Indian Weekender 9 October 2015

The pulse of Kiwi-Indians

9 October, 2015 • Vol. 7 Issue 29 • www.iwk.co.nzNZ’s first Kiwi-Indian weekly newspaper

Preparing Gen Next

9 October 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz

Red Black Orange

2 NEW ZEALAND

Address: 471 Dominion Road, Mt Eden, Auckland / Contact No: 09 631 5858

Steamboat got long history in China, our restaurant got different style of steamboat

with special homemade sauce

Spicy chicken with homemade sauce Deal expires on 9th of November

Chef recommend Lamb spine with homemade soup

Boiled fish with pickles and chili Deal expires on 9th of November

Spicy prawn with homemade sauce Deal expires on 9th of November

Steamboat got long history in China, our restaurant got different style of steamboat

with special homemade sauce

Bring the vouchers and get these $5 value deals

Deal expires on 9th of November

$5value

$5value

$5value

$5value

www.iwk.co.nz | 9 October 2015

Red Black Orange

3NEW ZEALAND

Celebrating Sikh heritage and cultureSwati Sharma

Gurudwara Sri Kalgidhar Sahib Takanini and Supreme Sikh Society

of New Zealand celebrated Sikh Children’s Day on October 3 and 4 in Auckland. More than 600 children took part in the two-day event that showcased the Sikh culture.

Children from Sikh Heritage School and all over New Zealand took part in various activities and religious competitions including Kavishri, Gatka (martial arts), Dastar-bandi (turban tying), poetry, speech, Gurbani singing, Sikh art and essay writing.

On the second day of the event, sports competitions were organised that included race, kabaddi and football. All the activities took place at Gurudwara Sri Kalgidhar Sahib in Takanini. Parliamentarians including Dr Parmjeet Parmar

and Mahesh Bindra graced the occasion with their presence, who also distributed free goodies and giveaways.

Children from as far as Hamilton, Te puke, Tauranga and North Shore came to participate in the two-day heritage celebrations. The concluding event—Fun Day—will take place on October 10 at Rainbow Ends, Manukau.

Clockwise from above: Young boys performing the Gatka (martial arts), children dressed in traditional attire, participants singing Gurbani, boys participating in the Dastar-bandi (turban tying) competition.

Photo credit: Savi B Creations


Red Black Orange

4 NEW ZEALAND

• Two freehold titles totalling approximately 2,117m²• Superb main street frontage, zoned Metropolitan Centre under the PAUP• Easily accessible to State Highway One and surrounded by a large residential catchment• A building of approximately 320m² well located on Great South Road, which has an average daily traffic count of approximately 22,000 cars per work day (2014 results)This opportunity offers a significant rental income of $160,577.92pa + GST and OPEX from one of the most successful international restaurants - Wendy's Old Fashioned Hamburgers.Access is via State Highway One to Auckland CBD. The property is amongst other national and international companies such as Jett's Fitness Gym, KFC, Domino s Pizza, Countdown Supermarket, Hell Pizza andMcDonalds. A rare gem that astute investors should not overlook!

Feast Your Eyes on This80–82 Great South Road, Papakura, Auckland

Property Details Land Area Lot 1 1,037m² (more or less)Land Area Lot 2 1,080m² (more or less) Zoning Business - Urban Commercial 2 (Papakura section 1999)PAUP Business - Metropolitan Centre

Tenancy Details Name of Tenant Wendco (NZ) LimitedTerm Of Lease Twenty (20) yearsCommencement Date 31st May 2000 Every third (3rd) anniversary of the commencement dateRights of Renewal NilNet Rental $160,577.92pa + GST + OPEX

For Sale by Auction (unless sold prior)11am, Wednesday 28th October 2015Bayleys, 4 Viaduct Harbour Avenue, Auckland, New Zealand

Eddie ZhongM +64 21 227 7110B +64 9 489 [email protected] Howe-Smith Realty Ltd, Bayleys,Licensed under the REA Act 2008

Damian StephenM +64 21 80 80 92B +64 9 489 [email protected] Howe-Smith Realty Ltd, Bayleys, Licensed under the REA Act 2008

Peter MigounoffM +64 27 492 0788B +64 9 295 [email protected] Bayleys Real Estate Ltd, Papakura,Licensed under the REA Act 2008

www.bayleys.co.nz/378076

Indian music foundation launchediwK Bureau

A foundation for the promotion of Indian classical music and arts got off to a promising start in

Auckland last weekend.The Mohan Nadkarni Foundation,

named after one of India’s best-known musicologists and authors, was inaugurated with a concert of classical music with accomplished singers from Dubai, Australia and New Zealand.

A website with a selection of the Late Mohan Nadkarni’s 50 years of writings was also launched on the occasion. These writings were hitherto not available on the web and for the first time will be accessible to students, music lovers, historians and researchers free of cost, no matter where they are located.

The concert at the Green Bay High Performing Arts Centre began with a Ragamala performed by wellknown Auckland vocalists Vidya Teke and Manasi Kulkarni. The 16-raga garland was performed with great finesse, setting the perfect tone to the fest of music that was to come. Auckland’s Samir Bhalodkar on the Harmonium and Sanjay Dixit from Wellington on the Tabla accompanied all the vocalists with great aesthetics, skill and aplomb.

A film comprising artistes’ tributes to the author and musicologist was screened next. It featured Switzerland- and US-based sarod maestro Ken Zuckerman, celebrated violin exponent Kala Ramnath

(based in Mumbai and the US) and well known vocalist Vidushi Lalith J Rao from Bengaluru, India.

Dev Koppikar’s recital followed the film. The banker from Sydney who has always been a keen student of Hindustani vocal music rendered his fare brilliantly. He sang raga Madhuvanti followed by a couple of lighter pieces to the delight of the discerning audience that had swelled to fill the well-appointed auditorium.

It was post interval that the evening’s main highlight unfolded. Milind Chittal of the hallowed Kirana tradition of Hindustani vocal music—whose lineage boasts legends such as Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and a host of others—began his offering with raga Puriya Kalyan followed by a rare rendition of the ancient Dhrupad-style ‘nome-tome’ in raga Abhogi that progressed into a khayal and a

drut. His rendition of the famous Marathi devotional abhang of Sant Eknath, Maaze Maher Pandhari, had the audience in raptures. He concluded with a traditional bhairavi.

The concert, which was organised in association with Might-I (Migrant Heritage Charitable trust), was well received, with many in the audience making a beeline for the stage to congratulate and thank the artistes for their sterling performances and click pictures.

The foundation plans to promote classical music education as well as endeavour to build platforms for young and upcoming talent while presenting quality performers to wider audiences in New Zealand. To read the Late Mohan Nadkarni’s writings on the web, visit www.mohannadkarni.org.

(Left to right): Sanjay Dixit, Milind Chittal and Samir Bhalodkar at the concert

Free information workshops for migrants

Auckland Regional Migrant Services (ARMS) is running five free settlement information

workshops for migrants in October on several topics, including legal rights and renting, to help newcomers settle into the city.

From October 19 to 23, ARMS will be running information workshops at the ARMS Regional Offices at 532 Mt Albert Road, Three Kings Plaza in Three Kings.

The Auckland organisation is also running a four-day course on communicating in a Kiwi workplace. The course runs on Sunday, October 4, 11, 18 and 25 at the Peace Place, 2F/22 Emily Place, Auckland CBD.

Workshop details:

�NZ’s Education System and Library Services (info session), October 19, 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. �Health System in NZ and Community Safety (info Session), October 20, 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. �Home Ownership and Tenancy in NZ (info session), October 21, 9.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. �Budgeting and Financial Systems in NZ (info session), October 22, 9.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. �Legal Rights and Responsibilities in NZ (info session), October 23, 9.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. �ARMS English Pronunciation, October 4, 11, 18 and 25, 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.

For more information or to register, contact: 09 625 2440, [email protected]


Red Black Orange

5NEW ZEALAND

Dairy with 3 Bedroom Accommodation in East AucklandAsking $195,000 + Stock Ref 44838 (UNDER CONTRACT)

Dairy with Lotto in Central Auckland Weekly Sales $15,500 (incl Lotto) Asking $149,000 + Stock Ref 44951

Dairy/Takeaway with 3 Bedroom Accommodation in Pukekohe Weekly Sales $7,000 Approx Asking $85,000 + Stock Ref 44634

Dairy and Grocery Store in South Auckland Weekly Sales $8,000 Approx Asking $59,000 + Stock Ref 44990

Entry Level Superette in South Auckland Weekly Sales $10,000 Approx. Asking $110,000 + Stock Ref 45222

Nice and Spacious Dairy in West Auckland Weekly Sales $11,000 Approx. Asking $120,000 + Stock

Dairy in Auckland CBD Weekly Sales $9,000 Approx Asking $40,000 + Stock Ref 45048

Dairy & Fruit & Vege Shop in West Auckland Weekly Sales $8,000 Approx Asking $59,000 + Stock Ref 45026

Fruit & Vege Shop in North Shore Weekly Sales $7,000 Approx Asking $59,000 + Stock Ref 45001 Freehold Option Available

Dairy With Accommodation in Hawkes Bay Weekly Sales $40,000 Approx Asking $490,000 + Stock 45049 Freehold Option Available

Dairy in Hamilton Weekly Sales $14,000 Approx Asking $129,000 + Stock

Dairy and Lotto with 3 Bedroom Accommodation in Hamilton Weekly Sales $32,000 Approx. Lotto Sales $5,500 Approx. Asking $450,000 + Stock Ref 45120 (UNDER CONTRACT)

Dairy in Whanganui, Same Vendor for past 9 years Weekly Sales $12,000 Approx Asking $160,000 + Stock Ref 44929 (UNDER CONTRACT)

Dairy in Auckland Weekly Sales $14,000 Approx Asking $149,000 + Stock Ref 45077

Dairy in East Auckland Weekly Sales $9,000 Approx Asking $99,000 + Stock Ref 45087

Dairy in Auckland Cheap Rent $173 per Week Weekly Sales $7,500 Approx Asking $80,000 + Stock Ref 45075

Dairy in East Auckland Price to Sale Asking $29,000 + Stock Ref 45183

Fruit & Vege In West Auckland Weekly Sales $17,000 Approx Asking $180,000 + Stock Ref 44467

Fruit & Vege In Auckland Weekly Sales $20,000 Approx Asking $150,000 + Stock 44835 (UNDER CONTRACT)

Subway Franchise in Auckland CBD Asking Price $180,000 + Stock Ref 44741(SOLD)

Subway Franchise in Auckland Asking $250,000 + Stock Ref 45092 (UNDER CONTRACT)

Subway Franchise in Auckland Asking $280,000 + Stock Ref 45091

Habitual Fix Franchise for Sale in Auckland Asking $110,000 + Stock Ref 45006

Franchise 5 Days Café in Auckland CBD Weekly Sales $12,000 Approx Asking $159,000 + Stock 4495

Franchise Café for Sale in Auckland Weekly Sale $13,000 Approx. Asking $275,000 + Stock Ref 45127 (UNDER CONTRACT)

Liquor Shop for Sale in Auckland CBD Weekly Sales $14,000 Approx. Asking $130,000 + Stock Ref 45162

Sandringham ‘Best Biryani’ CompetitioniwK Bureau

A special and delicious food treat is on for biryani lovers during October. Best Indian and Sri

Lankan food outlets of Sandringham are taking part in the Best Biryani competition.

Lisa Loveday, the inspiration behind Sandringham’s first ever Best Biryani Competition, reveals her reason for launching this inaugural event.

“The idea came about when we noticed how competitive the restaurants were, especially about Biryani. Everyone thinks theirs is the best!” says Lisa, owner/operator of Eat Auckland and Sandringham Food and Spice Tour.

So over the month of October, expert judges will be sampling the Biryani at seven Sri Lankan and Indian restaurants in Sandringham to decide whose is best.

The restaurants taking part will display a poster in their shop window with the Biryani/s they are entering.

“The judging is blind so every day the chefs will be making their best Biryani— making October a terrific month to visit Sandringham and try this traditional and delicious celebration dish,” says Lisa.

Diners can also mention their favourite Sandringham Biryani in October on the Facebook page www.facebook.com/bestbiryanicompetition and be in to win a meal for two at the winning restaurant.

The awards for the best meat biryani and best vegetarian biryani will be announced at the Sandringham Village Street Festival on 31 October.

Sandringham, just over 5 SW kms out of Auckland’s CBD, has in recent years become a hub of Indian and Sri Lankan restaurants and Asian supermarkets and attracts people from all over Auckland. The vibrant annual festival will feature fabulous food, music, street stalls and community performances. This year most restaurants participating will be offering $5 tastings.

About LisA LovedAy

Lisa Loveday is a food writer, chef and food technologist and a loyal Sandringham resident. She is also the owner/operator of Eat Auckland walking food tours, the principal sponsor for the Sandringham Best Biryani Competition.

ADVERTISE WITH INDIAN WEEKENDER

CALL US ON022 3251630


Red Black Orange

6 NEW ZEALAND

A shared passionAs the season kicks off, here’s a look at how cricket helps Indians feel at home in ChristchurchGaurav Sharma

Having lived in Austria and UK before relocating to Christchurch two seasons ago, Suhas

Nawada, a doctorate student at University of Canterbury’s chemical engineering department, was itching to restart his club-level cricket career once again.

“Even though it’s such a pretty city, nobody plays cricket in Vienna where I lived with my family. It was a bit better in Sheffield, UK, where I moved for my masters. But Christchurch is way better in terms of cricket infrastructure, playing opportunities, and the welcoming attitude locals have towards cricket-playing immigrants like me.

Cricket is a religion in India, with Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar a de facto god. So while Christchurch with its ‘white city’ image may sometimes feel alien to people from the Indian sub-continent, cricket definitely helps in smoothening the settling-in for a lot of us,” noted Nawada, who incidentally was also the player of the season for Christchurch’s renowned 111-year-old cricket club St Albans’ 3C team last year.

Alan Jamieson, who is the president of St Albans Cricket Club added, “Christchurch is home to around 10,000 active cricket players with many from India. Apart from the obvious difference in playing conditions, with more bouncy and less turning pitches, Indians may find it difficult to adjust to

the cold weather and the different cricket culture in Christchurch initially. But once that is taken care of, we find the love and passion Indians have for the sport is just amazing.”

One thing that shines out for all Indians playing club cricket in Christchurch is the infrastructure that the city has put in place even after suffering the devastating earthquakes of 2010-11.

Bibin Joy, vice-captain of Marist Harewood Eco Travels 3B cricket team, who hails from Kerala and has been in Christchurch since 2012, “While all of us

have sweet memories of playing street cricket in India, what we have here is something special, especially in terms of the number of pitches.”

Mike Harvey, General Manager at Christchurch Metropolitan Cricket Association (CMCA)—the organisation that looks after the adult club and youth Cricket in the city, explains, “During the season, we have at least 100 functioning cricket pitches—combining the artificial ones used for junior cricket as well as the clay turfs. Also, the money spent to run the season successfully every year by all stakeholders

including the CMCA, City Council and Canterbury Cricket is between three to four million dollars, which is quite substantial for such a small city.”

Harvey also informs that out of the total 125 cricket teams across all grades in Christchurch, around 6 to 8 have mostly Indian players. “These teams are mainly from Marist Harewood, East Christchurch Shirley, Addington and Halswell cricket clubs,” he said.

One of these teams is East Christchurch Shirley’s 3B team King’s XI Punjab, whose captain Sahib Sasan—from Jammu and Kashmir in India—shifted to the Garden City in 2010.

“I think cricket plays a dual-role in terms of developing Indian-Kiwi as well as Indian-Indian camaraderie. While it helps Indians immigrating to Christchurch integrate in the local culture, it also aids in us getting to know other Indians who are already settled here. We moved to Christchurch in search of a better life. That better life also has cricket in it, is definitely an added bonus.

“One of my favourite images from this winter is how in June and July when the entire city was shivering and the grass was covered in icy frost, I use to come to our club’s pavilion at Hagley Oval on Sundays only to find a group of Indians playing cricket at the nearby Hagley Park in bone-chilling cold. This is so inspiring for all of us,” concluded Jamieson.

East Christchurch Shirley’s 3B and King’s XI Punjab team members


Red Black Orange

7NEW ZEALAND

2A Margan Ave, New Lynn (Corner of Margan Ave & Ti-tirangi Road) Auckland

Navdeep Singh Mob: 021 114 4522, Ph: (09) 827 5858Email: [email protected]

Open 7 Days7.30am - 7.00pm

New Lynn FreshSpecials from

Fri 09 Oct to Sun 11 Oct*

Best Quality fresh veggies and fruits available at low prices

WHITEBUTTON MUSHROOMS

$6.99per Kg

TELECUCUMBER

$1.99per Kg

BANANA

$3.99 per Kg

REDSEEDLESSGRAPES

2 for $4

NZ LARGEROUND EGGPLANT

$1.99Each

Many more specials in store!

* conditions apply

Eid food festival in Auckland

iwK Bureau

the International Eid Food Festival is being celebrated on October 11 this year at Kelston Community

Centre, Awaroa Park, whereas the women-only evening will be celebrated on October 10. Generally organised around the Eid festival, this year the unpredictable weather conditions delayed the festival.

The festival provides women from diverse ethnicities an opportunity to come together to network and share stories. A line of good speakers has also added to this years’ event.

The festival day on October 11 will feature savoury food sold by enterprising

and diverse communities. There will be Halaal food from countries such as India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Fiji and Somalia along with a range of vegetarian dishes and New Zealand’s popular BBQ’s and chips.

Anne Degia-Pala of EthNix Links and Advocacy Network (ELAN) has been instrumental yet again in bringing this diversity event in the spirit of sharing and peace building. ELAN is an advocacy group promoting the wellbeing of ethnic women and families in Auckland.

“Community engagement is done best at ground level,” says Anne.

The event is supported by the Auckland Council Henderson-Massey Local Board and various community organisations.

Wellington launches first mobile police station

New Zealand’s first custom-built mobile police station was launched last week.

Police said the station-in-a-van will make it easier for people, especially those without transport to access officers.

It will be used across the Wellington district, but there are possibilities of similar mobile police stations to be used in other districts as well. Senior Sergeant Derek Orchard said the new van would benefit communities across the

district. “This mobile police base is a huge asset for our district. It enables us to get out into our community and really connect with our community and work together to make a difference,” he said.

Orchard said the concept was unique and had been in the works for about two years.

“It’s a complete set up, it’s fully sufficient, so we’re able to go anywhere and meet all of the needs of the community. This is the first of its type and I’m hoping to make it a very successful operation.”


Red Black Orange

8 NEW ZEALAND

Prerna Sinha P rerna Sinha is a 27-year-old multi-

talented, career-oriented and passionate Kiwi-Indian woman

residing in Auckland, New Zealand. She is the reigning Kiwi Indian Young Achiever of 2015.

Prerna works as a Senior Developer in the Product & Infrastructure Department of GrabOne, one of the most successful websites in the country. She is also a DJ and has been spinning at some of Auckland’s best night clubs under the pseudonym ‘DJ Charlie’.

She has been a part of and performed at some of the biggest events in New Zealand. She has a very loyal following of music listeners globally. She has also been featured on local and international radio shows in the US, the UK and UAE.

She is also an Official Brand Ambassador of Audio-Technica in New Zealand. Audio-Technica is a worldwide group of companies devoted to the design, manufacture,

marketing and distribution of state-of-the-art audio equipment.

She was awarded as Entrepreneurial Challenge Winner of Miss Universe New Zealand 2014 and also finished in the Top 10 in the pageant.

Prerna made New Zealand her home when she moved here as an international student in 2006 to pursue her undergraduate studies in IT.

Prerna’s journey and achievements so far have made her an influential and inspirational woman in the Kiwi- Indian community.

Introducing the speakersIndians have excelled in different fields in

New Zealand. With the Kiwi Indian Thought Series, we want to showcase the talent pool that is constantly contributing to the growth and success of New Zealand. Whether it is an anecdote, a personal experience that changed your life, interesting ideas or innovative thoughts that you would like to share, we give you a platform to showcase what you have brought “From India to New Zealand.”

Indian Weekender presents

Kiwi Indian Thought Series

Auckland Diwali Festival 17–18 October 2015

Theme : From India to NZ

Kiwi Indian Thought SeriesKiwi Indian Thought Series

Prerna’s journey and achievements so far have made her an influential and inspirational woman in the Kiwi-Indian community.

Date: 17-18 October | Time: 5-7 p.m.Venue: Limelight Room, Level 3 Aotea Centre


Red Black Orange

9NEW ZEALAND

Gurpreet SidhuGurpreet, a well known yoga

instructor in Auckland, has learnt the ancient Indian practice from

many world famous yoga teachers and gurus including Sri Sri Ravi Shankar of Art of Living, Baba Ramdev, Vipasana and Sivananda. She has not only mastered yogasnas but also has explored the spiritual side of it. She can be truly called a blend of both.

She has completed a teacher training course in India, papers in anatomy for yoga, ayurveda and is currently working towards completing a nutrition diploma. She is also a qualified chef.

As she is passionate about cooking, she is also practicing Ayurvedic cooking to contribute more towards health and wellness of the society by motivating her yoga students for a thoughtful diet.

She is fond of reading books on yoga, philosophy and life stories of yogis and has been learning yoga sutras of Patanjali. A believer of ‘everything happens for a reason’, she believes that yoga is a tool of one’s transformation that teaches us to love everyone.

Yoga, she says, has not only the power to heal the sickness and diseases of people but also gives us the ability to control things we think we have no control over. And that has been her biggest motivation to continue

walking on this path.Gurpreet believes that yoga has

helped her to be physically, mentally and emotionally strong in every situation of life. She says that through yoga practice one becomes more sensitive to people’s energy and also become present with what they need.

She encourages teens to learn yoga and meditation and hopes that young women can learn to accept their bodies. She says that seeing more men being enthusiastic to join yoga these days is amazing.

She wishes to serve the community with this ancient Indian practice. Come and listen to her to find out more about how yoga has so much to offer and how you too can make yoga your personal refuge.

Himanshu TyagiA fter a weekend of intense

competition at the NZ Culinary Fare, NZ Chefs National Salon

announced 25-year-old Aucklander, Himanshu Tyagi as 2015 New Zealand Chef of the year.

Himanshu, also known as Shaun, took out the prestigious award with his entries in the Seafood platter and the entree, main and dessert categories.

Shaun works at Chikos Restaurant and Cafe in Henderson, West Auckland. Shaun worked tirelessly in his spare time for two months preparing for the competition and is now buzzing from the event itself and his new title.

Originally from a small village in Delhi, India, Shaun came to New Zealand in 2011 to complete his chef training.

When asked what inspired him to train as a chef, Shaun is not entirely sure, but admits he always liked food, although before coming to New Zealand he had never seen or heard of many of the foods he now works with. Shaun now loves cheffing and thinks feeding others is a real privilege.

Shaun is thankful to his many mentors, including, Andrew McGregor, Olivier Schirm, Grant Kitchen and most recently

Chikos’ head chef and owner Roberto Manuel, a multi award-winning chef himself with vast international experience.

Shaun wants to keep learning about international food culture and plans to continue competing in culinary competitions. He dreams of representing New Zealand at an international level.

Shaun believes working with a calm and peaceful mind is key to his success, he enjoys teaching others and never wants to stop learning. He says that most of his inspiration comes from the rich cultural roots he has and his best creations are a fusion of Indian and Western tastes.

Listen to Shaun talk about the global appeal of Indian cuisine and how Indian flavours create magic.

Kiwi Indian Thought SeriesKiwi Indian Thought Series

Ram LingamRam Lingam is a writer and

commentator on Indian culture and has specific

interests in the wisdom traditions of India. He is born and bred in Mumbai and has made New Zealand his home for almost two decades.

Ram is a prolific writer on Indian culture and blogs at ‘India Sutra’ (www.indiasutra.co.nz) to showcase the enigma and charm of India that has been a retreat for intellectuals and seekers the world over for many centuries.

He also contributes as a culture columnist for community newspapers in New Zealand, India, Australia and the USA. He is actively engaged in the community as an educator and a

conference speaker. His presentations are well researched and speaks to challenge the pedestrian view of Indian spirituality. Some of his recent presentations this year were on:

‘Timeless Peace and Modern Ignorance’ at The Peace Place, Auckland. Concept of Mind according to Acharya Shankara” at the international ‘Mind Body Self’ conference hosted by Victoria University in Wellington.

‘Origins of Yoga’ on the first International Yoga day, Mt Roskill Grammar, Auckland.

‘Insights on Dharma’ to the Pastoral Council of the Auckland Catholic Diocese. ‘I AM, therefore I think’ is his next talk, by the end of this month and this will be based on the Advaita

teachings of Acharya Gaudapada at The Auckland Spiritual Discussions Meetup Group.

Recently he was interviewed by TV ONE for their breakfast show on the ‘Story of Rama’ miniature painting exhibition at the Auckland Art Gallery. In his other community roles, Ram is the General Secretary of the Manukau Indian Association and Executive member of the Auckland Interfaith Council. He also manages the BollyworX community health project to promote health and well-being in the South Asian and Indian communities here in Auckland.

Besides that, Ram works in the New Zealand public sector as a National Learning and Development Advisor.

Yoga, she says, has not only the power to heal the sickness and diseases of people but also gives us the ability to control things we think we have no control over.

Shaun believes working with a calm and peaceful mind is key to his success, he enjoys teaching others and never wants to stop learning.


Red Black Orange

10 NEW ZEALAND

Government should act now on OECD tax changesNational cannot

delay timing and implementation of the

OCED’s new tax changes and must act now to crack down on multinational tax avoidance, Labour’s Finance spokesperson

Grant Robertson says. “The OECD has announced significant proposed changes to base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) that will make it harder for large multinationals to avoid their tax obligations in this country. But this will only happen

if National implements the new rules.

“It is ridiculous for ministers to say ‘no decisions have been made by New Zealand on implementation or timing’.

“National has used these negotiations as an excuse to avoid

cracking down on multinationals paying tax.

There are no more excuses left. The time to act is now.

“Currently it is incredibly unfair that small Kiwi businesses pay their fair share of tax while some large foreign companies are able to avoid

it. “New Zealand will still remain an attractive place to do business if these rules are implemented. This is just about creating a level playing field.

“There is no need to delay implementing these changes,” Grant Robertson says.

Supporting people with mental health issuesMental health awareness week is a

timely reminder of the support people can give each other and

the health services available. The theme of this year’s mental health awareness week (5-11 October) is ‘Give—Give your time, your words and your presence’.

“It’s important people get the mental health support and services they need. One in five New Zealanders are affected by a mental illness every year, with depression and anxiety the most common forms,” says Health Minister Jonathan Coleman.

“Funding for mental health and addiction services has steadily increased from $1.1 billion in 2008/09 to more than $1.4 billion in 2014/15.

“The government is working to improve mental health services through Rising to the Challenge—The Mental Health and Addiction Service Development Plan.

“It’s a collective effort by the Ministry of Health and other Government agencies, DHBs, NGOs and primary care to enhance service integration and expand access to services.

“A number of mental health initiatives are underway, including the recent $500,000 funding boost for initiatives targeted at rural communities.

“$64 million has been invested over four years to support young people through the Prime Minister’s Youth Mental Health Project. The 26 initiatives bring social sector services together across the health sector, schools, and communities. We are also addressing the impact of suicide by

strengthening support for families and communities, and extending existing services through the New Zealand Suicide Prevention Action Plan.”

DHBs now have plans in place, in partnership with their local communities, to prevent and respond to suicide at a local level.

The Ministry of Health funds a range of mental health services through DHBs, NGOs and primary care—covering health promotion and education, primary care, and specialist mental health and additional services.

For more information on this year’s theme ‘Give’, one of the five ways to wellbeing, and what people can do to support others, visit the Mental Health Foundation’s awareness week website www.mhaw.nz.


Red Black Orange

11NEW ZEALAND

THE HUB - Royal Oak ™

Education Centre Programme

The Tuition CentreAfter School &

Evening Classes

Classes start from 4pm onwards, dependent onregistrations and interest. We accept late registrations throughout the Term.

All bookings are for two terms.

Ph: 625 7506

691 Manukau Rd-Upstairs in the Royal Oak Mall Entry is from Manukau Rd.

Open for registration 2:30pm-6pm M-F Term Time We reserve the right to cancel any class if it hasn’t filled.

WE OFFER OSCAR APPROVED, AFTER SCHOOL CARE FOR CHILDRENAGED 5 YRS - 13 YRS OLD, FROM 3PM - 6PM SCHOOL DAYS

SUBSIDIES MAY APPLY.

www.thehubroyaloak.co.nz

Registered Large Professional Premises

[email protected]

We accept Visa or Direct Debit.

Book Two Terms

receivediscount

25%

(conditions apply)

691 MANUKAU ROADUpstairs in the Royal Oak Mall (Entry from Manukau Rd.)

•English5yearsandupwards•Maths5yearsandupwards•Piano/keyboard5yearsupwards•Art7yearsupwards•Saturdayclasses9amto12noonEnglishArtandChinese

Ph:[email protected]

Registered Large Professional

Premises

Diversification through innovation, key to Business Growth Agendausing innovation and digital

transformation to drive diversification of New Zealand’s

economy is a major theme for the update of the Building Innovation chapter of the Business Growth Agenda.

Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce has outlined the Government’s strategy for developing NZ into a hub for high-value and knowledge-intensive businesses that are conducting more research and development (R&D) to lift innovation.

“Increasing innovation through R&D will drive better firm performance and productivity growth, and ultimately lead to a wealthier and healthier community,” says Mr Joyce.

“We will strengthen NZ’s innovation infrastructure by investing in broadband connectivity and regional research institutes and supporting the development of innovation hubs and precincts.

“The Government has announced an ambitious new target of peak broadband speeds of at least 50 Mbps by 2025, with 99 per cent of New Zealanders able to access broadband at that speed, and the remaining 1 per cent able to access to 10 Mbps—up from dial up or non-existent speeds.

“Our ICT and digital sector in particular is embracing this concept and is growing at pace. The sector produces twice as many innovations that are new to the world than the New Zealand average.

“It is also one of our most R&D intensive sectors, with 37 per cent of computer system design firms investing in R&D

compared with a NZ average of just eight per cent.”

Encouraging business innovation is one of the seven priorities in the BGA Building Innovation update. The seven priority areas are:

} Encourage business innovation; } Attract multi-national R&D investment

in New Zealand } Strengthen NZ’s innovation

infrastructure } Make the most of the digital economy } Proactively review market regulations } Increase the impact and relevance of

publicly funded scientific research, and } Grow the availability of innovation skills

in New Zealand.The BGA 2015/16 Building Innovation

update contains a total of 34 new projects that government agencies will work on over the next year alongside 28 current projects. A total of 33 projects have now been completed in the innovation stream since the BGA began in 2012.

“The government remains committed to its goal of encouraging NZ’s business sector to double its expenditure on R&D to 1 per cent of GDP,” Mr Joyce says. “R&D performed by NZ businesses has been growing steadily and grew by 6.4 per cent a year from 2010 to 2014. However, this growth is occurring from a low base and we have not yet closed the gap with other advanced economies. Our aim is to create the conditions that allow businesses to be ambitious and innovative,” says Mr Joyce.

TPP delivers significant benefits for NZthe Trans-Pacific Partnership

Agreement will deliver significant benefits to New Zealand and build

on the hard-won gains from previous free trade agreements, Trade Minister Tim Groser says.

“This comprehensive agreement offers much better access for New Zealand goods and services in 11 important markets across Asia and the Pacific.

“TPP breaks new ground for us. It is our first FTA relationship with the United States—the world’s biggest consumer market—as well as with Japan, Canada, Mexico and Peru.

“As a result, New Zealand will now have FTAs covering our top five trading partners—Australia, China, the United States, Japan and Korea.We’ve seen from previous FTAs, including the China FTA, how positive they have been for New Zealand trade and investment, and therefore in supporting jobs and growth for New Zealanders,” Mr Groser says.

Tariffs will be eliminated on 93 per cent of New Zealand’s trade with its new FTA partners, once TPP is fully phased in. This will ultimately represent $259 million of tariff savings a year—around twice the savings initially forecast for the China FTA.

As a result of TPP: } Tariffs on beef exports to TPP countries

will be eliminated, with the exception of Japan where tariffs reduce from 38.5 per cent to 9 per cent.

} New Zealand dairy exporters will have preferential access to new quotas into the United States, Japan, Canada and Mexico, in addition to tariff elimination on a number of products.

} Tariffs on all other New Zealand exports to TPP countries—including fruit and vegetables, sheep meat, forestry

products, seafood, wine and industrial products—will be eliminated.TPP also reduces non-tariff barriers

to trade and ensures fair access for New Zealand firms doing business in TPP countries.

“TPP sets high standards in many areas,” Mr Groser says. “New Zealand is already an open, transparent and trade-friendly country, which means only a fraction of TPP’s obligations will require changes to our current practices.”

The most significant change is an extension of New Zealand’s copyright period from 50 years to 70 years. The cost of this to consumers and businesses will be small to begin with and increases gradually over a 20-year period.

“Consumers will not pay more for subsidised medicines as a result of TPP and few additional costs are expected for the government in the area of pharmaceuticals. There will also be no change to the PHARMAC model,” Mr Groser says.

Investor-state dispute settlement provisions have been included in TPP, as they have in previous FTAs.

“Overall, TPP is a very positive agreement for New Zealand, further improving access to international markets, which supports our exporters to grow and create new jobs.”

Like any free trade agreement, TPP will go through New Zealand’s Parliamentary processes and is expected to come into force within two years.

Trade Minister Tim Groser


Red Black Orange

12 NEW ZEALAND

Winston PetersNZ First leader

Parmjeet ParmarNational List MP

Barry CoatesGreen Party

David ShearerLabour MP

Iroquois giveaway disappointing

there could be no clearer example of the lack of government’s will to bring economic gain to the regions

than the sale of the Iroquois helicopters. These workhorses started service with the RNZAF in 1966 but have been retired and now sold. Ten were put up for international tender. While at least five New Zealand companies sought to buy these, they will go to an American spare parts company.

For Dakota Air Parts it was a cheap buy, assisted by a favourable exchange rate. As one company said, “They’ll charge us 10 times or more what they paid when we want to buy.” It’s disappointing that the copters

were sold to overseas buyers, particularly given several of the New Zealand companies say they could have added more than 10 jobs through generating more work and business by acquiring the copters and parts.

Many of the bidders are based in the regions, such as Taranaki and Rotorua, where jobs are sorely needed. But they were up against the odds—a government that did not spare a thought for Kiwi businesses, but at the same time makes a song and dance about supporting regional development.

When the government is buying goods and services it is required to “Give NZ suppliers a full and fair opportunity to compete”. It is clear this National government pays no heed to that and it’s clear this does not apply to sales.

In Parliament Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee said he had considered giving the Iroquois away. He might as well have. Selling them overseas means no gain for NZ, just loss of new jobs, loss of new business and loss of resultant economic growth.

The state of our schools

one of the great things about life in New Zealand is our excellent education system. It’s traditionally

been one of the best in the world, and Kiwis have been justifiably proud of it over generations. But problems are brewing—our $11 billion school property portfolio is in bad condition. Many schools are struggling

with leaky buildings, old obsolete classrooms, and increasingly long delays in getting these problems fixed. It’s particularly bad in Auckland. More than half of all schools are at least 50 years old—meaning high maintenance costs are inevitable, and in some cases, complete replacement is required.

You’d think newer schools would be fine, but unfortunately that’s not the case. As a result of the National Government’s deregulation of the building industry in the early 1990s, schools were built with inferior materials and workmanship. Many are now leaking, mouldy and falling apart.

The result has been a massive bill to the taxpayer as school buildings have not stood the test of time. In my electorate, Western Springs College—built on insecure

ground—has been awaiting a full school rebuild for several years. The community expected the project to be completed by now, but it hasn’t even been started. Worse, the Ministry hasn’t even released rebuild plans. Delays have become the norm.

It’s tough on students. A whole cohort has started and completed their schooling in the time since everyone thought a rebuild would have been completed.

The same is true of Balmoral School—built with inferior materials and now riddled with leaks. All teachers want to deliver the best they possibly can to their students. Even in barely-functioning or mouldy buildings they do their best.

But it’s difficult when they can’t get a straight answer from the Education

Ministry on when their school will be fixed and fit for purpose.

Many schools have stopped spending money on maintaining their faulty buildings because they’ve been told they’re going to be pulled down. Yet nothing’s happened. In some cases this has gone on for years. I’ve had principals complain to me that the Ministry is asking them to take shortcuts such as fixing buildings that clearly should be demolished and rebuilt.

Meanwhile, the school-age population is growing, and we’ll need $1.3 billion in new school buildings over the next decade.

If the Ministry of Education is having trouble funding the necessary infrastructure for our schools, it needs to be transparent about that.

TPP unlocking opportunities for NZ

As a small country relying on exports, New Zealand can’t get rich selling things to ourselves.

That’s why the 800 million customers in the recently completed Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement will make all the difference. It will build on the government’s wider plan to diversify and

strengthen our economy, support more jobs, and provide more opportunities for Kiwis to get ahead.

As the largest economy in the world, the United States is responsible for over a quarter of all household consumption in the world. Japan is the third largest economy and TPP includes both of them. New Zealand has being trying to get free trade agreements with these two countries for 25 years.

The 12 countries involved in TPP account for 36 per cent of the world economy. Last year, New Zealand sold $28 billion worth of goods and services to the other 11 countries in TPP. With these numbers in mind, it’s no surprise TPP is New Zealand’s biggest ever trade deal. TPP will save New Zealand exporters around $259 million a year in tariffs they currently have to pay just to get their

products into these markets. That’s money they can now spend growing their businesses, and employing more New Zealanders on higher wages.

Take the New Zealand dairy industry for example. This deal will save them $102 million on the $4.6 billion worth of products exported to TPP countries.

Another industry set to benefit is New Zealand meat—$2.3 billion worth is sold to TPP countries and this agreement will save us around $72 million in tariffs.

Other industries set to save millions of dollars in tariffs include wine, horticulture and forestry.

Tariff savings are just the start of the benefits this trade agreement offers to New Zealand. Barriers to access are often even more important to exporters. Eliminating

these barriers will unlock enormous opportunities. All this is expected to be worth at least $2.7 billion a year to New Zealand by 2030. We know from the free trade deal with China these figures are likely to be underestimated. Two-way trade with China exploded after that deal was signed.

Now that TPP negotiations have concluded people will see that many of the concerns raised previously have not been reflected in the agreement. To touch on a few of these concerns we have not given up our right to govern our own country and New Zealanders will not pay more for subsidised medicines.

The signing of TPP is positive for New Zealand and it’s going to be a real boost for our economy. It has been welcomed by many of New Zealand’s top export companies and business organisations.

Our role in achieving the Global Goals

on September 25, 193 world leaders came together at the United Nations to sign up to 17

Global Goals. These ambitious and far-reaching

goals aim to achieve three main outcomes over the next 15 years—to end extreme poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and to limit the impact of

climate change. These are aims that we should all support. However, as always, it is easier to sign up to lofty aims than to ensure that they are achieved. There are huge barriers ahead. Achieving any one of the three major aims will require an unprecedented global effort, with leadership, cooperation and resources that are all lacking today.

The question we face in NZ is whether we will be a force for positive change in achieving the goals or whether we will remain stuck in our pursuit of narrow self-interest. The prospects for NZ to play a positive role in the fight against poverty are not encouraging. The NZ government’s level of overseas aid remains stuck at one third of the UN-agreed level, and even though the government was forced into providing 600 additional places for Syrian refugees, New Zealand still

takes far less refugees per person than most OECD countries. New Zealand is also not stepping up to the fight against inequality and injustice. The Global Goals apply to all countries (not just developing countries) and child poverty in New Zealand remains far too high.

Around one in four children live in poverty, many of them suffering from cold and damp homes, poor nutrition, inadequate schooling and ill-health. Inequality and injustice are routinely ignored by this government.

Perhaps the most challenging of the Global Goals is in tackling climate change. New Zealand’s record has been abysmal. Our greenhouse gas emissions have risen by more than 20% under the National government and we are being left behind as other countries (including India and China) invest heavily in solar power, public transport and tree planting. The target that the government has

proposed for the crucial UN talks in December has been widely criticised by experts as one of the least ambitious of any country.

New Zealand could be playing a far more positive role towards achieving the Global Goals. We should do so because it is important for our future and a future for our children, as well as supporting others. What we do matters, not because we are big, but because others look to New Zealand to stand up for what is right.

The Green Party would make it a priority to end poverty, fight inequality and injustice and limit the impact of climate change. We would work with all communities across our society to tackle these challenges. We would bring people together with a common purpose and make us all proud to be New Zealanders building a better world.

Barry Coates is 16 on the Green Party list, just outside Parliament. www.greens.org.nz


Red Black Orange

13NEW ZEALAND


Red Black Orange

14 FIJI

News source: Fiji Sun

Breast cancer awareness for women Women need to place

more emphasis on their health, says Fiji

Cancer Society Western branch volunteer Milika Wata-Marshall.

With breast cancer awareness increasing this month, Ms Wata-Marshall said there were women still reluctant to come forward and get tested for breast cancer.

“Many women, whether they are working or not, have a tendency to focus on work and their families that their health is put on the backburner,” she said.

“This is especially true for our local women who come in for medical checks too late as a result of fear.” She said there were still cases where women were diagnosed with cancer, but failed to seek proper treatment. Instead,

Ms Wata-Marshall said that those women chose alternative sources of medicine. “By the time they receive treatment, it becomes too late because the tumour grows big. We want to urge women to get proper medical attention and now, there are methods such as chemotherapy that can help

you,” she said. Cancer was still considered a taboo subject within many families.

To curb this, Ms Wata-Marshall said, NGOs were working hard to intensify awareness programs in rural communities to try and empower women. “We believe the media can assist with this because

newspapers, TV and radio have a huge influence on our lives,” she said.

“Fiji has a huge number of deaths in breast cancer each year mainly because of late screening and leaving the hospital services until the very end.

“We want to inform people not to wait. Health centres all over the country have nurses who will conduct the screening for you, not only breast checks but cervical checks also.”

Meanwhile, a high tea to raise funds for Pinktober will be held at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi. A percentage of sales from the event will go towards the Fiji Cancer Society’s breast cancer awareness programmes and assistance to patients.

Fiji to celebrate 45th Independence Dayindependence Day will be

celebrated nationwide this Saturday with

divisional programmes themed Togetherness in Harmony for a Prosperous Fiji. The Government has urged all Fijians to join in

the celebrations. “As Fijians, we can all honour the significant progress we have made and reflect upon the challenges our nation has overcome.

“It is a day to make a recommitment to the principles

of our beloved country, anchored by the platform of equality for all Fijians.

“In respect of the principle of caring for our fellow Fijians, this year’s Fiji Day programme includes the government

initiative, ‘Taking the Spirit of Fiji Day’, to the children with special needs, homes and orphanages.

“The theme signifies the ultimate objective of national development to achieve prosperity for all Fijians.

“We call on every Fijian to celebrate Fiji Day in a meaningful way, and to join in the programmes in Suva, Labasa, Lautoka and Levuka and other local communities.”

European Union welcomes Fiji’s abolishment of death penalty

F iji has been praised for being the 99th country in the world to have joined

the ranks to abolish the death penalty of all crimes.

The European Union has welcomed Fiji’s decision to abolish the death penalty through the RFMF Amendment Act of 2015.

EU Ambassador to the Pacific, Andrew Jacobs, says this is a big step forward for the nation as they prepare to commemorate World Day against the Death Penalty on Saturday.

He adds that it’s important to continue to push for the abolishment of death penalty worldwide, as it represents an inhumane, degrading treatment.

“There is no proven deterrent factor in having the death penalty and having a death penalty allows judicial errors, which can no longer be corrected after a death penalty has been carried out.”

Jacobs says Fiji’s repeal of the death penalty will hopefully trigger similar positive moves in the region.

The EU is calling on the remaining island countries-Tonga, Nauru and Papua New Guinea to abolish the death penalty as well.

Earlier this month, Foreign Affairs Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola told the UN that Fiji’s ban on death penalty stemmed from the growing international trend to remove capital punishment.

Kububola adds that this is consistent with Fiji’s new Constitution which guarantees every person the right to life.

Fiji Day celebration in Englandthe Rugby World Cup is

heading to Stoke-on-Trent when fans have a

chance to scrum down with the Fijian national side.

The Pacific Island side will be in the Potteries with their own Fijian High Commissioner Solo Mara to celebrate Fiji Day.

And the players, who have been battling with England, Wales and Australia in the World Cup, are taking time out from the line-out to be at the King’s Hall on

October 9. Fiji Day is the national celebration of their independence from Britain in 1970, usually honoured on October 10.

The event will include traditional Fijian cooking and musical and dance performances for the High Commissioner’s enjoyment.

Cllr Randy Conteh, Stoke-on-Trent City Council for Penkhull and Stoke, said, “It’s great news that the King’s Hall is once again able to host the Fijian National Day celebrations and in the presence

of such esteemed guests. “It builds on the excellent event we held last year. It will be a real coup for the city to not only welcome the High Commissioner again, but to also have stars of one of the biggest rugby tournaments on the planet in attendance. The players will only have finished their last group game against Uruguay on Tuesday October 6, and it is fantastic that they have chosen to mark their national day in Stoke-on-Trent. “It again shows our city’s credentials

in being able to stage national and internationally significant events. It promises to be a great day and demonstrates our city’s ability to celebrate diversity and different cultures.”

Kathy Tami, a Fijian fine art student at Staffordshire University, said, “It’s a great honour honestly to welcome them both into Stoke, because it marks an important step for us coming together as a whole community here in the UK.”

Climate change projects

two climate change projects in Fiji and the Pacific expected to significantly

boost attempts to combat the effects of climate change will focus primarily on crucial programmes.

One of the programmes is supporting developments for more renewable energy sources, and the other being adaptation.

On Tuesday night, the European Union celebrated the start of the programmes at the Holiday Inn in Suva, held in honour of the pilot project dubbed “Adapting to Climate Change and Sustainable Environment (ACSE)”.

The ACSE programme is funded by the European Union and implemented by German Agency for International Cooperation called GIZ.

ADVERTISE WITH INDIAN WEEKENDERCALL US ON022 3251630

Nadi to host Miss Fiji Pageant Festival in two weeks for the first time

Nadi will host the First Miss Fiji Pageant Festival in two weeks

time where a queen contestant will be crowned to represent Fiji in the Miss South Pacific Pageant.

Chairman Hirdesh Prasad

says the festival will be held from the 17 to 24 October at Koroivulo Park.

Prasad says there are currently nine contestants and once Miss Levuka is crowned this Saturday

she will be the 10th contestant.Miss Fiji will be crowned

on the 24 October and will represent Fiji in the Miss South Pacific Pageant in December in Cook Islands.

Last year's South Pacific pageant contestants


Red Black Orange

15

NEWS in BRIEF

FIJI

Accredited Agent

www.ecotravels.co.nz

Get registeredwith Eco

Loyalty program and win an iPad

in lucky draw on 1st NOVEMBER 2015

Lucky winner of Eco Loyalty Programe

September 2015

LavanyaPerumandi

AFTER HOURS0800 00 29 84

we will beat any valid

written fare

FREE MONEY TRANSFER*

Starting from $1475* (Incl. Taxes)

Starting from $1665*(Incl. Taxes)

Starting from $1195*(Incl. Taxes)

Starting from $1465* (Incl. Taxes)

Starting from $1075* (Incl. Taxes) Starting from $1100* (Incl. Taxes)

ECO CARDwww.ecotravels.co.nz

Loyalty Card No.100001

Eco Travels’ Holiday Package Deals

Special Fares to Indian Subcontinent

• Mt Albert: 0508 15 16 17 • Henderson: 0800 024415 • Christchurch: 0800 024418• K-Road: 0800 024409 • Manurewa: 0800 024413 • Hamilton: 0800 024408• Papatoetoe: 0800 024411 • Mt. Roskill: 0800 024414 • Pukekohe 0800 024246• Old Papatoetoe: 0800 024412 • Pakuranga 0800 024423 • Tauranga: 0800 024417• Airedale St: 09 5506236 • Three Kings: 0800 024410 *Conditions Apply. All above fares are starting from and subject to availability.

Fly withMalaysia Airlines and Get $10 FREE

4 nights/5 days

from $1465* per personFly Qantas

4 nights/5 days

from $1599* per personFly Qantas

3 nights/4 days

from $192* per person

4 nights/5 days

from $349* per person

Singaporeon Sale

ThailandHidden Heavan

Hello

HonkongBrisbane City Stays

News source: Fiji Sun

Patel retains presidency

Ra j e s h P a t e l will lead

the Fiji Football Association for another four years. He won the election for President at the Fiji FA Annual Congress in Ba. Patel defeated the lone contestant Shalendra Prasad by a vote count of 37 to 16. He says he will continue developing the sport in the nation.

“I am really happy today that the current management have been retained. I thank the districts for their continued support towards us and assure them that Fiji Football will look after them and also those districts who voted against me, I assure them that they will be given equal support from the Association.

“We will continue with the development works around the country and try our utmost best to take the nation to another level.”

Tarunesh Reddy and Yogeshwar Singh also retained their vice president’s seats while Edwin Chand also won his vice president’s post unopposed. Current coach, Carlos Buzetti’s term expires at the end of next month.

Film Fiji awaits confirmation on shooting of Hollywood movie

F ilm Fiji is waiting for the confirmation from CBS Productions on whether it will

shoot a major Hollywood movie in Fiji soon.

Film Fiji C h a i r p e r s o n Shaenaz Voss said she can confirm that CBS Productions has been in the country for the past few months and they are in the process of going back.

Voss said some Bollywood movies are also expected to be shot here if all goes well.

India provides new set of tools for Fiji womenMore women groups in

Fiji will now have the opportunity to receive

sewing machines and establish tailoring programmes for women.

This has been made possible through 300 sewing machines that were presented to the Ministry of Women by the Government of India.

Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Rosy Akbar thanked the Indian High Commission for the timely donation. “Since 2009, the Ministry has so far distributed

3,077 sewing machines to 1,709 communities and 25 individuals. I’m proud to state here that these sewing machines have become reliable tools in improving lives of women and children.

As of 2009, the Ministry has received a total of 800 sewing machines from India. These sewing machines will help the women to learn sewing skills

and also earn income for their families. I express our heartfelt appreciation to the Government of India for such a timely and significant donation.

“I am confident that during the National Women’s Expo 2015, there will be a grand display of sewing products.

“When we staged the ninth divisional craft show in Suva, women sold a wide range of items that were produced using the sewing machines that had been given to them by the Ministry.

This indicated that they had made a good use of the tools

provided to them. The new set of sewing machines given today will propel us to expand the coverage of women’s organisations and individuals in Fiji,” Minister Akbar said. Indian High Commissioner to Fiji, Gitesh Sharma said that the Government of India looks forward to more strengthened collaboration with Fiji.

“We have always been happy to have this wonderful partnership with Fiji.

“In 2009 we had contributed 500 sewing machines to Fiji and I am sure they are assisting women to generate income and

live a dignified life. Fiji and India have a special friendship and we will continue working together to make a positive impact in the society.

We look forward to many more projects and proposals from the Ministry particularly those that are focussed on the empowerment of women and children,” Mr Sharma said.

Catholic Women’s League President, Susana Evening, said the sewing machines project is a profitable venture.

Editorial— Francis of Assisi

Thought of the weekStart by doing what’s necessary; then do

what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.

From the desk of the Managing Editor

today I would like to talk about an ancient Chinese story I heard which I was very impressed with. This is the story of the battle between King Chou of Yu who had 700,000 soldiers and King Wu of Chou who had 800

soldiers. Although King Chou of Yu had 700,000 soldiers, they lost the battle because

they were in dotai ishin, “ of different minds.” Although King Wu of Chou had 800 men, they won because they were in itai doshin, “different bodies but one mind.”

Even though an individual has one heart, if he has two minds, he will achieve nothing because these minds oppose each other. Yet a hundred or even a thousand people can definitely attain their goal if they are one in spirit or of one mind.

Therefore in any endeavour it is important that the entire team working towards a common goal are all of the same mind.

In a week, the spotlight will be on us Indians as the Auckland Diwali Festival comes alive at Aotea square. This is the heart of Auckland city and that will be beating with everything Indian—from the performances to the food and the handicrafts. I hope all our readers are looking forward to this and will be attending in large numbers.

When else do we get the opportunity to see Queen Street being blocked due to the scale of the celebration? It is time to invite your friends and family members to the event to come and get a taste of India in the heart of Auckland. It will all be there.

Indian Weekender is the official media partner for the event and will be there in full strength to meet everyone. Look out for our team members who will be happy to get your impressions along with your pictures to be featured in our paper.

The other exciting activity that this festival features is the Kiwi Indian Thought Series. Indians are innovators. We have given the world many gifts of our intellect and advancement as a civilisation. In honour of this thought, we have themed the current series on “From India to New Zealand”.

Under this, we will proudly feature some significant gifts that Indians have brought with them, that are now contributing to New Zealand. Needless to say, there are many other people around the country who are doing exceptional things and we can only feature a few of them on this occasion. However, it is important that this dialogue starts somewhere and then grow from there. We look forward to our readers supporting the series at the event. Let us all support our very own festival in the “spirit of many in body one in mind”.

Our next issue will be a special issue around the Auckland Diwali Festival with complete information on everything that you need to know about the festival.

Please look after yourselves and let us gear up for the festivities.

Giri Gupta

Tip from the trenches

Pick of the week

Photographed by a member of the Expedition 45 crew, the image captures the winding Indo-Palistan border lit by security lights. It is one of the few places on Earth where an international boundary can be seen at night. Photo credit: NASA’s Earth Observatory

Courtesy : Satish Acharya

1. Turn off your WiFi and Bluetooth when you are not using them2. Put your phone on airplane mode while driving3. Charge you phone up to three times faster by putting it on airplane mode4. Keep your screen brightness on “auto” in settings5. While indoors, keep your screen brightness to a minimum6. Close apps running in the background7. Lock you screen before putting it in your pocket

Tips for longer phone battery life:

Indian Weekender : Volume 7 Issue 29

Publisher: Kiwi Media Group Limited Managing Editor: Giri Gupta | [email protected] Editor: Annu Sharma | [email protected] Chief Reporter: Swati Sharma | [email protected] Reporter: Rizwan Mohammad | [email protected]: Esha Chanda | [email protected]: Kumar Suresh | [email protected] Technical Officer: Rohan Desouza | [email protected] Graphic & Layout Designer: Mahesh Kumar | [email protected] Designer: Yashmin Chand | [email protected] Accounts and Admin.: Farah Khan | [email protected] Sales & Marketing: 022 3251630 / 021 1507950 / 09-2137335 | [email protected]

Views expressed in the publication are not necessarily of the publisher and the publisher is not responsible for advertisers’ claims as appearing in the publication

Views expressed in the articles are solely of the authors and do not in any way represent the views of the team at the Indian Weekender

Indian Weekender is published by Kiwi Media Group, 98 Great South Road, AucklandPrinted at Horton Media, Auckland

Copyright 2015. Kiwi Media Group. All Rights Reserved.

Shake a legPronounced: shake a leg| Meaning: command to hurry up

usage: Can you please shake a leg? i am getting late for work.


Red Black Orange

17OPINION / EDITORIAL

RBI’s monetary policy decision and its impactamit Kapoor

Last week Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Raghuram Rajan cut the

repo rate by 50 basis points to 6.75 percent. This reduction now takes the cumulative reduction since January 2015 to 125 basis points.

The decision was announced in the fourth bi-monthly review of the monetary policy and is seen by many as a bit surprising - because most economists, businesspeople, analysts and researchers had expected a rate cut of 25 basis points. A 50 basis point reduction was predicted by very few.

What made the RBI take the decision? A host of factors have played a crucial role. Broadly speaking, the factors taken into account can be conveniently clubbed under three broad heads: low inflation, domestic factors and global factors. While low inflation is a domestic factor, it has had played a very crucial role in the rate cut and is thus put under a different head.

First, CPI-based retail inflation in India continued to decline and in August was at a historic low of 3.66 percent. The WPI was seen too at historic lows and in the negative territory (-4.95 percent).

Much of this has to do with global commodity glut leading to a price collapse in the international markets and adroit handling of food items by the government. The collapse had led India’s Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) to argue that India is closer to a deflation territory and thus the rationale for this rate cut falls in line with CEA’s observations. Also, RBI has reduced its inflation forecasts for January 2016 from the earlier six percent to 5.8 percent. In all likelihood, inflation will be below this level by January 2016. To spur growth and maintain price stability the RBI has gone ahead with the decision. One must also notice that Governor Rajan has

been more than successful in taming India’s inflation from its historic double-digit peaks when he took over in September 2013 to bring it down to the present historic lows.

However, as the policy statement makes it clear the long-range target is to bring inflation to a level of five percent by the end of fiscal 2016-17.

Second, the RBI has factored in the local domestic scenario of growth, liquidity, investments, monsoon expectations and production and service activities. With respect to growth, the RBI has stated ‘a tentative economic recovery is underway, but still far from robust’. The liquidity

‘eased considerably during August to mid-September’. Despite the 14 percent deficient monsoon, first advanced estimates suggest foodgrain production to be higher than the previous year. The manufacturing sector seems to be ‘exhibiting uneven growth’. The manufacturing PMI remains in ‘expansionary mode’ in August despite slowing down in comparison to July. Service activity remained subdued as gauged from sluggish demand for cement and inventory of unsold residential houses. However, in the months ahead the government could boost the construction by spending on public works. Broadly speaking RBI has given due consideration to all the domestic factors before taking the decision.

Third, the RBI’s decision also takes into account global factors. These include, among others, the decision of the Federal Reserve to defer policy rate tightening to most probably later this year. Had the Fed increased the rates earlier this month, India’s policy stance could very likely have not been as forthright as it has been at present. Also external factors like global commodity glut primarily due to sluggish Chinese demand have helped India meet its fiscal

consolidation plans and helped ease inflationary trends. Another point that seems to have been looked at is the sluggish growth in Europe and recession-like conditions in emerging markets most notably in Brazil and Russia. China’s move from investment to consumption has seen the depreciation of the renminbi and some rough turmoil on the stock markets. All these international developments and their impact on India’s trading relationships have been factored into making the decision.

Thus, all in all, the decision seems prudent and well thought. One may ask what impact is the rate cut expected to have. If proper transmission does happen, the rate cut is expected to provide a boost to investment and consumption while increasing the inflation to a comfortable level.

Going ahead, it is expected that the banks pass on the benefits to the business sector and retail consumers. Already some of them have announced the plans to transmit the rate cut forward. Overall it bodes well for the growth of the Indian economy but a careful eye must be kept on seeing how far do the rate-cuts impact inflation.

‘Two states’; ‘Pakistan’s 4 point something’ and ‘what young India wants’Kumar SureSh

Last few days in the UN have been nothing but volatile. Russians and USA taking

on each other on the issue of Syria, world leaders talking about international refugees arriving in large numbers in Europe, problems in middle east, ISIS and what not?

In between all of this, Pakistan’s Prime Minister during the general debate, reminded the world that there remains a baap (father) of all the problems, the Kashmir issue, that needs to be solved as well between two states armed with nuclear arsenals.

Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif came up with a four-point formula to solve the 69 year old dispute with their neighbouring country India.

He suggested that there should be complete ceasefire on the Line of Control in Kashmir, neither country to resort to the use or the threat of use of force under any circumstances, demilitarisation of Kashmir and lastly the unconditional mutual withdrawal from Siachen Glacier.

If you are wondering as to what is so special about this proposal, the answer to that would be nothing. In fact, ever since Pakistan lost the race to the high

grounds of Siachen to Indians, it has been asking Indians to climb down and demilitarise the Kashmir state.

Its claim of Indian part of Kashmir has been persistent at the international forum. Interestingly, it is the Indian reply that has baffled the world this time and has left Pakistan’s ‘four point’ to ‘something’ very pale in comparison.

One can imagine the response of the Manmohan Singh’s government couple of years back to such behavior of Pakistan. Halting the talks and suspending the cricketing ties were the trademark replies, but not for this government.

Instead of being just a defender, India’s First Secretary

in the Permanent Mission of India to the UN, Abhishek Singh exercised the right to reply and accused Pakistan of occupying a part of Kashmir illegally and urged Pakistan to vacate POK (Pakistan occupied Kashmir).

It was a historical moment as India had used the word, Pakistan occupancy, for the first time in UNO and asked Pakistan to vacate POK.

It is interesting to note that even during the Shimla agreement after 1971 war, when India was in a better position to negotiate with Pakistan, it showed little interest to negotiate with Pakistan on POK front.

In the following years, it had taken a defensive approach of keeping silence over Pakistan’s

verbal attacks at UN and in other such meets. India always felt that the issue of Kashmir is to be resolved bilaterally and was against internationalising the Kashmir issue. But by reference to the POK, India has shown a drastic shift in India’s Kashmir policy.

The aggressive posture by the Indian government was even more evident when the external affair

minister, Sushma Swaraj said in her speech that there was no need for any number of points to be implemented and the only thing

left to be stopped was terrorism after which, the two countries can sit and talk.

Move by India obviously shook the Pakistani contingent at the meet, which had not expected the change in approach by the Indians. They were completely taken aback by the response.

They had expected nothing but defensive arguments at the summit. After unnecessary and deliberate silence over the matter at the international community over the years, the new India has roared what it wants.

This approach will surely make it difficult for Pakistan to raise the Kashmir’s demand at international summits from here on.

This doesn’t mean that the new stand will reduce the tension between the two countries nor will it stop shellings at the borders. Asking Pakistan to give up POK will also do little for India’s aspirations for Kashmir

This approach will only help India to deter Pakistan from internationalising the issue at every given opportunity. Only question that emerges is as to why this approach was never adopted by the previous regimes. At last, the government is doing what young India wants to do.

Its claim of Indian part of Kashmir has been persistent at the international forum. Interestingly, it has been the Indian reply, which has baffled the world this time and has left Pakistan’s ‘four point’ to ‘something’ very pale in comparison.


Red Black Orange

18

CALL : Shell 021 915 346 / Zulfi 021 915 329 / Tony 021 915 340Unit 0, 8 Bishop Lenihan Place, East TamakiP. 09 272 3522 / 272 3544 F. 09 272 3577 E. [email protected] | www.travelshopnz.co.nz

INDIA

Is Silicon Valley the right model for Indian start-ups?ravi Kiran

there is a pattern around Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to many

a foreign shore. A visit gets announced, media starts building up some excitement and collecting bytes, people quickly take sides and soon, we have quotes full of wisdom, advice and comments from many an expert.

As the prime minister arrives in the foreign land, a section of Indian diaspora feel genuinely touched by the ‘historic’ visit, cultural events get organised, yoga gets promoted, Bharat Mata gets her due slogans, media thrusts ‘How do you feel?’ mikes to local people’s lips, the prime minister’s comments are reported with excitement by our media here and more bytes are taken.

This last trip was not much different. From the Indian start-ups, innovation and venture ecosystem viewpoint, however, it was. While start-up founders may not care much about a permanent seat on UN Security Council for India, debates on sustainability

and the like, they do care about Silicon Valley.

Whether you are designing a low-heat mobile battery or an IoT device for agricultural applications or building the latest hyperlocal vegetable delivery service for north Thrissur, ‘the Valley’ is one of those terms which has been driven into your mind where it has found its secure place of worship. You read about it, you read tweets about companies there, you hear people referring to it in all start-up events, sometimes, if you have time, you even download and watch a show by the same name as a torrent or if you are ‘oh, one of those TV-types’, then on HBO. Any which way, you just can’t escape it.

How much of that excitement has borne fruit and how much of what the prime minister’s visit achieved will be good for our start-ups? That’s a question that may have different answers depending on who you are asking I guess. Here is my view.

Symbolic or substantive? Visits like this and meetings with the super-CEOs have a lot of symbolic value and would certainly be good for us in the long run, no

doubt about that. In many ways, India’s perception in the minds of overseas folks is qualified positive and to make it an unambiguous positive, we certainly need bridge building exercises.

It’s not possible to vote for symbolism only, but I don’t reject symbolism altogether. On this score, my vote is positive.

Are Google, Facebook and Qualcomm poor companies? I would love to read more about what our super CEOs will do for India and by when, but what I have read about the outcomes depresses me a bit. They all seem nice and you could argue something is

better than zero, but I feel Prime Minister Modi might have been better off talking to Sunil Mittal, Rahul Bajaj and 498 other Indian businessmen who could adopt one railway station near their home and make it WiFi enabled. Or one of our many unicorns and unicorns-to-be to create a fund bigger than the $150 million India-dedicated fund Qualcomm announced it would set up. Are these outcomes enough? How badly do we even need these? My vote: negative.

Let’s now turn to the real question: Is Silicon Valley the right model for Indian start-ups? While Silicon Valley’s demonstrated

ability to create global tech companies is laudable and it will continue to attract global-minded start-ups, the context of India, our social structure, regulatory understanding and our problems must be understood differently. This mindset to find one city as a role model rather than create a culture of innovation and risk friendliness is what is already making many people give Bengaluru the sobriquet of India’s Silicon Valley, is lazy, cheap and short-sighted.

I firmly believe that India needs more than one role model. Our issues are quite well known and oft debated. Does our government really understand innovation, risk friendliness and start-ups? Do we really want to have a supporting infrastructure? Are our policy-makers and implementers sufficiently outcome focused? Are our engineering colleges coded to create innovators? Do we, as a society, really value intellectual property?

I would love to know if our prime minister learnt something in the super-CEO meetings that would help us find lasting solutions to these issues in our own way.


Red Black Orange

19

Fraunhofer to propel ‘Make in India’ programmethe department of heavy

industries and leading German applied research

firm Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft signed a pact this week to augment ‘Make in India’ programme, an official statement said.

Fraunhofer will assume the role of ‘Technology Resource Partner’ for propelling innovation and technology prowess of Indian industry. The agreement’s thrust will be to create a road map for technological development for Indian industry, identifying and plugging technology gaps, implementing identified projects in manufacturing, and working with stakeholders in the government, industry and academia to increase cooperation in applied research.

The pact is a result of

the 12th Five Year Plan’s mandate of augmenting Indian industrial technologies through collaborations with Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft like institutes.

Availability of latest technology to capital goods sector and small and medium enterprises (SME) in industrial clusters will be the major benefits of the agreement, the statement added.

The department of heavy industries plans to conduct technology need surveys and carry out awareness campaigns, technology development and assimilation programmes.

F r a u n h o f e r - G e s e l l s c h a f t conducts research in 66 institutes across Germany employing 24,000 people and with a research budget of two billion euros.

Indian GDP predicted at 7.5pc in 2015-16improved investor sentiment

and resilience to external shocks are expected to

increase India’s GDP growth rate to 7.5 per cent during 2015-16 and further to 7.8 per cent in the next fiscal year, predicts the World Bank.

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, as per the bank, is lifted by cheap oil prices and the country’s limited exposure to the global financial turmoil.

“However, delays in the adoption and implementation of key reforms could affect investor sentiment. A weak trade performance and financial sector vulnerabilities could also hold back GDP growth,” said the World Bank in a statement. South Asia is expected to maintain its lead

as the fastest-growing region in the world, with economic growth forecast to accelerate from 7 percent in 2015 to 7.4 percent in 2016.

As per the report, South Asia could actually have cheaper prices, faster growth and bigger economies than previously thought.

“While the region is now in a position of strength, structural constraints holding back export and investment growth do persist. To keep the momentum and accelerate job creation, governments should enact reforms easing infrastructure bottlenecks and paving the way to greater competitiveness,” said the bank’s chief economist for south Asia, Martin Rama.

Government to invest Rs.70,000 crore in major ports development: Gadkari

the Indian government has said that it intends to spend Rs.70,000 crore on major ports to make them

more efficient and reduce logistics cost in the country.

The new target for investment in the port sector was made by the Shipping, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, who chaired the first meeting of the National Sagarmala Apex

Committee (NSAC). “About Rs.70,000 crore would be spent on development of major ports. We have received 104 suggestions from international consultants to increase their efficiency,” Gadkari said. “Once implemented, this will result in cargo traffic increasing three folds. Logistic cost will be reduced. Our logistic cost is thrice that of China’s.” According to Gadkari, the sector has a huge multiplier effect and that

shipping and highways sectors together have the potential to add 2 percent to the country’s overall output.

In March this year the government approved the concept and institutional framework of the Sagarmala project under which the NSAC was established.

The NSAC panel comprises the NITI Aayog vice chairman, union ministers from stakeholder ministries and chief

ministers of 10 maritime states--Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

The minister also highlighted a potential to transport 100 million metric tonne per annum (MMTPA) of thermal coal by coastal shipping till 2020, rather than other means of transport throughout the country.

India home to most poor, but poverty rate lowest: World Bank arun Kumar

india was home to the largest number of poor in 2012, but its poverty rate was one of the lowest among those

countries with the largest number of poor, according to a new World Bank report.

A new methodology applied to household surveys in India also suggests that its poverty rate could be even lower, the report noted.

The new method introduced in 2009-10 by the National Sample Survey Organisation using a shorter recall period for food items brings down the poverty rate to a significantly lower figure of 12.4 per cent. From a broader historical perspective, the global poverty rate has fallen by approximately 1 percentage point a year since 1990, with rapid poverty reduction in China and India playing a central role

in this outcome, the report noted. The number of people living in extreme poverty around the world was likely to fall to under 10 percent of the global population in 2015, according to World Bank projections.

In its regional forecasts for 2015, the Bank said poverty in South Asia would fall to 13.5 percent in 2015, compared to 18.8 per cent in 2012.

Bosch to invest Rs.650 crore in India

G lobal automotive major Bosch Ltd would invest Rs.650 crore (100 million euros) this year on its

innovation network in India, a top company official told Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Modi and Merkel got a firsthand view of Bosch’s research and vocational training activities in India through a presentation a company executive made on the occasion.

Bosch vocational centre in Bengaluru has trained about 2,500 apprentices since it was set up in 1961. Over the medium and

long-term, the 50-billion euro company expects to see positive development in India.

As part of the Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, Bosch will explore opportunities for its products and solutions in diverse areas such as mobility, infrastructure, industry, energy and security.

The Bosch group, which has nine subsidiaries and 14 manufacturing sites and seven development and application centres across the country, posted Rs.15,250 crore revenue in calendar year 2014.

INDIAINDIAINDIA


Red Black Orange

20 INDIA ABROAD

Indian American chief of US maritime’s education, training

An Indian American has been named chief of the education and

training wing of US Maritime Administration (MARAD), a media report said.

Shashi Kumar, currently dean of US Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York, has been appointed the deputy associate administrator and national coordinator for maritime education and training of the Maritime Administration, newsindiatimes.com reported.

Kumar will assume his new role in October this year. He will lead MARAD’s efforts to build a pipeline of future merchant mariners and working with state maritime academies to address the intersection between state and federal maritime education, including ship requirements, a US Merchant Marine Academy

(USMMA) statement said. “After serving at the US Merchant Marine Academy since January 2007 as the academic dean, and as interim superintendent three times, I am moving on to pursue other challenges,” Kumar was quoted as saying.

The Maritime Administration is the agency within the US Department of Transportation dealing with waterborne transportation and its seamless integration with other segments of the transportation system, as well as maintaining the viability of the US merchant marine.

“His commitment to delivering a world-class education has been an inspiration to the Kings Point faculty, staff, Midshipmen and alumni who have had the opportunity to work with him,” USMMA Superintendent Rear Admiral James A. Helis said.

Professor wins $625,000 MacArthur ‘Genius’ grant

Kartik Chandran, an I n d i a n - A m e r i c a n associate professor

of earth and environmental engineering at Columbia Engineering, has been named a 2015 MacArthur Fellow with a “genius grant” of $625,000 with no strings attached.

Chandran, an IIT Roorkee graduate, has won the fellowship for his work in “transforming wastewater from a pollutant requiring disposal to a resource for useful products, such as commodity chemicals, energy sources, and fertilisers.” He joins a distinguished group of 24 talented people who have all demonstrated exceptional originality and dedication to their creative pursuits, as well as a marked capacity for self-direction. The fellows may use the $625,000 stipend as they see fit.

“When I received the call telling me that I had been awarded a MacArthur Fellowship, I was rather

overwhelmed,” Chandran said. “I’d just returned to New York from India after a 24-hour flight and couldn’t believe what I was hearing.” He called the fellowship a “great honour which carries with it immense responsibility and provides ever more motivation to continue expanding my scientific horizons and boundaries and help solve global societal and human challenges.” Chandran’s research on the global nitrogen cycle and engineered wastewater treatment has been widely recognised.

In 2011 he received a $1.5 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop a transformative new model in water and sanitation in Africa.

His work is focused on integrating microbial ecology, molecular biology, and engineering to transform wastewater, sewage, and other “waste” streams from problematic pollutants to valuable resources in addition to clean water.

Chandran’s approach to transform wastewater into fertilisers, chemicals, and energy

sources also takes into account today’s climate, energy, and nutrient challenges.

Chandran, who joined the Engineering School in 2005, has also won the Water Environment

Research Foundation Paul L. Busch Award (2010), a National Science Foundation CAREER

Award (2009), and a National Academies of Science Fellowship (2007). His appointments prior to joining Columbia include his role as a senior technical specialist (2001-2004) with the private engineering firm Metcalf and Eddy of New York, where he contributed to New York City’s efforts to achieve significant improvements to its water quality. Chandran earned a BS (1995) from the Indian Institute of Technology at Roorkee (formerly University of Roorkee) and a PhD (1999) from the University of Connecticut. The MacArthur Fellowship grants are awarded annually by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

INDO-CANADIAN AmONG DeLTA SPORTS HALL OF FAme 2015 INDuCTeeSAn Olympic medal-

winning swimmer of Indian origin is among

the Delta Sports Hall of Fame inductees class of 2015, a media report said.

Pamela Leila Rai will be recognised at the 11th Delta Sports Hall of Fame gala banquet to be held at the Coast Tsawwassen Inn on October 17, The Now newspaper reported.

Launched in 2005, the Delta Sports Hall of Fame set as its

goal “to celebrate Delta sport achievement, recognise excellence and honour past, present and future role models”.

Rai is a recognised member of the British Columbia (BC) Sports Hall of Fame, the Swim BC Hall of Fame and the University of Victoria Sports Hall of Fame.

She represented Canada from 1976 to 1987 and won an Olympic bronze medal in 4x100- metre medley relay in Los Angeles in 1984. With the win she became the first woman of Indian ancestry

and first Indo-Canadian woman to win an Olympic medal, the report said.

Nicknamed Pam, she was born in New Westminster, British Columbia and has won awards in swimming, including University of Victoria Athlete of the Year,

City of Victoria Athlete of the Year, Pan American Games silver, and Commonwealth Games gold medals. Rai, who graduated with a degree in sociology, is a high school special education and social justice teacher and is also a certified yoga instructor.

She owns and operates Silent Motion Yoga Vedanta Centre on Vancouver Island. Rai’s father, Harinder Jit Singh Rai, was a member of the Canadian national field hockey team that qualified for the 1964 Olympic Games.

Indian-origin woman to represent Malaysia at UNESCO forum

A 21-year-old Indian origin woman has been selected to

represent Malaysia at the ninth UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Youth Forum to be held in France from October 26 to 28.

Tharishini Chandra Segaran, a third year student at the Melaka-Manipal Medical College, said she would like to bring up the concern and issues pertaining to health care services, besides education and gender equality at the forum, New Straits Times Online reported.

“During the forum slated from October 26 to 28 in Paris, apart from getting the opportunity to discuss and exchange ideas, any group that comes up with a good project would get recognition from the body and will be allowed to go back to their country and execute the project,” she added.

Segaran said she learned about the forum from UNESCO’s Facebook page a month ago and after discussing the matter with her parents, she decided to apply as an individual applicant.

The medical student was thrilled after getting a letter from UNESCO last week informing her about selection.

“It is exciting to visit a different country and meet all the young, exciting and eager participants. I am also nervous as I will be representing my country and I feel that it is my responsibility to uphold the image of Malaysia,” she was quoted as saying

Sikhs can now wear turbans at workplaces

s ikhs in Britain will no longer face legal action for wearing turbans in

majority of workplaces after the government announced a new set of rules.

“Turban-wearing Sikhs will now have the right to choose not to wear head protection and will be exempt from legal requirements to wear a safety helmet in the majority of workplaces,” an official statement from the British government said.

Since 1989, Sikhs working in the construction industry have been exempted from rules requiring head protection but because of a legal loophole, those in less dangerous industries, such as those working in factories and warehouses, were not.

A new landmark clause was added to the Deregulation Bill 2015 to extend the existing exemption in the Employment Act to all workplaces. “This change

demonstrates that, whoever you are, whatever your background, and whatever industry you choose, if you work hard and want to get on in life, this government will be on your side,” Priti Patel, the Indian-origin minister for employment and Indian diaspora champion, was quoted as saying.

“As the prime minister’s Indian Diaspora Champion as well as employment minister, I’m delighted to be part of the

government that has made this change. It makes me proud that Britain is the home of such a talented, ambitious and hardworking community,” she added. As per the new rules, should an individual suffer injuries as a consequence of not wearing head protection, employers will be legally protected through the extension of limited liability.

“There are exclusions for emergency response services and the military, which apply only in hazardous operational situations when the wearing of a safety helmet is considered necessary,” the statement read.

This may include, for example, entering a burning building or those where protective clothing needs to enclose the whole body in situations such as bomb disposal, or dealing with hazardous materials such as chemical leaks, biohazards or radiation.


Red Black Orange

21INDIA ABROAD

Auckland’s best vegetarian experience

Is Here

Auckland’s best vegetarian experience

Is Here

905 DOMINION ROAD, AUCKLAND

LOOK OUT FOR WEEKLYSPECIALS


Red Black Orange

22 SPORTS

Shashank Manohar elected new BCCI president

shashank Manohar took over as the new president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) . At a

Special General Meeting (SGM) of the board, he was the only candidate for the top post. The BCCI chief’s chair was lying vacant since September 20 when incumbent Jagmohan Dalmiya died in Kolkata. According to the BCCI’s constitution, a notification for an SGM to nominate a successor has to be issued within 15 days of the incumbent’s death. Manohar, a lawyer by profession, had held the top post earlier too from 2008 to 2011. The 58-year-old lawyer-turned-administrator was elected for a full two-year term as all the six East Zone units unanimously proposed Manohar’s candidature for the president’s post.

It was East Zone’s turn this time around to propose a name, and as Manohar was the lone candidate in the fray, he was elected for the second time. Among the six proposers for Manohar was Dalmiya’s son Avishek, who was representing the National Cricket Club (NCC) at the SGM.

The others who too proposed Manohar for the president’s post were Sourav Ganguly from Bengal, Sourav Dasgupta from Tripura, Gautam Roy from Assam, Ashirbad Behera of Odisha and Sanjay Singh of the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA).

“Thank you all for your wishes. As you all know, BCCI is a brand and brand is created because of fans. Now it will be our duty to bring back the reputation of the board which was lost for quite some time to normal position. I will continue to work on the issues Dalmiya had started working on. I will look to do my duty as best as possible,” Manohar told reporters at a press conference after being elected the president.

“We have to work on a couple of issues regarding the board and bring back the reputation back as easy as possible. I need two months’ time in which I will look into all the aspects and get back to you all. I have just taken over as the president as I am looking forward to perform my duty well,” Manohar said. BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur congratulated Manohar on becoming the new board president. “After the demise of Dalmiya we had to elect a president. And all six associations of the East Zone proposed the name of Manohar and he was elected unanimously,” Thakur said.

Sania-Martina win Wuhan Open titlethe top seeded pair of Sania Mirza

and Martina Hingis defeated the Romanian duo of Irina-Camelia

Begu and Monica Niculescu in straight sets to win the doubles title at the Wuhan Open tennis tournament in China last week

The Indo-Swiss combination—which did not drop a single set through the tournament—hardly broke sweat as they vanquished their opponents 6-2, 6-3 in one hour and nine minutes.

This was the seventh title that the Sania-Martina combination has won this year. The top ranked pair has also won consecutive Grand Slam titles at Wimbledon and the US Open earlier in 2015.

Sania’s partnership with Martina has helped her become the first Indian women’s player to take the top spot in the doubles rankings. This was also the Sania and Martina’s

second win over the Romanian pair this year.

They had earlier defeated them 6-4, 6-1 in the second round of the Italian Open in Rome last May.

Irina and Monica made a strong start in the second set by taking a 2-0 lead. But Sania and Martina bounced back by winning four consecutive games to take control of the match.

Indian hockey team beats NZ A 3-1the Indian men’s hockey team

outplayed New Zealand A 3-1 to get its Kiwi tour off to a

positive start in Auckland on October 2. Akashdeep Singh (third minute), Ramandeep Singh (20th) and Nikkin Thimmaiah (26th) scored for the visitors, who played their second match on October 3.

During the match, the first quarter started with New Zealand A going on the attack and earning two back-to-back penalty corners in the first few minutes. India’s star goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh displayed his quick moves to thwart both the attempts.

Later Ramandeep was seen brilliantly dribbling past the defenders and gave a beautiful pass to fellow forward Akashdeep, who was quick to put the ball into the nets without giving any chance to the New Zealand custodian in the third minute. After conceding a goal, New Zealand A players attacked again and looked for opportunities to score the equaliser.

However, the Indian defenders restricted their moves and maintained pressure on the home team. In the second quarter, centre-half Sardar Singh-captained India started with fierce attacks and kept the ball moving in the other half. In the 20th minute, Ramandeep sneaked into the defence line and scored a spectacular field goal, taking the score to 2-0. Inspired by Ramandeep’s goal,

defender Gurjinder Singh raced into the Kiwi circle and passed the ball to forward Thimmaiah, who outfoxed the defenders with his dribbling skills and made it 3-0 in the 26th minute. With this marvellous field goal, the Indians were in the lead 3-0 by the end of the second quarter.

Trailing 0-3, the New Zealand players managed to keep the ball in the Indian half and tried to create opportunities. In the 36th minute, they earned a crucial penalty corner and successfully converted it for their opening goal.

The Indians counter-attacked the home team and created pressure again. New Zealand were now playing a defensive game and kept their goal post protected. The scorecard stood 3-1 by the end of the third quarter in India’s favour.

In the fourth quarter also Indian forwards Ramandeep, Akashdeep and Nikkin kept the defenders busy and played most of the game in the opponent’s half. After a series of attacks from India, the match finished 3-1 in favour of the Asian Games champions.

Important to bounce back after this loss: Dhoniindia skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni

said he believes the team must play good cricket and bounce back in the

third and final match of the series following their six-wicket defeat at the hands of South Africa in the second Twenty20 International at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttak, Odisha on October 5.

Chasing India’s total of 92, South Africa crossed the line with six wickets in hand,

to also take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, the last of which will be played the Eden Gardens on October 8 (as reported on October 6).

“I don’t think we played good cricket. In the batting department, we just wanted to address run-outs and losing wickets in pairs. We didn’t improve on that.

“Overall, we didn’t bat well at all. It’s important to address what went

wrong. You get performances like these, what’s important is how you bounce back,” Dhoni said at the post match presentation ceremony.

“The calling needs to improve. At times you want to take a chance against the fielder.

“Sometimes you have to keep the dew factor in mind, because the ball will go to the fielder quicker,” he said. The skipper praised the team spinners for trying their

best against the visitors. “There was not enough runs on the board.

“One thing is for sure, our spinners are bowling well, and that has been our strength.

“In the coming games, it is important to give some of the other guys a chance, we have some time before the World T20,” he said.


Red Black Orange

23FEATURESJ0

0008

0

17-18 OCTAOTEA SQUARE

CELEBRATEINDIAN MUSIC,DANCE, FASHION& FOOD

17-18 OCT17-18 OCTAOTEA SQUAREAOTEA SQUARE

CELEBRATEINDIAN MUSIC,INDIAN MUSIC,DANCE, FASHIONDANCE, FASHION& FOOD& FOOD

#AklDiwali What’s on in AKL

aucklandnz.com/diwali

PRESENTED BY SPONSORED BY

J000080_Diwali15_IW_255x355 DPS_NPpages_FA.indd 1 16/09/2015 3:58:24 p.m.


Red Black Orange

24 FEATURES


Red Black Orange

25FEATURES


Red Black Orange

26 FEATURES


Red Black Orange

27ENTERTAINMENT

Don’t let hard times affect my film: Salman

bollywood superstar Salman Khan, who will be seen in his most adored character Prem in Sooraj

Barjatiya’s Prem Ratan Dhan Payo insists that the hitches that he is still going through in his life do not impact his films.

“I have been always going through hard times in my life, but that doesn’t affect my work,” he said at the trailer launch of the film.

When a reporter mentioned the difficult times Salman was going through at the time of shoot, he promptly replied, “Whenever I go through a difficult time in my life, my work in films becomes that much better. So remember that, and please don’t let those difficult times hamper the release of my film, because we have worked a lot for this film in that difficult time.” Despite a court sentencing him to five years jail in a rash driving case, Salman’s Bajrangi Bhaijaan became one of the record-breaking films at box office. His conviction was later suspended and he was granted bail.

“I am still going through it and keep on going through it. That’s my share of karma,” he spoke out. PRDP, which also features Sonam Kapoor, Anupam Kher, Swara Bhaskar and Neil Nitin Mukesh, will hit the big screens on November 12, a day after Diwali.

Shraddha wraps shooting for Baaghi

Actress Shraddha Kapoor, who will next be seen in Sabbir Khan’s upcoming Baaghi, has wrapped up

shooting for the film.The Aashiqui 2 actress took to Instagram,

where she shared a video featuring her and her crew shouting “pack up”.

Shraddha, who was shooting for the film in Kerela also shared on Twitter: PACK UP! #LastDay #Kerala #BAAGHI ? @sonaakshiraaj @shraddhastyles @jahanviparekh @amitthakur26 #Raju https://instagram.com/p/8TCZysqDTf/.

She also shared a series of photograph including one of cinematographer Binod Pradhan on Instagram and captioned the image: “So honoured to be shooting with a legend!! #BinodPradhan #DOP #BAAGHI,” she captioned it. The ABCD 2 actress will be seen romancing Heropanti actor Tiger Shroff in Baaghi. The romantic-action film produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and UTV Motion Pictures is slated for a 2016 release.

Talvar mints Rs.3 crore on opening day

A fter receiving critical acclamation, director Meghna Gulzar’s reality drama Talvar, based on the 2008

murder of 14-year-old Aarushi Talwar and her family’s domestic servant Hemraj, has received a good response at the box office.

The film, starring Irrfan Khan and Konkana Sen Sharma, collected Rs.3 crore.

“Talvar has been received very well on its release day. The film has garnered tremendous critical acclaim and positive word of mouth,” the spokesperson of the

film said. The film, which released alongside Akshay Kumar starrer Singh is Bliing and Hollywood film The Martian, managed to make its presence felt at the box office with positive word of mouth publicity. Its collection is expected to hike towards the weekend.

Akshay Kumar wants to again work with Sylvester Stallone

bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar, who got an opportunity to work with Sylvester Stallone in the 2009

film Kambakkht Ishq, says it was “great” working with the Hollywood actor and wants “that opportunity again.”

Akshay, who is currently seen as Raftaar in Prabhudheva’s Singh is Bliing, was doing a chat session with his fans on Twitter for the promotion of the action comedy film. When a fan asked about one actor or actress he would love to work with, Akshay replied, “It was great working with Mr. Sylvester Stallone, as an actor I’d be greedy & want that opportunity again.”

Stallone made a cameo appearance in Kambakkht Ishq, which was directed by Sabbir Khan and starred Kareena Kapoor alongside Akshay. The 48-year-old also

shared that it was “great fun” working with British model-

actress Amy Jackson in Singh is Bliing.“@iamAmyJackson is very hard working

and results are out for all to see, aced the action sequences,” he tweeted.

Talking about his favourite comedian, Akshay said, “Charlie Chaplin...comedy isn’t easy and it came so easily to him.”

Amitabh Bachchan to sing, compose for new TV show

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan is composing and singing for a new TV show, Aaj Ki Raat Hai

Zindagi. The 72-year-old, who has sung before, is focussing all his energy on this latest collaboration with Star Plus. While the excitement is palpable, he’s nervous.

“The concentration really is for the work on hand at composing and singing and rehearsing for the show on TV... It’s always so shattering to be doing something for the first time and hoping and praying all goes

well,” Big B said on his blog. The actor, who is adept at using technology, feels the need of an app to read the mind.

“If enthusiasm could only find fructification the moment it is thought, it would bring in so much immediacy to feelings and creations that there is no counting on it. But creating and seeing it produced in its finality takes time and patience and days and days of waiting... The mind must have the benefit of an app, to transfer all that comes in in thought to its immediate and final end.”

The concept of Aaj Ki Raat Hai Zindagi is not known but its trailer gives a glimpse of a fun-filled avatar of Big B, who makes a simple ride in an elevator interesting with an impromptu jig and crazy antics.

Big B, returning on Star Plus after more than 15 years, is said to be personally looking into every aspect of the show—be it creative, music and content. A premiere date for the show is yet to be announced.

Short films allow more experimentation: Radhika Apte

Actress Radhika Apte, whose film Ahalya took the digital platform by storm, considers

short films a “great” platform for experimentation and talent. Radhika was present at the launch of the Mumbai edition of app #famestars

Live in Mumbai, and spoke about the role of social and digital media. Talking about her own experience of Ahalya, she said, “Short films are a great platform because production cost is much lower in comparison to a feature film. And you can do much more experimentation because very less is at stake. “If a lot of people start watching short films, it will be good news for a lot of artistes.” Radhika’s career in showbiz started when she began working with the theatre troupe Aasakta.

She made her feature film debut in the Hindi film Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi!, and she also had a part in Bengali film Antaheen. She got noticed further for her roles in films like Badlapur, Hunterrr and Manjhi - The Mountain Man. Her choice of roles is different, but Radhika maintains that she doesn’t like to “differentiate between commercial cinema and arthouse cinema”.

“Anurag Kashyap, Anurag Basu, Sujoy Ghosh, Sriram Raghvan, Harsh, Ketan Mehta and Leena Yadav... I have worked with these people and I’d like to work with them again,” said the actress, who won’t mind doing a romantic film depending on the script. Presently the actress is busy working for Kabali, a Tamil film in which she plays the lead role opposite veteran star Rajinikanth.

Singh Is Bling milestone of my career: Amy Jackson

Actress Amy Jackson is not only overwhelmed with the response to her latest release Singh Is

Bling, but she also believes that the film is the biggest milestone of her career. Amy, who started her career in 2010

with Tamil film Madrasapattinam, made her Bollywood debut in 2012 with Ekk Deewana Tha

“Completely overwhelmed, it is huge project to be working on Singh Is Bling. How everyone is enjoying the film is everything to me. Definitely, it is the biggest milestone of my career,” said Amy who recently visited a theatre in Mumbai to see audience reaction to her film. Amy also says that she has a big list of stars with whom she wants to work with in the future. Can’t even think about that to be very honest.

So many people on my wish list. But I am very fortunate that I have a film with Akshay and to be doing a film like this in Bollywood,” she said. Released on October 2, “Singh Is Bling” is directed by Prabhudheva and stars Akshay Kumar, Kay Kay Menon and Lara Dutta in key roles.


Red Black Orange

28 ENTERTAINMENT

Never have been calculative as an actor: Aishwaryabollywood actress

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who is making a comeback

on the silver screen after five years with Sanjay Gupta’s Jazbaa, says she has always chosen her movies based on the script, instead of being “calculative” about it.

“My attitude as an actor is to respond to a script of a film. I don’t carry anything more than that...I have never been calculative as an actor. I have always responded to the scripts and opportunity to work with an incredible team,” Aishwarya, who was in New Delhi to promote Jazbaa, said at a press conference.

She even said that Jazbaa is a film with an intense subject, and that it’s something she would have chosen even five years later.

“I am happy being a part of it today. I would’ve accepted this movie after five years too. I said yes to the subject,” added the former beauty queen.

The Devdas actress, who was last seen on the big screen in the 2010 film Guzaarish, feels that during her absence from the arclights, she remained connected with the media and audience through brand endorsements and social work.

“I never thought that I have gone away from the limelight. I became a mother and during that period, through brand endorsements and social work, I was getting a chance to talk to the media and audience,” said the actress.

Consider Shahrukh and Salman my co-actors, not stars: NawazuddinNawazuddin Siddiqui, who has

A-listers of Bollywood wishing to work with him, says he does not

want to think about the prominence of big stars like Shahrukh Khan and Salman Khan as he considers them as colleagues when he is performing.

Nawazuddin, who worked with Salman in Bajrangi Bhaijaan has just completed his first schedule with Shahrukh Khan for Raees, in which he plays a policeman.

“When I am on set, Shahrukh and Salman are co actors for me. If I start thinking I am working w i t h S a l m a n then as an actor, I would not be able to improvise the character I am playing. D u r i n g shooting, I do not want to think about with whom I am w o r k i n g as it will

corrupt my performance,” he told media as he shared his experience of working with both the Khans.

The 49-year-old actor, who is riding on the success of his last outing Manjhi: The Mountain Man, will be seen with megastar Amitabh Bachchan in Sujoy Ghosh’s next.

“I think as an actor my work is to give the best performance.

If I continue to think about Shahrukh and Salman as stars then I am not showing the proper respect to their characters as

well as mine. You should be honest at your

work,” he added.

Court better than India’s last few embarrassing Oscar entries: IrrfanActor Irrfan Khan, two

of whose films earlier missed being India’s

official entry for the 88th Academy Awards’ Best Foreign Language Film category, says Chaitanya Tamhane’s Marathi film Court is a better choice than the last few “embarrassing” entries that the country sent to the Oscars.

“Court is a good film. I don’t know about the other films. Unlike a few years back, the kind of films that were sent, they were embarrassing.

“This is better than them,” Irrfan told media.

The acclaimed performer’s Paan Singh Tomar and The Lunchbox were two films that were in the forefront of being chosen as India’s Oscar entry, but ultimately Barfi! and The Good Road were selected by a jury appointed by the Film Federation of India.

Irrfan, who has done his fair share of work in international entertainment world, feels there should be a body “which should be really concerned about choosing the right film and sending it to a platform which is very important”. “We can’t judge what it will do and how it will be perceived. There (at

Oscars) they have big competition, so it depends on Court...with which films it is competing. Also, there’s the luck factor,” he said.

“We can only try to send the best (film) we have made,” added the actor, who was in New Delhi to promote his forthcoming film Jazbaa.

Having starred in films like the Oscar-winning entertainers Slumdog Millionaire and Life of Pi, Irrfan surely has an idea of how the foreign market percieves Indian cinema.

Asked if Hollywood is still looking for clichéd Indian films, which have song and dance sequences, Irrfan said, “They are not looking for anything from Bollywood.

“They have a perception of Bollywood films having songs and dance sequences in it.”

“But if we do films like The Lunchbox, Court and Slumdog Millionaire, then the perception will change. Somewhere that perception is changing, but that’s very little bit. Like Talvar, it’s a film with no song and dance. It’s doing very well.”

Directed by Sanjay Gupta, Jazbaa is slated to release on October 9. The film also stars Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Shabana Azmi and Jackie Shroff.


Red Black Orange

29ENTERTAINMENT


Red Black Orange

30 FEATURES

Tiffany Singh

India Real Estate Show makes it easy to invest in Indian property Auckland is all set to host

the first edition of India Real Estate Show (IRES)

on 10 and 11 October. It is an exclusive and

focused platform for the Indian infrastructure and real estate developers to showcase their projects to the affluent and progressive Indian community in Auckland.

The grand show will be attended by more than 500 Indian prospective investors at Hotel Holiday Inn (Auckland Airport) with an objective to realise their dream of owning a real estate property back in India, whether residential, commercial or retail

The platform will enable

them to interact, learn,evaluate and select the best investment options not only through a simple exhibition mode but also through a scientific method of calculating their expected returnon investments.

Top Indian developers such as Godrej properties, Mantri Developers, Adani Group and World Trade Center are going to showcase their projects across India.

The exhibitors will immensely benefit from the showcase through face-to-face meeting Indian HNIs, Bankers, CEOs, CFOs and entrepreneurs generating much desired business leads. The platform will also see participation

from major Indian banks to service any financial requirements of the investors.

According to a recent report by IMF, Indian economy, whose size is $2 trillion as of now, is poised to overtake the combined GDP of Japan and Germany in the next four years on the back of recent policy reforms and improved confidence. Much of this growth is poised to be supported by the infrastructure sector.

As half of the population is under 30, there is going to be a strong demand for housing and commercial space leading to appreciation in rates across categories. No doubt, supply shall match the growth pace, but

quality infrastructure will always be the preferred choice.

As team GIC says, ìIndia is growing much better than other global economies and holds a great potential for decent returns over the long-term period. Different regions in India will

deliver different levels of returns based on various factors. We want to expose our customers to these varied and quality investment options, which have been duly vetted by our expert team.

Call it ‘Think India. Think Growth’

India Real Estate Show 2015 10 and 11 OctoberHotel Holiday Inn (Auckland Airport)

organisersGIC Consultants: GIC is a financial services company based out of Abu Dhabi offering banking, management, quity, insurance and real estate solutions.

NZ Channel Partner: Prashant Shenoy | mobile: 021-326442Email: [email protected]

Mahabhuta: The Great ElementKumar SureSh

This spring, art lovers in Auckland are in for a treat. After the miniature painting exhibition depicting The Story of Rama, here comes another exhibition showcasing the art, which depicts the flavors of the time travel of Hinduism and Buddhism across many millenniums. Tiffany Singh, an artist of Indian origin, has put her knowledge and learning of the two ancient religion into her works. This has resulted in perusal to the world, a work that is close to Mother Nature and sacredness that is hard to miss in these godly work of art.

Indian Weekender caught up with Tiffany Singh and spoke to her about her

works in display at Auckland’s Fo Guang Shan Temple and Malcolm Smith Gallery from September 27 to November 19.

iWK: tell us about yourself

tiffany singh: I am an artist based in Auckland, with a fondness for installation art to convey ideas of ritual in an abstracted, stylized mode. My art practice is deeply embedded in Eastern and Western spiritual beliefs. I create artworks that resonate with all the senses, and I work alongside Fair Trade organisations. Within the contemporary art context, I explore the arts as a therapeutic medium.

iWK: What is exhibition, “Mahābhūta: The Great element” all about?

t s: Mahābhūta: The Great Element is a multi-sensory exhibition of twelve artworks across two free East Auckland locations—Malcolm Smith Gallery (35 Uxbridge Road, Howick) and Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple (16 Stancombe Roat, Flat Bush). The title of the exhibition is a Sanskrit term translating to “the great [natural] element,” and this term becomes the starting-point for reflection. Expect swarms of text, beeswax sculptures, ribbons with mantras, gold-painted wind chimes, even an artwork filmed underwater.

iWK. What has been the inspiration behind these works? Can you tell us about how the idea came to you?

t s: These works expand

from a deep inquiry into natural elements in the modern world and their forgotten s a c r e d n e s s . Sacredness can be a means to connect with others and nature through a dimension g r e a t e r than the self. These artworks try to imagine a better world that we can be part of, and encourage all to collectively address ecological problems.

iWK: you say buddhism and Hinduism played a major role in shaping these works. Can you elaborate?

t s: I am an artist of Indian, Māori, Pacific Island and Pakeha decent. The coming together of these different cultures and world-views is evident in my artistic practice.

Having multiple ethnicities has enabled me to explore varying philosophies around healing and social well-being through a visual arts practice. The work is very repetitious in its form and process and often becomes a meditation that shifts my awareness.

The creative process of art for

m e is an experience of connecting to the senses beyond the normal awareness of them, this input or feeling is then translated into an expression in normal dimensions; form, sound, color, composition.

It was east that first put me into this state of being through the exposure to ritual and ceremony and the heightened sense of being connected to something greater than self.

Eastern philosophy and a desire to explore my Buddhist practice through my arts practice are large informers of my creative practice still to this day.

iWK: Can you elaborate on some of the specific works on display?

t s: Sayapatri: 100 Layers is an artwork installed in the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple. It focuses on the life-giving force of Mother Earth. The artwork is made out of Nepalese cloth associated with ceremony and ritual. Through the repeating Medicine Buddha Mantras, which is handwritten on to the cloth, the artwork becomes impregnated with the aura of healing and purification. In this way, the process of making the artwork mirrors the process of mantra meditation, and the

artistic practice and spiritual practice become one in the making of the installation.

The Wind of Ancient Sages consists of numerous wind chimes installed in the cherry blossom trees. With their gentle sound, remind us to exist in the present moment.

The River of Verses is a new artwork in the Malcolm Smith Gallery. It is a text based artwork completed through the participation of various individuals, local schools and community groups of East Auckland.

The work allows for communal conversation via different modes of participation, through offerings of ancestral wisdom in the form of proverbs, dictums and maxims.

iWK: What is the message you are trying to communicate through your works in this exhibition?

The exhibition underscores the interdependence of humans and nature. I aim to collect large commentaries on the natural elements emphasizing the powers of collaboration not only between ethnicities but also belief systems and oral histories.

To do this, I have reached out to the local iwi, community groups, environmental impact organizations such as the Kauri Project, as well as hosting school workshops where the children can directly contribute to the work itself. It’s about being diverse.

The message is an inclusive and expansive one that encourages thought and action around contemporary issues that deeply affect our communities in today’s world.


Red Black Orange

31FEATURES

Kashin’s waiting to wish you a happy Diwali.We’re proud to have become a major sponsor of one of Auckland’s most vibrant and enjoyable cultural festivals.

To celebrate Diwali, we’re giving away $1000. Find our giant Kashin lantern, take a selfie, post it to Facebook and visit us at the ASB caravan to verify your entry and you’re in to win. We look forward to seeing you there.

Aotea Square, Queen Street, Auckland CBD. 17-18 October, noon to 9pm.Visit www.asb.co.nz/diwali for terms and conditions.

asb.co.nz ASB Bank Limited.

ASB5940 Indian Weekender FP Press_V4.indd 1 7/10/15 4:51 PM

Documents

Indian Weekender 9 October 2015