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February 24, 2012 Volume 3, No. 21

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New Zealand claimed their sixth title convincingly in Wellington with a 24-7 win over erratic Fiji in a wet final at the Wellington Sevens. It was the first time the old rivals had met in a Wellington final since 2004 when the home side prevailed 33-15. Both Fiji and New Zealand were level on points in the IRB World series before heading in to Wellington but the Kiwis now lead the World Series outright, and head to Las Vegas on 73 points, three points ahead of Fiji. The New Zealand Sevens team have double reason to celebrate after they demolished Fiji to win their second consecutive home title. After steam-rolling to the title last year, the class of 2011/12 replicated 2004/05 team as the only New Zealand team to go back-to-back. Like Declan ODonnell in 2011, a star is born every year and this year it was no different, the ever impressive Frank Halai now the World Series leading try scorer, - who now has 24 tries this season - added to his tally by

bagging a double as New Zealand raced out to a 24-0 halftime lead against Fiji. Ironically it was Fijian-born Tomasi Cama, who pulled out his full bag of tricks in settingup two tries and scoring one himself. In the semi-final New Zealand, after thumping France 22-7 in the quarters, had breathed a sigh of relief after the Tongan-born Frank Halai's scored a try in the extra time to seal their win against England. The Jonah Lomu-like Halai used this trademark fend to make his way through the defence to sprint 40 metres to see New Zealand reach their third final in four tournaments on the current circuit. Earlier, Fiji had beaten South Africa 21-5 in the quarterfinals and then 28-5 over the Samoa in the semi-finals. Kenya won the bowls whilst South Africa beat Tonga to win the plate. England went on to beat Samoa 21-12 in the third and fourth playoff

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there were fewer than 10000, now there are more than 100,000 making Indians the second largest ethnic Asian group. The participation of Indians is huge. When I joined law, Indian lawyers could be counted on one hand now there is a whole roomful and more, he added. While being Governor General, he had the occasion to attend several functions with an Indian dimension throughout the country, he said. Among these he recalled Diwali in many parts of the country, the diamond jubilee of the Wellington Indian Sports Club, the 85th anniversary of NZICA in Palmerston North and the NZICA Womens Conference in Wellington in 2008 that Lady Susan inaugurated. Touching upon relations between Indian and New Zealand, Sir Anand acknowledged the current negotiations on the free trade agreement and the commitment of Prime Ministers John Key and Manmohan Singh. He said there was real substance in the negotiations and that the relationship between the two countries was becoming closer in a substantive way. Sir Anand described the Pravasi Bharatiya Award that was presented to him at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi was one of his most cherished. While it made him proud of his Indian heritage, it also reflected the greatness of a One of the biggest Holi celebrations in South Auckland gets under way this weekend. People from all ages and cultures are expected to come together to enjoy the playful spray of colours and relish the delicious savouries and sweets prepared to keep the festive spirits high. With food stalls, local entertainers, live band, live DJ and free colours to play with, this free community event promises to be a fun filled experience. Humm FM 106.2 in association with Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust is organising the grand celebration of

New Zealand
country like New Zealand where it was possible for a person of Indian, whose grandparents and parents were migrants, could stand proud with achievements as lawyer, judge, ombudsman and finally as Governor General. He said he looked forward to restore the spontaneity and relative anonymity that comes out of stepping down from office. He was carrying a multitude of memories with him, he added, many of these were shared closely with the Indian community. NZICA General Secretary Raj Thandi said, Sir Anand is a great New Zealander and distinguished community leader. He is a fine example of a New Zealander who made good through hard work and a commitment to realising high goals. The Association was very proud to honour Sir Anand and his wife, Lady Susan. A special plaque, designed by myself was presented to Sir Anand that symbolised the respect that he deserves. About 200 members and guests, including representatives of the New Zealand Government attended the function. Sir William Birch, a former New Zealand Minister of Finance, Ramesh Patel, a New Zealand Olympian, Judge Ajit Singh, Auckland City Councillor Des Morrison and Member of Parliament Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi also attended the event among several other community luminaries. Holi, the festival of colours. Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust is a nonprofit organisation, which has been operating in New Zealand since 1995. Humm 106.2FM is Aucklands first global Indian FM station. We aim to meet the aspirations and cultural needs of the community at large. Date: Saturday, 25th February, 2012 Time: 10am 10pm Venue: Telstra Clear Pacific Event Centre Entry: Free

A memorable Arangetram Thousands to splash colors in South Auckland with a difference

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membering a dear mate HOTA forum invites participation

Hindu Swayamsewak Sangh, the host of Hindu Organisations, Temples and Associations (HOTA) Forum is inviting up to three executive members from temples / organisations / associations to attend the annual HOTA Forum. The forum will be held on Sunday, March 18 at Shanti Niwas Seniors Centre, 14 Springs Road, Onehunga, Auckland, between 9:30 and 3:30 pm. There is no fee for participation. The forum this year will discuss outcomes and progress from last year; provide an opportunity to air social, cultural and religious issues before the Hindu community of New Zealand through interactive workshops.

Nehas Arangetram at the Dorothy Winstone Theatre on February 4, was different: it was an amalgamation of a musical recital, instrumental concert and dance all put together on one stage. And the repeated, resounding applause from a full house was proof enough that Aucklands Indian classical aficionados enjoyed every bit of it. Nehas guru Anuradha has a particular style of dancing. Her attention to detail is immaculate, which was clearly evident in Nehas performance. The event started at about 6 with Vidya and Uttara, dancers themselves, as MCs of the evening. Srinivas compered the show in Telugu adding a flavour and brought all the Telugu language speakers/ Telugu natives much closer and connected to the performer/performance. A series of 12 dances glued the audiences to their seats. Bharatanatyam is extremely physical that demands 100% of the artistes stamina. Neha in her speech said that along with the physical journey a student makes a spiritual journey

toward experiencing the consciousness or the atman. The 23-year-old danseuse also quoted Yogini Puduvai Kalaimamani Smt Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani from Pondicherry that Bharatanatyam is Yoga and Yoga means union. For surely this ancient art is one of the most beautiful and satisfying ways of expressing the human longing for union with the Divine. As an art form, Bharatanatyam demands conscious understanding of body, mind and emotions. The sincere dancer must understand the nature of Jnana and Bhakti, knowledge and devotion and the innate longing in all living creatures for Samadhi or cosmic consciousness. Instrumental accompaniment for the performance was ably provided by Nehas brother Saketh on Veena and accomplished Auckland violinist Ashok Malur. Srikanth, vocalist from India sang the vocals. Kesavan, on mridangam and Anuradha, the guru, on nattuvangam completed the ensemble.

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There will be workshops to systematically identify, discuss and possible actions to manage (or to cope with) issues before the Hindu community in New Zealand. Dr Rajen Prasad, MP, will facilitate the forum, as an eminent member of the Hindu community. All organisations, temples and associations that work to serve the Hindu community, known to the HOTA Forum have been invited to attend this annual forum. Contact details of the representatives that will attend the forum must be sent before March 10, 2012 to Mamta Bhikha on forum@ hota.org.nz or 027 281 0968.

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Employers must keep staff Maori delegation is ready for India trip
The Department of Labour is reminding ployer and employee, a description of the employers that the law now requires them to work to be performed, the place of employkeep signed written employment agreements ment, times the employee is to work, the Maori Research Institute wages or salary, and an explanation of serfor all their staff. 1176 Amohau Street, PukeroaOruawhataBuilding Since 1 July all employers are required vices available for solving problems. PO Box 12103, Rotorua 3045 Its the employers responsibility to to keep signed copies of employment agreements or current terms and conditions for all maintain and keep an up to date copy of each New Zealand employees agreement and provide a copy of employees, or they may face a penalty. A agreement if an employee requests it, The delegation is made up of academics, scienEmployment agreements are required the number of meetings on business, educa- enous people and communities. In association with the International Centre tists, for all employees no matter when they tion and tourism are being organised for the community leaders, artists and business Ms Newman says. people representingsays Annie Newman, the De- delegates.Department ofof business developed Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya The The Cultural Studies, Dev In started work, various Maori Trusts. association with the International Centre forfocus Labour has meetings for Cultural Studies, Dev Sanskriti VishTrevor Maxwell, Deputy Mayor of of Employ- an include export of is partments Acting Chief Adviser Rotorua; will Conferencethisdairy, Builder andhelp wavidyalaya is organising the Fourth Interorganising the Fourth International Employment Agreement Elders ofsea of the forest to Ancient Traditions and employers through ment Relations. education Malcolm Short, Chairman of Te Arawa Fed- products, and indigenousprocess. and inter- national Conference of the Elders of Ancient Cultures between March 3-7 2012 at Haridwar. The employmentthis fourth conference is Failure to ensure an business agreeThis affects all employees including eration of Maori Authorities and Pukeroa Oru- cultural exchange. Thetheme ofmeetings Traditions and Cultures between March 3-7 those hired on Kennedy, Kaumatua of the are facilitated by the all employees may 30 a verbal agreement or employ- ment is place for World Hindu Economic 2012 at Haridwar. The this awhata Trust; Ken the Balance of the Universe.in Delegates from overresultcountries will attend theme of this fourth Nourishing ees Institute have current written agree- in a labour inspector taking a penalty action conference is Nourishing the Balance of the Waiariki who do not Technology; Assoc. Prof. Forum. conference.of says Ms Newman. against an employer. ments in place, G K Dairy, Ballabgarh (Haryana) the Universe. Delegates from over 30 countries Manuka Henare, Associate Dean of Auckland This involves a seven-day products a Having a clearly written Ihorangi University Business School; Tumu employment manufacturer of Gopaljee Dairynotice period will attend this conference. agreement Elder of the risk of misunTu Waaka, Headhelps reduce Iwi Development One Maori of Schoolfrom New Zealandto rectify the breach and if this isnt com- degree from the will be awarded with an honorary are some provisions plied with then penalties may be sought in fromderstandings and there Awanuirangi InTe Whare Research Wnanga oGuna Magesan, a Institute that University; Dr of Worlds Ancient Traditions, Cultures and Heritage (RIWATCH University) digenous must be included in employment agree- the Employment Relations Authority of up to $10,000 for individuals and ments, she says. during the conference at Research senior resident scientist at Maori Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya. $20,000 for They must include the name of the em- companies. Institute; and Dr Rajiv Chaturvedi, a scientist in a Crown Research Institute are some of the With the imminent signing of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and New Zealand, delegates. the Magesan and Dr Chaturvedi are General Dr Maori delegation aims to develop contacts for business opportunities with India. Secretary and Media and Public Relations Officer of Hindu Council of New Zealand, Collaborating with emerging economies such as India will help Maoridom and we believe that respectively. This delegation is part of Hindu A multi-media study about contribute immensely for the development the Maori delegation willPaul Maori whakawhanaungatanga (kinship). Henry relations priorities identified in this years of trade and commerce Race Relations Report, and feature the preand Hone Harawira is One Malcolm Short, The Maori India and being presented by well-respected dairy business in India, will that between Research Institute believesCross- during our businessDiversity awards. be New Zealand sentation of the Annual meeting in India, saidMaori Elder from New Zealand will Wellingtons Centre for Applied presence of these and other delegates will hosting the delegates at their site to discuss be awarded with an honorary degree from the cultural of Maori Research Institute parallel youth forum is the held at the Director Research at next months 2011 New A and the leader of being delegation. help promote indigenous education, cultural their dairy business expansion and potential Research Institute of Worlds Ancient TradiZealand Diversity forum jointly hosted by same time. tions, Cultures and Heritage (RIWATCH Uniexchange, tourism and business from a local collaboration. The New Zealand Diversity Forum 2011 the Human Rights Commission and the Maori perspective. Being big landowners in the primaryDev SanskritiHamiltonagriculture, dairying and forestry, Maoriat Dev Sanskrisector at Vishwavidyalaya August is being held such as on 21-22 (Universi- versity) during the conference Hamilton Multicultural Services Trust. Her Its work Excellency Jan Henderson, New Also establishment for on Sunday spiritual programme 3.30communityexamines the intense publicFTAty), an on theof the Globe,cultural Mratthe dele-added. the imminent signing of Free Trade is excited with the ar- agreement with India, and Short ti Vishwavidyalaya. With has invited Zealand Higharound comments to India promi- renaissance a forum on Community Media 5.00 pm is guments Commissioner made by will host a reception figures in 2010, such as Henrys gates from Te Whare Wnanga o Community and Diversity hosted by the Awanuirangi Agreement (FTA) between India and New nent media on 28 February to welcome the delegation. We are thankful to ofvisit places of historical and cultural interest such asthe Maori delegation aims to develop The delegation will alsoMs Melanie Indigenous University, Trust. deliberate mispronunciation an interna- Access Radio Waikato the Waiariki Institute Zealand, Akshardham Chapman, Education Counsellor at repeatedly of Technology, and Sunday and for individAttendance famous palace in Jaipur, Rajasthan. In addition, tional dignitarys name andTaj Mahal in Agra, and a on the Maori Research Insti- contacts for business opportunities with India. then the New temple in New Delhi, Collaborating with emerging econoZealand High Commission in India for organ- tute to visit to their University attending for laughing about it, and Harawiras alleged ual forums is free. If you are for discussions the delegates about Pakeha. The forum on spring moreculturalMonday the regisising racist comments will celebrate Holi (theeducation festival of exchange of with the locals in India will the Maoridom and the meeting. half a day or and on the colours) indig- mies such as Jaipur, help capital city of Rajasthan. tackle race tration fee is $50. will also include activities that

The Maori Research Institute is leading a well-represented Maori delegation to India to enhance business, cultural and educational relations between India and New Zealand from a Maori perspective. The delegation will be in India from 27 February to 11 March 2012.
we believe that the Maori delegation will contribute immensely for the development of trade and commerce between India and New Zealand during our business meeting in India, said Malcolm Short, Director of Maori Research Institute and the leader of the delegation. Being big landowners in the primary sector such as agriculture, dairying and forestry, Maori community is excited with the FTA agreement with India, Mr Short added. The delegation will also visit places of historical and cultural interest such as Akshardham temple in New Delhi, Taj Mahal in Agra, and a famous palace in Jaipur, Rajasthan. In addition, the delegates will celebrate Holi (the spring festival of colours) with the locals in Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan. We believe people to people contact will have more impact, especially when it comes to business with India, said Dr Guna Magesan, coordinator of this delegation. The delegation will also meet school students to share Maori traditions and traditional costumes, artefacts, and performances will be on display. The whole trip will be documented by Ron Michael, who works for a number of television networks. The delegation takes this opportunity to thank Pukeroa Oruawhata Trust and Hindu Council of New Zealand for koha to cover partial expenses of delegates who are not supported by any organisation/trust, and towards the documentation of this trip.

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Collaborating with emerging economies such as India will help Maoridom and we believe that the Maori delegation will contribute immensely for the development of trade Diversity forum will and commerce between India and New Zealand during our focus on media business meeting in India

teed diswith free es offers, RWC ces. e will be national gadgets zone Exy of our account ass and work.

We believe people to people contact will have more impact, especially when it comes to business with India, said Dr Guna Magesan, coordinator of this delegation.

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The delegation will also meet school students to share Maori traditions and traditional Lemon Tea Sweetened & Lite costumes, artefacts, and performances will be on display. The whole trip will be documented by Ron Michael, who works for a number of television networks.

Hindu Conference focuses on serving NZ

Hindu Council of New Zealand is to hold platform and to bring together all Hindu volunteers, organizations and temples that are currently, capably contributing to the society, and to showcase their contribution to New Zealand, says the councils communique. Seva (selflessly serving those in need) is a core value that underpins Hindu Dharma, and Daan (charity) is a component of Seva. Such selfless efforts by volunteers and philanthropists are not usually publicized. The Fourth National Hindu conference will provide the forum to bring forth their activities and the outcomes of those activities to the community and their motivation and commitment to volunteering, to the wider public. The conference will include discussions on Hindu communitys contribution in

the 4th Hindu Council of The delegation takes this opportunity to thank Pukeroa Oruawhata Trust andNew Zealand Hindu Conference, New Zealand for koha to cover partial expenses of delegates who areentitled Serving May any 13 this year not supportedCommunity Serving by 12 and Easy to make, Instant JUST ADD 200 ml HOT WATER New Zealand on organisation/trust, and towards the documentation of this trip. in Auckland. Sweetened & Unsweetened The goal of this conference is to provide a

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serving New Zealand community through the education sector, media, health services, social and community services, and youth development. Youth will illustrate their contribution to community service. This conference will be of interest to members of general public who are keen to learn about community service projects, and to volunteers interested in various models of volunteer as well as community development. It will also be of interest to community development practitioners, to academics who may wish to observe or work with specific communities and to students and individuals who may be keen to explore opportunities for volunteering. O r g a n i s a t io n s , temples, associations and individuals invited to send their interest regardingpresentation at the conference on the impact and outcomes of their services; participation in the conference either as a group or as an individual; to the conference coordinator: Pritika Sharma on 02107 24051 or e-mail: hinduconference@gmail.com

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Indian Weekender | February 24, 2012 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Communities and individuals throughout Auckland are being encouraged to apply for the latest funding round for the Creative Communities Scheme. The grant helps local communities create and present art projects or events that support diversity, young people, and wider community involvement. Weve had a lot of amazing initiatives receive funding through the scheme, says Auckland Council Manager Arts and Culture Central John Daly-Peoples. Creative Communities projects are incredibly popular, like the Art in the Dark festival which attracted over 30,000 people to

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Western Park in Ponsonby. Others, such as the Disability Arts Festival, have made a real difference in peoples lives. Creative Communities grants are funded by Creative New Zealand and administered locally by Auckland Council. We would really like to see new applicants from Aucklands large and diverse ethnic communities, as well as more applications from young people, says John. Applications for the grant close on 24 February. Information, including multi-lingual factsheets can be found on Auckland Councils website; keyword Creative Communities.

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Lincoln University hosted a high level delegation of Indian Vice-Chancellors, providing an opportunity to showcase the Universitys campus and facilities, and explore areas of collaboration. The visiting Indian Vice-Chancellors were: l Professor A.N. Rai, North Eastern Hill University l Professor Dinesh Singh, University of Delhi l Professor R. Ramaswamy, University of Hyderabad l Professor Rajan Welukar, University of Mumbai l Professor Surabhi Banerjee, Central University of Orissa Lincoln Universitys Vice-Chancellor Professor Roger Field hosted the delegation and discussed how Lincoln University could work closer with the five universities. Lincoln University is known internation-

Lincoln, Indian unis explore collaboration

ally for the high numbers of students from around the globe, with over 60 nationalities represented here, choosing to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. We already have a number of students from India, and there is ample opportunity to cooperate, particularly in the areas of agriculture and research. Having the five Indian Vice-Chancellors on campus allowed the University to showcase our strength in land-based specialist education, our approach to indigenous tertiary education and our sports scholarships success all applicable to the Indian education market. While on campus, the delegation visited New Zealand Crickets High Performance Centre, the Bert Sutcliffe Oval and Asia Pacific Football Academy, based at the University. They also visited the Lincoln University Dairy Farm where they were shown around the South Island Dairying Development Centre.

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Bhumi Puja (ground breaking ceremony) for the first ever Shirdi Saibaba temple in New Zealand was performed on Saturday, February 4 with pomp and gaiety followed by Vishnu Yagna on Sunday.
The day started at 6.30am. The actual Bhumi Puja ceremony started at 8.45am and was performed by Pundit Chandru Kurukkul. The holy urn was placed at the Bhumi Puja site for devotees to drop the offerings that will go in to the foundation during the ceremony. Puja started with Ganesh Homam and Navagraha Homam. Several devotees had the opportunity to partake in the procession chanting Sai Namam and moved to the Bhumi Puja site. Vaastu Puja was performed by President Bhaskar Reddy Duvvuru along with his wife Shalini and the Shanku was taken around by them for devotees to offer their prayers. Finally, at the designated Muhurat 12.10 pm Dr RR carried the Shanku in to the Holy Pit followed by Bhaskar Reddy with the Holy Urn containing the offerings from devotees. All the offerings from devotees were wrapped in a cloth, placed next to Shanku which was covered with a copper pipe and the site was sealed. About 2000 devotees participated in this function and several devotees could watch the same in different countries through Live Stream. Madhyan aarthi was performed at 1 pm. Devotees enjoyed the Maha Prasad served by the Sansthan and the Ceremony has become the Talk of the Town. In the afternoon Sai devotees and devotees from ISKCON sang bhajans. Dhoop aarthi was performed at 6 pm followed by tradithe place where we are going to have the Prana Pratishta of Baba once the temple is ready. The hall vibrated with Veda mantras and the whole place looked festive. Madhyan Aarthi was performed at 1 pm followed by Maha Prasad. About 1000 devotes partook in this event. Shabad Kirtan by Jaggi and group was performed followed by Carnatic Music Society of NZ. President Bhaskara Reddy proposed Vote of thanks, thanking all for a great function. The two-day function ended with Dhoop aarthi and Maha Prasad attended by over 500 devotees. LaY a Brick Lay A Brick (LAB), a Fund Raising Scheme conceived just 10 days before the function was a resounding success. Devotees could write the names of beloved ones and left the bricks at the Bhumi Puja site, which will go in to the Foundation of the Temple. Devotees donated $ 101 per brick and the Sansthan could sell 1000 bricks raising $ 100,000 in 2 days from this scheme. Nine major donor commitments of $ 10,001 were received of which, 4 devotees paid in full. We could raise over $ 200,000 during this event for our temple Project. Construction of the temple is expected to start in about two months and the temple should be built this time next year. More at www.Shirdisaibaba.org.nz

Saibaba Temple Bhumi Puja performed

tional GARBA organized by DJ Dev. Devotees danced with devotion and enjoyed the evening. Day was wrapped up with Shej aarthi followed by Mahaprasad. Over 700 devotees were present for the evening function

ViShNu YagNa Vishnu Yagna was organised by the Sansthan for the wellbeing and prosperity of the Sansthan and the devotees. 54 Yagna kunds were set up and 108 couples performed the Yagna in

Indian Weekender | February 24, 2012 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Support services for Auckland newcomers

Newcomers to the Auckland Region are keen to gain information to help them settle, particularly about establishing Nearly 300 service learning English. connections with their local communities, finding employment, andproviders belong to the regional and local Settlement Support networks
Newcomers to the Auckland Region are keen to gain information to help them settle, particularly about establishing connections with their local communities, finding employment, and learning English. From July to December 2011, more than 2000 newcomers contacted Aucklands four Settlement Support New Zealand (SSNZ) initiatives for assistance, resulting in 3,739 referrals to other service providers. Over 505 activities and workshops were provided to newcomers across the region. Iris Pabayo, who has been in New Zealand for just over a month now, says making connection with a local church was very important for her family. We consider ourselves religious and being in a new country, especially around New Years time can get very lonely. We were referred to a church by someone we knew and it was great luck for us! We met so many Filipinos at the church, the pastor even helped us with schooling information for my girl, adds Iris. The highlight of our settlement journey to New Zealand is Facebook! Through Facebook we got referred by a family member, to someone they knew in Auckland, who could help us with accommodation upon our arrival. Iris also found Settlement Support Auckland on Facebook. When I went into SSNZ Auckland profile, I saw other Filipinos in the friends list and made instant connection with them, she said. Through the church connections, we met so many people as well. While my husband and I are looking for work, knowing that there are people and organisations that we can go to, or talk to, helps a lot. Dr Mary Dawson, Chief Executive of Auckland Regional Migrant Services (ARMS), says that community networks are vital in the settlement process. Local networks, churches, community organisations and centres are all hugely important ways for newcomers to link up with local residents and with other newcomers. Connecting socially with others is a sure way of finding useful support, becoming better informed, and feeling more at home in a new city. The SSNZ initiatives are funded by Immigration New Zealand to assist newcomers to Auckland with settlement support information, net- to provide good customer service Challenges and Assistance for Job working and referrals. Settlement and relevant information to Auck- Seeking Newcomers how can we Upcoming Network meetings are: Support NZ Coordinators have been lands newcomers from over 130 make a difference? Zonta Club (West Auckland), providing information particularly countries. Nearly 300 service pro SSNZ Auckland Central, belong to the regional and Saturday Topic: Challenges to newcomers from India, China, viders 23th February, 9am to 1pm. 25th February, 11.30am and Philippines, Japan and Fiji. Job Seeking Newcomers networks to 3pm, at Western Springs ComAssistance for These local Settlement Support how can we make a difference? include work permit holders, family which hold forums for newcomers munity Hall: A Special Forum for of skilled migrants, visitor and service providers 25 th year. Newcomer Women 3pm, at members Zonta Club (West Auckland), Saturdaytwice aFebruary, 11.30am toof Auckland Western Springs Community A Special Forum for Newcomer Women of Auckland Regional Settlement Network visa holders and international stu- Hall:Upcoming Network meetings are: dents. Regional Settlement Network Meeting, 3 rd of May, Meeting, 3rd of May, 9amContribution 9am to 1pm. Topic: to 1pm. SSNZ Auckland Central, The SSNZ Coordinators work of Ethnic Media to settlement and integration. 23th Topic: Contribution of Ethnic Media very closely with service providers February, 9am to 1pm. Topic: to settlement and integration.

which hold forums for newcomers and service providers twice a year.

Contact your local Settlement Support New Zealand initiative: Area: Auckland Central Manukau Contact: Joseph Ngui Vimbai Mugadza Cheng Goh Ayumi Shibata Organisation: Phone:

Auckland Regional Migrant 09 625 2440 Services Auckland Regional Migrant 09 262 5983 Services (ARMS) Raeburn House Auckland Council 09 486 8635 09 837 4273

North Shore Waitakere

For further information contact Regional Communications and Marketing Coordinator, Shoma Prasad on 09 625 3095 or email shomap@arms-mrc.org.nz

For further information contact Regional Communications and Marketing Coordinator, Shoma Prasad on 09 625 3095 or email shomap@arms-mrc.org.nz

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New Zealand

Paying for Aucklands Future Transport

Aucklanders are being asked how they believe major transport projects should be funded. This week Auckland Councils Strategy and Finance Committee will consider a discussion document that seeks input on alternative funding options for transport. The document highlights that an already congested Auckland roading system will have to cope with a population increase of more than 50 per cent within three decades, to more than 2.2 million people. It says that if Auckland is to improve its quality of life and grow its economy while absorbing that population growth, we need to find alternative funding sources to pay for fixing Aucklands transport system. The projects that need to be funded include the combined Auckland Manukau Eastern Transport Initiative (AMETI) and Onehunga to East Tamaki (East-West) Link, the City Rail Link, an additional Waitemata Harbour crossing, the extension of the Northern Busway, the Avondale-Southdown Rail Link and ferry service improvements. It is clear that simply increasing taxes and rates will not cope with an estimated $10-15 billion funding shortfall. It is also clear that road users should not be the single focus in funding the deficit. The Mayor says he had an open mind on what alternatives should be considered and that every option should be on the table if we are going to avoid a transport crisis. We have a three-year window in which to decide what approach to take, but doing nothing will mean leaving a legacy of transport chaos to our kids, says Len Brown. We need the buy-in of Aucklanders and their agreement on the way forward to unclog our roads and unleash the potential of all Auckland. Our top priority is fixing Aucklands transport problems. We know what they are, we know doing nothing is not an option, and it is important that we as a region have open and frank conversation about what options we are going to pursue to fund the much-needed solutions. Twelve options are raised in the report: general rates targeted rates development contributions regional income tax regional payroll tax regional sales tax tax increment funding regional fuel tax and RUC diesel levy tolling new roads road pricing on existing roads additional car parking charges visitor tax airport departure tax The discussion document will be available on the Auckland Council website, at council service centres and libraries. Feedback from Aucklanders will be sought from 24 February to 23 March. Verbal submissions will be heard from 10 April to May 7. In June, Auckland Council will decide which alternatives it wishes to investigate in more detail and engage key stakeholders and the public in the design of any system.

Aucklands Draft 20012/15 Regional Land Transport Programme

Give Us YoUR views

The Draft Regional Land Transport Programme (RLTP) is now available for public comment. The programme lists planned transport activities in Auckland for the next three years in a prioritised order. It provides the basis of requests for government funding through the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA). It covers all land transport activities undertaken in the Auckland region by NZTA State Highways and Auckland Transport, and includes the Regional Land Transport Strategy (RLTS) work undertaken by Auckland Council. A summary document has been prepared in conjunction with Auckland Councils Long-term Plan 2012-2022 which will be delivered to households across Auckland. Copies of the Draft RLTP and summary document are available for viewing at the following locations: www.aucklandtransport.govt.nz/rltp Auckland Transports head office at Level 2, 6 Henderson Valley Road, Henderson Auckland Council service centres and libraries within the Auckland region Submissions can be made online at www.aucklandtransport.govt.nz/rltp or by completing the joint LTP/RLTP submission form contained within the summary. Submissions open Friday, 24 February and close 4pm Friday, 23 March 2012. Submission forms can be posted to: Draft Long-term Plan 2012-2022/Regional Land Transport Programme Auckland Council Freepost Authority 239296 Private Bag 92300 Auckland 1142 Copies of the draft RLTP may be requested from Auckland Transport by emailing rltp@aucklandtransport.govt.nz or phoning (09) 355 3553. David Warburton Chief Executive Officer Auckland Transport

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Hindi theatre lovers in for Bollywood ishtyle treat

Over the past three years Hindi theatre lovers have been treated for some memorable plays in Auckland. It has been a slow start to the movement but the theatre scene has been steadily making progress in Auckland. What started off as an amateur hobby for the keen theatre enthusiasts has grown into a full blown professional quality movement off late! Credit for this renaissance goes to the two most active theatre groups RANGMANCH and MIGHT-I Theatre, both of whom have been producing quality plays for the past 3-4 years. Theatre is a very unique medium wherein the audiences get to see a live presentation of the actors emotions and dialogue delivery. It takes a lot of effort and behind the scenes preparations to get the mix right. Theatre is something that people enjoy when it is up, close and personal. Unlike music shows, where you are focusing on sound and a crowd of 3000 can enjoy the show immaterial of where they are located in the auditorium, theatre begs your attention and the ability to closely watch the finer delivery of dialogues and action is a sure fire winner! An experienced theatre lover will vouch for this enthralling experience, when he gets to be a part of the show rather than being a part of the crowd. No wonder, theatre lovers just do not go after personalities, but for quality theatrical productions and acting. Rangmanch, which brought acclaimed productions like Zimmedari, Ballabhpur ki kahani and Dildar to the audiences in Auckland, has a dedicated fan following. MigHT-I theatre has been instrumental in getting hit plays like Ek Ruka Hua Faisla and Jaal the Trap to the Hindi theatre audiences and also bringing in a wonderful flavour of comedy in Mara Varno Varghodo in Guja&
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rati to the New Zealand audiences. Overall it has been a fantastic time for genuine theatre lovers in Auckland. So what next? To cater to the wide diaspora of Hindi Theatre, these two groups have decided to come together for joint production which will be a bonanza for theatre lovers in Auckland. This bilingual production will have all the

elements of Romance, Music, Revenge and Love in it. Yet to be named, it promises to be a treat to the audiences. This grand scale production is planned in May so watch out for more details in this paper. When queried about joint production, both the production houses were unanimous in their opinion that to take the Hindi theatre by storm they had to do something radically different but at the same time, the costs of doing such a grand production was going to be a burden on one single theatre group. Hence the joint production. The idea was to showcase the quality and depth of talent available within the Hindi speaking community, be it from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh or Fiji. The movement is looking at bringing forth the talent amongst the diaspora and provide them with an opportunity to learn theatre. It also encourages them learn the language of their homeland. It also provides an opportunity for being a part of the theatre without acting. The opportunity to design sets, elaborate light schemes, costumes and make-up also form an integral part of the theatre. This joint production will provide an opportunity for a wide range of community members to participate. So dont miss the opportunity to see something spectacular for the first time in New Zealand. Further details regarding auditions and presentation dates will be announced soon.

Auckland Council is reviewing policies covering support of community groups through funding, subsidised rentals, and the leasing of council-owned buildings. The aim is to provide common arrangements across the region that are fair and transparent, said the chair of the Regional Development and Operations Committee, Councillor Ann Hartley. Currently theres a myriad of different arrangements inherited from the seven former councils and we need to introduce some clarity and consistency. The review will also assist the council to better identify its assets across the region and their requirements for maintenance. The council is exploring the introduction of standardised rentals and fees including free maintenance of buildings to ensure community groups are better able to budget for their operation. Were conscious of trying to do the best for community groups with policies which are transparent and equitable, said Councillor Hartley. Officers will report back with recommendations to the committee prior to it setting policies before 1 July 2012. The council has inherited more than 1200 leases on or in council-owned land and buildings and about 400 are due for review or renewal.

Council to review community groups funding

EC wants to hear from the public on MMP

The Electoral Commission today launches a review of the MMP voting system, and seeks input from the public on possible changes to the way MMP works. This is a chance for all New Zealanders to have their say on how the MMP voting system might be improved, says the Electoral Commissions Robert Peden. Look for more information from the Commission, about the review and how to make a submission, in Thursdays newspapers. The review was triggered after the 2011 Referendum on the Voting System, in which the majority of voters chose to keep MMP as New Zealands voting system. As a result, the Electoral Commission must now carry out an independent review of MMP and report back to Parliament by the end of October this year. Its easy to get information and have your say, says Mr Peden. You dont need to be an expert - just have a view on how MMP might be improved.You can make your submissions by post, online or by email, and can also present your submission at a public hearing. All the information you need is on our website at www.mmpreview.org.nz, or call freephone 0800 36 76 56 to have an easy submission guide sent to you. The Electoral Referendum Act 2010 sets out the issues the Commission must consider in the review. These are: What thresholds parties should have to cross to qualify for an allocation of list seats in Parliament, Whether list MPs should be able to stand as candidates in a by-election, Whether a person should be able to stand as a candidate both for an electorate seat and on a party list, Whether voters or political parties should decide the order of candidates on a party list, What should happen when a party wins more electorate seats than it would be entitled to under its share of the party vote, and The effects of population growth on the ratio of electorate seats to list seats. The Commission can also consider other issues, as long as they relate directly to the way MMP works. Parliament has excluded Mori representation and the number of Members of Parliament from the review. Any member of the public, either individually or representing a group or organisation, is invited to make a submission to the Commission, and there are several ways to do this. Submissions can be made online, emailed, or on paper as well as in person at public hearings. Submissions from people wishing to appear at a public hearing must be received by 5 April, and all submissions must be received by 31 May. Once submissions close, the Commission will develop a set of proposals, based on the information and views presented in submissions and from the public hearings. These will be released as a Proposal Paper in August, and the public will again be invited to comment. A final recommendation paper will be presented to the Minister of Justice by 31 October.

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8 Indian Weekender | February 24, 2012 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Air India to fly to Australia

New Delhi: National carrier Air India is likely to fly directly to Australia starting the third quarter of 2012-13, top officials said this week. An Australian delegation led by Premier of Victoria Ted Baillieu, on Tuesday called on Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh in New Delhi. The delegation, among other things, discussed the proposed launch of direct air services by the Air India from New Delhi to Melbourne. Baillieu mentioned that there is a sizable population of Indians in Melbourne. The commencement of direct Air India flight to Melbourne scope for Air India to take flights to Europe via Melbourne, which can also be exploited in future. Air India has proposed to launch direct services to Australia from Delhi commencing from about the third quarter of 2012-13, using the B787 aircraft which are expected to be inducted in May this year. When these services are in place, Air India would be the only carrier serving the India-Australia market non-stop. The airline expects that the nonstop services to Australia would be a cash positive venture after getting various concessions from the Govof Victoria and New South Wales as well as the Airport Authority at Sydney and Melbourne to seek further concessions to make direct Air India flights cost effective. Baillieu has assured the Air India for all support in this regard. It is estimated that the traffic between India and Melbourne and Sydney is equal and ranges between 1,25,000 to 1,30,000 each per annum. The total size of the traffic moving between India and Australia has been estimated at about 3,35,000 passengers per annum in each direction.

Mumbai: The BSE Sensex climbed 0.76 percent on Tuesday this week, to its highest close in nearly seven months, on expectations of impending government decisions to inject more liquidity in the economy as part of the annual budget due on March 16. The 30-share benchmark index ended 139.26 points higher at 18,428.61 to its highest close since Jul 27, 2011 with 19 of its components closing in the red. The broader 50-share National Stock Exchange (NSE) Nifty index ended 0.77 percent or 42.85 points

BSE Sensex closes at 7-month high

higher at 5,607.15 points on Tuesday. The days rise was encouraged by hopes of easing monetary policy decisions and continuing inflow of funds from foreign portfolio investors who have pumped in over $4.4 billion so far this year, driving the Sensex up by more than 19 percent. Lenders scrips were among the gainers on hopes that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) would consider easing banks' reserve requirements to help ease tight cash conditions while energy major Reliance Industries surged 3.1 percent on a joint venture announcement.

would therefore be in the larger interests of Indian population residing in Australia and also in the business interest of the two countries. He also apprised the Minster of Civil Aviation that there is huge

ernment of Victoria and New South Wales, and will operate at over 75 per cent passenger load factor on an average round the year. Air India is holding fresh negotiations with the State Governments

This constitutes tourists, VFR, business, students and immigrants. In the year 2010 the tourist arrivals from Australia to India was about 1,65,000 and from India to Australia this figure was about 1,40,000.

Terrorism: Nitish Kumar writes to PM

Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday sent a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to re-examine the proposal for setting up of a National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) that would not be accountable to the states in dealing with terrorism cases across the country. He termed the decision to set up NCTC in states as 'hasty and unilateral' and asked the prime minister to re-examine the whole issue taking care of genuine concerns of states. "We are all united in fighting terrorism. But it should not undermine the federal structure. It will be a dangerous game against federalism," said Kumar. "You can fight terrorism taking the state's police into confidence," he said. "Even the ruling UPA allies are against it. All non-Congress parties are against it," said Kumar. He said the unity of the chief ministers on the issue has nothing to do with any new political alignment. Nitish echoed other chief ministers in pointing out that the Union Home Ministry had not consulted the state governments on the anti terror set up that would come into force from March 1, 2012. Nitish joined the team of several other chief ministers over objection against the NCTC in states. Key ally of United Progressive Alliance (UPA) , West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, had objected too earlier. Mamata Banerjee had written to the Prime Minister against Union Home Minister P Chidambaram's pet project saying that it will infringe upon the independence of state and weaken the federal structure of India. Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is

another vocal critic of the NCTC. Last month the union cabinet cleared the idea of the NCTC to bolster the security architecture of the country to fight terrorism post the 26/11 Mumbai attack. The NCTC is planned as an elite counter terrorism body under union home ministry with an IPS officer of the rank of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Intelligence Bureau or above heading it as director. The operations division of NCTC is empowered to arrest and carry out searches under Section 43 (A) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, a provision opposed by leaders like Mamatam, Naveen and now Nitish.

We are all united in fighting terrorism. But it should not undermine the federal structure. It will be a dangerous game against federalism.

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DgCA asks Kingfisher for revised schedule

New Delhi: Aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Tuesday asked the ailing Kingfisher Airlines to furnish them with a revised flight schedule amid largescale cancellations roiling the carrier and air travel in India. The DGCA chief after meeting Kingfisher CEO Sanjay Aggarwal also said it would keep special surveillance on the Kingfisher flights during this period as a precaution to ensure passenger safety though there is not apparent security threat. "We have taken stock today. They are operating 28 aircraft out of 64 and we have asked for a revised schedule of these 28 aircraft," DGCA chief Bharat Bhusan told reporters. He said the special surveillance by the DGCA is because it is "better to be cautious." Bhusan said they have communicated their worry about the closing down on Kolkata operations since it is a gateway to the air service to the Northeast. "We want the airline to get back on feet," Bhusan said, adding that the carrier was told in strongest term that passengers have to be given all information about cancellations. He said Kingfisher has assured to pay salaries of December due by Feb end and clear the rest in course of time.

Aggarwal told reporters that the meeting with DGCA was good. "We were asked some questions. We will provide [answers] in 24 hours," he said. The CEO was summoned by the aviation regulator of India (DGCA) after the carrier started cancelling flights in large number since Sunday. The airline earlier had said it will appear before the DGCA Tuesday and "submit all details they want and also a plan to restore the full schedule." Kingfisher reportedly had not informed the aviation regulator (DGCA) about the cancellations, though in media releases Saturday night it said at least 15 percent of the flights (around 32 daily) would be

cancelled a day for four days. On the third day on Tuesday, more than 30 fights were cancelled too. The loss-making Kingfisher Airlines on Monday said the prime reason for the ongoing disruption in flights is the sudden attachment of its bank accounts by the Income Tax department. The airline owned by liquor baron Vijay Mallya said in a statement: "The prime reason for the current disruption in our flight schedules is the sudden attachment of our bank accounts by the IT department. This has severely affected our ability to make operational payments leading to the present curtailment. The revised schedule has been updated in the system."

"We are in dialogue with the tax authorities to agree a payment plan and get the bank accounts unfrozen at the earliest. We are appealing to them to see reason that inconvenience to the travelling public is not in anybody's interests," it said. The airline said the employee salaries can be paid and the grounded aircraft can be recovered quicker once the bank accounts are unfrozen and the schedule restored on priority. "About 15% of our flights operating consistently for the past 3 months have been cancelled and we have done and are doing our best to inform guests in advance of cancellations and clubbing and to re-book them on other carriers," it said.

" If the guests so desire, we are offering them a full refund," it said. "Weve been in touch with the DGCA to keep them informed of the disruptions," Kingfisher had claimed in statements. Kingfisher also informed that they have not approached the Government of India for any "bail out". Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh said the government cannot bail out any private airline but Kingfisher has presented a business plan to banks for finance and it is being considered by them sympathetically. "Our first concern is that passenger safety is not compromised. DGCA is part of the aviation ministry and they are doing their job," Singh said.

Kerala temple: Expert panel evaluates treasure

Thiruvananthapuram: The experts' committee appointed by the Supreme Court on Monday commenced the digital inventory of treasures that were found in the vaults of Kerala's 16th century Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Five vaults of the temple were opened last year but the court had directed that the sixth vault will be opened only after the contents of the unearthed ones got digitized. The 16th century Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple here shot into fame as the richest in the country after wealth, including jewels and gold, were found there in vaults sealed for over 150 years. The vaults of the temple of Lord Vishnu were opened at the behest of the Supreme Court. It is believed that the wealth were those that

came from the royal family of Travancore. Security of the temple has been increased significantly by the government after treasures continued to get unearthed from the old temple that had hidden these treasures for ages. The treasure that was found in the temple included gold coins, jewels and precious stone statues of gods and goddesses curved out of solid gold and decked with diamonds, rubies, emeralds and other expensive stones, reports said. The operation to unearth the secret vaults started after the Supreme Court order in response to a petition by a lawyer in a local court asking the state government to take over the South Indian temple dedicated to Hindu god Vishnu.

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Indian Weekender | February 24, 2012 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Kolkata gets India's first DGCA looking into SpiceJet offloading prison art gallery
Kolkata/New Delhi: The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is probing into the incident of a 42-year-old differently-abled woman being offloaded from a SpiceJet flight from Kolkata to Goa on Sunday after the pilot found her "unfit to fly". Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh on Monday told reporters that they have asked SpiceJet to explain the incident and see what action can be taken. "DGCA is also enquiring it," he said. Jeeja Ghosh, who is a teacher at Kolkata's Indian Institute of Cerebral Palsy, was shocked when she was offloaded as the pilot did not allow her to fly alone.

Ghosh had earlier flown alone and is a frequent flier. She had also lived in UK all by herself as a student, reports said. She is a double MA. Jeeja Ghosh said she was surprised when even after boarding the plane she was asked to be offloaded by the pilot Utprabh Tiwari. She now wants action against the pilot. Meanwhile, SpiceJet has issued a statement apologising the incident and assuring an internal investigation and subsequent action. Ironically, Jeeja Ghosh was to attend a conference in Goa where she was to speak on mainstreaming the differently-abled.

India export estimates below $300 b

Kolkata: Financial turmoils in Europe and the United States may cap Indian exports below earlier estimates of $300 billion for this fiscal year, a top official of India's Ministry of Commerce said in Kolkata this week. Ministry of Commerce Joint Secretary J K Dadoo addressing a conference organised by Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council on Tuesday siad, "The European and US financial crisis may cause a slack in India export business for this financial year." "It might stand at around $280 billion against earlier expectations of about $300 billion," he said. In FY11 total exports registered were valued at $245 billion but this financial year they might post a 20-25 percent growth, he added. According to Dadoo, the sectors would drive this growth includes gem and jewellery, software, agricultural equipment and pharmaceutical products. Indias exports for the month of April-December 2011 have registered a growth of 25.8 percent, at $217.6 billion, he said. During the period April-December 2011, the imports were $350.9 billion with a growth of 30.4 percent and the balance of trade stood at $ (-)133.3 billion, during the same period.

Kolkata: Flight to Harmony Foundation and Directorate of Correctional Services, Government of West Bengal, joined hands to open an art gallery in the Alipore Correctional Home in Kolkata - the first one in India's prison history. The gallery was named `Srishtikala Bhavan' or artistic creations, by Shankar Chakrabarty, Minister in Charge, Department of Correctional Administration, Government of West Bengal. The inauguration of the Art Gallery was witnessed by some eminent Kolkatans from different walks of life. The gallery has opened with 50 paintings of 30 convict-artists of Alipore Correctional Home who are serving their terms. Flight to Harmony Foundation has been conducting art classes since 2007 at various correctional homes using art as a therapy on the convicts. Regular art classes along with workshops produced some exceptional artists among the inmates whose works have been exhibited a number of times in various parts of the country. The new permanent gallery is sure to boost the morale of the inmates as their work

can now be exhibited regularly and is sure to draw art lovers. We will allow the public to come and appreciate the works of great talents, said Ranvir Kumar, IG, Correctional Services, West Bengal. This 800 sq ft state-of-the-art gallery will also be used for holding exhibitions of paintings of inmates along with professional painters. Art is a medium which will give them a chance to rectify themselves and facilitate the process of rehabilitation, said artist-sculptor Chitta Dey, founder of Flight to Harmony Foundation, who has already rehabilitated several former convicts. The opening of Srishtikala Bhavan came up after two days of intensive art workshop at the Alipore Correctional Home where the convict-artists and professional artists participated together. About 30 inmates and 30 artists, both painters and sculptors, worked and learnt from each other. The likes of Shanu Lahiri, Robin Mandal, Ganesh Haloi, Subrata Ganguly painted while Uma Siddhanta and Bipin Goswamy created sculptures during the workshop.

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Yuvraj Singh tweets good news

Boston: Cricketer Yuvraj Singh, who is undergoing treatment in Boston in the US for a cancerous tumour in his lung, said he has received some good news from his doctor he has to blame himself for delaying his treatment. "Got very good news from dr lawrence today! The tumor is almost way out of the system Aftr reading my todays scan !Second cycle has started," Yuvraj Singh tweeted on Thursday. Yuvraj Singh on Tuesday thanked celebrated American cyclist and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong for the message that wished him speedy recovery. "Message from @lancearmstrong makes me feel better ! Thank you lance means a lot hope we can meet," Yuvraj tweeted. Seven Seven-time Tour-de-France champion Lance Armstrong wished Yuvraj Singh for his speedy recovery on Monday. Lance Armstrong offered Yuvraj support from the 'Livestrong' group. Earlier Yuvraj said that he was looking forward to take the cricket field soon.

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Top three batsmen India to direct Google, Yahoo slow fielders: Dhoni to share emails
Brisbane: Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni said that it was not possible to play top-three batsmen Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir and Sachin Tendulkar together in a match because they are slow fielders. "These fielders are not bad but for these conditions and big out field they are sightly on the slower side," Dhoni said last Sunday. New Delhi: Email service providers such as Google and Yahoo are set to be ordered by the Indian government to route all emails accessed from India through the country to provide quicker access to security agencies, media reports said Tuesday. According to reports, the move comes in the wake of instances where security agencies were unable to obtain real-time access to some emails accessed from India, as part of an anti-terror investigation, as they were registered outside the country. At a meeting held in the office of Union Home Secretary R K Singh, the Department of Information Technology was asked to pursue the matter at the earliest with the the service providers, a report citing unnamed sources said. During the meeting, a top official of the government-mandated information technology security organisation CERT-In (the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team) reportedly presented the issues with the prevalent protocol of email access. Email providers like Yahoo automatically locate all email accounts registered in India to its servers in India, however, accounts registered overseas and subsequently accessed from India are routed through servers outside the country, he apparently said. The Indian governments move, that comes in the wake of security agencies inability to access suspect emails during an investigation

These fielders are not bad but for these conditions and big out field they are sightly on the slower side
"They will be exploited once the ball goes to them. Australians ad Sri Lankan's would look for those doubles or three runs that they can exploit...means it out more pressure on their body," he said. Dhoni explained that the topthree cricketers are safe fielders on

the 'slower side'. "Cricket has changed...it is not like they are not good fielders or they are bad fielders...they are safe fielders on the slower side, which means ultimately the pressure will be on them. There will be more pressure on their body and there will be more break downs," Dhoni said. India had a terrible day on the ground on Sunday as the visitors lost to Australia by 110 runs in the seventh match of the ongoing triseries in Brisbane.

The Indian governments move, that comes in the wake of security agencies inability to access suspect emails during an investigation against the Indian Mujahideen terror group stored in European servers
against the Indian Mujahideen terror group stored in European servers, follows a similar drive against Canadian smartphone maker RIM. Facing intense pressure for the

government in a tussle that has been raging for months, the BlackBerry maker, that provides an encrypted email service, finally set up servers in Mumbai to provide a mechanism for "lawful interception" of messages transmitted through their devices. The move also comes in the middle of an ongoing governmentbacked litigation against search and social networking companies like Google, Yahoo, Microsoft and Facebook that asks them to remove offensive user-generated content from their websites. Internet services companies have faced an increasingly tightening set of regulations in India, seen by experts as a combination of escalating security threats and unease over anti-government sentiments. Even though less than 10 percent of India's 1.2 billion people have Internet access, the connected population is rapidly growing through social media tools on mobile phones, increasing postings of content that the government deems objectionable. However, despite rules to remove offensive content and opposition from civil rights groups against the laws, India's Internet access is still largely free when compared with the tight controls in neighbouring Asian economic powerhouse China.

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Indian Weekender | February 24, 2012 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Sachin should have retired: Kapil

New Delhi: Former India captain Kapil Dev said Sachin Tendulkar should have retired after the 2011 World Cup and also demanded the removal of Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the skipper of Team India. Kapil said Sachin should retire immediately. From what we have seen in the last 3 months, he (Sachin) should have announced his retirement after the World Cup or even earlier. Its important to know that every cricketer has his time. Having served India for 22-23 years, there surely is no greater cricketer than him. But he should have announced his decision to retire from the shorter format soon after the World Cup, Kapil was quoted as saying by Headlines Today. Kapil, one of world crickets greatest all-rounders, said age seems to be catching up with Sachin who managed only 68 runs in four innings in the ongoing tri-series . May be his time has come. Every player has his time. He is 39-40 years now. Age is not on his side as it was earlier, said Kapil. Kapil said there are few players who just cannot leave the game and perhaps need to be told that their time is up. Perhaps, Sachin loves cricket more than himself. Azhar feels like playing even now. Sourav wants to play. Its important what the Board or selectors feel about the issue, he Kapil said some of Dhoni's decisions as Indian captain smacked of favouritism. If you are an Indian captain, you cannot be partial, Kapil said leaving it to the selectors to take action. Citing some specific instances, Kapil said: I was surprised when Rudra Pratap Singh was drafted into the Test side in England One must find out why all rounder Jadeja was not used as a bowler even for a single over in the ODI against Australia at Brisbane. "Dhoni is a mature player. I am perturbed when he picks a player as an allrounder and doesnt make him bowl at all. If anyone makes such mistakes, he cant survive for long. If Dhoni makes such mistakes repeatedly, he will have to pay the price. Justifying much of the criticism heaped on Dhoni for the recent string of failures, Kapil said the ball is in selectors court to take a call. However, Kapil batted for Dhonis comment dubbing senior players as slow fielders after the drubbing at Brisbane. With too many seniors, its no denying the fact that there will be a drop in fielding standards for they are no longer young. I dont think individual players are bigger than the Indian team. Had they performed, these issues would not have cropped up, he said.

added. Asked whether the batting legend had come under additional pressure for his elusive 100th century, Kapil said: Sachin has played under immense pressure all through his career and scored centuries in spite of extreme expectations. He has delivered in such situations in the past. Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan had also said that Sachin should have retired after the World Cup. Sachin had taken a break from

the shorter version of the game after the 2011 World Cup and has not been able to wield magic with his bat as before after returning to the squad. While praising the contribution of Rahul Dravid and V V S Laxman to Indian cricket, Kapil also said the two batting stalwarts should quit to open up opportunities for the GenNext. I think Dravid and Laxman have played their last Test. They could be given one last Test for a respectable

exit, but certainly not at the cost of compromising the teams interests. There is no denying that the likes of Rahul, Sachin and Laxman have served the nation like few other cricketers. But they are no longer young, and if Indian cricket does not move forward from the Big Three, it will risk falling a generation back and struggle like West Indies and Australian teams have done in the past, he said.

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Indian

India

MoU signed for India-China- India invites US Myanmar-Bangla trade investment for ports
Chennai: India has invited investors from the US to participate in the countrys port development plans. This invitation was extended by the Union Shipping Minister G.K. Vasan when a business delegation from USA led by Undersecretary to the Government of the United States of America, Sanchez met him in Chennai this week. Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) in ports are permitted in India under the automatic route. USA is the second largest source of FDI inflows into India. Recalling the maritime cooperation between India and the USA, Vasan said, a Memorandum of Cooperation on Maritime Transport, Science and Technology between the two countries was signed during 2005.

Kolkata: Organisations from four Asian nations signed signed an agreement for setting up the Bangladesh China India Myanmar (BCIM) Business Council with an aim of strengthening friendly economic, trade and investment relationships between the countries. The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Yunnan Sub-Council, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Eastern Region and Republic of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry signed the agreement here on Sunday. The BCIM Business Council would organize business delegations for business visit and exchanges of business information and

participate in each others international conferences, trade fairs and exhibitions. It would also set up a website of BCIM Business Council and BCIM Business Council desks in the chambers of respective member countries. Annisul Huq, Former President, The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Tan Yun, Vice Secretary General, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Yunnan Sub-Council, Sreeradha Datta, Director, MAKAIS ( Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies), Saugat Mukherjee, Regional Director , CII Eastern Region, Tun Aung, Vice President, Republic of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce were present at the event.

Stating that India train and educate more than 3,000 marine engineers every year on an average, the Minister said there was adequate scope for the Indian and American maritime training institutions to work in close collaboration to produce quality maritime human resource.

" It covers a wide area of mutual interest including maritime safety and security, port management and technological developments related to the maritime sector. It also envisages cooperative arrangements between the US Merchant Marine Academy and the Indian Institute of Maritime Studies, which is now a constituent of the Indian Maritime University in the field of maritime training and education," he said. Stating that India train and educate more than 3,000 marine engineers every year on an average, the Minister said there was adequate scope for the Indian and American maritime training institutions to work in close collaboration to produce quality maritime human resource.

Pratibha's son quizzed by police

Amravati: Police in Maharashtra's Amravati quizzed Raosaheb Shekhawat, son of President Pratibha Patil, in connection with the seizure of Rs 1 crore in the run up to the municipal polls in the state last week, media reports said on Tuesday. The unaccounted money had created a controversy and the Election Commission had sent notice to Shekhawat while reports said a court also asked for a police probe. Earlier, the district collector of Amravati has reportedly issued a notice to the Congress MLA in connection to the seizure of Rs 1 crore from Amravati last week. According to reports, the Election Commission had asked the municipal commissioner and district collector to file a report on the issue. Earlier on Saturday, state police had seized Rs. 1 crore seized as unaccounted cash from Maharashtra's Amravati district. The cash was hidden in a car bonnet. The police had also detained two people in connection to the case. Shekhawat had said that the money was meant for distribution among economically weak candidates for the Mumbai Municipal Corporation polls in Maharashtra. He said that he had sought money from the state Congress Committee to distribute it among 87 candidates who were mostly 'women and poor'. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had attacked the Congress over the issue and said that the party was trying to use the cash to influence the voters before the election.

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New Delhi: Air India was ordered to fly a larger aircraft to apparently accommodate the family of former Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel on a return trip in April 2010, file notings disclosed by the cash-trapped flag carrier have revealed. According to media reports, since the seven business class seats were already booked on the Airbus A319 aircraft flying from Bangalore to Male on Apr 25, 2010, Air India was made to switch to a bigger A320 to accommodate seven members of Deshpande family, in-laws of Patels daughter Avni. The same drill was also reportedly followed on April 28 when Patels family returned from the holiday destination, resulting in more than 50 seats running vacant on both days, media reports said. The information,

revealed after a Right to Information (RTI) application, also shows that instructions for the arrangement were issued over email from Mumbai Headquarters that asked to change the equipment of Bangalore Male flight on Apr 25 and Male Bangalore on Apr 28. A list now disclosed after the directives of the Central Information Commission also shows that the the passengers included Congress leader R V Deshpande, Radha Deshpande, Prasad Deshpande, Meghna Deshpande and Master Dhruv, in addition to Avni and her husband Prashant Deshpande. Air India, which was hesitant in disclosing the passenger details even after the orders of the CIC citing commercial secrets, provided the details after being slapped with a show cause notice for non-compliance.

Indian Weekender | February 24, 2012 | www.iwk.co.nz

15

Indian
From the Editor

Milestone

A Centurion of our own

PaDmINI GauNDeR
Kanti Chunilal Patel, of 63 Ramy Road, Greenhithe on the North Shore, who lives with his daughter Sandhya and son-in-law, Bhagubhai Patel (formerly of Lautoka, Fiji) was born in Gujarat in India in February, 1912. Sandhya is his only child. As her mother, Santaben Patel, was no more she brought him with her to New Zealand in 2003. Ever since then he has been living with her and her husband Bhagu. Mr. Bhagubhai Patel, the eldest son of the late Chottubhai Patel of Lautoka, Fiji very successfully ran a supermarket, Chottubhai and Company, for many years with his brothers, Mr. Dixit Patel and Mr. Kirit Patel. They also had the Four Square shop opposite the Lautoka Market. They moved to New Zealand from Fiji in 1993 and established a similar business operation in North Shore, called Greenhithe Village Store and Greenhithe

Sachin, seniors must make way for new blood

This has been Team Indias worst-ever losing streak in international cricket. From having achieved dizzy heights as world champions and putting hundreds of millions of fans on cloud nine not so long ago, its fall from grace has been precipitous. It has come a cropper in every form of the game registering a string of heart-sinking defeats in England and Australia. Undoubtedly, Team Indias senior most players have been the leading cause of this pathetically embarrassing performance. Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhonis candid comment this week that older players make for slow fielders, though uncharacteristic for a serving India captain, is something with which many fans would agree with. Voices demanding that they make way for new blood are rightly growing louder and shriller. Former Indian greats and Team India captains like Kapil Dev (reported elsewhere in this issue) and Saurav Ganguly have openly criticised the seniors in the media, as have former international stars from other countries. Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman have served India well and long earned their rightful place in the highest echelons of world cricket as all time greats. But time is not on their side at this stage in their lives: as they approach their forties, they are bound to find it harder to cope with the pressure wrought by the increased competitiveness that is now required in every department of the game to stay ahead. It is indeed an unfortunate situation that their senior, retired peers and, even worse, their own skipper going public on the need for them to make way for newer blood. They should have realised this themselves and made preparations for hanging their boots when they could clearly see their edge blunting with advancing age. There is little more for the seniors to achieve except statistical glory. Is Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid or VVS Laxman were to announce their retirement today, not an iota of the greatness they have achieved in the past two decades would be taken away from them. In fact, the longer they stay and fail repeatedly as they have in the immediate past two seasons (with the possible exception of Sachin to an extent), they stand to lose their glory especially given the justified criticism they attract in the media from different quarters. This also gives justification to such criticism as individual players who are soldiering on playing simply for personal glory of the statistical kind than for the greater good of Team India and national pride. Sachin Tendulkars is a case in point. The great batsman has failed to pull off a hundred in a long time and as he fails to do so every time, it increasingly looks as though he is in the team simply to achieve that milestone. If Sachin were to retire with 99 first class centuries instead of 100, nothing would be taken away from his greatness. But instead, if he keeps failing and continues on a downward trend, he has everything to lose. Quitting while ahead has its rewards which are far more cherishable than soldiering on at the fag end of the career in pursuit of a statistical milestone. Sachin is often compared to Sir Don Bradman, though statistically, Sachin, or for that matter anyone else who has played test cricket on earth comes even close to what Sir Don achieved. Twenty-nine centuries in 52 tests for an average of 99.98 is unbeatable and perhaps will always remain so. We know Sir Don got out for a duck in his last innings. If he were to play for personal statistical glory, he would have postponed his retirement to achieve an average of 100 or above, which was not at all a difficult task for him. But he didnt. He stuck to his decision to retire after that test. Has not achieving an average of 100 because of a duck in the final innings taken away anything from his greatness? It hasnt. Will not achieving his hundredth hundred take away anything from Sachins greatness? It certainly wont. - Dev Nadkarni

The family celebrated his 100th birthday on Wednesday 15 February, 2012 with a pooja at home. Ever since that he has been celebrating. The senior citizens of the greenhithe community had a bring-a-plate lunch for him the next day (Thursday). The West Harbour gardens group had a morning tea for him on Friday
Liquor Centre. Mr. Kanti Patel also has three grand sons and four great grand children. He also had a brother and two sisters who are no more. Mr. Patel had seen World Wars I and II. He was in Yemen between 1936 and 1940. Then he returned to Mumbai and started his own business which he successfully ran for 40 years. He had the agency for Parle biscuits in his area. day evening with family members who had come from the United Kingdom and India to celebrate the occasion.. On Sunday he attended special prayers at the Hare Krishna temple in Kumeo followed by lunch prasad. Not many people would be able to handle a busy party schedule like this, leave alone a man who is 100 years old. Even with the unpredictable weather in Auckland Mr.Patel goes for a short morning

Indian Weekender Volume 3 No. 21 Publisher: Kiwi Media Group Limited Group editor-in-chief: Dev Nadkarni dev@indianweekender.co.nz Online editor: Arvind Kumar arvind@indianweekender.co.nz Chief Technical Officer: Rohan Desouza rohan@ indianweekender.co.nz Design: Sonata Design Ltd - sonatadesignnz@gmail.com Advertising: Giri Gupta - Ph: 520 0922, Mob: 021 221 1131. Email - girigupta@xtra.co.nz Accounts & Admin: Chetan - Email: accounts@indianweekender.co.nz Please email original editorial contributions, community notices and pictures to editor@indianweekender.co.nz Views expressed in the publication are not necessarily of the publisher and the publisher is not responsible for advertisers claims as appearing in the publication

Indian Weekender is published by Kiwi Media Group, 98 Great South Road, New Market and printed at APN Print, Ellerslie, Auckland Copyright 2010. Kiwi Media Group. All Rights Reserved.

The family celebrated his 100th birthday on Wednesday 15 February, 2012 with a pooja at home. Ever since that he has been celebrating. The senior citizens of the Greenhithe community had a bring-a-plate lunch for him the next day (Thursday). The West Harbour Gardens group had a morning tea for him on Friday. He went for a restaurant dinner on Satur-

walk every day. The secret of his longevity he believes are his simple living; being a pure vegetarian; and following a regular routinee and being punctual in everything he does. Pandit Vasantbhai Shukla who conducted the prayers on Mr. Patels 100th birthday at Mr. Bhagubhai Patel and his wife Sandhya Ben Patels residence at 63 Ramy Road.

16

Indian Weekender | February 24, 2012 | www.iwk.co.nz

Indian

Comment

Sky high youth unemployment a dangerous trend

Dev NaDkaRNI
A United Nations report on the state of the worlds youth released last month brings to the fore a number of challenges that young people around the world face today. The latest World Youth Report, released by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), enumerates the slew of concerns that the youth face. Clearly, if national governments continue to ignore them they could end up growing into a considerable social problem that will get increasingly difficult to tackle with the passage of time. For never in history has the world seen such a large number of young people at one time as now. The worlds population is mostly young this is especially so in emerging, fast growing economies as compared with the developed western economies. This skewed demographics an all time high number of young people and uneven distribution of young populations around the world combined with other factors like lengthening life spans, flawed government policies or a total lack of any policy, stagnant economic growth rates and the continuing global economic recession are all conspiring to make the situation far more serious for young people in the foreseeable future. For the first time the report included inputs from young people and perhaps the one most significant factor that has emerged of most concern to young people around the world is the failure of government policy on several fronts the education system and creation of adequate employment opportunities based on qualifications achieved. First hand accounts and opinions from young people across the world have been eloquent and have a ring of familiarity with situations young people face in many countries including New Zealand, where youth unemployment in the formal employment sector has soared in recent years. Today it should be easier to find a job because our generation is the most educated but there is an inadequacy between the training offered and the needs of the labour market, said Amadou, a Senegalese 24-yearold who participated. What is the use of education if we are not given a chance to put our knowledge and skills into work? asked Mridula, a 16-year old from India. Her words echoed the widespread concerns among young people about their governments not doing enough to help them overcome unemployment, stressing that without a lack of opportunities, they cannot apply their skills. Young people questioned the quality of education they and their peers receive: whether or not it is relevant to available jobs, how their knowledge and skills will serve them in the long-term, and the extent to which decision-makers are committed to needed investment in the potential of young people, the report said. This situation is further complicated because people are living longer and healthier lives thanks to better healthcare and lifestyles. This has resulted in experienced people remaining in their jobs longer than ever before, delaying the entry of youth in the workforce. It is no surprise that in many nations around the world the unemployment rates of younger people are far higher than those of experienced without gainful employment. This is likely to get worse because the global financial crisis has thrown hundreds of thousands of skilled, qualified and experienced people out of jobs and when the economic recovery begins, it is highly probable that older, experienced people will be the first to be re-employed than youngsters without experience or with little experience. Even the reduced number of young people who find work in these tough conditions face instability, the report reveals. This is because they are the last to be hired and the first in the firing line. As for the gender factor, it is even more difficult for young women to obtain and then retain employment than their male counterparts. Young women can also expect to be paid less than males. Unfortunately few national governments have proactive policy for harnessing the tremendous potential of the worlds youth. Developed nations like New Zealand have come in for severe criticism in recent times for failing to continue with long running initiatives like the apprentice programmes that ensured skills transfer from the older generation to the younger one. It is only in the past couple of years that there have been attempts though far from adequate to revive it. Government funding to revive apprentice programmes on a worldwide scale would be an effective strategy toward bringing young qualified individuals into the workforce under the watchful guidance of more experienced hands. Quite obviously there is no silver bullet solution to this global concern. It has to be tackled at several levels. While mustering the political will to address the problem, leaders must leverage some of the natural strengths and attributes that young people bring to the table sometimes far more than their experienced seniors can. For instance, young people are more likely to be well up on newer technologies, are better networked with wider access to knowledge sources and, according to the report, have a better empathy for the worlds pressing issues. These attributes could be harnessed gainfully in the operations of any modern enterprise. Despite the many obstacles they described as compiled in the report, young people are hopeful and optimistic that they would be able to not only find jobs, but also make significant contributions to their society. The report shows that they are placing more and more importance in creating their own opportunities and becoming entrepreneurs rather than being employed by large companies. This is where a mentoring business programme in tandem with a finance programme from commercial banks could be put in place by proactive government policy. Professional training institutions such as business management and technical training schools could well set their young graduates on the path of entrepreneurship at a young age with the right combination of mentoring and financing framework. It is not hard to achieve. What is needed is political will something that is in extreme short supply in governments all around the world.

It is no surprise that in many nations around the world the unemployment rates of younger people are far higher than those of experienced adults (in 2010 the youth unemployment rate was 12.6 per cent, compared to 4.8 per cent for adults). The global youth unemployment rate saw its largest annual increase on record, resulting in some 75.8 million young people without gainful employment.

adults (in 2010 the youth unemployment rate was 12.6 per cent, compared to 4.8 per cent for adults). The global youth unemployment rate saw its largest annual increase on record, resulting in some 75.8 million young people

US-Pak relations could sour further over Balochistan

On February 8, representatives of Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Amnesty International testified before the Foreign Affairs SubCommittee on Oversight and Investigations at the US Congress against grave human rights abuses committed by Pakistan's security forces in the restive province of Balochistan. Since then, Islamabad has used as many as 10 different channels to strongly protest against what it calls America's "blatant interference" in its "internal affairs". The issue has flared up further following the introduction of a House Concurrent Resolution by Republican Congressman Dana Rohrabacher seeking the right of self-determination for the native Balochs. Pakistan has summoned the acting US ambassador to Islamabad twice in a single week at the foreign office, passed a parliamentary resolution and protested through its ambassadors in Washington DC and at the UN. Wasim Sajjad, a former Pakistan Senate chairman, while referring to HRW, has called for "immediately taking action against those NGOs or persons who are accepting dollars from the US and are pursuing their agenda on the lands of Pakistan and destabilising Balochistan." Although the congressional hearing and subsequent resolutions were not sponsored by the Obama administration, American diplomats still face the wrath of Pakistani officials due to utter ignorance of the American political system. Anti-Americanism is not unfamiliar in Pakistan, but bashing the Obama administration for a 'crime' it has not committed simply means there is something fishy in Islamabad's cupboard. Support for Balochistan's right to self-determination by American Congressmen has been widely appreciated and celebrated by Baloch nationalist leaders and activists. Hundreds of missing political activists in the pro-vince have been tortured, killed and dumped, an issue which has compelled the Balochs to beg the international community to rescue it from abusers of power. "If Pakistan justifies seeking Kashmir's right of self-determination, then why does it abhor the same idea for us?" asked Sardar Akhtar Mengal, a former chief minister of Balochistan who was imprisoned during former Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf's military operation against the Baloch. Most Balochs are appalled at how the Pakistani elite has ganged up against international efforts to end years of torture and destruction in Balochistan. They wonder why Pakistan's elite did not ever show the same level of unity to protest against the exploitation of Baloch mineral wealth. The central government's attitude towards the Balochs is as contemptuous as it was towards erstwhile East Pakistanis (now Bangladeshis). The issue of Balochistan has been consistently attracting human rights groups and members of parliament. The US government has often expressed concern over Islamabad's maltreatment of the Baloch. But Pakistan has done very little to improve its human rights record in the province whose natives do not control or even benefit from their natural resources of gas and gold. It has brutally killed, with absolute impunity, hundreds of dissenting Baloch leaders, lawyers, journalists and intellectuals in the past few years. These murders are never investigated by the so-called independent judiciary because the intelligence agencies are often blamed for carrying out these killings. The so-called liberalisation of the electronic media did not mean much for Balochistan because the security establishment has kept the whole country in the dark about ground realities there. Even in today's age of social media and blogs, hundreds of Baloch websites and blogs have been blocked and more than a dozen reporters have been killed or tortured during illegal detention. The Balochs, who share borders with Afghanistan and Iran, are a secular people who some in the US expect to take the onus of containing Islamabad's interference in its neighbouring countries. In order to divert attention from legitimate Baloch demands, Pakistan has also accused India of meddling in its internal affairs. On their part, most Balochs have been disappointed with the absolute indifference of the Indian intelligentsia towards the plight of a people who stand for secularism and democracy as opposed to the crazy ideas of pan-Islamism. Writers and progressive thinkers in India, a country which is the engine of democracy and pluralism in South Asia, should speak up for renouncing torture as a tactic to punish political rivals. The landmark initiative Dana Rohrabacher has taken in support of Balochistan, together with five other Congressmen, should spur liberals in India and Afghanistan to move similar resolutions in their respective parliaments. It is for both the countries to decide to what extent they can stand by the Balochs. They should, nonetheless, make no concessions to Pakistan when it comes to human rights issues. By such a concerted stand, we would set a positive precedent in the South Asian region of abjuring repression and joining those who believe in democracy and human rights. In today's globalised world, torture must not be pardoned because it is considered one country's internal affair. Pakistan has too little time and too many things to do to fix Balochistan. It has wasted too many opportunities to provide justice to the Balochs. In order to bring the Balochs and Islamabad to the negotiation table without further bloodshed, the involvement of credible interlocutors and reliable guarantors has become inevitable. This may sound awkward to the generals in Pakistan, but that is where time and recurrent blunders have taken us. The writer, based in Washington DC, edits The Baloch Hal, an online newspaper reporting on Balochistan. - Courtesy The Times of India

Indian Weekender | February 24, 2012 | www.iwk.co.nz

17

Indian

Fiji

UN corruption body reviews Fiji

A team of senior officials from Bangladesh, the United States of America and the United Nations Commission Against Corruption (UNCAC) were in the country last week to review Fijis compliance with its obligations under UNCAC. Attorney General, Mr Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said Fiji ratified UNCAC in May 2007 and volunteered to undergo a peer review process whereby two state parties were selected to review Fijis compliance with the provisions of UNCAC. The UNCAC delegation has held various meetings this week with various government departments, NGOs and representatives from civil society, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said. The six-member delegation met with various heads of department and staff including the Chief Justice Anthony Gates, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Langman the deputy commissioner of FICAC, the Commissioner of Police Brigadier General Iowane Naivalurua, the commissioner of the Independent Legal Service Commission, the Solicitor General, former High Court judge, Nazhat Shameem, Caroline Pickering of the Financial Intelligence Unit, the Deputy Auditor General, the Transparency International and Parmesh Chand. He said the UNCAC delegation would submit its draft report on Fiji in due course. Theyll go back now and write up a report on their findings on Fiji and then submit it to Fiji for comments on it and then a final report is drafted; finally put into print and then we obviously share it with the various stakeholders, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.

Record year for Fiji papaya exports

Dev NaDkaRNI

The Attorney General also announced that for the first time Fiji had been selected to review another country. Later, this year Fiji will be reviewing Timor Leste. What it means is that weve also built internal capacities. Before we can actually go and review another countrys compliance with UNCAC, certain personnel from Fiji will be sent for a training program as to how they can review, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said. As part of this process of the peer review program last year and this year, some people in Fiji now know how to respond, who fill out reports and who also become experts in the area of laws pertaining to corruption, abuse of office and the various international obligations that do exist and how we can co-operate with other countries. Systemic corruption is not necessarily confined to your own borders. You can have corruption thats instigated of briberies, instigated by foreign companies or by foreign nationals. It also does touch on the area of extradition. They are the sorts of areas that we want to develop local expertise in. Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said this review program was proof of Governments effort to eradicate systematic corruption in the country. What this review program also shows is that the Bainimarama Government is participating in this program to tell the international community that we are engaged not just in lip service but also in the practical input or application of good governance through the eradication of systemic corruption, the AttorneyGeneral said.

More than 800 tonnes of papaya was exported from Fiji to overseas markets a record topping the previous high of some 690 tonnes that was achieved in 2006. Some 84 per cent of the produce last year was destined for Australia. The bulk of Papaya exports are routed through the Natures Way Cooperative. One of the reasons for the record exports is the entry of new farmers of the fruit. Other factors included the absence of cyclonic disruptions all of last year.

It might be hard top follow last years success in 2012. The cyclones and flooding that inundated large swathes of the countrys western parts flooded the Sabeto trial site something that has never happened in more than 50 years, including during the January 2009 floods. Crop losses of between 50-70% are expected in the older papaya plantings. The younger plantings are expected to respond better to the post-disaster work that has been under way immediately after the flooding subsided.

Dine-In Special
SUNDAY TO WEDNESDAY

The French Government displays international leadership by swiftly helping and engaging with their Fijian counterparts in the rebuilding of Fiji after the recent devastating flood, said Alton Shameem the president of Fiji Club New Zealand (FCNZ). Our fellow Fijians are indeed delighted and heartened to see the French military aircraft assessing the colossal damage inflicted in the western division of Viti Levu the largest island of Fiji. Fijians, our fellow New Zealanders and cousins the Australians are indeed wondering when their close neighbors New Zealand and Australians governments will show leadership and help our Fijian brothers and sisters in their time of great need. Their silence is indeed deafening. This destructive flood was more lethal than

France help to Fiji welcomed

the one our fellow Fijians endured and suffered in 2009. They lost their precious homes, farms, stock, livelihood, and their businesses, Alton Shameem said. The flood damage is estimated to be over F$30 million dollars and the Fijian government did declare a state of emergency to help in search and rescue. Please donate generously to Red Cross in Fiji and New Zealand www.redcross.com.fj, www.redcross.org.nz respectively or to your favorite charities and state that it is for 2012 Fiji Western Division flood relief assistance, We sincerely thank the French Government and the good people of France for their humanitarian gesture, goodwill, leadership and all valuable assistance in helping our fellow Fijians to get back on their feet again, said Alton Shameem.

Urgency stressed in rehab work

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has stressed to officials in the western division to incorporate a sense of urgency in the reconstruction and rehabilitation work carried out since the recent flooding. The head of government is touring the western division and seeing firsthand damages caused and the relief work carried out. While visiting these areas, the Prime Minister also met with officials involved with the relief effort and commended them for their response and the works currently carried out. "I commend the work carried out by all officials. We thank you for the work done so far. We must work with a greater sense of urgency knowing that our relief efforts will bring back normalcy to the lives of people and communities that have been affected by the floods, Prime Minister Bainimarama said. Communities that the Prime Minister visited expressed their appreciation to his visit. Similar sentiments were aired at both Lomawai and Navisabisabi villages in Sigatoka which included calls for river dredging and assistance to clean up the village. Lomawai villagers have asked for a relocation to a new land given that they have been greatly affected by the floods. Villagers said that one of their concerns included flooding during low tide which was something they experienced for the first time. The Prime Minister has instructed the Commissioner Western and officials from the works and agriculture ministries to look into the matter and conduct an assessment for river dredging. Yesterday he visited Ratu Ilaisa Memorial School in Sigatoka to assess firsthand the problems encountered by students following recent flooding in most parts of the western division.

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Indian

Fiji

Fiji President leads HIV meet

His Excellency Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, President of the Republic of Fiji, led a five member Fiji delegation to the recent Asia-Pacific Highlevel Intergovernmental Meeting on the Assessment of Progress against Commitments in the Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS and the Millennium Development Goals which convened in Bangkok from 6-8 February 2012. Organised by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the meeting was attended by close to 300 delegates representing ESCAP member countries (33 countries in all including Macao, China as an associate member), different United Nations bodies and specialized agencies, intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations. This High Level Meeting was a follow up to the UN HLM meeting in New York in June 2011 and the 10th International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific (ICAAP 10) in Busan, South Korea in August 2011. The opening session was jointly inaugurated by Dr Noeleen Heyzer, Under-Secretary General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCAP, who gave the Opening Address while His Excellency Mr Kittiratt Na-Ranong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Thailand, who as host

Two new ministers for Fiji

Two new cabinet ministers were sworn in this morning by His Excellency the President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau at Government House, Suva. Mr Viliame Naupoto is now the Minister for Youth and Sports and Mr Jone Usumate is the Minister for Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment. Prior to his appointment, Mr Naupoto was the Ministry of Fisheries and Forests permanent secretary. He also served in the same capacity in the Office of the Prime Minister and was also the former Director of the Immigration Department. Mr Usamate is a former Chief Executive Officer for the Training and Productivity Authority of Fiji (TPAF) and was the Director for Technical and Vocational Education at the Fiji National University. Minister Usumate was directly responsible for creating and maintaining new standards throughout the Fiji National University. Government said that the creation of a separate Ministry for Youth and Sports with its own cabinet minister is necessary in light of Fijis growing youth population in the urban, rural and outer island areas. The Ministry of Youth and Sports will now strengthen its focus in addressing the increasingly special and complex needs of Fijis youths. The ministry will also assist Government in preparing our young people who will be eligible to vote in the 2014 general election and by ensuring that they understand their rights to vote and the importance of their votes in electing a new government. Government also recognises the contribution of sports to the overall development of Fiji, and the need to develop this sector for socio-economic growth. The creation of a new and separate cabinet minister for the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment is indicative of Governments commitment to labour related issues in the country. Mr Jone Usamate brings with him a wealth of experience and this will be of great benefit to Fijis Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment sector. The Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama welcomed the two new appointees into cabinet and said that he looked forward to working closely with both of them in moving the country forward. The two new Ministers started their duties in their respective portfolios earlier this week.

Govt stresses on Fiji woos Indian tourists, business rural development

Dev NaDkaRNI
In its bid to expand its source tourist markets beyond New Zealand, Australia, the US and Europe, Fiji has for the past couple of years considering serious marketing forays into the emerging markets of China and India. Last week Fiji became the first Pacific Island nation to participate in Indias largest business-tobusiness travel fair in New Delhi, called SATTE. Over recent years SATTE has grown both in terms of exhibitors and visitors, including buyers, and is among the bigger networking forums for the travel and tourism industry in South Asia. Spread across 16,000sqm of exhibition and meeting space, it features 50 countries, with more than 6000 travel agents and tour operators from the world over. Along with Tourism Fiji, Air Pacific, Tour Managers, Rosie Holidays and other notable tourism industry operators represented the country. The delegation will visit a number of Indian cities after the tourism convention. With near double-digit economic growth rates, Indias middle class has grown in numbers almost to the size of the population of the United States and the increasing disposable income has vetted Indians appetite for world travel. Though Fiji was the only country from the Pacific Islands region, other countries that have not been traditional destinations for Indians so far also participated in SATTE. Among these were Argentina, Dominican Republic, Israel, Macau, Kenya, Turkey, Oman and Spain besides the United Arab Emirates, Thailand and Hong Kong. Late last month, Fiji also hosted a delegation of Indian businesspeople, who visited the country to explore business and investment opportunities. The 15-member delegation which included government officials and private sector representatives attended the inaugural FijiIndia Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting.

gave the welcoming address. His Excellency Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, gave the keynote address. The meeting in an unprecedented move elected His Excellency the President as Chairperson for the meeting with Dr Nafsiah Mboi, the Secretary of the National AIDS Commission of Indonesia as Vice Chairperson and Mr Sunil Samaraweera of Sri Lanka as Rapporteur, putting Fiji at centre stage - a key milestone for a small country like Fiji as well as the rest of the Pacific Island Countries. The President attended several side events including Effective law enforcement practices in the HIV response, Making Gender Equality Central in National HIV Responses and Engaging with young people: removing legal and access barriers The President also took part in the Interactive panel discussion on

Enhancing political commitment and multi sectoral cooperation to accelerate universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support moderated by Ms Nisha Pillai of the BBC where he was the keynote panelist. The other members of the panel included Dr Nafis Sadik, UN Secretary Generals Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS, Hon Michael Kirby, former Judge of the High Court of Australia and Mr JVR Prasada Rao, Special Advisor (Asia-Pacific) to the Executive Director, UNAIDS. As Chairman, His Excellency was heavily involved with the meeting proceedings throughout the HLM. The meeting widely acknowledged His Excellencys presence and for chairing the HLM and expressed its deep appreciation for his long term association and contribution and his deep interest in HIV/AIDS related issues.

Government of Fiji commissioned the $1million Wainibuku Bridge that will ease traffic flow along one of the countrys busiest roads. The bridge opening brings relief to commuters often frustrated with traffic jams synonymous with the Suva Nausori corridor. Other benefits of this major investment to upgrade the countrys traffic network include a reduction in fuel costs for the ordinary driver as travelling time is cut down, efficient travelling and will support national economic growth. In opening the bridge the Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama likened the need for unclogged transportation network systems to a human body that also

Wainibuku Bridge commissioned

thrives well when arteries channeling blood and to and from the heart are not blocked. Similarly if a country does not have proper and quality roading and bridging systems, then a country will never be able to reach its optimum capacity; it will lead to inefficiencies; economic growth will be sluggish and the citizens will become frustrated, he said. Government has committed more than $500m for roading and bridging projects. The Suva-Nausori and Lami corridors being the most densely populated in the country is home to 300,000 Fijians and traversed frequently by the bulk of the countrys workforce, students and businesses.

The new Wainibuku Bridge is part of the Capacity Building Program of the Department of National Roads addressing congestion along the Suva-Nausori corridor through widening of roads to allow for two way- two lane traffic flows. Stretching at 32 meters, the Wainibuku Bridge has the longest suspended pre-stressed concrete beam in the country. Commodore Bainimarama said the bridge was also well placed to support major developments like the Waila City Development and upgrade of Nausori Airport, which would include night landing facilities for jet aircrafts.

Expanding rural electrification cov- mising of incidences of poverty, enerage will continue to be one of the vironment sustainability issues and prime objectives of Government the protection of human rights to says Prime Minister Commodore name a few. Commodore Bainimarama said Voreqe Bainimarama. Over the past 10 years, massive the Peoples Charter for Change, investment of $100m ensured that Peace and Progress and governroadmap incorporated more and more families will have ments access and enjoy improved living actions and plans that would realise the fulfillment of Fijis obligations standards with electrical power. to the MDGs. The rural elecGover ntrification expanment is putting sion program is over the past 10 years, in place all guided by Governactions and ments Rural Elecmassive investment of plans that will trification Policy $100m ensured that more bring about and a partnership forged with the Fiji and more families will have economic prosperity to this Electricity Authoraccess and enjoy improved country, he ity through its Rural said. Extension Policy. living standards with You will The developelectrical power witness road ment of this infradevelopments, structure, complelinking up once mented by similar developments to roads and water isolated communities with urban reticulation systems forms the centres. Water reticulation developfirst phase of the governments Roadmap for Democracy and Sus- ments to enable rural dwellers to tainable Socio Economic Develop- access clean, safe water are continuing. ment (RSSED) 2009 to 2014. And so are rural electrification The proper infrastructures provide the framework and bedrock developments, which are major and valuable investments. Without a upon which economies grow. Commodore Bainimarama said doubt they will help children with this was not an effort isolated to Fiji. their education, improve services This is a global phenomenon, at rural medical facilities and keep not something that we are only at- rural communities connected with the rest of the world. tempting to do in Fiji, he said. Commodore Bainimarama We are all working towards the achievement of the United Nations urged rural communities to take Millennium Development Goals all these developments into account and to achieve this economic devel- and become more committed to developing their socio economic stanopment is important. The MDGs encompass the mini- dards.

Indian Weekender | February 24, 2012 | www.iwk.co.nz

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heritage Fiji

Is India a Spiritual Disneyland?

Ram lINGam

India as a spiritual destination has been well known for ages. For centuries, the world has been at Indias doorstep for her science and wealth and got influenced by her spirituality. given the smorgasbord of spiritual traditions in India, India has been called a spiritual Disneyland for a decade or so by people who got instructed into the transcendent. So, does that make India a Spiritual Disneyland and is this term justified?
In 2004 Alfred Ford, a great grandson of Henry Ford was planning a magnificent religious complex in Paschim Banga (West Bengal) at the headquarters of the global Hare Krishna sect which he liked to call as a spiritual Disneyland. This complex he said was planned as a retreat to rejuvenate spirit and body. the ability to recognize the hidden treasure. This pedestrian view really struggles to make out the sublime or the spiritual out of the materially inadequate India. However with the information age, things are changing and spiritual India is getting the recognition it deserves. As with the typical diversity of Indian food, climates, languages, sub-cultures, sects, customs and traditions, India has various pilgrimage and spiritual places all over the country. India is well known for being a spiritual land for pilgrimages. Modern India still has all those holy places that ancient India had plus much more that shows us the real stuff. India has the holy cities, the sacred rivers, the abodes of divinities, the 4 Char-dhaam destinations, the 12 Jyotirling temples, the eight Ashta-Vinayak temples, the 6 Aaru-padai Murugan temples, the 56 Shaktipeeths, the temple cities like Tirupati, Madurai, Mathura etc, the various ashrams of the Gurus, birthplaces of the god incarnations, ancient temples and caves, places of enlightenment of the Gurus, the spiritual monuments of the various global movements and sects, etc the list can go on. Add to this the ancient monuments that keep inspiring the seekers. In fact, each state in India has a good share of many of the above holy places. One can also even follow the Buddhist trail to explore the true essence of Buddhism traveling to those places that were sanctified by the great Lord Buddha. This trail has beautiful caves, awe-inspiring monasteries, ancient Stupas, impressive shrines etc. of Lord Buddha. Same is with Jain and Sikh places of worship. So a tag like spiritual Disneyland to Indian holy places is at best a gimmicky way of highlighting the wonderment of Indias cultural and the spiritual assets that are beyond normal comprehension. Moreover Disneyland as we all know is an American amusement park and a fantasyland mainly with fictional characters for children. To call Indian holy spots as a spiritual Disneyland is not apt as India is a treasure trove of spirituality for all humanity and cannot be analogous to a fantasyland, even for marketing sake. Spirituality is an inner quest and a staid one to which any commerical labeling is distasteful. Perhaps a better term for India would be Spiritual University or even a Spiritual multiversity. Or how about calling India the Fifth avenue of spirituality or even India Rodeo drive for spirituality. Ram Lingam blogs his insights on India and Indian culture at www.indiasutra.co.nz

Some more examples

Where to find the real stuff

Is this spiritual Disneyland a right term for India?

Another such place that many said was close to a spiritual Disneyland experience (minus the guy in the Goofy outfit) was the Sathya Sai Baba Ashram in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh. However, this term was not restricted to guru based ashrams and movements. The pilgrim township of the Himalayan Rishikesh was also called spiritual Disneyland by visitors who experienced package of meditation, tantric yoga and spiritual inspiration. In the same league of being a spiritual Disneyland is the Akshardham temple a 100-acre cultural complex with 20,000 superbly sculpted figures, over 2 km long double-storeyed pilgrim pathway, 22-acres of lush lawns and trees with 900,000 saplings and shrubs of 250 varieties. Auroville ashram in Puducherry was also termed that way by ardent devotees. Of late, even the BJP, a national political party, included this term spiritual Disneyland in its latest election manifesto only to boost religious tourism in Uttar Pradesh. This term spiritual Disneyland is probably poorly conceived as Indian spiritual destinations are no fantasy land and like Disneyland there is no entertainment value in Indian spirituality. Rather India could be called as a Global spiritual university where one can undertake a journey in learning to be fuller, holy and happier day after day. Says Osho, Indias brilliant mystic, India is a symbol for nothing else except for learning meditation. It is a university of meditation and it is not just today for centuries it has been the University of Meditation. North, West and the East for various reasons but had no detrimental effect on spiritual India. Of those who invaded India, majority of them were looters, rank despots and iconoclasts. They came simply because India had immense wealth. According to modern economic historians between the 1st and 11th century CE, ancient India produced roughly 30% of the worlds GDP, followed by China. By comparison, in 1000 CE entire Europes GDP was just 11%. Wealth being the main attraction of the invaders, the science and spirituality only caught the attention of the intellectuals, scholars and pilgrims. Hardly any invader could understand the hidden or real India because they came from mono-cultures and never had any exposure to the diversity that Indian society had, especially in the realm of spirituality. who visited India like the Greek ethnographer Megasthenes (350290 BCE), the Chinese pilgrims Fa-Hien (337422 CE) and Huang Tsang (602664 CE), the Iranian Alberuni (978-1048CE) etc. Another simpler way is to visit any ashram and learn from a Guru who suits your rationality or take an Indology course. But finding the spiritual India in todays modern India is not easy especially when India has become a land of contrasts and is highly stereotyped mainly on the negatives. The stereotypes about India are due to a pedestrian view which is short sighted, one-eyed and which lacks

Whats an alternative term

Why India has been a mystical land

For centuries, India has been a mystical land of meditation, contemplation and enlightenment where spiritual traditions flourished and still continue to inspire. Given that India was the birthplace of nondogmatic dharma-based traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism, of which the first three are ancient, it is no surprise that India also has had many enlightened masters and Gurus. This happened despite who the ruler was and despite notorious invasions into the country since c. 300 BCE. The invasions were from the

How to know the real spiritual India?

To get a fair understanding of real spiritual India, one can go through tons of Indian literary sources, royal court records, dynasty charitras, archeological evidence, inscriptions, coins, monuments, temple structures and accounts of those intellectuals

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Indian Weekender | February 24, 2012 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Fiji

Union leader warns over new media decree

SUVA (The Fiji Times / Pacific Media Watch): Ordinary citizens have to be mindful of the Media Decree and the Public Order Amendment Decree when they make any opposing statement against the government, says a Fiji trade union leader. Fiji Trades Union Congress (FTUC) national secretary Felix Anthony made the comment in response to the promulgation of the State Proceedings (Amendment) Decree 2012 that came into force on February 7. The decree provides immunity to the Prime Minister and government ministers from prosecution for defamation, libel or slander for statements they make against anyone in their official or personal capacity. It also protects the media from similar prosecution. "The decree basically allows the media to print the criticism from the regime and gives a wholesale licence to make personal and defamatory remarks against their opponents in the lead-up to general elections in 2014," Anthony said in a statement. "The decree also raises questions on the intent of the regime and why it should only protect itself when they have no ulterior motives. "Surely, if they spoke the truth and had evidence, they do not need any such decree. The media equally need not fear if it reports facts and exercises fairness." Anthony asked why the public has not been extended the same privileges "so that open and frank public discussion is held on the future of the country and the people". He said this would ensure a level playing field.

He said the State Proceedings (Amendment) Decree contradicted the Public Order (Amendment) Decree, which granted safeguards against defamation, libel and slander. "This contradiction surely points to the fact that the current sets of decrees are churned out by the regime in desperation for impending Constitution consultations and elections in 2014, if it happens," Anthony said. No comments had been forthcoming from the Ministry of Information where the FTUC statement was sent to on Tuesday seeking a response.

Ordinary citizens have to be mindful of the Media Decree and the Public Order Amendment Decree when they make any opposing statement against the government

Sonu Nigam is a genuine artist, a student of life! A musician who strives to better himself everyday! A performer par excellence who can energize souls with merely his presence! A multi-talented showman whose capabilities are limited by no boundaries! An intellectual who craves for knowledge from all walks of life! Bollywood Career Snapshot His first hit was Accha Sila Diya from Bewafa Sanam which gave him recognitionm as an established playback singer. And with songs like Sandese Aate Hai from Border, Satrangi Re from Dil se and Yeh Dil Deewana from Pardes, Sonu Niigaam the Star was born... The rest is history!! All coveted awards adorn his mantelpiece, the most significant being the National award for the song Kal Ho Na Ho in 2003. His pop albums like Sapne Ki Baat, Naya Naya Pyar, Kismat, Deewana, Mausam, Jaan, Yaad, Sanskar, Chanda Ki Doli (self-composed, programmed and arranged), Classically Mild, Rafi Resurrected, Maha Ganesha and Neene bari Neene over the years have all appealed to the masses and have collectively demonstrated his versatility and prowess as a musician!! Then new era of hit songs from blockbuster movies like Tees Maar Khan and 3 Idiots. Sonu sung Tees Maar Khan song in 54 different voices. Reaching New Heights In a historic event of sorts, Sonu collaborated with international pop diva Britney Spears on her track 'I Wanna Go' to produce a Desi Remix version. An initiative by DesiHits, and produced by Dj Lloyd, the track is sizzling with energy and is a huge step towards the globalization of Indian music. Britney mentioned that she is very excited about the collaboration and that Sonu's vocals add a different feel to her song Sonu is hugely popular among youth with 2,477,096 following on Facebook. He has recently received MTV Youth Icon Award at the GIMA (Global Indian Music Awards) 2011 Over the years, Sonu Nigam has become a major force in the Bollywood music industry. He is recognised today as the Undisputed King of Bollywood music. He is generally acclaimed for his versatile voice as well as the excellent emoting in songs. Today, he is popular all over India and connects strongly with his audiences Sonu Nigam fans in New Zealand are set to get a treat as he will perform Live. At Logan Campbell Centre Greenlane Auckland on Saturday 14 April 2012 Tickets are on Sale in major Indian Outlets and iTicket (www.iticket.co.nz)

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Bollywood

Acting is a lonely job: KK Raina

KK Raina has been seen portraying a variety of roles in films and theatre. However the audience of the 90s era remembers him as Dr. Watson-like sidekick Ajit in the 1993 Doordarshan detective series Byomkesh Bakshi. The actor, who will be returning to the small screen after almost 22 years, speaks to IBNS about his new serial Upanishad ganga. Excerpts:
problems and the answers of which are given but what we need to do is develop these answers. How was the experience of working in this serial? Overall the experience of working in this serial was very interesting. This serial became a medium to understand our culture and ethos. It changed the way I look at life. For me, it was like reliving and revisiting the history. Some jobs you do it for the sake of it and some jobs make you grow as a human being, you alleviate yourself intellectually and this serial did that to me. Why did you leave the world of small screen? Why did you agree to do this serial after so many years? Some 22 years ago I had done a serial called as Byomkesh Bakshi and which turned out to be my last serial. I left it in the first place because I am much used to working in a theatric format where the scripts are given beforehand. Working in the serial you get scripts on the day of the shoot which is what I dont like about it. However, when Dr Saheb approached me for this serial he assured me that he will give me scripts before the shoot and so I agreed. You have also acted with Ben Kingsley in Gandhi. Tell us about that experience. You see, acting is a lonely job. You need passion for acting. Its not everyones cup of tea and this I realized after working with Ben Kingsley. During the shoot when I visited Sir Ben Kingsleys suite I saw that the entire suite had pictures and books on Mahatma Gandhi. Sir Ben even had a charkha and knew how to use. This is how it dawned upon me that acting is not everyones job. You have to live the life of the character you are going to enact. What are you future ventures? I am working on a movie which will be Kashmir centric, working with DD Urdu and doing a play called Namaste.

Deepika quits Race 2, Taurani lashes out

Mumbai: Race 2, the upcoming flick produced under the Tips Music Films banner, seems to be in ramshackle following the exit of leggy lass Deepika Padukone after a weeks shoot. This has reportedly led to a dispute between the actress and producer Ramesh Taurani, who is apparently not pleased with the whole hullabaloo and problems created. In an interview to a national daily, he was quoted as saying that despite working in the industry for 25 long years and with high-profile actresses, he hadnt ever faced a situation similar to this. He further said that Deepika even refused to listen when he tried reaching out to her and didnt even apologize for her actions adding that she seems to have no remorse. While Taurani says that he adjusted the films schedule in order to accommodate Deepikas dates,

the stories from the actresss side suggest that the schedule of the film kept changing and constant delays forced Deepika to opt out. There is also a buzz that the actress quit Race 2 because she bagged a big Hollywood project. On the other hand, speculations are on for the replacement of the actress and one name that has surfaced is that of Priyanka Chopra. Interestingly, this is second exit from the film. Earlier even the Dabbang girl Sonakshi Sinha walked out of the multi-star actionthriller only to be replaced by Jaqueline Fernandes. The film, which will be released on November 30 this year, is the sequel to the 2008 hit film, Race, starring an ensemble cast that includes Anil Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, John Abraham, Jacqueline Fernandez, Ameesha Patel and Sanjay Dutt.

What is Upanishad Ganga? Upanishad Ganga is a serial which will bring the audience closer to the Indian Philosophy. This serial is a means to understand our Vedas and Upanishads. We usually talk so highly of our Vedas, Upanishads, our values and our culture, but not many of us know the depth of it, not many of us have the apt knowledge of it. This serial gives audience the teachings of the Upanishads and Vedas. Appropriate stories are picked up and seamed in in such a way that it takes you back to that era. Tell us something about your character in this serial. Well, I dont play just one character but many characters. Like I told you, different stories have been picked up and weaved to give audience the message of Upanishads .So I have played the character of Haridas, Chanakya, Narad, Yajnavalkya, etc. Which one of these has been your favorite character? Actually all have been my favorite but the playing Chanakya and Narad was quiet interesting. Also I have played a sage who is a north Indian saint who goes to south India. This role was also very interesting. This north Indian saint when goes to south doesnt know South Indian language but learns only one word

which he uses for all the conversations. The word Parvailla which means all is well is used throughout the episode by the character which is a challenge in itself. Playing such characters was challenging as well as interesting Chanakya was earlier played by Dr Chandra Prakash Dwivedi who is also the director of this serial. Was there any stress that you might not be able to play it quiet as well as Dwivedi? There was no such a thing as stress. In fact the way I have played Chanakya, I have added a new dimension to it. Chanakya played by Dr saheb was quiet serene and peaceful but I have played him aggressive and strong. Do you think that the serial will appeal to the youth? Frankly speaking the serial is meant for those who wish to watch something intellectual and not the saasbahu sagas. Having said that, I feel the concepts of Upanishad are relevant even today and so it will appeal to the masses. I say this because the right to education which we so talk about in this era was actually proposed in that era by Chanakya. The problems which we tackle now, they have already been through those

Vidya, Siddharth might tie the knot soon

Mumbai: If speculation doing the rounds are anything to go by, Vidya Balan is soon going to get hitched to her rumored long-time boyfriend Siddharth Roy Kapoor. Although, no official announcement has been made from either side, it is believed that the two will tie the knot post the release of Vidyas upcoming flick Kahani in which she plays a pregnant woman in search of her husband and the father of the child. Probably, the wedding might happen in April or May. Vidya Balan, who has to her credit super hit films like Dirty

Picture, No One Killed Jessica, Paa and Ishqiya, has never confirmed her relationship with Kapoor, the Chief Executive Officer of UTV Motion Pictures, but the two have been spotted together at various events. Reportedly, the actress is also accompanying Siddhartha to various family functions. Last year, there was a buzz that the couple got married secretly and even headed to their honeymoon, however, Vidya rubbished all the rumors saying that something like this will never happen in her life.

For enquiries please contact Sunita 0800 999 018 or 021 187 3391 info@milanevents.co.nz www.milanevents.co.nz auckland, New Zealand

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Bollywood

ZEEL goes on film buying spree

Mumbai: Zeel Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL), Indias leading broadcaster, has gone on an aggressive movie buying spree and bagged some high profile film labels. This year the first 24-hour movie channel of India, ZEELs Hindi movie channel, Zee Cinema will be showcasing films like Don 2, Agneepath, Agent Vinod, Barfee, Heroine, Desi Boyz, Players, Joker, Michael and My Friend Pinto. The movie premiere list is all set to kick off with the premiere of Desi Boyz on Saturday, February 18 at 9 PM on Zee Cinema. Recently released, Desi Boyz is a Hindi comedy film directed by debutant Rohit Dhawan. The tongue in cheek film stars Akshay Kumar, John Abraham, Deepika Padukone and Chitrangada Singh in lead roles. The channel is all set to give one lucky couple a chance to Win a trip to the UK with the Desi to Videsi contest - just by answering a few questions while watching the film premiere on Zee Cinema on February 18. The lucky winner will be declared during the repeat telecast of the film on the channel on Sunday, February 19 at 6 PM. The recent film that had a very good opening at the Box Office, Agneepath is the remake of the 1990 Hindi film of the same name. Directed by Karan Johar's former assistant Karan Malhotra, the film has Hrithik Roshan play the role originally made famous by Amitabh Bachchan.

Priyanka Chopra stars as the female lead while Sanjay Dutt clearly stole the limelight as the main villain. Rishi Kapoor takes on dark shades in this film as he plays the notorious Rauf Lala. The tremendously successfully sequel to Farhan Akhtars 2006 release Don - Don 2, brings Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra back as the Don and detective Roma. Shot across Thailand, Berlin, Kuala Lumpur and Switzerland, the action packed film also has appearances by Om Puri, Lara Dutta and

Kunal Kapoor in supporting roles. Agent Vinod is an upcoming Hindi action-thriller film starring Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor. It is directed by Sriram Raghavan and explores the exotic locales of Latvia and Morocco. Barfee is an upcoming Hindi romantic, murder mystery film directed by Anurag Basu. It stars Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and Ileana DCruz in lead roles. Magnum opus Heroine is an upcoming Hindi film co - written and directed by Madhur Bhandarkar.

The film revolves around the life of a once successful film actress Mahi Khanna, whose career is on the decline. Bhandarkar says the movie is a contemporary film which reveals the underbelly of the movie industry and its well-kept secrets. Kareena Kapoor has been cast to play the lead role. Joker is a Hindi fantasy adventure film and the first 3D film directed by Shirish Kunder. The film stars Akshay Kumar and Sonakshi Sinha. Punit Goenka, MD & CEO,

ZEEL, said, We will soon be bringing the biggest blockbusters to the small screen. These films will give us a golden opportunity to showcase some of the most awaited films on TV. We have already drawn a very positive advertiser response for the films. Last year, ZEEL had also purchased films like Double Dhamaal, Tanu Weds Manu, Shaitan, Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap, Chalo Dilli, Shagird and Pyaar ka Punchnama, among others.

Films to promote Incredible India

New Delhi: In a major initiative to promote the Incredible India Campaign and Cinemas of India as a sub brand of Incredible India at various international film festivals and markets abroad, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and Ministry of Tourism on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU is expected to enhance the reach of Incredible India through the Medium of Cinema, develop synergy between tourism and film industry and provide a platform for enabling partnerships between the Indian and global film industry. The MoU was signed in the presence of Ambika Soni, Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Subodh Kant Sahay, Minister of Tourism. The MoU signed between the two ministries, aims to create and build upon a Film Tourism vertical of Incredible India Campaign by promoting Cinemas of India as a sub-brand of Incredible India. The emphasis will be on its linguistic/ cultural/regional diversity. The MoU will also provide an impetus to frame policies and guidelines for facilitating shooting of International films in India and promote India as a filming destination, both for international and domestic film producers. Another key objective of the MoU seeks to to initiate dialogue with State Governments and UTs within India for development of locations for film shootings and promotion of tourism. At the institutional level, the MoU attempts to constitute a National Level Committee for coordination with various stakeholders for promotion of India as a film and visual material and print designs. The joint participation of the two ministries would cover the Cannes Film Festival and Market, IFFI Goa including the Film Festival and Film Bazaar and European Film Market at Berlin. The MoU reiterates the branding of Incredible India at critical outreach positions at the identified film festivals markets and events. This includes the display of the logo of Incredible India, including display through wall hoardings, stalls and the screening of the promotional film. It is expected that this innovative partnership will facilitate the promotion of India as a filming destination for foreign producers. In 2009-10, 23 permissions were granted for shooting in India, in 2010-11, 21 permissions were granted and in 2011-12, 20 permissions were granted. The MoU is expected to also enable the increase of Indias share in world tourist arrivals in the country from 0.6% to 1.0 % by the end of XII Five Year Plan. This would result in achieving 11.37 million foreign tourist arrivals by 2016, as compared to 6.29 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2011.

Hema 'happy' with Esha-Bharat engagement

tourism destination and for facilitating visas for films units from overseas. On some of the key aspects, the roadmap will be charted out through mutual consultations between the two ministries. As per the MoU, the Ministry of Tourism would provide budgetary support for identified film festivals, markets and events. The Ministry would facilitate publicity through the available content based on existing audio

Mumbai: Esha Deol, elder daughter of veteran B-town actors Dharmendra and Hema Malini, got engaged with boyfriend Bharat Takhtani in a quiet ceremony on Sunday. Hema Malini told reporters that the ceremony was a private affair. She said that she was 'happy' for her daughter and that Bharat is a 'nice person'. According to reports, close friends of the family attended the ceremony on Sunday. Actor Jaya Bachchan was reportedly seen at the event. Esha had been dating Takhtani, who is a businessman based in

Bandra, for past 13 months but the two never really confirmed their relationship in public. However, lately, the couple had been spotted at various events together. Esha was never really able to take her career to heights despite being the daughter of two of the finest actors in the industry. Her debut film Koi Mere Dil Se Pooche was fairly successful. However, she gave quite a few flops thereafter. She was last seen in Tell Me O Kkhuda, a flick produced and directed by her mother to re-launch her. But it too failed to garner support for her at the box office.

Indian Weekender | February 24, 2012 | www.iwk.co.nz

23

Indian

Bollywood Ekk Deewana Tha gets two endings

Mumbai: Director of Ekk Deewana Tha Gautham Menon has recently announced that they will be releasing the movie with two different endings. The movie has already been in the lime light for many reasons. Apart from A.R Rahmans music, people will get to see the fresh pairing of Amy Jackson and Prateik. In an official statement, Fox Star India has announced that the movie will have two different endings. The movie is a remake of the classic Tamil movie Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya . Menon will be releasing the movie with a happy ending in 500+screens across India. The other ending will be a special directors cut, which will be released only in 20 elite theatres. The theatre ads will highlight if the movie has a happy ending or the directors cut as well. Vijay Singh from Fox Star India has confirmed the news saying, The newspaper listings will highlight this fact as well. Fox Star India will be releasing the movie Ekk Deewana Tha in theatres on February 17.

I would like to gift me to Amy

Bolly buffs will be enjoying the fresh pairing of Prateik Babbar and British model-actor Amy Jackson in gautham Menons romantic flick Ekk Deewana Tha. Correspondent Sreya Basu catches up with the actors in Mumbai
already topping music charts Amy: The songs of the film are absolutely surreal. Ekk Deewana Tha is a pure love story and the songs play a perfect setting to the storyline. Are you liking India? Amy: Yes, very much. The days of shooting were really goodthe time I spent in Mumbai was awesome. This is my first time in India and I am celebrating it. Prateik, how are you going to spend your Valentines Day? Prateik: By working. We (Amy and me) are being thrown at all possible places to promote the film. So, on Valentines Day also, we will be promoting Ekk Deewana Tha. But I hope I can take out five-ten minutes and rush to a florist and get some flowers for Amy. Is there a special gift that you would like to give Amy? Prateik: I have already given her flowers. And I would like to gift me to Amy. Are you a romantic at heart? Prateik: The name of my film is Ekk Deewana Tha. But I am not Ekk Deewana Tha, but ek deewana hoon and ek deewana rahunga. Critics are already saying you are the future of Bollywood and is here to stay. What do you have to say about it? Prateik: What can I say! I am lucky to have

Amy, you are debuting in Bollywood with Ekk Deewana Tha. What do you have to say about the film? Amy: Teaming up with Gautham Menon for our movie Ekk Deewana Tha is a fabulous experienceits a fabulous team. The film releases 17th February, and since its a romantic film, it will be a perfect gift for Valentines Day. And I am sure everybody is going to absolutely adore it. How was your chemistry with Prateik? Amy: We shot together for five months. Its a romantic movie. So I guess we have got a good chemistry. Prateik, tell us about your character in Ekk Deewana Tha. Prateik: I am playing a middle-class Maharashtrian boy, who is around 25 years old. He wants to be a film director. Then Amy comes

to his life and love at first sight ho jata hai. Now he wants to fulfil his dream, become a film director as well as keep his love to him. Like the tagline says-A perfect romancemore or less-all the love-birds out there, you will be reminded of yourself and listen to some really beautiful, awesome music by AR Rahman. You are playing a romantic hero Prateik: Yes. This project is very close to my heart and has given me the opportunity to work with stalwarts like AR Rahman, Gautham Menon and Javed Akhtar. Its an absolute honour to do so. I have learnt so much from each and everyone of them observing their work. Amy, what do you think of Prateik? Amy: Prateik is a dashing man. He is a romantic hero for the first time. The songs of Ekk Deewana Tha are

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Bollywood
working hard for it. Bipasha is so full of praises for you. Would you like to say something nice about her too? Madhavan: Sure. But I dont want to sound as if I am praising her just because she does so. Truth is, whenever she talks about me being an ideal man, my wife laughs a lot at home. I have never worked with a co-star like Bipasha so far. When I was starting the film, I was very nervous because she is truly a superstar in her rights and she is exotically beautiful and very, very charming. And I didnt know how our relationship will be on the sets. But you can see how much affection is between us and the full credit for this goes to Bipasha because she never made me feel that she is a bigger than mein terms of a starwaise she is also taller than me. Bipasha: No, he is lyingI am not taller than him. Madhavan: She is really kind at heart. Generally in this industry girls have to maintain a stern exterior so that people dont exploit them. But if you really get to know how Bipasha is at heart, you will agree with me. Bipasha, is it true that you used to eat Maddys food on the sets? Bipasha: He made me eat so much cheese (Maddy is a vegetarian). When I used to order my food, by the time my starters arrived, uska khana aa jata tha. He used to order for all cheese and potato and my main course used to take time. And I am always hungry. So I used to eat his food and then my food and I got gol gol cheeks. And I said Maddy, now we both look like same-same. Madhavan: Look, it was she who ate it all aur farak mere pe par rahi hai. Aisa thodi hota hai! Bipasha, whats your priority in life? Bipasha: The biggest priority of my life is love and when you talk about love, its not just man-woman love, but about love for family, friends, people, co-stars. When you love, just love with all your heart.
Pic by Sandip Das

Maddy is a passionate man

Bipasha Basu and R Madhavan have joined hands to break up pairs in Ashwini Chaudharys latest Hindi flick Jodi Breakers. Correspondent Sreya Basu chats up with the actors as they dont stop praising each other
Now Bipasha and Madhavan are upto breaking jodis? Madhavan: Its not that we break jodis just for the sake for running our business. We break those jodis who we believe are very unhappy in life and want another chance. Bipasha: Sonali, my character in Jodi Breakers, is exactly like me who believes that two people are supposed to be together if there is love. If there is no love, life gives you another chancego and get your love. Do you think there should be jodi breakers in real life as well? Bipasha: I think after this film jodi breaker will actually become a profession. Madhavan: Yawhy not. If there can be agents for marriage, so I think there should be agents for divorce as well. Bipasha, what do you like the best about Madhavan? Bipasha: Jo Maddy (Madhavan) hainot just an actor, but as a human being, he is a fabulous husband, a great co-star, he is a great friend to both men and women. He loves to live his life king-sizehe is a foodie he is into outdoor sports. He loves to travelhe is a very passionate man. So, everything about Maddy I love, except the fact that Madhavan: that I eat and dont exercise. Bipasha: No, I will still defend you. He has injured his knees and so he is not able to do so.

But he has promised me that he will look after his knees and he is going to work out. Madhavan: Yespromise. Bipasha: He is going to hire me as his fitness trainer. Madhavan: The main star cast of Jodi Breakers is fitness freak. Bipasha is fitness and I am freak. On the sets, if Bipasha, Milind (Soman), Dipannita (Sharma) and Mrinalini (Sharma) stand on one side, I alone am enough

on the other sidethe frame gets perfectly balanced. Madhavan, are you doing something to lose weight? Madhavan: How can I answer this till the results shows! (Laughs) Bipasha: I believe in working out and I really work out hard. I just believe that you cant really show or expect any results without

Then you and Maddy give us three tips on love Bipasha: Three tips? My God! I am like a teacher already. Be truthful, be honest to the one you love and do everything for the one you love. Madhavan: Tips for lovefor the guys will be-try, try, try till you succeed, fortune favours the bravego after the girl till she says yes. And third and most important is nextyeh nehin toh aur sahibaas aage barte raho. Bipasha: Ya, I agree. Its for girls too. If one thing doesnt work out that doesnt mean its the end of the world. You have to move on.

te Jodi Breaker sha-Madhavan promo Bipa

the charmbshell Bipasha Basu and Calcutta: Bolly wood bom ir upcoming film Jodi Breaker last the ing Madhavan promoted lkata's twin city Howrah. Sunday in Ko lingam of the known as Chatu r Rama Omi Vaidya, popularly in the promotion. them ing back in movie '3 idiots', also joined asha said, It's lovely com is ver y Speaking to media, Bip -romantic comedy and a wicked Kolkata again. This film similar to close to my heart. in the film is ver y much The role which I played beg un her modelling the actor who had real life Bipasha, said lkata. she also encareer in Ko ng in her red dress and pasha. She was looking stunni g her legs to the song Bi shakin ter tained the audience by to work in a Bengali her willingness Bipasha also expressed s a good scr ipt. film if she get if they are not film we break the jodi love. Madhavan said, In the y get a second chance in that the happy with each other so was involved in every co-star. She Bipasha is outstanding film, he added. the com mon aspect of the also distributed Tshirts to The Jodi Breaker team audience. release on Feb 24, 2012. The film is scheduled for

26

Indian Weekender | February 24, 2012 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Sherlyn bares it all, this time for fans

vatSal veRma
Mumbai: After badly drowning on the box-office and then failing to fetch fame through Bigg Boss as well, model-turned-actress Sherlyn Chopra seems still very eager and desperate to grab limelight. This seems precisely the reason why she went ahead to post a couple of her raunchy and nude photographs on microblogging site Twitter before her birthday some few days back. That was, according to Sherlyn, gift to her fans on her birthday. Just a day before her birthday, she uploaded a nude picture of hers and tweeted, The soon to be b'day girl in the b'day suit. However, taking into account the explicit nature of the photograph, the site decided to remove her picture following which the same was deleted. Apparently miffed, Chopra wrote, Did twitter really delete my b'day pic???. However, this didnt stop her from treating her fans eyes with her bare body and she uploaded another sizzling picture of her accompanied by a post that read, Thx a ton for all ur wishes!!Here's one more on public demand !!! I was born this way!!! Garnering favorable and unfavorable response from twitterites over her stripping act, Sherlyn seemed unaffected and commented, You can talk all u want.But my skin is very thick.I'm the leader of the crowd and my game is really sleek. I'm unstoppable!.

Big B, SRK battling poor health

Mumbai: Two of the tinsel towns biggest stars Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan seem to be battling with poor health. While Big B will undergo an abdominal surgery on Saturday at Mumbai Sevenhills hospital, King Khan too has been suffering from fevers plight for past few days. Bachchan, who broke the news via his blog, wrote on Twitter hours before his surgery, And yes before the surgery, some more tests and some more discoveries .. a damaged body shall always be subjected to such !!, adding, But thank you for your concern and wishes .. I shall do my best to insure that the damage is controlled.. though not in my hands now. This will be Bachchans fourth surgery. Earlier in 2002, he was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver and later in 2005 he was treated for perforated diverticula-holes in the wall of the intestine. And again in 2008, the actor suffered problems in stomach due to incisional hernia Although, according to his doctors, the surgery this time is not very complicated but Big B believes that all doctors say the same as one end up on the operating table, and before long the details and the subsequent anxieties begin to rise. In another of his blog post after revealing the news, he linked all his health problems as a legacy of the past in particular the accident of 1982 and Coolie adding that the subsequent disturbances have all and shall emanate from it. On the other hand, Khan, who is suffering from fever, feels that it sucks. In his ever so charming style, he wrote on his twitter account, Random thot in illness.. be uncorrupted..unbowed..unrelenting...raw not precooked..live not prerecorded & yet beautifully flawed. Delirium!! Feeling a wee bit better...maybe another day of bedrest...glee...& seeing my lil girls smiling face...will cure me. Insha Allah... Due to his illness, he could not even travel to Berlin with friends including Priyanka Chopra and Farhan Akhtar. Still, he has been giving them tips about what to do and what not to do. He posted, Don's do's & dont's for my 3 reps at berlinale. 1.have the D tattoo on at all times.2.no inner warmers at any cost..Don doesn't wear warmers, adding, Doisms continued for my don team at berlinale...don't wear ur cellphone on a belt clip at any cost & don't dance with ur hands above ur head. Khan, who is addicted to smoking heavily, is also believed to have quit the habit on his daughters insistence.

Kareena is a phenomenal actor

Saif Ali Khans much ambitious project Agent Vinod is all set to hit the threatres this March. The action spy film is expected to dish out all possible spices, including a mujra by Kareena Kapoor. Correspondent Sreya Basu in conversation with the actor-producer after the launch of the first look of the film in Mumbai
It took a long time for you to make Agent Vinod. Any specific reason for the delay? Well, what to say! Everybody knows its taken us two years to do this (film). But I think we have done something special. This is the reason also that I got into film production in the first place. But we decided to make Love Aaj Kal first because it seemed an easier film to make at that time. But Agent Vinod is the reason why I got into film production. This was always my dream project and I am very happy to tell you that it is now complete and I feel its looking good. So you are trying to be the Indian James Bond with Agent Vinod? First of all James Bond is a completely English character. And he is also a character who makes a lot of sense when you compare him against Russia and against communism. He is like a capitalist hero who finds it okay to drink and womanize and still be the hero who saves the world. Agent Vinod is not that. From the first scene of the film, you realize this is an Indian hero who is very different to the Bond character because we didnt want to make a copy of Bond. What is that one quality that Agent Vinod and Saif have in common? Thats difficult to say. I think we are both honest peopleand I am also a very sexy action hero in real life. Agent Vinod is meI am Agent Vinod. Kareena is playing the female lead in the film. How do you describe her strength as an actor? I actually think Kareena is a phenomenal actor. 2011 has been a good year for Kareena with her films doing well at the Box Office. Do you think her lucky charm will help Agent Vinod as well? Inshallah. Luck chahiye; you have to work hard as well. But luck is the most important thingwe all know that. So we will take anything-a lucky heroine, a lucky rabbits foot. Kareena is the only actress who has worked with all Khans (Shah Rukh, Saif Ali, Aamir, Salman, Imran). According to you who makes the best pairing with her? I think I have to say its me in Agent Vinod. Obviously, there is no comparison. Apart from you? Nonono. I dont say anyone apart from me. Now-a-days all Khans are coming up with an ambitious project that will always remain synonymous to their names. Like Shah Rukh got Ra.One and Salman got Dabangg. Are you aiming the same with Agent Vinod? I will not like to compare me with other Khans. They are seniors and very big stars. All I want to say is that as an actor its your responsibility that if you have spent 20 years in the industry, you should at least try to realize your experiences and dreams in some way or the other in your thoughts, in your field, in your office and under your production. You dont need to think much about what other people are doing. It seems the days of action heroes are back in Bollywood. Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgan and now you-all are trying their hands at action films again. Who is your favourite action hero in Bollywood? Oh! They are all very good at action. Akshay Kumar is phenomenal at action he is extremely fit; Salman is great. All the names you are taking are very special people who create very special films every now and then. But as for your question, I dont have any favourites.

Trans World Features (TWF) 28 Indian Weekender | February 24, 2012 | www.iwk.co.nz

D I A R Y
Rushad Rana bags Upanishad Ganga
Mumbai: Actor Rushad Rana, who was seen in the movies like VeerZara, Mod and Dor, will soon be seen in a mythological series called as Upanishad Ganga. The serial which is based on the teachings of Upanishad will depict Rushad as a USA return lad interested in studying Upanishads. Talking about his role of Satyadharama, Rushad said, The character of Satyadharama is much like me. He has come down to Banaras to learn Upanishads from a Professor he has only read about. "Though I have not studied Upanishads but being a Philosophy Graduate such studies do interest me and so I would love to read them. The serial, which airs on DD from 11th March, is produced by Chinamaya mission and is directed and written by Chandraprakash Dwivedi. accepted. Their families are elated, he said, adding that the rest of the details including the marriage date have been kept under wraps for now. It is heard that the actor is planning a grand reception for his close friends from Bollywood, prominent politicians, industrialists and bureaucrats. Apart from film industry biggies like Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, some Hollywood celebrities are also expected to attend. For the record, Sachiin made his acting debut last year with Aazaan, an action film directed by Prashant Chadha, co-starring him with South African model Candice Boucher.

Vidya Balan does lavani

Priyanka wants to be Shah Rukh!

Mumbai: B-towns favorite girl Priyanka Chopra is not just likened to other A-list actresses, but ace dancer and choreographer Shiamak Davar who is one of three three judges on Indias Glam Diva on BIG CBS LOVE feels that contender Priyanka has the same zeal and zest very similar to Shah Rukh Khan. While talking about the talented actress, Shiamak said, When she came as a participant for Miss World, she was raw and she was all over the place. I think now shes found out who she wants to be. And if you ask me shes like a mini Shah Rukh. "She wants to be Shah Rukh; she wants to be number one; she wants to conquer the world; she wants to make it not only in India but globally which is great. Priyanka will surely be ecstatic on hearing Shiamak Davars comment as it is a known fact that the stunning actress has always had the biggest crush on the King of Hearts Shah Rukh Khan. If rumours are to be believed, the former Miss World who has starred opposite Shah Rukh in the super hit film Don and its sequel Don 2 visibly blushes the moment Shah Rukhs name is mentioned. Mumbai: The most talked about girl on the block is none other than the beauty who has proved that curves are the new hot Vidya Balan. Shes been in the news for more than her dirty moves these days. Balan is going to be the latest item girl to join the band wagon and is doing a lavani (Maharashtrian folk dance) item number for Vidhu Vinod Chopras latest production Ferrari Ki Sawaari. The shoot has just been completed and the actress is pleased as punch. In fact, she has said that the shoot of the item number has been her best till date. On the last day of the shoot, the actress even distributed laddoos to the entire crew present at the shoot.

Ranbir, Katrina Most Eligible Bachelor/ Spinster?

Mumbai: Film production house Yash Raj Films is running YRF Valentine Fest on its digital media platform for the entire month. Amid a hoard of interesting concepts, one that particularly stands out is the YRF Eligible Bachelor and YRF

Aazaan star Sachiin Joshi hitched

Mumbai: Friends of Aazaan star Sachiin Joshi were almost taken aback when they saw a status update on his BlackBerry Messenger this Valentine's. The actor hinted that he was hitched. His publicist Dale Bhagwagar confirmed the news. Its true! Sachiin proposed to his longtime sweetheart actress Urvashi Sharma on Valentine's Day and she Eligible Spinster Contest. Yash Raj Films is auctioning every one of their heroes to the fans. So while girls are drooling over Raj (Ranbir Kapoor) from Bachna Ae Haseeno, the guys are making sure that Dimpy (Katrina Kaif) from Mere Brother Ki Dulhan is not far behind. Fans can cast their votes on http://www.facebook.com/ yrf.

Indian

health

Weight Loss in Men Is it a Challenge!

vaRSha aSRaNI

Convenience Losing weight is a big challenge for most of my clients. It gets a bit trickier when its a male client. Most women believe that men do not care about their health and dont feel the need to lose weight. This could be true to an extent but not in entirety.
Convenience Losing weight is a big challenge for most of my clients. It gets a bit trickier when its a male client. Most women believe that men do not care about their health and dont feel the need to lose weight. This could be true to an extent but not in entirety. Men in general tend to treat weight loss as a job which needs to be completed if the need arises; generally it is only when things get out of line that they act upon it, expecting instant outcomes. Let us acknowledge that men are different and need a tailored line of action when it comes to working with their bodies to lead a successful weight loss outcome; however the basics do not change. If one has a set goal and is really committed to losing weight, then it is only about the small changes that lead you to success. First and the most important factor in attaining weight loss goal is to understand and overcome myths. A popular myth is that I need to drastically cut calories , this is not completely true, yes the fact is that you need to cut down calories but not drastically, it needs to be a reasonable cut, a diet consultant would be able to guide you in the right direction. The key lies in a balanced approach. It is also not completely true that you need to give up your favourite foods entirely or you need to cut down on your food intake significantly. A gradual change in your diet habits could help you achieve your desired goal. Another myth that people strongly believe is Snacking between meals is wicked. Traditionally it was believed that three meals a day is the ideal way, however it is now known that five to six small meals a day is ideal to achieve weight loss. Once we overcome many other such myths, the path of attaining weight loss is clear and defined; the challenge then lies in identifying and overcoming hunger along with including structured physical activities in your daily life pattern. A key factor to consider is to ensure that your food intake should not be driven by external factors such as stress, boredom or anger Another important area to watch out for is Alcohol. Men generally tend to worry if they need to cut down alcohol to lose weight; the fact is alcohol does contain energy and l down on takeaways and make Cut healthy choices when eating out. l Play an outdoor sport (when you can), dont just be an audience. l Team up in your efforts; join a group of like minded individuals. l Walk, Run, Jog never miss an opportunity l Dont be fooled by myths and FAD diets. l Confide and ask for help especially from someone who cares l Go slow on alcoholic drinks Till next time be healthy and eat healthy. This article is a general guideline ONLY, if you have any medical condition and for individual conditions you should consult a health professional or your medical practitioner immediately. Varsha Asrani is a New Zealand registered clinical dietitian, for personal consultations, queries, suggestions and feedback she can be contacted on info@varshaasrani.com

Another myth that people strongly believe is Snacking between meals is wicked. Traditionally it was believed that three meals a day is the ideal way, however it is now known that five to six small meals a day is ideal to achieve weight loss
and it is vital that one knows and manages portion sizes as this can make or break your efforts. Most men find going on a diet uncomfortable, well you do not have to go On a Diet to lose weight; stress on improving your eating habits. it is advisable to drink in moderation. Keeping them for social events is a wise decision. Please consult a health professional if you have any health issues for further guidance in this area. Some Key points to consider l Five plus a day is good

Avoid Foods With High

Recipe
By Ruby Dhillon

MUTTON ROGAN JOSH

INGREDIENTS
1 kg- mutton pieces 1tbsp- coriander seeds 2tsp- cumin seeds 2- black cardamom 1tbsp- poppy seeds tsp- peppercorns 4- cloves 5- red chillis ( whole red chillis soaked in water for 20 minutes) 1tbsp- ginger paste 1tbsp- garlic paste 2- bay leaves 2 cm- cinnamon stick 5- green cardamoms crushed 2- onions (medium and chopped) 2- tomatoes chopped 1tsp- turmeric powder 2tsp- red chilli powder cup- curd ( plain and beaten) 1cup- water Salt to taste 1/2cup- oil

Before you sink your teeth into a freshly baked pizza with extra cheese, think twice: The delicious pizza contains plenty of salt that could harm your heart! There is no doubt that salt adds to the taste of food. Unfortunately, high salt intake is related to heart disease. Salt increases blood pressure and therefore the work of the heart. A survey found that the daily salt intake in the United States is much more than is currently recommended. Current guidelines permit a maximum sodium consumption of 2.3 g among normal people and 1.5 g in patients at a high risk for heart disease like African Americans, people with high blood pressure, diabetes or kidney disease. Which foods are high in salt content? The survey found that almost half the salt intake was from foods like bread, cold cuts and cured meats, pizza, poultry, soups, sandwiches, cheese, pasta mixed dishes, meat mixed dishes, and savory snacks. The problem of high-salt containing

food is not only restricted to the United States. The same foods are now commonly available in the Indian market. Most of them are ready-to-eat, thus providing a tempting alternative to cooking. Awareness should be created among the general public to control the intake of these foods and stick to the healthy Indian diet before it is too late. One way to control the salt intake would thus be to implement guidelines for food manufacturers and restaurants to reduce the salt content of their foods. The impact of reducing salt in these foods could be huge; it could prevent a large number of deaths due to heart disease and result in huge savings in healthcare-related expenditure. Another way to reduce the intake of these high-salt containing foods is to educate the general public. People should also be taught to check food labels and select foods that contain low sodium. Control your salt intake and you have less chances of suffering from heart disease.

METHOD
In a pan lightly roast together coriander, cumin, poppy seeds, peppercorns, black cardamom and cloves for few seconds till fragrant. Drain the whole red chillies and grind them with ginger, garlic paste and the seeds which has been roasted into a paste adding little water in which chillies were soaked from time to time and keep it aside. Heat oil in a wok, add bay leaves, cinnamon and green cardamom. Stir for few seconds. Add onions and fry till onions are golden brown. Add the red chilli paste stir then add chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder and red chilli powder. Stir well. Add curd stir and fry until curd is well blended and oil shows separately. Add the mutton and salt, fry until meat is lightly brown in colour add water, cover and cook until the meat is tender. Serve with chopped coriander.

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Indian Weekender | February 24, 2012 | www.iwk.co.nz

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