Aries

March 21 – April 19

This month is charged with changes. The cards show if you are single, you will attract a new love. You will spend a lot more time with family and friends, as fun is on your mind.  Work and money are going smoothly, but you will look for more money, as you plan to save for later this year.  Communication is strong, make use of all your contacts as major changes are coming up. Do you need an eye check up?

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

You will concentrate on new beginnings and putting the past where it belongs.  You will also be looking at improving your diet and fitness levels.  The cards show that a new healthy regime is planned. There are changes around work and career, and other opportunities are going to be knocking on your door, so finances will be looking up. Relationships are going through a few ups and downs, but you will be making decisions about a certain person this month.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

You will see changes around your social life; expect invitations to different events. There will be some stress with work, but try and take it easy as the cards indicate restructuring at your current job (if working). If looking for work, this is a good time to find a job which will be with a company that has the letter ‘A’ in its title.  You are good with your diet and relationship.  You are trying to conform to being committed.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

You are feeling good, sexy and ready for action. This is a leap year, so you may be thinking of popping the question to your loved one.  If so, you will surprise them when you get down on one knee to propose.  If single, amazing cards indicate finding someone likeminded. You could move into a new house or flat by mid-month.  There are some family matters to take care of and you will be asked to sign some important documents.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

The cards indicate harmony and peace around you, as you have decided to make things easier by not losing your temper as much with those around you.  The cards indicate a time of news and training at work.  There is a business you are thinking of getting into.  Look at the paperwork and all the details before you go ahead. You may decide to go in for a dream new car by instalments.  Re-decoration is also on the cards.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

You will be rewriting your plans; the cards show that you are deciding to make adjustments around home and work areas.  A friend will give you money-making ideas and you could decide to work together. A job offer is on the cards.  A relationship you have been in is tiring right now so you will take a break.  If single, be careful of someone who is attached wanting to be around you.  Take care of migraines, drink lots of water.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

You are trying to please others, you feel guilty about not doing enough for your family in the past.  You have an opportunity to make things right, but you have a stubborn streak. You have important hospital appointments to make.  The cards indicate travel to visit family.  You may be thinking of making a will and getting paperwork up to date.  There is a strong connection with a friend from the past who may show up out of the blue.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

The cards favour fresh air and healthy eating. There seems to have been over indulgence of late, so stop eating too much sugar.  There may be news of a wedding or an addition to the family.  Drive carefully, as you can lose your temper on the road. Relationships with women this month are not easy, so take care at work and family situations.  You may buy a new electrical item.  Saving is on your mind, but not easy right now.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

The cards indicate that you will be working very hard this month.  There will be additional pressures at work, so do not make any mistakes as you may not have much energy to work long hours.  Colleagues around you are being very competitive and difficult, so you need to keep your cool.  Your partner will be demanding this month and may complain that you are not spending enough time with them. There are plans to buy a pet, think carefully!

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

The cards indicate confusion: you will not know in which direction to go. Financially, you will be looking at ways to bring in extra money but will try and work for yourself rather than in a routine job.  You will be thinking of embarking on a new diet plan, to combat health issues.  You may be thinking of buying a new car and moving abroad.  A family member will cause you concern.  Keep a check on your knees and back.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

The cards indicate pressure at work and a lot more responsibility, which may make you want to run away and hide. There is going to be a strong force keeping you going, but look at relaxing, as you have not been able to.  You are concerned about a child, but things will be sorted out.  There may be some financial matters to handle this month, also make sure your taxes are up to date. There may be a refund due.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

The cards indicate that you will be thinking of taking up a hobby or sport.  You may look at booking a short break, and looking into spirituality and meditation.  You will make new friends, as you will be energetic and moving around in different circles.  You may think about writing and submitting some pieces to a magazine or newspaper.  A matter of concern is your stomach; take care and change your diet as you may be allergic to diary products.

Every time lychees are in season, I tell a story that my family are probably tired of hearing. It goes back to my school days. A close friend watched as I peeled and ate with relish my after-lunch treat – 3 beautifully red lychees. I had offered to share, but she had declined. After I finished she told me she didn’t like lychees.

“They’re too much work,” she said. “Too much work to get to a teeny bit of fruit inside – couldn’t be bothered”.

I couldn’t believe my ears. The “work” of peeling the fruit – and having its sweet juices cause icky-sticky fingers – had never troubled me, a lychee-lover from way back!

I dedicate this column to my Year 6 friend, wherever she is. I hope she has discovered the joy of the fruit, even if only of the canned or frozen variety, which cut the “work” out of it all.

I would advise her though, just as someone advised me recently, that it’s better to use the frozen variety rather than the canned: they retain the flavour and the fragrance of the fresh fruit much better (you’ll find them at Asian grocery stores).

Lychees are low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium, high in Vitamin C and minerals like potassium and copper, and rich in dietary fibre. They are a very good source of B-complex vitamins such as thiamin, niacin and folates. All in all, they are an ideal ingredient in weight-loss diets.

Lychees are in our grocers’ shelves at the moment and I hope you have been enjoying them as much as I have. Of course the best way to eat them is straight after peeling, but I have discovered, there is so much more you could do with them.

Apparently you can make them into a cold soup; cook them with light white meat like pork or chicken or even fish; put them in a salad; put them in muffins or cakes; use them in cocktails, or, my current favourite, stuff a bunch of them!

You can also easily buy a variety of lychee products these days, such as lychee honey, lychee syrup, dried lychee, lychee vinegar, and lychee jams and jellies (which you can also use to glaze your barbecue meats).

Read on for interesting recipe ideas.

Tropical Fruit Salad

2 kiwis, peeled and diced
2-3 slices tinned pineapple, diced
1 mango, pitted and diced
½ punnet strawberries, hulled and halved
1 cup lychees, peeled and pitted
2 tbsp white sugar
1 tbsp brown sugar
3 tbsp lychee jam

Put fruit in a large bowl and toss. Add white sugar, brown sugar and lychee jam. Mix thoroughly. Cover and chill in the refrigerator at least 15 minutes.

Lychee Salsa

2 cups lychees, peeled, pitted and diced

¼ red capsicum, diced

¼ Spanish onion, finely diced

1 tbsp fresh squeezed lime juice

3 tsp olive oil

Salt and pepper

Fresh coriander leaves

Combine all the ingredients together. Cover with cling film and refrigerate before serving.

Stuffed Lychees

3 cups lychees
250 gms softened cream cheese
6 tbsp finely chopped crystalized ginger
6 tbsp finely chopped macadamia nuts
2 tbsp port or brandy

Peel and remove seeds from lychees.
Mix all other ingredients and fill lychees with cheese mixture.
Arrange lychees on platter and decorate with torn basil or mint leaves. Great as a summer time appetizer.

Lychee Lassi

1 cup plain yogurt
1 cup chopped lychees or ½ cup lychee juice

Ice cubes

Blend until smooth and serve in tall glasses.

Lychee Martini

15 ml lychee syrup

45 ml good quality vodka

15 ml lychee juice

5 ml lemon juice

A few numbers lychees (peeled and pitted) and mint leaves, for garnish

Put ingredients into cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into martini glass. Decorate with skewer of lychees and mint leaves.

Dress the rim of the glass with crystallized ginger.

Lychee Mint Champagne

450 gms (roughly 3 cups) lychees, peeled and pitted
1 bottle chilled champagne or sparkling white wine

Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Puree the lychees and mint leaves in a food processor. Strain through a fine sieve into a bowl. Half fill a glass with the mixture and top with champagne.
Decorate with mint leaves.

Lychee Crab Salad

200 gms crab meat, shredded

¾ cup lychees, peeled and pitted

1 stick celery, finely chopped

Lettuce leaves of choice

For salad dressing:

½ cup mayonnaise

2 tbsp cream

2 tbsp dry sherry (or apple juice)

2 tbsp chopped fresh basil

1 tsp crushed black pepper

Salt to taste

Toss crab meat, lychees and celery together in a bowl.

Blend all dressing ingredients together until thoroughly mixed.

Lay out lettuce leaves on platter and arrange Lychee Crab Salad on it. Drizzle dressing over.

Punjabi migrants like me, often referred to as ‘desi’, are a unique breed. ‘Work hard and party harder’ aptly sums up our motto in life. And most of us take pride in the ownership (and display) of top-of-the range possessions, and the bragging rights that come with them. A flash home, a luxurious car, latest gadgets, branded attire, there is nothing modest about us.

If the great Aussie dream is to own a home, the great Punjabi migrant dream is to own a grand palatial mansion. Undeterred by ramping up a huge mortgage, the idea often is to build/own the most contemporary home, a notch better than the one that our other Punjabi ‘friend’ owns down the street.

Once the house is built, the next feat is to throw out a lavish house-warming. The idea here is to take every guest around our new pad and ensure that we rub in every piece of detail about the joint. Size of the block, the estate or the suburb (and how it is more Toorak-ish than the other person’s), the builder who built it with details of special bargains extracted from him, and the fittings and appliances within, are all poured out to every single guest at the house-warming. The more skilled of us will even occasionally drop in, “We went the extra yard because we did not want our home to be the same like all the other Indians, you see”.

A Punjabi house-warming is a fascinating affair in itself – you have the proud (rather immodest) hosts who had waited a lifetime to unleash their supremacy on their captive audience, and you have the friends or guests who compliment the hosts and smile, while noting down every detail in the house to critique on their drive back home after the party. And in between all of this, there is Scotch with tandoori chicken, samosas with gulab jamun (all being served in the garage), bhangra music (for all kinds of dances), drunk men and sober women, designated drivers to take their drunk hubbies home.

Once the party warms up, the discussions inadvertently turn from house-warming to a raging debate about the political, economic, and social conditions back home in India. The participants range from hard core India bashers, to the loyalists (who have recently found some reason and glory out of the likes of Anna Hazare), and the outright indifferent individuals. Scotch often does not help the cause and decorum of these discussions.

Lately, we have taken our indulgences to the very next level. Any Punjabi get together or house-warming is now a global event as it is floated across Facebook in no time by its attendees, who also proudly tag their co-attendees to cheese off the ones who missed out on an invite. And to really rub in the point, a set of photos are posted to validate the fun we are all having at the party. The photos are usually of people saying “Cheers!” while raising ‘pegs’ or making ‘V’ signs, and let’s not forget the stock standard bhangra pose while yelling out, “Bruaaaa!”

Our appetite for luxury and imposing that luxury does not end with a house-warming. Often, the next event is the purchase of a car. The first thing to appear on a desi’s car is a personalized number plate – your own name (that will be me), or the name of your offspring, or for the more creative ones – Punjab, Jatt, desi or even surnames spelt out in clever ways, and occasionally, an abbreviated version of a religious symbol/word.

Once again, the size of a personal loan and the repayments will never refrain us from buying a car that will outshine the one owned by most of the people we know in our community. I was once politely reminded by a close relative at the purchase of my first ever car, which happened to be a second hand Camry, that all Indians buy a Camry. So for the next few days, we make sure we meet up with all our friends as we take them through the list of specifications in the new car, validated against a brochure. And the more skilled of us will also drop in, “This feature is not available in your car you see, as yours is a 2010 model”.

Punjabis are often branded as a fun-loving, loud lot of people and we indeed, enjoy every moment that life offers us. And the best trait as I see is that we are human at our very core – we yearn to be just that one step ahead of others, and we have no qualms in accepting that. We are proud of what we have, and we love to wear it on our sleeves. And if you reckon I have exaggerated anything, feel free to check out my Facebook profile. If you still remain unconvinced, I will be hosting a house warming early next year, so you can be a fly on the wall!

India recently became one of the world’s most democratic countries that demonstrated the most dictatorial desires of its current government. Kapil Sibal, a high-ranking minister first proposed and then dropped efforts to censor the internet. His attempt created an uproar round the world and while there is no doubt that the government will revisit the issue in the future, the very prospect of it must worry western governments and the Indian diaspora.

Wikipedia defines internet censorship as the control or suppression of the publishing of, or access to, information on the internet. It may be carried out by governments or by private organisations either at the behest of government or on their own initiative. Censorship never works technically, because techniques and technology always find a way around it.  Filtering works to a point, only partially – mostly geographically and always retrospectively and sparingly. In short, internet censorship is not worth the effort, unless the government in question has the will and brute force as well as unlimited financial resources similar to those of China or Russia. Certainly India is the wrong candidate for censorship. Perhaps Sibal got that message all right?

The main issue that worried Sibal is not sufficiently discussed in public; however the internet is rife with the talk that it had to do with one or more websites that mocked Sonia Gandhi or had something objectionable at a glance. This however, is to be expected for leaders everywhere.  Who hasn’t read derogatory jokes about George Bush that would hurt even his worst opponents? From queens to kings, from dictators to opposition leaders, politician leaders are routinely the subject of cartoons, jokes and derogatory content. In fact, more derogatory content exists on the net on Ganesha, Shiva and other Gods than for politicians. So his objection to a website commenting on Sonia was nothing but an expression of frustration at new technology and the people’s power to express whatever they want, whenever they want and however they want! That power is here to stay. What Sibal and Sonia need is what every politician needs – a thick skin and an ability to keep people focussed on the good deeds of the government.

Around the world, governments are unhappy about some aspects of new technology like social media. However, the overall public good that these technologies deliver is massive in comparison to the puny problems they create for a few powerful people.  If one took too much of a sacrosanct view, one would never allow the screening of a film or TV series with the ‘F’ word – which features in almost every TV series and action film these days! Social media is a reflection of what people do around clubs or barbeques; they say anything they want to, about anyone they want to. People do not so much as go on social media to publicise things as much as make their views public. After all, it is their view, which can be good, bad, likeable or unpalatable. But in a democracy, views are bound to be many, different and still allowed to be reasonably “aired”. When a movie uses the ‘F’ word repeatedly, the director looks like a dud and the film becomes a bad attempt to create an elusive reality. Similarly, when views on social media are too derogatory, many people are in fact, unaffected, and this is the main reason why the best cartoons or political caricatures of leaders have just a slight accentuation of their negatives, without being downright derogatory.

Sibal needs to calm down. Sonia will forever remain the subject of discussion for many Indians. If the current government wants people to view them in more positive light, they need to do more positive things like popularising social media. As more people use social media and take a keener interest in the working of the government, they are going to be interested in real issues rather than personality issues. And as they understand political priorities and constraints, the opportunities, efforts, resources and responsibilities of the government, they will provide Sibal and his party with good solutions through social media.

Censorship is the wrong way to deal with any government’s problems, not just in India. Even filtering is a bad idea except when applied to child abuse, child pornography or outright terrorist activities. The government should not even be afraid of subterfuge activities, like some communist government that sees many activities on the internet to be suspect. If a government is not able to survive an internet subterfuge, let us say that it is not a strong or popular government, and it will not last too long anyway!

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.