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Indian

March 22, 2013 Volume 4, No. 22

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www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | March 22, 2013

NEW ZEALAND

Fiji brutality video sparks NZ protests


ARVIND KUMAR
The NZCTU has been campaigning strongly for recognition of workers rights and labour standards in Fiji and demanded that the Prime Minister Frank Bainimaramas regime recognise human rights at work. The Green Party has also insisted that the New Zealand government should use its influence in the region to put pressure on the Fijian government. Fijians training with Taliban? Meanwhile, Fiji police have launched an urgent investigation into a report that two or three Fiji citizens are training with the Taliban in Pakistan. Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported recently that Pakistan remained a major destination for radicalised Muslims bent on a life of jihad, despite hundreds of US drone strikes, the death of Osama bin Laden and the fracturing of Al-Qaeda. The report said foreign fighter numbers were increasing with potentially 2000-3500 foreign fighters in the Afghanistan/Pakistan border areas from about 30 different countries. A few months ago, we even welcomed some (two or three) people from Fiji for the first time, the Taliban member told AFP, reported by the Stuff website in New Zealand. There are more nationalities because they face the same problems. They tell us that they feel left aside by capitalism and discriminated by unfair laws, like the Swiss one on minarets or the French one on hijabs. The military head of Fijis police, Ioane Naivalurua, told radio Fiji police were seeking more information on the report. Naivalurua said police were using their network abroad to help the investigation. Fiji is home to 53,000 Muslims, mainly of Indian origin. Most Fiji Muslims are of the orthodox Sunni branch with a small number of Ahmadiyya Muslims. The majority of New Zealands 36,000 Muslims are from Fiji.

Protesters outside the Fiji High Commission in Wellington

Peter Conway of the NZCTU at the protest

Jan Logie, MP, at the protest in Wellington

ecent revelation of police brutality in Fiji led to a series of protests last week in New Zealand. Protests were held in Auckland and Wellington after an online video two weeks ago showed what are believed to be members of the Fijian police force beating an escaped prisoner as he lay in the back of a vehicle after

being captured. Embarrassed Fijian authorities later admitted the incident and have promised a full investigation. Last Fridays twin protests were the culmination of activism by a mixture of groups and sparked by the recent exposure of violence against prisoners by Fijian security personnel, organisers said.

The Wellington protest was organised by blogger and activist Sai Lealea who led the speakers outside the Fiji High Commission. Groups represented included the NZ Council of Trade Unions, the Green Party and Amnesty International, who have all condemned the Fijian regime. Amnesty International has called for an independent investigation.

Last Fridays twin protests were the culmination of activism by a mixture of groups and sparked by the recent exposure of violence against prisoners by Fijian security personnel - Organisers

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www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | March 22, 2013

Holi 13 Photo

HAPPY & COLOURFUL HOLI !!

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Competition

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Give the photographer in you a chance to shine. Send in your best Holi 2013 photo and get featured in the Indian Weekender. Whats more, the winner will take home Event Cinemas movie passes. How to enter: Send us one high resolution picture from your Holi 2013 celebration. It has to be an original, which means you should have captured it and not copied or borrowed from anywhere including the Internet or your friends. One photo per entry only. Caption: The photo should come with a 30 to 40 word caption describing the image in some detail who is in the photo, what are they doing, what happened right after or right before you captured this moment? This should be on a separate word document. Other details: Include your full name, age, occupation, email, mobile and land line numbers. We need to know how we can contact you if your entry wins. Email: shriya@indianweekender. co.nz before April 02, 2013.

What shape will Auckland take as it grows?


The Auckland Plan has set our vision to become the worlds most liveable city. To deliver this, we need one rulebook the Auckland Unitary Plan. This will shape the way we grow, improving where we live and work while looking after the places we value. Thats why we want your views on the draft Auckland Unitary Plan.

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www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | March 22, 2013

NEW ZEALAND

Hiring? Employer obligations as per employment law in NZ

uilding successful employment relationships is important. It also makes good business sense: organisations with good employment relationships tend to be more successful. Before hiring anyone, the employer should have a clear idea about the difference between an employee and a contractor. An employee is anyone who has agreed to be employed, under a contract of service, to work for some form of payment. This can include wages, salary, commission and piece rates. An employee can be a fixed term employee or casual employee. Every employee must have a written employment agreement. It can be either an individual agreement or a collective agreement (one involving a union). All the clauses such as position of the employee, hours of work, minimum entitlement, pay rate, dispute resolution process, holiday pay etc which are related to the employees work must be clearly written in the employment agreement. The employer must retain one signed copy and give another signed copy to the employee.

As an employer youll want to assist your migrant employees, so they can start work and transition into your workplace and their new community as easily as possible. At the same time, youll need to ensure that your interactions with potential migrants and any migrants currently working for you are within the law. Therefore, Employers must ensure that the person they are employing has the legal right to work in New Zealand. Minimum Pay: The adult minimum wage must be paid to employees aged 16 years and over, who are not new entrants or trainees. There is no minimum wage for employees aged under 16 but all other employment rights and entitlements still apply. Keeping Records: Employers must keep an accurate record of an employees time worked, payments, and holiday and leave entitlements. Every Employer should maintain an Employees file record which must include: A signed copy of the employment agreement with the employee or details of the collective agreement under

which he or she has been employed A letter offering appointment Evidence that the employee is entitled to work in NZ Details of citizenship or work permits held A tax code declaration (IR330) completed by the employee A job description & a personal profile An application form the employees personal information and contact details Bank account to be credited with wages (if this is the agreed method of payment).

work. If an employee works on a public holiday they must be paid at least time-and-a-half for the time worked. Sick or Bereavement Leave: After six months an employee is entitled to five days sick leave on pay. They are entitled to five days sick leave for every 12 months after that. Employers can request proof of the illness, such as a medical certificate. Trial Periods: Employers can make an offer of employment that includes a trial period of up to 90 days. Trial periods are voluntary, and must be agreed in writing and negotiated in good faith as part of the employment agreement. Health and Safety: Employers must provide a safe workplace and are required to report serious injuries at work to the Department of Labour. Change and Restructuring: If an employer is in the process of restructuring the business, then the employer must consult with the employees about the proposed decisions likely to have an adverse effect on the

continuation of an employees employment. Employment Relationship Problems: If an employment problem arises at work employers and employees should firstly check the facts. They should talk to each other to try to resolve the problem, possibly involving a support person, follow the resolution process in the employment agreement or approach the Department of Labour. If you have any kind of legal problem whether its Employment Law, Family Law, Immigration Law, Sale and Purchase of Property or Business, Criminal Law, please contact: RAJ PARDEEP SINGH / ASHIMA BUDGOOJAR Kenton Chambers Lawyers Level 8, 300 Queen Street, Auckland Central. Ph: +64 9 358 1900 Fax: +64 9 358 1903 raj@kentonlaw.co.nz ashima@kentonlaw.co.nz www.kentonlaw.co.nz

Annual Holidays: At the end of each year of employment with any one employer, an employee becomes entitled to four weeks paid annual holidays. If an employee leaves before completing a full year of employment, annual holiday pay would be 8% of their gross earnings, less any holiday pay already received. . Public Holidays: Employees are entitled to 11 public holidays off work on pay, if they are days when the employee would normally

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www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | March 22, 2013

Mayor reaches out to local ethnic media


Len Brown introduces Auckland Unitary Plan
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n what he termed as an historic gathering, Auckland Mayor Len Brown exclusively met the ethnic media and took the opportunity to introduce the Councils Unitary Plan. Though he didnt say exactly how he was going to do it, he said he intended to more actively engage with the ethnic media and the ethnic communities of Auckland. The council is saying all the right things, but this needs to be backed by action. Why dont see more advertising spend from the council in the ethnic media? asked Martin Powell of Niche Media in the half hour long Q&A session. In response to this, the Mayor said he would look into the matter and the fairness of the advertising spend. Were tapping into all opportunities to engage. And it is critical for us to communicate with the ethnic media and I would certainly make sure this happens. Over-all the council needs to improve on being proactive, he conceded. The representatives of multiple ethnic media across Auckland unanimously agreed that the time had come to take ethnic media seriously for its reach and impact within specific communities. Introducing the Unitary Plan, Mr. Brown said that the idea is to make all ranges of housing available, all options available with something for everyone. The plan offers details on green field development, multi-level development, transport and bus linkages. As per the Councils draft plan for the next 30 years, there is an expected increase of about 700,000 in the regions population from the current 1.5 millionn to 2.5 million by 2041. Based on current estimates, Auckland could need up to 400,000 homes, or dwellings, by 2040, around 13,000 a year. There were 3,400 residential building consents in 2011-12, an increase of 21% on the previous year, but well below what is needed. Housing is currently 30% less affordable in Auckland than for New Zealand as a whole. The plan serves as a starting point for Aucklanders wanting to test waters and simplifies the experience for them by combining eight plans into one. It would provide clarity to help plan for vital services like public transport important for a city on a growth trajectory. Aucklanders have been clear they want a sensible and planned approach and thats what were working hard to deliver, said Brown. This latest assessment reminds us this is a complex issue requiring solutions on many fronts. The new Auckland Unitary Plan will be the key tool for Council to play its part. It provides for a balanced response, through use of existing land, as well as unlocking new land for development.

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It will also simplify rules for developers and homeowners and provide more certainty for all Aucklanders about the shape and character of our town centres and suburbs in the decades to come. The Unitary Plan: Aiming for a balance between development and protection, it introduces new residential zones which provide flexibility for more multi-unit developments in the metropolitan area, easing pressures on both supply and affordability Consents processing has been sped up and simplified so around 97% of residential consents are now processed within 20 days. Council is investigating the use of existing Council-owned land for development, including affordable housing. The cost of Development Contributions (DCs) have been cut by 10% over the last 2 years. A lower DC rate has been introduced for smaller or affordable housing. Developers can now defer payment of DCs. Auckland Housing Issues: Council estimates it has capacity in Auckland for 15,000 homes on ready to go greenfields land including in Flat Bush, Hatfields Beach, Hobsonville, Stonefields-Mt Wellington and Takanini. This includes around 2,000 sections available now in greenfields areas. The remainder requires subdivision and internal servicing by private sector developers to create sections.In addition there are likely to be more than 4,000 vacant sections within the urban existing area and the Unitary Plan may incentivise owners and developers to make use of this land for new housing developments

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www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | March 22, 2013

NEW ZEALAND

Business in India - an opportunity for the innovative


India presents Kiwi businesses a long-term investment opportunity and not just as an export market
SHRIYA BHAGWAT-CHITALE

lobal businesses continue to perceive India as a partner of choice. A burgeoning population and rising demand balance out multiple challenges including a lower than expected GDP, endemic corruption and bureaucracy. What makes India so attractive? Already, there are several international companies successfully operating out of India. Indias trade with all ASEAN counties has increased and Indians are actively seeking opportunities to source the right products and knowledge, says, Subhas DeGamia, CEO, ANZ India. Investors need to look for good business partners and have clarity about the area in which they want to invest. Once you have a trusted partner and have a common vision, it is a surefooted way of doing business in India, and can mean faster speed to market. India is New Zealands seventh largest market and the trade between the two countries is worth 1.3 billion a year. The Free Trade Agreement will boost this figure significantly. If there is a fault-line at all on which the agreement sits, it would be the high tariffs on certain imported products into India. Especially as agriculture is

a natural trade fit with New Zealands reputation of producing high-quality agri-products and the rising demand in the Indian the food and beverage sector. However, there are other potentially profitable sectors that are presently under-explored by Kiwi businesses like education, adventure and recreation and clean energy technology The interest of NZ businesses is on the rise, but preparation is vital for success as is committing resources people, time and money for market entry into India. Companies can typically expect three to five years to get serious market traction. NZ companies willing to take the time to understand the market and build relationships in advance of an FTA will be best placed to profit from improved access when this happens, says Richard White, Trade Commissioner in New Delhi. Making extensive use of the network of persons of Indian origin, either through the India New Zealand Business Council or other cultural organisations is another good approach - solid networks back in India can be leveraged and capitalised upon.

Subhas DeGamia, CEO, ANZ India offers insight, context and perspective on doing business in India.
Q. India is a top export market for NZ. What sectors remain untapped? There is a clear opportunity in the food and bevarage sector and technology transfer. Education is an underrated sector. India is an important source country for students, however, there is a vast number of students interested in good quality education locally. Recreation, adventure sports is a sector that NZ has expertise in and this is something that Indians are seeking. I see NZ businesses profiting tremendously if they look at these sectors.

Q. What is the current climate in India for foreign partnerships and does NZ have tough competition? Indian businesses are actively seeking business opportunities, source countries with the right products or knowledge. There is enough room for NZ companies, especially in key sectors where NZ has an edge over other countries. Investors need to look for good business partners and it is vital to know clearly and stick to core competence. Q. Compared to the other established banks in India, what are the advantages that ANZ brings? For companies looking to grow their presence in the Asian Pacific region, ANZ brings significant and deep insight. We know the region well considering were in 28 markets in the Asia Pacific region and we forge longterm relationships. We can effectively connect interested investors and businesses and help in the functional aspects of setting up business to long term investment support. What can governments of both countries do to strengthened trade

ties? Both governments are already doing good work and working towards the FTA is the right track. Once successful, it will inject tremendous enthusiasm and excitement in the NZIndia trade relationship. Anything that businesses need to specifically consider before venturing into India? Indian market needs to be perceived as a long term opportunity. There are complexities, as in any other new market, but nothing insurmountable. India has its unique way of doing business. I often use the term super granular you have to have clarity about what youre bringing to the market and who you want to market it too. Being picky and focused about consumer markets instead of a pan India perspective is vital to success. It pays off to pick the right people locally.

DeGamia was recently spoke a seminar `Building Relationships & Understanding Complexities hosted by the India-NZ Business Council and supported by NZTE in Auckland.

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www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | March 22, 2013

Call for equality


Muslim leader calls on world governments to treat all citizens equally
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he Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the Fifth Khalifa of the Promised Messiah(as), has highlighted the importance of prayer in light of the perilous and chaotic state of the world today. The Muslim leader also appealed for all Governments to treat their citizens with compassion, justice and equality. Whilst delivering his weekly Friday Sermon from the Baitul Futuh Mosque in South-West London on March 8 2013, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad stated that it was imperative that Ahmadi Muslims prayed for Hasana, an Arabic term, which represents all forms of good and blessings. Ahmad said: In certain countries, the opponents of our Jamaat (community) desire that Ahmadi Muslims be deprived of all of Gods blessings. Thus we should pray that our neighbours do not cause us any distress and we should pray that our cities and our countries are a source of happiness and contentment for us. The world leader also expressed his appreciation for people outside of the Ahmadiyya Community who had shown their support and compassion to Ahmadi Muslims irrespective of differences of belief. In Pakistan and certain other countries, whilst there are those who are influenced by the extremist clerics and so try to cause harm to Ahmadi Muslims, there is also a significant population of people who have proved to be our good and loyal friends. They

are genuinely sympathetic towards us, they wish us well and help us in times of difficulty or trial, he said. Mr Mohammed Iqbal,the National President of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat New Zealand, said, We are very fortunate to reside in a country where there is tolerance and understanding between different communities and religions. It is in the interest of both the Government and religious leaders to maintain dialogue across the ethnic sectors, promoting equality and respect given the evolving face and growing ethnicity of New Zealanders.

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www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | March 22, 2013

NEW ZEALAND

Gods, art and The Curry Bunch


Arwa Janjali catches up with Srinivas Krishna and Bepen Bhana, two artistes of Indian origin, whose works are a must watch at the ongoing Auckland Arts Festival

No Curry Munchers this!

ocal artist Bepen Bhanas recent art exhibition, The Curry Bunch, is more than just a playful fusion of Eastern and Western cultures. The characters of popular American sitcom The Brady Bunch come alive in his paintings, with a quintessential Eastern touch. And the artist tells us how he aims to defuse the age-old social stigma associated with the South Asian community living in New Zealand through his art, albeit in a lighthearted way. Why the fascination with The Brady Brunch? My fascination with The Brady Bunch originates from my childhood, growing up as a first generation Kiwi of Indian ethnicity in New Zealand in the 1970s. I grew up in a household where we werent allowed to speak English because my father was adamant we didnt lose our mother tongue which was Gujarati. I consequently learnt to speak English from iconic popular imported T.V. shows such as Kojak, The Six Million Dollar Man, Starsky and Hutch, Charlies Angels, Little House On The Prairie, The Waltons, The Partridge Family,as well asThe Brady Bunch. Where did the idea of giving this iconic American sitcom an Eastern touch come from? The Curry Bunchhas effectively developed as a collaged combination of my childhood living room. Like many households back then, the furniture was arranged around the TV set which acted as a central focal point. The walls were covered in framed family

photographs and cheaply printed Indian calendar art depicting a wide range of Hindu Gods and Goddesses wearing a range of tilaks, bindis and caste marks. These prints would eventually get framed in elaborate mirrored frames. Also garlands of plastic flowers would be hung around them. So by collaging these elements, I think viewers can begin to figure out how these artworks came about. In addition, I wanted to employ some humour and wordplay in the title of the exhibition.The Curry Bunchis a pun a play on words due to it sounding close to the word Curry Muncher a derogatory term that Ive grown up with, directed to persons of South Asian origin. I suppose Im frustrated that as an ethnic slur Curry Muncher condenses thousands of years of culture into one generic food class, condensing the diversity of all Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi, Nepali, and Bengali people, and their respective religions into one single group. So I probably see this project as a proactive means, in whatever small way, to defuse the term, and for

those of us whom this term is directed towards to, to take ownership of it, to be proud of it, (but with our tongues firmly in our cheeks). There has been a certain emphasis on the foreheads of each of the characters in your artwork to make them essentially Indian. Why did you choose to concentrate only on that cultural aspect? I did actually experiment a lot trying to find the correct visual balance, such as darkening the skin of The Brady Bunch figures to make them appear more South Asian. Or attempting to make their skin a more divine blue like Lord Krishna, Vishnu or Shiva. I also did try to depict The Brady Bunch in more traditional South Asian clothing such sarees, shalwar kameez, kurta, pathani, dhoti and so forth. However, the results of these experiments meant that the subjects were no longer readily recognisable to audiences asThe Brady Bunch. Therefore, concentrating on the forehead markings as cultural signifiers, seemed to be the best strategy visually to convey my ideas.

Is this your first fusion exhibit of Eastern and Western cultures? Even though its not a characteristic thats always featured in my work, I have been engaging with ideas ofcultural identity, cultural appropriation and cultural hybridity since my first year at art school. Most of my work that deals with these themes has been exhibited in group shows.The Curry Bunchmarks my first solo exhibition that investigates these ideas which is pretty exciting for me. What has been the response for The Curry Bunch? From what I can tell to date, the response has been generally positive. For me its been very rewarding seeing this body of work come together, and Im grateful for having the opportunity to having my work exhibited alongside someone of Srinivas Krishnas caliber. A catalogue has been published to accompany the exhibition and seems to be generating a reasonable amount of dialogue. This catalogue has largely been made possible through the generous support of The Asia New Zealand Foundation.

WISHES YOU A HAPPY HOLI

NEW ZEALAND
texts by the shows Curator, James Pinker, Associate Professor Peter Shand from the University of Auckland, and myself. The catalogue is already being used as a teaching resource in some tertiary art schools around the country, which is satisfying to hear, as it all contributes to the dialogue. appear in comic books, they are used in advertising, in political campaigns, they appear everywhere. And, from time to time, they are worshiped. They are a part of life. As I view it, the film is open to a

www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | March 22, 2013


Robyn Archer as part of The Light in Winter Festival in Federation Square, Melbourne. Over the years it has toured to many locations around the world, and each time it has been adapted for the specific site. It has always been intended as a work of private, intense and very powerful. You have brilliantly combined different visual mediums in this film. Could you give us an insight into the technicalities of the process? What are the different forms that you have used and why the emphasis

times this colour has become blue. The Viraat Vishva Roopa from the Bhagavad Gita is always a kind of reddish-orange. We merely followed the traditional colour schemes used to represent the Gods. We also used the same visual effects and techniques that

Godliness in full bloom

ward-winning CanadianIndian filmmaker Srinivas Krishna presents Hindu Gods and Goddesses in a breathtaking light through his art installation When The Gods Came Down To Earth. Krishna takes one through a compelling visual journey and as envisioned by him, conveys the beauty of the Gods and their stories with the most stunning graphics. Excerpts from the interview with the artiste.

vast spectrum of interpretations like any piece of art. But it would be interesting to know what was it that you set out to convey through this film. What was your vision? I wanted to convey the beauty What was your inspiration to choose of the Gods and their stories. Being the subject of Indian Gods and classical Indian dancers of a high Goddesses? Did you at any point calibre (although they are not all feel cautious about giving artistic Indian one is Polish, another is expression to a sensitive subject like Japanese), the performers are able to express the qualities and emotions this? The inspiration for me are the with uncommon grace.By putting Gods, Goddesses and their stories. these images of the Gods in a public They are a part of my religion and space, just like one sees in India, I upbringing. I love them, and by want viewers to simply enjoy them making images of them, I convey and, if they are curious, to think about that love. I dont know why you think what makes something sacred. This they are a sensitive subject. The Gods work was commissioned in 2008 by

public art. Usually it shows on several screens facing different directions, and each loop is about 52 minutes long. However, here in Auckland, in Aotea Square, for the first time, the work is being shown on a single screen, like a movie. Moreover, it is showing not only outdoors, but indoors in a gallery as well for the first time. We re-edited the picture and sound to about 15 minutes, so that you could sit and watch it in one go if you wanted. The gallery presentation, at Mangere Arts Centre is really quite something. Id never seen the work projected indoors and presented so beautifully. Its a very different feeling than at Aotea Square where, you know, its a big public presentation. In the gallery, its

on colours like red and grey? Thank you for your kind words. The film pays homage to Indian artists of the late 19th century like Raja Ravi Varma who made beautiful paintings and prints of the Gods. These images are iconography and therefore they follow a very strict code of colour that has been set long ago. For example, Vishnu is dark, and his darkness was originally represented as purple or violet (like a dark thunder cloud Megha shyama), but in modern

were used in a film like Avatar, only on a more modest budget. As I said, the performers were real live classical Indian dancers. The choreography was set by a superb choreographer based in Toronto, Janak Khendry. We digitized the footage and once on the computer we multiplied the arms, legs and heads, and used 3D and 2D animation to create the worlds they inhabit. I worked with a company of amazing animators in Toronto called Rune. They did spectacular work.

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www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | March 22, 2013

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ompleting an 18-month journey from order to delivery, Air Pacifics first brand new Airbus A330-200 arrived at the airlines base of operations in Nadi, on Tuesday, from Airbus facility in Toulouse, France. The aircraft represents state-of-the-art comfort, best-in-class amenities, and the strong future of Air Pacific, which is being renamed Fiji Airways in June of 2013. The first of three Airbus A330s ordered in October 2011 and designed exclusively for Fijis national carriera first for the airline, the new aircraft carries the new Fiji Airways branding that is authentic, distinctive, and true to the airlines Fijian roots. The aircraft is named after one of Fijis 333 beautiful islands, Taveuni. The arrival of our first new Airbus A330 carrying the new Fiji Airways brand and Island of Taveuni name represents an exciting future that is rooted in our more than 60-year history and service to the people of Fiji as the nations flying ambassador, said Dave Pflieger, Air Pacifics Managing Director and CEO.

The aircrafts arrival underscores the success of the airlines turnaround plan, which started in 2010 and has culminated in reversing record losses and significantly growing passengers and revenue without increasing the size of the carriers fleet. As a further vote of confidence in the future of the airline and Fiji, the financing agreement secured with KfW IPEX-Bank and Helaba for the aircraft has been guaranteed by the Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD) of the British Government with reinsurance being provided by other European Credit Agencies (ECAs) Coface of France and Euler Hermes of Germany. There are so many people we owe thanks to for their support in this journey the government, our financial partners, our shareholders and Board, manufacturers, and many others. Without their faith in the airlines bright future, this milestone would not be possible, noted Pflieger. Most importantly, we owe an enormous thanks to our nearly 900

employees whose efforts have caused our airline to be recognized among the finest in the world. They share this airplane with the people of Fiji. The first A330 arrived in Fiji via Hong Kong with the President of Fiji, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau on board, along with Dave Pflieger, MD & CEO, as well as other executives from Air Pacific, Airbus, Rolls-Royce and Panasonic. On the ground in Fiji, The Honourable Voreqe Bainimarama, Prime Minister of Fiji, Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, Mr Nalin Patel, chairman of Air Pacifics Board of Directors, and hundreds of other dignitaries, business partners and other Fijians greeted the nations new flying ambassador upon arrival. Highlights of the welcome event included traditional Fijian ceremonies to appropriately welcome the nations first- ever brand new widebody aircraft. The new aircraft also performed a fly-over of Fijian cities and islands prior to landing in Nadi. Highlights of the aircrafts features and amenities include: * A stunning new livery, with Makareta

Matemosis memorable Masi artwork and Fiji proudly outlined on the sides and bottom of the fuselage. Dramatically new interiors, mood lighting, comfortable seats, angled lay-flat beds and a state-of-the-art, on-demand in-flight entertainment systemall inspired by Fijis elegant, yet earthy, beauty and striking new Masi artwork. * Impressive, environmentally friendly Trent 772 engines from Rolls-Royce that reduce our airlines carbon footprint by 40% over our current Boeing 747ssomething particularly important to Fiji and other island nations here in the South Pacific. The airlines second and third A330s are scheduled to arrive in May and November, respectively. By the end of 2013, Air Pacific will have retired its existing fleet of Boeing 747s, repainted and upgraded all of its Boeing 737s, rolled out new uniforms, and introduced a number of new customer service enhancements to reflect and elevate the new brand of Fiji Airways which will launch in June.

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www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | February 22, 2013

11

Boy meets girl and a fairytale wedding, made in India


IWK BUREAU

lena Bychokova has her roots in Russia. Rohaan Mohanty has his roots in India. They met in London, tied the knot in India and will settle down to married bliss in Auckland. If ever there was a wedding story that spanned continents, this is it. Traditionally, a wedding in India is never just about the bride and the groom. It is a grand meet and greet gala for the two families. This destination wedding with a twist was just that. It gave Elenas family a chance to enjoy India and given Goas reputation as a resort paradise, it was here in a glittering ceremony that Rohaan and Elena said I Do. The three day wedding included a Hindu ceremony and was followed by a Catholic wedding with the gorgeous Ashvem beach as the backdrop. For the couple, having family and friends from Russia, India and New Zealand in one place to witness the most important day of their lives, was definitely the high point. We caught-up with the bride, the groom and their families to know more about their dream destination wedding. Tell us about your love story Rohaan: We were studying at the same University in London. I promised her a free Internet connection.

Elena: I still have to take him up on his offer the free Net connection is still pending. Who broke the news first with family and how? Rohaan: Elena told her mom first when she had come down to London and I was introduced to her. She introduced me as her friend first before breaking the news a few months later. She called her mother and told her that she has found the her Mr. Right. Elena: Both our families were thrilled! What did it feel like coming home to NZ as Mr. and Mrs.? Wow. It is an awesome feeling. The ring on the finger makes you feel special and responsible. It is definitely a different feeling. Were planning our honeymoon now. Meet the parents: Rohaans mom Tapaswini Patnaik and Elenas mom Irina Bychkova were one of the first in their respective families to know of the blossoming romance. The moms played an important role in ensuring that the event went off well. Would you recommend a wedding planner? We would highly recommend getting a wedding planner to execute all the

wedding ideas. They take a lot of stress off the whole process and also execute the plan perfectly. You just need to clearly tell them what you want. What advice do you have for others planning a wedding in India? The most important thing is to finalize a venue and place. Once that is done everything else falls in place. And dont panic! Keep a note of all the things to be done and youll be fine.

Rohaan is very strong minded guy and he is always there for his friends and family even if he stayed away for years. That is the best thing about him which made me want to know him.Elena

Elena is always fun and of course she is gorgeous. She is very down to earth but forthright these qualities are rare. Rohaan The family members loved her from the first time they saw her. Tapaswini Patnaik (Mother of the groom).

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www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | March 22, 2013

NEW ZEALAND

ARMS workshops ANZ opens at Stoddard Rd


IWK BUREAU IWK BUREAU
Free Taxation Clinics Are you new to New Zealand? Do you have problems with Tax issues? Do you have your own business? This clinic will give you the opportunity to meet with specialist from IRD individually for consultation on Income Tax, GST, PAYE and Kiwi Saver.Date: 21 March,2013. Time: 1:00am - 4:00pm (this Thursday) To make an appointment to see our friendly taxation specialist for help, please phone: 09 2635490. Address: ARMS Manukau Resource Centre, 2 Osterley Way (Next to Work & Income). Starting Your Own Business If you are thinking of starting a business or you are in business and wondering how to go about it and want to find out more information please come to a free workshop at Auckland Regional Migrant Services, 2 Osterley Way, Manukau. You will get an overview of the business services available in Manukau, some practical tips on how to start and grow your business, information on how to find the target market for your industry, the size of your competition, and how your industry is performing in the NZ market and information about business tax management covering: tax obligations, record keeping, filing returns & due dates, systems to set up, incomes and expenses, GST and provisional tax. This workshop will be heldOn Wednesday 20thMarch, 2013, Time: 10:00am 3:00pm. To register please phone 09 2635490 or email:manukau@arms-mrc. org.nz. The NZ Health System Are you new to New Zealand and wondering how the health system works in this country. Settlement Support Manukau invites you to a free orientation session into the NZ health system at ARMS Manukau Resource Centreon Friday22ndof March ,10am 12pmat No 2 Osterley Way, Manukau. To register please phone (09) 263 5490 or email manukau@arms-mrc.org.nz.. he new six day branch was officially opened by Phil Goff, Member of Parliament forMountRoskill, who has been a regular customer since the branch opened its doors to the public three weeks ago. He said he already recognises the happy, smiling, smart, personable and good looking members of staff! Mr Goff congratulated ANZ for opening a branch in the newStoddard Roadshopping complex, which he is confident will become the heart of Mount Roskill. He also explained thatMountRoskillhas the most multicultural electorate inNew Zealand, with 120 nationalities represented. Branch Manager Shayaz Khan reinforced the multicultural richness ofMountRoskillwhen he got his team to give welcome greetings in eight different languages, from countries includingChina,Fiji, India,IranandZambia.

Kerri Thompson thanked everyone who was involved in getting the branch up and running and wished the team continued success. Kerri explained that the branch is a perfect illustration of ANZs $100 million investment in Branch Optimisation. InMountRoskillwe had two branches that were very close together onDominion Road. By consolidating them and opening a brand new branch here onStoddard Roadwere able to be in the best places for our customers. Thats what the new ANZ is all about. Customers can expect to see the speciallyselectedStoddard Roadteam members: Retail - Shayaz Khan, Fariba Kent, Min Li, Sailesh Vagh, Sneh Singh, Angela Wang, Grace Huang, Andrea DSouza, Emely Kalizinje and Eden Wong. Business BankingMeggie Xu, Catherine Zhai, Kevin Lin and Sandy Lee.

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www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | March 22, 2013

13

Mr Trevor Maxwell (Deputy Mayor of Rotorua) and other delegates of the Hindu-Maori delegation celebrating Holi in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India in 2012

Powdered colours used to play with during Holi celebrations

Holi colours and festive fervour for all at Rotorua


IWK BUREAU

ven seasoned skeptics are tempted, and they often succumb to the colourful lure of this festival that marks the beginning of Spring as per the Hindu calendar. It is celebrated by playing with colours coloured powders (the red one is known as gulal) and coloured water. This is when old grudges are forgotten and people set aside their social and personal differences. Bridges that bring people and communities together are built on this day. Fittingly, in New Zealand, 21 March is celebrated as the Race Relations Day to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Celebrating Holi with different colours and bringing various

community groups (especially the youth) together is symbolic of this important international day, said Murali Magesan, the coordinator of Rotorua Holi Festival 2013. In a bid to introduce the spirit of the festival to the wider community, the Hindu Council of New Zealand is working in collaboration with the Western Heights High School in Rotorua. The Hindu Council of New Zealand introduced Holi to the Rotorua community in 2010. The support, participation and positive feedback from previous years Holi celebrations encouraged us to continue with this festival in Rotorua as well as Wellington said Dr Rajiv Chaturvedi, Public Relations Officer of Hindu Council of New Zealand.

One of the key objectives is to encourage youth to not only participate but also learn to organise events to develop and nourish a community spirit. This years Holi festival will be run by youths mainly teenagers from various communities. It is a fundraiser of Western Heights High Schools Stage Challenge so there is a gold coin entry.

Festivities begin at 2.00 pm at the Western Heights High School field. This is the perfect opportunity to bring some colour to each others lives literally with the traditional celebration with some colour play.

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www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | March 22, 2013

INDIA

Goa eatery asked to compensate for overcharging


JOHN EDWARDS

In brief
World Bank committed to Uttar Pradesh
We are very committed to Uttar Pradesh. We are starting with specific projects. We will look forward to expanding in other areas, World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim said at a press conference in UP. He was in the State to meet Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. We are very optimistic that we can accomplish great things in UP, he said. World Bank aims to end poverty and it could not be accomplished without achieving success in Uttar Pradesh. In this generation, we think that we can end the poverty. The World Bank is focused on economic growth, which will bring jobs. When we talk about sheer prosperity we need that the growth in the economy has to be shared with the young people, with women and even with future generation, he said. This is Kims first visit to India after taking over as President of the World Bank Group last July.

harging Rs. 6 above the maximum retail price (MRP) on a bottled mineral water has proved costly for a popular Panaji-based restaurant. Navtara: Pure Vegetarian Restaurant has been asked by Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum to pay Rs 15,000 compensation to consumer Kishore Mandrekar and refund the extra money charged on Aquafina bottle with an interest of 12 percent from the date of purchase till the final payment. Mandrekar had complained that the cashier on the counter charged him Rs 20 for the bottle though the MRP marked on it was Rs 14. When he asked the cashier to return the balance amount, he was refused.

The restaurant stated that whenever a customer enters his restaurant the waiters or service staff offers a menu card to the customers and the customers place the order and are then charged as per the menu, the complaint letter mentioned. But, the complainant said, he neither ordered any food nor used their services except for buying a bottle of water on May 22, 2011. The defendant contended they have no intention to mislead the public and that the establishment is classified as Service Industry. Any customer who wishes to avail the services of food or drinks served at the restaurant are welcome to do so on condition that they pay the charges mentioned in the menu

card, the reply had stated. The Forum Presided over by Sanjay Chodankar refused the contention of the defendant referring to the Bill produced by the complainant which had no mention of any service charge. The item was directly purchased from the counter and the restaurant cannot charge from the service charges since he did not sit at the table and enjoy the facilities given by the restaurant. So this proved that the restaurant had charged the complainant more than the MRP and this shows an illegal act of the opponent party the order states. The Forum hasnt ermed this a malpractice to mislead the public.

Government to float plastic currency notes


One billion ten rupee notes in polymer/plastic are proposed to be introduced as a field trial in five cities - Kochi, Mysore, Jaipur, Bhubaneswar and Shimla with varied geographical locations and climatic conditions It has been decided by the Government of India and the RBI to introduce one billion pieces of Rs. 10 notes in polymer/ plastic on a field trial basis, said Minister of State for Finance Namo Narain Meena. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has informed that while the primary objective of introduction of polymer notes is to increase its life, it could also help in combating counterfeiting.

Happy Holi !!

INDIA

www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | March 22, 2013

15

Ministers agree on contentious anti-rape bill


IWK BUREAU

he Group of Ministers (GoM) working on a draft of an anti-rape bill have finally agreed on the handful of contentious provisions that have been stalling the law. Meeting under a 24-hour deadline on March 13, the panel, headed by Finance Minister P Chidambaram agreed to reduce the age of consent for sex from 18 to 16 years. In the final draft of the law, the word sexual assault has been replaced by rape, media reports said, adding that the Cabinet will take up the draft for approval on Thursday. Stalking and voyeurism have been made non-bailable offences under the bill, reports said, while the provision for false complaints has been removed. Reports citing government sources also said that changes related to sodomy cases will be made in the Prevention of Sexual Abuse of Children Act. Union Law Minister Ashwani Kumar said that he was confident that the proposed anti-rape Bill will be tabled in the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament. The consensus on the law was finally reached after the GoM, including Chidambaram, Kumar, Union Home

Minister Sushilkumar Shinde and Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal, met. The Union Cabinet on Tuesday had deferred the anti-rape law bill for the second time in six days after differences on the key provisions of the bill emerged during its meeting on the issue. Reports had said there were difference over the use of the terms sexual assault and rape, and also inclusion of stalking, voyeurism and age of consent. Some ministers were of view that lowering the age to 16 from 18 was not a right move. Those in favour of lowering the age however argued that teen sex should not be criminalized and it can actually prevent forcible sex or rapes. Flaying the law enforcers and calling for police reforms, the Justice Verma Committee tasked by the government to suggest stringent laws against sexual violence submitted its path-breaking recommendations on Jan 23 to the Home Ministry, calling for enhancement of punishment to life sentence for the crime while stopping short of awarding death penalty. The three-member committee headed by former Chief Justice of India J S Verma submitted its report

to the government a month after it was formed following a national outrage over the brutal gang-rape of a 23-year-old medical student on a Delhi bus on December 16 last year and her subsequent death from injuries in a Singapore hospital. Earlier, the driver of the bus in

which a young Indian woman was gang-raped and fatally injured in December hanged himself in his jail cell on Monday, prison authorities said, but his family and lawyer said they suspected foul play. Ram Singh, the main accused in Indias most high-profile criminal

case, killed himself just before dawm in a cell he shared with three inmates in New Delhis Tihar jail, prison spokesman Sunil Gupta said. Singh fashioned a noose from threads torn from the mat he slept on and hanged himself from a grille in the ceiling before dawn. While there were closed circuit cameras throughout Tihar, Indias highestsecurity prison, there were none in individual cells, Gupta said. Gupta could not say how long it would have taken Singh to make the noose or how he had managed to loop it through the grille, which was eight feet above the floor. He may have stood on a plastic bucket, Indian media reported. Singhs lawyer, V.K. Anand, said his client had been composed and calm when he spoke to him in court on Friday and didnt have any complaints. Singh, who faced the death penalty if convicted of murder, had not been on suicide watch, Anand and Gupta said. I know he had a few complaints of jail authorities torturing him, but nothing that would make him take his own life. We cant rule out foul play. Nothing is adding up, Anand said.

29
"Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant (Testament) in My blood, which is shed for you.'" (Luke 22:20)
My husband and I were on the hunt for a better life and we moved to another country in search of it. I remember thinking to myself, "Why did we ever leave our homeland?" This made me feel down, low and depressed. As my husband went out to look for work all day, I would spend my day all alone, with no family or friends to speak to or to share my problems with. My husband finally got a job in a small company as a car mechanic, you would think that this would finally take the load off my shoulders and I would cheer up a bit. but this was far from the truth. I started to think that the answer to my loneliness was to have a baby. We were already struggling financially with us barely even able to pay our own bills, yet having to send money over to my parents to pay off their debts. I was unable to communicate with my husband without arguing and fighting. Depression also slowly started to hover over my life like a dark cloud, as I was always down and low. A friend of mine invited me to the UCKG Help Centre and as I began to attend the sessions, I started seeing light at the end of the tunnel. I started changing myself in order to change my behaviour towards my husband and, as a result, we have now restored our marriage completely. We can now communicate in as orderly manner without arguing and shouting at each other. I then started attending sessions on Mondays in order to receive direction on how to better the financial side of my husband's life and mine. Soon after we persevered in our attendance, my parent's debt was written off, my husband got a new job where he can now spend more time with our daughter and I and get a much better salary! Majindar Kaur

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EDITORIAL

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Fiji needs to lifts its game


T
he recent revelation of shocking brutality in a video footage could not have come at a worse time for Fiji just as it appeared to be righting itself after suffering a chronic limp since the 2006 coup. Worldwide condemnation has followed since the release of footage on YouTube which showed what are believed to be Fiji officials beating, torturing and humiliating a couple of escaped prisoners using degrading and inhumane methods soon after their recapture.The nineminute video, believed to have been taken on a cellphone camera, shows a handcuffed man being physically assaulted, beaten and humiliated by a group of men while lying helpless in the back of a pick-up truck. The terrified man is repeatedly struck on his feet, legs, body and head with a number of different implements including a length of rubber pipe, a metal rod, a stick and a hammer. What is more disturbing is the fact that some of the torturers were taunting and laughing at their victims helplessness, while some recorded the sickening incident on their cellphones. Some of the footage was so graphic, local televisions stations and news websites only ran heavily censored clips, only about a minute long, accompanied by graphic footage warnings. Fiji, headed by military ruler Commodore Frank Bainimarama, has only recently been cautiously welcomed back into the international fold following years of several years of isolation following Bainimaramas 2006 coup. His pledge to restore the island nation to democratic rule next year, and having taken seemingly genuine steps towards the election process, appeared to be well received by the international community. This recent incident has shocked all viewers to the core, and quite rightly, the Fijian administration has promised a full investigation. Viewers of the video have taken to social media networks in droves to comment on the incident; some even saying that the escapees got what they deserved. While some of the prisoners are violent, hardened criminals who had escaped from lawful custody and can hardly have expected to be hugged when captured, there is no justification for the treatment the men suffered in the video. It would be fair to say that many ordinary Fijians, fed up of lawlessness, demand a tough response against the offenders. But how tough is tough? Tourism is Fijis main source of revenue and, in this day and age of vibrant social media networks, the prisoner abuse clip has gone viral, leaving a perception of lawlessness in the country. It has taken Fiji a number of years to build and maintain a workable image as far as the international audience is concerned, even though a gag on free press has had much to do with that. While three prison guards have been sacked following investigations, and a police probe is underway, Bainimarama would do well to refrain from comments that he would stand by officers implicated in the video, arguing they were just doing their duty and making sure we sleep peacefully at night. Fijian pro-democracy group The Citizens Constitutional Forum has said Bainimaramas comments showed a lack of commitment to human rights. Challenging as it may be to maintain law and order in a country rocked by four military coups since 1987, use of excessive force by officials harks one to the days of uncivilised brutality that do not belong to this day and age. Understandably, there is a need to send a strong message to the criminal community that the strong arm of the law is there to safeguard law-abiding citizens. However, taunting, laughing and taking photos of a half-naked man who is also being prodded with a stick and being kicked is savagery. A slogan used by Fiji tourism authorities some time ago come to mind: Fiji, the way the world should be. Really?

Debate around the bill to legalize same-sex marriage has provoked a range of emotional responses. As the bill soon to be law - appears to move forward with minimal hurdles, we ask our readers their opinion.
Are the marriages of millions of straight people about to be threatened because a few thousand gay people are permitted to join?This bill is about about fairness; it is about giving those who want to get married the opportunity to do so whilst protecting the rights of those who dont agree with samesex marriage.No matter who you are and who you love, we are all equal. Marriage is about love and commitment, and it should no longer be denied to people just because they are gay.

Agastya Pesara, 30, Auckland based entrepreneur


I am not against gay relationships becauseeveryone has the freedom to choose his or her own way of leading life. But please dont call thisun-natural relationship a marriage. We, human-beings are challenging nature and in doing so losing the sanctity of marriage byacceptinggay relationships as marriage.

Nimi Bedi, NZICA (Wider Representation Committee)

Marriage should be between men and women. Their are other forms of binding contracts available such as legal partnerships or union of two people for those in gay relationships. I strongly feel this bill will be a blow totheethnic communities in maintaining their respectivecultural beliefs. It will be a serious set back to parents bringing-up children in the Kiwi Indian community.

Paul Singh Bains QSM, JP, President NZICA


As per socio-cultural parameters, same-sex marriages will never get the same acceptance and respect by people as compared to a man-woman relationship. Hence, making them legalised will remain but only a temporary reformation.

- Arvind Kumar

Sakina Suterwala, Early Childhood Educator

Indian Weekender Volume 4 No. 22 Publisher: Kiwi Media Group Limited Managing Editor: Giri Gupta | girigupta@xtra.co.nz Editor: Arvind Kumar | arvind@indianweekender.co.nz Associate Editor: Shriya Chitale| shriya@indianweekender.co.nz Chief Reporter: Arwa Janjali | arwa@indianweekender.co.nz Chief Technical Officer: Rohan Desouza | rohan@ indianweekender.co.nz Advertising & Business Development Manager: Gaurav Gupta M: 021 292 4519 l gaurav@indianweekender.co.nz Accounts and Admin.: Farah Khan - P 520 0922 l accounts@indianweekender.co.nz Views and comments: e-mail at: arvind@indianweekender.co.nz Views expressed in the publication are not necessarily of the publisher and the publisher is not responsible for advertisers claims as appearing in the publication

Same-sex union is not only a cultural taboo but also goes against nature. For centuries, we have been following a pattern and that is for a reason. The human biological cycle depends on it. How can one tamper with that?

Zoher Fakhruddin, Retail Manager

Indian Weekender is published by Kiwi Media Group, 98 Great South Road, New Market and printed at APN Print, Ellerslie, Auckland Copyright 2010. Kiwi Media Group. All Rights Reserved.

COMMENT

www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | March 22, 2013

17

Piracy lies at the heart of India-Italy showdown


COMMANDER (RETD) NEIL GADIHOKE

n response to the sudden u-turn by the Italian government by refusal to return of the naval guards, charged with killing of two Indian fishermen last year, Indias Ministry of External Affairs summoned the Italian Ambassador, Daniele Mancini, to convey Indias position in the strongest of terms, which is diplomatic parlance for a stiff lecture. The two naval guards Massimiliano Lattore and Salvatore Girone - charged with homicide for killing two fishermen off the Kerala coast in February 2012, were permitted by the Supreme Court Feb 22 to proceed to Italy for four weeks for voting in its national elections. The court had allowed them to travel to Italy and return to India by the end of a four-week deadline. Summoning of the Italian ambassador came a day after the Italian foreign ministry refused the return of the two naval guards, accusing Indian authorities of violating international rights by

detaining the naval guards and said it was open to let an international arbitrator to assess the case. It would be recalled that both guards were arrested after they shot and killed two Indian fishermen, off the coast in Kerala, Feb 15, 2012, whilst on duty on the Italian flagged merchant vessel Enrica Lexie. Most of the press coverage on the issue missed the fact that at the heart of the incident lies the issue of piracy. As pirates operated out of Somalia, the shippers were advised to hug the Indian coast when transiting to and from the Persian Gulf. This took them through Indian fishing grounds and in February 2012, the Enrica Lexie encountered Indian fishermen, who were perceived to be pirates, who were fired upon and killed. In response, the Indian Coast Guard then chased down the merchant ship and arrested the two marines, who were held in Kerala for trial and subsequently shifted to New Delhi for trials by a special court, as per Supreme Court directives. Without doubt, the implementation of anti-piracy

measures has been challenging. It is well known that pirates morphed from fishermen whose grounds were encroached upon and ended up resorting to the much more lucrative piracy business. In response, navies and coast guards took up the cause with loosely coordinated patrols. The pirates response was to gain better intelligence and use mother ships to extend their reach by hundreds of miles. As an antidote, armed guards have appeared on commercial vessels. Most guards

are from private maritime security companies, and some from host militaries. This was the case in Italy, where Italian marines served aboard Italian flagged carriers. It is estimated that more than 50 percent of commercial carriers transiting the Indian Ocean region now have armed guards, which can give rise to more such unresolved issues of regulation and law. At present, the sense of shock from all stakeholders in India stems from the fact that Italy as a country has reneged on its commitment to fulfil the sovereign undertaking given by it to the Supreme Court of India. The Italian u-turn comes at a time when India is already pressuring Italy to part information on the bribery scam in the Agusta Westland VVIP helicopter deal. As a result, Indo-Italian relations will remain turbulent in the near future. The entire saga has a different interpretation from the Italian side. Italian foreign ministry sources were qouted as saying that India had not responded to its requests to seek a diplomatic solution to

the case. The Italian foreign ministry statement Monday also said Indias decision to hold trial of the marines in that country violated their rights under international law as they need to be tried in their home country. However, the view in India is that the incident of firing from the Italian vessel on the Indian fishermen having occurred within the Indian maritime jurisdiction, the Union of India is entitled to prosecute the two Italian marines under the criminal justice system prevalent in the country. Such arguments and counter arguments are expected to continue. Indeed, the pirates of Somalia, apart from raking in millions of dollars in ransom and wreaking havoc on international shipping routes, have now started to make an unanticipated brunt on international relations. This is indeed very startling. Who knows, what they will impact next? Neil Gadihoke is a retired commander of the Indian Navy who is a researcher and analyst on security and maritime issues with the Society for Policy Studies (SPS).

Violation of the immigrant dream

The Shalvin Prasad murder case


IWK BUREAU

MANISHA ANJALI

hildren and parents inhabit two different worlds. The secret world of children has been shunned from parents since the beginning of time - kept away in notebooks, under beds and pillows, in lockers, in codes and slang and inside private SMS text messages. And parents know. They fear it. But they accept it. They know about the smoking and drinking and gambling and they pray that it is the extent of it. They pray that their child will return home safely, from their secret world of childrens games, and rejoin the safe and fabricated world of family. Is it not every parents worst fear to outlive their own children? When 21-year-old Shalvin Prasads burnt body was found in Kingseat, South Auckland late January, his parents fears came true. South Auckland is a haven for immigrants and crime. South Auckland offers you a slice of Polynesia and Asia, with a dash of home invasion, assault, rape and outlandish Police Ten 7 antics thrown in. Or so goes the word on the streets. Indians are certainly making their mark on the Auckland crime scene. It was only in November last year that 24-year-old Inayat Kawthar was

stabbed to death by her 27-year-old partner, Ramnitesh Avinash who subsequently committed suicide in the South Auckland suburb of Manurewa. Domestic violence is of course, common practice within the Indian community, though it seems that Ramnitesh took it a bit too far. Aged 18 and 20, Shivneel Shahil Kumar and Byrne Permal are being charged with Shalvins murder. Had they been a few years younger, they would have been tried as juvenile. And that would have really complicated the case. I began this editorial talking about the world of children with all parties here occupying the hazy intermediary period between adolescence and adulthood, nobody should be referred to as an adult. The death of Shalvin Prasad is essentially the violation of the Immigrant Dream. To immigrate, to set foot into a Western country is usually an attempt to flee the deficiencies and hostilities of the homeland. It is a wish for a better life. Children of the Diaspora have the responsibility - and the unique opportunity - to take the teachings of their parents, infuse it with Western teachings found outside of their parents, and create a world for themselves whereby they are Global Children, equipped with multiple languages, first world freedoms, higher education and the power of

the internet. Failure to turn these opportunities into gold and to digress into crime is unfortunate. I am pointing the finger at anybody in the Indian community who is blaming the parents of the alleged killers these boys left the womb a long time ago. There is no correlation between immigration and crime. Walking around as minority race on another mans land, first-generation immigrants display their best behaviour cautious, subservient and willing to work without question. The lone immigrant becomes responsible for carving the public image of his entire race. There is no correlation between race and crime either. Indian peoples have an unhealthy preoccupation with public image and reputation. The judgement from within the Indian community is far harsher than what happens outside it - Fijian Indians generally being thought of as occupying the lower rung of the Indian socio-economic ladder, for example. Murder is as human and as universal as salt and water. Indians, as proud as they are about their overprotective parenting and smothering, are neither above it nor below, but as prone to it as anybody else. Manisha Anjali, born in Fiji and raised in Auckland, is a writer based in Melbourne, Australia

he still alight body of 21-yearold Shalvin, originally from Fiji but living in Dannemora, was found in scrub on the deadend McRobbie Rd in Kingseat on January 31, several hours after he withdrew $30,000 from his bank account. Later two young men, one a former schoolmate of the victim were arrested and charged with the crime. We have also brought in criminal expatriates and investigators from other countries to look into the matter, Counties Manukau Police communications and media manager Ana-Mari Gates-Bowey said. Shalvins body was set on fire

and it is something unusual for someone in New Zealand to be burnt alive, he said. Expatriate investigators, brough in to specially investigating the case were worked on analysing facts as to how long Shalvin was set on fire and how long it would have taken him to die. His body was first doused in petrol and set alight, was not a victim of blackmail or fraud and there was no suggestion he was involved in an illegal activity. His blue Rav4 was found abandoned in Papatoetoe, and his body was found at least 27 km away in Kingseat.

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www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | March 22, 2013

INDIA

India to have 225 Indian fishermen billionaires by 2022: Report captured by Lanka: Reports
IWK BUREAU
ndia, which is at the fifth spot in global ranking with 122 dollarbillionaires in 2012, is likely to see a whopping 84 per cent growth in this number with 225 billionaires by 2022, real estate consultancy Knight Frank has said in a report. Asias thirdlargest economy, with 122 dollarbillionaires last year, is expected to see an 84 per cent rise in this number to 225 by 2022, according to the firms Wealth Report 2013 released here today. The number of high net-worth individuals (HNIs) in the country is expected to more than double over the next 10 years to 17,032 from the present 8,481, a growth of 101 per cent. While Mumbai will witness a growth of 137 per cent, Delhi will clip at around 120 per cent, it said. Mumbai, currently the seventh largest city in terms of HNIs with 2,105 individuals among the top 30 global cities, is likely to have 4,988 of them by 2022. Delhi, which is now ranked 11th with a total of 1,945 HNIs, is likely to have 4,278 super rich by 2022, the report added. This would give India along with China and Japan the h i g h e s t number of HNIs in Asia by 2022, it said. of HNIs (with assets of $30 million or more) are likely to increase 50 per cent to 2,86,000 by 2022 globally. Referring to wealth trend on global city level, the report said London, followed by New York, have the highest number of wealthy individuals. It, however, noted that some Asian cities are fast catching up in this respect. Additonally, many Indian business men, tired of the business unfriendly climate in India are ready to take their ventures elsewhere. The foreign lure is emerging on three fronts: Indians buying personal assets overseas A significant jump in outward remittances Company owners focusing on generating more offshore currency t h r o u g h larger global investments in a bid to hedge themselves against India.

IWK BUREAU

t least 18 Indianfishermenhave been captured by the Sri Lankan navy last week. The fishermen, who are from Tamil Nadus Rameswaram area, were reportedly caught from Indian waters nears Katchatheevu island. The Sri Lankan government is yet to react to the reports that come at a time when ties between India and the neighbouring nation have hit a rough patch. There has been an alarming rise in reports of attacks andarrestsof Indian fishermen by Sri Lanka in

recent months. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Thursday had written to Prime Minister saying these incidents should be viewed as an indirect attempt to intimidate India and browbeat it into not raising its voice against Sri Lanka on the Tamil issue at the international fora. The attack also comes following a meeting of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) in January where the two sides pledged to stop violence on fishermen of both countries.

With the historic shift in economic power towards Asia, its cities are undoubtedly going to become more influential in the coming years, Knight Frank Asia-Pacific Director for Research Nicholas Holt said. According to the report, the number

INDIA ABROAD

www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | March 22, 2013

19

Bobby Ghosh named editor of Time International


Acclaimed journalist is the first non-American to be made World Editor in the magazines history of 80 years
IWK BUREAU
oted journalist Aparisim Bobby Ghosh, an Indian national, has been named the editor of Time International. The first non-American to be named World Editor in Times more than 80 year history, Ghosh started his career at the Deccan Chronicle, in Visakhapatnam; then went to work in Business Standard in Kolkata and Business World in Mumbai and Delhi. Bobby, quite simply, is a magnificent journalist who has done the highest level of work that one can aspire to in our profession, the Time Inc. Editor-in-Chief Martha Nelson and Time Managing Editor Rick Stengel told staffers in an announcement in Washington. Currently Times Deputy International Editor, Ghosh takes over from Jim Frederick, who is vacating the position to move on to other challenges, the memo said. The breadth of his interests

Pune University grad heads US Uni

and the depth of his expertise is reflected in a sampling of his recent international covers, from soccer star Leo Messi to Bollywood icon Aamir Khan to a profile of Egyptian president Mohamad Morsi, it said. His recent India stories for Time have included profiles of cricket god Sachin Tendulkar, Bollywood star Aamir Khan and world chess champ Vishy Anand. During his five years as Time Baghdad bureau chief throughout the worst of the Iraq war, Ghosh wrote two of our most unforgettable cover stories: Life in Hell, and Sunnis vs. Shiites, the memo read. He was not only fearless in his work in Iraq but he was the guardian of all who worked for us in Baghdad. Ghosh joined Time in 1998 after ten years as a journalist in India and two on the staff of the Far Eastern Economic Review in Hong Kong. He became a senior editor at Time

Asia, where he wrote a weekly Time. com column called Subcontinental Drift. Ghosh then moved to London to become a senior editor at Europe and in 2007.

istasp M. Karbhari, a noted researcher and scholar, is joining a growing band of Indian-Americans heading US institutions of higher learning with his appointment as president of The University of Texas at Arlington. A Pune university graduate, Karbhari will succeed James D. Spaniolo June 1, the university announced after the Board of Regents unanimously approved his appointment recently. Karbhari is also a published author or co-author of more than 200 scientific papers. He got his bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Pune and his doctorate from the University of Delaware. He currently is the provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at The University of Alabama in Huntsville.I am honoured by the Boards decision to name me as president, and I am looking forward to leading this wonderful university, Karbhari said.

Indian-American pulls out of Wharton India Economic Forum

Aparisim Bobby Ghosh

noted Indian-American physician has withdrawn from the annual WhartonIndia EconomicForumin the wake the organisers decision to cancel a key-note address by Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi. New Jersey-based eminent physician, philanthropist and publisher,Sudhir Parikh, was invited to address the WIEF conference on March 23 in place of TheWall Streetcolumnist Sadanand Dhume, who withdrew from the conference in protest of the forums handling the Modi affair. affair. As an immigrant of over 30 years standing and dedicated to promoting the cause of India and Indian Americans, I look forward to sharing my thoughts about NRIs as ambassadors of India, Dr Parikh told WIFE. But the manner in which the committee has been pressurised to rescind its invitation to Gujarat Chief MinisterNarendra Modion entirely suspicious grounds, I feel the intellectual integrity of the forum has been compromised, Dr Parikh said in a letter. Parikh, who is publisher of several India American publications in the US, said as a publisher he is constrained to err on the side of the free flow of ideas and unfettered discussion public policy issue be it in academics or journalism.It is for this reason; I have no choice but to withdraw my name from the panel of speakers of this years forum, said Parikh.

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www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | March 22, 2013

FIJI

Election plans questioned


SERAFINA SILAITOGA

Grog sessions halted


P
olice have stopped late night grog 8 pm, Mr Nakauvadra told the Fiji (kava) sessions at the Lautoka City Times. So we have been working market for hygiene reasons. Speaking to stakeholders at the Lautoka closely with the police to ensure that City Council chambers yesterday, people adhere to these times and west police commander Senior not carry on after 8pm. We want to Superintendent of Police Jope Ralulu stop this practice because we have said late night grog sessions were found that people urinate around the causing problems for council officials. market during these sessions. This It is an issue that has been a is something that we want to stop concern for a while now because these because it dirties our city. West police media spokeswoman grog sessions tend to go late into the night, he said. We are trying to Naina Ragigia said police officers would go to discourage the market people from We are trying to discourage people grounds loitering in from loitering in town and this issue and stop town and this increases the problem. people issue increases SSP Jope Ralulu f r o m the problem. drinking SSP Ralulu said during the first phase of their kava after 8pm. Also an issue of community policing exercise in concern is the number of beggars in Lautoka on Tuesday night, police the city. We found that some of them officers had to interrupt grog sessions needed help while others were well outside the market grounds and send off. When we transported one of them to his home, we found that he owned people home. Council CEO Jone Nakauvadra, a big house with six tenants living said council officials had also been there, said SSP Ralulu. Grog (yaqona, kava), a mildly monitoring the number of people that drank grog at the market. By law, intoxicating drink made from the these grog sessions have to end at 5 root of the herb Piper methysticum, pm but because weve had several is enjoyed by most Fijians of all requests from working people who ethnicities. It is a recreational drink. want to have grog after work, weve Grog sessions in New Zealand unite agreed to extend the cut-off time to different Fijian groups.

new Fiji based on equality for everyone a country in which we are all Fijians and our children grow up with the same opportunities. We also want them to be healthy. So its our responsibility to be role models for them by pursuing healthy lifestyles ourselves and encouraging them to follow our Unlike previous governments, we keep example. our promises. We deliver. Commodore Bainimarama also told the people of Bua that Prime Minister Bainimarama he was in the north to listen to their concerns and to also better Fiji for everyone, Commodore see the progress being made in the governments programme to deliver Bainimarama said. He also asked why it had taken better services to ordinary Fijians. so long for Fijians to get the services This is our most important task they deserved. In the previous to not just promise better access to constitutions, for example we had electricity, clean water, roads and the so-called entrenched provisions government services but provide such as the Native Lands Trust Act them. Unlike previous governments, yet there was no tangible progress, no we keep our promises. We deliver, he said. development, no empowerment. General elections were, My government is building a rime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama says people in various parts of Fiji have asked him why have an election next year. Speaking at the opening of the new Bua Nursing Station recently, Commodore Bainimarama said: People have been saying to me in various parts of Fiji, why have an election at all next year? Were happy with things the way they are. Its recognition of the hard work the government is putting into service delivery.Our programme is on track. We know where were heading and its towards building a

scheduled to be held in Fiji in March 2009.They are now expected to be held by September 2014. In March 2011, New Zealand Foreign minister Murray McCully announced New Zealand would lift its travel ban on members of the Fiji administration if the government committed to holding elections in 2014, and allowing all stakeholders to participate and not only those favoured by the regime. Fiji Foreign Affairs Minister Kubuabola had assured that Fiji committed to a fair election in 2014.

Sunday to Wednesday 5pm to 10:30 pM

FIJI

www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | March 22, 2013

21

Fijians Bollywood debut


MERESEINI MARAU

ijian actor Anil Rai Mani is director would look for from the looks, wanted in Bollywood. That is the confidence and having a unique what Bollywood film director Raju wit. Basically from my experience, I Kafley says about Mani, the first Fijian havent seen any Fijian in India or in to make a break in any Bollywood any film and he is the first and its been very encouraging for me he said. film. Mani said it was not easy Kafley said the Fijian impressed him right from their first encounter. competing with several people to get And he recommended Mani to any that role. Im really proud to be the film maker in the Indian film industry. first Fijian to be in Bollywood, he Mani will make his debut in said Im going to win the hearts of Kafleys Nirankush, a psychological the Indians and this will go on. Im journey thriller which is set to be very proud to tell everyone here that Im from Fiji. released soon. His character, a psychic villain is parallel to the hero of the film. Hes got action in him, I was very happy with him when we were shooting the film, said the film director. Kafley said even the very fine and best of actors in the film industry would have to do their actions on re-takes after re-take. But he is so perfect, we dont have to keep going for re-takes for him. Hes just unbeatable, hes got the talent, the energy and hes the best. The film maker said Mani had everything a Proud Fijian Anil Rai Mani

Fiji tops popularity for Bollywood big budget movies


AVINESH GOPAL
The production of two multi-million dollar Bollywood movies is expected to start in the country in a few months. One of the movies will be based on a love story with a suspense angle and murder mystery while the other would be on Fiji. Manisha Bajaj of Harikrit Films in India said the first movie, titled Page No.217, had a budget of between $7 million and $9m. The other movie which we are planning to make straight after the first one will be more expensive and the two movies are budgeted at around $30 million, she said. The producer and director was introduced to Fiji by her friend, Babita Kumar, who also hails from India but has been residing here for the past 10 years. She told me about the beautiful locations in Fiji and other things and I came down to do the groundwork for the film, she said. Ms Bajaj said half of the cast for the first film would be from India and she planned to rope in Fijians to make up the full cast. Fiji has a lot of beauty and it has a lot to show to the world. I wish to explore some islands for my movie. The benefit here is there are some untouched locations unlike in India where movies have

Paresh Rawal in Table no. 21

Happy Holi

been produced in almost every corner. I want to add something new to my work and we have a passion to make something different. I believe in doing little but doing good and I believe in quality instead of quantity. Ms Bajaj said she found the people of Fiji very nice and she thanked the government

for the support. She leaves the country for India earlier this week and will return in June to start the production of her first movie. Other big budget movies shot in Fiji recently were Table No. 21, starring Paresh Rawal, and 3G, starring Neil Nitin Mukesh and Sonal Chauhan.

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www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | March 22, 2013

HERITAGE

Purpose gives meaning to life


Bramhachari Adarsh Chaitanya

ast week I had gone to a shop to scan a photo and had a thought provoking experience. When I gave it to the gentleman to scan he asked me Why do you want to scan the photo? Whats the purpose of it? I was taken aback for a moment and felt, Why is that relevant? It was a picture of my Guru which I just wanted scanned. Probably seeing my bewilderment, the kind man asked, What do you want to do with the scanned image? Do you want to reprint it in the same size or a bigger size or just to preserve it? Immediately, the penny dropped and I said, I would like to print it later in a bigger size. Then I understood why he asked the question it was so that he could scan a better quality image at a higher resolution. This mundane example made me think, how the clarity of my purpose of why I wanted the image scanned gave him direction to his action of how to scan the image. It highlighted how purpose directs actions, yet how many times I find my actions being without purpose. In fact, in most cases, we go through life without any defined purpose.

Why is purpose important? If we wear our most expensive shoes to perform regular everyday activities like buying the groceries, etc. wouldnt we feel that we are wasting a really good quality footwear on something less important? Similarly, to live through this life without achieving something great, whatever it might be as per our own vision, is a waste of the precious opportunity called human life, dont you think? Hence, purpose is important to guide our actions. But purpose, if it is defined only by ones own intellection, can be limited and even dangerous. Hence, the scriptures are studied for oneself (not blindly followed) to gain this clarity of purpose. Action with purpose is better than acting blindly, following the crowd. However, the latter is better than procrastinating or not acting at all. Our scriptures, our culture, our upbringing is supposed to guide us to that Higher purpose within us. It is not meant to make us one like everyone, but it is meant to make us one with everyone! Unfortunately, todays Religion and Spirituality is nothing but follow the leader (blindly). There is no room for questioning or enquiry. How can religious indicate our purpose? practices

Religion has depth because it is the pathway prescribed by realized masters who have reached its depths. Those who wish to reach those depths can do so, even today, through their own sincere and intelligent practice of their religion.

from the mistakes made en route. To remain ever focused on growth and not failure or success. All this is possible only when we transcend the narrowness of mind which we develop due to unconscious unhealthy habits.

Higher essential purpose, under the guidance of one who lives it not just preaches it absorb its essential meaning, remember the essence and apply it in the way we make our choices and relate to things and beings! Only such a life moves from

What does sincere and intelligent practice mean? This means to apply the values on themselves and grow them within ones own heart before they are suggested to others. To strive to be the best we can be, at all times, competing with only our earlier efforts, with the mind fixed on reaching our goals. In the process to be ever ready to learn

Just as the valves of the heart get narrow due to deposits of fat from poor eating habits, in the same way, the walls of our mind, as it were, get narrow, creating a narrow vision of everything around us, all due to a lack of choice executed or some poor choices made. They way out is to actively and sincerely study our scriptures which, direct us to our

the ordinary to the extra-ordinary. We are all capable of it! Bramhachari Adarsh Chaitanya serves as the Resident Acharya of Chinmaya Mission, Auckland and conducts weekly spiritual classes for children, youth and adults. For more information go to: www. chinmaya.org.nz or call 2756954.

ADVERTORIAL

www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | March 22, 2013

23

Qualified early childhood teachers make a difference for life


n recent years there has been a renewed interest in young childrens brain development and its relation to early childhood care and education. The research unfailingly proves that the early years, particularly ages zero to three, are the most crucial. Every experience and interaction a young child has can have a profound effect on the way their brain develops, thus the quality of the early years is a key factor in how a child may fare in character development and academic pursuits now and in later life. An example of such research is the longitudinal study entitled Competent Children, Competent Learners, conducted by the New Zealand Council for Educational Research (NZCER). The study, which began in 1993, has followed a group of 500 children from preschool up until age 20. Reporting on the children at age eight, they found that children who attended high quality early childhood centres scored significantly higher scores in literacy and maths tests 1. With 95% of under-fives in New Zealand enrolled in some form of centre-based early childhood education3, it makes sense that early childhood teachers undergo training to maximize and extend on childrens learning in this critical window of time. Research has continually found that one of the top

indicators for centre quality is having teachers with qualifications6. Through effective professional training teachers discover that learning in the early years must be initiated by the child and supported by the teacher. It is essential that teachers know to observe the interests of the children in their care, and to build on these by asking questions and promoting related, deve lopme ntally-appropr iate learning experiences. A teachers familiarity and knowledge of a curriculum framework, (Te Whariki (Ministry of Education, 1996) in the case of early childhood education in New Zealand), helps to uphold a level of quality across early childhood settings. It can also help staff clarify their pedagogical aims, focus on the most important aspects of child development and respond adequately to childrens needs. It can also ensure continuity between early childhood education and primary schooling7. Despite the overwhelming evidence in favour of qualified teachers, debate has continued over the need of having 100% of staff in early childhood settings, a target set by the previous Labour government. Although centres are now only required to have 80% of its staff fully qualified (as imposed by the current government), there is still a strong demand for graduates with

qualifications, especially those with a Bachelors degree or Graduate Diploma in Teaching specializing in early childhood education. There is a particular need for Maori and Pasifika teachers in centres to encourage greater ECE participation within that demographic4. As summarized by leading early childhood researchers Podmore, Mead and Kerslake Hendricks, the benefits for children in quality early childhood settings are short-term and long-term, encompassing all facets of development, and all intelligences5. New Zealand Tertiary College

(NZTC), based in Greenlane, Auckland, is driven by a passion for and commitment to delivering professional early childhood qualifications. Our students feel confident that they have chosen an institution with a long and robust history of innovation in the field of early childhood teacher education. In 2013 we continue as a national leader with high-quality programs that reflect the ever-evolving needs of the sector. Whether you are completely new to tertiary study or a graduate looking to up skill in the area of early childhood education, we offer

a program to suit you. Programs range from introductory Certificate level (Level 4) to a Masters degree (Level 9). Our Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) and Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) graduates are eligible to apply for teacher registration with the New Zealand Teachers Council. Teacher registration assures employers and parents that graduates have completed an education program in which they have been guided by experienced teachers. Having to maintain practicing certificates every three years also ensures relevancy of professional knowledge7. NZTCs students have the option of studying at our Auckland Campus, or studying from any location in New Zealand through our flexible online modes of learning. Make the first step to a career that will impact the future today. View our prospectus online at www.nztertiarycollege. ac.nz or give us a call on (09) 520 4000. Scholarships may be available for applicants of Maori and Pasifika descent.

A healthy body and healthy mind


Body and mind both are deeply correlated with each other. We can treat our body with Ayurveda by having a good lifestyle, healthy eating habits and herbal medicines. On the other side we can treat our mind with yoga exercises and meditation. Its my privilege as being an ayurvedic doctor, practicing in India from last 20 years, now to serve western society from last 7 years with this marvelous healing system.To lead a good healthy life, we need a healthy body and healthy mind.Ayurveda is the only medical system in which we treat the body through the root cause of the problem instead of just suppressing the symptoms of a disease.Moreover, precaution is better than cure. In Ayurveda, we take care of our body with healthy eating, good lifestyle, proper exercises and good thoughts. Positive thoughts are very important for our wellbeing. Onset of every disease is through negative thoughts. Through Yoga and meditation, we can make clear our mind, focus and go from negativity to positivity. Positive thoughts lead to positive feelings, positive feeling changes our attitude and ultimately stable mind personality.So negative thoughts are the root cause of every problem and positive thoughts are the remedy of every disease. Its my request to every reader of this article, give time to your self. Be honest with yourself and than you can be honest with your family and profession. Try to go out for walk everyday to take fresh oxygen which helps to regulate body metabolism, strengthens immune system and make mind stable and focused. Take light breakfast, heavy lunch and lightest dinner. Drink 6-8 glasses of water everyday. Take 6-8 hrs sleep.Do 30 min exercises at least 5 times a week and always try to check your thoughts at least 5 times a day. STOP----CHECK--CORRECT---PROCEED FORWARD. Try to make this line as a formula of your daily life. After following these simple formulas and life changing effective rules, we can make our self, our family environment, work place environment HAPPY, HEALTY AND STRESS FREE. For consultation, contact Dr S Rani, INZ Ayurveda & Yoga, 745,Great South Road, Papatoetoe, Auckland Tel: 09 2760 725

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www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | March 22, 2013

ENTERTAINMENT

Midnights Children to kick off New York Indian Film Festival


he 13th Annual New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) will kick off April 10 with an exclusive screening of acclaimed director Deepa Mehtas Midnights Children based on award-winning writer Salman Rushdies novel. Mehta and Rushdie, who also adapted the screenplay, producer David Hamilton, cast members Sarita Choudhury and Samrat Chakrabarti, too would be in attendance, according to festival organizers, the Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC). Paladin and 108 Media will be officially releasing Midnights Children in major US cities starting in New York City on April 26. Mehta, who returns to NYIFF after her Oscar-nominated film Water opened the film festival in 2005, said: We have had a very long and creatively fruitful relationship with NYIFF. Fire, the very first film in the elemental Trilogy was shown A still from Midnights Children

there and almost every film I have made since. It is enormously pleasing for me to be once again collaborating with NYIFF and bringing to their

extremely discerning audience Midnights Children, a film that I have been dreaming of doing since I first read the book over 30 years

ago, she said. Midnights Children tells the magical, wide-spanning story of how two babies, born within moments

of India proclaiming Independence from Britain, are switched at birth and are forever marked by history. Long-time supporter of NYIFF, Salman Rushdie also narrates the film. Im delighted the film of Midnights Children is to be given this preview screening in New York by my old friends at NYIFF, said Rushdie. Midnights Children has played at festivals worldwide to much critical acclaim. Widely recognized as the premiere showcase of groundbreaking Indian cinema globally, IAACs NYIFF will announce the full line-up of screenings and events for the festival by March 22. The oldest and most prestigious Indian film festival in the US, NYIFF is dedicated to showcasing, promoting and building an awareness of Independent, art house, alternate and diaspora films from/about/connected to the Indian subcontinent.

Subhash Kapoor to direct Munnabhai 3


wanted to see if I have something to tell about Munna and Circuit (two important characters played by Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi, respectively). When I felt that there was something I could do, I got back to Vinod, he said. Both Chopra and Hirani will be attached to the project, but it has not been revealed in what capacity. Kapoor is known for making satirical comedy Phas Gaye Re Obama and the recent release Jolly LLB, which mocks the legal system in India. A huge fan of Chopra and Hirani, Kapoor said: I am hugely excited to work with the likes of Raju Hirani and Vinod Chopra in my fourth film. They are the best. I will get time to work with them, discuss and argue and come up with a good script. I am looking forward to it, he said. Raju Hirani is the best thing to happen to Hindi cinema in the last 25 years. That honesty and simplicity... His films are magic, he added. For Munnabhai project, Kapoor is happy to take inputs from Hirani and Chopra. They love their work and mean what they do. They do their bit and do it better than all of us. They are lovely people to work with, he said. Talking about how he came on board, the director said: I got a call from Vinod Chopra, He wanted to meet me and wanted to know about my background. He saw Phas Gaye... and then we met. He liked the film and he asked me if I would be interested (for Munnabhai). I said I needed time. I wanted time as it is one of my favourite films.

olly LLB director Subhash Kapoor is excited about wielding the megaphone for Munnabhai 3, but says he didnt jump at the offer and took his own sweet time to accept it. I wanted time because it is Munnabhai. There are two ways to react - you can be like it is an opportunity of a lifetime or you can sit back and think if you have anything in mind and if you can do justice, he said. The first two films - Munnabhai M.B.B.S and Lage Raho Munna Bhai - were directed by Rajkumar Hirani and produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. They were not only entertaining, but conveyed messages too. I took about two weeks of time and wanted to figure this out. I

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the post-production has started in full swing, said a source. Heartless is a medical thriller, about a mother-son bond, where the son needs a heart transplant. The film stars Shekhars actor son Adhyayan Suman as well as Deepti Naval and Om Puri. Shot in Dubai and Mumbai, the film will release this year. Heartless is Shekhars tribute to his late son Aayush. He lost his son to congenital heart disease. Shekhar has worked in TV shows like Dekh Bhai Dekh and Wah Janab, he also hosted the chat show Movers & Shakers for Sony. On the big screen, he was seen in films like Utsav and Sansar.

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ts not long when the prince of Punjab pop will be here to take Auckland through an electrifying evening of groovy music. Mika Singh, one of Bollywoods most prolific singers, is known for his large audiences at shows full of entertainment. He is one of the most talented Punjabi pop artistes of his time. The bhangra/pop artiste, whose recent accolades include the numbers Chinta ta chita from Rowdy Rathore and Pungi from Agent Vinod, loves performing live, and believes that the spontaneity and energy which comes to him as a performer can rarely come in a studio. Aariya Entertainment Presents the Baadshah of Bollywood, Mika Singh, in Auckland soon. Start off your Easter weekend with Mika on 28th March at Telstra Clear Pacific Event Centre. Doors will open at 6pm, with DJ Dave starting off the night, a cash Bar and lip smacking food from India Gate. Come in early, have a bite, have a drink and countdown till the concert starts at 8pm.

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uckland Marathi Association Incorporated (AMAI) presents a psychological thriller Sorry Sir, a play that boasts of not to be missed by any theatre lover. The play is written by Sandeep Shitole and directed by Bipin Chavan. Sorry Sir would be staged at 4pm on 23rd March at Green Bay School Auditorium, 143 161 Godley Road, Green Bay. AMAI has made an arrangement to keep the kids busy so that the parents dont miss the excitement and thrill. There would also be a food stall to cater to hungry tummies.

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www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | March 22, 2013

ENTERTAINMENT

D
Iconic Rendezvous: Steven Spielberg and Amitabh Bachchan amidst an intense conversation on the magic of movies in Mumbai recently

The small film that made it big


irector Tigmanshu Dhulia, who has directed dramathriller Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns, has a reason to celebrate. The movie has managed to mint Rs.12.75 crore during its opening weekend. The opening day figure of Saheb Biwi Aur... stood at Rs.3.5 crore, which jumped to Rs.4.25 crore, the collection reaching Rs.5 crore mark, said a statement. Said to be made on a budget of Rs.7 crore, Saheb Biwi... is coproduced by Dhulia and Rahul Mittra. The movie is a sequel to 2011 film Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster, which was appreciated for its intense script, narration and performances. The sequel stars actors Jimmy Sheirgill and Mahie Gill, who are reprising their roles from the previous film. They are joined by Irrfan and Soha Ali Khan in the cast. The film grew from strength to strength over the weekend as it was

With a small release in India as well as limited screenings in overseas market, Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns has got one of the best openings for a small film.
supported by strong word of mouth and extremely positive reviews from critics. With its strong direction, dialogues and acting, the movie also created quite a buzz on social media and was trending for three days on Twitter. With a small release in India as well as limited screenings in overseas market, Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns has got one of the best openings for a small film. This is also highest ever for a Dhulia film.

Big B gets talking with Spielberg


with as many as 61 personalities from Indian cinema and shared tips on filmmaking. Lincoln is a co-production between Spielbergs DreamWorks and Indian business tycoon Anil Ambanis Reliance Entertainment. Expressing his views on the new trend where Hollywood studios are collaborating with Indian production houses, Big B wrote: The interest in the US and in particular Hollywood in holding hands with entertainment companies in India, because you felt that the world was diminishing in size due to the ease of communication, and that the idea really was to bring communities closer, build bridges of understanding and sharing, because impressions, thoughts were now instant, thanks to the internet and its various social networking programmes. My own argument on the subject though was somewhat different; that ever since the opening up of the economy in India, the sheer volume of the demographics of the region, 1.2 billion, or every 6.3rd person in the universe being an Indian, was too attractive a consumer base to ignore! ...So the argument being that when a country did well economically, its politics, finance, food, music, clothing and film, became suddenly, very attractive too, which was why the mention of India, Indian references, presence of Indian actors, albeit in minuscule roles, gained relevance in Hollywood and in American TV. Among the Indian filmmakers present at the event were Rajkumar Hirani, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Anurag Kashyap, Ramesh Sippy, Shyam Benegal among others.

ollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchans meeting with acclaimed Hollywood filmmaker Steven Spielberg, whom he calls an institution, was one full of talks on the state of Indian cinema and the future of cinema at large. An evening with an institution... an evening spent in conversation in the presence of select fraternity and press... an evening of sharing cinema with the prolific maker, inventor, storyteller, innovator and one who continues to surprise us with his genius, the 70-year-old posted on his blog srbachchan.tumblr.com, after meeting Spielberg. Amitabh is particularly in awe of Spielbergs E.T. Extra Terrestrial, which he feels was endearing. Spielberg, who is in India to celebrate the success of his Oscarwinning film Lincoln, interacted

Minister opens childcare centre at Baverstock Oaks school

brand new purpose built education and care centre at Baverstock Oaks school was officially opened by MinisterNikkiKayeon Tuesday March 5 at 9.30 am. Edukids has more than 30 full time children already enrolled but the centre is licensed for 100 children. The centre is a reflection of Auckland with European, Maori, Asian, Indian, African, Tongan and Middle Eastern ethnicities represented. Says Arlene Troy, Transition Manager, We have a large number of Asian and Indian families bringing their children to the centre and we are very fortunate to have two teachers who speak multiple languages.Anul Khan speaks Hindi and Bangoli and Litao Chen speaks Cantonese and Mandarin.

Many of these children dont speak English when they arrive so having a teacher who can communicate with them in their own language means they settle easily. Often grandparents bring the children to the centre while parents work and they may not speak English or it is may be their second language so having some of our teaching team able to communicate means it is less stressful. Says Mary Wilson, principal of Baverstock Oaks, Having a preschool centre right next door makes the transition to school so much easier for children. Our new entrant teachers cant stress enough the importance of having some form of education before school. It means children arrive familiar with our school, the routines, the environment and are ready

to be part of our learning family from the first day. This is the first time a Kidicorp childcare centre has been built on school land. The centre will offer full and part-time care and provide healthy nutritious meals throughout the day. The centre has 4 qualified and fully registered teachers and another qualifying in May this year, who know how to nurture and encourage children from 3 months to 5 years. The centre will also offer a uniqueBe School Readyprogramme designed to ensure children are well prepared for their next learning journey when they move to school. Kidicorp spends more than any other childcare provider on professional development and on going learning for its

teaching team. Each year teachers meet over 10 time for professional development opportunities. Kidicorp centres offers a top quality educational programme designed to give children a lifelong love of learning. Says Fiona Hughes, Chief Operating Officer, We are very excited about this project. Research shows that children settle into school easily when they have been to a neighbouring preschool. We are looking forward to getting to know families and whanau within the local community and working in partnership with to provide the best environment for children to grow and develop.

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www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | March 22, 2013

HOLI HAI!

Holi in South Auckland

Humm 106.2FM, The South Trust, Bharatiya Samaj Charitable Trust and Manukau Indian Association will be celebrating Holi in South Auckland and promoting diversity with colours. People from all ages and cultures come together to enjoy the playful spray of colours and relish on the delicious savouries and sweets prepared to keep the festivity high. With food stalls, local entertainers, live band, live DJ and colours to play with, join this free, fun filled community event and much more. When: Saturday, March 24, 12noon 6pm Where: Telstra Clear Pacific Event Centre Admission: Free ground celebrations. So be there. The opening ceremony is at 2pm. When: March 31, 11am to 7pm Where: Trusts Stadium (Grounds), Central Park Drive, Henderson Admission: Free Palmerston North, Otaki and Auckland would keep everyone entertained using music, yoga, face painting, childrens activities, and drama. When: 31st March, 2pm8pm Where: Sri Sri Radha Giridhari Temple, 1229 Riverhead Highway, Auckland Admission: Free Website: www.harekrishna.org.nz

Indianz Global Women & Family Group have planned to promote Race Relations day (March 21) along with Holi festivities. When: March 23, 12 noon to 6pm Where: Waikato University, Village Green Lake Side Admission: Free

Holi Spec ial


Road, Lower Hutt, Wellington and Rotorua Admission: Free

Rang Barse Holi Mela

The Waitakere Indian Association presents Rang Barse Holi Mela, a colourful presentation of rich Indian and multicultural items on the theme of integration. Since Holi is a festival of colours where one sings hymns to the accompaniment of drum and cymbals, and generally involve in other singing, merry making and dancing to celebrate victory of good over evil, the afternoons event will be full of singing, cultural items and fun for the whole family in open-

Immerse yourself in colours on Saturday with Auckland Hare Krishna devotees as they celebrate the Festival of colours, Holi! You will be treated to the tunes of the melodious ancient music and the radiant colours from the very heart of India that will get you dancing with joy. This is a sure fun-filled day for all families and something that everyone will treasure and remember for years. The Festival of Colours will take place at the tranquil, environmentally wonderful, and peaceful setting of the grounds of Sri Sri Radha Giridhari Temple. The Festival aims to provide the opportunity to the people of Auckland and those at festival to experience the thrills of being involved in one of Indias most popular Festival of Colours, learn about Krishna consciousness and vegetarianism. ISKCON devotees from Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch, Masterton,

Immerse in colours with ISKCON

Sab rang ek sang

There are religious storiesbehind the celebration of Holi in different regions of India, however the essence is the same. This year Gopio Waikato and

This year, Hindu Council of New Zealand has collaborated with the Hutt Multi Cultural Councils Multifest celebrations. Multifest brings various ethnicities in the Hutt region for a day-long festivity to mark the Race Unity Day. The rich symbolism of intermingling of Holi colours will blend spectacularly with Multifest for the wider Hutt and Wellington community. One of the key objectives is to encourage youth to not only participate but also learn to organise events to develop and nourish a community spirit. This years Holi festival will be run by youths mainly teenagers and tertiary students from various communities. When: March 23. The official festival will start at 2.00 pm. Where: Horticulture Hall, Laings

Holi Flavour in Wellington

Musical evening by Pakistan Association of New Zealand

The Pakistan Association of New Zealand presents a gala musical evening with Creation Group, organised by Central Auckland Pakistan Community. When: Sunday March 31, 6pm Where: Mt. Roskill IntermediateSchool Admission: Free entry. Adults only.

Corrigendum In the issue dated March 1, the venue of Bepen Bhanas exhibition The Curry Bunch was wrongly printed as Bath Street Gallery. The venue for the exhibit is Mangere Arts Centre. Error is regretted. - Editor

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REVIEW

www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | March 22, 2013

29

A fine balance of flavours with this Thali


SHRIYA BHAGWAT-CHITALE Pics: Bhavnesh Soni
as far as possibilities go. P James for President, a political allegory picks-up pace in spite of being a bit unclear in places. It is the world of P James, used to the limelight is cast in the role of a traditionally spotlight-shy President. The audience visibly perked up thanks to the onstage acting and the perfect synch between the characters. This was a fun watch. My name is Cine-Ma, the last of the short plays successfully draws on the Bollywood connection. It lifts the curtain to unveil the other side of the projected razzmatazz of Bollywood. Narrated from the perspective of a young girl who skips school to watch movies not uncommon the backdrop is a small town south India where new film reels are recycled and new ones made. The bursts of short song and dance sequences are a fitting nod to the evolution of genres in the Hindi film industry. Over all, the platter lives up to its promise.Thali is different from Prayass previous work. Heres hoping the group is able to steer clear of the formulaic approach and can muster the momentum to venture into staging original stories, locally grown.

Stills from the short plays Balti Kings (l) and Through the Grapevine (r), two of the four short plays as a part of Thali. he first presentation of Prayas at the Auckland fringe festival, Thali described as a theatrical platter of plays has had a successful run. The audience was in for an interaction with incharacter artistes at the venue before the performance. Thali begins with Balti Kings, a play originally by Sudha Bhuchar and Shaheen Khan. This ones the first surefooted way forward and successfully eases the audience into the subsequent flavours. Originally set in Birmingham, the play strikes a chord and this could well be any Indian restaurant in Auckland, considering the popularity of Indian food. Through the Grapevine by Sananda Chatterjee brings to life two leading ladies from Indian mythology Sita and Panchali in the contemporary world of Facebook and Twitter. Prayas is successful for producing original Indian theatre in English for the NZ audiences unfamiliar with the mythological tales. This lack of understanding of the back story is further compounded by what appeared a rushed enactment. Simply put, the narration was hard to follow and even for those in the know, the idea of presenting the story from the womens perspective felt a bit tired

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www.iwk.co.nz | The Indian Weekender | March 22, 2013

RECIPE

Rubys Kitchen
Ruby Dhillon

AlooPoori

This dish has 2 parts:Aloocurry andPoori, both eaten together.


Ingredients (for the Aloocurry) 2- big potatoes cut into cubes 1- onion medium and chopped 1- tomato big and chopped 1tsp- ginger paste 1tsp- garlic paste 2-3- green chillies 1tsp- red chilli powder 1/2tsp- turmeric powder 1tsp- garam masala powder A pinch of Asafetida (hing)

Salt according to taste 2tbsp- oil for cooking 1/2cup- chopped coriander

Method Pure tomato with green chillies in a blender. Keep aside. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat, add chopped onion, fry until light brown in colour. Add garlic, ginger paste saut for 15 seconds Add red chilli powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, asafetida and

salt. Mix well and when the oil separates add tomato and green chilli pure, stir Add chopped Potatoes with one glass of water. Cover and cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes

the spoon on the side of the pan.


Ingredients (for the poori) 11/2cup- wheat flour (Atta) 1tbsp- oil Warm water for kneading the wheat flour Oil for frying

Tip - If you are pre-cooking the potatoes in a pressure cooker, to avoid over-cooking, cook for only 2 whistles. For a thicker consistency of the gravy press few cookedaloowith

Method Mix flour with oil. Gradually add water and mix. When fully mixed, knead to make a soft dough, cover with a moist cloth and keep aside for 15 minutes.

Garnish Aloo curry with chopped coriander and serve hot withPoori.

Heat oil in a wok (Kadhai) on medium heat. Knead the dough again and divide into equal portions, roll the dough with the rolling pin into round discs approximately the size of your palm. Deep fry thePooriuntil golden brown in colour, turning once to ensure it puffs up. Place on kitchen paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Increase or decrease the consistence of the aloo gravy as per your preference by adding more water or less.

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