21SEP2018 | Vol 10 Issue 27

Health
insurance that has
Grey Lynn Ram- Kiwi Punjabi 'Radhika Apte real benefits
raid robbery Awards is Rajkumar Rao of
‘They rob for makes mark in 2018': Vikramaditya
fun...' its second year Motwane Call your adviser today or email
us at advisers@nib.co.nz
Pg 08 Pg 13 Pg 28
www.iwk.nz /indianweekender /indianweekender

SUFFRAGE 125
YOUR
ACCOUNTING
AND BUSINESS
As the nation celebrated the 125th
anniversary of the passing of the CONSULTING
Electoral Act 1893 on September PARTNER
19, which revolutionised women’s
Your success
political rights, The Indian Weekender is our success
continues to celebrate inspirational • Accounting
Kiwi-Indian women • Business Advisory
• Taxation
• Business Plans for LTBV
• Trust and Estate Planning

NEW ZEALAND
Telugu Association & Telangana
Association celebrate Vinayaka
Chaturthi ..................Pg 06 & Pg 09
Islam Awareness Week..........Pg 10
Kiwi-Indian woman appointed
in Auckland Museum.............Pg 11
RELIABLE
EXPERIENCED
Pg 2
TRUSTWORTHY
COMMUNITY JOINS HANDS TO
HELP PARTNER OF TAURANGA ROAD
ACCIDENT VICTIM TO WELCOME BABY
Wellington Diwali Festival 2018: INDIA ABROAD: Americans don't trust ASTROLOGY..................................Pg 24 Contact Raj Chand at
Calling for performers ...............Pg 12 Trump: Pramila Jayapal..............Pg 21 RUBY'S KITCHEN 021 2791233
Onion Bhaji..................................Pg 25 Level 1-185 Great South Road,
FIJI: Essay portrays how NZ girl WORLD: Malaysia urged to ban child
discovered Fijian heritage' ........Pg 20 marriages....................................Pg 22 TIME OUT......................................Pg 26 Papatoetoe, Auckland
INDIA: 2019 Indian diaspora conclave SPORTS: Asia Cup 2018, BOLLYWOOD.................................Pg 27 Email: taxconsult@xtra.co.nz
to be bigger affair.......................Pg 20 China Open Badminton...............Pg 23 WHAT'S ON...................................Pg 30 Ph: (09) 2791234 Fax: (09) 2791235

% % %
Better Interest Rates & Cash Back
%
% %
Winner of more than Trusted by 5,000+ Arranged around $8 bn
40+
40 Awards families in Mortgages & Insurance
Respected Awarded Trusted Experienced
% % since 1999 %
%
Awarded NZ's Top Mortgage & InsuranceAdviser 09 255 5500 info@globalfinance.co.nz 19-22/203 Kirkbride Rd, Airport Oaks, Auckland, New Zealand 2022

Our Disclosure Statement is available on request free of cost.

%
2 NEW ZEALAND Friday, September 21, 2018 The Indian Weekender
 The Indian Weekender Friday, September 21, 2018 NEW ZEALAND 3

The Indian Weekender Suffrage Special:

¡¡ PART 2

Celebrating Kiwi-Indian women

¡¡ SANDEEP SINGH

WHILE THE NATION

CELEBRATES THE
125TH ANNIVERSARY
OF THE PASSING OF
THE ELECTORAL ACT
1893 ON SEPTEMBER 19,
WHICH REVOLUTIONISED
WOMEN’S POLITICAL
RIGHTS, AND
CONSEQUENTLY THEIR
SOCIAL STANDING, THE
INDIAN WEEKENDER
CONTINUES TO
CELEBRATE KIWI-
INDIAN WOMEN WHO
HAVE BEEN DOING SOME I do have brains, I have considerable
INSPIRATIONAL STUFF ON Dr Pushpa Wood country is especially notable – the launching experience to fall back on and have

D
A DAILY BASIS IN THEIR r Pushpa Wood is the to be of a survey which would capture the held highly paid and responsible job
EVERYDAY ENDEAVOURS. Director of the Westpac awarded latent capability within Kiwi-Indian before I got to New Zealand. I came

A
s submitted earlier,
the list of Kiwi-Indian
women portrayed in this
special issue, neither claims to be
exhaustive nor selective in any
manner conveying any particular
preference, rather there is a complete
acknowledgement that the list is just
a tip of the iceberg when it comes
to celebrating the Kiwi-Indian
women. The intention is to inspire
many others who are going through
their own respective journeys of the
pursuit of success.
Massey Financial Education
and Research Centre at
the College of Business at
Massey University. Dr Wood
was appointed as an Officer
of the New Zealand Order of
Merit in the Queen’s 90th Birthday
Honours List for 2016 for her services
to financial literacy and interfaith
relations. She is the first person in
the country to be awarded such an
honour for services to interfaith
relations and financial literacy. She
is also the first Indian woman in the
w i t h community that could possibly be across two major reactions that still
s u c h ready or further developed if the stay with me – ‘yes but that was all in
a high popular demand of including the India what about here’ or ‘I am afraid
honour Hindi language in NZ curriculum is you are too qualified for this job and
and in approved. your manger might find you a threat’.
two areas. Dr Wood is regarded one of the key Things have improved a lot since
Dr Wood academics involved in developing 1980 but we still have a long way to
has been acting resources for financial literacy and go. There is certain amount to ‘silent’
as an expert witness building capability of financial racism that exists in most professions
for the Crown in the area of Indian literacy educators. whether we accept/acknowledge it
or not. However, what impresses me
culture, customs and beliefs for over Tryst with equality most are the processes in place that
two decades. Among her many other “I will be lying if I said that it
we can use to speak against such
key achievements in the last three was all plain sailing. My biggest
discrimination should we choose to
decades of academic and community challenge was to convince people that
do so.”
service in New Zealand, a recent one

Meet your local

MTF Finance team
Dolly, Rajesh and the team at
MTF Finance Botany offer personal
and business lending including
pre-approval so you know
exactly how much you have
to work with.

09 272 3000
botany@mtf.co.nz
12F Amera Place
Meet the team at
mtf.co.nz/botany MTF Finance Botany
Terms, conditions and lending criteria apply.
Visit mtf.co.nz/terms.html for details.

$100 to help you do more.

Take out a loan with MTF Finance
Botany, mention an existing customer
and you’ll both get $100 worth of
MTA Gift Vouchers*
Offer expires 31 March 2019 and cannot be used in
conjunction with any other offer, promotion or discount.
 4 NEW ZEALAND
What does women’s
suffrage mean to you?
“For me personally it means acknowledging
and recognising the struggle of women of
different generations.
Acknowledging the fact that nothing has
come easy to women and in each generation
they had to fight for their rights be it for their
right education, clean water, access to vote to
basic right to survive.
A constant reminder that our struggles as
women are not over yet. We might have got
voting rights in most countries but there are
millions of sisters around the world who are
struggling to simply survive.
An obligation for me to ensure
that I do not ‘pull the ladder up’
and deprive my other sisters
to use the same ladder and if
possible keep holding that ladder
wait for everyone to get to their
destination.
I owe it to the generations of women before
me all around the world to keep contributing to
the cause. Be a fighter!”
Shila Nair
S
hila Nair is a passionate social justice
crusader, well known as a counsellor and
Senior Advisor with Shakti – a national not-for-
profit community organisation specialised in the
area of women’s development, empowerment
and domestic/ family violence intervention,
prevention and awareness.
In her own words, Ms Nair is passionate
about ensuring social justice for all, particularly
for women and children affected by gender
discrimination and abuse, especially within the
migrant and refugee families. An accomplished
It’s here! The $350 Entrust Dividend has just been paid, so if you qualify, check your letterbox or bank account
for your share of the $115 million we’re paying the 331,000 families and businesses in the Entrust District.
Find out more at facebook.com/entrustnz
0508 ENTRUST (0508 368 7878)
The Entrust District includes Auckland, Manukau, northern Papakura and eastern Franklin. You’re eligible for the Entrust
Dividend if you were a customer on the Vector electricity network in our district as at midnight on Wednesday 1 August 2018.
journalist, author, a passionate social counsellor,
Ms Nair has been actively committed to the
cause of social justice in New Zealand for more
than a decade and half.
One of the recent feathers in her cap is her
inclusion in the Board of the Criminal Justice
Advisory Group as announced by the Minister
for Justice to bring more diversity in the board,
and encourage New Zealanders, especially
migrants to have a conversation around changes
needed to the country’s criminal justice system.
What does women’s
suffrage means to you?
“It has been 125 years since women as a
gender secured the right to vote. If we are to
honour the work done by women before us, it
is important for the women of today to continue
to remain in the struggle for gender equity.
For women from our Indian communities, our
struggle against gender-based discrimination
and violence needs to be acknowledged and
supported. It’s time to put an end to dowry
and the abuse from it. As long as this practice
facebook.com/entrustnz
Friday, September 21, 2018 The Indian Weekender
exists along with other oppressive practices like on to our next generations in the land
forced marriage and honour-based violence, of Aotearoa.
our women will never be free to be who they Among many vital roles she
really are.”
as has donned in the field of
Roopa Suchdev promoting art and culture, some
are the roles of President, Urdu
Hindi Cultural Association of
New Zealand, and Education
Chairperson for Bal Vikas
Programme, Bhartiya Mandir,
which amply demonstrates her
commitment to communities.
Nanette Nathoo
R oopa Suchdev is a well-known radio
and TV presenter in the community, a
committed social worker, and the founder
of Roopa Aur Aap Charitable Trust – a
community-based non-profit organisation
committed to supporting South Asians in New
Zealand to live safely and respectfully in a
society free of violence and oppression. She
has been committed to the cause of women
empowerment and social justice for more
than three decades through several platforms
including assisting several initiatives of New
Zealand Police and the Ministry of Social
Development. She was awarded the Queen
N anette Nathoo is a fourth generation
Kiwi-Indian mum, grand-mum, business
owner, enthusiastic community volunteer,
Service Medal (QSM) by the government in and above all a passionate community-safety
2005 to acknowledge her contribution to the
crusader.
South Asian community in New Zealand.
Mrs Nathoo has been working in different
Along with crusading for women guises, especially as the Law and Order Chair
empowerment and social justice, she for NZICA, and coordinating closely with the
has also been a patron and promoter of New Zealand Police, in creating appropriate
Indian culture so as our cultural heritage video messaging for creating awareness and
is adequately and respectfully passed remaining safe.
$ PLUS
30
FRO
VEC M
TOR
entrustnz.co.nz
 The Indian Weekender Friday, September 21, 2018
Her self-driven leadership in campaigning
and educating others, especially elders
regarding the issues around safety and crime
prevention is exceptionally inspirational and
relevant to the topic of suffrage.
If the goal of suffrage is to bring societal
equality and to celebrate prominent women
who are pushing the envelope around women’s
equality, then Mrs Nathoo is a perfect inclusion
as she is making valuable inroads with her work
in the field of community-safety and law and
order, which are still perceived to be a male
bastion.
Tryst with equality
“Yes, I have personally faced issues around
equality. My personal experience is that as
women we have always to work harder and
prove that we are also capable of holding
positions of influence and authority. Sadly, in
many organisations, our fellow male members
have their own agenda for personal gain, which
often restricts a deserving woman.
What does women’s
suffrage mean to you?
“We are grateful to Kate Sheppard and
others who have paved the way for our women;
however, we should not stop realising the
power within ourselves to be the change that
we want to see around ourselves.”
Sunita Narayan
S unita Narayan is one amongst the very
few leading tireless champions for Hindi
language and culture in New Zealand.
She has been recently awarded the prestigious
Vishva Hindi Samman, under foreign category
by the Government of India in the recently
concluded 11th World Hindi Conference
in Mauritius to acknowledge her work in
promoting the cause of the Hindi Language.
Mrs Narayan, who moved to New Zealand
in 1987, has volunteered at the Wellington
Hindi School since 1995, working as a teacher,
fundraiser and administrator.
Her incredible work in the field of education,
learning and development makes her a worthy
inclusion in this list of women of substance in
the Kiwi-Indian community.
Tryst with equality
“Though I have not experienced
anything overtly, but have
been often asked some bizarre
questions such as how do you
feel being a brown-woman when
you participate in important
events or workplaces. Questions
like these are dominant relics of
a society which is still struggling
to accept women equality in its
true spirit.”
What does women’s
suffrage mean to you? passes, and is counted among the best adventure
“For me suffrage is not something limited
to statutory rights only. Rather it should reflect
inclusion in all spheres of strategy making and
decision making, and women being recognised
for their capability and contribution.”
Mandeep Kaur
M andeep Kaur is the first female Indian-
born officer in the New Zealand Police,
and also probably one of the most famous,
beloved and well-known of the many frequent
faces within the community. Her experience
in NZ Police is almost around 15 years,
starting immediately after she first arrived in
New Zealand in 2004. Her incredible journey
of being a single mother of two children and
pursuing a career in Police, which often
corresponds to indomitable spirit and an
unwavering commitment to the community,
continues to inspire numerous women in the
Kiwi-Indian community and beyond.
Her very recent solo motorbike expedition
in Leh-Ladakh, India, which involves biking
through the tough roads and High Mountain
experiences around the world, is a testament to
her personality and indomitable spirit.
NEW ZEALAND 5
To be able to complete this motorbike
expedition in India, just around women’s
suffrage day in New Zealand, is a unique
reflection of her identity of being a Kiwi-
Indian woman.
During her time with the New Zealand Police,
she has worked as a Frontline Officer, in Road
Policing, Family Violence, the Investigation
Support Unit, Neighbourhood Policing
and Community Policing.
Tryst with equality
Coming from a culture where many rights of
women are not practices, New Zealand gave me
a sense of identity and freedom that I had never
experienced before. I am amazed to see the
progress of women rights and empowerment
here in New Zealand. However, I believe it is
a work in progress and I am happy to be part of
the progress.
For me personally, it’s also an honour to
be part of an organisation that is constantly
working on increasing the number of
women in police and then catapult them into
leadership roles.
What does women’s
suffrage mean to you?
“It wasn’t until I had lived in New
Zealand that I had really thought
deeply about this issue, but as
New Zealand is very advanced in
women’s rights, I have reflected
on this far more deeply. I am
proud to be a Kiwi-Indian woman
in a country which was the first
to give women the right to vote
and actively encourages and
promotes the rights of women.”
 6 NEW ZEALAND
Proposal to increase
Export Education Levy
¡¡ IWK BUREAU
T
he Ministry of Education is looking at
options to make the Export Education
Levy (EEL) fund more sustainable to
protect New Zealand’s reputation as a study
destination, Education Minister Chris Hipkins
said on Tuesday, September 18..
The EEL is a levy collected from international
education providers to fund a broad range of
activities including marketing and promotion.  protecting the well-being of students is at the
It also funds reimbursements for international
students caught out by programme and provider
closures.
The Ministry of Education is asking education
providers who enrol international students
– universities, institutes of technology and
polytechnics, private training establishments
(PTEs) and schools – for feedback on options
for increasing the levy percentage, the first such
increase since the levy was created in 2003.
“Over the past year or so, calls on the levy
has almost emptied the EEL fund,” Chris
Hipkins said.
“Increased effort to monitor and address
quality issues have led to a sharp increase in PTE
course and provider failures, with international
students needing to be reimbursed.
“The balance of the EEL fund will hit zero
soon if no changes are made, and current and
future investigations result in more closures
requiring the use of levy.
“Improving and safeguarding the quality
of our international education sector, and
centre of our recently launched International
Education Strategy.
“Our reputation as a destination for
international students relies in part on our
generous student protections, such as those
funded by the levy. Leaving the levy at the
present level is not an option.
“The Government sees a strong future
for international education. Our approach
strikes a balance between sustainable growth
and making a clear commitment to students’
learning experience and lifting quality,” Chris
Hipkins said.
Friday, September 21, 2018 The Indian Weekender
Colourful Vinayaka Chaturthi
celebrations hosted by
Telugu Association
¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
N
ew Zealand Telugu
Association on
Thursday, September
13, brought an array of
colourful celebrations at the
Fickling Community Centre,
Three Kings, on the occasion of
Vinayaka Chaturthi.
More than 200 members
of the community, especially
women clad in grand, colourful
ethnic dresses and children
dressed in Kurta came to the
joyous celebrations.
Vinayaka Chaturthi is one
of the biggest festivals in
the Hindu calendar and is
celebrated with an enormous
pump and show all around
the world. The celebrations in
Hyderabad, every year with
a huge Lord Ganesha idol in the presence of A significant feature at the event was the
hundreds of thousands of devotees, is one of the participation and involvement of the children,
biggest and most prominent Vinayaka Chaturthi Kiwi Indian youngsters born here who are
a little less familiar with the traditions and
celebrations in the world.
magnanimity of the celebrations held back
A special puja session was arranged at the
in India. Children sat alongside their parents
event centre where flowers, fruits and, sweets and elders at the event centre and actively
were kept at the feet of Lord Ganesha idol participated in the puja and the celebrations
during the prayers. Community members sat later.
“It feels amazing to see our community
with their miniature version of the Ganesha idol
members so excited for this event and
with other puja items in a semi-circle fashion participating with their children in the Puja
following the instructions of the head priest and of Lord Ganesha,” President of NZTA Aruna
performed the Puja. Bhoompelli said.
 The Indian Weekender Friday, September 21, 2018 NEW ZEALAND 7

Now that
we’re older,
do we really
need health
insurance?
A
s we get older, it’s more and more temporary or permanent restrictions on your
likely that we may have a serious cover. Working through these matters can be If you’ve thought about health
health condition that impacts complex and that’s why it’s a good idea to tap
our ability to enjoy life and that requires into an adviser’s specialist expertise. insurance but didn’t act and
treatment. Treatment that can often be
expensive and may come with the chance of
Your health is important, so it’s better to have
some level of cover than to have no cover at all.
you now doubt you’ll be able
longer waits if relying on the public system.
That’s why often the first serious health
If ongoing premium payments are a concern, to get cover because of your
condition can be the first time some people pick
an adviser can help recommend options to fit
your budget.
health history, think again. An
up the phone to talk to an adviser about health
insurance. For those amongst us who already
Do older people need health insurance? Of insurance adviser can work with
course - as much as everyone else, if not more.
have health insurance, this is the time to breathe
a sigh of relief and fully appreciate what a good
Anyone who wants to enjoy life and not worry you to identify and help you select
decision we’ve already made.
If you’ve thought about health insurance but
about waiting for treatment should have cover
for themselves and their family. As someone
the best cover for you, even if
didn’t act and you now doubt you’ll be able to who has experienced a period of ill health will
tell you, every year of good health is a blessing
it means you have to accept
get cover because of your health history, think
again. An insurance adviser can work with you
not to be taken for granted. some temporary or permanent
So talk to your adviser now about the right
to identify and help you select the best cover for
you, even if it means you have to accept some
health insurance cover for yourself! restrictions on your cover

A holiday is
RAND P
good for your health 9K G
$15k
$

RIZE
PLUS T W

in trav
to beew
l prize
s
on!
es

$3
riz
O

k ru p
nner up

And nib could be good for a holiday

Buy an Ultimate Health Max, Ultimate Health or Easy Health policy between
1 September and 30 November via an adviser to be in to win a travel prize from nib*.
Talk to your adviser today to find out more.
nib8085_18

*Policies must start no later than 14 December 2018. See nib.co.nz/documents for full terms and conditions.
 8 NEW ZEALAND Friday, September 21, 2018 The Indian Weekender

‘They rob for fun, and we pay TVs and CCTV camera
the price in thousands of smashed with bats
dollars’: dairy shop owner in Palmerston North
¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD Prema told The Indian Weekender.
robbery
T
Mr Prema added that he instantly ¡¡ IWK BUREAU
he Grey Lynn ram-raid

robbery in the early hours of
Tuesday, September 18, says
much about the state of mind of the
young offenders, who apparently
seem to cross any line for small bucks
or cigarettes and alcohol according to
the store-owner.
The owner of the dairy store Shantilal
Prema, an insurance broker who has
owned the superette for 34-years in the
Grey Lynn area, says that the ram-raid at
around 5 a.m. on Tuesday morning was
done by the offenders merely for ‘fun’.
Four offenders came in three cars,
with one car ramming into the store
(Williamson Avenue Superette in
Grey Lynn) so as to facilitate their
entry into the shop. The two other
cars waited outside, with engines
running, for the offenders to return
with their opportunistic catch in
the shop, which according to the
owner Mr Prema was worth about
$250 - $300.
“I came late from work and after
freshening up around 5 a.m. at my
house which is located just behind the
store and was about to go to bed when
I had a loud noise and alarm sounds of
the store going up.
“I instantly checked the live CCTV
footage on my device and saw the men
in the store after breaking the front
entrance glass door of my dairy shop
and products lying on the floor,” Mr
came to the store after the alarm
sound went off, which also alerted the
neighbours who witnessed the robbery
from their premises.
“I first came to the rear of the door
and then came to the front only to find
the front side of the store smashed
and the offenders ran away with the
wine bottles in two other cars waiting
for them. The whole space became a
huge mess, aluminium frame of the
door dismantled, glasses shattered all
over and racks of stock thrown off the
ground with stock lying on the floor,” Mr
Prema added.
“My neighbour who wakes up early
in the morning witnessed the incident
and said that the offenders after
ramming their car to the door laughed
and entered the store and within fifteen
seconds ran away from the scene
of the crime as if it was just a casual
fun activity.
“Robbing is fun for them, and
we suffer the trauma and losses of
thousands of dollars as a result,” Mr
Prema further added.
Mr Prema says he was worried about
such incidents ever since a dairy owner
in the neighbourhood was robbed and
stabbed earlier in June this year.
“My wife stays at the store, and I
had a staff who looked after the store
completely. We open at 8 a.m. and close
by 6 p.m., but the fear of being attacked
out of the blue is constant. We work
P
in so much fear, and you never know
when someone comes in and hurts
your family,” he said.
Police arrived at the scene soon after
reporting, and the forensics came in the
afternoon to investigate the ram-raid.
Mr Prema vividly recollected two
incidences of robbery attempts last
year. A few offenders entered the
shop with machetes in broad daylight
demanding tobacco and cash. The
store manager somehow managed to
lock himself in the storeroom at the
rear of the shop when the offenders
agitatedly hit the wall of the storeroom
thrice leaving sharp dents there.
“Another incident happened in April
when an offender entered and asked
for tobacco, and my five-year-old
grandson was near the counter at the
time. The offender aggressively pushed
my grandson who fell on the ground
and then ran away from the shop. After
that incident I stopped bringing my
children to the shop,” he added.
olice have arrested six
people following an
aggravated robbery in
Bunnythorpe, near Palmerston
North on Monday afternoon,
September 17.
The incident happened at
around 3.30 p.m. when a group of
men entered Bunnythorpe Dairy
armed with bats and threatened
the shop attendant.
“They came inside the store
armed with bats and iron bars and
demanded money and tobacco.
They also smashed a TV on the
cash counter and one TV that
shows the live footage of the
CCTV in the store. While running
out, they also hit and break the
front CCTV camera,” owner of
the store for 14 years, Manoj
told The Indian Weekender.
The group fled the dairy
in a stolen vehicle, a white
Mazda Atenza station wagon,
registration number EZL477.
This vehicle was later found
abandoned by Police near-by.
A short time later Police
stopped a second vehicle of
interest on College Street,
Palmerston North. Those inside
were detained by Police and
subsequently charged in relation
to the robbery.
Six men aged as young as 14,
and others 15, 16, 17, 20 and
29 were jointly charged with
aggravated robbery and appeared
in Palmerston North Youth Court
on Tuesday.
Police has appealed anyone
who witnessed the robbery and
also sought information on any
sightings of the white Mazda
Atenza station wagon registration
number EZL477 in the 24-hours
prior to the robbery.
Information in regards
to the robbery and vehicle
sightings can be reported to
Palmerston North CIB on
06 351 3880 or anonymously
via Crimestoppers
on 0800 555 111.

The virtues of the Day of

‘Ashura in Muharram
¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

M
uharram is the first
month of the Islamic
calendar and second
holiest month after Ramadan.
The first day of Muharram this
year fell on Tuesday, September
11 (after sunset) according to the
lunar calendar followed in Islam
and the beginning of the Islamic
year 1440 Hijri.
The month is significant for
both sects of Islam, the Shia and
Sunni Muslims, as the tenth day
of Muharram, also called Day of
‘Ashura is the day of mourning
for the Shia Muslims and day of
fasting and making extra prayers for Sunni the Messenger of Allah [Prophet Muhammad,
Muslims. pbuh] so keen to fast any day and give it
As per the Hadith, the tenth day of ‘Ashura priority over any other than this day, the Day of
is a day of victory against the Egyptian Pharaoh ‘Ashura’, and this month, meaning Ramadan.”
defeated by Prophet Musa (Moses-pbuh), and The meaning of his being keen was that
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) asked the Muslims he intended to fast on that day in the hope of
to fast on this day. earning the reward for doing so.
The Shia Muslims mourn the martyrdom and The Prophet (pbuh) said: “For fasting the
death of the grandson of Prophet Muhammad day of ‘Ashura’, I hope that Allah will accept it
Imam Hussain (pbut) in the battle against the
as expiation for the year that went before.” as
Pharaoh fighting for human rights and human
dignity. reported in Sahih Muslim, 1976. This is from
Sunni Muslims across the globe observe the bounty of Allah towards us: for fasting one
the Day of ‘Ashura by fasting, making extra day, He gives us expiation for the sins of a
prayers and reaching out to the poor and whole year. And Allah is the Owner of Great
remembering the sacrifices made by Imam Bounty.
Hussain (pbuh) for his sacrifice for humanity. Several Masjids and Islamic centres across
Day of ‘Ashura in New Zealand will begin on New Zealand are hosting a special session of
Thursday evening (after sunset), September 20 prayer and sermon on this auspicious occasion
and until Friday evening, September 21. inviting community members to participate and
As reported in the Sahih Al-Bukhari, make extra prayers at the masjid.
Ibn’Abbas (pbuh) narrates that “I never saw ••
 The Indian Weekender
Why NZ’s employment
law is worth fighting for
Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi
National Party List MP
N
ational has ramped up the fight
against the Government’s
plans to sabotage New
Zealand’s employment relations law.
We opposed the Employment
Relations Amendment Bill that
returned to the House by Select
Committee and have since lodged a
series of changes that seek to overturn
its worst provisions.  Over 10,000 jobs a month were
Business groups who made
submissions were completely ignored
and have threatened to pursue a
claim to the International Labour
Organisation or International Court
of Justice on the basis that parts of
the Bill may breach international
conventions. They’ve been running
a ‘fix the Bill’ campaign to take their
concerns to ordinary New Zealanders.
 Labour sees this Bill as a key
credibility test in the eyes of its allies in
the Trade Union movement, who have
kept up pressure on the Prime Minister,
fearing NZ First would weaken her
resolve. Since then, Winston Peters
has hinted at concessions and horse-
trading on a Bill he has called a ‘work
in progress’ despite it having been
through the Cabinet process.
 National believes our employment
We will shop around
to save you money and
time to Maximize your
investment
0800 753 678
3/137 Kolmar road,
Papatoetoe 2025
Friday, September 21, 2018
law is worth fighting for and deserves
better than compromise and horse
trading. It is one of the foundations
of New Zealand’s growth and allows
flexible, modern workplaces that can
compete in a fast-changing global
economy.
Preserving New Zealand’s
competitive advantages is critical
and no more so than now when we
have a Government that seems intent
on eroding the hard-earned gains
made by New Zealanders. Business
confidence is slumping and both
hiring and investment intentions have
turned negative.
created in the two years before the
2017 election. Since the election this
has plummeted to 4000 a month.
The Government should be focussed
on policies that help businesses grow
and create more jobs. It is doing the
opposite – imposing ideologically
driven changes on New Zealand that
add to business costs, hurt productivity,
stifle innovation and do nothing to
improve the position of workers.
By trying to take the country back
to a time when adversarial unions
could hold the country to ransom,
Labour shows it hasn’t managed to
modernise its thinking to keep pace
with the modern world. Its lack of new
ideas is reflected in the vast number
of working groups set up in its first 10
months in Government.
National’s changes seek to push back
Get up to
$400 if you
buy personal risk
insurance*
on changes to employment law that
will hurt both businesses and ordinary
New Zealanders, including our most
vulnerable workers.
Our proposed changes would retain
90-day trials for all businesses; stop
businesses from being forced into
agreements with unions that would
require a business in Auckland to pay
the same wages as one in Timaru;
ensure union officials have to get
permission to enter a workplace; and
ensure businesses don’t have to pay
union delegates for union tasks during
paid hours.
Labour’s planned changes are
especially troubling for small business
owners who do their best to keep
afloat, manage their costs and strive to
grow, creating more jobs. They have
the least ability to absorb the impact
of costs outside their control, such
as are implied by the Government’s
proposed legislation.
We must push much harder to stop
this Government making one of its
biggest economic mistakes – because
otherwise it’s New Zealanders who will
pay. We can’t allow the Government to
destabilise New Zealand’s industrial
relations landscape for the sake of the
union movement.
National believes a good industrial
relations framework and a flexible
labour market are critical to a strong and
growing economy. That provides the
best opportunities for employers and
employees and is what we’re fighting
hard for.
Dream of owning a home?
Don’t let you dream get away
Mortgage and Insurance Experts
Service offered:
Mortgage:
•
•
Home Loan
Refinance
• Investment Property Loan
• Business Loans
Raman Chauhan
P: 021 150 9413
E: raman@rjayfinance.co.nz
*Term and conditions apply, disclosure statement available on request
NEW ZEALAND 9
Puja and celebrations on
Vinayaka Chaturthi by
Telangana Association
¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
M
embers of the Telangana
community living in
Auckland, be it children,
men or women –everyone dressed
in their best ethnic outfits to
celebrate Vinayaka Chaturthi, one
of the biggest festivals in India.
This year, the celebration
was held at the Mt Roskill War
Memorial Hall on Thursday, 7:45
p.m. onwards as the community
members gathered with their
families for the special Puja on
occasion.
The puja was conducted on
the elevated stage by Mr and Mrs
Narendar Reddy Patlola, Varsha
Reddy Patlola, Vijay Reddy Kosna
and Sunitha Vijay.
Kalyan Rao Kasuganti, the
President of Telangana Association
of New Zealand, recollected the
memories of the celebrations held in
his hometown region of Telangana, As a part of the celebration, lots
India where they celebrated the of sweets are kept at the feet of
occasion with huge Ganesha idols Ganesha Idol, especially Laddu.
and with a huge amount of laddus As per the tradition followed on
(sweets) auctioned for community this occasion, the Laddu is then
auctioned at the end of the Puja,
welfare purposes.
the proceeds of which are used
“Every year in Hyderabad,
Khairatabad a mammoth Ganesha for charity purpose. Mr & Mrs
Rangu Muralidhar prepared this
idol is brought to a gathering which
is the biggest and one of the most year’s laddu, and Vijayalaxmi and
community member Srihari Rao
popular Ganesh Utsava Mandali
not only in Hyderabad but the entire Banda bought it for $1616.
South Indian region. This year the More than 200 people came for
Ganesha idol is 57 feet high,” Mr
the celebrations including Labour
Kasuganti said. List MP Priyanca Radhakrishnan,
The celebration commenced with
National List MP Kanwaljit Bakshi
carrying the Ganesha idol to the
and Prakash Biradar representing
venue and placing the idol on the
NZ India Central Association.
stage for the prayers.
Insurance:
•
•
Life and Trauma Insurance
Mortgage Protection
• Income Protection
• Health Insurance
Chandni Neha
P: 022 361 5502 P: 027 909 2937
E: chandni@rjayfinance.co.nz E: neha@rjayfinance.co.nz
 10 NEW ZEALAND
‘Islam Awareness Week’ observed
¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
T
he Islam Awareness Week 2018
was launched on Monday,
September 17 at the Wellington
Islamic Centre in the presence of
FIANZ’s newly appointed president
Dr Mustafa Farouk, community
leaders, dignitaries, representatives
from parliament and other ethnic and
interfaith communities.
FIANZ or Federation of Islamic
Association of New Zealand is an apex
body of the Muslims in New Zealand
that looks after the issues and, concerns
of the Muslims in the country.
“The mission of Islam Awareness
Week (IAW) is to increase the
awareness in New Zealand of Islam
and Muslim New Zealanders and this
has been observed for many years at
Islamic Centres and masjids around the
country and these activities are locally
organised by the various centres and
student bodies.
“The week was originally envisaged
to enable Muslims living as minorities
in mainly western countries to share
with the broader society in their host, or
adopted countries, their most important
asset, Islam,” a spokesperson from
FIANZ said.
Present at the event were Michael
remax.co.nz | Each office independently owned and operated
Top One Real Estate 2015 Limited
Wood, Under-Secretary for Ethnic
Communities representing Minister for
Ethnic Communities as the Guest of
Honour for the launch event, National
List MP Kanwaljit Bakshi, diplomats,
officers from the Maori, Pacific and,
Ethnic Division of the New Zealand
Police, representatives from the Human
Rights Commission, Interfaith Council
and, community leaders.
The theme for this year’s seven-day
Islam Awareness Week was ‘Halal-
more than just food’, that focuses on
different aspects of using the term
Halal in leading ones’ life and not just
in its limited notion of ‘just food’.
“Although the word Halal, meaning
lawful in the eyes of God (whom
Muslims call Allah), is usually
associated with food, but its meaning
also embraces the way Muslims
do business, earn a living, treat the
environment, coexist with their
fellow citizens and much more,” the
spokesperson said.
“The Islamic concept of Halal is
embedded in many of the values that
New Zealand as a country espouses,
such as eating wholesome and nutritious
foods and not eating or feeding others
what is harmful, living on what is
legally earned, giving measure for
Revolution
| Licensed REAA 2008
measure in business dealings, fair
wages for fair services, transparency,
not wasting resources nor damaging the
environment, and, above all, fostering
peace and harmonious coexistence,”
FIANZ president Dr Farouk said at the
event.
FIANZ every year on the occasion
of IAW launch honours an individual
with the Harmony Award recognising
his/her contributions to improving
understanding and relationships
between Muslims and the broader
community in New Zealand.
This year, the IAW 2018 Harmony
Award was presented to Mr William
Moore, a resident of Miramar in
Wellington. He was honoured for his
long association with and contributions
to the Muslim community in
Wellington.
ADDRESS 328 Great South Road, Papatoetoe, AUCKLAND 2025
OFFICE 09 261 2555
Friday, September 21, 2018
NZTC Offers 75% ECE
teacher scholarship to
support campaign to
attract teachers
¡¡ IWK BUREAU
N
ew Zealand Tertiary
College (NZTC) steps
up to support the early
childhood education (ECE)
sector to encourage ECE training
of teachers with a limited time
scholarship opportunity.
An NZQA Category 1 education
provider, NZTC has a
 36 year
history of supporting early
childhood teachers and teacher
education in New Zealand. After
careful consideration on how best
to support the sector’s current
teacher shortage, NZTC has
decided to endorse the Ministry
of Education ‘become a teacher’
campaign with substantial
scholarships.
Scholarships are available for
domestic students who enrol
in the Graduate Diploma of
Teaching (ECE), the Bachelor of
Teaching (ECE) (first year) or the
New Zealand Diploma in Early
Childhood Education and Care
(Level 5) and commence their
study journey in 2018.
“As New Zealand’s largest
provider of early childhood teacher
education, we are privileged to be
in the position to support qualified
teacher numbers to grow. While
confident that our highly skilled
The Indian Weekender
graduates will be rich with the
necessary knowledge and skills
to ensure children in their care
develop into happy, independent,
lifelong learners,” NZTC Chief
Executive Selena Fox said.
The Graduate Diploma in
Teaching (ECE) and Bachelor of
Teaching (ECE) both feature a
strong practical component, with
students eligible to apply for New
Zealand teacher registration after
graduating.
Degree holders of any discipline
looking to gain knowledge and
skills in the area of early childhood
education will find the 15-month
Graduate Diploma in Teaching
(ECE) ideal, while those without
a degree who are new to early
childhood education will benefit
from the Bachelor of Teaching
(ECE).
“Our ECE teacher scholarships
will encourage people passionate
about the education of young
children, who are considering first
time study or wanting to make a
career change to do that now, at a
time the sector has a strong need
for registered ECE teachers.”
For more information, please
visit: www.nztertiarycollege.
ac.nz/early-childhood-education/
scholarships
 The Indian Weekender Friday, September 21, 2018
Kiwi-Indian woman
appointed in Auckland
Museum executive-team
¡¡ SANDEEP SINGH
I
n an announcement befiting the 125th
anniversary of Suffrage, a Kiwi-Indian
woman was included as one of the two
recent inclusions in the executive committee of
the iconic Auckland Museum.
Jignasha Patel – a former General Manager
at Air New Zealand – has been appointed as the
new Director of Finance and Enterprise, along
with Brad Clark who will join as Director of
Transformation and Development.
A press release stating this announcement
was released by War memorial on Wednesday,
September 19.
Auckland Museum Chief Executive, Dr
David Gaimster said the two roles are critical to
progressing the Museum’s priorities.
“The Museum has long been an employer
of choice for those living and working in
Auckland, and that is evident in that we have
been able to attract candidates of Brad and
Jignasha’s calibre,” Dr Gaimster said.
“Ms Patel brings great experience and
knowledge to our commercial development
and financial management capability – critical
features of our Five-Year Strategy. Like so
many people, Ms Patel is representative of
those who desire to bring strong entrepreneurial
skills and insight from the corporate world to a
cultural and social enterprise, where they can
make a major difference.”
Originally from Fiji, Ms Patel completed
her high school education in Auckland and
graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree
from Auckland University.
In a career spanning more than 25 years,
Ms Patel has general management experience
Affordable and split risk
60-62 Tiraumea Drive, Pakuranga
• Fee simple corner site
• Three retail shops plus residential accommodation
• Returning a combined income of $80,221pa + GST
• Split risk - dairy, takeaway and hairdressers
Located on the corner of Tiraumea Drive and Tiaka
Place and next door to Anchorage Park School; the
property continuously services the local residential
catchment. Investments close to major transport
networks must be inspected!
bayleys.co.nz/1901847
NEW ZEALAND 11
STOP WASTING
YOUR ADVERTISING DOLLARS.
ADVERTISE WITH
THE LEADER
AND WATCH YOUR
BUSINESS GROW
leading diverse teams (350+ FTE), portfolios
and revenue streams in multiple countries National tenant + huge future potential
($400m+).
Ms Patel has a track record of achievement as For Sale
a leader in the corporate and consulting world, by Deadline Private Treaty
having previously been General Manager of Air (unless sold prior)
New Zealand Aviation Institute and Air New 4pm, Thu 25 Oct 2018
Zealand Cargo. Bayleys House, 30 Gaunt Street,
She is currently a Board trustee for COMET,
Auckland
Tony Chaudhary 021 995 121
an Auckland Council CCO focussed on Janak Darji 021 047 1290
advancing education for Auckland. She also BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD, MANUKAU,
holds a number of governance roles with LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008
organisations such as ServiceIQ and National 63 Main Road, Kumeu
Council of Women New Zealand. • Fee Simple 1,343m2 easy care
Ms Patel has expressed her excitement to join site with extensive frontage to
the Museum where she will bring her passion Main Road
• National Brand tenant offers
for connecting with people and cultures.
“The Museum is a cultural icon that puts
long term security
• An opportunity also exists to
real credence into representing and reflecting develop the remaining portion
people of all backgrounds and cultures and of the land for retail purposes
providing a cultural home for all Aucklanders,” Boundary lines are indicative only bayleys.co.nz/1901854
Ms Patel said.
Boundary lines are indicative only
Signifcant upside
For Sale by Deadline Private Treaty 190 West Coast Road, Glen Eden For Sale by Deadline Private Treaty
2pm, Mon 22 Oct 2018 (unless sold prior)
2 Harris Road, East Tamaki • Fee simple, high profile add value investment 2pm, Tue 30 Oct 2018
Tony Chaudhary 021 995 121 • Dual frontage to West Coast Road and Glen Mall 2 Harris Road, East Tamaki
tony.chaudhary@bayleys.co.nz Place Tony Chaudhary 021 995 121
• Located directly opposite the train station tony.chaudhary@bayleys.co.nz
Janak Darji 021 047 1290
• Numerous options - occupy, develop or lease Janak Darji 021 047 1290
janak.darji@bayleys.co.nz
• Zoned Business Town Centre Zone offering future janak.darji@bayleys.co.nz
Amy Weng 021 177 3422 development upside
Mark Preston 027 393 9286
amy.weng@bayleys.co.nz
BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD, MANUKAU, LICENSED REAA 2008
This standalone add value investment in the hub of mark.preston@bayleys.co.nz
Glen Eden, opposite the train station should not be BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD, MANUKAU, LICENSED REAA 2008
overlooked. Astute investors and owner occupiers BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD, AUCKLAND CENTRAL, LICENSED REAA 2008
must inspect.
bayleys.co.nz/1901850
 12 NEW ZEALAND Friday, September 21, 2018 The Indian Weekender

Wellington Diwali Festival 2018:

Calling for performers
¡¡ SANDEEP SINGH

T
he iconic Wellington Diwali Festival –
the second biggest Diwali celebrations
in Aotearoa – is back and promising to
bring another edition of a dazzling display of
different colours of Indian culture.
The Wellington Diwali Festival is scheduled on
Sunday, October 28, from 1.30 pm to 9.30 pm at
the TSB Arena and Shed 6 venues in Wellington.

The festival is brought to the

community by Wellington
City Council and produced by
Communities Action Trust NZ
(CATNZ).
The event will feature vegetarian food, arts,
crafts and information stalls, an exhibition on
Lights /Diya, non-stop cultural entertainment,
including international cultural presentations
from India, and dazzling fireworks at the
conclusion of the event.
Every year a number of stallholders come
to the festival showcasing Indian craft, food
and culture.
The organisers of the Wellington Diwali
festival are calling upon enthusiastic stallholders
keen on putting their products in front of
crowd of more than twenty thousand to book
their stalls.
The event producer Murali Kumar of CATNZ,
speaking to The Indian Weekender said,
“There will be almost 8 hours of non-stop
performances, 18 diverse vegetarian food stalls
and a number of retail stalls showcasing Indian
arts, culture and fashion.”
Further information including online
application forms can be found on www.catnz.
org.nz or by emailing the Wellington Diwali
Festival team at diwali@catnz.org.nz.
“We can also possibly take a few more
retail stall bookings provided they meet all
expectations” Mr Kumar said.
Wellington Diwali Festival, like the Auckland
Diwali Festival, was launched by the Asia New
Zealand Foundation in 2002 as part of its mission
to increase New Zealanders’ understanding
of Asia.
Since then the festival has grown in size,
bringing more than twenty thousand visitors
every year, who indulge themselves in once in
a year experience of lights, sounds and smells of
the Indian sub-continent in Wellington.
Diwali showcases contemporary and
traditional Indian music and dancing, food
and crafts, exhibitions and workshops, and
children’s activities.
Past activities and workshops have included
sari tying, rangoli (traditional decorative designs
made on floors or courtyards) and Indian games.
In the past international performers from India
had also mesmerised the Wellington’s festival-
goers with their energetic performances – a
trend that the festival organisers are confident
to be able to maintain this year.
 The Indian Weekender Friday, September 21, 2018 NEW ZEALAND 13

Kiwi Punjabi Award makes

mark in its second year
¡¡ SWATI SHARMA

I
n a bid to acknowledge the hard-work and
achievements of Punjabis living in New
Zealand, NZ Punjabi Multimedia Trust
(Radio Spice) organised the second annual
Kiwi Punjabi Awards on Sunday, September 14
in Papatoetoe.
Speaking with TheIndian Weekender, Navtej
Randhawa of NZPMT said, “We organise
this event to make sure that there’s a hidden
element of connection to goodness within the
community and celebrating excellence in one’s
chosen field.”
The Lifetime Achievement Awardwas
presented to S. Prithipal Singh Basra for
his contribution to the growth of Punjabi
community for several years, while the
organisation of the year award was given to
Supreme Sikh Society who has been working
alongside several government bodies to help
Indian students and families in distress.
Among other awards were the Sportsperson
of the year, awarded to Sarpreet Singh of All
Whites NZ’s national Football team;Woman
of the year, awarded to Ms Jit Kaur, Founding
member of NZ Sikh Women Association;
Outstanding contribution for the community
given to S. Rajveer Singh and family (Sikh the Punjabi community and NZPMT was other dignitaries, business people and leaders
Sangat, Hamilton) and Honorary Punjabi appreciated for its efforts in acknowledging the from the community as well as three renowned
was awarded to Dharmesh Parikh for his trailblazers in Punjabi community. artists from the Punjabi film industry, S.
contribution for Punjabi Arts and Culture. The evening was attended by Judge Ajit Mankeet Singh Rauni, Gurpreet Kaur Bhangu,
The awards night was well-received by Swarn Singh, MP Kanwaljit Bakshi, among and Nirmal Rishi were also present.

Gujarati Samaj shares Trust Saffron Finance for

expert Mortgage/ Insurance
advice backed by years

Indian food, love

¡¡ SANDEEP SINGH
Mortgages:
of experience
Risk Insurances:

T
he Gujarati Samaj New Zealand
Inc has reached out to residents
and the guests at the Auckland’s
Domain Lodge, Cancer Society, sharing
traditional Indian food, love and warmth
with the patients and families, bringing
much-needed love in their lives to mark
the Daffodil Day.
Daffodil Day, which symbolises all
New Zealanders coming together in the
fight against cancer, was celebrated on
Friday, August 31.
To mark this occasion, the Gujarati
Samaj New Zealand – an Auckland
based community organisation – found
an innovative way of reaching out to
the residents of Domain Lodge, which
provides accommodation for adults
having treatment for cancer or attending
hospital appointments related to their
cancer, and bringing some joy to their
lives.
love,” Mr Modi said.
The food was prepared by the
Mahila wing of Gujarati Samaj
New Zealand in their kitchen and
served to the patients and personal
caretakers – a gesture thoroughly
appreciated by the guests of
Domain Lodge.
Acknowledging the gesture Ms
• Home loans • Life & Trauma
• Commercial Property loans • Key Person Cover
• Business Loans • Medical / Health
• Top up & Debt consolidation • TPD and Income Protection
• Re-Finance and Refixing • Mortgage Repayment cover
• Investment Property loans • New to Business &
• Restructuring of loan • Business Continuity Cover
• Construction & Renovation • Redundancy Cover
Nimish Parikh
Registered Financial Adviser 18B Kirby Street, Glendene,
M. 021 236 7070 Auckland 0602
nimish@saffronfinance.co.nz P O Box - 69263 , Glendene,
Auckland 0645
www.saffronfinance.co.nz
difference to have something to look
forward to and something outside the

ADVERTISING
This Gujarati Samaj initiative
Beuvink wrote to the Gujarati Samaj routine of having treatment.
was organised with the help of Sue
team “A big thank you to you and your “You bought some joy to our guests
Beuvink, the Community Fundraising
group from Gujarati Samaj for the last night in what is a difficult time for

Coordinator, Cancer Society, on
Wednesday, September 5.
Speaking to The Indian Weekender,
Vijay Modi, the President of GSNZ said,
“We wanted to do something different
on this Daffodil Day and share a little
bit more love and warmth to the patients
and their families dealing with cancer.
“In our culture, there is nothing better
than sharing food to spread warmth and
delicious dinner you prepared for our
Domain Lodge patients and guests last
night together with sharing your culture
through your performances.”
A donation cheque was also handed
over to Ms Beuvink by Kirit Thaker,
GSNZ Treasurer.
“For someone going through treatment
and their support person, it makes a big
WORKS
them. Please pass on our thanks to your
group,” Ms Beuvink said.
Daffodil Day is Cancer Society’s
most important annual fundraiser. The
money raised is used to support patients UNMATCHED NEWS.
with cancer and their families, fund
breakthrough cancer research and help
UNMATCHED REACH.
reduce the incidence of cancer coming UNMATCHED VALUE.
generations of New Zealand. For media kit, mail at sales@indianweekender.co.nz
 NEW ZEALAND

Last chance to
14 Friday, September 21, 2018 The Indian Weekender

Register
Open for
everyone above
18 years of age.
To register visit
bit.do/iwkdiwali

For
details, call
09 2173623 /
021952246 or
email at swati@
indianweekender.
co.nz

Prizes sponsored by
 The Indian Weekender Friday, September 21, 2018 FIJI 15

Dialysis centre
‘will boost
services’
S
ome kidney dialysis patients
are set to pay as low as $75
per session when the new
National Kidney Research and
Treatment Centre is opened.
The centre, which is undergoing fit
outs, will become Fiji’s first public
system chronic dialysis service.
This was highlighted by Minister
for Health and Medical Services
Rosy Akbar during the fourth Fijian
Annual Nephrology Symposium
held at the Establishment Restaurant
in Pacific Harbour yesterday.
The centre is being set up in
Nadera, Nasinu, and another site has
been identified at Nadi Hospital for
a satellite unit of the national centre.
$3.5 million has been allocated to
Award winners of the New ZealandFiji 2018 Secondary Schools Essay Competition. [Uzma Azmi - second row, second from left] subsidise dialysis for patients in the

ESSAY PORTRAYS HOW NZ GIRL

2018-2019 National Budget, which
will assist a lot of families.
Ms Akbar said with this year’s
budget the ministry would now

DISCOVERED HER FIJIAN HERITAGE

be able to do more for Fijians by
bringing the cost of dialysis down.
“We are bringing the cost down,

T
en students were awarded prizes by the
New Zealand High Commission for their
outstanding entries in the New Zealand
Fiji 2018 Secondary Schools Essay Competition.
For one of the supreme award winners Uzma
Azmi who attends Nadi Muslim School, says that
it was more than just an essay competition for her
and mostly about relating the links between Fiji
and New Zealand.
Azmi says in her essay she portrays how a New
Zealand girl found out later on in her life that she
had links to Fiji.
Other winners were Ipaelen Rota from Nakasi
High School where they were awarded with an
iPad, $500 cash prize, a trophy and a certificate of
distinction each.
New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji
Jonathan Curr says they are delighted to recognise
the writing talent of these students and it is evident
through the compelling stories they have told and
the high standard of their writing that they have
undertaken thorough research .
He says this is the tenth year running that the
High Commission and the Fiji Association in
Auckland have partnered to offer this competition,
and it is heartening to see the continued enthusiasm
of students across Fiji for this event.
340 students from secondary schools all over
Fiji participated in the 2018 essay competition.
The 2018 essay topic asked students to reflect
on New Zealand Fiji relations with reference to
three important historical milestones.
These were the establishment of a Royal New
Zealand Air Force base at Laucala Bay in 1941,
the Sir Edmund Hillary’s service as a member of
the RNZAF team in Fiji, and the gifting 50 years
ago of the RNZAF base by the New Zealand
Government to Fiji for the establishment of the
University of the South Pacific.
The competition adjudicators were Lady June
Hillary, wife of the late Sir Edmund Hillary, and
Dr Satendra Singh, co-chair of the Fiji Association
of Auckland. In a statement, the two judges said
that imaginative and expository essays provided
an excellent overview of events that occurred
at Laucala Bay over seventy years ago and
subsequently linking the two countries.
In addition to the two supreme winners,
three students were awarded certificates of
commendation and were presented with HP
laptops, and five students received an honourable
mention, and were awarded Samsung tablets.
The judges also selected ten students who
submitted highly commended entries, who were
sent FJD$50 vouchers.
Dr Singh and High Commission representatives
will visit some of the participating schools and
present the students with certificates and books.
Schools visited will be Nakasi High, Dudley
High, Vashist Muni College, Nadi Muslim
College, Drasa Secondary, Nukuloa College and
Rakiraki Public High School.
but we will make sure that the
quality of the consumables are not
compromised when we offer the
services,” she said.
“The need for dialysis is the reality
for the Pacific and our Fijian people.”
Ms Akbar said there was a need for
behavioural change and advocacy.
“We need to teach our children, by
becoming good examples ourselves,
on how and what to eat so that our
children will follow suit,” she said.
“Let’s create a healthier society.
Remember if we want our future
generation to be healthier than we
are now, then we need to create that
environment for a healthier lifestyle
now. The centre is the first for Fiji. It
is an occasion to celebrate, but on the
other side we need to be sad about
the fact that we have brought it upon
ourselves.

PM: Serve your communities well Fijian rep in Kuala Lumpur meeting

F F
ire officers in Savusavu have
been urged by the Prime
Minister Voreqe Bainimarama
to serve the communities in the area
to the best of their abilities.
Mr Bainimarama made the
comment as he handed over the keys
for new ambulances to National Fire
Authority chief fire officer Qionilau
Moceitai in a ceremony at the
Savusavu Fire Station yesterday.
The ambulances worth $89,800
handed over to the National Fire
Authority are set to expand the
authority’s emergency response.
Mr Bainimarama said Government
had been assisting the NFA, among
other things, in the provision of
capital grants for the purchase
of ambulance vehicles and
specialised equipment.
He said it was Government’s
objective to equip all fire stations
with an ambulance.
“My Government will continue
to provide good working facilities
for our people, resulting in a happy
and productive workforce,” Mr
Bainimarama said.
“My fellow Fijians, it is my humble
plea to the people of Savusavu to take
fire safety seriously at your homes
and your environment.
“I must emphasise that fire safety
iji representative to the
11th Edition of the Young
Diplomats Forum (YDF)
in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, was
honoured to be the first representative
from Fiji to attend the forum.
Broderick Mervyn attended
the forum from September 3 to Broderick Mervyn presents during the
September 7. the 11th Edition of Young Diplomats
Forum (YDF) in Kuala Lumpur in
It was an intensive week-long
Malaysia.
programme of practical sessions,
country. Despite the difference in
workshops, policy exercises and
culture, language and opinion the
institutional visits organised and
Young Diplomats all joined together
delivered by world leading experts.
in building relationships and living
The forum was attended by over
this unforgettable experience.
100 young diplomats from over 75
countries covering every region Mr Mervyn said: “I am proud to be
in the world to tackle hot topics recognised by this forum, a youth-led
of international affairs, a platform organisation whose ideas, insights
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama at the handing over of new ambulances to the
National Fire Authority (NFA) in Savusavu on September 8, 2018. for dialogue and constructive and feedback are of value.
engagement that focuses on burning “I look forward to a more robust
is everyone’s responsibility. To an integral part in National Fire
issues relating specifically to the presence of dynamic Fijian Youth
our firefighters who will be driving Authority’s emergency ambulance
modern world that we live in today. Leaders at the next YDF.”
this new ambulance – serve the operation,” he said.
communities of Savusavu to the best The ambulances were bought from The proceedings and workshops of He acknowledged the Ministry
of your ability and look after your Vision Motors. the forum engage young diplomats of Youth and Sports and Jeffery Lin
new ambulance and fire station. They were manufactured in China with Ambassadors, MPs, MEPs, for their contributions towards Mr
“You will be relied and are equipped with essential Government officials, Media and Mervyn’s preparation for the trip and
upon to provide life- You ambulance gear. Diplomacy experts on different he wishes to thank his family and
saving services, a will be relied The ambulances issues of global affairs. friends for their endless support.
responsibility that upon to provide will service the In addition, the Young Diplomats “Youths have shown they are
should be respected life-saving services, Cakaudrove areas and Forum is a cultural and entertaining passionate about the future of work
at all times. a responsibility that will be stationed at the and gender equality, as seen in our
experience that create international
“The Government should be respected at Savusavu Fire Station. strong voter turnout in the past Fijian
friendship amongst participants and
is pleased to be all times. Election.
engages with institutions in the host
 Thought of the week
"A dream doesn't become realit y
through magic; it takes sweat,
determination and hard work."
– Colin Powell
Editorial
Tax Working Group Auckland Weather forecast for the week
September 21 – September 27, 2018
interim report: Shaping Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thu
up tax on capital gains
palatably Cloudy Mostly Mostly Spotty Partly Times of Mostly

T
couple of cloudy, cloudy showers sunny clouds and cloudy,
he government’s Tax Working Group has released its much-awaited showers spotty sun a stray
interim report to give Kiwi-voters the first-insight on how they are showers shower
shaping their recommendations for New Zealand’s tax system – and the
first look suggests that it is an exercise to present the tax on capital gains in a 17° 18° 17° 14° 14° 15° 15°
12° 10° 12° 10° 10° 9° 10°
palatable manner to the voters.
For capital gain – is a rise in the value of a capital asset (investment or real
estate) that gives it a higher worth than the purchase price – and the issue of This week in New Zealand’s history
taxing capital gain is one important area that political parties struggle to present
to voters in a palatable manner that they escape from being punished at the time
26 September 1865
of election. Native Rights Act declares Māori British subjects
The issue of tax on capital gains will be an important issue in the lead up 2020
election.
T he Act deemed all Māori to be natural-born subjects of the Crown, confirming in law the
treaty promise that Māori were to be accorded the same status as other British subjects.
27 September 1974
Earlier the government had constituted the Tax Working Group under the
former Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Sir Michael Cullen with
a mandate to provide recommendations to Government on NZ tax system by William Sutch charged with spying
February 2019.
It sought input from a diverse and range of New Zealanders and ran a two-
O n a rainy night, Security Intelligence Service (SIS) agents gatecrashed a meeting between
William Sutch and Dimitri Razgovorov in Aro St, Wellington. The SIS believed that
Sutch, a prominent economist and former senior public servant, was passing information to
month public consultation between March 1 and April 30, 2018. Razgovorov, a Soviet diplomat.
Towards this goal, the tax working group has released their first interim report
on Thursday, September 20. 27 September 2013
The interim report falls firmly in favour of broadening the existing narrow Lorde releases Pure Heroine in New Zealand and Australia
range of capital gains taxes to capture profits on the sale of a far wider range of
assets than the current tax regime.
“We see clear opportunities to improve the balance of the system by
F ollowing the success of her single ‘Royals’, Lorde’s first
studio album Pure Heroinedebuted at number three on
the US Billboard 200 charts and went on to become one of
introducing environmental taxes, while measures to increase tax compliance the world’s best-selling albums of 2014.
would increase the fairness of the system.
"We have also identified important issues regarding the treatment of capital
income in the tax system,” Sir Michael said. 28 September 1899
It is most likely that one’s reception of this interim report will depend upon New Zealand answers the empire's call to arms
how they are placed on the property ladder.
The chances are that if one is not yet on the property ladder, they might be P remier Richard ‘King Dick’ Seddon asked Parliament to
approve an offer to the British government of a contingent
of mounted riflemen to serve in South Africa. Amid emotional
okay with the first indications in the interim report, which is shaping up the tax
scenes, the members overwhelmingly endorsed the motion –
on capital gains, whereas if one is on the extreme end of the property ladder, the
only five voted against it.
chances are that they might find it less palatable.
Any increase in capital gains tax dampens the profits to be had from property
investment and is therefore unpopular with landlords. Indian Weekender : Volume 10 Issue 27
And contrastingly, those who are not yet on the property ladder are warmer Publisher: Kiwi Media Publishing Limited
to the ideas promising more fairness in the distribution of wealth and equality Content Editor: Sandeep Singh | sandeep@indianweekender.co.nz
in society. Chief Reporter: Swati Sharma | swati@indianweekender.co.nz
Anticipating that challenge Finance Minister Grant Robertson has quickly Reporter: Rizwan Mohammad | rizwan@indianweekender.co.nz
instructed the working group to produce a final package of recommendations Chief Technical Officer: Rohan Desouza | rohan@indianweekender.co.nz
that "could" raise no more revenue that the tax system does today. Sr Graphics and Layout Designer: Mahesh Kumar | mahesh@indianweekender.co.nz
Also, the Tax Working Group has made it clear that the family home is already Graphic Designer: Yashmin Chand | design@indianweekender.co.nz
excluded from any consideration of a capital gains tax. Accounts and Admin.: 09-2173623 | accounts@indianweekender.co.nz
“The Government has always been clear that no changes will be implemented Sales and Distribution: 021 952218 | sales@indianweekender.co.nz
this term and that there are key bottom lines.
Views expressed in the publication are not necessarily of the publisher and the publisher
In particular, the family home, increases to income tax and GST, and an
is not responsible for advertisers’ claims as appearing in the publication
inheritance tax are off limits,” Finance Minister Grant Robertson said.
Indeed the government is treading the path cautiously. Views expressed in the articles are solely of the authors and do not in any way represent
However, it will be a challenge for the government to make sure that the the views of the team at the Indian Weekender
message is delivered in a palatable manner so as not to invite voter’s wrath Kiwi Media Publishing Limited - 133A, Level 1, Onehunga Mall, Onehunga, Auckland.
at the time of next elections, especially when the main opposition party and Printed at Horton Media, Auckland
other detractors of the government are waiting for government to falter on this Copyright 2017. Kiwi Media Publishing Limited. All Rights Reserved.
significant matter to New Zealanders.
For now, it seems government is ticking all boxes, but the journey ahead is
arduous and tricky.
 AOTEA SQUARE | 20 - 21 OCTOBER 2018

• MUSIC
• DANCE
F A S H I O N
•
• FOOD
• CRAFT
PRESENTING PARTNER

aucklandnz.com/diwali
FOUNDATION PARTNER PROGRAMME PARTNERS
J0001096

MAJOR PARTNER
 18 INDIA
JOINT INDO-CHINA PROJECT TO TRAIN
AFGHAN ENVOYS TO BEGIN IN OCTOBER A
A
joint India-China project for
training Afghan diplomats
will begin next month.
The two countries had agreed to
train the diplomats during Prime
Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese
president Xi Jinping’s informal
summit in China’s Wuhan in April.
The project was discussed at a
meeting between Afghan President
Ashraf Ghani and Modi in New
Delhi on Wednesday. The diplomats
will be first trained at New Delhi’s
Foreign Service Institute before they
travel to Beijing for the next training
phase, a person familiar with the
issues discussed at the meeting said.
India would discuss further
joint cooperation with China in
Afghanistan, which could involve
socio-economic projects or opening
of a school.
Officials said Ghani spoke in
detail about the security-situation
in Afghanistan at the meeting. He
briefed Modi about the terrorist
attack in Ghazni in August, increased
presence of Islamic State (IS)
fighters and the peace process with
the Taliban.
Ghani is learnt to have shared
Afghan interior ministry’s finding
about the involvement of Pakistani
nationals in the Ghazni attack.
India believes the IS is a major
concern, but the biggest threat to
Afghanistan’s security comes from
the Taliban.
India has been pointing out that
most of the IS fighters are those, who
The project was discussed at a meeting between Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi
have returned from Iraq and Syria.
Ghani, who was here for a day-
long visit amid efforts to bring lasting
peace to Afghanistan, was quoted as
maintaining that with international
support, he is confident of addressing
the security challenges in his country.
Modi raised the issue of seven
Indians kidnapped in Afghanistan’s
Baghlan province. “Ghani assured
him that he is personally monitoring
the efforts to secure their release,’’
an official said on condition of
anonymity.
The two leaders agreed to speed up
the building of Shahtoot Dam project
that is expected to provide drinking
water to over two million residents of
the Afghan capital, Kabul.
Modi reiterated India’s
commitment to settling Afghan
refugees returning to their country.
Ghani sought India’s help in sectors
such as gem stones, food processing
and export of marble to India.
Ghani briefed Modi on initiatives
his government had taken towards
peace and reconciliation and also
Friday, September 21, 2018 The Indian Weekender
India happy with Maldives
opposition floating joint
presidential candidate
head of the presidential
election to be held in the
Maldives on Sunday, the
Indian establishment is happy that
the opposition parties in the Indian
Ocean archipelago nation have put up
a joint candidate against incumbent
President Yameen Abdul Gayoom.
"We are happy that there will be
a single joint candidate from the
opposition," a government source
said. "The current government is
unlikely to come back to power," the
source said.
The opposition parties in the
Maldives have put up Ibrahim
Mohamed Solih of the Maldivian
Democratic Party as their joint
candidate for the election.
The source also confirmed that
the Maldives government has not
approached India to send an observer
for the election.
"We have to depend on the ground
situation there and the social media
about a free and fair election being
held," the source said.
"This election is being watched by
the entire international community."
in confronting the challenges of
With a number of prominent
terrorism and extremism.
opposition figures of the country
“The Prime Minister reiterated
put behind bars, former President
India’s support to an Afghan-
Mohamed Nasheed living in exile,
led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-
a defunct parliament and a crippled
controlled peace and reconciliation
judiciary, there is a big question
process that would enable
mark over free and fair elections in
Afghanistan to continue as a united,
Maldives.
peaceful, inclusive and democratic
The latest crisis in Maldives began
nation and emerge as an economically
in February this year when President
vibrant country,’’ a statement issued
Gayoom of the Progressive Party
after the meeting said.
of Maldives (PPM) declared a state
Ghani appreciated New Delhi’s
f Emergency.
continuing help.
 Exclusive DEALS Save $
for every occassion

OLIVE INDO - NEPALI ZAM ZAM

EATERY (NEW LYNN) (MT ROSKILL)
2 COURSE RED HOTT RESTAURANT MEAL FOR TWO, FOUR WITH
FOOD INN OPTIONS UP TO 10 PEOPLE
INDO-NEPALESE (MANUKAU) (SANDRINGHAM)
EXOTIC FIJI INDIAN MEAL FOR TWO/ FOUR PEOPLE
CUISINE-MEAL

C BEAUTY MULTIPLE SERVICES DAXA’S BEAUTY SRS HAIR CLINIC

(HILLSBOROUGH) Deep home cleaning Smart Tint-Get Sculpt- 45-minute micro-
Nail Care Pamper services ed eyebrows to suit scopic professional
Package your features with hair check-up
Lash Tint

INFINITY FLOAT CENTRE

90-Minute Therapeutic Salt
Float Experience for One Person
MOTO KARE INDIAN PEPPER WEB TIGERS LIMITED EGGS AND MORE
Car grooming (PANMURE) (NORTHSHORE) (SANDRINGHAM)
Services - Multiple Two Curries+ 2 Naan+ FOOD | HEALTH AND 250 Business cards Pay $25 to get a meal
Rice+ 2 glasses of designing and printing. voucher worth $40
options
wine/coke face WELLNESS | SERVICES
AUTOMOBILE | BEAUTY

FORGED ENHANCEMENT INZ AYURVEDA AND YOGA

$50 - Basic Japanese Car Service 30 min Ayurvedic health Consultation
OLIVE’S PIZZA (EAST TAMAKI) & 60 min whole body relaxing massage
Large and extra large pizza offers & head spa

For many more exciting deals, To run a deal on

log on to www.dealbazaar.co.nz call at 020 – 41333103 or email anurag@indianweekender.co.nz
 20 INDIA Friday, September 21, 2018 The Indian Weekender

Modi govt approves ordinance on triple talaq

A
head of Assembly elections in
five states, the Union Cabinet on
Wednesday approved an ordinance
making triple talaq a criminal offence, with
the government stating that there was a
"compelling necessity" and "overpowering
urgency" to do so.
The ordinance, which will be sent to the
President for approval, comes against the
backdrop of the government's inability to get
a bill on the issue passed in the last monsoon
session of Parliament.
The government then brought some
changes in the original bill providing for
only the women or their blood relations to
file complaints against the erring husbands in
a bid to get support from the Congress and
other parties in the Rajya Sabha but did not
succeeded in passing it.
Briefing reporters after a meeting of the
union cabinet on why it was resorting to an
ordinance, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad
said that instances of instant triple talaq have
"continued unabated" in spite of the Supreme
Court declaring it unconstitutional and Lok
Sabha passing a bill that is now pending in the
Rajya Sabha.
He attacked the Congress and said it had not
supported the bill in the Rajya Sabha due to
"vote bank politics".
Prasad said the issue pertained to respect for
women and not to religion or path of worship.
"The issue of triple talaq has nothing to do
with faith, mode of worship. It is pure issue of
gender justice and gender equality."
He said triple talaq was still being given on
flimsy grounds such as chappapti getting burnt
and wife waking up late. There were instances
of the instant divorce having being given on
social media platform WhatsApp, he said.
"Women are being oppressed, they are
suffering. Most instances are taking place in
Uttar Pradesh," he said.
Giving out figures of triple talaq cases
between January 2017 and September 2018
from several states that totalled 430 including
229 before the Supreme Court judgement and
201 later, he said there could be many other
unreported cases.
"The bottomline is that cases of triple
talaq continue unabated. Whatever we have
collected is shocking," he said.
Prasad said several Islamic countries have
banned instant triple talaq but it still prevailed
in a secular country like India.
He said the offence will become cognizable
(with provision of three years imprisonment) if
the FIR is filed by the woman or by her blood
relations. A compromise can be reached at
the initiative of woman and with appropriate
conditions imposed by the magistrate
concerned.
Prasad also said that bail can be given by the
magistrate after hearing the woman who has
filed the case. The custody of minor children
will go to the mother and she will be entitled
to maintenance for herself and her minor
children.

India, Bangladesh members of same family: Modi Indian rocket lifts off with two earth
P observation satellites from UK
rime Minister Narendra

Modi described India and
Bangladesh as members of
the same family while inaugurating
with his Bangladesh counterpart
Sheikh Hasina a pipeline project and
a railway project connecting the two
countries.
"Geographically we may be
neighbours, but in our hearts we are
members of the same family," Modi
said while addressing the event via
video-conferencing from New Delhi.
"We have shown the world, what
can be achieved when neighbours
work together," he said, adding
that there has been unprecedented
progress in cooperation between the
two sides in the last few years.
The India-Bangladesh Friendship
Pipeline connecting Siliguri in India
with Parbatipur in Bangladesh will
transport petroleum products from
Numaligarh Refinery in Assam.
Of its 129-km length, five km is in
India and the rest is in Bangladesh.
At the same event, the ground-
breaking ceremony of the Dhaka-
Tongi-Jaydebpur railway project was
also held.
The two projects come a little over
a week after both the Prime Ministers
I
ndian rocket Polar Satellite
Launch Vehicle (PSLV) lifted
off successfully with two British
satellites, NovaSAR and S1-4, from
the rocket port on Sunday night.
The PSLV-CA (Core Alone)
version, standing 44.4 metres tall and
weighing 230.4 tonnes, with thick
orange flame at its tail lighting up
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina the night skies rose up at 10.08 p.m.
jointly unveil e-plaques for the ground-breaking ceremony of two projects - India- from the first launch pad.
Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline and Dhaka-Tongi-Joydebpur Railway Project via
video conferencing, in New Delhi on Sept 18, 2018. Also seen External Affairs The rocketport has two
Minister Sushma Swaraj and Union Petroleum and Natural Gas and Skill Development launch pads.
and Entrepreneurship Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. According to the Indian Space
inaugurated two railway projects and will bring relief to road traffic in Research Organisation (ISRO),
an electricity project connecting the Bangladesh. after 17 minutes, 44 seconds
two countries on September 10. Speaking from Dhaka, Hasina following the PSLV lift-off, the
Stating that the pipeline will further said that ever since she formed her two earth observation satellites
boost bilateral cooperation, Modi government in Bangladesh in 2009, will be launched into a 583 km sun
said that energy was the cornerstone she has been working relentlessly to synchronous orbit.
of any country's development. deepen ties with India. NovaSAR weighing 445 kg is a
"The pipeline will help in the She thanked Modi for the two new S-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar
satellite intended for forest mapping, monitoring.
development of the northern projects which she said will help in
land use and ice cover monitoring, Two satellites aboard the
Bangladesh. the development of Bangladesh.
flood and disaster monitoring. PSLV belong to Surrey Satellite
"Though it is being done with External Affairs Minister Sushma
S1-4 weighing 444 kg is a high Technologies Ltd (SSTL), UK,
grant-financing from India, the Swaraj and Petroleum Minister
resolution Optical Earth Observation and is carried under commercial
project will be dedicated to the people Dharmendra Pradhan joined the
Satellite, used for surveying arrangement with Antrix Corp Ltd -
and government of Bangladesh once video conference from Delhi and
completed." resources, environment monitoring, the commercial arm of ISRO.
Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Abul
Modi said the railway project Hassan Mahmood Ali from Dhaka. urban management and for disaster

2019 Indian diaspora conclave to be bigger affair

T
he 15th Pravasi Bharatiya
Divas (PBD), the External
Affairs Ministry-organised
conclave of the Indian diaspora, to be
held in Varanasi from January 21 to
23, 2019, will be a bigger affair than
all the past editions with a couple
more programmes being added, it
was announced.
Speaking at the launch of the
official website for the event here,
External Affairs Minister Sushma
Swaraj said that in addition to
attending the three-day PBD in
Varanasi, the participants will also
be taken to Allahabad where the
Kumbh Mela will be going on then
and then brought to New Delhi for
the Republic Day celebrations.
Giving details of the programme,
Sushma Swaraj said that on January
21, a Youth PBD will be held
where Himanshu Gulati, an Indian-
origin member of parliament of
Norway will be the chief guest and
Kanwaljeet Singh Bakshi, also an
Indian-origin member of parliament
of New Zealand will be the guest of
honour.
On January 22, Prime Minister
Narendra Modi will inaugurate the
main event with Prime Minister of
Mauritius Pravind Jugnauth, who is
also of Indian-origin, attending as the
chief guest.
The event will conclude on
January 23 with a valedictory session
that will be addressed by President
Ram Nath Kovind.
During the session, the Pravasi
Bharatiya Samman will be conferred
on 30 Indian-origin individuals for
their exceptional and meritorious
contributions in their chosen fields or
professions.
"On January 24, we will take
the participants to Prayagraj (as
Allahabad is also known) for
the Kumbh Mela, which has
been inscribed on the Unesco's
Representative List of Intangible
Cultural Heritage of Humanity,"
Sushma Swaraj said.
Following this, the participants will
be brought to New Delhi by special
trains to take part in the Republic
Day celebrations on January 26.
After being an annual event for 13
consecutive years starting in 2003 at
the initiative of then Prime Minister
Atal Bihari Vajpayee, PBD was
turned into a biannual affair after the
2015 edition in Gandhinagar.
After the 2017 edition held in
Bengaluru, the External Affairs
Ministry has now roped in Uttar
Pradesh as the partner state with
Varanasi as the host city.
Giving the rationale behind
turning PBD into a biannual affair,
Sushma Swaraj said that after the
2015 edition, she realised that PBD
was not yielding much in terms of
results as an annual affair.
So, I suggested to the
Prime Minister that it
should be held every two
years with the intervening
year being used to hold
meetings with groups of
diaspora members on
various issues and he
agreed,
"So, I suggested to the Prime
Minister that it should be held every
two years with the intervening year
being used to hold meetings with
groups of diaspora members on
various issues and he agreed," she
said. Though the earlier editions were
three-day affairs ending on January
9, the day Mahatma Gandhi returned
from South Africa, on January 9,
2019, PBD will be observed in Indian
missions across the world.
With the launch of the website,
registration for PBD 2019 has started
effective from September 15 and
will continue till November 15 when
the process will close. Speaking on
the occasion, Minister of State for
External Affairs V.K. Singh said
that more participation is expected
in the Varanasi event than the last
one in Bengaluru. Uttar Pradesh
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath,
who was also present, recalled his
participation in the mini PBD held in
Mauritius in 2012 and said that with
the 2019 PBD being held in Varanasi,
many participants will be able to
trace their roots back in India.
Many of the people of Indian
origin in Mauritius are descendants
of people taken from eastern Uttar
Pradesh and Bihar during the time of
the British Raj to work as indentured
labour on the sugarcane plantations
on the Indian Ocean island nation.
 The Indian Weekender
AMERICANS DON’T TRUST TRUMP:
Indian-American Congresswoman
Friday, September 21, 2018 INDIA ABROAD 21
Trump nominates Indian-American
to key administration post
B
imal Patel, from Georgia,
has been nominated to be

A
mericans are recognizing that they don’t trust the an Assistant Secretary of the
US President who has maintained that he knew Treasury for Financial Institutions by
nothing about what was went on in his campaign, US President Donald Trump.
Indian-American Congressman Pramila Jayapal has said. Currently, Bimal Patel serves as
Her comments came after Donald Trump’s former the Deputy Assistant Secretary of
campaign manager Paul Manafort pleaded guilty to the Treasury.
conspiracy charges last week.  Indian-American Bimal Patel
He also agreed to cooperate with Special Counsel has been nominated to a key
Robert Mueller’s ongoing investigations about the administrative position in the
Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Treasury Department by US
“You see people recognizing they don’t trust the President Donald Trump.
President. They believe that Bob Mueller is doing a Mr Patel, from Georgia, has
good job and that the investigation should continue. been nominated to be an Assistant
People are saying, look, this is outrageous,” the first Secretary of the Treasury for Financial O Norton on the Board of Directors
Indian-American woman elected to the US House of Institutions. Currently, he serves as of the Federal Deposit Insurance
Representatives said. the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Corporation.
“This level of corruption, greed, some of the individual Treasury for the Financial Stability Additionally, he has served as
charges that are outlined in the Manafort, charging Oversight Council. an adjunct associate professor at
document really show that this guy (Manafort)... is in jail Before joining the US Department Stanford University, teaching an
because of jury tampering.  of the Treasury, Mr Patel was a undergraduate course on banking
“When you think about this, it isn’t just the individual partner and head of the Financial regulation.
pieces that we’re seeing, but what we’re seeing is top Advisory and Regulation practice Mr Patel earned his BA from
advisers, people who ran the campaign, the campaign in the Washington, DC, office of Stanford University, MPP from the
manager, the deputy campaign manager, the President’s O’Melveny and Myers LLP, the Kennedy School of Government at
personal lawyer who have all pleaded guilty. White House said. Harvard University, and JD from the
“... And you have to begin to wonder how it could Mr Patel previously served as a Georgetown University Law Center.
possibly be the case that the President knew nothing senior advisor to Director Jeremiah
about what was going on,” asked Jayapal. 
She praised Muller for doing a “great investigation”. 
“I think Bob Muller has been doing a great investigation.
I think he was just handed the keys to the castle, not just Indian-American Congressman Pramila Jayapal
with Manafort but also with Michael Cohen.”
In August, Cohen pleaded guilty to violating election She said that people want Trump to be focussed and to
laws and said he had been directed to do so by the be presidential, but “he is none of those things”. 

The most visited Indian news

President. He had also admitted paying hush money to “In addition to that, people are not seeing their own
two women to keep them from talking about their affairs lives changing. Healthcare is the number one issue on
with Trump during the presidential campaign.  the table.
“They (people) see the chaos of the last 18 months.
They don’t want it. They don’t like shattering of norms.
“When you look at what Republicans have done to
undermine healthcare costs, to drive premiums up, to website in New Zealand*
What does a person who has the biggest bully pulpit strip pre-existing, the ability to qualify for healthcare
of the White House do? They don’t like the tweets that with pre-existing conditions, these are things that For online advertising options, email at
come from the President, contesting what happened in Americans care about. They do not see healthcare getting
(Hurricane) Maria,” Jayapal said. better,” she said. sales@indianweekender.co.nz
NRI body seeks Indian Citizenship to Hindu Gujarati Indians bring back
immigrants from Bangladesh cash stashed abroad
B W
ased on estimates, around
ealthy Indian families
1.4 million to 2.5 million
have brought back more
Hindus find themselves in a
than Sh5.9 billion from
position to be stripped of their Indian
banks in India’s Gujarat State under
citizenship.
the extended tax amnesty.
A group of some Indian-American
According to the Times of India,
organisations in the US has
quarterly data compiled by State
launched a campaign seeking Indian
Level Bankers Committee in Gujarat
citizenship to Hindu immigrants
shows that the billions of shillings
from Bangladesh who have been
were withdrawn between April and
left out of the National Register of
June this year.
Citizens (NRC) in Assam.
“Bank officials and tax experts
The group under the banner of
believe that a staggering Sh13.9
organisations like SinghaBahini
billion (Rs 1,000 crore) in non-
America, Global Hindu Heritage
resident Gujarati deposits have been
Foundation (GHHF) and NavaBanga
withdrawn from Kutch banks since
are seeking support for the
December 2017,” the Indian Times
Citizenship Bill 2016, which seeks to
reported.
amend the Citizenship Act, 1955 to Around 2.5 million Hindus find themselves in a position to be stripped of their
Majority of the withdrawals have amnesty on income declared for the
provide citizenship to persecuted citizenship.
"Forefathers been recorded in Bhuj and Mandvi year 2016 by a person who earns
minorities from India’s said a media release up their faith.”
of Hindu brothers talukas native to Gujaratis who have taxable income outside Kenya.
neighbouring nations who issued by the To ensure that the resources of
and sisters had come settled in Africa. This was, however, not taken up
have come to the country group. India go to the citizens, NRC in
to India because of the "They are meant to avoid penalty and in 2017, Treasury CS Henry
for safety. Based on every state is needed, but at the
persecution they faced or tax on their income stashed outside Rotich extended the period for
The members of the estimates, same time it is equally important
in Bangladesh, yet they Kenya," said the newspaper. applying for amnesty from December
group had met Indian around 1.4 that India protects poor Hindus from
had not given up their "The Government is desperate 30, last year, to last June 30, for the
leaders during the recently million to 2.5 Bangladesh, the statement said.
faith" for cash and has admitted that all year of income 2016.
concluded World Hindu million Hindus “The Citizenship Bill, 2016 which
etiquette on corruption can be set “Despite the extension, the uptake
Congress in Chicago. find themselves in a seeks to provide Indian citizenship to
aside - a move meant to convince of amnesty has been low, partly due
“In the light of the well-intended position to be stripped of persecuted minority Hindus, Sikhs
the fat cats to bring the money to concerns that when the monies
NRC to help identify the illegal their Indian citizenship, it said. and Jains who came from Pakistan,
back home. Know if news is factual are returned, questions will be raised
Bangladeshi immigrants who came “Forefathers of Hindu brothers Bangladesh and Afghanistan till 2014
and true. regarding the source as required by
as fortune seekers, it has come to and sisters had come to India because is thus a must to showcase a historic
In 2016, the Tax Procedures Financial Reporting Centre,” said
light that a large number of Hindu of the persecution they faced in Hindu Unity to send a message to our
Act was amended to provide a tax Mr Rotich.
population find themselves left out,” Bangladesh, yet they had not given own people,” the group said.
 22 WORLD Friday, September 21, 2018 The Indian Weekender

UK minister says new Brexit vote possible Sridigital

Lanka to implement
ID cards

if parliament rejects Theresa May’s plan T

he Sri Lankan government
will soon implement digital

B
ritain could hold a second
referendum on its European
Union membership if
lawmakers reject Prime Minister
Theresa May’s plan, a government
minister said on Wednesday, as
pro-EU campaigners set out how
parliament could force a new vote.
Britain’s narrow 2016 vote to exit
the EU still divides public opinion
with less than seven months until
the country is due to leave the bloc.
Prime Minister Theresa May is
struggling to win support at home
and in Brussels for her exit plan.
The idea of a second referendum
on leaving the EU, but one of her
ministers said it could still happen if
her negotiating strategy is rejected.
“Those to the right of the party –
the pro-Brexit wing – will be very
concerned that if that deal doesn’t
prevail, they’ll end up in the situation
where we could have a second
referendum and we could end up not
leaving the EU altogether,” said Mel
Stride, a minister in Britain’s finance
ministry.
“There is a danger of that
happening,” he added.
Stride’s comments were contained
within remarks setting out why
he thought eurosceptic and pro-
EU factions of May’s party would
ultimately come together to approve
a deal with Brussels. He also argued
that pro-EU lawmakers would back
the outcome of negotiations to avoid
leaving the bloc without any deal.
In a report co-authored by the man
who drafted the EU treaty clause
Britain is using to exit the bloc,
the People’s Vote campaign said
parliament would have a series of
opportunities to encourage or force
the government to hold a referendum.
“The die is not irrevocably cast,
there is still time,” said John Kerr,
who wrote the Article 50 exit clause
of the EU’s Lisbon Treaty that May
used in March 2017 to set a two-
year countdown running on Britain’s
departure.
The campaign cited polling data
from YouGov showing more people
would back a second vote than
oppose one. Most opinion polls show
a slight shift away from voting for
Brexit, but overall opinion remains
basically split down the middle.
The report set out six scenarios
under which parliament could fight
the government – ranging from
technical procedures that would
turn a planned vote in parliament on
approving her deal into a one calling
for a public vote, to the collapse of
her government and a new election.
All rely to some extent on May,
who does not have an outright
majority in parliament, failing to win
over sceptical lawmakers within her
own party.
“The combination of parliament
having meaningful votes, together
with the government’s lack of a
reliable majority, means that MPs
(Members of Parliament) will play a
central role in scrutinising any deal
and could yet reject it,” the report
said.
The government has agreed to let
lawmakers vote on whether to accept
any deal May is able to negotiate
with Brussels. But her negotiating
plan is unpopular within her divided
party, and it is not clear that she will
be able to win a vote on it.
identification cards for its
citizens aimed at strengthening the
island’s digital economy, officials
said on Monday.
Vice Chairman of the Ceylon
Chamber of Commerce and Dialog
Axiata PLC Director Dr Hans
Wijayasuriya said that these would
be irrefutable digital identification
cards which could not be forged as
it would be bio-metric, Xinhua news
agency reported. 
“Thereby, every citizen could
potentially be incorporated as
economic entities into the larger
economy,” Wijayasuriya said.
The idea proposed in 2012 had
gone through many processes and
would be introduced in the near
future. This digital ID would help the
government to effectively disburse
welfare funds, said Wijayasuriya. 
“The government’s investments in
welfare can be targeted and directed
at the right segments down to a single
citizen.” 
Wijayasuriya added that
implementation of the digital
identification card would create an
economic surplus which could be
reinvested for growth.

Strawberry saboteurs may face 10-15 years Australian students use robotics to
in jail: Australian PM design room that changes shape
P C
eople responsible for putting needles into
strawberries or posting online fake images of
sabotaged fruits may face 10-15 years in jail,
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on
Wednesday following a fruit contamination scare that has
alarmed the country.
Australia is set to pass laws to stiffen penalties for
those responsible, said Morrison at a press conference as
authorities investigate over 100 reports of people finding
needles concealed within strawberries and other fruits.
“Today I announced that we are putting in some tough
new laws not just to increase the penalties for people who
do this already but for those who go on YouTube or think
it’s a big lark to go on and stick pins in fruits,” he said in
the video message on Twitter.
“It’s not funny. It’s not right. It’s causing real distress
and harm in our community and its got to stop. So we are
going to be passing laws in the next 24 hours to send a
very clear message. Don’t do it.”  penalty for the offence is 10 years imprisonment,” the
Morrison said such acts, which affect the life and
livelihood of Australians, including strawberry farmers,
were crimes on par with terrorism or child pornography.
Dozens of cases of strawberries containing needles
have been reported in the last week, mostly in the
northeastern state of Queensland and now in most other
parts of the country.
In a statement, the New South Wales Police Force said
On Tuesday, police in New South Wales said they were
investigating incidents involving an apple and a banana
it was continuing to probe such instances and warned
people of severe penalties if found guilty of deliberate
fruit sabotage. The investigation was launched on
September 12 after cases of sabotaged strawberries were
reported from Queensland.
“The community is reminded that deliberately
contaminating food is a criminal offence and a threat
to public safety. In New South Wales, the maximum
statement added.
On Tuesday, Queensland Premier Annastacia
Palaszczuk announced a $72,470 reward leading to an
arrest for those responsible for the strawberry sabotage.
“The sabotage of our strawberry industry is not just
an attack on hard-working growers and workers, but it
reaches into almost every home and school lunch box,”
Palaszczuk said.
ombining machine learning
and kinetic architecture, a
team of computational design
students in Australia have developed
a unique origami-style meeting room
that can learn human behaviour and
change shape in response to the
behaviour of people.
The interactive Centaur Pod is set
to adapt to external environmental
and human stimuli by moving up and
down and changing its shape, said
Hank Haeusler, Associate Professor
at the University of New South
Wales in Australia.
“At the moment, a human can be
in the same space as a robot and can
interact in the space with the robot,
but what we want to do is make space
itself become the robot,” Haeusler
said.
“Thus when a person in a building
moves, behaves or operates in
any way, the ‘robot’ will sense
this behaviour and starts learning
from this behaviour and other
people’s behaviour and will create
knowledge from the behaviour and
the knowledge will translate into the
space to change,” he noted.
The approximately six-to-nine
square metre pavilion explores
three main areas, machine learning
and artificial intelligence; digital
fabrication and robot fabrication; and
augmented reality and virtual reality. 
This will profoundly change
the way architects design, develop
and manufacture in the future, the
researchers said.
“We try to push as much as possible
the boundaries of conventional
architecture and design, and explore
what machine learning, biomimicry
or creative robotics have to offer for
spatial design to use this knowledge
as seed to develop architectural
design projects,” Haeusler said. 

Malaysia urged to ban child marriages as older man weds teen

M
alaysia’s government has come as saying that they wanted a better life for theirs Azizah Wan Ismail has said the government is
under renewed pressure to outlaw daughter, a school dropout and the youngest of investigating the latest case but that its hands
child marriages after another case of 13 children. are tied as the marriage was approved by the
a child bride surfaced in a poor rural state, the Similarly, the 11-year-old Thai girl, who Shariah court. She said the government is
second in weeks. lives in Kelantan with her parents, was also a seeking to raise the minimum legal age of
A 15-year-old teenager became the second school dropout from a poor family. A 41-year- marriage for Muslim girls to 18, same as under
wife of a 44-year-old Muslim man in northeast old rubber scrap dealer, who has two wives and civil laws.
Kelantan state, the New Straits Times six children aged between ages of 5 and 18, Malaysia follows a dual-track justice system.
newspaper reported. It said the union was secretly wed the girl in Thailand. The union Nearly two-thirds of Malaysia’s 31 million
groups. UNICEF in a statement received
approved by the Islamic Shariah court in July became public after one of his wives lodged a people are Muslims, who are governed by
Wednesday slammed the latest child marriage
after her parents consented due to poverty. The complaint with police. Islamic courts in family, marriage and personal
as “unacceptable” and urged Malaysia to bring
latest case occurred in the same month when a The man was later fined by the Shariah issues.
legislative change to ban the practice.
Kelantan rubber trader married an 11-year-old court for marrying without its permission but Rights group Lawyers for Liberty urged
“A new legislation on child marriage should
girl as his third wife, but only became public wasn’t charged for underage marriage. He told police to probe the man in the latest case for
be accompanied by other measures, including
this week. local media he would formalize the marriage “sexual grooming” as he reportedly knew the
compulsory access to secondary education,
Muslim girls under the minimum legal by applying for an official certificate in five girl for several months before marriage. It
sexual reproductive health education and
marriage age of 16 can wed with the consent years when his latest wife turns 16. The girl has warned that “pedophiles are now clearly using
poverty reduction,” said UNICEF representative
of the Shariah court and their parents. Muslim reportedly been sent back to Thailand where marriage as a shield to prevent prosecution
to Malaysia, Marianne Clark-Hattingh.
men can marry up to four wives. The case she is placed under welfare care. for rape or sexual grooming” following the
The New Straits Times cited the girl’s parents
has sparked renewed outrage among rights Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Wan government’s failure to act.
 The Indian Weekender Friday, September 21, 2018 SPORTS 23

ASIA CUP 2018:

BOWLERS DO STAR
TURN AS INDIA
THUMP PAKISTAN
BY 8 WICKETS

I
ndia ticked all boxes as they
clinically decimated Pakistan
by eight wickets in a lopsided
Asia Cup group league encounter
Wednesday.
It was a superlative effort from
the bowling unit that saw them shot
out Pakistan for a paltry 162 in 43.1
overs before Rohit Sharma (52 off 39
balls) and Shikhar Dhawan (46 off
54 balls) added 86 for the opening
wicket to ensure a smooth chase for
the ‘Men In Blue’ in only 29 overs.
This was India’s most
comprehensive victory in terms of
balls remaining (126).
After a wake-up call against Hong
Kong, the Pakistan match was a
near perfect performance for India
as Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3/15 in 7
overs) and Kedar Jadhav (3/23 in 9
overs) were perfectly complemented
by Jasprit Bumrah (2/23 in 7.1 overs)
and Kuldeep Yadav (1/37 in 8 overs).
If Kuldeep’s googly to snuff out
Babar Azam was the turning point,
Kedar Jadhav’s unconventional
side-arm off-breaks broke the lower
middle-order as Pakistan never
recovered from the batting collapse.
With the pressure of scoreboard
virtually non-existent, Rohit and
Dhawan showed why they are one of
the most formidable opening pair in
white ball cricket.
The eighth over from Usman Khan
enabled India cut loose as Rohit first
hooked him for a six using the pace
of the delivery and followed it with
a ‘Nataraja’ pull shot for boundary
and then short arm pull in-front of
the square for another six. With 19
runs coming off that over, there was
no looking back for India.
Rohit’s third six was a another
hook shot off Hasan Ali followed by
a drive through mid-off to complete
his 35th half century in ODIs. He
was fooled by a googly from Shadab
Khan but by then India were on
course for a comprehensive victory.
Ambati Rayudu and Dinesh Karthik
both contributed 31 to take India past
Rohit Sharma said that India learnt from
finish line with consummate ease. the mistakes they made against Hong
The two teams will now meet in Kong.
Super Four on September 23. past 150-run mark. Put into bat,
Earlier Jadhav produced a laudable Pakistan were in trouble straight
performance as he did the job of a away as Bhuvneshwar dealt a twin
frontline spinner after Hardik Pandya blow removing the in-form duo of
(0/24 in 4.5 overs) was stretchered Imam ul Haq (2) and Fakhar Zaman
off the field due to an acute lower (0) to reduce them to 2 for 3. Imam
back injury. charged to a short of length delivery
This was after young Babar Azam that climbed on him and the thickish
(47) and veteran Shoaib Malik (43) outside edge was taken by Dhoni.
added 82 runs for the third wicket Zaman, India’s tormentor in the Malik, who is a good player of googly as it clipped his off-bail.
and looked like taking control of Champions Trophy, mistimed a pull- spin bowling, gave Kuldeep Yadav From 85 for 2, it soon became 100
the proceedings. However, Pakistan shot and Yuzvendra Chahal took a the charge to hit him for a six and for five as Pakistan lost wickets in a
suffered a batting collapse losing five well-judged catch. rotated the strike well. heap.
wickets for 36 runs before Faheem Babar and Malik then resurrected In fact, Malik was dropped off Sarfraz Ahmed (6) was dismissed
Ashraf (21) and Mohammed Aamir the innings with a fine partnership. Pandya’s bowling, whose agonies by Jadhav as substitute fielder
(16) added an invaluable 37 runs for The half-volleys on both sides of the increased when he had to leave the Manish Pandey took a blinder at
the eighth wicket to take the total wicket were driven with ferocity. field. Babar failed to read Kuldeep’s long-on.

China Open: Ashwini Ponnappa-Satwik Rankireddy stun CWG

silver medallists, Kidambi Srikanth advances
I
The Indian pair will face top seed Chinese
ndian mixed doubles pairing of Satwiksairaj
Rankireddy and Ashwini Ponnappa on
Wednesday shocked Commonwealth
Games silver medallists England’s Marcus Ellis
and Lauren Smith to enter the pre-quarterfinals
of the USD 1 million China Open.
World No. 25 Satwiksairaj and Ashwini, who
had lost twice to the English combination in the
past, executed their plan well to notch up a 21-
13 20-22 21-17 win in a match that lasted an
hour and three minutes.
“It was a good match. We were pretty
confident today at crucial moments. We struck
to our plans so it became a little easy in the
end,” Satwik told PTI.
to pre-quarters
22 to Goh V Shem and Tan Wee Kiong of
combination of Zheng Siwei and Huang
Yaqiong. Seventh seed K Srikanth, who had
reached the quarterfinals last week at Japan
Open, too was through to the pre-quarterfinals
after beating Denmark’s Rasmus Gemke 21-9
21-19 to set up a meeting with Thailand’s
Suppanyu Avihingsanon.
However, H S Prannoy lost his first round
match against eighth seed Ng Ka Long Angus
of Hong Kong 16-21, 12-21 to make an early
exit from the tournament.
The men’s doubles pair of Satwik and
Chirag Shetty, who had won a silver at the
Commonwealth Games, also lost 19-21 20-
Malaysia.
CWG bronze medallists Ponnappa and N
Sikki Reddy also went down 10-21 18-21 to
Korean combination of Kim So Yeong and
Kong Hee Yong in women’s doubles.
The mixed doubles match turned out to be
a hard-fought battle right from the start as the
Indian and English pair moved together till Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Ashwini Ponnappa
4-4. Satwik and Ashwini then reeled off four upset world no. 12 pair of Marcus Ellis and Lauren
points to open up a 8-4 lead. From there on, the Smith 21-13 20-22 21-17.
duo kept its distance to grab the opening game advantage at the break. The Indian pair however
without much ado. slowly fought its way to level at 20-20 but the
In the second game, Marcus and Lauren
English combination produced the required two
jumped to a 6-1 lead before grabbing a 6 points to stay in the contest.
 24 FEATURES
Fashion Style
Festive, wedding jewellery
styles you must have
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: +91-9716145644 • www.askmanisha.com
Thanks to the festive as well as wedding seasons, it's all about the latest
fashion trends that is being mostly researched on internet. But how much
have you thought about the jewellery which plays an intrinsic role in
enhancing your beauty? Here is a list of unconventional and head-turning
festive and wedding jewellery trend suggestions:
¡¡Maangtika, Maathapattis, headgears:
T hese are not just for brides, but can
also help you steal the show during
the festivities. Exclusive picks such as a
diamond drop maangtika or a maathapatti
with white kundan or a sleek headgear
can cover all your occasions starting from
festivals to wedding seasons to New Year
madness.
¡¡Shoulder duster earring:
C
handeliers are symbols of
royalty, luxury and class.
However, this season they are
representing style, creativity and
boldness in the form of shoulder
duster earrings. Deliberately
designed to brush the clavicles, the
long statement danglers are unique
in hues and shapes, hence a sure shot
way to have all the eyes.
¡¡Cocktail ring:
A perfect blend of classic and modern
jewellery style, a diamond or sapphire
studded cocktail ring is a must-have for this
celebration season. Whether a wedding or a
party, these contemporary cocktail rings are
designed to make fashion statements with
traditional as well as western attire.
¡¡Contemporary yet conventional:
A n all-time favourite for an everyday
wear that weighs less, is a perfect
bold finished piece with embellished
stones to give a perfect elegant look.
¡¡Polki and traditional motifs:
U
ncut polki with pastel
meenakari are in huge trend
this festive season. It gives a
traditional and royal look to every
modern woman. An absolute
balance between being trendy
and traditional whereas jewellery
crafted using traditional motifs such
as peacock, lotus or any other in
gold finish options are perfect for an
ethnic and contemporary attire.
Friday, September 21, 2018 The Indian Weekender
21 September to 27 September | By Manisha Koushik
ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 20)
This week, you are blessed with the Midas touch and turn everything you touch
to gold! Jewellers or those dealing in gold and precious stones are likely to hit it
big. If you keep up the efforts, it will not be too difficult to persuade someone to
join you. Follow the advice of someone clued up financially to remain on the safe
wicket. Lover is likely to stick to his or her word and make you happy. Lucky
Number : 3 / Lucky Colour : Golden Brown
TAURUS (Apr 21-May 20)
You will need a push to get going in a professional venture and that push will be
forthcoming. Problem solving with the help of knowledgeable people assumes
importance on the academic front at this juncture. A new relationship is on the
cards for those seeking love. Financial support is likely for those pursuing higher
studies. You feel on top of the world this week and are likely to accomplish much.
Lucky Number : 2 / Lucky Colour :Sky Blue
GEMINI (May 21-Jun 21)
You may need to rework your personal equation with those who have come to
loathe you. Irregular timings and junk food may play havoc with your daily
routine and threaten health. Much depends on you for making things easy or
difficult for yourself on the academic front. Don’t be arrogant in matters of love,
as you may fall from your high horse. Conserving money by safe investments
is important, so don’t attempt any risky financial venture. Lucky Number : 7 /
Lucky Colour : Chocolate
CANCER (Jun 22-Jul 20)
Domestic front will be most peaceful and family most accommodating. You will
manage to overcome fatigue by adopting fitness techniques and taking herbal
alternatives. Don’t let anyone dictate to you at work or you may become a victim
of those pulling the strings at work. A good grip of the situation will make you
an automatic leader at work. Budding romance may keep newly in love goose-
pimply! Lucky Number : 17 / Lucky Colour :Parrot Green
LEO (Jul 21-Aug 22)
You may not be in complete picture, so don’t base your judgement on limited
information and make decisions. If you find things not moving according to
plans, don’t turn a blind eye. Playing the blame game will be detrimental to your
love life. You may fail to get your true value for money in an item purchased.
Academically, you are likely to shine. Don’t let anyone dampen your spirits for
taking up a challenge. Lucky Number : 4 / Lucky Colour :Violet
VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 23)
Old grudges and negative thoughts may disturb your mind. Meditation and
matters spiritual will prove uplifting and help in getting de-stressed. Your timing
in getting something completed on the home front will prove right. Carelessness
in health may cost you dear. Planning an out of town journey is on the cards.
Don’t become overconfident on the academic front, as there are many a slip
between the cup and the lip! Lucky Number : 8 / Lucky Colour :White
LIBRA (Sep 24-Oct 23)
The week seems immensely fulfilling on the professional front, as new deals are
negotiated and signed. You will have a leg up on rivals on the academic front, as
competition hots up. Socially, you can expect a hectic time in the company of
friends and relatives. Good judgement will be your strength in playing the stocks
this week . Passions rage on the romantic front, so rejoice! Lucky Number : 22
/ Lucky Colour : Blue
SCORPIO (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Your calculated moves will keep your nose above the water in both personal and
professional situations. Changes instituted at home are likely to be appreciated
by all. You’re longing for lover this week will be fully rewarded with a surprise.
A wise investment done previously promises rich returns. A religious ceremony
connected with wedding or otherwise may be conducted. Lucky Number : 15 /
Lucky Colour : Lavender
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23-Dec 21)
A misunderstanding in money matters can create a rift, so be transparent in all
your dealings. You may need to keep your distance from someone who is not
too happy with your habits. Mental tensions may give you a sleepless night.
Someone requires a helping hand on the domestic front. Someone’s attitude may
puzzle you and even seem selfish, but this is not the case, so don’t overreact.
Lucky Number : 11 / Lucky Colour :Peach
CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 21)
Someone who is not happy with your work may indicate it in subtle ways. Extra
energy may be required to handle a complex situation. A family youngster may
seek your help on the academic front, so make him or her first priority. Your fund
situation may become worrisome. Good news about a sick family member will
let you heave a big sigh of relief. Lucky Number :9 / Lucky Colour : Peach
AQUARIUS (Jan 22-Feb 19)
Your attempts to impress lover will succeed and may result in a wave of excitement
sweeping the romantic front! Changes on the work front may commence and
may make you apprehensive. After you have convinced yourself, it is best not to
delay signing a financial document. Businesspersons will need to be sensitive to
the market to make a killing. Those working hard to get back in shape may have
to work still harder. Lucky Number : 4 / Lucky Colour : Violet
PISCES (Feb 20-Mar 20)
On the romantic front, instant gratification is what you seek and what you get,
so have an enjoyable outing with partner! An oversight in money matters is
indicated, so remain alert. Getting praised at workplace may come as a solid
morale booster and motivate you to give your best. Stay clear of office politics.
You will need to put extra hours on the academic front to catch up with others.
Lucky Number : 2 / Lucky Colour :Sky Blue
 The Indian Weekender Friday, September 21, 2018 FEATURES 25

Chicken avocado salad recipe

ONION BHAJI
Crunchy deep-fried onion fritters with a lightly spiced, fragrant chickpea flour batter
I f you are looking for a healthy meal this evening, Chicken Avocado Salad
should be your go to dish today! Try out this delectable and easy recipe
filled with the goodness of avocados and the deliciousness of chicken, and you
are not going to feel guilty after this indulgence.

W
hat distinguishes a great onion bhaji from a 1 INGREDIENTS
good one? Its crunch. Onion Bhaji have been a • 100 gm boiled chicken breasts

RECIPES
permanent fixture on Indian restaurant menus • 150 gm lettuce leaf

ENTREES
for decades and recreating them in the home kitchen is • 1 handful arugula
easier than it seems. Getting the chickpea flour batter • 1 small avocados
to a rich consistency – and spiced just right – is key to • 100 gm cherry tomatoes
enhancing the sharp, sweet flavour of the onions. • 2 tablespoon red onion
For Dressing
Preparation Time: 8 Min • 2 tablespoon oregano
Cooking Time: 15 Min • 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
Serves: 2 / Taste: Medium • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
INGREDIENTS: • 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 50g chickpea flour • 1/2 tablespoon dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp red chilli powder
• 1/4 tsp caram seeds METHOD
• 1 1/2 tsp salt or according to taste
Ruby Dhillon India’s Most Wanted Recipies | 35

• 1/3 cup water or as require
• 2 large onions, sliced
• Oil, for deep-frying
METHOD:
• In a large bowl add chickpea flour, red chilli powder,
carom seeds and salt, mix, then gradually pour in the
water, stirring as you go, until you have a smooth, thick
batter, about the consistency of Greek yoghurt (you
may not need the all water). Add the sliced onions and
mix until well coated. Cover and set aside.
• Heat oil in a heavy bottom pan on medium heat. Test
the temperature by dropping in 1 heaped tsp of bhaji: it
should turn crisp and golden-brown in about a minute.
• Drop 4-5 heaped Tbsp of the batter into the oil and
fry until golden-brown in colour. Don’t overcrowd the
pan. it’s good to cook bhaji in batches. Remove and
place on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
• Serve hot, with Mint Chutney or Tamarind Chutney
Ruby's Tip: For a spicy twist on battered onion rings,
replace beer batter with Bhaji batter. Slice the onion into
5mm wide rings and separate. Dip rings into the Bhaji
batter to coat well, shake off excess and deep-fry in
small batches.
• To prepare this salad recipe, peel the avocado and cut fine slices of it in a
bowl. Next, wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them into halves. Peel and
finely chop the red onion in a small bowl. Then, finally cut julienne of
boiled chicken. Also, wash the arugula and lettuce leaves, and pat them dry.
Keep these salad leaves aside until required. (Note: You can also grill the
chicken for better taste using the least oil.)
• Now, prepare the salad dressing my mixing together red wine vinegar, extra
virgin olive oil, oregano, Dijon mustard, black pepper and lemon juice.
• Once the salad dressing is ready, take a large bowl and throw in the washed
arugula and lettuce leaves. Add the finely chopped red onion, chicken
julienne along with halved cherry tomatoes and arugula slices in the bowl.
Pour the prepared dressing over it and toss well all the ingredients. Once
done, serve with a bread of your choice.

How to make the perfect desi Masala Chai it. Put the burner on low flame. Heat the tea • Water - 1 1/2 cups • Water - 1 1/2 cups
Authentic homemade Indian Chai

C hai is the most common drink to offer

instead of any other beverages like alcohol
or coffee. Chai, or chai tea, is made using
various combinations of spices and tea, but the
most popular are prepared with a mix of various
Indian spices like ginger, cardamom, cinnamon,
fennel, black pepper and clove.
Interesting facts about tea
• Tea was discovered accidentally when a leaf
fell in Chinese emperor’s bowl,
• Tea leaves can be used as mosquito repellent,
• All teas (black tea, white tea, green tea,
oolong tea etc) are made from the same
plant – Camellia Sinensis,
• Moist tea bags are helpful in reducing puffy
eyes,
• Ginger tea is helpful in treating morning
sickness and cold.
Cardamom Basil Indian Tea
Ingredients
• Milk- 200 ml
• Water- 20 ml
• Indian tea leaves - 1 tbsp
• Cardamom (elaichi) powder - 1 tbsp
• Sugar to taste
• Basil leaves (tulsi) - 3 to 4
• Ginger flakes- 1/2 tsp
Method
• Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan or
a teapot. Add tea leaves, and add sugar to
until it turns a brown colour. Grind basil
leaves, cardamom and ginger flakes into a
fine paste and add this to the boiling water.
Now, add milk to it. Turn off the flame
and let it steep for 2-3 minutes. Strain the
mixture into a tea cup.
7. Ginger Tea
Ingredients
• Water - 3 cups
• Milk - 1 to 2 cups
• Crushed cardamom seeds - 1 tsp
• Small-sized ginger slice
• Sugar or honey to taste
Method
• In a saucepan, add water, cardamom seeds,
sugar, crushed ginger, and tea leaves and
bring it to a boil. Now, add the milk to the
boiling water and allow it to simmer for
5-7 minutes. Strain the water to remove the
ginger. Your ginger tea is ready.
8. Masala Chai
Ingredients
• Milk - 1 cup
• Whole cloves - 4
• Milk - 1 1/2 cups
Method
• Cardamom pods - 2
• Cinnamon stick - 1
• Ground ginger - 1/4 tsp
A dd 1 1/2 cups of water in a saucepan and
boil. Using pestle and mortar, crush 1 to
2 tsp of fennel seeds and this mixture in the
• fresh ground black pepper - 1/2 tsp boiling water. Add the milk and sugar to the
boiling water, reduce the heat and allow it to
simmer for 5-7 minutes. Cover the pan and
steep for about 10 minutes. Strain and serve.
10. Cinnamon tea
Ingredients
• Cinnamon stick - 1
• Boiling water - 1 cup
• Black tea bag - 1
• Sugar as per taste
Method
Method
• Take one and a half cup of water and add
• Transfer the crushed spices (cloves,
cinnamon stick to it. Bring it to boil for 5
cardamom pods and cinnamon) to a small
minutes. Then let it steep for 10 minutes.
saucepan, add water and ginger and bring to
Add honey or sugar as per your taste. Serve
a boil. Continue boiling on low heat till the
or drink the tea right way!
colour starts changing and the consistency
becomes a little less watery and now remove
the pan from the heat, cover and let steep for
5 minutes. Stir the chai, then strain it into
tea cups.
9. Fennel tea
Ingredients
• Tea leaves - 3 tsp
• Sugar - 1 tsp
• Fennel seeds - 2 tsp
 26 TIME OUT
CROSSWORD NO: 28
SUDOKU NO: 28
HITORI NO: 28
Hitori – a logic puzzle with very simple
rules and challenging solutions. Can
you eliminate numbers until there are
no duplicates in any row or column?
Objective / Rules
Eliminate numbers until there are
no duplicates in any row or column.
Eliminate numbers by marking
Friday, September 21, 2018 The Indian Weekender
QUIZ QUESTIONS NO: 28 ANSWERS TO LAST WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. Name all the seven dwarfs from the fairy
tale ‘Snow White’.81. Who is the only
athlete to win the Olympic marathon twice
and in successive Olympic games? Abebe
Bikila
2. Which athlete has won the maximum
number of gold medals at a single
Olympics, and how many?
3. Who was the 16th president of the United
States?
4. The Statue of Liberty was gifted to the
United States by which country?
5. Name the five characters in Enid Blyton’s
‘Famous Five’.
6. Where did the game of badminton
originate?
7. Who improved the design of the modern-
day incandescent light bulb?
8. Who was the first actor to have played the
role of James Bond in the movie series?
9. Which was the country that first made the
use of paper money?
10. Which is the highest mountain in Africa?
11. In which year was Alaska sold to the U.S.?
12.  Where did the Olympic Games originate?
13. If you boil water you get?
14. Tired people need … ?
15. If you freeze water you get … ?
16. Thirsty people need … ?
17. Things fall when you drop them because
of … ?
18. What is the name of the Lion in The Lion,
The Witch and the Wardrobe?
19. How many wives did Henry VIII have?
20. Name the four main characters from the
cartoon series ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja
Turtles’.
21. What is the capital of Hawaii? What is the
name of the actor who plays the character
of Harry Potter in the movie series? Daniel
Radcliffe
22. Who discovered rubber?
23. What is the name of the Greek God of
music?
24. Who painted the Mona Lisa?
25. What was Mickey Mouse’s original name?
26. When was the first atomic bomb dropped?
27. What is the common name for calcium
carbonate?
28. What is the antonym of the word
‘synonym’?
29. What % of an egg’s weight is the shell?
30. Which city is the Palace of Versailles
nearest to?
31. Who composed the Minute Waltz?
itself! 28. 12% 29.Paris 30.Frederic Chopin
on August 6, 1945. 26.Chalk 27.Of course, it is ‘antonym’
24. Leonardo da Vinci 25.Mortimer Mouse 26.It was dropped
Michael Angelo 21.Honolulu 22. Charles Macintosh 23. Apollo
17.gravity 18. Aslan 19. 6 20. Donatello,Leonardo,Raphael and
year 1867 12.Greece 13. Steam 14. Sleep 15. Ice 16.Water
Sir Sean Connery 9. China 10. Mount Kilimanjaro 11.In the
(or Poona, as it was known back then). 7. Thomas Edison 8.
6. It originated in the British era in the Indian city of Pune
France 5. Georgina, Julian, Anne, Dick and Timothy the dog.
the Beijing 2008 Olympic games. 3. Abraham Lincoln 4.
and Bashful. 2. Michael Phelps. He won 8 gold medals at
Answers: 1. Sleepy, Sneezy, Happy, Grumpy, Doc, Dopey
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
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE NO: 28
See how many differences you can find in the right or left photo.
them in Black.
You are not allowed to have two
Black squares touching horizontally
or vertically (diagonally is ok).
Any White square can be reached
from any other (i.e. they are
connected).
 The Indian Weekender Friday, September 21, 2018 ENTERTAINMENT 27

I ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A MANI My father inspires me

a lot: Shahid Kapoor

RATNAM HEROINE: ADITI RAO HYDARI A

ctor Shahid Kapoor says he
seeks inspiration from his
father Pankaj Kapur, and

A
diti Rao Hydari, who has collaborated with filmmaker
Mani Ratnam for the second time, says she always
wanted to be a Mani Ratnam heroine.
The actress, who started her acting journey in 2006 with
the film Prajapathi, had previously worked with Ratnam in
Kaatru Veliyidai.
Ever since her debut, she has worked with finest filmmakers
like Ratnam, Omung Kumar and Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
Apart from Tamil, she has also featured in Malyalam, Telugu
and Marathi cinema.
Asked how does she look at her filmography consisting of
work by such great names, Aditi said: "I feel really blessed
because for somebody who does not know the industry... I
have not grown up watching too many films but I just had this
dream and in fact that dream was a little girl's dream when I
saw Mani sir's film.... I saw Mani sir's 'Bombay' and I wanted
to be a Mani sir heroine."
They will also work together in the upcoming Tamil film
Chekka Chivantha Vaanam.
She said her "intentions have always been to work with
directors who inspire me and I respect".
"People who can actually challenge me and push me and
almost push me to breaking point and extract a performance
out of me. I really enjoy that," added the actress, who made
her debut in Tamil in 2007 with Sringaram.
She said she feels blessed. "I feel that I don't know anything,
I don't know how to act but I can surrender myself to a thinks he can never match up to the
director I respect and love. I feel very lucky to be veteran actor's level.
a part of their visions," Aditi added. "My father inspires me a lot. When
The Bhoomi actress has signed her fourth I was working with him for Mausam,
Tamil film, which will be helmed by I got one of the most important
renowned filmmaker Mysskin. lessons of my life and that was to
Talking about the director, she said: follow the director's point of view,"
"He has a very unique voice and Shahid said.
very unique way of storytelling and "Dad is a man of few words and
is an amazing writer. He makes a lot of when he appreciates me for anything,
thrillers. I have not done too many thrillers I feel he has to step a level down as
and I am just very eager to work with a director like he is extremely brilliant and a great
that who is very different from the kind of directors I work human being.
with." "I can never match up to his level,"
The 31-year-old actress hopes Mysskin shows her he added.
"very differently because of the kind of film that Shahid opened up about his father
is". when he appeared on Zee TV show
"I am very excited... He is a very interesting
"India's Best Dramebaaz" to promote
and fun kind of a person. He's full of ideas," she
his forthcoming film Batti Gul Meter
added. But will Mysskin's movie help in breaking
Chalu, which will be releasing on
her beautiful girl-next-door image?
September 21.
"What you are is what you are and I don't think
Directed by Shree Narayan Singh,
you should ever fight it. But as an actor, I feel lucky
Batti Gul Meter Chalu tells the story
to play different parts. I am looking forward to play
a different part but ultimately I have to make it my of how people are suffering from
own. So, I have to approach it from my way." corruption in the electricity system.
It also stars Shraddha Kapoor.

Never wanted to be an Heartening to see audiences

actor: Arjun Kapoor loving our short film: Divya
G
uneet Mongas short film,

A
rjun Kapoor, who is currently busy shooting for India's Most Wanted, Plus Minus, crossed over 10
says that he never wanted to be an actor and instead wanted to be million views in three days
become a director. and its actress Divya Dutta is happy
Arjun was on Saavn's new podcast Take 2 with Anupama and Rajeev" along to see audiences loving it with a big
with actor Rajkummar Rao, where they discussed the reasons of being in heart. The film titled Plus Minus
films, a statement said. has been directed by Jyoti Kapur
Das. It also stars YouTube sensation
"I never wanted to be an actor. That is where it is different for Rajkummar
Bhuvan Bam.
and me. He grew up with an inculcated thought of heading towards a direction.
"It is so heartening to see audiences
I looked like a basketball so I did not really think about acting.
loving our short film with a big heart.
"I think I wanted to become a director the day I saw Lock Stock and Two
Working with Bhuvan, Guneet and
Smoking Barrels and I do not know why, I remember I was in 10th standard Jyoti to create this film itself was Jyoti. She had a tremendous success
and I was awake at 12 at night and I was just watching that film," Arjun said. very special for me and now the 10 with Chutney (short film) and now
Arjun, 32, added that Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels in English and million views is icing on the top. The Plus Minus. I am thrilled with the
the Hindi film Dil Chahta Hai made him believe that "you can be comments and love pouring in are audience's reactions."
"I ambitious, you don't have to be stuck in cliches, you can think priceless," Divya said in a statement. The story of Plus Minus revolves
never wanted beyond, you can move beyond in terms of writing. It was The film was released on Bhuvan's around two strangers who meet each
to be an actor. That a big leap". YouTube channel, BB Ki Vines. other on a train journey and one
is where it is different "I don't think without Dil Chahta Hai you would have Reacting to the milestone, Bhuvan conversation between them changes
for Rajkummar and me. actors like me and Rajkummar sitting here because you said: "It's been great collaborating their lives.
I never wanted to be an would have to do quintessential Bollywood as cliched with Jyoti and Guneet on our short, Das said: "It's a blessing when an
actor. That is where stuff. You wouldn't be able to have films that have I am so glad they chose me and my idea, that's become a script, unfolds
it is different for conversations or banter," he added. debut has been with Plus Minus. Also in picture, sound and brilliant
Rajkummar and He also said that Dil Chahta Hai, which features everyone who has loved the film so performances, exactly how you had
me. " superstar Aamir Khan, led to Kapoor & Sons happening in a much, we have never seen such visualised it. I am that blessed writer-
"very strange way". numbers before. I'm overwhelmed director with Plus Minus... made
"Kapoor & Sons was the evolution in terms of thematically you with the messages and comments." possible by producers Guneet Monga
could make things casual from Dil Chahta Hai making friendships Expressing her excitement, and Achin Jain of Sikhya and Rohit
producer Guneet Monga said: "It's Raj of BB Ki Vines, who powered the
casual, having fights casual," he said.
been so exciting working with team and me."

Alia: Every time I am in a room with Amitabh, Madhuri or Sanjay Dutt, I feel grateful
A
lia Bhatt talks about working with affair with beau Ranbir Kapoor. From posting
Amitabh Bachchan and Madhuri Dixit pictures on Instagram with Ranbir to posing for
in her upcoming films Kalank and a picture while RK clicks it, Alia Bhatt’s social
Brahmastra. Having enthralled the audiences media is flooded with Ranbir Kapoor.
with her films, Alia Bhatt has become everyone’s But besides RK, there is one more reason
favourite. Not just fans but with such brilliant behind Alia’s happiness.
films to her credit, Alia Bhatt is every directors For all those who don’t know, the reason
dream actor. behind Alia’s happiness is that the young actress
While Alia has wrapped up Brahmastra’s is sharing screen space with Amitabh Bachchan
schedule in Bulgaria, she is onto another project in Brahmastra and Madhuri Dixit
and that being, Abhishek Varman’s Kalank, "Every in Kalank.
starring Madhuri Dixit, Varun Dhawan, time I am Talking about the same, Alia
Sanjay Dutt, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditya Roy in a room with Mr said, "Every time I am in a
Kapur and Alia Bhatt. Bachchan, Madhuri room with Mr Bachchan,
These days, Alia Bhatt is beaming maam or Sanju, I feel Madhuri maam or Sanju, I
from ear to ear, thanks to her alleged love- grateful." feel grateful.” We can totally
understand Alia’s headspace because it is
a dream for most of the actors to work
with Mr Bachchan or Madhuri Dixit
and Alia is getting this opportunity at
such an early stage in her career. Lucky
you, Alia!
After wrapping up the schedule of
Ayan Mukerji’s Brahmastra, Alia Bhatt
is back in Mumbai to kick-start the
shooting for Kalank.
While parts of the movie have been
already shot, Alia was ecastatic as she
had to shoot with Madhuri Dixit.
Alia said, “I’ve shot a lot with
Madhuri ma’am and had to pinch myself
to believe it.”
 28 ENTERTAINMENT Friday, September 21, 2018 The Indian Weekender

RANBIR KAPOOR BLACKBUCK CASE:

Trouble alert for Saif Ali Khan, Sonali,
OPENS UP ABOUT Tabu as Govt appeals against Acquittal

HIS FAILURES; 5
-months post the acquittal in
Blackbuck Case by the Jodhpur
Court, more stress is on the way for
Saif Ali Khan, Sonali Bendre, Tabu and

says it slaps you hard and others as Rajasthan government decided

to appeal against the same.

you won't even realise it Just as we thought that the iconic

Blackbuck case was over, a new twist just

I
n an interview, actor Ranbir Kapoor talks about success, failures came in the story.
and everything Bollywood. Five months ago the Jodhpur court
Having delivered a string of commercially unsuccessful had passed a judgement in the Blackbuck
films at the box office like Bombay Velvet, Roy, Besharam, and hunting case wherein Salman Khan was
Jagga Jasoos, among others, Ranbir Kapoor was going through found guilty and sentenced to 5 years
a rough phase in his career. Ranbir delivered Sanju and everything of jail whereas other Bollywood actors
changed overnight. like Saif Ali Khan, Sonali Bendre,
After Rajkumar Hirani’s Sanju, Ranbir Kapoor became the most Tabu and Neelam Kothari were acquitted
sought-after actor, being showered with all the respect that an actor in the same.
ever dreams of. Because let’s admit, Ranbir Kapoor’s performance as However, in a new turn of events, there
Sanjay Dutt in Hirani’s biopic film was par excellence. seems to be trouble brewing for the rest of
In an interview to the media, talking about his failures, the actor the actors as well.
said, “Actually, (handling) success is easy. As per reports, the Rajasthan
When you are successful, you don’t really feel it because people government has decided to appeal against
are only full of praise, but failure teaches you a lot. It will slap you the Jodhpur courts judgment of acquittal of
hard, and you won’t even realise it.” After the success of Sanju and the popular Bollywood stars Saif Ali Khan,
having Ayan Mukerji’s Brahmastra in the pipeline, Ranbir is in a
Sonali Bendre, Tabu, Neelam Kothari and
happy headspace. However, the actor believes that one should not
others in the hunting case.
take successes too seriously.
This case of poaching of the Blackbuck
“I don’t even give myself too much importance. I feel I am just
happened in 1998 during the shooting of
an average actor and a below-average person, who just got great "I don’t the film Hum Saath Saath Hain.
opportunities. Yes, I have good belief and confidence in myself even
that I can do something. And that’s why I am successful, because Since the discovery of the evidence, all
otherwise, I am not saving the world. I am just acting in movies so
give myself too the actors had been regularly attending the
just can’t take it that seriously,” explains Kapoor. much importance. court proceedings in Jodhpur.
But as we speak, Ranbir Kapoor is a happy man, both I feel I am just With the exception of Salman Khan, all
personally and professionally. While the actor is of the other accused actors breathed a sigh
reportedly dating co-actor Alia Bhatt, he has wrapped
an average actor of relief after the Jodhpur court let them go
up Brahmastra shooting schedule in Bulgaria. and a below- and only convicted Salman Khan for the
Prior to Brahmastra, Ranbir Kapoor and Ayan averagae person, same.
Mukerji have created magic on screen in Yeh Jawaani who just got great However, it seems the verdict didn’t
Hai Deewani and Wake Up Sid, both of which were
hits at the Box Office. Now, we will have to wait to see
opportunities." go down well with the Rajasthan
if Ayan and Ranbir get the box office rolling with their government who has decided to
third outing, Brahmastra. appeal against it. After the verdict

Rajkumar Hirani: I never thought that Nawazuddin on April 5, Salman Khan stayed for
2 days in jail and then was granted
Siddiqui would become such a huge actor bail in the same.

N
awazuddin Siddiqui played a small role in
Rajkumar Hirani's film Munna Bhai MBBS.
The director stated that he never thought
Nawaz would become such a huge actor.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui is one of the best talents we
have in the film industry. With films like Gangs of
Wasseypur, Kahaani, Badlapur, Miss Lovely, Bajrangi
Bhaijaan, Raman Raghav 2,0, Raees and others, he has
always proved his acting prowess and versatility.
His recent performance as gangster Ganesh Gaitonde
in web series Sacred Games has got him a lot of praises.
Whichever character Nawaz plays, he plays them with
the required determination and nails the performance.
The actor plays the role of a thief in the film who tries
to rob Sunil Dutt and when caught, gets thrashed by
the mob. At an event, the 3 Idiots director said that he
never thought Nawaz would become such a huge star.
The director said, "People had to beat him up in that
scene and they really did that! I told him 'Nawaz you've
done an amazing work, you're a great actor!' But in my
head, I never thought that Nawazuddin Siddiqui would
become such a hu ge actor that he is today."
Well, the actor has carved his own niche in the
industry and can play any given role with ease.
However, he was asked to seek
permission from court before any
international travel.
The other accused were let go
including Dushyant Singh, the
Rajasthan resident.
The verdict didn’t sit well with
the BIshnoi community who also
expressed their desire to appeal
against it.
Meanwhile, Sonali Bendre is in
The US getting treated for Metastatic
cancer and the rest of the actors are
busy with their work projects.
Now that reports are in that the Rajasthan government is planning to appeal against
the popular Bollywood actors, it seems that Saif, Tabu and Sonali are not quite out
of the woods!

Radhika Apte is Rajkummar Rao of 2018: Vikramaditya Motwane

S
acred Games director, Vikramaditya appeared together on Neha Dhupia’s But Vikramaditya Motwane, who has
Motwane feels that actor Radhika Apte show together. produced Ghoul featuring Apte said, “She is
is the Rajkummar Rao of 2018. As we all know, Rajkummar Rao had caused Rajkummar Rao of 2018. She has done Lust
Let’s admit, Radhika Apte is one of the a storm in 2017 and 2018 because of his Stories, Sacred Games and Ghoul.”
most versatile actresses in the Indian “It string of hit movies like Omertà, Well, we too agree with Mr Motwane. Ghoul,
film industry and with her interesting (Ghoul) was Trapped, Fanney Khan, and Stree, Netflix India’s first horror web series, was
choices of films, she continues to a good original among others. premiered in August to rave reviews and talking
cast her spell on her fans. idea, a great setup, Having featured in a number about horror genre, Apte said, “It (Ghoul) was a
After Pad Man, Sacred Games, with Phantom Films of hit movies, Radhika Apte, good original idea, a great setup, with Phantom
Lust Stories and Ghoul, Radhika and Blumhouse on too, is on a roll this year. Films and Blumhouse on board. It was a great
Apte is, literally everywhere on board. It was a great While Radhika Apte hopes combination of everything.”
screen and that’s why director combination of that 2018 is not the best year of Besides Radhika Apte, Sacred Games also
Vikramaditya Motwane feels that everything her life, her Sacred Games director starred Saif Ali Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui
Radhika is the Rajkummaro Rao of 2018. echoes a different thought. Radhika and Pankaj Tripathi in pivotal roles. On the
Well, Radhika won’t even mind being Apte said, “No, not at all. other hand, Radhika’s latest show on Netflix,
compared with Mr. Rao because you see, I hope this is not the best year of my life. I Ghoul, also stars Manav Kaul.
the two actors are BFFs in real life, having hope it comes one day.”
www.hummfm.com
09 849 7000 TXT 5599
30 FEATURES
Qualified Tax Accountant, will file all
overdue GST, PAYE and Income
Tax Returns. Will sort out tax debts and
claims with IRD. Free initial review for your
new business and analysis of financial
records before you invest.
At 357 Great South Rd, (Upstairs) Otahuhu Town, Auckland
For Prompt, Qualified and Professional Service.Contact 09 276 5650 or
info@debitandcredit.nz • www.debitandcredit.nz (see online for guides on
new business and tax compliance)
M T Khan BA (Accounting) 25 Years New Zealand Tax Practice
Call Khan (027) 678 8154 or (021) 255 9893
Friday, September 21, 2018
Dekh Dhamala Pendiyan
Date: Saturday, September 22
Time: 6 p.m. onwards
Venue: Vodafone Event Centre, 770 Great South
Road, Manukau
Organised by Pal Productions. Bhangra Competition
early bird tickets out now, and get entertained by 3
new upcoming punjabi singers Sajjan Adeeb, Simar
Gill, Himmat Sandhu and Comedian Vikas Mongia.
Tickets are available from following retailers. Call Pal
021 888 451 for tickets.
Onehunga Community Expo
Date: Saturday, September 22 Venue: Outside Recreation Centre,
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Venue: Onehunga Community Centre, 83 Church
Street, Onehunga
Come, learn and understand about various
community services offered in Maungakiekie at the
Onehunga Community Expo! There will be more
than 20 stalls offering information and advice to the
community on social services. Enjoy networking!
There will also be food, children’s entertainment,
diversity activities like Indian henna and Chinese
calligraphy. Watch colourful performances and more!
Learn and enjoy at this Free event!
CTS - DTS T20 cricket game
& get together
Date: Sunday, September 23
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Venue: Ashbury Park, Timaru
Hosted by Dunedin Tamil Society and Canterbury
TAMIL Society
In another first, the Canterbury TAMIL Society and
Dunedin Tamil-Society will come together for a friendly
T20 cricket game in Timaru, which is halfway between
Dunedin and Christchurch, in September 2018. In
addition to being able to play and view some great
cricket, this also presents a wonderful opportunity
for the two Tamil communities to get-together, make
connections and build friendships. This may pave
the way for future collaborations between the two
societies. Please see details of the event below. It is
likely to be a potluck/picnic event with more specific
details to follow once attendee numbers are known.
Please contact us with your expression of interest
to participate in the event. Please also let us know
if you are able to provide help with transport for 1
or more individuals. Contact – Lux – 021727473,
dunedintamilsociety@gmail.com.
The Chocolate & Coffee Show
Date: Saturday, 6 & Sunday 7 October
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Venue: The Cloud, Queens Wharf,
Auckland CBD
TICKETS: General admission $17.50
Get ready for the ultimate cheat day as The Chocolate
& Coffee Show celebrates its fifth birthday. New
Zealand’s finest coffee purveyors, chocolatiers
and culinary masters are coverging on Tāmaki
Makaurau for a spectacular two-day event. The
cloud will be transformed into a wonderland of tastes
with an offering of live demonstrations, exclusive
masterclasses and of course an abundance of
sampling opportunities. Let yourself go as you enter
a world of tantalizing aromas, tasty treats and smiling
chefs ready and waiting to make your wildest caffeine
and confection dreams come true.
About The Chocolate and Coffee Show
Now in its fifth year The Chocolate and Coffee Show
is New Zealand’s largest celebration of chocolate,
coffee and tasty treats. Featuring over 80 exhibitors
representing the crème de la crème of New Zealand’s
artisan chocolatiers, coffee roasters and purveyors of
delectable morsels, The Chocolate & Coffee Show is a
requisite event for any foodie.
The Gathering of Life: Second
Round of the Exhibition
Date: Sunday, October 7 night
Time: 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Venue: Fickling Community Centre, 546 Mt Albert
The Indian Weekender
Rd, Three Kings, Auckland
THE GATHERING OF LIFE: Celebrating the
Culture and Streets of Nepal” is Parmeet Sahni’s
photographic exhibition The exhibition is back after
the success of the first round. We were overwhelmed
by the number of people who encouraged us
to display the photos once again for the noble
cause. We would love to see those who unfortunately
were unable to make it last time. This exhibition is
a free entry charity event which will fund-raise for
unprivileged children in communities of Nepal. The
event will be held in collaboration with New Zealand
Nepalese Association (NZNA). If you would like more
details about this fundraising photographic exhibition,
feel free to contact 021 299 4673. To be a part of this
noble cause as a sponsor or volunteer, please get in
touch with Soulful Memories Photography or New
Zealand Nepalese Association (NZNA).
Islam Awareness Week:
Stimulate Your Senses!
Date: Wednesday, September 26
to Friday, 28 September
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
University of Auckland
Hosted by University of Auckland Muslim Students’
Association
In 1996, the Auckland University Islamic Society
(AUIS) initiated the first Islam Awareness Day. A day
that brought together people from different cultures
and religions to learn about Islam. In 1999, it was
adopted by the Waikato University Muslim Club
(WUMC) who modeled their Islam Awareness Day
according to the model set by AUIS . Around the
same time as WUMC, FIANZ adopted the Islam
Awareness Day and made it into a National Event. In
recognition of the initial Islam Awareness Day 22 years
ago, the MSA is working on bringing together another
Islam Awareness Event. Insha’Allah this years Islam
awareness week will be held right after the National
Islamic Awareness Week. The National theme for this
year’s Islam Awareness Week is “Halal, not just food.”
We have incorporated this theme into the five senses
to show that Islam can be smelt, touched, heard,
seen, and tasted. We have lots of activities and stalls
planned revolving around the theme, which include
henna, calligraphy, “try on a hijab” and more on
Wednesday and Thursday. We will also have a Ethnic
Foods Festival to stimulate everyone’s favourite sense,
taste! On Friday we will have a BBQ.
Auckland Tourism Events
and Economic Development-
ATEED Diwali
Date: Saturday & Sunday, October 20 & 21
Time: 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Venue: Aotea Centre, Auckland CBD
Celebrate Auckland’s vibrant Indian culture at the
annual Diwali Festival. Aotea Square will come to
life with the sights, sounds and flavours of India
this Labour weekend on Saturday 20 & Sunday 21
October, from 12-9pm daily. The festival is free to
attend and features a variety of dance and musical
performances, Indian food stalls and art & craft
displays celebrating Indian culture and Auckland’s
diversity. It’s the perfect event to head along to with
family and friends. 
Festival highlights include:
- Street food stalls showcasing delicious & authentic
vegetarian Indian cuisine
- Traditional and contemporary dance and music
- The Rangoli Chalk Art Competition on Freyberg
Square
- Ellen Melville Centre (Mokaa exhibition, Technology
hub, DIY henna workshop and much more.)
- A grand fireworks display at 8:50 pm on Sunday
Find out more at aucklandnz.com/diwali- Note: This is
an alcohol and smoke-free event.
 24
7
SUPPORT

09 973 1940

ONLINE BOOKING

SEARCH BOOK PAY

MANNTRAVEL.CO.NZ
get
(Valid Only in Online Booking)

$10
USE PROMO CODE
EXTRA

MANNIN0918

FARES STARTING FROM

Australia $399*
RETURN FARE
Philippines $777* Pakistan
RETURN FARE
$945*
RETURN FARE

Fiji $617*
RETURN FARE
Nepal $871* Dhaka
RETURN FARE
$1088*
RETURN FARE

China $647*
RETURN FARE
India $910* Sri Lanka
RETURN FARE
$1097*
RETURN FARE

Bali $767*
RETURN FARE
Thailand $920* USA
RETURN FARE
$1128*
RETURN FARE

(Inclusive of all Taxes*)

Seats are Subject to Availability,T&C apply*