As a Bollywood actress born to an Italian father and an Australian mother, life is nothing short of diverse for Victorian celebrity Tania Zaetta. Here’s someone who can perform flying somersaults, drive cars off cliffs, swim with sharks, dance to item numbers and tuck into paneer (her favourite Indian dish) with equal enthusiasm. Tania rose to fame as the co-host of popular TV show Who Dares Wins and was also seen in Baywatch and UK’s Sky 1 Show Mission Impossible with Jason Plato. In 2005 she appeared in Bollywood movie Bunty aur Babli and then the hit film Salaam Namaste, opposite Arshad Warsi. She also worked in Dil Apna Punjabi and Mr. White and Mr. Black. Living and working in Australia, India and UK has only added to Tania’s versatility. It was therefore no surprise to see the actress mingle easily with a select crowd of invitees of all ages at a dinner held in Delhi Moghuls Indian Restaurant in Mount Waverley recently.

Tania was the guest of honour at the dinner organized by Dr. Manjula O’Connor chairperson of the Victorian Indian Community Charitable Trust (VICCT) and Vice President of the Australia India Society of Victoria (AISV). The informal gathering was to promote the tireless work and research being conducted by the taskforce against domestic violence. According to Tania, the topic of combating domestic violence is very close to her heart especially after her visit to various parts of India and other countries where women are still suffering in silence.

“I have the biggest heart in the world,” claimed Tania, “so whether it is going into war-ravished Afghanistan or Iraq and wanting to do something to help the innocent victims there, or going to various parts of India and wanting to make a difference, my heart always guides me.” She adds, “I have travelled to many beautiful parts of India but I have also seen the not so beautiful side of the country in the form of domestic violence against women.  Being a woman myself I don’t think domestic violence should ever be tolerated.” Tania commended the efforts that the AISV and similar organisations are making to educate and empower women towards equality in relationships.

The actress steered clear of the topic of her own charity that came under scrutiny last year for not being legally registered. Peace For The Children (PFTC), which lists Zaetta as a founding director, solicits donations for several charity projects in Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Uganda, East Timor and outback Australia. In March 2011, PFTC came under a cloud with revelations that it sought to raise more than $100,000 while not being a registered charity. The organisation was fined $50,000 last month for collecting tens of thousands of dollars despite not being registered to raise funds. Zaetta’s co-director and company founder Grant Hilton, 41, was also fined $10,000 after pleading guilty to a string of charges as the director of a company and as an individual. An IPS Audit alleges that PFTC directed less than a quarter of its income towards charitable projects. The solicitor for Zaetta said his client would plead not guilty to 15 charges. The case has been adjourned until end January, while a brief of evidence is prepared by her solicitors.

Despite the controversies and a fractured foot, Tania charmed everyone at the dinner event with her friendly conversation. “There is such a huge Indian community in Melbourne. Every time I sit in a taxi I ask the driver where they are from, what they are studying, any troubles they may have had and their experience in Australia,” revealed Tania. “I share my own experience and tell them about troubles that I faced in India. Unlike the cricketers who sit in posh hotels and dial room service, I had to spend days trying to find a place to live in and it was not easy as I was a foreigner and single. There were many other obstacles along the way similar to obstacles that they may face here in Australia. I share theses stories so people know that it’s difficult to be a foreigner in any country,” she added.

Tania made a special mention of Mr. Nitin Gupta, who is the Ministerial advisor to the Victorian Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship Mr. Nicholas Kotsiras, for his ongoing support and for keeping her “in the loop with what’s happening in the Indian community”. “We have two beautiful countries and I want to continue to bridge the gap between them as we have so much in common including cricket, movies and the climate,” said Tania. She also mentioned how she would love to come on board and help Dr. Manjula O’Connor and her team as much as possible. “Violence is not acceptable in any form in this civilized world, especially that against women or young female children,” she said, ending her speech to a great round of applause.

The evening continued with brief speeches from Dr. Manjula O’Connor and Dr. Saratchandran. Dr O’Connor, chairperson of the VICCT and the Vice President of the (AISV), donated an amount of  $11,111 to the Trust by handing over a cheque to Dr. Saratchandran. She also thanked Mr. Nitin Gupta for his ongoing support to the Indian community and for inviting Tania Zaetta to grace the occasion. Other guests who attended the event were VICCT’s Alex Singh and Abhishek Vivian Prasad, Mrs. Vijaya Vaidyanath, Director of Corporate & Business Services, Darebin City Council, Dr. Jonathan Harrison from Monash Medical Centre and members of the community.

Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of Teddy Roosevelt, twenty-third US President, when herself a senior deduced: “Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.” George William Curtis’ discovery simplified age thus: “Age is a matter of feelings, not of years.”

A few Melbourne seniors shared their activities in retirement, and explained what makes them tick even stronger as they get older.

Plain happy!

One would probably expect me to boast that I’m spending most of my retirement time doing charity work, but would that be true! I’m now simply trying to be happy, if not fulfilled; just plain happy! The most important element that retirement has brought forth is to liberate me from proving my worth and sucking up to those I never initially thought much of. Hence, my present day priority is to utilise as much time as is possible with my family and selected friends. Regular sessions of Pilates, yoga, occasional golf hit-outs, and brisk cycling keeps me fit.

Domestically, Usha, my devoted wife of fifty plus years, does all the heavy lifting, while I help even if minimally, with maintaining the yard. I surf the net for the thrill of having more knowledge at my fingertips, watch current affairs, sports, old-style comedy, icons from my pet peeves – Kyle Sandilands, Dave Hughes, Sachin Tendulkar included, that this thousand-channel world offers me. I enjoy the affability around movie and concert theatres, but most when curled up with a book or magazine in my den.

I constantly remind myself that I’m retired, not dead!

Om Khushu

Retired Doordarshan and Malaysian TV Executive

Sports is my scene

After breakfast, I work out on the treadmill for 30 minutes. Wife Devayani and I then compulsively walk 30 minutes to the shopping centre. I watch TV only if cricket, tennis or lawn bowls are on, otherwise we watch various Indian drama series. As an avid sportsman, I played fast games such as badminton and cricket, captained my college volleyball team, played Ranji Trophy cricket in 1964, and was billiards champion in 1985. In Victorian Lawn Bowls, I have earned fifteen championships playing Singles, Doubles, Mixed Doubles, Triples and Quarters. In May 2011, I underwent a four bypass operation, have now completely recovered and feel healthy. Our only grandchild lives with his parents in Singapore, who we frequently visit.”

Praduman Desai

Ex-petroleum employee, is an active member of Gujarati and other Indian communities.

Challenges of charity work

After 41 years of secondary teaching in wider mediums, I called it a day 17 years ago. Retirement offers exciting challenges which I accept both mentally and physically, that also helps me maintain a balanced lifestyle. Believe me, I learned to swim at 74!

Regularity with Pilates, hydro aerobics, gym, yoga and the Swim Fit Club nurture my stamina. Palli, my husband for half a century and I love long walks and absorbing the advantages multiculturalism offers, rather than restricting ourselves to our ethnicity alone.

A founding member, ex-Treasurer, ex-President and Committee Member, I’m now an active member of Indian Senior CA. I also helped found ‘Jolly Group’ that gifts me with social interaction with sincere friends.

To return what the community gave me in abundance, I began my community service at a centre for visually impaired adults. Now Blind School is skilled of 7+ years standing; I served on their Committee for two years. The experience was as deeply satisfying as is caring for the sick, elderly, disabled and lonely is now. A member of the Girl Guides Trefoil Guild (older women), I collected funds through raffles, by working in the Lions Club Op Shop and factory outlets, etc., to help train budding leaders at Sangham orphanage in India.

Palli and I often travel interstate and overseas, watch sports on TV, and attend photographic exhibitions; Palli being a decorated photographer, which earned me the rarity of appreciating the aesthetics of photography. Socialising with our two gorgeous grandchildren takes priority to other necessities of life.

A life free of stress, gossip and politics keeps this 78 year old alive.

Shashi Gajree

From Kenya, this sprightly lady baffles all with her stamina and enthusiasm in helping those in need or lonely.

After astronomy, its dance!

A founding member and Secretary for a decade plus, I helped draft the Indian Senior CA Constitution, obtained several recurrent grants, discovered Mt. Waverley Youth Centre outside the railway station as a venue, and set up data base of members, among other things.

To mark my retirement, I entertained the ISCA membership with music, dance and luncheon, and along with senior ladies performed a Bollywood dance at various centres, which was rated among the best items of the day. I was awarded a plaque for exemplary community service, plus other awards. An Astronomical Society of Victoria member, I attend Special Interest Group Meetings on Astro-Physics, Cosmology, Deep space explorations, Search for extraterrestrial intelligence, Parallel Universes etc.

A regular at the gym and a “Friend of Planet Earth”, for mental and physical fitness, I participate in fast Latin, Salsa and Zumba dances. Nearing eighty, I’m looking forward to OBE (Over Bloody Eighty)!

Sandy Sen

A retired Computer Engineer from the Physics Department at Monash University, this enterprising gentleman  researched Computers as Instruments for Physics.

Keeping busy as a JP

August 2003 was when I retired from paid employment and took to voluntary community service. As a Justice of the Peace in 2004, I began with serving Dandenong police station and am currently on the Frankston-Cranbourne police roster where I approximate some five hundred Document Witnessing functions in a month, so that the police can function uninterrupted. My wife Margaret and I volunteer at Do Care, a Wesley Mission venture that matches volunteers with those in need, and then provides them with conversational and other service. I serve the community at home and in hospitals, enjoy writing Hindi poetry and skits, and recite these wherever requested and on a radio station. Treasurer with Kingston Indian Senior Citizens Assn., I also earned various prizes in hobby patchwork quilting I gift to newborn babies, to those in need, or to hospitals.

Vishnu Prasad

Affectionately ‘Vishnu Bhai’ from Fiji is a personification of the famed Indian humility. Network Planning Manager with Telstra, compulsively charitable and one who refuses to succumb to actual retirement, he was also decorated with an Exemplary Volunteer award.

KISCA bids adieu to 2011

One striking feature that places the Fijian Indian community over Indians from the Motherland and around the world is their practice of not dividing their society as per faiths and binding it together by accepting each others’ religious festivities as their own. The Kingston Indian Senior CA (KISCA) end of the year meet boasted members from all four major faiths of India, who wished each other compliments of the season and a happy 2012. The show that KISCA organised to entertain 150 members and invited guests was nothing less than spectacular. The delicate, overflowing and highly visual décor and lighting in the hall, undertaken by Committee Members Maan and Shiv Narayan, was of a quality that has never before been seen at any other senior citizens association meetings.

President Usha Sharma, in her free-flowing style, welcomed all and introduced Cr. Paul Peulich of the City of Kingston, invited guests and her newly elected Working Committee, and declared the evening open. Vegetable bondas, nibbles and soft drinks rested over festively decorated candle-lit tables. Cr. Peulich praised KISCA’s efforts at binding the ever-growing Indian community together and keeping them entertained with regular meetings. He promised Usha all assistance from the City and State governments where his mother, Inga Peulich is Parliamentary Secretary. Cr. Peulich also joined the two dozen or so in singing carols.

The music, the karaoke and its presentation was by Shalen & Party, a group of four youngsters who kept the audience involved with the latest songs and dances, which were as much participated in and enjoyed by charged up senior members as the youngsters.

Dinner was by Fiji Cafe in Dandenong, served appropriately in chaffing dishes while dessert was served on tables. KISCA meets every third Sunday of the month at the Marcus Road Community Hall in Dingley Village. For more information, please contact Public Office Mona Raju on 8558 1610.

ISCA meet motivating

Indian Senior CA (ISCA) President Dr. Prem Phakey highlighted a number of grants ISCA received from various sources and introduced his Working Committee. He asked newly elected Vice President Dr. Jasbir Bedi to sing a song to commence his service. Pavita Bedi also sang a few songs, but the discourse that Dinesh Sood, the newly elected ISCA Newsletter editor, delivered to highlight moral satisfaction one obtains when volunteering to serve the needy of the community, was both informative and motivating. Next, members were given time to meet and greet other members, followed by lunch.

ISCA meets every second Saturday of the month in the Community Hall at Mt. Waverly. For more information, Dr. Phakey may be contacted on 9560 9607.

ISAW membership grows

The newly formed Indian Seniors Association West (ISAW) has increased its membership from twenty-four members in their first meet to thirty-four in ISAW’s second meet in St. Albans. ISAW now has a larger venue, the details of which, if permanent, will be provided once a decision has been taken. For more information, please contact President Arjan Tuli on 9390 2818.

Essayist Oscar Wilde as early as the end of twentieth century deduced, “To get into the best society, nowadays, one has either to feed people, amuse people, or shock people.” Evidently having studied the essayist, it is no wonder that Vasan Srinivasan, President of Federation of Indian Associations Victoria (FIAV) is so popular for his commitment to India. To bid 2011 adieu, Vasan invited representatives of member associations spread all over the state, from community media, the pillars of Indian community, and those who are associated, in one way or another, with FIAV; in total a hundred plus, for drinks and dinner at the commodious Tandoori Junction’s first floor hall.

The evening commenced on time for most of us were punctual. Vasan detailed his plans for future such as an old peoples home, a large hall that would hold associations’ meetings and festivals, and also a field where sports could be played. He invited representatives to speak on their activities so the wider community was informed of the success new and old Indians were bringing forth in Australia. Vasan invited and introduced Savita Soni of SBS Channel 31, various community newspapers representatives, including this reporter from Indian Link. Some of us were awarded certificates. A few members such as Dr. Santosh Kumar, President NRISA, and Mr. Satyam Kothari, newly elected President of the Ballarat Assns, could not make it.

The Honourable Michael Gidley MP, spoke highly of the Indian associations’ involvement in nurturing the community, pledged any and all assistance and went from table to table to meet members. Dinner followed and the festivities continued till late.

Melbourne’s iconic multicultural hub ‘Little India’, in Foster Street, Dandenong is facing threats to its existence, according to community activist Manoj Kumar.  The Little India precinct started in 1980 with establishment of the first Indian grocery and video shop, followed by the opening of Punjab Sweet Shop and Roshan’s Fashions. Today this business hub is an eclectic mix of about 37 shops that provide Indian food and fashion, Bollywood movies along with Arabic grocery stores, an Australian tattoo shop, African hairdressing shop and Cambodian coffee shop. The area’s proximity to Dandenong station and easy accessibility has attracted patrons from all over Victoria in the past. Famously known as ‘Little India’, this vibrant street is of significant value to the South Asian community.

Due to redevelopment of the area by Vic Urban, Little India is now facing threats to its existence. Vic Urban has started construction work in the area and in surrounding streets; however this is causing road blockages, limited access to the shops and limited parking spaces.  All of this has impacted on business and subsequently the health and well-being of traders in that area, according to Manoj Kumar. “Some traders have closed their shops while others are forced to consider leaving the area due to a drastic drop in business,” he said.

Since the construction work began, traders have had several meetings with Vic Urban and Planning Minister Hon. Mathew Guy; Shadow Planning Minister Hon. Brian Tee and the Hon. Jude Perera MP, and have also raised this issue in Parliament. A letter was handed to Victorian Premier Hon. Ted Baillieu, and he was also made aware of the problems. In addition to this, a petition signed by over 800 supporters was submitted in Parliament on December 6, followed by a protest held outside the Parliament House recently.

Planning Minister Matthew Guy said, when responding to questions about Little India in Parliament, “We are doing what we can to resolve those on-the-ground issues and to ensure that in the first instance people know Dandenong’s Little India precinct is trading, is operating well, is a place to visit and is a terrific addition to central Dandenong.”

According to Manoj Kumar, who represents the Labor Party, traders are demanding immediate rent relief, as street closures for over two years have caused significant losses to the trading. The RCD project is 15-20 years project so they need the assurance that traders will be able to operate without further disruption to the business in future. Traders are also demanding a fair go as allegedly only some traders were paid compensation for their businesses, while the remaining ones were left in limbo. They also want assurance that the new development will not affect the iconic site negatively and that they will be relocated properly once the shops are demolished.

The community is very concerned as it does not want to lose this unique multicultural icon and would prefer it to remain as Foster Street in Dandenong, with value addition.  Recent report suggests that Vic Urban has sent a letter to all traders offering six months rent relief. “While this initiative is welcome, it certainly is not enough to save and protect this unique icon,” said Manoj Kumar

In a bid to drum up customers, Little India will be promoted in Indian newspapers and have a website created for the precinct in an attempt to placate worried traders. Dominic Arcaro, the planning authority’s development officer, said that Little India was one of the area’s most popular attractions.

Manpreet Singh with Nicholas Kotsiras

The year 2011 ended on a very positive note for SBS Punjabi’s host Manpreet Kaur Singh. On December 14 she received the prestigious Media Award for Excellence from the Hon. Nicholas Kotsiras, Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship.

Manpreet Kaur was recognised for her work ranging from investigative reporting on violence against Indian students in Australia in recent years, to inspirational stories of friendship between Indians and Australians.

Manpreet migrated to Australia in 1991, and has worked for 18 years as the host on the SBS Punjabi programme, currently holding the position of Executive Producer at SBS.  Over the years Manpreet has excelled in positive reporting while covering a variety of topics ranging from public interest, social justice and cultural cohesion.

In 2009 when Australia came under media scrutiny with incidents of violence against international students, Manpreet initiated an investigation into the number of suspicious deaths of international students, demanding Freedom of Information from the Department of Immigration & Citizenship. (The Department replied after 6 months of legal letters, emails, etc, that there were 183 deaths between 2003 -2009). She conducted numerous interviews with victims of violence/police authorities/ listeners and also asked the question on why female students from India were not represented in the statistics of violence against Indian students.

Among many stories, Manpreet received commendation for her heart-rending interview with Harpreet Kaur, mother of Gurshan, the 3-year-old toddler who was killed by their roommate. She rose to fame with her landmark story of pioneer Sikh-Aussie Pooran Singh’s ashes being taken back to his native Punjab, more than 63 years after his death and cremation in Australia in 1947. The Pooran Singh story has now been included as an educational resource for high school students and teachers by the Education Services of Australia.

Manpreet was nominated as a finalist for the UN Media Peace Awards for three consecutive years – 2008, 2009 and 2010, the only non-English entry at the awards each time. Manpreet is also a columnist with sikhchic.com and writes for several reputed Indian publications. She lives in Melbourne with her husband and three children, who are very proud of her achievements.

Do you remember the time when local newspapers in India carried reports of Indians who were heading to foreign countries to study or work? The reports generally featured a photograph of the beaming offshore bound travellers sporting an auspicious garland and vermilion mark, and the text marvelled at their wonderful achievement and wished them well for their future. Similar sentiments were echoed when Melbourne businessman Prakash Menon, or PK as he is known, decided to walk out of the safety net of his brilliant career in Australia to grapple with the emerging, albeit challenging Indian market.

Having lived in Australia for 21 years, PK has been through the typical migrant grind to reach the top echelons of the retail supply chain in Melbourne. PK started his career in hospitality with Taj Hotels and Resorts, and within 6 years became the Food & Beverage Manager. He met his soulmate and wife Manisha while working there and together they migrated to Sydney in 1990, with only $500 of borrowed money in their pockets. Initially Prakash struggled to find a job and lived on Coke and McDonald fries. He cleaned toilets to make ends meet, but he persevered and got a job in junior management for Myer Pty Ltd, Australia’s leading department store chain. Within 8 years he became the Director of Supply Chain, followed by Director of Logistics with the renowned retailer. He worked for Myer for 16 years until August 2011, when he left to start his own entrepreneurial journey.

PK is currently a Non Executive Director at OKMe, Director and Investor at Shooii, CEO and Business Mentor, and an accredited Thought Leaders Mentor. PK has authored three books due for release in the new year including his memoir, Driven: From Mumbai to Myer, a business book called Harnessing the Retail Revolution, and a close look at some of the most influential and successful business leaders and mentors around the world, and the tactics and leadership characteristics that have put them where they are today. PK’s latest venture is to base himself in Mumbai to develop Thought Leadership Mentors and offer expert retail advice.

PK’s decision to shift his strategic sights back where he came from roused curiosity. Given the booming economy in India, is it the perfect executive advancement? Is it a combination of altruism and keen business acumen? Or is it due to his propensity to rollercoaster career rides where he reaches giddy success, only to start from ground zero again? What is the driving force behind his unconventional decision?

“I believe that keeping within our security blankets inoculates us against connected thinking. It is time to engage with contemporary movements and acknowledge the profound changes that are happening in the world, and India is in the thick of that dynamic, forward-looking, and competitive space. Quite simply, India is the place to be,” he said. “Real progress and achievement is about genuine long term commitment. For me this isn’t just a short trip to test the waters; I intend to stay and I have already got myself a place in Mumbai,” shared PK enthusiastically. “My stay is indefinite at this stage and the plan is to develop amazing Thought Leaders, however long it may take” he added.

“It is time to engage with contemporary movements and acknowledge the profound changes that are happening in the world, and India is in the thick of that dynamic, forward-looking, and competitive space.”

Prakash’s profile lists him as CEO and Business Mentor, Thought Leader Mentor, Keynote Speaker, Entrepreneur and Retail Supply Chain Specialist. His multifaceted skills are being honed and tested in a country that has long moved on from when he left. With its unique combination of economic orthodoxies with rapid innovations, the Indian market is a tough turf from which to operate. Before he headed off to India, PK’s life was about giving speeches, writing books, attending meetings and consulting. Now it is all that and fielding with unpredictability. “I already have enough material to launch my fourth book on the trials and travails I have faced with beaureaucracy in the month that I have been here” he said with a touch of amusement.

Not one to be deterred, PK is very enthusiastic about the upcoming launch of Thought Leaders India/UAE in Delhi  and Mumbai in the middle of December. Thought Leadership is based on the premise that our ability to capture, package and deliver ideas for greater commercial success is the key to achieving competitive advantage in business today. The Thought Leadership Advantage programme, at entrepreneurial level, helps business owners to develop intellectual property that creates an exponential lift in the quality of their sales and enquiries. It also helps large organizations, at an intrapreneurial level, to attract, retain and develop talented people.

“Thought Leadership is based on the premise that our ability to capture, package and deliver ideas for greater commercial success is the key to achieving competitive advantage in business today.”

Father of two boys, PK has the rare capacity to charm, inform and influence at the same time. According to him he is on a journey of fulfillment and wants to leave a legacy; and what better opportunity than to go back to India which has only recently announced promising reforms within the retail sector. “We are in a transitional moment culturally,” said PK. “We are moving towards a network model where we use the internet, multiple groups and like-minded individuals to look for new ideas and question the old. At Thought Leaders it is all about sharing knowledge, not hoarding it. This is what I am here to do and I am energized by this change, and really optimistic about it,” concluded Prakash.

Domestic violence is one of the most entrenched and pervasive forms of violence in our society today. By piecing together various statistics, some idea of the seriousness of the problem can be gleaned. Statistics on violence against women remains disturbing, with one in three homicides related to domestic disputes. Research conducted in Victorian indicates that among people in the age group of 15-44, partner violence is responsible for more deaths and health risks than any other factors. At least 77% of victims are girls and women, and one woman is killed almost every week by an intimate partner due to domestic violence.

A multi-ethic White Ribbon day was organized recently by the Australia India Society of Victoria Taskforce against Domestic Violence, at the Langham Hotel. The theme of the event was, how can men break the silence on family abuse and domestic violence? An eminent panel of speakers touched upon topics like religious interpretation, gender bias, and role of the mother, education of youth, mental health and social research related to domestic violence. The panelists comprised of Cranbourne MP Jude Perera, Dr. Nandini Kumar from India, Prof. Ajay Kapoor, Kashif from Pakistani Students Association, CSIRO’s Najmul Alam from Bangladesh, Regional Recruitment Manager (South Asia) Deepa Matthews from CQ University, Amit Tiwary, Ananth Gopal, Sri Lankan Marketing student Jeewan Rathnayaka, Jaswinder Singh Siddhu from RMIT University, and Ash Dixit and Dinesh Nettur from Victoria Police.

The youth voice of White Ribbon Day and Bollywood starlet Divya Dhingra was the MC for the evening. She started by offering an insight into this social problem, and then invited the chief guests to speak briefly on the topic. The Counsel General of India Dr S. Behara offered his support to the White Ribbon program and said that there is an urgent need to sensitize the Indian community and other people in order to prevent this problem. Ms Heidi Victoria MP (Parliamentary Secretary to Premier Ted Baillieu) said, “We need to go further than simply responding to the problem; we need to stop it in its tracks and stem it before it happens. This can be done by engaging more people and introducing the concept very early among boys that violence is just not acceptable.”

Prof. Amitabh Mattoo, Director Australia India Institute, University of Melbourne concurred with Ms. Victoria. According to him, “Awareness needs to begin at the school level and the UN Declaration of 1993 should be included in school curriculums across the country.”

Research predicts that children between the ages of 8 and 12 are at a stage when intervention could be successful, before the impact of violent role modelling has become entrenched in their behavioural and social learning processes. The introduction of anti-domestic violence programmes into school curricula would have the added benefits of targeting all children through a non-stigmatising process. It would also help promote new attitudes against violence, positive attitudes towards women and equality in relationships. “To understand the scope of this we need to first recognize the scale of this problem,” said Mr. Colin Brooks MP (representing Mr. Daniel Andrews, Leader of the Opposition).

The Chairman of AISV Taskforce Dr Manjula O’Connor presented her research findings on domestic violence with relation to Melbourne’s Indian community. Lord Ganesha was invoked through the Tandava dance item presented in classical Odissi style by Mrs. Rajshree Behera. The proceedings were interspersed with entertainment provided by folk dancers from Rajasthan and Punjab, and afternoon tea was also provided. CQU’s Deeepa Matthew and SBS Punjabi Radio’s Manpreet Singh summed up the panel discussions. Praising the efforts of AISV’s taskforce Ms Singh said, “We need to continue to work to enhance the safety and security of women and girls in their homes, their communities, and in disaster and conflict situations. We should focus on enhancing community-based services for women who have experienced violence, as well as building support through the health, law and justice systems.”

Indian Senior Citizens (ISCA) forum meet was a full affair, to the extent that MC Andy Shome felt obliged to apologise for being a ‘bad time manager’. Associations are allocated a time-slot of two hours on weekends at the hall of Federation of Indian Associations, Victoria (FIAV), conveniently located by the Dandenong railway station and bus terminus. For the benefit of the Chief Guest, Lord Mayor Roz Blades of the City of Greater Dandenong, Andy elaborated the attributes of Diwali, painting a picture of India taken from outer space on Diwali night, for visual effect.

Andy, thanking the Lord Mayor for sparing his weekend to attend, welcomed 30-odd members and invited the Mayor to say a few words. Roz, in a most delightful manner, related that she was a ‘boat person’ with endless trouble with the Aussie accent when moving here, besides the local idiom and the English language in general. Because no-one could pronounce her Polish surname and as she worked for Gillette, she was allocated the nearest appropriate surname “Blades”, which she adopted since 1969. She recounted other episodes of her experiences in Australia, including coming to terms with the concepts of ‘bring a plate’ and having to ‘Glad Wrap’ her lunch, much to the delight of the audience. She was also ‘diddled’ by the used car salesman, who took her for a ride ‘literally’, like the estate agent when buying her first house. She failed to comprehend why an entire city must stop functioning in December and when she was invited to an Indian function, she asked the Consul General next to whom she was seated if the CG understood the language the actors spoke. When the CG said she did not, Roz heaved a sigh of relief and commented, “That makes two of us!” She cracked jokes about her parents conversing with the Aussies in Yiddish the only language they spoke, and overall made us Indians feel so much more at home! Roz was truly one of us, staying through the event and meeting each of us individually. A delightful discourse from a friendly ‘new Australian’ Mayor! Guru Deepika Shome presented a bouquet of roses to the Mayor, along with token gifts for FIAV President Vasan Srinivasan and Shri Auplish, the Forum’s founder.

President Vasan detailed his plans to construct a 108-bed village for Indian seniors, and a hall to accommodate 400, to be used for Indian festivals and social functions. For the purpose, he travelled to Canberra and met the Federal Minister in charge. Vasan is actually trying to get a certain city boundary re-demarcated, which in my lay opinion is a monumentally difficult task, so that he may buy a 3-acre block he has in mind for the dual purpose. An indication of his persistence was in following up for seven years with a city council to have water connected to the Carrum Downs temple, until it became a reality. “50,000 hardworking Indians live in a 20 km circle in Greater Dandenong. 28 associations from Kashmir to Kanya Kumari, are represented by FIAV,” he stated. 180,000 Indians live in Victoria, related Vasan. While Melbourne’s Greeks boast 250 associations and Italians have just 3, India has only one association: FIAV, that keeps us all in togetherness. “Indians form a larger portion of new arrivals for we are law abiding, dedicated to our causes and sincere,” added Vasan. In 2008 alone, 11,000 Indians migrated to Australia!” Informative discourse indeed!

Teenager Subhangi now rendered three karaoke songs; all fairly complex, but immaculately rendered to the extent that some attendees felt, with eyes shut, that they could hear Lata Mangeshkar of the mid-seventies singing.

Next, Neeru talked about SEVA International which collects funds for the underprivileged in India and elsewhere, and requested donations. SEVA was started in the UK to help the 1991 earthquake victims, and now functions in 57 countries. SEVA also participates in the Clean Australia movement and in motivating young people to donate blood. Subroto sang some familiar Hollywood oldies, and tea, coffee and snacks were served.

The Forum holds its monthly meetings at two venues; in Dandenong on first Saturday from 1 pm to 3 pm, and in Camberwell on fourth Sunday from 2 to 5 pm. For more information, please call Shri Auplish on 95611878.

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Indian Senior Citizens Association’s biennial AGM in September in which members elect future Working Committee was postponed for some members raised an objection that, in contradiction to rules, ISCA has been electing its Working Committee without a formal Returning Officer. Hence, Mr. Prem Sinha was appointed as independent Returning Officer and election carried out in the November meet. The new Working Committee consists of: Dr. Prem Phakey, President. Dr. Jasbir Bedi, Vice President against serving VP Dr. Suresh Sharma. Mr. Bhim Sud, Treasurer. Mr. Om P. Sharma, Assistant Treasurer. Mr. Kaushal Srivastava, Secretary. Mr. Khalid Ally, Assistant Secretary. Mr. Dinesh Sood, Newsletter Editor. And Mrs. Nirmala Pandey, Mrs. Parminder Jabbal, Mrs. Usha Phakey, Mrs. Krishna Arora, and Mrs. Yasina Khandwala, Members.

There was a hired Security Guard at the gate. Did we expect violence, and consequently an independent eye-witness?!

ISCA meets second Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm. For more information, please call President Phakey at 9560 9607.

Jai Hind beat the Tuskers by five runs

Opting to bat first on match day 3, Jai Hind scored 88/5 in 25 overs. Openers Arun Sarve and Shantanu made a sedate, yet effective start to the innings. Arun played a typical Dravidesque innings, top scoring with 32 runs. The other major contribution came from the dependable Ulhas who remained unbeaten, scoring 23 runs. Ramanand and Sriram were the most successful bowlers.

There was a sense of déjà vu in Tuskers’ chase who at one point were cruising towards victory. Mandar, Nitin, Ramanand and Sriram got off to reasonable starts, but failed to stick as the innings progressed. The match might have scripted to a different finale had one of them taken the responsibility of seeing the team through to victory. Ultimately, the Tuskers were bowled out for 84 runs in the penultimate over. Satish was the most successful bowler for Jai Hind.

Despite losing on the day, it was a wonderful gesture by the entire Tuskers team to give Arun a standing ovation for upholding the true spirit of the game by recalling Mandar earlier in the day after a dubious LBW decision.

Southern Rocks beat Strikers by 36 runs

Batting second has proved to be the tournament’s Achilles heel so far, therefore, it was a gamble by Mihir, captain of Strikers, opting to bowl first upon winning the toss.

Openers Mastaan and Subbu combined well to put up an opening stand of 31 runs but with the score a fragile 3/49 after 15 overs, anything close to 100 runs by the end would have given the Rocks some respite. However, Ashok played a gem of an innings scoring a belligerent 45 runs altering the entire scenario. Pradeep, Senthil and Raghu also joined the party and their contributions proved vital as well. By the end of the innings, Rocks had piled on an imposing 133 runs. Strikers must be lamenting the dropped catches and run out opportunity early on in the innings which might have changed the course of the innings.

Needing a blistering start, Strikers lost both openers early, credit going to the dynamic opening bowling duo of Pradeep and Subbu. Anil and Nanda put on a good partnership, but were unable to muscle the run rate in their favour. Despite being marginally ahead of the Rocks by the 15^th over mark in terms of run rate, the Strikers failed to score big runs thanks to a fine combined bowling performance by the Rocks. Mihir scored a well-complied 21 runs and any hope of victory was snuffed out with his dismissal. Strikers ended their innings scoring 8/97 in 25 overs. In the end, Ashok’s performance with both bat and ball was the decisive factor behind the Rocks’ comprehensive win.

Rocks beat Jai Hind by 21 runs

As anticipated on match day 5, this match between the top two sides in the competition proved to be an enthralling contest.

Electing to bat first, Mastaan (19 runs) and Pradeep (40 runs) did well to keep the score ticking for the Rocks with the odd boundary and by stealing crucial singles and twos. Later on in the innings, Ashok (33 runs) and Pradeep took charge of proceedings and combined efficiently for a rapid partnership of 66 runs. Jai Hind managed to pull things back in the last five overs of the innings, leaving the Rocks to settle for an impressive 131/8 in 25 overs. For Jai Hind, Tushar was the most effective bowler.

Chasing 132 for victory, Jai Hind got off to the worst possible start losing their captain and versatile batsman Arun early. Jay (23 runs) and Sparkal (17 runs) kept the runs flowing but were dismissed in quick succession. Tushar scored an aggressive 39 runs, threatening to take the match away from the Rocks and victory was in sight for Jai Hind as long as he was out in the middle. Tushar and Ulhas went on a rampage, scoring 13 runs in the 21^st over off Ashok to narrow down the victory target to 25 runs off 24 balls with five wickets in hand. However, Subbu bowled a magnificent 22^nd over to dismiss Tushar and then Vardhan off consecutive deliveries, and the momentum swung back in the Rocks’ favour. With 22 runs required off the last 18 balls, Ashok outfoxed the remaining batsmen leaving Jai Hind high and dry with a total of 110 runs with 13 balls to spare. It was another fine all-round performance by Rocks who at this stage of the tournament are the team to beat.