The discovery of nine coins and a map with an ‘X’ marked on it could further cement India and Australia’s relationship, as well as change Australia’s history. Five of these were of African origin (dating back to the 900s to 1300s) and were made of copper, and four coins were from the Dutch East India Company (with one dating back to 1960) were found on the Wessel Islands, a group of islands off Australia’s north coast.

The discoveries were made by Australian scientist and Amercian professor, Ian McIntosh in 1979. The significance of the discovery was not realised until recently and a second expedition has been planned for July.

Trade links that span back as far as 1000 years between Australia and India, East Africa, Arabia and the Spice Islands have long been suspected by archaeologists.

“Truly a historic moment for me, but immensely historic and honourable for the Indian film industry, a fraternity that I am and shall always be most proud of,” Bollywood Amitabh posted on his blog srbachchan.tumblr.com.

The Cannes extravaganza celebrates 100 years of Indian cinema this year, and Amitabh was there also for the premiere of his Hollywood debut movie “The Great Gatsby”. The 70-year-old veteran was truly delighted at the importance given to him at the fest.

It was an “emotional” experience, he shared on Twitter.

“The honour and respect meted out by Cannes, incredible. Announcing suddenly for Leonardo DiCaprio and myself to open the festival. With the entire world film fraternity at Cannes, applauding and welcoming our presence, treating us like royalty … it’s emotional.

“For a complete alien in the midst of Cannes to be acknowledged, is the proudest moment for me as an Indian. Acknowledging Cannes in recognising 100 years of Indian cinema, it was absolutely imperative for me to address, in my mother tongue,” posted Big B.

He shared how the “director of Cannes (was) delighted to hear the ‘music of the Hindi language’ spoken” as “it brought in the universality of the occasion”.

Big B also loved watching The Great Gatsby, directed by Baz Luhrmann.

“I loved The Great Gatsby better the second time … understood the nuances, the words, the pathos and energy,” he added.

The actor plays Meyer Wolfsheim in the $125 million 3D project, an adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel of the same name.

In many families each child has special abilities, talents and aptitudes. It is rare to find a first, second or third child with equal academic ability, similar interests, senses of humour or similar level of independence. This can be very confronting for parents who want a school system to treat their child as unique. Parents want each child to be affirmed for their own special abilities and strengths, and also to be nurtured to improve in areas that are of relative weaknesses.

When children have very different characters and when one child is academically inclined but another is not, there can be stresses in parenting and schooling. It can be very difficult not to compare children. Often eldest, first-born children are keen to please parents (and vice versa) and can be very focused on schoolwork. A second child may have very different strengths. Sometimes a second child is more socially aware and more adept at making friends and also sharing. A third child can complicate the situation. For example if the first two children are of the same gender, a third child with a different gender can cause difficulty for parents in terms of adjustment and expectations.

When children are different, families need to find ways to accommodate these differences. This is essential as each child needs affirmation, and sometimes a child who feels different can also feel hidden. The importance of this extends to the classroom. After all, how can parents advocate in favour of a child they cannot see or do not know?

How does difference court a need for change?

It is very typical for one child to be an excellent ‘talker’ who is adept at commanding attention and articulating what they want and need. It is also typical for another child to be much quieter and seemingly more ‘emotional,’ complaining about not being heard, to not being understood, or expressing dissatisfaction more easily. Clearly parents and schools both need to learn how to adapt to meet the needs of both children.

The excellent talker is easy to manage and parents may find they tend to ‘negotiate’ with such children. This can contrast with the more emotional child who the parents may be dismissive of or find very ‘hard to please’.

This difference courts a need for change for a very simple reason. Families are the most important place for a child to find acceptance, to make mistakes, to grow.  If a family cannot accept or accommodate a child, that child can grow up misunderstood, ‘far behind their eyes’ or feeling like the ‘black sheep’ of the family. Later in life such children can move away from their parents to lead independent lives, always regretting their childhood.

Recognising that there is difference

A family that adapts to difference learns to grow with each child. A child who is a bit ‘different’ to everyone else can be precisely what a family needs to grow. Therefore, the ‘different’ child, if recognised, can act as an agent of change.

It can be hard to recognise difference even though the cues are right in front of us. A child who says things like:

· ‘I don’t fit in here’

· ‘No-one ever listens to me’

· ‘Why is he/she (the sibling) always getting their way?’

Recognising that a child is left out can be a humbling experience. But rather than drown in regret a parent should, like a teacher, ask themselves, “what can I change to make this child feel included?”

Once this question has been asked, a few things have occurred, an acknowledgement of exclusion, an awareness of a need to change and also an affirmation that change is to be made.

The implications for schooling

If parents can act to become inclusive of each child, decisions about school choices and decisions made through the years at school are easier. For example, parents will question whether each child should go to the same school. After all, why should a non-academic child attend the same school as their highly academically successful sibling? This almost certainly will lead to a situation of the younger child feeling compared and inadvertently devalued by teachers.

If a child does attend the same school, the parents who treat their child according to their strengths will be far better able to advocate in favour of this child, and reduce the level of comparison between siblings.

A further implication is how to manage and shape expectations around academic performance. One child may not need tutors. Another child may require speech therapy, or the support of academic tutors. One child may know the university course they want to get into and which field of study they want to pursue. Another child may not be suited to university studies.

In summary

Recognising and accommodating the difference between siblings is an essential aspect of parenting with very significant educational ramifications. A child who feels ‘different’ needs to be understood in such a way as to feel affirmed for who they are.

We know that you all love a competition, so here we go…

This is our final IFFM compeitiion and we have x5 double all season passes to give away! Click on the image below to go through to our facebook page. Like our page and the post to go into the draw to win!

More competitions to come. Stay tuned!

In the late sixties and seventies, a steady influx of medical professionals from India helped boost the flagging Australian healthcare system. Since then strong bilateral collaborations in several mainstream and allied medical fields have spawned multiple opportunities for partnership.

Building on this, the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Heath Sciences (FHS) has initiated a novel project, whereby senior students are offered an opportunity to gain practical skills overseas.

Aimed at providing an enriching learning experience, while fostering global citizenship, “Passage to India” is a unique study programme launched in 2010. Since then a number of students have travelled to various institutions in India to learn about its allied health industry. Students are involved in health promotion, community outreach, exercise program planning and delivery, as well as observing and shadowing local health professionals from a range of allied fields.

The project has already won Sydney University laurels from the Tertiary Education Quality Standards Agency (TEQSA) for “developing new, international perspectives on health care as well as providing a different frame of reference through which to view the Australian health care system”.

“Children living with physical disabilities in regional and rural India are helping to teach our senior students about India’s therapeutic practices,” programme director Dr Elaine Ryan told Indian Link.

“Through FHS Abroad (FHSA), we hope to embed internationalisation within the curriculum by providing senior students across undergraduate and graduate entry masters programs with the opportunity to gain international experience in a developing country as part of their degree,” project coordinator Charlotte Scarf explained.

“Developing cultural sensitivity, resilience and patience, the programme is certainly a life-changing experience,” she acknowledged. Some even report new career goals in international public health and community-based rehabilitation, she added.

As part of the curriculum, students are offered two electives, involving academic study of global health and development issues and a four to six week placement in a health sciences field, with a community-based organisation in South or Southeast Asia.

Students who take part in FHS Abroad volunteer the knowledge and skills they have gained from completing at least one year of degree programs in Bachelor of health science (majoring in subjects as diverse as Psychology, Nursing and Human Movement), Applied Science undergraduate degrees (Exercise and Sports Science, Exercise Physiology, Diagnostic radiography, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Speech Therapy) and Postgraduate degrees (Exercise Physiology, Developmental Disability, Occupational Therapy, Orthoptics, Physiotherapy, Radiation Therapy, and Rehabilitation Counseling and Speech Language Pathology).

Besides India, the extension opportunity is currently available in, Nepal, Vietnam and Cambodia. The overseas component is being managed by two private agencies, Antipodeans Abroad and Projects Abroad. Antipodeans Abroad is an Australian company, specialising in student volunteer travel, while Projects Abroad is a global company that caters for all types of volunteer travellers worldwide.

Since inception, 81 students have completed the program and another 60 are expected to do so this year. 22 students are expected to travel in the next June/July cycle. Currently, students can either travel in June/July or November–January. Intake has steadily increased, particularly in the popular summer cycle.

At present, FHS has linked up with community groups, including the New Horizons Child Development Centre (NHCDC), the Society for the Education of the Crippled (both Mumbai based) as well as Amar Seva Sangram and Shine Educational Trust (Madurai based community rehabilitation and vocational training institutions for disable people) for work experience. These schools specialise in a number of disabilities including cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome and autism, and combine education, physio, speech and occupational therapy and training.

As part of their academic study program, students who undertake FHS Abroad are required to produce a pre-departure research paper on health and development issues they expect to encounter on placement and attend a briefing workshop hosted by the Faculty which includes intensive lectures and learning activities designed to prepare students for both day-to-day and professional challenges of living and working in a developing country, and to ensure their smooth return. They are also expected to participate in pre-departure training provided by the volunteer agencies. The agencies also provide students with in-country orientation sessions and 24-hour emergency assistance and support.

FHSA recently organised an information evening bringing together prospective students, staff, health experts and members from the wider community.

Addressing the gathering, Consul General of India, Arun Kumar Goel discussed further initiatives to achieve improved outcomes for faculty’s students and the Indian communities they will visit. He was delighted with the positive results so far and offered every support for building a closer relationship with FHS. Several students shared their experiences of working in healthcare centres in India.

“Overall, the event was a great first step and the guests were not only moved by the stories shared but also offered to help in all sorts ways and pledged to assist us in building strong relationships with the Indian community in Sydney and further afield,” Scarf indicated.

Professor Kathryn Refshauge, Health Sciences Dean is also set to address a number of community groups to leverage on the existing relationships.

At present, funding remains a key challenge to widen participation and improve inclusiveness. The cost of participation is high, ranging between $6000-8000 depending on agency and destination involved.

To find out more contact FHS Abroad coordinators Elaine Ryan or Charlotte Scarf: fhs.abroad@sydney.edu.au

Don’t be mistaken into thinking that the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne is just about film. On the evening of Saturday May 4, Federation Square came alive with the sounds of Bollywood, Kollywood, Tollywood and more. To help commemorate and celebrate 100 years of Indian cinema, there was dance, music, and laughter, and special guest judges: Farah Khan, Kabir Khan, Prabhudeva and Girish Taurani.

The stage was overtaken by Australian performers young and old, participating in a Bollywood dance contest inspired by a century of Indian cinema. Melbournians and the Indian Film Festival’s guests of honour witnessed the incredible passion that many Australians have for Indian cinema with each dance performance.

The night was so surprising in diversity and talent, that I think Ms Farah Khan’s socks, were quite literally, knocked off. Farah Khan, a brilliant choreographer, director, and actress, was a guest judge and guest of honour. She commented many times on the contestant’s enthusiasm, talent, humour, and grace.

She had probably never expected the diversity of contestants, ranging from the indojazz style of the young Shamiak group, to the enthusiastic, endearing, and rather erratic performance of a Punjabi inspired interpretive dance, performed by the Australian born Owen Langford. There was also another performer with immense grace, a lady-man dancer who performed to a female Bollywood vintage classic, who’s technique was pure grace and an absolute pleasure to watch. Farah at one point was so inspired by this lady’s passion that she ran in and joined her for a few moves.

The line-up of performers also included Spin City Salsa, whose routine won them one of the top awards on the night. Salsa proved to be a fantastic match to the song Chamak Challo. There were also a number of dance groups that performed to medleys which fused classical and traditional, with modern music and dance. One dancer performed to the Lagaan hit, Radha Kaise Na Jale, and then followed this with a performance to the new hit, Radha (likes to party) from Student of the Year.

Females weren’t the only participants involved. A fantastic all male martial artists group blew the audience away with their acrobatics, speed and power. A number of male artists performed solo, with some imitating the styles of the famous Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and more. We saw RNB grooves, break dancing, and popping, AND we got to watch Prabhudeva moon walk across the stage, and teach us some of his signature moves.

The entire evening was complete entertainment and it’s quite possible that this evening did prove, as in Prabhudeva’s recent film, that Any Body Can Dance.

Prabhudeva, actor, dancer, chorographer, director and honorary guest judge, was joined by Kabir Khan, documentary and movie director and by Girish Taurani, up and coming actor, who you will see in his musical film soon to release, Ramaia Vastavaiya. All judges I believe enjoyed their night and I’m sure there will be some performances they will not forget.

Overall, this year’s IFF Bollywood dance contest held at Federation Square in the cold, under the stars, proved to be a perfect warming distraction and a night full of hours of diverse and engaging entertainment.

More photos here

Congratulations to all the contestants who participated at the Telstra Bollywood Dance Competition 2013!

She has the oomph of a diva and the grace of a typical Bhartiya Naari. PREETI JABBAL is floored by Vidya Balan

Vidya Balan’s name in an Indian film comes with a promise and a guarantee. Her roles have garnered commercial viability and artistic credibility. She has been celebrated as one of the most successful Indian actresses of our times, and the modern Indian film industry has been greatly enriched by her. The beautiful and talented ambassador of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne Vidya Balan was here recently to celebrate the 100 years of Indian cinema and attend the Festival opening ceremony on 3 May at Hoyts Melbourne Central.

As I walked in to interview her at the Langham Hotel I was curious to see which saree she would choose that day. Vidya entered clad in a simple hand-crafted rust, cream and green striped saree, (probably a Sabyasachi design). She looked elegant as always, but was clearly not enjoying the morning winter chill. Giving us a warm smile nevertheless, she wanted to find out if we were filming her or taking photos. When we said neither, she visibly relaxed and signaled her make-up artist to stop doing the touch-up on her lips. We were ready to roll.

Preeti Jabbal: What did you think of the special screening of India’s first feature film Raja Harishchandra shown at the festival opening?

Vidya Balan: I saw this film for the first time and I loved it. It was very special to be able to see this film with my colleagues and fans in Melbourne while celebrating the centenary of Indian cinema. The accompanying music that was played by the local Melbourne group Tihai3 was fantastic. It was fascinating to see all the female characters played by male actors especially the actor who played the role of the queen. I have read about him: his name was Salunke and his acting abilities were praiseworthy. I think all the shots were taken at the same time so they did not have any time for corrections. There were some obvious glitches; however, overall the movie was very charming. I am thankful to the Film Festival for giving me the opportunity to witness this historical film and be part of the centenary celebrations.

PJ: You are such an integral part of the Indian film industry. How do you intend to celebrate the 100 years of Indian Cinema personally?

VB: Personally I feel very blessed and I am grateful that I am living my dreams and witnessing this significant time in Indian cinema. The kind of films that are being made, the type of roles that are being offered and the subject matters that are being explored nowadays are all very exciting. We may not yet be in the golden era of cinema but we are certainly on the right path. Changes do not happen overnight and this is the time when the changes are really manifesting and I couldn’t be working in cinema at a better time than this when the whole world is looking to learn from the success of Indian cinema.

PJ: You have been invited to attend the Cannes Film Festival this year. You will be part of the judging panel and be in the exalted company of Steven Spielberg, Nicole Kidman and Ang Lee. I know there is a lot of speculation on what you will wear, but more importantly, what are you expecting and what are you looking forward to in Cannes?

VB: In my college days I used to attend every film festival that was held but ironically I have not been able to do that since I joined the film industry. Cannes will give me the opportunity to watch films from all over the world and as you said I will be in exalted company. It will be interesting to see how they look at and appreciate films. I am not technically qualified like them and my approach will be more as a viewer and an actor. It will be about how I feel when I watch the films, more heart than anything else. It will be interesting to interact with others and observe how they react to different films. This is my first visit to Cannes and I am looking forward to attending one of the most celebrated festivals in the world.

PJ: In Indian cinema today there are a few ‘bankable stars’ like the Khans who guarantee box office success but they are all men. Given the tremendous success of your last few films do you feel that you enjoy a similar status?

VB: There was a time when films were sold on Sridevi and Madhuri Dixit’s names. Then we entered a phrase when we had such a lack of good roles that women became almost inconsequential in the decade after these stars took a break from films. I think that is changing again and women are now taking centre-stage in real life and in cinema. I believe cinema is a reflection of real life and I think we are leading our lives on our own terms and we are not apologetic about the choices we make. It is no longer uni-dimensional, there is a lot of choice and we are a lot more fun. We have steered away from films where women were portrayed as the central protagonists but they were either glorified or vilified and there was no middle path. Today a woman has various facets to her that makes interesting viewing and therefore people are more willing to watch those films. This gives hope to actresses like me that we can also become bankable stars.

PJ: Vidya, you have the oomph of a diva and the grace of a bhartiya naari. Which one of these is the real you?

VB: (Laughs) Thank you. I think I am a little bit of bit of both. I think Indian women are more naturally sexy than other women. It’s the way our bodies and faces are made. We are well-endowed and curvaceous with sharp features but there is an unmistakable softness and grace as well. In that sense I am as Indian as you can get and happy to be a sexy Bhartiya naari.

PJ: If it’s not your wardrobe, it’s your weight. There is so much scrutiny of your personal life. We even know for instance that you cooked Rajma Chawal for your brother-in-law Aditya Roy Kapur as a treat to celebrate his good performance in his new film Aashiqui 2. How does all this affect you?

VB: What? Was the rajma chawal on the news? (shakes her head in amusement). I do not read the papers or watch TV, as I don’t think I need others to tell me things about me. I feel grateful that people are interested in knowing about me but I don’t think I am interested in knowing about me!

PJ: You said once before you got married that your relationship with Siddharth Roy Kapur resembled the Gujarati dish ‘Undhiyo’ as it was a mix of sweet, salt and spice. Four months into the marriage, how will you term your relationship?

VB: (Laughing) How about Khatti Meethi Dal (sweet and sour lentils)? The dal is something we have every day and yet we do not tire of it!

PJ: What is your opinion of featuring in brand endorsements and commercials?

VB: I don’t think I would endorse alcohol or cigarettes but I am open to endorse any other brands or products that I have personally used or I believe in. There is no opinion as such as we are just leveraging the popularity that we have earned as actors. It works for the viewers, it works for the brand and it makes us money. I have no issues with that and I am associated with a few brands like Nihaar Oil, Ranka Jewellery and Jolly Silks.

PJ: Your new film Ghanchakkar is releasing soon and then you have Badla by Sujoy Ghosh in the pipeline. Are there any roles that you are really looking forward to?

VB: With Badla the script is not finalized so I cannot comment on it, however Ghanchakkar is my first comedy and my second film with Raj Kumar Gupta. It is dramatically different from my role in his film No One Killed Jessica. The character I play in Ghanchakkar is outlandish, loud brash and over the top, and yet she is real. I do see people like this in the world who have such an exalted sense of their own self. I had to work on the Punjabi accent as I play a middle-class Punjabi woman. I had gained weight for The Dirty Picture and Raj Kumar Gupta wanted me to retain that weight – in fact, put on some more – for Ghanchakkar. I protested initially but I retained the weight and now that I have seen a couple of scenes I have realized that it makes my character so much more believable. I hope people enjoy it.

As we wrapped up the interview Vidya posed graciously for some photographs. She then paid a compliment to the photographer (who also happens to be my other half) on how his face appears to be that of a ‘nice and warm person’. My miyaji was so chuffed with what he considers to be the ‘compliment of his life’ that he has since been spotted around Melbourne with a permanent smile on his face, which was hitherto a rarity. This sexy Bhartya Naari with award-winning talent is no doubt a real charmer. The future of Indian cinema seems to be in good hands.

Big B is a no-show at Melb!!

The much-hyped visit of Amitabh Bachchan to close the ongoing Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, is off. A communiqué from the festival organisers said the iconic star called off his tour to be with a close family member who is severely ill, supposedly on her death-bed.
“We are all obviously very disappointed,” Mitu Bhowmick Lange, Festival Director revealed. “The festival has been soaring with year with all the various events, screenings and 100 years celebrations, and having Mr Bachchan close it would have been the perfect finish”.
However, apparently Mr Bachchan’s office has committed to his attendance next year. News from the festival is that they have now secured Bombay Talkies as the closing night film on 22nd May. The film is an ode to 100 years of Indian cinema and is a compilation of four short films directed by four leading film makers Karan Johar, Anurag Kashyap, Zoya Akhtar and Dibakar Banerjeee.
The film is premiering at Cannes on 19 May and then screens at Melbourne, so it is quite a coup for the festival. The film has won critical appraisal as well as box office success. Stars Vidya Balan, Simi Garewal, Prabhu Deva and Jimmy Shergill, and director Kabir Khan have already wowed the crowds at the festival, and fans were eagerly awaiting Amitabh’s visit.
They will have to be content with seeing him on the big screen at the end of the month, in a rather different avatar – in Baz Luhrmann’s magnum opus The Great Gatsby.

I am only one of the many faces of Oesophageal Atresia. I am only one, with a small voice but great hope. While there is no cure for TOF/OA, there is hope, and where there is hope, there are miracles… (www.twishamakwana.com)

Sweety Makwana and her bubbly toddler make it a point to attend every Indian event possible. Dressed up in their weekend best, they always turn up at Bhangra, Dandiya and Bollywood Nites, gala dinners, fundraisers, charity bashes and such like. But unlike most partygoers, the duo is hardly there for the good time. They would love to sing and dance no doubt, but not in the foreseeable future.

Instead, for Sweety, these events are a much-awaited opportunity to hand out pamphlets and raise awareness about Twisha’s medical condition.

Sporting a brave smile, the single mum is on an ambitious odyssey – to find a permanent solution for her very only child through a life-changing surgery. With this aim, she has launched Mission Twisha, a multi-pronged fundraising campaign that desperately seeks to raise $800,000 for the project.

Effervescent, naughty and attention seeking, the adorable Twisha might seem like any other two-year-old to the average onlooker. Her pretty frocks and cherubic demeanour hide a heart-wrenching tale, the twenty-seven-month old cannot eat normal food and is not likely to, unless she can access urgent correctional surgery. For most human beings, eating is not just a much-savoured experience, but also a basic instinct.

Twisha suffers from a very rare medical condition called Long Gap Oesophageal Atresia (LGOA). She has already undergone over 20 major surgeries in the past 24 months and certainly received the best possible medical attention that Westmead Children’s Hospital can provide, but with limited success.

There is still a gaping hole in her food pipe. For the moment though, expert surgeons have fitted her abdomen with a little flap (gastronomy button) through which a nutritionally balanced baby formula is injected five to eight times a day. As a result of this, her weight gain is normal and she is generally healthy and happy, despite the surrounding trauma. She also receives “fake” oral feeds, a messy and laborious procedure, to keep her sensory reflexes alive.

Affecting 1 in 5000 children, LGOA is a congenital medical condition affecting the alimentary canal. Quite simply, the food tract fails to develop as a continual passage while in the womb and instead ends in a blind sac. It is identified at birth primarily through excess salivation and resultant choking or coughing.

Caused by abnormal embryological development, the reason for this birth defect is unknown.

Indian Link’s Editor Rajni Anand Luthra presents Sweety Makwana with her $500 prize money for being Indian Link’s Mother of the Year 2013

Correctional surgery at birth, known as anastomosis is the preferred solution (sewing together the two ends of the undeveloped oesophagus using fine sutures). For infants with long gap EA (the condition which Twisha has), however, management and treatment is a major surgical challenge.

Currently, Boston Children’s Hospital is the only known centre in the world with proven success. Pioneered and perfected by Dr Foker, the delicate surgery involves traction sutures in the tiny oesophageal ends. Tension is placed on these sutures daily, pulling on them slightly until the ends grow close enough to be sewn together.

While Twisha has undergone multiple procedures here, “replicating” the Foker technique, the desired outcomes have not been achieved unfortunately. Sweety Makwana is now determined to give her daughter a normal and secure future by taking her to Dr Foker. The procedure however comes at an eye popping price tag – $800,000 besides incidental costs for travel and stay.

Raising the whopping figure in a short span can be quite an ask for well-provided families, the figure is quite simply unattainable for Sweety Makwana.

A victim of relationship abuse and domestic violence, Sweety was turned out of her home by her former husband, when Twisha was only five months old. Blamed for “producing a defective child” as Sweetie bluntly puts it, she became a destitute, with no family in Australia and very few friends. As Twisha’s sole primary carer, Sweety is unable to seek employment as well. Currently she subsists on Centrelink’s carer payment and lives in shared accommodation at Westmead.

Given Twisha’s complex medical requirements, Sweety cannot access childcare as well, putting enormous physical and mental strain on the single mother. Sweety’s repeated appeals for a federal grant to aid the US surgery were shot down recently as the government believes Twisha could undergo alternative therapies in Australia.

With no other means to raise the amount, Sweety has turned to the Indian community, using the social media and public events to highlight her toddler’s cause.

“My daughter has the right to lead a normal life just like anyone else and I am determined to fight for her dignity,” appeals the emotional mother.

Between fundraising and caring for Twisha, Sweety has virtually no time or energy for anything else. “When it is a battle for survival, there is no time for emotions like grief and self pity. My child’s needs are much greater than mine and for her sake I have learnt to be brave,” she confesses.

For Sweety though, Twisha is not just her mission but her life force too. She feels nothing but profound, unconditional love for her only child. “It’s terrific! To stay awake till early morning with tired eyes… feeling like vomiting, headache, back pain… having restless days and nights leading Mission Twisha … Tomorrow Twisha will fill me with energy with her bright morning smile.”

Her poignant Facebook post sums up her rollercoaster journey since Twisha arrived.

Sweety had an inkling of a possible congenital defect during her second trimester ultrasound. She courageously chose to continue with the pregnancy in the hope that issues could be ironed out. Little did this delicately built young woman realise that she would soon be embarking on a perilous solo journey into the unknown. Adversity no doubt is a great character building exercise.

Two years on, Sweety has steadfastly not given up hope. In the face of acute physical hardships, she firmly believes in a miracle and is relentlessly chasing this dream.

So far, she has door knocked on many institutions seeking support for her herculean task. United Indian Associations is one such organisation that has taken up her cause. They hope to lobby with senior politicians including Parramatta member Julie Owens to plead her case for government intervention.

“The Irish government has so far flown two children to Boston for fully paid surgery,” Sweety tells us.

She is still hoping for a positive outcome in Twisha’s appeal. In the meantime, she has mounted a renewed campaign for fundraising.

Her sheer courage and unwavering determination are saluted by some of her newest friends, (made along her bitter sweet journey called Mission Twisha) who nominated her for the Indian Link Mother of the Year award. Sweety was nominated by four separate individuals.

“She is not just the Indian Link Mother of the Year, but deserves to be named Australian mother of the year too,” says Adam Shah, one of the nominators.

“I salute her indomitable spirit. Behind this brave front is a vulnerable young woman, who is prepared to weather the biggest storms. Hers is not a happy position to be in,” he told Indian Link.

“I first met Sweety and Twisha at a charity fundraiser at Bowman Hall on Valentine’s Day this year and later at the Fairfield Holi Mela,” adds Avleen Chand, another supporter. “She was up on stage and the MC highlighted Twisha’s medical condition and the cost involved. I was very disturbed and wondered how I could help her so I mentioned it to the girls in my volleyball group – Golden Homes Desi Girls”.

Chand has lobbied her band of sisters to sell food packs at an upcoming event to raise money. They have created awareness campaigns in the social media.

“For me, Sweety is such a powerful role model who has not given up hope. She keeps approaching organisations or charity functions in a desperate attempt to raise any bit of money she can. She doesn’t have transport but travels far with her daughter searching for help. I think no other mother has been through such an ordeal on a daily basis,” Chand notes.

Moved by this story, real estate agent and sponsor of Chand’s team Sanjay Prasad has helped Sweety find a place within walking distance from the hospital. For Sweety, this has been a godsend, as she often needs to access emergency care in the middle of the night.

Only recently, Twisha accidentally swallowed her gastronomy button, triggering a choking fit.

A thoughtful neighbour delivers subsidises “dabba” service. Several others help her access weekly supplies from Salvation Army.

Sharina Shanaz, another person who nominated Sweety for the award, met Sweety at the same events and offered to drive her to another show.

“It was heart wrenching to see this young mother constantly talking to people, sometimes delivering the same message over and over again,” says Shanaz. “Since then I have taken Sweetie to other events where she is able to raise awareness for Twisha’s conditions through the distribution of pamphlets, setting up banners, talking to people and going up on stage for about five minutes and informing people about Twisha. Determined as she is, sometimes she is at the mercy of volunteers like me to drive her to these events and also organisers who can take at least five minutes from their time to allow Sweetie to come up on stage with Twisha. At some events I went to with her, the organisers have not been so kind and just could not find five minutes to talk about Twisha on stage. In these situations, when Sweetie distributes the pamphlets, it gets thrown away, people don’t take it seriously and in the end we go around and collect all the discarded pamphlets. It costs Sweetie money to get it printed”.

It is Sweety’s mental strength that Shanaz admires more than anything else. “Despite facing all these difficulties, she still has big hopes for Twisha. She sincerely believes that Twisha can be cured and works around the clock. Sweetie has inordinate amount of patience as Twisha needs care 24/7, she adds.

Rather than discussing her failed relationship or wallowing in self pity, she spends every spare moment on renewing her fundraising efforts, lauds Shahnaz. “I know she is often depressed but she says that Twisha’s smile motivates her”.

It is Sweety’s never say never spirit that touched another nominator Sajida Bi. “‘Mother’s love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible’ is one of the proverbs from her website and this is exactly what Sweety does day in and day out for her daughter. As a working mother of a two-year-old, I can deeply empathise,” she admits.

“Fundraising for such a big amount seems next to impossible for me but it is so inspiring to see Sweetie never losing faith and always turning up for various Indian events. A major award like this will boost her self confidence and help her profile”, she adds.

As the Indian Link team visit Sweety, she is in the middle of unpacking, tired from the physical demands of the move and relentless pressures of round the clock parenting but only too happy to talk.

Her eyes light up when she finds out her story will soon hit headlines. There is renewed hope that many more will offer a helping hand. She is grateful for the opportunity.

She is overjoyed when she finds out that she is Indian Link’s Mother of the Year. The award means a lot to her no doubt, but it is the prize money and the resultant publicity that mean even more. For Sweety Makwana time is of essence and every bit of help counts.

When her husband abandoned Sweety and returned to India, she had barely two friends. But, today thanks to Mission Twisha numerous complete strangers have befriended her. “I am so touched by their support. It proves to me that there is definitely a compassionate God and hope for my child,” she says courageously, fighting back tears.

Hopefully Baby Twisha will soon indulge in the simple everyday pleasures like nibbling on toast and sucking on lollies that most mothers take for granted.

Please support Mission Twisha. Visit her Facebook page or website. Donations are eagerly sought through Kids for Kids.

Runner up: Nandita Roy, nominated by sons Sumallya Roy and Sudeb Roy, daughters in law Anitha Roy and Srishti Roy, and grandaughters Sharanya Roy, Kiran Roy and Oviya Roy, Sydney

While nuclear families are the preferred norm these days,

Roybaari in the Blacktown suburb of Sydney is a happy testimonial of a fast eroding tradition, the joint family system. At the centre of Roybaari, which includes Sumallya and Sudeb, their wives Anitha and Janet, and kids, Srishti, Kiran, Sharanya and Oviya, is the matriarch – Nanditha Roy. But quite unlike most domineering mums, she has been the epitome of self-sacrifice and unconditional love.

“Mum, literally is the backbone of our family. We all live together as a happy family only because of her sincere affection, dedication and her nurturing and approachable attitude. It is a great feeling to be together as we all have learnt how to give space to each other. True, we have our ups and downs but mum’s personality shines through these difficult patches.” This heartfelt compliment comes not from Nanditha’s sons but her daughters in law.

The wheelchair bound Nanditha, who recently celebrated her sixtieth birthday was nominated for Indian Link’s Mother of the Year award by her tight-knit parivaar.

Nanditha’s tale is an inspirational one – of a woman who has braved innumerable personal hardships, without ever losing faith in core human values. Her life has been a long rollercoaster but there has been no room for bitterness or pessimism.

Raised in a traditional Bengali household at Kolkata, she moved to Bangalore at the age of seventeen after her wedding. Unfortunately, her marriage was short-lived as her locomotive engineer husband succumbed to cancer within a decade.

Overnight, she became the primary carer of her two boys (then aged 10 and 8). With little academic qualifications and no family support, Nanditha was forced to take up shift work at a local factory. Through sheer grit and determination, she not only raised her children, giving them a solid education but also managed to save enough to buy a small family home. In a cruel twist of fate, she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

When close friends moved to Sydney, she opted to follow in their footsteps, making a brave decision to carve out a new future for herself and her boys in an unknown land. At the age of 42, she arrived in Sydney quite alone, except for a few contacts, who made the transition easier.

She soon found a job in an aged care facility and also enrolled in a Certificate III course to update her skill set.

By now, her older son had a secure job in Bangalore but Sudeb was still at university and quite a source of worry for the single mum.

Having established tentative roots in Australia, she now tried her best to bring her sons into the country. But her applications were rejected several times, as they were no longer in the dependent category. Nanditha flew back to Bangalore to support Anitha through her first pregnancy.

After much struggle, Sudeb finally migrated to Sydney in 2000. Sadly, Nanditha’s health deteriorated considerably around this time. She underwent multiple operations including knee replacements, forcing her to finally give up her job. High dosage of steroids has also led to limb deformations. But through these difficult periods, her deep commitment to her family never waned.

To her joy, her elder son and his family also relocated to Sydney in 2003, finally moving in with her. No longer the main breadwinner, Nanditha now devoted her energy to fostering love and affection to the extended household.

Affectionately called Thakurma (grandmother in Bengali), she has instilled a strong sense of tradition and values in the family. Respect for their individual identity coexists with a genuine desire to support each other.

“That is the best thing about her”, Anitha, her elder daughter in law notes. “She is the binding agent without ever squashing our personalities. She runs the household without ever being overbearing.”

Thakurma not only shops and cooks for the family but even feeds the children with her own hands, to this day despite the rheumatism. For Anitha and Janet, who both work full time, this is quite a relief, knowing that the family is well cared for. They readily chip in with housework and shopping, while Sumallya often takes over the kitchen on weekends, having inherited his mother’s fine culinary skills.

“In fact every one crowds round us at work the moment we open our lunch boxes, because mum has packed us something different every day”, Anitha admits.

Together, they have created a beautiful structure, where they all collaborate. Her frail health is their biggest worry. For this reason, Sudeb has now opted for shift work, so he is able to accompany her on numerous hospital trips.

Festivals and birthdays are quite an event at Roybaari. Ever since the grandchildren were born, Nanditha initiated a novel birthday celebration, where the child’s mother cooks five traditional dishes and fasts until the child has been fed and the whole family joins for a sumptuous repast.

Despite forging a strong Bengali identity, the family is truly multicultural and celebrates several religious festivals harmoniously, as Janet is Manglorean and Anitha a Malayali. The family enjoys experimenting with different cuisines. Macher jol and Aappam just as popular as ham sandwiches.

Despite being plagued by rheumatism, Nanditha travelled to Bangalore last year to renovate her house, spending eight months by herself overseeing the project.

While in Bangalore, she suffered multiple fractures injuring her spine, ribs and shoulders.

Today, she is wheelchair bound and spends more time in the hospital than at home. Her intake of medicines is more than her normal meals, as she has succumbed to many more chronic diseases over a period of time.

“But this has not kept her away from any of her routines as she still helps in all household chores and cooks for all of us and takes care of her grandchildren moving in her wheel chair,” Anitha is quick to point out.

As a mother, she has sacrificed a whole lot of happiness for the wellbeing of her children and their welfare. She is a self-made woman and a perfectionist, who makes all of us proud to be her kids, she added.

Runner up: Akila Ramarathinam, nominated by daughter Krishna Ramarathinam, Sydney

Sanatana Dharma champion, disability campaigner, linguist, educator and activist Akila Ramarathinam has received many awards for her tireless community efforts. But it is as a caring mother of her two children Krishna and Santoshi, that she is best remembered.

An economics graduate, Akila had a bright future in the finance industry. But she sacrificed her career to give 100% of her time to her special needs child Santoshi. In 2000, Santoshi was diagnosed with autism and severe intellectual disabilities. Since then Akila has not only supported her own daughter, but has also helped many others find meaning in life. Her infectious enthusiasm and genuine smile have inspired many to pull through difficult situations.

Akila’s husband Ramarathinam and son Krishna, have been extremely supportive of her efforts. In fact, it was Krishna, who inspired his mother to turn the stumbling block into a stepping-stone.

As a mother of a special needs child, Akila has been liaising with various organisations looking after children with special needs and frail aged adults. Since 2009, she has been organising day camps every year for special needs children and adults. As a part of the camp, various services, networking, respite facilities and support group organisations provide information for the benefit of special people.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad general secretary has been a resident of Australia since 1988 and has also completely dedicated herself to the Hindu cause, promoting awareness in the mainstream.

Akila has been the driving force behind various community projects across Australia in the areas of public education, special needs and community welfare.

“The eternal values embodied in our philosophy and the sacred texts are the source of inspiration for my projects. As senior members of the community, it is our responsibility to involve and engage the youngsters and pass on our rich cultural heritage. Awards like these are an indication that the VHP Australia team is getting recognised by everyone, and our work is going in the right direction,” Akila told Indian Link.

Known for her infectious enthusiasm, willingness and dedication, Akila joined VHP Australia as a committee member in 2007. Since then, she has overseen the recruitment and training of a wide network of volunteers, who have been engaged in a range of activities.

Not content with her extensive commitments in New South Wales, Akila has also been responsible for establishing VHP’s Victoria and Queensland chapters. As well, she has inducted many members to Hindu Youth Australia (HYA). Her gregarious personality has helped her connect with the young, just as much as the old.

A prolific speaker, Akila has participated and presented papers at various conferences across the globe including Parliament of World Religions, International Coordinators Meet, and the World Hindu Women’s Conference, to name just a few. She has coordinated two Australian Hindu Conferences held in April 2008 and April 2009. Both of these conferences were well attended by representatives of the Australian Government, Indian organisations, temples and overseas experts.

It was at these conferences that Sydney Veda Pathashala and Hindu Social Services Foundation were born, Akila pointed out. Today, the Sydney Veda Pathashala is the only institution outside India teaching Sanskrit through weekend classes. She is also working hard to reinstate oral chanting to its formal glory. Akila has also been instrumental in organising Ekadasha Rudra Japam, Mahaa Vishnu Lakshaarchana and Mahaa Shivarathiri events at events across Australia.

Likewise, she has helped expand the Hindu education portfolio. In 2003, Akila facilitated the Hindu Scripture classes under the special religious education (SRE) provision of NSW Public Schools. At NSW public schools, as many as 6,000 children attend Hinduism classes every week. She has been responsible for preparing curriculum, coordinating and liaising with principals, as well recruiting and training voluntary teachers.

The Bala Samskar Kendra has been another pet project of Akila’s. Introducing children and young adults to all aspects of Hinduism through structured learning, the weekend schools have grown exponentially, and have spread to many suburbs. She liaised with NSW Department of Education & Community Language Program division to obtain recognition for these schools and procure school rooms for conducting classes. Both BSK and SVP have hosted annual days, holiday camps and workshops besides regular weekend classes.

Winner

Sweety Twisha, nominated by Adam Shah, Saajida Bi, Sharina Shanaz, Avleen Chand and Zabia Bano, Sydney

Runners up

Nandita Roy, nominated by sons Sumallya Roy and Sudeb Roy, daughters-in-law Anitha Roy and Srishti Roy, and grandaughters Sharanya Roy, Kiran Roy and Oviya Roy, Sydney

Akila Ramarathinam, nominated by son Krishna Ramarathinam, Sydney

Nominations

Kamini Sahni, nominated by daughter Shibani Sahni, Sydney

Kamlesh Saini, nominated by daughter Sheetal Saini, Melbourne

Kush Maharaj, nominated by daughter Kavita Maharaj, Brisbane

Jyoti Rao, nominated by children Jannavi Rao and Aryan Rao, Sydney

Anamika Srivastava, nominated by husband Saket, Melbourne

Asha Chand, nominated by daughter Eashna Chand, Sydney

Dr Sushama Deshpande, nominated by child Ananya Deshpande, Sydney

Dayawanti Garg, nominated by daughter-in-law Ruchika Mittal, Melbourne

Tanu Bhatia, nominated by daughter Hitika Bhatia, Perth

Sharmila Shankar, nominated by daughter Nivrita Shankar, Sydney

Nandini Thadani, nominated by daughter Preeti Thadani, Sydney
A big thank you to everyone who entered our Mother’s Day award!

The marching contingents at the ANZAC parade in Sydney this year had a very valuable addition, 10 veterans from the Indian Army and Navy. They marched under the Indian Defence Forces banner honouring and remembering the Indian soldiers who fought alongside the Australians and the New Zealanders at Gallipoli. The reaction from the spectators was one of jubilation and surprise, for very few people are aware of the Indian presence in the campaign. As in previous years there was also a Sikh contingent marching under the banner of the Sikh Council of Australia.

The 7th Indian Mountain Artillery Brigade, the Indian Mule Corps, a medical establishment and the 29th Indian Infantry Brigade  represented the Indian Army at Gallipoli. The artillery landed with the ANZACs on the 25th of April and stayed on till the final evacuation in December. The gallantry displayed by the soldiers of the 29th Indian Infantry Brigade in the battle of the Sari Bair Ridge was unassailable. It is believed that over 1000 Indian soldiers lost their lives in the Gallipoli campaign and records indicate that 371 of these were from the battalion of the 14th Sikh regiment. The first battalion of the 5th Gurkha Rifles also lost 136 of their brave soldiers and one of their companies was one of the last to leave during withdrawal. The Indian presence may have been in smaller numbers, yet their  contribution was a very significant one. The valour of these soldiers has left an indelible mark on the pages of history.

Watching the ANZAC parade and the marching Indian contingent brought back a number of nostalgic memories. I have watched a number of Army Day and Republic Day parades, sat in the ramparts of the Red Fort listening to the Prime Minister deliver his Independence Day speech, and the feeling I had watching the parade was no different, it was unique, binding and  enthralling. I have had first-hand experience of bidding a beloved one good-bye as he leaves in preparation for war and have experienced the uncertainty, the fear, the hope and the pride- all at the same time. As we wives stood on the sidelines, watching the serving personnel and the veterans march past, we were engulfed by a deep sense of gratification. We ran alongside our marching husbands, cheering, clapping and waving with pride and joy. Seeing your husband march in a contingent in India or march as part of an Indian contingent in Australia is no different. Patriotism and the satisfaction of being part of the ‘fauji’ fraternity surpasses all boundaries. You feel connected to the people who made history in a different era and time.

The participating veterans had their own story to tell. “[It was] a glorious day in our lives. It was a privilege and an honour to march to the ANZAC spirit and values. The reception and welcoming gesture from the crowds were overwhelming and humbling,” commented one of the officers after the parade. “It was indeed a ‘great day’  with the spirits high, the turnout immaculate,” said another officer. They all felt that they had taken off from where they had left more than 10 years ago and that they “would be eternally grateful  to the traditions of the Indian Armed Forces for moulding us to fit-in to any service environment”.

Let us not remember our fallen heroes just on the ANZAC day or the Independence day, let them be in our thoughts everyday as we enjoy this bountiful life of ours, let us acknowledge that  they  sacrificed their today for our tomorrow. Let us also take a moment to pay homage to all the surviving veterans who have given their all and will always be haunted by the memories of their fallen comrades.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them.

Lest we forget