Professional Documents
Culture Documents
10 FEB2017 SUNIL
Vol. 8 Issue 45 GROVER Pg 30
NZs only Kiwi-Indian weekly Auckland | Christchurch | Wellington | Hamilton | Palmerston North | Hastings | Invercargill The Pulse of Kiwi-Indians since 2009 www.iwk.co.nz
INDIAN STUDENTS
DEPORTATION
WHO IS AT FAULT? JOIN
PaTssEes
Cll
NEW ZEALAND
INSTITUTE OF
LEANING
For more details, visit www.bit.do/dabang *T&Cs apply 2C/302, Te Irirangi Drive,
Botany South, Flat Bush,
Auckland 2013
NEED HELP
SETTLING IN?
TALK TO US TODAY
Living in a different country is an exciting challenge. We know because many of our banking experts are migrants themselves. Whether you have recently
arrived in New Zealand, or you have lived here for a while, we can help by giving you unique banking benefits as part of our ANZ Migrant Banking Package.
ANZ2251_IW1/2
To see how we can help you make the most of life in New Zealand, visit anz.co.nz/migrantcentres or call us on 0800 269 296
Package details, lending criteria, terms and conditions apply. A copy of our Package terms and conditions are available on request from any ANZ branch. ANZ Bank New Zealand Limited.
NEW ZEALAND
I
ndian students facing deportation we found out that the students were
in New Zealand are fighting accused of committing two types
their last fight for justice. The of fraud.
deportation appeal made by nine
students stuck in the false document Fake financial support
I
scam was declined last week after n one case, the documents to show
Immigration Minister Michael
financial support for the student
Woodhouse decided not to intervene
in the matter. visa application was false. The
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) supporter/sponsor was supporting
Assistant General Manager Peter more than one application at the
Devoy has confirmed that two out same time. Moreover, the students do
of the nine students have already not know the supporter.
left the country voluntarily, while Asha Rani, who hails from
the remaining seven are still in a Hoshiarpur, Punjab, has been issued
sanctuary at Auckland Unitarian
the Deportation Liability Notice
Church in Grey Lynn. While one of
the members of Migrant Workers (DLN) on the basis of this fraud,
Association NZ (MWANZ) Sunny Nine Indian students have taken refuge at Auckalnd Unitarian Church after their apeal to immigration was declined last week
however, she says that she had no
Seghal said that none of the students idea about any such document, as her
have left, all the nine students were The issue agent submitted her application and
T
still at the church (confirmed on all the documents to the immigration.
Thursday, February 8 at 6 p.m.). The Indian community in New he Indian community in New
Zealand has so far had mixed Fake loan disbursement
The students, which include Zealand has so far had mixed reactions on the issue of deportation
a woman with her two-year- letter
reactions on the issue of deportation and
I
old daughter, are hoping that and the visa scam. While some have
Prime Minister Bill English n another case, the loan
cancels their deportation notice,
the visa scam. While some have shown shown support and compassion to
disbursement letter submitted
the students, others have concluded
thussaving their future from support and compassion to the students, that it is not possible that the students
with the student visa application
being tainted, even if they have to go was fake. Immigration verified with
back home.
others have concluded that it is not were not aware of the fraud. And the respective banks about the loans
Immigration lawyer Alastair possible that the students were not while the Christian community has and found out that those loans were
McClymont who was representing aware of the fraud... come forward to help, the students never issued. Students from the state
around 20 students had requested Mr are disheartened by the lack of of Andra Pradesh in India, who have
Woodhouse to cancel the deportation support from the Indian community been caught in this scam, have been
orders more than six months ago.
The request was submitted after it who seem to follow the stereotype issued a DLN on the grounds of
was found that education agents Mr McClymont said he received and that the students applications that if an Indian is being blamed, this fraud. In their conversation
based in India had submitted false an e-mail on February 2, stating were declined. he/she must have done wrong. with Indian Weekender, these students
documents on behalf of the students. the minister would not intervene Indian Weekender spoke to four revealed more.
A
my application? family back home.
sha came to New Zealand on We had heard that he is a popular Mrs Rani says that the time she
August 15, 2015, to study a one- agent and has been working for so spent in New Zealand has been the
Manoj N., Mohammad
year business diploma from ICNZ long in this industry. He wouldnt do worst experience of her life. She Salman, and Sunil Chinta
M
college. She was in her classroom anything wrong. And we had told him paid $20,000 towards her college fee anoj hails from Hyderabad,
on May 20, 2016, when two clearly that we will pay you whatever alone. For justice, she wants that the Andra Pradesh. He is being
immigration officer came to hand your fee is, but dont do anything that deportation notice revoked. deported for submitting a false loan
her the Deportation Liability Notice. is illegal. letter, which he did not know about
If going back is the only way, we
I [was] surprised. We came here Mrs Rani said that she contacted want the deportation notice to be and was never made aware of. It was
after following all the legal and Mr Garg after she got the DLN and cancelled. We are facing this situation only after he received the DLN that
genuine procedures. We had no idea he told her that he could help her go for no fault of our own. Still, we he found out that a loan letter was
about what [the] agent has done. We to Australia and also that she can stay submitted with his application. It has a property address that
are ready to go back but not with
were told [by immigration] that the in New Zealand for three months and Immigration did not contact I dont even know of. They (the
the deportation label that will ruin
person who has shown funds for us appeal against the notice. But after me when I applied for the student agent) just copy pasted our names
our future.
had also shown the same funds for visa. They never established a on a sample letter and submitted the
the initial conversation, he stopped I spent a lot of moneyfor my
someone else as well, Mrs Rani said. direct contact with me. They had document to immigration. And it is
answering her calls. studies, my living expense, tickets,
She says that her husbands family three months after I submitted my the same company that is operating
When Mrs Rani came to New my husbands visa, my daughters with different names in the entire
was financially secure to support her application to check all the facts,
Zealand, her daughter, Khwahish, visa, their tickets, but what did I get state. All the students who came from
education and living expenses in New document, and information. But they
was only two months old. Her in return? I didnt even get some Andra Pradesh are the victims of this
Zealand and did not need financial did not find it then but only after
husband Vikram Salaria joined respect. We are now being sent back seven months of me coming to this scam, he said.
assistance from anyone else. her with their daughter after seven with a label that we are frauds? country, Mr Manoj said. Mr Salmans case is also the same.
I had presented by husbands months. Now she is afraid that the She said that she hasnt been able He added that apart from his and He studied Business Management
and my father-in-laws funds as deportation will not only have a to tell her situation to her parents, as his fathers name, all information in Level 7 at NZIS and paid $17,000
required by the immigration. But bad effect on her and her husbands her mother is suffering from a heart the loan letter was incorrect. towards the course fee. He has
TUITIONS
MATHS, PHY, CHEM, BIO, ENG & ACCOUNTING
Individual Attention
Reasonable Fee
The Excellent performance
of our students is a
testimony of our efforts
Congrats Paulse Anothottam(SPC) Top in world for
IGCSE MATHS -2015 Top in NZ for Religious Studies
2016. 98% in Chem. 97% in Bio.7A* in IGCSE.
Maximum 8 students per batch
Specialised teachers for each subject.
Admissions Underway... Enroll Now!!
Email:brilliancetuitions@gmail.com
www.brillianceducare.co.nz
4 NEW ZEALAND 10 February 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz
now completed his study and wants that what had spoken to him on that day.
immigration had committed to them when they When I asked him why are you not
applied for the visa: one year of job search visa. supporting students, he told me come to his
They should fulfil their promises. It is our office to talk. We even wanted to go, but a
right. We have paid for this, Salman said.
couple of days later, we saw that he was in
Sunil Chintas situation is no different. He India with the (then) Prime Minister John Key.
argued that if they would have taken the loan or
He had already left. Mr Sehgal said that they
produced the false loan letter, they would have
paid their college fee from the loan account. did not go to him later.
I never had an account in Andhra Bank, and Indian Weekender also spoke to the Indian
I paid my fee from my account. I have proof for Deportation and voluntary departure We request you all to visit the students to High Commissioner Sanjiv Kohli, who said
I
that. Why would I do that? If I were planning provide moral support. Visiting hours are 10 that Indian government would assist Indian
NZs Assistant General Manager Mr Devoy a.m. to 5 p.m.at 1a Ponsonby Road, Grey Lynn.
a fraud, I would have paid it from the loan told Indian Weekender that 191 Indian students citizens in the times of crisis and help them
account and not from the personal account, The Church has been kind and generous get back to India while the case with these
had been served deportation orders since
Mr Chinta said. to provide shelter for the students. However,
May 2016 for a range of reasons, including students is different.
the students need pre-prepared meals daily.
Solution the provision of fraudulent or misleading The Indian Government comes to the
The supporting organisations have called for
information. Of the 191 students, 125 have
I
community help with gifts of prepared meals. assistance of Indian citizens in times of crisis
NZ has confirmed that six of the seven left New Zealand (either voluntarily or
students still in New Zealand have been If you are able to help the students please and helps them reach their homeland. In this
via deportation).
awarded the qualifications they came for. contact team members of Migrant Workers case, the students are saying they dont want
There are opportunities for people who
The students want justice from INZ and AssociationAnu Kaloti 0212065640 or to return to India and wish to stay in a foreign
are liable for deportation to appeal and to
the government and are requesting them to Sunny Sehgal 02102945924, a community land. Under these circumstances, the Indian
leave voluntarily and without penalty, Mr
revoke the deportation notice. They want Devoy said. appeal from MWANZ said. High Commissions ability to help is limited,
the immigration to allow them to gain work he said.
Those who do not leave voluntarily and What our leaders are doing
experience by issuing them the post-study
T
before the expiry of their visa are prohibited Mr Kohli said that despite this, he is taking
work visa. he students have been furious that none
from applying to enter New Zealand for five full interest in this issue and is in touch with INZ
But if going back is the only solution, they years without special permission. of the Indian MPs have come forward,
if not to help them but at least listen to t on a daily basis.
want to leave with dignity and not get deported,
People who are deported must also The overall welfare of our students is a
which would prohibit them from coming back heir grievances.
repay deportation and flight costs before
to New Zealand for the next five years. We asked National MP Kanwaljit Bakshi priority matter for us. We take up all issues
they will be allowed to apply to enter New
I wont lie sitting here in the [church]. why he never tried to meet or speak to the concerning their welfare including deportations
Zealand again without special permission.
Settling here permanently was never our goal. students. He told Indian Weekender that he had and closing down of some institutions with
Overstaying and deportation information is
We just wanted to study and work her for a offered assistance to the students but they never every concerned authority. And they have
recorded electronically.
few years and go back to our country. But this came to him. responded to us in a constructive spirit.
situation has left us in an appalling condition. While there is no law in New Zealand to stop
police from entering the church, they will have When these students were protesting at the As far as deportations are concerned, they
New Zealand has been the worst experience for
to use force at a religious place to carry out the Auckland Diwali Festival at Aotea Square last [INZ] decided to apply the law and allow the
us, Mrs Rani said.
deportation of the students. year, I approached one of the leaders of the protest students to use its full course including appeals.
The students said that had the INZ been able
Meanwhile, the Migrant Workers Association and told him that I was happy to meet with them.
to perform their job well and identify the fraud We now need to respect the law of this land.
NZ (MWANZ) is appealing community I invited them to come to my office in Papatoetoe
before issuing them a visa, they would not be in Indians have a rich reputation as law-abiding
members to donate pre-prepared meals for the so we could meet and discuss their situation but
this situation. people, and we need to preserve that reputation.
students who have been staying at the church. they never took me up on that offer, and I have
We were unaware of the fraud but if We, of course, would have been happier if
As a last attempt for mercy from the not heard from them since.
the immigration could have found it before
He said that he would be happy to talk to the the outcome had been in favour of the students.
issuing us visa, we wouldnt have to prove our Immigration Minister and the Prime
innocence now. The ignorance and mistake Minister, 10 international Indian students students and they can visit him in his office on There are lessons to be learnt from this by
was done on their part in the first place and including one mother with a two-year- any Friday. all stakeholders including the students, and we
we are ones bearing the brunt of it now, said old child have taken refuge at Auckland When we spoke to Sunny Sehgal, one of the hope these lessons will lead to a better system
Mr Chinta. Unitarian Church since Monday, February 6. organisers of the protest, he said that Mr Bakshi for everyone, Mr Kohli said.
M
is the most important thing in the and immigrants as the dangerous
ore than 1,500 Kiwis
world? and It is the people. others, Nisha, another organiser of
rallied at Aotea Centre
These border policies are racist, the rally, said.
at 6 p.m. on February 7
expressing their solidarity against Islamophobic, and unacceptable. Farida Sultana, a Muslim feminist;
the recent Muslim travel ban in They continue a pattern of white Fatumata Bah, a university student
the United States. People from all supremacist immigration exclusion and a former refugee; TeRata
cultural and religious background in colonial settler countries [such Hikairo, a Maori Muslim, educator
stood strong protesting US President as] the United States. Bill English and community advocate; Ahmed
Donald Trumps Islamophobic refusing to call it for what it is Bashir, a Sudanese-Kiwi and a
immigration policy. racistis a dangerously weak student of international relations and
response and doesnt represent the a former refugee were among the
The protest No Ban No Wall
people of Aotearoa Mehwish, one many who addressed the crowd and
organised by university students
of the organisers of the protest said. raised voice against the travel ban.
on Aotearoa Against Muslim Ban
Facebook page gained momentum The police formed a human About 60,000 travellers were
rapidly and became a hot topic of barricade blocking a small group affected by the ban and had their
discussion online as thousands signed of Mr Trump supporters from visas cancelled.
up for the mass gathering. interacting with the protesters at the On February 5, James Robart,
Different community organisations gathering. While a Trump supporter a US Federal Judge in Seattle, put
On January 27, President Trump
such as Pacific Panther Network, jeered anti-immigration slogans and a temporary suspension on Mr
signed an executive order titled
Islamic Womens Council of New mocked the crowd, a female protester Trumps executive order, as the
Protecting The Nation From Foreign got into an argument with a protester
Zealand, Racial Equity Aotearoa, order was causing immediate and
Terrorist Entry To The United before the police intervened.
Shakti Youth Ambassador Network, irreparable injury and may be ruled
States, which prohibits travellers,
Syrian Solidarity New Zealand, I find the travel ban too silly, unconstitutional, the media reported.
except US citizens, travelling on
Migrant from Mexico, and Church and it is time for the people of New The ruling meant that officials had
passports from Iran, Sudan, Syria,
in Progress MCC came forward to Zealand to stand up and say we to stop enforcing the travel ban and
Somalia, Iraq, Libya, and Yemen to
support and contribute to the protest and people from specific Muslim- do not support this. We welcome the banned travellers could enter the
enter the US for a period of 90 days.
at Aotea Centre. majority countries is a scary step people from everywhere, and we country.
There is also a 120-day ban on all want diversity, and it is our strength,
We are really glad to see [the] towards fascism, Fahad Hussain , However, protesters are not looking
refugees and an indefinite ban on Rosemary Penwarden, a Kiwi
immense support from the Jewish a university student and one of the at a mere temporary suspension.
Syrian refugees. protester at the event, said.
community here. Their presence organisers of the protest, said. The immigration ban is
Inevitably, following Mr Trumps We should not see the executive temporarily lifted, and this does
amongst us shows that we are The gathering held placards that
order, protests erupted across the orders in isolation. Deportations not mean an end to fascism, racism,
not alone, a protester at Aotea read Jews against Islamophobia,
US, especially outside airports and and Immigration restrictions have and centuries of oppression and
Centre said. #Resist, Shelter more Refugees,
in other places such as London and been in place for years. Rather than dehumanisation of people of colour
Globally, there is an increase in Punch more Nazis, Your Silence
Canada, to overturn the ban on seeing Trump as an exception to and indigenous nations, Aotearoa
Islamophobia that marginalises and equals more Violence, Stand
Muslims and refugees and to release the rule, we need to question the Against Muslim Ban said on their
advocates violence against Muslim against Islamophobia, and Maori
those detained. political and systematic racism that Facebook page.
communities. Singling out Muslims saying Aha Te Mea Nui O Te Ao
www.iwk.co.nz | 10 February
NEW ZEALAND 5
A
19-year- old Indian international
student is believed to have taken her life
in Auckland.
Ravija Sharmas body was found on Friday,
February 3 in what is believed to be a suspected
case of suicide.
A family friend of Ms Sharma from Kanpur,
India and currently living in Auckland informed
the High Commission about the incident. Ms
Sharmas mother came to New Zealand for her
daughters cremation as it was hard for her to came to New Zealand four months ago to study
take the body back to India, being a lone parent. Creative Writing at the Auckland University of
Ms Sharmas funeral service was conducted Technology in Auckland.
at a private ceremony at South Auckland She is survived by her mother who is a
Funeral Services in Otahuhu and cremation professor of Physics at an institute in Meerut,
was held at Manukau Memorial Gardens on India while her father passed away when she
Thursday, February 9. was young.
The Indian High Commission in New From what I know, Ravija was an introvert
Zealand has been in touch with the family and but exceptionally creative and extraordinary
providing them with the required assistance. girl, the family friend who is also helping the
We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate distressed mother, told Indian Weekender.
incident. Our condolences are with the family Indian Weekender is following up the incident
in deep grief. May her soul rest in peace, and will update the readers through our website
Sanjiv Kohli, High Commissioner of India in www.iwk.nz and Facebook page (www.facebook.
New Zealand said. com/Indianweekender), as more details
We are trying to help the family as much as are known.
we can. We are arranging documentation and
visas for the mother and making arrangements GET HELP:
for the ashes to be taken back to India.
Whatever help they need, we are there for Lifeline(open 24/7) - 0800 543 354
them in this time of grief, Mr Kohli added.
Youthline(open 24/7) - 0800 376 633. You
Constable Deepak Kalra of the NZ Police is can also text 234 for free between 8am and
also providing support to the lone mother and
midnight, or emailtalk@youthline.co.nz
assisting her to make arrangement for the ashes
to be taken back to India, where the last rites for Suicide Crisis Helpline(open 24/7) - 0508
Ms Sharma will be performed. 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO). This is a service
Ms Sharma hailed from Kanpur, India for people who may be thinking about
and was a single child. She was studying suicide, or those who are concerned about
BA Honours at one of the most prestigious family or friends
educational institute of IndiaSri Ram
College of Commerce in New Delhi when she Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 or Free
decided to go for a career in creative writing and TXT 4202
A
dairy owner and his family are left
stunned after three men armed with a
pistol, gold club, and a blunt weapon
stormed the diary in Waikato on February 7.
Waingaro Road Dairy in Ngaruawahia,
Waikato was attacked at around 4:30 p.m. when
three men stormed into the store and stole cash
and cigarettes from the counter.
The sole male shopkeeper retreated to the
rear of the shop upon the arrival of the robbers 59511 tall, wearing dark-coloured shorts,
to keep himself and his family safe. The hoodies and had masks covering their faces. 110 Ridge Road And
offenders took a large amount of tobacco and
The police are investigating the incident
HOWICK 12 Nelson Street
cigarettes before fleeing the scene in a stolen
and the offenders are still at large. Police are
vehicle. 1741SQM CORNER ROAD
requesting assistance from members of the
The dairy is owned by an Indian man FRONTAGE SITE ON TWO
public who may have any information relating TITLES, 11m height and 45%
who denied to be named or comment on the to the incident.
incident, as he is too shaken by the incident. site coverage as of right.
1
Indian Weekender, in its January 13 issue, Existing commercial use for past
The blue/green 1997 Nissan Sentra reported 10 armed robbery incidents and five 20 years means mixed
Hatchback used during the robbery was stolen burglaries during the holiday period. commercial/housing use a
from an address in Ngaruawahia earlier on possibility. Outstanding high
Dairy stores in New Zealand, which are
the same day and was dumped outside an visibility position with two huge
mostly owned and run by Indians, have off
early childhood centre in Brownlee Avenue, street frontages.
lately become a target for offenders who steal
approximately 600700 metres away from the Auction 2pm, Tues 7 Mar 2017
petty cash and cigarettes. These dairy owners
Waingaro Dairy after the robbery. (unless sold prior) 2 Harris Road
are sometimes reluctant to report the incident
The area is frequented by hundreds of people View Sat/Sun 1-1.45pm
to the police and the media, as they fear more
daily, including those who use the Hakarimata attacks. 4 MegaPixels www.bayleys.co.nz/1870687,
Summit Track steps as part of their fitness 2272x1704 1870686
In a move to tackle the increasing number of
programme. Gary Robertson
crime rates in the country, Prime Minister Bill
The three offenders are believed to be aged English, on February 3, announced that police M 021 949 959
in their late teens or early 20s, have skinny
BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD, MANUKAU,
LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008.
numbers would be increased by 1,125, including
to medium builds, were all approximately 880 extra sworn officers on the frontline.
6 NEW ZEALAND 10 February 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz
ROFL with Sunil Grover Music for Soul a healing music concert by Sri Gana-
pathy Sachchidananda Swamiji (Sri Swami ji) was held
at Dorothy Winston Center on Friday, February 4. The
aka Dr Mashoor Gulati concert received a great response from the community
and devotees around the world. It was attended by more
than 700 people from around New Zealand, Australia,
SWATI SHARMA the U.K, USA, Switzerland and Malaysia.
W
hen comedy king Sunil
Grover performs live,
it is bound to cause
a laughter riot. Last weekend,
Aucklanders witnessed the man in
action. The celebrity comedians
popularity among Indians
was evident from the packed
auditorium at Logan Campbell
Centre in Greenlane. The show
was proudly promoted by Trivision
Entertainment and the man
behind it Dharmend Shyam.
Sunil portrayed his three popular
charactersDr Mashoor Gulati,
Rinku Devi, and Guthi. A one-
man show, his impeccable comic
timing and unbeatable sense of
humour converted even the flaws
into comedy and the impromptu
jokes had the audience in splits.
In an exclusive interview with
Indian Weekender, Sunil, who was
on a maiden tour to New Zealand,
said that he would like to visit the
country again to spend some more
time. Talking about his experience
in Auckland, he said, I feel like
I am in some small town, like
Sharma Show. He has also acted in a
Bathinda, of Punjab as I have met
so many Punjabis here, just near few movies and was most recently
my hotel. seen as a policeman in Akshay Dharmend Shyam
T
here are major problems in our wages and exploited when they have been trying
education of foreign students. Cases of to get work experience. Stephen Joyce, the
former Minister for International Education,
fraudulent student visas have created should be accountable for the failure to
hardship for 190 Indian students. Most of the regulate the visas properly, instead of blaming
students have returned to India but nine Indian the students.
students and a toddler are now in sanctuary These students are being punished for the
in Ponsonby church. Their appeals against governments failure to regulate the agents
deportation have so far been turned down. The in India and the tertiary institutions in New
Immigration Minister, David Bennett (who has Zealand. Because of the failure of our
recently replaced the former Minister, Michael government, many students have lost money
Woodhouse), could step in and allow them to and have no qualifications to show for it.
stay on compassionate grounds. They should be They should not be punished again through
allowed to stay. deportation. Indian High Commissioner
The deportation is devastating for the Sanjiv Kohli has said it was grossly unfair
students. Asha Rani, her husband and their to target students who had already started
two year old daughter would be deported. They andinvested heavily in their studies.
and other students have invested much of their The Green Party supports a compassionate
family money into their education, and now approach, and Green MP Denise Roche
have deportation orders hanging over them. has provided support, including letters and
This is an unfair situation that should never a meeting with the Minister to call for the
have happened. Most of the students caught deportation orders to be dropped. We support
up in the fraud say they did not realise that international education, but it must be properly
anything was wrong with their visas until regulated to protect the quality of education,
they arrived in New Zealand. The problem vulnerable students, and the long term
involved fraud by agents in India, but tertiary reputation of New Zealand education.
institutes in New Zealand were also complicit This year there will be an election. Voters
through their poor admission standards, and will have a chance to vote to change the
Immigration NZ through issuing visas. It has government. The Green Party will respect the
been recognised for many years that there needs rights of foreign students, and ensure that there
to be proper regulation of education agents, but are proper rules on our economy for the benefit
the government has failed to take action. of us all.
This is an example of the government
pushing for economic growth at any cost. The This article is co-authored by Raj Singh. He
dash for growth in international education is Principal Legal Associates and a Green
started in 2013, when the government gave Party Candidate.
Your child
(Year 9 13, NCEA and Cambridge)
SYMPTOMS
ROOT CAUSE
Simplify Maths
TREATMENT
OUTCOMES
Improved
Loves Maths performance
in Maths
A
s the South Island sees an
influx of Chinese tourists to
coincide with the celebration
of the Lunar New Yearor the
Chinese New Year of the Rooster
the city is hosting a plethora of
events throughout the month to join
the festivities.
The Consulate General of China
in Christchurch had already hosted
a Gala Show in January at the
citys Isaac Theatre Royal, which
saw performances by the Wuhan
Acrobatic Troupe and Wuhan Opera
and Dancing Theatre.
More than 800 people attended
the celebrations including 13 mayors
from various South Island councils. Notably,
Minister Nicky Wagner and MPs last years
Jian Yang and Maureen Pugh were lantern festival
also present. The event also Chinese Year of the Rooster parade in Christchurch on January
broke record numbers 5, 2017
celebrated the completion of 10 years in attendance for the city,
of sister city relationship between with the Christchurch 12, the Night broke record numbers in attendance
Christchurch and Wuhan. City Council estimating Noodle Market for the city, with the Christchurch
Later, the Christchurch City ,more than 40,000 is returning to the City Council estimating ,more than
File photo:Christchurch Lantern Festival 2016
Libraries and Christchurch City people. North Hagley Park. 40,000 people.
Council celebrated the Lunar New The celebrations Apart from featuring beautiful
Year Family Fun Day on February 4 witnessed a tea ceremony, Chinese the annual Chinese New will wind up with the lanterns and more than 75 stall holders
at the Halswell Centre. Shuttecock (Jianzi), Chinese yo- Year parade, which was 11th Christchurch Lantern serving Chinese food, the festival also
Apart from performances by the yo, and Year of the Rooster arts organised by the Chinese Culture Festival to be held on the weekend of had martial arts demonstrations. This
Qiao Yi Lion Dance Team and Kids and crafts. Then on Sunday, Association. Moving ahead, this February 18. year, the organisers promise that the
Tibetan group dance, the day also Christchurchs city centre witnessed weekend, between February 8 and Notably, last years lantern festival event will be bigger and better.
E
a series of classroom lectures at
ight business students from Ara
Jaipuria Institute of Management
Institute of Canterbury are
in Noida and KCT Business School
currently spending four to six
in Coimbatore. Their trip will
weeks in India.
also include visits to local business
These students are recipients establishments including dairies,
of New Zealands Prime textile mills, and start-ups.
Ministers Scholarship for These
This is being done
Asia (PMSA), which is scholarships
to help the students
funded by the New build on New
develop a better
Zealand government Zealands status as understanding
and encourages a top destination for of the business
New Zealand Indian students, creating environment in
students to study in partnerships with prestigious India, ENZ says.
Asia to experience Indian education At the start
the benefits of institutions and between of their trip in
international the future leaders of January, ENZ
education. both countries hosted the Ara
These scholarships build students at the NZ
on New Zealands status as a High Commission in New
top destination for Indian students, Delhi for an interactive session about
creating partnerships with prestigious NZs relationship with India and the
Indian education institutions and engagement opportunities available.
between the future leaders of both The session was chaired by Acting
countries, Education New Zealands High Commissioner Suzannah
(ENZ) Regional Director John Jessep, and was also attended by
Laxon said. faculty members from Jaipuria and
As part of the programme, the Ara Institute, ENZ informed.
Fiji Association completes a successful 2016 and gears up for the next
T T
and Christmas celebrations. say goodbye to Mr Suresh Mudliar entity comprising people from
he Christchurch Fiji he recently formed Canterbury
who served as our vice president and all Christchurch-based Indian
Associationan organisation We also did fundraising for Indian Community Centre
cultural coordinator for more than organisations, associations, trusts,
formed in 2002 to initiate, the victims of Cyclone Winston. Trust (CICCT) is organising a and community groups, which for
Our Spring Dhamaka and annual 10 years, Vinesh Prakash, Secretary ghazal and old Hindi melodious songs
promote, support, and maintain of the Association, said. the first time have joined hands to
dinners were very well attended. night on February 18 in Christchurch pool in resources to work towards
cultural, religious, and educational
The community now plans to to formally let the community know building an Indian community centre
needs of the Fiji and Pacific migrants Sports wise, we supported the
carry on their last years success the core purpose of the establishment in Christchurch.
and their childrencompleted a Combined Soccer Club, and our with many more events planned in of the trust. Rajiv Gulati from The multi-purpose facility is
successful 2016. very own Jalsa Under-14 United 2017, starting with the upcoming CICCT, while informing this, invited budgeted around $1.2 million, fund
We had several religious football team was a success too. Christchurch Global Football all Indian community groups to be a raising for which will start soon, and
celebrations throughout the year During the year, we had some sad Festival, which will be held between part of the event. CICCT hopes to complete the project
including Ram Navami, Krishna moments as well. We lost one of our February 10 and 12. As reported by the Indian in the next two years.
www.iwk.co.nz | 10 February
NEW ZEALAND 9
New office bearers for the Nepalese Society Theatre veteran Sanjay Goradia
GAURAV SHARMA set to perform in Auckland
T
he Canterbury Nepalese RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
K
Society (CNS), which was
ing of Gujarati comedy and
established in 2015, held a theatre veteran, Sanjay
its Annual General Meeting on Goradia, is coming to
February 6, electing a new executive Auckland for his play Joke Samrat, on
member committee. March 3.
While Bishnu Pokhrel was re- The actor is known for his rib-
elected as the president and Bishal tickling comedy plays such as Aa
Sapkota as the secretary, Dhurva Namo Bahu Nade Chey and Chup Raho
Khanal and Khimananda Rijal Khush Raho and has also appeared in
have been given the responsibility of a few Bollywood films such as multi-
vice-presidentship. starrer Ishq, Aamir Khans Mann,
The event also saw various Newly Elected Committee of the Canterbury Nepalese Societ - from right_ Dhurva
Sanjay Dutts Safari, and Sanjay
traditional Nepalese dance Khanal, Binodh Kandel, Deepak Pandey, Kamal Aryal, Arjun Paudel, Khimananda Dutts Khoobsoorat. ABOUT V3 EVENTS NZ
performances followed by delicious Rijal, Bishnu Pokhrel, and Ambika Basnet Shrestha Directed by Vinod Sarvaiya, the
play revolves around a middle-aged V3 Events NZ is an Auckland-
Nepalese food.
Apart from trophies for the man Jayanti Goragandhi (played based event organising firm that
Zealand Friendship Society Inc.
Nepal New Zealand (NNZFS), which was established
winning team, the man-of-the-match by Sanjay), who amid a chaotic life, delivers Indian plays and shows to
winners also received free passes to suddenly decides to go on a journey the multi-lingual Indian audience in
Friendship Society of in 2002, organised a cricket the organisations first-ever Nepali of entertaining people to relieve them the city.
Canterbury (NNZFSC) tournamentNNZFSC Panthi Cup Yuwa Saanjh being organised on of their stress by becoming a joker.
M
Our motto is to avail an evening,
eanwhile, another Nepalese Cricketbetween various Nepalese February 25. NNZFSC is hosting Although people appreciate his which is different from other same
community group in cricket teams in Christchurch on the event in collaboration with the sense of humour and his art, his own routine evenings, where they can
Christchurch, the Nepal New January 15. Gorkhali Football Club. family looks down upon him, and his be with their family and spend
children feel ashamed of their father. some quality time together, Prem
Tension ensues in the house and his Upadhyay, Managing Director of V3
biggest challenge: will he be able to Events NZ, said.
convince his family and make them
www.iwk.co.nz
effortless acting have made him the Centre, Newton. The show is almost
uncrowned king of Gujarati comedy. sold out with only a few tickets
His idea of delivering a social available. Tickets can be bought from
message using laughter as a medium eventfinda.co.nz and from selected
has caught the attention of theatre grocery stores across Auckland.
lovers internationally.
PRESENT
R AFI KISHORE
MUKESH NIGHT
A Tribute to the Legends
Arpita
Live Orchestra by Srisha
the finest Musicians of
Auckland
Joseph
Arif Viraj
ticket
4th MARCH 2017, 6.30pm $20 Vidya
THE DOROTHY WINSTONE CENTRE, 16 HOWE ST, freemans bay, AUCKLAND Shweta
Tickets available at Bake & Beans, Yogijis Food Mart & Lotus Super Market For more information contact: Arif on 021 339519
GOLD SPONSORS SILVER SPONSORS Supported by Catering by Media Sponsor
mOre
Printing
10 NEW ZEALAND 10 February 2017 | www.iwk.co.nz
I
their day to day needs.
n continuation from our Mt
Albert by-election feature from Immigration is also one of the most
last week, this week we spoke common issues, especially for Asian
to Vin Tomar of New Zealand migrant families. The government
needs to reopen parents category and
Peoples Party, the newest party in
sibling visas. It is important to have
New Zealands political scene. Mr
emotional well-being for any new or
Tomar is NZPPs candidate for Mt
old migrant to live in a new country.
Albert by-election due to be held on
This would allow families to reunite
February 25. Here are the excerpts
with their families. If the government
from the interview. wants to control the numbers of
IWK: What are the issues of people coming to NZ, there are many
people Mt Albert? other categories apart from family.
Mr Tomar: I have been living in I know this because I am a licensed
this area for many years now. Being New Zealand Immigration adviser
a resident, I am aware of many issues and will put a new immigration bill
first hand. During my campaign, in the parliament once I win on
I have been door knocking and February 25.
they are resigning from parliament and want to work for them. My
meeting people from the area every Immigration is also IWK: What solutions are for their personal career goals, message to the Mt Albert people is
day. People have different problems one of the most you proposing to the Mt people are looking for a change, that I live in Mt Albert, I am here to
based on their priorities. Some of Albert people to tackle public and they know that it would cost serve my community 24x7, so give
the common ones are law and order common issues, transport and traffic issues? about two million dollars from tax me a chance to serve you before the
situation, housing, family support especially for Asian Mr Tomar: Immediate action payers pocket for having two by- general election to show what I can
and immigration issues.
The communities deserve to be safe
migrant families. for addressing traffic issues will be elections (Mt Roskill and Mt Albert) do as MP.
to have shared use of roads and just because of Labour party. So lets
and live peacefully. Unfortunately, The government footpaths while we look for long see what comes out on February 25 IWK: There is a significant
number of Kiwi-Indians living
the number of robberies, violent needs to reopen terms solutions. We need to have under democracy.
in Mt Albert. What message
attacks being reported has gone up. more frequencies of buses and trains.
Police must be more visible and pro- parents category IWK: Why should people vote would you like to give to them?
IWK: Mt Albert by-election for you?
active in maintaining. I see myself and sibling visas... is expected to be a clear win
Mr Tomar: Not just to the Kiwi-
taking up the issue and ensuring that Mr Tomar: Like I said earlier, Indians but also to my brothers and
for Labour, considering Mt people of Mt Albert need a different sisters from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh,
the number of police on the street is
Albert has elected only Labour vision and approach to make things and Pakistan, I want to say that I
increased as this will deter crimes and
candidates since it was first better. I am not a career politician am one of you. I understand the
people will feel more secure. New
faces in terms of housing. The contested in 1946. What do you but just an immigrant who has been problems that you face on a day-to-
Zealand needs to have tougher law
government needs to help the low- have to say about that? living in Mt Albert. This is my home, day basis. I want you to select me to
and order to reduce crime rates.
income people to buy houses. It Mr Tomar: It has been more than and I know things can be improved. represent you so that I can take the
Housing is another such issue All it takes to make things better is help of the system to improve our
also needs to work out with the local six weeks that I have been doing door
which is a complicated and multi- an understanding of the area and lives. I speak your language, eat the
council to build new houses. Families knocking in the Mt Albert electorate.
dimensional issue. Being an The response I have been getting willingness to take action. My aim same food and am from a similar
immigrant, I have gone through the welfares are being cut/stopped. The
is very positive. Considering what during the campaigning is to let culture. So please give me a chance
problems that any new immigrant government needs to support those
Labour party MPs are doing, when people know that I am one of them to serve you.
N H
ew Zealand Prime Minister
igh Commission of India
Bill English on Tuesday,
will be relocating to its
February 7, expressed
new premises from Friday,
concerns over USs withdrawal
February 24 to Monday, February
from the Trans-Pacific Partnership
27. During this period, passport,
(TPP) and its immigration policy, the After February 24, application
visa, OCI and other services will not
media reported. submitted through courier or in
be available. All services shall resume
English and US President Donald person must be sent to:
on Tuesday, February 28.
Trump held a 15-minute telephone
conversation on Monday night The new address of the High
High Commission of India
in which they discussed bilateral Commission (HC) would be Level 2 Ranchhod Tower, Level 2
relations and US presence in the Ranchhod Tower, 102-112 Labton 102-112 lambton Quay
region, Efe news reported. Quay, Wellington. The new premises PO Box 4045
can also be accessed from 39, The Wellington 6011
There has been real concern that
pulling out of TPP may signal some Terrace, Wellington.
All telephone, fax numbers and
ongoing withdrawal of US interests. HC Attache Arijit Laha told
emails will remain the same.
We dont want to see that happen, Indian Weekender that they are moving
English told Radio New Zealand. premises as their lease with the
The Prime Minister said he current building has ended.
also hoped that China and the US As the workflow at the HC has
will resolve their differing increased, it was requirement for us
views on trade and the There
to move to a bigger place. The new
South China Sea has been
real concern location is in the heart of the city and
through diplomacy. is more accessible with bus stand just
that pulling out of
There was nothing outside the building. We will be at the
TPP may signal some
I heard yesterday new location until the construction
ongoing withdrawal of
(Monday) that gave for HCs new premise at Pipitea
US interests. We dont The Prime Minister of New Zealand Bill English speaks during a
me any more cause for Street is completed, Mr Laha said.
want to see that news conference at the headquarters of the North Atlantic Treaty
concern, he said.
happen Organization (NATO), in Brussels, Belgium, January 12
However, English told
Trump he disagreed with these days, the prime allotted time following a heated SERVICESCHEDULE FOR RELOCATION
his immigration policy and the minister said, adding that he did conversation on a refugee deal
controversial ban on the entry of not scold the President. Im not between Australia and the US.
citizens and refugees from seven there to scold him, although a lot The agreement, signed by former
Muslim-majority countries, a policy of people might like us to do that, President Barack Obama, establishes
he said he would not implement in English said. the relocation in the US of some
New Zealand. The call came a week after Trump 1,250 refugees detained in Australian
It was a sensible, polite discussion had a telephone conversation with detention facilities in the Pacific,
about the pressures that are on Australian Prime Minister Malcolm which was described by Trump as a
the borders of most countries Turnbull, which ended before the dumb deal.
CELEBRATION OF LOVE
Look your best on
Valentines Day
W ith Valentines Day approaching, you
can look your best following simple
tips such as eliminating stress from your daily
Love is in the air
W ith Valentines Day approaching, couples are ready to celebrate LikithPoovanna and
routine, exercising, and drinking water. their special day. Our readers share their Valentines memories and Kavya Ganapathy
Here are some expert tips to make you their plans with us.
achieve that perfect look this Valentines Day:
Parth Dalal and
Good nutrition Bindi Desai Dalal
Kanwaljit Bakshi
National List MP
A
s many of you will be aware from
your own experience, when applying
for a visa you are required to make
a declaration that all the information you
have supplied in support of your application
is true and correct. New Zealand has a
zero-tolerance approach to fraud and the
Government makes no apologies for holding
voluntarily, there will be no financial barrier
people to account if they have obtained their to them returning to New Zealand. However,
student visa fraudulently or havent followed if Immigration NZ deports them, they will be
the rules. required to pay back the costs associated with
International education is an important deportation before ever having a chance of
industry to New Zealand, with more than returning to New Zealand.
100,000 students coming to New Zealand every Its unfortunate that some dodgy off-
year to study and the Indian market is a big part shore agents sell the international education
of that. On the whole, Indian students make experience as an east pathway for residence for
an incredibly valuable and contribution to the student. That is not the case and its certainly
community. The majority of students come here not a commitment made by the New Zealand
to study, complete their qualification, and then Government. Unfortunately, this can result
go home again, satisfied with their experience. in disappointment when students are then
However, for those who have taken a shortcut required to leave at the conclusion of their
in their application by submitting fraudulent study. I understand that most of them have, in
information, this behaviour does catch up fact, completed the qualification they came to
New Zealand to get, and it that is the premise
with them and there are consequences for it.
on which they came to New Zealand in the first
That is the situation we seeing with the nine
place, now that they have completed it, they
Indian students who are taking sanctuary in an
should leave.
Auckland church.
Our community has a great reputation in
I strongly encourage those nine students to New Zealand and we contribute a lot, both
leave New Zealand voluntarily. This is the best economically and culturally. But this sort of
option for them. The longer they remain here, behaviour by a small minority reflects badly on
the worse it is going to be for them. If they leave all of us.
Lal tops in Aussie computer science research award June this year.
He also told Parliament that at
A
19-year-old Fijian has wowed other hand increases my chance the country's main ports of entries,
participants at Australias of employability. in particular Nadi International
premier event for Computer And with a schedule and workload Airport had X-ray machines and
Science researchers by outwitting for a student as such, Mr Lal says K-9 units manned by Customs and
PhD students in his research paper. time management is key. After his police 24 hours a day and seven
Shahil Lal received the studies, he hopes to come home and days a week.
Best Student Paper during the contribute to new developments and
more broadly to the economy. "Fiji's membership with
Australasian Computing Education
Conference in Melbourne, Australia, I am planning to publish another Interpol enhances the border law
on January 31. paper, he said. agencies Interpol 24/7, a prompt
The engineering student was Mr Lal was also said to be the international platform system
competing against the likes of youngest person in Fiji to have his that enables the rapid sharing of
those studying PhD who were from work appear on Google Scholar. required data," Ratu Inoke said.
Australia, New Zealand and the He said the Maritime Safety
United States of America. Role model Authority of Fiji (MSAF) also
Mr Lals research paper was titled He thanked his parents and sister assisted the ministry in its
Performance and Consistency in for their endless support towards his
software program, the automated
Learning to Programme. passion especially his father who has
been the reason he strives for the best. information system (AIS),
I love inventing and creating Australasian Computing Education Conference Best Student Paper recipient, that monitored all vessels that
things, the former Mahatma Ghandi Shahil Lal His father is Pradeep Lal, the
Vodafone Fiji chief executive officer/ possessed transponders.
Memorial School student said. Honestly I didnt expect was possible through the assistance of
Im hoping to create something managing director. Ratu Inoke said the ministry,
to win it amongst such highly his supervisor and fellow co-author
that will help make Fiji or maybe My father came from a very through the National Security
distinguished academics. Alireza Ahadi of the University of
even the world a better place to live Technology Sydney (UTS). poor family but through hard work Strategy, worked towards
Mr Lal is currently pursuing a
in, just like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates. and dedication, he managed to strengthening the community
five-year double degree in Bachelor The research paper focused on
I am so humbled with this award become successful. partnership already in place by
of Engineering (Honours) in Civil analysing student performances in an
and I didnt expect to win it because Engineering and a Bachelor of introductory programming course. I look up to him, he said. the collaboration of all border
I am young, competing with PhD Commerce at the University of Mr Lal said his passion for physics He advised youths that success security agencies to actively ensure
students those who had more Sydney. He is now in his second year. and innovation led him to take up can be achieved through hard work a whole government approach and
experience than me. Mr Lals winning research paper engineering while commerce on the and dedication. effective involvement.
E
Residence at Ratu Sukuna Road (Photo: Vilimoni Vaganalau)
very year on February 6, New better dietary habits including community workers, who identified
first signed on 6 February 1840 commemorated in 1934, and it has
Zealand marks the signing performing regular exercises. an important need to educate,
by representatives of the British been a public holiday since 1974.
of the Treaty of Waitangi The event has also garnered the empower and highlight NCDs.
Crown and various Mori chiefs The day was celebrated in Suva
in 1840. The Treaty of Waitangi from the North Island of New support of Government and the The wellness walk will be held on
on Monday, February 6.
(Mori: Tiriti o Waitangi) is a treaty Zealand. Thedaywas first officially Lautoka City Council when it began February 18 at the Churchill Park
two years ago. Carnival Grounds at 7am.
www.iwk.co.nz | 10 February
FIJI 15
Young dream shattered handle such rejections. I learnt a few things and
changed the way of approaching the employers.
E
After struggling for a couple of months, I was able
veryone is talking about the Indian students who are facing deportation after their to secure a full-time position role as an ICT Sales
appeal to the Immigration Minister was declined last week. There have been two Specialist with one of the biggest Australian ISP
opinions on this casestudents knew about the fraud and are now playing the victim in Auckland.
or they are actually the victims.
Although it is difficult to know which one is true, theres one thing that is clearImmigration
New Zealand (INZ) could not verify the facts and information provided in their application KariappaMaletira Karumbaiah
when the students first applied for a visa.
I moved to Auckland in 2014 to do my masters at
In response to Indian Weekenders query last year about the same, INZ responded that the The University of Auckland (UoA). It was easy to
very nature of fraud is to try to avoid detection. Fraudsters are cunning in their tactics and know about the job opportunity because University
increasingly sophisticated in their techniques. regularly updates their career website and send
INZ said that they had put new procedures in place since the fraud was discovered. The notifications about available Jobs on and off
deportation notice issued to the students says that INZ enquired with their respective banks campus. Since my previous experience and skills
whose loan reimbursement letter was provided with the visa application and found out that the met the job requirement, I got the job.
letter was fake. So does that mean that in a normal procedure, INZ does not cross-check it with
the bank whether a loan has been issued or not?
WhenIndian Weekenderspoke to the students, they said that they clearly remember checking
each and every document in their visa file and making sure that all the information provided Kawanmeet Kaur
was correct and true. And knowing that INZ will be verifying and checking all the documents
in detail, why would they take a risk of producing and submitting a fake loan disbursement My first job was in Mc Donalds. I started working
letter that might result in refusal of their visa? there in 2010 and I really enjoyed my job. It was not
difficult for me at all to find that job. That job helped
But opposite to the common perception, not all the documents were checked properly by me pay all my University fees. I worked there for 6
the immigration. years and it was a good learning experience for me.
It seems like that the authorities are saying that students made a mistake and irrespective of
the fact that INZ was unable to detect it, the students need to be punished. But the fact is had
the INZ checked the documents properly, this situation would not have arisen at all.
When Indian Weekender spoke to the students, they said that they clearly remember checking
each and every document in their visa file and making sure that all the information provided
is correct and true. And knowing that all the documents will be verified and scanned in detail, Iqbal Singh
why would they take a risk of producing and submitting a fake loan disbursement letter that
My first job in New Zealand was a crew member
might result in refusal of their visa? in Mc Donalds. Initially it was hard for me to work
But opposite to the common perception, not all the documents were checked properly. specially making burgers and fries in the kitchen.
It seems like that the immigration is saying is that you made a mistake and irrespective Later on, I got used to it. Finding that job wasnt very
of the fact that we were unable to detect it, you need to be punished. Had they checked the difficult for me. Now I believe every walk of life cant
documents properly, this situation would not have arisen at all. be a perfect start but hard work makes the future
better and comfortable for sure.
Students spent about $16,000 to $20,000 towards the course fee alone. Why would anyone
whos spending this much money, would take a chance that would lead to rejection of
their application?
If INZ didnt have adequate ways to detect the fraud, which was apparently made by the
immigration agents in India, why should students suffer because of INZs incompetency? INZ
needs to compromise on this situation because ignorance was shown from both the sides.
It is not justified that only one side is punished. If the students need to go back, the deportation
notice should be revoked and they should be asked to leave voluntarily. A deportation notice
would close many doors of opportunities for these students who came to New Zealand for a
bright future.
Now theres only hope that this kind of situation could be avoided in the future to ensure
no more students suffer in a foreign land and have to go back to their country with their
dreams shattered.
Views expressed in the publication are not necessarily of the publisher and the publisher
is not responsible for advertisers claims as appearing in the publication
Views expressed in the articles are solely of the authors and do not in any way represent
the views of the team at the Indian Weekender
G o o d t hings h appe n in your life
whe n you sur round yourse lf w i t h
Kiwi Media Publishing Limited - 133A, Level 1, Onehunga Mall, Onehunga, Auckland.
Printed at Horton Media, Auckland
Copyright 2017. Kiwi Media Publishing Limited. All Rights Reserved.
posi t i ve pe ople .
Roy Bennett
www.iwk.co.nz | 10 February
OPINION/EDITORIAL 17
P
in Damascus, Robert Stephen Moscow has been doing recently. conclave in Moscow focused on the travel to the US.
undits in Washington are
Ford, a great favourite of Hillary Libya, for instance. Moscow has future of Afghanistan. National Iran being listed among Muslim
beginning to hope for
Clinton, playing an overt role in the been coordinating policy with Egypt Security Adviser Ajit Dovals countries to whom the ban applies
continuity in US foreign Syrian insurgency. Some of it was to control a country with more than subsequent visit to Moscow covered makes no sense unless Trump or
policy under Donald Trump. For eyewitness account. one power centre. this development. He must supervise those around him are keen to pick a
their optimism, they are falling back
More recently, Trump has On December 20, Foreign a new regional strategy before Prime fight with Tehran to please Riyadh
on hints from the new administration. reiterated that he hopes for friendlier Ministers of Russia, Turkey and Minister Narendra Modis visit to St. and Jerusalem. No act of terrorism
Look, they say, Israel is being relations with Putin. He looked Iran met in Moscow to discuss Syria. in the genre of suicide bombing has
Petersburg in early June.
warned to curb settlement forward to greater cooperation with The US was managing its transition yet been traced to Tehran. Nor does
construction; Russians must The Moscow meeting on
Moscow in managing the chaos in during this period. The meeting was Afghanistan places a huge question Hezbullahs unwavering support
withdraw from Crimea; Iran is on West Asia. followed by a joint air campaign by to the Palestinian cause make it a
notice: no more missile tests. mark on US expenditure in blood
Is there a contradiction between Russia and Turkey against the Islamic and treasure in that country over the militant menace. In this devilry, it has
If this, indeed, were true then the this line and the new US ambassador State. The summit in Moscow was Irans total backing.
past 12 years. Taliban, whom the
skirmishes between the intelligence to the UN, Nikki Haley, warning preceded by the dramatic killing During the campaign, and since,
community and the Trump US has been fighting all these years,
Moscow on Crimea? of the Russian ambassador in the Trump has maintained that he will
campaign which continued well into are now to be enlisted in the war
These are significant signals but Turkish capital Ankara. seek Russian support in bombing
the Presidents inauguration would against the Islamic State and various
they will be fitted into coordinated Maronite Christian leader the shit out of Islamic terrorism.
appear to have been settled in favour offshoots of Al Qaeda
policy only after the new Secretary Michael Aouns election as President Moscow and Iran are with him
of the agencies, the Deep State, with of State, Rex Tillerson, finds his feet of Lebanon would not have been Russian Caucasus and Xinjiang are on that page, indelicate language
the media in tow. in the State Department. Until then possible without Hezbullahs help. menaced by this, expanding variants notwithstanding.
17
If the Washington Pundits are even National Security Adviser Gen. For this development too the credit of Islamist militancy. Taliban are a
The contradiction with the Deep
anywhere near the truth, it may Michael Flynns tough statement on goes to Syria, Iran and Russia. regional force spread on two sides
State will arise when, in the course
please them to know they are in Iran must be seen as premature. It Yemen will be a test for the Trump of the Durand line. This must be a of hammering Islamic terrorism,
company. Syrian President Bashar may point to some turf fights that administration. Will he continue to source of worry for Islamabad. The the White House does not make
al Assad declared a week ago that he will keep the White House abuzz for support Saudi Arabias disastrous President of the Philippines, Rodrigo allowance for militants who were
expected no change in US policy some time. war in the Arab worlds poorest Duterte, has cancelled military trained and harboured as a Western
towards Middle East. Serious games will begin when country? Who knows, in the interest exercises with the US. He has held asset. That will require case-by-
What then does one make of the Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov and of American prosperity, he may like out a hand to Moscow and Beijing. case bargaining.
allegation which Trump repeated at Tillerson hold their first meeting. to encourage Saudis to spend their This is just some of the agenda
last penny buying US arms. Saeed Naqvi is a senior
least since August 2016: Obama If there is to be anything resembling Tillerson has to prepare himself for.
commentator on political and
and Hillary founded ISIS? This goodwill between Washington and An important meeting, which To begin with, he will have to digest diplomatic affairs. The views
reporter has written several stories Moscow, Lavrov will have to acquaint caught New Delhi on the wrong the implications of a ban on seven expressed are personal.
A
ideological reasons as well. After
major reason why the all, when even Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) avoided a head-on confrontation
is believed to be finding it with the hardliners, calling them pagal
difficult to cross the finishing line (mad) in private, as the then attorney-
with ease in the ensuing UP assembly general Soli Sorabjee said, Modis
elections is its loss of the Muslim vote hesitation was understandable.
since 2014, when it had secured more But his reluctance to be more
support from the community than proactive in this respect is now
ever before. proving to be his worst electoral
disadvantage. This drawback became
Winning over the community clear as early as in 2015 when the BJP
is essential in a state where the was decimated in the Delhi assembly
Muslims make up 19.3 per cent of elections although it had won all
the population. Their vote is now the seven parliamentary seats in the
expected to be shared mainly by national capital a year before.
the Samajwadi Party (SP)-Congress Since then, the BJP has suffered a
combine and the Bahujan Samaj series of defeats in assembly elections
Party (BSP) with the tilt favouring in Bihar, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil
the former because its chances are Nadu and Puducherry, putting
into shade its excellent showing in
perceived to be better.
virtually all the contests in 2014.
The BJP will rue this shift of The gainers have been the
preference because it had the support secular parties because the Muslims
of a sizable section of the Muslims in remain convinced that the BJP hasnt
the parliamentary polls. changed from its Jana Sangh days,
According to the Centre for File photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the World Sufi Forum in New Delhi. Credit: PTI notwithstanding the protestations of
the Study of Developing Societies Modi and other senior leaders.
However, a CSDS researcher noted mainly of the middle class, in his This accretion would have been This failure on the BJPs part has
(CSDS), 10 per cent of the Muslims
that the backing of the Muslims for promise to accelerate development, possible even if the economy had enabled even the down-and-out
in Uttar Pradesh voted for the BJP
the BJP in 2014 was the highest in the there is no reason to doubt that the not taken off with the speed that was Congress to claw its way back into
three years ago, evidently because reckoning, which would not have
Lok Sabhas electoral history. Muslims, too, would back him now earlier expected.
they were impressed by Narendra been possible if Modi had been able
Of the 87 parliamentary seats in as in 2014. But the moment was lost because
Modis pitch for development. to retain the momentum of 2014
the country with a high concentration If they have drifted away, however, the Yogi Adityanaths and the Sakshi
It is also noteworthy that a large when he was seen as non-sectarian.
of Muslims, the BJP won 45. These the fault lies with the Prime Ministers Maharajs interpreted the BJPs
number of Yadavs, who form the included all but one of the 27 seats The opportunity which he had,
failure to check the hardliners in majority in the Lok Sabha as a sign
SPs core base of support, and Jatavs, in Uttar Pradesh, demonstrating therefore, to mould the BJP in his
the BJP much earlier. He has now for pushing their Hindu nationalist own forward-looking image has
who constitute the BSPs vote bank, how the members of the community succeeded in largely silencing the agenda. Yet, as a former pracharak seemingly been lost.
also leaned towards the BJP. had turned away from their earlier ghar wapsi and love jehad brigades, (preacher), Modi would have known
However, Uttar Pradesh is his last
It was obviously Modis promise of favourites, the SP and the BSP, in but his action against them has come the central tenets of their anti-
chance. If a hung assembly shows
achhey din (good days) which acted favour of the BJP. too late in the day to reassure the minority mindset. that the BJP can at least come close
as an incentive. It is obvious that if Modi had Muslims. Had he cracked down If he took his time in acting against to the half-way mark, it will mean
been able to retain this block of on them immediately after his Lok them, as he had done in the post- that the party can still find its way
But the increase in the Muslim
support, his party would have had Sabha victory, the BJP might not 2002 period in Gujarat, the reason back if it is prepared to crack down
preference for the BJP was of only have been able to hold on to
a fairly easy run in the forthcoming perhaps was that he was not sure of on the saffron hawks.
greater significance because of assembly elections. those Muslims who had reposed their how far he could go against the vested
the traditionally fraught relations new-found faith in the party but also communal interests in the party and
Considering that he still enjoys the Amulya Ganguli is a political
between the minorities and the faith of large sections of the people, attracted others from the community. the parivar at the national level. analyst. The views expressed
saffron brotherhood. are personal.
18 INDIA 10 February| www.iwk.co.nz
Demonetisation, a right
the decision on demonetisation was to operate. of India. compliant bank account.
T
in reply to motion of thanks to he EU-led Covenant of Programme (IUC), recently launched
the Presidents address, mocked Mayors for Climate and by the European Union.
at the opposition protests against Energy, with over 7,000 India's mega-cities (Delhi ;
the November 8, 2016, decision of member cities from all over the Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore,
spiking Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes world, will be expanding to India Chennai, and Hyderabad), and
that led to a huge currency crunch in starting from 2017, a statement said. major cities are witnessing the
the country. He likened the decision This network of cities is one of fastest rates of urbanisation in the
with surgery conducted on the the largest, with 7,100 member world. With fast growing suburbs
Modi mocked at the oppositions protest against the November 8, 2016,
human body. decision of spiking Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes that led to a huge currency cities from all over the world, and and high population density, cities
When can you have an operation? crunch in the country. most effective network for climate face challenges to enable residential
When the body is healthy. For action with 23 per cent reduction of and commercial development,
demonetisation, good economy was When can you have an operation? When the body is Green House Gas emissions by the adequate infrastructure services and
needed and this was a proper time. healthy. For demonetisation, good economy was needed and signatories' cities. sufficient connectivity.
Our economy was doing well and our this was a proper time. Our economy was doing well and our The Global Covenant of Mayors Furthermore, around 17.4 per cent
(demonetisation) decision was taken (demonetisation) decision was taken at the right time for Climate and Energy brings of households in urban India live in a
at the right time, Modi said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi together the EU-led Covenants of slum (2011 Census).
The move was calculative. The Mayors and the UN Compact of The European Union-funded
Mayors initiatives for the largest and International Urban Cooperation
decision was taken after Diwali when I am concerned about my TV bytes, he said, referring to the first-of-its-kind coalition of cities Programme aims at strengthening
trade (across the country) was high, country, he said, urging the Winter Session that was completely committed to fighting climate change, the EU-India policy dialogue on
he said, adding the move was like opposition to join the mainstream a European Union statement said.
washed out in opposition protests sustainable urban development and
the Swachh Bharat mission to clean and contribute in the development The Covenant of Mayors Regional
against demonetisation. climate actions through cooperation
the economy of ill-gotten wealth of the country. office for India will add to the already between European and Indian cities.
accumulated by evading tax. Hailing his decision of forming existing regional Covenant Offices
Modi took a dig at Congress Vice The IUC programme will
Like Swachh Bharat, the decision a Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Europe, Mediterranean and Sub-
President Rahul Gandhi for his tom- coordinate and cooperate with
on demonetisation is a movement to to bring back black money stashed Saharan Africa, as well as the further other cities networks (C40, UCLG,
tommed earthquake exposure
clean India (of corruption and black on the Prime Ministers alleged in foreign banks, Modi said: The Regional Covenants offices which ICLEI) and relevant Government
money), Modi said. involvement in corruption. Supreme Court quoted on March will be opening for Latin America led initiatives currently operating in
He said he was aware of political 26, 2014 that since 1947 nobody and the Caribbean, East/South- the country, such as the AMRUT
We were ready for discussion, but East Asia and Japan, through the
risks but I am not concerned about instead of discussion the opposition thought of bringing back black Mission as well as the 100 Smart
the elections. money from foreign countries. International Urban Cooperation
was more concerned about giving Cities Mission, it said.
India not fulfilling responsibilities ceasing to be both resonant and entertaining, the publishing house said.
The book will be published in India by Penguin Random House which
acquired the subcontinent rights from the Wylie Agency.
under Indus Waters Treaty: Aziz Salman Rushdie had earlier won the Booker Prize in 1981 and Best of the
Booker Prize in 2008 for his book Midnights Children.
I
ndia has not been fulfilling Some of his other critically acclaimed and bestseller are The Satanic Verses,
its responsibilities under the Haroun and the Sea of Stories, The Moors Last Sigh and his recent Two Years, Eight
Months and Twenty-Eight Nights.
Indus Waters Treaty, Pakistan
foreign policy chief Sartaj Aziz
said on Monday, February 6,
Modi government not doing
airing Islamabads concerns over enough for poor: Opposition
O
construction of new dams by pposition parties on Monday, February 6, criticised the Narendra
New Delhi. Modi government for allegedly ignoring the poor and weaker
In his written reply in the National sections of the society, saying its promise of inclusive development
Assembly, Aziz said Pakistan has was hollow. Resuming the debate in the Rajya Sabha on the presidential
expressed concerns over construction address to the joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha before the
of new dams by India. budget session, which began on January 31, Congress leader Rajiv Shukla
Last week, Prime Minister Nawaz said the address had nothing new in it.
Sharif took up the issue with World He said the Prime Minister is a busy person and should be informed
Bank CEO Kristalina Georgieva about ground realities. I myself have worked with a prime minister and
in Islamabad, and contended that I know he is a busy man. He is to be informed properly about whatever is
Indias new dam building on Indus happening in the country, he said.
rivers tributaies was sheer violation Shukla said that farmers, labourers and other weaker sections of the
The treaty gave the three "eastern rivers" of Beas, Ravi and Sutlej to India for use of
of the Indus Waters Treaty. water without restriction. The three "western rivers" of Indus, Chenab and Jhelum society were suffering under Modis rule.
Indias construction of Ratle were allocated to Pakistan. Sharad Yadav of Janata Dal (United) also slammed the government for
and Kishenganga dams on western of Indus River Basin which has been in the Kashmir Valley, water has once its demonetisation move, saying lakhs of farmers had suffered because of it.
rivers is a violation of the treaty, a major source of contention between again become a divisive issue. He demanded that the government must inform the nation how much
he contended. the two states since Independence. unaccounted money was recovered by the move. He said social disparity was
Prime Minister Narendra Modis
Sharif said that since the World In order to resolve the disputes, blood and water cannot flow a cause of concern and it must be addressed before its too late.
Bank was a signatory to the treaty, both countries signed IWT in 1960 together and the threat of unilateral Unless and until poor, farmers, SCs, STs and other backward classes are
it should play its due role to help with the help of World Bank, which abrogation of the treaty has resulted given their dues, the country cannot progress, he said.
resolve the issue, expressing his hope has survived over five decades of into a new wave of hydro politics Demonetisation has violated basic human rights of the citizens, he said.
that the World Bank will set a court hostilities between the two states. around Pakistan and brought the He also said the Modi government was against the interests of the SCs,
of arbitration in this regard. Indus Water Treaty under stress.
However, due to the recent upsurge STs and poor.
Pakistan and India share the waters
20 INDIA ABROAD 10 February | www.iwk.co.nz
MALAYSIA AIRLINES
COMPANION BUSINESS CLASS SPECIALS
Travel between 03 February 17 to 30 November 2017.
Starting from 3300* to New Delhi.
Starting from 3800* to Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Colombo,
Dhaka, Kathmandu.
Sales ends on 27 February 2017.
Please note availability is Limited/FLIGHT RESTRICTION APPLY. Fares may not be available on all flights.
www.iwk.co.nz | 10 February
WORLD 21
U
announced Monday, February 6.
S President Trump has said The government will improve employment structure and quality
that the news media was and keep the urban headline unemployment rate under 5 per cent by 2020,
playing down the terrorist according to the employment facilitation plan for 2016-20 period released
threat posed by the Islamic State by the State Council. The plan pointed out that employment was key to
(IS) and journalists were reluctant affecting standards of living and supporting for economic growth and China
to report on the militant groups would make pro-active employment policies, Xinhua news agency said.
attacks in Europe and have their China will support sectors that create lots of jobs and promote
reasons for failing to cover them, the entrepreneurship such as businesses related to the sharing economy.
media reported. The government will help college graduates, farmers and workers affected
Trump initially did not provide by the countrys overcapacity cutting drive to secure jobs.
examples of a news media conspiracy Latest figures show that China created jobs for more than 13 million urban
to underplay terrorist attacks. The residents in 2016 and the registered unemployment rate in Chinese cities
White House released a list of what it stood at 4.02 per cent at the end of 2016.
said were 78 attacks from September
2014 to December 2016 that were Singapores Presidential election to be
carried out or inspired by the IS.
held in September
S
It said that most have not received
the media attention they deserved, ingapores Presidential election will be held in September, Minister
the New York Times reported. in Prime Ministers Office Chan Chun Sing announced on Monday.
The list included the major attacks During the second reading of Presidential Elections (Amendment)
in Paris, Brussels, San Bernardino US President Trump Bill, the minister outlined a series of amendments made to improve election
(California) and Orlando (Florida) procedures, Xinhua news agency reported.
doesnt want to report it, he said. to terrorism. Trump, Spicer said,
that dominated the news for weeks. believed that journalists pay more Chan announced the next presidential election, which has been reserved
They have their reasons, Trump
Other attacks overseas, lesser attention to public protests than they for Malay candidates, will be held in September rather than in August.
added, and you understand that.
known to Americans, received do to terrorist attacks or plots. The President of Singapore is directly elected by popular vote. Potential
The President made similar
extensive local coverage, like a During his 12-minute speech on candidates for office have to fulfil stringent qualifications set out in the
comments about the US media during
shooting in Zvornik, Bosnia, in April Monday, Trump promised to make constitution.
a January visit to the headquarters
2015 in which one police officer was
killed and two others were wounded,
of the Central Intelligence Agency
(CIA) in Langley, Virginia, that the
a historic financial investment in
the armed forces, in an effort to
Robots could replace 250,000 British
the White House said.
news media had fabricated his feud maintain peace in our troubled, public jobs soon: Report
N
Radical Islamic terrorists are with the intelligence community. troubled times. early 250,000 jobs in Britains public sector could be replaced by
determined to strike our homeland, He also vowed to give the military
Those remarks came only days websites and artificially intelligent chat bots in the near future,
as they did on 9/11, as they did from the tools necessary to prevail against
after he likened American intelligence leading to higher efficiency in the sector, a new report said.
Boston to Orlando to San Bernardino the Islamic State and thwart its
officials to Nazis, after several weeks With the advancement of technology, many jobs in the public sector could
and all across Europe, Trump attempts to strike America.
in which he had denigrated their be efficiently completed by machines, replacing some 130,000 administrators
said at MacDill Air Force Base in
work, the New York Times said. At a luncheon with enlisted in the government, 90,000 administrators in the National Health Service
Tampa, Florida.
White House Press Secretary Sean soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, and 24,000 general practitioner reception jobs by 2030, Xinhua quoted the
All over Europe, its happening. Trump went around his table asking
Spicer said that the President had report by the London-based think tank Reform as saying on Monday.
Its gotten to a point where its not who would remain in the military,
been referring in Tampa to several The authors believed that the move to automation in the sector could help
even being reported, and in many and told them their experience would
instances in which the news media save over four billion pounds ($4.98 billion) a year.
cases, the very, very dishonest press improve during his presidency.
had not devoted sufficient attention There is also a possibility that doctors would be affected by the new trend,
as machines have made significant progress in diagnosing some diseases and
Remains of huge undersea landslide Why migraines even carry out surgical procedures, the report pointed out.
found on Great Barrier Reef are more Meanwhile, public sector workers who hold strategic and cognitive roles
can enhance their decision-making through data analytics, the report noted.
common among Morocco has 41.5m mobile users
women
T
he number of mobile subscribers in Morocco reached 41.5 million at
F
emales are more vulnerable the end of 2016, an increase of 3.6 per cent over 2015, according to
to certain stress-related the countrys national telecom regulator ANRT.
and allergic diseases such The penetration rate reached 122.6 per cent, the Rabat-based agency said
as migraines because of distinct in a report, adding that growth in post-paid customers increased by 11.8 per
differences found in mast cells, a type cent to reach 2.98 million subscribers. The number of pre-paid subscribers
of white blood cell that is part of the reached 38.53 million. The landline users declined by 6.8 year-over-year to
immune system, says a study. stand at 2.07 million users with a penetration rate of 6.12 per cent.
Mast cells are an important
category of immune cells because N Korea set to launch more satellites
N
they play a key role in stress-related orth Korea marked the first
health issues that are typically more anniversary of its space rocket launch
The remains of the landslide, known as the Gloria Knolls Slide and 30 times the
common in women such as allergic on Tuesday, February 7, and said it is
volume of the iconic Uluru rock
disorders, auto-immune diseases,
S
ready to launch more satellites into space, a
migraines and irritable bowel
cientists have discovered media report said. Pyongyangs space rocket
"We were amazed to discover this syndrome, or IBS.
the remnants of a massive launch in February 2016 was condemned by
cluster of knolls while 3D multibeam "Over 8,000 differentially
undersea landslide on the the international community, which considered
mapping the deep Great Barrier expressed genes were found in female
Great Barrier Reef off the coast of it to be a disguised test of long-range missiles,
seafloor," Beaman said. mast cells compared to male mast
Australia, which occurred more than Efe news reported.
"In an area of the Queensland cells," said lead researcher Adam
300,000 years ago, a media report Moeser, Associate Professor at We will launch more satellites at the time
Trough that was supposed to be and in the place decided by the Workers
said on Wednesday, February 8. Michigan State University in the US.
relatively flat were eight knolls, Party of Korea, an article in the Communist
The remains of the landslide, appearing like hills with some over "While male and female mast cells
known as the Gloria Knolls Slide and have the same sets of genes on their regimes official daily Rodong said.
100 metre high and three km long,"
30 times the volume of the iconic chromosomes, with the exception Since the beginning of 2017, Pyongyang
he added.
Uluru rock, are located 75 km off the of the XY sex chromosomes, the has threatened multiple times that it plans to
The lead author of the study, Angel way the genes act vary immensely conduct intercontinental ballistic missile tests to
coast of Innisfail, Efe news reported.
Puga-Bernabeu, from the University between the sexes," Moeser noted. counter nuclear threat from the US. In 2016,
"This is all that remains after a of Granada in Spain, emphasised
massive collapse of sediment of about A further in-depth analysis of the North Korea had claimed to have launched its
that the oldest fossil corals recovered genes within the RNA genome a satellite Kwangmyongsong-4, using a long-range
32 cubic km volume (off the north off the top of the knoll were about primary building block in all forms of rocket from its Sohae Space Centre, a month
coast of Queensland)," said Robin 302,000 years old. life revealed an increase in activity after it conducted its fourth nuclear test.
Beaman, one of the researchers on Satellite Kwangmyongsong-4
Experts from the University of that is linked to the production and This lead to tougher sanctions from the UN.
the James Cook University team who storage of inflammatory substances,
Sydney, the University of Edinburgh South Korean Prime Minister and acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn said
took part in the discovery. according to the study published
and the Australian Organization for North Korea could be preparing for more provocations ahead of February
The remains include large blocks, Nuclear Science and Technology in the journal Biology of Sex
16, which marks the 75th birth anniversary of its late leader Kim Jong-
or knolls, and smaller blocks that lie also participated in the study, which Differences.
il, Yonhap news agency said. The celebration, known as the Day of the
scattered over an area of about 30 was conducted on the research ship These substances can create a Shining Star, pays homage to the current leader Kim Jong-uns father and
km and at a depth of about 1,350 "Southern Surveyor". more aggressive response in the body
is one of the most important public holidays in North Korea.
metres. and result in disease.
22 SPORTS 10 February | www.iwk.co.nz
I
in Asian Oceania Group 1 Davis
Cup tie on Sunday, February 5. ndias Velavan Senthilkumar and Abhay Singh defeated their Malaysian
opponents to clinch the gold medal in the boys team event at the 18th
Following the win, India will now Asian Junior Squash championship on Sunday, February 5.
take on Uzbekistan in the second
Senthilkumar defeated second seed Malaysias Ong Sai Hun 12-10, 11-
round of the Asia-Oceania Group I 0, 11-2 to hand India a crucial lead.
in April.
In the second match, Singh prevailed over Darren Rahul 10-12, 7-11,
Ramkumar Ramanathan and 11-5, 14-12, 11-6 in hard-fought battle to clinch the title for the country
Yuki Bhambri won their respective
Earlier, Indian boys defeated Hong Kong 2-0 in their
reverse singles matches to hand India
semi-final on Saturday.
a comfortable victory at the Balewadi
Sports Complex. India thrash New Zealand in T20
Ramanathan outplayed Tearney
World Cup for Blind
C
in straight sets 7-5, 6-1, 6-0 while
Bhambri edged past Jose Statham ontinuing their dominance in the ongoing T20 cricket World Cup
7-5, 3-6, 6-4 to seal the spot in the for the Blind, defending champions India registered their seventh
second round. win of the tournament by defeating New Zealand by nine wickets at
The first set was evenly contested the KIIT Stadium on Tuesday, February 7.
but it was Ramanathan who proved Chasing a run target of 136, India rode on two half-centuries by captain
India's Ramkumar Ramanathan returns a shot during the Davis Cup singles tennis
superior and defeated the Kiwi 7-5. match against New Zealand's Finn Tearney at the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune
Ajay Kumar Reddy and Sukhram Majhi. Ajay Kumar Reddy displayed
on February 5, 2017 extraordinary batsman skills with a score of 75 not out, including 14
The second and third games boundaries off 28 balls. Odisha boy Sukhram Majhi helped him set the
witnessed Ramanathan at his best. trot to come back from 2-5 down and from the start. He played some score with his 56 runs (11 boundaries) off 25 balls. The duo helped India
He outclassed his opponent in every win the set 7-5. quality game to clinch the set 6-3. successfully chase down the target in a mere nine overs. M.L.K. McCaskill
department of the game. In the second set, Statham Earlier, Bhambri and Ramanathan took the sole wicket of Jafar Iqbal. Sukhram Majhi won the Man of the
In the second match, Statham bounced back in style with some both won their mens singles matches Match award.vNew Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first. With his
put up a fight to the Indian player swift court movements to beat to give India a crucial 2-0 lead against brilliant knock of 52 runs off 51 balls, B.D. Wilson helped New Zealand to
but eventually surrendered the first Bhambri 6-3. the visitors on Friday. After that, score 136 in 20 overs, losing six wickets.
set 5-7. The 24-year-old Indian In the decider, the Indian player Leander Paes and Vishnu Vardhan Enthralled by the crowd and the match, Odisha Sports Secretary Vishal
player made a good comeback in the pressurised the 29-year-old right went down in the third rubber to Dev said, We are absolutely privileged to be hosting two wonderful teams
first set, winning four games on the Artem Sitak and Michael Venus. in Odisha for the league match of the 2nd T20 World Cup Cricket for
the Blind. We have always believed in an Inclusive society and equal
Ashwin, Jadeja to battle for top Test opportunities for all, which drives us to support special causes and help
meet their needs.
M.J. Srikant, the strategist on board of Cricket Association for the Blind
bowlers rank in India (CABI) and member of the World Cup Organising Committee,
said: I am delighted to be in the midst of such a tremendous crowd.
I
ndias premier spinner Spellbound to see the buzzing city of Bhubaneswar come alive in support
Ravichandran Ashwin will be of the match.
feeling the heat from teammate
Ravindra Jadeja with the number
Tendulkar urges fans to support
one Test bowler ranking in question womens cricket
W
when they take the field against ishing all the participating countries in the upcoming womens
Bangladesh in the one-off cricket World Cup qualifiers, starting February 7, cricket icon Sachin
Test in Hyderabad from Thursday, Tendulkar urged fans to wholeheartedly root for their teams.
February 9. I wish all the teams the very best for the ICC Womens World Cup
Ashwin is the number-one ranked Qualifiers and would urge all of you to wholeheartedly support womens
bowler in the International Cricket cricket, for the sake of cricket, the batting maestro wrote in a column for
Council (ICC) player rankings the International Cricket Council (ICC).
for Test bowlers, but Jadeja is The former India skipper said the growth of womens cricket has acted
breathing down his neck, just eight as a catalyst for gender equality and rights.
points behind, according to an The women cricketers have caught the fancy of cricket aficionados
ICC statement. around the world with stellar performances and have increased their
Now if Jadeja scores over Ashwin Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja audience. They have spawned interest in young girls to play the sport and
in the Test, he can potentially move also helping generate a larger following for the game at a time when the
Bangladesh (36th), Indias Umesh to feature in the Test include game is seeking to expand its footprint globally and become relevant in
ahead of the Chennai off-spinner,
Yadav (37th) and Taijul Islam of Cheteshwar Pujara (12th), Ajinkya non-cricket playing countries, he said.
who has been in the top spot since
Bangladesh (39th). In the batting Rahane (15th), Shakib (22nd), Murali While gender bias has been the bane of many aspects of the world, the
bowling India to a comfortable 321-
table, skipper Virat Kohli is 58 Vijay (27th), Tamim Iqbal (28th) and sports narrative seems to be different. It is heartening to see that cricket is
run victory over New Zealand in
points behind number-one ranked Mominul Haque (29th). making strides in helping women occupy their pride of place in the annals
Indore in October 2016.
Steve Smith. Kohli will be aiming In the ICC team rankings, of cricketing history, he added. The batting maestro also hoped that
Bangladeshs Shakib Al Hasan is to carry his strong form into the Indian stars such as pacer Jhulan Goswami and captain Mithali Raj will be
number-one ranked India lead ninth-
the third highest-ranked bowler (in Hyderabad Test, which will certainly at their best in the tournament.
ranked Bangladesh by 58 points.
14th place) to feature in the series. help him narrow the gap with his There is our very own Jhulan Goswami, who is quick and gets that
He is followed by Indias Ishant The match will be Bangladeshs
Australian counterpart. first Test match on Indian soil since extra bit from the wicket and Mithali Raj, our seasoned campaigner from
Sharma (23rd), Mehedi Hasan of India, he said.
Other high-ranking batsmen attaining Test status in 2000.
India to host womens Asia Cup
India are a class team, says Steve O'Keefe basketball
A I
head of the four-match Test "But I have no doubt if we get it "The keys (Panesar) talked about
right for a sustained longer periods, was being adaptable," O'Keefe said. ndia will host two international events in 2017: the FIBA Womens
rubber against India later this Asia Cup and FIBA Under-16 Womens Asian Championship, the
we can do some damage," he added. "You're going to get different
month, Australian spinner Basketball Federation of India (BFI) announced on Sunday February 5.
Steve OKeefe on Tuesday, February O'Keefe and fellow spinner wickets, albeit they will be generally
Nathan Lyon are currently brushing slow and spinning, but at times they The FIBA Womens Asia Cup will be held from July 23 to 29 in
7, termed the hosts as a "class" team
their skills under former Sri Lankan can play a bit differently. One might Bengaluru while the FIBA U-16 Womens Asian Championship will be
with some "exceptional" batsmen. tweaker Rangana Herath and New be a little bit quicker, one might held from October 22 to 28 in Hyderabad, a BFI statement said.
The 32-year-old left-arm spinner Zealand legend Daniel Vettori in
admitted that taming the Indian bounce a bit more." Fourteen teams will take part in both events, with eight teams in Division
Australia's pre-tour training camp. A (which include new Oceania teams Australia and New Zealand) and six
batsmen would be a "big job" but "He talked about being able to
"The main things you get away adapt really quickly and on the spot in lower Division B.
expressed confidence on his team's from those guys is challenging the
abilities to do "some damage" during and also being able to take away the This will be the first time since 2009 that India will host a major
batter's defence," O'Keefe said.
the series, which begins with the batsman's scoring options in regards International Basketball Federation (FIBA) event.
"And if you can continually put to boundaries."
opening match in Pune on February the ball in the right area, given these FIBA has allotted this event to India with utmost confidence and
23. "(India) are a class team, they're conditions will spin more than what "He talked about building pressure support, based on the steady increase in on-court quality of the Indian
exceptional batters at home and it's we're used to at home, that will help through being a little bit defensive, national teams over the past two years since the new leadership of the BFI,
going to be a big job," O'Keefe was us. It's about building pressure and which was something that was led by President K. Govindaraj and Secretary General Chander Mukhi
quoted as saying by cricket.com.au. not being overawed," he added. refreshing to hear," O'Keefe added. Sharma, took over, the release said.
"They're class players O'Keefe also trained under former O'Keefe will have to fight for The Mens National Teams made it to the quarter-finals in the 28th
(Cheteshwar) Pujara, Lokesh Rahul, England left-armer Monty Paneswar, a spot in the playing XI with off-
FIBA Asia Championship in 2015 and again to the quarter-finals, bagging
Karun Nair and Virat Kohli so who was one of the architects of spinner Lyon, and youngsters Ashton
an all time best seventh place in the FIBA Asia Challenge 2016.
that's four of their (current) top six England's historic 2-1 win over India Agar and Mitchell Swepson during
(in Test cricket)." in 2012. the rubber.
Play sudoku online at: Play sudoku online at:
Play sudoku online at:
FUN ZONE
www.sudokukingdom.com www.sudokukingdom.com
www.iwk.co.nz | 10 February
www.sudokukingdom.com
23
Sudoku
Daily Sudoku puzzle No. 3768
Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and each of the 3x3 squares
contains
2017-02-05
all Medium
the digits
level
from 1 to 9. Daily Sudoku puzzle No. 3767 2017-02-04 Medium level
Answers to last week's puzzles
Daily Sudoku puzzle No. 3766 2017-02-03 Medium level
2 7 3 7 5 8 9 4 1 6
5 1 3 4 5 2 9 3 4 3 5
4 8 1 4 5 7 8 2 4 7
1 5 4 8 6 4 3 9 5
6 8 5 2 4 1 7 7 3 9
6
Play sudoku online at: 7 5 3 8
Play sudoku online at: 5 7 2 9
Play sudoku online at: 1 8
www.sudokukingdom.com www.sudokukingdom.com www.sudokukingdom.com
6 8 4 7 4 5 1 3 4 7 3
1 3 2 7 3 5 4 6 7
1 3 6 6 3 9 3 1 5
Daily Sudoku puzzle No. 3765 2017-02-02 Medium level Daily Sudoku puzzle No. 3764 2017-02-01 Medium level Daily Sudoku puzzle No. 3763 2017-01-31 Medium level
4 1 6 6 3 4 8 7 7 6 3
8 6 9 6 1 3 6 9 2
6 4 5 5 4 8 4 3 7
7 5 3 1 3 9 6 8 1 5
3 6 2 4 2 3 4 8 1
5 3 8 1 1 7 2
Page 1/2
9 4 Page 1/2
7 Page 1/2
3 5 2 1 4 5 7 9 6 7 4
2 9 3 8 3 1 9 8 3 7
4 1 9 8 7 3 5 7 9 5 8
Crossword
Page 1/2
Page 1/2 Page 1/2
PARENTING
Parents obesity may delay Childhood poverty
development in kids can affect adulthood
psychologically
A
re your toddlers fingers
A
and hands movements
part from physical
slow? Is his/her ability to
problems, people with an
relate to and interact with others
impoverished lifestyle in
as well as problem-solving skills
childhood are also likely to suffer
delayed? Blame it on your obesity,
significant psychological damage
researchers say.
during adulthood.
The findings showed that apart
The findings of a study showed
from health-related issues, children
that impoverished children had more
of obese mothers were nearly 70 per
anti-social conduct such as aggression
cent more likely to fail tests of fine
and bullying and increased feeling of
motor skillthe ability to control
helplessness, than kids from middle-
movement of small muscles, such as
income backgrounds.
those in the fingers and handsby
age 3, when compared to children of Poor kids also have more chronic
normal-weight mothers. physiological stress and more deficits
Children with obese fathers in short-term spatial memory.
were 75 per cent more likely to fail What this means is, if youre
measures of social competencean born poor, youre on a trajectory
indicator of how well they were able to have more of these kinds of
to relate to and interact with others psychological problems, said lead
by age 3. author Gary Evans, Professor and
Those born to extremely obese child psychologist at the Cornell
University in New York, US.
couples were nearly three times more Our study is one of the promote inflammation, which could
likely to fail tests of problem-solving affect the foetal brain and could also The reason is stress,
few that also includes researchers said.
ability by age three. affect the expression of genes in
Our study is one of the few that
information about sperm. If the link between parental With poverty, youre exposed to
The results revealed that the
also includes information about fathers, and our results obesity and developmental delays is lots of stress. Everybody has stress,
adults who grew up in poverty had
fathers, and our results suggest that suggest that dads weight confirmed, physicians may need to but low-income families, low-income
a diminished ability to recall the
dads weight also has significant take parental weight into account children, have a lot more of it,
also has significant when screening young children Evans said.
sequences, tend to be more helpless
influence on child development, and had the tendency to give up
said lead author, Edwina Yeung, influence on child for delays and early interventional And the parents are also under easily as well as had a higher level
from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver development services, the researchers said. a lot of stress. So for kids, there is a of chronic physical stress throughout
National Institute of Child Health For the study, appearing in cumulative risk exposure. childhood and into adulthood.
and Human Development (NICHD) the journal Pediatrics, the team For the study, Evans tracked 341
childrens risk for developmental The study was published in the
in the US. examined more than 5,000 women participants over a 15-year period,
delay.Animal studies have indicated journal Proceedings of the National
However, it is not yet known how in US, roughly four months after and tested them at ages 9, 13, 17
that obesity during pregnancy may Academy of Sciences.
parental obesity might increase giving birth. and 24.
Aries (Mar 21-Apr 20) Cancer (Jun 22-Jul 20) Libra (Sep 24-Oct 23) Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 21)
Your ability to consistently deliver quality results will Channelling your energies on constructive projects of Think twice before you speak this week as there is Be discreet while expressing your enthusiasm at
attract recognition and will be beneficial in opening up your interest will help you reap the maximum benefits. a possibility that you may land in a troublesome work as there are chances that your actions could be
new avenues soon. Do not waste an opportunity by not You may get motivated to emulate someone on the situation. There is no harm in listening to what people misinterpreted. You do not need to worry about the
exploiting a contact even if it is from your past. This career front for improvement. Bliss on the marital have to say. You never know some of their ideas or financial health on this weekend. Impulsive remarks
is also a good time to bring harmony and cooperation front is assured, as spouse makes the effort to infuse advice could just click and appeal to you. Support from can create tensions; while listening to your heart and
in your romantic affairs. Focus on investments that happiness and harmony at home. This is a good seniors will boost your confidence. Love life could go following an objective approach will help resolve major
bring steady returns while safeguarding your principal. time to make some tweaks in your fitness regime to through some ups and downs. Kill your suspicious differences. Fun family outings are much indicated. Be
gain more out of it. Opportunities for new romantic nature and avoid being too argumentative. Advice objective about the emotional issues that can have a
Unnecessary expenses need to be taken care of.
encounters will unfold if you begin to attend social regarding a financial decision is a must. long term impact.
Balance idealism with practicality.
events.
Lucky number: 22 / Lucky colour: Navy blue Lucky number: 5 / Lucky colour: Red
Lucky number: 8 / Lucky colour: Saffron
Lucky number: 3 / Lucky colour: Lemon
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22) Aquarius (Jan 22-Feb 19)
Taurus (Apr 21-May 20)
Leo (Jul 21-Aug 22) Clarity of thought and sharp analytical skills will help
Colleagues you had known in the past will help you a You are born with the art of perfection; make use of it
It is a hectic period and you will be able to accomplish you successfully deal with several tasks at one go. You
great deal in setting the futuristic goals for yourself. to organise things effectively rather than trying to do
more only if you delegate tasks and work in close can depend on suggestions from friends to gather
You may find yourself a bit restless at work but should everything by your own. New opportunities may seem more information before investing your hard earned
cooperation with colleagues. Your dynamic frame of
tone down your approach while interacting with seniors. interesting on the surface but on deeper investigation money. Those already in relationships may like to take
mind will help you initiate new challenging projects.
Delegating responsibilities will ease your workload and Efforts in the right direction will help you achieve the may not be worth your time. You may have to juggle it to the next level. Avoid imposing the work pressure
allow you to focus on the bigger picture. Dont be too desired goals. Sudden changes on the financial front your schedule to accommodate work and domestic on the relationships that you value the most. Romance
harsh on yourself, if things do not turn the way you could take you by surprise. Loved ones seem to plan obligations. Use your charm to settle the differences is good and can get better provided you become
something exciting for you. Excellent time to begin a with your beloved. A family youngster is likely to add a supportive.
planned. Give it some time and things should be better.
project you have been thinking about all this while. feather to your cap.
Meditate to embark on a new spiritual journey. Lucky number: 15 / Lucky colour: Forest green
Lucky number: 7 / Lucky colour: Orange Lucky number: 17 / Lucky colour: Lavender
Lucky number: 2 / Lucky colour: Silver Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20)
Gemini (May 21-Jun 21) Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 23) Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21) Your ability to shoulder odd jobs in a mature way will
Keep your priorities right on the professional front. A Venturing out of your comfort zone and allowing your prove advantageous as you may be entrusted with
It is important for you to put forth your ideas in a dip in the financial graph may seem worrisome, but new responsibilities at work. Dont let the momentarily
creativity to flow relentlessly will turn the tide in your
convincing way, for them to be accepted by the top is likely to be a temporary phase. Singles should tensions in your personal life interfere with your goals.
favour. It is perhaps the right time to rethink about
management at work. Overburdening yourself with be cautious in their approach for new relationships. Your effort in the past has not gone unnoticed and
the goals youve set for yourself. Absorb information now is the time when you will be reaping rewards for it.
work will only make you neglect home duties and as Impulsive decisions could lead to mistakes. Learn to
that you come across to avoid rushing into decisions Make sure you dont lend or borrow money this week.
a result relationships can suffer. Making a decision to accept other peoples point of view; they may suggest
without a deeper insight. You may be feeling troubled Romantic relationships might be intense. Your calibre
forgo a committed relationship is not a very good idea you something valuable. Have more fruits to beat the
heat. You are likely to be appreciated for the efforts because of the changing equations in relationships. to achieve more and more will add to your sense of
at the moment. Travel plans could go through some
you put in arranging things for the upcoming family Learn to handle the situations amicably. Brainstorming well-being.
changes. Spending time with your loved ones will help sessions will be productive for students.
get together. Lucky number: 11 / Lucky colour: Sky blue
you relax and unwind.
Lucky number: 6 /Lucky colour: Bottle green Lucky number: 11 / Lucky colour: Yellow
Lucky number: 7 / Lucky colour: Baby pink
Inviting nominations for The guidelines, which need to be adhered to, for
nominations, are as follows:
ENTRY FORM: Form for nominating candidates for Kiwi Indian Honours 2017 | Please fill and post it to the address below
Sex M F
Address & Contact number of nominator Address & Contact number of nominee
How according to you has the Nominee brought fame and respect to the Kiwi-Indian
Category Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame community?
Kiwi Indian Young Achiever of the year (16 to 35 years only)
Declaration by Nominator
Nominee has accepted to appear in person
I have received confirmation from for the ceremony, if he/she gets chosen
the nominee for this application. for the nominated category for Kiwi Indian
Honours 2017.
Yes No
Yes No
I hereby declare that the above information is true to the best of my knowledge. I also
allow Indian Weekender and the Jury to use the information provided for background
checks and to contact either me or the nominee for the purpose of getting any
What to do next?
Please take a print out of this form, sign (Add extra pages to this form if required.)
more information.
and send to us at: For details contact Indian Weekender on
Jury Panel, Kiwi Indian Honours 2017 09-6366306 or go to:
Level1,133A Onehunga Mall, www.indianweekender.co.nz
Date: Auckland 1061
Signed:
26 FEATURES
ENTERTAINMENT 10 February | www.iwk.co.nz
I understand
value of audience: Priyanka Chopra:
I dont believe in having any regrets
Shahid
W
hether her choices end The second season of Quantico is back after a
B
in success or failure, mid-season break. It airs in India on Star World
ollywood actor Shahid Kapoor said that as
actress Priyanka and Star World HD. Priyanka will soon make
an actor and performer he understands the
Chopra whose visibility in the US her Hollywood debut as a villain in Baywatch.
value and appreciation of the audience.
is on the rise says she is always on Is she now scared of failure?
The actor, who was present along with Manik
the lookout for new ways to challenge I dont like to fail, she said, adding: And
Davar, Chairman of Kala Ghoda Arts Festival,
herself, because she believes in living if I do fail, I bundle up in my room with my
Brinda Milar, festival director among others, lit the
lamp to open the 18th Kala Ghoda Festival. without regrets. blanket, eat a tub of ice cream and Im over
Be it for her acting skills, fashion it. She admitted she gets butterflies in the
Attending the Kala Ghoda Festival for the first
time, Shahid appreciated the organiser for arranging calls or advocating social causes stomach whenever she does something new, but
such a huge show for the last 18 years and said: As Priyanka has made a name for said: Im always looking for new things to do.
an actor I understand the value of audience.I am herself in all spheres. Ive learned to make fear my friend.
glad that budding artistes are getting opportunity to Its been an incredible, amazing The former beauty queen said she is glad
perform before a humongous audience. In our city experience and I dont think Ive had that talent from India is being recognised
(Mumbai), Kala Ghoda has become an time to fully process it all. Im a living more and more because we have so much to
unofficial art district. I am testament of If you can dream it, offer. She asserted that she has always tried
very excited to experience you can do it, and Im filled with to break misconceptions about the Indian film
the festival. All I want to gratitude for all the connections industry or culture in the West.
urge is please bring more and learnings Ive had along the If anything, I would like to believe that I
people to the festival and way, Priyanka said from have tried to clear misconceptions when it
support art and artistes. New York.
comes to Indian films and its actors. I believe in
The evening started with I am a firm believer in not our talent and Ive just opened the worlds eyes
some beautiful dance having any regrets. Every choice Ive to what we have to offer. The rest is left to each
performances. Rajeshwari made and step Ive taken has led me individuals talent.
Vaidyanathan and Shannon to where I am today. Each success
Benjamin performed a Ive made a special effort to educate
and failure too has shaped my
Tango followed by a repeat present, and I wouldnt change that everyone I meet, on our film industry and the
performance of traditional for anything, she added. amazing writers, directors, technicians and
Malkham by public demand actors we have. Its great to be able to take us
For Priyanka, it all started at the
by Victorian School for out of the box weve been in for a while now.
age of 17 when she was crowned
the Blind before Shahid Weve changed, evolved, grown and its time
Miss World. She soon stepped into the
arrived at the venue. world of Bollywood in 2003 with The the world sees that. Im also excited about
Also performing Hero: Love Story of a Spy. the connect Ive been able to make with new
are singer Sukhwinder audiences and the fact that they see me as an
Projects like Don, Fashion, 7 Khoon
Singh, Flamenco actor first, before anything else. That, in my
Maaf, Barfi!, Mary Kom and Bajirao
dancer Paris Laxmi, a Mastani are milestones in her mind, is a true measure of success, added
play by Anupam Kher career graph. But it wasnt a Priyanka, who also owns the Purple Pebble
and Neena Gupta, smooth ride for her as she even Pictures production house.
an exclusive dinner saw setbacks with films like One can spot many Indian elements like
experience by Ranveer Bluffmaster!, Salaam-E-Ishq, God wearing the Om bracelet or the cast speaking
Brar, screening Tussi Great Ho, The Legend of Drona, in Hindi incorporated in Quantico. Priyanka
of the iconic film and Whats Your Raashee?. says it came organically.
Sholay followed Asked about her next destination, she said:
She was at the peak of her career
by a conversation Thats a dangerous question to ask someone
when she explored the world of music
with open audience like me because my answer is... Everything!
with singles like In my city and Exotic,
conducted by The point is to move forward, try new things,
and then walked into the US television
Farah Khan. challenge yourself and be open to the endless
space as FBI agent Alex Parrish in
Starting Saturday, possibilities.
Quantico. She even bagged
the festival will
two Peoples Choice For now, she is busy with Quantico, and
continue till
Awards for the looks forward to the release of Baywatch.
February 12 at
s h o w. As a producer, she has three regional films
Kala Ghoda.
and three childrens films in the pipeline.
BUY YOUR Valentines Package One Lucky couple will win the following: Theres only one chance to grab
Upgrade to Premium Seating this Package. So start purchasing
2x $199.00 tickets @ $398.00
Entry to an exclusive Pre-Show Party Da-Bang Tickets now to get
2x $299.00 tickets @ $598.00 VIP Merchandise yourself into the lucky draw,
2x $399.00 tickets @ $798.00 Exclusive Belgian Chocolate Gift to win your
2x $499.00 tickets @ $998.00 Pack by The Chocolate Room Valentine a special day!
VALENTINE PROMOTION DATES: Entries close on 13 Feb 2017, midnight | Lucky draw on 14 Feb 2017, 12 noon.
'EVENT CO-ORDINATED, SCRIPTED AND DIRECTED BY SOHAIL KHAN ENTERTAINMENT AND JA EVENTS LLP'
Terms and Conditions Apply.
www.dabangnz2017.com
www.rspromotions.co.nz
28 FEATURES
ENTERTAINMENT 10 February | www.iwk.co.nz
B F
ilmmaker
ollywood superstar Aamir Khan who Asked if he wants to take K a b i r
is still soaking in the success of latest forward the success internationally, Khan says
release Dangal, says he doesnt think he Aamir said that for him the most that the cameo
rules the box-office. respectable award is his audiences in Salman Khan
I am not a box-office king. I am only Kirans love. starrer Tubelight
(his wife Kiran Rao) king, said the actor, who Other than this, I do not think was screaming for
looked to be in the seventh heaven after the about any other awards. superstar and hence
huge success of his latest film. Aamir also spoke about the Shah Rukh Khan
Speaking at the success party of Till recent attack of a mob graciously agreed to do the role. I am not
the film, Aamir also added that today I never on the Padmavati set in going to divulge much details about the role.
he never chooses films on its signed a film on the Jaipur. Let the film come out. It is a cameo, which
potential to do business. basis of its capability Saying that the was screaming for a superstar so we went to
to do business. I prefer attack on Sanjay Shah Rukh and asked to do the special role. He
Till today I never signed
graciously agreed to do it, Kabir said at the
a film on the basis of its to choose a film from my Leela Bhansali as
heart. All the films Ive unfortunate, the success party of Dangal.
capability to do business. I
prefer to choose a film from my done till now are those 51-year-old actor said: The Bajrangi Bhaijaan helmer also spoke about
heart. All the films Ive done till which touched my Taking law in our own hand his planning to work with Hrithik Roshan.
now are those which touched my heart is not legal for anyone. What Usually I dont announce my next project
heart, he said. has happened is very wrong and until my film gets released. Ive a long-standing
saddening. relation with Hrithik. Obviously, I had a chat
Taare Zameen Par, 3 Idiots, Rang De Basantior
The people of Rajasthan are very with him and we keep discussing but nothing is
Sarfarosh, when I did those films, I never thought
much lovable and sensible. My finalised yet, said Kabir.
they would do such a good business.
experience with the people and Kabir expressed his happiness at the huge
If you take Dangal as an example, I played a success of Aamir Khan starrer Dangal and said
role of an aged and heavy wrestler. the place was very good.
When a small group does the film is well-deserved to become highest
There are no romantic songs or any typical grossing film. Tubelight is written and directed by
this kind of an act, then
formula to become a blockbuster. Therefore, we Kabir Khan. Based on 1962 Sino-Indian War,
the entire populattion
never predicted that the film would be such a this historical war drama also features Chinese
gets a wrong name.
big hit, he added. This is very actress Zhu Zhu, Shatrughan Sinha, and the
I would never do films like Dhobi Ghat with regrettable, he late Om Puri among others. The film is slated
Kiran if I have ever thought of doing films by said. to release on July 26.
its number. Bollywoods Mr. Perfectionist told
the reporters. Portrayal of Hindi
film heroine has
Phillauri team ecstatic over changed: Shabana
response to entertaining trailer V
eteran actress Shabana Azmi says there
has been a visible and an evident change
T
in the portrayal of Hindi film heroines
heres comedy, romance and a hook in Gradually, the trailer gives out in the industry.
Phillauri trailer, the response to which that the ghost has a back story
Asked how has cinema has helped in bringing
has left the films makers content and of unrequited love from a
a change, Shabana said here: I think there
excited. The trailer was unveiled to a positive bygone era. And her love
is a lot of difference now. If you look at the
response as Bollywood buffs found the idea of interest a man who
way the Hindi film heroine is portrayed today
actress Anushka Sharma playing a ghost very sings really well is from the sati savitri she used to be... It has
unique and interesting. played by the multi- completely changed. The 66-year-
Anushka, who has also produced the movie talented Diljit old National Award winner
with her brother Karnesh Sharma under their Dosanjh, who is also lauded actresses Vidya
banner Clean Slate Films, said: We are very happy to be a Balan and Alia Bhatt for
ecstatic. When you put out a film like this, you part of this their work. When you
dont know how people will receive it because different see the girls today...
youre trying to tell a story differently. story. This As reflected by many
So when such a response comes through... films story films that Vidya Balan
Its great. We are grateful with the response, was very has done or this very
and we are very charged up with the rest of young actress Alia
the promotions, thanks to this amazing start. Bhatt has done... So it is
The trailer begins with Suraj Sharma yes, changing, but definitely
theres a lot more that
the Life of Pi actor in a very different persona
needs to be done, she said.
as a NRI Punjabi boy who is made to marry
different. I am a Shabana was here at the
a tree before he marries his fiance as he is
singer in real life, but not the kind of singer making his feature film debut. The idea was Lakme Fashion Week Summer/
maanglik. The humour comes in when the ghost
that I play in the movie. It was wonderful to to leave it ambiguous. Theres a lot of freshness Resort 2017 to support a show by NGO Kranti
who lived on the tree starts trailing him.
be in this film. Punjab is looking very beautiful in the movie people have appreciated Diljit- by Mandeep Nagi, where the daughters of
Anushkas histrionics as the friendly and in Phillauri, Diljit said, when asked about the Anushkas pairing in the film, the VFX is being rehabilitated and rescued women from the red
entertaining ghost look endearing, and the picturesque hinterlands of Punjab that the appreciated a lot in the trailer. Basically, what light districts, took to the ramp. I think the
VFX adds to the look. trailer gives a dekko at. we wanted out of the trailer, we have got it, work that Kranti is doing is revolutionary... And
In a jocular tone, the actress said: I thought From the trailer, one cannot tell much Lal said. also the fact that it has been chosen at the show
playing human was too mainstream... Insaan se about what leads Anushkas character to Written by Anvita Dutt, Phillauri, releasing here, which is a mainstream show, where we
bore ho gayi (Got bored playing a human). But... become a ghost. But that was the whole idea, on March 24, is produced by Fox Star Studios talk about the world of glitz and glamour and
this ghost is different and fun. says the films director Anshai Lal, who is and Clean Slate Films. then we shine a light on those, who the society
would treat as invisible, Shabana said.
A
Hong Kong, which mainly consists and bring my family to Disneyland.
skyscraper-studded skyline
of Chinese. Lost in my thoughts, I forgot where
and Disneyland are the two
My eyes gleamed with excitement to de-board. And I thought Delhi
things that people most often
and my feet automatically did the metro station names like Ghitorni
associate with Hong Kong. Termed
happy dance as I boarded the final and Jhilmil were difficult to memorise
the Pearl of the Orient, Hong Kong
train with elements of the loved My thoughts quickly converted
turned out to be the place where
Disney character Mickey Mouse. from fairy tales to an episode of
some of my dreams were realised.
Once I reached my destination, I Jailed Abroad even though I had my
Accompanied by a few journalists,
found myself in a dilemma. Should I documents with me and hadnt
I took a train from the Hong Kong
first get clicked with Donald Duck or indulged in anything illegal.
International Airport to Kowloon
take the rides? Thankfully, some locals helped me
station. It was a wise decision to skip
Then I saw the Disney emporium. reach the hotel safely.
the red taxis and opt for a train as
the high-rise hotel W Hong Kong I went for one, but came out with That experience didnt stop me
was just five minutes away from a backpack stuffed with Disney- from venturing out again. The
the station. inspired products worth $700. popular Temple Street Night Market
Then it was time for me to stuff was my next stop. The vibrant
Later, we hopped on to a train
myself with food. The Shellie Mays market, beautified by neon signs,
and then took to walking till we
pink banana shake had the adorable had numerous stalls where people
reached the Hong Kong Cultural
Disney bear (edible) sitting on top. bargained with sellers for watches,
Centre, where a lot of young couples
It had the perfect combination of clothes, bags, home decor items,
were getting photographed in their
bananas, strawberry puree and milk. shoes, socks, toys and much more.
wedding outfits.
I was a little doubtful about trying There were lots of outdoor eating
Not in a white lacy gown, but we
another chicken dish in Hong Kong joints too. I ordered a chicken clay
still went clickety-click in front of
as my past experiences werent great. pot. Again, the strong smell put me
the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. The
But being a chicken addict, I gave it off. But I could see others relishing
humidity level wasnt high and so
another shot and ordered barbecue pork and seafood dishes with
we enjoyed the cool breeze and the
chicken wing trio. local beer.
sunset. What was I thinking of ? A hot
pakoda and masala tea. Disneyland in Hongkong The Thai chili, US barbecue and On my way back, I spotted
Chinese barbecue sauces gave the the Hello Kitty Chinese Cuisine.
My thoughts were interrupted by
was all set to watch the exclusive Marvel superheroes. After a long chicken wings the right balance of But I couldnt dig into the food
the Clock Tower. With no energy
mind-bending 30 minutes of Marvel chat on the future of superheroes like sweetness and spice. items inspired by the cute fictional
left to walk further, I just made the
Studios superhero film Doctor Strange. the Black Widow, I headed straight Then I took a walk through a character. I also wanted to pose like
historical tower the background in
to Disneyland all by myself. Armed garden featuring classic Disney fairy Bruce Lee and get myself clicked
some of my photos. While the films star Benedict
with a smile, I eagerly waited for the tales as storybooks and later watched next to the late stars statue at the
My excitement didnt end with us Cumberbatch set many hearts racing,
next train at the Kowloon station a group of men creating music with Avenue of Stars. I guess Ill have to
wandering around an unknown place I was more thrilled to shoot questions
to the theme park. There werent buckets. return to Asias world city to fulfil
without a local to show us around. I at Marvel Studios president Kevin
any known faces, but I could spot a As I walked towards the exit gate, my other dreams.
Feige as I am an ardent fan of
I
rain forest climate of the place, and
t was raining heavily when the
modern commercial buildings.
inaugural SriLankan Airlines
flight from Colombo touched The Victoria Clock Tower at one
down on the Indian Ocean of the street squares is a focal point
archipelago nation of Seychelles of the town. Erected in 1903 as a
and one could hardly make out the memorial to Queen Victoria who
water cannon salute from inside died in 1901, the clock is a replica of
the aircraft. the one erected in London in 1897.
As the passengers deboarded at With the Seychelles as a high-end
the Seychelles International Airport tourist destination, worlds top hotel
on Mahe island, each of them were brands are all here.
handed out umbrellas by ground staff Beach time and Sandra
waiting at the end of the stepladder immediately informed her guests that
to get to the small arrival terminal a all beaches in the Seychelles were
few steps away. public. That is the law, she said.
The sheer exoticness of the country North East Point Beach is one
will never fail to hit a first-time visitor, such. Stretching over 1.5 km, the
just like me as I was transported A visit to the Seychelles National Landscaped and beautifully windswept beach is popular with
Their ability to survive nearly
from the airport to the resort on an Botanical Gardens on Mount maintained , the five acres of the tourists, especially surfers. Beach
Fleuri on the outskirts of the capital gardens are also home to exotic and three months without food or water
island connected by a small bridge. A rocksmasses of sand that have
Victoria starts with an interesting endemic tropical plants and a variety contributed to their vulnerable
neat, well maintained two-lane road turned into rocks under pressure
flanked by tropical trees connected bit of triviaa popular myth in of spice and fruit trees. Fruit bats can status providing live meat for ships
travelling the Indian Ocean during are indicative of how old the
the airport with the resort. the country is that the coconut tree also be seen hanging from the trees.
the 16th to 18th century, it stated. beach is.
The quaint houses on the has male and female forms. And And then came the most
that popular myth has been given Sandra, the guide, explained that it Farther ahead is the Beau Vallon
way mostly reflected the French anticipated eventa visit to the beach, once considered the best
architectural style. I learnt later that official recognition as shown by the giant tortoises enclosure. One look took three days by boat to reach the
immigration stamp on the passport, Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World beach in the world and even now
though the Seychelles was colonised and you will surely do a double take.
the contours of which represent the among the top 10.
by France and later by Britain until Tortoises. Huge ones! Heritage Site comprising four coral
independence in 1976, the people female form of the tree. islands, and only seven visitors are A visit to the Seychelles is
Distributed across the Aldabra incomplete without a trip to Morne
of the country mostly retained the The wood of the Takamaka Atoll in the Seychelles, giant tortoises allowed on the atoll on any given day.
French culture. coconut tree is considered to be the Blanc, the highest peak in the
are herbivores that feed on leaves, After the botanical gardens, time
Of the 115 islands that comprise most expensive in the Seychelles, country, from where one can get
fruits and low hanging tree branches. for a tour of Victoria. Covering an
the country that is around 1,500 km according to Sandra, the guide spectacular panoramic views of the
The worlds longest lived animals area a little over 20 sq km, it must
east of the African mainland, only assigned to our group. Indian Ocean and see tropical birds
with a lifespan of nearly 250 years, be one of the smallest and quaintest
the three largest ones are inhabited The French extract oil from flying around.
Aldabran giant tortoises are one national capitals in the world.
in a big wayMahe, Praslin and La the roots of this tree and 50 ml of A local meal at a Creole homestead
of the two last existing species of Neatly maintained two-lane streets
Digue. Mahe, the largest of them this is sold for 300 euros, she said, that comprised steamed sea fish,
adding that the oil is mostly used for giant tortoises, a board at the crisscross the town which is dotted
all, is home to most of the countrys chicken curry and lentils, or dhal as
skincare products. enclosure reads. with pretty, brightly-coloured houses
93,000-odd population. they call it, completed the experience.
30 FEATURES 10 February | www.iwk.co.nz
over the four day event. This leading event will captivate you
with exciting new products and Sellers, combined with great
networking opportunities. For more information on the event visit
TRENZ websitewww.trenz.co.nz.
Colours Auckland is expected to witness more than 5000 people. Time: 6 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. #DABANGNZ
Come to the free event with family and friends and play with Venue: Queens Wharf, Auckland, New Zealand
TRENZ is New Zealands most significant business-to-business
WWW.TICKETMASTER.CO.NZ
colours, from noon till evening.
travel and trade show, with over 1200 delegates attending
MEDIA PARTNERS