Indian Weekender 24 October 2014

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24 October 2014
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The
Celebration
Continues
24 October, 2014 Vol. 6 Issue 14 | www.iwk.co.nz
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The
Celebration
Continues
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Heres an extra reason
to celebrate Diwali.
Send us your stories or photos of your family and friends enjoying the
Festival of Lights, and the two top entries will win 10 grams of pure gold
each (plus one runner up will win 5 grams of gold).
Send your entry to diwali@asb.co.nz with your name and address.
The entries will be judged on 3 November 2014 and the winners
notied on 7 November 2014.
Happy Diwali from everyone at ASB.
Succeed on.
Terms and conditions apply. For more details visit asb.co.nz/diwali.
asb.co.nz/diwali
2014 Diwali message from Rt Hon John Key
Happy Diwali.
The Diwali Festival of Lights is a celebration that brings together New Zealanders from all
walks of life.
I always enjoy attending Diwali celebrations. The delicious Indian food, exciting
performances, and warm and welcoming spirit make it a wonderful family occasion. I hope
you enjoy this years Diwali celebrations.
Diwali is an important celebration for both Indian New Zealanders and New Zealanders of
all ages and ethnic backgrounds.
It is an opportunity to recognise the growing contribution our Indian communities make to
our success as a nation.
As Prime Minister, I value the strong relationship the National-led Government has with
our Indian communities.
National will also continue to work hard on the issues that matter to New Zealanders.
Over the past six years we have been transparent and straightforward about our decisions
and the direction we have taken, and we will continue to do what we said we would do.
I am optimistic and ambitious for all New Zealanders. I hope you enjoy celebrating Diwali,
best wishes for the year ahead.
Rt Hon John Key
Prime Minister
DIWALI GREETINGS
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HOW WE CELEBRATE?
We Eat. We love. We Pray. And thats how we usher in the festivities
Paula Ray, Maya Shivam and
Swati Sharma
T
here are many important things in life.
Learning, growing, loving and exploring
are things that each of us should take time out
for. Celebrations add excitement and to live a
life flled with regular doses of celebrations
big or small - makes it worth living.
We celebrate a variety of causes. But when
celebrations are coupled with festivals, they
somehow become brighter and more joyous.
They become the reason for friends and family
members to come together, to dress up, to shop,
to cook, to eat together, to dance to popular tunes.
Indian Weekender decided to take on a journey
to fnd out how we Kiwi-Indians celebrate
our festivals away from our home country. It
turns out, be it India or New Zealand, we like
to celebrate and we do it in all its glory, pomp
and splendour. We dont hold back, whether it is
shopping, dressing, eating or simply partying. In
our special feature, we bring you some aspects
of the big fat Indian celebration and accounts of
festivities from some of our readers. Needless
to say, the underlying favour of the feature still
remains Diwali.
Ankit Kumar Ahir, Mt Roskill
Navratri is the biggest festival of the year for
us Gujaratis. Even though we are far away from
our country, I always celebrate this festival.
While in India I used to fast on all nine days.
But here everyone is busy in their work. Still
I do fast, not for all nine days, but at least for
one day during Navratri. Different temples and
community associations organize Garba and
Dandiya during the festival days. I go there with
my friends and enjoy the dance. I offer puja
and aarti for all nine days at my home. Other
than that, Diwali is also a major
festival. I light diyas at
home on Diwali. We
dont usually get
leave from
work to
celebrate
the festival
on the exact
day. But like this
year, when we get a
long weekend, I usually go
out with my friend and we party.
Manpreet Kaur Bains, New Lynn
For me Diwali and our Ten Guru Sahibs
birthdays are the major festivals of the year.
Although our work schedule doesnt allow us
to celebrate all festivals like we used to do in
India, whenever I get a chance I try
to make the best of it. On
Diwali, after fnishing
work I go to
Gu r u d wa r a
Sahib at
Takanini,
whe r e
w e
l i st en
t o
Gu r b a n i
and Kirtan.
We light diyas,
we have langar and
then at the end, watch
amazing freworks. I also go
shopping with my friends. Festivals are
the only days when we get a chance to meet
our people, our friends and families here in
Auckland. With such a busy schedule, it is big
thing for me if I get time to go to Gurudwara on
a festival day.
Ekta Singh, New Lynn
As my brother and his family live in
Auckland, I visit them on festivals. We cook
different dishes and enjoy yummy food, like we
used to in Mumbai. I am originally from Nepal
and I do not have a strong bonding with other
people here as I had some bad experiences in
my early days. I feel shy getting along with new
people. It takes me time to trust them. I have
made very few friends in three years of being in
New Zealand. But I love partying with my very
few friends. I love Holi, the festival of colors,
and I miss the Indian way of celebrating these
festivals.
Gaurav Naik, New Lynn
My way of celebrating festivals is hostel
type. We are six roommates at our home and all
are from different parts of India. Though I am
Marathi from Goa, most of my friends are north
Indian. So together we end up celebrating almost
all festivals. The major festival of the year for me
is Ganesh Chaturthi. I am completely vegetarian
for all fve days of this festival. Unlike the rest
of the year, I offer prayers regularly on these
fve days. My roommates have become my
family here. We make sweets at home, enjoy
music and dance. I am a chef and always busy
at work. I dont even get a chance to visit the
temple. In three years I have been to the temples
only twice.
One thing that I think also limits the
festival celebration options here is the fact that
community organisations do not focus on other
festivals other than Diwali. There are other
major Indian festivals too like Holi, Vaisakhi,
Ganesh Chaturthi, Durga puja. The council
celebrates Diwali on such a large scale, so we
end up celebrating only that festival. If not
council, then at least community organisations
must focus other festivals too. If they celebrate
those festivals, then it is limited to their network
only. There isnt much publicity and hence we
miss those celebrations.
SPECIAL FEATURE
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24 October 2014
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LEGAL ASSOCIATES
Sachin Sen, organiser of Puja Sangha Inc.
Durga puja is our festival and we mainly
spend it by cooking together and eating together.
Our Puja Sangha group was formed by Bengalis
from Bangladesh and what comes as a novelty is
the intermingling with Calcutta-based Bengalis.
I came to NZ in 1996 and we started our puja
from 1997. In those days, we had about 40-50
families and now we are reduced to four or fve
families; most of them have moved to other
countries. We got the Durga idol from Calcutta.
Since there is no immersion, we continue to
worship the same idol.
One weekend we celebrate Durga puja and
the following weekend Probasee and Nandan
associations celebrate puja. This way we get to
visit each others festivities and also have the
celebrations over four days.
Kranthi Naraharisetty, Auckland Central
I am originally from Hyderabad and we
celebrate three days of Deepavali. We actually
do Laxmi puja on Diwali. We follow our
customs just as we do in India, very religiously.
But, unlike India, we cannot put diyas outside
the apartment; we have to keep them inside.
Yes, we light traditional clay diyas.
Arijit Chakraborty, Mount Albert
Festivals to me are all about eating. I try to
attend some Durga pujas and Diwali celebrations
in Auckland. But my friends and I invariably
end up at restaurants. On Durga puja we did
go to a puja, but it was not interesting enough.
So we went to an Indian restaurant and merrily
gorged on yummy food. At Auckland Diwali
Festival, we loved the panipuris and dahipuris.
Yes, some of the performances were good too.
Soby Bernard Thomas, secretary of
Auckland Malayali Samajam
For the last 15 years, we have been celebrating
Malayali festivals in Auckland. Initially, it was
a challenge to establish our identity and our
culture. That stage is over. Now we are part of
the multicultural fabric of Auckland. During
festivals, we look back at our cultural roots
and follow customs. Our celebrations ft in
with our work culture. We struggle to fnd time
and stretch ourselves. But the basic purpose of
these celebrations is to teach our kids about our
culture, understand our values, even if it means
we need to skewer our schedule a little bit.only.
There isnt much publicity and hence we miss
those celebrations.
Sachin Sen, organiser of Puja Sangha Inc.
Durga puja is our festival and we mainly
spend it by cooking together and eating together.
Our Puja Sangha group was formed by Bengalis
from Bangladesh and what comes as a novelty is
the intermingling with Calcutta-based Bengalis.
I came to NZ in 1996 and we started our puja
from 1997. In those days, we had about 40-50
families and now we are reduced to four or fve
families; most of them have moved to other
countries. We got the Durga idol from Calcutta.
Since there is no immersion, we continue to
worship the same idol.
One weekend we celebrate Durga puja and
the following weekend Probasee and Nandan
associations celebrate puja. This way we get to
visit each others festivities and also have the
celebrations over four days.
Kranthi Naraharisetty, Auckland Central
I am originally from Hyderabad and we
celebrate three days of Deepavali. We actually
do Laxmi puja on Diwali. We follow our
customs just as we do in India, very religiously.
But, unlike India, we cannot put diyas outside
the apartment; we have to keep them inside.
Yes, we light traditional clay diyas.
Arijit Chakraborty, Mount Albert
Festivals to me are all about eating. I try to
attend some Durga pujas and Diwali celebrations
in Auckland. But my friends and I invariably
end up at restaurants. On Durga puja we did
go to a puja, but it was not interesting enough.
So we went to an Indian restaurant and merrily
gorged on yummy food. At Auckland Diwali
Festival, we loved the panipuris and dahipuris.
Yes, some of the performances were good too.
Soby Bernard Thomas, secretary of
Auckland Malayali Samajam
For the last 15 years, we have been celebrating
Malayali festivals in Auckland. Initially, it was
a challenge to establish our identity and our
culture. That stage is over. Now we are part of
the multicultural fabric of Auckland. During
festivals, we look back at our cultural roots
and follow customs. Our celebrations ft in
with our work culture. We struggle to fnd time
and stretch ourselves. But the basic purpose of
these celebrations is to teach our kids about our
culture, understand our values, even if it means
we need to skewer our schedule a little bit.
SPECIAL FEATURE
www.iwk.co.nz
24 October 2014
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Red Black Orange
Its ladoos over chocolates
for Indians during Diwali
Rahul Vaishnavi
D
espite stiff competition from attractively
packed imported chocolates, fancy
cookies, cakes, and muffns on every Diwali,
branded traditional
Indian sweets - a market
estimated at Rs.49,000
crore ($8 billion) - have
not only managed to
hold on to their own
but have witnessed
a steady rise in sales
due to an expanding
market, rising incomes
and, most importantly,
the emotional value
associated with them,
outlet owners say.
Sweets like kaju
katli (sweet cake made
of cashew nut powder
and sugar), patisa (sweet faky cakes of gram
four), mysore pak (sweet small cakes made
from butter, sugar and gram four), badam
halwa (fried four cooked with sugar syrup
and ghee and topped with almonds) and gulab
jamun (fried dough balls soaked in sugar syrup)
are high on the preference list of Indians this
festive season.
All types of barfs, especially kaju barf
along with patisa and gulab jamun, are selling
in good numbers as they are premium sweets
and also have a long shelf life of around 15
days, Deepta Gupta, executive vice president
of sweets and savouries maker Bikanerwala
Foods, told Media.
Gupta acknowledged the rising market
share of sweets like cookies, cakes, dougnuts,
and the latest rage - macaroons - that are being
sold by several upscale bakeries all over the city
and have particularly
caught the fancy of
youngsters who may
fnd the traditional
Indian sweets boring.
But the market is
expanding and there
is space for everyone.
Moreover, the branded
sweets market has
increased by around
30 percent this Diwali
season as compared to
last year, Gupta added.
Moreover, laddoos
will always have an
emotional bond with
Indians as compared to chocolates as mithais
(sweets) are a part of our culture, he said.
However, growing at a CAGR of about
25 percent, Indias chocolate industry size is
currently worth about Rs 5,000 crore and is
likely to cross Rs 7,500 crore mark in the next
couple of years.
Besides, Indias per-capita chocolate
consumption is hovering at about 100 grams
and urban centres account for 35 percent of the
chocolate consumption in the country.
Cadbury is leading the pack with about 70
percent market share followed by Nestle, Amul,
Ferrero Rocher, Toblerone.
SPECIAL FEATURE
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24 October 2014
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Diwali dressing: Ditch Anarkalis, try cleaner cuts
F
loor-length and fared Anarkali suits have
been a rage in fashion circuits for a while.
This festive season, go for a change and glam
up your wardrobe with more defned A-line
kurtas, pants or kurtis with skirts.
The reason why anarkalis were appreciated
heavily till last year was because it served great
on the Indian body types, but the
mindset is shifting towards more
clean cuts and patterns, feel
experts.
Anarkalis are big no this
season as no one wants to
buy such cuts this season. Go
for A-line and asymmetrical
kurtas as they are back in
trend, says designer Samant
Chauhan
But be very careful when
choosing the outfts.
While choosing the A-line
silhouette, a person can look for
the appropriate sized fare and
ease, especially the cut. A person
can easily skip dupatta with an A line-
kurti, and instead opt for fared bottoms
to add feminine character to their look,
says designer Swapnil Shinde
Tunics with high slits also look great when
paired with fared palazzos and skirts, and a
sharara would add more feel to the traditional
look. However, a person
with a larger size, should
avoid high slits and lot of
fare, and should go for
straight ft trousers or
salwars, he added.
If one is not satisfed
with the above options,
then try A-line Jaipuri
skirts with short kurtis
instead of churidars and
anarkalis.
Such dressing will
give you a beautiful and
sober look, says designer
Reynu Taandon.
While the shades of white has been
predicted as the favourite colour
for the forthcoming season, but
keeping in mind the fascination
for colours amongst
Indian women, one can
experiment with bright
hues like blue, orange
and pink.
However,
avoid overdoing
everything!
Overdoing your
look is a gone trend.
Women nowadays
prefer tone on tone
embroideries, lighter
colour tones and
palettes. Experimenting
with colours like ivory,
overall metallic look in
gunmetal, vintage champagne,
gold and silver, metallic tones of
dull copper and olive, can give you a subtle yet
elegant look, said designer
Pam Mehta.
In terms of the
fabric, go for georgette
over chiffon for an
A-line kurti, as it has
heavier fall. Also, silk and
net can be tried.
And yes, festivity does
not only mean clothes -- it
also means choosing the
right accessories.
Big chunky karas (broad
bangles) with ghungroos,
customised head pieces,
haatphools, crystal belts, arm
bands and chand-balis add to the look and make
your outft complete. Also, branded clutches,
Indian potlis and pouches with vintage
embroideries add that zing to your outft, said
Mehta.
So what are you waiting for? Try these
quick tips from designers and dont forget to
smile that is the best accessory a woman can
wear.

SPECIAL FEATURE
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24 October 2014
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The diya and its avatars
Paula Ray
N
o festive fabric is complete without the
decoration of lights, especially so if
its Diwali. Patterns are created by colours,
motifs or in combination with other customary
artefacts of worship.
Traditionally, clay diyas formed
the crux of such decorations.
Children would sit around
and make diyas out of
clay and paint them in
bright colours. Then the
elders would fll them
up with oil or ghee and
roll wicks out of cotton
wool, place them in the
diyas and light them
after sun-down.
This practice was very
soon replaced by readymade diyas
bought from the market. Every year, a few
weeks before Diwali, the market would be
flled with diyas of every size and painted in
every possible colour combinations. They
made things easier on festive days all you had
to do was buy them, fll them up with oil, place
a wick (also bought readymade) and fnally,
place the diyasto design patterns.
Soon after, the ghee and the wick became
too cumbersome to deal with and got replaced
by tea-lights. Instead of ghee, the tin tubs
would be flled with wax and a wick would
sit securely in the centre. The best part of tea-
lights was the fact that you could place them
inside decorated pots or candle holders. This
prompted the market to invest on innovative
holders decorated in fancy colours,
shapes and sizes rather than the
tea-light itself. All you did was
buy the holder of your choice,
place the tea-light inside it
and light it to complete your
decoration.
Cut to the present.
Tea-lights are too
risky. We dont want
fre around us when
children are running
around and having fun.
So now we have LEDs.
They run on battery and can be waterproof. The
LEDs themselves come in different shapes:
sticks, foral, revolving, etc. Or you can simply
place an LED in the shape of a tea-light inside
one of those holders. To retain the touch of the
yore, the holders are sometimes even made
out of clay. The variants are endless;how you
combine the alternatives, refects your unique
aesthetics.
SPECIAL FEATURE
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SPECIAL FEATURE
THIS MONTHS SPECIAL
at the gateau house
More cakes are available for
Birthday, Wedding and special occasions
the gateau house
www.gateauhouse.com
Queen Street, CBD High Street, CBD Newmarket
Dannemora Henderson Glenfield
GREEN TEA CHIFFON GATEAU
Special $35 only
offer valid only 01/10/2014 - 31/10/2014
KUMARA FRESH CREAM LOG
Normally $23 | Now $18 only
offer valid only 16/10/2014 - 31/10/2014
Travellers Diwali Top six places to celebrate
Maya Shivam
Diwali in India is celebrated over a period of fve days to honour the triumph of good over evil. It also marks the arrival
of the Hindu New Year. The fve days constituting Diwali are Dhanteras, Chhoti Diwali, Badi Diwali, Goverdhan Puja and
BhaiDooj. If you plan to travel during Diwali then you must remember one important point. The quintessence of Diwali
can be experienced only if you participate in the carnival with the local people. The top six Diwali destinations are:
The capital city of India can be a little overwhelming at the best of
times and during Diwali is no exception, which makes it a fascinating
experience, a treat for the senses.Diwali in Delhi starts from Dussehra
itself. Visit any market place and you will fnd banners and placards
everywhere. The major commercial centres of Delhi get packed with
shoppers and shopping offers. People start to splurge on new clothes,
gifts, fruits, sweets and frecrackers for the preparation of Dhanteras
and Diwali. Delhi is possibly also the food capital and you can indulge
in the any yummy treat that your heart desires. The numerous shopping
malls also come alive and are immensely decorated.
The Golden Temple of Amritsar is draped with brightly lit diyas on the
Diwali evening making it an extravagant spectacle for the onlookers. The
refection of the diyas on the water creates a truly magical environment.
The planning of the festival starts, however, weeks in advance. Each
house is decorated with leaves, fowers and other pretty items with
rangolis featuring on the entrance. All the locals prepare various
sweets and dishes to share them with friends, relatives, neighbours and
community. The Diwali night sees spectacular freworks lighting up the
night sky. Also known for its food, you see the locales enjoy different
foods everywhere and the air is flled with aromas that are truly diffcult
to resist.
A
m
r
i
t
s
a
r
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24 October 2014
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SPECIAL FEATURE
J
a
i
p
u
r
V
a
r
a
n
a
s
i
O
ne of the cherished moments of your life will be to have a slice of
Pink Citys version of Diwali. The city, a popular tourist destination
is decorated in all the available colours found in a dreamers palette. If
you explore the highly embellished markets, you will fnd at least 2000
different varieties of earthen lamps in the form of deities all over town.
Handicrafts, frecrackers, gift items, and local traditional clothes also food
the marts during Diwali. Each year, notably, a contest is held to award the
best-decorated market.
A beautiful city to visit at any time of year and a major trading centre,
Jaipur is abuzz during Diwali. In Jaipur Diwali starts with great fervour
on Dhanteras, as Dhanteras is the day of Kubera, the Lord of Wealth, he is
worshipped along with Lakshmi (the Goddess of Wealth). People in Jaipur
fock to markets to buy metal objects as it is considered auspicious; anything
goes from gold coins, jewelry, electronics to cars. The celebrations then reach
a peak on Diwali day (or Amavasya) and continue until Bhaidhuj.
C
onsidered by many to be one of the most spiritual places on earth,Diwali
in Varanasi is just beautiful. The ghats come alive with diyas that are lit
and then foated on the Ganges. This just adds to the atmosphere in this already
beautiful ancient town, making it one of the best places to see Diwali. Varanasi
can be an experience of a lifetime a journey for the soul.
It is even worthwhile visiting Varanasi after Diwali, as they celebrate this
festival in a unique way. The festival of Diwali culminates on KartikPurnima
(the day of the full moon) which falls ffteen days after Diwali. This occasion is
called Dev Diwali (the Diwali of the Gods or Festival of Lights of the Gods)
and is celebrated with much pomp and pageantry.
More than a million earthen lamps (diyas) are lit on the steps of the ghats
that line the bank of the river Ganges, right from RavidasGhat at the southern
end to Rajghat. Locals decorate their houses with oil lamps and rangoli (colored
designs made with powder and wheat four) at their front door and frecrackers
are exploded at night. There are also processions of decorated deities on the
streets of Varanasi. The lamps are set afoat on the Ganges. It really is a magical
experience to watch.
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SPECIAL FEATURE
M
u
m
b
a
i
K
o
l
k
a
t
a
T
he city that never sleeps - is an exciting city to visit at any time of year,
but it really does come alive during Diwali. Located on the Arabian
Sea, there are plenty of great vantage points to watch freworks including
Marine Drive. The entire market area in South Mumbai is lit up and a great
place to witness some frenzied buying and selling. Even the large shopping
malls across Mumbai are brightly decorated, and if you visit them on the
actual day of Diwali make sure you dress up.
There are also plenty of places to see where the lamps and lanterns are
actually made and sold.
Needless to say, that a country like India with its rich and diverse cultural
heritage is a visitors paradise anytime of the year, but what better time than
Diwali to visit and immerse yourself in the festivities.
Shyama Puja or Kali Puja is Kolkatas answer to Diwali. The date of

the puja coincides with Diwali. According to the Hindu mythology, Kali
is treated as the Shakti (i.e. the goddess of Power). During the puja, which
generally takes place at midnight, people decorate their houses and do beautiful
rangoli patterns at the entrance of their house to welcome the Goddess and try to
appease her with live offering of lamb or buffalo. The prasad (i.e. food offered
to the deity) is then shared among the devotees. A day prior to the puja, little
candles, diyas, and small-decorated electric bulbs, light up the city of joy. On
the day of the puja, frecrackers cover the sky displaying a fascinating array of
freworks.
Information collated fromtraveliq.comand travelmike.com
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24 October 2014
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NEW ZEALAND
Best Wishes for a Very Happy Diwali and
a Prosperous Hindu New Year.
May your lives be filled with Health,
Wealth, Happiness and Prosperity.
From Dr Kanti & Mrs Ranjna Patel and
all of us at Nirvana Health Group
NEW CLINIC OPEN NOW
ETHC Takanini
30 Walters Road, Takanini (near The Warehouse)
8:30am 6pm (Mon - Fri) | 9am 1pm (Sat)
New patients welcome
Free consultations for enrolled children aged 17 and under
Free ACC consultations No appointment needed
For more info call: 274-7823 or visit: www.ethc.co.nz
SOUTH
Airport Oaks 149, Kirkbride Road, Airport Oaks
Bairds Road 160 Bairds Road, Otara
Chapel Park 160 Chapel Road, Chapel Park
Clendon 459 Roscommon Road, Clendon
Dannemora 1 Redcastle Drive, Dannemora
Dawson Road 124 Dawson Road, Chapel Downs
East Tamaki 275 East Tamaki Road, East Tamaki
Hill Road 7 Hill Road, Manurewa
Mangere Bridge 41 Coronation Road, Mangere Bridge
Mangere Town Centre 10 Waddon Place, Mangere
Otara Mall 120 East Tamaki Road, Otara
Takanini 30 Walters Road, Takanini
Te Puea Marae Clinic 34 Miro Road, Mangere Bridge
Weymouth 235 Browns Road, Manurewa
CENTRAL
Glen Innes 5 Mayfair Place, Glen Innes
Otahuhu 15 - 23 Station Road, Otahuhu
Sandringham 546 Sandringham Road, Sandringham
Sylvia Park Level 1, Shop N215, 286 Mt Wellington Highway,
Mt Wellington
Mt ROSKILL
Mt. Roskill 445 Richardson Road, Mt Roskill
Stoddard Road 20 Stoddard Road, Mt Roskill
WEST
Lincoln Road 131 Lincoln Road, Henderson
Ranui 421 Swanson Road, Ranui
Wai Health Clinic Cnr Edsel &C atherine Streets,
Henderson
Unity is
strength
T
he New Zealand Indian Central Association
(NZICA) established in 1926 with three
Branches of Indian Association throughout
New Zealand has now ten Full Branches, one
Associate Branch, fve Associate Members and
one Probationary Associate Member. Members
of NZICA Inc. have worked relentlessly in the
last 88 years creating a good living environment
for Indians in New Zealand.
Having an established track record of 88
years existence NZICA Inc. takes the lead role
in association with all other Indian groups to
raise collective voice for the wider Indian
Community. Recently NZICA Inc. had a
united voice against the racial comments by
Wellington DJ, Changes to cremation laws
by Auckland Council and had also arranged
Kiwi Indian Conclave to have a dialogue
with the political parties on various issues of
National interest by Indian Community. All
these events were arranged with various Indian
organisations / groups and News media to raise
a united voice.
Be self-respectful and voice your concerns
about any discriminations. Get support for
Immigration, Superannuation, Law and Order,
Safety, Health and Welfare or any other
related matter. Be responsible, responsive
and participate in feedback process for any
Legislation and above all be a part of the change
that you want to see.
You may reach NZICA by becoming a
member of any of our branches or associate
members namely Auckland Indian Association,
Pukekohe Indian Association, Waikato Indian
Association, Country Section NZ Indian
Association, Bay of Plenty Indian Association,
Taranaki Indian Association, Central Districts
Indian Association, Wellington Indian
Association, Christchurch Indian Association,
Manukau Indian Association, Punjabi Cultural
Association, NZ Kannada Koota, NZ Telgu
Association, NZ Probasee Bengali Association,
Muthtamil Sangam, Auckland Marathi
Association and Malayali Samajam
Important issues dealt with through the
years such as Immigration, Race relations,
Discrimination, Human Rights, Health
And Welfare, Law and Order, Promotion of
Indian Cultural Events, Suppression of white
league, Portability of retirement pension,
Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI), Political
representation in NZ, Equal Opportunity,
Indian TV in NZ as well as Indian News Media
Newspapers and radio broad cast.
In the current census Indian community
has grown up to 160,000 comprising of people
from all states within India. NZICA Inc.
encourages all the people of Indian origin
to enrol themselves as members of Indian
Associations or groups and raise a collective
voice.
For more information please visit our
website www.nzindians.org.nz
For any further information please
contact General Secretary NZICA
Email: secretary@nzindians.org.nz,
Phone: 022 399 0322
The Gita goes
to New Zealand
Parliament
Mahesh Bindra, frst Indian MP from New Zealand First,
was sworn in as Member of Parliament today. It was a
proud moment for every Kiwi-Indian, as he held the Hindu
scripture The Gita in his hands while swearing in and taking
the oath in Maori language. Bindra is among the three Kiwi-
Indians leaders who made it to the Parliament this year. We
look forward to more representation of our community and
improved engagement at the national level.
www.iwk.co.nz
24 October 2014
12
Red Black Orange
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MAYORALDRIVE
News f rom t he Counci l
Simpler hearings tools
to be developed for
navigation
H
elp is at hand for submitters to the
Auckland Unitary Plan hearings who
are having diffculties understanding and
navigating the hearings process.
The Independent Hearings Panel considering
the more than 9500 submissions and a further
3500 further submissions says its important
that the process encourages everyone to be
involved.
One mis-conception is that submitters
can only take part in the hearings process if
they have legal counsel, expert witnesses and
evidence.
The chair of the Independent Hearings
Panel, Judge David Kirkpatrick, said this most
defnitely is not the case and while this was
explained in documents on the Panels website,
it needs to be highlighted.
We want it to be as simple as possible
for submitters to participate, said Judge
Kirkpatrick.
The Unitary Plan
process is big and
complicated its a
complete review of
the regional policy
statement, four
regional plans and
seven district plans
but submitters can
keep it relatively
simple if they want
to.
This will all be
available by the end of October.
Panel staff are available to help submitters
with questions and guidance through contact
at info@aupihp.govt.nz or 09 979 5566
Auckland Council
gets its teeth
into Kai Auckland
H
undreds of people across Auckland are
sitting down to share community meals
this week as part of the launch of Kai Auckland.
Kai Auckland is being led by Aucklanders
who have collectively identifed healthy, home
grown food can nourish their communities, is
more budget friendly, creates connection in
their neighbourhoods and will help solve food
scarcity.
These people and their community groups
want to connect, share and grow a stronger,
healthier, more equitable food system through
a number of initiatives including food hubs,
school programmes, access to local food and
enterprising opportunities and activities where
people can eat and celebrate food.
Auckland Council is happy to be
supporting Kai Auckland because this city is
facing signifcant food related social problems
including hunger, poor nutrition and obesity,
says Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse.
Better knowledge about food can
lead to adults and children eating well,
performing better in their lives, connecting
with their neighbours and feeling better about
themselves.
Around 20 community groups and
individuals took part in the Kai Auckland
community meals launch held to coincide with
International Food Day on October 16th.
Air Quality Bylaw to
tackle air pollution
A
uckland Councils Regulatory and Bylaws
Committee adopted a draft Air Quality
Bylaw today to tackle Aucklands air pollution.
The proposed bylaw has been recommended as
a way of meeting national air quality standards,
as required by the Government.
In winter, 75 percent of Aucklands air
pollution is due to fne particulate emissions
(PM10) from open fres and old, non-compliant
wood burners. The inhaling of fne particles -
which can lodge in the lungs - has raised the
level of respiratory illness in the region, a
surprise to many who thought that vehicles
or industry pollution was to blame. The
proposed Air Quality Bylaw will focus on
the management of indoor fres to reduce the
emissions of these fne particles into our air.
It is hard to comprehend that the warmth
emanating from that wood fre we enjoy on
a cold winter night is the cause of serious
health issues. By concentrating on the air
pollution culprit in winter - indoor fres - we
will not only achieve
cleaner air, we will
be well on our way
to meeting national
air quality standards,
says Calum Penrose,
Chair, Regulatory and
Bylaws Committee.
The committee
held a robust
discussion about
the various
i mp l e me n t a t i o n
timings of the bylaw and Councillor Penrose
was pleased with the resulting recommendation
of prohibiting both open fres and older wood
burners (pre-2005) in October 2018. This
will allow homeowners and landlords time to
consider alternative heating sources.
All regional councils are required
to monitor air pollution levels to ensure
particle concentrations are within National
Environmental Standards for Air Quality
(AQNES) requirements and that we identify any
areas - airsheds - where air quality may exceed
standards. The Ministry for the Environment
now requires all councils to meet the AQNES
standards with no more than one exceedance
per year in a region by 2016.
The bylaw is expected to be tabled at
Auckland Councils Governing Body meeting
later this month. Calls for public submissions
will begin on 10 November.

NEW ZEALAND
www.iwk.co.nz
24 October 2014
13
Red Black Orange
POWER COLUMN
Less talk, lets start building houses
T
he government and numerous experts say
the housing crisis is complex. No it isnt.
What they have failed to do is focus on the
need to address supply and demand.
Buzzwords like social housing are being
used by the government as it focuses on its end
goal of privatising state housing. It has no time
for a practical and worthwhile solution.
The government has not added to the supply
of houses in its six years in offce and they have
done little to reduce demand immigration is
at a record level.
What is needed is an urgent solution with
tens of thousands of housing being built.
We must do away with the negative talk. We
need the will to solve this quickly. In wartime
and after catastrophes we have demonstrated
we can take quick action. The lack of housing
is a crisis that needs similar attention. Tens
of thousands are waiting for state houses
and thousands are renting because of the
ridiculously high house prices.
And the housing crisis is hitting a cross
section of New Zealanders not just people out
of work, but many two-wage households.
In a decent society like New Zealand there
is no place for workers and their families to be
forced to live in a car or for children to be ill
because their home is of a poor standard. The
taxpayer bears the cost of dealing with the
consequences of poverty, better for us to pay
the cost upfront of housing everyone. There
will be a massive, positive spinoff.
A decent home makes it easier for a person
to pick themselves up in life.
New Zealand First wants to see a big
build of houses. Jobs will be created not for
migrant workers, as has happened in dairying
and the Christchurch Rebuild, but jobs targeted
at Kiwis who want to learn a trade or who
need the confdence that comes from being part
of the workforce.
Industry will get a huge boost, at all levels,
from planning, supply and delivery of materials
to trade work.
A new supply of houses will reduce housing
demand, relieving pressure on out of control
housing prices.
Only good can come when every New
Zealander has a decent place to call home.
Winston Peters
NZ First leader
Opening of Parliament
I
ts great to be part of a strong, stable National-
led Government. Im particularly looking
forward to the opening of the 51st Parliament
next week (20-21 October) when I will be
sworn in along with 59 other National MPs.
The opening of Parliament signals the start
of a busy time leading up to Christmas as the
John Key-led Government gets on with the job
of locking in the gains our country has made in
the past six years.
The formal opening of Parliament, with all
its pomp, will be carried out in two ceremonies.
On Monday (20 October) the Chief Justice, the
President of the Court of Appeal and the Chief
High Court Judge act as Royal commissioners
and declare Parliament open on the Governor-
Generals behalf. MPs will be sworn in and the
Speaker elected.
The next morning (21 October) is the State
Opening of Parliament at which the Governor-
General will give the Speech from the Throne
in the Legislative Council Chamber. The
speech outlines the National-led Governments
legislative and policy plans for this term.
In the afternoon MPs begin the Address-
in-Reply debate in the House. In this 19-hour
debate Government MPs will reiterate our
plan to support growth, more jobs and higher
incomes, and provide opportunities for New
Zealanders and their families to get ahead.
Its great to see that two of our 14 new
MPs will lead off the debate with their maiden
speeches. List MP Chris Bishop will move the
Address-in-Reply and Taranaki-King Country
MP Barbara Kuriger will second it.
Nationals priorities for this term include
working for Kiwi families by investing in
teacher quality, free doctors visits for under-
13s, extending paid parental leave, and helping
more Kiwis into their frst home.
The KiwiSaver HomeStart Grant will
double support a frst home buyer can get if
they are buying or building a new home, which
will encourage the supply of more affordable
new housing.
We also want to increase the provision of
social housing for the most at-risk, low-income
New Zealanders, with community housing
providers playing a bigger role.
Its important to lift our long-term growth
rate and well help do this by continuing to
diversify and build productivity in the economy.
This includes passing the Employment
Relations Bill to ensure fexible labour markets
that create more jobs for Kiwis, and reforming
the Resource Management Act to provide more
certainty, timeliness, and cost-effectiveness in
decision-making.
We will work for local communities by
continuing to supporting more Kiwis from
welfare to work because full-time, sustainable
work is the best way to lift families out of
poverty. Well continue to reduce crime, and
invest in better roads, broadband, and public
transport.
Nationals clear plan is about working for
New Zealand, delivering sustainable economic
growth, and helping households get ahead.
Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi
National List MP
www.iwk.co.nz
24 October 2014
14
Red Black Orange
NEW ZEALAND
www.national.org.nz
AUCKLAND OFFI CE: Unit 1, 131 Kolmar Rd, Papatoetoe, Auckland
Ph: 09 278 9302 | Email: bakshi.mp@parliament.govt.nz
Postal Address: PO Box 23136, Hunters Corner, Auckland 2025
www.bakshi.co.nz
Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi NATI ONAL LI ST MP
Retailer therapy
Operation Dukan and related workshops conducted by New Zealand Police advise retailers on how to deal with robbery and burglary
Paula Ray
W
hat should I do at the time of a robbery?
Can I defend myself? Can I detain the
offender if I managed to restrain him? Why do
criminals target small businesses?
These are some of the questions discussed at
a recent workshop conducted at the Mahatma
Gandhi Centre by NZ Police, New Zealand
Indian Central Association (NZICA) and
Auckland Indian Association Inc (AIAI).
Speaking about the workshop, Nanette
Nathoo, NZICA and AIAI, Law and Order
Crime Prevention Chairperson, says that there
were several exercises carried out to make
people aware of how a crime can be committed,
as well as how to deal with the situation when
it happens.
In fact, during the workshop a hands-on
experiment was carried out, whereby one of
the participants (who is actually one of the
organisers) suddenly snatched something from
the room and ran away. He had been sitting
there all through and so nobody had expected
it to happen. After he ran away, the organisers
asked to identify the person/ robber in terms
of his clothes, shoes, features, eye and hair
colour.
Bhikhu Bhana, a community advisor,
says, This was extremely enlightening and
informative. The mock exercise conducted in
the session helped us learn some very helpful
techniques to combat robberies. It would
beneft not only business owners, but also
general public. It was good that the workshop
had a good participation from the Kiwi-Indian
community. The police were very obliging and
now they have an ethnic police on their staff.
This workshop was in tandem with Operation
Dukan that is being conducted by Counties
Manukau District Police. The operation is
being carried out over four weeks in three
phases: Initial Engagement, Safety Seminars,
Re-engagement. The response to date has been
excellent and we have had positive engagement
with the retailers, says Sergeant Gurpreet
Arora, District Ethnic Services Coordinator,
Counties Manukau.
During this operation, ethnic police
offcers with language and cultural
capability, are engaging with ethnic
retailers, especially dairies, liquor stores and
minimarts, throughout Counties Manukau
District and provide crime prevention
information to retailers. The retailers attended
Retail Safety Seminars conducted at Manukau
Police Station on 13th and 14th October, 2014.
At present, the police offcers are engaged in
seeking feedback till 24th October, 2014.
The purpose of the initiative is to re-
establish trust and confdence amongst retailers,
provide safety awareness, reassurance.
Through our workshops, we have impressed
upon the retailers that they can approach the
police whenever necessary and be confdent
of getting help from us. We have tried to
build their trust and confdence in us. We have
distributed several DVDs, which contain seven
videos of how to make your business a safer
place, among the retailers. These videos are
also available on YouTube (www.youtube.
com/getbanz). Nearly 2,000 posters on crime
prevention have been handed out to retailers.
We have also offered to give crime prevention
advice in person, says Sergeant Arora.
The police are doing a great job, adds
wNathoo. A crime prevention booklet that was
handed out to all participants at the workshop
is now being translated to Gujarati. A similar
workshop will be conducted in Wellington in
the coming weeks.
Raj Mishra, a community leader, who
attended the workshop says, There was so
much to learn. Before attending the workshop
I didnt even know the difference between
robbery and burglary. A burglary is committed
when somebody snatches cash or goods. But
when they are armed and they threaten you with
it, it is termed robbery.
Pravin Dahya, a retailer, feels his most
valuable takeaway from the workshop, was the
advice to remember the clothes, shoes, height,
look and other physical features of the person
committing the crime. Take a peek at the
person, but remember not to stare, he adds.
Counties Manukau police personnel advise retailers within their zone (top); Nanette Nathoo, Jessica
Phuang and constable Rob at a workshop held at Mahatma Gandhi Center (above)
Advice to retailers:
Assessment of retailers shop foor
layout and teach them the importance
of CPTED (Crime Prevention Through
Environmental Design)
Installation of CCTV
Strategic positioning of front counter
Good lightingc inside the store
Installation of burglar alarm
Clear shop windows
Strategic height of stock shelves
Follow COOP strategy: remain
Calm; Obey what is told to you;
Observe what is happening around
you; Preserve the details of the
criminal and his/her acts. If you give
these details to the police, it helps them
act on the situation much faster.
www.iwk.co.nz
24 October 2014
15
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NEW ZEALAND
The Ancient Indian Caste System
Mahesh Bindra
NZ First MP
I
am going to talk about the Indian Caste
System tonight. While I have taken care to
do a fair bit of research, there may be aspects
of my speech that some members may not
necessarily agree with, or may fnd inaccurate.
It is a beauty of modern day democracy that I
have the right to express my thoughts, as much
as the others have the right to. It is hard to put a
fnger on the time period when the Caste System
would have started. There are some historians
who think it would have been around 500 BC
while there are others who differ. The ancient
Hindu scriptures called the Vedas, describe a
Kshatriyas (Warriors) Dharma (Duty) which
leads us to believe that the System is actually
older than some historians think!
Whatever may be the case, one thing is
clear that the Caste System was designed with
the purpose of providing the society with an
effective and effcient system where tasks
were allocated according to Castes. I think the
ancient Hindus were excellent administrators
(Even Gods had portfolios!) Goddess Laxmi
is the Deity for wealth and prosperity and
Goddess Saraswati is the Deity for knowledge,
education and fne arts. (Woman Power!)
The top layer of the social structure were
the Brahmins also loosely known as Pandits.
The modern day slang Pundit (Subject matter
expert) is derived from the same word (Pandit).
The Brahmins were subject matter experts,
educators, religious workers, mathematicians,
scientists and more often than not, advised
the Rulers in the feld of Policies, fnance and
governance.
A prominent Brahmin in the modern day
India was Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, the First
Prime Minister of independent India.
The Rulers usually were from the Caste
called the Kshatriyas. The Kshatriyas were the
soldiers, the Land owners, the administrators
and were entrusted with the responsibility of
not only protecting the geographical borders of
the state but also enforcing government policies
and maintaining law and order.
A prominent Kshatriya in the modern day
India is.......Me. Admirals even in todays day
and age come from that just kidding.... Most
Generals and the third layer of the society was
no less important than any other. They were the
Vaisyas. They were the businessmen, traders
and to a certain extent the crafts men. Their role
was to keep the economy of the state going
while creating wealth for themselves.
A prominent Vaisya of our times is Laxmi
Narayan Mittal who has become an inevitable
fxture of the Forbes magazine and is rumoured
to be wealthier than the queen. He owns the
biggest and the second biggest steel business
in the world. I think Goddess Laxmi has been
more than kind to him!
The lowest strata of the ancient Hindu
society were the Shudras. Their role was to
perform all the menial functions for the society
and they were generally discriminated against,
when there were educational and other learning
opportunities. The Shudras also were not
allowed entry into some religious institutions.
Sad but true.
The most prominent Shudra of modern day
India was Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar who wrote
the constitution of Independent India.
Ladies and Gentlemen, This was just a brief
overview of a very vast, complex and ancient
system. The debate about whether that system
is relevant today has been going on for decades
and the politics and economics of this system is
a mammoth subject by itself.
Once again in closing these views were
the result of years of living the system,
not fully understanding or agreeing with it.
Todays reality is that we as a party, believe in
fairness and equality for ALL New Zealanders,
regardless of their Caste, Race, Colour, Gender
or Socio Economic Status.
Jai Hind
Story of UNICEFs innovative work
to make India Polio-free
Shweta Luthra,
UNICEF Representative
I
shared the story, told through pictures, of
UNICEFs work in India to eradicate polio.
Before Universal Immunisation Programme
in 1985, polio crippled an estimated 200,000
children in India each year.
As recently as 2009, India reported almost
half the worlds cases. But in 2014 India has
been certifed polio free after three consecutive
years of zero polio cases. This is the journey
from 200,000 to Zero- long, hard and
challenging journey but very fulflling in the
end.
The presentation shows the number of
innovations that were made to reach out to
every child in the country. The presentation
shows how the vaccines travelled -by foot,
road, boat, cycle, bus, autorickshaw- to ensure
that polio drops are administered to all children.
Besides polio booths, the vaccines were given
at homes, on the street, in trains, on highways
so that no child is missed.
It is an amazing victory for children of India.
But the journey doesnt end here. All this work
will continue even in coming years to keep
India polio free.
Uses of term Brown in
contemporary South Asian diaspora
culture
Dr Nabeel Zuberi,
Sr Lecturer, Auckland Uni
M
y research focuses on the uses of the
word brown in recent media and
cultural production by South Asians in the US,
UK and Australasia. The examples I chose
for my talk were the hip-hop trio Das Racist
from Queens in New York City with their song
Whos that Broooown?, the Chicago-based
actor FawziaMirza and her web sketch comedy
series Brown Girl Problems, and the stand-
up double act Fear of a Brown Planet, formed
by Australians Aamer Rahman and Naseem
Hussain.
In the post 9/11 context of surveillance
and racism directed at ethnic minorities, the
category of Brown captures a sense of fun and
irreverence in its cultural engagements with
the politics of identity and difference. Brown
can signal political affliations and alliances
beyond ethnically, nationally and religiously
categorized South Asians, beyond to other
people of colour, such as indigenous peoples,
refugees, asylum seekers, immigrants, and
Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender people.
The term brown also refects often with
sharp comedy on how South Asianness of
various kinds is turned into products and
marketed for consumption in western nations.
Portrayal of women in Hindu
mythology
Ranjana Patel
Director, East Tamaki Health
T
oday, I am going to give you some of the
insight into women in the Indian Culture.
I must clarify that I am giving you something
from my heart, something that has been taught
to me, something I have seen and learned from.
I am a third generation Kiwi and grew up in
NZ when perhaps there were only about 150
families in Auckland.
My grandfather came to NZ in the early
1900s, my father and uncle attended the same
primary school I attended- Bayfeld School in
Herne Bay.
I was born in a fruit shop, in a joint family
and there were 11 all together in the home. I
have been married 40 years and have three
amazing children and even more delightful six
grand-daughters and one grand-son growing
up, India was far far away and so trips were few
and far between. This is my perspective and not
necessarily that of all Indians.
I believe we all live by some sort of values
and culture. We are taught these things, either
by seeing our whanau actions or we are told
stories, which bring a perspective we form
ourselves of what we believe culture is.
Culture to every individual has a different
meaning. The importance of women is taught
in many ways, from seeing your mother run one
of the two fruit shops we owned, to seeing the
auntie being the main care giver to us all.
When the shop was sold, mum set up a home
industry of Samosa/Vatana and savory snack.
These are the people that help set your
perspective on life.
I have in the past for fve years spoken at
MIT to the social development course and am
astounded at the perception of the status of
Indian women.
Speakers Series at Auckland Diwali Festival
Over the two days of celebrations at Auckland Diwali Festival 2014, we had eight speakers who shared their
wealth of knowledge with the audience. The speakers included Ranjna Patel, director - East Tamaki Health;
Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, National MP; Mahesh Bindra, NZ First MP; Shuchi Kothari, Sr lecturer- University
of Auckland; Dr Nabeel Zuberi, Sr lecturer- University of Auckland; Shweta Luthra, representative of UNI-
CEF; Dr Sekhar Bandopadhyay, Director- New Zealand India Research Institute; and Sam Malafeh, CEO-
Ntec. Here are excerpts from some of their talks.
www.iwk.co.nz
24 October 2014
16
Red Black Orange
NEW ZEALAND
Editorial
Indian Weekender is published by Kiwi Media Group, 98 Great South Road, Auckland
Printed at Horton Media, Auckland
Copyright 2014. Kiwi Media Group. All Rights Reserved.
Indian Weekender Volume 6 Issue 14
Publisher: Kiwi Media Group Limited
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From the desk of the
Managing Editor
W
e were walking a few inches taller and a few inches above the ground with pride on
reading the headline in a leading Indian News Channel that said Modi Tsunami, Not
Wave. We are very sure that Indian Weekender was the frst to call the Modi phenomena
a tsunami and had a whole issue dedicated to this iconic Prime Minister. Needless to say,
imitation is the sincerest form of falttery and we are fattered.
The latest election results from two major states, Maharashtra and Haryana, clearly
indicate that the people of India are voting for change. Quite evidently, Modi is not letting
any hopes down by his charisma and the genius of the way he operates. He can almost be
called as blessed with the Midas touch. If he continues at this rate India will soon be called
sone ki chidiya again.
We hope all our readers had an absolutely wonderful Diwali with their family and friends.
Clearly it seemed like the whole of New Zealand had been celebrating with us and most of
these big and small celebrations are now coming to a close. What a fantastic Diwali this
has been, specially the lead up to it with the many aces for India starting from our Mars
Mission, Modis overseas visits, Indias performance in the Asian games, the Make in India
and Swachh Bharat missions. India and Indians are defnitely on the upward and onward
and I am hoping all our readers have started this new year with the vigour and optimism that
catapults them in the direction of their dreams.
Our three Indian MPs have now well and truly been sworn in to the Parliament and as a
community we can look forward to achieving newer heights.It was indeed a proud moment
when Bindra was sworn in to the New Zealand Parliament with his hand on the revered
Bhagwad Gita wrapped in saffron.
It seems even at Indian Weekender the seasons celebration are drawing to a close
(although we are good at always fnding reasons to celebrate). Our forthcoming issues will
focus on other news that our Indian Movers and Shakers are making around the globe. For
this issue, however, we focus on the bright and colourful ways that we Indians celebrate, what
we wear, what we eat and how we party. Our new section Glitterati will be the equivalent
of the famous (infamous) Page 3 and so if you are having a party that you think is high on
fashion, festa and all that glitters - we invite you to send us your pictures and write to us
about it. We would love to feature you.
Addressing the graduating class at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Prime
Minister Modi said to the students, Dont make life so serious, deal with problems and go
ahead. Wise words - this is true for all of us. When we are assailed with problems, the frst
thing that disappears is our laughter. But victory lies in laughing your way to success. Never
let problems bog you down. I hope that this festival season is full of laughter and smiles for
each one of you and may the echo of your laughter resonate and continue to light up your life
and those of your dear ones through the year ahead.
Giri Gupta
The illi terate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and
wri te, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.
New Zealand and India: a
historic relationship
T
he government of New Zealand has
recently announced its policy to make India
a core trade, economic and political partner
by 2015. One should recognise however that
this is not a relationship that has just started
developing. Indeed, to what extent the antiquity
of this relationship can be pushed back in time
is a question that continues to baffe historians.
Take for example, the mystery of the Tamil
ship bell in the collection of Te Papa, our
national museum in Wellington. It is believed
to have been cast around the year 1450. It is
not displayed on a regular basis, but on special
occasions only. One can see its picture on Te
Papas website. It was found by Rev. William
Colenso between the years 1836 and 1840,
when it was being used as a cooking pot by a
Maori family in the village of Tamatarau, near
Whangarei.
The antiquated Tamil script on the bell has
been deciphered and translated as Bell of the
Ship of Mohaideen Bakhsh. So the question
is, did this Tamil ship actually reach the North
Island in the ffteenth century? Possibly not.
More probably, the bell was brought in one of
those numerous English East India Company
ships which came from India with merchandise
and men. And this points to another interesting
story.
As recent doctoral research by Todd
Nachowitz of Waikato University shows,
this maritime connection between the two
countries goes back to at least the second half
of the eighteenth century, that is, when initial
European exploration of Aotearoa had just
begun. A close look at the log books of the
ships that were coming here reveal that the
frst Indians to arrive in New Zealand were the
two Muslim laskars (sailors) Mahmud Qasim
(born in Pondicherry in 1755) and a young
Bengali called Nasrin (aged 16 or 17). They
came on board the Saint Jean-Baptiste, a ship
of the French East India Company, under the
command of its captain, Jean Franois Marie de
Surville. What is important about their visit is
the date: they came here in December 1769
the same year when James Cooks Endeavour
frst reached the shores of New Zealand. Both
of these young sailors later died in Peruvian
waters on their continuing voyage in April
1770.
This startling revelation by Nachowitz
at the recent New Zealand Indian Diaspora
Convention, organised by the New Zealand
India Research Institute at AUT in July 2014,
pushes back the beginning of New Zealand-
India connections by over forty years. More
about that historic connection later.
Professor Sekhar Bandyopadhyay
<sekhar.bandyopadhyay@vuw.ac.nz> is the
Director of New Zealand India Research
Institute. He is a historian and an award-
winning author.
n
cademic
ccount
Prof Sekhar Bandyopadhyay
Director of New Zealand India Research Institute
- Al vin Toffer
The funny bone @ Indian Weekender
The frst Indians to
arrive in New Zealand
were the two Muslim
laskars (sailors)
Mahmud Qasim (born
in Pondicherry in
1755) and a young
Bengali called Nasrin
(aged 16 or 17)
www.iwk.co.nz
24 October 2014
17
Red Black Orange
OPINION / EDITORIAL
Firecrackers: A few seconds of joy has untold health hazards
Shweta Sharma
P
ravir Sen cannot wait to buy frecrackers
for Diwali. But worry dawns on his father
thinking of the health hazards like lung and skin
infections and burn injuries that frecrackers
bring along with only a few seconds of joy.
Noting an increase in the number of
respiratory problems and burn injuries during
Diwali, health experts advise caution while
celebrating the festival of lights.
I do not want to rob my son of the happiness
the festival brings - which in his case is brought
by frecrackers and sky-shots. But, I do not want
him to be exposed to any hazardous effects such
crackers are known to produce...I am in a fx,
Kapil Sen, the seven-year-olds father whose
son suffers from respiratory problems, said.
According to health experts, a few health
concerns that Diwali brings along include:
acute asthma attacks; chronic lung diseases;
bronchitis in patients who are allergic, causing
severe dry irritating cough increasing in
intensity while speaking and at night; apart
from eye and nasal irritation and damage to the
eardrums.
Especially those who have chronic lung
disorders should continue to take their regular
medications. These patients may need to
increase their medication and this requires
a regular visit to the doctor before Diwali,
Vikas Maurya, senior consultant, respiratory
medicine, interventional pulmonology, allergy,
and sleep disorders, BLK Super Speciality
Hospital, said.
Maurya added that such patients should
avoid places with heavy cracker pollution and
use masks and ear-plugs on venturing out.
Experts also suggest that loose clothes like
saris, frocks and anarkalis and those made
infammable material should be avoided at all
costs.
Dont fre a cracker in the hand and keep
young children and senior citizens away from
crackers. Young children should play with
crackers in the presence of parents and seniors
only, B.M. Abrol, ENT Specialist at PSRI
Hospital, said.
Abrol added that perishable sweets,
especially made of milk and khoya, should
neither be eaten nor gifted - as they are made
much before the festival.
Highlighting the side effects of Diwali,
union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan in an Oct
16 email to Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb
Jung urged him to ensure that the national
capital celebrates a noise-pollution free Diwali.
His email referred to a July 2005 Supreme
Court order that had banned the bursting of fre
crackers in residential areas.
In his email, the health minister, who
is a well-known ENT specialist, said that
frecrackers, apart from causing noise pollution
lead to many physical diseases in people of all
age groups.
Rajesh Chawla, senior consultant,
respiratory and critical care, Indraprastha
Apollo Hospitals, cautioned people against
wearing synthetic and loose clothes.
Keep a frst aid kit handy. If you get burns
then put it under water. Keep eye drops with you
all the time. People with respiratory problems
should keep their inhalers close by and try and
stay indoors, Chawla said.
For skin rashes, he suggested exposing
the affected area to water and then applying
Betadine ointment.
If it gets worse show it to a doctor, he
added.
Doctors agreed that not consulting them
and keeping the wound exposed is one of the
biggest mistakes people commit in case of an
untoward incident.
Using home remedies as suggested by
nearby people who are not doctors could be
a recipe for disaster. Please reach any nearby
hospitals emergency department immediately
to avoid subsequent complications or
problems, Abrol said.
Agreed Maurya, who said: Not consulting
with the doctor and not revising the medications
are the biggest mistakes people tend to
sometimes make.
Secondly, ignoring regular medications
as well as precautions and self-medication are
another set of mistakes.
To sum up, all doctors were unanimous in
stating that a cracker free Diwali is a healthy
Diwali.
Shweta Sharma can be contacted
on shweta.s@ians.in
Modi Tsunami, not wave
Maya Shivam
D
escribing the electoral victory in
Maharashtra and Haryana as two more
steps towards Congress-free India, BJP chief
Amit Shah said The results have proven that
like a tsunami, the Modi-wave is demolishing
all opposition. He said this victory has shown
that Mr. Modi is the undisputed leader of the
country. The unstoppable BJP duo continue to
roll across the length and breadth of India with
Modi as the fag bearer and Amit Shah as his
prime charioteer and strategist.
Election after election, they have come
together to script one victory after another.
Whether it is the general elections, when the
BJP wave swept across areas where it was
a non-entity, or the assembly elections now,
Modi and his team have picked one state after
another as trophies.
The latest regions to have handed them
their vote of confdence are Haryana and
Maharashtra. In Haryana, the win is clearer and
thus sweeter, but also more vindicating because
it is for the frst time since 1966 when BJP
contested on all seats and emerged as the single
largest party, leave alone one with a simple
majority. From its 4 in 2009, to over halfway -
the Haryana win is historic.
Clearly there is disenchantment with
the old way of politics as prominent fgures
like Chautala and Savitri Jindal have been
forced out. And also the fact that people have
not bought into the emotional appeal of the
incarcerated leader Om Prakash Chautala.
Depending on the way you look at it, the
reasons for this could be numerous. Factors
could include anti-incumbency, desire for
change, internal dissent in the Congress,
corruption charges especially related with land
deals . The single major reason, of course,
seems to undoubtedly be the Modi Tsunami,
which has transcended all caste and clan
affliations that have long governed voting
patterns in the state mostly voting Congress
in the past. At the end of the day, people were
looking for change and seem to have clearly
backed Modis campaign, which centered
around development, pro-active governance
and greater opportunities for the youth.
The same emotion seems to have found
resonance in Maharashtra where the angst
of the people against the Congress-NCP
government in power was even greater. The
plethora of scams including Adarsh Housing
scam, irrigation scam and allegations linking
the Pawar family to the Lavasa project had
embittered the people. Worse was the unbridled
spate of farmer suicides caused due to crop
failure and inability to pay back loans.
BJP should be proud that it has for the frst
time emerged as the single largest party in
Maharashtra, though it was always a prominent
player in the state, unlike in Haryana. Yet,
things could have been even better - had the
BJP and Shiv Sena maintained their alliance,
the two would have swept the state.
Nevertheless, Modi addressed 24 rallies
in the state and that seems to have paid off.
Though Shiv Sena has won substantive seats,
voters seem much less impressed by the politics
of name calling than the constructive language
of growth and development. This would
probably be for the frst time since 1999 when
Sharad Pawar would be out of government
from both Centre and state and thats perhaps
the reason why the NCP has already declared
its outside support to the BJP.
In terms of performance, BJP has pulled off
a few surprises and done better than expected.
BJPs performance in urban areas like Mumbai
and Thane also indicates the appeal the party
holds for the urban voters, and especially the
youth. Also, North Indian and other non-
Marathi residents in the areas of Maharashtra
seem to have backed the BJP, as opposed to
the exclusionist tactics adopted by the Shiv
Sena. In this regard, bad news only got worse
for Thackerays Maharashtra Navnirman Sena,
which has been shrinking in size and impact.
All in all though, the credit for the wins
in both Haryana and Maharashtra goes
undisputedly to Narendra Modi. Whose name
now acts as a magnet that attracts electorate,
cutting across classes, communities and castes.
Therefore this force can no longer be contained
in a word called wave and commands to be
likened to a tidal wave - the Modi Tsunami.
www.iwk.co.nz
24 October 2014
18
Red Black Orange
FIJI
Special tribute to overseas workers
Arvind Kumar
F
ijian workers on overseas missions were accorded
special mention at the Fiji Day celebrations last week.
President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau urged all
Fijians to celebrate the sacrifce and commitment
of all our men and women serving overseas.
In his address to the nation marking Fijis 44 years of
independence, the head of state said that our servicemen and
women may be far across the seas, but they remain close to
us in our hearts and we must pray for them as well as for
their families here in Fiji.
On this Fiji Day, let us celebrate their sacrifce and
commitment, along with that of all our other men and
women serving the people of other nations, Ratu Epeli said.
Our peacekeepers and police offcers not only on the
Golan heights but in Iraq, Liberia and South Sudan; those
Fijians serving in other armed forces around the world; our
civilian volunteers working in schools, hospitals and clinics
in our Pacifc neighbors; and all those Fijians working in
countries further afeld.
His Excellency added that the families of those Fijians
serving outside the country should be proud of their
dedication in putting the needs of others before their own.
Because that is the essence of Fiji day. A time to put
aside our individual concerns and think about our nation and
what it means to us all, Ratu Epeli said.
I appeal to you all to be patriotic, to have a true sense
of pride about our nation no matter what we do or where we
are.
Ratu Epeli was accorded a 21 gun salute that was followed
by a parade by members of the Republic of Fiji Military
Forces which was witnessed by more than a thousand Fijians
at Albert Park on October 10.
(top right): Fijian President Ratu Epeli Nailatiku inspects
a guard of honour at Fiji Day celebrations last week
(right): Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama
arrives at the Fiji Day celebrations.
>>
Khaiyum back as A-G
A
last minute change in Cabinet before the swearing in of the new
Parliament sees Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum resuming his role as the
Attorney-General.
A government statement issued this morning stated Mr Sayed
Khaiyum sheds the role of Minister for Industry and Trade and Minister
for Tourism, which will be taken up by Faiyaz Koya who was appointed
as the Attorney-General after election.
The switches in the portfolio will see Mr Sayed-Khaiyum taking up
the AG and Minister for Finance portfolio.
Prime Minister Rear Admiral (Ret) Voreqe Bainimarama said in the
statement that the change had been made because of the heavy workload
of Mr Sayed-Khaiyums other portfolio of Minister for Finance.
There are two of the most important ministries in Government, they
need specialist attention and a full-time minister, he said.
Faiyaz Koya will take charge of the Governments vital export
effort - a key objective of the current Parliament term and also has a
solid background in tourism as a former board member of Tourism Fiji
and the Fiji Hotel Licensing Board.
Rabuka reminds Fijians of legacy

Former prime minister Sitiveni Rabuka has reminded former scholars
and students of Queen Victoria School to cherish and preserve the
values that the two institutions the Fijian chiefs and government
made 107 years ago to lay the foundation of building their school.
In his address at yesterdays QVS Chapel Golden Jubilee celebration,
he called on them to be committed to their calling as servant leaders of
this nation, hold on to the values that this nation was built on and the
values that the school was built on as well as the values the chapel was
built on.
Only when we hold tight to these values can we contribute to the
continued radiance of this country and its people and be true to our
motto Floreat Fiji, Mr Rabuka said.
We must cherish the values that those two institutions saw in their
desire to build a permanent place of worship 56 years ago, that gave rise
to the building of this magnifcent chapel and its dedication 50 years
ago.
He added that as leaders they should continue to espouse the values
of goodness and service based on a frm foundation of faith in God.
www.iwk.co.nz
24 October 2014
19
Red Black Orange
FIJI
Who gets what in new line-up?
Arvind Kumar
A
total of $3.4 million will be paid out to
the Governments 20-member ministerial
line-up in salaries and allowances. The salaries,
inclusive of all allowances, were set in the
Parliamentary Remuneration Decree 2014 last
week.
According to the decree, the President will
receive a non-taxable salary of $130,000, while
the Prime Minister will receive a salary of
$328,750.
The Minister for Finance portfolio carries
a salary of $235,000 while the salaries for
Ministers for Health (Jone Usamate), Minister
for Education (Dr Mahendra Reddy) and the
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport (Pio
Tikoduadua) will receive $200,000 each.
The decree also sets a salary of $185,000
each for the other 10 ministers with the fve
assistant ministers slated to receive $90,000
each.
Other salaries include $150,000 for Speaker
of the House, $120,000 for Leader of the
Opposition and $50,000 each for members of
Parliament.
However, Parliament must also take into
account prevailing economic conditions based
on evidence from an authoritative source and
may set a lower remuneration level. The decree
allows Parliament to determine by resolution
the remuneration paid to the President,
Prime Minister, Cabinet ministers, Leader of
Opposition, Speaker of the House and members
of Parliament. The amounts set by the decree
fx remuneration until any parliamentary
resolution.
The decree also states that when determining
salaries Parliament must have regard to:
* The need to achieve and maintain fair
relativity with the levels of remuneration
received by persons in the private sector;
* That the salaries must be competitive so
that persons of the right calibre are not deterred
from stepping forward to lead the country;
* The salaries should refect the ethos
of political service which entails making
sacrifces;
* The salaries must be transparent with no
hidden components or perks; and
* The need to be fair to the taxpayer and to
persons whose salary is being prescribed.
The decree further states that setting
allowances and benefts will be determined by
recognising the need for public understanding
the core of the work of persons or members of
Parliament and the services required to enable
them to carry out their roles and functions.
Heres who gets what:
* President ($130,000) and Prime
Minister ($328,750)
1. Free furnished residence with all services
and staff.
2. Offcial car with driver.
3. At Offcial residence, completely free
fxed telephone (including installation) and
offcial mobile phone.
4. Internet connection at residence.
5. Superannuation - FNPF contribution.
6. Four weeks leave per annum, which must
be compensated if not utilised.
7. Local travel - Free accommodation and
meals for all local travel.
8. Overseas travel - First class travel and
may be accompanied by spouse.
9. Overseas travelling allowance - UNDP
subsistence allowance plus 50 per cent together
with $300 per day incidental allowance.
10. All medical costs to be reimbursed for
local or overseas medical treatment as required.
* Cabinet Ministers ($185,000)
2. Offcial mobile phone.
meals for all offcial local travel.
7. Overseas travel - Business class travel for
offcial meetings
8. Overseas travel allowance - UNDP
* Assistant Ministers ($90,000)
1. Offcial car with drivers.
offcial meetings
* Speaker ($150,000)
6. Local ravel - Free accommodation and
offcial meetings.
* Leader of Opposition ($120,000)
offcial meetings.
* Members of Parliament ($50,000)
1. Accommodation allowance for meetings
of Parliament or Committee, if the member
permanently resides at any place more than 30
kilometres away from the place of the meeting
of Parliament or Committee, then the member
shall be entitled to:
* an allowance of $150 per day only if the
member stays at a hotel at the place of the
meeting of parliament or Committee or;
* An allowance of $50 per day if the member
does not stay at hotel at the place of the meeting
of Parliament or Committee.
2. Travelling allowance for meetings of
Parliament or Committee, if the member
permanently resides at any place more than 30
kilometres away from the place of the meeting
of Parliament or Committee, then that member
shall be entitled to cost of travel by the most
direct route to and from the meeting.
3. Committee sitting allowance for
Committee sittings on days other than the sitting
of parliament, the member shall be entitled to
an allowance of $80 per day, provided however
that the total amount payable as Committee
Sitting Allowance in any one year shall not
exceed $15,000.
5. Overseas travel - Economy class travel for
offcial meetings as approved by the Speaker.
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www.iwk.co.nz
24 October 2014
20
Red Black Orange
INDIA
BJP wins on its own in Haryana
This Robin Hood Army feeds the homeless
Shilpa Raina
Every Sunday, at around 8.30 p.m., a group
of volunteers in green t-shirts heads out in
different directions with packed food like vada
pav, khichdi and parathas to serve homeless
people sleeping under the open skies in the
Indian capital- New Delhi.
This is not a government initiative, but
a collective effort of two friends who have
collaborated with different restaurants and
eateries in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata
and Bangalore to serve the poor and destitute
through their Robin Hood Army, a four-month-
old initiative in these respective cities.
Even though, as of now, they are doing this
only once a week, they have plans to make it a
daily affair in the near future.
What is noteworthy here is that they dont
take waste food but leftovers to feed the
needy. Some of the eateries have even decided
to prepare fresh food for such people.
When we started, we were just six people
in the team. But from the very beginning we
were clear that we wont be serving these
people waste food. We requested the eateries
to give us leftovers, Anand Sinha, 27, one of
those behind the initiative, said.
Some of the eateries were so excited with
this concept that they chose to prepare fresh
meals for us, he added.
Gurgaon-based restaurant Kebab Xpress
provides them 100 fresh vada pavs, while
late-night delivery service Midnight Munchies
provides fresh khichdi and parathas, among
a few others doing their extra bit to join the
initiative.
The idea is modelled after a similar
organisation, Re-food in Portugal, which
helps to end both hunger and food waste in the
country.
It was Sinhas partner Neel Ghoses
volunteering stint at this organisation that made
them decide to replicate the model.
We used to do this earlier but on a much
smaller scale, Sinha said, adding that Ghosh
and he have been friends for the past fve years.
The two in the past had distributed food
among destitutes.
To plan the entire operation, they started
from Delhi.They frst drove around the city to
identify areas of operation and initially zeroed
in on fyovers in the Ring Road area, the AIIMS
Metro station south Delhi and the Nizamuddin
area, among others.
Then we got in touch with a few restaurant
owners, spent time with them to make them
understand how their role would give something
back to society, said Sinha, who is the founder
of pressplaytabs, which targets the travel and
entertainment space.
After getting the eateries on board, they
decided to make a Facebook page to post
pictures and share their vision - and also give a
credible face to their initiative.
The idea worked and now they have around
40 volunteers from different walks of life who
accompany them in collecting and distributing
food packages.
After receiving overwhelming response
from Delhi, they spread their campaign to
the other cities. In total they have around 120
volunteers in the fve cities.
This collective effort has enabled them to
feed around 1,600 homeless every Sunday in
the fve cities, but Sinha revealed they want to
make it an everyday affair because one Sunday
is just not enough.
We all are working people so it becomes
very diffcult to do this activity every day. But
with the kind of support and encouragement
people have shown through our Facebook page,
we would like to organise a bit more and do it
on a daily basis, he said.
Their name is a twist on the English
who, folklore has it, robbed the rich and
distributed the booty among the poor. Sinha
said the initiative is an attempt to show how
individuals can make a difference in society if
they want to.
While people of his age spend time in
partying over the weekend, Sinha admits he
might be missing out on the fun, but in the
same vein feels that his work provides him and
his partner with equal happiness and greater
satisfaction.
Jagjit Singh Kandhari, chief operating
offcer of Kebab Xpress, said they want to send
across a social message among the corporates
to do their bit for a social cause that might make
a bit of difference in the lives of others.
Every individual should participate or
volunteer in initiatives like these. If our
endeavour can feed an empty stomach, we are
happy to contribute more, Kandhari said.
(Shilpa Raina can be contacted at shilpa.r@
ians.in)
Centre to bring
ordinance to re-
auction coal blocks
T
he union cabinet has recommended for
presidential assent to an ordinance that
would allow re-auction of 214 coal blocks.
This was done to resolve issues arising out
of the Supreme Court cancelling allocations of
those coal blocks last month.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said: The
cabinet has recommended promulgation of an
ordinance to the president in order to resolve
the pending issues arising out of a Supreme
Court judgment quashing allocation of coal
blocks.
As per the ordinance, the cancelled coal
blocks will be put in a pool for auction to end-
users in the three core sectors of power, steel
and cement, the fnance minister told reporters
here after a cabinet meeting.
The government has also left an enabling
provision in the ordinance by which it can
decide on additional commercial use at a later
date, he added.
Coal and Power Minister Piyush Goyal said
companies being investigated for irregularities
in allocations will also be allowed to bid in
the e-auctions but the mines will only be for
captive use.
The auction foor price will be determined
by a committee to be constituted, he said.
Coal India has 200 mines where no
work has happened. E-auction will expedite
production from such mines, said Goyal.
Jaitley said the aim is to conduct the whole
process in a transparent manner through
e-auction without any discretionary powers of
the government in the matter.
The entire mess the UPA government left
behind would be cleaned up in next 4 months,
Jaitley said.
Most of the mines in question are located in
the Eastern region and the revenue from the
auctions would go to the states concerned, the
fnance minister said.
The revival of mining in this case would be
a fnancial empowerment and eastern states
and lakhs of people would get employment,
he said.
While actual users of steel, cement and
power from the private sector will bid for the
blocks, state-owned organisations like NTPC
and state electricity boards will be allocated
blocks as per their requirement, Jaitley said.
Mining interests of Coal India, present and
future, will be adequately protected and the
original 1973 Coal Nationalisation Act remains,
he said.
Currently, nearly $20 billion tonnes of coal
is imported and this can come down if the
mines start production after the e-auctions,
Jaitley said.
T
he Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) of India created history in Haryana by
getting a clear majority on its own for the frst time and said that it would
form the government in Maharashtra too where it fnished the single largest
group in a hung assembly but has been offered support by the NCP.
The Congress was humiliated in both Haryana and Maharashtra which
it had been ruling for two and three consecutive terms respectively. For
the frst time, the Bharatiya Janata Party got a clear mandate in Haryana,
winning 47 seats in the 90-member assembly with a 33.2 percent vote share.
The BJP Parliamentary Party Board met in New Delhi Sunday evening to
discuss chief minister probables for Haryana and Maharashtra. The party
later announced it would send senior leaders Rajnath Singh to Maharashtra
and Venkaiah Naidu to Haryana to take a decision on the chief ministerial
candidates.
Briefng reporters after the meeting, general secretary J.P. Nadda said he
would accompany Rajnath Singh. On the offer of support from the Sharad
Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party, Nadda said no call has been taken
yet. The names doing rounds in Haryana include Rashtriya Swayamsewak
Sangh activist Manohar Lal Khattar, state BJP president Ram Bilas Sharma
and party spokesperson Abhimanyu. Other names were of leaders, who did
not contest, including union ministers Sushma Swaraj, Rao Inderjit Singh
and Krishan Pal. Congressman-turned-BJP leader Birender Singh is also in
the running.
www.iwk.co.nz
24 October 2014
21
Red Black Orange
NEWS
in
BRIEF
Coal block scam: CBI registers fresh case
T
he CBI has registered a fresh case against Jindal Steel and Power Ltd. (JSPL) and
unknown public servants in the ongoing coal block allocation case, an offcial said,
adding searches were conducted in Raigarh district of Chhattisgarh.
The case has been registered against JSPL for exceeding lease of coal mining from one of
the blocks of Gare Palma IV coal block.
The allegations pertain to irregular mining lease beyond the approved area, excess coal
mining, sale of coal, sale of coal fnes and rejects, and irregular consumption of coal in new
extension plants, the CBI offcial said.
JSPL has been booked for cheating, criminal breach of trust and sections of the Prevention
of Corruption Act.
With this, the number of cases lodged by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) over the
coal blocks allocation has gone up to 36.
The case relates to the coal blocks
allocation during 1993-2005.
Bangalore girl to
represent India at
Miss Universe
N
oyonita Lodh from Bangalore, who was
crowned Yamaha Fascino Miss Diva
Universe 2014, will compete in Miami for
Miss Universe Jan 25, 2015.
The 21-year-old believes in women
empowerment. The Yamaha Fascino Miss
Diva Universe pageant fnale was aired
Sunday on Zee Cafe.
Former Miss Universe Lara Dutta
announced the winners on the grand fnale,
which was judged by Bollywood actor Akshay
Kumar, former Miss India and actress Esha
Gupta and designer duo Shantanu and Nikhil.
Delhis Alankrita Sahai was crowned as
Yamaha Fascino Miss Diva Universe 2014
frst runner-up and Bangalores Asha Bhat as
Yamaha Fascino Miss Diva Universe 2014
second runner-up.
Each winner will get a fund worth Rs.10
lakh for their respective international pageant.
Cabinet approves
highway project worth
Rs. 1,476.56 crore
T
he government Saturday approved
upgrading of the Chandikhole-Dubari-
Talcher section of the national highway
in Odisha under the National Highways
Development Programme (NHDP) phase
three at a total outlay of Rs.1,476.56 crore.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic
Affairs (CCEA) which met here today
approved the development project which will
have a total length of 133 kms.
The project will be executed in engineering,
procurement and construction (EPC) mode.
Metro project in Ahmedabad cleared
T
he central government Saturday cleared a 35.96 km metro rail project in Ahmedabad.
The frst phase would connect the APMC to Motera Stadium and Thaltej Gam to
Vastral Gam.
The total project of the cost would Rs.10,773 crore, of which Rs. 1,990 crore borne by the
central government, said a statement.
The decision was taken in a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The proposed two alignments are expected to provide much needed connectivity to the
commuters and would traverse through some of the densest and traffc congested areas of
Ahmedabad, the statement said.
It will considerably reduce traffc congestion and will bring in fast, comfortable, safe,
pollution-free and affordable mass transportation system for the people of Ahmedabad, it added.
INDIA
www.iwk.co.nz
24 October 2014
22
Red Black Orange
Indian-American named to
lead US civil rights division
Indian-American lawyer Vanita Gupta has
been chosen to lead US justice departments
civil rights division charged with enforcing
laws that prevent discrimination and
inequitable practices in housing, education and
employment.
Named Acting Assistant Attorney General
Wednesday, the frst South Asian American
lawyer to get the job, is expected to be
nominated by President Barack Obama for the
permanent position in the coming months.
Vanita has spent her entire career working
to ensure that our nation lives up to its promise
of equal justice for all, said Attorney General
Eric Holder announcing her appointment.
Even as she has done trailblazing work as
a civil rights lawyer, Vanita is also known as a
unifer and consensus builder. She has a knack
for bridging differences and building coalitions
to drive progress, he said.
I am certain that Vanita will serve as a
sound steward of this critical division, Holder
said.
Prior to joining the justice department,
Gupta served as deputy legal director of the
American Civil Liberties Union and director of
its Centre for Justice. Previously, she was an
attorney for its Racial Justice Programme.
Over her career, Gupta has earned a reputation
for working closely and collaboratively with
law enforcement, departments of corrections
and across the political spectrum to advance
smart policing and criminal justice reforms,
according to her offcial profle.
Through her work with the ACLU, she has
been involved in reform initiatives around the
country pertaining to federal and state policing,
sentencing, drug policy and criminal law.
Her recent work has focused on building
a bipartisan consensus to end overreliance on
incarceration.
Gupta began her career as a lawyer with
the NAACP Legal Defence and Educational
Fund. She has also taught civil rights litigation
and advocacy clinics at New York University
School of Law since 2008.
She received a BA, magna cum laude,
from Yale University and JD from New York
University School of Law.
Her frst case involved leading an effort to
win the release of 35 defendants in Tulia, Texas,
whose drug convictions and lengthy sentences
were discredited by the work of Gupta and
the legal team of private bar attorneys she
organized.
Ro Khanna closes gap in hot
Silicon Valley race
As a new poll showed Indian-American
Rohit Ro Khanna closing the gap in the
Congressional battle for Silicon Valley, he
vowed to focus on the communitys key
concerns - education and the economy.
With the polls tied at 38/38 percent, this
is the best pick up opportunity for an Indian
American in the country, said the former
Obama administration offcial challenging
veteran fellow Democrat seven term incumbent
Mike Honda in the Nov 4 election.
Ultimately, the choice in this election
is clear: We can rest on our laurels as the
innovation capital of the world and watch new
jobs and opportunities go elsewhere. Or, like
those who built Silicon Valley, we can roll
up our sleeves and get to work, he said in an
email interview.
Khannas campaign pollster found in a
survey of 400 likely voters last week the two
tied at 38 percent with 24 percent undecided - a
big turnaround from the 20-point lead Honda
held in Junes primary vote.
But Hondas campaign disputed the fgures
saying Monday that its own internal polling --
a survey of 500 likely voters, conducted Oct
7 through 12 -- showed 42 percent support to
Honda to Khannas 27 percent, with 31 percent
undecided.
Amid the duelling poll fgures, Khanna
exuded confdence. Im feeling very good
about where he stand in the race, he said.
Weve always been an underdog, but a recent
poll has us tied at 38-38 (percent).
That refects a sense of urgency from voters
who want effective and accessible leadership in
Congress, he said claiming his campaign had
galvanised the Indian-American community.
Khanna has also won the backing of
Yahoos Marissa Mayer and Facebooks Sheryl
Sandberg in the California constituency thats
home to tech titans Apple, Yahoo, Facebook,
Intel and eBay.
Im running for Congress because Silicon
Valley needs a Congressman who will bring a
different approach to governing - someone who
will build bipartisan coalitions to get things
done. Someone who will lead on issues, not
follow. Someone who will be engaged and
show up in the community, Khanna said.
Khanna said he was also very proud of
the Indian American communitys increasing
participation in the Democratic process.
The Indian-American candidate said he
was encouraged to see the warm reception to
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during
his recent visit.
Indian-origin scientist creates bio-based
smart material
A
n Indian-origin scientist from the University of California-Berkeley in the US has taken
proteins from nerve cells and used them to create a smart material that is extremely
sensitive to its environment.
This could lead to new types of biological sensors, fow valves and controlled drug release
systems, including micro-fuidic devices that can handle and process very small volumes of
liquid such as samples of saliva or blood for diagnostics.
We created a new class of smart, protein-based materials whose structural principles are
inspired by networks found in living cells, said principal investigator Sanjay Kumar, associate
professor of bioengineering.
Madison Square like event planned for Modi in Sydney
W
ith Prime Minister Narendra Modi set
to visit Australia for the G-20 summit
in Brisbane in mid-November, efforts are on
to ensure his charisma overwhelms the Indian
diaspora there like at New Yorks Madison
Square event.
Expected to be participated in by over
15,000 people, the Sydney event is being
hosted by the Indian Australian Community
Foundation (IACF), a coalition of diverse
Indian-Australian organisations, to welcome
the Indian prime minister.
The Sydney event is the only community
address that Prime Minister Modi will be
delivering during his Australian tour. It holds
signifcance as it is occurring when an Indian
prime minister is visiting Australia after 28
years, Ramyavaran Ramaswamy, one of the
main organisers from IACF, said.
Within three days of opening registration,
over 250 community organisations have
registered to be a Reception Partner for the
event. In many other senses, it will be bigger
than the Madison Square event of the US, he
added.
Modi would be participating in a two-day
G20 Summit starting Nov 15. It will be followed
by the community reception in Sydney Nov
17 during which Modi will address the Indian
Diaspora. He will address a joint parliamentary
session in Canberra the next day.
IACF will organise the event with the
support of hundreds of groups representing the
Indian diasporas broad spectrum of cultural,
linguistic and charitable organisations, Balesh
Singh Dhankhar, the IACF spokesperson, told
media over phone from Sydney.
The huge enthusiasm of Indians living
in Australia for Prime Minister Modi and the
much talked about Modi Wave in elections has
encouraged us to organise such an event in a
short period of time, he added.
The event will be participated in by members
of the Indian diaspora, top members of the
Australian polity and eminent personalities
from different areas like academics, business
and sports, said IACF chairperson Nihal Agar.
Though we have got less than a months
time to prepare, we are working hard across
many areas in seeking sponsorship to ensure
a successful event. The Madisan Square
organisers are believed to have got over two
months time for their arrangements.
Then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi had
visited Australia in 1986.
Modis visit follows Australian Prime
Minister Tony Abbotts Indian tour in September
when the two sides sealed the historic deal to
sell uranium to India.
Im running for
Congress because
Silicon Valley needs
a Congressman who
will bring a different
approach to governing
- someone who will
build bipartisan
coalitions to get
things done.
INDIA ABROAD
www.iwk.co.nz
24 October 2014
23
Red Black Orange
FEATURES
Kill a pest and karmas going to get you
Nury Vittachi
A
tiny lizard has been clinging to the wall
behind me for two hours. I want to change
the TV channel but I feel I ought to at least
ask him, right? Yeah, I know its irrational
but Im human. A scientist friend tells me that
irrationality has been proven by experts to
be the default state of Homo sapiens. Or my
family, anyway.
On the morning of writing this, a female of
my acquaintance ran screaming from her room
after fnding a terrifying intruder inside. An
ant. So, how big is this ant, I asked, before
making rash promises to roll up my sleeves
and deal with it. It turned out to be regular
ant-sized, so 99.99999 per cent of the room by
cubic capacity was still available for her use.
But she wanted to be alone, so I went in and
frmly escorted the ant out of the premises. It
went quietly.
Humans, I believe, should not kill bugs. Not
for religious reasons, but because they get back
at us. They have karma on their side, you see.
Every month or so, theres a report in the
newspaper about some guy who tries to kill a
bug but instead accidentally destroys his home
(its always guys, a fact which surprised me, but
not any of the women in the offce: funny that).
The Seattle Fire Department recently sent out
a Twitter report that a man tried to kill a spider
using a spray can and cigarette lighter but
instead caused $60,000 of damage to his house.
This reminded me of the ultimate bug-
killing accident that took place in Japan a few
years ago. A man was annoyed by a mosquito
in his car. He emptied a can of bug spray trying
to get it. Then he lit a blowtorch. The car went
up in fames. The garage went up in fames. His
house went up in fames. The rest of the street
was in danger. Had frefghters not arrived, we
could have lost Japan.
As for the bug, Im sure he few off posting
pictures of the burning building on the insect
equivalent of the internet with the words EPIC
FAIL on them.
I just forwarded this story to the young
woman recovering from the trauma of having
her space violated by an ant and she told me
about a recent incident in Britain, also involving
danger at home. A man installed a designer
crystal doorknob in his house and it amplifed
the sunshine, starting a blaze.
What do these news reports teach us? The
moral is clear. If you commit a heinous sin
against The Universe, such as the attempted
murder of an innocent bug, or the shameless
spending of actual money on a designer crystal
doorknob, then cosmic justice will ensure that
you will pay a horrible price.
On refection, I think its wise to stay on
the right side of The Universe. After all, cosmic
justice makes life fair, right? So I am going to
wait until the TV cooking show I am watching
ends before changing the channel, unless the
contestants are asked to cook lizards. Okay
with you, gecko?
Nury Vittachi is an Asian based frequent
traveller. Send ideas and comments
via Facebook
Celebrating success at NZTC India
Graduation Ceremony
S
unday 12th October marked a very special
day for the New Zealand Tertiary College
(NZTC) team as they joined their new graduates
and their families to celebrate their success at
the fourth and largest Graduation Ceremony in
Mumbai.
The hard work and dedication shown by
all 30 graduates throughout their studies was
commendable and will contribute to the lives
of young children, families and communities
across India through the effective care and
education of next generation.
Selena Fox, Chief Executive of NZTC,
commented,We pride ourselves on our
commitment to our early childhood profession
and it is extremely rewarding to see our passion,
values and vision for the future of young
children shared by all our graduates.
The success we celebrate at this, our largest
Graduation Ceremony in India to date, is
testament to the hard work of our graduates
here today and we extend our thanks to the
families who have shown their support and
encouragement.
For Ilham Bharmal, studying for a Bachelor
of Education (Early Childhood Education) with
NZTC India was an experience that she has
beneftted from signifcantly. Sharing her story
at the ceremony, she explained how engaging
she found her studies.
The learning process becomes more
complex and enriching at each stage. I took up a
job with my sons preschool as the course nearer
completion and received lots of accolades from
the parents as well as the seniors. NZTC made
a good preschool professional out of me and I
have great respect for the institute and quality
of the course.
Similarly for Dimple Dsouza, who wanted
to turn her love for children into a rewarding
career in early childhood education, completing
her Certifcate in Early Childhood Teaching
(Level 6) provided her with a platform to fulfl
her dreams.
Not only has my study made me more
confdent but it has enriched me in my journey
of learning and given me a better understanding
of early childhood education, its importance and
provided me a base for my future endeavours.
If you would like study a specialist early
childhood qualifcation at New Zealand Tertiary
College in New Zealand, please contact one
of the help team today on (09) 520 4000 or
alternatively by emailing international@
nztertiarycollege.ac.nz.
Humans, I believe,
should not kill bugs.
Not for religious
reasons, but because
they get back at us.
They have karma on
their side, you see.
Corrigendum: In our 17th October, 2014, issue, page 6, we had inadvertently omitted the following information: Along with two sons, Shivani Arora has a daughter
named Sonam, who was the Master of Ceremony at the frst-ever Kiwi-Indian Hall of Fame.
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24 October 2014
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Red Black Orange
2014 Annual New Zealand
Sangam Sports and Cultural
Convention
N
ew Zealand Sangams annual Sports and
Cultural convention will be held from 7th
to 9th November 2014 at Mangere Centre Park
Stadium, Mangere, and Auckland. The
offcial opening ceremony will take
place on Saturday 8 November
at 10.00a.m followed by a
typical Fiji style team parade
and foat procession.
Over the last 2 years, the
NZ Sangam community has
provided a good taste to the
Indian community with fun
packed family weekend at
there annual conventions. This
year is going to be no different says
Event Chairperson Pranesh Gounder.
We have an exciting weekend planned and
again we are all geared up for a weekend full of
fun for the entire family.
The Sangam convention is an annual event
that is organised for members of Sangam and
families and friends to showcase Sangam
heritage and culture in New Zealand. The
weekend event welcomes your whole family to
enjoy a wonderful day out with non-stop fun,
entertainment coupled with sports competition
in soccer, volleyball and golf.
There are participants from Auckland,
Waikato and the Hawkes Bay Manawatu region
competing at sports segments. NZ Sangam
Idol Contest and Awards night takes off on
the evening Saturday 8th November 8.00pm
at Mangere Centre park, the Idol Contest is a
competition showcasing both traditional South
Indian and contemporary dance and music. The
evening will also be celebrated by recognising
and awarding inspiring members and
associates for their service to
Sangam.
It is anticipated that a
large number of audience
and spectators from a cross
section of the Auckland
community will be in
attendance and no doubt this
event will become bigger
and better in future.
2014 NZ Sangam Golf
tournament will be happening on
Sunday 2nd November. This event is
open to all Sangam and Non Sangam Golfers
with prizes available for both categories. For
details or registration to the Sangam Golf
tournament please contact Krish Krishna
021717161 or Ravi Rajan on 027 5423371.
Further information on the Sangam
Convention can be obtained from the
organising chairperson Pranesh Gounder
0211578903 or Vicky Goundar 0272924266.
2014 NZ Sangam Convention
7-9 November 2014
Mangere Centre Park Stadium
101 Robertson Road, Mangere,
Auckland
EVENTS
Waitakere Diwali: Even rains couldnt
dampen the spirit
W
aitakere Indian Association celebrated
its 15
th
Diwali last Saturday at the Trusts
Arena in Henderson. Thanks to the Trusts being
the largest Diwali Indoor Arena in Auckland,
the show was well sheltered from the pelting
rain that set in as the day progressed.
The programme started off at 11am with
a Hawan Pooja on stage to bless the occasion
followed by Kirtan and Bhajan by Aucklands
budding talents which set the tone for the rest
of the day. The Bollyworx crew from Mount
Roskill got the crowd on their feet with their
energetic dance aerobics and the School Dance
competition that followed signifed one why
we have been holding Diwali for all these
years. The groups representing their Schools
put on some magical performances and it was
wonderful to see the large number of non-Indian
participants encouraging their parents and peers
to a get involved with the Indian culture.
In the mean time, the craft and food stalls
were also busy attending to their customers
which also stretched beyond Indian community.
Waitakeres publicity machine has been
working hard to bring other communities to the
Diwali festival to share our culture with and to
educate about the Universal message of Diwali
and it was refreshing see these communities
represented well amongst all our traditional
Diwali goers.
As the chief guest, the offcial programme
was kicked off by Mayor Len Brown and
the distinguished guests and newly elected
MPs were treated to a stunning performance
of the Ganesh dance by the Indianz troupe.
The distinguished guests also took part in the
traditional singing of the National Anthem and
Aarti along with the students of the Waitakere
Hindi School which was a testament to this
Diwalis focus on balancing the modern with
the traditional aspects of Diwali.
Continuing with this tradition, the evening
programme began with Hare Krishnas group
ISCKON who performed an English depiction
of the story of Diwali in the Ramayan. This item
kept its audience spellbound and was a great
reminder to the younger generations about the
story of Diwali and why it is celebrated.
The crowd who had battled the rains to
celebrate Diwali were not disappointed and the
rest of the night continued with a number of
amazing Bollywood items including displays
by Aaja Nachle, Indianz, A Touch of Bollywood
, Trinity dance group and Azhars dance Troup.
Being an indoor show, the crowd was treated
to a seated display of some of the best acts in
Auckland.
The stage performances fnished up with
the energetic crew from Nachda Punjab, who
as usual had the crowd on their feet and ready
to dance the night away. They had to be coaxed
outside in time for the Fireworks extravaganza
which included some Diwali designs that have
never been seen in Auckland and a fnale that
left the audience cheering. The drizzle didnt
dampen anyones spirit and the warmth of the
Diwali spirit ensured the crowd had a fantastic
time and went away smiling.
Diwali @ SIT
From top: (left to right) Manjalina
Jayasinghe, SIT CEO Penny Simmonds
and Invercargill Mayor Shadbolt start the
festivities with the auspicious lighting of the
candles; SIT students performs to celebrate
the festivities
School Children performing at the Diwali Function; (From Left to Right) Naveen Prakash (President
WIA), National list MPs Parmjeet Parmar and Alfred Ngaro, NZ First List MP Mahesh Bindra, Chief
Guest mayor Len Brown (centre) Third from right Anilesh Kumar (Project Manager) 2nd from right
Sunil Chandra, publicity manager, far Right Shalveen Ballu.
www.iwk.co.nz
24 October 2014
25
Red Black Orange
GLITTERATI
Humble Dharam
Bollywood superstar Dharmendra was in Auckland recently and he stopped by to have
lunch at Cemix director and co-publisher of Indian Weekender, Bhav Dhillons house. A
select few were invited to the lunch, including Giri Gupta, the other publisher and managing
editor of Indian Weekender. After savouring a sumptuous spread, the invitees and the host
family got busy posing with the star. But there was one person who sat quietly through it all,
observing the buzz around him. Suddenly, the star himself walks up to this person and asks:
Kya aap mere saath photo nahi khichwayenge? (Will you not click a photo with me?) This
silent spectator was none other than Giri Gupta.
All that glitters and more...
Manisha Anand, contestant Mrs India NZ 2014
Niti Mahindroo, Manisha Anand and Shailjah Khan
DJ Charlie and DJ Areeb
Bollywood Affaire Diwali bash at Skycity-Club 21
Having a party? We would
like to hear from you.
Reach us at
editor@indianweekender.co.nz
and get featured on Glitterati
www.iwk.co.nz
24 October 2014
26
Red Black Orange
How to nd out more
and provide feedback:
Online: www.AT.govt.nz/NewNetwork
In person: Come along to an event
In writing: Fill out the feedback form
in the West Consultation Brochure
(available at our events
or from libraries, service centres
and local board ofces)
By phone: Call (09) 366 6400
What do you think? Give your feedback, from 21 October to 1 December 2014,
on proposed changes to bus services.
Help us improve bus services
for West Auckland
5057_10.14_AT
We are making changes to bus and train services in West Auckland, including Helensville. These current bus services will
change: 04X, 07X, 09X, 11X, 13X, 15X, 048, 049, 060, 061, 070, 079, 080, 081, 082, 085, 087, 090, 091, 092, 093, 095, 097, 113, 115,
121, 130, 135, 136, 145, 149, 153, 154, 156, 224, N05, N13.
*** These proposals do not affect the services which have been in effect from 3 August 2014 in Green Bay, Titirangi,
Blockhouse Bay, Wood Bay, French Bay, Tanekaha, Laingholm and Kaurilands.
Date Location Time
Sunday 26 October Avondale Markets 8am to 12pm
Tuesday 28 October New Lynn Interchange 2.30pm to 6pm
Thursday 30 October Henderson Interchange, Council Airbridge 2.30pm to 6pm
Sunday 9 November Te Atatu Peninsula Markets 7.30am to 12pm
Tuesday 18 November Westgate Bus Interchange 2.30pm to 6pm
Sunday 23 November Hobsonville Point Markets 9am to 1pm
Chakravyuh- Lethal circles
Swati Sharma
Indian community is growing rapidly in
New Zealand and discovering new ways to
make the community proud. Another reason
to feel proud has been provided by NU Sindhu
Art academy (NSAA) with their frst cinematic
presentation, Chakravyuh - Lethal circles, a
flm produced in New Zealand.
Recently, NSAA held the screening of the
flm. The event was hugely successful. The
preview screening was attended by cast and
crew, and some renowned members of the
Auckland Indian entertainment community
like Vijesh Nangia, Shailesh Prajapati, Chirag
Solanki and Rupal Solanki.
The audience was mesmerised by the story,
and the twists and turns kept them guessing for
the two hours. The performances from the lead
cast were highly appreciated, especially Monica
Nangias performance as a criminal-minded
housewife. Dialogues and production values
were also cited as some of the best that Hindi
audiences have experienced in New Zealand.
Words like fabulous, fantastic and
amazing were used liberally to describe this
frst attempt to make a Hindi flm for New
Zealand audience. All attendees left the
screening proud of what had been achieved in
this frst of its kind venture.
This is the frst time that a Hindi flm has
been conceived, shot and presented for Indians
in New Zealand. Scripted, cast, shot and
directed in New Zealand, Chakravyuh - Lethal
Circles is a gripping story about the risks we
take and the consequences that follow.
The flm is written, directed and produced
by Kapil Asrani, who is also playing a police
inspectors role in the flm.
The flm will have four shows in Auckland:
8th November 6 pm - Hoyts Sylvia Park
ENTERTAINMENT
www.iwk.co.nz
24 October 2014
27
Red Black Orange
ENTERTAINMENT
Accompanied by:
Manjit Singh
(Tabla - Rhythm
School of Music)
Samir
Bhalodkar
(Samvadini)
1st November 2014 6.30pm Mt Albert War Memorial Hall,
773 New North Road, Mt Albert, Auckland
Presents
An evening on enchanting
and many more styles from the heartland of Benaras
GOLD SPONSORS EXCLUSIVE MEDIA PARTNERS
Available @ or call 0272435353, 09 5348000
Tickets $20
SUPPORTED BY
Diary
Kuch Kuch... gave
me everything I have
today: KJo
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai gave college
friendships and romance a new cinematic
language in Bollywood. Its been 16 years since
Karan Johars directorial debut hit the screens,
and the flmmaker credits it for everything he
has today.
The Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol and Rani
Mukerji-starrer, which was a hit courtesy
its story, cast, acting, songs and humour. It
established a huge connect with audiences of
all age groups, making the countrys youngsters
crazy about colourful friendship bands and the
COOL chain that the actors sported.
16years ago...#kuchkuchhotahai.:..the flm
that gave me everything I have today...indelible
memories, Karan tweeted.
Shah Rukh also thanked the team of the flm.
KKHH. Thank u Karan Kajol Rani Jatin
Lalit & everyone who made the flm happen.
And of course Tom Uncle (Yash Johar), he
shared on Twitter.
Celebs click Pink
Selfe
B
ollywood celebrities and fashion
designers have shown their support
towards a Pink Selfe campaign for breast
cancer awareness.
Actresses Aditi Rao Hydari, Nargis Fakhri
and designers Manish Malhotra and Nishka
Lulla have come forward to back the initiative
by Ogaan Cancer Foundation and Elle Breast
Cancer Campaign during October, which is
designated as the Breast Cancer Awareness
month.
An Instagram post by actress Nargis
Fakhri reads: I am wearing pink to support
Breast Cancer Awarness Month with @
elleindiaoffcial. Its very important to get
yourself tested as early detection provides a
98 % chance of full recovery and can save
lives. #pinkSelfe.
Its a unique initiative wherein all through
the month, celebrities will be wearing pink
and clicking selfes to create awareness for
the disease.
Intelligence, guts required to be in a mans
world: SRK on Farah
After working under his friend Farah Khans direction in Main Hoon Na, Om Shanti Om
and now Happy New Year, superstar Shah Rukh Khan knows what qualities make her a success
in the male-dominated Hindi flm industry.
Farah has a lot of self-confdence, which is amazing. Whenever I think that I will direct a flm, I
fnd myself lacking the self-confdence. Also, unlike her, I dont have the clarity, Shah Rukh, who
feels he can imbibe the quality from Farah, told reporters.
I genuinely think every world has a male-dominated area. It requires intelligence and guts to be
in a mans world and say it like it is. Farah exudes power. I think women are respected here, but the
kind of respect she garners, is quite amazing, Shah Rukh added.
Their forthcoming project also features Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, Boman Irani,
Sonu Sood and Vivaan Shah.
www.iwk.co.nz
24 October 2014
28
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FEATURES
From the desk of I am Woman
Get the most out of life 12 golden rules
Everybody wants to get the most out of life. When work and responsibilities seem to get in the way leaving you exhausted and unable to do
anything interesting or fun then resentment and frustration can build up. These can be real killers of relationships, peace of mind and our
overall optimism. It therefore becomes important to take time out , step back and reassess your situation. Here are twelve important things
you can do to take the power back into your own hands -
Know what is important to you and what
you want to achieve.
Theres no right or wrong answer but if
youre going to get the most out of YOUR
life, be clear on what that means to you. Its ok
if you are happy with where you are and just
want to achieve peace of mind. You just need
to be clear on what you really want.
Slow down.
Put away those devices, look around you
and interact face-to-face with people around
you. Bask in the simple pleasures. You dont
have to always be on the move, doing, always
hurrying, always looking for more. Getting
somewhere two minutes sooner is not going to
make a difference but it does make the drive
more stressful.
Be you. Dont compare yourself with
anyone else.
People succeed at what they love because
they WANT to do it and they do anything to
succeed at it. Follow your bliss because life is
not about the next promotion or having more.
You are amazing exactly as you are. Dont let
anyone tell you otherwise!
Dont give in to comfort.
Stretch yourself. Be uncomfortable most of
the time, and you will be LIVING. Comfort
usually equates to settling for something easy
and mediocre rather than going all-out for
something thrilling and fulflling. Its not easy
to quit your day job to pursue a passion or
walk up to an attractive stranger and introduce
yourself but if you dont, you will sit in your
comfortable living room, regretting all the
things you did not do. Push yourself expand
your limits constantly.
Dont overthink. Do.
Like Napoleon said, Take time to
deliberate, but when the time for action has
arrived, stop thinking and go in. Wasting
your life waiting for the stars to align, or the
conditions to be perfect is just that wasting
your life. Dive in before you know how to
swim. Push yourself, challenge yourself, and
stop agonizing over what if. Things could
just as easily go awesomely right as they could
go wrong so snap out of your analysis paralysis
and take a chance on something.
Change your perspective.
Seeing yourself through another persons
eyes is illuminating. Be open to alternative
points of view because YOURS isnt the only
one, and its not necessarily the right one. If
you close yourself off from newer thoughts and
ideas, how will you grow and develop?
Express gratitude.
Being grateful for everything the
good, the not so good - all of it is the key
to happiness. Express thanks every day and
to really supercharge this practice, remind
yourself WHY you are grateful for something
or someone. And dont forget to be grateful for
adversity since it is your greatest teacher and
full of indescribably powerful blessings.
Nurture your relationships.
Humans arent meant to go through life
alone. Dreams need the cooperation of other
and life is much sweeter when you have people
to share your road. Appreciate people around
you and dont hesitate to let them know how
much they mean to you.
Embrace failure.
Failure is one of lifes greatest teachers.
So is pain. If it werent for unhappiness,
struggle, pain or frustration, would we ever do
anything to improve our lives? No wed be
comfortable. Wed exist, but never truly live.
Develop and share your talents.
You have them for a reason. Remember

that you are unique, there is no one else like
you. The world needs what you have to offer!
Recognise your strengths and never let go an
opportunity to polish yourself by sharing your
uniqueness with the world.
Say no.
Do yourself a favour, learn the art of saying
NO. Its no use putting yourself through things
and experiences that drain you or make you
feel bad. And say yes more often to things that
make you feel good.
Make time for yourself
to meditate, or pursue a passion, to spend
down time with a loved one anything to
soothe the mind, uplift the spirit and rejuvenate
the body!
Your life is what you make it. You alone can
make the choices, and yes, some of them will
be intensely uncomfortable and scary if youre
aiming to get more out of life. Expect the best
of yourself, reach high, and dont worry about
tomorrow. It maybe important to remember
though that in order to change anything the
change needs to begin with you. Remember
If you always do, what youve always done
you will always get what youve always got.
www.iwk.co.nz
24 October 2014
29
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EVENTS
Jagad Guru speaks
Jagad Guru speaks returns to television

every Thursday, on Face TV (Sky 083)
which screens nationwide.
This TV series will, as previously, be very
appealing to many in the Indian community.
Jagad Guru is a paramahamsa in the line of
great acharyas known as the Brahma Madhva
Gaudiya Sampradya, in ancient Vedic
tradition of Vaishnavism.
Deep knowledge, humility and devotion
to God, the qualifcations of the actual lover
and representative of the Supreme Personality
of Godhead, Bhagavan, are evident in the
person of Jagad Guru Siddhaswaruapananda
Paramahamsa, a disciple of His Divine
Grace A.C. Bhaktivendanta Swami Srila
Prabhupada.
Jagad Guru sees and embraces the
Supreme Person, Bhagavan, heart to heart,
and motivated by compassion for all souls, he
works tirelessly and selfessly to help others
revive their own original love for God, as well
as communicating the message of Godhead,
world wide. When heard and appreciated, this
beautiful timeless message is life changing.
As Sri Krishna says to Arjuna:
Just try to hear the truth by approaching
a spiritual master. Inquire from him
submissively and render service unto him.
The self realized soul can impart knowledge
unto you because he has seen the truth.
In this world, there is nothing so sublime
and pure as transcendental knowledge. Such
knowledge is the mature fruit of all mysticism.
And one who has achieved this enjoys the self
within himself in due course of time.
Bhagavad Gita [as it is] 4:34,38
So be sure to tune into Jagad Guru
Speaks. Let your friends and family know
too. After all there is nothing else like it on
television.
HELP LINE
Alcohol drug helpline
Phone: 0800 787 797 or (03) 379 8626
Email: info@alcoholdrughelp.org.nz
Or alcoholdrughelp@adanz.org.nz
Website: http://www.alcoholdrughelp.org.nz
Services: Free confdential information,
insight and support on any problem, issue or
query you have about your own or someone
elses drinking or drug taking.
Depression Helpline
Phone: 0800 111 757 or (04) 917 0060
Emails: kaytef@ndi.org.nz
Website: http://www.depression.org.nz/
Call the Depression Helpline to talk to a
trained counsellor about how you are feeling
or to ask any questions.
Mum2Be Helpline
Phone: 0800 855 066
Email: info@health.govt.nz
Website: http://www.health.govt.nz
Services: Provide you with contact details for
Lead Maternity Carers in your area. If youd
like to talk to someone about your pregnancy,
call Pregnancy Counselling Services on 0800
PREGNANT (0800 773 462).
LifeLine Aotearoa
Phone: 09 5222 999 or 0800 543 354
Website: http://www.lifeline.org.nz/
Working Hours: 24 hours
Face to face counselling to those in need for
issues including psychological & emotional
distress, fnancial and work issues, marriage
and family problems and with callers who
are lonely, ill, depressed or the victims of
violence or abuse.
WHATSOn
NZ Sangam Convention
2014
Date: 7-9 November 2014
Time: TBC
Venue: Mangere Centre Park Stadium,
101 Robertson Road, Mangere, Auckland
2014 NZ Sangam Golf tournament will be
happening on Sunday 2nd November. This
event is open to all Sangam and Non Sangam
Golfers with prizes available for both categories.
For details or registration to the Sangam Golf
tournament please contact Krish Krishna
021717161 or Ravi Rajan on 027 5423371.
Further information on the Sangam Convention
can be obtained from the organising
chairperson Pranesh Gounder 0211578903 or
Vicky Goundar 0272924266.
Rangrasiya
Date: 1
st
November 2014
Time: 6:30 pm onwards
Venue: Mt Albert War Memorial hall, 773
New North Road, Mt Albert Auckland
On the occasion of Diwali, Migrant Heritage
Charitable Trust Inc (regd) is proud to bring
to you an immensely popular and talented
artist Dhanashree Pandit Rai to New Zealand.
Dhanashree is one of the leading exponents of
the THUMRI form of music and her repertoire,
besides khayal, consists of thumri, chaiti, hori,
kajri , sawan, jhoola etc. Vocal: Dhanashree
Pandit Rai, Tabla: Manjit Singh (Rhythm School
of Music), Samvadini: Amir Bhalodkar. Tickets
for $20 available from 1st October 2014 at:
Yogijis Food Mart, 26 Carr Road, Mt Roskill,
Auckland.
Contact: Yogijis - 624 5757 or Varsha
0272435353
Indian Classical
Dance- Lecture/
Demonstration
Date: Sat 25 Oct 2014
Time: 11:00am 11:30am
Venue: Onehunga Library, 85 Church St,
Onehunga
Come one, come all to a lecture/demonstration
on Bharatanatyam, an ancient Indian classical
dance form, by Nutan Bhat. People of all ages
are invited. Free Admission
Chakravyuh- Lethal
Circles (The Movie)
Date and Time: 8 &15 Nov 6 pm
9 & 16 Nov 2014 4 pm
Venue: Hoyts Cinema, Sylvia Park,
Auckland
NU Sindhu Art academy (NSAA) has come
up with their frst cinematic presentation,
Chakravyuh- Lethal circles, a flm wholly
produced in New Zealand. This is the frst time
that a Hindi flm has been conceived, shot and
presented for Indians in New Zealand. Scripted,
cast, shot and directed in New Zealand. The
flm will have four shows in Auckland.
Auckland Library Diwali
2014
Date: 12 - 26 October
Venue: Multiple locations
Diwali is the annual festival of lights. In
Auckland, public Diwali celebrations take place
across the city and the event is marked as a
major festival by Auckland Council. Auckland
Libraries celebrates Diwali every year with a
region-wide programme of henna workshops,
music and dance demonstrations, special
story-times and much more. To fnd a library
near you visit: http://www.aucklandlibraries.
govt.nz/EN/Events/Events/pages/diwali2014.
aspx
Pregnancy Yoga Classes
Date: Every Wednesday
Time: 5:30pm6:30pm
Venue: East West Organics, 34 Portage
Rd, Auckland
These gentle Transformation Hatha Yoga
classes will enable you to help your body adjust
to your pregnancy, to help you to strengthen
your muscles for carrying your baby and birth,
this will also help with readjusting back after the
birth of your baby. Classes are only available for
those over 16 weeks into pregnancy and you
will need to check with your midwife or Doctor
before coming to the classes.
www.iwk.co.nz
24 October 2014
30
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FEATURES
I want to be like Aishwarya Rai
Sharon Verma, Miss India NZ 2014, runner-up, talks about her dreams, hopes and triumphs
Paula Ray
Indian Weekender: What made you choose
to participate in this pageant?
Sharon Verma: To gain confdence and
interact with participants of different age-
groups, and also to make new friend. Most of
them are in university already, while I am still
in school. I won the Miss Teen South Auckland-
India crown and got selected for Miss India-NZ
competition, which is a mix-up of all age-
groups, starting 16 yrs of age.
IWK: What is the signifcance behind the title
Miss India NZ?
SV: Anyone of Indian ethnicity can participate
in it. It gives them a platform to showcase their
talents. Being Indian and a New Zealander
made me proud to be associated with it.
IWK: The Single best thing that has happened
so far?
SV: Taking part in so many events. I performed
at Aotea Square at the Auckland Diwali
Fetsival, at the Unievrsity of Auckland Diwali
Festival, including the Air New Zealand and
ATEED Diwali launch event a few weeks ago.
This weekend, I will perform at a Rotary Club
event in Viaduct. All of these experiences give
me a bigger platform to explore. They also give
me an opportunity to meet people and make an
informed decision.
IWK: Single most diffcult challenge you have
faced so far?
SV: It is trying to keep up with school work
and take part in events. The latter tends to get
you side-tracked. It is important to keep good
grades at school. Balancing the two becomes a
challenge.
IWK: Most important lesson learned:
SV: Right after the pageant, I had to wake up
every day at 4.30 am to study, come home
and study after school, study in the weekend
- to make up for time lost. The events are a
good opportunity, but they sidetrack me. The
most important lesson I have learned is to be
responsible to myself.
IWK: Who has been the biggest infuence of
your life?
SV: Mum, because she kept pushing me to try
and do it. During events, she was always there
n kept reminding what comes next. She teaches
me perseverance. She keeps saying: You can
do it. Dont be scared. Its ok. Dont forget your
studies.
IWK: Your role model:
SV: Dad, because he was in Fiji till he was 18
or 19 years of age. He lived there with his mum
and family; his father had passed away when
dad was younger. He migrated to NZ by himself
to study engineering. He was already married to
mum by then, but he managed to stand on his
own feet. He achieved everything by himself. It
was big risk to take.
IWK: Your favourite actress/ model:
SV: Aishwarya Rai! I want to be like her. She
is so beautiful. Ive heard that she doesnt care
about makeup brands, rather uses ordinary
makeup.
IWK: What are your plans after you fnish
school?
SV: I want to study medicine at University
of Auckland or Otago University. I want to
become a GP. However, I dont want to lose
modelling and keep it as a hobby. I want to
achieve my goal. My dream is to become a
doctor, right from childhood.
IWK: Tell us about that one dream that you
want to be real
SV: Apart from becoming a medicine doctor, I
want to become an Indian actress in Bollywood.
I want to defnitely become Aishwarya Rai
(laughs)!
Sharon Verma, Model
It is important to
keep good grades at
school. Balancing
the two becomes
a challenge.
www.iwk.co.nz
24 October 2014
31
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FEATURES
MELBOURNE APARTMENTS
* Full details of Prize Draw Terms and Conditions, Migrant Banking Package eligibility criteria and a copy of our Reserve Bank Disclosure Statement are available at any ANZ branch or at anz.co.nz. ** Ofer valid only for funds transferred by Personal, Business
and Private Banking customers to India or Fiji between 1 and 31 October 2014, using ANZ Internet Banking Send Money Overseas service (Registration may apply). ANZ International Money Transfer Terms and Conditions, and overseas bank charges apply.
ANZ Bank New Zealand Limited. 10/14 17112IW
We wish you and
your family a very
Happy Diwali!
Win one of three great prizes!
To celebrate, were giving you a chance to win one of three great prizes.
To enter the draw, just take up two or more products from our Migrant
Banking Package in October. (Customers already on this package who
have two or more products will automatically beentered).
Grand prize: $1,001 cash deposited in to an ANZ transaction account.
Runner-up prize: $501 cash deposited in to an ANZ transaction account.
Second runner-up prize: $201 cash deposited in to an ANZ
transactionaccount.
Special limited time online ofer.
Plus if youre sending money online via ANZ Internet Banking to
India or Fiji in October, youll pay just $7 saving you $11 on the
normal fee. (Conditions apply).**
Call us on 0800 269 296, visit us in branch or anz.co.nz/diwali
for more details.

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Shyama Puja or Kali Puja is Kolkatas answer to Diwali. The date of

Jagad Guru speaks returns to television

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