Indian

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November 19, 2010
Volume 2, No. 17
New Zealand’s first Indian weekend magazine
For free distribution

Community | 16 Community | 17 Bollywood | 20

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Indian Weekender | November 19 | www.iwk.co.nz 1

 Indian
Proud sons of Fiji
give back to mother country
Next weekend, on November 27, 33 volunteer
medical professionals from New Zealand
will begin a two week mission to provide
much needed relief to Fijian patients, includ-
ing some women who have been waiting over
a year for gynaecological procedures, which
have been the cause of discomfort and dis-
tress.
The team includes five specialist gynae-
cologists, four anaesthetists, 18 nurses, two
technicians and a physiotherapist. They will
be based at Lautoka Hospital, which serves
the western side of Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest
island. Additionally, three specialist physi-
cians will hold clinics in surrounding dis-
tricts to diagnose and advise patients with di-
abetes and blood pressure related problems.
The team also aims to give some respite and
provide training to Fijian doctors and nurses
who work hard in challenging circumstances
with an extremely limited budget.
The mission to Fiji is organised by the
Friends of Fiji Health (FoFH), a New Zealand
registered charity, recently set up by a group
of Fiji-born New Zealand-based profession-
als with a desire to contribute in a meaning-
ful way to help the people in their country
of birth.
Dr Sunil Pillay, a specialist obstetrician
and gynaecologist working from Fertility As-
sociates and Auckland Hospital is a founding
trustee and the chairperson of Friends of Fiji
C
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
2 Indian Weekender | November 19, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz
The mission to Fiji is
organised by the Friends of
Fiji Health (FoFH), a New
Zealand registered charity,
recently set up by a group of
Fiji-born New Zealand-based
professionals with a desire
to contribute in a meaningful
way to help the people in
their country of birth.
Health. He says the organisation aims for
this to be the first of many missions to Fiji
over the coming years. “Of course funding
is a challenge.
This two-week mission will cost ap-
proximately $150,000” says Dr Pillay. “We
are grateful for personal donations we have
received and also to our corporate partners
such as Southern Cross Hospitals, Johnson
and Johnson, and 3M who have assisted
with instruments, equipment and supplies.
I’d also like to acknowledge the 33 medical
volunteers who are so willingly giving their
New Zealand
time – I’m sure they will have a rewarding All trustees
experience.” give their time completely free of charge.
The volunteer team of medical profes-
sionals who will undertake the missions to
Dedicated trustees Fiji include specialist doctors, nurses, anaes-
The 13 FoFH trustees are now living in New thetists, technicians, and physiotherapists.
Zealand but were all born in Fiji and had the They include Fijians and Kiwis working
desire to contribute in a meaningful way in the New Zealand medical system – both
to help the people in their country of birth. private and public.
They are all professionals and include seven There are also supporting partners who
specialist doctors, a lawyer, an accountant, a provide goods and services at a discount or
Member of Parliament (Labour Party’s Rajen free of charge that includes Southern Cross
Prasad), two businessmen and an engineer. Hospitals, Johnson and Johnson, 3M, and
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Indian
others, besides airlines and accommodation
partners in Fiji.
FoFH raises funds and seeks supporting
partners to enable the organisation of volun-
teer medical teams to undertake missions to
Fiji.
These missions will assist in alleviating
the significant backlog in specialist treat-
ments; providing respite for local doctors
the Lautoka Hospital in western Fiji for over
12 months causing discomfort and distress to
many women needing treatment.
Scoping mission
The FoFH trustees undertook a fact-finding
visit to Fiji in July this year. They found en-
thusiastic medical staff doing some good
work despite shortages of equipment, infra-
Hospital, the surrounding district hospi-
tals and in local community health clinics.
Lautoka Hospital services half the population
of the island of Viti Levu, Fiji’s main island.
The first medical mission from New
Zealand will run for 2 weeks from November
27 to December 12 and will cost approxi-
mately $150,000.
New Zealand
Dr Pillay told Indian Weekender that
the process had been thought out carefully
in terms of the medico legal aspects and
any post-operative follow-ups on the local
patients after the team returned to New
Zealand. There would be detailed paperwork
about the handover of the patients from the
team of visiting doctors to the local medical
team, he said.
FoFH gratefully receives donations and

1.0 The trustees present at the

00 send-off on November 13
2.0 Dr Sunil Pillay
3.0 The volunteer nursing and
00 paramedical team that will
00 leaving for Fiji next week
4.0 Dr Pillay speaks to some
00 of the volunteers

who work very long hours in challenging
circumstances; training and up-skilling local
doctors; conducting clinics to detect health
problems earlier; and promoting preventative
medicine in the community.
Although the Fijian government provides
some free health services, the Fijian admin-
istration faces great challenges like other
developing countries in meeting the health
requirements of its citizens. Among these
are limited budgets and significant shortages
of medical professionals and equipment that
impact on treatment. For instance, no gynae-
cological procedures have been undertaken at
structure, supplies and enough hands. FoFH
identified specific needs in the areas of in-
ternal medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology,
general surgery and primary healthcare and
will focus initially on meeting these needs.
They intend to expand services in the future.
FoFH is a completely independent non-
governmental organisation (NGO) with hu-
manitarian aims and no political affiliation.
The Fijian government is accepting of the
helping hand that FoFH will offer to the Fijian
people and is making their facilities available
to FoFH.
FoFH will initially work out of Lautoka
Warm send off
FoFH held a send off dinner to the volunteer
team on November 13 at the Blockhouse Bay
Community Centre that most trustees and
nearly all the volunteers and their families
attended. Labour list MP and trustee Rajen
Prasad also attended. While Dr Pillay out-
lined the programme, Bob Naidu, who will
be on the ground co-ordinating the efforts
in Fiji, explained procedural details and the
code of conduct for the volunteers. Daven
Naidu was master of ceremonies.
also encourages approaches from supporting
partners who might assist with items such as
travel, accommodation, and medical supplies.
Additionally, FoFH is also keen to hear
from medical professionals who would like to
volunteer their skills and time to serving for
a short period on a medical mission to Fiji.
FoFH appreciates opportunities to raise
awareness throughout New Zealand about
their work, particularly within the medical
fraternity and among the New Zealand-based
Fijian community, but also among a wider
interested Kiwi audience. FoFH can be con-
tacted on (09) 302 5930.

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Indian Weekender | November 19 | www.iwk.co.nz 3

Indian
New Zealand

Join the St John-Indian Weekender

ambulance project
The ambulance service is the flagship for St John. Lights and sirens give
St John emergency ambulance work high visibility but it is not generally known
or understood that St John is a charity that fundraises for its ambulances and
equipment. Join the Indian Weekender in our Make a Difference for St John
fundraising campaign to get another St John ambulance on the road.

St John provides ,0 00
$150
ambulance services to 85%
of New Zealanders and Frontline ambulance
responds nationally to more
than 300,000 emergency
incidents every year – up to
125,000 of those are within
the Northern Region.
There are 601 ambulances and
operational vehicles nationally, 173 within
the Northern Region.

St John Northern Region General

Manager Stephen Franklin says, “With the
help of the Indian Weekender we aim to
put another ambulance on the road.”

It costs more than $150,000 to put an

ambulance on the road. This includes
some $16,000 worth of lights and sirens.

Medical equipment is an additional cost

including $33,900 alone for an MRX
Defibrillator; $10,000 Stryker stretcher.
and $1,200 for an oxygen cylinder &
supplies. A dozen gauze squares at 20
cents each may not seem a large amount
but gauze squares, like much of any
ambulance’s medical supplies, constantly
need replacing, often after every callout.
Over a 12 hour shift suddenly a 20 cent
bandage becomes a significant expense!

Suction unit Carry chair

12
$1,9

$2 ,
450

000
$10,

Stryker stretcher

4 Indian Weekender | November 19, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz

Indian
New Zealand

MPs get in on Deepawali spirit

Deepawali was celebrated at the New Zealand Par-
liament on Wednesday. Hosted by the Ministry of
Ethnic Affairs, chief guest for the occasion was
Sir Anand Satyanand, Governor-General of New
Zealand.
A number of MPs, including Bill English, Min-
ister of Finance and Acting Prime Minister; Phil
Goff, Leader of Opposition; Peter Dunne, Minister
of Revenue; Dr Rajen Prasad and Kanwaljit Singh
Bakshi, Members of Parliament representing the
Indian community and other members represent-
ing various political parties were present at the
festival.
Deepawali is celebrated not only by Indians but
also by Hindus from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia,
Fiji, and South Africa and so on. It was heartening
to see some of them representing the Hindu com-
munity at the Parliament function.
New Zealand Parliament has been celebrating
Deepawali since 2003. In New Zealand, this fes-
tival has become very popular and is celebrated
in all major cities such as Auckland, Wellington,
Hamilton, Christchurch and tourist centres such
as Rotorua, on a large scale. For example, the
Maori community is intimately involved in the
annual Rotorua Deepawali Festival (http://www.
rotoruadeepawali.org/).
The speakers at the Parliament ceremony
recognised Deepawali as a festival of religious
significance to the Hindu people which is now cel-
ebrated by members of all New Zealand communi-
ties and religions.
The Governor General greeted everyone with
“Namaste, Namaskar, Sat Sri Akal, Kam Cho” and
said “this festival has specific spiritual meanings
in Hinduism and other religions as a celebration of
the victory of good over evil and the release from
spiritual darkness”. He added that it is “one of the
biggest of the Hindu festivals, and a special time
for Indian families and the Indian diaspora around
the world”.
The Minister of Ethnic Affairs said that the
Deepawali celebrations all over New Zealand had
brought the Indian and Hindu culture increasingly
into the mainstream of the harmonious and ethni-
cally diverse population that is the strength of New
Zealand.
The Minister added that these celebrations were
“the showcase of the vibrancy, colour and sound of
the ancient culture and modern Bollywood of our
Kiwi Indian culture”.
What makes Deepawali so relevant, not just to
people of the Hindu religion everywhere, but to all,
is that ultimately it symbolises hope, and confirms
the victory of righteousness. The Minister also
mentioned that it is the celebration of our diverse
culture in the open and inclusive way that earns
New Zealand its reputation as the most peaceful
nation.
Mr English made a request to the ethnic Indian
business community to help and work towards
the implementation of a Free Trade Agreement
between India and New Zealand.
The festival was well attended by many
members of the ethnic Indian community from all
over New Zealand. Distribution of sweets to all del-
egates at the end of the festival was a kind gesture.
The presence of a number of members of the
Hindu Council of New Zealand, especially some
youth who took part in cultural performance, made
the occasion suitably festive!
“It was really a good opportunity to listen to the
Ministers and meet with other leaders. I wish more
youth participation in such occasions” said Ms
Kumuthini Selvaraj, co-ordinator of Hindu Youth
New Zealand (Wellington chapter).
“I have been performing classical dances at the
Parliament Deepawali for the last few years. It is
good to see that important people of New Zealand
appreciate our culture,” said Ms Radhika Ravi, a
member of Hindu Youth New Zealand (Wellington
chapter).
Some suggestions for the future:
An official reception has been held at the New
Zealand Parliament since 2003. Instead of follow-
ing the same pattern each year, it will be ideal to
have different themes each year. For example, one
theme could be “Youth participation and leader-
ship” (which was the focus of Rotorua Deepawali
Festival 2010).
This will give an opportunity for youth leaders
from various cities to come together to celebrate
Deepawali with the leaders of New Zealand at the
Parliament.
Lighting the lamp is auspicious and sacred for
the wider Hindu community. In many functions
and festivals organised by the Hindu Council of
New Zealand, dignitaries are requested to remove
their shoes as a mark of respect before lighting the
lamp.
This did not happen at the Parliament. Possibly,
the Office of Ethnic Affairs needs to hire a learned
Hindu advisor who can give culturally appropriate
advice. Similarly, the invocation to Lord Ganesha
at the start of the proceedings will benefit from the
person chanting the religious mantra not wearing
shoes as a mark of respect to Lord Ganesha.
The Hindu Council of New Zealand takes
this opportunity to thank the Ministry of Ethnic
Affairs, and Mervin Singham, Director of the
Office of Ethnic Affairs, for inviting the Hindu
Council of New Zealand to participate on this oc-
casion.

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Indian Weekender | November 19 | www.iwk.co.nz 5
Indian
New Zealand

Migrant survey gives English impressed with

thumbs up to advisers
The Immigration Advisers Authority’s 2010
migrant survey has shown that migrants who
consulted a licensed immigration adviser
in the past 12 months were happier with the
service they received than in the previous
year.
Registrar of Immigration Advisers Barry
Smedts said that the 2010 survey updated
last year’s benchmark survey on the percep-
tion of adviser performance and identified
changes in the past year. Only 3 percent of
the 2010 survey sample consulted an unli-
censed immigration adviser.
“We are delighted to see that 75 percent
of migrants reported they were satisfied,
or very satisfied with their immigration
adviser. This is an increase from 63 percent
in the 2009 survey. It would seem that the
benefits of immigration adviser licensing are
being increasingly seen by migrants consid-
ering New Zealand as their destination,” Mr
Smedts said.
Migrants who had consulted an immi-
gration adviser, and who had received their
application decision from Immigration New
Zealand between 4 May 2009 and 4 May
2010 were invited to take part in the survey.
Only 3 percent of the 2010 survey sample
consulted an unlicensed immigration
adviser, compared to 62 percent in the previ-
ous year. This is a reflection of Immigration
New Zealand’s refusal to accept an applica-
tion lodged by an immigration adviser who
is not licensed or exempt. The decreased
use of unlicensed advisers may also indicate
that the overall improvement in satisfaction
this year is related to the increased use of li-
Indians’ entrepreneurship
censed advisers.
Good communication has once again
proved to be the key to ensuring clients are
satisfied with the service they receive from
their adviser. ‘Recording and agreeing
changes in writing’, ‘having been advised
they were entitled to seek independent
advice before entering into a contract’ and
‘being honest and truthful’ were three of the
areas where advisers improved the most,
compared to last year’s survey.
“These areas are all key competencies
that advisers must be able to demonstrate
before they are licensed to give immigration
advice. We are pleased that our expectations
of adviser performance are mirrored in mi-
grants’ actual experiences with their advis-
ers,” Mr Smedts said.
“We will also continue to promote good
communications with licensed advisers,
in particular the areas clients identified as
needing improvement. Explaining matters
clearly, keeping in touch and being honest
and professional were the issues that mi-
grants felt needed improving.
“As with any profession, there is always
room for improvement. We are heartened
that overall the level of satisfaction with li- Bill English and Kanwaljit Bakshi with guests and young performers at the event.
censed advisers is high, and 79 percent of
migrants are prepared to recommend their Last week, Finance Minister Bill English and the near future when a Free Trade Agreement
adviser to friends or family. This is par- Labour list MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi joined is signed with the world’s fastest growing
ticularly pleasing, considering a migrant is more than 150 people at the Business and Retail economy, India.
more likely to consult a licensed immigra- Association of New Zealand (BRONZ) annual Statistics show that after an FTA agreement
tion adviser if their personal circumstances dinner at the Commerce Club in Remuera. with China, export trade increased by 40% per
are more complex,” Mr Smedts said. Mr English said he was pleased to note that annum. Mr English viewed similar growth of
Indian businesses were growing despite reces- exports with India and suggested that Indian
sionary trends and negative growth in the retail business people in New Zealand should start
sector all over the country. exploring their links and contacts in India for

Jagjit Singh to perform

BRONZ President Paramjit Dhatt (PJ) said
Mr Bakshi had been instrumental in the founda-
tion of Business and Retail Association of New
Zealand and had provided a vital link between
the New Zealand government and the Indian
stepping up to grab the opportunity.
BRONZ is preparing itself well in advance
to assist the government in attracting invest-
ment and promoting export when the FTA
regime with India is established.

in NZ next year business community.

On the launch of the Souvenir of BRONZ
Mr English acknowledged the hard work put in
by the families of Indian Business people. He
The association is looking to create aware-
ness of do’s and don’ts when dealing with their
Indian counterparts, project a clean and pure
image of New Zealand, encourage foreign
As he turns 70 early next hectic but rocking thanked the small business community for its direct investments in the manufacturing and
year, evergreen ghazal time right through for contribution toward the economy. Mr English service sector and also explore new areas for
legend Jagjit Singh gets me, I guess, as I turn said “he was impressed especially with the the development of New Zealand export market.
hyper-active with a 70 years young, ” he Indian community who have continued growing It recommended that Visa officers in India
spree of 70 ‘live’ inter- chuckles in his bass their businesses in spite of the recession.” should treat business sponsorship applications
continental concerts voice. At the release Mr English was of the view that New under a higher category and give them pref-
and a 70-song set of 7 event of the music Zealand businesses should prepare in advance erence. A suggestion was made to have a fast
albums! album of this mav- for the exciting opportunities coming up in track mechanism.
Bass baritone voiced erick musical movie
ghazal maestro Jagjit
Singh who also has an
‘Shahrukh Bola
Khubsoorat Hain Tu’ Bank of Baroda bags
‘Best Bank – 2010’ Award
occasional fetish for directed by senior
equestrian betting, be- actor Makarand Desh-
lieves that “if one is pande, which has its
always young at heart, music tracks scored
ageing can never be a by the young viva- Bank of Baroda New Zealand’s Indian princi- grown over the years, to emerge as an Indian
spoilsport.” Even as he cious singer-guitarist pal, Bank of Baroda, has been conferred upon financial powerhouse. It has a network of
completes 70 years on Vasudha Sharma (of Best Bank 2010 award by the prestigious fi- over 3100 branches in India across the length
February 8th next year, ‘Aasma’ band fame) nancial magazine, Business India in recogni- and breadth of the country. It has 78 over-
the singing legend is “I will be be 70 years young, not old” Jagjit startled the in- tion of its consistent performance. seas branches/foreign offices in 25 countries
tuning himself for a non- vitees. The Bank has made remarkable progress across 5 continents serving a Global customer
stop musical spree. quips Jagjit Singh who will perform live Deviating from in business performance and base of over 39 million.
Enthuses Jagjit, “My concerts in New Zealand as well... his protocol of avoid- technology implementation, On September 1 last year,
global NRI fan-follow- ing live performances financial inclusion and interna- Bank of Baroda New Zealand
ing is eager to know in 5-star hotels, that tional operations. became the country’s nine-
what’s up my sleeve. On The Ghazal maestro Jagjit Singh, too without accompa- M.D. Mallya, Chairman & teenth banking company after
my year-long agenda is a pictured here with Vasuda Sharma. nying musicians, he Managing Director of the Bank receiving a licence to operate
string of 70 ‘live’ con- sang the entire soulful received the award at the hands from the Reserve Bank of New
certs in different parts of song composed by of Kamal Nath, Union Minister Zealand.
the world including USA, Europe, New Zealand the young Vasudha for the movie ‘Shah Rukh of Road Transport and High- It has been operating from
and of course select Indian cities. Bola…’ Asked how he agreed to make an excep- ways in the presence of Ashok its 114 Dominion Road branch
There will also be my personal compila- tion for such a young composer, the veteran singer H Advani, the Publisher and in Auckland since June 24
BOB NZ Managing
tion of 70 best songs from my entire repertoire explained. “Initially I was not too sure whether I Pheroza Bilimoria, Manag- this year. “The support from
spread over a pack of seven albums to mark my would be doing it. But when I heard her singing ing Director of Business India Director Satish Vermani the Indian diaspora in New
70th birthday. On 5th February will be the inau- the number during the sitting-rehearsal I realised Group at a glittering function Zealand has been encouraging
gural concert which will also have distinguished that Vasudha was genuinely talented and had a held at Mumbai. and we are looking forward to stepping up
perfomers like Ustad Zakir Hussain ( tabla) and strong classical base besides being a fabulous rock Bank of Baroda has its corporate head- our service offerings in the coming months,”
Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia ( flute) besides my band performer. We somehow vibed very well and quarters in Mumbai. The bank was founded Managing Director Mr Satish Vermani (pic-
own ghazal recital. there was absolutely no generation-gap and I am in 1908 in Baroda by the Late Maharaja of tured) told Indian Weekender while sharing
While on 6th there will be a ‘mushaaira’ impressed with her recorded fusion composition.” Baroda, Sir Sayajirao Gaekwad III. the news of the parent company’s recent pres-
with eminent ‘shaayars’ performing. It will be a - Chaitanya Padukone From its humble beginnings, the Bank has tigious award in India.

6 Indian Weekender | November 19, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz

Indian
India

Tendulkar is ICC’s World Charminar suffers damages

Cup ambassador
New Delhi: The Minister of State for Plan- JNTU, Hyderabad has been contacted for
ning and Parliamentary Affairs V. Narayana- conducting investigation into the structural
samy on Wednesday said that a portion of the strength of the monument and also to devise
stucco of around 3-feet length of the balcony ways and means to reduce the vibrations as
of the south-eastern minar of the Charminar well as pollution around the monument.
Dubai: With just under 100 days to go, the ICC “There are just 100 days to go and I am in Hyderabad had fallen down recently during He said the Greater Hyderabad Municipal
Thursday announced the appointment of India really looking forward to playing in another season rains. Corporation has given about 15 feet of land all
batting legend Sachin Tendulkar the official Cricket World Cup,” said Tendulkar, who will The fallen portion of stucco work, which around Charminar for providing space around
event ambassador for cricket’s flagship event, join Pakistan’s Javed Miandad as the only other is normally done subsequently on the earlier the monument for the tourists/visitors, since
the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. player to take part in six World Cups. plaster and as such it got detached from the the road was just attached to the monument on
Throughout his long and suc- “In terms of limited-overs main structure. No structural damage has oc- all the four sides.
cessful career to date Ten- cricket, the ICC Cricket World curred to the monument. The space provided was dug up to a depth
dulkar has inspired hun- Cup is the highest level you In reply to a written question in the Lok of about two feet to reduce the vibration all
dreds of millions of can play so it is always Sabha on Wednesday, he said, “There is no around the monument caused by vehicular
cricket lovers around a thrill to take part in damage to the minaret. Only stucco applica- traffic.
the world with his such an important tion work containing floral design has fallen.” During excavation conducted around the
personality, skill, and widely followed A comprehensive estimate is prepared for monument, the original steps on the south-
temperament and event. not only restoring the stucco work but also re- ern side, western side and northern side were
love for the game. “The fact that pairing other portions of the monument. also exposed to beautify the monuments and
Since making the 2011 event The Civil Engineering Department of the attract tourists/visitors.
his debut for will be staged
India in 1989 at here in the sub-
the tender age of
16, on the field he
has scored more
continent makes
it even more
special for me
Govt gifted Rs 2,100cr to Emaar: BJP
international runs and I am keen to New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and DDA/GOI, it is crystal clear that, without
than anyone else ensure we play well. speaking over the Commonwealth Games any logic or any supporting, Government
in history while also As a team we would controversy, on Saturday accused the had gifted Rs 2,100 crores worth property to
adhering faithfully to be doing everything government of ‘gifting’ Rs 2,100 cr to Emaar Emaar MGF, ‘’ he added.
the spirit of cricket. we can to win the world MGF, one of the contractors in the Oct. 3-11
Off the field he has cup on home soil “ he said. Games. He said that the DDA had allotted construc-
always carried himself as a true ICC Chief Executive tion work contract of 2091 lac sq.ft. Emaar in
champion, making him a perfect Haroon Lorgat said: “We are very “In the name of default in executing CWG September 2007. Emaar MGF was supposed
role model and one of the most recognisable lucky to have such an extraordinary player as
village contract, Emaar had been gifted to hand over 697 lac sq.ft. constructed area
and popular sportsmen of his generation. Sachin supporting our flagship event.
Rs 2,100 crore by the Government of India flats to the DDA for which the company was
In his role as ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 “I don’t think any other player has inspired
ambassador he will be called upon to promote a nation like he has and the respect and affec- (GOI)/Delhi Development Authority (DDA)’’ earning a total amount Rs 2,517 crores.
and support a variety of ICC initiatives for the tion he enjoys goes way beyond his native India. BJP National Secretary Kirit Somaiya said in
tournament, which is the third biggest sporting Many other athletes and sports fans around the a press statement. “It is shocking that the total cost of construc-
event in the world and will take place in Bangla- globe admire what he consistently achieves and tion work of all these 4,000 bedrooms was
desh, India and Sri Lanka from 19 February to what he does for cricket.” “After going through the papers, documents coming to less than Rs.400 crores,” the BJP
2 April next year. and the Agreement between Emaar MGF statement said.

Indian Weekender | November 19 | www.iwk.co.nz 7

Indian
India

Obama in India 1 2 3

4 5

10 11

8 9

1. Obama enjoying with the school chil-
dren, at a folk dance on Koli geet, at the
celebration of Diwali Festival in Mumbai
on November 7
2. Holy Name High School in Mumbai
which Obama visited.
3. About 100 survivors of Bhopal gas
disaster and those affected by ground
water contamination caused by Union
Carbide’s hazardous waste on Saturday
(Nov 6) staged a demonstration outside
the Union Carbide Factory in Bhopal
demanding that President Obama meet
with them in Delhi and ensure that Union
Carbide & Dow Chemical obey Indian
laws and abide by decisions of Indian
Courts.
4. Obama interacting with the students,
during his visit, at St. Xavier College, in
Mumbai on November 7.
5. Obama visiting an Agri Expo at St.
Xavier College in Mumbai on November 7.
6. Obama and the First Lady Mrs. Mi-
chelle Obama paying floral tributes, at the
Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi, at Rajghat,
in Delhi on November 8.
7. Obama being welcomed by the Indian
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh & his
wife Smt. Gursharan Kaur on his arrival,
at Palam Air Force Station, in New Delhi
on November 7.
8. Obama and the First Lady Mrs. Mi-
chelle Obama being presented a bust of
Mahatma Gandhi by the Minister of State
(Independent Charge) for Corporate
Affairs and Minority Affairs, Shri Salman
Khurshid, during their visit at Rajghat, in
Delhi on
9. Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh
and the US President Obama, at the
Joint Press Conference, in New Delhi on
November 08.
10. The President, Smt. Pratibha De-
visingh Patil and the Prime Minister, Dr.
Manmohan Singh at the Ceremonial
Reception of US President, Mr. Barack
Obama and the First Lady Mrs. Michelle
Obama, at Rashtrapati Bhawan, in New
Delhi on November 8, 2010. Dr. Ramsingh
Devisingh Shekhawat and Smt. Gur-
sharan Kaur are also seen.
11. Obama and the First Lady Mrs.
Michelle Obama waving as they board
Air Force One after their tour of India at
Palam Airport in New Delhi on
November 9.

8 Indian Weekender | November 19, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz

Indian

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 Indian
India

Driving SUVs on Indian India welcomes Suu Kyi’s release

roads criminal: Minister
New Delhi: Minister of Environment and
Forests Jairam Ramesh on Friday criticised
the use of fuel-inefficient Sport Utility Vehicles
(SUVs) on Indian roads by calling their use
‘criminal’.
“The use of vehicles like SUVs and BMW in
countries like India is criminal,’’ he said, in a
scathing attack on the use of large vehicles
and SUVs.
sector accounts for 7½ per cent of our GHG
emissions, 38 per cent is electricity, 23 per
cent is industry, 17 per cent is agriculture
and 7½ per cent emission is from residential
sector.
He said the growth of cars will not allow curb-
ing emission and it will be doubled by 2025
as the transport sector is growing at alarming
rate.
New Delhi: The Government of India on Sat-
urday welcomed the release of Nobel Peace
laureate and pro-democracy Myanmar leader
Madam Aung San Suu Kyi stating that the
release will usher in a process of reconciliation
in Myanmar.
‘’We hope that this will be the beginning of
the process of reconciliation in Myanmar. The
recent elections in Myanmar are an important
step in the direction of the national reconcilia-
tion process being undertaken by the Govern-
ment of Myanmar.
“We have always encouraged them to take
this process forward in a broad-based and inclu-
sive manner. In this context, as a close neighbour
of Myanmar, we are confident that the release
of Madam Aung San Suu Kyi will contribute to
efforts for a more inclusive approach to political
change,’’ a government release stated.
Aung San Suu Kyi was freed from house
arrest on Saturday after the end of the latest 18-
month term she was serving.
Making her first public appearance since
2003, Suu Kyi urged the people of Myanmar
to continue their fight for democratic rights as
thousands of her supporters cheered their leader
outside here residence here.
The leader also invited her supporters to
participate at a rally planned at the National
League for Democracy (NLD) office on Sunday.

India’s gymnastic coach

The minister emphasised on the need to
have a three task approach to reduce Green
Auto expert reject Ramesh’s
House Gas (GHG) emission suggesting that SUV comments

the luxurious growth of large size vehicles
and SUVs is a criminal proposition.
At the UN workshop on low-carbon transport
in India, Jairam Ramesh called for minimum
fuel efficiency standards and said his country
should overhaul its subsidy system for diesel,
after deregulating petrol prices in June.
“We have reformed policy as far as petrol is
concerned. We are yet to reform as far as the
net effect of diesel subsidy is concerned,” he
said.
In his inaugural speech at a workshop on
‘Promoting Low-carbon Transport in India’
here he said, “We should carry three tasks
namely mandatory fuel economic standard,
improvement in quality of fuel and fiscal
policy regime. The immediate task ahead
at us is to have Mandatory Fuel Economic
Standards.
“We have now finalised and will be notified
under the Energy conservation Act and not
under Motor Vehicle Act. The standards are
all ready with technical work and by end of
this year we should have voluntary manda-
New Delhi, Nov 13 (IBNS) Union Environment
minister Jairam Ramesh’s comments against
use of SUVs on Indian roads have evoked
strong response from auto experts, who have
slammed the minister’s remarks as those of
an ignorant person.
Asking the minister to check ‘facts and
figures’, auto expert Tutu Dhavan was quoted
in reports as saying: “In the early 90s when
the diesel contribution to the automobile
was barely between 3-5 per cent, today in
2010 it is almost 37 per cent and what are the
volumes we are talking of SUVs in that is not
more than 2-3 per cent and how is that going
to help anybody in banning SUVs. Why not
ban the entire diesel range?”
He pointed that in Europe, 60 per cent of
the number of vehicles sold in Europe are all
running on diesel, adding, “Diesel engine of
course has gone so efficient that it beats the
performance of any gasoline engine.”
On Friday, Ramesh had criticised the use of
fuel-inefficient Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs)
on Indian roads by calling their use ‘criminal’.
alleges racism
New Delhi: India’s gymnastics coach Vladi-
mir Chertkov, who left the team at the Guang-
zhou Asian Games over a dress row before the
opening ceremony, on Sunday alleged racial
discrimination against him, which led him to
desert the team.
Chertkov had left the team at the Asian
Games on Friday after he was reportedly re-
frained from participating in the opening cer-
emony by India’s chef-de-mission Abhay Chau-
tala due to improper dress.
“It was discrimination. It was insult straight
on my face. It was humiliating. I can say it was
racism,” the Russian-born American coach told
a news channel after his return to the national
capital.
He said that most of the athletes and their
coaches of the Indian contingent had com-
plained of the ‘ill-fitting’ dresses and Chautala
had asked him to wear ‘something close enough
to the dress or same colour blazer, Olympic
style’ for the opening ceremony.
Chertkov alleged that Chautala turned him
away, saying “You cannot go with us”, which
made the coach to leave immediately.
“It was the last straw. I cannot take it
anymore. If I’m not good enough for partici-
pating in the opening ceremony, what have I to
do?” Chertkov said.
Abhay Chautala, dismissing the racial dis-
crimination charges, said Chertkov was barred
from participating in the opening ceremony as
he was dressed in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt.
“All the other foreign coaches participated
in the opening ceremony. If we had stopped all
of them from participating, then it would have
been racism. He is the only one to complain,”
he added.
Chautala termed Chertkov’s move of leaving
the team as an ‘irresponsible’ act.
Chertkov, who was appointed by the Sports
Authority of India (SAI) in August last year,
has his contract terminating at the end of this
month.

Indian economy to grow

tory standard. This will be KMPL standard
route which will depend on weight of the car, “The use of vehicles like SUVs and BMW in
size of the engine etc,’’ he added. countries like India is criminal,’’ he said, in a
scathing attack on the use of large vehicles

8.5 p c this fiscal: Singh

“We are moving into Bharat stage III for two
wheelers & Bharat Stage IV for four wheelers.
No longer can vehicle manufacturers argue
of poor fuel not to move into mandatory
standard regime,” a PIB release quoted him
as saying.
The subsidies which are given for fossil fuels
should be for farmers, LPG etc which is used
by big vehicles. He suggested implementing
fiscal policy regime that discourage the use
of heavy cars and SUVs particularly and put
penalty use of these vehicles.
Giving details of GHG emission of various
sectors the Minister said the transportation
and SUVs.
At the UN workshop on low-carbon transport
in India, Jairam Ramesh called for minimum
fuel efficiency standards and said his country
should overhaul its subsidy system for diesel,
Seoul: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Friday that Indian economy is expected to
after deregulating petrol prices in June. grow 8.5 per cent this fiscal and 9 per cent in 2011-12, but blamed the ‘protectionist senti-
ment’ of industrialised countries for dampening the medium term growth prospects of the
Giving details of GHG emission of various developing countries.
sectors the Minister said the transportation
sector accounts for 7½ per cent of our GHG “I am happy to say that the Indian economy has rebounded fairly well from the crisis...
emissions, 38 per cent is electricity, 23 per the economy recovered to 7.4 per cent growth in 2009-10 and is likely to grow at 8.5 per
cent is industry, 17 per cent is agriculture cent in 2010-11. We hope to achieve 9 per cent in 2011-12,” he told the plenary session of
and 7½ per cent emission is from residential G20 summit here.
sector.
Singh pointed out that Indian economy which had grown at 9 per cent in the four years
prior to the crisis, slowed down to 6.7 per cent in 2008-09.

“However, high unemployment in industrialized countries threatens a revival of pro-

tectionist sentiment, especially since the use of conventional monetary and fiscal tools to
revive the economy has been exhausted. Uncertainty about the prospects of industrialized
countries affects the investment climate and dampens the medium term growth prospects of
emerging market countries,” he said.

Singh observed that while emerging market countries, especially in Asia were ‘doing
well on the whole’, much remained t be done to bring the economies back on the rails of
‘strong, sustainable and balanced growth.’

“The problem faced in rebalancing the global economy is well known. Major indus-
trialized countries were running unsustainable current account deficits which have to be
reduced to manageable levels,” he said.

“If this is not to have a contractionary impact on the world economy, it must be offset
by reducing current account surpluses elsewhere. This rebalancing requires pursuit of ap-
propriately coordinated policies in our countries,” he observed.

Singh pointed out that efforts to achieve a strong recovery in the global economy are
particularly important at present.

He said industrialised countries resumed growth in 2010, although output gaps remain
10 Indianwas
large and unemployment Weekender
still at crisis |levels.
November 19, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz
Indian
India
President to celebrate Sathya Sai
Singh calls for avoiding Baba’s 85th birthday
currency devaluation Puttaparthi, (Andhra Pradesh): Millions of
devotees worldwide will be joining in cel-
ebration to commemorate the 85th birthday
riage Program followed by a Carnatic Vocal
recital by Sikkil Gurucharan. The program
will culminate with a flute recital by India’s
Seoul: Calling for an end to competitive de- about the need to make flexible exchange of godman Sri Sathya Sai Baba at Puttaparthi ace flautist Pandit Ronu Majumdar.
valuation of currencies and protectionism, rates saying it was an important instrument Ashram in Ananthapur district of Andhra On Nov 18 morning, there will be a grand
Prime Minister Manmohan on Friday sug- fopr achieving a sustainable current account Pradesh on Nov 23. Rathotsavam, fol-
gested a string of fiscal measures for strong position. The cel- lowed by a cul-
recovery in global economy. “Our policies must reflect this consid- ebrations will be tural presentation
Addressing the plenary session of G-20 eration. At the same time, reserve currency marked by the pres- by students of the
summit on its concluding day, Singh said countries have a special responsibilty to ence of his devo- Sri Sathya Sai
while developing countries, especially in ensure that their monetary policies do not tees, and important Primary School in
Asia, were doing well overall, much depend- lead to destabilizing capital flows, which can dignitaries like the evening while
ed on the industrialised countries to corredt put pressure on emerging markets,” he said. President Pratibha Nov 19 will be com-
their policies which were ‘affecting and Singh said while attempts were being Patil , who would memorated as the
dampening’ the mid term growth prospects made to avoid a destabilizing surge of vola- also be gracing Women’s Day and
of the emerging markets. tile capital flows to developing countries, the Women’s Day the Nov 20 evening
“First, we must at all costs avoid compet- “there is a strong case for supporting long function on Nov will host a World
itive devaluation and resist any resurgence term flows” to these countries to stimulus in- 19. Conference Session
of protectionism,” he said pointing to the vestment, especially in infrastructure. Sathya Sai of the Sri Sathya Sai
trend of either slashing the value or holding “The economic performance of emerg- Baba’s birthday Overseas Organisa-
currency artificially low to gain ground in ing markets, including many countries in celebration starts tions.
export market and the subsequent protec- sub-Saharan Africa, has improved greatly from Nov 15 at On Nov 21
tionist reactions. in recent years. These countries are now in Puttaparthi . evening, students
Singh also urged advance deficit coun- a position to absorb capital flows aimed at Renowned of Sri Sathya Sai
tries to follow policies of fiscal consolida- an expansion in investment, which would sarod maestro Institute of Higher
tion consistent with their individual circum- inject much needed demand into the global Ustad Amjad Ali Learning will
stances so as to ensure debt sustainability economy,” he said. Khan will start present a drama.
over the medium term. Stressing that recycling of global savings off the proceed- This will be fol-
“This means that fiscal correction need was needed, Singh said it would not only ings in the evening lowed by their 29th
not be frontloaded everywhere,” he said. address the immediate demand imbalance, followed by a Carnatic Vocal Recital by Ab- Convocation ceremony the following morning
“Third, while structural reforms are nec- but also help to address developmental im- hishek Raghuram. with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh gracing
essary everywhere, these should increase ef- balances. On Nov 16 evening, following bhajans the occasion.
ficiency and competitiveness in deficit coun- “In other words, we should leverage im- in the morning, ‘Saxophone Chakravarthy’ The festival will culminate on Nov 23
tries, while expanding internal demand in balances of one kind to redress imbalances Kadri Gopalanath will perform to enthrall the morning with birthday celebration of Sri
surplus countries. This rebalancing will take of the other kind,” he said. millions gathered in tribute to Sri Sathya Sai Sathya Sai Baba at the Sri Sathya Sai Hill
time, but it must begin,” Singh said. Baba. View Stadium and conclude in the evening
The Prime Minister also mentioned The evening will round off by fusion with Prema Pravaham, a special concert by
genius and santoor artist Rahul Sharma. Swami’s students glorifying His Mission and
Nov 17 morning will witness a Mass Mar- Message for humanity.

Personal Trainer
SIT Queenstown Campus
0800 QT 4 SIT / 03 442 5375
info@sit.ac.nz www.sit.ac.nz
Indian Weekender | November 19 | www.iwk.co.nz 11
Indian
Govt issues 5016 VoAs
till October
New Delhi: As a facilitative measure to
attract more foreign tourists to India, Gov-
ernment has launched a Scheme of “Visa on
Arrival” (VoA) from January 2010 for citi-
zens of five countries, viz. Finland, Japan,
Luxembourg, New Zealand and Singapore,
visiting India for tourism purposes. During
the period January - October 2010, a total
number of 5016 VoAs were issued under
this Scheme. The number of visas issued
under this scheme, during January-October
2010 for nationals of the five countries were
Singapore (1501), New Zealand (1328), Ja-
pan (1110), Finland (1033) and Luxembourg
(44). Total number of VoAs issued during
October, 2010 were 523 with country-wise
breakup as Finland (99), Japan (130), New
Zealand (211), Singapore (81) and Lux-
emburg (2). During the ten month period
of January–October, 2010, the maximum
number of VoAs were issued at Delhi
airport (2695), followed by Mumbai (1093),
Chennai (975) and Kolkata (253).
Actress Jayamala faces
police action on temple
visit
Thiruvananthapuram: Kannada film actress
Jayamala could be chargesheeted by the
Kerala police for her visit to the Lord Aiyy-
appa’s temple at Sabarimala four years ago
in violation of the temple rules, reports said
on Thursday. The actress had landed herself
in a storm of outrage over four years ago
when she claimed to have entered the temple
that women who have reached menstruation
age are not permitted to enter. According to
reports, Kerala police is about to charge the
actress, along with astrologer Unnikrishnan
and his assistant Raghupathi for their “delib-
erate and malicious act” intended to outrage
religious feeling under Section 295 A of the
Indian Penal Code. In 2006, the admission
by the yesteryear’s heroine of entering the
temple in 1986 had led to strong protests
among the devotees of Lord Aiyyappa.
Asha Bhosle lauds
Maha CM’s poster-drive
Mumbai: Veteran singer Asha Bhosle on Sat-
urday sang praises for the new Maharashtra
Chief Minister Prithviraj Chauhan as the
astute politician struck a chord with his audi-
ence by getting his posters removed from the
city landscape.
“Perhaps Prithviraj Chauhan read our chat
and had most of his posters removed. Well
done sir! Hope others follow your example,”
she tweeted. On Friday, she had posted a
tweet, saying “Beautifying Mumbai: Our
‘handsome’ politicians overshadow movie
stars in thousands of posters all over Mumbai
informing us of their birthdays.” Chavan,
who was sworn-in on Thursday as the new
Chief Minister, apparently felt that all the
banners and posters were an eyesore and
asked Municipal Commissioner to remove
at least those depicting him, official sources
said.
India launches plan to
slash transport emis-
sion
New York: India, the world’s fourth largest
greenhouse gas emitter, has launched a new
United Nations-backed project to reduce
emissions and develop a low-carbon trans-
port system. The Indian government will
work with the UN Environment Programme
(UNEP) and the German non-governmental
organization International Climate Initiative
on a $2.5 million, three-year project to bring
the country’s transport growth in line with
its climate change agenda. Even though it has
the world’s second largest population, India’s
per capita emissions are below the global
average, UNEP noted in a news release. In
2007, around 13 per cent of its emissions
came from the transport sector. That is ex-
pected to rise due to population growth,
a rapid growth in the number of privately-
owned vehicles and the switch from rail to
road transport in the freight and passenger
sectors. The project is part of a National
Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
and involves designing low-carbon transport
plans for major Indian cities. Indian officials
hope the project will act as an inspiration for
other developing countries trying to build
their transport system.
Satyam: Raju goes back
to prison
Hyderabad: Former Satyam chairman B
Ramalinga Raju surrendered before a court
here on Wednesday after his ‘more time’
plea was rejected by the Supreme Court.
He will be taken to the Chanchalguda jail.
Raju and five other accused in the case
decided to surrender before the magistrate
after attending the court proceedings in
the morning. Raju will be returning to the
India briefs
Chanchalguda jail after a gap of 11 months.
However, it is uncertain if he will be given
his old furnished cell with a cot, mattress, a
table, a chair and also a separate bathroom.
His surrender comes as a result of a directive
of the apex court asking him to surrender on
Nov 10. Raju had appealed to the Supreme
Court to extend the date for his surrender on
health grounds. However, the Supreme Court
refused to extend the date for his surrender.
In one of the biggest corporate fraud of
India, Raju was arrested in Jan 2009 for in-
volvement in accounting scam worth over Rs
7000 crore. Earlier this month, the Satyam
financial scam main accused was discharged
from Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences
(NIMS) hospital in Hyderabad where was
admitted for the better half of his jail tenure.
Indian Navy wants to
take over Goa islands
New Delhi: Indian Navy has made a request
for handing over Grandi Island (large)
owned by private party having an area of
5,28,575 sqm and Pikene Island comprising
an area of 2,78,525 sqm owned by Govern-
ment of Goa. These islands are located at a
distance of less than 4 Kms in the landing
funnel of Dabolim Airport. This proposal
has been made in order to address the secu-
rity concerns related to aircraft operations
from Naval Air Station Dabolim and the case
being processed as per existing regulations.
Government of Goa has not granted NOC so
far nor any report from the Government of
Goa has been received by the Ministry. This
information was given by Defence Minister
AK Antony in a written reply in Rajya Sabha
on Wednesday.

Police protection for
Commission officers
Suva: Po lice off ice rs in
merce Commission office
chairman, Dr Mahendra
dd y told Fiji Liv e tha
Re
m in
“We’ve called the
or mu gg ed .” Re
attacked
back some of my office
and provide us with sec
again.” Dr Reddy said.
The Fiji National Universit
Fiji
Transparency International
praises FICAC role
Fiji have been brought in to
ensure the security of Co
m-
Global anti-corruption watchdog Transparency
International says corruption in Fiji decreased
since the change of government in 2006.
Suva: Global anti-corruption watchdog
Transparency International says corruption in
bring their concerns and complaints to us. “At
the end of the day I have to say more and more
complaints lodged with us get resolved.
“More complaints get voiced by the people
without fear or hesitation.
s Co mm iss ion
the field say
rs while they are out in Fiji decreased since the change of government “They come to us and they freely discuss
in 2006. their options.
Reddy.
The director of the organisation’s Fiji arm, “They no longer feel threatened. At the end
e.
re to keep the officers saf lawyer Juris Gulbis, said people’s perception of of the day people get justice.”
t the officers are mainly the t ou r off ice rs are no t corruption had changed since the current Gov- Fiji has not been listed among the 178 coun-
wa nt to make sure tha
be cau se we t a wh ile
remember this bu ernment established the Fiji Independent Com- tries in Transparency International’s Perception
dd y said. “I don’t know if you to ass ist us mission Against Corruption (FICAC). of Corruption Index since the 2006 because
’ve asked the police
rs were attacked, so we ning
t som eth ing like that from happe Mr Gulbis said the combination of FICAC three independent assessments are needed to be
urity and preven
and Transparency International ensures that considered.
corruption is not rife. - Indian Weekender/ Pacnews/ Fiji Sun
sions He said: “People are no longer hesitant to
y have received submis
y lecturer added that the our-
mis sio ns and it is enc

Bank of Baroda growing in Fiji

yes ter day . “Ye s, we ’ve received their sub t we ask ed
from retailers relevant data tha
see tha t the y are com ing for ward with all the
aging to
of them.”
and new price determi- Suva, Fiji: The Bank of Baroda has experienced good progress in Fiji in line with the
ou t the ou tco mes of their submissions g them
Retailers wil l find back stock and not puttin overall growth of the bank worldwide says Executive Director- Narasipur Srinath.
ion s tom orr ow . Re tail ers found to be holding 0 and imp riso nm ent.
nat
s for sal e are liab le to fines of up to $25,00 ail pri ce
up on the shelve ommended ret Srinath who is visiting Fiji from India for the bank’s 50th anniversary – says Baroda has
se wh o are fou nd to have prices above the rec Co mm iss ion
He said tho t fine of $30 00. over 70,000 customers in Fiji, and the bank is both retail and commercially focused.
will be slapped with a spo to
set by the Commission ark ets and other food retail outlets He says the main objective now is to increase the bank’s clientele to ensure future
sur veying superm
inspectors have begun h the new pri ce ord er. growth.
to ensure they comply wit
scrutinize food prices and
ets.
missing from supermark “Bank of Baroda in Fiji is quiet good and in tune with the banks overall growth. It has
mining the types of stocks
Inspectors are also deter ng with officers of the sec uri ty for ces wil l go to shown a growth of in the past two and a half years of 80 to 90 per cent. In the banking
ou r ins pe cto rs alo e wri tten
“On Saturday the shelves, we hav industry any growth over 20 per cent is deemed as a good growth, hence I am extreme-
ps and che ck tho se products that are not on dis ap pe are d
the sho stock that has ly happy with the growth. In the days ahead, we want to increase the clientele base.”
m to give us a list of the
to them today asking the hav e run ou t,” he said.
ether they
from their shelves and wh Srinath and other bank executives from India will be meeting the government and other
cnews/ Fiji Live
- Indian Weekender/ Pa stakeholders before they return.
- Indian Weekender/ FBCL

12 Indian Weekender | November 19, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz

Indian
FILTA is much more than just tennis
Padmini Gaunder
FILTA (Fiji Indian Lawn Tennis Associa-
tion) had the second re-union of its members
a couple of weeks ago here in Auckland. The
members, who still keep in close contact, are
spread all over the world. They had their first
re-union in 2008 in Nadi, Fiji and it was then
decided that they would have their second one in
Auckland. The success of these re-unions where
the members come from different countries to
spend time together and ‘reminisce about the
good old days’ is proof of the camaraderie and
friendship fostered by FILTA.
FILTA was formed in 1945. In those days
tennis in Fiji was a ‘European sport for Euro-
pean eyes only’. We are told that a wooden
fence was put up around the tennis court in
Nadi so others could not watch the white men
and women playing the game! Divakar Rao who
grew up in Nadi in the 1940s and later became
a member of the FILTA recalls how they ‘made
inroads into what was then the private domain
of the elite CSR sahibs’.
So the aspiring Indian tennis players had
to overcome hurdles everywhere. But they
were a brave and determined lot. When there
was nowhere for the Indians to play tennis,
Dr.Mukherjee built a tennis court next to his
residence in Nawaka, Nadi. Thanks to people
like Dr.Mukherji, ‘Indian tennis sprouted in the
West and finally germinated into FILTA in mid-
forties’.
When I arrived in Fiji in 1966 self govern-
ment had just started but vestiges of colonialism
were still there. Some of the members of FILTA
had risen to important positions by then. Subri
Pillay was the District Officer in Nadi. He was
one of the first locals to hold that position as
until then officers were posted from the United
Kingdom to be the DOs.
Later, when we started living in Lautoka,
Narain Nair was the District Commissioner
21,000 Australians
visited Fiji in August
Suva: Helping to keep Fiji well on track
for a record breaking year, more than
21,000 Australians visited the desti-
nation across August according to
statistics released this week by the Fiji
department of information.
The 21,451 total recorded for the
month takes Fiji’s January-August
Australian visitor total to 178,171, a 31
per cent increase over the 135,726
recorded for the same period in 2009.
With Australian business for August
constituting 44.7 per cent of total traf-
fic, the result has again helped push
Fiji’s international January-August
visitor arrivals to a record-breaking
398,395.
This represents an 18 per cent in-
crease over the 337,554 achieved for
the eight month period in 2009. The
positive Australian result was reflected
Indian Weekender | November 19 | www.iwk.co.nz
Fiji
Western (the first local to be made a DC) and he was making a point just like Swamiji and it would be wise to leave before he encountered
Moti (later Sir Moti) Tikaram was the judge at sending clear signals to the vested interests and more arguments against him.
the high court in Lautoka (again the first local the colonial government. Another of the FILTA members I got to
to be a high court judge). So it can be seen that There is the story about Mr.Rao’s fight with know was Mr. Ram Lakhan who used to be the
the members of FILTA held very important po- a white sahib in the middle of a bridge. In the co- post master at Nadi before moving to Canberra.
sitions in the soon to be independent country. lonial days in Fiji many of the bridges had only I have fond memories of a visit I paid to him
I consider myself for- single lane. So cars on one and his wife with whom my daughter used to
tunate to have met some side had to wait till the stay while attending school in Canberra. There
of these pioneers. Among FILTA is an important part cars which were already he kept up with his interest in tennis but col-
them the person I saw coming from the opposite lapsed in the tennis court one day while playing
most was Mr. Ganesh- of the history of colonial Fiji side crossed the bridge. the game he loved and died.
war Rao who used to be and students of Fiji history Mr. Rao was already on After the Silver Jubilee in 1970 FILTA
in Lautoka in the early the bridge from one side slowly ceased to exist because the need for it
1970s. These FILTA need to know why FILTA when another car from was no more and so it amalgamated into other
members had some re- the opposite side drove bodies. It also has New Zealand connections.
markable qualities which was established and what into the bridge. The other Not only was the second re-union held in Auck-
I admire, the most out- purpose it served other than driver expected Mr. Rao, land. One of the persons who used to be with
standing being their an Indian, to go back and the early Indian tennis players from Fiji, who
courage to stand up for the obvious one of providing give way to him. He had played in Auckland while studying here, was
what they thought was the young tennis enthusiasts clearly underestimated Dr. M. Satyanand, the father of the current Gov-
right and fight for it. Mr.Rao who stood his ernor General. So FILTA is not only important
Mr. Rao was one of an opportunity to play the ground and refused to for multicultural Fiji. It also has connections to
the few teachers brought budge. Finally the white- multicultural New Zealand of the 21st century.
from India by Indian re- game. man who was in the FILTA is an important part of the history
ligious and cultural or- wrong had to pull back of colonial Fiji and students of Fiji history need
ganisations in colonial and let Mr. Rao go. to know why FILTA was established and what
Fiji to teach in Indian schools. He was very dif- Another time I am told that a missionary purpose it served other than the obvious one of
ferent from the rest of the Indian teachers who went to the school where Mr. Rao was teach- providing the young tennis enthusiasts an op-
led rather quiet lives and confined themselves ing and wanted to talk to the teachers. He told portunity to play the game. FILTA was impor-
mostly to home and school. Mr. Rao, however, the staff how they were all sinners and they had tant in the transformation of the segregated Fiji
had varied interests. He was interested in tennis, to repent and ask for forgiveness and so on. Ev- of the colonial days where discrimination was a
chess, cars, motorcycles and the list goes on. eryone listened quietly. After some time, Mr. daily affair to a multicultural country with equal
If we did not see him driving his car around, Rao, who followed the teachings of Swami Vi- rights for everyone.
we saw him going past in his motor cycle. He vekananda (Swami Vivekananda had said: ‘You The most visible aspect of this change
was one of the few teachers from India in Fiji are souls immortal. Sinners? It is a sin to call perhaps was the declaration of Diwali a national
in the 1950s and 1960s who owned a car. Here a man so’) decided that he had had enough. He holiday in the early 1970s. So from then on, on
he was similar to Swami Rudrananda of the said to the man: ‘I am not a sinner. You may Diwali night, as the poet (Sam Simpson) noted,
Ramakrishna Mission who had a Rolls Royce be one.’ And he asked his colleagues: ‘Are you ‘the island air [had] an eastern accent’ with ev-
to take the devotees to the Ashram and back. sinners?’ No one said anything and the silence eryone joining in the celebration and hoping to
Mr. Rao was using his car for his own plea- seemed to indicate that they agreed with what usher in prosperity.
sure unlike Swami Rudrananda. Nevertheless, Mr. Rao was saying. The evangelist realised that
across the board with all major interna-
tional source markets showing growth
across the eight month period.
This included New Zealand numbers
which have shown an overall increase
of 10.07 per cent to reach 63,665 for
the year. The US also experienced
a 7.97 per cent increase to reach
37,262 for the year while the UK/Eu-
rope again remained in positive mode
with January-August figures having
increased overall by 2.07 per cent to
reach 49,924.
The national tourist office’s ongoing
efforts in its key emerging markets
were once again rewarded with visitor
arrivals from China and India increas-
ing by 31.7 per cent and 33.7 per cent,
respectively, for the eight month pe-
riod. Taiwan business also increased
by 31.4 percent across the eight month
period.
- Indian Weekender/
Pacnews/ Fiji Live
13
 Indian
Indian
From the Editor
Next ethnic affairs minister will probably
pass Paul Henry test
New Zealand ethnic affairs minister Pansy Wong has had to resign from her ministerial duties
last week following allegations of impropriety relating to misuse of taxpayer subsidised travel
perks.
Ms Wong also is alleged to have signed as witness on a document as a government minister
rather than as a Member of Parliament in a business deal involving her husband that ultimately
went sour, which is what led to the whistle blowing.
Ms Wong has agreed to pay back the New Zealand taxpayer although it is not known how
many times private business was conducted in the course of taxpayer subsidised travel by her
husband Sammy Wong. That aspect is being investigated.
That Ms Wong has had to sacrifice her career because of her husband’s business affairs is
indeed an unfortunate event for New Zealand’s first government minister of Asian heritage, who
built her career meticulously beginning in Christchurch and then in Auckland.
Her hard work and high visibility at ethnic events down the years won her handsome support
and popularity in her Howick electorate, considered among New Zealand’s most ethnically
diverse electorates, with a large percentage of voters born overseas.
Pansy Wong had the perfect credentials, background – and, of course, the looks – for the
image of a minister in charge of ethnic affairs in multi racial, multi cultural, multi ethnic New
Zealand – an image that fitted any political party’s politically correct agenda so very well.
But her resignation has once again brought into sharp relief the big difference in the style
of functioning between former Prime Minister Helen Clark and Prime Minister John Key when
dealing with controversial matters pertaining to alleged ministerial impropriety.
Mr Key has repeatedly shown great alacrity in accepting resignations almost immediately
after such a story makes it to the front pages. Richard Worth and Phil Heatley are cases in point.
Allegations against Dr Worth were never substantiated but he was not rehabilitated. Mr Heatley,
stood down over a ministerial credit card payment for a bottle of wine, was forgiven.
Ms Clark on the other hand used every ploy in the seasoned thick-skinned politician’s book
to soft pedal, divert attention and go to great lengths to protect Labour and supporting party
ministers during her last term, despite the gravity of the allegations. Phillip Field and Winston
Peters are glaring examples. Contrast that with Labour’s intense call for Ms Wong’s resignation
from Parliament last week.
This is not to find fault with Mr Key’s decisions. It is rather about his still being quite wet
behind the ears when it comes to being a true blue politician. Midway into his term, his style
is still that of a quick thinking, fast acting corporate czar rather than a quick thinking, artfully
procrastinating political schemer.
While Mr Key’s quick decision making in such matters conveys a strong sense of propriety
(his swift position on abolishing the travel perk for parliamentarians that brought the desired
result within days must certainly be commended), the speed with which he acts also exposes his
lack of political nous compared to his wily predecessor.
He gives the impression that it doesn’t take much for the opposition to get him to submit to
their machinations quickly – sometimes all too quickly. Expect Labour’s dirty tricks department
to go into overdrive as the next election nears to look for all sorts of skeletons in National MPs’
and ministers’ cupboards.
While his antennae may be finely tuned to big picture scenarios and matters relating to eco-
nomics and his bailiwick of finance, his political antennae especially in a number of more earthy
and mundane matters such as ethnic sensitivities are clearly a far cry from the finely honed skills
of Ms Clark, or for that matter other Labour Party seniors. His handling of the Paul Henry saga
both on screen and his failure to grab the moral high ground is ample proof of this.
With Ms Wong gone and elections in all probability coming up sooner rather than later next
year, National must wonder who its new ethnic affairs face should be. And without much really
talented ethnic representation in Parliament, the new face will in all probability be one that would
quite easily pass the Paul Henry test.
Ms Wong’s sacrifice also exposes the lack of quality ethnic representation in the ruling party.
– Dev Nadkarni
Opinion Poll:
Will Obama’s visit raise India’s profile
YES CAN’T SAY NO
77% 0% 23%
Indian Weekender Volume 2 No. 17
Publisher: Kiwi Media Group Limited
Group editor-in-chief: Dev Nadkarni dev@indianweekender.co.nz
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is not responsible for advertisers’ claims as appearing in the publication
Indian Weekender is published by Kiwi Media Group, 98 Great South Road, New Market
and printed at APN Print, Ellerslie, Auckland
Copyright 2010. Kiwi Media Group. All Rights Reserved.
14
Letters
Indian Weekender columnist Rakesh Krishnan Simha’s opinion piece “Will your child
be a New Zealander – or an immigrant?” elicited a huge response from readers all over
the world. The comments were thought provoking and explored many human aspects of
immigration. It was impossible to include all the responses in this space but we repro-
duce some of them below:
There is little doubt that many immigrants will face the glass ceiling in New Zealand. The equation
is not really fair for Indians and Chinese and other non-European immigrants. That is because
many British nationals migrate to New Zealand and get jobs they are not qualified for. But an
Indian or Chinese won’t get high-end jobs that the British will get. The excuse always is that the
crown countries have similar systems. This is just a huge lie.
– Sunita
It takes great courage to nail down the truth. Most people live the big lie, but it takes a courageous
reporter to talk straight. I know it must be hard to leave home and everything and then find that
you have made a mistake. Most Indians in the US are slightly better off because at least the money
is good and the cost of living is very low. But New Zealand is a low income country so it’s tough on
professionals. The quality of life has slipped in New Zealand and it is for low skilled immigrants.
– Arun Prasad
Valid article and thoughts ... though the frank opinion is not a generalisation. Migration has a cost
in material, physical and emotional terms...it all depends how well rooted the Indian is... By the way
‘reverse migration’ is already happening. There’s so much for the world to learn from India. Mind
you India is a very old unlike USA or New Zealand. The world knows how these countries were
founded and how fertile land was acquired? We don’t want to debate about values/racism, do we?
– Ajay
I know many Indians who have returned home because they could not rise in their workplaces. A
few instances of successful people doesn’t mean the rest of the diaspora is able to succeed. There
will always be exceptional cases but most Indians will struggle. I know Indians doing a great job
but are ignored at promotion time. The creamy jobs will always elude us. Sadly, there are always
Indians wanting to run down India.
– Sneha
Is it fair to assume that Indians struggle because of discrimination alone and everyone deserves a
promotion? Maybe they did not work hard or gave up and quit too early! Stop depending on others
for your success. Work hard, up-skill, get local experience, put in the time! You can also start your
own business like the Europeans you depend on. NZ is what it is, if its too hard and you don’t have
it in you then yes, don’t bother! But don’t expect the red carpet, life is hard for everyone! Take re-
sponsibility and ownership! Stop whining.
Your advice to your brother was a wise one. Britain is in bad shape? This week they had riots
by youngsters who see no future for themselves. Many will be migrating to the Middle East and
working for small chips, brother. Britain will be Third World country in 25 years. It’s navy is being
chopped to 19 ships while India builds a 300-ship navy. It seems, without colonsing and looting
Britain can’t prosper. Now Irish and Scots are migrating while Asians return home to prosperous
future.
– Arjun Singh Gill
I see with sadness the flight of Irish en masse. A whole new generation of European economic mi-
grants will migrate in huge numbers to US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. As a European,
I admit we do get that first call at job interviews. Surveys done in Australia have shown employers
prefer people with European names. Many in New Zealand are more royal than the British. It’s
beyond anyone’s control. New Zealand is good for labour jobs, not scientific or engineering. Think
before you leap!!!!!
– Jake Cavanagh
Immigration used to be a hopeful event. People looked at their future/adopted country with hope.
Today, immigration only gives pain. On top of that, it’s easier for a European immigrant to inte-
grate. India’s IT wizards and engineers are expected to leave the US once they finish their 6 year
visa. It’s getting harder to get a green card. So smart Indians don’t even bother to come here. NZ
will get the immigrants it deserves.
– Ronit
Look at India Inc, not India ink
I am an American who has greatly enjoyed my too few visits to India. Please, as you move forward,
preserve the heart of your culture and your wonderful people.
– Joe Mickey - The Tibetan Photo Project
Indian organisations
This is what happens when the motive is power and position. Hope they learn from the mistakes and
get involved in some real community work. Remember “ No gain in this world without pain” so guys
learn to sacrifice and be a role model for the community.
– Mandar Padke
Indian organizations are a joke really. Where other countries are more or less united, the Indian
organisations are obsessed with oneupmanship. There is no effort to uphold the community’s pride.
We all need to throw out these jokers and boycott them. Each organisations seems to be a platform
for giving free publicity to its leaders. Also to win free tickets to India through govt fucntions and
departments. Bottomline = money matters. Indians should stop attending these functions and stay
home.
– Ronit
Ten top stories on iwk.co.nz
1. 0 MPs get in on Deepawali spirit
2.0 Will your child be a New Zealander – or an immigrant?
3.0 ‘Light’ – The essence of Diwali
4.0 Isolate the extremists in Islam, says Obama
5.0 Tropical exotica imbues Fiji Fashion Week
6.0 Look at India Inc, not India ink
7.0 GOPIO all at sea in Oceania, rudderless in NZ
8.0 Stable Pakistan is good for India: Obama
9.0 Spirit of Diwali lights up the world
10. Book launched on Jairam Reddy
Indian Weekender | November 19, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz
Indian
Countries’ tightening global legal net has wide implications
dev nadkarni
Be mindful, your friendly ‘grease payments’ in China, Fiji or India could be breaking laws in the UK
or Canada that could well make you liable
Though the age of dissolving political bound-
aries between nations is still a long way off,
the interconnectedness between nations and
their interdependence on one another – be it in
terms of trade, the migration of people, com-
munication technologies, media, entertain-
ment, tourism and a host of other areas – has
been growing at blitzing speeds and deepening
over the past couple of decades.
Despite the relentless onslaught of terror-
ism in many parts of the world as a result of
which countries have become increasingly
wary of border control processes as also the
contentious issues relating to trade and tariffs,
the migration of people and the movement of
goods has only been increasing by leaps and
bounds and is now at an all time high com-
pared to any period in the history of the world.
And though political differences remain
and will remain, political leaders have come
to realise that trade, business, communica-
tion, financial systems, and most importantly
the environment, are becoming increasingly
seamless and connected in ways that could
never have been imagined before.
The global financial crisis that left no
nation on earth unscathed, global warming
and sea level rise that threatens almost every
ecosystem around the world, the consequences
of weak financial systems in certain countries
that affect even the most robust of systems in
other countries leading to money laundering
and dozens of other human activities is getting
increasingly interconnected facilitated partic-
ularly by constantly evolving technologies in
instant digital telecommunication.
These developments are forcing national
governments to see the limits of many activi-
ties extend beyond the pale of old geographi-
cal boundaries, to encompass the world. One
of the areas where rapid strides are being
made is in the extension of legal obligations of
corporate activities well beyond the political
An empress of India in new clothes 

John MacLithon 


Like Sonia Gandhi, I am a Westerner and a
brought-up Christian. Like Sonia Gandhi,
I have lived in India many years and I have
adopted this country as my own.

But the com-
parison ends there. I did land in India with a
certain amount of prejudices, clichés and false
ideas, and I did think in the enthusiasm of my
youth to become a missionary to bring back
Indian ‘pagans’ to the ‘true god’.
But the moment I stepped in India I felt that
there was nothing much that I could give to
India, rather it was India which was bestowing
me. In fact in all my years here India has given
me so much — professionally, spiritually, sen-
timentally. Most Westerners, who come here,
still think they are here to ‘give’ something to
a country, which, unconsciously of course, they
think is lesser than theirs. It was true of the
British, it was true of Mother Teresa, it is true
of Sonia Gandhi.

 in her fortress of 10
It is a fact that Sonia brought discipline,
order and cohesion into the Indian National
Congress. But the amount of power that she,
a person of foreign origin, an elected MP like
hundreds of others, possesses should frighten
her. All the television channels report without
a blink that Maharashtra CM rushes to Delhi
to meet Sonia Gandhi to plead for his life. But
should not Chavan have gone to the prime min-
ister first?

 to notice what is happening under the reign of
The CBI blatantly and shamelessly quashed
all injunctions against Ottavio Quattrocchi and
even allowed him to get away with billions of
Indian Weekender | November 19 | www.iwk.co.nz
Comment
confines of the country of origin of corporate A similar law with global repercussions for environment while setting up and operating
entities. companies is being brought into force in the what could be hugely disruptive mega projects.
For instance, an extra territorial clause in realm of environment and ecology which is Such a new law will put the wild west at-
UK Bribery Act 2010 could make a United of interest to Pacific nations as major corpo- titude of companies in check even if they are
Kingdom company liable for bribery even if it rations from both the western bloc of nations engaged in activities far removed from the
was indulged by a third party connected to that and the fast growing, resource hungry econo- political boundaries of their own country and
company in a different nation. If a company mies of the east make a beeline for the natural bring a measure of responsibility toward pro-
incorporated in New Zealand that has a branch resources of Pacific waters and the ocean floor tecting the livelihood of the local people and
in the UK is found to have been involved in with mega mining projects. the environment in the absence of comparable
an act of bribery Much on the local laws or the inadequate human capacity to
in, say China, then lines of the UK’s implement existing laws.
the New Zealand The new law is ushering in a new bribery law Under the new law, if a Canadian mining
incorporated whole new attitude in businesses that has ramifica- project is thought to be violating international
company is liable tions all over the environmental or human rights standards by
to be prosecuted in not only in the UK but also other world, the Cana- the citizens of that country, or even by Canadi-
the UK for failing countries that trade with the dian parliament an citizens, they could submit a written com-
to prevent an act of UK and have branch offices or is debating a new plaint to Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs
bribery in China. law which would or Minister of International Trade. The minis-
The act that subsidiaries set up there to train hold Canadian ter would then be obliged to launch an investi-
comes into force staff on the implications of brib- mining companies gation and, if the accusations proved true, the
in 2011 comes accountable for firm would lose any funding it receives from
with stiff penal- ery – some of which may be rou- the environmental various federal bodies.
ties on the compa- tine business practice in some and human rights Local politicians and corrupt officials may
nies if prosecuted countries that is followed without abuses caused by be quick to point out that this would slow down
and covers wide their mines in de- the development of projects in poor nations but
ranging activities much thought because that is the veloping countries. there is no doubt that a law like this brings a
in its definition of way it has always been. This new law strong measure of responsibility in the hugely
the term bribery would apply when disruptive mining sector to treat both local
including “grease” Canadian taxpay- people and their ecosystem with respect and a
payments – such as ers support mining view to preserving its pristine nature past the
payments made to officials to speed up pro- companies through financing institutions that development and operative phases of projects.
cesses like passing goods through customs draw funds from them such as the organisation Pacific Island countries that have set them-
that are common practice in many parts of the called Export Development Canada, which selves up as tax havens as also ones that run
world, particularly developing nations. currently provides a whopping amount of up offshore financial services would do well,
The new law is ushering in a whole new to $18 billion a year in financing. similarly, to take on board the practicalities of
attitude in businesses not only in the UK but Canadian mega corporations have been the UK’s new bribery statute that stretches the
also other countries that trade with the UK and involved in mining activities in Papua New long arm of its law to reach the far corners of
have branch offices or subsidiaries set up there Guinea for some years now and are expanding the world.
to train staff on the implications of bribery – operations into the territorial waters of other Because of the growing interconnectedness
some of which may be routine business prac- sovereign Pacific Island nations. Many of the and interdependence of countries and markets,
tice in some countries that is followed without smaller nations have poor systems to legally nations could well be expected to enact such
much thought because that is the way it has address the potential problems that could be far reaching laws in coming years.
always been. caused both to local people and their fragile
rupees which he had stolen from India. Yet, Congress government has been going after the a billion Indians find one of their own, who
without batting an eyelid, and with the Indian army, the last body in India to uphold the time- will understand the complexity and subtlety
media turning a blind eye, it goes ruthlessly honoured values of the Kshatriyas – courage, of India, to govern themselves? Not only that,
after the chief minister of the most efficiently honour, devotion to the Motherland. They alone but her very presence at the top has unleashed
run state, the most corruption free. Today the today practise true secularism, never differen- forces, visible and invisible that are detrimental
Congress, with Sonia’s overt or silent consent, tiating between a Muslim or Hindu soldier and to the country.
pays crores of rupees to buy MPs to topple non- who for a pittance daily give their lives to their There is nothing wrong in espousing the
Congress governments. Her governors shame- country. best of the values of the West – democracy,
lessly hijack democ- First it was the technological perfection, higher standards of
racy by twisting the attempt of a caste living – but many of the institutions are crum-
law.

 All the television channels report census, a divide- bling in the West: two out of three marriages
Are Indians and-rule ploy if end in divorce, kids shoot each other, parents
aware that their
without a blink that Maharashtra there is one; then are not cared for in their old age, depression is
country has entered CM rushes to Delhi to meet Sonia there are the first rampant and Westerners are actually looking
a state of semi-au- signs that the gov- for answers elsewhere, in India notably.


tocracy where every Gandhi to plead for his life. But ernment is think- One does not understand this craze to West-
important decision ing about thinning ernise India at all costs, while discarding its
comes from a single should not Chavan have gone to down the presence ancient values. Sonia Gandhi should do well
individual residing the prime minister first? of the Indian army to remember that there still are 850 million
in the Kashmir Hindus in India, a billion worldwide and that
Janpath surrounded valley, which will whatever good inputs were brought by different
by dozens of secu- suit Pakistan per- invasions, it is the ancient values of spiritual-
rity men, an empress of India? Do they know fectly. And now there is the Adarsh housing ity behind Hinduism which have made India so
that the huge amounts of the scams, whether the society scam in which the army officers, at special and which gives it today unique quali-
2G, the CWG, or the Adarsh housing society the worst, were innocently dragged into it. We ties making an Indian Christian different from
scam, do not go into politicians’ pockets (only a know now that it was the politicians of the Con- an American Christian, or an Indian Muslim
fraction), but to the coffers of the Congress for gress who benefited the most out of it.

 different from a Saudi Muslim.
the next general elections, and more than any- It would be impossible in France, for The tragedy of India is that it was colonised
thing to please Sonia Gandhi? Nobody seems example, to have a non-Christian tell a Hindu for too long. And unlike China, it always looks
(who is a non-elected president or PM) to be the to the West for a solution to its problems. Sonia
Sonia Gandhi.

 absolute ruler of the country behind the scenes, Gandhi, whatever her qualities, is just an incar-
That an Arundhati Roy is allowed to preach superseding even the PM. There are many nation of that hangover, an empress of India in
secession in India, whereas on the other hand the capable people in the Congress. Why Can’t new clothes.
15
Indian
Book launched on Jai Ram Reddy
Subhash Appana
For much of the 1970s, 80s and 90s, Jai Ram
Reddy (with Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara) loomed
large in Fiji politics. This is the one Fiji Indian
leader who continues to be mentioned with
respect across the ethnic divide in Fiji. The i
taukei have often remarked about his vakarau
vaka turaga (dignified mannerisms and
decorum) and veitokoni (cooperative orienta-
tion). In fact many still speculate about what
could have been if Reddy had still led the Fiji
Indian community.
It is therefore, not surprising that a book had
to be written about this prominent son of Fiji.
And it took no less than renowned ANU aca-
demic and historian, Professor Brij Vilash Lal,
to take on the daunting task of writing a book on
Jai Ram Reddy and Fiji politics from indepen-
dence when Fiji Indian politics was inevitably
intertwined with sugar politics to 1999 when Jai
Ram Reddy and Sitiveni Rabuka’s vision of an
ethnically united Fiji was derailed by a group of
destructively greedy opportunists.
That book aptly titled, “In the Eye of the
Storm: Jai Ram Reddy and the Politics of Post
Colonial Fiji”, was launched at Auckland’s Lyn-
field College on Saturday 30th June 2010.
In launching the book, Sir Paul Reeves as
Chief Guest, highlighted 3 significant experi-
ences from his own life as an international con-
ciliator. The first was in 1992-93 when he visited
South Africa and met Nelson Mandela, Chief
Buthelezi and President de Klerk as the country
finally prepared to embrace real democracy.
Here he mentioned in particular the courage and
pragmatism of President FW de Klerk who real-
ized the need to accept reality in the face of ir-
reversible shifts in the politics of that strife-torn
country.
Then he mentioned Guyana as an “ethnically
contested country” where it became crucial to
16
JRR with ex-Fiji NZ MP Dr. Rajendra Prasad. Old hands Maan Singh and Raman
Singh in the back.
“protect the middle ground”. And in Fiji, he
presided over often opposed positions taken by
fellow constitutional commissioners, Tomasi
Vakatora and Brij Lal. In all three cases, he said,
the main obstacle was the need for a dramatic
re-orientation that would help forge workable
political paths in an ethnically polarized society.
Then the author, Professor Brij Lal took the
stage and highlighted the key role that a histo-
rian plays and how society tends to overlook
this importance. He said that the book had been
in the pipeline for a long time, but somehow or
other he had been putting it off until he expe-
rienced two events: one, when he addressed a
high school history class at a school in Nasinu.
There, as an invited guest, aside from talking
about the work of a historian, he asked the 27
students if they knew who Jai Ram Reddy was –
not one answered in the affirmative.
The other was a report in the Fiji Times on
a visit by a bevy of Hibiscus Contestants to
the Maximum Security Gaol in Naboro. There
they met George Speight and each one started
gushing about what a “great man” he was and
how good he was at “articulating himself”. One
even likened him to Bollywood stars saying that
Indian Weekender | November 19, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz
Community
she’d met a star right here in Fiji. After reading
this report, Professor Brij Lal despaired and
decided that something was wrong with our
school system. Hence he decided to complete
the book on a real Great Man from Fiji.
The occasion at Lynfield College was char-
acterized by collegiality as old friends met
and mingled. All the NFP old war horses were
there and it brought back memories of heated
debates and parliamentary brinkmanship. There
was Harish Sharma, Ahmed Bhamji, Sayed
Khaiyum, Harnam Golian, Maan Singh, Shiu
Charan, Vinod Patel, etc. – these were people
who had gradually faded out of the public eye
as Fiji continued on its tortured political path.
Many appeared to have aged gracefully and
looked slim and healthy.
The new NFP was also there in Raman
Singh, Dorsami Naidu, Parmod Rae, Prem
Singh, Charan Jeeth Singh, etc. And the man
himself, Jai Ram Reddy or Jai as his colleagues
called him, was there looking fresh and conviv-
ial as he moved through the crowd and smiled
as if he was quietly recalling little events and
things that I’m sure will have been missed by the
book as often happens in the writing of history.
Jai Ram was indeed a reluctant participant who,
once he embraced politics, became a key seeker
of lasting solutions for Fiji.
In the Eye of the Storm: Jai Ram Reddy and
the Politics of Post Colonial Fiji will go a long
way in helping understand and appreciate the
greatness of this son of Fiji who is now a per-
manent member of the International Court of
Justice.
- The opinions contained in this article are
entirely those of the author and not neces-
sarily shared by any organizations he may be
associated with both in Fiji and abroad. Email
appanas@hotmail.com
Indian
Auckland student presents
contemporary temple design
An Auckland architectural student has pre-
sented a design of a contemporary Hindu
temple as a part of his final examination.
Unitec Master of Architecture student
Bobby Banerjee’s unique final design presen-
tation in Auckland, the culmination of two
years’ research, has generated much interest.
About 25 people including Auckland
temple committee members, academicians,
students and architectural professionals at-
tended the recent presentation which lasted
about an hour.
Banerjee presented his proposal followed
by a round of question and answer sessions not
only from the judges but also from the public
at large.
The design explores the traditional temple
Bobby Banerjee with a day-time and night-time images of his design of a Hindu temple.
planning principles and interprets them in his
contemporary design proposal. It is not a du-
plication of the traditional architectural forms
as is usually done today but a synthesis of the
sacred architectural elements used innova-
tively in New Zealand conditions.
“This study helped me assimilate the es-
sential characteristics of a temple and its im-
portance in imparting the feeling of sacred-
ness in the mind of the worshipper,” Banerjee
told the Indian Weekender.
“It helped me analyse the hierarchy of
sacred space in the plan and its inter-depen-
dence of the use of the traditional planning
grid. Keeping these research parameters in
mind helped me use their vocabulary and
evolve my own language to express the inher-
ent qualities of the temple in contemporary
context in New Zealand.”
Banerjee’s final design of the temple is the
formal sanctum and the worship area along a
strict axis at an elevated level. Two huge sky-
lights are inserted in the roof to accentuate
this visual movement and enable the worship-
per to be visually connected to the Shikhara
even after entering the hall until one reaches
the sanctum.
The marriage of a New Zealand vernacu-
lar and the formal Hindu temple becomes a
strong design statement and a landmark in its
own way.
Grant Watson, one of the committee
members of ADNZ (Architectural Designers
New Zealand), enjoyed the presentation and
remarked: “It was fantastic. This must be pre-
sented to the architectural designers.”
A Hindu temple is designed as per the tra-
ditional planning principles with an element
of acceptable variation in the overall design.
The early temples in India have been docu-
mented by various scholars to understand the
translation of these principles with respect to
Indian Weekender | November 19 | www.iwk.co.nz
the final design.
Banerjee, who is also a director of Tarzan
Design, said: “Over the years there seems to
be a deviation from these principles, whereby
the focus has been merely to produce an exte-
rior skin with the imagery of a temple.
“The lack of correct understanding of
the validity of these principles have resulted
their being watered down or completely lost.
However there has not been any notable re-
search of the contemporary temples in India
or abroad to substantiate or deny this point of
view.
“This research investigated the use of the
traditional planning principles for a Hindu
temple, the local variants and its application
to a new temple design in Auckland.
“The focus was to understand the impor-
tance of sacred spaces and compositional ele-
ments in the modern context.”
Banerjee said a temple was considered to
be in harmony with the mathematical basis
of the universe, provided it is constructed ac-
cording to a mathematical system which de-
termines the proportions of the design.
The worship pattern has changed over the
years with changes in the lifestyle of the wor-
shippers along with the introduction of elec-
tricity and new building materials. Some areas
have been added while some traditional areas
have been modified of shifted. Some of the
outdoor activities have been accommodated
indoors.
With a comparatively busier life than
before, people visit temples either early
morning, late evenings or during weekends.
The pre-sunset activities conducted in the
Temple earlier are now conducted in the
evening to ensure people can participate in it
after coming back from work.
It is observed that people today do not
spend as much time in the Temple as they used
to. They would prefer to go for a quick visit,
offer their prayers and move on. Hence the
Sanctum that was meant for personal worship
earlier has now become part of a big hall
where every assembled devotee can worship
the Lord simultaneously.
As a result the dark small sanctum is now
a part of a big hall with bright lights and a
display of artwork or ornamental elements.
The traditional hierarchy of space design has
been maintained in most temples; however the
spaces in themselves have undergone trans-
formations.
- Arvind Kumar
Community
Busy schedule for Muslim convention
Papatoetoe High School will be a hive of activ- Castle; Children’s Rides; Netball U15 and adult
ity at the end of the month when the Federa- competition; Sporting exhibitions; Soccer U12,
tion of Islamic Associations of New Zealand U19, Adult competitions; Men’s Volleyball; Tug
(FIANZ) holds its annual convention. of War; Information stall; Banking Services;
The two-day convention in Auckland on Food Stalls; Children’s Games.
November 27-28 appears jam-packed with ac- Entrance to the venue is from Nicholson Ave
tivities for all culminating with a prize giving and Carlie St. Admission free, all welcome.
ceremony at 4pm on Nov 28. This year’s con- For more information, please contact Haji
vention theme is “Building Better Families”. Hasim Khan 021 777705, or Ibrar Sheikh 021
The convention kicks-off at 9am on Nov 240 8786.
27 with guest speakers addressing attendees, The Federation of Islamic Associations of
ending with a Forum – Panel Discussion at 7pm, New Zealand (FIANZ) was set up in April 1979
followed by dinner. by Mazhar Krasniqi and othe Muslim commu-
In between activities include MSD – nity leaders to draw together the regional Islam
Working for Families, SKIP; JP Services; Safety organisations of Auckland, Wellington, Wel-
at Home (11.30-12 noon; Ladies Fashion Show; lington and Canterbury into one centralized
Breast Cancer Screening; Free Health Check, New Zealand-wide body.
First Aid; Statistics NZ; Cricket; Jumping - Arvind Kumar
Silken voice lights up “Swar Sandhya”
Son of the best water colour artist S L Haldankar
(regarded as one of three greatest in the world) and
a vocalist par excellence, Pandit Babanrao Hal-
dankar mesmerised the audience with his silken
voice at the Fickling Centre on November 12.
Organised by Migrant Heritage Charitable Trust
Inc (MigHT-i) to honour this octogenarian visit-
ing New Zealand for the first time showed that age
need be no issue when it comes to delivering a ster-
ling performance of Indian classical music.
Pt. Haldankar is a multifaceted personality and
as a performer is known for his fine rendition of the
ragas. Even the musicians themselves attend his
concerts, shows the respect he commands within
the classical music fraternity. He is a disciple of
the Jaipur Atrauli Gharana as well as the Agra
Gharana. The Jaipur Gharana is full of renowned A real treat to the Indian classical music fans. Pt.
singers and he was lucky to get the tutelage and Haldankar will be here for another month enjoying
guidance of Padmabhushan Smt. Mogubai Kurdi- the lovely New Zealand weather before returning
kar as his Guru and Ustad Khadim Hussain Khan back to India.
of the Agra Gharana.
He was accompanied on Tabla by his talented
son Adwait Haldankar, who was returning to the
stage after a gap of nearly a decade. A challenge
indeed to accompany an artist known for his finer
presentations. On the other side was Sameer Bha-
lodkar, the son of legendary Samvadini player, late
Jayant Bhalodkar. This was Sameer’s first public
performance and he was keen to prove the teach-
ings of his father were not lost on him.
Panditji started the evening with Raag Shree
and rendered it with ease and perfection. The
Vilambit as well as the Drut bandishes were de-
livered with panache and finesse. The rustiness in
Adwait did show from time to time, but Panditji
smartly hid the shortcomings. However, Sameer
was in his element on the harmonium matching
the needs of the Raag and the interludes were pitch
perfect. We are sure that we will hear more about
him in future. Pt. Haldankar then moved on to
other raags of the evening and the audiences were
entertained for more than an hour. A break was
needed just to get the breath back and then the re-
quests for various raags started pouring in. There
was Jogkauns, Malkauns, among others. Panditji
was at ease with all the raags and when he had to
move between the difficult rhythms and cyclic pat-
terns, he had the conviction to do so without dif-
ficulty. He related an anecdote wherein the Tabla
player was playing a wrong taal, but his guru was
unperturbed and he managed to sing the bandish in
the wrong Taal as well. Panditji took a oath that he
will one day attain the perfection of managing to
do the same. It was no wonder that despite the late
hours and solo singing (as his normal accompanist
were not there) he managed to hold the fort with
aplomb and conviction!
It was indeed a rare evening to listen to this
musical guru who not only is a versatile and ac-
complished singer but it is also a renowned mu-
sicologist having more than 3 books already pub-
lished by him (with the 4th on its way). He has
created his own bandishes (compositions) which
are nearly 250 in number under the pen name
‘Rasapiya’. Regarded as a foremost teacher under
the Guru Shishya parampara, many renowned ar-
tistes come to him for guidance.
MigHT-I has always brought the finest per-
formers and this program was no exception. The
concert ended with a Bhairavi well past 10.30 pm.
17
Indian
Community

Young medico Kavitesh

bucks the trend
Acc ord ing to the late st wor kfor
ce care unit es the four win ners and
,
at the end of thei r stud ies, they
surv ey figu res from the Med ical r
of Pa- are all com mitt ed to sha ring thei
Cou ncil of NZ, the pro por tion ury
ppe d ove r the pas t kno wle dge in the wid er Can terb
cific doc tors dro
from 1.8 to 1.4 per cen t com mun ity.
thre e yea rs
ific and
of the wor kfor ce. Bot h Pac , of
er- Amo ng the four is Kav ites h Deo
Mao ri doc tors are mar ked ly und t, who is stud y-
com par ed to thei r Fijia n-In dian des cen
rep rese nted at Auc klan d Uni vers ity.
ing med icin e
pro por tion of the pop ulat ion. ,
He is gra tefu l for the sch olar ship
ivat ing fact or
ms whi ch he say s, is a mot
Med ical Cou ncil cha ir Joh n Ada
enc our agin g Pac ific for his stud ies.
beli eve s that
e “It’s the first sch olar ship I’ve re-
and Mao ri stud ents into med icin ing.
scie nce s is criti cal to ceived, so it’s real ly ove rwh elm
and the hea lth w that ther e are
lthc are outc ome s for It just goe s to sho
imp rovi ng hea t you
goo d peo ple out ther e that real ly wan
Pac ific and Mao ri peo ple. The in par ticu lar Pac ific peo ple – to
terb ury’ s Peg asu s –
new s is that Can
g som ethi ng pos itive suc cee d,’’ he say s.
Hea lth is doin ery
Kav ites h is inte rest ed in the surg
abo ut it. of med icin e but is kee ping his
side
opti ons ope n.
Peg asu s Hea lth Cha ir Dr Mar tin
g-
See rs say s the org anis atio n reco
men t as a “Bu t I kno w I real ly enjoy wor king
nise s wor kfor ce develop -
adv anc ing Pac ific with chil dre n. Whe n you see chil
key stra tegy in , you can ’t help
dre n that nee d help
hea lth in the com mun ity, and the e
inte - but feel for them and wan t to mak
sch olar ship awa rds sch eme is bett er, and I thin k wor king
them
gra l to this .
in my com mun ity bac k in Chr ist-
chu rch, serv ing peo ple that I’ve
Fou r Pac ific hea lth stud ents are ific
r’s gro wn up with – fam ilies , the Pac
cele bra ting thei r win s as this yea ethi ng that
Peg asu s Hea lth Pac ific com mun ity – will be som
reci pien ts of say s.
ship s, awa rde d in I’ll be real ly inte rest ed in,’’ he
Hea lth Sch olar
Chr istc hurc h rece ntly.
lth
A stro ng inte rest in prim ary hea

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18 Indian Weekender | November 19, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz

Indian
Community

GOPIO all at sea in Oceania, rudderless in NZ

The leadership of the New Zealand and
Oceania chapters of The Global Organisation
of Persons of Indian Origin (GOPIO) – touted
as one of the leading organisations serving
people originating from India – is in a state
of suspended animation for at least a couple
of months now.
GOPIO has been plagued by a spate of res-
ignations of almost the entire executive com-
mittee including the chairman, president and
secretary, leaving the organisation rudderless
and creating confusion in the wider Indian
community.
Indian Weekender canvassed a number of
community members who were known to be
associated with GOPIO for their responses but
few were forthcoming in their replies to our
questions, most of them speaking on condi-
tion of anonymity for a variety of reasons.
One senior functionary who resigned and
did not want to be named said, “Personality
politics within the organisation had become
intolerable and ugly. You had to owe your al-
legiance either to one person or his rival. It
became so frustrating, that it became a waste
of time.”
There have been accusations of “cliques”,
favouritism, high handedness and closed door
machinations between rival groups. Readers
might recall a report in Indian Weekender
about GOPIO’s decision to charge a fee for the
function in Auckland to honour visiting senior
Indian minister Kapil Sibal earlier this year.
The community as well as community
leaders had expressed grave disappoint-
ment at the organisation’s decision to charge,
with the biggest Indian organisation, NZICA
saying that it was never consulted – and had
it been, it would have held a function free of
cost.
Former chairman Harish Bajaj, who re-
signed as the chairman of the Oceania chapter
– that comprised Australia, New Zealand and
Fiji – did not wish to comment on record,
despite several requests from Indian Week- service to the community. GOPIO courted further controversy when
ender. He referred questions to the present It is understood that he has sent an email it hastily made some appointments around the
interim committee headed by Satish Sharma. to GOPIO members stating that he would not time of the resignations by Mr. Bajaj and Mr.
It is understood that close on the heels of contest the forthcoming elections – a fact that Bhatia. One of these appointments pertain to
Mr Bajaj’s resignation, the president Ashok has been confirmed by recipients of the email Daljit Singh who is the National Immigration
Bhatia also left the organisation. Both cited message. Advisor to GOPIO. Mr Singh has been booked
personal reasons for their resignations. Co-Chair PR & Marketing of GOPIO for alleged electoral fraud in the run up to the
Mr Sharma told Sunny Kaushal said Auckland supercity elections and faces court.
Indian Weekender in Mr Sharma was han- GOPIO and Mr Singh both strongly deny
the course of a phone dling the affairs of these allegations and have vowed to fight them
conversation that the
organisation had not “If any change has GOPIO at present
and was planning a
in court.
President of GOPIO’s Wellington Chapter
been managed well schedule for the elec- Pushpa Wood expressed serious concern at
for some time and that to be made – a tions. Mr Kaushal did these appointments and termed them as a high
procedures were not not confirm whether handed decision of the current group of people
followed.
One reason for
mature and inclusive he would himself
contest the election
controlling GOPIO who had “vested inter-
ests” and were “power hungry”. She further
this, he said, was
because GOPIO never
discussion needs to but it is widely under-
stood that he would.
clarified that the national executive was not
consulted and the appointments were made by
had a proper constitu- He was also a con- Satish Sharma in contravention of accepted
tion. “It’s just a one take place amongst testant in the recently practices.
and a half page piece aborted elections for She also attributed the current spate of
of paper that says all stake holders,” the deputy chairper- resignations to the way the current affairs are
nothing,” Mr Sharma son of the India New being managed. She had some strong words
said. He added that - Pushpa Wood Zealand Business about the proposed redrafting of the constitu-
the immediate task Council on account tion. She felt that the Wellington Chapter has
was to write up a new of the rather surpris- a constitution accepted even by the Charities
constitution and hold ingly late discovery Commission and there is no need to reinvent
fresh elections, which by the members that the wheel as there is already a document that
he said he was working on and would be held an electronic ballot was not permissible under is working. “If any change has to be made – a
within the next two months or so. the existing constitution. The fact came to mature and inclusive discussion needs to take
Asked what had gone wrong with the light after the electoral process got under way. place amongst all stake holders,” she said.
previous management, Mr Sharma said the GOPIO promoted ETTANZ, a business Indian Weekender has already received
organisation was not representative and was promotion organisation that was launched many comments from GOPIO members and
controlled and run by the whims and fancy of with much fanfare this year, though still re- other members of the community. If readers
a few people. ported to be functioning, has had little to have anything to share with the larger com-
Mr Sharma said he had always raised the show by way of performance and has been munity please email info@indianweekender.
flag on procedural matters before the previous termed as a non-starter by various members co.nz and we will come up with an even more
committee but had faced opposition. “I was in the community. The ETTA website is also in depth report on why people have been re-
branded a trouble maker,” he said. currently not functioning. signing from the local chapters of the organi-
While adding that he was working toward Mr Kaushal who is Vice President of sation that has been termed as a premier or-
holding fresh elections, he categorically ETTANZ said the organisation was function- ganisation of overseas Indians.
stated that he had no interest in holding office ing as usual, but did not say what its most
and was helping out in the interim merely as a recent activities were. - Indian Weekender correspondents

Veteran Community leader – HARISH BAJAJ

What is GOPIO ? responds...
Global Organisation of People of Veteran community leader, Justice of the Peace and the pillar of many Indian
India Origin (GOPIO) was formed 22 community organisations Harish Bajaj is unhappy with the current functioning
years ago for the benefit and well of GOPIO in New Zealand. He was the man responsible for bringing this apex
being all NRIs and PIOs world wide. organisation into the country and developing it nationwide.
GOPIO is non-political, non-profit ,
a non-partisan, secular global orga- Mr Bajaj who received
nization engaged in promoting the formal professional
well being of People of Indian Origin, education in London
enhancing cooperation and com- has made a significant
munication between Indians living in contribution to the inter-
different countries. national travel industry.
His work has been duly
GOPIO New Zealand Incorporated and the ten chapters were recognised by both the
launched on 4th October 2008 by former Prime Minister Helen Clark, Indian and New Zealand
in the presence of GOPIO International President Mr Inder Singh who governments.
appointed Mr. Harish Bajaj as the President of GOPIO NZ. In August
2009 Mr. Bajaj was appointed as Regional Vice President, GOPIO High Commissioner of India (L) felicitating Harish Bajaj.
He was appointed as
International Oceania to cover New Zealand, Australia and Fiji with the Companion of the
a total number of 20 chapters. At the same time a man with impec- Queen Service Order (QSO ) by Her Majesty the Queen in 2006. The list of his
cable credentials, Ashok Bhatia was appointed as the NZ President of achievements and decorations may take a full page of this publication, so we
GOPIO. Mr. Bhatia is a respected and well mannered businessman of have decided to keep it brief. He is closely associated with Shanti Niwas an
Auckland apex charitable organisation serving the senior citizens.

Recently both Mr. Bajaj and Mr. Bhatia have resigned from their
respective posts, citing personal reasons and do not wish to get in-
volved in the “power hungry” politics engulfing GOPIO currently.
Since Mr. Bajaj recently resigned from GOPIO, he has responded to the allega-
tions put forth by the current group of people managing GOPIO saying “I have
read with great interest the GOPIO article [on the Indian Weekender website
also reproduced on these pages] and I refute all the allegations contained
therein against the earlier management as being totally false, baseless and ir-
responsible. I do not wish to comment any further.”

Indian Weekender | November 19 | www.iwk.co.nz 19

Indian
Bollywood

I still feel like a newcomer

Deepika Padukone jetted into London on Monday on an 8-hour flying visit to promote new release Break Ke Baad. The Kunal
Kohli-produced film sees Deepika share screen space with Imran Khan in a coming-of-age drama about what happens once a
relationship ends. The model-turned-actor spoke to Correspondent Steven Baker about working with Imran, why she still feels like
a newcomer, and her plans to do a stage show with SRK.
You have had hits with romantic, peppy new ideas. as much. So I hope I How is Vishal-Shekar’s music for Break
films like Love Aaj Kal and Bachna Ae feel like a newcomer Ke Baad?
Haseeno; now you are back with Break You have studied forever. It’s nice. It’s in a very nice indie-rock space.
Ke Baad. Is this your niche in Bolly- acting from Anupam There are a couple of songs I like. There’s a song
wood? Kher’s ‘Actor Pre- From ‘Love Mera called ‘Dooriyan’ which actually talks about
I don’t want to be typecast as a heroine who pares’. How did that Hit Hit’ to ‘Dhoom how space in a relationship is important. There
does a certain kind of cinema, which is why I help you when you Tana’, you are as- is another track ‘Dhoop Ke Makaan’ which is a
experiment with the type of films that I do. But first entered the in- sociated with a slightly sad love song, which I really like, but
yes, I won’t deny that romantic love stories or dustry? number of popular at the same time it is not one of those typically
romantic comedies are what I enjoy doing the I have absolutely no film songs. Are slow love songs. It is the kind of music that I
most, because as an audience those are the kind film background. I there any plans to think everyone likes listening to these days.
of films that I like watching. don’t come from a film do a stage show
family and I had never You have two films releasing almost
or world tour in the
Are there similarities between you and been on a film set until back to back...
future?
your character Aaliya Khan in the film? my first film. In a lot of Yes, a week after Break Ke Baad I have Khelein
I would like to. I
In a lot of ways yes, and in a lot of ways no, ways, it gave me a little Hum Jee Jaan Sey coming out on December
think it is something I
Aaliya is very ambitious and wants to achieve information about what 3rd, where I play a very different de-glam role.
would like to do with
a lot for herself, which I identify with. But she to expect. But at the Shah Rukh because
is also someone who sacrifices her relationship, same time, I think the I debuted with him. We also hear that you are back in the UK
and doesn’t believe in love or marriage, and best education I’ve had I mean, we all know next year for a shoot?
those are things I don’t connect with. is to actually be on a how successful all his Yes. I have just started working on a new film
film set and learn from shows are, and some called Desi Boyz. It’s with John and Akshay. I
After appearing with senior actors like there. of my biggest songs have started the Bombay schedule already, and
Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan and are with him and Om we will be shooting in London for a month in
Farhan Akhtar, how is it working with a So, having worked Shanti Om. I would February I think.
younger star like Imran Khan? as an actor for three love to do a world tour.
I think when I am working with some of the years, do you feel like you are an estab- I love dancing and I like performing, but I want There are also rumours that you have
older actors I am in awe and I am often just lished star, or do you still feel like a new- to make sure that I have a bank of songs before signed Race 2?
trying to learn as much as I can from them. comer? I do that. Also, because I am really passionate It is not a rumour anymore, I am doing it. I
Whereas, I think with people like Imran and I still feel like a newcomer, and I hope I feel about dance I want to make sure that I have can’t talk about the film right now, but yes I can
Ranbir, we are all in the same age group and like a newcomer forever. Because I always feel enough time to do my rehearsals and perfect it confirm that I am a part of it and we start in the
we are all just learning. I think I am a lot more that the minute you feel like you have achieved before we start performing. middle of next year.
free to just discuss things, talk and to try out everything, then you don’t enjoy your work

20 Indian Weekender | November 19, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz

 Chemistry
Indian
is on papers: Ash
Actors Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Aditya Roy Kapoor visited Kolkata to
promote their film ‘Guzaarish’ at Fame Cinemas on Nov 14, 2010.
Kolkata: Bollywood sensation Aishwarya
Rai Bachchan said she feels that the chemis-
try between actors lies actually on the paper.
“The chemistry is on papers, actors
infuse into it,” Ash said when asked about
the chemistry she shares with Hrithik
Roshan onscreen.
Aishwarya was in Kolkata on Sunday to
promote her upcoming film ‘Guzaarish’ at
Fame Cinemas.
The actor said she feels that if the chem-
istry is not present in the script, then the
actors will not be able to give proper ‘life’
into it.
“Chemistry is between characters, that is
what audience experience,” she said.
Speaking about ‘Guzaarish;, Ash said:
“ It is a brave, sensitive, meaningful film
and to add to it, Sanjay (Leela Bhansali) is
making it.”
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Indian Weekender | November 19 | www.iwk.co.nz
Bollywood
I am scared even now:
Kapil Sharma
London: Rookie actor Kapil Sharma, who plays India, Kapil is proud of the recognition DYNJK
a gay character in the film Dunno Y.. Na Jaane has received even before its box office release.
Kyon, says he is still scared of violence during “The film has won three awards so far. The
the release of his film in India. viewers’ choice award at Sydney Trikone Film
Following screenings at international film Festival, Best Sensitive film at Kashish Inter-
festivals in the US, UK and Australia,Dunno national queer film festival of Mumbai, and
Y... Na Jaane Kyon had been due to release in Yuvraaj and I got an award for our work from
India last month. the Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal,”
A combination of censor board delays and the debut actor revealed.
protests against the Sanjay Sharma-directed The film, described as Bollywood’s Broke-
production however, pushed back the film until back Mountain also features veteran actors
November 12. Zeenat Aman, Helen and Kabir Bedi, alongside
Kapil Sharma, who (opposite Yuvraaj Para- rising stars Hazel and Maradona Rebello.
shar) plays the lead role in the first Indian movie Dunno Y... Na Jaane Kyon releases in India
to show a gay screen kiss, shares his thoughts on this Friday.
how he is feeling 48 hours before the first day, - Steven Baker
first show of his debut.
“The feeling before the release is mixed. I
In this film, Aishwarya will share with am excited, nervous, anxious and happy. The
Hrithik Roshan for the third time after film has faced many controversies, from the
‘Dhoom 2’ and ‘Jodhaa Akbar’. censors taking three months, to getting distribu-
“Guzaarish is the third film both with tors for an unconventional subject,” Kapil told
Hrithik and Sanjay,” she mentioned. IBNS in London.
Ash also mentioned that she is ‘blessed’ The star spoke of the pre-release controversy
to portray so many different kinds of women surrounding the film and threats made against
characters in her life. him: “Recently I received threatening mails,
“I am blessed to work so many different in which it was written that this film would
women character in my life,” she said at a corrupt society and that homosexuality is part
press conference here. of western culture.
Aishwarya will be seen playing a nurse They said that we would be damaging
in ‘Guzaarish’. society if it releases, and the consequences
Ash said that she will love to work in would be bad for us.
Bengali movies in future once again after “Political party workers also came down
Rituparno Ghose’s ‘Chokher Bali’. to my building to protest, until the police took
Besides Ash, actor Aditya Roy Kapur, good care of the situation. I am scared that they
who plays ‘Omar’ in the film, was present may create further scene on release of the film,
at the press meet. but let us hope for the best.”
Despite the difficulties the film has faced in
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 Indian
Bollywood

‘Sanjay calls me Parvati’

After Robot with Rajnikanth, and Action Replayy with Akshay Kumar, Aishwarya
Rai Bachchan will be seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Guzaarish with
Hrithik Roshan. Correspondent Sreya Basu in conversation
What are your expectations from Gu-
zaarish?

It’s a very, very special film because a

very special team worked for an ex-
tremely passionate piece of art. It
had been a tremendous effort, but
everyone worked tirelessly…
that’s the only kind of work you
are known to do with Sanjay
(Leela Bhansali).

You smoked in Guzaarish.

Was it easy or difficult for
you?

(Giggles) Have you seen it in the trailer

where I get choked while smoking? That speaks
volumes on my smoking.

In your life or career, which is that one

thing that you have made maximum
guzaarish (request) for?

I love my work (acting) too much. So, I can

do anything for one more take…that’s what I
request for most of the times…’One more time chance to act in films back-to-back, yet give
please’. something different to the audience each time,
Guzaarish is your third film with Sanjay
(after Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and so that they don’t feel ‘arre abhi abhi toh saw
Devdas)… them together’. Same happened to me and
Hrithik.
COLENSO2210W

Yes. I am lucky to work with him for the

third time. Each experience with him has been
exceedingly special, but Guzaarish is extra After spending so many years in Bol-
special…it’s a beautiful piece of cinema and lywood, how will you rate yourself as an
we are extremely proud of it. What’s wonderful actor?
is that Sanjay and me have a connection where
You don’t have to travel to we are very talkative with each other; at the
same time, we are brilliant at sharing silences.
I am still a student. I am always my direc-
tor’s student. They are my gurus (teachers). I

catch up with friends overseas Through silences, we communicate so much

that nobody on the sets understands it. The con-
feel blessed to have worked with all big direc-
tors and actors in the industry.
nection between Sanjay and me, is very, very
Just $12 for 120 minutes and 50 TXTs to India, China, special… creatively…for both of us; and very
and other selected countries with Vodafone’s new fulfilling.
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To find out more see vodafone.co.nz/international Out of the three films you did with San-
jay, which one is your favourite?
Sanjay has always given strong characters
to me. Take Nandini (from Hum Dil De Chuke
Sanam). Sanjay introduces her as the five ele-
ments put together. What an introduction and
insight into the character! And then, the journey
of life she undertakes. For a new actor, I got to
explore such an arch in a character. As for Paro
(in Devdas)…by the way, Sanjay always calls
me Parvati; he always says ‘She is Parvati for
me’. Paro has a different level of intensity. I got
to emotionally rediscover the character. Gu-
zaarish’s Sophia is different from Nandini and
Paro in the sense that in this film, Sanjay has
used my silences immensely.

Sanjay’s films are known to be poetical,

something not for general public. What
do you have to say on that?

Sanjay makes intense films…be it the

moments or the music or lyrics…he makes po-
etical cinema. Like, in Guzaarish, he described
life as a cup of coffee. But he makes all his films
receptive.

It’s your third film with Hrithik Roshan

as well (after Dhoom and Jodha Akbar).

Nothing can be better if two actors get a

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22 Indian Weekender | November 19, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz
Untitled-3 1 17/11/10 10:38 AM
Indian
Hollywood, Bollywood
sign cooperation pact
Nevada, US: Indo-Americans have applauded
the reportedly historic cooperation pact signed
between City of Los Angeles and Indian film
producers at Paramount Studios in Hollywood
(USA) on Wednesday.
It will reportedly result in the formation of
Los Angeles-Indian Film Council to encourage
joint film production and commercial coopera-
tion.
Rajan Zed, is Chairperson of Indo-Amer-
ican Leadership Confederation, said that
forming closer ties and sharing resources on
various creative and technical aspects of film-
making would be mutually beneficial for both
Hollywood and Bollywood.
Since they controlled the psyche of a large
populace of the world, Hollywood-Bollywood
collaborating together might result in world
coming closer, Rajan Zed added.
According to a Motion Picture Association
of America (MPAA) release issued on Novem-
ber 10: “As part of the declaration, the city of
Los Angeles and the Indian film industry, rep-
resented by the Film and Television Produc-
ers Guild of India and the Film Federation of
India, agree to develop and strengthen motion
picture production, distribution, technology,
content protection and commercial cooperation
between the two filmmaking communities. The
two parties also support the creation of the Los
Angeles-India Film Council to increase Indian
film production in Los Angeles”.
Attendees at the event included Los Angeles
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, California Film
Commissioner Amy Lemisch, Paramount Pic-
tures Chairman and CEO Brad Grey, MPAA
Special Policy Advisor Fritz Attaway, Film Fed-
eration of India President L. Suresh, Hindi films
producer Bobby Bedi, representatives from
Reliance BIG Entertainment and UTV Motion
Pictures, etc.
“Our vibrant film communities share many
of the same goals and concerns. The numerous
India in focus
co-productions with Indian studios over the past Mumbai: India has become a popular des-
several years are evidence of a growing bond tination of Hollywood and foreign film
between our two industries. Today’s action is an makers prompting the Information and
important step toward furthering that growth,” Broadcasting Ministry to clear projects
said Bob Pisano, MPAA President. quickly.
Release further says: This is the second The I & B has cleared 11 projects this
major step towards economic development and year and has nine more in various stages
cooperation between Hollywood and the Indian of approval, while in 2009 it approved 24
film industry this year. In March, the two in- foreign films to be shot in
dustries came together in Mumbai to launch various Indian locations.
the Alliance Against Copyright Theft, a Bolly- “We have given per- “We have given
wood-Hollywood content protection coalition in mission for more than 100
India. Indian investment in Hollywood has been
steadily increasing, most notably with Indian
movies in the last three permission for more
to four years,” Joint Sec-
entertainment conglomerate Reliance’s produc-
tion and distribution deal with Dreamworks
retary (Films) D P Reddy
was quoted as saying by
than 100 movies
SKG.
It adds: Past big budget Indian productions
GEO tv.
“It’s primarily because
in the last three to
filmed in Los Angeles include: Kites (2010), My
Name is Khan (2010), Kambakkht Ishq (2009),
we have a lot of good
locales where shooting can
four years...”
Kaante (2002), and Pardes (1997). Other joint take place and we have the
ventures and co-productions between individ- technical competence. The
ual Hollywood studios and Indian production services are pretty competitive. It makes a
houses over the past several years include My lot of sense to come,” he said.
Name is Khan (2010), Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge In the 1920s, German director Franz
(2010), Lahore (2010), Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Osten made a series of black-and-white
Hain (2010), Khichdi (2010), We Are Family silent films inspired by India’s many reli-
(2010), Do Dooni Chaar (2010), Chandni Chowk gions and rich history.
to China (2009), Quick Gun Murugan (2009), Richard Attenborough’s Academy
Raaz the Mystery Continues (2009), Roadside Award wining “Gandhi” (1982) was largely
Romeo (2008), Saas Bahu Aur Sensex (2008), shot in India and brought the country to a
Saawariya (2007). Several, such as Zokkomon worldwide audience.
and Dum Maro Dum, are also slated for 2011. More recently, major films such as the
MPAA serves as the voice and advocate James Bond thriller “Octopussy” (1983),
of the American motion picture, home video “The Bourne Supremacy” (2004) and “A
and television industries from its offices in Mighty Heart” (2007) have all used Indian
Los Angeles and Washington DC. Its members locations.
include: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, This year’s “Eat Pray Love”, starring
Paramount Pictures Corporation, Sony Pictures Julia Roberts, was the first high-profile film
Entertainment Inc., Twentieth Century Fox Film since “Slumdog Millionaire” to come to
Corporation, Universal City Studios LLLP, and India on location.
Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.` Reddy said the movie makers have been
Bollywood
coming from all over the world, the recent
permission being given to studios behind
the “Mission: Impossible” franchise and
the big screen adaptation of the novel “Life
of Pi”.
Other films in the pipeline include
“The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” starring
British actress Judy Dench and directed
by John Madden,
whose previous credits
include “Shakespeare
in Love” and “Captain
Corelli’s Mandolin”.
Last year, some
three billion cinema
tickets were sold
in India, compared
with 1.5 billion in the
United States, accord-
ing to a Crisil media
and entertainment
report last September.
In 2009, nearly 60 Hollywood films
were released, earning a combined revenue
of 85.5 million dollars.
Dubbing into local languages is becom-
ing more accepted, although the revenue
potential for Hollywood films is lower than
in developed countries because of cheap
ticket prices, they added.
“The last 12 months have seen a dra-
matic growth of Hollywood in India” with
US films’ share of theatrical revenues now
at about 10 per cent, said Vijay Singh, chief
executive of Fox Star Studios.
New audiences are also being exposed
to Hollywood films through the burgeoning
satellite television sector, which shows both
the original English and dubbed versions,
he added.

unni amazes Kailash Demand for ban on Rakhi’s

Obama’s M
Mumbai: Today
ing about Obam
while ever yone is
a, a Hindi film “P
ta
ha s
lk-

e
Ho
pi
ha
a
w
ha
rm
we ll she has sung!
s showed that sh
ony and in future
Neha Dhu-
e can sing in
she can also
, she
show, arrest grows
is all set to re le as album. In this film
Gaye Re Obama” launch her own G ab ba r.”
Haryana/Mumbai: The controversy sur- The Bhartiya Kisan Union on Sunday also
le of Lady
soon. is playing the ro rounding alleged suicide of a young boy demanded that the item girl be arrested
after being humiliated on a television for allegedly abetting the suicide of the
sung the song day for this
Kailash Kher has “N eh a ha d kept the whole show by Rakhi Sawant continues to haunt youth.
bekar paise agar
na r, she record-
“Saara pyar hai so ng bu t as a Rap singe the Bollywood item girl.
de paise teri balle ed it in only 15 m
inutes.” 24-year-old Lakshman Prasad of Jhansi
palle, buddy de After the boy’s family decided to seek in Uttar Pradesh had appeared in Rakhi’s
.
balle” in the film excited about th
e police help, Punjab tourism and cultural show, “Rakhi ka Insaaf’ on NDTV Imag-
re nt Ka ila sh is also much affairs minister Hira Singh Gabria has ine, in October to settle a marital discord
what’s so di ffe
Now you will say, song.
ways sings well.
written to Information and Broadcasting with his wife Vineeta during which Rakhi
ou t it? Ka ila sh al
ab The stor y is minister Ambika Soni demanding a ban shouted at Lakshman and termed him
“T he m ov ie is very funny. rut. on the show ‘Rakhi ka Insaaf’. ‘namard’ (impotent).
very special, as
said so belong to Mee
But this song is of Meerut and I al He has demanded either ‘ban’ on
y responsibilit y
by Kailash. So it becomes m ld promote broadcasting of the show or ‘deletion’ of After the show was aired, his neighbours
to wa rd s my city that I shou objectionable content. started teasing him, which sent him into a
, “I sang this song this movie,” Kaila
sh said.
According to him no t th at Ba d- state of shock and depression, his family
am , oh
with Munni Mad But
The minister said he was urged by people alleged.
M un ni m ea ns Mallika Arora. wherever he went to take action against He stopped eating and went into depres-
naam ia .
t Neha Dhup the show, in which Rakhi seeks to settle sion and finally died at a local hospital last
I am talking abou
disputes in her own way. week.

Indian Weekender | November 19 | www.iwk.co.nz 23

Indian
Bollywood
And now... London correspondent Steven Baker catches up with Preity Zinta to talk

Dr Preity Zinta about the conferment of honorary doctorate to her and films

Although Preity Zinta has been
largely absent from the big screen for
the past eighteen months, the star is
never far from the glare of the media.
From her social activism and a repu-
tation for openly speaking her mind,
to her association with cricket, the
Indian film actress makes headlines
wherever she goes. The 35-year-
old has been in the UK to receive an
Honorary Doctorate from the Uni-
versity of East London, in recogni-
tion of her humanitarian work and
contribution to world cinema.
What has been your reaction to being
awarded an Honorary Doctorate for
your work in the humanitarian field and
in world cinema?
I am humbled and honoured. It is wonderful to
receive this honour. In my career I have always
won awards for films, but this the first time I
am getting something for my cultural contribu-
tion or my humanitarian work, so I think this
is always going to be extremely special to me.
At first I wondered why I was getting it, and
had this ‘ting’ smile on my face when I heard
the news. So I think this one is going to be the
closest to my heart.
You have turned down doctorates in the
past...
When I was told that I was going to get this
doctorate I wanted to know why, and for what
reason. I was told it was for other things besides
film and I thought that this was honour, and I
did not feel that I deserved it just for films. It is
not that I left my education half way. I studied,
and I know the effort it takes to get something
like this. You have to study for a couple of years,
you have to make that effort and then you can
achieve it. So at that point in my life I felt that
just because I am doing a film or giving a per-
formance I did not really feel that I deserved it.
What advice or message would you
want to give to students?
I think the message, or rather, the two messages
I would like to give to all the students is: Make
use of your time here because this is probably
the best time of your life, these are the building
years of your life, and what you do here is going
to determine how well you do or where you
end up in life. And two, because it is so multi-
cultural and diverse here, I would like to tell
everyone that people blend better than govern-
ments, so we are all global citizens, we are all
citizens of this planet. I don’t think we should
think about our respective religions or cultures,
we should bring the best of all the world togeth-
er and live happily.
How have you used your own education
(a Masters in Criminal Psychology) in
the field of cinema?
I think I learnt the art of breaking down char-
acters and doing a background to the character:
their early childhood, their present scenario and
what their aspirations were – and I could break
that down and use it my scenes. Everybody
used to ask me what I was doing because on my
script i would actually have two pages of a char-
acter sketch, and based on that I would some-
times work on my body language. Or if I knew
I was lying in a scene, the way that you move
your hands and touch your nose and get a little
fidgety. Little things like that. But more than
anything else I think it helped me in keeping
my character realistic. Having said that, I don’t
want to take all the credit, I have worked with
some amazing directors and co-stars who
always help me in doing what I am doing.
Was it difficult to continue your educa-
tion once you entered Bollywood?
When I had to take my final papers for Criminal
Psychology I was shooting for a movie called
Soldier and I left the set standing for ten days
in Rajasthan. I remember telling my producer
I will only do the movie if you let me go back
to take my exams for Criminal Psychology.
Later when I was filming in Rajasthan I said
that I have my exams, and they said: ‘You have
become an actress’. But I said that I had to do
my exams. I know the hard work that goes into
studying and I really appreciate the fact that
UEL have honoured me.
Apart from cameos in Main Aurr Mrs
Khanna and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi we
haven’t seen you on the big screen for
a while. When are you back with a new
project?
2011. I will be back with a lot of movies. I was
planning to start a film a month or two ago, but
certain things went upside down in my life so
things have been put back. But it is only movie,
movies and movies for me. I feel really humbled
because I decided to go on Twitter, and all of my
fans on Twitter say one thing consistently every
single day, and that is: ‘When are you coming
back in movies?’ I didn’t even think people
missed me that much. So I am really excited and
I am coming back with some really fun things.
Are you coming back with a commercial
Yash Chopra type film or something art-
house like The Last Lear?
No. Just commercial.

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24 Indian Weekender | November 19, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz

Indian
Ringtones in the valley
Kolkata: Aamir Bashir, actor, filmmaker
does not find his home - Kashmir, beautiful
any more. “The Kashmir of my childhood is
only a dream now. The careless days in the
flowering springs, skiing in winter — they
are just a memory now.”
It is the simmering tension that lies just
below the surface, the uncertainty and the in-
security that pervade an average person’s life
in the valley that have taken over the idyllic
beauty, he feels. And that’s what he is trying
to portray in his debut directorial venture
Harud, meaning autumn.
It was the inaugural film at the Cine
Central Film Festival, a part of the ongoing
16th Kolkata Film Festival (10-17 November).
At a Press Conference following the
screening in Kolkata, Bashir said that it was
the desperation for having a mobile phone
of the Kashmiri common people that set him
thinking about the film.
Due to security reasons the mobile phone
was allowed to be in the valley only in 2003
when, “we in Mumbai or people elsewhere
in the country were already wondering if one
should go for the latest model discarding the
old one. But for the people of Kashmir it was
almost like a revolutionary step. I was there
in Kashmir in 2003 and I saw the despera-
tion of the people. That set me thinking of this
story.”
But as Bashir said, the mobile phone is not
the story; “what I portray is why the mobile is
so very important to the people. Because they
are in need to keep in touch; they want to be
certain if a relative who hasn’t returned home
is somewhere safe.”
Harud tells the story of the disappearance
of Tauquir , a tourist photographer, and the
Indian Weekender | November 19 | www.iwk.co.nz
struggle of his younger brother Rafiq and his
family to come to terms with this loss, some-
thing many families in the valley claim to
have happened to them too in the last few
years.
The path to militancy seems logical and
crossing over to the other side of the border
is tempting but Rafiq returns home, though to
an aimless existence. Then one day he finds
his brother’s lost camera giving a new twist
to the story.
“It took me four years to write the story
but the screenplay is only 55 pages long which
I have co-scripted with Shankar Raman and
Mahmood Farooqi,” Bashir revealed. He and
Raman are also co-producers.
Asked if he is making a political statement
through this film Bashir said “I didn’t want
to give lectures. For me it’s the story of the
people, their lives today which is more impor-
tant and I’m trying to tell it cinematically.”
Shooting in Kashmir was not easy.
Though local people -‘non-actors’, were used
(Naseeruddin Shah did a workshop with
them) the team was looked at suspiciously
as outsiders, “Both by the people and by the
authorities.”
He was the only Kashmiri in the unit and
his biggest concern was that the others’ lives
were not put in jeopardy because of his film.
However, they were able to pack up within
month of shooting and “just after that, the rel-
ative calm was disrupted again and Kashmir
was in the boil again.”
Though the film has been shown to ap-
preciative audiences at various film festivals
abroad, it is yet to find a distributor in the
country.
“Being an independent filmmaker in
India, as elsewhere perhaps, is not easy.
But we are hopeful. I want to show Harud
in Kashmir too, to show to the people who
worked in the film. But there’s no cinema hall
there, so maybe we have to devise some way,”
Bashir said.
Bashir is a well-known actor with credits
in films like A Wednesday, Frozen, Split
Wide Open to name a few. But, he said, “I
have turned down a large number of roles too
because they didn’t interest me.”
He admitted that regional films which he
saw on Doordarshan when they were regu-
larly telecast on Sunday afternoons, Bengali
films, etc. have influenced him and he could
not accept mundane roles in mundane scripts.
“Perhaps because I was so bored with
them I thought of making a film of my own,”
he said.
- Ranjita Biswas
Bollywood
Saif joins Enlighten
Film Society
Mumbai: Actor Saif Ali Khan on Saturday
became member of The Taj Enlighten Film
Society.
Saif was handed over honorary membership
to the film society by the film society’s president
Pranav Ashar at an event here.
The film society, a partnership between
premium tea blend Brooke Bond Taj Mahal and
Enlighten Film Society, was authenticated as
India’s Largest Film Society by the Federation
of Film Societies of India (FFSI).
At present the Society has over 10,000
members across the country. The Taj Enlighten
Film Society, present in Mumbai, Bangalore
and now Delhi, claims to be dedicated to the
cause of spreading good cinema.
The Society, started in 2007, showcases
both national and international films to discern-
ing film enthusiasts, all at a nominal annual
membership fee of Rs. 1800.
Ashar said, “The Taj Enlighten Film Society
is for all film aficionados, and a society with a
difference. Since its inception in 2007, it has
grown to become India’s largest film society,
with over 10,000 members. Today is truly a
landmark for the film society, but only a step-
ping stone to making India’s largest film society,
the World’s Largest Film Society.”
Besides reaching out to film enthusiasts,
each year, the Taj Enlighten Film Society
confers the “Taj Enlighten Tareef Award” to
personalities for their outstanding contribution
to the field of cinema.
Some of the past recipients of this award
are Amitabh Bachchan, Shabana Azmi, Javed
Akhtar, Mrinal Sen and Waheeda Rehman.
Screenings are conducted every Sunday in
Mumbai at Metro and Big Cinemas, in Banga-
lore at Suchitra Film Club and in Delhi at the
India Habitat Centre & Epicentre Auditorium.
25
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26 Indian Weekender | November 19, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz

Indian
Bollywood

‘I used to dream of meeting Aishwarya’

The fuzzy hair boy in Action Replayy will be seen playing a student of magic in Guzaarish. Sreya Basu chats up Aditya Roy Kapoor
You play a magic student in Guzaar-
ish?
I don’t know how much I am allowed to
say about my character. All I can say is, I
play Omar Siddiqui, a young boy. I come
to Hrithik (Roshan) and Aishwarya’s (Rai
Bachchan) life as a helper and bit of a
student. I support them as well as learn
magic.
In your first film Action Replayy, Aish-
warya played your mother; now you
are playing her helper in Guzaarish…
I couldn’t ask for any better. I keep
joking that after sharing screen with
Aishwarya Rai twice, I have to retire
now. Because, there can’t be anything
better. It will be tough to top that. When
I was a boy, I used to dream of meeting
her someday. She is the most beautiful
woman in the world.
Was it difficult to adapt to the two
characters…poles apart…almost back-
to-back with Aishwarya?
There’s a lot of difference in the two
films…treatment-wise, director-wise,
approach-wise. It was not tough for me
to adapt to the characters even though
Aishwarya was a common factor.
How does it feel sharing screen with
names like Akshay Kumar, Aishwarya
Rai and Hrithik Roshan at the very
beginning of your career?
I had no experience in acting at all. Be it
Action Replayy or Guzaarish, I learnt a
lot working with actors who are at the top
of their game. They too were newcom-
ers at some point of their career, so they
understood very well the amount of pres-
sure I was facing. So, they were really
nice to me. I always knew that whenever
I needed help, I could go to them. I just
used to observe them. Mere liye toh it
was like going to school.
Having worked with directors like
Vipul Shah and Sanjay Leela Bhansali,
who were you most comfortable work-
ing with?
See, the subjects of the two films were
so different that it’s difficult to compare
them. But what is similar between both
of them is the passion for their work. So,
in that sense, there was not much differ-
ence between them.
Have you given up your career as a VJ
(video jockey)?
Yes. I gave up VJ-ing a year-and-a-half
ago because acting happened to me.
And I have started to love this profession
as much, if not more, than VJ-ing. Now
I am completely in love with it and can’t
think of going back to be a VJ again. I
can only imagine having a life in films.
So, I hope there will be many more mov-
ies for me. (Smiles)
Was it a planned shifting of profes-
sion?
Well, when I was a VJ, I used to have
a lot of fun. People used to tell me:
‘Now that you are the VJ, you will surely
become an actor’. And I used to say: ‘I
don’t know…let’s see what happens’. I
used to get calls (from filmmakers). But I
was a bit lazy to go that far for so many
auditions. One day, I went for an audition
and I got an offer I couldn’t refuse. Vipul
Sir (Shah) told me we are going to land
you as a guitarist…I can play the guitar
anyway….and I said: ‘Ya, let’s go’.
What kind of films are you looking for?
So far, I didn’t have any hand in my act-
ing career. It has shaped up on its own.
I have done these two projects. Now I
have to put some thoughts into it and
take the right decisions. At the moment,
I will choose films that will make me
happy, excited.

(TANI) warmly invites you and your organisation to

FREEY
The General Networks’ Meeting

ENTR
When: 3.00pm - 5.00pm Wednesday 24th November 2010
Where: Fickling Convention Centre 546 Mt. Albert Road,
Three Kings, Auckland

• Coping skills for parents with holiday stress and converting these challenges into opportunities
for quality family time and building healthy relationships with children
• Understanding skin cancer and its preventative tips (sun care)
• How to create a safe environment at home during long school holidays
• Drowning prevention and water safety for Asian families

Please RSVP to Samuel Cho at samuel.cho@asiannetwork.org.nz

Indian Weekender | November 19 | www.iwk.co.nz 27
Indian
Heritage

What Guru Nānak Dev taught

ram lingam

21st of November is Guru Nanak Gurpurab ~ the birth anniversary of the first Sikh Guru, Shri Guru Nanak Devji
(1469 – 1539 CE), and it is one of the most sacred festivals in Sikh religion.
This small piece of writing is simply inadequate know that there is only the One Lord pervading Sahib, a vast collection of revelatory verses re- births and death, He is self illuminated, He is
to do any justice to the standing of Shri SatGuru everywhere. O servant Nanak, without realizing corded in Gurmukhi. Guru Nānak Devji taught realised by the kindness of the True Guru…”
Nānak Devji or his teachings. To get to know the one’s own True Self, the moss of doubt i.e. igno- that the way to connect with the Supreme is (Japji)
life story of this great Guru and his teachings rance of one’s True Nature not through the mind
is a journey that helps recognise the trivialities or Essential Being, etc. or through rituals, but • Even Kings and emperors with heaps of
of life and acquire the knowledge of our true cannot be eradicated from through Guru’s grace wealth and vast dominion cannot compare
divine nature which we seem to miss constantly. the mind.” “As fragrance abides in and direct personal ex- with an ant filled with the love of God.
Though not born into a Sikh family, I was Guru Nānak Devji perience. Therefore, he • God is one, but he has innumerable forms.
fortunate to discover Guru Nānak Devji’s taught the absolute unity
the flower, emphasised meditation He is the creator of all and He himself takes
sublime teachings through a music album called
‘Āshram Bhajanavali’, which is a collection of
of God; everything is
God, and everything is
As reflection is within on the Name (Naam) and
Presence of God.
the human form.
• I am neither a child, a young man, nor an
devotional songs that formed part of the morning dependent on the will the mirror, Guru Nānak Devji ancient; nor am I of any caste.
and evening prayers at Gandhiji’s ashrams. of God. The Guru’s life has given a beautiful • I am not the born; how can there be either
Of the many bhajans, there was Guru Nānak story is full of saintly So does your Lord summary of his teachings birth or death for me?
Devji’s song “Kaahe re ban khojan jaai…Sarab actions and divine events in one of his hymns where • I bow at His Feet constantly, and pray to
nivaasi sadaa alepaa tohi sang samaai” which that teach us to lead a abide within you, he says: “Love the saints Him, the Guru, the True Guru, has shown me
caught my attention. Just reading the translation pure life, to be a ‘Sikh’, of every faith: Put away the Way.
of this song, I got seriously educated on Guru a sincere disciple and to
Why search for the Lord thy pride. Remember the • Let no man in the world live in delusion.
Nānak Devji’s teachings and also about Sikh
faith, which to me became much more than the
receive the grace of the
Guru for self-unfoldment.
outside?” essence of religion
is meekness and sym-
Without a Guru none can cross over to the
other shore.
dress code of the faithful. Even so the ‘langar’ The word ‘Sikh’ means - Guru Nanak Dev pathy, not fine clothes,
that I enjoyed in the company of my Sikh friends ‘disciple’ or student. The not the Yogi’s garb and These sayings just give us a glimpse of his hu-
at the Gurudwara certainly became sanctified. term “Sikh” has its origin ashes, not the blowing of mility, his holiness, his message of universal-
The translation of this transforming song in Sanskrit term ‘Sisya’ the horns, not the shaven ity and equality. The core teachings attributed
“Kaahe re ban khojan jaai’ goes “Why do you meaning “disciple, student” or ‘śiksa’ meaning head, not long prayers, not recitations and tor- to Guru Nanak are that there is only one God,
go looking for God in the forest? Although he “instruction” according to the ‘The Illustrated turings, not the ascetic way, but a life of good- and that all human beings can have direct access
is ever detached, he dwells everywhere. He History of the Sikhs’ by Khushwant Singh. The ness and purity, amid the world’s temptations.” to divinity without empty rituals or priests. His
even abides with you. Like the fragrance which word ‘Sikh’ means ‘disciple’ and they are the most radical social teachings denounced the de-
remains in the flower, and like the reflection disciples of God who follow the writings and Here are given some famous sayings of Guru generated caste system and taught that everyone
in the mirror, the Lord dwells deep within all. teachings of the 10 Sikh Gurus. Nānak Devji is equal, regardless of caste or gender.
Therefore search for Him within your own The origins of Sikhism lie in the spiritual and • “There is but One God, His name is Truth,
heart, O brother. The Guru has imparted this social teachings of Guru Nānak Devji, which He is the Creator, He fears none, He is without Happy GURPURAB…!!
wisdom: outside the body and inside the body, can be found in the Sikh scripture Guru Granth hate, He never dies, He is beyond the cycle of

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28 Indian Weekender | November 19, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz

Indian
health
Dietary Myths for faCts!
south asian faMilies in nZ
Vs
Realities
Each day we are exposed to challenges
around food and our dietary habits. To eat
and what not to eat!
Generally, we trust information that’s
linked to our health without making an
effort to find the fact behind it. It doesn’t
matter what is the source of our infor-
mation, we just believe it, this is human
nature, creating myths.
Many myths can be attributed to legacy---
-our great grandparents shared the secret
with our grandparents, who in turn con-
veyed these to our parents and then these
were diligently passed to us.
These myths or realities form habits based
on practices followed in the past but
without knowing the actual fact, we blindly
follow them.
Some of the common
myths are
• Apple contains iron – this is true, may
be in small amounts, the browning is
just a reaction not a sudden emergence
of iron layer on the surface of an apple
when cut!
• Banana contains calcium, well;
banana is not even a good source of
calcium but a good source of energy,
so if you have been loading yourself
with bananas assuming you would be
getting good calcium you may have just
added some weight to your body!
• You can’t lose weight because have
slow metabolism rate - How would you
decide what’s your metabolism, your
body works the way you treat it... slow
metabolism is just in the mind not in the
body…….nothing comes easy
• You can spot reduce fat……we would
all have fabulous bodies if we could
spot reduce , unfortunately not ,we lose
overall body weight.
• Avoid combining carbs and protein if
you want to lose weight ….or fruit must
be eaten by itself not after a meal, or the
Indian Weekender | November 19 | www.iwk.co.nz
Column
our people
have one of the
highest rates of
DiaBetes
in new ZealanD Ministry of Health
body becomes too acidic …..its not the
combination ..its the portion that you
eat………..our bodies are well designed
to digest carbs , protein or fruit differ-
ently and effectively.
• Eating high cholesterol foods can
increase cholesterol levels - It’s actually too Many of our faMily
MeMBers are at risk.
a diet high in saturated fats that, over
time, increases your blood cholesterol.
If you have normal cholesterol levels,
But it Doesn’t
consuming foods in balanced por-
tion that contain cholesterol, is highly
unlikely to have an impact.
have to Be
• More protein can build muscles,
unfortunately that’s not true. Exercise
builds muscle, and no amount of pro-
this way!
tein supplements will do it for you, if you
don’t move your muscles.
• Don’t drink water with or straight after
your meals – drinking moderate amount
of fluids have no impact, however in
young children any fluid can fill their
small stomachs and affect their appetite The good news is by making simple
which could result in nutritional defi-
ciencies. changes to the way we eat and getting
With the advent of internet, information more physically active we can reduce
is available in abundance; however it is
important that we identify the substance
in the content and the scientific evidences
our risk of Diabetes and Heart Disease.
attached with the information. Understand
your action has an impact on your long
term health and therefore one must be
very careful when adapting or following
If concerned, ask
practices.
It is always essential that you consult a
your doctor or nurse
health professional before adopting any
practices, as they can have a long term im- to assess your risk
pact, sometimes harmful too. Till next time
be healthy, live healthy and eat healthy. of Diabetes and
This article is a general guideline ONLY. Heart Disease.
Please see a health professional for indi-
vidual conditions and needs.
Varsha Asrani is a New Zealand Regis- The term ‘South Asian’ in NZ refers to anyone of Indian, Bangladeshi, Pakistani,
tered Dietitian. For personal consultations Sri Lankan, Nepali, Bhutanese, and Maldivian origin, and includes NZ born, Fiji
she can be contacted on 0210524353. Indians and South African Indians. Each community has its own unique culture
For any questions, suggestions or views and background. However, all South Asian groups share some common health
please email her on issues, including alarmingly high rates of Diabetes and Heart Disease.
info@varshaasrani.com.
29
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30 Indian Weekender | November 19, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz

Indian
Column
What is so good about a licensed adviser?
It’s a dilemma facing many migrants: whether to
manage their own immigration application, or hire
a consultant to help with the sometimes confus-
ing process of migrating to New Zealand. While
Immigration New Zealand contact centre staff
are available to help anyone with their individual
queries, there is no doubt that some people have
complex personal issues that make it difficult for
them to manage their way unassisted through the
immigration process.
Migrants to New Zealand have three options
open to them: they can complete the application
process themselves, work with an exempt person
(such as a lawyer or citizens advice bureau worker),
or they can consult a licensed immigration adviser.
Anyone looking for immigration advice wants
the reassurance that they are dealing with a profes-
sional. Since the Immigration Advisers Licensing
Act became law, people giving immigration advice
about New Zealand have needed to be either li-
censed or exempt, no matter where they are in the
world.
Clearly, the Immigration Advisers Authority is
in the business of licensing immigration advisers.
The question for migrants is, what is so great about
a licensed adviser?
To start with, it’s useful to think about the situa-
tion that existed before the new law was introduced.
Many migrants have horror stories of bad experi-
ences at the hands of immigration “consultants” in
the days before licensing – some of whom guaran-
teed the migrant a successful outcome, pocketed
the migrant’s money, and were never heard from
again. While there were many reputable advisers
before licensing became law, migrants had no way
of knowing who was trustworthy.
Today’s licensing system means that advisers
Indian Weekender | November 19 | www.iwk.co.nz
don’t get a licence until they can demonstrate that
they are knowledgeable about New Zealand im-
migration law and policy, and that they meet the
professional and ethical standards set by the New
Zealand government. In fact, according to Barry
Smedts, Registrar of Immigration Advisers, if ad-
visers can’t meet those standards, they don’t belong
in this profession.
Once advisers become licensed, they are ex-
pected to continually update their knowledge of
immigration matters. This is one major area where
licensed advisers can add the most value to mi-
grants, as advisers have ready access to the latest
immigration law and operational instructions from
Immigration New Zealand.
“It is a requirement that all licensed advisers
must complete 20 hours of continuing professional
development each year they are licensed,” Barry
Smedts said.
“CPD must cover aspects of the adviser’s im-
migration business which would benefit from in-
creased knowledge. While we leave the choice of
CPD activities up to each individual adviser, they
must provide evidence that the activities they have
chosen are directly linked to one of the seven com-
petency standards that licensed immigration advis-
ers must meet.”
While the Immigration Advisers Authority does
not run CPD activities, it encourages all licensed
advisers to ensure they remain up to date with im-
migration instructions, and have well-developed,
professional and ethical business practices.
- If you have any questions about immigration
adviser licensing, contact the Immigration Advis-
ers Authority.
31
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32 Indian Weekender | November 19, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz