3 MARCH2017 Vol.

8 Issue 48

NZs only Kiwi-Indian weekly Auckland | Christchurch | Wellington | Hamilton | Palmerston North | Hastings | Invercargill The Pulse of Kiwi-Indians since 2009 www.iwk.co.nz

JACINDA
ARDERN
RACIAL
SLUR
We can save
RISING you thousands

PROFILE
on mortgage
HURLED IN SOUTH interest payments.
AUCKLAND
RAJESH Interested?
NAYYAR
A CRICKETER,

STUDENT DEPORTATION
COACH and
ADMINISTRATOR

AUCKLAND CELEBRATES
THE DAY OF LORD SHIVA For a smarter way to pay
off your mortgage, go to
I I NDI A
K IW N
globalfinance.co.nz

?
or call 09 255 5500

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

NOMINATE NOW FOR HALL OF FAME 2017 NZs top Mortgage & Insurance Advisers
Expert Impartial Advice
Nominate online at www.halloffame.co.nz Trusted by 4,000+ families since 1999
Disclosure Statement available upon request, free of cost.
www.nziol.co.nz

GET 6.5 BANDS IN NZIOL will help

NEW ZEALAND
INSTITUTE
IELTS you to achieve your OF LEARNING

TARGET
2C/302, Te Irirangi Drive,

58
Botany South, Flat Bush,

SCORE In
Auckland 2013

just
For more details visit NZIOL.
IN www.nziol.co.nz

PTE
facebook.com/nziolflatbush

$100* 022 159 3477 /

A Private Tuition Centre *Conditions Apply 09 273 1537
 2 NEW ZEALAND
Kiwi-Indian Sikh
subjected to racist slur
SANDEEP SINGH
A
Kiwi-Indian Sikh truck
driver was subjected to a
racist slur of go back to
your country, in a South Auckland
safe storage facility.
A video that has gone going
viral on the social media today
since Monday, February 27, shows
that a resident washing his car
was appalled by a passing trucks
speedor the ethnicity of the
driver as the video suggeststo
the extent that usual verbal abuses
were followed by go back to your
country tirade.
The victim in question, Bikramjit
Singh Mattran, who owns and
operates a truck business, was
parking his truck at a storage
facility in South Aucklandwhen
the incident occurred.
Indian Weekenderspoke with Mr
Mattran to investigate further
about the incident. He told that
probably he was driving slightly
faster than the usual five-kilometre
speed limit restriction inside the
safe storage business facility but
was vigil and safe.
I am not sure why that
gentleman launched a racial tirade
against me. It possibly could be
because I might be going slightly
faster, Mr Mattaran said.
For that matter, even car
washing was not allowed in the
vicinity as I confirmed with the
facility manager this morning.
When Mr Mattaran defended
that he was a New Zealander
and this country belongs to him
as clearly heard on the video, the
gentleman in question was not
impressed and asked, Were you
born here?
On persistently defending and
refusing to take this racist slur,
Mr Mattran was charged by the
attacker probably to snatch away
the mobile.
Mr Mattaran informed Indian
Weekender that he was punched and
sprayed with a water hose when
attempts to snatch away the mobile
being used to record the video was
unsuccessful.
Mr Mattaran posted the video on
the New Zealand Police Facebook
page where he was immediately
advised to lodge a formal complaint
at Manukau or Otahuhu Police
Station, as it was a serious matter.
Later Counties Police Manukau
Inspector Uraia Vakaruru
confirmed Indian Weekender
that they have received a
formal complaint.
Police can confirm that we have
received a complaint in relation to
this matter.
3 March 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz
access to health care over the last
Bikramjit Singh Mattran
Both parties involved are assisting
police with our enquiries.
We are still seeking to establish
exactly what has occurred
and cannot make any further
comment at this early stage of
ourinvestigation, Inspector
Vakaruru said.
Mr Mattran says that the
physical attack on him should have
been recorded on the CCTV at the
premises.
Indian Weekenders attempts to
contact the business at whose
premise this alleged incident
occurred to verify the facts as
claimed by Mr Mattaran was
unsuccessful, as the staff there
declined to make comment on
the record.
he says.
9 in 10 health workers
feel understaffed
N
ine out of ten people
working in health say they
dont have enough staff
is distressing.
or resources, according to a new
survey. The YesWeCare.nz Survey
of 6000 health workers found:
90% say the health system
doesnt have the staff and resource
required to give New Zealanders
the healthcare they need when they
need it.
61% say New Zealanders
five years has decreased.
72% say their workload and
work pressures arent reasonable.
84% say their workload and
work pressures have increased over
the last five years.
90% say the Governments
current level of health funding is
affecting New Zealanders access
to healthcare.
82% say the Governments
current level of health funding
is affecting their workload and
work pressure.
YesWeCare.nz is a new
community - health workforce
coalition for better health funding.
Emergency Nurse Nico Woodward
says health underfunding is New
Zealands biggest health risk.
I get as frustrated and angry
as patients and families with
emergency department delays,
Not being able to care for
someone, when you know you
could if you were staffed properly,
Mr Woodward says health
funding hasnt kept up with an
ageing and growing population.
The Council of Trade Unions
(CTU) estimates the government
has underfunded health by more
than $1.85 billion.
New Zealand Nurses
Organisation (NZNO) Industrial
Advisor Lesley Harry says
underfunding is now affecting
patient safety.
Poor access to care, care-
rationing, health-worker burnout
and strained infrastructure are
now common, she says. The
2016 Budget made it clear that
the Government was not properly
assessing current or future
funding needs.
HEALTH UNDERFUNDING
ROADSHOW
Mr Woodward has put his
nursing career on hold to join
YesWeCare.nzs national roadshow.
The coalition is launching their
campaign at 38 towns across the
country to raise awareness about
health underfunding.
The events will include local
stories and 200 life size cut-outs
of health workers missing due to
underfunding.
The roadshow starts this
Saturday 4 March in Bluff and
finishes in Cape Reinga on
Wednesday 29 March.
 www.iwk.co.nz | 3 March2017
NEW ZEALAND 3

Labour comfortably holds Mt Albert seat,

Jacinda due for promotion
SANDEEP SINGH The massive landslide victory of 10,000

T
he Mt Albert by-election results did votes over her nearest contestant Green
not come as surprise to anyone as Partys Julie Anne Genter would certainly
build her profile within the party. Its another
Labours Jacinda Ardern marched
matter that Ms Genter was more visible in
home with a thumping victory on election
demonstrating her personal solidarity with
night on Saturday, February 25.
Ms Ardern during the campaigning rather
There were some days of intense than putting forward values that her party
speculation in the media about Ms Arderns brings to the political scene.
imminent elevation to the position of In the end, it was a reminiscent of a scene
Deputy Leader of the Labour Party heading from Rio Olympics last year where two

to general elections and Andrew Littles
persistent denial of any such changeover.
However, in the end, speculations turned
real as Annette King, the current incumbent
at the deputy leader position decided to step
down on Wednesday, March 1, four days
after Ms Arderns massive victory, and Mr
Little quickly announced his nomination for
Ms Ardern to be his deputy.
The Labour caucus is meeting on March 7
German twin sisters finished a marathon
holding their hands together. At that time,
there were some criticisms in the media for
those runners for not being driven by the zeal
of producing their best performance every
time they professionally compete. votes in the general election so as to give the
The Labour Apparently, there is no such expectation of
party a balance of power in the parliament.
caucus is professionalism placed on our politicians. The leaders and brains behind the
meeting on March 7 and LESSONS FOR NEW ZEALAND party need to understand that there is a
is largely expected to PEOPLE PARTY reason behind political class collective

and is largely expected to give an approval to
Mr Littles nomination.
Earlier, the preliminary turnout was low
in the Mt Albert by-electionjust under
30%as compared to the previously
held Mt Roskill by-election where turnout
was 38.5%.
The electoral contest was insignificant
if not altogether meaningless when the
Nationals had abstained away from fielding
a candidate citing the reasons that Mt Albert
was considered traditionally a Labour seat.
However, the electoral outcome was not as
insignificant as the actual contest was.
Ms Ardern obviously had to fill in big shoes
of the two previous Labour Party leaders and
give an approval to Mr
Littles nomination as
deputy to Andrew Little.
a prime ministera challenge to which as
the latest electoral results confirms that Ms
Ardern had responded well.
Mt Albert electorate had been sending
representatives such as David Shearer and
Helen Clark who both were the Leaders of
the Labour Party and the prime minister of
the country in case of Helen Clark.
N
ew Zealand Peoples Party (NZPP), the
countrys only political party claiming
to exclusively represent ethnic Indian and
Chinese immigrants in New Zealand, again
failed to make any noticeable impact on the
electoral scene.
The partys candidate Vin Tomar was
at a distant fourth position with 199 votes
behind the newly formed Gareth Morgans
The Opportunities party (TOP) candidate
Geoff Simmons.
It is high time that the party realises that
time is running out before the next general
elections arrive at their doorsteps.
The party needs to do more than just
wishful thinking of hoping to get 1012%
relaxed attitude towards individual political
adventurism of wealthy businessmen.
The partys progress in national politics
will largely depend on their ability to offer
some substance to the electorate rather than
just making noise around law and order
the main reason for their existenceas an
independent political party as originally
claimed by the party leadership.
As political commentator Bryce Edwards
notes that in an election year, parties need
campaigners and communicators in the
leadership group. NZPP will have to ensure
that they have got right communication
strategy in place.

Your child
(Year 9 13, NCEA and Cambridge)

Fears Maths Dislikes Maths

SYMPTOMS

Finds Maths complicated

ROOT CAUSE

Simplify Maths
TREATMENT

MATHEMATICA MATHS... SIMPLIFIED

OUTCOMES

Improved
Loves Maths performance
in Maths

 Group / Personal Tuitions  Visit www.mathematicanz.com for testimonials

 Year 9 13  Contact: Foram Rawal
 NCEA / Cambridge Board  M: 021 143 0481, E-Mail: foram@mathematicanz.com
Branches: Blockhouse Bay, CBD

VERTICAL AD, 130 x 180 mm

 4 NEW ZEALAND 3 March 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

Colours, music and fun galore at Holi 2K17

RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

T
he Hare Krishna Temple
grounds in Kumeu
witnessed one of the biggest
turnouts for a Holi event in New
Zealand. More than 10,000 people
visited the Holi 2K17Festival
of Colours event hosted by Hare
Krishna Temple (ISKCON) on
Sunday, February 26.
The noon to evening celebration
saw people from different
ethnicities come together for the
annual celebration of colours.
NZ Police, emergency services
such as St. Johns Ambulance and
NZ Fire Services, also took part
in the celebrations. The police
vehicles were splashed with colours
and officers posed with the visitors
for photos.
Devotees of Shri Ram and
Krishna took to the stage chanting
Hare Ram Hare Krishna as
visitors danced to their hymns
and music.
This is the best Holi
celebrations ever. I am so glad
to see so many people from the
Kiwi, European, Asian, and Pacific
Island community come together
and actively participate in the
event, Divesh Karma, a visitor at
the celebrations, said.

Photo courtesy:
David Watson Photography and
Rizwan Mohammad

Winners of Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards 2016

Best Businesswoman of the Year 2016
Finalist
Business Excellence in Innovation
Best Medium sized Business
IMMIGRATION LAW FAMILY LAW
Visitor / Student / Work Visas Relationship Property Disputes
Entrepreneur Work (Business)Visa Drafting and Execution of Separation
Immigration & Protection Tribunal Agreements
(IPT) Appeals Divorce Matters
Section 61 Applications
Judicial Review EMPLOYMENT LAW
Ministerial Appeals Represent Employees / Employers
Employment Mediation &
CRIMINAL LAW Court Hearings
Careless / Dangerous / Drink Driving
Domestic Violence
PROPERTY LAW
Sale & Purchase of Properties
Limited / Work License Sale & Purchase of Businesses
Criminal Offenses Transfer of Title (to Trusts or Look
Through Companies)
Guarantees & General Security Agreements
Leases

WILLS & TRUSTS

Will Drafting
Will Execution / Probate
Setting Up Trusts
Transmission
Power of Attorney
* Terms & conditions apply

Raj and Ashima Singh PO BOX 23445, Hunters Corner, Papatoetoe,

31, East Tamaki Road, Level1 Papatoetoe, Auckland. Auckland. 2025 (Above Bank Of India)
Ph: +64 9 2799439 | 02102417161 | Fax: +64 9 2799419 www.legalassociates.co.nz
CONTACT US AT: RAJ:raj@legalassociates.co.nz / ASHIMA: ashima@legalassociates.co.nz

Maha Shivratri celebrated
with devotional fervor
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
O
rganised at the Balmoral Temple in
Sandringham, Bharatiya Mandirs
Maha Shivratri celebrations saw more
than 2000 devotees lined up for hours on
the evening on February 25 to attend the
special prayers.
Shivratri is celebrated on the 13/14th
moonless night in the month of Phalgun or
Maagh every year. The celebration marks
the marriage anniversary of Lord Shiva and
Parvati. On this day, devotees observe a day-
long fast.
Bhartiya Mandir has been celebrating
this auspicious day for the last 22 years.
Acharya Shri Upendrabhai Joshi conducted
the Shivratri prayer along with Pt Govind
Prasad Sharma.
Clad in ethnic dresses, men, women, and
children attended the celebrations at the
temple, with a thali (plate) of fruits, bael
leaves, sandalwood powder, kumkum, and
milk bottles. Devotees applied kumkum, and
placed flowers on the lingam.
www.iwk.co.nz | 3 March2017
NEW ZEALAND 5
Responsible business with lasting
relationship in the community
Home Loans*
Less than 20% deposit?
Residential first home or Investment property?
Building/Extending/Renovating? Rakesh Bansal
Commercial property? Ph: 021 030 8135
Ex Bank Manager with over 30 years
Looking to refinance? experience in New Zealand and overseas
Business loan?
Self employed but no financials?
Insurances
Sole bread winner?
Young children?
Huge Mortgage?
Want to have adequate insurance
cover within budget? Era Bansal
Ph: 021 066 7598
Ex Banker for years
era@kiwimortgages.net.nz
Contact us for FREE consultation for all your loan and insurance
A special part of the Shivratri prayer requirement today. We help you structure your loan as per your
ceremony is pouring milk on the Shiva Lingam cash flow to save interest costs and thus repay the loan faster.
called dugdhabhishekam, which signifies the
devotees love and affection towards the deity.
Every devotee participated in the Shiva FREE PHONE: 0508 33 22 11
Lingam dugdhabhishekam, and most of them (P) 09 9033 602
stayed back to chant and offer prayers
(F) 09 9033 601
Mob 021 030 8135
alongside the priest.
info@kiwimortgages.net.nz
The Brahma Kumari group of New www.kiwimortgages.net.nz Manisha Kumar
Zealand also presented a four feet tall ice
Office
Shiva Lingam and placed it at the temple. 116B, Cavendish Drive, Manukau City, Auckland *Subject to lending criteria
 6 NEW ZEALAND 3 March 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

Multiple robberies in Mothers paid 17%

Tokoroa in one week
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
T T
he police is hunting
for offenders of
three separate armed
robberies in one week in
Tokoroa, Waikato.
On Monday night
(February 27), two men,
armed with a hammer and
an axe, entered Amber
Dairy on Bridge Street and
demanded cash from the
shop attendant. According
to the police, the robbers
were denied of anything, so
they ran out of the store and
headed down a service lane
towards Dreghorn Place.
When Indian Weekender
approached Amber Dairy, the
owner denied acknowledging
and commenting on the
incident.
On Sunday, February
26, three men armed with
a machete and a firearm
entered the Tainui Superette
in Tokoroa at around 8:30
p.m. and demanded cash
and cigarettes. Two people,
who were manning the dairy
at the time of the incident,
complied with the demands
of the offenders. The trio
grabbed the money and fled
the scene on foot.
I was not there when
the incident happened. My
friend and his wife were
looking after the store, and
they are shocked with this
robbery, Bhavesh Patel,
owner of Tainui Superette,
told Indian Weekender.
The police investigated
the place but could not
find anything, not even
fingerprints, he said.
Multiple armed robberies
have taken place in Tokoroa
in the last three months.
Lamond Takeaway, a fish
and chip shop on Nevis
Crescent in Tokoroa, was
robbed by armed men on
Sunday, February 19. Last
year in December, Manaia
Street Dairy and Balmoral
Drive Dairy, too, were
robbed by offenders, who
were disguised under hoodies
and balaclavas and wielded
an axe.
We are reluctant [to]
even report the incident
less than fathers
to the police. They come
to examine the place, take
footages, and then there is no
progress or any result at the
end. We had to close the store
for hours to just describe the
incident, and at least five
hours in the morning for
scene investigation, Mr
Patel said.
We lost business through
invasion by robbers, [and]
the lockdown during police
investigation further added
to our losses.
The police suspect the
repeated robberies have been
committed by offenders from
the same group and warned
that it is only a matter of time
before someone gets seriously
injured or killed.
The police is investigating
the cases individually and has
urged retail store owners and
takeaways in the region to
report if they find anything
suspicious.
here is a gap in the average earnings
of a mother and a father in New
Zealand according to a new report
released by the Statistics New Zealand.
The report Effect of motherhood on
paywas released by the Statistics New
Zealand on Tuesday, February 28.
According to this report the estimated
pay gap between mothers and fathers is
17 percent, which is almost $5 an hour
on average.
Effect of motherhood on pay report
shows that, on average, fathers earn $28.30
an hour, while mothers make $23.40 an
hour (a difference of $4.90). In contrast, the
pay gap between women and men without
dependent children is only 5 percent.
The difference between the 17 percent
gap in what mothers and fathers earn, and
the 5 percent pay gap between men and
women without children, is significant,
Insights manager Stephen Oakley says.
The negative pay consequence for women
with children is internationally referred to
as the motherhood penalty.
The report shows that despite a gap
between the pay rates for mothers and
fathers, on average parents make more than
men and women without children.
We found that parents generally get
paid more than non-parents, Mr Oakley
said. For example, mothers with dependent
children earn more than $23 an hour, on
average, almost $1 an hour more than men
and $2 more than women without children.
Studying the reasons for this difference
was not part of our analysis and requires
further study.
According to international studies cited
in the report, mothers may get less pay than
fathers because many women spend time
caring for children, which interrupt full-
time paid work.
Past New Zealand research suggests
the effects of having children on mothers
pay rates may reflect breaks from work
and reduced work experience. Although
some mothers may trade higher wages
for jobs that fit better with being a parent,
there is no strong evidence for this in New
Zealand. Overseas research notes there is
also potential for employers to discriminate
against mothers, either knowingly or not.
The report used Household Labour Force
Survey (HLFS) data collected for the June
2016 quarter. Because the HLFS is a sample
survey, every reported figure is an estimate
of the overall population. Our analysis is a
snapshot of pay rates at a point in time so
we do not draw conclusions about changes
over time.
A parent is defined as someone with a
dependent child living in the same house. A
dependent child is a child aged less than 15
years, or a child under 18 years who is not
working full-time. Parents whose children
have left home or live elsewhere are
not included.
The overall gender pay gap for the
June 2016 quarter, measured using the
Household Labour Force Survey, is
12 percent.

Nobody in the World Sells More

Real Estate than RE/MAX!

33A Hutchinson Ave, NEW LYNN 3 1

WHAT A CRACKER!! GRAEME KIDD

Licensee Salesperson

This 3 bed-room home is an absolute gem and ideal as a first home M: 021 0824 0061

or for a new family. The freehold site is easy-care and a short walk E: gkidd806@gmail.com

from the heart of New Lynn and the bus and train terminals and
sought-after schools are just nearby. LILY TANG
Licensee Salesperson

The kitchen, dining and lounge is all open plan with a near new M: 021 155 3652
timber look floor. The bedrooms are all spacious and the bathroom E: tanglily13@gmail.com

Regent International Education Group and toilet are separate. Probably the best-value buy in New Lynn -
it is a MUST SEE! If you are an investor, first home buyer or looking
for that affordable family home CALL US NOW as it wont last long!
520 Queen St, Auckland
New Zealand
OPEN HOMES: Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th 1:00pm - 1:30pm
+64 9 920 6886 FOR SALE: Expressions of interest close 7th of March 2017
For more details visit: www.remaxzest.co.nz
+64 221 952 450 (Text only)

marketing.@regent.ac.nz
http://regent.ac.nz RE/MAX Zest Zest for Realty Ltd. Licensed under the
REAA (2008). Each Office Independently Owned & Operated.

Maharaj trio end their musical
tour at Ram Mandir
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
M
ultiple award-winner musician
Pandit Vikash Maharaj, along
with his two sons Abhishek and
Prabhash Maharaj, concluded their New
Zealand tour with their performance at Shri
Ram Mandir on February 28.
More than 100 people visited Shri Ram
Temple on Tuesday to witness the musical
gala. Pandit Vikash Maharaj plays the
Sarod, while his sons Abhishek and Prabhash
Maharaj play the sitar and tabla. The
audience present at the event were left in awe
with the soulful music and composition.
The trio had performed at concerts in
Waiheke and Piha and at the Neck of the
Woods on K Road in Auckland. They were
the highlight of the well-known three-day
Splore Festival at Tapapakanga Parkan
hour from Aucklandthat was held from
February 17 to 19. They also performed at
the Golden DawnTavern of Power Hall in
Ponsonby and the Auckland Art Gallery on
February 26.
WITH A 10% DEPOSIT
you can own a home
29 years NZ experience
We offer:
Nathan Saminathan
MBA, CFP, AFA
Authorised Financial Adviser
Mob: 021 707 540
Ph: 09 630 7176
0800 6307171
A/Hrs: 09 630 0970
Personal Diclosure is available on request
www.iwk.co.nz | 3 March2017
NEW ZEALAND 7
With excellent musical skill and artistry,
the charismatic trio comes from a long line
(15 generations) of dedicated musicians.
Popularly known as the Maharaj Trio, the
group has performed hundreds of shows
across the globe with their focus on reaching
out to the western audiences.
Since people in India are more into
Bollywood music, the trio tend to share
their wisdom of music more to the Western
audiences, where they get better attention
and fan following, Bharat Jamnadas, an
ardent fan of the Maharaja Trio, said.
The Maharaja family belongs from
Varanasi, India and their musical roots date
back to 500 years. The trio has travelled the
world, delighting international audiences
with their heart-full, intricate ragas, breathing
great joy and vitality into classical music.
The band has performed at major world
music festivals in Europe, Asia, United States,
Middle East, Canada, and South America.
The group has also supported different
organisations such as Misereor, Xertifix,
and P.V.C.H.R. to protect human rights and
strongly fight against child labour.
Makes the Difference
l Home Loans
l Commercial Loans
l Insurance Services
FREE
of charges for
all our work
*Conditions Apply
Jolly Tiwar
RFA
Ph: 021 1775145
Email: saminathan@mortgagemasters.co.nz
www: mortgagemasters.co.nz
Address: 1/619 Dominion Rd,
Balmoral, Auckland
 8 NEW ZEALAND
Casual racism versus normal racism debate
continues, albeit without the mainstream media
SANDEEP SINGH
T
he year 2017 began for
New Zealand with an
opportunity to refine our
collective understanding of the
casual and normal racism
when Sir Peter Leitchs white
mans island comment was not
well received by the intended
target of that commenta young
Maori girl.
The mainstream media had leapt
at that incidence to bolster a case
against any visible evils of racism
in our otherwise harmonious
and globally acclaimed great
Kiwi culture.
Unfortunately, that spontaneity
is missing at this instance where
apparently a Kiwi-Indian Sikh
truck driver was subjected to go
back to your country rant and
were you born here scrutiny in
the public space (read the complete
report on page 3).
However, mainstream medias
lack of interest is understandable
to the extent that this instance does
not involve a high-profile white
and an ordinary Maoria space
where historically, New Zealand
society had to deal with its most
intriguing challenges and therefore
naturally have an audience.
Regardless of this fact, it cannot
be ignored that there is a need
to bolster our collective wisdom
about what constitutes a racist
*Conditions Apply
The only
intention here is to
be fair to everyone
in true Kiwi spirit,
including the
etiquettes required to live amicably
alleged perpetrator
of the crime
slur in public space and what is
an acceptable conversation in a
private space, either as banter or as
a flared up conversation.
It is important to acknowledge
that both, the banter and flare-up
are important and unavoidable part
3 March 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz
offensive power ingrained in the acceptable nor recommended.
question with an intention to hurt For every victim of prejudiced
its target is magnified manifold. action or rant, verbal or physical,
For an Indian diaspora, receiving there is one Ian Grillot, who is
such a rant, just a day after a tragic willing to risk his life to prevent a
incident in the United States where perpetrator of racial abuse from
the go back to your country rant succeeding in inflicting any pain,
was followed by three gunshots psychological or physical, on
resulting in one fatality and two the victim.
critical injuries clearly have a For uninitiated, Ian Grillot is
different meaning. a 24-year-old white man in the
In some other times, the normal US who was shot and injured for
relaxed Kiwi attitude would have
coming to the rescue of two Indian
prevailed and the community techies under a racist attack where
would have less incensed with a one victim was eventually killed.
flared up conversation between
of It is our collective responsibility
two individuals in a private space.
to avoid precipitating social
However, in present time,
our cleavages to a level comparable to
the Indian diasporas collective
day- many other countries in Europe
sensitivity towards a go back
to-day and North America.
to your country rant seems to
lives.
have heightened. Towards this goal, there is a
H o w e v e r, persistent need to raise awareness
Make no mistake. There is no
both need to be about casual and normal racism.
tempered and shaped by a
intention to exonerate the alleged
There is no space for denial
perpetrator in the video from the
mutually agreed level of modern
responsibility to restrain from racist or a relaxed approach towards
slurs based on colour or ethnicity, individual acts of prejudice as it
in the 21st-century liberal society. is these individual instances that
In a survey conducted by
irrespective of being a private or
public conversation. shape a societys collective image
Mediaworks earlier this month to and the Kiwi culture is too precious
The only intention here is to be
gauge how casually racist we are, to be allowed to be spoiled by our
fair to everyone in true Kiwi spirit,
a question were you born here lack of willingness to tackle the
including the alleged perpetrator
to an Asian immigrant was not problem hard before it raises its
of the crime.
considered a racist slur by 71% of ugly head.
Having said that, it is also
the respondents.
required to bring to fore that reverse Mainstream media would do
But when this question is
racist slurs offered by many in the well to continue shaping the
preceded with a go back to your
community within the comforts public debate on the casual versus
country rant, then obviously the
of social media space is neither normal racism.
Results.
Govt initiative to provides better protection
for vulnerable migrant workers
MCCLYMONT & ASSOCIATES
BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS
F HearingsKIWI-INDIAN
rom April 1, there will be
enforced stand-down periods for
non-compliant employers who
breach employment standards. Those
employers will not be able to recruit
migrants for a specified period of time
Alastair McClymont
following an infringement.
This latest government initiative
is long overdue, but it doesnt go
far enough, Auckland Specialist
Immigration Lawyer Alastair
McClymont said. The threshold
of acceptance if employers are non-
compliant is too high, so there will still
be employers who avoid being punished.
And the two-year stand-down period for
the worst offenders is too low.
Migrant worker exploitation is very
common and it needs to be stopped.
We have clients telling us every day
about what their employers are doing to
exploit them. And this includes Indian
and Chinese students who are entitled
to work a maximum of twenty hours
per week while they are enrolled at a
training institution.
We help you find
the sweetest mortgage
deal for your first
home and then for
your investment
property.
Mortgage Services
Home loans
Investment property loans
Renovation & construction
Refinancing
Fasttrack Repayment Plan (restructure)
Top ups & consolidation of debts
Commercial property loans
Business loans
We provide legal advice and
NEW ZEALAND 9
www.iwk.co.nz | 3 March2017
needing help with all New Ze
Citizenship Issues including:
These new government measures
demonstrate that the exploitation of
workers, including migrants who may
be less likely to be aware of their rights
and entitlements than New Zealand
workers, is not acceptable.
Most migrant employers have no
understanding of employment rules
and regulations in New Zealand, Mr
McClymont said. Migrants generally
employ migrants, so frequently, we
become involved in cases in which
migrants are exploiting other migrants.
He says that such employers will often
promise to sponsor their employees
to gain residency or work visas. But
in the meantime, their employees are
overworked and underpaid.
Its virtually slave labour in many
cases. These migrant employees endure
these appalling working conditions
Aakanksha McClymont
because theyre afraid of losing their
sponsorship and the chance of a resident
or working visa. Theres no incentive for
employees to come forward and inform
on their bosses because they are so
dependent on being employed to gain
residency. If their work visa is tagged
to a specific employer, then it can be
difficult to find another job. So they
suffer in silence.
According to the Ministry of
Business, Innovation and Employment,
the new measures will provide a
defined threshold and will mean that
in situations where an employer has
incurred a penalty for a breach of
employment standards, there will be a
set stand-down period preventing them
from recruiting migrant labour for either
021 030 2409
venu@squirrel.co.nz
Risk Insurances
Life, Trauma
TPD, Income Protection
Mortgage Repayment
Redundancy
New to Business &
Business Continuity Covers
Key Person Cover
Medical / Health
six months, one year, 18 months, or
two years depending on the severity of
the breach.
Resident Visas
This could potentially seriously
impact an employers ability to operate
Work Visas
their business and it provides a strong
incentive to comply.
McClymont and Associates based
Student Visas
in Newmarket, Auckland, works with
migrant employers to ensure they wont
have problems with compliance. This
Appeals
includes writing employee contracts
and identifying the appropriate salary,
holiday pay, working hours, PAYE, and
and Complaints
ACC requirements.
Mr McClymonts advice to migrant
employers is to contact their lawyer and
get their compliance issues resolved so HALL OF FAME 2017
they have a better understanding of
their responsibilities under the law.
Employers are much better off in
the long-term if they comply with New
The Kiwi Indian Honours recognise those
individuals who have built a road to glory
Zealand employment regulations,
Mr McClymont said. Its a win- for themselves and left a path for the
win situation for both employers and
coming generations to read on.
employees. Employers who have
a good reputation for compliance
The Indian Weekender invites nominations
with Immigration New Zealand will
Physical address : Level 1, 2 Owens Roa
for such personalities from the community
experience a smoother application
for getting inducted into the Kiwi Indian
process to obtain their employees work
Phone :09 623 3344
and residency visas. Theyll also attract
better employees because they know
| Email
Hall of : amcclymon
Fame 2017.
http://www.amlaw.co.nz/
that an employer who has a reputation
We also invite nominations for Kiwi
for following employment legislation
can get work and resident visas more Indian Young Achiever of the Year and
easily and their applications wont be Kiwi Indian Unsung Hero of the Year 2017
declined due to non-compliance issues.
For more details, and to nominate online,
The inability to get visas is more of a
deterrent to an employee than long visit www.halloffame.co.nz or www.iwk.nz
hours and low wages.
Venu Nimish Abhishek Vikram Farea
027 524 7877 027 524 7877 027 397 0776 027 534 9394
nimish@squirrel.co.nz abhishek@squirrel.co.nz vikram@squirrel.co.nz farea@squirrel.co.nz
28E, Lambie Drive, Manukau, New Zealand
www.squirrel.co.nz
10 NEW ZEALAND
Clampdown on rogue
employers of migrants
Dr Parmjeet Parmar
National List MP
M
igrant workers make a valuable
contribution to New Zealand, both
culturally and economically. We
need to ensure all our workers are treated
fairly and that migrants have the same rights
as any other worker.
The majority of employers abide by
the rules when recruiting migrant labour.
However, there are some who do not comply
with their obligations and take advantage of
vulnerable workers.
The exploitation of migrant workers is an
issue that is close to the hearts of the migrant
community. And the government takes the
need to protect the interests of migrants,
local businessesvery seriously.
That is why, last week, the Minister of
Immigration and Workplace Relations and
Safety, Hon. Michael Woodhouse announced
new measures to stop employers who breach
immigration and employment laws from
recruiting migrant workers.
The measures, which come into effect from
April 1, will ensure that rogue employers
of migrants are banned from accessing
migrant labour for a defined period of time.
This stand-down period will range from
six months to two years, depending on the
severity of the case.
Migrant employees already working for
non-compliant employers will be able to work
Aiming for Excellence?
Entering into the 10th Glorious year
TUITIONS
MATHS, PHY, CHEM, BIO, ENG & ACCOUNTING
NCEA, CAMBRIDGE & I.B (Year 1 to 13)
Individual Attention
Congrats Paulseto
Congratulations Anothottam(SPC) Top in world
our 6 NCEA Scholarship
IGCSE MATHS
of2016.
2016,98% -2015 Top
whoinbagged in NZ for Religious
10 scholarships
Chem. 97% in Bio.7A* inaltogether
IGCSE.
Maximum 8 students per batch
Specialised teachers for each subject.
Admissions Underway... Enroll Now!!
Email:brilliancetuitions@gmail.com
www.brillianceducare.co.nz
out the remaining duration of their work
visa but will not be able to attain a further
working visa to work for the non-compliant
employer.
New Zealand employers have the privilege
of being able to access the international labour
market but this is not a right. Employers who
break the law and exploit migrant workers
will have to face the consequences.
These new measures are another example
of our whole-of-government approach to
combatting migrant exploitation.
We also introduced a new legislation in
2013, which imposed heavy penaltieson
employers who exploit migrants.As part
of those penalties, migrant employers
who exploit their workers can face a jail
sentence of up to seven years, a fine not
exceeding $100,000, or both. Migrant
employers can also face deportation if the
offence was committed within 10 years of
gaining residence. We have also increased
the numbers of Labour Inspectors to help
strengthen compliance with minimum
employment standards.
With these new measures in place, the
government is making the migrant worker
market a more level playing field for
employers and employees.
Reasonable Fee
The Excellent performance
of our students is a
testimony of our efforts
for
winners
Studies
3 March 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz
Improving the quality of our
rivers and lakes
tourism industry.
This is the third phase of the Governments
work programme to improve New Zealand
freshwater management and is just the
Bill English latest step in the National-led Governments
Prime Minister commitment to protecting our environment.
Last year we announced we are working
There are many things that make New towards the ambitious goal of New Zealand
Zealand special, but one of the most becoming predator free by 2050. We want to
remarkable is our environment. It draws rid every part of New Zealand of rats, stoats
people and praise from around the world. and possums. Like our goal for rivers and
While we rank among the best in the world lakes, its a challenging conservation target.
on almost all environmental indicators, we But, if we all work together, its achievable.
are always trying to do better. And as Ive said before, we dont shy away
from hard issues.
Thats why last week Environment
Last week I was in Christchurch to mark
Minister Nick Smith and I announced the
the sixth anniversary of the Christchurch
Governments new target to make90 per cent
quakea quake which claimed 185 lives and
of New Zealands lakes and rivers swimmable
destroyed homes and workplaces.
by 2040.
At 12:51 p.m. we stopped for a moment
This ambitious plan to improve the water
of silence to remember the lives lost, and
quality in our lakes and rivers recognises that the suffering and strength of the people who
we expect to be able to take a dip in our local were affected by that tragic event.
river or lake without getting a nasty bug. And
While Wednesday was a day to reflect on
we want our visitors to be able to do the same.
the impact of these earthquakes, it was also
The plan is supported by national an opportunity to share in the citys optimism.
regulations requiring the stock to be fenced
We are well advanced in renewing and
out of waterways, new requirements that
rebuilding the city, and our Government
regional councils strengthen their rules on
continues to stand alongside the people of
things like sewage discharge, and maps that
Christchurch as it transforms itself into an
clearly show where the water quality is good,
exciting and innovative city of the future.
and where improvements are needed.
The target will see around 400 kilometres
of rivers and lakes made swimmable each
year, ultimately returning our rivers and lakes
to a standard not seen in 50 years.
It will also make us world leaders in
water quality standards for swimming, and
thats important for New Zealands growing
SANDRAN BALAN
& ASSOCIATES
Barristers and Solicitors
NEED LEGAL ADVICE?
Let us help you with the following:
Residential Conveyancing
Sale & Purchase of Business
Renance Trusts, Wills, Estates
Matrimonial & Relationship Proper t y
Employment Commercial
Family Trust Company Family Law
Civil Litigation Immigration
T 8159888
E sandran@sandranbalan.com

Migrants contribute positively
to New Zealand
Kanwaljit Bakshi
National List MP
N
ew Zealand is a diverse and
multicultural country. More people
are coming to New Zealand as a
result of a strong and growing economy, and
immigration continues to have a positive
impact on our culture, our economy, and our
country as a whole.
Recently, Jacqui Dean, Minister for Small
Business and Minister of Commerce and
Consumer Affairs, visited my electorate in
Manukau East. During her visit, the minister
had the opportunity to witness first-hand, the
success of migrants in our community.
We started off with a visit to the Manukau
campus of New Zealand School of Education
(NZSE). The campus offers a six-month
programme of study and aims to produce
graduates who are capable of undertaking
academic studies in the field of their choice.
The minister saw how well students are
performing at NZSE and spoke to students
who shared that they were able to get jobs
after completing the courses.
We also visited a number of successful local
businesses owned and operated by migrants.
Slumberzone, a New Zealand-owned bed
manufacturing company is growing at 20%
year on year. We also visited Fresh Foods,
one of the biggest producers of frozen chips,
and Bath and Tile, where we were told
they employ close to 35 people in their two
showrooms.
In Auckland and Waikato
Due to popular demand we are looking for people
who want to look after babies upto 5 years in your home
Work from your own home
Days & hours to suit you
Extensive Toy & Equipment Library
Opportunity to train
Subsidised excursions & Outings
Generous referral reward
NO OTHER PUBLICATION HELPS YOU REACH
INDIAN COMMUNITY IN NEW ZEALAND
LIKE INDIAN WEEKENDER.
ADVERTISE WITH THE LEADER & GROW YOUR BUSINESS
FOR CUSTOMISED ADVERTISING SOLUTIONS THAT FIT
YOUR BUDGET, CALL US AT 022-3251630 OR 021-1507950
www.iwk.co.nz | 3 March2017
NEW ZEALAND 11
100%
It was interesting to learn how these
NEW ZEALAND
businesses operate and to see the value they MANUKA HONEY
contribute to our economy and community.
The government also recognises the value
of migrant workers in New Zealand and the
need to safeguard their rights. It is important NZ government verified
that all workers are treated fairly and that Lab tested in accredited NZ labs
migrants have the same rights as any other
employee. Exporting and OEM Manufacturer
While most employers of migrant workers 51 tonnes of Manuka Honey in stock
abide by the rules, there are some who breach
immigration and employment law and take
Facility equipped for 60,000 jars / month
advantage of vulnerable workers.
MANUKA HONEY
That is why the Minister of Immigration
and Workplace Relations and Safety, Hon.
Michael Woodhouse, recently announced
new measuresto stop rogue employers OEM EXPORT FACTORY SALE
who have breached their obligations from
recruiting migrant workers.
Employers who flout the law will face a
stand-down period ranging from six months
to two years, during which they are banned
from recruiting further migrant workers.
It is unacceptable that those employers
who exploit migrant workers are still able to
recruit from the international labour market
New Zealand Government verified (RMP Registered) manufacturer and exporter. / Listings Approved to European Union / Products that are tested in New Zealand Laboratories.
and disadvantage employers who do the right
thing. Combined with the harsher penalties NEW ZEALAND MANUKA HONEY MANUFACTURER & EXPORTER
for rogue employers that we introduced in
2013 and the increased numbers of Labour
Inspectors, these new measures will help
combat migrant exploitation.
KANWALJIT SINGH BAKSHI
LIST MP BASED IN MANUKAU EAST
For more KANWALJIT SINGH BAKSHI
information
call us today on A 1/131 Kolmar Road, Papatoetoe, Auckland
0800 JEMMAS P 09 278 9302
0800 536 627 F 09 278 2143
www.jemmas.co.nz
W www.bakshi.co.nz
E Bakshi.mp@parliament.govt.nz
facebook.com/Bakshiks
@bakshiks
Funded by the Parliamentary Service and authorised by
Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi MP, 1/131 Kolmar Road, Papatoetoe
12 NEW ZEALAND 3 March 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

SOUTH LINE News-in-brief

from South Island

Rajesh Nayyar, a doyen of Indian women cricket

- a wicketkeeper batter, she was the member of the first Indian women cricket team formed in 1974 and then became the coach of the Indian
women cricket team in 1989, leading it to the triangular series win in New Zealand in 1994. She was also a member of the Womens Cricket
Association of India selection committee in 2000s. Her latest stint was being a match referee for BCCI since 2004 till 2014
- now, Ms Nayyar is in Christchurch coaching St Albans [one of the most successful cricket clubs in the city] premier women team
GAURAV SHARMA

I
ndian women cricketa neglected
cousin of the much larger mens
versionis going through an interesting
phase. First came the news in January
that Diana Edulji, arguably the greatest
Indian women cricketer of all time, is now
the only cricketer, male or female, on the
BCCIs interim panel of administrators
appointed by the Supreme Court to ensure
that the Lodha recommendations for BCCI
reform are carried out. Then last week, it
was announced that former India womens
captain Shantha Rangaswamy will become
the first woman to receive the C K Nayudu
Lifetime Achievement Award at the BCCI
Annual Awards in Bengaluru on March 8.
Left: Rajesh Nayyar
Christchurch is lucky in a sense to be Above:Rajesh Nayyar in an old team photograph She gave up the coaching role after that
hosting a player these days, who, along with but contributed as a member of the Womens
Ms Edulji and Ms Rangaswamy, has been a Cricket Association of India selection
playing in the domestic circuit representing
part of the Indian women cricket setup ever
Delhi, North Zone, and later the Railways. committee in 2000s. In between, she was also
since the first team was formed in 1974.
Then in 1982, when I was ignored for the chairperson of the selection committee
I played alongside Diana and under the for one year.
a national call in spite of being the third
captainship of Shantha. Those days, we just
highest run-getter in the zonal tournament, I Then when Shubhangi Kulkarni
played for the love of the game in spite of the Her cricketing career took a big boost decided to bring an end to my playing career became the secretary of the Womens
constant apathy of the administrators, both when it was announced in 1974 that the and got busy raising my family. But one good Cricket Association of India (WCAI) [which
at the state and national levels, Ms Nayyar Australian team will tour India soon. Three thing that I did in 1976, I got my diploma in later merged with BCCI in 2006], I was
said. She is a former Indian wicketkeeper test matches were scheduled and Ms Nayyar cricket coaching from the National Institute approached for taking up the role match
batter and is now the coach of St Albans found a place in the 25 probables. The high of Sports. That helped me when I decided referee for BCCI for domestic matches in
premier women cricket team. She has also point came when she opened the Indian to take up the coaching role of the Indian 2004. I accepted and was in that role for
been the coach of Indian women cricket innings in the second test in Delhi. women cricket team in 1989, she said. almost eight years till 2014.
team, apart from being a BCCI match
Later, when West Indies toured India two This proved to be a godsend for the team
referee for women cricket domestic matches. In a nutshell, you can say that my
years later, although unable to find a place in as Ms Nayyar, famous for her work ethics
Thats why the appointment of Diana as cricketing life is a story of a decade each
the Indian team, Ms Nayyar captained the and hard work, brought about a welcome
the only ex-cricketer in the interim panel is North Zone team in one of the tour matches. of being a player, a coach, and then
change in the cricketing setup. New talent
such a welcome development. Its a much- an administrator.
Her comeback happened when the India was identified and groomed.
needed clean-up exercise being undertaken One thing I can tell you, which might
women cricket team went on an overseas tour It was good mix of youth and experience.
by the Supreme Court, and cricket would be surprise many people, is that Indian women
for the first time in 197677 to New Zealand Our efforts also led to an overseas tour
the overall winner in the end, I am sure. The cricket is in far better shape in terms of
and Australia. While all the matches played of Australia in 1989, which provided us
task ahead is complicated and the panel has facilities, job security, infrastructure, and
in Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington a very good opportunity to test our skills
to take proper people in confidence to tackle sponsorship. Even when we came here in
and Dunedin were one-dayers, the Indian internationally. Another great learning
issues of nepotism, political involvement and
team played a one-off test match across experience was the World Cup in England 1994, Zandu Balm sponsored our team.
the perception of unfairness. They have my
the Tasman. in 1993. But six years of perseverance finally Other teams struggled then and still do as far
best wishes.
The tour was a great learning exercise for paid off when in 1995 we won the triangular as sponsorship is concerned.
Meanwhile, Ms Nayyars own story is also
the team, as conditions were very different series here, with Australia and New Ms Nayyar concluded by sharing her
nothing short of extraordinary. Youngest of
from what we were used to at home, Zealand being the other two countries. The future plans: I have given cricket 40 years
the three sisters, her father encouraged her to
she said. tournament was organised to celebrate the of my life. Now I want to take it a bit easy.
take up sports when she was young. Starting
Then as luck would have it, while Ms centenary of the establishment of the New But I will always be involved in the game in
with kho-kho, she soon found that she was
Nayyar was in the probables when the World Zealand Cricket Council in Christchurch some form or the other. It may be with Delhi
good in cricket and hockey. While she played
Cup happened in Kolkatta in 1978, she on December 27, 1894. It was a very good Womens Cricket team or some opportunities
hockey for Delhi and Railways, and once
couldnt make it to the team. As there were decade for Indian women cricket culminating here in New Zealand, similar to what I have
attended the camp for World Cup probables,
not many international matches happening in a narrow loss in the 1997 World Cup semi- been doing with St Albans.
too, cricket was always her first love.
in women cricket at that time, she kept final that was held in India.

Om namah shivaythe community gets together to celebrate Maha Shivratri

GAURAV SHARMA Vinesh Prakash, Secretary of came to Christchurch in 2008 as an

O
rganised by the
Christchurch Fiji
Association and attended by
more than 100 people from across
communities of Indian-origin,
the city saw one of the grander
celebrations of Maha Shivratri on
February 25. The festival, which
marks the convergence of divine
powers of Lord Shiva and Goddess
Shakti by virtue of their marriage
as well as the occasion when Lord
Shiva performed his celestial
dance Tandav, is observed on the
sixth night of Hindu calendars
Pahlgun month.
the Christchurch Fiji Association,
said, Its a very popular festival in
Fiji, and devotees observe a day-
long fast and offer fruits, flowers,
and bael leaves on the Shivaling.
Ritual baths of Shivaling with milk
is also an important ritual of the
festival. While here we perform
an abridged version of the rituals
involved, in Fiji, the celebrations
carry throughout the night, with
devotees singing Shiv bhajans all
night long.
Manish Pandey, a Justice of
Peace and member of Christchurch
Multicultural Council, who
attended the event added, When I
international student, the Indian
community was not very big here.
Even Diwali celebrations were not
that grand. But as more people
from India and of Indian-origin
immigrated here, the community
started celebrating Holi, Ganesha
Chaturthi, Shivratri, Baisakhi, and
a lot of other festivals. These
celebrations are a good platform to
get connected [to] each other and
showcase the rich Indian tradition
to the wider community.
Moving forward, the association of faag (holi-related folk songs) playing music. In Christchurch, we
is planning for Holi celebrations mandalis, which visit homes of have several mandalis, which are all
Fiji-style in mid-March. friends and relatives, exchanging eagerly looking forward to March
sweets, applying colours, and 12 now.
In Fiji, we have the tradition
 www.iwk.co.nz | 3 March2017
NEW ZEALAND 13

MP Bakshi: Name and shame

those engaged in exploiting recent
Indian immigrants
he was addressing a gathering of Indian community
leaders in Christchurch on February 28

GAURAV SHARMA The co-ethnic exploitation of

N
migrants is a very pertinent issue
ational List MP and
in todays New Zealand. And I
Parliamentary Private
encourage you all to come out and
Secretary to the Minister of
voice your opinion against it.
Police, Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, is
The public meeting, which was
encouraging the Indian community
organised by Minister and MP
to name and shame those who
for Christchurch Central Nicky
are engaged in exploiting recent
Wagner, also saw Mr Singh talking
immigrants from India.
about his journey into politics and
In an obvious reference to the his experiences of being in the New
recent cases of Indian employers Zealand Parliament since 2008.
and private training establishments
While we have [a] good
taken to task by the authorities
representation at the Central
for exploiting Indian workers and
level, the Indian communitys
international students, he noted,
involvement at the local level is
While majority of us [immigrants
still lacking. I urge you to motivate
from India] are law-abiding
our younger generation to be more
people, I am sad to say that few
involved in day-to-day affairs of
some employers and education
the places they live in. Join school
providerswho are indulging in boards, community boards, local
dubious activities are bringing a bad councils, St Johns, Fire Service,
name to the Indian community. It or Civil Defence. Whatever suits.
is also hampering New Zealands But get more involved, Mr
international reputation. Bakshi added.

INDIAN CALENDAR - MARCH 2017

Date Day Festivals & Observances
2 Mar Thur Chathurthi Vrat
4 Mar Sat Sashti, Karthigai
5 Mar Sun Bhanu Sapthami, Rohini Vrat
8 Mar Wed Amalaki Ekadashi, Intl. Womens Day
9 Mar Thur Narasimha Dwadasi
10 Mar Fri Pradosh Vrat
11 Mar Sat Masi Magam
12 Mar Sun Vasant Purnima, Choti Holi, Holika Dahan
13 Mar Mon Holi
14 Mar Tue Bhai Dooj, Meena Sankranti, Karadayan Nombu
16 Mar Thur Sankastha Chathurthi
18 Mar Sat Ranga Panchami
19 Mar Sun Sheetala Saptami
20 Mar Mon Kalashtami
24 Mar Fri Papamochani Ekadashi
25 Mar Sat Pradosh Vrat
26 Mar Sun Masik Shivaratri
28 Mar Tue Chaitra Amavasya
29 Mar Wed Vasant Ritu, Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Chandra Darshan
30 Mar Thur Matysya Jayanthi, Gauri Puja, Gangaur
With compliments from
www.e-puja.co.nz
The largest hindu online Puja platform

PICK UP YOUR COPY OF INDIAN WEEKENDER FROM THESE AUCKLAND STORES AND MANY OTHERS
PaknSave, Countdown Grey Lynn Lotus SuperMarket, Auckland Indian Sweets, Yogijis Food Mart, Mount
Mt Albert Countdown Ponsonby Mt Roskill Otahuhu Roskill
Manukau Countdown Greenlane Ormiston Superette Spice Supermarket, Khyber Spice,
Royal Oak New World, Mt Roskill Food4Less, New Lynn Sandringham Royal Oak
Flat Bush Quality Mini Bazaar Food4Less, Otahuhu Valley Fresh, Panmure Sri Ganesh, Ellis Av
14 FIJI 3 March 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

All the way from India to receive his medal first Fijian to be recruited by

B
haichand Patel travelled the UN after the country got its
all the way from India to independence in 1970.
receive his Member of the In 1976, he was posted to Cairo
Order of Fiji (MF) medal on Friday as the spokesperson of the UN
February 24. Peacekeeping Forces in the
He was one of the 60 Fijians Middle East.
who received awards at the Order In 1979, he was a spokesperson
of Fiji Investiture Ceremony at of the UN Security Councils
State House in Suva. mission to the Middle East to
Mr Patel, 80, a former resident examine Israeli practices in the
of Sarava settlement in Ba, where occupied territories.
he was born and bred, now lives in In 1980 he was transferred
retirement with his family in Sujan to the UN Department for
Singh Park, New Delhi, India. Disarmament Affairs as a Political
He received his medal from the Affairs officer. He handled media
President, Major-General (Retd) relations and was spokesperson
Jioji Konrote. of the two conferences, held
Mr Patel said: I feel really great in Geneva in 1980 and 1985
and humble to receive this medal of the Parties to the Treaty
from the Fijian Government. on the Non-Proliferation on
I left this country when Nuclear Weapons.
I
I was only a teenager In 1984 was appointed Secretary
feel really
and I have spent of the Group if Governmental
great and humble to
all my life and Experts on Nuclear-Free-Zones.
receive this medal from President Major General (Retd) Jioji Konrote (left) awards Bhaichand Dalpat Patel with Member on of From 1980 to 1985
career abroad
the Fijian Government. I left the Order of Fiji (MF) during Order of Fiji investiture ceremony at State House last week.
edited the United Nations
and getting this Photo: Ronald Kumar
recognition from this country when I was only Disarmament Yearbook.
my own Fijian a teenager and I have spent In January 1986 Secretary-
A f t e r Bachelor of Laws (LL.M) at the first when I heard the Fijian
Government is a all my life and career abroad General appointed him as his
completing University of Bombay in 1961 Government had decided to give
great pleasure. and getting this recognition h i s and Master of Laws at the London me the medal. UN representative (Political) and
I am the from my own Fijian secondary School of Economics (London director of the UN Information
After retirement in 1997, I took
first Fijian to be Government is a great school at University) in 1966. Centre for India and Bhutan,
up writing and have written about
recruited by the pleasure the Marist From 1996 to 1970, Mr Patel four books, he said. based in New Delhi.
United Nations after Fiji Brothers High practised law at the Bombay High Mr Patels Career: In March, 1994 the Secretary-
became independent in 1970, School, Suva, Mr Patel Court. He was a barrister. He joined the UN Secretariat General appointed him as UN
he said. applied for a scholarship to study Mr Patel said he worked for 26 at Headquarters in New York representative (Political) and
Mr Patel said his parents came in India. years for the United Nations and on September 1, 1971 in the director for UN Information
to Fiji after the Indentured System Mr Patel studied Bachelor retired about 20 years ago. department of public information. Centre for Philippines, Papua
ended in Fiji and started a shop in of Commerce (B.Com) at the I was really surprised at He has the distinction of being New Guinea and Solomon Island
Sarava, Ba. University of Delhi in 1959, based in Manila. Source: Fiji Sun

HOME/INCOME OR ADD TO PORTFOLIO

12 Orchard West Road, BUYING A BUSINESS?
SELLING A BUSINESS?
Ngatea
D
Home and Income
D
Commercial Lease in Place I have had considerable experience, both in NZ and overseas,
D
Main Road Location including over 22 years in business, sales and marketing. I have
Historic Victorian Bay Villa owned and successfully run a number of businesses including service NZS #1 BUSINESS

1
originally built as a post office stations, Lotto and superettes, dairies, liquor stores and am also BROKERAGE 2010 - 2014
with residential dwelling. The very familiar with the hospitality sector. With the backing of NZs REINZ AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
property offers a commercial premier business brokerage I can offer the degree of professional
tenant and the opportunity to service that effectively brings business buyers and sellers together
keep the existing residential to conclude successful outcomes.
tenant or purchase the property
AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS
for home and income.
ABC Lister of the Year 2015
Auction 11am,
Thu 30 March 2017 (unless sold
ABC Runners Up Salesperson of the Year 2014
4 MegaPixels prior) 96 Ulster Street, Hamilton Rising Star of the Year (National Award) 2013
2272x1704 Josh Smith Call me today for a free appraisal and a confidential discussion.
M 027 229 8865 AFFILIATED BUSINESS CONSULTANTS LTD LIC REAA 2008
SUCCESS REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT
2008.
A MEMBER OF BAYLEYS REALTY
GROUP. SHAUN KHANNA T. 09 215 7491
M. 0297 709 767 | E. shaunk@abcbusiness.co.nz www.abcbusiness.co.nz

ONE STOP SHOP TO YOUR QUERIES

Discover yourself and live your life to full potential with Spiritual Awareness through
scientific application of Vedic Astrology and other Occult Sciences. If you need help with

l Positive Direction to Life l Personal Image & Self Analysis Contact for confidential reading:
l Money & Finance Matters l Medical Astrology & Specific
Health Issues l Education and Potential l Love, Romance RAVINDER GROVER
and Relationships l Marriage and couple compatibility (Jyotish Vachaspati, Gold Medalist)
l Career Planning l Business issues l Legal problems Tel/Fax: +64 9 815 1670
l Past Life/Karmic Astrology l Appropriate Astrological
Mob: +64 21 774 724
remedies to solve specific problems and much more..... Email: rgrover@xtra.co.nz
 www.iwk.co.nz | 3 March 2017
FIJI 15

Fijis top diplomats at UN meet

which were inherent to the development of
peace, and sustainable development globally.
He said the insufficient attention had been

F
ijis Ambassador to the United Nations
in Geneva Nazhat Shameem Khan
met with the UN President of the 71st
Session General Assembly Peter Thomson.
This was on the margins of the 34th
Session of the Human Rights Council.
Ambassador Khan discussed
Fijis Presidency obligations
under COP 23 and her role as
chief negotiator. She said that Fiji would
continue to work with State Parties and
attend various meetings in preparation for
COP 23, and is enthusiastic about the support
and assistance shown by the international
community. Mr Thomson advised the
Ambassador that meeting various actors
placed on the relationship between sustained
within the UNFCCC framework would also
peace, sustainable development and human
assist her in her role as chief negotiator and
rights, and that more work needed to be done
looks forward to COP 23 in November.
on the preparation and prevention of human
He also discussed his role as President rights violations, and conflict.
of the General Assembly and his efforts in
An enabling environment would lead
ensuring a successful Oceans Conference,
ultimately to the creation of global peace
including the promotion of a Register for
and development.
Voluntary Commitments for the work of the
oceans agenda. Also speaking at the High level Segment
were the Secretary-General of the United
He emphasised on the importance of
Fijis Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva Nations, the High Commissioner for Human
the various leadership roles that Fiji has
Nazhat Shameem Khan met with the UN President Rights Zeid Al Hasan, and Heads of States
undertaken as co-host of the Oceans of the 71st Session General Assembly Peter and Prime Ministers of several countries.
Conference and as President of COP 23. Thomson
Human Rights and Anti- Discrimination
Earlier this week Ms Khan attended the
He spoke on the important work of the Commission director, Ashwin Raj, is
opening of the 34th Session of the Human
Council, and of human rights defenders also attending. Source: Fiji Sun
Rights Council where Mr Thomson spoke.

Koya: Fiji will

sign when ready
F
IJI will sign the Pacific Agreement for
Closer Economic Relations (PACER)
Plus agreement once it is ready, says
Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism
Faiyaz Koya.
In an interview Mr Koya said Fiji needed
to be 100 per cent sure about the agreement
before signing it or any agreement for
that matter. Mr Koya said the agreement
needed to go through Cabinet too as part of
procedures that needed to be taken before
the agreement was endorsed.
We are still trying to iron some issues and
it will not be long before we make a decision
on the agreement, he said.
In September last year, Mr Koya had
said Australia and New Zealand were being
inflexible with issues of concern to Fiji,
adding they would not sign the agreement
until progress was made.
Mr Koya had also highlighted that Fiji was
closer than it was in September to having its
concerns addressed with the deal.
While he did not reveal much on the
outcome of the discussions, Mr Pitt said
Mr Koya was also very keen to come to a
conclusion.

No tolerance for drug

abuse, warns Reddy

T
he Minister for Education, Heritage
and Arts, Mahendra Reddy, yesterday
said there was zero tolerance for drugs
and substance abuse cases in schools.
Mr Reddy has made a clear stance that
incidents related to drugs and substance
abuse and consumption among students
in the schools will not be tolerated at any
cost. This comes in light after a few cases in
schools were reported to the ministry and
investigations were conducted.
Any student caught in possession of or
consuming any drugs, such as, smoking
Marijuana, glue sniffing etc in the school
premises will be terminated from our schools
on the spot, Mr Reddy said.
We are concerned about the safety and
security of all other students in the school and
these kinds of behavior will not be tolerated.
However, I must remind all that we will
not condone any acts of violence, abuse,
drugs and substance abuse and other related
behavioral issues in school.
We are steering the education system into
the direction of a more dynamic and modern
education system and while such incidents
are unfortunate we will certainly deal with it
very strictly and ensure that such cases are
not repeated in future. - Source: Fiji Sun
 The gre ate s t part of a w r i te r s t ime
is spe n t in re ading , in orde r to w r i te ;
Editorial
a man w ill t ur n ove r h alf a librar y to
The sharpening narrative around make one bo ok .
the Kiwi and immigrant workers S amue l Johnson

W
ith the election in sight, political parties have begun sharpening their narratives
around immigration and labour market the two important issues in
public debate.
This week Prime Minister Bill English came up with a comment that young Kiwi
workers are without jobs because they are on drugs.
Speaking at his weekly media conference, Mr English said two or three business owners
a week told him about the difficulty in getting Kiwi workers who apply for jobs to pass a
drug test. He said he had heard anecdotal evidence of it across most industries. To add
to this narrative, there was few other media news where some business owners vouched
about the value immigrant workers bring to their respective businesses.
Expectedly, there was a normal push-back to this claim from the main opposition
parties, and media commentators. Few even sighted governments data from the NZ Drug
Foundation. Labours employment spokesman Grant Robertson said Englishs comments
were a diversionary tactic based on anecdotes rather than hard fact.
NZ First leader Winston Peters said taxpayers were being bled dry from Nationals
open door policy on immigration. In an election year, this is not unusual, and not altogether
new. From an immigrants perspective, especially from that of a new immigrants who
are supposedly at the core of this public debate; this statement would have come as a
welcome recognition of their individual grit and determination, especially coming from
the countrys top leadership.
However, there are some other dimensions of this apparent clash of narratives around
immigration, which should not be ignored. One critical dimension is that how such clash
of narratives at the top does affect the challenge of social cohesion in our fast changing
New Zealand society.
When Mr English uses the word Kiwi-workers to compare with immigrant
workers little bit callously, then it automatically exasperates social cleavages present in
any multicultural society. It automatically generates a perception in the public that all
immigrants are temporary workers and expected to leave sooner or later, and at the
most, they are not Kiwi. The point being made here is that all immigrants, including
new immigrants, aspire for a Kiwi identity, regardless of their countries of origin,
ethnicity or colour. This week in New Zealands history
Therefore by clubbing them together just as immigrants, and not as Kiwiworkers
automatically strengthen the perception among many people that new immigrants are March 5, 2013:
not Kiwis, as of now or even in distant future. CENSUS HELD AFTER TWO-YEAR DELAY
Mr Englishs statement depicts Kiwi-workers not as an inclusive group but as an exclusive
New Zealands five-yearly census had been scheduled for 8 March 2011. But
group of specific colour, habits and attitude. The reason why this point is being made here
is to relate with a recent incident of an alleged racial slur on an Indian immigrant worker. after Canterburys devastating February earthquake,Government Statistician
The ease with which the alleged perpetrator of that racist rant shouted go back to your Geoff Bascand and Statistics Minister Maurice Williamson announced that it
country and were you born here are often formed and fossilised over a period through would not go ahead. Statistics New Zealands Christchurch operations had
such callous war of words at the top political level.
been significantly disrupted, and the exodus of people from the city would have
It is not suggested that political debates are not expected or welcomed in a vibrant
democracy, it is just that little bit of caution does not hurt and goes a long way in promoting skewed the results. Cancelling the census so close to the due date cost around
social cohesion in our fast changing New Zealand society. $65 million..
Since new immigrants also aspire for a Kiwi identity, therefore it would be in larger
public good to be more thoughtful in choice of words in the public debate.
March 7, 1947:
Probably the debate around immigration and labour market could be better shaped by
using local workers instead of Kiwi workers. New Zealand Symphony Orchestra debuts
Former Prime Minister John Key had made similar comments about six months ago Classical music lovers packed Wellingtons Town Hall for the debut performance of New
in the month of September last year stating that the problem of laziness and drugs was Zealands first national orchestra. After opening with an obligatory rendition of God Save
keeping local workers away from the job market.
the King, the orchestra performed works by Dvorak, Brahms, Butterworth, Enesco, Wagner
Indian Weekender : Volume 8 Issue 48 and Richard Strauss. The National Orchestra became the NZBC Symphony Orchestra in
Publisher: Kiwi Media Publishing Limited
1963 and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra in 1988
Managing Editor: Bhav Dhillon | bhav@indianweekender.co.nz
Content Editor: Sandeep Singh | sandeep@indianweekender.co.nz
Chief Reporter: Swati Sharma | swati@indianweekender.co.nz March 9, 1890:
Reporter: Rizwan Mohammad | rizwan@indianweekender.co.nz
Chief ReporterSouth Island: Gaurav Sharma Sutherland Falls climbed
Chief Technical Officer: Rohan Desouza | rohan@indianweekender.co.nz Young surveyor William Quill needed only
Sr Graphics and Layout Designer: Mahesh Kumar | mahesh@indianweekender.co.nz
Graphic Designer: Yashmin Chand | design@indianweekender.co.nz
basic climbing equipment, including a
Accounts and Admin.: 09-6366306 | accounts@indianweekender.co.nz billhook and an alpenstock, to scale the side
Sales and Distribution: 022 3251630 | sales@indianweekender.co.nz of the great Sutherland waterfall which
cascades for 580 m near Milford Sound.
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 Quills reward was to stand at the summit of
the highest waterfall in the world taking in an
Views expressed in the articles are solely of the authors and do not in any way represent
indescribably magnificent view.A memorial
the views of the team at the Indian Weekender
to William Quill was erected on the Gertrude
Kiwi Media Publishing Limited - 133A, Level 1, Onehunga Mall, Onehunga, Auckland.
Printed at Horton Media, Auckland
Saddle in 1932.
Copyright 2017. Kiwi Media Publishing Limited. All Rights Reserved.

Understanding the Kashmir problem
VEER KHAR
A
fter partition in 1947, both
India and Pakistan retained
A
British as the heads of their
respective forces. General Busher
was appointed C-in-C of the Indian
army and General Gracey became
the C-in-C of the Pakistani army.
Lord Mountbatten (Governor-
General of Independent India)
presided over the proceedings of
the cabinet defence committee
of India.
A weak Britain (after WW2)
roped in the support of resourceful
US to contain Russia and China.
The US/UK started equipping
and funding the ally Pakistan who
unlike India accepted stationing of
their troops on its soil. Encouraged
by the US and the UK, when
Pakistan invaded India to grab
Kashmir by force in 194748,
Indian C-in-C exaggerated the
Indian army limitations and Indian
forces were not allowed to push
back the invaders. Instead, the
Indian government was advised by
its Governor-General to take the
case to United Nations where the
US vetoed almost every resolution
that would condemn Pakistans
unlawful action.
This resulted in a situation where
India was still waiting for a decision
whereas Pakistan outplayed both
the US and the UK by forming
a separate alliance with their
enemy China. To keep its options
open and strengthen its relations,
Pakistan gifted parts of Jammu and
Kashmir to China and even agreed
to facilitate its access to the Indian
Ocean. Karakoram highway and
Gwadar sea port are few examples
Trumps merit-based immigration
proposal could benefit Indians
ARUL LOUIS
U
S President Donald
Trumps proposal for a
merit-based immigration
system has the potential to benefit
Indians, a large number of whom
have high levels of education
and skills. But this will ultimately
depend on the finer details of how
the proposal is implemented. In
his State of the Union Address to
a joint session of Congress, Trump
said the US should give out green
cards using a merit-based system
similar to those of Canada and
Australia in place of its current
outdated programme.
Nations around the world, like
Canada, Australia and many others
-- have a merit-based immigration
system, he said.
It is a basic principle that those
seeking to enter a country ought
to be able to support themselves
financially. By not following
such a system, he said the US
was straining the very public
resources that our poorest citizens
rely upon. Switching away from
www.iwk.co.nz | 3 March 2017
of the resulting massive Chinese
investments.
MAP
The current map of Jammu
and Kashmirthe northernmost
state of the Republic of India
clearly shows that China has been
a major gainer in the US/UK
misadventure.
EXPLOITED PAKISTAN
A
fter realising their diplomatic
failures, the US and the UK
still could not exit from Pakistan as
a new situation resulted from the
Russian invasion of Afghanistan.
Again, aid and ammunition started
flowing in to further nourish the
army in a nation of poor and
hapless people. In subsequent
years, whenever the army might
in Pakistan was challenged by any
democratic process, it resulted in
coups. And as the supplies were
being directed through Saudi
Arabia and its allies, with these
came the hardcore Wahhabi beliefs
replacing the prevailing milder
Sufi version.
This all resulted in an exploited
nation with insincere friends such
as UK/US/Arabs, unwanted but
unavoidable Chinese army bases,
and a self-destructive national
army that was using Kashmir as an
excuse to keep the masses hooked
this current system of lower-skilled
immigration, and instead adopting
a merit-based system, will have
many benefits: it will save countless
dollars, raise workers wages, and
help struggling families -- including
immigrant families -- enter the
middle class, he said.
Trump did not make any
mention of those working in the
US on temporary professional
work visas known as H-1B. In
earlier speeches, he had said that
he would root out abuses in that
visa category and restrict them if
they were to throw Americans out
on to an unjust system, never
analysing that Kashmir does not
even produce enough potatoes and
is totally dependent on the dole
from the rest of India.
Today, Pakistan has become
the destination of training for
indoctrinated individual from any
part of the world and when the
US drones kill common Pakistanis,
the rich and powerful army just
looks the other side; it seems to be
too busy running the business.
Exploited masses do not seem to
have any hope of a better life.
INCOMMENSURATE
INDIAN RESPONSE
F
ruits of development in India
may be slowly reaching the
masses and the ever-strengthening
democracy may definitely be giving
a hope. While India is abandoning
its pseudo-socialistic stance, the
western world may be realising
its debacle and may find India as
a natural ally. But with regards
to Kashmir, India is yet to show
a commitment. It is definitely a
failed response.
The ground reality is that
separatist infests only five out of the
22 districts (i.e. a total of only 15%
of work. Those who qualify for
H1-B visas under more stringent
conditions either imposed by the
Trump Administration or by a bill
introduced jointly by a Republican
and a Democratic in Congress
would likely have a leg up in the
merit system.
Any drastic reform of the
immigration process will be a
difficult undertaking for Trump.
Trump did not spell out how the
merit-based system would work.
On the face of it, Indians would
make a good fit for a merit-based
system going by the communitys
OPINION/EDITORIAL
of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh).
There havent been any protests
against India in the rest 85%area
till date. The beneficiaries of the
chaos on India side include the
families of Abdullahs, Sozs, Syeds,
Geelanis, and the likes. These
thugs are party to encouraging
religious fundamentalism while
keeping their children tucked away
in other parts of India and even
overseas. These culprits have taken
every opportunity to amass riches
through belligerent corruption
and have maintained their grip on
power by manipulations.
Successive Indian governments
have stayed as mute spectators to
appease fundamentalists for vote
politics. In a country where Sikh
terrorism was dealt with a heavy
hand, the Muslim terrorism is given
political connotation to confuse
general masses. The result of this
failed and inappropriate response
is that in 198990,700,000 Hindus
of Kashmir were forced to leave
their homes and are now living
as refugees in their own country.
Religious fundamentalism has
been instrumental in the ethnic
cleansing of pundits from Kashmir
and the failure of the Indian state
to protect its own citizens nullifies
current profile. According to a
report by the Pew Research Centre,
70 percent of Indians in the US are
college graduates. The US Census
Bureau reported that in 2013, the
median household income for
Indian families was over $100,000.
The proposal will have to clear
many hurdles. First of all, it will
run into opposition mainly from
the Democratic Party which would
argue that it would not help the
poor and the unskilled immigrate
to the US and discriminate against
immigrants from Latin American
countries whom the party counts
as a key part of its base.A way out
for Trump might be to barter the
merit-based reform for allowing
some illegal immigrants to stay on
in the country.
In Canada, applicants for
immigration are given points
for different qualifications like
education, skill levels, and
employability, language and family
ties. They would have to meet
a minimum score to be allowed
to immigrate. Currently, the US
immigration system restricts
17
all other nation-building steps
put together.
NORMALISATION
multidimensional process of
normalisation should include:
1) Civilised world needs to help
democratic institutions in Pakistan
to wrest control from the army.
Indias size and the foundations
of peaceful coexistence need to
be recognised with a position on
Security Council. Any obsession
to bring Pakistan at par with
India needs to be replaced by
supporting India to gain balance
with China.
2) India needs to localise the
problem by reorganising the
state. Jammu and Ladakh need
to be given the status of separate
states in the union of India.
Originalinhabitantsof Kashmir,
the pundits of Kashmir need
to be resettled, withdignity and
honour by creating a separate 17
area with a union territory status
within Kashmir.
3) Subcontinent population needs
to lift their own game rather
than be happy playing second
fiddle to Arab Sheikhs, and every
religious fundamentalist needs
to understand that the diversity
in beliefs paves the ways for
coexistence and fresh ideas.
4) Existing line of control needs to
be accepted as an international
border.
Today, the Indian subcontinent
is home to one of the poorest
populations in the world and
the only way people in this area
can prosper is by diffusing the
religious affiliations with modern-
day education.
Veer Khar is President of the
Manukau Indian Association.
Views expressed above are
his own.
the number of people who can
emigrate from each country to
seven percent of the total number
allowed in except for immediate
relatives of citizens. This has led
to several years wait for Indians
to get their green cards. There is
also an annual limit of 140,000 on
employment-based green cards.
Because of the limits, most
professionals from India have to
wait as long as 12 years for a green
card and those with exceptional
qualifications nine years,
according to the State Department
visa availability data for March.
A merit-based system has the
potential to cut down the wait.
How the reform would ultimately
affect Indians could depend on
how country limits and the cap on
the number of employment visas
are retained or handled and also on
the retention of the immigration
privileges for brothers and sisters
of citizens and their families.
Arul Louis can be reached on
arul.l@ians.in
 18 INDIA
D
escribing yoga as the
sharpest weapon in
the world to fight stress
and bring peace, Prime Minister
Narendra Modi said it is also the
passport for health assurance.
Unveiling the 112-foot-tall
bust of Hindu god Lord Shiva or
Adiyogi at the Isha Foundation
here, he said the whole world today
wants peace, not just from wars
and conflict but also of the mind
and one of the sharpest weapons
for this purpose is yoga, which
fights stress.
The whole world wants peace,
not only from wars and conflicts
but also peace from stress. And we
have yoga. If body is the temple
of mind, then yoga creates a
beautiful temple, Modi said in his
extempore speech.
A yoga practitioner himself, he
said yoga is far beyond physical
exercise. Noting that the world
Moving at airline speed - Hyperloop
One unveils 'Vision for India'
A
futuristic technology in the
transport system could see
one whiz from Delhi to
Mumbai in a pod-like car in just
under one hour.
The system, unveiled by
Hyperloop One on Tuesday,
February 28, as part of its "vision
for India", promises to revolutionize
the advanced surface system by
moving people and things at
airline speeds.
Hyperloop One is developing the
world's first operational Hyperloop.
If implemented, it would be
possible to travel from Delhi to
Mumbai in 55 minutes, Mumbai
to Chennai in 50 minutes and
Bengaluru to Chennai in 20
minutes, whizzing at a speed
of around 1,100 km an hour
and above.
Expressing interest in the
technology, Railway Minister
Suresh Prabhu said India would be
keenly watching the project, which
the company said was on track to
run the world's first full-system test
later this year in Nevada, USA.
"We all are living in exciting
times. India is thinking of ways
to revamp its railway network by
various means like increasing the
average speeds as well as developing
specific high-speed corridors,"
Prabhu said.
He added the high-speed rail
project was also at an advanced
stage while India was also
partnering with private entities to
co-develop new railway innovations
which, for the first time, would
achieve speeds higher than "what
we currently call high-speed rail".
Prabhu, however, added
celebrates the International
Yoga Day in a grand manner,
he said that Adiyogi will inspire
many generations to take
up yoga.
Modi further said yoga has
come a long way and has different
schools of thought and styles, but its
essence has remained unchanged.
This the beauty of yoga. It is
ancient yet modern, it is constant
but evolving, he said, adding that
rejecting an idea just because it is
ancient is harmful and it has to be
taken to the next generation in an
understandable form.
According to him, yoga is a
catalytic agent that changes jeeva
to Shiva or human to divinity, and
practising it develops a spirit of
oneness of mind and body.
Yoga is a journey from me to
we, Modi added.
He said yoga makes the individual
a better person in thought, action,
Nick Earle, Senior Vice President of Field Operations at Hyperloop One called Hyperloop the physical broadband of
transportation, comparing it to the disruption that broadband internet brought to the world.
that India chooses her partners
carefully and Hyperloop One
would have to undergo a rigorous,
but transparent, process to partner
with India.
Hyperloop is a transportation
system which proposes to propels
a pod-like vehicle through a near-
vacuum tube at more than airline
speed. NITI Ayog CEO Amitabh
Kant said the key to India's growth
now depends on how we transform
the process of urbanization and
the way people move. "Future of
the Hyperloop technology doesn't
belong in the United States of
America or in Europe. It belongs
in a place that needs solutions,"
Kant said referring to India. Rob
Lloyd, the CEO of Hyperloop
One, said the technology would
3 March 2017| www.iwk.co.nz
112 feet bust of 'Adiyogi' Lord Shiva at Isha Yoga Foundation.
knowledge and devotion and it
would be very unfair to see yoga
only as a set of exercises that
keeps the body fit. You may see
people twist and turn their bodies
in many sorts of fashion. But they
good deeds, Modi said.
are not all yogis. Yoga is far beyond
physical exercises. Through Yoga,
we will create a new Yuga - a Yuga
of togetherness and harmony,
Modi said.
Dwelling on Indias diverse
culture, he said diversity is the
for their well-being which, in turn,
countrys greatest strength and
not a cause of conflict. The Prime
Minister said that Indians worship
several goddesses and that the
within oneself and yoga is the
country is the land of many women
scientific way of well-being. It is
saints as well.
The progress of humanity lies
in women empowerment and it is
India is an extremely important geography for developing
Hyperloop networks and re-imagining how cities and regions
work. The Prime Ministers vision of connecting the country
is directly aligned with our objective of connecting the world.
Shervin Pishevar, Executive Chairman
help India build infrastructure
that is both financially and
environmentally sustainable.
"A transportation system like
the Hyperloop will undoubtedly
ease the pressure on existing
infrastructure while enhancing the
quality of life of the people.
"We are already working with
the governments around the world
on passenger and freight projects,
and we look forward to also
partnering with India to support
this endeavour," he said.
on black money through
time for women-led development,
he said.
Woman is a manifestation of
said the need
divinity, whereas a man would
attain divinity only through his
and stick
Earlier after welcoming Modi
and taking him to the places of
worship inside the Foundation, its
founder, Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev
said humans started to look outside
resulted in sufferings for other
living beings on earth.
He said happiness is present
there is a need to find out what
not about being superhuman but
about being human, Vasudev said.
Shervin Pishevar, Executive
Chairman of the company said the
ambitious project was in line with
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's
vision for transforming India.
"India is an extremely important
geography for developing
Hyperloop networks and re-
imagining how cities and regions
work. The Prime Minister's vision
of connecting the country is
directly aligned with our objective
of connecting the world," he said.
Focus now
needed on
stopping black
money flow:
Subramanian
I
ndias Chief Economic
Advisor Arvind Subramanian
said that after the attack
demonetisation, the country
should now focus squeezing
its flow.
Delivered a talk on The
Surprise that is the Indian
Economy at the Indian Institute
of Management,
Ahmedabad, he
was to adopt
a carrot
a p p ro a ch
to prevent
the flow
a n d
generation
o f
black money.
Black money
has two dimensions. One is
generating money via prohibited
illegal activities and another one
involves not disclosing it to tax
authorities, he said, adding that
exactly is in the system, high taxes
or regulations, that is prompting
some to conceal their income.
Subramanian again advocated
implementation of Universal
Basic Income (UBI) scheme in
India.
There is no scientific evidence
to suggest that if you give money
directly to poor, they would
squander it. This is more of an
elitist thought process, he said.
Subramanian, however,
pointed out that for UBI
to be implemented, other
welfare schemes of the
government would have to
be withdrawn.
The UBI could cost
anywhere around 5 per cent
of the GDP and if we have
to afford it, other schemes
would have to go. That is the
big challenge.
He asserted that despite
opening of a large number of
Jan Dhan accounts during the
last two to three years, India
was still far behind perfect
financial inclusion.
Now you have UBI where the
mobile (phone) can become the
real effective means of financial
inclusion but the shocking
statistics is that 350-400 million
people in India neither have
smartphones nor any phone, he
said.
About the benefits of
demographic dividend to India,
he said the country could soon
see this tapering off from 2020.
The window is closing fast and
we need more migration within
India as some states are ageing
more than the others.
Subramanian told reporters
later that the government was
looking at initiating strong action
on banks bad debts.
There has been a recognition
that one of the major challenges
of the macro-economy is the twin
balance sheet problem.
Many firms have unsustainable
debt and that in turn affects the
banks and hence both the balance
sheets have debts.
It is having an effect on the
economy in terms of reducing
private investment and growth.
I think in the months to come,
the government will take some
good, strong action against this
problem, he added.
 www.iwk.co.nz | 3 March 2017
INDIA 19

Demonetisation: Hard work NEWS in BRIEF

won over Harvard: Modi India to closely engage with other
I countries over Indians safety
n the wake of encouraging The Prime Minister's remarks

GDP growth figures released
a day earlier, Prime Minister
Narendra Modi said on
Wednesday, March 1, that "hard
work has won over Harvard-
educated economists" who had
predicted otherwise.
The Prime Minister said the
Bharatiya Janata Party is winning
in Uttar Pradesh after five of
the seven phases of polling, and
asked the electorate to vote for his
party in the remaining two phases
as bonus.
"Well-known intellectuals from
Harvard and Oxford (universities),
who have been at key positions in
the Indian economic system, had
said the Gross Domestic Product
will go down by two per cent;
some others said it will go down
by four per cent," Modi said at an
election rally.
"On one hand, there are
these intellectuals who talk
about Harvard, and on the
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
honest people of the country have
already proved it, he said.
"Hard work is more powerful
than Harvard. India is among the
world's fastest growing economies,"
Modi said.
"The GDP figures came out
yesterday (Tuesday), and it is
proved that despite demonetisation,
come in the backdrop of Nobel
laureate Amartya Sen dubbing the
November 8 demonetisation -- in
which Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes
were scrapped as a "despotic
action that has struck at the root of
economy based on trust".
Sen is Professor of Economics
and Philosophy at the
Harvard University.
India's GDP for the third quarter
ending December 31 stood at
Rs 30.28 lakh crore, recording a
growth of seven per cent, compared
with 7.3 per cent in the second
quarter, official data released on
Tuesday, February 28 said.
Speaking at the rally, the Prime
Minister said: "People have made
the BJP victorious in the five
phases; you only have to give us a
bonus in the 6th and 7th phases."
Targeting the Congress-
Samajwadi Party alliance in the
state, Modi said: "One is expert in
ruining the country; the other is an
W
ith US President Donald Trump condemning the fatal shooting
at a bar in Kansas last week that claimed the life of an Indian
techie, the Indian government on Wednesday, March 1,said
that it will closely engage with authorities of other countries wherever
the safety of Indians is concerned.
The safety of Indians all over the world is a matter of the highest
priority for the government, said External Affairs Ministry spokesperson
Gopal Baglay. You saw that the senior authorities of the United States
and Kansas where this unfortunate took place, they had a very clear
and categorical approach to such crimes. They have condemned it,
they have said that they will prosecute, investigate this crime very fully...
President Trump himself condemned the killing and the government
will remain very closely engaged with authorities in other countries
wherever the safety of Indians is concerned. Trump began his first
address to Congress at the Capitol Hill on Tuesday by condemning the
fatal attack on Srinivas Kuchibhotla, saying the country stands united
in condemning hate and evil.
Last weeks shooting in Kansas city reminds us that while we may
be a nation divided on policies, we are a country that stands united in
condemning hate and evil in all its forms, he said.
Modis Make in Indias lion
doesnt roar but whimpers: Rahul

other, there is this son of a poor
mother, who is trying to change
the country's economy through
hard work."
Whether Harvard will win or
hard work farmers, labourers and
honest and hardworking people of
India villagers, farmers and the
youths did not allow the country's
development to get hampered,"
he said.
C
expert in ruining Uttar Pradesh.
ongress Vice president Rahul Gandhi
Will they be allowed to win?"
He said the state will take On Friday ridiculed the Make in
revenge against those who looted India campaign of Prime Minister
Uttar Pradesh in the last 15 years. Narendra Modi, saying while a big lion was
made the mascot of the campaign, it ended in

Banking operations affected pan-India due to strike a whimper of a rat.

There is nothing called Make in India, he

B
anking operations across
the country came to a halt
on Tuesday, February 28,
as 10 lakh bankers staged a strike
against the government's "anti-
people banking reforms", said a
bank union leader The strike was
called by the United Forum of
Bank Unions (UFBU), comprising
nine unions.
They also pressed for
compensation to employees for
extra work done on account of
demonetisation.
"Around 85,000 branches
of commercial banks, 105,000
branches of co-operative bank
and others are on strike," C.H.
Venkatachalam, General Secretary,
All India Bank Employees'
Association (AIBEA) said.
The strike covers employees and
officers in all public sector banks,
including State Bank of India,
all old-generation private banks,
foreign banks, regional rural banks
and cooperative banks.
An officer in a government-
owned bank preferring
anonymity said: "The clerical
staff will get overtime allowance
for working extra during the
demonetisation period."
Not agreeing with that view, D.
Thomas Franco Rajendra Dev,
Senior Vice President of the All
India Bank Officers Confederation
(AIBOC), told media: "Our
demand is to treat all the employees
equally. And officers will also get
their due share."
said, noting that if this was the case, then why
were mobile phones in India still coming with
a Made in China tag.
Accusing Modi of spreading hatred and dividing the society in the
name of religion, Gandhi told a gathering in this Uttar Pradesh town
that while the Prime Minister had initially promised people the moon
and gave them a Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge type feeling, he ended
up donning the role of Gabbar himself.
Attacking Modi for doing nothing for the youth and the farmers,
Gandhi said time had come when people should ask him where are
the two crore jobs he promised. He also slammed the Swach Bharat
Abhiyan, saying that Modi gave everyone a broom to do the cleaning
while he flew to Washington to meet (then) US President Barack Obama.

Modi hails ISROs achivements,

interceptor missile success
P
rime Minister Narendra Modi on
Sunday heaped praise on Indian
scientists for launching 104 satellites
into space in one go and for carrying out test
of Ballistic Interceptor Missile.
In the 29th edition of his radio programme
Mann Ki Baat, Modi said: India has
created history by becoming the first country
to launch successfully 104 satellites into space
in one go on February 15. It is a day of
immense pride for India.
Our scientists have brought laurels to
the nation, witnessed by the whole world.
Over the last few years, ISRO (Indian Space
Research Organisation) has accomplished
various unprecedented missions with
flying colours.
Modi also said the test of the Ballistic
Interceptor Missile gave India a cutting
edge competency in the area of security.
During its trial, this missile, based on
interceptor technology, destroyed an enemy
missile at an altitude of about 100 km above
the earth and thus marked its success.
This is a significant, cutting edge
competency in the arena of security. And you
will be happy to know that hardly four or five
countries in the world possess this capability,
he said.
On February 11, India successfully test-
fired a Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV)
interceptor missile designed to intercept and
destroy hostile ballistic missiles in space even
before they re-enter the Earths atmosphere.
Indias scientists have demonstrated this
prowess. Its core strength lies in the fact
that if, even from a distance of 2,000 km,
a missile is launched to attack India, our
missile can pre-emptively destroy it in the
space itself, Modi added. In the test, an
incoming missile was successfully intercepted
at a height of 100 km with a direct hit by an
interceptor missile. The PDV can reach even
higher altitudes.
About the launch of 104 satellites, the
Prime Minister said the cost effective, efficient
space programme of ISRO has become a
marvel for the entire world.
The world has whole-heartedly admired
the success of Indian scientists, he said.
Modi described one of the 104 satellites,
Cartosat 2D, as extremely important,
particularly for farmers.
Cartosat 2D is Indias satellite and the
pictures clicked through it will be of great
help in mapping resources and infrastructure,
evaluating development and planning for
urban development.
For farmers, this new satellite will be
immensely helpful on a whole lot of subjects,
such as knowing how much water is there in
our existing water sources, how this should be
best put to use, what things to keep in mind in
this regard, he said.
 20 INDIA ABROAD
New destination: Indian students
flock to Australia for higher studies
T
he Australian governments
campaign to lure Indian
students for higher studies
is bearing fruit as nearly 80,000 of
them enrolled in various education
and training courses in 2016.
Overall, Australian universities
and vocational training institutes
have experienced another bumper
year with more than half a million
international students choosing to
study Down Under.
The numbers are likely to
increase exponentially in the
coming months as, according to
some media reports, international
students are beginning to shun
the US because of the anti-
immigrant policies of President
Donald Trump.
With the US and UK
occupying the top two positions,
Australia is ranked third as
the favoured destination for
international students.
With record student numbers
and record student satisfaction,
2016 was a gangbuster year
for international education in
Australia and the vital role it
plays in our national economic
India asks US to take
strongest' action to
stop attacks
U
nion Information and
Broadcasting Minister M.
Venkaiah Naidu asked US
to condemn the killing of Indian
techie Srinivas Kuchibhotla and
take a strongest' action to prevent
such attacks.
Meeting reporters after
consoling family members of
Kuchibhotla here, he said India
had taken up the issue with the US
at the highest level and stressed
the need to take steps to provide
security and assurance to Indians
living there. Voicing concern
over series of incidents of alleged
racial discrimination, Naidu said
it was the responsibility of the US
government and the civil society to
put an end to this.
Terming the Kansas shooting in
which Kuchibhotla was killed and
his colleague Alok Madasani was
injured, as shameful, he said this
was blot on US which claims to be
the oldest democracy.
"American President and people
should come out openly and
condemn such actions and then
take strongest action and send a
message that this is not acceptable,"
Naidu said.
Stating that seven incidents of
this nature occured, the Minister
said that they are sending wrong
message which was not good for
US, its people and the world.
The Minister said the US
should answer the questions raised
by Srinivas' wife so eloquently
even in this hour of grief. He said
the incident had caused anguish
and social prosperity, Australias
Federal Minister for Education and
Training Simon Birmingham said
in a media release Wednesday.
While the United States
continues to be the number
one choice for Indian students,
Australia is clearly the second-most
popular destination.
A record number of 78,424
students from India enrolled in
Australia in 2016.
This represents an increase of 8.9
per cent on 2015 and is second only
to China. Indias gigantic northern
neighbour continues to occupy the
numero uno position with 196,315
(an increase of 15.7 per cent on
the 2015 enrollment figures). The
number of commencements has
also been going northwards with
every year.
The higher education sector
has also maintained its top
position with 43 per cent students
opting for such courses in 2016.
According to statistics provided
by the Department of Education
and Training, China and India
accounted for 36.8 per cent
and 14.6 per cent, respectively,
Srinivas Kuchibhotla, with his wife
to Indians and brought sorrow to
Telugus. He said External Affairs
Minister Sushma Swaraj acted
swiftly and directed the Indian
embassy to make arrangements
for bringing home the slain
techie's body. Naidu, who was
accompanied by Union Labour
Minister Bandaru Dattatreya,
said while the series of incidents
caused concern among the Indian
community in the US, there was
no need for panic. He said it was
not proper to take decisions like
dropping plans to travel to the US
or returning to India.
"There is elected government
and democratic system there.
Elected public representatives
there are voicing concern on such
incidents," he added.
Kuchibhotla, 32, was killed and
Alok Madasani was injured when
Adam W. Purinton, a white man
who earlier served in the US Navy,
shot them at the Austins Bar &
Grill in Olathe, Kansas state, on
Wednesday night, February 22.
Purinton reportedly got into an
argument with the victims and
hurled racial slurs. He yelled "get
out of my country", "terrorist"
before shooting them.
Kuchibhotla of Hyderabad were
working as aviation programme
managers at Garmin, an MNC.
3 March 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz
of enrolments by students in
higher education.
The fascination of Indian
students for vocational training
courses continued for another
year as students from the
country accounted for 14.7 per
cent enrollments in the sector.
Melbourne has always attracted
the bulk of Indian students and
2016 was no exception as 34,347
enrolled in various Victorian
institutes. New South Wales (which
has Sydney as its state capital)
was number two on the list as
18,900 Indian students enrolled
Slain techie's mother not to allow
younger son to return to US
A
fter losing one son in a
racist attack in the US last
week, Parvatha Vardhini is
not ready to take risk by sending
back another son to that country.
Sai Kishore, who is employed
in a firm in the US, arrived here
with the body of his elder brother
Srinivas Kuchibhotla, who
was shot dead in Kansas by an
American.
Grieving over the lost of her
second of the three sons, the
mother is not willing to allow the
youngest to return.
Trump condemns Kansas killing
during congressional address
U
S President Donald Trump
during his address to
Congress on Wednesday,
March 1, condemned the incident
at a bar where an Indian engineer
was killed and another injured by
an American who mistook them
for "Middle Easterners".
"Recent threats targeting
Jewish Community Centres and
vandalism of Jewish cemeteries,
as well as last week's shooting in
Kansas City, remind us that while
we may be a nation divided on
policies, we are a country that
stands united in condemning
hate and evil in all its forms,"
Trump said.
A 51-year-old US Navy veteran
opened fire, killing Srinivas
Kuchibhotla, 32, and injuring
Alok Madasani, also 32, and an
American in a bar in Olathe,
Kansas, last week.
there in 2016. Some experts
blame higher living expenses in
Australias largest city Sydney for
this phenomenon.
Thanks to the gangbuster
year, international education has
once again regained its position
as the third-largest export sector.
International students generated
more than A$21 billion (Rs 1
trillion) of economic activity
in Australia.
If some media reports are to be
believed, the revenue generated
by international education may
hit a new high in 2017 as, thanks
The eldest of the three brothers
live with the parents.
Kuchibhotla's body was brought
home on Monday night and
the last rites were performed on
Tuesday.
The mother blamed the policies
of US President Donald Trump
for the killing of her son.
The techie's wife Sunayna
Dumala, brother Sai Kishore and
other relatives had come with his
mortal remains.
Sai Kishore was also settled
in Kansas. It was not clear if
The attacker identified as
Adam Purinton mistook the
Indians for "Middle Easterners"
and reportedly yelled "get out of
my country".
Ian Grillot, 24, was injured
when he tried to intervene to save
the Indians.
to President Trumps contentious
policies, more international students
would pack their bags and move to
Australia. So, if the aftermath of
2001 caused international students
to think twice about America,
what will happen this time with
Trump stirring up nativism and
suspicion of foreigners with every
tweet and aligning himself with
white supremacists? An Australian
Financial Review columnist posed
this query recently.
One would have to wait for a
while to answer this question.
Sunayana, who also works at a
firm in Kansas, will be returning
to the US.
Madasani's father Janardhan
Reddy already said that he would
ask his son to return home as the
situation had turned bad in the US
after Trump became the President.
He had also appealed to parents
not to send their children to the
US.
"My son, like many other
Indians in US are well qualified
and can get better jobs in India,"
he had said.
US President Donald Trump
The family of Kuchibhotla was
shocked over the incident and has
sought help from the state and
central governments in bringing
his body back home.
 www.iwk.co.nz | 3 March 2017
FEATURES 21

Its not what you know, its who you know

RAJ SINGH using them? Do you know whats an elevator

A
s a jobseeker in New Zealand, you
wouldve heard and experienced this
statement countless times: Its not
important what you know. What is important
is who you know.
And I can bet, you know or have heard
about someone who got the job just because
he/she knew someone in the company.
Manytimes you see someone less capable or
deserving taking over a position and you feel,
how did that happen and why didit happen
to you.
We all like to think and believe that
factors such ascompetence, education,
knowledge, and experience should be the
ideal determinants for a jobseeker to secure
their dream role but who said we live in an
ideal world?
It is disturbing to see yourself slogging
through your job search doing your best with
no or minimum results and losing that chance
that you wanted so badly over someone else
and as a result you often feel resentful, bitter,
and sour.
I am new in New Zealand and I dont
have any references, I dont know anyone.
Wherever I apply, I am asked if I know
anyone in the company. I dont know what
to do and where to go. He had his friends
and family already in New Zealand.They
helped him with his job. She had her
cousin working in the same industry and
her cousin went out of the way to get her
the interviews.
Interesting (rant), isnt it?
Heres my suggestion: Its not going to do
any good to you or anyone else if you go
around crying and comparing your situation
with others and proving that life has been
serving you injustice.
Things are always the way they are and
havent been much different from than the
way they always have been. We are not
entirely hopeless in the world where everyone
is not equal and fortunate enough to have their
brothers, sisters, and uncles in New Zealand
before they came here. How is it possible to
play with these rules and still make success
more likely?
No, I am not suggesting manipulating or
blackmailing anyone, I am not suggesting
anything immoral or illegal (although some
people are doing it), which of course, is a
different topic altogether and shall be covered
in future articles. I am, however, suggesting
behaving in a sensible way of understanding
the gravity of the situation, asking the right
questions, promoting oneself well, consistent
up skilling, understanding the difference
between asking and offering, and always
being ready to go beyond simply doing the
job well.
So, when you know you dont have anyone
in New Zealand as your support, what did
you do to create your references before and
after arriving in the country? Do you know
how to create your references? Do you have
a list of 50 companies that might need a
candidate like you? If English is not your
first language, what are you doing to improve
your communication skills? Do you need/
have a mentor? Do you know how to get one?
Can you give me a job? Do you have a job for
me? Can you introduce me to someone who
can hire me? Can you sponsor my work visa/
permanent residence? Unfortunately, seven
out of 10 jobseekers are asking these questions
players in your industry? Are you following
So, when you know you dont
have anyone in New Zealand as
your support, what did you do
to create your references before
and after arriving in the country?
Do you know how to create your
references? Do you have a list of
50 companies that might need
a candidate like you? If English
you have two options. Either you can sit back
is not your first language, what
are you doing to improve your
communication skills?
even before they have properly introduced
themselves. I understand your pressure
to find work but these questions will not
help you.
What sort of social media presence do you
have? Do you use LinkedIn/Twitter? Do
you use Facebook? Do you know how to use
Facebook professionally? What other online
platforms does your industry use? Are you
pitch? Do you have one?
Have you identified your skills gap, if any?
Do you know what your market is looking
for in their ideal candidate? Have you been
constantly up skilling? Who are the key
and learning from them?
Are you disciplined/punctual? Do you
have a ridiculously, sickening work ethic? Are
you willing to go above and beyond of what is
expected of you? Do you know how to shine
in what you do?
Your answers to these questions could be
different than mine but if youre passionate
about what you want in life, you will find an
optimised answer to your questions or an
answer that works for you. You might start
with some answer and slowly and gradually
by meeting more people and doing your own
research your answer will become stronger
and evolve into something that starts working
for you. All you need is a consistent effort, a
never-ending hunger to know, and a wisdom
to ask the right questions.
If someone has convinced you that, its
not what you know, its who you know then
and cry about your situation or ask a question
to yourselfwhat should I do to know the
people who are important for me?
Raj Singh is
the Managing
Recruiter at Rent
A Recruiter Ltd
and is sharing
his knowledge
and experience
with migrants
and international
students in NZ

9 common foods to control blood pressure

cannot have raw garlic, squeeze out its juice,
take a few drops and add them into half a
tablespoon of water. Have it twice every day.
Coconut: Coconut water contains
potassium, sodium, calcium, vitamin C and
other nutrients that are helpful in controlling
blood pressure. Its high level of potassium
has deemed it as one of the best natural
treatments for high blood pressure.
Watermelon: Watermelon juice contains

A
sedentary lifestyle has coined a new
term for us Lifestyle diseases. These
diseases are those that can easily be
managed by a slight tweak in the way we
lead our lives. Certain dietary additions and
deductions can help you manage a case of
hypertension. You may be going low on salt
and doing power walks but there are many
unknown and effective ways you can fight
hypertension.
Grapes: Grapes are a rich source of
potassium and phosphorus, making them
an effective remedy for high blood pressure.
Potassium is a natural diuretic, making your
kidneys excrete more sodium while also
relaxing the blood vessels. Both of these, help
in maintaining blood pressure.
Banana: Another great source of potassium
(450 mg/banana), bananas also contain
vitamin B6, vitamin C and magnesium. Have
it every day to control the reins of your blood
pressure. The same was also established by
a study in Journal of the American College
of Cardiology. It showed that people who
increased their potassium intake to 1,600 mg
were 21 percent less likely to have a stroke.
Garlic: Garlic dilutes the accumulated
cholesterol that gets deposited on the walls of
arteries and veins. Have garlic by smashing
and swallowing it, two cloves every day.
Garlic is known to be good for your blood
flow and helps reduce blood pressure. If you
Arginine, an amino acid that helps in lowering
blood pressure considerably. It reduces blood
clotting, providing protection against strokes
and some other heart ailments. Besides
watermelon juice, watermelon seeds have also
been proven to be very effective in controlling
hypertension. A study showed that the seeds
contain cucurbotrin, a glucoside, which
helps in dilating blood, thereby, reducing
blood pressure.
Coriander: Coriander leaves contain
a wide variety of bioactives which have
antimicrobial, antidepressant, anti-
inflammatory and anxiety inhibiting
properties. Coriander has been proven to
reduce blood sugar, cholesterol levels and
blood pressure naturally as it has a diuretic
effect on the body.
Mint Leaves: Mint leaves contain
properties that help remove arterial plaque,
a significant cause of hypertension. With
a gradual removal of plaque, the pressure
on heart to pump blood faster is released,
lowering blood pressure.
Lemon: Lemon is a very good source
of Vitamin C, an ingredient that helps in
strengthening capillaries. This in turn makes
the heart less susceptible to hypertension.
Celery: Celery has an extract called NBP
which relaxes artery walls and increases
blood flow, while reducing blood pressure.
It has fiber, magnesium and potassium that
help regulate the blood pressure.
 22 SPORTS
Guptill the Great: NZ vs Proteas
M
artin Guptills unbeaten
180 off 138 balls at
Seddon Park will go down
as one of New Zealand's greatest
ever One Day International (ODI)
knocks. Guptill conjured up a
performance for the ages to help
the Blackcaps topple South Africas
first innings total of 279-8.
His first game since returning
from a hamstring injury, a slow
difficult pitch, the pressure
of needing to win to keep the
series alive; Guptill overcame all
obstacles on Wednesday, March
1, at Seddon Park to create a
special night.
A handsome start
The crowd welcomed back our
favourite red-headed opener to
warm-applause when he strolled
out to the wicket. That applause
would grow in decibels over the
next 45 overs, but that all started
with the 30-year olds ability to
see the Blackcaps through the first
power play. After a semi-watchful
beginning, he quickly got into his
stride and by the time he reached
50 had a strike rate well over 100.
After a mere 82 balls Guptill
was treated to a standing ovation
from Seddon Park. The opener
has barely put a foot wrong on
his way to three figures and it was
quickly becoming apparent that
this innings would stick in the
mind for some time. It was a good
innings at this point - it would soon
become great. He now sits third
on the Blackcaps all time ODI
century list.
Record buddies
Good mates off the park and
Martin Guptill
record holders on it. Guptill and
Ross Taylor put on 180 for the
third wicket - New Zealands
largest against South Africa. While
somewhat over-shadowed, Taylors
innings of 66 could be considered
one of the most important half-
centuries of his career. His
experience allowed him to soak up
periods of pressure and play the
perfect second fiddle. He also got
the best seat in the house to watch
his friend tee off at the other end.
Homer Hamilton
We apologise for the baseball
reference, but the man himself
is a big MLB fan - Miami Twins
supporter. There were no less
than 11 exclamation marks in
Guptills innings, with more than
half of them threatening to leave
the stadium altogether. Coming to
Eden Park for the fifth ODI? Make
sure you keep your eye on the ball.
Hamilton heat
Metaphorically and literally.
Trailing in the series 2-1, the
Blackcaps were under pressure
to keep the series alive with a win
at Seddon Park. The hot form of
3 March 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz
South Africa matched the Hamilton
climate, with sapping humidity
and tropical-like conditions for
the crunch encounter. After being
asked to bowl first, the Blackcaps
bowlers bore the brunt of the
conditions during peak sunshine
hours.
Presto Patel!
The 36-year-old made the
best possible start to his return,
dismissing the destructive Quinton
de kick in the first over of
the match.
Drafting just outside off-
stump, de Kock wafter his bat
and caught the faintest of edges,
which wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi
gleefully accepted. Followed it up
by dislodging Amlas bails with
a misplaced lap shot. Not a bad
couple of scalps for the old fella.
Knocking it around
Having sent two world-class
openers back to the shed, the
Blackcaps were presented with two
more road blocks in JP Duminy and
Faf du Plessis. The experienced
duo played the long game, rotating
the strike and pouncing on any
stray deliveries. At 125-2, theyd
given the visitors a strong platform
to continue building from.
Clawing back
Tim Southee accounted for
Duminy (25), Jimmy Neesham
was back in the wickets with the
big wicket of du Plessis (67) and
Mitchell Santner benefitted from
an errant sweep from David
Miller (1). With South Africa 143-
5, the Blackcaps had taken back
the initiative and were arguably
ahead of the game. There was just
one problem.
Deja vu De Villiers
Were out of superlatives for his
freakishness, but de Villiers impact
was once again significant.
His genius was once again on
full display and difficult not to
admire, as he caressed, bludgeoned
and willed his team through to
an imposing 279-8. Empowering
his little order along the way, de
Villiers wrestled 106 off the final 10
overs of the innings and remained
unbeaten on 72 from 59 balls.
Simply the man is good.
India are going
to come back
harder, cautions
Warner
A
head of the second Test
against India starting
on Saturday, March 4,
flamboyant Australia opener David
Warner warned his side against any
sort of complacency, saying the
No.1-ranked Test side will come
back harder.
"They [India] are the No. 1 Test
team in the world. They are a great
bunch of players and we know what
to expect," Warner told media.
"We saw all the tricks in Pune
their bowling changes, their
fielding placements, the way they
play as a number one team so
for us to beat them on home soil
was awesome and fantastic. But we
know they're going to come back
harder and we've just got to adapt
to the conditions again with what
we face here," he added.
Commenting on the Pune strip,
which drew a "poor" rating from
the International Cricket Council
(ICC), the 30-year-old left-hander
said it wasn't a wicket where one
can play his natural game.
"Having looked at the (Pune)
wicket, it was probably going to be
a wicket where you couldn't really
play your shots. You were going to
have to sweep off length, not just off
line," Warner said.
Australia won the first Test by a
mammoth 333 runs and have taken
a 1-0 lead in the four-match rubber.
 www.iwk.co.nz | 3 March 2017
FEATURES 23

Dumb down or get smart

@MAHESH K thoughtful design. The phone
features a stunning display that is
The nostalgic Nokia 3310 different from almost every other
smartphone screen in terms of
makes a come back
driven by Android Nougat-based
new LG UX 6.0, and it will be
the first phone to feature Google
Assistant.

I
the aspect ratio. It has a 5.7-inch, All in all, an impressive and
n this age of smart, it is rare 2880x1440 pixel screen, which thoughtfully engineered phone
that the launch of a dumb means a 2:1 display ratio. Almost that has the potential to change
feature phone makes a splash every other phone has a 16:9 aspect LGs fortunes in the mobile
in the tech circles. But that is what ratio. This means you get more device market.
happened with the recent launch screen in a smaller body. It is tall
of the classic and iconic Nokia and snugly fits in your hand. The
phone is also IP68 water-resistant
3310. The phone that featured in
and has a USB Type-C port
Time magazines list of The 50 for charging.
most influential gadgets of all time In the camera department,
made a comeback at Mobile World the phone shines. It features two
Congress in Barcelona last week. cameras (wide angle and normal)
Many of us remember owning like many other flagship phones
the phone and rather lovingly just a two megapixel one and the but some image stabilisation magic
appreciate the simplicity of the phone works with 2G internet (yup, ensures great photo quality. You
no WiFi). It has got a new UI and can shoot 4K at up to 60fps, which
times and unbeatable battery life is pretty awesome to experience
it offered. it comes with a Dual SIM version.
on a phone. The now non-
So if you are sick of being So all those who want to go removable battery has
back to the bare necessities, this is been bumped up to
distracted with the constant
for you. 3,300mAh.
notifications from your smartphone
and long for simpler times, you LGs new flagship G6 On the

might want to go and buy this
iconic phone at approximately
just US$52.
The phone retains the form and
structure of the original 3310 but
has a refresh, which makes it come
across as a cool, fun device. It
features a 2.4-inch, 240x320 pixel
screen (yeah, please dont compare
it with HD or QHD screens that
todays smartphones come with)
and comes in four cheerful and
bright colours and feels light in
the hand.
The phone might not have the
bells and whistles of your iPhone
but it does have something that
your new iPhone does not have
the humble 3.5mm headphone
jack. Nokia 3310 also sports a
MicroSD card slot. The camera is
A
software
longside the launch of the front, the
king of feature phones, phone
Mobile World Congress will be
also saw the launch of the LG
G6, which wants to be the king of
smartphones.
G5, LGs flagship from last
year, failed to make a mark but
was appreciated for its innovative
modular system. Ironically, it did
not resonate with consumers and
the phone did not see much uptake.
But G6 is a phone that seems
to have impressed everyone
with its top-of-the-line specs and
PRO0747_IW_033

Help guide Aucklands

direction for 2017/2018

NEW ZEALAND FIRST

Each year we set our budget to meet future growth
and deliver the services that council provides. LIST MP
As part of our Annual Budget consultation we want
your feedback on a range of topics including your rates,
targeted rates, how we pay for investment and local
activities and priorities for 2017/2018.
Visit shapeauckland.co.nz for more information and
to have your say.
SPOKESPERSON FOR
CORRECTIONS
CUSTOMS
ETHNIC AFFAIRS
L A N D I N F O R M AT I O N N Z

If you would like to discuss these or any other

issues, please contact my office:
P 04 817 8367
E mahesh.bindra@parliament.govt.nz
A FREEPOST
Parliament Buildings
Wellington
W www.nzfirst.org.nz

AUCKLAND OFFICE
P FREE PHONE
0800 BINDRA
Have your say by 4pm on Monday 27 March, 2017. or 09 250 4070
A Level 1, 21 East Tamaki Rd
For more information and to provide feedback Papatoetoe
visit shapeauckland.co.nz or your local library, Auckland 2025
service centre or local board office.
Authorised by Mahesh Bindra, Parliament Buildings, Wellington
 24 FUNZONE | www.iwk.co.nz
3 March 2017Puzzle solution: Puzzle solution: Puzzle solution:
Play sudoku online at: Play sudoku online at: Play sudoku online at:
Crossword Answers to last week's puzzles
Sudoku puzzle No. 3776 2017-02-13 Sudoku puzzle No. 3780 2017-02-17Sudoku puzzle No. 3781 2017-02-18
www.sudokukingdom.com
5 2 7 1 www.sudokukingdom.com
8 4 6 9 3 2 5 8 4 www.sudokukingdom.com
7 1 9 3 6 7 6 1 2 4 8 5 9 3
9 4 1 7 6 3 8 2 5 7 3 4 2 6 9 1 5 8 5 3 8 9 1 6 7 2 4
3 8 6 5 2 9 1 4 7 6 9 1 8 3 5 4 7 2 2 9 4 5 7 3 1 6 8
8 1 4 3 5 7 9 6 2 4 1 7 3 9 6 8 2 5 8 5 2 4 9 1 3 7 6
6 7 3 4 9 2 5 1 8 9 6 2 5 1 8 3 4 7 4 1 9 3 6 7 8 5 2
2 5 9 8 1 6 3 7 4 3 8 5 7 4 2 6 9 1 3 7 6 8 2 5 4 1 9
Puzzle solution: Puzzle solution:
4 3 8 6 7 1 2 5 9 5 2 9 1 8 4 7 6 3 6 2 7Puzzle
1 8 solution:
4 9 3 5
7 6 2 9 3 5 4 8 1 8 4 3 6 2 7 5 1 9 1 8 5 6 3 9 2 4 7
1 9 5 2 4 8 7 3 6 1 7 puzzle
6 9 No.
5 3777
3 2 2017-02-14
8 4 9 4 3 7 5 2 6 8 1
Sudoku puzzle No. 3778 2017-02-15 Sudoku Sudoku puzzle No. 3779 2017-02-16
4 7 2 1 9 5 8 6 3 5 8 3 6 9 1 2 4 7 7 1 5 3 4 9 2 6 8
8 3 5 7 6 2 4 1 9 1 6 9 2 4 7 8 3 5 3 4 8 7 2 6 9 1 5
1 6 9 4 3 8 2 7 5 7 2 4 8 3 5 6 9 1 6 9 2 5 8 1 4 7 3
6 2 7 8 5 1 9 3 4 9 5 2 1 8 4 7 6 3 8 5 3 2 7 4 1 9 6
9 5 1 3 7 4 6 8 2 3 7 6 5 2 9 1 8 4 4 2 9 6 1 8 5 3 7
3 8 4 6 2 9 1 5 7 4 1 8 7 6 3 5 2 9 1 7 6 9 5 3 8 4 2
2 9 6 5 1 7 3 4 8 6 3 7 9 5 2 4 1 8 5 3 7 4 9 2 6 8 1
5 1 8 9 4 3 7 2 6 8 4 1 3 7 6 9 5 2 9 6 1 8 3 5 7 2 4
7 4 3 2 8 6 5 9 1 2 9 5 4 1 8 3 7 6 2 8 4 1 6 7 3 5 9

Page 2/2
Page 2/2 Page 2/2

Page 2/2 Page 2/2

Page 2/2

Send us stories, drawings, poems and other contributions by your little ones along with
their photographs for this page. E-mail us at reporter@indianweekender.co.nz

Manisha Koushik is a practicing astrologer, tarot card reader,

numerologist, vastu and fengshui consultant based in India with a
global presence through the online channels. She is available for
consultations online as well. E-mail her at support@askmanisha.
com or contact at +91-11-26449898 Mobile/Whatsapp:
March 3 to March 9 | By Manisha Koushik +919015607139 www.askmanisha.com

Aries (Mar 21-Apr 20)
Dont get distracted or drawn in by office gossip, it
could lead to awkward moments later. Someone may
use you to his or her ends, so be careful. Your romantic
endeavors are likely to be rewarded in full measure,
but your efforts will need to be commensurate. This
is a fine time to apply from a car loan as chances of
its getting sanctioned look bright. You may plan your
vacation, but things may not go exactly as per plans.
Sales professionals will need to be at their networking
best to get good deals.
Lucky Number- 11 / Lucky Colour- Silver
Taurus (Apr 21-May 20)
A celebration is likely to be organized soon. You can
be a complete wash out in front of your rivals without
competitive spirit. Those in the creative field can have
a tough time in convincing a client. Be diplomatic in
your interactions with your colleagues, your blunt
assessment of things could hurt feelings. Switching
over to healthy food will be in your favour for retaining
good health. You may want to splurge on loved ones
this weekend.
Lucky Number- 7 / Lucky Colour- Magenta
Gemini (May 21-Jun 21)
Those in charge at work can punch holes in the task
allotted to you and make you start all over again. Stop
micro-managing and start delegating. Those in fairly
new romantic relationships may want to make a deeper
commitment in the near future. An urgently required
loan is likely to be sanctioned. Much excitement is in
store for you on the romantic front in this week. Buying
property or starting a construction is indicated for
some. Help will be forthcoming.
Lucky Number- 17 / Lucky Colour- Light Gray
Cancer (Jun 22-Jul 20)
Expenditure can only be controlled if you adhere
to the budget. Maintain a balanced approach at
workplace as arguments with fellow colleagues are
likely. Stability in life is the need of the hour, whether
it is personal or professional life. Focus on reaching
a consensus with colleagues to improve your
relationships with them. Travel bug may bite and take
you out on a short journey. Construction may begin
for an addition to your existing house.
Lucky Number- 1 / Lucky Colour- Orange
Leo (Jul 21-Aug 22)
You may need to give credit to someone, who has
put in his bit in your success. This is a good period
to spend on self-grooming or go in for an image
makeover. Good returns can be expected by agents
in a real estate deal. You must attend a family get-
together to meet someone you have not met in ages.
Time is ripe to express your love to the one you desire.
Travelling out station this weekend can become more
time consuming and stressful than expected.
Lucky Number- 21 / Lucky Colour- Cream
Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 23)
You may have to remain in the right frame of mind to
tackle a sensitive matter. You are likely to prove your
mettle on the professional front and make others look
up to you as their leader. Jewelers or those dealing in
gold and precious stones can find the week profitable.
Your contribution to a workplace project or assignment
may not appear adequate to higher ups. Be diplomatic
if required to express your feelings and clear the air
with someone. Health remains satisfactory.
Lucky Number- 11 / Lucky Colour- Violet
Libra (Sep 24-Oct 23)
Approaching someone for a favor is the best course
to take. Chances of getting ticked off for something
not delivered on the professional front cannot be ruled
out. You may need to think on a different line to get a
problem within grasp. Those embroiled in a legal battle
can expect a trying time ahead before achieving victory.
A chance to showcase talents will have to be seized.
Applying new strategies at work will give you an edge
over others. You may face some irreversible challenges
in romantic relationships.
Lucky Number- 9 / Lucky Colour- Purple
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
This is not the time to incur any heavy expenditure
as it may become difficult for you to cover up this
amount. You may find difficult to get things done by
subordinates but it wont affect your overall schedule.
Changes made by you at workplace may not be
appreciated by subordinates. Organizing a party can
have its share of hassles, but it will turn out to be a
thumping success. Those longing for lover will have to
think out ways of meeting more often. An estranged
family member may keep you mentally tensed. You
manage good health.
Lucky Number- 18 / Lucky Colour- Red
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
You will need to remain guarded at work. Look
interested, as your indifferent attitude can put off
lover. A business deal may not turn out the way you
expected. Those of you looking for work could hear
some developments soon. Thoughts of getting even
with someone will make it difficult for you to keep your
mind at rest. Keep your mood swings under control as
they threaten to spoil the work atmosphere. Impulsive
remarks will only worsen the situation. Loved ones will
appreciate your support, but also need their space.
Lucky Number- 15 / Lucky Colour- White
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 21)
Turbulence on the domestic front should be sorted out
without any delay. There is no point in continuing in a
dud job that drains you mentally and physically, so take
your call if you hit the right opportunity. An expected
raise or bonus can be denied adding to your frustration.
Your pet project can collect dust due to your inability to
raise enough funds. Legal cases will be sorted in your
interest. You may spoil your chances of excelling by
ignoring someones guidance. Meditation will help you
relax. Beloved may oppose your travel plans.
Lucky Number- 8 / Lucky Colour- Electric Grey
Aquarius (Jan 22-Feb 19)
There is many a slip between the cup and the lip, so
dont get upbeat about anything, unless you are
certain. Out of box thinking will help you plan better
career moves and also pave the way for new avenues.
Focus on meeting important deadlines, delays will
not go down well. Homemakers may find it difficult
to balance the budget due to mounting expenses. A
medical condition can aggravate and even warrant
hospitalization for those ailing for long. Romantic front
proves promising.
Lucky Number- 3 / Lucky Colour- Light Yellow
Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20)
The week looks to be hectic at work and distractions
too will make it harder for you to concentrate on the
tasks. You will need to do the balancing act on the
professional front, so as not to fall foul of anyone.
Plans may have to be reworked to make them more
efficient. Maintain confidence regarding a property
deal being negotiated by you. Sharing your innermost
thoughts with someone close is not recommended at
this juncture.
Lucky Number- 2 / Lucky Colour- Cream
MELBOURNE
WORLDS MOST
LIVEABLE CITY
 26 FEATURES
Harshad Patel: A story of four decades
of service to the community
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
H
arshad Patel, QSM, a prominent face
in the Indian community has been
serving the community in Auckland
for almost four decades. Mr Patel hails from
Gujarat, India. He completed his Bachelors
Degree in Chemistry in 1972 and came to
New Zealand with his wife in 1974 in search
of a better life and career prospective for
himself and his family. Here is an excerpt
from an exclusive interview with him.
IWK: Tell us about how started your
Kiwi journey?
Mr Patel: I started my professional journey
here as an officer in bulk tonnage with NZ
Railways. Since I was from a chemistry
background, I wanted to work in a laboratory.
I applied for the relevant jobs in the labs, and
after a long struggle, I managed to get the job
with NZ Farmers Fertilizer as Research and
Development technician. Unlike now, it was
tough to get employment in a particular field
with qualifications from an Indian institution,
as only a few Indian universities and
institutions were recognised here. I worked
there for a few years before travelling to the
UK and India in 1977. After returning from
India, I found a job as a laboratory technician
with Auckland Regional Authority, which
later became Auckland Regional Council.
Bhagavad-gitas answer to real freedom
ACHARYA DAS
M
any people think of freedom as
being free to act as you please,
without any inhibitions.
The dictionary generally gives two main
definitions of freedom. One is the state of not
being imprisoned or enslaved. The other is
the power or the right to act, speak, or think as
one wants.
The state of not being imprisoned or
enslaved can be a form of freedom. But
the idea that the power and the right to be
able to speak or act as you want without
any hindrance is a limited understanding
of freedom.
It ignores the law of karma, whereby for
everything you do, every act you make, there
is an equal and opposite reaction. While
you may be free to choose how you act, you
cannot escape the result of these actions. So,
therefore, are you truly free?
number of people from the community.
I have
witnessed
how the community has
grown to be more than
150,000 now from a mere
5,000 in 1974... I am
proud to say that I have
played a reasonable role
in tying the community
strong together
IWK: How did you connect with the
Indian community here?
Mr Patel: The Indian community was
very small when I moved here. There were
no temples, few Indian restaurants, and no
dedicated community centres except for
the Gandhi Hall in the CBD region. We
celebrated Indian festivals there with a small
Another understanding of our lack of
freedom comes from the recognition that it
is possible to become enslaved by my own
mind and desires. When a person is unable
to control their mind and desires, they are
forced to act, sometimes against their will
or better judgement, and they must then
accept the consequences of these choices and
actions in the form of karmic reaction.
Shackled to this world by the laws of
karma, some people receive good results from
their actions and others receive unfortunate
results. In both cases, they are in the same
situation; both are bound in different ways.
By falling victim to the desires of the mind
and always feeling that we must follow its
demands, we become perpetually bound to
this world. This means repeatedly suffering
the natural processes of disease, old age, and
death and then birth again.
3 March 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz
Music and cricket were two of my passions
that acted as a medium to connect and know
the wider Indian community here. I started
playing cricket and hockey for the Auckland
Indians Sports Club and also played
instruments such as harmonium, flute, piano,
banjo, and accordion at different community
events. Navratri was one of the most popular
celebrations for the community, and I started
playing music for the event that eventually
introduced me to the Auckland Indian
Association in 1979. I performed at many
community events and festivals, and later in
1984, I was elected as the Chairman of the
Entertainment Committee and looked after
the portfolio for 21 years.
IWK: How did you contribute towards
building a stronger Indian community
in Auckland?
Mr Patel: The population of the Indian
community was growing here, and we
realised we needed a bigger place to host
our events. I, along with a team of dedicated
members, actively participated in raising
funds to buy a property and establishing
a big community centre. We bought the
property from Findlays Bakery in 1989 and
refurbished it to Mahatma Gandhi Centre.
In 1996, I was elected as the vice-president
of the Auckland Indian Association and
then president of the Auckland Indian
Association in 1999. My role as the head
of the association was to look out for the
community here, address the issues and
concerns of the community, and resolve
them. I also served as the president of the Pt
Chevalier Lions Club and helped raise fund
during national disasters.
We wanted to another place of worship
since the Balmoral Temple constructed in
If we allow ourselves
to become controlled and
directed by our mind and
senses in the hope that were
going to get some actual
lasting happiness, then we
remain unfulfilled, empty,
and a slave to those desires.
Most people are unaware
that our desire for happiness
(and love) arises from our
innate spiritual nature, which
is the core of our being. The
truth is, we are not the body
or the mind we are temporarily residing
within and using, but the spiritual being
(atma) within. Living in the illusion that this
body is me. We mistakenly conclude that
by trying to satisfy the desires of the mind
and senses we will experience real happiness.
This is untrue.
By chasing the desires of the body and
mind, I might get a rush or some temporary
stimulation, but it will not actually fulfil
me, the spiritual person within.
This condition of being so completely
overwhelmed by the mind and the senses
that we lose our actual spiritual identity is
spelled out clearly in the Bhagavad-gita:Thus
the wise living entitys pure consciousness
becomes covered by his eternal enemy in the
form of lust (or intense desire) which is never
satisfied and which burns like fire.
1993 was the only place of worship for the
Indian community. We made a temporary
worship place at the Mahatma Gandhi
Centre, and in 2001, we demolished the
place and constructed the Radha Krishna
temple. I also served as the vice president
and president of the NZ Indian Central
Association, the oldest Indian community
organisation of New Zealand.
IWK: How would you describe the
four decades of your journey in
New Zealand?
Mr Patel: The journey has been fruitful,
and I have witnessed how the community has
grown to be more than 150,000 now from
a mere 5,000 in 1974. Initially, I would feel
aloof and alienated as many Indians did,
but I am proud to say that I have played a
reasonable role in tying the community strong
together. I was honoured with the Queens
Service Medal in 2010 for my services to the
Indian community in New Zealand. Making
time for my family was challenging when you
commit to the community, but my family
has stood by me, helping me to perform
my duties towards the community and the
country as a whole.
IWK: What is your message to the Indian
community in New Zealand?
Mr Patel: Remember your roots because
that is your identity and this is what you and
your children will be known for generations
to come. You have adopted New Zealand
as your motherland, so perform all your
duties and show gratitude to this country for
providing you work, respect, and a peaceful
multicultural society.
Bhagavad-gita 3:39
The reality is that material pleasure cannot
fulfil you. Your attempt at fulfilling material
desire is like putting gasoline on a fire. It
only makes it burn hotter and stronger. This
kama or lust (intense desire) manifests in so
many different ways and is categorised as the
eternal enemy of the self within the body.
The way that you can come to a position
of real freedom is by altering the direction
of your life. You have the freedom to choose
how you are going to live. It is within your
own power to determine the outcome of
your life and whether you achieve the state
of complete freedom or not. Being situated
in such a position one is never shaken even
in the midst of the greatest difficulty. This
indeed is actual freedom from all miseries
arising from material contact.
Bhagavad-gita 6.23
This state of actual freedom and the awakening
of spiritual love that arise from mature spiritual
realisation are far beyond anything of this world. In
this condition, one is truly happy and truly free.
Acharya dasis a respected teacher of
Vedic and yogic philosophy, meditation
and kirtan, and a practitioner of the
transcendental science of Bhakti Yoga. He
has taught yoga wisdom to appreciative
audiences for over 40 years and is a
world-renowned speaker. Acharya das is
currently in Auckland and holds regular
discourses on yoga wisdom. For more
information about these discourses, to ask
questions, or to read more in-depth articles
on these subjects visit. www.Acharyadas.
om.Facebook acharyadas108. www.
meditationnewzealand.co.nz
 www.iwk.co.nz | 3 March 2017
ENTERTAINMENT
FEATURES 27

AUCKL ANDS HOT TEST BOLLY WOOD STATION

Movie Review: Kangana excels in Rangoon

U. PRASANTH NAYAK shows when the British start he INAs.

T
he interior of a grandly
domed regally coloured
film theatre looms larger in
wide-angle splendour as the lens
tracks upwards.
An opening salvo launches
a powerfully depicted battle as
bombs blast their targets asunder
while men rip into each other l ike
crazed animals.
A British army major croons
Hindustani with the harmonium
in a strikingly odd moment of
offbeat humour.
And towards the finale, a lady
dressed as a dashing action figure
sprints atop a moving train in a
dazzling fusion of her cinematic
past and daredevil real-life present
as the heroine who rises thrillingly
to save the hero. These are some of
the remarkable scenes in Rangoon,
the new film by Vishal Bhardwaj.
Set in the closing years of British
Raj in India, the good old love
triangle is marooned supposedly
near Rangoon where the jungles
witness a battle between the British,
Japanese, and Subhash Chandra
Boses doomed Indian National
Army (INA).
Miss Julia (Kangana Ranaut)
is a flamboyant heroine of
second-rate action flicks
famous all over film-watching
India for her swashbuckling
on-screen adventures.
Rising from a disadvantaged
childhood, she is now set to marry
the handsome movie moghul Rusi
Billimoria (an unremarkable Saif
Ali Khan), who seeks to escape the
attachments of his first wife and
a manipulative father. Julia gets
dragooned into doing a show in
Burma to entertain the soldiers of
the British Indian Army.
Thats where her affections
get increasingly intertwined with
Nawab Malik (a simple but strongly
straight-arrow Shahid Kapoor)a
soldier for the British Indian Army
and also a mole for the INA.
Tensions erupt amidst Julias
suspecting and then eliminating
these hidden INA freedom-fighters.
What could have been a
cracker of a film, with a brilliant
intertwining of warring factions,
tortured romance, and suspense in
the formidable jungles-n-swamps
of Burma, ends up merely as a
relatively interesting tussle, owing
to the scripts inadequately realised
potential and uninspired direction.
Kangana excels as the feisty Julia
who effortlessly oscillates between
light-hearted abandon and
deep emotion. Julia does not
hesitate to canoodle with another
man though shes set to marry
someone else. When the going
gets tough, she takes the toughest
of stands. There is subtle
feminism even after she eventually
leaves the scene, as the telling
aftermath triggers a wholly
unexpected transformation.
The track involving a captured
Japanese soldier is designed to have
comedic overtones, but care should
have been taken not to caricature
him, at least as a mark of respect to
Japan, which was the only country
that agreed to help the Indian
nationalist movement.
Dialogues often sparkle. The
last line directed at the Japanese
soldier seems simplistic but is
profoundly humanist.
The Indo-phile Major Harding
issues a genuine zinger when
he rues how Tagores beautiful
song has become the anthem of
so doomed a cause as that of t
But when he declares When the
British leave India, this country will
become one of the worlds most
corrupt societies, there is sadly no
one to counter that preposterous
hypocrisy by riposting, When
the British have left India with a
literacy rate of 12% after 130 years
of governing the country, what
else do you expect to happen in the
initial stages?
The climax with its devil-
may-care shades of incredible
action powered by love, loss, and
patriotism, transcends banal things
like credibilityit is a much-
needed last hurrah in a tale crying
for one.
But such mundane things as
consistent technical polish are not
in abundance in the film overall,
with some action sequences flaws
ranging from flickering frames
to sub-optimal special effects.
Pankaj Kumars long-range shots
are admirable, but that same
quality is missing in close-ups and
camera movement.
Pairing the runtime from the
actual 154 minutes to a snappy
120 would have been smarter, but
tight editing is not Bhardwajs forte.
He continues to consolidate his
reputation as one of Indias most
versatile directors, but unwittingly
not yet as one of its best ones.
Rating: 3.5/5
Director: Vishal Bhardwaj
Cast: Kangana Ranaut, Saif Ali
Khan, Shahid Kapoor

Alia inspires, challenges Akshara Karan Johar plays down

B Kanganas nepotism remarks
udding actress Akshara Akshara, 25, who made her film

Haasan who will be seen in
upcoming family entertainer,
Laali Ki Shaadi Mein Laddoo Deewana,
says Alia Bhatt challenges her as
an actress.
I remember watching her since
her first movie SOTY. I love the
way she has grown up as an actor.
I really respect her for that. Its
beautiful to watch her on-screen,
she said.
She is natural and acts with
ease. Kudos for what she has
achieved for herself, added the
daughter of actors Kamal Haasan
and Sarika.
On being asked about any
competition between them, she
said, We always face competition
Govinda to go live on TV
even when we are in high school.
Fortunately, when I met her, I felt
she is a wonderful person... Alia
challenges me and inspires me as
an actress.
If she can do, I would like to do
my best as well.
F
debut with Shamitabh spoke about
her delay in signing the next project, ilmmaker Karan Johar
I guess I wasnt fit for the roles I says actress Kangana
was offered. I found a lot of soul and Ranauts remarks about him
emotion in this role. The story is promoting nepotism in the film
very realistic. industry doesnt hold true for him,
Akshara plays a strong-headed adding that she made sweeping
modern girl from Vadodara in the statements to make an impact.
film, which revolves around a royal Kangana, known for her brazen
marriage and quirky characters honesty, took a dig at Karan when
hilariously trapped in their she appeared in one of the episodes
own tragedies. of his chat show Koffee With Karan.
Akshara is featured opposite She called him the flag-bearer of
Vivaan Shah in the film. nepotism in Bollywood.
Written and directed by Manish Karan expressed his views
Harishankar and produced by T.P. when a social media
Aggarwal and Rahul Aggarwal, user, during a live Kangana,
the film is set to hit the screens on
chat session on known for her
April 7.
Twitter, asked: brazen honesty, took
a dig at Karan when she
Was Kangana
correct about appeared in one of the

A
nepotism? episodes of his chat show
ctor Govinda will go live on the small be part of such a path- Fawad Khan. Now,
Koffee With Karan. She
screen through live voting-led singing TV breaking show, and I am He posted: Karan hopes that
show Rising Star. Govinda will digitally looking forward to an called him the flag-
Not entirely! bearer of nepotism he gets to spend a
connect with the show to promote his upcoming entertaining and musical She made an year without offending
movie Aa Gaya Hero. After the audition round, night! Rising Star is a in Bollywood
Govinda will announce names of the contestants first-of-its-kind interactive impact with her anyone.Asked about
who will proceed in the competition.Though engagement-led format which sweeping statements! his biggest achievement,
Govinda will not be physically present on the puts the power of deciding That was fun... for her! And the filmmaker said it is
set, he will go live in the middle of the shoot the fate of the contestant in the show. Asked whether he is surviving Twitter.
to encourage the contestants to put their best the hands of the viewers. obsessed with star kids, Karan said: Another thing he discussed during
foot forward. Aired on Colors channel, Ask Kangana. the chat session was his relationship
Ive been following Rising Star since its the show is judged by
launch. Im impressed by its live format and Diljit Dosanjh, Shankar The year 2016 was a difficult status.Karan, who wrote about
the exceptional performances presented by the Mahadevan and one for Karan as his film Ae Dil his sexual orientation in his book,
talent, Govinda said. Monali Thakur. Hai Mushkil got into trouble due said he is single, available and
He added: Its an absolute pleasure for me to to the presence of Pakistani actor borderline desperate.
 28 FEATURES
ENTERTAINMENT 3 March 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz

Deepika, Priyanka dazzle and Dev Patel, Sunny Pawar stole many hearts

DESI TOUCH TO
HOLLYWOODS
RED CARPET
Another Mumbai slumkid Sunny
Pawar basks in Oscar glory

M
umbai slumkid and Lion star Love Sonia and was away from
Sunny Pawar basked in the the country for several spells,"
limelight at the 89th Academy the source said.
Awards ceremony where he won accolades It is not known
from the audience having some of the when Sunny
world's greatest actors after re-enacting will return
a scene from The Lion King with host home, but
Jimmy Kimmel. he can surely
The seven-year-old was selected from expect a Lion's
2,000 children across schools in India to welcome!
play the role of the young Saroo Brierley. I n c i d e n t a l l y,
A Class 3 student of the Air India exactly 10 years ago,
Model School where he is good in studies, some slum children from
Sunny and his younger brother and sister, Mumbai had grabbed
live with parents Dilip Pawar, a former global attention with
government office sweeper, and home- Danny Boyles' Slumdog
maker mother Vasu, in a slum in Kalina Millionaire, which
in the western suburbs, near the airport. incidentally starred a
Despite his humble background, Sunny much-younger Dev Patel in a
zoomed through auditioning rounds in key role. The main child
Mumbai and Pune to land a plum role in actors in that multi-Oscar
the blockbuster Hollywood biographical winning film Rubina Ali,
film Lion, sources close to his family and Azharuddin Mohammed
the production house said. Ismail and Tanvi Ganesh
"Sunny was selected from Lonkar are now grown- Quantico star was seen sporting a
around 2,000 talented up teenagers leading normal column gown that accentuated her
children in a hunt in schools lives in Mumbai, away from perfect 10 bod.
all over India, culminating the arc lights. What added to the magic of
in the final auditions held Meanwhile, Indias the ivory white creation was its
in Mumbai and Pune some darling and the current structured and bold bodice,
one-and-half year ago. He sensation of the West, that is part sexy and part sassy.
fitted the role perfectly," a Priyanka Chopra graced the red Priyanka completed the look with
source said. carpet looking like a vision in white sleek hair, nude lips, drop earrings and
Sunny has become the in a Ralph and Russo gown. The chunky bracelet.
most popular child star of
the awards season.
Close on the success Dev Patel loses out Oscar to Mahershala Ali

I
of Lion", Love Sonia ndian-origin British actor Dev Patel failed to win an Oscar as American actor
featuring Sunny and Mahershala Ali walked away with Best Supporting Actor trophy for Moonlight.
another Mumbai girl Dev was is in contention for Best Actor in a Supporting Role trophy for Lion.
Frieda Pinto is ready Other contenders included Jeff Bridges for Hell or High Water, Lucas Hedges for
for release later this Manchester by the Sea and Michael Shannon for Nocturnal Animals.
year. "However, Dev, who attended the ceremony with his mother, was seen cheering for Ali when
he has not exactly he was announced as the winner. Ali was presented his first Oscar by actress Alicia
been swamped Vikander at the 89th Annual Academy Awards being held at the Dolby Theater in
with offers from
Hollywood. Ali also became the first Muslim actor to take the golden statuette with
Bollywood. But
the win. "I want to thank my teachers ... I have so many wonderful teachers," he
that is because
he has remained said before naming those who inspired him. "My teachers told me that 'it wasn't
extremely tied about you but these characters'. It is service to these stories and characters. I would
up with Lion and also thank the cast and crew for the wonderful experience," Ali added.

Om Puri remembered at Oscars

I
ndian actor Om Puri, whose repertoire as
an actor reflected a rare realism and was
popular for films like East Is East, Gandhi,
City of Joy and Wolf, was honoured at the
89th Academy Awards ceremony hin the "In
Memoriam" montage.
Om Puri, who died after a heart attack
in Mumbai, India in January earlier this
year, got a musical tribute by Grammy and
Tony-nominated singer and songwriter
Sara Bareilles. Bareilles delivered a special
performance of the Joni Mitchell song Both
sides now. A visibly emotional actress Jennifer
Aniston introduced the memoriam segment.
Om Puri was remembered at the awards
ceremony, which was held at the Dolby
Theatre. He was included in the annual
montage along with Carrie Fisher, Prince,
Gene Wilder, Michael Cimino, Patty Duke,
Garry Marshall, Anton Yelchin, Mary Tyler
Moore, Curtis Hanson and John Hurt.
Bareilles created an emotional moment
as she rendered the song in memory of all
the departed souls. While not in the video
presentation, actor Bill Paxton, who died
the night before, was mentioned by Aniston
before Bareilles took the stage.
Om Puri was known for his deep baritone
and different acting style, as well as craggy,
pockmarked but distinctive face. He had an
affinity towards socially relevant cinema.
A National School of Drama alumnus,
Om Puri nurtured an international career,
which started with a cameo in Richard
Attenborough's iconic "Gandhi".
Among some of his British films were
My Son the Fanatic, East Is East and The Parole
Officer. He also appeared in Hollywood films
including City of Joy, Wolf and The Ghost and
the Darkness. A Padma Shri awardee and
National Award-winner, Om Puri was also
made the honorary officer of the Order of
the British Empire for his services to the
British film industry.
30 FEATURES
The Black Orchid
Paradisa
Dtae: Friday, March 04
Time: 7 p.m. onwards
Venue: Te Pou Theatre- 44A Portage Rd,
New Lynn, Auckland
One island and five stories. A multicultural
look at the different facets of the Fijian
culture. Rinas Cleaning Service brings
to you a development season of Anjula
Prakashs new work based on real events
from the beating heart of Fiji. Through
Fijian, Indian, and Western perspectives,
the different facets of Fijian culture and
mythologies are explored in this poetic
and imaginative new work. Presented as
part of Auckland Fringe festival from 21st
February and 12th March 2017.
Christchurch Holi-
Festival ofColors
Date: Saturday, March 4 2017
Time: 11a.m. to 3 p.m.
Venue: Central Christchurch 221
Gloucester Street, Christchurch
This year Holi is all about celebrating the
people of Christchurch. Cultural-fusion
performances will showcase the many
different cultures in our community, joining
together for one big party. Tips for the day:
- Wear old clothes as the colour may not
wash out.
- Wear comfortable flat shoes that you
dont mind getting stained.
- Bring cash to buy colour and enjoy
delicious Holi food.
CAB New Lynn
Date: March 11 and April 8 2017
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Venue: Library Building, 3 Memorial
Drive, New Lynn
CAB New Lynn will hold three free
information sessions for newcomers on
Finding Employment in New Zealand. The
topics will cover: Pre-employment What
you need to know? Job search How to
apply for jobs? Preparing for your first job.
To register please drop in, call or email at
3 March 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz
Citizens Advice Bureau New Lynn. Phone TRENZ 2017
827 7830 or 827 4731, Email newlynn@ Date: Tuesday May 9 to Friday May 12
cab.org.nz. Light refreshments will be
provided.
Time: 6 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.
Venue: Queens Wharf, Auckland, New Zealand
TRENZ is New Zealands most significant business-to-business travel
Rang Colours and trade show, with over 1200 delegates attending over the four day
event. This leading event will captivate you with exciting new products
Date: Saturday March 18 and Sunday and Sellers, combined with great networking opportunities. For more
march 19 information on the event visit TRENZ websitewww.trenz.co.nz.
Time: 6 p.m. onwards
Venue: Kavanagh College Auditorium,
340 Rattray Street, Dunedin, 9016
Natyaloka presents RANG Colours.
With RANG, internationally acclaimed
artists Nirupama & Rajendra are
READY FOR A NEW CAREER?
collaborating with local artist Swaroopa
in bringing the dance form Kathak to
Dunedin audience for the first time ever!
Tickets: $20/$10 and Gold coin entry
for school children. Available at www.
dunedinfringe.nz, Fringe HQ at 26 Princes
Street and door sales (cash only). For
morfe details contact Swaroopa on
02102438737 or natyalokanz@gmail.com
Waitakere Holi Mela
2017
Date: Sunday, March 19
Time: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Venue: The Trust Arena, 65 Central Park
Drive, Auckland
Hosted by Waitakere Indian Association, Were looking for people who care about keeping our
the day will be full of colours, music communities safe. We encourage people from our Asian, Latin
and food. Get your family, friends and American, African and Middle Eastern communities to join us.
neighbours for a full day of fun.
Learn more about how to become a cop
Salman Khans Da- Meet your local police officers
Bang, The Tour Try out our fitness requirements
Date: Friday, April 21 Friends and family welcome
Venue: Vector Arena, Auckland
Bollywood heartthrob Salman Khan will
6.00pm 7.30pm
set the stage on fire on April 21 at Vector Tuesday, 14 March 2017
Arena. The Da-bang tour will include Hanouri Presbyterian Church (Nehemiah Hall)
Bollywood A-listed actors Sonakshi Sinha, 55 View Road Wairau, North Shore Auckland
Bipasha Basu, popular TV host Manish
Paul, actor-dancer-director Prabhu Deva,
and rapper Badshah. Tickets are available
on www.dabangnz2017.com and on NEWCOPS.CO.NZ
Ticketmaster.co.nz.
 NOW SELLING - PREMIUM FREEHOLD APARTMENTS
27 RUTLAND STREET, AUCKLAND CBD

INNER CITY BOUTIQUE FREEHOLD

LIBRARY27.CO.NZ 0800 55 73 77

DISPLAY SUITE Stunning views over Albert Park and Auckland Art Gallery
2 KITCHENER ST
Sleek studio, one and two bedroom apartments from $590,000

Excellent capital growth opportunities

DISPLAY SUITE OPEN DAILY 1-3PM, 2 KITCHENER STREET

(Opposite the Auckland Art Gallery)

SHELLY WANG LES ADCOCK JILLIE CLARKE

021 023 33557 021 727 161 021 026 70723
AUT

CBRE (AGENCY) LTD LICENSED REAL ESTATE AGENT (REAA 2008)

THE VENDOR H AS DISCLOSED PURSUANT TO S136 OF THE REAL ESTATE AGENTS ACT 2008 TH AT BRENT MCGREGOR, A LICENSEE AND AN OFFICER OF CBRE (AGENCY) LIMITED, H AS A MINOR INTEREST IN THE
VENDOR ENTIT Y AND M AY BENEFIT FIN ANCI ALLY FROM THIS TRANSACTION.

L27_Indian Weekender_Feb2016.indd 1 15/02/17 9:14 am