Pg 6
'COMMUNITY SAFETY
OUR TOP PRIORITY'
EXCLUSIVE SIT-DOWN WITH MICHAEL WOOD
AUCKLAND CBD
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2 NEW ZEALAND Friday, December 15, 2017 The Indian Weekender
An end
to all
bad gifts
right now
Send cash around the world from any
participating Western Union agent location
T
rising crime on businesses. Put a hold on further tax increases
he Crime Prevention
b. Set up similar Police task forces on cigarettes, which seems to be
Group met with a group of in other regions in NZ where one of the primary targets of such
Ministers in parliament on required. incidents.
Thursday, December 14, to present c. Set up a flying squad of elite The victims
a memorandum on the state of rising police officers, as promised by Rt Announce a package and care for
crime in New Zealand. Hon Winston Peters specifically the rehabilitation of the victims of
The fact that the members of Crime to deal with this grave situation. such crime.
Prevention Group have to travel all d. Re-open the closed Police stations
the way to Wellington to present a in suburbs, and open new ones The work for the dole
The eight-point memorandum is
memorandum to the government In the meeting seeking for a comprehensive action wherever required in proportion a. Following up on the governments
in the parliament on their demands it was identified to the change and increase in recent proposals regarding work
from the government to ensure the
of addressing rising crime deserves the demographic profile of for dole policy, there is room
that we all are well being of shopkeepers and small
some attention. business owners, who are at the the communities. Increase the for reining-in young people who
So is the fact that the new stakeholders in forefront of aggravated robberies and visibility of Police on patrols are otherwise on unemployment
government had given the highest addressing the assaults. and beat at sensitive areas in the benefit, to be trained as security
priority to the concerns raised by The demands include among other suburbs. personnel, to patrol and assist in
the Group by ensuring a resounding
problem of rising e. More powers to Police and Judges security for some of the shopping
things, an increase in the police
presence of a group of senior crime numbers, reviewing and toughening to deal with such situations. blocks that are identified as prone
Ministers along with few MPs in existing laws against assaults and The youth offenders to such crimes.
the same room also deserves equal aggravated robberies, reviewing a. Review of the youth age to make a. They could act as a liaison
attention. acknowledged that rising crime was age of youth offenders, putting them and their parents more between the shopkeepers and the
Indeed, this was a win-win a matter of concern, Sunny Kaushal, some accountability on parents of accountable for their serious Police.
outcome for everyone as Government President of Crime Prevention Group those involved in offending and crimes. a. The shopkeepers may also be
gave ears to the members of Crime told The Indian Weekender. shopkeepers right to self-defence. a. Hold negligent parents persuaded to contribute towards a
Prevention Group with utmost In the meeting it was identified accountable to get the message of
Key demands: pool to create this vital resource.
priority. that we all are stakeholders in their responsibility across.
The 15-member executive addressing the problem of rising The working group:
The law The shop owners Set up a working group comprising
committee of the Crime Prevention crime, Mr Kaushal added.
Review and toughen the existing a. Shop owners right to defend the concerned ministers, Police
Group led by President Sunny The Crime Prevention Group was
laws against assaults and aggravated themselves when attacked, and
Kaushal met with Minister for Justice formed early this year after the (in) commanders and Crime Prevention
robberies, thus creating a strong define the manner and mode of
Andrew Little, Minister for Police famous aggravated assault on the Group to work on the solutions and
deterrent factor which should include such self-defence particularly in
and Small Businesses Stuart Nash, owner couple of Crown Superette in recommendations including the
harsher penalties. situations that are quite familiar
Minister for Ethnic Communities Mt Roskill, to rally public support distribution mode of $1.8m subsidy
now.
Jenny Salesa, and Parliamentary against the rise in a number of The Police already announced to the eligible and
a. To shame and identify, and
Under-Secretary, Michael Wood. aggravated robbery, assault and a. Increase the number of police affected applicants.
introduce heavy penalties on
It was a great opportunity to incidences of crime, especially on officers from 20 to at least 60 in those who are procuring and
meet the group of Ministers who the members of ethnic communities. Auckland in the Special Police
reselling stolen goods.
A n armed group of seven robbers stormed genuinely believed were important for their
time of an emergency.
the Crown Superette just after 7 a.m. on constituency (small businesses and dairy
The app was designed primarily for retail
Sunday, March 12, hitting shopkeepers Jitesh owners).
stores such as dairy stores, liquor stores,
Arora and his wife Preeti Arora, and taking It was a bit strange that while no sensitivities
petrol pumps, restaurants and takeaways and
an unaccounted amount of cash and cigarettes were hurt in Wellington (foreign office) or for
individuals to alert their nominated emergency
that matter in New Delhi, few within community
T
from the store. his was the first major public protest contacts when they are in danger.
The owner couple was severely hurt with chose to go overboard in questioning the intent
organised by the group, which was notable
husband Mr Patel requiring few rounds of of the meeting. December 13 Memorandum presented to
for bringing a respectable number and a right government in parliament
elective surgeries and leaving them immobile mix of people from various ethnicities (and May 9: Meeting with all political parties
and incapacitated and eventually resulting in gender as well) on the road demanding urgent
business going bust as costs escalated while the government attention towards increasing
couple recuperated from the assault. violence in robberies.
It was this robbery, and rather the level of
July 01 Meeting with High Commissioner
violence, intimidation and bloodshed involved,
that appalled community the most, thus spurring
of India to New Zealand
emotions and building a resolve to do more and
rally with others for the cause. T he group had a closed-door meeting with
the Indian High Commissioner Sanjiv
March 14 Solidarity Meeting
Kohli on Saturday, July 01, in Auckland
seeking good offices of Government of India in
raising the matter of rising incidents of assault
T he 15-member executive committee of the
Crime Prevention Group led by President
Sunny Kaushal met with a group of Ministers,
I
on members of Indian community with the including Minister for Justice Andrew Little,
n this meeting, the Crime Prevention
highest offices of New Zealand. Minister for Police and Small Businesses Stuart
Group and Indian associations brought
Indeed, this move raised a few eyebrows Nash, Minister for Ethnic Communities, Jenny
representatives from all major political parties
within the community on the pretext that the Salesa, and Parliamentary Under-Secretary
face to face with Indian and Chinese community
meeting appeared to them as a breach of New Michael Wood presenting a comprehensive
representatives, business owners and members
Zealand sovereignty and hence not politically demand for action to prevent further incidences
of Police to address the rising crime.
correct. of crime.
The Indian Weekender Friday, December 15, 2017 NEW ZEALAND 5
SANDEEP SINGH Right advice and economical Better rates and stress free loans
On Wednesday, INZ again
I
mmigration New Zealand (INZ) has quietly quote for all your insurance needs Advice on best loan structures
increased the minimum income threshold
increased the minimum
for residency and Essential Skill Work Visa income requirement for
applicants on Wednesday, December 13. Essential Skill Work Visa
The INZ website mentions that the
from $41,537.6 to $42,952,
thresholds are indexed against the New Zealand
median income, and as previously announced and for a Resident Visa
remuneration requirements are to be updated from the current $48,859.2
at the end of each calendar year based on New to $50,523.2
Zealand income data (which is released in
September).
This year the changes have been delayed
until January to give employers and migrants
enough time to adjust to the new thresholds.
The change in threshold, though largely
expected as per previous announcements by
INZ, would bring further distress to many
applicants who are already struggling with the
recently introduced minimum income threshold
requirement for Residency and Essential Skill
Work Visa.
In April this year, the then Immigration The changes in minimum income threshold
Minister Michael Woodhouse introduced will come into effect from January 15,
minimum income threshold of $41,537.6 to be 2018. The visas that people already hold will
eligible for Essential Skill Work Visa. not be affected by this change.
A minimum income threshold of $48,859.2 It will also not affect the duration or
was introduced for Resident Visa application conditions of visas that have already been
under Skilled Migrant Category (SMC). granted.
Essentially meaning that an applicant However, a new application made on or after
seeking residency on the basis of mid-skilled January 15, 2018 will be assessed against the
level employment will have to have a minimum new threshold.
annual income of $48,860. This may mean the conditions or visa
These changes were implemented by INZ on duration of the next visa could be different.
August 15 this year. For example, a chef paid $20 an hour would
On Wednesday, INZ again increased the currently be considered mid-skilled, as the
minimum income requirement for Essential occupation is ANZSCO level 2 and the pay is
Skill Work Visa from $41,537.6 to $42,952, and above the existing threshold of $19.97 an hour.
for a Resident Visa from the current $48,859.2 However, if he applied for a further visa
to $50,523.2. after 15 January, he would be considered low
The annual income is calculated for a skilled, unless his pay increased to above the
standard 40 hour week for 52 weeks in a year. new threshold of $20.65 an hour.
T
he new Parliamentary Under-
Secretary and MP for Mt On the question
Roskill Michael Wood has that what he plans
openly decried Kiwi-Bank on rolling to do differently
back from Owairaka Post Shop in
Mt Albert. for the Kiwi-Indian
Mr Wood was speaking with community, Mr Wood
The Indian Weekender on Monday, identified increasing
December 11, for the first time after
becoming Under Secretary in the the number of Police
new government. actively on the beat
I am very disappointed with the in the community
position that Kiwi-Bank has taken on
Owairaka Post Shop. and increasing
I think they have got it completely resources in
wrong and I am encouraging them to
review their position and revoke the
community patrol
decision to walk away from the Post as the topmost
Shop, Mr Wood asserted. priority
I have met with them in my office
in Wellington and very clearly laid
out my views that they change their community safety a task specially
position. delegated to Mr Wood as Under In my case, the Minister has the community and increasing I am also committed and strongly
I am hoping that they have heard Secretary in the new government. delegated me the task of Community resources in community patrol as the advocating for a diverse police
that, Mr Wood further added. This is a role that not many Safety, which is very important for the topmost priority. force, Mr Wood further added.
However, it does not look like people are familiar with. members of Kiwi-Indian community Our government is committed to About increasing resources in
that Kiwi-Bank has heard that so Basically an under-secretary and other ethnic communities, Mr increasing police numbers by 1800 in community patrolling, Mr Woods
far as the shop owner has not yet assists a Minister work in a Wood told the Indian Weekender. the next four years. said, I have met with Chris
heard anything from them and his particular area. On the question that what he Lawton, President of New Zealand
Minister for Police Stuart Nash
supporters are planning another I am Under Secretary to the plans to do differently for the Community Patrol to talk about how
is working closely with Police
protest soon. Minister of Ethnic Communities Kiwi-Indian community, Mr Wood to work together.
commissioner on how to increase the
Meanwhile, Mr Wood also told Jenney Salesa, and I work closely identified increasing the number This will help in extend the reach
number of police actively on the beat
The Indian Weekender that this with her in delivering governments of Police actively on the beat in of Police so there are more eyes and
government was committed to program in that area. in the community, Mr Wood said.
ears in the community.
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T
he new Labour government,
Starting from 2018, The Minister also sighted the
continuing its pledge to schools will no longer recently released international report
indicating a drop in the reading
scrap, within first 100 days, be compelled to report
many measures introduced by the levels of the New Zealand children
annually on National to rationalise the government action.
previous National government if
they came to powerhas scrapped Standards to the Last weeks international report
the National Standards in primary Ministry of Education showed that since National Standards
schools. were introduced in 2010 reading
The government is also on track to levels of New Zealand children have
annul the Nationals Family Incomes on the progress and achievement of dropped to their lowest level on
Package later this week. all children across the New Zealand record. It made sobering reading.
Curriculum and Te Marautanga o Schools and parents have lost
Announcing the government
Aotearoa, he said. replace National Standards. confidence in National Standards.
decision on Thursday, December 14, However, the government would
The Labour Party has been We will take the next few months They were too narrow, neither
Minister of Education, Chris Hipkins not be introducing any alternative
passionate about scrapping the to work with the sector, students, national nor standard, and did not
said, The Government has taken the plan immediately to replace the
National Standards, along with the parents, whnau and iwi to develop do what the previous National
first steps to turn around a decline National Standards.
teachers unions, who believed that a new approach for understanding government claimed they would do
in educational achievement among The Minister will be reporting
it did not serve any constructive progress across the curricula that will and lift the bar, Mr Hipkins said.
Kiwi children. back to the cabinet in September
purpose in either enhancing meet their needs, and contribute to Starting from 2018, schools will
Today, I am announcing that the 2018 with a proposal for an
childrens learning or keeping
Government has stopped National alternative arrangement, thus giving the education system supporting the no longer be compelled to report
parents informed about the progress
Standards and Ng Whanaketanga the government nine months to come success of all students. I will report annually on National Standards to
of their children in schools.
up with an appropriate system to back to Cabinet by September 2018, the Ministry of Education.
Rumaki Mori, and will instead focus
off at Resene ColorShops and participating resellers. The GST reduction will be calculated on the normal retail price OR if you have a Resene ColorShop or DIY
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The Indian Weekender Friday, December 15, 2017 NEW ZEALAND 9
N
ationals tax cuts have been Current 1 July 2018
shown the back door in Eldest child, 16-18 $5,303
parliament by Labour Party, Eldest child, 0-15 $4,822
$5,878
bringing-in its families package,
Subsequent child, 16-18 $4,745
which by its own admission will
hand 385,000 low and middle- Subsequent child, 13-15 $3,822 $4,745
income families an extra $75 a week. Subsequent child, 0-12 $3,351
The government has released Working for Families (WFF)
22.5% 25%
Treasurys Half Year Updatethe abatement rate
Budget Policy Statement, pledging WFF abatement threshold
$36,350 $42,700
to build a sustainable and productive (before tax)
economy that shares the benefits of
prosperity with all New Zealanders. substantial increases, Minister
We will fix New the Family Tax for Social Development Carmel
National laments increased
This treasury half-year update
Sepuloni said. spending
was much awaited to demonstrate Zealands social Credit rates will be
how Labour Party would manage
to provide for some of the popular
and infrastructure
deficits by investing
simplified to a single
eldest child rate and
The eldest child rate will increase
to $5,878. N ational Party is denouncing half
yearly accounts from Treasury
alleging that Government debt will
A
policies announced recently as a
t present, it is $5,303 if the be going up instead of dropping over
part of governments first 100 days in families, a single subsequent eldest child is aged 16-18, and the next five years after just 49 days
program a detraction that the
opposition National Party often education, health, child rate, with $4,822 if the eldest child is aged 0-15 of the new coalition Government.
The Government is also The previous Government left the
invokes. housing and our substantial introducing a Best Start payment of
However, the government is books in very good order. Treasurys
regions increases $3,120 per child ($60 a week) for Pre-Election Fiscal Update had net
appearing confident to be able to
the first year, providing extra help to Crown debt reducing to $56 billion
find money for all major policy the parents of the estimated 65,000
announcements. by 2022 from $59 billion at the start
newborns each year. of this financial year, National Party
Finance Minister Grant Robertson and a Winter Warmer grant for
reiterated confidence that the $5.5 billion packages for The changes will come into effect Finance Spokesman Steven Joyce
beneficiaries and superannuitants. said.
Governments policy programme poorest families The government will be generating onJuly 1, 2018.
T B
will deliver a stable and growing he government is envisaging After just seven weeks with Grant
this fund by cancelling Nationals tax est Start will be available to all
economy which is fair for all New Robertson as Finance Minister, this
reducing child poverty by cuts that will free about $8 billion. families with a baby born on or
Zealanders. As part of improvements to has turned around to an expectation
investing $5.5 billion in range of social after July 1, 2018, and to families
We will fix New Zealands Working for Families, the Family of net debt growing to $69 billion
schemes including Accommodation with a baby born earlier if they
social and infrastructure deficits by Tax Credit rates will be simplified by 2020 despite significant growth
investing in families, education, Supplement changes, Working for had an expected due date of July 1,
to a single eldest child rate and a in tax revenues, Mr Joyce further
health, housing and our regions, Mr Families scheme, a Best Start 2018,or later.
single subsequent child rate, with added.
Robertson said. payment for parents of young babies,
Rohit Patel Avni Patel Harish Tailor Bhakti Patel Naresh Palsania Saurabh Risbud Shalini Shandil
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10 NEW ZEALAND Friday, December 15, 2017 The Indian Weekender
S
hanti Niwas on Thursday, opportunity to apprise
December 14, hosted the seniors about some
Volunteers Recognition of the important services
Day and a big Christmas currently being offered,
celebration at Greenlane especially to the elders, at
Christian Centre in Auckland, the newly opened consul
recognising the value of the office in Auckland.
senior citizens in the community. The Auckland office is
More than 250 senior members providing many services
of the community participated in for which earlier the seniors
the event. Several community had to go to Wellington,
leaders, police officers, Mr Dhillon said.
parliamentarians and the Honorary The event commenced with role towards achieving the goals Speaking on occasion, Mr The event continued with Christmas
Consul of India, Bhav Dhillon, recognition of the contributions of Shanti Niwas and making such Dhillon applauded seniors for their carols, music performances, dance
graced the event. of the volunteers who play a vital events a success. contribution to the community. and gift presentations.
The Indian Weekender Mr Diwali 2017
winner Anchal Marwah also sang a hymn at
the event.
Sugar-Free a popular skit group in
Auckland led by theatre artists Chirag Solanki,
Rupal Solanki and their son Siddhraj Solanki,
performed their Christmas presentation Anmol
(meaning precious) at the event.
Shanti Niwas Charitable Trusta non-
profitable organisationhosts events,
activities and workshops for the senior citizens
of Indian and South Asian communities
throughout the year and helps rehabilitate
those exploited or ignored by their families.
It provides a platform for them to engage
in community and cultural activities, share
their experiences and expertise in building a
successful seniors community in Auckland.
Shanti Niwass other services include
delivering Positive Ageing Day programs in
the wider Auckland region, KHUSHI - elder
abuse and neglect prevention service, DOSTI -
visiting service, and SNEH - emergency home
Facility.
Shanti Niwas has a team of dedicated
and passionate social workers, diversional
therapist and other professionals who provide
information and services to the seniors.
Further details of the trust and its programs
and projects can be obtained from www.
shantiniwas.org.nz or by contacting them at
14, Spring Street, (beside Dolphin Theatre)
Onehunga or their manager Nilima Venkat on
(09) 6221010.
The Indian Weekender Friday, December 15, 2017 NEW ZEALAND 11
5 MEET SANTA
028 kids who would have gone without
a Christmas gift this festive season will
now celebrate with a smile as hundreds of at Glenbrook Vintage Railway
Humm FM listeners walked through the doors 10th & 17th December 2017
with gifts making Christmas for Kids 55 Hour
Santas Grotto will be open at 10.30am to 12pm and 1.30pm
Radiothon a huge success.
to 3pm for Santa photos. $5 per photo.
The three musketeers of Humm 106.2FM
Children can make Christmas themed decorations in the Elves
Breakfast Show host Vijay and Drive Show
hosts Dev and Sandywent without sleep workshop to take home.
for 55 hours and stayed on-Air to appeal for Prices: Adult $20, Child (2yr to 14yr) $10, Family $55 (4 children and 2 adult)
Christmas presents for kids, who otherwise,
would have gone without the magic of Travel in First Class with GVR
Christmas this festive season. Travel in style in our First Class Observation - Lounge car
Aucklands undisputed number one (known as the Parlour Car). With comfortable spacious
Bollywood (Hindi) Radio- Humm FM, listeners to come forward and become a Santa seating, refreshments on the move, and a large covered
launched Christmas for Kids Radiothon on for the kids out there who would have gone platform from which to enjoy the countryside, this is a
Thursday, December 7, at midday and by 7 pm without a present this Christmas. great way to experience the golden age of rail travel and
Saturday, December 9, the station was flooded As expected our Indian community came close-up steam action!
with toys and gifts. out in large numbers to support this noble cause Price: $40 per Adult, or $20 per child (up to 14 years) includes:
During Humm FM Radiothon, listeners came which shows the strength of Humm FM as a A return trip in our premium class carriage,and light refreshments - a selection of
from all over Auckland, and a few listeners
radio station, Ms Prasad further added. delicious cakes, savouries, snacks, coffee, tea , soft drinks and water.
couriered gifts from Whangarei, Napier and
While handing over a truck full of gifts to
even as far as Wellington.
Humm FM started the trend of Christmas
the Salvation Army, Divisional Commander,
Steven Jaivis thanked the listeners of Humm
Operating Times over Christmas holiday
for Kids Radiothon in 2015 which lasted for
54 hours, and nearly 2000 gifts were donated FM Radio and acknowledged Vijay, Dev and 24th December 2017
to the Auckland City Mission for distribution. Sandy for their efforts for being on air for 55 27th to 31st December 2017
Last year, Vijay, Dev and Sandy, decided to hours continuously and encouraging listeners to
go an extra hour making the radiothon, 55 Hour come forward and donate to kids less fortunate. 1st & 2nd Januray 2018
long and nearly 4000 gifts were collected and Humm FM congratulates all listeners who For more information and to book your tickets
donated to the Salvation Army. came with their family and friends to donate please visit our website:
Humm FM Director, Roshila Prasad said, gifts, making Christmas for Kids 55 Hour
Christmas is a time of giving and sharing, as Radiothon even bigger than the previous
a radio station we provided a platform to our two years.
Christmas and
New Year Special
Na Facebook,
na twitter
yaad Rakho
Necklace was
$3750 now $1310
Mangalsuter was
$3100 now $1085
Ladies ring was
$860 now $299
Gents ring was
$940 now $329
Earrings was
$1130 now $389
Glitter
daughters'
giving an emotional send-off
along with prayers on their lips -
the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini
left Lyttelton on December 12, for its onward
journey to Port Stanley (Falklands). This leg
- thats the message the crew of INSV Tarini has for
is expected to take 35 to 40 days depending Indian parents as they leave the shores of New Zealand
on the weather conditions. Notably, some
of the roughest seas are in this leg. The crew
spent almost two weeks in Christchurch after
hitting New Zealand shores on the morning of
November 29. as denoted by the blog of INSV Tarini titled
The crew led by Lieutenant Commander parikrama123.blogspot.co.nz. The first Indian
Vartika Joshi, and comprising of lieutenant solo circumnavigation was undertaken by
commanders Pratibha Jamwal, P Swathi, Captain Dilip Donde from August 19, 2009,
and lieutenants S Vijaya Devi, B Aishwarya to May 19, 2010, on-board INSV Mhadei. The
and Payal Gupta, is on a seven-month-long first Indian non-stop solo circumnavigation was
circumnavigation of the globe, which was undertaken by Commander Abhilash Tomy
flagged-off from Goa on September 10, by the from November 1, 2012 to 31 March 31, 2013.
Indian Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Indias Defence Attach based in the High
The expedition titled Navika Sagar Commission of India in Canberra, Australia,
W
Parikrama, is being covered in five legs, Captain Chetan Chandegave, who oversaw hen Indian Navy started preparing Some have always lived near the sea and were
with stop-overs at four ports: Fremantle the crews stay in Australia and New Zealand, for the expedition aptly titled fascinated by it. [Lieutenant Commander P
(Australia), Lyttleton (New Zealand), Port noted, They are very brave Indian Navy Navika Sagar Parikrama, it was Swathi hails from Visakhapatnam]
Stanley (Falklands), and Cape Town (South officers and are well-trained and well-prepared aimed at promoting women empowerment and Some had never seen the sea and wanted to
Africa). Tarini is scheduled to hit Indian shores for the next leg of their expedition. Our best develop an understanding of the sea, as well as explore how it looks and behave. [The Vessels
sometime in April next year. wishes are with them. instil a spirit of adventure and camaraderie in skipper Lieutenant Commander Vartika Joshi
As detailed in our last weeks issue, the crew, According to the Indian Navy, INSV Tarini Indias young population. and Lieutenant Payal Gupta comes from
which is the first military all-women team has state-of-the-art communication and Thus the six major aims can be classified Uttarakhand]
in the world to attempt a circumnavigation, emergency systems on-board, and its aircraft as: showcasing Indias nari shakti at the But one thing was common among all of us.
have trained extensively for the expedition. on routine patrols also swing over the Vessel world stage; sailing which encourages the use We all wanted to be the part of Indian defence
They have sailed approximately 20,000 Nm periodically to check on its location. of environment-friendly non-conventional forces one way or the other.
on-board INSV Mhadei and Tarini as part of Meanwhile, the local Indian community in renewable energy resources; promote Make in IWK: You have spent almost two weeks in
their training, which included two expeditions Christchurch expressed great pride and privilege India by sailing on an indigenously-built vessel; Christchurch. How has the Garden City
to Mauritius (in 2016 and 2017) and a voyage in hosting the crew of INSV Tarini. Hopefully monitor and report marine pollution on the high treated you?
seas; collate and update meteorological/ocean/ Team Tarini: Oh, the hospitality by the
from Goa to Cape Town in December 2016. the Indian Navy officers took away some good
wave data on a daily basis for subsequent Indian High Commission in New Zealand,
This is the third time an Indian Navy team memories from their stay in Christchurch. Bon
analysis by research and development the Christchurch City Council, the Royal New
is attempting to circumnavigate the globe, Voyage Tarini! was the overwhelming feeling.
organisations; and advance Indias soft power Zealand Navy, and above all, the local Indian
by interacting with local persons-of-Indian- community, has been wonderful.
origin(PIOs) at all the four port halts. Along with roaming around in Christchurch,
The Indian Weekender caught up with the we have managed to visit few nearby places as
Wishing you and crew of INSV Tarini just before they left New
Zealand for a brief chat about how far they
see these goals being achieved in their seven-
well, including Akaroa and Hamner Springs.
New Zealand is a pretty country, no doubt!
Our interactions with the locals have also
your families a
month-long arduous journey. showed us that its a very liberal and progressive
IWK: With this expedition, you are breaking country.
long-held Indian stereotypes about gender Like we were talking about gender roles earlier.
roles. Whats your message to the society We were pleasantly surprised when we went to
T
and colleges, Mr Ahmed said.
rubbish truck
wo young Kiwi-Indian Kimera also provides benefits to parents
entrepreneurs are the talk of the and grandparents of children who are away
town as after they have started a from home. The gift boxes provide a way
venture that is not only providing surprise to the parents to stay connected and show
gift boxes but also connecting young their love and support while removing the
individuals with their loved ones. hassle of finding the right items to send
Kimera is a subscription-based gift or every month.
goodies box provider based in Auckland We wanted to provide a personalised
that provides services to the university solution for parents to stay connected
students throughout the country. The with their children that are staying away
company was started in November from home. We are working on a couple
2016 by Nawaz Ahmed and Sandanee of new elements that will be introduced
Samarakoo and launched the product and next year that would add an extra element
website in mid-February this year. of personalisation and connection to our
The first batch of boxes went out in boxes, the founders added.
March, coinciding with the start of the While subscribing to the gift boxes,
university semester. The company is just students can share their likes and dislikes.
over a year old and has already delivered addition, if the students receive the box
Based on that information, the items in
from loved ones it helps them feel loved
300 boxes to students across the country. the box are customised and added-in to
and connected despite the distance, Mr
Being university students ourselves we surprise them. Kimeras objective is to
Ahmed added.
thought that receiving a box every month cater to all students in New Zealand with a
The box comprises of numerous items
packed with goodies and useful new items that vary every month and in different curated subscription box that is affordable
would be a great treat as well as something boxes. The goodies range from chips, and will meet their needs.
to look forward to every month. That gave We are working on a couple of new
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
energy snack bars, chocolates to stationery
A
birth to Kimera, Nawaz Ahmed, CEO items, gift items etc. elements to introduce next year that would young Indian man has died after being hit by the
and co-founder of Kimera told The Indian We did our market research while add an extra element of personalisation rubbish truck in Tuakau, Waikato.
Weekender. developing the idea and surprisingly we and connection to our boxes, Mr Ahmed Kamal Singh was a rubbish collection worker,
Mr Ahmed started his first venture at received 95% positive feedback from the added.
the age of 17 by selling hats online. He students, Sandanee Samarakoon, COO and as per initial reports by the police he fell off the truck
The entrepreneurs have participated
has worked as a project manager for a and co-founder of Kimera said. in several activities that involve college and died after being run over by it.
local company in Auckland. He has also Ms Samarakoon brings years of going students and have made a strong The accident took place on Alexandra Redoubt Road
worked at Auckland Uniservices Ltd and is experience in the field of business and mark in the community. shortly after 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 14. Kamals
currently pursuing Masters in Bioscience commerce, and she is also pursuing
We look forward to making this family has been notified of the incident.
Enterprise. her Masters in Bioscience Enterprise in
Auckland. enterprise bigger and expand our market
Being a student can get quite stressful, The Serious Crash Unit came to the scene after the
Kimera benefits students who are in every institution in the country and also
and it can often be difficult to stay positive accident and WorkSafe NZ has been notified.
completing their tertiary education. We target to provide services in Australia, the
and motivated, this type of product is sure More details are awaited.
to lift spirits and provide excitement. In send boxes all over the country to students founders told The Indian Weekender.
14 FIJI Friday, December 15, 2017 The Indian Weekender
Murphy
Festival of India around the country.
The festival is in line with Indias
A
70th year of Independence which was n International Monetary
commemorated on August 15 this Fund visit team led by Pablo
year. Various cultural programmes, Lopez Murphy has stated
tourism promotion events, seminars that the economy in Fiji is recovering
and conferences were organised well after Tropical Cyclone Winston
by the Indian government which is and is expected to record its eighth
being held around the globe. consecutive year of expansion
Under the festival banner, a in 2017.
group of renowned Indian "With Murphy says that the growth
artistes last night presented India being is expected to pick up to about
Yugpurush a drama the worlds biggest 4% in 2017, underpinned by
depicting the special democracy and with reconstruction activities, a vibrant
relationship between your increasing influence tourism sector, and the recovery of
Mahatma Gandhi and in global affairs, Fiji looks From left: Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Veena Bhatnagar, Indian High agriculture production.
spiritual mentor Shrimad to India for leadership Commissioner to Fiji Vishvas Sapkal, Gurudev Shri Rakeshbhai of Shrimad Rajchandra Mission, Minister for The IMF team adds that the risks
Rajchandra. All proceeds on the great issues of Industry, Trade, Tourism, Lands and Mineral Resources Faiyaz Koya, guests of honour Vinod Patel and Jiten to the economic outlook are largely
from the drama will go our time." Patel at Kshatriya Hall in Suva on November 29, 2017. Photo: Indian High Commission
related to external developments.
towards the construction of a biggest democracy and has shown towards us. and building resilience against Murphy says the economy is
new 200-bed multi-speciality hospital with your increasing influence Mr Koya said that Fiji looked natural disasters. He also welcomed vulnerable to natural disasters that
in India. in global affairs, Fiji looks to India forward to exploring new avenues of Indias intention to engage more weigh on growth and a tightening
Minister for Industry, Trade, for leadership on the great issues of cooperation with India. closely with Pacific nations in of global financial conditions could
Tourism, Lands and Mineral our time, Mr Koya said. He mentioned that there were a playing a greater role in the region. affect the capital inflows as well.
Resources Faiyaz Koya said Fiji Fiji is appreciative of the many number of areas that could offer Mr Koya also encouraged guests He states that a possible
had always valued and respected its forms of assistance that we have opportunities for collaboration to acknowledge and share the growth slowdown in China could
relations with India. received from the government of namely economic cooperation, teachings of non-violence, sympathy, affect Fiji through its trading
With India being the worlds India and the goodwill your country energy, healthcare, defence and forgiveness to children. partners, especially Australia and
M
inister for Local classical dances and music. financial stability, rebuilding revenue
G o v e r n m e n t , Programme Coordinator, Dr policy buffers, and boosting private
Infrastructure and Avanish Shukla said the group sector development.
Transport, Parveen Bala has praised consisted of 24 artists who were The team from the International
the Indian High Commission for talented and their aim was to depict Monetary Fund visited Fiji from
their continuous efforts to strengthen a story of Ramayana. the 29th of November to the 12th
Fijis relation with India. The Ramayana is an ancient of December.
He made this statement during the Indian epic poem which narrated the
Kalakshetra Foundation live show struggle of the divine prince Rama to
at Nadi Sangam Primary School in rescue his wife, Sita from the demon
Nadi on Wednesday, December 6. king, Ravana.
I want to thank the Indian High It was the groups last performance
Commission for bringing onto our before they travelled back to India
shores performers from India, this Artists of the Kalakshetra Foundation from India performed free live shows on Ram and they have performed in a lot of
Leela at the Nadi Primary School ground
will greatly enhance the relationship countries apart from Fiji.
we have with India, Mr Bala said. understand how people back in India should continue to bring performers Dr Shukla said the group was from
People will also have a chance preserved their culture. and artists to Fiji so that locals could Chennai, India and that they enjoyed
to know the Indian culture and Mr Bala said the Commission get first-hand experience of Indian their stay in Fiji. Source: Fiji Sun
on Wednesday.
Connectivity
Some airstrip in the Northern-Eastern region
has not utilised and utilising this to its fullest
will boost new airports.
Ms Verma said: Connectivity to the North-
east, be it rail, road or air, has increased
manifold in the past few years.
Several new destinations are being soon
connected by air in the next few months.
GOLD COAST FAMILY HOLIDAY
Inter-regional packages
699*
We are now also looking at building inter-
regional people to people contact between
Northeast India and Association of Southeast FROM $ (Per Person)
Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries.
With an aggressive marketing campaign,
doubling the arrival of both foreign and
domestic tourists to the North- eastern region
7 Nights Stay
Government
Auckland Weather forecast for the week
Dec 15 Dec 21, 2017
with legislations
before Christmas
Mainly Clouds Partly Periods of Sunny and Sunny to Partly
cloudy, and sunny sun and pleasant parlty cloudy cloudy
a little sunshine clouds
rain.
break 22
15
22
14
23
15
24
16
25
16
25
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24
16
T
he new government has never shied away from the fact that the beginning of their
tenure will be intense; however, this week has stretched everyones expectations by
some margin.
The week passing by has seen some of the most intense activity in the recent history of
This week in New Zealands history
NZ parliament.
15 December 1915
Indeed, the Budget Policy Statement (BPS) and the Treasurys Half Year Economic and
The evacuation of Gallipoli begins
I
Fiscal Update were eagerly awaited for obvious reasons of establishing or discrediting Labour n a well-planned operation, which contrasted sharply with those mounted earlier in the
partys reputation for running a debt-free government. Gallipoli campaign, Allied forces successfully withdrew from Anzac and Suvla between 15
In governments view, their reputation has gone northwards for being able to find money to and 20 December.
provide for some of their most popular policies.
The BPS and the Treasurys Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update show we can deliver 16 December 1905
our promises while running sustainable surpluses and paying down debt, Finance Minister All Blacks' non-try hands Wales historic win
Grant Robertson said.
Expectedly, National Party still-wounded from the post-election coalition talks which
denied them a record fourth term in government, decried it as leading towards increasing
A great rugby rivalry was born when a try by All Black Bob Deans was disallowed, resulting
in the only loss of the Originals tour (see 16 September). The incident is still debated.
N
avy Day (December 4) this
self-reliant, shipshape
year is a good occasion
to reflect on its journey
and evaluate its progress over the
last 70 years. The Indian Navy was
an exceedingly small force at the
dawn of independence and, while
being a product of both its British
inheritance and the maritime DNA
of our forebears, is largely a post-
independence construct.
Despite the many problems that
besieged the newly independent
country and by extension its
Navy such as low industrial base,
problems on our land borders made it
imperative to focus on the army and
the air force. But the navy was not
short on vision.
As early as 1948, it drew up
ambitious plans for a balanced
navy that would consist of light The Indian Navy was a pioneer of 'Make in India' which was an article of faith for it.
aircraft carriers, submarines, Navys achievements in different Similarly, Indian Navys role in of our Navy provides much
destroyers, cruisers, auxiliaries and domains are analysed. If one were Operation Pawan, our prolonged more traction to our foreign
associated training and maintenance to evaluate in terms of roles that engagement in Sri Lanka, has not got policy initiatives, be it in
infrastructure. Seen against this navies classically play military, the attention it, arguably, deserved. enhancing cooperation with
backdrop, the Indian Navy has grown constabulary (Policing), Diplomatic Spread over three years, the Navy big powers or in providing a
quietly but steadily. From a force of and Benign (including humanitarian was involved in support of the palpable physical dimension to
less than half a dozen sloops to one assistance) the Indian Navy can army, transportation of troops and the Act-East Policy. Further, the
that has 135 ships and 235 aircraft, be said to have ticked all boxes material, amphibious operations, Indian Navys own international
most of them state-of-the-art, is with high scores. On the military seaward cordon militaire, shore initiatives are wide and
indeed an impressive story. front, while most readers are aware bombardment, special operations and encompass several arenas. great regularity in the Bay of Bengal,
That we operate in all three of the navys significant role in airborne surveillance. They include multilateral forums or they could be caused by human
dimensions: On, above and below the 1971 war with Pakistan and Most remarkably, several smaller such as Indian Ocean Naval intervention such as what occurred
water; that most of our ships are liberation of Bangladesh, there are ships based in Visakhapatnam and Symposium (IONS) and the MILAN in Lebanon in 2006, Libya in 2011 or
indigenously built; and that we several interesting aspects to the Chennai excelled at giving a good meetings, joint exercises with several Yemen in 2015. The latter cases are
are among the few navies to build navys campaign. account of themselves in hostile nations, assistance in capacity often messy and often also involve
and operate an array of platforms Not only did it fight on two fronts conditions. building to nations in the Indian evacuation of non-combatants and
from aircraft carriers to nuclear but almost the entire gamut of naval The notable point is that its a self- Ocean neighbourhood, hydrographic deployment in conflict zones.
submarines add further strength to operations came to play in this reliant force. The Indian Navy was a surveys, providing training to many There will indeed be some areas
the narrative. We are now among the war. This included aircraft carrier pioneer of Make in India which was foreign navy personnel and hosting that provide scope for improvement.
worlds leading navies. operations in support of the land an article of faith for it. Compared to events like the International Fleet Further indigenisation of weapons,
But numbers alone do not tell offensive, anti-submarine operations the army and the air force, the navy is Review in February 2016 or more ordnance and systems and gaps
the whole story. Of particular that led to neutralising of the Pakistan way ahead in the indigenous content recently the Goa Maritime Conclave in inventory are issues that are
significance is the fact that the navy submarine Ghazi, offensive attack by of its combat units. last month. The Indian Ocean is attracting the attention of decision
has built excellent capacities -- both missile boats and blockade of then To be sure, we have a long way prone to natural disasters and the makers.
human and material -- in several East Pakistan coast. to go. We need to have weapons, relatively poor disaster prevention There is also need for development
disciplines such as hydrography, More recently, during the Kargil propulsion and many systems to be and management infrastructure in of expertise, among its personnel, in
special operations, integration conflict in 1999 and later during sourced from within our country. most of the countries in the region a range of subjects such as foreign
engineering, doctrine writing, Op Parakram, the Indian Navy by But every ship that gets constructed places a bigger responsibility on the languages, international law, energy
underwater medicine and disaster its offensive posturing bottled the has more indigenous content than its Indian Navy. security, area studies and economics.
relief, to name a few. Pakistani ships inside their harbours predecessor and is an improvement The disaster situations could be But, overall, it would be fair to say
These capacities have been and effectively kept the war localised over the previous one. natural, such as the Tsunami of 2004 that the Silent Service at 70 is a
and the situation on even keel. The increased mettle and muscle or cyclonic storms that recur with
R. GOPALASWAMI that further adds to air pollution plan, the better it is for the people
D
levels in the capital city. living in Delhi. After all, one cannot
eep forests surrounding
I recall much more forested areas have a Swach Bharat without a
the city complemented by
in and around Delhi in the 1940s. Swach Delhi!
emission control measures
Forests have been replaced by Several enabling new and
provide the complete answer to
large dense populations, thermal advanced technologies have already
Delhis air pollution.
power plants, cars, auto rickshaws been fully developed and extensively
The citys levels of air pollution
and scooters/motorcycles. Without certified in India to eliminate
are once again as dangerous as they
afforestation, even if you take all cars vehicular pollution. Besides, many
are unrelenting. Everyone is affected
off road or all millions of cars and courses of action are being discussed
-- the rich and powerful as well as
auto-rickshaws are made electric, to stop the annual burning of dry
the poor and vulnerable. The new
it would just scratch the surface of paddy stubs by neighbouring states
High Level Committee set up by
Delhis air pollution problem. in winter.
the central government with the
In my opinion, unless this This situation in the capital of
state Chief Secretary as a Member
city reveals a systematic wave-like dust, rubber particles, etc -- will be huge climate-driven air pollution India is indeed a case for enlightened
may soon usher in a well-organised
pattern: Air pollution peaks every a well-tolerable 50! This weather amplification factor and other dust- people to come forward and address
and tangibly effective programme
winter from October to January factor which amplifies AQI in Delhi driven environmental conditions the problem collectively and
in an attempt to resolve this deadly
My published research has now is lower in the summer and rainy is addressed comprehensively by consistently for at least seven to
problem.
quantitatively established that the seasons when the Delhi air is washed afforestation, the cost and efforts ten years, unaffected by changing
Delhis air pollution problem arises
flaring up of air pollution in Delhi in clean by rainfall. made by the government will give political fortunes, for a tangible
from vehicular emissions, burning of
winter is due to an unusual seasonal How then does one address this little relief and large numbers of impact to be felt. Solutions here could
cooking gas, farmers burning husk in
climate change effect -- resulting environmentally overwhelming people living in Delhi will continue soon be replicated all over India. For
expanded farm lands outside the city
from a peculiar combination of weather factor? The fundamental to suffer from respiratory ailments. if not, as a philosopher said, When
and, above all, massive dust storms
ambient air temperature and dew cure (complementing other technical A massive afforestation you lose your relationship with
from across West Asia, Pakistan,
point -- that amplifies the pollutant and administrative measures programme may take 10 years to nature and the vast heavens, you lose
Rajasthan and the Thar desert.
particulate density to dangerous proposed) is to surround Delhi with implement and call for new land your relationship with man.
Analysis of three-year data (2013-
levels in winter by a factor of seven. a deep ring of forests. Not only will laws in several states surrounding
2015) on particulate air pollution (Hyderabad-based R.
In other words, if the air quality this modify the weather within the the capital. So the earlier the newly
(PM 2.5) in Delhi gathered by the Gopalaswami is a retired
index (AQI) is now, say, 350 city, but the forest will absorb a major set-up High Level Committee comes
Central Pollution Control Board aerospace systems analyst and
micrograms per cubic meter, the portion of airborne dust from across around to including afforestation
from 10 different locations in the former CMD of Bharat Dynamics
actual density of pollutants -- carbon, the Thar Desert and from Pakistan as number one priority in its action Ltd.,
18 INDIA
P
rime Minister Narendra Modi "Today is Phase 2 of the Gujarat will strengthen and empower the northern and central regions at 8 a.m. Dahod, Kheda, Anand, Vadodara
and Congress President- elections. I request all those voting foundations of democracy. I appeal and will continue till 5 p.m. There are and Chhota Udepur districts in the
designate Rahul Gandhi on today to vote in record numbers and to the people of the state to vote more 851 candidates in the fray. northern and central regions.
Thursday, December 14, appealed enrich this festival of democracy," and more for a bright tomorrow," Elections are being held in The first phase of polling for 89
to the voters in Gujarat to exercise Modi said in a tweet. Gandhi tweeted. Banaskantha, Patan, Sabarkantha, seats in the 182-seat state assembly
their franchise in the second phase of "The ushering in of a new Gujarat Voting began in 93 assembly Mehsana, Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, were held on December 9 with over
India, Japan,
polling that has begun. has already begun. Your one vote constituencies across 14 districts in Aravalli, Mahisagar, Panchmahal, 60 per cent voting registered.
Muslims safest
under Modi, Yogi
Australia assert
governments:
Shia cleric
S
hia cleric Kalbe Jawwad has
Aseans centrality
praised the Narendra Modi
government at the Centre and
Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar
in Indo-Pacific
Pradesh for their outreach to the
minorities and said that the Muslims
were safest under their rule.
Barring some incidents of love
I
ndia, Australia and Japan on They underscored their support jihad and cow vigilantism, law and
Wednesday, December 13, for Asean (Association of Southeast order in Uttar Pradesh had improved
underscored their support for Asian Nations) centrality in the considerably under the Bharatiya
the Asean blocs centrality in the political and security architecture Janata Party (BJP) government,
political and security architecture of the Indo-Pacific region, the the Shia cleric told reporters on
of the Indo-Pacific region, amid statement said. the sidelines of an event in Kanpur
Chinas growing assertiveness in the It stated that the three sides late Tuesday.
"The There has not been a single
South China Sea and rising influence stressed the need for
three sides communal riot in the eight months
in the strategic Indo-Pacific region. greater collaboration on highlighted the
The three countries held their maritime security and of the Adityanath government as
growing convergence of against more than 600 big and
fourth Trilateral Dialogue here domain awareness their respective countries
at the Foreign Secretay-level, a and disaster small riots during Akhilesh Yadavs
interests in the Indo-Pacific
month after the three countries response capabilities. tenure, he said.
region and underscored their New Delhi- Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and other
alongwith the US held their first They also As for the Ramjanambhoomi-
shared commitment to peace, dignitaries during the India-Australia-Japan Trilateral
Quadrilateral Dialogue. renewed their resolve
meeting in New Delhi on Dec 13, 2017. Babri Masjid dispute in Ayodhya,
democracy, economic growth
Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar to fight the scourge of was discussed. trilateral meeting. Jawwad said all stakeholders should
and a rules-based order in
hosted the dialogue which was terrorism in all its forms the region." With Chinas According to Japanese Ambassador wait for the Supreme Court verdict
attended by Secretary of Department and manifestations and increasing influence to India Kenji Hiramatsu, his country on the matter.
of Foreign Affairs and Trade of stressed the need for enhanced in the Indian Ocean has placed India right at the centre of He accused the previous
Australia Frances Adamson and Vice cooperation on counter-terrorism. region and aggressiveness in its strategic Indo-Pacific policy. Samajwadi Party government in
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan They deliberated on strengthening the South China Sea, the trilateral With the changing global scenario, Uttar Pradesh of being the most
Shinsuke J. Sugiyama. regional connectivity as well. meeting can be seen as a reassertion Australia too is looking at India as corrupt and dishonest.
The three sides highlighted Wednesdays meeting comes a day of the freedom of navigation in the a potential partner in promoting Jawwad accused Akhilesh
the growing convergence of their after the India-Australia 2+2 Foreign open seas. regional security and stability. government of wasting over Rs
respective countries interests in the Secretaries and Defence Secretaries Japan is also locked in a dispute The first India-Australia-Japan 20,000 crore of public money in the
Indo-Pacific region and underscored Dialogue and a month after the India- with China over the Senkaku islands trilateral meeting was held in India in name of building cycle tracks, a pet
their shared commitment to peace, Australia-Japan-US quadrilateral in the East China Sea that are claimed 2015, the next one in Japan and third project of Akhilesh Yadav.
democracy, economic growth and a dialogue in the Philippines on the by both the nations. in Australia in April 2017. Commenting on Gujarat assembly
rules-based order in the region, the sidelines of the East Asia and Asean North Koreas nuclear and ballistic In Wednesdays meeting, the elections, the cleric said the results
Eternal Affairs Ministry said in a summits in which the security and missile programmes is another Japanese Vice Minister proposed to will have far reaching ramifications
statement. prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region reason for the significance of the host the next round in Tokyo. for both the BJP and the Congress.
NEWS in BRIEF
Rahul Gandhi to meet Kerala,
Tamil Nadu fishermen
C
ongress President-elect Rahul Gandhi is going to visit the areas hit
by Cyclone Ockhi in Kerala and Tamil Nadu and meet the affected
fishermen. He will meet the fishermen in villages of Poonthura and
Vizhingam in Keralas Thiruvanthapuram in the afternoon on Thursday and
will then move to Tamil Nadu where he will meet the fishermen at St Judes
College Ground in Chinnathurai of Kanyakumari district.
Gandhi will also take part of the inaugural function of the birth
centenary celebration of late Baby John and the valedictory rally of the
Padayorukkam march in Thiruvananthapuram.
The toll in the disaster has, meanwhile, climbed to 58 with more bodies
recovered from high seas. The official missing figure is 94.
Will work towards transforming party, women will be fundamental part:
Rahul Stressing that there will be a surprise for all in the Gujarat elections,
Congress President-elect Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday emphasised on the
need to work together to transform the party and the role of women would
T
flows southwards to the sea through Bangladesh.
he deadline to link the Aadhaar number with In 2016, China had declared that it would be building a dam on a tributary
bank accounts has been extended by three months of the river, sparking concerns of its potential downstream impact in India.
H1-B workers may work for more than one employer, says US immigration agency
F
oreign workers in the US on technical expertise. The technology which receives and determines the amend the details of) a worker on a masters degree or higher are exempt
a H1-B work visa, the most companies depend on it to hire tens successful applications for H1B non-immigrant visa status. from the cap.
sought after among Indian IT of thousands of employees each year visas, tweeted on Tuesday. While this is not a new rule, but Additionally, H1-B workers who
professionals, may work for more from countries such as India and New employer must submit an very few people know about it. are petitioned for or employed at
than one company, the countrys China. I-129 petition before you may begin The H1-B visa has an annual an institution of higher education
immigration agency has said. In general, H1-B workers may working, the USCIS said. numerical limit cap of 65,000 visas or its affiliated or related non-profit
The H1-B visa is a non-immigrant work for more than one employer but Form I-129 is a form submitted each fiscal year as mandated by entities or a non-profit research
visa that allows US companies to must have approved I-129 for each, for a non-immigrant worker to the Congress. organisation or a government
employ foreign workers in speciality the US Citizenship and Immigration the USCIS used by employers or The first 20,000 petitions filed on research organisation are not subject
occupations that require theoretical or Services (USCIS), the federal agency prospective employers to obtain (or behalf of beneficiaries with a US to this numerical cap.
20 INDIA ABROAD Friday, December 15, 2017 The Indian Weekender
T
he Sikh Human Development School Games drowned off a city There are signs near the actual
Foundation (SHDF) has beach, police said. breakwater itself alerting people to
raised over $210,000 for The 15-year-old was with four the fact there are strong currents,
underprivileged students pursuing other girls at Holdfast Marina he told ABC News.
at Glenelg on Sunday evening Two boys drowned at Glenelg on
higher education in Punjab during
when the incident occurred, the New Years Day in 2016.
its latest fund drive, according to the
Guardian reported. The South Australia government
organisations chairman, Gajinder
Lifesavers were able to rescue the will pay for the victims body to
Singh Ahuja.
others but were unable to find the be taken back to India, Tourism,
The Washington-based foundation
Indian girl until Monday morning Recreation and Sport Ninister Leon
has since 2011 given over $2 million
when her body was pulled out of Bignell said. School Sports Australia
in scholarships based on merit and
the water. One girl was said to be said in a statement: Following
need to about 5,000 students in
in critical condition. The Indian the completion of the Games on
Punjab and neighbouring areas, Saturday, there was a tragic accident
High Commission was providing
Ahuja said. support to the group, who were at Glenelg beach which has taken
About 2,700 scholarship recipients The participants donated funds for 420 scholarships with each scholarship worth
all involved in the sporting event. the life of one of the members of the
USD 510, a media release said
have already graduated and they Indian Consular officials are flying visiting Indian delegation.
include doctors, engineers and Chairman of the Sikh Council on in from Sydney. All involved in the Games
scientists, he added. "The supporters of this Religion and Education, Rajwant Pacific School Games organisers send our condolences to the Indian
A Some of them now work in the cause can be proud of the Singh said: The supporters of this confirmed the dead girl was part of team, family and friends of the
United States. fact that they are holding cause can be proud of the fact that the Indian delegation but did not deceased student.
Jasdeep Singh Juneja, who is an they are holding the hands of the reveal her sport. The international "The thoughts of all in the Pacific
the hands of the students
information technology professional students who are dreaming to stand week-long event, which ended on School Games family are also with
in Dallas, Texas, said, If there was who are dreaming to on their own feet. the four members of the team who
Saturday, involved about 4,000
no SHDF then I will not be in USA stand on their own feet." The lastest fundraising drive was participants from 15 countries are still in hospital.
and I would have been lost in life. launched last month at an event in primary and senior school School Sports Australia is
The SHDF programme is run in based Nishkam Sikh Welfare featuring Bollywood actor and competing in 11 sports. Holdfast offering full support and assistance
partnership with the New Delhi- Council, Ahuja said. Punjabi comedian, Gurpreet Ghuggi. Mayor Stephen Patterson said to the Indian delegation, it added.
B
Pakistan for finding common
angladesh Prime Minister
ground in Afghanistan
Sheikh Hasina on Monday
have moved into a phase of quiet
called for Cambodias support
diplomacy aimed at resolving
in developing a sustainable solution
differences, according to authorities.
to the Rohingya crisis and the
The authorities confirmed that the
minoritys persecution in Myanmars
two countries had held a series of
Rakhine state.
meetings before and after US Defence
Hasina made the remarks during
Secretary James Mattiss December
a discussion with her Cambodian
4 visit to Islamabad, reflecting the
counterpart Hun Sen in Phnom Penh
mutual desire to improve ties, Dawn
on Monday, bdnews24.com reported.
news reported on Monday.
We have discussed some of
Talking to the Pakistani media reconciliation between the Afghan
the emerging security challenges
in Washington, Ambassador Aizaz government and Taliban, it warns
facing our region and expressed our
Ahmad Chaudhary said that Secretary that there was no military solution
common resolve to fight terrorism
Mattiss visit had a positive impact to the Afghan conflict, reports
and extremism, Hasina said during
on efforts to rebuild the relationship. Dawn news.
a joint statement.
Pentagons chief spokesperson Soon after President Trumps
We have also discussed the
Dana White said at a news briefing speech, the US media reported that
Rohingya crisis that threatens the
last week that Mattis visited his administration was considering
peace and stability of our region.
Islamabad to find a common ground proposals to declare Pakistan a state
Bangladesh continues to shelter
with Pakistan. sponsor of terrorism, to expand drone
more than 1 million Rohingyas,
Diplomatic observers in attacks into Pakistans settled areas
among them around 630,000 who
Washington have said that this and to expunge Pakistan from its list
fled atrocities in Myanmar and took its shoulder, said the Cambodian November 23 on the repatriation of
change was quite noticeable, when of major non-NATO allies.
shelter in Bangladesh recently. leader. Bangladesh let in a wave of recent refugees to their homeland.
compared with the rhetoric that Secretary Mattis, however, did not
Hasina asked for Hun Sens Rohingya refugees since late August, The agreement specified the
followed President Donald Trumps repeat any of these threats before,
support for a durable solution as when the Myanmar military launched formation of a joint working group
August 21 announcement of his new during or after his visit to Islamabad.
Bangladesh continued bilateral talks a crackdown in Rakhine state over to begin the repatriation process
strategy for Afghanistan. He refused to do so even when
to return Rohingyas safely to their insurgent attacks. within two months. The Bangladesh
While Pakistan supports prodded by the media.
award in Vancouver
refugees)... even though it has a raped women, looted and set fire to UK and other parties expressed their
population of over 160 million, Rohingya homes. Bangladesh and appreciation for Bangladeshs efforts
it took the issues of refugees on Myanmar signed an agreement on on the Rohingya crisis.
I
ndian film The School Bag has
bagged the Best Short Film
ending family
directed by Dheeraj
Jindal, is based
in Peshawar,
immigration
Pakistan.
When we
set out to make
following NYC
the film, we had
no idea that it
would win so many
bombing
awards. What started as The School Bag also won
a strong belief took a beautiful shape the Best Short Film award at the
and has now reached out and touched Lahore International Childrens Film
so many lives. We are overwhelmed. Festival and Jindal received the Best
Thank you Vancouver, Jindal said. Director award at the Indian Film
The prize includes a seven-day Festival of Cincinnati, US.
all paid filmmakers trip to China. In the film, actress Rasika
The award ceremony was held on Dugal plays a mother to a
December 10. seven-year-old boy.
W
est Indies stand-in skipper Kraigg Brathwaite was on
Tuesday fined 40 percent of his match fee for over
rate offences during the second Test against New
Zealand at the Seddon Park in Hamilton.
S
kipper Rohit Sharma led from his second match. It was great to get the Brathwaite's side was ruled to be two overs short of its target
the front with his third ODI total we got because there was a bit of when time allowances were taken into consideration by the
double century to power India to dew in the end," Rohit said. International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee Chris Broad.
a mammoth 392/4 against Sri Lanka in Iyer led the charge, getting to a run- "Brathwaite has been fined 40 percent of his match fee, while
the second One-day International at the a-ball maiden ODI half century even as his players have received 20 per cent fines.
Punjab Cricket Association's I.S. Bindra Rohit neared his 16th ODI century. "If the Windies commit another minor over-rate breach in
Stadium here on Wednesday. Rohit had nudged his way to his century a Test within 12 months of this offence with Brathwaite as
Rohit, who belted an unbeaten 153-ball off 115 balls by the end of the 4 0 t h captain, it will be deemed a second offence by Brathwaite and
208, comprising 13 fours and 12 sixes, over and then went on t o he will face a suspension," the ICC said in a statement.
was engaged in two big partnerships thump 107 more off his In accordance with Article 2.5.1 of the ICC Code of Conduct
-- 115 runs for the opening wicket with final 37 balls. for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to
Shikhar Dhawan (68 off 67; 4x9) and In his effort to minor over-rate offences, players are fined 10 per cent of their
then 213 for the second wicket with accelerate, Iyer, however, match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted
time, with the captain fined double that amount.
rookie Shreyas Iyer (88 off 70; 4x9, 2x6). perished towards the
The Caribbean side, which went down by 240 runs to lose the
Coming into the match, the Mumbaikar dead end of the innings
series 0-2, had already lost their regular skipper Jason Holder
was the only batsman to have hit two while Mahendra Singh
due to over-rate offences. Holder was banned for the Hamilton
double tons. He got to the landmark in Dhoni also walked back
Test after he was found guilty of the same offence during the
151 balls when he stole two runs after after hitting a five-ball 7. first Test in Wellington.
nudging a full length delivery off his All-rounder Hardik Pandya
counterpart Thisara Perera in the final then joined Rohit, who by now had 2018 World Cup win will give Germany
over of the innings. neared his third ODI double century
footballers over $400k bonus each
G
Rohit's knock was the highest by an as India piled up 147 runs in the last
Indian captain against the islanders. 10 overs. ermany's football federation DFB on Wednesday
announced that each of their 2018 World Cup players
After being put in to bat on a cold sunny For the visitors, Nuwan Pradeep came
will get a bonus of 350,000 euros ($410,847) if they
morning, Rohit and Dhawan saw off the close to Mick Lewis' record of most runs
manage to defend their title in Russia.
new ball blues and gradually began to conceded in an ODI, but finished seven "Shikhar
"The DFB and the national team players have agreed on
pile up the runs against the uninspiring runs short, ending at 10-0-106-0. Skipper gave us a perfect
performance-related bonuses for their performance at the
Sri Lankan attack. Thisara Perera was the most successful start and Shreyas Iyer,
2018 World Cup in Russia. The bonuses are based on the
Dhawan soon outscored his partner of the bowlers, picking 3/80. playing his second match,
team's performance and have been set in accordance with the
to reach his 23rd ODI half-century off just didn't look like he was
agreements made for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, as well as
47 balls as the partnership soared to playing only his second
for the European Cuts in 2012 and 2016," DFB said.
triple figures, before the southpaw gifted match. It was great to get the
Players will receive 75,000 euros ($88,033) each for reaching
his wicket to left-arm spinner Sachith total we got because there
the quarter-finals, 125,000 euros ($146,722) for the semi-finals,
was a bit of dew in
Pathirana. The fall of Dhawan brought in 150,000 euros ($176,022) for third place and 200,000 euros
the end."
young Iyer, who played the perfect second ($234,770) for reaching the final, according to the DFB.
fiddle to his captain and started rotating Only Italy (1934 and 1938) and Brazil (1958 and 1962)
the strike fluently. After cruising to a 50, have successfully defended a World Cup title. DFB president
Rohit chose only the errant deliveries to Reinhard Grindel said: "The opportunity to make national team
attack. But India's run-rate remained lofty history and defend the World Cup title is huge motivation for
due to Iyer's belligerence. the players. That would go down in history and be worth a very
The Mumbai batsman also praised special bonus.
Shikhar Dhawan and Shreyas Iyer along "It's clear though, that it is the sporting challenge rather than
with debutant Washington Sundar. the financial award that is most important for the players. I
"Shikhar gave us a perfect start and want to personally thank Friedrich Curtius and Manuel Neuer,
Shreyas Iyer, playing his second match, who led these discussions, for their contribution to a successful
just didn't look like he was playing only outcome."
PARENTING
Parenting: Teach kids to apologise, forgive
W
ith the new year around the corner, sorry, they would change their behaviour.
many people have goal setting on Last of all, an authentic apology gives
their minds. This year, lets make the other person some time and space. Hurt
one of our goals to help our kids become better feelings can throb and sting even after the most
communicators, especially when it concerns heartfelt apology. When we are truly sorry, we
conflict resolution. Have you ever been in are willing to give the other person a moment
an argument and still felt unfulfilled even to adjust.
after the other person said they were sorry? The person receiving the apology has a
It usually happens when the apology doesnt responsibility too. We cant overlook teaching
seem authentic. our kids how to forgive. Sure, they can take a
What does a satisfying apology look like? little time to calm down and feel peaceful again.
First, and maybe most important, a true But once that happens, they have to respond to
apology agrees that something went wrong. the person who apologized.
How can someone really be sorry if they It is important to teach our kids to
dont believe they did anything wrong? "Well, say the words, I forgive you. Dont
That doesnt mean they have to cop to Im sorry let them say, Its okay when someone
something they didnt do, but if they hurts them. It is not okay, but they can
that YOU felt hurt,
are going to apologize at all, it should still forgive.
as though it was your
start with an acknowledgement Forgiveness means they let the other person
fault for being upset. An
of anything they are willing off the hook. We all know what it feels like to
authentic apology spells
to own. make a mistake and want to be released from it.
Next, they need to accept full out the mistake, and When we forgive someone, we are saying that
responsibility for their mistake. Some acknowledges that it we will not walk away and continue to think
apologies subtly place blame like this: was wrong" negative thoughts about the person.
Well, Im sorry that YOU felt hurt, as control of my temper, and that resolution process. "We also wont talk to other people about
though it was your fault for being upset. An was wrong. Next, a true apology does some self- what happened, and we wont hold their
authentic apology spells out the mistake, and An authentic apology asks for forgiveness. examination. Its hard to keep forgiving the mistake against them in the future. Once we
acknowledges that it was wrong. Im sorry It is humbling to ask, Will you please forgive same mistake again and again. After a while, forgive, we are agreeing to let it go and allow
that I raised my voice. I was angry, and I lost me, but it also invites the other person into the we begin to think that if the person was really true peace to thrive.
The Indian Weekender Friday, December 15, 2017 FEATURES 23
W
a compound created by the hile nicotine may not
liver, in the brain has been be completely safe for a
found as the major reason that can pregnant mother's foetus,
cause brain damage and lead to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
is safer than smoking for women
Huntington's Disease, one of seven
who are not able to quit on their own,
major types of age-related dementia,
says a new study.
finds a study.
Researchers suggest that the study, Zeev said. Predominant guidelines
The study found that urea level worldwide recommend NRT for
published in the Medical Journal
peaks in the brain even before of Australia, should give doctors pregnant women who have been
dementia sets in. The discovery could the confidence about the safety of unable to quit smoking without
one day help doctors diagnose and NRT, a medically approved way to medication. However, prescription
even treat dementia, well in advance ingest nicotine to help quit smoking. instructions such as "only if women
of its onset, the researchers said. The therapy includes the adhesive are motivated", "only dispense a
"This study on Huntington's patch, chewing gum, lozenges, nose two weeks supply" or "under close
Disease is the final piece of the highly likely it will hold true for all in the body because the kidneys spray, or inhaler. "Smoking during supervision" send mixed messages.
jigsaw which leads us to conclude the major age-related dementias," are unable to eliminate them, for pregnancy is the most significant, The researchers noted that while
that high brain urea plays a pivotal Cooper said, in the paper published example, serious symptoms can preventable risk factor for poor using NRT during pregnancy
role in dementia," said Garth in the Proceedings of the National result, the researchers said. maternal and infant health outcomes," improves smoking cessation rates,
Cooper, Professor at The University Academy of Sciences. "More research, however, is according to Yael Bar-Zeev, Head of they may not adequately account
of Manchester. Dementia results in a progressive needed to discover the source of the Ben-Gurion University of the for higher nicotine metabolism
Cooper's previous study revealed and irreversible loss of nerve cells the elevated urea in Huntington's Negev (BGU) Centre for Smoking during pregnancy, and therefore
that urea is similarly linked to and brain functioning, causing Disease, particularly concerning the Cessation and Prevention in Israel. may not adequately treat withdrawal
Alzheimer's, suggesting that the toxic loss of memory and cognitive potential involvement of ammonia "Clinicians worldwide, including symptoms.
build-up of urea could be relevant to impairments affecting the ability to and a systemic metabolic defect," in the United States, report that "The most important guidance for
all types of age-related dementias. learn. Currently, there is no cure. Cooper noted. they prescribe NRT at low levels NRT in pregnancy is to use the lowest
due to lack of confidence and safety possible dose that is effective," said
"Alzheimer's and Huntington's Urea and ammonia in the brain For the study, the team used
concerns. However, behavioural Bar-Zeev. "However, to be effective,
are at opposite ends of the dementia are metabolic breakdown products human brains, donated by families
counselling combined with women should use as much as
spectrum -- so if this holds true of protein. for medical research, as well as
medication is the most effective needed to deal with cravings," Bar-
for these types, then I believe it is If urea and ammonia build up transgenic sheep in Australia.
H
igh-intensity workout three times a It was previously thought that high-intensity medicine. "If you have Parkinson's disease participants were at an early stage of the
week may be safe and help decrease exercise was too physically stressful for and you want to delay the progression of your disease.
worsening of motor symptoms in individuals with Parkinson's disease. As the symptoms, you should exercise three times "The earlier in the disease you intervene, the
people with early-stage Parkinson's disease, disease progresses, it becomes difficult for a week with your heart rate between 80 to more likely it is you can prevent the progression
researchers say. patients to walk, talk and complete simple 85 percent maximum. It is that simple," said of the disease," Corcos said.
Parkinson's disease the second most tasks. However, the study published in JAMA Daniel Corcos, Professor at the Northwestern "We delayed worsening of symptoms for six
common neurodegenerative disorder causes Neurology, showed that participants who University Feinberg School of Medicine. months; whether we can prevent progression
progressive loss of muscle control, trembling, indulge in exercise between 80 and 85 per For the study, the team included 128 any longer than six months will require further
stiffness, slowness and impaired balance. cent maximum heart rate may have benefit as participants aged 40 to 80 years old. The study," he noted.
Health insurance
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24 FEATURES Friday, December 15, 2017 The Indian Weekender
RECIPES
BREAD
Lachha Paratha
A non-leavened dough that
forms a bread with soft layers
T he Laccha Paratha owes its invention to the naan. As more cooks began to
learn and master the technique of making naan in the 1900s some veered off-
course a little and made a similar flat-bread in the same tandoor (brick kiln oven)
using whole wheat our.
Instead of leavening, they developed a technique that layers the dough, similar
to a lo pastry, that gives the bread a soft bite. And so the many layered Laccha
Paratha was born.
Preparation Time:
8
20 min
Resting Time: 15 min
Cooking Time: 20 min
RECIPES
INGREDIENTS
2/14 cups Atta ( wheat flour)
1 tsp salt little in your palms. Using a rolling pin, it out again to form a circle of about
3 Tbsp oil roll the dough into a 12cm circle, then 12cm in diameter (it doesnt matter if
1/2 cup warm water or less slice into 4cm thick strips. the circle is not the same as described, it
Oil, for shallow frying Stack the strips, brushing the oil between can be bigger or smaller).
each strip (as you would with filo pastry). Repeat for all the Parathas.
METHOD: This technique gives the Lachha Paratha Place one Paratha on the hot tawa and
In a bowl, place flour, salt and oil, its layers. cook on both sides, flipping it over with
and mix it with your fingers. Add warm Turn the stack onto the side so that the a spatula; you will see nice brown specks
water gradually while kneading the flour layers face up, then roll it into a tight on the lachha paratha when it is ready
until it forms a smooth dough. spiral, like a Swiss roll. Press to flatten Repeat with the other dough discs.
Cover with a damp tea towel and leave it a little with your fingers and set aside. Serve hot with the curry of your choice
to rest for 15 minutes. Repeat for all the balls. Ruby's Tip: You can make the Lachha Paratha
Knead the dough again and divide it into Heat giddle pan or tawa on a in advance and keep aside for 12 hours;
eight equal portions. medium heat. reheat each one in a pan very briey just
Roll each portion into a ball and flatten a Pour 1 tsp of oil on each Paratha and roll before serving.
front. Academically, you are likely to fare well. Work travelling long distance should be prepared for
related worries are likely to disappear, as you keep contingencies.
by Dhillon
Indias Most Wanted Recipies | 183
your efforts on. Family front will become a source of
great solace. A chance encounter with someone can Lucky Number- 1 / Lucky Colour- Baby Pink
blossom into romance. Family may accompany you to Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 21)
December 15 to December 21 | By Manisha Koushik an overseas destination, as you combine business with
pleasure. Health remains good. Someone may desperately seek your help, so dont
Manisha Koushik is a practicing astrologer, tarot card reader, numerologist, vastu and disappoint. You will be able to maintain the tempo
Lucky Number- 18 / Lucky Colour- Sandy Brown
fengshui consultant based in India with a global presence through the online channels. She is of your work on the professional front. Family may
available for consultations online as well. E-mail her at support@askmanisha.com or contact Libra (Sep 24-Oct 23) appear extra loving and caring. Buying a new vehicle
at +91-11-26449898 Mobile/Whatsapp: +919015607139 www.askmanisha.com is on the cards for some. Young couples can enroll for
YYou may have to keep the pros and cons in mind before an adventure trip and enjoy the thrills. You will manage
Aries (Mar 21-Apr 20) is indicated. Wedding vows can be taken by those in a
committing. This is a good time to pursue matters
long-term relationship. to rent out your property for a nice sum. An overseas
You are likely to meet up with someone this week, who pertaining to health. You are likely to get a chance to trip can become a reality for some. Health remains
has promised to help you. Some rescheduling may be Lucky Number- 3 / Lucky Colour- White invest in a sound scheme. A stressful situation on the satisfactory.
required at work due to a new development. You can domestic front will be successfully overcome. Peak
Cancer (Jun 22-Jul 20) Lucky Number- 17 / Lucky Colour- Light Blue
go all out to impress someone to improve your career physical fitness will make even strenuous activities
prospects. A romantic evening is on the anvil for some. Chances of adopting some new fashion trends cannot seem like childs play. You will be able to make perfect Aquarius (Jan 22-Feb 19)
Those out of touch may make efforts to refresh their be ruled out for some. You may go out of the way to moves to move up the career ladder. Persuasiveness
skills. Some of you will feel fulfilled by giving to charity. appease someone, whom you have upset recently. will win you love! You will manage to get your way on the academic
Your initiative will bring you back in shape. Professionally, you are likely to excel and rub shoulders front. Chance of getting posted out on promotion
with the best. Planning something exciting with family Lucky Number- 5 / Lucky Colour- All Shades of Green looks bright. Superiors are likely to bank upon you for
Lucky Number- 8 / Lucky Colour- Electric Grey
is on the cards. A gift can be lavished upon you by lover. Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22) bagging a lucrative deal. Feeling that nobody attempts
Taurus (Apr 21-May 20) Adhering to a good routine will help you in negating ill to understand you will disappear as you look at things
health. Financially, you will not face any problems. An elderly may seek your help. Fatigue is likely to from a different perspective. Vet an investment advice
Whatever you intend to do this week, plan it carefully. become a thing of the past as you adopt a new fitness
Lucky Number- 9 ' Lucky Colour- Lemon thoroughly even if it is by a financial expert. You can be
You are likely to get involved in renovating or setting regime. You will need to tighten your grip at work to
up your house. A competitive environment can prove desperate for meeting lover and can even skip college
Leo (Jul 21-Aug 22) prevent a situation from getting out of hand. Financial or office for it!
unsettling, but you will be able to hold your own. Those
skills of some can be much in demand this week. You
feeling burdened should not shy away from delegating You may get involved in a bitter battle with someone Lucky Number- 6 \ Lucky Colour- White
may not feel up to doing a time consuming job at home.
the responsibilities. You may have to cater to the and spoil your weekend. Some developments on the
First step is likely to be taken by some in arranging a Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20)
moods of spouse. Some of you can be presented an domestic front may not be to your liking. A child or
marriage.
opportunity to go on an all-expenses-paid trip. Go in family youngster may question your authority. You can
You may have to be thorough in whatever you
for a new fitness programme. be made responsible for something at work that you Lucky Number- 11 / Lucky Colour- Silver undertake at work. Those going steady on the sly run
dislike. Business travel is likely to prove tiring. A loss
Lucky Number- 4 / Lucky Colour- Dark Grey Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21) the risk of their affair getting discovered. You may find
making venture may turn profitable and improve your
parents indifferent to your needs, but that may not be
Gemini (May 21-Jun 21) financial situation. Partner may not be in talking terms This is not the right time to pursue an issue that has
with you. entirely true. Some of you can have a tough time in
The week proves to be fruitful and you are likely to been pending for long. You will be able to manage kicking a bad habit. Paying off creditors may appear
achieve much both personally and professionally. Your Lucky Number- 1 / Lucky Colour- Magenta your finances well to buy a luxury item. Dont indulge difficult. Property matters should not be touched this
contribution to a workplace project can be lauded by in rumour mongering about someone as you can be week. Dont accompany anyone, who is a speed freak.
Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 23) at the receiving end. You can be given thumbs up for
the higher ups. Showing concern for a family elder
will win you the brownie points you so desperately Your efforts on the social front are likely to bear fruit. implementing ideas at work. Lover may resent your Lucky Number- 15 / Lucky Colour- Dark Brown
want. Great improvement in your monetary situation Things are likely to move your way on the professorial proximity to someone you are friends with. Those
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26 ENTERTAINMENT Friday, December 15, 2017 The Indian Weekender
A
ctress Raveena Tandon believes films can be a learning experience current crop of actresses,
for children. Raveena, who who was here for the inauguration of the Deepika Padukone who will next
third edition of Smile International Film Festival for Children and be seen in the controversial period
Youth (SIFFCY), said in a statement: It is something that is to be very drama Padmavati has an aura best
proud of that there is a film festival, that is only and wholly for children. suited for historical characters.
I want kids to take a vow that whatever they will learn from here, they Madhuri was at the red carpet of
will follow in their daily life. the Lux Golden Rose Awards when
Movies are the best media to educate our children, so I also she was asked about the actress she
want to thank SIFFCY which has acted as a media to communicate finds the most beautiful.
goodness to our children as it is the right time to educate them about She said: I have always felt that
what is good and what is bad for them. beauty comes from within and we
The week-long festival, which has international jury members on have a lot of beautiful actresses.
board, and also a young jury board where children have given their
I think all Indian actresses are
inputs in selection of movies, began at the Sirifort Auditorium.
beautiful. I just cant take one name
SIFFCY is a reflection of Smile Foundations efforts to use There is Deepika Padukone,
because there is Deepika Padukone,
films as a medium for sensitizing masses, especially children and who is extremely gorgeous and she
youth, and engaging them proactively in the process of bringing Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif and
Alia Bhatt, there are beautiful women can carry the historical roles very
Social change. Santanu Mishra, Executive Trustee of Smile
on the Indian screen. beautifully because she has that
Foundation and Chairman of SIFFCY, said: I hope
Sharing her reasons for liking aura. And Priyanka Chopra, who
through SIFFCY, we will be able to channelize the
energy of children and youth in a positive way and different actresses, Madhuri said: I is fabulous... I just love her as an
engage them proactively in the process of initiating dont have one favourite. I like them actress. You put her in any sort of a
social change. for different reasons. I like Alia Bhatt role and she does it so well. So there
The idea behind SIFFCY is to design a rich because she experiments with her are different actresses that I love.
mix of film programmes to build and support the roles. She is a very good actress and On the work front, Madhuri Dixit
growing interest in the infotainment industry. she is extremely natural in front of Nene is teaming up with Anil Kapoor
This includes programming that cultivates an the camera. for Inder Kumars Total Dhamaal.
audience for world cinema while supporting
filmmakers in career development, so that this
powerful medium can be explored in a more Want to reveal my life's truth
focused manner for disseminating serious yet
effective social messages. "It is in a book: Mahesh Bhatt
W
Apart from movies, engagement something that riter-filmmaker Mahesh
activities include capacity-building is to be very proud of Bhatt says he wants to
workshops, panel discussions and forums that there is a film festival, reveal the truth about his
on Environment, Climate Change, Road that is only and wholly for life in a book.
Safety and Role of Cinema, apart from children. I want kids to take a Bhatt attended launch of Aritra
technical workshops by industry experts vow that whatever they will Chakrabarty Sengupta's novel
on filmmaking, cinematography, sound learn from here, they will "Introspection" along with Dino
design, production design, storytelling follow in their daily Morea. Asked if he is planning to
and photography, said festival director life." write an autobiography, Bhatt said:
Jitendra Mishra. "Whatever work I did was inspired
The opening film at the gala from my personal life. I made
was Rima Das Village Rockstars, movies based on my life. I feel first
besides Cloud Boy, a joint production you have to write it, and then films
by Belgium, Sweden, Norway and are being made. Definitely, I would
Netherlands. Over 100 films from over like to reveal truth about my life in a
30 countries are part of the showcase at book form.." a person around you who has the
the fest. Bhatt, known for movies like ability to tell a story, you should
Zakhm and Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin, support him/her."
Priyanka Chopra gets Mother Teresa Memorial Award said he is already working on a book Commenting on the trend of
A
ctress Priyanka Chopra, compassionate and has so much deprived and raising funds for the with a writer who has been "intensely remaking films, Bhatt said: "We have
who has taken up the cause kindness in her. She exemplifies the impoverished." involved in the process to present my made remakes under our production
of fighting for the rights of fact the more you give, the more life journey in a book form". house (Vishesh Films). When you
refugees and displaced people as a you get. "Even as a child, she was The veteran filmmaker said there's ask why this happens, it is because
Unicef Goodwill Ambassador, has influenced by Mother Teresa and a need in present times to encourage we have to run our dukaan (shop
been feted with the Mother Teresa has been supporting Prem Niwas in young writers. or business). A franchise has more
Memorial Award for Social Justice. Bareilly," Madhu said in a statement. "Today there's an opportunity capacity to achieve success but at the
Priyanka was invited by the Madhu, who co-owns the to support young writers' efforts same time, it involves ten times risk
Harmony Foundation to get the production banner Purple Pebbles because only a writer can understand because very often about remakes it
award for lending her support and Production with Priyanka, added: how difficult it is to write, especially has been said that it is not at par with
contribution towards social causes. "I'm sure Priyanka is humbled that in times when you do messaging on the original film."
"I humbly accept the award on her her efforts have been recognised WhatsApp and don't use pen and He declined to divulge anything
behalf. As a mother, I am immensely by the Foundation that believes in paper. about his upcoming film Sadak 2, a
proud to have a child who is so helping the needy and supporting the "So, I feel whenever you find remake of his own 1991 film Sadak.
0800 SIT2LRN
www.sit.ac.nz
30 FEATURES Friday, December 15, 2017 The Indian Weekender
B
hartiya Samaj Charitable Trust (BSCT) committee of Bhartiya Samaj, volunteers,
carried on the years-old tradition of organisers, performers and the community that
celebrating the end of the year by feverishly supported us to make this event a
grand success and helped achieve yet another
organising a Christmas and end of the year
milestone for BSCT in our efforts to socially
party on Saturday, December 9 at Mt Roskill
engage our senior members, Mr Suchdev
War Memorial Hall in Auckland.
acknowledged.
This fun-filled afternoon marked the
Christmas for Bal Vikas Language and
presence of over 200 senior citizens and
Cultural School
the presence of several eminent guests and
As a part of the annual Christmas celebrations,
dignitaries. Members of Parliament Michael
Bhartiya Samaj also hosts a fun event for the
Wood, Priyanca Radhakrishnan, Kanwaljit
children of Bal Vikas Language and Cultural
Bakshi and Dr Parmjeet Parmar along with School at Mt Roskill Memorial Hall.
Auckland District Police Commissioner Karyn The end of year party for the children was
Malthus and Judge Ajit Sarwan were present at held on Sunday, December 3.
the event. These children aged between six and 14
The seniors thronged to the venue excitedly participate in several extra-curricular activities
all dressed up in fabulous outfits to be a part and workshops throughout the year. The year-
of this special event, BSCT Chairman Jeet end party included games, quizzes, a secret
Suchdev said. The entertainment section of the event music and dance with one another, BSCT Santa, Christmas crafts, music and delicious
The celebrations commenced with the included a stunning dance performance was by Secretary Roopa Suchdev added. food. As a custom, the children come with their
traditional prayers, followed by felicitation of Simran Chadha, and Ranjana, followed by live Vidya Teke, a prominent singer in the secret Santa gifts and present them to their
Smita Biswas, volunteer for Bharitya Samaj music and dance with the members. community, and actor and singer Jagdish Punja chosen mates in the class.
and Ella Kumar, member of Puketapapa local The seniors look for an opportunity to enjoy performed retro songs to entertain the audience. The party also included an educational
board for their tireless efforts and contributions and make others laugh. With the latters stage performance, the crowd workshop on the significance of celebrating
towards the organisations activities through Every time we host an event, the seniors joined them on stage in dancing. Christmas followed by playing Christmas
the years. make sure we conclude the event with loud The stupendous success of the event was a quizzes, games and singing Christmas carols.
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