11JAN2019 | Vol 10 Issue 41

Bhikhu Bhana Akshaye Khanna

and two Kiwi Indians "What you call
named in the New Year's controversy, I call a
debate"
IN CINEMAS

Honours List 2019 Pg 8

18.01.19
Pg 28
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 The Indian Weekender Friday, January 11, 2019, 2018
India’s historic test-series win over Australia:
A sign for riveting Kiwi cricket-summer season
SANDEEP SINGH
H
istory was created on Monday,
January 8, at Sydney Cricket Ground,
when the Indian cricket team clinched
a landmark first Test series victory in Australia
after the weather-affected fourth match ended
in a draw.
Virat Kohli led Indian cricket team had
entered the final day with hopes of a 3-1 series
victory and also their first win at the Sydney
Cricket Ground since 1978, but rain on Monday
forced the umpires to call off the match.
The draw gave India a 2-1 series win over
Australia – a cricketing feat that has not only
sent millions of Indian cricket fans all around
the world, including in New Zealand, in a
frenzy – but also creating huge excitement far
and beyond in the process.
What is so special about this victory?
Almost every Indian fan and none the least
cricket-pundits would know what’s so special
about this victory on Australian soil, as it has
not only come after a wait of 71 long years
since India first became eligible to play test
cricket but also because many previous star-
studded Indian teams have failed to achieve this
accomplishment.
The teams led by legendary players like
Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev,
Anil Kumble, Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid
had returned empty-handed.
This also included the team led by Saurav
Ganguly which comprised of the likes of
Tendulkar, Dravid, V.V.S Laxman, Anil Kumble
and Virender Sehwag – players who had
individually demolished attacks and succeeded
all around the world.
In that respect, the success of this Virat Kohli
led unassuming team, which was till recently
criticised for being overly reliant upon their
captain’s individual batting talents and without
boastful performances in South Africa and
England – the two destinations that defines the
“identity of the Indian cricket teams” – will be
etched permanently in the cricketing memory
of the nation.
This is why winning captain Virat Kohli was
prompted to say, “Test series win in Australia
will give this Indian team a different identity.”
First Asian team to win test-series
in Australia
NEW ZEALAND 3
However, Indian cricket team’s latest feat no denial from the fact that there is something defining - which catapulted team’s confidence
deserves far more attention than mere prospects special between Indian and Australian cricket and self-belief to a different level and beginning
of what it can potentially offer to the Kiwi- that keeps the fans and statisticians busy. an era of dominance – by Australia's greatest
cricketing season – the win itself symbolises the The era of Australian dominance of world generation.
first ever test-series win by an Asian cricketing cricket of not so distant past, first under Steve Many enthusiasts are tempted to ask and hope
nation on the Australian soil. Waugh and then under Ricky Ponting led if this victory of the Indian team in Australian
Three cricketing nations from the Indian teams, is believed to have begun in 2004 series soil could begin a similar era of dominance in
subcontinent including India, Pakistan and Sri victory in India. the cricketing world, and an answer will only
Lanka, each of whom had won the ICC World That series victory was considered era- come in future.
Cup individually had not been able to conquer
Australia in Australia before this recent triumph
by India.
What does this Indian victory mean?
The immediate impact of this sensational
there are two
victory in Down Under will be right here on our
doorsteps, with the prospects of galvanising, an
times in life...
otherwise moribund Kiwi-cricketing season so
far, where Black Caps are plummeting another now and too
fellow Asian rival Sri Lanka, with much ease
and disdain.
The Kiwi fans undoubtedly deserve a better
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 4 NEW ZEALAND
KNOW INDIA QUIZ: Three Auckland
sisters win second round, set to travel India
SANDEEP SINGH
T
hree Auckland sisters Uma, Janki and
Jai-Radha Patel had won the second
round of the prestigious Know India
Quiz organised by Government of India,
thereby bringing rejoice in the community for
putting the Indian diaspora of New Zealand
high on the global Indian diaspora map.
The quiz, whose title loosely translates as
“familiarise yourself with India,” is organised
by the government of India to raise awareness
about India, not only amongst non-resident
Indians and people of Indian origin but also
among foreign nationals.
The second edition of the quiz started
in 2018 and was expected to attract the
participation of more than 100,000 youth
from Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and diaspora
Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) across their vision probably
stops at Australia or Zealand Indian Central
the world. The quiz was supposed to be
conducted in four rounds. The first round
was to be conducted by the Indian missions
outside India and the second, third and fourth
rounds were supposed to be conducted by the
Ministry of External Affairs.
The top 10 candidates from each category
of NRI and PIO from the second round were
supposed to be invited for a 15-day Bharat Ko
Janiye Yatra.
The three Auckland sisters had not only
cracked the first two rounds of the quiz but
also secured position amongst the top 10 in
the PIO category thus making their victory
of much significance and prompting High
Commissioner of India, Sanjiv Kohli to come
personally to Auckland to facilitate them.
Friday, January 11, 2019 The Indian Weekender
“When these girls will go there, they carry a
reputation of NZ as a multicultural country –
a country that respects diversity, a country that
has given them the chance to grow and realise
their dreams – and this will further strengthen
the bilateral relationship between the two
countries.”
He also congratulated to the parents of the
girls – a sentiment shared by almost everyone
present in the audience at the community
reception.
Other prominent speakers on occasion,
notably Bhiku Bhana, President NZICA, and
Dhansukh Lal Patel, and Narendra Bhana from
"Generally, Auckland Indian Association, were equally
people think of lavish in their praise for the girls and their
countries with big achievements.
in this region, A community reception take Kiwi-Indian diaspora seriously. Teachers of the Gujarati School where they
was organised by New “I think their achievement have raised the studied Gujarati language and traditional
profile of the Indian diaspora by many notches,” Indian culture also facilitated the girls on
sometimes Fiji" Association (NZICA) and Mr Kohli said. occasion. The school is situated in the premises
Auckland Indian Association It is important to note that as per India’s of Mahatma Gandhi Centre and operated by
(AIA) – two of the oldest Ministry of External Affairs there are Auckland Indian Association.
community organisations in New Zealand – on approximately 31.2 million Indian diasporas Towards the end of the event, the girls
Saturday, January 5, at the Mahatma Gandhi residing outside India, of which at the most expressed their gratitude to everyone for the
centre. roughly 200,000 lives in New Zealand – a accolades and also shared their journey of
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Kohli bestowed minuscule number in comparison to several preparation and participation in the prestigious
lavish praise on the girls and expressed delight other bigger countries and regions all around Know India Quiz.
for putting Indian diaspora of New Zealand the world where number of Indians range in The girls will soon embark on their journey
high up on the global Indian diaspora map. millions. to India to participate in the next round of the
“Generally, people think of countries with Expectedly, if Kiwi-Indians shine on such a quiz and the 15-day Bharat ko Janiye tour.
big diaspora in this region, their vision probably big platform competing with the fellow Indian Wishing them good luck on their Bharat
stops at Australia or sometimes Fiji. diaspora from all around the world, it augurs Janiye tour Mr Kohli said, “Visiting India is
“Not many people know about New Zealand. well for the entire community. itself a challenge. When we visit India, it could
“When people (back home) will see that Reflecting further on the significance of girl’s challenge strongest of resolve, given India’s
three out of the top ten in the people of Indian achievements on a bigger scale of bilateral diversity, size, richness in culture and history.
Origin list are from New Zealand, they will relations between NZ and India, Mr Kohli said, Even a lifetime to know India is not enough.”
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 The Indian Weekender Friday, January 11, 2019, 2018
Two Wellington-educators launches new
research foundation to mark World Hindi Day
SANDEEP SINGH
T
wo Wellington-based Hindi language
educators have come together to launch
a new research foundation to mark the
occasion of World Hindi Day on January 10.
It was on January 10, 1975, that the first
World Hindi Conference was held in Nagpur,
India and since 2006 every year this day is
observed as World Hindi Day to promote the
Hindi language all around the world.
To mark this occasion in New Zealand this
year, the two Wellington-based educators Dr
Pushpa Wood and Sunita Narayan have taken
the lead to launch a new foundation with the
objective of supporting the growth of the
language.
What is involved?
The Indian Languages & Research
Foundation (Bharatiya Bhasha evam Shodh
Sansthan) will initially focus on supporting the
growth of Hindi language, and subsequently
focussing on other prominent Indian languages.
Speaking to The Indian Weekender Dr Wood
said, “The Foundation’s purpose is to advise,
develop and evaluate a strategic approach for
building capability and capacity of Indian
languages providers in New Zealand.”
The two educators had collaborated on many
previous occasions for supporting the growth
of Hindi language in Aotearoa, including the
recent most survey in the second half of 2018
aiming to find a snapshot of capability and
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“It is our vision to develop an inclusive model
that works for all languages, in all contexts and
locations,” Mrs Narayan said.
Global institutions to support founda-
tion’s endeavours in NZ
Explaining the modus-operandi of the newly
conceived foundation, the ecstatic duo, told
the Indian Weekender that they are confident
of garnering the support of educators and
institutions based overseas, primarily in India
and Fiji, and engaged in the global promotion
"The
of Hindi language.
Foundation’s
“We have garnered enough support from
purpose is to advise,
Indian educators and institutions to support
develop and evaluate
capacity within New Zealand will be introduced in the coming our capacity building efforts in Aotearoa,” Mrs
a strategic approach
when it comes to Hindi years. Narayan said.
for building capability
teaching (Read full story in and capacity of Indian “The main ethos of the Opportunity for collaboration
the Indian Weekender, April languages providers in Foundation will be to encourage, Meanwhile, the educators-duo is calling
20, Vol 10 Issue 05). New Zealand." support and promote collaboration upon nominations and expressions of interest
The educator-duo intends to in strengthening Indian languages and from Indian language educators and researchers
use the insights gained from that culture through quality resources, training from all around the country who are keen to be
survey to set the preliminary agenda for the and ongoing professional development,” Dr part of an advisory team for the Foundation.
newly formed Foundation. Wood said. “All existing Indian language and culture
“Based on the findings of that earlier survey, Mrs Narayan, who was recently awarded schools in New Zealand will have an opportunity
the priority initiative of this Foundation the prestigious Vishwa Hindi Samman at the to become associates of the Foundation,” Dr
will be to create capability and capacity eleventh World Hindi Conference held in Wood said.
of Hindi teachers first followed by other Mauritius in August 2018 was ecstatic about It is important to note that Hindi is amongst
Indian languages,” Dr Wood told The Indian the launch of the new foundation. the 10 most powerful languages and third most
Weekender. “Hindi is now the 4th most commonly spoken language in the world with projections
spoken language in Aotearoa New Zealand,
Aiming for an inclusive model from the United Nations that by 2050 it will
and therefore a more strategic, coordinated
It is envisaged that as the interest grows become the eighth most powerful language in
approach is required,” Mrs Narayan said.
about other Indian languages, further initiatives the world.
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 6 NEW ZEALAND Friday, January 11, 2019 The Indian Weekender

Drowning death cuts short life

of 20-year-old Indian student
T
wenty-year-old Indian aviation student
from New Delhi had lost his life
just before Christmas holidays after
drowning in the popular Maraetotara Falls, in
Hawke’s Bay region on Friday, December 21.
The police said that Aman Kumar from
Hastings who had arrived in New Zealand
over a year ago was swimming along with five
other students when he dived into the water
and never surfaced.
Mr Kumar had since then been repatriated
back to India, leaving behind a grieving
family who feared to struggle to pay the $
13,764 estimated bill from funeral home Terry
Longley & Son.
Mr Kumar had the compulsory travel
and medical insurance mandated for every
international student in the country. He was
studying to be a pilot at Air Hawke’s Bay and
was due to finish in February.
This drowning death had once again
brought to fore a rising concern within the
Kiwi-Indian community, of keeping everyone
safe, especially the international students who
freshly arrive in the country without much-
advanced swimming skills and fails to curb
the pull of New Zealand’s pristine beaches
and beautiful water bodies, often risking
heir lives.
Hon. Consul of India, Bhav Dhillon,
who has been liaising closely with several
community organisations including the likes
of New Zealand Indian Central Association
man lost his life by drowning in MacKenzie
Falls in Australia.
27-year-old Harmanjot Singh Walia on a
holiday trip to Melbourne, Australia, drowned
in the popular waterfall in the Grampians
National Park in western Victoria, despite
some frantic efforts of some locals in reaching
out to him.
The incident happened on Boxing Day when
Mr Walia, his wife and two other friends went
for a swim at MacKenzie Falls at Zumsteins,
near Stawell in Western Victoria.
Witnesses at the scene of the accident told
SBS Punjabi that bystanders desperately tried
to rescue Mr Walia, but he was too far to be
reached.
MacKenzie Falls is a popular tourist
attraction where swimming is not allowed.
(NZICA) – the oldest community organisation newly arrived international students,” Mr
“It was a very tragic accident. Harman swam
of Indians in Aotearoa – to step up the ante Dhillon said.
in creating awareness about being water- “We had started working closely with main to the dangerous end of the fall and got stuck
safe, mainly targeting international students, community associations and organisations in under it behind the rocks. It was a stupid thing
expressed regret about the incident. this direction last year, but clearly we need to do this adventure.
"As
Speaking with The Indian to do more,” Mr Dhillon said. "It’s too late to reflect on the circumstances
a community,
Weekender, Mr Dhillon said, we need to step up The family of Mr Kumar back in leading to his death,” one of the witnesses told
“One death is too many our collective efforts New Delhi have lodged a request local media.
and avoidable. in spreading awareness with their insurance provider to Mr Walia hailed from Patiala, Punjab in
about being water-safe, India and had recently received his work
“However when an pick up the repatriation bill and
especially within newly
international student is involved were waiting for some necessary permit in New Zealand. He came to New
arrived international
it becomes extra painful for students" documents from NZ officials for Zealand three years ago.
everyone involved.” further action. “He was looking after his family’s financials.
“As a community, we need to step up His mother recently had surgery after a severe
Rotorua man drowns in Australia
our collective efforts in spreading awareness brain haemorrhage,” one of the associates told
Meanwhile, a Rotorua based Kiwi-Indian
about being water-safe, especially within media.

Workforce of small and medium sized Kiwi- Two females arrested for
businesses at the heart of new ACC initiative assaulting and robbing dairy
SANDEEP SINGH store worker in Waikato

G
overnment has announced a $22 million investment IWK BUREAU
by ACC into workplace injury prevention grants and
subsidies to make it easier for Kiwi businesses to
keep their workplaces healthy and safe.
A media release from the office of Minister for ACC
Iain Lees-Galloway on Thursday, January 10 made the
announcement.
  “ACC will invest $22 million over five years into an
incentive programme to help businesses reduce workplace
injury,” Mr Lees-Galloway said.
Explaining the intent behind this initiative the media
release further said, “The subsidies are designed to support
small and medium-sized businesses to invest in training,

P
equipment or advisory services that will have a direct impact
on the health and safety of workplaces. olice has arrested and charged two females following an
  “This is particularly important for smaller businesses investigation into an aggravated robbery incident at a dairy in
Tuakau on Sunday, January 6.
which haven’t previously been able to access this type of
Three female offenders entered the store and stole cigarettes and other
support because the barriers have been too high.
items, while one of the females also allegedly assaulted a dairy worker.
The Minister clarified that this investment is different and
The two teenagers arrested appeared in the Youth Court on Thursday,
separate from a similar initiative announced late last year.
over half (52%) of all severe workplace injuries, namely January 10 on aggravated robbery charges.
“ In Late 2018 I announced the Health and Safety at Work Detective Sergeant Nathan Reid said the enquiries are ongoing to
Strategy to drive sustainable and system-wide improvements agriculture, construction, forestry, manufacturing, healthcare
and social assistance. locate the third offender who has now been identified. Police are unable
in workplace health and safety, and Worksafe currently to rule out further charges.On Sunday, three females entered the Five
invest around $15 million in similar workplace incentives,” Compared to international standards, New Zealand has a
Star Dairy on George Street in Tuakau, Waikato and demanded cash. On
Mr Lees-Galloway said. ACC supports the Government’s higher rate of injuries and fatalities in the workplace.
verbal resistance, the females allegedly assaulted the sole worker at the
strategy through its injury prevention investments, injury ACC has previously provided injury prevention grants to
store and took the cash and items from the store.
management and rehabilitation services and levy products. organisations on a one-off basis.
The CCTV footage of the incident was shared on Tuakau, Pokeno &
“While New Zealand workplaces have made progress since This investment is in addition to the $15 million per annum
Districts Facebook page that grabbed instant attention of the community.
Pike River, it’s clear we have some way to go to achieve investment in WorkSafe NZ to support their injury prevention The worker was behind the counter and was assaulted and pushed by
real, sustainable change. "While programmes. For grants, the first funding round will the offenders.
"The ACC grants and subsidies will be important New Zealand open in February 2019 with a subsequent round “We know this incident caused considerable concern in the Tuakau
tools for achieving our aim to be among world workplaces have likely to be in September 2019. For subsidies, community. We want to thank local residents for their assistance in
leaders for workplace health and safety,” Mr made progress since Pike three rounds of offerings (sector-specific) are providing information to help identify those allegedly responsible.”
Lees-Galloway said. River, it’s clear we have planned in 2019.  The first round will start in “Police and the public do not tolerate this type of behaviour, and we
In 2017 ACC claims for work related injuries some way to go to achieve February with other subsidy offerings likely want to reassure the community that we take these incidents extremely
totalled 231,651. Five sectors currently represent real, sustainable change." to be in June and September 2019. seriously,” Detective Sergeant Nathan Reid said.
 The Indian Weekender Friday, January 11, 2019, 2018 NEW ZEALAND 7

Bhartiya Samaj’s summer camp for

children imparting creative knowledge
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

C
hildren across New Zealand are
having school holidays which gives
them ample time and opportunity to
participate in different summer activities. One
of such activities is summer camps organised
by different organisations where they are
THOUSANDS OF MUSLIM YOUTH CLEAN conditioned in an open environment to utilise
their leisure time and learn simultaneously.
UP THE PARKS AND STREETS Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust organised
its 17th Annual Summer Camp and enrolled
IWK BUREAU to help keep the environment and surroundings approximately 100 children from the community

F
clean,” Mr Zafarullah said. to participate in the summer activities.
ollowing the New Year’s Eve
He further said, “The Prophet Muhammad The five-day summer camp has children as "We have had an excellent
celebrations, thousands of Muslim
has stated that removing harmful things from young as six-year-olds to 13 years old who response from the community,
youth around the world ushered in
the road is a charity. Therefore, in keeping are divided into different groups to participate
the New Year armed with bin bags and litter- and like every year we have
with the spirit of the Islamic teachings and to and learn through different activities held
pickers to help keep the streets clean. As part some new faces and of course
encourage Muslim youth to serve our respective throughout the day.
of an international initiative, members of
countries, we set a precedent for the rest of the The activities involve creative writing, old faces who have been part
the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association
year.” making art and craft, outdoor sports events, of this summer camp for a long
(AMYA) began the new year with the pre-dawn
This year, approximately 40 volunteers, safety learning sessions, dance, yoga,
prayer to supplicate for peace, harmony and time"
from as young as 8 years old to retirees over acrobatics, extempore, singing, recitation,
coexistence in the world, and then proceeded
60, helped clean Albert Park, Queen St, Myers to spiritual workshops, cultural knowledge
to clean their respective neighbourhoods and
Park, and Victoria Park in Auckland, as well sessions etc.
cities. and children in New Zealand,” Mr Suchdev
as Lake Domain and surrounding streets in “We have had an excellent response from the
“We partnered up with local councils and added.
Hamilton. Similar activities will be undertaken community, and like every year we have some
their contractors, and targeted parks and streets The activities started from Monday, January
by the Ahmadiyya Muslim youths the world new faces and of course old faces who have
that get heavily littered after New Year’s 7 at the Mt Roskill War Memorial Hall and
over. been part of this summer camp for a long time,”
celebrations helping to tidy them up before the Bhartiya Samaj building on May Road and also
“As part of our pledge we say, ‘I solemnly Chairperson of Bhartiya Samaj, Jeet Suchdev
day begins,” National President of the New in the Roskill War grounds, a popular spot for
pledge that I shall always be ready to sacrifice said.
Zealand (NZ) chapter of the AMYA, Azeem the children for outdoor activities.
my life, wealth, time and honour for the sake Special mentors from Auckland Library
Zafarullah said, Each session provided be it dancing, or
of my faith, country and nation” says Mr come and provide craft lessons and workshops
“Following a visit from the Worldwide Head learning craft and outdoor sports- some
Zafarullah. “There is no contradiction in being to children between the age of six and nine.
of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community His mentors and volunteers carry out the sessions
a practicing and sincere Muslim and serving “One important thing that children learn and
Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad to NZ in 2013, and closely monitor the children and supporting
our respective countries. As with past years, we are reminded off is safety at home, school, road,
the AMYA was instructed to also begin the New them with their needs.
will insha Allah [God willing] be participating and outdoors, especially near water.
Year’s clean up here in New Zealand along with The children get a free and open environment
in blood donation sessions, charity collections, "We had personnel from external agencies
other ways of serving our country. where they make friends, learn new things and
homeless feeding sessions, peace symposiums, who gave a session on water safety- how to
“Our motivation and drive for such charitable get so engaged in the activities that even after
interfaith events, participation in ANZAC be safe around seas, beaches and look out for
acts are the teachings of Islam. Islam not only the end of the five-day session, they intend to
parades and many other activities,” Mr others when near water- a knowledge which
teaches us to love and serve our country, but also continue the summer camp with their mates.
Zafarullah concluded. is very important for the migrant communities

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 8 NEW ZEALAND Friday, January 11, 2019 The Indian Weekender

Three Kiwi-Indians in the New Zealand New

Year Honours List 2019
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD of WIA in 1994, one of only two women in the

T
he Cabinet Office, Honours Unit
released the list of names of the New
Zealand New Year Honours List 2019
to be honoured for their service to different
sectors of New Zealand society as a part of the
New Zealand Royal Honours.
The New Year list had named three Kiwi-
Indians for their services to the Kiwi-Indian
and Asian communities over the years in New
Zealand.
Ruxmani Vanmali Kasanji is named as
Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit
(MNZM) for her services to the Indian
community, Vrinder Kumar Aggarwal, JP with
the Queen’s Service Medal (QSM) for his
services to the Asian Community and Bhikhu
Bhana of NZICA with The Queen’s Service
Medal for his services to the Indian community
and sports.
The Indian Weekender congratulates the
Kiwi-Indians for achieving these honours.
Ruxmani Vanmali Kasanji: MNZM, for
services to the Indian community
Mrs Kasanji became the first Headmistress
of the Wellington Indian Association (WIA)
Gujarati Language School for Children in 1969,
managing a staff of nine voluntary teachers.
Mrs Kasanji taught Gujarati on a weekly basis
between 1958 and 1973 with an annual roll of
around 175 to 200 students aged five to 13 years.
She played a crucial role in the establishment
of the Indian Women’s Committee, known as
Mahila Samaj, at the WIA.
This committee focused on women’s welfare
and fundraising, and she was Secretary from
1971 until 1988. She was made a Life Member
WIA’s history to receive this recognition. She
has been a member of the Indian Senior Citizens
Group since 2015. She helped establish Yoga
in Daily Life Society in Wellington in 1993
and served on the Board from 1996 to 2010.
She was President in the mid-1990s and Vice
President from 2012 to 2015.
She was a member of the Indian Community
Advisory Group of Te Papa Tongarewa for the
‘Aainaa’ exhibition and has continued as an
Indian community advisor for the museum until
the present. Mrs Kasanji has donated personal
objects to the museum for Indian cultural
collections and was featured in the ‘Passports’
exhibition.
Virinder Kumar Aggarwal, JP: QSM, for
services to Asian communities
Mr Aggarwal was a founding member
of the Asian Network Inc in 2002, served
on the Executive Committee, and has been
Chairperson for six years.
The Asian Network provides a platform
to assist Asian communities in Auckland by
identifying and responding to the needs of these
communities through information sharing,
training opportunities, and submissions to
central and local government.
Under Mr Aggarwal’s leadership, the
Network co-hosted two International Asian
Health Conferences in collaboration with the
University of Auckland’s Centre for Asian
Health Research and Evaluation and established
an annual Asian Forum focusing on health and
wellbeing.
He has edited the Network’s monthly
newsletter and been on the Editorial Advisory
Board for the Migrant News bimonthly
newspaper. He has represented the Indian
community on the Older People’s Advisory
Group since 2005. He has been the Founder
President and remains a current member of
the Global Organisation for Persons of Indian
Origin (West) branch since 2008. He has led
fundraising committees for the Shanti Niwas
Charitable Trust since 1996.
He was Migrant Representative to the
Ministry of Consumer Affairs from 2005 to
2011 and has been an Executive Committee
member of Migrant Support Services. Mr
Aggarwal chaired the working committee of
Shakti Family Settlement and Social Services
from 2000 to 2012.
Bhikhu Bhana: QSM, for services to the
Indian community and sport
Bhikhu Bhana has been involved with the
New Zealand Indian Central Association for
more than 40 years and has been President
since 2016, having held other offices previously
within the organisation.
Mr Bhana has been a member of the
Pukekohe Indian Association for 25 years and
has held the roles of Secretary and President. As
President, he played a key role in revitalising
the organisation and helped instigate events
with other Indian groups in the region.
He has organised a Diwali Festival event
at the Pukekohe Arts and Cultural Centre.
He has played a key role in the facilitation of
the MOKKA Photo Exhibition showcasing
125 years of Indians living in New Zealand
at museums throughout the country. With
a background as a representative player of
cricket and hockey for Canterbury, he has been
involved with sports administration through
the Christchurch and Pukekohe Indian Sports
Clubs.
He was the Counties Manukau Hockey
Association delegate to the New Zealand
Hockey Association from 1999 to 2002. Mr
Bhana has been Director of the New Zealand
Association of Credit Unions since 2014 and
was involved with the New Zealand Steel
Credit Union Board on a voluntary basis for 17
years.

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 10 NEW ZEALAND

New executive committee of NZ Telugu

Friday, January 11, 2019 The Indian Weekender

Association formed
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD community members at the Mt Roskill Community Centre on

T
he New Zealand Telugu Association (NZTA) has formed
a new team of executive committee to organize activities
for the year 2019.
The new committee was announced with the poster on NZTA’s
Facebook page on the new year led by Srilatha Magatala as the
newly appointed president and Rajendra Dharanikota as the
General Secretary.
The outgoing incumbents of these two positions are Aruna
Bhoompelli and Sunil Kuncha respectively.
The new committee hosted its first event of the year by
welcoming the community with the Telugu Calendar Inaugural
Function on Tuesday, January 1, at Sri Ganesh Temple
in Papakura.
NZTA also celebrated the Sankranti festival with the
Saturday, January 5 from 10 a.m.
The Sankranti Sambaralu 2019 event hosted kite flying event,
dance, and cultural activities for the members of the Telugu
community.
A special event ‘Muggula Potilu’ was organised for the female
members of the community.
The other members of the team holding different positions
are Rajashekhar Reddy Patlola, Bhavani Shankar Yeluri, Anitha
Mogilicharia and Desu Subbu as the vice-presidents.
Sridhar Reddy Arepalli as the Treasurer, Varsha Chandakapuri
and Pranay Orugunda as Joint Treasurers, Arun Kumar V, Dilip
Kumar B and Arun Reddy Gone as Joint Secretaries.
The team also has ten Executive Committee members and two
co-opted members supporting the team for 2019 events.

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 The Indian Weekender Friday, January 11, 2019, 2018
OFBJP NZ honours winners of ‘My
Vision for India 2027’ essay competition
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
T
he New Zealand chapter of Overseas
Friends of BJP Youth organised an
essay competition for the young Kiwi-
Indians on their vision of India 2027 when India
will complete its 80 years of independence.
The essay competition ‘My Visionary Bharat
in 2027’ was announced on November 8, 2018,
divided into two age categories- 12 to 18 years
and 19 to 26 years old.
Participating individuals were asked to
register and submit their essays by November
27 and the results to be announced after
assessment by the judges in December.
Subsequently, the results were announced on
December 2, and award ceremony was held on
Sunday, December 23, at Bhartiya Community
Centre, to coincide with Christmas celebrations
by the Hindu Elder Foundation in Auckland.
The winner and runner-up in the 12-18 years
category were Lineysha Dutt and Yug Tyagi,
respectively.
While in the 19-26 years category Prajwal
Uchil took the first place, and Aashish Sharma
was named as runner up.
The winner and runner-up in each category
were awarded $100 and $50 vouchers along
with the ‘Visionary Youth’ certificate given to
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Kanwaljit Singh
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in Manukau East
Contact
A 1/131 Kolmar Road, Papatoetoe, Auckland
P 09 278 9302
F 09 278 2143
all participants at the event. E Bakshi.mp@parliament.govt.nz
Senior members of the community, OFBJP facebook.com/Bakshiks
NZ volunteers and community leaders gathered @bakshiks
at the award ceremony that also remembered
the contributions of Bharat Ratna recipient
and former Prime Minister of India Atal
Bihari Vajpayee. The event also acknowledged
the works of OFBJP NZ in the passing
year whereby bringing together the elders,
experienced members of the community and
the youth under one roof.
“The event really helped the youth to
connect with Bharat on one side and to equip
the karyakartas (volunteers) with organisation bakshi.co.nz
skills,” Hardik Desai of OFBJP - NZ Youth
said.
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for all of us,” he added.
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 12 NEW ZEALAND
NZ Tamil Sports Association launched in Auckland
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
W
ith an increasing number
of sports enthusiasts in the
community, the Auckland
Tamil Cricket Club has now formed
a bigger organisation as an umbrella
representing different sports events
in Auckland Tamil community.
The new association ‘New
Zealand Tamil Sports Association
(NZTSA)’ was launched with a
formal inauguration ceremony in
the presence of community leaders,
sportsmen and women, and members
of the community at Fickling
Community Centre in Three Kings
on December 16, 2018.
The event officially launched
the new organisation that will
lead sportsmen under its banner
representing outdoor and indoor
cricket, outdoor and indoor football,
badminton and soon introduce
netball and volleyball for the young
sportsmen and women.
“Since the number of sports
activities and competitions
our community sportsmen are
participating is increasing- we
planned to bring different sports
activities under one umbrella and
provide equal opportunity and boost
to each sport for our community
members,” Secretary of NZTSA
Mesh David told The Indian
Weekender.
“We have three cricket teams,
have young sportsmen not just
participating in different tournaments
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Friday, January 11, 2019 The Indian Weekender
as Women’s coordinator, Sanujan
Thavarajah as Event Coordinator,
Saktheepan Selvanayakam as
Fundraising Coordinator and Mesh
David as Secretary.
NZTSA or formerly known as
Auckland Tamil Cricket Club in the
last five years has won or claimed
at least second position in several
championships such as 5B Social
Grade - Champion in 2013-14,2A
- Social Grade Runners up in 2017-
18, 6A Side Softball Tournament
Champions, Indoor Cricket Autumn
and Winter 2018 Mens 2 champions
etc.
"The The event also took the opportunity
purpose of to felicitate Sanjay Kumarasingham
but also winning forming NZTSA who is hailed as the pioneer and
championships in is also to foster well- architect of NZTSA.
badminton, and being and provide support
“Sanjay Kumarasingham gave us
soccer- so we to children youth and
women through sports and all his precious advices and guided
started planning us to make NZTSA a dream come
about NZTSA recreational activities and
true.
keep youths active and
and launched it in "He has contributed in many ways
disciplined."
December 2018,” Mr to the Tamil community in New
David added. Zealand,” Mr David added.
“The purpose of In recognition of the young
forming NZTSA is also to foster sportsmen who participated in
well-being and provide support different competitions and emerged
to children youth and women champion in soccer and cricket
through sports and recreational tournaments, the event felicitated
activities and keep youths active them with medals and encouraged
and disciplined. them to get more such championships
“We aim to reduce stress, anxiety, home for NZTSA in 2019.
increase self-esteem, and reduce NZTSA is organising Pongal
depression but also want to create a discrimination to promote a sense Thavarajah as the Chairman,
of belonging in New Zealand,” Mr Yoganathan Maruthamuthu as vice- Vizha (celebrated by the Tamils)
social and emotional environment and kite flying competition for the
to make friends and connect with David said. chairman, Illamaran Sivaraja as
NZTSA is led by Ashok Treasurer, Angeline Thiruchelvam community in February 2019.
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 The Indian Weekender Friday, January 11, 2019, 2018 NEW ZEALAND 13

NEW SCHEME FOR MIGRATION TO AUSTRALIAN

REGIONAL CENTERS ANNOUNCED ADVERTISING
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
WORKS
A
new scheme to distribute the
migrant population from major UNMATCHED NEWS.
cities in Australia such as UNMATCHED REACH.
Sydney and Melbourne to regional areas
across the country has been announced
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by the Australian government. For media kit, mail at sales@indianweekender.co.nz

This new scheme listed 117

occupations that skilled migrants can
opt- to work and lift in the Northern
Trust Saffron Finance for
Territories for at least three years that expert Mortgage/ Insurance
will later offer the pathway to Permanent
Residency in Australia. advice backed by years
These 117 occupations range from
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of experience
cooks to motor mechanics to
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is working “The Government is to support the skills needs of local Mortgages: Risk Insurances:
will now be eligible to apply to improve our working to improve our businesses where Australian workers are
for Australian permanent immigration program immigration program to • Home loans • Life & Trauma
not available to fill those jobs,” he added. • Commercial Property loans • Key Person Cover
residency, SBS Punjabi to better match better match the needs of 117 occupations have been listed by • Business Loans • Medical / Health
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The scheme is known as territories"
regional areas,” Mr Coleman ranges from accountants to childcare • Re-Finance and Refixing • Mortgage Repayment cover
Designation Asea Migration said. workers, to chefs, web designers where • Investment Property loans • New to Business &
Agreements (DAMA)s that have been “Our priority is always to fill jobs with employers can recruit skilled migrants • Restructuring of loan • Business Continuity Cover
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Warrnambool region of Victoria and the can play an important role in helping locally.
Northern Territory, both of which have address regional skill gaps. The NT Over the next five years, low skilled
witnessed labour shortages lately and are has seen first hand the benefits of using migrants with limited English will
in need for a population boost. a DAMA to respond to its scarcity of have the option to apply for permanent
The second-such agreement for unique workforce. residency after living and working in
Northern Territory, DAMA II came into “Our first priority is always to fill jobs the Northern Territory for at least three
effect from January 1, 2019, with the with Australians, but the immigration years.
pathway to permanent residency. system can play an important role in Many occupations on the list are
Minister for Immigration, Citizenship
and Multicultural Affairs, David
helping to address regional skills gaps. eligible for English language concession Nimish Parikh
“The NT has seen first-hand the and a Temporary Skilled Migration Registered Financial Adviser 18B Kirby Street, Glendene,
Coleman said DAMA II is an example of benefits of using a DAMA to respond to Income Threshold (TSMIT) concession. Auckland 0602
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 14 FIJI
2018 PERSON OF THE YEAR: PRIME
MINISTER VOREQE BAINIMARAMA
P
rime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama is
Person of the Year.
He gets the highest award in the Fiji
Sun’s Top 10 Fijians for 2018.
The awards are for their exemplary service
and contribution to nation building.
There is no contest for the top award. Mr
Bainimarama deserves it for his unwavering
and decisive leadership on the domestic front
and international stage.
He has achieved more than any other Prime
Minister since Fiji became independent in
1970.
His FijiFirst Government has rolled out
more people-oriented initiatives than any other
previous government.
He has become the voice of reason and a
leader people can look to for security, peace and
stability in the face of the divisive politics of
race and religion adopted by some Opposition
politicians.  He has constantly spoken about
the importance of national unity and its
Friday, January 11, 2019 The Indian Weekender
implications on economic development and
progress. He also backs a merit-based system
and the elimination of corruption and nepotism.
He continues to take keen interest in the
welfare of ordinary Fijians who are vulnerable
– the sick, the disabled, the poor and the elderly.
He has a soft spot for the children and
women of this country. This is reflected in the
health, education and social welfare policies
introduced in the 2018-2019 National Budget.
On the international stage, Mr Bainimarama
has done more than any of his predecessors.
His ability to be able to engage with world
political leaders, business leaders, civil societies
and even celebrities has been recognised.
His presidency of COP23 and co-leadership
in the World Ocean Conference have been the
highlight of his international achievements in
2018.
Mr Bainimarama has raised Fiji’s
international profile through his powerful, frank
and open statements on climate change, the
oceans, our environment and United Nations
peacekeeping missions.
Despite its small size, Fiji is punching well
above its weight in these international forums.
Mr Bainimarama has led the charge. He is not
afraid to mix it with the big boys, so to speak.
His political courage has earned him respect
among his peers.
Father looks
forward to
paternity
leave
F
athers in Fiji can now look forward
to spending quality time with their
newborns after the paternity leave for
fathers came into effect last week.
This was good news for first-time father
Shibu Sharma, who welcomed his newborn son
at the Lautoka Hospital last week.
The paternity leave for fathers was announced
by the Attorney-General and Minister for
Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum during the
National Budget announcement last year.
Fathers are now eligible to a paid five-day
paternity leave and this can only be taken three
months before or three months after the baby
is born.
Mr Sharma said he was excited about
spending quality time with his wife, Sally
Sharma, and their newborn son.
“This is something good for the fathers
because they also want to spend more time with
the babies as well to help with the mother,” he
said.
“This is my first child and I am really happy
about it.”
Mrs Sharma said she was also happy that her
husband would be home for five days to help
her with their son.
“This is a good thing and it also gives mothers
a supportive hand because after delivery the
mothers are very tired and they need someone
to support them all the time,” she said.
The couple acknowledged the Government
for the initiative.
 The Indian Weekender Friday, January 11, 2019 FIJI 15

FINAL RITES FOR FIJI-BORN US COP

R
onil Singh touched lives even of those through hard work was my honour,” he "Ronil
he arrested, says Newman Police said. touched so
Department Chief Randy Richardson. “I am glad that the justice system many lives. Tough as
He was speaking during Corporal Singh’s is going, but it still doesn’t bring it is, a person came up to
viewing on Sunday. back Ronil. I would rather not be us and said he loved him
Corporal Singh, 33, originally from Navua, doing or any of this. even though it was Ronil
was a police officer at the Newman Police “We are going to include Ronil’s who arrested him. Even
Department in California. He was shot at a K9 Sam in every part of this and people he came in
traffic stop at Merced Street and Eucalypus make sure as much as possible. It’s contact with."
Avenue on Boxing Day last year. family even our K9 are family. The
He was taken to a local hospital where he handlers take their K9 with them when
was pronounced dead. He is survived by his they go home and we have to make sure to take
wife, Anamika Chand-Singh, and five-month- care of the family.”
old son Arnav Singh. The Stanislaus Sworn Deputies Association
Gustavo Perez Arriaga was taken into (SSDA) has established a Corporal Ronil
custody after he was arrested in Bakersfield one Singh, Newman PD Memorial Fund. Newman Police Cpl. Ronil Singh memorial service at Lakewood Memorial Park in Hughson
week later. He is charged with homicide.
“Ronil touched so many lives. Tough as it is,
a person came up to us and said he loved him
even though it was Ronil who arrested him.
Even people he came in contact with,” Chief
Richardson said.
“It has a rough week for us, but it is an
honour to see everyone out. The impact of the
community’s support is amazing.
“I don’t think we will ever fill the void left
by Ronil. Unfortunately, we have never been
through this and I don’t know how to fill the
void. We will do our best to continue without
him and take it from here.”
Chief Richardson said Ronil would always
be a hero.
“Ronil was passionate and he struggled to
become a citizen and become a police officer.
All he wanted to do in America was to become
a police officer and to give him that chance

Parents do not
need to buy
textbooks: Akbar
T
he Education Ministry stresses that
parents, guardians and students do not
need to purchase any textbooks for the
2019 academic year.
Some parents have raised concerns with
Fijivillage about textbooks being listed on
their children’s booklist given by the school
despite the government already making it clear
that textbooks are supplied free of charge to
students. Minister for Education  Rosy Akbar
has now made it clear that schools have been
equipped with textbooks and parents, guardians
and students do not need to purchase any
textbooks for the 2019 academic year. NZ Indian Diaspora in association
with Indian High Commission will
We have asked the Education Ministry
why textbooks were listed on some booklists
given by some schools as some parents have
already bought those textbooks. They are yet
to respond.The Education Ministry also says be celebrating Republic Day
that all existing eligible primary and secondary
students will continue to receive transport Flag Hoisting and Cultural Performances will take
assistance this year.
These students will need to redeem their place from 11 am to 2 pm. Delicious snacks will be
e-transport cards before school starts.
The funds loaded in the cards by the
made available at reasonable rates.
Education Ministry will only be activated when
students redeem it at any outlet of Vodafone
Fiji, Valuefone Fiji Ltd, Mr Mobile Fiji Ltd or a
Point of Sale system inside a bus.
It can also be redeemed at any District
Mahatma Gandhi Centre
Education Office or the Ministry of Education 145, New North Road, Auckland
Headquarters in Waisomo House.
The Education Ministry says all new students Date: Saturday, 26 January 2019
especially Year 1 students who are eligible for Time: 11 am to 2 pm
assistance should apply for assistance at their
respective schools.
All blue subsidised eTransport cards given
by the Education Ministry will need to be EVERYONE IS INVITED
redeemed before school starts next Monday.
People can call the toll free line 151 if they High Commision of India FREE PARKING AVAILABLE
Wellington, New Zealand
have any questions about the redeeming of
subsidised eTransport cards provided by the
Education Ministry.

Editorial
New Year’s resolution and wishes for the Kiwi-Indian community
W
hile it may be a little late to write
about New Year’s resolutions,
given that at least some of us may
have already attempted and given up whatever
ways we imagined we would be bettering
ourselves in 2019.
However, since this is the first editorial of
the year, The Indian Weekender will not hold
itself back from what it strongly believes is its
rightful duty, of suggesting some resolutions
that the Kiwi-Indian community should mull
and act upon this year.
Anyway, New Year resolutions for a broader
community needs more time, than mere
individuals, to first conceptualise and then in
resolute pursuance, to be dissipated in the first
fortnight of the year.
From a broader community’s perspective,
we are still in the season of making New Year
resolutions, setting the goals and making the
intentions to resolutely pursue those goals
throughout the year – even when individually
some of us may be guilty of having already
given up their New Year resolutions.
The intention of this exercise is to ensure the
overall well-being of our ethnic migrant Kiwi-
Indian community in the country – a cherished
goal of many, including this publication, which
is in its tenth year and still holds the envious
position of being the only English language
weekly newspaper of the Indian community.
Work on road and water safety
The first resolution that the Kiwi-Indian
community needs to make this year, and
possibly for many more years to come, is to
ensure to take adequate steps in the direction
of making our community road-safe and
water-safe.
Like for everyone else in New Zealand, the
Christmas and New Year holiday period, along
with broader summer season becomes extra
tempting to Kiwi-Indian community to hit on
roads and immerse in water-bodies to enjoy
the pristine beauty that this country offers.
Yes – hitting on roads and beaches on
weekend getaways or holidays is a luxury
not available in many countries around the
world, and therefore needs some respect and
conditioning. Coming from mainly a (sub)
continental landmass, Indians are well-known
for not being proficient swimmers and water-
friendly.
Similarly, NZ roads are notorious for being
extra winding to pose a serious challenge to
driving skills of many who hit upon roads
without much training and conditioning.
There is a need for being more respectful
and mindful during this tempting holiday
period while hitting upon roads for long drives
and beaches to relieve from the scorching heat.
This year already there have been at least
four deaths (two in the road accident and two
in drowning) within the community to suggest
the need for collectively taking up a resolution
of making ourselves water and road-safe.
Work on physical and mental health
issues
Sadly, though unsurprisingly, the
prevalence and patterns of health issues within
Kiwi-Indian community has become highly
predictable among the health practitioners,
social workers, researchers, analysts and
marketers and advertisers.
It is quite frequent to expect social-health
and lifestyle programs campaigning against
diabetes and heart attacks to target upon Kiwi-
Indian community specifically – for they
are quite well known to either inherit these
health issues or follow a reasonably sedentary
lifestyle to risk these ailments.
While nothing against those agencies who
come out to offer a helping hand to lift people
out of these ailments, but as a community, we
need to take up a resolution to look after our
physical health and inspire others around us to
live a more active healthy life.
Similarly, our community’s performance
on mental health indices is surprising – as
Thought of the week
"The superior man is modest in his
speech but exceeds in his actions"
we are almost absent from all significant
reporting platforms to suggest that we are
entirely free from mental health issues. This is
when lately there has been much public noise
around mental health issues in NZ. A recently
released report last late year confirmed that
New Zealand is currently facing a mental
health crisis.
However, there is rarely much reporting,
forget about dialogue, about how mental
health issues affect individual lives in
our community.
Regardless of the crisis going around us, our
community continue to live in a farce blissful
stage - like an ostrich burying its sand in a
hope to avoid predators – believing that mental
health crisis that NZ is currently facing, does
not affect our lives at all.
Probably, our community needs a bit of
vision, a bit of self-help and loads of courage
to change this in 2019.
Work on supporting your favourite
charity
For uninitiated, there are many charitable
organisations, social workers, community
leaders who work relentlessly to reach out to
Kiwi-Indians in distress.
If not for their individual and collective
efforts, in timely and active interventions,
there would be many distress stories out
in public.
The Indian Weekender through its sustained
dialogue and engagement with these
organisations is aware of the fact that they
surely need good support from the fellow
Kiwi-Indian community.
Surprisingly, in most cases what these
charitable organisations strive for is not
just money and tangible material resources,
but also individual compassionate
human attention.
In this regard, this year we invite you to rise
above from your own day to day life-struggles
and think of supporting one cause, or one
- Confucious
charity that you may be passionate about.
As an ethnic migrant community, we
always need to be reminded of the fact that
our individual journeys of migration from our
home countries will not be complete without
creating a close-knit community and support
system that can support each other during our
times of distress.
Work towards the goal of being
responsible, active citizenry
Last, but not the least, and probably most
important resolutions that the Kiwi-Indian
community can take this year is to shed
its image of being a distracted citizenry –
especially from the political process.
By the way, political activism is not just
having an opinion and posting on social
media, and then launching a social media war
on those who do not subscribe to views that
you support.
In New Zealand, being an active citizen
requires regular and sustained engagement
with policymakers at all level of decision
making from local council to national
government.
Think it this way, changes in immigration
policies or law and order matters most to the
community.
However how many people in our
community would have actively made
submissions or given feedback when such
opportunities present itself after every major
policy announcement.
Those are the opportunities that we as a
community can aspire to avail – for it will not
only be beneficial to the community but also a
service to New Zealand nation.
Indeed, NZ is will be incomplete without
the colour, vibrancy, valuable skills and
contributions that the Kiwi-Indian community
makes as one of the largest ethnic migrant
group in the country.
On that note, we wish our readers and
everyone in the community Happy New Year.

Indian Weekender : Volume 10 Issue 41 This week in New Zealand’s history

Publisher: Kiwi Media Publishing Limited
Queen Elizabeth II opens Parliament
Content Editor: Sandeep Singh | sandeep@indianweekender.co.nz
12 January 1954
A
Chief Reporter: Rizwan Mohammad | rizwan@indianweekender.co.nz
crowd of 50,000 greeted Queen Elizabeth II, resplendent in her coronation gown, when she
Chief Technical Officer: Rohan Desouza | rohan@indianweekender.co.nz opened a special session of the New Zealand Parliament in its centennial year. This was the
Sr Graphics and Layout Designer: Mahesh Kumar | mahesh@indianweekender.co.nz first time a reigning monarch had opened New Zealand’s Parliament.
Graphic Designer: Yashmin Chand | design@indianweekender.co.nz
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14-year-old finds New Zealand’s oldest fossils
14 January 1948
I
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n 1948, a 14-year-old Nelson schoolboy discovered the oldest fossils ever found in New
Views expressed in the publication are not necessarily of the publisher and the publisher Zealand. Malcolm Simpson was a member of the party that accompanied University of Otago
geologist Noel Benson on an expedition to Cobb Valley, near Motueka. During the trip, Simpson
is not responsible for advertisers’ claims as appearing in the publication
hammered off some fresh limestone containing indistinct fossils and passed it to Professor Benson,
who initially considered the fossils to be indistinguishable molluscan remains.
Views expressed in the articles are solely of the authors and do not in any way represent
the views of the team at the Indian Weekender
New Zealand Constitution Act comes into force
Kiwi Media Publishing Limited - 133A, Level 1, Onehunga Mall, Onehunga, Auckland.
17 January 1853
Printed at Horton Media, Auckland

Copyright 2017. Kiwi Media Publishing Limited. All Rights Reserved.

G overnor Sir George Grey issued a proclamation to bring the New Zealand Constitution Act
(UK) of 1852 into operation, establishing a system of representative government for the
colony. The Act created a General Assembly – made up of an appointed Legislative Council and
a House of Representatives elected every five years by males aged over 21 who owned, leased or
rented property of a certain value – and six provinces with elected superintendents and provincial
councils.
 The Indian Weekender Friday, January 11, 2019 OPINION/EDITORIAL 17

RENEWABLE ENERGY: ‘ECONOMIC MOATS’

TO DRIVE FURTHER GROWTH
TAPONEEL MUKHERJEE businesses to their kitty is complex but might

T
he renewable energy sector in India has
been dynamic in the last two decades,
and especially over the last few years,
with ambitious targets.
That said, recent bottlenecks the sector has
faced suggest that businesses in the sector
require to focus on creating “economic moats”
to enable the next phase of growth.
The term “economic moat”, as defined
by Morningstar, is “a structural business
characteristic that allows a firm to generate
excess economic returns for an extended
period”.
It is vital that firms in the renewable energy
sector that want to be profitable and deliver
investment returns in the long run continually
reassess their business models from a financial
viability perspective.
The first pillar of creating an “economic
moat” is through efficient scale. Building moats
through this pillar are already in the works in
the Indian renewable energy sector.
In a highly price-competitive market where
tariff rates have nosedived, consolidation
through mergers and acquisitions to create
operational efficiencies is a step in the right
direction.  The ability of the businesses to anticipate
The second pillar is “cost advantages”.
While selling a commoditised product, “cost
advantages” will accrue through the ability
of firms to create efficient businesses and
display “good stewardship of capital” to access
relatively inexpensive capital.
This “cost advantage” through robust
operations that translates into a strong balance
sheet and allows companies to access capital
at lower rates will be a significant driver of
long-term strategic advantage in the renewable
energy market.  to low-cost capital and assist in a well-hedged
Additionally, “cost advantage”, not just
through access to low-cost capital but also
through prudent balance sheet management,
will be a significant driver in creating “economic
moats”. Prudent balance sheet management
here refers to capital structure decisions on the
mix of debt and equity, as well as decisions
regarding tenor and nature of debt utilised to
generate funding.  production but also in
interest rate cycles and the prudence for a
long-term outlook is vital to creating the “cost
advantage”.
For instance, with interest rates at the
relatively low-end of the range and global
interest rates creeping higher, the decision to
borrow paying fixed interest rates as opposed
to floating interest rates can create structural
advantages for business as interest rates start
inching higher.
Such “cost advantages” that both allow access
capital structure is an area that businesses most
focus on.  energy developers consider investing in
The third pillar is the “network effect”. This
is a strategy that traditional energy companies
have used extensively. In common parlance,
The ability to create a business
that not only engages in
transmission and distribution
has helped create sustainable
“economic moats” for several of
the large energy companies.
“network effect” can be looked at as vertical
integration.
The ability to create a business that not only
engages in production but also in transmission
and distribution has helped create sustainable
“economic moats” for several of the large
energy companies.
In India, we have seen some renewable
transmission assets.
This is the correct thing to do. Creating
“network effect” through adding transmission
be essential for renewable energy players to
both create sustainable “economic moats” and
expedite renewable energy usage.
A significant issue that renewable energy
developers have faced in the past is the lack
of transmission asset infrastructure to evacuate
energy from production sites.
As mentioned, an integrated transmission and
production business is far more complicated,
but given the needs, large players will have to
look at adding expertise and capacity to create
the transmission infrastructure to push ahead
with higher production capacity.
Apart from looking at transmission assets,
they must also actively pursue opportunities in
the energy storage space.
While this area has received significant
attention, going forward, as storage technology
17
evolves and costs decline, the ability to create
integrated energy storage and development
businesses might separate the wheat from the
chaff.
Significant variation in business models
can be created through the integration of both
centralised storage as well as eventually creating
large platforms that enable decentralised
storage at a consumer level.
Businesses that will be able to both
finance and operate successfully integrated
storage businesses within the larger energy
development platforms might end up being the
long-run winners.
Renewable energy businesses in India have
witnessed unprecedented growth in the last
decade.
Rapidly declining tariffs and substantial
fund-raising by developers have been the
hallmark of the industry.
Going forward, business model innovation
to create structural advantages will help it both
tide over issues such as lack of transmission
infrastructure as well as create sustainable
economic models that can deliver long-term
value for the rapidly growing energy consumer
base.

Investors bullish about Indian housing market

ANKIT KANSAL  the market. such units will move further up the

I
ndia’s housing sector has always
been a favourite amongst
domestic investors. As an asset,
housing has enjoyed high capital
growth backed by high demand in
major Indian cities.
Besides, easy leverage and
recurring rental income further
piqued investor interest in the
housing sector.
However, post the 2014 market
slowdown, real estate, which once
attracted investment by volumes as
high as 40 per cent, saw a gradual
dwindling in investor interest.
But, by the end of 2017, the
markets started to recover, instilling
end-user confidence and stabilisation
of property prices in most markets.
The bounce-back was eventually
followed by expansion in investor
activity.
As per our recent quarterly
consumer sentiment survey,
investment activities in five major
Indian cities (Mumbai, Gurugram,
Noida, Pune and Bengaluru)
currently account for around 24 per
cent of the market. This is a notable
improvement from the previous
quarter’s 17 per cent.
The spurt can be attributed to three
factors -- anticipated property price
growth in major Indian cities, high
buyer confidence and availability of
light-weight investments.
After a prolonged period of price
compression, housing markets have
started to stabilise in most of the
major markets.
Going forward, notable growth in
housing prices is expected, backed
by an upbeat macro-economy and
growth in the job market.
In fact, early signs of an upward
thrust are already visible in some of
the popular micro-markets.
As prices start going up, this is one
of the most conducive times to make
an investment.
At the onset of the current FY,
reforms such as RERA and GST have
finally started to come out of policy
contours and play a prominent role in
When these policy makeovers
were proposed, there was visible
distress in the market due to possible
uncertainties. However, as the dust
settled, the market looked much
more mature.
Once known for being highly
unstructured and unorganised, Indian
realty finally seems to be taking
emboldened steps towards becoming
an organised industry.
A higher degree of order and
structure becomes a natural pull for
the investor class.
As policies such as RERA stipulate
transparency in every deal closure,
both end-users and investors are
gaining confidence.
Numerous light-weight
investments such as 1 BHK, studios
and micro-homes are gaining a
foothold in the Indian housing
landscape.
Such small units are slowly
growing in popularity in many Indian
metros, backed by high demand from
young, working millennials. In the
foreseeable future, the demand for
curve, due to the young demographic
dividend in Indian metros.
These units are not just popular
amongst the end users, but even
investors are gravitating towards
them in sizeable numbers. Besides
being in high demand, such units
offer a lower barrier to entry.
Coupled with attractive payment
plans, it augurs well for capital
investment.
As risk appetites are still low
and there is a growing propensity
towards risk-adjusted returns, small
residential units are the perfect sweet
spot.
Going forward, investors will
continue to expand their foothold
in the Indian housing market. On
the face of high demand and better
organisation, Indian real estate will
continue to be an inviting field for
investors and end users.
However, the market is expected
to be largely speculation free and
only serious long-term investors will
play out in the current scenario.
 18 INDIA Friday, January 11, 2019 The Indian Weekender

QUOTA, CITIZENSHIP
BILLS WON’T TRAMPLE
ON ANYONE’S RIGHTS,
ASSURES PM MODI
The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed the bill that seeks
to provide Indian citizenship to non-Muslims from
Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan, triggering
protests in Assam and other North East states

S
PM Narendra Modi waves at a ceremonial reception for Norway’s Prime Minister Erna Solberg at the Presidential Palace in New Delhi on January 8, 2019
peaking on two important bills – Quota
and Citizenship -- passed by the Lok
Sabha on Tuesday, Prime Minister
Narendra Modi assured that rights of all
sections are secure and these bills will in no
way impinge on them.
“I want to assure the people of Assam and
North-East that their rights will not be hurt
after passage of the Citizenship Bill,” Modi
said at a function in Maharashtra’s Solapur,
according tothe media.
The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed the bill
that seeks to provide Indian citizenship to
non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Pakistan and
Afghanistan, triggering protests in Assam and
other North East states.
Protests had erupted across Assam on
Monday evening as the the NDA government
cleared changes to the Citizenship Act
prompting one of its regional allies, the Asom
Gana Parishad (AGP), to break ties.
The All Assam Students Union, the
influential student body which was at the
forefront of the Assam agitation against
foreigners, is leading the protest against
the proposed amendment which, according
to them, violates the Assam Accord which
promised to detect and deport foreigners
irrespective of their religious background.
The Opposition Congress says the Bill
would create ethnic divisions not just in Assam the Lok Sabha as a “historic” step which
but the entire North-East and could lead to a seeks to uplift the deprived sections and also
resurgence of extremist groups. illustrates the commitment of the government
On Quota bill, the Prime Minister said the to prioritising the good of those needing it the
smooth passage of the bill which provides 10 most.
per cent quota for the general category poor
Projects inaugurated
in jobs and education in the Lok Sabha is a
Speaking after inaugurating a highway
“strong answer” by the Parliament to those
project built at an investment of over Rs 970
“spreading lies”.
crore, Modi said Solapur will soon be covered
As the Rajya Sabha witnessed uproar over
under the Udaan scheme which seeks to link
the bill, the Prime Minister Rajya Sabha said
far off places with air connectivity.
the rights of the deprived sections, including
He also laid the foundation stone of a over
the Dalits and the tribal people, will not be
Rs 1,800 crore project of 30,000 houses under
affected because of this bill, PTI reported.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana here.
He termed the the passage of the bill in

India, Japan reiterate cooperation in Indo-Pacific India, Norway to work on

I ocean economy, SDGs
ndia and Japan on Monday
reiterated that they would

N
continue to work for peace and
orway and India have agreed Norway, he said, have “strong
stability in the Indo-Pacific region
to collaborate closely on the cooperation” at the international
during a meeting between External
ocean economy and achieve level and both the countries
Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj
the global Sustainable Development coordinate closely on multilateral
and Japanese Foreign Minister Goals (SDG), Prime Ministers of issues including the UN Security
Taro Kono. both countries said on Tuesday. Council reforms.
Stating that the two leaders The two nations will also Solberg agreed and said that the
exchanged views on regional and enhance bilateral trade, Prime UN “needs to reform”. She said it
global issues of common interest, Minister  Narendra Modisaid on is important that India achieves the
the External Affairs Ministry said: the state visit of his Norwegian SDGs, as given its size and economy
“They reaffirmed that based on counterpart Erna Solberg. the world will not be able to reach the
shared values and interests, the India signed a Memorandum of sustainable goals unless “India is on
India-Japan Special Strategic and Understanding (MoU) to conduct an board”.
Global Partnership has acquired "The India-Norway Ocean Dialogue after
Solberg said she has seen
a broader significance in the Prime the delegation-level talks discussed
“impressive improvements on the
current global context and has Minister warmly ways to give “new energy and
work done in India, especially on
become a factor of prosperity recalled his successful direction” to bilateral relations.
women’s empowerment”. Solberg
and stability in the Indo- visit to Japan in October Modi said that in his talks with
added that “no country is rich enough
Pacific region.” 2018, and reiterated his Solberg they “reviewed all areas of
strong commitment to further to not use half its talent” regarding
India, along with Japan, our cooperation, and discussed ways
deepen the Special Strategic taken during of giving new energy and direction women in workforce.
the US and Australia, in Following the meeting, Foreign
and Global Partnership to bilateral ties,” and they also had Modi also mentioned that the
2017 revived a quad that the visit of Minister Kono paid a courtesy call Norway Government Pension
between India and “fruitful discussions” on all aspects
seeks to work for peace and Japan." Prime Minister on Modi where he briefed the Prime Fund Global has made a portfolio
prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, a Narendra Modi to Minister about the follow-up action of ocean economy.
He said that when he had met investment of $12 billion in India.
region that stretches from the east Japan for the 13th India- taken in recent months after the “I am confident that in future, both
Solberg during the G-20 Summit in
coast of Japan to the east coast Japan Annual Summit in October latter’s visit to Japan last year. in portfolio investment and foreign
2017, she had given him a football as
of Africa. It was a strategically last year “which opened new vistas “The Prime Minister warmly direct investment, Norwegian
a gift, which was “not for the the goal
important move given China’s of bilateral cooperation in areas such recalled his successful visit to Japan companies will make use of vast
that we have in the sport but was a
growing footprint in the region and as regional connectivity, economic in October 2018, and reiterated his opportunities in India. Specifically
symbol of Sustainable Development
Beijing’s aggressive behaviour in the partnership, new and digital strong commitment to further deepen under India’s Sagarmala programme,
Goals”.
South China Sea. technologies, healthcare, renewable the Special Strategic and Global Modi said SDGs, the 17 global Norwegian companies will get a lot
During Monday’s talks, Sushma energy, defence cooperation, Partnership between India and goals of the United Nations, are in of opportunities in ship building,
Swaraj and Kono held discussions on maritime security etc.,” the Ministry Japan,” the Prime Minister’s Office complete consonance with India’s ports and port-led development,” he
follow-up actions taken on decisions statement said. said in a statement. development goals. India’s and said.
 The Indian Weekender Friday, January 11, 2019 INDIA 19

World’s largest cricket stadium coming up in

Ahmedabad will accommodate 1.10 lakh fans
IWK BUREAU stadium in Ahmedabad named after Sardar Patel hosted

I
ndia as a cricketing country has several things to be proud of, 12 Tests, 23 ODIs and 1 T20I. It had a capacity of
the crazy following, the team’s success and even the number 54,000 and the new stadium with double the capacity is
of ICC approved international venues it boasts of. expected to be ready in 2019.
There are a total of 52 international cricket venues in the Nathwani who visited the construction site shared
country and the second best is England with 23 with a gap of images and mentioned that the stadium once ready will
29 stadiums. become the pride of the country.
Another addition to that list will be the world’s largest cricket He wrote- “World’s Largest Cricket Stadium, larger
stadium that is being constructed in Motera. than #Melbourne, is under construction at #Motera in
The parking area will accommodate 3,000 cars and 10,000 #Ahmedabad,#Gujarat. Once completed the dream
two-wheelers. (Twitter/mpparimal) project of #GujaratCricketAssociation will become the
The Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) has been working on pride of entire India. Sharing glimpses of construction
it since January 2017 and very recently Parimal Nathwani vice- work underway.”
president of the GCA shared an update on the
progress. It is one of the largest corporations
in India, L&T, which has the responsibility of
constructing the stadium.
The expected cost of the stadium will be
around Rs 700 crore and when it is ready for a
game of cricket, the ground will be able to host
1.10 lakh fans. With that, it will take the crown

AUCKLAND INDIAN ASSOCIATION

for the largest capacity beating the iconic
Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia.
“The construction work is going on in full
swing as per the schedule and we expect the
stadium to be ready within the stipulated
time period. The stadium will add one more
MAHATMA GANDHI CENTRE
attraction to Ahmedabad,” Nathwani had said.

VENUE HIRE | ONSITE PARKING | TEMPLE WITHIN THE COMPLEX

The ground is spread over approximately 63
acres of land.
Along with the playing area, it will have
three practice grounds and an indoor cricket
academy, an Olympic-size swimming pool LARGE COMMERCIAL KITCHEN FACILITIES
and a Clubhouse.
The parking area will accommodate 3,000
cars and 10,000 two-wheelers. The old Motera
INHOUSE CATERING SERVICES
Sushma Swaraj to attend first
India-Central Asia Dialogue

C
ontinuing with increasing engagements
with Central Asia, External Affairs
Minister Sushma Swaraj will attend the
first-ever India-Central Asia Dialogue to be
held in Samarkhand, Uzbekistan, on January
12-13, it was announced on Wednesday.
According to a statement issued by the
External Affairs Ministry, Sushma Swaraj
will co-chair the Dialogue along with Uzbek
Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov.
While the Foreign Minister of Afghanistan
will participate in the Dialogue as a special
invitee for a session dedicated to connectivity
issues in the region, the Foreign Ministers
of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan
and the First Deputy Foreign Minister of
Kazakhstan will represent their respective
countries.
"Bound together through shared history
and cultural linkages, India and the Central
Asian states look forward to the Dialogue
as an important initiative to enhance their
cooperation in wide-ranging spheres including
exploring ways to substantially enhance
India's economic involvement in business
and development sector of Central Asia," the
statement said.
"With the participation of Afghanistan,
the participants of the Dialogue will also
deliberate on developing viable connectivity
options between India and Afghanistan and An all-purpose indoor facility close to the heart of the city makes Mahatma Gandhi
Central Asia to further facilitate trade and
economic activity in the region." Centre a versatile and attractive Venue for Indian Weddings, business functions,
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited all social gatherings and religious functions. Our knowledgeable priest provides
the five Central Asian countries in 2015 while
Sushma Swaraj visited the region in August religious services and ceremonies including weddings. A large commercial Kitchen
last. According to the Ministry statement,
the India-Central Asia Dialogue, with the facilities and a wide range of catering options available for all occasions.
participation of Afghanistan, is expected to
strengthen India's engagement, including
political, economic, development partnership FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES Tel: (09) 357 0665 or (09) 377 2424
and cultural, with all the Central Asian
countries and take it to a new level. CONTACT US ON Email: office@aiai.org.nz Website: www.aiai.org.nz
 20 INDIA
India to retain
status as fastest
growing economy in
2019-20: World Bank
F
uelled by policy reforms and
rebound in credit, India's
economy is forecast to expand
by 7.5 per cent during the 2019-20
fiscal year and retain its position as
the fastest growing major economy in
a world of slowing growth, according
to the World Bank.
The Bank's Global Economic
Prospects (GEP) report released on
Tuesday kept the forecasts made
for India in its June report for the
next fiscal year and the 7.3 per cent
estimate for the current fiscal year, up
from 6.7 per cent recorded in 2017-
18. However, it warned that in South
Asia, the upcoming election cycle
"elevates political uncertainty in the
region".
"The challenging political
environment could adversely affect
the ongoing reform agenda and
economic activity in some countries,"
it added. The GEP presented a
gloomy outlook for the world as a
whole: Growth was projected to slow
to 2.9 per cent for the current year,
down from the estimated 3 per cent
for the last year and to grow only by
2.8 per cent in the next two years.
It blamed trade tensions and
slowdown in manufacturing for the
pessimism.
The report said: "India is forecast
India should be among 3 giants of the
world, says former British PM Tony Blair
B
lair is in New Delhi wearing
two badges: elder statesman
for the Raisina Dialogue and
social activist for his Generation
Global schools project.
Yet he remains keenly aware
of the state of the world, Britain’s
Brexit blues and the future of India’s
relations with his homeland.
India is right up there in Tony
Blair’s vision of the world. The
former British prime minister says,
“What I would like to see is India
getting to the point where it would be
one of the three giants of the world.”
Three decades from now, it
would be “logical that the two most
populous countries and the United
States be the world’s most powerful
countries. “India should be one of
them.”
Blair is in New Delhi wearing
two badges: elder statesman for the
Raisina Dialogue and social activist
for his Generation Global schools
project. Yet he remains keenly aware
of the state of the world, Britain’s
Brexit blues and the future of India’s
relations with his homeland.
The Middle Kingdom tops his
The
challenging
political
environment
could adversely
affect the ongoing
reform agenda and
economic activity
in some countries
to accelerate to 7.5 per cent in
fiscal year 2019-20 as consumption
remains robust and investment
growth continues, and as (economic)
activity benefits from recent policy
reforms and a rebound in credit."
For the 2020-21 and 2021-22
fiscal years, the GEP has projected a
growth rate of 7.5 per cent.
The World Bank's 7.5 per cent
growth projection for the next fiscal
year is slightly higher than the 7.4
per cent made by the International
Monetary Fund last October.
But the GEP's estimate of 7.3 per
cent for the current fiscal year falls
between India's Central Statistics
Office (CSO) figure of 7.2 per cent
and the Reserve Bank of India's 7.4
per cent. China's growth rate was
global concerns. “The single biggest
geopolitical change in my children’s
lifetime is and will be the rise of
China.” Blair hopes China’s rise
will be benign and sees Beijing’s
future dependent on a continuing
struggle between “reformers and
nationalists.”
The West will need to keep its
powder dry, just in case. And this
geopolitical uncertainty is also “why
the relationship with India is so
important and fundamental to us.”
One part of the West that seems
less strong and united than it once
was is the country Blair ruled for a
decade. Blair has publicly sparred
estimated to be 6.5 per cent last year
and forecast to be 6.2 per cent this
year and the next, and going down
further to 6 per cent in 2021.
In South Asia, Pakistan's growth
rate is forecast to fall drastically
from last fiscal year's 5.8 per cent
to 3.7 per cent this fiscal year "as
financial conditions tighten in the
face of rising inflation and external
vulnerabilities". In 2019-20 it is
forecast to rebound to 4.8 per cent.
Bangladesh grew faster than
India with 7.9 per cent in the last
fiscal year "driven mainly by private
consumption and supported by
remittance inflows", the report said.
But its growth is forecast to fall to 7
per cent in the current fiscal year.
Releasing the report, the Bank's
Chief Executive Officer Kristalina
Georgieva said: "At the beginning of
2018 the global economy was firing
on all cylinders, but it lost speed
during the year and the ride could get
even bumpier in the year ahead.
"As economic and financial
headwinds intensify for emerging
and developing countries, the world's
progress in reducing extreme poverty
could be jeopardised. To keep the
momentum, countries need to invest
in people, foster inclusive growth,
and build resilient societies."
over Brexit with both UK PM Teresa
May and the present head of his own
Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn. He
firmly believes Britain must hold a
second referendum on whether to
stay or leave the European Union.
Blair makes a well-chiseled
argument as to why a second
referendum is now the only real
option left to London. No matter
their political hue, all Britons “will
eventually come to the conclusion
that the only proper way is to reach
closure on this issue is go back to
the people.” He goes out on a limb:
“There is a 50% chance Brexit will
not happen.”
Friday, January 11, 2019 The Indian Weekender
NEWS in BRIEF
Lok Sabha passes Citizenship Bill 2019
amid protests by Opposition parties
T he Lok Sabha Tuesday passed the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019
amid protests by Opposition parties including Congress and TMC.
The Bill, that proposes to grant Indian citizenship to non-muslim minority
immigrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan who have entered
India before December 31, 2014, was first cleared by a joint parliamentary
committee and then tabled in Lok Sabha by Home Minister Rajnath Singh.
Some more parties will be asked to join
Mahagathbandhan: Pawar, Chandrababu
W ith the ‘Mahagathbandhan’ of Opposition parties taking shape ahead
of Lok Sabha polls, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, and TDP leader and
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday said
some more parties will be asked to join it.
Naidu, who was on one-day visit to the national capital, met Pawar,
Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind
Kejriwal, and discussed the issue in the wake of a rally in Kolkata being
organised by Trinamool Congress on January 19, where Opposition parties
will put up a show of unity.
“When we reach Kolkata, there could be leaders from some other parties.
We have neither met them nor discussed it (Mahagathbandhan) with them.
But we are going to suggest them that after the rally, let sit together and
discuss future course of action,” Pawar told reporters.
“If there is a unanimity, then let us start exhibiting the programme which
we finalise after the meeting.”
Echoing the view, Naidu said if the unanimity occurs, meetings would be
held subsequently in Delhi to decide the future course of action.
In order “to save the nation”, all parties are required to join the
Mahagathbandhan out of “democratic compulsion”, he added.
Twitter India celebrates rising women achievers
W
ith the aim to empower female voices
and celebrate their achievements
on the platform, Twitter India on
Tuesday launched a new campaign called
#WebWonderWomen (WWW).
The campaign, in partnership with the
Ministry of Women and Child Development
(WCD) and human rights organisation
Breakthrough will allow users to nominate
rising Indian women achiever with their
Twitter handle. 
The woman should be an achiever under one of the following categories:
health or fitness, community, media, literature, art, sports, technology or
STEM, travel, business, legal or policy, governmental, entertainment,
fashion or beauty, finance, food, environment.
“We’re focused on powering positive change by fostering healthy and
informative conversations, sharing stories that inspire, and highlighting
individuals who drive real impact through Twitter,” Colin Crowell, Global
Vice President - Public Policy, Twitter, said in a statement.
As part of the campaign, the nominee will be required to produce evidence
on Twitter, which shows their use of the platform has had a positive impact. 
This can be shown or shared in the form of engagement or conversation
with their followers. The nominee should be active and make at least weekly
updates on Twitter. 
Modi inaugurates eight projects in Manipur
P rime
Narendra
inaugurated
Minister
Modi
eight
projects during his one-
hour visit to Manipur.
He also laid the
foundation stones of
four other projects
which will be
constructed at an Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches development
projects in Imphal, Manipur on Jan 4, 2019. Also
estimated cost of Rs seen Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and
1,500 crore. other dignitaries.
Despite a boycott
call given by some insurgent outfits, there was a huge crowd at Hapta
Kangjeibung where Modi addressed a public meeting.
Modi said that most of the projects were delayed by the previous
Congress government, thereby wasting more money. "If the projects had
been completed without delay, people would have benefitted," he said.
The Prime Minister said that helicopter services had been introduced
for the people and the construction of the Jiribam-Toupul rail line was
progressing.
He said that 18,000 remote villages in Manipur had been electrified.
Modi praised Manipuri women for being in the forefront in all spheres.
He recalled how Mary Kom, the international pugilist, had won fame for
India.
 The Indian Weekender
TRUMP OFFERS CONDOLENCES TO KIN
OF SLAIN FIJI INDIAN-ORIGIN POLICEMAN
U
S President Donald Trump
has called up the family
of Fiji Indian-origin
police officer Ronil Singh who
was shot to death allegedly by an
illegal immigrant in the US state
of California last week, the White
House said.
Corporal Ronil Singh, 33, of the
Newman Police Department was
shot and killed during a traffic stop
at Merced Street and Eucalyptus
Avenue just before 1 a.m. on
December 26.
White House Press Secretary
Sarah Sanders released a statement
on Thursday about the President’s
call to Singh’s family.
“President Trump spoke with
the family and law enforcement
colleagues of fallen Newman,
California, police officer Ronald
“Ron” Singh,” Sanders said t.
“The President praised officer
Singh’s service to his fellow
citizens, offered condolences and
commended law enforcement’s
rapid investigation, response and
apprehension of the suspect.”
“Included in the President’s
calls were Corporal Singh’s wife,
Amanika “Mika” Chand-Singh;
Newman, California Police Chief
Randy Richardson,and Sheriff
Adam Christianson of Stanislaus
County, California,” according to
Indian falls to death from Ireland
cliff while taking selfie
¡ IWK BUREAU
A
n Indian student has died
after falling off a cliff in
Ireland while taking a selfie
on Friday, January 4.
The man has been identified as
Anand Goel, a Trinity College
Student from India, Irish Times
reported. Mr Goel who was studying
marketing and design lost his balance
while taking the photograph at the
popular tourist attraction the Cliffs
of Moher in County Clare on Friday
afternoon.
The tragedy happened south of the
main viewing areas near the visitor
centre. There were hundreds of
people enjoying the scenery and cliff
walk at the time, the Irish Mirror
reported. Emergency services,
including a search helicopter, were
mobilised as soon as the alarm
was raised. A winchman from the
helicopter recovered the man from
the sea. The victim was flown to
nearby Doolin where he was formally
pronounced dead.
The police interviewed a number
of witnesses and confirmed they were
treating the death as a tragic accident.
“There is nothing to suggest at
this stage that this was anything
other than a tragic accident. Initial
indications are, having taken
statements from a number of people,
is that the victim was taking a selfie
and lost his footing,” an Irish Police
Friday, January 11, 2019
the statement.
The California police had arrested
33-year-old Gustavo Perez Arriaga,
who came to the US illegally and
was believed to be fleeing Mexico,
on charges of killing Singh.
Singh was a native of Fiji and
had immigrated to the US. He was
a veteran of over seven years at the
Newman Police Department and
was assigned as a canine officer.
He earlier served with the Merced
spokesman said.
In June 2007, a Hungarian man in
his 20s died after he fell to his death
at the Cliffs of Moher while taking
photographs. The cliffs draw about
1.5 million visitors per year.
Originally from Delhi, he came
to Dublin in September to begin
his studies and had been travelling
around the country in his spare time.
“We are also reaching out to his
fellow students, friends and staff here
at Trinity supporting them during
this distressing time. We are working
closely with the Indian Embassy and
An Garda Síochána in doing so,” a
spokeswoman said.
India’s ambassador to Ireland
Sandeep Kumar visited the scene on
County Sheriff’s Department.
A picture of slain Newman Police Cpl. Ronil “Ron” Singh rests atop the casket
during his funeral
Saturday and met gardaí and rescue
workers.
He said he was “grateful” to the
Irish Coast Guard and helicopter and
boat teams for helping to recover Mr
Goel’s body.
“Heartfelt condolences to
bereaved family. Your loss is our
loss,” Mr Kumar wrote on Facebook.
“Embassy stands solidly with you
and is assisting with all formalities.
We’ll be bringing you home in the
earliest possible time frame.”
The alarm was raised at around
3.15pm on Friday after the tragedy
was witnessed by a number of people.
Eye-witnesses are understood to have
told gardaí Mr Goel was taking a
selfie at the time and lost his footing.
Tour bus
It’s understood Mr Goel had
arrived at the Cliffs of Moher on a
tour bus and was travelling alone. It’s
also believed he had been travelling
around Ireland in recent months
taking photographs.
Gardaí, members of the Doolin
unit of the Irish Coast Guard and the
Shannon based search and rescue
helicopter were mobilised to the
incident as soon as the alarm was
raised. Rescue 115 had been on a
training mission at the time and
was able to respond to the incident
promptly.
Mr Goel’s body was recovered and
he was formally pronounced dead at
the Coast Guard station before his
remains were removed to University
Hospital Limerick for formal
identification and a postmortem.
Gardaí interviewed a number of
eye-witnesses following the incident
and are treating the matter as a tragic
accident. A Garda spokesman said:
“The man has also been identified
and his family in India has been
notified. We are working with the
embassy to facilitate the repatriation
of the man’s remains.”
He added: “We will continue with
the investigation and prepare a file
for the county coroner who will hold
an inquest in due course.”
Content Courtesy: IrishTimes.
com
INDIA ABROAD 21
Indian-
American Gita
Gopinath joins
IMF as its first
female chief
economist
P
rominent Indian-American
economist Gita Gopinath has
joined as the chief economist
of the International Monetary Fund,
becoming the first woman to occupy
the top post at the global lender.
Gopinath, 47, joined last week
at a time, when she believes the
world is experiencing a retreat from
globalisation, posing challenges to
multilateral institutions.
The John Zwaanstra professor of
International Studies and Economics
at Harvard University, Gopinath,
a US citizen, succeeds Maurice
(Maury) Obstfeld as Economic
Counsellor and Director of the IMF’s
Research Department. Obstfeld
retired December 31.
Announcing her appointment on
October 1, IMF Managing Director
Christine Lagarde described her
as “one of the world’s outstanding
economists with impeccable
academic credentials, a proven track
record of intellectual leadership and
extensive international experience.”
The 11th chief economist of the IMF,
Mysore-born Gopinath in a recent
interview to The Harvard Gazette
described her appointment at the
IMF as a “tremendous honour” and
said the appointment of the first
ever woman for this position speaks
highly of IMF’s Managing Director
Lagarde.“She is phenomenal, not just
in her leadership of the IMF but as
a role model for women around the
world,” she said.
Identifying some of her top
priorities at the IMF, Gopinath told
The Harvard Gazette that she would
like the IMF to continue to be a place
that provides intellectual leadership
on important policy questions.
“Among the research issues that
I would like to push, one would be
understanding the role of dominant
currencies like the dollar in
international trade and finance. We
could do more on the empirical side
to try to understand countries’ dollar
exposures and on the theoretical
side in terms of the implications
for international spillovers,
consequences of dollar shortages,
etc,” she said.
Most countries invoice their trade
in dollars and borrow internationally
in dollars. This is a central part of
the international price system and
the international financial system
and it will be exciting to explore its
consequences in greater depth with
the IMF, she said.
 22 WORLD Friday, January 11, 2019 The Indian Weekender

GOVERNMENT
SHUTDOWN:
THE MAJORITY OF
AMERICANS ARE AGAINST TRUMP
The office of management and budget of the White House has
conveyed the change of plan in a letter to the Congress. It also
said in the letter that $5 billion sought would only fund 234
miles of the nearly 2,000-mile border

T
he office of management and budget of the White House has conveyed the change of plan in a letter to the
Congress. It also said in the letter that $5 billion sought would only fund 234 miles of the nearly 2,000-mile
border.
US president Donald Trump is standing firm on his demand for $5 billion for a wall along the border with Mexico
but has said it it would be a “Steel Barrier” now, instead of concrete as the partial government shutdown caused by a
stalemate on its funding entered the 17th day.
Calling Sunday negotiations with Democrats “productive”, the president wrote on Twitter later in the evening,
“We are now planning a Steel Barrier rather than concrete. It is both stronger & less obtrusive. Good solution,
and made in the USA”.
The office of management and budget of the White House has conveyed the change of plan in a letter
to the Congress. It also said in the letter that $5 billion sought would only fund 234 miles of the nearly
2,000-mile border.
But Democrats have said there was no movement in the talks.
As the stalemate, which started on December 22, continues, making this the third-longest
"We shutdown, the president has also indicated he might use his powers to declare a national
are now emergency to fund the barrier, which he is allowed, by moving money from the defense
planning a Steel budget meant for construction projects.
Barrier rather But he has also insisted that he prefers the find a solution through negotiations. “Let’s
than concrete. It is get our deal done in Congress!” the president wrote in tweet in response to a remark
both stronger & less
from Adam Smith, the new chairman of the House armed services committee, who
obtrusive. Good
solution, and made Trump quoted as saying the president had the requisite authority.
in the USA." The funding stalemate has shut down a fourth of the federal government,
impacting 800,000 employees, either furloughed or working without pay.

China's lunar probe lands on moon's far side

IWK BUREAU announced. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang/IANS)

C
hina’s Chang’e-4 lunar probe on
Thursday became the first spacecraft
to make a soft landing on the far side
of the Moon in a significant milestone for
the nation as it attempts to position itself as a
leading space power.
The probe, comprising a lander and a rover,
touched down at the pre-selected landing area at
177.6 degrees east longitude and 45.5 degrees
south latitude on the far side of the Moon at
10.26 a.m. (Beijing Time), the China National
Space Administration (CNSA) was cited as
saying by Xinhua news agency.
The Global Times said the space probe
landed in the South Pole-Aitken basin of the
Moon and called it “a major breakthrough in
human exploration of the Universe”.
With the communication assistance of the
relay satellite Queqiao, the probe sent back the
first-ever close-up photograph of the Moon’s
far side, opening a new chapter in lunar
exploration.
The mission will perform low frequency
radio astronomical observation, terrain and
relief analysis, detection of mineral composition
and shallow lunar surface structure, the
measurement of neutron radiation and neutral
atoms to study the environment on the hidden
side of the Moon.
The probe will also try to explore the Von
Kármán crater, located within the much larger
South Pole-Aitken basin, thought to have been
formed by a giant impact early in the Moon’s
history.
“China is on the road to become a strong
space nation. And this marks one of the
milestone events of building a strong space
nation,” chief designer for the lunar mission,
Wu Weiren, told CCTV.
A simulated landing process of Chang’e-4
lunar probe is seen through the monitor at
Beijing Aerospace Control Center in Beijing,
capital of China, Jan. 3, 2019. China’s
Chang’e-4 probe touched down on the far
side of the moon Thursday, becoming the first
spacecraft soft-landing on the moon’s uncharted
side never visible from Earth. The probe,
comprising a lander and a rover, landed at the
preselected landing area on the far side of the
moon at 10:26 a.m. Beijing Time (0226 GMT),
the China National Space Administration
“It is a perfect display of human intelligence,”
said Jia Yang, deputy chief designer of the
Chang’e-4 probe, from the China Academy of
Space Technology.
There have been numerous missions to the
Moon in recent years, but the vast majority had
been to orbit, fly by or impact. The last manned
landing was Apollo 17 in 1972.
The Chang’e-4 was launched by a Long
March 3B carrier rocket on December 8 from
Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in Sichuan
province. Four days later, Chang’e 4 entered
the lunar orbit.
Communications between the probe and
control stations on Earth will take place with
the help of the Queqiao satellite.
The programme Chang’e (named in honour
of a goddess who, according to Chinese legend,
lives on the Moon) began with the launch of the
first orbital probe in 2007. Four devices have
been sent to the Moon since.
The programme intends to send a manned
mission to the Moon in the long term and
although no deadline has been set, some experts
indicated it may be around 2036.
Many lunar orbiters have shown the Moon’s
two sides are very different. The near side
is relatively flat, while the far side is thickly
dotted with impact craters of different sizes.
However, the reality is still a mystery, and only
on site exploration will reveal the truth.
 The Indian Weekender Friday, January 11, 2019 SPORTS 23

Pujara's Man of the Match ICC confirms direct qualifiers

for T20 World Cup
C
heteshwar Pujara was adjudged Man of the Match in the 1st Test of the series.
He scored a century in the 1st innings and followed up with an innings of
71 in the second innings. Ever since he made his Test debut, Cheteshwar
IWK BUREAU with six other teams who will make

T
Pujara has always drawn comparisons with the great Rahul Dravid, who it through from the ICC T20 World
he International Cricket
was also one of the pillars of the Indian team. Just like Dravid, Pujara also Cup Qualifier in 2019.
Council on Tuesday
believes in testing the opposition bowlers, not tinkering with the anything Four teams from the group stage
confirmed the sides that have
going away from him. His patient approach has seen him being called will advance to the Super 12s.
qualified directly for the ICC Mens
as 'the next Dravid' on occasions and in the ongoing Test, he emulated Of the top 10 sides on the rankings
T20 World Cup 2020 to be held in
the former Indian captain by winning the Man of the Match award in table, top-ranked Pakistan, India,
Australia, based on the Twenty20
India's win over Australia in Adelaide. England, Australia, South Africa,
International (T20I) rankings as on
Pujara scored a century (123) in the first innings and followed New Zealand, the West Indies and
December 31.
up with a score of 71 in the second innings. Dravid, on the Afghanistan will start their campaign
As per the qualification criteria
other hand, played innings of 233 and 72* in India's directly in the Super 12s.
set for the tournament, Australia
victory. The Board of Control for Cricket in Former champions and three-time
and the other nine top ranked sides
India (BCCI) shared a special tweet on the finalists Sri Lanka and Bangladesh
have ensured direct qualification, the
occasion recalling the unique coincidence will have to contend with the other
International Cricket Council (ICC)
between the two teams. six qualifiers in the group stage of the
Pujara scores third century of tour to put India in control announced in a statement.
tournament, which will be held from
The top eight make it straight to the

PANT ‘DEFINITELY
Super 12s stage while the remaining 18 October to 15 November 2020.
two will play in the group stage along

IPL 2019 to start March 23

PART OF OUR WORLD despite general elections
CUP PLANS’: MSK PRASAD T
he hugely-popular two- of the world's most popular and
month-long Indian Premier competitive T20 tournament will be

R
League (IPL) will be played scheduled to be played in India," an
ishabh Pant, India Test
in India from March 23 despite the IPL release stated.
wicket-keeper, may still be the
Lok Sabha elections due in April- "It is proposed that the IPL 2019
understudy to MS Dhoni in India’s
May, ending the uncertainty over will commence on March 23. The
white-ball sides, but there is reason to believe
whether it would be shifted to some detailed schedule will be finalised
he is firmly in his country’s Men’s Cricket World
other country. in consultation with the appropriate
Cup plans.
The announcement on the authorities. The CoA will then have
Though highly rated for a long time, Pant first truly
commencement of the 12th edition a detailed discussion with all the
found fame through the IPL, with his innovative and
of IPL was made by the Supreme stakeholders before releasing the IPL
belligerent ball-striking giving some reason to believe
Court-appointed Committee of 2019 Schedule," it added.
he might be a fixture in India’s limited-overs sides for years
Administrators (CoA) here on In 2009, the cash-rich tournament
to come. Pant is yet to set the world alight in international
Tuesday after a meeting of the was held in South Africa due to the
white-ball cricket, but has enjoyed a stunning start to his Test career,
committee headed by Vinod Rai. general elections while the 2014
averaging just under 50 in his first nine Tests, and scoring two hundreds in
"Based on the preliminary edition was partly played in the
England and Australia, making him the first Indian wicket-keeper to score more
discussions with the appropriate United Arab Emirates (UAE) before
than one century outside of Asia.
central and state agencies / authorities, returning home for the latter half.
Some have compared his potential to that of Adam Gilchrist, who is rated by
it was decided that the 12th edition
many as the best in his role Test cricket has ever seen. The incumbent, former

48 teams to participate in
captain MS Dhoni, needs little introduction, and his legacy as one of the best
glovemen in the history of ODI cricket is secure. But there has been some

Asia-Pacific soccer Cup

suggestion recently that age has caught up with him, and that he is now unable
to score at the pace required in the modern game. He remains India’s No.1, and

A
his status was underlined by the fact that he was recalled to India’s T20I side s many as 48 teams will
to face New Zealand, having been left out of the squad to face Australia, and by take part in the Asia-Pacific
the fact that Pant, his main competitor to take the gauntlets, has been left out of (APAC) Soccer Cup 2019 to
the squad to face Australia in ODIs. He will instead return home to play for India
be hosted by Barca Academy India at
A, who take on England Lions in a five-match one-day series, before rejoining India
Gurugram from January 24- 27.
for the first leg of their New Zealand tour. Some may have feared that with the Cricket
Barca Academy teams
World Cup just around the corner, India’s precocious talent was being edged Aitor Olmo, Tournament Director,
"You representing Australia, Japan, China,
out. But India’s chief selector MSK Prasad says he remains very much
have seen Spain, Singapore and India will said: "The Asia-Pacific Cup is one
in India’s thoughts, and that his exclusion is simply due to “workload
how many players be participating in the following of the key tournaments in the Barca
management”.
we are resting these categories -- under-9, 11, 13 and 15. Academy calendar. The tournament
“There is absolutely no doubt that he is among one of those days. This kid has
During the tournament there will showcases not only the football
wicketkeepers (in contention for the World Cup). played the T20s and
be activities like yoga, meditation players of the future but also brings
All the three shortlisted keepers are doing well. He is definitely part the four high-
intensity Tests." and increasing team play spirit forward their holistic development."
of our World Cup plans. It’s a part of the workload management we are
following,” Prasad told India Today. through dance forms. "India is not only an important
“You have seen how many players we are resting these days. This kid FC Barcelona was the first major partner country for Barca Academy
has played the T20s and the four high-intensity Tests. The body also takes European club to set up base in India but is also a country that exudes
a wear and tear. He is having a few niggles, he needs to recover. I in 2011 when they partnered with passion for football. Hosting the
am sure he will come back much stronger.” The ODI series against Conscient Football and held the first tournament in India is a fitting
Australia begins on Saturday, 12 January at Sydney. FCBEscola camp here. honour to the rich sports legacy of
Speaking on Asia-Pacific Cup, India," he added.

Sri Lanka recall Kusal Perera for Australia Tests

K
usal Perera has been recalled to Sri Lanka’s squad for
the upcoming Test series against Australia, starting on
24 January in Brisbane.
A similar looking squad that toured New Zealand in the
recently concluded Test series which Sri Lanka lost 1-0, will
travel to Australia for another two-Test affair.  as his deputy.
Kusal Perera, who has played 13 Tests for Sri Lanka, has
come in in place of the injured Angelo Mathews, who recently
was forced to retire hurt on the fourth day of the second
Test against New Zealand at Christchurch due to hamstring
discomfort.
The scans later revealed that Mathews sustained a grade two
strain in his left hamstring and will remain out of action for
four weeks. The all-rounder subsequently was ruled out of the
limited-overs leg of the New Zealand tour and will further miss
the Australia Test series.  Sri Lanka also dropped  Danushka
Gunathilaka from the squad, while Dinesh Chandimal will
continue to lead the Test side with opener Dimuth Karunaratne
The first Test will be played from January 24 to 28 at the
Gabba in Brisbane, followed by the second and final Test from
February 1 to 5 in Canberra. 
Squad:  Dinesh Chandimal (c), Dimuth Karunaratne (vc),
Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama,
Dhananjaya De Silva, Roshen Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Kusal Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Lahiru Kumara, Dushmantha
Janith Perera, Dilruwan Perera, Lakshan Sandakan, Suranga Chameera, Kasun Rajitha
 24 FEATURES Friday, January 11, 2019 The Indian Weekender

How to include pistachios in diet

P
istachios are low in it will help you lose those extra
calories, high protein, low inches.
in saturated fat, and high in Consuming pistachios everyday
unsaturated fats, are a perfect option can also improve exercise
for weight loss food. Being rich in performance, reduce exercise-
fibre and protein, it gives a feeling induced inflammation and oxidative
of satiety, and keeps you feel full for stress.
longer. Thus, helps in weight loss. • Add to your salad.
They are packed with • Add to sour cream or frozen
monounsaturated fatty acids which yogurt.
helps in fighting against diabetes, • Garnish in your smoothies.
improve metabolism, helpregulate • Add pistachios to your cup of
blood pressure, control blood sugar warm milk.
levels, and reduce inflammation. • Make pesto or nut butter.
Pistachios are an excellent
source of antioxidants

Popular salads from different countries such as carotenes,

vitamin E and selenium

that should be part of your diet which help in boosting

metabolism and energy

S
alads are your best bet when it comes to healthy eating. But since they are loaded with healthy ingredients does production. With
not mean they cannot be tasty. In fact if you know how to make good salads, your first race against beating those increased metabolism and
extra kilos is won! Every country has its own favourite salads, like we have kachumber in India. Here is a list for cholesterol regulation,
10 popular salads from around the world that will interest you.
Tuscan Panzanella (Italy) quesillo cheese. The ingredients are uniformly
diced and bound in olive oil. I
t is a traditional Greek salad often called
‘village salad” that includes red onions,
green bell peppers, ripe tomato, cucumbers,
pickled baby corn, leetuce, hot peppers,
onion, beets, pacaya flower, cheeses, olives,
and chicken.
Sheildzini (Japan)
Kalamata olives and Feta cheese. It is seasoned
Dressed Herring Salad (Russia)
with dried oregano, salt, extra virgin olive oil
and a splash of red wine vinegar.
Gado-Gado (Indonesia)

T uscan panzanella also known as Panmolle

is a classic bread salad. It is a cold salad of
stale bread cubes where bread slices are soaked

S
in olive oil, onion, tomato, vinegar and salt. It heildzini is a Japanese cucumber salad
is very popular in summertime because of the made of cucumber, white sugar, rice wine
fresh ingredients that are use to prepare it. vinegar, and soy sauce. It Is always best to serve
Tabbouleh (Lebanon and Syria) this salad fresh as cucumber becomes soggy.
Nicoise salad (France)
I t is a layered salad which is made of boiled
vegetables like potatoes, beet roots and

I n Indonesia the term ‘gado-gado’ literally

means ‘mix-mix’. It is made with a lot of
exotic ingredients like tempeh, potatoes, corn,
carrots, chopped onions and mayonnaise, along
with a layer of freshly grated apple. Grated
beetroot covered with mayonnaise serves as the
hard-boiled eggs, string beans, chayote, tofu last layer. It is often garnished with boiled eggs.
and cabbage, all of which are glazed with
Cobb salad (USA)
peanut butter dressing.
Fiambre (Guatemala)

T abouli salad or Tabbouleh is a simple

classic vegetarian salad made with crisp

cucumbers, parsley, sweet tomatoes, briny
olives and bulgur wheat, all tossed with salt and
pepper, lime juice and olive oil.
Solterito (Peru)
N
icoise salad originated in the French city
of Nice and is made of potatoes, tuna,
green beans, Nicoise olives, anchovies, hard-
boiled eggs and dressed with olive oil. Raw
vegetables are used in preparing this salad.
Horiatiki (Greece)

C obb salad is an American delicacy,

prepared using grilled or boiled chicken,
chives, vinaigrette, fried bacon, avocado,

T his celebratory feast is a traditional

Guatemalan dish that is cooked and eaten
cheese and eggs. It is believed that this dish
was created at Hollywood Brown Derby

F rom the region of Arequipa, Peru, this

salad consists of potatoes, coriander,
onion, rocoto chili pepper, fava beans, corn and
every year to celebrate the Day of Death. This
salad is served cold and can be made of up to
50 ingredients including sausages, cold cuts,
restaurant owned by Robert Howard Cobb and
later became a signature dish of the restaurant.

Why Balsamic vinegar is good for human body?

B
alsamic vinegar refers to a dark,
concentrated and intensely
flavoured vinegar that originated
in Italy. It is made with grapes (partially or
wholly). Known to be low in calories and
having no fat content, it is considered an
ideal tonic to treat ailments like indigestion
and heartburn. According to health experts,
it is the best ingredient that the digestive
system needs to break protein down into
small amino acids that is further easily
absorbed by the body.
Good for weight loss
It is a good source of potassium,
calcium and magnesium that improves the
functioning of the body and weight loss
abilities. It is low in calories that further
curb the body’s appetite and prevent
overeating.
Regulates blood sugar
Consumption of balsamic vinegar
improves insulin sensitivity for diabetics
that further allows for easy regulation of
blood sugar and reduces unpleasant side
effects of diabetics.
Improves bone density
The acetic acid present in balsamic
vinegar helps the body absorb essential
minerals such as calcium and magnesium
from food and thus plays a key role in the
development of strong and healthy bones.
Stimulates smooth digestion
Health experts says, the polyphenols
present in balsamic vinegar stimulate
pepsin enzyme present in the body, that
further help proteins break down into
amino acid. This rich amino acid improves
the digestion process and it becomes easier
for the body to build cells.
Relieves pain
In the west, balsamic is used as a
painkiller that treats different types
of pain. It is considered effective
against migraines and headaches. It
is believed that the antibacterial and
antiviral properties of vinegar make
it all happen.
Controls free radicals
Rich in antioxidant properties,
balsamic helps in the destruction
of free radicals from
the body and also
controls the further growth
of cells.
 The Indian Weekender
CROSSWORD NO: 1
SUDOKU NO: 1
HITORI NO: 1
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.
Friday, January 11, 2019 TIME OUT 25
QUIZ QUESTIONS NO: 1 ANSWERS TO LAST WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. Which Russian town suffered
an infamous nuclear disaster in
1986?  Which planet shares its name
with a dog? Pluto.
2. In nautical terms, what is the opposite
of windward? 
3. What is an irrational fear of trees
called? 
4. Which is the most northerly of the
Channel Isles? 
5. Where on the human body is the
zygomatic bone found? 
6. Which Welsh poet insisted that we do
not go gently into the night? 
7. In women’s gymnastics, what is 6ft.
6” long? 
8. Who wrote the poem Paradise Lost? 
9. Name the fictional character whose
household duties did not prevent her
determination to dance. 
10. What did A.E. Frick invent in 1887,
which are now worn by thousands if
not millions of people? 
11. Which hero of a seasonal song has a
very shiny nose? 
12. Usually partnered with milk, but
sometimes also with jam and custard,
name this yellow-gold dry food. 
13. Available in many sizes and styles,
and able to halt at many train-free
stations, what am I? 
14. Which London square is famous–or
infamous–for its pigeon population? 
15. Which frequently-used household
item has a tree but no leaves? 
16. I am Liverpudlian but not Liverpool.
What am I? 
17. Name the American actress famous for
her violet eyes and voluptuous figure,
who found fame as an Egyptian. 
18. Which type entertainment has cars
but no roads, curves but no figure, and
white knuckles? 
19. What has three classes, can be found
underground or high up, and can be
a target for ultra-modern hopes or
lavish nostalgia? 
20. I have a cake and a table named after
me, and I’m used all round the world.
What am I? 
21. Home to the Ross Sea and a species of
flightless bird. Where is this? 
Antarctica.
Taylor. 18.Roller coaster. 19. Trains. 20. Coffee. 21.
Trafalgar. 15. Mug. 16. Everton Football Club. 17. Elizabeth
the Red-Nosed Reindeer. 12.Cornflakes. 13. A radio. 14.
John Milton. 9. Cinderella. 10. Contact lenses. 11. Rudolf
4.Alderney. 5. Facial  cheek. 6. Dylan Thomas. 7. Beam. 8.
Answers: 1. Chernobyl. 2.Leeward. 3. Dendrophobia.
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: 1
See how many differences you can find in the right or left photo.
¡¡ Eliminate numbers by marking
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).
 26 FEATURES Friday, January 11, 2019 The Indian Weekender

11 January to 17 January | By Manisha Koushik

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
ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 20)
Doing things that contribute towards your overall aim is warranted at this
juncture, so don’t while away your time. Red tape threatens to stall a project, so
find a way out. Your desire for gaining additional skills may need to be put on
hold temporarily till the time is right. Those appearing for interviews will need
a thorough understanding of all issues related with the job. Take steps to enrich
your love by spending quality time with partner. Lucky Number: 17 / Lucky
Colour: Forest Green
TAURUS (Apr 21-May 20)
Spiritual path taken by you will lead to mental peace and tranquility. You may
feel the absence of romance in your life, but don’t ever lose hope, as you may
find love soon. Professionals are likely to profit this week and make some new
clients. A lot of goodwill is in store for you for your helpful nature. Time spent in
commuting may eat into your leisure time, but little you can do about it. Health
remains satisfactory. Lucky Number: 6 / Lucky Colour: Coffee
GEMINI (May 21-Jun 21)
Choosing the right time is important for launching something new on the
business front. On the academic front, time has arrived to reap rich rewards of
your hard work. Your philanthropic nature will be much admired and make you

BEAUTY TRENDS THAT

feel good from inside. Probationers and internees will get a chance to experience
something new. Good avenues open up to make you financially secure. There is a
possibility of gaining wealth or property by way of inheritance. Lucky Number:

WILL BE BIG IN 2019

2 / Lucky Colour: Silver
CANCER (Jun 22-Jul 20)
Be clear of what you sign for, especially if you are signing an appointment letter.

L
et voluminous curls and nude make-
up be a thing of the past. These are the
it will be on everybody’s lips! It is good to help people, but not at the cost of your own interest. So, take your
call. Your earnings are set to increase, as a venture turns profitable. A romantic
opportunity arrives at your doorstep and promises love at first sight! Your upbeat
 Sleek hair

beauty trends that will be everywhere
in 2019! We have seen numerous beauty looks
emerge this year. From the almost no make up
“fresh-faced” look, to the over-the-top glittery
make-up look, we seem to have been there,
done that and seen it all. It’s time to move on.
To new obsessions, ideas and of course, beauty
trends that will be BIG in the upcoming year. 
The sun-kissed radiant glow
W
mood is likely to rub off on those feeling down in the dumps. Health remains
e have always been unsure of this
good. Lucky Number: 1 / Lucky Colour: Pink
look but with our favourite B-town
celebs like  Deepika LEO (JuL21-Aug 20)
Padukone,  Alia Your apprehensions may prove correct regarding a professional matter. It is
important to get back into the thick of things on the work front. You may get the
Bhatt and more
opportunity to exploit the present to achieve better prospects. Close encounters
sporting this look, with a person who admires you secretly is possible. Moneywise, you remain
we know it is going comfortable. You are likely to impress people by throwing a party at home.
nowhere. Sleek hair Those recovering from minor surgery will need to strictly follow doctor’s advice.
can be styled well Lucky Number: 22 / Lucky Colour: Navy Blue

2
of
018 saw the
importance
highlighting.
with western and
Indian alike, which is
what makes it such a big hit, we think. So give
VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 23)
A new set up with new challenges may confront you at work, but your experience
will see you through. Tighten your belt on the academic front to cope up with the
workload. A misunderstanding with spouse may spoil the home environment, so
Sun-kissed warm your tresses a much-needed break from all that kiss and make up if possible. Gather your wits and overcome a tricky problem
tones saw a huge back-combing and twisting it into a bouffant, facing you in your personal life. A family elder’s opinion may appear unjust
boom in the beauty and load up on that hair gel and pull your hair upfront, but it will have great merit. Lucky Number: 17 / Lucky Colour:
industry. It was tightly back, because  it›s  going to come in Forest Green
all about adequate handy! LIBRA (Sep 24-Oct 23)
make-up with just Trying something new will only broaden your horizons, so go for it. Your
 Big, bold hair confidence in a business project will be enough to convince partner to join in.
the right amount of
Next year is all about Expected payments are likely to get released soon. Support of a well wisher at
highlighter. But with the onset of 2019, our work will help you in going ahead with your plans. Those craving companionship
going big or going home.
favourite stars have done away with even the will need to cast their net wider. A home remedy proves effective for someone
Take  cue  from Katrina
basic make-up. Instead, they opt for tonnes of ailing for long. Judicious spending will save money. Lucky Number: 6 / Lucky
and Sonam who went Colour: Grey
highlighter to give a wet and dewy look, giving
big with their hair. For
it a foil-like finish. Think high-shine with SCORPIO (Oct 24-Nov 22)
shoots, for films and for
balmy cheekbones, shiny forehead and chin, Someone may be spreading false rumours about you, so counter it in the best
everything else. If you way you can. Don’t become a workaholic, if you want to avoid getting mentally
are all making a comeback. 
thought the “perm” was stressed. You will need to keep your temper under control in the presence of an
 Tech-inspired beauty old school, time to bring old school back!  irritating person. On the academic front, those lagging behind in preparation may

W
find the time for preparation running out. Your childishness may put off lover and
hether it is
 Matchy-matchy put paid to a romantic evening out. Lucky Number: 1 / Lucky Colour: Pink

I
packaging
f you think big hair is the only thing we
or the product itself, SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23-Dec 21)
are taking back from the 90s, think again!
2019 will definitely Sometimes it is prudent to leave things in between in relationships, instead of
Remember when we would match our eyeliner taking them to the gory end. You may need to tie up the loose ends at work, if you
see more tech-
and nails with our outfits? Well, time to stock want to proceed unhindered. Efforts will be required to bring the opposite party
inspired products in
up on all those different shades of nail paint to the negotiating table on the business front. It is time to showcase your talents
more metallic, glossy on the academic front by participating in debates, dramatics or whatever you are
again. Sara Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor
and shiny shades. good at. Lucky Number: 17 / Lucky Colour: Forest Green
Khan are case in point, as they follow this trend
The packaging is
in full swing by changing their nail colours to CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 21)
also going to see a massive change and we can Keep an eye out on the business front and check the feedback, so as not to get
match their outfits almost everyday. 
already see it in products launched in the latter hoodwinked. At work, a new inductee may take up most of your workload and
half of 2018. Start off the new year with a bang  Voluminous lashes and big brows leave you free for other important things. Regular practice will pay rich dividends
by trying out this look on New Year’s Eve, and
sport it all through the year. Tis’ the year to W e know that
this trend
has been on for the
for some in the sports arena. Unhealthy eating may have adverse effect on you,
so shun junk food. A financial irregularity at work threatens to involve you, but
you will come out unscathed. Lucky Number: 22 / Lucky Colour: Navy Blue
shine bright like a diamond! 
longest time, but it AQUARIUS (Jan 22-Feb 19)
 The bold lip is here to stay and You are likely to win lots of praise for something you have accomplished. A

W hile this year was we  can see it being tranquil atmosphere on the domestic front seems most inviting to let your hair
down. You can expect good professional advice from someone close that is likely
all about going carried on to the to solve some difficult problems at work. Your knowledge and the way you put it
nude and pastel, the next year as well. across is likely to lead to success on the academic front. Regular medication for
bold lips are making a Thin eyebrows are a a lifestyle disease is your key to a trouble-free life. Lucky Number: 2 / Lucky
comeback, giving nude thing of the past and we don’t see it making Colour: Silver
a run for its money. Of a comeback anytime soon, even though a PISCES (Feb 20-Mar 20)
course, there are some number of models who walked the ramp at Don’t gets restless, if attaining your goal takes time. You will succeed by retaining
fashionistas like Priyanka Choprawho made it luxury designer stores, have been sporting an focus. Those with a creative bent of mind may strive for recognition for their
her go-to beauty look and never let go of the eyebrow-less look. Despite that, bushy brows work. Financial betterment is just round the corner for some. A family function
and voluminous lashes are here to stay, and for is on the anvil and will give you an opportunity to meet everyone. Your efforts
trend in the first place. But with a Coral shade on the romantic front will be richly rewarded. Those wanting to get back in shape
being labelled the colour of 2019, we are sure good, we think
may have to put in requisite efforts. Lucky Number: 9 / Lucky Colour: Rose
 The Indian Weekender Friday, January 11, 2019
KADER KHAN: FROM A DICKENSIAN
CHILDHOOD TO EMBODYING ESSENCE OF HINDI CINEMA
Writer-actor Kader Khan
was a versatile talent who
influenced the narrative of
Hindi cinema in the ’80s
and ’90s
K
ader Khan rose from the depths of a
Dickensian childhood in the Bombay
of the 1940s, surrounded by drug
peddlers, prostitutes, pimps and assorted
thugs to eventually embody the essence of
Hindi cinema.
Growing up in Kamathipura, Mumbai’s
notorious red light district that is at once
cruelly heartless and touchingly heartfelt,
Khan absorbed a vast range of human frailties
and poured them in to 700 films that he acted
in and wrote. There is no comparable figure in
cinema anywhere in the world where a master’s
in civil engineering juggled his writerly and
actorly talents with such consummate ease in
hundreds of movies for close to four decades.
By Khan’s own reckoning, he acted in 450
movies and wrote dialogues and scripts for 250
films. That is an astonishing output even by the
generally prolific standards of Hindi cinema.
Since Khan made writing and even a certain
type of performance look so effortless, he
often does not get his due for his remarkable
contribution to Hindi cinema. Although
born in Kabul, Khan went on to capture the
quintessence of India’s everyday pluralism in
his writings.
It was under the tutelage of director
Manmohan Desai, who commissioned Khan
to write for his movies starting in the early
1970s, that he went on to powerfully capture
Bombay’s street swag as reflected in its
language.
Desai told this writer in 1986: “When I first
met Kader Khan I told him, ‘Tum miyabhai
khali sher-o-shayri aur nawabi Urdu likhta
hai. Hum ko kuchh gully ka chahiye. (You
Muslim writers write only poetry and Urdu of
the royal court. I need some street stuff.)’ Khan
also recalled Desai telling him that in his later
interviews to others.
It was under those promptings that in movies
such as Roti (1974) and Amar Akbar Anthony
(1977) that Khan brought in the now famous
Mumbai street patois into the Hindi cinema
lexicon. Although his personal preference was
high-minded and refined Indian and Russian
literature, Khan perhaps subconsciously drew
on his childhood memories to capture some of
the street cool that audiences saw in movies
such as Muqqadar ka Sikander (1978),
Laawaris (1981), Coolie (1983) and action man,
somewhat later, Agneepath (1990). Kader Khan,
Khan’s lines for Agneepath have an a hero of Indian
ironic finality to them, and there could
Bimal Roy Memorial and Film Society to honour Farooq Sheikh, Asha Parekh
B
imal Roy Memorial and Film Society
will honour veteran Farooq Sheikh
along with other distinguished artists
from the golden era commemorating the 52nd
death anniversary of the renowned filmmaker.
Bimal Roy Memorial and Film Society will
hold a special function on January 8.
Veterans Farooq Sheikh and Asha Parekh are
set to be honoured by the Bimal Roy Memorial
and Film Society to commemorate the 52nd
death anniversary of the renowned filmmaker.
The organisation was instituted 22 years ago
in memory of the late filmmaker. Its aim is to
reward unsung heroes of the film industry.
A special function will be held on January 8.
Talking about Sheikh, who passed away in
2013, Roy’s daughter Rinki Roy Bhattacharya
said they wanted to honour the late actor as
he never won an award, barring one National
Award trophy.
“We have selected Farooq Sheikh for this
1937–2019
not be a more compelling actor than Amitabh
Bachchan to do ironic finality in the kind of
unpolished and fractured street lingo which
Khan wrote with great effect.
Agneepath was full of crackling smart
lines but two in particular encapsulate Khan’s
remarkable skills as a movie writer. In one
scene, Bachchan, a gangster recuperating in a
hospital, makes perhaps the most compelling
case for pay rise for the police.
When a police officer, played by Vikram
Gokhale, insists that he could run his
household on a salary of 1500 rupees with
honesty, Bachchan replies: Pagar badhao. Yeh
policewale ka pagar badhao tum. Itna paisa
mein ghar nahin chalta, sala imaan kaise
chalega?” (Raise police salaries. If you can’t
run a household with such a small sum, how
do you support your conscience?)
In another scene when several phones ring
simultaneously in Bachchan’s office, he says”
“Ghalat cheeze banaya hai telephone. Udhar
se aadmi sochta kuchh hai, bolta kuchh hai,
karta kuchh hai. (The telephone is a flawed
invention.
The guy at the other end thinks something,
says something else and does something
entirely different.)”
At the time of the making of
"All Agneepath Khan was at the peak
of his craft and used to write and
act so much that it was easy to
discount his talent. The movie’s
cinema"
distinction because he was a distinguished
artiste who truly deserves it (honour). He never
received an award. All he received was one
default temperament was the kind of sauciness
that one routinely experiences in Mumbai’s
streets, especially among the young population
that has no option but to live by its wits.
Social resentments of the dispossessed and
disenfranchised in Mumbai often result in very
distilled bitterness which gets articulated in
the kind of lines that Khan wrote for the film.
What made them particularly striking was
that it was against his known literary tastes of
someone who loved high-minded Urdu poetry
of the caliber of Mirza Ghalib and others.
His passion for education, which he was
to fondly recall as a gift of his mother Iqbal
Begum’s backbreaking struggles to educate him
as a means to liberate him from his oppressive
early life, stayed with him throughout his life.
Khan loved mathematics, physics,
engineering, machine drawing and well into
his latter life, a serious study of Arabic. Those
who knew him well said he was at heart always
a teacher even on the movie set.
In a rather unusual acknowledgement of his
formidable talents The Economist of London
carried an obituary headlined, “All action man,
Kader Khan, a hero of Indian cinema.”
Soft-spoken, polite and unusually internally
drawn, Khan had the gift of the gab and could
converse across many subjects and themes. In
his passing Indian cinema has lost someone
who straddled the three distinct worlds of the
written, spoken and performed with rare ease.
national award for supporting actor for the film
‘Lahore’,” Bhattacharya said.
Sheikh’s daughter Shaaista will receive the
ENTERTAINMENT 27
Tweet
Picks
Kadar Khan passes away ..
sad depressing news .. my
prayers and condolences
.. a brilliant stage artist
a most compassionate and
accomplished talent on film .. a
writer of eminence ; in most of my very
successful films .. a delightful company ..
and a mathematician !!
– Amitabh Bachchan, Actor
Kader Khan Ji brightened the
screen with his stupendous
acting skills and lightened
it thanks to his unique sense
of humour. He was also a
prolific screenwriter, associated with many
memorable films. Saddened by his demise.
Condolences to his family and admirers.
– Narendra Modi, Prime Minister
Actor Anil Kapoor tweeted,
"Deeply saddened by the
news of Kader Khan’s
demise. I had the chance of
working with him & it was
an inspiring experience. He will always
remain in our hearts & a forever shining
star in the sky. Sending my thoughts, love
& prayers to the family"
– Anil Kapoor, Actor
Mere pasandida abhineta
aur lekhak Kadar Khan ji
ke nidhan ki vaarta sunke
mujhe bahut dukh hua.
hamari film Industry ne ek
bahut accha kalakar aur lekhak kho
diya. Meri unko vinamra shraddhanjali.
– Lata Mangeshkar, Singer
If there’s 1 film I have seen
the most no. of times its
‘Baap numbari Beta dus
numbari’. Bachpan mein iss
film ki vhs lagakar hamesha
dekhta. #KadarKhanSaab has
been a delightful part of my childhood. His
contribution to hindi cinema will always
be remembered. May his soul RIP
– Vicky Kaushal, Actor
#KaderKhan Saab was one
of the finest actors of our
country. It was a joy and
a learning experience to
be on the sets with him. His
improvisational skills were
phenomenal. His humour was eternal and
original. He was a wonderful writer. We
will miss him & his brilliance
– Anupam Kher, Actor
award on his behalf.
Awards will also be presented to directors
Ananth Mahadevan and Amit Rai along with
their actors Paresh Rawal and Jackie Shroff for
making socially relevant films.
Veteran artistes Sulochana Latkar, Kamini
Kaushal and Farida Jalal will attend the
function.
The memorial society is preserving and
restoring Roy’s film library along with other
personal memorabilia such as songbooks,
posters, stills, costumes, screenplays with the
help of experts.
It also honours senior technicians, performing
artists, along with contemporary filmmakers
making innovative, particularly socially
relevant works.
The organisation supports promising film
studies students with seed grants and has been
acquiring Roy’s film prints, negatives, other
material for preservation.
 28 ENTERTAINMENT Friday, January 11, 2019 The Indian Weekender

THE PROBLEM WITH

SIMMBA BEING A HIT
S
immba is a hit, and there is nothing to rejoice in
that victory. This is as basic and crude as cinematic
entertainment can get. I laughed, sometimes
uproariously, at Ranveer Singh's over-the-top antics. He

T
is truly the Jim Carrey of Indian cinema. And Rohit Shetty
is the desi equivalent of the Farrelly brothers who made he year 2018 was a good one for the Hindi film industry. Small
crude look cool on celluloid. budget films from different genres like Stree, Badhaai Ho, Raazi,
Deriving primeval pleasure from the crass values Mulk and Andhadhun held the top spot. The audience rejected star
propagated by Simmba is akin to enjoying roadside food vehicles Race 3, Thugs of Hindostan and Zero and made their preference
of the most unhygienic variety. You know it's going to for good content loud and clear. Ranveer Singh’s Simmba gave the year a
play havoc with your digestive system. But that won't stop perfect ending. And now, Bollywood is all set to step into 2019 with a bang
you from devouring the forbidden food. as it offers an interesting line up of films.
Rohit Shetty specialises in the cinema of guilty
Uri: Release Date: January 11
pleasures. And Simmba is no exception. Its efforts to
appear socially conscious are laughably self-conscious.
An innocent, angelic girl, whom the hero calls "sister", A fter ruling 2018 with films like Raazi, Sanju, Lust Stories and
Manmarziyaan, Vicky Kaushal is all set to impress cinephiles in his
all-new avatar of an army officer in Aditya Dhar’s military drama Uri.
gets brutally raped and murdered. This is the decadent
hero's cue to jump the queue and leap for anointment. It's The film, also starring Yami Gautam and Paresh Rawal, is based on the
like doing your lobbying for the Padma Shri. 2016 surgical strikes on Pakistan, after the Uri Base Camp in Jammu &
The fact that Simmba is a remake of a third-rate Kashmir was attacked. The official synopsis of the movie reads, “A defining
Telugu film is a dead giveaway of its true intentions. It moment in India’s military history. A moment that paved a path to a new,
beats me why any filmmaker would want to remake Puri stronger India. Presenting URI.”
Jagannath's crass and sickening Temper, and that too so The Accidental Prime Minister: Release Date: January 11

faithfully. Maybe Rohit Shetty thought he could improve
on the original, much in the same way that he perhaps
feels he can improve our social environment by making
Ranveer Singh lecture us on Nirbhaya and the escalating
numbers of rapes in our country.
Much as I enjoyed the crudity of Simmba and the
high-voltage, no-holds-barred ebullience of Ranveer
Singh, I am very disturbed by the warm acceptance
that the audience has accorded this brazenly "crass-root
level" treatment of prickly socio-cultural diseases like
finish off the rapists in a fake police station encounter. The
encounter (which, significantly, was no part of the original
Telugu film) is so clumsy and stupid it had me in splits.
My laughter stopped only when I thought of gau bhakts
lynching alleged cattle smugglers.
Simmba is about mob justice. We are supposed to clap
and cheer the unconstitutional murder of rapists because,
well, because Simmba says it's okay. He's the hero of our
times who treats crime as entertainment. When Simmba
raids a pub with his colleagues, he breaks into a Govinda-
B
ased on a book of the same name by Sanjaya Baru, The Accidental
Prime Minister chronicles the political life of former Prime Minister
Dr  Manmohan Singh. The film has  Anupam Kher  essaying the role of
Singh and Akshaye Khanna will be seen as Baru. The trailer of the film
showed a dramatised version of Singh’s encounters with former Congress
president Sonia Gandhi. It also ruffled a few feathers as it delved deep into
the internal politics of the Congress party. The film is helmed by debutant
Vijay Ratnakar Gutte.
Cheat India: Release Date: January 25

corruption and rape.
Ranveer Singh's cocky, decadent cop is a strident
symbol of all that is wrong with our society. He believes
money and brute force are the key to enjoying a privileged
status in society, and he may be right!
What is unsettling about the warm acceptance of a film
like Simmba is that it gives mass acceptance to the concept
of instant justice. Since the law takes its time, why not
kill the alleged culprit? That's the logic our hero uses to
styled jig before doing his job.
It's wrong to drink on duty. But who says you can't
dance? Or let the rapist be castrated when he says he raped
his victim because she hurt his ego.
Rohit Shetty is not going to follow the rules of civil
society. When has that worked in real life? Why should
it work at the box office? Simmba is a film about "Jungle
Raj". And Ranveer Singh is a modern-day Tarzan swinging
and singing from branch to branch. Crime Branch, that is.
T
he Soumik Sen directorial, starring Emraan Hashmi in the lead role, is
about the scams that take place in the Indian education system. Emraan
plays the role of a scamster who has a team of toppers writing exams for
other candidates seeking admission in reputed educational institutions.
Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi: Release date: January 25
K angana Ranaut’s much-awaited historical drama Manikarnika: The
Queen of Jhansi is all set to arrive in theaters on January 25 after much
delay. Kangana plays the role of feisty Rani Laxmi Bai who takes on the

Actor Akshaye Khanna:

East India Company. The movie marks the directorial debut of Kangana
and also Bollywood debut of TV actor Ankita Lokhande. The synopsis of
the film reads, “She fought for freedom 160 years ago. She fought with her
head held high, She fought till she dropped, Yet, never gave up her pride, her

What you call controversy, I call a debate:

motherland, her beloved, Jhansi! It’s time to salute India’s greatest warrior
queen!”

T
he Accidental Prime time that a film is made on a also featuring Suzanne Bernert, Thackeray: Release Date: January 25
Minister, a forthcoming
film centred around former
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
politician of recent times, taking the
real name, and (showcasing) all the
real incidents that are very much
Aahana Kumra and Arjun Mathur, is
slated to release on January 11. It is
directed by Vijay
N awazuddin Siddiqui essays the role of the late Shiv Sena supremo Bal
Thackeray in the biopic titled Thackeray. Also starring Amrita Rao,
the film has been directed by Abhijit Panse.
and his journey with the Congress in the public domain and vividly Gutte.
Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga: Release date: February 1

party, became a talking point since
its trailer released. Actor Akshaye
Khanna, who plays a crucial role in
the movie, sees the reactions as a
debate and not a controversy.
The trailer has raked up talk about
the film's portrayal of a political party
and has raised questions on whether
the filmmaker has a political agenda.
Asked about the response to the
trailer and the controversy around it,
Khanna said: "Look, what you call
controversy, I am calling a debate
B
remembered by the people.
ringing to screen the father-
"Of course, people will have their
daughter duo of Anil Kapoor
opinion and they must express them
and  Sonam Kapoortogether for
in all the mediums -- whether it is on
social media, mainstream media or the first time, Ek Ladki Ko Dekha
by writing an article about it." Toh Aisa Laga promises to be the
"Having said that, I do not think ‘unexpected romance of the year.’
these events as controversy. We are From the trailer, it appears that Sonam
living in a democracy," added the plays a homosexual character in the
son of late actor-politician Vinod movie. Also starring Juhi Chawla
Khanna. Also releasing this month and Rajkummar Rao, the movie is
is a film titled Thackeray. It is based directed by Shelly Chopra Dhar and is backed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra.
late politician Bal Thackeray, the
Sonchiriya: Release date: February 8

and in a democratic country, the
debate should be on.
"Whether it is for or against the
matter, a debate must be embraced.
I appreciate such practice because
only people have the right to decide
if such a film should be made or not."
In the film, veteran actor Anupam
Kher plays Manmohan Singh.
T
founder of Shiv Sena. Why are
he primary plot of this Abhishek Chaubey (Udta Punjab and Dedh
political themes interesting for
Ishqiya fame) film deals with the dacoits of central India and the film
filmmakers and actors?
will attempt to give a glimpse into their lives. A voice-over in the teaser of
In Akshaye's opinion, it is simply
because, "it is interesting". the film informs the viewers that the dacoits are on the lookout for a ‘golden
"There are a lot of political bird’ (Son Chiriya). The movie’s cast includes names like  Sushant Singh
decisions that have been been made Rajput, Bhumi Pednekar, Manoj Bajpayee, Ranvir Shorey and Ashutosh
in the government that have changed "Look, Rana among others. It has been shot in Chambal and Mumbai.
the lives of common people. These what you call Gully Boy: Release date: February 14

Akshaye essays Sanjaya Baru, who
worked as a media advisor of the
Prime Minister from 2004 to 2008,
and later wrote a memoir of his
experience of working at the PMO in
a book that was released in 2014.
Akshaye said: "This is the first
A
controversy, I
kind of stories offer an insight into fter closing the year 2018 with a bang, Ranveer Singh will welcome the
am calling a debate
the thought behind such decisions. New Year with Zoya Akhtar’s Gully Boy. He plays the role of a street
"Through films, people notand in a democratic
only rapper in the movie that also features Alia Bhatt in the lead role. The film
country, the
get access to interesting stories and
debate should explores the underground hip-hop scene of Mumbai and is said to be loosely
information but also a powerfulbe on"
inspired by the life of rapper Divine. Kalki Koechlin, Siddhant Chaturvedi
visual experience," he added.
and Vijay Varma are also a part of the movie.
The Accidental Prime Minister,
 The Indian Weekender Friday, January 11, 2019, 2018 NEW ZEALAND 29

Magic of six-yard-fabric extolled

Traffic Stoppers SS Saree Sakhis AAA Awesome Auckland Angels

in Auckland Saree Speak Meet

SANDEEP SINGH

T
he magic of the traditional
Indian six-yard-fabric saree
was extolled in Auckland by
a group of enthusiastic saree lovers
who had gathered together on a
bright sunny, albeit sleepy afternoon
of Saturday, January 5, in the central
suburb of Remuera.
The event Auckland Saree Speak
Meet was propelled by similar
global events being held at distant
places like Pune, Belagavi, New
Delhi, Jakarta and New Jersey, with
the same passion of celebrating
different styles and forms of sarees
and simultaneously empowering
those who carry this traditional
Indian drape every day with much
elegance.
Saree Speak is a closed social
media group started by Vini Tandon Bindu Handa, Bavani Suresh event Saree draping contest group 2 Kirithika Kiki, Neelam Sajwan Rawat in a Gujarati drape, Kishori Telang, Charul Shah, Varu Iyer,
Keni from Goa in 2016 and organisers. Melanie Jeyakum

had gradually attained immense

popularity with its membership
increasing to around 100, 000 by the
end of 2018.
The group brings together
women initially from India and then
gradually from different parts of
the world who post their saree-clad
images and pictures accompanied
with brief stories about its kind,
texture and origin or any other
interesting stories related around the
purchase.
This way the social media group
has not only managed to bring
together women sharing a similar
passion for sarees from all around
the world on one common platform
but also supporting small scale
weavers and craftsmen from all
over India. The group has played
a significant role in reviving some
almost getting extinct weaves
like the Kunbi, Gamcha and other
Handloom weaves.
The Auckland event was initiated
by a saree enthusiast Bavani Suresh, Saree draping contest group 3 Meena
Kalyanpur Basrur, Jyoti Raj, Bhargavi
who noted on the Saree Speak social Kotte in Madurai Pinkosu drape, Bindu
Saree draping contest group 1
media page that many meets were Handa.
Kanchana Mala Reddy, Urvashi Shinde
in Bengal Athpourey drape, Manasi
occurring worldwide, and decided to event whereby encouraging Chivate, Madhuri Yamineni
explore interest in holding a similar participating women to get to know Saree draping contest group 4 Vasu Moses, Mumtaj Agarbattiwala in Kerala
event in the city of sails. each other amidst several games Namboothiri drape, Santhriga Kannan, Ravika Java, Kanika Diesh.
Her query was reciprocated by and competitions designed to for group shots and videos.” Pinkosu, Kerala Namboothiri,
Weekender
several saree enthusiasts, which celebrate different kinds of sarees, “The Saree Speak members, Gujarati style on a group member,
Bavani Suresh said,
culminated in the Auckland Saree subsequently prompted women to who are fondly referred to as Saree amidst much retying and laughter,”
“Remuera Road erupted into a wild
Speak Meet organised in close walk outside on Auckland streets Sakhis were excited to participate in Ms Suresh said.
frenzy of unrestrained colour as the
liaison with other saree enthusiasts displaying the magic of Indian the saree draping contest. Clearly, the online group is ready
Sakhis trooped out and onto the
Bindu Handa and Sasi Indiran. fabric. “Each group had to drape one to come out of the virtual world and
street, stopping traffic while posing
Initially conceived as a private Speaking to The Indian of the Bengal Athpourey, Madurai burst the seams of the real world.
 30 FEATURES
Holi 2K19
Date: Sunday, February 10
Time: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Venue: Hare Krishna Temple, 1229
Coatesville-Riverhead Highway, Kumeu,
Auckland
NZ’s largest Holi Festival.
See details on our FB page / event and website www.holi.org.nz
Auckland International
Buskers Festival 2019
Date: Friday, January 25- Sunday, February 28
Time: 12 p.m. onwards
Venue: Auckland CBD, Waterfront
Hosted by Auckland International Buskers Festival & SkCity
Live
World Class Talent will be hitting the streets of Auckland, New
Zealand for the Nineteenth time over Auckland Anniversary
Weekend 2019.
Acrobats, magicians, comedies, unicycle champions and
Aucklanders urged to enjoy sunny weather with kite-flying
IWK BUREAU
T
he Kite Festival is back for another
year of fun and frolic for the family on
Sunday, January 13.
The event is brought by Vaishnav Parivar
(NZ) Inc. who are organising the 13th edition of
the Kite Festival at Eastdale Reserve, Avondale.
The event will start at 11 am and continuing till
6.30 pm, giving ample opportunities to festival-
goers to enjoy fun, food and entertainment.
The venue is located next to Avondale College
on Rosebank Road, Avondale.
“All preparations are completed now. Kites
are ready to fly, and manja (kite-string) will be
on sale to the public at the event centre,” says
more will rendezvous around Auckland’s CBD and waterfront
to create the electrifying atmosphere that is the Auckland
International Buskers Festival!
New Year 2019
Celebrations
Date: Monday, December 31 - Tuesday,
January 1
Time: 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Venue: Sky Tower, Corner Victoria & Federal
Street, Auckland
Let’s get together and Welcome 2019 in Grand style. Hosted by
Indian Students in New Zealand
Trillian Trust FunFest
2019
Date: Thursday, Janurary 10 - Sunday,
January 13
Time: 9 a.m. onwards
Manhar Patel from Vaishnav Parivar.
“There will be several stalls with delicious
food items, ice gola & kulfi, snacks, juice and
soft drinks.
“In addition, there will be lots of
entertainment activities for children in the form
of fun rides & slide, face painting and drawing
competitions. “Live cultural performances will
be one of the attractions of many more cultural
programs of the festival,” he added.
Visitors can also buy a $5 raffle ticket to win
Gold Coast Holiday Package for two people
including four days accommodation.
There will be many more attractive prizes as
well and later in the evening; there will you can
take part in an auction for Slumberzone Deluxe
Friday, January 11, 2019 The Indian Weekender
Venue: Vodafone Event Centre, 770 Great Time: 7 p.m. onwards
South Road, Manukau, Auckland Venue: Auckland Domain, Hosted by What’s
Life Education Trust Counties Manukau is really excited to be
the principal beneficiary of 2019’s Trillian Trust FunFest. On in Auckland
A free for all the family event which is based in the premier The Lantern Festival is back, celebrating 20 years! Come and
South Auckland venue, Vodafone Events Centre.
enjoy New Zealand’s largest Chinese festival, celebrating the
FunFest Charitable Trust was formed in 2002 with the sole
purpose of creating a free event for families of Auckland. Our
focus was to bring families and communities together in a
year of the pig, from Thursday 14 – Sunday 17 February, in the
Auckland Domain.
positive environment. We’ve successfully created a fun safe
Be entertained and dazzled by hundreds of handmade
place for families to enjoy every year. Thousands of families
have grown up with Funfest. Our event has grown to an Chinese lanterns, music and dance performances, martial arts
audience of over 30,000 people annually from all over the demonstrations, traditional Chinese art and craft – there’s a
country and all ages. 
range of activities for all ages.
We are the only annual Auckland summer event with free
entry, free parking, free rides and free prizes. There is simply no Plus, it’s free to attend!
other event that compares with Trillian Trust Funfest in terms of
attractions, scale and social responsibility. 
If you’re all about the lanterns and less about the crowds, be
Our event now includes an invitational day for children with sure to head to the Domain on 14 February for the lantern
special needs and their families.  appreciation night (there will be no stalls, live entertainment or
We’ve also added the Funfest Family Expo promoting a range food on this night).
of products and services that encourage family well-being,
health, education and careers. Trillian Trust Funfest promotes
positive relationships throughout families and communities.
Keep an eye out for the full festival programme, available in
2019.
For more information on the Auckland Lantern Festival,
Auckland Lantern Festival visit www.aucklandnz.com/lantern, and follow What’s on in
Date: Thursday, February 14- Sunday,
February 17 AucklandFacebook page!
"Live
cultural
Bed at 6.15 pm. performances
“We had got the support of The will be one of the
Lion Foundation, Whau Local attractions of many
Board, The Trusts Community more cultural
Foundation & Avondale College and programs of the
sponsored by Global Financial Services festival."
Limited, Reliance Ventilation Systems,
Manukau Nissan, Tony Chaudhary of Bayles,
Greenline Developers Limited, Travel Corner,
Slumberzone, Nitin Mittal of Wallace Stratton,
Discount Building Supplies and our media
sponsors Radio Tarana, The Indian Weekender
& Kuk Punjabi,” he added.
“When it comes to parking, around the event
site, additional parking at Avondale College
will be available on first come first serve basis,
and people can use Gate 1 on Victor Street or
Gate 3 on Rosebank Road for parking their
vehicle,” Mr Patel said.
 LONDON

NEW DELHI

New Delhi NZ$

1,310 Chennai NZ$
1,413
Kochi NZ$
1,415 Bengaluru NZ$
1,421
Mumbai NZ$
1,437 Kolkata NZ$
1,444
Hyderabad NZ$
1,456 Ahmedabad NZ$
1,458

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