Holi Mahotsav 2007

Cricket Masala 2007

South Asian Small Business and Cultural Awards 2007

A GALA DINNER TO MARK THE PRESENTATION OF AWARDS CEREMONY ON 24 MAY 2007; 6:30 p.m for 7:00p.m. start, finishing at 10:30p.m.

VENUE : RYDE CIVIC CENTRE , 1 DEVLIN STREET, RYDE

The Dinner will include at Three course Vegetarian meals and soft drinks. Classical and Contemporary Dances during the dinner and in between the Award Presentation sessions.

TICKETS (INCL. DINNER) : $40; CONCESSION (SENIORS, CHILD U12, AND STUDENTS) : $30

For details and tickets, CONTACT: (02) 9267 0953; [email protected]; www.bhavanaustralia.org World Peace William Jefferson (Bill) Clinton

Not everything positive I did was controversial. On the sixteenth, I signed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which was intended to protect a reasonable range of religious expression in public areas like schools and workplaces. The bill was designed to reverse a 1990 Supreme Court decision giving states more authority to regulate religious expression in such areas. America is full of people deeply committed to their very diverse faiths. I thought the bill struck the right balance between protecting their rights and the need for public order. It was sponsored in the Senate by Ted Kennedy and Republican Orrin Hatch of Utah, and passed 97-3. The House adopted it by a voice vote. Though the Supreme Court later struck it down, I remain convinced it was a good and needed piece of legislation. I always felt that protecting religious liberty and making the White House accessible to all religious faiths was an important part of my job. I assigned a member of the White House public liaison staff to be our bridge to the religious communities. I attended every one of the National Prayer Breakfasts that are held each year as Congress begins its work, speaking and staying for the entire event so that I could visit with the people of different faiths and political parties who came to pray for God's guidance in our work. And every year when Congress resumed after the August recess, I hosted an interfaith breakfast in the State Dining Room that allowed me to hear the concerns of religious leaders and share mine with them. I wanted to keep open the lines of communication to then even those who disagreed with me, and work with them whenever I could on social problems at home and humanitarian problems around the world. I believe strongly in separation of church and state, but I also believe that both make indisputable contributions to the strength of our nation and that on occasion they can work together for the common good with out violating the Constitution. Government is, by definition, imperfect and experimental, always a work in progress. Faith speaks to the inner life, to the search for truth and the spirit's capacity for profound changes and growth. Government programs don't work as well in a culture that devalues family, work, and mutual respect. And it's hard to live by faith without acting on the scriptural admonitions to care for the poor and downtrodden, and to "love thy neighbor as thyself." I was thinking about the role of faith in our national life in mid-November when I traveled to Memphis to address the convocation of the Church of God in Christ at Mason Temple Church. There had been a number of news reports about the rising tide of violence against children in African-American neighborhoods, and I wanted to discuss with the ministers and laypeople what we could do about it. There were obvious economic and social forces behind the disappearance of work in our inner cities, the breakdown of the family, the problems in schools, and the rise of welfare dependency, out-of-wedlock births, and violence. But the crushing combination of difficulties had created a culture that accepted as normal the presence of violence and the absence of work and two-parent families, and I was convinced that government alone could not change that culture. Many black churches were beginning to address these issues, and I wanted to encourage them to do more. When I got to Memphis, I was among friends. The Church of God in Christ was the fastest-growing African- American denomination. Its founder, Charles Harrison Mason, received the inspiration for his church's name in Little Rock, on a spot where I had helped lay a plaque two years earlier. His widow was in the church that day. The presiding bishop, Louis Ford of Chicago, had played a leading role in the presidential- campaign. Mason Temple is hallowed ground in the history of civil rights. Martin Luther King Jr. had preached his last sermon there, on the night he was killed. I evoked the spirit of King and his uncanny prediction that his life might not last much longer to ask my friends to examine: firstly "the great crisis of the spirit that is gripping America today." Then I put away my notes and gave what many commentators later said was the best speech of my eight years as President, speaking to from my heart in the language of our shared heritage:

If Martin Luther King were to reappear by my side today and give us a report card on the last twenty- five years, what would he say? You did a good job, he would say, voting and electing people who formerly were not electable because of the color of their skin…. You did a good job, he would say, letting people who have the ability to do so live wherever they want to live, go wherever they want to go in this great country…. He would say you did a good job creating a black middle class ... in opening opportunity. But he would say, I did not live and die to see the American family- destroyed. I did not live and die to see thirteen-year-old boys get automatic weapons and gun down nine-year-olds just for the kick of it. I did not live and die to see young people destroy their own lives with drugs and then build fortunes destroying the lives of others. That is not what I came here to do. I fought for freedom, he would say, but not for the freedom of people to kill each other with reckless abandon, not for the freedom of children to have children and the fathers of the children walk away from them and abandon them as if they don't amount to anything. I fought for people to have the right to work but not to have whole communities and people abandoned. This is not what I lived and died for. I did not fight for the right of black people to murder other black people with reckless abandon. . . There are changes we can make from the outside in; that's the job of the President and the Congress and die governors and the mayors and the social service agencies. And then there are some changes we're going to have to make from the inside out, or the others won't mat-ter. . . . Sometimes there are no answers from the outside in; some-times all the answers have to come from the values and the stirrings and the voices that speak to us from within. … Where there are no families, where there is no order, where there is no hope .... who will be there to give structure, discipline, and love to these children? You must do that. And we must help you. So in this pulpit, on this day, let me ask all of you in your heart to say: We will honor the life and the work of Martin Luther King.... Somehow, by God's grace, we will turn this around. We will give these children a future. We will take away their guns and give them books. We will take away their despair and give them hope. We will rebuild the families and the neighborhoods and the communities. We won't make all the work that has gone on here benefit just a few. We will do it together, by the grace of God. The Memphis speech was a hymn of praise to a public philosophy rooted in my personal religious values. Too many things were falling apart; I was trying to put them together.

- My Life, by Bill Clinton, Hutchinson 2004 pp558-560

Teaching of fundamental ethics is undoubtedly a function of the state.

By religion I have not in mind fundamental ethics but what goes by the name of denominationalism.

To me God is Truth and Love; God is ethics and morality; God is fearlessness.

- Mahatma Gandhi Editorial Page Current Board of Directors Publisher & Managing Office Bearers : Editor: Gambhir Watts President Gambhir Watts [email protected] Vice President Avijit Sarkar Treasurer Catherine Knox Editorial Committee: Chairman Emeritus Pravinchandra V Gandhi - President Bhavan J Rao Palagummi Worldwide Rajesh Katakdhond Company Secretary Sridhar Kumar Kondepudi [email protected]

Designing Team: The other directors of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Australia are: J Rao Palagummi Abbas Raza Alvi; Nayana Purohit, Moksha Watts Utkarsh Doshi Nominees of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Worldwide: Advertising: Homi Navroji Dastur, Executive Secretary and Director General [email protected] Jagannathan Veeraraghavan, Executive Director , Delhi Mathoor Krishnamurti, Executive Director , Bangalore Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Australia Palladam Narayana Sathanagopal, Additional Registar Suite 100 / 515 Kent Street, P. A Ramakrishnan, Executive Vice Chairman, Puthoucode (Kerala) NSW 2000

* The views of contributors to The Test of Bhavan’s Right to Exist Bhavan Australia are not necessarily the views of Bhavan Australia or the editor. The test of Bhavan's right to exist is whether those who work for it in different spheres and in different places and those who study in its many institutions can develop a sense of *Bhavan Australia reserves the right mission as would enable them to translate the fundamental values, even in a small measure, to edit any contributed articles and into their individual life. letters submitted for publication. Creative vitality of a culture consists in this: whether the ‘best’ among those who belong to it, however small their number, find self-fulfilment by living up to the fundamental values of Copyright: all advertisements and our ageless culture. original editorial material appearing It must be realised that the history of the world is a story of men who had faith in themselves remain the property of Bhavan and in their mission. When an age does not produce men of such faith, its culture is on its Australia and may not be way to extinction. The real strength of the Bhavan, therefore, would lie not so much in reproduced except with the written the number of its buildings or institutions it conducts, nor in the volume of its assets and consent of the owner of the budgets, nor even in its growing publication, cultural and educational activities. It would lie copyright. in the character, humility, selflessness and dedicated work of its devoted workers, honorary and stipendiary. They alone can release the regenerative influences, bringing Bhavan Australia - ISSN 1449 – 3551 into play the invisible pressure which alone can transform human nature

President’s Page Parade of Cultures Bhavan Australia participated in the recently held Did You Know Exhibition hosted by the Community Relations Commission for a Multicultural NSW at Royal Easter Show. A number of communities showcased their cultures and the history of their migration into Australia. One feature of the Royal Easter Show on the day was a Parade of Cultures in which people from different communities walked in their traditional clothes. This reminded me of my often repeated appeal to the people to be proud of their respective traditional clothes at all times. I have been saying that people should feel free and should have full freedom to wear their traditional clothes even in the offices / work places and other public places, unless where a uniform is prescribed and supplied by the employer. Such practices will eventually narrow the gap in the understanding of the different cultures. I know it won’t happen overnight; but I am pretty confident it will happen. I mean enhanced understanding of different cultures by continually wearing respective traditional clothes at work and public places over period of time. As Mahatma Gandhi said a nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people and that mutual courtesy and respect was the foundation of culture. The truest test of civilization, culture and dignity is character and not clothing. I am not suggesting that one should give more importance to clothes than the character. But in the present circumstances it has become very important that the gap in the understanding of different cultures be reduced and reduced drastically although over a period of time. In my view this practice of publicly wearing one’s own traditional clothes will bring the hidden character out and help people in understanding different cultures with compassion, reverence (for other cultures) and patience. That will be visible cultural diversity everywhere in the streets, in the workplaces, in the functions and so on. Parades of Cultures are celebrated throughout the world in different countries in schools and other places in this way. But all those are one off events for a day or two or in some cases for a week or two only. To start with let us have a Parade of cultures once every month in every suburb of the major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, , Adelaide, Perth, and every two months in the country towns and regional areas. The International Parade of Cultures is designed to bring members of our community together in a celebration of ethnic diversity in the area. Participants and audience can expect to see representatives of various cultures wearing their ethnic costumes and carrying signs with the names of their countries. It may turn out to be a very stimulating experience to take an active part in the planning stage of the festival and to be able to contribute ideas and suggestions, and that it is also very productive and enjoyable to meet the other participants of the festival. This is not to say that there are no challenges along the way. But as the ancient wisdom goes: every major project begins with one step at a time. Let us take a step forward.

According to Mahatma Gandhi fortunate people who have amassed wealth are trustees of the wealth in their possession which they must utilise for the benefit of the underprivileged and affected people. The practice codes of the various religious scriptures also encourage keeping aside a proportion of one’s income for charitable causes.

Gambhir Watts President Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Australia

Cultural Harmony Always aim at complete harmony of thought and word and deed. Always aim at purifying your thoughts and everything will be well. Honest differences are often a healthy sign of progress. I believe in equality for everyone, except reporters and photographers. Be the change you want to see in this world. Indolence is a delightful but distressing state; we must be doing something to be happy.

- Mahatma Gandhi From Bhavan’s Journal March 24 1957 Reprinted Bhavan’s Journal March 31 2007

This I Believe Arnold. J. Toynbee I believe there may be some things that some people may know for certain, but I also believe that those knowable things are not what matters most to any human being. We do not all have to be engineers or mathematicians but we all have to deal with other people. And these relations of ours with each other, which are the really important things in life, are also the really difficult things, because it is here that the question of right and wrong comes in. I believe we have no certain knowledge of what is right and wrong; and, even if we had, I believe we should find it just as hard as ever to do something that we knew for certain to be right in the teeth of our personal interests and inclinations. Trying to do right does mean fighting oneself, because, by nature, each of us feels and behaves as if he were the centre and the purpose of the universe. But I do feel sure that I am not that, and that, in behaving as if I were, I am going wrong. So one has to fight oneself all the time; and this means that suffering is not only inevitable, but is an indispensable part of a lifelong education, if only one can learn how to profit by it.

India's Contribution to Positive Sciences Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry Through the necessity of accurately laying out the open - air site of a sacrifice, Indians, very early evolved a simple system of geometry, but in the sphere of practical knowledge the world owes most of in the realm of mathematics, which were developed in Gupta times to a stage more advanced than that reached by any other nation of antiquity. The success of India mathematics was mainly due to the fact that the Indians had a clear conception of abstract number, as distinct from numerical quantity of objects or spatial extension. Ancient Indian ideas of physics were closely linked with religion and theology, and differed somewhat from sect to sect. As early as the time of the Buddha, If not before, the universe was classified by elements, of which all schools admitted at least four- earth, air, fire and water. To these, orthodox Hindu schools and Jainism added a fifth, akasha, which is generally translated "ether". Most schools believed that the elements other than ether were atomic. Indian atomism was certainly independent of Greek influence, for an atomic theory was taught by Pakudha Katyayana, an older contemporary of the Buddha, and was therefore earlier than that of Democritus. The Vedas show a very primitive stage of medical and physiological lore, but the basic text -books of Indian medicine -the compendia of Charaka (1st - 2nd centuries A.D.) and Sushruta (c. 4th century A.D.) - are the products of a fully evolved system, which resembles those of Hippocrates and Galen in some respects, and in others had developed beyond them.

Kaildasa and Vedic Revival A. C. Rose On the age of Kalidasa Vedic revival was a settled fact. A great literature was being created in the old Sanskrit language in preference to the Prakrit dialects of the people in which the protestant leaders of religion including Lord Buddha had addressed them and a deliberate attempt was made to reinterpret the ancient Vedic religion and culture, certain aspects of which were very vigorously criticized by the protestant cults. Of these the Vedic ritual of Yajna and the Vedic conception of the Kshatriya Varna with its political and military mission came for special opposition. The new cults preached abandonment of ritual and non- violence and antisecularism.

Gandhi and Romain Rolland

ahatma Gandhi and Romain Rolland were two kindred souls, two universal M men who had dedicated their lives to the reconciliation of different races and religions, of different countries and cultures. Both symbolized the synthesis of the best in the East and the West. Rolland admired Indian culture and held Rama- krishna Paramahamsa, Rabindranath Tagore and Gandhi — the three illustrious representatives of this culture — in high regard. Regarding Ramakrishna, he writes, "It is because Ramakrishna more holy than any other man not only conceived, but realized in himself the total unity of the river of God, (unity of all life) of all rivers and all streams that I have given him my love and I have drawn a little of his sacred water to slake the great thirst of the world." First meeting

The Mahatma had read widely and was influenced not only by the Hindu scriptures but also by the Sermon on the Mount and the Koran, by Tolstoy's Kingdom of God is Within You and by Ruskin's Unto This Last. He admired Thoreau and Mazzini and Emerson. His first biography was written by Rev. Doke. Many others — both by Indians and the Westerners followed; one of the most noteworthy among these is the one by Romain Rolland, the sage of Villeneu, written in 1923. The two had corresponded and longed to see each other since then. The first meeting, however, could take place only on December 6,1931 when Gandhi, on his way to India from the second Round Table Conference in England, spent five days in Switzerland as Rolland's guest." The two rishis met in Rolland's bedroom studded with books and decorated with the busts of Goethe and Beethoven, Tolstoy and Gorky, Einstein and Lenin, Tagore and Gandhi. Describing the historic meeting to an American friend, Rolland wrote: "The little man came to me with a gay laugh and flinging an arm around me leaned his cheek against my shoulder. I felt his grizzled head against my cheek. It was, I amuse myself thinking, the kiss of St. Dominic to St. Francis... "This little man frail in appearance is tireless. Fatigue is a word which does not exist in his vocabulary. He could calmly answer for hours the heckling of a crowd__He replied to his adversaries open or masked — and they were not lacking in Geneva — giving them rude truths which left them silenced and suffocated." "The hosts had a difficult time searching for goat's milk for the 'King of India' but the milkmen's syndicate at Leman came to their rescue. The telephone never ceased ringing at the villa where the 'Villager of India' lived and the photographers clicked their cameras from behind every possible bush. Letters were received from far and wide and from every section of the society. There were letters from 'Sons of God' as also from persons wanting to know lucky numbers for the next drawing of the weekly national lottery from the 'odd magician of the orient." In their meetings at Villa Olga on the banks of Lake Leman, the two tormented souls talked about the perils of war and the blighting effects of exploitation. They talked of the spirit of darkness engulfing the world and one evening at Gandhi's request, Rolland played a movement of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony on the piano representing the triumph of the heroic will over the deepest gloom. Romain rightly maintains that Gandhi's social and political thought and action rest on the unshakable foundation of religion. Though Gandhi was a Hindu, he did not accept all the tenets of Hinduism un-questioningly. His religion had to rest on reason and satisfy the dictates of his conscience. He was not oblivious of the many efforts and vices that had crept into the Hindu religion through the centuries. His attempt was to remove them rather than condemn Hinduism. He emphasized virtues like truth, nonviolence and self-control. According to Rolland, this comes very near the teachings of the Gospel. Replying to a question put by Rolland regarding the nature of God, Gandhi explained why he regarded God as Truth. He said God was not a person but an eternal principle. It was true that God is love but unlike love which is capable of varied interpretations, Truth is unambiguous. Moreover, even the atheists should not find it difficult to accept the maxim. 'Truth is God' which he had arrived at after a long and relentless search for five decades. The way to Truth, according to him, lies through nonviolence and Truth and nonviolence are the activist forces in the world. In one of the meetings, a pacifist asked Gandhi regarding the qualities necessary for a leader especially a leader of the scientific age. Gandhi's instantaneous reply was "Realization of God every minute of the 24 hours. And the way to find him is nonviolence. . . Anger must be banished and so also fear and falsehood. You must lose yourself and not please yourself either with food or sex. Thus purified, you get power which is not your own but god's.” Rolland thought Gandhi not merely preached these qualities but practised them, personified them. In a letter to a friend he wrote: "Gandhi not only avoids saying things he does not put into practice; he also invariably surpasses the measured prudence of his words by boldness of his action." In Gandhi, Rolland found a man who stirred three hundred million people to revolt, who shook the foundations of the British Empire and who introduced into human politics the strongest religious impetus. During all the struggles he led, Gandhi the gentle and pious pilot, prayed to and relied on God and steered the ship along the chosen path. Evaluating Gandhi's role in the civil disobedience movement of 1921, Rolland writes: "There is no danger of his being swept off his feet by pride. No amount of adoration can turn his head….Radiant sincerity is his. His forehead remains calm and clear, his heart devoid of vanity." Rolland understood the real significance of Gandhi's nonviolence. No doubt, nonviolence is no new invention of Gandhi. The principle has been inscribed in the spirit of India for more than two thousand years. Gautama, the Buddha, and Mahavira, had made it the substance of millions of souls; it was, however, left to Gandhi to give it a social connotation by utilizing it as the weapon for solving social and political problems. "Gandhi", says Rolland, "merely transfused heroic blood into this age old principle. He called upon the great shadows, the forces of the past plunged in mortal lethargy and at the sound of his voice, they came to life. In him, they found themselves. Gandhi is more than a word; he is an example." Nonviolence is not a mere negative principle nor is Satyagraha based on it a cult of passive resistance. Understanding Gandhi's mind well on this point, Rolland argues that Gandhi was a tireless fighter and one of the most heroic incarnations of a true resister who greatly abhorred all inaction and passivity and that his nonviolence was more revolutionary than any violence. Gandhi not merely inspired his followers to march ahead on the path of duty but also took their sins upon himself and performed penance for them. On violence breaking out at Chauri Chaura in Uttar Pradesh, Gandhi confessed his error in giving the call, withdrew the civil disobedience movement and imposed on himself a five days' penitential fast. Many in India and outside criticized this step of Gandhi. Others accepted it but rather reluctantly. Gandhi, however, had become the conscience of India and hence the crime even of a single one of his countrymen was bound to cut him to the quick. Understanding this Rolland pronounced his judgment "The history of humanity's spiritual progress can point of few pages as noble as these."7 According to him, Gandhi and India had formed a pact and understood each other without words. Western civilization

In his Hind Swaraj, Gandhi called Western civilization satanic and civilization .only in name as it worshipped money and material well-being. This condemnation enraged many. Believing in the symphonic unity of the universal spirit, Rolland wanted Europe to turn the searchlight inward and see the depths to which it had sunk in her insanity while fighting a brutal war miscalled the war of civilization and argued that the people of Asia and Africa had every right to judge Europe and her civilization after seeing its rapacious deeds and inhuman atrocities. In the Basic Education system propounded by Gandhi, Rolland saw the high spirituality of his action. For building a new India Gandhi had to produce a new soul, strong and pure and serene. Being a builder of humanity and not a mere maker of laws, Gandhi had to insist on an ingenuous system, a system relying mainly on Indian elements rather than one borrowed from the West. Gandhi's defence of the varnashramic system has been very much misunderstood. Rolland, however, defends Gandhi's defence by saying that his caste system is based not on privileges but on abnegation and that his campaign in favour of the untouchables or the depressed classes is one of the most appealing phases of his apostleship. In Gandhi's advice to the untouchables to organize themselves and non-cooperate with the Hindus and to women to demand respect of man by ceasing to think of themselves as mere objects of male desires, Rolland saw the seeds of a genuine social revolt which was also to be an act of elevation and purification. Gandhi-Tagore controversy

When Gandhi advised his followers to boycott British schools and foreign goods, organize bonfire of British cloth, adopt Khadi and spin regularly, Tagore who had always looked upon Gandhi as a saint not only differed with him but criticized him strongly on the plea that no nation can find its own salvation by breaking away from others and that all the nations of the world must be saved lest they perish together. Gandhi's reply was, "I want the cultures of all lands to be blown about my house as freely as possible... but I refuse to be blown off my feet by any of them" and that "to a hungry man God can appear only in the form of bread." How deep was Rolland's understanding of both the great souls is revealed in his comment on the unfortunate controversy "Tagore's misgivings are of all times and ages. Tagore's revolt is the revolt of the free soul against the ages of faith which it has resuscitated. . . Tagore's criticism is aimed above and beyond the fanaticism of the crowd. "Tagore is the sentinel who warns of the approach of the enemies called bigotry, lethargy, intolerance, ignorance and inertia." Trying to delve deep into Gandhi's heart, Rolland maintains that in Gandhi's reply we see the misery of the world rising up before the dream of art and crying "Dare deny me existence." No one else, not even Gandhi and Tagore themselves, could have explained their stands so well and so effectively. World Peace

Rolland knew it very well that might has not only dominated right, but has devoured it, that the peace of the world is far off and that the hypocrisy, the cowardice and the cruelty of mankind have built a crust round our souls. However, as with Gandhi, this does not make him lose faith in himself to prevent him from loving mankind and giving an inspiring message to the world's courageous people to fight all odds and march ahead on the path of peace and brotherhood. Like Pope Paul II, who, while speaking after the Hiroshima disaster observed "The moral and political choice that faces us now that of putting all the resources of the mind, science, and culture at the service of mankind." Rolland puts forward a strong plea in favour of pacifism — active pacifism — as against mere moral protests. "Nothing is worthwhile unless it is strong, neither good nor evil. Absolute evil is better than emasculated goodness. Moaning pacifism is the death knell of peace; it is cowardice and lack of faith. Let those who do not believe, who fear, withdraw; the way to peace leads through self-sacrifice." This, Rolland asserts, is the message of Gandhi who he said apart from being the heroic guide of the liberty-loving Indians is the surest, the purest spiritual light chat shined in the dark, skies of our time. Amidst the tempests in which the sinking ship of our civilization risks vanishing with all its cargo, he is the star that shows the way, the only way still open that leads to salvation.

Source: Mahatma Gandhi and Humanism; Usha Mehta Published by: Bhavan’s Book University Holi Mahotsav 2007—Report 31 March & 1 April 2007

In one of the biggest celebrations of colors, friendship and harmony, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Australia celebrated the Holi Mahotsav 2007 at Tumbalong Park and the Chinese Garden Forecourt at Darling Harbor in Sydney. The two day festival was an exciting and vibrant mix of music, dance, color, exhibitions, food and festivities. The festival began with the arrival of the beautifully decorated chariot, ‘Rath’ of Lord Jagannatha, devotionally hand drawn from Hyde Park walking through the main streets of Sydney CBD by the ISKCON devotees. Celebrated fervently in Puri, Orissa, millions flock to see and pull the grand chariots in the annual Rath Yatra in India. In Sydney, it was a very beautiful occasion as Sydneysiders joined in, amidst divine chants of Hare Rama, Hare Krishna.

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Gambhir Watts, president of Bhavan Australia, said “Holi is an auspicious occasion which essentially celebrates the triumph of good over evil it is a majestic commemoration of truth, peace and harmony. The colors and the festivities add a unique symbolic perspective to the festival bridging social norms and bringing people together: men and women, rich and poor, young and old, everyone irrespective of religion, caste, color or creed comes together to rejoice in the universal human spirit.” He further added, “As the festival grows, we have been enthusiastically supported by various organizations, both private and public sector that in their own way have helped us immensely to enhance this festival. With various legends heralding Holi, it is reassuring that this festival provides an important base for the underpinning thought of strengthening the secular fabric of our country and providing a unique direction, especially to the youth and children to a dynamic multicultural society’. On the occasion, a commemorative souvenir magazine detailing the significance and myths of Holi was also released. Encouraging messages from various dignitaries were also incorporated. Amongst others, messages from Mr. Sujan Chinoy, Indian Consul General in Sydney, Hon. Jon Howard, Prime Minister, Australia, Hon Morris Iemma, Premier, NSW, Mr. Stepan Keryasharian AM, Chair, Community Relations Commission, Mr. Shanker Dhar, Regional Director Australasia, Incredible India, Darren Gribble, Chair, Australia India Council, HH Sri Sri Ravishanker and HH Vishwaguru Paramhans Swami Maheshwaranada and His Grace Atmarama Das, President ISKCON congratulated Bhavan Australia and sent their warmest regards for the event. At the end of the first day, a traditional bonfire’ Holika’ was also lit and amidst holy chants guests were invited to partake the warmth and cheer that traditionally symbolizes the burning of evil and the emergence of the good from the fire. Engaging exhibitions at the event enthralled young and old alike. Amongst them, the Gandhi King Ikeda peace display which presented the legacy of creating Peace, the Incredible India display which colorfully denoted the rich heritage of a young country which is 5,000 years old, India. The Art of Living Foundation display which aimed at providing a window in transforming lives and shared values. The ISKCON display in the form of a temple which reiterated the spiritual truth and the ways and means of realizing that truth. The Ayurveda College of NSW display which focused on understanding the brilliant powers of nature in the form of Ayurveda (the ancient Indian science of medicine) and its principles. The Yoga foundation display with its books and periodicals helped realize the importance of a holistic lifestyle as the ultimate answer for today’s chaotic world.

A bevy of talented dancers, singers, models and performers some as young as five years provided the entertainment for the eager crowds. Performances ranging from the classic forms of dance including Bharatnatyam and Kathakali to the more modern Bollywood dance numbers were brilliantly performed by various dance and cultural schools. The audiences listened with rapt attention to the Yoga, Ayurveda and the Art of Living presentations. The Ayurveda live demonstration was particularly enjoyed by everyone especially the young children who crowded around the stage to marvel at the interesting Yogic techniques practiced by Indian masters from centuries. A special performance by Natraj Academy under the guidance of Mr. Avijit Sarkar, who is also the cultural director of Bhavan Australia, provided a mix of live entertainment from old melodies to the latest foot tapping musical rhythms. A unique Bhajan and Kirtan session, devotional songs invoking the blessings of the Almighty was performed by ISKCON with a special devotee coming all the way from Vladivostok in Russia to join in the Holi celebrations.

Seniors who have contributed to the society were also honored and given plaques. All of them in their speeches spoke words of encouragement and motivation directed at the youth of today. Their collective wisdom and inspiration was cherished by everyone who appreciated their life long efforts dedicated to their respective fields. Amongst those who were honored included legendary cricketer – Sonny de Carvalho, writer Kersi Meher Homji, the laughter club founder in Randwick Dr (Mrs.) Kumud Kolhatkar, Mrs Vedavalli Srinivasan, chair of the seniors RAIN organization and others. Hon. Laurie Fergusson, MP presented the awards to the seniors.

A huge selection of delectable vegetarian dishes and mouth watering Indian sweets were presented by the leading restaurants in their stalls. Chiefly amongst them, Zaafraan, Maya Indian Sweets, Chutney, Govinda’s and others added their delicious flavor to complete the Holi Mahotsav 2007 experience. Traditional Indian drinks such as the ever popular, sugarcane juice, the refreshing and nutritious Mango lassi and the typical road side ‘Gola’ made from crushed ice, lemon syrup and spiced salt proved to be the perfect thirst quenchers on the beautiful sunny day. A VIP session where dignitaries and sponsors were thanked for their support was also held on the second day. Amongst others Incredible India, Sydney Harbor Foreshore Authority, Western Union, Qantas and Community Relations Commission were handed plaques. Amongst those who attended this session were Mr. Sujan Chinoy, Indian Consul General in Sydney, Hon. Barbara Perry, MP representing the premier of NSW, Harmohan Singh Walia, community leader and the deputy mayor of Burwood.

The color throwing session on the second day was particularly enjoyed by children and adults alike, boys and girls with color smeared faces and clothes enthusiastically wished a Happy Holi to everyone and looked forward to a colorful and bright new year.

The Holi Mahotsav 2007 concluded with a bhajan and kirtan session by ISKCON devotees where members of the audience also joined in the rhythmic chanting. Visitors thanked Bhavan Australia for the exciting two days filled with joyous merrymaking. As the Holi Mahotsav 2007 drew to a close, everyone is now looking forward to the Holi Mahotsav 2008 which promises to be bigger and more enlightening and entertaining. With the conclusion of this major event, Bhavan Australia now looks forward to the other events throughout the year which again promise great learning under the thought and vision’ let noble thoughts come to us from all sides’.

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Australia is thankful to the below performers / Stage managers / Volunteers who made Holi Mahotsav happen Indian Dance Centre - Coordinator: Poornima Sharma Performers: Poornima Sharma , Deepak, Ashishna, Sanushka Urvashi, Pooja, Anil , Kamal , Aman and Sukhwinder, Raj , Sanushka, Anil , Sukhwinder. Random Kaos - Bengal Community Student Choir - Coordinator: Devmalya Mukherjee Performers : Sid Bose, Devmalya Mukerjee; Neel Mukherjee, Thamal Radjapaksa. Natraj Academy Choir - Coordinator: Avijit Sarkar Ruchi Sanghi Dance School - Coordinator: Ruchi Sanghi Performers: Niharika, Aastha, Nikita, Gargi, Anuradha, Shival, Shruti, Apeksha, Muskaan, Yukti, Shipra, Ankita, Isha,Tanika,Isha,Anika,Priyaka, Ankita, Neha, Vahishta ,Ihita, Poonam, Swati, Smritie, Cheryl, Nicki, Minal. Urban Alliance Creation - Coordinator: Rickardo Wesley Performers: Nikhil, Ahmeezh, Kunal Platinum Bhangra & Giddha Group - Coordinator: Harinder Kaur Performers: Karen, Harnoor, Jaspreet, Alex, Kenni, Lallie, Bilawal, Simran, Lovpreet, Harman, Riti, Nikita, Arzoo, Dolly, Rubline, Harnoor, lovleen, Pearl, Montu, Manu Rupi, Joyti Priya Dewan Dance Academy - Coordinator: Priya Dewan Performers: Shivani, Sunaina, Deeksha, Divya,Priyanka, Pooja, Sona, Kavisha, Easha, Anam, Sohana, Shivani, Sonali MLC School Indian Dance Club - Coordinator: Sunali Bhandula Performers : Divya Abraham, Sunali Bhandula, Jasdeep Sunner, Sanpreet Sunner, Harjiwan Jot Kaur, Sugandha Gupta , Tasnia, Si-Wei Khoo, Rishma Geetanjali Dance School - Coordinator: Sharmila Maitra Performers: Eesha Chitale, Ira Goyel, Ragini Sood, Sheena Guha, Anagha Killeder, Shachi D’Silva, Srishti Yadav, Tanya Mokha, Avinash Kaur, Cheryl Sharma, Garima Sharma, Kamia Sood, Kanika Chaudhuri, Nidhi Kontham, Neha Gupta, Shruti Yardi, Sonal Arora, Sonali Yardi, Sheena Guha, Gursimrat Kaur, Jashmine Kaur Contemporary Dance Academy - Coordinator: Shwetambra Barar Performers: Piya Sodhi, Asha Hansen, hena Hansen, Abha Yadav, Shilpi Yadav, Neeru Agarwal, Nalini Agarwal, Sandhya Menon, Ayushi Arya, Tarana Khunger, Maansi Arora, Riya Chowdhry, Sanjana Chand, Sanajana Chandawarkar, Sanya Chopra, hubhra Bajaj, Aneesha Chawla, Noni Batra, Karina Jain. Sanaa Vhora, Inaya Vhora, Tavishi Arora, Alisha Arora, Sanjana Madhyasta, Samiksha, Rampersad, Salonika Mitter, Ruchika Mitter, Neha Murthy, Nikita Murthy Performers of Bhavan’s Institute of Indian Art & Culture : Zarmar Pandya, Manasi Kundup, Tanmayi Kundup, Mohana Sharma, Maharishi Raval, Prem Gangadharan, Tapan Desai. Ghawazi Caravan Group - Coordinator: Devi Mamak Performers: Sandy Burrow, Cristie Fuller, Kathleen Sheean, Lara Bucknall, Catherine O'Brien Meeyinz - Coordinator: Batool Zulfiqar Performers: Anuja, Charmayne, Pallavi, Nisha, Sanskriti, Nasha, Mehwish, Tinika, Diya, Priyanka, Arti, Monaz, Parizad, Nicki, Josh, Khyati, Manpreet, Nishad, Hasan, Mahveer Jazba Coordinator: Avijit Sarkar Performers: Rucha Langhe, Sadiq Rehmani and Avijit Sarkar Master of Ceremonies : Poornima Sharma, Nicole & Alice D’Souza, Swati Kapila, Moksha Watts, Swayam Raja, Paran Nadeswaran Stage Managers: Bhoji Watts, Manju Chand, Harinder Kaur, Avijit Sarkar, Nayana Purohit, Catherine Knox Organisers: Govinda Watts, Nitin Patel, Rajesh Katakdhond, Prem Gangadharan, Utkarsh Doshi

- Rajesh Katakdhond & Utkarsh Doshi

Ayurveda and Geeta for Mental Health

According to the ancient Indians, the treatises that encompass the whole knowledge of the universe are the Vedas. They are four in number, viz, Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvaveda. Among these, since the Atharvaveda mainly deals with different facets of health welfare, it is considered to be the predecessor of Ayurveda. The term 'Ayurveda' is connected to this system because it gives knowledge of the whole of the Ayu(life) to say, in brief, the heralds of each and every facet of life from birth to death, or in other words, the creation, the sustenance and destruction phenomena are elaborately explained. This was the reason for which the affix veda is added to Ayurveda. According to Ayurveda, this universe has originated from the five elements, viz; prithvi (Earth), jala (water), agni (fire), vayu (air)and akasha (space) and they constitute our body. The Bhagavadagita also covers some important principles, philosophies and approaches, which are closely related with Ayurveda. One should know about physical and mental nature, as it has got very important role in keeping good health. That is why it has been explained in detail both in ayurveda and Gita. If a person is physically healthy but having some mental problems then also he is called as unhappy. The functions of the body are involuntary and voluntary. Involuntary functions are internal functions and actions of the body while the voluntary functions exterior and associated with the mind. The body nature (quality) is composed of vata, pitta and kapha and the mental nature is composed of satwa, raja and tama.The body is activated by the mind in many activities of the senses. According to ayurvedic physiology, the end product of the | food after undergoing the I biochemical processes is I dhatu(vital component) and the j dhatu culminates in oja. This oja | stays in the heart and the brain I but envelopes the full body and I is the base of life. This lustre I initiates all thoughts and 1 emotions. The Brahmacharya also 1 controls body and mind as well as the action of the I gyanendriyas, karmendriyas and I mana. By the above mentionedr references we can conclude that if this supreme vital component is not wasted indiscriminately, its conservancy yield high moral, physical and mental strength. This will always help in gaining high intellectual power. The Ayurveda and Gita lucidly emphasised the! chaturvidh purshartha. Dharma (duties); arth (object of the organs), kama (desire) and! moksha (salvation) for supreme health and happiness of the human being. Source: Bhavan’s Journal 31 march 2007; Vaidya Suresh Chaturvedi

Vishwa Hindi Sammelan - New York 13 - 15 July 2007 The Vishwa Hindi Sammelan conference is being held in New York from July 13 to 15, 2007. It is being organized in cooperation with Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, New York. The Conference will deliberate on issues relating to the growth and presence of Hindi in the world including teaching of Hindi in foreign countries .The conference will be inaugurated at the United Nations headquarters on 13th July. A large number of distinguished guests and senior dignitaries from various countries are expected to attend the conference along with eminent Hindi scholars, writers and poets from across the globe. Bhavan Australia is planning to take a delegation from Australia. For further information contact Ph: 02 9267 0953 or [email protected] Dr Samuel Hahnemann The Founder of Homeopathy

A poor porcelain painter's son, Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann, who studied medicine in Leipzig with help of one Gorner, 'deviated from the common ways of the art of medicine' to establish his theory 'likes are cured by likes' published Organon, the homoeopath's bible in 1810 at Dresden. To survive economically, Hahnemann gave language lessons to foreign fellow students, and translated foreign works on medicine and chemistry. After four terms, he left Leipzig in 1777, as there was no opportunity to train in Leipzig, and moved to Vienna where he studied under Baron Joseph von Quarin, life physician to Empress Maria Theresia and head of the hospital Barmherzige Bruder. Quarin soon recognised Hahnemann's abilities and let him, as the only one of his students accompany him on his visits to private patients. After two years in Siebenburgen, then in the Kingdom of Hungary, now a part of Romania, Hahnemann moved in 1879 to Erlangen to complete his medical education. The young doctor now commenced an itinerant professional life. In 1780 he moved to Hettstedt near Eisleben and in the same year also practised as Stadtphysikus in Gommern near Magdeburg. Again in 1783, he moved to Dresden where he decided to devote himself to forensic medicine. In 1787, Hahnemann invented a method of examining lead-sugar falsification of wines. His test became so popular that it was applied as a public wine test. In 1789 Hehnemann headed for Leipzig where, he produced a soluble mercury preparation for the treatment of venereal diseases. At this time he was a chemist of some repute. It was in Leipzig, in 1790, he probably had his first ideas about what he termed homoeopathy in 1807. Until World War I quinine was the only effective means for the treatment of malaria. The positive effect of quinine on fever was well known in Hahnemann's time. He tried the effect of cinchona on himself. During this trial on himself, Hahnemann drew the conclusion that quinine is able to cure malaria, because it could cause the same symptoms as malaria on healthy people. This is the basic principle of homoeopathy. Hahnemann's principle, Simila simillibus (with the help of the same), both formally and in its content it is a declaration of war on traditional medicine, which from antiquity had been based on the principle contraria contraries (with the help of the opposite). Hahnemann presented his new medical doctrine in 1796 which was first published in Hufeland's Journal der practischen Arzneykunde and Wundarzneykunst. Its title was Investigations of a New Principle for Finding the Healing Powers of Pharmacological Substances, besides some new views on those hitherto used. Here he carried on his thoughts from the quinine experiment, writing that medical drugs more potent, the stronger disease it caused in a healthy body. Hahnemann, however, was far from the first to arrive at the idea that likes were cured by likes. Philosophers and physicians had advanced the idea from time to time for thousands of years; Hahnemann acknowledged his debt to Hippocrates. It was in 1801 that Hahnemann developed his doctrine about the dilution of drugs. In it he assumed that drugs did not work "anatomically", but "dynamically", and that "drugs were not dead substances in the common meaning of the word. On the contrary, their true nature was solely dynamic and spiritual." In a book published in Latin in 1805, Hahnemann described his experiences with a total of 27 drugs. In accordance with his own doctrine that drugs could only be tested on a healthy body, he conducted all the experiments on himself. In 1807, he termed his medical system homoeopathy. In a letter to the famous physician, Christoph Wilhelm Hufeland (1762-1836) in 1808 Hahnemann wrote: "For 18 years I have deviated from the common ways of the art of medicine. For me it was a proprietary sacrifice to grope in the dark with my books by the patients, and, based on some imaginary opinion of the disease, prescribe things that only found its way into material medica by discretion. I suffered pangs of conscience by treating unknown, diseased conditions in my suffering brethren with these strong and unknown remedies. How could the physician adopt these remedies to the patients, when its effects have not been elucidated? If not perfectly adapted, these strong substances could change life and death, or cause new trouble and chronic sufferings, maybe worse than the disease it was supposed to dispel. It was my worst thought, that maybe I would become my brother's murderer or destroyer, a thought so horrifying, that in the first years of my marriage I gave up my practice entirely." The first complete summary of homeopathic teaching was published in Hahnemann's book, Organon der rationellen Heilkunde ("Organon of the rational art of healing") which appeared in Dresden in 1810. This is the Homoeopath's Bible. Based on his theory that "likes are cured by likes, Hahnemann formulated a comprehensive theoretical system in 291 paragraphs. But Hahnemann was a physician and was also reputed as a chemist Hahnemann above all deserves credit for emphasising the human as a whole, as well as his understanding of the importance of the mind. And the mind, of course, is the basis of it all. Hahnemann's investigation of his patients was characterised by individualisation - the uniqueness of every disease case. This approach forces the physician to meticulously record all the disease symptoms, and thus Hahnemann as early as in 1799 began to establish patient's journals. Hahnemann's second main oeuvre on homoeopathy was published in six volumes between 1811 and 1821. Entitled the Doctrine of Pure Pharmacology, it was catalogue of homoeopathic remedies. In it, he describes in detail the effect of every drug after it had been administered to a healthy person, recommending that it be administered in dilutions of 1:99, the diluting being repeated 30 times. During the years 1811-1812, he had a busy practice in Leipzig. In 1820 Hahnemann received a famous patient, Field Marshal Karl Philipp Frust von Schwarzenberg (1771-1820). As Austria had forbidden the practice of homeopathy, the Field Marshal was forced to undertake the journey to Leipzig, accompanied by two physicians. Von Schwarzenberg was no less than one of the four commanders of the allied forces that had vanquished Napoleon in the so-called Battle of the Nations at Leigzig in October 1813. The Field Marshal was suffering the consequences of a stroke in 1817. Before showing up to Hahnemann for homeopathic treatment, he had tried a water cure, but in vain. Already after a short period of treatment, however, Hahnemann refused to continue treatment, because he discovered that the Field Marshal's life physicians, in all secrecy, conducted bloodletting. Von Schwarzenberg died one month later. Hahnemann attended the funeral and was present at the post-mortem investigation. The presence of numerous arteriosclerotic nodules was demonstrated, from which he would have died in any way. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who compared Hahnemann to Paracelsus, and Ludwig van Beethoven, too, are said to have been among his patients. His advocacy of small doses aroused the enmity of orthodox medical circles, especially the apothecaries. Hahnemann emphasised that the physician had to prepare medicines himself. Druggists in Leipzig hated him for this and in 1919 began judicial contention against him. Then the king forbade him to prepare medicine and Hahnemann decided to leave Leipzig. He accepted an invitation from the Duke of Anhalt-Kothen and in 1821, aged 66 years, settled in the small city of Kothen, where Duke Ferdinand gave him permission to dispense drugs for as long as he lived. In 1828 Hahnemann published the three first volumes of a planned four-volume work, the chronic diseases, their peculiar nature and homoeopathic treatment. In it he presents his theory that 85 per cent of all chronic diseases both somatic and mental may be ascribed to three basic causes: sycosis, ranging from hysteria to madness to haemorrhoids, deafness, cataract, asthma, and impotence. In 1829 the Union of German Homoeopathic Doctors was founded. In his lifetime, Hahnemann's experienced one great triumph as a doctor. During the great cholera epidemics ravaging large part of Europe in 1831-32, traditional medicine, with its bloodletting and purgatives, was helpless. Against this stood Hahnemann's recommendation of preventive work and camphor spiritus. Judging from the statistics and the many reports of curing, his measures and treatment helped in many cases. He published several papers on the "Cure of the Asian cholera” During the 1820s the new doctrine of medicine enjoyed a growing flock of followers. The first homoeopathic journals were established, homoeopathic physicians joined in societies, and the first books on homoeopathy were published. This was important for the establishment of the doctrine, but it also involved a danger, as not everything published was in accordance with Hahnemann's "pure" doctrine. The establishment of the first homoeopathic hospital in Leipzig in 1832 caused an open conflict in which Hahnemann publicly denounced "half-and bastard homoeopathy." Single-minded and uncompromising he pursued his own ideas, which to a large degree were what in German is called "Spinnereien". In 1831 he published a book entitled Die Allopathie - ein Buch der Warnung an Kranke jeder Art (Allopathy - a book of warning to sick people of every kind). As early as in 1832 the first lay society of homoepathy was established. Homoeopathy became in vogue, and it was common for princes and counts to have homoepaths as their physicians. In Paris, Hahnemann was well received by the Homoeopathic Society and he received assistance in establishing his own practice, which soon flourished." In March 1843, Hehnemann fell ill with bronchitis. He died in Paris on July 2, 1843 aged 88 years. Source: Bhavan’s Journal 31 March 2007; Dr N.M. Chandrashekar Africa and Sri Lanka Lions victorious in Cricket Masala 2007

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and Offstick Productions presented the second Commonwealth Bank Cricket Masala over the weekend of April 14-15 in perfect weather at Memorial and Grahame Thomas Ovals in . The event featured international food and entertainment and a 2 day 6-A-Side cricket festival featuring the best community cricketers and SpeedBlitz Blues imports. On the Sunday in a suspenseful rain-delayed final, Team Africa took out the Mini World Cup with a win over the fancied Bradman Foundation by 16 runs. In the Saturday community competition, the giant killing Sri Lanka India Lions defeated the highly fancied NSW Tamils team in a closely contested final and securing the wildcard qualifying spot in the Sunday tournament. The victorious African team captained by Kevin Pillay, included Speedblitz Blue Murray Creed, current Zimbabwe player Vusi Sibanda, ex Zimbabwe fast bowler Eddo Brandes, Parramatta’s Neshen Munusamy, South Sydney’s Shane Pargeter and Campbelltown’s Ardil Domingo. Sibanda, who recently returned from national duty in the World Cup in the West Indies, scored 30 runs off an over in the semi finals against Pakistan including 4 towering sixes. He was thrilled with the win “I was so disappointed that Zimbabwe did not make the super 8’s of the World Cup, but Africa’s win today has brought a big smile to my face”. Over 4000 people attended the festival over 2 days which featured a total of 149 sixes, over 30 lost balls and one smashed windscreen courtesy of a massive six by Pakistan’s Usman Khawaja. In the Sunday Mini World Cup, Bangladesh captain Naiian Yazdani won the bowler of the tournament with 5 for 26 runs. Nick Watkins from the Bradman Foundation was awarded player of the tournament and also cleaned up the best batsman and Concorde VFR high flying 6’s trip to India award with 11 sixes in total. Watkins who is Australia’s premier deaf cricketer was thrilled to be part of the day “What a great concept and a positive day. The cricket was of the highest standard and my Bradman Foundation team mates were great to play with. A big thankyou to the organisers for their originality and we look forward to next year”. In the Community Competition, Bankstown Sports Club was knocked out in the qualifiers of the Saturday tournament and will no doubt learn from the experience. Sri Lanka Lions cleaned up the awards with Player of the Tournament going to Kasun Bulathsinghala, best bowler to Vinayak Sasitharan and best batsman going to Pradeep Vidanapathirana with 115 runs. Pradeep also tied the Most 6’s award with Afghanistan’s Aziz Naibkhil and Pakistan Sports Club’s Aamir Abbasi with 6 each. NSW Breakers womens team did not win any matches against the men but won the spectators hearts with their valiant efforts. Lisa Sthalekar, the Australian women’s vice captain enjoyed herself “It’s a beautiful day and great to see everybody come together at the end of the season” Lisa’s Indian team performed credibly but did not make it through to the next round. Gambhir Watts, of the event was satisfied with the day observed; The cricket was unbelievable and I was amazed by some of the Crowd catches including the winner Sadan and Karmakonde who won a trip to the Gold Coast for 2 for the first crowd catch after 1pm. Thanks to all of our sponsors for their support and we will be back next year with more innovations”. India had a strong team with skipper Lisa Sthalekar, the former Indian Test cricketer Subroto Banerjee and the talented Rohit Ramanathan, Danny Batra, Abhinav Mathur and Abhay Venkat. But they disappointed, winning only one of the three matches and failed to qualify for the semi-final. Led by Usman Khawaja, Pakistan made a strong bid to enter the final, but they lost to Africa in the semis after a titanic struggle. Africa scored 3-86, the highest team total for the day and an amazing total off just 5 overs. The current Zimbabwean Test cricketer Vusi Sibanda

Name Text who had earlier scintillated in the 2007 World Cup scored an astounding 30 runs in an over including four sixes. Pakistan bravely replied with 1-73, with Usman smacking sixes all over the Steve & Stand, smashing a car windscreen in the process! Thus 159 runs were rattled up in 10 overs, an exhilarating run-rate of 16 runs an over! The final was reduced to 3 overs per team because of rain. Africa made 1-45 and beat Bradman Foundation’s reply (2-32). The talented Zimbabwean star Vusi Sibanda who represented champion team Africa was the most popular cricketer in the Competition. “I was so disappointed that Zimbabwe did not make it to Super 8 in the 2007 World Cup in the Windies. But today has brought a big smile to my face.” But it was the willowy Nick Watkins of Bradman Foundation who scooped awards for being the best batsman and was voted the most valuable player of the Championship. He also top scored with an individual score of 48. Nick and his twin brother Andrew play for Parramatta in first grade and along with Bradman Foundation teammate are 3 of Australia’s premier deaf cricketers having represented on a number of occasions.. Nick also won the Concorde VFR high flying trip to India for hitting most sixes, 11 in one day. Good on you, Nick the high flyer. The Sydney Morning Herald of April 14 previewed Cricket Masala by titling the story: Cricket spiked with masala, and a staid game gets sixier. And “sixier” it did get with 78 sixes skied on 14th and 71 on 15th April. Many of them were huge hits, going over the Stadium and crashing down with a bang. Thirty balls were lost as towering sixes followed each other in rapid succession. Dignitaries in attendance included former Australian test cricketers Alan Davidson and Lenny Pascoe,Cricket NSW CEO David Gilbert, Consul General of India Hon. Sujan Chinoy, Mayor of Bankstown Ms Tanya Mihailuk and Hon. Darryl Melham, Federal MP for Banks who was present on both days. Mr Melham commented “What a fantastic event and what joy you have brought to a lot of families”. Rina Hore, Direction Sir Foundation and Cricket NSW, John Faulkner, were amongst a ray of other dignitaries who graced the event over two days. Ms Lisa Cartright, General Manager, International Customer Services, Commonwealth Bank graced the occasion with her day long stay and led the prize distribution ceremony in the late evening on Sunday. The running commentaries and comedy by MC’s Paran Nadeswaran, 19 and Rajith Raghavan informed and entertained as they interviewed cricketers, dancers and VIPs with a touch of Test class and humour, ably assisted by Deepthi Raghavan and DJ Neil. Cricket editor Kersi Meher Homji and Patrick Skene contributed rich editorial for the Match Program designed by Prem Gangadharan and Utkarsh Doshi. In original articles Kersi highlighted the world class strength of the NSW representative team Speedblitz Blues, and cast light on performances of our talented female cricketers. Divya Raghavan managed operations for the event with Utkarsh Doshi, who led a team of Bhavan volunteers. Rajesh Katakdhond assisted with luncheons, and we are grateful for his efforts and those of all other volunteers who helped with the event. Our special thanks to Tournament Director Sutha Siva and his team from NSW Tamils who ran 42 games played over two days at two venues with pinpoint punctuality and kept immaculate statistics. Lucky spectator Sadanand Karmatokonde won a trip to Gold Coast for two for taking the first crowd catch. Shamima Begum of Lakemba won the door prize consisting of trip for two to India including airfare five nights’ stay in Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and ground transportation with the courtesy of India Tourism Sydney, Malaysian Airlines and Taj Hotel Resorts and Palaces. Senior Cricket Journalist Alex Brown wrote in the Sydney Morning Herald on April 21, 2007 " The important administrative lessons to be taken from Cricket Masala were not from the games being played. Those are the domain of players and coaches. Rather, the moral of this story is how organisers driven by passion, as opposed to profit, can inspire the masses with an event authentic, fun, and without the unmistakable scent of Dettol. Informal, spontaneous. Fans treated as fans, not commodities. Boundaries lined with cooks from local curry houses, dishing up baltis hotter than a effigy. Singers belting out tunes in English and Hindi (think Brett Lee in his post-Six & Out phase, but better). Between the singing of the crowd and the singeing of the balti, the carnival at was by far and away my cricketing highlight of the past few months.

Combined Teams from Saturday Community Competition

Combined Teams from Sunday Mini World Cup

Teams from Saturday Community Competition

Teams from Sunday Mini World Cup From left - right: Ram Chhabra (The Indian), Daryl Melham (Federal MP for banks), David Gilbert (CEO Cricket NSW), Tanya Meholic (Mayor Bankstown City), Lisa Cartwright (General Manager ICS Commonwealth Bank), Gambhir Watts, Sutha Sivan, Patrick Skene

- Kersi Meher Homji (Indian Down Under) and Patrick Skene All results of the event have been posted at www.cricketmasala.com.au Sonia Gandhi

Born into a family of modest means in an Italian village on the banks of a river 57 years ago, Sonia Maino, now Sonia Gandhi, has weaved a dramatic way to a place in history by becoming the President of India's century-old Congress party. Being the third woman of foreign origin to hold the prestigious post after Annie Beasant and Nelli Sengupta, Sonia Gandhi also became the fifth from the Nehru family to take over the Congress reins. The other four were Motilal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. She also is the eighth person of the foreign origin to be the Congress president. On 28th May 2005 Smt. Sonia Gandhi was elected as President of the Indian National Congress by overwhelming support from across the country from all states. In a short span since she plunged into active politics before the February mid-term Lok Sabha elections, Sonia in fact, had wrought a political miracle by becoming the dual chief of the 113 year old Indian National Congress and its Parliamentary party. In the process, Sonia Gandhi also emulated her husband, mother-in-law and grandfather-in-law—Rajiv, Indira and Nehru— who all held the two posts during their career. Sonia Gandhi, nee Maino, was born in a place called Ovassanjo, 80 km away from Turin, on Dec. 9, 1946. Married into India's best known family of Nehru-Gandhi in 1968, the 57-year-old Sonia Gandhi became a primary member of the Congress less than a year ago before the Calcutta Congress Plenary Session in August 1997. Since Rajiv's death, Sonia had led a life of near recluse for six years but for her appearances at a few official functions. She touched many a heart when she poured out her 'vedna' (agony) at a public meeting a few years ago in Amethi about the delay in the probe of Rajiv assassination case. Barring such vieled political statements, Sonia hid her emotions behind a thick veil of secrecy keeping observers guessing about whether she nursed political intentions at all. But fawning Congressmen, looking for a charismatic personality to lead the party to electoral success, kept sending their appeals to her to come and take over the party. After an excruciating spell of suspense, Sonia, who long remained something of an enigma to many, finally decided to campaign for the Congress in the just-concluded Lok Sabha electors and is credited by observers with preventing a doom for the party. Congress, which was forecast not to cross the double digit mark managed a tally of 141 seats, largely due to her charismatic presence during the campaign. In fact, the top job of the Congress organisation was offered to her on a platter immediately after the death of her husband on May 21, 1991. But a grieving and reluctant Sonia declined the offer. Travelling the length and breadth of the country in a hurricane election tour, Sonia caught the imagination of the masses, by her emotional speeches in Hindi prepared in advance. Observers commented that Sonia successfully adopted her mother-in-law's mannerism and style in warming her way to large crowds which had turned up at her election rallies. Sonia, whose Italian origin gave her opponents propaganda grist became a full-fledged Indian citizen in 1984 after the death of Indira Gandhi. Sonia met Rajiv Gandhi in Cambridge during 1960s when the former Prime Minister was studying at the famous British University. They were married in 1968 after three years of courtship which began in a Greek restaurant in the university town. The simple ceremony was held on Vasant Panchami day in February, the same day when Indira Gandhi married Feroze decades earlier. The wedding was a simple nondenominational ceremony in the garden of 1, Safdarjang Road. Sonia wore a pink sari made from cotton which Nehru had spun while in prison... It was the same sari which Indira had worn for her wedding, says biographer Nicholas Nugent in his book Rajiv Gandhi —son of a dynasty. The new addition to the family became an instant favourite. Sonia and Indira became extremely fond of each other. It was relationship that time would deepen still further, according to Nugent. Strange as it may sound now, Sonia had, in fact, shown aversion to politics for long. She detested politics and opposed her husband Rajiv entering it, according to Nugent. Sonia had even threatened to divorce Rajiv if he ever entered politics, according to Nugent quoting Indira Gandhi in the book. Rajiv commented to this later saying Sonia felt she would be losing me. Tariq Ali, author of the Nehru's and the Gandhi's, an "Indian dynasty", says at one point Sonia had told a friend that she would rather have her children beg in the streets than Rajiv going to politics. Eventually, Rajiv resigned from Indian Airlines to join politics after Sanjay's death in 1980. It was a joint decision arrived at after long talks with Sonia, Ali quotes Rajiv as saying. That was history. Now not only Sonia is in the thick of politics, but her children, Rahul and Priyanka, too are in great demand in the Congress circle for taking over the Youth Congress.

EMOTIONAL VIBES

Mathura February 12 "After my husband's death, I suffered in silence as canards were spread. Now I won't keep quiet." Delhi February 13 "When I first came to Delhi in 1968, my father had given me a return ticket. But Delhi was the place of my second birth and the ticket, like my past, was lost in the mists of time." Hyderabad February 16 "A month before he was assassinated, my husband said to me if an attempt was made to touch Babri Masjid, he would stand in front of it and they would have to kill him first." Mohanlalganj February 8 UP has been the karmabhoomi of my husband. He has been snatched away from me but nobody can snatch away his dream of a resurgent Bharat."

POLITICAL TOUGH TALK

Bangalore January 15 "Six governments have come and gone -- five of them from the Opposition -- yet the complete truth on Bofors is . The day all the papers are made public, my husband will be vindicated." Delhi February 13 "Vajpayeeji said my husband had taken commission. I am telling you Atal Bihariji has told you a complete lie." Salem February 9 "While five Congress PMs ruled the country for 45 years, other parties had to find seven in just five years and 10 months." Mohanlalganj February 8 "Those associated with the Mahatma's assassins are misleading voters. Those responsible for pulling down the disputed structure at Ayodhya will not be tolerated."

Source: www.soniagandhi.org Visit to Broken Hill, the Heart of Australia Outback and the Home of Artists and Art Galleries

Continuing his focus on promoting engagement with regional economic and cultural centres in country (rural) , the Consul General of India Hon. Sujan Chinoy visited the heart of the Australian Outback and the Home of Artists and Art Galleries - Broken Hill from 30 April to 3 May 2007. The Consul General invited Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and India Tourism Sydney Office to join him in showcasing India to country Australia. I, Gambhir Watts, together with Shanker Dhar, Regional Director Australasia of India Tourism accompanied Mr Sujan Chinoy. With the courtesy of the Broken Hill City Council (Fiona Ellis, Manager Tourism) and the Office of the Consul General of India (Ann Peterson) our visit was very well organised. The General Manager Broken Hill City Council Frank Zaknich welcomed us with warm hospitality on our arrival. He had arranged a conference with the local leaders, Chamber of Commerce and stakeholders, artists and prominent community members. Mr Sujan Chinoy in his keynote address made a comprehensive power-point presentation on the various aspects of India and her exemplary democratic system, her people, her rapidly growing economy and prosperity and the expanding economic and cultural relations between India and Australia. Mr Sujan Chinoy spoke about much commonality between India and Australia such as Commonwealth, vibrant democratic systems boasting transparent economies, the use of English and enjoying Cricket, Curries and Culture. Emphasising the importance of cooperation between the businesspeople and technocrats of the two countries Mr Chinoy gave the example of an Australian software company FNS that had developed an ‘excellent’ banking system that was unable to find a market in Australia or elsewhere. Partnering with Indian company TCS allowed the software to be sold to both the Indian and Chinese markets ‘making an unbridled success of a product that may have languished otherwise’. The audience was thrilled with the information on India; they said no one before had given them any information on India and that they had never learnt so much about India before, particularly the rise of the Indian economy. Mr Sujan Chinoy in his speech stated that since his first visit to Orange in rural west New South Wales he had developed a desire to visit Broken Hill which he described as ‘a very important place with a strong heritage’. He further mentioned Broken Hill was a powerful economic player which, with its natural resources from the mining sector in great demand internationally, was set to become even more important in the future. He said “I felt it was necessary on my part to move out from Sydney into regional areas and talk to local councils, chambers of commerce and people about the growing economic involvement between India and Australia. … I hope to inform people that would otherwise remain bystanders in this process”. The Consul General gave two press interviews to the local media and one live radio interview to ABC, which helped raise India’s profile in regional Australia. Mr Frank Zaknich said the visit was a welcome opportunity: ‘This has given us a greater understanding of the opportunities that exist, and given an opportunity to showcase current and upcoming economic projects’. Mr Zaknich organised an evening Civic Reception in honour of the delegation led by the Consul General of India with a wide cross-section of important community members present on the occasion. Mr Zaknich had organised the next two days of our visit with a very courteous, hospitable and knowledgeable Corey Spiteri as our guide. We visited various historic places in Broken Hill, Silverton and neighbouring areas including a current silver / zinc mine, the historic 100 year old first mine in the area which was then operated fully manually, the Living Desert nature reserve and other outback attractions and a number of art galleries and museums. Mr Frank Zaknich and his staff Corey Spiteri, Fiona Ellis and others made us ‘feel at home’ in the heart of an Australian outback. I think that everyone must visit Broken Hill at least once in a lifetime to get a feel of the genuine Australian outback. - Gambhir Watts Poetry from Broken Hill Timeless I counteract time put the clock back one hour at the close of daylight saving a glimpse of myself in a mirror eyes bright/ a bell-ring smile supports the idea I like to tamper with the process of reshaping through an open window the wind overhears my thoughts ruffles my hair with indulgence birds practice a different language in a garden delaying its opinion the sun drags me into discussion wondering if it need rise so early or could it have a sleep-in an extra nap before sweaty armpits take hold I lapse into depression one hour is not enough so I claim another two decide six is a good number and so on before I realise the paradox I am back in yesterday ambitions are clean-sheeted I empty the fridge dye my hair have a pedicure in preparation for tomorrow yes tomorrow is my big day a slingshot day into the future shaped by frost on stone moods spun and unspun the rotation of light collecting shadows a gentleness softer than sighing at daybreak in apricot mist I remove the hands from the clock

Barbara De Franceschi OAM is an Australian poet who lives in Broken Hill, a small mining town in outback Australia. Married, with five grown children, Barbara devotes her time to family, writing and community involvement. Her works have appeared in various literary journals and anthologies Australia wide, on-line USA and Switzerland. Barbara is a member of a performance poetry group and performs at special functions, arts festivals etc. Her work was featured on Radio National during National Poetry Week in 2006 and she has read her work live to air on ABC radio. In June 2007 Barbara will feature in the Thylazine Foundation’s Australian Poets at Work Series. Barbara’s first collection Lavender Blood was published in 2004; the manuscript for a second collection is being compiled for publication. Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of Australia The people’s Movement for Universal Education in Tribal India

We, the people of Indian origin, often discuss the conditions in India and attempt to pinpoint the causes of its failures. People blame everything from corrupt politicians, to excessive population growth, to a general breakdown of the social fabric of the country. However, there is a general consensus that one of the major hindrances to India reaching its full potential is the inadequate educational system. There are parts of the country where schools don’t exist at all. The situation gets progressively worse as yo go to more remote and tribal areas. Tribal areas suffer the most, where decades of neglect have resulted in pitiful literacy rates. Over 90% of India’s tribal people are unable to read.

For us – Indians living outside India – it is difficult to bring changes in either bureaucracy or the social and political infrastructure in India. However, it is relatively easy to contribute to educational projects, which have the least interference from the government bureaucracy. Reform is needed in the field of education, and the area which will yield the greatest positive results is primary education, especially tribal areas. This then is the genesis of the Ekal Vidyalaya Movement. Ekal Vidyalaya literally means “a single teacher school”. Ekal Vidyalaya is a major movement in India, addressing the need for primary education in tribal and rural areas. The mission of Ekal Vidyalaya is to set up 100,000 schools in remote and tribal villages by 2011. This will nearly cover all the remote and tribal villages where schools do not exist today.

An Ekal Vidyalaya Class has between 30 and 40 children in the age group of 5 to 14 years, where children are offered 5 years of schooling and primary health care. All the children of a village are taught, irrespective of their caste, creed, religion or sex. The teacher is a specially trained youth (either from the village or from one of the surrounding villages) who was fortunate enough to have received a high school education. The class is often conducted under the shade of a big tree or in a hut. The curriculum includes basic language, science and maths skills. Character building, cultural values, health and hygiene are also integral part of education.

Ekal Vidyalaya is one of the most cost effective social program anywhere. Only Rs 15000 (A$ 480) a year is required to sponsor a school with up to 40 children. To ensure ownership, a similar amount is contributed by the local community, through their labour and performing daily chores, such as cleaning and maintenance. Each sponsor is assigned an internet login name and password so that the sponsor(s) may get any information about, and /or monitor the progress of, the school. One reason for Ekal’s efficiency is that the administrative costs are less than 10% of total costs. All the Ekal Vidyalaya executives work on a voluntary basis.

The program is managed at the ground level by EVF India, and various NGOs operating in different states of India. A cost effective administrative infrastructure has been put in place to logistically implement the program. EVF India is managed by a board of trustees for policy development and guidelines to ensure that the organisation is run professionally, with prudence and transparency. The trustees comprise such respected members of society as Dr B K Modi (Chairman Modi Corporation), Justice P N Bhagwati (former Chief Justice Supreme Court), Dr Abid Hussain (Former US Ambassador), Dr L M Sanghvi (Former UK Consul General), Shri K L Chugh (Former Chairman, ITC) and others.

EVF movement has spread to a number of countries including USA, UK, Canada, Hongkong, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand to help raise funds necessary to support and spread the Ekal Vidyalaya movement. To date over 20000 schools (including 150 schools from Australia) have been established throughout India. In fact Ekal Vidyalaya has a presence in every state of India. For more information, please visit our web site at: www.ekal.org Dr Nihal Agar Tel: 02 9418 8824 School of Molecular and Microbial Biosciences University of Sydney NSW 2006 KNOW INDIA PROGRAMME

Majestic elephants obligingly conveying us to the top of Amber Fort in Rajasthan. Camels ambling alongside cars and trucks on the Delhi-Jaipur highway. Exquisite handicrafts from rural communities across India sold by the craftspeople themselves at the Jaipur Heritage International Festival. Learning about innovative engineering and scientific solutions at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) creating sustainable development and improving the quality of life in rural India. Exhilarating music, dance and cultural performances. Witnessing poverty alongside untold wealth. Ancient wisdom. Spiritual richness. A burgeoning middle class. A nation in a state of flux and a study in contrasts. These are just some of the memories we will treasure of our journey with the Know India Programme in January this year. Sponsored by the Indian Government through the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, the programme seeks to acquaint accomplished young Indians from overseas with some of the many faces of India today through an annual travel and educational program, which this year took us to New Delhi and Agra in Uttar Pradesh, and Jaipur, Ajmer and Pushkar in Rajasthan. The programme is one aspect of a far broader government strategy that seeks to engage with India’s 25 million strong diaspora so that it can harness their skills and encourage their involvement in its quest for India to reach developed nation status by 2020. One of the main aspects of the programme was our participation in the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. An annual 3 day conference for Indians from overseas, it aims to import the knowledge and skills of the overseas Indian community into India’s development process. Plenaries and workshops covering topics as diverse as India’s investment needs, legal challenges and the state of women, youth and public health, brought distinguished speakers to the table. We met many interesting people including politicians, civil servants, NGO activists and business leaders, all keen to engage with new ideas. After all the brain power we expended during the day, we were rewarded in true Indian style! We spent our evenings at Talkatora Stadium replete with cultural entertainment and culinary feasts, serving up the best of the subcontinent, from Uttapam prepared before our eyes, to tantalising tandoori treats and, of course, good Goan fish curry. As a finale we were treated to a spectacular show starring and entirely choreographed by the highly acclamed Shiamak Davar, of Bollywood fame. Whilst in Delhi, we were lucky enough to make a hectic day trip to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal, which proved to be every inch as magnificent as the pictures and broadcasts would have you believe. Of course, trying to get round the massive compound and do justice to the intricacy of the marble structure, in a group of 50, with only 45 minutes at your disposal poses challenges of its own. Thank goodness for Indian Stretchable Time.. On our final day in Delhi, we were extremely privileged to be invited to visit Rashtrapati Bhavan, where we were hosted at the official residence to meet the President of the Republic of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. We were all struck by his incredible intellect, energy and above all, his humility. Dr Abdul Kalam chose to speak to us about the importance of giving as individuals, not just our money, but of our time and talents as well. He asked us to take two things away from our meeting with him, one was to live our lives so as to answer the question “What will I be remembered for?” and “How can I contribute to India’s development?” In saying this, he stressed that our first allegiance lay with our adopted homelands, but that simply by being good and productive citizens we would simultaneously be positive images of and thus ambassadors for India. His main focus and campaign is on transforming India into a developed nation by 2020 and he believes very strongly in the strength of character of the Indian people to overcome great odds and reach great heights. The next day, we left for Rajasthan by road from Delhi to Jaipur, which proved to be just the beginning of many fun-filled bus rides. With the wonderful mix of cultures in the group from various parts of India we brought together much musical entertainment for the bus trips. Goan Mandos and Marathi folk songs, Bollywood theme songs, western musicals and the famous Indian game “Antakkshari” kept us laughing and in great spirits. This second and final leg of our trip was hosted by the Rajasthani government and the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation, who certainly showed us why Rajasthan is India’s number 1 tourist destination. Dubbed the pink city because of the natural pink-red colour of all the buildings, made from locally occurring clay, Jaipur is an energetic bustling city, rooted in culture. We visited factories where handmade paper was produced, watched the famous Jaipuri block-printing in action, honed our bargaining skills in the shoppers paradise bazaars and gazed at the breathtaking beauty of the magnificent City Palace and Hawa Mahal a 200 year-old fort and one of India’s landmark monuments. Experiencing something of the spiritual depth of India was certainly part of our Rajasthani odyssey with day trips to Ajmer and Pushkar. In Ajmer we visited the second largest mosque and place for Muslim pilgrimage after Mecca, the shrine of the Sufi Saint. In Pushkar, a charming little town set around a Holy lake and a profoundly sacred place for Hinduism, with the whole town being dry and vegetarian, we visited the famed Bhrama temple, the only one in India. One of the most unique memories of our time in Jaipur was the Kite Festival, a public holiday, where literally the whole city stops, goes up onto their rooftops and terraces and flies kites. The image of the Jaipur skyline, a sea of red sandstone against the backdrop of the Aravali Hills with thousands of coloured kites dancing in the clear blue skies above was simply enchanting. Of course, we did our best to take on the local kite-fliers, but it wasn’t long before our strings were cut! On our final evening in Jaipur, we were treated to a special performance of traditional Rajasthani dance, which took place at the top of Nahargarh Fort by the light of the moon. It was like we had been transported back to a time when the impressive forts surrounding Jaipur would have served a vital and active purpose. A definite highlight of the Know India Programme was meeting such a diverse bunch of talented young Indians, with backgrounds from all over India, settled across the globe, and developing bonds of lasting friendship with them. Amongst us, we had Hindus, Catholics, Jews, Muslims, Parsis and Sikhs, spread across Israel, Palestine, South Africa, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, UK, USA, New Zealand and Australia. It certainly made for a wonderful journey together and enriched our understanding of what it means to be an Indian. We would like to thank the Goan Overseas Association (NSW) for nominating us as representatives of Australia and most of all, the Indian government through its Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs for offering this illuminating program and giving us the opportunity to share in it.

Nicole and Alison D’Souza SUDHA RAGUNATHAN

Indian classical music cognoscenti in Sydney have once again the privilege to attend a live Indian Classi- cal Music concert by Padma Sri SUDHA RAGUNATHAN, who has been acclaimed as one of the top vo- calists in Indian classical music world. Regarded as one of the brightest stars of Carnatic Music, her voice has mesmerized her listeners across India and beyond the Indian shores. Her distinctly stunning vocal style and effortless singing has ignited musical imagination and spirit across languages, frontiers, cultural borders and ideologies and made her the most sought after artiste for several prestigious concerts. Today, Sudha has reached all the musical heights and is a globe trotter who delights audiences from coun- tries across continents. Some of the prestigious venues where Sudha has performed include the “Theatre Da La Ville” in Paris, and the “Lincoln Centre” in New York. She is the only Indian musician to be invited to take part in the “Stimmen Voices International Vocal Festival”. Recipient of various prestigious awards nationally and internationally, including the “Padma Sri” award from Govt. of India, BHARATHIYA VIDHYA BHAVAN –NEW YORK has honoured Sudha with the title of ”BHARAT JYOTI”. Sudha is a top ranking artiste of All India Radio and Doordharshan, besides being the artiste in demand by leading recording companies. With her mellifluous voice, beautiful stage presence, absolute command over laya and brilliance in raga ex- position, Sudha is the complete musi- cian. Sudha Ragunathan’s concert pro- gramme in Sydney is being presented by PALLAVI. Established in 1995, PAL- LAVI has been organizing and present- ing quality Indian classical music & dance concerts in Sydney, by leading visiting Professional Musicians and Dancers from India. In a short period of little over ten years, PALLAVI has been able to establish itself as a premier fine arts organization of international repute. For her Australian concert tour, Sudha will be accompanied on the violin by Embar Kannan and on the Mrudangam (double headed Indian percussion drum) by Palladam Ravi. Both these young ac- companists are highly sought after musi- cians on their own right.Sudha’s Sydney concert will be held on Saturday 19 May 2007, at the Turbott auditorium in Uni- versity of western Sydney (Parramatta campus), Rydalmere, commencing at 6:30PM. Concerts have been planned also for Brisbane, Canberra and Mel- bourne. Details of the SydneyVenue, Date, Time and Tickets arte available at www.pallavi.org

Glabalisation Media & Ethics

IT is impossible to discuss in any detail a vast and complex subject like globalisation, ethics and Indian media in a single article. One can, however, place, in broad strokes, globalisation in its historical context and dwell upon its nature and consequences, and media's role vis-a-vis it. The last lends itself to two lines of inquiry—the attitude of media towards globalisation and the impact of the latter on media. The term globalisation, according to Deepak Nayyar, 'refers to a process of deepening economic integration, increasing economic openness and growing economic interdependence between countries in the world economy. It is associated not only with a phenomenal spread and volume of crossborder economic transactions, but also with an organisation of economic activities which straddles national boundaries. The process is driven by the lure of profit and the threat of competition in the market". Stating that "the fundamental attributes of globalisation is the increasing Lord William Bentinck degree of openness in most countries", Nayyar talks about the three fundamental dimensions of globalisation — "international trade, investment and finance", and adds, "it needs to be said that openness is not simply confined to trade flows, investment flows and financial flows. It also extends to flows of services, technology and information, ideas and people across national boundaries. There can be no doubt, however, that trade, investment and finance constitute the cutting edge of globalisation". Globalisation is not a sudden development. Its roots go back to the days of the Phoenician traders, who were excellent shipbuilders, sailors and, until 1200 BC, engaged in a simple form of barter. Indians, Romans, Greeks, inhabitants of the low countries, Persians, Arabs and Chinese, have long histories of land and maritime trade stretching to distant shores. The process leading to the present phase of globalisation, however, began with three developments in Europe—the Renaissance (15th to 17th centuries), the Reformation (16th-17th centuries) and the great age of geographical discoveries (15th to 18th centuries). Nayyar points out, the 'period from 1870 to 1913 witnessed an expansion in international trade flows that was faster than the growth in world output. For 16 major industrialised countries, now in the OECD, the share of exports in GDP rose from 18.2 per cent in 1900 to 21.2 per cent in 1913'. The integration of world economy through international trade at the turn of the 19th century was, it would seem, about the same as it was towards the end of the 20th. The current phase of globalisation assumed its principal contours in the second half of the 20th century with world exports increasing from $ 61 billion in 1950 to $ 315 billion in 1970 and $ 3447 billion in 1990. The growth in world trade was higher than the growth in world output throughout this period, rising from six per cent in 1950 to 16 per cent in 1992. Transnational Corporations (TNCs)--or call them multinational corporations (MNCs) if you will—have been the main driving force behind the current phase of globalisation with their operations spread across nations. They have grown phenomenally in the last three decades. Writing in 1997, Edward S. Herman and Robert W. McChesney, state: 'The number of TNCs in fourteen developed countries have trebled over the last 20 years, from 7,000 to 26,000, and the overall number of TNCs in 1993 was 37,000 with 206,000 overseas affiliates. TNC asset holdings of this group are highly concentrated, with the 100 largest-all based in the 14 developed countries—holding assets of $3.2 trillion, and about one-third of the global stock of FDI. By 1991, the output of the foreign affiliates totalled $ 4.8 trillion and exceeded world exports of goods and services; this output had doubled in 10 years'. Though economic factors have powered globalisation both in the 19th and 20th centuries, both phases of the process have had significant cultural and political implications. Globalisation and colonisation often overlapped in the 19th century. While this produced different results in different parts of the world depending on the nature of the colonial rule and the response to it, its impact was seminal in India, thanks to the system of education the British established during the governor-generalship of Lord William Bentinck (1828-35). Its purpose, in the words of its architect, Thomas Babington Macaulay, Law Member in the Governor-General's Council was 'to form a class who may be interpreters between us and the millions we govern; a class of persons Indian in blood and colour but British in taste, in opinions, in morals and in intellect'. The system of education the British introduced was steeped in the intellectual traditions of the Renaissance and Reformation and the radicalism of the 18th century Enlightenment. At the cerebral plane this meant the arrival of the critical method perfected since the era of classical Greek Civilisation, and the format of the 'elaborated discourse' as shaped by the written culture that emerged with the advent of cheap paper and the moveable type, which enabled Lord Cornwallis the mass publication of books, newspapers and journals. In India, the system of education the British established enabled Indians to be familiar with these momentous developments in the areas of ideas as well as praxis. A system meant to create a loyal colonial elite, it profoundly influenced members of the landed classes created by the Permanent Settlement of 1793, which in turn was the work of Sir John Shore and Lord Cornwallis, who wanted to create a landed aristocracy which would be the main pillar of British rule, and the commercial and professional classes created by increasing British trade in India. The new elite, the most numerous and assertive in Bengal where the British first established them as a colonial power, used western tools of criticism and analysis to examine its own cultural heritage. The result was the remarkable intellectual and cultural ferment of the 19th century Bengal Renaissance whose effect spread far beyond the borders of the presidency and lasted until the first three decades of the 20th century, and which played a critical role in India's transition to modernity. While stating that 'those who vilify globalisation often ignore its benefits'. Joseph Stiglitz, who was chairman of President Bill Clinton's Council of Economic Advisors and also Chief Economist and Senior Vice-President of the International Monetary Fund, states: 'But the proponents of globalisation have been, if anything, even more unbalanced.To them, globalisation (which typically is associated with accepting triumphant capitalism, American style), is progress; developing countries must accept it, if they are to grow and to fight poverty effectively. But to many in the developing world, globalisation has not brought the promised economic benefits'. Stiglitz had stated in the preface to his book, "I have written this book because while I was at the World Bank, I saw first hand the devastating effect that globalisation can have on the developing countries, especially the poor of those countries'. He argues that globalisation has increased the number of those in the Third World living below the poverty line by over 100 million at a time when the world's income has been going up by 2.5 per cent annually. Besides, instead of leading Russia and other communist countries transiting to a market economy, to the promised unprecedented prosperity, it has made their poverty worse. Nor has it conduced to economic stability. The economic crisis of 1997 and 1998 not only hit Asian and Latin American countries hard but also threatened to rock the economies of the developed countries. While this lends a relevance to media's critical, watchdog role in respect of globalisation, its performance needs to be scrutinised closely given the fact that media themselves have become globalised during the current phase which is a recent development. In the 19th century, media comprised newspapers and journals that played an increasingly important role in several western countries. But despite the advent of the telegraph and the underwater cable, which gave news coverage a global reach, media mainly catered to domestic readership of their countries. Although global media are only one part of the overall expansion and spread of an increasingly integrated global corporate system, they complement and support the needs of corporate nonmedia enterprises. This has had a major impact on the ethos of media, particularly of television, which has given a new reach to advertising. Advertising accentuates television's innate tendency to entertain. The result is the reduction of everything to entertainment. Even the telecasting of scenes from wars takes the form of showing a war movie like The Longest Day. This also impacts on prevalent ideas of the functions of the State and the economy and values that guide individual lives. Every sociopolitical-economic system has a symbiotic relationship with the morality that informs it. In Religion and the Rise of Capitalism, R. H. Tawney shows how capitalism transformed the universe of moral discourse in England. He writes, 'No one can read the discussions that took place between 1500 and 1550 on three burning issues~the rise in prices, capital and interest, and the land question in England— without being struck by the constant appeal to the traditional Christian morality, which is still conceived to be the final authority'. The new moral universe removed the stigma that Christianity attached to avarice and whose moral thrust has been encapsulated by Christ's statement, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God'. In the current phase of globalisation the market Thomas Babington Macaulay is supposed to be the panacea for all ills and should be allowed to operate with minimal interference. Also, the advertising industry tends to equate an individual's worth with his or her possessions and not his or her intrinsic qualities. This has led to the glorification of role models extolling success and affluence. Unfortunately, media in India has also been a victim of these trends. There is an increasing trend towards trivialisation underlined by the attention paid to a strange category called Page Three people, to the lives and deeds of sports and film stars, successful captains of industry and business. Serious coverage, particularly that of the plight of the victims of globalisation and forcible land acquisition to make room for Special Economic Zones, mega industrial and infrastructural projects and townships, find little space. An instance is the virtual non-coverage of the proceedings of the India Social Forum that ended in Delhi on November 13, 2006, is a case in point. Nor does one find in the Indian media the kind of debate on globalisation and the emergence of the market economy that one should. Clearly, media in this country is fast absorbing the bland ethos of the globalised media. Ethics? Where is the place for such a thing in the globalised marketplace celebrating social Darwinism?

Source: Bhavan’s Journal 15 March 2007; Hiranmay Karlekar

Indian Cricket Team, Cricket World Cup 2007 India’s best World Cup matches Kersi Meher-Homji selects four golden moments

The 2007 Cricket World Cup (CWC) in West Indies was possibly the least exciting of the nine staged since 1975. The only highlight was Australia winning her fourth CWC and her third in a row. But all their matches were one-sided as ’s men rolled over their opponents like ninepins. The final in Barbados on 28 April showed promise of a cliff-hanger with Sri Lanka’s master-blasters Sanath Jayasuriya and going great guns but once the latter was caught by Ponting, the rest fell in miserable light. The end was an anti-climax as the umpires and officials misinterpreted the Duckworth- Lewis rule. What a farcical end to a poorly-planned, long drawn-out tournament! But full credit to Australian batsmen , Ponting, and Michael Clarke, fast bowlers Glenn McGrath, Shaun Tait and Nathan Bracken and spinner Brad Hogg for superlative performances. Farewell, ooh-aah, Glenn McGrath! Sri Lankans were the second best side with dazzling batting by skipper Mahela Jayawardene, Jayasuriya and Sangakkara, zippy bowling by Chaminda Vaas, and Lasith Malinga and by the master spinner . The early exit by India and Pakistan robbed the World Cup of many brilliant stars. Many think that 2007 was India’s worst World Cup but they forget that in 1979 India had failed to win a single match against one match won this year. India reached her pinnacle in 1983 when she lifted the Cup for the first and only time. Here is a personal selection of four of the most dramatic moments for India in the CWC.

Kapil conquers all (v. Zimbabwe in Tunbridge Wells, England, 1983) This was one of the most topsy-turvy matches in CWC history. Under the dynamic leadership of , India started her 1983 campaign promisingly They had to beat the L-plated Zimbabweans to enter the semi-final. On winning the toss, Kapil decided to bat and India was soon 4 down for 9, their acclaimed openers and Kris Srikkanth out for ducks. Kapil entered the middle with his usual swagger but India lost her fifth at 17. The ball was swinging alarmingly but the crisis brought the best out of Kapil. He added 60 runs with Roger Binny, 62 with Madan Lal and an incredible 126 with Syed Kirmani who contributed only 24. From a disastrous start India reached a healthy 8-266 in 60 overs, Kapil recording a scintillating and unbeaten 175 with 6 sixes and 16 fours. But Zimbabwe did not throw in the towel. After 55 overs, they were 8-230, only 37 needed in the last five overs. However, India held her nerve and won the see-sawing thriller by 31 runs. On a high, India went on to beat Australia in a qualifier, then England in the semi-final and met the Windies, the winners of the two previous World Cups, in the final.

India’s only World Cup (v. West Indies in the Final at Lord’s, England, 1983) June 25. 1983 will go down in history as one of India’s greatest days. It was the Final of the third CWC against Windies, the reigning champs. No one had given India a hope to enter the semi-final, let alone win the Cup. sent India in to bat on a two-paced pitch and drew first blood when dismissed Gavaskar for 2. Then Srikkanth and Mohinder Amarnath added 57 runs, the highest stand in the low-scoring match. Soon wickets tumbled and India was shot out for 183. An easy win for the ‘invincible’ Windies was on the cards but Kapil and his medium- pacers had different ideas. The match fluctuated like a yo-yo. Balwinder Sandhu bowled cheaply but and the legendary took the score to 50. Madan Lal dismissed Haynes but Richards (33) attacked lustily. He lifted Madan Lal for what appeared to be a 6 but Kapil raced like an Olympian and caught it. This was the turning point as the Windies were soon 6-76 and the Indian supporters sniffed a miracle. There was another twist as 43 runs were added for the seventh wicket but Amarnath dismissed both Jeff Dujon and and India triumphed by 43 runs. It was like a midsummer night’s dream as about 10,000 Indian supporters gathered around the Lord’s pavilion to cheer their heroes. Amarnath was adjudged both the Man of the Final as well as of the World Cup. Back in India there were all night celebrations and a holiday was declared the next day as a 66-1 underdog turned tables on the ‘invincibles’.

.Ganguly and Dravid run riot (v. Sri Lanka, Taunton, England, 1999) Much was expected from the clash of the titans, India the 1983 winners against Sri Lanka the reigning CWC champs. But it turned out to be one- sided, India winning by a huge margin after a marvellous batting bonanza. Spectators watched agog as Sourav Ganguly (183) and (145) added a record 318 runs for the second wicket. Ganguly’s spectacular innings embellished by 7 sixes and 16 fours was the second highest individual score after South Africa’s Gary Kirsten’s unbeaten 188 in the 1996 CWC. To India’s monumental total of 6-373, the Lankans could manage only 216 and India won by 157 runs. Robin Singh took 5-31 and India made it to Super-6 but failed to go further.

Sachin’s finest hour (v. Pakistan, Centurion, South Africa, 2003) In the history of CWC, India has defeated Pakistan every time. This was the fourth encounter between the mighty neighbours and India was as determined to maintain their ‘rage’ as Pakistan was to win and break their hoodoo. Despite reigning champs Australia and home team South Africa, the India-Pak clash was the Cup’s most feverishly talked about match. Under a hot sun and in front of a crammed stadium (and a TV audience estimated at a billion) played an astounding innings, the best in the tournament, perhaps the finest ever. Chasing Pakistan’s 273 (Saeed Anwar 101) against “a testosterone-propelled Pak attack” to quote Wisden 2004, Sachin hit a memorable array of shots all round the wicket. In the first over of the innings bowled by Shoaib Akhtar, the fastest bowler in the tournament, Sachin cut a bouncer for six and clouted two more fours. India reached 100 in the 12th over and won by 6 wickets to keep her unbeaten record against Pakistan intact. Limping with cramps, maestro Sachin scored 98 off 75 balls to become the Man of the Match. India reached the Final but lost to Australia. Although Sachin Tendulkar’s performance was disappointing in the 2007 CWC, his two records remain unsurpassed. Not even the rampaging Aussies Hayden and Ponting could go past Sachin’s 673 runs in 2003 (Hayden next best with 638 in 2007) nor his career CWC aggregate of 1796 runs (Ponting next best with 1537).

World Cup Finals

YEAR HOST(S) NO. OF WINNERS RUNNERS UP OVERS 1975 England 60 West Indies Australia 1979 England 60 West Indies England 1983 England 60 India West Indies 1987-88 India / Pakistan 50 Australia England 1991-92 Australia / New Zealand 50 Pakistan England 1995-96 India /Pakistan / Sri Lanka 50 Sri Lanka Australia

1999 England 50 Australia Pakistan 2003 S. Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya 50 Australia India 2007 West Indies 50 Australia Sri Lanka Bhavan’s Children Section

, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Vaisakhi Celebrated as Harmony Day On 14 April 2007

Sri Guru Singh Sabha, The Sikh Association of Sydney held an Open House to celebrate Vaisakhi as Harmony Day on 14 April 2007, 7am to 11pm, at Revesby Gurdwara, 14-18 The River Road Revesby in South West of Sydney in New South Wales. Over 1,000 people from various communities, leaders of religious and community organisations visited the Gurdwara. The official program started with Kirtan of Gurbani. The President of The Sikh Association of Sydney Manjinder Singh welcomed the visitors including the Mayor of Bankstown Ms Tania Mihailuk, Member of Federal Parliament Mr Daryl Melhem, Deputy Mayor Richard McLaughlin and the President of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Australia and Commissioner, Community Relations Commission for a multicultural NSW Mr. Gambhir Watts. Manjinder Singh emphasised on the need for mutual respect and harmonious relations within communities. He stressed on the issue of mistaken identity of Sikhs with turbans and explained the importance of turban to Sikhs. He said that “It becomes more important in the case of Sikhs who have their unique appearance because of Turban. Sikhs have been living in Australia for over a hundred years and share a common heritage with Australia. As soldiers of British Indian Army, Sikhs fought alongside allied troops in two world wars in Europe, Africa and Asia including Gallipoli, Burma and Papua New Guinea.” Ms Tania Mihailuk talked about the rise of Sikh religion from Guru Nanak in 1469 and the formation of Khalsa in 1699. She appreciated the contribution of Sikh Community in the development efforts of the Bankstown region. Mr Richard McLaughlin emphasised on the community activities and made a special note of Sikh Community participation in the annual Children Festival at Park in the Bankstown. Mr Daryl Melham, expressed his excitement to get involved in the community functions and appreciated the values of fairness and equality of Sikhs. Mr Gambhir Watts, Community Relations Commissioner high lighted that Guru Nanak Dev jee had two companions Bhai Bala, a Hindu and Bhai Mardana, a Muslim, during his travels and thus exemplified he highest degree of communal harmony. Mr Harmonhan Singh Walia appreciated the efforts of conducting an OPEN DAY of Revesby Gurdwara to celebrate Harmony Day. After the function in the Darbar Sahib Hall, everyone went to the Langer Hall where an exhibition of Sikh History was displayed explaining the following main aspects:

• Early arrival of Sikhs in Australia, • Sikhs’ contribution in the two world wars including on the fronts of Gallipoli, Burma and Papua New Guinea, • Prominent Sikh Sporting Personalities and Contribution of Sikhs in global business and financial world

On one side of the langer hall (community meals), a video explaining How To Tie a Turban was being presented and visitors took a keen interest in it.Power Point presentations sessions with questions / answers were organised in the Darbar Sahib on the main screens, later in the afternoon to the visitors. Guru ka Langer was served as usual, which was enjoyed by many Australian families. Outside in the car park, a traditional Sikh Martial sports, Gataka was organised. All the guests and other visitors watched this exciting event as shown in the attached photographs.For kids, the main attraction was jumping castle organised on the beautiful lawn and also the face painting, for which long queue existed all day. Coolaburoo Neighbourhood Centre organised face pointing for this event. Families showed keen interest in the various stalls which included garments, computers and eatables besides Sikh religious items. The fair like environment prevailed until 6.00 PM. At 7.00 Basant Raga Darbar started with Sikh youth and prominent kirtan Jathas including Bhai Gurjeet Singh Jatha, Bhai Darshan Singh Jatha, Bhai Sukhmander Singh Jatha and also members of Sangat recited gurbani in Basant Raag, which continued up to 11.00 PM Organisers of RSL clubs and the Uniting Church visited the Harmony Day and invited the Sikh Community to participate in the ANZAC functions organised by and RSL According to organisers, it was a great success and they conveyed their thanks to Almighty Supreme Lord and to the community support that helped in this project of Sikh Awareness program and to promote harmony between Sikh Community and mainstream community. - Monjinder Singh, President, The Sikh Association of Sydney

Vaisakhi Celebration in NSW Parliament 9 May 2007

Punjabi Council of Australia with the courtesy of Hon. John Aquillina Leader of the House NSW Parliament celebrated Vaisakhi at NSW Parliament on 9 May 2007. Various dignitaries including Hon. John Aquillina Leader of the House NSW Parliament, many Hon. State MPs, Stepan Kerkyasharian Chairperson Community Relations Commission, Consul K.N. Mohanakumaran Indian Consulate Sydney, Gambhir Watts, President Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Australia and dignitaries from the Indian & Pakistani communities, Sikh Centres, Cultural Associations, and Sports Clubs. Moninder Singh introduced the Punjabi Council team i.e. Prabhjot Singh Sandhu, Kulwant Singh, Mandhir Singh Sandha, Rajwant Singh and Rashpal Singh and thanked sponsors Ramesh Sharma from Taj Restaurant Harris Park and Ausindia Holidays Sydney. Hon. Virginia Judge MP addressed the gathering on behalf of the Premier and Gladys Berejiklian MP represented Leader of the Opposition. Deputy Leader of the NSW Nationals Hon. Andrew Fraser who is member for Coffs Harbour spoke about Sikh farmers of Woolwoolga. Stepan Kerkyasharian Chairperson Community Relations Commission, Consul K.N. Mohanakumaran from Indian Consulate Sydney, Raj Natrajan President UIA and Ejaz Khan from Pakistani community also shared their views about Vaisakhi. Punjabi Bhangra & Giddha performances entertained the hosts in between the speeches. Punjabi youth was represented by Tarumpreet Kaur and Zemia Singh, who spoke who spoke on the achievements and contribution by the Sikh Community for the past 100 years or so to Australia. - Moninder Singh, President, Punjab Council of Australia

ORGANISED BY EKAL VIDYALAYA FOUNDATION OF AUSTRALIA

INDO KIDS - CULTURAL EXTRAVAGANZA (VARIETY OF DANCES & CULTURAL PROGRAMS - Gujarati, Bharat Natyam, Rajasthani, Marathi, Telugu, Punjabi, Bhangra, Bengali, Bollywood etc) BY AUSTRALIAN YOUNG KIDS WITH BACKGROUND FROM MANY STATES AND CULTURES OF INDIA - AFTER A LONG TIME IN SYDNEY

TICKETS - $15, Family $40, $50 (Sponsor) For Tickets contact: Anil Yadav 0433 837 080 Tushar Bhatt 0419 296 183 Usha Modi 02 99606290 Bowman Hall, Civic Center, Shwetambra Barar - 0422 354491 Campbell St, Blacktown Sharmila Maitra 0414925527 Saturday 19th May 2007 Poornima sharma – 0413 207414 at 6:30 for 7.00 pm. Niki Kiran 0423 088156 Ankur Saini 0421 753231

Cricket Masala XI triumphs against Gujarati touring team

The Cricket Masala XI played on 5 May 2007 against the touring Parimal Cricket Club from Gujarat province in India in perfect conditions at McCredie Park in Guildford. The Parimal Cricket Club boasted some former Ranji trophy players but were no match for the powerful Cricket Masala combination which included current internationals Vusi Sibanda from Zimbabwe and Canadian captain John Davidson as well as leading Canadian player Geoff Barnett. The Cricket Masala XI was captained by fast bowler Robin Younan who plays for South Sydney in the Shires competition and was thrilled with the day "A fantastic day for cricket and a great honour to play with a number of current internationals". Younan won the toss and elected to bat. The Parimal Cricket Club struck early with the wicket of Barnett for 4 runs which brought Australian Indoor Cricket star Dave Gibbons to join Vusi Sibanda at the crease and the pair proceeded to put on a hitting display before Gibbons was dismissed for 44 runs including 3 towering sixes. The deluge continued as Canadian captain John Davidson joined Sibanda to post 48 runs including 4 sixes. Vusi Sibanda's big hitting heroics ended when he retired on 102, his century including 4 sixes and 9 fours. Parimal captured 2 quick wickets in a mini collapse but a late middle order resurgence by Wendel Delpechitra (42) and Naiian Yazdani (30*) boosted the final score to 6 for 294. Parimal Cricket Club lost quick wickets early with the only resistance coming from Vinod Rehaan to be all out for 119 runs off 28 overs. . John Davidson starred with the ball with 3 for 12 with support from Wendel Delpechitra (2 for 4), Naiian Yazdani (2 for 32) and captain Robin Yonan with 2 for 15. Wendel Delpechitra received the Man of the Match award, an Impala bat for his allround efforts including a brilliant caught and bowled to end the day. Vusi Sibanda enjoyed the day immensely and left on the Sunday to begin training for the Asia vs Africa tri series to be held in India "It was great to get some match practice against good bowling and to play with the other Cricket Masala players. I got to play with John Davidson and Geoff Barnett as well another example of the international brotherhood of cricket" John Davidson, who scored the fastest hundred in World Cup history in South Africa 2003 against the West Indies was thrilled with the contest "Geoff and myself were overjoyed to get such a competitive game in before we leave for Canada and what a good bunch of guys to play with". Mr Gambhir Watts, President of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Australia and Partner in Cricket Masala said today "A big thankyou to the visting Parimal Cricket Club for their valiant efforts today. The Cricket Masala XI had a truly international flavour and today's match was the second consecutive win for the Cricket Masala XI representative team following the match against the Bishen Bedi XI at Bowral earlier this year. The game was played in the true spirit of Cricket Masala and we look forward to our next challenge" The match was proudly supported by the Commonwealth Bank and Impala Bats with organisation from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Offstick Productions, NSW Tamils Sports Club and India Sports Club Holy & Wise आ नो भदर्ा : कर्तवो यंत ु िवत aa no bhadraah kratavo yantu vishvatah Let noble thoughts come to us from every side - Rigveda, I-89-I

aarabhetaiva karmaani shraantah shraantah punah punah karmanyaarabhamaanam hi purusham sreernishevate One should begin his work over and over again, though | fatigued (after taking rest). The Goddess of wealth favours him who begins (and continues) his work afresh (after taking rest).

- Manu 9-3

The beginning is the most important part of the work. -Plato, The Republic

From fear into thy fearlessness, O, Lord, give me new life From my desire, O, Lord, to thy desire From my cause, to thy auspicious service From me, O, Lord, to thee, give me new life

-Bengali prayer by Rabindranath Tagore

Great achievers avoid six weaknesses: Excessive sleep, lassitude, fear, anger, slothfulness and procrastination -Vidura Neethi (Mahabharata)

"Go on doing good, thinking holy thoughts continuously, that is the only way to suppress base impressions. Character is repeated habits, and repeated habits alone can reform charac- ter". - Swami Vivekananda

Auspicious good thoughts, good deeds and all good things . remain unharmed and unburnt like the devotee of Vishnu, Prahlada, in a fire wherein the fire proof booned Holika burnt to ashes. Hence, burn evil thoughts and evil deeds to ashes in the Holi fire and behave in a good manner while enjoying the Holi . festival. - Basant Utsav discourse