indian weekender 03-oct-2014

www.iwk.co.nz10 October 2014

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10 October, 2014 Vol. 6 Issue 12 | www.iwk.co.nz

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Light up your life this weekend (Oct 11 & 12, 2014) with Auckland Diwali Festival at Aotea Square

Light up your life this weekend (Oct 11 & 12, 2014) with Auckland Diwali Festival at Aotea Square


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¡¡ Maya Shivam“I am a very optimistic man, and only an

optimistic man can bring optimism in the country.”

—NarendraModiNarendra Modi grew up poor in northern

India. He entered politics as a youth and quickly rose through the ranks of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, a Hindu nationalist political party. In 2014 he was elected Prime Minister of India.

His Early LifeNarendra Modi was born in the small

town of Vadnagar, in northern Gujarat, India. His father was a street merchant who struggled to support the family. Young Narendra and his brother sold tea near a bus terminal to help out. Though an average student in school, Modi spent hours in the library and was known as a strong debater. In his early teens, he joined Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, the student wing of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist political party.

Modi married at 18 but spent little time with his bride and eventually ended the marriage. He dedicated his life to politics in Gujarat. In 1978, Modi graduated from Delhi University with a degree in political science and completed his master’s work at Gujarat University in 1983.

In 1987, Narendra Modi joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His rise through the ranks was rapid, as he wisely chose mentors to further his career. He promoted privatization of businesses, small government and Hindu

values. In 1995, Modi was elected BJP national secretary, a position from which he successfully helped settle internal leadership disputes, paving the way for BJP election victories in 1998.

In February 2002, while Modi served as chief minister of Gujarat, in response to a violent incident, Modi imposed a curfew granting police shoot-to-kill orders. After peace was restored, Modi’s government was criticized for the harsh crackdown.

Narendra Modi was re-elected chief minister of Gujarat in 2007 and 2012. Through those campaigns, he spoke more about economic growth. He is credited with bringing prosperity and development to Gujarat and is seen as a corruption free and efficient administrator.

In June 2013, Modi was selected to head the BJP’s 2014 election campaign to the Lok Sabha, while a grassroots campaign was already in place to elect him Prime Minister.

Modi campaigned hard, portraying himself as a pragmatic candidate capable of turning around India’s economy.

In May 2014, he and his party were victorious, taking 282 of the 534 seats in Lok Sabha.

The victory marked a crushing defeat to the Indian National Congress, which had controlled Indian politics for most of the previous 60 years, and sent a message

that India’s citizens were behind an agenda of radical change.

MODI TSUNAMI: The tidal wave of changeModi’s charisma has grown into a tidal wave. The world gazes in awe as the Prime Minister of India unravels his genius every day. In celebration of this legendary man, Indian Weekender brings you this special feature to help you know the man a little better. We begin with some quick facts on Modi, followed by the laurels he gathered on his trip to the US, the style icon that he has become and the heart that he wears on his sleeve

FULL NAMENarendra Damodardas Modi

OCCUPATIONPrime Minister of India

BIRTH DATESeptember 17, 1950 (age 64)

EDUCATIONDelhi University, Gujarat University

PLACE OF BIRTHVadnagar, IndiaZODIAC SIGN

Virgo

QUICK FACTS


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(Clockwise) Modi at Madison Square Garden; Eclectic gathering; Modi

supporters Nish and Mani Kamboj

LEGAL ASSOCIATES

Madness in Madison The world watched as the Indian Prime

Minister Narendra Modi connected with thousands of rapturously cheering Indian

diaspora at Madison Square Garden in New York, promising them he would deliver on the electoral promise of a resurgent India and urged them to join in the mass movement to work for their country.

Addressing a 20,000-strong crowd at the venue - that has seen former US Presidents and rock stars take to the stage but never an Indian politician - and also thousands watching the event live outside on giant screens, and millions back home and around the world on TV and internet, Modi announced relief measures for the diaspora, including lifelong visas for Persons of Indian Origin cardholders and the merger of the PIO and Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) schemes with a new scheme to be announced soon.

Speaking in his unique style in Hindi for almost an hour, and attired in cream kurta-pyjama and a light orange jacket, Modi praised the Indian diaspora for its contribution to IT, saying India was no longer considered a land of snake charmers but of software wizards. “Our forefathers maybe would play with snakes, but

we play with the mouse (computer mouse),” he said, to wild cheers.

He played on people’s heartstrings as the crowd chanted “Modi, Modi” throughout his speech, the Prime Minister said his government will not leave any stone unturned to fulfil the expectations of the people. He promised that he would never do anything to let them down. The crown erupted as Modi stated that the 21st Century is our century.

He said India is at an opportune cusp of circumstances, blessed with a vibrant democracy, with 65 percent of its people under the age of 35, and a market of 1.25 billion people and will scale new heights in the near future.

“These three things are present in one country; this is not there anywhere else in the world. And on the basis of this India will cross new heights - it is my belief,” said Modi as the crowd chanted, clapped and cheered every time the Prime Minister made a good point and appealed to their patriotism.

He proposed that the diaspora should join in the efforts to rebuild the country, a “vikas jan andolan” or a mass movement for development - in helping in any way they could. Referring to the skill development that his government has launched for the youth, he said his government has created a skill development ministry and would invite other countries to join in the effort.

He also referred to the Make in India campaign the government launched ahead of his US visit to invite investments and to manufacture in India as also the sanitation campaign to make a Clean India, a movement which he said would gladden the hearts of Indians abroad who often get turned away by India’s pervasive squalor.

He asked the Indian diaspora to connect with him directly online and also asked them to join in the endeavour to clean the Ganga river.

Modi announced visa-free arrival for US tourists in India and that Indian missions in the US would grant long term visas to US citizens, which was widely welcomed by the Indian Americans.

Prime Minister Modi spoke from a revolving stage to the 20,000 strong audience, the tickets for which had been sold out days ago. Amongst the audience were also the Manhattan crème de la crème and numerous members of the Congress who were awed at the power and popularity that this one man commands.

Indian Weekender spoke to some leading Indians who were in attendance that day and we have also received some pictures clicked at the venue (courtesy of Roshni Media Group, New York)

An excited president of the Roshni Media Group, Mani Kamboj, stated, “He is a complete Rockstar – so inspirational. The entire Indian

Diaspora is here and are thrilled!”The CEO and founder of Kamteil Software,

Nish Kamboj, stated, “Inspiring, exhilarating and a new path to India! I am so happy to be here.”

Kamna Misra, director, Research and Development at Celvive, stated, “What positive vibes. An indication of the future of Indo-American business alliance.”


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Red Black OrangeModi-Obama summit can take ties to next level: US experts

Several US policy experts, including a former key Clinton administration official, see the

upcoming US visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as an opportunity to take India-US ties to the next level.

The Obama administration sees the recent election of Modi-led majority government in India “as an opportunity to take the relationship to the next level,” writes Strobe Talbott president of the Brookings Institution, who served as President Bill Clinton’s deputy secretary of state.

Talbott, who engaged India’s then external affairs minister Jaswant Singh to end India’s nuclear isolation after India’s 1998 nuclear tests, has outlined the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in an India-US Policy memo with Tanvi Madan, director of the Brookings’ new India Project.

President Barack Obama, they say, “would like to see the ‘strong, developed, and inclusive India that actively engages with the global community’ that Prime Minister Modi has

promised.”“The administration has repeatedly asserted

that even though India and the US will not always agree, India’s rise is unquestionably a net positive for the prospects for peace, progress, and prosperity in the 21st century.”

But “the overarching challenge that lies ahead is translating the opportunities in the relationship into outcomes, the potential into performance and progress,” Talbott and Madan write.

“This will require action on both sides; as the Hindi saying goes, taali ek haath se nahin bajti (you can’t applaud with one hand),” they write.

“It will also call for compromises, as well as patience with and understanding of the other side’s constraints.”

“Finally, it will require giving each other the benefit of the doubt when things get tough, managing differences, and seeing each other as part of the solution and not just part of the problem-at the bilateral, regional, multilateral,

and global levels,” Talbott and Madan added. Lisa Curtis, senior research fellow at The

Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, agrees saying the “stage is set for a successful Modi visit to Washington.”

But “the White House must guard against allowing the myriad international crises happening around the globe to overshadow the visit and weaken Indo-US bilateral ties.”

“Engaging with a strategically like-minded partner such as India takes on greater importance as the US grapples with multiple global challenges,” Curtis wrote.

“US-India cooperation is particularly important when it comes to countering international terrorism and maintaining a stable balance of power in the Asia Pacific,” she wrote.

“During the visit, President Barack Obama should demonstrate the importance the US attaches to the bilateral relationship and offer cooperation on economic, defence, and security issues,” Curtis suggested.

Dr. Joshua Meltzer, a fellow in Global Economy and Development at the Brookings Institution emphasises that, despite the impressive growth in the economic relationship, there remains significant room for improvement.

Noting that there are significant opportunities for India and the US to deepen the bilateral trade and investment relationship, he recommends among other things committing to a deadline to conclude a Bilateral Investment Treaty.

Developing a dialogue with Indian regulators to address how India’s “Decade of Innovation” can be “supported by stronger protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights,” Meltzer suggests.

He also wants the Obama administration to affirm its support for extending access to H-1B visas for students having completed postgraduate US degrees.

Noting that India’s new government has yet to develop its trade policy, Meltzer suggests developing “a dialogue with India as to what Indian economic reforms could facilitate it joining either the TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership) or the TiSA (Trade in Services Agreement) should it wish to do so.”


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Red Black OrangeCleansing of the soul at Mata ki ChowkiTen-day long excitement and festivity of Navratri ended on a high with Mata ki Chowki, Garba and Bhangra at Shri Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan in Auckland. This Navratri witnessed big gatherings

throughout the 10 days of the festival. As Garba plays an important role in Navratri celebrations, the Sansthan had specially called up two garba singers from India: Bhavesh Mehta of Mumbai and Unnathi Barot of Gujarat, who created an environment of joy and enthusiasm with their live singing.

On the last day of the festival, Mata ki Chowki was organised by Shivani Arora, owner of India Gate restaurant. The chanting of mantra for Goddess Durga and singing of hymns created an aura of divine positivity that made people feel the presence of piousness. NZ First’s Kiwi-Indian MP, Mahesh Bindra, also joined the celebrations on the last day. He launched the quarterly publication of the temple, called Sai Sumiran and also honoured the devotees and sponsors of the Navratri festival.

NEW ZEALAND

¡¡ Swati Sharma


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Honouring wealth and prosperity at ANZ ATM¡¡ Swati Sharma

The Indian community dressed in traditional attire, with classic Bollywood songs

playing in the background, gathered in Auckland Central to welcome the festival of lights. The occasion was the Diwali ATM launch, for which ANZ New Zealand has commissioned special themed frontages for ATMs in six centres.

These Diwali themed ATM designs are created by former Indian Weekender designer, Tanmay Desai, and were launched on Friday October 3, to recognise Dussehra, an important Indian festival which indicates the beginning of Diwali.

The frontages installed at 11 ANZ ATMs in Auckland, Wellington, Tauranga, Hamilton, Te Puke and Christchurch, will be on display during the month of October.

According to Desai, his design focused on the lotus – the chosen flower of Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth and prosperity. “It also happens to be part of ANZ’s logo. I’ve used an abstract lotus pattern to form the basis the design along with koru shapes to symbolise the harmonious merging of our Kiwi and Indian cultures,” said Tanmay.

The design also has a handcrafted typography that reads ‘Shubh Deepavali’, which translates to ‘happy and auspicious Diwali wishes’.

ANZ started the trend of themed ATMs from this year’s Matariki, the Maori New Year.

“We want to do more to celebrate other cultures and communities that contribute to our company’s and New Zealand’s diversity.

We’ll also look to create designs to celebrate Chinese New Year and Gay and Lesbian Pride,” saidANZ’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Peter Parussini.

Indians are one of ANZ’s five staff affinity groups along with

Māori and Pasifika, Asian, Pride

and Flexible W o r k i n g

P a r e n t s - all are encouraged to be them-selves at work.

A N Z ’ s I n d i a n

N e t w o r k i n g Group will host

staff Diwali events in Auckland and Wellington this month, as well as customer events across the country. ANZ will once again sponsor the Waitakere Diwali Festival.

“Diwali is fast becoming an integral part of New Zealand culture. Showcasing the culture through a unique art where customers can see and feel the fusion of two cultures is a great opportunity for New Zealand public to embrace our growing diversity,” said Sunil Kaushal, Head of India Relations, ANZ Bank.

Raksha Bandhan in WellingtonBal Vikas Schools in Wellington hosted the

celebration of Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) as part of the Wellington chapter of Hindu Organisations, Temples and Associations at Moera Community Hall.

Raksha Bandhan is held on Shravan Purnima, and this year the full moon (Purnima) was extra special because it was a super moon that lit up the sky with its extra brightness. It will be another 20 years before the moon will be as close to the earth.

Over 150 individuals representing 17 organisations participated in the event. (It began with a puja and Rakhi tying led by Pundit Maniram Sharma. The celebration saw cultural and folk performances by representatives of Bhutan, Phillipines and Nepal in addition to Hindu diaspora from various states of India, and from different parts of the world where Hindus have settled.

Graphic designer Tanmay Desai unveiling the Diwali ATM design; (top) Sunil Kaushal (second from left) with ANZ team


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NEW ZEALAND

Kirtan, Gatka, Kavishri by Khalsa kidsGurudwara Sri Kalgidhar Sahib Takanini and Supreme Sikh Society of NZ celebrated a two-day Sikh Children’s Day 2014 - Open to All

¡¡ Aman BanipalOn 4th and 5th October, 2014, Gurudwara

Sri Kalgidhar Sahib Takanini and Supreme Sikh Society of New Zealand, held its biggest and most successful event of the year – ‘Sikh Children’s Day 2014 – Open to All’.

The event started off with an Ardaas (prayer) and a short appearance by Judith Collins and MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, who honoured a long serving teacher Jaspal Kaur for her incredible stint of 25 years of teaching at the

Sikh Heritage School. Some key highlights:• Last year the entries were around 230 –

this year entries were 540!• All the kids who attended the two days

will get a free trip to Rainbow’s End on 11th October, 2014!

• This Event was Open to All kids from any background.

Close to 600 children turned up on both days to take part and compete in Kirtan, Sikh Art, Speech, Gurbani Recitation, Turban Tying,

Gatka (Sikh Warrior Martial Arts) and Kavishri (a traditional form of storytelling). Enthusiastic kids were dressed up in traditional Khalsa attire and looked like flowers that had just blossomed. The Sea of Orange (Khalsa colour) with little warriors running around was just splendid to witness and mesmerised the various community organisations present at the event – including New Zealand Police, Sikh Women’s Association, Women’s Care Trust and many other local businesses, including BNZ and Bank of India.

Support from the community was overwhelming with over 200 volunteers who helped make this event a super success. Kids enjoyed their ‘Customised Langar’ which included candy floss, popcorn, cereals and fruits for breakfast. Dragon Community Trust, Blue Sky Community Trust, Dilbag Singh Bagga, Clendon Dental and IndoSpice made huge monetary contributions to Sikh Children’s Day 2014 and Supreme Sikh Society of New Zealand feels indebted for their support.

Images courtesy of Davinder Ghuman

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Red Black OrangeEid’s like this only¡¡ Mohamed Ali

Around 5,000 Muslims gathered at Alexandra Park for the seventh bi-annual Auckland Eid Day celebrations. The event provides an opportunity for all Muslims within the Auckland region

to gather for the celebrations of Eid Al-Adha, one of the two annual Islamic festivals. The day marks the end of the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, where Muslims commemorate and celebrate prophet Ibrahim’s full obedience to God. Muslims around the world celebrate this occasion.

The day started off with an outdoor prayer conducted t 8:45am followed with the opening of the Eid Market. A diverse collection of food and educational stalls were present to show off the different cultures within the Muslim community. There were also games and a petting zoo for the kids to enjoy throughout the day.

“Praying outdoors has always been considered a dream for local Muslims, as Auckland weather has never been predictable enough to allow us to set up outside, “Auckland Eid Day operations manager Javed Dadabhai says. Dadabhai goes on to add, “despite not having electricity throughout the day, the overall event was a success with a smile on everyone’s face.”

NEW ZEALAND

Raavana’s rage doused on Dussehra¡¡ Swati Sharma

The victory of truth over evil was revisited with the Dussehra celebrations. In spite of unfavourable weather conditions, the Indian community witnessed the first-ever Raavana dahan in Auckland

on 4th October. Maa Durga Temple Manukau and Humm Fm radio co-organised the event, which turned out be a big success. After the Ramlila and other cultural activities, Raavana’s effigy, filled with firecrackers, was lighted up. The rain and the cold winds could not douse the excitement of the people who enjoyed the festival with great enthusiasm till the end at Barry Curtis Park, Auckland.On behalf of Maa Durga Temple Manukau, managing trustee, Vijay Gulati, thanked all the sponsors and committee members for funding, helping in the organization of the festival.


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Shanti Niwas celebrated United Nations International Day of Older Persons

The United Nations International Day of Older Persons is celebrated annually on October 1 to recognize and honour the contributions of older persons and to focus on the much needed spotlight on the issue of ageing. ShantiNiwas Charitable Trust

organised this event in commemoration of this International Day on 27th September 2014 at its centre in Onehunga which was attended by nearly 400 people including seniors, their families, dignitaries and community. The guests of honour included Hon., Phil Goff, MP Labour party, Dame Susan Devoy, Race Relations Commissioner, Mr. Bakshi, MP, National party, Asma Bashir, Office of Ethnic Affairs etc.

There were multicultural performances and food stalls. “This year’s celebration was in the spirit of leaving no one behind and promoting a society for all” says the Nilima Venkat, Project Manager. This day is also celebrated to highlight the importance of our seniors, their knowledge, wisdom and life experiences, to recognise their fundamental human rights, the diversity in the situation of older persons, and create opportunities for them to participate and contribute to the ongoing activities of society.

Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust Inc, a non-profit organisation, has a long history of 20 years of working with senior citizens of Indian and South Asian origin living in the Auckland region. Our Mission is to make visible signs of hope, empower those whom society has neglected and celebrate change and diversity. Shanti Niwas services include delivering Positive Ageing Day Programmes in Wider Auckland region, counselling, advocacy, translation services, help to access health related practical assistance etc, KHUSHI- Elder Abuse prevention service.

Malayali Samajam volleyball tournamentThe Auckland Malayali Samajam convened

Annual Volleyball Tournament, ACE’14 on Saturday t4th October at YMCA, 5 Pearce St, Onehunga, Auckland. It turned out to be another successful tournament with some scintillating performances and awesome results.

In over 50 sets of games, players endured some nerve-racking moments in some of the pool games and in final. There was a record crowd turned out to cheer up the boys and that

made a huge difference to lift their high spirits for achieving exceptional results.

ACE ‘14 Winner- AIM Club A team led by Shaju Joseph; ACE ‘14 Runner-Up- Black Spike led by Lalit Aarya; ACE ‘14 Most

Valuable Player- Alvin Alex, Papatoetoe Strikers; ACE ‘14 Best offensive Player- Prasanth, Aim Club A; ACE ‘14 Best defensive Player- Lalit Aarya, Black Spike

Newly elected Member of Parliament; Dr.Parmjeet Parmar was our Guest of honour for our prize giving ceremony for this event. On her keynote address, Dr. Parmar was very much appreciative of the excellent effort by Malayali Samajam in bringing

communities together for a sporting

event. Dr.Parmar extended her congratulations to all of Auckland Malayali Community for making a difference in our wider NZ community by dedicating this tournament to Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand.

His Excellency Ravi Thapar - High Commissioner of India to New Zealand, Mrs. Thapar, Wellington Mayor - Celia Wade Brown, National MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi and Naginbhai Neil Patel at Wellington railway station for Mahatma Gandhi’s 145th birthday anniversary

Kiwi-Indians observe Gandhi Jayanti


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NEW ZEALAND

‘If I have done it, so can you’Muni Narayan speaks about her struggle with the dreadful disease, as NZBCF’s Pink Caravan travels through your town with free advice all year through¡¡ Paula RayResearch shows that eight women a day are

diagnosed with this dreadful disease and the earlier it is detected, the easier it is to overcome it. To combat the increasing incidence, New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation (NZBCF) is reminding women to not ignore the following symptoms:

• changes in the breast, including dents or dimples, puckering or redness

• a change in breast shape or size• unusual breast pain• changes in the nipple, e.g. a turned-in

nipple• a nipple discharge.For more information on symptoms, visit

www.anychanges.co.nz . Women should be aware of these symptoms from age 20 and go for regular mammograms by the time they are 40.

NZBCF is going to start a special project all through this month (October 2014). The Pink Caravan, a home-grown Kiwi project, will travel through the suburbs of different cities of the country to offer:

• Free advice from specialist breast nurses• Hands-on displays• Lymphoedema support• Free resources• No appointment necessaryTheir nurses will answer anyquestionon

breast cancer, show them real life signs to watch out for, and provide education to GPs and practice nurses, including men because men can get breast cancer too. “We’ll also be helping women who’ve had breast cancer monitor their risk of lymphoedema with a new bioimpedance

machine”, she NZBCF spokesperson. The Pink Caravan’s schedule:

COMMUNITY CAUSESThe incidence of breast cancer among

the Kiwi-Indian community is currently low. However, statistics suggest that it will go up as Indian women adopt western lifestyle and diet. Unfortunately, research has not yet found out what exactly about western lifestyle leads to breast cancer. However, NZBCF findings say that maintaining a healthy BMI after menopause and moderating alcohol intake are two practical ways we can lower our risk.

Pankhuri Luthra is the volunteer area coordinator for Botany for the Pink Ribbon Street Appeal On Oct 10.

Mindy Singh, a fundraiser for NZBCF, will organise a Bollywood night on October 18, along with her niece. Mindy originally got involved in the cause after her cousin’s daughter died of breast cancer.

Dr Reena Ramsaroop, chair of NZBCF’s medical advisory committee, advises on breast cancer from a medical perspective.

Oct 10-11 GisborneOct 15 StratfordOct 16 HaweraOct 17 LevinOct 22-23 MastertonOct 24 CartertonNov 5-6 NelsonNov 7 BlenheimNov 8 KaikouraNov 10 Westport

Nov 12 GreymouthNov 19 AshburtonNov 20 TimaruNov 21 OamtaruNov 27-28 QueenstownNov 29 WanakaDec 4 GoreDec 5 InvercargillDec 6 Bluff

LIFE, FAITH AND SURVIVALMuni NarayanExecutive Assistant, Ministry of Primary Industries, Wellington

The world turned on its head when Muni

Narayan was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had her two-yearly regular mammogram test,just before she went on a trip to Fiji. On return, as she went through her voice mail she found that the medical centre had asked her to contact them urgently. She met them on a Monday for her biopsy and by Friday it was confirmed that she had breast cancer and needed to go through the surgical procedure.

The Narayans had lost their son only 10 years ago. “This news was like putting petrol to fire,” remembers Muni, who was then in her mid-50s. “Thankfully, I had medical insurance and could go for private surgery

with a month.” What helped her cope during this period was “the support”she received from family and friends.

Muni had to continue with her medication for the next five years.” Over the years, I have realised that to come out of this ordeal one has to be mentally and emotionally strong and prepared to fight it.

What makes it easier is the support of loved ones. I would not have been able to do it alone.It teaches you to appreciate life better – eat healthy and exercise regularly,” she says.

Today, Muni lives an active professional life. “I am positive about my experiences. If I have done it, so can you. My heart goes out to anyone who may be going through something similar. If I am able to provide some comfort and hope to others by sharing my experience with them,I am happy to do so,” Muni promises.

Date and Location


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Editorial

Indian Weekender is published by Kiwi Media Group, 98 Great South Road, AucklandPrinted at Guardian Print, AshburtonCopyright 2010. Kiwi Media Group. All Rights Reserved.

Indian Weekender Volume 6 Issue 12Publisher: Kiwi Media Group LimitedManaging Editor: Giri Gupta | [email protected] Editor: Paula Ray | [email protected] Editor: Maya Shivam | [email protected]: Swati Sharma | [email protected] Chief Technical Officer: Rohan Desouza | [email protected]: Mahesh Kumar | [email protected] & Business Development Manager: Gaurav Gupta - M: 021 292 4519 | [email protected] Support: Leena Pal - M: 022 015 1971 | [email protected] Accounts and Admin.: Farah Khan - P: 520 0922 | [email protected] Views expressed in the publication are not necessarily of the publisher and the publisher is not responsible for advertisers’ claims as appearing in the publication

Thought of the Week“

From the desk of the Managing EditorIt is being called the Modi Lehar (wave). But really can this ball of energy and genius be

defined by a word such as ‘wave’? At Indian Weekender, we decided to honour the man who has taken the whole world by storm by naming this phenomena – the Modi Tsunami, and this issue is dedicated to the tsunami that is taking the world in its flow. Just as a tidal wave sweeps away everything with the sheer force of its magnanimity, it seems that the Modi magic is sweeping away archaic practices, corruption and red tape that have plagued our country for years.

Speaking at Madison Square Gardens, Modi stated that he will do away with one rule everyday that stops progress. Gone are the days when ‘babus’ arrived late to work and left early, or when there was a tussle to find a spot in the cafeteria. Swept away are the days when one single file travelled from office to office before any action was taken on it. Just as he promised, the Prime Minister has neither rested nor does he let rest, so that the machinery of the country keeps ticking along. He is thus sweeping away all that has stagnated. Not to mention the Clean India Mission that is now quite literally sweeping the country.

We realize that in the past few years, everyone had begun to lose faith in the way India was being governed and the regular debacles and corrupt practices had put us off trying to keep abreast with the political happenings of the country – however, our new Prime Minister is rewriting political history. Although we would have liked to bring you some more details on some of the other wonderful initiatives that he has started. But space constraints in this issue are not allowing us to do so. We will try to bring you more on this celebrated new Prime Minister that is sure to lead India to a whole new era, in a later issue again. Of most interest to us overseas Indians is that for the first time a Prime Minister has acknowledged and praised the contributions of the Indian diaspora and made us feel that we are still, indeed, a part of that motherland, even though we may reside miles away.

With his focus on good governance, he is moving full steam ahead. In this issue we introduce to you the Indian Prime Minister – the politician, the statesman, the genius, the motivator, the style icon - the list is long. So we have tried to capture a snapshot of the man who is still unraveling himself. We have enjoyed putting this special feature together and we hope you enjoy it too.

One of the other initiatives that PM Modi has kick-started, is that he is communicating with the people of India regularly – motivating them to “realize their potential”. I cannot even begin to imagine the future of a nation the size of India, whose population realizes its true potential. He is doing this through the use of radio; he reaches even in places where there is no television. He calls this “man ki baat”. Therefore, this endeavor of writing, from me, is hugely inspired by him.

On another note, it seems we Indians are lighting up every nook and corner of town with every big and small organization celebrating Diwali. It is heart warming to see the acceptance and celebration of our culture by our larger multicultural whanau. Indian Weekender has also tried to support as many events as possible, just to bring the season’s cheer and warmth to as many people as possible in the community. We are proud to be a big part of the Auckland Diwali Festival at Aotea Square on 11th and 12th October, 2014. Hope to see you all there.

These are auspicious days. Days that we celebrate and devote to the one that is the epitome of the feminine power, the Shakti, the Prakriti, the Mother. In doing so, let’s not forget Her essence that lives in all our women. The wives, the mothers, the sisters, the daughters …let’s remember to celebrate and honour them each day, every day. Let’s continue to keep our society safe and secure for them. With these wishes – we hope that Vijay Dashmi was a victorious one for all our readers and that the countdown to Diwali is full of love, light, good luck, friendship and lots of festivities. We hope to bring you a lot more Diwali fervour in our next issue.

Giri Gupta

If I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the beginning.

- Mahatma Gandhi

Hindustani or Sanskritized Hindi, Mr Prime Minister? ¡¡ By Saeed Naqvi

I did not understand a word of what our prime minister said at the United Nations

General Assembly. Well, except for words like “taaqatwar”, “rozgar” and “zahir”, all other words were beyond my comprehension. I had to fall back on translation.

What confounded me even more were the one liners on top of the TV screen.

“Modi’s befitting reply to Sharif.” This was baffling. I may have lost Modi’s

syntax but I did not hear him mention “Sharif” even once. But the anchors would not give up.

“The UNGA hall was empty when Sharif spoke; it was packed when Modi did”.

Another chipped in: “I think we should cut out this Indo-Pak hyphenation”.

The anchors were possessed by a seering desire to be nasty with Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan, and anything associated with either. As an answer to their prayer, up popped the heads of two ex Pakistani generals from distant Karachi and Islamabad, grinning from ear to ear, in cheerful anticipation of being punched for the next hour. Why they show up is a mystery.

Yes, to revert to that difficulty in accessing the Hindi used by Narendra Modi. Why did I find it so disconcerting?

It is immaterial what my belief is because in a world comfortable with denominational identity, it is tempting to place me in a coop with other Indian Muslims. This would be a bad fit. Indeed it would be a cacophony. Muslims would speak Malayalam in Kerala, Tamil in Tamil Nadu, Bengali in Bengal and so on. Modi’s elevated Hindi would pose the same problems in the regions - for Hindus and Muslims alike. They have all learnt to understand Bollywood Hindustani. That should be the queue.

In Kerala, for instance, it was accepted in the 1980s, that Mohammad Koya spoke the wittiest Malayalam in the state assembly. As chief minister, he once invited me to dinner which was something of a culture shock to both of us. He spoke little Hindi or English and I spoke no Malayalam. He left a strong Malayali imprimatur on the meal by having me sample five varieties of bananas by way of dessert.

Hindi cascades from its Sanskritic

heights, then picks up the flavours of Awadhi, Brajbhasha, Bhojpuri and lilts of a hundred rural, pastoral dialects, across the Indo-Gangetic plains.

Dilute the Sanskritic bit and add some Persian instead and you have the scale of Urdu. The language can be stately and inaccessible to the untrained. When writers elevate their diction, as Maulana Azad did, the verse quoted is generally in Persian. But the finest writers and poets have brought it down to the level of popular literature where it becomes Hindustani. It was the boast of Arzoo Lucknawi that in his collection of poetry, “Surili Bansuri”, Melodious Flute, there is not a single Persian or Arabic word.

In the vast stretch of the cow-belt, an area called Awadh, was where Hindus and Muslims together refined and enriched Urdu. The first great prose writer of Urdu was Pandit Ratan Nath Sarshar. One of the great ghazal poets of the 20th century was Raghupati Sahay Firaq Gorakhpuri. Urdu became the central column of what people in this region called India’s Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb or culture. (Tragic consequences of Partition on Urdu in Pakistan is another sad story.)

The love for Urdu cost the Muslims dear. While the enlightened Hindu took to Western education exactly as Macaulay had willed, Muslims saw the package of Westernization, language included, with disdain. Later they settled for Hindustani. But what would happen to the Urdu script? Trapped in such considerations, a whole community lost the race for modernity.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s reversal to Hindi was moderate cultural assertion. There was lilt and melody in his makeup. Modi’s Hindi, learnt presumably as an RSS pracharak, is dry and, to a novice like me, forbidding. Not just me, there are Macaulay’s children and millions of votaries of the new consumerism - they will all be more comfortable with Hindustani.

Saeed Naqvi is a commentator on political and diplomatic affairs. The views expressed are personal.

He can be reached on [email protected] are personal. He can be reached on

[email protected]


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OPINION / EDITORIAL

Clean India movement should also clean the air¡¡ By Rajendra Shende

The most crucial inclusion in the India-US Joint statement issued on Sep 30 is the

strategic partnership on energy and climate change. The actions agreed will have far reaching impacts on India’s poor, neo-middle class and youth. They will also enhance the image of an India as a steward in international negotiations on environment.

At WTO, India resisted the American pressure to amend Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), only to protect the hundreds of millions of poor and hungry Indians. Now, India, through actions planned in partnership with the US, has unique opportunity to act on climate change and secure future of poor workers and farmers.

Till now India, over the last 17 years has been resisting at international meetings to avail an important the opportunity to make its refrigeration and air conditioning industry move away from a refrigerant - hydrochloroflurocarbons (HFCs). Nearly 100 countries including the US and Japan and those in Europe have given their consent but India continues to block this agreement. Many countries are even advancing to implement it. In Europe, for example, a new law will phase down HFCs by 80 percent by 2030. In the US, President Barack Obama is also using his regulatory authority to shift away from HFCs - and is promising to do even more.

India’s blockade, unlike in case of WTO, is not for the interest of the poor. Far from it. Indian negotiators question the availability of alternatives to HFCs. They debate if the Montreal Protocol is he right forum for the action against HFCs. In reality, this stand completely ignores the opportunity for India to avail larger national

benefits for the poor and neo-middle class.The refrigeration and air-conditioning

industry has made enormous contribution to protect the stratospheric ozone layer by effectively implementing the Montreal Protocol. By 2010, as per the Montreal Protocol, it had eliminated production and consumption of CFCs. Now it, like other developing countries, is phasing out the last remaining ozone depleting chemical - hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). However, in most cases HFCs were introduced as alternative to CFCs and now HCFCs. The annual global growth of HFCs, which are mainly used in room and car air-conditioners, is eight percent but in emerging economies like China and India it is more than 10 to 15 percent. It is likely to be 20 percent soon due to increasing demand on air-conditioners from the rising neo-middle class.

As the plans declared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for 100 smart cities goes on stream, as the cold storage requirements increase to feed in those cities, as the number of refrigerated facilities increase to prevent the waste of perishables to give better income to farmers for their produce, the demand for HFCs would further rise. If left unchecked, by 2050, annual HFC emissions could be equivalent to 12 percent of annual CO2 emissions under a business-as-usual scenario and up to 75 percent of annual CO2 emissions under the IPCC’s strongest mitigation scenario.

Scientific studies say global fast action on HFCs phase down will avoid up to 200 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions by 2050 and up to 0.5 degrees Celsius of warming by 2100. Avoiding this warming is essential for staying within the long-term international goal of stabilizing global temperature rise at or below 2 degrees Celsius

over pre-industrial temperatures by the end of the century.

Are the alternatives to HFCs available? Godrej in India has already commercialized room air-conditioners without HFCs. It uses hydrocarbons (HC), which are easily available in India and much cheaper. The energy efficiency of such air conditioner is also at least 10 percent higher. I myself use HC-based room ACs at my home. I have also test-driven a Tata Motors car that uses a non-HFC alternative. The alternative for car air conditioners is presently costly. However, as we have witnessed under the Montreal Protocol, when the consumption grows the price comes down.

When India phased out CFCs, the energy efficiency of the appliances using CFC-alternatives went up to the extent of nearly 30 percent to 60 percen. If we enhance the energy efficiency of non-HFC (or very-low global warming HFCs) room ACs, and even make super efficient AC in India-as per Modi’s ‘Make in India’ campaign and as intended in the US-India partnership statement, the benefits to consumer at micro-level and to India at macro-level would be enormous.

India’s air conditioning sector uses up to half of the available electricity during the sub-continent’s hottest months. The peak demands during the hottest days burden India’s timeworn and tattered power grid. The power outage in India in July 2012 was the largest in the history. Nearly half of India’s population suffered during this black out-mainly blamed for the use of air conditioning systems.

A recent study by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory of USA calculates that super-efficient air conditioning in India could

avoid the need to build up to 120 medium-sized power plants by 2030. This would save $60 billion just in construction costs. It also would save Indian consumers and businesses money and take pressure off the electric grid, reduce emission of carbon dioxide and reduce air pollution.

Implementing HFC phase-down under the Montreal Protocol, India during negotiations can insist on applying the same rules as accepted under the Montreal Protocol - getting a grace period by requesting industrialized countries to carry out HFC phase-down first, ensuring that alternatives are available and affordable, getting full incremental cost of transition away from HFCs and getting the energy efficient and even super-efficient technology. This opportunity is being withered away by India for last few years by splitting hair on legal issues without understanding the larger interest of India’s poor and aspirations of the emerging neo-middle class.

Air pollution can be reduced by enhancing the energy efficiency and by avoiding new power plants based on fossil fuel. Millions of poor lives will be saved. India’s import of fossil fuel would also stand reduced.

The Clean India campaign, pronounced by Modi, started Oct 2 on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary. It should not be restricted only to sweeping the roads, brushing the walls and dusting the files. It should move beyond - and also clean the skies from air pollution by making ACs super-efficient and HFC free.

Rajendra Shende is an IIT alumni, chairman of TERRE Policy Centre and former director of the UNEP. The views expressed are personal. He can be contacted at [email protected]

My Incredible Swachh India¡¡ Maya Shivam

Living in a clean green country like New Zealand, we begin to take cleanliness as a

given. However, in yesteryears a trip to India would bring home the reality of the state of cleanliness in India – years of sarcasm, taunts and humiliations from visitors had not been able to shake us quite like our newest Rockstar – PM Modi did on 2nd October 2014. What better way to celebrate Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday than to flag off the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan? The clean up act was long overdue, but it is heartening to see that the common man is now joining the force.

Like everything he does, the launch of the mission was well thought of and brand ambassadors carefully chosen. On the one hand, you have Amitabh Bachchan give us the message of cleanliness on the television. On the other hand, the forces on the ground include Aamir Khan, Sachin Tendulkar, Salman Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Baba Ramdev and others - each a legend in their own right. And true to his leadership style, Modi leads from the front. As he took the pledge to clean India along with thousands who had gathered, it was inspiring to even hear the resounding sound of a unified pledge. “I take this pledge that I will remain committed towards cleanliness and devote time for this. I will devote 100 hours per year that is two hours per week to voluntary work for cleanliness. I will neither litter nor let others litter. I will initiate the quest for cleanliness with myself, my family, my locality, my village and my work place.” People also pledged to introduce 100 other people to this pledge. Even

more heartening was to see the Prime Minister wielding the broom soon after.

While launching the Swachh Bharat Mission on Thursday, Modi exhorted every Indian citizen to dedicate 100 hours a year or about two hours a week for voluntary cleanliness work. The government itself will spend over Rs 62,000 crore on the programme, which seeks to eliminate open defecation, building and maintaining quality toilets, eradication of manual scavenging, municipal solid waste

management and, most importantly, bringing about an attitudinal shift in people.

Large corporates such as Dabur, Unitech, L&T, Bharti Enterprises, Tata Consultancy Services and PSU’s such as Indian Oil, GAIL and NTPC have already started drawing up plans to clean up their surroundings, build toilets and support the mission.

In his ability to e-govern our generation X, Modi introduced a new website called Clean India and invited people to join him online and on social media. He invited people to upload the before and after photographs of garbage that they had spotted and undertaken to clean. He invited the youth to join him on Facebook or Twitter.

There are constant reports, everyday that come forth from various community and social activists that are joining the force to clean this incredible country. The mission has transcended the barriers of class, creed and political party, with numerous parties pledging to undertake the responsibility of cleanliness.

I have always been a very proud Indian, but this new step towards a cleaner India makes me even more proud of not just the man who has initiated this mission but of every single citizen that is joining the Clean India force every day. It, however, must be said that this will need a whole change of attitude, mind set and way of life. Fines and sanctions may need to be put in place to ensure the upkeep of this cleanliness in time. Given the numbers joining the Clean India brigade every day, it is possible to pull this off, while we the overseas citizens cheer on from all over the world. C’mon Incredible India – Swachh it up!!!

CII: to mobilise construction of 10,000 toilets through CSR by 2015-16Vedanta: To build 10,000 toilets in addition to 30,000 it is already building in a partnership with Rajasthan governmentTCS: Pledged Rs 100 crore ($100 million) for building sanitation facilities for girls in 10,000 schoolsBharti Foundation: Pledged Rs 100 crore ($100 million) to build toilets in LudhianaGAIL, L&T: To construct 1,021 toilets and 5,000 toilets respectivelyDabur: To provide germ-free toilets across the country as a part of ‘Swachh Toilet, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’Unitech: To involve residents & other stakeholders in a drive to clean areas around them

Helping Hands


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SPORTS

(Left) India play against Pakistan; (right) Mary Kom wins yet another gold medal

Mary Kom punches her way to Asiad goldIndia’s M.C. Mary Kom punched her way

to India’s first women’s boxing gold in Asian Games, defeating Kazakhstan’s Zhaina Shekerbekova in the flyweight (48-51kg) final last week.

Mary, a five-time World Champion, defeated Shekerbekova 2-0, with one judge scoring the bout 38-38 in the 17th Asian Games at the Seonhak Gymnasium.

The 31-year-old Indian took some time to be at her attacking best and got just 27 points in the first round.

Backed by a boisterous Indian crowd, Mary Kom, a mother of three and police officer in India’s northeastern state of Manipur, banked upon her experience and mixed aggression with caution to counter the speed of her 25-year-old opponent.

Mary Kom, a bronze medallist from the 2012 London Olympics, won the second round 29-28.

With this win, Mary Kom, who took some time off the ring after the London Olympics due to the birth of her third child, completed her comeback and also gave a fitting reply to Indian officials who had dropped her name from the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in August.

India finish Incheon Asiad in 8th placeIndia ended the 17th Asian Games, where competitions concluded in Incheon, South Korea last week, with 57 medals to finish in eighth place. China topped the standings with 343 medals, including a whopping 151 golds. India won 11 gold, 10 silver and 36 bronze but failed to emulate their 2010 exploits at Guangzhou, where they won 65 medals - 14 gold, 17 silver and 34 bronze. Hosts South Korea were second with 79 golds while Japan finished third with 47 yellow metals

Hockey team win gold after 16 yearsThe national anthem was played twice on

October 2nd as the men’s hockey won the gold medal after 16 long years and the women’s 4x400m relay team emerged champions for the fourth consecutive time taking India back into top-10 at the ninth spot again in the 17th Asian Games in South Korea.

In the much awaited hockey final, goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh was the show stopper making two brilliant saves in the shoot-outs to give India a 4-2 win via penalties against arch-rivals and defending champions Pakistan, that ended 16-year wait for the gold medal, at the Seonhak Hockey Stadium in Incheon. The win also thus gaining a direct entry into the 2016 Rio Olympics.

It was after 32 years that both India and Pakistan were facing off in the Asian Games final. The last time when the neighbours faced in the 1982 Asian Games final, India were humiliated 1-7 in Delhi. Pakistan are the most accomplished team in the Asian Games, having won eight gold medals since 1958.

Minutes after the hockey tirumph, the women’s 4x400m relay team comprising Priyanka Panwar, Tintu Luka, Mandeep Kaur and M. Poovamma completed the race in three minutes and 28.68 seconds to overhaul the record which was also set by India in the 2010 Guangzhou Games.


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Diwali delights: Fun, food and fireworks!More than 800 performers and 50 food and craft stalls will transform Aotea

Square and part of Queen Street into an Indian Mela (bazaar) on Saturday, 11th and Sunday, 12th October for the 13th annual Auckland Diwali Festival.

Diwali – the festival of lights – is an important and ancient Indian festival signifying the triumph of light over darkness and the renewal of life.

Visitors to this weekend’s festival will experience a slice of traditional and contemporary Indian culture, with an extraordinary array of music, dance, sport, fashion, food and fireworks, plus a wedding expo and the show stopping Radio Tarana Bollywood dance competition.

Auckland Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse says the event is an opportunity for Auckland to acknowledge the contribution that the Indian community makes to the region.

“More than 100,000 people of Indian heritage call Auckland home and

contribute significantly to our great city socially, culturally and economically, and play an important part in our multi-cultural society. I want to wish everyone a Happy Diwali and a year ahead filled with prosperity, health and happiness,” says Deputy Mayor Hulse.

The festival runs from midday to 9 pm this weekend (Saturday, 11th and Sunday, 12th October) and is organised by Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development (ATEED) in partnership with Asia New Zealand Foundation.

Renowned international performers the Sattriya Dance Theatre Group will light up the stage at Aotea Square as part of the official opening celebrations on Saturday afternoon. The ceremony will feature the Prime Minister and leader of the National Party, Rt Hon John Key, Acting Leader of the Opposition Labour party, Hon David Parker, ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Ambassador, Sir Richard Hadlee, and Deputy Mayor of Auckland, Penny Hulse.

Auckland Diwali Festival is one of two events (along with Auckland Lantern Festival) that ATEED delivers in partnership with the Asia New Zealand Foundation. The festival is an important part of our region’s event calendar, and a great opportunity for Aucklanders and visitors of all ethnic backgrounds to experience a much-loved Indian cultural tradition. Cultural festivals like Diwali contribute to Auckland becoming the world’s most liveable city by celebrating our cultural diversity and bringing a real buzz to the city centre.

Auckland Diwali Festival also helps us raise awareness of Indian culture and the Indian community living in Auckland as well as celebrate and showcase Auckland as a diverse, multicultural and inclusive city. ATEED’s vision for the festival is that it becomes the premier Indian festival in Australasia that Aucklanders are proud of.

In 2013, the festival attracted an audience of more than 28,000 people, up from approx. 23,000 people in 2013. For this year, we have some exciting new ingredients to add into the Diwali mix, including the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 zone on Queen Street where you can learn more about the tournament which Auckland is a host city for this summer, and be part of an iconic Indian cricket photo moment.

On behalf of ATEED’s Major Events team, have a wonderful weekend.

Brett O’Riley Chief Executive, ATEED

Auckland is shaped by its people and its heritage – including drawing on traditions that our people have brought with them from around the world. Diwali Festival gives our large Indian community an opportunity to share one of its most loved cultural traditions with all Aucklanders in a great occasion that the whole family will enjoy.

Auckland Diwali Festival showcases a unique blend of traditional Indian and contemporary New Zealand Indian culture. It’s meat-free, smoke-free, alcohol-free and free to attend – and one of the most joyful occasions on our cultural calendar. I love it and would like to welcome everyone who has supported and been a part of the festival for many years - and those experiencing it for the first time. Namaste and Happy Diwali.

Len Brown Mayor of Auckland

Namaste and Happy Diwali. The Asia New Zealand Foundation is proud to have been involved in the Auckland Diwali Festival since the first major public Diwali Mela event in 2002.

We’re delighted to be hosting fantastic international guests at this year’s festival, including the Sattriya Dance Theatre group, led by renowned classical dancer, choreographer and musicologist Menaka PP Bora.

This year marks the foundation’s 20th anniversary. In the past two decades, we have been committed to helping New Zealanders experience Asia and gain a better understanding of its diverse peoples and cultures. This festival is a great opportunity for you to do that right here in Auckland, thanks to the contributions of the region’s more than 106,000 residents of Indian heritage.

Philip Burdon Chairman, Asia New Zealand Foundation

AUCKLAND DIWALI SPECIAL


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Cricketing great pads-up One of New Zealand’s finest test cricketers

will come out of retirement to be part of this year’s Auckland Diwali Festival, taking place on 11 and 12 October at Aotea Square and Queen Street.

Sir Richard Hadlee will be available to meet fans on Saturday at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 activity zone on Queen Street.

Chief Executive of Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED), Brett O’Riley, says Auckland is one of seven New Zealand cities that will co-host the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 with Australia.

“As we know Indian cricket fans are incredibly passionate, and it’s an honour to be hosting such a legend of the game at one of Auckland’s most celebrated festivals,” says Mr O’Riley.

“This is a great opportunity to get a taste of World Cup action before it arrives in Auckland in 2015, which will be one of Auckland’s busiest-ever events seasons.”

Festival-goers will also have the chance to be part of an iconic Indian cricketing moment at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 photo booth.

Using green screen technology, fans will be transported into the post-match celebrations of the Indian cricket team following their victory in the 2011 World Cup final.

DANZASIA10 - 11.30am Saturday Limelight, Aotea Centre

Are you an Asian choreographer keen to find your voice through dance? Then

come along to our launch of DANZASIA, a pilot choreographic lab to nurture Asian choreographers in conjunction with the Diwali Festival. Our guest speakers will share their personal journeys of discovery while you enjoy chai and samosas, courtesy of DANZ.



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Pics from

(From left to right) Brett O’Riley, Chief Executive ATEED; Antony Price, General Manager UK & Europe, Air NZ; Ravi Thapar, Indian High

Commissioner to New Zealand; Jennifer King, Director Culture at Asia New Zealand Foundation;

Alf Filippaina, Auckland Councillor. Photographs by Brendon O’Hagan


Photos from Air NZ - ATEED launch event


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The Sattriya Dance Theatre group, led by award-winning dancer Dr Menaka Bora, will be visiting three Auckland schools on Tuesday, 14th October. These include Meadowbank School, Owairaka District School and Favona School. These are part of the Asia New Zealand Foundation’s Schools Network. Jennifer King, director of culture, Asia NZ Foundation, says, “The schools’ programme is a crucial part of the Diwali Festival, giving New Zealand children the chance to meet international artists face to face and learn about an aspect of Indian culture outside their everyday experience. Teachers also tell us it gives students of Indian heritage an opportunity to share their culture with their classmates.”


Authorised by Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, 1/131 Kolmar Road, Papatoetoe, Auckland.

KANWALJIT SINGH BAKSHI

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Contact Kanwal:

131 Kolmar Rd, Papatoetoe, Manukau East09 278 [email protected]

}


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Highlights of the Great Indian Wedding Expo• Bridal makeup will be applied on models

• Mehndi will also be applied on models. Visitors can wear it too for a minimal cost.

• Wedding garlands will be made at the workshop.

• Take photographs of couples in the backdrop of a make-believe wedding set.

• Workshop on how to drape a sari, followed by a sari draping competition for the visitors.

• At the end, a model couple will go through a mock wedding ceremony for the pleasure of the visitors.

Photographs used for representation purposes only

SONI MUDALIARNZ’s first Indian wedding planner

www.indianweddings.co.nzDisplay open 12 – 9pm

Live presentations 4pm and 7pm Level 5 Aotea Centre


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Barfoot & ThompsonWin the fabulous Barfoot & Thompson playhouse for your backyard or a family friend, just by completing the entry form at site No.3. Remember to watch the spectacular Barfoot & Thompson Fireworks display, 9pm Sunday.

Air New ZealandAir New Zealand delivers uniquely Kiwi journeys to more than 13 million passengers who fly to, from and within New Zealand each year. The airline operates more than 4,000 flights each week, connecting customers to destina-tions within New Zealand and around the world. To find out more, visit site No. 2 and while you’re there, don’t forget to check out their very cool interactive photo booth.

India Tourism SydneyThanks to India Tourism Sydney who have been participating in Auckland Diwali Festival for the last 13 years. They’ve done a great job creating awareness about India and showcasing India as a wonderful tourism destination for New Zealanders. Check them out on site No.1. You can’t miss them – they’re located to the right of the main stage.

MithaiFor authentic Indian sweets made from pure milk and ghee visit Mithai at 685 Sandringham Rd, or if you’re hungry now, check out the Mithai food stall for some tasty treats like pani puri, bhel puri, pav bhaji and more at site No. 12.

Radio TaranaVisit the Radio Tarana team at site No. 10 and enter the draw to win a meet-and-greet dinner with Mega Bollywood Star – Dharmendra. While you’re there, don’t forget to have your photo taken at the Radio Tarana photo booth.

iHeartRadioWin an iPad, just sign up for iHeartRadio – it’s free to register. iHeartRadio has over 1500 stations you can listen to, including your favourite Indian and Bollywood stations. Just look out for iHeartRadio on site No. 4.

Indian WeekenderCheck out the Indian Weekender stall at site No. 11, upstairs inside the Aotea Centre - Grab your free copy of the newspaper. Also attend the Speakers Series and listen to leading Kiwi-Indians talk about their Indian experience. Time: 5 - 7pm, Saturday and Sunday.

Fairfax MediaTake time out to catch up on the latest news or just relax at the Fairfax time out zone, while the rest of the family enjoy the food, craft and displays at the festival. You’ll find Fairfax time out zone at site No.5. There’s complimentary newspapers and magazines to choose from and enjoy.

AIA New ZealandVisit the AIA New Zealand stand for your chance to spin and win with the AIA prize wheel. You’ll find them at site No.7. As a special treat – see the balloon artist. They’ll create your favourite balloon animal.

The Better Drinks CompanyIf you find yourself in need of a drink, come by the Charlie’s Tent at site No. 6 and enjoy a Charlie’s Honest Fizz. Made using real fruit, real bubbles… real simple!

Western UnionCome visit the Western Union stand at site No. 9, or our two stores at 330 Queen St or 44 Wellesley St. Guess how many Western Union Rupees are in the box and go into the draw to win the cash equivalent! Three boxes and three chances to win!

Ntec Tertirary GroupNtec Tertiary Group is one of New Zealand’s largest private tertiary providers. Find out about the range of courses they have to offer on-site this weekend. Just look out for the team at site No. 8. While you’re there, have a go at the Ntec quiz. There’s the chance to win spot prizes.

Love NZLove NZ is the Government’s brand promoting recycling. The Public Place Recycling Scheme is a voluntary product stewardship scheme funded by industry which supports recycling at high profile events promoting the Love NZ brand. The Public Place Recycling Scheme is delighted to encourage recycling at the Auckland Diwali Festival and to promote the Love NZ brand.

The Auckland Diwali Festival has been made more spectacular with our family of sponsors and supporters:- Air New Zealand, Barfoot & Thompson, iHeartRadio, Radio Tarana, Fairfax Media, Indian Weekender, Mithai, India Tourism Sydney, Love NZ, Ntec Tertiary Group, AIA New Zealand, Western Union and The Better Drinks Company – Thanks again to the festival sponsors and supporters.

SPONSORED BY

India Tourism Sydney


21

Red Black OrangeA new Modi doctrine for Indian foreign policy? ¡¡ Arul Louis

Marking a decisive break from the slowly eroding traditional underpinnings of

Indian foreign policy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his United Nations speech set out a new framework marked by two elements: replacing the polemics of a bipolar era with a policy centred on dialogue and engagement and the vestiges of anti-colonialism with a focus on democratisation.

In the Nehruvian era India’s foreign policy was forged in the crucible of anti-colonial struggles in a world emerging from the trauma of a global war into a new confrontation between two ideologies. Jawaharlal Nehru sought to build a third way through the nonaligned movement and the solidarity of the developing countries and people fighting colonialism.

Although the world has changed since the heyday of the nonaligned movement and the collapse of a bipolar world with the breakup of the Soviet Union 23 years ago, India drifted along as it tried to find a place for itself in the new universe with an evolving foreign policy.

Modi’s speech marks an inflection point, an end to that order and it lays out the parameters for a new one more suited to the emerging world order.

If the polemics of Nehru in the post-Independence era carried an underlying message of confrontation with the West, Modi finally laid it to rest: “On the one side we say that our destinies are interlinked, on the other hand we still think in terms of zero sum game. If the other benefits, I stand to lose. ... Let bring ourselves in tune with the call of the times.”

Saying, “We need a genuine dialogue and engagement between countries,” he went on to underline the difference between a philosophy based on the idea of dichotomy that is drawn from the religious traditions of the West and Middle East and his own: “I say this from the conviction of the philosophical tradition that I come from,” citing the old Sanskrit saying “Vasudeva kutumbakam”, or the world is one family, to illustrate his point.

Another point of departure that illuminates Modi’s new framework is a message of positivism and hope in the 21st century in contrast to the pessimism that prevailed in the 1950s. The world may not be perfect, but he pointed out: “We have achieved much in past

six decades in our mission of ending wars, preventing conflict, maintaining peace, feeding the hungry, striving to save our planet and creating opportunities for our children.”

He added, “There is a new stirring for stability, peace and progress in Africa. There is an unprecedented spread of prosperity in Asia and beyond ... Latin America, a continent of enormous potential, is coming together in shared pursuit of stability and prosperity, which could make it an important anchor of the world.”

However, the transition - “time of great flux and change” - is not easy and even a degree of polarization is inevitable. Modi couldn’t ignore the other side of what is happening: “The world

is witnessing tensions and turmoil on a scale rarely seen in recent history. There are no major wars, but tensions and conflicts abound; and, there is absence of real peace and uncertainty about the future. Terrorism is taking new shape and new name. No country, big or small, in the north or the south, east or west, is free from its threat.”

The key test for Modi’s framework is how India can navigate through those of these problems that impinge on it. It means harnessing realism to the philosophy. Nehruvian starry-eyed idealism took a toll on India. But Modi has a steely firmness at his core - he was quick to react to Pakistan’s perceived hostility and lay down the rules of engagement.

What he can achieve through the first of the element he has articulated - dialogue and engagement - is the ability to be flexible enough to deal with various nations and groups of nations without having to assume rigid postures or fall into a camp. A ready example of this is the way he is manoeuvring relationships with Japan, China and the United States. Another is how he is tackling Pakistan in a measured way, setting the boundaries, but not shutting it off entirely.

The second element he has articulated is one of idealism - but it does not bind him to a grouping or to polemics that could be self-defeating. All this may be the start of the evolution of a Modi Doctrine.

Arul Louis is a New York-based senior journalist and Senior Fellow, Society for Policy Studies. The views expressed are personal. He and can be contacted at [email protected]


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Red Black OrangeOur American PieTRADE AND ECONOMY

� US to help develop ‘smart cities’ Ajmer, Vishakhapatnam & Allahabad

� Partner on Digital India initiative to enhance digital infrastructure e-governance, e-services, ICT working group to flesh out details

� Set up ‘infrastructure collaboration platform’ to identify India’s critical infra need; provide single GoI (Government of India) point-of-contact; increase US industry presence US industry presence in infra projects

� Extend an Indo-Pacific Economic corridor to Myanmar and Southeast Asia; identify critical ports, rail, aviation, intermodal infra projects

� Push an ‘investment initiative’ to help institutional investors and corporate houses to invest in India

STRATEGIC CONSULTATIONSUN & Multilateral issues dialogue

� Issues will include UN’s role in peace & security, UN’s post-2015 development agenda & UN reforms

� An Indian Ocean region dialogue � An increase in infra investment equivalent to 1% of global GDP would likely translate into an additional 3.4 million jobs in India

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY � Joint mission to better understand climate change impacts

� NASA & ISRO signed deal to conduct joint NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission

� India to participate in the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) Project, a global consortium of institutions from the US, Canada, Japan, India and China; TMT is under construction at Mauna Kea, Hawaii. Completed, it’ll be among the world’s largest optical-infrared telescopes

� A Mars Working Group set up to explore potential cooperation on missions that recently arrived at Mars

BUILDING TIES � Once Indian National Defence University set up, it’ll interact with US’s National Defence University for ‘knowledge partnership’

� Visa-on-arrival to US nationals in 2015 � India hopes to implement procedures for Indians to benefit from US Global Entry Program in 2015

� US to give mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles to India

� Health ministers will sign MoU on environment and occupational health & injury prevention and control

CLIMATE YARN � New programme of work on air quality, partner to build climate resilience

� Create clean-energy finance forum � US Ex-Im Bank and the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency to enter into MOU that’d provide up to $1 bn in US Ex-Im Bank financing to support export of Made-in-America renewable energy good & services for clean-energy projects in India.

What did Modi bring back from the US Direct Dil Se…

A true leader is one who makes time for his people. Amidst his many commitments,

Modi does not forget to talk directly to the people to the Country that has elected him Prime Minister. In an unprecedented move, he used the state-run All India Radio to share his “thoughts” and to urge Indians to realise their potential.

Sharing his views in a programme titled “Man ki Baat”, Modi recounted anecdotes in a chatty style and urged people to connect with him directly on social media on how to improve the quality of life.

He also promised to make “Man ki Baat” a regular address, twice a month on Sundays.

Speaking a day after he launched the Clean India campaign, Modi touched upon a range of issues.”This Vijaya Dashmi, let us win over dirtiness around us,” Modi said. He greeted people on the occasion of Vijaya Dashmi.

The prime minister urged people to go for khadi products and take advantage of this holiday season when discounts are offered at Khadi Gramodyog Bhavans all over the country.

Modi recounted the story of a tigress and her two cubs Indian mystic Swami Vivekananda would often relate to make people realize their inner strength.

One of the cubs got lost and was raised by a sheep and began to think and act like a sheep until one day it accidentally met its mother again.

The cub roared when it was made to realize it was a tiger, not a sheep.

“There is great strength in the people of this country of 1.25 billion. There is a need for us to recognize the strength within us, like Swami Vivekananda said.

“If we recognise the strength within ourselves, our self esteem will rise and we will be victorious. Our country will also become victorious and successful,” Modi said. “I think our 1.25 billion people have immense potential in them and are very capable. And we need to show confidence.”

The tech-savvy Modi asked people to get in touch with him directly through social media by offering suggestions besides relating inspiring incidents with proof. He promised to recount these on radio.

“This is my first beginning. I shall keep sharing my thoughts with you... The thoughts that came to me, I shared, and I will come again and share more thoughts,” he said in his around 15-minute address.

(Straight from the heart)


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ENTERTAINMENT


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Accompanied by:

Manjit Singh (Tabla - Rhythm School of Music)

Samir Bhalodkar (Samvadini)

1st November 2014 • 6.30pm • Mt Albert War Memorial Hall, 773 New North Road, Mt Albert, Auckland

Presents

An evening on enchanting

and many more styles from the heartland of Benaras

GOLD SPONSORS EXCLUSIVE MEDIA PARTNERS

Available @ or call 0272435353, 09 5348000

Tickets $20

SUPPORTED BY

Narendra ‘Style bhai’ Modi

¡¡ Maya Shivam

Fashion now has a new name. He is being hailed and admired as one of India’s best

dressed Prime Ministers. From neatly-cut and well-fitted bandhgala suits in different shades, to his trademark half-sleeved kurta and brightly coloured Nehru jackets, Prime Minister Narendra Modi not only dressed appropriate to the occasion, but has also looked “classy” during his ongoing US trip, where he was seen to change his attire with almost every event or meeting.

If bandhgala jackets are important aspect of the Prime Minister’s dressing, they are favourite on the ramps too for men.

One case in point: the trademarking of the “Modi Kurta” — his signature outfit that, much like his politics, offers a certain contemporary practicality to the fabric of Indian tradition. It will soon be branded and sold en masse in

India, the UK, the US and Southeast Asia.The Prime Minister’s kurta is a shorter,

crisper version of the traditional tunic; pair it with Bulgari shades and a Movado watch (he’s got penchants for them both) and you have a getup that nods to old national values while boasting the sophisticated commodities of Western life, which have been eagerly embraced by the upwardly mobile country in the 20-some years since its economy opened up to the world.

“His dressing sense certainly makes him stand out,” says designer Krishna Mehta.

Surely the well-fitted bandh collar jackets in sophisticated colours, with a bandh collar shirt and cuff links and pocket square look very distinguished. Modi’s fashion sense has even made the likes of Tommy Hilfiger state: “Modi is quite fashionable, while Obama dresses safe.”

It is a known fact Modi, who hails from Gujarat, has a proclivity for bright colours and it was evident when he attended a power dinner with Reliance Industries chief Mukesh Ambani and PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi in a peach bandhgala cut sleeve jacket worn over a cream silk kurta.

However, when he addressed the UN General Assembly, he kept his wardrobe absolutely formal by dressing in a dark coloured bandhgala suit.

Modi is known to have very specific fashion likes and dislikes, is seen changing clothes despite a busy schedule

We asked our favourite NIFT fashion designer Nikhil Kapoor about what he thought of Modi’s style and here’s what he had to say: “Modi certainly knows fashion and colour to its best. His haircut, the trimmed beard, his

watches and detailed look down to the shoes, add the sharp and sophisticated edge to his natural style. His choice of colours and the sheer fusion of the authentic Indian with the suave and stylish make him a fashion icon.”

For years Indian politicians may have been mocked for their crumpled, clumsy dressing. But like everything else, Modi is changing the face of Indian politics and that is why we call him ‘Style Bhai’.


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ENTERTAINMENT


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Unraveling the genius

In the last 150 days, the nation has moved from an era of policy paralysis to an era of policy priorities. In 150 days in Office, the Narendra Modi Government has successfully prepared a roadmap for India’s development. Ever since Modi took the reins,

he has been continuing his focus on ‘Minimum Government and Maximum Governance’ in every step.

BRICS SUMMIT

July 2014

NEPAL VISIT

August 2014

BHUTAN VISIT

June 2014

JAPAN VISIT

August 2014

MEET WITH CHINESE PRESIDENT

September 2014

MAKE IN INDIA

September 2014

JAN DHAN YOJNA

August 2014

CLEAN INDIA MISSION

October 2014

MARS MISSION SUCCESS

September 2014

US VISIT

September 2014


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FEATURES

From the desk of I am Woman

Work for peace; abolish nuclear weaponsThis is the concluding part of I am Woman’s interview with Ms Laurie Ross, Auckland City’s Peace diplomat

IAW: What is the history behind New Zealand being nuclear free?

Laurie: In 1958 the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) was established in Britain with branches throughout the world including New Zealand. British, American and French nuclear testing was done in the South Pacific (1950s-1990s) which caused great concern to New Zealanders who were motivated to stop this radioactive contamination activity of the atmosphere, water and land that endangered the health of people in the Pacific.

In 1973, the NZ government under

Norman Kirk sent a brigade to protest against French nuclear tests at MururoaAtoll as did the Greenpeace ships creating significant international attention.

Between 1975-’84, the NZ Peace Squadron was formed of private sailing vessels to protest against the visits of American nuclear warships and submarines to NZ harbours.

In 1976, the Campaign Half Million petition stopped the NZ government from investment in nuclear energy schemes.

Between 1981-2007, the New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone Committee was established by Larry Ross of Christchurch. (Later known as NZ Nuclear Free Peacemaking Association). He presented a carefully structured strategic plan for achieving this goal which was adopted at the annual New Zealand Peace Conference. It was based on the1978 United Nations Resolutions on the importance and value of individual states or groups of nations declaring themselves Nuclear Free Zones and thus contributing to nuclear disarmament in the international community.

In 1982 the Peace Movement grew at a phenomenal rate through neighbourhood peace groups forming in every town throughout the land who proceeded with public education, petitions and promotion for a Nuclear Free NZ and lobbying their local councils.

By 1984, there were 94 councils who had declared Nuclear Free Zones (65% population) when the snap election was called on the nuclear ships issue. A Labour government led by David Lange, was voted in and won on this platform. However, this meant withdrawal from the nuclear defense alliance of ANZUS which was difficult for the government, but had always been advocated by the Peace movement.

In 1985- the Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior was bombed by French secret agents in Auckland harbour - killing one man on board. This focussed media attention on NZ and aroused great international support for NZ’s Nuclear Free Zone.

By 1987, there were 105 locally declared Nuclear Free Councils (72% popuplation) and the Lange government was voted back in to pass the New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone Disarmament and Arms Control Act enshrined as legislation.

In 1990, the National Party embraced the NZ Nuclear Free Zone policy and formed the government.

In 1996 NZ Peace activists played a leading role in the World Court Project which resulted in the International Court of Justice ruling that nuclear weapons are (generally) illegal and should be eliminated.

IAW: How can I as a common person contribute to Peace?

Laurie: Everyone needs to ask themselves that question and proceed to develop conscious self-awareness or mindfulness of what they can do for peace. Peace starts at home, so it is important to foster stronger human relationships.

It is our duty as responsible citizens to become politically aware and speak out about injustice, violence or corruption and work to stop it. We need to identify and help the real leaders doing courageous forms of peace work. We must cultivate a Culture of Peace in the home, community, nationally and internationally.

In addition, I encourage everyone to contribute to peace by being an advocate of Peace Events for a Nuclear Free World. Get information about the issue through www.icanw.org to be empowered to work for the abolition of nuclear weapons. This is one of the major milestones on the road to a more peaceful world and hope for future generations of humanity.

Please share your thoughts on peace with us at [email protected] and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/womanunlimited


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FEATURES

The film producers (above); cast and crew of Serndhu Polama (top and below)

Shall we go together?Sasi Nambissan and Rita Sasidharan have produced the first-ever Tamil feature film, Serndhu Polama, that’s been shot entirely in New Zealand¡¡ Paula Ray

There is a first time for everything. And this time, it is the making of a feature film

in Tamil called Serndhu Polama that is shot completely in the picturesque landscapes of New Zealand.

The faces behind this production are Sasi Nambissan and Rita Sasidharan, who have lived in NZ for the past 17 years. While Sasi is a Chemical Engineer by profession and works as Projects and Process Engineer at a multinational corporation in Manukau, Rita is a Medical Oncologist at Auckland Hospital. They have two sons who are currently pursuing their final years in engineering.

So what connects them with film production? “It is my husband’s passion for arts, music, dance drama which brought us into making of this movie. He is keen (just like his dad, P SankaranKutty, in Kerala, India, who was a lawyer and Mridangam artiste) on promoting young talents, especially in dance drama,” explains Rita.

“We did a musical show called Taj Mahal in 2012, which staged 110 artistes from multi-ethnic communities of Auckland and performed twice at Aotea Centre and Dorothy Winstone Theatre. It was a major breakthrough and was commented as best Indian show witnessed in the past 25 years, comparable to Broadway shows. We did all these through the company we formed named Aiswarya Entertainments Ltd in 2009,” says Sasi.

“During our early years together, due to family commitments and professional responsibilities, Sasi was not able to pursue his passion,” says Rita. Once these responsibilities were reasonably settled, they started Aiswarya Entertainments to promote arts and culture and facilitate cultural integration between the two countries.

Serndhu Polama is a travel love story of an NZ-based young Indian couple and their

childhood friends. The narrative, which also has elements of a crime thriller, depicts the bonding between siblings and includes four song that have been composed by Vishnu Mohan Sitara.

The cast and crew for the film are mainly from India. VinayRai (a native of Karnataka) and Madhurima Banerjee (Bengali, settled in Mumbai and has worked on several Telugu and Tamil films) comprise the lead actors. The other actors include Tamil veteran actor Thampi Ramaiah and Thalai Vasal. Vijay, Arun Sasi, Preeti Paul and Nandu are upcoming artistes from Telugu film industry. There are 15 child artistes from New Zealand and a total of 75 technicians.

“We have ensured a multi-ethnic mix of artistes and technicians, according to the vision of Aiswarya Entertainments,” says Sasi.

The director for the film is Anil Kumar, who has worked in 39 films in South India and the director of photography is Sanjeev Shankar,

who had worked in almost 70 films. The audio track of the film was launched in Auckland in early August at Presbyterian Church Hall in Ti Rakau Drive, Botany.

“Our experience from Taj Mahal gave us the courage to venture into film production. This is not just a commercial venture for us, but a dream project. In alignment with Aiswarya Entertainment’s vision, we have given opportunities to many new comers in this movie who are extremely talented but never had that first opportunity,” explains Sasi.

The film production was completely managed by the couple, and their two associates, Jiju Mathew and Visakh Kumar. Budgeting the shoots and people management, planning for costumes were handled by them together.

“Challenges during the production process were too many,” says Rita. As the main crew was from India, they were not familiar with the safety practices in NZ. The location scout manager found it difficult as location permit had to be south prior to the shoots. “But Sasi’s production management experience came in handy,” adds Rita.

What helped was the fact that unlike India, Kiwis are not interested in watching film shoots. “That’s why we did not have to manage a crowd,” says Rita. The other challenge was to find extra artists on a day to day basis, because “Kiwis were not really after acting in movies”.

All said and done, the film is complete. It has gone for clearance from the census board in Chennai, India. Serndhu Polama is due for release in November 2014 and it will have subtitles in several south Indian languages, including English, to make it accessible to a wider audience.

What’s next? “We have a plan for 2016: another south Indian movie production,” says Rita. Several stories have already reached their desk and Sasi has already begun discussions with potential artistes from India. It’s time to wait and watch what the next scene unfolds.

Sasi Nambissan and Rita Sasidharan

Sasi is keen on promoting young talents, especially in dance drama... The narrative has elements of a crime thriller


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ENTERTAINMENT

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EVENTS

HELP LINEYouthline Phone: 0800 37 66 33 Free txt 234 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.youthline.co.nzServices: Family services, legal services, health services, caregivers, youth services, basic needs, ethnic services, education and training, Family violence, Special needs/disability, employment, basic needs.

Auckland Women’s CentrePhone: 09 376 3227Fax: 09 376 1817Email: [email protected] Hours: Mon - Fri, 9am - 4 pmWebsite: http://awc.org.nz/Services: Affordable, quality welfare and support services, personal development educational opportunities, events and collective advocacy on women’s issues.

Auckland Regional Migrant ServicePhone: 09 625 2440Working hours: 9am-4pm (Mon to Fri)Service: Settlement information, English language courses and employment services

HealthlinePhone: 0800 611 116Working hours: 24 hoursService: Speak to a nurse for health related information. Advice provided in several languages.

WHAT’SOnAuckland Diwali Festival 2014Date: 11-12th October 2014Time: 12 to 9 pmVenue: Aotea Square, Queens Street, Auckland The two-day Auckland Diwali Festival brings Aucklanders and visitors of all ages and ethnic backgrounds together to celebrate and experience Indian culture in its many exciting forms. Come along and enjoy exciting live performances by local and international dancers and singers, including the thrilling Radio Tarana Bollywood dance competition. Sample a huge range of delectable Indian foods and sweets or join in one of the Rangoli ‘floor art’ workshops. There’s also street theatre, lighting displays and a dazzling Barfoot & Thompson fireworks display.

Manukau Police DiwaliDate: 17th October 2014Time: 12 noon to 1 pmVenue: Whare Wananga Room, Manukau Police Station, 42 Manukau Station Road, ManukauYou are invited to join Manukau Police to celebrate Indian festival of lights- Diwali. See live dance performances and enjoy yummy Indian Food. This is free event but Limited seats available. Please RSVP: Anna.Mann@

policegovt.nz

Waitakere Diwali 2014Date: 18 October 2014Time: 11 am to 10 pmVenue: The Trust Arena, Central park drive, Henderson

Waitakere Indian Association (WIA) is once again gearing for its annual Diwali event in Henderson where we will see the biggest indoor Diwali event in New Zealand. Waitakere Diwali, as usual, will be held at Trusts Arena culminating in grand fireworks display. This year the Ram Leela will be performed by the ISKCON group, also there will be three students from Waitakere College from non-Indian background that will be talking about Diwali. Free entry! For more information or enquiries call: 021 047 7414

Retail business safety seminarDate: 13th and 14th October 2014Time: 6 pm to 7:30 pmVenue: Manukau Police Station, 42 Manukau Station Road, ManukauCounties Manukau Police has designed a safety programme which needs your input as well as collaboration. An open discussion and Police presentation will be held. Limited parking is available outside the Manukau Police Station. Alternatively paid parking is available in a car park located next to the Manukau Police Station building. Light Refreshments will be provided. Please do attend the programme and if you have any further questions, please contact Sergeant Gurpreet Arora on 021-191-0461 or 09-263-2776

RangrasiyaDate: 1st November 2014Time: 6:30 pm onwardsVenue: Mt Albert War Memorial hall, 773 New North Road, Mt Albert AucklandOn the occasion of Diwali, Migrant Heritage Charitable Trust Inc (regd) is proud to bring

to you an immensely popular and talented artist Dhanashree Pandit Rai to New Zealand. Dhanashree is one of the leading exponents of the THUMRI form of music and her repertoire, besides khayal, consists of thumri, chaiti, hori, kajri , sawan, jhoola etc. Vocal: Dhanashree Pandit Rai, Tabla: Manjit Singh (Rhythm School of Music), Samvadini: Amir Bhalodkar. Tickets for $20 available from 1st October 2014 at: Yogiji’s Food Mart, 26 Carr Road, Mt Roskill, Auckland. Contact: Yogijis - 624 5757 or Varsha 0272435353

Tempo Dance FestivalDate: 7 October- 19 OctoberTime: Look up website for event time of all daysVenue: Q Theatre, 305 Queen Street, AucklandTempo Dance Festival is New Zeland’s foremost annual dance festival. It features over 700 dance artists, including professional dancers and choreographers across many different gener of dance. Adult, child, student and concession prices available. Family tickets-special price for 2 adults & 2 children for select family shows. Book you tickets at www.tempo.co.nz or direct at www.qtheatre.co.nz for all shows except Amanimal and Red which are at the Musgrove Studio contact www.maidment.auckland.ac.nz


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EVENTS

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