06DECEMBER2019 | Vol 11 Issue 38

www.iwk.co.nz /indianweekender /indianweekender

FIRST-EVER NZ SIKH GAMES Thinking of

A resounding success!
INSIDE: Selling?
Our in-depth Talk to your Local
coverage on the recent
immigration instructions
Area Expert!
on Culturally Arranged
Marriages &
Partnership Visas

Mannu Bala
022 0166 844
m.bala@barfoot.co.nz

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Friday, December 06, 2019 The Indian Weekender
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 The Indian Weekender Friday, December 06, 2019
First-ever New Zealand Sikh Games
a resounding success
¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
T
he first-ever New Zealand Sikh Games
held at Bruce Pulman Park, Takanini
last weekend was a resounding success
by all standards, as it brought together thousands
of sporting talents from all around the country
and overseas destinations, and thousands of
enthusiastic members of the community to
support the two-day sporting extravaganza.
One hundred twenty-eight teams,
approximately 1500 sportsmen and women,
100+ performers, 300 volunteers, and 20,000
visitors came together over two days to make
the NZ Sikh Games the biggest community
sporting event in New Zealand.
The individual and team sporting-contests
had begun early in the morning of Saturday,
November 30, on various grounds of the
Bruce Pulman Park, while the official opening
ceremony was held just around noon with
several dignitaries joining together to declare
the first ever Sikh Games open officially.
The official ceremony was attended by
Minister of Ethnic Communities Jenny Salesa,
Parliamentary Private Secretary and Labour
List MP Priyanca Radhakrishnan, local MP for
Papakura, National’s Judith Collins, Honorary
Consul of India Bhav Dhillon, councillors of
local boards, several community leaders, local
and international media representatives and
members of the community.
The inauguration ceremony started with a
parade by players and local and foreign teams
who marched proudly displaying their team-
flags and were led by a local Scottish music
band.
Speaking on the occasion Minister Jenny
Salesa congratulated the organisers for pulling
off such a massive tournament that had clearly
brought the sports enthusiasts and the wider
community together, across different age-
groups and all walks of life.
The main sports included at the first-ever
NZ Sikh Games were Netball, Volleyball and
Volleyball Shooting, Badminton, Cricket,
Tennis, Football (Men & Women), Hockey,
Basketball, Kabaddi, sprint, and Golf.
“We had invited people not just from
Auckland but from different corners of the
country, and they had come in groups to both
participate in the games, as well as support
the event with their families,” Daljeet Singh,
President of New Zealand Sikh Games told The
Indian Weekender.
Notably, the organisers had made special
arrangement to engage with young kids and
children who have come along with their
parents to the games for either participating
as a player or as officials or just spectators,
by dedicating numerous play-activities in a
separate ground.
“We have arranged over 20 play activities
for the children, including bouncy castles, face
painting, toy cars, merry-go-round, drawing
and painting, etc. to engage and educate them
at the venue,” Tara Singh Bains, one of the
organising committee member told the Indian
Weekender.
The event also had three mega LED screens
(of 18, 20 and 40 square metres each) installed
at different places of the sporting along with
several TV screens that broadcasted the stage
activities and various games being played live
throughout the day.
NEW ZEALAND 3
There was abundant
food ranging from
healthy breakfast for
the athletes, to freshly
cooked vegetarian
lunch, snacks and
drinks arranged
beside the main
stadium absolutely
free for the visitors
and spectators at the Speaking on the occasion
event. Minister Jenny Salesa
“We had arranged
congratulated the
langar for everyone who attended the event,
and it was available throughout the day.
organisers for pulling
“We were mindful that both our spectators off such a massive
and players would be needed nourishment after tournament that had
play and during breaks and the event for the clearly brought the sports
whole day- so the langar was in place for them
to be served all day,” Daljeet Singh said.
enthusiasts and the wider
Given the fact that Guru Nanak’s 550th birth community together,
anniversary is being celebrated all around the across different age-
world, including in New Zealand, the organisers groups and all walks of life
also hosted a pictographic exhibition on the life
and teachings of Guru Nanak.
There was something special about the
trophies to be distributed to the winners and event successful- the community who were
participants as the organisers told the Indian present with their families to support the
Weekender. event, the sportsmen and women not just from
“One of the most talked-about things about Auckland but from all corners of New Zealand,
NZ Sikh Games was the iconic trophies that Australia, and India, the authorities in different
were presented to the winners,” Mr Bains said departments who helped us put together this
“The trophy was crafted following the logo massive event, our venue host Bruce Pulman
of the game- a Sikh sportsman running with who was himself present at the venue to support
the torch- the design of the trophy was lauded the event, and of course our volunteers and
by all for its symbolism and uniqueness that participating gurudwaras who rendered every
resembled Sikh Games. possible support to make the event complete,”
“The are many hands that have made our Mr Bains further added.
4 NEW ZEALAND Friday, December 06, 2019 The Indian Weekender

Snapshots
from the first
New Zealand
Sikh Games
 The Indian Weekender Friday, December 06, 2019 NEW ZEALAND 5

No respite for temporary visa

holders for re-opening of declined
partnership visa applications Your Trusted Financial Advisers
¡¡ SANDEEP SINGH

I
mmigration New Zealand (INZ) is not

Expert Advice for

intending to email any more applicants to
invite them to submit a new application.
This is certainly not the news that a lot
of Kiwi-Indians, currently in the country on
temporary visas and trying to get their partners
First Home Buyers
into the country (partnership based visas), and In Business
their applications had been declined along with
those of partners of New Zealand citizens and for them in their future planning. 
residents would have been looking for.  Mr Dunstan further told the Indian
This was confirmed to the Indian Weekender Weekender, “INZ initially estimated that there
in a response from the office of Stephen were around 1200 applicants who were declined
Dunstan, General Manager, Immigration New a visa since May 10, 2019, where there was a
Zealand, on Wednesday, December 4.  New Zealand resident or citizen partner. This is
the number the Minister of Immigration gave as Right advice and economical Better rates and stress free loans
Notably, the Indian Weekender has reported quote for all your insurance needs Advice on best loan structures
earlier that INZ has has contacted about eight an estimate when the changes were announced
hundred applicants whose previous partnership last month. However, this number was reduced
visa applications were declined, inviting them to around 800 after the following individuals
to re-apply for “visitor visas” to join their New were excluded:
Zealand based partners.  • People who had since been granted a further
“The invitation to submit a new visa visa
application only applies to applicants outside • People who already had a new application
of New Zealand where there is a New Zealand being processed
resident or citizen partner. INZ is not planning • People who were already in New Zealand.
to contact applicants where there is a partner What options are left for temporary visa
in New Zealand on a temporary visa,” Mr holders to get their partners? 
Dunstan said.  “Individuals who have a partner in New
The Indian Weekender is consistently
Zealand on a temporary visa will be required to
contacted by hundreds of affected temporary
apply for another visa, which will be assessed
visa holders who have been caught up in the
in line with the new guidance. Individuals
recent immigration-fiasco emanating largely
will still need to meet all other immigration
from INZ’s Mumbai office in trying to get
requirements,” Mr Dunstan said. 
their legitimate partners in the country, for
Needless to state the obvious, it seems that
more clarity. 
those partners of temporary visa holders will
In this regard, though unfortunate, this latest
have to once again go back in the queue. 
confirmation from INZ will bring some clarity
 6 NEW ZEALAND Friday, December 06, 2019 The Indian Weekender

Immigration NZ re-opens 800 previously

declined partnership visa applications
¡¡ SANDEEP SINGH Necessary condition for

I
mmigration New Zealand has contacted
about eight hundred applicants whose
A
previous partnership visa applications were
declined, inviting them to re-apply for “visitor
visas” to join their New Zealand based partners. 
Stephen Dunstan, General Manager,
Immigration New Zealand, has confirmed this
to the Indian Weekender Monday .  To be included in the invitation to make to a
“INZ can confirm that we have now emailed
around 800 individuals who we have identified
were recently declined visas assessed under the
older guidelines, inviting them to submit a new
application for a visitor visa. The fee and levy
for these new applications will be waived,” Mr
Dunstan said. 
It was also confirmed that the email was
sent to people who are outside New Zealand
and were declined a visa after May 10, 2019,
and had applied for either of the following
categories of visas:
Culturally arrange marriage visitor visa
General visitor visa where the purpose was to
join a New Zealand citizen or resident partner
living in New Zealand
Work or visitor visas based on partnership
with a New Zealand citizen or resident
Ever since Immigration Minister Iain Lees-
Galloway had announced on November 13, and
subsequently reiterated to the Indian Weekender
in an interview about the possible re-opening of
about 1200 applications that INZ will identify
as to have been treated unfairly earlier, there
has been some anxiety within a section of the
community about who will potentially qualify
and what happens to those who do not get an
invitation.  to submit their new application under this
Clarifying on this Mr Dunstan said,
“Individuals who did not receive an email
inviting them to submit a new application but
think that they were decided unfairly because of
the guidelines published on May 10 can apply
for a visa and explain why they were affected.”
“These individuals will need to pay the
appropriate fee for that application. INZ
will consider the individual’s circumstances
and refund their visa application fee if it is
found that they were unfairly affected,” Mr
Dunstan said.
Individuals have until February 2, 2020,
invitation, and the applications are likely to be
assessed within 25 days period.  if they will at all, contact partners of NZ
“INZ is committed to processing these
applications as quickly as possible. The
applications will be assessed in the order
we receive them, and we aim to complete
these applications within 25 working days of
receiving them,” Mr Dunstan said.  is awaited.
receiving an invitation to re-
apply
mong other conditions that Immigration
New Zealand deems fit as of today for
inviting to re-apply for a visitor visa for the
previously declined partnership visa applicants,
following are additional requirements.
new application, the individual must also:
¡¡ Still be outside New Zealand
¡¡ Not have been subsequently approved a visa
(after the initial declined application)
¡¡ Not have a current application being
considered.
Only partners of NZ citizens
and residents have been
contacted so far
Meanwhile, as far as now INZ has only
contacted partners of NZ citizens and residents
for re-opening their previously declined
applications, and no action has been taken with
regards to partners of temporary visa holders.
There is not much clarity when INZ will,
temporary visa holders to invite for re-applying
for “visitor visa” under new immigration
instructions.
A query has been sent to the office of the
Immigration New Zealand and response

Immigration NZ moves with caution on

assessments of ‘visitor visas’ to join Kiwi partners
¡¡ SANDEEP SINGH Immigration New Zealand about the new Arushi Kothari - an India based newly

I
mmigration New Zealand is moving
forward with caution in inviting about eight
hundred people to re-apply for a “visitor
visa” which will be assessed against updated
guidelines. It’s another matter that their caution
is still leaving a lot of unaddressed anxieties.
INZ’s caution is in making the “general
visitor visa” category available as an additional
pathway for people trying to join their partners
in New Zealand, which has been blocked ever
since their frontline case-officers has been
directed in May this year to stop giving any
exception from the requirement of “living
together” for the assessment of partnership visa
applications.  facilitating partners join their Kiwi-partners.  information from the applicants about their
For uninitiated, earlier on many instances,
immigration officers have been reluctant to
consider an applicant seeking to join their
partner in NZ as “bona fide” for the purpose of
“general visitor visa”.  A well-known immigration lawyer had
Even recently there had been many instances
where applicants who had been declined a
partnership based visa, for the want of “living
together” went ahead to file a general visitor
visa application (prior to the latest Ministerial
directive) only to be declined for the above-
stated reasons. 
Many reputed immigration lawyers and
advisers had also shared this view about the
general reluctance within INZ to allow entry to
individuals wanting to join their Kiwi partners
in New Zealand on a “general visitor visa,” as
they were deemed to be not “bona fide” under
the previous immigration instructions. 
Apparently, this is being fixed now
Following the Immigration Minister Iain
Lees Galloway’s intervention on November
13, and the subsequent reporting by the Indian
Weekender on November 21, the INZ had
cleared that now onwards “general visitor visa”
will be offered as an additional pathway for
Ever since then, INZ had been reiterating
about the new immigration guidance on the
general visitor visa for the purpose of joining
with New Zealand based partners.  commitments as I am a homemaker,” Arushi
Stephen Dunstan, General Manager,
Immigration New Zealand has on Wednesday,
December 4, told the Indian Weekender “INZ
had issued new guidance to staff on how to
assess other types of visa applications where
there is a relationship component. This includes
new guidance on how to assess temporary bona
fide requirements.”
“The new guidance recognises that people
coming to New Zealand to join their partner can
be considered genuine visitors, as long as they
meet all other requirements for a visitor visa.”
The new guidance ensures that individuals
in genuine relationships who have not lived
together will not be disadvantaged and may
be eligible for a visitor visa to join their New
Zealand based partner,” Mr Dunstan said.  working or studying or managing or assisting
This is indeed the most cautiously optimistic
response from the highest level within
immigration guidance related to visitor visa for married homemaker (name changed) who had
the purpose of assessing people in partnerships.  recently received an invitation to re-apply on
However, not everyone is equally assuaged  visitor visa shared her anxiety with the Indian
However, not everyone, including Weekender. 
immigration lawyers and advisors, are equally “I have got the invitation email from INZ
assuaged by this repeated assurances from the yesterday morning. But the thing is that they
INZ, and rightly so, because even for seasoned are still asking about employment, education,
experts, this is going to be uncharted territory.  social and financial commitments? Support
Although, from the letters being sent out from family, friends and wider community? It
to applicants inviting them to re-apply for means they are seeking to find solid reasons
a visitor visa for joining their New Zealand for returning back to India when the visa gets
based partners, it seems that Immigration expired.”
New Zealand is exercising a great degree of
“I don’t know why I would need to come
caution, especially for requesting all possible
back if my Husband is a Permanent Resident
of New Zealand. I am not sure what kind of
partnership or relationship or culturally
documents I can give for employment and
arranged marriages. 
education commitments, social and financial
While it is completely understandable that
INZ expects every possible information with
regards to how a relationship between an said. 
applicant and their Kiwi partner has developed
and consolidated, what concerns many, is confided in this reporter on the condition
their insistence on simultaneously requesting of anonymity, “I have very little confidence
for applicants’ circumstances in their home in INZ. It’s not the case officers who are the
country, such as employment, education, social problem; it’s some influential managers who
or financial commitments.  direct the case officers how to process the
How is INZ going to interpret this applications.”
seemingly contradictory information?  Regardless of this particular opinion, it can
What will happen to say a newlywed Indian be said with a degree of certainty that there is
girl married to a New Zealand citizen or resident, indeed a level of anxiety and uncertainty within
who had moved to her groom’s family-home in the community about how INZ will overcome
accordance to local cultural tradition and had the previously demonstrated reluctance
just been living there waiting to join her spouse of treating partnership related visitor visa
as and when she gets an appropriate visa?  applications, differently and fairly. 
It could be very likely that she may neither be It will all depend on how severely
immigration officers will apply the bona fide
in any business to provide evidence of financial test while assessing visitor visa applications for
commitment in the home country.   the partnership purpose.
 The Indian Weekender Friday, December 06, 2019 NEW ZEALAND 7

Global Finance takes out the Supreme Business of the Year

award 2019 at the IBA and four other awards.
Keeping customers at the front of everything they do has helped Global Finance Global Finance Interest Saver plan was developed inhouse in 2000. It was
pick up another five prestigious awards at a grand function held at Sky City on created to help customers tailor their mortgage structure to their own
the 25th November. Finance Minister Grant Robertson, in the presence of personal financial needs. It helps clients repay their mortgage faster
Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway, Ethnic Communities Minister without increasing fixed loan instalments. Through its success Global
Jenny Salesa, leader of opposition Simon Bridges, Deputy Prime Minister Finance aims to help people reach their financial goals quickly.
of Fiji and other dignitaries awarded Global Finance IBA Supreme
Business Award and four other awards - Best Financial Advisor -
Mortgage, Best Financial Advisor - Insurance, Business Excellence in
Customer Service and Best Large Business of the year 2019.

Ajay Kumar (Founder of Global Finance), Aseem Agarwal (Director of Global Finance),
Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum ( Attorney-General and Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji), Hon. Paul Goldsmith (MP)

Hon. Simon Bridges (leader of opposition), Vijay Singh ( MD of Oaks Property Management), Ajay Kumar
(Founder of Global Finance), Aseem Agarwal (Director of Global Finance), Hon. Grant Robertson
(Finance Minister), Hon. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum ( Attorney-General and Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji)

This is not the first time that GFS has been awarded the Supreme Business
Award. In the year 2010 also, under former Prime Minister John Key and former
Governor General Hon Sir Anand Satyanand awarded GFS the Supreme
Business Award.

Global Finance is a leading Mortgage

Jenny Salesa (Minister, Ethnic Communities,Nick Stanhope (CEO, AIA),
and Insurance Adviser based in Aseem Agarwal (Director of Global Finance), Muktesh Pardeshi (The High Commisioner of India)
Auckland having three branches -
Airport Oaks, Henderson and Manukau. Over the last ten years Global Finance has won many awards from prestigious
Global Finance has been trusted by institutions including ANZ, ASB, AIA, EY, Westpac, Deloitte, PAA, and TMM.
more than 6000 families and helped
them save millions in interest on their Earlier in the year Global Finance was a finalist in EY Entrepreneur of the Year
home, business and commercial loans Awards in September. Global Finance were also finalists in Excellence Strategy
over 20 years and won 50+ awards/ and Planning and Excellence in Marketing in the Westpac Awards held in
achievements. November 2019.

GFS philosophy is - A customer is the
most important visitor on our premises.
He is not depending on us. We depend
on him. He is not an interruption of our
work. He is the purpose of it. Without
Sureesh Mehta (Former High Commissioner of India),
Anand Satyanand (Former Governor - General of NZ), Achievements
John Key (Former Prime Minister), Ajay Kumar
(Founder of Global Finance), Phil Goff (Mayor)
Top Insurance Adviser 2018 Platinum Mortgage Award 2018
Largest Insurance provider in NZ

the customer we cannot exist.

Most Awarded Financial Adviser in New Zealand

Excellence in Customer Service

Best Financial Advisor ( Mortgage)
Best Financial Advisor ( Insurance)
Best Large Business
Supreme Business

Airport Oaks: 09 255 5500 Henderson: 09 836 5555

Manukau: 09 263 5555 Email: info@globalfinance.co.nz
 8 NEW ZEALAND Friday, December 06, 2019 The Indian Weekender

Firangi XI and Tamil Facebook Groups can apply for funds

to bring together members offline
Pasanga leading teams ¡¡ IWK BUREAU build social cohesion including supporting

in All Nations Cricket F

communities from diverse backgrounds,
acebook today announced the first- bridging the digital divide for regional
ever New Zealand Groups Fund, communities or creating positive connections
providing grants of between $500

Festival
and $5,000 to Facebook Group Admins to
support the purpose and ongoing activities
of their Facebook Group. A total of $50,000
is available to fund events or resources that
¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD empower face-to-face or offline activities
through sport and recreation.
“Facebook Groups are a place where we
can connect and share the things that are
important to us. We know Facebook Groups
provide valuable opportunities for communities

T
eams Firangi XI from
pool A and Tamil Pasanga
from pool B are leading
in the Ara All Nations Cricket
tournament in Christchurch.
The annual T20 tournament is
organised by Christchurch Metro
Cricket Association, sponsored
by Ara Institute of Canterbury,
and supported by Christchurch Multicultural
Council and Christchurch City Council; the
matches are held every Sunday leading to the
final on December 8 at Hagley Park.
In pool A, team Firangi XI beat PlaceMe by
130 runs and Afghan Fine Legs by 29 runs and
remained unbeaten so far in the tournament
with 20 points.
In pool B, Tamil Pasanga defeated The
Strikers by 85 runs and The Falcons by 21
runs cruising to the top with 20 points, while
Strikers who were at par with Tamil Pasanga
last week have dropped down to position four
in pool B after losing to Kings of Punjab and
Tamil Pasanga this week. Kings of Punjab are
in second position with 15 points followed by
Afghan XI and Strikers at ten points, Falcons at
five and Doon Tiger Club sitting at nil.
“We have had a great engagement in the
last two weeks as spectators and supporters
thronged the grounds to watch the thrilling
matches,” Surinder Tandon, President of
among members of Facebook Groups throughout New Zealand to come together, not
just online but in neighbourhoods, on sporting
during 2020.
According to exclusive new Facebook- fields and at the marae, and we hope these
commissioned third-party research released Grants will make more activities possible,” said
today, online communities feature significantly Ms Garlick.
in Kiwis’ online lives with more than 7 in every Earlier this year, Facebook announced
10 Kiwis (74%) being members of one Group, changes that put Groups at the center of
and over half (55%) belonging to more than Facebook through a redesign of both the
five Groups. The research found that over half Facebook app and desktop website. This
upcoming redesign makes it easier for people
of Kiwis aged over 18 rated participation in
an online community important for following to go from public spaces to more private ones,
their interests and staying up to date with their like Groups, which now more than 400 million
neighbourhood. people on Facebook belong to.
Also, online communities are increasingly
leading to offline connections, with almost
a third (32%) of Kiwis in Facebook Groups
surveyed saying they meet other members
offline to further their shared goals or interests.
Of these, two thirds (66%) have joined organised
meet ups or social activities, while almost half
(46%) have met to support or provide assistance
to other Group members and 22% did so to
raise awareness about an issue or cause.
Applications are open until 23rd January

remaining an yet unbeaten team.
Mohit Marya from Action Indoor team and
Daz Collis from Tamil Pasanga scored century
each to become the top scorers of the week.
Following Firangi XI in Pool A are Cornered
Tigers with 15 points, Afghan Fine Legs,
Action Indoor Sports with ten points each,
Nepal Warriors with five and PlaceMe still to
open their account.
Christchurch Multicultural Council told The
Indian Weekender.
“We are trying to foster multiculturalism and
diversity through cricket and also promoting
the sports amongst the youngsters here and its
going quite good,” Mr Tandon added.
The last round of the tournament will be
played on Sunday, December 8, followed by
the final and award ceremony in the afternoon.
The study found that membership of a
Facebook group is higher among women
(82%) than men (65%). Women (35%) also find
offline interaction with other members more
appealing than men (21%). Membership of over
ten Facebook groups is highest among people
aged 35-44 years old (36%).
Facebook’s Director of Policy for Australia and
New Zealand, Mia Garlick said the company is
looking to support Group activities that help
2020 or when 500 applications have been
received – which ever is earlier.
New Zealand resident Admins aged over 18
years from any Group can apply for funding.
One application per Group will be considered
for a Grant.
Read more about the eligibility criteria in
the FAQs and Terms and Conditions at
http://fbgroupsfund.co.nz/

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 The Indian Weekender Friday, December 06, 2019 NEW ZEALAND 9

Guru Nanak Free Kitchen spreads

Guru's teachings at Aotea Square
¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

G
uru Nanak Free Kitchen, a group, based
in Auckland committed to providing
free langar service on every last
Saturday of the month, hosted a special event on
November 30 at Aotea Square commemorating
Guru Nanak’s 550th birth anniversary.
On this occasion, the group set up live music/
kirtan stage at the Aotea Square and invited
people for the langar service and to know more
about Guru Nanak’s life and teachings.
Associated with the Gurudwara Sri Guru
Harikrishan Sahib in New Lynn, the group sets
up a stall in front of Auckland City Library
every last Saturday of the month serving free
food to the people and distributing free food Ms Bassan further added that there was a
Guru Nanak Free
bags to the homeless in the city. lot of inquisitiveness amongst the visitors who
“For a long time we have set up our stall Kitchen, is a group, enquired more about Guru Nanak, his life and
serving free food to the people in the city- the teachings and his love for music.
based in Auckland that
whole purpose of this activity is to spread the “Irrespective of which holiday or event
word of Guru Nanak’s teachings and message- provides free langar falls on the last Saturday, our team makes
and have kirtan playing on our system,” sure that the ‘free kitchen’ event goes as per
Sukhvinder Kaur Bassan, founding member
service every last
schedule which means planning and getting
of Guru Nanak Free Kitchen told The Indian Saturday of the month the volunteers, preparing food, packing and
Weekender. unpacking the whole event, and arrange music
It is estimated that approximately 400 people at the event.
turned up to the food stall between 5 p.m. and “Guru Nanak Dev believed in Seva (service)
8 p.m. on Saturday, November 30 at Aotea stage, arranged power and musical instruments and his love for music (hymns/kirtan), and this
Square who not only queued for the delicious and invited singers from our community to is what we convey at all our free kitchen events
langar served there but also enjoyed the live perform and entertain the crowd,” Ms Bassan in the city,” Ms Bassan added.
kirtan being played from the stage. added. Volunteers also went around the city with
“This year, marking Guru Nanak Dev’s 550th “We also baked a big cake to celebrate Guru 100 food bags that consisted bean cans, fruits,
birth anniversary, we thought to make the ‘free Nanak Dev Ji’s birthday and cut it at the event tea bags, ready to make food packets, energy
kitchen’ event a little different- so we added the which was also served to the visitors to the bars, water etc. distributing it to the homeless
live music. We prepared a big poster, created a stall,” Ms Bassan added. and people walking in the city.

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 10 NEW ZEALAND
Government to ban foreign donations
to political parties
¡¡ SANDEEP SINGH
I
n a move to deter  foreign
money from influencing New
Zealand’s electoral politics and
hence safeguarding the political
integrity, the Justice Minister
Andrew Little has announced today
that a new bill will be introduced
in the parliament and passed under
urgency.  take to check the origin of the donations.
The legislation will be introduced
in Parliament on Tuesday,
December 3.
“There’s no need for anyone
other than New Zealanders to
donate to our political parties or
seek to influence our elections,”
Andrew Little said.
“The risk of foreign interference
in elections is a growing international
phenomenon and can take many forms,
including donations. New Zealand is not
immune from this risk.
Notably, the issue of foreign money seeping
through our national and domestic political
veins has been long pervading in the collective
Kiwi-consciousness. 
Most recently the issue was flared up when
now discarded former National MP Jamie Lee
Ross in a private conversation with the Leader
Simon Bridges  made an explosive comment
that two Chinese are better than one Indian,
pointing towards the perils of foreign money in
New Zealand politics.  Foreign or anonymous donations cannot be
“The Justice Select Committee has heard
there are credible reports of interference
campaigns in the elections of other countries,
and these attempts are increasing in their
sophistication.
“A recent Canadian Government report
found half of all advanced democracies holding
national elections had their democratic process
targeted by cyber threat activity in 2018. That’s
a threefold increase since 2015. We must
protect New Zealand as best we can from this
risk to our democracy.
“We need to protect the integrity of our
elections. These changes will reduce the risk
of foreign money influencing our election
outcomes.
“We don’t want our elections to go the way
of recent overseas examples where foreign
accepted in Australia over $1,000, Canada
interference appears to have been at play.”
over $20 or the United Kingdom over £500
Other countries ban foreign donations.
respectively.
Friday, December 06, 2019 The Indian Weekender
The Bill contains a minimal threshold of
$50, to ensure that small-scale fundraising
activities such as bucket donations and whip-
rounds won’t be affected. But big donations
will be gone.
The Bill also introduces a new requirement
that party secretaries and candidates must take
reasonable steps to ensure that a donation, or a
contribution to a donation over the $50 foreign
donation threshold, is not from an overseas
person. The Electoral Commission will issue
guidance on what ‘reasonable steps they might
The Bill also requires Party Secretaries to
reside in New  Zealand, to make it easier to
enforce parties’ compliance with the donations
rules.
The Bill contains a It also extends the requirement to
minimal threshold include name and address details on
election advertisements to apply to election
of $50, to ensure advertisements in all mediums.
that small-scale “We’ve seen in other countries an avalanche
fundraising of fake news social media ads that contain no
information about who is behind them. That’s
activities such as not fair and we don’t want to see it repeated
bucket donations here,” Andrew Little said. 
and whip-rounds “Anonymous online advertisements aimed
at interfering with our democracy will be
won’t be affected. prohibited. If someone wants to advertise
But big donations online they need to say who they are, the same
will be gone. as if the ad  was published in a newspaper.
“Further policy work in this area is ongoing.
We look forward to receiving the Justice
Committee’s recommendations to address the
risk of foreign interference in New Zealand
from its Inquiry into the 2017 General Election
and 2016 Local Elections,” Andrew Little said.
 The Indian Weekender Friday, December 06, 2019 NEW ZEALAND 11

Gateau House Luxury

cakes for the community
¡¡ SUPPLIED CONTENT

T
ucked away in the back streets of East
Tamaki sits the best little cakery you’ll
ever find. The Gateau House is home to
the finest cakes and gateaux in New Zealand,
and it’s now right on east Auckland’s doorstep.
Whether it’s a get-together with a friend, or
a business meeting with colleagues, the quiet
little cafe in Harris Road is the perfect spot to
indulge in a hot drink and satisfy your sweet
tooth.
If you don’t have time on your hands, the
convenient location with ample parking makes
it easy to grab a delicious treat on the go. No
matter the occasion, The Gateau House has an
extensive range of beautifully decorated cakes days, you know your
to choose from. domestic violence, or live in underprivileged
cakes will always be circumstances.
Having recently introduced a range of
children’s cakes, they truly do cater for freshly baked. “It’s about us growing with the community,
everyone. They also have a select range of   But it’s not just succeeding and striving together,” says the
options that are eggless, gluten-free and vegan. their cakes that are general manager John Kim.
Each cake is baked with the utmost love There is no compromise on quality. All the hard to resist. “We want our impact to reach beyond just
and care by the talented team of bakers and cakes are made from the very best ingredients   The Gateau House also sports a dedicated the customers who walk into our stores; we
decorators. such as premium chocolate from Belgium, team of baristas including its brand manager, want to help make an impact in the lives of all
Founded by Brian Kim, a quali- fied food superb European liqueurs, and fresh cream Sarah, who won the 2014 New Zealand Barista New Zealanders.”
engineer, in 1996, the Gateau House strives to and fresh fruits of the season from right here Championship. The Gateau House in East Tamaki is one of
bring you a taste of luxury. Brian comes from in New Zealand. The Gateau House also works hard on giving seven stores across Auckland.
a lifetime of experience in the food industry, back to the community; with more than just its
All cakes, slices and other baked goods are
having worked for the world-famous bakery
R&D Department before deciding to take on made from scratch right there in the Harris cakes that is. The Gateau House donates and The Gateau House-
the cake industry independently. Road Flagship store. At one time there could be supports several charities and community
Winner of the 2019 ANZ Migrant Business up to 30 chefs bustling around the commercial organisations. 135 Harris Road,
Award, Brian is committed to building a kitchen at the back. Earlier this year The Gateau House was East Tamaki, Auckland
business that makes a difference. recognised for its support of the SKY TV
The team constantly scour Europe for the
Over the years they have perfected their own
Special Children’s Christmas Parties, hosted Ph. 09 274 7744
unique methods for baking the best cakes in the
very best recipes and the rest of the world for
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Queen St / Botany / Mt Eden / Newmarket / Henderson / Glenfield / Albany
 12 NEW ZEALAND Friday, December 06, 2019 The Indian Weekender

Forum Films offers one-year free movies

pass to the taxi driver in Brisbane
¡¡ RIZWAN
MOHAMMAD

I
n a warm gesture of
appreciation, Forum Films,
the distributor of Indian films
having a footprint in Australia
and New Zealand has offered
a year of free movie passes to
Lovepreet Singh, the Indian taxi
driver in Brisbane who refused
to charge fare from Pakistani
Cricket players earlier last week.
Speaking for Forum Films,
Manpreet said, taxi driver

AUCKLAND INDIAN ASSOCIATION

MAHATMA GANDHI CENTRE
VENUE HIRE | ONSITE PARKING | TEMPLE WITHIN THE COMPLEX
LARGE COMMERCIAL KITCHEN FACILITIES
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Lovepreet’s actions and Pakistani cricket team

players’ response has won millions of hearts
across the globe and have made headlines too.
“Lovepreet’s actions and the players’ offer to
the driver to dine with him has made headlines
in across all media houses across the globe and
we [Forum Films] take this privilege to offer
a year of free movie passes to all Indian films
releasing through Forum Films in Australia,”
Manpreet Singh told The Indian Weekender.
The Pakistani team players, Yasir Shah,
Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Muhammad
Musa and Imran Khan, hailed a cab while
looking for a restaurant one night in Brisbane.
Lovepreet recognised the Pakistani players
and started talking to him about the game and
after dropping them at the restaurant refused to
charge fare from him.
When the players (passengers) insisted
on taking fare or having dinner with them,
Lovepreet agreed to dine with them at the
An all-purpose indoor facility close to the heart of the city makes Mahatma Gandhi restaurant.
The team later shared a meal at the restaurant
Centre a versatile and attractive Venue for Indian Weddings, business functions, and shared a photo that became viral and widely
shared and appreciated by fans throughout
social gatherings and religious functions. Our knowledgeable priest provides the world.
religious services and ceremonies including weddings. A large commercial Kitchen All the Indian films that will release until
December 2020, Lovepreet will receive its free
facilities and a wide range of catering options available for all occasions. passes posted at his home every week, Forum
Films confirmed.
“Lovepreet humbly accepted the offer for
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES Tel: (09) 357 0665 or (09) 377 2424 free movie tickets from Forum Films and
CONTACT US ON thanked them for their gesture,” Manpreet
Email: office@aiai.org.nz Website: www.aiai.org.nz told IWK.
 The Indian Weekender Friday, December 06, 2019
New community
sports club in Flat
Bush aims to draw
young aspiring
cricketers
¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
A
new community cricket club has
started in East Auckland with the aim
to get young aspiring cricketers to
train themselves to play with the big leagues
someday.
Flat Bush Cricket Club started in October
earlier this year under the umbrella of Auckland
Cricket and so far has enrolled 60 children in
the age category of five and 11.
“We did an open day earlier in September this
year and realised that there is a lot of potential in
the East Auckland where many families wanted
their children to play cricket, and we found the
same enthusiasm amongst young kids as well,”
Chairman of Flat Bush Cricket Club, Swaran
Katal told The Indian Weekender.
“Children of different ethnicities have
enrolled with us, and the number is growing
with word of mouth,” Mr Katal added.
Auckland Cricket is aiming to promote
cricket amongst local communities in
Auckland, and it is not limited to just Indian or
Kiwi communities.
“Our Under-12 boys’ team is currently
playing under ACA tournament, and we are
planning to run a T20 league for seniors in
February,” Mr Katal added.
For now, Flat Bush Cricket Club is reaching
out to local schools through their assemblies,
and social media is East Auckland side to get
more attraction to the club and have more
children play cricket.
“We want to promote cricket amongst young
ones and get them off from their devices, and
through this, they can learn not just the game of
cricket but also learn the discipline of the sport,
strategy, fitness exercises and more,” Mr Katal
added.
Interested people can visit www.
flatbushcricket.nz or contact chairman Swaran
Katal to know more about the facilities provided
by the club.
NEW ZEALAND 13
Royal Oak Mall brings
a complete Christmas
entertainment for
families this December
¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
R
oyal Oak Mall, Royal
Oak Mall, the hub of
thousands of shoppers in
the Central Auckland is bringing
a complete entertainment and
shopping experience for people
of all ages this December.
Starting with Saturday,
December 7 a host of different
activities have been planned
inside the mall which extends till
the New Year.
Like every year, Royal
Oak Mall will have a Santa in
residence daily to take pictures
with from Saturday, December 7
until Christmas eve 6 p.m.
A number of Christmas
entertainers are lined to perform
daily fromt 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Performances are “We have a Christmas gift for everyone!
by renowned names such as chorus by Greater - Our gift vouchers are a great idea for those
Auckland Chorus, The Trumpet Guy, Jono ‘hard to buy for’ loved ones with a range of
Heaps, Bruce French, Silver & Strings, Renee options to suit any budget. They are available in
Maurice, and the Jazz Santas. FREE Kombi $20, $50 and $100 from our Customer Services
Train rides are available just for the children Desk and Management Office,” a spokesperson
from Royal Oak Mall said.
on Friday, 20 December from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Customers can spend $50 or more at any
FREE Gift Wrapping is available daily from
Royal Oak Mall retailer or $300 at Royal Oak
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. between 10 and 17 December,
Mall Pak’n Save and will receive a free jute
and untill 7 p.m. between 18 and 23 December
bag, while stocks last.
and through to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
20-PRO-0396_IW
Carols
at the Kings
Saturday 7 December 2019, 6pm-8.30pm
Three Kings Reserve
6pm Carols start
7pm Christmas entertainment
puketapapa
ourauckland.nz/Christmas
A smokefree, zero-waste, alcohol-free event
 14 NEW ZEALAND
Insurance market Barfoot & Thompson wins
overdue for overhaul Best Real Estate Agency
C B
onsumer NZ is welcoming law changes
that will help fix major problems in the
insurance market.
Consumer NZ head of research Jessica Wilson
said her organisation had been campaigning for
an overhaul of insurance laws that were failing
to protect consumers from junk products and
unfair terms.
“There are significant problems in the
insurance market, resulting in consumers being
denied cover under their policies and sold poor-
value products,” Ms Wilson said.
The government has now agreed to change
the law to beef up protection for consumers.
Changes announced today include increasing
protections against unfair terms in insurance
contracts.
“Insurance is the only industry that’s largely
exempt from the Fair Trading Act’s ban on
unfair terms in consumer contracts,” she said.
“This exemption allows insurers to sell
products that provide little value to consumers
and means companies can use terms in their
contracts that would be open to challenge in
any other industry.”
Consumer NZ has also been calling for
insurers’ wide-ranging rights to reject claims to
be reined in.
Ms Wilson said companies had significant
discretion to decline claims if they considered
The future of house prices –
how high can they go?
N
ew analysis from New Zealand
Media and Entertainment’s OneRoof
shows the New Zealand property
market will be in for a wild ride if the last
20 years are anything to go by. OneRoof has
taken the change in the median sale price for
every territorial authority in New Zealand
between 1999 and 2019 and applied the same
percentage increase to current house prices
over the next 20 years.
OneRoof undertook the exercise to see what
the results would like look like if the market
cycle repeated itself over the next 2 decades.
The results are eyewatering – even by
today’s house price standards. The median
price of a house in Auckland could rise to
almost $3 million by 2040 - more than three
times what it is now. The most expensive to
buy will still likely be Queenstown - buyers
there may have to stump up $4.79 million for
a home, as opposed to about $1 million now.
Air New Zealand trials edible coffee cups
A
ir New Zealand trials edible coffee
cups as it explores innovative waste
reduction measures
Air New Zealand has begun trialling edible
coffee cups with customers in the air and on
the ground as it explores new and innovative
ways to meet its sustainability challenges.
The airline currently serves more than eight
million cups of coffee each year.
Air New Zealand Senior Manager Customer
Experience Niki Chave says that while the
airline’s current cups are compostable, the
ultimate goal would be to remove these totally
from landfills.
“We’ve been working in partnership with
innovative New Zealand company ‘twiice’ to
explore the future of edible coffee cups, which
are vanilla flavoured and leakproof. The cups
have been a big hit with the customers who
have used these and we’ve also been using the
cups as dessert bowls,” Ms Chave says.
the consumer hadn’t disclosed information the
insurer believed it had a right to know.
“This can happen regardless of whether the
consumer was made aware they needed to
disclose the information.”
The government has agreed to change the
law to put responsibility on insurers to ask for
the information they need, rather than leave it
up to the consumer to guess what they should
disclose.
Ms Wilson said these changes should prevent
insurers from unreasonably declining claims,
which was a significant cause of complaint.
Other changes announced today include
requiring insurance policies to be clearly
written and easy to understand.
The Financial Markets Authority will also
be given powers to monitor the industry and
prosecute companies that fail to comply with
the new rules.
OneRoof says the figures suggest Wairoa in
Hawke's Bay will be the cheapest place to buy
property in 20 years' time, with house prices
there expected to rise to a relatively affordable
$353,309.
Home owners in Carterton can imagine a
median price of $1.9 million, Kapiti Coast
$2.3 million and Invercargill $1.2 million.
OneRoof editor Owen Vaughan says: "We
thought we would go out on a limb and look
at what house prices might look like in 20
years' time. The last 20 years have seen major
‘twiice’ co-founder, Jamie Cashmore
says the edible cups could play a big role
in demonstrating to the world that new and
innovative ways of packaging are achievable.
“It’s terrific that Air New Zealand has
partnered with us to showcase to its customers
and the world that a little bit of Kiwi ingenuity
and innovation could have a really positive
impact on the environment while at the
same time delivering a really cool and tasty
Friday, December 06, 2019
arfoot &
Thompson
wins Best
Real Estate Agency
and Best Marketing
in Asia Pacific at the
International Property
Awards
Barfoot &
Thompson has
scooped two Asia
Pacific regional
awards at the
renowned International Property Awards in
London - Best Agency over 20 Offices and Best
Real Estate Agency Marketing.
Peter Thompson, Managing Director says:
“This achievement could not be made possible
without the dedication and hard work of our
people. It is thrilling for a family-owned
company to be recognised on an international
stage against a field of very strong competitors.
“We know that our company values and
commitment to people, family, diversity and
community have so much to do with our
ongoing successes. We have created a standard
of service worthy of international recognition
that our valued clients receive through our
changes to the housing market, with prices
rising between 200 and 500 percent for the
majority of the country.”
Some counsel caution when looking at
historical data. Mike Jones, senior economist
with the ASB, told OneRoof: “It’s hard to be
definitive about what the next 20 years will
bring given we don’t know the shape of some
pretty important factors, such as population
growth and the political backdrop. We do
think the housing market is going to have a
tough time matching its past performance."
OneRoof commentator and former Property
Institute of New Zealand CEO Ashley Church
says the secret to understanding the future of
the property market is to understand its past.
“Over the past 40 years we’ve seen house
prices, in most of New Zealand, increase by
between 70 percent and 100 percent or more,
every decade, there’s no reason to believe that
pattern will change."
customer experience,” Mr Cashmore says.
Mr Cashmore says ‘twiice’ is working on
extending its edible range of crockery and
expects to rollout new products next year.
The ‘twiice’ edible cup trial backs up Air
New Zealand’s recent switch to plant-based
cups on board all aircraft and in lounges. The
plant-based cups are made from paper and
corn instead of plastic, which enables the cup
to break down in a commercial composter.
Switching to plant-based cups is expected
to prevent around 15 million cups from
going to landfill annually. The airline is also
encouraging customers to bring their own
reusable cups on board aircraft and into its
lounges.
Ms Chave says the airline will continue to
trial ‘twiice’s’ edible coffee cups and work
with the company and other partners to
explore scaling options that could make it a
viable long-term product for the airline.
The Indian Weekender
amazing network of salespeople. We applaud
our driven and committed Barfoot & Thompson
team – these awards belong to all of us.”
This isn't the first time the company has been
recognised at the International Property Awards.
Last year, along with the Best International Real
Estate Agency over 20 Offices award, Barfoot
& Thompson also picked up an Asia Pacific
Award for Best Real Estate Agency Marketing
(Nugent Rise Project) and in 2017 was named
Best International Lettings Agency. Over the
years the company has now won a total of 23
different awards across the country, regional
and international categories.
BSA cautions
broadcasters
to avoid
casual racism
B SA cautions broadcasters to avoid casual
racism in sports broadcasting
The Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA)
has cautioned broadcasters to avoid language
in sports broadcasting that amounts to casual
racism.
The BSA considered a complaint about a
sports programme in which a guest on the
show described a sports player as a ‘Jew’. The
complainant argued that the slur, which was aired
on SKY Sports 1 programme Kick-off, breached
the discrimination and denigration standard.
The BSA did not uphold the complaint on the
grounds that the comment did not contain the
level of nastiness or malice to find a breach of
the standard.
In making its decision, however, the Authority
expressed concern about the use of the word ‘Jew’
as a slur, whether conveyed in what is intended to
be a ‘light-hearted’ manner or otherwise.
“It is an example of casual anti-Semitism
and such comments can contribute to the
normalisation of racism. … There is no room in
New Zealand for casual racism and it is important
that we all work hard to move away from this
type of language” the Authority said.
In the segment complained about, the guest
gave out a ‘red card’ in jest, to a well-known
rugby player with a mullet, saying, ‘the real
reason why he’s running a mullet at the moment
is that he’s engaged …[he] doesn’t want to pay
for his wedding, so he’s actually looking for
Women’s Day or Women’s Weekly to try and get
behind and pay for his wedding, so red card for
being a Jew, Jack, so there you go mate.’
SKY Sport apologised for any distress caused
and spoke to the speaker to prevent similar
comments being made in the future
The Authority reminds broadcasters to be
aware of the harm that the word may cause.
‘We understand that comments like this may
be part of people’s ordinary vernacular which
compounds the issue of casual racism. We agree
with [the complainant] that rugby is for everyone
and comments like this can suggest a lack of
tolerance.’
 The Indian Weekender Friday, December 6, 2019 FIJI 15

Fijian passports processed NZ police interested

in the extension

in London, PM announces
of Fiji’s K9 Dog
Program and the
introduction of

P tracker dogs
rime Minister Voreqe United States –– Fijian e-Passport

Bainimarama opened a new
facility to process passports at
the Fiji High Commission in London.
Fijians who live in the United
Kingdom and nearby countries will
no longer have to travel to Fiji to
obtain or renew a passport.
Prime Minister Voreqe
Bainimarama yesterday opened a
new facility to process passports at
the Fiji High Commission in London.
He said in the coming weeks, these
same services will be made available
across our foreign missions.
“These new e-Passports are
only the latest of a range of new
developments that are bringing Fiji
fully into the 21st century. We’re
introducing the life-changing benefits
of the digital revolution across our
economy, from transportation to
education, to broadcast television,
to more affordable and efficient
Government services,” he said.
“When I say “e-Passports” I
don’t mean our passports are going
entirely online. On the surface, these
new passports look very similar;
we’re still talking about physical
passport books printed with covers
of beautiful Fiji-blue, but we can’t
judge a passport by its cover.
“The new bio-data page – for
example – is a polycarbonate, seven-
layer heat pressed page printed with
multi-imaging techniques.
“These new features allow us to
Akuila Cakacaka (back left), Akjot Singh
and George Jioji (receiving the passport
on behalf of Elnathan Cakacaka), with
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.
Photo: Office of the Prime Minister
consolidate security requirements at
our own borders and ease travel at
ports of entry around the globe.”
 SECURITY FEATURES
Mr Bainimarama said they
contained a new range of security
features that would make it far
more difficult for people to enter the
country illegally.
He said they would establish a
more secure Fijian passport, bringing
greater integrity to our immigration
system.
“So, we’re not only making Fiji
safer, we’re making travelling easier.
We’re also setting Fiji up for wider
visa-free status access around the
world, and I hope to have updates
and announcements about this in the
When I say
“e-Passports” I don’t
mean our passports
are going entirely
online. On the surface,
these new passports
look very similar; we’re
still talking about
physical passport
books printed with
covers of beautiful
Fiji-blue, but we can’t
judge a passport by its
cover.
future as we continue to actively
push nations of the world to allow
Fijian travellers to move freely to
work, play, and visit their families
abroad.
“Thanks to industry-leading
technology incorporated
Germany’s Mühlbauer ID Services
–– whose very same security features
are found in passports in countries
like Australia, New Zealand and the
A
holders will also be protected against
forgery, identity theft, and passport
tampering and reproduction.”  Police’s
E-PASSPORT ROLLOUT
He said with the rollout of our new
e-Passports, Fiji officially joined
the ranks of 54 other countries from
around the globe that had already
engrained such technology within
their passports.
Given the size of our Diaspora
community in the UK, the
Government saw our High
Commission in London as a fitting
first location for our decentralised
passport issuance system, he added.
“Friends, for some of you, it has
been years since you last lived in Fiji.
For others, it may have even been
decades. But as Fijians, you each
hold a connection to our country that
no length of time nor measure of
distance can ever diminish.
“Some of you may know, I’m now
on Facebook. You can find my profile
by visiting facebook-dot-com-slash-
Fiji PM, or by searching @ FijiPM.
“And I wanted to thank those of
you in the UK who follow my page
and share words of encouragement,
prayers and well wishes for Fiji’s
success – it means a great deal to
by
me personally. I feel truly blessed
to lead a nation that continues to
inspire such passion in the hearts of
Diaspora community members.”.
team from the New Zealand
International
Strategy and Planning
International Services has completed
a tour of Fiji Police’s critical
units in a bid to scope areas of
possible assistance.
Cameron Sigley who led the
delegation says the purpose of
their visit was to start engaging
with the Fiji Police in areas that
the New Zealand Police could start
enhancing partnerships in areas
mutually beneficial.
He says they have seen that there
is some good space to join and
are particularly interested in the
extension of the K9 Dog Program
and the introduction of tracker
dogs, working with the CID around
financial crimes, asset recovery,
forensics, and leadership training.
The team met Fiji’s Commissioner
of Police, Sitiveni Qiliho to discuss
their findings after meeting with
the heads of the Administration,
Criminal Investigation Department,
Operations and Training arms of the
Fiji Police Force earlier this week.
Qiliho acknowledged the support
of the New Zealand Police in
sending the team over to Fiji and also
requested that neighbouring Pacific
island nations be considered.

Dengue fever rides on climate change effect

2
019 marks a decade of higher than before, with Fiji amongst
exceptional global heat, those nations, which is already
increasing the risk of diseases feeling the effect.
such as dengue fever in the Pacific The question posed to Taalas was
and the world. whether reports being prepared on
Speaking at a press briefing at regular basis outlining the effects
COP 25 in Madrid, Spain, World of climate change, was being taken
Meteorological Organization seriously, to which he says it is by
Secretary-General, Petteri most, but the world needs to start
"This
Taalas, says average doing more than ever before.
negative
temperatures for the five- Taalas saying, heatwaves
trend in climate
year (2015-2019) and ten- and floods which used to
will continue for the
year (2010-2019) periods be once in a century events
coming 50 years
are almost certain to be the are becoming more regular
anyhow"
highest on record. occurrences but they remain
He adds, 2019 is on course hopeful.
to be the second or third warmest “This negative trend in climate

Measles outbreak reaches Fiji

year on record, with 2016, which will continue for the coming 50 years
began with an exceptionally strong anyhow. But if we are successful
El Nino, remains the warmest year. with the implementation of the Paris

A
nother 5 deaths have been recorded in Samoa
due to the measles epidemic, bringing the death
toll to 53.
This is the sixth day the death toll has risen, with
children under the age of four making up almost all but
five of the dead.
The Ministry of Health in Samoa says in the past 24
hours, there were another 198 cases of measles recorded,
bringing the total to more than 3,700.
One hundred and eighty-three people remain in
hospital, including 19 critically ill children.
Samoa is racing to immunise its entire population and
today authorities expanded the ages of those eligible for
vaccinations.
Now the available vaccines are for people aged six
months to 60 years old.
To add to this, Taalas says changes
in climatic conditions since 1950
is making it easier for the Aedes
mosquito species to transmit dengue
virus.
Further to this, catastrophic
events such as floods, droughts, and
heatwaves, are starting to accelerate
Agreement, that we could phase out
the negative trend in the 2060s and
that is what we should do our best
to aim for.” Floods were the most
commonly cited natural hazard
contributing to displacement, and the
Pacific remains the most vulnerable
to sea-level rise.

Bainimarama discusses climate change with the Prince of Wales

P
rince of Wales, Prince Charles has
congratulated Prime Minister Voreqe
Bainimarama for being a vocal and strong
advocate of climate change.
While meeting the Prime Minister at his
residence in Clarence House in the United Kingdom
yesterday, the Prince of Wales said he appreciated
Bainimarama’s leadership in climate conferences,
particularly COP 23 in Bonn, Germany.
His Highness said at the bilateral meeting that
the devastation caused by climate change was a
serious matter that needs immediate action and not
prolonged discussions. He said the importance of
decarbonisation, the use of the three Rs (reduce,
reuse and recycle), sustainable management
practices and forestation, are paramount in the fight
against climate change.
With the availability of modern technologies to
combat climate change, he highlighted the need
for nations to capitalise on such equipment for the
purpose of decarbonisation. The Prince of Wales
further centred his discussions on the importance of
a circular economy with more emphasis on the use
of natural resources. He also encouraged the Fijian
people to ensure sustainable forest development
practices and to maintain its equilibrium. Prince
Charles, at the same time, emphasised about the
need for Fiji to learn more from the European Forest
Institute as it is an organisation that conducts research
and provides policy support on forest-related issues.
On the same note, he acknowledged the
Prime Minister and Fiji’s support towards the
Commonwealth Heads of Government meetings
(CHOGM) and encouraged Fiji to be part of next
year’s CHOGM in Rwanda.
The Head of Government also briefed Prince
Charles on Fiji’s nation-wide project of planting four
million trees in four years, a commitment towards
the conservation of our environment.
 Thought of the week
"If I have the belief that I can do it, I shall
surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may
not have it at the beginning."
–Mahatma Gandhi

Editorial 06 December – 12 December

Creating global Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thu

Indian giants
A
On-and-off Partly Parlty Clouds and A touch o Sunshine A few
s debates on Indian economic growth, infrastructure and job creation, rain and sunny sunny sun dafr and pactcy morning
business environment and corporate balance sheets rage on, an alternative drizzle clouds showers
way to boosting the Indian economy would be to create Indian businesses
12° 12° 13° 14° 14° 16° 16°
that can scale globally.
Essentially, it involves creating global business giants that can help spur 10° 8° 8° 9° 8° 10° 10°
economic growth by providing opportunities across the supply chain in India.
The focus must be on factors that engender an environment that facilitates the This week in New Zealand’s history
growth of global Indian businesses into global giants, noting that there are Indian
businesses that have excelled abroad. 6 December 1905
The software services, pharmaceutical and two-wheeler industries are some Special votes cast in general election
examples in point. The aim now must be to create an environment in India that
can usher in the next phase of growth of global Indian businesses. F or the first time in New Zealand’s electoral history, registered voters who were away from
their electorate on polling day were able to cast a ‘special’ absentee vote at any polling booth
in the country; this would then be posted to their local returning officer for counting.
From retail to financial services to, even, niche sectors such as contract
manufacturing services how do Indian businesses go global and compete with 8 December 1932
competitors on an equal footing? Some factors that immediately commend
themselves are better access to capital, building a skilled workforce, and the First issue of New Zealand Woman's Weekly
capacity to conduct cutting edge R&D.
Improving these factors and their drivers will go a long way towards not just
O n 8 December 1932, the 7000 copies printed of the first issue of the New Zealand Woman’s
Weekly went on sale. Launched during the Depression, the magazine hoped to offer
‘usefulness, cheerfulness and happiness’ to its readers.
creating highly competitive global Indian enterprises but, more importantly,
boosting economic growth, job creation and the business environment. 8 December 1941
The issue of better access to capital is widely discussed, mainly because of the New Zealand declares war on Japan
problems certain sections of the industry have faced regarding access to capital
in the recent past. N ew Zealand’s declaration followed the surprise attack on the United States naval base at
Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on the morning of Sunday 7 December (8 December NZ time). This
raid was part of a startling 12-hour assault during which Japanese forces struck Hong Kong,
The focus needs to move towards providing Indian corporates with the kind
Thailand, Malaya, the Philippines, Guam, and Wake Island.
of support from the credit system back in India that can help them create global
businesses. 10 December 1908
When one sees the likes of LVMH buyout Tiffany or an array of bidders for
Rutherford wins Nobel Prize
Thyssenkrupp’s elevator business, one hopes to see Indian companies becoming
significant players in such deals in a decade or so in the future.
The aim must be to ensure that Indian firms can utilise both domestic and global
E rnest Rutherford’s discoveries about the nature of atoms shaped modern science and paved
the way for nuclear physics. Albert Einstein called him a ‘second Newton’ who had ‘tunnelled
into the very material of God’.
capital to compete against the best in the world. Skilling of the workforce has
received attention and is work in progress. 10 December 1918
That said, the ability to generate high-quality human capital with the essential Anzac troops take revenge on Arab civilians at Surafend
skills will be vital to allow Indian businesses to reach out and succeed globally.
The focus must be not just on skilling the workforce, but more importantly, R elations between the Anzac Mounted Division and Palestinian Arabs
reached a new low early on 10 December 1918, when Trooper Leslie Lowry
was shot dead after disturbing a thief in his tent.
investing high-quality core education that can help create the base required.
And then focus by Indian businesses on cutting edge R&D will be vital towards 10 December 1962
creating global giants from India.
Maurice Wilkins wins Nobel Prize
The phrase “R&D” here should not be viewed within the narrow prism of
scientific research but must be viewed within the broader framework of innovation
across the spectrum. Indian businesses must be able to generate ideas and value in
N ew Zealand-born Maurice Wilkins and his colleagues James Watson and Francis Crick
shared the prize for their studies on the structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), the
genetic molecule found in all organisms. Watson used X-rays to show the shape of the double
cost control systems, product development, research in cutting-edge technology helix.
and deftness in utilising a large home market to its advantage.
Indian Weekender : Volume 11 Issue 38
Innovation on all fronts or all the levers that drive business in terms of operations,
Publisher: Kiwi Media Publishing Limited
technology and financing structures are vital to creating true global Indian giants.
Content Editor: Sandeep Singh | sandeep@indianweekender.co.nz
As mentioned earlier, many Indian businesses have done well globally, but Chief Reporter: Rizwan Mohammad | rizwan@indianweekender.co.nz
now is the time to create an environment for the next phase of global Indian Chief Technical Officer: Rohan deSouza | rohan@indianweekender.co.nz
companies to grow and flourish. A view towards improving the business climate Sr Graphics and Layout Designer: Mahesh Kumar | mahesh@indianweekender.co.nz
and policies to develop global Indian firms will by itself foster an environment Graphic Designer: Yashmin Chand | design@indianweekender.co.nz
that promotes the holistic development of industry, workforce, economic growth Accounts and Admin.: 09-2173623 | accounts@indianweekender.co.nz
Media Sales Manager.: Leena Pal: 021 952 216 | leena@indianweekender.co.nz
and job creation. Sales and Distribution: 021 952218 | sales@indianweekender.co.nz
In essence, the objective of further creating an environment that is conducive Editor at Large: Dev Nadkarni | dev@indianweekender.co.nz
for growth when viewed through the prism of creating global Indian companies
helps us understand the key drivers of what needs to be further improved upon, Views expressed in the publication are not necessarily of the publisher and the publisher
is not responsible for advertisers’ claims as appearing in the publication
i.e. the factors mentioned above.
Competitive and large global Indian businesses that can further compete on Views expressed in the articles are solely of the authors and do not in any way represent
the views of the team at the Indian Weekender
foreign shores will also greatly assist the Indian consumer by providing them Kiwi Media Publishing Limited - 133A, Level 1, Onehunga Mall, Onehunga, Auckland.
with access to high-quality and world-class products and services.
Indian businesses have made significant progress in terms of overseas expansion Printed at Horton Media, Auckland
but going forward a renewed focus on creating a platform to help more and larger Copyright 2017. Kiwi Media Publishing Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Indian businesses have an overseas footprint will significantly help create a more
robust investment and business climate in India.
 The Indian Weekender
“India remains growth champion despite recent
slowdown”: OECD Economic Survey 2019
SANDEEP SINGH
T
he latest OECD Economic
Survey of India has
expressed confidence in
India’s long term economic growth
prospects asserting that India will
remain growth champion despite the
recent slowdown.
The OECD Economic Survey was
published on Thursday, December
5, when OECD Chief Economist
Laurence Boone had presented the
Survey to government officials,
business representatives, academics
and the media in New Delhi alongside
Mr K Subramanian, Chief Economic
Advisor to the Government of India,
and Mr K Rajaraman, Additional
Secretary at the Ministry of Finance.  not an outright recession within the
The OECD Economic Survey
document takes a comprehensive
stock of India’s economic and social
progress, especially since last two
years (since the last OECD report
in 2017), and discusses the outlook
for continued reforms to drive
investment and exports and improve
the general well-being.
India projected to grow
just under 6.5 per cent in
FY 2021
India’s economic growth is
projected to grow just under 6.5
per cent in FY 2021 as election-
related uncertainties fade and
monetary and fiscal policies become
accommodative, according to the
OECD survey. 
Pulitzer Prize winner resurrects ‘Oudh’ princess from Delhi’s Malcha Mahal
E
llen Barry of the New York
Times walked into my study
and, wasting no time, came
straight to the point. What did I know
about the last “Begum of Oudh”? She
had a quizzical, amused look like she
knew what the answer would be but
would still like to see my expression.
The abruptness of the query was her
way to establish a point of departure
on the theme.
After reading Ellen’s evocative
masterpiece on the Oudh (Awadh)
Royals in the NYT, I am chastising
myself for poor judgement. I
dismissed Ellen’s pursuit as a
“foreigner’s” quest for the exotic.
This was months ago. The story
titled “The Jungle Prince of Delhi”
appeared last week.
Only after reading the lengthy
piece which, in parts, reads like a
poem in prose, did I Google Ellen
out. She had been the paper’s bureau
chief in New Delhi, Moscow, winner
of the Pulitzer Prize and so on.
The story of the “Begum”,
Princess and the jungle Prince, is a
classic case of “news” which, when
neither confirmed nor denied, takes
root in the popular imagination.
Public opinion then drives the
government into action to minimize
criticism. That is why Indira Gandhi
in the early 80s agreed to transfer
the “Royals” to a medieval hunting
lodge on the ridge. It is known as
Malcha Mahal.
In early 70s a woman with
sharp aristocratic features, took up
residence on platform number one
of New Delhi Railway station and
Friday, December 6, 2019
This news will indeed bring much-
elusive “relief” on the faces of Indian
policy planners and industry captains
alike, who have been staring down
the risk of a sustained slowdown, if
Indian economy.  in rural/urban terms of trade as
Notably, expert opinions had
largely converged on the view that
India’s current economic slowdown
is a mixed outcome of a number
of factors including effects of
demonetisation, GST adjustments,
slowing down of private domestic
consumption and a tightening-
external market for exports.  programmes and a moderate increase
Dr Rahul Sen, Senior Lecturer of
Economics, Auckland University
of Technology told the Indian
Weekender, “India’s economic
slowdown is a mix of demonetisation
lag-effect GST adjustments and
exporters facing problem due to
rising protectionism.”
The economic Survey also opined
that growth has slowed since mid-
proclaimed herself the last Begum
of Oudh. For greater credibility, she
had in her entourage, two children,
a handsome dog and a liveried
servant. The mainstream media took
perfunctory interest but the Urdu
press amplified the fall of the House
of Oudh and readers, in enclaves
like Jama Masjid, saw it as part of a
continuing story of victimhood. Here
was tear jerking melodrama: “our
royals betrayed”.
It says something of our
journalism that a story laden
with so much possibility waited
unexplored for 40 years until Ellen
Barry appeared. She tied up all the
loose ends -- the railway station
Lucknow, Bradford, Texas, Lahore:
and what a story she has delivered,
a story under our noses but which we
failed to see. This is not surprising
because even our archaeology was
excavated by Europeans. Why, even
the Last Moghul, is something of a
2018, from a hefty pace, reflecting
the sharp deceleration in private
consumption.  the world – (a pat on the back of
On the one hand, there was slow
down in rural consumption due to
subdued wages and deterioration
agricultural prices adjusted down
with good harvests. Simultaneously,
on the other hand, industrial
production, in particular of capital
goods, and related imports has also
slowed down.  forecasting that India’s economic
However, thanks to good
monsoons, new irrigation
in minimum support prices, the
inflation has dropped, with food price
inflation showing a steep decline.  reforms, especially to improve
Meanwhile, the effects of the
implementation of GST that mopped
up several indirect taxes, making
India a unified market to operate, and
improved the ease of doing business
and reduced the barriers to entry.  and water resources.
Moderate global oil prices and
masterpiece by William Dalrymple.
While Dalrymple diligently scoured
archives in the fashion of scholarly
investigation, the Oudh story was
there for all newspapers and channels
to see.
True, the story was, on the face
of it, “fake” from the beginning.
But what shames us, this hack
included, is the fact that it required
an outsider to tell up why the “fake”
was being played out -- across the
subcontinent and two generations?
Toba Tek Singh in Manto’s story
cannot understand how a place, which
was in India, can “go” to Pakistan.
Like Toba Tek Singh, Begum Wilayat
of Oudh also spent time in an asylum
for her grand delusion. She had to
live with women who were “tied in
chains”, Ellen’s investigations reveal
for the first time.
Trust Saiyyid Ammar Rizvi,
Lucknow’s omnipresent Shia (and
OPINION/EDITORIAL
hefty remittances from abroad –
India is the largest recipient in
the global Indian diaspora), also
contributed in keeping the current
account deficit low.  India’s current
account deficit has fluctuated below
2.5 per cent of GDP, well below the
level in 2012-13, despite the growth
differential between India and other
large economies.
The OECD Economic survey is
growth is projected to rebound as
the private investment will bounce
back as the cost of borrowing for
the corporate sector is expected
to decline. India has taken some
the ease of doing business, which
includes liberalising Foreign Direct
Investment and lowering corporate
income tax rates.  improving physical infrastructure
Challenges and
Opportunities in the near
gourmet in the classical Awadh
mould) to have become something of
an intermediary between the Royals
and the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister.
He must surely know about the other
Royal in that splendid city -- Prince
Moinuddin, who also addresses
himself as Bahadur Shah III. The
last Moghul Emperor was his great,
great grandfather: that is his story.
His great grandfather escaped to
Kerala. But why did Bahadur Shah
III materialize in Lucknow?
The Bahadur Shah story has
remained unnoticed because the
claimant to the title never made a
nuisance of himself. Begum Wilayat
Mahal did. When the New Delhi
station master requested her to vacate
the platform, she threw a fit. She
would commit suicide by drinking
some exotic poison.
In fact, when she did die in 1993,
her progeny tutored by her for
decades, put out the story that, for a
decorative expiry, she had swallowed
“crushed diamonds”. Her daughter,
Sakina’s death was presumably
caused by neglect because there
were stories of her unwashed hair
dropping in matted locks. It was
with the “Prince”, variously named
as Prince Ali Reza, or Cyrus, who
spent his last years in Malcha Mahal,
that Ellen struck an equation of
tenderness mingled with curiosity.
Google her NYT piece titled “The
Jungle Prince of Delhi”.
The yarn begins in Lucknow where
Wilayat was happily married to the
registrar of Lucknow University,
Inayatullah Butt. The name itself
17
future
The Survey also points towards
some of the traditional challenges
facing India, such as corruption,
deteriorating climate conditions, the
pace and quality of job creation and
rural poverty. 
However, it also takes note of
some of the effective steps in taking
head-on these traditional challenges,
in particular about fighting against
corruption. 
“Increased reliance on
e-government and digital payments
are helping to reduce corruption and
graft. Many public services have
been digitalised, such as paying
taxes or obtaining permits, thereby
reducing the number of face-to-
face interactions with government
officials and thus opportunities for
corruption,” the Survey reports. 
17
Similarly acknowledging the
mammoth task facing successive
Indian governments of addressing
rural poverty, the report appreciates
some of the recent policy initiatives
such as The Housing for all initiative,
The National Health Policy, The
Clean India Initiative etc. 
The report recommends several
aggressive and bold reforms to seize
the advantage of India’s growing
integration with the global economy,
including a robust emphasis on
and promoting efficient use of energy
is a give-away: it is a Sunni name
whereas anybody claiming lineage
from the Nawabs of Oudh would have
to be Shia. A similar story of dubious
veracity explains why the Butts left
for Pakistan. During the high tension
of Partition in 1947, Hindus armed
with hockey sticks beat Butt up. I
can bet my last rupee that the story
is false. Yes, there was small-scale
stone throwing between Shias and
Sunnis on appointed days annually.
But Hindu-Muslim violence? Never
-- until caste politics reared its head
in the late 80s.
The last king of Oudh (Awadh),
Wajid Ali Shah’s exile to Matia Burj
near Kolkata or the more recent
Partition of India are disorienting
events for those in the thick of it, by
historical memory or raw experience.
In minds like Wilayat Butt’s, the
historical memory and immediate
experience are all jumbled up in
knots.
Ellen believes that disruptions
caused by change (Partition for
instance) had a great deal to do
with the Butt tragedy. A grievance
“unaddressed, had metastasized” to
become an epic tragedy.
Wilayat was a “mental” as one of
her relatives in Lahore said. Ellen has
explored the story backwards after
she got to know the recluse “Prince
Cyrus” in his Malcha Marg hideout.
In the end, he turned out to be no
more than Micky Butt. She writes of
their sad delusion:
“It is impossible to know, now that
he and his sister are dead, whether
they even knew it wasn’t all true.”
 18 INDIA Friday, December 6, 2019 The Indian Weekender

Parliament

PM MODI: passes bill to

legalise 1,731
colonies in
India committed Delhi
to partnering with S eeking to legalise over 1,700
unauthorised colonies and

Maldives for its

grant property rights to nearly
40 lakh residents of Delhi, the Rajya
Sabha on Wednesday passed the

development National Capital Territory of Delhi

(Recognition of Property Rights of
Residents in Unauthorised Colonies)
Bill 2019 by voice vote.
The bill has already been passed
by the Lok Sabha and would now be
sent to the President for his assent.
Members from across the political
divide including the Congress, BSP,
RJD and AAP supported the bill but
many Opposition leaders questioned
the timing of the bill.
Replying to members on the bill,
Union Minister for Housing and
Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri

S
peaking through video-
conferencing at an event
where a fast interceptor vessel
was gifted to the Maldives, Modi said
his government’s “Neighbourhood
First” and Male’s “India First”
policies have strengthened bilateral
cooperation in all sectors.
AS A close friend and maritime
neighbour, India is committed
to partnering with the Maldives
for its development, Prime
At 2+2 dialogue, India and US to talk emerging threats, challenges
Minister Narendra Modi said on
Wednesday. The two countries will
also enhance cooperation for peace
and mutual security in the Indian
Ocean Region, he said.
Speaking through video-
conferencing at an event where a
fast interceptor vessel was gifted
to the Maldives, Modi said his
government’s “Neighbourhood
First” and Male’s “India First”
policies have strengthened bilateral
cooperation in all sectors.
In the coming years, projects
under Indian assistance will bring
more benefits to the people of the
Maldives, he said.
The Prime Minister said that “as a
close friend and maritime member,
India is committed to partnering
with the Maldives for democracy and
development. We will also enhance
our cooperation for peace and mutual
security in the Indian Ocean Region,”
he said.
Through a digital video conference
between Modi and Maldives
President brahim Mohamed Solih,
the two sided launched some of
the important initiatives that were
announced during last one year.
Four bilateral grant projects that
represent the breadth and ambition
of the development partnership
between India and the Maldives were
highlighted.
said that the issue of unorganized
colonies was on the agenda of the
Narendra Modi government ever
since it came to power in May, 2014.
He termed the opposition
members’ remarks as uncalled for.
The bill does not include nearly 66
unauthorised colonies such as Sainik
Farms and Mahendru Enclave in the
list for regularization as they have
been classified as “affluent”.
Properties in these unauthorised
colonies are generally held through
general power of attorney (GPA),
will, agreement to sale, payment

T
he dialogue also gives and
opportunity to the defence
and foreign ministries to
harmonise their perspectives on
issues such as terrorism, Pakistan,
Afghanistan and West Asia.
India and US will further cement
their special strategic relationship
with defence minister Rajnath
Singh and external affairs minister
S. Jaishankar meeting their US
counterparts, Mark Esper and Mike
Pompeo, for the two-plus-two
dialogue in Washington on December
18, with the focus being on Indo-
Pacific and the early conclusion of
India’s hardware purchases from
the US. The only other country with
which India holds a dialogue in the
two-plus-two format is Japan.
According to Indian and US
diplomats familiar with the matter
but who asked not to be named,
the forthcoming dialogue will
be important as it will synergise
positions and views of the foreign
and defence ministries of the two
countries and try and achieve
convergence in terms of a common
view on emerging global threats
and challenges. The dialogue also
gives and opportunity to the defence
and foreign ministries to harmonise
their perspectives on issues such
as terrorism, Pakistan, Afghanistan
and West Asia. According to senior
government officials who spoke on
condition of anonymity, the meeting
may help close pending arms
purchases from the US, including
that of 24 multi-role helicopters, six
additional Boeing P 8I multi-mission
aircraft and six additional Apache
helicopters.
Apart from this, the meeting could
also discuss India’s acquisition of
armed drones and strategic inputs
for India’s second aircraft carrier
being built in Kochi. The US-India
trade negotiations will be kept out
of the dialogue; this is currently
seeing serious negotiations between
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal
and US Trade Representative Robert
Lighthizer.
While both sides have decided
to maintain radio silence on the
negotiations, an early harvest
agreement is possible before the final
deal is signed.
One of the main objectives of the
two-plus-two meeting, the diplomats
and officials said, is synchronizing
India’s Act East policy with the
larger Indo-Pacific architecture
adopted by India, the US, Japan,
and Australia; both countries are for
free navigation and demilitarization
of the South China Sea, they added.
There are pressing regional concerns
as well. With US President Donald
Trump ready to resume negotiations
with the Taliban, India also needs
to understand the recent change
of Washington’s strategy towards
stabilization of Afghanistan.
and possession documents. The
properties in these colonies are not
being registered by registration
authorities and thereby the residents
do not have any title documents in
respect of such properties.
This bill is aimed at recognizing
the power of attorney, will,
agreement to sell, purchase and
possession documents as a special
one-time relaxation.
Following the regularisation of
the colonies, property holders in
these colonies would be able to get
loans from banks. They would also
be entitled for public facilities like
schools, parks, roads, electricity and
water.
While members of the treasury
benches claimed that Prime Minister
Narendra Modi was the real
champion of the people’s cause and
has been consistently delivering on
promises, the Opposition questioned
the timing of the bill.

Australia keen to strengthen ties with India in hi-tech area

A
head of Australian PM Scott Morrison’s
visit to India early next year and with
Canberra keen to lessen its reliance on
China in hi-tech sectors, a top Australian official
said that India and Australia would be looking to
further their cooperation in areas including cyber
and critical technologies.
Australian Deputy High Commissioner Rod
Hilton, in his address at the Chanakya Chakra
forum on Foreign and security policies, said that
5G and 6G and quantum computing are priority
areas for both sides.
He outlined four key areas of cooperation,
including ‘An open, inclusive and rules-based
maritime order’; ‘Cyber and critical technologies’;
‘Responding to the threat of terrorism’ and
‘Promoting connectivity across the Indo-Pacific’. bilateral naval exercise, AUSINDEX, held in April
Terming India a “natural partner” for Australia, this year represented the largest-ever Australian
Hilton said New Delhi’s “growing and strategic defence deployment to India.
heft is being felt beyond the Indian Ocean, creating “The exercise builds on a fourfold increase
new opportunities for our cooperation based on in our defence engagement from 11 defence
shared values and outlook”. exercises, meetings and activities in 2014 to 38 in
He said Australia sees India as having a role 2018,” he said.
to play in shaping the regional trading order Hilton said that one in 50 Australians today (two
prompting the benefit of free and open trade per cent of the population) were born in
and improving economic governance in "The India. Currently there are over 109,000
the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. convergence Indian students in Australia; and over
“The convergence in our strategic in our strategic 360,000 tourists visited Australia
outlooks has also underpinned a outlooks has also from India last year, comprising the
deepening of our defence and security underpinned a deepening fastest growing group of foreign
ties.” of our defence and visitors to Australia.
He said the third iteration of the security ties"
 The Indian Weekender Friday, December 6, 2019 INDIA 19

NEWS in BRIEF
SLt Shivangi, who hails from Muzaffarpur, was inducted into the Indian Navy under
the Short Service Commission-Pilot entry scheme and was part of the 27th Naval
orientation course (NOC) Course at the Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimala, Kerala.

Sub Lieutenant Shivangi Twitterati hail Pichai's elevation as Alphabet CEO

T witter users on Wednesday hailed the news

Navy’s first woman pilot about Sundar Pichai henceforth helming

Alphabet, the parent company of Google, as
well and posted congratulatory messages.
#SundarPichai trended with 2,688 tweets,
with #Alphabet garnering 3,954 tweets. Pichai
wrote on @sundarpichai: "I'm excited about
Alphabet's long term focus on tackling big
"Sub challenges through technology. Thanks to
Lieutenant Larry & Sergey, we have a timeless mission,
(SLt) Shivangi enduring values and a culture of collaboration
created history as the & exploration -- a strong foundation we'll continue to build on". The post
first woman pilot of got 2.1K retweets and 13.3K likes.
the Indian Navy, on One user wrote: "Congratulations Sundar ! Very well deserved. Every
successful graduation
founder dreams of a team mate like you. Best wishes".
from the course"
One user remarked 'Pride of India', to which another replied that Pichai
was now an American citizen. One post read: "Incredible news! The world

S
ub Lieutenant Shivangi on Monday became the
first woman pilot in the Indian Navy after she
successfully graduated from her course.
SLt Shivangi, who hails from Muzaffarpur, was
inducted into the Indian Navy under the Short Service
Commission-Pilot entry scheme and was part of the 27th
Naval orientation course (NOC) Course at the Indian
Naval Academy in Ezhimala, Kerala.
Commissioned in June 2018, she will continue her
training at the Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 550
— the Dornier squadron at INS Garuda — to become a
fully operational pilot on Maritime Reconnaissance (MR)
aircraft.
ISRO to launch surveillance satellite on Dec 11
“Sub Lieutenant (SLt) Shivangi created history as
the first woman pilot of the Indian Navy, on successful
graduation from the course,” the Navy said in a statement.
She was one of the three officers of the 7th Dornier
Conversion Course (DOCC) who qualified as pilots
and got their golden ‘Wings’ at a ceremony held at INS
Garuda on Monday.
The three officers completed a year of flying training at
the Air Force Academy (AFA) in Dundigal and the INAS
550. They will will join the ‘Dornier Operational Flying
Training’ course at INAS 550 from mid-January 2020,
prior to joining an operational Maritime Reconnaissance
squadron.
will change for the better, one Alphabet at a time :) Congratulations".
Another well-wisher wrote: "Let me join the crowd in congratulating
you! Hope @Google will bring affordable and accessible edtech solutions
to the remote rural and tribal schools in developing countries under your
leadership. #atisundar".
India 5th most vulnerable to climate change: Global
Climate Risk Index 2020
I ndia is the fifth most vulnerable country globally to climate change,
according to a new analysis released on Wednesday. India has also
recorded the highest number of fatalities due to climate change and the
second highest monetary losses from its impact in 2018.
The Global Climate Risk Index 2020, published by environmental think
tank Germanwatch which assessed 181 countries and quantified impacts
of climate change through economic losses, losses to GDP and fatalities

I
ndia will put into orbit another
of its sharp-eyed surveillance
satellite RISAT-2BR1 with
synthetic aperture radar on December
11, an Indian space agency official
said on Tuesday.
"The next space mission is to
orbit RISAT-2BR1, a radar imaging
satellite. The rocket launch will be
on December 11," an official of the
Indian Space Research Organisation
(ISRO), who spoke on the condition
of anonymity, said.
Piggy backing on the 615 kg
RISAT-2BR1 in the Polar Satellite
Launch Vehicle (PSLV) would be
four foreign satellites that India will
be carrying for a fee.
According to the official, another
radar imaging satellite 2BR2 with
synthetic aperture radar will soon
follow after December 11 mission.
A clutch of such sharp-eyed
satellites are necessary to look down
at the earth on a continuous basis.
In May this year, ISRO had
launched 615 kg RISAT-2B.
The next radar imaging satellite
- RISAT-2BR2 - expected to be
launched soon will also have two
small foreign satellites are piggyback.
to arrive at a ranking, found Japan to be the most vulnerable followed by
Philippines, Germany, Madagascar and India.
The southwest monsoon in 2018 severely affected India, the analysis said
adding that Kerala was especially impacted where 324 people died because
of drowning or being buried in the landslides set off by the flooding—the
worst in hundred years.
Smriti's old onion tweet causes mirth
E
ven as high onion prices continued to
make consumers teary-eyed, Twitter
users had fun over an old tweet by BJP
leader Smriti Irani. One user posted Irani's
tweet from December 2010, when her party
was in the opposition, and wrote: "Old tweets
are so funny." Irani's tweet on @smritiirani

Sweden's royal couple to read: "Income Tax department is keeping a

watch on all high-value transactions... don't

help clean Mumbai beach

buy onions :-)."
#OnionPrices soon trended on Twitter,
garnering 1,165 tweets. One user replied to @smritiirani: "How? Please

S
weden's King Carl XVI Gustaf
and Queen Silvia will take
part in a clean-up drive at the
Versova Beach, Andheri West, and
pay homage to the victims of the
26/11 Mumbai terror strikes, during
their visit.
The Swedish royal couple will
arrive in Mumbai tomorrow on the
second leg of their ongoing five-day
state visit to India -- the second visit
of the Swedish royal couple to this
country after 1993 and the first-ever
to Mumbai, said Sweden's Consul-
General in Mumbai, Anna Lekvall.
"As part of the
#SwedenIndiaSambandh Campaign,
the Consulate-General here and the
Rise Against Hunger India (RAHI),
have lit up the 5.6 km long Rajiv
Gandhi Bandra Worli Sea Link from
Tuesday-to-Thursday in the Swedish
flag colours in honour of the royal
visit," Lekvall added.
This time, the royal couple will
aim to strengthen the existing
good relations between India and
Sweden and promote Swedish-
Indian cooperation, address
common challenges like climate
change/environment, infrastructure,
research, health, enhanced trade and
tell us?" Twitterati also posted memes on the issue, with one putting out a
clipping of an old speech by Narendra Modi. One meme pertained to the use
of an onion as company logo, with the caption: "After seeing onion prices,
Apple want to change its logo in India".
One post read: "Each onion comes with a chip embedded in it... also
reason why it's expensive."
One user took a jibe at the government: "Nobody cares nowadays even if
one purchases MPs and MLAs. Thanks to Modi government".
We located crashed Vikram lander first,
says ISRO chief
As part of the #SwedenIndiaSambandh campaign, the Consulate General of
Sweden, Mumbai and the 'Rise Against Hunger India' (RAHI) have lit up the 5.6 km
I ndian Space Research Organisation
Chairman K. Sivan has said that its
own orbiter had located the crashed
Rajiv Gandhi Bandra “Worli Sea Link from Dec 2-4 in blue and yellow, the colours of
the Swedish flag in honour of the first visit of the Swedish Royal Couple to Mumbai. Vikram lander on the lunar surface.
They will take part in a clean-up drive at the Versova Beach, Andheri West, and pay However, "ISRO will not refute the
homage to the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror strikes, during their visit
claims made by the NASA," he said,
investment in both countries, etc, she who have built Mumbai. speaking to media on the sidelines of the sixth convocation of the Central
said. The royal couple will attend university of Rajasthan in Ajmer on Tuesday.
After the beach clean-up drive, TEKLA, a two-day workshop to "You can see on our website that we have already identified the crashed
the royal couple will be the guest of attract girls and women into the world lander, however, "We don't want to refute the claims made by NASA," he
Maharashtra Governor B.S. Koshyari of STEM (Science, Technology, added further.
who will host a lunch for them, Engineering and Mathematics), and Sivan was speaking with reference to NASA's claim made on twitter
followed by a visit to the Door Step the Tekla and Gender Parity Dialogue saying: "The #Chandrayaan2 Vikram lander has been found by our @
School which provides education session to correct the imbalance of
NASAMoon mission, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. See the first
for underprivileged first-generation girls and women in the tech sector.
mosaic of the impact site." However, later in the day, it was revealed that a
learner kids. The Swedish royals are
Chennai-based techie Shanmuga Subramanian had discovered the debris of
They will then visit the 26/11 Taj accompanied by their ministers and
the crashed lander while using NASA pictures.
Memorial in honour of the victims a high-level business delegation
of Mumbai terror strikes and in the of all types of companies, besides Sivan further informed that ISRO is scheduled to complete 13 space
evening the King will join a round- government agencies and university missions by March 2020.
table with members of the families representatives.
 20 WORLD
Here comes China’s
‘artificial sun’, a likely source
for clean, limitless energy C
The device works by replicating the natural reactions that occur in the sun using hydrogen and deuterium gases as fuels.
The HL-2M Tokamak, China’s next-generation “artificial sun,” is expected to be operational in
2020 as installation work has gone smoothly since the delivery of the coil system in June     popular Medieval Quarter
C
hinese scientists are close
to deploying an “artificial
sun” by 2020, state media
has reported, adding that the device
will be able to provide clean energy
through controlled nuclear fusion.
“The HL-2M Tokamak, China’s
next-generation “artificial sun,” is
expected to be operational in 2020 as
installation work has gone smoothly
since the delivery of the coil system
in June,” official news agency,
Xinhua reported this week.
The device works by replicating
the natural reactions that occur in the
sun using hydrogen and deuterium
gases as fuels.
“The new apparatus, with a more
advanced structure and control mode,
is expected to generate plasmas
hotter than 200 million degrees
Rare Indian art displayed in London exhibition
E
xquisite colonial-era paintings
by artists such as Shaikh Zain
ud-Din, Bhawani Das and
Ghulam Ali Khan have been brought
together for the first time in a major
exhibition that shifts the focus from
‘Company School’ of painting to
lesser known artists.
Titled ‘Forgotten Masters:
Indian Painting for the East India
Company’, the exhibition has opened
at the Wallace Collection until April,
showcasing artwork from various
collections across the globe, curated
by writer William Dalrymple.
The paintings were commissioned
during the late eighteenth and
nineteen centuries by East India
Company officials and their wives, as
well as by itinerant British artists and
intellectuals passing through India
for pleasure and instruction.
Comprising work from a variety
of Indian traditions, organisers say
the exhibition belatedly honours
historically overlooked artists such
as Shaikh Zain ud-Din, Bhawani
Das, Shaikh Mohammad Amir of
Karriah, Sita Ram, Bahadur Singh,
Mihr Chand and Ghulam Ali Khan.
“The exhibition highlights the
conversation between traditional
Indian, Islamic and Western schools
Celsius,” said Duan Xuru, head of
the Southwestern Institute of Physics
under the China National Nuclear
Corporation was quoted by Xinhua
as saying.
The report added that the artificial
sun will provide key technical
support for China’s participation
in the International Thermonuclear
Experimental Reactor (ITER)
project, as well as the self-designing
and building of fusion reactors.
“China is among seven members
funding ITER, an international
nuclear fusion research and
engineering project that is building
a tokamak nuclear fusion reactor in
France, considered to be the world’s
largest magnetic confinement physics
experiment,” the Caixin news website
reported. In 2018, the experimental
and features works from Mughal,
Marathi, Punjabi, Pahari, Tamil and
Telugu artists”, the organisers say.
The focus is on main centres of
what has traditionally been described
as the ‘Company School’ of painting:
Calcutta and Lucknow, where
Mughal painters from Murshidabad,
Patna and Faizabad were employed;
colonial Madras and Tanjore, where
artists from south Indian
"These
traditions received
masterpieces
patronage; and Delhi,
combine Indian and
where Mughal artists
European influences to
were based. create rich, hybrid works create rich, hybrid works
The exhibition which reflect the cultural which reflect the cultural
includes a Mughal fluidity of this period in fluidity of this period in
dagger, which was India’s history"
advanced superconducting tokamak
(EAST), or the country’s first
“Chinese artificial sun” achieved
an electron temperature of over 100
million degrees in its core plasma, a
key step towards the test running of
fusion reactor, a lab in east China’s
Anhui province had said.
“The ultimate goal of EAST is to
create nuclear fusion like the Sun
using deuterium abound in the sea
to provide a steady stream of clean
energy,” Gong Xianzu, director of
the experiment, had then said.
The temperature achieved at the
EAST experiment was about seven
times more than the interior of the
Sun, which is about 15 million
degrees Celsius. Gong said the
experimental temperature was about
50 million degrees celsius in 2017.
owned by a East India Company
patron of this period: Claude Martin,
who commissioned artists to create
works of art depicting the flora, fauna
and daily life in colonial India.
Dalrymple added: “Forgotten
Masters showcases the work of a
series of extraordinary Indian artists,
each with their own style and tastes
and agency, whose brilliance has
been frequently overlooked until
now. These masterpieces
combine Indian and
European influences to
India’s history.”
Friday, December 6, 2019 The Indian Weekender
NEWS in BRIEF
‘Power of Siberia” : Russia begins pumping gas to
China via 8000 km pipeline
hina and
operatioanalised
Russia
a
have
mega
natural gas pipeline connecting
Siberia to northeast China further
fuelling political and economic ties
between the two countries, which are
increasingly a pivot against US-led
western powers.
Called the “Power of Siberia”, the cross-border gas pipeline, according
to the official news agency, Xinhua, is over 8,000 km long with a 3,000-km
section in Russia and a 5,111-km stretch in China.
China is the world’s largest energy consumer and demand for natural gas
is increasing in the country, especially in the northern part, as it gradually
moves from burning coal to cleaner energy for central household heating in
winter. For Moscow, the pipeline opens up a massive new market in Asia –
and a line for hundreds of billions of US dollars —as it looks at economic
alternatives in the aftermath of western sanctions following its annexation of
Ukraine’s Crimea five years ago.
Mahatma Gandhi statue installed in terror-hit
Manchester
A 9-feet bronze statue of
Mahatma Gandhi by
noted artist Ram V. Sutar was
on Monday installed in the
of Manchester, making it
the sixth city in the United
Kingdom to feature his statue
in an iconic location.
Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester, was among several
dignitaries at the unveiling ceremony attended by several people outside the
Manchester Cathedral. At 9 feet, it is one of the tallest Gandhi statues outside
India. The project to install the statue of the apostle of non-violence in a city
hit by terror attack in May 2017 was initiated by the charity organisation
Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur (SRMD). Shrimad Rajchandra
was one of Gandhi’s mentors. Supported by the Manchester Cathedral,
Manchester City Council, the Manchester India Partnership and the High
Commission of India, the statue unveiling event was attended by
Richard Leese, leader of the Manchester City Council, David Walker,
bishop of Manchester, and Rakesh Jhaveri of SRMD, besides representatives
of religious and non-religious organisations across Manchester and beyond.
Upbeat PM Boris Johnson again promises to get
Brexit done in December 12 manifesto
B uoyed by rising ratings
in opinion polls, Prime
Minister Boris Johnson
on Sunday unveiled the
Conservative manifesto for the
December 12 election – “the
most critical election in modern
memory” – by harping on the
theme of ‘Get Brexit done’.
The second ‘Brexit election’ after the mid-term election in 2017, parties
are seeking to exploit widespread ennui over the long delay and debates
since the 2016 referendum that resulted in a 52 per cent to 48 per cent vote
to leave the European Union.
Hoping to win a majority to deliver the Brexit agreement reached by the
Johnson government with Brussels, the Conservative party is pitching its
appeal as a ‘parliament versus people’ binary, alleging that the dissolved
House of Commons had blocked its attempt to deliver Brexit.
Johnson, who became prime minister in July promising to deliver Brexit,
released the manifesto in Telford as the Observer reported a new opinion
poll that suggests the Conservatives have taken a commanding 19-point lead
over Labour.
Australia to end bilateral aid to Pakistan
A ustralian Prime Minister Scott Morrison's government has decided to
cease all bilateral aid to Pakistan, which includes support for successful
programmes helping poor women and girls, as funds for development
assistance were diverted to the Pacific, a media report said.
Australia has a 70-year history of providing aid to Pakistan but will end
all government to government development assistance in 2020-21, The
Sydney Morning Herald reported on Monday citing the latest aid programme
performance report on Pakistan as saying.
"Funding in Australia's overall aid program has been redirected to support
new initiatives in our immediate Pacific region," the performance report said.
"This has reduced bilateral aid to Pakistan from AU$39.2 million in 2018-
19 to AU$19 million in 2019-20 and funding for bilateral programmes will
fully cease in 2020-21." A key objective of Australia's aid to Pakistan has
been assisting women and girls with a focus on education, increased access
to quality reproductive health and gender-based anti-violence services.
 The Indian Weekender Friday, December 6, 2019 SPORTS 21

Kohli displaces NEWS in BRIEF

Smith to become Rohit one hit away from becoming first Indian to
reach 400 sixes

No.1 Test batsman R

ohit Sharma is just one six away from becoming the first Indian to
reach 400 sixes in international cricket. He will also become just the
third player overall to cross the milestone after former Pakistan and West

I
Indies captains Shahid Afridi (476 sixes) and Chris Gayle (534 sixes).
ndia skipper Virat Kohli is back Rohit has been a stalwart for India at the top of the order in limited overs
at the top of the batsmen's list cricket. While his Test career did not hit the same heights for a long time,
in the ICC Rankings for Test the Indian team's decision to let him open the batting seems to have done
batsmen as Australia's Steve Smith the trick. In his first series as India's Test opener against South Africa in
slipped behind him in the October, Rohit broke the record for most sixes hit during a Test series by
latest update released on hitting 19 maximums. He scored a whopping 529 runs in four innings which
Wednesday. included a maiden Test double ton.
Kohli, who had Rohit will next be seen when India take on the West Indies in a limited
struck a fine 136 in the overs series starting on December 6. The two sides first play a three-match
Day-Night Kolkata T20I series and that will be followed by an ODI series consisting of as many
Test against matches.
Bangladesh last Argentina to play Chile in Copa America 2020 opener
T
week to reach 928 he draw for next year's Copa
points, is now five America has been announced in
points clear as which Australia and Qatar have been
Smith's knock of 36 in the Adelaide Test against added.
Pakistan saw him slip to 923 points from 931 before CONMEBOL, South America's
the match. football governing body, announced
The other Indian batsman in top 10 is Ajinkya the draw on Tuesday for the
Rahane at the sixth spot. Meanwhile, opener tournament which will be co-
Mayank Agarwal has moved out of the top 10. hosted by Argentina and Colombia.
For New Australia opener David Warner's epic 335 Argentina will play the tournament opener against Chile in Buenos Aires
on June 12 next year. The tournament will have 38 matches and after a little
not out has lifted him 12 places to the fifth
Zealand, Ross position while Marnus Labuschagne is in more than a month of competitions, the title will be defined in Barranquilla.
Australia have been drawn in Group A alongside Argentina, Bolivia,
Taylor has the
a s
top 10 for the first time after being ranked
low as 110th at the start of the year. Uruguay, Chile and Paraguay. While, Qatar have been placed in Group B
gained two Pakistan middle-order batsman Babar with Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela, Ecuador and Peru.
"We had to do something innovative with the Copa América to not only
places to reach Azam
to his
has moved up two places to 13th, thanks
fighting knock of 97 in the first innings, while
generate more income for the associations, but better competition so that
we can reach the World Cups with more strength and think big to bring the
16th among left-handed opener Shan Masood has gained 10 places to reach a
World Cup back to South America," said CONMEBOL President Alejandro
career-best 47th position after striking 68 in the second innings.
batsmen and England captain Joe Root is back in the top 10 after spending
Dominguez. Brazil will enter the next year's tournament as the defending
Champions after defeating Peru 3-1 in the final earlier this year.
Tim Southee a week outside it, his innings of 226 pulling him up to seventh After 2020, the tournament is set to be held every four years with the next
from 11th. Rory Burns's second Test century has pushed him
has moved up into the top 40 for the first time.
edition scheduled for 2024.
Ponting feels Australia's bowling attack
one place to For New Zealand, Ross Taylor has gained two places to reach
better than India
16th among batsmen and Tim Southee has moved up one place
13th among
bowlers.
to 13th among bowlers.
In the bowlers' ranking, fast bowler Mitchell Starc has moved C ricketing great Ricky Ponting
reckons Australias bowling attack is
better than the current Indian bowling as
up four places to 14th after grabbing seven wickets in the Adelaide
Test. Left-arm Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi, one of the stars Australians are better suited in different
of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2018, has moved up 13 places conditions and that is why he has to pick
to 49th among bowlers. them over the Indian bowling line-up.
West Indies captain Jason Holder's five wickets have helped him "I am taking ours every day of the
week," Ponting was quoted as saying by
move up one slot to third place with a career-best 830 rating points
Cricket.com.au.
and he has also consolidated his position at the top of the all-rounders'
"India's is fantastic; (Jasprit) Bumrah and (Mohammed) Shami have been
list. Off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall has broken into the top 50 with a
amazing for the last couple of years and then you put Umesh Yadav into the
10-wicket haul while centurion Shamarh Brooks has risen 68 places
equation with Ishant Sharma, they've got some very, very good fast bowlers.
to 62nd. And when you put (Ravichandran) Ashwin and (Ravindra) Jadeja in there,
their attack is very good." he added.
"But their spinners struggle more in Australia, Nathan Lyon has a much
India to take part in Over 50s World Cup next year better record in Australia than the Indian spinners have. And I love the

I
n a first, India will be taking Ajoy Roy, I hope to bring the cup variation we have with Mitchell Starc in the line-up; that left-armer just
part in the Over 50s World Cup back to India and make the entire provides a little bit of something different. And he's bowling as well as I've
to be held in Cape Town and nation proud," said Shailendra. ever seen him, so there are some even better signs for this Australian attack,"
Stellenbosch in South Africa next Ajoy Roy, who is the president he expressed. Australia had thrashed Pakistan 2-0 in the just concluded Test
year between March 11-24. of India Over 50s Association said, series to win all their Day-Night Test for the sixth time in a row.
West Indies, Namibia and "You don't get a second chance to Ronaldo crowned with Serie A player of the year
Zimbabwe will also be making their make a first impression. And that's award
J
debut in the tournament next year. exactly what the Indian team hopes uventus and Portugal forward
Shailendra Singh will be leading to do in their first showing against Cristiano Ronaldo has been
India. eleven others." named Serie A player of the year.
In the tournament, India are placed Former India skipper Kapil Dev Ronaldo, who scored 26 goals in
in the 'B' Division with countries like is also excited about this tournament his debut season in Italy and helped
Pakistan, England and South Africa. and said: "This is a beautiful moment, Juventus towards another domestic
Division 'B' includes Australia, West he (Shailendra) is going to play title, picked up the individual prize
Indies, New Zealand and Sri Lanka, cricket above 50 representing India in a ceremony which took place on Monday night, reports goal.com.
among others. and going to lead the World Cup. I A jury comprising of fellow Serie A players, coaches, referees, journalists,
India will begin their campaign in want to wish him and his entire team and current and former technical commissioners agreed upon Ronaldo's
the 50-over tournament against good luck. Do well boys and we are name for the award. The Portugal international scored 21 times in 31
"I've
England on March 11. cricket in England with you all the way and enjoy the appearances, finishing fourth in the top-scoring charts, with veteran striker
captained
"I've captained Bombay Bombay Gym for 15 and Scotland. game." Fabio Quagliarella of Sampdoria collecting the golden boot award.
Gym for 15 years, I years, I represented the I'm excited for The first-ever Over 50s World Cup In this season, Ronaldo has managed to score on six times in his 11
represented the entire '83 entire '83 team during their the chance to was played in Sydney in 2018 and appearances. The star forward was absent from the Ballon d'Or ceremony
team during their streak streak and I've played against lead India in its the title was won by Australia. The which also took place on Monday night in Paris where he finished third
and I've played against the greats in county cricket in World Cup effort tournament is not recognised by the in the voting of that particular gong, behind Virgil van Dijk in second and
the greats in county England and Scotland" and, along with International Cricket Council (ICC). Lionel Messi in first.
 22 FEATURES Friday, December 6, 2019 The Indian Weekender

BARBECUED CORN COBS

INGREDIENTS:
• 2 - corn cobs
• 50gm - butter
• 1tbsp - parsley, chopped
• 1tbsp - basil, chopped
• 1 - lemon
METHOD
• In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, parsley and
basil, mix well with the fork and keep aside for later
use.
• Heat up the barbecue.
• Grill corn cobs, turning as you go on, until golden and
starting to char. slather the butter mixture onto the corn.
• Transfer corns onto a serving plate and immediately • Squeeze lemon and serve.

VEGETABLE SALAD
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 - onions
• 2 - capsicum
• 1 - eggplant

BARBECUED SWEET POTATOES • 2 - zucchini

INGREDIENTS:
• 6 - sweet potatoes
• 1tbsp - ginger chopped
• 2 - garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 - green chillies
• 1 - lemon
• 3tbsp - vegetable oil
METHOD
Heat up the BBQ grill.
• Wash and cut the sweet potatoes
into wedges.
• Add sweet potatoes into a large
bowl and then drizzle 1 tablespoon
of oil, mix well.
• Cook sweet potatoes on the
barbecue for 25 minutes until
charred and softened.
• In a small bowl add 1 tablespoon
of oil, ginger, garlic, washed and
chopped green chillies and lemon
juice; whisk with the fork.
• Baste the potatoes with the
mixture and cook for another 30
to 40 minutes, basting with the
mixture again and again as they
cook.
• Once the potatoes are glazed,
sticky and cooked, transfer them
onto the serving plate.
• Serve with tamarind chutney.
FOR MARINADE
METHOD
• 2 - bunches of asparagus
• 200gm - buttoned mushrooms
• 1/4cup - olive oil
• 1tsp - pepper, crushed
• 1tsp - salt
• 1/4cup - parsley
• 1tsp - garlic paste
• 1/3cup - lemon juice
• 1/3cup - olive oil
• 2tsp - caster sugar
• 1/2tsp - garlic paste
• 1/2tsp - pepper, crushed • In a small bowl add olive oil, crushed pepper, salt,
• 1/2tsp - salt parsley and garlic paste, mix well with the fork.
• 1/2tsp - dried oregano • In a large bowl add all the vegetables, then pour olive
• 1/2tsp - dried basil oil mixture and toss well until the vegetables are well
• 1tsp - chilli flakes coated with the olive oil mixture.
• Oil for basting and brushing • Place the vegetables onto the hot BBQ grill.
• Cook the vegetables until tender and crisp, turning
them once or twice and basting with oil.
• Peel, wash and cut onions into half, then cut into • While the vegetables are getting grilled, in a medium
wedges. bowl add lemon juice, olive oil, caster sugar, garlic
• Wash and cut capsicum diagonal into fairly large paste, pepper, salt, oregano, basil and chilli flakes, mix
pieces. Cut eggplant round in circles, zucchini; well with the fork.
diagonal into thick slices and asparagus just trim the • Transfer the cooked vegetables into a serving plate
edges. Mushrooms; wash them and keep aside all the and drizzle the marinade on top and toss well until the
vegetables. vegetables are well coated with the marinade.
• Brush BBQ grill lightly with oil. • Serve

POTATO TAMARIND SALAD

INGREDIENTS:
• 1kg - small potatoes
TAMARIND SAUCE
• 11/2tsp - tamarind pulp
• 50gm - sugar
• 1tbsp - cumin powder
• 1inch - ginger piece
• 1/2tsp - red chilli powder
• 1/2tsp - salt
• Fresh coriander
METHOD
• In a large pan add water along with 1 teaspoon of salt and
bring it to a boil.
• Add potatoes and cook for 15 minutes until tender, then
drain and cool slightly before halving them.
FOR TAMARIND SAUCE
• In a medium pan add tamarind pulp, pour over 75ml boiling
water and add sugar, cumin, ginger, red chilli and salt.
• Simmer, without a lid, until the dressing thickens and
becomes syrup, about 10 - 15 minutes ( Discard the ginger
piece ).
• Let the syrup come to the room temperature ( It should have
a pleasant tang; add extra sugar if needed ). over the dressing, gently stirring to make sure that the • Scatter over the coriander and serve warm or at room
• Transfer halved potatoes to a big mixing bowl and spoon potatoes are well coated. temperature.
 The Indian Weekender Friday, December 6, 2019 TIME OUT 23
CROSSWORD NO: 40 ANSWERS TO LAST WEEK'S QUESTIONS

SUDOKU NO:40

HITORI NO: 40
Hitori – a logic puzzle with very simple rules and challenging solutions. Can you eliminate
numbers until there are no duplicates in any row or column? Objective / Rules. Eliminate
Kashika Lal with her prize
numbers until there are no duplicates in any row or column. Eliminate numbers
by marking them in Black. You are not allowed to have two Black squares touching
and winner certificates
horizontally or vertically (diagonally is ok). Any White square can be reached from any
other (i.e. they are connected).

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE NO: 40

See how many differences you can find in the right or left photo.

Send us stories, drawings, poems and other contributions by your little ones along with their
photographs for this page. E-mail us at reporter@indianweekender.co.nz
 24 FEATURES
Spirituality
The most
important work
SADHGURU,
ISHA
FOUNDATION
F
or many people today, the human
mind is increasingly seen as a source
of torment rather than wonder. You
develop resentment, anger and hatred – poisons
that you drink and you expect someone else to
die. Life does not work like that. If you drink
poison, only you die, not someone else.
Unfortunately, a miraculous instrument
has been turned into a misery-manufacturing
machine. Your mind should work for this life
and keeping your mind life-friendly is your
business.
After all, your mind is your employee. If you
do not know how to handle the people who
work for you, they will turn into your enemies.
That is the way life is. You need to get this
straightened out.
If your mind is working against you, the first
and foremost thing that you should do is take a
break from everything that you are doing. Your
work, your family – everything – take a break
and go to an appropriate place. Do something
about this human being!
Fix this before you enter the world because
once you live in this world, either you must
do something good to yourself or you must do
something good to people around you. Either
you must be joyful.
Then whether you care about anyone else or
not, it does not matter because at least you are
joyful. Or, you should be doing something nice
for someone around you.
It is important you take some time off and
work upon yourself. People always think they
have something important to do. Especially if
that is the case, you must work upon yourself
because in everything that you do, who you are
will find expression.
Even if you have very good intentions, if you
have poison in your head, with good intentions
you will inject poison into the world. More
damage is happening to this world with good
intentions than with bad intentions.
For example, Adolf Hitler once said that
everything he was doing was his duty to his
forefathers. The most dangerous thing is that he
was not a liar, he believed that this was true. This
is what empowered the man so much. Within
a short span of time, the way he organized
the whole nation and made everybody believe
whatever he believed in is not a simple amount
of organization.
He was able to do this because the man 100%
believed he was doing the best thing that could
be done.
The most visited Indian news
website in New Zealand
For online advertising
options, email at sales@indianweekender.co.nz
Manisha Koushik is a practicing astrologer, tarot card reader, numerologist, vastu and
fengshui consultant based in India with a global presence through the online channels. She is
available for consultations online as well. E-mail her at support@askmanisha.com or contact
at +91-11-26449898 Mobile/Whatsapp: +91-9716145644 • www.askmanisha.com
Your good intentions are not going to save
the world. How you are is what matters. How
you are will change only if you can breathe,
walk, lie down, sit down and do everything
joyfully. If you cannot do this, everything else
you do will be poison.
Only when you are pleasant within yourself,
you feel pleasant about everything around you.
Only when you feel pleasant about everything
around you, you move around with a certain
sense and value to life around you.
Otherwise it does not matter how much
morality you carry in your mind or how many
scriptures you remember, you will find ways to
do the cruelest possible things.
The first and basic responsibility for a human
being is to ensure that he or she is a joyful
human being. Otherwise nothing else really
works.
One thing we need to understand is, whatever
may be happening with your life, there may be
many things going on, but you are better off
than when you were born because you came
with nothing.
Now you at least have something, so you are
on the profit side. Look at the beauty of life:
you came with utterly nothing.
Whatever may be happening in your life right
now, you are still in profit, not loss. You cannot
complain!
Isha Foundation New Zealand conducts Isha
Inner Engineering and Hatha yoga Programmes.
It also offers free Isha Kriya and Isha Upa yoga
practices for the General public regularly. For
more information Pls contact: 0224637811 or
Visit: www.ishayoga.nz
Ranked amongst the fifty most influential
people in India, Sadhguru is a yogi, mystic,
visionary and a New York Times bestselling
author Sadhguru has been conferred the Padma
Vibhushan by the Government of India in 2017,
the highest annual civilian award, accorded for
exceptional and distinguished service
Friday, December 6, 2019 The Indian Weekender
06 December – 12 December 2019 | By Manisha Koushik
ARIES (MAR 21-APR 20)
A new development can give you sleepless nights, but things will turn out favourable.
You can plan a business expansion as you are now in a position to hire the best. Earning
money will not be a problem, but enhancing it can pose difficulties for those working on
commission basis. Although you may not admit, you do secretly admire someone, whom
you generally dislike on the social front. There will not be enough time to be with lover this
week. Lucky Number / Lucky Colour : Coffee
TAURUS (APR 21-MAY 20)
Your efforts are likely to bring positive results on the professional front. This is the time
to plan out your future for settling down in matrimonial bliss. Your foresight and excellent
planning will find the cash registers ringing. Rising clout on the professional front will
get you to rub shoulders with the who’s who of the city. Efforts to remain socially well
connected will succeed. Something refreshing is likely to happen to your love life, so hold
your breath! Lucky Number :15 / Lucky Colour : Navy Blue
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUN 21)
You will make it a point to meet people who are like-minded. You may remain in a state of
confusion on the work front in the absence of concrete directions. Someone on the social
front can be of immense help, provided you approach him or her. Financially, you will be
able to manage fine. Your sense of humour may pull someone towards you on the romantic
front. A long drive will help you relax your mind. Lucky Number : 4 / Lucky Colour :
Royal Blue
CANCER (JUN 22-JUL 20)
You may find yourself unusually busy on the academic front. This may well turn out to be
the most promising week! Opportunities on the professional front are likely to chase you.
Career front looks simply great as your keen foresight helps you along! You manage to
come a step closer to your dream of earning big on the financial front. Those in love are
likely to have scintillating time. Health problems worrying you disappear. Lucky Number
: 17 / Lucky Colour : Forest Green
LEO (JUL 21-AUG 20)
You may get involved in something that gives you immense satisfaction. Your professional
prospects are likely to brighten, as new opportunities come your way. Financially, you will
remain on a safe wicket. Some medical problem may chase you, but you will be able to
handle it fine. Someone you like may take the initiative on the romantic front. You remain
in an upbeat mood regarding a child. Lucky Number : 4 / Lucky Colour : Indigo
VIRGO (AUG 23-SEP 23)
Your concern for a social issue is likely to touch someone’s heart. Good going on the
professional front may motivate you to give in your best. There is a good chance of
meeting someone you had not met in years on the family front. Some of you can get lucky
playing the stocks this week. Joining a gym or an exercise regimen is indicated. Taking
a shortcut may lose time, so adhere to the tried and tested routes. Lucky Number : 6 /
Lucky Colour : Red
LIBRA (SEP 24-OCT 23)
This is a good time to look up someone you have not met for long. Someone may go back
on his or her promise of returning your money this week, which may leave you high and
dry. Over consumption of something not agreeing with your system may play havoc with
your health. Spending a cosy evening with someone you like is possible this week Lucky
Number :7 / Lucky Colour : Silver Gray
SCORPIO (OCT 24-NOV 22)
There is much to do on the professional front this week, so prioritise your work, so that
nothing important is left out. You will find things progressing well on the professional front.
Getting praised by superiors for your performance is possible this week. You are likely
to give a good account of yourself on the academic front. Those staying apart will soon
get a chance to meet. Financially, you may find yourself steadily on the upswing. Health
problems will disappear. Lucky Number :8 / Lucky Colour : Green
SAGITTARIUS (NOV 23-DEC 21)
Excellent performance will help you in beating the competition on the academic front.
You are likely to earn more than you are able to spend, so expect to remain solid on the
financial front. Those craving for love may witness a miracle happening on the romantic
front! Your interests are likely to be served by your well wishers. Enjoying good health
by taking precautions against the season is possible. Keep the one who matters in good
humour. Lucky Number : 15 / Lucky Colour : Parrot Green
CAPRICORN (DEC 22-JAN 21)
Some more efforts will be required on the academic front and you will be quite up to it. You
may want to take the world by storm, but feel scared to take up the challenge. Remember,
nothing ventured, nothing gained. Success of someone close may spur you to do even
better, but don’t let this desire become all consuming. You will need to perform much
better at work than what is currently the case. Health remains satisfactory. Lucky Number
:2 / Lucky Colour : Orange
AQUARIUS (JAN 22-FEB 19)
Take time out to network. Only then will you be able to achieve, what you are seeking.
You can become negligent on the professional front and then find it difficult to cope up
with work. Some problems in maintaining stability on the financial front are foreseen, but
you will be able to overcome them. You may set out on the path of attaining perfect health.
Interfering nature of someone in the family may make you see red. Lucky Number : 4 /
Lucky Colour : Royal Blue
Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20)
You may have to keep up with others on the academic front. Romance will be high on
your list of priorities this week. Those married are likely to enjoy a second honeymoon by
planning a vacation. There is a good chance of meeting someone who will help you out
on the professional front. Additional work will come your way that promises a handsome
payout. Relief is in sight for those ailing. Those planning to buy property may go ahead.
Lucky Number : 7 / Lucky Colour : Light Orange
 26 FEATURES Friday, December 6, 2019 The Indian Weekender

Fashion and Beauty

MAKEUP FOR TRAVEL:
Here's everything you should
carry in your bag while travelling
Blush:

A
part from clothes, makeup also plays a key role in

our travel blag. If you love makeup and don't how
much to carry when you travel, then read below
to find out make up essentials that you should carry in
your travel bag.
When it comes to travelling for a vacation or business,
one thing we always take is our little makeup bag. But
sometimes packing for the right makeup can get a little
overwhelming, since we don't know what to include and
what not to include. Makeup is something that differs
from women to women. Some women like to wear
makeup daily, while others like to travel with less or no
makeup. However, the rule while travelling is always
travelling light.
If you are someone who loves to carry makeup in your
travel bag but goes overboard with it, then here are a few
things that you should consider carrying your bag. So, we
are saying chuck the rest and keep these must-have things
in your bag the next time you travel. Since these things
are compact and won't take much space in your bag. More
S
ince you are keeping your foundation and base
minimum, you can also amp up the look by applying
some bronzer and blush. They work wonders and will
keep you looking fresh and glowing!
Eyes:
Five best makeup and beauty
secrets every girl should know
B
eauty tips and tricks are some around the world swear by.
of the most sneaky and secret
FRESHLY TINTED SKIN
ways to enhance your features
Let’s be real, we cannot be wearing
without adding too much effort to it.
foundation all day long. But, what if
We all know of some tricks that have
we say that you can get a fresh tint
travelled to your ears from a lot of
without actually layering products
different people and we somehow
on the skin? Well, here’s the trick -
just inculcate it in our routines. From
just take your favourite moisturiser
makeup to skincare, there are some
and add a pump of your foundation
things we discover on our own while
to it and here you have your ‘custom
others are tried and tested. Now, here
made’ tinted moisturiser. This will
we are with some more tricks to help

than being compact, they are essential for your skin too.
Base:
W
hydrate your skin while also giving it
hen it comes to eye products, always carry mini you make your life easier.
an even tone. It’ll be your secret trick
travel packs with you. They not only look cute but
are compact too. Invest in a mini mascara and ditch the eye
shadow pallet for good. Just choose a neutral colour that
will blend in perfectly with the rest of your makeup. Apart
from that, your eye pencils are your reliable companions
when you’re out and about for the evening.
Lips:

LAYER YOUR LINER to look flawless. So, shhh…

D on't forget that you are on your vacation, so you

don't have to go all out with your makeup. So treat
your skin to least coverage on days that you’re hanging by
the beach or sight-seeing. Stick to light and easy textures
for your base.
Foundation:
N o you don't need to carry lip liners and different
shades of lipsticks. Instead, carry a nice lip balm or
chapstick for the day, and red for the night.
Sunscreen:
If you are just like us and do not
know how to use a liquid liner with
NATURAL EYEBROWS
If you are someone with scanty
precision, here’s a trick for you. Start
by applying your favourite pencil
liner, so you are comfortable and
brows and tired of the way all the
brow products make it look fake,
here’s the trick for you.
do not end up with smudge marks.
Now, layer the pencil liner with your
Start by using a brow powder that

N o makeup bag is is lighter than your original brow

favourite liquid one, so you already
complete without have a straight line underneath to
a sunscreen. A sunscreen
serve as a guide.
with SPF 30+ is good for This trick also ensures that your
your skin and will also act liner stays on for a long while without
as a base to your skin. actually smudging off.
COLOURED KOHL
No, it is not colourful eyeliners.
If you are always wondering
how the celebrities have such
gorgeous eyes, it is because they
use a combination of different kohls
Other essentials: on their water lines. Well, it is not
colour. This will set a great base for
you and make it look natural.
Later, cover it up with your actual
brow colour. Make sure you make the
dark coloured strokes look natural
without actually overdoing it.
STRATEGIC CLEANSING
If you are someone prone to
getting dry or oily skin, the right way
to deal with it is strategic cleansing.
Now, you may ask, what that is?
Strategic cleansing is switching from

A
part from carrying these
products, don't forget
to carry some facial wicks,
makeup remover, sanitizer,
as difficult as you think. Start by
applying black kohl on your upper
waterline.
Now if you use the same colour on
a heavy-duty cleanser in the evening
and a lighter milk-based cleanser in
the morning.
This trick applies when you have
been out and about travelling to work

Y ou don't need all the products on vacation, so choose

your favourite preferred foundation that not only
weights light on your skin but will keep you looking fresh
rubber bands and band aids. the lower one as well, your eyes will
end up looking small. Use a brown
or white eyeliner on the lower lash
during the day and need a heavy
cleanser to clean the pores. However,
you do not need the same one in the
all through the day. line to make the eyes pop. This is one morning as all you’ve done is sleep.
of the best makeup tricks that artist
 The Indian Weekender Friday, December 6, 2019 FEATURES 27

The glamour, glitter and sequins of a saree

A
group of Saree enthusiasts
gathered on Saturday,
November 30 in Auckland
to celebrate and exhibit the glamour
of one of the most elegant forms of
dressing, sarees.
Saree Speak, a global group that
was created three years ago where
members of every country and its
sub-groups participate and meet up
on a particular date and present the
grandeur of a saree.
The event Auckland Saree Speak
Meet is organised following the
footprints of similar events held
in Pune, New Delhi, Belagavi in
India, Jakarta and New Jersey where
women passionate about saree
celebrate different styles and forms
of sarees.
“This group is created to have
a feel of belongingness, to create
awareness about various weaves
from every part of India and it
gives a common platform for every
girl every lady to connect to roots
and community in wider space,” a
spokesperson of Saree Speak group,
Auckland, Gargi Trivedi told The
Indian Weekender.
“Saree Speak, the name says it
all as the drape speaks for a lady
itself that how confident, graceful,
elegance and beauty she holds,” Ms
Trivedi added.
Saree is timeless fashion and
versatile, and in today’s world full
of trends, saree still remains an
evergreen classic.

The enigma of the dark: A peek into a book

writer’s mind
T
here is something about
dark places that never fail to
fascinate her. She never runs
away from them, even when a little
voice in her head tells her to watch
her step.
She says it is only when one looks
at a character’s eclipsed side that his
or her different facets truly come to
light.
“I like exploring the unconscious
drives that my characters undergo,
do something that’s truly out of their
character.
"Those are always the interesting
things for me - in my characters
and the real people I come across,”
smiles author Avni Doshi, who was
in Delhi recently.
Talk to this author of the recently
released ‘Girl in White Cotton’,
published by HarperCollins India,
that the book took eight drafts in
seven years to finally reach its
destiny, and she tells IANS, “Now,
it’s difficult to even think about that.
I have amnesia, while I liked some
drafts, many I can barely remember
at all. I think they all were a learning
process and important to the final
product.
Now, if I had to set out with the
thought of spending that much time
on my next book, I don’t think I
would be able to as it seems like a
lifetime.
In retrospect, I can see the kind
of mistakes that I made and I have
definitely learnt so much and I don’t
think the subsequent novels would
be so time consuming.”
During the lengthy writing
process, it was ‘the voice’ that
proved to be her clue that she had
hit something right. It was that of
the daughter, with something very
bare, raw and almost cruel about it.
“The moment it came about, I knew
instantly that it would carry me to
the end of the story and beyond.”
An art historian and curator by
training, Dubai-based Doshi, who
grew up in the United States is busy
turning her drafts into an artwork.
She laughs that her husband and she “Can I? I keep looking around for there is always a gap between what playing and making a mess.”
excel at failing. permission. And at festivals, I have you want to say and what finally The author who has started writing
“He at golf, and me at writing. to keep pinching myself when I am comes out on the page. It’s never fragments of her next novel says she
So, I took his golf balls and covered sitting with writers who I look up perfect. Once in a while, you get it did try writing some short stories but
them in my manuscripts, so they to.” perfect and that’s a great pleasure.” “all were terrible”.
kind of looked like garbage. I have However, it is being a writer that Doshi is quite comfortable with “I am in such awe of people who
placed them in a grid and framed she identifies most closely with and the loneliness that comes with write brilliant short stories. It’s such
it --- a grid-like calendar of our not an art curator for she has always writing. Admitting that she does a talent to have that economy with
daily failures. It’s hanging there...a felt much outside the art world. fall into bouts of depression and sentences and words. I just don’t
constant reminder for us.” “Maybe because I was lacking sadness, especially when the work think I can do it yet, of course I am
Insisting that her favourite parts of the passion for the subject and also, is not going well; but the moment going to keep trying.”
the book have come out of mistakes I feel I have a desire to make and things start working well on paper, All praise for young debut women
or experimenting with something create. alienation seldom comes close. writers including Madhuri Vijay
that she was not sure of succeeding, "Now I have found what I have “Also, I try to maintain as full a (‘The Far Field’), the writer believes
Doshi adds, “Frankly, I feel that it is always wanted to do. Writing allows life as I can. I used to live a very in sparing herself the torture of
in failure that the most interesting me to be deep into the creative hermit life while writing the last giving herself timelines. “What’s the
and creative moments lie.” process on my own terms, have a draft - locking myself up, distancing point? I once wanted to write 5,000
The kind of attention the book is real sense of control. myself from people - wake up at 4 words in a week.
receiving, with Doshi being invited "There is something about writing in the morning and go to sleep at 6 What turned out were 5,000
as a panelist at major literature that you can be a control freak, p.m. But now, with a little child, I words of nonsense! I am not sure
festivals, is she now comfortable because it is you and the page. I like am learning the many new ways to if timelines can get me anywhere
calling herself a novelist? having a sense of control although write, with him sitting at my feet, faster.”
 28 ENTERTAINMENT Friday, December 6, 2019 The Indian Weekender

AnilctorKapoor:
A
I’m a simple man within aout-and-out
Anil Kapoor doesn’t
want to get comfortable with
simple plan
Bollywood outings
as No Entry, Welcome, Race, Dil SALMAN KHAN C
his position in the industry,

‘shaitans disguise
Dhadakne Do, Mubarakan, Fanney
and says he has a simple plan, which Khan, Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa
is to be better than yesterday. Laga and Total Dhamaal.

“I don’t think I ever want to be
completely comfortable for fear of
complacency. It’s only when you put
yourself in uncomfortable situations
that you grow and learn,” Anil said.
“So when you find yourself getting
too comfortable and too much at
ease, kick yourself out of your
comfort zone and try something
new,” he added.
Anil entered the industry with
a small role in 1979 with Umesh
Mehra’s Hamare Tumhare, and
then went on to carve his niche by
balancing his stature as a respectable
actor and his popularity as a saleable
star, with performances including
Woh 7 Din, 1942: A Love Story, Mr.
India, Tezaab, Ram Lakhan, Lamhe,
Beta, Taal, Nayak: The Real Hero
and Pukar.
His versatility is proved by the
fact that he was equally at home in
these international projects as he was
S
Have your goals changed with alman Khan has condemned the brutal incident of gang-rape and He twe
time? murder of a young veterinarian on the outskirts of Hyderabad on to be an e
“Strangely enough, my goals November 27. is unabate
haven’t changed much at all! I’m a The Bollywood superstar took to social media to vent his anger against - we m
simple man with a simple plan -- to be the culprits who committed the heinous crime. He addressed them as “the - fast tr
better than I was yesterday. So that’s worst kind of ‘shaitans’ disguised in the human form.” - quick
what I continue to strive towards,” Since the last couple of days, hashtags demanding justice for the gang- #Nirbhay
said the actor, who recently became rape and murder victim have been trending on Twitter. On S
part of a panel discussion by Royal Using such a hashtag, Salman Khan tweeted, “These are the worst #NoMerc
Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films kind of ‘shaitans’ (devils) disguised in the human form! The pain, torture Twitter w
in Kolkata to decode “what makes and death of innocent women like Nirbhaya should now get us together immediat
films powerful”, as part of a six-city and put an end to such ‘shaitans’ who live among us, before any other the grueso
tour. innocent woman... People
Next, he wants some “time off”. “...and their family go through this extreme agony and loss as this has capital p
“Then we dive into Malang to be stopped. Let betii bachao not be just a campaign. This is the time to voicing th
promotion mode and of course Karan let these demons know that we all stand together. May (victim’s name) as well as
Johar’s Takht,” he said. soul rest in peace.
"When

Jim Sarbh: I want to do lead roles

Another Bollywood actor, Varun Dhawan, has also expressed his
disgust over the incident and raised his voice demanding justice the crimina
for the victim’s family. Using the hashtag seeking justice for the justice system f

A
ctor Jim Sarbh is eager to dive deep into the world victim, Varun tweeted: “We as Indians discuss and are passionate to be an effect
of showbiz and says he wants to do everything, about so many things. The entire country needs to come together deterrent, the ru
from lead roles to comedy to thrillers. and stop rapes from happening. Why is it that girls can be harmed heinous crime
“I want to do everything -- lead roles, comedy, thrillers so easily. Why aren’t these evil bastards scared of the law?” unabated."
and much more. Good comedy is the hardest amongst all “Right now the only focus has to be on making sure this girl
according to me. Comedy really needs everybody to be on and her family gets justice,” he added in a separate tweet.
the same page including directors, actors, editors. It is all Demanding quick investigation into the case, fashion
in the timing,” Jim said. photographer and film producer Atul Kasbekar took to social
Jim entered Bollywood with a negative role in “Neerja”, media to remind everyone that the culprits of the 2012 Delhi
gangrape case have not yet been hung.
and went on to prove his craft in projects like A Death in
the Gunj, Raabta, Padmaavat, Sanju, Made in Heaven
and House Arrest. Salman: My father told me no
A
He was also seen in an international film The Wedding ctor Salman Khan s
Guest, also featuring Dev Patel and Radhika Apte. The that his father and vete
film aired in India on &PrivéHD. screenwriter Salim Kh
Looking back at his journey, he said: “I don’t think who is usually critical of his w
there is anything particular that shapes me as an actor; has advised him not to worry ab
everything has contributed towards being an actor, the outcome of his upcoming c
I try to be inspired by little things in life. The "I action film, Dabangg 3.
quality of your attention and understanding of think it has “My father is very critical ab
a moment defines you as an actor.” moulded me in our movies. Most of the times,
While picking his roles, he looks for every shape and it has straight away tells us, this film
“different things depending on the project, sculpted me in becoming gone Beta, forget about it. He used
some projects I look at the script while who I am today. I hope same words for this film (Daba
some of them I look forward to work with to have more such 3) but in a positive manner, say
the directors”. projects to grow sculpted me in becoming who I am today. I forget about it, don’t take stress o
Jim says working on an international hope to have more such projects to grow,” he said, this film, don’t let the success of
film get to your head, and work h
production helped him grow in many ways. adding that he has “very fuzzy and warm memories”
for the next film,” said Salman.
“I think it has moulded me in every shape and it has from the making of “The Wedding Guest”.
Dabangg 3 will release in mult

Sooryavanshi will blow Himesh Reshammiya replaces Anu Malik on ‘Indian Idol’ We are failing
S
your mind: Akshay

inger-composer Himesh
Reshammiya has replaced
composer Anu Malik as judge
on “Indian Idol 11” after the latter
withdrew his name from the show in
the face of MeToo allegations against
him.
A few days ago, Malik had stepped
down as judge from the ongoing
season 11 of the music reality TV
show after growing outcry against
him over allegations of sexual
season. On joining the show,
T
iconic one! I am extremely elated to
elugu superstar Mahesh Babu
be on the judges panel. From here
has reacted to the heinous gang-
on the responsibility only increases
rape and murder of a 27-year-
two fold. I have been following this
old veterinarian on the outskirts of
season and I must say that this year
Hyderabad on November 27.
has seen phenomenal singers come
The actor took to Twitter to appeal
forward, who I am sure will create
to the government demanding capital
ripples in the Indian music industry.”
punishment for the accused in such
Last year, Malik was removed
brutal crimes. He tweeted: “Day after
from season 10 the show when Sona
day, month after month, year after year...
levelled accusations against him for
NOTHING is changing. We are failing,
the first time.

A
ctor Akshay Kumar has
finished shooting of his
upcoming action
Sooryavanshi. Akshay took to
Instagram and shared that he has
wrapped up shooting for Rohit
harassment, levelled by singer Sona
Mohapatra. Singers Neha Bhasin and
film Shweta Pandit, too, had accused him
of sexual misconduct in the past.
Now, Himesh has been roped in
as one of the judges for the current
Himesh said: “I was a part of
‘Superstar Singer’ and now my
journey continues on ‘Indian Idol
11’. ‘Indian Idol’ is not only one
of India’s longest running singing
reality shows but also one of the most
as a society! Sending my personal appeal
However, Sony TV had reinstated
to the state & central governments. @
the composer on season 11 this year,
KTRTRS @PMOIndia we need stricter
which did not go down well a lot of
laws, capital punishment for heinous
people including Sona, who restarted
crimes like these...”
her campaign against the composer
In a separate tweet, the Telugu
and the channel.

Priyanka: I’m thankful for life and blessings attached to it

Shetty’s directorial, saying it will
“blow your mind”.

“Last day, last shot, last stunt
of ‘Sooryavanshi’. It’s been an
incredible experience to be a part of
Rohit Shetty’s Cop Universe... We’re
excited for you to witness it at the
cinema, it’s gonna blow your mind,”
Akshay wrote.
Along with it, he posted a picture
in which he along with Rohit can be
seen sitting underneath a helicopter’s
tail, twinning in blue.
A
ctress Priyanka Chopra Last year, Nick came to India and along with a cozy picture with her what she will do on her first weddin
Jonas says she is thankful for had a Thanksgiving family dinner with husband and pop icon. anniversary.
everything in her life and all Priyanka’s family. Earlier this week, Priyanka surprised “I don’t know (what we’re goin
the blessings attached to it. The couple later tied the knot on Nick with a German shepherd puppy as to do for our one-year anniversary).
The actress shared her thoughts as she December 1, 2018. an early anniversary gift. asked and I was told, ‘Why do you as
sent in good wishes on Thanksgiving. “Happy thanksgiving to everyone "I’m In an interview to so many questions?’ I was like, ‘OK
so thankful
On Thanksgiving this year, celebrating.. etonline.com earlier you plan it’. But I was just (wondering
for life and
Priyanka joined her husband I’m so thankful for life and all all the blessings this year, Priyanka what are we going to do and he wa
Nick Jonas and his family in the blessings attached to it. Love attached to it. Love had revealed that just like, ‘Don’t ask’. So I said, OK
the US. and joy always,” she posted, and joy always" she is clueless about she said.
 The Indian Weekender Friday, December 6, 2019 ENTERTAINMENT 29

CALLS RAPISTS How KBC redefined

ed in human form’ the Bachchan aura
I
eeted, “When the criminal justice system fails nteresting, how the tagline of “Kaun Banega Crorepati” (KBC) season 11 has virtually defined
effective deterrent, the run of heinous crime Amitabh Bachchans career. ‘Adey raho (broadly translates to ‘be persistent) goes the
ed. In case of rape/murder: slogan and, come to think of it, its iconic host has literally symbolised the trait through
must have quick investigation n arrests a career of 50 years. KBC 11 ended this week and, given the recent health scare that the
rack courts 77-year-old Bollywood icon has had, fans are keeping their fingers crossed in the hope that
k dispensation of the sentence PS: The Big B will overcome all impediments and return on the hot seat next year.
ya killers haven’t been hung as yet.” For, even as KBC 11 ended on Friday, speculations took over, mainly triggered off by
Sunday afternoon, the hashtag a cryptic blog entry the veteran actor made a few days ago. “I must retire… the head is
cyToRapists also started trending on thinking something else and the fingers another… it’s a message…,” he wrote on his blog
with netizens demanding severe and in the early hours of November 27/28, sparking off a deluge of concern among fans.
te action against the four accused in Was Big B indeed hinting at retirement from cinema and television assignments? Sources
ome gang-rape and murder incident. close to the actor soon dismissed such notions, saying he simply meant that he was too tired to
across the country are demanding type - that it had been a long day and the word ‘retire’ alluded to retiring for the day, or going off
punishment for the rapists and to sleep. Still, guesswork has continued. Most fans feel Big B, given his incredible energy
heir protests on social media will continue shooting for films. Film assignments, after all, would let him work at
s taking to the streets. his own pace. The hectic schedule of a five-day quiz show, however, could be
more demanding.
The point to note here is those hectic years mark a significant phase of Big
al
B’s career graph. KBC after all marked his resurrection as an icon and a brad,
fails
at a time when he was struggling to reinvent himself as a Bollywood star.
tive
The year was 2000. The year before, Amitabh Bachchan had four releases
un of
- Lal Badshah, Sooryavansham, Hindustan Ki Kasam and Kohraam”.
e is
Each of these tried rehashing Bachchan’s angry young man
" "I
image to suit his advancing age, and each fared way
below expectation. Coming after a 1998 roster that must
comprised of “Major Saab” (lukewarm at the box- retire… the head
office) and “Bade Miyan Chote Miyan” (where he is thinking something
was clearly outstripped by Govinda in the slapstick else and the fingers
stakes), and the dud Mrityudaata in 1997, Big B was another… it’s a
suddenly looking for a script to reinvent himself in the message…,"

ot to worry about Dabangg 3 public eye. His last spate of solo superhits had happened
in the early nineties, and his sojourn as an entrepreneur with
ABCL has soured.
says languages, including Hindi. (laughs). But, yes, it is releasing in
KBC season one happened around the time. Over a matter of weeks,
eran On this, Salman said: “I dubbed in Tamil, Telugu and Kannada.”
Big B’s stardom suddenly witnessed rebirth. The angry young man of
han, Tamil for the film’s trailer. I showed Asked if he would work as an item
yore, who had redefined action and drama through the seventies and the
work, it to him (Prabhudheva), he heard boy for other producers, now that
eighties, was suddenly redefining home entertainment. KBC’s quizmaster par
bout it and he said, “Sir, what language he has done the job in the “Munna
excellence was a charming gentleman with wisdom to share - far removed from
cop- (are you speaking in)?’ He said we badnaam hua”, Salman replied: “It’s
the intense avatar he exuded in his heydays. From the larger-than-life action hero,
doubtful. It will be only be possible if
"My father is very critical KBC let Big B become the affable guy who would drop by in you living rooms
bout I will work for free.”
about our movies. every evening to serve an engaging spell of wisdom. If the metamorphosis let
, he Salman’s next release after
Bachchan survive where every other actor of his era faded away long before him,
has Most of the times, he Dabangg 3 will be Radhe, which
the actor too gave KBC - as well as Indian reality television - a defining course. Not
d the straight away tells us, this opens on his lucky festival of the
only is KBC regarded a cut above most other shows on television, Bachchan’s style
angg film has gone Beta, forget year, Eid, in 2020. Asked when he
of conducting it set the gold standard of show hosting in India.
ying, would have a Diwali release, as
about it..." It is a reason why, when the much-younger superstar Shah Rukh Khan tried
over he did in Diwali 2015 with Sooraj
hosting season three of the show, he could not quite match up to the Bachchan aura.
this would get a good dubbing artist Barjatya’s Prem Ratan Dhan Payo,
For the sake of Indian reality TV, we will hope all rumours of Bachchan retiring
hard for the Tamil version, and I said he he replied: “The day Sooraj Barjatya
from television are indeed unfounded.
should let me try. He told me, ano sir, makes the film, it will release in
tiple you concentrate on Hindi dubbing’ Diwali.”
Akshay set to ‘deliver’ biggest ‘goof-up’ filmy Xmas gift
as a society: Mahesh Babu “
It’s with the biggest goof-up ever, that this Bollywood
movie will make its ‘delivery’,on screen,”enthuses
families of the girls. Your pain is Akshay Kumar,who is all set to soon unleash his
irreversible! latest screen-avataar in the upcoming maverick laugh-
Let’s come together to give riot musical Hindi movie ‘Good Newwz’ co-produced by
justice to all the women and young Karan Johar releasing during the ‘Xmas’ week.
girls of our country... Let’s make Already the thundering Bhangra-pop song ‘Sauda
India safe!!#Justicefor(victim’s Khara Khara’ from the movie, has started trending
name)#StopRapes #SaveHer,” he wrote. big-time already, which has Akshay grooving with wild
The brutal gang-rape and murder of abandon and swaying precariously to the pulsating beats
the Hyderabad-based veterinarian has even while on horse-back followed by a wriggly naagin four instances, where this has actually happened.”
once again pointed fingers at the issue of (snake) dance on the floor. Continues the ‘Housefull 4’ hero,“In normal course,
women’s safety in India. Even as the countdown has begun in Bollywood for the IVF procedure is meticulously executed. Although
The incident has left the entire nation ‘Merry X’mas’ festivities, Indian and NRI movie-buffs it’s a freak-out comedy, it has its serious elements, we
in a state of shock. As a result, social are eagerly waiting to check out the new Bollywood have taken due care , and diligence and the movie has
media is abuzz with protests with movie releases during the ‘jingle bells and painting-the- its sensitivity. There is an important message in this
superstar expressed his condolences to netizens demanding stricter laws and town-Red-revelry’ week. entertaining movie ‘Good Newzz’, for childless couples,
the family members of the victim. capital punishment for such heinous Otherwise known for his meaningful message- and especially for distressed women/ wives since the IVF
“My heartfelt condolences to the crimes. laden movies like ‘PadMan’ and ‘Mission Mangal’, the has a 92 per cent success ratio with millions of children
adventurous Akshay Kumar tackles this situation of a both thru this process, “insists Akshay who is paired with
merry mix-up (read swap) of ‘sperm’ samples during the his mascot heroine Kareena Kapoor, the other besides the
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization ) procedures in this maverick other on-screen-couple Diljit Dosanjh with Kiara Advani
ng movie ‘Good Newwz’. playing his wife.
Considering that his fans and cine-goers tend to Interestingly, ‘Good Newwz’ is directed by debutant
ng take him seriously,when his film-subjects are socially Raj Mehta. With a sense of pride Akshay, who loves
. I relevant,wasn’t Akshay concerned that his latest movie working with ‘new’ directors reacts with, “Talented Raj
sk could also result in streaks of skepticism amongst is the 21st debut-director whom I have worked with.
K, impressionable audiences about the frivolous ‘sperm Their greed for good work is far more than a lot of senior
g) mix-up’ ? directors. For the new directors, it’s a do or die situation,
as Justifies the ‘Khiladi’ Kumar, “Something like this can that if this doesn’t work, my career is over.”
K,” randomly and inadvertently happen only once-in-a-blue- Which in turn also works out to superstar Akki’s
moon. Nobody can say in real-life, that some ‘goof-up’ advantage who with his versatile roles, ‘hates being
like this has never taken place. In fact, there are three or tagged only as the ‘Khiladi’ action-hero’.
30 FEATURES Friday, December 6, 2019 The Indian Weekender
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