Indian

Indian March 12, 2010

Log on to www.iwk.co.nz Volume 1, No. 25
New Zealand’s first Indian weekend magazine
For free distribution

New Zealand | 6 India | 10 Bollywood | 20

Helen Clark A song in 125 Vivek Oberoi
in India languages as Prince

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Indian
New Zealand
Club apologises for refusing entry to turbaned Sikh
weekend.
Arvind Kumar “This will never happen here again,” the
letter signed by Walsh said.
A Sikh businessman in Auckland, who was Walsh said Singh wasn’t refused service
refused service at a golf club bar recently at the bar but rather “questioned about his
because he was wearing a turban, is happy headwear”.
the matter has been resolved amicably. “It was an unfortunate incident which
Kharag Singh, 45, owner of the Ever- has been dealt with,” Walsh told the Indian
glade 4 Square supermarket and keen golfer, Weekender.
says he was refused service at the Avia- He said the matter had been dealt with im-
tion Country Golf Club bar in Auckland on mediately as it was viewed seriously. “The
Sunday, February 28, after the day’s pen- barman in question had been following the
nants competition, which his Manukau Golf club policy on headgear in place at the time.
Club team won. “The barman has been spoken to and club
As is normal after-match tradition, the policy changed to ensure similar incidents
team members made their way to the club’s don’t happen again.”
bar for a few drinks where he was told by Although normal golf club rules say that
the bar manager that he couldn’t serve Singh headgear may not be worn inside the bar, the
because of his headwear. turban is a traditional headgear worn at all
Singh, who has been playing golf in New times by Sikh men to cover their heads and
Zealand for more than 10 years, told the also to hold their long hair in place.
Indian Weekender that he was even more The Singhs’ passion for golf is ref lected
embarrassed by the situation as his teenage in a sign across the top of a doorway at the
son was standing right behind him, bewil- Everglade 4 Square Supermarket in Manukau
dered by the situation. Teghbir Singh, 15, which reads: “People Work Because They
also a keen golfer, also wears the traditional Don’t Know How to Play Golf ”.
Punjabi headwear. It is just an introduction to a hoard of
“We had never come across a situation signs, posters and photos which follow in
like this before so when we asked whether Kharag Singh’s office, which is plastered
we could talk to someone else as the turban with photos and memorabilia with leading
was not normal headgear but part of a reli- golfing personalities including Michael
gious headwear, the bar manager said that he Campbell.
was in charge and that he made the rules in Kharag Singh with the letter of apology Singh says he is happy the matter was re-
the bar.” solved quickly because the officials viewed
Singh said he then asked his fellow Brian Cronin emailed the Auckland Golf barrassment our bar manager caused you on it seriously.
club members to “let’s go and celebrate at Club about the situation who then contacted Sunday over your headwear (turban) worn in “My son is a keen golfer and there are
our club” but one of their senior members, the Aviation club officials. the bar/lounge. other young people like him around who
Albert, stepped in to talk to the barman, who Aviation Country Golf Club general “Unfortunately, we had not set up a stan- want to be treated properly.
then eased up. The golfers then left the Avia- manager then took prompt action by writing dard for people who wear headwear based on “Such behaviour should not be a deterrent
tion Country club. an apology letter dated March 1 to the Singhs. their religious/cultural beliefs, but this has in their golfing careers.”
The next day Manukau Golf Club manager “We apologise to you both for any em- now been as a result of what happened at the

2 Indian Weekender | March 12, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz

Indian
New Zealand
Only one guilty in Navtej killing
Only one of the six viously admitted aggravated robbery. Sentencing
men accused killing is at the High Court on April 23.
South Auckland There was standing room only in the public
liquor store owner gallery as around 50 people, including Mr Singh’s
Navtej Singh in 2008
has been found guilty
of his murder.
widow Harjinder Kaur, waited for the verdicts.
Close family friend Daljit Singh said Mr
Singh’s widow was still in shock.
In a perfect
Only the man who
fired the fatal shot,
Anitelea Chan-Kee,
The jury spent more than 18 hours deliberat-
ing. They began discussions about 2.35pm on
Monday after Justice Graham Lang concluded his
world, everyone
22, was found guilty
of murder during a
robbery by a jury in the High Court at Auckland.
summary of the case in the month-long trial.
Manukau City councillor Daniel Newman told
the Herald one guilty verdict in the trial for the
would speak
Five other accused - Myron Felise, 22, Tino
Felise, 19, Eti Filoa, 25, Walter McCarthy, 19, and
Jason Naseri, 21 - were found not guilty of both
murder of Mr Singh would not bring closure to that
case, or address the social cost of the availability of
alcohol in Randwick Park.
your language.
murder and manslaughter. “A family has been denied a husband, father
Mefiposeta Chan-Kee, 26, was discharged and son. An entire community has been tarred by
after being found not guilty of being an accessory the entire sorry episode,” said Mr Newman who In the meantime, we’ll do our
after the killing. represents the suburb where Mr Singh was shot.
Tino Felise, Filoa and McCarthy were all found - Indian Weekender news desk best to make New Zealand
guilty of one charge of aggravated robbery, while
Anitelea Chan-Kee, Myron Felise and Naseri pre- See Page 4 for related article. feel like home.

Fun day for race relations

The Hindu Youth Foundation is organising a carom board to face painting, bouncing castle
Family Fun Day on Sunday March 21 to cel- and tug-of-war, planned for families to par-
ebrate the 2010 Race Relations Day and bring ticipate and enjoy,” said Darsha Patel, one of
families and communities together. the co-ordinators of the event.
The activities will be held at 2-30 Bukem All interests – competitive and social
Pl, Mangere East, Manukau. Entry to this (with family teams) – would be equally
event is free. catered for. To ensure there are no disap-
Race Relations Day is a major event in the pointments in matching a team to your level,
Human Rights Commission’s calendar and is registration is important. People are also en-
marked in a number of different ways around couraged to take part in more than one activ-
the country. It is a step closer to bridging the ity organized on the day.
gap between the different races that make up There would be a number of food stalls
the multi-cultural New Zealand. available to try out Indian vegetarian delica-
Discrimination is an issue that is preva- cies, but a family picnic to soak in the atmo-
lent in the society across all cross-sections sphere will be most welcomed. Just before the
and the answers on how to reduce it constant- completion, people will have an opportunity
ly baffle stakeholders. to play with Holi colours similar to Rotorua
One solution is to reduce the degree of Holi Festival.
separation between the different communi- The vision of Hindu Youth Foundation is
ties and increase interaction and understand- to bring together like-minded youth and set
ing of each other. Hindu Youth Foundation up a HYF Recreational Centre. Race Rela-
has taken up a small task of trying to make a tions Day celebration will become an annual
positive step in this direction. event.
Hindu Youth Foundation is a division of To enjoy this day, bring your family, your
the Hindu Council of New Zealand and since friends, your neighbours and celebrate Race
its inception in January 2008 it has been using Relations Day 2010 the Fun Way, the HYF
opportunities to bring not only the youth, but Way.
families together on a platform and encour- For more information about the day or
age understanding of different communities. registration contact hinduyouth.nz@gmail.
The day will cater to all ages and physi- com or Nitika Sharma – 0211 579 129; Komal
cal abilities of people. “This free event has Shah – 021 035 3591
a range of activities organised from soccer,
cricket, netball, volleyball, table tennis,

Race Relations Day And no one’s more at home in the New Zealand branches. Some of

21st March 2010

New Zealand market than us. With them know what it’s like to have
170 years of experience in this moved from another country so
country, we know it well. We also they’re always willing to give a
Us. The
(21 March) this year is - It‘s about
The theme for Race Relations Day cts the them e with brig ht, cheerful
know that not everyone has been in helping hand. We also support
Te Ua, refle
poster designed by illustrator Ahu e Rela tions Day New Zealand quite as long as us. Indian festivals like Diwali, Holi and
inspire and attract attention to Rac
and colourful images, aimed to Which is why, as much as we other celebrations. Why do we do all
ple.
from both adults and young peo
understand the Kiwi culture, we’re this? Because we know banking is
all of us
is that race relations day is about
The overall message of the poster ers, no mat ter where dedicated to getting to know yours. hard enough without having to
r family of New Zealand
and we are all members of the wide e the wor d fam ily, in Hindi, Because we value you and want to deal with cultural barriers. To chat
rayed alongsid
we are from. Cultural icons are port an, Dut ch, Jap ane se, Eng lish, Arabic
Samoan , Itali ensure your needs are always met, to a familiar face, call 0800 744 485
Russian, Chinese, te reo Maori, e at the Hum an
it! Posters are now availabl
and Tongan. People seem to like we have Indian staff throughout our or email [email protected]
hrc.co.nz.
Rights Commission nzdiversity@
d at www.hrc.co.nz.
A calendar of events can be foun
Elimination
world as the ‘International Day of
March 21 is observed around the ic loss of life
is held to commemorate the trag
of Racial Discrimination’. The day trati ng aga inst South
ple peacefully demons
in Sharpville in 196 0, when 69 peo
police.
Africa’s pass laws were shot by
ANZ National Bank Limited ANZ0147R

Indian Weekender | March 12, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz 3

Indian
New Zealand

A travesty of justice
and shot Navtej as he held his hands up high. The Aftermath
Subhash Apanna Chan Kee later unsuccessfully claimed in court One year after Navtej’s death, the Singh’s sold
Thirty-year-old Navtej Singh was shot in the that he fired accidentally in a charged environ- the liquor store, once their proud possession,
chest with a .22 rifle on 7 June, 2008. He fell ment. because it became an unbearable burden of un-
and died in his Manurewa liquor shop shortly The .22 calibre bullet punctured Navtej wanted memories. Navtej Singh’s father Nahar
afterwards. Six youths from nearby Papakura Singh’s chest and he lay dying as he made one Singh, threw himself off the over-bridge on Hill
were convicted on March 3, 2010 on a range last effort to hand over the $4000 till takings Road onto the Southern Motorway in a suicide
of criminal charges and are currently awaiting demanded by Kee as the other robbers made attempt two months ago after watching a video
sentencing. Sadly and alarming this case has their last grabs before fleeing in the getaway car replay of his eldest son’s funeral service.
raised more questions than answers. This report driven by Tino Felise. The older Singh now walks with the support
presents the facts as picked up from a number With blood pouring down his chest, Navtej of a walking frame as he contemplates life
of sources. asked Gurwinder to phone an ambulance and without his culturally prescribed real support
his wife. A distraught Harjinder Kaur says that – his eldest son. The 3 young children and
The Plan the police took 26mins to attend to her fatally Navtej’s widow still cannot accept that their
A group of youths, attended a 5yr girl’s birthday wounded husband despite being told that the father is no more.
party, then moved to a small garage in Papakura felons had fled. The NZ Herald reported that Navtej Singh, a hard-working, tax-paying,
for a bit of laughter, music, guitar playing and this delay was due to the fact that the “squad car non-dole resident of NZ died at the premature
ganja/cannabis smoking as they agitated for a carrying firearms to the crime scene took the age of 30. The devastated Singh family has still
continuation of the party. It was after all, party wrong set of keys to unlock the weapons cache”. to come to terms with the meaningless turn that
time. The only problem was they’d run out of As a final insult to a bewilderingly tragic life has so cruelly taken.
liquor. Suddenly Anitelea Chan Kee came up set of circumstances, security camera footage
with a solution. Let’s “do a liquor store”, he de- showed the robbers laughing as they fled. Questions Remain
clared as he looked around for volunteers. The Crime Further evidence revealed that while the police Anitelea Chan Kee was convicted of murder on
Immediately 5 of his family members – Chan Kee got off the car with the gun, and ac- apparatus went into action, the felons returned 3rd March. All his other accomplices were con-
Myron Felise, Jason Naseri, Tino Felise, Eti cording to passerby, Ma’aimoa Paea Likuohi- to the Giani Court garage where the plan was victed on lesser charges. As the trial proceeded,
Filoa and Walter McCarthy - jumped into 2 cars hifo, “before he stepped into the store he [was] hatched and began enjoying the loot as planned. no remorse was seen on the faces of the 6 felons
and made off to “do a liquor store”. Chan Kee, already getting ready to aim it, probably for both in the print media as well as on TV.
Myron Felise and Jason Naseri rode in the same the shopkeeper.” This was presented as part of As many hold their breaths for sentencing in
car driven by Tino Felise. And Chan Kee toted a evidence. And as Chan Kee, Myron Felise and The Singhs this case, a good part of NZ will be left won-
rifle during the ride. Jason Naseri rushed into the targeted shop, at- Navtej Singh married Harjinder Kaur in India dering whether the case was handled right. Did
It is not clear if the trial highlighted this tendant Gurwinder Singh told the court that in 2001. They moved to NZ the following year those 4 really not talk as they rode to the liquor
fact because it would’ve been material in de- Chan Kee shouted, “give us the money other- in search of a better life. The couple have three store? Was that rifle not familiar to that group of
termining whether Myron Felise, Jason Naseri wise we’ll shoot.” The demand was loud enough children: Hakirat, 7, Narnoor, 5, and Harrop, 2. familiar friends?
and Tino Felise knew that the gun was loaded. for Ms Likuohihifo to hear it outside. After 6 years of focused toil, Navtej bought the How well did they know each other? Had
Moreover, no enquiry was made on whether the Amid the bedlam as Chan Kee moved the Riverton Rd liquor store in February 2008. they done anything similar in the past? Or did
4 robbers had any discussions as they drove on gun from Gurwinder Singh to Navtej Singh, And while he diligently dedicated 12hrs of Chan Kee have a rep’ amongst them as the hard
their important mission. If they did talk, what Gurwinder escaped while the other two robbers his day to his proud shop, he also worked 4hrs at man? Was enough done to illuminate the dy-
else could they have talked about? went on a looting rampage. This is when, ac- the Papakura post office from 5am to 9am. This namics of that obviously violent crime-prone
cording to Prosecutor Kirsten Gray, Chan Kee is not atypical of immigrants of Indian origin. group? Important questions that beg answers.
lined up his gun in a “calm and deliberate way”

4 Indian Weekender | March 12, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz

 Indian
New Zealand

Indian Rugby team training in New Zealand

A desire to impress at the New Delhi Commonwealth Zealand base to South Africa and the USA and has
Games in October this year has attracted the Indian had players and coaches sent to its courses from
National Rugby Sevens squad to New Zealand. nearly 30 nations.
Twenty-three players are spending ten days re- Former All Black, Murray Mexted who played
ceiving specialist coaching from former New Zealand for New Zealand in every test match for eight years is
Sevens greats Craig de Goldi, Christian Cullen and founder and Managing Director of IRANZ.
Karl te Nana, as well as Murray Mexted and his staff, - Indian Weekender news desk
at the International Rugby Academy New Zealand

fa
(IRANZ) in Palmerston North. Growth of Rugby in India
Usaia Biumaiwai, the national coach of India,
says the training camp is invaluable with Delhi 2010 l0From 2 Playi ng Cent
res (1999) to 39
a little over six months away on October 5-6. Metros playing (2009)
“We are the host of the Commonwealth Games l05 States playi ng (200
and we want to prepare a very good team for the 6) to 20 States and
rugby competition, so we are taking every opportu- Union Territories (2009)
l01 National XV’s Tour
nity to learn from the best in the world,” said the expat nament (2001) to
Fijian who has been with Rugby India since 2007. 3-Division National XV’s Tour name
nt
“We played a tournament in Fiji last weekend and are (2007)

WHEN ONLY
very pleased to be in New Zealand to learn more.” l012 Clubs in 2004 to
Over 70 Competi-
India lost all four matches at the Marist Sevens, tive Clubs across India (2009)
which featured the best club teams in Fiji, but Biumai- l0A handful of Scho
wai was pleased with the progress. ols to Over 380
schools across 25 cities and 400 on waiti
“I’m glad that my players have showed improve- ng
The team at a practice session

massive
list (2009)

THE BEST WILL DO...

ment in all their matches, especially in their support
play and defence patterns,” he said from the Sport and match analysis and advice on strength and condition- pansion. l0From a mere 1500
Players (2002) to
Rugby Institute. ing, nutrition and sports psychology, is sure to be of “We already have a number of elite and advanced Excess of 18,000 players (across all form
s)
“Tournaments in Fiji are always tough and we great benefit later in the year.” courses taking place at Infinity Park in Glendale, l0Full Time inclusion
of the Spor t in the
have plenty to build on here in New Zealand. Former All Black Mexted, who founded IRANZ Colorado in July and August,” said Mexted. “Adding Armed Forces
“Rugby in India is experiencing huge growth, ten years ago, explains that Rugby Sevens is experi- a Rugby Sevens course will help those players and l0Recent introduction
particularly in schools, as a result of Delhi 2010 and encing rapid expansion. coaches from Central America, South America and of the Cent ral
Reserve Police Force (CRPF), in addition
the decision to include Rugby Sevens in the Olympic “The growth is expected to be phenomenal as the Caribbean, as well as North America itself.

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Games in 2016.” both established and developing nations embrace the “Meanwhile, more than 20 nations, includ-
Biumaiwai says latest figures show there are opportunity to win an Olympic medal in 2016,” he ing India, are now competing on the Asian Sevens State Police, Greater Mumbai Police
&
17,000 registered players across India. said. “The Olympics will deliver a new profile for circuit, so we are looking forward to assisting their Kolkata Police
“Everyone knows New Zealand is a top rugby rugby – new audiences, new commercial opportuni- preparations and their quest for Olympic gold.” l0A regular featu re at
the National Games
playing nation and to visit here and get the hang of the ties and perhaps new giants of the game. With our India will include cultural activity such a marae of India since 2006
sporting culture is nothing less than a dream come history of success in New Zealand we are very keen visit in the Hawke’s Bay at the end of their training l0Participat ion at the XV
Asian Games
true,” added Indian captain Nasser Hussain. to help others embrace the fast and exciting game of camp before heading home on March 24. l0IRB Certi fied Train
“Having coaching from Craig de Goldi, Karl te Rugby Sevens.” IRANZ is the world’s first truly international ers, Educators, Ref-
erees & Coaches
Nana and Christian Cullen along with match practice, Mexted says plans are under way for overseas ex- rugby academy and has expanded from its New

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Indian
New Zealand
UNDP chief Helen Clark Sonam loves Queenstown
on visit to India  PHOTO: DEV NADKARNI
Filming of Dharma Productions’ I Hate Luv
Stories, starring Sonam Kapoor and Imran
Khan, wrapped up last week with the actors
and crew delighted at the scenery and hospital-
New Delhi: Former New Zealand prime minis- ity offered by the Queenstown area.
ter Helen Clark, the Administrator of the United Dharma Productions’ executive producer
Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Marijke deSouza says that the on-ground
arrived in India on March 5 for a five-day official support they have received during filming in
visit. Queenstown has made the project really enjoy-
During her visit Ms Clark released the UN- able.
DP-sponsored Asia Pacific Human Development “From the weather, to the scenery, to the
Report and visited the Bhilwara district in Ra- local people, Queenstown has been extreme-
jasthan. ly accommodating. I know the cast and crew
In New Delhi, Ms Clark was scheduled to call have enjoyed their time in New Zealand and
on Prime Minister  Manmohan Singh, Finance will be sad to leave this beautiful country.
Minister Pranab Mukherjee,  and other senior We would certainly be interested in coming
officials, an official release had said prior to her to film in New Zealand again,” says Marijke
arrival. deSouza.
Helen Clark was appointed as UNDP head in Tipped as a big player on the Bollywood
April 2009 and also serves as the Chair of the scene this year, I Hate Luv Stories will show-
UN Development Group which unites 32 UN case Queenstown as a visitor destination to an
agencies.  expected audience of 150 million. two weeks ago for filming. During the filming
Prior to her appointment at UNDP, Clark The plot of the movie revolves around a Tourism New Zealand has hosted Indian
served as Prime Minister of New Zealand from couple coming to film a movie in Queenstown, media outlets that have covered the two lead
1999 to 2008. so the movie has provided the opportunity to actors participating in tourist activities in the
This is Clark’s first visit to India as UNDP include several diverse scenic locations in the Queenstown area.
Administrator and will be an opportunity for filming. The film is expected to gain extensive
her to review important areas of cooperation “With total holiday arrivals from India coverage in India, with photoshoots from the
between UNDP and the Indian government. increasing by almost 20 per cent for the year filming appearing in a high-profile fashion
India is emerging as a key player in global ending November 2009, I Hate Love Stories magazine, on one of India’s leading TV news
forums and is rapidly enlarging South-South co- is a Tourism New Zealand initiative to ensure channels, and in some of the world’s highest
operation with its neighbours, as well as in other this growth continues,” says Tourism New circulating newspapers.
regions. Zealand’s regional manager for South East “The two stars are hot property in India
India has also created several successful in- Asia Kiran Nambiar. and both are very impressed with Queen-
novative programmes in social development and tries. “Everyone in India is talking about the stown. Sonam Kapoor has loved her time in
has a wealth of knowledge that can be shared She is also scheduled to meet with the Min- film and Tourism New Zealand is very excited New Zealand – I think she fell in love with the
with other developing countries. ister of External Affairs, S.M. Krishna; Deputy about the opportunities it will bring for mar- destination from the moment she was greeted
Helen Clark’s discussions with Indian offi- Chairman of the Planning Commission, Montek keting New Zealand as a destination in India,” with a traditional hongi,” says Kiran Nambiar.
cials will explore how the UNDP-India partner- Singh Ahluwalia; and the Minister of  Environ- he says. I Hate Luv Stories is due for release in May.
ship can be expanded to support the sharing of ment and Forests, Jairam Ramesh. Bollywood mega-stars Imran Khan and the - Indian Weekender news desk/
these innovative programmes with other coun- Sonam Kapoor arrived in Queenstown over Tourism NZ

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6 Indian Weekender | March 12, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz

Indian
India

Historic Women’s Reservation Kapil Dev inducted into

Bill passed in Rajya Sabha ICC Cricket Hall of Fame
New Delhi: History was enacted after day-long Women’s quota should be 50% not 33% and that
high drama in the upper house of Indian Parlia- will include OBC (Other Backward Class) and Dubai: India’s Kapil Dev has been inducted into
ment when an overwhelming majority passed minority,” said a BSP MP during the debate on the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame at a ceremony held
the Women’s Reservation Bill on Tuesday, clear- the Bill. at the ICC headquarters in Dubai.
ing the first hurdle on the way of the landmark All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam A commemorative cap was presented to
legislation to ensure 33 percent reservation for (AIADMK) and Janata Dal (United) supported Kapil by ICC President David Morgan, in front
women in Parliament and state assemblies. the Bill. of fellow Hall of Famer Clive Lloyd, as well as
While 186 members Meanwhile, Trinamool Con- an audience of ICC officials and other invited
voted for the passage of gress chief Mamata Banerjee guests.
the bill, one member voted
against it, ending a dead-
While 186 said her party is upset that the
UPA government didn’t take
The Hall of Fame, run in association with the
Federation of International Cricketers’ Associa-
lock that goes back to nearly
one and half decades.
members voted for its ally into confidence before
putting the Women’s Reserva-
tions (FICA), recognises some of the legends of
the game from its long and illustrious history.
“Ayes 189, Nos Nil,”
said Rajya Sabha Chairman
the passage of the tion Bill on vote at the Rajya
Sabha.
Born on 6 January 1959 in Chandigarh,
Kapil is probably best known for leading India to
Hamid Ansari and history
was made ending a journey bill, one member Trinamool Congress, the
largest ally of the Congress
victory in the 1983 ICC Cricket World Cup while
also playing in 131 Test matches and 225 ODIs
that began in 1996.
The Bahujan Samaj voted against it, in the UPA government, said
it was opposed to passing the
in an international career that spanned 16 years.
The India legend made his ODI debut for
Party (BSP) and Trinamool Women’s Bill in Parliament by India on 1 October 1978 against Pakistan in
Congress abstained from ending a deadlock force and wants inclusion of mi- Quetta while his Test debut came two weeks
voting. nority quota in the new law. later in Faisalabad against the same opposition.
The passage of the that goes back to The Women’s Reservation Kapil played during what was a golden
bill came as a victory for Bill was on Monday tabled in period for world-class all-rounders. In total, he
Congress supremo Sonia nearly one and half the Upper House of the Parlia- took a remarkable 434 Test wickets and 253 ODI
Gandhi who stuck to her ment, though the Congress-led wickets.
guns to see the bill passed decades. UPA government could not Kapil’s best bowling figures in a Test match
on Tuesday at any cost. ensure voting on it and gift the were 11-146 against Pakistan in Chennai in 1980
The bill now has to be historic Bill to the nation on In- while in ODIs his best match figures came in the the ceremony at ICC headquarters in Dubai, was
passed in the Lok Sabha to make it a legislation ternational Women’s Day. group stage of the 1983 ICC Cricket World Cup glowing in his praise for the latest inductee.
besides state assemblies. Violent protests by detractors of the Bill, who, when he took 5-43 against Australia. “Kapil was an all-time great player,” said
“Women’s bill is historic step forward,” said though only a handful, forced five adjournments With the bat Kapil made 5,248 Test runs, Morgan. “He did everything. He batted, bowled
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh earlier. of the Rajya Sabha, after trying to rough up the including eight centuries and 27 fifties, at an and he was a fine fielder. I remember the great
The Women’s Bill was put to vote at the Rajya chairman, Vice-President Hamid Ansari. average of 31.05. He also scored 3,783 ODI runs, catch he took to dismiss Viv Richards in the
Sabha on Tuesday evening after over three hours MPs of Samajwadi Party (SP) and Rashtriya including a top score of 175 not out which he hit 1983 World Cup final – he was on the run and the
debate and pandemonium. Janata Dal (RJD), aided by two others, attacked against Zimbabwe during the 1983 ICC Cricket ball came over his shoulder, possibly the most
Initiating the debate, Leader of Opposition in the chairman of the Rajya Sabha Hamid Ansari World Cup. difficult of catches.
Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley (BJP) said it is unfor- minutes after the Bill was introduced. On his induction into the Hall of Fame, Kapil “It gives me enormous pleasure to award this
tunate that even after 63 years of independence The detractors tore the Bill and threw pen said: “I am proud and happy to have been in- commemorative cap to Kapil Dev and formally
the country has only ten percent representation stands, papers and microphone around. ducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame and it’s induct him into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame,”
of women in Parliament. The SP and RJD have already announced of amazing to think that I have been picked as one he added.
The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) opposed the withdrawing their support to the UPA govern- of the greats of Indian cricket. Lloyd, who was in attendance at the cap pre-
Women’s Reservation Bill in the Rajya Sabha ment. “I am delighted to have been named along- sentation, played against Kapil in the 1983 ICC
and demanded a raise in the quota and more for Other players, including Shiv Sena, Shiro- side so many great players of the game but for Cricket World Cup final: “Kapil is a thoroughly
the OBC and minority. mani Akali Dal (SAD) and National Conference me, when I was growing up, the man I always deserving induction into the Hall of Fame. He
“We oppose the Bill in its current form. also favoured the bill. looked up to was Sunil Gavaskar from the was a fantastic cricketer and he was a great asset
moment I started playing cricket. Now to be for Indian cricket during his time at the helm.
named also alongside greats of the game such as “He set the pace for them early on and he

Pak sponsored 26/11 attacks: Nikam

Clive Lloyd, Richard Hadlee and Wasim Akram came to the fore and did wonderfully well – he
it truly fantastic,” he said. played like a true champion and was a brilliant
ICC President David Morgan, who presented leader.”
Mumbai: The 26/11 attacks was Pak-sponsored city court here. Kapil with his hand-crafted Hall of Fame cap at
terrorism, said Ujjwal Nikam, public prosecu- “We have enough circumstantial and cor-

Mumbai made into dharamshala,

tor of the trial on Tuesday. roborative evidence that hints involvement of
“We have commenced the final arguments Pakistani Army in the Mumbai Terror Attack,”
in the case of Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab. he added.
I pointed out to the court that this is a case of The terror attack in Mumbai on Novem-

says Bal Thackeray

larger criminal conspiracy and case of sponsor ber 26, 2008 claimed at least 173 people and
of terrorism,” Nikam told reporters outside a injured over 308

Mumbai: Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray said

Mumbai has been made into a ‘dharamshala’

Industrialist GP Birla passes away (free inn), thereby thrashing Maharashtra Gov-
ernor K Sankaranarayanan for saying ‘anybody
can live in Mumbai’.
“Saying that migrants will continue to come
Kolkata: Eminent to improve the lives of the community. to Mumbai is akin to betrayal of Maharashtra,”
industrialist and He is best known for establishing several Thackeray said in an editorial in party mouth-
philanthropist educational, medical research and chari- piece Saamna on Saturday.
G.P. Birla passed table trusts and institutions. These include “Had Sankaranarayanan been the Gover-
away in Kolkata on Birla Institute of Technology, Ranchi, nor of Karnataka, would he have dared to say
Friday. He was 87. Birla Institute of Scientific Research, Birla let hordes of migrants come to Bangalore?” the
G.P. Birla was Archaeological and Cultural Research In- Sena chief said.
born in Benares on stitute, Calcutta Medical Research Insti- “The governors who live in the sprawling
August 2, 1922. As tute (Calcutta Hospital), B.M. Birla Heart Raj Bhutan by the Arabian Sea are nothing but
a young man he set Research Centre, Modern High School for Congress pensioners. Raj Bhutan has lost touch
up a number of large industrial undertak- Girls and Rukmani Birla High School. with people’s sentiments, that’s why you say such
ings such as Orient Paper and Industries, He also built temples in Hyderabad, things.”
Hyderabad Industries Ltd. and Nigeria En- Jaipur and Bhopal and supported renova- Balasaheb further recommended permit
gineering Works. Other industries in the tion of places of historical, architectural system to stop ‘migrant influx’ in Mumbai.
group include NEI, GMMCO, Hindustan and religious importance. “Mumbai has been made into a dharamshala.
Motors, Birlasoft, Avtec and Indian Smelt- He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in The only way to stop the influx of migrants is to
ing. 2006. start a permit system to impose curbs on those
One of his guiding philosophies was He is survived by his wife Nirmala coming here,” Thackeray said.
that the role of industry was not just a Birla, his son Chandra Kant Birla, his On Friday, Sankaranarayanan had said:
means of wealth creation but in fact a way daughter Lekha Poddar and their families. “Anybody can live in Mumbai. Only Mumbai
can compete with itself. The rich, middle class
and the poor co-exist here.”

Indian Weekender | March 12, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz 7

Indian
India
Religious leaders protest noise pollution
Sikhs not secure in Bareilly: Hindu and Muslim religious leaders came
forward against the noise pollution in the name of
religion and tradition here on Monday.
Mahant Kamal Nayan Das of Tulsi Math cat-
egorically said that the ideal time for marriage is
Godhuli Bela (sunset time), but nowhere in the re-

Pakistan, says BJP

Addressing a press conference organised by ligious texts it is written that you can make noise
Satya Foundation in Bareilly, Shabbu Miyan Niyazi when the other people are sleeping.
of the Khankahe Niyazia and Mahant Kamal Nayan The Centre and the state governments must
Das of Tulsi Math (monastery) said noise pollution take strong legal action against the people involved
is a global problem and if not addressed properly, it in any kind of noise. And it is the duty of religious
will engulf the entire humanity, a release said. leaders to ensure that there is not noise from places
New Delhi: Condemning the beheading of a Sikh youth in Pakistan, the Bharatiya Janata They said that noise pollution in the name of re- of worship between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. and even
Party (BJP) Monday said the community is no longer safe in the neighbouring country. ligion and tradition is a heinous crime and the police during the other hours, they should ensure that the
“BJP strongly condemns this dastardly massacre of minority Sikh community in Paki- and administration must book such offenders under level of noise is so within reasonable limits, the reli-
stan. This shows how minorities are treated with contempt in Pakistan. They were not given the various provisions of the I.PC and the Environ- gious leaders observed.
any security…Sikhs are not secure in Pakistan,” BJP spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad told ment Protection Act. Speaking on the occasion, the Satya Foundation
reporters. According to them, no religion allows the use of Secretary Chetan Upadhyaya thanked the religious
Prasad also criticized the Congress-led UPA government for being ‘soft’ towards Pakistan so much sound that it disturbs the peace and quiet leaders.
on such issues. of an area. Unfortunately, for some people, religion “I hope that the message will be well received by
“What is truly worrisome is the callous attitude of the Government of India. These Sikhs has become a show business and the use of loud- the people, the police and the administration. I hope
were abducted for sometime. What kind of diplomatic pressure did India bring on Pakistan to speakers creates problems for people in the vicinity. India will start using I.PC 268, 290 and 291 apart
secure their release,” Prasad said. The said loud noise could create anxiety, depres- from the Environment Protection Act, against noise
“India has almost begged for a dialogue with Pakistan and yet is so cruelly indifferent to sion, blood pressure and even cancer. offenders,” he said
the barbaric terrorism being meted out to the innocent Sikh community in Pakistan,” Prasad
said, hinting at the Indo-Pak talks scheduled for Feb 25.
On the other hand, the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi said it will ‘look into
the matter’. My focus is on Commonwealth, says Sania
“We have seen the report in the media. If the report is correct, it is the most shocking in-
cident. We are in touch with Indian High Commission in Islamabad for further details,” said Kolkata: Tennis sensation Sania Mirza on Tuesday
the Ministry of External Affairs. said she is now focusing completely on the forthcom-
Meanwhile, Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) chief Avtar Singh ing Commonwealth Games.
Makkar has called up Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to take immediate action on this On a rehabilitation process to get over her wrist
incident. injury, the tennis star was in Kolkata to inaugurate
“The Indian Government and PM Manmohan Singh should take up the matter with Paki- the Pailan Group of School Residential Academy’s
stan at the earliest and demand stern action. They should also allow an SGPC delegation to Pailan “World School Tennis Academy” at Joka
visit the tribal areas to assess the condition of Sikhs there,” said Makkar, chief of the highest here.
decision-making body among the Sikhs. Speaking to reporters, Sania said: “ My goal is
Two Sikh youths-Jaspal Singh and Mahal Singh- were beheaded for ransom by members now to win medals for the country in the Common-
of the Tehrik-e-Talibanat at Tirah valley of Khyber Agency in Pakistan, according to local wealth Games.”
news reports. Asked how she plans to prepare for the Games,
Two other Sikhs, Gurvinder Singh and Gurjit Singh, are still in the custody of the terror- Sania said: “I’m on a rehabilitation process to
ists. All four were traders by profession. recover from my injury and I will decide about
which tournaments to play before the games after six To a question on whether she would go for an op-
weeks time during which I hope to recover from the eration as part of recovery, she said she would wait
injury “. for six weeks before taking a decision.

jai durga matha hp

new ad.

8 Indian Weekender | March 12, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz

Indian
India
Census 2011 preparation begins Indo-Pak meet ends in New Delhi
New Delhi: The preparations for Population ic parameters like age, sex, literacy, religion,
Census 2011 has commenced with the formal languages known, economic activity status and
notification of the intent of the Government of migration etc. is collected in respect of each in-
India to conduct population count with March 1 dividual. Population Enumeration will be con-
reference date. ducted in Feb-March 2011.
The Census operations are conducted in As has been the practice during the past Cen-
two phases. The first phase which is Houselist- suses, a full dress rehearsal called Pre-Test of the
ing & Housing Census precedes the population Census was conducted during June 28-August
enumeration by about 8 to 9 months, said junior 05, 2009 in 1181 Enumeration Blocks of the
home minister Ajay Maken in written reply to a country. Based on the feedback of pre-test, the
question in the Lok Sabha Tuesday. questions to be canvassed during Houselisting &
The main purpose of the Houselisting Opera- Housing Census in 2010 have been finalized by
tions is to prepare the frame for undertaking pop- the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC).
ulation enumeration, besides providing host of The Government has approved the final set of
data on housing stock, amenities and the assets questions. The questions to be canvassed during
available with each of the household. the Population Enumeration will be finalized by
The Houselisting & Housing Census would the TAC in their next meeting.
be conducted from April to Sep 2010. The time In Census all areas including tribal areas
schedule in each state is being notified. in the country are covered. Special Tables on
In the second phase population enumeration, Schedule Tribes are also brought out.
data on various socio-economic and demograph-
Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao with the Foreign Secretary of
Pakistan Salman Bashir, in New Delhi on February 25, 2010.

Chandrayaan finds ice deposits New Delhi: India has said talks with Pakistan
held in New Delhi were useful and open minded
(terrorist supposedly involved in Pune blast) and
some fugitives,” Rao said and urged Pakistan to

at Moon’s North Pole

with India conveying its concerns about terror rein in persons like Jamaat-ul-Dawa (JuD) chief
attacks and the need to prosecute the Mumbai Hafiz Saeed.
attack perpetrators. India handed over three dossiers to Pakistan
“It was useful, candid and transparent. during the talks, reports said.
We spelt out our concerns (about terrorism). “We went to the talks with firm conviction
Washington, Mar 2 (IBNS) acteristics similar to ice. They said said they are making all efforts from that we must not shut the door with Pakistan. We
Using data from a NASA “After analyzing the their side to secure successful prosecution of went with open mind but with consciousness of
radar that flew aboard data, our science team the people put on trial in connection with the trust deficit,” she said.
India’s Chandrayaan-1 determined a strong in- Mumbai terror attack,” said Indian foreign sec- She said issue of beheading of Sikhs in Paki-
spacecraft, scientists have dication of water ice, a retary Nirupama Rao in a press briefing after the stan was raised too and Pakistan was urged to
detected ice deposits near finding which will give talks held for the first time since the 26/11 attack protect religious minority.
the moon’s north pole. future missions a new in Mumbai. Pakistan raised Balochistan issue and we said
NASA’s Mini-SAR instru- target to further explore Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir we were not involved, said Rao.
ment, a lightweight, syn- and exploit,” said Jason and his Indian counterpart Nirupama Rao held She said Pakistan raised the need for compos-
thetic aperture radar, found Crusan, programme ex- the talks. Pakistan said they were also victims of ite dialogue but India said the time is not ripe yet
more than 40 small craters ecutive for the Mini-RF terrorism, said Rao. She said India has not de- and that certain process is needed step by step
with water ice. Program for NASA’s manded any access to Mumbai suspects in Paki- towards that.
The craters range in size Space Operations Mission stan as of yet. The meeting lasted for one-and-a-half hours.
from 1 to 9 miles (2 to15 km) Directorate in Washing- Rao said India conveyed that terrorism does Indian and Pakistani foreign secretaries met
in diameter. Although the ton. not advance any cause and that Pakistan should for the talk, which is the first dialogue between
total amount of ice depends The Mini-SAR’s find- bring to book any group with any ideology on the nuclear-armed neighbours since the 26/11
on its thickness in each ings are being published their soil working against India. Mumbai terror attack in 2008.
crater, it’s estimated there in the journal Geophysical “We gave them dossier about IIyas Kashmir
could be at least 600 million Research Letters.
metric tons of water ice. The results are consis-
“The emerging picture tent with recent findings of

Jaitley speaks out against

from the multiple measurements and resulting other NASA instruments and add to the growing
data of the instruments on lunar missions indi- scientific understanding of the multiple forms of
cates that water creation, migration, deposition water found on the moon. The agency’s Moon

‘paid news’
and retention are occurring on the moon,” said Mineralogy Mapper discovered water molecules
Paul Spudis, principal investigator of the Mini- in the moon’s polar regions, while water vapor
SAR experiment at the Lunar and Planetary In- was detected by NASA’s Lunar Crater Observa-
stitute in Houston Monday. tion and Sensing Satellite, or LCROSS.
“The new discoveries show the moon is an Mini-SAR and Moon Mineralogy Mapper
even more interesting and attractive scientific, are two of 11 instruments on the Indian Space New Delhi: Senior that the extra charge
exploration and operational destination than Research Organization’s Chandrayaan-1. The BJP leader Arun would compensate
people had previously thought.” Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md., per- Jaitley on Friday came the political parties
During the past year, the Mini-SAR mapped formed the final integration and testing on Mini- down heavily on the through live coverage
the moon’s permanently-shadowed polar craters SAR. It was developed and built by the Naval menace of ‘paid news’ of rallies and press
that aren’t visible from Earth. The radar uses the Air Warfare Center in China Lake, Calif., and in Indian political life briefings besides ad-
polarization properties of reflected radio waves several other commercial and government con- and advocated strin- vertisement,” he said.
to characterize surface properties. Results from tributors. gent action against Pointing that ‘paid
the mapping showed deposits having radar char- any media house and news’ interdicts the
politician indulging process of free and

World Wide Web Consortium

in it. fair elections, Jaitley
“Recent elections added that it also vio-
have shown that a lates the limits set out

to meet in New Delhi

large part of monies by the Election Com-
spent by the candidate includes payment for mission for expenditure in the elections.
‘paid news’. Paid news is synonym for corrup- “The reader or the viewer has the right to
tion in the media,” Jaitley, Leader of Opposi- honest, unadulterated news, which is being
tion said in the Rajya Sabha. denied to him. He is not even being informed
New Delhi: The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), an international body which develops stan- He maintained that newspapers and chan- that the news, which he reads, is motivated by
dards to ensure web accessibility to all, will have its conference in New Delhi on May 6-7 next. nels resort to paid news work on the premise monetary considerations,” he added.
The technical sessions during two days conference would cover web architecture, web acces- that candidates must pay for coverage during Recommending strong action against
sibility issues such as Styling, Mobile Web, human machine interfaces, Semantic web, etc, a release elections. ‘paid news’ culture, Jaitley advocated suitable
informed on Friday. “News will be slanted and adversary’s penalty on media organizations and political
W3C develops interoperable technologies for specifications, guidelines, software, and tools to lead news will be blacked out, if the media organi- parties found directly responsible for such
the Web to its full potential. zations are paid adequately,” he added. paid news.
It works in tandem with other standards making bodies such as UNICODE, IETF, ICANN, WI PO The BJP leader said that some electronic “This (paying for news) could be a ground
and ISO, especially in the areas related to web technologies and data interchange through it. channels in the recent elections have resorted for nullifying the election of the candidate.
W3C India Office will be launched during this conference to promote and accelerate participation to an alternative method of ‘paid news’ in a Additionally, there can be a provision for any
from India in the W3C standards, a release informed on Friday. legitimized form. candidate, defeated or elected, who resorts
The office has been established under the aegis of Technology Development for Indian Languages “National news channels decided to in- to ‘paid news’ as a mode of campaign, to be
Programme. crease their advertisement rates several fold disqualified for a period of six years,” Jaitley
The futuristic and the very long term goal is to enable all W3C standards with 22 Indian languages during the General Elections…Representa- added.
so that seamless web for every citizen is achieved. The W3C India office will work in tandem with all tives of channels informed political parties
major National Regulatory standards and Industry associations like TRAI, BIS, NASSCOM, MAIT
and others.

Indian Weekender | March 12, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz 9

Indian
India
BRIEFS
Guinness World Record: Singing
in 125 World Languages
Angad Bedi becomes IPL poses. IT industry is a peoples
business and companies are glob-
presenter ally integrated, Som Mittal, president
of Nasscom, an industry body of IT
Mumbai: Hunk Angad Bedi, son of
and outsourcing firms told Economic
Hyderabad: Guinness Record holder, former Indian captain Bishan Singh
“Maestro” Dr Ghazal Srinivas created Times. Restricting the number of
Bedi has been roped in by MAX chan-
another Guinness World Record for singing foreign nationals in individual compa-
nel as one of the four presenters for
and recording the song “The Golden Dreams nies would hamper activities.
‘MAX extraaa innings T20’ at the third
of Gandhiji” in 125 world languages as season of DLF IPL.
an audio Album “The Path of Mahatma Qatar grants citizenship to
The other three presenters are ac-
Gandhi”with same theme- same musical
composition in the category of Most lan- tors Gaurav Kapur and Samir Koch- MF Hussain
guages sung in an audio album. har, and VJ Ayushmann Khurrana.
Among the 125 languages, 65 are foreign Trained by his father Bishan Singh Dubai: Indian artist Maqbool Fida Hu-
languages and 60 are Indian languages. With Bedi, Angad is all set to charm the sain has become a citizen of Qatar,
same theme and same Musical composition. audience with his knowledge and reports said on Thursday.
Arabic, Armenian, Bahasa, Burmese, experience of cricket this season of According to a report in The
Chinese, Korean, Hebrew, Greek, Italian, DLF IPL. Hindu, Hussain (95) was offered a
Spanish, Japanese, Russian, Amharik, Dari, and domestic airports and also in various in- A chip off the old block, Angad is citizenship by Qatar’s royal family
Pashtho, Balochi, Persian, French, German, ternational musical outlets. It is also making an ace cricketer and comrade of the and the painter has accepted it.
Swedish, Esperanto, etc.are some of the lan- arrangements for online purchase of the likes of Harbhajan Singh and Yuvraj This is a rare honour since Qatar
guages among Foreign languages. album through their official website. Singh. has given him the citizenship despite
Hindi, Kashmiri, Punjabi, Urdu, Mythili, Dr Ghazal Srinivas received the Guin- the painter not applying for it.
“It is an honour to be on extraaa
Angika, Awadhi, Marathi, Bengali, Bodo, ness Certificate from the Guinness Record
innings. The artist has been living in self-
Odisha, Malayalam, Tamil, Konkani, authorities. Dr Ghazal Srinivas broke the
As Bishan Singh Bedi’s son, as exile in Dubai and London since 2006
Kannada, Tulu, Haryanavi, Maarvaadi, world Record of Miss Taliya of Israel who
Gujarathi, Sanskrit, Telugu, Himachali, recorded the song “Wild Flower “ in 18 world former cricketer, as someone who after Hindu groups in India began
Punchi, Sindhi, Dogri,Assammese, Mani- languages in 2004. lives cricket, what a pleasure it will be targetting him following his paintings
puri, Nadgameese, Bhojpuri, Chattisghari, Dr Ghazal srinivas previously created a to go out there and share the fervour of Hindu goddesses in the nude.
Bundelkhandi etc are among 60 Indian lan- new Guinness world Record for singing in with everyone. What a luxury to do Since India does not recognize
guages. 76 world languages in a live concert, in a what I do best and be acknowledged dual citizenship, Hussain would have
The theme of the song is the philosophy of new category “most languages sung in a live for it,” Angad said. to submit his Indian passport.
Satyagraha, Non-violence, Peace and Love. concert in 2008. “Not a day goes by at home
Dr Ghazal Srinivas, said “ The dedication Dr Ghazal Srinivas is now making prepa- without a chai-time conversation
ceremony of The Path of Mahatma Gandhi rations to launch a website in the name of about cricket. Now it’ll be a full time
“ audio album for world peace will be held “The Path of Mahatma Gandhi.org’, ‘The More outlay for new &
fun conversation about cricket with
in New Delhi in 2nd week of February this Golden Dreams of Gandhiji’, and the song
my dad, with his fans and with cricket
renewable energy
year. that has been sung n the 125 World languag-
The audio album will be distributed all es will be available in the proposed website fans, which pretty-much sums up my
New Delhi: Union Finance Minster
over the world through Aditya Music Private from which the song(s) can be downloaded country,” he added.
Pranab Mukherjee in his budget
Limited from March 2010. Aditya music is freely. It is the Mission of Dr. Ghazal Srini- speech in Parliament Friday pro-
planning place the album in all International vas to make ‘Peace, a World Religion’.
posed to increase the Plan Outlay for
Business visa norms for IT the Ministry of New and Renewable
industry may be revised Energy by 61% from Rs.620 crore in

Former Aussie PM nominated for ICC VP post New Delhi: Business visa rules that
prohibit foreigners from working in
2009-10 to Rs.1000 crore in 2010-11.
The Minister also announced that
to address the problem of energy
Dubai: Former Australia Prime Minister John India may be relaxed to adjust to the deficiency in the Ladakh region of
Howard has been jointly nominated by Cricket Aus- needs of the IT industry, the Econom- Jammu & Kashmir which faces ex-
tralia and New Zealand Cricket for the position of ICC ic Times has reported.
Vice-President from June/July 2010. tremely hard climate, the government
Indian visa rules became stricter proposes to set up solar, small hydro
After a lengthy and comprehensive selection
process, Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket last year to clamp down on the thou- and micro power projects at a cost of
submitted Howard’s nomination to the ICC on sands high and low-skilled Chinese Rs.500 crore.
Tuesday. workers illegally working in the coun- The Ministry of new and Renew-
The nomination will now go to the ICC’s Execu- try on power and steel projects using able Energy, which aims to de-
tive Board meeting for approval in April and then pro- a business visa. velop and utilise new and renewable
posed to the Full Membership at Annual Conference The new rules requires that only sources of energy for supplementing
in June/July for acceptance. one percent of total workers in a energy requirements of the country
“It is a great honour to be nominated by Cricket project can avail of employment visas in an eco-friendly and sustainable
Australia and New Zealand Cricket for the vice- and a cap of only twenty employment manner, has got a total Plan Outlay of
presidency of the International Cricket Council from visas per project. Rs.1,950 crore which includes Rs.950
June-July 2010. Cricket has been one of my lifelong The IT industry continually needs crore as IEBR in the annual plan for
passions and, if the ICC accepts my nomination, it will
foreign expertise for training pur- the year.
be a privilege to serve this great game,” Howard said.

For all your

legal needs
Aaron Kashyap
BA, LLB
Barrister and solicitor
Level 1, 351 Manukau Road, PO Box 26-596, DXCP 32513, Epsom, Auckland
Mobile: 0274 857 302 Phone: (09) 6238277 Fax: (09)6235177
Email: [email protected]

10 Indian Weekender | March 12, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz

Indian
India - Business
EIB loan of GBP 340 million for Rupee has strengthened, says economic survey
Jaguar Land Rover Simon Brooks, European Investment Bank
Mumbai: Tata Motors Thursday announced the
completion of a GBP 340 million loan from the Vice President responsible for lending operations
European Investment Bank (EIB) to Jaguar Land in the United Kingdom, said: “The EIB is pleased
Rover. to be able to work closely with Tata Motors and
The facility is an 8 year amortising loan to Jaguar Land Rover to make a lasting contribu-
finance development of micro and full hybrid tion to automotive research that will enable the
drive trains and research into more energy effi- production of more environmentally friendly and
cient car bodies for the premium car segment by energy efficient vehicles at a time of significant
Jaguar Land Rover. challenges for the European car industry.”
These activities will contribute to lower CO2 The EIB loan completes the last major
emissions and the loan was granted under the element of the funding plan for Jaguar Land
European Clean Transport Facility. Rover, which has been an important part of Tata
Ravi Kant, Vice Chairman of Tata Motors, Motors’ efforts to strengthen its group balance
said: “This will support the progress of turn- sheet over the past year.
around in Jaguar Land Rover’s business in chal- In 2009, the company secured over £500
lenging market conditions, alongside cost cutting million of funding for Jaguar Land Rover, includ-
measures, increase of volumes and the improved ing facilities from State Bank of India, Standard
margins strategy currently being implemented Chartered Bank, Bank of Baroda, ABC Interna-
by Jaguar Land Rover. We view Jaguar Land tional bank, GE Capital, and Burdale Financial
Rover as a key part of Tata Motors and we feel Limited, a subsidiary of the Bank of Ireland.
confident about its outlook for the future.”
New Delhi: The rupee has strengthened against reserves stood at US$ 283.5 billion compared to
the US$ as the rupee US$ exchange rate appreci- US$ 252.0 billion at the end of March 2009.

Electrolux signs IT engagement with HCL ated to Rs. 46.64 per dollar on January 1, 2010,
which was Rs. 50.95 per dollar in end-March
2009.
India’s Balance of Payment (BoP) exhibited
considerable resilience during fiscal 2008-09
despite one of the severest external shocks.
Noida/London, Feb 22 (IBNS) HCL Technologies Ltd. (HCL), a leading global IT services provider, The Indian rupee has appreciated by 9.2 per During the fiscal 2009-10, the net invisibles
Monday announced that it has signed an IT Infrastructure Management engagement with Electrolux, cent over its March 31, 2009 level, says Eco- surplus i.e. invisibles receipts minus invisi-
a manufacturer of home appliances and appliances for professional use. nomic Survey 2009-10 presented in Parliament bles payments stood lower at US$ 39.6 billion
The scope of this five year engagement covers support of workplace services for Electrolux in- by Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on during April-September 2009 registering a sign
cluding proactive monitoring and management of network, servers, IT security and end user comput- Thursday. of overall improvement in Balance of Payment
ing environment in 12 countries in the APAC region including Australia, said the company. This has been attributed to significant turn- scenario during the first half of 2009-10 over the
“We wanted to offer a standardized service to Electrolux operations in Asia Pacific without in- around in FIIinflows, continued inflows under corresponding period 2008-09.
creasing costs. In HCL we found a partner that understands standardization of services and has an FDI and NRI deposits, better macroeconomic The current account deficit increased to US$
ability to support the business locally across the region” said Bertil Norberg, Electrolux Group CIO. performance of the Indian economy and weaken- 18.6 billion in April-September 2009, despite
HCL will deliver these services to Electrolux through its Global Delivery Centers in India and ing of the US$ in international markets. lower trade deficit as compared to US$ 15.8
Malaysia and onsite services strengthened by a robust partner eco-system. It will be providing multi- The foreign exchange reserves have increased billion in April-September 2008, mainly due to
lingual helpdesk services in languages including English, Vietnamese, Thai and Bahasa (Malaysia & by US$ 31.5 billion during the period April to lower net invisible surplus.
Indonesia) to Electrolux end-users across Asia Pacific. December 2009. The level of foreign exchange

Indian Weekender | March 12, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz 11

Indian
India - Business

Tata DOCOMO partners NCR global leader in multivendor

Gemalto for digi security ATM software: RBR Kolkata: Research published by Retail Banking Re- viders combined, and RBR also finds that NCR
Kolkata: Tata DOCOMO, the GSM brand of Tata (VAS) with unprecedented convenience, using any search (RBR) shows that NCR Corporation (NYSE: holds market share leads in Western Europe and
Teleservices Limited, has announced its partnership type of mobile phone. NCR) is the world’s largest supplier of multivendor Latin America1.
with Gemalto, the world leader in digital security. “We were looking for a reliable partner, with ATM middleware and applications. NCR has been the worldwide leader in ATM
Gemalto’s offering will help further liberate cus- the expertise and capability to implement such a NCR is India’s first and only self-service hardware for 23 consecutive years. According to the
tomers from remembering complicated codes and large-scale project,” Gurinder Singh Sandhu, Head company which has successfully implemented mul- report, NCR leads all providers with 29 percent of
configuring services each time a user changes his of Marketing at TATA DOCOMO, said. “Gemalto tivendor ATM software in the Indian market to help the global market share for ATM applications.
mobile handset, said a Tata DOCOMO statement. was able to keep up the challenge and we are very financial institutions to reduce costs, grow revenue “More financial institutions are turning to multi-
“We aim to support our clients in the roll out pleased that the deployment of our new services was and build loyalty, claimed a company release. vendor software to reduce costs, increase revenue,
of quality new services, while simultaneously sim- completed in a timely manner.” Regionally, the report found that Asia-Pacific, foster more customer loyalty and help their custom-
plifying access to these services for their subscrib- DOCOMO subscribers benefit from innovative Western Europe and North America accounted for ers interact with their bank when, where and how
ers,” said Tan Teck Lee, President, Gemalto Asia. services including mobile banking, mobile chat- 80 percent of the multivendor software installations, they choose”, said ”, said Nikhil Mhapankar, re-
“Gemalto is proud to have once again demonstrated ting and information on demand, through a user- with Western Europe having the largest number of gional marketing manager, software in South Asia
its commitment to working closely with operators friendly interface. They can also customize their ATMs by region. Pacific for NCR.
willing to bring more simplicity and convenience to mobile phone with wallpapers and ringtones, and Asia Pacific has the second largest base of mul- In addition, the number of ATMs running multi-
their subscribers.” enjoy games and infotainment. Users are offered to tivendor software at 25% with Western Europe vendor software in Latin America has doubled in the
The Gemalto solution provides DOCOMO sub- choose between Hindi and English when activating leading at 39%. Most notably, substantially more fi- past two years, and more ATMs running multiven-
scribers with easy-to-navigate menus that enable the service. nancial institutions in North America rely on NCR’s dor software use NCR than all of the other vendors
them to enjoy a wide range of value-added services APTRATM software suite than the next three pro- combined.

Bank credit records growth Several SEZs approved in different states

New Delhi, Feb 25 (IBNS): Formal approval for 571 proposed Special Economic Zones (SEZs) has been ac-
New Delhi: Bank credit has recorded a growth of 13.9 per cent as on January 15, 2010 on year on year corded by the central government, out of which 348 have also been notified.
basis compared to 22 per cent during the corresponding period in the previous year, says Economic These are in addition to the seven central government SEZs and 12 state / private sector SEZs set up
Survey 2009-10 presented in Parliament by Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee. prior to the enactment of SEZ Act, 2005. A total of 105 SEZs are already exporting, official sources informed
The non-food bank credit recorded an increase of 8.7 per cent on financial year basis till January Thursday.
15, 2010 as per the latest available data. The growth in aggregate deposit has remained higher than the Total exports of Rs 99,689 crore have been made from SEZs during the fiscal 2008-09, registering a
growth in bank credit. growth of 50 per cent over the exports for the same period of the previous year.
The credit deposit ratio has come down to 70.8 in January 2010, from 72.4 in end March 2009 due Exports from SEZs during the first three quarters of the current financial year have been to the tune of Rs
to lower expansion in credit compared to expansion in deposits, says Economic Survey 2009-10. 1,52,092.68 crore, registering a growth of about 127 per cent over the exports for the corresponding period of
The public sector banks have fared better in terms of growth in credit extended while the same has the previous financial year.
decelerated in private banks and declined in foreign banks. Andhra Pradesh has the highest number of operational SEZs with 21 such zones, followed by Tamil Nadu
with 19. Maharasthra has the highest number of 109 proposal accorded formal approval, followed by Andhra
with 102 approved proposals.

12 Indian Weekender | March 12, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz

Indian
Fiji

Memories of Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau -

How Indians misread the Fijian chiefly ethos
It would have been in the best interests of the Indians and other ethnic groups in Fiji to support the chiefly leadership until
democracy took firm root in the country. This was something the Indians failed to understand, much to their later regret.
it gets in winter. Which is when Ratu Penaia remi- in any family but they all thought similarly when it cies for maintaining Fijian hegemony which affected
Padmini Gaunder nisced about a time when there was only one over- came to Fiji and the Fijian rights. The main priority of investor confidence. Unlike the chiefly leaders who
Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau was the second highest chief coat – shared by ‘several of us’. He did not specify the paramount chiefs, who became national leaders looked at what would benefit the country these non-
in Fiji at the time of independence, coming after Ratu who they were who shared the coat and we did not at independence, had always been making sure that chiefly leaders won the support of the grassroots
Sir George Cakobau, the Vunivalu of Bau, who was ask him either but took it to mean the high chiefs. He Fiji remained a Fijian country rather than it becom- Fijians by following policies, which discriminated in
the highest in the traditional hierarchy. They were said when it was time for any of them to go abroad ing a ‘little India of the Pacific’ as one writer had favour of the Fijians.
two of the four leading paramount chiefs, popularly they would start looking for the overcoat. Then they predicted. The chiefly leadership from the beginning re-
known as the ‘big four’, after the death in 1958 of would have to work out who it was that went abroad The chiefly elite of Fiji who were mainly in alised that if they followed such discriminatory poli-
Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna who had been the undisputed last and get in touch with him to locate the overcoat. control of the country after independence, while cies the country would go back more than a hundred
leader of Fiji from the 1920s. The other two were We had a good laugh and wondered how times wanting to ensure that the Fijians were in no way years. So even though they did not articulate such
Ratu Sir Edward Cakobau and Ratu Sir Kamisese had changed. We don’t know if it really happened marginalised, were prepared to share power with the concerns openly they followed policies that were
Mara. or Ratu Penaia was spinning a yarn to entertain us. other races for the progress of the country. That is progressive. They did not feel the need to explain
Ratu Penaia, like Ratu Sukuna, had distin- Perhaps it was something that happened between why they supported the Alliance government’s poli- these policies as the chiefly system was strong and
guished himself as a soldier and administrator. In a couple of them which he exaggerated to make it cies of multiracialism even though many of them in the Fijians accepted the decisions made by their
recognition of his abilities the colonial administra- sound like something that regularly happened among some ways agreed with the sentiments of the Fijian chiefs.
tion had made him the first local to be the Secretary all (several) of them. His intention was clearly to Nationalist leader, Sakeasi Butadroka. They never So it would have been in the best interests of
for Fijian Affairs. After independence he became the amuse us and make us feel at home in his company condemned him. If they wanted they could have si- the Indians and other ethnic groups to support the
Deputy Prime Minister and in 1982, on the retire- and we thoroughly enjoyed listening to him. lenced him from the beginning, especially Ratu Sir chiefly leadership until democracy took firm root in
ment of Ratu Sir George Cakobau, he became the But the very fact that he would mention it even George Cakobau, the Tui Viti (King of Fiji). the country. This was something the Indians failed to
second local Governor General. as a joke showed the close relationship among all of The chiefly leaders, however, knew that Fiji understand. It was only when Fijians started assert-
I first met Ratu Penaia in 1986 at a function in them. It was a family affair, something that happens became the leading nation in the Pacific mainly ing their rights from 1987 that the Indian community
Vatukoula where he had been invited to crown the in most families, sharing things, including expensive because of the hard work of the immigrant Indians. realised the mistake their leaders had made in not co-
charity queen. After the progremme, we were intro- clothes. Most of the high chiefs were close blood rela- The chiefs were therefore pragmatic enough to un- operating with the chiefly leadership, especially the
duced to Ratu Penaia and we spent a delightful and tives. They also intermarried and were connected in derstand the importance of accommodating other leadership of Ratu Mara, who was the most moder-
memorable half an hour with him. When he heard many ways. ethnic groups, even when they were feeling empathy ate among all the high chiefs.
my daughter was studying in Canberra, Ratu Penaia In 1987 after the first military coup in Fiji I often for the nationalists. As Peter Thomson noted the Fijians were at a
recalled his visit to Canberra and described how the remembered that evening with Ratu Penaia. Indian After the 1987 coup the economy of the country wild and critical crossroads in 1987. “As an indig-
Fijian community there got together and prepared a leaders in Fiji were condemning Ratu Mara and went down the drain necessitating the devaluation enous community they had both the power and the
traditional Fijian welcome for him complete with a praising and trying to rally around Ratu Penaia. If of the Fiji dollar by almost fifty percent. The SVT will to assert their position in Fiji”. And assert it they
yaqona ceremony. only they knew how close all the paramount chiefs government (1992-1999) and the SDL government did to the shock of the Indian community who had
We talked of the weather in Canberra, how cold were! There may have been occasional bickering as (2001-2006) led by Fijian commoners followed poli- not understood the way the Fijians felt.

New Zealand acting head of mission arrives in Fiji

Suva: The New Zealand High Commission employees.
in Fiji has welcomed its new acting head of In addition to consular work for New
mission, Phillip Taula. Zealand tourists and citizens in Fiji, the com-
A career diplomat, Mr Taula had previous mission runs an extensive development assis-
postings to New York and Jakarta. tance program for Fiji, Tuvalu, and a number
“I’m delighted to be in Fiji and I look of regional organisations.
forward to working here,” Mr Taula said. His The Immigration Office at the commis-
wife and children are expected to join him sion continues to process a large number of
shortly. visa applications on a daily basis, with a new
Mr Taula will be responsible for a High system for submission (by mail or courier
Commission of 55 staff, 48 of whom are local only) allowing faster processing times.

Fiji rations sugar supply; sector to

be revived by 2014 – PM
Suva: The Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) is ra- Meanwhile, Fiji’s administration will see to
tioning the supply of sugar locally to prevent it it that the sugar industry is revived to become
from being exported to the region undetected. viable and sustainable before 2014, Fiji’s leader
In an exclusive interview with the Fiji Times Commodore Frank Bainimarama has promised.
last night, FSC chief executive officer Deo Saran “The government is committed to making
confirmed that FSC had stopped supplying the the industry viable and sustainable irrespective
Pacific region with sugar after its production de- of whether or not its development partners are
creased last year. with us and irrespective of the negative com-
Mr Saran also gave an assurance that there ments from the prophets of doom from within the
was sufficient sugar for local consumption country,” he told villagers Nukuloa, Ba during a
despite claims by the supermarkets that there recent visit there.
was a shortage of supply. Commodore Bainimarama said the move to
He said the current rationing locally came dissolve the Sugar Cane Growers Council was to
after FSC discovered that there was a marked rid the industry of politics as well as lessening
spike in buying by local agents after regional the burden on farmers by way of reduced levy.
supply stopped. “The government is under no illusion that
“We have strong reasons to suspect that the industry faces some real challenge and this
people are buying locally and are sending it to includes the survival of the Fiji Sugar Corpora-
the regional markets under consolidated cargo,” tion, the improvement in mill efficiencies and the
Mr Saran said. need to increase substantially cane production by
“And the sugar is going out to the region un- another two million tones,” he added.
detected. Commodore Bainimarama highlighted that
“We use to supply the region but when we efforts to address these issues are being vigor-
stopped doing that, we noticed that there has ously pursued by the government. “The objec-
been an increase in the local uptake.” tives of the sugar industry reform in 2009 were to
In light of that, Mr Saran said they were im- make the industry viable, to reduce industry over
posing a quota system. heads by dismantling the Fiji Sugar Marketing
He said the reason they stopped supplying the Company Limited and the Sugar Commission of
region was to protect Fiji’s quota under European Fiji which had a combined annual budget of $1.2
Union preferential prices. million.”

Indian Weekender | March 12, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz 13

 Indian
Indian
Comment
Gender based neglect behind
From the Editor
diabetes among women? 

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, tes, it is difficult to find a groom as society
Tougher financial regulation needed urgently people may be talking about the success stories
of millions of ordinary women as makers of
thinks that the girl may pass diabetes to the
child. The fact is that the risk of having a child
history. But it is a fact that most women except with type 1 diabetes is lower if it is the mother
A survey published earlier this week expressly reveals the extent of the lack of finan- for a few fortunate ones are still discriminated — rather than the father — who has diabetes.
cial literacy among Kiwis. An overwhelmingly large percentage of working people who in India. This discrimination becomes even If the father has it, the risk is about 1 in 10 (10
have KiwiSaver accounts said they genuinely believed the scheme had the government’s more evident if the women or the girl suffers percent). If the mother has type 1 diabetes and
guarantee. There is none, as only a minority of the respondents seemed to be aware. from a medical or physical disorder. Dr Shuchy is age 25 or younger when the child is born,
Chugh, Type – I Diabetic (from last 20 years) the risk is reduced to 1 in 25 (4 percent) and
In the run up to the establishment of the scheme, this issue was discussed in some and Diabetes Educator, tells more… if the mother is over age 25, the risk drops to
detail in the media and it should have been fairly well known by now that the scheme Diabetes affects women more severely not 1 in 100 — virtually the same as the average
came with no government guarantee. Investors were either not listening then or they because of medical reasons but because of population. 

have simply forgotten. This is a perilous state of affairs in any investment environment, their unique biological, cultural and socio- Increasingly more pregnancies are associ-
certainly from the investors’ point of view. economic circumstances. ated with diabetes either through women pre-
According to a recent study on youth with viously known to have diabetes (Both Type 1
The survey came just after a financial journalist revealed that discredited promoters diabetes between 18- 25 years of age undertak- and Type 2) becoming pregnant (pre-gesta-
en by DAWN (Diabetes, Attitudes, Wishes and tional diabetes), or through diabetes being first
of a financial company that has already gone bust were still collecting money from the
Needs) Youth, a global Novo Nordisk initiative recognized during pregnancy (gestational dia-
public. Even the Securities Commission seemed to be caught unawares. The company
in collaboration with the International Dia- betes).
in question, FAI money, which was earlier FAI Finance run by Mark Hotchin and Eric Unfortunately many women try to avoid
betes Federation (IDF) and the International
Watson of Hanover notoriety. Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes insulin because of social myths. Preconcep-
(ISPAD) revealed that in India almost double tion counseling and optimal control of diabetes
It would be inconceivable in any country with better developed and efficient finan- the women with diabetes as compared to males before, during, and after pregnancy minimize
cial regulatory systems for promoters of a failed scheme to come up with another and felt that diabetes has been a cause of concern maternal and fetal risks, including congeni-
operate it with impunity and without a reference to the earlier mess its promoter was for them and their families, when thinking tal malformations. In the majority of cases,
involved in. It was only after the whistle was blown that FAI announced that it would about them getting married. women with diabetes or who are very well con-
cease collecting deposits and pay back investors early. Girls more often develop a potentially fatal trolled often carry their baby to term without
condition called diabetic ketoacidosis because any problems. However between 30 to 70% of
In the past couple of weeks, irregularities were also reported in the way KiwiSaver their insulin dose is reduced or stopped by women manifesting gestational diabetes will
service provider, Hujlich KiwiSaver, ran its fund. It had apparently put in some funds in parents because of the belief that a girl taking go on to develop type 2 diabetes over time.
questionable investments and when this was discovered, a senior management member insulin may not be accepted by society. As a As for Type 2 Diabetes, in today’s world a
“topped up” the funds lost with his own money. Investors are indeed fortunate that the diabetes educator with over nine years in coun- women is more keen that her husband gets a
damage was contained in time and not allowed to blow into another crisis, especially seling people with diabetes and their families, health checkup and get proper treatment but
after revelations from an eminent board member that investors were misled as regards I have come across countless cases of gender her own health check up or visit to the doctor is
a true picture of the fund’s performance. based neglect. delayed to next month or even the next year. It
In one such case I met with 2 siblings with is important to realize that women are equally
The management member has since stepped down and been replaced by another type 1 diabetes. The girl’s sugar was checked prone to develop diabetes as men. Women with
board member, former Reserve Bank governor and National Party leader Don Brash. once in a week but the boy’s sugars were diabetes in many countries face discrimination
If the level of investors’ financial literacy is alarming, the ignorance of the company’s checked once or twice daily. Sad to say the professionally, socially as well as at home.
board while this was happening is shocking. It took a journalist to bring the irregular- girl later succumbed due to lack of adequate Oscar-winning actress -Halle Berry and
ity to its notice. Obviously, the company did not have efficient reporting systems: the treatment. Often, the effectiveness of insulin Nicole Johnson, Miss America 1999 are living
board, comprising such eminent citizens as Dr Brash and Auckland Mayor John Banks, therapy is compromised by a lack of support examples of women successfully living with
from family members and the community. diabetes. If you are a woman with diabetes re-
who was the executive director, had no clue of what was happening in the company they
Many parents, even among many educated and member that you can choose either to be con-
were responsible for.
financially well off families perceive a girl trolled by diabetes or you can control diabetes.
with diabetes as a burden who is difficult to So, take control and you can excel in whatever
With such low financial literacy and high corporate apathy, which indeed seems marry off. you choose to do.
quite commonplace in New Zealand as these incidents reveal, it is small wonder that so Even if the girl has well-controlled diabe-
many so-called finance companies successfully pulled the wool over so many thousands
of investors’ eyes, leaving them collectively out of pocket for hundreds of millions of
dollars. Many have no hope of recovering any of their money and only a few lucky ones
may get back a few cents in each dollar of their investment at some stage. Top 10 stories on www.iwk.co.nz
No one would be surprised if the international investor community looked at New
Zealand as one of the last outposts of a financial wild west in the developed world – a 1. Kiwis advised to avoid beaches as surges hit the coastline
financial environment with toothless regulatory mechanisms: a view that could prove
extremely damaging for the country. 2. Aamir Khan bags biggest deal

The decision of Commerce Minister Simon Power to fast track KiwiSaver legislation 3. Pacific Island coastal areas evacuated
is a step in the right direction. As well as this legislation, there is an urgent need for 4. India’s ‘biggest song’ readies for launch
regulating the financial sector far more efficiently and in a manner that boosts small
investors’ confidence. 5. Indian scientist behind bloom box

The need is even more urgent if Prime Minister John Key is serious about following 6. The magnetism of Hinduism
through on his dream of turning New Zealand into a financial hub in the region – some-
thing that can happen only with a regulatory system that the financial world can trust 7. Only one guilty in Navtej killing
implicitly, especially in the aftermath of the global financial meltdown and that of New 8. Zee Rishtey Awards to celebrate relationships
Zealand’s own financial company disasters.
9. Fun day for race relations

10. 3 idiots, Big B, Vidya win at Filmfare

Indian Weekender Volume 1 No 25

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14 Indian Weekender | March 12, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz

Indian
Comment

Why barbers, bus drivers more trusted than journalists in India

Pradyuman Maheshwari

Chill, this is no Holi joke, and April 1 is still a But more on the rankings later. mined who are the most trusted in India. is #79 while Anil Ambani is #77 with brother
few days away. I am just done with re-reading the Having spent a good part of my life as a jour- Former president APJ Abdul Kalam is #1 and Mukesh at 74. Sunil Mittal is several times more
India’s Most Trusted survey of public figures that nalist and given up on cushier climes of other Ratan Tata is #2 with Mayawati at #100. Among trusted at #26.
Reader’s Digest editor Mohan Sivanand shared professions, it’s indeed upsetting to find barbers the full-time mediapersons are: I am personally not convinced about whether
with me last week. The study is part of the Di- and bus/ train drivers or even plumbers being RK Laxman (9), Dr Prannoy Roy (28), Swam- an online poll can indeed be said to be a truly
gest’s cover story for this month in India. trusted more than scribes. Well, I have nothing inathan Aiyar (37), N Ram (43), Jaideep Bose representative sample of the country. But as Siva-
In Sivanand’s words: “On a personal note, I against the barber (#21) – the one I go to in (46), Prabhu Chawla (54), P Sainath (59), Rajdeep nand says, they are close to mirroring the mood
don’t have cause to rejoice, because journalists Mumbai gives me a neat cut every single time. Sardesai (61), Barkha Dutt (65), Tarun Tejpal of the masses pretty accurately.
ranked 30th among 40 professions... So what if Ditto with train and bus drivers (#17) or plumb- (85) and Ekta Kapoor (95). As I wrote earlier, no
we’d thought our job was a more exalted and phil- ers (#29). Mercifully, we are better off than real Shekhar Gupta or Arnab Goswami (both visible
osophical one?” News mediapersons indeed do estate agents (#39), taxi drivers (#33) and cops faces) and no Aroon Purie or Vinod Mehta. If How do NZ media
often believe that they are god’s gift to mankind. (#37). And lawyers who are at #36 or politicians Purie’s name was excluded because he owns
Or, well, a section of them do. at #40. Teachers, by the way, are India’s most the Digest in India,then with the same logic the professionals stack up?
Many years back, when television news would trusted professionals. India Today strongman Prabhu Chawla’s name
happen only on government-run Doordarshan, So, could this be the Rann effect? Is all of the should’ve also not figured. But it does. In a list of 85 Kiwis surveyed for the
The Times of Indian editor Dileep Padgaonkar rah-rah against news television journos causing Jaideep Bose’s name at #46 is a bit of a sur- trust factor, Kiwi readers of Readers Di-
said in an interview that his is the second-most this problem of perception? While one can take prise since this isn’t a power list, but rests es- gest placed soldier Willie Apiata at the
important job in the country. After the prime some consolation in the fact that it’s not just sentially on perception. For, he’s not as visible to very top as the individual they could
minister, that is. Indian journos who aren’t trusted. The Digest the world as some others in his newspaper. I am trust most and at the bottom end at 85
In the Indian twitterverse, there’s a hashtag notes: “Journalists everywhere took a seat some- intrigued by the fact that while the respondents was discredited finance company boss
called ‘#ArnabforPM’. That’s because in his sig- where in the bottom quarter.” Ranked #32 in had their reasons in putting down journalists to Mark Bryers,
nature show ‘Newshour’, the Times Now editor- Australia and #30 in Canada too! #30, they’ve chosen the chief editor of the news-
in-chief fashions himself as the man who’s most I guess we know what some of the problems paper that has legitimised paid-for journalism in This is how some of New Zealand’s
distressed by the country’s problems especially are in our country. First, corruption. Small to its Top 50. well known media professionals
from Pakistan, China and Australia. #Arnab- large-scale. Legit and on the sly. Second, news There are a few mediapersons among the most stack up:
forPM is tongue-in-cheek of course. Sample television often sensationalises (not all of what trusted: Kiran Bedi, former cop and but now
this from @venkatananth: “I have a suggestion. Amitabh Bachchan says or writes is trash!). more of a television showperson is at #3, Sanjeev Judy Bailey (former One News Pre-
Arnab Goswami’s Newshour (CD Copy) should Third, journalists – especially those in urban Kapoor at #31 (he’s a chef alright, but essentially senter) at 14; John Campbell (Camp-
henceforth be given as a complimentary dossier centres -- are often far removed from reality. a TV host and a restaurateur), Jaspal Bhatti at #43 bell Live on TV3) at 40; Mark Sainsbury
to Pakistan”. Hehe. This list could go on but there’s a fair bit of good (the funny man who was huge in the Doordar- (Close Up on TVNZ) at 45; Guyon
Arnab and Shekhar Gupta curiously do not that journalists do. Perhaps those who took the shan days). Writers and columnists Khushwant Espiner (TVNZ) at 55; and Paul Henry
figure in 100 public personalities ranked in the online poll do not know about that. Or perhaps Singh is #51 and Shobhaa De is #76. Sanctuary (Breakfast show) at 60.
Reader’s Digest March 2010 cover feature. I am they trust their barbers and baawarchis (chefs are magazine editor, columnist and TV regular Bittu
not sure if his name was supplied to the digital at #13) a lot, lot more. Sahgal is #56. Ramchandra Guha, commentator, Most politicians, entrepreneurs and
agency that conducted the poll, apparently it Meanwhile, the Reader’s Digest poll conduct- author and historian, is at #59 while Mr Twitter, businesspeople figure at the bottom of
wasn’t because the exercise was to rank 100 ed by online research firm The Digital Edge of Shashi Tharoor is #84. the list.
public personalities and not choose from them. 761 persons across 30 Indian cities, also deter- Journalist-turned-politician Arun Shouries

Government by Greed: Part 8

Qarase Consolidates Power

Subhash Appana
In my last Greed article I attempted to capture and headed back to its kind of democracy and the right to just give out the money. to 30 months jail on 26th September 2007. This
present PM Laisenia Qarase’s political philosophy people were in the right places both before and Later investigations revealed that a number of case clearly saw the limelight because it involved
through his many public utterances, policies and after elections. To this effect, the SDL Candidate hardware companies (who supplied farm imple- disbursements of $990,554.71 to Repina Wholesal-
actions. There is little arguing that Qarase did not Selection and Strategy Committee was created and ments) were setting prices that were super-normal. ers a company owned by Pita Alifereti who was
believe in democracy as an appropriate political manned by strategy-veteran, Navitalai Naisoro. Eg. A garden fork was being sold for $90 by a hard- an agent for Morris Hedstrom Ltd. The amount
system for Fiji. Of note, with ominous implica- This was a key strategic position that would direct ware company when the same fork was priced at was obviously too large and involved only one
tions, is the fact that Qarase did not have an alter- SDL policies, decisions and activities in a central- $37 by the Government Supplies Department. company – it wouldn’t fit under any carpet!
native to a system that he obviously considered ized manner. After all, the SDL machinery had to Moreover, government officials refused to Repina had apparently designed a highly-lu-
unsuited to the country. be commandeered first. check the bonafides of farmers, so both farmers crative and innovative business model where they
This is perhaps his biggest indictment; he was A second strategy that was immediately for- and pretenders were roaming around Suva with bought farm implements in bulk from MH, hiked
not the right man to lead Fiji. In fact, all of the earlier mulated was to rationalize, institutionalize and LPOs. And in a more innovative business twist, up the price multifold, and supplied these to assis-
Greed articles clearly highlighted that Lai was implement an assistance hardware companies tance recipients in exchange for their LPOs which
there for himself and a shadowy group who had en- scheme that would not began buying off LPOs were then promptly cashed. This was indeed a low-
trenched themselves into key power positions. The only appease (more like for a fraction of its risk, high-profits scheme.
Indian bogey and others who “threatened” Fijian reward) heightened ex- One of the first things value. In one case, a On 17th September, 2008, Repina’s Pita
aspirations, as articulated and actioned by Qarase’s pectations of the public Suva-dweller friend of Alivereti and another civil servant, Pelia Doviyaroi
cabal, effectively diverted focus away from the real
agenda of that group of plunderers.
from government, but
also make a big enough
Qarase did as soon as mine cashed his $700
LPO for $250.
were jailed for 4 and 3 years respectively. Doviya-
roi’s role was to ensure that all quotations for goods
This article, and the next, focus on how Qarase
consolidated power once he controversially as-
impact to have a roll-on
effect on the inevitable
he became interim-PM Subsequent investi-
gations, headed by In-
to be supplied by Government Stores would go to
Repina Wholesalers. Government interests did not
cended to Prime Ministership in 2000 in order to
show that he was never a champion of democracy,
elections that would
follow in the not too in July 2000 was to spector Nazir Ali, were
stymied and blocked
feature in these hardcore business undertakings
after all.
public interest and the rule of law. It is important to distant future. at every turn. The be- On 29th May, 2007 five men, including di-
note that when Commodore Bainimarama backed To this effect, the court coup-supporters in sieged investigator even rectors of Suncourt Hardware, were brought to
Qarase for PM during the upheaval of 2000, he “Blueprint for the Protec- had to petition the Presi- court for their involvement in this scam. One had
thought he had a “neutral” person. And he specifi- tion of Fijian & Rotuman clandestine meetings. dent’s office for help absconded and continues to live outside of Fiji.
cally advised Lai to keep clear of the coup-tainted. Rights and Interests, as his very own mates Another is known to have boasted that “not a hair”
One of the first things Qarase did as soon and the Advancement of ganged up against him. on his body will be harmed. Of course these were
as he became interim-PM in July 2000 was to their Development” was One company that fea- white-collar crimes and would be particularly dif-
court coup-supporters in clandestine meetings. dramatically unveiled to the public via a presenta- tured prominently in the assistance scheme as well ficult to prove with an inordinate need for support-
In the same month the Soqosoqo Duavata ni tion to the BLV on 13th July 2000. This was im- as the investigations, Suncourt Hardware, conve- ing documents.
Lewenivanua (SDL) Party was formed at Suvavou mediately sweetened with a $15-25m agricultural niently lost all its records in a fire that raised more
village. That launching was noteworthy for atten- assistance scheme that curiously ended up largely questions than answers. That was Qarase’s Agricultural Assistance
dance by ethno-nationalists, extremists and many in provinces that were strongest in their support of Some 6 years after the scam, on November Scheme that metamorphosed into Fiji’s biggest
of the main “players” of the 2000 coup. the 2000 coup. 15th, 2006 former Agriculture CEO, Peniasi Ku- Agricultural Scam. The rot of greed and corrup-
Some of these did have genuine concerns about natuba was jailed for four years for abuse of office tion was gaining momentum and would continue
“losing” control of the country, but there were also The Agricultural Scam and breaching rules and procedures. Investigations to hound Fiji.
a large number of opportunists who saw open- This assistance scheme quickly acquired the on this case had been dragging on with key figures,
ings in the continuing fragmentation that followed proportions of a scam as disbursements of public especially, Minister Apisai Tora, being implicated - Subhash Appana is an academic and politi-
Speight’s folly. These elements were not there for monies began without having in place any real on-and-off. Kunatuba made the mistake of speak- cal commentator. The opinions contained in this
Fiji, but for self and they had no qualms about it monitoring and control systems. Government ing out and he was promptly nabbed and hauled article are entirely his and not necessarily shared
because similar scenarios had been experienced LPOs were written out for sums that were handed off to jail. by any organizations he may be associated with
and inadequately hit or missed before. out for projects/plans that were inadequately or not Then Principal Accounts Officer Agriculture, both in Fiji and abroad.
It was crucial however, to make sure that Fiji appraised at all. One witness said the directive was Suliasi Sorovakatini, was charged and sentenced Email [email protected]

Indian Weekender | March 12, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz 15

Indian
Community

Swarnali’s Arangetram Vipassana Trust open

delights audience day on March 14
Vipassana is a way of self-transformation with any organised religion or sectarianism.
through self-observation. ‘Vipassana’, which For this reason, it can be freely practiced by
means to see things as they really are, is one everyone, at any time, in any place, without
of India’s most ancient techniques of medita- conflict due to race, community or religion,
tion and will prove equally beneficial to one and
It is a technique that will eradicate suf- all.
fering and a method of mental purification, The Vipassana Trust does not charge for
which allows one to face life’s tensions in a the courses – not even to cover the cost of
calm, balanced food and accom-
way. modation. All
It is an art of courses are run on
living that one can a completely vol-
use to make posi- untary and freely-
tive contributions offered donation.
Swarali Pande performed her Arangetram, the tra- unfortunately developed a big blister under her heel to society. The Vipassana
ditional solo debut performance of Bharat Natyam on the day before her show, which only got worse Vipassana is Trust extends a
dance, at the Dorothy Winston Centre in Auckland on Saturday and posed difficulty in walking. not a blind rite or warm invitation to
on Sunday, February 28. On Sunday, some three-and-a-half hours before ritual based on all to have a look
Swarali performed ten dances based on her the show, Swarali was at a medical centre to have blind faith. Neither around the Centre
pure classical syllabus and demonstrated different it attended to. She was treated for it and as a con- is it an intellectual and find out about
moods and emotions of all sorts of ‘Bhava’s in her sequence had to despite the pain and the dressing nor a philosophi- courses offered
nrityabhinaya. She presented equally spectacular on her foot. cal entertainment. during an open
poses and “bhavamudras” whether it was for Lord Swarali is a Blockhouse Bay resident and is It is also not a rest day on Sunday,
Shiva, Durga or as a mother.   a Lynfield College student where she is an active cure, a holiday, or March 14 between
With her graceful and expressive performance member of the Indian cultural group. Swarali as an opportunity for 1 and 4 pm.
Swarali mesmerised the audience in a way that well has taken singing lessons and performed on socialising, nor an escape from the trials and Afternoon tea will be provided, and there
the audience stayed back late till the very end of stage for vocal music performances. She also loves tribulations of everyday life. are pleasant bush walks for those who have
the show, even though it was on a Sunday night. tennis and cricket. The technique is taught at ten-day residen- the time.
Swarali received tremendous appreciation and She had her preliminary dance lessons in tial courses during which participants follow Directions: Go 9.2 km. north of Kaukapak-
blessings from the audience – some having been India for one-and-a-half years before coming a prescribed code of discipline, learn the apa on the Main State Highway 16, turn right
moved to tears by her emotional performance. to Auckland. Here in Auckland, Swarali is a basics of the method, and practice sufficiently into Makarau Rd, then, after 2.5 km, turn left
Noted flute maestro Ronu Majumdar who was student of well-known and respected dance to experience its beneficial results into Burnside Rd. The Vipassana Centre is 1.7
in the city for his own performance was the chief guru Mrs Anuradha Ramkumar for more The entire path is a universal remedy for km along Burnside Rd on the left, (look for
guest at the Arangetram. than 6 years. Swarali is very thankful to her universal problems and has nothing to do AA signs on SH16 and Makarau Rd).
This was a true test for Swarali. With vigorous Guru for guiding her through out this journey.
practice sessions for the show, the young performer

16 Indian Weekender | March 12, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz

Indian
Community
Rotorua colourfully embraces Holi
Rotorua public and international visitors to Hindu and Maori. The vegetarian Hangi (Maori
Rotorua experienced a unique festival last food) was very popular among the visitors to
Sunday, February 28, as the city celebrated Holi the Marae. Performances such as belly dancing,
for the first time. teaching of Maori haka to visitors, the dance to the
The Festival of Colours, as Holi is known, Indian song performed by Maori artists all added
was celebrated with much fanfare by covering exceptional colour to the festival.
coloured powder and water on each other, and The festival’s highlight was the covering of
dancing to folk music and songs. each other with colours (washable plant dye). This
This was introduced to Rotorua public for the was held on the grounds of the Marae with drums,
first time by the Hindu Council of New Zealand music and great fanfare.
and Ngati Taiao. The Rotorua Holi Festival was a smoke-free,
Holi is the second most important festival of alcohol-free and meat-free festival with FREE
India after Deepawali festival. Observed since entry to the public. Given the support this festival
ancient times, Holi festival – a spring festival in has received, it is not difficult to visualise the real
India – glorifies good harvest and fertility of the a powhiri (official Maori welcome) at the most underpinned by the coming together of the two potential for this Rotorua Holi Festival to become
land. sacred Marae of the Te Arawa people. This gath- people Tangata Whenua (people of the land) and a permanent Youth festival in Rotorua and New
This colourful festival, celebrated on a beau- ering was attended by the Te Arawa elders, local Tangata Tiriti (new settlers). Zealand. The festival was organised by a com-
tiful setting at Te Papaiouru Marae, Ohinemutu members of the community and visitors from “It is for the first time, certainly in Rotorua, mittee comprising John Marsh, Shaloh Mitchell,
Village, gave a new meaning to race relations. It other parts of New Zealand and the world. that the two people Tangata Whenua and Tangata Sonny Corbett, Dr Magesan, Gina Wright and
not only bridged any perceived social gaps and At this gathering, Kaumatua (Maori elder) Tiriti have come together to organize and gift the Roshni Patel.
differences, but also brought people and commu- Monty Morrison welcomed the visitors. Mr. Mor- Holi festival to the New Zealand community and “It was a great success in terms of participation
nities together. rison congratulated the volunteers for organising to local and international visitors,” said Mr Naray- and new visitors to our village and we will make
Initially, it was going to be part of building this festival and encouraged more Maori partici- anan. this as an annual event,” said Shaloh Mitchell, an
whakawhanaungatanga (Hindu-Maori relations) pation in such inter-cultural activities. “This occasion is a watershed and an excellent upcoming Maori leader and one of the co-ordina-
but has grown to be for a wider spectrum. People In response, Pancha Narayanan from Welling- forerunner for similar engagement and communi- tors of this festival.
following different faiths enjoyed this festival. ton, a member of the Community Sector Taskforce ty interactions around the country” Mr Narayanan The organisers would like to thank all the spon-
In addition to Rotorua public, international and former president of the New Zealand Federa- added. sors and supporters, especially the print and visual
visitors from Germany, Netherlands, France, tion of Multicultural Councils spoke on behalf of A “Mehndi Moko” workshop was held for the media who gave a good coverage of the festival.
Belgium, England, Canada and Brazil, and local Hindu community. benefit of Rotorua arts community, as part of the Rotorua Holi Festival was sponsored by Rotorua
visitors from Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, and He described Hindus as a people with ancient festival. It was jointly conducted by Gina Wright Civic Arts Trust, Lottery Grants Board (Bay of
Wellington also participated in the festival. culture and civilization. He clarified that the and Roshni Patel, Maori and Hindu artists, respec- Plenty/Gisborne region), the Radio Network (es-
One of the international visitors from Sweden word “Indian” comes from the word Indus (Indus tively. pecially Flava and ZM 98.3 radio stations).
commented that he would keep the coloured River). Similarly the word “Hindu” comes from This was possibly the very first time in New The festival was supported by Ohinemutu
T-shirt as a memoir of Rotorua and New Zealand. the word Sindhu (Sindhu River). Sindhu and Indus Zealand that art forms (Mehndi and Ta Moko) of Village Tours Ltd, Cultural Encounter NZ Ltd,
“It was good to see so many international visi- refer to the same river. Hinduism was not a reli- two cultures were brought together. “This work- Haututu Ltd, Richard Photographics, and commu-
tors enjoying and having a good time in this festi- gion as it is misunderstood, but refers to a people shop while bringing together two art forms has nity organisations such as Hindu Council of New
val. There is real potential for this festival to grow and a way of life. also given birth to a new phrase – Mehndi Moko. Zealand, Friends of India Society and Rotorua
on a wider scale,” said Dr Guna Magesan, general Mr Narayanan paid tribute to the Te Arawa This phrase could become very New Zealand as Indian community. A number of media (newspa-
secretary of Hindu Council of New Zealand and people and Dr Guna Magesan for their leader- the word spreads,” said Dr Magesan. pers, radio and local television) helped to promote
the festival co-ordinator. ship and vision in getting this festival together. He The official welcome was followed by a cul- this festival.
The official festival started at 11.30 am with congratulated the effort and organization that was tural show and vegetarian kai (food) from both the - Indian Weekender news desk

Tamil Christians hold nerve to retain

the Friends of Cricket Trophy 1-in-4 wins BONUS
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and some silly runouts didn’t help the cause of -Prashant Belwalkar

Indian Weekender | March 12, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz 17

Indian
Community
Diabetes Education for Asian communities Ronuji’s Bansuri captivates Aucklanders
Diabetes Auckland runs diabetes education for residents of Auckland city with type 2 diabetes.
These are group classes held at a number of community venues. They are generally attended by Audiences in Auckland had a taste of what Pt.
a variety of people and the teaching is in English. Ronu Majumdar can deliver two years ago and
During 2009 a team of South Asian professionals partnered with Diabetes Auckland to this time they were keenly awaiting his arrival
provide a course specifically tailored for people of South Asian heritage and taught mostly in to the shores of New Zealand. After successful
Hindi. concerts in Australia, Panditji was a bit tired and
Diabetes Auckland was grateful for the assistance and support of Faieza AliKhan, diabetes the week’s rest that he got in Auckland must have
nurse from Greenlane; Ella Kumar, South Asian HEHA coordinator, Dena D’Souza diabetes lifted his spirits.
eye clinic, Hyma Danthala, Nutritionist and Purvi Chhichia, Nutritionist with Procare Network Panditji started the evening with the ever
Auckland.. popular and melodious ‘Raag Bageshri’. This
Two Hindi courses were held over the year, one during the daytime in the first half of the raag is a late night raag with a flavour of love and
year and an evening one in November. Both courses were appreciated by those who attended. longing and is popular.
Diabetes Auckland is grateful for the assistance received in making these possible. In 2010 a The recital began with the traditional alaap,
further South Asian/Hindi course will be held in June and a Chinese course is planned for May. a slow exposition of the fine romantic mood of
(Pic: First Hindi Diabetes Course) Bageshri. He then moved into Jod and Jhala and his ambition of world peace.
which develop in the pace and tempo of the Raag. Panditji noted that Music knows no bound-

Kiwi Indians smoke the least

He used various flutes to depict the high and aries and was a unifying force in the world. He
low notes of the raag. The pace and intensity of also paid tribute to the late maestro Pandit D V
Bageshri was in full flow and our very own Basant Paluskar and his famous bhajan “Thumak Chalat
Asians in New Zealand have the lowest ring to register online. Madhur had to be alert to match the tempo of Pan- Ramchandra” in raag Gara.
smoking rates compared to other ethnic “The report will be a good information ditji, which he managed admirably. Not only did Panditji play the bhajan on flute
groups in the country, according to a source for health workers in NZ and em- The second half started with Prof S D Madhur, but also sang the way DV Paluskar would sing
new report by The Quit Group. phasises that we can’t assume that all playing raag Maru Bihag on violin and was ac- “Raam” instead of “Ram”. You could see that
An average of 11% of Asians are the same when it comes companied by Deepak Madhur on Tabla. Maru Ronuji is a versatile artiste as not only can he play
Asians smoke, compared to smoking patterns – they’re Bihag is a variant of Bihag, another late night the Bansuri, but also sing with equal ease! What
to 19% of Europeans and clearly not. raaga and there are several compositions on this a treat!
42% of Maori. Within this Interestingly, most Asian raag which are popular, the famous one being He also had the audience’s foot tapping with
figure there is a strong smokers heard about Quit- “Tumto Pyaar ho, Sajana”. Kajri from Varanasi, his hometown and Bhajans
male-female contrast line from friends and family, Prof Madhur then played a folk song from his in Khamaj.
– 18% of Asian males compared to non-Asians home state of Himachal Pradesh. It was a plea- Panditji concluded the concert it in style with
smoke (compared to 20% who most commonly hear sure listening to Prof Madhur, who was invited to a soulful rendition of “Om Jai Jagdish”. The audi-
European), and just 5% of about Quitline from TV perform by none other than Panditji himself. ences were not only left spellbound to the tunes of
females (compared to 19% adverts. Pandit Ronu Majumdar started the second half Bansuri but also to the ambience and ethos created
European). As with non-Asian smokers, with Raag Basant. An apt time to play the raag by Panditji.
Indians have the lowest smoking rates are generally as the “Basant”(Spring) season is starting now in Roshan Raju, a student of Prof S D Madhur,
smoking rates of Asian smokers, higher among those who live in the northern hemisphere. This raag can be played was accompanying the duo on Tanpura.
and half of Asian smokers registered multi-person households compared to anytime but is reserved in performances at night A special mention must be made of Lotus
with the Quitline are Indian. While two-thirds family units, and for those on lower incomes. time and is also a precursor of Raag to be used Foreign Exchange, Basant, and his father S D
of Indians prefer to call the Quitline rather An exception is Korean smokers, whose rates in Raagmalas. He then played a medley of Raags, Madhur and Deepak, who through their Sargam
than use the online service, among Chinese are not affected by household income. some of which were requests from the audiences. School of Music brought this show to Auckland.
the split is more even, with almost half prefer- – Chris Pitt, The Quit Group. His rendition of the popular bhajan “Vaishnav
jan to tene kahiye” penned by none other than -Prashant Belwalkar
Gandhiji himself, was a tribute to the great man

NEW ZEALAND BRAHMAN SAMAJ

CELEBRATES COLOURFUL HOLI

HOLI CELEBRATIONS AT AUT, New Zealand Brahman Samaj celebrated Holi,

ORGANISED BY INDIAN STUDENT on Sunday, February 28 in Cornwall Park in
ASSOCIATION @ AUT Auckland.
Dr. Devraj Sharma, former professor of
Hindi at University of Delhi and lifetime patron
of the Samaj welcomed everyone and elab-
orated at length how on this occasion we
forget our mutual differences and embrace
each other with love and brotherhood.
Suresh Sharma, President, talked
about the specific and general aims of New
Zealand Brahman Samaj. He mentioned a
major objective of the Samaj is to provide a
platform for all members of the community
to meet, know each other and develop rela-
tionship with a view to promote rich cultural
heritage.
Among those who participated in the
WEDDING BELLS celebration were Anil Sharma, Secretary of
Samaj, Rakesh Sharma (Treasurer), Ashok
Saurabh and Swapnali Srivastava recently Gaur, Vice President, B K Sharma of Fundag-
tied the knot in Mumbai and held a reception roup, and Ram Vashist.
with family and friends in Auckland recent- Everyone wished happy Holi with colours
ly. (From left) Saurabh, Swapnali, Saurabh’s and enjoyed the variety of food prepared by the
parents Anuradha and Shashi and sister Charu participating families. At the end Anil Sharma
Srivastava. Shashi Srivastava is Senior Busi- thanked everyone for joining the celebration.
ness Manager at Kiwi Bank

18 Indian Weekender | March 12, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz

Indian
Bollywood

Abhay Deol: Poster boy 3 idiots, Big B,

of alternative cinema Vidya win at
Filmfare
Steven Baker
One of the big winners at the weekend Filmfare
awards was Abhay Deol starrer Dev D, which
bagged a handful of statuettes. Now the poster
boy of offbeat Hindi cinema is back with his
new release, Indo-American production Road, Mumbai: 3 Idiots predictably swept the 55th Filmfare Awards winning honours for best film and
Movie. After premiering at the Toronto Interna- director while Amitabh Bachchan and Vidya Balan bagged the best male and female actor trophies
tional Film festival and successful screenings on respectively for Paa at the glittering ceremony Saturday night.
the festival circuit in Tokyo and Berlin, this story The show was glittering as host Shahrukh Khan (who again teamed up with Saif Ali this year to
of an Indian travelling cinema is about to hit the liven up the show with smart scandalous oneliners) tweeted after the big night: “Now off to bed. Vidya
box office March 5th. Balan looked ravishing..Bipasha towering...Deepika lovely & Katrina awesome. Missed Kareena...”
Deol explains the synopsis of the story, “In a
really short pitch it’s about a guy driving a truck
through the desert which he discovers is actu- choices Socha Na Tha, Ahista Ahista, Honey- The top honours go like this:
ally a moving cinema. In one line that would be moon Travels Pvt Ltd and Oye Lucky! Lucky
the story. Of course there are many layers to the Oye! considers how Indian film can crossover
film. It is an adventurous story, about a protago- into mainstream success, “Bombay cinema
Best Film:
nist maturing who has not been out there much. needs to expand its horizons in many ways. As Vidhu Vinod Chopra for 3 Idiots
He takes upon the responsibility of driving this soon as you open up content ideas, you open up
truck, and we see what happens to him on the Bollywood more for people of all sorts of back-
way, the kind of people he meets, how they influ- grounds to partake of it”.
Best Director:
ence him and what he discovers about himself.” Deol is all praise for his French descent Dev Rajkumar Hirani for 3 Idiots
As the nephew of screen legend Dharmendra, D co-star Kalki Koechlin, winner of the Film-
Deol hopes to emulate the success of his uncle fare award for female best supporting actor, “For
who was awarded a lifetime achievement award foreigners the difficulty can be language barri-
Best Actor in Leading Role (Male):
at the IIFA’s a few years ago, “As long as I am ers. But with Kalki, she was born in India and Amitabh Bachchan for Paa
allowed to grow and learn new things I will stay knows the language so has an advantage. She is
in the industry. Longevity is something I would Indian in that sense.” Best Actor in Leading Role
want if I am giving something creative. It is not (Steven Baker is a Hindi film journalist and
something I can predict or aim for but will come post graduate in Indian cinema. Feature by (Female):
as a result of the work I do.” IBNS) Vidya Balan for Paa
The actor is known for his alternative film
The Best Supporting Actor (Male)

SRK plays real life Riz,

award went to Boman Irani for 3
Idiots while the Best Supporting
Actor (Female) was bagged by

scraps Lux Cozi

Kalki Koechlin for Dev D.

Ayan Mukherjee was the Best

Debutante Director (Male) for
Kolkata: Shahrukh Khan did a real life Priyanka. Wake Up Sid while the Best Debu- Best Playback Singer (Female): Rekha
Rizwan Khan, the good soul he played in his The incident caused a public outcry in
new film My Name is Khan, as the actor sus- Kolkata and a CBI inquiry was instituted.
tante Director (Female) was Zoya Bharadwaj for Genda Phool (Delhi 6) and
Akhtar for Luck By Chance. Kavita Seth for Iktara (Wake Up Sid)
pended the sponsorship of his team Kolkata Rizwanur’s mother had written to SRK to
Knight Riders (KKR) by the Lux Cozi in- dissociate himself with the company owned
nerwear, owned by a businessman accused by a family responsible for her son’s death. Best Playback Singer (Male): Mohit
of instigating the suicide of Muslim youth Lux Cozi would not be allowed to take Chauhan for Masakalli (Delhi 6)
Rizwanur Rahman. part in any kind of advertising during the IPL
The other award winners are:
Lux Cozi is owned by Ashok Todi, the matches of KKR, an official said here. Celina Jaitley and Chunky Pandey gave
father of Priyanka Todi whose marriage with SRK would keep the contract with Lux away the black lady to Mohit.
Muslim youth Rizwanur Rahman against the Cozi on hold till the Todis were proved inno- Best Dialogue: Rajkumar Hirani and
wishes of family led to the death of the latter cent by the legal system, sources said. Vidhu Vinod Chopra for 3 idiots RD Burman Music Award: Amit Trivedi
under mysterious circumstances. The company had signed Shahrukh Khan
Rizwanur, a computer graphics designer, as their brand ambassador for the coming Best Screenplay: Rajkumar Hirani,
was found dead by a railway track in Sep season and was associated with KKR’s Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Abhijat Joshi
Filmfare Technical Awards:
2007, almost a year after his marriage with apparel merchandising. for 3 Idiots
Best Visual Effects: Kaminey
Best Story: Abhijat Joshi and Rajkumar
Best Choreography Award: Bosco-

Karthik Calling Karthik ties

Hirani for 3 Idiots
Ceasar, ‘Chor Bazaari’ from Love Aaj Kal
The Filmfare Critics Award was bagged
Best Production Design: Helen & Sukant

up with Bausch & Lomb

by Nandita Das for her film Firaaq.
for Dev D
In this category the Best Actor (Female)
Best Action: Vijayan Master for Wanted
was Mahi Gill (Dev D) and Ranbir Ka-
New Delhi: Bausch & Lomb, India’s leading contact lens brand, Tuesday poor for his consistent performance in
announced a tie-up with Farhaan Akhtar-Deepika Padukone starrer Best Sound Design: Manas Chaudhury
2009.
‘Karthik Calling Karthik’. for Firaaq
The company has launched ‘Experience the change’promotion, in- Actor Shashi Kapoor and music mae-
viting all spectacle wearers to avail free contact lenses to transform Best Editing: Sreekar Prasad for Firaaq
stro Khayyam were conferred the Life-
their looks.
time Achievement Awards. While Shashi
The tie-up is in sync with the movie’s central theme of “person- Best Cinematographer: Rajeev Ravi for
was presented the trophy by Shabana
ality transformation” and Bausch & Lomb’s mission of dramatically Dev D
improving the vision and lives of people. Azmi and Yash Chopra and Asha Bhosle
Sunil Gadgil, GM – Marketing, Vision Care, Bausch & Lomb presented the trophy to Khayyam.
Best Costume Design: Vaishali Menon
India, said: “We chose to partner with ‘Karthik Calling Karthik’, for Firaaq
since the movie’s theme is in perfect synergy with our belief that Other Filmfare Music Awards
small changes can help an individual to transform themselves and
Best Background Score: Amit Trivedi for
achieve higher goals.” Best Music: A R Rahman (Delhi 6)
“The movie depicts positive outcomes in the central protago- Dev D
nist’s life as he starts the process of transforming his looks and Best Lyrics: Irshad Kamil for ‘Aaj Din
personality, through small changes like switching to contact lenses from spec-
Chaddya’ (Love Aaj Kal)
tacles. In the same way, we hope that this promotion will have a very positive effect on the lives of
consumers, who choose to enhance their personality by opting for contact lenses,” Gadgil added.

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

Indian
Bollywood

Aparna Sen’s Japanese Big B gets Taj Enlighten

Tareef Award
Wife set for release
Kolkata: The much awaited Aparna Sen film “The Japanese Wife”, shot in the Sundarbans islands of
Mumbai: Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan
has been presented  ‘Taj Enlighten Tareef Award’
for his contribution to world cinema by Brooke
Bond Taj Mahal, India’s premium tea blend.
 The award was presented in association with the
India’s West Bengal and Japan, is set for a release on April 9. Enlighten Film Society.
Saregama Films brings together the hit team of Mr & Mrs Iyer – Director Aparna Sen and Rahul Earlier in February, the Taj Enlighten Film
Bose- in “The Japanese Wife” which also stars Raima Sen, Chigusa Takaku and Moushumi Chat- Society launched “The Amitabh Bachchan Ret-
terjee. rospective”, a festival showcasing Bachchan’s
The film’s storyline explores love and how far one can go for love. films, across the decades.
Snehamoy, a schoolteacher in the Sunderbans, and Miyage, a young girl in Japan, meet through The films that were part of the fes-
letters, fall in love over letters, and even get married through letters! They have been married for 15 tival were  The Last Lear, Agneepath,
years … but have never met. Deewaar  and  Paa,  which were screened every
In this very tender, lyrically-told film, Snehamoy and Miyage go the distance for their love, from Sunday at 10am at Cinemax, Versova and Metro
the happy to the funny to the sad, sometimes even the bizarre, said Apurv Nagpal, MD of Saregama. Big Cinemas.
“We admire Aparna’s work and ability to interpret love. This is not just a film but a lyrical love
poem, very different to anything out there in today’s age of instant gratification.”

Bollywood toast of London

Miyage is played – for the first time in Indian films – by a Japanese actress, Chigusa Takaku.
While Rahul Bose plays Snehamoy as he goes from a college student to an elderly man, Raima Sen
and Moushumi Chatterjee are the other cast.

Asian Film Festival

London: Bollywood fans in characters he plays so suc-
the UK will get the chance cessful.
to interact with some of the Festival Director Push-
biggest names in the Hindi pinder Chowdhry believes
film industry at the Tongues Asian film has the feel
on Fire 12thLondon Asian good factor and the ability
Film Festival (5-14 March). to speak to a wide range
Leading Bollywood of audiences, “This year’s
figures are scheduled to Tongues on Fire couldn’t
attend including Abhishek come at a better time. With
Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, My Name is Khan smashing
Jaya Bachchan, Soha Ali records at cinemas around
Khan and Sharmila Tagore. the country to become the
The festival will give audi- most successful Bollywood
ences the chance to see some film in British box office
of Bollywood’s biggest hits of history, it’s the perfect time
the last few years in London’s to celebrate the achieve-
West End, including Tarun ments of Asian cinema.”
Mansukhani’s Dostana, Mani Tongues on Fire also cel-
Ratnam’s Guru and Shimit ebrates other South Asian
Amin’s Chak De! India. cinemas, as well British
A BAFTA interview with Abhishek Bachchan Indian films such as the Om Puri starrer Life
opens the festival on Friday, celebrating the cin- Goes On, which has its premiere screening at the
ematic achievements of Junior Bachchan. The closing night event with actors Sharmila Tagore
event will be followed by an Opening Gala and Soha Ali Khan. Pioneer of middle cinema
Dinner where Jaya Bachchan, the first lady of Shyam Benegal, whoseWell Done Abba is being
Bollywood, will be presented with “A Lifetime shown, will be giving a film direction workshop
Achievement Award” for her contribution to the and taking part in a BAFTA interview.
Indian film industry. Festival patron, the writer, actress and come-
Abhishek, who has been nominated for Film- dian Meera Syal says, “I have been very proud
fare awards for his roles in Bunty aur Bably, to be associated with Tongues on Fire over the
Guru and Dostana, is scheduled to deliver an years – both as an excited viewer, and also as a
Actor’s Masterclass, giving film practitioners participant, and am honoured to be the Patron of
and cinema lovers the opportunity to interact the Festival.”
JAPANESE WIFE: (Top) Rahul Bose; (above) Raima Sen, Aparna Sen,
with their idol and learn what makes him and the - Steven Baker
Moushumi Chatterji

Vivek Oberoi returns as Prince

Mumbai: Bollywood actor Vivek memory but threatens the future of
Oberoi is all set to make a comeback the human race.
in Tips film ‘Prince-It’s Showtime’. Prince can rely only on his razor
  The starcast of the film also includes Nandana sharp instincts to salvage himself.
Sen, Aruna Shields and Niroo Singh. The web of deception spins and
The action-thriller is produced by  Kumar. Prince gets even more entangled.
Taurani  and directed by debutant  Kookie V Nothing and no one can be trusted.
Gulati. Every day he meets a new girl claim-
The music of the film is composed by Sachin ing to be Maya... Every cop and crimi-
Gupta . nal in the country is out for his blood...
‘Prince.. .It’s Showtime’ is based on one of He doesn’t remember where he has
the savviest thieves in the world who commits hidden the Heist... He doesn’t know
the biggest heist of his life. He wakes up next which side of the law he is on... His life
morning to realize he has a gunshot wound on is at stake...
his arm that he doesn’t remember getting. The future of mankind is at stake...
In his quest to find answers he discovers his Prince has no one but himself to
name is Prince, he used to work for a man named trust ... Nothing and No One Can Be
Sarang and his girlfriend’s name is Maya. Trusted....   Failure is not an option...
He is being hunted by the secret service He has just 5 Days of his life... Time is
of India- I Grip, the CBI and the biggest white running out will he survive...
collared criminals in the world. He is the most The film is set to release on March 26.
wanted man in the country because only he
knows the whereabouts of the heist, which con-
tains a secret that is linked not only to his loss of

20 Indian Weekender | March 12, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz

Indian
Bollywood
Rashid Khan walks the ramp for jute
Hello Direction! Kolkata: Indian classical singer Rashid Khan
walked the ramp here to promote jute as a fashion
fabric.
Mrunmayee says ‘goodbye acting, hello direction’ just after A first-timer on the ramp, Khan was the
debuting as actor showstopper for city designer Agnimitra Paul’s
Spring Summer Collection at “Earth Couture”—
a jute fashion show organized by Jute Manufac-
Actress Mrunmayee Lagoo (daughter of ac- tures Development Council (JMDC), Ministry of
claimed character-actress Reema Lagoo) seemed Textiles, Government of India.
ecstatic that her maverick Hindi debut movie From formal to avant garde, classic to futur-
‘Hello Zindagi’ directed by Raja Unnithan has istic, Agnimitra’s offering encompassed every-
finally been released at popular cinema theatres. thing.
Besides her showbiz buddies, her otherwise fas- Kolkata’s top models including Jessica,
tidious actress-mother Reema too appreciated Neeraj, Madhabilata, Preeti and Suchira walked
her intense performance. According to Unnith- the ramp in her collection.
an, “Hello Zindagi’ is a topical, woman-centric The patterns, layers and colors of the designs
bohemian movie with a strong social message accentuated the inherent qualities of the jute
and we have stalwart actors like Neena Gupta, fabrics.
Kanwaljeet, Kitu Gidwani and Milind Gunaji While a segment of the collection boasted the
besides Mrunmayee.” natural color of the fabric, some were steeped
If her current focus is any indication, ‘Hello in exuberant pastel hues. The texturization
Zindagi’ could well be junior Lagoo’s last movie varied from the strictly minimalistic to gorgeous
as part of the ‘cast’. Explains Mrunmayee, “Ac- machine embroidery and appliqué.
tually, I am an actress by default having acted ‘Stepmom’. The jute industry, despite its potential, has
in a handful of Marathi movies. But my ulterior “Interacting with both perfectionist Aamir suffered due to the common perception that jute
vision was always on film direction. Of course in Khan and the innovative Raju during the making is only used to make sacking. This is only a frag-
‘Hello..’, the lead role appealed to me because it of ‘3-Idiots’ was a enlightening process for me. ment of the diverse spectrum of jute products.
was a challenge to play the rebel character of a So dedicated was Aamir, that he would wake up Today, jute is popular around the globe not
bold, vivacious, fiercely independent girl who is daily at dawn to play badminton. Which would only for its strength and versatility but primar-
flitting frantically for the right roadmap for this bring the youthful flush on his face,” she recalls. ily for its eco-friendly qualities. In the lifestyle
journey called life. Wasn’t it true that the Khan also made every- segment alone, jute is used for products from
“It also has the intriguing sub-plot of a crusade one play cricket on a ‘maidan’ during the leisure designer apparel and accessories (bags, belts, objects. But now it has become an essential part
to protect a rare species of turtle from extinction. breaks. “Hey, that’s right. We had rival cricket jewellery, footwear) to soft furnishings and wall of avant garde fashion.
As a refreshing change, this Bollywood movie is teams with names like Idiots, Dumbos, Morons hangings. Jute is bringing about a revolution in JMDC experimented with a new idea at the
minus the mandatory mushy ‘naach-gaana’ but and Stupids and the best players would win little the fashion industry. Chennai Jute Festival last week, where the ver-
has an undercurrent of lilting music,” she smiles. trophies. As of now, I am totally bitten by the di- Fashion designers today are creating great satile virtuoso Shankar Mahadevan performed
In pursuit of her ambitious aspiration to get rection bug. Believe me, I have no regrets being designs with this indigenous raw material. In during a fashion show. They have now brought
into direction, Mrunmayee got the coveted op- confined behind the camera. Maybe after about fact the best of Indian haute couture is being this concept to Kolkata with a live performance
portunity to ‘assist’ award-winning director five years of active assisting, I hope to make my crafted from it. The European fashion industry by popular Bangla band ‘Chandrabindoo’.
Raju Hirani for the Aamir Khan mega-hit starrer directorial debut,” shrugs Mrunmayee whose is also waking up to the possibility of using jute Models strutted on the ramp to the music and
‘3 Idiots’. She has also been assisting for Karan long-term agenda includes ‘directing’ her ac- in apparel designing. Even a decade ago, the use beats of Chandrabindoo’s Bangla rock numbers
Johar’s upcoming movie, which is a smartly tress-mom. of jute was restricted to the making of mundane from the plaintive to the satirical.
adapted Indian version of the Hollywood movie - Chaitanya Padukone

Pune blast, death keep Big B away from Holi e

r u rance
Mumbai: The Bachchans are not celebrating Holi a s Life I n s
this year but Big B has wished those who would e
r im . e * rance
e n s u
th o t fe.. d
celebrate the festival of colours. I
“We do not celebrate again this year. Primar- Health ction
ily because of the death of a close relative of our
w
t li an !!!
* P r o t e
family friend Amar Singh ji, but also we do not
o r tgage
in w te M
feel comfortable in celebrating when our own
* Protec
tion
no o la
have lost lives in the Pune blast recently,” wrote

Income
Amitabh Bachchan in his blog.
Amar Singh, the expelled Samajwadi Party
*
to
leader, is a close family friend of the Bachchans
and he recently lost his brother-in-law.
Etc...
The actor prayed for peace and good tidings.
On the festival of colour, the Bollywood su- a festival that fills us with the joy of achievement *
perstar wrote: “The festival of ‘Holi’ looms and and change and produce.”
the celebrations have already begun. One can see “Happy Holi !! And may the colors bright and
on the roads the colored faces of the young and beautiful ever remain with you in celebration.”
the excitement of the coming occasion on the 1st “May it bring peace and calm and may it
of March.”
“My wishes and those of my family remain
become the turning point for good tidings,” he
blogged.
Oliver,
however with those that do bring in this festival,
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Indian Weekender | March 12, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz 21

Indian
Bollywood

Aamir bags ‘biggest’ deal LG Electronics gets Akshay Kumar

Bollywood megastar Aamir Khan, fresh
from the success of 3 Idiots, has signed
spurt in endorsement fees in the last
year. “Even someone as young as Ranbir
as brand ambassador
Mumbai: LG Electronics India has roped in Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar as the brand ambassador
the biggest advertising deal in Indian film Kapoor, the latest kid on the block, is said for its LG Flat Play Display (FPD) segment.
history. to have been lapped up for Rs 7 crore for A 360 degree marketing and advertising campaign has been devised to ensure optimum visibility
Khan has reportedly signed up a three- a two-year-deal by another advertiser,” he and lucid messaging to the consumer.
year deal with UAE-based telecommu- said. LG has planned a multi-media campaign strategically covering all media vehicles like print, tele-
nications service provider Etisalat for a Khan’s own earlier contracts for a vision, radio, outdoor, cinema and internet.
staggering Rs 35 crore - the highest a Bol- biscuit, a cola, a car, an FMCG, a watch Said LGEIL MD Moon B Shin, “We have chosen Akshay as our brand ambassador for LG FPDs
lywood celebrity has ever received for en- maker and a satellite TV service provider because he personifies the LG brand. He is a big style icon, gizmo and action freak.”
dorsement, leaving far behind the are all reportedly in the range of
previous highs of Rs 12 crore to Rs 12 crore; so, by even his

‘Hide and Seek’ to release March 12

Rs 15 crore. own standards, his fees
Reports say it is a two- have almost tripled.
year contract during Trade insiders attrib-
which period Khan will uted Khan’s rising
make himself available stock in ad circles Moser Baer Entertainment Ltd’s film ‘Hide and
for an allotted number to his recent box- Seek’ starring actors Purab Kohli,Mrinalini
of media shoots, press office successes. Sharma, Samir Kochhar, Ayaz Khan, Arjan
advertisements and Bollywood Bajwa and Amruta Patki, will finally hit the the-
personal appearances. heroine Priyanka atres this Friday (Mar 12).
Advertisement guru Chopra is said to “Hide and Seek” is a suspense film produced
Prahlad Kakkar, who be in the lead among by Apoorva Lakhia and Laxmi Singh and direct-
directed Aamir for his female stars; reports ed by Shawn Arranha .
first cola commercial in suggest that she gets The music of the film is given by Gourav
1993 (for which the Khan paid anything between Dasgupta and Chirantan Bhatt.
was paid a “meager” Rs 17 Rs 3.5 crore and Rs 4 crore “Hide and Seek” is a suspense flick and is
lakh), said “That is a hell of a lot of for a deal. Following closely are based on the story of 6 friends who start playing
money to pay. He has indeed come a long the two other current favourites - Kareena a game of Hide and Seek on a cold Christmas
way. But it isn’t surprising; he brings a Kapoor and Katrina Kaif - who command night. But little do they expect that night and that Om’s estranged brother and business tycoon, in
great degree of single-minded exclusivity an annual fee of Rs 2.5 crore. game would change Om, Abhi, Jaideep, Imran, a corporate boardroom, it disturbs Gunita, the
to a brand. Aishwarya Rai continues to be a global Gunita and Jyotika’s lives forever. damsel in financial distress, sends chills down
The last highest amount reportedly paid icon, commanding an enviable fee for her Twelve years later, while some still wrestled the spine of Imran, the fat kid grown up into a
to four Bollywood names - Shah Rukh watch and cosmetic deals on the interna- with memories of that fateful night and others muscular movie star, and intrigues Jaideep, the
Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and tional circuit. left it buried deep within them, it was a past that bully who’s graduated into a political hooligan.
Hrithik Roshan - for their hosiery endorse- Here are the brand leaders: Aamir came back to haunt them again. Twelve years later, someone was bringing them
ments is said to be in the range of Rs 12 Khan Rs 35 crore; Shah Rukh Khan Rs 15 This time it all starts with a mysterious all together to play that game all over again but
crore to Rs 15 crore. crore; Akshay Kumar Rs 15 crore; Hrithik message – a catchphrase from their past – which this time it will cost them their lives!
A leading ad producer, however, said Roshan Rs 15 crore; Salman Khan Rs 12 results in Om, just out of asylum, getting a sur- Haunted by the past, trapped in a shopping
there could be an explanation: the general crore. prise visit from childhood sweetheart Jyotika! mall - Six best friends turn into worst enemies as
While the same message distracts Abhi, they play Hide and Seek!

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22 Indian Weekender | March 12, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz
Indian
Feature

For Dogs’ Sake

Meet C. Sunitha of Tamil Nadu’s Sivakasi, whose passion for stray canines both inspires and touches. Sunitha, who shares
her home with her ‘family’ of 70 stray dogs talks about her belief that service to animals is service to humanity.
Just outside the noise and traffic of Sivikasi,
we drive down a dirt track and pull outside the
home of C. Sunitha Christy, a member of the
organization ‘People For Animals’, a women
“The greatness of a
who’s dedicated her life to the welfare of the
sick and neglected stray dogs of Tami Nadu. nation and its moral
Sunitha welcomes us inside her home,
and we are greeted by the groans and snappy progress can be judged
barks of 70 dogs cautiously making sense of
our intrusion. As one could imagine in a home
that accommodates this many dogs, the first
by the way its animals
thing that strikes me is the smell. Secondly,
it’s clear that this really is their home – the
are treated.”
dogs that is; the rooms are largely unadorned,
giving way to the presence of 70 dogs that
- Mahatma Gandhi
sleep anywhere - including the beds.
A Passion for Dogs feeding time for the dogs. There were muff led
Sunitha is a woman who must defend groans and whimpers as dogs waited impa-
her passion and dedication to these animals tiently in other rooms for a hearty meal of rice
against some criticism. But it’s clear that and meat. About the same time, a policeman
she’s changed the fate of the dogs under her came to the house, and Sunitha explained to
care from that of death, to that of a happy, us she had called the police due to the recent
comfortable existence. It’s also clear that this death of three of her dogs which were found to
means the world to Sunitha; the dogs that have been tortured. I thought this was chill-
she’s saving represent her devotion to the care ing, also, I thought it highlighted the role
of animals and her belief that they should We asked about the motivation behind pointed to one of the dogs (which all have Sunitha was serving: not many people could
be treated with dignity and respect. It’s this Sunitha’s dedication. And we asked her if the names) and explained to us that she drove do the work she’s doing, many more are criti-
belief she has truly devoted her life to. government provides any support in helping all the way to Maduari to save it - she was cal, but I wonder what the dogs would have
Unmarried, and completely comfortable her care for stray dogs. Sunitha explains to us informed this dog was going to be put down to say about it. Sunitha doesn’t need reassur-
with this fact, Sunitha says she is unwilling to that the government’s strategy is completely because it was known to bite. This is the ance, she knows the role she’s serving, and
do anything that might compromise the dedi- at odds with her own. Everyday, up to 5,000 extent of Sunitha’s effort, and as she explains, by caring for the animals, she too is serving
cation she has to her dogs. And what’s the cost street dogs can be put down in India, she ex- she is truly devoted to the lives of these dogs. humanity, and what harm can that be doing?
of looking after 70 dogs? A lot. 25,000 rupees plains. Sunitha wants to change the system Further information regarding ‘People
a month in fact, and fortunately for the dogs, from that of putting a dog down, to that of A Crusader for Canine Rights For Animals’ can be found at: www.
this is a cost their care giver is able to meet. birth control. To prove her commitment, she During our interview with Sunitha, it was peopleforanimals.net

Indian Weekender | March 12, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz 23

Indian
Heritage
India’s first global brand - YOGA
ram lingam

Of all the global Indian brands, YOGA is perhaps the most recognised quality product exported for everyone’s wellbeing. YOGA
like many things cultural is a product of an ancient and continuous 5000 year old Indian civilisation and yet quite modern with the
backing of science.
Search the word ‘yoga’ on amazon.com and you ing to many yoga scholars most of us, especially must be first made pure through self-discipline Yogananda, Swami Vishnudevananda, Swami
get links to some 50,000 yoga related products who come from the land of yoga, don’t even have and that’s what we call it today as ‘yoga’ or origi- Satyananda and others travelled to west and in-
under 27 departments. That’s how prolific the a decent understanding of yoga. We seem to have nally called ‘Hatha Yoga’. A good level of overall troduced the science and practice of yoga.
yoga industry has grown. The Wal-Mart Web site an elementary understanding and associate it psycho-physical health and integration must be Yoga masters began to travel to the west (all
has some 1,000 yoga products. Yoga is a multi- with some stretching, postures or some breathing attained through hatha yoga by way of asanas, over the world, in fact) in the late 1800s and early
billion dollar industry in the USA, with some 30 exercises. pranayama, etc before the subtler aspects can be 1900s. By the 1920s T. Krishnamacharya demon-
million American practitioners, $27 billion/year So what is yoga and what’s the source or pursued. strated Hatha Yoga throughout India and opened
revenues (from centres, audios, videos, books, history of yoga? In fact yoga is much more than The classical texts of yoga are the ‘Yoga the first school to teach the practice. Three of
conferences, retreats), over 10,000 studios/teach- exercise. The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit Sutras’ by Patanjali, the Hathayoga Pradipika by his students significantly spread authentic yoga,
ers, and more than 700,000 subscribers to Yoga word “Yuj” meaning to yoke, join or unite. This Yogi Svatmarāma, the Gheranda Samhita and the in particular B.K.S. Iyengar, T.K.V. Desikachar
Journal magazine. implies integrating all aspects of our personal- Shiva Samhita. It’s the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, and Pattabhi Jois. In 1947 T. Krishnamacharya’s
Over 98% of yoga teachers, instructors and ity – body with mind and mind with soul thereby Gheranda Samhita and Shiva Samhita where we disciple Indra Devi opened a yoga study in Hol-
students in the USA are non-Indians. Wonder uniting the individual with consciousness. get the details of all the yogic postures, breathing lywood which was the beginning of the spread
why we Indians are not interested in teaching The first references to the history of yoga can and cleansing (kriya) techniques. Many other and popularisation of Hatha Yoga in the United
yoga – especially when the 2 million strong be found in the Rig Veda. Most of the authen- Hindu texts discuss aspects of yoga, includ- States.
Indian community in the United States is one of tic or improvised “yoga” that we see practised ing Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gitā and various Although most modern practitioners have no
the most educated and wealthiest groups? What today is actually one of the six orthodox philo- Tantras. Yoga was also prevalent in ancient India sense of the history of yoga or even a clue about
does that tell us? sophical schools as expounded by Sage Patan- with several seals discovered at Indus Valley the origins of yoga as a spiritual discipline, they
It is also estimated that there are about 1 jali. The foundation text of the yoga system is Civilization (3300–700 BCE) sites depicting are aware of its health and exercise advantages.
million people in the United Kingdom practic- the ‘Yoga Sutras’ by Patanjali who is regarded figures in positions resembling a common yoga Thanks to medical experts like Deepak Chopra,
ing yoga. In India, Baba Ramdev is particularly as the founder of the formal yoga philosophy or meditation poses. David Simon, Andre Weil and gurus like Swami
well-known for his efforts in popularising yoga called ‘Raja Yoga’. Raja Yoga is concerned prin- The genesis of the globalisation of yoga first Niranjanananda Saraswati and others who have
to the masses using mainstream media, claim- cipally with the nurturing of the mind through an came in contact with the west during the times of restored yoga’s to its right glory making it a
ing to have over 85 million people following his eight-fold path only to culminate in meditation Plato and Aristotle who paid acknowledgments quality product and a global brand.
yoga camps via TV channels, and video. This is to finally achieve absolute freedom or liberation to Indian values and practices in their arts. These The brand yoga, which is an essential part of
in addition to some incredible work done by dedi- (kaivalya). Raja Yoga is also referred as Astānga contacts were furthered by Alexander’s arrival in Vedic Hindu religion, has been a part of India’s
cated yoga centres like the Bihar School of Yoga, (eight-limbed) yoga because there are eight pro- India in the 3rd century BCE. culture and daily religious practice for over 5,000
Shivananda Yoga Vedanta centre and others. gressive aspects to the path to which one must Modern yoga gained momentum in the west years. Time is not far when the modern man
Despite this explosion of yoga, especially attend. Raja Yoga is so-called because it is pri- in the late 1800s after the famous disciples of would adopt yoga in his daily practice in one
after the Baba Ramdev revolution, do we really marily concerned with the mind. Swami Vivekananda and other great gurus like form or the other thus making it a truly quality
know much about yoga and its history? Accord- Since the mind is related to the body, the body Osho, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Paramahansa brand exported from India.

24 Indian Weekender | March 12, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz

Indian
Column

Lifting achievement in Are you self employed or

in business?
our schools Oliver Pereira
We usually think of taking out insurance to cover loans, shareholder loans, creditors, hire purchase and
Prime Minister Hon John Key our family home mortgage debt and in personal cir- lease contracts.
cumstances we tend to insure life, income, health etc l Credit shareholder current accounts. These are
National wants to lift achievement Evidence shows that one of the best ways to protect ourselves & our families from unforeseen usually advances from the owners into the business
in our schools. to lift achievement is having clear, challeng- tragedies. as working capital. In the event of a shareholder suf-
ing, and achievable goals, followed up with This sort of planning is all very fine however if fering death, disability or critical illness, funds will
Almost one in five children leave school quality teaching. you are in business be required to pay this capital out to them or their
without the basic skills in reading, writing, A report from the Education Review Office - Have you considered a Contingency plan estate without having to sell the business or business
and maths they need to succeed. We want all at the end of last year showed that almost two- for the Business in the event of death or disability of assets to fund the payout.
children to develop those skills. thirds of schools do not monitor Year 1 and 2 the principal/business owner? l In the event of a Debit balance, it is an unsecured
That’s why at the start of the school children’s performance well, and that three- Because the personal assets of principals/busi- debt owed to the business by the Shareholder, usually
year, we launched National Standards in all quarters of principals don’t set expectations ness owners usually secure the current, term and con- as a result of drawings or loans to shareholders. In
primary and intermediate state schools. of high achievement levels. This shows how tingent debts of a business, the principals/business many cases this debt will need to be cleared by the
A few weeks in, we’ve had positive feed- urgent it is to take action. owners and their families are vulnerable to negative shareholder/shareholder estate, in the event of a share-
back from parents and schools. We’re investing $26 million this year to changes in the business. holder suffering death, disability or critical illness.
We know that the vast majority of teach- train and support teachers as they implement If the services of a key principal/employee/busi-
ers and schools are putting in place National the standards. And we’re investing an extra ness owner were lost, through death, disability or The exposures as detailed above can be supported by
Standards in a practical and professional $36 million over three years to assist students medical issues, the holder of the security may decide Death, Total & Permanent Disablement and Critical
manner. identified as needing extra help. it is prudent to exercise the right to call-up the debt. illness insurance taken on key principals/business
National Standards are benchmarks We are not introducing national testing If this happens in times of recession, or difficult owners for the specific purpose of canceling or re-
showing what children should be able to like that seen in Britain, the United States or trading conditions, the result can be financially disas- ducing core debt.
achieve in reading, writing, and maths, and Australia. We have learnt from their experi- trous on the business, and on the families of princi- We all do get busy and work on priorities and do
by when. Twice a year, schools will report to ences. Now the rest of the world is looking at pals who have given security. only what is necessary especially if in business or
parents in plain language, illustrating chil- our groundbreaking approach. Capital must be available to the business to allow self employed to maximise returns. So if you haven’t
dren’s progress against the standards. This month we appointed a five-member either the sale or the orderly winding-up of the busi- already done so, it may be wise to take the time to
A recent survey in the New Zealand Herald independent advisory group to support the ness, through the cancellation of all or most of the review your priorities and undertake a review of your
showed that 73 per cent of parents support implementation of National Standards. core debt. contingency plan for your business and protect your
National Standards. This group, which includes Professor John All current, term and contingent debt of the busi- business and family security before it is too late.
We are confident that even more parents Hattie, will provide the Minister of Education ness should be considered in the event of the death or The above information has been provided to
will support the standards once they receive with free and frank advice about the imple- disability of a principal. serve only as a guideline to assist in evaluating your
their first reports from their child’s school. mentation of National Standards and any re- insurance needs. You are encouraged to do your own
National Standards are not about label- finements that could make them better. So here is some of your business research before arriving at any decisions.
ling children. They are about making sure National wants to see every single child debt check list:
that teachers, principals, and parents know get the opportunity to succeed. National Stan- - For further information, please contact:
exactly how children are achieving and pro- dards is an important tool to help make that l Secured debt which involves personal guarantees Oliver Pereira – OPM Insurance Services Ltd.
gressing, and how they can be supported to happen. given by the business owners/trustees Ph. 0800 66 77 92 , Faxmail. 021 551 669
lift their achievement. l Outstanding Tax issues Mobile. 021 66 77 92,
l Advances to the business such as mortgages, term Email. [email protected]

Indian Weekender | March 12, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz 25

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Feature

The Oscar roster: Some firsts, some predicted

Now that the winners of the 82nd Annual Oscar viewership, reportedly dipping in the last couple
Award have been announced, it is analyzing time. of years, ‘the greatest show on earth’ began with a
Some won – predictably, and some, slightly off the Broadway-style musical performance before hosts 1 2
expectations. Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin started their wise-
The biggest news is, of course, the Best Di- cracking introduction to the stars in the audience.
rector award for Kathryn Bigelow, the first time This was the first time since 1943 (when “Cas-
in Oscar history for female director to do so, for ablanca” won) to have 10 pictures nominated for
her small-budget “The Hurt Locker” a live-action the best picture, instead of five. The presenters
film on American soldiers in the Iraq War. She for the Best Actor (won of Jeff Bridges as down-
was only the fourth woman director to be nomi- hill country singer Bad Blake in “Crazy Heart”),
nated for the prestigious award in Oscar history. and Best Actress (Sandra Bullock for “The Blind
For many, it was a toss between this and sci-fi film Side” as a feisty white woman adopting an African
with a message “Avatar”, American football player) had
the biggest grosser in Hol- five presenters each unfold-
lywood history, made by her ing the experience of acting
ex-husband James Cameron with the nominated actors in
(of “Titanic’ fame). The respective films. For Sandra
cheers went up as presenter Bullock, first time nominated
Barbara Streisand said “the and winner, it has surely been
time has come” for history a coming –of age film, as
to be made as she was she has long associated with
about to open the coveted fluffy comedies, even acting
envelope. For “The Hurt in forgettable films like “Miss (1) Hosts Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin, (2) Kate Winslet
Locker”, however, it was Congeniality.” That she was (3) Mo’Nique at Red Carpet (4) GeorgeClooney & Elisabetta
a double-triumph putting in company with formidable Canalis (5) Neil Patrick Harris performs (6) 82nd Annual
behind “Avatar”, widely Meryl Streep, the most-nomi- Academy Awards venue (7) Quentin Tarantino (8) Meryl
expected to win the “Best nated actress in Oscar history, Streep (9) Christoph Waltz
Picture” award (despite the Kathryn Bigelow wins and redoubtable Dame Helen
Golden Globe win, a precur- Best Director for Hurt Mirren, itself spoke volumes 3
sor to the Oscar). Locker of her newly-acquired matu- 4
Bigelow’s generosity rity as a performer.
in acknowledging the work of her co-workers Then there was Mo’nique, winner of the Best
saying, “The secret of direction is collaborating” Actress in a Supporting Role for the film “Pre-
and that she had “extraordinary collaborators”, cious”: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire
and dedicating the top awards to the military men (she had also won the golden Globe for the same
and their families - not only American soldiers in role). On both the occasions hers was one of the
Afghanistan but those fighting in conflict regions best acceptance speeches heard, talking about
all over “ the world” reflected a genuine gesture of artistic excellence, and creative aspirations rising
understanding and compassion. above circumstances.
This year’s Oscar also had some other firsts, - Ranjita Biswas
or come-backs, so to say. Perhaps to boost up
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26 Indian Weekender | March 12, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz

Indian
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Indian Weekender | March 12, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz 27

Indian
HA!

ODDS AND ENDS

Different Strokes A Town Without Streets
C
AN you imagine a town
THE father exclaimed one morning, “There
without streets? Catal Huyuk
is something wrong with my shaving
in Central Anatolia in Turkey
brush!” On hearing this, his little son
was one such town. The town had no
remarked, “But it was all right when I
streets! How did the people move about
painted my toy with it.”
the town? They climbed up the roofs
using ladders and walked across the flat
TRIVIA rooftops of the houses. This was possible
because the houses touched one another.
As there were no streets, there were no
front doors either. Entrances to the houses
=4
2+2
were through little porches on the roofs.
Catal Huyuk hummed with life 9000
CAT years ago. It is the earliest known city.
Nearly 10000 people lived in the town.
Their prime occupation was farming. For
some mysterious reason, the people
WHO coined the phrase “The Three R’s”, deserted the quaint town and it fell into
which stands for reading, writing and ruins. Excavation of the city began in
arithmetic? A Sir William Curtis, who was 1961.
unable to read or write!

2. There was a group of boys on

FAMOUS FIRST TIMEPASS cycles, playing follow-the-leader.
There were four boys in front of
THE world’s first slot-machine was a boy, four boys behind a boy and
designed nearly 2000 years ago by an a boy in the middle.
Egyptian inventor named Heron, in the city How many boys were there in all?
of Alexandria. Ancient Egyptians used to
drop a coin in the machine to receive holy
water from the tap for the ritual wash before
worshipping.

3. How many kilograms does each

1. A youth asked a multimillionaire for his cube, pyramid, and sphere weigh
daughter’s hand in marriage. The man when each row has the combined
said he would consent to the marriage weight indicated?
only if the youth could arrange ten coins
to form the phrase “I consent”. Answers :
The young man took out ten coins from
“ten coins” to form the phrase.
sphere, 2 kg.
EASY DRAW his pocket and began to arrange them pyramid 3 kg and the
be re-arranging the letters in the words
on the table in front of him. But no piece of paper. By doing this he would
Draw a Spider in 4 easy steps. matter how he positioned them, he
3. The cube weighs 6 kg, the had to do was to write ‘I consent’ on a
could not form the phrase. 2. 5 boys. 1. It was an easy task. All that the youth
Do you think it was an impossible task?

SEE ‘N’ SMILE — By Nishant

NZ-8.1 / © 2009 Amrita Bharati, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan; e-mail: [email protected]

28 Indian Weekender | March 12, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz

Indian

Indian Weekender | March 12, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz 29

Indian
Issue of the day WEEKENDCUISINE
What is your opinion of the verdict in
the Navtej Singh murder case? KHUMB MASALA
Recipe by Ruby Dhillon
All 7 deserved to be charged and convicted of murder. Get-
ting tough on criminals is the only way to improve law & order
and make New Zealanders feel safe. Ingredients: Method:
• 600gm- Mushrooms • Wash and medium slice the mushrooms,
- Ram Rai • 100gm- Cabbage and keep them aside.
• 1/2cup- Onion ( sliced) • Wash and shred the cabbage.
The accomplices are equally guilty of the crime and should • Heat oil in a wok and sauté cabbage then
• 1tbs- Garlic paste
be prosecuted as they knowingly aided the person who was mushrooms over the medium heat until
• 2tbs- Ginger paste
going to carry the weapon to threaten the shopkeeper and any liquid has evaporated.
were aware of the consequences if it was used. • 3- Red chillis whole ( crushed in
• Heat oil in a separate wok add garlic
a mixer) paste and stir over medium heat for a
- Nilima Kalambi • 2tsp- Coriander seeds ( crushed minute.
in a mixer) • Then add ginger paste, red chillis whole
As prejudice was not determined to be an aggravating factor,
• 3cups- Tomatoes chopped and coriander seeds.
jury verdict based on the Sentencing Act 2002 reflected out-
• 4- Green chillis (slit, deseed and • Add onions and cook till they are
comes. Ethnic communities of Indian diaspora need to unite
transparent and add tomatoes. Stir the
to influence safety for all. chopped)
- Ann Pala masala till the oil shows up. Then add
• 1/2cup- Coriander leaves
capsicum and sauté for another minute.
• 1oz- Capsicum cut into juliennes
• Add mushrooms and cabbage, stir
• 2tsp- Garam masala constantly for 3-4 minutes.
The accomplices should have had tougher penalties as
none of them even tried to contact the police after the tragic • Salt according to taste • Add salt, garam masala and chopped
incident occurred. They knowingly facilitated the crime and • Oil coriander, stir.
should be prosecuted. • Serve hot.
- Shri Desai

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30 Indian Weekender | March 12, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz
Indian
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Health

It’s not just about your back!

you may not. Chiropractors are therefore consulted by using the technique, which is best pain, it is about general
Adeela Afiz for a wide range of reasons. Some people want to suited to you. good health. Symptoms
Everybody wants to be healthy and have a body remove pain and stiffness in their bodies, others “Chiropractic adjustments” are such as irregular men-
that functions well. Chiropractic can help you to for ease of symptoms from conditions such as made to the level of your spine that strual cycles, headaches
do this. Chiropractic care is about restoring and asthma or indigestion, while others find that chi- needs it using a variety of techniques. or pain and numbness in
maintaining good health by having a properly ropractic care gives them improved concentration This may be done using only the chi- your arms and legs are
functioning nervous system, without the use of and a better nights sleep. Because your nerves ropractors hands or by using the aid of not normal. They may be
drugs or surgery. It is totally natural and also one help to control every organ and function in your special tables and some instruments. due to impaired nervous
of the fastest growing health care professions in the body, anything that interferes with this has an Chiropractors are trained in a variety function and this is what
world. effect on your general health. Chiropractors can of techniques so they are able to use the one that is chiropractors specialise in.
Every function in your body is controlled by help to remove this interference without the use of best suited and that will be most effective for you. Many people are seeking chiropractic care
the brain, spinal cord, and all the nerves of the drugs or surgery. The word Chiro is a Greek word Chiropractors are highly trained, primary to maintain best possible health. Just like getting
body. Together, this system is called the nervous meaning “done by hand”. contact health care professionals. To become a your car serviced regularly, you want to service
system. It is protected by your skull and all the chiropractor, you must complete a 5-year full-time and maintain the health of your body before it all
bones in your back, which make up your spine, What do chiropractors do? tertiary degree, specialising in anatomy, biome- breaks down!
which is why chiropractors deal with the bones Chiropractors focus on the biomechanics of the chanics, biochemistry, neurology, philosophy, Many professional and elite sports teams and
and joints in your back as well as the rest of your body such as joint motion and how your neck, back psychology, physics, physiology, radiography, players see chiropractors so they can boost perfor-
body. The nerves carry the messages from the and pelvis are moving. By helping to restore proper radiology, along with spinal analysis and adjust- mance. Research has shown it helps athletes with
brain to all the organs of your body such as your spinal alignment, we improve nervous system ing procedures. Many chiropractors also hold a faster reaction and recovery times.
eyes, heart, liver, kidneys and reproductive system function as well as help those who are experi- Bachelor’s degree in a related health field. At the Everyone from children to the elderly can
which controls and regulates digestion, heart rate, encing pain. Chiropractors take a detailed health end of this 5 year degree, they are awarded the title benefit from having a body that is free of inter-
blood pressure, and many other bodily functions. history and perform a full physical exam to find “Doctor of Chiropractic.” ference. Trauma, toxins in our environment and
If your nervous system is impaired or some- out how your body is functioning. They then locate stress are part of everyone’s lives. To remove the
thing is causing it to not function properly, it can those areas of your spine that may not be moving Who can benefit from chiropractic care? effects of these on your body, it’s a good idea to
result in a wide range of signs and symptoms, correctly and the areas where your nerve supply Everyone and anyone can benefit from chiroprac- consider seeing a chiropractor.
some of which you may notice and some of which may be compromised. We then correct these areas tic care. Chiropractic is not just about easing back

Indian Weekender | March 12, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz 31

Indian

32 Indian Weekender | March 12, 2010 | www.iwk.co.nz