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5 July, 2013 Vol. 5 Issue 5 | www.iwk.co.nz

The leading Kiwi Indian fortnightly newspaper

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The month of abstinence

With Ramadan being round the corner (July 9), we bring to you some significant facts about the holy month, which symbolises a lot more than fasting and feasting
Maulana Shafiq ur Rehman
of Allah) also described fasting as a shield to purport to the reality of fasting that it should shield a believer against every harm, Satanic onslaughts and sinful insinuations. To abstain from any food or drink during the day is not the real purpose of fasting. The real purpose lies in winning Almighty Gods pleasure by sacrificing ones basic physical needs like food and drink and thus coming in His protection. Fasting, as the Holy Quran states [2:184], is a form of worship found universally in the world religions. Although, among the religions, there are vast differences regarding the mode of fasting and the conditions applied to it, the central idea of fasting is present everywhere. Fasting in Islam is a highly developed institution. As mentioned above, there is one full month, Ramadan, in every year in which fasting is prescribed for Muslims all over the world.

he month of Ramadan is about to dawn upon us yet again. It is the 9th month of the year according to Islamic calendar in which fasting is prescribed for Muslims. It is a month which is resembled as the spiritual spring season for the believers. It is a distinctive feature of Islamic teachings that every ordinance is prescribed with its philosophy and ultimate objective. The Arabic word saum used in the sense of fasting literally means to abstain and Muslims abstain from taking any food or drink from dawn to dusk and refrain from intimacy and indulgence in any foul pursuits. The Holy Quran mentions that it is prescribed for you so that you may become Muttaqi (generally means righteous). The Arabic word used here literally means to be guarded and protected. The Holy Prophet of Islam (on whom be peace and blessings

Continued on page 4

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Continued article...
As the month is a lunar month, so it keeps changing around the year in relation to the solar months. This creates a universal balance for the worshippers. As the lunar months keep rotating around the year, so Muslims in all parts of the world have some periods of easy fasting and some of arduous fasting. It is not just physical hunger and thirst that constitute the Muslim fast, but the nights prior to the beginning of the fast acquire a far more important character and play a central role in the institution of fasting. The Muslims wake up many hours before dawn for individual prayer and the remembrance of God. Also the Holy Quran is recited in every Muslim house much more than in ordinary days. A greater part of the night is thus spent in spiritual exercises which make up the very essence of fasting. During the day, apart from restraining from food and water, all Muslims are particularly exhorted from vain talk, quarrels and fights, or from any such occupation as is below the dignity of a true believer. No indulgence in carnal pleasure is allowed; even husband and wife during the day lead separate lives, except for the formal human relationship common to all people. In Islam, alms-giving and care for the destitute is so highly emphasised that it becomes part of a Muslims daily life. However when it comes to Ramadan, the month of fasting, Muslims are required to redouble their efforts in this field following the noble practice of the Holy Prophet. In short, the institution of fasting is extremely important because it cultivates the believer in almost every area of

his spiritual life. Among other things, he learns through personal experience about what hunger, poverty, loneliness and discomforts mean to the less fortunate sections of society. Abstention from even such practices during the month of Ramadhan are permissible in everyday life plays a constructive role in refining the human character. - Maulana Shafiq ur Rehman is the Central

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www.iwk.co.nz 5 July 2013

Have you seen Ankur Sharma?

A
n Indian student from Auckland has been missing for almost a month now, as his family and friends spread the word using a Facebook page. Ankur Sharma, a 23-year-old student, was last seen in Manurewa and has been missing since the 9th of June. Ankur is described as being 168 173cm tall with a skinny build, and he is also known to be wearing a leather jacket and stonewashed jeans. A Facebook page was started up on the 27th of June by his sister, and has quickly become viral in attracting attention from members of the Indian community. Speaking from Canada, Aditi Jasra, Ankurs sister said she and her parents had last heard from Ankur on the 1st of June. With their last conversation, Ankur was at a train station, on his way to a yoga class which he had recently joined and he sounded busy, so he told her he would speak to them in the weekend. Ankur sounded like he was doing fine, although he was in the middle of moving homes and mentioned he had applied for a new job, said Ms Jasra. My mum called me, she was concerned it had been 15 days, it was getting serious, said Ms Jasra. She also had a friend in New Zealand, who was unable to reach Ankur, and hence decided to go to the police. Upon going to the police, the family were informed that Ankur had been admitted to Middlemore hospital, with facial injuries and was released 24 hours after. The Auckland police had tried to contact him too, because of his injuries, to see if he was doing okay, said Ms Jasra. Either he is really hurt from his head injuries, or there is something going on that we have no clue about. The family also contacted his friends in New Zealand, but all were unsure as to where Ankur might be. There could be something fishy going on, said Ms Jasra. She fears Ankur could have been taken captive, or had a fight with his friends. Or he has been living with a friend somewhere else. We are hoping the Punjabi and Indian community will help to ensure he is safe and healthy. And come forward saying they have seen him somewhere. The police had told her Auckland is a big area and thus it could take some time to find Ankur. They said they come across these cases all the time, and he is probably moving on with his life, said Ms Jasra. The police cannot forcefully

Anyone with information that can help locate Ankur should contact the police, or anonymously through CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111. And the Facebook Page link is: www.facebook.com/pages/AnkurSharma-Missing/540227609371582

ask a person to get in touch with his or family. Ankur is asked to get in touch with the police directly or anonymously with no strings attached. So they can reassure everyone he is safe and well, said Detective Grant Arrowsmith of Manurewa, CIB. The Indian Weekender investigated this Facebook page called Ankur Sharma Missing using a mobile phone number that was, posted as a comment on the page. However, upon calling the number, it was revealed that it was not the missing Indian student. Although social media did give a lead, it does have its implications. Those who do want to help find Ankur and or have any information on him should contact the police directly. Anyone with should contact the police, or anonymously through CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.

SONA SANSAAR

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Programmer by day, DJ by night

This is a tale of a girl gone vinyl, of 25-year-old Aucklander Prerna Sinha.
IWK Bureau
People see me as this party girl, but in fact Im a very shy person, says Prerna. Down to earth, smart and a somewhat nerdy programmer, would be an accurate description, because 10 hours a day, 5 days a week, she works as a software professional at GrabOne. But on weekends, DJ Charlie comes out and plays into the wee hours. Why Charlie? Because it was already her nickname and it also made it easier for nonIndians. She says people are always genuinely surprised, because could very well be one of the only Indian female DJs in New Zealand. Originally from Bihar, Prerna came to New Zealand in 2006, leaving behind her parents and brother. Initially, it wasnt easy to get her parents support for DJing. They were concerned since a club for them; paints a picture of alcohol, and girls getting home late at night. However, now they do support her. It has been two years since Prerna decided to pursue her passion of Electro House music. I did my own research using blogs written by DJs, but Ive never actually attended any professional classes. One of the best moments she describes that comes with being a DJ, is watching people dance to your music, it shows that youve done your job right and people are enjoying. So from then to now, what has Prernas DJ-ing journey been like Where have you played? I have played at some huge raves as well as international shows like Lisa Lashes (UK). And also did several shows for UPFM in Auckland, and then played at clubs and bars such as 1885, Twentyone and R-lounge, to name a few. What do you love about it? Mixing, transitioning from one song to another, without people noticing. Its such a good skill to have, but because every track is different, it can also be very challenging at times. Which one of the two is your real profession then? As a coder, you dont have to be in front of a crowd of people and theres nobody watching me, because as a programmer you dont have to see the clients often. I do get paid equally with my male counterparts and sometimes even more, because a female DJ is a minority, but its still only a hobby. Describe for me your average Friday night and how juggle your weekend? On an average Friday night, I finish work, head home and have a little nap. After that I prepare my music for the night, scroll through my playlist and make sure I have good tracks, plus download any new songs. Then I return home again at four in the morning, then is on repeat for the next day.

What are some difficulties youve encountered or tips you have to give to aspiring DJs? DJs cant really have a set playlist, sometimes its more about what the audience wants to hear, so always be prepared. I always test my crowd first and see if they dance to the song Ive chosen and then I play tracks accordingly. And also, getting your studies sorted and having a qualification should be the first priority, and

then you can pursue your hobby. So after all this success, where do you see yourself in the future, with DJ-ing? I still see myself doing the occasional gigs, but I would like to turn into a producer. For the full interview, please check online www.indianweekender.co.nz

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NEW ZEALAND

A taxi App that saves you money

Armed with cabchooze, a unique new app, which developers say is a first of its kind, users will be able to pick and choose a taxi ride from multiple bids based on price, proximity and a rating system. Also users can see the Taxi approaching them using map feature on the app and get a ringtone notification on its arrival. New Zealands taxi fares are amongst highest in the world. We believe cabchooze will bring about better pricing, response

time and service to the customers and in turn higher productivity and earnings for drivers, so everyone wins. says cabchooze Project Director BK Sharma of Youchooze IT. Safety is another key benefit as Cabchooze members are all licensed drivers. cabchooze is free to download and free to use. In fact, in an introductory offer limited to the Beta launch phase, users get $25 worth taxi coupons when they download the app and register.

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In pictures: The Indians Flocks at the barbie

Students tried and succeeded in chasing away the winter blues at a Saturday barbecue organised by the Indian Flocks club at AUT. It was open for all, after all, wanting to socialize and having fun requires no membership. The club, founded by Raisa Infreda, earlier in February this year, aims to provide a platform for Indian students. As well as promote social and mutual help, more recreational activities among the students, and also gladly encourage members of other ethnic diversities to join in. As Raisa puts it Lets cheer up and stay bundled!
1 2 3

6 7

Photos: Sudharshan Gopalakrishnan

1. President and Founder of the club Raisa Infreda, gives a speech 2. The Flocks! 3. AUT Student Movement President Kizito Essuman 4. Secretary of the club, Rajkumar Velu puts his best smile on display 5. All the flocks go around in a chain 6. The girls danced the night away 7. Their very own Elvis Presley - Sandeep Singh Thakur 8. AUT student Movement Representative Niroop V Reddy 9. Looks like everybody is busy enjoying the food

www.iwk.co.nz 5 July 2013

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How Mercury changed my life

ive years ago when Faiz Ahmed stepped off the plane from Chennai, India to begin his new life in Auckland, hed never really given electricity a second thought. That all changed when he got a job with Mercury Energy. This was a new life for me in New Zealand and I chose retail as a challenge. Id never really sold anything before and the idea of selling something like electricity was fascinating to me, because it was about taking something intangible and turning it into something very real and valuable, says Mr. Ahmed. He began working with residential customers but soon moved into the commercial side of the business concentrating on larger business opportunities and the rural sector. I fell in love with the commercial side of things. It gives me the opportunity to learn new things every day, especially having to understand the different needs of the business and farming sectors. Faizs first experience with New Zealands farming community came at the famous Hamilton Fieldays event at Mystery Creek. I was just amazed. It was so different to anything I had seen in India just rows and rows of cars and tents as far as the eye could see, Faiz explains. But the best thing for me was having the opportunity to speak faceto-face with the farmers, because they have lots of questions around the technicalities of power generating as well as how market rates and prices work and it was fantastic to take As well as investing in renewable energy sources, Mighty River Powers retail arm Mercury Energy is committed to bringing customers innovative products and services. Free to residential customers, is the new Good Energy Monitor GEM which allows customers to keep track of their energy usage online and compare their power use to other homes of similar sizes in the neighbourhood. The online tool has power saving tips for customers and can even send alerts warning of unusually high power bills which allows the customer to be more aware of power use. Faiz believes products like this sets Mercury apart from other retailers. Mercury Energy really transports you into a different way of thinking, he explains. As a consumer myself, I never really thought about how much electricity I used. I would switch on the light and not think about the bill. Now, with the range of products and services available, the consumer can really see the value in what electricity allows you to do. The complexity of the electricity industry is a major motivation for Faiz. I love challenges and I get plenty of these in my job, he says. Its very competitive and I find that exciting. I work with a great team, for a great company and that inspires me. Faiz Ahmed is part of Mercury Energys commercial team. He can be reached on 0800 20 18 20 or via email on Faiz.Ahmed@ mercury.co.nz

them through the whole electricity generating process. And power generation is what Mercury Energys parent company, Mighty River Power does best. One of New Zealands largest electricity companies, Mighty River Power generates power to New Zealand homes and businesses, mainly from its hydro and geothermal plants. The construction of a new geothermal site at Nga Tamariki is the latest geothermal plant in Mighty River Powers portfolio and it is expected the new site will increase geothermal energy output to about 40% of overall generation. Knowing about the generation side of things is fascinating to me, says Faiz.

Having an understanding of how electricity is generated helps me do my job better. It allows me to explain to our customers where their electricity comes from and this helps them better understand the value of what theyre paying for. Mighty River Power is one of the worlds largest geothermal power station owners and more than 90% of its electricity production is from renewable sources. Thats something that Faiz says gives him enormous pride. I still remember stepping off the plane and thinking that I had arrived at some heaven on earth you dont see such green in India. It was very important to me that the values we follow as a company are the same values we follow as a country.

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Swar Tarang: A musical tribute

Aucklanders enjoy an evening of music dedicated to Samvadini maestro Jayant Bhalodkar
an accompanying instrument of choice of Classical singers, rendering it solo requires great application and understanding. Samirji was able to harmonise musical chords by producing melodious Mindh and Shrutis with flawless precision, delicacy, sensitivity and rhythm. This brought a much deserved break to the audience as they were mesmerised by the vocal and instrumental presentations of the evening. presentation skills. Both these were in ample demonstration when she presented a bandish in Raag Malkauns, and a tarana. She followed this up with a Thumri in Raag Heman/Bhinna Shadaj Yaad piya ki aaye! This had the audience in awe! The grand finale arrived when Shri Anand Thakore took the stage with Samir for a jungalbandi between Mandolin and Samvadini.

Prashant Belwalkar

t was 3 years ago that New Zealand lost a legendary Samvadini (harmonium) player and Indian Classical Music audiences were left with memories of late Shri Jayant Bhalodkar. On the occasion of his anniversary, year, his son, Samir Bhalodkar himself an accomplished Samvadini player, has been organising a musical tribute. This year he wanted to bring to music lovers something on a bigger and better. Swar Tarang was all that and more. Being a tribute to Jayantji, it was decided that the theme would be based on his favourites Classical ragas and bandishes. He also liked Marathi Natyasangeet and thumris. In order to achieve this complex blend of singing and music, Samirji decided to bring in artists who had seldom performed classical music on stage in Auckland, though all were trained singers. In addition he had a surprise jugalbandi with mandolin as the grand finale featuring Ashok Thakore. The evening started with soulful bhajans sung by Virend Prakashji. He is known for his wonderful renditions of Anup Jalotas bhajans and he was his usual best, setting the ambience and tone for the evening. He was followed by the young couple Hemant and Shweta Shirsat who have trained under Shree Krushnarao Karekar of Kirana Gharana. They performed a bandish in Raag Yaman and a marathi Natyasangeet. The audiences were getting warmed up to an excellent evening. Following them was Manasi Kulkarni a protg of late Mrs Shailaja Kurlekar and Mrs Ranjana Bhide. She presented a vilambit Khayal in Raag Puriya Dhanashree and a famous marathi natya sangeet. It was one of the finest rendition of the raag in a long time in Auckland. Samirji then presented the Samvadini solo. While traditionally the harmonium has been

The second half started with Raghunath Pawar who had the enviable task of keeping up with the standard of the first half. He da surprise up his sleeve when he followed the bada Khayal in raag Bhup with a medley of raags known as raagmala, a composition of 18 different raagas in 1 bandish. The audience were left spell bound and stunned. Kishori Telang, a disciple of Smt Aarti Anklikar, and born in a musical family is bestowed with a wonderful voice and fantastic

The evening started with soulful bhajans sung by Virend Prakashji. He is known for his wonderful renditions of Anup Jalotas bhajans and he was his usual best, setting the ambience and tone for the evening.
Both the instruments have a different base and it was an interesting combination. The audiences were left spellbound for the next half an hour when both the artist took them on a journey of finest classical music. Accompanying them was the equally talented Avirbhav Verma on Tabla. He was the silent force behind all the singers throughout the evening. However, during the instrumental jugalbandi, he came into his own and added a different flavour to the event. A real talent, and son of legendary tabla maestro late Pawan Kumar Verma of the Punjab Gharana. It was a fitting tribute to the legendary meastro Shree Jayant Bhalodkarji and the full house audience experienced an evening of sublime music. Dr Neelima Upadhyay summed up the evening in a wonderful poetic rendition which was probably the feeling of all present there. Earlier, a hand drawn potrait of Jayantji was revealed by his grand-daughter Tanvi Bhalodkar. The sound for the evening was handled by Virend Prakashji and managed by Prashant Belwalkar.

www.iwk.co.nz 5 July 2013

NEW ZEALAND

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DIY immigration to New Zealand

Getting your head around the types of visas to New Zealand, how to land a job, understanding what NZ employers look for, where to live and everything related to immigration just got a whole lot simpler. No agents or no navigating through multiple web links. With the new Immigrating to New Zealand: A do- it- yourself guide you have the opportunity to save yourself time, money and immigrate the true DIY Kiwi way. The guide has been developed by immigration specialists with over 20 years in migration service. It is fairly detailed with value for money information which includes pointers on regions where specific communities reside. This is especially useful since research shows that many new migrants to New Zealand find themselves isolated. This is a good way to go about getting all the info on immigration, especially when there could be unlicensed immigration advisors or other hurdles that could affect applications, said Rahul Sarda, a student based in India who is amongst many like him considering immigrating. This practical guide has been published by NeolokusMedia and is now available in all major internet retailers including Amazon, Kobo, Apple and Barnes & Noble.

Celebrating Maori language and culture

This week is te Wiki o te Reo Mori (Mori Language Week) and what better way to celebrate the Mori language and culture than by checking out all on offer around the Auckland region. Mori Language Week coincides with the Auckland Council delivered Matariki Festival 13 and Auckland Libraries exhibition of taonga Mori. Matariki Festival 13 is 31 days of celebration and entertainment with a series of concerts, family events and traditional celebrations. To honour Mori Language Week, for the first time ever, the Matariki Festival website is now also available fully in Mori. Manatunga: Ko ng taonga waihohanga atu ki te arawhiti the treasures left behind in this realm is on at the Central City Library until20 October. This free exhibition, showcasing a selection of taonga Mori (treasures), includes many items from the Sir George Grey Special Collections and

many not seen before by the public. Its fantastic to see so many events, displays and activities honouring and commemorating the Mori culture. This is our point of difference in the world and something of which we can be truly proud, says Councillor Alf Filipaina, Chair Auckland Councils Culture, Arts and Events Forum. Matariki Festival and Manatunga are two of many collaborative projects proudly delivered by Auckland Council, to provide real community benefits and value for money. Also on this week in Auckland Libraries are some great events for the whole family, from kapa haka, Mori storytelling and learning about the legends of Mui. These are available across the Auckland region so head online and check out whats happening in your area. For more information on Matariki Festival 13 check outwww.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

CELEBRATE DIWALI AND PUSHKAR CAMEL FESTIVAL IN INDIA.

Enjoy India in its colourful best during two popular festivals - the festival of lights Diwali in Delhi and the annual Pushkar camel festival in Rajasthan. Visit forts and palaces in Rajasthan, see the seductive temples of Khajuraho and experience the thrill of a Tiger safari in a national park. No trip to India is complete without visiting the Taj Mahal and relaxing by the beach in Goa. We have carefully crafted the 18 day itinerary so that you can enjoy India in its full glory!

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4 star hotels: NZ $3,560 5 star hotels: NZ $4,050

per person twin share Includes 17 night accommodation, all breakfasts, traditional Diwali prayer at a Hindu home, 3 jungle safaris, escorted guides at all destinations, 4 domestic ights and many surprises along the way. For detailed itinerary , inclusions and exclusions, visit our website www.magicalindia.co.nz , call us on 09 918 1833 or drop in at our oce in New Market, Auckland.

Our passion is to awaken Kiwis to the magic of India. We make it possible through our special interest tours Coming up this year is our Photography tour to the Himalayas with an award winning travel photographer, a Culinary tour across India with a Kiwi celebrity chef and a Yoga & Meditation tour with a Yoga Guru.

THINK OF VISITING INDIA, THINK MAGICAL INDIA

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Not a perfect world, but help is at hand for elders

Fear and stigma lead to under-reporting of elder abuse in the Indian community
IWK Bureau
Work of organisations like Shanti Niwas is vital in providing older people the care and social life necessary to lead a reasonable quality of life; and also monitor their well-being. The fantastic turnout at the recent event Khushi (joy) was testimony to the success of the organizations efforts in the community. The message is that its not ok to tolerate elder abuse in any form. Our aim is to help build a society free of Abuse, said Ms. Venkat. Since older people keep mum due to stigma 2 and fear, it is important for friends to speak out should they feel that an elder in their community is being abused in anyway physically, emotionally, psychologically or financially.

ost elder abuse cases are underreported in the Indian community. Yes it is under reported due to stigma and fear. Most of the time the perpetuator is family or caregivers and often old people fear backlash, says NilimaVenkat,Project Manager, Shanti Niwas which works with socially isolated senior citizens of Indian and South Asian origin living in the Auckland region by providing culturally appropriate aged care services along with social, emotional, educational, physical and spiritual support. The main concerns are loneliness, social isolation leading to depression and mental health issues, language, transport and lack of knowledge of the welfare system. Elder abuse and neglect are on the rise in our community. It would be safe to extrapolate that the figures registered by Age Concern is just a tip of the iceberg. Age Concern Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Services saw 22 Indian clients in the year 1 Jul 2012 30 Jun 2013. This is 1.2% of the clients seen by the service, said Louise Collins, National Advisor Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Services. The 65 years and older population group is expected to grow steadily over the next 50 years. The ethnic make-up of the population is also expected to alter, with the proportion of Mori, Pacific and Asian groups (from 4% to 8% ) increasing relative to the current majority of those of European descent as per Statistics New Zealand. 3

Help is at hand: Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust - 09 6221010 | Age Concern New Zealand - 04 801 9338

1. Mayor Len Brown and Project Manager, Shanti Niwas. 2. Audience looks on. 3. A rendition of Saathi Haath Badhana by the music group at Shanti Niwas. 4. MP Kanwaljit Bakshi (second from left), Mayor Len Brown (fourth from left) and Dame Susan Devoy in the audience at Khushi a family fun day to commemorate World Elder Abuse Awareness day on 22nd June 2013.

www.iwk.co.nz 5 July 2013

NEW ZEALAND

13

International students driven to obstinacy

Nilam Patel

nternational students are avoiding to convert their international driving permits, often waiting until they expire, because of laziness and to save money. *Vaibhav, a 23-year-old graduate, was recently disqualified from driving and handed a $400 conditional fine by the police after he was caught driving with an international licence which had expired three months earlier. He admitted the reason he had not obtained a New Zealand driving licence was laziness nothing else. *Parminder, another former international student, also neglected to renew his driving licence until it had almost expired in March, 2010. As a student working part-time, Parminder said it was an additional cost he wanted to avoid as long as he could. International driving permits are valid for up to one year, from the date students arrive in New Zealand. Within those 12 months they have a choice to convert to a New Zealand licence; otherwise their permits are no longer valid. When Parmindar applied for a New Zealand licence, he failed the practical test and was given a 20- day waiting period in which to resit the test. Until then he was only allowed to drive accompanied by a supervisor. Its a hindrance in going forward. If you have to wait 20 days for a practical test, you

might as well end up losing your job because you cant drive. Id much rather risk it and keep my (job) said Parminder. Why is it not considered dangerous within that year, when were actually new to NZ roads? I dont believe its a risk anymore to drive in New Zealand after a year. While driving with an expired International driving permit, students risk their licence being suspended and being disqualified from driving,

plus a $400 fine. I was also scared of failing the theory and practical test and having to pay the fees again, said Vaibhav. Its an additional expense. The New Zealand Transport Agency figures show that 28,712 applications were received from overseas licence holders to convert to a New Zealand license for the year ending on 30th June 2012. However, the figures do not distinguish

between a person who has applied to convert their overseas licence due to it being expired or one who has been in NZ for more than 12 months. Neither does it mean whether they have been subject to a disqualification or suspension. If international students wish to remain in New Zealand and drive after the one-year period, they must obtain a New Zealand driver license. *names have been changed.
OG_AC2027_IW1

Taking Auckland into the future needs passionate and committed people to step forward for election. If you want to make a difference, come along to a candidate meeting to get the information youll need to stand. To find out where your nearest meeting is being held go to www.voteauckland.co.nz

2013 Auckland Council Elections. www.voteauckland.co.nz

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INDIA

www.iwk.co.nz 5 July 2013

Mass cremation amidst epidemic scare in Uttarakhand

IWK Bureau

t has now been almost twenty days since the rain wrecked disaster in Uttarakhand, rescue operations continue as 3,500 people still remain stranded, and rescue workers have been working hard, targeting the most remote areas of the state searching for survivors. Mass cremations have also begun in Kedarnath, followed by concerns over epidemic outbreaks; as rescue officials have been directing their efforts towards preventing them, because as many as thousands of people may have been killed in this calamity.Areas such as Badrinath and Harshil, have had around 2,000 people evacuated, using both air and road facilities and there are still reportedly 3,500 people waiting for help according to the Army. On Tuesday last week, there were more deaths reported as due to a helicopter crash in which twenty people were killed. It included five air personnel, six men from theIndo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and nine from the National Disaster Response Force. The weather has also been adding to the pressure on rescue missions, as the Indian Government have also stated bad weather hampered the air evacuations. However, road and track operations continue in the state. The Indian Force evacuated at least 636 people

and the Army completed a search operation in the area of Jungle Chetti and found no survivors. The Bharat Janata Party (BJP), have also dispatched relief materials from Lucknow for the rain wrecked state. It included eight trucks carrying relief material as well as Rs 56,06,994 in cash, collected by BJPs Uttar Pradesh unit. While media reports have stated that more than 100 trucks carrying relief materials dispatched by The Congress party were stranded in Rishikesh, as the trucks fell short of fuel. It was also reported that the trucks were abandoned by the party, having received no co-

ordination from the party or the government. Going back to BJP, the party has also been gathering media attentionregarding reports that Gujarat Chief Minister, Narendra Modi, rescued over 15,000 people from the state. It gave the impression that Modi only helped to evacuate thousands of Gujratis. However, BJP president Rajnath Singh has spoken up and denied the reports saying Modi only went to the state to express his sympathies. It is being said that he evacuated 15,000 Gujaratis from there. I talked to him and he said that he never gave any such

statement, stated Singh. The so-called operation was dubbed a Rambo act. Many other government officials have also stepped up to aid the state, as Union Minister of Tourism K Chiranjeevi also announcedon Wednesdaythat they have sanctioned a special financial package of Rs.100 crore. It will go towards restoration and reconstruction of the government tourist facilities in Uttarakhand. Minister for Chemicals & Fertilisers and Statistics & Programme Implementation Srikant Kumar Jena, has also stated that other Members of Parliament can recommendup to a maximum of Rs 50 lakh. This can go towards issues such as landslides, flash floods and cloud bursts in affected areas such as Uttarakhand. Jena himself, has given consent to release Rs 10 lakh from this own Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) to aid in the rehabilitation. Meanwhile, there has been an outpour of support nationwide, as national carrier Air India has also said to have facilitated more than 350 passengers for Chennai and 75 passengers for Orissa, carrying those who were stranded at different locations in Uttarakhand. At Safdarjung Airport in New Delhi, Air India has also been issuing tickets for the stranded passengers from their booking office. As well as extending the timings for service hours available to prepare and cater for any last minute rushes.

Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi

N AT I O N A L L I S T M P

AUCKLAND OFFICE: Unit 1, 131 Kolmar Rd, Papatoetoe, Auckland

Ph: 09 278 9302 | Email: bakshi.mp@parliament.govt.nz Postal Address: PO Box 23136, Hunters Corner, Auckland 2025

www.bakshi.co.nz

www.national.org.nz

www.iwk.co.nz 5 July 2013

INDIA

15

Indias 1 navigation satellite launched

st
In a landmark journey into a new era ofspace application, India on Monday successfully launched its first dedicatednavigation satelliteusing the PolarsatelliteLaunch Vehicle which blasted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre here. The countrys workhorse PSLV blasted off at 11.41pm on Monday night and it ejectedIRNSS1Asatellite and placed it in orbit a little past midnight, technically on Tuesday. Developed by India, the IRNSS-1A, the first of the seven satellites constituting the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) space segment, has a mission life of 10 years. It is designed to provide accurate position information service to users in the country as well as the region extending up to 1,500 km from its boundary, which is itsprimary service area. IRNSS-1A was launched at a cost of approximately Rs 125 crore,ISRO chairman K Radhakrishnansaid after the launch. Over Rs 300 crore is earmarked forthe ground segmentand almost allthe satelliteswould cost Rs 125 crore, since all of them would most probably be identical, he said. The launch was very precise he said, adding that when the target of apogee was aimed at 20,650 km plus or minus 750 km, the rocket achieved an apogee of 20,625 km. IRNSS will be on lines with Russias Global Orbiting Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), United States Global Positioning System (GPS), European Unions Galileo (GNSS), Chinas BeiDou satellite navigation system and the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System. - IWK Bureau

Jiah was possessive, had suicidal tendency: Bombay high court

IWK Bureau
TheBombay high court noted at a hearing that though there was some misunderstanding betweenJiah KhanandSuraj Pancholi, it cannot be said that on June 3, he had acted in any manner which could reflect a mens rea (intention) that he wanted her to commit suicide. In the absence ofany mens rea, instigation or aid, it cannot be said that (Suraj) had driven her to commit suicide on that day. The court took apart the prosecution caseone adverse evidence after another. It was the discovery of an alleged suicide note that had led to Jiahs mother registering a case of abetment of suicide against Suraj. The judge, though, questioned the evidence during the hearing. Is the script addressed to Suraj or (are they) extracts from her diary? Whether it can be calleda suicide note? When there is no date on it can it be linked to the day she committed suicide? asked the court. The police claim that Suraj used to harass Jiah and even forced her to go through an abortion, came up for court scrutiny. The judge pointed out thatJiahs sisterknew about the abortion and added that the abortion appeared to be out of (her own) volition and therefore it cannot be said that (Suraj) had forced her to undergo medical termination of pregnancy or otherwise.

The court said that it could not ignore the fact that Jiah had a suicidal tendency and had previously tried to commit suicide. The judge noted that at that time it was Suraj who had called a doctor, had her treated and tried to get her out of depression. The police case was built upon the last hours

of Jiahs life when there was a reported fight between the couple over a female friend. The court after going through the text messages obtained fromJiahs phoneobserved that there was some misunderstanding . It is clear that Jiah was extremely obsessive and possessive about Suraj, said the court.

Have your say

on the New Network for public transport

Consultation for South Auckland opens 19 June and closes 2 August

We are implementing a new public transport network for Auckland. The proposed changes to the Network will transform the way in which public transport operates in Auckland. These changes are being rolled out in phases. The first phase is the Southern Network consultation and we want your feedback on how the proposed network for South Auckland can be improved. Now is the chance to have your say.

find out more and provide feedback:

Online In person In writing
www.aucklandtransport.govt.nz/newnetwork Come along to an Open Day (see website for details). Fill out the feedback form in the Southern Consultation Brochure (available at the open days or from libraries, service centres and local board offices in South Auckland) or by calling (09) 366 6400.

How to

For more information phone (09) 366 6400 or visit: www.aucklandtransport.govt.nz/newnetwork

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16

www.iwk.co.nz 5 July 2013

Thought of the Week

Editorial

In praise of migrants
Auckland is growing fast and by some estimates, almost two thirds of immigrants to New Zealand make Auckland their home. Most want to be close to where their family and friends are, more often than not, this happens to be Auckland. This is not as bad a thing as it may seem. For starters, wouldnt anyone want to be close to friends and relatives when settling into a new place? Extend this logic a bit to the property market. Once anyone feels settled in a new city, and as per a longitudinal immigration survey most immigrants do 18 months after taking up permanent residence in New Zealand; buying a home is the natural next step. In fact, this is something to be celebrated because Auckland, and indeed the whole of New Zealand, needs immigrants. With immigrants come new ideas, a sense of wanting a better life which in turn fuels growth, enterprise and this spills over as progress for all, not just immigrants. Asian migrants may be contributing to the soaring house prices, but arent they also the ones that will give the city the critical mass of consumers for Kiwi business to sell products and services to? Analysts and commentators peg a high percent of property buyers to be Asians in Auckland, most buying multiple properties, which lead to unaffordable property market for Kiwis. Immigrants and overseas investors get a share of the blame when actually, the growth concentrated in Auckland alone; might be the cause. As per Statistics NZ says the regions population is likely to grow by a third, from 1.5 million to 1.97 million, by 2031, accounting for 61 per cent of the countrys total population growth. Auckland will have a much higher share of the national population in comparison to other global cities like Tokyo, Paris, London or Copenhagen. This looks like a good time for other centres in New Zealand to explore and learn from their sister city relationships. Offering new Kiwis an incentive to be in other cities in the form of over-all development in other centres of the country infrastructure, cultural, economic with an immigrant friendly approach; would be inviting for the swarm who are currently setting their sights on Auckland. If you look closely at any cities that have vibrancy; they also have a healthy immigrant, transnational population acting as vital catalysts of growth and prosperity. People are told that immigrants steal their jobs. Yes, having more competition for jobs makes it tough. The other perspective is that competition makes everyone try harder, gain new skills, raise the quality of products, the standard of service and compel companies to have smarter pricing. And can New Zealand underestimate or rule out the possibility of immigrants setting up shop here, inject money into the country from overseas and generate employment. This often is the case despite many immigrants being highly qualified, who dont get jobs and who have to downgrade their skills significantly in their settlement process here. Perhaps, immigrants are not really as sinister as theyre made out to be and are in fact the fresh blood needed in New Zealand or fresh meat in the form of cheap labor for businesses. Now that is another topic for another time. - Shriya Bhagwat-Chitale

What we are doing to the forests of the world is but a mirror reflection of what we are doing to ourselves and to one another.
Indian freedom fighter (18691948)

- Mahatma Gandhi

What do you feel about the treatment of elders and the attitude of family members towards older people in the Indian community in New Zealand?
Most families that I know live with their elders, or the elders have always lived with them. And it seems that elders do get the love and respect that they should. Using my own family as an example, my grandparents are the heads of the family and because of this they are always given the respect, love and admiration that they are worthy of. Personally I havent had much interaction with the elderly crowd here, but from what Ive heard they do seem content. However sometimes the bahus daughters-in -law do complain about having to deal with extra work, yet they somehow do treat their elders with respect and kindness. - Shreya Bakhshi, postgraduate student

In Indian culture elders have always been treated with all regards in India and New Zealand in my opinion. Youngsters in many Indian families respect their elders, and I personally know many families where elders are leaders and or decision makers. I would even go as far to say that elders in such families are given more importance here than back home in India. My extended family in Wellington, with my uncle and his two kids, shows that they are well looked after, always taking care of his meals and health. - Richie Gandhi, Shift Manager at a Food Retail Chain

of the week: What is your opinion on exploitation of migrants by employers?

Email your opinion in no more than 50 words to shriya@indianweekender.co.nz along with your photo, name, occupation and area of residence. Please request anonymity should you wish your name and picture to be withheld. Readers who share their photos and names are more likely to have their opinions published.

Elders are respected, cared for and very well looked after here from what Ive seen in public and through families Ive met here. We, Indians, teach our kids to care for us and look over all our needs. Hence it is important for kids, this generation growing up to learn this, thats also why we cater for their needs while bringing them up, so in the future they will take care of us. I have always received respect with my interactions with people in the community here as well and in employment opportunities too. - Jasvanth Ravath, Chef

Indian Weekender Volume 5 Issue 5 Publisher: Kiwi Media Group Limited Managing Editor: Giri Gupta | girigupta@xtra.co.nz Associate Editor: Shriya Chitale| shriya@indianweekender.co.nz Chief Reporter: Arwa Janjali | arwa@indianweekender.co.nz Chief Technical Officer: Rohan Desouza | rohan@ indianweekender.co.nz Design: Media Solutions Advertising & Business Development Manager: Gaurav Gupta M: 021 292 4519 l gaurav@indianweekender.co.nz Accounts and Admin.: Farah Khan - P 520 0922 l accounts@indianweekender.co.nz Views and comments: e-mail at: arvind@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, Auckland Printed at Guardian Print, Ashburton Copyright 2010. Kiwi Media Group. All Rights Reserved.

When I see some parents and how they are being treated by our fellow Indians, I really feel, is this how our parents have raised us? Is this what we teach our future generation? What they want is a little time of ours, coupled with love and respect. Lets not use them for our needs and start treating them as equals. Remember, what we sow is what we reap. - Nigam Mehta, Founder/DirectorRANN IT

www.iwk.co.nz 5 July 2013

COMMENT

17

Wooing PNG in right earnest

But it will be a while before big benefits begin to flow both ways
This desire to get a piece of the action in PNG is not restricted to just Australia and New Zealand in the region. The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) member nations have organised themselves to strengthen trade and investment ties and are meeting frequently with a view to grow into a common market in the not too distant future. (And it doesnt end there: reports are doing the rounds that Polynesian countries like Samoa and Tonga have expressed desire to be a part of the newly conceived trade bloc which it has made a success of around the Pacific building ports, wharves, marinas, roads, bridges and other infrastructure. Michael Greenslade, Pacific Trade Commissioner for NZTE, who also did a stint a few years ago in Fiji said, The challenge that PNG has is that its infrastructure is poor. The opportunity for New Zealand companies is to not only assist in the exploitation of natural resources, but also to build the infrastructure that is necessary for that exploitation. the board to further opportunities for New Zealand businesses in the fast growing PNG economy. But it will be while before there is any appreciable boost in exports from New Zealand into PNG. Though it is the Pacific island regions biggest market both in terms of GDP and population, New Zealand does far more trade with Fiji than with PNG. As well as having been out of sight, out of mind for all these decades, political and business engagement between the two countries has not been anywhere at the level at which PNGs relationship with Australia is. New Zealands annual assistance to PNG is NZ$35 million, relatively small beef in the bigger scheme of things that PNG is eyeing. For instance, Australia already has a double tax avoidance treaty in place, which isnt yet the case with New Zealand. Though such a treaty has been signed, it is yet to be implemented by Port Moresby at the PNG end of the deal. Diplomatic efforts are afoot to get on with matter as early as possible. The slow pace of implementation at the PNG end is perhaps symptomatic of the relatively low importance that PNG accords to New Zealand while being wooed relentlessly by global mining giants and its far closer and much bigger Asian neighbours. In the meantime, New Zealand companies find themselves at a disadvantage competing with Australian companies because of the double taxation. Besides, New Zealand companies have a long way to go before getting acclimatised to PNGs rather challenging realities such as seemingly ever widening wealth disparities, widespread bureaucratic graft, not to speak of the widely perceived issues of law and order that are ready grist for the mill in New Zealands domestic media. But it is better late than never. Aligning itself more closely to countries of the emerging MSG trade bloc makes eminent sense for New Zealand in shoring up its diminishing footprint in the Pacific Islands region in recent years. First appeared in Islands Business magazine

Dev Nadkarni

ustralia and New Zealands relationships with Pacific Island nations historically seem to have been divvied along the two main sub regions of Melanesia and Polynesia. The possible exception is Fiji, where both the Anzac nations have had more or less the same level of involvement. Perhaps it has to do with Fijis acknowledged status as the gateway to the region the doorway to both Melanesia and Polynesia. Geographically, too, Australia is closer to the Melanesian nations of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu while New Zealands proximity is to such Polynesian countries as Tonga, Samoa, Niue, Tuvalu and the Cook Islands besides others. These old historical and geographical relationships along sub regional lines have carried on into the modern era with political, business and people to people relationships having developed along these very lines. Small wonder, then, that Auckland is known as the worlds largest Polynesian city, which also hosts the worlds largest Polynesian festival every year in February. Australia, though, does not have as representative a population of Melanesian people as Auckland does Polynesians but Australian engagement in business and investment terms in Melanesia greatly outstrips similar engagement of New Zealand in Polynesia. But the sheer force and pace of development in some Melanesian nations is beginning to change that. The entire region appears to have realised that you ignore the rapid developments happening in countries like Papua New Guinea at your own risk. Australia has long jumped on the bandwagon and over the past two years New Zealand has taken tentative steps with at least half a dozen trade mission to the regions fastest growing economy.

Michael Greenslade, Pacific Trade Commissioner for NZTE, who also did a stint a few years ago in Fiji said, The challenge that PNG has is that its infrastructure is poor. The opportunity for New Zealand companies is to not only assist in the exploitation of natural resources, but also to build the infrastructure that is necessary for that exploitation.

in a suitable shape and form.) Last month New Zealand businesses launched a substantial trade mission, reportedly the fifth in two years, to PNG. A team comprising some 30 delegates under the aegis of the New Zealand Papua New Guinea Business Council, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and the New Zealand Governments Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade toured the MSG flag bearer for a week. New Zealand is rightly eyeing the big opportunities in the infrastructure sector that are becoming available around increased inward investment in core sector projects such as petrochemical and mineral prospecting. While Australia has concentrated within the core sector proper given its background and vast experience at home, New Zealand seems to be looking at infrastructural ancillaries something

Identifying opportunities for Kiwi infrastructure and retail companies, Mr Greenslade added, The professional classes are growing in Port Moresby, as is the for housing; the need for first-class hotels is growing, as is the need for better and more up-to-date supermarkets. Youve got the opportunities around supply of water, the processing of waste water, and youve also got opportunities around the development of an energy grid. PNG has become a magnet for regional and international events. In 2015 it will host both the Pacific Games and the APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation) Summit, bringing a host of opportunities for New Zealand companies to help with building infrastructure in what is widely acknowledged as being their forte. The trade delegation engaged with several industries and businesses across

The myth of Indias march into an era of prosperity

Avinash Pandey

NR 17, or approximately 30 cents in USD, is what an average poor spends a day in rural India. Their urban cousins are no better off either; they have to content with spending INR 27 for seeing a day off. Adjust that amount for the cost of living in urban centres and they are just as worse off as the poor in villages. All one can buy for 17 Rupees, is not even a kilogram of wheat flour, forget everything else one would need to turn it into a meal. The Indian Government can hardly rubbish this data; after all, it comes from their own National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) and reveals the extent of the crisis looming large over Indian poor. NSSOs findings for 2011-12 (July-June) show that INR 521.44 is all that the bottom 5% of the population has to survive a month in rural areas

and INR 700.50 in urban ones. The findings burst another bubble, the myth of Indian middle classes march into an era of prosperity. Pinching the balloon, it pegs average monthly expenditure of top 5 % of Indian population at a lowly INR 4481 in the countryside and only a marginally better INR 10,282 in the cities. Adjust it for the expenditures of the rich significantly lifting the average and we get a horrible scenario of widening gulf in incomes of the top 5 % of Indian population on one hand and rest of all Indians on the other. To understand the enormity of the figures, the average monthly expenditure on a national level is a meager INR 1430 for rural areas and just INR 2630, or about the cost of a family of five watching a single movie in a multiplex, in urban India. Lets look at the situation of hunger, for example. The poor are forced to shell out almost a half of their abysmally low daily expenditures on food. That is 42.6 % of the total expenditure

in cities while a much higher 52.9 % in villages. How much the poor would be left with after spending this much just to ensure physical survival is anybodys guess. Think of the amount they are left with for everything from education to leisure. If anything, this data points to the failure of the Food Security Bill severely criticised by the Right to Food Campaign of India for its serious limitations in fighting hunger. That is when the Bill does not specify any time frame for the rolling out of the entitlements promised, continues with skewed idea of a Targeted PDS that inherently excludes 33 % of the population from accessing the PDS as a right and provides for a mere 5 kilograms of food grains per person as against ICMR norms of 14 kilograms for adults and 7 for children. That the bill does not take care of specific issues plaguing the food and nutritional security of the women, allows for private profiteers and thereby corruption and leakages and does not offer

any agriculture and production related entitlements is beside the point. And what of the Prime Ministers Council on Indias Nutrition Challenges that was formed in the wake of his admission of 42 % of Indian children being severally malnourished? Similar was the fate of the Prime Ministers Council on Indias Nutrition Challenges that was formed in the wake of his admission of 42 % of Indian children being severally malnourished. The commission, set up with much fanfare in 2008, was last heard for holding a single meeting in 2010. The writer is Programme Coordinator, Right to Food Programme at the Asian Human Rights Commission. AHRC is a regional nongovernmental organisation that monitors human rights in Asia. He can be contacted atfoodjustice@ ahrc.asia

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www.iwk.co.nz 5 July 2013

NASA to partner ISRO

IWK Bureau

he US would support India in its muchawaited Rs 450-crore Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) slated for lift off from Sriharikotain October-November 2013. Nasa is providing the deep space navigation and tracking support to this mission during the non-visible period ofthe Indian Deep Space Network, said aUS state department announcement. The decision to cooperate was taken at the fourth meeting of the US-India joint working group on civil space co-operation held in Washington on March 21. But the details of the meeting were made public on Monday through the US-India joint fact sheet. Its release coincided withthe Indo-US Strategic dialogue, and the talks between Isro chairman K Radhakrishnan andNasaadministrator Charles Boldenin New Delhi. Nasa will provide support from its facilities at Goldstone in the US, Madrid in Spain and Canberra in Australia. The teaming up for the Mars mission assumes significance in the context of Boldencalling for strengthened co-operation in this programme, when he addressed Isro staffers nationwide on Tuesday afternoon from the Ahmedabad-based Space Applications Centre. The American state department document

Indian business council in UAE to raise Rs 10 million for Uttarakhand

A business body representingIndiansin Sharjahwill raisea sum of Rs10 million for those affected by the recent floods in Uttarakhand. The initiative by theIndian Business and Professional Council(IBPC) has been approved by its governing board, the councils chairman Sudesh K Aggarwal said. The funds shall be raised from the members ofIBPCand Indian community in the UAE and shall be distributed to the affected people in rebuilding their lives, he said. This is a humanitarian effort and whatever we can do to alleviate the sufferings of the people, we must come forward to contribute our bit in it, Aggarwal said in a statement released here. He said that IBPC shall ensure that the funds reach the people who are affected directly. IBPC Sharjahhas raised funds for humanitarian causes in the past and has helpedmany Indiansin distress.

also stated that both countries have agreed to co-operate in potential future missions to the moon and Mars. Isro officials have not ruled out a second mission to Mars, which they said will have more scientific content. Nasa was keen on participating with Isro in the analysis of data from the Methane Sensor For Mars, which is one of the five instruments on board the present Indian Mars orbiter. In a recent visit to Space Applications Centre (SAC) of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) at Ahmedabad, Charles

F. Bolden Jr., Administrator of NASA highlighted the current work atNASAas well as future plans to advance space exploration. India and United States pursue active civil space cooperation mainly in the areas of earth sciences, space exploration, satellite navigation and professional exchange. This is the first visit by Charles F. Bolden Jr. to any ISRO Centre after he took over asNASAAdministrator in July 2009. Mr. Bolden is the thirdNASAchief to visit ISRO in the past 4 decades.

Indians overstaying visa in Saudi Arabia to face action: Embassy

heIndian embassy in Riyadhhas warned its citizens not to overstay their visa in Saudi Arabia and leave the country immediately once they have obtained Emergency Certificatesto avoid penal action overNitaqat law. Anyone who overstays their visa in Saudi Arabia beyond the grace period will face penal action including jail sentence, penalty and deportation with a ban on reentry, the embassy said in a statement. The embassy again urges all overstayingIndian nationalsto avoid such a situation by availing the concessions announced bythe Saudi authoritiesduring the grace period which ends on July 3, 2013, it added. According to the embassy, all those who have obtained ECs from the embassy will have their original passports cancelled. They will not be able to travel out of India using their old passports, even if the date of expiry on their passports shows validity. Anyone wanting to change their jobs (Tanazul) in Saudi Arabia could obtain new passports after following the necessary procedures, said the statement. The embassy urged all Indian nationals who have applied for ECs to collect the same from the embassy on the dates allotted to them, on or before June 20, 2013.

According to the embassy, all those who have obtained ECs from the embassy will have their original passports cancelled. They will not be able to travel out of India using their old passports, even if the date of expiry on their passports shows validity.
Earlier, the embassy had said that its officials would undertakeEC verificationand distribution tours to different parts of the country in order to reach out to Indian nationals staying in other cities. The new Saudi labour law, Nitaqat, and

the ongoing drive to identify workers who are overstaying in the Arab Kingdom was one of the main areas of focus during the recent talks held between external affairs ministerSalman Khurshidand his Saudi counterpart. The Nitaqat law makes it mandatory for local companies to hire one Saudi national for every 10 migrant workers. As a result of this law, a number of people who were working without valid work permits and runaways have come under the scanner. Once the three-month grace period ends on July 3, all those expatriates who are found in Saudi Arabia without valid papers will be jailed and heavily penalized. As of May 20, 75,000 Indians have registered with the Indian embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah to be processed and be send back with emergency certificate. There are over two millionIndians in Saudi Arabia. According to official figures, off the total processed applications of 56,734, there are 21,331 people from Uttar Pradesh as against 3,610 from Kerala.

www.iwk.co.nz 5 July 2013

INDIA ABROAD

19

Obama meets Indian-American business leaders on immigration

IWK Bureau

Indians account for 22% of Britains ultra-rich club

Super-rich Indians account for more than 20% of the wealth of ultra-high net worth (UHNW) individuals in Britain, a new list showed on Tuesday. As a national group, they are second only to expat Russians. The list, published by the Singapore-based Wealth-X group, places steelmagnate and ArcelorMittal chairman Lakshmi Mittal at second place with a fortune of $15.8 billion. Mittal was pushed to the second spot this year by Russian Alisher Burkhanovich Usmanov, who is part owner of the English football club Arsenal and is worth $16.4 billion.Mittal has seen his net worth estimate decline along with the stock price of ArcelorMittal, losing at least $30 billion in recent years, the report said. The two other Indians on the top 15 list are the Hinduja brothers Srichand at number 9 with a net worth of $7.6 billion and Gopichand at 12th with $6 billion.Taken together, the wealth of the three Indian-origin industrialists makes up 22% of the top 15 total of $133.3 billion. Apart from Usmanov, the two other Russians in the list include Roman Abramovich (at number 3, $12.1 billion) and Leonard Blavatnik (Number 5, $9.5 billion). According to Wealth-X estimates, there are 10,760 individuals residents in Britain worth $30 million or more, with at least 310 new individuals joining the ranks of the ultra wealthy. On an average, Britain has added one UHNW individual every day since 2011. The combined wealth of the UHNW in Britain stands at an estimated $1.3 trillion.

S President Barack Obama met a group of top business executives, including twoIndian- Americans, to discuss the landmark comprehensiveimmigration reform bill that aims to provide citizenship to some 11 million illegal immigrants, including over 240,000 Indians. Addressing the small group of nine top American CEOs in the Roosevelt room of the White House yesterday, Obama said that immigration reform would be a boost to the American economic recovery. The two Indian-American CEOs who attending the meeting wereFarooq Kathwari, chairman, president and CEO of Ethan Allen Interiors Incand Sunil Puri, founder, First Rockford Group. Welcoming these extraordinary business leaders Obama said, all of these business leaders recognise the degree to which immigration is a contributor to growth, a contributor to expansion, a creator of jobs, but they also recognise that the immigration system that we currently have is broken. We have a system in which we bringoutstandingyoung people from all across the world to educate them here, and

unfortunately, too often, we send them right back so that they can start companies or help to grow companies somewhere else instead of here, Obama said. We have a situation in which millions of individuals are in the shadow economy, oftentimes exploited at lower wages, and that hurts those companies that are following the rules, because they end up being at a disadvantage to some of these less scrupulous companies, he added.

The bill, if signed into law would provide citizenship to some 11 million illegal immigrants, including over 240,000 Indians. All of us recognise that now is the time to get comprehensive immigration reform done -- one that involves having very strong border security; that makes sure that were holding employers accountable to follow the rules; one that provides earned citizenship for those 11 million, so that they have to pay back taxes, Obama said.

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FIJI

www.iwk.co.nz 5 July 2013

City stops to say goodbye

Fiji magazine editor raps local media

Daniel Drageset

F T
he capital city came to a standstill last week as the 182 military personnel marched through on their way to join the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF). Traffic came to a halt as the soldiers marched from Albert Park to the Suva Flea Market before boarding the bus to Nadi. The peacekeepers departed the country early this morning bound for Syria, 140 of them being infantry personnel who will be replacing the Croatian infantry contingent. A mayoral salute was also accorded to the special administrator of Suva, Chandu Umaria. Hundreds joined the troops in the march while thousands more stood on the pavement watching them, armed and ready to take on their new mission. The soldiers were scheduled to depart Fiji on a UN charter flight early today from the Nadi International Airport. Fiji will join 341 Filipino soldiers and Indias 193-member contingent who are part of the UNDOF, which has been maintaining the ceasefire between Israel and Syria since 1974. Also part of the march were medical personnel. As mandated by the UN, the inclusion of medical personnel is to supplement existing UN medical team for the UNDOF mission. More than 90,000 people have died in the civil war in Syria since it started in 2011. - Nanise Loanakadavu, Fiji Times

ijis independentRepblikamagazine editor Ricardo Morris has given a blistering attack on the state of a free pressin a wide-ranging interview with the regional monitoring Pacific Media Watchproject. He has also criticised the University of the South Pacific over failing to front up for an interview with his magazine after a controversial gag on a former USP professor over a speech planned for theWorld Press Freedom Day event last month. According toRepblikamagazine, economics scholar Professor Wadan Narsey was removed from speaking at the World Press Freedom Day event on May 3, 2013 under instructions from USP management. Professor Narsey had initially been invited by the USP Journalism Students Association to the event. He intended to deliver a scathing speech where he would accuse the owners of mainstream media in Fiji to have a detrimental effect on content, and where he would claim that freedom of expression in Fiji today is severely limited. Ricardo Morris was present at the World

Press Freedom Day event at USP. He explained that he knew something had been going on, but said no one would speak to him about it. Later, Morris received an email from Professor Narsey explaining he had been disinvited. This prompted the editor to contact USP for an interview, but he was met by an organisation that only seemed to obstruct his requests. The editor does not rule out that the USPs reaction may be due to Professor Narseys opinions. Professor Wadan Narsey is an outspoken academic on development in Fiji, Morris said, and claimed USP has always been wary of him because of his forthright views. I think to some extent journalists themselves, too, know what theyre doing and they will self-censor themselves. It may not be completely true to blame everything on the corporate owners, because I think individual journalists themselves know and take a conscious decision to censor themselves sometimes. Narsey is a former professor of economics at USP, and a prolific commentator on social and political issues facing Fiji and the Pacific. - Pacific Scoop. (Daniel Drageset is Pacific Media Watchs contributing editor)

This includes a curry a naan, rice & glass of house wine or soft drink

5.30 pm to 10.30 pm
Open all days

www.iwk.co.nz 5 July 2013

FIJI SPORTS

21

Saina gains a place to be World No. 3

Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal gained a place to be World No.3 in womens singles in the latest Badminton World Federation (BWF) rankings released on June 27. Apart from Saina two other Indian shuttlers figure in the top 50. While P.V. Sindhu remains at 12, Nagpur girl Arundhati Pantawane broke into the top-50 for the first time as she made a remarkable jump of 10 places to be ranked 49th. In the mens singles, Parupalli Kashyap remained Indias top-ranked mens player

despite dropping two places to be 13th. After a string of good performances, R.M.V. Gurusaidutt moved up a place to reach career-best No.22 while Mumbais Ajay Jayaram also jumped a place to be 24. Madhya Pradeshs Sourabh Verma retains 37 while Andhra boy B. Sai Praneeth jumped five places to a career-best 40th. Thailand Open winner Kidambi Srikanth also moved up a place to a be at careerhigh 41. However, Mumbais Anand Pawar dropped five places to 43.

Bookie arrested in IPL spot fixing case

Delhi Police have arrested a bookie who was involved in the recent Indian Premier League (IPL) spot fixing scandal, an official said. Jitender Tharar alias Jitu was arrested from Ahmedabad last week, a police officer said. Police sources said that Delhi Police were looking for Jitu since the three players of IPL team Rajasthan Royals -- S. Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan -- were arrested in Mumbai on May 16. It is the 29th arrest in the spot fixing case by Delhi Police, the officer said. Twenty-one accused in the case, including Sreesanth and Chavan, have been granted bail by the court.

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FEATURES

www.iwk.co.nz 5 July 2013

EDUCATION

NZTC Advertorial education tag. awaiting content....

HERITAGE

Need for a Spiritual Perspective

Brahmachari Adarsh Chaitanya
Very often we find people to be contented with mere good actions and just being good. Not that it is easy to achieve even that, as goodness is measured very subjectively. Sometimes, we find good intentions seem to be enough for example in charity, etc. and other times mere good intentions doesnt quite cut it, there must be a good action complimenting it, for example in dealing with people. We see in a family, even if we genuinely do good for others, there always is a cost that comes with it. We have to make so many sacrifices for all the good done, that in the end all the good deeds seems to come at a heavy price. Hence most of us, do not commit to doing good unless its our duty. And rare is the person who looks at their duty with joy and sense of cheerfulness. When we see all the good, people intend to do in the name of service to mankind it is inspiring indeed, and then, when we come in contact with such groups of people, we realize that being good is not that easy, cause there is competition there too! Sometimes, it is quite a shock to see that such noble social work is powered by a value system, which isnt so noble. These and many more are prime example of why we need spirituality in our lives. WHAT IS SPIRITUALITY? Imagine from the cave man time, if no one did anything different from the socially accepted way of working, if there was no forward thinking, no intelligent investigation into the happenings of the present or the past, no dedicated single pointed todays man and his progress. This is due to a lack of a deeper understanding of ourselves and our surroundings. Spirituality is this intelligent investigation of man of his own inner nature, Who Am I? What is my essential nature? What is my purpose in this life? These seem the common questions asked by or a colour of clothing worn or a title held. Those are all external and superficial. Spirituality is the application of the wisdom which one possesses that reflects as ones attitude one chooses to have, which gives us a clear perspective of seeing life and facing our life. Who is this wise man, who chooses spirituality? He is one who has the ability of consistently choosing correctly. Often wisdom is confused with knowledge. There are many knowledgeable people in this world who can quote many scriptures, but they need not be have a single drop of wisdom in them. Knowing that smoking kills is different from having the wisdom of not smoking. The latter is the ability to use the knowledge over the minds temptation of smoking such that the mind is convinced of its inability to give me any comfort, joy or happiness. The extent to which our knowledge affects our understanding is called our wisdom. So start your spirituality today. Ask yourself the important questions of life. Re-evaluate your judgments of your journey through time. Make your passage through this world transcend mortality. Bramhachari Adarsh Chaitanya serves as the Resident Acharya of Chinmaya Mission Auckland and conducts weekly spiritual classes for children, youth and adults. For more information about the Chinmaya Mission and Bramhachari Adarsh Chaitanya please follow this link: www.chinmaya. org.nz or contact him at 2756954

Imagine from the cave man time, if no one did anything different from the socially accepted way of working, if there was no forward thinking, no intelligent investigation into the happenings of the present or the past, no dedicated single pointed pursuit towards a Higher nobler goal, what would be the condition of the world, today?
pursuit towards a Higher nobler goal, what would be the condition of the world, today? There would be no progress at all. In fact, all scientific growth and progress is because of such imagination and dedicated inquiry. How odd then it is that man, does not carry out such investigations about his own existence? Hence, we see the lack of progress in the inner being, in general. People are more dissatisfied with themselves, hence the commercial world of materialism seems to thrive, there are more suicides, there is more disharmony in smaller units of people. People cant tolerate another affecting their personal space such is the mockery of all the scientific minded spiritual seekers of the past who now are revered as men and women of great insight and wisdom. Our Gurudev, Swami Chinmayanandaji, who was one such man of great insight, used to say Spirituality is neither the privilege of the poor nor the luxury of the rich. It is the choice of the wise man. Spirituality here is not an activity or an environment. It is a mindset. It is a vision guided by a set of principles and values which lead us to a state Higher than the visible results. Spirituality is not doing some religious task daily, neither is it a place we visit or an occupation

www.iwk.co.nz 5 July 2013

FEATURES

23

Do you know your numbers?

Heart attacks kill one in five Indian people every year. By 2020, heart attacks will kill one in three Indian people every year.
I saw Mr T, a 54-year old Indian man last week. He normally works up to seven days a week. He came with a one week history of cough and runny nose. He had the flu (influenza) and a chest infection and he was expecting to leave with just a prescription for antibiotics. However, Mr T hadnt considered that smoking a packet of 20 cigarettes per day for the last 37 years combined with his age (over 35years), his Indian ethnicity, his high total cholesterol/ HDL cholesterol ratio of 6.1 (over 4.5), his high waist circumference of 134cm (over 100cm), his pre-diabetes and his morbid obesity (weight 161.8 kg) with of Companies) Heart attacks can take the lives of young people and those closest to us without warning. Like Maori and Pacific people, Indian men and women need to be screened for cardiovascular disease ten years earlier than other New Zealanders. Heart attacks kill one in five Indian people every year. By 2020, heart attacks will kill one in three Indian people every year. The National Heart Foundation of New Zealand emphasises the need to know your numbers (http://www. knowyournumbers.co.nz/). Know your blood pressure, know your cholesterol, know your weight and

a body mass index of 52.2 (25 and over is overweight, 30 and over is obese, 40 and over morbidly obese) placed him at high risk of a heart attack and stroke in the next five years. - Dr Richard Hulme (Director of Clinical Quality & CME - East Tamaki Healthcare Group

Body Mass Index (BMI), know if you have diabetes and know your risk of heart attack or stroke. When you know these numbers you can do something about it to prevent you, or your loved one, being the next heart attack or stroke victim.
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IF YOU ARE: An Indian or Fiji-Indian man 35years and over, or an Indian or Fiji-Indian woman 45years or over, Know your numbers, know your risk; it is never too late to do something to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Visit the know your numbers website. Discuss your risk with your Pharmacist, family doctor or the practice nurse. Free checks are available for enrolled and eligible patients at the following clinics:
Henderson

East Tamaki Healthcare

SOUTH AUCKLAND Airport Oaks 149A Kirkbride Road, Airport Oaks Bairds Road Accident & Medical 160 Bairds Road, Otara Chapel Park 160 Chapel Road, Chapel Park Dannemora 3 Redcastle Drive, Dannemora Dawson Road 124 Dawson Road, Chapel Downs East Tamaki

Sandringham 546 Sandringham Road, Sandringham Sylvia Park Level 1, Shop N215, Sylvia Park, Mt Wellington

Mt Roskill Healthcare

MT ROSKILL Mt Roskill Medical & Surgical Centre 455 Richardson Rd, Mt Roskill Mt Roskill Healthcare Roskill Centre 20 Stoddard Road, Mt Roskill
Provided by: Ranjna Patel. Director East Tamaki Healthcare Group of Companies Information from: Dr Richard Hulme. Director of Clinical Quality & CME - East Tamaki Healthcare Group of Companies

West Auckland Healthcare

WEST AUCKLAND Lincoln Road Medical Centre 131 Lincoln Road, Henderson

Ranui Medical Centre 482 Swanson Road, Ranui, Waitakere Wai Health Clinic corner Edsel & Catherine Sts,

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FEATURES

www.iwk.co.nz 5 July 2013

Sayanti Chatterji article (try and make it a little more than half page) awaiting content....

Bring home the finest and freshest Ceylon tea

Farquart brings to New Zealand a proper Broken Orange Pekoe Fannings traditional tea
is sorted and packaged in silver foil to the highest of standards in Sri Lanka, thus ensuring that peak freshness and flavour are captured. Farquart Ceylon Tea pursues a path of excellence and is committed to the standards, ethics and practice as set down under the Imperial Ceylon Planters Code, this encompasses maintaining stability of the land offers employment, benefits and facilities in the plantation growing areas. Not like all the other brands in New Zealand who have middle men, Farquart supply direct to the retailers. Farquart is quite unique! it differs from the likes of all the other brands in New Zealand who have middle men, brokers, agents & distributors, Farquart guarantee and supply direct to the retailers. This gives you the best of quality at a good price. Taste the difference with Farquart Premier Proper Tea - the finest and freshest tea available in New Zealand and at a sensitive price. Take the Farqeuart challenge and taste proper tea again. Tip: Let the tea stand for a minimum of 3 minutes to allow the flavour and antioxidant to be released.

arquarts Ceylon Broken Orange Pekoe Fanning Tea is a superior, fullbodied, rich flavourful, red in colour and character; renowned as the number one premier single sourced plantation tea, suitable for tea drinkers who like it a little stronger. Farquart Tea brings you a selection of teas sourced from the finest tea gardens in Ceylon. The tea leaves are plucked, processed and packed with great care and

attention to every single detail, so that we can ensure the best quality tea products are available to our customers. Each leaf is selected and then hand picked in the early morning, thus giving the tea a unique flavour and taste. Farquart Ceylon teas are also renowned for their high antioxidant levels. Our Ceylon tea israrely offeredby other tea merchants due to the extra costs involved in picking the premium high quality leaves.

Consequently this quality of proper tea is not usually available in thenormal retailand supermarket outlets. Farquart Ceylon brings youa selected tea from an established and respected company, based in the premier growing area in Sri Lanka. Our monitors and tasters ensure only the best of the pickleaves arechosen. This is not a blended tea, it is a proper 100% Single SourcedPlantation Teathat

www.iwk.co.nz 5 July 2013

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ENTERTAINMENT

www.iwk.co.nz 5 July 2013

Dancing is spiritual and calming: Madhuri Dixit

Ever since her comeback, Madhuri Dixit has had her kitty full of offers.Sreya Basuchats up with the actress on life, films and more
You will be seen in a woman-oriented film Gulaab Gang after a long time. Tell us something more about the film. Well I dont know if I am allowed to speak on the film right now. But all I can say isthat Gulaab Gang is a very relevant film. The unpleasant incidents that take place in small towns and the challenges that women and the society at large face every day, its a comment on that. How was it working with Juhi Chawla? Juhi is a very, very sweet person. We had a great time shooting together. Speaking of challenges faced by women, do you think Bollywood is no exception when it comes to giving women their due? See, it happens many a times that when you enter this industry, people try to discourage you. There are people who will say, You cant be a heroine and this and that. So you have to fight all that. Its only when you believe in yourself that you rise from that depressing situation and take it up as a challenge and prove people that they were wrong. So do you think, in a way adversities make women stronger? Definitely. Its only when adversities come to your life that you get to know your strengths. Till that point you keep satisfied with yourself, your family and whatever you are doing. Also its very important to maintain a sense of balance in life. Who is your inspiration in life? My mother (Snehlata Dixit) is my inspiration. After marriage, she came from a village to live in the city and there were a lot of differences in her surroundings. She is a vegetarian, while my dad (Shankar Dixit) used to love non-veg. She even adapted to that change so much so that she even started cooking non-veg food. She didnt give up her studies even after having four kids (Ajit, Bharati, Rupa and Madhuri). She did her MA in Hindustani classical music. I am just awestruck when I see how she handles everything so perfectly. What is the secret of your beauty? Its dance. For me, dancing is healthy as well as spiritual. I dance nearly every day its a great exercise and a great way to get rid of all tension. It calms you down and takes you to a different world its a nice stress buster.

Is dancing for films easier than performing on stage? A dance in film looks easy because we make it look effortless. But it doesnt mean we dont have to work for it; days of hard work and

practice go into its making. We have to get the moves right, then the expressions right and then the entire combination must fall in place to make it look appealing to the audience. You are also doing Dedh Ishqiya with Naseeruddin Shah. Yes. I am really honoured to get a chance to work with Naseerji. When good actors come together, the synergy is always wonderful.

Dancing with Krishna

nuradhas School of Indian Dances will present Shri Krishna, depicting the life and times of Lord Krishna, on Saturday, July 20, at the Dorothy Winstone Centre, Auckland Girls Grammar School. Presented in the Indian traditional classical dance style of Bharathanatyam, this two and a half hour extravaganza would be embellished by splendid choreography, colourful costumes and innovative production design and stage settings. It would also have the advantage of exclusive music composed by Madurai R Muralidharan, an exponent of this art. The music has been recorded in Chennai, India, with an orchestra of fifteen top musicians. Anuradha Ramkumar, Creative Director of Anuradhas School of Indian Dances is a renowned dancer, teacher and choreographer of Bharathanatyam and Kuchipudi styles of Indian dances. With more than 25 years of experience, she has earned the expertise to preserve, project and promote Indian art and culture in India, Dubai and for the past 15 years in New Zealand. Anuradha Ramkumar and her students have been credited for the performances at various prestigious occasions Kiwi Ora Open Day, WOMAD (World Organisation of Music and Dance), Hamilton Theme Gardens opening ceremony, Westfield Style Pacifika Awards, Villa-Maria Fashion awards, AK05, Civic Theatre Flamingo Curtain Opening Ceremony (2000), Haka meets Hindu (fusion

of Maori and Indian cultures) Festival of India, Diwali Festivals, Chinese New Year and a host of other community events. She has also produced, directed and choreographed Ramayanam and Krishna the Indian epics that extols the life of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna. These programmes were held in May 2007 and April 2008 in Auckland and were staged twice in Wellington in September 2007 and 2008 by popular demand. Apart from highlighting Indian culture

and heritage, Shri Krishna will showcase local talent with a backdrop of professional music, lighting and props. The show would account for over 60 students of the School, each of whom have been trained by directorcomposer-choreographer Mrs Anuradha Ramkumar. This in essence is a tribute to the innate talent of the younger members of our society who will someday be a source of pride as our cultural and social ambassadors.

When: Saturday 20 July 2013, 6.00 pm Where: Dorothy Winstone Theatre, Auckland Girls Grammar School For tickets contact Mrs Anuradha Ramkumar on (09) 8274117 or 021 1550714

www.iwk.co.nz 5 July 2013

ENTERTAINMENT

27

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* A $50 credit will be applied to your account for each commercial ICP (Installation Control Point) that you agree to switch to Mercury Energy on a two year Fixed Price Agreement before 31 July 2013, up to a maximum of $250 per customer. This offer is only available to businesses that mention the Mercury ad in the Indian Weekender. # When you sign a Fixed Energy Price Agreement, where the fixed price applies to Energy Charges only. Mercury Energy reserves the right to pass on the forecast effect of any future changes to the Governments Emissions Trading Scheme, any changes to Service Fees (see www.mercury.co.nz/servicefees), and any adjustments to Other Charges (made up of distribution and other lines company charges, and government imposed taxes, fees and/or levies). ^ Provided we can access your meter(s). Mercury Energy is a division of Mighty River Power Limited.

07/13

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ENTERTAINMENT

www.iwk.co.nz 5 July 2013

WHATSOn
Rays Charulata at NZIFF Workshop on intercultural awareness and communication
The Intercultural Awareness Communication workshop,designed by the Office of Ethnic Affairs, is a one-day training workshop aimed at enhancing cultural awareness and relationships in the workplace, between colleagues, and with customers and stakeholders. It is particularly valuable for staff working in multicultural workplaces or with culturally diverse clients and students. The great Bengali director Satyajit Ray launched India onto the world cinema stage with the Apu Trilogy in the 1950s, commencing a four-decade career rich in masterpieces. None was finer than this deft and moving adaptation of the 64 novella by Nobel Prize winner Rabindranath Tagore. In 1870s Calcutta, an ambitious newspaper publisher arranges for his young cousin Amal to entertain his neglected wife, Charu. Charulata is known to be among Rays finest films. Dont miss it at the New Zealand International Film Festival (NZIFF). The film will be screened with English subtitles. NZIFF will be on from July 18 to August 04.

Where: Dorothy Winstone Theatre,

Auckland Girls Grammar School

Admission: For tickets contact Mrs

Anuradha Ramkumar: (09) 8274117, (021) 1550714 0

Auckland Womens Refuge Comedy and Auction appeal

Rock on to Bollywood Beats

When: July 12, 10am to 4.00pm Where: East Health Trust, 260 Botany Road
(above Diagnostic MedLab)

Admission: $20.00 per person. Includes

Handbook and Certificate of Participation

Web link: For registrations, mail to admin@

mecoss.org.nz

It will be a night of dance, music and hungama when nine talented musicians of the Indian community will perform live on stage to Bollywood beats. And all for a good cause. The event is a fundraiser for the St Johns Emergency Services.

Attend this event and get a chance to bid on a role in Shortland Street in an auction. As well as laugh along with five of New Zealands top comedians, who are coming together to support the Auckland Womens Refuge in their appeals month. The Refuge was established in 1975, and aims to provide safe houses and community support services. These include supporting the rights of women and children as well as diversity of cultures.

Krishna ballet
Anuradhas School of Indian Dances will present Shri Krishna, depicting the life and times of Lord Krishna through the Indian traditional classical dance style of Bharathanatyam.

When: August 3, 6:30pm Where: The Dorothy Winstone Centre,

Howe Street, Auckland

When: Sunday, July 21, 3.30pm. Monday, July 29, 1.45pm. Friday, August 2, 6.30pm. Where: Rialto Cinemas, Newmarket Weblinks: www.nziff.co.nz

When: Thursday, July 18, 6:45pm to 11:00pm Where: 17 Galatos Street, Auckland Admission: $75 Weblinks: www.awrefuge.org.nz

Admission: $15, $20, VIP. ContactReema

Sharmafor further queries: 02102605212

When: Saturday, July 20 2013, 6.00 pm

Anurag Kashyap mentors young filmmakers

Bollywood studio Viacom18 is all set to showcasefive short films made by five young directors under the supervision of filmmaker Anurag Kashyap that are centered around the core theme of depicting India as a visual journey. The films capture stories of various lives in India. Each story picks up a particular element that represents the pulse of India in the current time. The series of short films start with the launch of Hidden Cricket, directed by Shlok Sharma which showcases how deeply cricket is engraved in the everyday lives of Indians.Anubhuti Kashyaps Moi Marjani is the story of a middle aged woman, raising her child independently, the problems that she faces in her daily life and about her search for love. Chai, directed by Gitanjali Rao explores the life of four individuals from different parts of the country who have migrated to other places within the country who sell something as simple as chai (tea).Neeraj Ghaywans The Epiphany portrays the uniquely amazing sense of brotherhood and bonding that comes during the time of a crisis in India. Latly, Geek Out directed by Vasan Bala

is a modern representation of the common man that RK Laxman has been depicting from so long. All the short films are launched by Viacom18 Motion Pictures giving these young and talented directors a platform.

www.iwk.co.nz 5 July 2013

ENTERTAINMENT

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Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! is back

Critically lauded filmmaker Dibakar Banerjee is joining hands with the production banner Yash Raj Films (YRF) for the first time to helm Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!, featuring Sushant Singh Rajput as the popular detective. Were rebooting Byomkesh. Right back to his first ever case, Dibakar, who is also coproducing the project, said in a statement. The movie will be set in contemporary interpretation of war torn Calcutta, now known as Kolkata, during the 1940s. It will follow the first adventure of Byomkesh, fresh out of college, as he pits himself against an evil genius who is out to destroy the world. Its his wits against the most villainous arch criminal, in a world of murder, international political intrigue and seduction, said Dibakar, who has earlier directed movies like Khosla Ka Ghosla, Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! and Shanghai. The movie is first in a series that will feature the countrys widest read and best known detective character for the first time in a Hindi feature film. The role of the protagonist will be essayed by Sushant, who has been on a roll since his debut Bollywood film Kai Po Che hit the screens. Sushant has that dormant volcano thing about him that is just right for my Byomkesh, said Dibakar, adding how he (Sushant) looks so quiet, so self-absorbed and withdrawn - till

Murugadoss to direct Hindi film again

Southern filmmaker A. R. Murugadoss will wield the megaphone for a Hindi project to be produced by Fox Star Studios. The movie will release in 2014. In 2011, a three-film deal of Tamil projects had been signed between the filmmaker and production and distribution giant, Fox Star Studios. Murugadoss, who made his Hindi directorial debut with the 2008 Aamir Khan-starrer Ghajini, a major hit, is happy to take the association forward. Working with a studio like Fox Star Studios has been a good experience for me. We are moving our partnership to the next stage now. Im happy to confirm that I will be directing a Hindi film with Fox next year, Murugadoss said in a statement. Besides Tamil, we are also looking forward to moving our production partnership in Hindi market to give a chance to young directors with strong scripts, he added. The partnership between the two started with breakaway hit, Engaeyum Eppothum in 2011, followed by power-packed action entertainer Vathikuchi, which hit the screens in March 2013. The third film of their three film deal in Tamil, Atlee Kumars Raja Rani is ready to release in September 2013. The genre of the film is yet to unveiled.

you challenge him. Then he explodes and becomes the most dangerous man in the world - at least for the criminals, he added. The director and the lead are working hard to get the character, feel and the spectacle of the period thriller, which will go on floors January 2014. It will be ready for release Dec 12, 2014.

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RECIPE

LEMON CAKE
Ingredients 226g-Butter 200g-Caster sugar 4- Eggs

1tsp- Vanilla essence Zest of one large lemon 260- Flour 2tsp- Baking powder tsp- Salt 60ml- Lemon juice

Rubys Kitchen By Ruby Dhillon

Method Preheat oven to 180C. Take 23cm round cake pan. Grease the pan with little butter and dust it with the flour. Beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy and pale in colour. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Beat in vanilla and lemon zest. Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt then add to the butter mixture with the lemon juice, and mix all them together. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes Lemon Frosting Preheat oven to 180C. Take 23cm round cake pan. Grease the pan with little butter and dust it with the flour. Beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy and pale in colour. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Beat in vanilla and lemon zest. Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt then add to the butter mixture with the lemon juice, and mix all them together. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes

www.iwk.co.nz 5 July 2013

FEATURES ENTERTAINMENT

31

12 Weeks Trades Skills Programme NZ $4,000 for International Students NZ $2,500 for current NZ Work/Visitor Permit FREE for NZ Citizens/PR under Zero Fees Scheme
CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME

NATIONAL CERTIFICATE IN BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND ALLIED TRADES SKILLS (LEVEL 2)

COURSE OUTLINE ______________________
This programme will allow students to: Gain skills and knowledge that are directly relevant to working or further training in the construction sector. Demonstrate knowledge and skills to standards recognised by the industry sector as appropriate. Develop work habits and practice appropriate for further training and employment in the construction sector.

Two Intake Dates for 2013:

29 July to 18 October 16 September to 6 December

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES ______________________

This qualification is designed specifically to provide a progressive pathway for students to integrate into a wide range of trade-related occupations. The qualification includes compulsory standards that focus on the acquisition of theoretical and practical knowledge and skills and that form the structural base of the qualification. The range of skills and activities contained in the elective section provides an opportunity to develop a flexible approach to learning. It provides a range of opportunities for structured workplace learning through work-based learning programmes.

For more information please contact:

www.sit.ac.nz

Vinay Sood 0800 4 0 FEES vinay.sood@sit.ac.nz

Special Living Package

12 weeks for NZ $2,160 Single Room Ensuite Including breakfast and dinner
Karthi Thamilselvam 0800 4 0 FEES karthi.thamilselvam@sit.ac.nz

32

www.iwk.co.nz 5 July 2013

ENTERTAINMENT

OVER 90 FLIGHTS
WEEKLY TO 11 CITIES

CHENNAI
$

2060
Return / For travel in December

MUMBAI
$

2089
Return / For travel in December

NEW DELHI
$

Return / For travel in December

21 35

Singapore Airlines flies to:

AHMEDABAD
BANGALORE

BANGALORE

CHENNAI

KO LK ATA
K O L K ATA

MUMBAI

NEW DELHI
V I S A K H A PAT N A M

SilkAir, the regional wing of Singapore Airlines, flies to:

CHENNAI C O I M B AT O R E

HYDER ABAD

KOCHI

T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

The advertised Singapore Airlines fares are based on per person travelling on Singapore Airlines Economy Class, for travel out of Auckland or Christchurch (using direct service via Singapore) or Wellington via Auckland or Christchurch. Fares quoted are available from now until 5 Jul 13, subject to seat availability and are eligible to accrue 50% KrisFlyer miles, non-accruable on other frequent flyer programmes. Fares quoted apply to travel commencing 0110 and 2531 Dec 13 and are eligible for 10kg extra baggage allowance on Singapore Airlines and SilkAir operated flights only. Fares quoted include airport taxes and government costs. Airport and government costs are calculated on 10 Jun 13 and are subject to change due to currency fluctuations. A stopover in Singapore will increase the cost of airport and government taxes. Travel is valid for 6 months from the date of departure. Changes are subject to applicable fees and refunds are not permitted. Airfare is also available through Reservations on 0800 808 909 and on singaporeair.com.