Indian

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February 18, 2011
Volume 2, No. 22
New Zealand’s first Indian weekend magazine
For free distribution

Heritage | 26 Bollywood | 20 Travel | 28

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Indian Weekender | February 18, 2011 | www.iwk.co.nz 1

Indian
New
NewZealand
Zealand

Teenagers rock stage, walk into hearts

Every teenager that participated in last weekend’s It was a tough competition between the contes- functions. Organiser Tanya
Tanya Arts-Indian Weekender presented Miss and tants until the eminent judges found the top six and Mehra taught these teens to Miss Te
Master Teen India contest – irrespective of whether after that it was all about their individual calibre give their hundred percent 1st Run en
ner u
they won the top accolades or not – showed the audi- and overall performance. Judges took their time to throughout the preparation Sheylee p:
n
ence what a bright future lay ahead of them, as they declare the result and come up with the right deci- phase.
strutted in the arc lights brimming with confidence sion. Six boys and girls each
and showcasing their talent with such elan. Apart from the awards and accolades that the were shortlisted from contes-
The show was a resounding success, thanks to participants won, the grand prize of the event is a tants twice than number for
them and the dedicated teams that worked backstage chance to gain exposure in Bollywood, thanks to the both sexes.
for months. Everyone’s hard work shone throughout offer by one of the judges, noted Bollywood director The top six were:
the event. The audience lapped it all up throughout Roopesh Rai Sikand, who will promote their talent Miss Teen: Syba, Mona,
the four-hour show. in one of the world’s great movie industries – Bol- Jyne, Jannine, Sheyleen, Jyo
Both girls and boys looked fabulous in their lywood. Master Teen: Vinny, Nikhil,
stylish outfits – Western and Indian for the girls and Mr Sikand, who came all the way from India (and Jai, Hotanya, Richie, Imran Miss Te
e
emerging styles of Indian garments for boys that
were all trendy.
was featured in Indian Weekender issue of February
4), was one of four judges at the event: Justin Brown,
And the winners are…
Syba Dhatt who was spon-
Winner: n
The crowd went into a tizzy showering every well known presenter of 97.4 FM, writer and editor, sored by “Poojaz Desiner Fash- Syba
participant with rounds of spontaneous applause as Farida Master (former editor of several top Indian ions” won the The Miss Teen
each model displayed their catwalk, styles and per- publication and Indian Weekender columnist) and title and Richie Agarwal scooped
sonality. Arnold du Toit, ex-Mr. World New Zealand. Master Teen. Jannine and Nikhil were the first
Miss Teen
Tanya Arts runners up while Vinny Dhatt and Sheyleen were Runner up:
has given a ter- adjudged second runners up. Jannine
rific platform to Every participant was recognised for their
these talented talents, style and appearance and were awarded mul-
teenagers to tiple prizes and titles in a range of categories.
display their The fillers were equally absorbing and the per-
talent and gain formances memorable. The groups who performed
confidence as on the night were Beat Box, Khote Sikkay, Brahm-
they were put acharis and future Miss and Master Teen. The crowd
through the went wild and crazy. a family.”
paces in a highly “I am just a trainer and the rest totally depend The show that drew dozens of sponsors was made
disciplined upon the participants,” Tanya Mehra told Indian possible by the tireless efforts of Faisal, Harneet
routine across Weekender. “In my three months’ training, I always Kaur, Manan Walia , Raja Sandhu , Jazil Mistry,
three months. taught my participants to be responsible, have faith, Shiva Mandap, Club Sapphire ,Fozia Yousuf , Street
Master Their style and commitment, respect for your elders/parents, and of Cred . Thank you very much for your uninterrupted
Te
Winner: en Master Teen
Master
T
elan carried the course for the Judges and their final decisions.” and selfless support.
1st Run een day despite a She says wins and losses are milestones in life For those who missed the live show, remember to
Richie Runner up: n e r u p:
Vinny couple of co- and one must learn from them. “As far as I am con- look up schedules on Triangle TV.
Nikhil
ordination mal- cerned they all are winners for me and we all are like -Indian Weekender correspondent

2 Indian Weekender | February 18, 2011 | www.iwk.co.nz

Indian
New Zealand

Conquering the Himalayas on a 150cc bike

DEV NADKARNI titude of 15,000ft, stay at hotels during nights tition,” Parishrut said.
Parishrut Jhina is crazy about motorbikes. He and sometimes just in tents outside, in the Professional and amateurs are classified
lives, breathes, eats and sleeps motorbikes. For freezing mountain temperatures. separately, inviting anyone who dares up into
the 25-year-old student who works as a bakery Because of the low octane in Indian and the mountains. Despite the rugged, wild sound
chef in Auckland, motorbikes are not just Tibetan fuel, some riders are even burdened of the terrain the organization running the Raid
style statements but the avenue for participat- with carrying extra fuel for themselves. There is meticulous and careful in removing as many
ing in what he calls “ultimate adventure”. are road checks every 30 kilometers to make danger-risks as humanly possible. There is a
It was this passion for the two-wheelers sure no competitors have wandered off-course. rigorous pre-race tech inspections in addition
that forced the The sport is certainly not for the faint to health and tech inspections along the way.
young man to hearted and can Back in New Zealand, Parishrut prac-
travel to India frighten people tices and participates in rallies around the
and take part who are not up to country. Sponsors for the sport are few and far
in the Maruti the challenge. between and it is a struggle to persevere with
Suzuki Raid de In all 167 par- his passion, he says. His long time mentor
Himalaya 2010 ticipants regis- Vikram takes him around in a trailer truck
rally. The route tered up for the with special clamps to hold bikes. Parishrut
passes through adventure, which pays $50 a day for the privilege of practice
one of the most included 54 mo- on the tracks.
difficult and torcyclists, 43 Though he won first place in his category
competitors in the with an unmodified, 150cc, Indian-made On the dirt track…
inhospitable
natural terrains 4 wheel X-treme bike, the shiny, silver plated trophy was not ac-
for motorbikes version and 70 companied by a cheque or any monetary com-
in the western in the 4 wheel ponent. Like any other sport that is not cricket,
Himalayas. Adventure Trail it is hard to find sponsors in the subcontinent.
It runs a version. Among Pursuing his studies and working at the
length of 2000 Parishrut being awarded the trophy the motorcy- same time, Parishrut’s heart lies in two-wheel-
km of barely tarred roads, dirt tracks and slush clists, there were er rallying. He hopes to participate in more
caused by rain. Riders have to often encoun- 5 Austrians, 2 from the US and one each from challenging rallies and is doing the hard yards
ter freezing weather conditions. It covers some Canada and New Zealand. with whatever equipment he can lay his hands
of the highest motorable places in the world, Parishrut rode to glory in the formidable on and tracks he can afford to ride on in New
including the famous Spiti valley and Patseo rally winning the trophy in the ‘Unmodified Zealand.
(4830 metres), Sarchu (4551m) in Lahaul valley, Indian Bike’ category, and also bagged overall Anybody out there who can help catapult
and the formidable Baralacha la (4883m). eighth position in the challenging Motoquad Parishrut to the next level?
The bikers struggle on through inclement (Xtreme Section). You can watch the challenge at:
weather, with numbed and chilled limbs, fre- “It was awesome to take part in the Raid ht t p://w w w.yout ube.com /
quent tosses and shattering, not to mention along with so many professional bikers. It was watch?v=BTDxsdk4qb8
spinal jerks. They spend nearly a week on so wonderful to bag the top spot in one of the http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooBU8j
course spending at least two days above an al- categories. I enjoyed taking part in the compe- 1EsLY&feature=channel

Indian Weekender | February 18, 2011 | www.iwk.co.nz 3

 Indian
After ‘honour killing’ it is ‘forced teen marriage’
Close on the heels of the “honour killing” label that
the mainstream New Zealand media gave Indians fol-
lowing the alleged homicide in the Waikato, it is now
squarely accusing the Sikh and Muslim communities
of being involved in “as many as 50 forced and teen
marriages a year”.
Another parallel between the Waikato episode and
this new one concerning Sikhs and Muslims is that
Shila Nair, who works with the NGO Shakti, has been
quoted in the media perpetrating the “teen marriage”
story just as Hamilton’s Roy Vellara sought to colour
the grossly erroneous “honour killings” story by wan-
tonly giving it a regional flavour.
Sikh community leaders in New Zealand are ex-
tremely disappointed with the contents of the article
that appeared in Fairfax media’s Stuff website – as are
people from the larger Indian diaspora.
Several eminent leaders contacted Indian Week-
ender following publication of the article. President of
the oldest Indian organisation in the country, the New
Zealand Indian Central Association (NZICA) Paul
Singh Bains said, “It is very damaging and degrad-
ing for the Sikh and Muslim communities throughout
New Zealand. We at NZICA are disturbed that such
articles are being allowedto be published in papers
like the Sunday Star Times. Journalists like Michael
Field should research their stories thoroughly before
writing.
“Even if there was an isolated case, it is just not
appropriate to tarnish the entire community. My
question is if a New Zealand European was reported
involved in such activity would the journalist blame
the Church group as well? The journalist needs to be
taken to task for such baseless reporting.”
Prithipal Singh Basra, MNZM, President of
Global Indians and a marriage celebrant said, “We
condemn this statement as this is made without any
proof or evidence to support this news item other than
a frivolous comment from Shila Nair.
“I would say that we should seriously look at the
credibility of the Shakti organisation as this is funded
by New Zealand government to look after and present
the true views of New Zealand Indians so policies
can be formulated to help the women who sometimes
suffer injustices.
“I have spent 42 years serving the Sikh commu-
nity. I have never come across this under age forced
marriage problem. If Shila thinks otherwise, then she
should present us with proof so we can investigate it
further.
“We should all unite and oppose this statement as
this may have many other ulterior motives other than
Nalini hits bestseller mark, again
Fiji-born New
Zealand author
Nalini Singh
has again burst
through the New
York Times best-
seller list with
A r c h a n g e l’s
Consort, at No 8 on the mass market fiction
list.
The former Mt Roskill Grammar student’s
latest book is sandwiched between mega-sell-
ing authors, Swede Stieg Larsson of the Girl
4 Indian Weekender | February 18, 2011 | www.iwk.co.nz
immediately defaming the hardworking Sikh com-
munity who have made a great contribution to New
Zealand.”
Asked what these ulterior motives could be, Mr
Singh said, “I believe the agenda is much wider in that
they are trying to criticise our sacred system of ar-
ranged marriages so the immigrants coming through
this system should be stopped.”
Spokesman of the Auckland Sikh Society, Ajit
Photos of: Paul Singh Bains, Prithipal Singh & Ranjana Patel
Singh Randhawa said he had spoken to journalist
Michael Field. “I spoke with Mr Field at the Sunday
Star Times and laid out the concerns of the Sikh Com-
munity about the defamatory character of its news
item, particularly after Shila Nair from Shakti denied
to me about specifically mentioning the Sikh Com-
munity.
“Mr Field said this was a recycled news item first
brought out by TVNZ based on submissions made by
Shakti to Parliament for an amendment to the mar-
riage Act. He claimed to have contacted or e-mailed a
few sikh organisations but got no response.
“I told him that the Auckland Sikh Society had not
received any email or phone call from him. This sort
of reporting is unpardonable and the Sikh community
will denounce such reports aimed at defaming them.”
Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, National Party MP and
himself a Sikh said, “In that article there were claims
that as many as 50 underage New Zealand girls a year
are being forced into marriages by Sikh and Muslim
religious leaders who abuse a loophole in the Marriage
Act.
“The issue of forced marriages is of concern to ev-
eryone. Identifying this within the Sikh and Muslim
community’s is not appropriate. I have had discussions
with the leaders of both the Sikh and Muslim commu-
with the Dragon Tattoo fame, and American
James Patterson.
“To make the New York Times bestseller
list is an incredible achievement, and it is ex-
tremely unusual for a New Zealander to reach
these heights,” managing director of publisher
Hachette NZ Kevin Chapman told the New
Zealand Herald.
“Nalini has shown herself to be in the top
tier of international authors.”
Archangel’s Consort is the third book in
Singh’s bestselling “Guild Hunter” series.
While was no stranger to the New York list,
nities and they condemn this practice. As a member
of Justice and Electoral select committee we heard a
petition in November 2009 in this regard and made
some recommendations to the Minister of Justice.
“The petition focused on forced marriages and
relationships in the nature of marriage. It raised con-
cerns across the racial, ethnic, and religious spectrum.
It did not focus on Sikhs and Muslims specifically.
The Sikh and Muslim communities have quite under-
standably taken offence at the suggestions made in the
Sunday Star Times article.
“The Justice and Electoral Select Committee has
heard submissions on this issue and taken advice
from officials from the Ministry of Justice. We have
reported back to Parliament and raised a number of
issues. We have also recommended that the Minister
of Justice, Hon Simon Power, consider an appropriate
response to those issues. I understand the Minister
will do this in due course.”
Senior community leader Ranjana Patel, QSM
and President of the Manukau Indian Association and
also member of the National Advisory Council on
Employment for Women categorically stated that she
had never heard of any forced teen marriages in the
Sikh community.
Ms Patel also runs one of the largest chain of
medical practices in South Auckland and on going
through her records could find only 1 pregnancy under
the age of 16, which was not a case of forced marriage
or preganancy. It is pertinent to mention that she has
over 105,000 patients registered with their group and
out of that 19000 are from Indian orgin. Ms Patel is
also a marriage celebrant and is active amongst the
wider community.
Gurpreet Kaur, chairwoman of NZICA’s Women’s
having appeared on it eight times with previ-
ous releases, Singh was still thrilled.
“It’s always the most amazing feeling to
see my name on the list. I’m incredibly excited
that so many readers are enjoying my books,”
Singh told the Herald.
With 22 titles to her name, she currently
writes two ongoing paranormal romance series
– The Guild Hunter and the Psy-Changeling.
Despite her success in America, Singh was
relatively unknown here until recently, when
her books became widely available through
New Zealand
Committee has sent a letter to the journalist that reads:
“We are really disappointed with the article written
in Sunday Star Times “Teens forced into marriages”.
I hope your article is based on related proof and is not
just an allegation on the Muslim and the Sikh com-
munity.
“As you know this is a very serious issue and by
publishing this article you are accusing both the com-
munities, religious leaders and the holy places where
these marriages take place. As the chairperson of
NZICA Women Committee I haven’t come across or
heard of any cases like this.
“If what your article discusses is true I would like
to be involved in rectifying the situation. It is hard for
us to believe that this is happening in NZ as children
born here know their rights very well. I wonder why
Shila Nair did not contact the community leaders,
police or other women’s organisations before going to
the media?
“Don’t you find it surprising that the Muslim and
Sikh community are unaware of any underage mar-
riages being performed. I would like to meet Shila
Nair, you and some of the girls affected. Hopefully it
wouldn’t be hard to get 5-6 victims to meet with the
NZICA Women Committee to support your statement
‘As many as 50 underage New Zealand girls a year are
being forced into marriages...’”
Dr. Anil Channa a medical practitioner and ex-
ecutive committee member of the Manukau Indian
Association who is an active community worker and
leader condemns any under age or forced marriage in
any community and also strongly condemns labelling
an entire community for the actions of a few. He went
further to question the credibility of Shakti and his
experience of dealing with this organisation has been
less than satisfactory. He considers that it is about time
the community got together and exposed some of the
activities.
A Joint statement issued by the Supreme Sikh
Council of New Zealand leader Daljit Singh and
Ranvir Singh Lali, NZ Sikh Society Auckland
Spokesman Manpreet Singh and Rajinder Singh, NZ
Sikh Society Tauranga’s Ram Singh, NZ Sikh Society
Palmerston North’s Sandeep Singh, NZ Sikh Society
Central Auckland West’s Harpreet Singh Gill and Da-
vinder Singh Jolly strongly condemned the defama-
tory statement issued by the Shakti group.
The leaders have expressed shock with the article
being published without picking up inconsistencies
and technical points in Shakti’s information provided
to the newspaper.
-Indian Weekender correspondents
Hachette NZ after Orion picked up United
Kingdom and Commonwealth rights.
Singh was born in Fiji and raised in New
Zealand. She spent three years living and
working in Japan, during which time she took
the chance to travel around Asia.
She has worked as a lawyer, a librarian, a
candy factory general hand, a bank temp and
an English teacher, though not necessarily in
that order.
“Some might call that inconsistency but I
call it grist for the writer’s mill,” she said.
Singh lives in Auckland.
Indian
New Zealand
Bank of Baroda predicts big growth in NZ
strong adherence to prudent banking norms and said
DEV NADKARNI this was responsible for most Indian public sector
India’s Minister of State for Finance, Namo Narain banks’ strong performance through what was widely
Meena formally inaugurated Bank of Baroda New seen as a worldwide recessionary period.
Zealand’s operations at its premises on Auckland’s “The Indian regulatory authority [the Reserve
Dominion Road on Friday February 4. Bank of India] has very strict capital adequacy
Also attending the opening ceremony and cel- norms which all banks have to stick to. This pre-
ebrations was M D Mallya, the Chairman and Man- vents over leverage and helps maintain liquidity,” Mr
aging Director of the bank’s Indian parent, Bank of Mallya said.
Baroda and its General Manager for overseas op- Bank of Baroda had set itself an even higher
erations V H Thatte, among capital adequacy ratio
hundreds of members of that what was prescribed
the Indian and Fijian Indian by the Reserve Bank o
communities. India, Mr Mallya added.
Sanskrit prayers were Bank of Baroda
chanted before the minister NZ Managing Direc-
cut the ribbon. The premises tor Satish Vermani said
was then blessed in Hindu New Zealand’s 19th
and Maori tradition. commercial bank which
Though the bank’s ser- was given licence by the
vices were soft launched Reserve Bank of New
in June last year, its full Zealand in late 2009, had
fledged services were made Bank of Baroda India Chairman and Managing Director garnered about 1100 cus-
operational this week. The M D Mallya lights the ceremonial lamp at the bank’s tomers.
Auckland premises as Indian Minister of State for
bank gained popularity Finance Namo Narain Meena and BOBNZ Managing But the bank was
over the past six months Director Satish Vermani look on mainly patronised by
mainly of its money trans- the Indian diaspora,
fer service to India, which with more than 95% of
offers instant money trans- account holders being of
fers to any branch in India Indian origin, one of the
and transfers with only managers revealed.
a few hours delay for ac- When Indian Week-
counts in other Indian bank ender asked why despite
branches. 60 years of global ex-
Speaking to Indian pansion the bank still
Weekender shortly after the had Indians as its cus-
formal inauguration, Mr tomer focus, Mr Mallya
Mallya said the Indian com- said it was because of a
munity’s response to the (L-R) Bank of Baroda New Zealand directors Vijaya combination of reasons.
Vaidyanath, Labour MP Rajen Prasad, Satish Vermani,
bank since the soft launch Namo Narain Meena, National MP Kanwaljit Singh The bank tended to
was encouraging. “At this Bakshi and M D Mallya follow the Indian dias-
rate, I am sure the bank pora around the world
will soon establish new setting up banks wher-
branches in the country.” ever Indian business-
He indicated that the next people settled. This
branches were likely to be meant a preponderance
opened in South Auckland, of Indian clientele.
followed by Wellington and “But over time this
Christchurch. changes,” Mr Mallya
Bank of Baroda is said. “In Kenya and
India’s second largest bank South Africa, Bank of
and the only Indian bank in Baroda is as much a
New Zealand. It is the only local bank as their own
Indian bank in 10 of the 26 Mr Mallya addresses the media with Mr Vermani banks and the clientele
countries where it has es- has large numbers of
tablished operations since its first foreign foray in local people.”
Kenya in 1953. It established in Fiji fifty years ago. This scenario was likely to be played out in New
In its hundred plus year history the bank never Zealand too, he said.
recorded a loss, Mr Mallya said. Details of the bank’s Mr Mallya and Mr Vermani both assured that
many achievements were detailed in speeches fol- the bank would develop products and practices that
lowing the inauguration: the bank has 84 offices in suited the New Zealand business environment. “It is
26 countries, some 3300 branches and a whopping important to develop a product the customer needs
39 million customers across the globe. About 25% rather than try to see a product you already have,
of its business comes from its overseas operations. which may not be best suited,” Mr Mallya said.
Outlining the bank’s plans in New Zealand, Mr The Indian entourage later met with the Indian
Mallya said the bank had already started building community at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at a
its lending portfolio. About 52% of this comprised function arranged by the New Zealand Central
housing mortgages and the rest other forms of credit, Indian Association and the Auckland Indian Asso-
he told Indian Weekender. ciation.
The rather small capital of US$40 million for a As well as minister Meena and Mr Mallya, Na-
bank of its size was not a limiting factor, Mr Mallya tional Party Member of Parliament Kanwaljit Singh
said. “The parent bank is always available to help in- Bakshi, AIA President Harshad Patel, NZICA
crease this. But [BOBNZ] will also be taking depos- President Paul Singh Bains and General Secretary
its from local customers and this would help increase Raj Thandi spoke at the function, with the minister
the lending portfolio.” outlining India’s economic progress and his govern-
Bank of Baroda was deemed India’s best bank ment’s future plans.
last year and Mr Mallya, the nation’s best banker. He said this was an important time in the rela-
This was based on hard performance figures, Mr tionship between the two countries as they stood on
Mallya told Indian Weekender when asked how this the threshold of a free trade agreement.
was determined. Mr Mallya said that the minister was keenly in-
For instance, the bank’s non performing assets terested in developing the banking sector and helped
(bad loans) in its entire lending portfolio was 0.3% catalyse changes to improve services. He also said
compared to the average of about 1.5% of India’s the bank was excited at the prospect of increased
other public sector banks. trade between the two countries because of the im-
Despite the recession, the bank had considerably pending FTA. Trade had already increased 25% in
increased both its volume of business and its profit, the past two years, he said.
Mr Mallya said. The bank hosted a dinner for about 250 guests
“Because of the trouble that other western banks drawn from a section of the Indian community.
were in, Bank of Baroda was in a position to take Reserve Bank of New Zealand Deputy Governor
advantage of the situation thanks to its sound balance Grant Spencer, Bank of Baroda NZ directors Rajen
sheet and robust banking practices and cherry pick Prasad and Vijaya Vaidyanath, minister Meena, Mr
clientele, which helped increase business,” he said. Mallya, Mr Thatte and Mr Vermani spoke on the oc-
He commended the Indian banking system’s casion.

Indian Weekender | February 18, 2011 | www.iwk.co.nz 5

Indian
New Zealand

Are you ready for real red hot curry?

The much anticipated Curry Munchers premieres next week and our sneak peek tells us that you will not be disap-
pointed and only ask for more curry. Our contest had a fantastic response and the winners are listed on this page. This
week we continue the series of interviews with the cast and crew of this amazing film that began three issues back…

True blue Kiwi in the middle of a curry Meet Gaurav Gupta

Meet Alison, the tireless restaurant hand and team backbone of Curry Munchers Line producer, Curry Munchers
1. Do you eat curry? If so, what is your favou-
rite curried dish? Am I satisfied with my performance? Never ask an ARVIND KUMAR down under, we would have such good talent and
I do eat curry. I like a good vege curry or dhal. I actor that, we can’t be objective about our own work hard working professionals.
haven’t had any Indian food since we shot the film - I so will always say no! Of course there are scenes that Watching a good movie on the big screen is and en-
was all curried out after five weeks of curry on set! I think could have gone better, but over all I am happy joyable experience. How it gets to the big screen is How hard was it accessing the bureaucracy
that we got through the shoot and got the whole script another matter. of councils/governments to get permission
2. What attracted you to the role in Curry
shot. It was quite an undertaking in a limited amount The hard work that goes behind the scenes is some- for shooting in certain locations?
Munchers . . .? of time, and we would never have a finished film thing moviegoers rarely think about.
It was such a long time ago, way back in 2008, that without such an amazing crew and everyones dedica- Gaurav Gupta is line producer for the movie “Curry New Zealand is very ‘film friendly’ indeed. I have
I saw the role of Mary in Curry Munchers. I think I tion and commitment. I guess the real proof will be in Munchers” which premieres in New Zealand the- shot in India, France, Germany and now NZ. It hasn’t
read the role and thought that not only was I a good fit the pudding! atres on February 21. been tough as there are set practices & procedures.
for the part but that Mary was in many ways very like “Curry Munchers”, produced by Mahayana Films, But if you think big, it may get tough.
me. She comes from different and jointly presented by Indian
4. What do you think of
circumstances than I, but I think Weekender, is a light-hearted
the plot of Curry Munch- The cast? Was it difficult
we have a similar temperament. comedy about love, hope – and
ers and its potential finding appropriate cast in
3. Did the role in Curry some hot and spicy curry. It is
appeal to the international New Zealand?
Munchers (playing the a story of change, chasing one’s
audience? Not exactly. There are a lot
leading lady) challenge dreams and the challenges one of talented people here, but
I think Curry Munchers will
you as an actor? Were you faces when faced with the situ- most of them keep traveling to
resonate particularly with cer-
satisfied with your perfor- tain people, possibly those who ation of re-location and resettle- Australia or US. However the
mance? are immigrants, and anyone ment. director Cristobal was more
The fact that Mary is a lead char- facing any kind of assimilation. Gaurav tells how Curry involved in casting.
acter in the film made playing the Munchers took shape . . . from
5. Are you keen on over-
role no more of a challenge than the beginning. The shooting? Could you
seas offers, and do you
were she a minor part. You still have done better with a
have to give 100% commitment think your role in Curry What is your favourite
Munchers helps expose bigger budget? What was
to the role and character no mat- curry?
ter what the size. In fact in many you to a bigger group of the most difficult aspect of
Shahi Paneer … paneer &
ways it is easier to find the character in a bigger role, talent scouts? gravy always go hand-in-hand making this movie?
because you have more to draw from in the script. As an actor and film maker I am keen to be involved Obviously! Budget was the most
The challenge with playing a lead in a film comes in good projects no matter where they are filmed in When did you first hear worrying factor; but having said
with the increased work load - the number of scenes the world. I am living overseas at present, audition- that, we had a great crew who
about Curry Munchers
you are in and the amount of time on set, and the ing and shooting projects in Canada. And if Curry went to lengths to make this
Munchers is seen by an overseas audience, then of and how were you roped
subsequent amount of time off set you have to spend movie happen. They all had a zeal.
course it will be bigger exposure. in?
dissecting the script and your role. I had to be disci-
6. Curry Munchers is a movie low on budget Anand, the producer and lead actor of CM contacted
plined in the use of my time, making sure I got all the What do you think about the New Zealand
me when he wanted to start the production by shoot-
work done and got enough sleep, so that I wasn’t tired but big on heart as it is made by a group of movie industry as compared with Bolly-
ing in India. I was based in Delhi at that time and the
on set the next day. people who are passionate about making wood where you come from?
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Indian
India
Briefs
India-UAE trade grows
300%: Sharma
Saif-Kareena to get engaged? cratic framework of governance. We are
proud of our traditionally close relations
Mumbai: Speculations are ripe that the’ with the people of Egypt and wish them
hottest’ couple of B-town, Saif Ali Khan peace, stability and prosperity.” Egyp-
peration in
l trad e betw een India with considerable scope for coo and Kareena Kapoor are planning to get tians erupted in joyful emotions and
hi: Bila tera nten ance of
New Del
registered tourism is construction and mai engaged formally. However, the glamor- chanted “we did it” as Hosni Mubarak
and United Arab Emirates has hotels. ous duo has no plans of getting mar- bowed before the unrelenting pro-
in the last
an increase over 300 percent Sharma said that since UAE
is focusing
ried soon, despite their engagement, democracy protests and stepped down
Uni on Min iste r of Com mer ce and with
five years, on knowledge based industries reported Mumbai-based DNA newspa- from power on Friday after ruling the
ustr y Ana nd Sha rma said here on ers in spa ce,
and Ind India emerging as world lead country for 30 years. Mubarak handed
-tec h- per. Kareena, who is still in the peak of
Thursday. rma ceu tica ls, and bio
akin g at a mee ting wit h agriculture, pha her acting career, feels that it is not the over power to the Supreme Council for
Sharma was spe scope for co-
de Sheikha nology, there is considerable best time to get married. Saif Ali Khan the Armed Forces.
UAE Minister of Foreign Tra ope ration in technology transfer,
research
has reportedly gifted the gorgeous Bol-
Lubna Bint Al Qasimi. and development and for join t-ve nture.
lywood actor a big diamond, which she
st trading
He said that UAE is the topmo India has a vas t mar ket and UA E inves-
wears on her finger, but hardly prefers
of Ind ia rep rese ntin g abo ut 60 per- tner s in India Bhutto murder: Warrant against
partner
Cooperation tors would find industrial par to speak about it.
cent of India’s export to Gulf to set up mutually adv anta geo us ind ustr ial Musharraf
9-10.
Council (GCC) countries in 200 complexes in the Gul f as wel l as in Ind ia
lot of
The minister said that there is and third countries to cater to
the markets Islamabad: A non-bailable warrant has
inv estm ent pot enti al whi ch
bus ines s and India welcomes Mubarak been issued against Pakistan’s former
tual advan- worldwide, he added.
can be further exploited to mu The top five exportable items
from India
resignation president Pervez Musharraf in assas-
tage of both the cou ntri es. ry; petr oleum
Pol icy For um set up to UAE are gems and Jewelle sination case of former premier Benazir
Ind ia-U AE Tra de hin ery and Bhutto, reports said on last Saturday.
te bilateral products; basmati rice; mac New Delhi: India has welcomed the
by the two countries to facilita instruments; and metal produc
ts. The top decision of Hosni Mubarak to step down Musharraf was on Monday named as
hened, he
trade needs to be further strengt five importa ble item s from UA E to India
as the President of Egypt in the face an accused in Bhutto’s assassination.
said. pre cious and
came up are petroleum; gold; pearls, of mounting pro-democracy protests Investigating agencies named Mush-
During the interaction, tourism semi-precious stones; met alif erro us ores
that swept the Arab nation. In a state- arraf in an interim charge-sheet filed in
potential for
as one the areas that has good and metal scra p; and non -fer rou s metals.
ment last week, India’s External Affairs an anti-terrorism court, reports said. He
wth , offi cial s said . Ano ther area
future gro Ministry said: “We welcome the decision was earlier blamed by a United Na-
of President Mubarak to step down in tions commission for failing to provide
deference to the wishes of the people adequate security to Bhutto. Musharraf
of Egypt. We also welcome the com- now lives in self-exile in United King-
dom. Bhutto was killed in a suicide at-
Will take inspiration from ‘83 win: Gambhir mitment of the Supreme Council of the
Armed Forces to ensure a peaceful
transition of power in a time bound man-
tacker in Rawalpindi in December 2007
during an election rally, when Musharraf
ner to establish an open and demo- was in power.
Chennai: On this week’s ICC Cricket World Radio Simmons, who says his side is ready to cause an-
Show, India’s Gautam Gambhir says he will be other upset at the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011.
looking to India’s 1983-victory when it comes to “You can expect Ireland to play as hard as they
inspiration and motivation ahead of this year’s
Cricket World Cup which begins
have done previously, the side will play as hard as
we can in this tournament. India’s exports grow 32.5% in Jan 2011
in just nine days time with the “We’ve had the opportunity to New Delhi: India’s exports have registered a 200 billion in February 2011and it will cross
first match between India and play a lot of matches since the growth of 32.5 percent during January 2011, USD 220 billion during this fiscal,” he said.
Bangladesh in Mirpur. last World Cup, against the likes at USD 20.6 billion, Commerce Secretary
“I definitely look to the 1983 of England and Australia and so Rahul Khullar has said. The Commerce Secretary said that so far in
World Cup win for inspiration we have picked up things and this fiscal the engineering sector has done ex-
as we want to get the World Cup learnt from these things which are He added that during Apr. 2010 and Jan. 2011, ceptionally well with sales growing 70 percent
back. We were pretty close to extremely positive coming into this the country’s exports reached USD 184.6 bil- to USD 45 billion.
winning in 2003 and hopefully World Cup,” says Simmons. lion, growing 29.4 percent.
we can turn it around and win this Finally, Australia’s Cameron White Other sectors that have done well include
time in India. reflects on his ICC Cricket World Imports grew by 17.6 percent to USD 273.6 gems and jewellery (9.3 percent increase at
“There’s a lot of pressure on us Cup hero, “My World Cup hero billion, with a trade deficit of USD 89 billion, USD 24.5 billion), petroleum and oil products
but hopefully if we can continue is Shane Warne. In the 1999 ICC during the same period. (36 percent up at USD 30 billion), cotton yarn
to perform as we have done over Cricket World Cup semi-final and made-ups (52 percent up at USD 4.7
the last year-and-a-half in both against South Africa, Australia got Last month India’s imports were USD 28.6 bil- billion), electronics (percent up at USD 6.4 bil-
Test and 50-over format, we can be in the right a reasonable score and South Africa came on to bat lion, Khullar informed, adding that the import lion) and plastics and linoleum (40 percent up
frame of mind to win the 50-over World Cup,” says and Warne just took them apart.” figures were not final yet. at USD 3.7 billion).
Gambhir. “I think it was Herschelle Gibbs that just didn’t see Khullar stated that exports of rice, iron ore and
Also on this week’s show, Ireland’s head coach the ball turning in and Warne had South Africa four “On the whole, the export performance is vegetables are on a slump because of ban on
and former West Indies international cricketer, Phil down with not many runs on the board,” he said. pretty good and it is expected to cross USD exports in these sectors.

Indian Weekender | February 18, 2011 | www.iwk.co.nz 7

Indian
Census 2011 to be
much faster: PC
New Delhi: Union Home Minister P
Chidambaram has said that Census
2011 will carried out using state-of-the-
art technology to ensure faster comple-
tion of work, bring down completion
time from four-five years to one-two
years.
Chidambaram on Wednesday
unveiled the mascot of enumerator for
Census 2011. The enumeration proce-
dure for the Census begins on Feb 9
and would continue till Feb 28, 2011.
House listing, housing census and
collection of data on National Popula-
tion Register (NPR) was done in the
first phase from April to Sep 2010.
During the second phase, 2.7
million enumerators and supervisors
will visit house to house for counting
purposes.
Registrar General and Census
Commissioner of India C Chandram-
auli gave details about the mammoth
exercise which entails an expenditure
of Rs 2,200 crore.
For enumeration purpose, Rs 2.47
million blocks have been made to count
population of approximately 240 mil-
lion households.
The RGI said that the omissions rate
in the Indian Census is around 1.7 per
cent which is well within international
norms and the effort in the ongoing
Census is to further reduce this rate.
For population enumeration,
29 questions have been devised on
demographic, marital status, cultural,
literacy, economic, migration, travel to
place of work and fertility parameters.
8 Indian Weekender | February 18, 2011 | www.iwk.co.nz
CWG scam:
CBI arrests Kalmadi aide
Pun e: In the fifth arre st so far,
- CB I  for his
a  clo se aide of former Com
es Org ani zing
mo nwe alth Gam
Commit tee (OC) chi ef Suresh
tod y
Kalmadi was taken into cus
I from Pun e
on Frid ay by the CB
nec tion with the ove r-
in the con
m.   res ted ea rlie r, but they late r
lays sca
The Cen tral Bureau of Inve sti-
d The CB I ear lier raided the
gat ion (CB I) sleu ths arre ste
- homes and offi ces of the OC
She kha r Deo ruk hka r, the sec
Kal ma di, and
reta ry of Suresh
rt
pro duc ed him bef ore a cou
here.
e Suresh Kalmadi, a Congre ss
Later the CB I was give n thre
sit rem and of the
day s’ tran
per son for que stio ning in New
Delhi whe re he was being
taken.   are now so weak that they are just making up
The arre sts are made in the
r-
awa rding of con trac ts for ove
ues
lays at diff ere nt Games ven
at fan cy rate s, CB I said.
fifth
She kha r De orukhkar i s the
d in the
per son to be arre ste
m.
Commo nwe alth Games sca
18, a bus ine ssm an,
On Jan
India under pressure,
says Pollock
the
Binu Nanu, was arre ste d by
invo lvem ent in the
CWG ove rlay sca m.
TS Dar bar i, M Jayach andran
and Sanjay Mo hin dro o , all
aides of Kalmadi, were ar-
got
bail. 
offi cial s while Kalmadi him self
l
fac es a pro be by the federa
age ncy.
inve stig ating
MP from Pun e, is acc use d of
indulging in var iou s fina nci al
sca ms invo lving the org aniza-
0. 
tion of the Games in Oct 201
India fac ed humiliat ion bef ore
the ent ire wor ld in the run up
to the Games owing to sha bby
pre par atio ns. The Games
whi ch, howeve r, con clu ded
with out any major hitc h and
era l
Indian athlete s bro ugh t sev
acc olades to the nat ion.  in the sub-continent.”
India
Johannesburg: Former
South African skipper
Shaun Pollock feels
that the Proteas have a
strong chance of mak-
ing the final of the Feb
19-April 2 World Cup.
“There is no other team
to be afraid of,” Pollock was quoted as saying
by the Afrikaans weekly Beeld quoted Pollock
as saying at a function.
“In previous tournaments Australia instilled
fear in its opponents because of their domina-
tion. This time, that is not the case. That is why
South Africa have a good chance of returning
as world champions,” he added.
Pollock also said that India will face tremen-
dous pressure as a host nation.
“I also favoured the chances of the English, but
there is something missing in them. New Zea-
land is also not a threat and the West Indies
the numbers. Pakistan is like the French rugby
team -- you never know what mood they will
show up,” said Pollock.
Pollock said he believed that the core team
that was in action against the visiting Indian
team in the recent tour would be seen in action
“(New cap) Imran Tahir (former Pakistan
player) will probably play against the smaller
sides to see how he performs,” said Pollock.
Indian
IAF inducts Super Hercules aircraft
New Delhi: Together with the raising of No. 77
Squadron, named ‘Veiled Vipers’, the Indian Air
Force (IAF) inducted the first C-130J-30 Super
Hercules aircraft, procured from the United States
of America (USA), into service at IAF’s Hindan
airbase, last week.
The squadron will have all of six aircraft after
their phased arrival by end 2011.
At an induction ceremony held in the airbase,
Defence Minister AK Antony handed over the
keys of the aircraft to the Commanding Officer of
No. 77 Squadron, Group Captain Tejbir Singh, in
the presence
of Chief of
the Air Staff,
Air Chief
Marshal PV
Naik, mark-
ing its formal
induction.
Gp Capt
Tejbir later
conducted the
Defence Min-
ister and Air
Chief around
the aircraft. As the dignitaries proceeded inside, a
section of IAF’s Special Forces ‘Garuds’ in com-
bat suits jumped off from the rear of the aircraft in
a symbolic display of their future integration with
the squadron.
The event was also attended by Defence
Secretary, Shri Pradeep Kumar, Vice Chief of the
Air Staff, Air Marshal NAK Browne, Air Officer
Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command
(WAC), Air Marshal DC Kumaria and other
senior IAF officials, including personnel of the
newly raised squadron.
US Ambassador to India Timothy J Roemer,
Chief of Staff (CoS) of USAF, General Norton
A Schwartz, US Embassy officials, Lockheed
Martin Corporation officials, manufactures of
Indian Weekender | February 18, 2011 | www.iwk.co.nz
C-130 aircraft were among others present at the
ceremony.
Adopting ‘Kill with Stealth’ as their motto,
the tactical airlift aircraft will be able to under-
take quick deployment of ‘Special Forces’ in all
weather conditions, including airdrops and land-
ings on unprepared or semi-prepared surface even
in complete darkness.
Capable of undertaking low-level air-to-air
refueling to enhance its range, rapid forward
basing of personnel and equipment in emergent
situations would be one of its multifaceted roles.
The war time
employability
will include spe-
cial air opera-
tions, airborne
operations, air
transported op-
erations, air sup-
ply operations,
air maintenance
operations and
casualty evacu-
ation among
other roles.
The peacetime roles include operations and
air maintenance in mountainous terrain in adverse
circumstances, UN or multinational missions, hu-
manitarian assistance including disaster relief and
evacuation of Indian Diaspora during emergen-
cies and crisis situations.
The Super Hercules inducted was flown to
India by the pilots of the newly formed squadron
from USA. IAF pilots and personnel underwent
training at various USAF bases including at the
Lockheed Martin complex in Atlanta. The second
aircraft is expected in first week of March, this
year.
The IAF aircraft will make its debut appear-
ance at the Aero India-2011, at Bengaluru, from
February 9-13.
Briefs
Rs 2.3 cr insurance for each
Team India cricketers
Mumbai: The Board of Control for
Cricket in India (BCCI) has struck a
deal with an insurance company for
Rs 2.3 crore each of the Team India
cricketers for personal accident policy
during the mega World Cup champion-
ship. The cricket board also made a
premium deal with the Oriental Insur-
ance Company (OIC) to the tune of Rs
130 crore to protect financial losses in
case of a match being affected by bad
weather.
OIC’s deputy general manager Reena
Bhatnagar said the BCCI has pur-
chased the group personal accident
policy with $500,000 or Rs 2.3 crore for
each player for the period between Feb
10-April 9. 
The policy to cover in case
of death or total disability, permanent
partial disability and temporary total
disability to a player or a support
staff member. The policy will also be
invoked if a player or support staff
member becomes a victim or sustains
injury due a terror attack. 

The insur-
ance policy is provided under the Inter-
national Cricket Council’s norms. 

In
1996 WC, the Indian players were
covered with Rs 10 lakh each.
India
Software for Islamic
banking solutions
Mumbai: Software developer
InfraSoft Technologies’ is set to tap
into the newly-created opportunities
in Islamic banking in India with its
OMNIEnterprise Islamic Banking &
Finance Solution suite.
The Kerala High Court on last Thursday
had dismissed petitions challenging
the state government’s decision to
start the country’s first Islamic bank,
paving the way for setting up financial
institutions that adhere to the Sharia
law in India.
Popular in West Asia and other Muslim-
dominated countries such as Indonesia
and Malaysia, Islamic finance works
on the principles sharing of profits and
risk and the a prohibition of payment or
acceptance of interest fees for loans.
InfraSoft’s OMNIEnterprise Islamic
Banking & Finance Solution, with a firm
hold in the Middle East, is pitched as
a ready product to address the need
of upgrading Islamic retail banks by
offering solutions based on Takaful
distribution laws, the company said.
9
Indian
How wine binds Mumbai
and Stuttgart
Mumbai: To celebrate 40 years of
sisterhood between Mumbai and the
German city of Stuttgart, a German
delegation organized the landmark
annual wine festival ‘Stuttgart meets
Mumbai’ at a city hotel here recently.
Stuttgart, the state capital of Baden-
Württemberg, Germany is surrounded
by amazing vineyards that produce
prize-winning wines.
As a token of appreciation and good
regards for India, Andreas Lapp, who
is Chairman of The Board of LAPP
HOLDINGS AG., a German electricity
connectivity solution provider, and also
the Honorary Consul of Republic of
India since 2001, initiated the signature
event six years ago.
Over 1000 bottles of wine is especially
flown down from Germany for this
event to present the citizens of Mumbai
with a true German flavour of love and
friendship.
Reiterating this Andreas Lapp stated,
“Wine sharing is part of our culture and
by bringing home-grown wine we want
to foster closer ties between India and
German cultures.
“This year’s event is very special for
us as the year 2011-2012 is the year of
Germany and India heralding 60 mo-
mentous years of diplomatic relations.”
Expressing his fondness and com-
mitment to India, he said, “India has
always been very close to Germany for
multiple reasons from common Indo-
German languages to Bollywood mov-
ies and we wish to cement this further
by growing the economic relations as
well.”
Focused on deepening this existing
relationship the wine-fest brought
together people from politics, across
industries and cultural domains.
Some of the other programme orga-
nized at this event were- jewellery
workshop on modern German jewellery
and design culture, tourism workshops
10 Indian Weekender | February 18, 2011 | www.iwk.co.nz
India
and educational forums, entertainment
program; Stuttgart specialities buffet;
wine tasting with experts from Stutt-
gart accompanied by typical Swabian
music.
Noting this extraordinary extravaganza
of goodwill, Dr. Leopold-Theodor Hel-
dmann, General Consul of Republic of
Germany, said: “If India and Germany
continue to leverage on each other’s
potentials as they currently are, the
future will be very promising and may
aid the countries in becoming very
important economic players.”
Bernhard Steinrücke, Director Gen-
eral Indo-German Chamber of Com-
merce commended LAPP Group’s
proactive involvement in bolstering
relations between the nations and con-
ferring that, “LAPP Group is not only a
leading electrical connectivity solu-
tions provider, but the foremost social
connector interlinking cultures as well.”
Some other socio-cultural activities ini-
tiated to further enhance relations be-
tween India and Baden-Württemberg is
the foundation of the Indian Business
Centre Stuttgart at the LAPP Group
premises in Stuttgart that provides fully
furnished offices, technical infrastruc-
ture and expert advice, the centre aims
to make it easier for Indian companies
to locate in Baden-Württemberg.
Speaking on the occasion, Klaus-Pe-
ter Murawski, Deputy Mayor of Stutt-
gart, said: “Stuttgart and Mumbai have
a twin city relationship since 1968. The
past 40 years of this relationship have
been very successful.”
Besides cooperation on the business,
arts and culture front the relationship
also extends to social issues.
“We have a long time working relation
between the municipal hospitals of
Stuttgart and Mumbai. The two cities
have also been cooperating on issues
related to disaster management,” he
added.
Indian
Fiji
Former President Ratu Iloilo farewelled
No ‘conflict’
Afl Wins
Respect, honour and reverence marked the hour the capital city Suva where the fallen chief

between Fiji
the former president and Tui Vuda the late Ratu long held his seat of power both as the vice
Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda departed Govern- president and president, the crowds bowed their

Nausori Airport
ment House for the final time. heads.
Escort platoons of the Republic of Fiji Mili- The same crowds then rushed after the cor-

and Tonga


tary Forces numbering in the hundreds kept the tege to Walu Bay where the casket was lifted

tempo of the sorrowful march and among them
were the two highest officers in the land His
Excellency the President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau
and the Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe
Bainimarama.
His Excellency Ratu Epeli and Commo-
dore Bainimarama marched behind the vehicle
carrying Ratu Iloilo’s widow Adi Kavunono
accompanying the hearse.
It was a magnificent send off for a great,
compassionate leader who commanded the
respect of many. As the casket slowly transited
Hangar Tender
off the gun carriage and placed into the masi
and iri decorated hearse.
From the young to the senior, they all
braved the hot sun to bid Ratu Iloilo farewell.
Along the Queens Highway people seated r to Suva: There is no ‘conflict’ between Fiji and
on road sides as a final homage for Ratu Iloilo AF L ha s wo n the ten de Tonga on the Minerva Reef issue as reported
ee ha ng ars at
as his casket accompanied by both the Prime pu rch ase all thr by the overseas media, Foreign Affairs
ern ati on al Air po rt.
Minister and the President makes the final Na us ori Int Ministry Permanent Secretary Solo Mara has
e we ha ve ob tai ne d the
journey to Vuda. “O nc clarified.
 

e tha t the y
Wreaths were laid by the roadsides, black ha ng ars , we be liev “There is no ‘conflict’ between Tonga and
ntl y co ntr ibu te
cloth tied onto poles and masi signified the wil l sig nif ica Fiji as alluded to in media reports overseas,”
mourning of villages along the Queens. th ou r co mm erc ial an d he said. 
 

to bo
vel op -
op era tio na l air po rt de “What we have are overlapping claims in
AF L Ch ief Ex ec u- our maritime boundaries in the South, which
me nt,” sai d
tu Tim oc i Tu isa wa u. is now a subject of negotiation after both
tive , Ra
countries have submitted claims for an ex-
we re tended continental shelf beyond the 200mile
All thr ee of the ha ng ars Exclusive Economy Zone (as provided for
Air Fij i bu t in rec en t
ow ne d by under the UN Convention on the Law of the
wa s in
yea rs the loc al air lin e Sea [UNCLOS].” 
 

le an d
ser ou s fin an cia l tro ub Mr Mara went on to say that this is not an
too k ove r ow ne r-
the ba nk s extra-ordinary event as we also have overlap-
sh ip. ping claims with New Zealand in the same
area in our Southern waters. 
 

of the
Wh ile Air Fij i bu ilt two He said situation was nothing as reported
, Air Pa cif ic co ns tru ct- in the media and Fiji and Tongan officials
ha ng ars
as ho me to
ed the thi rd in l97 2 will meet later this year to negotiate the
its BA C1-11s. delimitation of our maritime boundaries as
mandated by UNCLOS. 
 

“We will be doing the same with Vanuatu,
Solomon Islands and Tuvalu,” Mr Mara said.


Indian Weekender | February 18, 2011 | www.iwk.co.nz 11

Indian
Environment Staffs Visit Seniors
Suva: The Department of Environment social
committee organised a special community
activity earlier this week. 

 good initiative.
A mix of fun, jokes, tears, emo-
The aim was to create a community friendly
picture of the department as one that deals
with communities most during waste, pol-
lution, EIA, biodiversity and conservation
campaigns.
Department officials visited Samabula Old
People’s Home and gave them food, helped
them clean their environment. They also
passed on to the residents messages about
environment and shared their problems by
listening.
 
 The department director and senior offices
The young members of the DOE staff were
eager to sacrifice their special Valentine’s Day
and Prophet Mohammed National Holiday for
this cause.
Fiji
Those staff members, who were unable to
come gave full support and backing for this
tions and stories all floated in during the visit to
Old People’s Home.



Department staff members have not only
shown the old, vulnerable and disadvantaged
people of our society their compassion and
c are for them but have started on a journey
to build a more cooperative, understanding
and responsible society toward environment
through the use of social touches in life and
community work.
 

offered their advice and support.
The activity
included DOE staff members cleaning the
surrounding of the home, chatting with the
people (even watched Fiji play sevens with
them on TV), and then gave them free lunch
with juice, cakes and fruits.

Two new bridges for Fiji’s King’s Road

Suva: Work on the building of two bridges on
King’s Road on Viti Levu’s eastern coast has been
initiated following a ground-breaking ceremony at
the sites on last Friday.
Fiji Prime Minister Commodore Josaia Voreqe
Bainimarama officiated at the ceremony of the
Naqia and Wainiboa bridges in Wainibuka on the
Kings Road.
Funding for the two bridges is provided by the
ADB with the total amount of $9million.
Commodore Bainimarama said the two bridges
would be built by the Chinese Railway Fifth
Group.
“This is the same company that successfully
built the Naqali Bridge,”Commodore Bainimarama
said.
Landowners from the Yavusa Rara and Yavusa
Bure accorded the Prime Minister a traditional
itaukei ceremony of welcome.
Sixty-seven-year old Taitusi Nawaqabuli of
Naqia village praised Government for the initiative.
“This is a very happy occasion to the Yavusa
Rara and the Yavusa Bure because these bridges
needed to be replaced. They were built way back in
1930,” Mr Nawaqabuli said.
“The bridges are prone to flooding and many
lives have been lost because of accidents on the
two bridges, “he added.
Commodore Bainimarama acknowledged
that the Wainibuka area had always suffered from
flooding, loss of food crops and loss of school days
for children during natural disasters.
“This is why Government is prioritising devel-
opments in this area. I fully understand the suffer-
ing that you’ve been experiencing for decades,”
Commodore Bainimarama said.
“I encourage local residents to take advantage
of the opportunities that will become available after
the completion of these bridges.
“Excess to these bridges along with the
completion of the sealing of the Kings Road will
no doubt provide numerous opportunities including
economic development for all Fijians.”
The economic counselor at the Peoples Repub-
lic of China Embassy in Fiji, Mr Cai Shuizeng said
the two bridges will take one year and six months
to complete.
“We have 20 Chinese workers and the majority
are locals,”Mr Shuizeng said.
Mr Shuizeng said the Chinese workers are
happy to be associated with the friendly people of
Naqia who are very corporative with the project.

12 Indian Weekender | February 18, 2011 | www.iwk.co.nz

Indian

Indian Weekender | February 18, 2011 | www.iwk.co.nz 13

 Indian
Indian
Letters
Black money: Govt to reveal names after cases filed
I think India is taking correct step of eliminating corruption and briberies. This step should have
been taken many centuries before, by now India must be on world leading democracy. It has a many
wash list, eradicating cast system, disciminating or giving preferences to based religion/language/
From the Editor location etc. They must promote and grow decent society in the world.”
– Subra M Subramaniam

And now it’s forced, under age marriages! Guess who can’t handle the truth
The community is understandably livid at the continuing misrepresentation of ethnic com- Bad ACT-ing When a friend emailed Coddington’s link to me I was aghast at how someone could
munities in New Zealand’s mainstream media. write about another ethnic group like this. For an American like me, it was like stepping back in
time. I’ll surely include her piece in my journalism class in the States. Gosh! What kind of place is
What began with Paul Henry’s comments about Governor General Sir Anand Satyanand’s
that?
“non-New Zealander” appearance continued with the deliberate mispronunciation of Delhi –Josh Reiter
Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit’s last name and then likening it to all Indians – which inciden-
tally was under-reported during the brouhaha that raged for weeks, finally culminating in the
resignation of Mr Henry. Deborah [Coddington] is partly correct and partly wrong
More recently, a straightforward case of suspected homicide in the Waikato was mischievous- Deborah, I read your article while I agree what you’re trying to come across with saying, in this
ly interpreted as an “honour killing” by a section of the mainstream media to which injudi- case the media including yourself jumped to the conclusion that it was an ‘Honour Killing’ even
cious comments from so-called “leaders” and “experts” of the Indian community added fuel though the police themselves said it was being treated as a Homicide. It’s one thing to analyse the
by giving a regional and casteist colour to the whole episode. story when all the facts are known and quite another when the entire story lies on a flimsy founda-
This led some commentators to make extreme comments on migrants as a whole and some tion that the media cooked up for themselves. Then the story just isn’t about hype it’s a blatant lie!
of the articles that were published in Indian Weekender and the online edition continue to –Sundar R
attract comments from all over the world even weeks after these first reports appeared. A night out with the stars
The latest in this unfortunate chain of stories is the report that the forced marriage of under Abhishek Bachchan
age girls is rampant in the Sikh and Muslim communities in New Zealand. The story quotes a
non-government organisation called Shakti, which has been around since 1995 and is active “Shaneel Choy says is a nice guy, polite and relaxed. I think tall people are generally that way. I
have yet to come across a relaxed, easy going shorty.
in the realm of women’s welfare, running four refuges for migrant women in Auckland, Tau- – Harish C
ranga and Christchurch, among its other activities.
Shakti has made submissions to the government on its experience and findings in their sphere
of work – the many domestic issues that migrant women face in New Zealand. Vastu Vidya
A Shakti spokesperson has been quoted in the story as saying that there are as many as 50 Vastu is a great idea but it is wrong value North Indian civilization above the south. The author
cases of forced and under age marriages taking place every year in New Zealand – and that would be wise to leave out prejudicial and incorrect claims.
too predominantly in the Sikh and Muslim communities. – SA
Shakti apparently believes that these marriages are solemnized in places of worship and Beautiful article thank you , I first meet M Benner some 20 plus years ago, [thank god]one of the fisrt
even clandestinely in homes by officiating priests. Community leaders vehemently refute this things he said;’you are fortunate to have this business enterence facing east ,plus a north opening,
saying if it was as rampant as it is made out to be, there would have been someone in the com- also the last two houses we lived [living ] in is enterence facing east, a TM ... er
– Grant Sprague
munity who would have heard about it.
Unfortunately Mr Watson’s comments are incorrect. I am trained in Maharishi Vastu Architecture
There surely are reformists and whistleblowers in every community. If indeed it was so and administer MVA for Oceania. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi recognised the systemic nature of our
rampant and a rising trend over the years, it is indeed surprising that so many respected com- “sick buildings” in the West and revised Vastu Vidya. All dimensions and entrances of the building
munity leaders of unimpeachable credentials pledge that they have never ever heard about are calculated using complex and contiguous mathematical formulae. These show that East and or
such cases, as seen from the accompanying article in this issue. North entrances are required for maximum support of Natural Law.
If Shakti has the evidence, it should discuss this with the communities first rather than go to – Neil Hamill
a media, which to begin with is apathetic to migrant issues, constantly looking to connect
vague, often non-existent dots to paint a picture that fits a long existing stereotype. Senior
Congratulations Winners and participants
mainstream journalists admit that there is a trend in certain newsrooms to sensationalise
anything that sounds out of the ordinary for the so-called “Middle New Zealander”. Congratulations Winners and Team who is behind in this valuable contribution to our vibrant
As University of Auckland academic Ruth DeSouza pointed out in a previous Indian Week- society. I am presently involved in organising similar event for our community I will be much glad
to be in touch with your group to share some common features for great success of these functions.
ender issue and our online social networking page – and as NZICA President Paul Singh
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all the very best on your invaluable effort to serve
Bains says in this issue, why are infererences sought to be drawn from cultural references community.
only insofar as migrant stories are concerned. “If a New Zealand European was reported – Subra M Subramaniam
involved in such activity would the journalist blame the Church group as well?” Mr Bains
asks pertinently. Congrats Winners, Participants and Organizers! This is indeed a great way of binding the com-
In dragging entire communities wantonly especially when the cases reported are far from a munity together :) !
discernible trend are, if at all, isolated, the mainstream media does a disservice to the real – Purnima Vinod
problem of such violence which is bound to exist in a wide swathe of ethnicities around the We can see Mahatma Gandhiji’s vision. Event like this, espicially meat free, smoke free, alcohol free
world – including the western world. leads to Good thought.
By naming a specific community an impression is created that such occurences are restricted – Raman Sivakumar
to those communities and do not happen elsewhere. This is a fallacious assumption – but
it gains ground when cultures and ethnicities are deliberately sought to be associated with Understanding caste
certain behavioural traits. I suppose the article has some merit; however, it does not explain the current excessive discrimina-
Invariably there is a tendency to “ghettoise” such reportage by tarnishing an entire commu- tion, particularly in India, against the so-called “untouchables” by the ruling classes.I’m told that
nity or ethnic or religious group with the same brush. It is not only unfair but grossly insensi- the Pundits can only be from the selected “upper” caste. How true?
tive and unprofessional. – Atish
What is unfortunate is that members of ethnic communities and overzealous activists and
organisations are often responsible for further complicating the issue by engaging with the
To Atish
media with half-baked opinions, statistics and analyses. Thanks for your comments. That’s right this article does not explain the current deplorable practice.
– Dev Nadkarni The article is about the ancient concept of ‘Varna’ system not the current practice. By the way, the
word Pundit is a title of respect for a ‘learned man’. It also means ‘prowess’, ‘erudition’, ‘expertise’
or ‘scholarliness’ referred to as ‘Paanditya.’
–Ram
Indian Weekender Volume 2 No. 22
Publisher: Kiwi Media Group Limited
Group editor-in-chief: Dev Nadkarni dev@indianweekender.co.nz
Ten top stories on iwk.co.nz
1.0 A night out with the stars
Online editor: Arvind Kumar arvind@indianweekender.co.nz
India Correspondent: Shobha Rao shobha@indianweekender.co.nz 2.0 Guess who can’t handle the truth
Chief Technical Officer: Rohan Desouza rohan@ indianweekender.co.nz 3.0 Rotorua gears up for Holi
Design: Tanmay Desai desaidesign@gmail.com / www.desaign.co.nz 4.0 Vastu Vidya - bastions of bliss
Advertising: Giri Gupta - Ph: 520 0922, Mob: 021 221 1131. Email - girigupta@xtra.co.nz
Please email original editorial contributions, community notices and pictures to 5.0 Bringing true talent to screens big and small
editor@indianweekender.co.nz 6.0 Bank of Baroda starts full-fledged operations
Views expressed in the publication are not necessarily of the publisher and the publisher 7.0 Bank predicts big growth in NZ
is not responsible for advertisers’ claims as appearing in the publication
8.0 Nalini hits bestseller mark, again
Indian Weekender is published by Kiwi Media Group, 98 Great South Road, New Market 9.0 Ever munched curry in a movie theatre?
and printed at APN Print, Ellerslie, Auckland
10. Understanding Caste Ka Chakkar
Copyright 2010. Kiwi Media Group. All Rights Reserved.

14 Indian Weekender | February 18, 2011 | www.iwk.co.nz

Indian
Shivaji and the rebirth of a nation
Rakesh Krishnan Simha
Shivaji was a military genius who built an empire from scratch but it is for sparking a national revival that he should
be remembered. A tribute to great king on his birth anniversary
Shivaji, the Maratha warrior who established
a modern and powerful Hindu kingdom in
south-western India from 1642-1680, is un-
doubtedly the greatest Indian of the modern
era. To understand Shivaji’s importance in
Indian history, especially his role in rekin-
dling the spirit of Indian nationhood, one must
recognise that his empire was built against im-
possible odds.
India in the 17th century was hurtling
toward catastrophe. The Hindus, who com-
prised the vast majority of the country, were
hopelessly divided, leading a disenfranchised
and moribund existence under Muslim rule.
The Mughal emperor Aurangzeb had launched
a purge against Hindus by destroying their
temples and re-imposing the hated jaziya, a
punitive and offensive tax, which every Hindu
had to pay or convert to Islam. Before him,
his father Shah Jahan (the builder of the Taj
Mahal) and grandfather Jehangir had banned
the construction of new Hindu temples.
While Europe was beginning to crawl
out of poverty, plagues and backward dogma,
India was going in the reverse direction. Since
the destruction of the leading universities of
Nalanda and Taxila by Muslim invaders, not
one new university had been built. Further-
more, a new threat was emerging in the form
of European nations like Portugal, France,
Britain and Holland who, under the pretext of
trade, were looking for opportunities to colo-
nise India.
Other great liberators like Italy’s Garib-
aldi and America’s George Washington had
two things in their favour – they had only
one enemy and their people were solidly
behind them. Shivaji had to reckon with the
mighty northern Mughal army of Aurangzeb,
the powerful sultanate army of Bijapur, the
Pathans, the fierce Abyssinians of Janjira on
the west coast, the fanatic Portuguese and the
wily English. His own people, the Marathas,
were serving as soldiers and chiefs in Muslim
armies and lacked any nationalistic spirit.
Shivaji got his inspiration from the Mahab-
harata saying, “One thousand horsemen of one
mind are enough to conquer the whole world.”
Ramakrishna Mission’s forgotten role in Fiji’s History
Padmini Gaunder
In March the 175th birth anniversary of Sri Ramak-
rishna Paramahaamsa will be celebrated. After his
death in 1886, at the age of 50, the Ramakrishna
Mission was established by his foremost disciple,
Swami Vivekananda, with help and support from
his fellow disciples (other disciples of Sri Ramak-
rishna) whom he welded together into a brother-
hood.
Swami Vivekananda made Hinduism better
known internationally through his travels abroad.
But when he tried to get into the Parliament of Re-
ligions in Chicago in 1893 he was refused entry
because he had no credentials. John Wright, the
Professor of Greek at Harvard University at that
time who later wrote a letter introducing Swamiji
to the Parliament committee, remarked that to ask
Swamiji for credentials was like asking the sun its
right to shine!
Before going abroad Swami Vivekananda had
gone on a tour of India, from the Himalayas to
Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India. At
Kanyakumari, where three oceans meet (the Bay
of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea)
Swamiji had swum out into the sea and climbed and
sat on a rock in the ocean and meditated. Today the
rock is known as the Vivekananda Rock and is a
major attraction.
Indian Weekender | February 18, 2011 | www.iwk.co.nz
Barely 15 years old, he formed a tightly knit
group of Mawala and Konkani boys and cap-
tured some forts of the sultan. The amazing
thing is the Mawalas and Konkanis were phys-
ically much smaller than the Pathans, Moghuls
and the African Muslims, and yet they pre-
vailed in battle after battle.
Starting with guerrilla raids, soon the
Marathas were engaging in pitched battles with
the powerful and well trained Mughal armies
comprising Mughals, Rajputs and Pathans.
“Shivaji proved by his example that the Hindus can
defeat enemies, conduct their own defence, main-
tain navies and ocean-trading fleets of their own, and
conduct naval battles on equal terms with foreigners.
He taught the modern Hindus to rise to the full stature
of their own growth.”
Shivaji defeated them all and also beat the
Portuguese and the English on the high seas.
Incredibly, he never lost a single battle, a fact
unparalleled in the history of the world.
Shivaji was the first Indian ruler in the
modern era to understand the importance of
the navy. He built hundreds of ships, large
and small, which battled the British and Por-
tuguese fleets. Historian Jadunath Sarkar
writes, “Shivaji proved by his example that the
Hindus can defeat enemies, conduct their own
defence, maintain navies and ocean-trading
fleets of their own, and conduct naval battles
on equal terms with foreigners. He taught the
modern Hindus to rise to the full stature of
their own growth.”
Shivaji was farsighted in his dealings with
the Europeans. He knew they had power-
ful cannons and matchlocks, which could be
deadly if transferred to his enemies. So while
During his travels Swami Vivekananda noticed
the degradation of India from its former grandeur.
Lord Macaulay was supposed to have said in 1835
that they (the British) should break the backbone
of India which was her spiritual and cultural heri-
tage which would make the Indians lose their self-
esteem. The India Swami Vivekananda saw during
“Swami Vivekananda made Hinduism better known
internationally through his travels abroad”
his travels was a truly dominated country as Ma-
caulay had wanted it to be.
When Swami Vivekananda established the Ra-
makrishna Mission one of the things foremost in
his mind was the regeneration of India to its former
glory. So apart from spiritual teachings other main
aims of the mission also included helping the people
in need and providing sound education (different
from the education the colonial government gave).
When Swami Vivekananda visited other coun-
tries it was the spirituality that he exhumed and his
spiritual teachings that attracted the people. Ramak-
he was in favour of meeting the Europeans as
far west as possible, he acknowledged their
considerable advances in the military field.
But he often meted out exemplary punish-
ment when required. In June 1661, Shivaji’s sol-
diers plundered Rajapur and captured several
Englishmen. This was payback for the English
aid to Bijapur. A letter from the president of
the English factory at Surat to the disconso-
late prisoners is interesting: “How you came to
prison you know very well. This punishment
is not for your defending company’s goods. It
is for your going to the siege of Panhala and
firing cannon under English banner. Anybody
who is strong enough would have punished
you in these circumstances. Merchants have
no business to sell ball and power nor fire on
enemies.”
The Western powers were constantly fight-
ing one another but they were shrewd enough
to take advantage of the weaknesses of the
country. Shivaji played the same game against
the Europeans and took advantage of the jeal-
ousies among these powers. He would, for
instance, use cannons and ammunition from
the Portuguese to attack the English, and take
English help to fight the Dutch.
Shivaji’s legacy is that he laid the founda-
tions of a strong kingdom which ultimately
under the later Maratha rulers re-established
Hindu rule over most parts of India. The
rishna Mission centres that were established outside
India also mainly focused on imparting spiritual
knowledge. Perhaps the only exception was Fiji
where the mission in its first few decades gave more
importance to helping the people in need, especially
stopping the exploitation of the sugarcane farmers.
Swami Rudrananda of the Ramakrishna Mission
who came to Fiji in 1939 and remained there for the
rest of his life (he died in 1985) spent most of his
time trying to uplift the sugarcane farmers. He was
ably supported by A.D. Patel who became Fiji’s first
Leader of the Opposition. Their efforts were paid
off with the Denning Award in 1969 which gave the
farmers 70 per cent of the profits and the millers 30
per cent. The millers, the Colonial Sugar Refining
Company (CSR), said they could not operate under
those conditions and the government of indepen-
dent Fiji decided to takeover the industry. So the Fiji
Sugar Corporation (FSC) was established in 1972.
Comment
Marathas became the masters of Delhi and
the Mughal emperor became their protectee.
Hindus were finally able to walk free in their
own country after more than 400 years.
A most remarkable achievement of this
soldier king was the completely non-feudato-
ry nature of his empire. Shivaji’s was the first
modern Indian state that had large numbers
of soldiers from the brahmin as well as lower
castes such as Holkars. For the first time in the
modern era, jobs were not connected to one’s
caste. Muslims were treated equitably, his chief
secretary being a Muslim. Shivaji, who was
deeply influenced by the ancient Hindu epics,
was keen on establishing a casteless society.
That it worked offers hope to those wanting to
kickstart social engineering in India.
When news of Shivaji’s death reached Au-
rangzeb, the emperor was elated but then the
reality sunk in, and he muttered: “He was a
great captain and the only one who has had the
magnanimity to raise a new kingdom, while I
have been endeavouring to destroy the ancient
sovereignties of this country. My armies have
been employed against him for 19 years and
nevertheless his state has been increasing.”
Indeed, the emperor had expended his empire’s
wealth and energy in his campaign against
Shivaji.
Modern India’s pseudo-secularist histo-
rians and political leadership have refused
to accept Shivaji’s greatness. Believing that
mentioning Shivaji’s name will hurt Muslim
sentiment, he is rarely acknowledged for his
military genius, his administrative brilliance or
his nation building efforts. In fact, Nehru and
Gandhi both described the great Maratha as a
misguided patriot. Incredible, coming from two
men under whose watch India was partitioned.
When Shivaji started with a few good men
in the 1640’s, perhaps only he could have imag-
ined that over a hundred years later, a mighty
Maratha army would plant the Hindu flag on the
walls of Attock, Punjab, in the extreme west of
India.
(About the author: Rakesh Krishnan Simha
is a features writer at New Zealand’s leading
media house.)
Even after this Swami Rudrananda was actively
involved with the sugarcane farmers as the Senior
Representative on the Sugar Advisory Council
until 1984 when he resigned because of ill health.
Unfortunately after Patel’s death the Indo-Fijian
leaders who succeeded Patel were not interested in
the welfare of the sugarcane farmers as their interest
was only in getting the votes and they found it easy
to win elections by appealing to communalism.
So they ignored or distanced themselves from
Swamiji who believed in multiracialism and in co-
operating with the Fijian chiefly leaders. In fact,
some of the Indian leaders even worked against
what Swamiji was doing for the farmers. This af-
fected the direction Fiji took and shaped its subse-
quent history.
The historians of colonial Fiji (eg. Gillion) have
noted the important role played by the Ramakrishna
Mission in the history of colonial Fiji. Though this
role continued after independence it is something
the historians of independent Fiji have so far failed
to record. This I think is a grave omission.
It is hoped that future historians of Fiji will pay
more attention to this contribution and record it for
the benefit of future generations who may be inter-
ested in finding out what really went wrong with the
sugar industry after independence.
15
Indian

16 Indian Weekender | February 18, 2011 | www.iwk.co.nz

Indian
Community
Meditation courses for young people Funky music
Anapana courses are being offered for 8 and masti show
coming up
to 18 year olds at the Vipassana Medita-
tion Centre near Kaukapakapa, about 45
minutes drive from Auckland.

The courses are designed for children
(8-11 years of age) and teenagers (12-18).
The children’s course is being held on
March 12 and the teenagers’ course on
March 13.
The courses are for one day only, from
9.30 am to 4.30 pm. Students learn
Anapana, which is a simple technique of
observing the breath to calm and focus
the mind.
The technique is not religious or sectarian
and is acceptable to people of any back-
ground. The aim is to let young people
experience the benefits of meditation.
According to a media release from the
centre, regular practice of Anapana
technique gives many benefits, including:
Improved concentration and memory; In-
creased awareness and alertness of mind;
More self-confidence; Greater capacity
to work and study; Increased goodwill for
others.
More information at www.medini.dhamma.
org or 09 4205319
It’s definitely going to be a big night of
music and masti. So, mark your calendars
for Saturday, March 26, to be at the Avon-
dale College Theatre 7pm onwards.
The New Funky Desi Band promises
to sweep you off your feet as they belt
out their Krazzy tunes … totally flimy …
tadka maarke!
Come join in the fun and frolic and
music and masti to enjoy yourselves while
also encouraging this young band of en-
tertainers that show so much promise.
Their fare is pretty exhaustive and
eclectic: they will present recent hit
Geets, Sufi andaz, Dhoom Dhadaka and
more Dhamal songs. So you’ll have plenty
to foot tap away the night.
You all know Ashish, Kanika and
Sneha. Newcomers Kavinesh, Moushumi,
Priya and Sashi will join them. What’s
more, it’s the first time that a saxophone

‘You Count,’ is message to

and accordion player will be presented at
a Bollywood music concert in Auckland.
This event is bought to you by CFI
Events in association with Indian Week-

Kiwi Asians
Statistics New Zealand has a message
for the Asian community for its 2011
Census: “You Count”.
The census will count every person in
New Zealand on Tuesday, 8 March. Ev-
eryone in New Zealand on census day, in-
cluding overseas visitors, must complete a
census form. It is the law.
The 2011 Census advertising campaign
began on February 9, with the overarching
message: “You Count”.
Census information helps determine
how billions of dollars of government
funding is spent in the community.
“Our population is larger today then it’s
ever been. Therefore, it’s more important
than ever that we count everyone, so that
everyone in New Zealand can get the ser-
vices they need, in the right places,” says
2011 Census General Manager Carol Slap-
pendel.
“The You Count campaign focuses on
ordinary people and what’s important to
them. It’s designed to get people thinking
about the value of census and how it helps
shape their future,” she said.
There were 354,552 Asian people in
New Zealand in 2006 (at the time of the
last census) – about 9% of the population.
This community is growing, and it is im-
portant to know by how much, so resources
ender.
Entry $15 Only. Remember, it’s Sat-
urday, March 26, 2011, at the Avondale
College Theater, Victor Street, Avondale,
are properly allocated. Auckland from 7:00 PM onwards.
But some Asian people were not counted Tickets on sale soon. Contact Ram
in the last census, because many didn’t Iyer on 021-529 982 , 09-827 0559 or
know they had to fill in the census forms. email-ram.cfi@gmail.com to book
Asian people had the highest numbers of
those not counted of any ethnic group.
This means their communities may be
missing out on what they’re entitled to. The
census information is used to help decide
funding for things like schools, roads, and
health care. It can be used by community
groups to apply for resources such as com-
munity centres and parks.
Official census collectors will deliver
the census forms to every household in the
two weeks before census day, or they can
be filled in online.
For more information about the census,
or to fill in your census forms online, go to
www.census.govt.nz
Information in other languages
Information about the census is avail-
able in different languages at this link:
http://www.census.govt.nz/about-census/
resources/about-2011-census-in-other-lan-
guages.aspx
There is also be a toll-free Helpline
- 0800 CENSUS (0800 236 787) – avail-
able from 15 February for callers to talk to
people who speak Hindi, Mandarin, Can-
tonese, Korean and other languages.

Kiwi Asian journalism

scholarship awarded
A young Fijian-Indian New Zealander has
been awarded the 2011 Asia New Zealand
Foundation Kiwi Asian Journalism Scholar-
ship.
The successful candidate, Clarissa Chan-
drahasen, is of Fijian-Indian heritage. She
comes from Kelson in Lower Hutt.
Ms Chandrahasen has a degree in biomedi-
cal science from Victoria University and
is enrolled in the 2011 Massey University
journalism programme.
“One of the things I love about New Zea-
land is that we recognize the need for all
our diverse cultures to contribute to all our
industries in order to ensure our collective
success. By improving the representation
of Kiwi Asians in the journalism industry,
we can ensure balanced media coverage of
stories that are relevant to all New Zealand-
ers,” she said.
The Kiwi Asian Journalism Scholarship is
designed to attract more young Kiwi Asians
into journalism study and to encourage
increased representation of Asian communi-
ties in the mainstream journalism.
The Kiwi Asian Journalism Scholarship will
apply to the 2011 academic year and is for
the value of $5000 to be paid on completion
of Ms Chandrahasen’s course of journalism
study.
The 2012 scholarship will be open for ap-
plications in August.

Indian Weekender | February 18, 2011 | www.iwk.co.nz 17

Indian
Community

Tee – A journey of a woman Don’t miss th

An exciting Marathi musical play in New Zealand
A woman’s life is a journey which has few paral-
lels. She is born as a beautiful child, grows up into a
wonderful damsel, and then gets married. The same
child is now ready to give birth to a child of her own.
Managing the family as a mother, she then is ready
to take on the role of a grand mother to her child’s
offspring’s. All through this journey she is portray-
ing the role of child, teenager, woman, wife, mother,
mother-in-law, grandmother and so on. One person
but different roles.
Migrant Heritage Charitable Trust Inc (MigHT-i)
is proud to bring to the New Zealand shores for the
first time a Marathi Musical play ‘TEE’- (tI) essaying
this wonderful journey performed by none other
than the talented Vandana Gupte and songs by Rani
Varma.
They are sisters in real life and daughters of the
famous singer Smt. Manik Varma. The production is
performed under their banner “Sister concern” and
has received rave reviews in US, Europe and Sin-
gapore. Vandana Gupte is today’s leading Marathi
stage artist and has to her credit roles ranging from
–effervescent, bubbly characters, suspense thrillers,
serious portrayal’s to comedy. She manages all roles
convincingly and is the most sought after actress in
the theatre circle. Not only that she has also to her
credit some award winning roles in Marathi films
as well as is known for her role ‘Neelambari’ in the
Hindi serial Kareena-Kareena. The Marathi audience
has seen and enjoyed her performances for over
30 years. But the Hindi viewers have only recently
been exposed to this versatile actress who’s holding
her own against the chulbuli Kareena in Kareena
Kareena.
Her amazing timing and performance has made
Gupte win brownie points amongst the Hindi viewers
who, so far, knew her only from the commercials
Krack and Eureka Forbes Vacuum Cleaner. On
homeground, that is in Marathi, Gupte is playing a
negative role with panache in a Marathi daily Hya
Gojirwanya Gharat aired on ETV Marathi. Unlike
the psychedelic vamps that rule the serials across
channels, Gupte’s vamp act is a revelation. She un-
derplays her negativity to such an extent that you can
easily mistake her for a loving ma or saas!
Her noteworthy stage performances include play-
ing a 70-year-old lady in Celebration, a socially-rele-
vant play reflecting the breaking up of families, Shree
Tashi Sau, a comedy, Char Choughi a hard-hitting
women centric play which won her the Sangeet
Natak Academy award for her 20-minute mono-
logue. Gupte gets so involved with the characters
she portrays, that for the role of a sweeper in the play
Zoonj, Gupte actually lived with the slum-dwellers to
get a hang of how they cook, talk and chew tobacco.
She even cultivated the lehza of their language.
Rani Varma, the youngest of the siblings, was a
child prodigy who took on her mother’s singing abil-
ity and was an instant hit with the audiences. Looking
to her talent and potential, the famous music director
of Indian Motion Pictures, Shri. C. Ramchandra gave
her the first break in his musical concert “Geet Go-
pal” as a solo singer at the age of nine. At 12, her first
playback songs for a Marathi film, Gharkul, became
super hits, where she captured the hearts of millions
with her sweet melodious voice and confidence
and became popularly known as “Rani Varma”, the
wonder child singer. She was crowned with “ S.D.
Burman Award “ as the “ Best Female Singer - 1976
“ by well-known music organisation, ‘ Sur Singar ‘.
Rani has formed her own musical group called,
“Saptak”. She performed more than 700 shows
of Saptak and has charmed the audience with her
magical singing and gracious presence by singing in
more than 9 different languages. Rani also grabs the
honour of being the first recognized female recordist
of India after graduating from the Audio Engineer-
ing school from USA and owns her own recording
studio.
The sisters have now teamed up to form their own
production group “Sister Concern” and are bringing
this journey across the world. New Zealand is lucky
Name: TEE
Venue: Mt Albert War Memorial Hall
773, New North Road, Mt.
Albert
Auckland
Date: 26th February 2011, (SATURDAY)
Time: 6.00 pm
Tickets: $25 – Adults, $15 – Children/
Snr Citizens.
Contact: VARSHA (09) 5348000 or
Prashant -027 440 4440 or email
info@might-i.org
Venue: Little Theatre,
Queens Drive, Wellington
chance to s
ee
is
“TEE” – jou
of a womanrney
and the full
range of
characters
to have them performing in Auckland and Wellington
courtesy MigHT-i. Don’t miss this chance to see
“TEE” – journey of a woman and the full range of
characters by Vandana Gupte and unmatched singing
by Rani Varma.
Date: 26th February 2011, (SATURDAY)
Time: 5.00 pm Tickets: $20 – Adults
Contact: Meena (04) 4782883
The program is brought to you in asso-
ciation with SLA Limited, D & R Digital
and Indian Weekender. Supported by
Panworld Travel (mangere), Khyber
Spice Invader (Royal Oak), Zaveri Or-
thodontist, Relianz Forex, Supervalue
(Mangere).
A real treat for stage lovers, so don’t
miss it.
-Indian Weekender Arts Correspondent

INZBC adopts new constitution

Nanaksar Chardi India NZ Business Council
is recognised by the govern-
reference to Prashanta Mukherjee and Don Rae.
The Constitution Committee was headed by Paddy

KalaStudy Centre inaugurated

“Education is the foundation with which an
individual can build a successful career and
can contribute positively to the wider society
as well.” This was the key message by Sant
Baba Amar Singh ji on the inauguration of
Nanaksar Chardi Kala Learning Centre on
Sunday, February 6 at
102, Great South Road,
Manurewa.
The community based
study support centre will
be providing assistance
to children studying in
year 5 to year 8 (ages 9
to 12) with day to day
studies, assist in building
confidence and focus on
overall development of
each child. Approved by
the Ministry of Education,
the Nanaksar Chardi Kala
Learning Centre is in re-
sponse to the urgent need
by local families as AIEC
Trust was approached by
several migrant and local
families which do not
have the time or educa-
tional background to help
their children in studies.
In such cases, the children
lose interest in education and end up leaving
studies in between. The Nanaksar Chardi
Kala Learning Centre will fill in this gap and
try to help children enjoy their learning.
The importance of education was also
stressed upon by Dr. Ajit Swaran Singh, the
keynote speaker and one of the few Indian
descent District Court Judges ofNew Zealand.
His passion for promoting education is well
known in the community and listening about
his own life inspired many youngsters and
ment and businesses in New Marra and the amendment was studied in depth by
Zealand and India alike as Solicitor Warwick Wright.
the leading organisation Wenceslaus went to add that within a short span
that promotes and facilitates of time the council membership has increased by
their parents who attended the Inauguration business, trade and service over one hundred percent. He said that the INZBC is
between the two countries. very conscious that it accepts quality members, who
and the blessing ceremony at the Nanaksar
Sikh Temple. Mr. K. S Bakshi also congratu- A historical amendment have demonstrated business integrity and proven
to the Constitution was unanimously adopted by its values. He thanked all the members for the con-
lated Baba Amar Singh ji and the AIEC Trust
in promoting education in New Zealand. He members at the Special General Meeting held at the tribution they are making and helping the Council
National Bank Building in Auckland on the 15th of grow from strength to strength. He also added that
reiterated the National Governments support
to education in the coming February. the Council is unique in the sense that its members
The amended eligibility criteria, ensures that and office bearers have come in the spirit of service
years as well.
people with business experience and who have been to accelerate the growth and development of busi-
The programme started
a member for six months are eligible for the office ness and trade between India and New Zealand. He
with the Ardas, a prayer
bearers position. The term of office bearers have also thanked the Indian High Commission and Ministry
seeking blessings from
been limited to a maximum of two terms and numer- of Foreign Affairs and Trade for the support and
Guru Granth Sahib ji for
ous other changes have been made to the constitution the great relationship they have established with the
the success of the Centre.
to suit the present day needs. Council.
The name “Chardi Kala”
The office bearers are expected to perform on The Chairman also thanked ANZ Bank for their
(staying in high spirits and
the responsibility allotted to them and people with continued support to the council in hosting various
thinking positive) has been
relevant experience, business standing and integrity events in the past year. ANZ Bank has been support-
chosen by Babaji himself as
would be invited to be part of the Advisory Board. ing the business council since its inception and we see
the Centre aims to provide
Chairperson Wenceslaus Anthony termed it as an ANZ as a key connector between the two countries as
holistic learning opportuni-
historical event for INZBC as the Council amended ANZ Bank has also been supporting the Indian com-
ties that will uplift the spirits
the 23 year old Constitution. He thanked all the munity at large at various events including Diwali,
of our youth and give them
members for their valuable inputs and made a special Holi and hosting the Minister Valayar Ravi.
positive reinforcement for a
complete and contented way
of life. Qualified teachers
will be working individu-
ally on each child, working
alongside their schools and
encouraging their fami-
lies to support the learn-
ing for their children. The
Chardi Kala Centre is well
equipped with broadband internet connec-
tion, reference books and a highly stimulating
learning environment. Students will also be
given guidance and counseling for life skills
and career options.
Everyone present appreciated the opening
of the Centre and insisted that more such ini-
tiatives are required for our youngsters. The
Nanaksar Chardi Kala Learning centre will
start delivering programs from 14 Feb 2011
and is currently open for enrolment.

18 Indian Weekender | February 18, 2011 | www.iwk.co.nz

Indian
Yesterday, once more in colour
Hum Dono Rangeen premieres in Mumbai, but will coloured
classic be rage? Supriyo Hazra reports
In a star studded evening in Mumbai, the colour
version of Dev Anand’s classic ‘Hum Dono’,
premiered as ‘Hum Dono-Rangeen’, on Feb
3, even as the response to such efforts evoke
mixed reactions from cineastes.
While Bollywood will come out with more
such coloured classics, the art house movie con-
noisseurs are against the move to colour path-
breaking films like Satyajit Ray’s “Panther
Panchali”.
Leading B-town actors- Ranbir Kapoor,
Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Govinda attended
the premiere of the film in a Mumbai theatre
and they were effusive in praise of the film.
“Just returned home from the hum dono pre-
miere and I am deeply touched to see the love
of my fans, I would like to thank Goldie my
brother for making such a brilliant filmm [sic],”
tweeted Dev Anand.
“I thank aamir, kiran, salman, ranbir,
govinda, imtiyaz, Faisal, sunny, dharam, shatru,
jaaved, shabana, ashutosh, aditya kapoor,
Sanjay khan, naseer, Also uddhav thackrey his
family, adnan, Ketan Desai and all my friends
and sorry if I missed any names but love you all
[sic],” he tweeted earlier.
Salman Khan tweeted after watching the
colour version of the popular 1961 film: “Must
must must watch hum dono.”
Released in 1961, ‘Hum Dono’ was pro-
duced by Dev Anand and Navketan films.
The film released on big screen on Friday.
Earlier, iconic Indian Hindi films like ‘Mu-
ghl-e-Azam’ and ‘Naya Daur’ were released
in colour format and they were appreciated by
the viewers though the response was never too
overwhelming.
However, colouring a film is no less a her-
Indian Weekender | February 18, 2011 | www.iwk.co.nz
Rakhi Sawant lambasts
Kangna Ranaut
culean task.
According to Ravi Chopra, who re-released
his father B R Chopra’s Naya Daur in colour,
earlier said in interviews that one of the tech-
nical challenges is to ensure that the colour is
perfect and looks good since the original colour
is not known.
He said modern softwares help in colour
selection.
He said he chose to colour the film since
many among the young people had not seen the
film, a classic according to him, since it was not
in colour.
It took nearly two and half years to colour
the film in the course of which the sound quality
was also improved.
However, a poll conducted by a Bengali
channel showed that 96 percent of the viewers
do not want to see path-breaking Bengali movie
‘Pather Pachali’ directed by Satyajjit Ray to be
released in colour version.
The opinion was “Pather Panchali” needs
no support of colour to improve its quality or
make it appear more attractive to contemporary
viewers.
According to Satyajit Ray Society, a Mum-
bai-based organisation, that worked on ‘Mughl-
e-Azam’ and ‘Naya Daur’, had shown willing-
ness to colour Ray’s Pather Panchali.
But the maestro’s son Sandip Ray called the
project ‘atrocious.’
Mrinal Sen, Pradip Mukhopadhyay, Barun
Chanda, Buddhadeb Dasgupta and Gautam
Ghosh are leading names from Bengali film in-
dustry who had come out and expressed their
shock at the very idea of colouring Pather Pan-
chali, though they are not at all against colour in
cinema per se.
Bollywood
Mumbai: Item girl Rakhi Sawant is furious
and fuming over actor Kangna Ranaut’s
comment on the Kangna-Mika kiss
ruckus.
After Kangna apparently refused to en-
gage in a lip-lock with singer Mika Singh
for a film shoot, she went ahead and fired
a salvo at the controversy queen.
“I am no Rakhi Sawant to do something
like this” (kiss Mika), she is supposed to
have said.
This has enraged Rakhi, who has shot
back, “How dare Kangna do her publicity
gimmicks, firing from my shoulder. I have
never kissed Mika. He had forcibly planted
one on me and the world knows that. If
Kangna is so publicity hungry, she should
have kissed Mika for the song and be-
come famous. Why resort to talking about
Rakhi Sawant to gain mileage.”
Now, now! Knowing Rakhi, its best for
Kangna to eat up her words or quickly
apologize to her for ‘dragging’ her into
the picture, or Rakhi might just road roller
Kangna in national media.
“With battle lines drawn, a new war seems
to have just begun here,” chuckles Rakhi’s
publicist Dale Bhagwagar.
19
Indian
Bollywood

‘Shashi Tharoor was my Antony’

One of the first women to make cross-culture films,
Mira Nair bagged an Oscar nomination for her debut
movie Salaam Bombay. She speaks to Sreya Basu
about what brought her to filmmaking as the auteur
makes the right noises with her new work- a screen
adaptation of Pakistani writer Mohsin Hamid’s novel
`The Reluctant Fundamentalist`



You are a Punjabi, but you grew up on

Orissa. How did that happen?
My father was an IAS of Orissa cadre. I was born
and brought up in Orissa…I spent 20 years of my life
there. I went to Stewart School in Bhubaneswar with
my brother.

There is a story that you used to challenge

your teachers. True?
cluding Ramu Damodaran, Amitabh Ghosh, Gautam You should never do things thinking what’s going to Satyajit Ray’s films (Apu’s Trilogy) at the Science
I had come with my father on deputation for two
Mukhopadhyay. And my Antony was Shashi Tha- come. In fact, I never expected that I would become a Centre in Harvard at the age of 19. So I can’t say
years in Delhi and gone to a proper school (Loreto
roor who always lost his wig during the love scene. filmmaker. I never took films seriously. films inspired me.
Convent). When I went back to this convent school
in Bhubaneswar, I found education was pretty lousy
You were into theatres at the Harvard too. How will you define filmmaking? But as a kid growing up in a small town, what was
there. By that time I had tasted what is called decent
Why did you shift to documentary filmmak- Filmmaking, according to me, is all about capturing most inspirational was jatra, which is mythological
education. And because these young teachers (wait-
ing from theatres? something extraordinary things about ordinary life. travelling theatre. People would come from villages
ing to get married) thought me as a good student,
Theatre was not so sustaining for me at the university. And I feel blessed that at the age of 20, I found my and take over a school field; as a prop they would
they would just see the copy coming from me and
I was under the illusion that I was an academic and place in life. have only a set of painted stairs, I used to go with my
give me highest marks. I knew that and I was getting
I used to work in political theatres in Calcutta and driver and while everybody thought I didn’t enjoy
absolutely unchallenged. And so I decided to have
Delhi. I was stimulated to work visually. I took up a Did you enjoy watching films? going to such places, I used to sit there and world
a campaign of testing them. When I had essays to
photography course and used those photographs to As I told you, I come from a very small town in emerge in front of me. The incredible Prahlad natak,
write, let’s say, on hospitals, I used to write literally
enter the film department that was really competitive. Bhubaneswar… there was only one movie theatre and other mythological dramas were spelt out in front
gibberish and I would still get the top marks. In short,
I was 19 when I started studying films, 21 when I where they perennially showed Doctor Zhivago. And of me. That was the fuel of my first excitement of
I was a spunky, kind of mad kid…I still am. (Smiles)
graduated from there. I have a distinct memory that power would often go doing anything with the art.
off and it would be terribly hot inside the hall. The
You got involved in street theatres while at
Did you expect that after 11 years you will manager would come and say: ‘Pretend you are in Postscript: Mira Nair, who had been planning to
Miranda House, Delhi University…and you
get an Oscar nomination for your debut film Siberia and it’s very cold’. (Laughs) In short, I was shoot The Reluctant Fundamentalist in Pakistan, has
were famous as Cleopatra?
(Salaam Bombay)? very uneducated about films, even Indian ones. I am been refused visa. Media reports quote her saying she
I was famous as Cleopatra…and the five slaves who
No, no. As Gita says, beware the fruits of action. ashamed to say this, but it’s true…that first time I saw would recreate Lahore in Delhi.
carried me on stage are extremely famous now, in-

20 Indian Weekender | February 18, 2011 | www.iwk.co.nz

Indian
Bollywood
Control raging hormones, says Mithun ‘Saheb biwi aur gangster’
Mumbai: With Valentines’ Day just around
the corner, guess what’s brewing in the minds
of most male contestants on Zee TV’s dance
Doubles, the two young boys wowed the audi-
ence with the sheer magic of superb synchro-
nization as they moved to the theme song of
crew parties hard
reality show DID Doubles. Lagaan.
Apparently, all of them recently expressed They were a picture of India’s rustic pride
a desire to shake a leg as they played peasants
with the sexy host of the passionately revolting
show - Shveta Salve! against exploitative tax
policies of the British.
In a bid to woo It then came as a shock
Shveta, the boys are re- to everyone on the sets
ported to have landed up when Prithvi who had
on the sets with flowers, climbed atop a high
chocolates and cards for prop to the strike the
the lovely lady. final pose of this fabu-
On seeing their lous act collapsed to the
elaborate preparations floor.
and their eager re- Prithvi had appar-
quests to take turns and ently been suffering
dance with her, Mithun from an upset tummy
Chakraborty is said to for the past 2 days
have put his foot down and was dehydrated.
and said, “What’s going Rushing to his aid,
on? Control yourselves, Geeta got emotional as
boys. Get a grip on your she offered him water.
emotions and focus on
your performances. Feeling guilty for
This is a once-in-a- no fault of hers, Geeta
lifetime opportunity for asked Prithvi once he Mumbai: Filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia Deepraj Rana, entrepreneur Jai Patel with
you to showcase your recovered, “Did I over- and producer Rahul Mittra threw a wrap Aarya Bora and England’s Designer Mis-
dancing talent.” burden you, Prithvi? You were so brilliant on up party at actor Randeep Hooda’s ter- hail were among the select celebrities who
Wow! Looks like Dada is getting all pos- stage today but nothing could possibly justify race over the weekend to celebrate the attended the party.
sessive and doesn’t want so many young men any damage to your well-being. That always is completion of their upcoming movie
vying for the attentions of his “hawt and hap- our first priority!” ‘Saheb, Biwi aur Gangster’. The guests partied hard, as they danced
pening” host Shveta. Prithvi immediately clarified that at no on the yet-to-be released songs of the film
But how about the lady herself? Oh! Sh- point did Geeta pressurize him during the re- A grueling month long shoot of the film “Saheb Biwi aur Gangster”.
veta’s just basking in the glory of being in hot hearsals and that it was his own determination was concluded recently in the interiors of
demand. She was heard whispering to one of to put forth a brilliant act that made him some- Gujarat. Producer Rahul Mittra who is aiming for
the crew members, “Haven’t had a better Val- what neglect his own health. a summer release of the film was seen
entine’s day … I’m lovin’ it!” It was a moment of deep satisfaction for
Irfaan Khan, Jimmy Shergill, Mahie Gill, raising a toast for actor Irfaan Khan on
Meanwhile, when Vivek & Prithvi ap- Prithvi when all the masters and Mithun Da
peared on stage for the recent shoot of DID lauded him for his excellent act. Neetu Chandra, Aseem Mishra, Pravesh bagging the highly coveted Padma Shree
Rana, Shreya Narain, Vipin Sharma, Award recently.

Indian Weekender | February 18, 2011 | www.iwk.co.nz 21

Indian
‘Playing 37-40 was difficult for me’
Priyanka Chopra has donned a grey avatar for Vishal Bharadwaj’s new film 7 Khoon Maaf, where
she will be seen romancing seven heroes and then, be responsible for their deaths. The actor in
conversation with TWF correspondent Sreya Basu
You play wife to seven actors in 7 Khoon
Maaf and there were quite a few intimate
scenes with them. How comfortable
were you shooting them?
Here we are talking about marriages
and I don’t know of any marriage without
intimacy. And I think if you want to show
love and pain, it comes with a lot of other
emotions. There is never an isolated emo-
tion of love or hatred or anger or intimacy.
When you are showing a scene, I am
an actor playing a particular character, I
would go to the extent I am comfortable.
This film is all about Vishal Sir’s (Bharad-
waj) conception.
How was it sharing screen with actors
like Naseeruddin Shah, Annu Kapoor
and Irrfan Khan?
It was very nerve-racking initially because
I had never worked with any of them. Annu
Sir I had known for a while. I had done a
workshop with Naseeruddin Sir right be-
fore I started the film, which really helped
me because he himself is an institution of
cinema. Irrfan is tremendously talented
and we started the first schedule of the
film with him. It was a tricky edge for me
because I was playing a woman in the age
group of 37-40 years. It’s very difficult age
22
group to play. So, I was very nervous and
I completely relied on my director to take
me through that…and he did.
Shahrukh Khan, after seeing a few
scenes from 7 Khoon Maaf, said you
are a She-ro (female hero). What do you
have to say on that?
I think he is being too kind to me.
You seem to be very disturbed with the
news of recent Income Tax raids at your
residence…
It’s shocking for me…the way unsubstanti-
ated and source-based news are pro-
duced as reality. You hear some rumours
and make that front-page news. Neither
you find out if there is any truth in the
news, nor ask the person what’s real-
ity, nor substantiate it with proper paper
works. This kind of thing has happened
to me for the first time in my career. I am
deeply hurt; and it has deeply affected
me. I have told what I had to say. Further,
I would continue cooperating with investi-
gating authorities. As far as the news of Rs
6 crore been discovered from my resi-
dence goes, neither there was money un-
der my mattress, nor have I seen so much
cash. I have already issued my statement
to the media and I don’t think there is need
to say more.
There were reports that Shahid Kapoor
was present at the time of IT raids to
support you. How true was this?
My mom was not at home at the time and
Shahid lives three minutes away from my
place. So, yes, I called him because there
was nobody else I could call at that time
and could come immediately. He was
there when this happened.
Indian Weekender | February 18, 2011 | www.iwk.co.nz
Bollywood
Aishwarya surprises
Abhishek
New Zealand: With Players’ filming sched-
ule moving right on track, Bollywood’s
popular couple took time off to celebrate
Abhishek Bachchan’s 35th birthday in New
Zealand’s charming, hillside harbour city,
Wellington on Saturday night.
On location to film the Indian remake of The
Italian Job, Bachchan’s early birthday sur-
prise arrived when wife Aishwarya Rai flew
in to spend time with her star-stud hubby
and make this day extra special.
With an indulgent three tier chocolate cake
from a local New Zealand bakery in tow,
birthday boy Bachchan Junior was joined
by his wife and some of his castmates for a
little cake cutting celebration at lunchtime
on the sets of the film in Wellington.
Later that evening, director duo Abbas
Mustan organized a party for the entire
filming crew at their hotel in Wellington.
Those present were AB, Aishwarya Rai,
Sonam Kapoor, Bipasha Basu, Omi Vaidya,
Sikander Kher, Action Director Alan Amin,
DoP Ravi Yadav and many others.
While the fun didn’t stop early, some of the
stars took the party to the streets as they
headed out for a fun evening at Wellington’s
city centre where over 30,000 kiwi rugby
fans, dressed in costumes, were celebrat-
ing their victory in the NZI Sevens rugby
tournament.
A little birthday get-together quickly turned
into a fully charged, exciting night out of
town amidst Wellington’s bustling hub of
restaurants, bars and vibrant nightlife for the
birthday boy and his cast mates.
What a way to bring in his 35th birthday!
Indian
The Players in Auckland
After their shooting
schedule in Wellington
– where Aishwarya Rai
Bachchan flew in with
friends from India to
wish husband Abhishek
a happy 35th birthday
– the cast and crew of
Players moved to Auck-
land for the rest of the
shoot in New Zealand.
The shoots were done
at several places in
Auckland and Kiwi
Indians who chanced
upon the whereabouts
of the stars visited the
shooting hotspots to
get a glimpse of the go-
ings on.
In this scene – of the movie, Ab-
hishek is seen with Omi Vaidya
of 3 idiots fame.
Indian Weekender was reliably
informed that about 30 children
of Indian origin from the Mount
Roskill area participated in the
scene where Abhishek inaugu-
rates a school building, Sonam
Kapoor cuts the ribbon and
lets the kids in who run into the
campus. The shooting was held
at Massey university campus
Albany.
Indian Weekender also caught
Abhishek and the crew in a ‘drive by shoot’
on Wairau Road on the North Shore where
Zee bids adieu to
popular show
Mumbai: Zee TV’s popular show ‘Agle
Janam Mohe Bitiya Ho Kijo’ will come to
an end on Feb 12 with a special one and half
hour episode at 8 pm.
‘Agle janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo’
created waves across India for showcasing a
prevalent social evil in society.
The concept of ‘selling the girl child
amidst utter poverty to raise money for the
rest of the family’ had viewers hooked onto
a reality rampant in the country.
Commenting on this, Zee TV Market-
ing Head, Akash Chawla said, “Agle Janam
Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo is an excellent example
of how a powerful story like this one will
always command recognition compared to
the glamorous stuff shown on television.
He said, “The show in its peak was de-
livering close to 4.5 TVRs. Currently in the
7:30 pm timeslot, Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya
Hi Kijo will be replaced by with the magical
love of Dev and Radhika in Choti Bahu. We
are hoping that this ‘power of love’ will win
many more million hearts with an all new
story.”
The entire cast of the show will have a
grand farewell party mark the success of the
Indian Weekender | February 18, 2011 | www.iwk.co.nz
Bollywood
A night out with the stars
very relaxed. It was such a pleasure
ARVIND KUMAR meeting them.”
The Wellington Sevens street party
two Saturdays ago is one outing Shaneel said Abhishek even joined
the party and joined the Indian dance
Shaneel Choy and his girlfriend will
remember forever, and one they will group playing drums in the street.
probably never stop talking about.
Shaneel, 24, an automation engineer, “It would have been even better if
Aishwarya had been in the photo
and Meron Tegegn, 21, were out
enjoying the street party in Cour t- too but it was quite late and she ap-
peared a bit stressed – but it was all
ney Place after the sevens tourna-
ment when they spot ted Bolly wood very exciting.”
megastars Abhishek Bachchan and
his wife Aishwarya Rai among the Shaneel said Abhishek said “hello”
to them and shook hands with him
crowd.
and gave Meron a hug.
And Abhishek even posed for a
photo, which he took himself while Abhishek, Aishwarya and a host
of other Bolly wood stars are still
pointing the camera towards them
and giving a thumbs-up as the crowd believed to be in the country filming
for “Players” – a remake of the British
swirled around them at around 2am.
“It’s one night we are not likely to hit film “The Italian Job”. Other stars
here are Neil Nitin Mukesh, Bipasha
forget,” Shaneel told the Indian
Weekender. Basu, and Sonam Kapoor.
“I first saw Aishwarya, and thought
she looked like Aishwarya, so Meron Shaneel’s veteran journalist father
Harris Choy said he had spot ted
checked and it was her.
Sonam Kapoor in the city a couple of
weeks ago.
“I then asked Meron to take our
photo but Abhishek’s bodyguard
took our camera when Abhiskek “It was definitely her,” Harris said.
This was Sonam Kapoor’s second
inter vened, took the camera himself,
posed and clicked,” Shaneel said. stint in New Zealand after shooting
“I Hate Luv Storeys” earlier last year
“Abhishek took the picture himself
a bored Abhishek sat around in the swel- so that makes it even more special with Imran Khan.
tering heat under a parasol, waiting for his
– he’s a really nice and polite guy,
own action to begin.
I am fortunate to be working with Rahmanji:
Harshdeep Kaur
Mumbai: Sufi singer Harshdeep Kaur is indeed category for his compositions in the film ‘127 hours’
passing through a special phase in her life touring and for the original song ‘If I rise’ from the same
the world for shows with none other than music flick.
maestro A R Rahman. Sharing her experience of working with A R
Kaur said, “Presently I am performing for Rahman, Kaur said, “Everyone wants to work with
Rahman ji on “The Journey home” world Tour and Rahman. I feel myself to be very fortunate as I got
travelling many countries.” the opportunity to work with him many times.”
She has sung the popular song ‘R.I.P’ under Earlier, she sang the “Ek Onkar” for Rahman
Rahman’s direction, from the recently released from the hugely appreciated soundtrack of ‘Rang
Hollywood movie, ‘127 hours’, directed by Oscar De Basanti’.
winning director Danny Boyle. Beside this she also sang in several B-town
Rahman has bagged two nominations at the movies like “Band Baaja Baarat”, “Karz”, “Karam”,
83rd Annual Academy Award in the original score “Taxi -9211” and “Guzaarish”.
show.
Abhishek, who essays the character of
Shekhar, said, “I’m feeling very nostalgic
that the show is coming to an end as I have
some wonderful memories playing the role
of Shekhar. I owe all my success to this show
and to Zee TV. I thank the viewers for all the
adulation we received.
23
Indian
More is less at popular supermarket
ARVIND KUMAR
When I visited the Food For Less supermarket
New Lynn branch this week, I was expecting
to find the head of the store sitting behind a
desk in an air conditioned office.
Instead, staff directed me towards the
butchery where I found Romit Prakash stand-
ing behind the meat slicing machine where he
was busy helping out his staff as the queue of
customers built up.
It is this sort of hands-on commitment and
down to earth approach that has seen the rise
of the burgeoning Food For Less supermar-
ket group – first in Otahuhu and now in New
Lynn.
Twenty eight-year-old Romit, who actually
has biomedical qualifications from the Auck-
land University, manages the New Lynn store
while older brother Nilesh, 32, manages the
Otahuhu branch, selling all fresh Fiji produce,
groceries and meat.
But the humble Auckland brothers attri-
Nilesh Prakash
24
Personality
bute unwavering family values as the key to
success. Apart from the supermarket, they
also own the Globex Importers distributor-
ship.
“Everything we are today has been because
of the blessing and guidance of our father,”
Romit told the Indian Weekender.
“Dad’s guidance was most important, and
we owe every bit of success to him.
“Another key person in our life was dad’s
Guruji (now late Pundit Vishnu Kashyap) who
guided dad and was behind us buying the
Otahuhu branch of Food For Less.”
“We always stick up for each other and the
family bond is strong – and that’s what keeps
our feet on the ground,” Romit said.
So much so that after all these years, the
two brothers – married with children – and
their parents (altogether 10) – still live togeth-
er in the same house they bought in Howick
when they first came to New Zealand in 2000.
The family is originally from Eight Miles, able experience in the food business. Indian items but also cater for mainstream
Nasinu, about 20 minutes out In 2003, they bought Food World and sold consumers, and that draws in all types of cus-
of Suva City in Fiji towards the it seven months later, and set their sights on tomers.”
Nausori Airport. the Food For Less in Otahuhu. “There are expansion plans, but still in
Dad Uma Chand, who now “It was a sinking ship but we managed to planning stages,” Romit said.
prefers remaining in the business turn it around,” Romit said. Romit said that through their distribution
background, grew all sorts of veg- “It was hard work and we all pitched to- business, they were able to sell goods cheaper
etables at Eight Miles and was one gether to make it work. There were times than they were sold in Fiji, mainly because of
of the key suppliers to Suva Market. when we weren’t sure about certain things, the stronger NZ dollar and the bulk buying
“In fact after the 1987 coup, dad but we carried on regardless.” nature of their business.
was the only remaining supplier of The New Lynn branch was opened about For now, the brothers are content in
vegetables to Suva market.” 18 months ago, converted into a supermarket achieving slow but steady progress, and have
But the switch from farming to from a veggie store. every confidence of making it even bigger out
supermarkets was not easy. Romit Today, the success story is a multi-million of Auckland.
was still in high school when the dollar business with their two supermarkets,
family moved to New Zealand. and the distribution business and there are FOOD FOR LESS
While Nilesh, who has sharp plans to expand to other parts of the country.
business acumen, joined the Food Food For Less has taken on the might of Atkinson Ave, Otahuhu
World supermarket in Otara as a re- some of the long established Indian food/ Veronica St, New Lynn
ceiving clerk, Romit did the check- grocery outlets – and is winning. Ph, 09 826-4387
outs and groceries – gaining valu- “Our advantage is that we don’t just sell
Romit Prakash
Indian Weekender | February 18, 2011 | www.iwk.co.nz
Indian

Indian Weekender | February 18, 2011 | www.iwk.co.nz 25

Indian
Why shivāji mahārāj matters
ram lingam
What Napoleon is to France and Julius Ceaser is to Rome, Shivāi Mahārāj is to India. February 19 is Shivāji
Mahārāj’s birth anniversary. For those looking for inspiration, his life story has plenty to offer even today, to bring
about change – within and without, against all odds.
Imagine a 15-year old teenager taking an oath to free
the country from Mughal tyranny. At 17, this boy un-
dertakes his first military strike only with a handful
of soldiers and captures a fort in difficult terrain.
When imprisoned by the Mughal King, he tricks his
elite guards by escaping in large sweet baskets. Under
the very nose of a cruel, powerful, intolerant and des-
potic Mughal Aurangazeb, he carves up his Marāthā
Empire. Only few rulers in the world could have
built an empire with such scarce resources and hard
topography that his native territory offered. Later he
even offers his empire to his guru. He is India’s na-
tional hero – Chhatrapati Shivāji Mahārāj (1630-1680)
whose mix of military intelligence, guerilla warfare
and public good are still unmatched and have no par-
allel.
Chhatrapati Shivāji Mahārāj as he should be
rightly called was a people’s king, a visionary general,
a secular ruler, a humble disciple of his guru, a fear-
less warrior and much more to his subjects, supporters
and even to his enemies. Upon his coronation in 1674,
he was conferred the title of ‘Chhatrapati‘- A ‘Chha-
trapati’ is a Lord (pati) who is worthy of a ‘chatra’
(umbrella) meaning a person worthy of a ceremonial
umbrella. Only ‘Supreme Kings’ in India are credited
with ceremonial umbrellas and hence the title. ‘Chha-
trapati’ also indicates a person who gives shade to his
followers and ensures their welfare as it has been the
case during his short life of fifty years.
Despite the odds, he was a just King who showed
tolerance toward all religions and languages. In an en-
lightening letter to Aurangzeb, he showed his wisdom
and respect of other religions, when he wrote: “Verily,
Islam and Hinduism are terms of contrast. They
are used by the true Divine Painter for blending the
colours and filling in the outlines. If it is a mosque,
the call to prayer is chanted in remembrance of Him.
If it is a temple, the bells are rung in yearning for Him
alone.”
The history of India is incomplete without the
Marāthā history with Shivāji Mahārāj at the nucleus.
To know the attributes of this great King is to discover
the motives and values behind his actions, which
matters today more than ever. Without going into the
details of his life and events, here is a gloss of estimates
by thinkers and writers about Chhatrapati Shivāji
Mahārāj which shows why he matters even today.
World Cup 2011 gets under way – Will it be Sachin’s final hurrah!
PRASHANT BELWALKAR
This year’s first major sporting event gets under way
in the Indian subcontinent from 19th of February
and the reigning champions Australia would be keen
to make it four in a row. Challenging them would be
the hosts India and Sri Lanka. One must not forget
the third host Bangladesh as they are capable of cre-
ating a surprise or two themselves. Unfortunately,
Pakistan the fourth partner has been stripped off
their hosting rights for all non-cricketing reasons but
they are the most unpredictable team ever and can’t
be ruled out in their own backyard like settings in
the subcontinent. Add to the mix the strong South
Africans, who have never won this tournament, and
England. Though England is the new T20 champs,
they have yet to conquer the ODI summit despite
being in a few finals. Erstwhile champs West Indies
are an enigma. They have individual players who
can take the game away on their day, but as a team
they haven’t created a stir since winning the Cham-
pions trophy a couple of years back.
There are a lot of contenders from around the
world under the ICC development program which
26
“States fall, empires break up, dynasties become extinct, but
the memory of a true ‘hero as King’ like Shivāji, remains an
imperishable historical legacy for the entire human race.”
J.N. Sarkar – Indian Historian
Setu Madhavrao Pagadi, a historian in his in-
troduction to his book ‘Chhatrapati Shivāji’ wrote:
“Shivāji is one of the great national figures of India…
As a soldier, warrior and general, Shivāji fashioned
the army into a truly national one. Perfect discipline,
rapid movements, excellent intelligence service, and
continuous attention to defence marked his military
organization, and this enabled him to defeat his adver-
saries time and again. Nor did he neglect the defence
include Ireland, Canada and Netherlands. These
have been the sort of whipping boys for the regu-
lation teams, but have been involved in some fan-
tastic matches of their own. The other ICC regular
members Zimbabwe and Kenya bring in a spice to
the tournament as they have shown in the past that
on the big stage they can spring surprises of their
own. Remember Zimbabwe beating India, Kenya
getting the better of West Indies. Probably the most
un-fancied team is that of New Zealand. While the
black caps have never gone beyond the Semis in
this tournament, they have been the most consistent
team with a quarter final placing in all editions. So
don’t take the black caps lightly, despite their current
form.
Form can be a misleading factor in this tourna-
ment, which has never been won by the team fancied
by the pundits. Take 1975 when all and sundry
thought England would win the tournament but
West Indies won, same goes for India in 1983, Aus-
tralia in 1987, Pakistan in 1992, Sri Lanka in 1996.
Australia has had a tight grip on the trophy in last 3
editions and is one of favourites this time too. But
they are not overwhelmingly strong as they were in
of the sea coast. He is rightly called the father of the
Indian Navy.”
Swāmi Vivekānandā adds to the Chhatrapati’s
subtleties saying, “Is there a greater hero, a greater
saint, a greater bhakta and a greater King than Shivaji?
Shivaji was the very embodiment of a born ruler of
men as typified in our great epics. He was the type of
the real son of India representing the true conscious-
ness of the nation. It was he who showed what the
the earlier editions.
India will be hoping to break the curse of “host
nations” not winning the tournament ever. The
entire nation would be praying for the boys in blue
to take the trophy on their home ground and give a
fitting tribute to the living legend of cricket “Sachin
Tendulkar”. Sachin’s own form has been fantas-
tic but has been restricted in appearances since his
record breaking double hundred last year. Hope that
his body is able to take the rigours of the month long
tournament. The only Achilles heel in the blues team
is their bowling which is spear headed by Zaheer, but
has erratic support in form of the ageing Nehra and
the capricious Sreesanth. Maybe the unknown ele-
ments of Chawla and Ashwin might turn the tables
in India’s favour.
Sri Lanka is also on home turf and a formidable
force. They have resisted the temptation of giving
another chance to the veterans Jayasurya and Vaas,
but have shown faith in the new breed of excit-
ing cricketers. They will be a force to reckon with
as they have the maverick duo - death specialist
Malinga and hitter Dilshan, ever reliable Sangak-
kara and Jayawardane amongst them. Don’t be sur-
Indian Weekender | February 18, 2011 | www.iwk.co.nz
Heritage
future of India is going to be sooner or later”.
The 17th century saint Sant Tukarām extolled his
reign as “Rām Rājya” in which the ruler and his sub-
jects were all equal and there was all-round welfare.
Even his own guru, Samarth Rāmdas acknowledged
him as “Shrimant Yogi,” or a person achieving desires
with detachment, which draw attention to the Chha-
trapati’s underlying life-attitude.
Even inimical chroniclers like Khāfī Khān, a
contemporary Historian of the Mughals, writes in his
Muntakhab-ul-Lubab: “Shivāji had always striven to
maintain the honour of the people in his territories
… and was careful to maintain the honour of women
and children of Muhammadans when they fell into
his hands. His injunctions on this point were very
strict.” Bhimsen, a contemporary historian in Tarikh-
i-Dilkasha remarks: “He was a straightforward man
and a matchless soldier and knew the administrative
side of the king-ship very well. He enjoyed the full
confidence of his soldiers.”
To such a hero, Sir J.N. Sarkar, a prominent Indian
historian remarks “States fall, empires break up, dy-
nasties become extinct, but the memory of a true ‘hero
as King’ like Shivāji, remains an imperishable histori-
cal legacy for the entire human race.”
Unfortunately we know of Chhatrapati Shivāji
Mahārāj mainly through our school textbooks and
TV serials, which is simply not adequate. Remarks
Francois Gautier, a French journalist, writer and his-
torian “most French people are proud of Napoleon –
and rightly so – because he was, like Shivaji, a great
warrior, a visionary and an exceptional statesman.
Therefore, every year, at least four to five new books
are written, directly or indirectly, about Napoleon, his
life or his deeds. Compare this with India, where it is
difficult to find a book about Shivaji. No nation can
move forward unless it has heroes. No country can
progress unless it is proud of itself and can make its
children relate to heroes seeped in one’s culture.”
To know Chhatrapati Shivāji Mahārāj is to know
the vision of a patriot inspired by the teachings of the
ancient Indian philosophers. His life shows us a path
of natural love for self-determination and aversion for
external domination. It is only befitting that the city
of Mumbai is planning to erect his statue off its shore
in the Arabian Sea – that will be taller than the Statue
of Liberty.
Sport
prised if they get into the final four.
South Africa are actually the strongest team on
paper, but have managed to get the tag of “chokers”
in the world cups as they managed to loose from
winning positions in 3 editions. They were done in
by Mr Duckworth and Lewis not once but twice and
then they managed to loose from a strong position
and hand Australia an easy entry into the final. But
this time they look prepared and have even managed
to keep the veteran Boucher out of the team, which
shows the riches that they have in the ranks.
Pakistan can never be under estimated and have
a formidable talent in their ranks. Individually they
are a brilliant team, but are known to explode for all
the wrong reasons. If they can keep their cool then
they can be a team to watch. West Indies are in a
similar boat where in a Pollard, Gayle, Sarwan can
turn the match on their own. But will the perform as
a team? Bangladesh can cause a flutter and so can
Zimbabwe, but nothing beyond that.
So who will rule the roost and run away as the
winner! Don’t keep guessing as the fun and passion
beings on Friday 19th Feb as India taken on Bangla-
desh. As they say in matches “Play”!
Indian

Indian Weekender | February 18, 2011 | www.iwk.co.nz 27

Indian
The World in the palm of your hand
Technology for today’s traveller
ANMOL TRIKANNAD
The fact that New Zealand is tucked away in
the corner of the world means we have to travel
further and donate a fair chunk of our holiday
time to flying time, which is inevitable. But
thankfully these days, travel gadgets are handy
to help you save time spent on getting informa-
tion at your destinations.
Time spent waiting in transit at LAX or the
bus that was supposed to arrive half an hour ago
in Buenos Aires, could be certainly put to better
use.
With the world increasingly becoming one
big global village, it is now available at your fin-
gertips in a range of sizes and colours to suit.
The most notable of these is the brainchild of
Apple’s founder, Steve Jobs. He revolutionised
the world with the release of the iPhone in 2007
and then went a step further with the release of
Apple’s app store in 2008.
These software applications, known as
‘apps’, now number in the hundreds of thou-
sands and cover every aspect of life, with a
dedicated ‘Travel’ category. Using a multitude
of these apps, you can now transform your piece
of metal and plastic into an indispensable travel-
ling companion.
Other manufacturers such as Blackberry
and Nokia are joining the apps bandwagon.
Although an entire book might be more ap-
propriate to talk about travel apps, here is a
list of general apps that will ensure you arrive
at places well informed. The apps listed below
are the ones I have tested with the iPhone.
These could be available on other members of
the Apple family – iPad and iPod Touch and on
other mobile devices as well.
1) Travel planner apps: Web based travel
28
Travel
agencies have now entered the mobile domain load maps which you can use offline. This will Besides allowing you to update what you had
thereby allowing travellers to plan their itinerar- help you save dough and face, especially when for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it allows you to
ies on the go. Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) all you had to do was follow those “really easy let mum know you are safe. Ping! And What-
such as Expedia and Travelocity allow users to directions” your friend gave you. Using a free sApp allow you to send free text messages while
view deals, book trips and manage their itin- app called MapQuest, you can save maps and Skype allows you to make phone calls on the
eraries. Dedicated travel planner apps such as routes on the website and access them from your cheap, saving you on long-distance calling rates.
Worldmate and Tripit phone. Notable apps You will need a Wi-Fi or network connection to
allow you to manage include those from save on global roaming costs.
your entire journey Frommer’s, Zagat and 6) Miscellaneous Apps: Apps for currency
including flight, hotel Lonely Planet. Also conversion, packing/to-do lists, airport info,
and rental bookings check-out the London world time, wi-fi hotspot finders (the in-built
even enabling to sync and Paris subway wi-fi finder doesn’t work if you switch to air-
your meetings with apps which ensure plane mode), pedometers and alarm clock apps
your calendar – your you master the art of are useful to have. One of the more quirky apps
personal assistant on navigation through I found is the ‘Anti-Mosquito Free’ which sup-
the go! the concrete jungles. posedly drives away mozzies by emitting low
2) Airport and 4) Language apps: frequency waves. Word of advice - Don’t ditch
airline apps: A You might not get the the insect repellent!
number of airlines accent down pat, but Beware: Most apps require a network con-
offer their own app, you could surely order nection or internet connection (through a wi-fi)
which lets you access Peking Duck in the to function. Global roaming charges can sting
your flight details at side streets of Beijing, users and can cost anywhere between $5-20/
the least. Some even wait a minute, in Man- MB. To avoid the standoff with your telecom
allow you to book, darin! If the cat got provider, turn data roaming off on your phone.
check-in and track your tongue, you can Increasing use of mobile devices has led to wi-fi
flight status. Air New even trigger an audio hotspots in most tourist friendly destinations.
Zealand’s app called recording for more Airports, libraries and coffee shops.
the mPass allows you than 600 common Web-based booking avenues such as Air
to check the most up phrases in 17 different New Zealand’s Grabaseat and HoT’s, ‘makemy-
to date details of all languages, for every- trip’ have successfully proven that we are in-
your flight bookings day situations using creasingly looking online to book our next trip
and serves as an electronic boarding pass (Do- Lonely Planet’s Phrasebook app. Along with the and a great deal. Travel operator specific apps
mestic only and no check-in bags). If you are a destination guides, which have become synony- will cater to a wider range of travellers and those
Koru member, you can scan your way into the mous with Travel, the Lonely Planet guides are who are increasingly flexible with their travel
Lounge. invaluable resources in all formats. plans. Besides this, the apps are sold trough
3) Maps and Destination guide apps: Al- 5) Social media and messaging apps: Social iTunes, which provides worldwide exposure and
though the inbuilt maps application is some- media slaves can rest assured that those anxious will drive destination and tourism operators to
times useful, it is painfully slow even on wi-fi minutes of lost time in tweeting can now be consider the mobile platform as an indispensible
and mobile networks. An alternative is to down- recouped courtesy Twitter and Facebook apps. marketing and sales tool.
Indian Weekender | February 18, 2011 | www.iwk.co.nz
Indian
The heart of giving
Despite criticism, the Indian philanthropy space is gaining rapid momentum and is certainly something to watch
out for in the months to come. Namit Agarwal reports Indian billionaires’ altruism
Indian billionaires have been criticised for their
inability to contribute enough to social causes.
As more and more billionaires around the world
pledge their wealth for charitable purposes the gap
becomes more distinct vis-à-vis India.
But in the recent past we have seen Indian in-
dustry leaders parting with their wealth, setting
examples to bring about a perception change in the
corporate circle. We can now hope that in the near
future Indian corporate houses will come closer to
the international philanthropic benchmark.
In the US almost 82% donations come from in-
dividuals and only 5% from corporate foundations.
This astonishing figure is beyond comparison in
India. In a recent donor survey conducted jointly
by Samhita and the Global India Fund it was found
that most donors are unaware of credible nonprofit
organisations to support.
To address this issue and to make philanthropy
easy, essential and effective the American Center
and Samhita organised a panel discussion of distin-
guished panelists in Mumbai on January 6.
The panelists were Dr. Amita Vyas, Assistant
Professor and Director, George Washington Uni-
versity and Founder, Global India Fund; Li Ping Lo,
Foreign Service Officer, U.S. Consulate Mumbai;
Noshir Dadrawala, Chief Executive, Centre for Ad-
vancement of Philanthropy; Vidya Shah, Executive
Director and Head, EdelGive Foundation; Akhil
Shahani, Director, Kaizen Private Equity and Rajiv
Agarwal, Advertising Consultant. The discussion
was moderated by Priya Naik, CEO, Samhita.
“Everytime I’d share stories of the wonderful
work that nonprofit organizations in India do. I’ve
always met with the same response that they didn’t
know that there are so many such organizations
doing such great work,” said Dr. Amita Vyas.
“People all across the United States care about
supporting social causes here in India. But there are
too many complexities to giving. People want to
Mehndi takes the US by storm
The Indian tradition of applying henna for festive occasions is becoming increasingly popular in the United States.
SPAN writer Jane Varner Malhotra reports from Washington D.C.
At her aunt’s recent cross-cultural wedding, my
11-year-old daughter, Helen, made a new friend – the
henna artist. Helen sat by the woman’s side for hours
during the mehndi ceremony, mesmerised as the
henna cone danced across the guests’ hands, forming
intricate patterns in a matter of minutes. By the time
the exhausted but friendly henna artist left the party,
I’m pretty sure my delighted daughter’s hands and
arms offered a complete catalogue of all the woman’s
patterns and motifs.
For many of the older American guests, this was
their first henna experience, but the under-30 crowd
certainly knew the routine. These days, town festi-
vals, shopping malls, farmers’ markets and beach
resorts across the US have become host to an increas-
ing number of henna artists. Men, women and chil-
dren are lining up to enjoy the elaborate and tempo-
rary tattoos as more people become familiar with the
Indian Weekender | February 18, 2011 | www.iwk.co.nz
make smart financial decisions about their giving.
But it is complicated to find organizations and even
more complicated to find whether the organization
is credible,” she said.
The Global Indian Fund (GIF) provides a variety
of options for US donors to support nonprofits and
get tax benefits. GIF has partnered with Samhita to
create an online platform for US donors to support
Indian nonprofits. GIF together with Samhita and
other sector experts have created a credibility
framework to verify and list nonprofits on the portal
and will be launching soon.
According to Akhil Sahani, Director, Kaizen
Private Equity, the biggest mistake that nonprof-
its make is to go to a donor with a one-size-fits-all
request, without knowing what their preferences
are.
“The key is to understand who your donor is and
what is it that he or she is affiliated with,” he said.
“The term donor brings in the concept of a be-
nevolent giver and a grateful recipient and we need
to put that aside,” said Noshir Dadrawala, Chief Ex-
ecutive, Centre for Advancement of Philanthropy.
Noshir, author of many nonprofit management
books, has helped several nonprofits come into
existence and also helped several philanthropists
support social causes effectively.
EdelGive Foundation has been supporting
several nonprofit organisations by providing grants.
“We struggle to find enough credible organisations
to support,” said Vidya Shah. EdelGive Foundation
stresses on building the organisation’s capacity by
improving administrative resources like HR and
Finance.
“In the United States tax benefits is a very im-
portant incentive for people to give,” said Li Ping
Lo, Foreign Service Officer, US Consulate Mumbai.
“In India and also in US and UK religious giving
takes a major share. India has a culture of giving but
not institutional giving,” said Noshir.
art form. Women seeking mehndi for weddings no
longer have to drive for hours to find an experienced
artist. Every major city now offers a selection of pro-
fessional henna studios; with the help of the Internet,
many artists can be found in remote areas as well.
Why is henna becoming so popular in the US?
Body art is on the rise in general. According to a
2006 study by the Pew Research Center, one in three
Americans aged 18 to 25 now have tattoos. But many
Americans are reluctant to take the permanent tattoo
plunge, and henna offers an attractive alternative.
“Natural, painless and temporary – people like that,”
says henna artist Kamala Chandrasekhar of Santa
Clara, Bay Area in California. “They’re in awe of the
art form and the elaborate Indian designs,” she adds.
When she moved to the US in the ‘80s, Chan-
drasekhar worked as an instructor of Bharatanatyam
dance. Later, as her career and a search for better
weather took her from Minnesota to California, she
began to experiment with henna designs she had
learned from a master henna artist while visiting
family in India. In 1999, after years of daily practice
– on friends, family and herself – someone at a local
beauty parlor admired the work on her left hand and
asked her who did it.
“When I told her I’d done it myself, she said she
had a bride who needed her henna done,” recalls
Chandrasekhar. “In those days there were not many
henna artists in the area and she convinced me to do
it. I was nervous and it took a long time. But it came
out better than I expected, and by word of mouth
soon many people were calling me, and there was no
looking back.”
On the opposite coast, amid the hustle and bustle
of New York City, henna artist Sandy Patangay finds
India can lead in social
innovation: Industry
With the Gates-Buffet (Bill Gates and Warren
Buffet, the latter is American investor and philan-
thropist ) Indian tour inching closer, the air around
philanthropy is heating up in India, according to a
recently-released lecture series.
JSW Foundation, CSR arm of the Jindal group,
launched the O P Jindal lecture series in collabora-
tion with Asia Society India Centre in Mumbai at an
event titled ‘Next generation philanthropy’ recently.
An eminent panel comprising Pierre Omidyar,
Founder, eBay Inc and Co-founder Omidyar
Network and captains of Indian industry, JJ Irani,
Director, TATA Sons, Anand Mahindra, VC & MD,
Mahindra & Mahindra, Ajay Piramal, Chairman,
Piramal Enterprises and Madhabi Puri Buch, MD &
CEO, ICICI Securities shared their vision and ideas
for young India.
Sajan Jindal, VC and MD of JSW Steel said, “My
father Shri O P Jindal envisioned supporting social
initiatives at an early stage and supporting commu-
nity development and the girl child has always been
very important for the group”
Pierre Omidyar said, “India has the potential to
lead the world in social innovation.”
The Omidyar Network has made an investment
of about US$ 70 million in social initiatives and plan
to invest another US$ 100 – 200 million in the next
5 years. “It doesn’t really matter whether you invest
in a nonprofit organization or a for profit social enter-
prise. What matters is the social impact,” Omidyar
said.
“People in India are inherently capable but often
lack equal opportunity. Provided the right conditions
and a chance to display its deep talent, India has the
potential to become the social innovation hub for the
rest of the world,” he said.
The Tata group has a long history of philanthropy
Body art beyond borders
tranquility and intimacy through her work. “Without
henna in this busy city, I don’t think I’d get to know so
many interesting people,” she explains. “Henna is an
art of patience, and it relaxes. So when you do henna,
it holds two people together in hours of conversation
– so rare these days – and a real connection grows.”
Henna opens doors, too. “The work brings me
into people’s homes, so I have really explored New
York City. Event planners hire me to work in beau-
tiful venues. I even worked for a royal family from
the Middle East living for a month in the penthouse
of the Waldorf Astoria,” recalls Patangay. “The prin-
cess showed me her baby album, and told me about
how she spends her days. She was surprisingly down
to earth.”
Now in her mid-30s, Patangay grew up in India
practicing henna with her family at home. She moved
from Hyderabad in 1998 and studied at the New York
Institute of Technology. She notes that most of her
friends and fellow students knew little of her hobby
and she had no intention of making a business from it.
However, through a referral, the American Museum
of Natural History invited her to be part of a weekend
body art exhibit and represent India and henna art-
istry. “As a new immigrant, I couldn’t have asked for
a better venue to exhibit my work. Soon my business
grew and shortly after the event, I opened Henna
Studio, Inc.,” she says.
Although in India henna is more commonly part
of a beauty salon package along with nails, eyebrows
and a facial, in the US, Patangay finds that henna has
a different purpose. “Many American clients use
henna to explore innovative ideas. The applications
can be very creative. For instance, one of my clients
wanted her thumb impression done in henna on her
Feature
in India. Tata Trust, the nonprofit arm of the group
has been actively supporting social organisations and
individuals for several decades.
“It is easy to write a cheque but very difficult to
see the impact,” said J J Irani. “To see positive social
impact it is essential to have a wealth creation arm
and a delivery arm.”
“The basic problem in India is a problem of
scale. The Government must take initiative and
work closely with NGO’s as they cannot do it alone.
Frankly the previous generations have contributed
more than the current and this needs to change.” said
Ajay Piramal.
The Piramal Foundation has been supporting
several social initiatives in the areas of healthcare
and education.
Employee engagement is an important aspect of
corporate social responsibility and the Mahindra and
Mahindra group’s innovative strategy called ESOP
or Employee Social Options is a remarkable example
of employee engagement.
“The Government can show the way and have a
role to play and corporations must be a step ahead,”
said Anand Mahindra.
“There is no better way to understand your
strengths and discover how you can make a differ-
ence in the larger context than to voluntarily engage
in philanthropy,” said Madhabi Puri Buch.
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs recently sug-
gested companies spend 2% of their net profits for
social causes.
This is something that leading Indian business
houses already seem to be doing. However, the
concept of CSR in India is inclined more towards
corporate giving while globally the concept of CSR
is more about the triple bottomline.
The Indian philanthropy space gaining rapid mo-
mentum and is certainly something to watch out for
in the months to come.
(–IBNS)
ankle. It was a challenge to do a same size finger print
in henna, but in the end it was fun.”
Some customers get a little too creative. Once a
man called Patangay to ask for henna done as a pair
of decorative shorts. She was never able to find time
for that client. “One woman wanted a turtle on her
bottom,” she laughs. “I was also contacted to create
a mehndi design for Julia Roberts for the movie
Eat Pray Love, in which they planned to include a
wedding sequence in India. Eventually that scene
did not end up in the picture, but it was an interest-
ing process to go through, getting the measurements
for her hand and working on a stencil that would be
converted to a temporary tattoo.”
Chandrasekhar has also had unusual requests,
including a cityscape across a man’s chest and shoul-
ders, and a “green man” with leaves and plants sur-
rounding a face on a client’s back.
Both Chandrasekhar and Patangay extend their
artistic talents to the more traditional canvas – paint-
ings. Recently, Patangay held an exhibition in New
York of her hennography, which incorporates paint-
ing and photography of henna artistry done on a
model or on canvas. She also designs henna-inspired
jewellery, ceramics and wedding cakes.
Chandrasekhar is part of a network in the Bay
Area of henna artists that refer each other in case of
illness, or when an artist needs help for a large event.
“Henna artistry is fulfilling but the work is challeng-
ing. Even if you are really good at henna, you have to
have a good business sense as well, marketing your-
self, knowing what your clients want and all the while
being a professional.”
(Photo Courtesy Kamala Chandrasekhar/Henna World)
– SPAN /Trans World Features (TWF)
29
Indian
Expecting? What to eat?
Varsha Asrani
“I am expecting” these three words brings tremen-
dous joy to the entire family and as soon as the
news is shared, the focus shifts to the “would be
mum” and “soon to arrive baby”.
It is a well known fact that nutrition and diet
during pregnancy is of prime importance and this
is also practiced in most cultures, however at times
we ignore the healthy side of nutrition in pregnancy.
Research confirms, the age old myth of “Eating
for two” is no more true and it also emphasizes the
need for eating healthy during these times for both
the “would be mum” and the “arriving child”.
During a recent consultation, my client’s Mum
in Law stated “that feeding clarified butter (Ghee)
can ease delivery, while this has not been proven;
research states excessive fat and sugar intake may
lead to insulin resistance in both the mother and
the child which may result in making the baby fat
causing complications and maybe a strenuous de-
livery too. Traditionally preparing foods loaded
with fat and sugars for varied reasons may not have
any significant value.
Another common myth is “Consuming full
cream milk can get your baby a fair complexion”,
again there is no scientific research supporting this,
definitely the extra cream in the milk will get the
“would be mum” those extra kilos which will pos-
sibly stay even after the baby arrives. It is of prime
importance, that milk is consumed to get the ad-
ditional calcium needed for the development of the
baby’s bones; this can also be achieved through
trim milk which at times contains more calcium
than whole or full cream milk. Compare labels to
know the difference, for more details on reading
labels you can join one of the label reading tours,
visit www.varshaasrani.com for more information.
A well balanced diet should be made up of all
four food groups i.e. fruit & vegetables, breads
30
Column
& cereals, milk & milk products, and meat/fish/
chicken/vegetarian protein. The diet should consist
less of high-fat, high-sugar, low-nutrient foods and
it is important throughout pregnancy to consume a
healthy, nutritious and balanced diet.
Remember, during pregnancy your energy re-
quirements does not double, so pregnancy isn’t an
excuse to fill up on chocolates and chips!
Research highlights that important nutrient like
folate has found to reduce the risk of spinal cord
defects like spina bifida. Good sources of folate are
green vegetables, legumes and citrus fruit as well
as fortified cereals and fruit juice, however with
these nutrients, when you consult your GP, they
may prescribe a folic acid supplement (if needed).
Iodine is another important nutrient during
pregnancy, for the baby’s brain development, good
sources of iodine includes iodised salt, seaweed,
seafood, dairy products, eggs and fish. It is impor-
tant that you consult a health professional to iden-
tify the need and the right products.
Another area of prime importance during
these times is the knowledge of food safety. Un-
fortunately some foods like pre-cooked meats and
salads may cause food borne illnesses like listeria,
food poisoning, which can be a cause for concern
during pregnancy. Generally, hot well cooked fresh
foods are best choices. For more details contact the
NZ Food Safety Authority and / or a health profes-
sional.
This article is a general guideline ONLY. Please
see a health professional for individual conditions
and needs.
Varsha Asrani is a New Zealand Registered
Dietitian. For personal consultations she can be
contacted on 0210524353. For any questions, sug-
gestions or views please email her on info@var-
shaasrani.com.
By Ruby Dhillon
Recipe
Vegetarian Barbecue
In summer, barbecue is an integral part of the kiwi way of life. With many Indians prefer-
ring to be vegetarians, I am giving a general recipe in which many different vegetarian
things can be marinated like cauliflower, capsicum, egg plant, button mushrooms,
paneer, tofu and even rings of potato and onions !
In the below recipe I have mentioned mushrooms - but they can be substituted with
other above mentioned vegetarian stuff.
Ingredients l Red chilli powder - 1 teaspoon
2 Capsicums cut into chunks
l l Salt - 1 teaspoon
l 15 Button mushrooms cut into halves l Besan ( Chana gram flour)
l 1 big onion cut into chunks - 1 tablespoon
l Half cup thick curd l Oil for basting
l Quarter cup cream l Wooden skewers
l Ginger garlic paste - 1 teaspoon each l Lemon wedges
l MDH tandoori masala - 1 tablespoon l MDH Chat Masala
Method
Mix curd, cream, ginger paste, garlic paste, besan, cream, chilli powder,
salt and tandoori masala into a thick marinade in a large bowl. Whisk
vigorously to ensure homogenous mix.
Add the button mushrooms , capsicum chunks and onion chunks to the mix and
leave to marinate for at least one hour. If you prefer spicy add more red
chilli powder.
Tip: Dip the wooden skewers in water. Doing this will not burn the skewers
during the barbecue process.
Thread the mushrooms, capsicum and onion alternately on the skewers and cook
on the barbecue for not more than 5-7 minutes - rotating to ensure even
cooking. Keep basting with oil to ensuring that the mushrooms do not dry and
shrivel.
Serve with lemon wedges and sprinkle chat masala.
Indian Weekender | February 18, 2011 | www.iwk.co.nz
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Indian Weekender | February 18, 2011 | www.iwk.co.nz 31

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32 Indian Weekender | February 18, 2011 | www.iwk.co.nz