13OCTOBER2017 | Vol 9 Issue 30

Releasing on
20th October
Amar Manchanda Sikh Children Day Sharmila Tagore
IndoNats chairman celebrated at "Why fewer scripts
passes away Gurudwara Sri for senior female
Kalgidhar Sahib, actors?"
Pg 11 Takanini Pg 36 Pg 53
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SPECIAL EDITION
 2 NEW ZEALAND
The Duncan Garner episode: Immigration,
population and the challenge of social cohesion
SANDEEP SINGH
N
ow it is the self-service
island in the middle of
a department store in
Auckland (Kmart) after the
much-touted Aucklands public
infrastructure, roads, motorways and
the housing market that is failing to
cope with the pressure of the people
(read immigrants).
Another public space in the midst
of bustling Auckland city (shopping
malls are very much part of public
space), which is apparently reeling
under the pressure of immigration and
hence unwelcoming of immigrants.
At least this is what comes out
from the latest spat around The AM
Show host Duncan Garners peek
into New Zealands future even if
that was not his intention, as Mr
Garner has strenuously claimed.
The latest outburst follows his
travails at a local Kmart store in
Auckland where he saw a massive
human snake at the self-service
island near the middle of the store
and made a passionate call out for
better planning on immigration and
population.
There was nothing implausible
about the argument except that Mr
Garner saw Indians, Pakistanis, Sri
Lankans, Syrians, and many others,
and this made him think about the
changing face of New Zealand at
the crossroads.
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However, what followed from
here in that passionate column was
a structured argument about the
side effects of the record level of
immigration that New Zealand is
currently facing as if the number
of immigrants was the only problem.
At least this is what the remaining
part of Mr Garners column implied.
Many numbers and statistics were
neatly rolled out to substantiate
the initial observation of massive
human snake.
New Zealands population grew
by 100,400 to the June 2017 year,
Mr Garner wrote.
Predictions show we will have
6.3 million people by 2038. Therell
be more Asians than Maori. Mr
Garner argued.
Get this wrong, and New Zealand
could be an international cot case
of broken cities, poor planning,
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congested highways and stolen
dreams, Mr Garner roared.
Clearly, a major part of Mr
Garners column appeared backing
up the initial claim that it was all
about the number of immigrants and
over-population that was a concern
for the future of New Zealand.
Only if we all were as naive as Mr
Garner had hoped us to be.
There was nothing to back up the
most provocative part of that initial
observation the demographic
profile, or ethnicity, or place of origin
of those immigrants, which in Mr
Garners worldview were changing
the face of New Zealand.
It is noteworthy that Mr Garner
failed to note the presence of Pakeha
or Maori in that departmental
store, possibly contributing to his
discomfort in any manner about New
Zealands future.
As if the number of Pakeha, which
is also increasing largely because
of immigration, does not cause any
alarm in Mr Garners otherwise
serene view of New Zealands future.
It is only the number of new
immigrants or Asians or essentially
non-white people that is a concern.
To say that this view is problematic
will be an understatement of the
challenge that New Zealand will
be really facing in the near future
than what many bombastic political
commentators are claiming.
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Friday, October 13, 2017
What is the more pressing
challenge for the future of the
New Zealand, effective planning
for immigration and population or
maintaining an effective social
cohesion?
Some enthusiastic observers
like Duncan Garner are hastily
concluding the former over the latter
as the major challenge for New
Zealand in the near future.
However, unmistakably social
cohesion is a bigger challenge
and should be treated as a bigger
challenge to respond than just aiming
to get the planning on immigration
and population right.
Social cohesion is not just a new
buzzword in our modern societies;
rather it is emerging as a major
challenge in many immigrant nations
like New Zealand where people from
diverse social, ethnic and cultural
backgrounds are increasingly
living together.
The ability and willingness of
members of society to integrate and
cooperate with each other in order to
prosper and survive collectively is a
measure of societys social cohesion.
A cohesive society fights exclusion
and marginalisation, promotes trust
and creates a sense of belonging
among the members of the society.
The current narrative around
immigration could possibly
exacerbate social exclusion by
Oliver Pereira
Registered Financial Adviser
Mob: 021 66 77 92
Email: oliver.pereira@opminsurance.co.nz
www.opminsurance.co.nz
The Indian Weekender
repeatedly questioning the sense
of belongingness among the new
immigrants in this country.
This is certainly posing bigger
challenges of disturbing social
cohesion of our country in the
guise of addressing the problem of
population increase and pressure on
infrastructure.
Indeed, the issue of increase in the
record level of immigration needs an
oversight.
However, nothing has to come at
the cost of disturbing the delicate
fabric of our social cohesion, where
everyone is wrongly encouraged to
see the cause of any problem as us
versus them.
This is exactly what Mr Garner
is doing when he asserts callously,
Lets design our country to make it
better for us. Bring in the people by
all means but send them to where we
need them. Let us not give them what
they need from us so easily.
It is the time that we get our
priorities right.
Catching up on infrastructure and
managing the population is not that
big a challenge as is maintaining an
effective social cohesion.
The cities and states are not
only broken by poor planning and
congested highways, but they are
also broken by disturbing the delicate
social cohesion by calling out
unnecessarily on one set of people
over others.
 The Indian Weekender Friday, October 13, 2017
Diwali and New Zealands growing ties with India
BY SIMON DRAPER
I
ts that wonderful time of the year once
again when New Zealand, led by our
talented and spirited Indian community,
celebrates the Diwali Festival of Lights. From
the main centres to the smaller towns, Indians
all over New Zealand come together during
Diwali to share their culture with the wider
community.
It is testament to the importance of the Indian
community to New Zealand that the Diwali
Festival shuts down a portion of Queen Street
the main thoroughfare in the countrys biggest
city and that the opening ceremony is graced
by the presence of Governor General Dame
Patsy Reddy.
Over the past 15 years, the Asia New
Zealand Foundation has had the privilege of
being at the forefront of bringing this festival
to life in Auckland and Wellington, giving New
Zealanders a taste of Indian culture through
dance, music and cuisine.
Over the years we have brought many world-
class performers from India in partnership
with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations
to perform not only at the festivals but also
in outreach activities in schools. Thousands
of children have had the chance to meet
performers face-to-face and learn some dance
steps or other skills.
And this year, to encourage especially young
people to take part in the celebrations, we have
launched a competition on social media to give
away two return flights to Singapore courtesy of
Air New Zealand. Simply post a photo or video
showing your Diwali celebration to be in to
win. Check the Asia New Zealand Foundation
website for more details.
According to the 2013 Census, New Zealand
is now home to over 155,000 people of Indian
descent, making Indians the second largest and
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Above: Asia New Zealand Foundation executive director Simon Draper (2nd from left) greets Indian Prime
Minister Narendra Modi (4th from left) during the official visit to India last year of then New Zealand Prime
Minister the Rt Hon Sir John Key.
Over the past 15 years, the fastest growing Asian ethnic group in the
country.
the Asia New Zealand Events like the Diwali Festival help New
Foundation has had Zealanders as a whole to become more familiar
the privilege of being and comfortable with the rich and complex
Asian cultures in our midst. This in turn gives
at the forefront of
New Zealanders a real edge in our engagement
bringing this festival with countries in Asia currently the most
to life in Auckland and prosperous, exciting, and dynamic region in the
world.
Wellington, giving New
It is important to ensure that we embrace,
Zealanders a taste of nurture, and grow events like Diwali. Indian
Indian culture through New Zealanders have an important role to
dance, music and cuisine. make sure this happens. In the long term, the
awareness generated by these events will
be crucial to the success not only of the next
generation of Indian New Zealanders but also
to the success of New Zealand as a whole.
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NEW ZEALAND 3
North Asian countries tend to dominate
coverage of Asia in New Zealand media, but
there are exciting developments elsewhere in
Asia that impact New Zealand. One of which
is Indias rise as an emerging power not only
in South Asia but in the world. The Foundation
has just launched our Asia Media Centre and
we look forward to working with The Indian
Weekender in bringing more of these topics to
the fore.
Acknowledging the growing strategic
importance of India, this time last year, the
Asia New Zealand Foundation commissioned
former New Zealand High Commissioner
to India Graeme Waters to write a report on
New Zealands growing connectivity with
India. For 2018-2019, India will be one of the
Foundations three focus countries.
Last year, the visit to India by the then Prime
Minister the Rt Hon Sir John Key exemplified
the growing relationship between the two
countries. I was lucky enough to be part of his
delegation and witnessed first-hand the warm
reception he received.
In addition, India was the subject of the
first NZ Inc country strategy an attempt to
synchronise understanding and effort across
government and business. These are just a few
examples that show how valuable New Zealand
sees its relationship with India and how this
relationship is going from strength to strength.
And we are committed to see these ties that
bind us to continue to flourish.
Simon Draper is the executive director
of the Asia New Zealand Foundation,
the leading non-profit, non-partisan
organisation in the country focussed
on New Zealand-Asia relations, with a
range of programmes designed to help
New Zealanders gain knowledge and
understanding of the countries, peoples,
cultures and languages of Asia.
Wellington
Conditions
 4 NEW ZEALAND
Can Indian diapsora in NZ pitch in to make the
Government of India initiative Paryatan Parva a success?
SANDEEP SINGH
T
he Ministry of Tourism of
the Government of India
in collaboration with other
central ministries, state governments
and stakeholders is organising a
Paryatan Parva (tourism festival)
across the country from the October
5 to 25, 2017.
The Union Minister of State
(independent charge) for Tourism,
Alphons Kannanthanam, had said
that the programme is being organised
with the objective of drawing
focus on the benefits of tourism,
showcasing the cultural diversity
of the country and reinforcing the
principle of Tourism for All.
The Tourism Ministry has
identified 60 tourist destinations
across the country to showcase
cultural diversity of India and various
niche tourism products during
the festival.
Different activities are planned
across different popular tourist
destination around the country to
mark the occasion.
A heritage walk from the 80-ft
Buddha statue to the world heritage
Mahabodhi Mahavihara in Bodhgaya
(central-eastern state of Bihar) will
mark Paryatan Parva on October 14.
Similarly, various activities
including folk dance, quiz, debates
and essay competition will be
organised at Hampi (south Indian
state of Karnataka) on October 20
and October 21.
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The key message of this mega
exercise involving multiple levels of
governments across the length and
breadth of the country is to promote
tourism in India especially the
domestic tourism.
The minister, earlier last week
while sharing details on the Paryatan
Parva, with the local media had urged
people of India to visit various tourist
destinations within the country.
I think India is being neglected
by our own people, the minister
had said.
The minister had also noted that
the number of tourists travelling
to the northeastern states was
very less.
It (north-east) is incredibly
beautiful. So much of music and
culture is there. Go see it in Mizoram
and Shillong. First of all, India must
discover that, the minister had
passionately appealed to the Indian
people.
Domestic tourism in India still
has to take off in a manner similar to
many other parts of the world such
as America, Europe, North-East and
South-East Asia, thus prompting
Government of India to encourage
people to travel domestically for
pleasure as well.
It is important to note that although
historically Indians have been great
travellers, traversing across great
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Friday, October 13, 2017
lengths and destination around the
world in pursuit of trade, religion,
education, spirituality, conquests or
purely adventure.
However, more than 300 years
of British colonial rule, which
subjected India to a systematic de-
industrialisation and acute poverty
had over a period of time annihilated
the flourishing tourism industry
of India.
The Indian economy was the
second-largest in the world until
the British arrived.
In fact, British economist Angus
Maddison has argued that Indias
share of the global income went from
27 per cent in 1700 to 3.8 per cent
in 1950.
India was left as an economically
underdeveloped nation marked
by hunger, poverty, and a low
national income.
Nevertheless, this script has
changed and is changing at a very
rapid rate where Indias economy has
taken off at a considerable speed in
the last two decades.
The current Government in India
is taking that speed of economic
growth to the next level with a range
of structural reforms to support and
sustain the economic growth.
Promoting brand India as a
preferred tourist destination is
another strategy of projecting the
attractiveness of India around
the world.
Although the Paryatan Parva is
seeking to emphasise on promoting
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The Indian Weekender
domestic tourism within India, still
the global Indian diaspora around
the world could play an instrumental
role in making this drive a success
by choosing numerous Indian tourist
destinations over other places around
the world.
Anyway, the Indian governments
key emphasis is on showcasing the
cultural diversity, and there would
be nothing better for the diasporic
community to use this opportunity to
reconnect with the culture of India by
redirecting their travel plans, if any,
to India during this Paryatan Parva.
The Indian High Commissioner to
New Zealand, Sanjiv Kohli, speaking
with The Indian Weekender also
acknowledged the role that Indian
diaspora in NZ could play in making
this initiative a success.
India has so much to offer to
tourists and this is borne out by a
very high ratio of repeat tourists.
Our diaspora is a bridge
between our two countries and best
spokespersons of the India narrative.
We at the High Commission,
of course, do our best to promote
tourism and Paryatan Parva is an
effort in that direction.
The Parva is also focussed at
encouraging our diaspora to visit the
country of origin, Mr Kohli told The
Indian Weekender.
Indian diaspora in NZ surely can
play an important role in making this
initiative successful.
 The Indian Weekender Friday, October 13, 2017 NEW ZEALAND 5

Shanti Niwas first Senior Idol

event creates ripples
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

T
he Shanti Niwas Charitable
Trust team hosted its first

Grand Opening
NZ Senior Idol event for the
seniors on the occasion of International

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would be such a massive success.
Senior Idol, a talent hunt event to claim
to give each participating senior an
opportunity to showcase his or her discount on all
talent received rave reviews from Winner of the first NZ Seniors Indian Idol, dental treatments
community members and other visitors at Dhansukhlal Jamnadas

the event.
Our idea behind the senior Idol apart from
the entertainment value was to increase their
confidence and create the deserved respect
in their families and community. I think we
were successful in achieving our main aim
to empower the seniors Nilima Venkat,
Managing Director of Shanti Niwas Charitable
Trust said.
The event was held at the premises of Shanti
Niwas in Onehunga, Auckland on Saturday,
October 7, that ran from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The enthusiasm amongst the seniors was
phenomenal as we saw almost 70 seniors
showed up for the auditions earlier last month,
Mrs Venkat added.
Sixteen finalists were selected from among
about 70 in the audition who performed at the
big event on Saturday.
The event saw parliamentarians, community
leaders, representatives from New Zealand
Police and other community members at
the event.
Mr Dhansukhlal Jamnadas was the first
NZ Seniors Indian Idol title winner who also
received one-night accommodation from
Sudima Hotel, food voucher from Little India
restaurant and cash prizes from the family of
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Mrs Rukmani Ramakrishnan and Joginder
Luthera. Meena Phondge, Jashu Bhai Patel and
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and executed by the seniors as well as stalls Email: panmure@hillparkdental.co.nz
which provided information on health and
wellbeing, face painting, henna, and a photo
booth for the seniors.
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than 23 years working with socially isolated
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Nib launches health insurance
for travellers in NZ
SANDEEP SINGH
I
nternational visitors to New Zealand
will soon be able to access health
insurance through Nib thanks to a
new partnership with Kiwi insurance
The partnership will give New
access to the International Inbound
for inbound travellers to New Zealand
such as international workers, students
and tourists.
This partnership could potentially fulfil
a long felt need within the Kiwi-Indian
community of having an appropriate
health insurance product that could cover
visiting parents of the members of the
community.
Nib CEO, Rob Hennin, said the
relationship complements Nib's current
suite of health insurance covers for
New Zealand residents and short-term
travellers. We have already cemented
ourselves as New Zealands second-
largest health insurer with our range of
affordable health insurance products that
help people access and afford world-
class healthcare.
Access to the IIHI market locally
is a sensible strategic fit that allows us
to provide a complete health solution
for anyone visiting or residing in New
Zealand, Mr Hennin said.
We already have a strong presence
in the Australian IIHI market, and were
Friday, October 13, 2017
excited to now get involved in the New
Zealand market, he said.
Recently, there have been a few
unfortunate incidents in the community
where many visiting parents of the
members of the community have
experienced sudden health situations
causing much distress to the family, as
they do not have access to public-funded
health facilities.
Earlier last month in September,
during a Nib product launch event for
the migrants, The Indian Weekender
had raised the issue and a long felt gap
in the health insurance market that could
adequately cover visiting parents of the
members of the community.
The fact that this recent announcement
of the launch of a new product that could
potentially give a big relief to many
members of the community along with
others has come so soon is a welcome
surprise.
Our partnership with OrbitProtect
means we can give people who travel
to New Zealand to work and study an
assurance that they can travel safe and
travel happy, Mr Hennin said.
There is also a complementary fit
between the customers of OrbitProtect
who seek permanent residence following
their initial stay in New Zealand, and
the products offered by NIB to service
those who become eligible for the
public system but want to retain private
health insurance cover for the sake of
convenience and immediate access,
he added.
The Indian Weekender
OrbitProtect CEO Wayne Stewart, said
he shared NIBs vision for outstanding
customer service and a commitment to
innovation. I am very impressed with
nibs focus on technological innovation
to drive better outcomes for their
customers. They are very responsive and
nimble in their approach, allowing them
to implement change and innovation
quickly, which is so important in todays
highly competitive market, Mr Stewart
said.
At OrbitProtect we need to be able to
provide our customers with an enhanced
range of products to further our journey,
and thats exactly what our partnership
with nib allows us to do, he said.
The new partnership provides the
opportunity for all advisers to access
another IIHI solution with significant
product advantages over other
alternatives.
Advisers will be able to access the new
solution via a dedicated landing page due
for release later in October.
 The Indian Weekender Friday, October 13, 2017
Sylvia Park Shopping
Centre to have lit elephant
displays this Diwali
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
O
ne of the largest and most popular
shopping destinations of Auckland is
installing two giant elephant displays
to commemorate the Diwali festival of the
Indian community.
One of the two beautiful and colourful lit
elephant displays will be installed outside
Country Road store and second outside the
food court area. These two elephants will be
available for public viewing for eight days,
Monday, October 16 to Monday, October 23.
The community in New Zealand celebrates
the biggest and the brightest festival of the
Indian community on Thursday, October 19.
Devotees visit temples for worship, and it is
also the biggest occasion for shopping for
the community.
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In addition to the two elephant displays at
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Sylvia Park Shopping Centre, the mall will
Business, IT, Science,
also have daily Bollywood dance performances
between Thursday, October 19 and Monday, Cookery, Hospitality,
October 23. Aaja Nachle, the Aucklands Early childhood education
premier Bollywood dance school, will perform
at the venue.
all subjects courses
The performances will be a mixture of both
junior and Intermediate classes and private
dance groups. The performances will take
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place in the same area as the Elephant displays;
performances times will be displayed online at Call 09 - 379 9111 /
sylviapark.org and on-site at the performance
areas.
020 40483811
The performance will take place at 3 p.m. Email: mahin@pioneernewzealand.com
and 5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and at 11
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and Monday. 205 Queen St, Auckland CBD
celebrate
DIWALI
Experience Bollywood with
daily dance performances
between 19 23 October.
Visit sylviapark.org for details.
sylviapark.org
8 NEW ZEALAND Friday, October 13, 2017 The Indian Weekender

Horror week on NZ
roads with 15 deaths
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

T
he five-day stretch starting
from Friday, October 7
until Tuesday, October 10
could be termed horror week on
the New Zealand roads.
This period witnessed a total
of seven crashes, 18 injuries and
15 deaths which obviously left
behind a concerned police and
road safety authorities and a large number of
families grieving behind.
These accidents have occurred on the roads
of both North and South islands bringing loss
and grief to families and the community.
This brings the road toll for 2017 to 297 from
254 in 2016, which is 43 deaths more than last
year for the same period of time. This is a scary
figure given that two months are still remaining
for this year to finish and the total number of
deaths last year was 329.
This spurt in road incidents has raised serious
concerns for the police as the labour weekend is
approaching next week.
Generally, long weekends are the time when
more people get behind the wheels of their
vehicles and hit roads and congesting traffics
and creating more chances of road accidents.
The police has earlier this week appealed the
public to comply with the rules and share the
responsibility of using the roads safely.
Assistant Commissioner Road Policing,
Sandra Venables says major causes of these
road fatalities have been over speeding, fatigue,
losing control and crossing the centre-line of
the road.
Besides losses in the families, more than 18
people were injured in these accidents including
a 10-month old toddler who was admitted to
Rotorua hospital in a critical condition after the
fatal crash in Taupo on Tuesday, October 10.
Assistant Commissioner Road Policing,
Sandra Venables said these fatalities would
have left families devastated up and down the
country.
Every death is reported as a number, but
each number has a face, a name and a family.
They leave behind loved ones whose lives have
been changed forever.
Those that have been seriously injured can
face months, if not years, of rehabilitation and
treatment.
We cannot continue to tolerate the loss. Ms
Venebles added.
The death toll included a five-year-old Hone
Te Ahurei Hawkins Kanuta, from Kaikohe who
was one among the four who died along with
other three in a head-on car crash in Taupo.
Every time you get behind the wheel you
hold your life and the lives of your passengers
and your fellow road users in your hands.
Please take this responsibility seriously wear
your seat belt, make sure your passengers are
wearing seatbelts, watch your speed and drive
to the conditions, Ms Venebles appealed to
the public.

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 The Indian Weekender Friday, October 13, 2017 NEW ZEALAND 9

Ghazal night rejuvenates

the essence of poetry
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

T
he much anticipated
Ghazal Night for the
community was hosted
on Sunday, October 8 at Fickling
Community Centre in Three
Kings by the Urdu Hindi Cultural
Association of New Zealand.
Patrons of ghazal gathered at
the event to witness a saga of
great poetry by some of the most
prominent ghazal writers and singers from
India sung by local community members.
The event was acknowledged and supported
with the presence of dignitaries such as
parliamentarians Kanwaljit Bakshi, Dr
Parmjeet Parmar, Michael Wood, community
leader Jeet Suchdev, president of UHCANZ
Roopa Suchdev, Ella Kumar from Puketapapa
local board attended the event. Suman Kapoor,
Sandeep Singh and Somnath Gupta came to
the event from Hamilton, Shiv Bhagirath from
Australia and Prof. Rais Alvi from Pakistan
also witnessed the event.
Nine ghazal singers wowed the audience with
their own style and passion for one of the most
celebrated form of entertainment that has been
performed for centuries having its origins in the
middle east before spreading to South Asia.
Ghazal singers Arya and Jatin, Arvind
Vasudeva, Kanika Deish, Arif Zia, Sandeep
Singh, Nasir Mirza, Gopal Kishan and Jyoti
Virk, gave a spectacular performance at
the show.
Each of the ghazal singers was accompanied
by a harmonium and tabla player. The musicians
included Prof. S D Madhur on harmonium,
Basant Madhur on tabla, accompanied by guitar
player Akhilesh Madhur and violin player
Shyama Lal.
The dignitaries at the event also launched
the sixth annual edition of Dhanak, a
magazine produced by the Urdu Hindi Cultural
Association in English, Hindi and Urdu
languages. Urdu Hindi Cultural Association of
New Zealand is an organisation for promoting
the languages Urdu and Hindi as the major
languages of India and Pakistan. It also holds
symposiums, publishes magazines and holds
teaching classes.
The newly appointed president of the
UHCANZ Roopa Suchdev congratulated the
performers who gave a stellar evening to the
audience and the patrons of this beloved form
of art.
The audience enjoyed the programme
thoroughly, and its profound to see
communitys love and respect for poetries and
ghazals even away from their home, Mujeeb
Syed, secretary of UHCANZ said.

Celebrate
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10 NEW ZEALAND Friday, October 13, 2017 The Indian Weekender

Standout Property, Superior Location Diaspora Diwali: Childhood

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H
appy Diwali to you and your families!
Also, since this is my first article since
the 2017 General Election, I want to
take this opportunity to thank everyone who
supported me on my journey as a Labour
candidate and at polling booths last month!
During a recent Facebook Live interview
with The Indian Weekender I talked a little
bit about my background. I was born in India,
brought up in Singapore and moved to New
Zealand as a young adult. I grew up in a nuclear
family in Singapore.
My parents considered their time in Singapore
a temporary stint. For our family, India was
home. My childhood was steeped in Indian
history, philosophers, food, music, dance and
language. I spoke only Malayalam, my mother
tongue, till I started kindergarten. For a short
while in my early teens, I learnt Sanskrit that
came in handy when I travelled through North
India and could read Hindi signs (albeit very
slowly)! Yet, my identity and perspectives are
undeniably shaped by both India and Singapore
and more recently, New Zealand too.
Growing up without extended family in
Singapore meant that I was slightly envious
of cousins and friends in India who had more
funduring festivals. I was even more envious
of North Indian friends who celebrated Diwali
with great pomp. Kerala, which is my home
state, is the only Indian state that traditionally
doesnt celebrate Diwali on a large scale.
In Singapore, Diwali or Deepavali as its
more commonly known, is a public holiday. As
a child, it was generally a quiet affair with diyas
at home and visits to family friends homes
where wed eat homemade sweets and play
with sparklers.
Singapore has a lovely tradition of open
homes during festivals. During the major
festivals Hari Raya (Eid), Chinese New
Year and Diwali - families open their homes to
friends and colleagues. People wander in and
out all day. Theres lots of beautiful food and
sweets and often, people exchange presents.
Everyone celebrates everything. My friends
and I would travel in groups and wander in and
out of each others homes during Diwali and
other festivals. We learnt a lot about different
cultures that way.
Some years, wed pop into the Diwali mela
in Little India. Little India is a part of Singapore
that is filled with temples, Indian shops,

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 The Indian Weekender Friday, October 13, 2017
restaurants and during Diwali, lots of stalls that
stay open late into the night selling all sorts of
trinkets, clothes, diyas. The air was perfumed
with the scents of jasmine and incense. The
streets were lit up and Little India would heave
with the hustle and bustle of people and the
sound of music usually a combination of
Tamil and Bollywood beats.
Fireworks except for public displays are
banned in Singapore. Since Im not used to them
Ive always been a little nervous about lighting
them. Furthermore, as a child celebrating
Diwali in India I saw an adult, who was setting
them off for us, suffer major burns when he lit
Indo-Nats Chairman
Amar Manchanda
passes away
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
N
oted community leader Amar
Manchanda passed away on
Wednesday night, October 11. This
untimely death of Mr Manchanda has shocked
the community.
Mr Manchanda was the Chairman of Indo-
Nats, a National Party outfit of the Indian
community in New Zealand. He was the
director of AIMS Global Education, Ambition
Immigration and the president of 2017-18
Rotary Club Papatoetoe Central, Auckland.
Mr Manchanda suffered a heart attack and
could not survive despite being taken to the
hospital on Wednesday night.
Mr Manchandas daughter Arunima
Dhingra and son-in-law Dev Dhingra were
on their way back from overseas at the time
of print. Mr Manchand's funeral will be
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faulty fireworks. Ive never forgotten that night.
Diwali in India is a longer, louder and more
elaborate celebration. To me, celebrations
in India are reflective of India herself rich,
vibrant, diverse, filled with pomp and inherently
beautiful.
Here in New Zealand, we are lucky that
we get to publicly celebrate festivals that are
important to us. Its great that we get to share
a taste of the festivals of India with the rest of
New Zealand. Celebrations like these bring
families and communities together.
To all who celebrate Diwali/Deepavali, may
the festival of light bring you and your families
joy, peace and love.
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12 NEW ZEALAND Friday, October 13, 2017 The Indian Weekender

Fiji Association kicks off Diwali

celebrations in Christchurch
T
he event was organised on Saturday
by the Christchurch Fiji Association
or CFCESSA, and was attended by
more than 500 people. It was the fifteenth year
running that the Association has organised
Diwali celebrations in Christchurch, which
after a humble beginning has grown over
time.
The highlights of the event were Haka
performances by the Lalita Group and best-
dressed awards given at the end of the four-
hour-long celebrations. In all, there were over
35 performances with 65 participants, with
members of Chinese, Russian, Ukrainian
and Filipino communities also participating,
indicating the growing multicultural nature of
the Garden City.
Jagat Singh, President of CFCESSA, in Vinesh Prakash, Secretary of CFCESSA,
his message to the gathering traced the Fiji who was grateful for the support from the
connection to India. We are from the Fiji community added, This year we had more
Islands; a multiracial and multicultural country. than usual response, which motivates us to
Yet each one of us thousands of miles away do even better next year. Mr Prakashs son
from our mother country India, from where Vivek also performed multiple items at the
our ancestors came have maintained our celebrations under his dance group, Inner Jalsa,
own identity by preserving and fostering our and the grand finale of the event was a special
language, culture, traditions and religion. dance melody performed by the dance group
The gathering also remembered Swami Bollywood Dynamite.
Dayanand Saraswati the great Indian reformer
who was poisoned on this very day as per the Upcoming Diwali celebrations in Christchurch
Hindu calendar in 1883. This was probably Oct 14 Canterbury TISI Sangams 2017 Diwali
in retaliation to Swamis life work of fighting Show at Shirley Intermediate School from 6.30pm
against superstitious beliefs and unnecessary
customs. So whether you look at Lord Ramas Oct 21 Indian Social and Cultural Clubs Diwali
the festival of lights, at Horncastle Arena from 2pm
life or Swamijis work, Diwalis spiritual
message is to drive out the evil within us and Oct 28 Canterbury Social and Cultural Groups
light the lamp of knowledge, Mr Singh had Diwali Cultural Show at Shirley Intermediate
earlier told The Indian Weekender. School from 6.30pm

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 The Indian Weekender Friday, October 13, 2017
Karva Chauth
celebrations in Christchurch
W needs conveniently
ith recent news reports indicating
that more and more Indians are
immigrating to New Zealand on
partnership-based visas, Christchurch held its
biggest ever Karva Chauth celebrations the past
weekend.
The newly launched IndianNZ Association
of Christchurch (INZAC) and Canterbury
Indian Women Group (CIWG) organised the
celebrations on October 7, at the Te Hapua
Halswell Centre, which witnessed a live DJ,
delicious food stalls, henna art and several
cultural performances, including the gidhha
dance by Virsa Blaster dance team. This was
followed by the Vrat Pooja at Hare Krishna
Centre Christchurch, the following day.
Karva Chauth a festival celebrated mainly
in north India where married women fast, not
even drinking water, from sunrise to moonrise
for the safety and prolonged life of their
husbands is essentially a community event.
Thats why it was wonderful that around 90
women attended the Vrat Puja this time. We all
Team Munish Seth
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Happy Diwali
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Chauth celebration for the first time this year,
said Archna Tandon, chairperson of CIWG.
Parminder Kaur, Chairwoman of INZAC,
added, We were delighted to have Duncan
Webb, newly-elected Labour MP for
We look forward to seeing you soon.
Christchurch Central as our chief guest on Contact Jitu Patel and Vamsi Peravali
October 7. It was INZACs first cultural event in
partnership with CIWG, which was appreciated
by one and all, for which I am very grateful.
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14 NEW ZEALAND Friday, October 13, 2017 The Indian Weekender

Christchurch Indian Diwali to

GOLD ATM host performers from India
THE GOLD BUYING GAURAV SHARMA

T
aking the biggest

MACHINE Indian celebrations

of Diwali in the
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The Machine will pay you more new level, the Indian Social
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enriches our region. This year the event will
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You can REJECT, You can NEGOTIATE, informed Mr Thomas Kurian, Chairman of
October 21, at the Horncastle Arena from 2 to
Diwali Organising Committee at ISCC, adding,
You make THE RIGHT CHOICE Not only this, we will have a Bollywood dance
9 pm, and we are hoping to make it bigger and
better that ever with an estimated attendance of
performance by 36 girls from the Irish Step
dance group, a Latin American dance group 12000, Mr Kurian said.
performing to Bollywood dance numbers,
as well as Community Patrols Association
performing for the first time. Canterbury Police
Now available: whose dance act was the highlight last year,
will mesmerise the audience again this time
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 Make the world
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 16 NEW ZEALAND
South Asian community needs to have a
conversation about Mental Health
SANDEEP SINGH
T
his week New Zealand is celebrating
Mental Health Awareness Week, which
follows the World Mental Health Day
on Tuesday, October 10.
This also follows an almost month-
long intense election campaigning which
focussed heavily on the crisis in our mental
health services.
New Zealand is having a serious conversation
around the fast deteriorating mental health
situation of its citizenry.
Happy Diwali
12 Months Interest Free Tickets
The mental health awareness week
is expecting New Zealanders to have a
conversation about their mental health situation.
What is our South Asian community doing?
Are they opening themselves up and having
any conversation with anyone?
Or they are choosing to live in false pretence
that they are somehow magically immune from
the vagaries of modern life.
Yes, more and more experts are opining
that modern world is killing us, and we are
increasingly coming to the grips of depression,
anxiety, sadness and other emotional
health issues.
0272 16 17 18
ecotravels.co.nz
LiveChat Availble
Friday, October 13, 2017 The Indian Weekender
Its time to speak up or
speak with someone
to get a timely help in
dealing with internal
struggles.
Mehwish
Sehar
The South Asian communities cannot
choose to behave like Nero, who fiddled when
Rome burned.
Its time to speak up or speak with someone
to get a timely help in dealing with internal
struggles.
Probably this is what two young crusaders
of mental health are seeking to achieve
through their new start-up Your Fight is Over
providing people with a platform to break
the silence around their invisible struggles.
Seher and Mehwish two Aucklanders
of South Asian descent, who are sisters and
registered psychologist too, trained locally at
the University of Auckland, are the aspirational
faces behind this relatively new startup.
Sehar Moughal came from Pakistan to New
Zealand more than a decade ago and became a
registered psychologist.
Together with her sister Mehwish, she is
committed to reach out to make a difference
in the community.
My sister, Mehwish and I are strong
advocates of mental health struggles especially
raising awareness in our communities,
Seher, one of the sister-duo told The Indian
Weekender.
We have made three short films in the last
five years tackling depression, suicide and
domestic violence.
We launched our website in June, Seher
said.
The website has multiple goals, but first
and foremost it seeks to create a space where
people can share their stories about their
invisible struggles without any fear of being
judged or peer pressure.
In the long term, these sister-duos are
seeking to develop intervention strategies
such as an app, a podcast, and other digital
resources.
Overall, we aim to raise more awareness
about the silent struggles of people for
example, what our international students
suffer and find ways to provide support,
Seher concluded.
As they say that a journey of thousand miles
begins with a single step, and for many, this
could be a single click of the website - https://
www.yourfightisover.co.nz/
 The Indian Weekender Friday, October 13, 2017 NEW ZEALAND 17

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Karva Chauth
Puja at Bhartiya
Mandir, Balmoral
Hundreds of couples thronged
to Bhartiya Mandir, Balmoral to
participate in the Karva Chauth
puja. Puja time was between 3.30
p.m. to 6 p.m. and the venue was
full of fasting women dressed in
their best traditional attire. Puja
was followed by Selfie sessions.
The ambience in temple generated
lot of excitement specially
amongst the newly weds.

Executive committee and Advisory committee of Telangana Association

of New Zealand wishes everyone a very Happy Diwali
 Thought of the week
The will to win, the desire to succeed,
the urge to reach your full potential...
these are the keys that will unlock the
door to personal excellence.
Editorial - Confucius
Aucklands Diwali
Festival: biggest
celebrations in Indian
diaspora calendar
T
his year the traditional Auckland Diwali Festival, which is celebrated at Aotea
Square, will enter into its sixteenth consecutive year of celebrations.
This is certainly the biggest public event in the calendar of the Indian diaspora
in New Zealand along with being the biggest public festival in the events calendar of
Auckland Council.
Like many other places around the world, the festival of Diwali has gradually moved
from the relatively private sphere of ritual and performance within the Indian community to
a public display and outward celebration in New Zealand as well.
The festival has certainly played a crucial role in helping the Kiwi-Indian community
in establishing itself as a culturally vibrant group and in reinforcing its cultural identity
in New Zealand. This week in New Zealands history
The sheer numbers of visitors, performers and patrons coming to this festival could easily
put it in the league of being one of the biggest Diwali celebrations in the Oceania region, if 10 October 1975
not in the entire Asia-Pacific region. Waitangi Tribunal created
Within the Asia-Pacific region, this festival would only be outnumbered by festivals in
The government created the Tribunal to
North America, particularly one at the New York Citys iconic Times Square. hear Mori claimsof breaches of the Treaty
The Times Square event currently claims the honours of being the largest Diwali of Waitangi. It has evolved ever since,
adapting to the demands of claimants,
celebration outside of India. government and public.
To that end, our Auckland festival beats the one in Times Square in history and antiquity
12 October 1917
as it is in its 16th consecutive year as opposed to the 5th edition of the event in Times
New Zealands blackest day
Square, plus Aucklands Diwali festival is organised in our own iconic Aotea Square.
at Passchendaele
Added to this is the elegant presence of the Prime Minister and the Leader of the
Ever since 1917, Passchendaele has been a byword for the horror of the Great War. In
Opposition of the country, along with Mayor of the countrys biggest city together at the terms of lives lost in a single day, the failed attack on Bellevue Spur on 12 October was
Auckland Diwali Festival, which probably Times Square event cannot match yet. probably the greatest disaster in New Zealands history.
This is a testimony to both, Aucklands credentials as a vibrant multi-cultural global city
and the relative position of strength of the Indian diaspora within the broader socio-cultural 12 October 1918
milieu of the host city that is Auckland in this case. Niagaras arrival blamed for flu pandemic
Moreover, Aucklands Aotea square is no less iconic than New Yorks Times Square.
For decades, many people believed that a deadly new influenza virus came to New
Aotea Square is a large paved public area in the CBD, of Auckland, New Zealand Zealand aboard the Royal Mail linerNiagara, which arrived in Auckland from Vancouver
which was officially opened in 1979 by Sir Dove-Myer Robinson next to Queen and San Francisco on 12 October 1918. This is no longerthought to have been the case.

Street and reworked in November 2010 to make it appropriate for use by crowds of up
Indian Weekender : Volume 9 Issue 30
to 20,000 people.
Publisher: Kiwi Media Publishing Limited
If that is the capacity of Aotea Square then probably we are very near to a stage where
Managing Editor: Bhav Dhillon | bhav@indianweekender.co.nz
we can hear that Auckland Diwali Festival has outgrown the Aotea Square as the official
Content Editor: Sandeep Singh | sandeep@indianweekender.co.nz
numbers from last year suggest that about 25,000 people were in attendance at one particular Chief Reporter: Swati Sharma | swati@indianweekender.co.nz
time for a total of about 50,000 crowds over the two day festival. Reporter: Rizwan Mohammad | rizwan@indianweekender.co.nz
These numbers are certainly big numbers for a country of the size of New Zealand, both Chief ReporterSouth Island: Gaurav Sharma
in terms of territory and population. Chief Technical Officer: Rohan Desouza | rohan@indianweekender.co.nz
Talking about population reminds us of the panic set by some elite commentators in Sr Graphics and Layout Designer: Mahesh Kumar | mahesh@indianweekender.co.nz
Graphic Designer: Yashmin Chand | design@indianweekender.co.nz
mainstream media, who seemingly got scared at the changing face of New Zealand at a visit
Accounts and Admin.: 09-6366306 | accounts@indianweekender.co.nz
to a department store last weekend. Sales and Distribution: 022 3251630 | sales@indianweekender.co.nz
Probably they might need to come out of Kmarts self-service island and visit Auckland
Views expressed in the publication are not necessarily of the publisher and the publisher
Diwali Festival this weekend (a better use of time as well), and see the real changing face
is not responsible for advertisers claims as appearing in the publication
of New Zealand.
That face will be reflecting far more social inclusiveness mutual respect of each others 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
culture, tolerance and social cohesion.
Kiwi Media Publishing Limited - 133A, Level 1, Onehunga Mall, Onehunga, Auckland.
Probably a visit to Auckland Diwali Festival on this weekend might help to get rid of the
Printed at Horton Media, Auckland
panic brought in the last weekend over New Zealands changing face.
Copyright 2017. Kiwi Media Publishing Limited. All Rights Reserved.
The food, the music, Bollywood, cultural performances, the indomitable spirit of the
Indian diaspora and above all the all welcoming and inclusive attitudes of the fellow New
Zealanders would be on full display in the festival.
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STYLE SHINE BRIGHT
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 20 FEATURES
Diwali - The love story
DRAZEN MILOSEVIC
A
s Zak Milo and Omar were
driving toward Jaipur,
Omar said: You know
Zak, I can see you treat the purpose
of life as a search for Love, and I
can tell you Zak.... we have here
in India, a festival called Diwali,
and that festival for some of us
is based on the Love story.
Diwali is based on a Love story?
said Zak Milo with surprise in his
voice. The Festival of Lights, isnt
it?
I thought Diwali is connected
with the celebration of Lakshmi, the
goddess of wealth and prosperity.
Yes, that interpretation of
Diwali is true...but only for some
of the people in certain regions, said
Omar. The belief of the people in
my city is that Diwali is based on
a Love story honouring the return
of the god Rama, his wife Sita and
his brother Lakshmana from exile of
14 years.
Ramayana story? Zak Milo
asked curiously.
Yes, Ramayana story, butit is
not just a story for us. Its our way of
living. Ramayana is explorations of
human values. Ramayana describes
how the relationships between people
should be. Ramayana portrays the
character of the ideal father, the ideal
brother and the ideal wife...And
those family values are important for
us Zak, continued Omar proudly.
The big part of our culture and
Authorised by Michael Wood,
Parliament Buildings, Wellington
our behaviour is based on Ramayana,
even knowing that we do not realise
that during our day to day life. It is
built inside us, by default, with our
birth.
Ramayana story is based on
marriage between Rama and Sita
and represents our marriages in
India today...showing that our
Indian marriage doesnt connect
only two people, but also connects
two families. And in case of Rama
and Sita, their wedding connected
two kingdoms as well. And that is
what is fundamental to our cultural
consciousness, the importance
and awareness of family values,
including everyone, wife, children,
brothers and sister, the parents, the
whole family.
Sita was kidnapped by Ravana who
And, you know what Zak, after
twelve years of marriage the King
Dasharatha decided to exile Rama for
fourteen years. And this is where the
real story starts and is very important
for you, Zak, to understand, if you
want to learn about our culture.
So...., Omar continued: Rama
accepted his fathers decision with
absolute submission, calm and self-
control, and thats where our respect
for elderly come from, particularly
respect for the parents.
And, Rama loved Sita and did not
want her to suffer with him in exile.
Sita rejected Ramas proposal not to
go with him. She told Rama that it
is an essential duty of every wife to
be at her husbands side, come good
or ill. And Sita also told Rama: The
forest where you dwell is Ayodhya
Friday, October 13, 2017
for me. And thats how a wife should
be to her husband Zak, together
forever, regardless of the situation
they happen to be, good or bad. And
thats how my marriage is too, Zak.
Ramas younger brother
Lakshmana also decided to go
into exile with Rama and that is an
example of how family should stick
together and help each other.
And after thirteen years in exile,
wanted her to marry him. But,
Omars voice became firm and proud
but mellow and emotional: Sita
refused and stayed loyal to Rama and
ready to pay for that with her own
life.
Rama assembled the army, built
a floating bridge between India
and Lanka, known as Rama Setu,
crossed the bridge, killed Ravana and
freed his wife.
And you know what Zak, that
bridge is still visible from the space.
So just go to Google map, and type
Rama Setu and you can still see it
under the water.
And, as you know Zak, how
humans gossip out of jealousy and
how Sita slept with Ravan and was
not faithful to Rama, and how she is
not the epitome of female purity and
virtue.
So to stop people gossiping,
Omar continued with a sad voice.
Rama asked Sita to go through an
agni pariksha to prove her purity.
And Sita, without any hesitation,
Contact Labours Ethnic
Communities team
michaelwoodmp@parliament.govt.nz
Priyanca Radhakrishnan MP (List) and
The Indian Weekender
proudly jumped into the fire Zak,
Omar screamed.
She jumped for her husband. She
jumped for her values. She jumped
for her morals. And, Omar screamed
again and put the hands into prayer
positions at the heart: Thanks to our
good Lord Agni, the lord of fire, he
took her out of the fire, so she stayed
completely unharmed. I worship you
my dear lord Agni, and Omar went
on his knees and bent forward into
the prayer motion.
Rama returned to Ayodhya and
became the King and that was the
beginning of Ram Rajya, the time
full of happiness, peace, prosperity
and justice. And that day is the day
we celebrate as the day of the victory
of light over darkness, The Festival
of Lights - Diwali.
Drazen Milosevic is a Europe
born New Zealand based writer,
who in his own words is in love
with India and have travelled
extensively within India in a
taxi and during that process
have written 36 stories on his
experiences on love and culture
between the west and India.
09 624 2278
Michael Wood MP (Mt Roskill),
Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern MP
(Mt Albert)
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 24 FEATURES Friday, October 13, 2017 The Indian Weekender

Diwali@Deepavali in Malaysia: Unity in Diversity

VISHALACHE
BALAKRISHNAN

D
eepavali, also known as
Diwali, is a festival of
lights celebrated by those of
the Hindu faith in Malaysia and all
around the globe. It is one of the most
popular festivals of the year for the
Hindus in Malaysia who celebrate
by observing and performing many
traditional customs at home and in
the temples as well.
The other ethnic groups in
Malaysia such as the Malays,
Chinese, Ibans and Kadazandusuns
also look forward to this festival,
which is full of vibrancy and colour.
In Malaysia, where Deepavali is
a national holiday, the peak of the
celebration is on the day itself, which
starts several days earlier. In Hindu
belief system, Deepavali marks the
triumph of good over evil the
victory of Lord Krishna over the
demon Narakasura.
Deepavali is a time for family
reunions. Prior to the actual festival
day, the festive season is felt. Little
India which are all over Malaysia
such as in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur,
Klang, Ipoh, Penang and Malacca
become busy with stalls of all sorts.
Items for sale such as sarees, kurthas,
salvar kamez, bangles, costume
jewellery, spices, and cookies of all
sorts are such a wonderful sight to
behold.
Decorations such as colourful
garlands, twinkling lights and other
traditional decorative items brighten
up streets of Little India.
Deepavali
is a time
for family
Stalls around Little India, Brickfields
and throw away
unwanted things reunions
which are not usable.
The home is washed and
cleaned. Deepavali cookies are made
with great care to be used for prayers
and open house.
On Deepavali eve, which falls
on October 17, 2017 this year in
Malaysia, we will pray for our dear
ones who have departed from this
worldly life. We usually cook their
favourite food and by sunset, prepare
the food on banana leaves to offer to
the dead. After that we as a family
will share and eat the food together.
Then we light mud lamps outside our
verandah. We can hardly do that in
Wellington or Hamilton where the
Sri SakthiEaswari Temple in wind is too strong at night.
Petaling Jaya.
On the morning of Deepavali,
we wake up before sunrise and
In my own experience from a take an old bath before heading to
child until now, a week or so before the temple for prayers and making
Deepavali, preparation is at full some archanai (ceremonial rites) to
swing. We start doing spring-cleaning receive blessings from the Gods. For
Open house for Deepavali Day where
the poor and needy are served with
Deepavali delicacies.
the rest of the day, we usually have
open house to family, friends and
neighbours.
As with most other festivals in
multicultural Malaysia, Deepavali
is a day for people of all ethnics and
religions to get together with lively
open houses, firework displays and
wonderful Indian delicacies. When I
was in New Zealand, I was confused
by the term open house there which
meant properties were for sale. As
for in Malaysia, open houses meant
places to go to and enjoy delicacies
during festive seasons.
Hindu temples are grandly
decorated on Deepavali day with
flowers and devotees bring fruits
Clothes on sale for Deepavali at Little
India Brickfields.
and and other offerings as a sign of
gratitude to their Gods.
Overall, Deepavali is celebrated
with great joy and harmony with
the multicultural community in
Malaysia. My greatest excitement
of being in Malaysia is to be able to
participate in the joyous moments of
Deepavali preparations, celebrations
and reflections of always wanting
to have good over evil which is
the actual philosophy behind this
auspicious celebration.
Happy Deepavali to all celebrating
this special joyful celebration in
New Zealand.
May you be showed with blessings
and good health for following years
to come!
Author Info: Dr Vishalache
Balakrishnan is of Indian-
Chinese origin. Married to a
Malaysian Indian, she practices
mostly Indian cultural festivals
including Diwali which is widely
known as Deepavali in Malaysia
and other countries
like Singapore.
Dr Visha is a permanent resident
of New Zealand and is currently
attached to University of Malaya,
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as a
senior research lecturer and
appointed as a research associate
at the Waikato University,
New Zealand.

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26 FEATURES Friday, October 13, 2017 The Indian Weekender

When A R Rahman rocked Auckland

The double Oscar winner and Indian music legend A R Rahman enthralled Auckland audience with a mesmerising and
unforgettable performance on October 6 at Spark Arena. Singers Benny Dayal, Neeti Mohan, Jonita Gandhi and
Hari Charan joined him for 3 hours filled with great music, melodies and memories

On behalf of Gujarati Samaj NZ Inc., I would like

to extend my congratulations and my best wishes to
all the Indians around the world who celebrate one of the
most significant festivals in Indian culture Diwali, the
festival of light and the triumph of good over
evil and light over darkness.
Wish you all a very happy Diwali!

Chunilal Mehta
President
Gujarati Samaj NZ Inc.

Address: New Lynn, Auckland | Email: info@gujaratisamajnz.com | Website: www.gujaratisamajnz.info

 The Indian Weekender Friday, October 13, 2017
Get the treatment you Eating too much sweets
need, when you need it bad for heart
OLIVER PEREIRA
R
ecently I came across an article in the
New ZealandHerald which I found
quite disconcerting, the article heading
was as follows:
Only come if its an emergency,
says Auckland Hospital swamped with
unprecedented demand.
The adult Hospital was experiencing
occupancy levels in the high 90 percent.
Doctors in the district and around the country
have seen a significant increase in consultations
for flu-like illness in the recent past.
Although 20,000 people took out health
insurance in the last year (the biggest increase
for many years), only 30 per cent of New
Zealanders (1.36 million) have health cover
low by international standards and almost half
that of Australia (where 56 per cent have cover).
Meanwhile, waiting lists and waiting times
for public surgeries/treatments are increasing.
Last year, the Health Funds Association of
NZ said 110,000 people were on a waiting list
while a further 170,000 had not even made
it to a waiting list in spite of being told they
needed elective surgery. Wait times were up to
an average of 304 days (80 days longer than in
2013).
Part of the problem is possibly New
Zealanders historical attitude to health care,
with many still believing the government would
and should look after citizens.
New Zealands ageing population is also
more likely to require medical intervention as
age related health conditions arise. Peoples
expectations of health care have also increased
and added to demand, heightened by publicity
For more information about how we can provide health insurance for you and your
family please contact advisers@nib.co.nz or speak with your financial adviser.
associated with advances in medical technology.
Nobody likes the idea that they will
experience a health problem, but the reality is
that, at some time, many of us will. And without
health cover, you could find yourself facing
costly medical bills.
Private health insurance can help you cope
with these unexpected costs.
It provides access to treatment when you
need it and will help you avoid public health
service waiting lists. During the time you are on
a waiting list your condition could get worse,
you could experience prolonged periods of pain
and discomfort, your family may also worry
and share your emotional stress and you may
not be able to participate in the daily activities
that you currently enjoy.
Private health insurance can be complicated.
There are quite a number of factors to consider
to ensure you get good value for money. These
include selecting the benefits and options that
you need, deciding on an appropriate excess
level and making sure members of your family
also have the cover appropriate to their needs.
A Registered Financial Adviser can offer you
specialised help and advice and can work with
you to tailor a suitable health cover to best suit
the needs of you and your family.
OLIVER PEREIRA
Health insurance
designed for you
FEATURES 27
D
rinking too many soft drinks and
eating a lot of sweets may
put even otherwise healthy
people at increased risk of heart
disease, warns new research.
The study, published in
the journal Clinical Science,
showed that healthy men
had increased levels of fat
in their blood and fat stored
in their livers after they
consumed a high sugar diet.
Our findings provide new
evidence that consuming high
amounts of sugar can alter your
fat metabolism in ways that could
increase your risk of cardiovascular
disease, said Bruce Griffin, Professor
of Nutritional Metabolism at the
University of Surrey in England.
The researchers looked at two groups of men
with either high or low levels of liver fat and The results also revealed that when the group
fed them a high or low sugar diet. of healthy men with a low level of liver fat
The low sugar diet contained no more than consumed a high amount of sugar, their liver
140 calories a day worth of sugar - an amount fat increased and their fat metabolism became
close to the recommended intake - while the similar to that of the men with non-alcoholic
high sugar diet contained 650 calories worth. fatty liver disease.
After 12 weeks on the high sugar diet, While most adults dont consume the high
the men with a high level of liver fat - a levels of sugar we used in this study, some
condition known as non-alcoholic fatty liver children and teenagers may reach these levels
disease (NAFLD) - showed changes in their of sugar intake by over-consuming fizzy drinks
fat metabolism that are associated with an and sweets, Griffin said.
increased risk of cardiovascular disease, heart This raises concern for the future health of
attacks and strokes. the younger population, especially in view of
Fat metabolism is the biochemical process by the alarmingly high prevalence of NAFLD in
which fats are transported and broken down in children and teenagers, and exponential rise of
the blood, and used by the cells of the body. fatal liver disease in adults, Griffin added.
nib8048_0717
 28 FEATURES Friday, October 13, 2017 The Indian Weekender

Diwali in Fiji is a fine balance

of feasting and ritual
DEV NADKARNI

D
iwali certainly counts as one of Fijis
biggest festivals. The festival of lights
that celebrates the triumph of good
over evil is a designated public holiday in the
countrys calendar.
People of Indian descent, who around the
countrys independence from British rule
in 1970 made up a shade over half of its
population, have kept alive many traditions
from the mother country and Diwali is one of
the best instances of that.
Fiji Indians trace their ancestry to different
parts of India including its northern, eastern and
southern states. And though Diwali is celebrated
slightly differently in every region in India, the
Fiji Indians have synthesised these differences
in a single way that they all celebrate. Pandit Vinod Shandil performs a puja in a Fiji Indian home in the run up to Diwali earlier this week.
Like everywhere else in India and other many several homes of friends and colleagues at the
other countries in South Asia and Southeast Fiji Indians trace their awash with advertising from white and brown University of the South Pacific over Diwali.
Asia where Diwali is celebrated, in Fiji too, ancestry to different goods retailers because of the strong desire Some of them hosted elaborate parties and vied
lights, feasting, gifting and fireworks are an in Indians to buy new things be it clothes, with one another in laying out endless spreads
parts of India including
integral part of the celebrations. gadgets or cars just as in India. of sweets and savouries.
Diwali is one Indian festival where there is
its northern, eastern and Most companies host Diwali functions The Indian High Commission also hosted
equal if not more emphasis on rejoicing rather southern states with all Fijians participating. Fiji is more a Diwali party for the diplomatic corps and
than religious ritual. But like the religious multicultural than many other Pacific Island Indians working in Fiji, of which there is
rituals that are observed in households in Hindu nations with a mix of indigenous Fijians, always a significant number both in academia
households around the world, Fiji Indians also people of Indian extraction, Europeans, and the private sector. In addition, the three
perform pujas in the run up to Diwali day. pujas are as elaborate if not more than they are Chinese, other Pacific Islanders and a sizeable big Indian companies in Fiji that have been
In fact, in the run up to Diwali, Fiji Indians in the average household in India. In that sense, population of people with mixed heritage. It is around for more than half a century The Life
scrupulously avoid meat and turn completely in Fiji the emphasis on ritual in Fiji is quite interesting to see the countrys entire ethnic mix Insurance Corporation, Bank of Baroda and
vegetarian more than most Indians in India pronounced. celebrate Diwali. New India Assurance had their own Diwali
would. And in many of the households, the Around Diwali, the news media in Fiji is When we lived in Fiji, I recall visiting functions as well.

Wishing you a shower of

Blessings
in the holy month of Ramadan

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The Indian Weekender Friday, October 13, 2017 FEATURES 29

Happy Diwali!

Best wishes to you and your family as you celebrate Diwali.

I hope you enjoy the Festival of Lights with your family and friends.
Bill English
National Party Leader

New Zealand is lucky to have a vibrant and diverse ethnic

culture and our Indian communities play an integral part
in that.

National is committed to ensuring the voice of the Indian

community is heard at the highest levels of government.
This is supported by the work of our two Indian National MPs
Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi and Parmjeet Parmar.

We are focused on ensuring everyone has the chance to

succeed and will continue to work hard for families in Indian
communities right across New Zealand.

Shubh Diwali - may it bring happiness,

prosperity and success to you all. Parmjeet Parmer Bill English Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi
National List MP National Party Leader National List MP

facebook.com/pmbillenglish @pmbillenglish @pmbillenglish

Find out more at national.org.nz
Funded by the Parliamentary Service and authorised by Bill English, Executive Wing, Parliament, Molesworth St, Wellington.
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March 2011.
Back then Humm FM was the new
kid on the block, and in a matter of
weeks its fresh sound gained traction
in the Auckland Indian market.
Not yet seven years old, Humm
FM is reaching new heights and is
perched at the top of the nations
biggest market, Auckland.
Aucklands only Hindi FM radio
station not only leads in the 10+
cumulative audience, it has increased
commercial station share by 0.5
percentage points on the previous
survey, and currently sits at *2.7%
the highest it has garnered in the
three surveys released in 2017.
The recent survey also reveals
that listeners are glued to their
favourite Hindi FM radio station for
a significantly longer period#.
Some facts from the latest GfK
Radio Audience Measurement S3
2017 commercial radio survey
Humm 106.2FM is number 1
in the Auckland Indian Radio
market with 49,200 different
listeners each week.
While Humm FM is number
1 in the Auckland Indian
Radio market, Humm FMs
commercial station share in
the 18-34 age bracket (5.0%)
and 25-44 age bracket (5.7%)
puts it at number 8 in the
entire Auckland market,
among all other radio stations
in Auckland. (The top seven
for people 18-34 being Mai
FM, Flava, ZM, The Edge,
Breeze, More FM and Rock;
and for 25-44 year olds being
Mai FM, The Edge, ZM,
Flava, Rock, More FM and
Breeze)
Humm FMs commercial station
share (%) by demographic
has constantly gone up in
the 3 Official GfK Surveys
conducted in 2017: - from 2.1
(in S1 2017) to 2.2 (in S2 2017)
to 2.7 (in S3 2017).
In S3 2017 - the average time
Spent Listening on Humm
FM is 9:04# Hours per week,
up from 6:78 Hours per week
an increase of 28.5 percent.
Humm FMs Managing Director
The HummFM App
Download & Win!*
Roshila Prasad says, The journey
to the top has been an amazing
one, with both ups and downs. The
love and support we get from Kiwi-
Indians has kept us on the top of
our game.
Their love and the hard work of
Team Humm has made us Number
One in the Auckland Indian market,
for three surveys in a row.
Prasad also thanks listeners who
are outside Auckland, A lot of our
listeners tune in to us from outside
Auckland as well as internationally,
through the Humm FM App and
web site. We are grateful for their
dedicated support.
Humm FM which broadcasts
to the South-East Asian diaspora
in Auckland, invites the business
community and leaders to come
share the glory with them.
Humm FM, Director Marketing
& Strategy, Ajay Vasisht, says,
Our advertisers get more bang for
their buck, as we are delivering to
a larger audience where the higher
spends happen; i.e., in the 18-44 year
Live Playlists
Polls & Contests
Friday, October 13, 2017 The Indian Weekender
age brackets. Measurement S3 2017 commercial
It is an opportune time to market radio survey, all people 10+
your brand and business to the Indian cumulative audience 000s,
market with Humm FM and expand Mon-Sun 12mn-12mn, unless
your reach. otherwise stated
Humm FMs share in the 18-44^ All comparisons with GfK Radio
age bracket is more than double Audience Measurement S2 2017
that of the next Indian radio stations unless otherwise stated
in Auckland. GfK Radio Audience
Whether your budget is small or Measurement S3 2017
large; our sales team can show you commercial radio survey all
efficient ways to maximise returns people 10+ Station Share %
from this lucrative market. Mon-Sun 12mn-12mn
Humm FM promises that it will GfK Radio Audience
continue to inform and entertain its Measurement S3 2017
growing listener base, by bringing commercial radio survey all
new and innovative programming on people 18-44 Station Share %
a regular basis. Mon-Sun 12mn-12mn
It will also ensure that the treasure GfK Radio Audience
trove of giveaways and competitions Measurement S3 2017
never goes dry. Given these plans commercial radio survey
both Humm FM and their listeners all people 10+ Time Spent
look set to continue to thrive in the Listening hh:mm Mon-Sun
coming years. 12mn-12mn
Source: GfK Radio Audience
Download the Humm FM App and take it everywhere
Connect with Humm FM through the convenient,
exciting, social APP available everywhere.
Available on AppStore (Apple) & PlayStore
(Android) platforms.
Interactive, Social, Open Chat, Set favourite Songs,
Online Requests, Polls & Contests (Giveaways).
Open Chat Set Favourites
Online Requests
 32 INDIA
No firecracker sale in Delhi-
NCR this Diwali: SC
T
he Supreme Court on
Monday, October 9, ruled
that there will be no sale of
firecrackers in Delhi and National
Capital Region during Diwali, as
it restored a November 2016 order
banning the sale and stocking of
firecrackers there.
A bench of Justice A.K. Sikri,
Justice Abhay Manohar Sapre and
Justice Ashok Bhushan, while
restoring last November's order, said:
"We are of the view that the order
suspending the licences should be
given one chance to test itself in order
to find out as to whether there would
be positive effect of this suspension,
particularly during Diwali period."
However, the court said that the
September 12 order lifting the ban on
the sale and stocking of firecrackers
in Delhi NCR will be back into effect
from November 1.
Pointing to the adverse impact
of the bursting of the fire crackers
that is witnessed year after year,
Justice Sikri, speaking for the bench,
said: "The air quality deteriorates
abysmally and alarmingly and the
city chokes thereby, it leads to closing
the schools and the authorities are
compelled to take various measures
on emergent basis, when faced with
'health emergency' situation."
This very situation, the court
said, had occurred on the very next
morning after Diwali in the year
2016 and "resulted in passing the
order dated November 11, 2016".
People buying fire-crackers near Jama Masjid in old Delhi on Monday. The Supreme
Court has banned the sale of firecrackers in Delhi till November 1.
"This order prevailed during the
year but the impact and effect of this
order remains to be tested on Diwali
days," the judgment said.
Going by these considerations, the
court said: "We are of the opinion that
the judgment dated September 12,
2017 passed by this Court should be
made effective only from November
01, 2017."
Making it clear that though it
was not tweaking with the various
directions issued by September 12
judgment, the court said that the affect
of September 12 order "would not be
given effect during this Diwali, and,
therefore, we are making it effective
only from November 1".
It said that all the temporary
licences that police had issued in
pursuance to September 12 order
stand suspended forthwith "so that
there is no further sale of the crackers
in Delhi and NCR". Further orders in
this behalf can be passed on assessing
the situation that would emerge after
this Diwali season, it added.
Referring to the arguments by fire
cracker sellers that the contribution of
fire crackers to the worsening of the
air quality was negligible and there
were other contributing factors, the
court said: "On the contrary, we have
the direct evidence of deterioration
of air quality at alarming levels,
which happens every year."
Referring to various campaigns
"So No to Crackers" and the virtual
consensus in the society that crackers
should not be burnt during Diwali,
which can be celebrated with equal
fervour by various other means
as well, the court said: "Irony is
that when causes are brought in
the court, there is resistance from
certain quarters."
Friday, October 13, 2017 The Indian Weekender
India gives more medical
visas to Pakistanis
C
ontinuing a trend that started
after a promise made on
Independence Day this year,
India has issued medical visa for a
one-year-old Pakistani seeking open
heart surgery and a man seeking a
liver transplant.
"We have approved the visa
request for liver transplant surgery
of your uncle Mr Azhar Hussain in
India," External Affairs Minister
Sushma Swaraj tweeted on
Wednesday in response to a request
from a Pakistani national Abbas who
describes himself as a social activist
and a liberal on his Twitter handle.
Swaraj had earlier on Tuesday
night announced medical visa for a
one-year-old Pakistani girl.
"We are giving visa for the open
heart surgery of your one-year-old Advisor Sartaj Aziz would enable a
daughter Shireen Shiraz in India," Pakistani national to get a medical
she tweeted in response to a request visa for India.
from the child's mother Hira Shiraz. The action was termed "highly
So far this month, India has issued regrettable" by Islamabad, which
five medical visas for Pakistanis said that asking for a letter from the
seeking urgent treatment. Foreign Affairs Advisor violated
India had last month also issued diplomatic norms and such a
a medical visa to a Pakistani child requirement had not been prescribed
seeking open heart surgery in India. for any other country.
On Independence Day, the External However, on July 18, a patient
Affairs Ministry had announced that from Pakistan-administered
India would provide medical visas to Kashmir, seeking treatment in New
all bona fide Pakistani patients. Delhi for liver tumour, got a visa.
As ties between the two countries Swaraj then said that he needed no
soured over various issues, the recommendation from the Pakistani
ministry had announced in May that government for a medical visa
only a letter of recommendation because the territory "is an integral
by then Pakistan Foreign Affairs part of India".
Roshan Nauhria
Anil Sharma
Sree Nampally
34 INDIA Friday, October 13, 2017 The Indian Weekender

Rahul expected to be elevated

as Congress chief after Diwali
C
ongress Vice President Rahul Gandhi is likely the chiefs of party units. The organisational elections
to be elected as the party chief after Diwali, are running slightly behind schedule as the party had
with the nearly six-month-long electoral planned to complete the entire process, including
process nearing completion and the schedule of the election of the Congress President, by October 15.
party President's election to be announced soon. The elevation of Rahul Gandhi, 47, has been in
According to Congress sources, members of the the works for a long time, with party leaders stating
party's Central Election Authority (CEA), which from time to time that he should take over as the
is overseeing the election, are expected to meet party chief. Gandhi was appointed Congress Vice
Congress President Sonia Gandhi in a day or so to President in 2013. Interestingly, the elevation will
apprise her of the completion of various phases of come ahead of crucial assembly polls in Gujarat and
the poll. Himachal Pradesh where the Congress is facing a
The sources said the Congress President would stiff challenge from the BJP. While the party would
then call a meeting of the Congress Working face anti-incumbency in Himachal Pradesh, it has
Committee (CWC) to approve a tentative schedule been out of power in Gujarat for almost 20 years.
of the polls and then it would be notified by the CEA. A party leader said the timing of Gandhi's elevation
The sources said that the meeting of the CWC, was appropriate as pushing it further would be taking
the party's highest decision making body, could take it too close to the next Lok Sabha polls.
place on October 15. "Our assessment is that the party's campaign is
Most states where the organisational elections fast picking up in Gujarat. And the party has bright
were held have completed the process of electing prospects to get re-elected in Himachal Pradesh,"
members of Pradesh Congress Committees (PCCs), he said. The sources said organisational elections
which form the electoral college for the election. were not conducted in Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh,
They have also passed unanimous resolutions that Karnataka, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura because
Rahul Gandhi should take over as the President of these states would face assembly elections by next
the All India Congress Committee (AICC). year. The last presidential elections of the party were
Party sources said the states which have elected held in 2010 and Sonia Gandhi was elected party
members to the PCC and passed the resolution for chief for five years. .
appointment of Rahul Gandhi as party chief include After Rahul Gandhi's election as
Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Haryana, Rajasthan, "Our the Congress President, an AICC
Delhi, Maharashtra, Kerala, Telangana, Andhra assessment plenary is expected to be held
Pradesh, Assam and Madhya Pradesh. is that the party's by December this year for
The PCC in Uttar Pradesh, which has the campaign is fast picking his ceremonial take over and
largest number of PCC members, is expected up in Gujarat. And the ratification of his election.
to adopt the resolution on Thursday. party has bright prospects The election of the CWC
The PCCs are also passing resolutions to to get re-elected in members will also take place
authorise the Congress President to appoint Himachal Pradesh." at the plenary.

o w i s h y o u
would like t py Diwali E F
a Hap
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 The Indian Weekender Friday, October 13, 2017
Nisha Biswal to head US-India
Business Council I
N
isha Biswal, a former US Assistant
Secretary of State for South and
Central Asian Affairs, will head
the US India Business Council (USIBC),
according to an official announcement.
"We are thrilled to welcome Nisha Biswal
to the US-India Business Council and to the
US Chamber team," said Myron Brilliant, US
Chamber executive vice-president and head of
International Affairs.
"She is a driven, visionary leader who has
a strong record of advancing United States
business across the growth markets of Asia
and throughout India.
Under her strong leadership, we're confident
the US-India Business Council will play a
critical role growing commercial partnership,
investment, and innovation across the world's
oldest and largest democracies," Brilliant said
in a press release on Tuesday.
The 42-year-old former diplomat will start
her tenure from October 23 next.
Biswal succeeds another Indian American,
Mukesh Aghi, who left the organisation
following disagreements with the US Chamber
of Commerce. The USIBC, an advocacy
group that promotes business and commercial
ties between the US and India, has presence in
both the countries.
Since Aghi's exit, Khush Choksy was
serving as the organisation's Acting President.
"I am honoured and excited by the
opportunity to lead the US-India Business
Council and to join the leadership of the US
Chamber of Commerce during a period of
historic opportunity for both countries," she
said in the USIBC release.
t t h a t give
g s t h e ligh
li b r i n
Diwa p a i r , and
o v e r de s
s y o u loo
hope u p l i fted a
b e e s
spirit g o o d tim
rd t o
forwa
"As one of the most significant and fastest
growing markets, India is an important
economic partner for the US. Likewise,
Indian companies are investing in ever greater
numbers here in the US. I am proud to be
part of an organization which will play such
a critical role shaping US-India relations,
and I am thrilled at the chance to help our
companies deliver a brighter, more prosperous
future for the citizens of the US and India."
Biswal's entry is expected to boost the
powerful business group that has more than
300 members.
"UPS applauds Nisha being named as
the new president of the US-India Business
Council," said Jim Barber, President of UPS
International, a member of the USIBC.
"At this critical time, she will bring
dynamic leadership and well-established
economic expertise to the mission
of improving the US-India "At
relationship." this critical
During her tenure at time, she will bring
the State Department, dynamic leadership and
Biswal was responsible well-established economic
for US relations with expertise to the mission of
Bangladesh, Bhutan, improving the US-In-
dia relationship."
India, Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan, Maldives,
Nepal, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan,
Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
Additionally, Biswal has held
positions in other government and
non-governmental organisations.
From September 2010 through
2013, Biswal worked as Assistant
Administrator for Asia at US
s
y your
m a
k
h ead.
a
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Agency for International Development and
oversaw more than $1 billion US assistance
to 22 countries.
She also served as the majority clerk for
the House Appropriations Committee Foreign
Operations Subcommittee.
In her roles in the non-government sector,
Biswal worked as Director of Public Policy at
InterAction, and as an international delegate
for the American Red Cross in Armenia,
Azerbaijan, and Georgia.
Biswal was awarded the prestigious
Samman Award by the President of India in
January 2017.
From the team of
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INDIA ABROAD 35
India keen to
strengthen ties with
diaspora: President
ndia is keen to strengthen ties with its
people abroad, President Ram Nath Kovind
said while urging them to make use of
schemes like Overseas Citizen of India (OCI).
"Our government is keen to strengthen its
ties with our people abroad," Kovind said while
addressing the Indian community in Ethiopia.
"New schemes have been launched and old
ones made simpler," he said. "You must take
advantage of the OCI programme. It connects
you with the land of your forefathers forever."
Kovind arrived here from Djibouti on
Wednesday on the second and last leg of his
African tour. This is his first visit abroad after
assuming office in July. The Indian community
in Ethiopia is estimated to be around 5,000-
6,000, according to External Affairs Ministry
figures. There are around 2,500 Indian
academics in 30 Ethiopian universities and
institutes of higher learning.
"Our government seeks sustained and
pro-active engagement with our overseas
community," Kovind said. "The purpose of
this engagement is to provide an opportunity
to familiarise you with the transformational
changes taking place in India. The dialogue
with the diaspora is also aimed at providing
possibilities and platforms through which
you can participate in India's growth and
development and give back to your motherland.
I invite you to participate and partner us in this
process."The President said Ethiopia, like India,
was a land of diversity, of multiple languages
and varied cuisines; of music, dance and drama.
"You must take advantage of the local
eclectic culture and showcase and share our
own cultural diversity," he stated.
Stating that both India and Ethiopia have
large young populations, Kovind advised the
Indian community to make special efforts to
connect with Ethiopia's youth.
36 NEW ZEALAND Friday, September 29, 2017 The Indian Weekender

Parkash Samagam comes to NZ Sikh Childrens Day 2017 celebrated by

after ten successful years in UK Supreme Sikh Society at Takanini Gurudwara

RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

O
Singh (Nanaksar UK) and Katha will be done
n the occasion of the 350th birth year by Singh Sahib Giani Gurbax Singh Gulshan.
anniversary of tenth Guru, Sri Guru
Parkash Samagam will start at 4 p.m. on all
Gobind Singh and 95th martyrdom
the three evenings and will continue until 9
anniversary of Panja Sahib, the Gurdwara
p.m. with the Akhand Paath recitation, kirtan
Nanaksar at 100, Great South Road, Manurewa
and katha in the respectful memory of Sikh
is hosting Parkash Samagam for three days in
martyrs who laid their lives to fulfil the Ardas
South Auckland.
of serving Langar (free kitchen) to prisoners
Parkash Samagam has also been hosted in
who supported the freedom of Harmandir Sahib
Melbourne, Australia earlier last week and it
from Imperial control.
will be held at Nanaksar Thath Isher Darbar in
In addition to the religious sessions, there
Manurewa from Friday, October 13 to Sunday,
will also be talks on recollection of the
October 15.
martyrdom history that will be shared amongst
Parkash Samagam event is coming to New
the congregation.
Zealand after being hosted for ten years in Guru
This event will bring the community together
Nanak Sikh Academy in the United Kingdom.
and understand some of the most important
The programme is being held under the
aspects of Sikh history. All members of the
renowned stewardship of Baba Amar Singh Ji
community are invited and urged to attend the
and will have Kirtan led by Bhai Manjit Singh
programme during the three days.
(Hajuri Ragi Darbar Sahib), Bhai Amarjit

WITH THE BLESSINGS OF DHAN GURU GRANTH SAHIB JI MAHARAJ

SANT BABA AMAR SINGH JI & NEW ZEALAND NANAKSAR THATH TRUST

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INVITE YOU TO THE NEW ZEALAND SIKH ANNUAL SAMAGAM

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The Indian Weekender Friday, October 13, 2017 INDIA ABROAD 37

Southern Institute of Technology

WISHES EVERYONE
A HAPPY DIWALI

Call today or email info@sit.ac.nz

0800 4 0 FEES
www.sit.ac.nz
 38 FEATURES Friday, October 13, 2017 The Indian Weekender

Anger and Forgiveness screaming out as they are being
dragged along the ground.
How would you feel for such a
person? Most would feel great pity.
This is what is happening when a
ACHARYA person is dragged around by their
DAS emotions.
forgiving towards all living entities.
His strength and meaning in life
come from the truth itself and he is
free from envy and jealousy thus he
dedicates his time to work for the
welfare of all others. SB 11.11.29
If you want to come to a platform

O
If we could stand back a little, we of actual peacefulness, you must
ne very negative emotion
would see that the angry person is aspire to not become angry, and you
causing so much suffering
utterly victimized by their mind, by must also learn to forgive. This is a
in this world is anger. The
their emotions. basic spiritual principle.
person experiencing an angry mood,
When we understand this, it It is both wrong and unwise to
as well as the recipient of that
becomes possible to feel empathy think that it is in my interest to hold
anger,both suffer tremendously.
for an aggressor, even one who on to my anger toward someone
In the Bhagavad Gita, such anger
Forgiveness has come into my life and who has hurt me, and to never
is described as a gateway to hell.
is the panacea for caused great pain and forgive them.
This is not necessarily
anger. Forgiveness will suffering. The suffering that they will
referring to hell as retribution
make it so that we can come It doesnt mean experience for their actions is
that will be experienced in
to a truly spiritual platform that what theyre already destined.
some distant time, location
in life. If we do not learn how doing is okay. It is In refusing to forgive, you are not
or place.
to forgive, we will always be not. But I can now making it worse for them, all you are
The Sanskrit word used for hell,
imprisoned by our anger, more easily forgive doing is hurting yourself.
also means to be tormented. So,
and by the things we feel them for hurting me. Depending upon our current
ones immediate life experience can
preliminary qualities, the first of for anger. werewrongly done A wonderful versein spiritual condition, such an act of
also befilled with the tormentand
which is to not become angry. We Forgiveness tome the Vedic text, the forgiveness might become a life-
suffering resulting from their anger.
have become so conditioned to will make it so that Bhagavat Purana, states long endeavor, particularly towards
Anger is such a powerful emotion
expressing anger that it seems so we can come to a truly that: somebody who has done something
that it robs us of all spiritual vision,
natural, and to be expected. spiritual platform in life. If we do not It is the duty of a transcendentalist very grave.
especially the appreciation of the fact
But anger is not a natural part of learn how to forgive, we will always to culture the quality of forgiveness But it does not mean that just
that I, am an eternal spiritual being
us, the spiritual person residing be imprisoned by our anger, and by which is illuminating like the sun. because you cannot forgive now,
residing within a material body and
within these bodies. It is part of our the things we feel werewrongly done The Supreme Person, Hari, is pleased you should give up trying. It is in
having a material experience.
material covering, part of what is tome. with those who are forgiving. SB your own best interest to forgive,
When overcome by anger, I am
covering our true self. Something that can help us to 9.15.40 and to free yourself from anger.
unable to see or act in my own
The great transcendentalist better understand the condition of What an amazing ideathat like ABOUT
spiritual interest or the interest of
Bhismadeva gave a prescription for anger, is to witness how someone the sun, the cultivation of forgiveness Acharya Das is a respected
others, and as a result perpetuate my teacher of Vedic and yogic
anger. He advised that to heal this in the grips of anger loses control of will become illuminating for me.
own suffering. philosophy, meditation and
unnatural diseased condition and their mind and emotions, and acts In another verse, it states: kirtan, and a practitioner of
In the Mahabharata, it is stated the transcendental science of
become free from anger, we should much like an animal. A saintly person is merciful and
that one cannot be called a civilised Bhakti Yoga. He has taught
learn to forgive. It is like seeing somebody who never injures others even if others yoga wisdom to appreciative
person without acquiring nine
Forgiveness is the panacea is tied to the back of a car, and are aggressive, he is tolerant and audiences for over 40 years.
The Indian Weekender Friday, October 13, 2017 FEATURES 39

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 40 FEATURES
October 13 to October 19 | By Manisha Koushik
Manisha Koushik is a practicing astrologer, tarot card reader, numerologist, vastu and
fengshui consultant based in India with a global presence through the online channels. She is
available for consultations online as well. E-mail her at support@askmanisha.com or contact
at +91-11-26449898 Mobile/Whatsapp: +919015607139 www.askmanisha.com
Aries (Mar 21-Apr 20)
It is best to complete all the legal formalities
initially, rather than getting mired in red tape
later. Good going is foreseen for those who
have taken up a new job recently. Marketing
personnel will be able to achieve what they
set out for. Spouses silent treatment can
prove frustrating, but you may decide to stick
to your guns! A gift from someone will help
lift up the spirits of those finding themselves
down in the dumps.
Lucky Number- 9 / Lucky Colour- Bottle Green
Taurus (Apr 21-May 20)
All talk, no action is what you are likely to get
from someone you are counting on. Mind your
own business, as getting involved in someone
elses business will not be in your best interest.
Remain proactive to thwart the evil designs
of a workplace rival. A lucrative opening on
the job market can be yours, if you play your
cards well. Funds for a new venture may not
be forthcoming and may even jeopardise the
project.
Lucky Number- 3 / Lucky Colour- Crimson
Gemini (May 21-Jun 21)
Your upbeat mood is likely to prove infectious
for others on the social front. Taking up some
physical sport will keep you fit as a fiddle.
Lonely hearts are can expect a budding
romance to blossom soon. Help required for
a task will be forthcoming from all quarters.
Your preparation on the academic front will
hold you in good stead. You will remain on
Wishing all our customers a very happy and prosperous Diwali
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Lucky Number- 17 / Lucky Colour- Light Gray
Cancer (Jun 22-Jul 20)
You may be called upon to undertake an
important assignment. A productive week is
foreseen at work. Your services are likely to
be utilised on the social front in organising
something. Those ailing for long can expect
some good news on the health front. A property
acquired by you may start giving good returns.
Thawing of tensions within the family is likely.
A steady love life is foreseen. A long distance
drive will be safe and comfortable.
Lucky Number- 22 / Lucky Colour- Red
Leo (Jul 21-Aug 22)
People not with you may put unnecessary
pressure on you. Your reputation on the
professional front may suffer a set back, if
you are not cautious enough. A family elder
may need to be tackled firmly, but dont be
too harsh. Hopes of meeting lover may get
dashed due to a pressing commitment. You
may not be in the mood to participate in an
event, but little you can do about it. Take care
of your health.
Lucky Number- 15 / Lucky Colour- Cream
Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 23)
True understanding with those around you
will be achieved and you will feel much more
at home with them, than before. Your social
nature may find you surrounded by friends
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professional front is likely to add to your
reputation. Your eye for detail will come in
for praise. A trip given up as cancelled may
materialise. You will feel fit and energetic, and
participate in everything wholeheartedly.
Lucky Number- 18 / Lucky Colour- Peach
Libra (Sep 24-Oct 23)
Providing an opportunity to someone you can
easily overshadow at work will be in order.
You may need to take some bold initiatives in
the events unfolding on the social front. Lover
may perplex you by remaining a bit reserved
on the romantic front. You will manage to tie
up all the loose ends in organising something
important. A give-and-take relationship will
work best on the academic front, so go for it.
Health remains satisfactory.
Lucky Number- 1 / Lucky Colour- Magenta
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
You are likely to enter an excellent phase of
life that you have not experienced before. A
spring in your step will be indicative of the
good health that you are presently enjoying.
You will manage to increase business or boost
your career prospects on the professional
front. Coaching received on the academic
front is likely to improve your performance.
Wedding bells toll for the eligible. You will
have enough to splurge on someone special.
Lucky Number- 11 / Lucky Colour- Orange
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21) There is no reason for you to have fun at
Keep the current situation in perspective
before giving a decision. You may be praised
for solving a crisis on the professional front.
Spending less on something expensive
is possible, but will need your bargaining
powers. Newlyweds are likely to enjoy marital
life to the hilt. Love life remains satisfactory.
Your love for food may encourage you to try
out something exotic, so expect gastronomic
delights to make your weekend! Vacationing
in a new place is possible.
Lucky Number- 6 / Lucky Colour- Dark Green
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Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 21)
A decision taken in haste may prove
counterproductive to your interests. Your
minimal involvement on the domestic front
may have spouse up in arms. This is the time
to contemplate on a future course of action
on the academic front, if you want to remain
in contention. Be careful of professional
rivals out to unseat you. Raising capital for a
dream project may not be as easy as you had
anticipated. Take care of a lifestyle disease.
Lucky Number- 8 / Lucky Colour- White
Aquarius (Jan 22-Feb 19)
Countdown to something important has
begun, but you will be well prepared for it.
Those not faring well on the education front
must tighten their belts, if they want to enjoy
a smooth ride. Good returns from real estate
are foreseen for property owners. Jewellers or
those dealing in gold and gems may find the
week profitable. Your efforts in completing
a project or assignment may not appear
adequate to higher ups on the professional
front.
Lucky Number- 2 / Lucky Colour- Sky Blue
Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20)
someones expense, as it may easily rebound
on you. A feeling of listlessness may prevail,
but it will be a passing phase. There is a fair
chance of becoming a proud owner of a flat
or plot. Workable solution suggested by you
to a problem encountered on the professional
front will be roundly appreciated. Tensions
troubling you are likely to disappear. Efforts
on the health front prove fruitful.
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 The Indian Weekender Friday, October 13, 2017 FEATURES 41

10

RECIPES
DESSERTS
Ras Malai
Rich and fluffy milk dumplings served in a cardamom
scented milk
S poongy home made paneer is soaked in sweetened milk and garnished with cardamon,
saffron and pistachios thats the beautifully simple Ras Malai for you. Traditionally,
Ras Malai is not overly sweet
For patties
Preparation time: 60 min Dilute lemon juice with 1/2 cup of water
Cooking times: 60 min and keep aside.
Serves: 6 Boil the milk in a heavy-bottomed pan.
While stirring the milk, slowly add the
INGREDIENTS: diluted lemon juice to it. When the milk
For the patties starts to curdle (to form paneer) quickly
1/4 cup lemon juice add the ice cubes so that it will not 226 | Indias Most Wanted Recipies Ruby Dhillon

1/2 cup water curdle further (this will make the paneer
4 Muslin cloth soft).
8 cups full-fat milk Strain the paneer using a sieve lined
with muslin cloth.
For the Syrup Wrap the paneer in the muslin cloth,
6 cups water then rinse paneer under the cold water
1 cup sugar and squeeze well. This process takes
4-5 green cardamon seeds crushed out the sourness of the lemon from the
2 pinches of saffron paneer.
For the milk Once the paneer is drained, place on a
4 cups full-fat milk dry, clean surface and knead the paneer
1/2 Tbsp sugar for 34 minutes until it almost rolls into
3-4 green cardamon seeds, crushed a smooth, soft dough. Alternatively, you
1 1/2 Tbsp psitachios, sliced can use a food processor to make it soft.
Roll equal portions of paneer between
your palms until each is a smooth ball
about the size of a ping-pong ball. Then
lightly press the balls to flatten out and
keep aside.
METHOD:
In a pan, boil water and sugar on a
high heat. Add crushed cardamom and
saffron, mix well. Add paneer balls to
the sugar syrup, cover and cook for
1015 minutes. Take it off the heat and
let it cool.
For the milk
Boil the milk in a heavybottomed pan,
cook until the milk reduces to about
21/2 cups in volume. Make sure to stir
the milk frequently while heating so that
it does not burn or stick to the bottom of
the pan. Add saffron, sugar and crushed
cardamom to the milk. Cook until the
sugar is fully dissolved it will take
approximately 25-30 minutes.
Take the flattened balls out from the
syrup and squeeze them lightly between
your palms, then add them to the milk,
cover and cook for few minutes.
Take it off the flame and let it cool.
Garnish with sliced pistachios.
Serve chilled.

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 The Indian Weekender Friday, October 13, 2017 ENTERTAINMENT 43

AUCKLANDS HOTTEST BOLLYWOOD STATION

From cinema to politics: Wishes Feminism not about

galore for Big B on 75th birthday berating men: Priyanka
P A
resident Ram Nath Kovind,
Prime Minister Narendra
Modi and a string of
Bollywood celebrities like Lata
Mangeshkar, Aamir Khan, Ranveer
Singh and Rishi Kapoor wished
megastar Amitabh Bachchan good
health and happiness on his 75th
birthday.
"Birthday wishes to Amitabh
Bachchan, film icon as well as
unstinting advocate of social causes
and nation building missions,"
President Kovind tweeted.
Modi wrote: "Happy birthday
Amitabh Bachchan! India is proud of
his cinematic brilliance and support
to many social causes. I pray for his
long and healthy life," Modi tweeted.
Labels like "biggest superstar",
"super hero of Indian cinema" and
an "inspiration" have been used
for Amitabh, whose career spans
over four decades in the Hindi film
industry. Having started his career
with "Saat Hindustani" in 1969, Big
B has given Indian cinema hits like
Deewar, Sholay, Agneepath,Paa,
Black and Piku. Here's what his
colleagues, friends and juniors
tweeted:
Lata Mangeshkar: Namaskar. The
person who has entertained the entire
universe with his acting talent, I wish
that superstar Amitabh Bachchan on
his birthday.
Aamir Khan: To the biggest
superstar India has ever seen.
Many many happy returns of the
day! May you always have good
health, happiness, joy, excitement,
adventure and fulfilment. May all
your dreams come true, and may
your list of dreams never end. Love,
your biggest fan. Aamir.
Ranveer Singh: Happy Amitabh
Bachchan Day to all! Greatest of all
time.
Rishi Kapoor: We have done some
interesting work together. Now await
'102 Not Out'. This time Comic
Drama.
Rakesh Roshan: Amitji Happy
Birthday.
Farah Khan: He possesses the
magic or the magic possesses him!
Amitabh Bachchan... Happy birthday
thank you for being you!
Rajkummar Rao: Sir, can't thank
you enough for all this love and
support and Happy Birthday, my
most favourite actor and person.
Thank you for teaching me so many
things in life.
Subhash Ghai: Our heartiest
wishes to Amitabh of Indian cinema
- an institution of a great kalakar
karmyogi n yodhha Amitabh
Bachchan.
Ranvir Shorey: Amitabh
Bachchan, Happy Birthday, sir! 75,
and still number 1!
Abhishek Kapoor: Happy birthday
Amitabh Bachchan sir. Have a great
day and thank u for being u and the
inspiration??
Rahul Dholakia: Happy 75th Sir
Amitabh Bachchan - love and wishes.
Papon Angaraag: Happy birthday
to the super hero of Indian cinema
and one of the most amazing person
I've ever met! Amitabh Bachchan
..Happy birthday sir!
Maniesh Paul: Wish u a very very
happy birthday Amitabh Bachchan
sir..stay blessed and always be the
driving force for all of us that you
are...love you sir.
Esha Deol: Happy birthday to the
one and only Amitji wishing you
good health and happiness always.
ctress Priyanka Chopra But my parents always said, We
feels proud to call herself believe in our upbringing. Youll be
a feminist and says people fine, she said.
should not think the term means
berating or hating men.
Feminism is not about berating
or hating men or disliking or trying
to make sure were better than men,
Priyanka told variety.com.
Feminism is just saying give me
opportunities without judging me for
the decisions that I make, the same
freedom that men have enjoyed for
so many centuries. Feminism needs
men, added the Quantico star.
Priyanka feels frustrated with
those who reject the label.
I see so many girlfriends of mine
who are like, No Im not that much
of a feminist. I dont even understand
that. The need for feminism was
created because there were no rights
for women. Thats why there is not
a man-ism because they always had
it, she said.
Priyanka said she was raised to
be an open-minded person by her "Feminism
parents. is not about
I was raised to be fearless berating or hating
when it came to opinions. My men or disliking or
dad always used to tell me, trying to make sure
Women are always told to say were better than
this is the right way to be or this men."
is the right way to dress or this is
the right way to speak, she recalls.

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 14-15 OCTOBER 2017
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PROGRAMME
Sponsor activity Location
More FM
Head to the More FM Kid Zone for your chance to challenge the More FM team to a game of Giant Ten Pin or have a go at colouring in for Aotea Square (grass area)
your chance to win great spot prizes!
Resene
Aotea Square (grass area)
Dont miss the interactive Resene activation onsite where you can help paint the Resene wall in Diwali colours.
energyclubnz Aotea Square (grass area)
Vodafone
Vodafone has a special offer for you at the upcoming Diwali Festival - dont miss out on winning exclusive deals and amazing prizes Aotea Square (grass area)
throughout the festival. Text Diwali to 761 to receive exclusive offers and to be in to win prizes thanks to Vodafone. Happy Diwali!
Radio Tarana Aotea Square (grass area)
Watch the exciting and vibrant Radio Tarana Bollywood Dance Competition, on Sat 12.30pm and Sun 4pm on the main stage. and Main Stage
Indian Weekender
Aotea Square (grass area)
This year Indian Weekender are back with the Mr & Ms Diwali pageant - a fusion of culture and modernity. Dont miss out from 6pm
and Main Stage
Saturday and Sunday on the main stage.
Air New Zealand Aotea Square (grass area)
Mithai
Queen Street (food stalls)
Try delicious and authentic Indian food (including sweets!) at the Mithai food stall.
Mahindra
Come and take a look at Mahindras family XUV500 on display. Mahindra have also teamed up with ASB and are giving you the chance to Queen Street
win an XUV500 automatic for a week!
ASB
ASB Hunt, Snap and Win Celebrate Diwali with ASB and hunt down the posters hidden around the festival. There are some exciting Queen Street
prizes up for grabs.
Barfoot & Thompson Hub
Get your photo taken at the Barfoot & Thompson archway (corner Queen St & Wellesley St) between 12-6pm and youll get a free framed copy
Queen Street
to take home.
Barfoot & Thompson will be lighting up the sky again on Sunday night with the fireworks finale! Come and watch at 9pm.
Incredible India
Aotea Centre
See the Incredible India stand inside the Aotea Centre for some tourism and travel inspiration!

Auckland Diwali Festival 2017 - Classical Music Stage

Venue: Limelight Room, Aotea Centre
SATURDAY 14 OCTOBER
TIME STYLE OF MUSIC PERFORMER / GROUP NAME
12 - 12.20pm Carnatic Music Viashnavi & Students
12.20 - 12.45pm Vocal - Hindustani Samarth School of Music
12.45 - 1.45pm Carnatic Music Sangeet Bharti School of Music
1.45 - 2.10pm Sitar Recital Shalu Garg
2.10 - 2.35pm Vocal Recital Tracey Mckay
2.35 - 3.25pm Tabla Workshop Basant Madhur
3.25 - 3.45pm Vocal Aarohi Acadamy of Music
3.45 - 3.55pm Classical Dance Padma School of Music
3.55-4.30 Vocal & Instrumental Sargam School of Music
4.30-5.00 Vocal Swar Sadhna Acadamy

SUNDAY 15 OCTOBER
TIME STYLE OF MUSIC PERFORMER / GROUP NAME
12.00-1.30pm Carnatic Music Carnatic Music Society
1.30-2.00 Sarod Recital Jaita Singh
2.00-2.30 Vocal & Instrumental Sargam School of Music
2.30-2.50 Sitar & Violin Tiare, Sargam & Surbhi
2.50-3.20 Vocal Jugalbandi Seeth & Amrita Kaur
3.20-4.05 Hindustani Carnatic Jugalbandi Dr Ashok Malur & Prof Shukdev Madhur
4.05-4.30 Harmonium Recital Samir Bhalodkar
4.30-4.40 Hindustani Vocal Rini Dedhech
4.40-5.00 Sufi Music Nisar Mirza
Getting to the festival
Aotea Square can be easily reached from any part of the city, by foot, bike, car or public transport. Located
right in the centre of the city on Queen Street, Aucklands main shopping street.
Make your journey to the festival a hassle-free one by planning your trip beforehand.

Walking
The Auckland Diwali Festival is located right in the centre of the city, and is an 8-10 minute walk from
downtown Auckland (Britomart Station).

Cycling
Leave your car at home and try cycling to the Auckland Diwali Festival!
Auckland Transport and Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development are working together to
make the Auckland Diwali Festival more cycle-friendly. This year there will be extra bike racks available to
supplement existing permanent racks.

Public Transport
Avoid the traffic and hop on a train, bus or ferry.
Public transport is the best way to get to the festival, whether its a bus, train or ferry. Its often easier and
quicker and it helps make Auckland Diwali Festival 2016 a more sustainable event.
Regular buses and trains will drop you off within a short walk of Aotea Square. Plan your journey or
download a timetable from Auckland Transport.
Accessibility
For those with pushchairs and wheelchairs, the easiest place to be dropped off to get to the celebrations is
via Lorne Street, Wakefield Street,
Greys Ave, and Myers Street.
There is also allocated event parking for those in wheelchairs, which will be located on Wakefield Street, in
addition to Auckland Transports mobility parking on Myers Street and inside the Civic Car Park.
A few helpful tips for those with limited mobility:
There will be accessible parking and drop-off areas, the locations will be confirmed in early October on the
festival map
Crowds tends to be their biggest from 6.30pm onwards at the food stalls and 7.30-9pm in front of the main
stage
Accessible toilets are available on Rutland St
The accessibility map for the festival will be available in early October, please check back on this page
soon for more information
Meet us at the Auckland Diwali at
AOTEA Square, Auckland
0800 66 11 88
Specialist for Indian Subcontinent Travel
Contact us for Specials of

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Customer Focus | Leisure & Business Travel
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Emergency 24/7: 021 807 909 www.travelpoint.co.nz

52 FEATURES Friday, October 13, 2017 The Indian Weekender

The New Zealand Telugu Association

would like to extend our best wishes
to all the Indians around the world as
we celebrate one of the most significant
festivals in Indian culture Diwali, the
festival of light and the triumph of good
over evil and light over darkness.
Wish you all a very
happy Diwali!
President General Secretary
Dharmendra Alle Venkata Ramana Rao Salvaji
Ph: +64 21 266 3666 Ph: +64 22 049 1003
+64 9 849 7789 +64 9 818 2281
E: president@nzta.org E: generalsecretary@nzta.org

SINGAPORE AIRLINES 2017 (Blackout dates apply) No Outbound availability during school holidays
Commence travel between 15 October to 30 November 2017 & & 16 January 2018 to 30 September 2018

One-way Fares starting from 599*

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Economy return fares starting from NZD 1099*

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Opening Hours: Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6pm & Saturday 10 am to 1.30 pm.
 ENTERTAINMENT

Why fewer scripts for senior

The Indian Weekender Friday, October 13, 2017 53
Im greedy about
films performance,

female actors: Sharmila Tagore A

says Vidya Balan
ctress Vidya Balan says she is
very greedy when it comes to the

V
eteran Bollywood actress and former
Central Board of Film Certification
(CBFC) head Sharmila Tagore feels
there are very few scripts written keeping in
mind "elderly" heroines, while the same is not
true for their male counterparts.
"So many scripts are written for elderly
male actors; these things are not happening for
female actors. The girls have to be very young
and the man can carry on forever," Sharmila,
72, said.
"One has to accept that life doesn't stop there
(at a young age). In my time, life stopped at 30
or 40, but it doesn't have to because life carries
on and there are a lot of interesting phases in life
which they (the audience) might like," added
the actress, who had made her acting debut at
the age of 13 with Satyajit Ray's Apur Sansar
(World of Apu), the last in the celebrated Apu
trilogy. She went on to receive many awards,
including multiple National Awards, for her
strong portrayals in films like Mausam and
Abar Aranye.
Her other powerful roles include Nirjan
Saikate, Anupama, Kashmir Ki Kali, An
Evening In Paris and Aradhana. She is also the
recipient of the Padma Bhushan.
Sharmila still faces the camera once in
a while, and she has observed changes in
the industry.
"When we were working, acting was not
considered a very good profession.... now that
has changed. From then to now, films have
become a very coveted profession and the roles
of women are getting stronger. Films like Piku
and Neerja being made and doing well proves
that," she said.
She also feels that while the multiplex culture
has helped filmmaking evolve, it has taken
"In
my time,
heroines couldn't do a
negative role, but now
you can and people accept
you. So, I think, Indian films
are in a very good place.
Today, heroines get to
play more
varied roles"
away the charm of the big screen
phenomenon.
"In our time, when two or three big films
were ready -- for example, films of Dilip Kumar
or Raj Kapoor -- then smaller films had to wait
for their release. But now, films like Newton get
released, a Masaan gets released and get a good
niche audience.
"The screen phenomenon that we had, that
was really wonderful to see... watching films
performance of her films.
with mixed crowds. Multiplexes don't get that
The National Award winning actress was
because you have a very niche, elite crowd;
present at the Jio MAMI Movie Mela on
nevertheless it has helped filmmaking," she
Saturday, and said: I want all my films to
added. Sharmila also noted the audience's
do well in theatres first and then do good in
"healthy appetite for diversity".
festivals, I am very greedy that way. One film
"In my time, heroines couldn't do a negative
just wont do me any good.
role, but now you can and people accept you.
Vidya also spoke about being inspired by
So, I think, Indian films are in a very good
Iranian movies, which she feels are simple
place. Today, heroines get to play more varied
and big-hearted. Her own forthcoming movie
roles," she added.
Tumhari Sulu is on similar lines.
The actress will be honoured with the
I have watched a lot of Iranian movies at
Excellence in Cinema India Award at the
(previous editions of the) MAMI film fest
opening ceremony of the 19th edition of the Jio
and they inspired me a lot. The storytelling
MAMI Mumbai Film Festival here on October
and performance in those movies were very
12. She also had a successful tenure as the head
simplistic, but the films were with a very big
of CBFC in the past and feels there is need for
heart. I just hope I get to do more of those kind
an environment where filmmakers can create
of movies. I feel my upcoming Tumhari Sulu is
content "without feeling worried".
one of those kind of movies.
"The first three days of the film are very
Vidya is also a member of the Central Board
important. If there is a ban or some
of Film Certification (CBFC).
kind of threat and the audience does
Now I get to see a lot more films from what
not come to theatres, it can harm
I used to in the last few years and I am enjoying
a film. Naturally, filmmakers get
it. It is fun, said Vidya.
very worried about the film.
During an interactive session here, Vidya
"There are certain films that
also spoke about her favourite movie character.
cannot be passed (by the censor
She said she loves the late Rajesh Khannas
board) and they take precautions,
character in Anand, which also starred
but we should create an environment
Amitabh Bachchan.
where people can create films without
Anand, the character played by Rajesh
getting worried; we should work towards
Khanna... He inspires me to make the most of
freedom of speech and less on curbing it," said
every minute. I think what can be worse than
Sharmila.
knowing that you are going to die but the way
Focusing on certification is the best solution
he deals with it is so beautiful. I havent seen
over censorship, she feels. "If you feel it's
all of Rajesh Khannas films, but I think it is his
very adult in content, give it an 'A' certificate.
best performance, in my opinion.
(But) allow a film to be released without
Towards the end when he dies, you want
cuts," said Sharmila, adding that the current
him not to die; youre hoping there is miracle,
CBFC chairperson Prasoon Joshi is "liberal"
which usually happens in Hindi cinema.
in thought.

Celebrate Diwali with Shivanis Sweets & Snacks

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54 FEATURES Friday, October 13, 2017 The Indian Weekender

flavours, sights and sounds of Indian culturein

the heart of Auckland. Celebrate traditional and
contemporary Indian culture in its many forms,
with livemusic, dance(including international


We can help with:
Immigration
Issues
How to develop a winning guest performers, the lavani dance company
Kalika KalaKendra), street theatre, food and
mentality
Gaining

craftstalls, the hotly contested Radio Tarana

Employment

Integrating
into Finding a Joining a
Getting IRD
Date: Tuesday 31 October 2017 Bollywood dance competition and activities for
kids.This festival, which draws people fromall
number

Time: 4:30pm 7:00 p.m.

Community Doctor Library

Financial Housing INFORMATION - HELP - ADVICE Venue:Karstens ConferenceandMeeting ethnic backgrounds, is also NewZealands
largest vegetarian festival, with a vast range of

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FREE CONFIDENTIAL FOR ANYONE Spaces, Tower 1, Level 4, 205 Queen
Indian foods and sweets. The Auckland Diwali


Immigration NZ Service Provider for new migrants/workshops St,Auckland
Festival is presented by Auckland Tourism,
Learning
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Consumer Rights Housing & Tenancy Personal Benefits The Australasian Leadership Institute would
Events and Economic Development (ATEED),

like to invite you to attend a freeleadership
workshop to be held at Karstens thenew on behalfof Auckland Council, and founding
conference and meeting venue in Auckland partner Asia New Zealand Foundation.

Citizens Advice Bureau Pakuranga-Eastern Manukau CBD. The barrier to a higher level of
Library Bldg, 7 Aylesbury St, PO Box 51-291, Pakuranga 2140, Auckland
Phone 09 576 8331 Email: pakuranga@cab.org.nz

EVERYONE NEEDS INFORMATION performance is always either technical ormental. Wellington Diwali
Citizens Advice Bureau Botany
Botany Town Centre Rear Food Court entrance PAKURANGA-EASTERN MANUKAU A person is either lacking the technical skills Date: Monday, October 23
Phone 271 5382 Email: botany@cab.org.nz

Pakuranga Library Building, Aylesbury St, Pakuranga. or the mental skills, a lack of confidence and Time: 1:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Ph 576 8331 pakuranga@cab.org.nz motivation to focus. Long considered to be Venue: TSB BankArena,Queens
fixed, mental skills are nowrecognized as

Hours: Mon-Thurs 9am-4.30pm; Fri 9am-4pm; Sat 9.30-11.30am.
Wharf,Wellington
Free information and support for New Migrants
BOTANY Foodcourt Carpark by Parcel Pod, being able to be developed in a similar way to
Botany Town Centre. Ph 271 5382 botany@cab.org.nz Diwali - also known as the Festival of Lights
Hours: Monday-Friday 9.30am-1pm. technical skills. Attend this free workshop and is Wellingtons localIndian and South East
Website: www.cab.org.nz learn how to improve your mental skills and Asian communities most vibrant cultural
develop a winning mindset while networking
JE0501

celebration.The lighting of lampsat this ancient

with like-minded professionals. Hindu festival symbolises the triumph of light

STRAWBERRY PICKERS
over darkness and the renewal of life. Celebrate
Auckland Diwali Festival traditional and contemporary Indian culture in
its many forms, with livemusic, dance (including
2017 international guest performers, the lavani

Casual staff required who will work in all weather. Date: Saturday, October 14 and Sunday,
October 15
dance company Kalika Kala Kendra), street
theatre, food and craft stalls, Bollywood dance

Hourly plus bonus for those who meet targets. Time: 12:00 p.m. 9 p.m.
Venue:AoteaSquare, QueenSt, Auckland
competition and activities for kids. Gold coin
entry.

Apply in person 9am to 12 noon, bring tax number, A free family-friendly festival that offers the

photo ID and proof of eligibility to work in NZ

Weekday and weekend work available including: Immigration Translation Centre
Work for parents while their children are at school, Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, Urdu, Sinhalese, Arabic, etc.
early morning work or full days work. Accurate, professional, prompt service by accredited translators.
Approved by LTSA/AA/Immigration New Zealand.
APPLY AT: Birth/Marriage/Police Clearance Certificates, Diplomas, Letters, etc.
Perrys Berrys Ltd
5 Campana Road 181 Hobson Street Auckland City 09-3570922, 021-488-525
Papatoetoe, Auckland Email: dsoh@ymail.com
RCS Accor 602 036 444 - Framboise Chapeaux

READY?
Soon, you will say the most impor tant Yes of your life.

YES!
Pullman Auckland offers customised ser vices for that unique moment:
dedicated event managers, creative & superior catering, beautiful spaces & settings.

OUR WORLD IS YOUR PLAYGROUND

Contact our team today: Email. pullmanevent@pullmanauckland.co.nz or Tel. (09) 353 1000

AN BRAND PULLMANAUCKLAND.CO.NZ
Special Diwali fares to India
Starts from $558*
New Year Specials
Starts from: $457* *Conditions Apply

We specialise in:
Unbeatable air fares to Indian sub-continent & Worldwide
Holiday Pakages worldwide | International Cruises
Guided Tours to India Visa/Passport services | PIO/OCI

Gives us a call today!

0800(SAIWORLD)|0800 724 967
www.saiworldtravel.co.nz We are
Open
24x7
Our offices:
Auckland | Brisbane | Melbourne
Perth | New Delhi

Mobile : 0211630151 / 0211603147 | Email : info@saiworldtravel.co.nz