Indian Down Under E-Paper Aug - Sep. 2011

The Indian Down Under POBox 99 Thornleigh NSW2120 Ph (02) 9875 2713 Fax (02) 9980 6349 Email:
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VOL 24 No. 2
Print Post Publication No. 23572300014
Annual Subscription incl. postage & handling $17 Newsagencies
$1 inc GST
August - September 2011
Free at Indian Outlets
Rabindranath
Tagore
150th
Birth
Anniversary
Story Page 23
Inside this issue:
27: Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, Gandhis
grand daughter visits Australia in October
14: Neeru Saluja interviews Rahul
Deshprabhu, Visual Effects Technical
Director of Avatar movie and now
working on George Millers Happy Feet 2
65: Australi-a-sia Independent Film
Festivals star attraction Abhishek
Bachchan, Madhavan and director Madhur
Bhandarkar come to Sydney to attend AIFF
from September 23-30.
Where the mind is without fear and the
head is held high
Where knowledge is free
Where the world has not been broken up
into fragments
By narrow domestic walls
Where words come out from the depth
of truth
Where tireless striving stretches its
arms towards perfection
Where the clear stream of reason has
not lost its way
Into the dreary desert sand of dead
habit
Where the mind is led forward by thee
Into ever-widening thought and action
Into that heaven of freedom,
my Father, let my country awake.
Pankaj Udhas live in Sydney Sept 3
Madhavan -
Guest at AIFF
Rahul
Deshprabhu Tara Gandhi with Dalai Lama
2 THE INDIAN DOWN UNDER August - September 2011
August - September 2011 THE INDIAN DOWN UNDER 03
Editor's Letter
Editorial/Advertising Enquiries: 02 9875 2713
Postal Address: PO Box 99, Thornleigh NSW 2120.
Email: indiandownunder@gmail.com
Website: www.indiandownunder.com.au
EDITORIAL
Principal Editor: Vijay Badhwar
Associate Editor: Neena Badhwar
North America : Parveen Chopra
Correspondent
Sports Editor: Kersi Meher-Homji
Delhi Reporter: Ritu Ghai
WRITERS
Third Eye: Rekha Bhattacharjee
Political Columns: Karam Ramrakha, Mallika
Ganesan
Films and Art: Neeru Saluja, Abhishek Sood, Monica
Daswani, Sumi Krishnan, Devaki Parthasarthy, Neena
Badhwar, Rekha Rajvanshi
Body-Mind-Spirit: Dr Sunder Das, Kanaka
Ramakrishna, Faith Harper, T Selva, Dilip Mahanty
Sport: Kersi Meher-Homji, Dilip Mahanty
Fiji Diary: Karam Ramrakha
Cookery: Promila Gupta
Children Section: Esther Chudhary-Lyons
Classical Music: Sumi Krishnan, Kris Raman,
Lokesh Varma
Travel: Vijay Badhwar, Kris Raman
Humour: Melvin Durai, Santram Bajaj
Seniors Column: Santram Bajaj
Beauty: Devaki Parthasarthy
Community: Neena Badhwar, Kersi Meher-Homji,
Vijay Badhwar, Sumi Krishnan, Neeru Saluja, Savitha
Narayan
Photographers: Neelesh Kale, Raj Suri and Jordan
Anjaiya
Graphic Design: Nayanesh Gandhi, Dinesh Verma,
(Bhagwati Multimedia) Bharat Bhushan Chopra
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T
he second half of the year is usual-
ly busier for the Indian community
when the beginning of the celebra-
tions are marked with Independence Day
fair and continue with Ganesh Visarjan,
Navratri Garbas, Dussehra, Diwali fair
and many festivities.
This year there is not one but two
fairs which celebrate the Independence
Day. Its both good and bad: good that
there are more fairs to enjoy, more vari-
ety, more fun, and importantly, that it
provides an alternative leadership in the
community. Its bad that it portrays a
split in the already small Indian commu-
nity and wastes resources that are mea-
gre.
There is no shortage of aspirant lead-
ers, especially the ones who only are crit-
ical. They do not add value but only hin-
der progress and divert the focus of criti-
cal issues relevant to the community.
But its not entirely fair to be negative
as change is sometimes better than the
continuing lethargy of a race, a commu-
nity or an organization. We, as a migrant
community, know that as we bring a new
lease of life, fresh energy and ideas to
the local community to move forward.
The life, otherwise, is dull and boring,
lifeless, as it carries the same routines
without new visions and directions.
The natural life progresses into new
species by arbitrary mutations of genes.
There is no slow and gradual progress
there; the change is in quantum. Its
always followed with an improvement or
death of a species.
We have experienced that in the
Indian community in Australia organiza-
tions which are dynamic and welcome
change in leadership are more progres-
sive. There are others which drag on
with the same people at the helm who are
unwilling to leave their positions of
power and are comfortable without a
threat. In some of these institutions they
also enjoy financial benefits for doing
voluntary work.
Hence it is wait and see: if the
option of a new umbrella organization
emerging in the community is good or
merely a grab for leadership, whether it
is constructive or merely critical of oth-
ers doing an average job. We should not
be hasty to pass a judgment.
M
eanwhile in India, the issue to
deal with corruption is not
dying down as more scams,
bigger and more daring, are exposed.
Now its the Reddy brothers in Karnataka
who join the corrupt league, having made
their billions in mining contracts.
But the Government is not serious to
deal with the issue, judging from the
approval of the draft of the anti-corrup-
tion Lokpal Bill in the Union Cabinet
which excludes the Prime Minister and
the judiciary from the ambit of the Bill.
The Lokpal Bill will be tabled in parlia-
ment during the forthcoming monsoon
session.
It is not clear why the Government is
so keen to exclude the PM and the judici-
ary from the Bills purview when this is
an open secret about prime ministers and
judges who have been blatantly corrupt in
the past. It is no wonder that Anna
Hazare judged the Bill as "too weak and
ineffective and having a very narrow
jurisdiction". Civil Society member Kiran
Bedi cynically referred to the Bill as
Jokepal Bill.
The draft Bill is really a joke as it
excludes all the recent mega scams like
in the Commonwealth Games, Jharkhand
Mukti Morcha scam, fodder scam, Taj
corridor scam, Adarsh Housing, Reddy
brothers, to name a few.
The Government is also treading on
civil liberties as it went on to ambush the
Baba Ramdev protest and now has
allowed only one day to Anna Hazare to
fast at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
These are Sonia Gandhian values that
one will be ill at ease to associate with
the Mahatma.
L
ast month India was terror hit yet
again when three synchronised
bomb attacks on July 13 in
Mumbais busy localities at rush hour
took the lives of 23 and wounded 130.
Ironically the terror visited within days of
Home Minister Chidambarams statement
that the first six months in 2011 have
been Indias most peaceful in years. The
frequency of terror strikes in the country,
particularly in its financial capital,
Mumbai, only goes on to show that India
has not progressed much in preventing
such attacks through better intelligence.
On the plus side, Pakistan was not
blamed for fomenting trouble this time,
and the scheduled peace talks between
the foreign ministers of the two neigh-
bouring countries were held as per sched-
ule later in July. Secretary of State
Hillary Clinton also did not postpone her
visit to India.
I
request all Indians living in Australia to
help our community boost its numbers
in the current Australian Census to be
conducted on 9th Aug 2011.
If you speak Hindi please write Hindi
as a language spoken at home in question
16 in the census form.
* Government policies, e.g. which
language to be taught in schools, depend
on official statistics
* ACARA (Australian Curriculum
Assessment and Reporting Authority) has
not included Hindi or any Indian Language
in its draft shape paper for national lan-
guage curriculum
* ACARA selection criterion includes
languages widely spoken at home
* Hindi is Indias national language
* Hindi is spoken by over 600 million
people worldwide
* Hindi is 2rd largest spoken language
Question 16 - Does the person speak
language other than English at home Yes,
others - please specify:
Please write the language we speak at
home e.g. Hindi,
* We also appeal to those who speak
Hindi as well as regional Indian
Languages, Please write Hindi.
Tara Chand Sharma
Co-ordinator
Australian Hindi Committee
Lots of fairs but wheres the vision
Letter to the Editor
File picture of UIA fair in Sydney
H I N D I
Comment
By Rekha Bhattacharjee
A
ustralia and India are once
again in formal negotia-
tions to double two-way
trade flows within five years and
have also agreed to work out a far-
reaching free trade deal to under-
pin further growth.
The current round of free trade
agreement negotiation was held in
New Delhi recently.
The FTA bi-lateral talks are
aimed at sorting out a comprehen-
sive agreement that will lower bar-
riers, tariffs and also to enhance
cooperation on various fronts.
India has become the ninth
country with whom Australia is in
currently in free trade talks. Other
eight countries include China and
Korea.
India has already signed with
countries from the subcontinent,
Korea and ASEAN nations.
Experts believe that an FTA
between Australia and India could
look into lowering existing trade
barriers and addressing behind-
the-border barriers impeding
investment to further boost trade
and investment flows to the benefit
of both economies. The reduction
of tariff barriers would also have
positive fallout on inflationary
pressures on the core inputs to
growth in India.
With Australian mining com-
panies taking keen interest in
Indian resources, this would help
Indian companies as they get expo-
sure to the international best prac-
tices including environmental man-
agement and logistics.
Even without an FTA in place,
trade between Australia and India
has grown strongly over recent
decades, with a particularly sharp
upswing since 2002. Two-way
trade between Australia and India
in 200809 reached US$16 billion,
of which goods trade was the
largest component, at US$12.9 bil-
lion. Two-way services trade has
risen markedly off a low base and
amounted to US$3.1 billion in
200809.
Exports from Australia to
India have grown rapidly in recent
years. India was the fourth most
important export market for
Australian goods and the fifth
largest export market for
Australian services in 2008-09,
wrote Ian Bennett of Australian
Business Marketing Services
recently.
Australia needs to have equal
access or, even better, preferential
access to the Indian market.
Australias financial stability has
developed due to our ability to
export manufacturing inputs to
countries like China, Japan and
Korea. As each of these strong
manufacturing economies devel-
oped, benefits have flowed to
Australia. India is now in our
sights to become a major trading
partner, Ian Bennett wrote fur-
ther.
According to the figures pro-
vided by India's Department of
Commerce, a free trade agreement
could be worth as much as $30 bil-
lion over the next 20 years.
The creation of a forum of
business chiefs from both countries
was announced in previous round
of FTA talks in Canberra in May.
Billionaire trucking magnate
Lindsay Fox was nominated as the
Australian co-chair of the new
group.
"You have the people, we have
just about everything else,"
Lindsay Fox had told his Indian
counterpart Naveen Jindal MP and
Executive Vice-Chairman and
Managing Director of Jindal Steel
- co chair of the Australia India
Chief Executive.
This quote pretty much sums
up the synergies which could be
harnessed if both the countries
work together for mutual benefits.
By Neena Badhwar
C
ensus Australia
launched its multicul-
tural marketing cam-
paign on August 2, with Sheba
Nandkeolyar, the CEO of
Multicall Connexions an
agency in Sydney working on
multicultural marketing for
Census Australia, at Le
Montage in Leichhardt in the
presence of members from var-
ious multicultural communities,
media representing Print,
Radio and TV and Internet,
CRC chairman Stepan
Kerkysharian and politicians.
Census Australia celebrates
its 100th anniversary with the
first Census conducted in 1911.
Explained Sheba, What is
Census? We ran a campaign
that drove home the message to
various communities that it is
an important activity which
gives all of us an opportunity
with which we can shape this
country in the future from what
it looks like in the year 2011.
Paul Lowe, Head of Census
Program, said, Census 2011
aims to take a snapshot of
Australia, Australians and their
key characteristics, on which
many state and federal deci-
sions are based such as trans-
port, health and education.
Census reveals many inter-
esting details. For example, in
every 1 minute and 29 seconds
a migrant arrives in this coun-
try, 36 percent of Sydneysiders
speak a language other than
English and 32 percent speak a
different language at home than
English. Indian subcontinents
communities are the fastest
growing along with
Vietnamese, Korean and
Philipino and Arabic com-
munties. There are 400 diverse
languages and cultural groups
settled here despite English as
the most spoken language of
Australia by 79 % of the peo-
ple. 47 % of Australians are
born overseas.
Minister for Citizenship,
Community and Minister for
Aboriginal Affairs, Victor
Dominello, said, Census 2011
is the 16th conducted in the last
100 years. It has shown a mas-
sive change in the mix of peo-
ple here today than in Australia
a hundred years ago. The
Census helps find new markets
for the governments for multi-
cultural marketing campaigns.
Census data is a treasure trove
that will help discover popula-
tion trends. You dont need to
fear as we know people have
fled from difficult circum-
stances and should fill the
Census forms to give a true pic-
ture of Australia. We can see
the rise of certain languages
such as Hindi for trade and
diplomacy decision making.
And most important is how
Census gives the government
information to offer services
people need before they can
call Australia a home.
2006 Census showed Indian
community was growing while
Census 2011 should show that
we as Indian community have
grown substantially to make a
difference to the Australian
landscape. The decision for
Hindi to be considered as a lan-
guage subject in normal school
hours by ACARAs national
school language subject cur-
riculum can be concretely made
based on what the results of
2011 Census would show.
T
wo years ago, Kyle Sandilands
suggested comedian Magda
Szubanski could lose weight by
spending time in a concentration camp.
But the shock jock has once again
raised the hackles of some of his listen-
ers ... this time by calling India a "shit-
hole" and the holy Ganga river a "junk-
yard".
Sandilands was teasing a listener
about her criticism of western Sydney
suburb Mount Druitt during The Kyle
and Jackie O Show last week when she
brought up India.
"Hey, I like Indians. I just think
India is a shithole. And even Indians
think it's a shithole," Sandilands said
on air, with his co-host Jackie O reply-
ing: "No, they don't."
He continued: "They don't want to
bathe in the river with the dead cows
and all these dead things ... those with
a shower are very lucky."
Jackie O: "That's a holy, holy
river, isn't it?"
Sandilands : "No, it is not.
Someone has told someone a furphy,
because that river is just a junkyard."
In India, where 80 per cent - or
more than 800 million people - practise
Hinduism, the 2500-km Ganges is
considered holy.
True, the Ganges is one of the
world's most "at risk" waterways due
to pollution and water withdrawal, as
per WWF.
Dr Yadu Singh of the Council of
Indian Australians, a Sydney-based
community group, said that,
Sandilands "crossed the line of decen-
cy" with his comments about the
Ganges. Going into people's belief
system, this is something that is not
acceptable We are a 5000-year-old
Hindu religion.
Sandilands's comments have also
travelled all the way to India, with
media outlets - including The Times of
India, the country's largest English-
language newspaper - reporting on the
incident.
But, in more than 800 comments
posted on the Times website, most
appeared to agree that the Ganges is
polluted.
Indian Australians have also
expressed their disapproval about
Sandilands's remarks. An apology
from Sandilands and 2Day FM has
been demanded and the station is look-
ing into the matter.
Incidentally, Sandilands, a former
Australian Idol and X Factor judge,
was suspended for four weeks from his
radio show in 2009 for his remarks
about Szubanski.
He was also taken off-air in the
same year after a 14-year-old girl
alleged on his program, while strapped
to a lie detector, that she had been
raped when she was 12.
Australia, India in free trade talks
Census 2011 launched
OZ radio host in hot
water for remarks on
India, Ganga
Prime Minister Julia Gillard with Indias Commerce and Industry
Minister Anand Sharma in Canberra in May this year
Minister of Citizenship, Communities and Aboriginal Affairs,
Victor Dominello with Vijai Singhal and Mala Mehta
Kyle Sandilands called India a
"shithole" and the holy Ganga river
a "junkyard".
Carbon tax, an investment for future generations
A
ustralian Prime Minister
Julia Gillard does not
seem to have any delu-
sions about the precarious position
her Labor Party is in if the elec-
tions are called today. Julia
Gillards resolute stance on
Carbon Tax has led to a serious
trust deficit among the voters and
legion of skeptics baring their
fangs.
If one were to take negative
opinion polls and scathing sound
bytes on talk back radios into con-
sideration, the first female Prime
Minister of Australia is facing cer-
tain annihilation.
The latest Newspoll shows
Labor's popularity has slipped to
a record low at 42 per cent, two-
party preferred. Opposition
Leader Tony Abbott leads Ms
Gillard as the preferred Prime
Minister 43 per-cent to 38.
To make the matters worse,
Gillard governments surprise
admission that Treasury hasn't
properly costed the carbon pack-
age has not helped the matters at
all. The embarrassing admission
came from the Greens stating that
the Treasury modelled the impact
on households based on a carbon
price of $20 rather than the $23
that's been announced.
In spite of an orchestrated
media campaign, Julia Gillard has
been showing exemplary resolu-
tion to do something about climate
change which threatens to obliter-
ate almost everything about Planet
Earth which we usually take for
granted.
While the Prime Minister is
facing the flak from media, the
Opposition and general public; she
has also managed to get support
from various quarters.
Former Australian Prime
Minister Paul Keating is one such
believer in Julia Gillards cam-
paign to do something pro-active
about the climate change.
In an interview with ABC
TVs Lateline, the former Labor
PM said putting a price on carbon
was vital for encouraging a shift
to clean energy. He went on to
debunk Opposition Leader Tony
Abbott's proposal to pay compa-
nies to reduce their pollution.
"You know what Tony
Abbott's policy is? If you don't
give me the job I'll wreck the
place and we say, 'Well Tony,
you better have it'. Tony's got to
have the political judo chop,
Paul Keating said in his usual
colourful manner.
Julia Gillard has also got
moral support from unexpected
quarters as Liberal front-bencher
Malcolm Turnbull almost
endorsed her policies when he
said this: ''There has been a very
effective campaign against the sci-
ence of climate change by those
opposed to taking action to cut
emissions - many because it is not
in their own financial interests -
and that this has played into the
carbon tax debate, he said.
This Malcolm Turnbull speech
has not only exposed the chinks in
Abbott armour, it has also fuelled
the speculation that the Federal
Member from Wentworth may
cross floor to support Carbon
Tax.
While there has been a minor
change in the tide for Labor Party
as reflected by the opinion polls
taken after the aforementioned
Q&A show, it would be nothing
short of a miracle if Julia Gillard
manages to renew her lease for
The Lodge after 2013 Elections.
Whichever way the dice rolls
in 2013 elections, the incumbent
Prime Minister has shown exem-
plary grit by implementing the
Carbon Tax as a step not only to
combat the climate warming but
also to put Australia on the fore-
front of the developed world.
Most of the people in Q&A
audience would remember Julia
Gillards famous words: Formed,
as Prime Minister, I made a
choice CSIRO or (Sydney radio
host) Alan Jones. I picked
CSIRO. I think Tony Abbott
might make the other choice.
In conclusion, I would like to
mention balanced views about the
Carbon Tax issue by independent
MP Tony Windsor (as quoted in a
recent newspaper article): The
real beneficiaries of Australia's
carbon tax package will be people
not yet born, all over the world,
who will be one step further on a
long journey to end global warm-
ing. But the cost falls on us, here
and now, because it tackles our
part in warming. If we care for
those who come after us, we can-
not afford the risk of leaving them
a planet where the icecaps are
melting, seas are rising, low-lying
land is being flooded and today's
food bowls are turning into tomor-
row's deserts. Let's stop the
whining, and make it work.
Julia Gillards resolute stance on Carbon Tax has led to a serious trust
deficit among the voters and legion of skeptics baring their fangs.
Humanising the last Media Mogul
W
hile the ongoing saga of phone
hacking by over-zealous journal-
ists in Great Britain has dealt a
serious blow to the credibility of the News
Corp media empire, in a way it has also
humanised Rupert Murdoch who is often
addressed as the Last Media Mogul.
Never before the Chairman of News
Corporation, and his heir apparent James
Murdoch, looked so vulnerable as they did
when appearing in front of a British
Parliament panel formed after the scandal
involving hacking the mobile phone of
missing 13-year-old Milly Dowler came
into light.
The girl was later found murdered. A
private investigator hired by Murdoch-
owned News of the World is alleged to
have hacked the then dead British teenag-
ers mobile phone and deleted some mes-
sages.
Rupert Murdoch began his appearance
in front of the British Parliament Select
Media Committee with uncharacteristic
humility, saying, "This is the most humble
day of my life." The humble face was,
however, discarded soon as Rupert
Murdoch started thumping the table claim-
ing he had no idea about the wrongdoings
of the now defunct tabloid.
"I was absolutely shocked, appalled
and ashamed when I heard about the Milly
Dowler case only two weeks ago, he
would later tell the British MPs. It would
be interesting to find out if Rupert
Murdoch, known for his arrogance and
ruthless way of operating media outlets,
had uttered these three words in one sen-
tence ever before.
The two weeks after the scandal broke
out have seen a massive transformation in
Murdoch fortunes to dramatically shut
down the News of the World tabloid in
Britain, abandon his ambitious bid to take
over the whole of BSkyB, forced to appear
before a British Parliamentary panel after
refusing initially and now faces unprece-
dented crisis over his United States and
Australian media interests.
Rupert Murdoch, who presides over a
40-bilion dollar empire, was also humbled
one more time as the British Police arrest-
ed his blue-eyed executive Rebekah
Brooks. She was the chief executive of
Murdochs British operations, News
International and Rupert Murdoch had
made it his priority to save Rebekah
Brooks.
Speculation is also rife that Rupert
Murdoch may be replaced as the Chairman
of the New York Based News
Corporation.
In spite of a spate of recent reverses,
the battle-hardened Australian is not ready
to call quits as yet.
But not many would believe Rupert
Murdochs proclamations about the sudden
closure of the London tabloid.
Labour MP Tom Watson is one such
skeptic. He said: "Rupert Murdoch did not
close the News of the World. It is the
revulsion of families up and down the land
as to what they got up to. It was going to
lose all its readers and it had no advertis-
ers left. They had no choice."
Rupert Murdoch and son James
Murdoch are now subjects of an investiga-
tion by Scotland Yard for aforementioned
hacking scandal which led to a wave of
disgust in the Great Britain. Numerous
executives of Murdoch's News
International are also facing Scotland Yard
investigation not only for hacking the mur-
dered Briton teen Milly Dowler's mobile
phone but also for other such previous
instances.
Australia-born Rupert Murdoch may
have shut down the 168-year old tabloid
News of the World but he continues to
face the heat over gutter journalism his
various newspapers have been indulging in
for really long.
Many commentators believe that the
fallout of the News of the World on
Murdochs Australian and US media inter-
ests is but obvious.
There have been calls for an enquiry
into Australian media.
It is well known that the Prime
Minister Julia Gillard is no big fan of
Murdochs media empire.
I do believe that Australians watching
all of that happening overseas with News
Corp are looking at News Ltd here and are
wanting to see News Ltd answer some
hard questions, Australian PM was
recently quoted as saying.
While many believe the speculation
about the impending collapse of News
Corporation, and Murdochs media
empire, is exaggerated - much has been
written on the real damage to Rupert
Murdoch's legacy in the feud now raging
in the Murdoch clan. Not knowing where
the scandal is heading or what the final
cost will be, they are at present closing
ranks.
At stake, apart from the vast fortune -
there is the global clout that goes with
owning the world's greatest media empire.
For decades Rupert Murdoch has used his
newspapers and TV Networks to endorse
favoured politicians in Australia, America
and Britain.
Rupert Murdoch helped by his son, James, and wife Wendy Dang as they take their
seats to appear before a parliamentary committee on phone hacking in London July 19.
The Third Eye by Rekha Bhattacharjee
Comment
India
As China looms, Clinton tells India to lead in Asia
Chennai: US Secretary of State
Hillary Clinton told India on July
20 "it's time to lead", urging
New Delhi to take a stronger role
across Asia where China is flex-
ing its muscles, and to bolster
support for struggling neighbors
Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Clinton, delivering a speech
in Chennai, said New Delhi
should exercise political influence
to match its economic clout --
both of which Washington sees as
potential counterweights to
Beijing.
US officials billed Clinton's
speech as a major address to out-
line Washington's vision for the
US-India collaboration in the
coming century, a partnership it
hopes will both stabilize Asia and
hedge China's growing domi-
nance.
"We are betting that India's
pluralistic democracy will pro-
duce results for your citizens and
inspire others to follow a similar
path of openness and tolerance,"
Clinton said. "We think that
America and India share a funda-
mentally similar vision for the
future of this region."
President Obama, on a visit to
India last November, publicly
backed New Delhi's bid for a
permanent seat on the UN
Security Council and US officials
say they now want the world's
largest democracy to become a
more visible partner in facing
global challenges.
Clinton urged India to start in
its immediate neighborhood by
using its influence with
Myanmar's rulers to release polit-
ical prisoners and engage with
pro-democracy leader Aung San
Suu Kyi, promote political
progress in Sri Lanka and Nepal
and improve ties with impover-
ished neighbor Bangladesh.
She said India could do more
to build a leadership role in the
broader Asia-Pacific region,
pushing New Delhi to translate its
"Look East" policy into a
stronger stance on everything
from maritime security to human
rights -- areas where Washington
has at times had frictions with
China. US officials are careful
not to describe deepening US ties
with India as focused on counter-
ing China, and Clinton empha-
sized that New Delhi and
Washington could still have "a
strong, constructive" relationship
with Beijing.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called on Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh in Delhi on July 19.
US' overtly pro-India stance will hurt Pak: China
Beijing: Against the backdrop of India and the
US firming up their counter-terrorism coopera-
tion, an official Chinese think tank has claimed
that Washington's "overtly pro-India stance"
will hurt its overall goal to fight militancy in
Pakistan.
"Not surprisingly, counter-terrorism is one
of the top issues on Hillary Clinton's agenda
during her visit to India," said the article titled
'US-South Asia policy' published in the state-
run 'China Daily'.
Written by Fu Xiaoqiang, Director of the
Centre for Counter-terrorism Studies at the
state-owned China Institute of Contemporary
International Relations, the article expressed
concern over growing US-India cooperation in
fields of civil nuclear technology and counter-
terrorism, much to the determent of China's
close strategic ally Pakistan.
"Clinton said the US has made it clear to
Pakistan that confronting terrorism in all forms
is in Islamabad's interest. Indian External
Affairs Minister S M Krishna responded by say-
ing that terror sanctuaries in Pakistan need to be
eliminated for regional peace and stability. And
Krishna welcomed Washington's decision to
suspend the $800-million aid to Islamabad," it
said. Both the US and India are doing the
"opposite of what they should have done to help
Pakistan fight terrorists," it said, adding "their
hard stance could provoke Pakistanis and help
Islamic extremists strengthen their base in
Pakistan."
"The US may have its reasons for the overt-
ly pro-India stance in its South Asia strategy.
But that could harm Pakistan's national security
and the sustainability of US-Pakistan relations.
Over the past 10 years, the US has treated India
as Pakistan's arch-rival, as a global strategic
partner -- providing it with civilian nuclear fuel
and technology -- and has let India spread its
influence in Afghanistan. Clinton's visit to India
will consolidate that cooperation," the article
said. In contrast, the US has treated Pakistan
only as a regional partner in its fight against
terrorism and its aid to Islamabad has always
come with set of conditions, some of which
have harmed Pakistan's sovereignty and securi-
ty, it claimed. Also, the US has thwarted
Pakistan's efforts to develop nuclear energy for
civilian use and build oil pipelines, it alleged,
adding that inequity and distrust are rooted
deeply in US-Pak ties.
The tone and tenor of the article was sur-
prising considering recent assertions by Chinese
officials that China wants to develop close ties
with India, independent of its relationship with
Pakistan, thereby bringing about a strategic shift
in the pro-Pakistan policy followed by it for the
past several decades.
New cross-Kashmir CBMs unveiled as FMs meet
New Delhi: Moving beyond their
post-26/11 rancor, India and
Pakistan sought to open "a new
chapter" of "peaceful and coopera-
tive" ties by pledging to intensify
counter-terror cooperation and
unveiling a host of initiatives to
spur trade and travel between the
divided halves of Kashmir.
External Affairs Minister S.M.
Krishna held over two hours of dis-
cussions with his Pakistani counter-
part Hina Rabbani Khar, who is 45
years his junior that covered a wide
gamut of issues, including terror-
ism, Jammu and Kashmir, liberal-
ization of trade and simplification
of the visa regime.
Cross-Kashmir confidence-
building measures (CBMs) were the
centerpiece of the joint statement
issued after the talks.
"They agreed to simplify travel
procedures and increase the fre-
quency of bus services for people
of the divided Jammu and Kashmir
across the Line of Control (LoC),
the de facto border that divides the
state between the two countries,"
said a joint statement.
The enhanced travel across
Kashmir would now "include visits
for tourism and religious pilgrim-
age". Earlier, the bus service was
only for families that separated
after the 1947 war during which
Pakistan occupied a portion of
Jammu and Kashmir. They also
decided to relax travel conditions
by having a system of six-month
multiple entry permits.
Unlike earlier such occasions
when the talks ended in a volley of
mutual recriminations and rhetorical
grandstanding on issues like
Kashmir and terror, there was hard-
ly any discordant note except for
Khars meeting with separatist
Hurriyat leaders over which India
expressed "concerns."
"This is indeed a new era of
bilateral cooperation between the
two countries and it is our desire
and I believe after having spoken to
you (Krishna), that it is the desire
and commitment of both the gov-
ernments to make it an uninterrupt-
ed and an uninterpretable process,"
Khar said at the media stakeout
with Krishna.
Krishna, too, struck a positive
tone about the course of revived
ties, saying the relations are "on the
right track." "We have some dis-
tance to travel, but with an open
mind and a constructive approach,
which has been demonstrated in this
round of dialogue, I am sure we
can reach our desired destination of
having a friendly and cooperative
relationship between the two coun-
tries," he said.
External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna with Pakistans new, young,
pretty Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar, who is 45 years his junior.
Pakistan won't accept
India's hegemony: Khar
Islamabad: Pakistan would not
accept the hegemony of any
country in the region as it is "by
no means inferior to India",
Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani
Khar, said before flying for her
New Delhi visit.
"Pakistan's role in the region
is by no means inferior to
India," she told mediapersons at
the Lahore Airport on her return
from the ministerial meeting of
the ASEAN regional forum.
US Secretary of State Hillary
Clinton had said during her visit
to India that New Delhi must
play a more assertive
role in Asia.
To a query, Khar
said strategic relations
with China were moving
from strength to strength
with every passing day.
On her meeting with
Clinton, she said a
strong working relation-
ship with the US was in
the national interest of
Pakistan.
The minister said
that the US secretary of
state had expressed her
willingness to bring rela-
tions back on track with
Pakistan as well as remove any
reservations between the coun-
tries.
"Whatever be the role of a
country in the region, Pakistan's
importance cannot diminish and
the US acknowledges the fact,"
she said.
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza
Gilani had said Saturday that
Pakistan would not accept the
hegemony of any country in the
region.
"We don't want any
Chaudhry (regional chief) in the
region," he said.
Foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar:
charm offensive
Gowda to be new chief minister,
Yeddyurappa faces trial
Bangalore: BJP MP D.V.
Sadananda Gowda will suc-
ceed scam-hit B.S.
Yeddyurappa as Karnataka's
new and 20th chief minister.
He was elected the BJP leg-
islature wing leader Aug 3
soon after Governor H.R.
Bhardwaj approved
Yeddyurappa's prosecution
for corruption.
Gowda, 58, defeated
Rural Development Minister
Jagdish Shettar narrowly in a
secret ballot amid high drama that exposed
cracks in the ruling party that took power for
the first time in Karnataka in May 2008.
Gowda got 63 votes and Shettar 55 as
118 legislators took part in the voting to
decide a successor to Yeddyurappa, who had
quit after being indicted for corruption by the
Karnataka ombudsman, N. Santosh Hegde.
Bhardwaj gave the sanction to "initiate
criminal proceedings" against Yeddyurappa
before the swearing in of Shivaraj Virupanna
Patil, also a former Supreme Court judge, as
the new ombudsman of Karnataka. Hegde's
five-year term ended Aug 2.
Yeddyurappa was present at Patil's oath
taking and headed straight to the legislature
party meeting held at a luxury hotel nearby.
Gowda, a known Yeddyurappa loyalist,
will be the BJPs' second chief minister in a
little over three years and will have 22-
months in office as the
assembly's term expires
May 2013.
A two-time Lok Sahba
member and two-time
assembly member, he will
be the second chief minister
from coastal Karnataka after
M. Veerappa Moily, now
the corporate affairs minis-
ter in the central govern-
ment.
As Gowda is not a mem-
ber of the state assembly, he
will have to get elected to the house or get
nominated to the council within six months.
Gowda was backed by the Yeddyurappa
faction while Shettar had the support of the
faction led by Bangalore South Lok Sabha
member Ananth Kumar and party's state
president K.S. Eshwarappa.
Yeddyurappa is facing five cases of cor-
ruption and illegal land deals filed by two
Bangalore advocates.
On July 28, the BJP parliamentary board
decided that Yeddyurappa should go. Party
leaders said he was damaging the BJP's
image.
On Yeddyurappa's prosecution, a com-
munique from Raj Bhavan said: "The gover-
nor recommended the Karnataka Lokayukta
to initiate criminal proceedings against
Yeddyurappa ... on the basis of the ombuds-
man's investigation report on illegal mining.
D.V. Sadananda Gowda
India
Mumbai terrorized again in July
Police no to Team Annas protest call;
Lokpal Bill in Parliament Aug 4
Mumbai: 26 people died and 130 more were
injured in the series of three bomb attacks on
Indias financial capital on July 13 at evening
rush hour. The blasts occurred at the Opera
House, Zaveri Bazaar, and Dadar West local-
ities.
Mumbai has been hit by terrorist inci-
dents at least half a dozen times since the
early 1990s, with over 600 people dying in
these attacks.
There was speculation that the pattern of
the blasts suggested involvement of Indian
Mujahideen. 13 July is also observed as
Kashmir Martyr's day, and the attacks may
have been carried out by Kashmiri groups.
There is also a view that the attacks could
have been plotted by those trying to derail
the Indo-Pakistani peace process. But the
meeting between the two foreign ministers
went ahead as also the visit by US Secretary
of State Hillary Clinton as scheduled.
The Home Ministry classified the bomb
blasts as a terrorist act and dispatched a
National Investigation Agency (NIA) team to
the bomb site. The Chief Minister of
Maharashtra Prithviraj Chavan said that the
bombs used could have been fuel filled, much
like molotov cocktails. The explosives indi-
cate some level of sophistication.
The Mumbai Police detained several men
for questioning. One of those detainedFaiz
Usmanidied while in police custody on 17
July, sparking allegations of police brutality.
Usmani was the brother of one of the accused
in the 2008 Ahmedabad bombings case.
New Delhi: The Delhi Police on Tuesday
denied permission to civil rights activist Anna
Hazare and his team for a month-long strike
at Jantar Mantar.
Hazare had sought permission to protest
against the government regarding the Lokpal
Bill. Earlier, he wanted permission for an
indefinite strike, but two days ago his team
told the police that the agitation would last
only a month, from August 16.
We denied them permission on two
major grounds first, they could not specify
the number of people who would be present
during the agitation. Second, as Parliament
session is on, people from across the country
come and protest at Jantar Mantar. We can-
not let a single group take up all the space
for such a long period, said K C Dwivedi,
Additional Commissioner of Police (New
Delhi). Meanwhile, the much-hyped Lokpal
Bill, which aims to set up an anti-corruption
watchdog in the country, will be introduced
in the Lok Sabha Aug 4.
The Lokpal Bill in its present shape seeks
to keep the office of the Prime Minister out-
side the purview of the ombudsman during
his term in office and also exclude higher
judiciary and conduct of MPs inside
Parliament.
The Lokpal, consisting of Chairperson
and eight members, half of them judicial,
will have its own prosecution and investiga-
tion wing with officers and staff necessary to
carry out its functions.
The 3 synchronized terror attacks claimed
26 lives and wounded 130
India
Corruption biggest cause of price
rise, says BJP
103 Indians attacked in Australia
in 2010: Indian Govt
Ramdev aide appears before CBI
New Delhi: The BJP has mounted an
attack on the government over rising
prices of essential commodities, and
said corruption was the biggest cause
of inflation.
Initiating the debate in Lok Sabha
August 3 on price rise, BJP member
Yashwant Sinha said the key to
checking price rise was containing
food inflation and checking corrup-
tion.
"Corruption is the biggest cause
of price rise," Sinha said.
The former finance minister said
the government had huge stocks of
food grain but it was not being given
to the poor.
The food grain are rotting in
warehouses, he said.
He said the government should
bring 25 million tonnes of its stock
of food grain to the market which
will help bring down food prices.
Sinha said once food prices come
down, it will also have an impact on
prices of other commodities
New Delhi: As many as 103
Indians either lost their lives
or were injured in attacks in
Australia in 2010, the gov-
ernment informed the Lok
Sabha on Wednesday.
Overseas Indian Affairs
Minister Vyalar Ravi said
the matter has been taken up
with the Australian govern-
ment at the highest level and
the number of attacks on
Indians there has come
down in recent months.
"The steps taken by the
Australian authorities have
been useful as reflected in
the substantial decrease in
the number of attacks in
recent months," he said in a
written reply to a question.
Ravi said 52 Indians had
either lost their lives or
were injured in 2009 while
the number in 2008 was
only 11.
"It has been conveyed to
the Australian government
that it was the responsibility
of the Australian authorities
to ensure the well being and
security of all Indians in
Australia," he said.
Dehra Dun: Yoga Guru Ramdev's
close aide Balkrishna, who
allegedly used fake educational
degrees for procuring a passport,
appeared before the CBI in Dehra
Dun Aug 3 for questioning. In
compliance with the Uttarakhand
high court order, Balkrishna
reported to the CBI office here,
Balkrishna's personal secretary
said.
While staying the arrest of
Balkrishna, the state high court
had on July 29 asked Balkrishna to
cooperate with the CBI in investi-
gations and appear before it for
interrogation.
Balkrishna was earlier sum-
moned by the CBI. However,
instead he had sent a fax to the
sleuths seeking 20-days' time to
appear stating that his passport is
with the British High Commission.
But the agency turned down
his plea.
The petition for stay on
Balkrishna's arrest was placed
before Justice P C Pant on July
28. However, he recused himself
and referred it to chief justice
Barin Ghosh.
The next date of hearing has
been fixed on August 29.
Balkrishna had gone "missing"
from his Divya Yoga Mandir
Trust residence in Haridwar on
July 25, a day after CBI registered
a case against him for cheating
and criminal conspiracy for
procuring fake degree and viola-
tion of section 12 of Indian
Passport Act for furnishing fake
documents to get a passport.
Swami Ramdevs trusts and
yoga empire have been under gov-
ernment scanner since he took up
cudgels against widespread corrup-
tion in the country.
BSE Sensex slips on US debt crisis
NRI IT professionals move back to India
Business
Mumbai: A benchmark index for Indian
equities markets fell to a six-week low,
below the 18,000-mark, and a bearish
trend gripped broader markets as the
crisis in the US over its high debt levels
spooked global bourses.
The 30-scrip sensitive index
(Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange
(BSE), which opened at 17,970.19
points, closed at 17,940.55 points Aug
3, down 169.34 points or 0.94 percent
from its previous close at 18,109.89
points.
The 50-scrip S&P CNX Nifty of the
National Stock Exchange also ended in
the red at 5,404.8 points, down 0.95
percent.
According to data available with the
Securities and Exchange Board of India
(SEBI), foreign institutional investors
sold stocks worth $18.7 million.
After the US Senate approved an
increase in the US debt ceiling, which
will also require the government to
reduce public spending, credit rating
agencies downgraded or assumed a neg-
ative outlook on the country's sovereign
debt.
China, which is the largest holder
of US bonds, saw one of its major cred-
it rating agencies Dagong Global Credit
Rating Co., Wednesday downgrade US
sovereign debt and warn of further such
moves. The repercussions were felt in
Asia.
New Delhi: With declining wages abroad, an increasing num-
ber of non-resident Indian IT professionals are moving back to
their home country, says a survey.
IT and IT-enabled firms in India hired 28 percent more
non-resident Indian (NRI) professionals in the first quarter of
2011-12, according to the survey conduced by recruitment
consulting firm MyHiringClub.com.
Among 11 surveyed industries, IT and IT-enabled servic-
es registered highest growth, with 28 percent increase year-
on-year in the first quarter of the current fiscal. It is followed
by pharma and healthcare, up by 20 percent, automobile and
manufacturing, up by 18 percent, telecom, up by 14 percent,
banking and financial services, up by 10 percent and FMCG,
up by six percent.
"The high economic growth in India with many good
opportunities has fuelled the NRI thought process to head
back. In addition to that, many US companies are opening
their offices in India and hiring more to target the growing
market in Asia," Rajesh Kumar, CEO of MyHiringClub.com,
said in the survey report.
He said an increasing number of high value NRI profes-
sional recruitment is likely to take place in the coming years
as wage gaps have declined sharply.
"Increasing number of people are now returning because
now the advantages of returning back to India outweigh the
disadvantages by far," said Kumar. The highest number of
NRIs who returned home found jobs in Bangalore, followed
by Mumbai, Delhi and Hyderabad.
Baba Ramdev with Balkrishna
IT and IT-enabled firms in India hired 28 percent more NRI
professionals in the first quarter of 2011-12.
India to grow at 8.2
percent: PM panel
New Delhi: Inflation will ease to around 6.5 per-
cent by the end of this fiscal, the Prime Minister's
Economic Advisory Council said, projecting the
country's growth at 8.2 percent for 2011-12.
Headed by former Reserve Bank of India gov-
ernor C. Rangarajan, the council said while agri-
culture and industry will grow at a lower rate com-
pared with the previous year, services will expand
faster in the current fiscal.
"The inflationary situation and investment
slowdown have necessitated a downward revision.
The projected growth rate of 8.2 percent, though
lower than the previous year, must be treated as
high and respectable, given the world situation,"
the council said in its economic outlook for 2011-
12.
India's GDP had expanded by 8.5 percent in
2010-11 and 8 percent the year before. For agri-
culture, industry and services, the council project-
ed a growth of 3, 7.1 and 10 percent for this fiscal
respectively.
The panel said as overall inflation would con-
tinue to be high, at 9 percent in the July-October
quarter, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) would
have to continue with monetary tightening meas-
ures.
"RBI will have to continue to follow a tight
monetary policy till inflation shows definite signs
of decline," it said, adding that inflation would
start to taper only from November.
It also said that achieving the fiscal deficit tar-
get of 4.7 percent, as set out in the budget for
2011-12, would be difficult.
The government needed to "redouble efforts to
collect larger revenue, resolve cases to reduce tax
arrears. "The high subsidy outgo, especially on
account of petroleum products, is placing a serious
stress on the centre's budgeted fiscal position."
ISI funneled millions to tilt US policy against India on Kashmir
Washington: The US has arrested
a pro-Pakistan activist and a
known face of the Kashmiri sepa-
ratist movement who allegedly
funneled ISI's $4 million for ille-
gal lobbying to influence the
American government's position
on the Kashmir issue.
With the arrest of Ghulam
Nabi Fai, a 62-year-old Pakistani-
American in late July , the FBI
has exposed Pakistan's two-
decade-long covert game plan to
influence American policy against
India on the Kashmir issue.
Fai, a resident of Fairfax in
Virginia, and other accused
Zaheer Ahmad, also US citizen
believed to be at large in Pakistan,
were charged by the FBI Tuesday.
Fai is the executive director of the
Kashmiri American Council
(KAC) that was allegedly run in
secret by the Pakistani govern-
ment.
The FBI alleged that the two
men had "participated in a long-
term conspiracy to act as agents of
the Pakistani government in the
US without disclosing their affilia-
tion with the Pakistani government
as required by law".
In its 43-page court affidavit,
the FBI said Pakistan's military
and its powerful Inter-Services
Intelligence (ISI) funneled $4 mil-
lion over two decades to tilt US'
Kashmir policy against India.
The Washington-based KAC
long known of lobbying for the
self-determination in Jammu and
Kashmir organizes annual sepa-
ratist conferences in the US
attended by Kashmiri separatist
leaders.
The two men face up to five
years in prison if convicted.
The money funneled into the
US was also meant for campaign
donations to members of Congress
and presidential candidates,
according to the FBI.
The affidavit alleges four
Pakistani government handlers
directed Fai's US activities. He
got in touch with his Pakistani
handlers "more than 4,000 times"
since June 2008. His handlers also
communicated with Ahmad regu-
larly.
According to the affidavit, a
confidential witness told investiga-
tors that the money was trans-
ferred to Fai through Ahmad.
Another confidential witness
told investigators that the ISI cre-
ated the KAC to "propagandize on
behalf of the government of
Pakistan with the goal of uniting
Kashmir".
Ghulam Nabi Fai, the arrested executive director of Kashmiri
American Council,
Blog by Sikh girl survivor of the Norway massacre
T
here are too many emo-
tions. Feeling grief, anger,
happiness, God, I do not
know what. Im afraid. I react to
the slightest sound. I will write
about what happened on Utya.
We had a crisis meeting in
the main building after the explo-
sions in Oslo. After that there
was a meeting for members of
Akershus (a county bordering the
capital) and Oslo. We consoled
ourselves that we were safe on
an island.
I was standing in the main
street [of the island] when panic
broke out. I heard shots. I saw
him shoot. Everyone started to
run.
The first thought was: Why
are the police shooting us? What
the hell? I ran into a little room.
Everyone ran. Screamed. I was
scared. I managed to get into one
of the rooms at the back of the
building. There were many of us
in there. We all lay on the floor
together. We heard several shots.
We became more afraid. I cried.
I knew nothing.
I saw my best friend through
the window and wondered if I
should go outside and bring him
to me. I did not. I saw fear in his
eyes. We were lying on the floor
inside the room for a few min-
utes. We agreed not to move out
in case the killer came.
We heard several shots and
decided to jump out the window.
Panic broke out among us.
Everyone in the room rushed to
the window and tried to jump
out. I was the last and thought:
I am the last to jump out the
window. Now Im going to die.
Im sure, but it might be okay
and then I will know that the oth-
ers are safe.
I tried to climb down, but lost
my grip. I landed hard on the left
side of my body. A boy helped
me up. We ran into the woods. I
looked around. Is he here? Is he
shooting me? Can he see me?
A girl had a broken ankle.
Another was severely injured. I
tried to help a little bit before I
went down to the water.
I sought cover behind a sort
of brick wall. There were many
of us. I prayed, prayed, prayed.
I hope that God saw me. I called
Mum and said that it was not
certain we would meet again, but
that I would do anything to stay
safe. I said several times that I
loved her. I heard fear in her
voice. She cried. It hurt. I sent a
text message to my dad telling
him I loved him. I sent a text
message to my best friend. He
did not answer. We heard several
shots.
I updated Twitter and
Facebook to say I was still alive
and that I was safe. I wrote
that I was waiting for the police.
People jumped into the water and
started swimming. I was lying
down. I decided that if he came,
I would play dead. I would not
run or swim. I cannot describe
the fear that took over my mind,
what I felt.
A man came. Im from the
police. I was lying there. Some
shouted back that he had to prove
it. I do not remember exactly
what he said, but the killer start-
ed shooting. He charged. He shot
those around me. I was still lying
there. I thought: Now its over.
Hes here. Hes going to shoot
me. Im going to die.
People screamed. I heard that
others were shot. Others jumped
into the water. I was there.
Holding the mobile phone in my
hand, I lay on top of a girls
legs. Two others lay on my feet.
I was still lying there. The
mobile phone rang several times.
I was still lying.
I played dead. I lay there for
at least an hour. It was complete-
ly quiet. I gently turned my head
to see if I could see someone
alive. I saw blood. Fear. I decid-
ed to get up. I had been lying on
top of a dead body. Two dead
bodies lay on me. I had a
guardian angel.
I hurried down to the water. I
took off my sweater. It was
large. I thought it would be diffi-
cult to swim with it. I considered
whether I should bring my
mobile phone or leave it again. I
put it in my back pocket and
jumped into the water. I saw sev-
eral others in the water. They
had swum far. I saw that some-
one had gathered around a float-
ing lifeboat or something like
that.
There were many who fol-
lowed those who swam out.
I swam, swam, and swam
towards the inflatable boat. I
screamed, wept. I thought of
when I would drown. It became
harder and harder. After a little
while I thought the group who
were clinging on to the dinghy
were moving away from me. I
screamed. Begged them to wait
for me. I must have seen visions.
I swam at least a few hundred
metres before I reached them.
When the boats passed us we
started shouting for help, but
they picked up the others who
were still swimming.
A man in a boat came to us.
He threw out several life jackets.
I got hold of one. Got it on me. I
held on to the dinghy for a long
time, until the same man came
back to pick us up. We all got
into it. He began to head towards
the shore. After a little while his
boat started to take in water. I
did everything I could to get as
much water out as possible.
I used a bucket. I was
exhausted. Another girl in the
boat took over. We reached the
shore.
We were given blankets. The
tears would not stop. A woman
hugged me. It was so good. I
wept aloud. I sobbed. A man lent
me his phone. I called my dad,
Im alive. I made it. Now I am
safe.
..
It has now been several hours
since all this happened. Im still
in shock. I have seen the corpses
of my friends. Several of my
friends are missing. I am glad
that I can swim. I am glad that I
am alive. God watched over me.
There are so many emotions, so
many thoughts.
I think of all my family. Of
all I lost. Of the hell that is
and was on the island.
Prableen Kaur, 23, is deputy
leader of Norway's Labour Party
youth wing. She was caught in
the shooting on Utoya island by
White Supremacist Anders
Behring Breivik, that claimed the
lives of over 90 youths, She
escaped by playing dead and
eventually swam to safety. This
is an abridged version of her
blog.
India
India has no place in world
order: Brajesh Mishra
New Delhi: Arguing that India
has 'no place in the world
order' currently, former nation-
al security advisor (NSA)
Brajesh Mishra said August 2
the country has to step up eco-
nomic reforms and strengthen
military capabilities if it wants
to overcome the situation.
'I am a blunt man... Sorry
to say we have no place in the
world order' now, Mishra said
while delivering the inaugural
K. Subrahmanyam memorial
annual lecture here.
West Bengal Governor and
another former NSA, M.K.
Narayanan, presided over the
function, organised by the
Global India Foundation (GIF),
in memory of Subrahmanyam,
India's eminent strategic expert,
who died Feb 2 this year.
The global situation and the
policies of the US have pushed
India to a limited role, engaged
and embroiled with two enemies
- Pakistan and China, Mishra, a
Padma Vibhushan, said.
He said that the situation can
be altered if the country breaks
out of the present style of gov-
ernance. 'Economic reforms
appear to have stopped mid-
way,' Mishra said.
Important defence purchase
deals are delayed to ensure per-
sonal integrity, he added. 'If the
current defence purchase pace
continues, many equipments
will be obsolete when they
arrive after ten years or so,' he
contended, adding the purchase
procedures followed at present
were of the 19th century.
The former NSA said that
China has objected to adding
India to the Asian Group of 3 -
China, Japan and South Korea.
He said China and Pakistan
were militaristic allies.
He said though the US was
not keen on better relations with
India post-disintegration of the
Soviet Union, it changed the
policy gradually.
Now, India should look
beyond the ties with the US and
strengthen its relations with the
European Union, ASEAN coun-
tries and the Asian powers,
Mishra said.
Bollywood
By Neeru Saluja
They look different to the main-
stream actresses but audiences
love them. They barely are able to
speak Hindi but their fans love lis-
tening to them. They sometimes
can't perform the latkas jatkas like
the aamchi Mumbai girl but when
they dance on screen everyone
whistles. Why not - they have the
best of both worlds with their
creamy complexions, drop dead
gorgeous looks and slim figures.
Gone are the times when half
Indians and foreigners were
offered only typical roles - either
the item girl or the villain. With
experimental scripts coming into
play, the industry has become
more open to half Indian actresses.
Being half Indian is no longer a
barrier in Bollywood, mixed
parentage actors are garnering
major roles for themselves in
Bollywood productions.
Aperfect example is the latest hit
'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara' - both
the main actresses Katrina and
Kalki are half Indians. With the
intention of making cross cultural
international cinema, a fair
skinned half Indian not only adds
a glamorous image to the film but
also speaks about the global theme
of free movement of talent and
capital.
For many of the new generation,
Katrina Kaif or Lisa Ray will
stand out fresh in their memory as
mixed blood actresses. The Indian
Down Under takes a trip down the
Bollywood lane to track many of
our half Indian actresses who have
left an ever lasting memory with
their beauty and acting skills.
Katrina Kaif
The all time favourite Barbie girl
Katrina Kaif was born to a
Kashmiri Pandit Indian father and
an English mother. She lived in
various European countries before
she moved Mumbai on the call of
London based filmmaker Kaizad
Gustad who spotted her during a
modelling assignment. He gave
her a part in Boom which failed.
Though she had the drop dead
looks and perfect figure, she didn't
get many roles due to her bad
command of Hindi.
After her debacle, she caught the
attention of actor Salman Khan
and as their friendship grew, her
roles in Bollywood started increas-
ing - Sarkar, Maine Pyaar Kyun
Kiya, Humko Deewana Kar Gaye.
But the romantic comedy Namaste
London in which she portrayed the
Brit Indian girl brought her instant
fame and since then Katrina has
not looked back. Today she is one
of the most sought Bollywood
actresses today and has delivered
hit after hit.
Kalki Koehlin
Kalki was born to French parents
in Pondicherry who settled in
India after falling in love with the
country. Kalki studied drama and
theatre in the University of
London and later decided to move
to Mumbai to try her luck in cine-
ma. After a few modelling assign-
ments, she was shortlisted for the
role of Chandramukhi in the criti-
cally acclaimed 'Dev D'. Though
she knew Tamil, English and
French, for her role in Dev D, she
had to learn Hindi. Her efforts
paid her well as she was awarded
the Filmfare Award for Best
Supporting Actress in 2010 for
Dev D. She was recently seen in
'Zindagi na Milege Dobara' and
next seen in Anurag Kashyap's
'The Girl in Yellow Boots' which
she has co-written with Anurag,
her now husband.
Actresses without frontiers
With the
intention of
making cross
cultural
international
cinema, a fair
skinned half
Indian not only
adds a glam-
orous image to
the film but also
speaks about the
global theme of
free movement
of talent and
capital.
Giselli Monteiro
Jacqueline Fernandez
Bollywood
Giselli Monteiro
Giselli was the surprise package of
Bollywood film 'Love Aajkal'. No
one knew that the Punjabi girl
Harleen Kaur was actually a
Brazilian model! She came to audi-
tion for the role of Saif Ali Khan's
girlfriend but ended up as Harleen
Kaur. Since then, she has featured
on the covers of leading Indian
magazines, walked the ramp and is
all set to star in her next film
'Always Kabhi Kabhi'.
Lisa Ray
Lisa Ray was born in Toronto to a
Bengali Indian father and a Polish
mother. She was finishing high
school in Canada when the cele-
brated Fashion Magazine 'Gladrags'
spotted her and she ended up on
their cover. She became an instant
celebrity and also became known
as the 'Bombay Dyeing' girl as she
appeared in their advertisement
with Karan Kapoor. Film offers
came flowing in but she only made
her Bollywood debut in 2001 with
Kasoor opposite Aftab Shivdasini.
The film got a lot of attention and
her work caught the eye of
acclaimed director Deepa Mehta
who cast her in the Indo-Canadian
flick 'Bollywood Hollywood' in
2002. In 2005 she worked with
Deepa Mehta in the Oscar nominat-
ed film Water' for which she even
cut her hair. Declared as 'one of the
most beautiful women', Lisa Ray
has always accepted challenges
with immense dignity - whether it
was the portrayal of varied charac-
ters in foreign productions or her
recent struggle of fighting cancer.
Yana Gupta
The Czech model with drop dead
looks was already a famous interna-
tional model (Victoria Secrets,
Calvin Klein) when she ventured
out to India. Soon she replaced
model Lisa Ray and became the
face of Lakme. Not only did she
fell in love with India, but also got
married to Indian artist Satyakam
Gupta (though it ended up in
divorce). After a few famous mod-
elling stints she got the chance to
perform in three item dance num-
bers (Babuji Zara Dheere Chalo,
Oh What a Babe, Aadatanamma).
She recently surfaced back as a
strong contender for the popular
TVshow 'Khatron ke Khiladi' and
'Jhalak Dikhla Ja'. Very few know
that Yana is the first Western
Caucasian woman to successfully
crossover into the Indian film
industry. And many know about her
recent famous 'no panties' stunt!
Tulip Joshi
Tulip Joshi was born in Mumbai to
a Gujarati Indian father and an
Armenian Lebanese mother.
Though Tulip had appeared in a
number of top advertisements,
movies came by chance. She was
spotted on the wedding of Yash
Chopra's son for her debut film
'Mere Yaar ki Shaadi Hai'. The film
was a hit but her acting was moder-
ate. After a two year break, she
reappeared in a non commercial
film 'Matrobhoomi' which was
appreciated by critics. Besides
Bollywood, she also tried her luck
in Telugu, Kannada and Punjabi
movies.
Jacqueline
Fernandez
Born in Colombo, Fernandez
comes from a Sinhalese family in
Sri Lanka. She was crowned the
Miss Sri Lanka Universe in 2006
and made her acting debut in
'Aladin' in 2009 with Amitabh
Bachchan and Ritesh Deshmukh.
But she caught attention with her
hot cameo appearance in the song
'Apni tho Jaise Theise' from
Housefull which was a big success.
Now she is all set to appear as the
leading lady opposite playboy
Emraan Hashmi in Murder 2.
Sulochana
Chubby, petite and brown-eyed, the
self-christened Sulochana (real
name Ruby Myers) was among the
early Eurasian female stars of
Indian Cinema. Known as half
white and half Indian, Sulochana
was a silent film star of Jewish
ancestry. In her heyday she was one
of the highest paid actresses of her
time, when she was paired with
Dinshaw Billimoria in Imperial
Studios films. Among her popular
films were Typist Girl (1926),
Balidaan (1927) and Wildcat of
Bombay (1927) where she essayed
eight roles including a gardener, a
policeman, a Hyderabadi gentle-
man, a street urchin, a banana seller
and a European blonde! In mid-
1930 she opened Rubi Pics, a film
production house. She was awarded
the 1973 Dada Saheb Phalke
Award, India's highest award in cin-
ema for lifetime achievement.
Despite her fame, she died a lonely
and forgotten in her flat in Mumbai
in 1983.
Nadia
Fearless Nadia 'Huntervali' was an
Indian film actress and stuntwoman
known for masked adventures in
Huntervali. Originally from Perth,
Australia her family moved to India
when she was one year old. She
toured India as a theatre artist and
began working for Zarko Circus in
1930. She made her debut in the
Arabic film Makhazane el ochak
(1932), which was filmed in Egypt.
She was introduced to Hindi films
by J.B.H. Wadia, the behemoth of
stunts and action in 1930s Bombay.
She made her debut with Lal-e-
Yaman (1933). The film became a
huge hit at the box-office and she
became famous with doing stunts
in Hindi films. She soon became
known as India's Original Stunt
Queen, after making more films
with stunts. Her film career went
from 1933 to 1970.
Helen
The most popular dancer of the
item number, Helen was born in
Burma to an Anglo Indian father
and Burmese mother. Her father
died during the Second World War,
so the family migrated to Mumbai
n 1943. As her mother's salary as a
nurse was not enough, Helen had to
quit her schooling to support the
family. She started off as a chorus
dancer and solo dancer but found
instant fame with her performance
in the song "Mera Naam Chin Chin
Chu" in Shakti Samanta's film,
Howrah Bridge. From there on,
there was no looking back for
Helen and she appeared in many
films and danced on many hit
songs, mainly sung by Asha
Bhosle. She has twice won the
Filmfare award for best supporting
actress and in 1999 awarded the
lifetime achievement award.
Lisa Ray
Nadia
Helen
Hollywood
By Neeru Saluja
The year 2009 revolutionized
the visual effects industry with
Oscar winning Avatar. Who
could ever believe that they
would be able to visualise and
experience a fictional planet? It
was like a dream world that
came alive - where love, hatred
and life existed, all visually cre-
ated in a production company
tucked away in Wellington.
And behind the scenes helping
the mastermind James Cameron
was an Indian technical director
Rahul Deshprabhu who with his
team worked day and night to
make that virtual world close to
reality. Working six days a
week currently on Happy Feet
2, Rahul took out a few hours
on Sunday on a sunny after-
noon to talk with the Indian
Down Under.
"Don't make it sound as I work
too much by six days! This is a
walk in the park. I have also
worked seven days a week. It's
just the way the industry works.
We get a lot more work done
this way. Right now I'm work-
ing on Happy Feet 2. I worked
on Happy Feet in 2004, so the
guys said you know the drill so
come back."
When Rahul got his first credit
for his film 'The Day after
tomorrow', he knew there was
no looking back.
"I have been working in this
industry since 1998. I've been
in Sydney with Dr D Studios
since Feb 2010 and before that
was with Weta Digital in
Wellington for a year where I
worked on Avatar. In Sydney I
have also worked with Animal
Logic (Happy Feet) in 2005 and
Rising Sun Pictures in 2006
where we made 'Superman
Returns'. I have also spent 6-7
years in United States where I
did my equivalent to masters in
ULCA and worked with my
dream company 'Digital
Domain' (the company behind
Titanic) in 2003-04. After
working in US at a stretch for
years, I wanted to head back to
India to work for a few months
and ended up working for six
months in Mumbai Prana
Studios in 2004. You would be
surprised to know most of the
visual effects and animation for
Hollywood films are done in
India. The company that does
Shrek is based in Bangalore
called Dreamworks DDU India
owned by Technicolor"
acclaims Rahul.
So, did he always dream of
making it big in this cutting
edge industry?
Rahul grins: "A twist in fate
actually made me realize my
dreams. I was born and brought
up in Mumbai, and like any
Indian family my parents want-
ed me to become a doctor or
engineer. After completing a
diploma in electronics engineer-
ing in 1996, I got admission in
computer engineering. After my
second year, I was diagnosed
with kidney stones and was
bedridden for a while. One day
my aunt came with an article
about EDIT, and it took my
fancy right away. It was about
animation and without thinking
twice I enrolled for the 18
month course. When I finished
the course, they asked me to
teach at the same institution. I
did that for 6-7 months. My
parents went through the roof,
when I told them this is what I
want to do! I lined up an inter-
view with Mumbai company
Rajtharu and I got a job.
Ghulam-E-Mustafa (Nana
Patekar), Saat Rang Ke Sapne
(ABCL), Duplicate (Shahrukh),
Major Saab (Ajay Devgan)
were some of the films that I
had made the title animations
for back in the days when I
used to work for Rajtaru
Videosonic in Bandra," says
Rahul.
Continuing on his journey,
Rahul says, "When my parents
started seeing these animations
for the movies, they started see-
ing the reality. They realised
that their son was not going
back to the engineering. But
this was only a stepping stone, I
wanted to achieve more. I met a
person who was going to do the
course in ULCA - New media
and digital image creation, spe-
cializing in film. Going to
States was the turning point in
my career. I wanted some
knowledge before I further pro-
gressed in this field. But my
ultimate dream was to work
with a company like Digital
Domain in LA - the company
that did Titanic."
Titanic was known to be the
epitome in visual effects indus-
try. As a visual effects special-
ist, how did you react when you
watched the film?
"When I saw Titanic, I wanted
to achieve those kind of results.
It was made in a world that did-
n't exist. Water gushing down,
when the boat cracks and it
goes vertical you see a lot of
people sliding on the floor and
crashing on the sea, those were
all visual effects. If someone
gets the feel that someone is
crashing, then that is the
achievement for a visual super-
visor. For no reason did it won
an Academy Award for best
visual effects!"
Titanic left an everlasting
impression on Rahul and his
next achievement was to work
the guru James Cameron.
"Working with James Cameron
was a dream come true. The
day I met him in Wellington, I
told him that working in Avatar
was a masterclass in film mak-
ing. It was revolutionary, had
advanced film techniques, he
made a 3D camera just so he
can shoot this movie. It took
four and half years to make the
film. I interacted with a few
friends from Digital Domain,
and I came to know that this
script was in his mind since 10
years but he did not have the
technology. Avatar was always
a stepping stone to make anoth-
er technology film. If he could
start with Avatar, then he can
think of this mega production.
95% of the film was made in
Wellington," says Rahul.
You work such a long hours,
how do you balance personal
and professional life?
"When my projects are close to
completion, my day starts at
5.30 am and ends up quite late.
But I always come home for
lunch and dinner.
Meet our
very own
Aussie
Indian
Avatar
"Working with James Cameron was a dream come true. The day I met him in Wellington, I told him that
working in Avatar was a masterclass in film making. It was revolutionary, had advanced film techniques, he
made a 3D camera just so he can shoot this movie. It took four and half years to make the film.
- Rahul Deshprabhu
Bollywood
I make a point to live from
work at half an hour dis-
tance. I take my cycle
which takes 7-8 minutes, so
that's my exercise for the
day.
I have also worked seven
days a week because there
is a certain kind of level
you want to achieve. If you
make Avatar you don't get a
break."
What's the biggest challenge
for a technical director?
"For me mostly it's a chal-
lenge to make it as real as
possible to begin with.
That's the creative side of it.
To show the finished prod-
uct, and specially to see the
'jaw dropped' reaction. I
don't want to see the screen,
I want to see the reaction on
the face. This is what I keep
in mind. If you want to see
a waterfall in reality, I want
to show you the same expe-
rience. For example, for my
current film I've been given
the task of simulation of the
fish where there are massive
fish rivers flowing. I've
never seen fish river.
After seeing my creation,
my supervisor commented,
"If fish rivers were flow,
this is what it's going to be."
So I aim for reality."
Besides technical skills,
what kind of assets does
one need to excel in visual
effects?
"If you want to be in visual
effects, the biggest asset is
observation skills. Not just
objects, I sometimes even
stare at people. They might
find it rude, but I'm observ-
ing their facial expres-
sions!"
Rahul loves motor cycling
and photography. "I have a
set of 8-10 pics on National
Geographic. Overall, any-
thing associated with adven-
ture excites me," says
Rahul.
And where does he see him-
self after ten years?
"My first achievement was
working at Digital Domain
and my second achievement
was working with James
Cameron. Now I want to
open a restaurant - I'm not
only a foodie but love cook-
ing! My signature dish is
butter chicken (smiles). "
Australia India Business
Council (AIBC), NSW,
launched the 'Women in
Business' Chapter at the
Hilton in Sydney, as a part of
its 25th year celebrations.
"The Women in Business
group will drive bilateral
trade relationships between
Australia and India," said
Sheba Nandkeolyar, Chair
of Women in Business, in
her welcome address. "This
includes setting up ties and
strategic links with
Chambers of Commerce
and Trade Associations in
Australia and India."
The current members are
drawn from various indus-
tries ranging from Marketing
& Communications, Cross-
Cultural Consulting &
Training, Government,
Manufacturing & Sales, and
Investment & Venture
Capital, among others. The
committee members are
Sanushka Seomangal,
Claire Tynan, Naina Gill,
Theresa Assaker and Sheba
Nandkeolyar.
The launch on 12 July
received immense support
and acclaim from Business
and Industry leaders across
Australia, especially women
in business who are keen to
forge stronger ties between
the two countries.
AIBC NSW President,
Dipen Rughani, spoke about
the changing face of working
class woman in India and
their spending power.
The Consul General of
India, Amit Dasgupta, high-
lighted the challenges faced
by seven
semi-illiterate women
and the success story of
'Lijjat Papad' (pappadum),
an organisation started in
the 1950s and run solely by
women. This is now a $80
million (USD) industry world-
wide.
The NSW Minister for
Family and Community
Services and the Minister for
Women, Prudence Jane
Goward, was the Chief
Guest on the occasion. Ms
Prudence, who lived in India
for a short period in the
1970's, was enthusiastic
about the initiative and relat-
ed several interesting per-
sonal anecdotes during her
speech. She urged women
to break the cycle of disad-
vantage in the modern busi-
ness world and also look at
non-traditional businesses
to excel in.
Present on the occasion
were several successful
business leaders, members
of foreign Consulates,
Presidents of business
associations and
Government representa-
tives.
A panel discussion on
"Doing Business with India"
was held. Panel speakers
included Larke Reimer
(Head of the Women's
Markets Unit, Westpac
Group and chair of Global
Banking Alliances for
Women in Banking), Claire
Tynan (Tynan Group of
Companies and former CEO
of Mahindra Automotive),
Saba Abdi (Founder of
Vision Asia) and Patricia
Verma (Leading business
woman for over three
decades).
AIBC boosts women in business
MP Prudence Jane Goward addressing the guests
Women in Business committee members left to right: Sanuskha Seomangal,
Theresa Assaker, Naina Gill, Claire Tynan and Sheba Nandkeolyar
Religion
By K Raman
D
iscovery of staggering amount of
treasure of gargantuan propor-
tions in Sri Padmanabhaswamy
Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
has drawn world-wide attention to this
rather humble shrine, which is now con-
sidered to be one of the richest temples not
only in India but throughout the world.
The huge quantity of wealth of nearly Rs
100,000 crore in the form of precious
metals, priceless stones and other Puranic
objects of art inside the hitherto unknown
underground vaults of this temple surpass-
es the Rs 52,000 crore treasure chest of
Balaji Temple of Tirumalai in Andhra
Pradesh.
The wealthiest six shrines of India now
are Padmanabha (1 lakh crore rupees,
Tirupathi 52,000 crore, Vaishnao Devi
500 crore, Puri Jagannatha temple 90
crore, Shirdi Baba shrine 32 crore plus
investments of 427 crore, Sidhivinayaka
temple in Mumbai 46 crore plus 125 crore
deposits and Guruvayoor 2.5 crore plus
deposits of 125 crore.
According to sources, the temple was
built around the year 1560. The temple
corridor (prakaram) has 365 and one quar-
ter sculptured granite pillars, a majestic
nataka shala, an eight foot tall flag staff
and a hitherto biggest 'Charakku' (vessel
to cook). Any flower stuck to the deity
after performing poojas is removed by a
cluster of peacock feathers to avoid dam-
age of the Katu Sharkara coating.
Among my recent pilgrimages to a
dozen of famous South Indian Hindu tem-
ples, the highlight was our visit to the Sri
Padmanabha Temple. We conducted the
day long Udayasthamana Puja at this holy
shrine. The temple is located in
the heart of Thirvananthapuram
(Syanadoorapuram) inside the East Fort,
off the NH 47 (National Highway). The
shrine is considered to be one of the 108
Divya desams (holy places) of
Vaishnavism.
Unlike the typical South Indian shrines
with the Sikhiram (Gopuram) pointing
skywards, this temple has a flat top
Gopuram and looks very unique.
Padmanabha in Anantha sayana posture
(in Yoga Nidra position) as Seshasaye is
a massive vigraha, with a sowmya
mukha. He is very elegant and pleasant
(shanth swaroopi) to look at. The lord is
also known as Thamarai manalan.
In Brahmananda Purana, a major chap-
ter is devoted to describe the glories of
Ananthapura Mahatmyam. The glory of
this shrine is amply described in very old
scriptures viz: Skanda Purana, Padma
Purana, Varaha Purana and Vayu Purana.
The creation of this majestic temple is
based on a story of playful Unni Krishna
and Tulu desa Sanyasi Vilwamangalam
Swamy. The hermit wanted to see the
vishwaroopam of Mahavishnu who oblig-
ingly revealed his true form (vishwa-
roopam). It was too huge with the head at
Tiruvallam (5 km from the present temple
site, the holy feet at Trippappur (8 km
from the Fort) and the middle portion at
Ananthankadu which is the location of the
actual temple.
The sage could not visualise the large
image and pleaded with God to reduce his
size to see Vishnu filling his eyes. The
result is what we see at the temple now.
The holy sage gave Deva Bhoga
(neyvedyam) of what he could get then, on
the spot consisting of Kanji and salted
mango pickle in a coconut shell. We, too,
were given the same prasadam of 'Uppu
manga' and cooked rice when our poojas
concluded. I also managed to get the
Royal silver medallion from the palace,
with a reclining Padmanabha on one side
with the kings symbol of Valampuri
Shanku on the flip side for doing the day
long pooja and Deeparadhana at night, as
a gesture of thanks giving. This system is
virtually non-existent now.
The Padma teertham (Lotus spring), a
sprawling clean and tidy bathing place, is
located by the side of the temple, said to
have come into being when the Lord
threw a lotus flower in the direction where
the holy tank is currently located. He is
Sesha shayee and his roopam can be seen
in three portions (face, navel and paadam)
through three separate doors. Brahma sits
on a blossomed lotus flower white stem
emanates from the Lords nabhi. His con-
sorts, Sri Devi and Bhu Devi, stand by his
side along with the galaxy of saptha
rishis (sages) standing in reverence near
the lord.
The deity is 18 feet long from head to
toe and is made up of 12,008 Saligrams
handpicked from Gandhaki River (Nepal).
The huge Vigraha is made of the
saligrams encased in gold except for the
head and chest parts. The kankanam,
Kamalam, sacred thread worn by the lord,
are all made of solid gold. A special
Ayurvedic mix of Katu Sharkara Yogam
is used as plaster to cover up the deity to
distract the preying eyes of invaders as
well as to prevent small insects, ants and
flies entering the Garbha Griha.
Travancore Royal familys ruler,
Marthanda Varma surrendered himself
and all his possessions to the Lord by the
act of Trippadi Danam and he became
Padmanabha Dasa. He, earlier, construct-
ed and maintained Shabari Sasta Temple,
which is not among the top six wealthiest
Indian shrines. It used to be a tradition in
this part of India that the Maharaja always
carried out the daily morning darshanam
of the lord. If he failed to do this, he will
have to pay a fine of one Rs 151.55 to the
temple for his failure to turn up.
To avid listeners with an inquisitive
mind, standing near the Gods feet close
to the third door, a mild sound of the
breaking waves of the sea can be heard. In
one instance, it is said, the lord moved
slightly and the priest felt a mild tremor
and rattling of smaller pooja vessels kept
inside the Garbhagraha.
At one stage the temple was owned by
the powerful landlord Ettu Veettil
Pillamar who was defeated by the king in
a combat and had to surrender control of
the temple. British rulers respected the
temple and the king and honoured the tra-
dition by daily 21-gun salute, which was
continued till the abolition of Privy Purse.
Under the directions of the Supreme
Court of India the secret treasure cham-
bers were opened to check and take an
inventory of items stored inside the vaults.
On July 2011, 500 billion Rupees worth of
Gold and precious stones were unearthed
from one vault alone. Besides, there were
many antique items and 118th century
Napoleonic era coins. There was a mas-
sive Vishnu Vigraha (believed to have
been gifted by Maharaja of
Vijayanagaram), ceremonial attires of the
deities studded with precious stones, a 16
part Gold Anki of 230 kg weight,
coconut shells made of solid gold and
studded with rubies and emeralds. The
value of the treasure found so far is more
than Rs 90,000 crore, not including the
antique value of most items.
Continued on page 53....
Sri Padmanabha Shrine: the richest temple in the world
Sri Padmanabha temple flat gopuram and (right) the deity Padmanabha in Anantha sayana posture
The mammoth wealth of Rs 100,000 crore in the form of precious metals, priceless stones and other ancient objects of art inside the vaults of the Padmanabha temple
surpasses the Rs 52,000 crore treasure chest of Balaji Temple of Tirupathi.
Community

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D
r Vijay Kumar, a Sydney
based nuclear scientist and
consultant at UNs
International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA) in Vienna is a fre-
quent flier who goes around the
globe working on issues which are
serious for the survival of human
race and the planet as such.
Dr. Vijay met Dr APJ Abdul
Kalam when the former Indian
President came to Sydney to dis-
cuss issues ranging from Vijays
role in IAEA on applications of
Nuclear medicine for developing
countries to using nuclear reactors
for power generation in India,
using bio-fuels for transport, and
China & India as the growing
industrial powers. Dr Kalam had
talked about use of Thorium for
nuclear energy needs and wanted to
meet people in the related field.
Says Dr Vijay Kumar, It was
an inspiring meeting with Dr Kalam
as he was impressed when I told
him of my rural upbringing and
modest family background.
Talking about his work at
IAEA, says Vijay, I was attending
a regional course for nuclear cardi-
ologists in Sydney when I met peo-
ple from IAEA and developed 8
different modules for DAT for
international circulation. They were
so impressed that they used it in
many languages and I got invited to
give a plenary lecture at an interna-
tional conference on Nuclear
Oncology in Brazil in 2004. Since
then I have not looked back and the
work I do with them has become
my passion which comes from my
own conviction for a safe, secure
world which is what IAEA stands
for that is Atoms for Peace as it
fosters co-operation in Nuclear
field within UN family.
Dr Vijay goes on to add,
IAEA employs 2200 multi-disci-
plinary professionals and support
staff from 90 countries with 6
major divisions headed by Director
General. When you work for UN
you are a citizen of the world and
represent no country, not polarised
or biased with your decision-mak-
ing. As I entered the UN office
building for the first time I could
see with pride some great Indian
names who served the organisation.
At the entrance is the statue of
Homi Bhabha, the founder of
Bhabha Atomic Energy centre in
Bombay. Incidentally, he was one
of the key people responsible to
establish IAEA organisation in
Vienna.
Historically, IAEA was created
in 1957 in response to the deep
fears and expectations resulting
from the discovery of nuclear ener-
gy. Its fortunes are uniquely geared
to this controversial technology that
can be used either as a weapon or
as a practical and useful tool.
These ideas helped to shape the
IAEA Statute, which 81 nations
unanimously approved. The Statute
outlines the three pillars of the
Agencys work: nuclear verifica-
tion & security, safety and technol-
ogy transfer. The road to achieving
global nuclear peace is a long strug-
gle. In 1954, Pandit Nehru, the
then Indian PM, was one of the first
world leaders to initiate such a
move in the UN at New York to
push for nuclear test ban. In 1962,
President Kennedy passed the legis-
lation through UN to conduct
nuclear testing only underground.
In 1968, came NPT non-prolifer-
ation treaty. But in practice only in
1974, the nuclear scientists from
IAEA have developed documents to
Monitor and Verify nuclear test-
ing related activities. This historic
moment for UN led to establishing
the Comprehensive (Nuclear) Test
Ban Treaty Organisation within
IAEA in 1993.
Vijay says that when one works
on UN projects, it gives a global
perspective of many events for har-
monization and advancement of
human race, irrespective of colour,
religion or status. I have cherished
the experience in Vienna as it was
both challenging and rewarding. It
was an excellent opportunity to
meet international experts and work
with them closely and I found that
it is an ideal organisation for net-
working.
Currently Vijay is working on
another project - an invitation from
Harvard Medical School, Boston to
speak at their seminar series on
Neuroendocrine tumour diagnosis
and treatment using the latest tech-
nology.
He admits this is a dream come
true to go to Harvard. He was also
invited to speak at Society of
Nuclear Medicine Conference in
USA to deliver a CME (Continuing
Medical Education) session in June
2011 and also was an invited speak-
er at the first World Ga-68 confer-
ence in Germany in July and at the
South American Congress (ALAS-
BIMN) later in the year. Vijay also
serves as secretary, International
Relationship Committee of ANZS-
NM (Current) and the Secretary for
the World Federation of Nuclear
Medicine & Biology Bid
Committee.
Vijay lives in Sydney with his
wife Shan and has two children a
daughter working as an IT Business
manager and a doctor son. Vijay
loves spending time and playing
with his granddaughter. Little does
she know that her 62-year old
granddad is working hard to make
this planet a safe place for genera-
tions to come.
Making the planet a safer place
Dr Vijay Kumar, now working for IAEA, with Dr Kalam
150th Birth Centenary of Tagore
The great sentinel of India
Rabindranath Tagore with Gandhiji
Alo amar alo oga alo bhu-
vanbhara
Alo nayandhoya, Alo hriday
hara!
Nache alo nache, bhai, amar
praner kachhe...
Light, my light, the world filling
light,
the eye-kissing light,
hear-sweetening light!
Ah, teh lght dances, my darling,
at the centre of my life...
- Geetanjali
If only had he not lost his
fathers manuscript on a fateful
train journey on a London train,
Rathindranath, son of
Rabindranath as he went to
retrieve the recovered translations
came into the notice of English
poet W B Yeats who was pro-
foundly moved by the verses of
Geetanjali and he carried the
translations for days as he read
them. India society of London
brought out the translations in the
form of a book in a limited edi-
tion with introduction by Yeats
when Macmillan Press bought
out the rights. The book received
wonderful reviews and was rec-
ommended by the Royal Society
of Literature as a literary master-
piece fit for a nobel prize.
Tagores name was finalized
for the award in 1913 from a total
of 28 nominations because of his
profoundly sensitive, fresh and
beautiful verse, by which with
consummate skill, he has made
his poetic thought expressed in
his own English words, a part of
the lietrature of the West.
Thus Tagore became a world
famous poet whose poetry was
universal, beyond physical
boundaries and spoke in a lan-
guage that touched chords of
everyones heart. Though he
admitted to Rothenstein, his
friend, in 1913 that Nobel prize
was as bad as tying a tin can to a
dogs tail making it impossible
for him to move, without creating
noise and crowds all along,
Tagore had a restless spirit and a
multifarious personality who not
only covered diverse terrains of
creative expression - music, the-
atre, painting, song writer and a
thinker, social reformer, founder
of Shantiniketan school. World
is my home, he used to say, an
ascetic who looked at what ailed
the world and became its healer in
his own unique way.
This myriad-minded spiritu-
al was lovingly called gurudev
by Mahatma Gandhi while the
sobriquet of Mahatma was
given to Gandhiji by Tagore.
Though he strongly objected to
being called and that he was no
guru to anyone the title stuck
due to his aristocratic appearnce
in flowing robes, silver hair and a
long flowing beard. He stood
splendrously tall next to the
small, diminutive frame of
Mahatma Gandhi both contrast-
ing each others persona yet rep-
resented an India to whom all
Indians looked upto with pride
and affection.
Tagores deep thinking was
harnessed at a very young age by
his father Debendranath Tagore
by the sounds of shlokas of
Upnishads in his childhood and
his wayfaring, restless traveler
spirit when he took a trip to
Himalays in 1873 which inculcat-
ed a bonding of nature providing
the young boy with a sense of
freedom and exploration. Tagore
traveled widely as he was invited
to Europe, America, China,
Japan. In Europe his poetry was
widely discussed as it offered
hope for the war riddled countries
full of death and destruction,
In 1940 Tagore travelled to
Europe exhibiting his paintings
which he used to say that they had
crossed all barriers than his
poetry. He traveled to Iran vsiting
the tomb of famous poet Saadi
and interacted with King of Iran
emphasising communal harmony
a necessary condition for
progress.
Tagores mission was and is -
divinisation of man and humain-
ising of God and he was influ-
enced by Buddhism as well .
Though he said salvation through
the practice of renunciation was
not for him. He wanted to taste
the freedom of joy in the midst of
innumerable ties. He was
impressed by the Vaishnava
padavali (lyrics) which imbibed
in him the concept of beauty and
love that became the keynote of
his writings. He was infludenced
by Baul philosophy that theres
God in every man heart and He
may be realized only by sincere
love and devotion. Tagore com-
posed many songs in the Baul tra-
dition:
O my Mind,
You did not wake up when the
man of your heart
Came to your door
You woke up in the dark
At the sound of his departing
footsteps
My lonely night passes on a
mat on the floor
His flute sounds in darkness
Alas! I cannot see Him
Tagore looked for this inti-
mate relation with the man of the
heart the Eternal friend which
he calls lover in Jeevandevata -
the lord of life as the guiding
principle of his life.
Romain Rolland, a French
writer and mystic, was fascinated
by both Tagore and Gandhi and
paid tribute to the two great river-
like souls, overflowing with
divine spirit .
Rabindranath Tagore moved
out of Kolkatta to start a brah-
macharya Ashram - his vision of
an authentic education which
unfolds a childs potentialities,
his service to village folk with an
aim of simple life - village being
the centre of Indian culture and
traditions and close to natural
environment for personal growth.
He said, If we could free
even one village from the shack-
les of helplessness and ignorance,
an ideal for the whole of India
would be established.
While Gandhi provided a
political leadership in the free-
dom struggle of India, Tagore
concentrated on education, indi-
vidual disocvery and believed
himself to be citizen of the world
crossing all boundaries. Tagore
translated Macbeth at the age of
thirteen and is also known for a
lot of bilingual work from
Bengali to English as people got
exposed to a fine lietrature of
India through his relentless
efforts. Tagore was a walking uni-
versity in himself .
Tagore was saddened by the
plight of Bengali women and
argued for their emanicipation
through his lectures, stories and
essays and letters to people. He
said about women, They are an
integral part of the human race
and God has created them as part
of society and not as docilely
chained to walls of the innermost
chambers of the houses.
Once when he went to China
he wrote a poem:
A Chinese name I took,
dressed in Chinese clothes
This I knew in my mind
Wherever I find my friend there
I am born
Anew.
And about Death he wrote:
Kissing Dusks face, Night gently
whispers,
I am, death, your mother,
but not to fear.
With each dawn I renew
the deaparting days in birth ever
new.
Neena Badhwar
Karam C. Ramrakha
advises his clients that
he is still in active practice but is now with
Macquarie Legal Lawyers
who operate from
Level 11, 3 Spring Street Sydney 2000
(just behind Australia Square).
The new phone number is (02) 92352500.
Kirath C. Ramrakha is also with this firm as a
Senior Associate. This firm handles conveyancing,com-
mercial work, and litigation of all types and level. We
refer immigration but can handle immigration appeals.
ACARD
Community
By Maya Narpatsingh
The price of freedom has been wrought with blood, sweat and tears
Sacrifices, family separation and tragedies of yesteryears;
Indians fearless, nonviolent struggled to achieve this goal
All with one voice and one will, fulfilling determined quit India role
The storm continued till they completed their pledge
14th August 1947 freedom voices echoed from every hedge;
Pandit Nehru first Prime Minister of partitioned India announced
At the stroke of midnight hour when the world sleeps India will awake to life and
freedom
A new chapter commenced for Indian history
Now divided with Kashmir with unsolved mystery
The two countries that were one India survived many invasions
Even struggled together fighting for freedom from all foreign persuasions
Soon followed few years of tremendous bitterness and destruction
Human lives lost and tormented under the thoughtless partition
Brother killed brother from mad frenzied border sedations
Humane values dropped to deplorable conditions
Guns exchanged riots broke out and hatred grew
Tales of war were pathetic in every days news review
Hostile incidences occurred and fear holding sway
Alas! 30th January 1948 was Mahatma Gandhis tragic passing away
Critical conditions called worldwide concern
Freedom at midnight had brought in colossal damages to mourn
Then followed few years struggle of survival and rehabilitation
While retaining the hard earned freedom from British domination
Three wars and a huge loss of lives couldnt solve the Kashmir issue till today
While many terrorist activities aggravating the wounded state
Mother India is tired of mans abuses many
Leave her in peace from enemy without while a leader of vision is needed from with-
in.
This leader India needs to cull out countrys cancer of corruption
Its not an outside enemy as for the enemy within it seeks a leader of conviction
Perhaps we need a Gandhi again for India to rise out of its current disruption
Then only can the country run peacefully without any interruption.
The Indian Down Unders poets celebrate
Maya Narpatsinghs 75th birthday this month.
A prolific poet Mayas poems touch life and she
always writes about current topics. Mayaji, as
she is lovingly known in the Indian community,
thinks in verse before she even pens her
thoughts on paper. She is the wife of late R K
Narpatsingh of Idar who worked for Air India
for 30 years as the couple travelled all over the
world and made Maya see life closely at post-
ings around the world. She is now settled in
Sydney with her three sons and daughter and
grandchildren. She is also a member of the
Society of Women Writers of NSW and loves
Ikebana, Japanese art of flower decoration. If
not writing, Mayaji is busy reading, knitting
and cooking.
P
unam Sarin writes poetry and runs a
successful business Bharat
International an Indian shop in
Canberra. Creativity is in Punams blood as
she not only creates her
musings in couplets she
is also good at cook-
ing, being an excellent
chef who can blend
spices in various ways
that helps her cus-
tomers source all kinds
of Indian food in Canberra.
A well known and a celebrated poet,
Punam started writing poetry at the age of
twelve. She has been honoured with many
poetry awards that include International Poet
of Merit Award 2008. She says her poems
help her express herself freely. Punam has
published six poetry books and her poems
are based on her thoughts on topics that
range from intimate love, God, human rela-
tionships, children, mother earth to wars
and terror that dog our world today.
Always there
Who picks me up when I fall down?
Who comforts me without a sound?
Who soothes my spirit from within?
Who forgives me when I have sinned?
Who strengthens me when times are
hard?
Who can I let drop down my guard
Who wants me when I look a mess??
Who listens when I feel distressed?
Who sits with me into the small hours?
Who accepts me in all my colours?
Whom do I yell at and hope they stay
Who is here with me each and every
day?
Who is my cheerleader and rewarder?
May be a guardian angel, may be the
lord
Whoever hits with him a special chord
may be through this silent plea
goes out to someone inside of me
I am here when times are tough
A refuge when I have had enough
seek and you will see
you are never alone while you have me
Walk With Me
Take my hand and walk with me
Down the path of discovery
Look and you will see
Listen and you will hear
Touch and you will feel
This beautiful life that is so real
Many things for us to learn
Many things to desire and yearn
Where the path leads, I dont know
Its time to just go with the flow
So many discoveries to be made
The foundations of our future to be laid
Walk beside me now and always
From the darkness of night into the
brightness of days
Be a little anxious, be a little scared
But rest assured, there is nothing to fear
Call out my name youll see Im right
here
So please take my hand and walk with
me
Its a long journey into eternity
My Tears
Silently a tear kissed my cheek
I felt it fall
I caught it in my hand
Held it
Felt it
Tasted it
Then suddenly
It wasnt
So big
After all
By Mala Suthakar
T
he Vedanta Centre of Sydney organ-
ised a school holidays camp for chil-
dren with the theme For the good of
One and All during July 5-7.
The camp days commenced with Swami
Atmeshananda leading the children with a
short prayer session. The topic of the day
generally centred on Knowing God through
Guru and Guru Poornima which was to
follow soon after on July 15.
The discussions included the six main
religions of the world and their religious
Masters. While touching on the superficial
differences of religions, the learning, more
importantly, highlighted the main similarity
among religions: the common goal of attain-
ing everlasting peace and happiness through
the good of one and all.
Recitation of Vedic chants (shlokas and
mantras), and yoga and bhajans sessions
were some of many activities that the chil-
dren undertook on all three days. All the
participants, more than fifty in number,
received colourful booklets, which were not
only informative, but also comprised educa-
tional activities that kept the children
engrossed for a great duration of time.
To the participants, all activities were
play as was their art, craft and cookery ses-
sions amidst much loved games. The fun
activities included decorating and icing cup
cakes which taught them to offer, share
and care, and also their craft project, of
building a hexagonal pyramid with symbols
of the six religions on each of its faces.
The children spent some time after
lunch to rest and watch educational videos
on the life and times of Lord Buddha and
the Prince of Egypt.
The Vedanta Centres kitchen supple-
mented the contributions of many volun-
teers and provided healthy and sumptuous
morning and afternoon teas. Yummmm
was a familiar sound during the food
breaks.
Enthusiasm was full-on, even while the
participants prepared for their recitation,
singing and enactment of skits depicting
scenes from the lives of Buddha and Moses,
and stories based on Christian values. These
culminated in a performance a presenta-
tion in front of parents and visitors on the
final day of the Camp.
The children and the many volunteers
were privileged to receive sweet-prasada
from Swami Sridharananda, the abbot of the
monastery.
The children were also awarded certifi-
cates of participation and were doubly
blessed as they received bookmarks with the
label 'PRAYER' from Swami
Damodarananda.
Swami Atmeshananda ended the day
with a reflection about each days activities
and a short prayer session. It is little won-
der that the participants are looking forward
to the next childrens camp during 27-29
September.
Perhaps we need a Gandhi again
Vedanta children camp is a fun fair
Poems by Punam Sarin
Children busy in activities in a holiday camp organised by the Vedanta Centre, Sydney
Community
Mahatmas granddaughter Tara to
attend Gandhi Samaroh
10-minute plays bring the best of talent in the Indian community
AFL India to participate in
International Cup in Sydney
and Melbourne
B
haratiya Vidya Bhavan
Australia is organizing the
Gandhi Samaroh
(Symposium). The chief guest and
main speaker will be Mrs. Tara
Gandhi Bhattacharjee, granddaugh-
ter of Mahatma Gandhi who is
coming especially for the
Symposium from New Delhi.
Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee is
the Vice-Chairperson of Gandhi
Smriti and Darshan Samiti and
Kasturba Gandhi National
Memorial Trust. All these organi-
sations are initiatives of the
Government of India. Gandhi
Smriti is the site in Delhi of
Martyrdom of Mahatma Gandhi
for truth and Non-violence. Tara
has been working for the welfare of
the spinners and the weavers of
khadi.
Gandhi Samaroh focuses on the
life of Gandhi and his relevance
today, multicultural awareness
nowadays and fostering the bond
between India and Australia.
The event will be held from 3
to 10 November 2011 in Sydney,
Canberra and Melbourne. There
will be lectures, exhibitions and
workshops. The Bhavan has pro-
posed to launch a special medal in
the name of Mahatma Gandhi for
Social Responsibility.
An application has been sub-
mitted to Australia-India Council
for a grant to cover the travel costs
of the chief guest Mrs.
Bhatacharjee.
A
FL India team had par-
ticipated in the
International Cup 2008
held in Melbourne which was
supported by Bhavan Australia.
This year AFL India will
have a team of 30 players and 4
support staff including a coach
ready for the 2011 AFL
International Cup. They have
approached as for supporting
the team stay in Sydney from 11
to 22 August 2011. India's par-
ticipation in this years
International Cup is very impor-
tant, to set a platform to carry
the work forward.
Last time Bharatiya Vidya
Bhavan School in Saltlake,
Kolkata invited the AFL India
members as well as the AFL
India players to take part in a
curtain raiser to their Inter-
school soccer final.
AFl India are planning to
involve the 100 plus schools of
Bhavan's group to start with,
and Kolkata and Raipur have
already been involved. Both of
them are eager and willing to
lend supporting hands, to use
their school premises for devel-
opment purposes.
One of the key elements of
the AFLs International
Development strategy is the
annual International Cup. The
countries that have nominated to
participate in this unique tourna-
ment include: Canada, China,
Denmark, Finland, Great
Britain, India, Ireland, Japan,
Nauru, New Zealand, Papua
New Guinea, Samoa, South
Africa, Spain, Sweden, Tonga
and USA.
A key feature of this event
is that all players must be citi-
zens of their country (no expa-
triate Australians are eligible to
play in the International Cup).
Teams are comprised solely of
amateurs who must be nationals
of the country they represent.
A
bhinay School of Performing Arts
conducted an intensive play-writ-
ing workshop with Short+ Sweet
Theatre Festivals artistic director Alex
Broun during July 8-10 at Shopfront
Theatre in Carlton, Sydney. Participants
ranged from as young as 15-year old
Karuna Darwesh to 70-year old Kamal
Kakwani.
The ideas they came up with were var-
ied - Karuna as a young student thinking of
the issue of climate change affecting our
planet. Another idea that developed into a
10-minute play was by Neena Badhwar of
an Indian bride and her dilemma in getting
married to a robot when she suddenly gets
the jitters as doubts rage in her on her wed-
ding night.
Another interesting plot was by
Sukhpreet Dhamoon where a talk back
radio show host is stripped of his so called
media power by no one else but his own
mike as it comes to life as Mic the Mike.
Jasbir Singh Ahluwalias play in Hindi
was well received about families caught in
between the curfew post 1984 riots and
how a Hindu family is helped by a Sikh
neighbour as tensions built up due to a
member falling critically sick. Young
Shourya came up with a tense drama about
a long lost son taking his father hostage
with a tragic end. Kamals play was a
belated epitaph to her 99-year old mother
who died last year.
Seven participants were Karuna
Darwesh, Shourya Nidhi, Neena Badhwar,
Jasbir Singh Alhuwalia, Robert Bellon,
Sukhpreet Dhamoon and Kamal Kakwani.
They learnt about all the aspects of theatre
that included writing a script for 10-minute
play, to casting, acting and staging their
play. Alex brought out the best in everyone
and said that it was like a reality show like
Master Chef where the contestants had to
come up with a script over the weekend
workshop that could hold the audience. He
reminded everyone that theatre was a
shared act of imagination by actors and
audience. Connect to your characters as
theyll start speaking to you, he said.
They say that we all have a novel or a
film in us. I dont know about that but def-
initely everyone has a 10-minute play in
them, said Alex, And you can see your
own idea being performed in front of you.
On Sunday, July 10, many actors,
playwrights and directors were invited to
rehearse the scripts the whole day. They
presented eight plays in the afternoon.
Karuna Darwesh produced Human
and the Earth played by Murray
Robertson and Ngahiiti; Shourya Nidhis
play Hostage acted by Jim and Aiden.
Neena Badhwar entered two plays Rocky
II and the Indian bride with robot played
by Aiden and Marni as the Indian Bride.
The play was directed by Vee Malnar.
Neenas second play was based on the life
of Buddha and four women who helped
him achieve Nirvana. Nasrin played
Sujatha, Cheryl played Maya, Olivia as
Yashodhra and Maurine as Ambapalika
with James as the waiter brought a comic
interlude in between some serious dia-
logues. Buddha and his four women was
directed by Uma Kali Shakti.
Jasbir Singh Alhuwalias Ek Nayi
Subah - A New Dawn had Sukhpreet
Dhamoon, Dixit Thakkar, Aishveryaa
Nidhi, Rohit Kalia, Mona Grover, Shourya
Nidhi, Nishthha Nidhi and Subeyksha
Pyekural playing different characters.
Robert Bellons Birthday Party, directed
by Vee Malnar, was hilarious. Sukhpreet
Dhamoons The Power, was played by
Marty as a radio shock-jock Jay, and Ben
as Mic the Mike. Kamal Kakwani wrote
and staged Delayed Epitaph a dialogue
between a daughter and the ghost of her
mother played by Fabiala and Rhonda.
Hindi Gauravs Anuj Kulshrshtha
donated a prize for the best play which
went to Jasbir Ahluwalias Ek Nai Subah
a New Dawn declared by Harpreet
Singh Narula, editor of Punjab Times. The
Indian Down Under newspaper gave
encouragement award to young Karuna
Darwesh of a Family Pass to Taronga Zoo.
All the plays were of such high calibre
that it was difficult for Alex Broun to judge
the winner as he decided to declare the
results later.
Aishverya Nidhi, director of Abhinay
School of Performing Arts, said, It is
quite a satisfying experience to nurture tal-
ent and see people grow. Talent is some-
thing participants already possess. We, at
Abhinay, can only help polish it and bring
out their best in them.
At present there is a huge vacuum in
theatre of multicultural ideas. Although we
are a sizeable part of the Australian popu-
lation, yet we have not expressed how we
think and feel. I have been striving for the
Indian talent to come forward and partici-
pate in the mainstream theatre. I think its
a great opportunity for the Indian commu-
nity to feel proud of its talent, she said.
The plays will be showcased in Hindi
on September 11 as part of the Hindi Divas
in a program called Indradhanush.
Mrs. Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee with the Dalai Lama
Abhinay's workshop under Alex Broun with writers Karuna Darwesh, Shourya Nidhi,
Neena Badhwar, Jasbir Singh Alhuwalia, Robert Bellon, Sukhpreet Dhamoon and
Kamal Kakwani. Writers seen here with actors who took part in the moved reading.
Community
By Neena Badhwar
I
spent an afternoon with modern guru
Deepak Chopra for his enlightening three
hours on the topic: Healing,
Transformation & Higher Consciousness as
part of the event I can Do It. Organised by
Hay House, the Sydney Convention Centre
was full of people brimming with vibrations
of universal energy that filled Darling
Harbour space which Deepak calls as the
Unified Field and when like-minded people
congregate in a precinct synergistically cre-
ating a great spiritual environment one can
only but say and feel Yes I can do it.
Deepak said that its all part of knowl-
edge revealing itself as time passes.
Yesterdays miracles are the science of
today and todays miracles may be the sci-
ence of tomorrow.
Deepak talked of Body, Mind and Spirit
and how to create a transcendental existence
by simply being aware. The body, he said,
That it is not real but the real is something
else. Body is a process, an activity. The
Deepak who came two years ago is not who
you see today. He is dead and gone that is if
you believe in life after death!
Body is recycling all the time with ele-
ments from the universe through sensory
perceptions and activities such as eating,
sleeping, exercising, imagining, thinking,
which are constantly changing the body.
My travel suitcase has a better shelf life
than my body, He said.
And what is Mind. Mind is an embod-
ied relational process. There is no mind that
exists by itself. Mind is the regulator of flow
of energy and information. Today it is possi-
ble to monitor thoughts and how they affect
our brain. At the current level the informa-
tion which is being generated has bypassed
the knowledge of entire history of human
race.
And what about the soul? A scientist
will ask where is it? Show me. Who is hav-
ing this thought? We are always making
choices what we want to be in the future.
There was one Dr Penfold who is known for
his experiments on brain who concluded that
the interpreter is the choicemaker and
termed it as the soul.
Deepak said that the scientists have not
been able to monitor an in-body experience
while a lot of people talk of out-of-body
experiences. Where is this person who is
listening to my lecture?
All the Sufis, sages talk of this huge
spacea discontinuityanything in the uni-
verse is vibration referred to as discontinu-
ity. In all the on-off, on-off theres this gap
when there is no energy, no vibration, no
space, no timeand there are infinite possi-
bilities. It is the off field of potential, all that
was, all that is and all that will be.
So everything is co-related in this uni-
verse a synchronicity its an intention
field a place of karma, memory and desire.
A silent, self-regulating field of peace con-
nected to everything ground of your being
is the ground of universe. That is the part of
you that is real that transcends birth and
death beyond space and time. It is immanent,
evolves through time but exists beyond time
and cannot be destroyed a great field of
potentiality as Bhagavad Gita says, You
cannot wet it, fire cannot burn it and wind
cant blow it and that it exists beyond time
and space. Your body is in your conscious-
ness. You are not in the body but the body is
in you. You are not in the universe but the
universe is in you. Key to healing lies in this
principle.
Deepak quoted poet Rumi who said,
You are not the drop in the ocean but you
are the mighty ocean in the drop.
He went on to explain the three brains
the reptilian which controls the flight or
fight response; the limbic brain that is the
emotional response and the cortex the self-
reflective, intuitive, choice making part of
the brain. He recommended that we shut off
the reptilian brain altogether and switch on
the limbic and the cortex for rewiring with
the higher consciousness. People who have
best of friends have the best of health. If you
have happy friends and they have happy
friends and so on and so forth this whole
world will be a happy place because we are
all connected. Consciousness is a field and
when it is disturbed there are ripples all the
way through entire collective consciousness.
Spend time in happy activities, happy faces,
send happy smiley icons, healthy foods,
healthy lifestyle habit, yoga, all help your
well-being. Support each other and lead a
happy existence with like minded friends.
Then we all did a meditation together as
Deepak asked us to be aware of ourselves,
our body, body organs, blood circulation to
various regions.
It was a relaxing experience as everyone
joined in and felt better after the session as
Deepak explained what sort of work he is
doing with Gallop Foundation and his
Chopra Foundation. Deepak was totally
relaxed though he did mention quietly to his
minder that there was a lecture due in New
Zealand the next day while a huge line of
people built up for his autographs on his
books and CDs people had bought. They
also took the opportunity to say hello from
close and get a picture taken with their
favourite New Age guru who explains things
concretely and scientifically yet in layman
terms.
We are all co-related
Deepak Chopra with his admirers in Sydney
By K Raman
M
ay I begin by stating that
Vishaka Haris Katha
parayanam held in Sydney
recently was incomparable to any other
show of its kind because of the style of
presentation of sacred stories was of her
own invention? Someone has yet to
emerge with more appealing style and
modification to supersede Vishakas
Harikathakalakshepam. She presented two
shows back to back; Sita Kalyanam
(Ramayana) at Macquarie University the-
atre on July 16 and on the next day she
presented a brilliant Prahlada Vijayam (at
Ryde Civic Centre).
People living in Oz land mingling with
an alien culture and with or without profi-
ciency in Tamil language, packed the
auditoriums to capacity. A charismatic
Vishaka is a well-established and highly
regarded Raconteur, a great singer and a
classy act. I spoke to some patrons before
and after the first show. Their verdict was
unanimous; this was the best Harikatha
they heard so far. I concur, because to the
listeners ears it was sheer ecstasy.
In Sydney she presented her show
from a sunken English drama stage of the
University theatre she raised to a high
standing podium of the Civic Centre with-
in the passage of 24 hours time. Her
impeccable credentials preceded her
arrival on our shores. She is full of charm,
an artist devoted to her craft, a strict dis-
ciplinarian and a lady of methods. Talking
to her I gathered that this qualified
accountant is deep into Harikatha
Kalakshepan, thanks due to her guru and
father-in-law Sri Guruji Krishna Premi,
whom she mentions often and addresses as
Sri Anna. We know that any successful
person needs certain inborn God-given
gifts. Vishaka is a highly gifted classical
musician, well taught by the great Violin
Maestro Sri Lalgudi Jayaraman, a doyen
of Carnatic music. With an excellent com-
mand on her mother tongue, Tamil as well
as English she could cleverly mix and
marry music and enunciation. Her knowl-
edge of Veda, Sastras and Puranas is next
to none. Her association with Sri Krishna
Premi widened her horizon. Her own
inputs of deep thought and dedicated story
telling practice took her to meteoric
heights. The presence of house full audi-
ence on two successive weekend days in a
place where Harikatha is a misnomer is a
clear indication of her name, fame and
ability. Her dedication to her profession is
impeccable. Never once during the show
did she fumble for words. During the
three hour shows she never sipped a drop
of water, because while delivering the
story of the lord, hunger and thirst fade
away to the background. Impeccably
dressed in eye catching colourful and
fashionable sarees worn in Madisar (six
yards sarees in traditional Tamil style)
style she sits cross legged at the centre
stage.
On Madisar, Vishaka says that it is
not stage attire, this is what I wear every
day.
I was surprised to hear her state that
I dont ever read the newspapers. No
wonder her mind is unpolluted.
She added that while telling stories I
dont consciously weave in modern refer-
ence, they exist there to be spoken about.
In contrast to the tufted pot-bellied

male story tellers, she looks a picture of
beauty and tradition, evoking reverence.
She talks with confidence in her own
style. I generally uphold the way my
father-in-law delivers the story, while the
musical aspect is delivered as directed by
my Guru Sri Lalgudi Jayaraman. I just
mix both judiciously. In the Sydney
show of Sita Kalyanam she dwelled in
detail on the glories of Sri Rama as bril-
liantly portrayed by Saint Thyagaraja but
lack of time prevented her from going for
detailed description of the wedding part.
Vishakas husband started both the
shows with an Upanyasam. His knowl-
edge is immense with no gimmicks in the
presentation. Ananda Krishnan on Violin
and our Bala Shankar on Mridangam gave
added lustre to the story telling. Kudos to
Swara Laya for bringing Vishaka and her
team to Australia. I am sure she will be
back here having proven her mettle in this
visit.
Divine discourse by
Vishaka Hari
Harikatha exponent Vishaka Hari talking to Kris Raman. She says, One does not
need to understand and be learned in music or know the Ramayana in detail to
understand my narration. They just tell themselves.
Community
Sakhi Sangam pampers ladies
By Neeru Saluja
A
fter four days of relent-
less rain, at last the sun
smiled on Sunday. Well
it had to - because all the gor-
geous Indian ladies of Sydney
were looking forward to deck up
and celebrate Teej at the 13th
annual Sakhi Sangam event at
the local Croatian Club!
The mere mention of Sakhi
Sangam takes me down the
memory lane when I migrated to
Sydney seven years ago. As a
newly wed with dreams in my
eyes and working with the
Indian Down Under, the beauti-
ful ladies dressed in their best
smiling ear to ear reminded me
of my homeland and the colour-
ful festivities there. My lovely
editor noticed the spark in my
eyes and told me 'Neeru, one
day you should definitely attend
this event you will love it'.
And yes, that day finally
came! Dressed in my best, I was
all set to have some girl fun, not
thinking of household chores
and family duties. As soon as I
entered the room, I knew this
was going to be one of my best
Sundays. Tables full of ladies
dressed in designer suits, silk
and chiffon sarees, trendy jew-
ellery, sexy blouses and beauti-
ful hairdos it seemed as the
incredible India was right in
front of me!
Hosted by MC Aastha,
Divya Dhingra and Preeti, the
event was highlighted by per-
formances by artists Anu,
Chirasmitha, Nayana, Priyanka
and Purnima and students of
Indian Dance Centre. Not to
forget the Indian sakhis who
danced to their hearts content
on the dance floor thanks to the
latest songs belted out by DJ
Dimple. And who can forget the
delicious food by Manjit
Concord Centre, a regular sup-
porter of the Sakhi Sangam.
And which ladies event is
complete without tambola?
Tambola, lucky draw and lots of
prizes sponsored by UIA,
Mehre Da Dhaba, Billu's
Eatery, Apasara Beauty Parlour,
Appearance Beauty Clinic and
many more. There were also
stalls of henna, clothes, bangles,
bindis, jewellery and snacks.
What else can a woman ask
for? A day where she is pam-
pered and gets a chance to catch
up with her girlfriends. There
was not a single lady who went
home without a big smile on her
face. A big thanks to the organ-
isers Nandini Thadani and
Sushma Ahluwalia who every
year make the effort to bring
women from various platforms
together to celebrate woman-
hood.
Shobha Ingleshwar, Sunita Raheja, Ranju Chadha, Anju Kalra, Lajo Bhojwani and Lavina Tolani
Guess who?
Shobha Inleshwar and Rekha Rajvanshi Sakhi Sangam also gets friends from other multicultural
communities
Guess who?
On the Occasion of Hindi Divas
Australian Hindi Committee (AHC) , IABBV Hindi School
and ILASA(Indian literary and art society of Australia)
Present
Hindi Mela b on September 11, 2011
Venue: Thornleigh West Public School, Giblett Ave, Thornleigh NSW 2120
Program Schedule:
No entry fee.
We request all Hindi speakers / supporters / teachers / schools / students to join in the celebrations and present a united face to promote India's national language
Hindi. We would like to extend our deep gratitude to the Consulate General of India, Sydney for supporting this event. We would like to acknowledge the continued
support of: Hindu Council of Australia; United Indian Association; Australia India Business Council; Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan; Hindi Samaj; Australian Hindi Indian
Association and various other Australia-wide Associations; all Hindi schools, Print Media: The Indian Down Under, Indian Link, The Indian, Hindi Samachar Patrika;
Hindi Gaurav; Hindi Pushp, Melbourne; Radio: SBS Hindi Radio, Voice of India Monika Geetmala, Indian Link Radio, Darpan Radio, Radio Sur Sangam and Radio
Navatarang; Web Media Desi Kangaroos and Indo-Aus Times.
If you are a Hindi writer or a poet you are invited to participate in the Kavi Sammelan.
For further information and entry in poetry competition please contact:
Tara Chand Sharma(AHC): 0409 981 355, Sanjeev Bhakhri(HCA) 0414 971 122, Mala Mehta OAM (IABBV-Hindi School): 0412 283 677,
RekhaRajvanshi (ILASA): 0403 116 301
1. 10.30am-11am Student Session display of student's work and resources
2. 11am -12.00 am Children's Hindi poetry recitation competition
1stgroup of children - Year1-Year 4
2nd group of children Year 5-year 7
3rd group of children Year 8-year 12
Anybody can participate. Entries will close on 20th Aug. 2011
3. 12pm - 1.00 pm Light snacks
4. 1pm-3pm KaviSammelan by ILASA
Childrens Corner
Children's Corner
By Esther
Chaudhry-Lyons
"Long years ago we made a tryst with
destiny, and now the time comes when we
will redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full
measure, but very substantially. At the
stroke of the midnight hour, when the world
sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom.
A moment comes, which comes but rarely in
history, when we step out from the old to the
new, when an age ends and when the soul of
a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance....
We end today a period of ill fortune, and
India discovers herself again."
- Jawaharlal
Nehru
(Speech on Indian Independence Day, 1947)
On 15 August 1947, India attained freedom
from the British Rule. Every year, August 15 is
celebrated as the
Independence Day in
India. This national festi-
val is celebrated with
great enthusiasm all over
the country. The
Independence Day of any
country is a moment of
pride and glory. On this special occasion, rich
tributes are paid to the freedom fighters who
sacrificed their lives and fought to free their
motherland from the clutches of the oppressors
- British who ruled the country.
The British had initially come for trade but
gradually took over the total administration of
the country. At the strike of midnight of the
August 15, 1947, India shook off the shackles
of British Rule and became free. It was a night
of celebration all over the country.
Commemorating the day India attained freedom
(15th August), Independence Day is celebrated
with flag hoisting ceremonies and cultural pro-
grammes all over the country. The main pro-
gramme is held at the Red Fort where the
Prime Minster unfurls the National Flag and it
is saluted by Guns. The Prime Minister's
speech at the Red Fort in Delhi is a major
highlight. Patriotic presentations by school chil-
dren add colour to the celebrations. Delhis
skyline gets dotted with thousands of kites tak-
ing to the sky this day. Similar programmes are
held at all the State capitals also. The prepara-
tions begin a month in advance. Roads are dec-
orated with flags and buntings. Buildings of
national importance are illuminated.
The one time Gandhi lied
Freedom Fighters of India
Independence Day of India
"When I despair, I
remember that all
through history the
ways of truth and love
have always won. There
have been tyrants, and
murderers, and for a
time they can seem
invincible, but in the
end they always fall.
Think of it always".
Mahatma Gandhi
M
a h a t m a
Gandhi led a
truthful life.
However, that doesn't
mean he never lied.
Read a small incident in
Gandhi's life that made
him realize the value of
truth.
Gandhi's mother
Putlibai observed every-
day a vow known as
'Kokila Vrata'. As soon
as she completed the rit-
ual, she would wait for
the call of the Kokila
(the Indian Cuckoo)
before her breakfast.
She would not touch
food until the Cuckoo
sang in his sweet voice.
One day, she kept
waiting for a long time,
for the fortune bird to
give her the permission
to eat food. She calmly
waited near the window
looking for some signs
of the cuckoo bird, but
alas she found none.
Little Gandhi noticed his
distressed mother near
the window. He quickly
drafted a plan in his
head and went out of the
house to imitate the coo-
ing of the cuckoo. He
snuggled behind the
bush and imitated the
Cuckoo's voice, and
then ran inside the house
to tell his mother,
"Mother you can eat
your food now as it has
made its call."
Gandhi's mother had
been following this ritu-
al for past many years.
She quickly came to
know about her child's
silly prank. Unable to
contain her grief, she
slapped Gandhi and
wailed, "What sin have I
committed that such a
wicked liar should be
born to me! Oh Lord!"
Her misty eyes and
broken heart of belief
deeply moved Gandhi.
That day he made a
promise to her, "From
this day, I will not utter
falsehood. I will not do
anything that would hurt
my mother's gentle
heart". Thus began his
saga of truth.
Free India was a dream of all

Indians under the British rule.
Everyone during that rule
fought in some way or the other
with a common aim of ending
British and other colonial authori-
ties in India. After a century of rev-
olutions, struggle, blood shedding,
battles and sacrifices, India finally
achieved independence on August
15, 1947.
The country lost many men and
women who were filled with
undaunted courage and spirit of
patriotism. Today, they are known
as freedom fighters because they
sacrificed their lives for their moth-
erland. Indian freedom fighters with
their true spirit and undaunted
courage had faced various tortures,
exploitations and hardships to earn
us freedom.
The pioneers of the freedom
movement were Mangal Pandey,
Tantia Tope, Rani of Jhansi and the
great Indian leader Mahatma
Gandhi who introduced non-violent
ways of fighting the enemy, he was
the greatest of all the freedom fight-
ers and got India the Independence
through NON - VIOLENCE. Other
notable freedom fighters of India
are Annie Besant, Lala Lajpat Rai,
Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bhagat
Singh, Bipin Chandra Pal,
Sukhdev, Gopal Krishna Gokhale,
Chandrashekhar Azad, Sarojini
Naidu, Dadabhai Naoroji, Sucheta
Kriplani and Chakravarti
Rajagopalachari, Dr. Rajendra
Prasad, Purushottam Das Tandon,
and Motilal Nehru.
There are endless number of
men and women other than the
above list who daringly fought for
Indias freedom.
Prominent
Freedom Fighters
Vallabhbhai Patel
His brave deeds earned
Vallabhbhai Patel the title of the
Iron Man of India. For his role in
the Bardoli Satyagraha, Patel came
to be called the Sardar. Sardar Patel
was a famous lawyer but gave up
his practice in order to fight for the
freedom of the country. After inde-
pendence he became the deputy
Prime Minister of India and played
an important role in the integration
of India by merging numerous
princely states with the Indian
Union.
Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Bal Gangadhar Tilak was one of
the firebrand freedom fighters of
India. He gave the slogan- "Swaraj
is my birthright and I shall have it".
To serve the cause of freedom and
countrymen Tilak founded schools
and published newspapers. Tilak
was famous as one of the trios- Bal,
Pal and Lal. People loved him and
accepted him as their leader and so
he was called Lokmanya Tilak.
Ram Prasad Bismil
Ram Prasad Bismil was one of
those young revolutionaries who
laid down their life for the sake of
the motherland. Bismil was a mem-
ber of the Hindustan Republican
Association and an important mem-
ber of the group that was involved
in the Kakori train dacoity.
Bhagat Singh
The name of Bhagat Singh is
synonymous with sacrifice,
courage, bravery and vision. By
sacrificing his life just at the age of
30 Bhagat Singh became an inspira-
tion and symbol of the heroism.
Along with other revolutionaries,
Bhagat Singh founded the
Hindustan Socialist republican
Association. To warn the British
government of its misdeeds, Bhagat
Singh threw a bomb in the Central
Legislative Assembly. By embrac-
ing death at a young age Bhagat
Singh became a symbol of sacrifice
and courage and made a place in
the hearts of every Indian forever.
Khudiram Bose
Khudiram Bose was one of
those young revolutionaries and
freedom fighters whose deeds of
bravery and sacrifice have become
the subject of many a folk lore. He
was one of those brave men who
challenged the British rule in their
own style. At the age of nineteen,
he became a martyr, with "Vande
Mataram" on his lips.
Ashfaqulla Khan
Ashfaqulla Khan was one of the
firebrand and young revolutionaries
who laid down their life for the
sake of the motherland. An impor-
tant member of the Hindustan
Republican Association, Khan,
along with his associates executed
the train dacoity at Kakori and was
subsequently hanged by the British.
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was
an active member of the Indian
National Congress and a great free-
dom fighter. Maulana Azad took
part in most of the important move-
ments. He presided over the special
session of Congress in September
1923 and at 35 years of age, was
the youngest man to be elected the
President of the Congress.
Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Gopal Krishna Gokhale was one
of the moderate leaders of the
Indian National Congress. He was
the political Guru of Mahatma
Gandhi, the Father of the Nation.
He also presided over the annual
session of the Congress at Benaras
in the year 1905. He was opposed
to the entry of extremists in the
Congress.
Jawaharlal Nehru
Pt Jawaharlal Nehru was one of
the key people who struggled for
the freedom of India and became
the first prime minister of free
India. He was also the author of the
famous book "Discovery of India".
Nehru was extremely fond of chil-
dren and was fondly called "Chacha
Nehru". It was under his leadership
that India embarked on the planned
pattern of economic development.
Gandhi as boy and his mother Putlibai.
Santram's Grey Page
T
he Prime Ministers of India and
Australia look like tortured souls, but
for different reasons.
Dr Manmohan Singhs clean image is
being tarnished as a result of the various
scams. The latest statement in the court by his
ex-minister A Raja (present residence- Tihar
Jail, Delhi) points a finger at the PM. I hope
he clears this before it is too late.
Julia Gillard, on the other hand, is worried
by her popularity rating taking a nosedive
because of the Carbon tax. From next July,
the polluting industries will have to start pay-
ing a tax of $23 a tonne on their carbon emis-
sions. This extra burden will naturally result
in price-rises of commodities and job losses,
particularly in the mining industry. There is a
strong opposition to the tax. Government says
it is a bitter pill we have to swallow but the
effect will be minimal. It has promised a sub-
sidy to pensioners and the self-funded retirees.
If the increase in prices is as predicted by the
Opposition and independent sources then this
Government handout may not be enough. We
can only wait and see.
Exercising for arthritis
Exercising is an essential tool in combat-
ing arthritis.
Exercises should be done in a sitting or
lying down position, so that the patient is not
loading the knee when the exercises are being
done. The exercises should allow the patient
full range of joint movement with moderate
amount of stretching of the ligament. Indian
yoga exercises serve this purpose very well.
We should realise that all yoga exercises
are not necessarily good for all types of arthri-
tis. For example, sitting in Vajrasana is not
good for patients with knee arthritis.
Impact activity exercises should be avoid-
ed (for example, running, jogging, jumping,
skipping and step aerobics). Simple walking
on level ground or on a treadmill without
inclination is fine. Cycling (without tension on
the pedal), swimming and rowing are other
examples of non impact aerobic activity.
Swap It, Dont Stop It
There are some simple everyday changes
you can make to get you on your way to a
healthier lifestyle without losing all the things
you love.
Healthy eating and getting active can help
you lose centimetres and prevent or delay the
onset of chronic diseases such as some can-
cers, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
The great thing is, you dont have to stop
it. Just swap it. Swap inside for outside, or a
big meal for a small meal for instance its
easy and these basic changes can make all the
difference. Plus, you can make them as you
go about your everyday life at work, at
home or even while out shopping.
Weve included some great swap tips
below.
*Swap watching movies with the kids for
bike ride with the kids.
*Swap Big for Small - don't overcrowd
your plate. Think twice before going back for
seconds.
*Eat slowly to give your stomach time to
signal it's full.
*Share a dessert rather than have your
own.
Swap often for sometimes.
*Swap fried food for fresh.
*Swap take-away for home-made.
*Swap fizzy drink for water.
*Swap sitting for movingwalk and deliv-
er a message at work place rather than email.
*Park the car farther away and enjoy a
short walk.
*Take the bike for short trips instead of
the car.
*Get off the bus one stop earlier and walk
the rest of the way.
Swap watching for playing sport.
*Don't just watch sport get out and get
active!
*Get outdoors with the family go to the
park or for a bike ride.
*Meet friends for a walk instead of coffee
and cake.
*Swap a family movie for bowling
Iron deficiency
Iron deficiency or anaemia is a problem
that plagues India. Yet it can be quite easily
prevented. Here are some quick tips.
Anaemia can be prevented by including
iron-rich foods in your diet and by increasing
the bioavailability of iron from the diet.
Bioavailability means the ultimate absorption
and utilisation of iron.
How to maximise iron content in the diet:
Include a source of vitamin C at each
meal.
Avoid drinking tea/coffee with meals
Include green leafy vegetables 4-5 times a
week
Add coriander-mint chutney with roasted
til to your meal
Make chutney from apricots, dried dates
and fresh apples
Add small amounts of nuts wherever pos-
sible
Eat sprouts and fermented foods regularly.
This enhances vitamin C, reduces tannin phyt-
ic acid, thereby increasing bioavailability of
iron
Include textured soy protein regularly
Use jaggery instead of sugar
Limit use of tamarind and turmeric
Don't drink more than 500-750ml of milk a day
Use iron pots for cooking
Some examples of Iron rich foods are
Soybeans, Roasted chana, Dal chana, Sarson
ka saag, spinach, watermelon, fish and eggs.
Ginger can help reduce side-effects of
chemotherapy
Doctors at AIIMS, New Delhi, are now
working on a herbal way to help cancer
patients cope with the side-effects of
chemotherapy. Oncologists at the hospital
there have been experimenting with ginger
root powder to reduce the severity of the
chemotherapy induced nausea vomiting
(CINV). Nausea and vomiting are the major
side effects that a cancer patient encounters
after chemotherapy treatment.
Dr Bakhshi, who led the study, said,
Even though ginger root powder was effec-
tive in reducing the severity of acute and
delayed CINV, it did not eliminate them com-
pletely. The capsules were well tolerated by
the children and young adults in our study and
there was no side effect.
The work has been published in the inter-
national journal Paediatric Blood and Cancer.
Some of the sayings that we should trust
An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
A garlic clove a day chases asthma away.
A carrot a day keeps the ophthalmologist
away . . . a dentist away and cancer away.
Deep breathing exercises 20 minutes a day
can keep most diseases away.
A few yogasanas a day can keep most dis-
eases away.
15 Spectacular and Interesting tricks to
teach your body
Don't know how well these work, but no
harm in trying.
1. If you've got an itch in your throat,
scratch your ear. When the nerves in the ear
get stimulated; they create a reflex in the
throat that causes a muscle spasm, which
cures the itch.
2. Having trouble hearing someone at a
party or on the phone? Use your right ear
it's better at picking up rapid speech. But, the
left is better at picking up music tones.
3. If you need to relieve yourself BADLY,
but you're not anywhere near a bathroom,
fantasize about RELATIONSHIPS. That pre-
occupies your brain and distracts it.
4. Next time the doctor's going to give
you an injection, COUGH as the needle is
going in. The cough raises the level of pres-
sure in your spinal canal, which limits the pain
sensation as it tries to travel to your brain.
5. Clear a stuffed nose or relieve sinus
pressure by pushing your tongue against the
roof of your mouththen pressing a finger
between your eyebrows. Repeat that for 20 sec-
ondsit causes the vomer bone to rock, which
loosens your congestion and clears you up.
6. If you ate a big meal and you're feeling
full as you go to sleep, lay on your left side.
That'll keep you from suffering from acid
reflux it keeps your stomach lower than
your oesophagus, which will help keep stom-
ach acid from sliding up your throat.
7. You can stop a toothache by rubbing ice
on the back of your hand, on the webbed area
between your thumb and index finger. The
nerve pathways there stimulate a part of the
brain that blocks pain signals from your
mouth.
8. If you get all messed up on liquor, and
the room starts spinning, put your hand on
something stable. The reason: Alcohol dilutes
the blood in the part of your ear called the
copula, which regulates balance. Putting your
hand on something stable gives your brain
another reference point, which will help make
the world stop spinning.
9. Stop a nose bleed by putting some cot-
ton on your upper gumsright behind the
small dent below your noseand press against
it hard. Most of the bleeding comes from the
cartilage wall that divides the nose, so press-
ing there helps get it to stop.
10. Nervous? Slow your heart rate down
by blowing on your thumb. The vagus nerve
controls your heart rate, and you can calm it
down by breathing.
11. Need to breathe underwater for a
while? Instead of taking a huge breath,
HYPERVENTILATE before you go under,
by taking a bunch of short breaths. That'll
trick your brain into thinking it has more oxy-
gen, and buy you about 10 extra seconds.
12. You can prevent BRAIN FREEZE by
pressing your tongue flat against the roof of
your mouth, covering as much surface area as
possible. Brain freeze happens because the
nerves in the roof of your mouth get extreme-
ly cold, so your brain thinks your whole body
is cold. It compensates by overheatingwhich
causes your head to hurt. By warming up the
roof of your mouth, you'll chill your brain
and feel better.
13. If your hand falls asleep, rock your
head from side to side. Your hand falls asleep
because of the nerves in your neck compress-
ingso loosening your neck is the cure. If
your foot falls asleep, that's governed by
nerves lower in the body, so you need to stand
up and walk around.
14. Got the hiccups? Press thumb and
second finger over your eyebrows until the
hiccups are over usually shortly.
15. Finally, this one's totally USELESS,
but a nice trick. Have someone stick their arm
out to the side, straight, palm down. Press
down on his wrist with two fingers. He'll
resist, and his arm will stay horizontal. Then,
have him put his foot on a surface that's half
an inch off the ground, like a stack of maga-
zines, and do the trick again. Because his
spine position is thrown off, his arm will fall
right to his side, no matter how much he tries
to resist.
(Disclaimer: The Health tips in the article
are taken from various well established and
reliable sources and are given to you in good
faith. However, readers are reminded to take
care and consult their doctor if not sure, as no
responsibility can be accepted by the writer of
this column or The Indian Down Under)
Just for Seniors
By Santram Bajaj
Impact activity exercises should like
jogging should be avoided by those
suffering from arthritis, but simple
walking on level ground or on a treadmill
without inclination is fine.
Get outdoors with the family go to the
park or for a bike ride.
HUMOUR
Health & Well-being
My doctor is better than your doctor!
Two old men were arguing the merits of
their doctors.
The first one said, "I don`t trust your
fancy doctor. He treated old Jake for a kid-
ney ailment for nearly a year, and then Jake
died of a liver ailment."
"So what makes you think your doctor
is any better?" asked his friend.
"Because when my doctor treats you for
a kidney ailment, you can be sure yll die
of a kidney ailment."
Vasthu brings bliss at home
T
ariq Ali, born in 1943 in
Lahore, is a Pakistani
novelist, political cam-
paigner, filmmaker, leftist
celebrity and above all a pro-
fessional heretic. Oxford edu-
cated, witty and insightful, Ali
dissented from every kind of
orthodoxy.
He says:
* I never believed in God,
not even between the ages of
six and ten when I was an
agnostic. This unbelief was
instinctive.
* We live, after all, in a
world where illusions are
sacred and truth profane.
* For all their incoherence
and senseless rage, their mes-
sage is attractive to those lay-
ers of the population who
yearn for some order in their
lives. If the fanatics promise to
feed them and educate their
children they are prepared to
forgo the delights of CNN and
BBC world.
* Proximity to power has an
unsurprising ability to mutate a
politicians spinal cord into a
bright yellow jelly.
* That natural disasters are
required to provide Americans
with a glimpse of reality in
their own country is an indica-
tion of the deep rot infecting
the official political culture.
* This is the permanent ten-
sion that lies at the heart of a
capitalist democracy and is
escalated in times of crisis. In
order to insure the survival of
the richest, it is democracy that
has to be heavily regulated
rather than capitalism.
* The government of the
US has no moral authority to
elect itself as the judge over
human rights in Cuba where
there has not been a single case
of disappearance, torture or
extra-judicial execution since
1959, where, despite the eco-
nomic blockade, there are lev-
els of health, education and
culture that are internationally
recognised.
* Time is here for all patri-
otic forces to band together and
demand the return of Jinnah's
Pakistan. This country has to
be rescued from the insidious
conspiracy of trying to turn this
state into a land of religious
bigotry and fanaticism.
* Jinnah's Pakistan is a
country full of hope, optimism
and security. It is the land of
our dreams.
* Its hardly a secret that
Pakistan never totally aban-
doned the Taliban after 9/11.
How could they?
* It was Islamabad that had
organised the Taliban's retreat
from Kabul so that the US and
its allies could take the country
without a fight. The Pakistan
generals advised their Afghan
friends to bide their time.
* My father arranged a
tutor of Islam studies for me at
a young age. Nizam Din. He
remembered the good times
when all the villages in what
was now Pakistan had Hindu
and Sikh inhabitants. Many of
his non-Muslim friends had
now left for India. "They are
pygmies, look at India.
Observe the difference. Gandhi
was a giant. Jawaharlal Nehru
is a giant.
TARIQ ALIa dissenter from every
kind of orthodoxy
Inner Space
By Faith Harper
O
bserve Vasthu Sastra rec-
ommendations without
compromise, even if they
are not to ones taste. Thats my
best suggestion.
Dwellers interested in living
according to Vasthu Sastra princi-
ples should follow the recommen-
dations without compromising the
ancient wisdom as failure to do so
means they will not achieve the
desired results.
It would be unfair to say that
Vasthu failed if an individual had
followed the system in a half-
hearted manner or bargained on its
fundamentals.
I know many people who read
this column and follow the tips
enthusiastically but when they are
halfway through the rearrangement
of their house, they give in to their
own gut feelings, thus affecting
the Vasthu friendliness of their
house.
I write this column based on
an e-mail from a reader who had
requested me to do an analysis of
his property in Sydney.
The businessman moved into
his house recently after renova-
tions and although he was unable
to follow the Vasthu suggestion
100 per cent, he wrote to say that
he had done as much as he could.
The main gate and door of the
mans house are located in the
south-east.
This is favourable but it can be
challenging to strictly follow
Vasthu orientation in a diagonal
property.
There is more space in the rec-
tangular shaped garden in the
southern and western quadrants of
the semi-detached house which is
not encouraged because such a
space should be available in the
northern and eastern stretches
instead.
He should have gone for his
neighbours house, which has the
garden and open space in the east-
ern and northern quadrants.
Anyway, what the businessman
can do to remedy the situation is
to increase his built-up area in the
southern and western regions in
his future renovation plans.
In the meantime, he should
plant tall trees in the compound as
there should be tall structures and
weight in these areas.
A fountain with fish placed in
the south-west quadrant is inauspi-
cious.
A water feature in the south-
west will affect the financial stabil-
ity of the breadwinner and rearing
fish and marine life is prohibited
in any part of the house as they
bring tension to the family. He
should free the fish and drain out
the water immediately.
As for the kitchen, he should
relocate his stove from the north
to the north-west quadrant where
he has placed his maid and move
her to the west room.
Vasthu places a lot of impor-
tance on the location of the kitchen
because food prepared and con-
sumed in the correct quadrant
would ensure a healthy family.
The placement of his dining
room in the west and the living
area in the south on the ground
floor is fine.
The businessman placed the
prayer room in the north-east,
which is ideal, with the altar fac-
ing south-east, the second choice
in direction for tilted properties.
On the top floor, the master
bedroom currently occupies three
quadrants (south, south-east and
east) which should be the second
choice for a couple.
He should go for the smaller
bedroom, which occupies the
south-west and west quadrants,
and give the master bedroom to
his daughter.
He is using the north-east bed-
room for study and his sons
future room, which is favourable.
On the whole, I find that he
can make the changes immediately
without renovations, simply by
rearranging things.
This should bring the family
peace, happiness and prosperity.
T. Selva is the author of the
best selling book titled Vasthu
Sastra Guide. To get a copy of the
book or for private consultation
contact Devi 0412623017. He can
be contacted at his email: tsel-
vas@pd.jaring.my and Website:
www.vasthusastra.com
VasthuSastra
By T. Selva
Tariq Ali, leftist and professional heretic, best known
Pakistani living in UK
Jinnah's Pakistan was not
created to be a safe haven for
terrorists. Never in his wildest
dreams did he father a nation
thought of creating "strategic
assets" that have now become
strategic liabilities or rather
strategic horrors.
Rearing fish and marine life is prohibited in any part of the house
as they bring tension to the family.
Body-Mind-Spirit
Columns
S
oya is an excellent source of protein and
especially very useful for vegetarians and
vegans. For those who have lacto intoler-
ance, soya curd (Tofu) is a very good substitute
for paneer dishes.
SOYA KHAMAN DHOKLA
3/4 cup Besan Flour
1/4 cup soya Flour
2 tabs. Semolina
1/2 tsp. Citric Acid
3 tabs sugar
1 tabs. chilli-ginger paste
1 1/2 tsp. Eno Fruit Salt
Coriander Leaves
Salt to taste
Tempering:
1/2 tsp. mustard seeds
1/2 tsp. sesame seeds
2 green chillies chopped
2 tsp. oil
A pinch of asafoetida
Method: Mix all the ingredients and use
enough water to make batter. Add Eno fruit and
sprinkle a little water and mix well. Pour the
mixture into greased plate and steam for 10-14
minutes.
For tempering- Heat oil, add mustard
seeds, sesame seeds, asafoetida and green chill-
ies and pour this on cut doklas.
SOYA ICE CREAM
2 cups strawberries - cleaned
3 tabs. ground sugar
500 ml. soya milk - vanilla flavoured
3 tabs. fresh cream
Method: Puree strawberries in electric
blender till smooth, add sugar, milk and fresh
cream. Blend till smooth. Set in ice tray. Allow
to set.
SOYA DOSA
1 cup soya flour
1/2 cup rice flour
1 onion chopped
1 cup tomatoes
1/2 tsp. cumin seeds
Salt to taste
Method: Mix all the above ingredients,
make semi thick batter with 1/2 cup water and
mix well. No lumps should be allowed to be
formed or they must be smashed. Heat on non-
stick flat pan a ladle of batter spread, add little
oil, cook till it is crispy.
SOYA PALAK
500 Gms. frozen spinach
1 chopped onion
2 tomatoes
1 Tabs ginger-garlic paste
salt to taste
1/2 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp. turmeric powder
1 cup soya nuggets
2 green chillies
Method: Heat oil in a pan, add onion,
chopped green chillies and ginger-garlic paste
and cook till it is light brown. Add chopped
tomatoes, add spices, spinach and nuggets
(soak in water for 15 minutes and remove the
excess water). Cook for another 5 minutes.
Serve hot with chapattis.
CHILLI SOYA BHAJI
6 big green chillies
2 cup besan flour
salt to taste
1/2 cup soya mince
1/2 tsp chilli powder
1 tsp chat masala
Method: Soak soya mince for 10 minutes
and drain the water. Heat 2 tsp oil, add soya
mince and spices.
Cool and then add enough water in besan
flour to make a batter.
Add salt. Deep fry the chillies and serve hot
with mint chutney.
By Devaki Parthasarathy
E
ver wondered why your
grandmothers skin shone the
way it did even at 60?
TURMERIC!!! That is the answer.
This innocuous yellow ginger-like
plant whose roots are gathered, dried
and made into a spice is found in
every Indian home. Not only did she
eat it in every meal but also applied it
lavishly as a cleanser each day!!! It
kept her healthy from inside and kept
her skin glowing and acne free till the
day she lived! I have been reading up
a lot lately on this wonder herb and
trust me, the more I delve into re-
search the more it seems as though
Turmeric is perhaps the most legiti-
mate of the so-called superfoods.
The most interesting nutrient in
turmeric is Curcumin. It is this plant-
based polyphenol found in turmeric
that has received attention in the me-
dia because of its strong anti-inflam-
matory properties and its ability to
fight Cancer and Alzheimers dis-
ease. Apart from Curcumin, turmer-
ic contains high levels of iron and
manganese and moderate levels of vi-
tamin B6 and potassium all vita-
mins and minerals that are part of a
healthy, balanced diet.
Here are some reasons to add
turmeric to your diet:
As a skin genie: I remember my
granny telling me about a nasty burn
on her hand vanishing with the use of
turmeric, which not only speeds up
the healing of wounds but also assists
in remodelling of damaged skin. A
pinch of turmeric mixed with sandal-
wood and rose water and applied to
face overnight can get rid of not only
the acne, but also the blemish. Regu-
lar use of Turmeric on the skin can
treat psoriasis and other inflammato-
ry skin conditions. Turmeric has
been found to cut the skins melanin
production. It also helps suntanned
skin return to its normal shade faster.
For that stubborn boil which antibi-
otics cannot cure because the bacteria
has for some reason grown resistant
to regular antibiotics (which is hap-
pening more and more often),
Turmeric is an extremely effective
and natural cure and is found to work
well when all other methods fail.
As a liver detoxifier: The liver
eliminates toxins through the bile that
it makes and turmeric helps to in-
crease bile flow helping it detox mak-
ing Turmeric a natural liver detoxifi-
er. People on juice diets to cleanse
the liver can take a tea made from
this magic root as a catalytic in
cleansing the liver. Turmerics pow-
erful anti-inflammatory effect makes
it a great natural remedy for joint
pain relief but it can also help calm
liver inflammation. Its antioxidant
properties help mop up free radical
damage in the liver during detox.
As an Antibiotic and anti-inflam-
matory: Turmeric is a natural antibi-
otic and can relieve intestinal gas by
lowering the numbers of gas forming
bacteria. When used in a gargle, it
soothes the throat and kills the bacte-
ria causing inflammation of glands.
Turmeric is a potent natural anti-in-
flammatory that works as well as
many anti-inflammatory drugs but
without the side effects. Because of
its anti-inflammatory properties, it is
a natural treatment for arthritis and
rheumatoid arthritis. It is a natural
painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.
As a Cancer inhibitor: Tests on
mice has shown that the active ingre-
dient in turmeric, Curcumin prevents
breast cancer from spreading to the
lungs. Melanoma kills more than
1400 Australians every year. Cur-
cumin not only prevents melanoma
but also causes existing melanoma
cells to kill themselves. Adding Cur-
cumin to daily diet boosts the effects
of chemo drug Paclitaxel and reduces
its side effects. It has been shown to
stop the growth of new blood vessels
in tumours. This wonder herb re-
duces the risk of childhood
Leukaemia. When combined with
cauliflower, it has shown to prevent
prostate cancer and stop the growth
of existing prostate cancer. Promis-
ing studies are underway on the ef-
fects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer
as well. As a brain drug: Turmeric
has long been used in Chinese medi-
cine as a treatment for depression.
But lately, Turmeric is being hailed
the new era wonder drug for various
brain related disorders. It may pre-
vent and slow the progression of
Alzheimer's disease by removing
amyloid plaque build-up in the brain.
Study on mice has shown that this
wonder spice may aid in slowing the
progression of multiple sclerosis.
As a weight loss aid: Curcumin is
linked to weight loss management
and control. This ingredient in
turmeric is said to help break down
fats in the body. In doing so, turmer-
ic may help to regulate the bodys
metabolism and it may contribute to
successful weight management. Stud-
ies using mice have drawn interest
and have led to more discussions
about how turmeric may curb weight
gain in humans.
Apart from these, turmeric re-
duces cholesterol, aids metabolism,
prevents heart disease and aids in the
absorption of calcium. With so many
benefits at hand the sagacious ancient
Indians treated this as an auspicious
herb. It is used extensively at wed-
dings! With increasing number of re-
searches going on, it is not surprising
that more and more people are turn-
ing towards this root and including it
in their daily diet. We dont need to
eat huge amounts of it. Just a pinch in
every meal is enough to reap the ben-
efits. But remember, as I have always
said, go to the source. Use a bit of the
root itself in your cooking. It adds an
unmistakable flavour and of course
its characteristic colour to your food.
Be as natural as you can and avoid
harmful additives.
Turmeric - supercream plus superfood
Soya delights for vegetarians
Look Good and Feel Great Naturally
By Promila Gupta
Eating turmeric in curries and
applying it lavishly as a
cleanser each day kept our
grandmothers healthy from inside
and skin glowing and acne free
till the day they lived!
Soya beans and flour, Soya milk, and Soya chunks
Dr. Anil Kontham
Dental Surgeon
Now at two locations!
Services include:
General Dentistry Teeth Whitening
Cosmetic dentistry Dentures/Partial/Full
Crown and Bridge Root Canal Treatment
Total Sterlisation Wisdom Teeth Removals
Gum Infection
Free Dental Treatment under Medicare*
(*For patients with chronic medical condition.
some limits apply)
ON SITE PROCESSING OF HEALTH FUNDS
EFTPOS AVAILABLE
Suite 1B, 1st Floor
40 Panmure St
Rouse Hill NSW 2155
(02 ) 8814 5255
Suite 1, Level 1
38-40 Geroge St
Parramatta NSW 2150
(02) 9635 9525
0449 111 111
Free Quotes!
Call Pappu!!
Jaswinder Singh Bhogal !!!
0449 111 111
Body-Mind-Spirit
Its my destiny, and it I can change
By Anil Sharma
W
hy am I, always, at the wrong
place at the wrong time, and
everyone else, I know, at the
right one every time? Is this fate, my
karma, my
d e s t i n y
which I can
never avoid.
I have no
options, have
I?
A friend
in the 1980s
made a lot of
money in the
share mar-
ket, particu-
larly from shares in a speculative min-
ing company. Another friend followed
suit buying the shares at 4 cent a piece
and staking his savings for building a
house. The shares went up a cent, then
stabilised for a few weeks before their
downward slide. After they came down
to 1c, the company sent a notice to con-
solidate the shares 50 shares to one.
My friend had lost all his savings in lit-
tle over two months.
Fate or free-will, which determines
ones life? Which of these two is the
decisive factor in life?
It is the I- thought, says Maharshi
Ramana, from which arise the two
notions. He, who has that enlighten-
ment, has transcended both and is no
more interested in the question.
Fate has a beginning - a cause and
that is action. This cannot be without
free will which, being the first cause, is
the predominant factor. By cultivating
free will one can conquer fate.
Cultivating free-will implies the process
of inquiry, surrendering of oneself to
God as the One Reality. What is com-
monly known as self-reliance is nothing
but ego-reliance. Reliance on God is
alone true Self-reliance, because He is
the Self, says Ramana.
The omission of the factor of fate in
our life is due to ignorance. To put our
head in the sand like an ostrich and
refuse to see the existence of an element
of predestination in most of the major
events of our personal life does not
cross out its existence. It is still there.
But the omission or acceptance of
fate in our lives is both due to igno-
rance, as the question would arise only
when there is a concept of the individu-
alised self.
We live a two-fold life, an outer
material life and an inner emotional-
mental life. Our outward deeds and
actions are simply the result of our inner
thoughts and feelings. They may take
centuries to materialize, often not till a
later birth. The world that we do not
see, the unseen world of thoughts and
feelings, is the real world that entails
cause; the world that we see around is
the world of effects.
God, Himself, cannot escape from
the cycle of cause and effect. Lord
Vishnu suffered for making fun of
Narada who had fallen madly in love
with Lakshmi and went to the
Swamvayar as one of the suitors. Lord
Vishnu gave him a monkey face which
humiliated Narada. For this Lord
Vishnu suffered as Rama with the loss
of His wife, the same fate He had
affected on Narada.
We tend to express our inner self by
our outer actions. Our outer life corre-
sponds to our inner life. The world as a
whole is nothing else but the expression
of Divine Ideation, the very thought of
God expressed. We, in our own little
way, are also creators and create our
own world, the world of our own expe-
riences and the expression of these
experiences in our lives. This chain of
causal connection between our inner
thoughts, our inner feelings and our out-
ward experiences, is unseen, managed
by a subtle force, the law of destiny.
Destiny is something entirely self-
created, self-earned, whether it is for
good or for evil. Whatever we give out
in life to the world is ultimately thrown
back to us by destiny. We are the
builders of our own life, the creator of
our own fate, both outward and inward.
Destiny is not a blind force; it is one
expression of that greater cosmic
Intelligence which rules the universe.
Destiny is like a balance, if we
depress one side of the scale we find the
other side goes up in proportion.
Destiny restores the balance in our life
because she wishes us to understand
ourselves, our powers and possibilities
as well as the fact that we are here to
fulfil the higher purpose of our incarna-
tion.
Destiny is quite impersonal and uni-
versal. It has no sense of retribution.
We are here to learn, to learn who and
what we are. That is the purpose of our
incarnation, and the experiences of life
are the lessons which will ultimately
teach us. Mostly we learn subconscious-
ly, but still we learn. It is unfortunate
that most of us learn more from suffer-
ings than from pleasures.
There is a second kind of destiny,
the fate which has been stored from pre-
vious embodiments and which is allot-
ted in a future life. But future destiny
can be altered by stopping fresh actions.
So long as there is body, there is
destiny attached to it. But the reaction
can be altered. You can react to the mis-
fortune of losing all that you love and
possess by taking it calmly. You can
say, Another cycle of my life is fin-
ished and I must begin a new cycle; I
will therefore readapt myself to the new
cycle without fear. I will do everything
that common sense counsels to mend
matters and meet results.
The best way to escape is to get to
the region where forces do not work, to
become fate-free. You can do that only
by returning to your divine centre and
staying there. If you do that whilst you
are in the flesh, then that vast store of
destiny which was awaiting you in
future embodiments becomes dissolved
and disappears.
It is the destiny of the personal ego
the I- thought, and when you have
eliminated the tyranny of the latter you
have eliminated the tyranny of the des-
tiny attached to it; you are free, and
with death that vast mass of accumulat-
ed stored-up destiny disappears com-
pletely. That is what Buddha meant
when he said that you enter into Nirvana
(liberation) to escape the terrifying
cycle of unending rebirths.
If you wish to avoid the misfortunes,
the unpleasant experiences of life, you
must learn to nullify the so-called evil
destiny. If you live in the material
world, then you must go through world
experiences. But you can conquer your
destiny inwardly. You can give up both
pleasure and pain so that they do not
touch you within your innermost being.
You can stand aside from the processes
of life inwardly, and although these
experiences come to you, you can see
them for what they are and realize them
at their true value.
To find yourself is to find perfect
mental equilibrium. Even if the greatest
sufferings come to you they cannot dis-
turb your peace. Neither can the great-
est pleasures disturb you. You remain
rooted in your divine centre, which is
the only place where peace can be
found.
It is, however, within your power to
modify and to alter your destiny. Fate is
only one of the forces that are playing
upon us. There is also the force of free
will, and the stimuli which once created
your present destiny. Now you can cre-
ate future destiny.
Do not repudiate your own innate
divine power. The abuse and misuse of
the truth of destiny is the cause of many
troubles. You cannot become weak
through knowing truth; but you do
become weak by ignorance. So, be
strong!
In the face of adverse fate we have to
learn two things: when to accept it and
when to resist it. There are times when
it is wise to resign yourself to over-
whelming circumstances, learning their
bitter lesson. But there are other times
when it is wiser to fight them with
courage.
There are times when misfortunes
are cups of blessing and they should be
accepted. There are also times when
good gifts are cups of poison, and they
should be rejected. Only by becoming
absolutely impersonal can we judge
between them.
The I- thought, the ego, is the
enemy, but only if it monopolizes your
attention. It becomes your friend when
it stands aside and says, Not my will,
but Thy will be done. If you look for
that which is behind your personal self,
your personal life, your mind, your
body, for that which is true reality and
spirit, you will find peace. No one can
rob you of it; no one can take it away
from you. You would have found life
eternal.
It is the destiny of the personal ego the I-
thought, and when you have eliminated the
tyranny of the latter you have eliminated the
tyranny of the destiny attached to it; you are
free, and with death that vast mass of accumu-
lated stored-up destiny disappears completely.
That is what Buddha meant when he said that
you enter into Nirvana to escape the terrifying
cycle of unending rebirths.
Body-Mind-Spirit
By Kanaka Ramakrishna
P
eople have always held
irrational beliefs to ward
off ill, to bring good,
foretell the future, heal or pre-
vent sickness or accident,
believe in the evil eye or in the
efficacy of amulets. These prac-
tices have been prevalent for a
long time in every part of the
world.
Many people believe in
lucky and unlucky numbers, or
some days of the week that
bring bad luck. For example,
Friday the 13th is a bad day and
13th is a bad number. It is bad
luck to leave a house through a
different door than the one used
to enter. A dog howling at mid-
night when someone in the
house is sick is a bad omen
while wearing new clothes on a
new year day may bring good
luck through the year. If the
right eye twitches, it brings
good luck and if the left eye
twitches, it is bad luck.
Individuals believe in good
and bad omens. If a cat crosses
ones path from left to right it is
good luck and if it crosses from
right to left, it is bad luck;
wearing a ruby results in good
health and wearing opal brings
bad luck. How these beliefs
affect the future and how they
destroy cause and effect, no one
knows. There is no possible
relation that future events may
be influenced in some mystical
way by ones behaviour by
believing in superstitions.
Why do superstitions arise
and prevail? Human nature by
itself is prone to superstition. It
is the weakness of human brain.
In nearly every brain is found
some cloud of superstition.
Tendency to succumb to
superstition is too deeply rooted
in human beings. When ordi-
nary human nature is exposed to
stress and strain inherent in the
humans, it succumbs to super-
stition. When the blows come to
us, we find that we must seek
help. The weakness and hope-
lessness without the future,
makes us prone to irrational
superstitions at the individual
level.
In India, belief in supersti-
tion is like a cancer in each and
every aspect of life in the name
of religion and caste, for indi-
viduals as well as for the com-
munity. For example, certain
communities believe it is auspi-
cious that communal or certain
kind of formal worship should
be performed only by married
couple barring widows and sin-
gle women, though it is a belief
incompatible with reason.
Would God reject worship by
such women?
Swami Vivekananda carried
out a vigorous battle against
superstitions. He said, I am
ready to give ten thousand lives
if twenty persons would give up
their superstition. He declared
that we need reason to drive
out an old superstition. A true
belief as against a superstition is
one that stands the scrutiny of
reason and passes the test of
truth. The test of truth is that it
makes the believer strong in the
sense of helping him to gain an
appropriate orientation to his
condition and thus deal with it
boldly and effectively.
Superstition distorts the
nature of the world in the per-
ception of the believer. It is a
cobweb in the brain, said
Swami Vivekananda. Many
great and famous people
believed in many such supersti-
tions and could not shake them
off, believing in the old tradi-
tions without inquiring into its
truth or rationality.
Swami Vivekananda recog-
nised the distinction between
individual superstitions and col-
lective superstitions. Individual
superstitions are described as
defence mechanisms believing
in the eccentric superstitious
beliefs among the individuals
not accepted favourably by
members of ones own culture.
This is the innate superstition in
everyone.
Collective superstition is the
belief that is reinforced by all
members of the community.
Since this mass superstition is
reinforced, it is very difficult to
eliminate it. Families are inte-
gral part of the community and
a package of superstitions is
handed over to children auto-
matically. This is carried over
and passed on to future genera-
tions. Any new thought espe-
cially of a high kind of reason-
ing, creates disturbances.
Therefore they resist any
change.
Sometimes collective super-
stitions may help individuals to
overcome stress of an immedi-
ate situation but does not help to
solve the problem. They cre-
ate morbidity in the mind, make
it weak, so that in course of
time, it will be almost impossi-
ble to receive the truth or live
up to it.
Superstitions retard individ-
ual, social and cultural develop-
ment. They scare the individu-
als for every change for better-
ment because the tendency to
succumb to superstition is too
deep-rooted in human nature
and too widespread.
Though religion has been
alleged to be the source of
superstitions in India, her
ancient religion is based on the
experiences of the seers and the
sages, which is open to all for
scrutiny and personal verifica-
tion. On this basis, superstition
in India was social rather than
religious.
Swami Vivekananda assert-
ed that individuals can get rid of
superstitions as they grow spiri-
tually.
Here is the best concrete
example of Sri Sarada Devi,
who got rid of her superstitions
through her spiritual strength
and showed the way for modern
people. When her husband Sri
Ramakrishna passed away, Sri
Sarada Devi removed all her
ornaments one by one, which
were the auspicious symbols of
a married woman. Finally,
when she was about to take off
her bracelets, Sri Ramakrishna
suddenly appeared in front of
her and told her, have I died
that you are removing the signs
of a married woman? I have
gone only from one room to the
other. She then stopped
removing her bracelets.
Somebody brought a white
saree without border for her to
wear as a sign of widowhood as
it was in practice. But even
before it was handed over to
her, Sri Sarada Devi wore a
small red bordered white saree,
which was a sign of auspicious-
ness and worn by married
women.
Soon after the death of her
husband, the grief-stricken Sri
Sarada Devi went to live in the
ancestral home of Sri
Ramakrishna at Kamarpukur,
his native village. She started
her life there all alone and in
extreme poverty and loneliness.
The people in the village,
steeped in old beliefs and super-
stitions, rigidity and without
sympathy, started to tease and
accuse her. Whenever she came
out of the house, they censured
and criticised her for wearing
bracelets and bordered saree
like a married woman. The hurt
and wound was too painful for
her to bear.
When it increased too much
and unbearably vociferous, she
wanted to remove her bracelets.
Sri Ramakrishna appeared again
and told her not to remove her
bracelets. He asked her to go to
Gauri-ma, who knew the
Vaishnava Tantra very well and
get advice from her. Sri Sharada
Devi was advised that according
to Vaishnava Tantra there is no
such thing as widowhood since
her husbands body was a spiri-
tual body. She was fully con-
vinced and got over the fear of
gossip and boldly faced the peo-
ple and continued to wear the
bracelets and red-bordered
saree like any other married
woman till her end. She was
able to do this only because she
had great spiritual strength. The
scurrilous women of the village
completely stopped criticising
her again.
Today, Sri Sarada Devi is
the ideal role model and guide
to all womanhood and she is
worshipped by millions of peo-
ple all over the world.
Spiritual growth, through
proper understanding of our
religion as propounded by
ancient seers and saints of India,
can overcome the perception of
petty minded divisions and lim-
itations. Otherwise we become
selfish and resistant to change.
It is a lifelong learning process.
Though hard and it takes a long
time to displace superstition, it
is possible to change.
Swami Vivekananda advo-
cated the kind of education,
which focuses mainly on indi-
viduals and not drastic and
direct changes at the collective
level, so that it can bring aware-
ness among the individuals and
avoid making life miserable by
resorting to superstitious cus-
toms and observances. He rec-
ommended to strengthen the
human psyche to face the truth
as it is at any cost. We must
grow strong enough mentally
and develop spiritual strength
and not to go back into the dark-
ness and yield to weakness and
superstition and keep our minds
open not falling into the old
ruts. He upholds the truth of
Vedanta as the only unfailing
weapon against superstition.
We can overcome all super-
stitions and get rid of all cob-
webs in the brain by using our
inner strength (latent spiritual
power) which, if activated can
enable us to overcome all super-
stitions. Religion as a force
should help and sustain us in our
day- to-day life and bring a
sense of fulfilment within us.
Swami Vivekananda believed
that one can realise this truth
here and now and overcome
superstitions.
The spiritual power which is
lying within every one of us will
open to anyone by a little intro-
spection and self-assessment.
Thus our levels of conscious-
ness can be raised to a new
dimension, new understanding
and mines of knowledge. Our
scriptures, if properly under-
stood, are our real guides in this
respect, which help us in the
growth of our inner strength,
harmony, peace and happiness.
Superstitions are only for the weak
Swami Vivekananda carried out a
vigorous battle against supersti-
tions. He declared that we need
reason to drive out an old supersti-
tion. A true belief as against a
superstition is one that stands the
scrutiny of reason and passes the
test of truth. The test of truth is
that it makes the believer strong in
the sense of helping him to gain an
appropriate orientation to his condi-
tion and thus deal with it boldly and
effectively.
Body-Mind-Spirit
The enigmatic God
By Dilip Mahanty
W
e homo sapiens,
finite and limited,
are a funny lot. Our
life span is limited; our physi-
cal prowess has limitations; our
five senses have a limited range
of perception; our mind and
intellect are limited to acquired
and perceptive knowledge. But
strangely, our ego seems limit-
less!
With a very finite and limit-
ed BMI (body, mind and intel-
lect) apparatus we try to fathom
the infinite and the limitless. It
is just like diving into the
Pacific Ocean with a tumbler to
measure the volume of water it
contains.
When we find the immensi-
ty and impossibility of the task
to unravel the infinite source
regulating the entire cosmos
like clockwork, we refuse to
acknowledge our failure due to
our massive ego. We cynically
dismiss claims of more spiritu-
ally elevated souls who have
personally experienced the
presence of this infinite,
supreme spirit because we can-
not conceive of anything
beyond our limited BMI scan-
ner.
Atheists, agnostics, ratio-
nalists and even some scientists
dismiss the existence of a
supremely intelligent force
behind the existence of every-
thing we see and experience
around us and deem its creation
as accidental or a natural evo-
lution.
The idea of an unfath-
omable and limitless creator
and his creation is an anathema
to them. At the same time they
are unable to explain many of
the phenomena happening
around them. It is just like see-
ing fireworks sequentially
bringing out bright, vibrant
colours in the backdrop of a
dark night , in a prescribed pat-
tern, and yet being told that
such things just happen with-
out any intelligent input.
Be that as it may, majority
of people believe that there is a
divine, limitless, supremely
intelligent power behind cos-
mic creation that is popularly
known as God. Every religion,
even with its manifold deriva-
tives, agrees that there is only
one God and He (forgive the
sexist connotation but it is a
pronoun used commonly) is
omnipotent, omniscient and
omnipresent.
There is acknowledgement
in all religious texts and opin-
ions on the status of God but
differences arise as to who is
His true messenger or prophet
sent to earth to offer solace and
lead the people out of their mis-
erable existence. Hinduism,
not a religion but a philosophy
of life, is perhaps the only tenet
that points to many varied paths
and methods to reach God
according to each persons
choice, capacity and under-
standing. Its appeal, compared
to other tenets, is the lack of
rigidity in following only a pre-
scribed path.
The ancient Hindu texts
proclaim that the choices avail-
able to each seeker are many
and whichever path is taken
ultimately leads to God realiza-
tion, if followed sincerely. It is
an all inclusive, wide ranging
philosophy and does not lend
itself to the claustrophobic
exclusivity of certain other
tenets.
As emphasized earlier, our
limited BMI setup generally
creates confusion, doubt, irra-
tionality and fear when we try
to unravel the unfathomable
mystery called God.
The seekers manifest God in
different forms according to
their preferences. Some may
seek God in the form of
Lakshmi to acquire wealth and
prosperity. Some may seek
God as Saraswati to gain
knowledge. Some may prefer
the form of Ganesh to acquire
wisdom while others may
invoke Shiva and Parvati to
gain power and strength. The
list goes on and on.
Relationship with God is
seen in different hues and with
spiritual progress these under-
lying differences melt away to
reveal a uniting force behind all
the diverse manifestations in
this world. Of course knowl-
edge of this phenomenon is
only the first step but actual
experience of the presence of
this supreme spiritual force
requires tremendous intensity
of purpose and will power
which, unfortunately, most of
us lack. The sages, seers and
sincere seekers who are able to
do this, realise God in all his
magnificence.
The transitional steps to
God realization, as articulated
by Shankara in his Vedanta
philosophy, make quite an
interesting read.
In Vedanta tradition there
are three distinct metaphysical
viewpoints in the process of
establishing a relationship with
God. These segmental bound-
aries melt away with greater
understanding and reveal the
common underlying force
underpinning such artificially
created boundaries
.
1. Theory of Dualism
(Dvaita): Brahman (Universal
Spirit or God) and Atman (indi-
vidual spirit or self) are distinct
and Atman is dependent on the
Brahman. Here the relationship
of the seeker (atman) with God
is similar to that of a powerful
master and a humble servant.
The seeker accepts the para-
mount position of the manifest-
ed God and is apprehensive of
disobeying the masters orders
in case displeasure or wrath
results from this. Prayer and
helpless plea to this Supreme
Being is the only way to find
redemption or mercy. There is
this constant feeling that He is
up there and I am down here
and there is nothing in common
in between the two.
2. Theory of Qualified
N o n - D u a l i s m
(Vishishtadvaita): Brahman
(God) to Atman (self) relation-
ship is like the soul is to the
body or whole to a part. The
relationship here takes a slight-
ly different hue. While the feel-
ing that He is up there and I
am down here still persists,
there is some common thread
that links the two.
The seeker feels connected
to God like a child is connected
to the father or mother. Due to
this feeling of genetic con-
nection, the seeker regards God
as a strict but loving parent
who would not ignore him or
her in times of need. This con-
nected feeling provides a sense
of intimacy and security to the
seeker in this quest to reach
God.
3. Theory of Non-
Dualism (Advaita): Here the
Atman and Brahman are identi-
cal. The Atman (jivatma) is a
derivative of Brahman or
Paramatma like a wave in the
ocean. It rises out of the ocean
and goes back into it. Except
for its manifestation in different
shapes and sizes the wave
essentially is part and parcel of
the ocean. This relationship
visualizes the seeker and God
as being one and the same
though the manifestation
varies. The seeker seeks merg-
er with God and becomes one
with Him. Thus the Jivatma
(individual spirit) merges with
the Paramatma (Universal
Spirit) leaving no separateness
behind.
Of course these viewpoints
and theories provide insights
into how we, as individuals,
view God.
But mere knowledge of
these viewpoints does not mean
much unless one really experi-
ences or realizes God. This is
the real test but unfortunately
most of us are not able to reach
such heights during our life-
times due to various worldly
distractions.
The fact, however, remains
that though we fail to reach
such dizzying heights due to
our own shortcomings. Can we
ignore the experiences of those
who have? We, with our own
limitations, cannot afford to
dismiss the claims of those who
have outgrown similar limita-
tions and have realized God.
This will only highlight our
ignorance.
All religious texts and
opinions acknowledge the
status of God but differences
arise as to who is His true
messenger or prophet sent to
earth to lead the people
out of their miserable
existence. Hinduism, not a
religion but a philosophy of
life, is perhaps the only tenet
that points to many varied
paths and methods to reach
God according to each
persons choice, capacity
and understanding.
Obituaries
Dhrubo Roy
(June 1931 June 2011)
W
e are saddened to
lose our beloved
Dhrubo-da (Mr.
Dhrubo Roy - a past
President, Secretary and one
of the founding members of
BANSW Bengali
Association NSW) who
passed away on 29 June 2011
after a prolonged illness.
He came to Australia in
1971 and worked as an engi-
neer. He is survived by his
wife, Purnima Roy and son
Dr. Probal Roy, his daughter
Neela Dasgupta now settled
in America and four grand
children.
Bengali association has
been very dear to Dhruboda
who has contributed to many
of its achievements over the
past 35 years, particularly in
drama both as an actor and a
director, and in Probasi, our
newsletter, as a poet and a
story writer.
In recent times, he has
been an inspiration for our
younger members in various
events.
We offer our heartfelt
condolences to the family
and our thoughts and prayers
are with them. His passing
away will not only leave a
void in our lives but in the
hearts of all those who knew
him.
--Bengali Association
NSW
R
ama Gupta moved to
Australia in 1983 with her
husband Tarachand Gupta
posted as chief executive repre-
sentative of the Bank of Baroda
branch in Australia, New
Zealand & Papua New Guinea.
Rama settled in Sydney with her
three sons as Mr Gupta travelled
in the Pacific and kept busy with
his job. Mrs Gupta was a devot-
ed mother and a housewife who
used to take freshly cooked
Indian lunch for her husband
everyday when she took train to
city on weekdays.
In 1989, she started Rama
Gem Co which had Australian Distributorship for
HMV & T-series Audio and Videos. She also man-
aged and ran successful retail shop specialising in
audio, videos and Indian ladies fashion. The company
slowly evolved itself into kitchen utensils, steel ware
and lots of handy kitchenware that included pots, pans
and pressure cookers that the Indian housewife cannot
do without. Rama Gem Co now is run as Bon Appetit
by her son Neil and daughter-in-law Charul Gupta.
Rama had a stroke in 2003 which paralysed left
side of her body and was wheelchair bound. Retired
Tarachand Gupta, her husband, now stood besides
Rama as a caring companion taking her in wheelchair
anywhere he went. Though Rama was not the one to
give into her handicap, she went on working even in
the wheelchair organizing her household and freshly
cooked meals like always. She had the strength to
carry on without asking any-
bodys help and did all the daily
chores of washing, cleaning and
cooking herself and always show-
ered loving hospitality to visitors.
She was a pious religious lady
who inspired and helped every-
body in their lives. She had a
great respect for elderly people
and had keen wish for building
Shivanand Education Centre in
Sydney. She had great love for
children and was a regular donor
at Westmead Children hospital.
She philosophised life in a
simple way following Mother
Teresas footsteps:
Let nothing perturb you
Let nothing frighten you
All things pass
God does not change
Patience and hard work achieves everything
Whoever has God
Lacks nothing
God alone suffices.
Rama is survived by her husband, three sons,
their wives and six grandchildren.
Rama Gupta
(July1943 June 2011)
P
ushpa Lalchandani, 70, died June 19,
2011, with her family by her side in
Sydney. Born on June 28, 1940 in
Larkana Sindh to Gangaram and Sadori Bai
Lahori, Pushpas father worked for the
national Railways and managed a large
ancestral property. They moved to India in
1947 due to partition, leaving all property
and possessions behind and settled in
Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh.
Initial years were hard for the family.
Excelling academically, with a passion for
literature, moving with her family to Poona
and Bombay, Pushpa graduated with a
Master of Arts & Literature (in Hindi and
English).
After completing her M.A., she got a
job as a lecturer in Sydenham College,
Churchgate, Bombay.
It was in 1969, she was introduced to
Dr. Anand. They got married the same year
and moved to Australia. She completed a
diploma in education at the University of
NSW to qualify, and began work as a high-
school English teacher.
Australia was a very different place to
what it is today as it emerged from the
White Australia Policy. Indians felt left out
and alone. Pushpa played a role in bringing
Indians and Hindus together both estab-
lishing early consumer trade links with
India, developing the community through
social events and functions, and having a
significant role is forming Australias first
Hindu temple the Sri Mandir, and later
others. The Lalchandanis also invited Holy
people from India to visit from various
groups including Chinmaya Mission,
Parmarth Niketan, introducing to
Australians and re-introducing Australian
Indians the rich Indian culture. Her teach-
ing background and love of children helped
her establish childrens classes, as well as
community groups and the like, work which
she took back to India and continued to her
last days.
Pushpa even started a genuine and sin-
cere service before the commercial match-
making era of Shaadi.com and
BharatMatrimony.com set in. Pushpa started
Sanyoga Relationships Australia where she
used to keep a register of prospective
matches and she personally interviewed peo-
ple who went into her register for referral to
people who came looking. Thus she was
able to help many a people find genuine life
partners the way arranged matchmaking has
worked in India for times immemorial.
There was a lot of love that flowed from
Pushpa as she patiently listened to anyone
and gave her advice as a senior wise Indian
woman to members of the Indian communi-
ty who came to seek her help.
We take these moments to be grateful
for the work the pioneering senior members
of our community have performed, to help
make multicultural Australia what it is today
and to make our local Indian population
feel more at home in a distant land.
Pushpa is survived by her husband, Dr.
Anand Lalchandani, 3 children and 4 grand-
children. A memorial service was held at
Helensburg SVT on 2 July 2011.
In loving memory of Mrs Pushpa
Lalchandani:
Anand Lalchandani
Nikesh & Jagriti
Vinita & Stephane
Sunay and rest of the family members
Pushpa Lalchandani
(June 1940 June 2011)
August September 2011 THE INDIAN DOWN UNDER 49
Hindi Humour
``==| u ++ r| , -|++ +| -|-|
+u| + u| -| : ``, -u = u =|
- : = =| ++| - - =|+ |+
+| r| +r| n| r +u +| =| -|
++ + +| = - | r u- u +|
r| |i -u = u =| | + +|+ |
-+|+ - -+| r =| -r- - r =|+
=|+ | | + = u+| r =| :
+ +| u- -|+| +| -| | ++ + ||u
r| +| r i = u `+u + - +| + =|+|
r , +u +| - | +| +u :+ u
++ r| r | = +u -|
-|| +| n :| r| r =| =|i
u =| u|r-, =| + =| =u -
+|- ++ r , =|+| -|| +| :u +|+
n| + +| =|+| u +|=| | n|+ r|
=|+ r , | +r+ + c +r| +| + =
+-r r| =|+| |+| + -u +| n+|
r| +| | :+| r i +-r -| = -| r=|,
``+| +r r| r| r u| =| + +r|
|``
``=|| +| + u -| - + u| =| +
| - u- =|++| r i - r- + u- -|
| +u +| + = |i =|| -| +|
u :+| - u : +u +|+| ++ i``
``+ -r +| r- +| -|-|| r =|
u| + = - | = :|+ - + -r - =|
=|+| r =| -+| u| u-n -| +|
r+| r| i``
-|++ +| -|-| +| =u +|-
-r+ +- | | +| -| - |i +|-
.c, . + +| --| +|, +| =|
= n| +|,-|+| +, +|
| -|| || +| u- u -||
u - =| -|n|| | +u +|
=| u , =| ++ - =- +|= | r|
- -u +| +n| | ++ - + u+
| ++ +| +|- + ur + =|+|
=| u n +| + i
=- -|++ +| -|-| | -
+++| | +| +| : +u `:+| ` +r|
+ u++| | - u|u + =- r
r-+ || +| u| c| =| - |:
-|= = - , | =| =| + | =|-|
u =| | - r| +| | +| .c, .
+| +r| +| | --+ : +|
=- : =|+ =| +u | r +n||
=| u !
- r- - +| =| || | | i =|
r| +u +| u--| -| -+ =|+| | i
-u = u =| = u| + c =| -| -r|
| =| +-r |u- +r| ++| | i +u
+| n|| +| +c u| r| | +
+u +| =|+| +| : =| | +r| |,=|
-|++,=| +u +| -| =| | ++ +
r+| |, :u +u | +u| + +|-
u =|++ i
-|++ - | | -+ r , r- + +|u
- | c+ =| r- =+u + u +
=|| =|| ++ i -|++ +|
-|-| r- | +| u -| -r+ -| ++|
|, --+ - +| +r |, r u- --|
u -| ++| |i
-|++ + - n + -| =|+| -|-|
+ -| - + -|+ -+|: |, =| =-
+u +| =-|+| r| =|| +| u +|+| r i
``- ++ +| u= -| +| c |
-+|+ =|+ -|-| + ||u =|| |,
- +|+| =| +|+| -| |, u- u|
u| r+ i
-| + +| |+ +| | u| |+|
| :+| | =| - n | u +| r| =-c|
+r| +| |, :u - -|- - u|
=|+| |i - n =|+ u +| +r| =| r|
| i - n u| | +- u + c
u+| u +|: |, +r| | + r| , u|
u| - |+ u +- +| u :+| +
||u |r | =| =- n| + + u+
|i - -| +| - - | n+| - ,
+| u+| r + -|-| += + - =| r:
r , = +u + -|-| + ++ + +|
u |-| ++||, u = u| | =| r+
++|+ , + + + + |-+ , =
u = +| | + +|, |-| ur|+ +
+| u |i :u -| -|-| - u-
u | -|+ r i -|-| + | =| u| |
=| -|r ++ u r+ - =| : i - |
+u ++| - c r| | i - ==|- +n+
- | : | | + r =|+ r| -
| |!
=- -|-| u| c| + |u+ c+ |
|r : i - -| - || +u + ||c
|r |i c+ | -r+ r| r-+| u|
| n+| | =| | - | r -=|
+ u-- u =| r| |i +u - =|+
+| =|r ++ +| r: i +| u+| r +
-|-| =-|+ | ||+| -| + - =| r:
r =| +u + r| - + -r+ - :|
:| r , =u + -|| | r + |
+ r| r =| +u +| = |+ +| u
=|+ + -|-| + +u c|+| u ||i
+-| r +u -+| +-| c|+| u
|+| =| +u + +|+| - + c
-| +|, =| - | u-n - +| + =||i
+|- u - ++ r uu|
=|| r|,=| - - |, - + u| -+| +u
u+| r|i - | r--+ +r| | : r| |
+ - ||u | =|= i
-|-| + =|u| -| :| +|
|| =| + c| | u| u- +|
- -- + c+ | -+| `-u|+|` +
+ +| + - u | =| +| ++
=|: i - -| |+ u +u + ||c ||c
+| =| |i
-|-| =|+ +- - | : , +u
+ u| -+ ++| + =-|| - u
=| u| : i
- -| =|+ =|+| |||: |
| =| u| + +| +| nn ++ |i
- | u-n - + c +r| =| r| |i -|-|
n| || r| : r | = +u|
+| +| +| : =| +| + r| |i -+
- - u| =|+ | i +| =| -|
+| =|: =| u -r u +=|i u|
-|-| ++ - +|n+| -+|+ - | r:
r i - +u | + =| u u+| r|,
++ +u + r =| +u + r|
u -+ + c |+| +r| +| | +
r |+ +| ==|-| |- r++ + r|
|i
``- -+|! +| | +|n+ - `` +u
+ - : -| u - n | c|
``+ c -|``
``+ c -| +| =|+| |u- +|
+| : | = -+|=| i +|++ (+-r|)
=| r| i +r| +| + -r| -|-| +|| = r|
=| - n u + - + -| = +|
u|+|| - +-| + |``
``=-c|, = :| - : | ``
``r r: + -|+``, =| +u + -
+|n+| + | +|i
- + :u +| +| +u| u =+
+r| +| =| + c +| - - |
i
-|++ +| r -|+ - n =- |
=|: , =- - r- - r u- =| +|
+r = : + -|++ +| -|-| +u|
+ u| -| : i - -+ +r| -|+ r|
|i
| | -| + -| + +| -|+ ++
i
``= ! - +| +r+| | + +u +
-c =-c +r| i + u -| +|
+ =| u - +| ++| |``,
|-+| = + -| | i
``- + +u +: -| |+ +| -|r
=|+ u| r i`` +-| + =|+| | |
``r| , - + +u c + +| -u|+| -
=+ =|+ r u| r , == +u +|
| r| c| + - =+| r| |``, |-|
+| -| , -| +r| ||c r+ || |i
++ -u = - r+| r| + c =
u -| |,``=|| | + c -| - r -
=|| -| =| r| r i +u - || +|
|+ +| +| - + +| -|-|| |, +
=|+ :u r|+ - r +r| r| |``
``+| - + +| -|-|| +|
+ + -r|+| |`` - = u r +
-| =|+| | :||i ``=-c| r
-+|=| , + - =| | = | = +- +|
n+|+ ++| -+| r| , r- :u -|
-r|+| r| u-n `` -u = - r+| + c
+|u =-| = - -| | i
``= -r+ =|, =|| +| - n | r|
n+ ++ |``
``n+ +| -|+ +r| r , +u| +|
u r| , | +- - || :| +| +
u+ | -| r- -|+ + r =| +r
+r +| |: | |: ++ r , | + :++|
- :| -|-|| +| r- -|-|| + -|+ +
:u -r|+| | - =| + u-n+ r i`` -u =
- r+| = -| | i
``+r| -: , u - r + -|-||
r i`` +| +| --+, =| =- ++ | ||
u :| |, -| |-:-+n + - r-u|
+ + + | :|i ``- -|+ -
+ =|-| + | : - = r+ =|
|+ +| =|+| | | | |r+, - r- -
++ || ++ i``
=- u +-| -|-| -| +| ||c
-+|, +-r -| + c | =| |, ``r| ,
r| r-| | - -| + | + | =|
|+ +| u | |||: u + | -
-+| =| = ||u =| + u| =|+|
|i +r+ r , +| - + r +|
| ++| | | ++| +r| |r , +| +
+-r + c |+| +r| r| +| + r u|
+ r r , - || -|++ +| -|-|``
``r + -|+u+ -|-|| r =|
r- u | | u ur|+ - + r| +| |r-
i``
``| + =|| r + u +r u++| r
+ -|++ +| -|-| +| |-+ - r
+| - + +| -|-|| |``
=++ - r, +++| -|+ i
+ + u- +| =-|+ -- r| : =-
| + -| -|++ +| -|-| ||u =|
: =| r -| + --| + u|i
| r |+ + r u- +| |i
++ =- | | -|+ +| |+| | +|
u- +| + =| - -|++ +| -|-| +|
: - =+ -r+ - c : i r| =| + =| +u
+| - |: | ++ +r| ++| |, =-
+u +| +||= + r| | i
+u + +|- r| + c u| +| |i
+u + - + - + r|u - + ||
+ u- u- -| , + +
--| -| | =| || | +| -| =
| =| +u +| : -| u+ +| + |
+r| |i =- -|++ +| -|-| +| |+|
| +| r |+| |+, -+| +u| +|
-+| r| : =| +u | |i
... -|++ +| -|-| - r- - =-
-| +u| n|+ u +++| r , | | |
+| +|r| - : | =| =+ +|
-=| , u--|+ =| =| +| -|+|
r| +| r i
+ - ... u+ |- -=|=
Jul Mat 1. Hindu Punjabi busi-
ness parents invite alliance from a
beautiful educated girl for their high-
ly qualified son 30/6'3", a very well
placed financial consultant with a
leading multinational company in
UK. Will be in Australia in July,
Caste no bar. Send BHP to ukshaa-
di@hotmail.com
Jul Mat 2. Well settled family in
Australia inviting alliance for 27
year old, 5"11, Sood Punjabi boy,
B.Software Engineer(honors) and is
working as a senior
IT Consultant for the
Australian govern-
ment on high
income. Seeking
Indian girl, caste no
bar. Please call
0 4 1 4 - 5 1 8 - 3 1 2 .
Email aumohin-
dra@gmail.com
Jul Mat 3.
Seeking compatible
well educated,
employed profes-
sional/ business
match, with Indian
background, broad minded/ mature
outlook, independent, divorcee, age
47 years onward, For caring, honest,
friendly, Indian Christian divorcee
Australian citizen, 48 yrs 5'3" tall,
much younger looking than age,
attractive, graceful looking graduate
nurse, employed. Caste no bar. Email
details to emily.lotus@hotmail.com
Jul Mat 4. Suitable match for
26.5 year old, Hindu boy, 6 Feet,
handsome, Australian qualified
Dentist, Income High Six figure,
seek Indian good-looking, profes-
sional girl with strong family val-
ues.Caste no bar, girl merits main
consideration.
Please contact with profile and
recent photograph at 0412-788569 or
Email: Jaiho2000@hotmail.com
Jul Mat 5. Young Indian Hindu
girl 27 years old from respectable
family, living in Sydney seeks
young Australian Indian man with
strong cultured and family back-
ground for friendship with view of
marriage. Please call on 0421 689
546.
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Columns
By Karam C. Ramrakha
Karam C. Ramrakha, veteran ex Fiji
MP, casts a practised eye on Fiji and in this
article examines the responsibility of the
large Indian diaspora's responsibility
towards the mother country.
O
n the midnight of 14th August 1947,
Pandit Nehru delivered his immortal
Trust with Destiny speech of which
this part should be written in the hearts of
every Indian, or indeed any freedom loving
person.
India will awake to life and freedom. A
moment comes, which comes but rarely in
history, when we step out from the old to
the new, when an age ends, and when the
soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds
utterance.
As a child in Fiji I heard Panditji's voice
on our radio in Suva. We crowded around
our set to catch his words. Even today the
memory lives with me.
What Panditji said was especially true of
India which has suffered invasions and pil-
lage like no other country in the world. In
Fiji, particularly, we felt keenly the British
subjugation of our mother India and we ral-
lied against the British for independence of
India. So, today, we have to find her soul
and give it utterance. The problem is that
India is too large for us NRIs abroad.
However, parallels can be drawn
between India and the plight of those Indians
who were taken to colonies abroad as
labourers. Those who were taken to Africa,
particularly in Kenya, Uganda and Rhodesia,
for back breaking tasks such as building rail-
ways, are now largely forgotten. African
intolerance has driven them out, but in
places like South Africa, Mauritius,
Malaysia, Fiji, Trinidad, Guyana and
Surinam, a sizable Indian population is
struggling to find its soul.
In Mauritius, Trinidad and Surinam, the
Indians are well settled and enjoy political
clout. But we struggle in other places. I con-
centrate on my own native Fiji.
Here is one of the persons who went to
London to negotiate independence of Fiji
from Britain. I wrote large tracks in consti-
tution to protect the position of indigenes,
who insisted that they have land rights and
ownership of 93% of land in Fiji. They
wanted the customs and way of life control
by great counsel of chiefs' maintained.
With Iron clad protection and powers of
Veto what we Indians did not and could not
concede was electoral weightage in the con-
stitution which would ultimately deliver a
majority of indigence in House of
Parliament. Despite the lopsided constitution
in favour of Fijians the Indian based parties
achieved victories in 1977, 1987 and 1999.
In 1977, the Governor General contro-
versially installed the minority Fijian leader
as Prime Minister but in 1987 and 1999 the
Fijian hierarchy overthrew the Indian based
government in a series of coups. What the
Fijian hierarchy had failed to understand was
that ultimately any system trenched on birth
rate and chiefly power would be questioned
and, if necessary, rejected and overthrown.
Such is the position of Fiji today where
Frank Bainimarama overthrew a Fijian based
and seemingly democratic elected govern-
ment in 2006. Only the European Union
would stand by and watch but Frank com-
pounded the situation by saying that only
after he cleansed Fiji of forces which divid-
ed it racially, he would hold elections in
2014. The question remains: can Frank
carry out his agenda? Can Frank remodel
Fiji into a country of absolute tolerance, one
man one vote one value and no racial dis-
crimination?
Can Frank's military hold firm and give
it their unstinting support? To all these ques-
tions the answer must be yes. However, one
stray sheep, Ratu Ului, no less than a son of
Founding Father of Fiji's Independence, has
broken ranks. Charged with sedition and
granted bail, he was suddenly transported
out of Fiji by Tonga's Navy. Today, he is
warmly greeted and feted by not only the
government but by dissidents in Australia
and New Zealand. Frank remains unfazed.
The large Indian population in Fiji wel-
comes Frank but he is fearful as to what
might happen should he fail. The situation of
Indians in Fiji is perilous as we own very lit-
tle land and are dependent on fixed term
lease without rights of renewals. We provide
the large middle class and labouring popula-
tion.
Despite the seeming prosperity of some
large Indian firms each is beholden financial-
ly to Australian banks. Our contribution has
been enormous as we have remained the
back bone of the highly labour intensive
sugar industry which has become depleted
because of large scale removal of Indian ten-
ants from native leases.
A lot has been written about Fiji, espe-
cially after the 1987 coup. Professor Brij Lal
of ANU University is to be congratulated for
his prolific output covering the history of
Fiji. His latest book "Eye of the Storm" can
be found on ANU Express on the internet
and provides a useful sweep of current histo-
ry. Equally, Dr Sanjay Ramesh's book
"Ethnicity, Culture and Coups in Fiji", pro-
vides a searching and succinct neo-
Gramscian study of Fiji.
Sadly, however, despite our common
language, culture and religion, a seeming
gulf exist between the Indians abroad and
Indians within India despite January 9 being
dedicated by the Government of India to
NRIS as Pravasi Divas and marking that day
with celebrations and distribution of hon-
ours. Fiji represents a microcosm which
demands a greater attention from Indians
abroad and the immediate Governments of
Australia and New Zealand. I can only end
with a warning that if Frank Bainimarama
fails and Fiji descends into chaos, the boat
people would not be coming from the other
side of the world but from our Pacific back-
yard.
Karam C Ramrakha, Barrister and
Solicitor, Notary Public, Putney Chambers,
36 Pellisier Road, Putney, NSW 2112,
Phone: 02 9808 2760, Fax: 02 9802 5014,
Mob: 0434 986 123 Email: karamcram-
rakha@gmail.com
All Indians should join hands
Joining forces to fight baldness
If youre completely bald or have a
receding hairline or an ever-growing bald
spot like me, I have some good news for
you: scientists are getting closer to a cure
and it doesnt involve a spray can. It may
even happen in our lifetimes, which
means we could have all our hair back
within a few decades, just in time to
charm all those ladies at the retirement
home.
Actually, theres only one lady I want
to charm and she doesnt seem to care
that I have a bald spot. If anything, shes
pleased that at least one part of me is
thinning.
Im perfectly okay with having a bald
spot, really I am. And if you dont
believe me, just ask anyone in my Bald is
Beautiful support group. We get together
once a month to share our stories of hair
loss. Theres Al and Bruce and Pedro and
Salman and a few other guys. We have
varying degrees of baldness. For exam-
ple, I have a bachelors degree and
Salman has a PhD (prominent hair defi-
ciency).
Our last meeting began, as it usually
does, with a little sharing. We sat in a
circle and shared a bottle of wine. It
always helps the guys open up. Al took a
sip and said, Yesterday, while I was at
the laundromat, I met this pretty woman
who told me shes a cancer survivor. So I
said, Really? Well, Im a baldness sur-
vivor. Maybe we can go out sometime.
And she slapped me.
Pedro shook his head. People just
dont understand what baldness does to a
man. When I started losing my hair, my
so-called best friend kept saying, Youre
going bald, Pedro, as if I didnt already
know. As if I didnt look in the mirror
every morning and take attendance.
Ricardo, here. Enrique, here. Jos, here.
Alfredo oh no, I lost another one.
Bruce laughed. You named your hair
too?
Of course. When you have so few,
you grow close to them. Theyre like
family.
Aint that the truth, Bruce said.
We need to educate people about this.
We need to make them more aware, so
that our sons and grandsons dont have to
endure as much baldism as we have.
Wouldnt that be great?
Sure would, Salman said. Thats
why Im starting a petition online to get
President Obama and other leaders to
declare the third Saturday of March as
Baldness Awareness Day (BAD). We
could organize a lot of BAD activities that
day, maybe even get Obama to give a
BAD speech for a change.
Good idea, Bruce said. We could
honor all the great bald men in history,
such as Dwight Eisenhower, the first bald
man to be elected president of America,
Tom Stafford, the first bald man in outer
space, and Seal, the first bald man to
marry a supermodel.
Wouldnt it be better to call it Bald
Mans Day? Pedro said. That way, we
could get our family and friends to give
us cards and gifts.
I like that, Al said. Forget the
petition, Salman lets write to Hallmark
instead.
Speaking of cards, Pedro said, we
should send a thank you card to Dr.
George Cotsarelis of the University of
Pennsylvania for all his great research on
baldness. I was so thrilled when I heard
that we bald guys have just as many stem
cells on our heads as the guys with hair.
All we need to do is figure out a way to
get them to be active again!
Does beer help? Al asked.
No, Pedro said. Ive tried that.
Rum doesnt help either. It just makes my
head sticky.
Ive never heard of Dr. Cotsarelis,
Bruce said. Is he one of us?
No, Pedro said. Hes got hair. But
hes a strong advocate for the bald.
We need to help him, Bruce said.
Im sure he needs money for his
research.
Ive got an idea, Salman said.
Lets organize a fundraiser. We can call
it the Walk-a-thon to Cure Baldness. We
can get our family and friends to walk
five miles and raise thousands of dollars.
Sounds good, Al said. But do I
have to walk too? Cant I just drive and
meet everyone at the finish line?
THE HUMOR OF MELVIN DURAI
Ratu Ului, son of a Founding Father of
Fiji's Independence, charged with sedi-
tion and granted bail, he was suddenly
transported out of Fiji by Tonga's Navy.
Today, he is warmly greeted and feted by
not only the government but by dissidents
in Australia and New Zealand.
Down Memory Lane
By Bimal Bose
O
ur digs in London were walking
distance from South Kensington
tube station .The ride from there to
Piccadilly Circus cost a tenner. The walk
to Hyde Park corner from there took half
an hour.
We were students at the time and to
save money stooped to all manner of tac-
tics. The oddest of these was to keep the
loo swing door open and let your mate in
before closing and thereby save a penny.
The popular English idiom of penny having
dropped derives from this.
Walking the distance was an hon-
ourable option as chances of cheating the
transport system was nil. Our digs housed
six boarders from as many countries. It
was an amalgam of four to five languages
and since our ability to speak the native
tongue was at par with each other, there
were no hassles in the communication
department except on occasions some one
wanted to prove a point in the cockney
dialect.
This was forbidden as our land lady,
Mrs Kelley, very English with a Scottish
husband, would have nothing of it. She
took it upon herself to groom the foreign-
ers in the best of English traditions and lan-
guage being her primary concern!
Frankly, initially, Mrs Kelleys clipped
accent sounded a bit odd in our ears being
drowned in a sea of Cockney, London
being the birth place of the lingo.
There was no definitive bonding
amongst the boarders but we were all
young, inquisitive and new in England.
Luckily, I had struck a friendship with
Asgar Ali from Nairobi whose mother was
the daughter of a tribal chief and father an
immigrant Punjabi farmer from Pakistan.
At that point of time in history, Jomo
Keneyatta, a powerful Kikuyu tribal chief,
had unleashed a rebellion against the rich
British farmers. Consequently, the local
press were after Jomos blood and conve-
niently branded him as a terrorist!
Asgar was aware of this and so was I
but it did not come as a damper in our rela-
tionship. Instead, it was our wont to metic-
ulously plan our weekend jaunts that
cemented our friendship further as in India,
too, we had gone through comparable situ-
ations.
On a bright Sunday afternoon, after the
standard fare doled out by Mrs Kelley -
roast beef with Yorkshire pudding and
smelly Brussels sprout three course lunch-
es, the boarders normally trooped out. That
afternoon, mine and Asgars destination
was the famous Hyde Park corner near
Marble Arch to listen to the soap box
orators, thus named because the speakers
stood on used pine wood box used for
transporting fruits and soap bars, barely
able to support the weight of a person.
This, free for all speech corner, was typi-
cal, and still is, a popular London attrac-
tion in league with such spots as Tower of
London, Buckingham Palace, Trooping the
colour, Houses of Parliament and Horse
Guard parade.
But Hyde Park had both rugged dignity
combined with amusement value of its
own. It occupied a unique place in the
hearts of freedom loving people on this
planet. Nowhere was seen an individual
with the freedom to speak his mind so
openly and, at times with subtle vengeance,
so freely.
The British Parliament is the acknowl-
edged mother of Parliamentary democracy,
one of its robust pillars being freedom of
speech. In this context, symbolically, the
Hyde Park gathering where the speakers
were free to air their views (in gay aban-
don) amply demonstrated a vital aspect of
democracy in action. For a moment, ignore
the brutal force coupled with crooked
diplomacy the British crown employed to
dominate three- fourth of the globe!
Little wonder then that quite a few
future parliamentarians of all hues from the
emerging democracies honed their debating
skills in this vibrant corner bubbling with
life.
As was expected, the black, brown and
in between coloured faces in the gathering
outnumbered white faces by two to one.
The latter group were mostly IRA, Save
Jesus and Salvation Army groups with
some fellow travellers from the lunatic
fringe thrown in.
The Kikuyu uprising was a hot topic
and there were quite a few speakers with a
sprinkling of white speakers patronisingly
taking the cudgel for the downtrodden
blacks of Africa. One of them turned out to
be a communist of the Russian variety. He
had recently paid a visit to Karl Marx
grave and was uncontrollably charged!
There was a flurry of clapping and
colourful invectives in plenty that one asso-
ciates with heterogeneous public gathering
of this kind and not forgetting the ever pop-
ular boos in ample measure.
The guardian of the English law was
represented by a solitary unarmed bobby
attired in his usual black uniform and typi-
cal elongated helmet displaying a nickel
coated badge proclaiming his rank and a
black leather strap latched to his chin. The
mere presence of this uniformed person,
popularly called the Bobby, technically
representing the Crown, was enough to
ensure peace.
No room for any uncivil behaviour as
the law in this regard was forthright. Once
the Rubicon was crossed, the law took its
course and the offender booked, taken pris-
oner and produced before a magistrate the
following day.
Londoners congregated to this corner
of their city for innocuous fun and the peo-
ple were generally in a holiday mood. Soon
the crowd had started melting away in one
and two, and Asgar and I joined the slow
but steady stream.
It was nearly ten in the evening, being
summer, there was ample daylight still left.
We casually drifted away to the nearest oak
trees to ease ourselves in Indian style. A
couple of yards separated us but on my left
I could distinctly hear Asgar agitatedly
speaking to a tall Bobby. I sensed that all
was not well. In a flash, I zipped up and
ran towards Asgars
side and guessed
exactly what was
going on.
The law, in the
meantime, having
parked his push bike
against nearby tree
trunk, was busy tak-
ing out his blue
coloured notebook.
He had made his
intentions very clear
to slap a fine of
five pounds, a for-
tune for us in those
days, the offence
being the commit-
ment of nuisance in
public coupled with
the defacing Her
Majestys property.
Asgar was not
very articulate and
the Bobby had found
that out. He did not
object to someone in
his place more con-
versant, explaining
things, acting as a
Good Samaritan. I
pleaded with the
policeman saying,
look here officer, my
friend is from
Kenya, is new to
England like me and
totally unaware of
the codes of conduct here (we jolly well
were briefed about this at the High
Commission!). Being his first time offence,
a typical desi style of pleading, could be let
off with a verbal warning. My friend will
provide his digs address besides bringing
his passport as well as university identity
card for you to examine.
Surprisingly, the officer liked what I
said and began putting his dreadful note-
book back into his pocket. The next few
moments he surprised me by asking if I
was from India and if so from which part.
This welcome change in the Bobbys mood
encouraged me to reply in the affirmative,
adding that I was from Calcutta. No soon-
er did I finish saying so he gleefully told
me that until about a year ago he had
migrated from Calcutta where he had
worked as a traffic sergeant. The Railways
and the Police Force in those days were the
largest employers of Anglo Indians.
The Bobbys next move took me by
total surprise. Asking Asgar to wait, he
took me aside and in all seriousness
advised me in colloquial Bengali to keep
away from Asgar as he may well be a
Kikuyu. That was a dirty word those days.
Soon after, the Bobby mounted his bike
and headed towards the general direction of
Marble Arch.
I had been instrumental in bailing out
Asgar on another occasion previously
when to my horror he was merrily using
the bath tub as a bucket - subcontinental
style and pouring tableful of water over his
head much to the chagrin of Mrs Kelley.
But thats another story, to be narrated
some other time.
A brush with the London Bobby
Bimal Bose, a senior citizen holidaying with his son Dr P Basu in Sydney, shares some
lighter moments of his life recounting anecdotes from his time in London where
he moved soon after Indias freedom.
A tall Bobby, having parked his push
bike against nearby tree trunk, was busy
taking out his blue coloured notebook.
He had made his intentions very clear
to slap a fine of five pounds, a fortune
for us in those days, the offence being
the commitment of nuisance in
public coupled with defacing
Her Majestys property.
The British Parliament is the acknowledged mother of
Parliamentary democracy, one of its robust pillars being freedom
of speech. In this context, symbolically, the Hyde Park gathering
where the speakers were free to air their views (in gay abandon)
amply demonstrated a vital aspect of democracy in action.
Sports
Swami Army prepares for an Indian Summer
By Dilip Mahanty
C
ricket is in every Indians
blood. Whilst the passions
can sometimes overflow,
there is no other activity or inter-
est that has the ability to unite a
diverse country such as India so
effectively. Whether it is down
south in Chennai, or up north in
Amritsar, cricket is truly the
national sport of India.
This passion for cricket has
spread as Indians have migrated
across the globe, with the game
playing a key role in maintaining
ties with the motherland. If you
were to search for cricket teams in
nations such as the USA, Canada,
Singapore, and Germany, all non-
cricketing countries, you would
find teams dominated by Indian
expats. The Indian community in
Australia is blessed to be living in
a country in which cricket is part
of the national fabric, allowing the
love for the game without any hur-
dles.
Every four years, the Indian
Australian community is given the
opportunity to really exhibit their
passion for both the game of crick-
et and their country of origin when
Team India embarks on a tour to
these shores. The Indian cricket
team has always been well sup-
ported whenever they have toured
Australia, enjoying the support
from an ever-increasing Indian
population.
Whilst early tours by Indian
teams were not successful in terms
of results, in recent times, the
tourists have more than held their
own against the mighty Australian
teams.
The Indian tour of 2003-04
marked the start of Indias climb
to the top of the world rankings,
with the team arriving full of con-
fidence after reaching the World
Cup Final earlier in the year and
having success in the West Indies
and England. The Test Series was
also significant as it was the last
Test Series before Australian leg-
end Steve Waugh retired.
The tour was a huge success,
with Team India drawing the Test
matches 1-1, including a famous
victory in Adelaide. In fact, the
Indian team were unlucky not to
triumph, outplaying the Australian
team in the deciding match in
Sydney and coming close to a win
in the final session of the game.
It was in 2003-04 that the
Swami Army was formed, starting
out amongst 10 passionate Indian
cricket supporters. The Swami
Army name was coined as a bit of
fun, and a play on words of the
Barmy Army from England,
whilst it followed the Indian team
around Australia that summer.
Swami Armys presence at games
was well-received by fellow
Indian fans, who enjoyed the
atmosphere generated by the
Swami Army, with chants and
songs enlivening the viewing
experience.
On the next Indian tour in
2007-08, the Swami Army was
again in force at all games, cheer-
ing on the team. Whilst the core
group of Swami Army members
was approximately 50 followers,
many other Indian fans joined at
the cricket grounds, sitting with
the Swami Army and chanting
Swami Army songs. They regular-
ly occupied entire Bays at
grounds, with everybody that
joined stating that they had a great
time at the cricket. Many fans
started to identify themselves as
the Swami Army as the summer
rolled on.
In fact, the Swami Armys
presence at games attracted signif-
icant media attention, with mem-
bers being interviewed by Channel
9s Cricket Show, NDTV, news-
papers and radio station Nova
969.
As India prepares to embark
on a tour at the end of 2011 to
Australia, the Swami Army is
gathering momentum for this
years tour. For the first time,
Cricket Australia has recognised
the Swami Army as the leading
Indian cricket supporter group.
There is designated seating areas
for Swami Army members at all
games, which will allow all Indian
fans to sit with like-minded sup-
porters and enjoy the carnival-like
atmosphere created by the Swami
Army.
The Swami Army has been
registered as a Not-For-Profit
organisation, with all profits being
distributed to our nominated char-
ity, The LBW Trust, which pro-
vides educational opportunities to
disadvantaged children throughout
the cricket-playing world.
The upcoming tour is a much
anticipated one. Winning on
Australian shores remains the
Final Frontier for the Indian
team, having achieved most other
accolades in cricket over the past
five years. In fact, Tendulkar has
said that winning a Test series in
Australia will rank up high with
all other achievements, including
the World Cup victory this year.
The tour will most likely be the
last one undertaken by our modern
day legends, including Tendulkar,
Dravid and Laxman.
So join the Swami Army to
ensure you have the best seat in
the house this summer to support
Team India
.
For more information, visit the
website, www.swamiarmy .com
Formed in 2003-04, the Swami Army name was coined as a play on words of the Barmy Army from England.
Now, Cricket Australia has recognised the Swami Army as the leading Indian cricket supporter group. Their
members will have designated seating areas at all games when Team India comes top play here this year-end.
Sri Padmanabha Shrine Story
Continued from page 21
Vault A itself has valuables worth over
Rs 50,000 crore and many more items are
yet to be evaluated. This includes sacks of
gold coins weighing 530 kg whose antique
value will be astronomical. There was an
18-foot-long heavy gold chain in one jar.
The gold coins in one container weighing
17 kg are of East India Company marking,
14 kg of coins are of local Travancore
marking and 100 Rasi coins. There were
various European gold coins which are not
yet sorted and counted.
The underground vault A, unopened
for ages, leads to a descending flight of
narrow stairs where there was no light or
oxygen. People doing the inventory carried
out their work with artificial lighting and
pumped in Oxygen inside the granite
chamber. Working long hours, they also
wore Oxygen masks as a precautionary
measure.
There are six vaults in all - A to F -
known to the authorities. As per records,
vaults A and B were last opened in 1872.
It was not possible to open a section of B
vault. Even after three days of toil, vault
B could not be opened because of heavy
metallic grill and thick concrete and stone
wall that could not be moved. To cut them
open with heavy duty cutting machine, per-
mission from the court has to be obtained.
According to old grandma stories, Eka
shilamandapam has been placed by Vayu
Bhagawan who is sitting atop the treasure
vault full of priceless gemstones. Likewise,
under Padma teertham a massive treasure
chamber is hidden and the access is
through a tunnel that opens up somewhere
from the palace. True or not, we have to
wait and see.
An incomplete inventory of the
treasure is:
Over 1 lakh gold coins, rare priceless
gems in huge numbers, precious diamonds
like Indraneelam, Padmaragam, Belgium
diamonds, emeralds, rubies, saphires,
1200 Sarappoli chains, number of gold
crowns like the priceless Kulasekhara
perumal crown/coronation crown (set of
three), Kashumalas, 400 necklaces studded
with Marakatham, coconut shells crafted in
gold, antique gold items studded with pre-
cious stones, 16 gold Ankis (gold clothes
for God used for ceremonial purposes,
some big enough to cover the 18-foot
Swamy Vigraha), 2000 gold ornaments,
Swarna Thalikas (plates), Solid gold
chains weighing 3 to 10.5 kilos, big gold
idol of Vishnu, Swarna Dhanus (bow),
gold staffs, Thankakudas (parasols), gold
pots - one gold varpu uruli (utensil), gold
Kazhuttu kudam, massive gold throne,
many Saratpli malas (1,000) studded with
rare gems called Aval, Padakkams of
kinds, khadika thadi, kumbheeyam, silver
moolapattika, gold and silver nilavilakku,
gold kindi in large numbers, gold
Dharakidaram, kudumudi, narayam, gold
siva vigraham, serpent idols, gold rings ,
sets of gold thali, a massive pot of gold
(like a big bath tub) only used to bathe the
king before coronation.
E chamber whose keys are with Tantris
(the doors cannot be opened without two
keys together, each key in custody of the
main Tantri and his deputy) stores all pooja
items that are used regularly and that
include:
Two gold lamps (one each of Bhu Devi
and Sri Devi), swarna plate (kilikkinnam)
used to offer naivedya bhojanam to the lord
daily, serving utensils, Kamala Paatrams,
Peetambarams, Swarna poonool, many sil-
ver pooja patrams and decoration items of
the Lord. Here, too, many kilos of gold
were stored in unused portions of the
chamber.
Moreover, I have learnt from a reliable
source that some vault doors have antitheft
devices in place. The heavy door handle of
one vault is in the shape of a serpent hood
on the left portion and letter S which
resemble a coiled snake's tail.
It has to be turned to open the door. If
the S portion is turned, the door opens,
but if the hood portion is turned, a wooden
plank from above falls on the person
attempting to open the door. Another inner
door handle, if turned in cyclic direction,
the main door gets locked and the person
gets trapped inside, never to see the light of
the day again. The chambers were
rumoured to have been filled with poison-
ous fumes. Hence, oxygen was pumped
and those who entered wore masks to
escape disaster.
Most of the treasures face value is now
quoted to be a staggering sum of Rs
1,00,000 crore. The listed gifts may have
been received by the kings (Vijayanagaram
and European coins) or maritime spice
trade proceeds. The massive treasure is the
result of honesty and simplicity of the
rulers who have zealously guarded the
treasure until now.
There was a ritual strictly adhered to by
all Padmanabhadasa Maharajas who visited
the temple as the first worshipper of the
day.
As they reached the exit gate to leave
the temple precincts, they wiped the bot-
tom part of both feet with palms of their
hands as a gesture of not taking away even
a pebble of sand that belonged to the Lord.
I hope this sentiment will be observed by
the Supreme Court, Government and other
custodians of power to leave the Lords
assets with the Lord Himself.
54THE INDIAN DOWN UNDER August - September 2011
Dilip Mahanty Column
By Dilip Mahanty
A
t the time of writing this India has
moved on from the West Indies
to England to play a tougher and
engaging series with already a Test
down. England, with recent successes,
has its tails up and is keen to beat India
on its home turf. It boasts of a strong bat-
ting line up with the nucleus in Strauss,
Cook, Petersen, Trott, Bell and Prior
and an impressive bowling attack which
had laid Australia and Sri Lanka low.
The swing of Anderson, the bounce of
Tremlett and the spin of Swann had con-
tributed to most of its success. Added to
this was the all round ability of Broad.
India, on the other hand, has had to
overcome many problems which have
prevented it from being reassured about
its prospects of winning in England.
Injuries to mainstays Sehwag, Zaheer
and Gambhir have hampered preparation.
While Zaheer and Gambhir have recov-
ered sufficiently to play the First Test,
doubts linger as to whether they would
have sufficient match practice to get into
the groove straightaway.
Sehwags absence for the first two
Tests, due to his post shoulder operation
rehabilitation program, is a major worry
as he is one batsman who can upset any
opposition plans to dominate the Indian
team. Sreesanths late recovery from
injury has not helped either as he could
have been very effective if his mind and
radar were in place. He has pace and
swing to worry the best but his fragile
mind interferes with his plans.
Another walking wounded Yuvraj
Singh, with lung infection, has not
regained the form which made him so
successful during the World Cup tri-
umph. Fortunately, Raina has done
enough to make sure that Yuvrajs recent
absence from the team did not hurt India.
To cap it all Sachin Tendulkar chose
to take a sabbatical just after the IPL 4
and declined a tour of West Indies claim-
ing fatigue. This absence has prevented
his match preparedness.
All these problems brought about by a
surfeit of ODIs in recent months have
dented Indias confidence in the forth-
coming series against England. BCCIs
poor planning, which forced ill prepared
journeys first to West Indies and then to
England, has to be blamed for all this.
There have hardly been any preparatory
matches in both these tours to get accli-
matized. The players have been expected
to get off from long flights and play
cricket instantly without any regard to
pitches, weather conditions and types of
opposition in both West Indies and
England.
Indias tour to West Indies fielded
almost a second eleven with many of the
regulars not touring due to fatigue and
injury. While the ODI team was fairly
strong and had many experienced play-
ers, the Test team had a new look. New
faces like Mukund, Kohli and Praveen
Kumar were inducted. Some like Murli
Vijay and Mithun, who had played for
India earlier, were drafted in as well.
The tour started with ODIs. The two
20-20s which set off the tour were both
won comfortably by India . The five 50
over ODIs which followed, saw India
take a series winning 3-0 only to falter in
the last two matches. Perhaps it was com-
placency which saw India fritter away a
chance to do a complete whitewash of the
series.
The Test series that followed saw a
considerably weakened Indian Test team
win the decisive first Test and the 3-Test
series 1-0. Rain in the 2nd Test and a
defensive mindset in the 3rd prevented
the margin from being 2-0. While WI
was not expected to win, even against a
weaker Indian side, it showed sufficient
signs that its bad fortunes had bottomed
and that it had a few promising young
players who could elevate it to a position
of power in the years to come.
Apart from Chanderpaul, who has
been a thorn on Indian sides for years,
Barath, KA Edwards, DM Bravo and
Samuels shone at different times during
the series. Chanderpaul and the debutant
Edwards scored centuries in the Final and
saved West Indies from losing 2-0. Had
Chris Gayle been allowed to play by the
WI Board, the competition would have
been much tighter.
The bowling in the hands of Fidel
Edwards, Ravi Rampaul and Bishoo sup-
ported by captain Sammy never let the
Indians relax. Only one century (Dravid)
was scored by India. VVS, Dravid and
Raina were consistent performers and
prevented India from being embarrassed
on a number of occasions. Mukund, in
his first Test series, displayed a wise
head on a young shoulder. He was tech-
nically and temperamentally sound. He
has promise to go to bigger and better
things.
The most pleasant surprise was
Raina. A year ago he was written off Test
Cricket as he was found wanting against
fast rising balls. Being dropped from the
Test team had a salutary effect on him.
He worked hard on his technique and
showed against the WI that he has
become a more complete player capable
of handling hostile pace and bounce.
Edwards and Rampaul bowling at over
90mph on hard bouncy wickets could not
contain Raina, who was the most consis-
tent Indian batsman in the series.
Virat Kohli and Murli Vijay, from
whom much was expected, disappointed.
Their technique against pace and bounce
was not adequate and it is back to the
drawing board for them.
Among the bowlers there were two
outstanding successes. Ishant Sharma
took up the mantle of leading the pack in
Zaheers absence and showed what he
was capable of. Bowling with pace, hos-
tility and accuracy he seldom let the WI
batsmen off the hook. He not only took
21 wickets in the series but was named
the player of the series as well.
The other surprising success was
Praveen Kumar. As a last minute replace-
ment for Sreesanth he was an unknown
quantity as far as Test matches were con-
cerned. He had a laudable record in the
ODIs for India but had never played
Tests. With his gentle pace he was not
expected to succeed. But succeed he did.
He bowled with considerable intelligence
and swung the ball both ways. His accu-
racy, swing and change of angle caught
WI unawares. He finished the series with
a haul of 12 wickets.
Both Ishant and Praveen are expected
to give the Indian attack some teeth in
England. If the conditions allow swing
then Praveen would prove to be a hand-
ful even with his gentle pace.
We look forward to an exciting series
in England.
Easy in WI but UK tour
will test the Indians
While West Indies was not expected to
win, even against a weaker Indian side,
it showed sufficient signs that its bad
fortunes had bottomed and that it had a
few promising young players who could
elevate it to a position of power in the
years to come.
A year ago Suresh Raina (seen right with Dhoni) was written off Test cricket as he was
found wanting against fast rising balls. But he worked hard on his technique and
proved to be the most consistent Indian batsman in this series against West Indies.
Ishant Sharma not only took 21 wickets in
the series but was named the player of
the series as well.
Chanderpaul Shivnarine Chanderpaul cel-
ebrates getting to a hundred, West Indies
v India, 3rd and final Test, Dominica, 5th
day, July 10, 2011. His and the debutant
Edwardss dogged centuries in the Test
saved West Indies from losing 2-0.
The Kersi Meher-Homji Column
India thrashed in the second Test
By Kersi Meher-Homji
N
o.1 ranked India were a
huge disappointment in
the second Test at Trent
Bridge against England. They
were walloped by 319 runs and
are trailing 0-2 with two Tests
still to be played.
The first two days of the Test
fluctuated with India ahead. MS
Dhoni won the toss, decided to
field and the Indian medium-pac-
ers Praveen Kumar, Ishant
Sharma and S. Sreesanth had
England batsmen in trouble. At 8-
124 India appeared on top.
But the English tail wagged
and they totalled 221, No. 9 bats-
man Stuart Broad top-scoring
with 64.
India appeared in a winning
position when Rahul Dravid
(117), VVS Laxman (54) and
Yuvraj Singh (62) took them to 4-
267. Thus India led by 46 runs
with six wickets (including
Dravids and Yuvrajs) in hand.
A lead of 150 was on the cards.
But the fall of Yuvraj precipi-
tated a collapse. Broad took 6-46
including a hat-trick dismissing
Dhoni, Harbhajan Singh and
Kumar in three fatal deliveries.
Soon India toppled from 4-267 to
9-273, losing five wickets in five
runs and were dismissed for 288.
Trailing by 67 runs England
lost 2-57. India still had the match
in hand.
Then things started going
wrong for India, very wrong, ter-
ribly wrong.
Ian Bell scored a brilliant 159
and received admirable support
from Eoin Morgan and Matt Prior
But when on 137 Bell was
declared run out at the stroke of
tea on day-3. But after many con-
sultations, Dhoni showed sports-
manship of the highest order to
recall Bell. This incident is
reported in full elsewhere on this
page.
Disheartened, India bowled
poorly and tail-enders Tim
Bresnan (90) and Broad (44)
added quick runs.
England amassed 544 setting
India an astronomical 478 runs to
win in almost ten hours. At least
India can go for a draw with
Dravid and VVS in form and
Sachin due for a big score, patri-
otic Indians prayed.
These hopes were dashed
when India lost Dravid and VVS
with only 13 on the board and
were soon 3-31.
For once on this tour
Tendulkar (56) batted like a mas-
ter with all the strokes at his com-
mand. But the others folded and
India was 6-55. Just then
Harbhajan (46) added valuable
runs with Sachin. But it was too
little too late, India folded up for
158 miserable runs and lost by a
huge margin of 319 runs.
Tall Tim Bresnan captured 5-
48, Jimmy Anderson 3-51 and
Broad 2-30.
For his 8 wickets in the Test
(including a match-turning hat-
trick) and scores of 64 and 44
Broad was the worthy Man of the
Match.
Will India spring back in the
third Test starting on 10th
August? They will have to win
this Test if they want to retain her
No.1 ranking.
Will the presence of Virender
Sehwag and Zaheer Khan reverse
the swing Indias way?
I
n the past India imitated Australia
in cricket. Now the shoe is on the
other foot - Australia mimicking
India! After the sensational success of
IPL Twenty20 in India, Australia
copied the idea with KFC T20 Big
Bash League (BBL).
The Indian Down Under was invit-
ed to the media launch of the 2011-12
BBL launch this week. I was lucky to
meet Test cricketers past and present,
Matthew Hayden, Brett Lee, Doug
Bollinger, Brad Haddin, Usman
Khawaja, Nathan Hauritz, Cameron
White, Marcus North, Andrew
McDonald, James Hopes, Tim Paine,
Steven Smith, our own Lisa Sthalekar
among others.
Usman Khawaja was delighted to
be selected for the tour of Sri Lanka
in August-September. He chatted with
me about his Test debut against
England in Sydney this January, with
his mother praying in the Ladies
Pavilion!
The captains of the eight sides --
Haddin, Warner, Hopes, North,
Paine, McDonald, White and Michael
Klinger -- paraded in their colourful
outfits. They will captain Sydney
Sixers, Sydney Thunder, Brisbane
Heat, Perth Scorchers, Hobart
Hurricanes, Melbourne Renegades,
Melbourne Stars and Adelaide
Strikers; in that order.
The BBL T20 festival is due to
start on 16 December at 7pm on the
Sydney Cricket Ground.
Rahul Dravids century in the first innings went in vain.
For his 8 wickets in the Test (including a match-turning hat-trick)
and scores of 64 and 44 Stuart Broad was the worthy
Man of the Match.
Matthew Hayden all set to fire for
Brisbane Heat at the BBL media launch
(courtesy CricInfo).
The author represented The Indian
Down Under at the launch of 2011-12
BBL, Australia having copied the idea
after the sensational success of IPL
Twenty20 in India.
Sydney Sixers, Brisbane Heat or Hobart
Hurricanes -- have your pick
The Kersi Meher-Homji column
I
ndia was thrashed by England in the
Trent Bridge Test by a massive mar-
gin but skipper MS Dhoni was laud-
ed for his sportsmanship in recalling
English batsman Ian Bell after he was
declared out by the umpires.
Bells carelessness could have result-
ed in one of the biggest controversies in
the games history but Dhoni (advised
by senior team mates Sachin Tendulkar
and Rahul Dravid) gave Bell a second
life.
By laws of cricket India was correct
in appealing for a run-out when Bell was
out of his crease. The umpire Asad Rauf
had not called over for tea break.
As TV commentators agreed, the
ball was not dead but alive and kicking.
Obviously Bell and probably his bat-
ting partner Eoin Morgan thought that it
was tea time and were returning to the
pavilion when the former was declared
run out on a technicality.
Full praises to Dhoni for recalling
Bell to resume his splendid innings. The
spirit of the game was restored and a
huge controversy was avoided.
This Ian Bell incident rings a bell.
A similar incident occurred 37 years
ago in the Port-of-Spain Test of
February 1974. And the villain of the
piece was Englands all-rounder Tony
Greig.
It was the first Test of the series
between the West Indies and England.
England was dismissed for 131 and the
home team replied with 392. In
between there was an incident similar to
Bells in the recent Trent Bridge Test.
Off the last ball of the second day of
the Port-of-Spain Test, there occurred
an extraordinary incident which led to
angry crowd reactions followed by a
long meeting between the officials of
both teams.
This is how it happened.
When West Indian batsman Bernard
Julien played the last ball of day-2 down
the pitch, Greig picked it up.
Then observing that Alvin
Kallicharran was out of the crease, he
threw down the stumps and appealed.
Kallicharran was declared run out by
umpire Sang Hue and the crowd was
furious.
After long dialogue and consulta-
tions between captains Mike Dennesse
(England) and Rohan Kanhai (WI),
umpires Sang Hue and R. Gosein and
administrators, the appeal was with-
drawn.
Greig and Englands manager Carr
apologised and peace was restored.
Kallicharran resumed his batting, like
Bell did in the recent Test.
Kallicharran took his score to 158.
Coincidentally, Bell also went on to
score 159 at Trent Bridge.
India lost this Test but they had
shown sportsmanship not shown in
recent times. Would Ricky Ponting or
Steve Waugh or Greg Chappell have
done what Dhoni did? I very much
doubt it.
Well done India. The spirit of crick-
et is alive and well. The spectators who
booed the Indian team for appealing for
the Bell run-out deserve to be booed.
There was another instance of
sportsmanship in cricket, also by an
Indian captain.
In the Bombay (now Mumbai) Test
of February 1980, Englands Ian
Botham and Bob Taylor added 171 runs
for the 4th wicket. However, their stand
could have ended at 85 when umpire H
Rao upheld an appeal against Taylor for
caught behind off Kapil Dev.
Taylor protested but the umpire was
unmoved. However, skipper GR
Viswanath who was fielding in the slips,
had noticed that there was no contact
between bat and ball.
He persuaded the umpire to rescind
his decision. He did, and England
recovered from 5-85 to 296 in the first
innings and went on to win by 10 wick-
ets.
Bravo Vishy in 1980 and bravo
Dhoni in 2011.
T
he suggestion of the ICC CEO
Haroon Lorgat that the Final of
the inaugural World Test
Championship to be held in England
in 2013 could be a timeless Test has
set me thinking.
He said that a prestigious event like
the first ever Test Championship
deserved a clear winner. His solution?
Make it a match that only ends when
one team wins outright.
But is there a guarantee that a time-
less Test will produce a result? This
idea was tried out usually in the final
Test of an undecided series from 1926
to 1939. But after the Durban Test
farce of 1939 between South Africa
and England it was shelved, never to
be repeated again.
This Test started on 3 March 1939
and went on till 14 March. And what
was the result? No result!
It was the fifth and final Test of the
series with England leading 1-0. South
Africa totalled 530 and dismissed
England for 316 to lead by 214 runs.
South Africa further ground the
English attack in the dust by amassing
481, setting the visitors 696 to win.
With Bill Edrich, the British bull-
dog, making a painstaking 219 and
centuries from Paul Gibb and Wally
Hammond, England reached 5-654
which still remains the highest fourth
innings total.
England needed 42 to win with five
wickets intact. Then what? The match
was abandoned as a draw. The tourists
had to begin their two-day rail journey
to their ship docked in Cape Town.
The 1939 Durban 10-day marathon
was not the first timeless draw. It
went on from 3 to 12 April 1930
between the West Indies and England
at Jamaica.
England totalled 849 (Andy
Sandham 325, Les Ames 149). West
Indies were dismissed for 286 to trail
by a massive 563 runs. England batted
again and declared at 9-272, challeng-
ing the home team an astronomical
836 to win. Why the English skipper
Hon. FSG Calthorpe did not enforce
the follow-on or declare earlier
remains a mystery.
The Windies were 5-408 (George
Headley 223), when rains for the last
two days abandoned the match as a
draw because the visitors had to catch
the ship back home.
Thus a timeless Test does not guar-
antee a result although in these days of
air travel catching the boat is not an
option.
The ICC should remember the
words of renowned cricket author and
commentator John Arlott after the
1939 Durban Test: The longest
match and the highest fourth innings
total in Test history and only a draw to
show for it, made a joke of timeless
Tests.
Quotable Quote
"Australian selectors have fallen
asleep on the wheel," former
Australian Test cricketer Paul
Sheahan said at the Annual Dinner
of the Australian Cricket Society
(NSW) in Sydney in July.
Dhonis sportsmanship lauded for
recalling careless Bell
Tale of two timeless Tests
Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Ian Bell
The Kersi Meher-Homji Column
Oh Lords, England too good for
India in the 2000th Test
Ojha, Kohli to replace injured
Harbhajan, Yuvraj in England
Dhoni blames it on
cramped schedule,
lack of rest
T
he much-hyped Lords Test,
the 100th between England
and India and 2000th in all,
ended in a disappointing anticlimax
for India. They lost by a massive
196 run margin.
We can make excuses -- and
some were genuine -- but face it,
England was simply too good for
India and was the worthy winner.
A headline screamed:
Uncooked India gets chewed.
Cruel but correct to a large extent.
First, the excuses or explana-
tions:
Zaheer Khan, the reverse
swing king, started well taking
valuable wickets on the opening
day. But he pulled a hamstring and
was off the field for four days out
of five.
Gautam Gambhir got a
painful blow on the elbow when
fielding at short leg position and
could not open Indias second in-
nings.
Opening daredevil batsman
Virender Sehwag was injured dur-
ing an IPL match and was unavail-
able for this Test.
Sachin Tendulkar developed
viral infection and was off the field
for almost four hours on day-4 and
was allowed to bat only at no.5 po-
sition in the second innings.
Too much pressure was put
on Tendulkar with the milestone of
100th international century, and his
first Test hundred at Lords hang-
ing over his head.
India was underprepared
having played only one county
match on English soil prior to the
historic first Test at Lords.
Now lets analyse the bullet
items logically.
Zaheer Khans and Gambhirs
injuries during the Test and
Sehwags prior to it were unfortu-
nate. But why select Zaheer in the
first place at Lords when he
appeared unfit on eve of the Test?
It was a gamble which did not pay
off.
With 177 Tests before the
Lords Test under his belt and over
14,700 runs, Tendulkar must be
used to pressures and expectations.
He batted poorly, especially in the
second innings. Perhaps the viral
infection inhibited his style or per-
haps the accuracy of the English
attack or both.
The three major causes of
Indias decapitation were:
England out-batted and
out-bowled India. England had
many heroes, Man of the Match
Kevin Pietersen hitting an unbeaten
202 and Jonathan Trott and wicket-
keeper Matt Prior scoring valuable
70s in the first innings.
In the second innings, England
was tottering at 5-62 and then were
6-107, but were rescued by Prior
(103 not out) and Stuart Broad (74
not out) adding 162 winning runs
for the unbroken seventh wicket.
Their pace attack of James
Anderson, Broad and Chris
Tremlett upset Indian batsmen,
apart from Rahul Dravid unbeaten
103 in the first innings and gallant
fifties by VVS Laxman and Suresh
Raina in the second. Praveen
Kumar bowled well in the first
innings and Ishant Sharma was
unplayable before lunch on the
fourth day.
Mahendra Singh Dhonis
captaincy was sub-standard. I am
a big admirer of Dhoni and have re-
peatedly ranked him as Indias best
captain ever. Under him (with Gary
Kirsten as coach), India won the
2011 World Cup and is ranked No.
1 in Tests and No.2 in one-day in-
ternationals.
But he has become over-defen-
sive of late. In the final Test in
West Indies last month, he was sat-
isfied with a draw when he could
have gone for a win which was
possible.
In the Lords Test he won the
toss and sent England in to bat.
England said Thank you and
declared at 8-474. He bowled him-
self when Raina and Tendulkar
were available. His worst folly was
removing Ishant Sharma from the
attack after lunch when England
was on her knees at 5-72.
Indias preparation was
poor. We all enjoy watching IPL
T20 matches. Highly entertaining.
But it resulted in injuries to Se-
hwag, Gambhir, Zaheer and Yu-
vraj Singh.
Indias morale was on a high
after lifting the 2011 World Cup
on 2 April. Then started the cash-
filled but meaningless IPL a week
later.
Soon after this circus was over,
India left for the West Indies. And
without rest and with only one
practice match they took on the
well-prepared England.
To get used to English condi-
tions is always difficult for a tour-
ing team.
And to play a Test in bleak
England after days in hot
Caribbean was like studying for
Algebra and appearing for Physics
exam at the HSC.
Meanwhile England had done
her home work on her own pitches
against Sri Lanka.
They were like a well-oiled
machine and India was bicycling
with a motor car wheel. Hope
BCCI learns from this.
But it was not all doom and
gloom. Dravids first century at
Lords and Ishant Sharmas pene-
trating bowling spells were like
torch lights in a starless, moonless
dark night.
Nottingham: Left-arm spinner
Pragyan Ojha and middle-order
batsman Virat Kohli were on Aug
3 called up to join the injury-hit
Indian team as replacements for
Harbhajan Singh and Yuvraj
Singh, both of whom have been
ruled out for the rest of the Test
series against England.
While Harbhajan has suffered
a grade I abdominal muscle strain,
Yuvraj has fractured his left index
finger during the second Test
against England which the visitors
lost by a massive 319 runs.
"The all-India senior selection
committee has picked Virat Kohli
and Pragyan Ojha as their replace-
ments. Both players will join the
Indian team at the earliest," BCCI
secretary N Srinivasan said in a
statement.
Yuvraj, who struck a half-cen-
tury in the second Test, injured his
finger when he got hit by a Tim
Bresnan snorter during an improb-
able 478-run chase at Trent
Bridge.
Harbhajan, who has struggled
to find form in the series so far,
also picked up the injury during
the second Test.
The off-spinner bowled just
13.4 overs in the second Test and
has been woefully out of form in
the series. The tweaker grabbed 1
for 69 in the second Test after his
1 for 218 in the first at Lord's.
Yuvraj's injury may take
around four weeks to recover,
while Harbhajan is likely to get
back to full fitness in three weeks'
time, which leaves a question
mark over their participation in the
first few matches of the five-match
ODI series starting September 3.
The Indians have been
besieged by injury concerns even
before the start of the series.
Virender Sehwag, who joined
the team on Wednesday and is
expected to play in the third Test at
Edgbaston, had to pull out of the
first two matches owing to a shoul-
der injury.
The Indians were struck anoth-
er body blow when pace spearhead
Zaheer Khan suffered a hamstring
strain on the first morning of the
first Test.
Gautam Gambhir picked up an
elbow injury after being hit by a
full-blooded sweep shot by Matt
Prior at Lord's. He missed the last
Test but is set to play at
Edgbaston.
Nottingham: Faced with the
prospect of losing the number
one tag after conceding a 0-2 lead
to England in the ongoing Test
series, India captain Mahendra
Singh Dhoni blamed a cramped
schedule for his team's poor per-
formance so far.
He, however, hoped that with
considerable rest before the next
Test of the four-match series,
India will stage a turnaround.
"Somebody said time is of
essence here. We came straight
from the Caribbean and didn't
have time to play more than one
(practice) game. So we are play-
ing seven and not four matches
back-to-back," said Dhoni after
India suffered a crushing 319-run
defeat at the hands of England in
the second Test at Trent Bridge
on Aug 1.
"It (this series) is a continua-
tion of the West Indies tour and
we haven't really had a gap. You
need to prepare differently (for
England tour). In this respect the
next 10 days are very important,"
he added.
With Virender Sehwag set to
join the squad, and Gautam
Gambhir and Zaheer Khan likely
to be fit for the third Test at
Edgbaston on August 10, Dhoni
expressed hope of a comeback.
England had many heroes in the first Test against India, main one
being Man of the Match Kevin Pietersen who hit an unbeaten 202
Community
Sydney Vedanta Centre in Ermington has embarked on an ambitious project of constructing a
Temple, Library and Lecture Hall at 2 Stewart Street, Ermington, NSW.
On July 30th the priests and Sydney community conducted a Bhoomi Puja in the presence of
General Secretary of the International Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Swami Prabhananda.
Swamiji launched a spritual website: www.spiritualbookstore.org.au on the occasion and gave a n
inspiring talk on Charm of the gospel of Sr Ramakrishna. He visited Melbourne, Brtisbane and
Perth Centres as well.
Devotees, followers of the Sydney Centre congregated to witness this important event which
promises to culminate into an important abode for the Indian community who follow Vedantic
lifestyle, activities and lectures that include Swami Sridharanandas Gita lectures on Sundays and
are quite pouplar.
Bhoomi Puja ceremony was conducted with over 300 people in an atmosphere of mantras and
bhajans by young children, bhoomi puja and prasad provided by the mothers.
Here are some pictures of the devotees, monks Swami Sridharananda, Swami
Damodarananda, Swami Atmeshananda, Swami Chandr Shekharananda with Swami
Prabhananda and below an architectural drawing of the the Centre to be completed by 2013.
Vedanta Centre conducts bhoomi puja
Amitabh
Bachchan
Madhavan
Madhur
Bhandarkar
Abhishek Bachchan
From
September 23rd - 30th
0431 189 508
THE INDIAN DOWN UNDER August - Septmber 2011 65
What is Australi-a-sia Film
Festival?
AIFF attempts to bring independent and art house Indian cinema to a wider Australian audience. It aims to
expose Indian subcultures to the Australian public to foster greater understanding between India and
Australia. Using feature films, documentaries and short films as a medium, AIFF's movie premiers, screen-
ings and events aim to provide an insight into the colorful Indian culture from unique perspectives.
AIFF aims to support events including actor and director workshops and networking sessions that will con-
nect working film professionals internationally. These workshops will be made available to engage members
of the public who are entranced by films.
This festival aims to promote Australia as a viable market for filmmaking and sales. AIFF provides a plat-
form for recognition of cinematic excellence to filmmakers across the globe.
Australia is an up and coming market with government incentives in line to bring international films
onshore. AIFF is the perfect platform for people from both continents to explore such opportunities.
The festival is currently being attended by many leading superstars, legends of the Indian Film Industry ral-
lying around for the AIFF cause and aims to target 300,000 strong vibrant Indian community of Sydney
who are devoted Bollywood buffs down under.
Mr Amitabh Bachchan - Most arguably India's greatest ever superstar, Amitabh Bachchan is the Brand
Ambassador of Indian Film industry. We are honoured to have him grace the Opening Gala event of the first
chapter of Australi-a-sia Festival.
Mr Abhishek Bachchan - The next generation star of Indian film industry. Son of legendary actors Mr
Amitabh Bachchan and Mrs Jaya Bachchan, Abhishek is married to beautiful actress and former Miss
World Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
Mr R. Madhavan - He has been described as one of the few actors in India who is able to achieve pan-
Indian appeal, appearing in films from eight different Indian languages. He is the award winning Tamil
Super Star commonly known as Maddy famous for his role of portraying a student Farhan Qureshi
with actors Aamir Khan and Sharman Joshi as one of the Idiots in Three Idiots . More recently
as Manu in Tanu Weds Manu Madhavan shot to fame in Mani Ratnam's successful romantic film
Alaipayuthey (2003 ).
Mr. Madhur Bhandarkar - He is an award winning talented Indian film director. His works include
movies of the likes of "Chandni Bar" , "Page 3" ,"Fashion" and "Dil to Bachha hai Ji". He will be
conducting a Director's workshop for Australian Film students and will be the Chief Judge of AIFF
Independent short film competition.
AIFF Aims to:
H Contribute to the Queensland Flood Relief Fund
H Promote a multicultural, peaceful and harmonious Australia for all
the communities living here including people from the Indian subconti-
nent community
H Improve ties between Australia and India and encourage and restore
Indian Film production to Australia and foster bilateral film trade
between the two nations
H Collect Funds for victims of 13/7 Mumbai attacks
AIFF Board and Patrons:
Mr Vijay Kumar, Chairperson
Naman Ramchandran - Journalist
and Film Maker
Rasandeep Gujral
Board Member
AIFF Staff and
Organisation:
AIFF Festival CEO:
Amrita Kumar
AIFF Festival Director and
Curator, Sydney:
Amol Raj Pandey
AIFF Festival Director and
Curator, Mumbai:
Vivek Anand
AIFF Festival Programme and
Marketing Manager:
Bhavna Monga
Sponsorship and Publicity
Manager:
Rahul Malik
Media sponsors:
The Indian Down Under Newspaper
Voice of India - Monika Geetmala
Hindi Gaurav
Catering:
Surjits Indian Restaurant
AIFF Website:
http://www.tigermoss.com/aiff
Contact:
0431 189 508
Australi-a-sia Independent Film Festival
Amrita Kumar, Festival
Organiser and CEO specializes
in production and direction and
has trained at the Metropolitan
Film School, Ealing London
worked as an Independent Film
Producer in London after hav-
ing moved there from Sydney
founded a company called Tiger
Moss Media Limited, working as
a Production and Creative
Director.
Amrita's short film "But
White Men Can't Dance? (2007)
featuring a short story on
arranged marriages and finding
love was selected as a part of the
short film screenings in London's
Premiere Asian Film Festival,
Tongues on Fire. Her film "Pink
Crusaders in the World of Saris
(2009)" based on the true life
story of the fiery rural women's
rights social crusader was select-
ed for the short film screening
by the Bombay mix festival and
human rights festival and broad-
cast on Community Television,
Channel Five.
Amrita worked on the
Committee for the London Asian
Film Festival (Tongues on Fire
Asian Film Festival 2008-2010),
developing festival program and
co-coordinating marketing and
publicity efforts and events with
Gurinder Chadha (Bend it Like
Beckham), Mira Nair (Monsoon
Wedding) and Asif Kapadia (The
Warrior) and Deepa Mehta
(Fire, Earth and Water).
TIDU talks to Amrita Kumar
about AIFF, what it aims to
achieve and why we need such a
festival for Sydney city, says
she, "It has been my dream for
Australia to host an event such
as the AIFF, that aims to bring
the best of subcontinent to
Australian shores. We grow up
with films in India and they are
an integral part of our society.
In Australia we have tremen-
dous exposure to International
Media and films and with the
interest growing in Indian cine-
ma world wide its the right time
that Australians be exposed to
the depth and breadth of what
our films have to offer. Only
occasionally do we see the kind
of cinema that European and
North American countries have
started to witness high caliber
films that are shown in world
class festivals like Cannes,
Berlin, Venice and Sundance.
We as a nation get very little
opportunity to watch these films
that come from every part of our
socieital existence. Australians
have a great taste of mainstream
Bollywood masala however a
lot work of good independent
cinema is overlooked which is
what we are trying to bring to
Sydney
She adds, "We'll be showing
films at the Dendy Opera Quays
and mainstream cinemas like the
Reading and possibly Chauvel.
These are mainstream hubs for
international cinema and perfect
to get the Australian masses
engaged and entertained.
Is Australia ready for such a
festival of Indian cinema, says
Amrita, "It is a try. And I am
working hard to see how we can
attract local Australians to appre-
ciate our movies. We have a
good line up of films with a
mixture of old school bollys to
crossovers meeting art house to
pure independent cinema. One
filmmaker that comes to mind is
Nishta Jain. We also have the
privilege of mainstream rallying
support for us with celebrities
like Abhishek Bachchan, and
R Madhavan and Directors like
Madhur Bhandarkar making this
festival a great week of star
power, glamour, glitterati and to
add pizzaz to the festival. Not
only will there be an Opening
and Closing Gala Event we will
also have a Actors' and
Directors' workshops conducted
by our celebrity crew.
AIFF has been in planning
since early this year and only
from July things started to move
fast, says Amrita, "It has not
been easy for Indian students
here and improving race rela-
tions here in the light of this as I
wanted AIFF to help mend our
relationships and perceptions as
a racially harmonious country.
Not a days goes past without
hearing of an episode of a racial-
ly motivated attack, I think our
celebrities can help endorse bet-
ter relations between India and
Australia.. After all it was only
Amitabh Bachchan himself who
had declined peacefully to visit
Australia after the racial attacks
and it would be an honour to
have him come back and reen-
gage with the Australian public
to amend our perceptions as a
peace and harmonious nation."
"The government of
Australia has realised the reper-
cussions of knocking back stu-
dents from India which has
affected local education industry
pretty badly. This is why we're
requesting them to get involved
with this event. We're also
requesting student associations
to come and lend us a hand.
"No one is better off as stu-
dent numbers have dwindled and
Federal and State governments
here now are trying their utmost
to patch up relations between the
two countries. I felt Indian cine-
ma would be the best bridge to
walk together for both of us -
India and Australia."
"Not only our cinema will
help ease in the tension it will
harness and nurture back the
strained environment for Indians
students to come to Australia and
that it is a beautiful country for
all of us to live harmoniously."
"Bollywood is the best medi-
um to make Sydney dance and I
have with my background in
movies added some classy ones
that include 'Kabhi Kabhi' of
Amitabh Bachchan from yester-
years. By the way we are trying
to rope in the senior Bachchan
who is also considering to come
and speak for the sake of all of
us and Indian students. If he
endorses AIFF and helps us to
achieves its aims and objective I
will be the most happiest per-
son." says Amrita as she giggles.
What are the highlights
again?
"Well there is a selection of
movies like 'Vihir' , The Girl in
the Yellow Boots, Shor in the
City and Mai and then we
have excitement packed Gala
events, short-film competition
for budding film makers. We
may have a Bollywood dance
compettion towards the closing
gala event. Who knows the next
item girl - the Sheila of Sydney
may be crowned on the night.
After all there are many bolly-
wood dancers here who would
love to dance and may want to
participate.
How would you like
Sydneysiders to help you? "I
want people to come forward
and help support as this is the
Film Festival which promises to
become the annual mainstay of
Sydney scene. AIFF is their fes-
tival and they can show their
friends what the spirit of India
is all about That there is great
spirit and energy to mix, mingle
and meet and enjoy watching
Indian films with all their excit-
ment and be a part of a great
experience right here in Sydney.
I want young people to come
and see our cinema and discover
their roots.
Amol Raj Pandey Rahul Malik Vivek Anand Bhavna Monga
AIFF Team:
Bachchans to endorse Australi-a-sia Film Fest
Amrita Kumar, CEO AIFF
Event Highlights:
Sydney does a Bolly!
Australi-a-sia Independent Film Festival (AIFF) is scheduled from September 23rd - 30th, 2011.
Important Events to watch out for at AIFF:
23rd September 2011
Never Before!
Opening Gala Event - Australian Government honours Mr Amitabh Bachchan.
Upcoming Movie Promo of Mr Abhishek Bachchan.
26th September 2011
Learn how they do it in Bollywood!
Actor & Director's Workshop and Short Film Competition - Renowned Indian Film Direcrtor Mr Madhur Bhandarakar
will conduct a workshop for Australian Film Students. Also he will judge the ongoing short film competition and
announce the winners of AIFF Short Film competition on September 30, 2011
From September 23rd - 30th 2011
Biggest Bollywood Fare in Sydney!
There will be over 30 extravagant colourful Indian movies running in different theatre venues across Sydney for
September 30
Closing Extravaganza!
Closing Gala Event - The grand event will be closed in the presence of popular Indian Film Star Mr. R. Madhavan
with all the glittering media as AIFF takes a break promising a bigger and a better film showcase next year.

Indian Down Under E-Paper Aug - Sep. 2011

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Indian Down Under E-Paper Aug - Sep. 2011

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The Indian Down Under POBox 99 Thornleigh NSW2120 Ph (02) 9875 2713 Fax (02) 9980 6349 Email:

In contrast to the tufted pot-bellied

Free India was a dream of all

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