Indian Weekender Vol. 6 Issue 04

www.iwk.co.
nz
20 June 2014
1
20 June, 2014 Vol. 6 Issue 04 | www.iwk.co.nz
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anw
aljit Singh B
akshi NATI ONAL LI ST MP
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www.iwk.co.nz
20 June 2014
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Any words we could express seemed inadequate
in the face of their tragedy. A wife who has seen
her husband die in front of her, an elderly father
who had lost his son and two children whose
own children would never have the grandfather
to care for them as they grew up.
There is no penalty that can be imposed
on the offender that can change this situation.
We need tougher measures in place to prevent
crime in the frst place. All that we can hope
for is that we can learn from this tragedy
lessons that can help prevent this sort of thing
happening again and again.
A week before Aruns tragic death I
expressed to the media in a press statement
my concern that too often ethnic communities
working in retail and service businesses were
on the front line of crime. I warned that if the
government kept cutting the budget for police
in real terms that we would invite more crime
by lowering the risk to criminals that they
would be caught.
It was, I said, no consolation to people who
daily were victims of crime to be told by the
Government that crime overall was coming
down. Indeed the police in April this year did
report a drop of 16,000 in the number of crimes
but that still left 360,000 crimes a year that
New Zealanders were victims to. Five budgets
in a row where each year funding for our police
has been cut in real terms is not good enough.
Nor is it good enough that police numbers have
been cut in recent years and community police
stations been closed.
In Henderson, other shopkeepers told us
they wanted a community police station and a
more visible police presence in the shopping
centre. They also told us that out-of-control
young kids have been a problem in the
community for quite a long time kids that beat
up other young people, shoplifted, pestered the
public for money and painted graffti.
The alleged offender in Arun Kumars case
is 13 years old. It raises a lot of questions.
Was he and the other offender attending school
regularly, if not where was the truancy service?
If his parents were themselves offenders what
was being done to try to lead him down a
different path? Why are young people able to
become petty offenders without enough being
done to stop them progressing to more serious
crimes as in this case?
We need answers to these questions and
remedies put in place so that Arun Kumars
death is not in vain.
Phil Goff is Mt. Roskill Labours MP
What lessons will we learn from the
death of Arun Kumar by Phil Goff
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U
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The alleged offender in Arun
Kumars case is 13 years old.
It raises a lot of questions.
Was he and the other
offender attending school
regularly, if not where was
the truancy service?
5
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d
e
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C
o
n
t
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a
c
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I am Woman
Immigration Scam
Auckland Events
Power Column
Modi goes to Bhutan
Change of guard at Infosys
Fiji News
Indias frst female surfer keen to
ride the waves in New Zealand
Misses are the Biggest Learnings:
Abhay Deol
11
8
Contents
15
17
19
25
27
29
A Family Business Affair
33
www.iwk.co.nz
20 June 2014
3
NEW ZEALAND
Swati Sharma
09 366 7792
A
West Auckland community has been left
reeling following the killing of a well-liked
dairy owner in Henderson on June 10.
Two boys, aged 12 and 13, were taken in
police custody in relation to the death. The 12 year
old boy appeared in the Waitakere Youth Court on
June 17 . He has been charged with aggravated
robbery. The other boy, 13 will
appear in the Auckland High
Court next week for the charges of
aggravated robbery and murder.
Arun Kumar, 57, owner of
Railside Dairy in Henderson, was
stabbed in the neck in front of his
wife. The killing has left not only
family but community at large, in
shock.
The killing was condemned by
the head of one of the largest community groups
in Auckland.
It is shocking, said Veer Khar, president of
Manukau Indian Association.
It may have been for a small amount of
cash but it is shocking, Mr Khar said.We are
experiencing the rise in violence and unfortunately
the government is not responsive enough.
Small businesses need security and such
incidents need urgent attention, Mr Khar said.
The Kiwi Indian community will mobilise
support for more appropriate government action.
Police arrived at the dairy on Great North
Rd around 7:30am just a few minutes after the
incident happened, Detective Inspector Bruce
Scott told a media briefng.
Ambulance staff gave assistance but Mr
Kumar had suffered a wound in his neck and died
at the scene. Mr Kumars wife was with him at the
time of the attack and was unharmed, police said.
Mr Scott said police had gathered CCTV
footage from the dairy and nearby shops and were
speaking to witnesses. Theres quite a few people
out and about at 7:30, he said.
Nearby shop owners described Mr Kumar as
a really nice guy who was well
known to other shop owners in
that section of the street.
Lawyer Bernie Allen, from a
nearby law frm, said he always
bought his supplies from the
dairy, and staff were shocked by
news of the stabbing.
They were the most beautiful
couple you could ever meet, he
said of the Kumars.
Were feeling deeply for his wife. Its too
early to understand it all but we feel like our
precinct, our people, have been violated.
He described the incident as inexplicable.
Im deeply saddened by it.
The funeral for Mr Kumar was held on
Saturday June 14, at Anns Funeral Home in Wiri.
Before that, a public viewing was held on Friday,
June 13 night at the Heaven Falls Funeral Home
at Henderson. Apart from family and friends,
Labour MPs Rajen Prasad and Phil Twyford
and Auckland mayor Len Brown also joined the
funeral to pay their respects.
Killing shocks community
T
he family of Arun Kumar says that it seems
like their lives have come to a standstill.
That Tuesday was the hardest day of our lives
and ever since we have had sleepless nights.
Arun was a perfect husband, a perfect dad
and a perfect son. He really cared about his
family. Weve been running the shop for the last 5
years and Dad loved his shop, he was very social
and always talking to everybody.
It was less of a job and more of a hobby
because he loved talking to people so much.
He was always chatting to the customers and
laughing with them. He had a very good sense of
humour, says the family
He was a very giving man and there are
many examples that people are telling us, about
how generous and kind he was.
Thank you to everybody who has included
us in their thoughts and prayers, it really means a
lot. There are so many peoples lives that he had
touched that we didnt know about and are only
fnding out about now and that is giving us a lot
of comfort, said the family.
The family has everyone for their support and
the media for respecting their privacy. They say
that the thought of the coming weeks and months
are unimaginable at the moment.
He was a very giving man, says
grieving family
Political leaders speak out:
The death of Arun Kumar is a terrible

tragedy and one that raises questions
about the law and our communities. Last
week I called on the Kumar family and paid
my condolences along with Labour?s MP
for Te Atatu, Phil Twyford. The community
has asked why there has not been a more
visible police presence in Henderson Central
with regular foot patrols to discourage
law-breaking. Labour would like to see a
community constable based in the town
centre, with a police staffed shop front on the
main street.
Labour will work with the Auckland
City Council, the local board, local retailers,
Police and the wider community to fnd long
term solutions.
- David Cunliffe, Labour Party Leader
Our community was shocked to hear of

the fatal stabbing of 57-year Arun Kumar
in Henderson last week. I was truly humbled
attending the funeral of a man so revered
by the community which he served. It was
an emotional atmosphere, commemorating
the life of a man taken from us to soon. My
deepest sympathies are with Mr Kumar?s
friends and family during the diffcult days
ahead. I hope they fnd strength from those
supporting them.
Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi
National List Party Leader.
www.iwk.co.nz
20 June 2014
4
NEW ZEALAND
www.iwk.co.nz
23 May 2014
5
NEW ZEALAND
It will be better under Labour: Cunliffe
New Zealand economy in indisputably
tidy shape : INZBC
H
on Bill Englishs message that the
government has managed to guide the
country through global nancial and major
local natural disasters in the last six years and
the economy is in tidy shape at the end of that
period needs to be applauded.
While the Family Budget
did not come as a surprise to
many, economic growth is
forecast to peak at a robust
4 percent in the year to June
2014, unemployment is
forecast to fall to 4.4 percent
by 2018 with very high rates
of labour force participation by international
standards, ination remains under control, and
government debt falls below 20 percent by the
end of the decade.
Comparing the budget with other developed
world economies, and particularly our
neighbours Australia, this budget shows the
New Zealand economy in indisputably tidy
shape. This may be one of the reasons why the
net immigration ow is very high by historic
standards where by
more Kiwis are staying
aground rather than
moving across the
ditch to not so greener
pastures now. This may
be the reason why the
government has focused
on the domestic growth.
The strong Kiwi dollar has certainly not
helped the exporters, it is also fair to say that
this is the reason for the export receipts which
are in negative in the budget forecast and a
minimal surplus has also not helped the cause.

INZBC Press Release
16 May 2014
For Immediate Release
New Zealand economy in indisputably tidy shape

Hon Bill English's message that the government has managed to guide
the country through global financial and major local natural disasters in
the last six years and the economy is in tidy shape at the end of that

While the Family Budget did not come as a surprise to many, economic
growth is forecast to peak at a robust 4 percent in the year to June 2014,
unemployment is forecast to fall to 4.4 percent by 2018 with very high
rates of labour force participation by international standards, inflation
remains under control, and government debt falls below 20 percent by the
end of the decade.

Comparing the budget with other developed world economies, and
particularly our neighbours Australia, this budget shows the New Zealand
economy in indisputably tidy shape. This may be one of the reasons why
the net immigration flow is very high by historic standards where by more
Kiwis are staying aground rather than moving across the ditch to not so
greener pastures now. This may be the reason why the government has
focused on the domestic growth.

The strong Kiwi dollar has certainly not helped the exporters, it is also
fair to say that this is the reason for the export receipts which are in
negative in the budget forecast and a minimal surplus has also not
helped the cause.

-ENDS-

About INZBC:
Since 1988, the India New Zealand Business Council (INZBC) has promoted and encouraged trade in
goods and services, investment, scientific, technical and economic cooperation between India and New
Zealand. INZBC is a member-based independent organisation, not-for-profit incorporated society, which
exists for three purposes:
To lobby and inform government on trade-related matters
To disseminate information and know-how on doing business between the two countries
To facilitate business development on behalf of members through leveraging networks

$
10
India
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300
To buy, text:
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in India
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Calls rounded up to the nearest minute. For full terms and conditions visit 2degreesmobile.co.nz.
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or visit 2degreesmobile.co.nz for more details.
It will be better under Labour.
I want a New Zealand where
people matter most and every
Kiwi has the opportunities
they need to do their best.
- David Cunliffe
T
he National Party has announced that Dr
Parmjeet Parmar will be its candidate for
the Mt Roskill electorate at the 2014 General
Election. Dr Parmar was selected by a meeting
of local party members on June 16.
Parmjeet is an exceptional candidate. She
has a genuine connection to the community
and truly represents the people of Mt Roskill. I
know she will apply her skills to work tirelessly
for them in a National-led Government, said
Northern Regional Chair Andrew Hunt.
Dr Parmar said she felt privileged to be
chosen to contest the seat. Its a great honour
to be selected as Nationals candidate for Mt
Roskill, said Dr Parmar.
Mt Roskill communities are making
real strides under John Keys National-led
Government. Were seeing a stronger economy
with more jobs, better public services in health
and education, and safer communities with
crime at a 35-year low.
Im looking forward to getting out and
about to engage with voters because Mt Roskill
deserves a strong voice in Parliament and
another strong, stable National Government.
Dr Parmjeet Parmar is a scientist,
businesswoman, broadcaster and community
advocate with over 20 years professional
experience. She was born in India and migrated
to New Zealand in 1995. A proud mother of two,
she lives in Auckland with her husband Ravinder.
Dr Parmar holds a PhD in Biological Sciences
from the University of Auckland, as well as
Bachelor and Masters degrees in Biochemistry
from the University of Pune in India.
More recently, Dr Parmar has been
the Operations Director of her familys
Auckland-based Kiwi Empire Confectionery,
a confectionery and natural health product
manufacturing enterprise. She knows frst-hand
the challenges running a small business brings.
Naturally community-minded, Dr Parmar
currently serves as a Families Commissioner,
Community Representative on the Film and
Video Labelling Body, and as Chair of the NZ
Sikh Womens Association.
Dr Parmar will stand down from her
position on the Families Commission effective
immediately to campaign. She has committed to
move into the electorate if elected.
National selects Parmjeet
Parmar as Mt Roskill candidate
Questions in the wake of
Henderson Killing
T
e Atatu Labour MP Phil Twyford says the
recent killing of dairy owner Arun Kumar
raises questions about whether the community
has been let down by the authorities. The
family of Arun Kumar are grieving, and the
community is in shock.
What kind of country have we become
when a dairy owner is killed in his shop at 7 o
clock in the morning allegedly by a child with
a knife?
The young accused were well known
to local shopkeepers in a retail centre where
begging, intimidation and anti-social behaviour
have unfortunately been all too common.
The community is asking why there has
not been a more visible police presence, with
regular foot patrols to discourage law-breaking.
There is a community constable delegated
to cover Henderson but the offcer is based
in Massey. Wed like to see a community
constable based in the town centre, with a shop
front on the main street.
Auckland Council has passed a bylaw
to deal with begging and intimidation on the
street but compliance is under-staffed. I am
calling on Auckland Council to look at putting
more resources and staff into compliance so in
communities like Henderson this bylaw has
teeth.
I would also like to see Auckland Council
invest in the town centre to attract more people,
making it vibrant and safer. There are hard
issues we have to face as a country about how
kids can be so badly parented, and so badly off
the rails, that they can cause this much grief
for others at such an early age. We must also
ask whether or not we are investing enough in
protecting our citizens from risks like this. As
local MP I will play my part in working with the
Council, the Local Board, local retailers, Police,
and the community to fnd enduring solutions.
The good law-abiding hard-working people
of Henderson deserve better support from the
authorities in turning this situation around.
Phil Twyford said he had paid respects to
the bereaved family, and has been meeting
with local retailers in Henderson. Labour leader
David Cunliffe also visited the Kumar family
next day after the tragedy.
The good law-abiding hard-
working people of Henderson
deserve better support from
the authorities in turning
this situation around.
www.iwk.co.nz
20 June 2014
5
NEW ZEALAND
www.iwk.co.nz
23 May 2014
5
NEW ZEALAND
It will be better under Labour: Cunliffe
New Zealand economy in indisputably
tidy shape : INZBC
H
on Bill Englishs message that the
government has managed to guide the
country through global nancial and major
local natural disasters in the last six years and
the economy is in tidy shape at the end of that
While the Family Budget
did not come as a surprise to
many, economic growth is
forecast to peak at a robust
4 percent in the year to June
2014, unemployment is
forecast to fall to 4.4 percent
by 2018 with very high rates
of labour force participation by international
standards, ination remains under control, and
government debt falls below 20 percent by the
end of the decade.
Comparing the budget with other developed
world economies, and particularly our
neighbours Australia, this budget shows the
New Zealand economy in indisputably tidy
shape. This may be one of the reasons why the
net immigration ow is very high by historic
standards where by
more Kiwis are staying
aground rather than
moving across the
ditch to not so greener
pastures now. This may
be the reason why the
government has focused
on the domestic growth.
The strong Kiwi dollar has certainly not
helped the exporters, it is also fair to say that
this is the reason for the export receipts which
are in negative in the budget forecast and a
minimal surplus has also not helped the cause.

INZBC Press Release
16 May 2014


end of the decade.


helped the cause.

-ENDS-

About INZBC:

$
10
India
300 Pack
300
To buy, text:
buy India300 to 233
Minutes to landlines and mobiles
in India
Valid for 1 month. Auto renews.
Packs shown are valid for 1 month and auto renews monthly or when almost out if you have enough credit. Minutes to standard landlines and mobiles in India.
Calls rounded up to the nearest minute. For full terms and conditions visit 2degreesmobile.co.nz.
M
C
2
1
3
4
A
300 minutes to
India for just $10.
Our India Talk Pack now comes with 300 minutes to
landlines and mobiles so you can keep in touch back home.
Grab a 2degrees SIM today from any 2degrees retailer
or visit 2degreesmobile.co.nz for more details.
It will be better under Labour.
I want a New Zealand where
people matter most and every
Kiwi has the opportunities
they need to do their best.
- David Cunliffe
T
his year the India New Zealand Business
Council celebrates 25 years of fostering
economic and bi-lateral trade relationship
between India and New Zealand.To mark the
occasion, INZBC is hosting a business summit
on the 8th of July, at the Pullman Hotel,
Auckland.
2014 marks 25 years of the India New
Zealand Business Council. To celebrate the
years of trade relationship development, the
India New Zealand Business Council is hosting
a Summit and gala dinner this July., said Sunil
Kaushal, Chairman of INZBC.
The India New Zealand Business Council
works to create and strengthen business
relationships between India and New Zealand.
This year the council has hosted several
business workshops and symposiums. These
have been leading up to this years not-to-be-
missed business summit, hosted by the council.
This event will be a culmination of previous
events held throughout the year, and will bring
together policy makers, industry experts and
members of the business community.
The overriding themes of the seminars will
be business beyond barriers. Sunil Kaushal
said, Business Beyond Barriers will bring
together some of New Zealands and Indias
most senior business fgures to debate what the
likely new opportunities and challenges will be
for New Zealand businesses doing business in
India.
The Summit will run from 8am to 3pm and
will consist of three symposiums, each based
on engaging topics and presented by industry
experts. The symposium themes are Innovation,
Strategic Ventures and Sustainable Growth
and will be presented by notable speakers,
including Clayton Kimpton from NZTE, John
Monaghan of Fonterra, Honourable Steven
Joyce, Minister of Economic Development,
Science and Innovation, Andrew Paykel of
Fisher and Paykel and Tim Ng from Treasury,
amongst others.
To register for the event, your can visit
INZBC website at: www.inzbusinesssummit.
com
INZBC hosts business summit
to mark prolific 25 Years

INZBC Press Release
16 May 2014


end of the decade.


helped the cause.

-ENDS-

About INZBC:

India New Zealand Business
Council celebrates 25 years
of fostering economic and
bi-lateral trade relationship
between India and New
Zealand.To mark the occasion,
INZBC is hosting a business
summit on the 8th of July, at
the Pullman Hotel, Auckland.
www.iwk.co.nz
20 June 2014
6
NEW ZEALAND
P
roposed changes to Aucklands cemetery
and cremation bylaws are threatening 5000
years of traditional Hindu practice, says the
Funeral Directors Association.
Chief Executive Katrina Shanks says the
changes proposed by Auckland Council are
upsetting many ethnic groups, and Hindus
in particular, who told funeral directors they
should have been consulted before anything
was drafted. The proposed changes are
insensitive to the cultural, religious and social
needs of families and are too restrictive.
Funeral Directors Association of New
Zealand met the Auckland Indian Association in
Auckland and said its members were surprised
to learn of the proposals. Indian community
spokesperson Shanti Patel said Hindus
regarded the ceremonial aspect of placing a
casket into the cremator as a key responsibility
for the immediate family following a death.
This has been part of our custom for more
than 5000 years but the council wants to limit
the number of people who can participate in this
ceremony to a maximum of two. What about a
father who has four sons? he says. How do
you tell a son he cannot perform this important
rite for his father?
The Auckland Indian Association (AIAI) is
upset the council failed to tell us of its proposals.
Many of the changes impact on our community
directly, and the council should have been more
sensitive to our cultural needs.
Mrs Patel said they only became aware of
the changes through the efforts of the Auckland
District of the Funeral Directors Association
(FDANZ). Submissions on the bylaws closed
on 5 May but we were unaware of this close-
off date and would like the chance to have our
concerns heard so we can lay out our cultural
needs.
Mr Dil says other concerns discussed at
the meeting included a lack of clarity around
items that may be placed in the casket with the
deceased, and where ashes may be scattered
following cremation. FDANZ and AIAI believe
effective solutions exist to these issues. For
example, obtain pre approval for participants
rather than limit the number of observers able to
participate in the ceremony to two.
Mrs Shanks says it is imperative Auckland
Council engage with its communities to fnd
solutions that work for everyone rather than
impose their own unrealistic ideas.
It would be great if they could re-open
submissions in the light of people only now
becoming aware of it. It has certainly stirred a
lot of debate and I think that would be the right
thing to do. There has been little consideration
for families or cultural sensitivities taken into
account in formulating these changes.
Changes in Cremation Bylaws threaten 5000-year-old custom
Council told to think again on
issue of scattering ashes
T
he new bylaw regulation for cremation
proposd by Aucklands council have
brought two major changes.
These include number of family members
or people who can witness the cremation.
the new regulation proposes to decrease this
number from 4 to 2.
Second major change is the restriction
on where the ashes should be scattered. The
changes are proposed to be implemented from
November 1, 2014.
According to Auckland Council, the
Potential Impacts of Proposed Changes are:
There will be some changes for the existing
crematoria in NSCC, MCC and WCC legacy
areas, including a limit on the number of
witnesses permitted to view the cremation. If
new crematoria are developed in the future,
the new regulations will apply to the way
they are operated. There will changes in some
areas on issues such as restrictions on the
maximum number of urns per ash plot and
limiting where ashes can be scattered. Setting
the implementation date at 1 November
2014 should allow the council suffcient time
to communicate these changes to people
applying to cremate loved ones.
http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/
EN/licencesregulations/Bylaws/Documents/
impactstatementcemeteriesbylaw.pdf
What does the New bylaw regulation say?
P
lans to make grieving families seek
permission before scattering the ashes of
loved ones and charge them for the privilege need
to be reconsidered says Labours Ethnic Affairs
spokesperson Phil Goff.
Auckland Council plans seem heavy handed,
unnecessary and bureaucratic, he said.
There has been insuffcient consultation
with the public and in particular with the ethnic
communities before proposing the restrictions.
Nor has the council made a solid case for why
the restrictions are necessary. There are no health
considerations because cremations are carried out
at 800 degrees temperatures and families almost
always conduct the scattering of their loved ones
ashes with care and consideration.
The last thing we want to impose on grieving
families are bureaucratic procedures, long time
delays and additional expenses all for the simple
duty of scattering the ashes of their loved ones.
I understand that in former Council areas like
Waitakere, Papakura and Frankton there were no
restrictions imposed for the scattering of ashes
and I have yet to see any evidence of this causing
any widespread problem.
The Council also seems unaware of Hindu
customs about the importance of scattering ashes
within a time period after cremation and the
impact the proposed restrictions would have on
their community.
I have also been made aware of another
important and unnecessary restriction of
preventing more than two people attending the
placing of the casket in the cremator. This cuts
across Indian Hindu cultural tradition where all
the deceased male children are normally involved.
I have written to the Mayor asking for the
Council to think again. At the very least the
Council should consult widely with the public
and with ethnic organisations and religious
and cultural groups before they make any fnal
decision. The present Council decision is more
likely to create problems than resolve any, Phil
Goff said.
Bylaws need to be conscious of
Aucklands diverse community needs
P
lans to make grieving families seek
permission before scattering the ashes of
loved ones and charge them for the privilege need
to be reconsidered says Labours Ethnic Affairs
spokesperson Phil Goff.
Council plans seem heavy handed,
unnecessary and bureaucratic, he said.
There has been insuffcient consultation
with the public and in particular with the ethnic
communities before proposing the restrictions.
Nor has the council made a solid case for why
the restrictions are necessary. There are no health
considerations because cremations are carried out
at 800 degrees temperatures and families almost
always conduct the scattering of their loved ones
ashes with care and consideration.
The last thing we want to impose on grieving
families are bureaucratic procedures, long time
delays and additional expenses all for the simple
duty of scattering the ashes of their loved ones.
I understand that in former Council areas like
Waitakere, Papakura and Frankton there were no
restrictions imposed for the scattering of ashes
and I have yet to see any evidence of this causing
any widespread problem.
The Council also seems unaware of Hindu
customs about the importance of scattering ashes
within a time period after cremation and the
impact the proposed restrictions would have on
their community.
I have also been made aware of another
important and unnecessary restriction of
preventing more than two people attending the
placing of the casket in the cremator. This cuts
across Indian Hindu cultural tradition where all
the deceased male children are normally involved.
I have written to the Mayor asking for the
Council to think again. At the very least the
Council should consult widely with the public
and with ethnic organisations and religious
and cultural groups before they make any fnal
decision. The present Council decision is more
likely to create problems than resolve any, Phil
Goff said.
Phil Goff
www.indianweekender.co.nz
Hot debate over cremation bylaws
www.iwk.co.nz
20 June 2014
7
NEW ZEALAND
SUPERETTE IN AUCKLAND CBD WEEKLY SALES $10,000
APPROX ASKING $ 35,000 + STOCK REF 44333
SUPERETTE IN NORTH SHORE WEEKLY SALES $10,000
APPROX ASKING $69,000 + STOCK REF 44365
SPICE & GROCERY STORE IN WEST AUCKLAND
WEEKLY SALES $10,000 APPROX ASKING $50,000 +
STOCK REF 44332
SUPERETTE WITH LOTTO AND ACCOMODATION ON A
BUSY MAIN ROAD WEEKLY SALES $16,000 APPROX
ASKING $19,9999 + STOCK REF 44081
SUPERETTE SPACIOUS AND WELL PRESENTED WEEKLY
SALES $12,000 APPROX ASKING $200,000 + STOCK
REF 43960 (SOLD)
SUPERETTE WITH LOTTO WITH HUGE POTENTIAL FOR
GROWTH WEEKLY SALES $18,000 APPROX ASKING
$170,000 + STOCK REF 43886
DAIRY SUPERETTE AND FREEHOLD WITH 3 BEDROOM
HOUSE IN THE CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND WEEKLY
SALES $11,500 APPROX ASKING $265,000 (DAIRY &
FREEHOLD) + STOCK REF 44173 (SOLD)
SUPRETTE IN SOUTH WAIKATO WEEKLY SALES $22,000
ASKING $ 349,000 + STOCK REF 44327 (FREEHOLD
OPTION AVAILABLE)
SUPERETTE IN NORTH SHORE WEEKLY SALES $8,000
APPROX ASKING $69,000 + STOCK REF 44131 (SOLD)
DAIRY IN SOUTH ISLAND WEEKLY SALES $12,000
APPROX ASKING $150,000 + STOCK REF 43900
(FREEHOLD OPTION AVAILABLE)
LICENSED RESTAURANT IN AUCKLAND CBD WEEKLY
SALES $7000 APPROX ASKING $33,000 + STOCK REF
44280
LICENSED RESTAURANT IN MT EDEN WEEKLY SALES
$7,000 APPROX ASKING $130,000 + STOCK REF 44182
LICENSED RESTAURANT IN EAST AUCKLAND ASKING
$59,000 + STOCK REF 44158 (SOLD)
LICENSED RESTAURANT IN CENTRAL AUCKLAND
LICENSED RESTAURANT IN MT ROSKILL ASKING
$49,000 + STOCK REF 44345
FRANCHISE COFFEE CLUB WEEKLY SALES $ 14,000
APPROX ASKING $495,000 + STOCK
FRANCHISE COLUMBUS COFFEE WEEKLY SALES
(SOLD)
SUPERETTE FOR SALE IN HAMILTON WEEKLY SALES
$13,000 APROX ASKING $129,000 + STOCK REF 44108
DAIRY WITH ACCOMODATION IN WAIKATO REGION
WEEKLY SALES $16,500 APPROX ASKING $189,000 +
STOCK REF 44210
FOUR SQUARE IN WAIKATO WITH 3 BEDROOM
ACCOMODATION WEEKLY SALES $40,000 APPROX,
CLOSED TAKEAWAY IN WEST AUCKLAND ASKING
$12,500 REF 44135
LUNCHBAR IN PAPPATOETOE ASKING $35,000 + STOCK
REF 44314 (UNDER CONTRACT)
FRUIT AND VEGE IN SOUTH AUCKLAND WEEKLY SALES
FRUIT AND VEGE SHOP IN WEST AUCKLAND WEEKLY
SALES $30,000 APPROX ASKING $320,000 + STOCK
REF 44222
FRUIT & VEGE IN GREY LYNN ASKING $59,000 + STOCK
REF 44261 (SOLD)
SUPERETTE WITH 3 BEDROOM ACCOMODATION WEEKLY
SALES $7000 APPROX ASKING $70,000 + STOCK REF
43968 (SOLD)
DAIRY IN ONEHUNGA ASKING $25,000 + STOCK REF
44275 (SOLD)
Svara Productions Raising a
voice for animals
S
vara Productions was formed in late April
2014 after a group of young individuals came
together, sharing similar visions and passion for
the entertainment industry. Leading the team in
front is Abhinav Arora, a young entrepreneur with
interests in the hospitality and the entertainment
industries. His vision for Svara Productions; a
non-proft organisation is to support local charities
by producing various forms of entertainment.
Svaras upcoming production; Bollywood
Unplugged is an evening of live music with
young talented artists from Auckland who will
take to stage songs from todays and yesterdays
era produced with their own unique touch. The
evening is complimented with a 3-course buffet
dinner catered by India Gate restaurant, with the
availability of an open bar.
The charity we are supporting on this
occasion is SPCA Auckland. Their mission is to
encourage the humane treatment for all animals
and to prevent cruelty from being inficted upon
them. SPCA Auckland cares for over 15,000
injured, abandoned and abused animals across the
Auckland region each year and rely heavily on the
generosity of the general public to enable them to
continue protecting Aucklands animals.
The Indian Weekender asked Abhinav Why
was SPCA Auckland picked as the charity to
support?
Abhinavs reply was an eye opener. His
reply stated that adopting a pet is a trend that is
catching on within the local Indian community
at a relatively fast rate. As a successful pet owner
himself, many of Abhinavs friends and family
have approached him for advice, when it comes
to the welfare for pets. Among our community
adopting a dog is preferred over other pets as
it is both a symbol of prestige and security.
However, Abhinav feels pet owners are not asking
themselves the right questions both before and
after adopting a pet.
A couple of very important questions to ask
yourself and your family are; Have you or a
member of your family got time to devote to your
chosen pet? Have you thought about is this chosen
pet the right ft for your family? Is there one key
person in your family who will be responsible for
the pets welfare?
There is a lot of planning that goes into
adopting a pet and at times ordinary citizens like
you and me are caught out by private breeders as
we do not necessarily have all the information
with us at the time of adoption and nor are we
given any! Hence Abhinav recommends SPCA
Auckland is undoubtedly the frst place anyone
wanting to adopt a pet should consider. They
provide you with everything you need to know,
plus any care packages needed to ensure your
newest family member fts in your home!
Bollywood Unplugged is set to be an
entertainment packed event, professionally
delivered in an ambient atmosphere at the India
Gate Party Hall in Papatoetoe. Tickets are $50per
person, with the option of a table of eight for
$400. Children above 10 years of age are more
than welcome to join and are priced at $50 per
child. We look forward to having your support.
Visit and Like our Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/svaraproductions
Contact Abhinav Arora on
0211063127 for more information.
www.iwk.co.nz
20 June 2014
8
NEW ZEALAND
Francis Lai
Chartered Surveyor
Licensed REAA 2008
021 309 708
Licensed under the REAA 2008
www.jameslaw.co.nz
Reinka Ratti
Real Estate Specialist
Licensed REAA 2008
021 212 0315
P: 09 973 5971 l E: francis@jameslaw.co.nz P: 09 973 5971 l E: reinka@jameslaw.co.nz
BEST PROPERTY INVESTMENT
OPPORTUNITY
Contact Francis 021 309 708 or Reinka 021 212 0315 for an Inspection Today
Superior Residential Residences
In Epsom, Auckland
Double Grammar Zone
Freehold Strata Titles
Starting from $480,000 (Mt Hobson)
$685,000 (2-Brm Flexi)
$1,780,000 (115m2 Penthouse)
Francis Lai
Chartered Surveyor
Licensed REAA 2008
021 309 708
Licensed under the REAA 2008
www.jameslaw.co.nz
Reinka Ratti
Real Estate Specialist
Licensed REAA 2008
021 212 0315
P: 09 973 5971 l E: francis@jameslaw.co.nz P: 09 973 5971 l E: reinka@jameslaw.co.nz
PROFITABLE DAIRY WITH
COMFORTABLE ACCOMMODATION
This dairy is in the best of location, along a main road in a popular,
affuent North Shore suburb.
The living accommodation above the dairy is neat tidy and pleasant
with three bedrooms, lounge, dining, kitchen and bathrooms.
Roadside parking is available.
This excellent business captures all passing traffc and the friendly
community has supported this business for decades. Turnovers have
been increasing at a stable rate more than keeping up with infation.
You can easily increase the turnover if you start selling magazines and
bacon/meat meals as the current owners are Muslim devotees with no
meat products present in the premise.
Contact Francis 021 309 708 or Reinka 021 212 0315 for an Inspection Today
PROFITABLE DAIRY
WITH COMFORTABLE
ACCOMMODATION
$265,000 + Stock

PROFITABLE DAIRY WITH
COMFORTABLE
ACCOMMODATION
$265,000 + Stock

This dairy is in the best of location, along a main road
in a popular, affluent North Shore suburb.
The living accommodation above the dairy is neat tidy
and pleasant with three bedrooms, lounge, dining,
kitchen and bathrooms. Roadside parking is
available.
This excellent business captures all passing traffic and
the friendly community has supported this business
decades. Turnovers have been increasing at a stable
rate more than keeping up with inflation.
You can easily increase the turnover if you start
selling magazines and bacon/meat meals as the
current owners are Muslim devotees with no meat
products present in the premise.

CONTACT FRANCIS (021 309 708) OR REINKA (021 212 0315) FOR AN
INSPECTION TODAY
(Photo is indicative only)

OPPORTUNITY

1

INSPECTION TODAY

OPPORTUNITY

1
INSPECTION TODAY
S
tudies show that we are wired to remember
stories much more than data, facts, and
fgures. However, when data and story are used
together, people are moved both emotionally and
intellectually. Harnessing the power of stories will
enable you to be more persuasive, move people to
action, and progress in life.
A new neuroscience study may explain why
telling stories builds empathy and also why,
when you tell a good one, people act as if theyre
watching it unfold before them.
A team of scientists at Princeton, led by Uri
Hasson, had a woman tell a story while in an
MRI scanner. Functional MRI scans detect brain
activity by monitoring blood fow; when a brain
region is active it needs more blood to provide
oxygen and nutrients. The active regions light up
on a computer screen. They recorded her story
on a computer and monitored her brain activity
as she spoke. After the volunteers heard the story,
it was easy to map that they had understood the
story and their brain patterns synchronised with
the story teller. This experiment brings us to the
fact that when you tell a story you can transfer
your experience directly to the brains of the
people who are listenning to it. It also concludes
that the people witness to your story develop
greater empathy and understanding with you.
Telling your story and being witnessed with
the attention of others who caremay be the
most powerful medicine on earth. Each of us
is a constantly unfolding story of which we are
the hero, a hero in a novel that no one else in the
world can write. And yet so many of us leave our
stories untold, our songs unsungand when this
happens, we wind up feeling lonely, listless, out
of touch with our lifes purpose, troubled with a
sense that something is out of kilter. We may even
wind up feeling unworthy, unloved, or sick.
Dr Lissa Rankin writes Every time you tell
your story and someone else who cares bears
witness to it, you turn off the bodys stress
responses, fipping off toxic stress hormones like
cortisol and epinephrine and fipping on relaxation
responses that release healing hormones like
oxytocin, dopamine, nitric oxide, and endorphins.
Not only does this turn on the bodys innate self-
repair mechanisms and function as preventative
medicineor treatment if youre sick. It also
relaxes your nervous system and helps heal
your mind of depression, anxiety, fear, anger,
and feelings of disconnection. When we tell
our stories, the notion that we are disconnected
beings suffering alone dissolves. When others
hear our stories they are automatically inspired
to share their own story their own journey.
This brings forth evidence that we are not alone
that there are numerous others around us that are
living, struggling, winning and celebrating just
like ourselves. This brings about a strong sense
of connectedness that connects our inner selves to
the universe.
Data suggests that women are most inspired
when they hear about the stories of other women.
Your story does not have to be made of the stuff
that dreams are made of. Its important to realise
that our stories are strong and inspirational just
as they are. I remember growing up on stories,
then wether they were stories with a moral or
someones biographies, they never failed to inspire
me. Some of the darkest moments of my life have
shone when a friend or someone who cared, shared
their own story with me to instill the hope in me to
carry on. Each of us have those memories.
In order to beneft fully however, from the
healing medicine of telling your story, you must
resist holding anything back. Its important that you
strip off your masks, be unapologetically yourself,
shed off the pretences and without worrying about
what everybody is going to think. Otherwise, your
story becomes diluted and not your own.
As Bren Brown teaches in The Power Of
Vulnerability, the gateway to intimacy is via being
vulnerable about your imperfections. If you try to
sugar coat your story, you miss out on the sense of
connection with another human being that you can
only attain when youre letting someone see your
warts and your big ugly tail. Every time you expose
those imperfectionsand someone loves you in
spite ofeven because ofthose imperfections,
you gain trust (or as Bren calls it, you put marbles
in the jar). Over time, the intimacy you feel with
other people depends on how many marbles are in
your jar.
I am woman invites each one of its readers
to share your stories with us. Lets celebrate your
journey and inspire you further while inspiring
others.
The power of telling your story
From the desk of I am Woman
I
m proud of Auckland in particular and New
Zealand in general. The city has come a
long way in a short time, even if much work
remains to be done to become the worlds
most liveable city. One area where Auckland
is doing relatively well, but might potentially
do even better, is parking policy.
Here are some local examples of what I would
consider to be good parking initiatives:
In the late 1990s, Auckland City Council
removed minimum parking requirements
(MPRs) from the city centre. By lowering the
costs of development in the city centre this
policy change is likely to have contributed to
increased residential and employment growth,
as well as the trend towards lower vehicle
ownership.
In 2009, Papakura District Council
consulted on charging for park and ride at the
Papakura train station. This was in response
to the excessive demand for P&R, which
was an understandable response to improved
rail services. Part of the P&R revenue was
reinvested into fnding lighting and security
improvement for the P&R.
In 2012, Auckland Transport announced
new initiatives for managing parking in the city
centre. These initiatives identifed demand-
responsive prices are the primary management
tool. Time-limits for on-street parking have been
progressively removed, and people can now
park for as long as they want provided they
are prepared to pay for the privilege.In 2013,
Auckland Transport opened the McCrae Way
car-park in New Lynn. This car-park is intended
to support consolidation of parking in New Lynn
and also provide P&R access to the adjacent PT
interchange. This P&R, however, is not free, with
daily prices of $4 being charged. Anecdotally it
seems that people are using the facility for P&R.
These initiatives have collectively
demonstrated:
Removing minimum parking requirements
does not cause the sky to fall on our heads;
On-street parking can be effectively managed
with prices, rather than time-limits; and Charging
for P&R generate revenue to improve/expand
parking facilities.
Over time we can expect Auckland Council
and Auckland Transport to implement policies
that unbundle parking costs from the wider
economy, with drivers, households, and
businesses paying directly for the parking they
use. Ultimately, these explicit price signals can
be expected to stimulate a market for parking
resources, in which people who have parking
make it available for those people who need it.
Earlier this year, Auckland Councils draft
Unitary Plan (dUP) took the frst (tentative) steps
towards better parking policies, by proposing
to remove MPRs from some parts of the city.
Under the dUP, the proportion of Aucklanders
living in areas *not* covered by MPRs would
increase from 0.2% (i.e. just the city centre) to
approximately 12%.
More recently Auckland Transport have come
to the parking party with their draft Parking
Discussion Document. The PDD is, in my
opinion, a small step for Auckland Transport but
a giant leap for Aucklanders. It wipes away a rag-
tag collection of parking management policies
that had been pursued by the previous Councils.
It recognises parking, whether it is on-street, off-
street, or park and ride, is a valuable resource that
should be priced so as to ensure it is used most
effciently. The key policy change to the PDD is
this: Auckland Transport only offers residential
parking permits to those residents who live in
the area at the time it transitions from free to pay
parking. These are the people who are potentially
the most negatively affected by the change, as
they made their decision to live their prior to the
implementation of pay parking.
Over time the number of (heavily discounted)
residential parking permits will decline as people
move out of the area. New people moving into the
affected area do so in full awareness that on-street
parking is priced and can adjust their locational
decisions accordingly, i.e. choose to live
somewhere that has suffcient off-street parking
for their needs.
Auckland parking policies make it worlds most liveable city
www.iwk.co.nz
20 June 2014
9
NEW ZEALAND
Call us on 0800 88 7878 today for a FREE,
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www.iwk.co.nz
23 May 2014
9
NEW ZEALAND
Call us on 0800 88 7878 today for a FREE,
no obligation review of your life and
medical insurance policies. Keep yourself
and your family covered with maximum
benefits at the best price. Sensible advice
guaranteed. Just one simple phone call.
don t wai t.
Get more,
pay less.
CALL
NOW!
0800 U TRUST US (887878) Tel: 09 825 0117
Dont let finance/home loans get in the way of your
purchase/construction of your dream home.
Talk to us, to see how we work different from the rest.
are also our speciality. talk to us today!
toll free: 0800 88 78 78
dreamhomes
0800 U TRUST US (887878) Tel: 09 825 0117
Namaste
From the Auckland
Indian banking team.
Talk to us today about our award winning products
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4
3
3
2
Farea Khan
09 488 6068
farea_khan@bnz.co.nz
Aarti Narayan
09 924 3576
aartika_narayan@bnz.co.nz
Raj Mehta
09 924 0393
rajesh_mehta@bnz.co.nz
Courtesy: PwC Auckland
A
pplications are now open for all stallholder
sites at Auckland Diwali Festival 2014.
Diwali is fast becoming a must-do on the
Auckland event calendar with tens of thousands
of people attending the event last year.
There are fve types of stalls available at this
years festival:
Food stall (vegetarian only)
Sweets only
Craft stall (music, clothes, art, etc.)
Henna only
Promotional stall (including charity, not-
for-proft and business information)
Auckland Diwali Festival is presented by
Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic
Development in partnership with Asia New
Zealand Foundation.
To fnd out more visit www.aucklandnz.
com/diwali.
You can also email diwali@aucklandnz.com
Lights, colours, music and dance are the
essence of the festival, Diwali. The festival
of light celebrates the triumph of light over
darkness, good over evil and renewal of life.
Auckland lights up in celebration for this
beautiful day bringing people of different
background together and giving everybody a
true experience of Indian culture.
Applications are opened to all the stallholder
sites. The site allows fve types of stalls this
year at the festival, food stall( vegetarian only),
sweets, crafts, henna and other promotional
stalls (including charity, not-for-proft and
business information).
The festival is presented by Auckland
Tourism, Events and Economic Development in
partnership with Asia New Zealand Foundation.
For more details visit www.aucklandnz.com/
diwali or you can email diwali@aucklandnz.
com.
Auckland Diwali Festival 2014
www.iwk.co.nz
20 June 2014
10
NEW ZEALAND

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Affordable Fee/ Installment Available (Conditions Apply)
A
ustralia and New Zealand Banking Group
Limited (ANZ) today announced it has
received in-principle approval from the Reserve
Bank of India (RBI) to open two new branches
which will support growing trade and investment
fows to and from India.
Located in the fastest growing industrial and
commercial centres of India, the new branches
will be based in Gurgaon, New Delhis prime
business hub, and outer Bangalore, which is
approximately 30 kilometers from Bangalores
Central Business District.
ANZ CEO, International & Institutional
Banking, Andrew Gczy said: The approval
to open branches in these commercial hubs will
strengthen our super regional strategy, expand
our ability to support clients and build on our
position as a leading bank in Asia.
India is the worlds third largest economy on
purchasing parity terms and it remains one of the
fastest growing economies in the world. Despite
a recent slowdown, trade fows between
India and the rest of Asia increased by 900%
over the past 10 years to US$330 billion and it
is the fourth largest destination for Australian
exports.
Continuing to connect our customers
between India and the other 32 countries in our
network creates a further driver of growth for
ANZ, Mr Gczy said.
ANZ India CEO Subhas DeGamia said: The
new branches will complement our existing
branch in Mumbai by enabling greater coverage
and connectivity for our customers. This adds
to ANZs value proposition in India where our
business has gained signifcant momentum
including our achieving #1 Lead Arranger
status for Indian offshore fnancings1
Over time, we will seek to broaden our
franchise in the country to further support our
customers in the region. The in-principle
approval is valid for 12 months during which
time ANZ will fnalise its plans before seeking
fnal approval.
ANZs Mumbai branch currently offers
Indian Rupee and foreign currency services,
working capital and term fnancing, transaction
banking, global markets, deposits and advisory
services to ANZs customers in India and across
32 countries. In addition, ANZs Bangalore
based operations and technology shared
services hub employs more than 6,000 staff
supporting ANZs businesses around the world.
The regulatory approval to open branches
in Gurgaon and
Bangalore has also
been welcomed
by Sunil Kaushal,
Head of India
Relations for ANZ
Bank New Zealand
Limited. These
cities are very
central to where
Kiwi businesses
are located and
thus convenient for
customers operating close to these metros, said
Sunil.
For an in-depth interview with ANZ India
CEO Subhas DeGamia see bluenotes.anz.com,
ANZs newsroom for insight, opinion and news.
ANZ receives regulatory approval to open new branches in India
Andrew Cornell: Subhas, ANZ established its
Mumbai branch in 2011 and the business today
supports top tier institutional and corporate
clients in India and across ANZs other 32 markets,
with a focus on fnancing and risk management
needs. Given ANZ is not seeking a retail base, is it
necessary to have more branches?
Subhas DeGamia: The new branches will
complement our existing branch in Mumbai by
enabling greater coverage and connectivity for our
clients. And over time, we will seek to broaden
our franchise in the country to further support our
customers in the region.
I think it is important to remember India is a
vast country with diverse cultures and different
ways of doing business. It takes a fair bit to be
close to your customers - and it is important to be
close to them.
The three branches will give us a very good
spread across the entire country with a presence
in the North (Gurgaon), West (Mumbai) and
South (Bangalore). All three locations are strategic
vantage points for business in India and for India
with the rest of the world.
AC: Do you need more branches then?
SDG: India has clear regulations governing the
approval of new branches, so physical expansion
can take time. The three branches I would say
give us plenty of opportunity. It gives us a good
base to grow.
AC: How quickly is ANZ growing in India?
We have seen a period of fnancial uncertainty,
infation issues now a new government.
SDG: Well our business has gained signifcant
momentum.
We have made great progress since we set up
across our target client segment assisting them
across geographies and have developed our trade
fnance, cash management and fnancial markets
businesses.
We are now the number one International
Mandated Lead Arranger for Indian Offshore
fnancings by number of transactions in 2013
completed by a foreign bank.
With our new branches, we are looking to both
deepen the services we can offer existing clients
and obviously also attract new clients given our
broader reach.
The network capability, with Australia, New
Zealand and the rest of Asia is really important.
We have made great progress since we set up
and enjoy strong relationships with Indias largest
conglomerates and banks and other stakeholders
in India.
AC: Can you give us some examples of how
that business is developing?
SDG: We now bank our key relationships
across multiple geographies with a slew of
products. This includes supporting trade fnancing
needs of customers in the Asia Pacifc region,
multi-nationals needs within India, supporting
our natural resources clients to secure raw material
supply and good quality assets, and fulflling the
capital needs of Indian clients in international
markets.
Our experienced team on the ground working
very closely with the ANZ team across the
network is making a huge difference for our
clients.
AC: And that huge political change we have
just seen with the election of the Modi government
and the end of UPA era?
SDG: Actually, this has been expected for
quite some time. I think when you consider the
recent past, there was fnancial uncertainty, high
infation, which the Reserve Bank of India has
done a very good job in addressing and bringing
market stability in the latter half of the last year.
The issue thus far at the government was a lack
of leadership, a lack of good governance.
Now the new government has brought with it
expectations of more certainty, of faster decision
making. We are already hearing this from our
clients, when we are out at meetings, there is now
more of an air of confdence.
The new PM Modi has a strong track record as
a doer, and this is refected in the strong mandate
he has now achieved.
Overall though, it will be a positive impact for
growth.
AC: Having now secured permission for
the two new branches and given your macro-
economic outlook and positive expectations of
the new government, youre obviously positive on
India. Where are the major opportunities?
SDG: India is the worlds third largest
economy on purchasing power parity terms and
it remains one of the fastest growing economies
in the world.
There are favourable demographics:
approximately two-thirds of the population are in
the working age group.
There will be a growth in consumption. Indias
massive urbanisation will underpin growth.
Currently 52 per cent of Chinas population is
urban compared with 31 per cent in India.
With the 4th largest banking revenue pool in
Asia and expected growth of approximately 16
per cent, India remains an attractive though well
competed market for foreign banks. It has low
banking penetration and a high savings rate which
is expected to help the banking revenue pool
grow at 16 per cent, and nearly 41 per cent of the
population is unbanked.
Despite the economic slowdown there have
been signifcant FDI infows with 20 per cent
from Asia. Indias trade with Asia, Australia and
New Zealand is growing. Robust bullion demand
has made India the second biggest consumer in
the world.
We think the growing demand supply gap in
natural resources plays to ANZ strengths as does
Indias need to secure its food supply.
Interview with Subhas DeGamia, ANZ Chief Executive India
Subhas DeGamia, ANZ Chief Executive, India
Sunil Kaushal, Head of
India Relations, ANZ Bank
www.iwk.co.nz
20 June 2014
11
NEW ZEALAND
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Phone: (09) 377 2434
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Office 5B, Block E
(above Subway)
Level 1 Fountain Lane South
Botany Downs Town Centre
Phone: (09) 279 9313
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15 Canning Crescent
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Auckland 2022
Phone: (09) 255 6741
If you, or someone you know wants to learn
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A
new wave of immigration scam phone calls
is currently taking place in New Zealand.
Scammers phone Indian nationals living in New
Zealand claiming to be from Immigration New
Zealand. They demand payment to a Western
Union account in India and threaten deportation.
Jarrod Rendle, Team Leader, Advice,
Information and Education, from the Ministry
of Business Innovation and Employment is
concerned at the number of people being caught
out by this scam.
The callers are quite persistent and aggressive
and they have personal details of the person they
are speaking to which makes the caller think it
could be genuine.
The calls also appear to be coming from the
Immigration Contact Centre number, but in fact
they are not. We call this practice a caller id
spoofng scam, says Jarrod.
Immigration New Zealand frst posted a
warning about the scam on its website on 30
October 2013. Since then almost 300 Indian
nationals have reported being called by the
scammers, with reported losses of close to
$65,000, according to fgures from the Ministry
of Business, Innovation and Employment
(MBIE).
Knowing about the common types of scams
and the typical red fags can help avoid being
scammed. Banks, Immigration New Zealand
or Inland Revenue never email, call or SMS
customers to ask for information or money to be
sent using money transfer services.
If you receive one of these calls do not pay
the money. Contact the New Zealand Police
or report the call to Scamwatch.govt.nz, says
Jarrod. Last year New Zealanders lost over $4.8
million to scams. To date for 2014, Kiwis have
lost close to $1.7 million.
A cross-agency consumer fraud working
group established in 2012 by MBIE, the
Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), the
Commerce Commission and NetSafe continues
to raise awareness and provide coordinated
responses to new and evolving scams. The group
also runs a joint Facebook page with real time
scam alerts- www.facebook.com/fraudinfo.
Polices advice:
Hang up immediately.
If it doesnt seem right, be cautious, double
check details frst.
Do not pay money to anyone you have never
met.
Look after your personal details in the same way
you would your wallet and other possessions.
Your personal details are also very valuable to
scammers, they will use your details to take out
loans or run up debts if they can.
Be aware of common scams. For example,
banks, Immigration New Zealand or Inland
Revenue never email, call or SMS customers to
ask for information. If you receive a request like
that, its a scam.
Warn others. If you have been targeted by a
scam, report it straight away to Scamwatch.govt.
nz and help prevent others from becoming the
next scam victim.
Beware of immigration scam phone calls
N
ew Zealand has never shied away in
welcoming guests from different parts of
the World. This congenial behavior has helped a
number of refugees take abode in this beautiful
Country.
The Associate Minister of Immigration Nikki
Kaye continues to hide behind a privacy waiver
to avoid answering the simplest questions over
the Sanil Kumar case, says Labour MP Rajen
Prasad.
Dr Prasad was referring to the case of Sanil
Kumar, the diabetic Fiji Indian who was working
in New Zealand, but was not allowed to stay
in the country to undergo a lifesaving kidney
transplant despite having the money to fund the
procedure.
Mr Kumar was forced to return to Fiji without
the transplant, and as a result died in Western Fiji
last month.
She at least owes that much to the memory
of an impressive young man and his surviving
family, Dr Prasad said.
The Minister also knows that Sanil Kumar
cannot grant a privacy waiver to her now that he
is no longer with us.
Ms Kaye is just stonewalling. This is a tragic
mess that has resulted in the death of a young
man who was asked to leave New Zealand or
face deportation before he could have a kidney
transplant.
Sanil Kumar had to leave New Zealand
despite his community having raised the funds
required for his transplant. A potential kidney
donor was undergoing tissue matching, Dr
Prasad said.
Nikki Kaye based her decision to refuse
a visa on a report from the Ministry of
Health which states that patients may receive
three months free treatment from the Fijian
Government during which time the need either
to fnd a live donor, be prepared to pay for their
dialysis treatment thereafter, or get their affairs
in order in preparation for their death a week or
two after dialysis is withdrawn.
That report was prepared by the Ministry of
health in New Zealand after consultation with an
Auckland renal physician. It did not factor in the
diffculties for patients getting to the two centres
where dialysis could be performed. It also did
not address what might happen if an emergency
situation arose in Sanils home town of Ba, Dr
Prasad said.
Sanils family has told me that he was
receiving hemodialysis at a private clinic in
Nadi, a three hour round trip from his home
town in Ba. He contracted an infection and died
yesterday morning (May 26).
The Minister could have shown some simple
compassion. A tragedy may have been averted if
she had shown a little humanity.
Compassion was needed in Sanil Kumar case: Prasad
H
ospitality businesses are already struggling
to fnd chefs and managers of restaurants
and bars. The suggestion by some political parties
that they want to further limit the industrys
access to migrant workers on work visas will
severely limit the industrys ability to meet
the needs of New Zealands growing tourism
market, says Adam Cunningham, President of
Hospitality New Zealand. A recent survey of its
members showed that 96.9% believe there are
signifcant skill shortages for cafe, restaurant
and bar managers, with over 58% taking three
months or more to fnd suitable candidates. Of
those fnally employed, 50.4% were on some
sort of work visa. The picture for chefs was
similar with over 59% taking three months or
more to fnd a suitable candidate of which 45.6%
were on a work visa of some sort.
The industry has a priority to employ New
Zealanders but they are simply not available in
the numbers required. For restaurant, cafe and
bar managers 38.5% of respondents had sought
candidates from Work and Income with only
2.2% fnding suitable candidates. The same story
applied for chefs with only 2.1% fnding suitable
candidates from Work and Income.
These skill shortages are only going to get
worse as the economy improves and tourism
numbers grow. Any limitations on the ability to
employ suitably skilled migrants would severely
limit the industrys ability to meet the growing
demand, said Mr Cunningham.
Limits on Immigration and Work Visas may stop tourism growth
www.iwk.co.nz
20 June 2014
12
NEW ZEALAND
A
ucklanders are invited to have their say on
when, where and how alcohol is sold.
You can make written submissions on the draft
Auckland Council Local Alcohol Policy until 16
July 2014.
Cr George Wood, Chair of the Regional
Strategy and Policy Committee, says the
draft policy has been more than 18 months in
development, and has been informed by extensive
research and discussion with stakeholders.
The council wants to ensure that we balance
the need to minimise alcohol-related harm with
the desire to have a vibrant, exciting, yet safe
Auckland for residents and
visitors to enjoys.
We have engaged closely
with the hospitality and retail
trades, the Police, the Medical
Offcer of Health, licensing
inspectors and health agencies,
to ensure the provisions will be
effective in reducing alcohol-
related harm and practical
to implement. During
the consultation period the council will have
information stands at locations around Auckland
where people can stop by and ask questions.
Hearings will be scheduled and a provisional
policy adopted by the councils Governing Body.
Submitters on the draft policy will have the option
of appealing the provisional policy.
A summary of the key proposals in the draft
policy follows:
The identifcation of three areas where
different rules apply Broad Area A - Aucklands
city centre and the main streets of Newton and
Ponsonby, Broad Area B - the rest of Auckland,
and Priority Overlay -specifcally identifed
streets and centres across the region where there
are greater levels of alcohol-related harm
A 24-month freeze on issuing new off licences
(eg supermarkets and bottle stores) in Broad Area
A and the Priority Overlay where there is already
a saturation point of off-licences
No new off-licences in small neighbourhood
centres unless the District Licensing Committee
can be satisfed that the licence will be of beneft
to the community and would not create alcohol-
related harm
This will be tested through a new
environmental and cumulative impact assessment
tool and will also apply across Broad Area A and
Prioirty Overlay after the 24 month freeze
Implementing maximum trading hours of 9am
to 10pm region-wide, for all types of off-licences.
This is a reduction from the national default hours
of 7am to 11pm
Managing the location and density of higher-
risk on-licences (eg bars and taverns ) through
a new environmental
and cumulative impact
assessment tool. This will
evaluate the likely impact
of new licences on local
communities, including
criteria such as existing
licences and nearby schools.
Restricting on-licence
trading hours overall from
the current default of 8am to
4am across the region, as follows:
Broad Area A: standard maximum hours of 9am
to 3am.Broad Area B: standard maximum
hours of 9am to 1am
An option for best-practice operators to
apply for trial extensions of up to two hours,
preferred in large centres and refused in
residential areas.
Priority Overlay: same hours as the underlying
broad area, but ineligible for trial extensions.
The draft policy has been developed under
the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2013,
which is intended to empower local councils,
in consultation with their local communities, to
have greater infuence over decisions about local
licencing conditions.
We believe this is a great starting place for the
community to tell us what they think and whether
we have the balance right, says Cr Wood.
To make a submission and to read the
Statement of Proposal (containing the draft
Have your say on the sale of
alcohol in the city
M
ore than 9,400 submissions on the
Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan received
during the fve-month formal consultation
period are now online.
Along with the original submissions, a
summary report that captures each of the
93,600 requests is now available. The report
is the largest of its kind since the Resource
Management Act came into effect in 1991.
The most frequently addressed topics in
the submissions included rezoning, residential
rules, urban growth, and business rules.
Unitary Plan Committee Chair Councillor
Alf Filipaina says offcial notifcation of the
submission report is one more step completed
in the process.
Today is another milestone for the
Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan. We now have
all the input from our communities available on
councils website and have offcially kicked off
the further submission phase, he said.
The submissions can be searched by
submitter details, or by themes such as air
quality, business, residential, earthworks,
natural hazards, fooding and transport.
People now have 30 working days to make
a further submission if they are a person with
an interest greater than the general public or
represent a matter of public interest.
Hard copies of the summary of decisions
requested report will be available at selected
Auckland libraries, service centres and local
board offces.
To view the submissions and for information
on the further submission phase visit www.
aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/unitaryplan.
Auckland Unitary Plan
submissions online
F
ashionistas and budding designers, ready
your needles - entries for Cult Couture are
now open. Now in its 13th year, Cult Couture
is a runway show and fashion awards event
celebrating creative and innovative fashion design
in Aotearoa.The 2014 theme, Fabrik Navigators
has fve categories: Recycled Revolution,
Formally Yours, Flight of Fantasy, Identity and
Urbanesia. Designer entries should be original
pieces and students, graduates, emerging artists
and designers are eligible to enter.
The total prize pool is $9,500 with the Supreme
Award winner also winning a manufacturing
contract with Equinox Apparel Ltd. to support
their blossoming fashion career.
With last years record number of entries the
bar has been set high for 2014 and this years
judges, Doris de Pont (NZ Fashion Museum),
Lindah Lepou (Pacifc Couture Designer) and
Dan Ahwa (Canvas Magazine, NZ Herald) will
have their work cut out for them. Visit www.
aucklandcouncil.govt.nz for more information on
categories and how to submit your details.
Competition dates: Friday 1 August entries
close Friday 21 November runway and fashion
awards
Join a
fashionable
cult
F
REE Migrant Workshops by Auckland
Regional Migrant Services, Manukau
Team for June 2014
ARMS are offering a range of free and user
paid workshops for newcomers to Manukau in
June . We would really appreciate if you can
please publish this under Community Notices.
Job Search Workshop (Manukau Centre)
- Free for migrants less than 2 years in NZ and
with WTR Visa, PR, Silver Fern or Work Visa
Are you currently looking for work? Our
Team can help you with useful information
and advice around your job search. Join us for
a free workshop on Thursday 26th June,2014
Time 9.30am 2.30pm at our Manukau Offce.
This workshop helps you to learn about New
Zealands business culture and employment
environment, how to write a Kiwi style CV
and cover letter, language skills needed for job
search and the NZ workplace, interviewing tips,
other services to assist your job search. To make
a booking please phone 09 263 5490 or email
Manukau@arms-mrc.org.nz. (FEE of $40 for
visitors visa / working holiday / international
students / NZ citizens and Permanent residents
who have been in NZ for more than two years)
English Advice (Manukau Centre)
-Free for migrants less than 5 years in NZ
and with WTR Visa, PR, Silver Fern or Work
Visa Auckland Regional Migrant Services
help migrants with advice about their level
of English, English classes and referrals to
community resources. Clients are welcome to
bring a support person with them.
Service will be on 19th June and 26th June
2014 at ARMS Manukau (FEE of $30 for
visitors visa / working holiday / international
students / NZ citizens and Permanent residents
who have been in NZ for more than fve years).
Please contact manukau@arms-mrc.org.
nz or 09 2635490 to register or for further
information.
FREE Migrant Workshops
www.iwk.co.nz
20 June 2014
13
NEWS IN BRIEF
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Land: 916m (approx.)
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M 021 047 1290
BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD,
MANUKAU, LICENSED UNDER THE
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T
he Ahmadiyya Muslim Community New
Zealand hosted a Mosque Open Day for
the general public on 14th June 2014 at their
recently inaugurated mosque in Manukau.
The National President of the Community
Mr. Mohammed Iqbal said The stereotype of
violence and hatred which is associated with
Islam and that mosque are the hub of incitement
can only be removed if people are invited to see
and experience the true purpose of a Mosque.
Our house of God is open for worship to all
people of monotheistic faiths.
The Spiritual Leader and Head of the
Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community,
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: Allah has
very clearly commanded that when you enter a
Mosque or when you enter any House of God,
your purpose should be to worship Him and to
bow down with sincerity before Him. When
you enter a Mosque, not only should you pray
for your own success and betterment, but also
for the beneft and progress of the society in
which you live and for others.
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Opens
their Mosque to its Neigbhours
A
otearoa New Zealand Association of
Social Workers (ANZASW) supports all
actions and initiatives to prevent all forms of
elder abuse in Aotearoa New Zealand. They
encourage not only those working in the Social
Work profession but the wider community
to get involved in and promote Elder Abuse
Awareness Week 15th 22nd June 2014 in the
hopes that this will evolve into promotion and
prevention of elder abuse in the communities.
The occurrence of elder abuse and the
alarming fact that much of this goes on
unreported is something that ANZASW views
as a timely and important issue. It is important
and necessary to ensure that elder people in the
communities across the country feel safe and
protected. There needs to be wider recognition
of the issue itself as well as a more in-depth
understanding of the warning signs and the
support available throughout the country.
Supporting, promoting and getting involved
in Elder Abuse Awareness Week 2014 is
something that ANZASW sees as a step towards
widespread recognition of this issue. ANZASW
encourage involvement on the 15th - 22nd June
2014 in the hopes that this will evolve into
promotion and support for elder abuse all year
around, providing solutions and initiatives that
will protect elder people now and in the future.
ANZASW promotes and supports
Elder Abuse Awareness Week 2014
F
ollowing the earthquakes women and
children desperately seeking emergency
housing have reached levels never seen before
as highlighted this year by the plight of Billy-
Jean Rangihuna, mother of three living in
a leaky caravan. Last year, the Canterbury
District Health Board provided further evidence
that homelessness is a growing issue across
the country which continues unabated. The
New Zealand Coalition to End Homelessness
(NZCEH) supports calls to action for more
social housing and affordable housing in
Christchurch.
These are some of our most vulnerable
people in our community and they are being
let down. There needs to be a joint strategic
response by government, council and social
agencies to deal with this situation, says Corie
Haddock, Tangata Tiriti Co-chair of NZCEH.
Action needs to be taken to ensure that our most
in need are given the support and resources
required to maintain their health and wellbeing.
Dr Shiloh Groot, Tangata Whenua Co-
Chair of NZCEH stated Street homelessness
represents only the tip of the iceberg just
around the corner there are many thousands
more who are little more than one domestic
crisis away from being on the streets. This is
clearly what we are seeing in Christchurch.
The NZCEH for the upcoming election
will be hosting a Political Panel end of June
to determine how each Party will address the
growing issue of homelessness.
More evidence of the growing number
of homelessness
T
he Minister for Disability Issues Hon.
Tariana Turia has announced that Robert
Martin will be New Zealands candidate for the
2016 election of the United Nations Committee
on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Minister Turia presented New Zealands
statement to the Seventh Conference of States
Parties on the Convention on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities in New York on 10
June 2014.
If elected, it is believed that Robert Martin
may be the frst person with a learning/
intellectual disability in the world to serve on
the UN Committee. Robert is a leader amongst
the New Zealand disability community, having
also helped to write the UN Convention on the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities and as a
recipient of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
People First National Chairperson Hamish
Taverner said, He supports us People First
members and he helps us speak up for our
rights. He is the right candidate for the position.
People with learning disability should be
around the table and represented. By having
Robert there, the United Nations will know
more about people with learning disability and
we will have a voice.
New Zealands nomination to UN
Committee potentially a world frst
MIGRANT HERITAGE CHARITABLE TRUST (INC) MigHT-I
Proudly presents
An evening of North Indian & South Indian Music
with Jugalbandi
SUPPORTED BY:
ASB COMMUNITY TRUST, COGS
MEDIA PARTNERS : INDIAN WEEKENDER
Sounds of Heaven
Tickets :
YOGIJIS Food Mart: 26/22 Carr Road, Mt Roskill(09) 624 5757
Manjit (0211595971) or Varsha (09 534 8000)
DATE: 12th July 2014
TICKETS: $10 TIME: 6:00 PM
Venue: Ellerslie War Memorial Hall, Ellerslie Highway, Ellerslie AuckIond
1he Mott ert
A grand musical evening of Sarod, Tabla, Sitar, Mandolin, Harmonium Violin , Ghatam &
Veena
featuring Maestro's:
Shri Satish Sharma (Sarod), Shri Manjit Singh (Tabla), Shri Lester Silver (Sitar), Dr Ashok
Malur (Violin), Shri Anand Thakore (Mandolin), Shri Sameer Bhalodkar (Harmonium),
Shri Krishna Somsundar (Ghatam) & Smt Malathi Vasudevan (Veena)
With upcoming stars :
from the schools of Dr Ashok Malur and Manjeetsinghji. .. Book your tickets NOW!
N
ew Zealand has never shied away in
welcoming guests from different parts of
the World. This congenial behavior has helped a
number of refugees take abode in this beautiful
Country.
In 1987, the Government of New Zealand
established a formal annual quota for the
resettlement of refugees. Since the end of the
Second World War New Zealand has been
accepting refugees for resettlement.
Mangere refugee resettlement center
(MRRC) which is managed by the Immigration
New Zealand, support the refugees who arrive
New Zealand under the Refugee quota and board
them for six weeks for a reception programme.
This organization works hand in hand with the
government agencies and non-governmental
agencies (NGO).
In order to help the refugees identify
their needs and settlement requirements for
resettling in New Zealand, a needs assessment
is administered prior to their arrival. Apart from
building basic social coping skills, the reception
programme also lends hand in employment
training projects including English language
training.
On completion of the reception programme
the refugees are sent to resettle in fve regions of
New Zealand: Auckland, Waikato, Manawatu,
Wellington and Nelson. Medical and other
housing needs are also facilitated by the center.
In order to recognize the resilience of
these refugees the World celebrates, World
Refugee Day on the 20th of June every year.
Commemorating the journey of all refugees
and to celebrate the diversity these communities
bring to New Zealand, a programme is being
held by MRRC and the Auckland Refugee
Community Coalition on Saturday 21st June.
Speeches, music, dance performances, art
display, ethnic food and drinks from the former
refugee communities will be the order of the day
along with an inter-community fnal football
tournament marking the end of the celebration.
New Zealand to celebrate world refugee day
www.iwk.co.nz
20 June 2014
14
www.national.org.nz
www.bakshi.co.nz
Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi NATI ONAL LI ST MP
www.national.org.nz
www.bakshi.co.nz
Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi NATI ONAL LI ST MP
NEW ZEALAND
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Rabindra-Nazrul Sandhya:
Tribute to the Music
T
he Probasee Bengalee association celebrated
the Rabindra-Nazrul sandhya, an annual event
commemorating the legends of Bengali literature,
Rabindranath Tagore, frst Indian Nobel laureate and
Kaji Narzul Islam, a great Bengali and a national poet
of Bangladesh. The musical evening rejoiced the work
of the great legends performing songs, dance and drama
from their literature.
www.iwk.co.nz
20 June 2014
15
NEW ZEALAND
O
n Saturday, the 17th May 2014 Swar
Tarang a Hindustani classical music
performance at Fickling Centre entertained
over 300 music lovers from 6 to 10.15 pm. This
concert was to pay tribute to Late Mr Jayant
Bhalodkar, an accomplished Sanwadini (also
known as Harmonium) player. It was arranged
by his son and daughter-in-law Sameer and
Mruga Bhalodkar.
Late Mr Jayant Bhalodkar on arrival in
New Zealand in 2002. with his dedication and
deep understanding of classical Hindustani
music, successfully attracted music lovers
instrumental, classical, semi-classical or
even light music, to perform and get younger
generation to learn Indian music.
After his sad demise in 2010 , Sameer has
been arranging music programmes each year
to comemmorate his father.
This years programme started with the
Bhajan sung by Shri Virend Prakash- frst Jai
Ganesh Pyare followed by Krishna Murari ji
aankh base man bhaven. The well
sung bhjajans created appropriate
mood for the evening.
Tabla, a rhythm instrument,
was played by Mr Manjit Singh as
accompanyment to all the singers.
His tabla skills took the music
performance to a great height.
Manasi Kulkarni, sang Raag
Bageshree Sakhee mana laage
na, followed by a Bandish Balma
more tore Sangva and Tarana in
Teentaal. Her melodious voice set
a strong base for classical Hindustani music for
the following performances.
Vidya Teke presented a bandish in raag Des
Hori Khelan ko chaley kanhiya, followed
by Kajari in Raag Mishra Pilu Ghir ke aayi
badariya. Her talent unfolded emotional touch
of Hindustani music.
Lester Silver played on Sitar Raag Suha
followed by a Gat, the speed and Zala, the
fast paced conclusion of the
composition. The sight of a
Kiwi playing an Indian string
instrument with an expertise,
was yet another highlight of the
evening.
Mrs Daljeet Kaur presented
two Thumris in raag Mishra
Pilu Kaun Gali Gayo Shyam
and Hamey na bhave yari o
savariya, a classic performance
of very sweet voice.
Mrs Kishori Telang
presented Dadra Balam Matwala kaisa jadu
dala in mishra Shivranjani raag, unfolding
shades of various ragas, followed by Meerabai
Bhajan Mhare ghar avoji, weaved in various
ragas. Her deep understanding and performing
classical music was well appreciated by the
audience.
Samir Bhalodkar has inherited the family
legacy of samvadini playing from his father.
This evening he played raag Marwa, followed
by Kajri in Mishra Kaf Sawre Aai jaiyo.
Sameer insists that Samvadini is not merely
an accompaniment instrument, but has a
capacity to stand on its own. His performance
proved his claim.
The audience gave impromptu daad
(appreciation) for all the performers, left
Fickling Centre with a contended heart, and a
longing for the next years performances.
Mr Prashant Belwalkar of MIGHT-i did
compering for the event, with enormous
enthusiasm his inbuilt quality.
Bhalodkar family was deeply grateful to
all the artists for their performances and the
audience, whose presence contributed to the
success of the event.
The beautiful pencil portrait of late Mr
Jayant Bhalodkar near the stage was done by
Sameers daughter Tanvi, which gave a
perfect family touch to the event by bringing
Grandfathers presence there!
Swar Tarang Indian classical music performance on 17 May 2014 in Auckland
M
igrant Heritage Charitable Trust Inc
(MigHT-i) is continuing its work of
bringing to fore the rich heritage of Indian
Classical Music in New Zealand. After the
super success of Naadbrahma in 2009, 2010
and 2012, they are back for their 4th season
of Hindustani and Carnatic Music this time
with an all new format. This years edition
featured Sitar, Sarod, Tabla, Violin, Mandolin,
Veena and Ghatam. Sounds from Heaven
or NAADBRAHMA 2014 will be hosted at
Ellerslie War Memorial Hall.
The event will be a showcase of the
Maestros and the future stars of Indian
Classical Music in New Zealand. It will feature
Shri Satish Sharma on Sarod, Shri Lester Silver
on Sitar, Shri Anand Thakore on Mandolin,
Shri Samir Bhalodkar on Samvadini and Shri
Manjitsinghji on Tabla. These Maestros will
showcase the Hindustani side of the classical
divide. Carnatic music will be presented by Smt
Malathi Vasudevan on Veena, Dr Ashok Malur
on Violin and Shri Krishna Somasundaram on
Ghatam! A real tribute to the original maestros
on this auspicious day of Gurupurnima!
Students of Manjitsinghji and Dr Ashok
Malur will represent the future generations
and we promise an wholesome and exciting
evening. We can assure you that the lineage
has bright future as the students along with
their gurus will showcase some of the fnest
traditions of music.
Program: NAADBRAMHA
Date: 12th July 2014
Time: 06.00 pm Tickets: $10
Venue: Ellerslie War Memorial Hall
Address: Ellerslie main Highway, Ellerslie.
Hindustani and Carnatic music will come
head to head during the evening and create a
magic of Sur and Taal which will leave
you mesmerized and the evening promises to
show you what our Indian music is capable of
achieving.
The tickets for this program can be
purchased from YOGIJIs (09 624 5757),
Manjit (0211595971) or Varsha (09 5348000).
You can also book your tickets on email:
info@might-i.org.
So mark your Calendars today and book the
tickets EARLY!
The show also travels to Hamilton on July
13th where it will be performed at the Hillcrest
Normal School Hall on Cambridge Road. This
is the third time the show is travelling there
after a full house in 2010 & 2012. A not to be
missed journey!
MigHTis NAADBRAHMA 2014 a
Gurupurnima Special in Auckland
Proudly presents
An evening of North Indian & South Indian J MUSIC with
Jugalbandi
SUPPORTED BY:
Sounds of Heaven
Tickets :
Manjit (0211595971) or Varsha (09 534 8000)
1he Mott ert
Veena featuring Maestro's:
Malur (Violin), Shri Anand Thakore (Mandolin), Shri Sameer Bhalodkar (Harmonium), Shri
Krishna S (Ghatam) & Smt Malathi Vasudevan (Veena)
M
igrant Heritage Charitable Trust Inc
(regd) in collaboration with Auckland
Libraries take the pleasure in inviting you to
attend an interactive session with Ms Kalyani
Gadgil, the author of the travelogue NEW
ZEALAND DAKSHIN GOLARDHATIL
NANDANVAN (New Zealand a heaven in
the Southern Hemisphere). During the event
she will be talking about her writing experiences
and glimpses about the books and travelogues
she has written so far which include Europe,
Australia and now New Zealand. While most of
you are familiar with the Lonely Planet books,
this book written in Marathi is a treat for all
book lovers as it encompasses a range of topics
from geographical information, tourist spots,
what to do (not do!) to key colloquial slangs!
The book is a must for all those who come
from Maharashtra (as the book is in Marathi)
and will serve as a useful tip to those who are
already hear as well as those who intend to
come to New Zealand, be it family, friends or
acquaintances!
You will get an opportunity to not only to
meet Ms Gadgil but also an opportunity to
buy the book specially autographed by Ms
Kalyani.
Venue: Lynfeld Room,
Fickling Convention Centre,
546 Mt Albert road, Three Kings, Auckland.
Time: 3.00 pm 4.30 pm
Seats are limited so please RSVP :
Varsha (09 534 8000).
Auckland libraries helps the communities
is many ways. This also includes stocking
regional language books. There are books now
available in Marathi and can be borrowed from
your nearest library! If you are not a member
of your local library then do visit the library
website (http://www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz)
to become a member now! Its a treasure trove
and will enrich your familys experience! Also
joining the library is totally FREE!
Meet the Author Kalyani Gadgil at
Fickling Centre.
T
he recently elected new committee at the
Auckland Marathi Association presents a
good balance of veterans who know established
processes that have worked in the past and new
enthusiasts who bring with them fresh new ideas
new skills. Rushikesh Ahinave, who was elected
President for the coming two years says, One of
our goals is to take the Association to the next
level and establish a roadmap that would bring all
Marathi Aucklanders to stay connected and united
as a one family.During the day, Rushikesh is an IT
professional and has interests in music and event
management.
The others on the committee are Vidya Teke,
who was elected as Secretary for the executive
committee. Vidya runs a music academy and
will be heavily involved in providing guidance
on producing Indian classical and semi-classical
concerts hosted by the Association. Vrunda
Chinchankar was elected treasurer. Vrunda is
a banking professional and has been an active
member of the Association for many years. She
brings experience and foresight in planning the
Associations fnances. The team is robust with
Prasad Rajapurkar, Vilas Katakdond, Manasee
Joshi, Samata Amrute and Reshma Rekhi.
The Annual General Meeting 2014, of the
Auckland Marathi Association Incorporated
was held at Freemans Bay Community Hall on
Sunday, 01 June 2014. The last committee did a
fantastic job by bringing a diverse range of shows
and events to the community like Funtakshari,
Diwali Pahat, Ganesh utsav, Avdhoot Deshpande,
Eka Lagnachi Goshta and Sorry Sir (drama).
Going forward the team at AMA would build on
its success. This will refect in enhanced quality
in programming and communication across the
board.
New faces poised to take Marathi Association
to exciting new places
U
niversity of Auckland Indian Society
established in Feb 2013 is coming up
with a musical show East Meets West
Love in Bollywood Style. UoAIS
since the past one and half year
have organized many events in
the University. Last year their
main highlight was the Diwali
event where they performed in the
University in front of a huge crowd.
Seeing the positive response from
everyone UoAIS members thought
of taking their performance on a
whole new level.
Their upcoming show has a
storyline about a young NRI guy
Sameer coming to India to learn more about
Bollywood movies. The way he adjusts to his
college life and gets in touch with his hidden
desi side while falling for a typical Bollywood
loving Indian girl will be depicted in the show
by doing drama and dance.
This show is being organized
and performed by students itself.
Through this show members of
UoAIS want to celebrate the rich
and colorful culture of India; to
encourage creativity and foster
relations between fellow Indian
students that will promote the
Indian Society and the Indian
community at large.
The show is about 140 minutes
and is on the 31st July in Maidment
Theatre at 7pm. The tickets are
on sale and can be bought online from the
Maidment Theatre website. For any further
information contact Gauri at 02102869051.
East meets West
www.iwk.co.nz
20 June 2014
16
NZ POLITICS
I
nternet MANA has submitted its proposed logo
to the Electoral Commission for registration.
The Internet MANA logo will appear on voting
papers in the party vote section. Each component
party will retain separate identities and candidates
when contesting the electorate vote.
Hone Harawira, MANA leader and MP for Te
Tai Tokerau, said
Internet MANA
would actively
pursue the party
vote.
We will be
running strong,
visible campaigns
in individual
electorates but
the party vote is
our focus. New
Zealanders have
been saying that they want their party votes to
count and the Internet MANA alliance gives them
confdence about this. A party vote for Internet
MANA wont be a wasted vote every vote we
earn will make a difference in changing the
government.
Internet Party leader Laila Harr said both
parties were looking forward to campaigning
together under the Internet MANA banner.
The unity, purpose and commitment weve
already established has been exceptional. Together
were both stronger and, most importantly, we
will be a strong and effective voice for our people
in Parliament.
MANA will announce its candidates after
the Internet Party in the coming weeks. MANA
will have frst, third and fourth positions on the
combined Internet MANA list. Mr Harawira
will be frst on the list and Ms Harr second. The
Internet Party also has ffth and sixth spots and
subsequent places on the Internet MANA list will
be assigned on an alternating basis between the
two component
parties.
Earlier The
Internet MANA
alliance has signed
up the number
of members
required to apply
for registration
with the Electoral
Commission to
contest the party
vote at the General
Election on September 20.
Political parties require a membership of
500 eligible voters adult citizens and permanent
residents to gain registration.
According to Hone Harawira, MANA
Movement leader and MP for Te Tai Tokerau,
in contesting the party vote the Internet MANA
alliance would be in a position to bring positive
change and real choice to New Zealands
political landscape.
A party vote for Internet MANA means well
be able advance our policies and deliver the
change New Zealand needs, said Internet Party
leader Laila Harr. Every party vote for Internet
MANA will make a difference.
Internet MANA Logo
submitted, Gets the Numbers
T
he Internet MANA Party has called on
Parliament to change the law on voter
thresholds and will test public opinion online.
An online petition went live on the Internet
Partys website on Sunday 15 June and will run
for a week. It calls for a change to the law to
guarantee equal value for all party votes.
Theres a lot of politics being played around
the threshold issue, said Internet Party leader
Laila Harr. Its time for the people to have a say.
MANA Movement leader Hone Harawira
said his party had always taken a strong stance
against current thresholds.
Its always been our position that we are
against thousands of votes being wasted.
Ms Harr said the issue centred around the
5% threshold and the one-seat threshold, known
as coat-tailing.
The 5% threshold means more than 100,000
voters for a single party can have their party
votes ignored. Collectively, thats a signifcant
share of the party vote, and there are many
thousands more who dont vote for their
preferred party because they fear those party
votes would be wasted.
Mr Harawira said the current thresholds had
been purposely set by the big parties to suit
their own purposes.
This amounts to a protection racket set up
by the old guard, who were frightened of what
would happen under MMP. New Zealanders
have been saying that they want their party
votes to count. The current focus on the one-
seat threshold should not be separated out from
the undemocratically high party vote threshold.
Internet MANA wants the principle of equal
value for all party votes to underpin any change
to electoral law.
This could be done before the election
provided that those parties who have benefted
from the current rules do so in the spirit of one-
person, one party vote, said Ms Harr.
Internet Mana Seeks Law
Change on Thresholds
F
riday the 13th was a black day not only for
John Banks who resigned his role as MP, but
also for the ACT Party who have once again let
down the people of Epsom, according to Michael
Wood, Labour candidate for Epsom.
John Banks has been ACTs sole MP, leader,
and lifeline to parliament over the past three
years. He has been ACTs public face, and in that
capacity has been defended to the hilt by ACT and
the government. The day before his guilty verdict,
ACT campaign manager Richard Prebble insisted
on his innocence
Yet now we have the pathetic spectacle of
ACT trying to pretend that John Banks never
existed, and that his behaviour as sole ACT
MP is somehow de-linked from the ACT Party.
Epsom voters wont fall for that one. They have
been embarrassed time and again by ACT; from
Rodney Hides perks, to Jamie Whytes support
for incest, and now the Banks circus
The worst thing, is that without pausing
for breath, ACT is once again on its hind legs
begging National to gift it the parliamentary
seat of Epsom. This is a disgrace. The people of
Epsom are once again being treated as pawns in a
desperate attempt to keep ACT alive
Epsom deserves better, and this election voters
can choose to end the ongoing embarrassment of
representation by an organisation that is more of
a circus that a political party, says Michael Wood.
John Banks was found guilty of electoral fraud
earlier this month and he resigned from his post
on friday 13 June
Black Friday for the ACT Party
John Banks says:
I have been privileged to serve the
people of Epsom and New Zealand at
both a local level and in Wellington.
I have given my heart and soul over
four decades to making a worthwhile
contribution to this country. I have
always endeavoured to do the right
thing. Consequently I am deeply
saddened at this turn of events.
As the matter is still before the Court
I will be making no further comment
said Mr Banks.
www.iwk.co.nz
20 June 2014
17
POWER COLUMN
N
ew Zealand has a proud tradition in the
primary industries were recognised as
leaders, exporting primary produce for over
120 years.
This week, Fieldays, the largest agri-
focussed event in the southern hemisphere,
showcased the bright future of the engine room
of New Zealands economy.
Were a small isolated island nation and
have faced huge hurdles on our journey to
becoming a successful agricultural exporter.
These challenges forced us to innovate and do
more with less.
This year our primary exports increased
by $5.3 billion to a record $37.7 billion. Our
Primary Growth Partnership invested $708
million of industryGovernment funds across
18 projects with a projected annual return of up
to $11.1 billion by 2025. Sustainable Farming
Funds are driving 906 projects supported by
$122.8 million in Government funding to
deliver economic, environmental, and social
benefts.
As international markets become more
sophisticated and competitive, it is crucial New
Zealands primary industries keep pace.
A recent report highlights employment in
the sector could increase by 50,000 by 2025.
For this we need our best and brightest. Theres
good capacity in our tertiary education system to
meet this need. The challenge is to inspire more
young people to obtain good qualifcations and
work in the sector. Our new combined primary
sector ITO, the EPIC challenge, and dedicated
primary sector institutions will all play a part
alongside the industry in achieving this. The
new industry-led Land Your Dream Job
campaign launched at Fieldays, aims to show
young people our jobs arent all early mornings
and mud.
National is committed to supporting rural
families and ensuring rural children are getting
support to reach their potential.
National Standards are keeping parents
informed and our upgrade of school IT systems
allow schools and students to share resources,
across New Zealand and around the world.
Were investing $300 million to enable faster
rural broadband, with more than 149,000
rural homes, schools, and businesses already
beneftting. Since 2009 our graduate bonding
schemes have supported more doctors, nurses,
midwives, vets, and teachers for rural areas
and weve invested more than $22 million
invested into rural primary health care services.
We made GP visits and prescriptions free for
children under six, and from July 2015, were
extending this to all children under 13.
Were supporting business by opening new
markets and have a Business Growth Agenda
focused on creating more jobs, raise incomes,
and build a more productive and competitive
economy.
National believes successful economic and
environmental policy can, and must, go hand
in hand. We know the important decisions
we make today are vital to New Zealands
economic and environmental performance,
now, and for the future.
When our primary sector succeeds, New Zealand succeeds
I
ndia has shown the world a remarkable election.
It was a thoroughly modern process. Over a
fve week period, 550 million votes were cast via
1.8 million electronic voting machines.
When Narendra Modi was in campaign mode,
he sent his hologram to speak to his supporters in
1400 locations.
As we move into our electoral season here in
New Zealand, India has set the bar high.
The good thing about Modis victory is that it
was decisive. Theres no need for him to worry
about coalitions and he has a watertight mandate.
It means the Indians have spoken.
Modis reputation is based on his ability to
bring real development to the state of Gujarat.
He didnt eliminate corruption but he condemned
and reduced it, he attracted investment, and set
Gujarat on a path that has made it one of the most
successful states in India.
The question is whether he can do that for the
entire country. Certainly thats what Indians hope,
and what we all hope.
Questions still hang over Modi regarding
his role in inciting violence in the Gujarat riots
of 2002. One of his challenges will be to show
that he is a leader of all India, not just those who
voted for him. Indias remarkable success comes
from its tolerance and its ability to see itself as one
country despite the various ethnic groups within
it. Its an incredible success-story. The worlds
largest democracy has shown the rest of the world
how to run a successful ultra-modern election.
As Labours foreign affairs spokesman I wish
Indias 15th Prime Minister all the best for a
peaceful and prosperous tenure.
David Shearer
Indias remarkable elections comes to a decisive end
Low wages all part of the plan
N
ew Zealand has become one of the most
unaffordable countries in the world for
housing. If you dont own a house now you
must be wondering how you will ever get into
property ownership.
Nothing has been done in nearly six
years to turn this around. Thats because it is
part of Nationals plan. The Prime Minister
is dismissive about the housing crisis and
deliberately out of touch with reality.
Many Kiwis can no longer rely on their wage
stretching far enough to cover the household
expenses let alone payments on a housing loan,
thats if anyone can actually fnd a home to buy
in the crowded buyers market.
But John Key and his government are
content to be out of touch because a low-
waged economy is part of their plan.
Wage earners try to cope with ever increasing
prices - in the last year milk has gone up 11 per
cent and cheese 8 per cent on wages that have
stalled.
Massive immigration and more workers
seeking jobs is keeping wages low.
Low wages make for bigger profts for its
wealthy mates, the big foreign corporations
who bundle up their Kiwi takings and send
them overseas.
The Reserve Bank now says it is on guard
as it watches immigration numbers. It admits
immigration might need to be hit on the head,
which New Zealand First has been saying for a
long time, but fne tuning will be hard.
Offcial interest rates have just been put
up by the Reserve Bank pushing interest
payments on home loans up. Expect more this
year and next year.
Kiwis now have to fnd more and more from
their slim wage packets because Nationals
management of the economy has been a failure.
If the migration boom gets stronger, the
bank warns house prices will go up, and interest
rates could go up faster.
Lets give the thumbs down to Nationals
massive immigration, low wages, and a who
cares about housing prices attitude.
New Zealand First will cut immigration, and
opt for smart and focused skilled immigration.
Well give the Reserve Bank the levers to
steer the economy in the interests of every
Kiwi, wage earners and businesses alike, and
not in the interests of those who are velcroed to
foreign corporations plundering our countrys
resources.
Winston Peters
T
he Government values all our migrant
communities and the really positive
contribution they make to New Zealand. We
recognise that highly skilled migrants coming
to New Zealand with their families is only
positive. Recent policies announced by other
parties in Parliament would have a detrimental
impact on people who want to bring their skills
and experience here.
The numbers show how attractive New
Zealand is to people from all over the world.
Immigration has been increasing in the past few
years and that trend is set to continue. And fair
enough too.
With growth forecasts in the top handful
of developed economies, New Zealand is an
attractive place to visit, live and work. Wages
are rising faster than infation and 84,000 jobs
were created in the past year. Together all New
Zealanders can celebrate the progress that our
country is making. Forecasts show a $372
million surplus will be posted next year.
The Government is well aware of the
contribution that our ethnic communities
are making to our growing economy. New
Zealands diversity helps us get our products
to the rest of the world. People-to-people links
are a great asset and so is an understanding of
different cultures. The vast range of experiences
and insight that New Zealanders possess are a
strength that the Government believes should
be celebrated.
Regardless of where people originate from, I
fnd that they want similar things. Most people
want an opportunity to get ahead and a positive
outlook for their children. A welcoming,
inclusive nation is a strong and confdent one
and that is how the Government wants New
Zealand to be.
This is the frst time Ive written a column for the Indian Weekender and I appreciate the opportunity to connect with the Indian community.
I represent a very diverse electorate and I want to be as inclusive as possible and reach out to all constituents. At last count over half of the
Botany Electorate were born overseas. It is one of the most multicultural electorates in the country and all the richer for it.
Jammie Lee Ross
www.iwk.co.nz
20 June 2014
18
INDIA
T
he priorities of the new government spelt out
in President Pranab Mukherjees address had
the stamp of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who
has laid thrust on use of technology to bring quick
results, revive Brand India and use social media
for participative governance.
The address sought to build on ideas of Modis
campaign speeches and give concrete shape to
many of his plans.
Modi, who scripted history by getting the BJP
its frst majority in Lok Sabha on the promise
of good governance, sought to outline the road
map of his government to achieve its goals and
promises. The address said the backbone of
the governments new ways of working will be
Digital India.
The presidents speech refected many of
Modis ideas and slogans: Ek Bharat, Shreshtha
Bharat (one India, best India), Sabka saath,
sabka vikas (cooperation of all, development
of all), minimum government, maximum
governance, per drop - more crop, skill,
scale and speed and every family will have a
pucca house.But while government made several
promises of launching new schemes and missions
and expanding some existing ones, there were few
timelines for the goals to be achieved.
The address admitted that people had high
hopes and wanted quick results in their quest for
prosperity. Modi, who has used technology in
Gujarat to cut down on administrative delays, has
been laying thrust on e-governance.
The president, in his address, said e-governance
brings empowerment, equity and effciency.
It talked about Wi-Fi zones in critical public
areas in fve years, broadband highway in each
village, making schools e-enabled and creating a
knowledge society.
Modi, who was among leaders to realise the
potential of social media and has one of the largest
following on social media platforms, is keen the
government makes full use of their potential.
The presidents address said social media will
be used as a tool for participative governance,
directly engaging the people in policy making and
administration.
The address refected many of Modis
articulated concerns - water conservation and
micro-irrigation, boosting manufacturing,
improving urban amenities, boosting tourism,
sustainable development, making agriculture
remunerative, cleanliness, cleaning Ganga and
realising the inherent strengths of India.
Modi had said during his election campaigns
that if he and his government were given 60
months to perform, they will end atmosphere
of pessimism and take India to the road of
prosperity.
The presidents address sought to convey the
governments resolve to achieve results.
In 60 months from now, we should be able to
say with confdence and pride that we have done
it, it said.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah
Naidu said, It is full of clarity and less on
verbosity. The address rightly interprets the verdict
of the people of the country in the elections to the
Lok Sabha. Congress leader Anand Sharma,
however, said the presidents address had many
expressions that people had been listening to for
the past six months.
It is just jugglery of words. It does not have
any sense of direction, Sharma said.
Presidential address: Modis stamp evident on government programmes
T
he government would follow a foreign
policy based on enlightened national
interest and a doctrine of mutually benefcial
relationships, focusing on the immediate South
Asian neighbourhood frst, President Pranab
Mukherjee said on June 9.
Addressing a joint session of parliament,
President Mukherjee said the invite to the South
Asian leaders for the swearing in of Prime
Minister Narendra Modi sent a unique and
bold signal to South Asia and the world. It was
indicative of the governments determination to
build a strong and interlinked neighbourhood.
My government is committed to building
a strong, self-reliant and self-confdent India;
regaining its rightful place in the comity of
nations, he said.
He said the government would work together
with South Asian leaders to revitalise the South
Asian Association for Regional Cooperation
(SAARC) as an effective instrument for
regional cooperation and as a united voice on
global issues.
The future of shared prosperity can only be
built on the foundation of stability in the region,
which requires sensitivity to security concerns
and an end to export of terrorism to neighbours,
the president said in an oblique reference to
Pakistan. India would engage energetically
with neighbours like China, Japan and Russia
and bring in renewed vigour to its ties with the
US, President Mukherjee said.
On ties with the US, which are seen to
have plateaued, the president said: India
and the US have made signifcant progress
in developing strategic partnership over the
years. My government will bring a renewed
vigour to our engagement and intensify it in all
areas, including trade, investment, science and
technology, energy and education.
The president said the government would
operationalize the international civil nuclear
agreements with different countries and nuclear
power projects for civilian purposes will be
developed.
He also emphasized on harnessing the
countrys soft power potential and revive
Brand India riding on our strengths of Five
Ts: Tradition, Talent, Tourism, Trade and
Technology.
He said Indias vibrant, talented and
industrious diaspora is a source of great pride for
the country. They have done pioneering work in
diverse felds, held the highest public offces and
have worked hard to support their localities and
families in India.
Government will focus on neighbourhood: President
I
ndia has been elected for the next four years
to the UN body for safeguarding of the
intangible cultural heritage of nations, groups and
individuals.
In a vote at UNESCO headquarters by the
General Assembly of the States Party to the
Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible
Cultural Heritage, India won the election by a
resounding 135 votes out a total of 142 votes cast
by member states who were present and voting,
said an external affairs ministry statement.
The Intergovernmental Committee for the
Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage
has 24 members who are elected for a term of
four years.
The core functions of the committee are to
safeguard the intangible cultural heritage (ICH),
ensure respect for the intangible cultural heritage
of nations, groups and individuals, as also to raise
awareness at the local, national and international
levels of the importance of the intangible cultural
heritage.
This is the second time that India has been
elected to the Intergovernmental Committee
for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural
Heritage, the earlier term being from 2006-2010.
India elected to UN body for
conserving cultural heritage
M
ore British universities should start
recognising certifcations by Indian
education boards while visa norms should be
more facilitative in nature, Human Resource
Development Minister Smriti Irani told British
High Commissioner James David Bevan in New
Delhi on June 10.
In the meeting between the high commissioner
and the minister, opportunities to strengthen
educational ties were discussed.
Irani particularly stressed on the removal of
barriers that hinder student mobility.
Citing examples, she highlighted that while
prestigious universities like Oxford recognise
Indias CBSE certifcation, most other universities
in Britain do not, said a statement from the
ministry. Further, the scores of the English
language test (IELTS) needed for admissions in
British universities are currently valid only for
one year and this should be extended for at least
three years, it added.
Similarly, visa norms should be more
facilitative in nature.
Reiterating that the British government was
keen to further strengthen its collaboration
with India in education and research, Bevan
said Britain was looking forward to a new
collaborative arrangement, which will focus on
skills, leadership development and innovation.
Other areas of collaboration between the two
countries that were discussed include partnering
for the Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
and the national e-library being planned to be
developed by India as well as sharing of expertise
in the feld of school education and teachers
training.
Remove barriers that hinder student
mobility: Irani to Britain
T
he Airport Security Force (ASF) Academys
camp near the Karachi international airport
came under attack from heavily-armed Taliban
gunmen on June 10 within a day of a terror siege
that ended in a toll of 30.
An offcial confrmed that there were no
casualties in the latest attack. He said the airport
was secure and operations resumed after a brief
suspension.
Pakistani Interior Minister Nisar Ali Khan
making a statement in the National Assembly,
said that the attackers appeared to be foreigners.
He said the CCTV grabs showed that the 10
heavily armed terrorists were tall and fair.
According to media reports the police have
constituted an inquiry committee to investigate
the terror attacks at the Karachi nternational
airport.
The inquiry committee would be headed by
Karachi Polices Deputy Inspector General Munir
Ahmed Shaikh, Dawn online reported.
After the June 8 attack, seven more bodies
were found on June 10 trapped in the airports
cold storage. The victims in an effort to escape
the previous attack, hid in the storage.
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)
claimed responsibility for both the attacks.
An Uzbek terrorist group, whose members
are believed to be hiding in Pakistans restive
Waziristan tribal region, has claimed that its
fghters had staged the June 8 attack.
Usman Ghazi, the leader of the Islamic
Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), claimed
responsibility for the attack.
TTP spokesman Shahidullah Shahid has
now claimed that it was a joint Taliban and IMU
operation.
The IMU described the attacks as revenge for
Pakistani air-strikes in North Waziristan May 21
that targeted areas populated by Uzbek and other
foreign militants.
Panel formed to investigate
Karachi airport attacks
www.iwk.co.nz
20 June 2014
19
INDIA
C
hina made contact with the new Indian
government as its Foreign Minister Wang
Yi, special envoy of President Xi Jinping, held
talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma
Swaraj on 8th june in New Delhi, during which
all issues of signifcance were on the table,
including the unsettled border, Tibet and stapled
visas besides a boost in trade ties.
Wang held over three-hour-long talks
with Sushma Swaraj at the Jawaharlal Nehru
Bhavan, after which he went to visit the nearby
National Museum.
The entire venue was barricaded by police in
the wake of Tibetan protesters staging a protest
in the capital against the Chinese ministers
visit. The Tibetans have urged Prime Minister
Narendra Modi to raise the Tibet issue during
his talks with Wang Monday.
The Chinese ministers visit comes a
fortnight after Chinese Premier Li Keqiang
called up Modi to congratulate him, which
conveys a favour of the keenness with
which both our leaderships are engaging with
each other, said external affairs ministry
spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin.
He described the talks between the two
ministers as cordial and useful, comprehensive
covering all important issues, substantive and
productive.
Wang said the new Indian government
had injected new vitality into an ancient
civilisation.
During the talks, all issue of signifcance
were raised in a frank and cordial manner, the
spokesperson said.
Asked whether the Tibetan and stapled visas
issues and other niggling matters were raised,
the spokesperson said: All issues of perennial
nature were discussed in a cordial and forthright
manner and were understood very clearly by
the interlocutors on the other side.
Both ministers focused a signifcant part of
their talks on boosting trade ties.
According to the spokesperson, Wang and
Sushma Swaraj held fairly long and detailed
discussion on economic issues which included
specifc projects, the trajectory of economic
ties, the potential for tapping opportunities as
well as issues that may impede the speeding up
of the intensity of economic ties. Both leaders
felt there is tremendous potential for growth of
economic ties.
He said Sushma Swaraj asked for additional
routes for the Kailash Mansarovar yatra and
for increasing the number of pilgrims who may
visit Kailash every year.
She also thanked the Chinese foreign
minister for Beijing having kept the cost of the
pilgrimage on their side constant over the last
few years.
Chinese foreign minister meets
Sushma, all issues on table
C
hina pushed for increased economic
cooperation with India and to be included
in the countrys burgeoning infrastructure and
manufacturing story through investments as
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi Monday
touched base with Indian Prime Minister Narendra
Modi, and said the new Indian government has
brought a new wind of change.
Wang, who came as President Xi Jinpings
special envoy, met the prime minister on 9th June
afternoon and later President Pranab Mukherjee .
Wang said the new Indian government has
brought a new wind of change, which is
evident, and that the international community
has great interest and high expectations of the new
government. And China ardently hopes and is
confdent that under the leadership of Mr. Modi
and based on existing achievements, Indians will
achieve greater progress.
Speaking to media persons, Wang said his most
important message to Modi was on your road to
national rejuvenation China stands by your side.
The meeting lasted for 45 minutes. Wang also
told on President Xis behalf that China want to
work together with India for development and
beneft of people of both India and China that can
help in bringing stability and presperity in Asia
and the world.
Modi appreciated an oral message from
Chinese President Xi Jinping conveyed by
Wang, the special envoy to the president, which
underlined the importance attached by the
Chinese government to building relations with the
new government of India.
Modi told Wang: We are looking forward to
working with the Chinese leadership to expand
our partnership.
The prime minister reiterated the invitation
to President Xi to visit India later this year. Modi
also accepted Chinese Premier Li Keqiangs
invitation to pay an early visit to China. The top
leaders of two countries, including the prime
ministers, presidents and vice presidents, and
foreign ministers, would be meeting over the next
few months till the end of the year at a number of
fora Wang told newspersons that India and China
were on the verge of inking an agreement on visa
simplifcation.
He said China needs to invest more in
India, in the feld of infrastructure and general
manufacturing, which would bring big benefts
to the people and achieve common development
for both countries.
On the festering boundary issue, the Chinese
minister said it was an issue from history, but
Beijing is ready to properly handle it leading to
a fnal settlement.
He said both China and India have succeeded
in maintaining peace and tranquillity on the border,
which he described as hard won achievement.
Modi regime brought new wind
of change, says China
W
ang Yi, the foreign
minister and
special envoy of Chinese
President Xi Jinping,
called on President
Pranab Mukherjee at
Rashtrapati Bhavan on
late 9th June.
Mukherjee said
India and China have
excellent relations and that Wangs visit will
further strengthen these relations, according to
a statement issued by the presidents house.
He said there was consensus across the
political spectrum in India on maintaining a close
and cooperative
relationship with
China.
Mukherjee asked
Wang to convey
his greetings to
President Xi and
said he was eagerly
looking forward
to receiving the
latter in India later this year. Wang described
Mukherjee as an old friend of China who has
made important contributions to the growth
of relations between the two countries, the
statement said.
Pranab Mukherji is our old friend: China
B
harat to Bhutan ties got a major fllip as
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
declared his intent to expand B2B relations
on his maiden visit abroad to the neighbouring
Himalayan country with which India shares
long-standing close and friendly ties.
Modi, who chose Bhutan as his frst port
of call to stress the importance accorded to
the neighbourhood in the new governments
foreign policy, described relations between the
two countries as B2B or Bharat to Bhutan
ties. Earlier, after he few in to Thimphu on
June 15, Modi was given a rousing welcome
with hundreds of children lined along the
route to cheer him, waving fags of both the
countries. He was received at the Paro airport
by Prime Minister Tobgay who greeted him
in the traditional Bhutanese style by draping a
khada around his neck.
The Indian prime minister was driven in a
huge convoy amid tight security to the capital
city. Several welcome arches with cutouts of
Modi and Tobgay added to the festival-like
atmosphere.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj,
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and
Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh have
accompanied Modi. Modis visit comes ahead
of bilateral talks between Bhutan and China
that are slated for later this year. China, which
shares a 500 km border with Bhutan, is keen to
set up an embassy in Thimphu.
Modi said India is committed to
continuing our unstinted support to Bhutan
in its development efforts. I will review with
the Bhutanese leadership our development
cooperation programme to make it even more
effective and responsive to the changing
aspirations of the people of Bhutan.
Wrapping up his two-day offcial visit to
Bhutan, his frst abroad after he assumed offce
last month, Modi stressed the need for forging
closer bilateral ties in tourism, hydropower
and proposed an annual hill sports festival
involving Indias northeastern states alongside
Bhutan and Nepal.
This visit has been extremely successful
and entirely satisfying. It has reinforced and
further strengthened Indo-Bhutan ties, said
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.
In a joint statement issued at the end of the
visit, Bhutan agreed with India not to allow
each others territory to be used for interests
inimical to the other.
Later, he unveiled the foundation stone of
the 600 MW Kholongchu hydropower project,
a joint venture model between Satluj Jal Vidyut
Nigam and Druk Green Power Corporation.
Construction on the project is expected to
start later this year. Modi then watched a brief
cultural programme before Bhutan King Jigme
Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck hosted a lunch in
honour of the visiting leader and his delegation,
before they departed from Thimphu.
Modi receives rousing welcome in Bhutan, stresses on B2B ties
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj
www.iwk.co.nz
20 June 2014
20
FIFA WORLD CUP 2014
11 defning elements
of the 11 World Cup
matches so far
E
leven games in and we are yet to see a draw. The most refreshing
thing has been the intent to win shown by all the sides. This
courageous and aggressive approach has meant that there havent
been any drab games.
Whos the top scorer of the tournament so far? Is it Neymar, Messi,
van Persie? No, shockingly it has been the dreaded own goal. There
have been three own goals scored so far, either due to bad luck or
some dodgy decision making (the Honduran goalie, Valladares own
goal was a controversial call)
Many objects have been made villains in the past World Cups, such
as the Vuvuzela or the Teamgeist ball. This time goal-line technology
has caused a stir. In the Honduras vs France game, the tech awarded
a goal, when most naked eyes did not see the ball cross the line. The
fans in attendance vociferously booed the technology.
Football fans are seeing a peculiar sight on the pitch in this
tournament when a free kick is being taken. The referee takes out
a can and sprays a white substance that resembles shaving foam
marking the spot for the free kick and the wall. This move has been
criticised by some people who see it as a waste of time, others have
backed it as they think it deters that the wall from gaining an unfair
advantage.
A total of 37 goals have been scored so far, at an average of 3.3
goals per game. Theres still a long way to go, but this bright start
raises hopes of the 2014 edition improving on the 2010 average of
2.3 goals per game.
The biggest difference between watching this World Cup and the
2010 tournament on TV has been the lack of the constant buzzing of
the dreaded vuvuzelas. If you hate the vuvuzela noise, you have the
authorities to thank for banning them from the stadiums.
Referees have been in the spotlight so far and thats not a good
thing. Both the Brazil vs Croatia game and the Spain vs Netherlands
clash saw questionable penalty kicks being awarded. The referees
have also been a bit too quick in booking players for minor offences.
Brazil, Netherlands, Argentina and other big sides have performed
exceptionally as was expected of them but it is heartening to see
the performance of the unfancied sides. The biggest surprise of
the tournament so far has been Costa Ricas win over powerhouse
Uruguay.
Two big names have had to spend their time on the sidelines. Luis
Suarez (Uruguay) and Gianluigi Buffon (Italy) were unable to play
for their teams due to injuries. Fans will be hoping that the Cristiano
Ronaldo (Portugal) injury scare is nothing serious and he can turn up
against the Germans.
Mass protests against the tournament had threatened to derail
the footballing spectacle. Many feared that the Samba favor might
be sucked out by the protests. But Brazil has not disappointed; the
colour, the fair and the samba have all been present at the grounds
and around the country.
The big superstars have come to the party early on in the
tournament. Neymar, Robben, van Persie, Pirlo, Benzema and Messi
have all had a strong start to the tournament. All eyes will now be on
Ronaldo and the star-studded Germans up the ante.
F
IF
A
F
A
C
T
S
Germany will be playing their 100th World Cup
match when they play Portugal tonight. This is the
highest number of matches any nation has played
at the World Cups.
Only 13 teams participated in the inaugural World
Cup in 1930 in Uruguay.
Italy hosted the frst World Cup in Europe in 1934.
Frances Laurent Blanc scored the World Cups
frst ever golden goal in the 1998 edition in France.
A free-scoring Hungary banged in a total of 27
goals in just 5 matches at the 1954 World Cup in
Switzerland.
A
merican robot manufacturing company iRobot Corporation
has signed an agreement with the Brazilian government to
provide 30 robots, worth 5.3 million euros, which will take
part in the FIFA World Cup security plan.
Deputy head of the security and defence department of the
company Tim Treiner said these robots have many security
characteristics. They can take dangerous tasks such as defusing
bombs or scanning areas suspected of hosting explosives, reports
EFE.
Back Boat, which moves on tank-like wheels and is controlled
remotely, is one of the special robots participating in operations.
It has a two-metre electronic arm which is able to lift up to 13 kgs.
Only 4,500 Back Boat robots have been manufactured till date.
Robots boost security
at FIFA World Cup
The Hyundai Young Player award is given to the best
young footballer participating in their frst FIFA World
Cup. The player must be born on or after 1 January 1993.
The FIFA Fair Play Award will go to the team with the
tournaments best disciplinary record. Only teams that
reach the knockout phase are eligible. Spain won the
trophy at South Africa 2010.
The adidas Golden Glove goes to the tournaments most
outstanding goalkeeper. The award was frst given in
1994 to Michel Preudhomme.
The adidas Golden Boot award goes to the leading
goalscorer at the FIFA World Cup.
The adidas Golden Ball will go to the most outstanding
player at the FIFA World Cup, an honour which has gone
to truly exceptional players in past tournaments.
Learn how you can get involved in selecting the Budweiser
Man of the Match during every game at the FIFA World
Cup in Brazil.
www.iwk.co.nz
20 June 2014
21
FIFA WORLD CUP 2014

20
Jun
e
Colombia v
Ivory
Coast
LIVE 03:20AM

20 June Uruguay v England LIVE 06:20AM

20 June Japan v Greece LIVE 09:20AM

21 June Italy v Costa Rica LIVE 03:20AM

21 June Switzerland v France LIVE 06:20AM

21 June Honduras v Ecuador LIVE 09:20AM

22 June Argentina v Iran LIVE 03:20AM

22 June Germany v Ghana LIVE 06:20AM

22 June Nigeria v Bosnia & Herzegovina LIVE 09:20AM

23 June Belgium v Russia LIVE 03:20AM

23 June South Korea v Algeria LIVE 06:20AM

23 June United States v Portugal LIVE 09:20AM

24 June Netherlands v Chile LIVE 03:20AM

24 June Australia v Spain LIVE 03:20AM

24 June Cameroon v Brazil LIVE 07:20AM

24 June Croatia v Mexico LIVE 07:20AM

25 June Italy v Uruguay LIVE 03:20AM

25 June Costa Rica v England LIVE 03:20AM

25 June Greece v Ivory Coast LIVE 07:20AM

25 June Japan v Colombia LIVE 07:20AM

26 June Bosnia & Herzegovina v Iran LIVE 03:20AM

26 June Nigeria v Argentina LIVE 03:20AM

26 June Ecuador v France LIVE 07:20AM

26 June Honduras v Switzerland LIVE 07:20AM

27 June United States v Germany LIVE 03:20AM

27 June Portugal v Ghana LIVE 03:20AM

27 June South Korea v Belgium LIVE 07:20AM

27 June Algeria v Russia LIVE 07:20AM

FIFA World Cup 2014 -
Round of 16

29 June 1A v 2B LIVE 03:20AM

29 June 1C v 2D LIVE 07:20AM

30 June 1B v 2A LIVE 03:20AM

30 June 1D v 2C LIVE 07:20AM

01 July 1E v 2F LIVE 03:20AM

01 July 1G v 2H LIVE 07:20AM

02 July 1F v 2E LIVE 03:20AM

02 July 1H v 2G LIVE 07:20AM

Finals

05 July Quarter Final v Quarter Final LIVE 03:20AM




09 July Semi Final v Semi Final LIVE 07:20AM

10 July Semi Final v Semi Final LIVE 07:20AM

13 July 3rd v 4th LIVE 07:20AM

14 July Final v Final LIVE 06:20AM

27 June United States v Germany LIVE 03:20AM

27 June Portugal v Ghana LIVE 03:20AM

27 June South Korea v Belgium LIVE 07:20AM

27 June Algeria v Russia LIVE 07:20AM

Round of 16

29 June 1A v 2B LIVE 03:20AM

29 June 1C v 2D LIVE 07:20AM

30 June 1B v 2A LIVE 03:20AM

30 June 1D v 2C LIVE 07:20AM

01 July 1E v 2F LIVE 03:20AM

01 July 1G v 2H LIVE 07:20AM

02 July 1F v 2E LIVE 03:20AM

02 July 1H v 2G LIVE 07:20AM

A
fter months of qualifcation
20 players who will represent
their nations at the FIFA
Interactive World Cup (FIWC) Grand
Final have been named.
A total of 1,997,689 players from
all round the world attempted to
qualify for Rio de Janeiros Grand
Final and 10 different countries will
be represented on July 2-3, reports
Xinhua.
Players from nations such as
Brazil, Romania, France and Ireland
will go head to head for the chance
to be named FIWC World Champion
and win $20,000.
The 20 fnalists will travel to
Rio de Janeiro as part of a three-
day trip laid on by FIFA. As well as
competing, they will be seeing the
Rio landmarks, meeting football
legends, and to top it off will take part
in an exclusive trip to the Maracana
where they will watch one of the FIFA
World Cup quarterfnals.
In light of this a Grand Final space
was reserved for a Brazilian player
and Rafael Fortes, a student from
Rio de Janeiro, qualifed through
Aprils Brazil qualifer and will
proudly represent his nation.
Speaking ahead of the Grand Final,
Brazilian qualifer Rafael said: It is a
dream come true and I feel honoured
to be Brazils representative. I am
now going to train day and night to
ensure I do Brazil proud at the FIWC
Grand Final.
The players will be divided into
four groups of fve with the winners
and runners-up qualifying for the
knock out rounds.
The FIWC is organised by FIFA
and recognised by Guinness World
Records as the worlds largest
online gaming tournament and more
than 5,000,000 players have taken
part since 2009.
It is an offcial FIFA tournament
that gives football fans the chance to
live out their passion for football and
to interact with other fans around
the world. Participants from every
continent battle it out to qualify for
the Grand Final, where the FIWC
champion is crowned.
20 players to compete in
FIFA Interactive World Cup
www.iwk.co.nz
20 June 2014
22
SPORTS
NEW ZEALAND POLITICS
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Editorial
Arun Kumars killing: it should
never have happened
I
ndeed there are lessons to be learned from what transpired at Railside Dairy in
Henderson, Auckland, last week.
A loving father, husband, and son Arun Kumar- lost his life to a pair of young thugs
who should have been at school, or preparing to be at school at the time.
The jarring and traumatising imagery that Mr Kumars wife, who was there at the
time when her husband was stabbed by the 13-year-old attacker, is likely to haunt her
for the rest of her life.
Almost a thousand people turned out to farewell Kumar this week and the general
tone of the occasion blared that Kumar was a well-loved member of the community
who had a loving family he cared for.
What was a 13-year-old (the alleged attacker) doing going around the neighbourhood
with a knife on his person? Accompanied by a 12-year-old who allegedly assisted in the
robbery/murder at 7.30 on a Tuesday morning?
The same, tired arguments will rise to the fore: the offenders came from broken and
therefore had no support to become good human beings. Really?
This excuse has been used for so long, in so many cases, it no longer holds water.
No punishment that can be imposed on the offenders can change the situation in the
Kumar household. A wife has seen her husband die in front of her, an elderly father who
had lost his son and two children whose own children would never have the grandfather
to care for them as they grew up.
It is well and good for other shopkeepers in the area to ask for a community police
station and a more visible police presence in the shopping centre, but there are bigger
issues at play.
The alleged offender in Arun Kumars case is 13 years old. It raises a lot of questions.
Was he and the other offender attending school regularly? If not, where was the truancy
service?
If his parents were themselves offenders what was being done to try to lead him
down a different path? Why are young people able to become petty offenders without
enough being done to stop them progressing to more serious crimes as in this case?
While it is sometimes easy to raise the above questions, and to shift blame on the
government of the day, and their lack of action to avert this type of offending, it would
help if stricter measures were instilled in the home and followed through at school.
Parents should be the frst port of call for the authorities when offending children
fall through the cracks and embark on the wrong track. There is only so much a
government can do, and the onus should be on the family unit to foster a warm and
loving environment the child will never want to leave.
Too often, ethnic communities working in retail and service businesses are on the
front line of crime. Kumars killing, condemned by the community at large, should
never have happened, but who do we blame for such atrocity?
We need answers to these questions and remedies put in place so that Arun Kumars
death is not in vain.
If the scum in the community continue to snuff out the good, what hope is there for
the future? Which is not to say that the whole of New Zealand society is to blame. But
at times it appears the bad guys are gaining the upper hand.
-Arvind Kumar
P
rime Minister Rear Admiral (Retired)
Voreqe Bainimarama has increased his
lead in the latest weekly Razor Research/ Fiji
Sun poll.
The FijiFirst leader has jumped from 79
per cent the previous week in the Preferred
Prime Minister stakes to 82.
SODELPA leader Ro Teimumu Kepa has
recaptured the No 2 slot, displacing National
Federation Party leader Dr Biman Prasad.
She improves her rating from fve per cent the
previous week to seven. Dr Prasad drops from
eight to fve per cent.
The sagging rating of Peoples Democratic
Party leader Felix Anthony and Fiji Labour
Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry continues.
Mr Anthony is down to one per cent from two
while Mr Chaudhry recorded a signifcant
drop from three per cent to zero.
In the Preferred Party polling, FijiFirst is
still well in the lead although it has dropped
from 74 to 71 per cent. SODELPA is back at
No 2 at seven per cent followed by NFP at
fve. PDP gets one and FLP zero.
Thirty seven per cent dont want Laisenia
Qarase to be involved in politics, 31 per cent
support him.
Bainimara picks up 82pc
support in latest poll
RAZOR RESEARCH/Fiji SUN 16th weekly
poll
Q1: Have you registered and will you be
voting in the upcoming election.
Yes 78%
No 16%
Unsure 6%
Q2: Preferred Prime Minister in the upcoming
election.
Voreqe Bainimarama 82%
Ro Teimumu Kepa 7%
Dr Biman Prasad 5%
Someone else 5%
Felix Anthony 1%
Mahendra Chaudhry 0%
Q3: Preferred Political Party in the upcoming
election.
FijiFirst Party 71%
Dont Know 16%
SODELPA 7%
National Federation Party 5%
Peoples Democratic Party 1%
Fiji Labour Party 0%
Q4: Should Laisenia Qarase still be involving
himself in politics?
No 37%
Unsure 32%
Yes 31%
The Sun Poll is conducted weekly for the Fiji Sun by Razor Research, of Suva. Six hundred eligible
voters are polled each week, 300 from the Central Division, 200 from the Western Division and 100
from the Northern Division.Amari
Thought of
the Week
Football is like life -- it requires perseverance,
self-denial, hard work, sacrifce, dedication and
respect for authority.
Vince Lombardi
American football player
1913-1970
www.iwk.co.nz
20 June 2014
23
COMMENT
I
ndia, worlds largest democracy, just
has its 16th Lok Sabha (lower house of
parliament) elected. It was a massive electoral
exercise, with 66.4 percent of the countrys
814.5 million registered voters casting their
votes between 7 April and 12 May.
The election needed 930,000 electoral
booths and about 1.4 million electronic
voting machines. It cost about US$577
million, while the political parties have spent
an estimated US$5 billion.
This election, it has been widely reported,
has seen an historic verdict, giving an
absolute majority to the Bharatiya Janata
Party (BJP), under its leader Narendra Modi.
The party won 282 seats out of 543.
For the frst time since the 1989 election
which the Indian National Congress won
under Rajiv Gandhi a single political party
is in a position to form a government on its
own. This ends a 30-year period of coalition
politics.
It is widely regarded as a paradigm shift
in the recent political history of India, which
has been marked by unstable and ineffective
government, polarised parliament, policy
paralysis, corruption scandals and slowing
economic growth.
Only time will tell if things will actually
change for the better for India. But the rise
of the BJP, and its leader Narendra Modi, has
raised both optimism and concerns.
The optimism is that Modi will turn around
Indias fagging economy by replicating
what is known as the Gujarat model. This
model has been praised by some leading
economists for its robust economic growth
rate and its business-friendly governance,
which attracted a high level of direct foreign
investment. However, the model has also
been criticised for its modest achievement on
the social development register.
So it remains to be seen how the Modi
government will address the structural
weaknesses of the Indian economy, ensure a
high rate of growth and create more jobs to
accelerate the pace of poverty alleviation.
However, the major concern about the new
government is about Modis past association
with the anti-Muslim riot in Gujarat in 2002,
when he was the states chief minister. About
1,000 people were killed in this riot, after the
state police failed to provide protection to the
minorities. A minister in Modis cabinet was
subsequently convicted for orchestrating the
attack.
A Supreme Court decision recently
cleared Modi of all charges of complicity,
for want of direct evidence, but it also noted
that he had failed to protect minorities. So in
many quarters of India theres a question as
to whether Modi will go back to his Hindu
nationalist roots or initiate the more inclusive
politics he promised during the election
campaign.
Its diffcult to predict what specifc
economic and social policies the new
government will initiate, as we had very
few details on policies during the election
campaign.
We may try to put this historic landslide
victory into proper perspective by
mentioning that although the BJP has won
the largest number of seats, its vote share has
been only 31 percent.
In certain states, like Tamil Nadu, Kerala,
Odisha, West Bengal and Tripura, the BJP
has no or a limited presence. The new
government has to reach out to those voters
who did not vote for BJP.
Also, many of those who voted for the
party were motivated by a desire for change,
as they were frustrated by the scandals
and misgovernance of the previous UPA
government.
Finally, the BJP is still a minority in
the Rajya Sabha (the upper house of the
parliament). It will have to negotiate with
other parties to get any bill passed.
So the new government will need to be
restrained about pushing a Hindu cultural
agenda.
What does this election result mean for
New Zealand?
Will this election expedite the negotiation
of a free trade agreement (FTA)? Modi
has certainly promised a business-friendly
government and will be welcoming to foreign
investors. He has promised corruption-free,
effcient governance, a rationalised tax
regime and speedy e-governance that will cut
back on bureaucratic red tape.
All these promise a new environment that
may facilitate speedy progress of an FTA. But
the BJP election manifesto also clearly states
that it will welcome foreign direct investment
only in manufacturing, infrastructure and
R&D. It also emphatically states: We should
no longer remain a market for the global
industry. Rather, we should become a global
manufacturing hub.
In this context, it is not clear how far the
new government will be interested in just
commodity trade, or be willing to reduce
tariffs on agricultural products.
From New Zealands perspective, the other
cause of concern is the new governments
nuclear policy. Its election manifesto clearly
states that it will study in detail Indias
nuclear doctrine, and revise and update it,
to make it relevant to challenges of current
times.
This evidently means the doctrine of no-
frst-use, which the previous government had
imposed upon itself. This according to the
manifesto then frittered away strategic
gains earned by the NDA government before
it (of which BJP was the main partner). If
the new government does really revoke the
doctrine, it may prove to be an irritant in
Indo-New Zealand relations.
This is authors personal view, and does
not refect the views of the New Zealand
India Research Institute or the Asia New
Zealand Foundation.
Modis victory: What it means for India, and NZ
Under Indias first-past-the-post system, the Bharatiya Janata Party has won an absolute majority in the countrys
lower house. But Sekhar Bandyopadhay, a professor of Asian history at Victoria University of Wellington, says the
landslide victory widely reported in the press doesnt tell the whole story.
R
ecent articulations on the social media by
a veteran soldier, who has now donned a
political mantle, raise some ethical issues of
relevance; as much to our apolitical armed
forces as to the aam aadmi.
Fundamental rights of association (political
activity) and of speech (communications to
the press and the like) guaranteed to all Indian
citizens by Article 19 of the Constitution
are two freedoms abridged by law for
those serving in the armed forces. Their
other fundamental rights remain intact. On
termination of military service, these abridged
rights stand restored and the military veteran
is free to indulge in any of such activities, like
any other citizen.
Over the years, some military veterans
have taken to a career of public service and
contributed their mite, with dignity, gravitas
and competence - the names of General
Shankar Roy Chowdhury, Major General B.C.
Khanduri, Major Jaswant Singh (he does not
use his rank) and Captain Amarinder Singh
readily come to mind from recent years.
It is, however, not compulsory for a
veteran to join politics because in most of
the cases his civic conscience can rest easy,
with a frm conviction of having discharged
his obligations to the nation and society by
voluntarily undergoing long military service,
with all its toil, hardships and hazards. As the
adage goes, Old soldiers never die; they just
fade away.
While many facets of social service are
available for veterans who, rather than fading
away, feel impelled to contribute something
more to common weal, a few of the old
war horses think that they can serve the
nation only by joining party politics. Factors
motivating such an endeavour can vary from
individual to individual - a genuine desire to
contribute, need for a proactive life style, ego-
satisfaction, to bolster diminished self-esteem
post-retirement, to fulfl a need for belonging,
material gains or a mix of all these.
Whatever be the motivation of such
aspiring politicians, they inevitably lean upon
their military antecedents, particularly their
rank, in trying to fnd their place in the political
hierarchy. This is all very well, except that
custom and tradition allows military offcers
the honour of bearing their military ranks
post-retirement for reasons which certainly do
not include politicking! Flowing from Articles
14 and 15 of the Constitution (equality before
law and prohibition on discrimination against
any citizen), its Article 18 abolished all titles,
with the unique exception of military titles
and academic distinctions. As such, it seems
incongruous and unethical to use military
ranks to boost personal agendas in the murky
feld of Indian politics.
By all means join politics after leaving the
services and use your experience, ingenuity
and enterprise to further your political cause,
and do it on your personal merit but do not
exploit your military rank to further your self-
centred political aims because you bear this
rank as a matter of honour. And to be deplored,
most are the veteran-politicians of the dal
badlu (defector) variety, who turn the military
virtues of loyalty, fealty and steadfastness into
negotiable political commodities by changing
their political affliations frequently to suit
their political convenience, as also those
who climb on to the bandwagon, at the last
moment, when the wind shows which way it is
blowing! To claim that it is all for the beneft
of comrades-in-arms (serving or retired) is
perhaps a bit hard to swallow!
(Maj. Gen. Rajendra Prakash (retd) is a
defence analyst. The views expressed are
personal. He can be contacted at rp1930@
gmail.com)
Dont exploit military rank for political gains
- Maj. Gen. Rajendra Prakash (retd)
Only time will tell if things
will actually change for
the better for India. But
the rise of the BJP, and its
leader Narendra Modi, has
raised both optimism and
concerns.
www.iwk.co.nz
20 June 2014
24
INDIA ABROAD
N
ew low-cost carrier AirAsia India
launched its operations with its maiden
fight to Goa from Bangalore on 12 June and
plans to fy on non-metro routes to tier-two and
tier-three cities.
According to AirAsia India chief executive
Mittu Chandilya, their frst service onboard
A-320 of Airbus sold all 180 seats within
minutes after booking was opened on their
website on May 30.
As part of promotional offer, the budget
carrier sold 40 percent of tickets at Rs.999 and
10 percent at Rs.5 per ticket and remaining
were sold up to Rs.1,999 per ticket.
Over the next three months, the airline plans
to connect nine regional cities with Bangalore,
including Hubli and Mangalore in Karnataka
and Jaipur in Rajasthan, connecting metros
with tier-2 and tier-three cities.
Though a late entrant in the budget-carrier
sector, the airline will be competing with its
established rivals such as IndiGo, SpiceJet,
Jet Lite, Go Air and the state-run Air India to
garner a market share to sustain its business.
Our fares will be 35 percent lower than
the market rates. Going forward, we intend to
reduce tariff further as we are sure we can make
revenues with stable operations. Our long-
term goal is that every Indian should have an
opportunity to fy, Chandilya noted.
The airlines introductory fare has triggered
a price war among budget carriers, with IndiGo
and SpiceJet announcing discounted fares on
many routes they operate.
Air Asia maiden flight takes-off,
eyes on non-metro routes
D
efence Minister Arun Jaitley Wednesday
said the appointment of Lt. Gen. Dalbir
Singh Suhag as the next Indian Army chief is
fnal and urged the opposition not to politicise the
issue.
Jaitleys statement came as Congress leader
Anand Sharma and Amrinder Singh raised the
issue in the Rajya Sabha, referring to tweets by
former army chief and BJP minister Gen. V.K.
Singh, and demanded his removal from the
council of ministers for making unacceptable
and highly objectionable statements.
Defending the appointment of Lt. Gen. Suhag,
the defence minister said: Its been a practice in
this country that we keep some issues outside the
realm of party politics and, therefore, keeping
various standards of political maturity in mind,
all of us, not only the government, must keep the
army and its appointments out of this arena and
stand by this appointment. The government is
also fully defending it.
Lt. Gen. Suhags appointment as army chief
is fnal, Jaitley said.
On Gen. V.K. Singhs comments, Jaitley said:
As far as comments are concerned, I would urge
that this issue, directly, indirectly, or collaterally
may not be raised for the reason that if one of
the major political parties chooses to attack
the minister, then the minister may consider
defending himself. Therefore, that is an area
which is wholly outside... because the minister
concerned is defending himself.
The issue was raised in the Lok Sabha by
Congress leader Amarinder Singh, who said Gen.
V.K. Singhs comments are derogatory to the
forces and embarrassing the nation.
The opposition raised the issue after former
army chief and now a minister in the BJP-led
government Gen. V.K. Singh tweeted: If unit
kills innocents, does dacoity and then head of
organization tries to protect them, should he not
be blamed? Criminals should go free!
Gen. V.K. Singh had imposed a disciplinary
ban on Lt. Gen. Suhag in connection with an
intelligence operation in Assam. Gen. Bikram
Singh later lifted the ban soon after he took over
in May 2012, and Lt. Gen. Suhag is set to succeed
Gen. Bikram Singh as army chief.
In an affdavit earlier this month to the
Supreme Court in a promotion case related to Lt.
Gen. Ravi Dastane, the defence ministry said the
alleged lapses which were made as grounds to
impose disciplinary ban on Lt. Gen. Suhag were
premeditated, vague and illegal.
Jaitley, soon after taking charge as defence
minister, had also said that the decision on the
new army chief is fnal and there should be no
controversy about it.
Government stands by Lt. Gen
Suhags appointment as army chief,
Congress wants Gen. V.K. Singh out
E
-visa facilities to lure foreign tourists and
a luxury train for domestic travellers are
some steps proposed to boost tourism in Goa,
offcials said.
The announcement came after union
Tourism and Culture Minister Shripad Yesso
Naik met the states Chief Minister Manohar
Parrikar and Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar
in Goa.
The liberalisation of e-visa will help attract
larger number of tourists from more countries
as Goa currently offers visa on arrival to only
12 countries.
We have made a proposal of issuing e-visas
to foreign tourists. If we liberalise the visa
system for foreign tourists, it will help boost
tourism in the country, Naik said.
Naik added that the railway ministry would
be approached to launch a luxury train on the
lines of Palace on Wheels as well as a fast
train between Mumbai and Goa.
We would initiate a proposal for a luxury
train on the lines of Palace on Wheels. This will
help attract more high-end category tourists
into the state. A fast train between Mumbai and
Goa will also be proposed, he said.
Emphasising that world-class facilities were
needed to pave the way forward for tourism in
the state, Naik said: The tourism map for Goa
will be employment-centric.
E-visas, special trains to boost Goa
tourism: Minister
T
he Telangana government said several
frms were coming forward to provide 4-G
technology for making the entire Hyderabad a
Wi-Fi enabled city.
Offcials have been asked to draft a master
plan by engaging international consultants
and involving Greater Hyderabad Municipal
Corporation, Hyderabad Metropolitan
Development Authority, Hyderabad Metro
Water Supply and Sewerage Board, Andhra
Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation,
revenue, electricity, Hyderabad Metro Rail
and sports departments, said a government
statement.
Minister for Information Technology K.
Taraka Rama Rao mooted an institute of
innovation for training engineering students to
compete with global standards.
He also suggested a separate authority for
the Information Technology Investment Region
(ITIR) project for creating a hub for electronic
hardware manufacturing units.
Harpreet Singh, secretary of the information
technology and communications department,
has informed Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar
Rao that 90 percent of the turnover of the IT
sector was coming from Hyderabad, with a
total turnover of Rs.62,293 crore.
Hyderabad is the second largest IT exporter
in the country. He said there was a lot scope for
further development of software and hardware
technology sectors in Hyderabad.
Proposal to make Hyderabad Wi-Fi
enabled
H
uman Resource Minister Smriti Irani said
India is committed to collaborating with
Germany in the feld of higher education.
In a meeting with German ambassador
Michael Steiner on June 11, who called on Irani
in New Delhi, the minister reiterated Indias
commitment to collaborate with Germany
and appreciated the Indo-German Strategic
Partnership (IGSP) in higher education.
The ambassador mentioned the demographic
advantage of India and reiterated his countrys
commitment to strengthen partnerships with
India in higher education, research, vocational
education and training, said a statement.
He also reinforced the need to further
expand the current IGSP in higher education.
India committed to collaborating
with Germany: Irani
I
ndia signed an MoU with Sri Lanka for
building a cultural centre in Jaffna, in
northern Sri Lanka, according to ministry of
external affairs statement.
The centre is to be built in the next 36
months, on a plot of land adjacent to the Jaffna
Public Library, at an estimated cost of SLR 1.2
billion.
As per the memorandum of understanding
(MoU), the cultural centre and the adjoining
water body, the Pullukulam, will be transformed
into an integrated cultural space that can also
accommodate open-air performances on a
foating stage.
The purpose of the Jaffna Cultural Centre
is to provide suitable social infrastructure for
the people of the Northern Province, especially
for the people of Jaffna, to help them reconnect
with their cultural roots.
It would also serve as a delivery centre for
training, instruction and education in a variety
of cultural disciplines.
India to build cultural centre in
Sri Lanka
B
hubaneswar: It was sheer hard work and
determination that paid off, says Odishas
differently-abled Sarika Jain who cracked
in her frst attempt the coveted civil services
examination.
Always think better and be positive. If you
work hard and you have a strong determination,
you will defnitely achieve success, Sarika told
IANS in an interview.
A native of Kantabanji, a small business
town in the impoverished Bolangir district,
about 400 km from here, Jain was ranked 527th
among the 1,122 candidates who cleared the
three-stage civil service examination-2013.
Her father, 58-year-old Sadhuram Jain, is an
undergraduate and a small-time businessman
who runs a grocery shop in the town. Her
mother Santosh Devi is a school dropout and
a homemaker.
The elder Jain has four daughters and one
son. Sarika is his third daughter. The family
is strictly vegetarian and follows the Jain
philosophy.
It is now celebration time for them. As
the news of Jains success reached, relatives,
friends and local residents rushed to their house
and congratulated them for the success. They
also distributed sweets and hugged each other.
From the beginning my aim was not to be
an IAS offcer because the infrastructure (to
prepare for the exam) was not available here.
I wanted to become a doctor, but the science
stream was not available in the local college,
Jain said.
Jain developed polio in her right leg in 1985
when she was just two years old. Although she
has 50 percent disability, this hasnt deterred
her from dreaming big.
Mentally, I am totally normal, which always
motivated me to study hard and work hard. It
motivated me to do something better and bigger
for other people, for rural people and especially
for differently-abled people, she said. Jain
said she would want to serve Odisha, her home
state. Her father said the family is proud of her.
We all are happy, he said.
Differently-abled Odisha girl clears
civil service exam in frst attempt
www.iwk.co.nz
20 June 2014
25
INDIA
H
imachal Pradesh got a $100
million development policy
loan from the World Bank to
enable the hill state to manage its
natural resources. The agreement
was signed here between the
government of India, the state
government and the World Bank.
The project was approved
by the World Banks board of
executive directors May 16, 2014.
The loan will help the state bring in better
policies and practices to guide the development
of sustainable hydropower, adapt and mitigate
the effects of climate change, empower local
communities to conserve their watersheds better,
promote cleaner methods of industrial production
and promote environmentally sustainable
tourism, the Bank said in a statement.
Himachal gets $100 million loan
from World Bank
I
nfosys co-founder N.R. Narayana Murthy,
who returned to steer Indias second largest
IT bellwether a year ago as executive chairman,
is stepping down June 14 and cutting short his
second innings by four years because he says he
has fulflled his obligations.
I returned from retirement when the board
asked me to assist it in fnding an excellent
successor to outgoing chief executive S.D.
Shibulal and create a strong foundation for the
companys future growth. I believe I fulflled
both the obligations, Murthy told reporters here
Thursday hours after the company announced
that Vishal Sikka would be its new chief executive
from Aug 1.
Sikka, 47, is a former executive board member
of German software product major SAP AG.
The 67-year-old Murthy, who retired from the
$8.25-billion company in August 2011 on turning
65 and became chairman emeritus for life, was
re-appointed by the board as executive chairman
for fve years from June 1, 2013.
Having Sikka on the board is a culmination
of the efforts I have put in over the last 12 months.
Secondly, as I said at the companys 32nd annual
general meeting (AGM) June 15, 2013, the task
of rebuilding the company would take 36 months
to yield results in terms of sales, delivery and cost-
effectiveness, I will share my views Saturday at
the 33rd AGM with shareholders, Murthy said.
Asserting that he brought the company to a
shape from where Sikka would be able to carry
on, Murthy said he had the satisfaction of doing
the job to the best of his ability and fulfl the
mandate the board gave year ago.
Along with Murthy, another co-founder
and executive vice-chairman S. Gopalakrishan
will step down June 14 to facilitate the smooth
transition of responsibilities to the new
management under Sikka.
Murthy will be re-designated chairman
emeritus from Oct 11 in recognition of his
contributions to the company.
I fulflled my obligations:
Narayana Murthy
I
ndian IT bellwether Infosys Ltds new CEO
Vishal Sikka, 47, will be on a learning curve at
the global software major and will operate from
California where he is based with his family.
I will continue to live in California and
operate from the US though I will travel to India/
Bangalore as and when required after joining
Infosys Aug 1, Sikka Thursday told reporters at
the companys corporate offce here at his maiden
interaction with media.
Noting that learning is at the heart of any
companys transformation, Sikka said to lead an
iconic company that shaped the Indian IT industry
one more time was a matter of pride because
Infosys had always laid emphasis on education
and learning.
I compliment Infosys for its deep
understanding of value and learning ability
that I intend to continue learning about Infosys,
its technology, employees, clients and all
stakeholders, the companys frst outside chief
executive-designate said.
Though Sikka was born in a Punjabi family
in Guajrat, he did his schooling in Vadodara and
lived in Rajkot where his mother was a teacher
and father an engineer in the Indian Railways.
I am very happy, humbled and privileged to
be heading a unique provider of software services
to global companies and help to bring about their
transformational change. I see a tremendous
opportunity to shape and change in the world
through technology, Sikka asserted.
To bring about this transformation, new kinds
of innovation, services and capabilities have to be
developed.
Having lived my entire adult life in the
corporate sector, I have noticed that the world
around us is basically reshaped by the computing
power (software), digital world and technology,
Sikka pointed out.
Graduating in engineering from MS University
of Baroda, Sikka went to the US to do a degree
in computer science from Syracuse University
in New York and took a doctorate (Ph.D) in
artifcial intelligence from Stanford University in
California.
After a short sting at Xerox research lab at
Palo Alto in the Silicon Valley, Sikka turned an
entrepreneur to set up iBrain, which was later
bought by Pattern. Though he went on to incubate
another start-up -- Bodha.com, he sold it to
Peregrine Systems but continued to work there as
vice-president for platform technologies.
Joining the German software product frm
SAP AG in 2002 was a turning point in Sikkas
life as he climbed the ladder to become its chief
technology offcer and subsequently joined its
executive board as a member.
During his 12-year tenure at SAP, Sikka
steered innovative projects, including its fagship
product HANA, an analytical database platform.
Sikka is something special to me. He is a
doctorate in computer science from Standford.
Getting a Ph.D from a university like Stanford
is perhaps the highest recognition one can get
as an intellectual. As a son of a school teacher, I
know the value of learning and scholarship. His
name (Sikka) in Hindi means money, which is
what Infosys needs in lots and lots in the years
to come, Infsoys co-founder and outgoing
executive chairman N.R. Narayana Murthy said
on the occasion.
With an illustrious career behind, Sikka
is an ideal choice to lead Infosys, as he has the
experience of managing a global frm like SAP
where he was an executive board member,
Murthy added.
New Infosys chief executive Sikka
to be on learning curve
M
aharashtras frst Metro Rail was
inaugurated with Chief Minister Prithviraj
Chavan showing a green fag to the maiden
Mumbai Metro service amid cheers by a large
crowd of onlookers on June 8 in Mumbai.
The inauguration of the frst rail corridor
linking east-west Mumbai suburbs between
Versova and Ghatkopar proceeded smoothly
despite a bitter controversy over passenger fares.
In order to attract and familiarise Mumbaikars
with the Metro, the Reliance Infrastructure
(RInfra) and Mumbai Metro One Pvt. Ltd.
(MMOPL) have announced a month-long
promotional fare of Rs.10 one-way between any
two stations on the 11.40-km long Metro Rail.
The frst service for the public started at noon.
This promotional fare is notwithstanding the
initial fare fxed and notifed separately on initial
opening of the Metro Railway under Central
Metro Act, the MMOPL has said.
The beginning of the commercial operation
of Mumbai Metro is a historical moment for
the city of Mumbai. It will change the life
of Mumbaikars and the way they commute
everyday, said MMOPL CEO Abhay Mishra.
The regular services will be operated daily
from 5.30 a.m. and continue till midnight with
a total of 16 rakes deployed on the line, serving
the glamour and IT centres of Versova and the
business and manufacturing areas of Ghatkopar
at a whopping top speed of 80 kmph.
Each coach of the colourful four-coach rakes
has a capacity of around 375 commuters, with
a total capacity of around 1,500 commuters per
service. The Metro will be zooming above the
city between the two points - Versova-Ghatkopar
- with a total of 12 elevated stations en route.
Finally, Mumbai gets its Metro
www.iwk.co.nz
20 June 2014
26
INDIA ABROAD
I
n a show of solidarity with victims of sexual
assaults in India, students of Indian origin
graduating from Ivy League universities in the US
wore a red tape on their graduation caps during
convocation ceremonies this week.
Later, several students from Columbia
University, Harvard University and Brown
University participated in a peaceful protest against
the rise in sexual violence in India, especially in
the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Respect
for a womens dignity is respect for humanity.
And that respect starts at home, spreads through
communities, extends across university campuses
to nations around the world. An assault on one
woman is an attack on the entire human race,
Arnab De, who completed his PhD from the
Columbia University Medical Centre and also
served as the student representative of the Public
Safety Committee at Columbia, told us.
There is nothing anyone can do to bring the
bravest Nirbhaya (Dec 16, 2012, New Delhi rape
victim) back. But if I can invoke her memory to
educate people, I would be very proud. In this
regard, I am glad that the Nirbhaya trust was
recently launched to help victims, he added.
Social media Buzzfeed quoted a spokesperson
for Columbia University as stating that it was a
hallmark of Columbias values to support and
encourage the rights of students to express their
views through such peaceful, symbolic speech.

The event was conceived by Indian-American
Rakhi Agrawal, a student at Columbia University.
She asked graduating students to put red tape on
their graduation hats to show solidarity for such
victims.
As a student of this great university, I felt it
was my responsibility to stand up for the basic
rights of others. I am happy that our efforts have
multiplied and graduates from other Ivy League
universities like Harvard University and Brown
University wore red tapes during their graduation
convocation too, said Rakhi, who is originally
from New Delhi.
The Nirbhaya case dates back to Dec 16,
2012, in South Delhi when a 23-year-old female
physiotherapy intern was assaulted and gang
raped by six attackers in a private bus.
Students in US stands up against assaults on women
A
n Indian-origin woman in the US has been
conferred an Indian diaspora organisations
2014 Service Award.
Meena Kumari, associate professor of
anatomy and physiology at Kansas State
University College of Veterinary Medicine,
has received the 2014 Service Award of the
Association of Scientists of Indian Origin in
America, a university statement issued Tuesday
said. It is very humbling to be chosen for this
award, Kumari said in the statement.
Being at Kansas State University College
of Veterinary Medicine has taught me what it
means to serve with dedication and, above all,
enthusiasm, she said.
Kumari has a doctorate in Andrology and
masters in Neuroendocrinology from the
University of Delhi.
Kumari, with a passion for teaching and
research, was conferred the service award in
recognition of her dedication to the societys
goals. She focused on understanding the
molecular mechanisms underlying alterations in
gene expression in the brain following chronic
alcohol exposure, the association said.
The association was formed in 1981 to foster
fellowship among scientists of Indian origin.
The associations main objective is to serve
as an educational and scientifc conduit for all
scientists at all levels of their scientifc career. Its
membership has grown over the years and it now
has several hundred members.
Contribution towards Education
brings Indian origin Woman Laurels
- Jitendra Singh
T
he South Asian Times, a leading newspaper
for the Indian community in the US, has
bagged an Ippies award given to the ethnic and
community press for Best Investigative/In Depth
Story.
The Ippies Awards are given by the City
University of New York (CUNY) Graduate
School of Journalism.
Jinal Shah (Associate Editor) won the third
place in the most competitive and prestigious
category for her three page report - Languishing
in the golden cage at the Ippies Awards 2014 held
June 5 at the CUNY. The special report, published
last November in The South Asian Times, brings
to light the plight of H4 visa holders - individuals
who come on H1B1 dependent visa, mostly
women, highly qualifed and experienced.
The article talks about their miseries - that
ranges from being totally dependent to being
subjected to domestic violence - while trapped in
a golden cage.
It also highlights the efforts both from the
community as well as legal sources to bring
to table the less controversial piece of the
immigration reform bill.
Organized by the Centre for Community and
Ethnic Media (CCEM) at the CUNY Journalism
School, Ippies are the only awards that pay tribute
to excellence in journalism in the ethnic and
community press in the New York City area.
According to CCEM census of New York
Citys ethnic and community media, there are
270 publications that serve the immigrant and
minority populations, published in 36 languages.
Former CBS Correspondent Randall Pinkston,
now with Al Jazeera America, emceed the
ceremony and Pulitzer Prize winning journalist
turned flmmaker and immigration activist Jose
Antonio Vargas delivered keynote address.
The Ippies competition attracted 158 entries
this year across 10 categories from 46 community
and ethnic news organizations.
The citations were given away by Jehangir
Khattak, Communications Director, CCEM.
Laurels to Indian community
newspaper in US
S
audi Arabias health ministry has recruited
1,800 Indian nurses to work in various
government hospitals, a media report said.
The new nurses would assume their duties
within a month after completing their recruitment
procedures, the Saudi Gazette quoted Ilham Sindi,
director of the ministrys nursing department.
The nurses would be
coming from India on a
renewable contract of one year.
Three hundred more would
come from the Philippines,
Sindi said. The nurses, with
graduate and postgraduate
degrees, have been recruited
for being highly qualifed and
experienced.
Sindi said the new nurses
would be a real asset to the
ministrys medical cadres
and would fll vacancies in
a number of government
hospitals. There will be no shortage of nurses
any more, she added. Sindi, a member of the
selection committee that recently visited New
Delhi and Manila, said more nurses from the two
countries would be contracted if there was need
for them, the report said.
Saudi Arabia recruits 1800
trained Indian nurses W
ith their wins or second place fnishes
in Californias jungle primaries, four
Indian-Americans - Neel Kashkari, Ro Khanna,
Ami Bera and Kamala Harris - are set to compete
in four key election races in November.
Kashkari, 48, a former Bush administration
offcial, overcame rival Republican Tim Donnelly
in the governors race late Tuesday night.
Kashkari, who ran the $700 million bailout
programme after the 2007-2008 fnancial crisis,
was ahead of the tea party-backed Donnelly 18
percent to 15 percent when Donnelly conceded
the race and called Kashkari to congratulate
him. Kashkari said in a prepared statement that
he admired Donnelly for his hard work and
determination.
In Californias 17th District, known as Silicon
Valley, which is the only Asian American-
majority district in the US, Democrat Ro Khanna
will take on fellow Democrat Mike Honda, who
has been a member of the House since 2001. With
100 percent of precincts reporting, Honda led with
49 percent, followed by Khanna, a former Obama
administration offcial, at 27 percent, according
to Politico. Khanna entered the race more than
a year ago and grabbed national attention with
a team of former Obama campaign staffers and
endorsements from big Silicon Valley tech CEOs
and a series of big fundraising hauls, Politico said.
The lone Indian-American House member
Democratic Ami Bera will face Republican Doug
Ose in Californias 7th District in November.
Bera won 49 percent of the vote, and Ose won
26 percent, with 54 percent of precincts reporting
in the Sacramento-area battleground district,
according to Politico.
Bera defeated Republican House member Dan
Lungren for the seat by three points in 2012, while
President Barack Obama carried the district by
four points.
Californias frst female Indian-American
and African-American Attorney General Kamala
Harris, who is widely expected to seek higher
offce in coming years, easily outpolled her
competitors.
Harris, a Democrat, had 54 percent of the
votes in early returns. She faced four Republicans,
each of who received less than 14 percent in early
returns. Whoever among the four fnishes second
will face Harris.
Four Indian-Americans in
November election races
- Arun Kumar
Get your favourite newspaper in Mail Box just for $60 for 24 issues
www.iwk.co.nz
20 June 2014
27
FIJI
A
strong Social Democratic Liberal Party line-up was
announced this week as nominees to contest the
September election.
The 44 nominees include former parliamentarians, ex-
permanent secretaries, lawyers, tourism executives and also
a former rugby player. Party leader Ro Teimumu Kepa said
the nominees were a representative group with the qualities,
the skills and the experience required for forming a stable
and effective government and strong cabinet.
Importantly, eight have served in parliament previously.
They will give the newcomers the beneft of their knowledge
of parliamentary procedures, she said.
The nominees come from many parts of Fiji and will
campaign in designated areas so we can retain the concept
of local members, which is a cornerstone of representative
democracy.
However, Ro Teimumu cautioned that there could be
amendments or changes to the names in light of the various
decrees registered political parties had to abide by.
I am very proud of the calibre of our line-up. The people
of Fiji can feel confdent they are worthy representatives to
look after their interests in parliament.
Out of the 44 names announced there were only seven
women nominees. The Fijian Elections Offce has listed
August 18 as the end of candidates nomination period.
The candidates
Provincial candidate list:
Ro Teimumu Kepa, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, Ratu Viliame
Tagivetaua, Josefa Dulakiverata, Kiniviliame Kiliraki, Ratu
Suliano Matanitobua, Mikaele Leawere, Luke Ratuvuki,
Nanise Nagusuca, Ratu Viliame Niumataiwalu, Anare
Jale, Anare Vadei, Ratu Sela Nanovo, Ratu Isoa Tikoca,
Viliame Gavoka, Sitiveni Loco, Niko Nawaikula, Jeremaia
Namuaira, Ratu Osea Bolawaqatabu, Simione Drole, Iosefo
Nainima.
Urban candidate list:
Ratu Jone Kubuabola, Dr Tupeni Baba, Pio Tabaiwalu, Dr
Mere Samisoni, Losena Salabula, Tomasi Vakatora, Salote
Radrodro, Penina Ravulo, Mitieli Bulanauca, Laisani
Qaqanilawa, Parayame Cakacaka, Semesa Karavaki,
Colonel Samuela Saumatua, Simione Rasova, Ratu Jone
Bouwalu, Marika Lewaqai, Ratu Nemia Vainitoba, Viliame
Satala.
National candidate list:
Mick Beddoes, Abdul Sahim Cavalevu, Sushil Shudhakar,
Nirmal Singh, George Shiu Raj.
Strong SODELPA line-up named
T
HREE cases of currency
smuggling by Fijians has been an
issue of concern for the Fiji Revenue
and Customs Authority.
The Fijians were intercepted at the
Nadi International Airport this year
for failing to declare currency valued
at more than $10,000 found in their
possession.
FRCA chief executive offcer
Jitoko Tikolevu said despite numerous
reminders, there were still certain
individuals that were trying to beat the
system.
We would like to warn all those
out there who are thinking of trying to
smuggle currency, he said.
We have well-trained and
qualifed Customs offcers at our port
of entries who are clamping down hard
on currency smuggling, Mr Tikolevu
said.
According to the authority, all three
cases have been referred to police for
further investigations.
These cases included a Nausori
couple who were trying to fee the
country with more than $150,000
undeclared cash stacked inside their
luggage in March while an Asian
couple were found in possession
of more than $76,000 undeclared
currency.
The third case was of a Nausori
businessman who was found with
more than $30,000 at the Nadi
International Airport.
According to Section 32 (1) of
the Financial Transactions Reporting
Act 2004, any person who leaves or
arrives into the country with more
than $10,000 should declare it to the
Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority
or face a fne of up to $60,000 or an
imprisonment of up to 10 years or
both.
Fiji Times
Currency smugglers nabbed
T
o the iTaukei, land is not just an economic
commodity. It is part of culture, kinship and
group identity. That is why the iTaukei cling
so fercely to their land ownership. The 2013
Constitution does not refect this indigenous
attachment to their land.
Their claim that Fijian land has greater
protection than before is a lie. Its protection has
been weakened. In fact there was no reference
at all to native land in the frst draft of the
Constitution.
It was left out completely. This caused great
fear and uncertainty among landowners. It was
only when supporters of SODELPA began to
speak out that Bainimarama-Sayed Khaiyum
decided to include specifc reference to native
land in their constitution. Without the SODELPA
protests they would likely have enacted their
supreme law with no special reference to native
land.
SODELPAs view that Bainimarama-Sayed
Khaiyum have seriously weakened native land
ownership is shared by others, including legal
analysts. Lawyers for the Citizens Constitutional
Forum concluded there is no real protection for
Fijian landowners in the 2013 Constitution. This
view was also shared by Professor Yash Ghai.
In previous constitutions there were special
entrenched provisions, providing extremely
strong safeguards for Fijian land ownership
and ownership by the Banaban and Rotuman
communities.
The 1997 Constitution laid down a very
detailed and entrenched procedure for altering the
following: Fijian Affairs Act, Fijian Development
Fund Act, Native Lands Act, Rotuma Act,
Rotuma Lands Act, Banaban Lands Act, Banaban
Settlement Act and the Agricultural Landlord and
Tenant Act.
To change these land laws required a two
thirds vote in Parliament and a nine votes of the
GCC nominees in the Senate. This was to provide
extra safeguard in protecting these laws.
Sayed-Khaiyum and Bainimarama have
scrapped this provision which means there just
a need to have a simple majority in Parliament
to change land laws. This is the crux of the issue
which Sayed-Khaiyum is avoiding.
He is lying deliberately to the indigenous
people by skirting around this missing entrenched
legislation as contained in the 1997 Constitution.
The peoples draft constitution by the Yash
Ghai Commission, that was scrapped by the
Bainimarama-Sayed-Khaiyum regime, also
included a listing of protected laws: iTaukei Lands
Act (Cap 133), iTaukei Land Trust Act (Cap 134),
Rotuma Lands Act (Cap 138), Banaban Lands
Act (Cap 124) and Agricultural Landlord and
Tenant Act (Cap 270).
All these safeguards were thrown out by
Bainimarama-Sayed-Khaiyum.
Why? There has never been a proper
explanation.
Instead they simply placed Fijian land
ownership among a long list of provisions in the
Bill of Rights.
However section 6 of the Bill of Rights (5) (a)
(b) (c) permits rights to be limited and therefore
changed. At least 55 of the rights listed can be
subject to limitations.
Clause (c) of section 6 is particularly broad
in its application. It allows parliament to pass
necessary laws limiting rights and freedoms.
This could obviously be applied to Fijian land. In
our view there would be nothing to stop enactment
of a change to Fijian land ownership provisions
by a simple majority in Parliament.
Any such changes could further weaken
or undermine Fijian land ownership. Even
provisions relating to compulsory acquisition of
property might be changed by a new law.
We note that the 1997 Constitution also
permits limitations of rights. But these have
to be reasonable and justifable in a free and
democratic society. This important protective
condition is missing completely from the 2013
Constitution. Why?
Group ownership
Fijian land does not belong to individuals. It
is owned by groups of people. This was clearly
recognised in the 1997 Constitution. A full chapter
of the document was dedicated to group rights.
Much of this focused on Fijian land and protective
provisions for it. Group rights are recognised as
human rights. But there is no mention at all in the
2013 Constitution of iTaukei group ownership of
land. This integral aspect of iTaukei culture has
simply been removed.
Rights severely violated
The Bainimarama Land Use Decree and its
Land Bank severely violate landowner rights.
The Decree gives huge powers to the prime
minister to make decisions about Fijian land to be
utilised under the Decree. The power conferred
on the prime minister overrides all other laws,
including the Native Land Trust Act and the
Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Act. It is the
frst time that so much power over native land has
been given to an individual. We are constantly told
by Bainimarama-Sayed-Khaiyum that everyone
in Fiji is equal. This is not true. The Land Use
Decree imposes a state of inequality on iTaukei
landowners whose land is used under the Decree.
The Decree cannot be challenged in court which
means the owners could not judicially question
the validity or legality of a lease or any lease
conditions or take any grievances to court. This
discrimination against the landowners is itself a
serious breach of landowner rights. It is also in
breach of Section 26 of the regimes constitution
which states that every person is equal before the
law and has the right to equal protection, treatment
and beneft of the law.
So in our view, the Decree makes the indigenous
people second class citizens by denying them
certain legal rights. Freehold landowners are not
treated in this way. This discrimination must stop
and all indigenous Fijians must exercise their
right at the polls in September to protect the only
thing they have control over. The consequences of
Bainimarama and Sayed-Khaiyum continuing to
govern will be tenuous.
It is not evident to us how the consent
procedures for depositing Fijian land in the
Land Bank actually work. There is a lack of
information about this but it is clear powers
are effectively taken away from the iTaukei
Land Trust Board. This undermines the boards
statutory responsibility to protect the best interests
of indigenous landowners and resource owners.
The Prime Minister can make regulations
under the Decree with no apparent provision
for the landowners to have a say in this. Leases
can be issued by the prime minister for up to 99
years. The Prime Minister also has the discretion
to renew the lease as he wills at his or her own
discretion
SODELPA will fnd out how many 99 year
leases, and other leases, have been issued; to
whom they have been issued and under what
conditions. How would land be returned to the
landowners after 99 years, if by then it includes
a massive list of assets constructed on it? How
would the landowners fnd the huge amounts of
money to purchase such assets? We see a very real
risk that land would revert to lease in perpetuity
as a consequence of the likely inability of the
traditional owners to purchase assets on it.
SODELPA will scrap the Land Use Decree
and the Land Bank and return all leased land to
the administration of the NLTB.
Furthermore, by abolishing the Great Council
of Chiefs (GCC) Voreqe Bainimarama took
over the chairmanship of the TLTB. Previously
it was the President who chaired the TLTB
having being chosen by the GCC. This has given
complete control of all indigenous Fijian land to
Bainimarama. This is what Sayed-Khaiyum fails
to tell the iTaukei. He is treating them as ignorant
natives but SODELPA will ensure that the truth is
conveyed to every iTaukei especially the youths
whose future will be a precarious one. We will
also ensure that the chair of the TLTB is chosen
by the landowners in a consultative process with
the government.
Misrepresentation on land swaps
Voreqe Bainimarama and Aiyaz Sayed-
Khaiyum regularly create the impression that
the last elected government had a policy of
regularly changing Fijian land to freehold and
that this was a loss to the landowners. This is a
misrepresentation. There was no such policy nor
will there be.
Bainimarama-Sayed-Khaiyum have picked
on a specifc and isolated transaction, completed
within the relevant laws. They are now distorting
it for political gain. The transaction was at the
Momi Resort project in Nadroga which failed to
go ahead because of lack of investor confdence
following the 2006 coup. The SDL government
had agreed to a land swap from native land
to freehold to create a unifed landholding for a
proposed golf course.
This transaction was made with the voluntary
agreement of the two parties involved, Matapo
Limited and Tokatoka Nasau and took place
legally in accordance with the Land Transfer
Act. The terms and conditions were recorded in
an agreement between them on May 31, 2005.
SODELPA understands that the conversion of
native land to freehold was completed. But the
change of freehold to native land has yet to be
done due to interference by the military regime.
So the landowners were disadvantaged.
SODELPA will ensure that the Momi project
continues and that the landowners receive full
beneft of the land exchange they agreed to under
the law.
The lies of Sayed-Khaiyum and Bainimarama
will catch up with them. You cannot suppress
truth.
* The opinions expressed in this column are
those of the Social Democratic Liberal Party. Pio
Tabaiwalu is general secretary of SODELPA
Indigenous land not safeguarded
= Pio Tabaiwalu
www.iwk.co.nz
20 June 2014
28
FEATURE
Old-age homes Providing secure and blissful abode for the aged
O
ld-age craves a life of peace and dignity. The
elderly in India have opened to the idea of
shifting to an old-age home and many old-age
homes and various retirement houses invite them
catering to their health as well as social needs.
Although its still not viewed with approval,
old-age homes are slowly becoming a choice that
the elderly, mostly in the metros, are increasingly
making for themselves. A change in the social
structure which has made joint families a thing
almost of the past, when there was no dearth of
company for the young and the old, has now led to
the aged to be looking for companionship even as
the young get busy with their own lives.
Damayanti Devi, in-charge of the Kasturba
Gandhi National Memorial Trust (KGNMT) in
Guwahati which runs various welfare projects,
like schools, including an old age home for
women, said that most of the inhabitants of their
home are ex-employees of the trust who have
decided to stay on instead of going back to their
families.
For most part of our lives we have lived here
and after retirement most women realize that its
now not possible to adjust to the lives that their
families lead in the villages or the city. We get
up at 4 a.m. and complete all our work by 8 a.m.
An offce goer begins his day at that time; its a
different lifestyle, adds Damyanti Devi
Most of the 61 inhabitants of the home, she
said, are in contact with their families who visit
them at intervals. We are very happy here. There
is continuity in the way we have led our lives
and most importantly there is companionship.
If one complains of body aches, others in the
nearby rooms come with aid; there is no question
of loneliness, said one of the oldest inhabitants
who joined the KGNMT back as a young worker
back in 1945. Going one step ahead, and given
the demand for care of the elderly post-retirement,
there are a number of projects which have come
up in the vicinity of big cities like Delhi, Pune,
and Bangalore called retirement villages. These
projects which have all the amenities including
infrmary with medical services, library, gym,
prayer and meditation rooms, are made up of
individual apartments or cottages.
Most of such retirement villages have the
option of independent/active living and assisted
living. In the case of assisted living, the inhabitant
is ill or bed-ridden and, therefore, all care is
provided by the staff. The village also has a dining
hall where people can opt to eat in case they dont
want to cook. Most also allow children of the
seniors to visit and stay with them for a particular
stretch of time. If its a couple staying, at least one
of them has to be over the age of 55.
Most of us living here have our children
living abroad. In this day and age of high crime
rates against the elderly, and lack of help at home,
these retirement villages are the perfect option
for someone like my wife and me, says Ashok
Mehra, who retired as managing director of a
private company in Delhi.
We bought a 2 BHK here, and are living
independently, and yet when we need help, its
at hand. Our kids have peace of mind and we
couldnt have asked for a better post-retired life,
he added. To live with dignity, was the simple,
four-word response by 75-year-old Sharmila
Borah when asked about her choice to move into
an old-age home.
- Azera Parveen Rahman
P
ain around the
neck and upper
limbs? Beware! It
could be Repetitive
Strain Injury (RSI) that
comes from spending
long hours before a
computer.
High stress jobs
like in the IT industry
that requires one to sit
in front of the computer
for 14-16 hours every
day, leading them to
slouch and sit in a bad
posture, with hardly any physical activity, leads
to Repetitive Strain Injury. It has become fairly
common for youngsters to come with complaints
of such nature, says Malchira S. Somanna,
consultant orthopedician at Narayana hospital.
Indications of RSI could be a tingling sensation
in the hands with numbness, called Carpel Tunnel
Syndrome, pain around the neck and upper
shoulders, and feeling a heavy burden on the
shoulders. Nearly 90 percent of the orthopedic
patients in the outpatient department (OPD) of
Narayana hospital are RSI patients from various
multinational companies and IT industry.
Its a similar scenario in the national capital,
where J.D. Mukherji, director, Neurology at Max
Hospital, says that he gets two-three patients every
day complaining of Carpel Tunnel Syndrome.
Treatment of RSI is usually multi-pronged,
involving exercises and physiotherapy, and not
just medicines, and it could take three weeks to
six months to recover. Doctors say that if one
ignores the pain and tries to live off painkillers,
the condition has every chance to worsen and
recovery may take longer.
Doctors suggest various ways to avoid
overusing affected muscles. For instance, using a
pen to hit the keyboard, changing the inclination
of the computer to 15-20 degrees for a better
posture, or using a chair that is more comfortable
and is at an ideal height.
Raju Vaishya, consultant orthopaedic surgeon
at Apollo Hospital and president of the Arthritis
Care Foundation, further said that writers cramp
(cramp in the hands), tennis elbow (elbow pain),
and osteoarthritis (knee pain) are also common.
Such stress causes pain and sometimes long-
term disability. The prevention lies in avoiding
repetitive stress at work by understanding the
ergonomics of your job and taking mini breaks
after every one hour. Sitting in a good posture at
your work desk and using the computers in the
most effcient and correct way can prevent a lot of
RSI, he added.
Long hours before a
computer causes RSI
www.iwk.co.nz
20 June 2014
29
FEATURE
L
ike dolphins racing the waves, Ishita
Malaviya, surfs through the rhythm of the
oceans becoming Indias frst woman surfer.
Ishitas surfng journey started seven years ago
when she discovered an ashram in Mulki, a small
coastal village in India. Little did she know her
connection with these Californian surfers would
take her to such great heights.
Surprised by the idea of being told that she
was Indias frst woman surfer, inquisitive Ishita
and her boyfriend Tushar Pathiyan made a surf
trip along the South Indian coastline to fnd out
more on it. People recognized me and told me I
was the frst female surfer to surf in home grown
water says proud Ishita.
Me being the frst Indian female surfer can
be debatable, however, now I am well recognized
by the community and have taken surfng
professionally, Quips Ishita who has represented
India globally.
She also adds that she is the only woman in
the Indian surfng team, recognized by the Surfng
Federation, which recently has been established in
India. Adding another feather to her cap is her
surfng school, where she and Tushar Pathiyan
teach surfng to encourage people who have
passion for this growing sport. Ishita with other
international female surfers was featured in a
surfng documentary Beyond the Surface which
was premiered in San Diego and is now being
screened worldwide. The documentary portrayed
the infancy of surfng in India which is creating
a positive impact on the local communities along
with empowering women.
New Zealand is on top of my list says excited
Ishita when asked about connecting with New
Zealand water. Surfng to me is about travelling,
meeting surfers and getting inspired she added.
Indias first female surfer keen to
ride the waves in New Zealand
-
F
rom a persona non grata to a new fashion
icon - thats how a stunning election victory
has transformed Narendra Modi in the eyes of
the American media as Washington prepares to
welcome Indias new prime minister, possibly in
September.
As if on cue, three major US publications -
Time, New York Times and the Washington Post -
have all written about his trademark Modi Kurta
as they try to decode Indias new leader ahead
of his September summit with President Barack
Obama.
Indias New Prime Minister is the countrys
latest Fashion Icon, says Time suggesting With
his shortened tunic, or Modi Kurta, Narendra
Modi is becoming as celebrated for his style sense
as he is notorious for his controversial political
past.
Paired with Bvlgari shades and a Movado
watch (hes got penchants for them both), Modis
ensemble is about as mixed as his record as a
political leader, really, it said.
While his leadership of the state of Gujarat
ushered in some of the most impressive economic
growth the country has ever seen, questions
remain over his role in a string of riots in the state
in 2002 that left more than 1,000 people dead,
Time said.
But then it hastened to note parenthetically He
has been offcially cleared of any wrongdoing.
The New York Times sees in Narendra Modi:
A Leader Who Is What He Wears saying Even
by the standards of a world...the image-craft of
Indias new prime minister, Narendra Modi - and
its fashion fallout - has been something of a case
study. Indeed, even by the standards of India
itself, where leaders have perhaps understood the
use of clothing as a communication device better
and longer than any of their international peers
...Mr. Modi stands out. Literally and strategically,
says Time.
It all speaks to Mr. Modis success in
associating his personal style with his political
platform, to the beneft of both, says the
magazine.
Objectively speaking, the Modi Kurta itself
does not exactly represent an extraordinary
aesthetic advance; rather it symbolizes a set of
values. And therein lies its allure, it adds.
Probing what Narendra Modis fashion says
about his politics, the Washington Post says:
Move aside, Michelle Obama. The world has a
new fashion icon.
And no, its not Vladimir Putin, despite his
ftness regimen - its Indias new prime minister,
Narendra Modi.
Countless articles have been written about
his look, from his vast collection of hats to his
iconic long tunic, the #ModiKurta. Yes, it has its
own hashtag, it notes.
Although Modi has a carefully cultivated
Hindu nationalist image, it doesnt mean he isnt a
fan of European designers, the Post says.
His glasses are said to be Bvlgari, and his
watch is Movado, two brands at odds with his
traditional Indian look but in keeping with his pro-
business ideology, it adds.
In another piece in Time, Tunku Varadarajan
dilates on how As Narendra Modi stormed into
the consciousness of the world beyond India,
analysts everywhere scrambled to interpret him
for their readers and viewers.
Modi, he notes, has been likened to Margaret
Thatcher, Ronald Reagan, Ariel Sharon, Shinzo
Abe and Deng Xiaoping, Vladimir Putin as also
Turkeys Islamist-democrat Prime Minister Recep
Tayyip Erdogan.
Meanwhile, at the State Department
spokesperson Marie Harf again recalled that
Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry have
both said, we look forward to welcoming the
prime minister to Washington.
But she had nothing to announce on dates.
I know there are a lot of reports out there about
dates, but we dont have dates yet.
Modi a new fashion icon: US media
- Arun Kumar
Thashika Thangamma
N
ew Delhi Fine craftsmanship, attention
to detail and the ability to produce exact
imitations have made the illegal frearms
industry of eastern Bihars Munger district, a
revered - if it can be called that - name in the
world of crime. The clientele includes criminals
from at least nine Indian states and even a
terrorist organisation, police aver.
Commanding respect and admiration from
customers and provoking envy among its
competitors, frearms from Munger are the
preferred choice of criminals from Tamil Nadu,
Karnataka, Orissa, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh,
West Bengal, Delhi, Haryana and of course
Bihar, told a top Delhi Police offcer.
Arms are manufactured illegally in other
parts of the country but what makes the
Munger variety hot is the reliability factor -
criminals who use them can be sure they wont
blow up in their faces or misfre, the offcer said,
adding that in terms of cost, they are roughly 50
percent cheaper than the original.
There are several cottage industries in
Munger that manufacture these arms which
are of fne quality and perfect imitations of the
originals, told an offcer of the Special Cell,
speaking strictly on condition of anonymity.
They even have Made in Italy and Made in
USA etched on them, added the offcer.
The offcer, however, expressed his inability
to give an approximate fgure of the number
of such illegal factories as almost every
household in the village has them.
Such is the scale of menace that the Special
Cell, which has been working to prevent the
supply of illegal arms in the capital, had to
launch Operation Munger two years ago to
specially focus on the infamous district.
As a result, the Cell recovered around 200
illicit weapons in 2013 and 35 gunrunners were
arrested while this year around 90 weapons have
been seized so far and over 20 people arrested.
This is for the frst time since we started
operation Munger that improvised AK-47 rifes
have been recovered. The craftsmanship was
fawless and the rifes were exact copies of
the original, told the Special Commissioner
(Special Cell) S. N. Srivastava.
Considering the scale of manufacturing,
whats the Bihar Police doing about it?
Its not that theyre inactive. They do
conduct periodic raids but more often than not,
it turns out that the illegal unit has been tipped
off, the offcer added.
Made in Munger: A Bihar cottage industry trusted by
criminals
- Rajnish Singh
PERSONALITY
www.iwk.co.nz
20 June 2014
30
FEATURE
Indian scientists question new approach in Alzheimers research.
W
ith animal-based studies failing to
hit the bulls eye in fnding a cure for
Alzheimers disease (AD), the clock is ticking
for over 3.7 million Indians suffering from
dementia. While a British neurochemist has
called for switching over to state-of-the-art
human biology based techniques, Indian
researchers feel a lot of rough edges need to be
trimmed.
Arguing that a decade of AD research
dominated by artifcially creating symptoms in
genetically modifed mice has failed to fnd a
single cure that works in human patients, Gill
Langley, senior science adviser to Humane
Society International (HSI), has called for a
paradigm shift.
A look at the data available sheds light on
the magnitude of the problem.
According to the Dementia India Report, in
2010, around 3.7 million were affected and this
is likely to double by 2030 and triple by 2050.
AD claims around 500,000 lives globally each
year while statistics show there is a new case
of dementia somewhere in the world every four
seconds.
A section of researchers associated with AD
research in India spoke regarding the issue.
Though many were hopeful, most highlighted
certain basic challenges that frst have to be
met. The idea would defnitely be welcome.
It would expedite the process and new
techniques like neuro-imaging could be a great
aid in research, told Amit Dias, coordinator
of the medical and scientifc advisory panel
for dementia at the Alzheimers and Related
Disorders Society of India (ARDSI).
Welcoming the idea in the light of customized
drugs, inorganic chemistry researcher
Abhishek Dey, at the Indian Association for the
Cultivation of Science (IACS) here, stressed on
non-invasive methods and expressed concern
over cultivating brain cells in a culture dish.
Factoring in the fnancial burden, Alokparna
Sengupta, HSIs Be Cruelty-Free India
campaign manager, said: So we would argue
that its economically feasible for a country like
India to switch from animal to human biology-
based models.
Transgenic mouse models are still
best suited for evaluating drug potency for
countering AD progression at the laboratory
level. A serious discussion and planning of a
new strategy for basic medical research and drug
discovery is urgently needed as personalized
medical treatment is far from reality in India,
says Sarika Gupta, a researcher at the National
Institute of Immunology, New Delhi.
- Sahana Ghosh
According to the Dementia
India Report, in 2010, around
3.7 million were affected
and this is likely to double
by 2030 and triple by 2050.
AD claims around 500,000
lives globally each year
while statistics show there
is a new case of dementia
somewhere in the world every
four seconds.
HEALTH
T
he recent news about the active consideration
of Prime Minister Narendra Modis
government to start a new ministry to oversee the
Himalayas is most welcome. In all these years
since independence, ignoring the Himalayas
has been wholly unwarranted and shocking. To
many of us who have been hammering away at
this thought, it is the most welcome of all news
emanating from the newly formed government.
Here is why we think this is a path-breaking
thought leadership.
The sheer size of the Himalayas expanse
from Pir Panjal Range in Kashmir to the eastern
part of Arunachal Pradesh, the Anjaw district,
the tri junction of India, Myanmar and China, is
certainly natures endowment to India.
All 2,500 km of Indian Himalayas house
some of the most dense and rare bio-diversity
reserves on earth. The people who live in these
vast expanses and mountains are many times
forgotten. However, of late they have also been
voicing their concerns and their needs to the
central government.
There are also many institutions and NGOs
like the Indian Mountain Initiative that have
repeatedly been talking about the way the
Planning Commission does not even take the
Mountain specifcities into consideration during
the fve-year plan formation exercise.
Only during the 12th Plan fnalisation, and that
too due to some pressure exerted by members of
parliament, the working group on mountains was
at last constituted. Better late than never.
The Indian Himalayas stands tall. These are
the water towers. They feed the myriad of rivers
that so far have been providing water security to
millions of people downstream.
However, today we have enough evidence
to believe that these water towers are getting
depleted of its ice. In Tibet, satellite mapping
shows that just like Antarctica and the Arctic,
there is melting of ice, including the permafrost.
This will have delayed but eventual
consequence as lower than normal water fows
in the many rivers. Hence, urgent action and
monitoring are required.
These are certainly climate change issues that
need to be addressed by the new ministry. Whether
Himalayan states need to be compensated for bio-
diversity reserves and management is another
very pressing state-centre issue.
Apart from this, the geopolitical nature of the
Himalayas is a well-known facet. In the eastern
and western-most parts, we still do not have well
demarcated boundaries with China (Tibet). The
boundary dispute is yet to be resolved. This has
been the reason for so many tense moments that
we have with China.
Also, the international borders from West to
East and moving to and through Nepal, China,
Bhutan, Myanmar and Bangladesh make for
formidable security and trade related concerns
and issues. There is much opportunity in all of
this too.
If we are able to put the boundary problem
behind us and open up all the passes to trade,
then imagine what impetus to economic growth
it would have.The Nathu-la pass was opened to
trade after 44 years in 2006 thanks to a landmark
agreement between Atal Behari Vajpayee and his
Chinese counterpart in 2003-04. It is border trade
and this can be upgraded to full trade. Sikkims
economy will be given a huge boost.
Tourism is always a very important economic
activity in the Himalayan areas. Scores of tourists
from the plains ascend to the cooler climes of
the mountain cities. One look at Mussoorie
and you will see what the serious challenges to
mountain cities are. Hence there is much work to
do to enable the construction and management of
sustainable mountain cities.
Transportation and waste management are all
huge burgeoning problems that need solutions.
But before that, attention to these problems is
sourly needed.
Infrastructure and building of roads in the
mountain areas is another major issue. Modern
technology has not been introduced just yet.
This again is due to sheer apathy. The IITs do not
specialize in mountain terrain technology.
There is the issue of construction of dams
and generation of hydropower as well. These
are contentious issues that need to be dealt with
sensitivity.
Railway lines and mountain railways have
been around since the days of the British Raj. They
managed to take the railways to Darjeeling, Shimla
and Coonoor hills (Nilgiri Mountain Railway).
The British had made these technological feats.
However, since independence, the technology
stands where it was in 1947. The Chinese on the
other hand have taken it literally to greater heights
and succeeded in bringing rail link from Beijing to
Lhasa. We have some serious work to do to catch
up.
All in all, there are serious developmental and
geopolitical implications. The Himalayas have
so far never spoken other than when it has been
stressed out. Landslides and even huge disasters
triggered by rainfall or by earthquakes happen
every now and then. Sikkim and Uttarakhand are
prime examples in recent memory.
So the challenge for the ministry is to ensure
that all of these issues are resolved in a way
that the states of the Himalayas are taken into
confdence. With Modi at the helm and with all the
talk of good governance this is entirely possible.
Federalism would have won.
I am totally in alignment with the formation
of a ministry which would not have come a day
sooner. There are many ideas and many issues
- bio-diversity, climate change, trade, water and
geopolitics - that need to be sorted out by an inter-
ministerial group.
Only time will tell whether this will fructify.
But the thought leadership is beginning to kick in,
and I am an optimist that it will happen.
(P.D. Rai, Member of Parliament (Lok
Sabha) from Sikkim. The views expressed are
personal.)
A ministry for the Himalayas: Not a day too soon
- P.D. Rai
TRAVEL
D
o you experience food craving just by
looking at images of delectable food items
regardless of how recently you had eaten? Check
if your are overweight.
Some people may have an instinctive,
psychological predisposition to binge eating,
said Claus Voegele, a professor of clinical and
health psychology at University of Luxembourg
in Luxembourg.
Women with weight problems were more
impulsive than average in a food-related
psychology test.
All addictions are similar in that the sufferer
craves to excess the feel-good buzz they receive
from chemical neurotransmitters produced when
they eat, gamble, smoke, have sex or take drugs,
Voegele added.
For the test, images of fatty or sweet food (a
burger, cake or pizza etc.) and non-food items (a
sock, a mug or a shoe etc.) were fashed at random
on a computer screen.
The women were instructed to click as fast as
possible on either the food or non-food pictures.
Tests were run either three hours after eating or
just after meals.
The researchers found that several women
with weight problems said the test had provoked
food craving, regardless of how recently they had
eaten.
Food addiction is for real
www.iwk.co.nz
20 June 2014
31
ENTERTAINMENT
A
ctor-producer Aamir Khan Sunday released
a documentary titled Chale Chalo on the
journey of his flm Lagaan.
I am so glad I can show this flm to the
nation. I am extremely happy for the frst time
we will see this flm live. This flm is about the
journey of how we made Lagaan and we wanted
to make it on record.
For me, this journey is now like a family
album I can even watch it 20 years down the line
and enjoy it. I am so glad even the nation can
watch it with us now, Aamir told reporters during
the screening of Chale Chalo.
Its a documentary flm and we have also won
a national award for best documentary.
The screening of Chale Chalo took place
at the Yash Raj studios and was simultaneously
premiered on TV.
Karan Johar hosted the show and interacted
with Aamir Khan during the commercial break.
Directed by Ashutosh Gowarikar, Lagaan
featured Aamir Khan and Gracy Singh in the lead.
A documentary on the Film Lagaan
C
elebrated writer-lyricist Prasoon Joshi, who
penned a special poem for the launch of
Dilip Kumars autobiography, says it was his way
of paying tribute to the living legend.
The autobiography, The Substance and The
Shadow compiled by Udaya Tara Nayar, was
launched at a glittering ceremony here Monday
evening. At the event, actor-flmmaker Aamir
Khan recited the poem as Joshi was unable to be
present because hes in Cannes for a prior work
commitment.
Through the poem, Joshi portrayed Dilip
Kumar as a masterpiece ft for his persona. Prior
to penning it, the writer spent quality time having
long discussions with Dilip Kumars wife Saira
Banu and author Udaya Tara Nayar to capture the
right essence of the actors personality.
In a statement, Joshi said: Its a tribute to the
legend in my words. For me, writing this is an
honour because on one hand there is greatness of
Dilip sahab, and on another, it was recited by an
unmatchable craftsman of our times, Aamir Khan
on whose request I wrote the poem.
It is an experience that the acclaimed writer
will always cherish.
Dilip Kumars autobiography chronicles the
life of the actor, who was born in Peshawar as
Yusuf Khan. In the book, he has spoken candidly
about his journey, his acting career in Bombay
(now Mumbai), and his struggle and success in
Hindi cinema.
The momentous night of the book launch
saw several faces from the Bollywood fraternity
gracing the event. While Karan Johar hosted the
mega book launch, veteran actress Vyjayanthimala
along with Madhuri Dixit and Priyanka Chopra lit
the inaugural lamp.
This was followed by Bollywood veterans
Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan unveiling
the autobiography. While the Big B went on to
read a passage from the autobiography, Aamir
recited the words penned down by Joshi.
Prasoon Joshi pens down a poem for Dilip Kumar
www.iwk.co.nz
28 March 2014
19
SPIRITUALITY
W
hen Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj,
the Guru and his teachings arrive here
in Auckland, on 15th April for 5 days, it will
be your chance to bathe in the splendor.
Sant Rajinder Singh Ji, of Science of
Spirituality will speak at a seminar and
address two public meetings. The Seminar,
on Meditation, will be held on April 16
at 2 pm, followed by the public lecture on
Peace through Spiritual Growth at 7 pm
at Langham Hotel in Auckland city. Sant
Rajinder Singh Ji will deliver his second
public address on Explore Inner Treasures
on April 18 at the same venue at 6 pm.
Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharajs life and
work can be summed up as a continuous
journey of love and selfless service. He has
helped people from all walks of life connect
to their true selves by teaching them the art of
meditation. Follow his travels throughout the
world and you will discover that his message
gleams with the principles of human unity,
spiritual fellowship, and selfless service.
As head of Science of Spirituality, Sant
Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj is internationally
recognized for his work toward promoting
inner and outer peace through spirituality.
Among his many awards and tributes are
five honorary doctorates in recognition of
his tireless efforts.
Born in India and educated as a
scientist, he has a keen understanding of
both mysticism and science. He received
his spiritual education from two of Indias
greatest spiritual Masters: Sant Kirpal Singh
Ji Maharaj (18941974) and Sant Darshan
Singh Ji Maharaj (19211989).
He earned his masters degree in the United
States and had a distinguished twenty-year
career in science and communications. His
training in both of these disciplines has helped
him express age-old mystical teachings in
clear, logical language. Sant Rajinder Singh
Ji Maharaj says it is our birthright to know
God. He travels the globe giving talks, holding
meditation seminars and offering initiation into
meditation on the inner Light and Sound, all
free of charge. He is a constant support amid
the ups and downs of life and a guide and
companion on the spiritual journey.
A true spiritual Master seeks nothing for
himself. Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj
lives on his own earnings and accepts no
donations. His only wish is to help connect
people with their true essence as soul.
Further information about his visit and the
public meetings can be obtained from:
Andrew Murray on 027 4767674 (in English),
(in Hindi and Punjabi):
Baljinder Kaur on 021 08361606 / 09 2780775
Neeraj Sabharwal on 021 2997410 / 09
2784272
Email: nzinfo@sos.org;
Website: www.sos.org/nzl/NewZealand
We live in an age
which is very scientifc.
Were not living in an
age where people be-
lieve things because of
blind faith. In this day
and age, whatever we
believe in, we need to
experience. We call our
organization the Science
of Spirituality because
we feel that spirituality
also has a scientifc bear-
ing. We do not want to
believe unless we experi-
ence something, unless
we can have a verifable
experience.
- Sant Rajinder Singh Ji
Maharaj
Like the rays of the sun,
the teachings will shine on you
www.iwk.co.nz
20 June 2014
32
Disney time for Hrithik Roshan and his sons
A
ctor Hrithik Roshan is enjoying a break
at Disneyland with his two sons -
Hrehaan and Hridhaan.
He posted a photograph with his children
on Twitter and captioned it: On the road less
travelled u must sometimes stop and take a
picture.
Sussanne, with whom he announced their
separation in December 2013, was missing
from the family photo.
Actress Nargis Fakhri also expressed her
desire to visit Disneyland.
OMG are you like at disneyland or
something! i wana go! =) what fun!, Nargis
tweeted.
To which the actor replied: Yeah. careful
if ur coming tho, People may mistake u
as the main park attraction!! Safety not
guaranteed!
Bollywood Diary
Sonakshi Sinha in a woman-centric actioner
F
ilmmaker A.R Murugadoss, who is
basking in the success of his latest Hindi
directorial Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off
Duty, is all set to direct actress Sonakshi
Sinha in a woman-centric action flick in the
language. The project is expected to go on
floors in November.
This will be the second time Sonakshi will
be teaming up with him after Holiday....
Its official! My next is a woman-
oriented action film directed by the genius
behind Ghajini & Holiday @ARMurugadoss!
We start in November, Sonakshi posted on
her Twitter page Tuesday.
Murugadoss is currently busy wrapping
up Tamil actioner Kaththi, which is slated
for a Diwali release. It features superstar
Vijay in the lead.
Holiday..., which was a remake of
Murugadoss own Tamil film Thuppakki,
has raked in good moolah in its opening
weekend in the country.
Designer Rocky S designs for Indian divas at International
Pageants.
F
ashion designer Rocky S has associated
with Miss India Organization to style the
delegates representing India at Miss World
2014 and Miss Universe 2014.
Known for offering a variety of creations
ranging from bridal couture, club wear to
accessories, the designer is happy to style the
divas.
Its a pleasure indeed to style these
absolute divas and guide them in their pursuit
for fashion. I am looking forward to assist
these beautiful women of the country and
wish each one all the luck when they walk
the ramp, he said in a statement.
His celebrity client list includes Bipasha
Basu, Shilpa Shetty and Katrina Kaif.
Mahesh Bhatt unveils Back 2 love, new album by Rahat Fateh
Ali Khan
I
ndian flmmaker Mahesh Bhatt unveils
Pakistani singer Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali
Khans new album Back 2 Love
The album, launched Monday, features 10
tracks including collaborations with Indian
musicians including composer duo Salim-
Sulaiman, and also a duet with singer Shreya
Ghoshal, said a statement.
Bhatt and Khan had worked together in the
formers production ventures like Kalyug
and Blood Money.
Khans new album was also unveiled at
this years International Indian Film Academy
(IIFA) in the US.
Enjoy the best
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ENTERTAINMENT MUSIC & LIFE STYLE MOVIES
PUNJABI TAMIL NEWS
Dhoom 3 Gangs of Hasseepur Zee Gold Awards
Main Tera Hero
Nadan Parinde
on Vision Asia
1 year contract
ENTERTAINMENT
www.iwk.co.nz
20 June 2014
33
www.iwk.co.nz
6 June 2014
34
ENTERTAINMENT
I
ndias mammoth lm industry, Bollywood
produces an average of 1000 lms each year
and is a renowned name in the entertainment
and lm sector today. The lms grapple to stay
aoat admist the competitive media market
and make a mark for themselves. Today,
Bollywood is at a very nascent stage where
the marketing team is coaxed to produce
innovative marketing ideas and outshine their
respective lms. Lets have a look at some of
the exclusive marketing techniques adapted by
our stars to lure the audiences to their nearest
cinema hall.
MAIN TERA HERO
Internet based shopping website Jabong.com
launched a fashion collection inspired by the
movie Main Tera Hero. Mr. Praveen Sinha,
Managing Director at Jabong.com quoted
that, Jabong.com has always aspired to create
fashion statements through its highly fashion
forward customers. Our association with Main
Tera Hero and other Bollywood movies is our
way of bringing the latest and fresh fashion
closer to our customers but with a better
accessibility. We are excited to see promising
response from this collection in a report by
BollySpice. Such innovative strategies and
alliances serve protable for both
the brands. The trendy attires
of Main Tera Hero attracted the
fashion conscious youth and
inspired them to watch the lm
because they could resonate to
the young and fresh characters
of Sreenath (Varun), Sunaina
(IleanaDCruz) and Ayesha
(Nargis Fakhri).
Parveen Sinha, Illeana and
Varun during the promotion of
their lm at Jabong
RA.ONE
King Khan always strikes a
master stroke when it comes to marketing and
promotion of his lms, brands, cricket team,
production house and what not!! Recently,
Varun Dhawan stated in an interview with
The Hindustan Times that Shah Rukh Khan
is my role model for lm marketing. During
the marketing of his home production, Ra.one
he used the international in Ra.One which
diversied the lms reach and made an
interesting arrangement to attract Indian, South
Asian and Western diasporas. With Akons
massive reach and global appeal, Sharukh
reaped the benets and successfully marketed
his lm across the globe.
Kareena Kapoor, Akon and Sharukh Khan
during the promotion of Ra.One
GHAJINI
Aamir Khan who is known as Mr. Perfectionist
always markets his lms with exciting ideas.
The success of his lm Ghajini hugely depends
on the sheer curiosity created by him about the
characters hairstyle. The conspicuous haircut
became a rage across the country when Mr.
Khan himself invited people and gave them
a similar haircut personally. He recorded the
whole event and publicised it on various TV
channels and online portals which intrigued
the audiences to watch the movie as soon as
it released.
With stars going out of their way globally
to promote their lms it is evident that lms
are now perceived as a brand or a commodity
and marketing plays a key role in it. The
intensive promotion of a lm later reects in
its Box ofce collections.
Akanksha Mehra
Dilli se Auckland tak!
By Akanksha Mehra
New Zealand is the new popular holiday destination for Indians. While the lovey-dovey
honeymoon couples enjoy the romantic serenity, tour operators also offer affordable packages
for a luxurious family holiday to New Zealand. According to a recent survey by The Outlook
Travellers, New Zealand was awarded the Favourite Foreign Destination in the Rest of the
World. The influx of a number of Delhites in the country has categorically increased. Films
like Kaho Naa Pyar Hai and I Hate Luv Stories have remarkably popularized the destination
and coaxed them to discover the countrys untouched beauty. However, they do feel that
Auckland is incompetent with Delhis food, fashion and transportation.
How can one not talk about food whilst talking about Delhi? Delhites are known for their
heartiest love for food and food joints. Sanjay Mehra and Madhavi Mehra visited Auckland
recently for their daughters graduation ceremony and believe that Delhi has the best food.
While the food places in Auckland include a variety of Indian cuisines, they fail to match
the Delhi standards says Sanjay. Chhole- bhatoore, amritsari kulche, chicken malai tikka,
dilli chaat and other Delhi specialities are easily available today but lack the essential
flavour.
Mrs. And Mr. Sanjay Mehra visit Auckland.
Bollywoods Marketing and Beyond
2

Parveen Sinha, Illeana and Varun during the promotion of their film at Jabong

3

RA.ONE

King Khan always strikes a master stroke when it comes to marketing and promotion of his
films, brands, cricket team, production house and what not!! Recently, Varun Dhawan stated
in an interview with The Hindustan Times that Shah Rukh Khan is my role model for film
marketing. During the marketing of his home production, Ra.one he used the international
in Ra.One which diversified the films reach and made an interesting arrangement to attract
Indian, South Asian and Western diasporas. With Akons massive reach and global appeal,
Sharukh reaped the benefits and successfully marketed his film across the globe.

Kareena Kapoor, Akon and Sharukh Khan during the promotion of Ra.One

4

GHAJINI

Aamir Khan who is known as Mr. Perfectionist always markets his films with exciting ideas.
The success of his film Ghajini hugely depends on the sheer curiosity created by him about
the characters hairstyle. The conspicuous haircut became a rage across the country when
Mr. Khan himself invited people and gave them a similar haircut personally. He recorded the
whole event and publicised it on various TV channels and online portals which intrigued the
audiences to watch the movie as soon as it released.

proudly
presents

Bollywood
July 12
6:30 pm
India Gate Party Hall
23 Eric Baker Place
Papatoetoe
facebook.com/svaraproductions
Tickets $50
All funds raised
will be donated
to SPCA
Auckland
| Contact Abhinav on 021 1063127
DINNER | LIVE SINGING | LIVE MUSIC
RITIKA BADAKERE | ASHISH JOSHI | MRIDULA MAHLOTRA
WHILE ENJOYING PROFESSIONAL DELIVERY BY OUR TALENTED
SINGERS
EXPERIENCE AND BE MESMERISED BY A LOVELY DINNER
PROVIDED BY
I NDI A GATE RESTAURANT

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ENTERTAINMENT
A
fter putting up a brave front by choosing
unconventional roles on the screen, Abhay
Deol tried his hand at flm production with
One By Two, but the flm failed to impress
moviegoers. The actor is undaunted and in no
mood to quit as he believes that in life, misses
are a bigger learning than hits.
Nothing is a mistake in life. A mistake only
happens when you dont learn from it and I
believe that people learn more from their misses
over hits. So it (One By Two) was a learning
experience for me, Abhay told.
The actor says one failed venture cant deter
him from trying out new things in future.
It has not put off the process of production
for me. You cant quit. Why wouldnt you want
to produce other flms especially after learning so
much from your frst production venture? Youre
better equipped now for your second project, he
added.
Directed by Devika Bhagat, One By Two,
which released earlier this year, starred Abhay
himself with his real life girlfriend Preeti Desai.
The flm was made for about Rs.15 crore and
it managed an opening weekend collection which
reportedly ranged only between Rs.1.25 crore and
Rs.1.5 crore.
However, the Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
actor has decided to move on and is now working
on his next production titled Bounty Hunters.
Once again, he is producing it and acting in it as
well.
If reports are to be believed, he has joined
hands with a Britain-based production house to co-
produce the flm. But Abhay, who was recently in
the capital to be part of Mission Energy Sessions,
organised by NDTV along with Grundfos Pumps
India Pvt Ltd, wants to wait before confrming
anything.
That was something that the producer
announced, but there was no movement
happening on that front. I havent personally
spoken about that as I need a few things to be
cleared before I talk about it. And those few things
have not happened; so there is no point of talking
about that, he said.
Active in Hindi flmdom since his debut in
2005 with Socha Na Tha, the 38-year-old has
faced the camera to play various kinds of roles
in flms like Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd.,
Ek Chalis Ki Last Local, Manorama Six Feet
Under, Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!, Dev.D and
Chakravyuh.
With nine years of experience in showbiz, he
was last appreciated for his role in 2013 released
flm Raanjhanna, also starring Sonam Kapoor
and southern actor Dhanush. Now, Abhay is
looking forward to a busy year ahead with his
acting projects.
Misses are the Biggest Learnings: Abhay Deol
- Nivedita
www.iwk.co.nz
20 June 2014
34
ENTERTAINMENT
A
fter creating magic in Jodhaa Akbar,
Ashutosh Gowariker and Bollywood star
Hrithik Roshan are reuniting for yet another love
story - Mohenjo Daro, set during the Indus
Valley civilisation. The National Award winning
flmmaker is excited to face the challenge.
Im extremely excited with the challenge of
telling this love story, set during the Indus Valley
civilisation, Gowariker said in a statement.
I just love love stories, especially those which
are set in different times. And if those times
are several centuries ago, then the intensity of
that romance grows multiple fold. In the case of
Mohenjo Daro, the times are 2500 BC.
And to have Hrithik play the protagonist in
this ancient world I am creating, with his portrayal
of romance, which is so passionate and pure,
makes it all the more exciting. Im absolutely glad
that we are both coming together to tell this epic
romance of Mohenjo Daro, he added.
The pre-production of the flm is on in full
swing and it is slated to go on the foors in the last
quarter of 2014.
Hrithik, who played Akbar effortlessly in
Jodhaa Akbar, too is excited about working in
the new period romance.
He said: Its very rare to come across a vision
that challenges every aspect of the norm; that
defes your ability of the physical and mental. A
flm that is truly about spirit and add to that an epic
love story set in ancient India.
The Indus Valley civilisation is very centric
to India - popular across not just our country, but
of interest and intrigue for the rest of the world.
But more than anything I am truly excited to once
again to be working with Ashutosh. I think the
right words would be - Were BACK!
Hrithik and director Ashutosh Gowariker
reunite for another love story
O
n Sonam Kapoors 29th birthday,
National Award-winning designer
Wendell Rodricks says the bollywood
actress is one of the countrys best style
icons. He is keen to see her in an art flm
soon.
Sonam Kapoor, in my humble, glorifed
tailor opinion, you are Indias best style icon
actress. Now please do one jabardast art flm
and leave everyone mooing like lovesick
cows, Rodricks posted on his Facebook
page.
Known for her high-style quotient, the
Raanjhanaa actress received birthday
wishes and love and luck on micro-
blogging site Twitter too.
Actress Bipasha Basu tweeted: Happy
birthday pretty girl Sonam Kapoor! Keep
smiling forever!
Sonams Dolly Ki Doli producer
Arbaaz Khan too wished the actress a very
happy birthday.
Hope our khoobsoorat Dolly has a great
day and year ahead. All the best. Cheers, he
added, while Nargis Fakhri posted: Sonam
Kapoor happy birthday beautiful girl. May
all ur bday wishes come true! Enjoy ur
special day! and may god bless u always.
Sonam Kapoor, Indias best style icon
states designer Wendell Rodricks
F
ilmmaker Karan Johar is excited that many
of the youngsters who worked as assistant
directors (AD) under his banner Dharma
Productions are movie stars now.
It is so great and exciting to see that all
these kids are movie stars today. I think Dharma
(Productions) has become the new training
ground now, Karan said here Thursday.
He was speaking at the music launch of
newcomer Armaan Jains debut flm Lekar Hum
Deewana Dil. Armaan, grandson of Raj Kapoor,
had assisted Karan on flms like My Name Is
Khan and Student Of The Year.
Talking about Armaan and his flm, the
42-year-old said, I was so emotional when I
saw his (Armaan) flm for the frst time because
Armaan was the most sincere AD on the flm
(My Name Is Khan).
In fact, he, Sidharth (Malhotra) and Varun
(Dhawan) were Assistant Directors together on
My Name Is Khan. Even Arjun Kapoor has been
an AD in Dharma Productions, he added.
While Varun and Sidharth assisted KJo on
Shah Rukh Khan starrer My Name Is Khan,
Arjun assisted him on Kal Ho Naa Ho.
Dharma Productions: Film aspirants new training ground
A
nupam Kher celebrates 30 years in Indian
cinema and remembers his critically
acclaimed flm Saaransh with love.
B.V. Pradhan (his character) of Saaransh.
My life changed. I complete 30 years in Indian
Cinema today (Sunday). Happy birthday to me,
the National Award-winning actor posted on
Twitter.
He also wrote that his life changed after acting
in the Mahesh Bhatts directorial venture.
On May 25, 1984 a young mans life was to
change for ever. A cult classic Saaransh was to
release, he posted.
Anupam, who is married to actor-politician
Kirron Kher, has been widely appreciated for his
roles in flms like Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara,
Khosla Ka Ghosla!, A Wednesday, Saudagar and
Lamhe.
Anupam Kher celebrates three
decades in filmdom
S
aif Ali Khan will be seen mimicking his father-
in-law Randhir Kapoor in the forthcoming
Bollywood entertainer Humshakals. He
believes imitation is the highest form of fattery,
and this is a way of honouring him.
A lot of stars have been mimicked in the
flm. Dabbooji (Randhir) is Sajid Khans favourite
topic of imitation, the 43-year-old said here
Wednesday on the sets of Dance India Dance
Lil Masters.
It is said that imitation is the highest form of
fattery and since I respect my father-in-law a lot,
we decided to honour him in the highest way, he
added.
The cast of Humshakals, barring Bipasha
Basu, and director Sajid, was present here to
promote the flm.
Humshakals also stars Riteish Deshmukh,
Ram Kapoor, Tamannaah Bhatia and Esha Gupta.
Saif mimicks dad-in-law Randhir
Kapoor
www.iwk.co.nz
20 June 2014
35
ENTERTAINMENT
Call us at 0508 15 16 17
Offce branches
Head offce: 922, New North Road, Mt. Albert, Auckland Ph: 09 845 4239
Auckland city offce: 283-293 K Road, Auckland CBD, Auckland Ph: 09 5553045
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Indian offce: Hindustan Park, Ground Floor, Kolkatta 700029
info@ecotravels.co.nz
Malaysian Airlines Special fares to Indian Sub continent
starting from $1545.00* ( inclusive all taxes)
*Travel dates : 01 May 2014 -17th November 2014
*Sales Expiry : 30th June 2014 @ 4:00 PM.
Malaysian Airlines special fares for December to Indian Sub-continent
Travel dates : 9th Dec 2014 to 14 Jan 2015
*Sales Expiry : 23rd June 2014 @ 4:00 PM.
Air India special fare for December to Indian Sub continent
*Travel dates : 10th June 2014 to 10th Dec 2014
*Sales Expiry : 22nd August 2014 @ 4:00 PM.
M
egastar Amitabh Bachchan launched the
dramatic poster of his frst fction TV series
titled Yudh, which is expected to go on air from
July.
Big B, who will be seen playing the role of
construction company co-owner Yudhishthir
Sikarwar in the TV series, unveiled the poster in
the presence of his co-stars Sarika and Aahana
Kumra, the shows creative director Anurag
Kashyap, and creative consultant Shoojit Sircar,
among others.
The poster of the series, directed by Ribhu
Dasgupta, presents an intense-looking Amitabh
running away in a blue suit against the backdrop
of skyrising buildings amidst dust.
I play a construction company owner. There
is business rivalry and family issues along with
health issues which might be terminal, how he
balances is what you will get to see Amitabh told
reporters here at the poster launch.
Co-produced by Amitabhs production
company Saraswati Creations with Endemol
India, the show is being promoted as a frst of its
own kind TV series.
TV needs change and we always complain
about it. I feel it (Yudh) is cinema as a TV series
said Sircar.
Kashyap agreed: Its like cinema on screen.
This is Mr. Bachchan at his best. We followed
rules of cinema for the show. The approach from
script to sound design to editing, its same as its
done in flms.
The series will be aired on Sony Entertainment
Television.
Big Bs first fiction TV series
Yudhlaunches its poster
A
Spanish remake of
Yash Raj Films (YRF)
Bollywood offering Ladies
Vs Ricky Bahl is underway,
an offcial statement from the
Indian movie studio confrmed.
YRF sealed a deal with
Colombias 64-A Films to
remake the Aditya Chopra-
produced and Maneesh
Sharma-directed flm, which
stars Ranveer Singh and
Anushka Sharma.
This is truly path breaking
for not just YRF as a studio, but
also for the Indian flm industry
at large, as it paves the path for
more such opportunities for everyone. We look
forward to Ricky getting up to his tricks in Latin
America now, Avtar Panesar, vice president -
International Operations, YRF, said in a statement.
The deal was closed in
Cannes and Diego Ramirez
of 64-A Films expressed his
excitement at tying up with
YRF on a frst of its kind
remake of a Bollywood flm.
I think the character of
Ricky Bahl is the real asset of
this flm and we look forward
to adapting this for Colombian
and Spanish audiences
everywhere.
As of now we are looking
to flm this in four Colombian
cities of Cali, Medellin,
Bogota and Cartagena for the
sun and beaches there - there is
a possibility to go across Latin America once the
fnal script is locked, Ramirez said.
The Bollywood version of the movie, about a
conman, was a hit.
YRF to remake Ladies Vs Ricky
Bahl in Spanish
B
ollywoods action titan Akshay Kumar,
who has started a school along with Aditya
Thackeray to train women in self-defence, says
the initiative is not for personal gain, but to give
back to the society.
We are here to give something to the society.
There is no monetary gain from it. I am doing it
because I have earned a lot in life due to martial
arts and it is my way to give back to the society,
the actor, who is trained in martial arts and has a
black belt in taekwondo, told reporters here at a
press conference Friday.
Akshay has also promised active participation
in the training sessions.
Whenever I will get time and if Im in
Mumbai, I would teach martial arts to them (the
women). I am starting the whole thing from July
29 said the actor, who is set to go away on a
holiday soon, to return in time for the training
sessions.
Akshay Kumar starts a self-
defence school for women
www.iwk.co.nz
20 June 2014
36
EVENTS
WHATSOn
Dance Night
Art of Living Centre, 93 Lansford Cresent,
Avondale, Auckland
Saturday 21 June 2014, 8:00pm
Get everybody moving and grooving with
different dance themes- jazz, hip hop, modern,
swing, cultural, Bollywood, country and
western dance.
Dressed up in furo colours! Come on and
enjoy the dance party!
Browns Bay Laughter
Club
East Coast Bays Community Centre, 2 Glen
Street, Auckland
Saturday 28 June 2014, 9:45am
Laugh for no reason at all - have fun and feel
good.
At Laughter Clubs we use a combination of
laughter exercises, breathing, gentle stretches,
and relaxation to bring more fun, good health
and less stress into our lives.
Tirupati Balaji - Lord
Srinivasa Abhishek
Thiru Subramaniyam Temple, 41A Stanhope
Rd, Auckland
Saturday 21 June 2014 11:00am
12:30pm
Perform Abhisekham to Lord Balaji / Srivasa,
Alankar and Arti every Saturday between
11AM and 12.30 PM. Devotees are offered to
perform the abhishek, alankar and arti etc with
guidance.
Annie Get Your Gun -
Auditions
North Shore Music Theatre, 5 Recreation Drive,
Auckland
4:00pm
Audition registrations are now open for North
Shore Music Theatres Production of Annie Get
Your Gun! The show will be performed at The
Pumphouse Theatre in Takapuna between 8th
and 22nd November 2014.
Looking for a range of ages to cover ensemble
and the following lead / minor roles all roles
are available no roles are pre-cast
WeitiWildLink
Community Planting Day
The Weiti River, Titan Place, Silverdale,
Silverdale
1:00pm
Conservation Volunteers New Zealand are
partnering with the Hibiscus and Bays Local
Board on an exciting new initiative to restore the
Weiti River in Silverdale.
The volunteers will be planting 1,300 plants and
they need your help!
Sunday Weekly Satsang
Program schedule:
Bhajan Kirtan: 10:30am to 11:30am
Srimad Bhagavatam discourse: 11:30am to
12:30pm
RajBhoga Arati: 12:30pm to 1:00pm
Mahaprashadam: 1:00pm to 1:30pm
All glories to Sri Sri Radha-Damodar! Sri Sri
Jagannath-Baladev, Subhadra Devi, Sri Sri
Gaura-Nitai and Sri Sri Laxmi-Nrisimha-Dev!
Bhakti Center invites you to our Sunday
Satsang which will be held weekly as per the
usual schedule given above. Please joinin this
auspicious Weekly Satsang with your friends
and family.
Meet the Author
Kalyani Gadgil
Venue: Lynfeld Room,
Fickling Convention Centre,
546 Mt Albert road, Three Kings, Auckland.
Time: 3.00 pm 4.30 pm
Seats are limited so please RSVP :
Varsha (09 534 8000)
Migrant Heritage Charitable Trust Inc (regd) in
collaboration with Auckland Libraries take the
pleasure in inviting you to attend an interactive
session with Ms Kalyani Gadgil, the author of
the travelogue NEW ZEALAND DAKSHIN
GOLARDHATIL NANDANVAN (New Zealand
a heaven in the Southern Hemisphere).
NAADBRAMHA
Date: 12th July 2014
Time: 06.00 pm Tickets: $10
Venue: Ellerslie War Memorial Hall
Address: Ellerslie main Highway,Ellerslie.
Migrant Heritage Charitable Trust Inc (MigHT-i)
is continuing its work of bringing to fore the
rich heritage of Indian Classical Music in
New Zealand. After the super success of
Naadbrahma in 2009, 2010 and 2012, they
are back for their 4th season of Hindustani and
Carnatic Musicthis time withan all new format.
The tickets for this program can be purchased
from YOGIJIs (09 624 5757), Manjit
(0211595971) or Varsha (09 5348000).
You can also book your tickets on email: info@
might-i.org
Proudly presents
An evening of North Indian & South Indian J MUSIC with
Jugalbandi
SUPPORTED BY:
Sounds of Heaven
Tickets :
Manjit (0211595971) or Varsha (09 534 8000)
1he Mott ert
Veena featuring Maestro's:
Malur (Violin), Shri Anand Thakore (Mandolin), Shri Sameer Bhalodkar (Harmonium), Shri
Krishna S (Ghatam) & Smt Malathi Vasudevan (Veena)
www.iwk.co.nz
20 June 2014
37
ENTERTAINMENT
A
arohi Academy of Music was formed in 2009
to spread Indian Culture and Indian Music in
New Zealand. Academy is planning to organise a
Live-In-Concert: Tribute to Lata Mangeshkar and
promoting local talents, musicians and singers.
Mrs Vidya Shekhar Teke had formal education
from her father, and a few well-known Music
Gurus from Pune City as well as from Gwalior
Gharana. A few live-in-concerts were with
Bollywood singers like Annu Kapoor, and Amit
Kumar. She can perform Hindustani Classical,
Semi-Classical and Light Music.
Under the guidance of Krishnarao Karekar of
Kirana Gharana, Shweta Divekar-Shirsat gained
expertise in various forms of Indian classical
and light classical music. She has previously
performed with the famous playback singer
Amit Kumar during his concert in Auckland and
also associated with the Shankar Mahadevan
Academy.
Guncha started her singing journey in
Auckland in 2010 in Kaun Banega Superstar
on Triangle Television. Currently undertaking
Hindustani Classical training from Sandhya Rao.
Ritika recorded her frst song at the age of 7 for
a TV series called Meerabai and was subsequently
given the title of the youngest playback singer
by Indian express. She has been singing since
the age of 7 and has been classically trained by
guru Mohinderjeet Singh and also by her mother
Sandhya Rao.
Prashant Sindhav learned singing from
Damyanti Ben Bardai (his mother and Indian
classical music from Bhavdeep Jaipurwale.
Prashant has played for a classical rock band
called Reveal. He recently sang an original
song on YouTube channel for a program called
kingfsher strong backstage.
Arun Khotkar is a well-known personality
amongst music lovers in Auckland. Arunji came
to New Zealand in 1995. Since his childhood,
Arunji gave his appearance in numerous musical
concerts in India as well as in New Zealand. He
also won prizes in different musical competitions
at school, college and university level which is
uncountable
Arif who is the perfect reproduction of
Mohammad Raf in Auckland has done
innumerable shows on his own, earning lot of
accolades and admirations from the audience. Arif
had been doing live shows and deeply inspired
by Rafji and from a very early age and has been
singing mainly the legends songs.
Joseph is renowned for reliving the inimitable
Kishore Kumar in his performances and believes
the legend has deeply touched him by his style
of singing and therefore loves to reproduce the
legends melodies.
Rushikesh Ahinave can play a variety of
western and Indian instruments like drum and
tabla. Rushi is also a great vocalist and an engaging
performer and has enthralled audiences with
semi-classical and Bollywood music concerts in
India and New Zealand.
Hemant Thaker is a well-known keyboard
player involved in all kinds of musical shows,
events like garba and religious programmes in
New Zealand and overseas. Highlight of his
musical journey in Auckland was performing live
with Abhas Joshi - a renowned singer and a TV
host.
Shivam is well known in the Auckland music
scene for over 15 years now. He makes a great
team with Alex and Hemant. His idol, Tony Vaas,
is a great bass guitarist of R D Burman music
group. Shivam has also played alongside some of
the original musicians of R B Burman and A R
Rahman.
Diya Antony started learning guitar when I
was eight. She has been playing for various music
shows for the last 4-5 years along with her dad.
I am currently a student of the New Zealand
Modern School of Music.
Yempee Antony (called Antony) have
been playing guitar from his school days.
After migrating to New Zealand I have had the
opportunity to play on various stages along with
prominent singers and musicians.
Alex, a drummer with varied rhythms, owes
his infuence to great drummers such as Steve
Gadd, Dave Weckyl and Billy Cobham as well
as Bands such as UB40, Dire Straits, Eagles and
Deep Purple. He had the opportunity to play with
artist such as Susan Dmello - Bollywood singer
and Leslie Louis of Colonial Cousins in Mumbai.
Drumming has always been one of Joscels
biggest passions. I have been playing the drums
for the last 6 years. In the last 6 years Ive been
fortunate enough to have performed with various
talented local artists and also with overseas artists
such as Abhas Joshi and Bankim Patak.
Khamoshiyaan gun guna ne lagi:
Tribute to Lata Mangeshkar
www.iwk.co.nz
23 May 2014
36
EVENTS
WHATSOn
Cornwall Park Autumn
Walks
Cornwall Park Information Centre, Manukau
Rd, Auckland
Date: Wednesday 7 May 2014, 10:00am
Date: Wednesday 28 May 2014, 12:00pm
Cornwall Park Autumn Guided Walk
Series Walks take place in the morning
10am-12pm Approximate duration 2 hours.
Bookings essential.
Please call the Cornwall Park Information
Centre.
Phone: (09) 630 8485.
Srimad Bhagavat Katha
Narrated by: Under the guidance and shelter
of Om Vishnupad Sri Srimad Bhakti Vedanta
Narayana Gosvami Maharaj, His disciple
Srimad Bhakti Vedanta Siddhanti Maharaj of
Sri Vrindavan Dham)
We cordially invite you to come and join us in
this most auspicious Bhagavat Katha festival
with your friends and family.
Venue: Bhakti Centre, 11 Pleasant View
Road, Panmure, Auckland.
Date: 20th to 27th May 2014
Program schedule:
Bhajan Kirtan: 5:30pm to 6:30pm
Srimad Bhagavatam discourse: 6:30am-9pm
Sandhya Arati: 9pm
Mahaprashadam: 9:30pm
For more details contact:
Damodar das 021 270 3424
Pravinbhai Patel 021 164 6468
Yogesh Punja 021 786 520
Job Search Workshop
(Highland Park
Community House)
Are you currently looking for work? Our
Team can help you with useful information
and advice around your job search. Join
us for a free workshop on Friday 23rd
May,2014 at our Highland Park centre.
This workshop helps you to learn about
New Zealands business culture and
employment environment, how to write a
Kiwi style CV and cover letter, language
skills needed for job search and the
NZ workplace, interviewing tips, other
services to assist your job search. To make
a booking please phone 095345584 or
email tina.gunn@aucklandcouncil.govt.
nz. (FEE of $40 for visitors visa / working
holiday / international students / NZ
citizens and Permanent residents who have
been in NZ for more than two years)
Waste Minimisation
Workshop
This Wonderful Session is an opportunity
to obtain useful information on waste
minimization on how to sort out the
rubbish and reduce it, how to reuse it to
impact positively on the environment.
Join us for a free workshop on Friday 23rd
May 2014, Time:10:30am-12:00 noon at
our Manukau centre. For registration please
phone 092635490 or email Manukau@
arms-mrc.org.nz.
Orientation Bus Tour
For Newcomers to
Explore Auckland!
This Auckland Bus tour is for Newcomers,
who have been in Auckland for two years
or less on Saturday, 31 May 2014. On this
Bus tour you will visit Arataki Visitor
centre, Auckland Museum, Auckland Art
Gallery, Bastion Point, Cornwall Park.
Cost $ 5.00 per person includes kids 5
years and above and $10 for Tourist visa,
student visa, Resident visa holders above
2 years. To make a booking please phone
092635490 or email Manukau@arms-mrc.
org.nz
For more information contact:
ARMS Manukau Team
2 Osterley Way Manukau/PO Box 27
6035 - Manukau
PH: 09 263 5490/E:manukau@arms-
mrc.org.nz
Website: www.arms-mrc.org.nz
A FAMILY EVENT COMBINING
SONG AND DANCE WITH BOLLYWOOD
HITS, ICONIC KIWI AND WESTERN POP
MUSIC DONE WITH A TWIST.
FEATURING PERFORMANCES BY
NASHA THE BAND - WSS ORCHESTRA
DAMSELS OF DHOOM
DANCE TEAMS
GARAGEWALAS - X LAKE DANCERS - KHOTTEY SIKKEY
SINGERS
RITIKA BADAKERE - LEELA PATEL - VIBHA TRIVEDI
MEGAN O' REILLY - BRONTE PIERSON - CAITLIN KELLY
RAUL CARDOZA - RACHIT BHATIA - LEON RUWHIU
ANARU PROUGHTON - HUIA APIATA
GUEST MUSICIANS
HEMANT THAKER - JOEL COUTTS - RAOUL D'CUNHA
RAVI SHAH - SHAMAL LAL - STEVEN JOHN WINN
TICKETS - $20.00
IN SUPPORT OF
SAT 31 MAY 2014
7PM ONWARDS
AVONDALE COLLEGE
THEATRE
51 VICTOR
STREET
KIDSCAN CHARITABLE TRUST
FOR DISADVANTAGED KIWI KIDS
AVAILABLE AT: YOGIJI'S FOOD MART, MT. ROSKILL
SALUJA'S, BOTANY/ AUCKLAND INDIAN SWEETS, OTAHUHU
MARK - 0212651975 / RAUL - 0211022068 / LIAM - 0212167448
INDO
KIWI
With
GLOBAL ALLIANZ
A FAMILY EXTRAVAGANZA
CROSSOVER CONCERT
PROUDLY PRESENTS
www.iwk.co.nz
20 June 2014
38
ENTERTAINMENT
W
ith the release of Heropanti, we saw
another star kid who is all set to burgeon
in the world of Bollywood. Tiger Shroff,
whose amusing trolls are much popular than
the movie itself, commands a grand entrance
in the industry due to his father actor Jackie
Shroff and support from the much adulated
stars like Salman Khan and Aamir Khan.
The ostentatious industry of Bollywood has
changed over the years apart from one fact that
it is still a family business.
Talk about star kids and the list is endless.
We undoubtedly have actors like Ranbir
Kapoor and Aamir Khan who debuted with an
infuential Bollywood dynastic name but proved
their mettle and created an individual brand by
exhibiting their commendable acting talent. On
the other hand we have other starry names that
came with a bang but are either struggling to
fnd their feet or have been sheepishly washed
away. Given the aforementioned scenario, one
may rightly conclude that an actors talent is
the only surviving strategy in the flm industry.
Well, if you believe so then think again!!
The unprecedented infux of Bollywood
dynasty on Indian celluloid is because they
inevitably have an advantage. They know the
veteran directors, casting directors and actors.
Some of them may have worked with their
father, mother, brother, sister or maybe all of
them. They swear by the flm industry and are
well aware of its norms.
Why is there collective aversion towards
Sonakshi Sinha? Just because she is fat
according to Indian actress standards?
Well,even VidyaBalan is fat for that matter but
we like her. We like her for the very reason that
she can act and win a million hearts through
her signifcant cinematic contribution. It is
extremely devastating when an actor with a
flmy background gets opportunities despite
failing repeatedly (Abhishek Bachchan and
Sonakshi Sinha are precise case in points),
while the ordinary ones with a repertoire of
theatre experience and talent are left in the
bleak world of casting couch, fghting the
underbelly of exploitation.
Even the expressionless frangi actresses
are entering mainstream Bollywood like never
before.They repeatedly get breaks by their
actor or director boyfriends. Katrina Kaif
is one of the top actresses in the Hindi flm
industry who cannot speak Hindi, and cannot
act. What a paradox!! She gets to work with
the best in the business due to her ex-boyfriend
Mr. Salman Khan. Have we forgotten about
yesteryears Indian beauties who never failed
to mesmerize us in a saree with sharp Indian
features?
I now remember a few lines from an old
Akanksha Mehra
Dilli se Auckland tak!
By Akanksha Mehra
New Zealand is the new popular holiday destination for Indians. While the lovey-dovey
honeymoon couples enjoy the romantic serenity, tour operators also offer affordable packages
for a luxurious family holiday to New Zealand. According to a recent survey by The Outlook
Travellers, New Zealand was awarded the Favourite Foreign Destination in the Rest of the
World. The influx of a number of Delhites in the country has categorically increased. Films
like Kaho Naa Pyar Hai and I Hate Luv Stories have remarkably popularized the destination
and coaxed them to discover the countrys untouched beauty. However, they do feel that
Auckland is incompetent with Delhis food, fashion and transportation.
How can one not talk about food whilst talking about Delhi? Delhites are known for their
heartiest love for food and food joints. Sanjay Mehra and Madhavi Mehra visited Auckland
recently for their daughters graduation ceremony and believe that Delhi has the best food.
While the food places in Auckland include a variety of Indian cuisines, they fail to match
the Delhi standards says Sanjay. Chhole- bhatoore, amritsari kulche, chicken malai tikka,
dilli chaat and other Delhi specialities are easily available today but lack the essential
flavour.
Mrs. And Mr. Sanjay Mehra visit Auckland.
A Family Business Affair
I now remember a few lines from an old Hindi song. Shri Ram Chandra kehgayesiya se
aisakalyugaayega hanschugegadaanadunka, kauwamotikhayega(Lord Rama once told his
wife Sita that in Kali age crow-like men will be held in higher estimation than swan-like men).

KritiSanon, Aamir Khan, Tiger and Jackie Shroff during the laukshi Sinha being mocked on
Social Media.

Ex couple Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif

KritiSanon, Aamir Khan, Tiger and Jackie Shroff during the laukshi Sinha being
mocked on Social Media.
Ex couple Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif
p: 09 213 7335 e: sales@indianweekender.co.nz
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20 June 2014
39
ENTERTAINMENT
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Talk to one of our local home loan experts today.
ANZ Bank New Zealand Limited ANZ1798_IW
visit any branch 0800 200 382 anz.co.nz/homeloan
Rangmachs next : Rib tickling Gujarati play
R
ANGMANCH- a popular
organization amongst the
Indiancommunity of Auckland which
has built a strong reputation of offering
quality Gujarati & Hindi dramas
since the past 7 years, presents - Ye
Jo HaiZindagi-an invisible love, a
critically acclaimed play directed by
Shailesh Prajapati.
Originally written by Gujarati
Indian playwright Saumya Joshi, Ye
Jo Hai Zindagi-an invisible love, is
about a family where the father and son
fail to communicate. The father is on
the verge of retirement and the son is
looking for a bright career. The director
aptly shows the upper class aspiration
and differences between both. The cast
includes Rupal Solanki, Chirag Solanki
and Shailesh Prajapati.
Director Shailesh Prajapati says
audiences will be able to relate to the
themes and characters and those who
complain that theater is a dying art
would have been surprised at just how
many people turned up for this play
when it was performed in India by Saumya
Joshi and his team with the humorous and at
times emotional confict between the three
characters - the father, son and mother from
the Ganatra Family, the crowd was glued to
their seats.Theres a scene in the play where
the character, BhanuGanatra (Rupal Solanki)
says, Kaan na jalsaa ankhon thi naa karaaye!
which, when roughly translated, means, One
cannot enjoy the pleasures of the ear through
the eyes. This line is quite beftting to
describe this remarkable Gujarati play written
by Saumya Joshi, for one needs to watch and
actually hear these characters and their story,
rather than read about them.Some say body
language, and not verbal language is what
connects people. And the marvelous actors
of Rangmanch will prove this saying right
through their actions in the play Ye Jo Hai
Zindagi, that despite not knowing a word of
Gujarati, one will not misses the essence of the
play.
Calling Ye Jo HaiZindagi a comedy one
could say along with this awe-inspiring, goose
bump-inducing, rib-tickling play
would be: Factual Fiction.
Like any average Gujarati play Ye
Jo HaiZindagi would be termed, as a
light comedy- if one likes that tag- but
at the same time one will not miss the
fner nuances. Ye Jo HaiZindagi might
as well be the high point in the present
Gujarati theatre scenario. If the play
succeeds, it will prove that Gujarati
audiences indeed crave good theatre,
and that an excuse for only banal
comedies being successful on the
commercial stage is just a myth.
The producers say they have
tremendous support from sponsors
i.e. ASB Community Trust, Creative
community Auckland Council, Bank
of Baroda, New Zealand ltd., Mt.
Roskill Accountants, Indigo Finance
Services Ltd., Raj Motors Ltd., Apex
Air and Valley Fruits and Vegetables,
Sandringham, where media partners
are Hum FM 106.2, Weekender and
Indonz Film Company Ltd.
Ye Jo HaiZindagi-an invisible
love is at The Herald Theatre, Aotea
Centre, on 18th, 19th and 20th of July 2014
at 7pm and on Friday & Saturday where on
Sunday at 4pm.
Tickets for only $25, and available in
person at VALLEY FRUITS AND VEGES
576, SANDRINGHAM ROAD.PH :- 09 846
5050. And also for Group booking and more

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