Shrouded in Shangri-La-esque mystery, Sikkim, in the north-eastern region of India, has been captivating travellers for centuries.
Through its sheer distinctiveness – arising primarily from its mountainous topography, history and culture, which has been moulded through periods of contact with neighbouring realms – Sikkim’s tiny geographical size belies the profound diversity she offers.
Back in the late 19th century, American author Mark Twain was enticed by its natural setting, while not that long ago American actor Richard Gere sourced immense peace and tranquillity from the Buddhist heritage of this mystic land.
“It doesn’t matter what you do or see, the rewards are great for every visitor stepping in here,” says Shova Lama from Sikkim Tourism, and I fully endorse her views after travelling there recently.
Tucked in the lap of the Himalayas, with snow-capped peaks featuring in the backdrop of a stunning landscape ornamented with glaciers, lakes, springs, rivers, forests, flower-bedded meadows and varieties of flora and fauna, unquestionably, scenic beauty is Sikkim’s treasure trove. But there is more: it’s the plethora of temples, monasteries, caves and other pilgrimage sites in union with an array of adventure activities, cultural diversities, fairs and festivals, along with the friendliness of people, that make an odyssey here most fulfilling.
There are opportunities for exploration according to individual interest varying from visiting pilgrimage sights of intense holiness, tracing how Buddhism came from Tibet, to taking part in colourful festivals. Others may choose to seize an adrenalin rush from adventure-filled trekking journeys through unspoiled gorges splashed with forests of silver fir, hemlock, magnolia and rhododendron.
Sikkim share borders with Nepal in the west and Bhutan in the east, with the Tibetan plateau rising from its northern side. The state was once a monarchy and part of the fabled Silk Route to China. Its merger with India in 1975 has offered the outside world a great opportunity to realise the riches of this hidden land.
Historically, culturally and spiritually, Sikkim’s strongest links are with Tibet, however the majority of the current population of around 600,000 are of Nepali origin. They are joined by smaller percentages of Tibetans, Lepcha, Bhutias and Indian people. While preserving individual identities, their quintessential traditions and customs have harmoniously blended to a melting pot that stand out as clearly ‘Sikkimese’. Strongly reflected in their way of life, this unique identity separates Sikkim from rest of India and it’s not hard for an outsider to identify the difference.
Here, cleanliness is universal. Signposts warning people of heavy penalties for dumping waste in public areas are striking. Politeness has evolved as a way of life, and even a weary policeman will say “namaste” or “thank you” with a smile to passers-by. Bedecked in costumes in a riot of colours, they support their highly capable Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, in power for over two decades, demonstrating an affinity for strength.
The presence of the mighty Kangchenjunga, the world’s third tallest mountain, makes Sikkim extra special. To locals its mere appearance transcends devotion, while outsiders are mesmerised by the spectacular vista that can be glimpsed from many locations in the state. Meaning “five treasures of snow” in local dialect, Kangchenjunga holds an important place in the mythology and religious rituals of the Sikkimese people.
Its sacredness is so intense that successful expeditions, out of respect, have always stopped just short of the peak. Like a god, the mountain is worshipped in festivals and dances and honoured in local traditions. Held in July every year, the three-day Pang Lhabsol festival celebrates its consecration as the land’s guardian deity and draws visitors from other parts of India and overseas to take part in the colourful carnival.
Rumtek, Pelling, Tashiding, Namchi and Lachung are some of the sites that always come to mind when people think of travelling in Sikkim, with the capital Gangtok surely being the first port of call for most. Tucked on a ridge at a height of 2165metres, Gangtok is well known for bestowing splendid views of Kangchenjunga.
My maiden glimpse comes immediately after checking in at the Nor-Khill Hotel, one of the city’s most famous addresses. As the bellboy draws back the curtains of the window in my first floor room, a distant view of three snow-capped peaks assaults my vision. “It’s the Kangchenjunga,” he comments. Its snow-white appearance playing hide and seek with the clouds and sunlight keeps me hypnotised for a while.
Staying at the Nor-Khill also introduces me to Sikkim during the time of monarchy. This elegant heritage property was built in 1932 as the royal guest house for accommodating heads of states and other dignitaries. The hotel’s lobby, like a little museum, is ornamented with countless photographs portraying glories of a bygone era.
However, a better venue to learn more about Sikkim and its history is the Namgyal Research Institute of Tibetology, where an exclusive collection of manuscripts, tapestries, statues and artefacts provides an insight into rich religious and cultural background.
Other notable sights of Gangtok that draw attention are the Enchey Monastery, Hanuman Temple, Ganesh Temple and several lookout points for capturing surrounding gems of nature, Tashi View Point being most popular. In the centre of the city there is a pedestrian only zone, called the Mall, where locals and visitors congregate to shop, eat and relax.
Recently voted as one of India’s “Top 10 Clean Cities”, Gangtok provides a perfect base to ramble to other appealing parts of the state. Day trips to Rumtek where the must-see is a large and famous Buddhist monastery, and to Tsomgo Lake where the glistening images of surrounding snowy mountains on the blue water fascinate naked eye, are extremely popular.
On leaving Sikkim, actor Richard Gere said, “I want to come back here again and again.” Most visitors bid farewell to this mystic land with similar feelings, their memory overloaded with images of nature and humanity shaking hands in a most surreal way.
Fact File
Getting There
Fly Singapore Airlines (www.singaporeair.com) and Silk Air (www.silkair.com) to Kolkata and IndiGo (book.goindigo.in) to Bagdogra. Gangtok is a 4-hour drive from Bagdogra on winding mountainous roads, with torrential rivers Teesta and Rangeet running alongside.
Accommodation
Stay at the heritage hotels of Elgin Group (www.elginhotels.com ), Nor-Khill in Gangtok and Mount Pandim in Pelling. The ambiance and décor at both these hotels transfer guests to the elegant time of monarchy in Sikkim.
Local Tour Operator
India Holiday (www.indiaholiday.com) for all travel arrangements in India
Permit
To enter Sikkim, foreign passport holders require a permit easily available from Indians Embassies/Consulates or from any Sikkim Tourism office in India.
More Info
Visit: www.sikkimtourism.gov.in
A Himalayan gem
When actions are lost in translation
Often we hear the comment that many things are lost in translation, from one language to another, be it in fiction, prose, poetry or spiritual texts. Apart from the limits of language itself, many nuances peculiar to one culture or vernacular are difficult to convey truthfully in another language. A lot of what may be important gets lost.
Translating also means the conversion of something from one form or medium to another, for example, the translation of research findings into clinical practice. In such translation, much can be lost when certain interpretations are made. In everyday life, it is not about academic findings being translated into practice but putting into practice what we know.
There are many times when we know what action needs to be taken, but we do not translate that knowledge into action.
As children, we learn about acceptable behaviour. Quite often, however, in spite of having the necessary knowledge, children will not act accordingly. We say that then, they are impulsive and do not fully understand the repercussions. As adults, most of the time, we have an idea of what needs to be done and what should not to be done, what words may hurt and what actions will be ineffective.
Yet, often we go ahead and do the very thing that may cause hurt, or speak words that may be spiteful. This is when knowledge alone does not bring about results. It is in the translating of this knowledge into action that brings about change.
In maintaining good mental health, we need to be aware of how we react to situations, what pitfalls in communication we need to avoid and how we practice the values we have learned from our own culture and experience. We need to constantly reflect and detect patterns of unproductive actions and thoughts and translate them in our behaviour. This is the essential first step in learning self-control.
Not everyone has the capacity to seek spiritual liberation, nor even have the desire to do so, but most want to escape from the drudgery of everyday frustrations and annoyances. Sadly, when things do not go the way we want them to, we point the finger at others or situations around us as the cause and want that to change. Perhaps, the change has to come from within.
The more important thing is to realise that how we react to circumstances is within our control, though the situation may not be. Situations and individuals alone are not responsible for the feelings we experience, whether it is hurt, anger, upset or unhappiness. It is our evaluation of these that trigger the responses. In short, as the Dhammapada says in the very first verse, ‘We become what we think’. How we think is how we behave which then leads to feelings. When we do not translate our knowledge into actions, we may be a storehouse of abundant knowledge with not much to show for it in daily life.
Dealing with problems
When a problem arises, there are only three steps to deal with it.
- Firstly, examine what is the problem. This requires a lot of soul searching. It may very well start with looking within ourselves.
- Secondly, what do we need to do about it? This may be learning new ways to deal with a problem or learning new skills, or sometimes even realising that change may be out of our control.
- Thirdly, and most important, is to put the understanding we have into practice. We can get stuck at any of the steps. The real tragedy is when we know what the problem is, when we know what we need to do about it, but we do not translate it into action.
At a higher level, seeking spiritual truth requires reading, reflecting, understanding and making sense and then acting on them. In daily living, while it may not be the interest of everyone to indulge in spiritual contemplation, a momentary pause to reflect and learn from what has occurred in the past may prove to be a very valuable tool in initiating change.
Many of the scriptural texts draw attention to this need for translation into action. In the Bhagavad Gita, for example, the Way of Knowledge (Chapter 2) is followed by the Way of Action (Chapter 3). In Chapter 5 v.4, it clearly states that ‘only children, not the wise, speak of knowledge and performance of action as distinct.’ Knowledge alone is not enough and action alone without truly understanding its consequences is not enough either.
In the Dhammapada, one of the early verses (v19) clearly says, ‘those who know only a few verses but practice their teachings’ have everything to gain.
If we apply this to our daily life, we need to translate the knowledge that we have acquired from our learning and experience, such as human values of truth, compassion, fairness and service to others, into practice whenever and wherever possible. No situation is trivial, every single one poses a valuable opportunity to put knowledge into practice.
READ ALSO: Understanding anger
Demand for tickets to India-Pakistan clash sky high
Cricket fever is sweeping Kolkata, with the craze for Saturday’s India-Pakistan World Twenty 20 match tickets reaching a crescendo.
India’s early loss to NZ and Chris Gayle’s fastest ton notwithstanding, the upcoming India-Pak game is the one that everybody’s talking about in India.
“Several Eden Gardens can be filled up, such is the demand,” said an official of the Cricket Association of Bengal on 16 March.
The historic venue which is set to host the high-voltage clash, has a capacity of 65,000 presently which is around 35,000 less than what is used to be six years back. But still the crowd strength is enough to take the roof with their screams.
Outside the nearby Mohammedan tent from where the tickets for international matches are usually sold, a giant yellow banner has been fixed which says: “No tickets will be sold from the counter.”
It directs people to the ticketing website bookmyshow.com.
Still, fans queue up in front of the counters in search of the prized paper possession.
“Dada, duto ticket hobe? (Brother, can I have two tickets?)” is the common question that is doing the rounds in the maidan area. And more often than not, the person questioning is leaving with a glum face.
Tickets are priced at Rs.1,500, Rs.1,000 and Rs.500.
Besides the online distribution, tickets were given to each of the 121 CAB affiliate units. There were also an undisclosed number of complimentaries.
The online process to register for the lottery system for the contest on March 19, started at 12 noon last Saturday for a 48-hour window.
The fans, in India and abroad, registered by completing an online form. The registered fans were automatically enrolled into the random draw and then through an automated process, the winners were chosen.
The winners from the random draw were then given an opportunity to buy tickets for the match.
Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan and Pakistan’s classical singer Shafaqat Amanat Ali will render the national anthems of the two countries before the start of the India-Pakistan World Twenty20 clash at Eden Gardens on 19 March.
IANS
Chura liya…!
At 83, Asha Bhosle’s age may be telling, but her spirit is still tenacious
An exclaim of appeasement, childish impishness and teasing your beau in one instance, and that of wisdom, introspection and hope in another, Asha Bhosle has emoted all the voices and feelings in our hearts and heads since she was just 11.
Now at 83, too, there is no stopping her.
If you were there at the Opera House on Monday, you’ll know what I am talking about.
No, it was not one of her best live performances. Not even close. Her voice has lost some of its power, though not its sheen and temerity (as heard in her live renditions of hit songs such as Aiye Meherbaan, Yeh Mera Dil and Chura Liya Hai). Her band and sound engineers showed no expertise or exposure, unlike that of the Metropole Orchestra at The Hague she performed with three years ago, further stifling her performance.
As for Bhosle, she steered clear of her difficult songs; and like most great artists did self-depreciation deftly, reflecting on how she finds it difficult to sing from the gut and her vocal chords simultaneously.
The audience, however, knew all of this prior to booking their tickets. Then, how does Bhosle, definitely not in her best form, still command a full-house at the Concert Hall? Because, the audience knows better.
In a dazzling turquoise saree and her trademark pearly bracelet, Asha Tai was welcomed amid whistles, applause and a thundering ovation. Clearly, the audience had come to celebrate Asha Bhosle and her service to the entertainment industry, to which she gave more than 11,000 songs in almost all pitches, moods and mannerisms that very few women singers have covered.
Some of us were there as we knew that it may be our last chance to see the legendary singer perform live. Now as hard as I try to avoid prefacing her name with these over-used tags – “versatile” or “legendary” – my vocabulary fails me.
The reason I did not want to label her is because these tags can often be very limiting and suffocating. She was once labelled a ‘cabaret singer’ (read, not a serious singer) as her daughter Varsha Bhosle writes, “The female singer was consigned to the bottom rung of their (educated middle class) esteem. Depending upon the sensibilities of the person, and regardless of actualities, she was labelled bai-ji, gaayika, gaanewali, kothewali, devdasi etc…”
Referring to her mother’s squalid married life with her first husband Ganapatrao Bhosle, she writes, “I’m convinced that her being typecast by music directors as the perennial cabaret/mujra/qawwali singer is a fall-out of her early life… One fact is undeniable – like any other extraordinary singer, she excelled in all genres, but Hindi film-makers were ticklish about giving their on-screen epitomes of Indian womanhood the voice of this rather camp personality. If the character was ‘westernised’, her voice was that of Asha. And this label stuck just at the time when the most memorable music was being composed for the non-westernized Indian heroine.”
As a nineties kid, my first association with Asha Bhosle was when she gave us, the coy lot, the audacity to say Aa tujhe choom loon main (in DDLJ) or to perk up our teenage faces into a pout and sway to the sensuous Tanha tanha (in Rangeela) or just drool over Milind Soman in Jaanam samjha karo where she seemed akin to the fairy godmother as we were like Cinderella.
I again found some teenage euphoria in her rendition of Le gayi le gayi from Dil To Pagal Hai. When Baazigar released in 1993, Kitabein bahut si was one song that topped my personal music charts. (Yes, even I had my bad-taste-in-music phase, just like you!)
Later on, when I finally developed a taste and managed to save myself from the ubiquity of Anu Malik and Altaf Raja, I discovered her evergreen numbers Achha jee main mari chalo maan jao na and the songs from Ijaazat that tested her skills as singer, and her qawallis alongside her soulful duets with Kishore Kumar and Mohammad Rafi. Through the infinite range and depth she has portrayed throughout her career, I discovered her versatility and volatility.
When she regaled us with Jhumka gira re, in all its affectation and coyness or the ever-romantic and idyllic Do lafzon ki hain, her voice that immortalizes her zest for life does not for once betray the fact that her life has been full of hardships.
On stage, she called her life an open book, but we are hardly made privy to her suffering as a woman – as a professional in her career as a singer, as a wife from a failed marriage and as a mother who has witnessed the death of two of her children. She is not only good at the upkeep of her voice and its tonalities, but indeed, also appearances.
These days, for ghazals on misty mornings, I go to Iqbal Bano; for a sample of mush and romance, I go to Lata Mangeshkar; for that rasp and spice, to Rekha Bharadwaj; but for someone like Asha Bhosle who defies all labels put on her, I go to her for surprises.
Photos: Ken Leanfore
Coming soon: A simple diagnostic blood test for breast cancer
Cancer researcher Dharmica Mistry wins this year’s NSW Young Woman of the Year award
Adhering to the centuries-old daily ritual of applying oil to the hair, quite literally helped Dr Dharmica Mistry unlock breast cancer codes.
In 2008, as part of her PhD at Macquarie University, Dharmica made the connection that women with breast cancer have higher levels of phospholipids (fat derivatives) in their bloodstream, which could be detected both in the hair and serum.
The chance discovery by the inquisitive and determined medical researcher has eventually led to what could be the biggest breakthrough in breast cancer detection – a simple diagnostic blood test for specific lipid biomarkers, available through the GP to women of all ages.
Accessible mainly to women over 50, painful mammograms are currently the primary diagnostic tool in breast cancer detection. Younger women often have to rely on self-examination, with the highly susceptible even opting for preventative double mastectomy against the virulent cancer.
Dharmica’s path-breaking work in collaboration with like-minded researchers at University of Louisville, Kentucky may well mean that, in the near future, women could add breast cancer associated lipids (BCAL) blood test to the annual cholesterol, blood sugar, iron and other investigations they undertake. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and the biggest killer.
Now chief scientist with BCAL Diagnostics, a company she co-founded, her translational research has made a quantum leap from bench to boardroom and her dream of significantly transforming women’s health worldwide through medical innovation is fast becoming a reality.
Dr Mistry has been named NSW Young Woman of the Year “for her exceptional work in implementing life changing medical research around early detection of breast cancer”. Nominated by Health Minister Jillian Skinner, the award was presented at a glittering ceremony in the NSW Parliament House to commemorate international women’s day.
“Each and every woman who was nominated for an award is an inspiration and should be very proud to be recognised by her peers as having made an exceptional contribution to improve the lives of others,” Pru Goward stated at the presentation.
“From medical research that will revolutionise treatment of some of our greatest health problems, to charities, programs and education that are changing lives, these very worthy winners are outstanding examples of women who are making an immense contribution to the community and transforming lives,” Premier Baird added.
“The nomination was a great surprise and the award itself is a huge motivator,” Dr Mistry told Indian Link. “I am humbled by the recognition. The BCAL blood test will hopefully become a routine diagnostic tool for clinicians to make informed decisions and break cancer disease spectrum. It could also serve as a valuable monitoring tool.”
The 29-year-old is particularly excited about the impact her finding will have on young women and those in remote and rural areas.
“Besides being painless, the blood test will be particularly cost effective in rural areas as implementing outreach programs are very expensive. Mammograms are very cumbersome and inconvenient,” she explained.
A recipient of the 2015 Young Scientist Award as well as a $10,000 international engagement scholarship for health innovation, the microbiology graduate from University of Sydney has been collaborating with researchers in US since 2013 to commercialise their joint findings. Last year, BCAL Diagnostics ran preliminary tests on 100 samples with 90% accuracy.
“We will now conduct blind validation to see how our model fares,” Dharmica added.
A software platform to identify the set of biomarkers is being developed. The test is due to undergo large scale clinical trials next year with commercialisation likely by 2018. BCAL Diagnostics hopes to raise about $3 million to set up a laboratory for the clinical trials. It has established partnerships with a number of institutions including Sydney Breast Clinic and Royal Prince Alfred.
Meanwhile, Dharmica hopes to inspire a new generation of STEM students. “Innovations, particularly in medicine, are always exciting and life changing. There are numerous possibilities out there, for those who are passionate and determined. Scientists have the capacity to make the connections and come up with novel ideas. In doing so, jobs will be created and new opportunities forged. Translational research has the potential to make a global difference.”
Eden showers love on Afridi and his men
Shahid Afridi leads Pakistan to victory over Bangladesh
Shahid Afridi may be in trouble back home for his “getting more love in India” remark, but a half-filled but boisterous Eden Gardens on 16 March seemed determined to prove the Pakistani skipper’s assertions were not ill-founded as they lustily cheered each and every move of the Green Brigade in their World Twenty20 Group 2 encounter against Bangladesh.
The maverick all-rounder, who was chided by his own people for his remarks, appeared to be the toast of the around 30,000 crowd right from the moment he walked out for the toss and much to their delight repaid the love with a blistering knock of 49 studded with eight hits to the boundary.
Though outnumbered, the 5,000 odd Bangladeshi supporters sporting their national team jerseys, did have their moments of joy, but the Pakistani batsmen soon took the wind out of their opponents’ sails as they walloped their way to an imposing total.
Walking in at number four, Afridi – who once held the record for the fastest century in One-day Internationals – was immediately at his destructive best.
The stadium reverberated with chants of “Boom Boom Afridi” as the 36-year-old carted the bowlers to all parts of the ground, hitting four towering sixes and an equal number of boundaries. There was a tinge of disappointment in the crowd after he missed his fifty by one run, holing out in the deep.
Pakistan finally won by 55 runs.
Though disappointed at their team’s dismal performance, many of the Bangladeshi supporters however, are ecstatic at being able to witness the match at the historic stadium.
“It has been a dream for us to watch a match at Eden Gardens and we ourselves created a sort of history with three generations witnessing the match,” said Tohifful Rehman, who watched the match along with his 65-year-old father and 15-year-old daughter.
Frustrated at the team’s performance and huge support for Pakistan, a Bangladeshi journalist couldn’t help quipping, “It seems Kolkata has become Karachi.”
IANS
When did you last have a Pap smear?
With the release of a new multilingual video campaign by Cancer Council and PapSmear Victoria, Australian-Indian women are helping to spread awareness about the importance of Pap smears in the early detection of cervical cancer. These women are also helping to beat traditional taboos surrounding discussing cancer and sex in the Indian community.
“Cervical cancer is a very preventable disease but our research shows that some communities may be less likely to screen,” said Dr Hiranthi Perera from PapSmear Victoria, as she introduced the videos to guests present at the recent campaign launch.
“In some communities it is not considered culturally appropriate to speak about these things, so we need to try to break down these stigmas and taboos and ensure that all women have access to cervical screening which could ultimately save their lives.”
The multilingual video campaign is currently available in Hindi and Vietnamese and is the part of a wider campaign that will be offered in seven different languages, to target women from an array of CALD backgrounds. The other five videos will be in Arabic, Cantonese, Punjabi, Turkish and Macedonian.
Shivani Goel, who was one of the campaign participants, spoke about how many from in the Indian community lack awareness about the importance of screenings for cervical cancer detection.
“When I migrated to Australia a few years ago I did not know much about it either and would probably have been too embarrassed to ask. Now I go for regular tests as I realise its importance for my health. I also realised that there is nothing to be scared about and I am glad of this opportunity to spread the awareness to others in my community.”
The Australian Government’s National Cervical Screening Program currently recommends that all women aged between 18 and 70 who have ever been sexually active, should have Pap tests every two years.
However, as the number of women from minority backgrounds who go for testings is quite low, in conjunction with an overall drop in cervical cancer screenings in Victoria, the Cancel Council and PapSmear Victoria launched the video campaign to spread awareness of the importance of Pap smears, and to encourage women to book a test immediately.
According to Dr Perera, the focus groups, research and group discussions leading up to the final launch brought up some common barriers faced by women from Indian and Vietnamese communities. The reflections, thoughts and perceptions from these women were used to develop the content in the videos.
“Our research found that Indian women can be quite compliant with their health, demonstrating an essential trust and faith in the health system and an acceptance of what their GP would recommend,” Dr Perera explained. “There was work to be done around creating awareness about cervical cancer and screenings, which led to this video.”
In Australia, the Indian community is rapidly expanding. India does not have a nationwide screening program, and every year 122,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer with most cases detected in advanced or late stages. Of cancer related deaths in Indian women, 20 per cent are from cervical cancer.
While in Australia cervical cancer screenings are for people aged 18 and over, students in high schools are being encouraged to get the HPV vaccines to prevent cervical cancer in the future.
“It is important for parents to understand the preventative measures of cervical cancer, so that they sign the consent forms that the children bring home from school,” said Dr Perera.
“Getting the vaccine early will make a massive difference to the cervical cancer rates in Australia.” The HPV vaccine is available for free at schools to boys and girls in year 7, who are 12 to 13 years old.
Having discussions with family and friends about pap smears, cancer screenings and HPV vaccines is vital, as this is what will generate greater awareness, understanding and ultimately acceptance, of the preventative cancer measures that can be taken by those in the Indian diaspora.
A brave shave
Vani Chandra finds a unique way to celebrate a milestone birthday
Seven Hills beautician Vani Chandra did her bit for leukaemia last week by participating in the World’s Greatest Shave campaign.
She raised more than $5000 for the Leukaemia Foundation by shaving off her thick, long hair.
Admit it, that’s brave, given she is of Indian heritage. Hair has a whole other meaning for Indian women.
Michelle Rowland, the local MP, was at the beauty salon to support Vani as the razor was turned on.
Some sixty other people, including regular customers and friends and family, turned up as well. Many of them had their own hair coloured at the salon, as their way of contributing towards the fundraiser.
Speaking to Indian Link, Vani revealed her passion for the project. “I donate to many cancer-related charities and have wanted to participate in the World’s Greatest Shave for the past three years. But my husband, two sons and my staff discourage me, given my profession as a beautician. ‘Why don’t you just colour your hair?’ they told me. But it was something that I really wanted to do. When I turned 55 recently I declared it as my birthday wish, and they were left with no choice but to support me.”
Born and bred in Singapore, Vani migrated to Australia twenty years ago and opened her beauty and sari shop five years later. Her hard work and dedication soon saw her business expand. In addition to her Indian Beauty House in Seven Hills she now owns Vani’s Beauty Parlour in Flemington.
Vani is quite clear that beauty is not merely external. “Beauty is not only what is outside, it should come from within. Being in the beauty industry for fifteen years, I thought I can raise awareness about cancer in the Indian community through my parlours.”
The beautiful hair that came off her head will be donated to Westmead Hospital to be converted into a wig.
“When I think that I can donate something useful for someone who needs it more, I am filled with a great sense of achievement,” she said.
She expressed her deepest compassion for young sufferers who lose their hair. “I wanted to give my hair to a younger girl to help her feel well again.”
As the hair began to come off, many of Vani’s staff became emotional. “In Indian culture a married woman is not supposed to shave her head, it is a sentimental thing,” Vani observed. “Some of my girls couldn’t bear to look, and some even had tears. But it was my wish and my passion and I felt strong.”
Of course, it didn’t all happen overnight. Vani says much planning went into making her dream a reality. “I started planning last year. I registered myself with the Leukaemia Foundation and they guided me step by step. They sent me all the promotional stuff like t-shirts and posters.”
Michelle Rowland, whose office is in Seven Hills and who is a regular client, got on board to offer support.
Vani shared, “Whenever Michelle attends an Indian function, I help dress her up in saris and do her hair and makeup. When she has fundraisers I support her by donating gift vouchers. So, when I approached her about my project, she agreed without hesitation and also promised to donate. She was the first to cut my hair.”
Did she have doubts about how she would cope afterwards? Vani laughed, “To be honest, it didn’t bother me at all! Hair or no hair, I am still the same person. In fact, I feel great. My husband thinks I look sexier!”
Vani believes her hair will grow back in three or four months, but in the meantime she won’t wear a wig to hide her bald head. “I won’t be able to wear Indian outfits, but that’s fine. And in the Indian culture people might think something’s wrong or feel sorry for me. But hey, it’s only short term.”
Vani expressed gratitude to her family, her customers, committee and members of the Sakhti Amman Temple in Toongabbie and her relatives in Singapore for helping her reach the fundraising target.
Vani is proud of her contribution to cancer awareness and maintains that she might consider the World’s Greatest Shave again in the future. “I hope my message gets through and encourages other community members to step forward and get involved.”
Photo ID laws causing headache for Sikhs
Sikh men in NSW are having their driver’s licence renewal applications rejected because of their turbans
The Sikh community has been an unfortunate casualty of NSW Roads and Maritime Services attempts to apply strict laws regarding the wearing of head coverings in identification photos.
Leading members of the community met with Daniel Mookhey MLC last year after a large number of Sikh men, predominantly hailing from western Sydney, were asked to remove, or adjust, their turbans at RMS facilities when either applying for, or renewing, their driver’s licences.
Despite local RMS offices approving the licence photos, the central RMS processing facility would then reject the images. This required the men to then return to an RMS office to take another photo.
According to the RMS website, “Head coverings worn for religious reasons may be worn, but must be adjusted so that your whole face is visible, from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, and both edges of your face. There should also be no shadows cast on your face.”
Mr Mookhey said that immediately after his meeting with Sikh community representatives he wrote a letter to the Minister for Roads, Duncan Gay asking for an urgent investigation.
Today in NSW Parliament after months of silence, the NSW Opposition asked a question without notice to the Minister, demanding answers.
“Even though the Minister was conspicuously silent on whether Sikh men have been having their licence applications rejected because of their headwear, he said this practice won’t be happening in the future,” Mr Mookhey said. “This is a welcome start, but it shouldn’t have taken NSW Labor to force the Government’s hand.”
Though he is not a Sikh, Mr Mookhey wears the Kara, a bracelet commonly worn by Sikhs as an outward display of their faith. “Every time I’ve passed through airport security, I’ve seen for myself how much change is needed in government agencies like RMS and the Passport Office, and in Australia’s airports, so they properly honour and respect the Sikh faith,” Mr Mookey said today. “We’ll hold the Government to its promise, and we’ll lead the fight for more change.”
Comment was sought from the Minister offices.
Meet the Aussie couple behind THAT London Thumakda video
Aussie couple Alice Dixon and Michael Falk have had a very strange 24 hours since a video surfaced on the internet showing their Bollywood-inspired bridal dance
From The Indian Express to Scoop Whoop, DNA India and IBN Live, the couple have gone viral. Dancing to ‘London Thumakda’, a popular song from the Kangana Ranaut film Queen, the pair have been incorrectly identified as UK couple Dave and Carol to millions of viewers.
“If only we knew who Carol and Dave were!” Michael jokes in this exclusive with Indian Link. “Bollywood is something we share, which is a little tradition for us. That’s why we chose to dance to ‘London Thumakda’. We also liked that we could include more people in it. And since we were moving to England straight after our wedding, it suited us very well!”
The young Australian couple were married six months ago at a country venue outside their hometown of Sydney and are now living in the UK. Both confess they “love” India with both having visited the country for holidays. Though Michael has never before had a brush with Bollywood, “Alice and a friend of hers were extras in Any Body Can Dance 2,” he says.
Further explaining their unusual choice of bridal dance, Michael says, “We try to watch a Bollywood movie every week or two, either at home or in the cinema. I tend to like the classics, while Alice prefers the new ones.
He says they love whatever Bollywood films they watch, “Especially when the movie is set somewhere we know, like Dil Chahta Hai, set in Sydney, Salaam Namaste, in Melbourne, or Khabi Kushi Khabi Gham, set in Kent!”
The pair were taught their ‘London Thumakda’ routine by Vivienne Cabraja of Mango Dance Studios. “She’s a hoot,” Michael says, “She also did a great hen’s night class for Alice.” Indeed Alice added an Indian touch to her wedding gown by adding a dhupatta to complement her enviable thumkas, choreographed to match the song lyrics.
When asked about their family’s reaction to the dance, Michael reveals, “I think everyone loved the dance on the night. I’m not sure if anyone was surprised, Alice’s Bollywood obsession is quite well known.”
Both Alice and Michael have enjoyed the international reaction, “It’s obviously been really positive! Just give us a trillion more views, and we’ll top ‘Gangnam Style’,” Michael jokes. “We posted the video on YouTube a few days after the wedding, so it isn’t surprising that it’s now been found.”