decisions.

IWK: How does this calculator work,

and how can users ensure its accuracy?
PT: We pull the advertised rates from the
leading banks and lenders in New Zealand,
which are displayed on our comparison page.
Users can then use the calculator to see how
different loan amounts and terms will affect the
estimate repayments they will need to make.
We have also built a great affordability
calculator that collects a few pieces of
information, and then calculates how much you
might be able to borrow.
It also provides some customised tips, such as
whether you are eligible for a KiwiSaver grant,
or how your mortgage repayments will compare
to your existing rent/accommodation expenses.
SK: We regularly update our rates. However,
there may be short periods where the rates may
not be updated, especially when banks have just
changed their rates.
We are automating this, so the rates will
always be up to date. Our calculators use
standard financial formulae, similar to what the
banks use.

ADVERTISE ON INDIAN WEEKENDER WEBSITE AND

GET YOUR MESSAGE IN FRONT OF THOUSANDS OF
INDIANS ACROSS NEW ZEALAND

24 x7

PRICES FROM $250*CALL 022-3251630

At Kiwi Home Loans, we go an extra mile to save you

money and ensure hassle-free processing. We leverage our
experience and expertise to structure your loan and help
you get debt-free faster.
Services Offered:

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First Home Buyers
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www.kiwihomeloan.nz

DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this material is not intended to form professional legal advice or legal opinion.
Readers are advised to obtain their own specific legal advice.

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