27 NOVEMBER2020 • VOL 12 ISSUE 37

www.iwk.co.nz /indianweekender /indianweekender

Kiwi-Indian cop recognised with police

medal for 14 years long illustrious service
Full story: Read Inside

NZ BORDER Helping you to

COULD REMAIN
get your dream
property!!!

CLOSED FOR
• Are you a First Home Buyer
• First-time investor
• A seasoned investor

I can help
you achieve

12-18 MONTHS
your goals

Kiwi-Indian MP
Dr Gaurav Sharma
takes oath in
DILPREET SINGH
021786611
Sanskrit language
dilpreet.singh@harcourts.co.nz
38 East Tamaki Road,
Papatoetoe, Auckland

Introducing
Mortgage Genius Plan - Smarter way to manage your loan
Home Loans Business Loans Commercial Loans Insurance
Allow you to pay off your Build wealth faster Enable you to free up cash to
mortgage quicker purchase additional properties
without increasing loan instalment Disclosure Statement available free of cost
Airport Oaks 09 255 5500 Manukau 09 263 5555 Henderson 09 836 5555 Tauranga 07 577 0011
 Proudly bringing the 2nd New Zealand Sikh Games
Sports & Cultural event to the community

NEW ZEALAND
SIKH GAMES
SATURDAY Sunday

28 Nov | 29 nov

@NZSikhGames

Langar ON CAMPUS

SPECIAL CULTURAL PROGRAM

Pulman Park, Takanini, Auckland
info@nzsikhgames.org | +64 21 275 1160 | www.nzsikhgames.org
 NEW ZEALAND 3

Kiwi-Indian MP
The Indian Weekender Friday, November 27, 2020

Dr Gaurav Sharma takes

oath in Sanskrit language
SANDEEP SINGH

K
iwi-Indian MP Dr Gaurav Sharma has created
history by becoming the second Indian-origin
global political leader, outside India, to have
taken his oath in the ancient Sanskrit language. 
Dr Sharma is newly elected Labour Party MP from
Hamilton West, who had earlier created history by
becoming the first-ever Kiwi-Indian electorate MP in New
Zealand parliament. 
Dr Sharma first took oath in the Maori language - the
indigenous language of New Zealand - and followed by
taking oath in the Sanskrit language. 
Sanskrit is an ancient language and deeply rooted in
Hindu culture, with all major ancient sacred texts such
as Vedas & Bhagawad Gita having been written in this
classical language. 
Sanskrit is the sacred language of Hinduism, the
language of classical Hindu philosophy, and of historical
texts of Buddhism and Jainism and was spoken over
by vast swathe of masses in South Asia region and
holding Vedas during the inauguration ceremony on
beyond throughout the ancient and early medieval phase
July 16. The news then was received with great pride and
of history. 
Dr Sharma could have been the first-ever Indian-origin rejoice amongst the global Indian diaspora all around the
political leader (outside India) to have taken the oath to world, including in India, where the Indian Prime Minister
parliament or other highest offices of the land, but he was had personally congratulated Mr Santokhi. 
beaten by the Indian-origin President of South American However, in terms of taking oath in parliament – the
nation Suriname - Chandrikapersad Santokhi – just by highest law-making body of the land, Dr Sharma still
few months.  holds the reputation of being the first-ever Indian origin
Earlier in July this year, Chandrikapersad had amazed parliamentarian to have taken oath in the classical
everyone after he took the oath of office in Sanskrit while Sanskrit language.
 4 NEW ZEALAND Friday, November 27, 2020 The Indian Weekender

Kiwi-Indian cop recognised with police

medal for 14 years long illustrious service
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD and initiatives such as Operation Dukan, New

S
ergeant Gurpreet Arora from Counties to New Zealand Initiative for International
Manukau Police last Friday was awarded Students, increasing awareness about family
a coveted medal for his 14-years-long violence, safety at home, personal safety, car
service and good conduct with New Zealand safety and played an instrumental role in setting
Police. up Gandhi Nivas, an early intervention facility
“Medals are earned and not just given,” for family harm cases.
a jubilant Sergeant Arora had posted on his In 2009, Sergeant Arora was conferred with
Facebook page, sharing the news of this proud the District Commander’s Award for his hard
achievement with friends and families Sunday, work in turning the community’s attitudes
November 22. toward New Zealand Police, which also resulted
Earlier, the medal was presented to him by in recruitments into the force from members of
Police Commissioner Andrew Coster at the the community.
Tamaki Makaurau Awards Ceremony under In June 2020, Sergeant Arora was assigned
the Long Service and Good Conducts category to the role of Family Harm Partnership Liaison
hosted by New Zealand Police at Vodafone attached to Whängaia Nga Pa Harakeke as the
Event Centre on Friday, November 20. District lead for Gandhi Nivas programme. He

For the Long Service and Good Conduct
medal received by Sergeant Arora, the
eligibility criteria was that officers must have
completed a 14 years continuous service in
the New Zealand Police and their conduct and
character, under Commissioner’s opinion, must
be of good standard to warrant the award.
Sergeant Arora, currently working as Family
Harm Partnership Liaison Officer had joined
New Zealand Police in January 2006 as a
Constable.
He was posted at Christchurch Beat Kiosk
before moving to General Duties branch nine
months later.
Subsequently, he took welfare transfer to
Auckland in April 2008 and was stationed at
Manurewa Police Station.
In 2008, the Indian community was stuck with
a tragic death of a liquor store owner Navtej Singh
in an aggravated robbery incident in Manurewa,
"
My message to
young people
is that police officer is a
very rewarding career
and they should keep
NZ Police as part of the
career option they can
choose in addition to
other options that are
available to them
Auckland
that lead to a call for a
liaison position to be created by NZ Police to
improve communication and bridge the gap
with the South Asian community.
Sergeant Arora applied for the position and
joined the role as the first South Asian Liaison
Officer in Counties Manukau Police and the
first Ethnic Sergeant of Sikh Faith in Counties
Manukau Police.
He has since then led several programmes
also holds the portfolio for family violence in
South Asian Communities.
Speaking to the Indian Weekender
Sergeant Arora thanked to the members of
the community, different community groups,
individuals, partnership service providers who
helped supported him in his journey and driving
a positive change in the community.
“My message to young people is that police
officer is a very rewarding career and they
should keep NZ Police as part of the career
option they can choose in addition to other
options that are available to them,” Sergeant
Arora said.
“To parents in our community, NZ Police
is a very reputable organisation and values
diversity, so please encourage your children to
join NZ Police,” Sergeant Arora added.
Sergeant Arora will complete 15 years in the
force in January 2021.

Care for your community

S t and for y o u r l o c a l b o a r d
Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Elections 2021
We have one position in the local board that needs filling. Are you passionate about looking after your
community? Why not apply to be a candidate?
There are no special qualifcations required to stand for council. Elected members come from all
backgrounds and walks of life, bringing different skills and experience to the role.
Nominations are open from 24 November to 22 December
To find out more go to: voteauckland.co.nz
Ensure you are correctly enrolled so that you are able to vote in this by-election.
Contact the Electoral Commission on 0800 36 76 56
21-PRO-0588
 The Indian Weekender Friday, November 27, 2020 NEW ZEALAND 5

Supreme Sikh Society Border restrictions to

hosts 25th Nagar Kirtan remain for another 12-18
months: Chris Hipkins
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

M
inister for Covid-19 Response Chris
Hipkins on Tuesday, November 24
said that New Zealand borders could
be closed for another 12-18 months before life
returns to a normal.
Chris Hipkins added that the country
wouldn’t need to see ‘100 per cent’ vaccination
rates to have enough herd-immunity to open
the front and two at the rear who cleaned the the borders.
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD Speaking to the media, Prime Minister
road while the procession was in place.

A
pproximately 4000 people from the
Sikh community participated in the
Nagar Kirtan event hosted by Supreme
Sikh Society of New Zealand on Saturday,
November 21.
Nagar Kirtan is a religious procession
conducted by the Sikh community that involves
community members of all ages, and each of
them plays a distinctive role to spread the word
about Sikhism, and its teachings.
The Supreme Sikh Society hosted the annual
parade from Otahuhu Gurudwara on Princess
Street and took a 6 km walk around the business
and residential areas of South Auckland before
returning at the Gurudwara premises.
Thousands of men, women and children
dressed in ethnic clothing gathered at the
Gurudwara for the kirtan from 10 a.m. to noon
and started the parade along with four truck and
trailer decorated in flowers and banners housing
priests singing religious hymns throughout the
journey.
Sikh youths presented Gatka the ‘Sikh
Martial Art’ through the routes; women sang
the hymns in chorus led by two trucks towards
A total of 100 volunteers marshalled the
road and paved the way for the procession in
a way that does not create an obstruction for
the passing traffic. The volunteers were joined
by Auckland Traffic Management and several
New Zealand Police personnel helping create a
way for the vehicles and the procession.
Back in the Gurudwara, there were men
and women both as volunteers and as business
supporters who prepared food and snacks in
different stalls for the visitors and procession
members.
“We hosted the first Nagar Kirtan event
in 1996 in New Zealand, have been doing it
annually since then without missing a year
and today, 25 years later, our children played a
pivotal role in organising this massive event,”
Daljit Singh from Supreme Sikh Society told
The Indian Weekender.
Mr Singh added that Nagar Kirtan is practised
by the Sikh community all over the globe and
the purpose of this event is to spread the word
and teachings of Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev
not just with Sikh people but also with the
broader community.
Jacinda Ardern said the government is working
on an immunisation strategy against Covid-19
before considering any easing of restrictions on
NZ borders.
“Vaccination will take some time to impact
‘ Herd immunity’, also known as ‘population
on the way we operate our borders and the
resumption of normal life.
“Ultimately, 2021 will be the year of the
vaccine,” Ardern said.
PM added that NZ’s goal is to be at a certain
level of immunity before the government
considers changing its border restrictions.
People would need to be able to safely go
about their day-to-day lives before quarantine
rules were eased, she said.
Chris Hipkins said the travel restrictions
would remain in place for the next year to 18
months and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
Trade are talking to other countries about an
international system to have people certifiably
vaccinated.
He added that the government needs to know
if someone has been vaccinated or not, as a part
of NZ’s overall protection measures.
What is ‘herd immunity’?
immunity’, is a concept used for vaccination,
in which a population can be protected from a
certain virus if a threshold of vaccination is
reached.
Experts argue that herd immunity is
achieved by protecting people from a virus,
not by exposing them to it.
Vaccines train our immune systems to
create proteins that fight disease, known as
‘antibodies’, just as would happen when
we are exposed to a disease but – crucially
– vaccines work without making us sick.
Vaccinated people are protected from getting
the disease in question and passing it on,
breaking any chains of transmission.
With herd immunity, the vast majority of
a population are vaccinated, lowering the
overall amount of virus able to spread in the
whole population. As a result, not every single
person needs to be vaccinated to be protected,
which helps ensure vulnerable groups who
cannot get vaccinated are kept safe.

K ONe OF NeW ZeaLaNd’s

LD EE - PaCIFIC rIse
SO d W
headquarTers PreMIer BusINess ParKs
TM
The

% 2n

60
SYLVIA PARK

COMMERICAL / INDUSTRIAL WORKSHOPS

BRAND NEW DEVELOPMENT - NEW LOCATION headquarTers
The

Sylvia Park

We advise that you visit the onsite display suite

quickly – anticipated sell out 30th November
PACIFIC RISE

PRICED FROM
$385,000 ARTIST IMPRESSION ARTIST IMPRESSION

SECURE ON $1,000 DOWN AND NOTHING ELSE TO PAY UNTIL SETTLEMENT*

YOUR VERY OWN COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

Freehold Strata Title units suitable for Industrial, E-commerce Distribution, Warehousing, Manufacturing and many other uses

ALASTAIR BROWN HAYLEY SOK

021 333 290 021 132 8985
09 307 6340 09 307 6340

ONSITE DISPLAY SUITE | OPEN DAILY 11AM - 2PM | 3 PACIFIC RISE, MT WELLINGTON
WWW.THEHEADQUARTERS.NZ
*Either by paying $1,000 initial deposit, and the balance of deposit secured by Deposit Guarantee (using existing equity in your own house property - New Zealand citizen or Permanent Resident, (conditions apply) or balance of the Deposit in Cash. Please refer to Deposit Guarantee FAQ’S
Marketing Brochure for more information. All illustrations and artist’s impressions are for illustrative purposes only and landscaping, fittings and furnishings are excluded from Purchase Price Units will vary in size. Every Precaution has been taken to establish the accuracy of the material herein at the
time of printing, however, no responsibility will be taken for any errors/omissions. Prospective purchasers should not confine themselves solely to the content of this material and acknowledge that they have received recommendation and had reasonable opportunity to seek independent legal,
financial, accounting, immigration, technical and other advice. The Developer reserves the right to increase or decrease the number of units according to market demand and therefore sizes and layouts of units may vary throughout the development. Changes may be made during development and all
dimensions, finishes, fittings and specifications are subject to change without notice. Capital Values Rise and fall according to Market Conditions. It is recommended that Property Investment is at 10-12 year investment horizon. Prices quoted for Commercial Property prices are plus GST (if any).
 6 NEW ZEALAND
NZ journo’s charge against Sanskrit
language and Kiwi-parliamentarian
loaded with ignorance and bigotry
SANDEEP SINGH
A
seasoned Kiwi journalist’s charge
against Sanskrit – a classical language
emanating from India, exposes the
long-held ignorance and bigotry - often
reserved only for the people of colour in this
intensely globalised world.
Veteran journalist Michael Field  –with
decades of media experience behind him - has
launched an unprovoked attack on Sanskrit
language and a fellow Kiwi MP Dr Gaurav
Sharma after the news emerged about the
latter taking his oath in parliament in the
ancient classical language on Wednesday,
November 25.
Mr Field launched his attack on the classical
language in a menacing manner on his
Twitter handle by accusing the language of
being a language of “religious oppression &
caste superiority.”
“How is that new Labour MP sworn in at New
Zealand Parliament using a language of religion
oppression & caste superiority? Sanskrit is
mark of Hindutva- mark of fundamentalism.
What of Labour working-class values or is @
gmsharmznz a token?” Mr Field said on Twitter.
Mr Field was responding to a seemingly
innocuous event of the swearing-in ceremony
of Labour Party MP from Hamilton West, Dr
Sharma, earlier today in parliament.
For uninitiated, Dr Sharma has taken his
oath in parliament today, first in Te Reo Maori
and followed by Sanskrit – a language often
considered as the sacred language of Hinduism,
Why do we need to use
ABACA MASKS?
Filtration rate is 7x better
than cloth mask.
It has a lower absorption
than N95 mask,
No plastics or chemicals
were used in its fabrication.
100% Eco-friendly
Decomposes faster.
Buy now from Website
www.elmercado.kiwi | Instagram: el.mercado.nz
with most of its ancient philosophical text
having been written in that classical language.
It is not clear if Mr Field was responding to
this ordinary event or the reporting blitz by the
Indian Weekender on the internet and social
media about the importance and the history
of the event, obviously with a seemingly
non-offending celebratory zeal  - to reflect
Friday, November 27, 2020
A screengrab of Michael Field's tweet.
the sentiments of many in the Indian-New
Zealander community.
However, it seems that Mr Field had not taken
the event or the reporting by this publication
about the event in good spirit and unleashed an
unsubstantiated accusation on the language as
a language of oppression and caste inequality.
It is also not clear if Mr Field was more
incensed with Dr Sharma’s choice of Sanskrit
language over the English language - that
precipitated a vehement attack on him as well
– and disapproving him as a mere “token” of
the so-called “Labour’s working-class values.”
Or it was just his “pure love” reserved for
Sanskrit – a classical language with more than
four thousand years of rich history in deeply
rooted in sacred texts of three great religions
that emanated in the broader South Asian
region – Hinduism, Buddhism & Jainism.
While attacks and blatant contempt of
Indian culture, or elements often attributed
as the symbol of India’s glorious culture and
civilisation is not altogether new, this latest
charge coming from a seasoned journalist from
the remotely based South Pacific region is both
– astounding and alarming.
It represents a skin-deep colonial-contempt
reserved explicitly for people of colour –
especially those who are breaking the ceilings
and getting into spaces and positions earlier
considered reserved exclusively for only
white men.
For newly minted Kiwi-Indian MP Dr
Sharma – this unprovoked attack at his
supposedly lowliest guarded moment might act
as a rite of passage – marking his official entry
into the life in parliament and politics.
However, Field’s assertion about Indian
culture is something that does need a quick fact
check and a polite rebuttal.
A quick Wikipedia search on the Sanskrit
language could have enlightened Mr Field.
Mr Field would have been served well if he
had done a preliminary google search on the
Sanskrit language before wading into debates
and controversies around India’s culture, history
and the currently undergoing transformations.
Clearly, he appears dismayed about both –
India’s past and present – as he accuses Sanskrit
with “religious oppression” caste inequality”
and “Hindutva.”
With due respect to Mr Field’s sensitivity
about India’s seemingly current transformations
The Indian Weekender
and un-appreciation of India’s glorious past, it
is evident that both are not based on accurate
facts and information.
It will not be an exaggeration to say that his
disparaging comment is more a result of an
amalgamation of unsubstantiated facts – largely
served generously on a modern-day social
media. To start with, a quick google search on
the Sanskrit language would have educated Mr
Field about both – the language’s glorious past
and present apathy – as the language has largely
vanished from the status of spoken language to
remaining largely a ceremonial language.
It would have also educated Mr Field –
though sparingly – about the presence of any
large-scale research papers alleging Sanskrit
as a symbol of “religious-oppression” or just
“language suppression.”
Scholars of language suppression often
describe it as the ‘enforcement of language
loss by physical, mental, social and
spiritual coercion.’
There is another aspect of linguicism -
language erasure – where languages of those
facing asymmetrical dominance have either
become extinct or literally erased from their
land of origin.
Probably, in New Zealand’s context, Te
Reo Maori have experienced that painful and
ignominious “language erasure,” in its own
land of origin, and needless to emphasise at the
behest of our cherished English language.
In that regard, the English language would
have far more blood on its fold, than what Mr
Field have so naively attributed on the Sanskrit
language.
Similarly, India’s “caste-inequality” is a
much-cherished object for castigation and
contempt by the global intelligentsia, often
propped-up conveniently, to showcase Indian
culture in poor light than any genuine desire of
debating or offering an intellectual assessment
of social processes of the past and present.
Make no mistake; there is not an iota of
defensiveness about India’s caste system and
the inequality perpetuated through this system.
However, what most members of the global
intelligentsia, including Mr Field, fails to
appreciate and comment upon, is the immense
impact of three hundred years of British
colonial rule, which had not only destroyed but
also irreversibly damaged India’s pre-modern
social systems, including the caste system – by
plunging India into deep poverty of resources.
Fixing the destruction left behind by three
centuries of colonial oppression is a work in
progress in post-independence modern India –
regardless of the political regime in power – and
continues unabatedly. There is no reason for
being apologetic of such selective intellectual
innuendo from global commentators.
Anyway, regardless, ascribing the allegation
of oppression on the Sanskrit language is
neither an accurate representation of the history
of Indian culture nor in good taste.
To make it worse, Mr field’s attribution of
Sanskrit language with so-called “Hindutva”
that he visibly despises, instead of Hinduism
– religion, philosophy and a way of life would
lose a lot of new readers and followers that he
might be secretly wishing to win over from the
broader South Asian region. 
In the end, the fact that an Indian-New
Zealander MP Dr Gaurav Sharma has been
ambushed right at the first day of the start
of his political career in parliament – once
again exposes the bigotry and prejudice that
is reserved only for people of colour in this
country – or shall we say -in the white man’s
worldview.
 The Indian Weekender Friday, November 27, 2020 NEW ZEALAND 7

2nd NZ Sikh Games is back with

over 120 teams and 1500 players
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

T
he second edition New Zealand Sikh
Games is back this weekend with
more local players and an increased
number of teams participating in the annual
sports event. 
NZ Sikh Games was inaugurated in 2019
following the model of Australian Sikh Games
and was declared a massive success with over
20,000 visitors during the two-day weekend
event last year.
The 2020 edition, despite Covid-19 in the
country, is witnessing a massive increase in the
number of players registering in 17+ sporting
categories and from all corners of the country. "We
Speaking to the Indian Weekender, Kamal have witnessed
Basiala from NZ Sikh Games said that the new clubs emerge
organisers were fearful if the number of and register with us
age group of people; we have fun rides like a The organisers say across almost all games, and
registrations might go down as border closure
bouncing castle, water slides and more for the they are taking all young players, both male
prohibited participation of any overseas players.
children, two-legged and three-legged races for necessary Covid-19 and female enthusiastically
“The scale of registrations from local
men and women, senior citizens also get to take precautions throughout registering for single
players and teams for the games surpassed our
part in small games and cultural performances the venues with scores and athletic team
expectations. game"
throughout the two days of the event,” Daljeet of Covid Tracer QR Codes
“We have witnessed new clubs emerge
Singh, president of NZ Sikh Games told The on display, hand sanitisers,
and register with us across almost all games,
Indian Weekender.  masks, sunscreens available for
and young players, both male and female
The event will commence with a parade of everyone. 
enthusiastically registering for single and
the team walking with their flags followed The hosts are making special arrangements
athletic team games,” Kamal said.  
by the official inauguration ceremony and for senior citizens present at the event by
Football, athletics (100, 200, 400, 800 metres
cultural dance performances. The games will allocating special parking ones, select vehicles
and 5km), hockey, basketball, volleyball,
be held from the morning simultaneously on all available for them to move from one ground to but from Christchurch, Hamilton, Wellington,
Netball, Golf, Tennis, Badminton, Kabaddi,
outdoor grounds and indoor courts, and cultural another.  Tauranga, Rotorua, North Shore and small
Cricket, Wrestling, Tough Rugby, Shooting,
performances on the massive stage.  “We are excited about the second season of towns from across New Zealand.
Tug-of-War, Gatka and Dastar competitions
The event will also be streamed on multiple NZ Sikh Games and have huge expectations “We have arranged food, water, juice, soft
will be held on Saturday and Sunday, November
LED screens across all the grounds, halls and from this year’s event.  drinks, sweets and snacks for our visitors, and
28 and 29 at Bruce Pullman Park in Takanini
indoor courts so that people do not miss any “We are thrilled to see several new teams and participants to come at the event,” Mr Daljeet
and a few other sporting grounds in Auckland.
games if and when they are off the ground.  clubs sign up with us not just from Auckland Singh added. 
“We have planned some activities for every

ormistonworkshops.co.nz

Adaptable, contemporary
workspaces for small business
62 Ormiston Road, East Tamaki

• Choose from 29 freehold industrial units

• Ranging from 25sqm to 110sqm + mezzanine available
• Robust concrete construction, high ceilings and roller door access
• Unparalled access to the vibrant heart of South-East Auckland
• Invest in New Zealand’s fastest growing location
• Prices starting from $237,500+GST (if any), secure yours today
ARTIST’S IMPRESSION

CONTACT THE SOLE AGENTS TODAY bayleys.co.nz/1902951

Tim Bull Nelson Raines

021 127 1831 021 555 673
tim.bull@bayleys.co.nz nelson.raines@bayleys.co.nz

BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD, MANUKAU, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008
 8 NEW ZEALAND
KAVI SAMMELAN
attracts new talents in
Hindi and Urdu poetry
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
T
he Urdu Hindi Kavi Sammelan and Mushaira
night showcased new faces and fresh talents who
showed their passion for poetry and ghazal in
Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi language.  A surprising element of the event which received a
Held at Fickling Centre in Auckland, on Saturday,
November 21, the event was organised by Urdu Hindi
Cultural Association of New Zealand celebrating ten
"We
years of its establishment and operations in New
are thrilled
Zealand.  lamp, dance, music, skits, fashion
to have received
Attending the Mushaira event for the first
such encouraging words
time in New Zealand, High Commissioner from High Commissioner
of India in NZ, Muktesh Pardeshi said he
Muktesh Pardeshi about
was pleased by the efforts of UHCANZ in promoting the Hindi
promoting the Hindi language through events language, and he was very magazine ‘Dhanak’, presenting Lifetime
like Kavi Sammelan night and reiterated the pleased with the Kavi
significance of Hindi language to be taught Sammelan even."
amongst the younger generation of Kiwi Indians. 
Mr Pardeshi applauded the efforts of Urdu Hindi
Cultural Association of New Zealand for promoting
Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi language and encouraged to host
more of such events in the future. 
The event was also attended by Minister of Transport
and MP for Mt Roskill Michael Wood, Dr Deborah
Russell, first elected Kiwi Indian MP Dr Gaurav Sharma,
former MP Kanwaljit Bakshi, Jeet Suchdev from Bhartiya
and Professor Malcolm Wright among others. 
As the evening progressed, contributors to UHCANZ
and poetry enthusiasts took on the stage to read their
poems (Shayari and Kavita) in Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi
language, and sing ghazals along with the tunes of
harmonium and tabla on the stage.  celebration at Metro Theatre on the
“I was really looking forward to the Kavi Sammelan
night and witnessed many new faces with fresh voiced
and poetries that elevated my heart and spirit,” a member
of the audience said.  community belonging from the state
standing ovation and a thunderous round of applause was
a Kiwi man ‘Daniel’ singing the popular spiritual Sufi
song ‘Dama Dam Mast Qalandar’.  occasion with full pomp and show
The audience was taken by a storm
witnessing the energy, enunciation and
singing of the traditional Sufi song by an
English-speaking Kiwi person.  traditional food and snacks made
Few other highlights of the event
were the releasing of UHCANZ’s annual
Achievement Awards to the writer, poet
and a veteran of Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu
language Shiv Bhagirath and Dr Ashley
Bloomfield for his guidance and leadership in the
ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. 
Dr Bloomfield who could not attend the event due to
prior engagements sent a video message to the Association
thanking him for the award and encouraged everyone to
help support each other get rid of Covid-19 from New
Zealand. 
“We are thrilled to have received such encouraging
words from High Commissioner Muktesh Pardeshi
about promoting the Hindi language, and he was very
pleased with the Kavi Sammelan event,” Roopa Suchdev,
president of Urdu Hindi Cultural Association of NZ
told The Indian Weekender.
Canterbury Punjabi Association host
‘Turban Day’ to help understand Sikhism better
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
C
anterbury Punjabi
Association hosted ‘Turban
Day’ on Saturday, November
21 offering the public to try on the
Sikh headgear and understand the
teachings of the religion.
Approximately 70 turbans were
brought by the organisers assisted
by 40 volunteers who distributed
pamphlets and invited people to try
on the Sikh turban and get a better
understanding of what it means for
the Sikh community. 
The hosts say that more than 200
people tried the turban on Cathedral
Square in Christchurch where people
were curious about the headgear and
how does it feel to carry massive
clothing on one’s head.
“We had some volunteers who
invited people passing by while
others are seeing the turbans
themselves dropped by to try to wear
the turban,” Narinder Warraich from
Canterbury Punjabi Association said.
“People were inquisitive how one
can carry a massive piece of clothing
wrapped on the head and carry on to
their daily activities, but once they
tried on the turban, they felt light and
Friday, November 27, 2020 The Indian Weekender
Bihar Jharkhand Sabha
celebrates Diwali & Chhath Puja
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD Chhath at the event on Saturday,
November 21.
T
he Bihar Jharkhand Sabha Speaking at the event, president of
of New Zealand earlier last Bihar Jharkhand Sabha of Australia
weekend organised a small and New Zealand, Nisheeth Prakash
recollected the memories of Chhath
occasion of Diwali and Chhath Puja.
and Diwali celebrated back home
Chhath Puja is one of the most and how important it is to keep such
important festivals for the Hindu festivals alive amongst the younger
new generation of the Bihar and
of Bihar and Jharkhand in India and Jharkhand diaspora born and raised
the diaspora in Auckland has made a in New Zealand.
mandate to observe and celebrate the
The evening event commenced
with the traditional lighting of the
every year.
The growing community of Bihar
show and ended with homemade
and Jharkhand organised a family-
styled community celebration with on the occasion of Chhath Puja for
food, dance, music and rituals of the visitors.
Are you looking to Buy
or Sell a Business?
Shaun Khanna has a business, sales and marketing experience of more than
25 years and is a specialist in selling businesses such as Service Stations, Lotto
Stores, Dairies, Supermarkets and Liquor Stores. He also has vast exposure in
the hospitality sector. Shaun has sold many businesses and has helped hundreds
of buyers and sellers of petrol stations and convenience stores throughout New
Zealand. Shaun understands both sides of the transaction from the perspective
of both the buyer and the seller as he is a former successful business owner as
he had owned and successfully run a big BP Service Station & thoroughly
understands how it works.
Shaun offers the degree of professional service that effectively brings business
buyers and sellers together to experience successful and desirable outcomes.
Shaun has a nationwide network of contacts and a track record of success,
receiving many referrals from satisfied buyers and sellers.
For a confidential, no obligation discussion about the sale of your business please
give me a call on 029 770 9767 or send an email to shaunk@abcbusiness.co.nz
2015/2 2013
2017 2017 01 2014
Shaun Khanna
SALESP
OF TH
ERSO
N
MOST
DY
HI-VIZ NAMIC LISTER6 SALESP
OF TH
ERSO
N
RISING
STAR 029 770 9767
E VIDEO OF TH E
RUNN YEAR E YEAR RUNN YEAR
LISTE
R
ER
-UP ER
-UP
shaunk@abcbusiness.co.nz
029 770 9767 www.businessesforsale.co.nz
Licensed REAA 2008
normal wearing a turban can be,”
The event was supported by Sikh
Youth NZ distributed pamphlets
to the public and people trying the
turban that had some interesting
facts about Sikhism, articles of faith,
its basic teachings and philosophy,
global presence, elements of Sikh
religion and famous people around
the world who are from Sikh religion. 
Both men and women in the
Sikh community wear a turban as
it signifies not just a cultural or
religious identity but also represents
the embodiment of Sikh values,
teachings and love for the Guru
Nanak and his practices. The turban educate people from different faiths,
worn by Sikh men and women is also and ethnicities are living in New
a symbol of gender equality. Zealand about Sikhism, its teachings
“Every year, we hold Turban day and increase awareness of the turban,
events, and such events are prevalent which is an important part of the
all-over New Zealand.  dress of a Sikh person,” Narinder
“The purpose of the event is to told The Indian Weekender. 
 The Indian Weekender Friday, November 27, 2020 NEW ZEALAND 9

Kiwi-Indian singer theajsound Auckland Council eases water

collaborates with Finnish star NEEKOH restrictions for summer
for upcoming single ‘MINEFIELD’ RADIO NEW ZEALAND

A
uckland Council has agreed to
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
ease water restrictions for More

K
iwi Indian pop singer-songwriter summer. supply
theajsound is releasing his last song From 14 December, and greater water
for the year 2020, a collaboration residents in the supercity will conservation should see
with former Finnish Idol star NEEKOH called be able to use a hand-held us through the summer, but if
‘MINEFIELD.’.  hose at home, provided it is serious drought continues and
The Finnish-Indo-Kiwi duo release hypnotic attended and has a trigger demand increases radically,
pop collaboration ‘MINEFIELD.’ is all set to nozzle. However, residents restrictions will have Friday, with 6 million to 12 million
take over into fans’ summer playlist.  have been warned to use water to be put back in litres extra from the Hays Creek dam
This is the first collaboration between the theajsound wisely as a shortage continues. place.” starting early January.
duo who say the ‘MINEFIELD.’ reflects the The city experienced its worst
“More supply and greater water
tumultuous relationships of their past.  drought on record between 1 November 2019
conservation should see us through the
Describing the latest release onto different and 31 May 2020, and storage dams still 19 per
summer, but if serious drought continues and
streaming platforms, theajsound aka AJ says, cent below average for this time of year.
demand increases radically, restrictions will
‘Right from its dark intro, the song transports Mayor Phil Goff said the city was “not out of
have to be put back in place.”
listeners down the rabbit hole, into their very the woods yet”.
Watercare acting chief executive Marlon
own Stranger Things world.’ Watercare and the council had spent $224
Bridge said the eased restrictions would allow
“When we got into the million to increase water supply, he said.
people to water their gardens, top up pools,
studio, MINEFIELD. was there waiting for us,” “We are already taking 25 million litres a
flush boat motors and wash their homes and
says NEEKOH, aka Niko. day more from the Waikato River, and by mid
cars - but only using a hand-held hose fitted
 “It took us barely an hour to write the song NEEKOH next year we will take a further 50 million
with a trigger nozzle.
and two to record and arrange it. It was magical, MINEFIELD’s second star Niko has come a litres through the expansion of our Tūākau
Sprinklers and residential irrigation systems
and we knew we had to share that magic with long way, musically and geographically since treatment plant.
are not permitted. Home water blasters with
you.”  being Finland’s Pop Idol finalist in 2014.  “A further 5 million litres a day is coming
trigger nozzles can also be used.
Strong supporters of each other’s music, both Taking a break from his celebrity status back from the new Pukekohe plant we opened last
artists say that working with the other has been in Finland, Niko travelled to New Zealand
long overdue.  to explore the country and work on his art of
“Niko has been an amazing friend and mentor writing songs based on his experiences here.
for the last year,” says AJ.  Kiwi Indian artist AJ has already
“We’ve been trying to write a song forever, released two songs this year, his debut

The most visited Indian news

and when we finally did, it was instantaneous.
We want our listeners to enjoy the song as much
as we enjoyed creating it,” he says. 
The artist says  MINEFIELD.  will have
heartbreakers, and makers, dancing to its
synthesized 80s beat.  will be available from on November 27 on
“It leaves behind its haunting melody to echo
in the depths of your mind,” AJ said. 
single  ANYMORE.   and his second
song, PLEASE. that grabbed the attention of
music lovers not just in New Zealand but all over
the world such as New York, Namibia and the website in New Zealand
Caribbean.e electro-pop single  MINEFIELD.
For online advertising options, email at
every major streaming platform under both the
NEEKOH and theajsound channels. sales@indianweekender.co.nz

Smart money choices made simple.

We’ll help you find the sweetest mortgage deal whether it’s your first home or
investment property, and arrange the best insurance to suit your needs.

Mortgage services Insurance

Home loans Life, Trauma Call us today
Construction loans Medical/Health 0800 21 22 23
Refinances and restructures General
Top ups & debt consolidation Business Level 1, 3/53 Cavendish Drive
Commercial & Business loans Income Protection Manukau
 10 NEW ZEALAND Friday, November 27, 2020 The Indian Weekender

Spirit of Cricket Tournament’s 23rd

season to kicks off in Auckland
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD nurturing ground for future cricketers. 

A
Last year the knockout rounds were impacted
uckland’s Migrant Community Cricket
due to Covid-19, and the 11-team tournament
Club (MCCC) is bringing the 23rd
was prematurely wound up. The impact of
edition of Relianz Forex Spirit of
that is still being felt as some of the teams are
Cricket Tournament back for cricket enthusiasts
unable to get their full quota of players as their
in the community. One of the oldest running
teammates are stuck overseas. 
community cricket tournaments in Auckland
Despite these challenges, this year’s
was started in 1998 and has only grown in
tournament has got off to a great start on from
numbers over the last two decades. 
Sunday, Nov 22. The tournament usually hosted tournament, two down from last year. with the newbie Spearheads and the long-
MCCC Spirit of Cricket Tournament has
at Auckland Domain has a new starting point at Previous season’s joint holders AIS United, standing team of TUFXI. 
been a go-to place for the summer season when
Mt Wellington War Memorial Park, Domain is and Telangana Boys along with the runner-up The matches at Mt Wellington War Memorial
Sunday mornings are earmarked for cricket.
undergoing renovations.  Telugu Tigers and Mighty Blue will be joined Park starts 9 a.m. every Sunday and tournament
What started off as a fun get together years ago
Nine teams are making up this year’s by Tamil Thunders, Deccan Acers, Rising Stars will have its year-end break on from Dec 27,
has evolved into a serious tournament and a
2020, and Jan 3, 2021. 
“We encourage everyone to come and enjoy
with your family at the picturesque grounds
next to the sea. 
“Thanks to the tournament sponsor Relianz
Forex for their continued support along
with Auckland Cricket, Criclubs and media
partner the Indian Weekender. 
“Without these and the community groups
this tournament would not have reached this
far,” chairperson of MCCC Prashant Belwalkar
said. 
People can also follow fixtures, weekly
team points, winners, best batsmen, bowlers
and other information about the tournament
LIVE on MCCC website. As of 22 November,
four league matches were held in which AIS
defeated NZ Telugu Tigers, Telangana Boyz
beat Spearheads, Deccan Rising Stars beat TUF
XI and Ata Tamil Thunders beat Deccan Acers.

Record 15 teams to compete in

the upcoming 4th All Nations
Cricket Tournament
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

C
hristchurch will get a taste of Cricket
fever as fifteen teams will compete
in the fourth Ara All Nations Cricket
Festival starting this weekend. 
The All Nations tournament was started
four years ago by Christchurch Metro Cricket
Association and Christchurch Multicultural
Association to encourage young cricketing
talents to participate in a formal tournament and
create a venue for cricket lovers from different
ethnic backgrounds come together and play. 
From six teams in 2017 to 15 teams now, the
tournament has garnered massive popularity
in the Canterbury region with scores of new
players joining the game and further adding to
the number of teams for the tournament. 
The cricket festival is sponsored by Ara
Institute of Canterbury and will take place
on three Sundays, starting November 29
concluding on December 13 with the finals at
the Polo Grounds, Hagley Park. Two rounds
will be played every Sunday comprising of six
games each leading to the semi-finals and final
in the second Sunday of December. 
“Since launching the tournament dates,
we have had a huge influx in enquiries and
registration of teams which is overwhelming,”
Surinder Tandon, president of Christchurch
Multicultural Council told the Indian
Weekender.
The players participating in this tournament
come from diverse ethnic backgrounds such as
Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Nepal,
Kiwis, and Bangladesh. 
“The purpose of this tournament is to
encourage young players from migrant
communities to compete in the big-league
tournament and of course foster diversity
and multiculturalism in the community,” Mr
Tandon said. 
Defending the title this year will be Tamil
Pasanga followed by Firangi XI as the runner
up from 2019 tournament. 
 The Indian Weekender Friday, November 27, 2020
Why India’s Post-COVID-19 recovery
strategy cannot ignore engaging in
Indo-Pacific FTAs in the longer term
RAHUL SEN
I
ndia, currently a member to 13 enforced
free trade agreements globally, has
opted out of signing onto the Regional
Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP),
the world’s largest FTA covering roughly a
third of the global population and output last
week. However, it does have the opportunity to
sign onto it in the near future, being one of the
parties in its eight-year-long negotiations.
The RCEP agreement provides a strong
strategic signal from Asian economies about
resisting protectionism and reaping the benefits
from free trade and integrated regional supply
chains in a post-COVID-19 world.
The real economic value from this agreement
for businesses is expected to be generated upon
entry into force, which could be in 2021 or
beyond. The details in the agreement, covering
20 chapters and a comprehensive agenda
that includes trade in goods, services, and
investment, appears to suggest modest gains in
market access and adds on to the noodle-bowl
of existing bilateral and regional FTAs that
these members have already signed onto.
The most significant potential value stems
from closer economic integration between East
Asian economies (China, Japan, and Korea).
From the New Zealand perspective, the gains
from RCEP sans India are far lesser than
initially envisaged, as it already has working
trade agreements with all 15 RCEP members.
In the short-term, from an economic
perspective, India’s decision to opt-out
is understandable in light of its ongoing
economic slowdown, exacerbated by the global
COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic has forced every country to
reconfigure its domestic economic priorities
while being engaged globally, and India is
no exception. Further, India didn’t see itself
negotiating from a position of strength within
RCEP, and neither saw its core concerns
addressed, even before the onset of the same.
However, in the longer-term, India’s Post-
COVID-19 recovery strategy cannot ignore
engaging in global trade through Indo-Pacific
FTAs, and there are several reasons to be noted.
First, India’s currently implemented
economic strategy is “Atmanirbhar Bharat,”
aimed to think-local, but “act global”,
maintaining focus on integrating a more
diversified and competitive Indian economy
with the global market.
The above reinforces the view that even in
the short-term, India remains open to global
businesses, which is aptly demonstrated by
global tech giant Apple’s recent moves to shift
iPhone manufacturing to India.
Therefore, in the longer term, developing
key export capabilities from moving global
manufacturing to India will be a crucial
economic objective.
In this part of the world, that has already
happened with Alstom railway coaches made in
India exported for the Sydney metro network.
To achieve competitive access to global
markets, partnering through FTAs will remain
NEW ZEALAND 11
relevant to ensure that India’s products or Second, it will be prudent to first engage Until these are achieved, businesses
services do not face trade barriers or diversion, in bilateral FTAs before exploring any wider partnering with India will need to think longer-
based on existing market access accorded by regional trade deal. Bilateralism has been the term in terms of investment opportunities in a
its trading partners Indo-Pacific economies via strategy of several RCEP-15 members when trillion-dollar economy that maybe in a short-
FTAs. they embarked on FTAs. run slowdown, but poised to rebound on its
Second, RCEP potentially aims to consolidate It leaves the door open for a potential bilateral rapid growth trajectory by 2021.
Asian intraregional trade in the Global Value trade deal to be negotiated by India with The author is Senior Lecturer, School of
Chain (GVCs). India risks being left out of its Australia and New Zealand in this part of the Economics, Faculty of Business, Economics
and Law, AUT University, Auckland and
participation, with potential investments and world. India already has a trade agreement with Fellow, New Zealand-India Research
production diverted towards RCEP signatories 10 member ASEAN and has a close economic Institute (NZIRI), Wellington. The views
expressed here are personal.
such as Vietnam and other ASEAN members, partnership with Japan.
including Thailand, which is also planning
to sign onto the Comprehensive Progressive
Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
Third, the US and EU, both top trading
partners of India, are likely to embrace trade as a
Improve
your English
key strategy towards post-COVID-19 economic
recovery beyond post-2022. A scenario wherein
the US signs onto CPTPP, along with the UK,
and your
and US-EU TTIP (Trans-Atlantic Trade and
Investment Partnership) is also signed/enforced
by then, is not unimaginable.
confidence
India has revived its negotiations with both
the US and EU bilaterally, post-RCEP signing.
The momentum should be maintained, as short-
term resistance to free trade could quickly
devolve into the longer term, leaving it at risk
ZERO FEES
of trade diversion at a global level (assuming
India doesn’t reduce tariff/non-tariff barriers by
then, but others so among themselves).
Fourth, RCEP being open to others to join
NZ Certificate in English
potentially opens the door for other South
Asian economies to sign onto it. If that were
Language Courses
to happen, it would further exacerbate intra-
regional trade diversion, which will not be in Beginners to Upper Intermediate
favour of India in the longer-term.
It is evident that with the signing of RCEP Levels 1-4
(and potential new members onto this agreement
or CPTPP), the global trade landscape will shift
slowly but surely in the longer term. Indian PREPAID
policymakers cannot ignore this trend and will
have to have a two-pronged strategy for the
longer term to deal with FTAs.
English Language Training (PELT)
First, to re-join or contemplate joining any
new trade deal from a negotiating position of
strength, developing resilience and productivity
growth through critical domestic reforms is 0800 10 00 32
vital.
msltraining.ac.nz
There are already steps taken in this direction
through reforms in tax and farm laws and the
10 sector Production linked incentive (PLI)
scheme that focuses on boosting manufacturing
capabilities, thereby exports, globally.
India will need to improve upon its domestic
competitiveness before getting into FTAs.
 Thought of the week
“No man is truly great who is great only
in his lifetime. The test of greatness is
the page of history.” —William Hazlitt

Editorial 27 November – 3 December 2020

Lure of long-term Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thu

infrastructure
investments
On-and-off Partly Parlty Clouds and A touch o Sunshine A few
rain and sunny sunny sun dafr and pactcy morning
drizzle clouds showers

would fuel India’s

16° 15° 17° 14° 15° 16° 15°
9° 8° 9° 10° 10° 9° 9°

economic growt This week in New Zealand’s history

T
he central governments move to identify 7,000 projects under the National Infrastructure
pipeline will not just showcase India as a lucrative destination at the meet with global fund
houses but also as a major contributor to global growth
Infrastructure projects are touted as a means to achieve fiscal stimulus as Infrastructure spending
gives a huge boost to the economy. The central government also knows this and is also working in
the same direction.
The government’s move to showcase India as a global manufacturing hub to 20 top global fund
houses with a collective asset base of $6 trillion is intended to attract long-term infrastructure
investments.
The central government has also set up a task force on the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP)
which has identified 7000 social and economic infrastructure projects and intends to spend more
than $1.4 trillion over the period of the next five years.
The government aims to raise funds through a series of municipal bonds and accelerating the
monetization of infrastructure assets.
The government also intends setting up development financial institutions for the infrastructure
sector.The government has taken several dynamic reforms and opened up several key sectors like
defense, space, and agriculture in the last seven months of the pandemic.
Despite the contraction witnessed during the first quarter of the financial year, India is still
expected to be the fastest-growing economy among the top ten major economies between the years
2021 and 2025 according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The IMF has predicted that the Indian economy is expected to grow at 8.8 percent and if India
manages to achieve this target for a period of three years, it would be able to achieve the target of
becoming a $5 trillion economy by the year 2025-26.\
The central government has been taking several steps to eliminate roadblocks and smoothen the
investment process in the country.
Niti Aayog, the central government’s policy think-tank has released a draft model act on the land
titles in the country.
The objective of this act is to reduce litigations and ease the acquisition process especially for
infrastructure projects in the country.
The government of India since the year 2014 had been initiating regulatory reforms with an
intention of making the environment more business-friendly in the country. India has reached 63rd
position today in its ease of doing business ranking globally.
However, there is a scope for doing a lot more and bringing in further efficiency in the system.
The government needs to bring in a comprehensive system to ease the compliance
burden on the industry especially when it aims to set goals in a global arena.
The new labour codes enacted in the parliament intend to increase the ease of doing business and
protect the workforce in the country.
These reforms will ensure that India has a competitive edge where industry and commerce is
concerned.
These measures would help in attracting more investments by foreign players who have been
refraining from setting up their base here due to rigid labour laws and aggressive trade unions.
India has also witnessed robust foreign exchange inflows in recent years.
Even during COVID, India managed to attract FDI inflows to the tune of $22 billion.
During the year 2019-20, foreign direct investments rose 13 percent to almost $50 billion as
compared to $44.36 billion for the year 2018-19. Higher FDI inflows have already proved to be
resilient during times of crisis.
It helps in financing the current account deficit and at the same time creating higher output and
job opportunities
By offering tailor-made solutions such as land at cheaper rates and faster approvals the government
of India is making a serious effort for getting additional investments in India.
In India’s favour, there are things like a ready consumer market for several uprooting companies
that will work; India’s consumer market is expected to touch a figure of $6 trillion by the year 2030.
In the next 10 years, it will be the third-largest economy in the world.
Therefore, India needs to strategize and get into bigger collaborations with newer partners to take
advantage of the present market conditions.
The central government’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ or a self-reliant India along with
promoting India as a manufacturing hub, linking global value and supply chains will help attract
more companies looking for alternative jurisdictions and also the top global investors to stay
invested with us for a long-term.
Though India has taken big strides, it still has miles to go in providing an efficient ecosystem to
global investors and that needs serious work at present.
4 December 1966
Radio Hauraki rules the waves
P
irate station Radio Hauraki broadcast its first scheduled transmission from beyond New
Zealand’s 3-mile territorial limit. The MVTiri was anchored in the Colville Channel
between Great Barrier Island and Coromandel Peninsula.
5 December 1890
First 'one man one vote' election
N
ew Zealand’s electoral law had been changed so that no one could vote in more than one
general electoral district. This ended the long-standing practice of ‘plural voting’ by those
who owned property in more than one electorate.
6 December 1905
Special votes cast in general election
F or the first time in New Zealand’s electoral history, registered voters who were away from
their electorate on polling day were able to cast a ‘special’ absentee vote at any polling
booth in the country; this was posted to their local returning officer to be counted.
8 December 1932
First issue of New Zealand Woman's Weekly
O n 8 December 1932, 7000 copies of the first issue of the New Zealand Woman’s Weekly went
on sale. The magazine hoped to offer ‘usefulness, cheerfulness and happiness’ to readers
during the depths of the Depression. 
8 December 1941
New Zealand declares war on Japan
N ew Zealand’s declaration followed the surprise attack on the United States naval base at
Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on the morning of Sunday 7 December (8 December NZ time). This
raid was part of a startling 12-hour assault during which Japanese forces struck Hong Kong,
Thailand, Malaya, the Philippines, Guam, and Wake Island.
9 December 1867
First passengers traverse Lyttelton rail tunnel
A
fter 6½ years of construction, it took just 6½ minutes for the first trainload of passengers
to speed through the 2.6- km tunnel linking the Canterbury plains to the port of Lyttelton.
Indian Weekender : Volume 12 Issue 37
Publisher: Kiwi Media Publishing Limited
Content Editor: Sandeep Singh | sandeep@indianweekender.co.nz
Chief Reporter: Rizwan Mohammad | rizwan@indianweekender.co.nz
Chief Technical Officer: Rohan deSouza | rohan@indianweekender.co.nz
Sr Graphics and Layout Designer: Mahesh Kumar | mahesh@indianweekender.co.nz
Graphic Designer: Yashmin Chand | design@indianweekender.co.nz
Accounts and Admin.: 09-2173623 | accounts@indianweekender.co.nz
Media Sales Manager.: Leena Pal: 021 952 216 | leena@indianweekender.co.nz
Sales and Distribution: 021 952218 | sales@indianweekender.co.nz
Editor at Large: Dev Nadkarni | dev@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
Views expressed in the articles are solely of the authors and do not in any way represent
the views of the team at the Indian Weekender
Kiwi Media Publishing Limited - 133A, Level 1, Onehunga Mall, Onehunga, Auckland.
Printed at Horton Media, Auckland
Copyright 2020. Kiwi Media Publishing Limited. All Rights Reserved.
 The Indian Weekender Friday, November 27, 2020
Sayed-Khaiyum stresses the need
to address transboundary threat
M
inister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-
Khaiyum says that is the price we
were forced to pay for keeping the
virus out of the country.
The Minister adds while the disruption may
be temporary, the pandemic has also allowed us
to foresee the kinds of disruption that await us
if climate change accelerates.
“Whether we must respond to a cyclone, or
to loss of livelihood due to changing climatic
patterns, or to a pandemic, we will have to
increase our collective efforts and develop
effective strategies to target and correct the
factors and conditions that make us vulnerable.”
Sayed-Khaiyum says that well before
COVID-19 became a household term, an effort
to develop legislation intended to improve
coordination needed to minimize the impact
Only time will tell
if the COVID-19
vaccines have
some side-effects:
Dr Waqainabete
H
ealth Minister Dr Ifereimi
Waqainabete says any treatment or
vaccine specifically for COVID-19 is
a new thing for the world and only time will tell
if the medicine has some side-effects.
Dr Waqainabete says they are working
with the World Health Organisation and other
development partners on a COVID-19 vaccine.
He says the Ministry has a family health unit
that looks at all the vaccines that can be available
While we sit in this air-conditioned
room, think of those Fijians’ struggles
who went through devastation: PM
P
rime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama
says climate change threatens everyone,
and we must work together to respond
to this greatest of tests to our national security
and only then we can be proud of handing
Fijian children and grandchildren a safer and
more resilient nation.
While opening the Climate Induced Security
Workshop this morning at the Outrigger Fiji
Beach Resort, Bainimarama says as they gather
in the comfort of the air-conditioned room, he
wants the participants to think of those Fijians
in Kadavu, their struggles, and their spirit of
resilience who went through the devastating
impact of Tropical Cyclone Harold earlier
this year.
He says it is for the sake of people in
Kadavu, the sake of every Fijian, and
the sake of all of humanity that they "Climate
gather at Fiji’s first-ever Climate change is
Induced Security Workshop national security
to help address the impacts of
threat number one for
climate change.
Fiji and building climate
Bainimarama has thanked
resilience is complex and
the Australian Government urgent of an issue as
for its support to the Workshop
in Fiji, both in its planning
they come."
and funding.
He says climate change is national security
threat number one for Fiji and building climate
resilience is complex and urgent of an issue as
they come.
Bainimarama says the world looks to Fiji
as a climate champion because Fiji was the
first country to ratify the Paris Agreement,
and among the first to engrain climate-centric
thinking across the development by moving
of such threats on our people and the economy
was underway.
He adds the pandemic has brought forward
a set of new insidious threats that have further
validated the importance of building national
Pfizer vaccine has to be stored in a minus 80-degrees
celsius environment, this will be a challenge for us
and they are working with COVEX and GAVI
on a global alliance vaccine initiative.
He adds 390 vaccines are being supported
by GAVI and they are closely monitoring the
progress of these vaccines.
The Minister says the vaccine produced by
BioNTech and Pfizer has to be stored in a minus
80-degrees celsius environment and this will be
their Climate Change Unit into
their Ministry of Economy.
He says that’s because they
know that when it comes to a
changing climate and rising seas,
the best defence is a good offense
where hundreds of millions of dollars
are invested into the resilience and adaptation
of Fijian infrastructure.
He adds they have to step-up the pressure
on the high-emitting countries of the world to
commit to achieving net-zero emissions.
Bainimarama adds rising sea levels threaten
our coastal communities, already resulting in
the planned relocation of up to 48 communities
across Fiji.
FIJI 13
Fiji Airways to
operate special
flight
F
iji Airways said while borders remained
closed, the travel-ready flight onboard
its brand new A350 aircraft, would
depart Nadi Airport.
The airline said the aircraft would spend more
than two hours in Fiji's skies before returning.
The airline said it would also use the flight to
prepare staff and guests on changes to expect
when border restrictions eased and commercial
flying resumed.
capacity to anticipate and manage risk. In a statement, the airline said flying had
The Minister says COVID-19, like climate changed since the beginning of this year.
change, is a transboundary threat and one that It said the Fiji Airways' Travel Ready
again signals the need to proactively shape the programme was "designed for air travel in a
vision for the future we want. Covid-19 world with numerous precautions
and medical safeguards in place to protect
customers and staff alike".
a challenge for the country as it is located in
"Guests will experience the airline's flagship
and brand new A350-900 XWB aircraft and
the tropics. its world-class Business and Economy Class
Waqainabete says there are other vaccines
cabins for the first time in months, enjoying a
they are looking at which does not need a minus
meal, food and drinks and inflight entertainment
80-degrees celcius storage and their team is
onboard," the airline said.
monitoring this.
BBC News reports data from an advanced "Additionally, Business Class guests and
trial showed the COVID-19 vaccine produced Tabua Club members will also return to the
by Pfizer protects 94% of adults over 65. airline's award-winning Premier Lounge at
The trial involved 41,000 people worldwide. Nadi International Airport prior to the flight."
Half were given the vaccine, and half a The airline says the Business Class Cabin
placebo which is is a substance or treatment has already sold out, and limited seats were still
which is designed to have no therapeutic value. available for sale with just a few days to go.
There are now more than 57 million COVID-19 The A350 Bula Space Economy Class is
cases in the world with more than 1.3 million
retailing at $200 a person, inclusive of taxes
deaths according to data collated by Johns
and fees; and the A350 Economy Class - $150,
Hopkins University in the US.
also inclusive of taxes and fees.
Chartered Accountants
We provide the right solutions at very reasonable price!
Accounting and Taxes
• End of year Accounts
• Income Tax & GST Returns
• Book–keeping & Financial Accounts
• Small Business / Rental Property Accounts
• LTC & Trust Accounts
• Tax Advisory
• Business Valuations Due Diligence
• MYOB & Xero Software Accounting
Call me
for a
FonRsuE E
C ltation
Mukesh Arora FCCA (UK) CA (NZ)
Macro Accounting & Tax Advisors Limited
Mobile: 021 129 0810 116B, Cavendish Drive,
Office Ph: 09 263 00 00 Manukau, Auckland 2104,
Free Ph: 0800 82 55 99 New Zealand
Email: mukesh@macroaccounting.co.nz Website: www.macroaccounting.co.nz
14 INDIA Friday, November 27, 2020 The Indian Weekender

NEWS in BRIEF PM Modi lays Covid-19

India’s ban on 43 Chinese apps is the 4th strike since
Ladakh stand off vaccine road map in
T meet with CMs
he Centre banned 43 more
mobile apps, mostly Chinese-
owned, including those of the

I
e-commerce giant, the Alibaba ndia will ensure every citizen
Group. gets a coronavirus vaccine but
The ministry of electronics and the candidates must first pass
information technology (MEITY), the governing authority, issued an order all scientific tests, Prime Minister
under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act blocking access to the Narendra Modi said at a meeting
43 mobile apps on the grounds that they have been “engaging in activities with chief ministers of eight states,
that are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, where he also confirmed a priority
security of state and public order”. list for those who will get a shot
“Apps of the Alibaba Group, short video sharing app Snack video, first: frontline workers, people above
Business card reader app Cam Card, truck and driver aggregator Lalamove the age of 50, and those with "The
are some of the major ones that have been blocked this time,” a ministry comorbidities. vaccine may
official told The Hindustan Times. The meeting included the come in the next 4-5
A second ministry official said that all the apps banned were Chinese. CMs of Delhi, Haryana, weeks. He also said to be on
“Reports keep coming in as it is a continuous process. MHA sends the report Chhattisgarh, Kerala, alert to ensure Covid doesn’t
that is brought to notice of the secretary and then the orders are processed. Maharashtra, Rajasthan, spread,” Karnataka chief minister
There’s a proper judicial process, which the cyber law division looks into to Gujarat and West BS Yediyurappa told reporters
assess the violations.” at Mysuru airport following a
Bengal, regions that have
second meeting that involved PM as saying, vaccine candidate had shown up to
Earth observation satellite policy must have 'shutter witnessed high number a larger group of chief according 90% efficacy in late-stage trials.
of cases or fatalities due to ministers from across
control', time-bound permits: Experts Covid-19.
to ANI. This inoculation is largely

W
the country." The statement believed to be the first one that is
ith the Indian earth observation satellite sector transitioning from India is following the race
space agency driven to industry driven, there is a need to stipulate was confirmed by likely to be approved and distributed
for vaccines closely, the PM said,
the timelines for permissions and the policy be a comprehensive one, said Maharashtra health minister Rajesh in India, since Pune-based Serum
according to a government statement,
experts. The DOS recently came out with its Draft Space Based Remote Tope. The state minister, citing Institute of India (SII) is among
adding: “If speed is important, than
discussions during the meeting, also manufacturing partners and has
Sensing Policy of India-2020 and has called for comments and suggestions safety is equally important. What
quoted the CM as saying that the key committed to reserving half of the
by Dec 11, 2020. For a nation, earth observation or remote sensing satellites we develop will be scientifically
frontline and essential workers as doses it produces for the country. It
are eyes in the skies that take ground pictures for various applications validated.”
part of the first phase could come up is also cheaper than the main rivals
including national security. He also said that for vaccine
to about 300 million people. that have shown efficacy and easier
"The Earth-observation sector is transitioning from being space-agency distribution, the Centre is working
“He (PM) said the vaccine may to store and transport.
driven to industry-driven. That being so, there was a need to graduate from with states, which will “ultimately
come in the next 4-5 weeks. He According to a government
the Remote Sensing Data Policy of 2011," Chaitanya Giri, Fellow, Space be in a better position to say what
also said to be on alert to ensure statement, Modi assured the CMs
and Ocean Studies Programme, Gateway House: Indian Council on Global is required on ground” and assured
Covid doesn’t spread,” Karnataka that the government’s focus will be
Relations told IANS. them that a detailed plan will be
chief minister BS Yediyurappa told to get the vaccine to everyone. “It’s a
Commending the draft Space Based Remote Sensing Policy brought out shared soon.
reporters at Mysuru airport following sort of national commitment from the
by DOS, Giri said the document needs to be comprehensive. “PM made it clear that in the first
a second meeting that involved a government towards Indian citizens.
stage, the vaccine will be given to
AstraZeneca vax highly effective in preventing larger group of chief ministers from Two indigenous vaccines are in
the frontline health workers, in the
across the country. advance stages of trials, and there
Covid-19 second stage to the police personnel,
Modi’s remarks, his first in detail also are others being tested in India
A straZeneca announced Monday that positive high-level results from an
interim analysis of clinical trials of the Covid-19 vaccine candidate in
the UK and Brazil showed it was highly effective in preventing the disease,
sanitation workers etc; to those above
50 years of age in third stage; and
to those with co-morbid conditions
on the vaccine distribution plan,
comes a day after University of
that have been developed globally
but the manufactures have tied with
Oxford and British pharma firm local partners,” he told the chief
the primary endpoint, and no hospitalisations or severe cases of the disease in the fourth stage,” Gujarat chief
AstraZeneca announced their ministers.
were reported in participants receiving the vaccine. There were a total of 131 minister Vijay Rupani quoted the

Indian state criminalizes 'forced'

Covid-19 cases in the interim analysis.
One dosing regimen showed vaccine efficacy of 90 per cent when
AZD1222 was given as a half dose, followed by a full dose at least one

religious conversions by marriage

month apart, and another dosing regimen showed 62 per cent efficacy when
given as two full doses at least one month apart. The combined analysis from
both dosing regimens resulted in an average efficacy of 70 per cent.

I
All results were statistically significant. More data will continue to ndia’s ruling Hindu nationalist
accumulate and additional analysis will be conducted, refining the efficacy party approved a decree in the
reading and establishing the duration of protection. country’s most populous state
laying out prison terms for anyone
India to send Bhutan satellite in space next year: compelling others to convert their
Modi faith or luring them into these

aunching conversions through marriage,
the second officials said.
phase of The move follows a campaign
RuPay card, by hardline Hindu groups against
Prime Minister some interfaith marriages that they
Narendra Modi describe as “love jihad”, Muslim
announced that
men engaging in a conspiracy to
India will soon
turn Hindu women away from their
be sending Bhutanese satellite to space.
religion by seducing them.
"India opened its space sector for private enterprises. It will boost
Critics said the unlawful
innovation, capacity and skills. ISRO will be sending Bhutan's satellite next
conversion order approved by the
year and work on that is progressing fast," He said.
cabinet of Uttar Pradesh state, run
"Like other Indians I have great love and friendship with Bhutan, when I
by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s
meet you all its like meeting our own," Prime Minister told the Bhutanese
BJP, was aimed at further alienating
audience on the occasion.
"The relation between India and Bhutan is important and best example India’s 170 million Muslims by
painting them as aggressors plotting
for the world," the prime minister added. He said he is happy that 11,000
to weaken Hindus.
transaction took place through RuPay card in Bhutan, and if the Covid
Little data exists to show how
pandemic would not have hit the volume could have been greater.
many interfaith marriages took place
"From my visit to Bhutan, in the phase-1 of RuPay card launch, till now,
in the state, the first in the country to
11,000 successful RuPay transactions have taken place in Bhutan. Today
bring in such legislation.
with the launch of phase-2, we welcome Bhutan as a full-time partner in the
Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister
RuPay network," Modi said.
Siddharth Nath Singh said
Prime Minister along with Bhutan Prime Minister had launched the first
phase of RuPay card last year during his visit. prison terms of up to five years
Prime Minister of Bhutan lauded Modi's efforts in tackling the pandemic. were necessary to stop unlawful
conversions and provide justice
"
knot if there are no objections.
This
Hindus makes up 80 percent of
is just India’s 1.3 billion population. But
another agenda hardline groups accuse political
before the elections. parties of appeasing minority groups
such as Muslims for votes and in
There is nothing
recent years have stepped up a
like ‘love jihad’
campaign for a Hindu-first India.
that exists. People Nusrat Jahan, a member of
can make their own the national parliament from a
decisions, regional group most active in the
neighbouring state of West Bengal,
told NDTV television news channel
to women who have suffered
the decree smacked of politics - even
from them.
though regional elections are at least
Under the new law, a man and
a year away.
woman belonging to different
“This is just another agenda before
religions will have to give two
the elections.
months’ notice to the district
"There is nothing like ‘love jihad’
magistrate before they get married that exists. People can make their
and they will be allowed to tie the own decisions,” she said.
 The Indian Weekender Friday, November 27, 2020 WORLD 15

Australia opens up more NEWS in BRIEF

borders in domestic travel England to use testing to shorten quarantine for

boost, eyes vaccine

incoming passengers
E ngland will introduce a new system on Dec. 15 allowing passengers
arriving from high-risk countries to take a COVID-19 test after five

A
ustralia will lift more
internal border restrictions
in a boost for tourism as
new coronavirus infections slow to
a trickle, while first vaccines could
be available in March, a government
minister said.
Queensland state, a popular holiday
destination, will allow visitors next
week from the country’s two most
populous states, New South Wales
(NSW) and Victoria, after closing its
borders in August.
NSW has since notched a month
without any COVID-19 cases
where the source is unknown and
restrictions on arrivals from Sydney
will be eased on Dec. 1, Queensland
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.
Residents of Victoria, previously
the country’s coronavirus hotspot,
will also be welcomed if the state
has no new cases on Wednesday,
which would mark 26 days without
community transmission.
“Queensland is good to go,”
Palaszczuk told reporters in Brisbane.
NSW and Victoria opened their
border on Monday, while the South
Australia-Victorian border opens
fully next week, in welcome news
for local airline companies, Qantas
Biden names Kerry as US
climate envoy, emphasizing
Airways and Virgin Australia.
Qantas said it will run more than
1,200 return flights from Victoria and
NSW into Queensland in the run-up
to Christmas.
The moves will please Prime
Minister Scott Morrison who has
pushed state leaders to relax some
curbs to help revive the economy,
which shrank 7% in the three months
to end-June, the most since records
began in 1959.
Looking further out, Health
Minister Greg Hunt said Australia
– which has agreed to buy nearly
34 million doses of AstraZeneca’s
COVID-19 vaccine – is increasingly
confident it can complete a
vaccination programme after the
release of preliminary trial results.
“Our vaccine timeline is beginning
to strengthen. The news from
overseas is that we are on track for
first vaccines in March,” Hunt told
reporters in Sydney.
AstraZeneca said its COVID-19
vaccine, cheaper to make, easier to
distribute and faster to scale-up than
its rivals, could be as much as 90%
effective.
Australia has reported more than
27,800 cases of COVID-19 and 907
deaths since the pandemic began, but
estimates there are fewer than 100
active COVID-19 cases remaining,
mostly people in hotel quarantine.
Victoria said on Tuesday it had
zero active cases for the first time
in over eight months following a
strict lockdown after daily infections
peaked at more than 700 in early
August.
days of quarantine and to be released from any further self-isolation if
they test negative. Airlines and other companies in the travel and tourism
industries had been calling for such a scheme for months, having suffered
devastating consequences from a 14-day quarantine rule that has deterred
people from travelling.
“The move will give passengers the confidence to book international trips
in the knowledge that they can return home and isolate for a shorter period
if they have received a negative test,” the government said.
The new scheme will be open to all passengers arriving from countries not
featured on the government’s safe travel list, such as France, Italy, Spain and
a number of other major destinations usually favoured by British tourists.
China calls launch a success as robotic spacecraft
heads to moon
C hina hailed as a success its pre-dawn launch on Tuesday of a robotic
spacecraft to bring back rocks from the moon in the first bid by
any country to retrieve lunar surface samples since the 1970s, a mission
underscoring Chinese ambitions in space.
The Long March-5, China’s largest carrier rocket, blasted off at 4:30 a.m.
Beijing time  (2030 GMT on Monday) in a launch from Wenchang Space
Launch Center on the southern Chinese island of Hainan carrying the
Chang’e-5 spacecraft. The China National Space Administration (CNSA)
called the launch a success and said in a statement that the rocket flew for
nearly 37 minutes before sending the spacecraft on its intended trajectory.
The Chang’e-5 mission, named after the ancient Chinese goddess of the
moon, will seek to collect lunar material to help scientists understand more
about the moon’s origins and formation. The mission will test China’s ability
to remotely acquire samples from space, ahead of more complex missions.
GM will recall 7m vehicles for air bag issue
worldwide
G
eneral Motors Co will recall 7 million vehicles worldwide with
potentially dangerous Takata air bag inflators after a U.S. safety agency
said it had rejected the Detroit automaker’s petition to avoid the callback.
The recall is expected to cost the Detroit automaker $1.2 billion.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said GM

diplomacy’s role in the issue must recall 5.9 million 2007-2014 model year trucks and SUVs because the

P
resident-elect Joe Biden named former Secretary
of State John Kerry as special climate envoy, his
transition team said on Monday, a sign that Biden
is putting the issue at the center of his foreign policy.
Kerry, whose appointment does not require U.S. Senate
confirmation, will have a seat on the National Security
Council in the White House, the transition team said,
marking the first time an official in that body will be
dedicated to the climate issue.
Biden has pledged to reverse course on climate from
President Donald Trump, who doubts mainstream climate
science. Trump pulled the United States out of the 2015
Paris agreement on climate, and dismantled Obama-era
climate and environmental regulations to boost drilling,
mining and manufacturing.
While secretary of state under former President Barack
Obama, Kerry, 76, called climate change “the world’s
most fearsome weapon of mass destruction.” In travels
from glaciers in Greenland to the Solomon Islands, Kerry
has emphasized cooperation on tackling climate change.
He will face a challenging task gaining the world’s trust
after Trump’s rejection of climate diplomacy. As Trump
blasted the Paris agreement as being too expensive for
Americans, China, the world’s top greenhouse gas emitter,
positioned itself as a catalyst on climate, announcing new
targets in September to cut pollution.
Before the landmark Paris agreement, Kerry pushed
for China and the United States, the world’s second-
leading emitter, to agree on emissions targets and work
toward a global deal. Kerry, who was also a longtime
liberal senator from Massachusetts and 2004 Democratic
presidential nominee, will likely get a quick start as Biden
has pledged to rejoin the Paris agreement soon after he
comes into office.
NATIONAL SECURITY ISSUE
Unlike Trump, Biden believes climate change puts
national security at risk because it leads to regional
instability and requires more humanitarian missions by
the U.S. military.
The Biden administration, which takes office on Jan.
20, will likely help push countries to transition away from
coal, oil and natural gas, develop renewable power and
advanced batteries, and conserve delicate ecosystems like
forests. The job will require Kerry to go beyond advocating
for action under the U.N. framework for climate.
“He is very well aware that the remit for the next few
years is not to sit in big U.N. negotiation halls putting
the final touches on the Paris rule book but rallying the
world around key action areas,” said Paul Bodnar, a senior
director for energy and climate under Obama.
Kerry will also likely work with a counterpart in the
White House, expected to be announced soon, focused on
domestic climate issues.
inflators “are at risk of the same type of explosion after long-term exposure
to high heat and humidity as other recalled Takata inflators.”
GM has estimated in securities filings it would cost $1.2 billion if it
were required to replace air bag inflators it had sought to avoid fixing. The
company confirmed the estimated cost Monday. GM said it will recall 7
million vehicles worldwide, including 544,000 in Canada.
.Child Covid-19 cases in US approach 1.2 million
N early 1.2 million children in
the US have been diagnosed
with Covid-19 since the onset of the
pandemic, according to the latest data
of the American Academy of Pediatrics
(AAP) and the Children's Hospital
Association. A total of 1,44,145 new
child Covid-19 cases were reported the past week from November 12 to 19,
a 28 per cent increase in child Covid-19 cases in the country, according to
the AAP.
The number of new child Covid-19 cases is by far the highest weekly
increase since the pandemic began, the Xinhua news agency reported.
Children now account for more than 11 per cent of all confirmed
coronavirus cases in the US. The overall rate was 1,573 cases per 1,00,000
children in the population, according to the AAP report.
Children accounted for 1.2 per cent to 3.1 per cent of total reported
hospitalisations, and 0 to 0.23 per cent of all Covid-19 deaths, said the report.
"At this time, it appears that severe illness due to Covid-19 is rare among
children. However, there is an urgent need to collect more data on longer-
term impacts of the pandemic on children, including ways the virus may
harm the long-term physical health of infected children, as well as its
emotional and mental health effects," the AAP said in the report.

Biden cabinet a return of 'crisis tested' career bureaucrats with Ivy League stamp
T
he career bureaucrats are roaring
back. When US President-elect Joe
Biden formally introduces his national
security team to the nation on Tuesday, it will
signal a stark departure of Donald Trump-era
theatrics and the return to power of what the
Biden team likes to call "crisis-tested" subject
matter experts who are expected to bring a
more traditional style to governing.
Ivy League credentials, long years of
Washington experience and the unmistakable
stamp of the Obama years come as a package
deal in the first raft of Biden's staff picks.
Biden, however, will be the first President
since Ronald Reagan not to have an Ivy League
degree at the undergraduate or graduate level.
The first reveal of Biden's Cabinet also adds
to a growing list of women and people of colour
breaking historic barriers even as the President-
elect stacks his A team to reflect multicultural
America.
"These officials will start working
immediately to rebuild our institutions, renew
and reimagine American leadership to keep
Americans safe at home and abroad, and
address the defining challenges of our time --
from infectious disease, to terrorism, nuclear
proliferation, cyber threats, and climate
change," is how the Biden transition describes
the coming shift.
Secretary of State nominee Antony Blinken
has passed through Harvard, Columbia Law,
National Security Council, State Department,
Senate Foreign Relations, and the Vice
President's office.
Treasury nominee Janet Yellen studied at
Brown and Yale, led the Federal Reserve and
was the White House CEA chair.
Department of Homeland Security nominee
Alejandro Mayorkas has checked off multiple
boxes: Berkeley, Loyola Marymount Law, US
attorney, DHS, CIS, WilmerHale.
Chief of Staff choice Ron Klain has
journeyed through Georgetown, Harvard Law,
Supreme Court clerkship, House, Senate, Chief
of Staff to VP, and Ebola czar in the Obama
administration.
Incoming Director of National Intelligence
Avril Haines is a career veteran who has served
at the CIA, the State Department, and the NSA.
Haines studied at University of Chicago and
Georgetown Law.
 16 ENTERTAINMENT Friday, November 27, 2020 The Indian Weekender

MADHURI DIXIT NENE: BAFTA

Roles written for women these comes to
days are dynamic; she isn’t just a India to
wife, girlfriend or malicious woman identify,
nurture new
W
ith a career spanning nearly four says “it isn’t easy being in Bollywood”.

talent
decades in the Indian film industry,
actor Madhuri Dixit Nene feels it’s a
“The highs here are very high and lows are very
low, so it’s important to keep a balance. I would

T
good time for “women to be in films” as interesting give my family the credit for making me strong, he British Academy of Film
female-oriented narratives are being penned and my mom and dad taught me to treat everyone as and Television Arts (BAFTA)
there is a wide acceptance of such films too. equal, respect people and always be humble in life. is taking its first step into
“Times are changing and women are getting That’s exactly what I follow,” she adds. India with a talent hunt initiative
good roles. Indeed, for the actor, what matters the most is that lets the Academy identify and
"And these films, be it Badhaai Ho (2018) her work, which she loves unequivocally. nurture up to five talents working in
film, games, or television in India.
or Shakuntala Devi, have also done well. “What mattered is being in front of the camera,
The exercise, known as BAFTA
It’s a great time for women to be in movies being able to emote and play various characters.
Breakthrough initiative, is part of
as there are so many films that are being Everything else that comes with it is baggage. I
the Academy's year-round effort
made around their stories,” she says. mean the glitz and glamour part of it.
to support new talent, operating
The actor goes on to add that there “is a "These things never interested or bothered me. alongside their Awards ceremonies.
new sensibility” and the roles written for I was just someone in a profession which happens The programme has in the past
women these days are dynamic. to be acting. supported artistes such as Tom
“She’s not just a housewife, "Times "My mom encouraged me and gave Holland, Letitia Wright, Florence
girlfriend, malicious woman… are changing the right feedback and said when Pugh, Jessie Buckley, Josh O'Connor,
the characters are grey like and women are you’re in the limelight people and Callum Turner.
we really are, similar to those getting good roles. And will both praise and criticise you, Coming to India is part of
we see in life and society. I these films, be it Badhaai so don’t let the praise go into BAFTA's global expansion effort of
think that’s great,” says the Ho (2018) or Shakuntala your head and the criticism ever the initiative. BAFTA Breakthrough
actor, whose last Bollywood Devi, have also done disappoint you. Just be true to India aims at facilitating the
project was Kalank (2019). well." yourself and your work. development of relationships
As someone who has "That has been the principle of my between British and Indian talents.
witnessed many changes in the life,” adds the actor, who is presently In 2020, BAFTA will identify,
industry in all these years, Dixit is shooting for her debut web series. celebrate, and support up to five
happy with the focus now being on real "While she shot from home during the lockdown, talents working in film, games, or
life stories. However when asked about her it was only earlier this month that she stepped out television in India, through this
journey amid all ups and downs, the actor to shoot. program in the country. The chosen
participants will be offered a year-

Anupam Kher shares ‘treasured memories’ with long support programme from
BAFTA and be showcased across

Sridevi, Anil Kapoor as Lamhe clocks 29 years

India and the UK.
By showcasing talent globally,
BAFTA Breakthrough aims to push

R
eminiscing the fond
memories associated with
1991 romantic drama
film  Lamhe, actor Anupam Kher
took a walk down the memory and
shared BTS pictures, as the movie
clocked 29 years on the horizon of
Indian cinema.
The Special 26 actor shared a
series of BTS pictures to Instagram
as he celebrated the twenty years
landmark of the movie release.
The actor shared memories in the
form of pictures from the Yash Raj
directorial that also featured veteran
actor Anil Kapoor opposite late actor
Sridevi. The first snap captured a
humorous moment between Anil
Kapoor, Sridevi and Anupam Kher
The second one is a comedy scene
from the movie in which the Aiyaary
actor is in a black and white blazer
pantsuit with a black umbrella along
with Sridevi.
The third snap showed Anupam
dancing with Sridevi in a waggish
manner.
On the other hand, the last picture
is also from a comic still from the
movie showing the veteran actor
giving advice to Sridevi while she is
seen giving a quirky look.
The actor captioned the post as,
“Apart from the cult status our film
#Lamhe has acquired in the last 29
years, the experience of shooting
the medley on again and again.
##29yearsOfLamhe ##Romance
#Friendship #Love.”
Produced by T Subbarami Reddy
and Yash Chopra under his banner
Yash Raj Films, Lamhe features
Anil as Virendra Pratap Singh (
Viren / Kunwarji), Sridevi as Pallavi
& Pooja Bhatnagar; in a double-role
(both as mother and daughter).
"Apart
Viren, who falls for
from the cult
status our film #Lamhe Pallavi, but she marries
Siddharth(Deepak
has acquired in the last
29 years, the experience Malhotra). Both of them
for the film of shooting for the film die, leaving behind their
will always will always remain one daughter, who grows
remain one of of my most treasured up to look just like her
my most treasured memories" mother and falls in love
memories!! with Viren.
Especially the medley The evergreen song ‘Chudiya
song with #YashJi @anilskapoor khanak gayi’ (Bangles tinkled),
#WahidaRehman ji, Choreographer featuring Sridevi is also a part of
#SarojKhan Ji and the ultimate this movie. The film also featured
#Sridevi. We had the most amazing Anupam Kher as Prem Anand and
time filming it. You can watch Waheeda Rehman as Daijaan.
their careers ahead by helping them
to learn more about the industry,
overcome barriers to progression,
and network globally with people
who can influence their careers.
BAFTA Breakthrough India is a
new international iteration of the
successful Breakthrough initiative,
which has been running in the UK
since 2013 and China since 2019.
The effort was launched in the United
States this year, supporting over 130
emerging talents to date.
Industry supporters of the
initiative in recent years include
actors Oliva Colman, Naomi Harris,
Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton,
actor-producer Brad Pitt, directors
Tom Harper and Barry Jenkins, game
designers Brenda Romero and Tim
Schafer, and actor-writers Sharon
Horgan and Amy Schumer.
BAFTA Breakthrough will
showcase and support emerging stars
of film, games, and television in
India, supported by Netflix.

Indian cinema is not all Bollywood and that’s

a barrier that’s been hard to break:, says Ali
H
aving forayed into Hollywood, actor
Ali Fazal says he is thankful to Indian
actors who have worked for decades to
earn a level playing field for brown actors.
After making a name, trying to build a career
from scratch in a new industry is daunting.
It took years of hard work, steadfast
dedication and some fascinating career choices
for artists such as Shashi Kapoor, Om Puri and
Irrfan.
With these actors having chosen roles that
see them as actors beyond their geographical
identity, has laid the foundation of new-age
actors shares Fazal.
The Mirzapur actor adds, “Choices don’t
come to you on a platter no matter which
industry you belong to.
And when it’s an industry that’s not familiar
with you, your body of work and judging your
abilities from their own set notions, it’s an even
tougher feat. For decades, masterful filmmakers
and actors have systematically worked towards
depicting the real India on screen.”
After his Hollywood debut Victoria & Abdul
(2017), he is awaiting the release of Death On
The Nile and is looking forward to shooting for
Code Name Johnny Walker.
 “Indian cinema is not all Bollywood and
that’s a barrier that’s been hard to break. I am so
indebted to the incredible work of Irrfan bhai,
Om sa’ab, Saeed Jaffrey, Shashi Kapoor who
have strived to secure better roles and created
better opportunities for us.
A lead part in roles has been possible for me
because of their contribution and bravery,” he
signs off.
Buy with the world’s
leading business brokers
Dairy & LOTTO with 1 bedroom $130,000
East Auckland
· Weekly T/O $9-10K & LOTTO $4-5k
· Potential to add owers & scoop ice-cream
· No supermarkets around & supportive
neighbourhood
· Reasonable rent & long lease
· Price plus stock (approx. $40,000)
linkbusiness.co.nz/EL02663
Ron Vazirani 021 294 2978
ron.vazirani@linkbusiness.co.nz
Bakers Delight Franchise $399,000
Auckland
· Turnover $11,000 to $12,000 per week
· Fantastic Margins. SDE $120,000.
· Extensive training provided – No baking
experience needed
· Price plus stock
· Low rent. $724.78 per wk (incl OPEX GST &
water)
linkbusiness.co.nz/EL02826
Ron Vazirani 021 294 2978
ron.vazirani@linkbusiness.co.nz
6 Day LOTTO & Gift Shop $179,000
Central Auckland
· Mall Entrance location
· Shop T/O $7-8k, LOTTO T/O $25-30k
· Huge potential to stock gift hampers
· Short operating hours
· Rent only $542 + GST per week
· Price plus stock
linkbusiness.co.nz/EL02791
Anil Vazirani 021 0277 8149
anil.vazirani@linkbusiness.co.nz
Pizza Hut Franchise - New Fitout $480,000
Central Auckland
· Weekly turnover $17,000 with great margins
· Award winning franchise
· Huge operating territory
· Lots of parking on site
· Rent $807.70 + GST per week & long lease
· Price plus stock (approxx. $5,000)
linkbusiness.co.nz/EL02748
Anil Vazirani 021 0277 8149
anil.vazirani@linkbusiness.co.nz
Spacious Convenience Store & Lotto $85,000
Auckland
· Shop turnover $10-12k p/w, LOTTO $15k p/w
· Option to purchase leasehold – Pay only $500
ground rent
· Gross Prot 30%
· High-end location with ample parking
· Price plus stock
linkbusiness.co.nz/EL02629
Anil Vazirani 021 0277 8149
anil.vazirani@linkbusiness.co.nz
Leading Service Provider $389,000 2 Premium Liquor Outlets $1,440,000
Central Auckland New Plymouth
· Master franchise; $149k Net Prot · Total T/O $85,000 per week with 20% GP
· No lease, no stock, no groundwork · Fully staff managed – owner in Auckland
· Fully staff managed – Owner performs admin · Excellent franchise systems
duties · Lease till 2030 – Reasonable overheads
· Owner for 6 years · Price plus stock ($200,000)
· 19 Sub-franchisees & 90 service sites
linkbusiness.co.nz/EL02844 linkbusiness.co.nz/EL02554
Ron Vazirani 021 294 2978 Anil Vazirani 021 0277 8149
ron.vazirani@linkbusiness.co.nz anil.vazirani@linkbusiness.co.nz
Licensed Beach Café – 50% ROI $277,000 Service Station - Cash Cow $1,200,000
Western Bay of Plenty Marlborough
· Food/Bev Sales $12k P/W · Fuel turnover 2.8M litres per annum
· Low Rent - $788 + GST P/W. Great lease · Shop turnover $1.456M per annum
· 80-90 Seater (Inside & Out) · Renowned brand – extensive support provided
· Great quality chattels · Fully staff managed – Owner in Auckland
· Price plus stock (approx. $7,000) · Reasonable rent & long lease
· Price plus stock
linkbusiness.co.nz/EL02707 linkbusiness.co.nz/EL02873
Ron Vazirani 021 294 2978 Anil Vazirani 021 0277 8149
ron.vazirani@linkbusiness.co.nz anil.vazirani@linkbusiness.co.nz
Fantastic Liquor Store $230,000 Dismantler/Wrecker - Money Maker $1,390,000
East Auckland South Auckland
· Weekly turnover $16,000 per week · Multiple Avenues of Income
· Cheap rent of $577 per week · FY2020 Prot - $502,371
· Lease secured till 2036 · Full training provided
· Convenient customer parking outside store · Niche business - Exclusive supplier of major
· Huge growth potential brand parts
· Price plus stock · Price plus stock (approx $600,000)
linkbusiness.co.nz/EL02884 linkbusiness.co.nz/EL02856
Anil Vazirani 021 0277 8149 Ron Vazirani 021 294 2978
anil.vazirani@linkbusiness.co.nz ron.vazirani@linkbusiness.co.nz
Self-Service Laundromat $149,000 Convenience Store & Lotto $630,000
Auckland Auckland
· Screams potential · Shop turnover $30,000+ per week
· 30 years of ownership history · LOTTO turnover $13,500 per week
All LINK NZ ofces are licensed REAA08
· Very low outgoings - $2,350.50 + GST P/M · Busy, high-foot trafc location
· 14 dryers, 10 washers, surveillance system, · Fantastic gross prot margins
coin machine · Surrounded by complementing businesses
· Surrounded by complementing businesses · Price plus stock
linkbusiness.co.nz/EL02891 linkbusiness.co.nz/EL02527
Ron Vazirani 021 294 2978 Anil Vazirani 021 0277 8149
ron.vazirani@linkbusiness.co.nz anil.vazirani@linkbusiness.co.nz
Pita Pit Franchise $59,000 Entry Level Service Station $149,000
Auckland Palmerston North
· Turnover $7,000 per week & growing · Growing fuel volumes & shop sales
· 100% staff managed – Huge potential for · Owner operator takes home $80,000 per
owner-operator annum
· Extensive training provided · High margins on fuel
· Established brand with excellent support · Low outgoings & excellent back-end support
· Price plus stock · Price plus stock and bank guarantee
linkbusiness.co.nz/EL02882 linkbusiness.co.nz/EL00966
Ron Vazirani 021 294 2978 Ron Vazirani 021 294 2978
ron.vazirani@linkbusiness.co.nz ron.vazirani@linkbusiness.co.nz
For a condential chat about buying or selling your business contact:
Anil Vazirani Ron Vazirani
021 0277 8149 021 294 2978
anil.vazirani@linkbusiness.co.nz ron.vazirani@linkbusiness.co.nz
Awarded for LINK Ellerslie 2020
#1 Highest number of listings
#1 Most businesses sold
#2 Marketer of the year
#3 Broker of the year
Connecting business 0800 546 528
buyers & sellers since 1996 LINKBUSINESS.CO.NZ
 18 FEATURES Friday, November 27, 2020 The Indian Weekender

Healthy cooking every day Lighter Takes

& Easy Tips
Lamb Shanks in Chicken avocado salad
a rich gravy broth Ingredients
100 gm boiled chicken breasts
• 150 gm lettuce leaf
• 1 handful arugula
• 1 small avocados
• 100 gm cherry tomatoes
• 2 tablespoon red onion
• For Dressing
• 2 tablespoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
least oil.)
• 1/2 tablespoon dijon mustard
• Now, prepare the salad dressing my mixing together
Method red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, oregano, Dijon
Ingredients powder) into pressure cooker. • To prepare this salad recipe, peel the avocado and mustard, black pepper and lemon juice.
• 4 lamb shanks • Mix gravy powder with a small cut fine slices of it in a bowl. Next, wash the cherry • Once the salad dressing is ready, take a large bowl and
• 3 cups Massel* Beef Style Liquid amount of water to make a paste. tomatoes and cut them into halves. throw in the washed arugula and lettuce leaves. Add
Stock • Pressure cook for 65 minutes. • Peel and finely chop the red onion in a small bowl. the finely chopped red onion, chicken julienne along
• 3 carrots chopped peeled Release pressure to add gravy and Then, finally cut julienne of boiled chicken. Also, with halved cherry tomatoes and arugula slices in the
• 1 onion sliced cook for another 5 minutes. wash the arugula and lettuce leaves, and pat them dry. bowl. Pour the prepared dressing over it and toss well
• 1 mushrooms large • Serve with mashed potato and Keep these salad leaves aside until required. (Note: all the ingredients.
• 3 tsp garlic paste fresh spinach. You can also grill the chicken for better taste using the • Once done, serve with a bread of your choice.
• 3 tbs soy sauce NOTES

Grilled Eggplant
• 2 tbs Worcestershire sauce
• Really make sure you taste as you
• 2 tbs oyster sauce
go so the sauce doesn't become
• 1/2 tsp parsley Ingredients
too salty.
• 1 tsp thyme • 4 sliced eggplant/ brinjal • Cook them from both the sides
• You may like to add a 1/4 cup of
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary • 2 teaspoon virgin olive oil until golden brown in colour for
• 2 bay leaves red wine or balsamic vinegar.
• There is a bit of oil that sits on the • Sea salt as required about 10-15 minutes.
• 3 tsp Gravox gravy powder Method • Transfer the slices to a serving
• 1 tsp curry powder top so I used a few slices of bread
• To start with, wash the eggplants plate when done and drizzle olive
• 2 tsp pepper and sat on the top of the casserole
in running water and cut round oil on them along with sea salt
and it soaked it right up.
Method slices in a large bowl. evenly.
• This can also be cooked in the
• Brown shanks in a saucepan. Take • Next, put a grill pan on medium • (Optional: You can sprinkle
slow cooker for 6 to 8 hours on
out and set aside. flame. and heat a teaspoon of oil Italian seasoning for enhancing
low, just add your gravy an hour in the pan and quickly spread the taste of this dish.)
• Sauté garlic and onion. Pop
before serving so it has time to the round eggplant slices on the • Serve immediately or else the
shanks, garlic, onion and all
thicken. grill pan. slices will turn soggy.
other ingredients (except gravy
Manisha Koushik is a practicing astrologer, tarot card reader, numerologist, vastu and
fengshui consultant based in India with a global presence through the online channels. She is
available for consultations online as well. E-mail her at support@askmanisha.com or contact
27 November to 3 December 2020 | By Manisha Koushik at +91-11-26449898 Mobile/Whatsapp: +91-9716145644 • www.askmanisha.com
ARIES (MAR 21-APR 20) / Lucky Colour: Lemon SAGITTARIUS (NOV 23-DEC 21)
Your gift of the gab and negotiating skills Someone may keep you under close scrutiny
LEO (JUL21-AUG 20)
are likely to hold you in good stead on the not for any other reason, but to know you
You may not get the kind of support that you
professional front. You may be forced to do intimately. Your popularity on the social front
seek on the social front, but you will go ahead
something you are not comfortable with. is set to rise. A social event is likely to throw
all the same. Finding someone who will give
Discharging a social commitment is important the spotlight on you. Receiving gifts and money
a sympathetic ear to your personal woes will
at this juncture. Romance is set to enter your cannot be ruled out by some. Your inputs on the
prove almost therapeutic. You are likely to add
life through your own initiative. Don’t trust professional front may prove invaluable in the current situation.
to your reputation on the professional front.
anyone with you money as you stand to lose it. Lucky No.:11 / Bringing about a change in lifestyle will prove most beneficial on
Romance may enter the lives of the lonely hearts. Long pending
Lucky Colour: Violet the health front. Lucky No.:22 / Lucky Colour: Navy Blue
changes at home may be implemented now. Lucky No.:11 / Lucky
TAURUS (APR 21-MAY 20) Colour: Cream CAPRICORN (DEC 22-JAN 21)
Long term plans may need to be put into You are likely to win praise for something that you have achieved
VIRGO (AUG 23-SEP 23)
effect now. Although you remain with your You are likely to be on the top of the world. on the professional front. Don’t intrude upon
near and dear ones, you may find them aloof. Problems faced on the health front are likely anyone’s privacy, if you want relations to remain
You can get carried away by your popularity to disappear soon. Romance is likely to tug cordial. Some reworking may be required in a
on the social front and not notice people your heartstrings and make you go head over project or assignment submitted by you on the
conspiring to sideline you. Keep away from heels! Although you feel responsible towards academic front. Cut corners to save money.
careless mistakes, as they may put you in someone, circumstances may not allow you to Helping someone in dire straits on the social
an embarrassing situation. Financially, you will have to be more do much to help him or her out. You may undergo some anxiety front will be immediately reciprocated. Lucky
conscious of saving money for the rainy. Lucky No.:1 / Lucky in completing an assignment on the academic front. Lucky No.:4 / No.:2 / Lucky Colour: Orange
Colour: Electric Blue Lucky Colour: Dark Slate Grey
AQUARIUS (JAN 22-FEB 19)
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUN 21) LIBRA (SEP 24-OCT 23) You may find those around you heaping words
Someone’s mood swings may perplex you You will need to consider other’s point of you, of praise on you. Your apprehension about
and even hurt you, so try to see things from before you assert you own will. Someone in something is likely to be laid to rest, as it meets
the perspective of the other side to know the your social circle is likely to offer emotional your expectations. Romance is likely to sweep
reason. Health issues troubling some are security by becoming your confidante. A you off your feet. Be choosy in what you eat
likely to be addressed successfully. Taking the romantic relationship is likely to materialise to retain good health. Some of you can feel
approval of higher ups, before going ahead for those looking for a mate. Not getting dejected over a rejection, but remember, life’s
with your plans on the professional front, will things right the first time at work may count against you, so remain canvass is large and you will get a chance to
be a good idea. Stiff competition is envisaged on the academic front, alert. You may get hard pressed for time in completing something write your name on it too! Lucky No.:7 / Lucky Colour: Lemon
but your position remains strong. Don’t be hasty in a property deal. on the academic front. Lucky No.:6 / Lucky Colour: Peach
Lucky No.:18 / Lucky Colour: Dark Red Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20)
SCORPIO (OCT 24-NOV 22) You will need to draw the attention of someone
CANCER (JUN 22-JUL 20) influential, if you want a favour. Property
A profitable venture goes underway and
You may not feel too comfortable in a new
promises to get the cash registers ringing. You owned by you is likely to add to your prestige
environment, but little you can do about it.
will be able to keep your work in order on the on the social front. Your analytical prowess
Someone is likely to extend help sought by
professional front. Those in the hospitality is likely to make you a perfect candidate for
you at work. Previous investments promise
business may find the week relatively calm an important project or assignment on the
good returns. A family member may require
and peaceful. You may be moving towards professional front. Your attempts at a more
your help, but is reluctant to approach you, so
achieving something that you desire on the active life will help you remain in shape. Be
remain at hand. Someone you love may appear
academic front. Moulding someone to your way of thinking may careful so as not to hurt the sensibilities of a family member. Lucky
reserved, so give space. Those commuting will be much better off
give you an immense sense of achievement. Good news awaits you No.:3 / Lucky Colour: Red
taking a long cut and avoiding congestion on the road. Lucky No.:1
on the matrimonial front. Lucky No.:17 / Lucky Colour: Violet
 Award winning Real Estate Agent

What makes him one of the bests in the industry?

• A passionate, enthusiastic, and driven real estate
professional with a proven track record in sales
and negotiations.
• Committed to providing his clients the very best
in service, feedback and results.
• He strives to make the process of listing, marketing
and goes over and above what many agents are
willing to do to ensure property transactions are
smooth, hassle-free and enjoyable experience.
• A tenacious, energetic and driven with a fresh
approach to real estate.
• He intimates knowledge of the southern
and eastern suburbs of Auckland.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

• Platinum Award - Century21 Q1
Awards 2020
• Silver Award - Century21 Q3 Awards 2020
• Bronze Award - Century 21 Q4
Awards 2019
• #2 Top Sales Agent in New Zealand
Century 21 Q1 Awards 2020
• #9 Top Sales Agent in New Zealand
Century 21 Q3 Awards 2019
• #3 Top Sales Agent In South Auckland
Century 21 Q3 Awards 2019
• Captains Club Member 2017-2018
(Harveys & LJ Hooker Group)

To Buy and Sell

your property, Call:

GARY BAL
Licensed REAA 2008
Director and licensee Agent
Century 21 local realty
Email: gary.bal@century21.co.nz
Phone: 09 576 9960
Mobile: 027 604 0504