Indian Down Under E Paper Nov-Dec. 2013

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VOL 26 No. 1
Print Post Publication No. 23572300014
November - December 2013
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Shanali Martin the changing face of beauty in Australia

Inside this Issue:
8: TIDU talks to Patrick Suckling, Australias High Commissioner in Delhi
16 year old Melburnian Shanali Martin, of Fiji-Indian Aussie heritage, made it to the finals and was the popular choice in Australias Next Top Model Contest
21: Neeru Saluja interviews Master Chef contestant Rishi Desai 22: Shanali Martin - Nina Davuluri redefining the notion of beauty 55: Kersi Meher-Homji sums up the thrilling India Vs Australia ODI series in India
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02 THE INDIAN DOWN UNDER November - December 2013
November - December 2013 THEINDIANDOWNUNDER 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, Manju Mittal 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 Chaudhary-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, Ritu Ghai Community: Neena Badhwar, Kersi Meher-Homji, Vijay Badhwar, Sumi Krishnan, Neeru Saluja, Savitha Narayan, Manju Mittal Photographers: Neelesh Kale, Raj Suri and Jordan Anjaiya Graphic Design: Nayanesh Gandhi, Dinesh Verma,Dhiraj Kumar, Bharat Bhushan Chopra/Bhagwati Multimedia
Pravasi Divas recognises Indian presence in Australia

advice from a few powerbrokers of particular political affiliations for their personal benefits rather than the communitys. No wonder the attendance at the forum is aimed and deliberately skewed to make it an exclusive domain of businesses and a privileged few other than ordinary pravasis. The convention (lets not call it a Pravasi Divas) is still a step in the right direction to promote trade and investment between Australia and India, share a common platform to promote mutually benefiting ideas and recognise talent in the community. Lets just celebrate in line with the spirit of Deepavali let there be light for all. n India, meanwhile, the political scene has hotted up with the BJP declaring Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi as the partys prime ministerial candidate for the 2014 parliamentary elections. He may carry a taint of Gujarat riots, is considered divisive even in his own party, where senior leader LK Advani hasnt quite accepted Modis ascensionbut he has electrified the party giving it a good shot at power, which has eluded BJP for long. A skilled orator, Modi is directing the political debate, the Congress reduced to reacting to his statements. Rahul Gandhi has not shaped up to take on Modis charisma, and the scandal ridden Congress party will be content getting about 100 seats in next Lok Sabha, opinion polls show. The problem for Modi will be that his party even with allies will still fall short of a simple majority and will have to find more allies to form a government. But the wind is blowing his way for the moment.
There is disquiet in large sections of the community that the PBD in Sydney is not inclusive of the community it feigns to represent, rather formed randomly on advice from a few powerbrokers of particular political afliations for their personal benet. he two months leading to Deepavali are the busiest months for the Indian community. Couple to this Independence Day functions and the latter half of the year becomes fully occupied by celebrations, which we, as a community love, inculcated in us as part of our cultural heritage. There are many functions Navaratri, Durga Puja, Garba, Parramasala, Eid, Diwali Fairs, parades, variety programmes and cruises all in the name of getting together and celebrating as a community. This year, even the Opera House lit up for an evening, as well as the NSW parliamentarians joined the community in their Deepavali celebrations at the Parliament House in a bid to announce the Indian communitys major presence in the City. Another event, Regional Bharatiya Pravasi Divas (November 10-12, 2013) in Sydney, has made its way into the busy November calendar this year. Originally marked as an occasion to connect with non-resident Indians, beginning on the day when Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa, its terms of reference have now been extended to hold the event around the world in order to focus on the regional Indian Diaspora. Holding the convention in Sydney this year is a testament to the value Indian Government assigns to the Pacific region and the growing Indian population in Australia. While the topics proposed to be dis-
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cussed at the convention Diaspora issues vis--vis Indian Government, trade and Investment, resources and culture seem relevant to the community and the governments, there is not much fresh about the script which seems to follow a beaten track. The agenda has largely been hijacked by business and trade interests rather than the people that form the Diaspora. The stark omissions in the three-day programme are sessions devoted to issues related to seniors in the community and a travel segment: learning from the Chinese experiment who give incentives to their overseas counterparts to visit home and connect. There could also have been a culminating session inviting the whole community to participate and celebrate the divas. It would have been nice to share the experiences of Indian Diaspora from the wider Pacific region, especially from Singapore and Malaysia who are earlier settlers and provide a different context beyond the Anglo-Saxon background. Thankfully Fiji is represented by former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, but if the idea was to knit together the Indian community in the whole Pacific region, where are those members who easily outnumber the smaller communities in Australia and New Zealand and could provide the backbone of a relationship. There is also disquiet in large sections of the community that the forum is not inclusive of the community it feigns to represent, rather formed randomly on
BJPs PM candidate Narendra Modi.
November-December 2013 THE INDIAN DOWN UNDER 7
Patrick Suckling's interview
Oz in talks for uranium sales to India

e exudes a certain sense of calm. His humble candour and unassuming smile are infectious. His vision and enthusiasm for Indo-Oz relations is endearing and his love for India is further fuelled by the fact that he holds a postgraduate diploma in Hindi from the University of Sydney. He is Australian High Commissioner to India, Patrick Suckling. A father of three, he agrees that he is in India at an important time of his childrens life, who will carry a life-long impression of what India is as a country while he handles the busy schedule of carrying out diplomatic duties in strengthening relations between Australia and India. In a talk with Neena Badhwar, Editor, and Ritu Ghai, Delhi reporter, at the Australian High Commission in New Delhi, he shares his take on various topics that can lead to a great future for both countries.
Australia is already into a series of negotiations that will enable uranium sales for India's nuclear power plants on the key condition that India will utilize the uranium for peaceful purposes, Australian High Commissioner to India Patrick Suckling tells The Indian Down Under.
mitted to stronger trade and investment ties with India and seeking cooperation in areas of Education, Biotech, Infrastructure, Pharmaceutical Agribusiness, and IT sectors. Bilateral trade is on the upswing, and India is Australias fourth largest export partner and the eighth largest trading partner. There is a lot of positive growth looking up at the next level. Investments in renewable energy (solar and wind power), bio-technology, urban design and water is on the agenda. Since India has a water crisis, we are chipping in with the technology for water management. India is a significant investor, the largest source of skilled migrants to Australia and the second largest source of international students. Working with the dynamic country of India is destined to result in continued prosperity for both the nations. Young ones The future of AustraliaIndia relations rests in the hands of the youth armed with dynamism and an openness of spirit. The Australia India Youth Dialogue (AIYD) sows the seeds for a strong relationship among the nations. Australians like Hayley Bolding, who at the age of 23 set up Atma, an NGO in India and Jennifer Star who runs Tara.Ed, an NGO training teachers in India, are a part of AIYD. Already a growing number of young people in Australia are taking a keen interest in India - in its tremendous social, political, cultural and economic problems and potential. India has been Australia's largest source of immigrants and students. The youth can play a key role in helping to shift old attitudes and find new avenues for collaboration and partnership. This engagement between the youth in Australia and India is bound to see positive bilateral relationship with deeper appreciation of Australia's political, economic, strategic and social concerns. In defence of a great future We also want to improve defence cooperation with India. The year 2015 will see the bilateral navy-to-navy exercises, stepped up military exchanges and regular defence dialogues to maritime security and a joint naval combat exercise in 2015. Both countries need to have regular ministerial level meetings, professional military exchanges and naval exchanges to continue to contribute to the peace and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region and to promote cooperation in the Indian Ocean region (IOR). Investments and interests in Australia Tatas have been here for a long time. Infosys is equally active in Australia. State Bank of India ATMs operate on Australian technology. There are more than 30 Indian IT companies in Australia. There is a lot happening on this front. Similarly Australian companies have also established their hold in India. Toll, a huge logistics company, has its headquarters in Chennai. The largest employer is Australia New Zealand (ANZ) Bank with 6,000 employees in Bangalore. Mining companies such as Thiess and BHP are involved in India. Australia is strong in education, mining, vocational sectors especially agriculture, water management and logistics. Students safety at Australian universities Australia has taken strong law enforcement initiatives to ensure that past incidents against Indian students do not happen. More policing and mentoring services to international students and criminal prosecution of offenders have done away with such incidents. We want international students including the ones from India to feel safe in the country and in their campuses. In conclusion Australia and India have
Excerpts from the interview India is important. Australia is keen to foster better relations with India. India holds a prominent place in our thinking. The 2013 Australian Defence White Paper outlines the profound economic and strategic changes occurring and the shared interest of India and Australia to address these changes. Australia holds its relationship with India in high regard and is committed to further strengthening the bilateral relations in many sectors. Setting Trends Australia and India are on a fast track for talks to foster better relations between India and Australia. Post the Tony Abbot Government coming into power, many changes are being made to cement the relationship. Australia, one of the world's largest uranium reserves holder, is already into a series of negotiations that will enable uranium sales for India's nuclear power plants, on the key condition that India will utilize the uranium for peaceful purposes. We are com-
always looked at strengthening ties with each other whether it is curry, cricket or Commonwealth. Very recently ten Indian teachers travelled to Australia as participants in the AustraliaIndia School Leaders' Professional Learning Program, organised by the Asia Education Foundation (AEF) with support from Australian Education International (AEI), under a popular teacher exchange program. Such programmes will help build enduring ties between the two school systems, and also between the two countries. Also the Australian Government will provide 2.53 billion (AUD 47 million) over four years for the AsiaBound program with 584 million (AUD 10.6 million) for the program's first year of operation. Jointly announced by the then Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Minister for Higher Education and Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, the first group of AsiaBound student grants will allow 3700 Australian students to study in Asia, from which more than 400 Australian students have been offered subsidies to study in India. For Australian students, a study experience in India is an invaluable way to broaden their understanding of Indias rich culture. This program will boost essential people-to-people links between our two nations, forging deeper partnerships. Under the new Government, robust IndoAustralian ties are predicted in the years to come. Australia and India are also working on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) which would facilitate increased trade between two Indian Ocean Rim countries. India is also turning out to be a significant investor in various mega projects in Australia. Threats to the democratic setup in both the countries like terrorism and transnational crime are also on the discussion table.
8 THE INDIAN DOWN UNDER November-December 2013
Analysis The Third Eye by Rekha Bhattacharjee
New Australian government flags better ties with India

By Rekha Bhattacharjee ith a change of the government in Canberra, the Indo-Australian bilateral ties are likely to experience another upswing. The new Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has made the better relations with India as one of his governments top foreign and trade policy priorities. As expected, China continues to occupy precious space as far as the foreign policy of the new government is concerned. Judging from his recent media statements, Tony Abbott is all set to toe the line followed by his predecessors while interacting with Beijing but India is not too far down on his priority checklist. India also is a good friend of Australia and I hope in the years to come we'll have a more developed relationship, Abbott said recently. He reiterated his governments commitment to take the Indo-Australian bilateral ties to the next level when he met his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh on the sidelines of ASEAN and East Asia Summits in Brunei recently. "Abbott said he is committed to cooperation on nuclear issue and other areas and he wants to bring this agreement to closure at an early date," Secretary (East) in Indias External Affairs Ministry Ashok Kantha told mediapersons soon after the first bilateral meeting between the two Prime Ministers. According to media reports, the talks between Tony Abbott and Manmohan Singh covered economics, security and nuclear relations. Abbott, who has spent three months in India as a young Jesuit, seems to have clear idea of the roadmap he is going to follow in architecting a new era of Indo-Australian relations. As an evidence of his sincerity to strengthen Canberras strategic relationship with New Delhi, Australian Prime Minister has asked for an expedited finalisation of the ongoing discussion on nuclear cooperation between the two
Abbott, who has spent three months in India as a young Jesuit, seems to have clear idea of the roadmap he is going to follow in architecting a new era of IndoAustralian relations.
in how Australia perceives Indias position in the regional affairs. Rory Medcalf, Director of the International Security Program at the Lowy Institute, is one such political commentator who firmly believes that the new government in Canberra marks the best kind of continuity when it comes to strengthening ties between the Indian Ocean democracies. Tony Abbott has never pretended that foreign policy is his forte. It is believed in the political circles that he would continue to practice, though uncharacteristically, rhetorical modesty while dealing with the global heavyweights. "It is not the job of the Australian Prime Minister to stand up and give lectures to the wider world," proclaimed the new Australian PM at the recent summit. The Liberals approach of business first augurs well for the Indo-Australia bilateral ties. As one of the political commentator Greg Sheridan has recently opined: Two governments -- Tokyo and New Delhi -- were particularly happy Australia changed government on September 7. They both felt neglected under Labor and didn't like the obsession Labor seemed to have with China, even if this obsession did not routinely produce good, calm, predictable Beijing-Canberra relations.
New Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott with his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh during the 11th India-ASEAN Summit in Brunei.
Indian Ocean rim countries. It is expected that the nuclear trade deal between India and Australia would be concluded by the end of the year thus removing one of the most contentious issues out of the way. It was the Labor Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who had weathered strong opposition from within her party ranks, cleared the way for export of Australian uranium to India in December 2011. While previous Liberal Prime Minister John Howard had flagged a thaw in the frosty Indo-Australian relations, it was the successive Labor governments led by Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard, which took the bilateral ties to new heights. Besides facilitating uranium supply to India, Tony Abbott is also expected to continue with a number of initiatives taken by his predecessor Labor governments to bolster bilateral ties with India which is the fourth largest trading partner of Australia. Energy supplies (including uranium, gas and coal), defence cooperation, vocational training, higher education, joint scientific research and water management are some of the areas where both of the countries were working closely under Labor government. Most of the India watchers and foreign policy experts believe that the change of guard at Canberra would not translate into a change
Intelligent men owe it to Mum

ant smart offspring? Marry an intelligent woman. Research has proved what women have known instinctively all along they are the brains behind their men not just their partners, but their sons as well. In a magazine called The Lancet Medical Journal, Gillian Turner said that the genes a man inherits from his mother play a greater role in determining his intelligence than those he acquired from his father. A woman may be driven to mate by her partners physique but the brightness of her children lies within her, said Prof Turner. The genes which determine intelligence appear to be located on the X chromosome, the one men inheris from women. A woman
Charles Dickens grandmother was famous for her story telling abilities. Pablo Picassos father was a farmer but there were two painters among his mothers ancestors. Winston Churchill was another Mummys boy who adored his brilliant and sophisticated mother Jenny.
inherits two X chromosomes one from each parent while men have only one which is matched with the Y chromosome inherited from the father. The Y chromosome does not carry enough genes to match everyone found on the X chromosome. Prof Turner said this may explain why some men are extraordinarily intelligent and most dimwits are men. Certainly geniuses throughout the ages would appear to have been profoundly influenced by their mothers. Shakespeare, Mozart, Einstein and Newton all owed their brains to their mothers, said Prof Turner. Charles Dickens grandmother was famous for her story telling abilities. Pablo Picassos father was a farmer but there were two painters among his mothers ances-
tors. Winston Churchill was another Mummys boy who adored his brilliant and sophisticated mother Jenny. None of this would surprise Sigmund Freud who analysed his own passionate love for his mother Amalia; at the same time introducing the concept of the Oedipus Complex. Recalling his childhood, he wrote, A man who has been the indisputable favourite of his mother keeps for life the feeling of a conqueror, that confidence of success which often induces real success. He later went on to say, My strength has its roots in my relations with my mother. So perhaps the old Jewish joke is right after all: What does it matter as long as he is a good boy and loves his mother?
India
Modi as PM candidate boosts BJP's chances: polls

New Delhi: The BJP has picked up support since naming Hindu nationalist Narendra Modi as its candidate for prime minister in September, but would need allies to form a government, two new opinion polls show, Reuters reported in late October. The world's largest democracy is due to hold its largest ever general election within the next six months. Modi, three times chief minister of Gujarat, was put forward by the main opposition party in September, cementing the rise of a leader who many think is capable of turning round the economy but who remains tainted by deadly religious riots that broke out on his watch in 2002. The ruling Congress party has led a coalition government for nearly a decade but is headed for its worst ever performance in a general election as it battles allegations of corruption and a sluggish economy, a survey by pollsters Team Cvoter for two television networks showed. The survey forecasts the BJP to pick up 162 kingmakers during coalition building and giving them more influence over policy. Modi is credited with helping Gujarat's economy achieve average yearly growth in the double digits in the past decade and he is popular among many wealthy businessmen. But he remains a polarising figure, even within his own party, and some analysts believe he would struggle to cobble together a coalition. A federal government beholden to regional parties with their own diverse agendas could be fragile and unwieldy, making it harder to manage Asia's third-largest economy, whose growth rate has already slowed to a decade low after a period of policy paralysis. However, another opinion poll, released on Thursday, suggested the BJP could make major gains against regional rivals in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, home to a quarter of the population of 1.2 billion. In Uttar Pradesh, which contributes more seats to parliament than any other state, the BJP will emerge as the largest party, ending years of dominance by two local politicians, the poll, carried out by Nielsen for the Economic Times newspaper, showed. It predicted 27 seats for the party out of 80 at stake, almost three times its tally in the last election. Survey respondents said riots last month that pitted Hindus against Muslims in Uttar Pradesh, killing at least 50, were likely to consolidate Hindu votes behind the party. Elections are notoriously hard to predict in India, which has very complex demographics. The Cvoter study was based on a national sample of 24,284 randomly selected respondents. The data was collected between August 16 and October 15 - the period four weeks before and four weeks after Modi was declared as the BJP's candidate. The Nielsen poll used a sample of 8,494 respondents, a mix of voters and opinion leaders, in rural and urban areas of two states. The data was collected between September 4 and September 26.
Narendra Modi has energized the BJP and become a talking point in India. seats. The last Cvoter survey conducted in August, before Modi was named, forecast the party would get 130 seats, up from the 116 it now holds. The Congress tally would drop to 102 seats from the 206 it now holds in the 545-member lower house of parliament if voting in the election were to reflect the poll, conducted for the India TV and Times Now networks. A coalition led by the BJP is expected to win 186 seats, meaning the BJP would have to find new allies among regional parties if it were to form a government. To rule, a party needs the support of 272 members of parliament. The BJP and Congress are India's largest national parties but political power has shifted in recent years to smaller regional or state-level parties, making them
Rahul Gandhi may need a better script to overcome Modis pitch

New Delhi: Many things have changed rapidly in Indian politics in the past few years, but not the textual patterns in Rahul Gandhi's speeches. Typically he starts off with Rahul Gandhi has displayed lack of UPA's pet energy and new ideas. schemes, gets is 28. into current affairs and then Rhetoric is important in invariably veers towards his speeches, but rhetoric is not family, while lashing out at an area of Rahuls compethe BJP in between. tence. Invoking history may On October 14, he told a not have much of an impact rally in Shahdol in Madhya in a country where the majorPradesh how his mother ity of voters are looking to sought to make sure that the Food Security Bill was passed the future, said a senior Congress party functionary, in Parliament despite being who didn't want to be named. unwell. "Enterprising young men or Then on Wednesday, the women are sick of such talk Congress vice-president and such speeches cut no ice referred to the violent deaths with them," he said. of his father and grandmothNow, what worries er, telling the crowd at Churu Congressmen more than a bad in Rajasthan that "even I may script is the rhetorical flourish get killed". and skilled oratory of the Will such an allusion to BJP's prime ministerial candisacrifices and martyrdom date Narendra Modi. work? Political scientists and "Modi clearly has great sociologists say such "proappeal among India's middle family scripts" may have class and business elite, whatworked in the past, they do not go down all that well with ever their religious and caste identity and it remains to be younger voters now. This seen if this popularity will bloc could well be critical at dilute Hindutva as a political the next election -- the mediagenda," Devji said. an age of the population
India, Oz to finalise civic nuclear pact

By Rekha Bhattacharjee he Indo-Australian bilateral relations are showing signs of strengthening further under the Tony Abbott government as both the countries have decided to hold the third round of negotiations to finalise a Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement (CNCA). The talks to finalise the nuclear agreement would be held in New Delhi from November 25 and are likely to clear the way for the supply of the crucial nuclear fuel to India. The CNCA was also on the top of the agenda as the Foreign Ministers of both countries, Salman Khurshid and Julie Bishop, met in Perth recently. The Liberal Government's willingness to expedite the process is being seen as a sign of the robust Indo-Australian ties in the years to come. Australian Foreign Minister has also been clear about her Government's willingness to make special efforts to bolster the bilateral ties with a country which is the fifth largest export market for Australia. Advancing relations with India is a priority for the Australian governmentOur discussion followed very productive talks between Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the annual Leaders Meeting in Brunei on October 10, Julie Bishop said in a media conference after meeting her Indian counterpart Salman Khurshid. Indian Foreign Minister was in Perth to attend the Indian Ocean Region Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC) meeting. We agreed that conclusion of a high-quality comprehensive economic cooperation agreement would underpin a further significant expansion of the trade and investment relationship to mutual benefit, Julie Bishop said. Both the countries discussed the importance of building a strategic rela-
The Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement (CNCA) was on the top of the agenda at the meeting of the foreign ministers of both countries, Salman Khurshid and Julie Bishop, in Perth recently. tionship focussing not only energy security but also various other matters including trade, defence, environment, etc. Julie Bishop also gave an indication that both the countries are working to finalise dates for the second ministerial meeting on energy security. Following the successful visit by Indian Defence Minister Antony to Australia in June, we also had good discussions on how to strengthen our security and strategic cooperation, including reviewing progress towards conducting a bilateral maritime exercise in 2015, Australian Foreign Minister has been quoted as saying. Interestingly, India and Australia have also added cyber security dialogue to the bilateral talks' agenda. The first of such parlays would be organised in the first half of 2014. Threats to the democratic setup in both the countries like terrorism and transnational crime are also on the discussion table. Australia and India are also working on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) which would facilitate increased trade between two Indian Ocean Rim countries. India is willing, according to the media reports, to strengthen the economic ties even further as multibillion
dollar contract for sourcing Australian gas has been inked. The defence cooperation between two countries is also fast turning into a reality as navies of India and Australia have staged joint exercises. Both the countries have also laid stress on the security of sea lanes in an era when China is beginning to exert supremacy and is flexing muscle all over the region. We agreed that conclusion of a high-quality comprehensive economic cooperation agreement would underpin a further significant expansion of the trade and investment relationship to mutual benefit, Julie Bishop said in Perth. Australia's first woman Prime Minister Julia Gillard took some important initiatives to improve IndoAustralian relations. The last Liberal Prime Minister John Howard also deserves the credit for showing foresight in listing India as among the countries with whom Australia should have strong ties. India is Australias fifth-largest export market, the largest source of skilled migrants and the second largest source of international students. India is also turning out to be a significant investor in various mega projects in Australia. The balance of trade is strongly tilted in favour of Australia and it is yet to be seen if India manages to improve her exports to Australia in the future or not. In another sign of the growing ties between India and Australia, a major regional conference of persons of Indian origin, the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is being organised in Sydney this month. It is heartening to note that while Indians are finally getting over the alleged racism row, there is also realisation in Canberra that there is much more much more to Australia's relationship with India than the clichs like cricket, curry and the Commonwealth.
India
India spreads its wings in Asia-Pacific region
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at the 8th East Asia Summit in Brunei, Oct. 10, 2013. By Saroj Mohanty are embroiled in territorial disputes with China over several resource-rich islands in the South China Sea. India has its own issues with the South China Sea. China has challenged India' drilling on an oil bloc awarded to it by Vietnam. And it is believed that any miscalculations over territorial disputes could disrupt trade flows and have global consequences. "We should reaffirm the principles of maritime security, including the right of passage and unimpeded commerce in accordance with international law, and peaceful settlement of maritime disputes," Manmohan Singh reminded the East Asia Summit members. And at the 11th ASEAN-India Summit, the PM declared India's readiness to respond to the ASEAN request to strengthen its Political Security Community Blueprint 2015. Also the situation in Afghanistan, Middle East and North Africa which directly affects the national interests of the two countries would be on the agenda. Both India and Russia share a common concern about the future of Afghanistan after the US and NATO pullout after 2014. "We are in solidarity with our Indian friends that we should continue to negotiate closely our approaches to what is happening in Afghanistan and around the country, particularly with due account of the factor of 2014," Lavrov said after talks with Indian foreign minister Salman Khurshid in Moscow. "Trilateral relations are very important," said Khurshid, adding that foreign ministers of India, Russia and China (RIC) will meet in November in Delhi. "The ASEM (AsiaEurope) ministers will also gather." Russia is supportive of India's membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), holding that the regional security group will certainly benefit from this. "We believe that the time has come," said Lavrov. Currently, India has an observer status in the organisation. India has sought peace and prosperity throughout the Asia-Pacific and an open and inclusive security architecture. It is not known what would be the rules of the road and how and in what way the game would be played. But one thing is certain. India, with its democratic governance leading to transparency in foreign policy motives, would be right there playing the game with a straight bat. The prime minister's regional swing is aimed not just at fostering a network of strong relations among the region's major players, but reinforcing the strategic and economic interests that India's Look East policy, now extending to the Indo-Pacific, has long recognised. (Saroj Mohanty is a strategic affairs analyst at IANS)
ndia is so situated that it is the pivot of Western, Southern and Southeast Asia. Though not directly a Pacific state, India will invariably exercise an important influence there. India will also develop as the centre of economic and political activity in the Indian Ocean area in the Southeast Asia and right up to the Middle East." Jawaharlal Nehru's words nearly 70 years ago ring true today as Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh rounds off his major diplomatic missions with visits to Russia and China this week, after trips to the US and Southeast Asia, indicating the strategic direction of India's relations with the larger Asia-Pacific region. Asia-Pacific security figured in his talks with President Barack Obama last month and with East Asia Summit partners like Japan and Australia this month. It figured again in his talks with President Vadimir Putin in late October where they discussed cooperation in economic, energy, defense,counter-terrorism and people-to-people contact. Russia has put up a proposal to create a security architecture involving the East Asia Summit partners for the region, which has emerged as a vital centre of economic growth and political influence. Russia is seeking to boost its presence in the Pacific, bridge the gap between its own policies toward Asia and Europe, and figure out a way to work with regional players. "Russia's policy in the Asia Pacific is deliberate and focused, aimed at a stable balance of power and the development of truly regional agenda. We are of course already benefiting from our time-tested friendships with China, India and Vietnam," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in October, adding that Putin has "personally signalled his commitment" to these efforts. As part of a new charm offensive in the Southeast Asia, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at the 16th ASEAN-China Summit in Brunei last month proposed cooperation in seven areas, including boosting maritime cooperation and exchanges in the field of security and discussions on signing a Treaty on Good Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation. Earlier in April, President Xi Jinping told the Bao Forum that China will promote friendship and partnership with neighbours. Constructing a sustainable regional security architecture has been a much talked about issue amidst the growing military tensions -on the one hand between China and the East Asian neighbours and, on the other, between China and the US. Maritime security is one of the biggest concerns in the region. Brunei, the Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam and Malaysia
India
An idol of Goddess Durga being immersed on the banks of Hoogly river in Kolkata.
An effigy of Ravana being burnt at Ghatkopar in Mumbai
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi at Ramlila Ground in New Delhi
Festive fervor grips India

Kolkata/New Delhi: With tears in their eyes, scrambling to touch her feet one last time, devotees across West Bengal bade goodbye to their beloved Durga as her idols were immersed in ponds, lakes and rivers on Vijaya Dashami. More than 2,700 community pujas were organized in Kolkata. In New Delhi, President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh witnessed Dussehra celebrations, marked by the burning of the Ravana effigy. Vice President Hamid Ansari and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi were also at the Subhash Maidan here as the effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna and son Meghnad were burned.
Jailed in fodder scam, Lalu Yadav Asaram Bapu disqualified from Lok Sabha admits 'touching' Surat-based woman
New Delhi: Jailed RJD chief and former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav has been disqualified from Lok Sabha after being convicted in the fodder scam case. The Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar had issued notice to the JD (U) supremo in connection with the 17-year-old scam. The disqualification came following the Supreme Court judgement that struck down a provision protecting a convicted lawmaker from disqualification on the ground of pendency of appeal in higher courts. Lalu was on October 3 sentenced to five years rigorous imprisonment by a special CBI court. In a body blow to RJD before next year's Lok Sabha polls, the CBI court on September 30 had convicted Lalu and a fellow party MP rendering them ineligible for contesting elections for at least six years. Also, convicted Congress leader Rasheed Masood became the first
Asaram Bapu and his son, Narayan Sai (not surrendered yet to police), have both been accused of rape. Ahmedabad: The self-styled godman Asaram Bapu has confessed to 'touching' the woman who has complained of being sexually assaulted by him. According to reports, fearing the lie-detector test, Asaram told the interrogating team of Ahmedabad police that he had 'touched' the girl in his personal room at the ashram but he was giving her mantra deeksha. Asaram also said that he used to call the woman frequently to his cottage, but denied sexually assaulting her. He admitted that he knew the woman very well as she was staying in his Ahmedabad ashram. As the complainant refused to face Asaram, they both had to sit with back towards each other, within the hearing range, at the Gujarat ATS headquarters. It has been reported that police asked 40 questions to both of them related to sexual assault complaint. The crossinterrogation, which has been "videographed" went on for 8 hours. The 33-year-old victim, who is married and stays in Surat was brought to Ahmedabad on October 16. Police sources said that Asaram's face turned pale with fear, the moment he saw the victim approaching him. During interrogation, the woman revealed at least 17 new names, who will be now questioned by the police. She also disclosed names of two female attendants who used to 'trap' or 'arrange' women for Asaram. She also alleged that Asaram's daughter Bharti and his wife Laxmi used to send girls to his room. However, Asaram maintained that his daughter and wife were "innocent". Potency test conducted on septuagenarian Asaram have been positive. The victim's younger sister has accused Asaram's 41-yearold son Narayan Sai, who is still missing, of raping her in Surat.
Former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad Yadav MP to lose his seat after the July 10 Supreme Court judgement that struck down sub-section 4 of Section 8 of Representation of the People Act, under which incumbent MPs, MLAs and MLCs can avoid disqualification till pendency of the appeal against conviction in a higher court. The appeal has to be made within three months of the conviction.
Vipassana guru Goenka passes away

Renowned spiritual leader and Vipassana guru Satya Narayan Goenka died due to old age last month. He was 89. Born in 1924 in Burma, Goenka learnt Vipassana meditation there from Sayagyi U Mumbai: Ba Khin, an acclaimed teacher and administrator. He later moved to India and made the technique popular worldwide through a non-sectarian movement. Goenka, who was conferred the Padma Bhushan for social work last year, started teaching meditation to the public in India in 1969. In 1976, he set up the Vipassana International Academy also known as Dhamma Giri in Igatpuri, about 200 km from Mumbai in Nashik district. The ancient technique was part of prison reforms carried out in Delhi's Tihar Jail in early 1990s and it was taught to inmates there. Later, several prisons in the country introduced Vipassana for inmates. Besides India, Vipassana centres have come up in countries like the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, the United Kingdom, Japan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar and Thailand under his tutelege.
India
India, US pledge cooperation on nuclear energy, terrorism

Washington: Even as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Barack Obama vowed to make the next decade "equally transformative" for their relations as the last one, for India the focus at their third summit was unmistakably on terrorism emanating from Pakistan. Meeting on Sept 27 under the shadow of a terrorist attack in Samba in Jammu and Kashmir on the eve of the summit, Obama Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and US President Barack Obama during their joint media session at acknowledged India's conWhite House in Washington on Sept 27. cerns over the menace of terrorism as Manmohan Both governments, the joint statement Singh lowered expectations from his noted "are committed to reduce impediupcoming meeting with Pakistan Prime ments, ease commercial transactions, and Minister Nawaz. pursue co-production and co-developWhile he looked forward to meeting Sharif in New York Sunday, he told the ment opportunities to expand this relapresident "the expectations have to be tionship." Noting the transformation of UStoned down given the terror arm which is India relations during the last decade, the still active in our subcontinent" and tertwo leaders pledged to "make the next rorists' presence "still remain focused in decade equally as transformative, chalPakistan" Affirming their deep concern over the lenging their governments to reach the continuing threat posed by terrorism, a full potential of this partnership." The joint statement specifically highjoint statement not only "strongly conlighted areas of security cooperation, demned" the Sep 26 attack, but also bilateral trade and investment, energy called for Pakistan to work toward bringand environment, higher education, and ing the perpetrators of the November global architecture. 2008 Mumbai attacks to justice. The Leaders called for expanding Amid perceptions of a drift in their security cooperation between the US and relations, the two leaders also notched up India to "address 21st century challenges a couple of other successes with the first in the areas of counter-terrorism, cyber, commercial agreement signed under their space, and global health security," the landmark civil nuclear and a pledge to joint statement said. expand defence relationship.
Obama rebuffs Sharif on drones, Kashmir, nuclear parity with India

Washington: As expected, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif failed to get any traction with President Barack Obama on his wish list - US mediation on Kashmir, nuclear parity with India and an end to drone strikes on suspected terror dens in Pakistani territory. Despite being rebuffed by both India and the US, Sharif did once again dutifully raise Kashmir during his two hour meeting with Obama at the White House, but the joint statement made no mention of it or the drones. Speaking to the media with Obama after their Oval Office meeting, Sharif said he was committed to cooperation with India, including on Kashmir. President Obama and Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz And while India has described Pakistan Sharif meeting in White House Oct 23. as the "epicenter of terrorism" and linked any progress on peace talks to Islamabad shutting invested in education, social welfare programs on down its "machinery of terrorism" he told Obama both sides of the border between India and that "terrorism constitutes a common threat" for Pakistan. The joint statement noted that "the two Pakistan and India. "We need to ally our respective concerns through serious and sincere efforts Leaders stressed that improvement in Pakistanwithout indulging in any blame game," Sharif India bilateral relations would greatly enhance said. He had also "brought up the issue of drones prospects for lasting regional peace, stability, and in our meeting, emphasizing the need for an end to prosperity, as it would significantly benefit the lives of citizens on both sides of the border." such strikes," he said. In this context, it said Obama welcomed recent Obama, on his part, made no mention of either Kashmir or drone strikes in Pakistan that accord- engagements between Sharif and Indian Prime ing to Sharif "has become a major irritant in our Minister Manmohan Singh. He "expressed hope that this would mark the bilateral relationship" besides being "a continual beginning of a sustained dialogue process between violation of our territorial integrity." Acknowledging tensions and "misunderstand- the two neighbors, aimed at building lasting peace ings" between the two countries, Obama said he in South Asia and resolving all outstanding territoand Sharif had pledged to work together on secu- rial and other disputes through peaceful means." Obama also "welcomed steps taken by rity issues in ways that "respect Pakistan's soverPakistan and India to improve their economic relaeignty.. Obama also praised Sharif for seeking to end tions, including by exploring electricity and gas tensions with India saying, "I think he is taking a supply agreements, developing a reciprocal visa very wise path in exploring how decades of ten- regime, and expanding bilateral trade." The word nuclear too figured ten times in the sion between India and Pakistan can be reduced." Noting that "billions of dollars have been spent joint statement, not in the context of India type on an arms race in response to these tensions," he civil nuclear deal that Sharif wanted, but in the said those resources could be much more properly context of nuclear terrorism.
Diwali debuts at Times Square

New York: Diwali came early to New York City this year in the form of a cultural and entertainment extravaganza called Diwali at Times Square on September 22. This unique event, organized by Event Guru, conceptualized and executed by ASB Communications, enthralled thousands at the crossroads of the world Times Square. Featuring a magnificent array of cultural events ranging from Lavani to Bhangra, this first-of-its-kind international initiative to promote Indian culture, heritage and diversity filled up Times Square with vibrant colors and heart pounding dances. The finale, the Light Up Times Square concert featured a soul stirring performance from the versatile and mellifluous Shankar Mahadevan. The presence of two generations of the legendary Kapoor family added even more buzz and excitement. The youthful heartthrob, Ranbir Kapoor, star of the upcoming movie, Besharam opposite Australian Indian Pallavi Sharda, was seen on stage together with his equally famous parents, Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh Kapoor. I came to the USA over 36 years ago and I still remember being awed by Times Square when I first saw it. I told myself even at that time that I will showcase the diversity and richness of India at this location. I am so thankful to all those who came here today," said Neeta Bhasin, President, ASB Communications, the conceptualizer of the event.
Malala was a contender for Peace Nobel
Ranbir Kapoor was the showstopper at Diwali at Times Square
Malala Yousafzai addressing Youth Assembly at UN on July 12, 2013.

New York: At 16, Malala Yousafzai would have become the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, if she had been awarded early in early October. Instead, the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded it to the international chemical weapons watchdog that is destroying poison gas stockpiles in Syria -- the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. The activist from Pakistan, who has stood defiant against the Taliban in the face of death and was shot, has become a global figurehead for a girl's right to an education. Nobel notwithstanding, accolades keep coming her way. She was on Time magazines cover in April as one of the 100 most influential people in the world. She was invited to address the UN Youth Assembly. She also won the Sakharov prize. All in one year. What is Malalas own ambition: "I want to become Prime Minister of Pakistan, and I think it's really good. Because through politics I can serve my whole county. I can be the doctor of the whole country."
At the annual Deepavali event organized by the Association of Indians in America in Manhattan October 6, the highlights was DJ Rekha making history by breaking the Guinness world record for the largest coordinated bhangra dance party.
November - December 2013 THE INDIAN DOWN UNDER 13
Community
Unity in diversity comes into play Vivekananda

Concluding scene Swami Vivekanan da, at the time of his passing away, meets his Master Sri Ramakrish na, 'I come, Master, I come'.
Swami Vivekananda meets Margaret E. Noble (Sister Nivedita)
Swami Vivekananda and his Western followers (left to right) Mme. Emma Calve (famous Opera singer), Mrs. Dutcher (New York) and Miss. Christine Greenstidel.
Young Narendranath and his mother Bhuvaneswari Devi
5. Young Narendranath in search of Reality - as a young man, surrounded by friends in Kolkata.
By Rekha Rajvanshi
Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life - think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success, that is the way great spiritual giants are produced." Swami Vivekananda, the famous sage of India, gave this Mantra of success to the world during the 19th century. Oneness-Voice Without Form, a play on the Indian philosopher and reformer was staged on September 17, 2013 at the Playhouse Auditorium, Sydney Opera House, sponsored by the Vedanta Centre of Sydney as part of Vivekanandas 150th anniversary celebrations. The play portrayed Swamijis life journey and the influence of his teachings on people of all creeds, castes and communites. Introducing Vivekananda to the multicultural community of Australia through the play was a dream project of Madhuparna Sen. She conceived it in 2011,
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and in less than two years, she has been able to realize its full potential with support from the Vedanta Centre of Sydney. The brain behind the execution of this beautiful thought was well-known theatre personality Alex Brown, whose plays have been performed internationally (including translations in Hindi, Kannada, Punjabi, Spanish, Arabic and Mandarin). He visited India to carry out comprehensive research for the play before finalizing the script. He also co-directed the play, along with Felicity Nicol, another talented theatre personality. The play began with Swami Vivekananda sitting on stage chanting mantras, surrounded by his devotees. As it progressed, the audience was taken on a visual journey through all the landmarks in Swamiji's life from when he was a student, to his visit to America, to leaving his mortal body. The first half of the play was focused on Young Vivekananda (Bali Padda), known as Narendra Nath Datta, born on January 12, 1863, in an affluent family in
Kolkata. His father, Vishwanath Datta, was a successful attorney with interests in a wide range of subjects, and his mother, Bhuvaneshwari Devi (played by Suparna Mallick) was endowed with deep devotion and strong character. By the time Narendra graduated from Calcutta University, he had acquired vast knowledge in different subjects, especially Western philosophy and history. He had practised meditation from boyhood and was associated with the Brahmo Samaj movement. Academically, Narendra Nath was doing well, but he was restless. He wanted to seek the truth and desired to find God. In this state of spiritual crisis, he first heard about Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa (played by Robert Rhode) from one of his English professors at college. He met Sri Ramakrishna in November 1881 and became his disciple. This changed Narendra Naths life forever. The second half of the play presented Vivekanandas spiritual awakening and his journeys overseas. A particular highlight was
his speech at the first World Parliament of Religions in Chicago in front of a crowd of 7,000 people, where the Swami emerged as the worlds pop star. Another heart-warming moment was when Vivekananda sang a Bangla devotional song in his melodious voice a few months before taking his last breath in 1902. A cast of ten Australian actors was chosen carefully from over 200 applicants, featuring a wonderful multi-faith mix of Hindu, Muslim, Jewish and Christian artists from a diverse range of cultural backgrounds. This unique aspect stood out in the performances and truly symbolized unity in diversity. Leading the cast were two true international stars: Saheb Chatterjee, Calcutta-based film and theatre actor and singer, who played Vivekananda; and Dana Dajani, Dubai-based Palestinian actress, writer and poet. Both the actors portraying the character of the young, restless Narendra, and the mature, talented Vivekananda left an everlasting impression on the audience
with their sterling performance. In the acting cast, talent came from all corners of the world Robert has a South African background; Carlosis is from Sri Lanka, John Gomez Goodway from Philippines, and Tade Adepolyibias descends from Nigeria. Other Indo-Australian actors Bali, Suparna and Kate Sanborn, were also outstanding in their performances. Australian and world music icons Kim Cunio and Heather Lee composed and played wonderful live music to accompany the production. The design and co-direction was by recent NIDA graduates Tobhiyah Feller and Felicity Nichol, along with movement consultant Adelina Larsen. The sets and costumes together created a visual feast, complemented by special lighting effects, which truly brought an aura of the 19th century. It was a delight to see the play, especially in a full multicultural setting. No doubt, this fascinating production succeeded in conveying the message of oneness powerfully.
Community
By Neeru Saluja
amazing job of being a single parent for over five months that I was away. You have created some amazing dishes like the Liver lollipops during kids week, your modern take on the classic palak paneer that wowed the judges and your fans. What would you describe as your signature dish? Well, there are two dishes right now which are featuring on my pop-up menu and I will let the people be the judge of which one they like the most. Coconut milk poached Salmon with caramelised onion puree and spiced velute. This dish is my take on traditional fish curry. The second one comes from my home town but I have made it modern: slow cooked Kolhapuri Goat with spiced cauliflower puree and pappadum. The goat is cooked with traditional spices from my home town. Masterchef had its rollercoaster moments. What was your favourite moment on the show? There were a couple of them: spending time in the kitchen with Heston Blumenthal was incredible. He is my food hero and learning from him and sharing a kitchen with him was an honour. The other highlight was when I was cooking (unknowingly) for my family and sharing the food I cooked with them. My wife does not mince words and can be quite scathing in her reviews sometimes, so a pat on the back from her that day was an excellent achievement for me. Every week had its own theme and a new set of challenges. What was the most challenging dish on the show? The most challenging dish was the elimination dish when Heston was on the show. I had additional pressure because Heston is my food hero and I didnt want to disappoint him. On top of that the challenge was conceptually very hard. We were asked to make a dish that surprises you when you eat, has to have theatre and needs to taste great.
asterchef contestant Rishi Desai was a winner from the start. His unique style of cooking, friendly nature and everlasting smile won the hearts of many across the nation. So when he exited from the finale, it was no surprise he left his fans heartbroken and surprised. A Queenbeyan resident, Rishis popularity is still going strong even after Masterchef. With a pop-up restaurant in Canberra, an invite to join Indias Masterchef and 5000 plus followers on Facebook, Rishi has a bright future. The Indian Down Under interviewed the mussel man to learn from the master more about his love for cooking. Congratulations on your rocking performance on Masterchef Australia 2013. How has life changed since? Life has been busy since I have come back from the show. I still work full time in the public service and after hours on my food dream. So the number of hours in a day are not enough at this moment. I started a popup restaurant in Canberra on 28th September, so my weekends are also occupied currently. But I am enjoying the experience of meeting people and sharing my ideas with them. Occasionally I get recognised on the street which is a pleasant moment as well. What inspired you to join Masterchef? I migrated to Australia in 2008, which coincided with Masterchef Season 1. Food being the universal language, we took to it instantly, and have enjoyed watching it ever since. I used to cook the recipes I had seen and often said to my wife, I can do better, until one day she challenged me to prove it. That was it! If you have seen me on the show you know that competition drives me and I am not one to shy away from a challenge. I waited for my son to get old enough to deal with my absence. My wife has done an
Combining the surprise factor and theatre was very difficult. In that challenge, I made Sichuan dumpling with soy caramel. The Sichuan dumplings had a sweet filling of Modak (tradi-
Masterchef Australia contestant Rishi Desai tional Maharashtrian sweet) but it looked like savoury dumplings. So when you bit into it you had a surprise of sweet dumpling instead of the savoury and a numbing sensation from Sichuan peppercorns.The salted caramel was salted using soy sauce so it looked like the dumplings and soy sauce dish. I made green tea with dry ice to provide theatre. It was an incredible challenge. If you ever got to cook with Heston Bluementhal again, what would you cook? I would make the snow man again but this time a proper one. I was very embarrassed at that dish as the ice cream was rock hard. So I will make him ice-cream using Liquid Nitrogen but properly this time. Is there any dish that you would have wanted to cook on Masterchef? I would have loved to cook the Kolhapuri Goat dish as it is very dear to my heart. You must have been asked this before, but who is the cook at home? It depends on who gets home first from work. I take my son to activities such as swimming and sports after school so my wife will cook on those days. But all other days I cook. What can your fans look forward to in the future? I have started my pop up restaurant in Canberra and I am trying to see if I can have a few in all capital cities in Australia. I am also working on a cookbook which will come out early next year. I will be travelling to India later this year and will try and see a lot of people there. Finally, my own restaurant is on the cards but I am taking things slowly now.
Rishi Desais family watching him in action in the contest.
Rishi Desai in the Masterchef kitchen
Bollywood
Wow what a night!

Temptation Reloaded in Sydney the other day was a world class production with Shahrukh Khan on overdrive, accompanied by Madhuri, Rani, and Jacqueline.
ydney and Australia came to witness Shahrukh the King Khan of Bollywood whose charisma pulled in the great Madhuri Dixit, Rani Mukherjee, Jacqueline Fernandez, Yo Yo Honey Singh with Meiyang Chang hyping up the crowd into a frenzy. Organised by Sydneybased touring company Urban Agent Events, led by Ritchie Perera and Eric Woo who got SRK Rani Mukherjee looked a bit flabby. to woo Bollywood fans in a world class production of say that it was due to production and technical checks, yet the Temptation Reloaded. Sydney witnessed a dizzying Temptation Reloaded was frenzy of fans camped out at loaded with packs of fun, dance, Sydney airport hoping to catch a mimicry and the jokes that glimpse of their favourite stars Shahrukh played on some of the which they did as some got near local fans. He won us all. At to get their photographs taken times one could see that the peowith their heart-throbs in person ple he called on stage were all having seen them on screen only prearranged, not just a candid choice picked out of the madin cinemas. And the concert at All dening crowd stretching their Phones Arena at Olympic Park, arms just to touch their the biggest complaint Bollywood gods and goddesses. Dancing to his own medley Sydneysiders had was that the including Main Hoon Na, show was delayed by good two Chaiya Chaiya, Chammak hours to which the organisers
The lungi dance from Chennai Express
Chhallo, Yeh Kali Kali Aankhen and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. The best was yet to come, however, with SRK exiting with the infamous line,"Picture abhi bakhi hai mere dost". Shahrukh Khan got on the dance floor with his Chennai Express hit, Lungi Dance with another Sydneysider who was quite uncomfortable in it yet went along with SRKs jokes. Shahrukh won the audience with his witty humour, at times a bit vulgar to the taste of families present with kids, he himself a father of two could and should avoid. But he reigned supreme as he performed exquisite number with Madhuri, Rani and Jacqueline though Rani looked a bit flabby. Madhuri was a doll and she danced into the hearts of all. Beautiful costumes, dancers, pyro technics and stage set up left an everlasting experience etched in everyones mind as Sydney went in an overdrive of Bollywood fervour that SRK left behind. Wow what a night!
Jacqueline Fernandez oozed the right amount of oomph.
Madhuri Dixit danced into the hearts of all.
Shahrukh danced to his own medley of hit songs.
The concert witnessed a frenzy of crazed out fans.
Community
Seniors delegation from Delhi visits Australia

By Usha Garg
esearch suggests that learning should be actively encouraged in older people as this can protect against cognitive decline (The Foresight Project on Mental Capital and Wellbeing, Beddington et al, 2008). The challenge to understand and care for the physical and mental health of an ageing population in Australia cannot be overestimated. In this context, The U3A Victoria and Asia Pacific Alliance International Conference 2013 was held in Melbourne on 14-15 October. A delegation from Senior Citizens Council of Delhi attended the conference and this was followed by a sightseeing tour including Brisbane, Auckland, Queenstown (NZ), Christchurch and Sydney before flying back to India on 26th October. Besides networking, the conference also provided opportunities to listen to relevant topics and recent research in this area such as: Origin of U3A and its Role in the Future; Aspirations and Learning in Senior Years; Partnerships and the Community and Wisdom; Power and Passion. Consul General of India in Sydney used this opportunity to welcome the Senior Citizens delegation and hosted a dinner at his residence on October 24. He spoke of the importance of age related issues in the ageing society and the need for more action and interaction in this sector. The group had arrived in
Seniors delegation with the CGI
Australian seniors groups. Also present were Mr. Dinesh Garg (invitee of the delegation), Mr. Santram Bajaj, representing AHIA Seniors and Mr. Dave Passi representing the Hornsby Indian Seniors Group. Mr. Passi appreciated the good work done by the CGI Mr. Goel and the high esteem he was held in by the Indian community in Sydney. He also appreciated Mr. J R Guptas efforts and contribution towards the Councils in Delhi. Just because you are old does not mean you stop living, he said. The work being done by the Delhi Seniors Council is an inspiration for all of us and we look forward to more interaction with them on our future visits.
Sydney from Christchurch the same afternoon and had been to a couple of sightseeing places in Sydney before arriving at the CGIs residence. After a very hectic day, the lovely 3-course home-cooked dinner with smiling and welcoming hosts, Mr. Arun Goel and Mrs. Alka Goel, was not only refreshing and relaxing, but also a welcome change from 12 days of restaurant food for the guests! Mr. J R Gupta, Head of the Indian delegation, presented a bouquet and shawls to the CGI and his wife on behalf of the council and thanked them for hosting the lovely dinner gettogether. Another delegate presented a beautiful hand-knitted item to the CGIs wife. Mr. Gupta spoke about the growing membership of the seniors association in Delhi and the good
work being carried out . Some of the key achievements of the Council, Mr. Gupta said, include protecting lonely Senior Citizens from humiliation/abuse from their own children and others, 50% increase in old age monthly pension from Rs.1,000 to Rs.1,500 and building pressure on the Government of Delhi to fasttrack disposal of cases of Senior Citizens in any Government Department. He extended a warm welcome to members of various Indian seniors associations in Australia to visit Delhi and work collaboratively with the association members in Delhi on various initiatives in the agerelated health and social services sector. To this effect, Mr. Gupta said, he would look forward to signing an MOU with the
Language studyHave your say

RC Chairperson Stepan Kerkyasharian is urging everyone to participate in the consultation on the future of language learning in Australia. Says Stepan, Learning a second language or the language of your ancestry brings many benefits to your life. The number of students learning a second language has been declining rapidly. Only 8% of Higher School Certificate candidates will sit a foreign language exam this year. Recent research has found that learning a second language will make you smarter, more decisive, better at English, boost school achievements and delay Alzheimers and dementia. It has also found that parents and community do not place a high
About U3A Movement

U3A stands for University of Third Age. A University in the most literal sense refers to a community of people who come together to educate, create and share activities with each other in a friendly learning environment. The Third Age refers to the age of retirement which comes after the first Age of Childhood and the second Age of Providing Responsibilities. In this sense, U3As offer learning opportunities for the seniors. U3A originated in France in the early 1970s when legislation was passed that required universities to provide more community education. The idea spread rapidly throughout most countries of the world including Australia. The U3A movement began in Australia in the early 1984 and in New Zealand in 1989. In India, the first U3A was formed in 2007 in Rewa (MP) and it gathered momentum with the formation in 2008 of the Indian Society of U3As (ISU3As) which was seen as a networking conglomerate of bodies and intellectuals working for the welfare of the elders. By 2011, there were more than 700 individual and 30 institutional members spread all over India. The first landmark achievement was the successful "World U3A Conference on Life Long Learning and Ageing With Dignity" held in 2010. Online learning is not so widely used in India, but the members are well networked through "U3A Patrika", a monthly online newsletter, which highlights their various activities and provides news from the wider world of U3As. According to the U3A Online at Griffith University Successful Ageing Study conducted in 2008, The peer education model which underpins U3A and similar organisations for retirees is both a socially and financially sensible way of harnessing the growing mental capital embodied in the retired population. This study found that in Australia in 2008, volunteer tutors (course leaders) collectively contributed more than 667,000 hours towards their U3A courses and activities. By 2011 there were 240 independent U3As in Australia with 69,000 members. For further information, visit http://www.u3aonline.org.au/; http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/BISCore/corporate/MigratedD/ec_group/116-08-FO_b.pdf ; http://sydneyu3a.org/; http://u3a-melbourneinternationalconference2013.org/index.htm
value on language learning. The Board of Studies NSW which is responsible for the development of curriculums undertook a review of languages education in 2012-13 by carrying out a stocktake of current provision of language courses and an analysis of past State and Commonwealth initiatives and research into best practice. The public now has an opportunity to participate in the Board of Studies NSW consultation process. For further information, please go to the Board of Studies NSW website at http://www.boardofstudies.nsw .edu.au/languagesreview. All communities are encouraged to participate in the consultation for which the final date for submission is: 13 December 2013.
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$10 of included value thats up to 500 minutes of talk time to India every month. * Even if you talk more than that, its still just 2 cents per minute and no connection fee to share all your Diwali stories the moment they happen! * 0% discount on SMS sent to all international destinations (usually a flat 50 cent fee for Every Day Connect Plans) within the pack. * The $10 International pack gives you $10 of talk and text to standard fixed line and mobile numbers in India, China, HongKong, Singapore and Thailand (excludes use overseas).
Community
ead up to Diwali was a busy time in Sydney. Sydneysiders came out in droves as Indian community dressed in dazzling outfits was seen all over town at Martin Place, in the NSW Parliament House, at Homebush Olympic Park, at Novotel hotel, in Castle Hill, Dundas, in Strathfield where a new Indian association has been created with its debut Diwali festival celebrated at the Town Hall. Hindu Council of Australias Diwali@Martin Place took the cake as Diwali atmosphere and the crowd was the loudest when a Flash Mob of over 50 young girls and boys of Shiamak Australia created a beautiful, energetic and colourful and funky mood with famous Bollywood numbers. It was as if Shahrukh Khans concert had left a huge aftertaste of the star concert on October 7. Sydney demonstrated that it has talent, Bollywood chutzpah, energy, co-ordination as dancers ranging from very young, as young as 6, to older ones, proved that they can dance with equal, or even better skill, thrill and the rest. Sydney enjoyed the summer sun and sat glued to the stage performances that came in perfect tandem with school kids from India Calling program who performed and gave a glimpse of Ramayan dressed in characters from the epic as their teacher Kulwinder Kaur accompanied them on a Bollywood dance. They were the cutest. There were stalls in the arena promoting business, selling jewellery, and then there was one with novel idea of dressing people in Indian costumes as curious visitors tried to dress up and wear costumes and jewellery to get a picture taken all in the name of the festive spirit that is Diwali. Diwali and Bollywood made an excellent mix at Shubha Kumars India Club Diwali function at Castle Grande in Castle Hill with Abhinay Australias grand performance celebrating 100 Years of Indian Cinema. Traversing the journey of Bollywood
Diwali fervour in Sydney

Diwali Dressup, Pic Courtesy Rajesh Kumar
India Calling kids
All dressed up for Diwali, Photo Rajesh Kumar
AHIA cruise
Annakuoot at Parliament House
AHIA cruise
AHIA cruise
Raman Bhalla, Dr Nihal Agar, High Commissioner Biren Nanda and Consul General Arun Goel
Community
Meet Australias own Sonia Gandhi

Sonia Gandhi is showcasing multicultural India to Australians and has proudly delivered the NSW Deepavali event at the Parliament House, hosted by Victor Dominello MP Minister for Citizenship and Communities, in the presence of the Hon. Barry OFarrell MP, Premier of NSW.
By Neeru Saluja onia Gandhi, err, yes our own Sydneys Sonia Gandhi as she married Sohum Gandhi earlier this year. Sonia has carved a niche for herself in showcasing multicultural India to Australians. Starting her journey 15 years ago in Australia as a student, she realized that there was a huge potential to exploit here. From a student representative, a radio RJ, fashion model, Bollywood events organiser to establishing Gandhi Creations, Sonia has come a long way. An inspiration for the younger generation and someone who has taken multiculturalism to the Parliament, we couldnt resist interviewing her. In between organising events and travelling from one city to another, Sonia took time out to answer our questions and tell us more about her drive and passion for event management. organising the most? I am a master at multi-tasking and a self-admitted excitement junkie. My passion for events helps me create productions out of a concept. It is when these productions leave the guest with a smile and a positive message that I feel most fulfilled. My personal favourites in event productions are- awards nights, gala dinners and trade shows. Its not easy to make a mark in events scene. What would you call your milestones and obstacles? Milestones: * Successfully executing and directing inaugural Premiers Multicultural Media Awards and the Premiers Harmony Dinner in 2013 * Raising $27,000 for the Annual Rotary Charity Gala Dinner for the Polio Foundation of India by producing a Bollywood themed event for Rotary St Ives * Being honoured as a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International in recognition of community service. Obstacle: Global Financial Crisis - GFC was a tough time for most small businesses including ours, and am glad we are past that obstacle now. What are the three mantras for a successful event? Three mantras for successful events are: Bigger picture, Attention to detail and Return on investment. The Big picture makes you realise why you are taking up an event project in the first instance and how it will fit into the community. With a busy calendar of 45 events annually, attention to detail is crucial. This quality in detail has to be maintained across all aspects such as: identifying the intricacies of the brand, researching the target audience, devising the event concept, planning the logistics and coordinating all of the technical aspects before the event launch. Return on investment is one key mantra that I live and breathe by. What is the return on investment for all parties? The way to keep this constantly at the back of your mind is to understand What is in it for me? For example, Why are you reading this article? Is it because you are in the industry, would like to get into the industry or perhaps it is just light reading for you? As long as this has brought a smile on your face or has given you a positive message my mantra of whats in it for me has served its purpose. Oh, and one more thing, dont forget the people who helped you to climb that ladder of success!
An Australian Indian Muslim, Sonia is married to Sohum Gandhi.
You have come a long way in the past decade. How would you define your journey? My journey as an Australian Indian Muslim has not only been challenging but has also been filled with opportunities, growth, experiences, and most importantly cultural adaptation. During my university days, I got involved with many student union activities. Australia was starting to structure a legislation act, the ESOS 2000 (Education Services for Overseas Students Act), and I found myself battling for rights of International students. I went on to be an elected International student representative two years consecutively at CAPA (Council of Australian Post Graduate Association). Soon I became a voice for international students across 36 Australian universities. At this time I realised that to be a voice for international students I first needed to intimately understand and appreciate their cultural backgrounds and ethnicities. The decision to come to a new country and call it home leaving behind your motherland is a life changing experience. You have a tendency to hang out with your own and are constantly asking yourself where do I belong. Until you start belonging there is no sense of adaptation. I believe resistance to change stagnates growth and this is where the quest of my journey began in Australia. You have become a pioneer in multicultural event management. Did you always want to create a niche in multiculturalism or saw it as a market to be tapped? Multicultural event management has certainly evolved within our business. I always believed that there was a need in
Australia for an events consultancy that solely focused on events with a multicultural angle. Today in Australia, one in three people you meet speaks a second language and one in 10 people that you meet has a parent who is born overseas. We integrate communities with the flavour of our events Australians speak more than 260 languages and identify with over 270 ancestries. So there is definitely an emerging market for multicultural events that we have tapped into not only in the corporate and public sector, but in the private sector as well. The key to successful multicultural event production is to understand cultural sensitivities and differences while cultivating an integrated society. What is your role in bringing multiculturalism to the Australian community? I am a very strong believer of integrating culturally diverse communities. My role is to educate as many people as we can through our events at Gandhi Creations by displaying diversity and commonalities in language, religion, dance, music, food, and fashion. We often have national dress listed on invitations which introduces guests to a whole new world of cultural fashion. I remember one member of the Korean community came up to me at one of our events and said, I want to wear this material that you are wearing, where can I buy this and what is it called? It is very rewarding when the event inspires people to embrace their culture as well as the culture of others. I believe to integrate communities you have to start from yourself. If I have made the decision to call Australia home then it is my responsibility to edu-
cate others on my culture as well as educate myself on theirs. Tell us a bit about your upcoming events? Winter saw us celebrating cultural diversity via Multicultural NSW for the Community Relations Commission. This event was a huge success with spectacular performances, award presentations to significant members of the multicultural community and valuable networking opportunities at the Premier's Multicultural Media Awards and Premiers Harmony Dinner. The coming months are our busiest time in the year. We have over 18 major corporate productions to deliver. Events that are open to public other than corporate events are: "An Indian Summer" by Taj Foundation Gala Dinner on 26 October. This event was hosted by MCs Glenn McGrath AM and Sara McGrath. It showcased an exclusive runway show by Indian fashion designer Manish Arora and Roopa Pemmaraju featuring the original artworks of renowned Indigenous Australian artists on a canvas of ethically hand-woven Indian fabrics. "Flavours of India" by Amora Jamisonfrom 29 October - 2 November 2013 is another one worth mentioning. Of course, we are very excited to deliver the NSW Deepavali event at the Parliament House, hosted by The Hon. Victor Dominello MP Minister for Citizenship and Communities in the presence of the Hon. Barry OFarrell MP, Premier of NSW. Which kind of events do you enjoy
Community
Trend in looks are changing worldwide as America chose Vijaywada girl Nina Davuluri studying there as the face of America and here in Australia, Shanali Martin made it to the finals as Australias Next Top Model
ustralia voted for a more traditional type of winner and opted for the established route. It felt like a missed opportunity - an opportunity to redefine the notion of beauty in this country, quoted a mainstream media about statuesque Shanali Martin a 16 year old high school student from Melbourne. Shanali and Duckie, though having reached finals and online social media favourites, lost to Melissa Juratovich who was announced the winner of Australias Next Top Model in live finale held at The Star in Sydney in late September. Melissa, who never auditioned, was scouted from the crowd, was surprisingly shocked as she worried that her personality would not come through once the decision rested with the public. She said, The whole experience has taken me by complete surprise and I intend to make the most of this amazing opportunity. Im still finishing my final year at high school and once that is completed I will pursue my dream as a professional model. The winner took home $20,000 cash from TRESemme, a Nissan Dualis, a one-year modelling contract with IMG Sydney and appeared on the cover of Harper's Bazaar. Judged by a panel of four Jennifer Hawkins, Alex Perry, Charlotte Dawson and Didier Cohen chose the top three, bizarrely the winner came down to a public vote. While Shanali and Duckie were standouts throughout the competition, Melissa was an interesting choice for the final. Shes shorter
Shanali changing face of Australian beauty A

than the other two, and wasnt initially even interested in being a model. However the public and the judges eventually fell in love with her, and she received the most votes and was named the winner during live finale night. Many protested on the decision on the online vote with Perry betting his sunnies on his head for Shanali. Tall and dusky Shanali from Melbourne was a huge favourite and is of Fijian-Indian and Australian heritage. Her mother is Fiji-Indian. Martin, 16, said it was hard to know how the public would perceive her hoping it would cast their votes more on ability than personality but that was unlikely. "I would love to think people would be voting for me because they thought I would be the next top model, but I know that's not the case, they will be voting on personality," Martin said. "It's pretty much a popularity contest and we have to work our social media as best we can with our followers," said Shanali. Host Jennifer Hawkins said about the girls before the final verdict: "They're very diverse. It's muliticultural and that's great. It's not just my decision, we all collaborated and it's over the course of months. Shanali, who had kept the social media abuzz, said, What an honour it has been for my life to be a part of Australias Next Top Model for three precious months in 2013. It was something I never expected myself to do, ever; but I am so overjoyed that it has happened and as much as I dont like to admit it I have only my mum to thank! After the final night 60% of the social media voted that the wrong girl had won as one fan on Facebook wrote, Australian public is not yet ready for such an international look. Well best luck next year. Shanali has also been signed by IMG for a worldwide contract. She appeared on the front page of Harpers Bazaar magazine in October along with winner Melissa, both young and unaware of the spotlight they got becoming good friends with each other as they spent time together for ANTM and also the photo shoots. While competing for ANTM contest Shanali wrote in her blog how she loves Rugby and lives with her mum and dad and dog Cookie who is a joy in the Martin household. She loves cooking, baking and designing in Green the colour of Earth as she is quite environmentally conscious. Shanali in fact had designed one of her outfits from recycled Hussian bags and won a third place for her entry. She says, The dress I made was out of reusable shopping bags cut and panelled together and the colourful parts were the netting bags that oranges, onions etc come in. Im quite fond of this garment as it was all by my own initiative that I made this one and I sewed it all myself. Shanali loves sewing and has entered her creations since year 8 and won the first prize in Calico section in year 2012. Surely her love for dressing and sewing has brought her the reward as this young girl is going to go places.
Shanali Martin (right) was beaten in the final by Melissa Juratowitch (left) who won Australias Next Top Model contest.
Shanali on the cover of Harpers Bazaar.
Nina the new face of American beauty

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Vijaywada girl studying to become a doctor in America won Miss America beauty title in September. Nina Davuluri, the first ever Indian to win the title in a yellow canary gown, bagged $50,000 in scholarship as the prize. Contestants, who came from varied cultural backgrounds were judged on evening gowns, lifestyle/fitness, talent, a personal interview and an on-stage question to which when asked about plastic surgery Ninas answer was that people should make their own choices and should be confident of their appearances. Having fought bulimia and weight loss problem herself, Nina lost 60 pounds before she appeared in the contest. Nina has learnt classical Indian dance for six years and presented a Bollywood fusion dance for her item. Davuluris parents are both doctors with her mother has a degree from the University of Michigan in brain behaviour and cognitive science. She plans to follow in their footsteps to become a physician. She says shes a Type A personality, and makes it a priority to stay organised every minute. Twitter in America went into overdrive with comments that Nina is not truly an American calling her Arab and Miss Terrorist. The controversy has turned out to be godsend for the beauty pageant as they provided a platform celebrating beauty through diversity as Time magazine observed in its report that the days of peroxide blonde barbie dolls are over.
Nina Davuluri, crowned Miss America
Community
Incredible PATA Tourism Road Show 2013
Guests at PATA Tourism Roadshow 2013
By Manju Mittal
ncredible PATA Tourism Road Show Press Conference was held in Sofitel hotel Sydney in September followed by a presentation. This year Tourism road show was arranged and conducted by India Tourism Sydney, the overseas office of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in co-operation with the PATA India chapter. In recognising the importance of Australia as source market for India in the tourism sector, Parwez Dewan, Secretary Ministry of Tourism Government of India, recently led a delegation to Australia from India, that made up of more than 20 organisations for the Incredible India
PATA Roadshow. Mr. Dewan, who is also Chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association ( PATA ) India chapter, said the country had witnessed a substantial increase in the inflow of tourists from Australia in the past few years. More than 214,000 Australians visited India in 2012, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, an increase of 11.8 per cent on the previous years figure of 191,300. It is an integral part of an ongoing drive to help attract more Australian tourists to India under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of Indias Incredible India campaign, said Mr. Dewan. The delegation included executives from Air India, Asia Travel & Tours, Distant Frontiers, Go India Journeys,
Impression Tourism Services ( India ), Indo Asia Leisure Services, Lotus Destinations, Mercury Travels Limited, Network Travels Link, Travel Spirit International and Travel Corporation ( India ). Adventure specialist Shikhar Travel was also in the party along with Trail Blazer Tours India Private Limited, Cruise Companies Jungle Travels India & Vivada Cruises and hotels Starwood Asia Pacific Hotels & Resorts, Taj Hotels, Resorts and Places and the Oberoi Group. Air Indias daily non-stop flight operations effective 30th August 2013, to Sydney and Melbourne will only bring the two countries closer and enable enhancement of people to people contact through
tourism. The contribution made by the India High Commission and the Indian Consulates in Sydney and Melbourne as well as the Australian Government in commencing the direct flights was overwhelming, Mr. Dewan said, adding good Air-Connectivity is essential for the growth of the tourism Industry. Air Indias daily nonstop service to and from capital Delhi will be delivered by the state of the art Boeing Dreamliner touching down in both Melbourne and Sydney every day. Incredible PATA Tourism Road Show was organized byMadhu Dubey, Regional Director India Tourism in Sydney and her team who worked hard for its resounding success.
Innovation Showcase promotes R&D collaboration with India

ndian companies will get the chance to invest in Australias R&D capability during the Australian Innovation Showcase beginning on 11 November in New Delhi. The Showcase is the largest concentration of Australian scientific and technical know-how ever to visit India, and will tour major tech cities including Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune and Chennai. New Delhi-based Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner Nicola Watkinson said R&D was becoming a major priority as India sought to improve its competitiveness and productivity. Indias large multinationals including the Tata Group, Reliance, Aditya Birla,
Mahindra, Infosys and Wipro are all allocating significant budgets to R&D, Ms Watkinson said. The Australian Innovation Showcase will highlight our expertise in areas such as information technology, biotechnology, materials science for advanced manufacturing and energy efficiency. More than 30 senior academics and researchers will attend from Australias universities, including University of Melbourne, University of New South Wales, University of Sydney, Deakin University, University of Wollongong, Flinders University and key research bodies such as National ICT Australia (NICTA), CSIRO, the Cancer Therapeutic
Cooperative Research Centre, and Neurosciences Victoria. University of Melbourne ViceChancellor Professor Glyn Davis said the Showcase would provide Australian universities with a unique opportunity to meet with some of India's biggest companies. "Australian universities are competitive with American and British universities in the research they do, so we are grateful for the chance to share some of that great work with leaders and representatives from business in India," Professor Davis said. As well as promoting collaboration on industry specific technology solutions, the Showcase will foster links with Indian
higher education and research institutions. The interest in this program of events from Indias major commercial entities and research agencies has been overwhelming, Ms Watkinson said. Indias major conglomerates are searching globally for new solutions to increase their competitive edge. This is the right environment for attracting new investment into Australian technology and R&D. More information on the Australian delegates and events scheduled across the month-long program can be found at: http://www.austrade.gov.au/Export/Expo rtMarkets/Countries/India/Events/Australi anInnovation
Community
Prepare your property against bushfire

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SW has been ravaged by bushfires brought on by hot weather and strong winds with 193 houses destroyed in the Springwood and Winmalee towns of Blue Mountain region. NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said that the worst in the Blue Mountain was the State Mine fire, an enormous blaze near Lithgow that has burnt out more than 46,000 hectares of bush. There were fears the fire would merge with another in the area and spawn a mega fire, forcing firefighters to adopt aggressive tactics, he said. RFS says the fire which threatened the city of Lithgow was the result of live ordnance exercises on the Marrangaroo Army Range. The Department of Defence has confirmed explosives training was taking place on the same day and near to where the fire started, but it refused to confirm the RFS findings and says it's conducting its own investigation. The fire danger is far from over, with strong, dry winds forecast for fire zones in the coming summer months. The Rural Fire Service has warned residents in fireaffected areas not to become complacent, after the downgrading warnings for major blazes burning across New South Wales. It is sad to see people sifting through burnt down houses for anything they can find even a small momento to remind them of the lifetime memories and homes lost in fires. There are some streets in Springwood which have lost all the houses. We as Indian community should do our best and fundraise for bushfire victims as much as we can. Here is a list of things to do to prepare your home against the threat of a bushfire: Regardless of your decision to Leave Early or Stay and Defend, you still need to prepare your property against the threat of a bush fire or ember attack. * A well prepared home is more likely to survive a bush fire. * Even if your plan is to Leave Early, the more you prepare your home, the more likely it will be to survive bush fire or ember attack. * A well prepared home can be easier for you and firefighters to defend. * A well prepared home is less likely to put your neighbours homes at risk. * A well prepared home will give you more protection if a fire threatens suddenly and you cannot leave and have to take shelter. Some of the things you should do around your property include: * Cut back any overhanging trees or shrubs and dispose of cuttings appropriately * Check the condition of your roof and replace any damaged or missing tiles * Non-combustible fences are the most effective at withstanding the intense heat generated by a bush fire * Clean leaves from the roof, gutters and downpipes and fit quality metal leaf guards * Plant trees and shrubs that are less likely to ignite due to their low oil content * If you have a water tank, dam or swimming pool, consider installing a Static Water Supply (SWS) sign * Enclose underfloor areas * Store wood piles well away from the house and keep covered * Keep garden mulch away from the house and keep grass short * Make sure the pressure relief valve on LPG cylinders face outwards (so a flame wouldnt be directed towards the house) * Ensure you have a hose which is long enough to reach every part of the home Remove and store any flammable items away from the house * Install metal flywire or solid screens to the outside windows and doors * Have a non-combustible doormat * Check the condition of external walls, cladding and seal any gaps * Maintain adequate levels of home and contents insurance. In a bush fire many houses are destroyed through ember attack, when burning twigs and leaves carried by the wind land on or around the house. Even houses away from the direct path of the fire can be affected. Look for the places embers could start fires - on the roof, under the floor and around windows and doors - and take action to prevent them.
Pages from Bush Fire Survival Plan
New South Wales has been ravaged by bushfires.
Community
Taking the State for a Ride

How the CM & Co gamed the system Chara Ghotala as reported in Tehelka magazine.
n the morning of 27 January 1996, deputy commissioner Amit Khare stared at a deserted animal husbandry office with hundreds of bills scattered around, the officers having long fled the post. But what he and the team he led to raid the Chaibasa office following damaging CAG reports were actually staring at was a Rs 950 crore fodder scam or chara ghotala that, in fact, encompassed false purchases of feed, medicine and equipment at a massive scale. Among the fantastic expenses of the department were Rs 15 lakh worth of mustard oil for polishing horns of buffaloes and pigs (yes, pigs) and several crores for trans-
porting cattle on oil tankers, police vans, autorickshaws and scooters (yes, scooters). In March, the CBI took over the case on high court orders. UN Biswas, the then regional director of CBI (now a minister in the West Bengal government) led the probe, filed an initial chargesheet on 27 April 1996. But Lalu Prasad Yadav was Bihar CM and the government at the Centre, led by IK Gujral, banked on his support. I have no vishwas in Biswas, Lalu quipped. In October, the Supreme Court warned CBI director Joginder Singh not to meddle in the probe and ticked him off for trying to replace a status report submitted by Biswas with a watered-down version. Singh
has since alleged that Gujral asked him to go slow in the case. Exactly a year after the initial chargesheet, on 27 April 1997, a Sunday, Joginder Singh said the agency had decided to prosecute Lalu. Three months on, paramilitary forces surrounded 1 Anne Marg as Biswas controversially sought the armys help to arrest Lalu. The Supreme Court stepped in but it was clear that Lalu would have to go to jail. The wily Yadav then pulled off the masterstroke of his career: stepping down and nominating his wife as CM. Nearly two decades and several political machinations later, the law has caught up. Of the 54 cases filed by CBI in the fodder scam, 45 have been disposed
Among the fantastic expenses of the animal husbandry deptt under Lalu as Bihar CM were Rs 15 lakh worth of mustard oil for polishing horns of buffaloes and pigs (yes, pigs) and several crores for transporting cattle on oil tankers, police vans, autorickshaws and scooters (yes, scooters). of. Charged with cheating, criminal conspiracy and under the Prevention of Corruption Act, Lalu stands convicted of withdrawing Rs 37.7 crore fraudulently from the Chaibasa treasury. It was too late for Lalu to wonder, as he did in the courtroom, Yeh kya ho gaya ji.
Gandhi Jayanthi celebrated in Australia
he 144th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi was marked in Australia on October 2 with prayer ceremonies, panel discussions and book fairs. A prayer ceremony was held in the capital, Canberra, by Indian High Commission to mark the special occasion. Remembering the 'Father of Indian Nation', University of New South Wales held a ceremony in
front of Gandhi's bust at the university library, followed by a discussion on 'What Gandhi means to young Indians and Australians today'. Moderated by Australia India Institute Associate Director, Rory Medcalf, who said it was a time to reflect on Gandhijis life and described him as an icon and a visionary. At the ceremony was young Ashbury Public School
Student who spoke about meeting Ila Gandhi earlier this year when she was invited to open in Sydney a Sydneys International Centre for Non-Violence. He said it was privilege to meet the granddaughter of Gandhiji and how her visit had helped enlighten students of his school about the culture of peace. A Sydney based non-profit organisation, 'Gandhi Peace
Centre', launched book fairs at over 35 libraries in New South Wales in a bid to raise awareness among locals about Gandhi's works and teachings. Director of the organisation, Ronnie D'Souza, said Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence is very popular in Australia. "Our approach is to reach out to people and make Gandhi be known to them," he said. "In 2009 Gandhi Peace Centre began National
Library Peace Project with Parramatta Council, supported by Mayor of Parramatta John Chedid, Councillor Prabir Maitra and Chief Librarian Christina Best who were instrumental in taking up this project," he added. "This year we have extended this innovative project with the Libraries in 35 Suburbs in New South Wales are celebrating 'Gandhi Jayanti'," D'Souza said.
NS Sahyadri Captain Sanjay Vatsayan and his officers with High Commissioner Biren Nanda as it docked in Sydney to participate in International Fleet Review from October 4-10.
Guests at a reception held at Garden Island by INS Sahyadri Commanding Officer
Community
Racism & Women Symposium held

he bulk of race discrimination complaints are experienced by women as was revealed during speeches at the Racism & Women Symposium held at NSW Parliament House on 17 October. An initiative of Pallavi Sinha, Chairperson Immigrant Womens Speakout Association, she says that its very important to give the community the opportunity to be able to hear speeches from and discuss issues with federal & state politicians, President Australian Human Rights Commission & President of the Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW Mr Stepan Kerkyasharian and highlight important social issues. The planned outcome is to prepare recommendations to be given to the State & Federal Government. The Symposium was wellattended with attendees that included federal & state politicians such as Pru Goward, Minister for Women, Sophie Cotsis, Shadow minister for women, and heads of ethnic organisations such as the Federation of Ethnic Communities Council, the Ethnic Communities Council & the Community Relations Commission. Speeches were given by Senator the Hon Concetta Fierravanti-Wells who represented the Honourable Prime Minister Tony Abbott and is Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Services, with a special responsibility for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services and is Senator for NSW, the NSW Minister for Citizen & Communities & Minister for Aboriginal Affairs & Member for Ryde Hon Victor Dominello
who also represented the Premier of NSW. He also hosted the Symposium. NSW Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Member for Canterbury the Hon Linda Burney represented the NSW Opposition leader. Attendees also heard speeches delivered by Professor Gillian Triggs President Australian Human Rights Commission, Mr Stepan Kerkyasharian, President Anti-Discrimination Board & Pallavi Sinha, Lawyer & Chairperson of Immigrant Womens Speakout Association (IWSA). Pallavi said, IWSA is the peak advocacy group for immigrant and refugee women in NSW and actively represents their interests and concerns. A highlight for me was working with the former Minister for Immigration & Citizenship, the Honourable Chris Bowen to make necessary amendments to family violence provisions in migration policy. He publicly acknowledged the role of IWSA in bringing about these important changes Australia is a multicultural society with some reports indicating that since 1945, seven million people have migrated to Australia. I think that the success stories of people from different ethnic backgrounds should be celebrated in spheres such as politics, business, arts and culture. Australia is truly a lucky country in that there are so many benefits to a country having so many people from diverse backgrounds. She added, One can wake up in the morning, have vegemite & toast, then attend a Symposium with Asian women playing drums, a Phillipino Executive Officer speaking followed by an Indian Chairperson.
Women face discrimination that is systemic with multi-faceted impediments as migrant women live a life of poverty, unpaid caring work, face huge gender pay gap and social isolation.
We also have the good fortune of hearing speeches from an Italian Senator & an Italian Minister, an Aboriginal Deputy Opposition Leader & an Armenian President of the Anti-Discrimination Board. One can have tasty Korean food for lunch and a French croissant for afternoon tea. If one fancies they can go to Chinatown for dinner and attend an Indian Bollywood concert or dance at night. I believe that a multicultural society is something to be proud of, and that there is only one race the human race. Unfortunately racism does occur and thats what we are here to talk about today. Some reports indicate that 1 in 7 people report that they have experienced racial discrimination. Racism can also occur between cultures & within cultures. In relation to women, 80% of women who come to IWSA as clients have reported
Pallavi Sinha, Chairperson Immigrant Womens Speakout Association, with President of the Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW Mr Stepan Kerkyasharian
that they experienced Racism. And when a woman experiences racism, it triples or quadruples discrimination because it can be because of her race, her gender, her cultural background and her age. Sometimes women are more vulnerable because they dont know their rights or they dont have the confidence to stand up for themselves. Racism against women affects individuals and Australia adversely. As Chairperson of IWSA and a counsellor, Ive seen women who have suffered a loss of selfesteem, have felt stigmatised and isolated with negative effects on their physical, emotional & mental health affecting their participation in a household, workplace with negative effect on productivity and the economy. I think its very important that more research is done in this area and that the Government adopts an unbiased gender perspective in the design, delivery and evaluation of all policies and programs. Linda Burney, NSW Opposition Deputy Leader talked about issue of sexual violence mentioning how aboriginal women were referred to by men as black velvet a term still used in country and parts of NSW. She said, Scratch under the surface and see the racist underbelly that still exists here. Pauline Hanson drove political direction in this country and we need to be vigilant about this particular type of racism directed at women. Professor Gillian Triggs, President Australian Human Rights Commission, said, Though Australia is remarkably multicultural yet the underbelly of racism exists, at times one can see verbal abuse in public with over 20,000 complaints about racism received every year. Women face discrimination that is systemic with multifaceted impediments as migrant women live a life of poverty, unpaid caring work, face huge gender pay gap and social isolation. There is huge lack of education and training for women and they are victims of visa 457 contracts, some 28,000 of them employed in the health industry. Stepan Kerkyasharian, president Anti-Discrimination Board, said, Racism is evil and racists can only satisfy themselves by eliminating the race just to satisfy their contempt. In extreme situations it can lead to genocide, Anti-Discrimination Board helps inform people of their legal rights and advises employers about their responsibilities under the law thus helping to minimise racism and accept racial diversity. It is our responsibility, by each one of us, to fight racism or help deal with it. To change the tempo, there was also a vibrant and colourful display by Asian women playing drums, a flash mob by migrant women. Two women shared stories of racism they experienced as one of them said, Racism can be quite subtle and not overt. That Racism is a feeling. as she described her tragic story of how when at her work she was told to operate on the same machine which had injured her hand in the first place. AQ&A session between attendees and guest speakers followed with active participation. As an outcome of the Symposium, Pallavi and IWSA will be working with the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) and AntiDiscrimination Board (ADB) to prepare recommendations which will be presented to both - State and Federal Governments.
Immigration women flash mob at NSW Parliament
Community
Fashion, fun and charity
Brett Lee, Glen McGrath and Steve Waugh
Roopa Pemmaraju and Manish Arora glittering event An Indian Summer was held in Sydney in October which saw the cream of Sydney come together for a black tie fundraiser by the Taj Foundation. The gala dinner and runway show, attended by over 550 guests included the likes of Brett Lee, Steve Waugh, Melissa Doyle, Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales of Romance Was Born. The event raised funds for 3 different charities - Artisans of Fashion, The Steve Waugh Foundation and Brett Lees Mewsic India Foundation. The night featured a spectacular
Roopa Pemmarajus creations takes inspiration from myriad aesthetic layers of India with dresses in opulent embroideries and intricate craftsmanship. Roopas creations have been inspired by mixing Indias artisans and aboriginal colours and designs. In the first ever joint effort Indian high fashion collaborated with Australian social enterprise, Artisans of Fashion to raise international awareness of the plight of the artisans of India who remain invisible but are key to the success of haute couture the world over. The collection showcased was an impeccable blend of Indias true
Manish Arora creations essence and Manishs vision of experiments in contemporary art and fashion. Its great to see such keen interest in securing the threatened future of our Indian craftspeople by Artisans Of Fashion. The countrys rich artistic legacy of ornamentation continues to inspire the world, with its vibrant colours, decorative arts, intricate architecture and unique handicrafts. While Indian organizations and some international NGOs have been doing the same for a number of years, AOF in Australia has raised the bar to get the attention at the luxury end of the market and aimed straight at the buyer. This is innovative and it gives me great pleasure to partner with this initiative and share my collection which is an impeccable blend of Indias true essence with the Australian people," said Manish Arora Roopa Pemmaraju, based in Melbourne, showcased her luxury ready-to-wear line featuring the original artworks of Indigenous Australian artists on a canvas of ethically woven Indian fabrics. It was a fantastic night of fashion, glamour, company and a good cause.
Fashion Show by Manish Arora, Roopa Pemmaraju and the Artisans of Fashion, along with live entertainment, Indian dancers, aerial acrobatics and Glen McGrath and his wife Sara Leonardi as MC. Mewsic featured with the unveiling of their new AV film to a resounding response, and Brett Lee spoke about his love and passion for his foundation even choking up a little on seeing the way the Foundation had grown since its early days some 3 and a half years ago. The fashion show had models in exquisite creations by Manish who
Travel
Some of the 147 fountains at Peterhof on the outskirts of St Petersburg, a sight to behold
One of the colourful churches' spires in Moscow that are all over the city
remain in the shadows. Its embassy in Woollahra still bears the authoritarian remrans-Siberian travel has its unique nants of the old no discussions, do as you wow appeal. With embellishments are told. like the worlds longest train journey The visa rules require an invitation from a along the borders of the Gulag country, the Russian hotel which they provide at a fee and Trans-Siberian travel becomes once in a life- can be arranged directly or through a travel time experience. agent. The invitation is emailed or faxed and When the intrepid traveller K.K. Gupta, attached with the application, a mere formaliformerly Air Indias Manager in Sydney, ini- ty. But the visa officer just made up a rule for tiated the idea a year ago with two fellow one of us who holds an Indian passport to prolovers of adventure - Ashok Malik and myself vide the invitation in original, which had to be - it immediately bonded into a team eager to urgently couriered. He also insisted that the experience the never never land replete with visa application must be lodged in India to our stories of intrigue and hardship, a land of bewilderment, retracting later due to pleading extremes which, once upon a time, only had on our behalf by the travel agent. an entry but no exit. We prepared for much more as we had Regular meetings to plan the journey booked our Delhi-Moscow flight with became an excuse to down umpteen glasses of Aeroflot. But to our surprise the aircraft was beer at the Bowlers Club in Sydney, a jour- a shimmering airbus, the service even better ney more pleasant than the rigours of apply- than most top-rung airlines. ing for visas and going through the train The stark Moscow airport lacked energy schedules. In the end there was nothing but the six-lane roads beyond slowly opened organised (did not like to be tied down with up a mega city. The mid-rise buildings on itineraries), laissez faire, except doing the either side of the road were unostentatious bare minimum to obtain the visas, air tick- and of a similar character. It is said that ets and the first accommodation when we Stalin, after his visit to US, was so impressed landed in Moscow. What could happen to with the Empire State Building that he got three old men, we thought. seven of them built all around the city. Russia is certainly not looking for Colourful domes and spires of orthodox tourists; the country is still in a paradox churches add spice to the city architecture, whether to open itself up to the world or each one a masterpiece in its own right. More than 10,000 of these churches were razed to the ground in the Stalin era to eradicate religion from the society, we were told during the free bus tour of the city. Big cars lined the kerb side along all roads - latest model BMWs, Mercedes and Audis with silhouettes of drivers visible through darkened windows. We longed for the sight of a real Oligarch getting into the car but were disappointed. There was a time when we heard of long queues outside shops but the shelves were empty. But now there were huge shopping centres with exclusive shops which sell label Hermitage Museum - one of the best in the world
By Vijay Badhwar
brands galore but there are no buyers. There were only shop assistants who wandered around the shops aimlessly. The Kremlin area, Red Square and the famous landmark St Basils Cathedral (Church of the Saviour) were the main attractions in Moscow besides many world class museums and art galleries. The area, indeed grand, swarmed with tourists. A cruise in Moskva River was another way to see the architectural highlights of the city. Public travel in Russia is very cheap. While taxi fares are most times negotiated and may cost anywhere between $40-70, a metro or a bus ride to far flung places within the city are only about a dollar. The Metro stations are also a must see, built deep underground and accessed by massive escalators. Each one is a sculpted piece of art in granite and marble with chandeliers that will befit a palace. These are indeed a sight to behold. Language remains the biggest barrier for English-speaking tourists. As all the signs and names are in Cyrillic script (thankfully the number of letters provides the clue) and virtually no one speaks English, it becomes hard to move around. We had gone unprepared not having booked our Trans-Siberian journey and virtually reached a desperation point at the ticket windows unable to explain either orally or in writing. This was until a guardian angel arrived asking if he could be of any assistance. We were flabbergasted. Lev, a young lawyer, met us every evening after work and sorted out all our travel arrangements. We came across many other instances when the otherwise stern looking Russians went out of their way to help. St Petersburg The train from Moscow to St Petersburg is the most modern mode of transport in
Church of the Resurrection in St Petersburg known for its mosaics Russia has developed with German collaboration. It covers a distance of 650 km in less than four hours at speeds touching 200 km/H. St Petersburg rivals successfully with Brussels and Paris as the worlds most beautiful city as for as architecture starting from Renaissance period is concerned. The prodigious public square outside the Hermitage Museum where the human dimension becomes inconsequential relative to the space around is absolutely awe-inspiring. The Hermitage Museum itself is among the worlds best where just walking through would be a sin. It would need several days, if not weeks, if justice is to be done to appreciate its art collection. One is at a loss where to pay attention to: should it be the ceiling or the floor, the walls or the artefacts.
The author Vijay Badhwar (second from left) with Ashok Malik, K.K. Gupta and a guardian angel from Moscow, Lev.
Travel
The Hermitage Museum had a humble beginning when a Russian banker gifted some paintings to Catherine the Great. These were stored in an annexe of the Winter Palace. But in the following years it became a tradition to donate artwork to win state favours as with the Nizam of Hydrabad in India. There are now more than three million catalogued works which cannot be displayed at one time even in the entire three wings of the palace. For a casual visitor to St Petersburg, a visit to St Isaacs Cathedral and the Church of the Saviour on Blood are famous tourist haunts. The former is a colossal work of art of stained glass windows and carved doors, walls laden with mosaics and gold-trimmed paintings. The interior of the Church of the Saviour is exclusively of mosaics that is a sight to behold. On the outskirts of St Petersburg is Peterhof, a palace built by Peter the Great that is famous for its gravity-fed fountains. The city is full of other attractions, among them its world-renowned metro stations. We spent an entire day just admiring the underground stations, getting on and off from the metros, for a mere three Roubles (15 cents), the public transport being so cheap in Russia. Back in Moscow, we started the TransSiberian train journey eastwards towards Vladivostok, a distance of 9289 km, longest train journey in the world, announced proudly on a pillar at the station. We had planned not to go all the way to Vladivostok but changing over at Irktusk, Lake Baikal, to Trans-Mongolian towards Mongolia and then China. In hindsight, it turned out to be the right thing to do to escape the long monologue with an unchanging landscape. The railway built in the early 20th century was a major engineering challenge not only due to the inaccessible terrain but also due to permafrost in large sections under the tracks. It was constructed by nothing more than wooden shovels by Italian, Turkish and Chinese labour earlier and then by convict labour whose sentence was reduced by four months for eight months work. The Trans-Siberian train is alike an Indian express train that also travels at a comparable speed but powered by electricity. Its fourberth, two tier kupe is also similar to its Indian counterpart, smaller and with compartments replacing the curtains that separate the aisles from the berths. Two attendants (provodnitsa) work alternatively in 12-hour shifts to clean the carriage, lock/unlock the toilets when the train is 10 minutes on either side of a town, lower/raise steps when the train stops at a station and provide hot water in the samovars. Although August is the peak season of travel, our carriage was mostly empty virtually all through the journey. Whoever boarded the carriage ended up in our compartment sharing many cans of beer and conversing with mere looks and appreciative laughter. The dining car many carriages apart was also empty and provided the option of the same soup, same grilled chicken for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Passing the carriages on the way to the dining car we realised that local Russians carried their own bread, cheese and cold meats which they supplemented whenever the train stopped at the stations. Irkutsk, the fur capital of Russia and a town at the edge of Lake Baikal was four nights away from Moscow. As there were no shower facilities in the train, we managed to refresh ourselves with a wet towel soaked in boiling water from the samovar. The time virtually stood still as did the landscape of the Ural forests. We just imagined that it would be only a month when everything would be under of blanket of thick snow for the next nine months. Irkutsk is a busy trading town. Shared Mercedes vans ply frequently to and fro to Lake Baikal, some 60 km away, to run a continuous stream of tourists. The lake is like a vast sea of fresh water, which, it is said, can supply drinking water to the whole humankind for 40 years if there was no other source of water left on earth. The Trans-Mongolian from Irkutsk travels towards the southern tip of the lake and then along its western bank for more than eight hours as it heads towards the Russian border. To Mongolia and China It is an irksome process to cross a border in the train. The guards take the passports away; so the passengers can not leave the carriage. The toilets are locked as the train is at a station. It is put on hold for the next four or so hours. As part of the cross-border checks, the dogs entered to sniff around. And the police started going through the luggage and then all the nooks and corners. They got the Mongolian attendants to remove the runner in the aisle and then unscrew a lid in the corridor where the linen was stored. They asked the attendant to get inside the pit and remove everything. This was right outside our compartment. We watched with bated breath as the rather heavy attendant was sweating inside the pit. Out came from underneath the pillows and blankets boxes after boxes of something. It took more than an hour as the corridor filled with stacks of those removed items. There was a problem and we were witness to that, we thought. But, to our surprise, after all this sweating and drama, the boxes ended up in the attendants cabin and everyone was drinking and we heard bouts of laughter. Matters had been sorted out to mutual benefit, we thought. Mongolia is a tiny nation. Only recently it has begun to find its own identity free from Soviet guardianship. Nearly 80 per cent of its population is Buddhist and it prides itself with the conquests of Chengis Khan. In recent times, the country is experiencing an invasion from mining companies due to its large reserves of gold, zinc and copper. Its capital Ulaanbaatar is now a booming town bustling with construction of new buildings everywhere. There is also a rush of fourwheel drive vehicles which choke the city streets. Thankfully, you can wave to any private car and they will drop you at your destination for a charge per kilometre. It feels perfectly normal to share a ride with a housewife with shopping in the backseat. An excursion out of town, Terelj National Park being the most common, is what most tourists do. It includes a visit to a Buddhist temple, Turtle Rock, traditional lunch in a Gher, and a long drive to Chengis Khan Museum whose claim to fame is the largest statue on a horse which is rather a brutal imposition on an expansive terrain. The visit to a Gher, a nomadic living space made out of a wool blanket on a timber lattice, is interesting as a peek into the local way of living. The Trans-Mongolian train towards Beijing chugged along vast steppes and grasslands with gently undulating hills in the background, occasional drill rigs and cranes being the only interruption to the otherwise lifeless desert. At the China border, the train again halted for several hours for the routine checks but also for an unusual experience as carriages were lifted one by one to change their axles to suit the narrower gauge of the Chinese railways. The passengers remained in their normal seats and hardly experienced being up in the air except for the comparison with the other bogies on the ground. Immediately on entry into China there was a noticeable change: dams and reservoirs, six-
Terracotta warriors in Xian.
Bird's Nest Stadium in Beijing - a piece of art
Shanghai, a city of skyscrapers. lane highways and smog in the air even outside the towns. Unending corn fields followed the train continuously albeit the appearance of an occasional township comprising high-rise apartment blocks. Welcome to the 21st century. Beijing Railway Station swarmed with people, an overwhelming experience arriving from desolated lands. This station was only one of many in the city and each one was so huge that it defied imagination. One wrong exit may take you a few kilometres away from your desired destination. The roads were majestic with stately buildings on both sides. The tourist sites were etched in the memory even without a visit the Great Wall, Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square were all too familiar. Virtually all the tourists were local. All tours must include shopping detours, we were told. But we protested and sat on the steps outside the shops, the Gandhian way. The inter-city trains are superfast that travel at 300-310 km/hour. Within a few hours you are in Xian or Shanghai more than a thousand kilometres away. Xian is a lovely city known for its Terracotta Warriors. The story goes that the king was told to build an army to protect him after death. And he built many thousands of full size statues in clay, each one different from another. There they stood in vaults roofed with timber beams and then paved over. A farmer discovered the warriors while digging for a well. The bazaars in Xian remind of Mughal Delhi, the food, specially, a welcome change. Shanghai, our last stop before we took off for Sydney, was a mega-town of skyscrapers. It was also good for the last minute shopping to end the trip.
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Community
ATF celebrates Bathukamma festivities

athukamma is a spring festival celebrated mostly by young Hindu women of Telangana in India. They pray to Goddess Gowrie for a good partner while the married women wish for the health and prosperity of their family. The festival is celebrated for eight days during Navarathri until the Durgashtami day, called Saddula Bathukamma. There was more enthusiasm to celebrate Bathukamma this year as the new Telangana state has been announced in India. People of Telangana have been fighting for a separate state since India got its independence. There is a good chance that Bathukamma festival would become a part of the states festival. Australian Telangana Forums (ATF) one of the objectives has been To Promote Democratic Movement for formation of Telangana State in the Republic of India. ATF ladies and young girls dressed in traditional dresses prepared Bathukamma (floral display) in big flat baskets in cones with 10 layers of flowers to resemble 10 districts of the proposed Telangana state in India. They moved in simple rhythmic movements and clapped while singing. As it reached its crescendo, the ladies made two concentric circles around the floral arrangement of Bathukamma. Parramatta MP, Dr Geoff Lee, related the importance of this festival to Telangana women in Sydney. V. Prakash, Political Analyst from India, explained how
Bathukamma was connected to the Telangana society and the way Bathukamma flowers purified the waters after rituals while Muralidhar Rao, SP, shared his experiences related to Bathukamma festivals in India. The participants carried Bathukamma was to float them at the Parramatta Lake. ATF general secretary Venkata Prasad Ragipani shared the Forums long term vision to make this festival as Parramatta Councils regular annual event.
Bathukamma is a spring festival celebrated by young Hindu women of Telangana who pray to Goddess Gowrie for a good partner.
pray-drying methods for milk based products such as baby formula or other powdered milks could be improved according to chemical engineers at the University of Sydney who have analysed current processes. Postdoctoral Research Associate Debolina Das research paper titled Solid-Phase Crystallisation of spray-dried glucose powders: a perspective and
Debolina wins best research paper award S

comparison with lactose and sucrose won the Best Research Paper Award at the annual Chemeca Conference. She says her project investigated the tendency of spray-dried glucose based powders to crystalize over time. The results of Debolinas analysis could mean better scaleup and prediction of crystal growth in commercially produced lactose based powder products. Spray-drying is a method of producing a dry powder from a liquid or slurry by rapidly drying with a hot gas. All spray dryers use some type of atomizer or spray nozzle to disperse the liquid or slurry into a controlled drop size spray, explains Debolina. We compared molecular dynamic simulations with empirical theory and now have a new view on the activated-rate one, or put simply the chemical reactions involved in the sprayingdrying process of glucose powders, she says. Debolinas Ph.D. supervisor Professor Tim Langrish, Head of the School of Chemical and Bimolecular Engineering, says Debolinas work will assist in the engineering of new combined
approaches to controlling the particle properties of sprayed-dried glucose products. Milk powder is added to liquid milk products, particularly in tropical climates where fresh milk supplies are not available. It is also used confectionery and milk chocolates, processed meats, ready-to-cook meals, baby foods, ice-cream, yogurt, health foods and reduced-fat milks.
Bollywood
Tokyo Film Festival 2013: Rich fare from all over

By Manju Mittal he Tokyo Film Festival started out in 1985 and was held every two years until the festival became an annual event. Tokyo is a place for people to have fun. Japan is a truly unique place where people can be inspired to create new kinds of entertainment. Tokyo is the best city to watch films not only Japanese, but also international. This year Tokyo film festival had the highest number of International celebrities to grace it with Hollywood biggies such as Tom Hanks, Robert de Niro, Director Paul Greengrass, Francis Ford Coppola and Sofia Coppola attending the festival. The 26th Tokyo Film Festival kicked off on October 17, 2013 with a parade of stars along its green carpet to the theatre where the festival opened with actor Tom Hanks movie Captain Phillips. Tom Hanks and director of Captain Phillips joined Japans Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the red carpet. The 57 year old actor Tom Hanks flashed a handsome smile while attending the opening ceremony. He then sent out an inspiring message to movie fans in Japan. It was an amazing moment for me to watch as there were numbers of fans out to catch a glimpse of their favourite stars. Film director Chen Kaige was honoured as the president of Jury along with other Jury Members director Chris Weltz, Producer Chris Brown, Actress Shinobu Terajima and Moonsori. It was truly a joy to experience and see films from all over the world for their big premieres with thousands of people and at times in the company of A list celebrities. There were two Indian movies screened at Tokyo film festival. Indian cinema is currently witnessing a new wave in terms of its scripts and screenplay, although Japan and India seem to be close to each other spiritually through movies but their movie genres are miles apart. Japanese are attracted to Bollywood movies like everyone in the world. The special screening of movie Bhopal - A Prayer for Rain took place in Tokyo on
October 18. It is a brilliantly made movie by director Ravi Kumar. Bhopal tragedy is deeply etched in my mind and this movie freshened my memory of how tragic the event was and how it impacted the victims of Bhopal Gas Tragedy. All that came pouring into the present as I saw reels and reels of tragedy unfold a reminder that I personally felt close to being from Bhopal region and where I was present myself in 1984 during the unforgettable tragedy brought on the innocent poor of Bhopal while they were sleeping. I remember the chemical smoke that filled the city that eerie night. After the screening I interviewed Director Ravi Kumar when he said that he felt extremely honoured that his movie Bhopal A prayer for Rain was chosen by the Tokyo Film Festival. He was very happy with the response it received. Another Indian movie I enjoyed watching S.S Rajamoulis Makkhi, this movie came as a total surprise to me, I did not expect that I would love it so much. The computer generated Fly (Makkhi) does everything that a human does, Makkhi is a landmark film and has taken Indian cinema to a next level. It was good to see that India is getting a lot of recognition on the global platform such as Tokyo. I personally enjoyed watching Japanese, Chinese and Indonesian movies as well at the festival. My favourite film of the festival was Japanese movie Walking with a friend directed by director Akira Ogata. In his Q & A Okira said, The film is like a bowl of simple noodles without any garnishonly noodles and plain soup. The soup is the screenplay, and the actors are the noodles. What I wanted to do was to bring out the simple, yet full and rich flavor of the story and the acting. Walking with a friend is something so special a movie that I have seen after a long, long time. This beautiful movie was made on a shoestring budget as Ogata said that he started it off with the savings he had for a guitar and asked most of the people to work in it for free including the main actor Aokisan. As the movie title conveys, there are a lot of walking scenes in the film. Ive
A Bollywood style performance at the film festival always liked roads, especially junctions of three roads. Therere such junctions in every movie Ive made. The poster for Walking with a Friend is shot at a threeroad junction as well. Ogata described this choice of road as an interesting idea for a film in terms of choosing which way to go when at crossroads. The 2013 Tokyo International Film Festival ended on October 25. President of Jury Chen Kaige commented, For the last seven days we have worked very hard to do our duty, we must say that we are very happy with the final result. Awards were announced at the closing ceremony. Best film was Forma directed by Ayumi Sakamoto, Best director was Benedlkt Erlingsson for the movie Of Horses & Men and Best actress was Eugen Domingo for Barbers Tales and Best actor Wang Jingchun. Award for best artistic contribution went to The empty hours directed by Aaron Fernandez and Best audience award went to Red Family directed by Leeju- Hyoung. Tokyo film festival was divine and I am not exaggerating as it was one of the most satisfying Film Festivals I have ever attended and loved every single moment of it. Well organised, well coordinated and consistently of high quality all the way. Tokyo is an absolutely gorgeous place besides the festival and I loved Japan for its exceptionally good food, the culture and the people. I still cant get over how amazingly polite Japanese people are, they went out of their way to be helpful and I made a few good Japanese friends. Tokyo film festival was an unforgettable experience. As Tokyo has been chosen to host 2020 Olympics I definitely plan to be there and see rest of the country with more time on my hands.
Tom Hanks (second from right) and director of Captain Phillips joined Japans Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the red carpet.
The author Manju Mittal (right) attended the film festival
Community
iwali is a festival of lights, of love and laughter, of good food and nice new clothes, of parties and celebrations. No wonder Diwali is a much awaited festival in the Indian community. There is a group of people in Sydney who eagerly wait for Diwali for all the above reasons. However, they also have another important reason to look forward to Diwali as they celebrate the festival - they also raise funds to support a worthy project to help the less fortunate. This group of people proudly call themselves the members of VISION 2020. On the eve of Gandhi Jayanthi in October 2002, a group of friends met and set about discussing their vision of the future, a future where they could make a difference to the lives of the less fortunate and in the process, find an additional dimension and an added meaning to their own lives. The outcome from the discussion was VISION 2020. What started as a small initiative has now grown into an organisation known for its integrity, transparency and efficiency. In the last decade, Vision 2020 has raised money to fund thirteen projects. Each of these projects has been solely based on need and merit. The projects range from funding for wheel chairs to the Muscular Dystrophy Association in Chennai India, to making a substantial donation to the cause of starving children in Somalia. This name of the organisation, Vision 2020 - normal vision, is based on a vision for the future that includes the welfare of all human beings by empowerment. The new charity was formed realising the fact that in most of the large charity organisations, only a small part of the donations went for actual welfare. All the activities in Vision 2020 are free from any form of discrimination. It does not have any preference based on political or religious grounds, nor is it limited by any national or geographical boundaries. Since Indians are the pre dominant group in this organisation, its but natural that most of the projects funded by Vision 2020 are based in India. However, we were only too happy to fund a project in Nepal called Hope for the Himalayan Kids. We provided financial support for the purchase of bunk beds, kitchen items, and for the construction of soak pits for the Sahara Childrens Home, said one member. Vision 2020 is a voluntary, not for profit association registered in New South Wales, Australia. There is a group of committed life members and the membership has been growing continuously as more and more people are convinced about the transparency and integrity of the organisation There are two major events conducted each year to raise funds: an outdoor event, a walkathon, and an indoor event, the Diwali dinner. The walkathon, where the focus is on fitness and fun, has been a huge success in the past years. The indoor cultural event is organised during the Indian festival of Diwali the fes-
tival of lights. A festive atmosphere is created for family and friends to get together and celebrate the festival with good food and entertainment. Fresh sweets are also custom delivered from India for which there is a great demand.
The Diwali event is so much fun, gushes one young volunteer, as she practises the garba dance steps with her friends. There will be music, dance and heaps of good food. I cant wait to taste the Diwali sweets adds a senior who is also getting his
dancing gear ready. The best part is that we can reach out to the needy and share our joys, the young and the not so young, both agree. For further details about this organisation contact: Vision 2020au@gmail.com.
In the last decade, the charity named Vision 2020 has raised money to fund 13 projects.
Community
he Council of Indian Australians Inc. (CIA), organised a charity dinner in honour of Dr Kiran Bedi at the Kashi Indian Restaurant, Annangrove, NSW on September 29, 2013. During her half day stay in Sydney, Dr Bedi attended two main events and also addressed over 400 women at a ladies only event called Sakhi G Sakhi via Skype organised by the Marathi Association Sydney Inc. As part of the first event, Dr Bedi attended an afternoon tea session hosted by Dr Vijay Gupta and his wife, Mrs Sneh Gupta at their beautiful home in Wollongong. This session was attended by over forty prominent members of Wollongongs medical and wider community. In his welcome address, Dr Vijay Gupta outlined Ms Bedis many achievements and stressed the importance of her work in supporting the education program for the children of prisoners and the
CIA collects funds for Kiran Bedis charity T

fundamental social change she is bringing about at grass root levels in India. Dr Bedi appealed to the audience that only a dollar a day saving would help educate a needy child. She further said that India Vision Foundation is undertaking a huge task in the field of education and its primary objective is to provide children with social skills, vocational training and ample opportunities to increase their employability and to enable their smooth transition in becoming mainstream citizens. Dr Bedi requested people to come out of their comfort zones and lend a helping hand. She cited that many of her students were being educated, their skills upgraded either in public or private schools due only to the donations she receives from people within India and abroad. As part of the second event, a charity dinner in Sydney kicked off with the screening of an award winning documentary film on Dr Kiran Bedi titled YES, MADAM SIR pro-
Dr Vijay Gupta with Kiran Bedi and his daughter Sarika and wife Sneh
duced by Australian filmmaker Megan Doneman and distributed by Antidote Films. At the conclusion of the film, Dr Kiran Bedi entered the hall to a standing ovation and roaring welcome. Mr Subba RaoVarigonda, President of the Council of Indian Australians welcomed Dr Kiran Bedi as she started her speech with a Kiran Bedi with the Executive Committee of the Council of Indian quiz from the Australians (standing from left): Keyur Desai, Jaspreet Chopra, movie followed by Dr Balu Vijay, Dr Kiran Bedi, Shail Wadhwa, Praful Desai, a Q&A session Mohit Kumar, and Nitin Shukla where she inspired, engaged and connected with the competitive sports while encourag- genuine need for Police Reforms in India. In fact, there is a lot going on audience. She touched on various ing males in the Indian society. Dr. Bedi shared her vision, in India and many more reforms are topics covering women empowerment, corruption in India, Indian mission and objectives of India in the pipeline with the Delhi politics, update on her charity - Vision Foundation. The Vision of Supreme Court. Mohit Kumar, CIA Executive India Vision Foundation as well as IVF is To build a community rich in education and moral values free Committee member, auctioned six sharing her life experiences. Replying to a question from the from crime and gender discrimina- books written by Dr Bedi on various floor about the secret of her being tion and their mission is To uplift topics covering her reforms, leaderwell empowered and independent, the masses and merge them with the ship and inspiring articles. The Dr Bedi gave lots of credit to her mainstream to build a stronger entire proceeds from the funds generated are being donated to the India parents who taught her strong val- India. Dr Bedi explained why it was Vision Foundation. ues to be independent in life. Dr Bedi also presented certifiPlaying competitive sports and tak- important to support the children of ing up a career in Police force prisoners as they are exposed to cates to all those who sponsored the helped her further. Dr Bedi stressed environment where they talk and children from her last visit and perupon the important role that parents learn only the language of prisoners sonally went to each table, while can play in making women inde- (murder, chaku, etc.) at a very giving an opportunity to engage on pendent and empowered. young age and hence education was a one to one basis. The Council of Indian Competitive sports helps in life as very important and a game changer for their future. Australians assisted in raising there are real challenges, and one On insensitivity of Delhi Police $9,400 for Dr Bedis charity and need to play by the rules as well as digest the taste of winning or losing in the recent Delhi rape case, Dr also secured six, yearlong sponsoron the field. In India, not too many Bedi expressed that after this case ship for children of India Vision schools encourage women to play there is a greater awareness about a Foundation charity.
Parramasala Snapshots
Parramasala Festival in October this year had main attraction as the Star-Studded performance of Temptation Reloaded live concert by Shahrukh Khan. Another equally important highlight was Sydneys own young and old stars who took part in Parramasalas Parade as it kicked off on October 4. Seen here IABBV Hindi School children, parents and teachers. Parramsala had a screening of an Indian silent movie Diamond Queen at Riverside theatre, accompanied by live orchestra and Malakham acrobats from Mumbai who performed free at Parramattas Prince Alfred Park. Parramasala festival director David Malacari
Hindi Humour
Santram's Grey Page
Just for Seniors

By Santram Bajaj
he month of October has been chock a block full of Indian festivals and events. Vijay Dashmi (Dussehra), Durga Puja and even Pre-Diwali functions. Everybody was in festive mood. Here in Sydney functions have arranged by various organisations like Hindu Council, India Club, and Australian Hindi Indian Association (AHIA). It is good to see that people are being educated about the Indian culture and Heritage. NSW Parliament House celebrated Diwali on 30th of October and the Parliament House Building will be illuminated. There are similar functions in other states of Australia and in particular in Canberra ACT.
Both are individually known to have cancer-fighting properties, but research has shown that together they are the Hulk of cancer fighting foods. Scientists found consuming tomato and broccoli at the same time was more effective at slowing the growth of cancerous prostate tumours than eating either vegetable alone. Do it right: Have one-and-a-half cups of broccoli along with twoand-a-half cups of fresh tomato, with pizza or spaghetti. Combination: Oatmeal and Strawberries Gives you: A healthier heart Oats contain two important phytochemicals called avenanthramides and phenolic acids, which are known to work with Vitamin C to reduce harmful effects of bad cholesterol and help prevent plaque buildup that lead to heart attacks. Do it right: Enjoy a half cup of sliced strawberries with your morning bowl of oatmeal. Combination: Green Tea and Lemon Gives you: A healthier heart Green tea, a rich source of powerful antioxidants called catechins, is known to help improve the heart's health. However, according to studies only about 20 per cent of these compounds are absorbed by the human body. Adding lemon juice to green tea has been shown to increase the catechins level to 80 per cent. Do it right: After brewing yourself a cup of green tea, squeeze in the juice of one whole lemon. Combination: Cinnamon and Whole Grain Toast Gives you: Extra energy and quicker weight loss Sprinkling cinnamon on your toast may help keep your blood sugar at a healthier level, which prevents dips in your energy and spikes in your hunger level. In a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, cinnamon was found to slow the rate of stomach emptying after meals and reduce the rise in blood sugar after meals to negate more bingeing later. Do it right: Use whole grain bread, transfree margarine and a teaspoon of cinnamon Combination: Garlic and Onions Gives you: Full-body protection Both these veggies contain a number of organosulfur compounds and heart-healthy plant chemicals that help keep arteries free of plaque. Some of these compounds have even been studied for their power to detoxify carcinogens in the body. Do it right: Most Indian cooking combines the two, however if you are in the mood for something else, the combination even works for soups and sauces.
mouth guards and mandibular advancement devices, which hold the lower jaw and tongue forward. Bruxism can also be affected by lifestyle alcohol, smoking and excessive caffeine can bring it on. Could also be: Linked with obstructive sleep apnoea where you stop breathing at night See your doctor if: You're suffering from stress and anxiety, or have sleep apnea. Else, see your dentist. NSW Parliament House has been celebrating Deepavali acknowledging the richness of the culture of the people of Indian Sub-continental heritage, since 2003. ing your digestive health. 3. Opt for small meals: Eating five to six meals a day will help your system. 4. Drink plenty of liquids: water being the best option. 5. Beware of food that causes problem: Cut back on gassy food like chhole, rajma, cabbage, cauliflower, green pepper, caffeine amongst others. 6. Chew your food: Healthy digestion starts in your mouth. Chew slowly and thoroughly so food mixes with saliva enzymes before passing into your stomach. No gulping. 7. Consult a dietician: Consider diet recommended by an expert for a balanced meal. 8. Take multivitamins: If your diet or your ability to absorb nutrients is limited, consult your doctor to take multivitamin supplements. Symptom: Night sweats Could be: Tuberculosis With TB, the body temperature tends to rise in the evening and at night, rather than during the day time. It tends to be severe the kind of sweating where you need to change the sheets. In such a case, the body temperatures could go up to 100.4oF. However, be warned that night sweats happen with other conditions, too, so you need to check for those. According to WHO, India accounts for one-fifth of the global TB incident cases. Each year nearly 2 million people in India develop TB, of which around 0.87 million are infectious cases. Could also be: Menopause, pneumonia or leukaemia, or lymphoma. Or you could be wearing a ticker blanket See your doc if: It lasts longer than a week and you have lost more than three kilos of weight Symptom: Visiting the loo a lot Could be: diabetes Going to the loo at night is a common symptom of undiagnosed diabetes. The body has high sugar levels and is trying to push it out with the urine, which makes a person want to relieve their bladder often. People above 40 years of age often put it down to getting old, but it's a symptom that needs to get checked. Other symptoms may include drinking more than usual and excessive tiredness. If a child who has previously been dry at night starts to wet the bed, parents often think that they're upset about something at school. But it's also a red flag symptom of type 1 diabetes. Could also be: Pelvic floor and urogynaecological conditions (women), enlarged prostate (men) See your doctor if: It's a new problem, especially if you have other risk factors for type 2 diabetes Symptom: Leg cramps Could be: Poor diet Leg cramps can be a sign of deficiency in electrolyte nutrients, such as, potassium and magnesium, which help control the balance of fluids in the body. This affects the muscle's ability to function. Calcium is also needed for effective muscle fibre contraction. Magnesium helps with nerve impulses across muscle tissue. Build up magnesium by eating pumpkin seeds, fish and green vegetables. Stock up on potassium with bananas or a supplement. Leg cramps in healthy people can be due to low levels of sodium (salt). This happens if you exercise and sweat a lot. Drink plenty of fluids. Coconut water is a good hydrator and contains electrolytes. Could also be: Caused by your medication, especially diuretics (Disclaimer: The Health tips in the article are taken from various well established and reliable sources and are given 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).
Health & Well-being

Food combos to make you lean
Combination: Eggs and Mango Gives you: Firm skin There's no need to apply several products to get good, firm skin. Just eat some eggs and mango, especially now that the fruit is in season. Eggs are naturally rich in amino acids that are essential for formation of skin-plumping collagen. And mango, which is rich in Vitamin C, works with these acids to boost collagen production. This helps build back lost stores in the body, which can significantly improve the appearance of skin. Do it right: To give a boost to your next breakfast, pair an omelette with a cup of fresh mango chunks, which supply nearly an entire day's supply of Vitamin C. Combination: Red Bell Peppers and Black Beans Gives you: Better Immunity You'll absorb more immune-boosting plant iron by adding in some red bell peppers on your plate. Iron in black beans is hard for the body to absorb, however, adding a dose of Vitamin C-rich produce like red peppers converts the iron into a type that's easier for the body to use. Do it right: There are great recipes online that show you how to mix your beans with red bell peppers and make the meal a tasty one too. Combination: Extra-Virgin Olive Oil and Tomatoes Gives you: Better protection from diseases Tomatoes boast of four major carotenoids (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein, and lycopene) besides three potent antioxidants (betacarotene, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C) which may help fight cancer and heart disease. These protective chemicals are better absorbed with extra-virgin olive oil, which is high in healthy monounsaturated fats. Do it right: Leave the tomato skin on, since it is packed with phytochemicals. Extravirgin olive oil is the least processed form, so it contains the most beneficial compounds. Store it away from heat and light to prevent it from going rancid. Combination: Broccoli and Tomatoes
5 most common nocturnal problems

.. and the warnings they may be signaling. For most of us, night is a time for rest and recuperation. But it's also the time when you might experience symptoms that are clues that things are not well. A problem with sleeping can be a symptom in itself. Here are some common nocturnal problems and what they may mean: Symptom: Heartburn Could be: Barrett's Oesophagus Experts say that up to 40 per cent of people have heartburn at some stage of their life and the majority have nothing wrong with them. However, long-term, persistent heartburn isn't normal and should be investigated. It can lead to changes in the lining of the gullet this is called Barrett's Oesophagus. It makes the oesophagus more resistant to acid but more prone to cancer. Regular check-ups can catch cancer early. It can also be treated with lifestyle changes to reduce acid. Many people who are troubled by heartburn get it day and night. At night, you lie flat on your back, so with no help from gravity, more acid can enter the oesophagus. Could also be: Gastritis, oesophagitis, gastro-oesophageal reflux or hiatus hernia See your doctor if: Heartburn is long term, you have difficulty swallowing, you're losing weight Symptom: Teeth grinding Could be: Stress This is either clenching the jaw and teeth, or teeth grinding. A lot of people make so much noise with their teeth that their partner can't sleep. Teeth grinding is a recognised sleep disorder the third most common behind insomnia and snoring. There are many different causes, including stress and anxiety. Don't pop the sleeping pill, it can make things worse. However, hypnotherapy may help find the cause of the stress. Other treatments include
What you eat is what you digest

What you eat can say a lot about your digestive system. Consider some of these guidelines: 1. Go slow on dairy products: If you are lactose intolerant, that is, your body can't digest milk sugar in dairy foods, you may want to have alternatives. 2. Reduce sugar consumption: Excess sugar feeds yeast and bad bacteria in the intestinal tract. This causes an imbalance between the yeast, bad bacteria and helpful bacteria. It also suppresses your immune system. Balanced gut ecology is a key factor in restor-
Childrens Corner
By Esther Chaudhry-Lyons
Children's Corner
lowers included Christians, Muslims and Buddhists. By 1205 he had vanquished all rivals, including his former best friend Jamuka. The following year, he called a meeting of representatives from every part of the territory and established a nation similar in size to modern Mongolia. He was also proclaimed Chinggis Khan, which roughly translates to Universal Ruler, a name that became known in the West as Genghis Khan. bow and arrows. At Yinchuan, the Mongols deployed a false withdrawalone of their signature tacticsand then initiated a siege. Though their attempt to flood the city failed, the Xi Xia ruler submitted and presented tribute. The Mongols next attacked the Jin Dynasty of northern China, whose ruler had made the mistake of demanding Genghis Khans submission. From 1211 to 1214, the outnumbered Mongols ravaged the countryside and sent refugees pouring into the cities. Food shortages became a problem, and the Jin army ended up killing tens of thousands of its own peasants. In 1214 the Mongols besieged the capital of Zhongdu (now Beijing), and the Jin ruler agreed to hand over large amounts of silk, silver, gold and horses. When the Jin ruler subsequently moved his court south to the city of Kaifeng, Genghis Khan took this as a breach of their agreement and, with the help of Jin deserters, sacked Zhongdu to the ground. In 1219 Genghis Khan went to war against the Khwarezm Empire in present-day Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Iran. The sultan there had agreed to a trade treaty, but when the first caravan arrived its goods were stolen and its merchants were killed. The sultan then murdered some of Genghis Khans ambassadors. Despite once again being outnumbered, the Mongol horde swept through one Khwarezm city after another, including Bukhara, Samarkand and Urgench. Skilled workers such as carpenters and jewelers were usually saved, while aristocrats and resisting soldiers were killed. Unskilled workers, meanwhile, were often used as human shields during the next assault. No one knows with any certainty how many people died during Genghis Khans wars, in part because the Mongols propagated their vicious image as a way of spreading terror.
HISTORY OF OUR MOTHERLAND INDIA

were constantly fighting and stealing from each other, and life for Temujin was violent and unpredictable. Before he turned 10, his father was poisoned to death by an enemy clan. Temujins own clan then deserted him, his mother and his six siblings in order to avoid having to feed them. Shortly thereafter, Temujin killed his older half-brother and took over as head of the povertystricken household. At one point, he was captured and enslaved by the clan that had abandoned him, but he was eventually able to escape. In 1178 Temujin married Borte, with whom he would have four sons and an unknown number of daughters. He launched a daring rescue of Borte after she too was kidnapped, and he soon began making alliances, building a reputation as a warrior and attracting a growing number of followers. Most of what we know about Genghis Khans childhood comes from The Secret History of the Mongols, the oldest known work of Mongolian history and literature, which was written soon after his death.
ongol leader Genghis Khan (1162-1227) rose from humble beginnings to establish the largest land empire in history. After uniting the nomadic tribes of the Mongolian plateau, he conquered huge chunks of central Asia and China. His descendents expanded the empire even further, advancing to such far-off places as Poland, Vietnam, Syria and Korea. At their peak, the Mongols controlled between 11 and 12 million contiguous square miles, an area about the size of Africa. Many people were slaughtered in the course of Genghis Khans invasions, but he also granted religious freedom to his subjects, abolished torture, encouraged trade and created the first international postal system. Genghis Khan died in 1227 during a military campaign against the Chinese kingdom of Xi Xia. His final resting place remains unknown. Temujin, later Genghis Khan, was born around 1162 near the border between modern Mongolia and Siberia. Legend holds that he came into the world clutching a blood clot in his right hand. His mother had been kidnapped by his father and forced into marriage. At that time, dozens of nomadic tribes on the central Asian steppe
Genghis Khan's Death and the Continuation of the Empire

When Genghis Khan returned to Mongolia in 1225, he controlled a huge swath of territory from the Sea of Japan to the Caspian Sea. Nevertheless, he didnt rest for long before turning his attention back to the Xi Xia kingdom, which had refused to contribute troops to the Khwarezm invasion. In early 1227 a horse threw Genghis Khan to the ground, causing internal injuries. He pressed on with the campaign, but his health never recovered. He died on August 18, 1227, just before the Xi Xia were crushed. Genghis Khan conquered more than twice as much land as any other person in history, bringing Eastern and Western civilizations into contact in the process. His descendants, including Ogodei and Khubilai, were also prolific conquerors, taking control of Eastern Europe, the Middle East and the rest of China, among other places. The Mongols even invaded Japan and Java before their empire broke apart in the 14th century. Genghis Khans last ruling descendant was finally deposed in 1920.
Genghis Khan Establishes an Empire

Having united the steppe tribes, Genghis Khan ruled over some 1 million people. In order to suppress the traditional causes of tribal warfare, he abolished inherited aristocratic titles. He also forbade the selling and kidnapping of women, banned the enslavement of any Mongol and made livestock theft punishable by death. Moreover, Genghis Khan ordered the adoption of a writing system, conducted a regular census, granted diplomatic immunity to foreign ambassadors and allowed freedom of religion well before that idea caught on elsewhere. Genghis Khans first campaign outside of Mongolia took place against the Xi Xia kingdom of northwestern China. After a series of raids, the Mongols launched a major initiative in 1209 that brought them to the doorstep of Yinchuan, the Xi Xia capital. Unlike other armies, the Mongols traveled with no supply train other than a large reserve of horses. The army consisted almost entirely of cavalrymen, who were expert riders and deadly with a
Genghis Khan Unites the Mongols

Going against custom, Temujin put competent allies rather than relatives in key positions and executed the leaders of enemy tribes while incorporating the remaining members into his clan. He ordered that all looting wait until after a complete victory had been won, and he organized his warriors into units of 10 without regard to kin. Though Temujin was an animist, his fol-
The Fox and the Crow

Fox once saw a Crow fly off with a piece of cheese in its beak and settle on a branch of a tree. "That's for me, as I am a Fox," said Master Reynard, and he walked up to the foot of the tree. "Good-day, Mistress Crow," he cried. "How well you are looking to-day: how glossy your feathers; how bright your eye. I feel sure your voice must surpass that of other birds, just as your figure does; let me hear but one song from you that I may greet you as the Queen of Birds." The Crow lifted up her head and began to caw her best, but the moment she opened her mouth the piece of cheese fell to the ground, only to be snapped up by Master Fox. "That will do," said he. "That was all I wanted. In exchange for your cheese I will give you a piece of advice for the future: "Do not trust flatterers."
The Little Red Hen

The little Red Hen was in the farmyard with her chickens, when she found a grain of wheat. "Who will plant this wheat?" she said. "Not I," said the Goose. "Not I," said the Duck. "I will, then," said the little Red Hen, and she planted the grain of wheat. When the wheat was ripe she said, "Who will take this wheat to the mill?" "Not I," said the Goose. "Not I," said the Duck. "I will, then," said the little Red Hen, and she took the wheat to the mill. When she brought the flour home she said, "Who will make some bread with this flour?" "Not I," said the Goose. "Not I," said the Duck. "I will, then," said the little Red Hen. When the bread was baked, she said, "Who will eat this bread?" "I will," said the Goose "I will," said the Duck "No, you won't," said the little Red Hen. "I shall eat it myself. Cluck! cluck!" And she called her chickens to help her.
November - December 2013 THE INDIAN DOWN UNDER 39
Community
Hijras, the Indian outcastes

By K. Raman
ijras, in India, are males physiologically who traditionally identify themselves in the female gender group. They are counted as the third gender and dress and behave as females. In India they are outcastes because of poverty and discrimination meted out to them by a majority of the population. Many of them are sex workers just for survival. Hijra is a derivation from Arabic word Hij (leaving one tribe), whereas Hijra is translated in English as Eunuch (hermaphrodite). They are known as the third sex, and impotent one in Urdu. In Tamil Nadu they are known as Asravani and Aravarni. They are construed by others as female, feminine male, transsexual and androgynous. There are female Hijras as well but virtually unknown. Most eunuchs are born with the physiology of men. Generally they have female names and would candidly say that we are born as boys, and we get spoilt and we get sexual desires only toward men. Some males opt to become eunuchs by engaging into a conversion ceremony called Nirwan ceremony (Nirwan means salvation), a sort of sex change procedure. This involves removal of male sex organs. The process is not a pretty one, rather a very crude procedure carried out by quacks' without the aid of anaesthetics and antibiotics. Hijras are the worshippers of Bahuchara Mata, an incarnation of Mother Goddess. In Tamil
Nadu the Goddess is Kutandavar Arayan. They believe that as a penance they undergo emasculation and the Supreme Goddess bestows them with the power of blessing those who become infertile. That is why they are invited to dance and bless newly married couple after the wedding ceremony. Hijras have a very old standing and even get a mention in the Mahabharat epic. While on exile and living incognito, the mighty Arjuna, the Pandava Prince, disguised effectively as an eunuch and was engaged as a dance teacher of Panchala princesses. He did so to save the princesses from amorous men hounding them. From a story in Ramayana, just before Rama was banished to the forest (Vanavasa lasting 14 years and one year of Ajnathavasa living unrecognized) he instructed all who followed him to the forest boundary to go back and faithfully do their duties. Hijras did not obey his commands to go back but stayed at that spot. They waited for the full term of Vanavasa and Ajnathavasa, living at the same spot and were the first to see the return of Rama. Rama, highly pleased of their extreme devotion, bestowed on them the right to rule mankind before the end of the world by pralaya (almighty flood) in Kali Yuga. Prior to the British rule in India, eunuchs were engaged to guard royal harems. This was widely prevalent in Muslim dominant Hyderabad province where wealthy households engaged Eunuchs as household servants and guards. The harems contained
They are construed by others as female, feminine male, transsexual and androgynous.
Hijras (commonly called eunuchs) are males physiologically who dress and behave as females. They are counted as the third gender and denied certain citizen rights in India.
hundreds of female mistresses of the ruler. In Hava Mahal (Wind Palace) also known as Pink Palace in Jaipur, the massive faade with countless one way facing windows were the viewing windows of harem members always guarded by groups of Hijras staying discreetly in the background. The ruler Jai Singh was rumoured to have 400 mistresses in his harem. It is common knowledge that Hijras are very trustworthy and loyal to be left in female company. The nobility were so happy of their loyalty that the Hijras were treated as members of their family. There is a popular story from Hyderabad wherein two sons of the Nizam stabbed each other over
Hijras often appear at weddings and at households with a new born. It is believed that courtesy the Supreme Goddess, their blessing can remove infertility.
a combat to win the love of a beautiful Hijra called Rahman. Hijras are a unique group formed based on caste system as well as influenced by cult groups. A majority of them are city dwellers. They live a well united communal life. Hijras always travel in groups and are a whirling flock of sari clad people, singing, dancing and clapping their hands in an unusual noisy way. They speak in a coarse manly voice. Like men they have facial hair and they mask it up with a clean shave and heavy makeup. On a conservative estimate there are close to 500,000 of them living in India alone. Because they renounce their family, next of kin, and religious identities they claim to be Sanyasis (hermits). It is believed their ritualized performances done during marriages and child birth (Badhai ceremony) has the power to ward off evil spirits and ushering in prosperity and happiness to the family they blessed. Orthodox people believe that if Hijras curse them it materialises sooner than later. During the blessing ceremonies, they sing and dance in gay abandon to the rhythmic support of a two sided Dholak, supported by their loud hand clap. Generally, Hijras inspect the sex of the child they bless. In bygone days if the child was Hermaphrodite, they claimed the infant to become part of their clan. Severe discrimination is still prevalent as far as this outcaste group is concerned. The government is slack in improving the Hijras plight: they have no voting rights; they are not eligible to get passports, cannot get public hospital treatment among untold abuses the society metes out to them. It is high time they be treated as humans, coexisting with us on earth.
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Food
Prashad recipes during festivities

I
ndian homes are mostly centred around kitchen as food is cooked lovingly by mum and in Australia, even by dad to help share the burden of running a home. Festivals bring a different fervour as normal daily run-of-themill cooking deviates and one is looking for all the recipes based around festivities and the cook of the house is in demand for dishes which are delicious and have lasting impression on our memories of childhood and celebrations centred on festivals. These dishes not only take one into the nostalgia but also a life that was lived under grand mas, mums and aunts who would share the cooking and take part in the ritual of cooking while fully following the regimen of festivals. The ingredients are sourced anew and kitchen thoroughly cleaned to make an environment which is pure not only on the outside but also inside that the dishes should be cooked with a pure heart. And these dishes are devoid of onion, garlic and of course no alcohol. They should be cooked after one has bathed and clean, separate utensils are used in which no meat has ever been cooked. Cooking oil (Preferably sesame oil) 2 tbsps Mustard seeds tsp Spilt Black gram dal (urad dal) 1 tsp Bengal gram dal (chana dal) 1 tsp Ground nuts - 2 tbsps Dry Red chillies 2 Curry leaves a few Dry Roast and powder the following ingredients: Fenugreek seeds tsp Pepper tsp Cumin seeds tsp White sesame seeds 1 tbsp METHOD: 1. Soak tamarind in enough warm water and extract the juice to make 1.5 cups. 2. Add salt, turmeric powder, sambar powder and powdered jaggery to the tamarind juice. 3. Wash the beaten rice two times at least. 4. Soak the beaten rice in the prepared tamarind juice for half an hour. 5. When the beaten rice bloats and soft, it is ready to be seasoned. 6. Heat oil in a pan and add the mustard seeds. 7. When it splutters add the black gram dal and the bengal gram dal. 8. When the dals become golden in colour, add the ground nuts. 9. When the ground nuts crack, add the broken red chillies and curry leaves. 10. Add the soaked aval and blend well with seasoning. 11. Add the dry roasted and powdered ingredients and blend well. 12. Cover and cook on low flame for a few more minutes. 13. Switch off the flame when the pleasant aroma draws you towards the dish. This can be offered to Lord Siva as it one of His favourite dish. soft in salted water and drained * Green chili-ginger paste - 1 tsp (optional but recommended) * Coconut - 2 tbsps, freshly grated * Lemon juice - 1 tsp (optional) * Fresh coriander leaves - garnish * For tempering: * Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp * Urad dal - 1 tsp (split gram dal/minappa pappu) * Curry leaves - 1 sprig * Asafoetida - pinch (hing/inguva) * Red chili - 1, tear and deseed Method 1. Soak peanuts in water for at least 20 mts to 30 mts. Pressure cook the peanuts with 1/2 tsp salt and 1 1/2 cups water upto 3 whistles and drain the liquid. If cooking over stove top, boil in salted water till soft. Drain and keep aside. 2. Heat a pan, add oil and once hot, add mustard seeds. Allow them to splutter. Add urad dal and as they turn red, add asafoetida, curry leaves and red chili. 3. Immediately add the green-chili ginger paste and saute for a few seconds. Add the boiled peanuts and toss the contents on medium flame. 4. Turn off flame and add grated coconut and mix well. Remove to a serving bowl. Add lemon juice and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Tips Another variation is to add a tsp of kura podi. Kura podi is prepared by dry roasting a tbsp of coriander seeds, a tsp of channa dal and a red chili, cooled and ground to a fine powder. crushed cumin seeds and pepper corns and beat till fluffy. Heat oil for deep frying in a heavy bottomed vessel and heat till piping hot. Reduce flame to medium. Wet your hands with water, take a lemon-sized ball of batter and flatten it into a vada on a greased sheet or banana leaf. Make a hole in the centre of the vada so that it cooks evenly all over. Slowly drop the vada into the hot oil and fry it on both sides on medium flame to a golden brown color. Deep fry 4-5 vadas per batch depending on the size of the vessel. Remove the vadas onto a serving plate. Serve warm while the crust is still crisp and serve warm with chutney and sambar. 1. Mix the cream and milk powder in a frying pan. 2. Cook on medium heat until mixture starts leaving the sides of the frying pan and becomes soft runny dough. Stir continuously so the mixture does not burn on the bottom of the pan. 3. Turn off the heat and add coconut, almonds, melon seeds, sugar, and cardamom powder. Mix together well. 4. After cooling, the mixture will be lightly moist. Keep aside. Making the Gujias: 1. Mix 2 tablespoons of water with 1 tablespoon of flour to make a paste. Set aside. 2. Knead the dough again for a minute. 3. Divide the dough into about 20 equal parts and roll into balls with the palms of your hands. 4. Roll each ball into about 4-inch diameter (like a roti or chappati). 5. Dip your finger in the flour paste and spread it around the rim of the rolled dough, but just on the half the circle. 6. Take the rolled dough in your palm and put about 1-1/2 tablespoons of the filling mixture in the center and fold it into a semicircle. Now press the edges together with your fingers. Make sure the edges are completely sealed otherwise they will open while frying and oil will get in and filling will come out. 7. Continue filling the rest of the gujia in the same manner. 8. Heat about 1-1/2 inches of oil in a frying pan on medium heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of dough into the oil. It should sizzle right away but come to the surface slowly. 9. Place the gujia in the frying pan few at a time. 10. After gujhias are floating on top of the oil, turn them slowly. Fry the gujias until they turn light golden-brown color on all sides. Dont fry on high heat; the gujia crust will be too soft and not crispy. 11. When they are done cooking, lift them out of the oil with a slotted spoon. Garnishing: 1. Boil the sugar and water on medium heat until syrup is about one thread or 230 degrees (Fahrenheit) on a candy thermometer. 2. Dip the gujias into the syrup making sure they are coated with syrup all around. 3. Place the gujias on a wire rack to allow the extra syrup drain. 4. Garnish the gujias with sliced almonds and pistachios while the gujhias are still moist with syrup. 5. Gujias will be dry in an hour. 6. Gujia can be stored in airtight container up to a month.
Gujia
Puffed Rice Honey Balls

(In the North they are called Maroondas)
Ingredients: Puffed rice - 2 cups Honey - 1/4 cup Water - 1/4 cup Cardamom - a pinch Method: Take the honey and water in a pan. Boil until the honey reaches 1 string consistency. Once it reaches, simmer the stove and add the cardamom and puffed rice immediately. Stir well until the puffed rice is coated well with the syrup. Take it off the flame and allow it to cool for few mins. Now grease your hands with ghee and roll out balls. Store them in air tight container. Crispy and yummy puffed rice honey balls are ready : This quantity would make 12 medium sized balls.
Vada
Peanut Sundal Recipe
Puli Aval
(Tamarind Flavoured Beaten Rice) INGREDIENTS: Beaten rice (hard variety) 2 cups Tamarind a ball the size of a small lime Salt 1 tsp Turmeric powder 1 pinch Jaggery 1 tbsp Sambar powder 1 tsp
Prep time: 30 min Cook time: 5 min Yield: 5 Main Ingredients: peanuts Ingredients * Peanuts - 1 cup, boiled till
Prep & Cooking: 20 mts, Soaking time: 1 1/2 hrs Makes: 10-12 vadas Cuisine: Andhra .Ingredients: 1 cup whole urad dal/skinned whole black gram dal/minappappu 10-12 black pepper corns, lightly crushed 1/2 tsp cumin seeds, lightly crushed salt to taste oil for deep frying Soak whole black gram dal in water for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Strain the water, and grind the dal to a paste sprinkling very little water. Use small portions of dal to grind batch wise as its easier to grind into a soft paste. Add salt,
Gujia is a fried pastry filled with an aromatic nuts mixture. In India, Gujia is traditionally made for the holidays like Diwali and Holi and is a must have treat. Recipe makes 20 to 24 gujia. Ingredients: Crust: * 1 cup all purpose flour (plain flour or maida) * 1 tablespoon sooji (semolina flour) * 2 tablespoons oil * 1/3 cup lukewarm water or as needed Filling: * 1/2 cup heavy cream or whipping cream * 1 cup milk powder * 1/4 cup coconut powder * 1/4 cup sliced almonds * 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder 2 tablespoon sugar * 2 tablespoon melon seeds (optional) Garnish: * 1/2 cup sugar * 1/4 Water * 2 tablespoons sliced almonds and pistachios Also needed: * 1 tablespoon all purpose flour (plain flour or maida) * 2 tablespoon water * Oil to fry Method: Crust: 1. Mix flour, sooji, and oil in a bowl, make a soft dough adding water slowley as needed. Knead the dough until the dough becomes soft and pliable. 2. Set the dough aside and cover it with a damp cloth. Let the dough sit for at least ten minutes. Filling:
Columns
Punarnava Born anew!
Cupping the morning sun!

By Punam Jain weave my morning magic, with a handful of herbs and flowers; freshly picked from my garden. I take: a sprig of mint, a spray of basil , a blade of lemongrass, a babys fist full of stars from the jasmine, pink love from a rose, an orange glow from a rosehip, the rejuvenating freshness of a few marigold petals, a pinch of heaven from the petals of the Brahmakamal (Star of Bethlehem), a finger length of giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), an anti-oxidant shot from 2 leaves or flowers of Lakshmi taru (Simarouba glauca), the tangy perk of a small piece of ginger and cinnamon and the sweet caress of a dash of licorice. I stir it into a sunny bowl, made from the earth, and set it in the solar cooker. The water bubbles into pure delight and adds its sweetness to the potion. I pour the brew into the glass and trap the sun beam of the early morning, as it filters through green tree canopies, shot through with joyous rainbow colours. Ahah! the joys of arising to a cup of tea, served by Mother Nature! It sure perks up my day!
RECIPE: Herbal tea 1 large mug water. v 4-6 flowers and leaves of each variety (from above). Large flowers- few petals. Stems (half a finger length) and rhizomes (small piece). METHOD a) One boil. Cover a while and strain. b) Pour hot water over ingredients, in a kettle. Steep minimum 5 mins. c) Set out in the sun in a glass bowl, minimum half hour or more... d) Can add lemon and honey when cool or raw sugar or stevia, if hot. PROPERTIES & USES The mix is designed to balance the cooling or the warming properties of different herbs, corresponding to a harmony of vaata, pitta and kapha. Anti-oxidant, rejuvenator, digestive, acidity, calming, blood purifier and skin tonic. Use externally for beauty bath, face wash, hair rinse or paste for skin ailments, mouth wash. Properties and applications of some of the above herbs Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia): Part Used: Stem. Indicated for:
Ahah! the joys of arising to a cup of tea, served by Mother Nature! It sure perks up my day!
Fevers, cough, acidity, skin ailments, particularly itches or urticaria (use externally also) and tonic. Jasmine: Used externally: Part Used : Paste application of flowers, leaves or root. Indicated for: For skin ailments, wounds, swellings or headache. Juice: lice or dandruff. Tea is relaxing, digestive and antibacterial and mouth freshener. Holy Basil (Tulsi); Ocimum sanctum. Indicated for: Excellent for respiratory problems, fevers and blood purifying. The quinine and tannins increase with boiling, so, do not over boil. The taste of sweet basil may not add to this potion, on non-availabil-
ity of holy basil, replace with a pinch of elder flower or rosemary or drumstick flowers. On non-availabilty of Simarouba glauca: Use 2-3 leaves of dandelion. Lakshmitaru (Simarouba glauca): is a nutrient fixer in soil, seeds yield oil, used for edible and bio-fuel. Air purifier. In tea: antioxidant, rejuvenator, good for diabetes. (Punam Jain is a qualified Naturopath, Homeopath, Aromatherapist and practices Bach Flower remedies, acupressure and
yoga. She lives in Mumbai and has extensive experience conducting workshops from home a place of healing she has created by growing wonderful plants around her house. She will be writing this column regularly and can be contacted by email: punarnava.pj@gmail.com +91 (0) 9322819214 (m), +91 (0)22 25566694 (l)
Secret to naturally healthy teeth and gums!

We Indians do have a very good set of teeth but as busy lifestyle takes over and grabbing food as we go which at times can be junk we tend to overlook teeth and gum health. Gone are the days when the practice of rubbing teeth with salt mixed in simple mustard oil and using neem twigs to brush our teeth was a daily morning ritual. Nadine Artemis, an American reporter famous for her revolutionary vision on beauty and health care, who has advocated self-dentistry advsises that we get rid of the tooth paste and just chuck it away saying, A simple saltwater solution made up with mixing Himalayan salt, Rock salt or Celtic salt should be the part of our bathroom cabinet. She says we should rinse our mouth with it twice a day in the morning and at night. Just take a swig of this salt water and gargle it all around inside the mouth and spit it out, she says. Another advice from her is to scrape the tongue with a tongue scraper as the tongue can carry a lot of bacteria on it. By scraping we can get rid of 40 % of the bacteria, she says. Nadine also suggests that we buy ionic brushes and brush in the sun
Gone are the days when the practice of rubbing teeth with salt mixed in simple mustard oil and using neem twigs to brush our teeth was a daily morning ritual.
so as to make the saliva ionic and help it to alkalise it which will take further care of the plaque that gets built around the teeth and gums. Another suggestion from her is neem ioniser which is an antifungal, antibacterial and she advises to use her gum drops which have in them rose oil and seabuckthorn oil that help in regeneration of gum tissue. We have forgotten that our Indian spices in the kitchen cabinet can be quite potent and useful for gum, teeth and oral health. Spices such as cardamom, aniseed, cinnamon, cloves are all antibacterial, mouth fresheners and help grow healthy gums. Strong gums hold our teeth and we should try to avoid build up of food debris between the gum and the teeth. Teeth are alive and are directly connected to gut health hence they symbolize general health. What we need is a diet that provides combination of Vitamin A, Vitamin D and Vitamin K 2 along with minerals which come from grass fed animals as they process
the organic content and minerals of plants for us to assimilate and give us healthy strong teeth and gut. With the powder made from neem, clove, cinnamon, olive oil and cardamom we should with the help of gum drops brush our teeth from gum towards the teeth which will help get rid of the debris and help healthy and strong gums. According to Nadine we finally need an electric brush that can help polish the teeth which should be used only on the teeth and not the gums. Nadine also recommends flossing by rubbing the floss with gum drops and then flossing between and all around the teeth and the nooks and corners. And finally do not forget to take that final swig of salt and water mix sitting in your bathroom closet at night before you retire to bed. All of the above will give you an ever-lasting smile with healthy gums and help solve problems such as bad breath, gum disease and halitosis and other oral health issues. (Please use above advice as advice only and before making any change in lifestyle do consult your qualified health professional)
Body-Mind-Spirit
Crystal Castle in Brisbane wows you
VasthuSastra
By T. Selva rystals have the power to deepen our inner and outer sense of peace and enrich the spirit. Drawn by the powers and energy of the place, I made an awesome journey to the Crystal Castle in Brisbane recently to give a magical exercise to my mind, body and spirit. My trip to the sacred site at Byron Bay was a wow moment because it offered a rare opportunity to connect with my inner self via crystals and holy symbols. It was an extraordinary, breathtaking moment when I reached the hills of Mullumbimby to be greeted by the sight of more than 20,000 small, medium and giant crystals. The 310kg rose quartz which rotates on a mere 0.3 mm of water is an extraordinary feature in the courtyard. The special site created by Naren King and his wife Sono is not known to many but anyone arriving there will instantly experience the energy of peace, tranquillity, calmness, healing and rejuvenation. According to Naren, the beauty, peace and charm that an individual may feel at Crystal Castle is purely a reflection of who we are really. Hugging, holding, touching and marvelling at the radiance and purity of the crystals would remind anyone of those qualities in themselves. Besides adorning the hill with a variety of crystals imported from Brazil, the Kings have created a huge labyrinth symbol on the ground lined with hundreds of pieces of rose quartz. The powerful sacred geometry is a classic symbol found in spiritual sites and it is said to be a portal into a revered time and space, where one may seek insights into life. As I walked on the mysterious winding path that took me to the centre, it gave me a sense of entering the unknown and embarking on a journey of selfdiscovery. By walking towards the centre, it is believed that the neurological pathways between the left and right hemispheres of the brain are activated. At the point of entering the labyrinth, I was requested to pose a question and invite existence to reveal the answer. On my way to the centre, I was told that there would be an
A garden table and seating area made up of rose quartz crystals allows A sacred symbol allows people to walk into the circular path lined with visitors to sit and enjoy its healing energies. rose quartz to understand the journey of life at the Crystal Castle.
The 310 kg rose quartz which rotates on mere 0.3 millimetres of water is an extraordinary water feature at the Crystal Castle courtyard.
A giant statue of blessing Buddha with its lotus base invokes meditative and peaceful energies on anyone walking into the Crystal Castle ground.
opportunity for me to let go of the details of my life, shedding thoughts and distractions, and at the same time opening the heart and quieting the mind. Many thoughts rushed through my mind as I walked and reached the midpoint where I found a beautiful rose quartz flower signifying a place of prayer and contemplation. A bamboo canopy walk at the Shambhala Garden which is decorated with plants and amazing sculptures and crystals was a unique experience. I stopped there for several minutes to wait and receive the energy and messages. My walk back out along the same path was calmer and more meditative, and provided me with rejuvenating insights into my current situation. According to regular visitors, each journey is unique, no response is the same and guidance appears in many ways. The labyrinth is increasingly used as a legitimate medical tool to help calm the agitated and to provide people with a quiet place
to meditate. It is also a spiritual tool for reconnecting with our inner voice. Walking the single path assists us in bringing together the analytical and rational part of our consciousness with the intuitive and spiritual aspect. As I finished my walk through the maze in 30 minutes, in silence, I was sweating but felt a complete sense of satisfaction and unexplainable bliss. Following this activity, my next stop was at the sites Shambhala Garden which has two tall amethyst caves, plants and amazing sculptures and crystals. Among the statues found in the sprawling garden are Dewi Sri, the goddess of rice; Ganesha, the remover of obstacles; Lakshmi, the goddess of fortune; and Avalokiteshvara, the embodiment of compassion. A mural which incorporates the symbols of 12 of the worlds main faiths is etched in the stone of the archway to represent the oneness of humanity. One extraordinary feature at
the castles courtyard is a 310kg rose quartz crystal which rotates on a mere 0.3mm of water. I collected some crystal-energised water from the fountain and sprinkled it over my head to perform a cleansing ritual. A giant statue of Blessing Buddha with its lotus base is another major attraction and it invokes meditative and peaceful energies in anyone walking into its space. I joined others to throw a coin at the Blessing Buddha statue and made a wish in silence. A few steps away, goose pimples appeared all over my body when I approached a rare 8-metre Kalachakra Stupa (sacred monument) structure, created by Tibetan monks, in the picturesque garden. It was filled with sacred objects, scriptures and relics and highlighted the teachings of the first Dalai Lama. As I circled around the World Peace Stupa, spinning the 54 brass prayer wheels each containing over 130,000 Om mani padme hum mantras I could
instantly feel the spiritual vibration and connection. Spiritual connection: Visitors spinning the 54 brass prayer wheels at the World Peace Stupa in Crystal Castle. I further energised myself by hugging a giant sodalite, the crystal for understanding, and embracing a rose quartz to tap into its energy of love. The holy garden also inspires visitors with words of wisdom from the Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela and author of spiritual books Eckhart Tolle, all engraved on huge rose quartz crystals. The Crystal Castle was created over a 25 -year period. It was originally meant to set people along the paths of consciousness but has now also become a sanctified site for those seeking harmony and realisation. T. Selva is the author of the bestseller book titled Vasthu Sastra Guide. To get a copy, call Devi at 0412 623 017. He can be contacted at tselvas@pd.jaring.my. Websitewww.vasthusastra.com
Columns THE HUMOR OF MELVIN DURAI
Important questions on the Mars program

Q: Before sending humans to Mars, shouldn't they first send monkeys there? A: They tried to do that, but couldn't find any monkeys willing to pay the application fee. Q: If we are called earthlings, what will people who live on Mars be called? A: They will be called marsupials. Q: I heard that Mars does not have a Pope yet. Do you think I could go there and become Pope? A: No, Mars already comes under the jurisdiction of Pope Francis. But the Vatican is accepting applications for Archbishop of Mars. The application fee is $38. Q: What happens if I go to Mars, do not like it there and want to come back to earth? A: The Mars program, unfortunately, does not have a return policy. The application fee will not be returned and neither will you. Q: Is it true that people on Mars will live longer than people on Earth? A: Yes, scientists believe that people on Mars will live 20 years longer than people on Earth, largely because they will have far less exposure, on a day-to-day basis, to Bill O'Reilly. Q: What if the Mars rocket ends up taking me to another planet by accident? Or worse, what if it lands on another part of earth, like North Korea. I do not think I could survive in North Korea. A: Don't worry. North Koreans do not bite. Unless you happen to be South Korean. Q: I heard that Mars does not have oxygen. Will I have to breathe another gas, like fluorine? A: While oxygen does not exist naturally on Mars, it will be produced there (by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen) and sold at special oxygen stations. The price of oxygen will be controlled by OPEC (oxygen-producing exploitation cartel). Q: What will people on Mars do for food and entertainment? A: Details are still sketchy, but it's believed that they will eat lots of Earth bars and listen to music by some guy named Bruno Earth. Q: If I go to Mars, will I have to pay taxes there? What will happen to my tax debt in America? Will it be forgiven? A: You will not have to pay taxes on Mars, at least until Mars has its own government. As for your tax debt in America, I asked an IRS agent if it will be forgiven and he responded with the Internet slang FCOT, which stands for fat chance of that. Q: Is it possible that the Mars program is a total scam? Are they just trying to make money from all the application fees? A: I checked with the FBI. They advise you to exercise caution when dealing with individuals who are eager for you to leave earth, whether it's the Mars One organizers or the people in your will. They also warn you not to give money to a Republican organization that has been collecting millions of dollars for a space mission, calling itself MARSBOM (Movement of Americans Rallying to Send Barack Obama to Mars).
he Mars One Astronaut Selection Program recently asked people from all over the world to submit applications to become the first human settlers on Mars. More than 200,000 people submitted applications, eager to make a one-way trip to the red planet. About 25 percent of the applicants were Americans, each paying a $38 application fee. One middle-aged, divorced man from New York paid $380 to submit 10 applications, hoping to increase his chances of going. He called it a small price to pay for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to go as far away as possible from my ex-wife. After conducting some in-depth research on the Mars program, I decided to answer questions from readers about it.
Question: How much will the first Mars mission cost and who will pay for it? Answer: The first mission will cost $6 billion. Organizers hope to sell broadcasting rights for shows and movies about the colonization of Mars. If that doesn't work, they will sell naming rights to Mars. In a few years, it might be called the 5-Hour Energy planet.
Zen is like looking through the other end of a telescope

reflected on the water. The moon does not get wet, nor is the water broken. Although its light is wide and great, the moon is reflected even in a puddle an inch wide. The whole moon and the entire sky are reflected in one dewdrop on the grass. --DOGEN Where there is great doubt, there will be great awakening; small doubt, small awakening, no doubt, no awakening. --ZEN SAYING The perfect way knows no difficulties except that it refuses to make preferences: Only when freed from hate and love, it reveals itself fully and without disguise. --SOSAN He who knows he has enough is rich. --LAO TZU Attraction and aversion are two feelings that keep people within the bondage of ignorant repetitive Where beauty is, then there is ugliness: where right is, also there is wrong. Knowledge and ignorance are interdependent: delusion and enlightenment condition each other. Since olden times it has been so. How could it be otherwise now. --RYOKAN Thirty spokes join together in the hub. It is because of what is not there that the cart is useful. Clay is formed into a vessel. It is because of its emptiness that the vessel is useful. Cut doors and windows to make a room. It is because of its emptiness that a room is useful. Therefore, what is present is used for profit. But it is in absence that there is usefulness. --LAO TZU There is no greater disaster than enemy-making, for then you lose your treasure, your peace. When conflict arises, Compassion always prevails. --LAO TZU It is necessary to be noble, and yet take humility as a basis. It is necessary to be exalted and yet take modesty as a foundation. --SENSAKI An inch of time is an inch of gold: treasure it. Appreciate its fleeting nature; misplaced gold is easily found, misspent time is lost forever. --LOY CHING-YUEN Praying is not about asking; it's about listening... it is just opening your eyes to see what was there all along. --TULKU RINPOCHE What a delight it is when I blow away the ash, to watch the crimson of the glowing fire and hear the water boil. --TACHIBANA AKEMI To get rid of your passions is not nirvana to look upon them as no matter of yours that is nirvana --ZEN SAYING
Inner Space
By Faith Harper
en has always interested me, with its emphasis on looking within and enjoying the present. The overriding themes seem to be detachment, compassion and living in harmony with nature. Zen offers a different way of looking at things. Someone said "its like looking through the other end of a telescope." Here are some quotations to illustrate its subtlety. Just as you see yourself in a mirror, form and reflection look at each other. You are not the reflection yet the reflection is you. --TOSAN Enlightenment is like the moon
Bodhidharma took Buddhism from India to China, which became known as Chan (from dhyan) in China and Zen in Japan. behaviour... if people do not crave to be pleased they will not be displeased. What causes mental suffering is not the environment but the mind itself. --MUSO KOKUSHI
Column
Fiji Indians are a neglected lot

Fiji Diary By Karam Ramrakha n December 6, 2006, a Military Commander, Vorege (Frank) Bainimarama seized power in Fiji intending to save Fiji from Lasenia Qarase's government which sought to vest seashore and Fiji seawaters in indigenous native hands.
tations and thus the indigenous way of life was saved. While this fact was acknowledged and credit given to the Indian Labour which underpinned Fiji's progress in agriculture, the British fostered open hatred of the Indians in a classic divide and rule modus operandi. We, Indians, won no favours from the British by protesting British Rule in India. When Pandit Nehru died, Mr Hamilton, the Australian High Commissioner in Fiji, a rabid supporter of White Australia and famous for the Nancy Prasad saga was openly shocked when Indian shops and schools closed to mourn Nehru's death. As for politics, we Indians are always divided. Is it apocryphal or did Pandit Nehru say Put two Indians on an island and you have three political parties. In spite of the fact that we Indians were landless, finance-less, and virtually sitting on sand we, nevertheless, felt we could eke a good living in Fiji. By the Grace of God we had survived in Fiji for one hundred years and so much depended on us. It was, however, in 1977 that the Indigenous Government fell. It was a rabid send-the-Indians-back-to-India movement that split the indigenous vote and handed us a majority which we did not expect. There was much heart burning in 1977 when the Governor General using traditional Westminster powers vested in him controversially appointed the defeated leader as the Prime Minister, a controversy which dogs us to this day. But the die was cast and soon we had an Indian Prime Minister, a phenomena which had come to pass in Trinidad, Surinam and Guyana. No longer would Fiji have to pander to
Fiji had been wracked by coup after coup since May 14, 1987. Frank's coup sought to work with a clean slate and curbed freedoms, outlawed dissent and introduced press censorship. Today Frank has relaxed these curbs but old habits of silence and old fears do not die easily. A coup government is always paranoid. I was surprised when I went to Fiji having never criticised Frank and indeed giving him muted praise and lauding his reforms, I was subjected to questioning and restricted to 14 days in Fiji. It was a real shock returning to your home country as a stranger on a non Fiji passport and subjected to such restriction. As Australia and New Zealand threatened and boycotted Fiji after Franks coup, China rushed in to fill the vacuum and to seize opportunities. India has remained ambivalent and our Mother Country always finds itself in an uncomfortable position with Overseas Indians and has never delivered a strong statement on their behalf. Best it can do is to urge us to be loyal to the country we live in, irrespective of whether the country is loyal to us Overseas Indians. Fiji was ceded to Britain on October 10, 1874 and became a Crown Colony by choice. Some 60 thousand Indians were recruited from India to work in Fiji's plan-
A coup government is always paranoid. I was surprised when I went to Fiji having never criticised Frank and indeed giving him muted praise and lauding his reforms, I was subjected to questioning and restricted to 14 days in Fiji. It was a real shock returning to your home country as a stranger on a non Fiji passport and subjected to such restriction.
the indigenes. We were all Fijians, a term which the indigenes resented for use by Indians. There would be no what was called positive or any other form of discrimination in favour of the indigenes. As for voting rights for one man, one vote, one value. For almost a year Frank held his peace and asked Lasenia Qarase's indigenous weighted Government to hold fire and back away from racially loaded legislation. Incredibly, he has held onto power ever since, that's almost seven years without a major upheaval. Fiji's constitution is an enigma. It includes Bill of Rights; it includes equality of votes and gives all Fiji citizens a vote whether from home or abroad. But it does not divide the country into electorates. The whole of Fiji is one electorate. Yash Ghai, a constitutional expert who did the spade work for Fiji's constitution was non-plussed by this and opined that a party would find it difficult to make the percentage required by the Constitution to be recognised to send members to Parliament. Many Indians have left and now comprise only some 32% of the population. Without guaranteed land rights and forever on tenuous leaseholds many Indians have opted to find greener pastures. Fijis flag has still a Union Jack in the corner. Except, I am told that the currency no longer shows the Queens Face, a slight departure. Perhaps the New Parliament will iron out these minor irritations. Contact: 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: karamcramrakha@gmail.com
Many Indians have left and now comprise only some 32% of the population. Without guaranteed land rights and forever on tenuous leaseholds many Indians have opted to find greener pastures
Matrimonials
MATRIMONIALS
born, 27year old Sydney based Punjabi Brahmin girl, post graduate in Law working for NSW government. Pretty, tall, fair, homely yet modern girl wants a professional, educated match. Contact: vk5454@hotmail.com Nov Mat 4, 2013. SEEKING match for my brother, Hindu, Gujarati Patel, 32, 6 ft, vegetarian, Masters in Computing Studies, working and living in USA (American citizen). Looking for a loving Gujarati girl, caring with good family values, well cultured settled or trying to settle in USA or Australia, preferably with a PR/Citizenship. Email: bluepools2012@gmail.com Nov Mat 5, 2013. Seeking suitable match ( from Australia ) never married, for Hindu Girl 34 yrs, Chartered Accountant (non veg) living in Australia over 25 yrs with eastern and western family values. Please email with all details on ganesh2011v@gmail.com Nov Mat 6, 2013. Seeking a Hindu boy, non vegetarian, preferably Gujarati with good family values for my daughter. She is 33 , divorced, 5'2" and wellbuilt. She is an Australian citizen, works as an IT team leader and is well settled in Sydney. If you are interested please contact us on 0404 595 182 or r.chandra2012@hotmail.com. Nov Mat 7. Parents settled in Australia looking for a suitable professional match for their 30 years old daughter, height 165cm, smart, pretty and working as a clinical psychologist, well brought up and respects Indian cultural values. Professional boys from well settled family background preferred. Please contact by email: fame46213@gmail.com or mobile: 0452227920 Nov Mat 8, 2013. Parents seeking match for beautiful, multitalented Medical Doctor daughter (age 27) with wider interests in life. Correspondence requested from medical doctor/ dentist (preference vegetarian) with exclusive profile : oasis1556@yahoo.com Nov Mat 9, 2013. Parents seeking match for fair, slim Hindu Sindhi girl 32 years/ 156 cm working as Lecturer in leading University. Permanent resident of Australia with dual degree M.com (Accounts and Finance), fond of sports, traveling and cooking. We are a well knit professional family. Please mail proposal with education, job details with recent photo to : mohri1324@gmail.com and Contact no. 0431842458 Nov Mat 10, 2013. Well settled Indian family looking for a suitable match for their 25 year old medico daughter, 5 5 tall, born brought up and educated in Australia. Keen in outdoor and sport activities, travel and wants a like-minded Australia educated medico boy. Write to: wedding2519@gmail.com Nov Mat 11 2013: Seeking a Hindu girl, vegetarian, preferably Gujarati, with good family values, for my son. He is 36, divorced, no children, fair, 58, well-built, non-smoker, light drinks. He is an Australian citizen, works as a tax consultant and lives with his parents. His two sisters live separately. We have lived in Sydney for 19 years. Contact 0423 328 800 or sydau714@hotmail.com. Nov Mat 12, 2013. Seeking a well qualified Hindu male, aged between 49 54, for a very fair, young looking Hindu lady, aged 54 and an Australian citizen. He should be a non smoker and should have strong moral values. Caste no bar. She is an eggetarian, divorced and has a 19 year old daughter living with her. Contact lifepartner@hotmail.com.au. Nov Mat 13, 2013. Hindu Punjabi business parents invite alliance from a beautiful educated girl for their highly 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 ukshaadi@hotmail.com Nov Mat 14, 2013. . 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 government on high income. Seeking Indian girl, caste no bar. Please call 0414-518-312. Email aumohindra@gmail.com Nov Mat 15, 2013. Seeking compatible well educated, employed professional/ 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 Nov Mat 16. Local born Melbourne based turbaned Sikh boy with trimmed beard 33 years old 6 feet tall from established family masters graduate working as finance manager looking for a likeminded professional Sikh girl who is locally born or grown up in Australia with mix of western and Indian culture and values. Send interest with pix to sikhmundah@gmail.com
Nov Mat 1. MATCH required for a Licensed Building Practitioner (Builder) Rajput boy, NEVER MARRIED, very fair, athletic, handsome, 5'-11", June 1982-born, High six figure package, Caste no bar. +61-431-059- 703. matrimony2031@yahoo.com.au Nov Mat 2. Well settled parents looking for suitable matches for their daughter, 32 years old, working for a multinational company in Sydney in a senior corporate position, pretty, 163cm tall; brought up in and values both Indian and western culture. North Indian, Punjabi, from other regional background, professional boys from well settled family background preferred. Please contact by email: sur6958@gmail.com or mobile: 0404147744. Nov Mat 3. Match for Australian
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Body-Mind-Spirit
Ancient Devi Shrine that is all fulfilling

MoolaKshetram, established by the Advaitha gnani Sri Aadi Sankara well over 1900 years ago, in Kerala is dedicated to Goddess supreme Vana Durga.
By K Raman I write this based on a well written book titled Kadampuzha Devi; Chaithanya Rahasyam, by Appu Warriar, Superintendent of the temple. His family has been associated with this temple since Aadi Sankaras time. had a long-standing wish to visit MoolaKshetram, established by the Advaitha gnani Sri Aadi Sankara well over 1900 years ago, that I fulfilled during my recent trip to Kerala. This temple is dedicated to Goddess supreme Vana Durga. assumed the form of a wild boar and charged towards the meditating Arjuna. Siva, who was already there, and Arjuna shot arrows and the boar was killed. Both claimed the kill. Argument between the two ended into a combat and the arrows despatched by Arjuna turned into a flower shower. Arjuna realised his folly while the Lord blessed and gave the Pasupathastra. The Kirata pair vanished through a hole on that spot. The worships are done on this spot. There is no idol of worship in this temple. Ancient temples are built around Aithihyas (legends) and this is no exception either. Two of the famous offerings here are Poovu Moodal (covering the hole with Thechi Poovu (booked for the next 40 years) and Muttarukkal (Muttu neekal, a ritual in which coconut is broken by the priest and the coconut water is poured into the hole). It is believed that the Mother Goddess who resides there is pleased with the ritual and removes all obstacles of the worshipper. Around 30,000 such offerings are done daily and the temple earns two crore rupees from that ritual. To get this ritual done a five-hour wait in a long winding queue is common. Worshippers do this for getting knowledge (Vidya muttu), welfare of children, getting free of disease, getting married, having a trouble free life etc. The devotees claim the deity to be very benevolent and experience powerful magnetic vibes at the temple. This shrine is located in an isolated salubrious spot in Malappuram District, Kerala, about 60 kilometers from Guruvayoor.
Aadi Sankara, during his travels, once passed through Kadampuzha (Forest River). This area was a forest and unfriendly for travel. To his surprise he saw a dazzling light emanating from a small cavity in the ground. His divine power told him that the Goddess Mother was present there. Without wasting time he consecrated the Goddess Mother there and built a shrine with the help of a Warriar Family. Even now the Warriar family looks after the temple management. He performed the first pooja with Thechi Poovu (Ixora Conninea), available in plenty in the nearby forest and offered fruit offerings, a system still followed to this day. Thechi flower is the favourite of Mother Goddess. It is also said that Lord Siva and Paravathi Devi took the form a hunter and huntress to test the discipline of Arjuna before blessing him with the powerful Pasupathastra. Arjunas cousin evil Duryodhana had planned to kill Arjuna and deputed Mookasura who
Sports
Mark of new beginning for Rohit Sharma

By Gaurav Joshi reporting from India
ouple of years ago as Rohit Sharma played one of his effortless cover drives at the Brabourne Stadium in a Ranji Trophy match, Dilip Vengsarkar stood up from the comfort of his seat, raised his hands, applauded and said to one renowned journalist seated next to him He is the best I have seen since Tendulkar. In the space of the next six balls Rohit was clean bowled playing a reckless shot. Vengraskar stood up, slammed the door and left the box stating, When will this boy do justice to his talent, because it will be worth the sight. After watching Rohits master class against Australia in the final ODI in Bangalore it is easy to understand the frustration of Vengsarkar but also to realise why Vengsarkar has such high appraisal for the man from Mumbai. In space of those six balls Vengsarkar saw the best and the worst of Rohit Sharma. In the last six months Rohit Sharma is yet to experience a dour moment. He has answered all his critics and proved he has matured to reach the expectations of even his harshest detractors. In hindsight he will continue to be blamed but were he to be presented the opportunity at the right time to represent India at the Test level he could easily be as devastating as Virat Kohli in the last couple of years. Last time Rohit was in contention to gain a Test spot, he was forced to carry drinks for over 3 months. An opportunity went beckoning in the Mumbai test against West Indies two years ago when instead of blooding young batsmen like Rohit in a dead rubber match in home conditions, they opted to give Dravid and Laxman an extended time despite both of them scoring tons in the previous Test match. The decision was even more baffling because India rested Umesh Yadav just to blood another young bowler in Varun Aaron. For the next couple of months Rohit spent most of time facing tired net
Though he had to wait long for it, Rohit Sharma had a good Test debut in Kolkata against West Indies.
bowlers in Australia and watching the legends of Indian batting fail miserably. On the same tour of Australia, his archrival, Virat Kohli learned the value and the effort required to score each run in Test cricket in the most demanding conditions against a confronting opposition. Even in the final Test of the Australian series with India down 3 0, the selectors decided to stick with Laxman and
deny Rohit the chance of learning the durability, hardiness and toughness of Test cricket. To his credit Rohit has gone back and worked hard on his game which has allowed him to regalvanise his career as an ODI opener. The improvements in his technique are apparent. He now stands more upright at the crease and the back foot goes across his off stump.
The bat which used to come from 2nd slip now comes more from the line of 1st slip, allowing him to play a lot straighter. Importantly, he has learned to build his innings. During the Champions Trophy the most standout feature of his batting was the way he left the ball outside off stump. The modification to his technique has permitted Rohit Sharma to play the moving ball more effectively. He has always looked at ease against pace and plays the short ball as well as any of his colleagues. Even throughout the ODI series, rarely has he been rattled by the pace of Johnson. To sum it up, Rohit has tightened up his defence which has enabled him to be a complete batsman. Giving him the opening has been a blessing because he has really put a price on his wicket and his first instinct has been to defend early in his innings and then flourish. Despite having the most illustrious six months of his career in which Rohit captained the Mumabi Indians to a win, excelling as an opener in ODIs in England, to win the Champions trophy and now the man of the series after his record breaking double hundred, Sharma still declared playing for India was the ultimate goal. Absolutely it is my goal to play Test cricket, I have been waiting for the opportunity for six years now and if it happens, I will be the happiest person in the world. In the space of six months Rohit Sharma has brushed aside all the negativity to take his game to a new level. He is still only 25, an age many experts believe is the right age to start playing Test Cricket. The West Indies series at home will allow him to settle just like Kohli did couple of years back. But after that the tour of South Africa will be the genuine Test for him. A similar opening escaped his grasp two years back. This time around though he will be ready to attempt to score runs against a quality line up whether he fails or succeeds it will be the start of the new beginning.
t press time, Rohit Sharma was instrumental in steadying the Indian innings against West Indies on Day Two of the first Test at Kolkata. India were reeling at 83 for the loss of five wickets when
Rohit Sharma hits a half century on Test debut A
Rohit and Dhoni had a good partnership, after which Rohit carried on with an unbeaten half century by tea time. Sachin Tendulkar was out for 10 runs, a contentious decision.
The Kersi Meher-Homji column
Happy Diwali, India wins a sixathon in Bangalore

By Kersi Meher-Homji
ccompanied by firecrackers, India won the gripping One-Day International (ODI) series against Australia 3-2 this November. The reports on the demise of 50-over ODIs are highly exaggerated. Just look at the just concluded series in India. Five ODIs played (forget the two which were abandoned due to rain) and four had marvellous climaxes, result in doubt till the end. India won the enthralling series after some incredible run chases. The batsmens mantra [philosophy] was: Whatever you can do, we can do it better. Whatever you can score we can chase it. In the final ODI in Bangalore (now Bengaluru) on Saturday night, not only runs but also sixes were chased. Both Indian batsmen and Australian batsmen skied 19 sixes each. A total of 38 sixes is a record in ODIs. Indias opening batsman Rohit Sharma smacked 16 sixes in his magnificent 209. This broke Australias Shane Watsons ODI record of 15 sixes (v. Bangladesh in 2011). It was a sixathon in Bangalore and worth staying up till 3 am in my Sydney home, glued to the TV set. After losing tamely to Australia in the first ODI in Pune, India
appeared doomed in the second ODI in Jaipur last month. Especially when Australia smashed 5 for 359 runs at a run-rate of 7.18, thanks to their captain George Bailey smashing 92 runs off 50 balls with eight fours and five sixes. It looked mission impossible for India. But cometh the hour, cometh the men! Openers Rohit Sharma (141 runs in 123 balls with 16 fours and four sixes) and Shikhar Dhawan (a dynamic 95 in 86 balls with 14 fours) added 176 runs for the first wicket at a fast tempo. But the best was left for Virat Kohli. He hit an unbeaten and swashbuckling 100 in 52 balls with eight fours and seven sixes as he added 186 spectacular runs for the unbroken second wicket with Sharma as India bludgeoned 1 for 362 and won by nine wickets with 39 balls remaining. What an amazing victory! In all 721 runs were hit for the loss of only six wickets, that is 120.17 per batsman. Many ODI milestones were reached or approached in the Jaipur jugalbandi: ndias score of 362 is the highest for the loss of only one wicket in ODIs. Indias chase of 360 runs was the second highest in ODIs after the epic Johannesburg match in 2006 when South Africa amassed 9 for 438 in reply to Australias massive 4 for 434. Imagine scoring 434 and losing!
Kohlis 100 in 52 balls is the seventh quickest and the quickest by an Indian batsman in ODIs, surpassing Virender Sehwags 62-ball century against New Zealand at Hamilton in 2009. The fastest century ever is by Shahid Afridi (102 off 37 balls including 6 fours and 11 sixes for Pakistan v. Sri Lanka at Nairobi in 1996). No one has scored a faster ODI century against Australia than Kohli. The series was level at 1-all. Then the shoe was on the other foot in the third ODI in Mohali. India totaled 303 for 9 (Dhoni an unbeaten 139 with five sixes). Australia chased it down scoring 304 for 6 to win by six wickets with three balls in hand. The visitors were in strife at 6 for 213 but tail-ender James Faulkner smashed a spectacular 64 off 29 balls and converted a certain defeat into a victory. He hit Ishant Sharma for 30 runs in his final over. Australia now led 2-1. Then the next two ODIs were rainmarred. Another ODI and another thriller in Nagpur! After Australia smashed 6 for 350 with centuries from Watson and Bailey, India chased it down and incredibly won by six wickets, Shikhar Dhawan scoring 100 and Kohli 115 off 68 balls. After this knock, Sunil Gavaskar predicted that Kohli will
Man of the Series Rohit Sharma totaled 491 runs at an average of 122.75. He scored a double century in the last ODI with Australia that won India the match and the series 3-2. break all ODI batting records. The series was now locked 2-2. Now to the final at Bengaluru on the Diwali eve! India totaled a magical 6 for 383, Rohit Sharma and Dhawan adding 112 for the first wicket. Then Sharma went to the next level, smashing a double century as he added 167 runs for the fifth wicket with Dhoni (64) in only 94 balls. Only three batsmen have hit double hundreds in ODIs and all three are Indians -- Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and now Rohit Sharma. Australia took up the challenge with Glenn Maxwell (60 off 22 balls with seven sixes) and an injured Watson (49 off 22 deliveries with 6 sixes) in a run feast. Still it looked a lost cause when Australia lost eight wickets for 211, needing 173 more runs to win. But the hero of Mohali, Faulkner, again came to Australias rescue, belting his maiden international century off 73 balls with 6 sixes. He took Australia to 326 but fell to Indias seamer Mohammad Shami for an amazing 116. It was a match to remember, a series to cherish. Man of the Series Rohit Sharma totaled 491 runs at an average of 122.75. The 26-year-old is now ready to make his Test debut against the West Indies this month in Kolkata.
Why cant Australia concentrate on regaining the Ashes?

he Ashes in Australia starts in November but instead of trying to recover the urn, it appears that Australian administrators are bypassing the issue. Having regained the Ashes at home in 2006-07, Australia lost it 1-2 in England in 2009, 1-3 in Australia in 2010-11 and 0-3 in England this August. To lose it three times in a row is morale-shattering. To lose it for the fourth time in 2014 is a disaster about to happen. The last time Australia lost Ashes three times in a row was in 1956, which is 57 years ago. If they lose this summer, it will be for the first time since 1888 (125 years ago) that they will lose the Ashes four times in a row. The recent 3-0 loss in England should have been a wake-up call for Cricket Australia to start the Sheffield Shield early and give Australian players practice for the must win Ashes this summer down under. What happens instead? Ryobi 50-over matches were played in Sydney in early October. Then started the tour to India including
100th Test together for Clarke and Cook
one Twenty20 international, followed by seven One-day Internationals (ODIs) from October 13 to November 2. In which way the Ryobi Cup in Sydney and further ODIs in eight cities of India going to help the selectors in picking a Test team before the first Test starts in Brisbane on November 21? I was in India last month and all the talk was on Sachin Tendulkars 200th Test appearance. The forthcoming tour of Australians for a series of ODIs did not then receive any space in the Indian newspapers. The absence of Michael Clarke will make this ODI series even less rewarding and confidence-shattering for the Aussies.
It was almost eight months ago that Australia and India were engaged in a Test series in India where the visitors were white-washed 0-4. How will Australia under stop-gap captain George Bailey perform in India? Aaron Finch with his aggressive batting and Clint McKay with his hat-trick were behind Australias ODI win in England last month. But India in India is a tough opposition, especially with Clarke unavailable. Even though India are without their stars of yesterday (Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Anil Kumble...) in ODIs they have a formidable team led by the dynamic MS Dhoni and including promising batsmen Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan and effective bowlers Ravichandan Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. To regain the all important Ashes Australia should concentrate on the Sheffield Shield. That was the main reason Australia had dominated the international scene for so long when Sheffield Shield was the main dish on the menu and not an optional extra.
Alistair Cook (right) Michael Clarke s Sachin Tendulkar is all set to play his 200th Test in November, the rival Ashes captains Michael Clarke and Alistair Cook will play their 100th Test together this summer in Australia during the Ashes. By a coincidence, rival captains Michael Clarke and Alastair Cook have played 97 Tests each. Their stats are similar; Clarke scoring 7656 runs at 52.08 with 24 centuries (highest score 329 not out) and Cook 7801 runs at 47.85 with
25 centuries (HS 294). Barring injuries, both Clarke and Cook will play their 100th Test together in the third Test starting on 13 December at Perth. This will be the first instance of rival captains playing their 100th Test simultaneously. In the Manchester Test of 2000 against the West Indies, Englands Michael Atherton and Alec Stewart had played their 100th Tests together. Atherton scored 1 and 28 while Stewart hit 105.
Sachin was allowed to choose his home ground of Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai for the farewell Test match of his illustrious career. He had also retired from ODIs last December.
n his final Test in Mumbai against the West Indies in November, Sachin Tendulkar will become the first cricketer to play 200 Tests. In 198 Tests so far he has scored 15,837 runs at 53.86 in 198 Tests, hitting 51 centuries (highest score 248 not out) and 67 fifties. He is the only batsman to score over 15,000 runs and the only one to record over 50 centuries. The next highest run scorer is Australias Ricky Ponting, 13,378 runs at 51.85 in 168 Tests and the next highest century maker is South Africas Jacques Kallis with 44 centuries in 162 Tests. Englands Colin Cowdrey was the first batsman to play 100 Tests (at Birmingham in 1968 against Australia) and had celebrated the occasion by hitting a century. Will Tendulkar prove his doubters wrong by scoring a double century in his 200th Test? In his 100th Test, against England at The Oval in September 2002, Tendulkar had scored 54 runs in 114 minutes off 89 balls, hitting 10 fours. As Peter Roebuck later told me, I remember Sachins 100th Test because a century was expected but he was like a cat on a hot tin roof and did not settle. His dismissal was not a surprise. He hates a fuss and dislikes matches being about him. Now that no one expects a big score from him in every match, Sachin is hopefully less like a cat on a hot tin roof and more like a mature lion on a run hunt. Sachin also holds the record in one-day internationals (ODIs) having scored 18,426 runs at 44.83 in 463 matches with 49 centuries including an unbeaten double hundred. Next best in ODIs is Ponting way behind - with 13,704 runs at 42.03 with 30 centuries (highest score 164) in 375 matches. Some Indians call Sachin God; cricket experts describe him as the best batsman after Don Bradman. To me he will remain a cricketer with dignity and modesty. From teenage sensation to mature maestro, Sachin Tendulkar will remain an icon. Universally recognised as among the
worlds greatest batsmen, he has finally decided to retire from all forms of cricket after delighting spectators home and away with his attractive innovative batting and humility. And what an innings -- from his Test debut in November 1989 against Pakistan in Karachi at the age of 16 to his swansong against the West Indies in Mumbai next month aged 40! His Test debut was a baptism of fire against the pace trio of Imran Khan, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. What can I write on Sachin which is not already written about? When he completed his 100th international century last year, seven books were written on him. I expect seven more on the eve of and after his final Test appearance. "All my life, I have had a dream of playing cricket for India. I have been living this dream every day for the last 24 years," Tendulkar said in a statement. "It's hard for me to imagine a life without playing cricket because it's all I have ever done since I was 11 years old. It's been a huge honour to have represented my country and played all over the world. I look forward to playing my 200th Test match on home soil, as I call it a day. "I thank the BCCI for everything over the years and for permitting me to move on when my heart feels it's time. I thank my family for their patience and understanding. Most of all, I thank my fans and well-wishers who through their prayers and wishes have given me the strength to go out and perform at my best." Rather than bore you with statistics which Sachin has dominated in the last two decades, Ill quote what eminent cricket personalities have written about him. The sign of greatness is when opponents pay you a complement. And when an Australian opponent showers praises on you, you are a legend. Steve Waugh, not known to give an inch to a rival, famously said, You take Don Bradman away and
Tendulkar is the next up, I reckon. Tendulkar hit his maiden Test century at Manchester against England in August 1990, aged 17. Englands notable author David Frith headlined his story Hail the Boy King and wrote, How could anyone so young be so good at the highest level? Then followed his tour of Australia in 1991-92 where he smashed magnificent centuries in the Sydney and Perth Tests. After his Sydney masterpiece, Australias legendary batsman Neil Harvey eulogised, He is the best player Ive seen since ages. I love the way he places the ball past fieldsmen and his back foot technique is superb. On a bouncing pitch on the WACA in Perth Sachin hit a captivating 114. This made Allan Border rave, If he can play like this at 19, I shudder to think what he will be at 25. What indeed! Even the great Bradman was moved to exclaim that Tendulkar bats more like him than all other batsmen he had watched. After Sachin received Man of the Match Award in the 1990 Manchester Test, Richie Benaud commented on TV, Well see a lot more centuries from his bat. I hope Ill be around to see them. Yes, Benaud has been around, himself a witness to almost half of Sachin Tendulkars 51 Test tons. Tributes poured in as he continued his journey to immortality. Last November he received the OAM from the then Australias Prime Minister Julia Gillard. In an editorial titled Hail the great Sachin Tendulkar, The Sydney Morning Herald wrote, A career like no other has closed. Save for Don Bradman there hasnt been a phenomenon in collective experience of the artist like Sachin Tendulkar. Incredibly, almost supernaturally, the master has fulfilled all but the wildest of predictions. I was lucky enough to applaud all his centuries and double centuries in the Sydney Tests. I consider myself blessed. Well played, Sachin, raise your bat.
Sachin centuries against cricket playing nations

Test Australia Sri Lanka South Africa England New Zealand West Indies Zimbabwe Pakistan Bangladesh Kenya Namibia 11 9 7 7 4 3 3 2 5 ODI 9 8 5 2 5 4 4 5 1 4 1
Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar: starting young.
The Kersi Meher-Homji Column
Sachin Tendulkars maiden international century came against England at Old Trafford in 1990. It was a Test saving ton and came within a year of his debut against Pakistan.
Australian cricket legend Sir Donald Bradman celebrated his 90th birthday with Sachin Tendulkar at his house in Adelaide in 1998. Cricket experts describe the Indian great as the worlds best batsman after Bradman.
Making Sachin Tendulkar immortal is his wax likeness at Madame Tussauds in London.
Sudhir Kumar Chaudhary from Bihar is perhaps the greatest Tendulkar fan.
Sachin with his wife Anjali. Their son Arjun, 13, has made a modest debut at local league cricket. His teammates hoist Sachin in the air after Indias 2011 World Cup win; the first Cup India won was in 1975.
Shastri pays tribute to Sardesai & BCCI

s it 2013 or late 1960s, or a dream, I pinched myself. I was in Mumbai in early September and was invited for Ravi Shastris Memorial Lecture on Dilip Sardesai at the Bombay Gymkhana. I was surrounded by former Test cricketers EAS Prasanna, Bishan Bedi, Bapu Nadkarni, Nari Contractor, Ajit Wadekar, Salim Durani, Anshuman Gaekwad, Madhav Mantri, Kenia Jayantilal..., most of them flying to Mumbai to pay their respects to the late Sardesai. Mantri was Sardesais mentor and Jayantilals Test debut coincided with Sardesais double century in Jamaica in 1971. And of course there was the tall Ravi Shastri, the keynote speaker. That means 10 cricketers who played Test cricket for India from 1950s to 1980s all in one room. Sardesai remains one of my favourite batsmen even though he passed away in 2007 at the age of 66. In 30 Tests he had scored 2001 runs at Cricket stars at VIVA GOAs Dilip Sardesai tribute in September 2013 in Mumbai. Sardesai 39.23 hitting five centuries. His highGoas only Test cricketer. (inset) Sardesai est Test score of 212 was against the West Indies in Jamaica in February 1971 Bhogle introduced the speaker in his inim- trated more on praising BCCI, Sharad where he captivated the spectators by hit- itable style and recounted humorous stories Pawar, the disgraced Lalit Modi and IPL. ting a six and 17 fours. He became the first involving Dilip Sardesai. Few of us know Wish he had spoken more on Sardesai the Indian to register a Test double century that Dilip was a prankster in the dressing cricketer and Dilip the man. room. At the end of the lecture, I asked against the Windies. To my disappointment, Shastri concen- Shastri his opinion when he had scored a Famous cricket commentator Harsha
double century in the January 1992 Sydney Test against Shane Warne on his debut. Ravi, what was your opinion on Warne then? I asked. Did you think that after his forgettable initiation of 1 for 150 in Sydney, Warne would become a Test legend? Shastri replied that he did see talent in the debutant Warne. I did not think that he would end up taking more than 700 Test wickets but I was sure he would capture 200 plus Test scalps. Then Shastri regaled the audience by saying tongue-in-cheek, Kersi, I owe that double century to your wife cooking dhan-saak for us at your home a few days before that innings! It was a pleasant journey down memory lane talking with the guests after the Lecture, especially the Test stars and friend Mehli Irani, the former Bombay Ranji Trophy player, Clayton Murzello, was the editor of Mid-Day and other journalists. But the real pleasure was meeting Dilips wife Nandini and son Rajdeep. I was elated when Nandini told me: I have preserved the beautiful article you had written on Dilip in The Illustrated Weekly of India in early 1960s.
BOOK REVIEW
Rare spotlight on umpires and scorers
his 500-page coffee table book is illustrated with colour and rare photographs and enlivened with cartons and paintings. It depicts a centenary history of the NSW Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association from 1913 to 2013. The birth of this Association was dotted with many false starts. The authors have put in years of research and have converted a drab subject into an interesting story. Umpires are the backbone of the game but noticed only when they make mistakes, hence the title. Call them the whipping boys of cricket. To some players they are the villains. Just ask the English cricketers in the past about Pakistani umpires, the Australians about Indian umpires, the Sri Lankans and Indians about Australian umpires and a quiet room is converted into a shouting gallery! The umpiring mistakes have resulted in riots in faraway places, from Mumbai to Sydney, West Indies to Pakistan, from here to eternity. With the appointment of neutral umpires, the angst against men in coats and counters has reduced but not completely. The recently concluded Ashes series in England was full of howlers despite the DRS (Decision Review System). Like them or hate them, we cant do without the umpires. Authors Jenkins and Cardwell trace the umpires history in an enlivening style rich in anecdotes. Former Test cricketer Brian Booth gives personal glimpses with umpires in an entertaining Foreword. The book is full of human angle stories. The research by authors Jenkins and Cardwell is mind-boggling. They say, The umpires have come from
No Dazzling Deeds with Bat or Ball, By DAVID JENKINS and RONALD CARDWELL, $60 (The Cricket Publishing Company, PO Box W27, West Pennant Hills, NSW 2125. Mob: 0432 699 937) different walks of life professional cricketers, Turkish bath operators, carriage builders, a trapeze artist, priests, accountants, bankers and teachers. Not to forget, Edmund Barton, Australias first Prime Minister. Even the future PM was once involved in a mini riot in Sydney. There are fascinating stories on noted Test umpires from NSW; George Borwick, Ted Wykes, Tom Brooks, the controversial Darrell Hair, Dick French, Simon Taufel... Who does not remember the controversy of the century between Sri Lankas master spinner Muttiah Muralitharan and Aussie
umpire Hair? There are also interesting stories on the invisible scorers. To quote the authors, It could be said that the scorers are an extension of the rope that links a cricket match together... The bowler delivers the ball, the batsman scores and the umpire oversees the whole process with the scorer recording the event. Ball by ball, how many runs did Michael Clarke score in how many minutes, off how many deliveries, with how many fours and sixes, the scorer notes down. Not easy. But who knows the name of the scorers? The book fills in the gap with stories and a vivid caricature of scorer William Davies from an 1842 MCC collection. I personally knew David Sherwood, the eminent Test scorer as I chatted with him in the press box of the Sydney Cricket Ground. His sad and untimely death in 1985 at the age of 73 caught many by surprise. Another scorer I knew and admired was Ernie Cosgrove. Genial and knowledgeable, he scored in over 120 first-class matches including 19 Tests at the SCG. His passing away at an early age is a personal loss to me. The scorers area in the Bradman Stand recognises the life of Cosgrove. These days it is a pleasure to ask detailed scores from modern scorers Merilyn Fowler and Narelle Johnson at the SCG. The Appendix gives lists of umpires at Grade, first-class and Test levels, as also the Award winners. My one criticism: I wish the authors had given their and the umpires views on todays hotly-debated Decision Review System and the hot spot controversy.
Rare Stats
he recent Chittagong Test between New Zealand and Bangladesh had one unique and three interesting records. Bangladesh's Sohag Gazi became the only player to score a century and take a hat-trick in the same Test. Seven others, Johnny Briggs (England), Wasim Akram and Abdul Razzaq (Pakistan), Harbhajan Singh and Irfan Pathan (India), James Franklin (New Zealand) and Stuart Broad (England) did manage a century and a hat-trick in Test cricket but not in the same Test. Only two have scored a century and taken a hat-trick in the same first-class match twice, Mike Procter for Gloucestershire and Sohig Gazi for Barisal and Bangladesh. Two No.8 batsmen scored centuries in the same Test; Gazi for Bangladesh and Bradley-John Watling for New Zealand in the Chittagong Test this October. This is only the third such instance in Test history; Ray Lindwall (Australia) and Clairmonte Depeiaza (West Indies) in the Bridgetown 1955 Test and Zimbabwe's Paul Strang and Wasim Akram for Pakistan in the 1996 Sheikhupura Test. Incidentally, Wasim had hit 257 not out in that Test, the highest by any no. 8 in Test history.

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November - December 2013

Shanali Martin the changing face of beauty in Australia

02 THE INDIAN DOWN UNDER November - December 2013

November - December 2013 THEINDIANDOWNUNDER 03

04 THE INDIAN DOWN UNDER November - December 2013

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06 THE INDIAN DOWN UNDER November - December 2013

Pravasi Divas recognises Indian presence in Australia

BJPs PM candidate Narendra Modi.

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India spreads its wings in Asia-Pacific region

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Diwali debuts at Times Square

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Rishi Desais family watching him in action in the contest.

Rishi Desai in the Masterchef kitchen

November-December 2013 THE INDIAN DOWN UNDER 15

Wow what a night!

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Madhuri Dixit danced into the hearts of all.

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Seniors delegation from Delhi visits Australia

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Language studyHave your say

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