www.iwk.co.nz 1 17 January 2014
January 17, 2014 Vol. 5 Issue 17 | www.iwk.co.nz
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Wellington bar labels Indian DJ Neill Andrews loses patrons as rapists
eill Andrews, the owner of Famous business after ‘racist post’ nightclub, continued to defend his Nracist rant against Indian customers; ompanies who have used wellington “We have spoken to the posted on his Facebook page on the 30th of based dj nda (a.k.a. neill andrews) company that organized December. Cfor functions have announced that Dame Susan Devoy, Race Relations they will not use him again as a result of an the entertainment for our Commissioner, has made a strong remark on offensive status andrews posted on facebook on Christmas event and asked the Famous owners comment and has asked december 30. that Mr Andrews not be used people to boycott the club. ANZ issued a statement today confirming After removing the posts, he said that, it was that they would not use Andrews again at future at our events in future in a joke and was over the top but continues to ANZ events. light of his reported remarks believe that young Indian men are a problem. “We have spoken to the company that on Facebook,” said the ANZ Mr. Andrews believes, he is not the only one organized the entertainment for our Christmas and Indian patrons are a problem everywhere. event and asked that Mr Andrews not be spokesman. Ironically, he further says that he is not used at our events in future in light of his making a sweeping statement or saying it in reported remarks on Facebook,” said the ANZ general. spokesman. After expressing some regret for posting Andrews has previously DJed at two ANZ at Famous on January 17. Cox’s management, the comment, Mr. Andrews suggested that he Christmas functions. Safehouse Management UK, still cannot be will be happy to host an “Indian night”, with RACE Incorporated CEO Alasdair reached for comment. all Indian customers and DJs – provided the Browne, which went viral on Facebook from Robertson says he is aware of the social media MASSIVE reported yesterday that customers pay for their own alcohol. there on. comments alleged to have been made by Wellington DJ and owner of nightclub On December 30th, he had posted the - IWK Bureau Andrews. ‘Famous’, Neill Andrews, posted the below following: “I find the comments extraordinary and status on his Facebook page, to the “disgust” of “Just because we don’t let groups of creepy quite incompatible with the standards of the Wellington club goers and residents: Indian rapists into the club doesn’t make us Wellington Racing Club and the overall RACE “Just because we don’t let groups of creepy racist, they also don’t buy alcohol” Incorporated group,” he says. Indian rapists into the club doesn’t make us “Probably so they can be sober enough to “Assuming the comments are correctly racist, they also don’t buy alcohol. Probably so tie up the sack and lift the body into the back attributed we will not be having any association they can be sober enough to tie up the sack and of their hybrid taxi, while wearing oversized with Mr Andrews.” lift the body into the back of their hybrid taxi, leather jackets and sports shoes.” Andrews had been scheduled to DJ at the while wearing oversized leather jackets and However, Mr. Andrews said that no one Wellington Cup Carnival on January 25. sports shoes”. was excluded from Famous because of their British DJ Carl Cox, whose management ethnicity. The story was picked up by Massive reportedly prompted Andrews to remove the - By Morgan Browne, Editor, magazine and highlighted by the editor Morgan offensive comment, is scheduled to perform Massive Magazine
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Kiwi Indians speak out Outrage over DJ’s racist comments A joint course of action is necessary to counter such racism. Shocked community contemplates action against ‘Famous’ owner. - Alkesh Sharma, National President, Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin Indian Weekender investigates. (GOPIO NZ INC)
ew Zealand’s Indian community has Indian associations, businessmen and Chairperson of NZICA Women He surely is racist. What’s more, there is expressed unequivocal displeasure at the several community leaders are vocal Group. The Human Rights no sign of remorse or apology; this is not recent racist comment on Facebook by Commission has encouraged acceptable. If he is going to meet up with the N in expressing their anger and are DJ and club owner Neill Andrews. Several Indian those in the community, anyone Wellington Indian community, I urge them associations are poised to take official action. contemplating a joint course of action. who thinks they have been to not meet till he apologises as a first step. “The NZICA will approach the Human treated unfairly because of their - Vinod Kumar, Owner, Mitre10 Rights Commission and also other relevant ethnicity, to come forward with agencies with an official complaint,” said Mr. an official complaint. The comments made by the DJ Neil Harshad Patel, President of NZ Indian Central “The post is offensive Andrews about Indians are outrageous. I Association. “The comment Mr. Andrews made is and unacceptable. The fast strongly believe that we should be united in racist, discriminatory and outrageous. The whole pace and changing nature of our response and course of action. We are community is extremely offended and shocked at social media throws up some seriously contemplating making a formal this kind of racism.” challenges in dealing with complain to the office of the Race Relations. On December 30, Mr. Andrews, the owner these sorts of comments. We - Harshad Patel, President, New Zealand of Famous nightclub in Wellington posted a racist encourage people to report Indian Central Association rant about Indian patrons on his Facebook page. offensive posts or material The derogatory comment was replete with racist directly to the media I am appalled at the comment and it is undertones. He termed Indians as “groups of organisation involved,” said very important, that every organization creepy Indian rapists”. Dame Susan Devoy, Race (whether Indian or other) complains to the Indian associations, businessmen and several Relations Commissioner. Race Relations . We must document our community leaders are vocal in expressing their In a brief conversation concerns. anger and are contemplating a joint course of with the Indian Weekender, - Ranjna Patel, Chairperson, action. Mr. Andrews remained NZICA Women Group “Mr. Andrew’s comment was deplorable. All unapologetic and said, “I do Indian associations and organizations need to Niell Andrews: DJ & owner of the nightclub ‘Famous’ not regret what I said. Indian Any form of racism is unacceptable. With respond to in one voice within the community. In men are sexually repressed. The regards to Mr. Andrews’ comment, we will fact, we should boycott his club and not attend any Indians who are frequenting these clubs.” only thing I apologize for is how it was taken and certainly be pursuing joint action with other functions where he DJs,” said Mr. Ashok Bhatia, This sentiment is echoed by others. “I think I am not responsible for that.” Indian associations in the next few days. Director, AB International. “To raise this concern it is very important that we strongly vocalise The audio of the full conversation is available - Ashok Darji, President, is important because instances and comments like and document our concerns,” said Ranjna online on the newspaper’s website. Auckland Indian Association this can harm our younger generation of Kiwi Patel, Director, East Tamaki Health Care and - IWK Bureau www.iwk.co.nz 4 NEW ZEALAND 17 January 2014 Bringing India-NZ closer: A penchant for a man of faith
one table. what the back story of recognised within New Zealand, while not Mr Anthony on the honours winners equally true for New Zealand in India, he thinks, Vaibhav Saklani being contacted said is. Mr. Anthony, didn’t is slightly disconcerting; he strongly believes that the award is not think there was much to that the relationships between the two nations for him alone, it is make of the story. need to be strong enough, for New Zealand to be rought to New Zealand by the pull of recognition for India. Mr. Anthony, since able to gain recognition within India. He thinks his immense faith in God, Wenceslaus It is for the people his arrival to New there aren’t roadblocks but challenges in 2014 to BAnthony has come a long way from and the cause not for Zealand has made combine energies of various organisations and the days of dislike for New Zealand to being me personally. He constant efforts to better make a collective effort to build a continuous awarded the Member of the New Zealand acknowledged the the relations between exchange on various fronts. He underlined Order of Merit (MNZM) the Queen’s honours support of the NZ the two nations. With channelizing efforts the key word on various announced at the turn of the year for his work in Prime Minister, and organisations like the fronts from trade and commerce, education and improving India – New Zealand relations. the NZ government. INZBC, his main focus even spirituality. Wenceslaus was a member of the official The institutions he has been to establish A believer, and a man of great faith, Mr. delegation of NZ Prime Minister Rt. Hon. John has worked with, Jan stronger business as Anthony believes that it is his constant and Key during his state visit to India in June 2011. Henderson the High well as bureaucratic undying faith in God that has brought him this In June 2012, he was appointed as a Director Commissioner to India, relations between India far in his efforts to strengthen the ties between on the Board of the Bank of Baroda (NZ) in Mr. Bhav Dhillon and and New Zealand. the two nations that he so dearly loves. recognition of his contribution to commercial other friends were all Now, however, he is Having received such great amounts of and industrial ties between NZ and India. there to support him all working to incorporate recognition within New Zealand for his work, A very strong headed Mr Anthony, in along. other factors, such Mr. Anthony is a rather humble human being. his previous ventures has built a career and A man much as, art, culture, and He credits his friends, in India and in New expertise in project management, international travelled, Mr. Anthony education in to the mix Zealand, his family, and most of all, his faith negotiations, international trading, and chose New Zealand as Wenceslaus Anthony, MNZM to further strengthen in the almighty for everything that he has been recruitment over 33years. His market his place of residence the bond between these able to accomplish. His strong support system intelligence and selection process has enabled based on a recommendation by a dear friend. It two very diverse countries. He hopes he, through is what he relies on when he talks of his future him to establish personal relationships globally. took him some time to adjust to the environment his involvement in various organisations in New endeavours, be it the progress on the Free He currently is the chairman and managing in Aoteoroa, but he now cherishes this country Zealand, is able encourage the Indian diaspora trade agreement between the countries that is director at WAML Group, and PACT Industries like his own. However, he hasn’t forgotten his in New Zealand to encourage fellow Indians and currently in the works, the cultural forum that apart from his various social and voluntary roles. motherland India. support them in their quest to settle down here. he is trying to setup in India or even his current Mr Anthony, completed his term as the Chair On a remark in The New Zealand Herald by The most effective way to take such a step, venture, the INZBC. of the India-New Zealand Business Council author Kerre Mclvor about the anonymity of he believes, is through education. With the He intends to keep on going and do the (INZBC) in June 2013, and now is part of Mr Vailankanni Wenceslaus Melchoir Anthony, increasing number of Indian students in New very best that he can to achieve his goals their National Executive heading government there was a very light hearted resignation that Zealand, Mr. Anthony believes that this will by strengthening economic, commercial, relations. He is credited with increasing the he takes it very positively, said Mr. Anthony. open up the doors for an awareness of New bureaucratic as well as cultural relations membership of the council and bringing on He said it is for the newspaper to inform, it is a Zealand within India. between the two nations, now and in the near board various synergies acting across the seas to primary purpose it should serve, the reader about The fact that India, as a nation, is well future.
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dedicated sportsperson, coach; and a ness School. In 2007 Manoj was Head Coach of the NZ Indians firm believer in team work, Mr Daji he was awarded a mens team between 2007 and 2012. In ad- has grown in rank one step at a time. Royal society of NZ dition he has been an assistant coach for the ARecounting his father’s words, “as a minority Teaching fellowship Junior Blacksticks, NZ Academy, and Black- in New Zealand sport, it is always important for Entrepreneurship sticks during the period 2003 to 2008. to strive to be better than the other players”, teaching. In 2004 and 2007, Manoj was awarded Mr. Daji set two simple mottos, hard work In sports, Manoj Prime Ministers scholarships for High Perfor- and striving to be the best. had a lustrous career mance coaching. The recognition was a very humbling playing hockey at In 2009 Manoj established the Born- moment for me personally”, said Manoj, on the Provincial level, here Mentoring Charitable trust along with learning of the Queens Service Medal honour. captaining the NZ Bhovesh Patel and Priyesh Bhana(former On contacting him, he expressed his grati- Indians Representa- Blackstick) to help young kiwi indians tude towards his family, parents Chandubhai tive Hockey team in achieve their goals. and Bhanubhen, wife Asmita, his uncles international games. His contributions in the areas of both Ashok Jeram, and Sumant Lala (awarded After finishing youth sport and High Performance sport by MNZM 2013) who fostered a love for sport playing at the Premier assisting athletes to become the best they can and coaching in him, and supporting him all Hockey level, after be. Mentoring Olympians, former Black- along playing around 500 stick and Blackcap players and seeing them Also, acknowledging the role of his teach- games, Manoj turned achieve their dreams has been very rewarding ers and coaches as he grew up. He added to coaching. Working for all. that some great Kiwis like Arthur Parkin (PE his way up from ju- Manoj said, “I trust I have had a posi- teacher and Olympic Gold Medalist), Kevin nior teams, to school, tive impact in some small way on the lives Towns (former Blacksticks coach), my friend to premier teams, and of most of the players and students I have and mentor Dipak Patel(former Blackcap), finally to high perfor- coached or taught over the last 25 years.” the late Phil Raffills (my first teaching mance teams over a Manoj has been the CEO of College Sport Principal), Entrepreneur Tony Falkenstein, 25 year period. Auckland, since 2008 and is responsible for and Byron Bentley (former chair of College In 2007, at the the facilitation of inter secondary sport for Sport) were all part of his growth; “nothing Champions Trophy, around 100,000 students across 104 Auckland is achievable without the support of others” Manoj was an As- Secondary Schools. He retires from this role added Manoj. sistant Coach of the at the end of the week and is returning to the Manoj believes that it is not for him to de- Spanish mens hockey teaching profession, this time at Auckland cide what value the honor adds to his career, team. He continued Grammar School. he says, “I will continue to serve sport and his association with In his changing profile from a coach to education.” Spanish hockey with entrepreneur and now returning to teaching Manoj, after moving from an account- a stint in 2012 as an he joked that the challenge in his day is to ing role at Deloitte, retrained as a secondary assistant coach with find time to exercise. teacher gaining a Diploma of Teaching. He European Hockey taught at Avondale College, Senior College League team Atletic - IWK Bureau of New Zealand and Onehunga High Busi- Terrasa HC. www.iwk.co.nz 7 17 January 2014 NEW ZEALAND ‘Service beyond race or religion’ Kanagarasa Sivaraj, QSM
passionate man, Mr. Sivaraj, has He was awarded the Good Citizen held that serving the community A wherever he lives, in whatever way, Award, by Avondale Community Board irrespective of race or religion as his motif. of the Auckland City Council, in 2007; He keeps words of wisdom from Sri Sathya Sai Baba, “hands that serve are holier than the Kiwibank New Zealander of the the lips that pray” close. Year, Local Heroes Medal, in 2012. As the recognition came as a surprise to him, Mr Sivaraj said that he felt honoured and greatly humbled to be the recipient of the prestigious Queen’s Service Medal. He In 2013, Mr Sivaraj He was awarded the Good Citizen said, it was a proud moment for him as a was instrumental, Award, by Avondale Community Board citizen to be recognised by the Queen and the in his capacity as of the Auckland City Council, in 2007; the Government of New Zealand for his services President of Pt. Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year, Local to the community. Chevalier Lions to Heroes Medal, in 2012. “For over forty years I have been involved raise funds for the Every single day Mr. Sivaraj, takes up a in service activities wherever I lived. I have Starship Dialysis new task and in his small meaningful ways put in a lot of time effort and energy in doing Project, Cancer has over the years made a difference to many what I love doing most without expecting Society, Royal lives. anything in return. I consider the award of Foundation of the From a daily task as a Caring Caller, the prestigious Queens Service Medal as the Blind, Diabetes to Fridays at the Citizens Advice Bureau, Crown Jewel among all the Awards, Service Youth of NZ., Sundays at the library at the Sathya Sai Medals and Certificates I have had the Multiple Seclerosis Service Organisation, Tuesdays at the Shanthi privilege to receive over the years”, said Mr. Society, Fred Hallows Nivas Senior Citizens. Fortnightly meetings, Sivaraj. Foundation and to at the Lions Club, the Shakthi Seniors, and the He thanked the various organisations Project Whenuapai/ Sri Lankan Tamil Seniors. Sivaraj, languishes (Citizens Advice Bureau, Avondale, Sri Hobsonville-for about time management being his main Sathya Sai Service Organisation, St. Cyclone victims. The challenge and with the laptop misbehaving at John Caring Caller Service and Diabetes club also donated a times, making time management even more Auckland) that he has been associated with Transfer Trainer Aid critical. for giving him the opportunity to serve them to the Rangitoto ward and through them the diverse multi-ethnic of the Auckland City - IWK Bureau and multi- cultural community in Auckland. Hospital.
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General, Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry families facing particular difficulties, so every Look after my health and of-course love all OMateparae, GNZM QSO addressed child can grow up in a safe and secure home. creatures of God selflessly. the country using a Youtube video, in his now Our families have faced challenges in the past, established style. and have emerged stronger as a result. In 2014 Rahul Redey: He recounted that 2014 is a milestone year as we will mark the centenary of the start of the First It’s well known that New Year’s resolutions don’t it marks the 20th anniversary of the International World War, and with that, the end of peace. The have a high success rate. While many people opt Year of the Family as celebrated by the United war to end all wars that began in 1914 unleashed to ditch the annual goal-setting event, many of Nations. He said, “New Zealand is a great place to a series of bloody conflicts that enveloped the first us set at least one resolution come New Year. raise a family.” Adding that he often hears people half of the 20th Century. Over the next five years Wanting to make resolutions is a good thing. say that, “everyone should have a New Zealand we will mark both the centenaries of the battles The fact that people keep making resolutions childhood.” He reminded the country of how Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, of the First World War – including the Gallipoli even when they don’t always follow through essential it is to create a safe and secure home. GNZM QSO. Governor-General of Landing – and the 75th anniversaries of battles ultimately means that they have hope and a Touching on another historic event, 2014 New Zealand in the Second World War. In these and other certain level of belief in their ability to change. is the centenary of the start of the First World of our families has changed. The notion of a conflicts, millions of lives were lost, and families Some research confirms that setting a resolution War. The Governor-General said that brave New typical family is open to interpretation. While were tragically torn apart. can get you closer to your goals. Frankly, I tried Zealanders answering the call of service in that our families are now more diverse, the desire of The New Zealanders who answered the call making some tough resolutions over the years war, “and many conflicts since, did so to protect parents to raise their children in a caring, loving of service in that war, and many conflicts since, and have failed. our country in the hope that their families and environment has not changed. did so to protect our country in the hope that their My resolution every year is to follow the last their children could live in peace. “ New Zealand is a great place to raise a family. families and their children could live in peace. As year’s resolution that I didn’t follow (ha-ha). His message, verbatim, was as follows: I often hear people say that everyone should have we recall their sacrifices, we should never forget Kia ora koutou. Nga mihi o te tau hou. New a New Zealand childhood. The care we provide the untold suffering these conflicts caused for Alisha Iyer: Year greetings to you all. to our most vulnerable citizens – our children – is families and children. New Year resolutions are like feathers, they need The New Year holidays are a time to enjoy the a barometer of the wellbeing of our families and As we make our resolutions for the New Year, to be light and have a flight of fancy. Not to be long summer days and reconnect with our family our society. While most families successfully and look to the year’s anniversaries, we should held onto but floated like hope. Mine is to finally and friends. Spending time during the holidays cope with the inevitable challenges life throws at let the lessons learnt so painfully a century ago fly home this year. at home, at the beach or at a park with our friends us, some do not. New Zealand has a strong record inform our appreciation of our families and the and whānau reminds us just how important our of organisations, like Plunket and Birthright New freedom we have to raise them in peace. Have a Kapil Anand: families are to us and our society. Zealand, working with families to help them raise safe and happy summer holiday. My new year resolutions have become stronger During 2014 the family will be in the spotlight their children. year by year as they motivate me to work hard as the United Nations marks the 20th anniversary The 20th anniversary of the International Year - Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, and achieve my goals. This year I want to learn of the International Year of the Family. of the Family is a time to take stock. As a nation, GNZM QSO how to cook and make myself one good meal In New Zealand the structure and dynamics and as communities, we need to both celebrate our Governor-General of New Zealand every week.
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and the Peshwas . He procured the coins of the dynasty . Harshavardhan has brought this great , 2 ana ( square coin ) 4 ana and 8 ana coins , a times of British Raj from some Anglo-Indian collection to New Zealand and has proudly stored currency which was mostly in use in those days . friends , which comprises of a rare coin of 1835 this treasure at his humble home in Auckland. Needless to mention that this hobby of antique Jaywant Datar of the then East India Company. The Monarchs The coins are of different colours and sizes coins collection is endless , and expensive too ! of the then princely states in India always wanted ranging from 2 mm to 2 inches. There is a ‘ It takes lot of efforts to search for them and then to extend the hand of friendship to the British Dhabu ‘ coin of 1 paisa with a circular hole in to store them in a methodical way . One must One paisa or five paisa coin worth twenty Rulers. To demonstrate this , they had taken out the middle, a square coin of 5 paisa , a coin of keep a searching eye everywhere to pick up and thousand rupees? Don’t be surprised ! It a coin which states “ Dosti Londhon “ emborsed pure gold ... so many varieties of them makes collect the coins . e.g. Harshavardhan once came “is true !! in Devnagari. Harshavardhan has this one of its it very interesting to watch . There are different to know that one Punjabi gentleman in Auckland The one paisa and five paisa coins of 1956 to 1962 have become so rare that they can easily fetch twenty to thirty thousand rupees “ - Says Each coin has its own Harshavardhan Jog, an Aucklander, originally story and history. The from Pune, India. Harshavardhan, an ardent coin collector, has been collecting rare Indian collection depicts very coins since last 35 years. He started collecting rich Indian culture, coins and postal stamps as a hobby when he was a teenager school boy way back in 70s and 80s, history and heritage in Pune. What began as a hobby then has turned covering a span of into a great treasure of around 300 rare Indian coins which may be worth a million rupees today. around 1800 years . A relative of Harshavardhan’s family who was a Director of Education in the then Holkar State, presented a small silver sword and few coins of has a good coin collection and has a very rare Indore State to his father. After seeing this very silver coin of 1858 of 1 rupee. He desired that he rare & beautiful antique present , Harshavardhan must have this coin in his possession anyhow. So who was a schoolboy then , had an immense he got acquanted with this gentleman and after a urge of collecting such rare artifacts . Whilst long negotiation and persuasion finally obtained schooling in Pune, he used to get pocket money. the coin from him at a cost of NZD 400 ! ( The He decided to spend it to collect rare Indian coins Coin collector Harshvardhan Jog rarer the coin the costlier it is ! ) This is the cost which were available at the Chor Bazaar of Pune. one has to incur to relish one’s hobby !! Some friends and known people also gave him kind coin in his collection. He also has coins of alphabets inscribed on the coins ... Urdu, All this collection makes a very interesting the coins which were in their possession . This is 1 rupee, 8 anas and 4 anas which were specially Devnagari, English, Portugese ... with varieties viewing and Harshavardhan takes pleasure in how the coin collection process started and over minted to commemorate the Indian independence of metals such as gold, silver,bronze, nickle, showing and explaining the story and history the years the number has reached the figure of in 1947. copper etc. There are pictures of Mahatma behind each coin to any desirous history loving around 300 till date. Each coin has its own story and history. Gandhi, Queen Victoria, King Edward etc on the viewer. In fact , if any like-minded coin collector This collection comprises of the rarest coins The collection depicts very rich Indian culture, coins and he also has a complete set of coins on or any institution is interested, Harshavardhan from the Mughal dynasty of Samrat Akbar, history and heritage covering a span of around Mahatma Gandhi. In olden days the one ‘ ana ‘ ( is willing to sell all this treasure so that our rich Shahajahan,Aurangzeb as also from the Lodhi 1800 years . The oldest coin in the collection is which is a 16th part of a rupee ) had a big buying heritage and culture is stored and protected in the dynasty, the Great Marathas - Shivaji maharaj 1800 years old from the most ancient Kangra value and we can see in the collection the 1 ana right hands !
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aishnav Parivar (NZ) Inc., popularly known as VPNZ, is a charitable entity Vduly registered under the New Zealand Charities Act 2005 operating from Blockhouse Bay in Auckland. VPNZ has more than 250 registered members. Our core activity is religious, cultural and sports. As part of our cultural activities, VPNZ has been organizing Indian Kite Festival in Auckland for the last 8 years, first at Michael Savage Park in Mission Bay and presently at the Avondale Race Recourse grounds, in Avondale. Significance of Kite Festival Makarsakranti (Uttarayan) (14th January) is from the Indian subcontinent (India, Pakistan, the day when the sun starts to travel northwards Bangladesh, Malaysia & Fiji) more and more marking the decline of winter. The days become locals (Europeans, Maori and Chinese, & Pacific longer, the skies clearer and the breeze cooler. A Islanders) are partaking in the festivities. feeling of anticipation, joy and jubilation grips all Many of the people from the Indian subcontinent who celebrate the occasion of thanksgiving and are regular visitors to their homeland and so they merry-making. have renewed interest to celebrate Kite Festival in The fascination and the fun associated with the New Zealand. kite flying cuts across age groups and communities. VPNZ imports kites and threads from India It is a competitive fun sport where family enjoys each year for sale to the public at the Festival. In not only flying kite in air but to outdo rival’s kite addition there are several food and non food stalls as well. as well as entertainment for children in the form The Festival has been gaining momentum of kiddy castle and slide, merry go round, face each year and at the last, in January 2013, we had painting for the children. Drawing competition, between 8000 and 9000 people enjoyed the event. color the picture competition, live performances are We are expecting between 9000 and 10,000 people other attractions of the festival. Also, you can buy at our next Festival on Saturday 18 January 2014 Kite flying action from last year’s festival raffle ticket to win ‘Gold Coast Holiday Package (Rain Date: Monday 27 January) at Avondale for 2’ and many more attractive prizes. The Festival Racecourse. While these people are mostly has truly become a big day out for families.
Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi NATIONAL LIST MP
AUCKLAND OFFICE: Unit 1, 131 Kolmar Rd, Papatoetoe, Auckland Ph: 09 278 9302 | Email: [email protected] Postal Address: PO Box 23136, Hunters Corner, Auckland 2025
www.bakshi.co.nz www.national.org.nz www.iwk.co.nz 11 17 January 2014 NEW ZEALAND
Avadhoot Gupte to perform in Auckland vadhoot Gupte, a well known songs. Composer, Singer, Lyricist, Judge, Avadhoot has also performed numerous live AAnchor & the Director would perform shows. Avadhoot’s ability as a performer has on 23rd February at Dorothy Winstone Theatre, been applauded by audiences worldwide. He Auckland Girl’s Grammar School. creates the rapport with the audience within a Avadhoot started his career as a composer in very short span of time whenever he steps on the year 2002, when he composed a basic album the stage. His latest album “Dil Se Maratha Hai’ of 8 songs on the theme of Rain (Marathi Title became a run away hit with the Super hit track “Paus”). Avadhoot shot into fame instantly with “Jai Jai Maharashtra”. In “Jai Jai Maharashtra” this album and received the “Alpha Gaurav he does justice to the track by rendering Puraskar” for the Best Composer 2002 for this the song with a rock feel. Thus as a singer album. Avadhoot has the capacity to mold his voice to His second album as a composer was an the requirement and mood of the composition/ Indi-Pop album called “Aika Dajiba” which lyrics or track as the case may be. is considered to be a landmark in the field of Another celebrity artist and the name that Indian Pop Music. “Aika Dajiba” started the doesn’t need any introduction as such Shri trend of Hindi pop songs with a Marathi punch Prashant Damle would stage his play “Eka ‘Safer Families’ promoted by Manukau line. His song received unparalleled response Lagna chi Ghost” in Auckland on 29th March. from audiences of all ages worldwide. This Prashant Damle is associated with Marathi album was followed with yet another superhit Theatre since 1983 and till date he has performed Indian Association this summer album “Meri Madhubala” which launched him in 26 different plays and variety of roles. In the anukau Indian Association Manukau Indian Association, at 57 Hillside as a pop singer. journey of 29 years of performing arts, he has presents “Safer Families”, a Safer Road, Papatoetoe in Auckland. Thus from the first album he composed, been honoured with many prestigious awards. MFamilies Day supported by East It is showing promise to be a fun filled to his latest (“Mera Dadla”), Avadhoot has an Till date h has FOUR LIMCA RECORDS on Tamaki Healthcare, Auckland Council, NZ event, with activities like Bouncy Castle, and excellent track record of hits in an extremely his name. He has also performed in 37 Marathi Police, Department of Corrections and other Face Painting, all for free. There will also be short span of two years. In short this young Feature Films and 24 marathi serials. Currently, agencies. It is a community event, which will Ethnic Food stalls, and sausage sizzles, for composer has started setting trends in the Indian he is compering a cookery show called as promote; free too. music scene with his creativity and ability to “AMHI SARE KHAVVAYE” of Z Marathi for • Safety on the roads A lot of prizes are to be won on the spot, experiment with different kinds of music. His the consecutive 4th years. • Safer Homes and the mega prize is a trip for two to Sydney, study of Indian folk music coupled with his Till date, he has performed in 9920 shows • Elderly Safety Australia! awareness of the latest international music of various plays in Marathi theatre and would • No to Family Violence trends, gives his music a unique fresh quality. be completing 10,000 shows very soon, another • It is ok to ask for Help - For further information, you can Avadhoot’s career as a singer started when distinction to earn him an entry in “Guinnes • Neighbourhood Support contact Gurpreet Arora at, he won the national level competition of “TVS- Book of World Records”. The event will take place on Saturday 1 [email protected] or Sa Re Ga Ma” in the year 1996. Since then - IWK Bureau February 2014 around 11am to 2pm, in the Ranjna Patel at [email protected] he has lent his voice to various basic and film www.iwk.co.nz 12 NEW ZEALAND 17 January 2014 Pranapratista rituals in progess at Shirdi Saibaba temple in Onehunga
ountdown has started to the Grand over the world. Opening of Shirdi Saibaba temple NAVA RATNA STAPANA : Devotees Cat 12-18 Princes st, Onehunga with can avail a LIFE TIME opportunity of the start of Pranapratista rituals. Puja for offering NAVA RATNAS to all or the chosen YANTRAS for different deities started on 16th deities for the wellbeing of your near n December 2014. All these YANTRAS will be dear or in memory of your elders. Sansthan placed beneath the respective deities on 6th is importing packs of Nava Ratnas from February 2014, along with NAVARATNAS India, for devotees to buy at $ 101/packet that are going to be offered by devotees till and for offering to deities. It’s essential that 5th February 2014. This unique Temple is the the Nava Ratnas are purchased by devotees abode for Shirdi Saibaba, besides Ganesh, before 05/02/14 and placed in the temple at Shiv, Mata, Radha Krishna, Ram Parivar, the designated place. These Navaratnas will Balaji Padmavathi, Dattatreya, Hanuman and be placed beneath the deities by pundits on Navagrahas, 23 in total. the morning of Thursday, 6th February 2014, JALADHIVAS ( In Water ) for the “Vigraha Pratista” day NAVAGRAHAS was performed by devotees SHIV KALASH & NAVAGRAH with at most devotion on the New Year day KALASH : Puja will be performed to 108 and the idols were in water till Thursday, Kalash each for Shiv & Navagrah for 4 the9thth January 2014. DHANYADHIVAS days. Devotees can do Abhishek for Shiv ( In Grain ) was performed by several / Navagraha on Sunday, the 9th February devotees on 9th & 10th January 2014. On morning with holy water after Pranapratista Saturday, 11th January 2014, the auspicious & take home the Kalash on a donation of $ day of Vaikunta Ekadasi, PHALA & 151. PUSHPADHIVAS ( In Fruit & Flowers ) SHAYYADHIVAS ( to put the lord to sleep, the deity is seen first time in the mirror before Entry is free and Maha Prasad will be was performed by devotees after chanting for eternal awakening on the next morning viewing by any devotee and a silver rod will served to devotees on all the 4 days. Plan to Vishnu Sahasranam and Lakshmi Asthothar. ) will be done on the night of Saturday, the be given to the donors of deities. Few are be at the temple with family and friends on Devotees performed DRAVYADHIVAS ( In 8th February 2014 to the blind folded deities. available to other devotees on donation to this Waitangi week end. Come and experience valuables) on Sunday, the 12th January 2014. PRANAPRATISTA & NETRAMILAN will be specified. Pranapratista of Shirdi Saibaba the serene environment in this Unique Shirdi These rituals will be done symbolically to be performed on the early hours of Sunday, will be done by Guruji Shri Chandra Bhanu Saibaba temple of the world. all other deities by Pundits from 6th to 9th the 9th February 2014 with Silver rods and Satpathyji, a Realised Master who did this - Bhaskara Reddy, President February 2014 in view of the size and weight. after removing the blind folds. The face of ritual in about 300 Shirdi Saibaba temples all
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30499 IW available in conjunction with any other offer. Offer closes 29 January 2014. www.iwk.co.nz 13 17 January 2014 NEW ZEALAND Kora announced as headline act for Music in Parks
he special headline act for this year’s We only just got confirmation and I know there Music in Parks has just been announced are heaps of fans out there that will be keen to Tas platinum selling band Kora. The just- come along and enjoy Kora live,” he says. confirmed act will be included in the Music in Kora joins soul songstress Tyra Hammond, Parks line-up at Henderson Park on Thursday 6 whose powerful voice delivers a distinctive February from 2pm to 6pm. original sound of soul, hip hop and old school One of New Zealand’s most electric and R&B influences and band Funkommunity with sonically powerful live bands, Kora has a their futuristically classic sound, distinctive unique style that masterfully connects the dots blend of funky drum rhythms and soulful between funk, rock, reggae, metal, hip hop and synthesizers. electronic rhythms. Music in Parks runs from Saturday 11 Cr. Alf Filipaina, Arts, Culture and Events January 2014 until Saturday 22 March 2014 Committee Chair says it is a thrill to be able to and features more than 70 musical acts across add Kora to the afternoon event. Auckland. “This is a huge bonus to the day’s line-up. Mayoral fund activated after Cyclone Ian
uckland’s Tongan community and the are on standby as they await requests for Mayoral Fund for the Pacific (MFP) assistance. Aare poised for action in the wake of The Mayoral Fund for the Pacific was set the damage caused by Cyclone Ian in Tonga. up in the wake of Cyclone Evan which struck A State of Emergency has been declared Samoa in December 2013. in Tonga and authorities here in New Zealand “Our thoughts are with the people of Tonga as they start the clean-up after this devastating event,” says Auckland Mayor Len Brown. “if Aucklanders would like to contribute to the Fund they can do so through the following channels. Cash is king, and tax deductible donations into the Fund can be made at any time.” - IWK Bureau
Flamingo chicks a first for Australasia
wo flamingo chicks have successfully we’ve achieved the circle of life,” says Michael. hatched at Auckland Zoo – the first Tchicks ever bred in Australasia, and the first time a zoo has successfully bred from an entirely hand-reared flock anywhere in the world. What was viewed by other zoological organisations as an ‘ambitious plan’ has become a great success and is an important step towards ensuring the long-term sustainability of Auckland Zoo’s flock. Former exotic birds team leader, now head of capital works and infrastructure, Michael Batty has been waiting for these chicks since raising and transporting Auckland Zoo’s flock of Greater flamingos to New Zealand in 2001, from the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) in Slimbridge, England. “No zoo has ever successfully bred from a completely hand-reared flock before. These two chicks are the first in the world. It’s wonderful, Mega truck permits rise by 2000 in two years
he number of permits allowing mega “The fatalities and injuries involving truck trucks on state highways and local roads accidents over recent days, including the tragic Thas risen by over 2000 in the past two death of an Auckland cyclist highlight the safety years, says Darien Fenton, Labour’s Transport issues of a growing number of high productivity spokesperson. mass vehicles, and councils designating more “In the year ended October 2013 2,528 local roads for their use. permits for high productivity mass vehicles (53 “The cost of allowing these trucks is tonne trucks) were approved, compared to 243 falling on ratepayers and taxpayers. Another in the year ended October 2011. $40 million is needed just to upgrade bridges “In the last year, 950 permits for over-length throughout the road network and goodness vehicles were approved, and another 109 for knows how much on upgrading roads and state 50-tonne maximum trucks. highways. www.iwk.co.nz 14 NEW ZEALAND POLITICS 17 January 2014 The year of the politician: opportune but rugged
seems to be courting the Maori Party, ACT, on energy, housing, unemployment and other is the Māori Party (3 seats) lead by Tariana and United Future. The former are confident of issues has kept their traditional voters happy. Turia and Te Ururoa Flavell. They seem to be getting the numbers this time around. On the But that is the same policy that reduced them in in a bit of a soup with regards to their leadership Vaibhav Saklani hand, after gaining ground in 2011, the National parliament. They are not only losing their vote but with their traditional vote share intact will party is going to bear the brunt of incumbency. share to the opposition but also to their own breeze to that number again this year, a push coalition partner. A game changer though can to double digits will be a distant target. With a n 2014, New Zealand politics is going to WHO IS IN THE FRAY? be a winning economic policy. single seat each United Future with their sole be simmering all year. It is election year Green Party (14 seats): MP Peter Dunne, the Mana Party lead by Hone Iand politicians and political parties will The National Party (59 seats) Even with their bold policies they don’t seem Harawira, and ACT lead by John Banks will be be toughing it out, and taking on every single John Key: Has he stolen a march on the others? to be losing favour with the people. They have doing all they can in 2014 to push the voters to opportunity to impress. While playing to the Another term, maybe? steadily grown under the leadership of Metiria give them a fair look. gallery, mud-slinging and grandstanding will The party stands tall in the parliament with Turei and Russel Norman. Their policies on A wild card with all the publicity he is be common place too. a lead on the Labour party. They delivered on sustainability, social responsibility and creating generating is Colin Craig and the Conservative General elections give citizens and voters a most of their election promises but at the cost green jobs need to be acted upon. A progressive Party, a tie-up with National and possibly a chance to have their say and weigh out issues of their pride. Asset sales and infringements approach and a first world attitude, that is berth in the ministry is not very far from his of both local and national importance. This is of civil liberties (including spying on New lacking in the other parties hold them in good reach. rightfully their chance of getting heard, but also Zealanders) could be a blow. Also, getting that stead even in 2014.Will they be able to up their their chance to play judges and decide who has final nudge across the line will be a problem seat-share in the parliament, yes, very likely but The final word: served their interests. this time around. However, their leadership and will they be able to stand alone, no, not yet. The issues at hand are protecting New The political bigwigs who will have any a buoyant economy even in the tough years is NZ First (8 seats) Zealand’s sovereignty, how each political party major say, should be ready to be tested on something to commend the government for. Leading a wonderful come back, Winston justifies as to how it is under harm and what their performance, conduct, connect with the Labour Party (34 seats) Peters, got NZ First 8 seats in the parliament needs to be done is where the eye balls will people at large, and associations (beware of David Cunliffe: Has he got his footing right? after scoring none in 2008. Their approach to be. The leadership, health, economy, housing, the paparazzi) it will all be measured and Will he be the maverick? multi-cultural and inclusive politics has clicked unemployment, youth issues, a deteriorating factored in when the ballot speaks. For the last Undoubtedly the party has a lot to do this with the voters. Gaining a lot of the traditional family life, immigration, and migration will two years the two major parties National and year. The change in leadership at the end of last vote bank, people disinclined to vote for any of all be important issues in 2014. With all the Labour have been slugging it out blow for blow. year might be the impetus they needed to get the two major parties. As a leader he seems to global ranking indices indicating that New Now in the final run up, their policies should their act together. But would that be enough? be very visible and a part Maori heritage gives Zealand is a first world country, and high on be shipshape and highlighted in their promises. David Cunliffe their new leader doesn’t carry him leverage and wider appeal. The challenge growth and development, do we really have Another impending issue is the lack of a clear the ‘good boy charm’ of Shearer but is certainly will always be in which party to trust and the infrastructure to placate that? Are we just majority for either of the two parties and their taking the National Party on. A continued partnering with which gets them the advantage. a pretender first world country and only getting dependency on coalition partners. momentum on the asset sales and driving They are a win-win party. there? With that and more questions to answer The Greens and Labour have a steady bad press onto the doors of the Nationals, The others in the reckoning: I open 2014 for debate for the political myriad partnership going, while the National party maintaining a continuous parallel policy line The foremost among the others contending of New Zealand. Divisive politics or Inclusive multiculralism The spectrum is set for 2014 as an election year, and New Zealand is going to decide which way their mandate is going to swing. Even a few percentage points in vote share are significant.
IWK Bureau support of rampant Treatyism. ownership so that part-Maori tribes can the Parliament has no place whatsoever It intends to outline the damage that claim them and, by means of “wahi tapu,” in trying to alter the kawa and tikanga Treaty Minister Finlayson is doing to the exclude others from various coastal areas. of tangata whenua, who are the sole n this issue we are featuring two sovereignty and unity of the nation by The 1 Law 4 All Party also wants an authorities and guardians of their own political parties at two very different his “co-governance” agreements with his end to the official state promotion and cultural heritage.” I ends of the band. 1Law4All and the favoured tribes, like Tuhoe. enforcement of divisive bi-culturalism. “Parliament should recognise and Maori party while the former is advocating Especially those “blue collar workers” respect the culture and customs of equality for the basis of law formation the who do not like the way that they are being tangata whenua alongside Westminster latter believes in celebrating the pluralism made second class citizens in their own The Maori Party on the other hand parliamentary traditions without of New Zealand. country. believes that the dual heritage can compromising the integrity of either,” she 1 Law 4 All, a relatively new political 1 Law 4 All’s position is that the strengthen nationhood. said. outfit, has been circulating their very Treaty of Waitangi signed at Waitangi on The Maori Party welcomes a proposed “The kawa of the marae establish rules strong anti reservation manifesto. The 6 February 1840 gave no special rights to review of parliamentary protocols - with for engagement that maintain order and party wants all New Zealanders to be reasoned argument during inter-tribal treated equally at law and in government debates. Our traditions of free expression funding, regardless of race. and respect for alternative points of 1Law 4 All has evolved from a steering view could well strengthen the rules of committee of concerned citizens who see Parliamentary debate and decision-making no end to the government’s granting ever that we inherited from Westminster. more superior rights, and special funding “Our Parliamentary democracy was to part-Maoris, based on their race. established in New Zealand on the basis The steering committee is made up of of the Treaty of Waitangi, whereby the previous financial and active members Crown guaranteed to protect the rights of of ACT, Green, Labour, Libertarianz, Maoris that other British subjects don’t one critical caveat. The Speaker has been tangata whenua to their taonga tuku iho - National and other parties. also enjoy. Further, that the “principles” reported as saying that “Parliament needs their cultural heritage. Holding the Treaty The 1 Law 4 All Party seems to be and “partnership” so often bandied about a protocol that is modern and acceptable in great importance as leverage for their enjoying considerable support from are nothing more than figments of political to a diversified Parliament” and he wants political standing. people who are fed up with the way that and judicial imagination. to review it in a way that recognises Maori The two perspectives about individuals the National Party has betrayed the rights Among the 1 Law 4 All Party’s policies traditions. and their rights, and the identity of a of the public. They are of the belief that is the abolition of the Waitangi Tribunal; In a recent press release, the Maori people are both given a shade by the two the National Party has played out the the abolition of separate Maori electorate Party stated that the protocols, procedures fronts. The debate that is set to happen in divisive politics race card to garner the parliamentary seats; and the repeal of and practices of New Zealand’s Parliament New Zealand politics this year, definitely parliamentary votes of the Maori Party. National’s notorious Marine and Coastal must integrate the traditions and histories is how the country wants to represent its The party also is gaining favour from Area Act. of our dual cultural heritage. diversity. people who are fed up with Labour’s This Act took the beaches out of public Co-leader Tariana Turia said, “however www.iwk.co.nz 15 17 January 2014 NEW ZEALAND POLITICS
International College of Auckland congratulates Wenceslaus Anthony on his appointment as the Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, by the Government of New Zealand on the Queen’s New Year Honours List, January 2014 for services to New Zealand-India Relations.
International College of Auckland has been privileged to have Mr. Anthony as the Chairman of its Local Advisory Board for the past ve years and has beneeted from his guidance and support.
His commitment to promoting ties between the two countries inspired International College of Auckland to establish a full scholarship programme to an international Indian student from India based on a robust selection process. We hope to have the rst student of the ‘Wenceslaus Anthony Excellence Scholarship’, in 2014.
International College of Auckland offers the following Programmes:
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International College of Auckland | Level 5, 131 Queen Street, CBD Auckland Phone: (09) 3099558 | Email: [email protected] | Website: www.ica.ac.nz www.iwk.co.nz 16 NEW ZEALAND POLITICS 17 January 2014
Spare the rod = Spoil the child? Mega party for the launch of onservative Party leader Colin Craig the OECD” Kim dotcom’s Internet Party has admitted that he smacks his The legislation removed the defence of Cdaughter if she misbehaves, despite “reasonable force” for parents prosecuted for im dotcom’s new offering to the people An application will be launched and the the law being clear there is no justification assault on their children. of New Zealand is the Internet Party. will start registering members on Monday. The for the use of force as part of parental or Craig defended that the law as it stood was KThe launch of the political party is launch of the party coincides with the second caregiver discipline. too “ambiguous” because it said police would next week at his birthday party in Auckland, to anniversary of when police raided his mansion During an interview on RadioLive, Mr not prosecute a parent for a smack unless it which he has invited some 15,000 guests. Kim near Auckland and arrested him. Authorities Craig was asked if he would start to smack was in the public interest, Mr Craig said. Dotcom clarified in a tweet, “my new political at that time also shut down Megaupload, the his own children if the law was reversed. He said the physical discipline of his child party won’t be named Mega Party. We are the popular file-sharing site he founded. He has He replied, that he wants the smacking ban was technically against the law if police saw Internet Party. Here’s our logo for the first time” since started a new file-hosting site, Mega. overturned and admits he ignores the law it in the public interest to prosecute. on Tuesday morning. The law requires a New Zealand political when it comes to smacking his own children. Steve Taylor, Director of 24-7 Ltd, a “No matter what you think of Megaupload party to have 500 paid members, which going Mr Craig said - were he in the position Family Counselling agency, also a Social founder Kim Dotcom, you have to admit that by the sheer guest list will be a cakewalk for the to - he would want to negotiate repealing Services Outcomes Researcher, says that he has a talent to rally the masses — and now, Internet party. Dotcom said he has some good the so-called anti-smacking law that came Craig, and Bob McCoskrie of Family First into effect in 2007. His party is a possible are “spot on” in their assessment of the anti- coalition partner for National after this year’s smacking bill. general election. “Despite the claims of the Bills most ardent Kyle MacDonald of the New Zealand supporters – the facts speak for themselves. Association of the Psychotherapists, There has been no decline in child abuse expressed regret on Mr. Craig’s statement statistics, and since the Bill was passed in that he continues to use physical discipline 2007, parents have simply become smarter at against his own daughter, he said that it smacking – they take the act away from the is disappointing, and out of step with the public arena, and then do it anyway”. research on the effectiveness of physical The legislation was a hopeless ideological discipline as a parenting technique says. attempt to protect children, and instead all “The problem is largely that smacking is it did was criminalise every parent in the Kim Dotcom launches new political party candidates for the party but wants to keep those what frustrated and angry parents resort to, country. Dotcom wants to take that talent to the next and other details a surprise for the launch. and that in doing so there is always the risk of A police spokesman said they were level. ..Details about the program and candidates Watch this space for more on the Internet unintentional escalation and harm” says Mr. satisfied that Mr Craig’s comments on radio of the party are still scarce, but Dotcom has said party, as this party could pull a lot of strings in MacDonald. this morning did not “amount to disclosure of that it wants to oppose government spying and the run up to elections in Novemeber. “This change would not only represent a an offence”. advocate for better internet access. It sounds a Ironically, the Internet party doesn’t have step backwards but also makes no sense when bit like the Pirate Party, except that it’s run by a website in place yet, at the time of going to New Zealand has one of the highest rates of - IWK Bureau someone who’s actually been accused of being press. physical assault and homicide of children in a pirate” tweeted Janko Roettgers, - IWK Bureau Another call for stricter Looking good in 2014
and able to take up the many opportunities the future offers. drinking laws Kanwaljit Singh Consumer confidence is up. People are not Bakshi getting carried away but they are spending a amilton-based Labour MP Sue bit more because they feel more secure about Moroney and Hauraki-Waikato MP their jobs and incomes. HNanaia Mahuta are meeting with local he year is well underway and many of The Government’s books continue to Police to ensure the adult who supplied alcohol us are now back at work. improve with the latest economic update to a nine-year-old boy is held accountable for T I’m looking forward to another confirming a small surplus in the next year his or her actions. busy year as the National-led Government which we’ll build in the coming years so we The incident took place in a Fairfield focuses on the issues that matter to our can repay debt and buffer New Zealand from skatepark, where a 9-year was filmed drunk community, and to all Kiwis – a stronger any future shocks. and the video was later uploaded on youtube. economy and more jobs, better frontline National’s wide-ranging plan to build The boy came home drunk on his birthday to amendments to improve the law. health and education services, a safer New a more competitive and productive an appalled mother, who was shocked at the Zealand, and rebuilding Christchurch. economy has New Zealand well-placed to incident. “The Government failed to implement all of We’ve all faced a few challenging take advantage of the many opportunities “There is something very wrong about any the recommendations of the Law Commission years dealing with catastrophic events available over the next few years. adult thinking that it’s fun, entertaining or on alcohol law reform which Labour said were outside anyone’s control – from a global Our exports are growing as are our appropriate to get a child drunk. This attitude needed to challenge the damaging drinking financial crisis to devastating earthquakes in construction and service industries as they is a wake-up call about the culture of drinking culture in New Zealand. Canterbury. catch up on house building in Auckland and and youth drinking, that is going unchallenged “We will now see if the watered-down And though the global environment Christchurch, and that’s spreading around right across New Zealand,” said Sue Moroney. version will make any difference,” said Sue remains uncertain, National has a steady the country. “The Labour Party challenges this Moroney. hand on the wheel, providing strong and However, it is important to avoid damaging culture - we must change attitudes “I am mindful that Fairfield is a community stable government, and sound economic Labour’s mistakes in the mid-2000s, when and support families to do their best for our that wants more for its young people. While management. large increases in government spending and next generation. young people are still on holiday, parents It’s paying dividends and we’ve headed a booming housing market drove up interest “It will also be a test of the Government’s must be vigilant. Greater access to youth into the new year with strong economic rates and the exchange rate, and eroded alcohol law change of December 2013 which programmes will go a long way to getting kids growth of 3.5 per cent. productivity. made an offence of supplying alcohol to a off the streets and finding productive ways Business confidence is up – the highest So we need to be persistent about a recipe minor, without parental consent. to utilise their holiday time,” said Nanaia since February 1999 with manufacturing that’s working – sensible, moderate change, “Labour supported the Government’s Mahuta. confidence hitting a 15-year high. When making our economy more competitive, alcohol law reforms, but criticised them for “Labour is also backing the call from businesses are confident they make decisions keeping the Government’s books under not going far enough. Police for the video clip which identifies the to invest another dollar and employ another control, and gradually and sensibly building “Amongst the amendments proposed by boy to be taken down immediately from You person which means better prospects for sustainable opportunities for New Zealand Labour was the outright banning of RTDs Tube. The continued viewing of this video New Zealand families. families to get ahead. such as the one supplied to the Hamilton revictimises the child.” The Government is working hard to get That’s a recipe for a pretty good year in boy. Unfortunately, it was voted down by - IWK Bureau the flow of skills, particularly of our young 2014. the Government, as were Labour’s other people, into the workforce so they are ready www.iwk.co.nz 17 17 January 2014 NEW ZEALAND POLITICS
More trouble for Len Brown, Quick comprehensive action sued for SkyCity gifts needed on latest Fonterra scare
raham McCready believes Auckland onterra needs to quickly and potential scale of reputational risk posed by the Mayor, Len Brown, broke the law by comprehensively resolve the latest botulism scare. Gnot declaring free hotel rooms. Len Fcontamination scare to reduce further “Fonterra needs to act quickly and Brown is facing a possible a legal-suit, from damage to New Zealand’s clean green and safe comprehensively so that they can reassure the McCready as he is all set to file a case in the image. public they know what the source Auckland court. Fonterra is recalling 8700 bottles of the contamination is. “Dairy McCready said that Brown accepting gifts of cream due to suspected E.coli dominates our agriculture sector, led to “favourable consideration” towards contamination. New Zealand needs Fonterra to SkyCity, and the mayor is liable for prosecution “Fonterra is linked to Brand New be reliable and maintain a spotless under section 105(1) of the Crimes Act - Zealand - when they fail, we suffer,” reputation. Any mistake by them corruption and bribery of an official. said Green Party agriculture spokesperson Steffan impacts on all of us. After Brown’s re-election last year, and in Browning. “Another contamination scare is not the start the wake of revelations about his affair with “One of the 21 ‘decision points’ highlighted to the year that Fonterra or New Zealand needs,” council junior Bevan Chuang, auditors found in an independent report into the Botulism said Mr Browning. he accepted more than $39,000 worth of hotel scandal last year was Fonterra underestimated the - IWK Bureau freebies over a two-year period. The SkyCity upgrades were thought to be worth about $4500, McCready said. Brown’s record on dealing with SkyCity over its alleging he broke the law by not declaring Alcohol arrests welcomed by Labour proposed convention centre during the period five free room upgrades from SkyCity for would make up “part of the prima facie case” himself and his wife between November 2010 abour MP Sue Moroney has welcomed She said she would be watching the case against the embattled mayor, McCready said. and November 2013. McCready previously news that police have charged three closely, as a test of how successful – or Adding, “We only have to show that there is has a record of successfully bringing private Lpeople with the illegal supply of alcohol otherwise - new laws around prosecuting people any evidence at all that would establish a prima prosecutions against public figures, including to a minor, following an incident in a Hamilton supplying alcohol to minors were. facie case and we have several of the elements a case against MP Trevor Mallard for fighting skate park last week. Labour was calling on the Government to act present.” He said it was important Brown be held in public, and charges against ACT leader John “It is appalling that those old enough to on recommendations from the Law Commission to account because accepting gifts diminishes Banks for knowingly filing a false electoral know better thought it was somehow fun or that it failed to include in its watered down an incorrigible part of the democratic system. return, which has now been taken over by the appropriate to ply a nine-year-old child with alcohol law reforms, and widen sentencing McCready added he was certain the prosecution solicitor-general. alcohol. options for judges regarding supply, she said. against Brown would go “a long way down the Once the papers are filed in the district court “I have received numerous complaints from Hauraki-Waikato Labour MP, Nanaia track”. today, Brown will be notified and will have locals, concerned that the maximum $2,000 fine Mahuta, would also be attending a briefing Graham McCready, is a retired Wellington the opportunity to make his own submissions is not high enough for the harm caused to the with police on Thursday to get feedback on any accountant and is looking to bring a private against the allegations. victim or the level of disgust this incident has improvements they believe should be made. prosecution against the second-term mayor - IWK Bureau created in the community.” - IWK Bureau www.iwk.co.nz 18 INDIA 17 January 2014
Devyani Khobragade returns home 4 Indians in top 10 most admired
ndian diplomat in USA, Devyani Khobragade, Spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said Devyani people on the planet: YouGov poll who was charged with a visa fraud, arrested, Khobragade has been given G1 visa with full Istrip-searched and then kept in a lock up with diplomatic immunity on 8 Jan 2014. “Airborne on ordinary criminals in New York before her release way back to India,” he tweeted. last month, arrived in New Delhi on Friday. “Devyani Khobragade given G1 visa by #USA Khobragade arrived at the Indira Gandhi according her full diplomatic immunity. #India International Airport in New Delhi. transfers her back. She is now flying home,” his Her father Uttam Khobragade received her at tweet said. the air port. Preet Bharara, India born US Attorney for the Meanwhile, relationship between the US and Southern District of New York, who had ordered India continued to remain bitter her arrest, had justified the over the entire controversy action against Khobragade. surrounding the treatment India earlier hit out at meted out to Khobragade the United States over the as the Asian nation maltreatment of its diplomat demanded US to withdraw a Khobragade by taking a Sachin Tendulkar, Anna Hazare, Ratan Tata diplomat of Devyani’s rank clutch of measures against from Delhi, reports said on the US diplomats and their icrosoft founder Bill Gates has been The ‘World’s most admired Friday. Devyani Khobragade families in India with some named as the most admired person on India continued to fume moves as symbolic as Mthe planet with cricketing legend Sachin people poll’ was conducted over the treatment meted out to Khobragade after removing barricades outside US embassy in New Tendulkar fifth on a list of 30 people compiled after by YouGov for The Times her arrest and pushed USA to drop the charges Delhi. a poll in 13 countries, including India. of visa fraud against her over her missing Indian US diplomats and their families were asked The ‘World’s most admired people poll’ was housekeeper and controversy over her “low wages” to surrender their identity cards and their airport conducted by YouGov for The Times by surveying Gates, 58, the co-founder of Microsoft and a in America, the US had said she has to undergo the passes were withdrawn after it was known that the almost 14,000 people in Great Britain, France, billionaire philanthropist, earned more admiration judicial process there. Indian diplomat was strip searched and put with Germany, Russia, the US, Australia, Pakistan, than US President Barack Obama who was second, She was subsequently transferred to a UN drug addicts in a cell in USA after her arrest. Indonesia, India, China, Egypt, Nigeria and Brazil. Russian President Vladimir Putin (3rd), Pope posting by India offering her more immunity In the latest measure, India has asked the US There were four Indians in the top ten and seven Francis (4th) and Chinese President Xi Jinping though the charges against her remained. Devyani embassy to shut down all “commercial” facilities overall in the list of 30 most-admired people. (6th) to claim the title. was the Deputy Consul General of India in New on its premises by Jan 16. Sachin, 40, was fifth with six other Indians Some interesting choices in the list of 30 were York when she was arrested. - IWK Bureau featuring in the list- BJP’s prime ministerial Pope Francis, The Dalai Lama (13th), American On Friday, Ministry of External Affairs candidate Narendra Modi (7th), Bollywood icon business magnate Warren Buffet (8th), Queen Amitabh Bachchan (9th), former President Abdul Elizabeth (17th) and Hollywood actress Angelina Kalam (10th), social activist Anna Hazare (14th), Jolie (19th). Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal (18th) and - IWK Bureau PM Singh condoles Ariel Sharon demise Business tycoon Ratan Tata (30th).
rime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday conveyed his condolences on the Pdemise of former Prime Minister of Israel India to launch second Ariel Sharon. “I was deeply saddened to learn of the demise of Mr Ariel Sharon,” he said. mission to moon by 2017 “During his long career in public service, Mr. Sharon made extremely important contributions ndia plans to launch its second mission to been completed. We find that we will be able to to the State of Israel. As Prime Minister, he took moon by 2017 in the wake of the success of develop a lander in India. We need two to three bold steps for peace in the region. Ariel Sharon Iits maiden lunar mission. years’ time,” he added. “We in India recall that he was the first-ever Ariel Sharon, who died on Saturday after eight “Chandrayaan-II is a mission where we India had in October 2008 successfully Prime Minister of Israel to visit India in September years in a comma. essentially need to move on (lunar) surface launched its maiden mission to moon, 2003. His lasting contribution to the promotion of The influential military and political leader to conduct experiments. We will launch Chandrayaan-I, meant to orbit the Earth’s our bilateral ties will be long remembered,” he was 85. The body of the former Israeli Prime Chandrayaan-II with an indigenous rover and natural satellite at a height of 100 km from the said. Minister is kept in the state at the country’s lander using GSLV by 2016 or 2017,” Indian lunar surface for chemical, mineralogical and “In this hour of bereavement, please accept our parliament on Sunday. Sharon will be buried on Space Secretary K. Radhakrishnan told the photo-geologic mapping. heartfelt condolences and sympathies,” he said. Monday afternoon at his ranch in the Negev desert media in the national capital Friday. People of Israel on Sunday are paying their last in southern Israel in a state military ceremony. “In May 2012, we conducted a feasibility - IWK Bureau tributes to the country’s former Prime Minister - IWK Bureau study on development of a lander and this has
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The AAP Effect
rvind Kejriwal; You can call him a to every household in delhi, reducing electricity - are available in the schools. They will also various community facilities. new star of Indian politics or a game bill by 50%, ordering CAG (comptroller check if the buildings are properly maintained Saurabh Bhardwaj, Transport minister, Achanger, a humble and polite socialist Auditor General) audit of Electricity companies, and windows have panes. plans to issue inter-state permits for 5,500 or an aggressive anti-corruption activist, he providing a helpline number for receiving calls Somnath Bharti, The Law minister, In order auto-rickshaws. Many face problems while fits them all. When we were crying against 2G about corruption in government offices, these to improve efficiency in government offices, commuting from Delhi to Gurgaon, Noida and scam or CWG scam, one guy with his team of are the few major decisions taken by Arvind has issued orders to put biometric attendance other NCR regions. Auto-rickshaws and buses volunteers, used to sit in front of Passport office, Kejriwal. His Ministers are no less; they have machines across all department offices. The are not available in large numbers and taxis are Ration shops and other government offices to been in the news for their honesty as well as order is in line with inculcating strict discipline expensive. Passengers commuting across the help the people to get their work done without people-friendly attitude. in all government offices. Presently, Delhi National Capital Region (NCR) will finally get paying bribes. When we were complaining Kejriwal’s Ministers in Action government’s offices especially in hospitals, some respite. about corruption, this same guy formed a group Manish Sisodia, The newly-appointed schools, social welfare departments, officials are Satyendra Jain, Health minister is paying of eminent activists like Anna Hazare, Kiran education minister, has the big task of ‘fixing’ usually absent. Late comers and those found not suprise visits to the government run hospitals Bedi, and Prashant Bhushan, to create a national Delhi’s education system. He has asked the completing their hours of duty will be penalised. regularly. The doctors and attendants are making movement against corruption. When we were delhiites to become volunteers to inspect the Rakhi Birla, Delhi’s women and child welfare a number of complaints to the minister, Their complaining about politicians and dirty politics, government run schools. Many volunteers have minister, goes out at night and boards a bus or complaints include overload of patients in the this same guy formed a political party to clean up come forward to help the education ministers an auto to check the security of women at night OPDs and the wards, patients sharing beds, the dirty politics in India. He is none other than ill-treatment by hospital staff, no medicines in Arvind Kejriwal, the youngest Chief Minister of the hospital, delay in treatment and surgeries, the Indian capital. hygiene and sanitation. In wake of large number Do you know how much effort one needs of corruption complaints, the Health minister to make to get into the Indian Institute of has decided to disband the existing hospital Technology and then to become an income management society functioning in various city tax commissioner by passing an IAS (Indian government hospitals. Mr Jain is planning to Administrative Service) exam. After working as initiate Jan Swasthya Samitis which will act as a commissioner in a govt office, how much effort an interface between hospital administration and you need to make to quit that office and fight patients so that there is no political interference. against the corruption in the same office. After Girish Soni, The Labour Minister, has working as a social activist against corruption, directed his department to ensure that wages are how much effort you need to make to create a paid to all workers as per the minimum notified national anti-corruption movement and then rates. The present rates of minimum wages are turn that movement into a political movement to Rs 8086, per month and Rs 311 per day for un- become a Chief Minister of the Indian capital? If in public transport. skilled workers, Rs 8918 per month or Rs 343 you know, then you know Arvind Kejriwal. Birla visits night per day for semi-skilled workers and Rs 9802 per A year ago, Kejriwal was protesting against shelters every night. month or Rs 377 per day for skilled workers. For the removal of houses of the poor people who She has been making non-technical supervisory staff and clerical staff, had been paying the property tax promptly for surprise checks at the rates are based on educational qualifications. many years. And also, He was protesting against various government- The workers employed through contractors are Salman Khurshid, the Ex-Law Minister, for run shelters ever since not being paid minimum rates of wages even running an NGO which made money by not she took charge as a though the contractors get full wages from the providing equipments to the differently-abled minister. Birla listens principal employers. people. He was thrown out of the parliament to the complaints from Aam Admi Party has decided to fight the street by the police then, but the same police the people in the night Loksabha elections to spread this anti-corruption officers were protecting him from the crowd and shelters and asks the movement in all parts of India. They have the media, on the day of swearing in ceremony officers to give the district offices in more than 300 districts already as a Chief Minister of Delhi. The same man who Auckland AAP brigade explanation about and everyday thousands of people joining the fought against the corrupt government officials the poor conditions and party. India desperately needs honest people to for last 10 years, is sitting in a decision making and they have already started visiting the nearest orders them to take action within a day. These come forward to take up the responsibility of position in the office. This is nothing less than a schools and getting the details about shortages. days, before her visit, the night shelters are leadership. Bollywood movie. The volunteers are retired teachers, principals cleaned and good basic facilities are provided by Jai Hind Since Mr Kejriwal has taken the charge and private tutors. For the first round, volunteers the officials. Birla is also raising an all-woman - Girish Mailar (0211468809) of the top post, he has taken many important have been asked to check if basic facilities - security force to ensure safety for women in ([email protected]) decisions. Giving 700 litres free water per day clean toilets, drinking water, furniture, electricity the capital. The training sessions will be held at www.iwk.co.nz 20 AAP EFFECT 17 January 2014 AAP favours opinion polls Will end dynasty politics: AAP am Aadmi Party (AAP) leader The ruling Congress has decided to am Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Kumar and don’t perform like a coward,” Vishwas said Manish Sisodia on Thursday said the boycott all opinion poll debates on television. Vishwas, who was shown black flags while addressing the rally. Aparty is in favour of opinion polls. The political battle over the issue of Aby a group of people on his way to the He said the AAP will end the dynasty politics “AAP is against a ban on opinion polls. banning opinion polls further escalated on Amethi parliamentary constituency in Uttar in the country. “We will end the dynasty politics,” However, to avoid questions raised on Nov 4 as the Congress and India’s main Pradesh where he addressed a rally on Sunday, the AAP leader said. Vishwas called Congress credibility, the details of the opinion polls opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) waged a war against Congress vice president supremo Sonia Gandhi as ‘Maharani’ (queen) should be made public,” said Sisodia. exchanged barbs over the matter ahead of Rahul Gandhi and hit out at the ruling party Calling Rahul Gandhi as ‘Rajkumar’ The Election Commission of India (ECI) Assembly polls in five states and the Lok by saying that his party will end the ‘dynasty (prince) and Congress supremo Sonia Gandhi in November sent a compilation of views of Sabha election in 2014. politics’. as ‘Maharani’, the AAP leader said: “It’s fight five national and 10 state political parties BJP’s prime ministerial candidate and Ahead of the ‘Jan Vishwas’ rally in Congress between ‘aam aadmi’ and ‘Rajkumar’ I am not on opinion polls to the Congress-led United Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi said vice-president Rahul Gandhi’s parliamentary going to leave Amethi.” constituency Amethi, protesters showed black Attacking Rahul Gandhi, the leader said, “You flags to Vishwas and even stones and eggs were may sit and eat in the home of Dalit and get TV also thrown at two buses in Gandhi Chowk area coverage, you have to ensure that they are fed “AAP is against a of the city, which were ferrying party supporters too.” He said he has been called a joker but at to the rally venue, reports said. least a joker does not sell his country and is a good ban on opinion Vishwas told protesters that he will not person. Referring to Sonia Gandhi’s son-in-law polls. However, leave the venue and asked them not to behave Robert Vadra, Vishwas said: “We were not afraid ‘cowardly’. when we raised corruption issue of son-in-law of to avoid questions “We are not going to leave the venue...Amethi Maharani.” is a place of courageous people so show us bravery - IWK Bureau raised on credibility, the Kiran Bedi to vote for details of the opinion polls Narendra Modi should be made ormer IPS officer and social activist Kiran Bedi created a political storm by public,” Ftweeting that she will vote for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. “For me it’s India First! Stable,Well Govern the ‘Fundamental Right to Free Speech’ has ed,Administered,Accountable and Inclusive.As been the biggest casualty during the UPA a an independent voter,my vote is for NaMo,” government’s rule in the country. tweeted Bedi. “Those who have followed Indian politics “Any one of us who wants a scam free and the workings of the Congress party country cannot vote back Congress!India needs after Independence would agree that the stability and experienced hands to provide for stand of the Congress Party does not come all!” she posted on micro-blogging site Twitter. Manish Sisodia Narendra Modi as a surprise. The biggest casualty of the “If we can as today get a stable alternative Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. Congress Party’s arrogance while in power which has experience to govern and take the stablity+expereince,” posted Bedi. “The Commission refers to its previous and its tendency to trample over Institutions country forward why wld I not vote against “When Day One: Anti Graft helpline view of banning opinion polls in 2004 and has been our Fundamental Right to Free statusquo,” she said. gets 3904 calls indicates why Congress got how it was a unanimous view that publishing Speech,” Modi wrote in his blog on Nov 4. “What if @timesofindia had asked a decimated!@firstpostin: Anti-corruption may the results ofopinion polls should be - IWK Bureau Ques do u wish to see a Hung Parliament or be the first step.!” she tweeted. prohibited from the date of notification of stable one?And who do u think can provide - IWK Bureau elections,” reported CNN-IBN.
AAP helpline number floods with calls
he anti-corruption helpline He said the helpline number will help launched by the Aam Aadmi one in accomplishing the sting operation TParty (AAP) government in Delhi and will remain open from 8 am to 8 pm got flooded by thousands of calls on the everyday. very first day, said reports on Thursday. “This will make every citizen of According to latest reports, over Delhi an anti-corruption inspector,” 3,000 calls were made to the number Kejriwal said. till 3 pm, out of which 700 have been He also announced that teams of attended to. Delhi Police will be on standby for any Delhi Chief Minister and AAP assistance. On getting a complaint, a supremo Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday state vigilance department team will announced the anti-corruption helpline look into the matter. number for Delhiites in order to make He said that the announcement was “every citizen an anti-corruption made to “empower every citizen to inspector”. expose the corrupt with the help of a cell Kejriwal has announced a helpline phone.” “The idea is to instill fear in the number - 01127357169, which will minds of the corrupt that they might be assist every citizen in doing a sting to under surveillance,” he said. catch the corrupt. “If anyone asks you to pay bribes, - IWK Bureau record the conversation and send it to our anti-corruption department,” the Delhi CM said. www.iwk.co.nz 21 17 January 2014 AAP EFFECT Arvind Kejriwal: A political greenhorn or a game-changer? his school education mostly in Hisar, Sonepat leaders could not do for years. Kejriwal was the their old cars, auto-rickshaws or metro and and Ghaziabad. Thereafter, he joined IIT, Civil Society representative appointed by the that’s how they had every chance to build a Kharagpur to study mechanical engineering. government to frame Janlokpal and his main network of supporters with 1.6 crore voters of Dr. (Ms.) Rajesh Joshi From 1989 to 1992 he worked for Tata Steel, motive was to get it passed in the Parliament in Delhi out of whom 4 lakh were going to cast Jamshedpur. He prepared for the Civil Services its original form constituting all tooth and nail. their vote for the first time. They believed in Examination and joined IRS as Assistant He brought Anna Hazare to the centre-stage face to face interactions with the people.They Income Tax Commissioner in 1995. During the who with his Gandhian aura and unique fasting could practically be seen or heard or touched I Arvind Kejriwal do swear in the name of training years; he met Sunita; his fellow trainee tool united the masses across age, culture, like the humans in flesh & bone. This was a God...... affection or ill-will.” This was and they were married in 1994 before they religion and region barriers to put pressure on stage of transformation for the people of Delhi “an epochal moment in the political history started working in Delhi. They have daughter the UPA Government to pass Janlokpal Bill. who were used to see their leaders once a five of India when Arvind Kejriwal- an aam aadmi Harshita aged 17 and son Pulkit aged 12. Recent generations had hardly ever seen such years and that too lecturing from high podiums- took the oath as the 7th Chief Minister of Delhi. It was during IRS service that Arvind strength and will power of like-minded people seen; yet unapproachable, heard; yet not having It was more significant as a debutante political Kejriwal formed his NGO ‘Parivartan’. This who were relentlessly fighting for a good cause. an ear to their problems and real; yet dream- party had entered the Indian Election scenario was the beginning of a spark that was to Anna Hazare was arrested and also Arvind like! so vehemently that it thrashed the stalwarts to become a guiding torch for millions waiting for Kejriwal for supporting him. After 13 days, AAP appealed to the restless and lick the dust. Sheila Dikshit who ruled Delhi ‘Swaraj’ in India. Kejriwal took Rs. 50,000/- the IAC movement came to an end when the disillusioned youth who were craving to as Chief Minister for 15 years faced the most donation each from his brother and maternal UPA Govt. promised to pass the bill in its next change the face of India. These young people humiliating defeat at the hands of non-political uncle to start ‘Parivartan’. This gave him a parliamentary session. The promise, however, became their back-bone. The party carefully entity Arvind Kejriwal by 25,864 votes. How chance to serve the people of Delhi who were was soon forgotten leaving the masses feeling fielded its candidates with average age of 40. did it happen and more importantly why did it suffering endlessly at food ration, electricity cheated. Most of these candidates were well educated happen? Actually, the seed of this discontent and income tax departments. He helped about Down but definitely not out, bamboozled but and had established careers. Appreciably,
was sown long ago. 800 people although he tried to reach many determined to get his way through the corridors none of them has any criminal records. AAP The citizens of India had seen an more but could not due to the lack of financial of political power Arvind Kejriwal did the least gave creditable representations to women, unprecedented uprising when Anna Hazare or other resources. expected by announcing his decision to join dalits and youth. These common faces had no along with Arvind Kejriwal, started his fast Kejriwal was among the first few to mainstream politics of India on 2nd October previous experience, political legacy or the at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar in August 2011 for understand the value and impact of RTI. He 2012. He was criticized from all quarters of wealth to fight election but they had one thing the Anti-corruption Janlokpal Bill. The fast brought RTI to the slums of Delhi and is well political parties but now Kejriwal had decided in common-strong will power to be a part of the ended with a promise from the Government known for his efforts to implement it at the grass to pay them in their own coin. He slowly but revolution in the political history of India. to pass the Janlokpal bill but the bill did not root level when he exposed fake ration card surely started making a niche for himself by On 4th December, Delhi Legislative see the light of the day even till the end of scam. It was due to his tireless efforts to uphold protesting peacefully against Delhi Govt.’s Assembly election was held and the result was 2012. Tired of Govt.’s apathy, falsehood, Right To Information that he was honoured with anti-people policies. He was gradually building announced on 8th December 2013. Of the total corruption and criminalisation of the politics, Magsaysay Award for Emergent Leadership in up citizens’ activism and was successful in 70 seats, the BJP & alliances won maximum 32 it was then that Arvind Kejriwal took the most 2006. True to his character, Kejriwal donated capturing their attention to raise a wave of seats, closely followed by first-timer AAP with logical step in view by establishing his own the entire award money to form ‘Public Cause anti-incumbancy. The party was rightly named 28 seats crushing Congress to the most appalling political party-The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Research Foundation’ and to pay the salaries to AAP (Aam Aadmi Party) and by choosing crunch of 8 seats. No one had expected this November 2012 with the view of providing an the people working for ‘Parivartan.’ In 2006, broom (Jhadu) as its election symbol, it made phenomenal windfall for AAP. BJP refused to alternative political system, a clean and honest he quit his job at IRS and became a full time its intention clear that it wished to sweep all form the Government and Congress was in no government and transparent policies which campaigner against corruption. corrupt practices. position to do so. After consulting the people would essentially be formed by people’s active Kejriwal felt the need of a more stringent Arvind Kejriwal started his own kind of of Delhi in about 280 public meetings, AAP participation. The government and political big law that could punish the corrupt offenders as campaigning by connecting with the people. decided to form the minority Government with wheels made the mistake of underestimating RTI could only bark but not bite. RTI could AAP had a simple approach of reaching out the outside support of Congress in the hung the power of common man. The story of this provide the required information about the -to make themselves accessible to people and assembly. On 28th December, 45 year old, ‘common yet extraordinary man’ had begun fraudulent acts but had no authority to punish media. They built no unsurpassable walls Kejriwal became the second-youngest C.M. way back in 1968. the wrongdoers. From here started the ‘India around them. By maintaining common man’s of Delhi after Chaudhary Brahm Prakash who Arvind Kejriwal was born in Siwani-a Against Corruption’ (IAC) movement which mannerism, AAP aspirants became one with became C.M. at the age of 34. small town of Haryana on 16th August 1968 demanded a potent Janlokpal to fight against the plenty around them. They were no different - This is part 1 of a 2 part series. to Gobind Ram Kejriwal and Gita Devi. His corruption. from them. They did not have fancy cars, body Next article will be published in the father was an electrical engineer. Kejriwal had IAC did to nation what multiple acts or guards or personal assistants. They moved by following issue. www.iwk.co.nz 22 SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT 17 January 2014 Thought of the Week
“The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to Editorial change; the realist adjusts the sails.”
Swaraaj : The AAP way - William Arthur Ward American Writer (1921 - 1994) t appears the tide has finally turned in favour of the common man in India. Anti-corruption crusader Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party and its stunning Ipolitical success is still reverberating across the country, and all signs point to it being around for a long time. Since it swept to power in Delhi, AAP’s ranks have grown across the country. People have registered in thousands, drawn by the common man’s party’s promise of a clean Get real, Rahul and direct governance. They include a vast pool of accomplished men and women – some politically neutral up until now and others with fledgling political careers. What the Congress needs is less of AAP-ism and It is the involvement of these people that will shape the direction of AAP, say commentators. more of realism. With the rout of incumbent Congress in Delhi state elections, the AAP, born of out irreconcilable differences between Kejriwal and social activist Anna Hazare, has a he Aam Aadmi Party’s spectacular argument in favour of the Congress is that it can long road ahead. So far, in its first three weeks in office, the new broom appears to be performance in the Delhi assembly stand as vanguard against disruptive politics; an sweeping well, but the beginnings of governance have not been flawless. Telections has made Arvind Kejriwal the attempt to position itself as a radical alternative Riding on a high of populism, India’s “man of the moment” made some swift flavour of the season. He has been feted for is not only transparently mendacious but announcements in cutting electricity costs and increasing metered water quota, but his writing a new template for democratic politics perhaps politically suicidal as well. inaugural “Janta Darbar” – where the entire Cabinet met with the people to hear their in India and has been deservedly hailed for a Second, beyond AAP, there is little evidence grievances - has been shelved when Kejriwal was almost flattened in the stampede of significant triumph against near impossible that Indian voters have much patience for “Aam Aadmi” that turned out to vent. political odds. But as Mr hifalutin concepts Although a rattled Kejriwal has now junked the Janata Durbars, perhaps Kejriwal prepares for the like inner party prematurely, a distinction needs to be made between an idea and its execution. AAP’s challenges of running a consultations and initial response was to reaffirm their faith in the idea of participatory democracy even city-state as complex as participative democracy. while admitting that they had not gauged the overwhelming response and consequent Delhi, pundits are busy A part of Mr Modi’s melee at the Janata Darbar. debating what lessons appeal certainly lies in Those critical of the Janata Darbar have asked Kejriwal and team to get on with AAP may hold for the his image as a decisive the job of governance instead of wasting time on the streets. Others have slammed the mainstream politics leader who would brook effort as populism with an eye on votes. particularly for the Grand no opposition– not For a party committed to bottom-up approaches, the objective should be to initiate Old Party. SMS polls for him!– systemic reform rather than alleviate individual problems. When governance improves, The Congress party’s and address the policy complaints should reduce. That the AAP’s approach to governance was in sync with disastrous performance paralysis which has people’s aspirations is evident from the tremendous response to its anti-corruption in the assembly elections adversely affected the helpline. has depressed even its India growth story in For a change, AAP has viewed corruption as its problem rather than the people’s. most ardent supporters; the last five years. Even How it acts on the bona fide phone calls it received and takes exemplary action against it clearly faces an uphill in regional politics, officials demanding bribe could provide a model for the rest of India to act on. Two challenge in the next voters have supported police officers were arrested earlier this week on charges of accepting bribery. general elections. What strong chief ministers Post-independent India has been inevitably drifting towards empowering the citizen should really worry and parties where the through legislations that recognised panchayat raj, what was missing was a political the Congress is the sheer extent of its defeat: suzerainty of one person runs supreme. Inner party overtly pushing the participatory agenda; the AAP seems to be filling this space In Rajasthan, the supposed stronghold of party democracy is one of the quirks of Indian that other parties missed out on ‘Sonianomics’, the party was virtually wiped politics– much discussed and lamented but with “Power resides in the people, they can use it at any time,” stated Mahatma Gandhi, out with a massive mandate in favour of the virtually no political salience. And the way when he outlined plan of action against foreign domination. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). So where does the Congress is structured, it can either have “This philosophy rests inside an individual who has to learn to be master of his own the Congress go from here? a Nehru-Gandhi in active politics or genuine self and spreads upwards to the level of his community which must be dependent only Some commentators have argued that the internal democracy. on itself. Congress needs to adopt an ‘AAP model.’ with Finally, a radical retransformation of the “In such a state (where Swaraj is achieved) everyone is his own ruler. He rules a display of disruptive thinking: loosen the vice- Congress is a long-term prospect and not a himself in such a manner that he is never a hindrance to his neighbour”; and also “it is like grip of the Nehru-Gandhi family on the project which can be accomplished in a matter Swaraj when we learn to rule ourselves.” party with genuine internal democracy. Most of months. The general elections are hardly With such inspiration from the father of the nation, one can hope that Kejriwal certainly, the Congress has suffered massively four months away and at this point the party and his band of good men and women will remain focused on the aspirations of the from its reluctance to encourage and nurture seems ill-prepared as a political formation— common man that put them in office – that is to change the system so that future regional leaders in sharp contrast to the BJP even basic messaging and media management generations will be proud to call a corruption-free India home. with its pantheon of strong chief ministers. is marked only by its absence. And here it - Arvind Kumar However, the commentators may be overstating must be asked: Considering Mr Gandhi has their case. For three reasons. spent nearly a decade in politics with little First, there is little similarity between AAP formal responsibility and almost unquestioned and the Congress party. One is a newly formed authority, why has he failed the task of remaking Indian Weekender Volume 5 Issue 17 insurgent formation whose political structures Congress for the modern era? And if he has been Publisher: Kiwi Media Group Limited Managing Editor: Giri Gupta | [email protected] are still amorphous and malleable. It also carries a failure till now, what is the guarantee that he Editor: Arvind Kumar | [email protected] no baggage either of governance or history. On would succeed in the immediate future? Correspondent: Sumantra Maitra | [email protected] the other hand, the Congress in its various forms, What the Congress party truly needs is less Correspondent: Vaibhav Saklani | [email protected] has existed for over 125 years and has been in of AAP-ism and more of realism. A positive Chief Technical Officer: Rohan Desouza | rohan@ indianweekender.co.nz Design: Desaign Limited power for much of India’s history. It’s all very mandate for the UPA government is virtually Advertising & Business Development Manager: well for Rahul Gandhi to promise to empower out of question in 2014: what it can realistically Gaurav Gupta M: 021 292 4519 l [email protected] individual in ways ‘you can’t even imagine’ expect to do is to limit the damage and repeat the Accounts and Admin.: Farah Khan - P 520 0922 l [email protected] but it is far less convincing when the statement AAP experiment with the so-called Third Front Views expressed in the publication are not necessarily of the publisher and the publisher is not responsible for advertisers’ claims as appearing in the publication is made literally in his mother’s shadow. Mr either as the governing party or extend outside Gandhi has failed to establish himself as the support to a rag-tag coalition constructed in the ‘angry young man’ railing against the injustices name of ‘secularism.’ Indian Weekender is published by Kiwi Media Group, 98 Great South Road, Auckland Printed at Guardian Print, Ashburton of the establishment because he and his family - Rohit Pradhan is Fellow at the Copyright 2010. Kiwi Media Group. All Rights Reserved. are the establishment. In any case, the strongest Takshashila Institution. www.iwk.co.nz 23 17 January 2014 COMMENT Queer sexuality in India: The long road ahead Shaleen Rakesh police and thugs also strengthened my resolve Alliance, where I now work as Director, also the general population was ready for a social to fight for their cause. Although gay men are called for the law to be abolished in order to change of values. But there has been plenty of rarely prosecuted under Section 377, but they protect public health. Our consistent efforts did opposition too. Religious groups, leaders of the n 11 December 2013, the streets are often intimidated or exploited because of it. lead to some sweet victory (turned sour now BJP (the Hindu nationalist party), and millions outside the Supreme Court of India My journey to becoming a gay rights activist once again) in that Section 377 was declared of ordinary Indians, especially those in rural Othronged with a dazed crowd, hugging, and legal victor began when, as an 11-year-old unconstitutional with respect to consensual sex areas, still find homosexuality unacceptable. sobbing and not quite sure what had happened. schoolboy in Delhi, I realised I was attracted between consenting adults by the Delhi High This social discrimination will be much Inside the hushed courtroom, the judges had to men. I was growing up surrounded by a Court in July 2009. harder to change now with the law upholding just passed a devastating ruling. Lesbians, gays, it, instead of denigrating it. In small towns of bisexual, transgender (LGBT) in India had once India it is still not very easy for people to reveal again been labelled as criminals. Section 377, This social discrimination will be much their sexual preference to their family. Even the 149-year-old colonial law that banned gay in Delhi most young gay men need guidance sex, had been upheld by the Highest Court harder to change now with the law and support to come out. Several gay men of Law of India saying that amending or succumb to the social pressure around them repealing Section 377 should be a matter left to upholding it, instead of denigrating it. In and keep their sexuality secret. When I was in Parliament, not the judiciary. small towns of India it is still not very easy my late teens I asked a man I met at a cruising For many gays and lesbian Indians the spot whether he would ever get married (to a Supreme Court verdict will mean that they for people to reveal their sexual preference woman). “I already am,” he replied, “Isn’t become vulnerable to harassment all over again. everyone?” In India, domestic partnership, adoption-- to their family. But despite these challenges, things can all the things that straight people take for improve if we choose to believe in ourselves. granted—cannot be even discussed and talked Like I chose to come out and start working as a about by activists because Section 377 makes it gay rights activist. I used the very stigma which illegal to engage in gay sex. Under the colonial ‘conspiracy of silence’, in which nobody even Constitutional morality had prevailed upon tried to oppress gay men as a weapon to create law, men could be jailed for 10 years for having spoke of the possibility of homosexuality. public morality but alas! it has been turned my own life of freedom and also help several sex with men, an act which was classed as an Gay men are up to eight times more likely to down once Social pressure from around the others along the way. Today I am not only a ‘unnatural offence’ along with paedophilia and contract HIV than the average Indian, and many country, particularly in the big cities, has also political activist working on sexuality issues bestiality. How can one talk about rights when groups lobbied for Section 377 to be overturned grown hugely in the past few years opening the but also a writer on the subject. My sexuality, the legal framework makes you a criminal? on the grounds that it pushes gay men floodgates of demand for legal justice for gay a source of anxiety in my early years, has In 2001, on behalf of the Naz Foundation, underground, making them more vulnerable to men. Cities such as Delhi and Mumbai have held defined, quite successfully, who I am and what and with the help of the legal charity called the HIV. The National AIDS Control Organization gay pride marches; young gay people and their I have chosen to do with my life. Lawyer’s Collective, I began to put together (NACO), the Indian government’s HIV/AIDS families are being interviewed by journalists on - Shaleen Rakesh serves as a Director at public-interest litigation against Section 377. control body, came out against Section 377 in primetime TV; Bollywood films now have gay the India HIV/AIDS Alliance and writes for Apart from just coming out and shouting from 2006, arguing that the law made HIV prevention characters. Bombay Dost, a gay magazine, has Citizen News Service (CNS). He initiated the rooftops about our human rights, trying to more difficult. The then Health Minister of been re-launched and is no longer sold furtively the fight against Section 377 of Indian Penal change the law was the only thing we could India Mr Anbumani Ramadoss and many AIDS wrapped in brown paper. This cultural shift Code as the primary petitioner from the Naz do. The everyday harassment of gay men by organisations, including the India HIV/AIDS gave us some degree of comfort to believe that Foundation (India) Trust in 2001. Sri Lanka: Moving On The peace that was established with the defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in May 2009 prevailed uninterrupted through 2013.
S. Binodkumar Singh North Western Provincial Council (NWPC) and to say it most mildly our war widows and in the Kodikarmam area in Jaffna District on and Central Provincial Council (CPC). Here, women are definitely not safe. Why does the charges of having in their possession posters unsurprisingly, the United People’s Freedom Government not enhance its Police presence containing the picture of slain LTTE leader s in 2012, not a single terrorism- Alliance (UPFA) secured a convincing victory in the North and reduce progressively its Army Vellupillai Parabhakaran. Police said this was related incident was reported from the in both the Councils, securing 34 of 52 seats presence if it does not have a hidden agenda? the first time such posters had been found in AIsland Nation. The last such fatality in the NWPC, and 36 of 58 seats in the CPC. These are questions which must be posed by the Northern Province since the war ended was recorded on October 2, 2009, when an With the formation of the NPC the reasonable ordinary humane Sinhalese in the in 2009. Acknowledging LTTE’s surviving unidentified gunman killed two Army soldiers Mahinda Rajapaksa led UPFA Government South. presence, President Mahinda Rajapaksa and injured another at Paranthakadathan in fulfilled its promise of conducting elections Vigneswaran stressed, further, that Tamil in another media interview on August 31, Mannar District. Moreover, while several in the Northern Province. On May 21, 2009, speaking people, whether Tamils or Muslims, 2013, observed, “The LTTE (Tamil Tigers) concerns remain to be addressed, the country the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India, are not against the Sinhalese, but are certainly sympathizer networks have been in this made dramatic progress in terms of post- C. R. Jaisinghe, had declared, “We will hold against the ‘Sinhalisation’ of the North and business for a long time. It was their big war reconstruction, and also witnessed some Provincial Council elections in the northern East. money-raiser. They are still doing it today.” positives in terms of reconciliation. region.” Again, on July 11, 2012, President The remnants of LTTE, though miniscule, Peace has certainly been established in Sri Crucially, on September 21, 2013, amid Mahinda Rajapaksa had committed to continue to pose a limited challenge. Through Lanka, and the capacities for disruption are, heavy security historic elections were elections for the Northern Provincial Council 2013, there were reports of the activities of at worst, marginal. Nevertheless, sources of conducted in the five Districts of the Northern in ‘just over a year’, stating, “We want to hold cadres and sympathizers, within and outside ethnic tension persist, even as much of the Province - Jaffna, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, elections in September 2013. We are working Sri Lanka. In one incident in support of LTTE, country’s politics is framed in an ethnically Kilinochchi and Mannar - for the first time towards it [the elections] in a systematic Tamil activists in Tamil Nadu, India, assaulted polarized paradigm. It is imperative, for a since the establishment of the provincial manner.” a Sri Lankan Buddhist monk, identified as lasting solution, for both Sinhala and Tamil to council system in 1987. The Tamil National Adding to tensions is the new Chief Bandara, at the Central Railway Station in move beyond this confrontationist politics to Alliance (TNA), the largest Tamil party in Minister of the Northern Province, C.V. Chennai, on March 18, 2013. Further, nine forge a national destiny that can move beyond the country, secured a landslide victory, Vigneswaran’s attitude towards Colombo. On persons who were attempting to commemorate the memories of the years of bloodshed. winning in all five Districts, securing 28 of December 21, 2013, Vigneswaran alleged, slain LTTE cadres on May 18, 2013, were the 36 seats for which elections were held. The latest we hear is that a former LTTE arrested in Colombo. On September 5, 2013, - The writer S. Binodkumar Singh is The TNA also secured two bonus seats on military commander is being commissioned a man, believed to be an LTTE supporter, Research Associate, Institute for the basis of its percentage of votes in each to restart an LTTE outfit subservient to the committed self-immolation in front of the Conflict Management District. Along with the Northern Provincial powers that be. Our lands are being grabbed. United Nation’s Human Rights Committee (The view expressed in the article is of the Council (NPC) elections, polls were also Our businesses are being grabbed. Our building in Geneva, Switzerland. Again, eight author and not of Indian Weekender) conducted on September 21, 2013, for the employment opportunities are being grabbed persons were arrested on September 13, 2013, www.iwk.co.nz 24 INDIA 17 January 2014
NEWS IN BRIEF
Sansthan, Agra will present a Cultural irreversible damage to both the tiger reserve on innovation, R&D, and technology. PM greets nation on Lohri, Programme. as well and the migratory corridor, Greenpeace A resident of Singapore for 18 years, Rao Makara Sankranti, Pongal “Ministry of External Affairs is committed said. has also served in the Singapore Civil Service towards propagating Hindi Abroad through Reacting to the government’s move, as a Director with International Enterprise rime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday Indian Missions/Posts abroad,” the MEA said. Greenpeace forest campaigner, Nandikesh Singapore. Pgreeted the nation on the occasion of Lohri, The First World Hindi Conference was Sivalingam said, “If MoEF allows mining Rao is on the Executive Committee of Makara Sankranti and Pongal. organized in Nagpur on Jan 10, 2006. in such critical wildlife areas it will be only the Singapore Indian Development Agency In his message, the Prime Minister said, Since then every year Jan 10 is being undermining its own mandate to protect forests (SINDA), the Singapore Fine Arts Society “Sankranti indicates the beginning of a observed as the World Hindi Day. and wildlife.” (SIFAS) and serves as Vice Chairman of the traditionally auspicious period of the year. Lohri South Asia Business Council (SBAC) of the and Pongal are harvest festivals, and an occasion Singapore Business Federation. to celebrate the contribution of our farmers and Greenpeace opposes MoEF’s Tata Sons announces He also continues to serve as the Managing our traditional ethos, culture and economy. All mining decision Singapore office Director of Trust Energy Resources, a Tata these festivals mark a new beginning.” Power subsidiary. “May these festivals bring prosperity and joy ata Sons, the investment holding company to all”, Singh said. Tof the Tata group, on Thursday announced the establishment of an office in Singapore for Mumbai hosts 26th the ASEAN region and appointed K.V. Rao as International Kite Festival World Hindi Day to be nvironmental non-profit organisation Resident Director, ASEAN – Tata Sons. observed tomorrow EGreenpeace on Thursday said it objects he 26th edition of International Kite to the Ministry of Environment and Forests TFestival was has arrived in Mumbai for the he Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on (MoEF)’s move to reopen the mining projects third consecutive year as the event was held on TThursday said it will be celebrating the within key wildlife areas. Wednesday. World Hindi Day 2014 on Thursday at a special “Marki-Barka East and Marki-Barka West The Mumbai leg of the International Kite function being organized at the Foreign Service coal blocks in the Singrauli coal field, Madhya Festival was held on Wednesday and was Institute in New Delhi at 5:00 pm. Pradesh that are reported to be re opened by inaugurated by Dinesh Dasa, Board of Directors Special Secretary Navtej Sarna will be the Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) once again, of Gujarat Tourism and Shaina NC from the chief guest on this occasion. fall within corridor connecting multiple forest Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the Priyadarshni A Hindi Essay Competition was organized patches such as Bagdara sanctuary with Sanjay Park & Sports Complex, Malabar Hill in the for foreign students studying Hindi, the winners Dubri tiger reserve,” Greenpeace said in a K.V. Ra, the Resident Director, city. of which will be given cash prizes and books statement. ASEAN – Tata Sons. More than 40 kitists from India and different as gift. It said that Dongrital block on the other hand countries like France, Russia, Ukraine, Foreign students will address this gathering is located along the boundary of Sanjay Dubri The office will further enhance and strengthen Malaysia, Vietnam and Estonia participated in in Hindi and a brief Kavi Sangoshti will also be tiger reserve, falling well within the 10 km Tata Sons’ engagement with the stakeholders the festivities and indulged in kite-flying all organized on this occasion. buffer it. in the ASEAN region facilitating Tata group throughout the day. Foreign Students of Kendriya Hindi Diverting these coal blocks could cause companies’ growth, including through a focus - IWK Bureau
Media Partners www.iwk.co.nz 25 17 January 2014 FEATURES Bombay Dreaming… Musings of a Kiwi in Mumbai
Linda Crossley
iwi’s have wings, as the saying goes; but not many of us end up living in KMumbai, India. I had vague Indian connections due to my English grandparents living there for many years, as my Grandfather was the General Manager for Singer Sewing Machine, way back in the day! My grandparent’s excursions resulted in my father being born in the subcontinent, and spending the first 10 years of his life there. These far away stories I had grown up with made me always want to visit India, but life got in the way until I was in my late thirties. At that time, I went on my first real overseas adventure (further than Aussie!) and grabbed my then teenage daughter, with the two of us having a wonderful, confronting, delightful and colorful tourist experience through Rajasthan down to Kerala. We were budget backpackers. We were not staying in the Taj. Fast forward a few years, and my then boss suggested that I go to India to set up a BPO for him. He was a private investor who had a string of tax firms in the US and I was responsible for managing all of his NZ investments. After a couple of years with lots of exploratory visits, I located to Fort, and was wonderful for a new find an office, employ staff, train them and get those early days. I remember looking on to the finally made the official relocation in 2007 once arrival such as myself to be so close to Marine operations moving asap! I remember those days street very late one evening and seeing a long my daughter was settled in to her career in New Drive and all of the eateries in the general area. having little sleep and very much stress! Here row of black and yellow cabs lined along the Zealand. The work expectations on me were incredibly was I, a Kiwi businesswoman completely on my road in both directions, with their backdoors all In those early hazy days I set myself up in intense. I was under enormous pressure and own in the Maximum City. a hotel in Churchgate. It was a nice hotel, well had to set up an Indian registered company, I have funny and random recollections of Article continued on next page
This includes a curry a naan, rice & glass of house wine or soft drink 5.30 pm to 10.30 pm Open all days www.iwk.co.nz 26 FEATURES 17 January 2014 open and the drivers feet all sticking out the the Mumbai Mirror. I was a novelty to them, and were saying. poor and those that fall in between. I fell in doors as they slept! I remember that it once they were a novelty to me. They were nice guys Chor Bazaar constantly amazed me. I felt like love with Indian music and Bollywood, and I took me two days to find a toner for my printer. who eventually helped me out, and I ended up I was walking back in time. NZ simply doesn’t loved Coffee with Kiran! My final 18 months in That sounds so completely hopeless now when I renting an office at Marine Lines, and a tiny little have the history of India. I lapped up every piece Mumbai was spent living in 100-year-old rooftop look back, but I found the most simple of tasks house on Malabar Hill with only one window. of Bombay’s history. I loved the architecture; I apartment that was owned by one of the sons of so very difficult back then. I remember getting My one window looked back down along loved the stories of the people who lived there. Bollywood, much to my local friends delight. a local cab and trying to explain that I needed Marine Drive, which was heavenly from the hill, I appreciated Bombay and India, I read lots. I It had a fabulous but dilapidated terrace full of to go to a toner shop. It was obviously not my particularly during wedding season. remain terribly grateful for the wonderful and plants and overlooked the domes of the Taj Hotel. day that day as this driver did not understand I used to go for power walks along Marine cheap books available. I felt like a queen, I appreciated My Mumbai and me at all, and I am sure that I would have been Drive with my iPod playing classical music very After a tiny but incredibly intense 7 months, I knew it was being good to me. totally unable to communicate in a clear manner loudly. It was almost an out of body experience, my then boss decided not to continue with India, Colaba became my village. I can sleep through in those days! We drove around for hours and I loved it. I experienced my first Gangapati at despite our project being on budget and on time. anything now and I sleep best when very hot and finally returned to the hotel without a toner and Chowpatty Beach, and my first Holi and Diwali’s I was ordered back to New Zealand. I made the sweaty, like only the Mumbai nights can provide. with me completely flummoxed. in Malabar Hill. At that Gangapati I was caught decision to stay. Mumbai had me in its clutches. I hear people complain about humidity now, and I The next day, I was close to hysterics in my in a crowd surge and was literally lifted off the How could I possibly go back to the predictable know that they have no idea what REAL humidity frustration because I knew that there had to be a ground and carried with the crowd for a few feet. life of Auckland after this wonderful taste of the feels like! While I lived in a forth floor apartment simple answer to my problem but being a do-it- I used to hang out at Café Coffee Day in the exotic, conflicting, confusing and stimulating on the Causeway, nowhere felt more like home, yourself-kiwi, I was trying to figure it out on my mornings before the 10am workday start (so late mega city? I resigned from my job and set up not even NZ. The locals took me under their own. So another day and another taxi driver who for a kiwi girl!). I loved watching all the people; my own business. My consulting company wings, they kept an eye out for me, and an eye seemed to understand me a little better. This was the pious going to temple next door, the workers assisted foreign companies who were entering on me. I know they would have been chitter before the Sealink and I remember that we ended wandering past, the road cleaners, the school India. That first hand experience that I had, made chattering about me, I know that my rubbish was up near that funeral parlour so aptly named “The kids, the maids, the lady who took care of the sure that I covered the most simple of things on scrutinized and that everyone from my bankers to the fruit wala took an interest in all that I did and did not do. They knew who came to my door, how long I had visitors for and who they were. Despite this, they were very respectful of me, and I of them. I like to think Bombay embraced me, but I think Bombay and I both knew that this was not going to be my town forever. Being a lone woman in that city is not a happy long- term residential proposition. To minimize the solitude, I adopted an Indian kitty. I mean, how is it possible for a kiwi woman, a mother, on her own NOT end up with an Indian rescue kitty. I think it is a blessing that I did not end up with two dozen of them. I learnt so much about India during my time there. But mostly I learnt about myself. About how much I could take, about when to give in and when to fight, about when to worry and Interviewed on a TV show on expats called Culture Shock what is important to me. I learnt about love and I learnt about loss. I learnt that when you spend time in another country for a decent period, you fall in love with parts of that country and it gets under your skin. I learnt that I would end up with divided loyalties, that the concept of ‘home’ becomes a conflicted concept because your heart divides and feels that sense of home in more than one location. I was not prepared for those feelings. Currently in NZ, I am staying at a friend’s house and happened to pick up a Rohinton Mistry Me and Milo (the Indian cat) on our terrace in Colaba. book from her bookshelf. It is set in Cusrow Baug, the Parsi Colony in Colaba that I know so well. For the first time since my departure in Dead Centre of Town” in Mahim! I now know cows in Walkeshwar the middle of 2013, I have been overcome with a how far I had strayed, and I now also know how Road. sense of missing My Mumbai. That wonderful, easy it was to buy toner locally! But the point of I wandered the complex and often times, so very annoying city this story is to try to express how hard it was to streets of Malabar Hill, of so many souls. I started craving Indian food. perform the most simple tasks. I found Mumbai astounded at those Not the kiwi Indian food, but the dosa, chole so very difficult. I struggled to communicate. I magnificent properties My daughter and thali’s that I grew to love. I found myself at struggled to understand simple things. I did not that had been closed Xotic in Mt Albert Auckland for the closest Real find the expat community until a couple of years since partition with Indian food that I could find. They gave me no later, such was the enormous effort I was putting trees now slowly and steadily reclaiming them, behalf of my clients as well as the more lofty. I pickle. I was devastated. (how can they tell by in to my job in my new city. growing through the interiors. I marveled at ensured that none of my clients would feel quite looking at me if I like pickle or not?!?!) Pickle I fell in love with Gaylord’s in those early those homes, I daydreamed about who had lived as overwhelmed as I had in those early months. granted, I relished every morsel and memory that days, the old restaurant in Churchgate. To the there and what their stories were. A peacock My business grew and it opened the door to it provided, served with a healthy dose of Indian bemusement of the staff there, I used to go and used to jump the fence from the governor’s more adventures and learning opportunities for music on the tv screens. Ahhh bliss! order a plate of broccoli. Just broccoli. Don’t get property on Malabar Hill and jump from rooftop me personally. I have met the most amazing My days in India came to an end earlier this me wrong, I love Indian food – but in those days, to rooftop to my neighbours roof, much to my people from all walks of life during my time there. year when I sold my company. I am now back my kiwi anatomy struggled with Indian food complete delight! I have had opportunity that I would never have in NZ for such a short time before I relocate to every single meal. And I didn’t like the tasteless I grew fat with door-to-door deliveries of had in New Zealand. France. I plan to continue with my consultancy wishy-washy ‘continental’ alternatives that Mumbai’s finest cuisine. I ordered a meat I was in Mumbai during the terrorism, living from France, and India will feature high on my were offered. Weeks were spent trying to find lovers pizza for a visiting British friend while exactly in the middle of the Trident, the Taj and list of business skills, experiences and offerings a suitable office and a home for myself. There I was in Walkeshwar Road, forgetting that I Nariman House, the Jewish house. Due to the for my clients. I am very excited about my new would be truckloads of real estate agents coming had signed in my lease that I would never, density of the buildings, we could only tell which adventures, but my time in India will remain with me to view properties. There would be under any circumstances, bring meat on to the buildings the constant explosions were coming incredibly special and I hope to continue to work long crazy conversations about what I wanted, property. Those earlier real estate agents had from by watching the direction of the flight of with Indian companies and individuals from my and much viewing of completely inappropriate made a comment that Marine Drive was being the crows, who were, of course, flying away from new home in France offering more opportunities properties. There were tears. There was full taken over by the vegetarians. I remember that the explosions. I lived through seven monsoons, to them through the new location. belly laughter. These particular gentlemen had comment made me laugh so hard! It seemed through good and bad city governance, through - Linda Crossley no experience assisting a kiwi woman to find a such an implausible statement to my kiwi ears. much good, much bad and much ugly. 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VPNZ PO Box 48124 Blockhouse Bay, Auckland | www.pushtimargnz.org.nz | [email protected] www.iwk.co.nz 28 INDIA ABROAD SPORTS 17 January 2014 NRI files SC contempt Dhoni & Co are here to party he last time the Indian said in the press conference here cricket team toured NZ in New Zealand. This will be a case against AMRI Treplete with their best chance to make an impression as batting line up, match winners the World Cup 2015 is going to be case for “contempt” of Supreme compensation in blatant violation of the SC and the bowling unit as strong as played right here down under. Court was filed Friday by NRI doctor order and thus, have deliberately committed an it has ever been they dominated AKunal Saha seeking imprisonment of act of contempt of the Supreme Court, said Saha. both the tests and ODIs winning the Board of Directors of AMRI Hospital in “Ironically, a few days earlier, AMRI the former 1-0 and the latter by 3-1. Gambhir, Indian squad: ODIs Kolkata for their failure to pay the highest-ever Hospital filed an application with a devious Zaheer, Harbhajan, Yuvraj were all part of the MS Dhoni (capt), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit compensation (at least Rs. 11 crore) in a case of motive to avoid their responsibility by claiming team and on top of their game, now only Zaheer Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Ambati medical negligence that caused the death of his that they need an extension of 1 year time to remains and has a point to prove. Rayudu, Suresh Raina, R Ashwin, Ravindra wife in 1998 during a social visit to India. pay the compensation because they have been Team India blooded young with a fresh Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed pace battery including debutant Ishwar Pandey Shami, Ishant Sharma, Amit Mishra, Ishwar is heavily relying on captain Mahendra Singh Pandey, Stuart Binny, Varun Aaron On Oct 24 last the Dhoni and Virat Kohli to pull them through, very much like the 90s when M. Azharhudin and Indian squad: Tests apex court delivered Sachin Tendulkar were the core around whom MS Dhoni (capt), Shikhar Dhawan, M Vijay, a historic judgment the team was built. The young team looks shaky Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and not as reliable as the World Cup winning Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja, Zaheer holding three top champions of 2011, and are only about getting Khan, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Kolkata doctors their bearings right on the field. Ambati Rayudu, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, R However captain Dhoni believes otherwise, Ashwin, Umesh Yadav, Wriddhiman Saha, and AMRI Hospital “As of now, both our [ODI and Test] squads Ishwar Pandey look quite settled, which is a good thing because guilty for causing it’s very important to back individuals”, Dhoni death of Saha’s wife Fixtures: and US-based child Sun Jan 19 (ODI) 14:00 NZDT: psychologist, 1st ODI - New Zealand v India, McLean Park, Napier Wed Jan 22 (ODI) 14:00 NZDT: Anuradha Saha, 2nd ODI - New Zealand v India, Seddon Park, Hamilton Sat Jan 25 (50 ovs) 14:00 NZDT: 3rd ODI - New Zealand v India, Eden Park, Auckland Kunal Saha seeking imprisonment of the Tue Jan 28 (50 ovs) 14:00 NZDT: Board of Directors of AMRI Hospital financially broken since 91 patients died at the 4th ODI - New Zealand v India, Seddon Park, Hamilton same hospital from a devastating fire in 2011,” Fri Jan 31 (50 ovs) 14:00 NZDT: On Oct 24 last the apex court delivered a said Saha. 5th ODI - New Zealand v India, Westpac Stadium, Wellington historic judgment holding three top Kolkata The “contempt” petition is likely to come Sun Feb 2 - Mon Feb 3 10:30 NZDT doctors (Sukumar Mukherjee, Baidyanath up for final hearing after the Apex Court opens Invitation X1 v Indians, Cobham Oval (New), Whangarei Halder and Balaram Prasad) and AMRI Hospital following the Christmas vacation. Thu Feb 6 - Mon Feb 10 11:00 NZDT guilty for causing death of Saha’s wife and US- Saha had been fighting his case in various 1st Test - New Zealand v India, Eden Park, Auckland based child psychologist, Anuradha Saha, and Indian courts since his wife’s death and in the Fri Feb 14 - Tue Feb 18 11:00 NZDT directing AMRI Hospital to pay Rs. 6.08 crore process started a patients’ rights body to fight the 2nd Test - New Zealand v India, Basin Reserve, Wellington plus interest at the rate of 6% from the date of healthcare frauds and medical negligence cases filing of the case equaling to a total of more than in India. Rs. 11 crore within a period of 8 weeks which - IWK Bureau ended on Dec. 19. AMRI Hospital has failed to pay the Hockey: NZ beat powerhouse India
Upset Hindus urge Amazon.com to withdraw Lord Ganesha pants
pset Hindus have urged world’s mishandled, Rajan Zedargued. largest online retailer Amazon.com Zed further said that such trivialization of Uheadquartered in Seattle (USA) for Lord Ganesha was disturbing to the Hindus the immediate withdrawal of pants carrying world over. Hindus were for free artistic image of Lord Ganesha and sold on its website, expression and speech as much as anybody else calling it inappropriate. if not more. But faith was something sacred and Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement attempts at trivializing it hurt the followers, Zed in Nevada (USA) today, said that Lord Ganesha added. was highly revered in Hinduism and was meant Pants which Hindu devotees are finding to be worshipped in temples or home shrines objectionable include “Ganesha’s Dream Hot and not to be worn around one’s legs, crotch Pant” ($65.95-$69.95)” and “Ganesha’s Dream and hips. Inappropriate usage of Hindu deities Bell Bottoms” ($74.95-$78.95). ndia suffered their second consecutive New Zealand recovered sharply after being or concepts for commercial or other agenda was Amazon.com, Inc., a Fortune 500 company defeat in the Hockey World League Final at defeated by Germany 6-1 on Friday while India not okay as it hurt the devotees. founded in 1994, claims to offer “Earth’s Ithe hands of New Zealand here on Saturday. lost to England 2-0 on the same day in a Pool Zed, who is President of Universal Society Biggest Selection”. Jeffrey P. Bezos is New Zealand beat India 3-1. A clash. of Hinduism, also urged Amazon.com to offer a President. Shea Mcalesse (1st minute) and Stephen Meanwhile, England shocked Olympic and formal apology. In Hinduism, Lord Ganesha is worshipped Jenness (40th, 50th minutes) score goals for European champions Germany by beating them Hinduism was the oldest and third largest as god of wisdom and remover of obstacles and New Zealand which helped the side register 2-1 in another Pool A clash. religion of the world with about one billion is invoked before the beginning of any major their first win in the tournament. In Pool B, Netherlands defeated Australia adherents and a rich philosophical thought undertaking. Indians looked rusty on the field with 1-0 while Argentina beat Belgium 3-2. and it should not be taken lightly. Symbols - IWK Bureau Mandeep Singh scoring the only goal for the of any faith, larger or smaller, should not be hosts in the 68th minute to reduce the margin. - IWK Bureau www.iwk.co.nz 29 17 January 2014 FIJI Paradise found IJI is paradise.” This is the observation of Fellow student Song Vang could not get over a group of American students who spent the yaqona sessions. Fa week in Naboutini Village in Saqani, “I love drinking yaqona — I sit with the Cakaudrove. villagers every night to drink yaqona,” she said. The 18 students of Fresno State University “And the local food is the best I have tasted, so travelled to the village to learn about the iTaukei far especially the lovo. way of living, and they couldn’t get over how, “Fiji is blessed to have friendly and kind- Double your although the living standard in the village was hearted people.” Team head and Madventurer not like that of the States, the people were happy. company owner John Lawler said the purpose of entertainment this Student Maria Ortega said her first visit to Fiji had the visit was to show students the iTaukei lifestyle. been her best life experience. “I love this country Mr Lawler, whose company organises such and I love the people. They are so friendly and visits to Fiji, said the iTaukei people were very they look after us well,” she said. “Back home we friendly. “We have enjoyed our stay in Fiji, hardly hear people laughing out loud but here in especially in Naboutini, and we will certainly New Year! the village, people are happy, they are laughing and return and continue our community work with the they just enjoy life. “And when we see them happy, people of Naboutini,” he said. we also feel happy.” Install Vision Asia for FREE plus get Fiji stays away from issue $100 worth movie tickets he government will not interfere with Indonesia rather than us going outside and getting West Papua’s call to join the Melanesian them.” The Indonesian Government confirmed it FREE! TSpearhead Group (MSG). will deal with the issue because it claims West Papua This has been confirmed by Defence Minister is part of its sovereignty. Minister for Political, Joketani Cokanasiga who said he would leave Legal and Security Affairs Lieutenant General the matter to the Indonesian Government to deal Langgeng Sulistiyono said they would tackle the with. “Our policy is never to interfere with other call by West Papua to join the MSG. “With regards people’s internal affairs,” he said. “I believe there to the issue of West Papua — it is part of our issue, is a delegation from MSG going up to see West so we have to tackle it by ourselves because it is Papua — we maintain our very strong stand that part of our sovereignty,” he said. if anything should happen, it should emanate from Enjoy latest shows! 100 PWD workers lose jobs
bout 100 pwd workers in Lautoka are also worried about his family’s future. concerned about their future and that of “We really do not know where to get help Atheir families after receiving termination and we are trying hard to secure jobs from other letters. organisations,” said Mr Vuso. “Most of us are facing Some of the workers approached the media financial problems and we’re mainly concerned out of concern for the welfare of their families and about our children and families’ daily needs.” Last Yeh Hai Mohabbatein Boogie Woogie Besharam children. With the new school term to start in two week, Works permanent secretary Commander weeks, 48-year-old Joeli Gucake said as a sole Francis Kean said PWD workers “terminated” in the breadwinner, he was very worried. three divisions were all project staff engaged under He said he had worked for the PWD as a the ministry’s Trade and Manufacturing Accounts mechanic for 23 years. “One of my children will be (TMA). “The ministry has 16 TMAs operating in the in Form Seven, one in Form Six and the youngest three divisions including these project mechanical is in Class Eight,” Mr Gucake said. “I am worried staff in the Central Division. about where to get the money to support their “These project staff are engaged temporarily education. “Also I have to clear my home loan and under the terms and conditions of Government Wage other hire-purchase items.” Mr Gucake said job Earner 2010. “This is a routine annual termination Rangrasiya Comedy Nights With Kapil India’s Got Talent opportunities these days were very few and he was during this time of the year when we have our stand- thinking about mowing lawns to earn money. “My down period which began on December 19, 2013. • 13 Premium channels main priority right now is to find ways to put food on “The majority of these staff will be reengaged the table for my family.” during mid or the latter part of January 2014, once • Exclusive channels on DTH services - Fellow workmate Sowelio Vuso said he had we have projects online and business to operate Sony, Colors & Zee TV worked for the PWD for more than 24 years and was these 16 TMAs.” • HD Set Top Box with Recording Option • Crystal Clear Digital Quality Picture • India’s favourite daily soaps & reality shows Fire destroys homes • Movies & Music fire which ravaged a number of homes 3.48am and its Valelevu team responded to the • News in Hindi & English on Tuesday morning left five families call immediately, arriving at the scene at around Ain a tragic state in Madhavan Rd, 3.52am. “When the team arrived, one of the Caubati. With nothing more than charcoal small lean-to houses located at the rear end of wooden frames and bits of corrugated iron left the property was fully engulfed with flames and behind, the future of these families remains fire had spread to the attached buildings. gloomy after losing everything in the fire. NFA “Firefighters fought hard to contain the fire Exclusive satellite service on Vision Asia is still trying to ascertain a cause. “Firefighters but due to the magnitude of the fire and the fire fought hard to control the fire and prevent it load, the fire spread to other attached lean-to from spreading to a nearby wooden structure properties.” Firefighters battled the flames for All NZ : 0508 933 546 building at Lot 3 Madhavan Rd but were well over two hours, finally putting the fire Auckland : 09 621 0520 unsuccessful,” an NFA statement last night out at around 6.54am. A police report issued detailed. “The fire spread and destroyed the yesterday morning noted that the total cost of www.visionasia.co.nz nearby wooden structure house.” the damage incurred was yet to be determined *Conditions Apply. Offer Valid only for Jan 2014. The NFA received the morning call about and that investigations would continue. www.iwk.co.nz 30 FEATURES 17 January 2014
EDUCATION Study early childhood in your time, your way
career educating and caring for young IT Help Desk and pastoral children is endlessly rewarding, and support team, all dedicated Anow with NZTC Online, New Zealand to seeing you through to Tertiary College’s online learning environment, your successful graduation. gaining an NZQA-approved early childhood If you ever have a question, qualification is more achievable than ever the answer is just a phone before. call or email away. You’ll NZTC Online is designed specifically for also get to develop bonds early childhood students and is simple to use. with other students all Everything you need is at your fingertips. You around New Zealand as don’t have to wait for library resources to be you discuss what you’re handed in or travel in to lectures every week – learning on the online it’s an ideal choice for students living outside discussion boards. the major centres! If you love young Studying online means you can fit study children and you’re ready around your personal and family commitments. to get your professional You can study from wherever you have internet early childhood journey access. Instead of attending classes during the We have a program to suit every type of learner, including: started, please give us day, you complete weekly work experience a call on (09) 520 4000 in an early childhood centre, where you can or email enrolments@ connect the theory you’re learning to your nztertiarycollege.ac.nz . practice enabling you to ‘earn while you learn’. We’re looking forward to You can even choose your own start date. hearing from you! If you’ve come back from your OE or only recently decided on your desired career path, - New Zealand Tertiary you don’t have to wait for a beginning-of-the- College has over 30 years’ year or mid-year intake to get started. As soon experience in providing you are enrolled into the course, you can start outstanding early childhood study the very next Monday! teacher education. Our last You’ll never feel like you’re ‘going it NZQA external evaluation alone’. From the beginning you’ll be given a and review returned the comprehensive orientation to NZTC Online highest possible rating of and to our support services. We have on-call Highly Confident. lecturers, an academic skills support team, an
HEALTH Knock the back to work blues on the head he sun is shining tantalizingly just outside “Too many of us dive straight the window, and you’ve barely had time back into work instead of gently Tto brush the sand off your feet. Hard as easing ourselves back into the it is to believe, it’s time to sit back at your desk swing of things. We feel sad and tackle your overflowing email inbox. Your that our holiday is over, and phone is already ringing, your calendar is already flashing with meeting reminders, and your don’t take the time to adjust to summer holiday seems like a distant memory. different sleeping and eating You could be experiencing the back to work patterns.....” blues. Judi Clements, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, says, “While most people needs and does it still challenge you? Ask do take a longer break over the festive season, your manager for a job review. Speak about they’re often so busy during that time that they your wants and needs for the role. Discuss don’t get a chance to properly relax, take a any areas of work you are finding difficult. breath, and recharge their batteries. • Take time out – Make sure you have at least “Too many of us dive straight back into work 15 minutes a day to yourself. Go for a short instead of gently easing ourselves back into the walk or read a bit of a good book. swing of things. We feel sad that our holiday is • Get organised – Get up earlier so you don’t over, and don’t take the time to adjust to different have to rush; set aside time for processing sleeping and eating patterns that often change back to work blues is to have something to look only increase your stress levels. emails; break large projects into small steps. over the holidays. When we do this, we quickly forward to – like booking in your next holiday”, • Create a harmonious work environment – • After work activities – It’s summer, so enjoy start to feel exhausted, stressed, and depressed.” says Ms Clements. “Usually, that will be enough Organize your workspace; have something the light-filled evenings, arrange sporting or Back to work blues can come in many forms. to help you to focus, think positively about the personal that you like, or photos of friends social activities with friends and family so Some people feel disorientated and have a go- future, and reduce your current feelings of stress and family on your desk. Set a favorite you have something to look forward to after slow attitude. Others lose motivation for their about work.” picture as your screen saver. work or at weekends. work, or feel resentful about having to return. The Mental Health Foundation has the • Think about your personal growth – Do • Look after yourself – Get more sleep, take On top of that, many people feel irritable, following tips to reduce back to work blues: you have any skills that you would like part in more physical activity and eat better find themselves in a bad mood, or even suffer • Take the first two days slowly – Reply to develop further? Why not enroll in a this year. It will help you to think more headaches or other physical manifestations of to emails, catch up on phone calls, and learning course this year? It doesn’t have to clearly and to feel less stressed and more stress. then head home for some R&R. Plunging be work related! relaxed. “One way of alleviating the pressure of straight back into the thick of things will • Review your job – Is it still fulfilling your - IWK Bureau www.iwk.co.nz 31 17 January 2014 FEATURES
SUNDAY - 9/2/2014 THURSDAY - 6/2/2014 FRIDAY - 7/2/2014 SATURDAY - 8/2/2014 Shri Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan 5:30AM Prana Prathishta of other Deities of New Zealand Inc. 8.30AM Ganapathi Pooja and Maha Sankalp 8:30AM Kalash Pooja 8:30AM Kalash Pooja 7:00AM Kala / Baba Havan cordially invites you to followed by Kalash Stapana, 9:30AM Navagrah/Durga/Datta Havan 9:30AM Shri Rama Taraka/Hanuman/Ayush/ Shri Laxmi Venkateshwara/Mrutyunjay 8:00AM Poornahuthi Ganapathi Havan 12:00PM Poornahuthi Shri Shirdi Murugan Havan Saibaba THE GRAND OPENING OF THE TEMPLE, 8:30AM Kumbha Abhishekam and Temple 11:00AM Yantra Stapana and Navaratna Stapana* 12:30PM Madhyan Aarati followed by KUMBHA ABHISHEKAM & PRANAPRATHISHTA 12:00PM Poornahuthi Prana Prathishta of Shirdi Saibaba Mahaprasad 12:30PM Madhyan Aarati followed by Mahaprasad 12:00PM Madhyan Aarati followed by 12:30PM Madhyan Aarati followed 6:00PM Sri Lalitha Sahasranam Parayan Mahaprasad by Guruji Shri Chandra Bhanu Satpathyji 5:00PM Shobha Yatra from Bharatiya Mandir by Mahaprasad 8:00PM Shej Aarati followed by Mahaprasad 2:00PM Bhajans by religious groups 6:00PM Kalash Pooja and Vastu Havan 5:00PM Kalash Pooja and At 12-18 Princess Street, Onehunga, Vishnusahasranam Parayan 6:00PM Dhoop Aarati 8:00PM Shej Aarati followed by Mahaprasad 6:30PM Cultural Programmes Auckland, New Zealand 6:00PM Release of Souvenir & Felicitation of Donors by 7:45PM Discourse by Guruji Shri Chandra Guruji Shri Chandra Bhanu Bhanu Satpathyji *Offer Navratnas to Baba and your from Thursday 6th February Satpathyji chosen deities on Thu. 6th Feb. 2014. 9:00PM Shej Aarati followed by Mahaprasad With Best Compliments till Sunday 9th February 2014. Book in advance with Sansthan. from the Executive Committee $101 per pack. 8:30PM Shej Aarati followed by Mahaprasad Abhishek for Shiva 108 kalash • For Details contact • Abhishek for Navagrah 108 Kalash Bhaskara Reddy Duvvuru Amar Alluri President Secretary Puja to Kalash done Ph: +64 21 292 3807 Ph: +64 27 230 5360 for 4 Days & SHRADDHA SABURI Devotees can do Abhishek on Sunday, 9th Feb. 2014 Shri Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan of NZ Inc. using the above 12-18 Princess Street, Onehunga, Auckland, New Zealand by donating PO Box 16142, Sandringham, Auckland, NZ. $151 per Kalash Ph. +64 9 636 6400 www.shirdisaibaba.org.nz
THURSDAY - 6/2/2014 FRIDAY - 7/2/2014 SATURDAY - 8/2/2014 SUNDAY - 9/2/2014 Shri Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan 8.30AM Ganapathi Pooja and Maha Sankalp 8:30AM Kalash Pooja 8:30AM Kalash Pooja 5:30AM Prana Prathishta of other Deities of New Zealand Inc. followed by Kalash Stapana, 9:30AM Navagrah/Durga/Datta Havan 9:30AM Shri Rama Taraka/Hanuman/Ayush/ 7:00AM Kala / Baba Havan cordially invites you to Shri Laxmi Venkateshwara/Mrutyunjay Ganapathi Havan 12:00PM Poornahuthi 8:00AM Poornahuthi Murugan Havan Shri Shirdi Saibaba THE GRAND OPENING OF THE TEMPLE, 11:00AM Yantra Stapana and Navaratna Stapana* 12:30PM Madhyan Aarati followed by 8:30AM Kumbha Abhishekam and Temple 12:00PM Poornahuthi KUMBHA ABHISHEKAM & PRANAPRATHISHTA Mahaprasad Prana Prathishta of Shirdi Saibaba 12:30PM Madhyan Aarati followed by Mahaprasad 12:30PM Madhyan Aarati followed 12:00PM Madhyan Aarati followed by 6:00PM Sri Lalitha Sahasranam Parayan 5:00PM Shobha Yatra from Bharatiya Mandir by Mahaprasad Mahaprasad by Guruji Shri Chandra Bhanu Satpathyji 8:00PM Shej Aarati followed by Mahaprasad 6:00PM Kalash Pooja and Vastu Havan 5:00PM Kalash Pooja and 2:00PM Bhajans by religious groups Vishnusahasranam Parayan At 12-18 Princess Street, Onehunga, 8:00PM Shej Aarati followed by Mahaprasad 6:00PM Dhoop Aarati 6:00PM Release of Souvenir & 6:30PM Cultural Programmes Auckland, New Zealand Felicitation of Donors by 7:45PM Discourse by Guruji Shri Chandra Guruji Shri Chandra Bhanu *Offer Navratnas to Baba and your Bhanu Satpathyji Satpathyji from Thursday 6th February chosen deities on Thu. 6th Feb. 2014. 9:00PM Shej Aarati followed by Mahaprasad With Best Compliments till Sunday 9th February 2014. Book in advance with Sansthan. $101 per pack. from the Executive Committee 8:30PM Shej Aarati followed by Mahaprasad Abhishek for Shiva 108 kalash • For Details contact • Abhishek for Navagrah 108 Kalash Bhaskara Reddy Duvvuru Amar Alluri President Secretary Puja to Kalash done Ph: +64 21 292 3807 Ph: +64 27 230 5360 for 4 Days & SHRADDHA SABURI Devotees can do Abhishek on Sunday, 9th Feb. 2014 Shri Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan of NZ Inc. using the above 12-18 Princess Street, Onehunga, Auckland, New Zealand by donating PO Box 16142, Sandringham, Auckland, NZ. $151 per Kalash Ph. +64 9 636 6400 www.shirdisaibaba.org.nz www.iwk.co.nz 32 ENTERTAINMENT 17 January 2014 Bollywood Diary
Aamir Khan addresses at Kol Lit Fest
he fifth edition of the Apeejay birth anniversary which is one of the key Kolkata Literary Festival was themes of the festival this year. Bollywood Tinaugurated in Kolkata on Actor Aamir Khan delivered the inaugural Wednesday (January 8, 2014) by West address where he highlighted the seminal Bengal Governor M. K. Narayanan. contributions of Azad towards building of Presented in collaboration with Maulana modern independent India. The opening Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian ceremony was followed by the book launch Studies (MAKAIAS) and Victoria of ‘Maulana Azad, Islam and the Indian Memorial, the event was announced National Movement’ written by Syeda open with a special tribute to India’s first Hameed, Member, Planning Commission, education minister, writer and scholar Government of India. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad on his 125th
Indo-Americans object to ‘Bad Words’ remarks
ndo-Americans are reportedly upset Zed, who is Chairperson of Indo- over stereotyping their community American Leadership Confederation, Iin upcoming Jason Bateman comedy stressed that Indo-Americans were for free “Bad Words”. speech as much anybody else if not more. Referring to Red Band trailer of the But unnecessarily belittling a community movie, distinguished Indo-American with stereotyped remarks, even in a statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in comedy, hurt the community. Filmmakers Nevada (USA), said that addressing an should be more responsible while handling Indo-American kid as “Hey Slumdog” race and faith related subjects, as cinema and using the words “curry hole” for him was a very powerful medium. smelled of xenophobia and racism.
Dhoom 3 an all time record ever. At overseas it minted Rs 159.74 cr. “Dhoom3 3-week Overseas total: $ 25.78 million [Rs 159.74 cr]”, tweeted trade analyst Taran Adarsh. It is the highest grosser in countries like U.S.A.-Canada, U.A.E.-G.C.C. “While the film has emerged the ‘highest grosser ever’ in U.S.A.-Canada, U.A.E.-G.C.C., Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, it has created History in New Zealand by doing double the business of 3 IDIOTS hoom 3 has made a worldwide [DHOOM-3: NZ$ 514,154, still running... 3 collection of Rs 437.47 cr in three IDIOTS lifetime business: NZ$ 253,575]”, Dweeks setting the highest record confirms Taran Adarsh. Salman Khan relives Sholay 3D magic
ollywood actor Salman Khan produced 30+yrs relived the magic of ‘Sholay 3D’, ago,” he said. Bthe revival of the cult classic in 3D “Seriously, version, after it hit the silver screen on Jan 3. never seen a The actor thoroughly enjoyed the 3D better performed, experience and was awe-struck by the flawless directed, written, performances. Sharing his excitement with photographed, over 5.5 million followers, he tweeted, produced, “Sholay. acted, edited, he dada of all movie’s. go n background see it, amitji, dharamji, sanjeev score, cameo Tkumar, hemaji, amjad khan, jayaji, roles r toh outstanding,” asranij,jagdeepji r superb.” the Dabangg star said. “Its a cult film, experience it, its a journey. The way the film is written, directed n - IWK Bureau www.iwk.co.nz 33 17 January 2014 ENTERTAINMENT
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One Popular Studio Album and Two Hit Singles www.iwk.co.nz 34 ENTERTAINMENT 17 January 2014 ‘I am besotted with Aaradhya’s eyes’ Aishwarya Rai Bachchan can’t do without kajal. But it’s her daughter Aaradhya’s eyes that she is in love with.
How would you define Indian beauty? kajal for all my characters. If you are talking about the exterior, then I have There can be a lot to be said about being Indian That shows when you are to thank my father (Krishnaraj Rai) for marrying and that itself is beautiful because as people, playing an Indian woman, my mother (Brindya Rai). Because I have to we are very rooted. We hold our values to our irrespective of what era, thank them for my genes. I have nothing to do highest esteem. We are very simple people and strata, or what walk of life being born with this physicality. My face and I was taught very early – simple living and high you come from, you do end features are all because the two of them came thinking. We are aspirational, hardworking, but up using the kajal. together and God blessed. I am very grateful we know to retain respect, love, commitment, for that. Then, having stepped in this world of conscience and tradition. I have been able to Today’s actresses showbiz gave me the opportunity of working practice mutual fellowship to a large extent. consider less is more with incredible professionals who helped me Being Indian is being extremely beautiful. when it comes to look like what you see me today. They make me wearing make-up. Do look beautiful in front of the media or celluloid. What is your favourite piece of make- you agree? up? Yes. I believe too much As a child, we generally get attracted Being an Indian, using kajal is synonymous fuss takes away from to our mothers’ make-up boxes. Does with us (women). We love using kajal. We use it accentuating just what Aaradhya (Aishwarya’s daughter) like every day, on special occasions … it gives us a needs the attention. As a anything particular in your make-up feeling of being ready to go anywhere we want. woman, using kajal for box? accentuating your eyes and It is too early for her. I may be a brand Of all the films you have done so far, a little bit of lip gloss before ambassador of L’Oréal Paris (popular cosmetic which has been your favourite eye leaving house is enough to brand) but I won’t favour that. make-up look so far? make you feel ready. But as a woman in showbiz, where You are said to have most beautiful eyes That is very difficult for me to pick. I had the we are photographed all the in Bollywood. But whose eyes do you pleasure of essaying such diverse roles within time, you feel the need to be feel are beautiful? whatever a female lead is offered in our film a little more prepared for it. My mother and my daughter Aaradhya. I am industry, that I am really thankful. I have played besotted with Aaradhya’s eyes. contemporary roles to historicals, as well as been What is your beauty part of fictional and realistic cinema. But one secret? - Trans World Features (TWF) thing you will see in all films that I have used Well, there are a few things. Gauhar Khan wins Bigg Boss 7: Strength to Indian women
odel-turned-actress Gauhar Khan what she thought was right, or standing with the was declared the winner of the one she loves, Gauhar did it all on Bigg Boss 7. Mseventh season of Bigg Boss, the The final episode of seventh season of Indian version of the reality show Big Brother. Bigg Boss was quite entertaining, with all She took home the prize money of roughly USD the contestants performing for the audience. 100,000 and the trophy. She said now her aim Armaan and Kushal performed a dual on is to attain superstardom in showbiz. Gauhar, the Rockstar song Sadaa Haq, while Gauhar seen in films like Game and Ishaqzaade, was teamed with Kushal for a romantic number Tere focussed on working on her film career. Mere Beech Mein Kya Hai from Shuddh Desi “I wish this platform helps me gain Romance. superstardom. There is a very different feeling when people start calling you a superstar. And that’s what I want,” Gauhar said. Salman Khan presents the Bigg Boss Season The show went on air on September 15 with 7 reality television series winner’s trophy to 14 celebrities. Five wild card entries also added model and actress Gauhar Khan in Mumbai. to the glamour on the show, hosted by Salman (AFP Photo) Khan with his brand of fanfare. Best known for her dance numbers ‘Jhalla’ Bigg Boss Saath 7 was not Gauhar’s first and ‘Chokra Jawaan’ in Ishaqzaade and ‘Parda stint on a reality TV. She had earlier participated Parda’ in Once Upon a Time in Mumbai, the in the third season of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and 39-year-old actress also featured in Bollywood also Khan Sisters. But after winning the reality movie ‘Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year’ show, she says she is on seventh heaven. opposite Ranbir Kapoor. “It’s a dream come true. I feel lucky, Gauhar kick-started her career as a model honoured and happy to won the show. The 15 and was Miss India international 2002. She was weeks of hard work paid off and I feel on the widely appreciated for her variety performance seventh heaven right now,” she said. on the dance reality show Jhalak Dikkhla Jaa. She was also seen in another reality show Unlike previous winners who painted a ‘Khan sisters’ on UTV Bindass, with her sister rather sympathetic picture of the Indian women, Nigaar Khan. Gauhar stepped outside the traditional lines Gauhar will also be seen opposite Rajev and came across as a strong contestant from Khandelwal in Fever, her first film as the lead Day 1 on the show. Gauhar was a favourite heroine. Fever is slated for release in January even among previous winners and current 2014. contestants on the show. Be it taking a stand for - IWK Bureau www.iwk.co.nz 35 17 January 2014 ENTERTAINMENT No surcharges for overseas calls from Vodafone mobiles.
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Terms and conditions: 8588 short-code can only be used from a Vodafone mobile. Surcharges apply from non-Vodafone mobile phones and payphones. See www.prepaidcards.co.nz for full terms and conditions. Enabled by Vodafone www.iwk.co.nz 36 ENTERTAINMENT 17 January 2014 Sussanne and Hritik call it quits If rumours are to be believed, Hritik Roshan was dating the Mexican actress and model Barabra Mori. The two met on the sets of Kites Akanksha Mehra in 2010. However, things fumed further when subsequently Suzanne was linked to the leading star Arjun Rampal, who is married to Mehar ollywood tinselville was disappointed Jessia. The couples were friends and used to hear that their favourite starry couple to hang out together. Additionally, Sussanne BHritik Roshan and Sussanne Khan have was also unhappy with her in-laws and felt finally split after a 13 year long marriage. The frustrated. She got into a bitter dispute with her childhood sweethearts shared a 17 year long mother-in-law Pinky Roshan and felt that her relationship. husband did not support her enough. The 40 year old Krrish 3 starrer issued But despite all the suppositions Hritik a press statement from USA and put all the believes that Sussanne will always be his soul speculations to an end. The actor confirmed mate. “This is my greatest tribute to love. that “Sussanne has decided to separate from Sussanne is and always will be the love of me and end our 17-year relationship. This is my life for the rest of my life. If her smiles a very trying time for the entire family and I are brighter without me my love for her must request the media and the people to grant us our accomplish that. Unconditional”. Nonetheless, privacy at this time.” Roshan announced their Sussanne’s friends are shocked at Hritik’s separation just a few days before their 13th “Sussanne has decided to separate from me and end behaviour and believe that he is only issuing marriage anniversary. such statements in order to gain public’s Suzanne Khan is a successful interior our 17-year relationship. This is a very trying time “sympathy”. designer who has been living separately with for the entire family and I request the media and the The family, friends and fans are sad to the two kids since months. Sussanne who see their favourite couple split after a long avoided the media for a long time later revealed people to grant us our privacy at this time.” Roshan association. The couple’s divorce mirrors that, ““We are two individuals who respect announced their separation just a few days before modern relationships in Indian society where and care for each other and have made our tattoos are more permanent than marriages. own individual choices. We are parents to two their 13th marriage anniversary. Infidelity is a bitter reality and independent wonderful kids and our responsibility remains women are willing to manage as single to protect and take care of them. Nothing can mothers. Other single mothers include Amrita change that. We would appreciate if we are for your warmth & concern for both of us and separation to herself. Singh, Karisma Kapoor and Aamir Khan’s ex- given our privacy in such a time. Thank you the family.” She chose to keep the cause of What is the truth behind their separation? wife, Reena Dutta. ‘Highway was physically challenging for me’ Alia Bhatt says being a part of Imtiaz Ali’s Highway helped her connect with herself.
You seem to be very emotional about Highway.
This film is not just a film to me. It isan experience that I never had. I started working at the age of 18 and I had this one wish to have one such experience of say, going to college, being by yourself, being independent. It is that experience. It’s like video taping myself and releasing it. So you can say that Highway is my journey.
What was the most challenging thing that you faced during shooting of this film?
Highway is an emotional and physical journey that I was awarded to undertake. As I said earlier, it was an experience of a lifetime for me. I pushed myself a lot for this film. It was too physically challenging for me.
What was your initial reaction when you were offered the script?
When Imtiaz Sir (Ali, director-producer) came maturity at the end of her journey. Do you emotionally also, started at a particular point and when I started this film and when I ended it, I was to my house the first time, I did not know what agree? ended somewhere else. no longer the same person. Even today, I want the script was. He came with a small script … to go back to the first day of shoot and I want to generally scripts are larger in size. So, initially, I I strongly believe that when Imtiaz Sir writes a Among the two characters you played in experience it all over again. thought it was a short film. He knows my father character, he gives a meaning and depth to the your first film Student Of The Year (SOTY) really well (filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt). So he character. Every character is different from one and Highway, which is your favourite? How did you prepare for your role? told me to go and read the script while he would another. They stand out in their own way. It takes Both characters are poles apart … they are too hang around with my father. It was only when I a toll on you – physically and emotionally – to do different from each other. In SOTY, it was There were no preparations. I was fully, blindly went through the script that I realized it was a full justice to that character. When I started shooting a glamourous role with lots of make-up and dependent on Imtiaz Sir. I just let the journey take length film. this film, I slowly realized that the character I am designer dresses, while in Highway I had to go me where it wanted to, I just let the film happen playing, whose name is Veera, even she has a completely without make-up. Highway taught to me. Almost every Imtiaz Ali female lead starts journey of her own. We travelled a lot. We started me things that I won’t even will be able to - Trans World Features (TWF) out as a carefree girl who attains a new in Delhi and it ended in Kashmir. The journey, express probably to anybody. Let’s just say that www.iwk.co.nz 37 17 January 2014 ENTERTAINMENT
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warn the readers of what they might be getting never been granted themselves in to as early as I as I can. In one – create a beauty for Shreya Bakshi plain and simple sentence, it is the worst kind the people’s eyes; of calamity that Bollywood might face this the people who are year (I am not quite sure of what is in store for going to spend their or those three hours, I was reminded Bollywood fans this year); yet it has gone on to hard earned money why I loved, and hated the 90s. A gross over Rupess 500 crores in profits. and watch this work Fparadox so perplexing, I still have not I thought I had seen enough of Viktor of brilliance that we been able to get my head around it! Acharya after Tashan, but Yash Raj Films had will create together.” Okay, do not jump to any conclusions. Stop, other plans in the pipeline. They decided to I am also, still, quite stop right there! unleash, on the public, what they call Dhoom surprised by what may I was not reminiscing, not even anywhere 3 – the worst job of film editing I think I have have compelled an actor close to it; then why the sudden surge of seen in my entire life. Yes, it is really that bad; like Aamir Khan to work warn you. And yet, emotions reminding of my childhood days, and no, it just doesn’t end there. Let’s go back in this film. like I said, it went on to gross over you may ask. Well, let me tell you why… to Viktor Acharya; So he writes and directs Dhoom – 3 is literally Rs 500 crores in profit. Go figure, right?! The 90s were the years when I first fell Tashan, and what do you know, it fails – all for just a compilation of greatly ‘misdirected’ I feel that it was the combination of Aamir in love with films. They seemed like magic, good reasons. Then he goes on and writes and acting performances. It’s a string of random Khan and Katrina Kaif that has managed to and they still do. Even after 25 years of my directs Dhoom – 3; but this time around, he scenes loosely sown together. It does not garner all the attention for this film, along existence, Hindi cinema, or “Bollywood” as adds a few bikes, a half clad Katrina Kaif, two make any sense. It’s unappealing, unattractive, with the fact that Aamir Khan was doing an we know it, amazes me! These Bollywood film baboons by the names of Abhishek Bachchan unexciting and absolutely unbearable. Even outright commercial Bollywood film being makers can create such nonsense sometimes, and Uday Chopra and he hits the jackpot with Aamir Khan could not save it. produced by Yash Raj Films, one of the biggest yet manage to sell and make hoards of the one actor whom I had full faith in, Aamir All the other acting performances do not banners in India. Then again, what might have money, and yet garner such love, attention Khan. He throws all of them in Chicago, even deserve a mention; the film assumes its compelled Aamir to act in this film still fails and admiration from the public. I grew up in makes them do a few cool stunts, a little bit of viewers to literally be nincompoops who will my understanding. probably the worst era of cinematic history singing and dancing and places them within a gobble up anything that is fed to them. But whatever said and done, it is that Bollywood has ever experienced, so today, seriously sad Good Indian – Bad White Guy I had never thought that I would ever use Bollywood; it can, it has and it always will, watching a film like Dhoom 3 does not faze plot line. But, it does not stop here; he then, I such a word for an Aamir Khan film, but sadly, get away with a lot. me. But I guess, to a certain extent, it does am assuming, might have smoked a little bit of Dhoom – 3 is boring! It is a sad and boring disappoint me. weed, and decided to write the script. He then work of cinema; I wish Yash Raj Films would - Shreya Bakhshi ,a provocative writer, I usually never declare my verdict at the might have just drowned his editor in a pool of have just donated all that money to circus and film critic, churning reviews for the beginning of my reviews, but in the case of whiskey and thrown him in the editing room performers instead – if you want to know what Tandoori Doosra and finding her Dhoom 3 I think it would be more suitable to and said “Fulfil all of your wishes that have I mean, watch the film, but don’t say I didn’t travelling shoes is her thing.
RECIPE
PONGAL (Sweet Rice) Ingredients
» 1 cup Rice » 1/4 cup Moong dal » /2- 1 tsp jeera » 1/2-1 tsp peppercorns » 1/2 tsp pepper powdered fresh » A few Cashewnuts broken » 1/2 cup dessicated Coconut » A pinch of Turmeric powder » Ghee
Method
1. Fry the Moongdal a little till you get a light flavour.
2. Mix the dal with the rice, add 2 -3 cups of water (the rice should cook very very soft)
3. Add turmeric powder, coconut, a few peppercorns and a 1-2 tsp of ghee to On the day of Pongal, sweet rice known as ‘Pongal’ is cooked in a new the rice and pressure cook till done. earthenware pot which is placed where the puja is to be performed. Fresh turmeric and ginger are tied around this pot. Then a delicious concoction of 4. When done, take a kadai add sufficient of Ghee to it, more the ghee better it tastes, add jeera, pepper corns and cashewnuts. rice, moong dal, jaggery and milk is boiled in the pot on an open fire. According to the ritual, this Pongal rice is allowed to boil and spill over. Once the rice 5. Add the cooked rice mixture, add pepper powder, salt and mix well with the is cooked, it is tempered with cashew nuts and raisins fried in ghee. When the ghee and jeera/cashewnuts. Pongal dish is ready, it is offered to the sun god on a new banana leaf along The pongal is ready!!! you can add some more ghee at the end if you need. It with other traditional delicacies, like vadas, payasam, etc. Some people go to is best eaten fresh and Hot!!, You can serve it with Coconut Chutney, or Onion/ Tomato Raita. their plots of land to spray some of the Pongal water on their fields. www.iwk.co.nz 39 17 January 2014 ENTERTAINMENT TOY4335/PR/INW MAKE AN IMPRESSION, EVERY TIME.
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