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South Australia : Death Is Beautiful, 10 2019 Governor’s Multicultural 26 If You Die Happily Awards Winners announced

A New Day, Just do 15 A New World 30 what you love

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New global survey confirms 21 Lupus Greatly Impacts Physical More than Cricket, Function and Quality of Life 42 Curry and the Commonwealth: Forging a stronger Australia – India relationship From 0 to 20 minutes 22 on your exercise mat Major General Premangsu Chowdry, 06 50 Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM).. YouGo with Rajni UVAA Virtual Film Festival 2020 24 Let’s Be Mindful Series 54An opportunity for short films to go on OTT

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Systemic Racism Isn’t Just an American Problem. Here’s How To Be A Better Ally To Australian First Nations People

Police brutality and systemic racism are not new to First Nations - by listening and confronting our own privilege we can become better allies to Black and Blak people here in Australia.

by Shyamla This article was originally published on HuffPost Australia and republished with permission

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander readers should be aware that this article may contain the images and names of people who have passed away.

Like most Australians, I felt outrage and heartbreak watching Derek Chauvin, a White Minneapolis Police Officer, end George Floyd’s life. It reminded me that Australia too has had its knee on the neck of First Nations peoples for more than 230 years.

If we truly want to end police brutality against Black people we need to recognise and address the issues in our own back- yard, especially as we sift through articles filled with the words that Australians usu- ally sweep under the rug when it comes to First Nations (Systemic Racism, Discrimi- nation, White Supremacy, Oppression, Police Brutality, Deaths in Custody).

When my father arrived in Australia in Performing Artists Shyamla & Mirrah Protesting at black Lives matter Rally 1969 during The White Australia Policy

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he was taught to view First Nations as custody of the police since the 1991 Royal dole bludging alcoholics taking undue Commission Into Aboriginal Deaths In advantage of the various benefits provided Custody and not one police officer has to them - the complete opposite of himself ever been charged for their crimes” - Kate as an upstanding, hard-working Indian. L Munro

A government strategy to distract immi- “You are comfortable in the position grants from Australia’s shameful treatment you are in while we are uncomfortable in of First Nations. the position we have been put. We need to get comfortable with having uncomfort- I have come to learn that as a South able discussions and address the hard is- Asian Australian woman, much of my sues. The White Australia Policy only al- privilege has been gained at the expense lowed the whitest People Of Colour from of First Nations peoples. First and second other nations into the country and migrants generation Australians have much to re- have been conditioned to look down upon flect on and unlearn when it comes to First and fear us. Until you understand your Nations - that process starts with confront- privilege and the privilege of the people ing our privilege as a ‘model minority’ and who tell stories about us you can’t get an Angelina Hurley, see the art of Vernon how it’s allowed us to prosper and achieve accurate picture of what’s happening” - Ah Kee and Richard Bell, read poetry by ‘a better life’ in ‘The Lucky County’. It’s Boori Monty Pryor Evelyn Auraluen and Alison Whitaker” - also down to listening to First Nations Amy McQuire voices about how we can help at this time. Question Mainstream Media And Listen To First Educate Yourself On Aus- I reached out to four First Nations Nations Voices tralia’s True History friends and former colleagues from when “Don’t justify what you say by listening “This place is stolen and the successive I worked at the NSW Aboriginal Land to other people and the media. Do your Governments (mainly Liberal/Conserva- Council to ask how to be a better ally. own work to look, learn and listen before tive) are systematically plotting the demise making assumptions about us. I have of First Nations peoples. The Supreme Here’s what Amy McQuire (Darumbal never been on the dole in my life and my Court is an elite white ‘Mens Club’ that and South Sea Islander Journalist), Boori parents worked for many years without thwarts ANY attempt of opposition at the Monty Pryor (Birri-gubba & Kunggandji ever getting paid. Learn more through the end of the day. Storyteller, Author & Elder), Blak Douglas right avenues and don’t make your deci- (Dhungatti Artist) and Kate L Munro sion by listening to the likes of Andrew Be a better ally by LISTENING and (Gamilaroi Journalist) had to say: Bolt - it’s just rhetoric and vitriol. - Boori becoming better informed. First Nations Monty Pryor peoples from this continent are living Confront Your Own Privi- within a continuum of cultural genocide. lege And The Impact of White people writing about Black peo- It’s as easy as Googling nowadays... Silence ple is like me writing a book on pregnancy try- ′the history of Aboriginal protests in “Non-Indigenous people - whether - I can never understand that experience. Australia.’” - Blak Douglas People Of Colour or White - are benefiting Similarly, you can’t know what it’s like from the theft of Aboriginal land and the to be chained and beaten up, have a gun “You live and breathe on this land so violence perpetrated against us. It can be stuck in your mouth, be spat and pissed on take the time to understand the true history an uncomfortable thing to face but under- - let us tell our own stories”Boori Monty of First Australians. Watch First Austral- standing that helps build the foundation Pryor ians on SBS (note the first ep title They for solidarity” - Amy McQuire Have Come To Stay) then put yourself in “Avoid misinformation by access- our shoes and consider the immense flow- “Apathy by others over the years has ing First Nations writing, art, film and on effects of trauma and dispossession on allowed police brutality towards Black music. Aboriginal artists often work to our families and peoples. Learn the real and First Nations people across the world resist disparaging images, stereotypes history of the land you live on - it contains to continue almost unabated. The lives of and representations and we have so much anenergy that, once understood, has the 432 First Nations people in this country talent. Look up Melissa Lucashenko and power to heal attitudes, perceptions and have been taken at the hands of or in the Alexis Wright, listen to Chelsea Bond and minds and create a connection amongst

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“The strength of our culture is central to all of our fights. We have a spiritual connection to this country but we also have responsibilities to it. We are also a diverse peoples with many different opinions and viewpoints. We have conflicts between us but that doesn’t mean we are divided” - Amy McQuire

Understand Why The Rac- ism Faced By First Nations People Is Unique “The racism that affects Indigenous people is very specific. A settler colonial nation is set up to eliminate Indigenous people from this country while also seek- ing to possess Aboriginal people and claim ownership of us for their national identity Black Lives Matter Protester at Town Hall (think of the displays of Aboriginal culture one another that ultimately benefits us all” “There is a history to this resistance - at events like the Commonwealth games - Kate L Munro although there is a sudden groundswell of while at the same time locking up mob interest in Aboriginal protest, this protest and watering down Land Rights).” - Amy “Learn about First Nations by reading has been intergenerational. That means Mcquire books written by Blak people and watching centring Aboriginal concerns, tactics, films like Wrong Kind of Black, and Ten strategies and pushing Aboriginal people There is a reason why Aboriginal people Canoes. Visit your Local Aboriginal Land to the front. We don’t need people to are the highest incarcerated group in Council to learn more about the history and speak for us, we need them to stand beside Australia - our presence is a threat to the people from your local area - even Roger us. Recognise that solidarity takes work prosperity of this countryAmy Mcquire Federer knew to do that when he came which involves building relationships and here! ScoMo said what’s happened to First maintaining them” - Amy McQuire “The racism we face is different due to Nations is just a blemish on our national a deep history of brutal treatment by the record. Is shoving sticks up women’s pri- Be Empathetic And Recog- colonisers/invaders toward our people vate parts, cutting men’s nuts off and using nise First Nations Peoples’ from first contact over 200 years ago and their scrotums as pouches, burying babies Cultural Strength And continues to this day. There is a particular in the dirt up to their necks and then kick- Diversity problem of systemic racism within the po- ing their heads off really just a blemish? “If you don’t understand our people our lice force regarding racial profiling of First Make the effort to find out for yourself.”- stories are just words. Considering the Nations people and targeting us over our Boori Monty Pryor importance of native food, land, animals non-Indigenous counterparts for the same etc to your own culture will help you ‘crime,’ or for no crime at all.” Stand Beside First Nations empathise with ours. In Solidarity Think about your own culture being There needs to be continuous training for “Let the horrific death of George Floyd suppressed by conquerors and attacked by the police to unlearn this racial profiling be the catalyst the world over to sup- the British and what it’s like to have them and toxic racist programming that’s existed port and join the struggle for systematic impose their culture, food and language on for years.” - Kate L Munro and societal change. Start by educating your land and its people - how confusing yourself, then show up and stand beside us that is. Then learn about First Nations and “All First Nations peoples live with a in solidarity. We are the oldest living con- immerse yourself in that. Understand the degree of intergenerational trauma that tinuous culture on earth that will, in future, separation of cultures within a country stems from racial discrimination - the inform societies’ actions as a collective and the importance of acknowledging and grossest epidemic since the inception of and improve race relations for all” - Kate respecting that diversity.” - Boori Monty the human species. Most First Nations L Munro Pryor peoples remain ‘active’ and vehemently

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deny subscription to the ‘Commonwealth up to protests and events if you can.Amy of Australia’. Only 232 years ago, ALL McQuire sovereign rights of each language group (“tribes”) was stripped upon contact. In “Speak up and educate those within the words of Kevin Gilbert - ‘when you your own circles - you can get more said took your foot off the neck of the Black than an Indigenous person can since man, did you expect him to look up and the people in your community and your smile at you?’ ” - Blak Douglas family will listen more to you than to us. Just do something! Don’t sit around “Ep 4 in Wrong Kind of Black where and pontificate and make assumptions. the coppers hang a noose around my Make the effort to find out for yourself brother’s neck and make him stand on his and be humble enough to learn from your tiptoes for hours is all true. They made mistakes along the way” - Boori Monty him pay for talking back to them - first Pryor with his body, then with his spirit. When your spirit’s gone, your body is an empty What The South Asian shell. He took his own life one week later. Black Lives Matter Protester at Town Community Needs To Know Hall At this Time They got off with a warning and that health programs are of a high priority, South Asians communities have much was the end of it.Boori Monty Pry of course. Also support independent to reflect on and unlearn when it comes documentary and filmmakers who are to First Nations - that process starts with The 1991 Royal Commission Into projecting grassroots awareness” - Blak confronting our privilege as a ‘model Aboriginal Deaths in Custody looked Douglas minority’ and how it’s allowed us to into my brother’s death. They said the prosper and achieve ‘a better life’ in officer’s conduct fell well below what was “If possible, go and speak to someone ‘The Lucky County’. expected. They got off with a warning and at the organisation you plan to donate that was the end of it. to in person or at least contact them to To paraphrase Senator Briggs, “[Our] ensure it’s legitimate and led by First Luck is [their] dispossession. [Our] Luck Prime Ministers from early 1900s said Nations with funds flowing directly to is [their] Death. [Our] Luck is [their] ‘we must rid the land of the darkies,’ First Nations. I am an ambassador for Trauma. [Our] Luck is [their] Grief”. ‘they must be bred out’ so what we’re the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (be- dealing with now are the after effects low), which I know works” - Boori As I mentioned earlier, when my father of that racist mentality. Yes, non- Monty Pryor arrived in Australia in 1969 during The Indigenous people also cop racism in White Australia Policy, he was taught Australia but very rarely, and certainly Show Up, Listen With An to view First Nations as dole bludging not in a systemic or systematic way, Open Heart And Speak Up alcoholics taking undue advantage of the does it result in jailing or death” - Boori Within Your Own Commu- various benefits provided to them - the Monty Pryor nity complete opposite of himself as an up- “Listen to Aboriginal people and turn standing, hard-working Indian. Donate Wisely up to protests and events if you can. If “Donate directly to families. The one you can’t - bombard your local politician He was only allowed to enter Australia thing a lot of families need is money, with your concerns. Talk to your friends because of the Official Passport his father especially when they have court cases or and educate your own community” - Amy carried that was issued to Diplomatic inquests that require them to travel and McQuire Personnel and was one of just five Indian stay in other cities for weeks. Giving to families in Sydney at the time. GoFundMe pages for the families of the “Attend protests or at least subscribe likes of David Dungary Jnr and Joyce to channels that promote activism and Today, as graduates, homeowners, busi- Clarke are a practical way to help” - Amy advancement of First Nations plight. ness owners and recipients of universal McQuire However, in doing so, be reminded that health care, ALL of our privilege in Aus- “Organisations that directly benefit what you may hear is often not for the tralia as South Asians has been gained at jarjums (children) or youth are the ones faint hearted” - Blak Douglas the expense of First Nations peoples. I aim for. Educational or preventative Listen to Aboriginal people and turn

Download Our App JUNE I 2020 www.DesiAustralia.com 9 Community News | Adelaide South Australia : 2019 Governor’s Multicultural Awards Winners announced 24 finalists across 9 award categories.

cultural Awards, joint winners have been selected for the individual achievement award, equally deserving of this prestig- ious honour . Winners Outstanding Individual Achievement Award ( joint winners ) Daljeet Bakshi

ue to Covid 19 restric- Mrs Chye Yah Catherine Chong tions ,this year Governor’s Affectionately known as ‘Aunty Multicultural Awards South Cathy’ across South Australia’s multicul- Australia were announced tural communities, Cathy Din a different way . It’s worthwhile to mention that Governor’s Multicultural Chong’s devotion and energetic con- Awards was Established in 2008, the tribution to the sector shows no sign of Governor’s Multicultural Awards slowing, even at 70 years of age.

Winners of the 2019 Governor’s Ms Carmen Garcia Multicultural Awards were announced by For the past quarter of a century His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Carmen Garcia has been a dynamic, Le AC, Governor of South Australia, on passionate and innovative advocate for Wednesday 20 May 2020. Eleven award multicultural communities, particularly recipients were chosen from 24 finalists Filipinos. across nine award categories. The youngest and first Australian-born And for the For the first time in the president of the national Filipino Com- history of the annual Governor’s Multi- munities Council of

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Radio Italiana 531 Broadcasting for more 44 years, Radio Italiana 531 has played a vital role in- forming, supporting and entertaining the Italian speaking community throughout South Australia.

Private Sector Award South Australian National Football League The South Australian National Foot- ball League (SANFL) has contributed over many years in thepromotion of multiculturalism and social harmony.

Public Sector Award The History Trust of SA’s Migration Museum The world’s first migration themed museum, the Migration Museum has for 33 years told thestories of tens of thousands of South Australians and celebrated cultural diversity. Receiving some 200,000 visitors each year, the forum community gallery has presented Australia, her trailblazing contribu- 118 exhibitions and hosted education tions began at age 16 when she became programmes benefiting 10,000 students an inaugural member of the Multicultural annually. Youth Network – an organisation she tralian community.Over the three weeks would go on to lead as Chair and later of the 2018 festival, tens of thousands Volunteer Award CEO, overseeing its incorporation as attended world class performances,plus Mr Giuseppe Geracitano Multicultural Youth SA. free programs at the Lucky Dumpling With an extraordinary 45 years of self- Market, Moon Lantern parade and the less community service – especially in Arts and Culture Award inaugural JLFJaipur Literature Festival. the fields ofeducation, welfare and herit- Adelaide Festival Centre’s OzAsia age – Giuseppe Geracitano has enriched Festival Community Sector Award ( joint win- the Italian community andthe multicul- The OzAsia Festival has established ners ) tural sector more broadly. In founding itself as an inclusive celebration of cul- a range of community organisations, tural diversity, encouraging participation The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Giuseppehas been instrumental in the and attendance by the wider South Aus- Centre elevation and preservation of important For more than 20 years the University heritage. of South Australia’s Bob Hawke Prime Senior Volunteer Award Ministerial Centrehas delivered a diverse Mrs Dora Abbas program of free events and exhibitions Dora Abbas has been a pillar of the that reflect the themes ofStrengthening Muslim community for the past 20 years, our Democracy, Valuing Diversity and often sacrificing time with family and Building our Future. friends to promote the cause of Muslim women. As chairperson of the Muslim Mrs Constance Jones Women’s Association of SA since 2009, Constance is formidable in her quest Dora has worked tirelessly to advance to ensure the empowerment of African Muslim women in every aspect of their women, in particularwomen from Sierra lives. Leone, her country of birth. She has Youth Award designed and developed many programs Miss Nibir Chowdhury to support African women, to reduce their Locally focused and globally engaged, isolation both within their own commu- Nibir Chowdhury epitomises commit- nity and the greater community. ment, energy and positivity.

Media Award ( source : DPC SA Gov )

Download Our App JUNE I 2020 www.DesiAustralia.com 11 Community News| Canberra In conversation with Mr Lucky Prasad OAM

I am humbled and elated with OAM Murugan Temple Torrens. honour. It has come after 27 years of community work in the ACT. The award I started the first Telugu language Radio demonstrates to me and the multicultural Program in Australia in May 1996. It is community that ‘good work gets recog- presented every Tuesday between 8.30 nised’. This recognition should stand as pm - 9.00 pm around the year. This is its an exemplar for future generations of 25th year of providing valuable informa- migrants coming into the country that ‘sin- tion and updates to the community and By: Rajni Ghai Malhotra cere hard work in this land of opportunity especially during the recent crucial time of o Canberrans, Mr Lakshman gets recognised’. bush fires and COVID 19. Prasad or Lucky, as he is fondly called, is a well-known A bit about your journey from when I am a founding member of Canberra name and personality, having you arrived in Australia leading up to Telugu Vaani, Samithi Inc, Diwali Mela Tbeen serving the Indian community in this momentous occasion of receiving Inc, Radio Manpasand, Canberra Telugu various ways over nearly three decades an OAM. Association, Federation of Indian Associa- in the ACT and beyond. His tremendous My journey is Australia began in 1993 tions in the ACT (FINACT) and Canberra service to the community has been recog- when I moved to Sydney with my wife India Council (CIC). nised and he has recently been honoured before moving to Canberra where, over with the Queen’s birthday mentions of the years, we grew together as a family I am currently committed to serving as: Medal of the Order of Australia. with two sons and broadly as part of the 4President of CIC and Canberra Telugu Indian community by devoting extended Vaani Congratulations Mr Prasad. Please tell time and energy to various volunteering 4Vice President of Vishnu Shiva Mandir us about your achievement and how it and community projects with Vishnu and Diwali Mela Inc. feels to have won this honour? Shiva Mandir Mawson, HTCC Florey and

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4Volunteered at the Miranjani Village Weston Creek on Sundays 1997 - 1999 assisting elderly during morning tea time activities, Organised the first Indian Community FINACT 20:20 Cricket Tournament between 12 teams in Can- berra in 2012. Finals played at Manuka Oval, 4Organised the first Akram/Tendulkar Trophy 20:20 Cricket match between Pakistan and India. Finals held at Nar- rabundah Cricket Ground in 2012

More recently, during COVID-19 clampdown of restrictions by Australian and ACT Governments, I started a small informal network between Marie Ball As- What are your plans, looking ahead? sociates, Vishnu Shiva Mandir Mawson, It is my conviction that this award should Canberra India Council Inc, and Canberra stand as a reflection for future migrants and Telugu Vaani Inc to provide on a weekly demonstrate that sincere hard work gets re- basis, Indian Groceries (4 types of warded in this land of opportunity. Further, I have volunteered at the Sydney Ol- Lentils, Pulses, Rice, wheat, Masalas, Palm I am committed to and will continue to be ympic in 2000, at 32 events during the Sugar-Jaggery/Gudh, Long Life milk), involved with voluntary community work, 2013 Canberra Centenary Celebrations, and Fresh Vegetable Box (5 types of fresh fund raising activities, assisting future Asia Cup in 2015, and ICC World Cup fruits, 5 types of vegetables, 4 types of generation migrants to integrate into the Cricket in 2015. Other volunteering Greens, Eggs and a loaf of bread) to needy Canberra and Australian communities, and services include: senior citizens, families, frontline workers engage in philanthropic work. I will not 4National Multicultural Festival between and international students at Australian shy away from providing assistance to the 1998 - 2017, National University and University of needy especially during the current tough 4Floriade Flower Festival between 1997- Canberra. time of COIVD 19. 2017,

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High Commission of India rings in the 6th International Day of Yoga - IDY 2020

By: Rajni Ghai Malhotra

he High Commission of India hosted a Yoga and Meditation session led by yoga and mind- fulness consultant Ms Rajni TGhai Malhotra as a curtain raiser for the upcoming International Day of Yoga 2020. As in the past years, the event was held in the serene setting of the Chancery and set the tone for an invigorating sea- son of yoga focusing on this year’s theme ‘My life My Yoga’. The event was organ- ised in line with prevailing COVID-19 restrictions in the ACT. Photo Credit: Rajni Ghai Malhotra Photo Credit:

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A New Day, A New World Three months ago - March 2020

By: Anya Malhotra (11 years)

All of a sudden, one fine day, COVID-19 came along our way,

And suddenly our world turned upside down MY school, YOUR city, OUR countries were shut down

Friends couldn’t meet, to school or play- grounds we couldn’t go

An unseen, invisible virus had become our biggest foe

20 seconds to wash our hands, masked faces everywhere Going without sanitizers - we did not dare

Empty streets, silent movie halls Not a soul could be seen in shops or malls

Deserted hallways of my school, Apart, yet together Silent Quad, empty playground – it was Despondent, yet hopeful A new day, it is here at last cruel Restless, yet peaceful The nightmare seems to have passed Physically distant, yet socially connected Virtual classrooms, virtual meetings with Traffic on roads, cheerful hellos at school friends, We were determined to give the Virus a good Sit down dinners with a 4 metre rule That’s how the day would begin and end fight And to crush it with all out might In this new day we are wiser and grateful Life wasn’t rushed anymore, it was almost But we remain cautious and careful a crawl So calmly and confidently we carried on The Virus thought it had defeated us all With courage and hope we still marched on We follow the rainbow of hope No matter how steep the slope ‘Sit alone, disconnected, in your homes’ Confident that a NEW DAY would dawn dictated the Virus very soon Old habits we shed, new ways we have ‘Alright then,’ we said, ‘why don’t you try To mark the end of this terrible doom learned us!’ And together we build a NEW, BRIGHT, Fast Forward to today June 2020 RESPECTFUL WORLD. Though we might be socially apart With courage and hope, it is true The End. We were still connected within our hearts Of the dark COVID tunnel we are coming By: Poem and Illustration by Anya Mal- through hotra (11 years)

Download Our App JUNE I 2020 www.DesiAustralia.com 15 Commuity News | Brisbane Breaking Down Barriers - DIGI Engage 2020: Engaging in Isolation during COVID-19

By Joseph F. Kolapudi

s the lockdown begins to ease and restrictions are being rolled back in stages, the community is searching for ways to bounce Aback as we begin to enter a post-COVID-19 reality. However, as we are in transition, there is an engaging opportunity for young people to engage multiculturally.

DIGI Engage 2020 is a digital interac- tive platform where young people are able to connect and collaborate on a deeper level by identifying ways to combat isolation constructively. Though in previous years, this was an event that spanned two to three days of engaging content and interaction, this year’s event has gone completely digital, in an effort to draw young people into an alter- native virtual platform.

As the theme, “breaking divides in isola-

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tion and beyond” suggests, this opportunity is open to young creative changemakers who are already involved in overcoming community issues and bringing people together in a way that unites youth around the country.

The mind behind this initiative is Indian social entrepreneur Sunita Bose, who serves as the Managing Director of the Digital Industry Group (DIGI) Inc. Coming from the corporate world in the United States, she has been investing into the nonprofit world, and through the work of DIGI Engage over the last four years, has been able to partner with the Australian Government, as well as Face- book, Twitter and Google, to name a few.

Being able to bring together both the dig- ital world and real-world challenges, this an- nual event is able to tackle deeper issues, such as racism, multicultural issues, cyberbullying, and the like. In a series of workshops, hands- on activities, and digital initiatives, DIGI Engage is able to bring young people from all around Australia by using this platform as a means to build and foster meaningful engage- ment with youth outside the box.

From personal experience, being able to participate in a fully-funded experience, being hosted at Facebook headquarters, and connecting with other South Asians and youth from diverse backgrounds in an interactive environment was an experience like no other.

As many digital platforms and initia- tives seek to respond to the rapidly changing circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, an Indian-inspired initiative that is having a wider impact on a national level is an encouraging beginning.

Young people from around Australia have an opportunity to be part of this digital from June and will no doubt have an impact engaging in a reality that is fast becoming the platform, as DIGI Engage 2020 takes place on young South Asians moving forward in new normal.

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around foods that will help nourish your body and balance your energy.

Some of the basic Ayurveda eating prac- tices include: Intake of six rasas or tastes. At each meal, you will incorporate foods that are: Dr Naveen Shukla Sweet, Salty, Sour, Bitter, Pungent and Astringent. You begin your meal with foods hen your diet is wrong, that have a sweet taste (like sweet fruit), medicine is of no use; then consume food that is salty (such as when your diet is correct, seafood) and sour (citrus fruit, for exam- medicine is of no need. ple), then finish with foods that are pungent WAn Ayurvedic diet is an eating plan that (like onions or peppers), astringent (such as provides guidelines for when you eat, • Pitta (fire and water): Pitta are often green apples or tea), and bitter (celery, kale, what you eat, and how you eat to boost described as intelligent, joyful, and driven. or green leafy vegetables). your health, prevent or manage disease, Attributes include sharp, hot, liquid, and and maintain wellness. If you follow an mobile. • Consume whole fresh foods Ayurvedic diet, you’ll eat primarily whole The moment food is picked, its prana or minimally processed foods and practice • Kapha (earth and water): Kapha are of- (life) begins slowly diminishing. Therefore, mindful eating rituals. The diet is based on ten described as calm, loving, or lethargic. eating foods that are as fresh as possible Indian Ayurvedic systems that date back Attributes include moist, heavy, soft, and will increase more readily than eating the thousands of years. Some studies have static. After reading descriptions of each same foods further from their harvest time. shown that the Ayurvedic lifestyle practice dosha, you may find that one sounds more Local agriculture products are invaluable including the diet can help improve your like the qualities you embody. Many people resources for fresh and high life force. Ac- health. find that they have two strong doshas. cording to the Ayurveda diet, the best way Those who practice an Ayurveda lifestyle to increase ojas, the supplier of life force How It Works If you follow an believe that each of us embodies all three in the body, is to increase prana. Foods Ayurveda diet, you’ll incorporate many doshas. Your prominent dosha will deter- with abundant prana come straight from different practices into your eating routine. mine your eating style. the Earth. Their prana has been derived These practices help you to benefit from the through the mingling of sunshine, water, different qualities of food. What to Eat and earth energies. Eat Once you have determined your One of the primary characteristics of an dominant dosha, you can create meals • Reduce Ice Cold Foods and Beverages Ayurveda diet is that you eat according to your dominant constitutional type or dosha. Ayurveda states that each person has a VATTA unique mind-body constitution, known as dosha. Foods to Eat Foods to Avoid • Sweet fruit such as cooked apples • Dried fruit The Imbalance of Dosha is called or cherries vikruti and the balance of dosha is known • Cooked vegetables like asparagus • Raw apples and watermelon as prakurti. You can think of your dosha or beets Frozen, raw or dried vegetables • as your most prominent energy. There are • Grains including quinoa or rice Potatoes three different Ayurveda doshas that derive • Red lentils • Barley from five different elements:Space, Air, • Dairy products (in moderation) • Corn Fire, Water, and Earth. Each element • Eggs • Chickpeas provides different qualities or attributes to • Black pepper • Split peas different people. • Coriander leaves • Yogurt • Vinegar • Lamb • Vata (space and air): Vata are often • Peanuts and pecans • Turkey described as creative, intense, or expres- • Chia or flax seeds • Red wine sive. Attributes include dry, light, cold, and • Sesame oil and ghee • Chocolate rough.

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PITTA heals, and restores while the mind digests thoughts, emotions, and experiences from the day. If the body’s energy is diverted into Foods to Eat Foods to Avoid physical digestion, the physical healing and • Raisins • Apricots mental digestive processes are halted. For • Watermelon • Avocado this reason, Ayurveda recommends that the • Sweet or bitter vegetables like • Pungent vegetables like onion or last meal of the day be relatively light and broccoli or cauliflower raw leeks completed three hours before bed to avoid • Dry cereal • Sour fruits this imbalance. In this way, the body is free • Pasta • Spinach to do its rest and repair work at the deepest • Black beans • Bread made with yeast levels during sleep. • Unsalted butter • Quinoa and brown rice • Chicken (white meat) • Rye • Eat slowly enough that you can savour • Egg whites • soy sauce the taste of the food. • Almonds • Salted butter • Eat quickly enough to prevent the food • Coconut • Sour cream from getting cold. • Beef • Eat the proper quantity of food. Be • Chicken (dark meat) aware of hunger signals and signs of full- • Chili pepper ness to avoid overeating. • Red or sweet wine • Seafood other than shrimp Eat only when your previous meal • Chocolate has been digested. Guidelines suggest that you do not eat within three hours of your The digestive power is the inner fire of Ayurveda suggests that mealtime is an previous meal or snack and you should not the physical and energetic body, known as opportunity to connect with the food you go without food for more than six hours. agni. Ideally performing, it is hot, bright, consume. The colours, taste the flavours, Ayurveda also recommends that you eat a and able to digest food, thoughts, emotions, and bring awareness to the sunshine, soil, modest breakfast and a larger, satisfying and experiences. To stoke one’s inner fire, and earth that have collaborated to create lunch. Dinner may or may not be consumed it is necessary to avoid dimming agni’s the bundles of energy of food. If eating based on your hunger levels. intensity with ice-cold foods and beverages. with deep awareness is totally new to you The agni of all doshas can become diminish try to take at least one meal a day in silence Each of these ancient Ayurvedic rules if a steady stream of cold food or drinks and focusing on each of your senses for a will help you remain healthy not only by is consumed. Vata and Kapha doshas, in few minutes at a time instead of focusing virtue of the food you are eating but how particular, should lean toward warm foods on your phone or other distractions. Avoid you eat it. And don’t forget to take your and teas, while Pitta doshas may enjoy cool talking, laughter, and other distractions to time to enjoy your meals and be grateful for (but not frozen) beverages and foods. In fully appreciate your meal and the whole- the foods you eat along the way. this way, the digestive power will remain some benefits it provides strong. Nature Care Ayurveda Yoga Detox & • Stop Eating Three Hours Before Rejuvenation is the only Sydney based • Eliminate Distractions While Eating Bedtime During sleep, the body repairs, Ayurvedic centre where you can experience a complete range of Ayurvedic therapies Kapha like Panchakarma, Shirodhara, Detox, Ab- hyanga Body massage, Back Care, Chronic Foods to Eat Foods to Avoid Disease management, consultation from experts. The team is highly professional • Astringent fruit like applesauce or • Sweet or sour fruits like grapefruit and working under the direction of Dr prunes or figs Naveen Shukla (Vice President Australa- • Pungent or bitter vegetables like • Sweet or juicy vegetables like sian association of Ayurveda for NSW), celery or carrots cucumber or zucchini Dr Vishal Sharma & Dr Monika Mishra • Granola • Cooked oats • Rice (Female Health). • Polenta • Pasta • Pancakes • Lima beans • Wheat • Kidney beans Nature Care Ayurveda & Desi Australia • Buttermilk • Soft or hard cheese in synergy focused to spread the word of • Cottage cheese • Duck • Tofu Ayurveda in the community and promote • Shrimp • Freshwater fish wellbeing as “WE CARE FOR YOU” • Turkey • Ketchup For more information /to see a doctor/ • Dry red or white wine • Hard alcohol for specific health concern visit our web- • Chocolate site www.naturecareayurveda.com.au or call us on 02 9572 6990

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Social Distancing during COVID19 does not mean Social Isolation:

by Ms Anju Mathur Dementia Consultant and Aging Well Consultant Awarded 2019 Volunteer of the Year Award for Hornsby & North Western Sydney as a Dementia Consultant

e humans are social beings and our social connections are a fundamental aspect of healthy living. Especially for older Wadults, having and maintaining social connec- tions is one of the key factors related to living well and aging well.

During COVID19 pandemic social distancing policies means that most people will have to spend much of their time at home. For the elderly people this has led to increased self -isolation. While following the government guidelines on safety, hand hygiene and social distancing, we need to be creative in the ways we connect socially and address the isolation.

My message is simple – not to confuse social distancing with social isolation. We can main- tain social distancing during COVID19 and yet remain socially connected creatively. 5. Teach yourself a new skill – if you are fond of Key message is that right now we need more 5 Easy to follow tips to remain socially con- cooking, learn to make a new dish and share of social connections so let’s get creative in nectedand active: your recipes with your friends and family; if creating social connections and remaining 1. Pick up your phone and talk to your loved you are fond of singing, start to learn a new physically active and fight loneliness and social ones, or send them a text message or email to song and then share your new skill with your isolation. say that you are thinking of them; loved ones. 2. Make Technology your friend - Meet your friends virtually and stay in contact – You can And remember to stay physically active - any stay connected through Zoom and organise activity is better than none- Physical activity virtual get together and see each other and talk has a huge potential to enhance our wellbeing. to each other as a group of friends; Exercise and physical fitness have benefits for 3. Connect with your neighbours – having a cup our emotional, physical and mental health. Ex- of coffee in your own front yard/porch, drive ercise increases our level of endorphins, which way and waving to each other, gives a sense of are natural mood lifters, even a short 10 minutes comfort that we are all there for each other; of brisk walking increases our mental alertness, 4. Become a volunteer – you can sign up with energy and positive mood. Participation in any your local community organization and sign regular physical activity can increases our self- up to do welfare phone calls; esteem and can reduce stress and anxiety.

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New global survey confirmsLupus Greatly Impacts Physical Function and Quality of Life

new global survey of more than can be to those with lupus. A few years mental health from depression to suicide. 3,500 people with lupus, includ- ago, I had a virus called CMV (cytome- It is our role to bring better understanding ing from Australia, released galovirus), which landed me in ICU with of the devastating impact of the disease by the World Lupus Federa- pneumonia, intubated and on a ventilator. not only for the patients, their families but Ation (WLF) for World Lupus Day 2020, I recovered after 12 days in hospital. It for government leaders to increase funding confirms that for nearly 7 in 10 participants makes the threat of coronavirus very real,” for research into safer and more effective lupus hampers their mobility. The majority she said. treatments, support, and education,” said of survey respondents also reported that Barbara Ward, President. they are prevented from doing daily activi- “In this time of pandemic, every single ties because of lupus, including limitations person living with lupus is taking extreme A World Without Lupus Increasing going up and down stairs (67%) and doing care to not get infected with the virus,” Awareness and Research Lupus Australia chores (69%) such as vacuuming or work- explains Barbara Ward one of the founding ing in the garden. members of World Lupus Federation and About Lupus President of Lupus Association Australia. Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that Pain from lupus is also a significant is- “These are the stories we hear every day. can damage any part of the body, affects sue. Nearly 90% of participants responded The severity of this disease is completely an estimated 5 million people worldwide that pain interfered with normal activities, misunderstood. The negative impacts ex- and approximately 35,000 Australians, and including housework and tend to every aspect of life for the approx. is particularly prevalent in the indigenous work outside the home. Additionally, 73% 35,000 currently living with lupus.” community. Lupus affects people in all of survey participants responded they are parts of the world and can develop in physically less active than Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease people of all ages, races, ethnicities and other persons their age who do not have where the immune system is out of balance, genders. Lupus is mot underdiagnosed and lupus. producing antibodies that ravage healthy underfunded disease in modern times. tissue and organs. The disease most often The international survey included affects the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, heart About Lupus Australia respondents from over 70 countries, includ- and lungs. While therapies are available to Lupus Association Australia is a lupus ing Australia, and reinforces the devastating help manage symptoms, there is no cure for patient organization, united to improve and life-altering effects lupus can cause to lupus. the quality of life for all people af- physical function for the estimated five mil- The level of awareness and research of lu- fected by lupus. The LAA leads the lion people who live with the disease across pus is low compared to the disease’s impact annual observance of World Lupus Day the globe. worldwide, which is why sharing data on to bring more considerable attention to As Giselle explains, the current corona- the effects of lupus is so important. the disease and its impact on millions of virus pandemic adds yet another challenge: people worldwide. Now in its 17th year, “As a female who has battled with lupus “Lupus Association Australia is commit- World Lupus Day occurs on May 10 and for 16 years, from age 18, the threat of ted to improving the quality of life for all includes education conferences, health coronavirus means that I have to be more those affected by lupus. Raising awareness fairs, media appearances and online careful than most. of the challenges this debilitating disease promotions to raise public awareness and has on people every day, with side effects stimulate public and government actions “I know too well how dangerous a virus of lupus on physical function and mobility, to end lupus.

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From 0 to 20 minutes on your exercise mat.

- Don’t overthink it! It is only consist- ency and discipline that eventually help with any change and results in our life. I was so inspired by this quote I read in an online forum on Facebook, that I got it framed in my room!

Here are some things that can help you by Divya Gupta with consistency. That is the final goal e all know why being right. fit and exercise is para- mount. How you wish Fight that excuse! you had the time! How 4Choose a sustainable work plan. Wyou wish you had the motivation! I find Something that works for you and that despite knowing and really wanting your family. to get fit, what often gets in the way is 4Finish it off first thing in the morning. day to day chores or lack of enthusiasm. 4Make it your “ME time” - 20 minutes I get it. So many things get in the way. a day! With the current lockdowns, I feel like a 4Do what you like - choose a variety - lot of us with kids and partners working from Zumba, Yoga, Pilates, Lazy girl from home - we are doing double-triple workouts etc. shifts. But I have promised myself 20 4Fix a time - you can chalk it in your minutes a day. Just 20! That’s probably Calendar if that works for you. the time it takes us to even scroll Netflix 4Get some good gym wear, a com- or Amazon Prime to find something in the habit. I would get ready in my fortable mat and a colourful pair of good to watch, you get the point. Here is gym gear and sit on my mat - and just dumbells. some real advice that helped me kick off do some simple moves for the first few 4Accountability. You can join fitness on my daily workout regime. days. What I was actually trying to groups or bud up with your friends. accomplish was inculcating a habit and 4Watch what you eat. Not talking about How I finally kicked it off! making this big lifestyle change a little diets - but the key is to eat with more My key mantra that actually works - less daunting. It’s very important that awareness. Show up! you go in expecting that you will be in 4Pick a role model - there are plenty that ‘space’ for 20 minutes. And believe of Fitness gurus and day to day life Commit small. Commit to show up. me once you are already there, it’s heroes to take inspiration from. That’s it. For 20 minutes. way easier to jump start your exercise 4Use social media - Connect and fol- I showed up. I promised myself I routine. low some celebs who might inspire would show up. I did not commit to a you and talk more about fitness and sweaty workout or that I would burn 300 My second mantra - Don’t overthink it. exercise routines. calories. My goal was for the first few “Discipline is underrated and mo- 4Use online resources - Apps, Youtube days, to start making those 20 minutes. tivation is overrated!” - Someone of Channels and social media are I started with doing simple stretches. facebook abundant with workout routines. Start Looking for videos on Youtube or other exploring! apps or websites. You will be surprised So you have now decided that you 4Incorporate your workout in your day that you can find “Quick 15 minute will commit to 20 minutes for yourself. to day life. Squat while you are work- beginner workouts”. I simply promised Now the day is here. As soon as you set ing in the kitchen or do lunges when myself and gave myself the permission a time, change into your gear and off your kids are playing in the park or to just show up and get 20 minutes in a you go to your exercising space. You take a walk when you are on an audio day. This helped me and family realise can then figure out how you want to conference call! Endless that it’s me time and it helped me get spend those 20 minutes. My point being possibilities.

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YouGo with Rajni Let’s Be Mindful Series Part 22: Helping parents and children navigate the stresses of COVID-19

balance, there are those amongst us who are deeply impacted by the pandemic, continuing What we can do as parents and care-givers, is to soak stresses of everyone around themand to begin with remembering - Our child is not are surging on- these intrepid souls – our giving us a hard time – our child is having a children, the future of our world. hard time.

Psychosocial impact of the pandemic We must work with our child. They are Children have gone from routine classroom affected by the changes whether they show By: Rajni Ghai Malhotra settings to offline offsite learning, increased it or not. Here are a few tips on facing this digital dependence, reduced physical activity challenging time, leading children gently but he last few weeks have thrown and social distancing which has deprived persistently through this phase. our lives into havoc wreaked on them of the one thing they thrive on – connec- us by the COVID-19 pandemic. tions with their peers, their friendships and 1. Mindful Breathing The only certainty has been the playtime.Children are experiencing feelings Help your child learn to navigate stress and Tuncertainty of what the next hour, next day or of trauma, loss, grief and stress which they negative emotions by calming their breath. next week will bring. Some of us are fortunate are unable to express. In the coming weeks, to move out of lockdown, easing into a new whether they move to face to face learning Mindful breathing for the little ones: balance, others less fortunate are still having or continue with schooling from home, their Smell a flower – blow a candle technique to live with restrictions. state of hypervigilance will continue to remain Inhale – close your mouth and inhale and with that, continued exhaustion, reduced through the nose – as if smelling a rose Through this period, each of us has experi- ability to focus and emotional imbalance. Exhale – breathe out through your mouth as enced a myriad of emotions –describing this There will be multiple instances of emotional if blowing a candle. time as overwhelming, chaotic, unnerving, outbursts, temper - tantrums, lethargy, inten- Repeat 10 times. If it helps, play music that distressing, isolating, confining,confusing. tional isolation, uninterested conversations your child enjoys listening to. While it is widely acknowledged that people and non-compliance with established family all over the world are struggling to stay in behaviour. Mindful breathing for the older kids

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Sitting in a lotus position, Inhale deeply and then exhale. Slowly guide yourself to bring your attention to your breath. That alone has the power to bring calm and steadiness. calm you and steady you.

As the you inhale and exhale you could listen to calming music, repeat affirmations or even go through your Gratitude list (men- tioned further in the article).

2. Yoga, Movement and Stillness Look after yourselves – together – through yoga and mindfulness.A few minutes spent bending and stretching in simple asanas will help you and your child spend some time on yourselves and reconnect in a different space.

Tadasana(Mountain pose), Vrksasana(Tree pose), Vidharbasana(Warrior 1 and Warrior II) are some simple poses to try(even for begin- ners) for bringing instant calm. than many other children around the world. If you can go out, do so. Step out into your Encourage your child to reflect on this list garden, your balcony, a nearby park. A quick Also equally effective, is spending a few regularly adding to it as they go along. walk with your child, even if it’s a short stroll minutes in stillness. Encourage your child to on your street, in silence can bring a calming be comfortable in sitting in silence and being 4. Listen. Talk. Connect. effect on them. If nothing else, they know still for a few minutes every day. Alternative- It is essential that you spend time listen- they are not alone, they have you with them. ly, they could listen to their favourite music or ing to your child. Let them know that they gaze upon an image that they find soothing. are safe in sharing their thoughts with you. 6. Warm hugs and smiles Closing eyes and focusing on your breath are Allow your child to give voice to how they Nothing says ‘you are loved’ like a warm another normalising technique that works well are feeling. Walk with them through the actual hug. From the little ones to the older kids, with older children. situation and analyse what is real and what is they can all do with an extra cuddle, a warm an imaginary extension of their fears. hug, words of encouragement, a pat on the 3. Gratitude reflection for the kids: shoulder, a wink, a smile, a gentle kiss when Making a personal gratitude list might help How your child perceives the pandemic and being tucked into bed in these trying times. your child find security in this time of crisis. its impact on them is largely dependent on Such gestures are more essential now than When working with children, it is important your own perception of the situation. For this ever before, because they speak louder than to note that they think differently than adults. reason, it is important that you address your any words can in letting these little persons A gratitude list that focuses on specifics will own thoughts and anxieties before you com- know that they are safe and loved. And guess work more effectively with children. Encour- municate with your child. Sharing ideas with what, warm hugs work magic on reducing age your child tolist all the things that they your child on how you feel equally vulnerable stress levels of parents too! still have/can enjoy even when the world and what strategies you use to cope with your seems so different to what they are used to. feelings of anxiety can go a long way in mak- In it together Here are some reflections of children I have ing the child feel they are not alone and that It helps in knowing that we are not alone. worked with: their fears/ concerns/ hopes are real. This is a global crisis and parents all over the world are struggling to find a balance in I am grateful for 5. Disconnect to connect - Cut down device the madness of trying to successfully juggle 1. Sunny mornings and hand sanitisers (Anya time. Get off the internet. housework, work from home, home-schooling 11yrs) In the present scenario, children are ex- and at the same time, providing support to 2. Emails from my BFF every day (Ab- posed, more than ever before, to technology their families and managing their own stress by15yrs) and internet, being dependent on these for levels. However, know that while everyone 3. Dora and rainbows (Amyra 4yrs) everything from schooling to keeping con- is in it together, it is up to you to map your 4. My new bike (Josh 7yrs) nected with their friends. However, long hours personal journey of finding ways to stay in on devices will only result in a heightened balance and guiding your child along this path Making a gratitude list is a thought-pro- reliance on technology which, although cru- to ensure their wellbeing and yours. voking exercise that makes children think cial at this time, has emotional limits and most Yours mindfully, deeply about what they have to be grateful for likely result in worsened mental and physical Rajni simultaneously helping them to realise how health. Follow Rajni on Facebook their circumstances may be more fortunate @YogaWithRajni

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Death Is Beautiful, If You Die Happily

It is obvious that sudden attack of ep- idemic has created panic. This piece of writing focuses on the various ways society has been affected by the Covid-19 including personal relation- ships.. Also presented that how the stress, fear, anxiety and depression have affected personal relationships during Covid-19, along with it I shared other concerned happenings due to emotional detachment. To fight with these circumstances robustly, a few approaches have also been purposed. To maintain mental health during social isolation, most important is to maintain relationships.

Prof (Dr) Parminder K. Saini (Gold Medalist)

n just two months, pandemic has changed the way we live our lives. Corona virus reviled veracious facts of life. Perhaps Iit demonstrated the true color of human being. No doubt these three months have been the most chal- lenging time which has changed life drastically. Where the spread of novel Corona Virus has resulted in pandem- ic, it has taken large number of lives globally, the affect of the same can also be seen on the very close relation-

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ships. Many people did not take care about the very close relationships even. Though, safety angle is justified but high level of self centeredness and selfishness come out that ultimately revealed the intensions of human being. People refused to cremate their own family members because of the fear of corona or may be death. During epidemic a few people did not even take care about the emotions in the relationships. People exhib- ited their actual characteristics and explored true color of their so called love, care, soul attachments etc. To maintain health is prime importance- fully convinced, but it is equally It has been seen that how strangely are worried about physical health, important to justify the value of Covid-19 affected our relationships: investments, livelihood and mental relationships. No one in the world has 4Are people feeling more concerned health. However, it is important that managed to get away from the terror or more reluctant towards close we discover to handle stress before it of pandemic. Due to lack of vaccina- relations even? converted into depression, because tion and sudden spread of disease, the 4How are the employees feeling our state of mind too affects immu- whole world depends upon lockdown, about working from home sud- nity and physical health. quarantine and curfew to suspend denly? and monitor the multiply of Corona 4During lockdown, how people Problem foundation and Approach to virus. To fight this pandemic almost changed their attitude abruptly? deal with the situation everybody has been impacted by 4How a family becomes important To create a constructive atmos- the effects of lockdown and & everything else suddenly be- phere, it is important to look after isolation. comes secondary? and offer yourself an option to mold Like many others, we at Sainik 4How you stop loving someone yourself in a peaceful shape. I person- Institutes of Management & Tech- unexpectedly? ally experienced the following: nology (Department of Defence 4Why lack of feelings, mysterious Practiced meditation, Yoga, Yog- Services Welfare, Govt. of Punjab, stress, anxiety and unfolded numb- mudra, Pranayama (extension of the India), have also been impacted by ness in communication spoils rela- breath), maintained fitness & healthy the effects of lockdown and isolation, tions & leads to separation? lifestyle by taking healthy diet, did but senior Army Officers and the 4How smartly people Turn Off their exercise regularly, got quality sleep, Academicians are committed to keep feelings suddenly during lock- taken special care of the senior the students connected and delighted. down? people, made time for hobbies I could As a result we are able to educate the 4How to crack the code of mute not enjoy it earlier due to workload young professionals through online issues? or time constraints, etc. Since I have teaching and many other creative flair for writing, I come across many activities despite the challenges of These are a few questions that verify people during online meetings & Covid-19. Other than the young pro- how the world has changed drasti- come to know the various hidden suf- fessionals, we must take care of our cally. fering of the people which I tried to senior citizens particularly who can Due to several deaths of Covid-19 explore in the next part of the article. be easily affected by the virus. Our in the world, the intensity of fear and proactive actions and timely care can anxiety among people has amplified. Emotional Detachment help the seniors to face difficult time Feelings of fear and uneasiness can Social distancing is need of the hour without feeling helpless. The best be expected during the epidemic, as but not emotional disconnection. Yet, remedy is not to create panic, instead due to the outbreak of the virus a many people suffered a lot due to stay updated and prepared. number of issues raised. Many people emotional detachment, because

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emotional detachment is unwilling- ness to link with other people on emo- tional level. Person may feel muted. This is also known as emotional blunt- ing. It can leads to complexity in ris- ing and sustaining personal relation- ships. Continues detachment leads to doubtfulness and suffering. Prolonged suffering is strong foundation for depression. Severe levels of high stress also trigger feelings of emotional numbness. Sufferer may experience unguided thoughts & assumptions that ultimately lead to Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Different people used different meth- od to deal with this critical situation. A few are explained if anybody evaluates himself in this situation: Fig. 1.1 Roster 4Identify hotspot for the malfunction & change the living style. Also take ticulated through physical symptoms other, honesty in communication and a break from the same routine. but they represent to pose comfortable loyalty in love are enough to develop 4Identify the toxicity and get away in muted mode. It is very common & empower any relationship. If you from the toxic people. to observe that sufferers experienc- are away from your loved ones, regu- 4Come across a healthy outlet to ing feelings through affects such as lar phone calls for their reassurance express sentiments. headaches or backaches etc. However; and satisfaction can help both sides to 4Make phone call/s to them whom they appear to be cut off from their easily go through such difficult time you feel good to be with. feelings but internally channeliz- stretch. 4Activate & exert yourself, never sit ing their thoughts continuously that To control fears, it is important for unoccupied. ultimately leads to discomfort in rela- you to stay cool but updated, as well 4Create energy through morning tions. Sufferers will weave & deal with as handle your stress methodically. walk, exercise, hygienic food and their own web of thoughts & planning Due to lockdown when you are not meditation. to fulfill undisclosed motive. Fear of able to go to office, just appreciate 4Sing your favorite song. insecurity, lack of faith in relations the technology, still, at home you can 4Play music, act or dance in front of advice them to hide their feelings & do almost everything professionally family/friends or mirror. ultimately deadlock take place. (talk, see, discuss with all the team 4Pen down your thoughts. members, put digital signatures etc.). Crack the Code of above query In the close relations if you are not Turn off feelings during lockdown It is not lockdown when they Turn able to meet whom you love the most, I received a query from various peo- off their feelings but it is the par- just think “I care for him beyond ple, “Can a person just Turn Off his ticular time when they were not in measure & will cherish him in my feelings during lockdown?” working mode due to lockdown and heart. Since we are not living together, The above query has given me got sufficient time to weave their web we will have more things to share & another chance to analyze people of unguided thoughts regarding ter- discuss at the end of the day. Hats a bit more. It has been seen that as ror of death, fear of society, weight off to the technology (Phone called, long as people are in working mode, of responsibilities or apprehension of Chat, video calling, conferencing etc.). they can temporarily express those status. Lack of confidence in relation There is high need to carry out social feelings during day to day working, and dearth of capability to get firm distancing & isolation but a sensible in their personal hidden style. During decision is the main cause behind such person will practice the same without lockdown without the formation of issues. Simplicity in relationships, disturbing his mental health and true work, their feelings (or stress) are ar- transparency in dealing with each relations. Stay concerned and con-

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liking; also take part in activities you but do not make other relations like doing together such as movies, secondary suddenly. games, gardening, sharing positive (e) If you feel getting frustrated with emotions and personal experiences- somebody, do not be too hard. It is rather than frustration, disappoint- a tough time for everybody. Make ment and Silence. an effort to format your tough time into manageable chunks. This Lockdown is the right time to prac- will facilitate to generate a routine tice eating, sleeping and awakening & compress frustration. activities timely, see figure 1.1: (f) Do not stop loving someone sur- prisingly. Since a relationship is Maintaining your mental health dur- a two-way street, it is need of the ing social isolation hour to stride together & struggle The challenges associated with jointly. social distancing and isolation, includ- ing reduced income resources and Death is permanent and it is beauti- separation form loved ones is leading ful if you are dying happily and life is some people to experience feelings of worse if you are unhappy, irritated and frustration, depression and anxiety. unsatisfied during day to day living. Whatever the circumstances are, try Life is not to sit at home & wait for to save your relations. Resentment death. It is to fight with the circum- grows when someone feels unheard, stances strongly & bravely. Hopefully disconnected or dismissed. Relation- soon, cure for Covid-19 can be found, ship is like a job; one has to work but the most important is to save our hard to get in it and has to work even relationships, keeping moral high, harder to live in it. It is natural to feel feeling positive & connected. Though, anxious and sad during prolonged safety & protection is very important separation. Anguish may lead the during epidemic but those who love sufferer to depression. Staying con- deeply & care honestly were prepared nected with your loved ones is another actively and conquer successfully. remedy for getting rid of tough time and making your relationship more The world has already changed strong. Always keep in mind that: drastically; try to put your efforts to (a) Do not forget to check in with sen- prove your relations. Everything can ior citizens, elderly relatives and change suddenly, even the whole uni- neighbors. Help them as much as verse too, but your love, care, affec- nected, positive social connections are you can, please do not leave them tion and respect will remain constant essential for the betterment of mental alone in this critical time. forever but only if our intensions are health and it can help us cope in time (b) It is compulsory to take physical true. of stress. During lockdown we are be- care but remain more concerned ing asked to distance ourselves from remotely with the help of technol- Prof (Dr) Parminder K. Saini, others but it is pertinent to mention ogy. Do not be reluctant towards ( Gold Medalist) that we must maintain our emo- close relations; it injures the one Dean Academics, Department of tional level of attachment and social who is truly attached during nor- Computer Science, networks through various techniques mal circumstances. Sainik Institute of Management & of communication. Exchange a few (c) Do not change your attitude im- Technology, Hoshiarpur Campus words about your concerns and seek mediately; let the others prove first Runs under the aegis of Directorate support from one another, maintain that they are also concerned to Defence Services Welfare, Punjab your relation by being caring and your wellbeing and will never put Affiliated to IKG Punjab Technical respectful of each other in times of you in trouble. University, Jalandhar, Punjab, India difficulty. Identify the liking and dis- (d) Ofcourse your family is important [email protected]

Download Our App JUNE I 2020 www.DesiAustralia.com 29 Talent Just do what you love

A NSW State Netball and Basketball player, NSW State Band Champion, Bhangra dancer and singer, Ruhani is also sitting for her HSC in what has been a tumultuous year with COVID-19.

“It has been a challenge trying to juggle my music, dance and netball commitments, alongside studying. This year in particular has been really tough, given I am in Year 12 and how COVID-19 has coincided with my final year in high school.”

At its peak, just before COVID-19 hit, Ru- hani’s schedule involved netball training three times a week, Bhangra rehearsals three times a week, and Band practice up to four times a week, in addition to school and tuition. At school, she is part of the Wind Ensemble, Orchestra and Stage Band, which also involves rehearsals before and after school.

Ruhani says the only way she is keeping her head above water is constant reminders from her parents to focus on what’s most important or due immediately. “We often wonder how we fit District Netball Association between 2014 and and is respected for the maturity he brings to the it all in. My parents take turns to get me to my 2018, representing the State twice. game. He was also a fantastic kabbadi player in rehearsals and training on time. It sometimes In 2017, she won the Under 15’s NSW Com- his early years - representing Australia in Canada means eating or studying in the car while getting bined High Schools Netball State Championships and New Zealand. My Mum is a long-distance from one place to another.” in Wollongong. runner and showed me that anything is possible Between 2011 and 2018, Ruhani played for when she trained for six months to run her first As a direct consequence of this commitment, Beecroft Netball Club and won three grand finals half-marathon. I think role models are so impor- some of Ruhani’s most notable accolades in as the team’s shooter. tant for children - to encourage them and show sports include: She now plays in the Dooleys Metro League, them what is possible.” one of the premier netball competitions in NSW. In 2016 and 2018, Ruhani represented NSW in In basketball, Ruhani played with the Hornsby When asked what got her into music, Indoor Netball and travelled to Melbourne and Spiders and took out the Under 12 Girls NSW Ruhani said, “I have grown up in a family that the Gold Coast to play for a National title. Basketball Junior State Championship, remain- loves singing and music in general. My parents She won Player of the Final in the NSW 2019- ing undefeated against Illawarra, Dubbo, Suther- 5sing more than they talk. When I was eight 2020 Metro Super League Netball. land, Newcastle. years old, I attended a band orientation at school At the 2019 Australian Sikh Games, Ruhani and expressed my interest in becoming a was awarded the Supreet Kaur Scholarship for “I draw my inspiration in sports from both my percussionist because I really loved the excellence in netball.She represented the Hills Dad and Mum. My Dad still plays cricket today drums.”

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Today Ruhani is a percussionist and plays a wide variety of instruments includ- ing the marimba, xylophone, timpani, and drum kit. During her free time, she turns to her guitar which she taught herself to play and breaks into a song.

Ruhani’s commitment to music has resulted in the following accomplishments:

In 2018, Ruhani was named the Under 19 Percussion Champion at the NSW State Band Solos and Party Championships. In 2018, she completed her Trinity Guildhall Orchestral Percussion Grade 8 with a Distinction. In 2016, she was the awarded Juvenile Percussion Champion of the Year at the NSW State Band Solos and Party Cham- pionships. In 2014, Ruhani went on her first inter- national music tour to Singapore with the Beecroft Primary School Senior Concert Band. Between 2011 to 2019, she was part of a percussion ensemble called Drumfill which performed around Australia and won Indian and Sikhs girls make it to National multiple awards. and State level so they can become beacons Ruhani was also a part of the Northern of our cultural heritage that is so deeply Sydney Youth Orchestra between 2014 and rooted in sports and music.” 2019. DXC Technology Australia Pty Limited Linking her passion for music and sports (ACN: 008 476 944), whose registered to the community, in 2017, Ruhani joined office is at 26 Talavera Road, Macquarie a Bhangra group as a junior member and Park NSW 2113. quickly progressed to the intermediate DXC Technology Company -- This mes- and senior levels. “I’ve always loved sage is transmitted to you by or on behalf dancing as it’s a great form of fitness and of DXC Technology Company or one of stress-relief. I started off with Bollywood its affiliates. It is intended exclusively dancing at the age of four but then found for the addressee. The substance of this my cultural roots through my love for message, along with any attachments, may Bhangra. I also feel that it is so important contain proprietary, confidential or privi- to stay connected to your culture and com- leged information or information that is munity. I’ve enjoyed helping Sikh Youth Looking ahead, Ruhani’s dream is to otherwise legally exempt from disclosure. Australia, starting with Sikh to Give where become a professional musician. “I’m not Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure we collect pre-loved clothes and sell them sure yet if that means I will be a performer or distribution is prohibited. If you are not to raise funds for the less fortunate, the or a teacher, but I would love to pursue a the intended recipient of this message, you Divine Steps Festival in 2019 and more career in music. I know that most people are not authorized to read, print, retain, recently with the production of the world’s associate success with being a doctor, copy or disseminate any part of this mes- first shabad video collaboration. engineer or lawyer but I’m so thankful that sage. If you have received this message in is not how my family thinks. My advice error, please destroy and delete all copies “My parents have always encouraged to all youngsters would be to just do what and notify the sender by return e-mail. me to follow my passion without applying you love because that’s what you will do Regardless of content, this e-mail shall not any pressure to excel. For them, all that your best in.” operate to bind DXC Technology Company matters is that I am doing what I love most. or any of its affiliates to any order or other They’ve also never said no to anything I “I will continue to play netball for as contract unless pursuant to explicit writ- want to do and constantly give me a mil- long as I can, and would love to start ten agreement or government initiative lion (but super useful) pep talks before all coaching younger girls within our com- expressly permitting the use of e-mail for matches and exams.” munity. It would be amazing to see more such purpose.

Download Our App JUNE I 2020 www.DesiAustralia.com 31 Fashion It’s really what’s above the desk that counts

norm, you’ll want to wear makeup to hide sure your background is clean too, “nobody undereye circles or flaws in your complexion. wants to see last night’s dinner.” But try to find that happy medium; you don’t want to slather on too much makeup and look. If you’re using FaceTime or an iPhone, “there are filters you can muck around with How you position your camera matters too. them. On Zoom, there’s a face softening You don’t have to put your face on the screen filter that will put your camera into a softer like a dinner plate. It may be called a laptop, focus. By: Abbey Singh but putting your computer on your lap for a s our professional lives switch video call is a quick way to make yourself Hope these tips will give you desired results from face-to-face meetings to look much worse than usual. position your Skype and Zoom, making a camera at or just above eye level, and moving Wishing you all good luck for your next good impression requires a new yourself slightly further away from it. Make online meeting. Aapproach.

Here are a few tips to make sure your televi- sion appearance gets you noticed, and in a good way.

Make sure your clothes are comfortable. Don’t pick a suit you hate to wear because you think it looks great. If you’re uncomfort- able, it’ll show on your face and in your body language.

Since high-definition televisions are the

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Call Rachita @ 0420 596 550

Download Our App JUNE I 2020 www.DesiAustralia.com 33 Mag Corner Shyamla Eswaran Awarded Premier’s Honour performing artist and choreographer “She has toured the country with a range of who delivers Indian cultural dance cultural dance workshops and shows, including workshops to young people has been the immensely successful Bollykids program.” awarded top honours by the NSW AGovernment. “Bollykids has introduced hundreds of young people to Indian culture and fosters cross cultural The Australian National Maritime Museum connections.” Arts and Culture Medal was awarded to Shyamla Eswaran as part of the 2020 Premier’s Multicul- Shyamla said she was deeply humbled to tural Community Medals. receive the award for her Bollykids Preschool Show. Acting Minister for Multiculturalism Geoff Lee congratulated Ms Eswaran on her achieve- “Art has the unique ability to open minds and ments, particularly in light of the novel coronavi- change hearts so it’s important to acknowledge rus pandemic (COVID-19). the crucial role that Arts & Culture plays in both promoting and increasing social inclusion, cul- “Now more than ever, community leaders are tural diversity and empathy,” Ms Eswaran said. playing an important role,” Mr Lee said. “I look forward to continuing to educate the “During COVID-19, incredible leaders like next generation through my performances and Shyamla continue to engage and connect with programs, encouraging our little ones to ap- people in a time where physical distancing has preciate difference and to ensure people from challenged the way communities interact.” other countries feel welcome before they enter school.” Member for Heathcote Lee Evans said it was outstanding to see a local community member “All cultures deserve to be represented, recognised with the prestigious medal. appreciated and celebrated to more accurately reflect the “Shyamla was born and raised in the Suther- incredible diversity of land Shire and continues to contribute immense- people in NSW.” ly to our local community,” Mr Evans said. The Premier’s

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The Premier’s Multicultural Community Medals are traditionally awarded at the annual Premier’s Harmony Dinner gala event. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Premier’s Multi- cultural Community Medals were awarded virtually.

Download Our App JUNE I 2020 www.DesiAustralia.com 35 Mag Corner Illustrious life of the Royal Bengal Tiger

As cyclone Amphan destroyed Asia’s largest book market in College Street, Kolkata, I read the Animalia Indica.

Indranil Halder

n it, I came across a story entitled , “The Last Tiger” by Ruskin Bond. A statement caught my eye. It says , ‘ A tiger has his Idignity to preserve! ‘ Recognised as king of the jungle with a fear- some reputation, the tiger avoid humans. The tiger used to roam across the Asian continent and is part of the culture of many south and south east asian countries such as Bangladesh, China, India, Myanmar, Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and South Kore. In these countries, influence of the tiger is also represent in cosmologies, mythol- ogy and religion.

The tiger has always been a part of the Indian civilisation, heritage and culture. According to National Geographic, “ Over many centuries they have become an important part of Indian tradition and lore.”

Historically, the tiger had a significant pres- ence in the Indus Valley Civilization, Hindu my- thology and Vedic era. During the Hindu festival such as Durga pujo , Goddess Durga is always Bengal tiger illustrious. There are four main The Bengal tiger co -exists with the Gangetic associated with a tiger, as the animal vehicle of areas to take into consideration. dolphins, estuarine crocodiles, Olive Ridley tur- Goddess Durga. tles ,spotted deer, wild boar, gaur, water buffalo Habitat : Sundarbans and mud crabs in between the Sundari trees. The Indian state of West Bengal is fortunate to have The Sundarbans is an unique Bengal tiger beauty of Sundarbans was described by writer the Bengal tiger, also known as the Royal Bengal habitat. It has world’s largest mangrove forest of Amitav Ghosh, in his novel, The Hungry Tide Tiger or the Indian tiger , is to call their own. 10,000 km² shared between India and Bangla- as : “A mangrove forest is utterly unlike other desh. The Sundarbans is formed at the delta of 3 woodlands or jungles. There are no towering, It is time to look at what makes the life of the rivers where the Bengal tiger lives. vine-looped trees, no ferns, no wildflowers, no

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chattering monkeys or cockatoos. Mangrove , a Bengal tiger and a local boy who helped the leaves are tough and leathery, the branches captured animals was a great success. gnarled and the foliage often impassively dense. Visibility is short and the air still and fetid. At The Bengal tiger has been associated with no moment can human beings have any doubt many British Raj stories too. One such story is of the terrain’s hostility to their presence, of its “The Tiger and Ruby,” the author Kief Hillsbery, cunning and resourcefulness, of its determination who is the nephew of Nigel Halleck wrote about to destroy or expel them. Every year, dozens of Neil. Neil, left Britain as a clerk for the East people perish in the embrace of that dense foli- India Company and disappearing in the moun- age, killed by tigers, snakes and crocodiles.” tain kingdom of Nepal. Tracing his ancestor’s journey, Nigel travelled from Lahore to Calcutta The Sundarbans is equally important as the to Kathmandu to find out Neil was a friend to an African savanna, the Amazon rainforest and the Afghan prince (Sa’adat al-Mulk),book-keeper in Great Barrier Reef with its natural resources, an opium warehouse and hunter of the Bengal various inhabitants and the largest symbiotic tiger. ecosystem of its kind. The Bengal tiger also shares the Sundarbans’ ecosystem with agricul- The Bengal tiger used to roam in the Asian turists, fishermen and honey gatherers. Author subcontinent in large numbers but that was Neil Grant’s wonderful story of a young man not the case in India after the British Raj rule. named Rudra and his connection to West Bengal cultural too. Known to traders from the ancient Tiger hunting became a glamour sport that and the man-eating Bengal tiger, highlights world of Arabia, Greece and Rome, the traders drew crowds from the UK and the USA. The Sundarbans as the home of the Bengal tiger. of Portuguese, English and French origin who violence of the tiger hunt was highlighted in- This is their habitat , there they swim, they stalk came to know about the Sundarbans in 12th Nightrunners of Bengal (1951) by John Masters. , they hunt. Rudra, the character from his book, century as trade increased. The Sundarbans has He penned a line that said,‘ firing practically “Honeyman and The Hunter “ retells stories gone through significant changes and today, it is into the teeth of a wounded tigress (see chapter told by his grandmother of her childhood in a UNESCO World Heritage site. It remains the seven) before he can impress an Indian princess.’ the Sundarbans. The fragile coexistence of the home of the Bengal tiger across Bangladesh and William Manchest’s Shadow of the Monsoon Bengal tiger and the human population is also India. (1956) depicted a string of tiger-shooting. The explored by author Annu Jalais. She pioneered stories of the tiger-hunting was part of British an anthropological work “ Forest of Tigers: Influence : Art, Literature & Aristocratic Raj mythology and paintings in British canvases People, Politics and Environment in the Sunda- Lifestyle across the empire. John Zoffany’s painting ‘The rbans.” Children in India grow up listening to stories Death of the Royal Tiger’(1795) also portrayed of the Bengal tiger. And stories of Tipu Sultan’s the hunting of Bengal tiger. In 1890, sketches While, Sujit Mukherjee from the University love for Bengal tiger is one such story. Tipu had like ‘Tiger Shooting in India’ made during Prince of Wollongong, Australia looked at the connec- two live Bengal tigers in his palace , tiger was Albert Victor’s Indian trip. tion of the Bengal tiger in fictional characters the symbol on his sword and his throne was a associated with Sundarbans, stated in his paper life-sized tiger crusted with gold and precious Tiger hunting, as sport was not reserved only :Tigers in Fiction: An Aspect of the Colonial stones. His other most famous item is Tipu’s for Europeans or Americans but also became Encounter stated ’,’As for the tiger achieving Tiger ( in Victoria and Albert Museum, London fashionable amongst many Indians. Represented the dignity of literature, this was provided by has a life-sized wooden musical toy in the form in the Mughal miniatures paintings are images of snake- and tiger-infested lower Bengal in eastern of a tiger made around 1793) which makes the tiger hunting. Across the Indian subcontinent, India which cultivated, in addition to the snake ‘the growling roar of the Bengal tiger’. And paintings of Maharajas killing tigers are common goddess Manasa, a number of tiger deities, chief fascinating stories span around Tipu’s love for in palaces. In the state of West Bengal, paintings among which was Dakshin Raye. Worshipped the Bengal tiger. of the Bengal tiger , taxidermied large the Bengal even now in the Sunder- bans region, this tiger heads with chandeliers and ceiling high neighbourhood deity was eulogised in numer- Over time, several authors have written about Belgian glass mirrors in mansions and the tiger ous folk verses and one famous long poem, the this fascinating tiger. Rudyard Kipling created skins are still symbols of prestige in Bengali Rayemangal of Krishnaram Das, a Bengali work Shere Khan as the famous Bengal tiger in the upper crust. composed in about 1786. The poem that cele- Jungle Book. Yann Martel won the Man Booker brated supremacy of two local deities of the area, Prize in 2002 for his novel-Life of Pi, which tells The Indian royals and elites would also Daksin Ray (Lord of the South) and Bada-khan the story of a 16 year old Indian boy castaway attend shikar ( hunt) parties with their Eng- Ghazi (Big Khan the Ghazi) of the Muslims’, on the Pacific Ocean with a Royal Bengal Tiger. lish counterparts. It was not just reserved for thereby also signifying that the awe and dread of Life of Pi went on to win four Oscar in Hol- the men. Women also participated. Maharani the lord of the Sunderban jungle was shared by lywood at the 85th Academy Awards for direct- Gayatri Devi of Jaipur , was one of the world’s both communities.’ ing, visual effects, cinematography and music. Ten Most Beautiful Women (Vogue magazine), The Hollywood movies have been celebrating often went to shikars with her husband Maharaja It highlights the integration of the Sundarbans the Bengal tiger for many decades. In 1949, Sawai Man Singh II. A certain, Time magazine into the Bengali culture. The Sundarbans is not another American adventure film Song of India published article stated in her younger days, just a part of the Bengali culture but of the global involved a young arrogant Indian prince, his girl Maharani Gayatri Devi hunted and killed 26

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Bengal tigers. powerful beast lacks intelligence especially in the company of a clever jackal. According to In 2018, journalist Prasun Sonwalkar for the Sujit Mukherjee, “It must have been intended as Hindustan Times London reported the story adding their own tribute to the undisputed jungle of a Bengal tigress in England from a set of overlord of eastern India. Yet the same region rediscovered 18th century ledgers at the British has fostered, especially in Bengali, any number Library. The story goes , an iconic Bengal tigress of fables in which the strong but stupid tiger is was presented to the fourth Duke of Marlbor- outwitted by the clever jackal, thus demonstrat- ough in Oxfordshire. It was gifted by governor ing that familiarity had bred a certain measure of the Bengal presidency, Clive of India. The of contempt. No factual study or fictional work Bengal tigress was kept at Blenheim Palace by an English- man or woman has ever reflected in Oxfordshire, as an ultimate status symbols this attitude, perhaps because the British in India for wealthy British aristocracy. A British artist never lived close enough to the tiger.” These George Stubbs, painted the tiger three times. In societal comparisons of the Bengal tiger makes 1995, one of those paintings was sold in 1995 for its life more illustrious. £7.9 million. Awareness: Before the end of the British rule in India, In our society, the strength of human charac- The Bengal tiger and its habitat are under the local Maharajahs ruled nearly 550 Indian ters are compared to the strength of the Bengal threat due to climate change, wildlife trade and princely states. They would help subjects to over tiger. The number of the Bengal tiger may have lack of awareness. come problem of man-eating Bengal tigers. decreased significantly, but life of the tiger was Maharaj Kumar Jitendra Narayan Bhup Bahadur preserved, when the British Raj first awarded the In Australia, the awareness about the Bengal of Cooch Behar state would hunt man-eating title ‘Royal Bengal Tiger’. tiger is raised through zoos and media reports. Bengal tigers around the Himalayan foothills to The animal is looked after throughout its life. It save their subjects. Man-eating the Bengal tiger Also in the Bengali culture, the author often was reported in 2016,Bakkar, the beloved Bengal is still a problem. Dane Huckelbridge wrote in compare the strength of human characters to the tiger at Canberra’s National Zoo and Aquarium, her book , “No Beast So Fierce “: The Terrifying strength of a Bengal tiger. In the early 1870s passed away due to old age at 21. In 2017, True Story of the Champawat Tiger, The deadli- , a certain stubborn teenager from a middle- Dreamworld Australia’s oldest Bengal Tiger- est animal in History, about a man eating serial class Bengali Hindu family joined a wrestling Rama had passed away with kidney failure. And killer, the Bengal tiger in Nepal. gymnasium in Dacca. The young wrestler was in 2020, Indira the Bengal Tiger from Zambi the pioneer of the cult of physical strength and Wildlife Park in Sydney’s west had minor eye Through literally work, the Bengal tiger found courage in undivided Bengal. Author Arpita surgery as reported. An Australian designer its presence in war-torn Baghdad too. Bengal Mukherjee in her bookThe Monk Who Tamed the Camilla had an eye catching print of the Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo , is a play by Rajiv Tiger: Biography of Paramhangsa Soham Swami tiger in jewelled turban on leather handbags to Joseph and in his book, the author character- explored Soham’s life. match her 2018 exquisite and colourful Indian ised the Bengal tiger at the Baghdad Zoo that print kaftan collection. wandered through the war-torn Iraqi landscape While, Tiger Women by Sirsho Bandyo- looking for answers but unable to find any. padhyay also explored Priyanath Bose who is In India, awareness about Bengal tiger is be- considered to be one of the pioneers of circus in ing raised since 1970s. In 1973, theSunderbans’ There are several contemporary documentary India. In 1887, he was the founder of the Great Tiger Reserve is one of the first of the nine tiger stories of the Bengal tiger which include The Bengal Circus. Sushila Sundari who was the first reserves to be created as part of Project Tiger . True Story of Machli, the World’s Most Famous Indian woman went on to perform in a circus The reserve is spread across 2,500sqkm. Tiger by Jason Bittel published in National with two Bengal tigers is part of Tiger Women- Geography, (published December 12, 2017) story. Indian hotel chains to fashion designers to where the author identified a 19 year old tiger wineries have joined the movement to raise Machli , she attacked crocodiles, defended cubs The flamboyant sport of horse polo had a team awareness about Bengal tiger. TAj Safari , part from males, and managed to survive for years from Kolkata, India named Bengal Tigers for of TAj Hotel, had organised 2019 jungle safari with one eye. And the story of this Bengal tigress their excellent polo playing skills. Their skills holiday package, A Trail of The Mysterious Ben- in India’s Ranthambore National Park, was the were matched by their name. In the glory days gal Tiger for guests to enjoy the majestic tiger in favourite amongst both domestic and interna- of the Calcutta Polo Club, polo was a passion for Indian summer. The hotel also has the logo of a tional tourists. many Maharajahs, members of the Indian army tiger on its TAj Club tote shopping bag. Indian and Bengali elites. In 1979, the fierce Bengal Fashion designer to Bollywood Stars, Sabyasachi Recently, rumour mills were in overdrive as Tigerstoured south-east Asia and Australia. This Mukherjee has the Royal Bengal Tiger as his the news of J.K. Rowling’s new book called Kolkata polo team also won the Centenary Gold offical logo. The Royal Bengal Tiger logo could What’s Left of the Jungle Book, to be published Cup in 1961 which is played every 100 years. be found itself in exquisite waistbands of beaded on a tourist guide at a West Bengal tiger reserve lehngas, belts and bags of Sabyasachi collection. in India. The witty Bengali writers celebrate the Founder Rajeev Samant from Sula Vineyard closeness of their culture with the Bengal tiger launching a new winery and part of the proceeds Societal Comparison: as they continue to write stories of how the from the wines has been used towards spreading

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of Bengal Tiger inside a palace. Increased aware- ness, has definitely improved protection of the Bengal tiger, thus increasing the tiger population. So is the “Wild Tiger” painting by a Brazilian artist Ricardo Siccuro, is of the Bengal tiger.

In 2019, Sikkimese forest department, had for the first time captured on camera a royal Bengal tiger roaming the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary in East district at an altitude of 9,583ft.

In 2020, the popular Netflix series‘Tiger King’ also raised awareness by highlighting the barbaric treatment, breeding and selling of the Bengal tigers such as ‘Bengali’ with other tiger species in captivity.The television series raised awareness about Bengal tiger. serious questions about the legal protection for tigers in private zoos across United States In Indian state of West Bengal, artist Bhaskar of America. And four years ago a pet Bengal Chitrakar of Kalighat, is reviving this style tiger escaped from a private home and made Day ( 29/07) , I dedicate this poem “The Tyger” “kalighat pata” painting from 19th and early headline news as it was spotted roaming on a by English poet William Blake to the illustrious, 20th centuries and he celebrated the Bengal busy highway. Panjo, the 140kg pet Bengal powerful and majestic Bengal tiger. tiger in his painting Tiger Women like other tiger in South Africa broke free from the back of ‘patuas’ or painters to raise awareness about the a vehicle on his way to veterinary clinic. Again, Tyger Tyger, burning bright, Bengal tiger. And the cafe cultural explosion in it highlighted the issue of the Bengal tiger as pet In the forests of the night; the cultural capital of India,has a Royal Bengal away from the natural habitat. What immortal hand or eye, Tiger Cafe in Kolkata, dedicated to the love of Could frame thy fearful symmetry? the majestic Bengal tiger. It is also raising much Bhutan also reported recent sighting of a needed awareness on the tiger conservation with Bengal tiger in Ripu Reserve Forest, 3km from In what distant deeps or skies. cafe goers. the India-Bhutan international border . This Burnt the fire of thine eyes? gave hope to the Bengal tiger survival in the On what wings dare he aspire? While in Bangladesh, the national cricket team wild as research by leading author Dr Sharif What the hand, dare seize the fire? is raising awareness by calling themselves: ‘ The Mukul, an assistant professor at Independent Tigers’ after the Bengal tiger. University Bangladesh, casted doubt on the long And what shoulder, & what art, term survival of the Bengal tiger in the wild. He Could twist the sinews of thy heart? The state government of West Bengal, India published a paper in the journal, Science of The And when thy heart began to beat, is working diligently with environmentalists to Total Environment which stated , “Fewer than What dread hand? & what dread feet? raise awareness and protect the home of Bengal 4,000 Bengal tigers are alive today. Dr Mukul tiger, the Sundarbans. The reason being, India also said “What is most terrifying is that our What the hammer? what the chain, is experience a new era of development in road analyses suggest tiger habitats in the Sundarbans In what furnace was thy brain? and railway infrastructure and the home of the will vanish entirely by 2070.” The publication What the anvil? what dread grasp, Bengal tiger had been crouched upon by human was a collaborative work with his Australian Dare its deadly terrors clasp! since 1830. In 1830, 85,000 acres of land was counterpart Professor Bill Laurance from James in Meghna Estuary was cleared for cultiva- Cook University. When the stars threw down their spears tion and in 1862, 8650 acres of land was again And water’d heaven with their tears: cleared and named Port Canning( after Governor The Bengal tiger should be increasingly fea- Did he smile his work to see? General of India), thus reducing the habitat of the tured in the currency notes, postage stamps and Did he who made the Lamb make thee? Bengal tiger in Sundarbans. children’s online learning programs across the globe, just as they do in India and the Bangla- Tyger Tyger burning bright, In Italy, fashion designer Gucci’s Bengal desh respectively. It’s survival depend on us. In the forests of the night: Tiger Print Jacket featuring had been immensely And we have to preserve both its dignity and What immortal hand or eye, popular with young and trendy fashionistas, pos- survival. Dare frame thy fearful symmetry? sibly raising awareness with young people. The Bengal tiger has also been celebrated in Sunda- To continue raising awareness about the Ben- We can’t lose our tigers ram Tagore Gallery, Singapore as it hosted Karen gal tiger, it is time for me to celebrate the Bengal Knorr’s imagery of majestic India. In 2014, The Tiger by cherishing my old memory to have Learn more about WWF’s work to double the Wall Street Journal reported in an article , ‘In hold two white orphan Bengal tiger cubs at the number of wild tigers by 2022. To help support Pictures: Tigers in Palaces, Horses in Havelis’ Kolkata Zoological Garden animal hospital with efforts to keep tiger in the wild, consider virtu- by Shanoor Seervai , the photographic presence my brother. To celebrate International Tiger’s ally adopting one today.

Download Our App JUNE I 2020 www.DesiAustralia.com 39 Astrology Chakras and Auras explained

By Sanjivani Kalsi

id you ever wonder what the dif- ferences are between chakras and auras? Or how they work together? Did you ever think it might be use- Dful to know?

Understanding these energy centers is one way to enhance your spiritual unfoldment, psychic development, and gain more insight into this you can see them, too. When you are feeling positive and passionate, wild ride we call life. and decisions are easy, your chakras spin and *Your Aura energy flows effortlessly. Your aura layers shim- An Overview of Chakras and Auras Your aura is the energy field that surrounds mer with aliveness. your body. It has seven layers to it. The layers *Chakras are multi-colored, beautiful spin- are not perfectly “layered” on top of each other, But we don’t always feel like we’re walk- ning wheels in our energy fields. but blend into one another. ing on sunshine, right? We get stuck. We get headaches. We feel overwhelmed. We ponder; We have seven main chakra points. Here are All living things have energy, therefore, have we fret; we wonder; we hope. the main ones: an aura: people, plants, rocks, and even your fuzzy little pet. It’s during those times that your chakras spin Crown chakra – located at the top of the head more slowly and sometimes stop or get entirely Third-eye chakra – between the eyebrows The human aura extends out several feet blocked. This affects your aura and causes it to Throat chakra – at the throat around the body. look less vibrant and healthy. Heart chakra – center of the chest, near the heart Your aura tells a lot about you – like whether What causes your chakras and aura to to be Solar plexus chakra – in the area of your naval you are tired, happy, friendly, logical, depressed, less healthy? It’s the lower levels of energy we Sacral chakra – lower abdomen/sacral verte- etc. It’s like reading a map of energy! create with our thinking. Our chakras and aura brae (lower back) area colors are externalizations of the expressions Root chakra – base of the spine Think of your aura as your energetic of our thoughts, our feelings, and our moods or “SPACE”. disposition. Chakras show you the flow of energy through- out your endocrine system based on what you The colors of the aura and shades of inten- *Improve your chakras and auras and improve think and feel about your life at any moment in sity vary with emotion that you are currently your life. time. projecting. Intense feelings = intense colors. Your aura can look healthy and vibrant and MEDITATE Your chakras are points where energy trans- sparkle, or it can look unhealthy and have Find a comfortable seat and lengthen your fers. visible “holes”. spine from your tailbone to your crown. Start to breathe deeply, focusing on sending your breath Your chakras can become blocked, just as your How Chakras and Auras Work Together to a white flower at the crown of your head. mind becomes blocked when you are working What makes chakras and auras appear as they As you continue to breathe, visualize this through a challenge in your life. do, and what makes them work the way they flower blossoming open, opening the crown of work? It’s all about your energy, of course! your head as a channel to the Universe, letting In fact, the chakras can indicate where your For example, every day, you think and feel the bright white light of divine enter your energy emotional blockage is, so you can dive on in emotion. You reason; you gather up data; you field. there fix it. It’s really powerful stuff! Some come to conclusions. When you feel complete, close with a deep people can even see chakras and auras. You can breath in and a long breath out of your mouth. develop your intuitive gifts to the point where All of this affects your chakras and auras. Good Vibezzzz Only

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420 LiverpoolSai Road, Strathfield, Mandir2136 25 Rose Crescent Regents Park, 2143

NSW government has recently decided to relax certain restrictions to allow a maximum of 50 people at any point in time to offer prayers in the temple. Adhering to these rules, Strathfield & Regents Park Sai Temple will re-open for public to visit.

Temple timings during this period will be : Monday to Friday. 5pm to 8pm Saturday & Sunday :10am to 1pm and 5pm to 8pm

We humbly request all the devotees who visit Regents Park Sai Temple during these restriction period to follow below rules : 1. Devotees will be allowed into the temple for darshan only during the specified timings with registration. 2. Please take care of your kids. 3. Each batch of devotees will be given a maximum of 8 minutes to offer their prayers. 4. Please do not bring any dry or cooked Prasad until further notice. 5. Prasad will not be served in the temple during this period. 6. Please do not touch any deities or the Priest during your visit to the temple. 7. Please listen to priest’s instruction during your visit. 8. Social distancing should be strictly practiced for the entire duration of your visit. 9. Please come with face mask protection for your own safety as well as the safety of other devotees. 10. If you are unwell and have cough or flu like symptoms please stay home. 11. Arrangements will be made at the temple gates to allow devotees in batches.

Your utmost cooperation is required to keep our community safe and avoid spreading COVID-19.

Sai Mandir Sydney 1300 524 724 [email protected] www.shirdisai.org.au

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More than Cricket, Curry and the Commonwealth: Forging a stronger Australia – India relationship Whilst there have been false starts to the Australia – India relationship in the past, could the con- vergent COVID-19 pandemic and North Asian geopolitics tensions be the trigger for accelerating ties between our two countries towards a strategic partnership?

by Jai Patel

ith a surge in COV- ID-19 cases in recent weeks, all eyes are on India’s response to the Wimmediate health crisis and eventual return to economic activity and growth. Australia is well placed to assist India having (so far) managed successfully the twin health and economic crises. This will no doubt be a central theme at the bilateral virtual summit planned between critical not only to India’s economy, but In a post COVID-19 world – an era Prime Ministers Morrison and Modi on also Australia’s as we seek to urgently of rising geopolitical tensions, changing 4 June. It is in Australia’s interests to not diversify our trade and investment rela- business models and shifts and realign- only share our recent experiences but to tionships. T ments in global supply chains for greater proactively work with India in strategic business resilience and stability – Aus- ways to partner across scientific & medi- he present geopolitical context tralia and India have the opportunity to cal research, technology and innovation provides Australia and India the oppor- refine and redirect focus on those areas in the health sector.’ tunity to enshrine the economic relation- and sectors where there are immediate ship in fundamental shared values and and obvious demand and supply side India has its work cut out to manage strategic interests – moving away from requirements. the health crisis and reinstate economic the clichéd 3Cs of Cricket, Curry and the growth which in a pre COVID-19 world, Commonwealth and an otherwise trans- Australia has much to gain from was forecast to be at least 5-6 percent in actional attitude to business. A bilateral India’s recovery and continued growth FY20, but is now slashed by the Reserve economic relationship built on these trajectory over the next decade and Bank of India into negative territory pillars will enable incremental beyond. This is the very crux of, An for FY21. An economic recovery in the and sustained growth into the longer India Economic Strategy to 2035, (IES) second half of the current fiscal year is term. commissioned by the Australian Govern-

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ment and authored by Peter Varghese in a time where high tariffs in China are goes without saying that as and when AO. The IES sets out in great detail an making exports less attractive. The cur- international travel resumes, there will economic plan for Australian companies rent massive locust attack in India also be great demand and hence business op- to study with an ambition for Australia highlights opportunities for Australia portunities in the tourism and ancillary to bring India into its top 3 export and to help with crop protection solutions, services sectors. It’s probably also about investment markets. Mr Varghese and more broadly, methods for boosting time Australia rolls out the red carpet asserts, “There is no market over the crop productivity and yields. for another Bollywood blockbuster to be next 20 years which offers more growth shot on our beautiful shores! opportunities for Australian business The third sector is resources and min- than India”. ing equipment, technology and services India’s reciprocal Australia Economic (METS). India’s recent announcement Strategy (AES), which is expected to be In a post COVID-19 world, all of the to open up the mining sector for private launched imminently will complement 10 sectors highlighted in the IES will participation will see the acceleration the IES highlighting business opportuni- continue to be of relevance for Austral- of new mining projects and Australian ties for Indian companies through trade ian organisations with defence and METS providers are extremely well and investment with Australia. It will security being an increasingly promi- placed to participate. be the first of its kind for India with any nent feature and matter of strategic nation. importance in the bilateral relationship. The fourth sector is health. Australia and India share competitive advantages Through these complimentary and For Australian businesses and tertiary in the areas of medical research and comprehensive bilateral reports, institutions, there are 5 key areas of biotech which in the immediate term, governments on both sides have set opportunity now and into the medium could be focused on joint initiatives the strategic intent and aspiration term. addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. for growing the bilateral economic The continuity and extension of the relationship and this will no doubt be The first is education. Australian uni- Australia India Strategic Research reinforced during the upcoming virtual versities should reimagine more sustain- Fund will be critical for this purpose. summit which we expect to also cover able business models, leveraging online Australian organisations have opportu- broader cooperation in areas of defence delivery to reach a larger international nities to help India build up its health- and security, including conclusion of target market and help India achieve its care system and implement new and the much-awaited Mutual Logistics massive education requirements. The innovative service and delivery models Sharing Pact. IES contemplates a consortium of Aus- such as tele-health. Australian life sci- tralian universities setting up in India, ences companies are also encouraged Businesses must now leverage these the same India’s elite educational insti- to explore how they might participate comprehensive blueprints and formulate tutions (IIMs/IITs) should be encour- in the expansion of the Indian pharma- their own specific plans to take tangible aged to establish a presence in Australia ceuticals industry in a post COVID-19 steps towards realising trade, invest- to maximise the impact of two way skills world. ment and other collaboration opportuni- and capability development for even ties. Critical to this is raising India- greater collaboration in areas of R&D The fifth sector is infrastructure. India Australia organisational literacy and and industry commercialisation. has announced the further opening up awareness through to the board level. of sectors such as aviation and power The 700,000+ strong Indian diaspora in The second priority sector is agribusi- distribution utilities for private invest- Australia comprising both Australians ness. The opportunities for Australian ment participation over and above roads of Indian origin and Indians resident in agricultural and premium produce and highways, ports and railways infra- Australia should play an important role exports to India are opening up with structure. Australian superannuation in this exciting future. barley and a variety of fruits the latest funds should continue their exploration developments. India is a massive market of alternative large scale and higher About the author-Jai Patel is the of young, health conscious, vegetarian yielding infrastructure investments out- Head of India Business Practice Asia consumers seeking high quality fresh side of traditionally favoured western and International Markets at KPMG, and safe fruit and vegetables. Indian markets. Sydney. Inputs have been take from beer makers may well welcome the op- Doug Ferguson in the writing of this portunity to buy barley from Australia Without adding a sixth sector, it article.

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Major General Premangsu Chowdry, Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society (FRGS), Mention-in-Dispatches (MiD)**, (Veteran): 3rd Battalion GARHWAL RIFLES; 3rd and 2nd Battalions 5th GORKHA RIFLES (FRONTIER FORCE) A Military and Corporate Career par Excellence: {By Colonel Joseph Matthews (Veteran), Indian Army}

General (later Field Marshal) KM Cari- appa, OBE, the first Commander-in Chief of Independent India; General KS Thimayya, DSO, Chief of Army Staff (1957-1961); General (later Field Marshal) Sam Bahadur Manekshaw, MC, Chief of Army Staff (1969-1973), legend of the India-Pakistan war in 1971; Lieutenant General Srinivas By: Joe Mathews Sinha, PVSM, ADC, 5th GORKHA RIFLES Author’s Note: The below write-up is to (FRONTIER FORCE), Vice Chief of Army document the extraordinary career of Major Staff, later Governor of Jammu & Kashmir General Premangsu Chowdry, PVSM, and Assam states; and the legendary Major FRGS, MiD** in the Indian Army and in General Ian Cardozo, AVSM, SM also from the corporate sector after retirement from the 5th GORKHA RIFLES (FRONTIER the Indian Army. It is rare in the cur- FORCE). rent times to get first-hand account of an Indian Army veteran who took active part The General is to be applauded for his in the 2nd World War operations in North amazing and sharp memory to recall dates/ Africa, Middle East and Italy; did post-war years, names and places from his military General Staff assignments in Japan with career since 1941, particularly from his 2nd the British Commonwealth Occupational World War deployments. Forces (BCOF) and in the Headquarter The General celebrated being 100 years of Supreme Commander Allied Forces young on 01 May 2020. (SCAP) commanded by General Douglas McArthur; with the British Commonwealth Early Life: 1920-1941: Division during the Korean War 1950-53; The General (Prem) was born on 01 May and fought in all the three India-Pakistan 1920 and hailed from Barisal town on the wars of 1948, 1965, 1971. banks of Kirtan Kola river, then in East Ben- gal, now in Bangladesh. The family were The write-up on the General is from well known as the ‘Chowdrys from Loha face-to-face interviews with the General in Ghar’ in Comilla District having zamindar Sydney, Australia in 2019. I am fortunate, credentials in that era. The General’s grand- privileged and honoured to have had the father was the Superintendent of Prisons in opportunity to spend quality time with the 99 Dacca, Bengal, the first Indian to have held years young ‘fighting fit / fit to fight’ General that post in the 19th century. His father was and relate to his extensive 2nd World War the Treasurer to the District Commissioner operational experience and who with his of Barisal in the early 1900s. contemporaries shaped the Indian Army since Indian Independence in 1947, notably, After completing schooling at Barisal,

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where he received best student award and the Gold Medal for standing first in his matricu- lation exam, young Prem did his Bachelors and Masters at St Xaviers College, Calcutta University. Prem studied Arts with English Honours and was placed in the order of merit in the Bachelors programme.

The intention after graduation was to join the Indian Civil Services (ICS), however recruit- ment to the ICS had ceased due to the emerging World War in 1939. Prem instead opted for and joined the 1st batch of the Bangalore Cadet Col- lege, structured as a British Public School and which became the Officer Training Academy (OTA) for commissioning into the British Indian Army.

Army Career: 1941-1974: On 21 December 1941, Prem was commis- sioned as a 2nd Lieutenant into the ‘Royal GARHWAL RIFLES’ and joined at the Garhwal Regimental Centre at Lansdowne, in current Uttarakhand State. Prem was one of the the first commissioned Indian officer into the ‘Royal’ Regiment.

2nd World War Deployments: 1942-1945: North Africa, Middle East, Italy:

After the initial training at the Regimental Centre, in 1942 Prem was posted to the 3rd Battalion GARHWAL RIFLES. Prem served with the Battalion in the Western Sahara desert, Egypt, Cyprus, Iraq, Syria, Palestine and finally in the Italian Campaign. In North Africa the Battalion was part of the 5th Indian Division and took part in the ‘Battle of Tobruk’. The fierce battle cost the Battalion dearly, having lost 12 officers and over 500 soldiers. The Bat- talion thereafter was withdrawn and moved to Cyprus to rest, recuperate and await reinforce- forcement’ in Cyprus, which included ‘Raid for operations in the Taranto Sector and in the ments from the Garhwal Regimental Centre. Operations’ in the Greek Islands, Prem, with his Eastern and Central Sectors along the Apennine battalion 3 GARHWAL RIFLES was deployed Mountains; they fought battles in ‘River Cross- Prem was sent for a Weapons Course at the for training under the 9th British Army in the ing’ operations at Sangro, Garigliano and Sen- Military School at the Allies military base in Middle East. From 1943 the Battalion, as part of io. Prem and the Battalion also took part in the Gaza, where he excelled and earned the first the 10th Indian Division was actively involved battles of Monte Grande and Cassino. Prem’s position in merit. After the course Prem was in the ‘Italian Campaign’, where the Division outstanding operational performance in the Ital- ordered to transfer to the Gaza Military School was part of the 8th British Army (commanded ian Campaign earned him a recommendation for as an Instructor, a rare accomplishment because by General Bernard Montgomery, later Field the ‘Military Cross’ - but the vagaries in the fog he was one of the first officers of Indian origin Marshal, 1st Viscount Montgomery of Alamein, of war instead earned him the gallantry award to be posted as an Instructor to the School. KG, GCB, DSO, PC, DL). ‘Mention-in-Dispatches’ (MiD) - his first of the However the posting order was withdrawn at three, two of which follow in the 1948 and the Prem’s request since he wished to remain with Italian Campaign: 1943-1945: 1965 India-Pakistan wars. Thereafter in 1944 his troops involved in operations. Prem and the Battalion were actively involved Prem was promoted out of turn to the rank of in the Italian Campaign for almost two years a Major when he was just 24 years of age, the After six months ‘Rest, Relief and Rein- until May 1945. The Battalion was deployed youngest officer to achieve the rank at that age.

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3rd DSSC Course where he attained the second position in merit. Prem thereafter was posted as the General Staff Officer Grade 1 (GSO 1) to Headquarter East Punjab Area in Jullundur commanded then by Major General SPP Thorat (later Lieutenant General, KC, DSO).

Japan and Korea Deployments: 1950- 1952: In Headquarter of General Douglas McArthur, Supreme Commander Allied Forces (SCAP) in Japan: Korean Campaign: In December 1950, Prem was chosen by the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, Gen- eral KM Cariappa (later Field Marshal, OBE) to Prem was the first Indian origin Major in the take up the post of General Staff Officer Grade ‘Royal Battalion’, superseding fellow British 1 (GSO 1) at the Headquarter British Common- Officers in the Battalion, thereby exemplifying Waziristan and the Swat Valley. The core task wealth Occupation Forces (BCOF) in Japan. his high officer leadership quotient. of the Battalion and the Brigade was to suppress The appointment was another feather in the cap the Hazara tribal uprising in NWFP region. At for Prem and his military career, and he was the Yugoslavia Assignment: 1945: the end of the tenure, Prem was posted as the first and only Indian origin officer to have been In mid-1945, along with his Battalion Prem Training Commander at the Garhwal Regimen- part of the BCOF. Prem’s exceptional work was sent to the Italian border on a three months tal Centre at Lansdowne. ethic and professional competence appointed assignment on behalf of the Allies to assist in him also as the Liaison Officer from the BCOF preventing Yugoslavian partisans under Marshal After the India-Pakistan partition, in 1948, with the Headquarter UN forces in Japan under Josef Tito entering the Italian-speaking province Prem was posted back to his battalion 3 the command of General Douglas McArthur of Istria, currently in Croatia. Yugoslavia had GARHWAL RIFLES deployed in the Kashmir who was the Supreme Commander Allied laid claim to the Istria province at the end of region for the 1948 India-Pakistan war. The Powers (SCAP). Prem’s position as the Liaison World War I. Being a politically sensitive as- Battalion as part of the 160 Infantry Brigade Officer at the Headquarter UN Forces enabled signment, Prem was able to justly accomplish was responsible to clear the Baramullah-Uri him regular professional interaction with Gen- the task without any political undertones or axis which they accomplished under heavy eral Douglas McArthur, an honour and privilege unfavourable outcomes to the agenda of the odds. Prem earned his second gallantry award which Prem recalls with clarity and great pride. Allied powers. Later, in October 1966, when ‘Mention-in-Dispatches’ in the Kashmir opera- In 1951 Prem was posted as GSO 1 to the 1st President Josef Tito of Yugoslavia visited India tions. British Commonwealth Division in Korea. The as part of the Tripartite meeting with President Division was actively engaged in the ‘Korean Abdul Nasser of Egypt and Prime Minister Soon after the 1948 operations, Prem as a War’ in the peninsula. Prem spent a year in the Indira Gandhi, the Prime Minister personally 28 years old Lieutenant Colonel was given Division and excelled professionally. designated Brigadier Premangsu Chowdry to the prestigious offer to command the 3rd receive and be the Liaison Officer to President Battalion the 5th GORKHA RIFLES (FRON- Return to India: 1952-1954: Second Com- Tito on behalf of the Government of India. TIER FORCE). Prem’s parent regiment Royal mand of Infantry Battalion: At the end of World War II, Prem was selected GARHWAL RIFLES did not have vacancy In October 1952 Prem returned to India and as one of the three officers, with 10 Battalion for command of any of the battalions, which was given his second command of an Infantry Commissioned Officers (BCO) and 25 Other compelled Prem to accept transfer to the 5th Battalion, the 2nd Battalion the 5th GORKHA Ranks to represent and lead the 10 Indian Divi- GORKHA RIFLES Regiment for command. RIFLES (FRONTIER FORCE) at Ferozepur as sion in the Allies Victory March in London in part of the 43 Infantry Brigade (Lorried). 1945. In September 1948, Prem joined his new bat- talion in Hyderabad at the tail-end of Operation In 1953 Prem got married to Sheila Devi- Return to India: 1945-1950: India-Pakistan POLO. The Battalion provided support to the chand in New Delhi. The General won the heart War 1948: Transfer to 3rd Battalion 5th Hyderabad State police in their action against and mind of Sheila, in fact he was a dashing and GORKHA RIFLES and Command of Infan- the Nizam-ruled princely Hyderabad State to suave gentleman able to leave a lasting impres- try Battalion: ensure that the State remained in the Indian sion on anyone who met with him. At 100 years In October 1945 Prem and his Battalion 3 Union. Prem’s battalion thereafter provided ad- Prem still carries that aura and gentry to win GARHWAL RIFLES returned to Lansdowne. ministrative support to the Civil Administration. over people. The love of his life for 57 years, The Battalion was thereafter deployed in the Sheila passed away to her heavenly abode in North West Frontier Province (NWFP - cur- Prem thereafter undertook the entrance exam 2013. rently in Pakistan) at Campbellpore forming for admission into the prestigious Defence part of an experimental Infantry Brigade re- Services Staff College (DSSC) at Wellington, Joint Services Staff College Course, United sponsible for testing new weapons and tactics in Tamil Nadu. In 1949-50 Prem underwent the Kingdom: 1954:

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support to Eastern Command. Leading into the In recognition of Prem’s ability and potential war, the Bengal Area had the crucial responsibil- for high-level command, Prem was selected to ity of managing and attending to thousands of attend a 12 months course at the Joint Services refugees pouring into India from East Pakistan. Staff College (equivalent to the National Defence The Headquarter Bengal Area had to coordinate College) at Latimer in England. After this the entire logistics and movement of people and tenure Prem was attached with the British Army goods by rail and road in the region as part of the deployed in the Rhine in Germany and later with war effort. the Royal Airforce and the Royal Navy in the United Kingdom. Retirement from Army - Transition to Cor- Instructor Defence Services Staff College porate and Public Sector: 1974-1983: (DSSC), Wellington, India: 1955-1958: On 30 April 1974, after 33 years of meritorious On return to India in 1955, Prem briefly service, Prem retired from the Army and pursued resumed command of the same battalion, the 2nd Command of Infantry Division and Area a successful career in the corporate world. Battalion the 5th GORKHA RIFLES (FRON- Headquarters: TIER FORCE) at Mathura. Shortly afterwards In civil life, initially in Calcutta, Prem held Prem was posted as an Instructor to the Defence After the Ethiopian tenure Prem was posted senior executive positions in the corporate and Services Staff College in Wellington, Tamil for the second time to command a brigade, the public sector including, Director of Shaw Wal- Nadu. It was a honeymoon posting for Prem and 120 Infantry Brigade at Gaulti, Rajouri, as part lace; Managing Director of Durgapore project, Sheila. The salubrious climate and the heavenly of 25 Infantry Division. Thereafter in 1965 Prem a public sector undertaking to which he was environment of Coonoor, Wellington and Ooty was posted as Brigadier General Staff (BGS) appointed by the then Prime MinisterIndira were and still are appealing especially to any and acting Chief of Staff of 1 Corps at Mathura Gandhi and the Chief Minister of West Bengal couple seeking romance. which took part in the second India-Pakistan war Siddhartha Shankar Ray; Managing Director in the same year. Prem earned his third gallantry of Sankey Wheels; and Chairman Consortium Promotion to Colonel and Brigadier and award ‘Mention-in-Dispatches’ in this war for his Industries. Prem’s contribution to the undertak- Command of Infantry Brigade: 1958-1960: exemplary contribution to the war effort. ings enabled them to turn around their losses and be profitable enterprises thereafter. After DSSC, in 1958 Prem was posted to In 1967, at the age of 47, Prem was posted General Staff at Headquarter 4 Infantry Division as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) Of significance, in 1979 Prime Minister Indira at Ambala, commanded by Major General BM Madhya Pradesh Area. The following year Prem Gandhi directly appointed Prem as the Chairman Kaul. In 1960 Prem was posted as Director took command of the 3 Infantry Division at Leh and Managing Director of Incheck Tyres & Military Training at the Army Headquarter which he commanded until 1970. Prem earned National Rubber. The position held equivalence New Delhi. Within a few months at the age of his Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM; photo to a Minister of Industries and was part of the 40 Prem was promoted as a Brigadier and was below - receiving the award from Shri VV Giri, Appointments Committee of the Cabinet at the posted to command 114 Infantry Brigade in The President of India) during this command in federal level. Ladakh. The Brigade was newly raised and was relation to his overall meritorious service and airlifted to Ladakah. The area of responsibility of the specific job of organising and personally Final Retirement in Dubai and Sydney: the Brigade then included the whole of Ladakh, directing the large earthquake relief programme In 1983 at 63 years Prem took permanent Leh and Chishul regions. for the local civilian population following a very retirement. The General and Mrs Sheila Chow- large earthquake which claimed several lives and dry thereafter spent time with their three sons Ethiopia Assignment: 1960-1963: caused extensive property damage in the Ladakh Rahoul, Drone and Kunal settled in Sydney and region. Prem’s efforts saved many lives. Dubai. The General currently resides in Sydney At the end 1960, after successful command of with his eldest son Rahoul. An avid golfer into the newly formed Brigade, Prem was appointed In December 1970, Prem took over as the Gen- his mid-80s, Prem never missed a chance to by General KS Thimayya, DSO, the Chief of eral Officer Commanding (GOC) Bengal Area. swing his golf clubs at the Delhi Golf Club and Army Staff to be Commandant of the Ethiopian This was a vital responsibility since the Area was the Manly Golf Club in Sydney. The Manly Club Military Academy in Harar, reporting directly required to deal with the violent Naxalite prob- honoured the General over an evening sit-down to Emperor Haille Selassie of Ethiopia. Prem lem in Bengal State. In order to do so, Prem was dinner with all the members in 2010. was also an unofficial Military Advisor to the given significant responsibility and authority, and Emperor. This tenure over the next three years had under direct and indirect command, the three Prem is associated with many charitable built a lasting and bonding association between Army divisions then based in Bengal, the entire organisations and is a Fellow of the Royal Geo- the Emperor and Prem. Railway, State Police, CRPF, BSF and the Home graphical Society United Kingdom. The General Guards. During the 1971 India-Pakistan war was also an active member of the Royal United Return to India: 1963-1974: India_Pakistan which led to the creation of Bangladesh, Bengal Services Institute for Defence and Security Stud- War 1971: Promotion to Major General: Area under Prem’s leadership provided vital ies in Sydney.

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“Travel will gain strength gradually…” Manpreet Walia celebrating 15 Years in Industry shares

How has COVID 19 affected Travel Industry ?

Its evident that TRAVEL is worst HIT by COVID19 and the impacts are significant. It is the time for survival of fittest not only in this industry overall. We have seen travel differently where the tickets were written manually to the times when in 2008 E Tickets were initially launched and world of OTA’s had begun soon after in INDIA. There had been many ups and downs but none like this for sure which we would have heard where billions of dollar worth is at stake every day. The industry will bounce back and we are hopeful and committed. The following two years will see industry evolving in so many different ways. Airlines are Daljeet Bakshi following major health & security check in place as per rules from WHO as well as Discussing Travel and regulated by Government. We can hope and perform our best intention to prosper COVID 19 once again and count next 15 years.(amused) Your Background “Always buy Travel Insurance specially for Visiting Parents”

I belong to the City Beautiful - Chandigarh, INDIA. I am born ,brought up, studied , worked, got married & had kids in Chandigarh(Laugh). I Graduated from MCM DAV College. I started working at the age of 19 Years straight after my college. My father offered me freedom to experience life on my own and he had supported me fully and that’s the way to be. How did you join Airlines Industry ?

I think it was meant to be, I joined a RESERVATION COURSE at a cost of INR 5000 for 30 days in 2005 with AIRPAK INTERNATIONAL and in just 20 days I was asked to join them instead. Little did I know that my destiny was calling me for another change in less than 2 months and I got appointed by BAJAJ TRAVELS LTD., Chandigarh one of the sought after agencies back then. My Journey began under my then manager Mr. Harminder Singh who is my MENTOR my GURU and with support from Mr. Bajaj himself and all team. I worked for 2.5 years with them and moved onto work with EKIDO HOLIDAYS PVT. LTD. and then finally PAUL MERCHANTS LTD., an organization that shaped my career. I worked for nearly 7 Years with them with five major promotions of which I shall always be indebted to Mr. Bansal (our Paul Sir) CMD of PAUL MERCHANTS LTD. I am incredibly thankful to my colleagues, seniors & juniors who have helped me to become what I am today.

Moving to AUSTRALIA

I moved to Australia in 2014 Under TRAVEL AGENCY MANAGER and as it may seem like a movie scene we moved to Australia in less than one year. I have had an enormous support from my husband, my partner & my friend GURVINDER S WALIA(Inder). I only had qualifications and Experience whereas he did all the hard work to prepare for Migration while I was nursing my 2 months old and we landed in Australia and I believe that it was the best decision he made for us.

Work in Travel in AUSTRALIA

Inder has also been working in Travel business since 2009 in INDIA under JOURNEY HUB TRAVEL and we have 25 years of combined experience in business, so travel was an obvious choice. However like many others we also did odd jobs initially & later JOURNEY HUB TRAVEL moved to AUSTRALIA.

Life in AUSTRALIA

I count my blessings of having a wonderful family [email protected] & friends whom I love. I cherish the time spent with my daughters (Zeenat11yrs & Sara 6yrs) & of course Inder. I am thankful for everyone in my life for shaping it with love and Unforgettable experiences & pray for happiness for all. “GRATITUDE IS KEY TO HAPPINESS” & “INNOCENCE IS A BLISS”

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Tarot / Angle Card Reading Learn Reiki By Sanjivani Kalsi

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Guru Amar Das ji - The Third Guru of Sikhs

the world - neither fame, nor riches nor a following. But we cannot live without his guidance. Guru Angad has tied us to your apron, where should we go now if you are not to show us the way?” At the tearful employment of the Sikhs, Guru Amar Das was overwhelmed by their devotion and returned to Goindwal. Datu having been un- By: Harmohan Singh Walia able to gather any followers of his own had returned to Khadur. ikhs celebrate the remembrance day of the ten Sikh gurus as Gur- Guru Amar Das further institutionalised purabs. Observed as Gurupurab Das met Guru Angad and converted to the the free communal kitchen called langar by the Sikhs, these mark the path of Sikhism. He eventually became among the Sikhs. The langar kitchen was Sbirth anniversary or martyrdom of any of Guru at the age of 73 succeeding Guru open to serve all day and night. Although the ten Sikh gurus. Sikh Gurus are known Angad Dev ji. rich food was served there, Guru Amar Das world over for their sacrifice and service was very simple and lived on coarse bread. to the humanity, their birthdays are thus Soon large numbers of Sikhs started The Guru spent his time personally attend- celebrated in a grand way. The main day flocking to Goindwal to see the new Guru. ing to the cure and nursing of the sick and witnesses large scale celebration with kirtan Datu one of Guru Angad’s sons proclaimed the aged. Guru Amar Das made it obligato- (devotional songs) and stories dedicated himself as Guru at Khadur following his ry that those seeking his audience must first to the Guru. Guru Granth sahib (the Sikh father’s death. He was so jealous of Guru eat in the langar. When the Raja of Haripur holy book) is read continuously throughout Amar Das that he proceeded to Goindwal to came to see the Guru. Guru Amar Das the day. This is followed by an Ardaas - a confront the Guru. Upon seeing Guru Amar insisted that he first partake a common meal Sikh prayer. Guru ka Langar (Free food) is Das seated on a throne surrounded by his in the langar, irrespective of his cast. The prepared and served in all the Gurdwaras followers he said; “You were a mere menial Raja obliged and had an audience with the across the world. Entire Sikh community servant of the house until yesterday and Guru. But his queen refused to lift the veil celebrates every Gurpurab by visiting gurd- how dare you style yourself as the Master?” from her face, so Guru Amar Das refused to waras, and serving free food to all. Celebra- He then proceeded to kick the revered old meet her. Guru Amar Das not only preached tions on Sikh Gurpurab remain same except Guru, throwing him off his throne. Guru the equality of people irrespective of their for the hymns and history for the respective Amar Das in his utter humility started caste but he also tried to foster the idea of Gurpurab. caressing Datu’s foot saying; “I’m old. My women’s equality. He tried to liberate wom- bones are hard. You may have been hurt.” en from the practices of purdah (wearing a Guru Amar Das ji’s Gurpurab was As demanded by Datu, Guru Amar Das left veil) as well as preaching strongly against celebrated is celebrated in May every year. Goindwal the same evening and returned to the practice of sati (Hindu wife burning on Guru Amar Das was born in the village of his native village of Basarke. her husband’s funeral pyre). Guru Amar Basarke on May 5, 1479. He was the eldest Das also disapproved of a widow remaining son of Tej Bhan a farmer and trader. Guru Here Guru Amar Das shut himself in a unmarried for the rest of her life. Amar Das grew up and married Mansa small house for solitary meditation. There Devi and had two sons Mohri and Mohan he attached a notice on the front door say- Goindwal continued to experience and two daughters Dani and Bhani. He was ing, “He who opens this door is no Sikh of growth as many Sikhs thronged there for a very religious Vaishanavite Hindu, who mine, nor am I his Guru.” A delegation of spiritual guidance. Pilgrims moved there spent most of his life performing all of the faithful Sikhs led by Baba Buddha found in large numbers to be close to the Guru. ritual pilgrimages and fasts of a devout the house and seeing the notice on the Muslims and Hindus also moved to the Hindu. front door, cut through the walls to reach thriving town. When there was racial fight- the Guru. Baba Buddha said, “The Guru ing between the three groups and calls for It was not until his old age that Amar being a supreme yogi, cares for nothing in revenge, Guru Angad instructed his Sikhs;

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to the teachings of Sikhism. All of these were in Punjabi and easily understood by the common people. When a learned Brahmin once questioned the Guru; “Why do you impart instruction to your disciples not in Sanskrit, the language of gods in which all the Hindu lore is written, but in their mother- tongue, like Punjabi, the language of the illit- erate mass.” To this Guru Amar Das replied; “Sanskrit is like a well, deep, inaccessible and confined to the elite, but the language of the people is like rain-water - ever fresh, “In God’s house, justice is sure. It is only a only depend upon the small offerings of the abundant and accessible to all.” He said; “I matter of time. The arrow of humility and devout. want my doctrines to be propagated through patience on the part of the innocent and the every language which the people speak, for it peaceful never fail in their aim.” The jealousy of the teachings of the Gu- is not language but the content that should be rus by the high caste Khatris and Brahmins considered sacred or otherwise.” With a view of providing the Sikhs with continued. They pleaded with Akbar at the a place where they could have a holy dip royal court that the teachings of Sikhism Seeing the rapid expansion of Sikhism, while visiting Goindwal the Guru had a type would lead to disorder as they went against Guru Amar Das asked his son-in-law and of deep open water reservoir called a baoli the teachings of Hindus and Muslims. trusted follower Bhai Jetha to oversee the dug. As the Hindus believed in reincarnation Akbar summoned the Guru to his court for founding of another city. He wanted him to in 84 hundred thousand species, Guru Amar an explanation. Guru Amar Das politely dig a tank there and to build himself a house. Das had the well dug with exactly 84 steps. excused himself on account of his old age Bhai Jetha first purchased the lands for the To symbolize that God could be reached but sent Bhai Jetha to answer the charges price of 700 Akbari rupees from the Zamind- through his remembrance rather than just levelled against the Sikhs. In the royal ars of Tung. Here he started the digging on a cycle of reincarnations he declared that court Bhai Jetha explained the teachings of the tank. This new township called Ram- whoever would descend the 84 steps for a Sikhism. Akbar was open minded and deeply daspur would in due time become present bath while reciting the Japji of Guru Nanak impressed by the religious doctrine of the day Amritsar, the holiest city of the Sikhs. at each step would be freed from the cycles Sikhs and decided that no further actions of births and deaths. were required. On September 1, 1574 sensing that his end was near, Guru Amar Das sent for Baba When it came time for the Guru to marry Guru Amar Das continued a systematic Buddha and other prominent Sikhs including his younger daughter Bibi Bani, he selected planned expansion of the Sikh Institutions. his two sons Mohan and Mohri. He declared; a pious and diligent young follower of his He trained a band of 146 apostles (52 were “According to the tradition established by called Jetha from Lahore. Jetha had come to women) called Masands and sent them to Guru Nanak, the leadership of the Sikhs visit the Guru with a party of pilgrims from various parts of the country. He also set up must go to the most deserving. I, therefore, Lahore and had become so enchanted by the 22 dioceses called Manjis across the country. bestow this honour on my son-in-law Bhai Guru’s teachings that he had decided to settle These twentytwo dioceses helped to spread Jetha. Guru Amar Das then renamed Bhai in Goindwal. Here he earned a living selling Sikhism among the population while col- Jetha as Ram Das, meaning Servant of God. wheat and would regularly attend the serv- lecting revenues to help support the young As was the custom Baba Buddha was asked ices of Guru Amar Das in his spare time. religion. Guru Amar Das also declared to anoint the forehead of Amar Das with the Baisakhi (April 13) as a special day, where saffron mark. All those present bowed before In 1567 while on his way to Lahore the all the Sikhs should gather to hear the Guru’s Guru Ram Das except for Mohan, Guru Emperor Akbar decided to visit and see words. Although advanced in years, Guru Amar Das’s eldest son. Shortly thereafter for himself Guru Amar Das. He stopped at Amar Das undertook a tour of a number of Guru Amar Das breathed his last on the full Goindwal to meet the Guru, whose teachings Hindu places of pilgrimage along the banks moon day of Bhadon in 1574 at the ripe old he had heard about. The Guru agreed only to of the Yamuna and Ganga rivers as well as age of 95. see Akbar if he would first eat in the langar. Kurukshetra. Here the Guru would hold re- Akbar agreed and here the Emperor sat down ligious services and large numbers of people and ate with the poorest of the poor in his would come to hear his preaching. company. Akbar was so impressed by Guru Amar Das that he wanted to give the Guru For their religious scriptures Guru Amar a parting gift of the revenue collected from Das collected an anthology of writings several villages to help support the langar including hymns of Guru Nanak and Guru kitchen. Guru Amar Das refused saying Angad and added his own as well as those of that the langar must be self-supporting and other Hindu saints whose poems conformed

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Picture Courtesy Samsung Electronics

place. One of the main pieces of technology we have on our work desk are the monitors, keyboard and mouse to say the least.

Since we are now working from home it is important for us to purchase monitors which are more comfortable and gives us a better view. It is tedious to work on small laptop By: Sarang Vengurlekar screens for longer periods hence having a monitor is the most convenient technology to Picture courtesy sqlshack.com es, the world has changed pro- invest in. So how do you choose a monitor as foundly due to COVID-19 pan- there are so many different types? various levels of resolutions. The best quality demic and has flipped our world will be achieved by purchasing a 4K monitors around. Who would have thought Let’s start. First of all, always determine which are on the more expensive side. Ya year ago that we would all be abiding by the the space available on your desk as this will term social distancing? be a factor towards determining the size of Apart from the resolution, size does the monitor to purchase. Consider how this matter,ensure you do not get the biggest Amid this pandemic the whole world has monitor will be used such as everyday general monitor available but be mindful of your started working remotely from analternate lo- usage opposed to gaming and media usage. If deskspace. It is best to get a monitor which cation other than work. This is now known as the purpose is gaming than the gamers should WFM (Work from Home). There are various prioritise fast refresh rates and low response challenges we are facing working from home times. as we do not have the same facilities that we have available at our workplace. Picture Quality Figure 2 Picture courtesy sqlshack.com While we are adjusting to various circum- Resolution is of utmost importance. The stances, we are also trying to improve our higher the resolution, the better the picture. working space at home to convert the space to You may have heard the terms 720p HD, something equivalent to that of at our work- 1080p HD, 4K UHD etc. These are all the

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looks and fits right on the desk. The most These monitors are all-rounders therefore if Samsung as their proprietary technol- common sizes are between 28” inches to 32” you want a monitor that will be useful in all ogy. These monitors have great viewing inches. These are typically sizing you will aspects then this is the one you need to get. angles better brightness levels and most find at your work. Some tech savvy people The only negative side is that these moni- of all they are cheaper to produce hence may also refer to PPI (Pixel Per Inch).Always tors are slower therefore anything with a fast the pricing is very reasonable. remember the higher the PPI the better the movement will create ghosting. quality. Curved or Flat Panel? In-Plane Switching (IPS) It comes down to personal preference. Response Times They are great for gamers as it provides The shorter the response time the better. A an immersive experience along with a normal every monitor may have a response large field of view. It is also said there is time of 5ms but a gaming monitor will less strain on eyes when curved monitors normally be 2ms or less. Response time is are used. basically the time it takes for a monitor to change individual pixels. If the response time Flat panels are great when it comes to is higher there will be more motion blurwhen doing your general work as this is what playing games or watching fast paced videos. we generally use at work. These are one of the most common types of monitors Panel Types that have been used for decades. The Twisted Nematic (TN) subject on this monitor is viewed in flat and even across the whole screen

It is great to get a monitor which suits Picture courtesy aoc.com your requirements and there are many more optional features that are available These monitors are the best for pho- between all the brands and models avail- tographers as it has the most accurate able in the market. Some monitors also colours. VA panel monitors are also offer multimedia built in speakers so that reasonable in pricing but be sure to check is one more clutter off your desk. the response time as they are known to be slower. I hope this gives you an idea on mak- ing your next decision to purchase your Plane to Line Switching (PLS) monitor. If you have any feedback, please These monitors are very similar to email on [email protected] Picture courtesy acer.com IPS monitors and they are produced by

These monitors have the fastest response time and they are normally around the 2ms or lessand are pretty affordable. They are gener- ally good monitors, but these are not so great on brightness and colour reproduction.

Vertical Alignment (VA)

Picture courtesy llyama.com

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COVID-19 and Domestic Violence

It is also intended to include the impact of been changes made to residential tenancy COvid-19 public health requirements, for ex- law as which in some cases allows you to ample, stay-at-home Orders, on the prevalence terminate a lease without penalty if you of Domestic Violence and provision of support are experiences family violence. Further services. information can be found here:- https:// www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-12-domestic- The social and economic impact of the violence pandemic is placing a significant number of 4. Remember to always stay in touch with vulnerable women and children at risk. Twelve friends and family, even if you can only od By: Mitu Gopalan women have been killed pursuant to Domestic so via text message or social media. Violence incidents since Covid-19 lockdown 5. Should the situation escalate, and you need t is indeed disappointing to note that the measures were put in place in March 2020. to contact he police, you may be able to Federal Government is now looking at obltain Apprehended Domestic Violence setting up a new parliamentary enquiry It is disgrace that New South Wales faced a Order which is a legal document that will into Family, Domestic and Sexual recent death relating to Ms Kamaljeet Sidhu. protect you from family violence. IViolence, particularly given the inadequacies No such incidents should take place in the 6. Your mental health and wellbeing are im- portrayed in the most recent Senate Enquiry future. portant during these times. A list of services into Domestic Violence. and support contacts can be found here:- ht- Below are some tips on what you can do: tps://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth/ The new enquiry is intended to cover im- 1. If you or someone you know is impacted sevices/Pages/support-contcat-lost.aspx mediate and long term measure to prevent by domestic violence, you can contact violence against women and their children and 1800RESPECT which is a 24-hours national If you are concerned about your legal rights focus on gender equality. sexual assault, family and domestic violence in relationship, whether it be issues relating counselling line for all Australians sho are to domestic violence, property, settlement or The enquiry has also been requested to look at risk or experiencing domestic violence. child custody, please do not hesitate to contact at the best practice and lessons which can be 2. Of course if you are in immediate danger, Freedmanm & Gopalan Solicitor on 02 8917 learned from the international experiences call 000 for Police or Ambulance. 8700 for advice. and requesting guidance in order to provide 3. In NSW, the Department of Communities accountability for services and policy and Justice can assist you with accommoda- This is so that we do not lose another responses. tion Due to current situation, there have also Kamaljeet from our community and society.

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India Needs You, give INDIA Now Make your donation at giveINDIA’s COVID-19 Response Fund for Vidhayak Sansad - Shramjeevi Sanghatana and help the marginalised communities in rural India survive the aftermath of the pandemic

he Australian actor and India Australia Goodwill Ambassador, Saroni Roy, has initiated a COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund for Vidhayak TSansad - Shramjeevi Sanghatana, an outfit working for tribal & marginalised communities’ welfare in rural India, identified as giveINDIA’s trusted non-profit partners who are working at the grass-roots level to help the indigenous and marginalised communities fight the atrocities of the Coronavirus pandemic.

With the nation-wide lockdown in India district.” said, Vivek Pandit, Founder, Vidhayak extended and the already crippling effect of Sansad - Shramjeevi Sanghatana. Coronavirus pandemic on the Indian economy, the worst hit are the daily wage earners. The Thanks to all the generous donors so far tribal and marginalised communities from the from all parts of the globe, Vidhayak Sansad region of Thane, Shahpur, Jawhar, Mokhada, - Shramjeevi Sanghatana was able to support Bhiwandi, Kalyan, Murbad, Vasai, Vikramgad, 43,894 families so far and has mobilized INR Wada, Talasari, Dhanu, Palghar, Nashik, Raigad, 25.8 million in the form of financial and food & Harsil, Peth, Surgana, Pen, Panvel, Sudhagad, essential commodity aid. This has set an example Khalapur in the state of Maharashtra, India, work of how humanity has been unlocked in lock- on daily wages and over 11000 families were not with your donation and support, and help them down. And now we need each of you to continue eligible for any assistance from the Government survive the aftermath of this crisis. Your dona- your support for Vidhayak Sansad - Shramjeevi of India because they didn’t have ration cards tion of a mere INR 650 (approx. $8.58 USD) Sanghatana by making a donation and help the (ration cards are an official document issued by will feed one poor family for a week.” appeals, indigenous and marginalised communities of state governments in India to households that Saroni Roy, Founder & CEO, SARONI ROY rural India survive the devastating aftermath of are eligible to purchase subsidized food grain Foundation, to everyone worldwide to make a the pandemic. from the Public Distribution System under the contribution to help India through the giveIndia National Food Security Act. They also serve as COVID-19 Response Fund by Saroni Roy for India needs you, giveINDIA now: giveINDIA a common form of identification for many Indi- Vidhayak Sansad Vivek Pandit & Vidyullata COVID-19 Response Fund by Saroni Roy for ans). Vidhayak Sansad - Shramjeevi Sanghatana Pandit founded Vidhayak Sansad in 1979 and Vidhayak Sansad volunteers came to the rescue of these margin- Shramajivi Sanghatana in 1982, for the socio- alized and vulnerable sections of the society economic development and welfare of the tribal risking their own lives, and prepared a list of and the marginalised communities including these individuals and families in these villages landless labourers, released bonded labourers, without ration cards, including the labourers, migrant labourers and farmers in rural Mahar- police constables, sex workers, LGBTQ com- ashtra. munity, mathadi workers, migrant labourers who had now lost their jobs and were enroute to their “Our initiative ‘Manuskichi Thali’ has pro- home state by foot, and provided them with food, vided free meals to over 10,000 labourers, beg- Ayurvedic medicines and helped them get to gars, aged individuals in need last month. During their village by arranging transport facilities. this period, several of these poor and vulnerable families were deprived of any government as- “India is facing its worst public health crisis sistance or food aid as they did not have a ration with the Covid-19 pandemic. Having lived in card. I immediately filed a Public Interest Litiga- Mumbai, I was immediately drawn to take action tion in the Mumbai High Court seeking urgent to support Vidhayk Sansad - Shramjeevi Sangha- relief for these families. The court took serious tana in their mission to support rural India in this note of this and ordered the State Government dreadful crisis. I have initiated this giveINDIA to immediately issue ration cards for over 5,702 Fundraiser to directly support the vulnerable families in Palghar district, 3,057 in Thane communities by providing a minimum wage, district, 319 in Raigad district and 2,058 in Nasik

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Mrs Barbara Ward- Northern Province Member Highlight this month

OVID -19 and its impact cise programs and raising aware- on so many levels has ness of mental health resources not stopped one of our through her work leading share.org. most admired and tire- au. Through her work at Nutrition Cless business and community leader Australia NSW, she has delivered Barbara Ward JP said Commissioner food hampers with fresh vegetables Shane Fitzsimmons. and fruit to families far and wide across NSW. Barbara has personally Barbara was commended by The purchased and delivered grocer- Hon Natalie Ward MLC for her ies together with her husband to incredible effects during a very chal- vulnerable people all over Sydney, lenging time. including Easter eggs and hot cross buns. All this while personally cook- I am pleased to announce our ing meals for people in isolation, Northern Province Member Highlight ringing members and setting up this month is Mrs Barbara Ward! Zoom meetings so people remain connected. Barbara is also active in During the COVID-19 pandemic Lupus Australia, Lifeline and the shutdown, Barbara has been active Rotary Club of Sydney. Thank you in helping her community. She has Barbara for all the phenomenal work assisted in providing fresh food you have done during this challeng- packages, facilitating regular exer- ing time. Women Empowerment

lpana Srivastava and Tiya Tiya Gorain is a model, eminent entre- Gorain – are the names which preneur and the founder of Empowered have become synonymous Beauties With Brains (https://www.face- with women empowerment in book.com/empoweredbeautieswithbrains/). Asociety They both run non-profit platforms. They aim to empower, help, motivate, Alpana Srivastava is a renowned entre- support and uplift women by providing preneur and the founder of Sakhi Online them with platforms to showcase their (http://sakhi.online). skills, products and talents; as well as to raise awareness about issues and help their voices to be heard.

They also started Women In Business (https://www.facebook.com/womenInBusi- nessWIB/) with Reetika Bhalla to help women entrepreneurs by providing networking, collaboration, referral and marketing opportunities to women owned businesses. They have been working hard for the betterment of the community and devote Alpana and Tiya organise various a large portion of their time and energy to women empowerment events including champion women’s rights as well as other fashion and wellness events. social causes.

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UVAA Virtual Film Festival 2020 An opportunity for short films to go on OTT Daljeet Bakshi All projects officially selected will t’s a special time for Rotary in receive the UVFF official laurel and Australia and New Zealand as the customized certificate of achieve- they celebrate the first 100 years ment according to their final status of Service in 2021, with their in the competition. As underlined Ifour founding clubs: all begun in 1921, above, some of them will be shown Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland and online. Some of the award winners Wellington. will be requested for an on line interview or to provide the festival As the present scenario is of digi- with a BTS or award acceptance talization , new opportunities have video statement to be published in emerged providing great platform to work and reach out to the right the UVFF website. reach millions . Due to covid 19 impact jury members and audiences world , the online community presence has over thereby getting one step closer UVFF 2020 comprises of an increased subsequently . Result of this, to receiving recognition for their art. esteemed list of jury members. new doors have opened for hidden UVFF 2020 has wonderful opportuni- Renowned experts including but not talent , film makers and short film ties for the business of film and visual limited to social activists, musicians, creators . arts. theatre personalities, filmmakers, All entries are promoted for free environmentalists and more, who will UVAA Virtual Film Festival through their social media and web- judge the entries. The highest rated UVFF2020 would be the first of its site, with a featured page of each entries are nominated for the awards kind film festival that is not only Non- project. UVFF2020 offers seven dif- of the respective categories and finally Profit but also for the benefit of short ferent categories to the filmmakers are choose the winners. film makers in India and around the to send their entries. These seven world. A festival, which will provide an categories are; Best Film (Fiction), Non Profitable Venture / social cause opportunity for Best Film (Non Fiction), Best Film UVFF 2020 will be a 100% non- short films to be promoted and picked (Social), Best Film (Environment), profitable entity. A tie up is done with up by OTT channels across the globe. Best Film (Covid-19), Best Film AHRI an Assam based NGO who is (Foreign Language) and Best working in the interiors of Assam with The man behind this venture is Film (Music Video) UVFF2020 the various communities to fight the Kamal Nathani who has spent his has decided to keep the duration COVID19 cause. Any profits from last 35 years in this Mumbai film In- of the films up to 40 min. This is the festival will proceed as donations dustry and has produced and directed again kept in mind from the OTT towards helping the millions fight this many television serials, films, com- perspective. fight against COIVD-19. mercial ad films and other social films for various ministries and the The idea is to select series of short UVFF 2020 will be hosting and corporate sector. He has some Award films on various issues/themes and managing the entire festival on Film winning feature films to his credit. He market them with the OTT platforms. Freeway, the world’s #1 platform to himself has been involved in partici- UVFF2020 becomes the connec- discover, submit and engage with film pating the national and international tion between the filmmakers and the festivals around the world. film festivals for last 30 years contentbuyers thus helping the film UVAA Virtual Film Festival 2020 Industry and creating one interest- [email protected] UVFF’s aim is to create an opportu- ing hub forselected award winning www.uvaafilmfestival.com nity for filmmakers to showcase their content. 9820052912

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