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Indian

February 1, 2013 Volume 4, No. 19

www.iwk.co.nz

The leading Kiwi Indian fortnightly newspaper

For Free distributioN

632 Dominion Rd | 195 New Windsor Rd, Avondale | 541B Sandringham Rd | 32 Queen Street | Unit 19, 185 Great South Road, Manurewa

Kiwi - Indian Hall of Fame unveiled

First Kiwi to chair Commonwealth Foundation

Sir Anand Satyanand has been appointed as chair of the Commonwealth Foundation in London, the first New Zealander to be conferred with this position.

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www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | February 01, 2013

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Sir Anand to chair Commonwealth Foundation

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meetings of its Board of Governors, represent the Foundation at intergovernmental meetings and events, and serve as an ambassador for the Commonwealth Foundation, promoting the Foundations vision and values. Vijay Krishnarayan, Commonwealth Foundation Director said, We are honoured to welcome Sir Anand Satyanand as the Commonwealth Foundations new Chair. His background and experience will be real assets to the Foundation and help advance its agenda of citizen participation and inclusion in governance systems. In July last year, Sir Satyanand was selected as one of 12 people from around the world to serve on the board of the Indian Development Foundation for Overseas Indians (IDF-OI). His role in this prestigious foundation has been to oversee and co-ordinate social entrepreneurship and philanthropy to supplement Indias development efforts. Sir Satyanand, born in an Indo-Fijian family, was the 19th Governor-General of New Zealand and has also worked as a lawyer, judge and ombudsman.

he former GovernorGeneral of New Zealand, Sir Anand Satyanand, has been appointed as Chair of the Commonwealth Foundation in London. Sir Satyanand is the first New Zealander to hold this position and will serve an initial term of up to two years. As a former Governor-General with an impressive record of public service, Sir Anand is well qualified for this role, says Prime Minister John Key. He has had a long association with the Commonwealth, through delivering training for Ombudsmen, membership of the Commonwealth Trust, and contributions to the Commonwealth Law Bulletin, Key adds. The Samaritan, on the other hand, is humbled with the honour as much as delighted. I am delighted to be appointed as Chair of the Commonwealth Foundation and I look forward to leading the Foundations role of encouragement for the efforts of civil society organisations and professional groups, Sir Satyanand said. As Chair of the Foundation, Sir Satyanand will preside over

HONORS AND AWARDS


1982 - His Honour Judge Anand Satyanand 2005 - His Honour Judge Anand Satyanand awarded DCNZM (Distinguished Companion New Zealand Order of Merit) 2006 - His Honour Judge Anand Satyanand awarded PCNZM (Principal Companion New Zealand Order of Merit) 2007 - His Excellency The Hon. Anand Satyanand became the Governor-General of New Zealand 2009 - His Excellency The Hon. Sir Anand Satyanand awarded GNZM (Knighthood) and QSO (Queens Service Medal)

I am delighted to be appointed as Chair of the Commonwealth Foundation and I look forward to leading the Foundations role of encouragement for the efforts of civil society organisations and professional groups. Sir Anand Satyanand

Hall of Fame set to dazzle


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ndian weekender takes it up a notch with the launch of the Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame. Set to coincide with its landmark 100th issue, this first-of-its-kind initiative honors the pursuit of excellence and shares the papers vision of celebrating and engaging with the wider Kiwi-Indian community. Since its first issue, launched in times of economic turbulence, Indian Weekender has only gone from strength to strength, and has exceeded all expectations. Today, the paper claims over one third of the readership in the Indian diaspora of 110,0000 people catering for readers with cultural roots in Fiji, India, South Africa and the Indian subcontinent countries of Bangladash, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. People of Indian origin have a 150-year-old relationship with New Zealand and it is one of the fastest growing ethnic communities. Many have had remarkable success in their chosen fields and the dynamic roles they played, contributed much to the country. The story is still unfolding and the Hall of Fame will play a significant role in its telling. Such an initiative, which chronicles the journey and achievements of people of Indian origin, is long over-due. Watch this space for more details in the coming issues.

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www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | February 01, 2013

Divorce or separation: going forward by the book


ASHIMA BUDGOOJAR RAJ SINGH
If of couple have in New hen a When a married couple ormarried who have legally married havein a received individual isfor the couple. The joint application, or one party can least one the party must live children couples is still certify that you or both Separation Order not necessary. couple or one partner may 1. At who are under 16 years old (or, apply alone. couple or acouples civil union but have agreed to However, if one partner wants to counselling if other partner Zealand with the intention to live here innot have to attend entered into a marriage or civil union decide legal advice definitely has used does to separate, it whobehave entered livediscan the first step towards separately. The couple can separate and other partner violence or the couple hascan live together in special circumstances, 16 years The couple attended 2. The or older) the couple SEPARATION ORDER is an order made counselling the for a months. solution (divorce) of civil union a civil into a marriage or athe marriage or arrange a ASeparation Agreement not, one partner can apply to in the last 12 total of three months within couple is living apart will need to union. There are a it can be to Separation the a divorce is to prove 3. if satisfy the Court that they have or apply by the Family Court. If a Family a Sepadecide to separate,lot of things theconsider at to the Family Court for the couple has Court for a The only way to gettwo year separation periodThe couple have been living apart for at least two years every stage of this journey. Children should ration Order, they are free of any obligation to that the marriage has broken down irrecorder. Order. firstat the top towards dissolution Separationlive with each other. However, if the couple oncilably and is attheyend. The only way of that The couple agreed to separate attheir day an can satisfy the Court 4. the made arrangements for least two be step of the list, then the couple needs get to (divorce) of the marriage or ahome, and who has children, they both still haveAfter you apply for a Separation relationship has broken down to years ago day care, maintenance, and legal respon- proving that the main reason for this was to sort out finances, family civil irreconcilably is living apart for (reconciliation). other marriage their welfare, or, sibilities AGREEMENT Order, the Family Court will byback together two years. 5. The couplesaspects of or civil union has gets to keep are union. Therewhat. a lot of things A SEPARATION as parents. broken down irreconcilably Only then can the together more that there is a good reason why no Family at every New of this is an agreement that can help to arrange counselling for the couple. They can get back Court to consider Court in stage Zealand provides dissolve the marriage various Children should be at avoid any journey. services like counselling which can misunderstandings later. The couple or one partner may not than once, as long as the total time arrangements have been made. If the couple have children who are under or civil union. The two be helpful to the couple. Counselling can help the top of the list, then the couple their may cover issues such as day- have to attend counselling if other togetherperiod cannot be 16 years old The in special circumstances, 16 (or, granting of a dissolution year is not more than three the couple deal with the issues in It relaorder thedoes not need to satisfy needs to sort out finances,decide to work on care of and contact with partner has used violence or the months. family to-day couple will make these shortened, even if both years or older) tionship. The couple may that they have made Court order the parties agree to the the Courtarrangements into a arrangements their and who gets to keep together, children, division of any property, couple has attended counselling in or may home,marriage or civil unionwhat. their day to day care, maintenance, and dissolution. must meet choose to separate and live apart. Whichever The couple Once the for the or determine what the parenting Family Court in New Zealand and record the date of your the last 12 months. couple criteria for divorce: option they choose, services like separation. A separation agreement arrangements will be or, that there The only way to get a divorce followinghave been sepa- other aspects of their welfare, in the future. provides various counselling can make the rated for two years they is a good reason why no arrangements have decisions easier. The Court does not consider issues counselling Court provides 6 free sessions of verbal or written down. is to prove that the marriage has can contact the Family been made. The granting of a dissolution Family which can be helpful may be of make these property when At least get a divorce. order to the couple.whereby theycan help a coun-agreement deals with how broken down irreconcilably and is 1. Court toone of party must live indoes notrelationship arrangements into Counselling appoints If the counselling They then need to apply a Court granting a dissolution order. sellor and deal with can discuss their divide the couple the couple the issues in toissues your property, it has to at an end. The only way of proving New Zealand with the intention to order or determine what the parenting for dissolution of with the counsellor. their relationship. The couple may be in writing and a lawyer has to that the relationship has broken live here indefinitely mar- arrangements will be in the future. The Court riage. The couple can does not consider issues of relationship propA to work means the couple is still decide separationon their marriage certify that you have both received down irreconcilably is by living For Imore information apply together with a erty when granting a dissolution order. legally married or in a civil union but have The application, or apart apart for two years. Only then can 2. joint couple is livingone or civil to live together, orThe couple can legal advice regarding the issue of agreed union separately. may individual the Court dissolve the marriage or choose to separate and live apart. apply to Separation or Divorce, please If you need more information regarding party can apply alone. arrange a Separation Agreement or The couple can been living of Separation or Divorce, please the Family option a Separation Order. Whichever Court for they choose, A SEPARATION ORDER is an civil union. The two year period 3. The couple have live the issue contact: together least total of counselling can make the decisions order made by the Family Court. If cannot be shortened, even if both apart for at for a two years contact: Ashima Budgoojar / Raj Singh three months within RAJ PARDEEP SINGH/ A SEPARATION AGREEMENT the couple has a Separation Order, the parties agree to the dissolution. is an easier. Kenton Chambers Lawyers the two year separation ASHIMA BUDGOOJAR agreement that can help to avoid any misunOnce the couple have been satisfy the Court that the Barrister & Solicitor of any obligation to Family Court It may cover issues such are derstandings later.provides 6 free they as free If the couple agree to separate, a Separa- period if they can 4. The couple agreed to separate at Level 8, 300, Queen Street, sessions of care of and contact with children, tion Order isHowever, if separated forone years reasoncan this wastwoget back together Kenton Chambers Lawyers Auckland City day-to-day counselling whereby live with each other. not necessary. However, if two main they for least to years ago 358 1900 division of any property, and and the couple has children, they both contact partner Court to get a they appoints a counsellor record the date partner wants to separate and otherthe Family ("reconciliation"). They can get back together Ph: +64 9Ph: 09-3581900 of your separation. A separation need to once, long as couples marriage or 9 358 1903 ashima@kentonlaw. still have legal responsibilities as divorce. Family the couple can discuss their issues agreement does not, one partner can apply to theThey thenmore thanapply as5. The the total time to- Fax: +64 Email: may be verbal or written down. If theparents. Court for a Separation order.for dissolution of gether is notThe than three months. broken EMAIL: raj@kentonlaw.co.nz / agreedown co.nz / raj@kentonlaw.co.nz marriage. more civil union has with the counsellor. The couple must meet the following crite- ashima@kentonlaw.co.nz After you apply for a Separation Order, ment deals with how to divide your property, couple can apply ria for divorce: If to the Family Court will A separation writing the couple means and a lawyer has the couple agree to separate, aarrange counselling together with a irreconcilably www.kentonlaw.co.nz it has to be in

New Zealand

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www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | February 01, 2013

Despite disparities, its not all bad news for India

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his year began on a somber note. Regardless of social despair, inequality and gloom, social scientists and economists predict bright prospects for India in the longer term. A growing number of young talented workers, burgeoning income and savings, rising consumption and a middle-class set to grow; domestically, prospects seem reassuringly positive. It is only reasonable to assume that Indians will set their growth sights across national boundaries. Indian Weekender speaks to two iconic Indian banks with a presence in NZ to gain an insight into the value they bring to the lives of Kiwi-Indians and their plans for the future.

Bank of India P N Rao, Managing Director


1. Why did Bank of India decided to establish itself in New Zealand? Trade between New Zealand and India has been growing in recent years. Bank of India is globally very strong in trade finance and we see this as a significant opportunity. New Zealands large Indian population will be well served by us. This is a good opportunity, particularly as trade between India and New Zealand is expected to grow once the Free Trade Deal is concluded. 2. How does BOI think NZ customers differ from those in India? We have customers globally, and while their backgrounds and beliefs are different, one thing they have in common is that they expect great service and dont want to pay any more than they have to for banking products and services. NZ has some differences, I believe apart from extensive use of internet banking, a high penetration of debit cards and a willingness to use them for very small transactions. Every customer will find our extensive international network convenient and services at competitively priced banking services. 3. Does Bank of India Limited offer a full range of banking services? Yes, we offer standard retail banking products including savings and current accounts, cards, term and call deposits, international funds transfers and mortgage lending. We also offer trade finance and other products to our commercial customers. We constantly add products and services to the range. 4. What does BOI know about the NZ market? We know that its a technologically driven, competitive and profitable market. NZ banking customers are sophisticated around their use of technology and expect high quality service. Theyre also willing to shop around and it is not unusual for kiwis to have relationships with more than one bank.

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www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | February 01, 2013

NEW ZEALAND

Kapur at ANZ event


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Z agricultural produce has been given the official swaadisht seal of approval from Indias Masterchef judge Kunal Kapur. All New Zealand produce is among the best in the world and highly regarded in India, said Mr Kapur. It is terrific in traditional Indian food. Kapur was speaking about the food and beverage sector in India to ANZ customers involved in the sector in New Zealand. Sunil Kaushal, Head of India Relations at ANZ, said the event was about promoting the culinary ties between the two countries. India is already New Zealands seventh biggest market for exports, and this has risen by more than 160 per cent in the past five years, he said. Theres an amazing opportunity for our food and beverage companies here in New Zealand to capitalise on our good reputation over in India and explore the different markets there. Were hopeful that one of our customers products will one day feature on Indian MasterChef. Combining the artistic flavours and flair of Indian cooking with our world-renowned produce is sure to be a winner! Kaushal said.

Chefs Kunal Kapur and Brett McGregor at 2013 Seafood festival in Auckland

Chef Kunal Kapur wins Edmund Hillary Fellowship


igh-profile Indian chef Kunal Kapur has been selected for the Sir Edmund Hillary Fellowship for 2012. This years Fellowship will focus on promoting New Zealands food and beverage and tourism sectors to the rapidly growing Indian consumer market. Kunal Kapur is Executive Sous Chef at the award winning hotel Leela Kempinski, Gurgaon. The restaurant he manages has won the best Indian restaurant award for the last three years. Kunal has also been the host and judge on Indias popular Masterchef

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India television show, and Indias Food and Nightlife magazine has called him a Gourmet Guru. The Sir Edmund Hillary Fellowship is a tribute to the special contribution made by Sir Ed to New Zealands relationships with India and Nepal. Every year the New Zealand Government selects an upcoming leader from their respective field in India or Nepal to visit New Zealand. Kunal first visited Queenstown, and then toured Cromwell and its Farmers Market. He then travelled to Hawkes Bay and

then Auckland, meeting some of New Zealands leading food and beverages exporters.A high point of Kunals visit has been a joint cooking demonstration with New Zealand Masterchef judge Simon Gault at Aucklands Euro Restaurant on 25th January. Chef Kapur will also visit Waiheke Island while in Auckland. The Fellowship was presented on behalf of the Prime Minister by the Minister for Primary Industries, Hon. David Carter, when he recently led a business delegation of New Zealand food and beverage and agritech companies to India.

(L to R) Sunil Kaushal, Head of India Relations ANZ, Mark Hiddleston, GM Auckland, Commercial and Agri, ANZ, Ekta (Kunals wife), Chef Kapur, Ross Verry, GM of Agri and Strategy for ANZ

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www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | February 01, 2013

Hundreds converge at annual Muslim conference

Worldwide reformist movement in Islam work towards conveying the Holy Prophet Muhammads true message of Peace and Harmony to the world

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teachings of the Prophet Muhammad by some elements in the Western countries. In part this has been brought upon by the action of a small number of extremist Muslims, who portray Islam as a violent religion while nothing could be further from the truth, said Mohammad Iqbal, the National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in New Zealand. The holy founder of our community, Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad had made it very clear to all his followers over a hundred years ago that differences with followers of other religions should never lead one to vilify the founders of the community, as they have been granted this status by God Himself, and smearing their names will achieve nothing except causing anguish amongst their followers. This is the teaching that we as Ahmadis want to spread to all of New Zealand and throughout the world. Rev Rob McKay of the Anglican Church while speaking at the convention said, The Ahmadi communitys work in translating the Holy Quran to Te Reo Maori emphasizes the inclusive nature of the Islamic religion and negates the wrongly held belief that Muslims and Islam cannot integrate well into the society. A number of Parliamentarians addressed the annual convention and acknowledged the effective role the community was playing in creating a culture of peace and harmony. I would like to congratulate the tireless efforts of the leadership and the community on the integration work they are doing said Hon. Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi MP. Race Relations Commissioner Joris de Bres took the opportunity to recognize the communitys years of working with the Ethnic Communities, The work of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat in bringing different communities closer together certainly makes the job easier for us at the Race Relations Commission. The speeches during the two day event concentrated on various aspects of the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, and the need to ensure that this true picture is conveyed to the world to help remove the misconceptions associated with his holy character. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a worldwide reformist movement in Islam, with millions of followers in over 200 countries. The community was established in New Zealand in 1989 and is celebrating 2013 as a silver jubilee year with a number of events planned throughout the year. The worldwide head of the community, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah strengthen his hand), is expected to visit New Zealand later in the year, and inaugurate the first purpose built mosque of the community in Manukau as well as meeting a number of dignitaries. For more information contact Mr. Eqbal Khan, Head of External Affairs, on +64 21 1336146 or Dr. Nadeem Ahmad, General Secretary, on +64 21 242 2394

he 24th Annual Conference of Ahmadi Muslims in New Zealand concluded on the 27th Jan 2012. This years conference was attended by hundreds of members of the community from all over New Zealand. The morning session on the 2nd day was open to external guests, and a number of parliamentarians attended and spoke at the session. The theme for this years conference was Muhammad, highlighting the life and character of the Holy Prophet of Islam.Todays world has witnessed an unprecedented number of attempts at maligning the character and

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f you think you can groove to a Bollywood number, heres your chance. The Desi Dancing Queen 2013 invites all girls above 14, to participate in the local Bollywood dance competition. Presented by Tanya Arts Entertainment, the Desi Dancing Queen will be accompanied by Da Crew Challenge, which will consist of supporting dancers (both boys and girls) with each participant. So get your crew along. The competition will take place in July and the auditions are on.

I T
he Bollywood male dance competition, Indi King, will present its 6th anniversary edition on 9th February. Yogesh, the founder of the competition, has created yet another unique concept for his passion for dance and stage performance. The anniversary edition will also present the 2nd edition of Dance2 The Power of Two, a duo dance form that is open to any dance form and music genre. The duo could be of the same or different genders. Yogesh has designed a concept which is not restrictive to the talent of our local communities. Our youth have the opportunity to perform on a glamorous platform at a glamorous event centre, which for some is a chance of a lifetime, event manager Mumta tells us. Manish, DJ Gabbroo of Radio Tarana, is also a long standing guest artist, singer/dancer at the event and is always successful in re-energising the audience after the interval break. The host of the event, Dinesh Sami, tells us that this year, the contestant line up is set to dazzle all when it comes to talent and stage presence. Everyone is working so hard to perfect and polish their acts - this is a must see event, he says. Both the competitions have been designed fairly that participants have an opportunity to invite their friends and family to not only come and enjoy a family event but also vote for the dancer(s) they support. 50 percent of this goes towards the decision of who the winner is. And the remaining 50 is derived from the marking guide completed by the 3 loyal and professional judges, Viraf Todywalla, Gina T and Kunaal. So be there at Telstra Clear Pacific Event Centre. Pre sales are only $15 per person. Children under 5 years have free entry. Call on 021 0469 844 for delivery or pick up options.

For info on the auditions and the competition, contact Tanya Mehra on 6306718/ 0211598016. Tanya Arts is also opening a Bollywood Dance and Modelling School in South Auckland. Registrations for the March batch are open. Call on the above number for more details.

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www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | February 01, 2013

Remain flexible to get on the property ladder


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uckland has finished ahead of New York, London and LA to remain one of the most unaffordable cities in the world if you want to own your own home according to the recent Annual Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey. For those looking to buy step onto the property latter, it spells more leg work, thorough research and adopting a flexible approach. While buying and selling property remains a simple profit making venture for investors, financing a home remains a number one concern for buyers. Rents are high, houses are overvalued and saving for the down payment can take its toll. I lived no-frills for two years before I could manage to save enough to afford a loan, says Vinay Bhattacharya, an Aucklander and first home buyer. No treats or holidays, I shared a flat and minimized my living costs, but its paid off. He wants to remain upwardly mobile and plans to move to a better locality over time. Housing analysts say that the first home buyer or indeed any

home buyer; must have realistic expectations and be flexible in their choice of suburbs, just like Bhattacharya. Homes are long term investments. Financial analysts advise buyers to research banks, loan options and make smart choices. Each individual case is different and we advise clients to work out the number of years they think they will need to repay loans. This is the most important aspect of financing a home ownership project, says Ajay Kumar of Global Financial Service, an Auckland based

financial consulting firm. Banks too are increasingly sensitive to buyer perceptions and needs; and are willing to match a rival banks offer. Bhattacharya was surprised at the number of products available and that he could negotiate a good deal. Recently for instance, ASB is cut its three, four and five year fixed home loan rates particularly aimed at those looking for more certainty in their repayment. ASB has reduced its three, four and five year fixed interest rates to assist our customers who

want more certainty in their home loan repayments over the longer term. Our special two-year fixed home loan interest rate of 5.25% has come to an end, and the twoyear term is now aligned this with the 12 and 18 month fixed home loan interest rate of 5.45%, said Shaun Drylie, General Manager Retail Products and Strategy. Kumar advises caution and thorough research before taking the leap. And rightly so, according to a recent report, if demand for home loans was to rise significantly, and banks were

willing to lend, household debt could start moving back up. This could erode households resilience to shocks. Why are homes so expensive? Home ownership, historically very high in New Zealand, has declined over the last few years. Houses are now 80 percent more expensive than the historic affordability housing norm of 3 times the median income. It takes too long and costs too much to build a house in New Zealand, contributing to the high prices. Land supply is the costliest of ingredients that goes into building houses, more than even the actual cost of building the house. The population of Auckland is set to grow and there is obviously an urgent need for low-cost housing to meet this growing demand. In newly appointed Housing Minister Nick Smiths view there are no quick fix solutions. Just assigned to the portfolio, he is expected to work with local governments to bring home ownership back within the reach of all New Zealanders.

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www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | February 01, 2013

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Start 2013 with Badminton Tertiary Institutes


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holding NZ back?
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iwi tertiary institutions will need a radical shift in thinking when it comes to training the next generation of software engineers and developers if they are to keep up with the rapidly changing trends of the global market, says an Auckland IT expert. Manas Kumar, CEO of NZs leading technology firm, Optimizer HQ, says that the Cloud Readiness Index 2012 shows that NZ is falling seriously behind in the Asia Pacific region when it comes to readiness for widespread adoption of cloud computing services. The Cloud Readiness index has been designed to track the development of infrastructure in the country which allows for cloud computing across leading Asia Pacific economies. At the moment, New Zealand doesnt even feature in the top five countries. We are sixth, behind Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan. Id say we should be aiming for at least top three, because cloud computing is where Kiwis, with our unique sense

his February, Otahuhu Badminton Club will be holding a series of open days to welcome new club members in 2013.The club is excited to open its doors on Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th of February 2013, from 6.00pm 9.00pm, free for people aged 18 and over. This is the first time the club has held an open day in more than twenty years, and it is hoped the free night will encourage members of the community to try something new. All levels of players are welcomed to come along, with rackets available for free hire on the night, and coaching for beginners provided. Otahuhu Badminton Club is located just off the southern motorway at Seaside Park, 231 Princes Street East. Otahuhu.Since 1971 Otahuhu Badminton Club has operated from Seaside park as a not for profit sports club, run completely by community volunteers. The club itself was even built by volunteers, as passionate club members fundraised to build a purpose-built badminton hall.

Previous to this, the club had been gathering at the Otahuhu Community Hall, but use of the facilities here were restricted due to other functions and clubs, which also used the hall. Badminton is the

fastest racket sport in the world, and is great for fitness.The open day at Otahuhu Badminton Club could be the perfect start for those wanting to try something new this year and lead a healthier lifestyle.

of creativity and no. 8 wire attitude, can really compete with the rest of the world. Kumar says that the technological changes coming up in the market in the next decade will move at a faster pace than over the last 100 years. He also adds that the tricky thing about resolving scalability has been finding the right graduates to fill engineering and development roles at the company and this is where tertiary institutions need to start listening to the needs of the industry. At the academic level in NZ, I think there is still a lot of emphasis on theory. Its important to know theory, of course, nobody is saying thats not a good thing, but they need to have at least a basic understanding of the commercial world as well. Im only speaking in a very general sense, and I know some institutions are already slowly starting to do this, but they need to invite real-life businesses to come in and share their thoughts, give these kids an idea of what the challenges are in the real world, he says.

Cabinet reschuffle, two Ministers dumped


n a bid to give his ministry a face-lift, John Key has appointed three new ministers and a new speaker of Parliament. Nelson MP Nick Smith will return to a senior role to take on the Housing and Conservation portfolios. Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye takes over as Minister for Food Safety, Youth Affairs and Civil Defence. Additionally, she will also be Associate Education Minister. Senior Whip Michael Woodhouse will be the third new Minister, serving outside Cabinet as Immigration and Veterans Affairs Minister as well as Associate Transport Minister. David Carter has been confirmed as the Governments nominee replacement as Parliaments Speaker. Phil Heatley and Kate Wilkinson make way for the new recruits and will be leaving Cabinet on January 29.

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www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | February 01, 2013

11

Safer roads for safer journeys ANZ-UnionPay expand


Accident, speeding down and lowest holiday road toll recorded; 2013 to see additional measures to improve safety and lower risk

in Asia-Pacific
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KANWALJIT SINGH BAKSHI


in place a range of measures to encourage safer driving, improve our roads, and reduce deaths and serious injuries. Our Safer Journeys strategy has a vision of a road system increasingly free of serious injuries and deaths by 2020. To help achieve this, we have: Raised the driving age to 16. Toughened the restricted licence test. Introduced a zero bloodalcohol limit for young drivers. Doubled the maximum penalty for drink or drugged driving causing death. Introduced alcohol interlock and zero alcohol licences. Introduced motorcycle safety initiatives. Successfully changed the give way rule. will set out new measures to make our roads even safer. Recent results from the New Zealand Road Assessment Programme (KiwiRAP) show a drop of more than 15 per cent in fatal and serious injury crashes on rural state highways. The proportion of our state highway classified as high risk has dropped from 7 to 4 per cent. Speed survey results for last year show the percentage of drivers travelling above the speed limit on the open road has reduced from 31 per cent to 25 per cent. This research shows the number of road deaths would fall by about 4 per cent for every 1km/h reduction in average speed. The record low holiday road toll, and another low annual toll for 2012 is great news, but we need to keep up the effort. Its important that every road user - drivers, riders, passengers, and pedestrians continues to play their part in keeping our roads safe.

or most of us the summer holidays have drawn to a close for another year. As 2013 gets underway its a good chance to reflect on a great milestone achieved over the break the lowest holiday road toll recorded. Six people were killed on our roads during the official holiday period from December 24 to January 3. Each one of these deaths is a tragedy, and a terrible loss for families and loved ones. Compared to the 2011/2012 holiday road toll of 19, it is encouraging to see such a huge drop but the low figure is nothing to be complacent about. Many of you will have travelled away from home over the holidays, and youll know the stresses involved. Fatigue, time pressure, traffic jams, and distractions all play a part in accidents, especially at this time of year. While some accidents are simply a result of wrong place, wrong time, National has put

The Government will also be releasing the next Safer Journeys Action Plan later in the year which

NZ has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UnionPay International to expand card payment options for its customers throughout Asia Pacific. As part of the MoU, ANZ and UnionPay International have committed to enabling ANZ China to issue UnionPay debit cards and for ANZs existing payment network in Australia, New Zealand and selected Asian countries to be opened up to UnionPay cardholders. ANZ CEO Australia and Head of Global Retail Philip Chronican said: As the first and only locally incorporated Australian bank in China, it makes sense for ANZ to partner with UnionPay International and make it easier for our customers to make payments as they travel and conduct business through the region. An important part of our super regional strategy is to support our retail customers crossborder activities and with the increase in commerce, tourism and

migration originating from China we look forward to a longterm relationship with UnionPay International that will benefit our customers, Mr Chronican said. The International MoU sets out the areas of intended cooperation and is expected to be formalised into a commercial framework later in 2013. UnionPay International Co. Ltd is a subsidiary of China UnionPay. To date, the UnionPay card network has been extended to all cities and rural areas in China as well as 135 countries and regions. ANZ has had a presence in China since 1986 and is the only Australian bank to be locallyincorporated in China licensed to provide full RMB services to its retail customers. ANZ now has branches in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Chongqing, a 100% ANZ-owned rural bank in Liangping County, an operations hub in Chengdu and strategic partnerships with Shanghai Rural Commercial Bank and Bank of Tianjin.

Making of a businesswoman
ARWA JANJALI
midst all the conventions and stereotypes that engulf Indian women, there have increasingly been examples of those too, who have dared to break norms and be exceptions. Ranjna Patel is one of them. At the age of a grandmother, the latest addition to Ranjnas extensively impressive profile is the designation of a leading Indian banks director. However, when Bank of Baroda decided to get her on board, she wasnt sure if she had the skills to justify her role. I have business expertise but no banking knowledge, she says, reverberating her utmost wonder at the news first. So I think this position is going to be more strategic, that of a trusty, she adds on a matter-offactly level. Talking about the lack of a banking background, the dynamic businesswoman has never really had any formal education in business too. Attributing her sharp business skills to common sense, its been 35 years of prolific entrepreneurship for Ranjna. For the unaware, she is the driving force behind the success story of East Tamaki Healthcare a chain of 15 clinics in South Auckland providing cost effective medical treatment to patients, which she started with her husband, Dr Kanti Patel, three decades ago. My husband gave me the chance. He has visionary ideas and I have the practical acumen and community reach to execute those ideas. I am a critique of his ideation

and good with detailed operational work, and getting things done. So we rely on each other, she tells us. Coming from a conservative Gujarati family, it must have been quite a challenge for Ranjna way back in the 70s, to help her husband start his business in Auckland as opposed to taking care of the house. Well, support starts from home. Like-mindedness is the key. Also, I have always believed that barriers work in favour of Indian women. When a working woman is expected to be a homemaker too, it only helps in bringing out her capabilities. Thats the strength of Indian women, she reveals. But for Ranjna, life doesnt stop at home and work. She has consistently used her business and delivery model, along with the vast talent of people behind her; to bring about the required change in the community. Through her expertise and manpower, she has been highlighting various womens issues and fighting for causes like domestic violence and equal opportunities for women. Her ministerial appointment on the National Advisory Council on the Employment of Women and her roles as an executive committee member of the womens wing at the Manukau Indian Association and as the chairperson of NZICA (New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants) Womens wing, enables her to continue contributing towards the Indian community. Heres one woman whos surely raring to go at nearly 60.

12

www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | February 01, 2013

NEW ZEALAND

Your City, Your Say


Pokie venues in Auckland
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Complete fire ban for Auckland


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ucklanders are invited to have their say on two draft policies which propose to reduce gambling-related harm by limiting the spread of venues that house electronic gaming machines and TAB venues. Auckland currently has 43 stand-alone TAB venues and 305 pokie machine venues housing more than 4,000 electronic gaming machines. The Auckland Plan identifies the need to minimise gamblingrelated harm and these policies are a tangible way to achieve that, says Councillor Cathy Casey, chair of councils Social and Community Development Forum. Consultation on the Draft New Zealand Racing Board (TAB) Venue Policy and the Draft Class 4 Gambling (Pokie) Venue Policy runs Friday, 18 January to Thursday, 28 February. Proposals and submission forms can be obtained from Auckland Libraries, service centres or by phoning councils customer service centre on 09 301 0101.

uckland Council has announced a complete fire ban for the region, including Great Barrier, Kawau, Waiheke and the other Hauraki Gulf Islands. Bryan Cartelle, Principal Rural Fire Officer says the ban is necessary because of the heightened fire danger and

predicted weather conditions. The forecast for a hot, dry long weekend with increased winds means a complete fire ban is the safest option. Both locals and visitors to the region will need to do their part by taking extra precautions and ensuring the ban is followed by everyone, he says.

This means all fires in the open air including rubbish fires, bonfires, backyard braziers, fireworks and cooking fires are banned. The ban will remain in place until the fire danger is no longer classed as elevated. Urban areas are also included in the fire ban, which has the support of the New Zealand Fire Service.

For further information please the rural fires page on Auckland Councils website or call Auckland Council on 09 3010101 to speak to one of the rural fire team. Anyone who sees a fire or smoke in the bush, parks or reserve land should call the fire service immediately on 111.

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www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | February 01, 2013

13

Make your city the worlds most liveable


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Our choices today define our future


PRIMLA KHAR
Across the world, there are numerous stories of abuse that go unreported. These are the nameless and faceless Sahar Guls and Nirbhayas forgotten. Dr. Primla Khar reflects on why it is important to choose role-models wisely and the urgent need for reinventing our world. responsible for stripping away any semblance of decency. Invariably, it is the man who, in the case of these women, and in the case of many faceless, nameless women, who has committed these offences. Research has shown that in most cases of violence against women, the offender is known to her. More than ever, as women, it is vitally important to form a collective voice of reason and make careful choices that will empower future generations. No two humans lead a similar life, though many factors govern the course of our lives, but merely born a woman makes us a part of a single community of sisterhood. If you look around you, you will find her as a partner in the much lauded Indian institution of marriage. It is she who secretly knows that her marriage is erected on the graveyard of desire, ambition and individualism; inevitably, her sacrifices weighing down the scales. She could be a friend, nourishing traditions with her time, patience and utter devotion, passing it on to the next generation, an epitome of compassion, love and quiet strength longing to break free. Madeleine Albright, the first women US Secretary of State once said, There is a special place in hell for women who dont help other women. The time is certainly right to re-imagine and reinvent the civilization as we know it, a little by little with careful choices, by moving away from being victims and more than anything, educating our men. That includes who we endorse. We owe it to ourselves and to one another as women and men, to ensure that another Nirbhaya doesnt happen. Women just like us in India, and the world over are trying to redifine our world. And choosing our role models with caution and care is a small, yet vital step in doing our bit. When we encourage our sons to be sensitive to the feelings of others and treating women as people first, we are taking another step towards a more equal world. Change can begin, right here, right now, close to home in our very own New Zealand. As long as we can find it in ourselves to reach out to those quietly suffering in private hells at the hands of people we see every day our friends, neighbors, family members - there is hope.

ow Auckland Council plans to create the worlds most liveable city in an affordable way is outlined in its draft annual plan. Now the council wants to know what Aucklanders think. Submissions open this week on the draft Annual Plan 2013/2014, the annual budget detailing on what the council plans to do over the next 12 months, as well as areas we are looking to make further efficiencies and savings. Feedback is also sought on the local priorities and projects raised by the local boards. For next year, the council is proposing average rates increase of 2.9 per cent, lower than the forecast 4.8 per cent in its Longterm Plan 2012-2022.This has

been achieved by proposing minor service reductions, increasing the proportion of costs recovered from service users for some fees and reducing corporate costs. The draft annual plan aims to maintain the momentum established through the Auckland Plan and Long-term Plan. Submissions on Auckland Councils draft Annual Plan open 24 January and close Monday, 25 February 2013. Local boards will also be holding community engagement meetings throughout the consultation period. For more information, including documents, to make a submission or details on local board events go to www.aucklancouncil.govt.nz/ annual plan

was shocked when I recently heard that some man thought Mike Tyson could be a good role model for the South Auckland men. It certainly couldnt have been a woman who in her right mind would endorse a man who physically and verbally belittles women. I had been quietly feeling the pain of three young women; Sahar Gul, Mah Gul and Malala Yousufzai. These young, courageous women were born in war ravaged zones. Born in a part of society where women are treated worse than animals. But what of those who lead a life of suffering, carefully concealed under a curtain of normalcy? It is none other than a fellow human being, the man, who is

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www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | February 01, 2013

INDIA

Gadkari quits; old-timer Rajnath to head BJP


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haratiya Janata Party (BJP) president Nitin Gadkari pulled out of the race to be party president, paving the way for veteran leader Rajnath Singh to take over as chief of Indias main opposition party. Gadkari resigned amid rumblings of a rift within the BJP. Subject of an anti-graft investigation, he said he was stepping aside since there was no consensus on his name for the top post. Even though BJP patriarch L K Advani was said to have been against Rajnath Singh being chosen for the top post, the 62-year-old emerged as the most widely supported leader. Yashwant Sinha and Sushma Swaraj were top contenders for the job as the party struggled to reach the traditional single-candidate consensus. BJP leader Mahesh Jethmalani, who had earlier threatened to challenge Gadkari for the post of the party chief, said he has been denied nomination by the party to contest against the party president. They arent allowing me to fill the form. My form should be scrutinised and rejected if I fail the requisite, Mahesh Jethmalani

In brief
India, Australia nuclear talks in March
NEW DELHI: India and Australia intend to begin civil nuclear cooperation talks in March this year. The decision follows Australias agreement last year to open negotiations to export uranium fuel to the energy-hungry third-largest economy in Asia.We shall be commencing negotiations on a Civil Nuclear Energy Cooperation Agreement in March, Indian foreign minister Salman Khurshid confirmed. Australia, which had earlier refused to sell uranium to India as it has not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty but reversed its stand last October.

said. Some say, it was much due to the clout of the Delhi-leadership of the BJP that Rajnath Singh made it as the frontrunner for the post even though the party did not make any official announcements till late in the day. However, announcing his decision to not stand for a re-election after months of speculation Gadkari said that he did not want the ongoing anti-graft probe to hamper the partys image. I do not wish that this should

in any way adversely affect the interest of the BJP, Gadkari, whose is under the scanner for the dubious funding of conglomerate Purti Group, said. The 55-yearold took over the partys reins in December 2009. Defending himself he added, I have committed no wrong or any impropriety either directly or indirectly. I shall continue to serve my party as a committed worker. I have conveyed my decision to my colleagues. Earlier in the week, income tax officials visited eight locations in Mumbai linked to 24 different firms that invested in or did business with the Purti Group even as Gadkari maintained that the allegations of wrongdoing against him were fabricated. Legal luminary and leader Ram Jethmalani, his son Mahesh Jethmalani and a host of other leaders had openly opposed the possibility of his re-election and had demanded that Gadkari must step down as the president of the outfit till a probe into the corruption charges against him cleared up. Gadkari has consistently denied any malpractices in his Purti group.

Indian student found dead in London


LONDON: British police recovered the body of an Indian student, identified as the missing Souvik Pal, from the Bridgewater Canal, near Manchester Uniteds Old Trafford football ground canal. The 18-year-old Pal had gone missing on the New Year Eve. An international student, he had enrolled for product design course at Manchester Metropolitan University and went missing while on a night out at the Warehouse Project in Trafford, Greater Manchester. He also worked part-time serving refreshments at the stadium and worked at Manchester Uniteds game against West Bromwich Albion on Dec 29. According to reports, he was last seen at an event on the New Year Eve around 11 pm and was reported missing by a flatmate the following morning. Souviks father Santanu Pal had travelled from his home in Bangalore to trace his son here.Several attempts were made to trace the teenager, including the use of digital advertising hoardings at Manchester Uniteds domestic Premier League of Football home game against Liverpool.The British police engaged in tracing Souvik, offered condolences to the family and extended their support.

India celebrates Netajis birthday


KOLKATA: Indians across the country on January 23, celebrated the 116th birth anniversary of Subhas Chandra Bose, who is more fondly and better known as Netaji or Respected Leader. The day is also known as Desh Prem Diwas and is observed as a holiday in West Bengal, beginning with flag hoisting ceremony in several localities, to pay tribute to the national leader. Netaji was one of the most prominent Indian nationalist leaders and was ousted from the Indian National Congress in 1939 following differences with the more conservative high command. He was subsequently placed under house arrest by the British, escaped from India in early 1941.He turned to the Axis powers for help and with Japanese support, he organised the Indian National Army, made up largely of Indian soldiers of the British Indian army who had been captured in the Battle of Singapore by the Japanese. His attempt was however short lived and its still an unacceptable issue for the Indians especially the among the Bengali community, that no specific inquiry was made into Boses mysterious disappearance or possible death.

India celebrates 64th Republic Day

Goa carnival to kick-off on February 8


GOA: Goa Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar announced the dates for this years Goa Carnaval a much-awaited event that is a major tourist draw. The Goa Carnaval is one of our biggest events of the year. I hope that this event becomes the second-most popular event of the world after the Brazilian Carnival. We have added more attractions this year including the food festival where we have involved 15 other states as well, Parulekar said. Highlights of the event include a vintage car rally, Serenade parade, Harley Davidson Bike rally and King Momos lead float. A fashion show by ace designer Wendell Rodricks is touted to be one of the main highlights. The festival, will feature float parades in four cities - Panaji, Margao, Vasco and Mapusa.

INDIA

www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | February 01, 2013

15

Rahul Gandhi promises change, reaches out to young India

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Indias Iron ore exports drop

ecently appointed second in command, Rahul Gandhi reached out to young India with a promise: vote for me, I will change the old ways. The irony is not lost on anyone though as after three days of brainstorming, the congress had to look to the family that has been at the helm of the party affairs for most of its long life to provide leadership. The average age of politicians in India is over 60 and Gandhis foray into this leadership role marks a shift in attitudes. Perhaps, in view of the 2014 general elections, the party is hopeful that Gandhi would be able to strike a chord with young and restless India. Touted in the media as the `reluctant prince, Gandhi in his maiden speech as the vicepresident of Congress gave a clarion call to transform India by empowering common people who are angry with the system for their exclusion. Why do only a handful of people control entire political space, he said. Power has been

and assured to centralized and we Why do only a handful empower the do not believe in empowering people of people control entire voiceless. Presently, the at the bottom. We political space? UPA government do not respect Rahul Gandhi is perceived to knowledge, we be disconnected respect position, he and aloof; out of touch with the rued. The 42 year old chose to speak sentiments of a majority of Indians. Increasingly, India has seen for the people and acknowledged the loopholes in the system that fierce protests against corruption forced the citizens on the streets and violence against women. The

congress party has been plagued by one corruption scandal to another. Political analysts believe that the Congress had very little choice but to choose Gandhi for the top job. They clearly needed a face that is somewhat recognizable across India. In India, personality politics has been quite successful in the past and Gandhis speech included references to his long political lineage. Additionally, Sonia Gandhis recent health issues mean that she would have to take a back seat in the 2014 elections. Senior leaders from the opposition remain confident that this move by the congress will not affect the public sentiments ahead of the general elections. If Gandhi is to successfully steer the party in the right direction towards victory in the 2014 elections; he will be up for a tough fight. Gujarat CM Narendra Modi is speculated to be the main contender for the Prime Ministerial seat for the opposition, the BJP. He is a favorite choice for many in a nation desperate for change and prosperity.

he mining ban in Karnataka, Indias biggest iron ore producing state and the crackdown in October last year on illegal iron ore production in Goa, one of the biggest suppliers of the material in the county have affected exports in 2012. China, the worlds largest consumer of iron ore, imported a record of 743.6 mt of the material in 2012. India supplied 10.6 percent of Chinas total imports last year and imports have been steadily declining over the last few years. Analysts predict that supplies from India are not expected to recover in the near term. South Africa overtook India and Australia benefitted the most as it strengthened its position as a top supplier to China. It will further benefit if the European iron and steel sector begins to recover this year; which will mean that South Africa and Finland will go back to delivering to their traditional markets.

THOUGHT OF THE WEEK

Dont be satisfied with stories, how things have gone with others. Unfold your own myth.

EDITORIAL

- Rumi

Sufi Saint (1207 BC 1273 BC)

Welcome change to WOF system

All work, but do they need to be paid?


POOJA SUNDAR

he Governments recent announcement of changes to the Warrant of Fitness system for vehicles in New Zealand has drawn mixed responses at all levels. Motorists whose cars are now less than 13 years old will only need annual WOF checks rather than six-monthly, under changes to the inspection system aimed at saving motorists $159 million a year. Associate Transport Minister Simon Bridges announced the changes after reviewing the WOF system earlier in the year. While some have labelled the change as compromising safety on the roads, others view it as safer vehicles with reduced cost. The new rules, which have the full backing of Automobile Association (AA), are the least extreme of the options that were considered, and remain more stringent than those in other countries. The AA feels the Government has acted appropriately in responding to the great improvements in vehicle safety since six-monthly inspections were introduced in the 1930s. While concern over compromised safety on the roads is understandable, there is no reason New Zealand motorists should have to endure more frequent WOF checks than their counterparts overseas. Some time ago, vehicles on our roads were aged and in greater need of stringent inspection routines because they were prone to defects. Also, because of strict controls by the Government, the fleets on our roads are much younger, and, because of rapidly advancing technology worldwide, they are more reliable. AA spokesman Mark Stockdale has said the changes would save time and money without compromising safety. The reduced frequency will be accompanied by more roadside enforcement of unsafe vehicles and better education for owners about regular maintenance. The AA believes this will result in safer vehicles at less cost, he said. Statistics show mechanical defects were involved in 2.5 per cent of all accidents and such defects were the sole cause of less than 1 per cent of all accidents. The changes include: * new cars will have an initial inspection but no further WOF check will be required until the vehicle is three years old. After that, they will require annual inspections. * vehicles which are more than three years old and first registered after 1 January 2000 will require annual inspections. * older vehicles which were first registered before 1 January 2000 will still require 6-monthly checks. The downside, as pointed out by the Motor Trade Association, is that the changes would mean the loss of more than 2000 jobs because fewer inspections would need to be carried out, pushing more skilled people out of the automotive industry. It would increase risks to motorists and ultimately be more expensive for them. While the onus is on the motorists to show greater responsibility in the care and maintenance of their vehicles, the Government is sure to have campaigns in place to drive home the road safety message. If there is a balding tire on your vehicle, one must be vigilant enough notice this and act on it. Heres one way to bolster the motorists knowledge of the workings of their vehicle and ensure genuine concern for road safety: hold practical classes to teach vehicle owners about the basic issues, and remedies, for their cars similar to the night classes being held at community centres some years ago. But hold on, didnt this very Government do away community education not too long ago?

- Arvind Kumar

Indian Weekender Volume 4 No. 19 Publisher: Kiwi Media Group Limited Managing Editor: Giri Gupta | girigupta@xtra.co.nz Editor: Arvind Kumar | arvind@indianweekender.co.nz Chief Reporter: Arwa Janjali | arwa@indianweekender.co.nz Chief Technical Officer: rohan desouza | rohan@ indianweekender.co.nz Advertising & Business Development Manager: Gaurav Gupta M: 021 292 4519 l gaurav@indianweekender.co.nz Accounts and Admin.: Farah Khan - P 520 0922 l accounts@indianweekender.co.nz Views and comments: e-mail at: arvind@indianweekender.co.nz Views expressed in the publication are not necessarily of the publisher and the publisher is not responsible for advertisers claims as appearing in the publication

ohn Key announced, at his first parliamentary address of the year, that more of the prisons in the country will be turned into working prisons. The government hopes to have at least 1400 inmates working full-time, 40 hours a week, by the end of 2013. Prisoner with severe addiction problems would be put into a full time rehabilitation programme instead of being required to work. Rolleston Prison, in Christchurch, is already functioning, to an extent, as a working prison in response to labour demands rising due to the rebuilding on the city after the earthquake. The men only prison houses 320 inmates in a minimum to low-medium security environment. The prisoners are required to work in one of the following fields: food preparation and catering, grounds maintenance, clothing workshop, farm work (including a piggery), organic garden and plant nursery. The Prime Minister hopes that the initiative will greatly reduce the number of re-offenders. Corrections Minister Anne Tolley believes that it gives [inmates] a structured day, helps with behaviour and [means] youre not institutionalising them too much before they go back out into the community. She further mentioned that the scheme would require significant infrastructure upgrades. Mrs Tolley stated that prisons would relish the opportunity to work, and be occupied idleness being one of the most hated aspects of prison. Rethinking Crime and Punishment founder Kim Workman confirmed this, adding that the principle that prisoners were lazy by nature was a myth, going onto say that most prisoners would enjoy the opportunity to work a 40hour week - their main complaint about prison is the level of enforced idleness. Green Party corrections spokesman David Clendon said while they supported the initiative in principle, the private sector must not be undermined, and suggest that the work be skills-based, meaningful and that inmates should be paid for their efforts. While this was surely said in reference to the fact that released prisoners have a difficult time fitting back into society financially, struggling with accommodation

and employment, Clendons suggestion essentially means that in going to prison, you are given a full-time job, all your meals, and, of course, under floor heating, a luxury which many common folk dont have in their homes. Each prisoners cost the tax payer more than $90, 000 annually. I may be coming off rather harshly here, but these people are being punished for their actions which society, based on a set of morals and values, has deemed to be wrong and harmful. Instead of regretting their erroneous ways, these men and women, are being bestowed with a perfectly set up system including expensive dental care, which again, many of us who work for a living cannot afford. In addition to this Clendon wants to pay them for their mistake, for being punished. While, I do not suggest that the products of their labour be given away, the proceeds need to go to the prisons, or more beneficially to the government which can then funnel them accordingly. All this said however, the initiative for working prisons itself is great and is something that should be executed in as many prisons as possible. This week, while listening to Leighton Smith on NewsTalk ZB, a caller suggested that the inmates work to produce electricity to power their own prison. I agree with Smith in saying that this would be a brilliant use of their time. It allows them to learn relevant skills as well as lessening the burden on the tax payers and government. Even with work sectors such as those in Rolleston, the prisoners learn viable and useful skills which will be useful and relevant in the event of their release while contributing to the economy and the nation. The work they do will be functioning as a sort of debt to society that they are slowly paying off, instead of simply just sitting on their backsides and waiting to be released. It is honestly rather surprising that such a scheme has not previously been implement ed and that it took an earthquake shaking up one of our major cities to kick start such an initiative in the nation. Lets hope that now that the ball is rolling, we see more viable prisons in the nation following in this route.

Pooja Sundar is a law student at the University of Auckland

indian Weekender is published by Kiwi Media Group, 98 Great south road, New Market and printed at APN Print, ellerslie, Auckland Copyright 2010. Kiwi Media Group. All rights reserved.

Our next issue will be published on Friday, 15th February

COMMENT

www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | February 01, 2013

17

Rahul Gandhi takes centre stage

SANJAY KUMAR
first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. preparing for the upcoming state elections The familys importance to the Party was this year and the general elections in early underscored when Sonia Gandhi refused 2014. The indication that this was a generational to lead the party after the assassination of her husband, Rajiv Gandhi, in 1991. From change was evident from the invitation that year until she reversed this decision given to a large number of young Congress in 1998 the party started crumbling and leaders to attend the brainstorming session, which only the senior its strength in the leaders are usually parliament declined asked to attend. to just 114 seats, Analysts say that the transition Analysts say that the lowest in the is in part a reflection of Indias the transition is in partys history. The changing demographics with part a reflection of organisation got a new people under the age of 25 Indias changing lease of life, however, demographics with after Rajiv Gandhis now constituting more than 70 people under the age widow took over in percent of the electorate. of 25 now constituting 1998. It was under her more than 70 percent leadership the Party managed to reenergize itself and returned to of the electorate. Moreover, Indian youth power in 2004 after being out of power for a appear to be politically charged as evidenced by their participation and leadership in the number of years. The big announcement concerning Rahul anti-corruption movement and the recent Gandhi came during a strategic conclave of protests following the horrendous gang-rape the party in the western Indian city of Jaipur, and death of a young girl in Delhi. The elevation of Rahul Gandhi should be where the partys central and regional leaders gathered over the weekend to begin seen in this context. Despite his notable lack of any achievements thus far, his youth and relatively scandal-free past make him the most palatable candidate for the Congress Party at this critical juncture. Furthermore, political analysts believe that if nominated, Rahul would be able to best his most likely competitor in the Prime Ministerial race in 2014Narendra Modi, from the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). They believe that a youthful and uncontroversial Rahul Gandhi would be more acceptable to the people and prospective alliance partners than a divisive Modi, who has a blemished record that includes presiding over the 2002 sectarian riots in Gujarat which, according to some estimates, claimed more than 1,000 lives, most of them Muslims. More generally the BJP is hamstrung by continued dissension within its ranks over who its next leader should be. All of this bodes well for Rahul and the Congress Partys political fortunes. The Diplomat

ast week, the Indian National Congress (INC) Party apointed 42-year-old Rahul Gandhi as its second in command, signalling a much anticipated generational shift in the party and a definite transition in the leadership away from his 66-year-old mother Sonia Gandhi. The official elevation of the Gandhi scion to the newly created post of vice president makes him a potential prime ministerial candidate for the 2014 general elections. As the son of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and current Congress President Sonia Gandhi, the young Gandhi has been active in politics for a number of years now. From the beginning, political analysts have speculated that he would ultimately be his mothers successor but he has yet to hold any position in the government or the party except being one of the many general secretaries of the organization. The Nehru-Gandhi family is the most popular political dynasty in India and they have been the undisputed leaders of the Congress Party dating back to Indias

Obamas big plans for India: What to expect?


SAROJ MOHANTY

s US President Barack Obama heads into his legacy-shaping second term in office, assumptions, expectations and suggestions abound about what his administration could mean for India with which he professes to have enduring ties. Given the bipartisan support and evolving strategic partnership between the two democracies, India barely figured during the election campaign. Outsourcing and visas were mentioned but as a glancing reference as part of the poll rhetoric. Obama has said India figures big in his plans, but it is not clear how and in what way he would direct US policy towards India in the next four years. A host of experts and US-based think tanks have suggested a to-do list as he prepares to announce his policy priorities in the inauguration address Monday and the State of the Union address next month. Some observers believe pragmatic Obamas second term would not differ radically from the first and US-India relations would be deepened with some new initiatives. Others say factors like the discovery of shale oil and gas providing the US with a strategic boost will influence its global relations and there could be a redefining of the notions of engagement. Outgoing Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has already spoken about the new means of diplomacy, what she called smart power that includes trade, technology and private investment, to advance US interests. And change has been a recurring motif with Obama as evidenced in the slogans of the change we believe in in 2008 and forward in 2012. It is believed that the president would be thinking of his legacy as previous re-elected presidents had pursued

international initiatives. It is therefore natural to expect some new issues and priorities that will shape US relations with the world and India. One such issue is global trade. The year 2013 is going to be quite an important year since 2001, when the Doha Round was launched and China joined the World Trade Organisation. By the end of this year, new WTO negotiations would begin on liberalising trade in services such as consulting, banking and insurance, and on expanding the 1996 Information Technology Agreement that eliminated tariffs on trade in devices like memory chips. These talks are likely to produce the biggest negotiated liberalisation of trade since the Uruguay Round of early 1990s. At the same time, negotiations could be completed on the first trans-Pacific free trade agreement and started on a trans-Atlantic deal between the US and the EU.

India had a glimpse of US trade agenda earlier this month when Mike Froman, an Obama administration adviser and possibly the new US Trade Representative (USTR), said the world has turned the page on Doha and indicated that the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) would be pushed as an alternative. According to Froman, major emerging countries like India and Brazil want to maintain their developing country status and do not want to open their markets. Froman has also charged India with blocking a trade facilitation agreement on infrastructure at ports and custom stations. The US and other developed countries have also begun pushing for early harvest agreements - the plurilateral or select group agreements on goods and services - ahead of the next WTO ministerial meet at Bali in December as the Doha Round is stalled. The Obama administration has also

signalled it would be push forward the New Silk Road concept mooted by Clinton an international infrastructure network that would remove barriers to flow of goods and people among countries of South Asia. Robert D. Hormats, Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and Environment, has spoken of an Indo-Pacific Corridor that would reach out to Southeast Asia, making the region a hub of global trade. There is a strategic angle to this. Following the pullout from Iraq, and planned drawdown of troops from Afghwanistan by the end of 2014 and Chinas growing assertiveness in East and South China sea, Obama has been reorienting US policy towards Asia-Pacific. Some believe the US interest in making India an anchor country for regional economic cooperation is aimed at gaining New Delhis support for facilitating its exit from Afghanistan. Hormat has indicated that success of Afghanistan would depend on the level of regional cooperation. The US has made a bet on India and would perhaps shape the context in which India would take its decisions. In Obamas first term, joint initiatives in areas like energy and healthcare were launched. In the second, both countries could collaborate on maritime and cyber security. However, it is felt that the Obama administration has failed to develop a sustained policy helping India achieve its economic and security goals. Obama has belied Indian hopes of US pushing reforms at the IMF and World Bank that would give its voice greater weightage on international fora. And a renewed move for the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) would only create more strain.

18

www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | February 01, 2013

INDIA

26/11: Headley sentenced for 35 years Greenpeace concerned IWK BUREAU over mining near forest
avid Coleman Headley, the Pakistani American who admitted to helping plot the Mumbai attacks in 2008 that killed more than 160 people, was sentenced for 35 years in jail by a US federal court in Chicago this week. Six Americans were also killed in the coordinated terror attack of November 26, 2008 in Mumbai now infamously referred to as 26/11.US federal prosecutors had sought a 30-35 years jail term for the 52-year-old Headley, in view of his role in the attack and his cooperation with investigators. Mr. Headley is a terrorist, the US District Judge Harry Leinenweber said while imposing the sentence on 12 counts in a packed court. I do not have any faith in Mr. Headley when he says that he is a changed person now. Many were surprised that prosecutors did not seek a life sentence for Headley. Headley entered into a plea bargain with the US investigators thanks to which, he escaped the death sentence. Gary Shapiro, acting US Attorney in Chicago said on Tuesday that the 30-35 year sentence recommended by the prosecution for Headley was fair. While his criminal conduct was deplorable, the uniquely significant cooperation which he provided to the governments efforts to combat terrorism supports the governments recommendations, he said in a memo to the federal trial of co-defendant and school time friend Tahawwur Rana, Headley admitted that he attended training camps in Pakistan operated by Lashkar-e-Taiba, on five separate occasions between 2002 and 2005. In late 2005, Headley received instructions from three members of Lashkar to travel to India to conduct surveillance, which he did five times leading up to the Mumbai attacks in 2008 that killed approximately 166 people, and wounded hundreds more. Earlier, Indias foreign minister Salman Khurshid expressed disappointment at Americas refusal to extradite Headley to India. The Pakistani terrorists who came via a sea route, massacred people wantonly in Mumbai attacking luxury hotels, railways stations, hospitals and a Jewish centre. Nine of the ten gunmen were killed by the Indian commandoes and cops after battling for more than two days. The lone surviving gunman in the attack, Ajmal Kasab, was hanged in India last year.

IWK BUREAU
lobal environmental pressure group Greenpeace has expressed concern over the coalmining parameters set by Indias Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF). The organisation, known for environmental activism feels that the forest and the species would become vulnerable by the process. Greenpeace senior campaigner, Ashish Fernandes said, The parameters themselves have some lacunae as the crucial element of livelihood dependence of forest-dwelling communities is completely ignored. Further, the criteria should have specified a clear prohibition of mining within 10 kilometer of the boundary of Protected Areas and Tiger Reserves, as recommended by the Supreme Court. This comes after the long overdue report of the committee to formulate parameters on inviolate forest areas closed to coal mining was uploaded to the MoEF website, 7 months after it was submitted by the committee in July 2012. Fernandes said, Given that civil society groups have been asking that the criteria be opened for public consultation, it is disappointing that the government now seeks to present these parameters as final. Over 1.1 million hectares of forest, the livelihoods of lakhs of forest-dwellers and the fate of endangered species such as the tiger, leopard and elephant will be affected by this process, he added.

court. Headley has been convicted of colluding with terrorist outfits such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and AlQaeda. He was once small-time narcotics dealer turned US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) informer who went rogue. In pleading guilty and later testifying for the government at the

Justice Verma panel calls for life-term for rape


IWK BUREAU
riticizing law enforcers and calling for police reforms, the Justice Verma Committee tasked by the government to suggest stringent laws against sexual violence submitted its recommendations to the Home Ministry. Though it rejects the demand for introducing the death penalty for rape, the report proposes punishments for a wide range of sexual offenses in its gamut. The panel recognized voyeurism, disrobing, touching, stalking, eveteasing, acid attacks as offences that are punishable, drawing applause from the womens groups and citizens many of whom hailed it as a bold document and a big leap forward. Significantly, the panel introduced breach of command responsibility making senior officers of the police and armed forces accountable for sexual crimes committed by their subordinates. Additionally, it also recognized the discrimination against the lesbians, homosexuals and transgender people calling such acts unconstitutional. The Committees criticism to some of the patriarchal and redundant features in the existing laws is bound to be welcomed by many in India. While expanding the previously narrow definitions of molestation, the panel has also asked for the removal of the archaic expression: outraging the sentence. A call for the public to send suggestions to the committee generated nearly 80,000 responses. Justice Verma said, this goes to show the extent of support for shows the sense of responsibility they have toward the discharge of their statutory and constitutional duty, he told reporters. The three-member committee headed by former Chief Justice of India J S Verma submitted its report to the government a month after it was formed following a national outrage over the brutal gang-rape of a 23-year-old medical student on a Delhi bus on December 16 and her subsequent death from the injuries. Justice Leila Seth, former Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court, and former Solicitor General of India Gopal Subramanian, are the other two members of the committee. Justice Verma minced no words when he said I was shocked to see the Home Secretary pat the back of the Delhi police commissioner for investigation in the Delhi gang-rape case when he should have ideally asked for apology for failing to protect citizens. There was nationwide outrage in reaction to this case with people taking to the streests in protest. Many feel that the time had come to revamp laws. The panel acknowledged contributions of the nations youth in bringing the crime on the national agenda for change.

Delhi rape victim aced last exam

modesty of a woman. The Verma Commission said the punishment for causing death or a permanent vegetative state of the victim shall be rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than 20 years but may be for life in real sense. The report said gang-rape shall be punishable of not less than 20 years and can also go up to life

Nirbhaya and the extent of anguish nationwide over the dangers Indias women face daily. According to the panel, hardly any Indian police chiefs responded to requests for proposals on ways to reduce gender-based violence. Verma called such an attitude laughable. If they considered this [commission] to be irrelevant, that

ai Institute in Dehradun, where Nirbhaya was studying towards becoming a physiotherapist, revealed on Wednesday that she secured a first division with 73% in the last exam of her life. Her teachers remembered her as a hard-working student, focused on a career in physiotherapy. Sai Institute also announced they would hand over a cheque of Rs 1,80,000 to Nirbhayas family in keeping with a decision the management took to return the girls entire 4-year course fee. 23-year-old Nirbhaya, who was gang-raped in Delhi on December 16 and died of injuries sustained in the brutal attack on December 29, had a total of 800 out of 1100 marks in six papers in tests conducted last year by HNB Garhwal University (a central varsity). Her parents were initially at a loss of words upon hearing the news. They said that they only hoped that their two other children would be inspired by their older sisters example. Nirbhayas brutal rape cause nation wide uproar. Indians globally united as one in demanding stringent laws to ensure a safe environment for women in India.

INDIA ABROAD

www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | February 01, 2013

19

Hindu temples open doors in Indian-Americans host inaugural ball Western Australia, Malaysia

IWK BUREAU
hree Swaminarayan Temple (Mandir) Perth opened in Bennett Springs after six days of Murti Pratistha Mahotsav (ceremony to establish the sanctum sanctorum), which ended on January 14. Celebrations included hawan, poojas, kathas, aartis, kirtan and rang utsav. Colin Barnett, Western Australia Premier, reportedly attended the opening ceremony. Statesman from Nevada, USA and President of the Universal Society of Hinduism Rajan Zed, on Friday, applauded the efforts of the temple-project leaders and the Indian community on successfully completing the temple project. It is important to pass on Hindu spirituality, concepts and traditions to younger people in an increasingly consumerist society, he said and added that he has high hopes that this this new temple would focus on improving the spiritual lives of people. There are approximately 12,000 Hindus in Western Australia, a mix of diverse nationalities. Having made Australia their home, many are originally from India, Fiji, United Kingdom, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Kenya and Malaysia. Their common faith is a single point of convergence which greatly contributes to their sense of belonging and identity. Similarly, Putrajaya, the seat of Malaysia government, will have its first Hindu temple in the near future. Expected to be completed in 2015, this unique one-of-a-kind first Lalithambikai temple in the country, inspired by the elements of South and North India temples, will serve about 10,000 area Hindus. Construction will begin in September. Project leaders plan to include 10-20 special pillars in the complex which will ring when tapped, reports add. Hinduism is believed to be the oldest religion in the world and is known as Sanatana (one without a beginning or an end) Dharma (faith). Closer to home, Hindus are the second largest faith-based community in New Zealand as per the 2006 census. Manukau was once dubbed Hindu capital of New Zealand by a former Mayor of the city.

IWK BUREAU

he Indian-American community held the first ever inaugural ball to celebrate US President Barack Obamas second term in office. Obama received overwhelming support from what is considered as an influential community. Commentators say that the Indian-American community has consistently backed the current president perhaps because of the connect and familiarity they feel with him. Some even attribute this familiarity with Bollywood films like My Name id Khan, where the Obama is portrayed positively. The inaugural ball signals a coming of age for the community that has made significant contribution to America.

Ex-ISRO chairman inducted into Satellite Hall of Fame

IWK BUREAU

rofessor U R Rao will join a list of over 40 illustrious space scientists like Dr. James A. Van Allen, Dr. William Pritchard, Dr. Harold Rosen, Dr. Joseph V. Charyk and Santiago Astrain. The former Indian Space Research Organisation Chairman and Department of Space secretary, is being being honoured by the Society of Satellite Professionals International (SSPI) by inducting him as a Member of the prestigious Satellite Hall of Fame in Washington. Since 1987, the SSPI Hall of Fame has been recognising the invaluable contribution of the visionaries who have transformed life on earth for the better through satellite technology. Members of the Hall of Fame are recognised pioneers in communications; satellite related aerospace scientific research or development and delivery of applications for business, institutions and government via satellite.

This is a solution to all your problems

20

www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | February 01, 2013

FIJI

Childs death highlights dire poverty


ARVIND KUMAR

High Court trial of a man accused of murdering his five-year-old son has highlighted a case of dire poverty that exists in certain parts of Fiji. The Citizens Constitutional Forum (CCF) has questioned whether the murder of a five-year-old child on January 27, 2012, in Naduna, Labasa, could have been prevented by appropriate intervention and assistance by the State. The murder of the child highlighted a serious breach of the Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC) 1989, CCF chief executive Rev Akuila Yabaki said. The Fiji Government at the time had ratified the treaty in 1993. The Governments Department of Social Welfare is here, in breach of the convention, by insisting that a marriage certificate be produced by parents as condition for provision of much needed help for the child. Government welfare should seek to be informed of the right thing to do towards fulfilling its responsibilities under the CRC and that whatever type of family children come from, no child should be treated unfairly. The CRC places on governments the responsibility to protect and assist

families in fulfilling essential role as nurturers of children. High Court Judge Justice Daniel Goundar last week sentenced 45-year-old Mohammed Shamim to life imprisonment for the murder of the boy after Shamim pleaded guilty to the charge on the earliest occasion. In his ruling, Justice Goundar highlighted the dire circumstances which led to the murder, the fact that Shamim assaulted the child out of frustration as he could not provide any food when the child insisted he was hungry and this highlights the immense discrepancies and red tape existing within various government departments to assist our citizens who live in extreme poverty. Handing down the sentence, the Judge noted that the family has no government supply water or electricity. Drinking water is borrowed from neigbours. For washing and bathing, the family uses a nearby creek. One would think that all citizens of this country should have at least the basic necessity of life, that is, safe drinking water available to them by the government.

The Accuseds wife told this Court that they were refused social welfare benefits because she could not provide marriage and birth certificates to the Department of Social Welfare. She said she could not afford to get her children registered with the Registrar of Birth. The Court has some empathy for her and her five children, now that her husband is going to be sentenced for murder. There is no doubt that this family is living in extreme poverty. I direct the Court Registry to forward a copy of this sentence to the Department of Social Welfare and Save the Children Fiji, with the view of providing the children with some financial assistance. Rev Yabaki said the CCF urged the relevant government department to immediately look into the plight of the family and others who might be in need of urgent assistance. It is heart wrenching that our citizens are unable to provide a single meal for their children while government departments are bound by unrealistic red tape which may have prevented such an incident.

Gun owner in court over boys death

he man who owns the rifle involved in the shooting death of a 6-year-old New Zealand boy in Fiji has appeared in court on manslaughter and firearms charges. Mohammad Rizwan Khan, a 34-year-old pilot appeared before the Lautoka Magistrates Court after 6-year-old Mohammed Khubeb Khan and a 14-year-old cousin Mohammed Nabil Khan were hit by a bullet as they were playing. The 6-year-old boy was pronounced dead on arrival at Lautoka Hospital, while Nabil has undergone surgery and was in a serious condition.The incident occurred on Saturday when the boys were in a vehicle where the gun was, The Fiji Broadcasting Corporation reported. Khan had a gun license which allowed him to shoot wild pigs and goats. He had been remanded in custody and scheduled to appear in again in court on Thursday. Fiji police spokeswoman Ana Naisoro said in a statement they were questioning the 14-year-old along with his parents.The Fiji Times reported the boys family had arrived in Fiji three weeks ago to help build a home in the Sabeto Highlands in the west of Viti Levu. A relative, Mohammed Nasir Khan, told the newspaper the family had just completed the home on Saturday. All our relatives had been invited for the opening of the new home, he said.Sadly we are no longer rejoicing but mourning the death of young Khubeb.Khubeb is the only boy in his family and he will be sadly missed by all of us. The family now reside in Auckland but always visited the country on many occasions. The Fiji Times said the family were cleaning up around the house when they heard the gunshot.They rushed to the scene and found the two boys on the ground with bullet wounds

www.iwk.co.nz

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www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | February 01, 2013

EDUCATION

NZTC Postgraduate alumnus finds work as a tutor


IWK BUREAU

i, Im Sabrina Sultana and Im from Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh. After graduating from the University of Wales Cardiff in 2010, I started working in a primary school as a teacher, where I got interested in teaching young children and decided to build a career in ECE. I wanted to study abroad, specifically in New Zealand, and when I started researching institutes providing ECE training in New Zealand, I discovered that New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC) specialised solely in early childhood education - I was very impressed. Later, when I contacted my agent, he also recommended NZTC. The faculties guided me all throughout my Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood Education) courses

during the tutorials. Studying via NZTC Online was very effective, as I could do the course readings at my convenience. The online discussion forum is like a classroom. The course has equipped me significantly as I feel prepared to take the lead in a managerial role at a centre now. I am now working as a tutor at a College in Auckland I love it! T h i s qualification is very much in demand and NZTC will guide all the students through the course. I couldnt recommend it more. For more information on studying early childhood education with New Zealand Tertiary College, please call us on (09) 520 4000 or email international@nztertiarycollege. ac.nz . Alternatively our website is www.nztertiarycollege.ac.nz

THE LEGEND

LIVE IN NEW ZEALAND

If you have diabetes this is information for you.


Make sure you have your new CareSens blood glucose testing meters and strips which are now subsidised by PHARMAC. Most people who use blood glucose meters will need to change to these new meters if they havent already.

You can get information from your pharmacist or doctor, or you can call 0800 GLUCOSE (458 2673) or go to www. pharmac.govt.nz/diabetes
Special information events are also being held around New Zealand check out the events in your area at www.pharmac.govt.nz/diabetes or by phoning 0800 344 899.

24.02.13

SUNDAY | START 5PM

AVONDALE COLLEGE HALL

AUCKLAND

FOR INFORMATION Call: 021 1216218, 021 992150, 021 355744, 021 1779975 or Email: nz.bangali@gmail.com
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SPORTS

www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | February 01, 2013

23

Young cricketers win sports scholarships


IWK BUREAU

Two young cricketers will focus on sporting careers after bagging the ACDF Mondiale academic scholarships

rett Randell and Ganesh Ratnasabapathy will receive up to $2000 of their tertiary education paid for thanks to ACDF (Auckland Cricket Development Foundation) and Mondiale. Randell will benefit from the scholarship for the next three years whilst Ratnasabapathy will receive funds for the coming year. Randell is a promising fast bowler who played three years of 1st XI cricket at Mt Albert Grammar School and is now playing Premier cricket for Eden Roskill. He has been a regular Auckland representative at age-group level and is currently part of the Under 19 team competing at the national tournament. He intends to pursue a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation at Auckland University of Technology majoring in sport and exercise science. Ratnasabapathy is another up and coming fast bowler who attended Auckland Grammar School and was part of their 1st XI for four years. He has now moved on to playing Premier Cricket for Parnell this season. He has also been part of Auckland representative teams and like Randell is at Lincoln representing the U19 side. He will commence a Bachelor of Health Sciences this year with the aim to pursue. The ACDF Mondiale Schiolarships have been running for nine years and have provided a number of young cricketers with the opportunity to pursue their studies whilst furthering their cricket career. Mondiale has been involved with the programme since its inception and Auckland Cricket and the ACDF would like to thank them for their ongoing and generous support.

The Auckland Aces are back in action


IWK BUREAU

Bowlers Lockie Ferguson and Bhupinder Singh join the Aces for their home Plunket Shield fixture with the Central Stags

he Aces, who are back at Eden Park to defend their HRV cup title, have lost Dean Bartlett to injury and Michael Bates has been included subject to his recovery from the calf strain that he sustained in the Aces last round loss to the Northern Knights. The Aces were drastically depleted in that game with Bates and Bartlett unable to bowl from early in the first innings and that undoubtedly had an influence on what turned into a heavy defeat.Aces coach Paul Strang is confident that his side can bounce back in this game. Theres no question there are some things wed like to change from that last game performance wise but a few things also went against us as well. We know this is an important game and that Central have been travelling well but weve been working hard since the Knights match and were in a good frame of mind heading into it.

24

www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | February 01, 2013

ENTERTAINMENT

Barfi, Kahaani take centre stage at Filmfare


ujoy Ghoshs Kahaani and Anurag Basus Barfi struck big at the Filmfare Awards this year. Barfi was adjudged best film and got Ranbir Kapoor the best actor (male) award while Vidya Balan bagged the best actor (female) title for Kahaani that also won Sujoy Ghosh the best director prize. The Filmfare Awards held Sunday were a star-studded experience with the entire film industry being in attendance. Shah Rukh Khan and Saif Ali Khan were in full form as hosts and kept the audience entertained with their hysterics. The lifetime achievement award went to late director Yash Chopra who passed away in October last year.

And the award goes to...


POPULAR AWARDS Best Actor: Ranbir Kapoor (Barfi!) Best Actress: Vidya Balan (Kahaani) Best Film: Barfi! Best Director: Sujoy Ghosh (Kahaani) Best Screenplay: Sanjay Chouhan & Tigmanshu Dhulia (Paan Singh Tomar) Best Story: Juhi Chaturvedi (Vicky Donor) Best Supporting Actor (Male): Annu Kapoor (Vicky Donor) Best Supporting Actor (Female): Anushka Sharma (Jab Tak Hai Jaan) Best Music Director: Pritam(Barfi!) Best Lyrics: Gulzar (Challa), Jab Tak Hai Jaan Best Playback (Male): Ayushmann Khurrana (Paani Da Rang) (Vicky Donor) Best Playback (Female): Shalmali Kholgade (Pareshaan) (Ishaqzaade) Lifetime Achievement Award: Yash Chopra Best Debut (Male): Ayushmann Khurrana (Vicky Donor) Best Debut (Female): Ileana DCruz (Barfi!) CRITICS AWARDS Best Actor (Male): Irrfan Khan (Paan Singh Tomar) Best Actor (Female): Richa Chadda (Gangs of Wasseypur) Best Film: Gangs of....

STARRY AFFAIR: (clockwise from top) Ayushmann Khurana receives his award while Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone look on, Vidya Balan gets her award from her idol Rekha, Karan Johar shares a moment with Madhuri Dixit and hubby Sriram Nene and the performers: SRK and Anushka

SRK on being a Khan

The actor pours his heart out in Outlook, on everything controversial


uperstar Shah Rukh Khan bares it all on what it means to be a Muslim in the Post9/11 world and how he became an inadvertent object of political leaders in first person account for Outlook Turning Points magazine, published in association with The New York Times newspaper. He also features on the cover of the publication. Titled Being a Khan, the write-up appears in the current issue of the magazine and the 47-year-old actor, one of the few Indian actors with international recognition, writes: I sometimes become the inadvertent object of political leaders who choose to make me a symbol of all that they think is wrong and unpatriotic about Muslims in India. There have been occasions when I have been accused of bearing allegiance to our neighbouring nation rather than my own country - this even though I am an Indian, whose father fought for the freedom of India. Rallies have been held where leaders have exhorted me to leave and return what they refer to my original homeland, added the superstar of Hindi cinema. SRK is married to Gauri, a Hindu, and has two children - Aryan and Suhana. I gave my son and daughter names that could pass for generic (pan-India and pan-religious) ones - Aryan and Suhana. The Khan has been bequeathed by me so they cant really escape it. I pronounce it with my epiglottis when asked by Muslims and throw the Aryan as evidence of their race when non-Muslims enquire. I imagine this will prevent my offspring from receiving unwarranted eviction orders or random fatwas in the future, he wrote. He said he became so sick of being mistaken for some crazed terrorist, who co-incidentally carries the same name as mine that I made a film subtly titled My Name Is Khan (and I am not a terrorist) to prove a point. Set in the post 9/11 US, My Name Is Khan focuses on religious and national identitaies through Rizwan (SRK), who has Aspergers Syndrome, and how his Khan identity becomes all important in a suspicious America. Ironically, I was interrogated at the airport for hours about my last name when I was going to promote the film in America for the first time, said SRK.

Audience is my godfather
ctor-producer John Abraham says he was set to pack his bags after Jism in 2003, but it is only because of the audience that he is still in the film industry. The audience has always been my godfather, my strongest force and they keep me going. When I came into the industry at the time of Jism, I thought I am going to be here only for three months and I will have to go back, the 40-yearold said here Friday at the shooting location of his new film I, Me aur Main. John further says his producers believe his best is yet to come. It has been more that 10 years now. My producers tell me, You have at least 10 more years, and probably the better 10 years, he said. Talking about I, Me aur Main, John said: It is a slice-of-life film. Like there was Wake Up Sid, (it is in a) completely different space, but a very real film. According to me, most of the women in the world will relate to this film. Your mother or sister or anyone will say, I have met a man like him in real life, John said. Apart from I, Me aur Main,

John will also soon be seen in Shootout at Wadala. After his success in production with Vicky Donor, the actor cum producer is also busy with his forthcoming productions Hamara Bajaj and Madras Cafe.

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26

www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | February 01, 2013

ENTERTAINMENT

Frankly

Speaking

Shootout at Wadala will have the first shirtless don. You will not get to see anyone else like this in Bollywood. No one will be able to compete with John (Abraham). Sanjay Gupta I cant be Salman Khan because there is only one Salman. Look at his charm, his charisma. It doesnt happen with every star. Manoj Bajpayee

FRAME THIS

i a Pushkar and Shash , Ritu Kumar, Sunand of a mobile clinic for Rushdie, Deepa Mehta lman in aid (From left to right) Sa ning, which was held ildrens Charity Scree or at Midnights Ch Tharo ren in New Delhi. underpriviledged child

Today, every film does Rs.100 crore business... so now its time to create a new trend, to make the Rs.200 crore club. Ekta Kapoor

Rekha, the Super Nani

Well, I am in Raju Hiranis P.K.. Will do anything in his films. Act, assist, spot, cater. Boman Irani

ne of the best dancers of her era, Rekha, last seen grooving to a dance number in the title track of Om Shanti Om, will once again put on her dancing shoes for forthcoming movie Super Nani. A film on womens empowerment, Super Nani shows how a grandson inspires his grandmother to do something worthwhile in life. Rekha, 58, is playing Sharman Joshis grandma in the Indra Kumar directed movie. Confirming this, Shabina Khan, choreographer of the film, said: We will be shooting for a dance number

with Rekha on Jan 25...All I can say, its a fresh and fun filled song. We recently shot for one song with Rekha, but in that song she was completely in her character. But the second song, which we will be shooting soon, will be fun, she added. The film is produced by Ashok Thakerias Maruti International and Anupam Kher too features in it in an important role.

Rekha is playing Sharman Joshis grandmother in the upcoming Indra Kumar directed movie

I am my own competition and I like to challenge myself and also there is an inner need to be different from the rest of the world. Anupam Kher

Juhi on all things comic


Govinda in films like Deewana Mastana, Bhagaywan and Radha Ka Sangam, to name a few. On being asked about her all-time favourite comedy film, she said: Andaaz Apna Karisma and Raveena also gave great performances. The entire star cast was great, added the actress. Juhi will next be seen in a childrens film titled Main Krishna Hoon.

It feels great! It seems my life is quite set... nazar mat lagao yaar (dont jinx it). Saif Ali Khan to reporters at a promotional event

ctress Juhi Chawla, who has entertained audiences with her impeccable comic timing in many films, says she is a great fan of Govinda when it comes to comedy. As a hero with whom I enjoyed and whenever I see him I feel he is such a fabulous actor, he is Govinda. He understands Hindi so well. His comedy is very rustic and connected with the common man, the 46 year-old actress said. His lifestyle is also like any common man. He does all that what his fans like. So I really think he is a fine actor, she added. Juhi has worked with

Govindas comedy is very rustic and connected with the common man - Juhi Chawla
Apna is my favourite comedy film and whenever I watch it, tears roll down my eyes while laughing, she said. Both Salman and Aamir have done a fabulous job in the film.

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28

www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | February 01, 2013

ENTERTAINMENT

Auckland Lantern Festival


Come to Albert Park and marvel at the hundreds of magical Chinese lanterns, enjoy delicious authentic Asian food and get excited by the cultural performances at the 13th annual Auckland Lantern Festival. From China, see the awardwinning folk/rock band Omnipotent Youth Society from Hebei, and hear Beauty and Melody, a classical music ensemble from Sichuan.

Waitangi Day Celebrations

Indian flavour at Fringe Fest

Let the music play

Prayas Theatre presents Thali a theatrical platter of four short plays that will be performed as part of the Auckland Fringe Festival in March. A delightful mix of fantasy, drama and comedy, the platter is sure to leave a memorable aftertaste. Treat yourself to this Indian meal. When: 3rd, 4th, 5th March 7.30pm. 8th March - 8.30pm. Where: The Auckland Performing Arts Centre (TAPAC), 100 Motions Road, Western Springs. Admission: $20 Website: Bookings at www.tapac. org.nz

The home-grown music festival, showcasing the regions rich creative taonga, again promises to be legendary. Summerfest is for everyone as its created to be a family friendly/no alcohol event. This years fest will enjoy a top line-up of Bay of Plentys homegrown musicians and performing artists, with a massive stage and non-stop music. When: Sat, Feb 2. 10am-9pm Where: Blake Park, Maunganui Road, Mt Maunganui Admission: Under 5s: Free. For more info, log on to the website. Website: www.summerfestnz. com

When: February 22-24, Friday to Sunday, 5pm-10.30pm daily Where: Albert Park and surrounding streets Admission: Free Website: www.aucklandnz.com/ lantern

Waitangi Day Family Celebrations 2013, in commemoration of the national day, is the Auckland regions largest Waitangi Day event. The event aims to raise awareness and understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) through the sharing of arts, crafts, music and food. This alcohol- and smoke-free event is supported by Auckland Council, The Ministry for Culture and Heritage, and Niu FM.

The Pride Parade is here

When: Wednesday Feb 6, 10am5pm Where: Barry Curtis Park, Chapel Road, Flat Bush Admission: Free Contact: For stallholder registrations, email the coordinator at waitangiday2013@ hotmail.co.nz. For more info, contact Nigel Borell on 262 8900 or mail on nigel.borell@ aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

With over 40 entries expected, the Auckland Pride Parade will be the highlight of the two week/ three weekend Auckland Pride Festival celebrating the Rainbow Community in the greater Auckland area, New Zealand and overseas. This years Auckland Pride Parade theme is One Community, reflecting a rainbow community that is one in its diversity and a community that has a place in a wider community. Expect explosions of colour, flashing sequins, over-the-top drag queens, wild dancing, fantastic music and even a choir - all performing on a stage over 1.5km long! When: Sat Feb 16, 4pm-6pm Where: Ponsonby Road Admission: Free Contact: Email Jonathan Smith at parade@aucklandpridefestival. org.nz

I have conquered loneliness

Acclaimed filmmaker Sudhir Mishra, whos helmed films like Chameli, Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi and Khoya Khoya Chand, talks candidly about the mixed reviews to his latest flick Inkaar with Subhash K. Jha
e believes his own imperfections reflect in the characters in his films, but filmmaker Sudhir Mishra says the audience doesnt enjoy watching characters which are a mirror of their own personality. Excerpts from the interview: The reviews of Inkaar are mixed. There are many things about me that offend people. If you see the National awards, my Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi wasnt even taken into the second round. Mr Basu Chatterjee was the chairman of the jury that year. Maybe he wasnt even shown the film by the rest of the jury. How did it matter that it wasnt even in the contention for the National award? Does anyone remember the film that got the National award that year? Martin Scorcese, a filmmaker I identify with, didnt get the Oscar for a very long time. Why is national recognition denied to you? Maybe because my protagonists are morally frail, I am not considered eligible for awards. People in this country often confuse a weak character for a weak performance. In Hazaaron.... Khwaishein Aisi, a lot of people preferred Shiney Ahujas performance to Kay Kay Menons performance for this reason. Audiences dont like to see a reflection of themselves when they go to cinema. Does that bother you? I never cared for recognition. Look back at some of the reviews that I had got for Is Raat Ki Subah Nahin. I dont object to critics opinion. They have their own reason for what they see, and say. But yes, I admit at this point of time, it upsets me to read some of the things being said about Inkaar. I dont think all the critics are looking at the film per se. I hope it does well enough for me to continue making the films I believe in. How do you compare Inkaar with your best works? I am not too sure where I place Inkaar among my works. Id say it compares with Chameli. Inkaar and Chameli are both urban fables. Some people think Inkaar is my best film. Youve treated the theme of sexual harassment without taking sides either with the man or woman. Dont you think fencesitting is a sign of weakness? No not at all. I havent pulled any punches regarding who is right or wrong. But I feel at the end of the day, the man is more wrong than the woman. Whatever she did didnt give him the right to behave the way he did. In the end, she leaves him in torment about whether she slept with another man, and walks away. If she had forgiven him, it wouldve been a total cop-out. Men and women at war have to finally come to an understanding, like India and Pakistan. How much did real-life incidents influence Inkaar? There were David Davidar, Pradeep Shrivastava... and many not so well-known incidents that were suppressed. For me, Inkaar is an urban fable about the manwoman relationship. Do you think urban relationships have become subservient to ambitions? Yes, subservient to extraneous pulls and pressures and to fantasies and delusions. People in relationships seem to value materialism over all else. And that withers away in a while. The surging stream becomes a pitiable trickle. What then? Todays average ambitious 20-something wants to go up there. When he or she gets there, only emptiness is encountered. At the end of it, were fighting imaginary wars. All that you are left with are shattered dreams. Ive seen many lonely men and women at the top. Love is the only solution. Not love in the way we see it in Archie comics. It can be love for even your work. Are you lonely? I love making films. So I am not lonely. Ive conquered loneliness. I But I am not falling into the trap of letting ambition override my love for filmmaking. I enjoy the process of making films. I feel connected with life and people when I tell my stories. The imperfections that you see in my characters are my own imperfections.

Sudhir Mishra with his muse Chitrangada Singh, who also starred in his latest flick Inkaar

REVIEW

www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | February 01, 2013

29

Off the mark, get set, go....


ARWA JANJALI
Film: Race 2 Director: Abbas-Mustan Starring: Saif Ali Khan, John Abraham, Deepika Padukone, Anil Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez Rating: ** o, lets get down to business. Is Race 2 the latest 100 crore film? Yes. Period. Who cares about the nitty-gritty of story and screenplay, when there are hot babes, hotter men, slick gadgets, cars, casinos and wait a minute... a heist of 15 billion Euros? The thriller of a director duo Abbas-Mustan, engages us enough in the glitter of all the moolah and their trademark whos with whom game, to think about anything remotely close to logic. Hence, Race 2 is racy, but, as adrenaline rushing as its prequel? Nah. The sequel is yet another revenge saga with good boy Ranveer Singh (Saif Ali Khan), bad boy Armaan Malik (John Abraham) and their sexy femme fatales Elena (Deepika Padukone) and Omisha (Jacqueline Fernandez). Thrown in for comic effect is the voracious fruit eater,

inspector Robert DCosta (Anil Kapoor) from the original, and his seductively dumb secretary Cherry (Ameesha Patel replacing Sameera Reddy in this one). After the disastrous attempt at remaking Italian Job (Players), Abbas-Mustan plays it safe with Race 2. Theres an evident effort to recover the lost money of Players by making Race 2 a winner in terms of box-office ingredients. So you have loads of sizzling moments Deepika sets the screen on fire ample of breathtaking

action sequences (the chase between Saif and a henchman on the streets of Istanbul especially, is well shot) and of course, theres the quintessential gizmo and machismo. But at the core, Race 2 is nowhere close to reigniting the magic of its predecessor. It completely lacks the gripping suspense and characterisation of the first one. Like Debangg 2, you see the desperate measures by the makers to recreate the essence but in vain. Even though Race 2 has its fair share of entertainment, it remains

a bad replica of Race. The latter was no masterpiece but had fleshed out characters, good music and humour in its favour. But Race 2 has only one thing going for it from start to finish Saif Ali Khan. Saif is the only reason why you would perhaps want to see the third part of this series too (its in the offing by the way). While many might opt for Deepika as the poster girl of this film, in reality its the charming Nawab. Like Race, he once again sweeps you off your feet with his charismatic presence. John, on the

other hand, does what he does best adds to the brawn quotient. But what you miss the most in this sequel is the eclectic music and on-the-mark humour of Race. The music is not even worth a mention and the humour is annoyingly titillating. Anil and Ameesha get the lamest parts of their career. In one scene, when the former is asked which fruit he hasnt eaten in his life, the latter promptly says, Cherry. LOL? Ameesha can officially say goodbye to films after this.

THE HOME OF

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COMING SOON
MT. ZION
WEDNESDAY 6TH FEBRUARY 2013
Singer Stan Walker makes his acting debut playing the lead role in feature film Mt Zion. Walker stars as Turei, a talented young musician with a dream for his band to win the audition to be the support act for Bob Marleys 1979 concert in Auckland. Set amongst a Maori family of contract potato pickers in Pukekohe, Mt Zion is a familyoriented story in which Tureis desperate ambition clashes with traditional whanau values, leading to an emotional showdown and powerful change. Rated: (PG) Coarse Language

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SPECIAL 26
FRIDAY 8TH FEBRUARY 2013
Special 26 is an upcoming Bollywood heist drama film directed by Neeraj Pandey of A Wednesday fame. The film stars Akshay Kumar and Kajal Agarwal in the lead roles with Jimmy Shergill, Manoj Bajpai and Anupam Kher in supporting roles.

SHOWING AT MANUKAU, WESTCITY & QUEEN STREET


Rated: (TBC)

FAMILY

GREAT VALUE

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FRIDAY 8TH FEBRUARY 2013
When Prabhu, widely regarded as Indias dancer is thrown out from the dance academy he himself set up, he decides to take up the biggest challenge of his life and takes a group of talented but untrained dancers from Mumbai under his wing. He helps them overcome their inhibitions, personal rivalries, their past demons and turns them into Indias best dance squad. Will he succeed? Rated: (TBC)

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30

www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | February 01, 2013

RECIPE

Rubys Kitchen
Ruby Dhillon

ras Malai
For the malai 2 kg- milk 1/4cup lemon juice 1cup sugar 6cups water 4-5 green cardamoms crushed Muslin cloth

strawberry summer dessert


serves approx. 4 1 kg- strawberries (2 punnets ) 2tbsp- liquid chocolate syrup 3 1/4cup- cream 1/3cup- powdered sugar 1tsp- vanilla essence 28-30- pink vanilla wafers

1 With a hand mixer whip cream while adding powdered sugar and vanilla essence to it until stiff peaks form. 2 Wash and slice strawberries into thin slices and keep few aside for decorating later. 3 To assemble, in a glass platter, spread a layer of whipped cream first 4 Arrange a layer of pink strawberry flavoured wafers. 6 Lightly cover the wafer layer with more cream followed by a single layer of strawberry slices. 7 Repeat three times until you have four layers. 8 Spread last top layer should be of whipped cream. 9 Top off with sliced strawberries and garnish with a drizzle of liquid chocolate syrup.

Dilute lemon juice with half cup of water and keep it aside. Boil milk in a heavy bottomed pan. While stirring the milk slowly add lemon juice to it. When milk starts to curdle (paneer) quickly add ice cubes to the milk so that it stops curdling further (this will make the paneer soft). Strain the paneer using a strainer lined with muslin cloth. Wrap the paneer in a muslin cloth, rinse under the cold water and squeeze well (this takes out

washes out the sourness of lemon from the paneer). Once drained, place paneer on a dry, clean surface and knead for 3-4 minutes until the paneer almost rolls into a smooth soft dough or use a food processor. Roll the portions of paneer in your hands until a smooth ball is formed then lightly press the ball until it flattens out and keep aside. In a pan boil water and sugar on the high flame. Add paneer balls to the sugar syrup, cover and cook for 10-15 minutes. Take it off the gas and let it cool. For the Ras 1kg- milk 3 tbsp- sugar 3-4- green cardamom crushed 11/2tbsp- sliced pistachios

1/2tsp- saffron Boil the milk in a heavy bottom pan, heat until the milk reduces to about 21/2cups ( make sure to frequently stir the milk while heating so that it does not get burned at the bottom). Grind saffron with small amount of sugar, then add to the milk. Add sugar and cardamom to the milk. Take the flattened balls out from the syrup and squeeze them lightly between your palms and add them to the milk, cover and cook for few minutes. Take it off the gas and let it cool. Garnish with sliced pistachios. Serve chilled.

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