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Acknowledging the Sikh footprint in Australia

By
Nami
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1
Reading Time: 5 minutes

The recent opening of a heritage trail in WA is a welcome attempt by the Sikh community to make its history in this country become better known

While memories of the early Sikhs in Australia have slowly faded over time, in recent years their history and legacy have finally begun to be recognised. Their contribution as peddlers across the country in the late 1800s is now well known.
The opening of the Australian Sikh Heritage Trail this month is another step in making wider Australian society become aware of the history of Sikhs in this country.
Nestled in the heart of Australia’s unique bush land, the trail was inaugurated by the non-profit organisation Australian Sikh Heritage, developed to commemorate and inform the wider public about Sikh contributions in Australia over the past 150 years.
sikh.Indian Link
Over 500 people attended the trail’s opening, where many wore a turban as an expression of solidarity with the Sikh community on Saturday, 5 March. This date was specifically chosen for the opening to pay homage to Manmohan Singh, a Sikh pilot of the Royal Indian Air Force Flying Officer who died during the Japanese attack in Broome on 3 March 1942. He was also the first Indian casualty in Australia.
The Australian Sikh Heritage organisation decided to develop the trail in Adenia Reserve, as after the illegality of cremations was outlawed in 1929, the first Sikh cremations took place in this area. While the trail is still in the developmental phase, Australian Sikh Heritage hopes that by 2017, interpretational plaques will be permanently placed.
The plaques will include information about Sikh soldiers, industrial and agricultural workers, and the historicity of the community in general.
Tarun Singh, who is the co-founder of the Australian Sikh Heritage, said that the volunteers of the organisation had a burning desire to share their cultural history with the rest of the Indian and Australian communities.
“Sikhs in those days were known for their perseverance,” Singh told Indian Link. “They weren’t allowed to bring their family and they lived isolated lives. They did not get citizenship either and struggled. We want the community to know how long the Indians have been here in Australia, and how they were here for the development of Australia, in the outback, this is Australian history. Indian history has not been researched thoroughly yet, and we started with the Sikh perspective from WA firstly as this is our home base.”
sikh.Indian Link
This passion spawned Tarun’s ingenious idea for creating a trail. Tarun fondly recalled the moment how six years ago he found a metal brass plaque. “It illustrated the contribution of Sikhs in the Central Australian outback along with and map of Punjab, and there was a name at the bottom – John Parker. I then searched online for his name and in the White Pages, and finally got in touch with him. He was the man who did most of the research on Sikhs, and he made the plaque himself in the late 1980s, out of 20kg of brass.”
The significance of John Parker is profound, as his work has become the foundation to rebuild a way in which Sikh heritage can be both honoured and revived. “He is a man who is very important for us, and by finding this plaque which shows Sikhs working alongside the British in the outback, it triggered the idea of developing this trail. With Harjit [the other co-founder], we began researching more into the Sikh history and then decided to make the trail and plaque,” Tarun revealed.
Sikh. Indian Link
The City of Canning, Lotterywest, Sikh Association of WA Inc and Sikh Gurdwara Perth Inc also sponsored Tarun and Harjit’s venture for acquiring the trail’s land.
Parvinder Singh, president of the Sikh Association of WA, said that they wanted to provide support for the construction of the trail as a duty to their culture, especially since it will be forever imprinted for future generations to see. He described, “Helping with the development of the trail is a part of our community service and we want to help preserve and revive our culture. The trail will become a landmark and remain permanently. We are acknowledging all Sikhs, whether they were farm workers, community leaders, soldiers or service providers: they have all helped the community establish themselves.”
Sikh. Indian Link
The ability of the Sikh community to spread awareness of their history largely comes down to education. Dalwinder Singh, a volunteer for the Australian Sikh Heritage, believes that school education about migrant history in Australia is crucial, and hopes that the development of the trail can encourage the state government to add more content to the school curriculum.
Singh explained, “We just want to remember and pass on the history, and that it is not just a local thing. It is about the Sikhs living in Western Australia and getting together while lobbying education departments to add into history into the WA educational curriculum. We want to bridge the Australian community with the Sikhs.” At present, the current educational curriculum for primary and secondary students on migrant history is limited, only briefly touching upon the contributions of minority groups in Australia.
sikh.Indian Link
The other way the Sikhs in Western Australia hope to promote the trail is through social media and photography. Ravinder Singh, who was the photographer for the trail’s opening, said that by using digital media platforms it is far easier to reach international audiences as the Internet functions as a global outlet, accessible by anyone in the world.
Singh said, “I am a Sikh. I particularly enjoyed capturing the men in old army uniforms (who right now are all in the army reserve) and the Australian war memory history, because it shows a Sikh and Anglo-Australian in the same historical Australian solider uniform, which shows the real history, and showing similarity can sometimes not be expressed in words. As a photographer, I can post my albums on Facebook and hope everyone shares it. The younger generations just aren’t aware. We need media to reach more people about the history, as the trail is not just about Sikh heritage but Indian heritage as we are all part of the same country.”
sikh.Indian Link
Ultimately, the trail not only remembers the arduous efforts and contributions of the early Sikhs in Australia, but also, serves as one of the major gateways to eternally showcasing the rich history of Indians in Australia.
 

Celebrate Harmony Day at Ashfield's Carnival of Cultures

By
Indian Link
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0
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Come and celebrate Harmony Day at Ashfield’s Carnival of Cultures, with entertainment, international food and activities to keep the whole family entertained

This year, celebrate Harmony Day at Ashfield’s Council’s Carnival of Cultures in Ashfield’s Park from 10am-4pm on Sunday 20 March.
The event will be filled with local and culture entertainment featuring Aussie icon Archie Roach, international food and market stalls, creative and cultural workshops and a free native plant giveaway for local residents. Kids will have fun too, with pony rides, face painting and a giant slide.
Ashfield’s Carnival of Cultures will also be welcoming new Aussie citizens, holding a Citizenship Ceremony on the day.
Lucille McKenn OAM, who is the Mayor of Ashfield, said that the flagship community event is attracting thousands of people a year.
Ashfield's Carnival of Cultures.Indian Link
“I really can’t think of a better way to celebrate our wonderfully diverse and vibrant local community than at Carnival of Cultures. It’s a wonderful day of fun and entertainment for the whole family. ” Mayor McKenna said.
“With something for every member of the family, I would really encourage our community to come along to Ashfield Park and join in the fun celebrations and activities on offer for Harmony Day.”
Ashfield Council recommends taking public transport to the event, with free shuttle buses running from Ashfield Civic Centre to the Park. Cyclists can also use the free bike valet service and will go in the draw for a prize.
For further details, contact Romy Robinson (Communications Coordinator for Ashfield Council) on 9716 1906 or at romyr@ashfield.nsw.gov.au.
For general information, visit www.ashfield.nsw.gov.au

Voice against cancer

By
Rajni Anand Luthra
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0
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Sydney musician Avijit Sarkar has raised thousands of dollars for cancer research

It was an unexpected – and unusual – 50th birthday present.
Yet it turned out to be one that would change the life of Palu Malaowalla and her husband Avijit Sarkar forever.
Cancer fundraising.Indian Link
By her own admission, Palu Malaowalla felt her world had come crashing down around her when she was handed a breast cancer diagnosis.
This was way back in 2010, and along with Avijit and daughter Annie, she was gearing up for a gala party only two days away, to celebrate her milestone birthday. Her mum was flying down from India for the event, and all the preparations had been done.
With characteristic bravery, Palu decided the party would go ahead.
The guests could not have guessed something was wrong when Annie broke down, ever so briefly, as she spoke at the event. They do remember, however, the support her dad came up to offer in his distinctive gentle manner. Palu remained dry-eyed.
She went in for surgery the next day.
As Avijit began ringing up close friends to tell them of this life-changing event in their family, the steely resolve in his voice was unmissable. He declared he was putting his life on hold to nurse Palu through her recovery process. But that was only the half of it. The other half, which he did not make public at the time, was that once Palu was through with her therapy, he would use his music to fund-raise for cancer research.
Five years on, Palu is hale and hearty. And Avijit has raised thousands of dollars to help support those involved in the treatment of cancer, research, advocacy, prevention and support services.

Cancer fundraising.Indian Link
Hale and hearty post cancer: Palu, with Avijit, in Switzerland during a walking tour of Europe last year.

Both Palu and Avijit are well-known in Sydney’s Indian community, Palu as a popular physician and Avijit as a much-loved musician, writer and a former columnist in this very publication.
“Yes we were still in hospital when I made the decision,” Avijit told Indian Link recently. “Today, I’ve made substantial donations to the Cancer Research Network at the University of Sydney, Cancer Council NSW and the Australian Cancer Research Foundation. Palu and I figured, since we have the resources to fund-raise in this manner, and the desire to do so, there should be nothing stopping us. Together we can make a difference to society and together we can definitely lend a hand to those in need.”
All proceeds from Avijit’s concerts of Indian music go towards these charities, after expenses. Audiences of up to 300 people have attended, many of them being long-time friends and loyal followers with the same taste in music.
“To these people, I am most indebted,” Avijit observed. “In the latest concert, for instance, one regular listener declared he would double the amount of monies raised collectively, as his own personal contribution.”
The concerts are theme-based, Avijit revealed, with particular emphasis on songs of the fifties and sixties, the kind of music his typical audience enjoys. But of course it is the ghazal that will always be his first love, as he is naturally suited to this genre of singing, and of course, having performed with the likes of Jagjit Singh, Ghulam Ali and Mehdi Hassan.
Cancer fundraising.Indian Link
But it is his Sydney-based colleagues in the fund-raisers that Avijit picks out for special mention: Sadiq Rehmani on guitar,Abhijit Dan on rhythm, Pushpa Jagadish and Srijani Dan on vocals, and the sound of SNR.
Palu meanwhile has taken up the cause of spreading the word about regular breast screening.
“It was a routine health check that detected my own condition,” Palu has said on numerous occasions as she urges friends and patients in her surgery to schedule their own checks regularly.
She is also an active campaigner in the NSW Multicultural Heath initiative Pink Sari Project.
Together, both are also influencing others with their healthy lifestyle through both diet and physical activity.
Avijit has already begun rolling out this year’s concerts. “I will continue to do my bit for fund-raising as long as I am able,” he said with conviction.
 

Rethinking the feminist identity

By
Shafeen Mustaq
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0
Reading Time: 4 minutes

It’s important we respect different approaches to feminism

Feminism is a word that comes with decades of baggage and has numerous definitions. For some it is about advocating for women’s rights and equality of the sexes, while for others it is more of a political and social movement, an ideological agenda. The concept of feminism is fluid, subjective and open to adaptation by women (and men) in their respective and varying social, political and economic climates.
Identifying as feminist has not always been easy for people to accept. Indeed, some women dislike identifying as a feminist and the term has been utilised in political and consumerist manoeuvres which have tarnished its essence.
feminism.Indian Link
Born out the desire of white women in the western world to be recognised as an equal and valuable members of society, feminism has become synonymous with a myriad of statements and causes that have expanded to include racial, political and economic struggles.
Feminists have been traditionally thought of as bra burning, man hating, equality hungry, respect seeking, power hunting, hairy women. Disappointingly, these qualities are not seen as positive by society at large and the idea of being a feminist was (and still is) frowned upon in many circles. Especially in South Asian women, the double standards of wanting equality and respect, but deferring to a knight in shining armour to provide and love them is a worrying trend.
feminism.Indian Link
What does this mean? Does a feminist South Asian woman exist at all? Does she have to be short haired, butch and single? Or is she merely a figment of our imagination? It is imperative we question the status of feminism in Australia and South Asia respectively to understand who the Australian South Asian woman is and what her feminist reality looks like.
Feminism in Australian society has been largely defined by the developments taking place in America and Europe. Younger generations of Australian men and women are not familiar with the Germaine Greers of Australian feminism and, even if they are, find this stance to be divisive rather than helpful to the integration of feminism into mainstream discourse. The famous Julia Gillard Misogyny Speech was received well in Australia largely due to its global recognition.
feminism.Indian Link
Feminism in South Asia has been largely frowned upon, and whenever it came to the fore of social discourse, it was tinged with an ulterior motive. The English and Dutch colonisers used it to point out the tradition of structured subjugation of women as lower class citizens, then the political elite used it to ‘emancipate’ that same class of women into a new era of post-colonial ‘freedom’ where oppression was merely hidden under a different veil – sometimes literally. Hindu and Muslim women who covered themselves out of deference to their faith were mocked as the trends and fashions of post-colonial life pressured women into ‘freeing’ their minds and bodies both figuratively and literally.
Fast forward another 50 years and the rampant abuse of women both within and outside the home, the escalation in reported rapes and domestic violence, prove that women can wear what they want and say what they want but, until men are taught to respect a woman’s right to do as she pleases, feminism is and will remain a mythical ideal to which South Asian culture aspires (or not)?

What does this mean for the South Asian woman living in an Australian society? How can she grow out of the murky entrenched ‘values’ of shy deference and obedience that have been imbued gradually over centuries of instruction, to accept that seeking respect for her right to think and do as she pleases is as inherent in her psyche as it is to breathe.

That right can be called whatever you like, but it signifies a woman’s right to choose for herself. A woman who chooses to give up her career for a role as homemaker can be every bit a feminist as a woman who shuns the ‘traditional’ role for a more ‘masculine’ one. But women cannot do this alone. We co-exist with a male population that is just as crucial to the embedding of feminism in our social fabric as women themselves. Men have to accept, respect and encourage feminism with the same ardour as women for the concept to have any meaningful impact on our lives.
feminism.Indian Link
Feminism is genuinely showing respect for another individual.
Feminism is rejecting stereotypes of what a woman ‘should’ be doing with her life by a certain age and embracing that every life, every situation is different and equally worthy.
Feminism is the way we frame our discourse to abandon the classification of jobs as masculine or feminine, as traditional or untraditional.
Feminism is accepting that men and women are created differently physically and psychologically to serve differing purposes in life – each no more significant than the other.
Feminism is understanding how to engage in honest but polite discourse with another person, be it a man or a woman and respecting their personal space, wants and needs.
Feminism is – whatever you want it to be. It is an identity that you own and shape by upholding the values of love, respect and honesty. Whether you are a man or a woman, you can embrace your history, your religion, your culture and your values to form your own distinctly creative feminist identity.

On Women’s Day, a note about the empowerment of men

By
Rajni Anand Luthra
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international womens day
Reading Time: 3 minutes
international womens day

When Susan B. Anthony, American feminist and suffragette, wrote the Declaration of the Rights of Women of the United States in 1876, she said, “If I could but live another century, and see the fruition of all this work for women!”

Over a century later, we continue to seek parity, and women continue to be the victims of offences and tragedies worldwide.

If Susan urged her sisters back then to “organise, agitate and educate”, her war cry is still relevant today.

There is much discussion about the empowerment of women, not only in transitioning societies like India, but even in developed countries like the USA and Australia.

The answer, no doubt, is empowerment through education.

News from back home in India about the status of women is largely negative, especially on issues of women’s safety. But there are more than a few happy stories that do not make the news as often. As more and more Indian women become educated, they are breaking through in fields traditionally male-dominated, such as business and the armed forces. By law, a certain percentage of seats on corporate boards are reserved for women. Indeed, many of India’s prominent banks are led by women. Internationally, many India-born men have recently made it into leadership roles in high-profile organisations, but one woman, Indira Nooyi beat them to it years ago.

In Defence, the first women fighter pilots of the Indian Air Force received commission in 2016, and only recently, the Indian Army has allowed permanent commission for women, which means they can serve in commanding roles.

In STEM, you only have to look at our own backyard here in Australia to see Indian women shining through and surpassing their male colleagues.

Strides have even been made in global entertainment by Indian women, while Bollywood’s leading men hesitate to reach those broader horizons (because they ‘don’t want to go to Hollywood’, yeah right!)

No doubt we have many miles to go before the benefits reach all or even a large percentage of our women, but clearly, empowering our women by means of education is working.

It’s time now to talk about how we can empower men – with the right attitude towards women. We need to change the attitudes of men, to learn to treat women as equals.

The best place to start, is at home.

We raise our children to reach their full potential in life, regardless of their gender. Perhaps we need to go that extra mile with our sons, to teach them to treat their female peers with respect, and as equal and worthy partners at every stage.

This will involve teaching our young men that women do approach things differently, but this does not reflect difference in ability. That women must be looked at as equal competitors for opportunities. That judgements based on external cues are not cool. That pornography can be (and too often is) exploitative. Thank you Gloria Steinem, for telling us that we’ve begun to raise our daughters like our sons, but don’t often have the courage to raise our sons like our daughters.

In this day and age, there is absolutely no reason why we should not have wage parity; why every woman should not feel safe around her partner; why the honour of our communities should depend upon the virginity of our women; why a 13-year-old girl in Pakistan who wants to go to school should not be shot in the head; why a young woman in New Delhi taking a bus back home at 8pm cannot do so safely; and why a prime minister in Australia should be reminded so often that she is a woman. There is much to do until we reach equality and that truly stifles.

Can India win on home soil?

By
Ritam Mitra
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1

Reading Time: 8 minutes

A curtain-raiser to the 2016 edition of the World T20

Until the unprecedented success of the 50-over ODI World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand in 2015, it was thought that the ICC’s flagship international cricket event would soon become redundant – to be replaced perhaps, by the ICC World T20 in terms of prestige and priority, if not altogether. However, despite its ubiquity in the modern game today, it is clear that international teams are still finding their feet in the shortest format of the game, and chasing a winning culture has been far more elusive a goal than may have been anticipated. So, on the eve of the 2016 ICC World T20 in India, it’s time to take a trip down memory lane, preview the key players to look out for, and analyse the chances of two of the tournament favourites, India and Australia.
World T20.Indian Link

MOST MEMORABLE WORLD T20 MOMENTS

This will be the sixth edition of the ICC World T20 – and no team has won the tournament more than once. Previous winners include India, Pakistan, England, West Indies and, reigning champions, Sri Lanka. Here are some of the most memorable moments from those five tournaments:
2007, South Africa: India crowned inaugural champions
The first edition of the World T20 was by many accounts, the most enthralling – at the very least, for Indian fans. The group stages featured Yuvraj Singh’s well-documented assault on a young Stuart Broad, in which the left-hander hit 6 sixes in one over; a “bowl out” to decide a tied game between India and Pakistan, in which India prevailed 3-0; and once again, a brutal blitzkrieg by Yuvraj against Australia in the semi-final.
World T20.Indian Link
And then came the final which changed the course of cricket history forever. India’s thrilling win over Pakistan, which captured the imagination of a nation, was undoubtedly the catalyst for the T20 explosion, including the inception of the Indian Premier League and similar franchise cricket competitions across the world.
2009, England: Dutch courage
No home nation has ever won a World T20 (at least in the men’s game), but campaigns don’t begin much more catastrophically than England’s tournament-opening disaster at the home of cricket against the mighty Dutch. An unbelievably tense last-ball defeat in pouring rain was hardly a promising sign for the home favourites – and despite the England women’s team chasing down a record total in their final of the inaugural Women’s World T20, the men went down with a whimper. The tournament is perhaps also best remembered for the now ubiquitous ‘Dilscoop’ – the ramp shot employed to perfection by Sri Lanka’s opener, and the highest tournament run scorer, Tillakaratne Dilshan.
 World T20.Indian Link

2010, West Indies: Hussey Hurricane
In a tournament that would otherwise be best remembered for the feel-good story leading to Afghanistan’s debut on the global stage, Australia’s Michael Hussey made the tournament his own with a stunning 60 off 24 balls to rescue Australia from the depths of despair in its semi-final against defending champions Pakistan. Labelled ‘Hussey’s miracle’, Hussey saw Australia home in its mammoth chase of 191, including 18 runs off the last over against spin wizard Saeed Ajmal. It only delayed the inevitable, however, as Australia werebrought undone in the final against a jubilant England.
World T20.Indian Link
2012, Sri Lanka: West Indies dance to victory
West Indies cricket has been in decline for two decades now, but the team has always been the neutral supporter’s favourite – and West Indies’ victorious run in the 2012 World T20 showed us why. Dancing to celebrate wickets, playing an aggressive, attacking and flamboyant style of cricket and then dancing as a team together to hit song Gangnam Style in the final; no other team in the world could have pulled it off and not looked stupid. That they played scintillating cricket along the way was a necessary factor, but it was the joy they took in the game which rekindled unfortunately premature hopes of a revival in West Indies cricket.
 World T20.Indian Link
2014, Bangladesh: Flying Dutchmen
The best moment of the 2014 World T20 came before the main tournament had even begun. In the qualifying stages of the tournament, the traditionally impressive Netherlands found themselves in a nearly impossible situation, needing to chase down 190 against Ireland in only 14.2 overs in order to secure themselves a spot in the main draw.
What followed was the greatest chase in T20 international history. The Dutch blasted 19 sixes as they chased down the target in only 13.5 overs, qualifying for the tournament and as always, providing a wonderful advertisement for Associate cricket.
World T20.Indian Link

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Mohammad Amir (Pakistan)
Mohammad Amir was only 18 when he played his role in the now infamous spot-fixing scandal in England with ringleader and team captain Salman Butt, and bowling lynchpin Mohammad Asif. The most exciting fast-bowling prospect in the world at that time, Amir’s world came crashing down as he was handed a five-year ban at the peak of his career and ordered to spend time in a juvenile detention facility.
World T20.Indian Link
Five years on, and a reformed Amir is once again the most electrifying fast bowler to watch in world cricket. Every bit as fast as he was back then, Amir is swinging the ball at 150 km/h and the best batsmen in the world are taking notice. India’s Virat Kohli described it as an “honour” to play against one of Amir’s recent spells, and there is no doubt that in conditions that will be familiar to him, Amir could wreak havoc. He’s done it before in this format – in the 2009 World T20, Amir bowled a five-wicket maiden against Australia.
Virat Kohli (India)
He may be next in line to the captaincy throne in limited-overs cricket, but Virat Kohli has already been ruling over the shortest format of the game for some time. With 740 runs at an average of 82.22 and a strike rate of 135, since January 2014, Kohli has been in sublime form, and is the favourite to top the batting charts in this year’s edition, particularly in home conditions.
World T20.Indian Link
The only Indian batsman who was able to weather a furiously quick Mohammad Amir during the recently-concluded Asia Cup, Kohli looks in supreme control at the crease – his undeniably good batsmanship is of course the fundamental factor, but his running between the wickets, match awareness and mental strength are all equally important.
Electric in the field and a thorn in every opposition’s side, it’s unlikely that bowlers will be able to figure out a solution to India’s batting maestro at this edition of the World T20.
David Warner (Australia)
For a batsman who began his career as a T20 specialist and has become undoubtedly the leading opener in international cricket in the past three years, David Warner has underperformed at the highest level of the shortest format.
World T20.Indian Link
His opening partner, and recently dumped captain Aaron Finch, sits atop the T20 international batting rankings, but the otherwise unstoppable Warner has been underwhelming at this level. There’s a good chance he’ll have to play out of his comfort zone, as selectors have suggested he will be dropped down the order to accommodate Usman Khawaja and Shane Watson.
Warner has plenty of experience in the subcontinent with various IPL franchises, but he will be hungrier than most to prove his credentials in the T20 format; it’s scarcely believable that Warner is now indisputably the leading test match opener and on the outer in the T20 format. A big-game player, this is Warner’s biggest chance to lord over all three formats.
 

TEAM INDIA

India are by some distance favourites to become the first team to lift the World T20 trophy at home, and the first dual champions. In the past two years, India has more wins (14) and fewer losses (5) than any other team. Most surprisingly, perhaps, India’s bowlers – perennially cannon fodder at the death – have the lowest economy rate (7.05) and bowling average (19.25) among the top 10 teams.
World T20.Indian Link
Their confidence-building 3-0 clean sweep against Australia down under, as well as an undefeated Asia Cup campaign have led India to the top of the World T20 rankings. India’s top order of Dhawan, Sharma, Kohli and Raina – has proven difficult for teams to dislodge. Meanwhile, Yuvraj is starting to find his feet again, while Dhoni continues to terrify bowlers into missing their lengths. India’s real challenge is death hitting – they are perhaps the only title contender to have no truly destructive, explosive hitter. However, Hardik Pandya has been impressive in his limited performances to date, and death-bowling genius Jasprit Bumrah has been the best fast-bowling find in India in recent memory.
As one of the best fielding units in the world, and with the powerful guarantee of vociferous home support and suitable conditions, India would be devastated to be left without silverware once the tournament concludes.
World T20.Indian Link
 

TEAM AUSTRALIA

The most successful cricketing nation in history, it is almost a unique situation for Australia to be the only team not to win a particular trophy – and yet that is the situation at hand. Australia may have been guilty of not taking the format seriously in the past, but there is no doubt that they are by now desperate for success in the T20 format.
World T20.Indian Link
Australia’s powerful and talented squad boasts a suitable blend of experience and youth, so much so that top-ranked T20 international batsman Aaron Finch may find himself out of the playing XI, just months after being the side’s captain. A key to success for Australia will be their ability to play spin through the middle overs, a perceived weakness which opposing teams will be seeking to exploit – but with a middle order full of IPL success stories, including James Faulkner, Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh, Australia may have those bases covered.
World T20.Indian Link
In a first, Australia may be in trouble in the fast-bowling department. Hazlewood and Marsh have been consistent, but without injured spearhead Mitchell Starc, Australia’s bowling attack looks one-dimensional compared to the variety enjoyed by other title contenders. For that reason, young Adam Zampa’s leg spin will be a key factor in low and slow conditions, but if he doesn’t fire when the dew sets in during evening matches, Australia could find themselves unravelling at the death.

Facing the pressure to Facebook

By
Hamsa Venkat
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0

Reading Time: 3 minutes

If your life isn’t on Facebook, then you probably don’t have a life

“Mum, are you really proud of me?” quipped my 9-year-old daughter, Vishakha.
“Of course, sweetheart,” I responded. “Why do you ask?”
“You never post any of my awards or achievements on Facebook like other parents do,” she replied. “So everyone thinks that I don’t get any awards. You don’t even wish me ‘Happy Birthday’ on Facebook.”
Being a person who likes to keep my personal life personal, I have never been able to make public my feelings and emotions. But with social media, I constantly feel the pressure to conform. Running a dance school, I was coerced into starting a Facebook page that displays the activities and photos of the school. Students and their parents were feeling that their performances were not being sufficiently exposed compared to other dance schools. They may not have been performing as much, but had very visible and dominant Facebook presence. I had to oblige, and now try to keep the page as active as possible.
Facebook.Indian LinkImagine this scenario: a chance meeting between two friends, Priya and Jyoti, at a restaurant. Both individuals have come out to lunch with a group of their own circle of friends. Introductions are made and they decide to sit together to have a quick chat. Priya begins, “I went on this exotic holiday, a cruise on the river Nile…” Jyoti then choruses, “Of course, and you fell sick with food poisoning and were miserable for two days.”
“How do you know?” puzzles Priya.
“I read your Facebook post,” responds Jyoti, sheepishly. “Even liked it, didn’t you see?”
“Must have missed it,” says Priya. “I had close to 600 likes on that one.”
Why would anyone ‘like’ a status that says a friend is down in the dumps and feeling miserable? I would rather be able to post a ‘dislike’ to sympathise with them! At least now, Facebook has launched some better ‘reactions’. But you have nothing to talk about when you meet with friends – all your conversations have been concluded on social media.
Facebook.Indian Link
An avid Facebook follower who I recently met a concert told me, “You must have been busy today. You even forgot to wish your best friend a ‘Happy Birthday’ on FB.”
Hey, come on, I took the trouble of calling her at 6am this morning, and even made the effort to meet her in the evening to drop off a present before I came to the concert. Why should I feel like it didn’t count unless I sent her a wish online?!
My main concern is the role and responsibility of social media sites. Any public, mass media outlet such as newspapers, TV and radio have rules and responsibilities to adhere to as outlined in Australian media laws. On Facebook, we have a new medium that reaches a large group of people with no concrete accountability for their expression. People post comments criticising individuals and groups that are predominantly personal opinions with no factual or logical backing. This can then reach out to a trillion friends. Somewhere along the way, opinion becomes fact, and the hazy shadows of grey turn startlingly black and white.
Facebook.Indian Link
If used responsibly, there are great things being achieved through this medium, such as the fundraising and relief work that was instigated through Facebook during the Chennai floods and Fiji cyclone.
This is not to condemn those that are active on Facebook, as it is an individual’s preference. This is merely an expression of my frustration as yet another thing to conform to in society as we wade through life. The need to display my daughter’s awards on Facebook, lest she thinks me a mother not proud of her achievements ; the need to wish my friend who lives two streets away a ‘Happy Birthday’ on Facebook, lest others label me as indifferent ; and the pressure to ‘like’ a post that I definitely don’t like!
The irony of the situation is, of course, if these ramblings of mine are ever published, I will definitely post it on Facebook for all to see.
Facebook.Indian Link

Soothing the sizzle

By
Rajni Anand Luthra
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0

Reading Time: 3 minutes

These Desi thirst quenchers will cool you down and tantalise your taste buds

January this year has been one of the warmest in Sydney. We are still seeing temperatures hovering around the 30 degree mark, and at my home, the lassi moments continue from the summer months.
I’ve even tried that traditional Delhi summer drink jaljira which I’m happy to say, my kids enjoyed too. It was that refreshing!
Of course, I used the store-bought mix, and simply added chilled water and fresh mint, but for those of you who don’t know, this is like a spiced lemonade, a bit extra salty.
It is made of roasted cumin, mint and coriander paste, amchur (dried mango powder), rock salt, sugar, ginger and lemon, all of which make it a tangy, sizzling drink that cools you with the very first sip. The extra salt helps to replenish essential body salts that are lost in perspiration.
As a beverage, it can be drunk before meals as an appetiser, during meals as an accompaniment, or after meals as a digestive aid. But it is best drunk when you’ve just got into the house from the hot sun…

To make it even tangier, try making your jaljira with chilled lemonade instead of water. Die-hard jaljira fans will even sprinkle some boondi on top: non Delhiwallahs, you’ll never understand the sheer lip-smacking thrill of this!
If the jaljira has gone down so well, I thought to myself, I must try some thandai.
Another traditional summer drink from the north of India is called thandai. In fact, the very word thandai means “coolness” in Hindi, and it does its job brilliantly – no need to say much more! Essentially this is a cold almond-milk drink, and as such, is quite decadent.
The recipe is provided for you elsewhere on this page.
Serve in a tall glass with crushed ice. Decorate with almond slivers or powdered pistachios, or a clean rose petal.
You could also use other ‘cooling’ seeds like melon seeds (magaz), sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
The use of peppercorns, black or white is also common, if you can handle the mix with the sweetness of it all.
Or you can make a kaju-pista (cashew-pistachio) thandai instead of a badam (almond) one.

And of course there’s a ‘cheat’s version’ if you don’t want to go to all the hassle. But be warned, it is neither as healthy nor as tasty as the authentic item.
Blend the seeds and nuts of your choice with water to make a smooth paste. Mix with 1 litre milk and 1 can condensed milk.
If you are vegan or lactose intolerant, you can use soy or almond milk as a replacement for cow milk.
Pass the whole mixture through a cheesecloth (discard residue), and chill. Serve with garnish of choice.
Thandai

  • ½ cup blanched almonds
  • 1 ½ cups milk (or milk substitute)
  • 4 tbsp sugar (or pure maple syrup for a healthier alternative)
  • 1 tbsp fennel seeds
  • 2 tbsp poppy seeds
  • 4 green cardamom
  • 2 tbsp rosewater (optional)
  • A few strands saffron
  • 2 cups water, or as needed

Heat milk with sugar until sugar dissolves completely. Put in saffron strands and keep aside to cool.
Grind together fennel seeds, poppy seeds, cardamom and almonds by adding just enough water.
Blend again till smooth.
Strain the mix through a fine strainer or cheesecloth.
Pour almond extract into cold milk, add rose water if using, and chill.
To serve, pour over crushed ice.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Miller community to celebrate Harmony Day

By
Indian Link
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0

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Join the Miller community and Liverpool City Council for a fun day of activities to celebrate Harmony Day

Join the Miller community and Liverpool City Council for a fun day of interactive activities, workshops and performances to celebrate Harmony Day at Miller Square from 11am-1pm on Tuesday 22 March.

“The Miller area is home to a high number of residents from Aboriginal backgrounds as well as many new migrants – almost 47 per cent of residents were born overseas and 62 per cent speak a language other than English at home,” said Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun.

“The theme for Harmony Day 2016 is ‘our diversity is our strength’ so we are celebrating the diverse cultures of the people who live in the 2168 post code area.”

“There will be lots of free entertainment, including Aboriginal dance performances, multicultural art and craft workshops showcasing local talents, reptile displays, Bollywood-style dance, face painting and play groups for the kids,” Mayor Mannoun said.

Miller Community.Indian Link

“We want to reinforce the message that everyone has a place in our society. We also want to hear how diversity makes you or your community stronger, so please share your thoughts by using the hashtag #harmonyday.”

This event is a joint project of the Community 2168 Project, South West Youth peer Education, The HUB Community Health Centre, Mission Australia-Miller Pathways, Liverpool MRC, CHETRE-Community STaR, MTC Australia, NSW Police – Green Valley Local Area Command and the 2168 Food 4 Life Market.

 A number of other Harmony Day community events are planned for the Liverpool local government area. See Council’s website for details, www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au.

Youth in interfaith dialogue

By
Carl Buhariwala
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0

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Adolescents promote embracing diversity during World Interfaith Harmony Week

We talk a lot about interfaith ideas and social cohesion. But, what do we really mean and what are we trying to achieve? In vibrant, multicultural Australia, ‘interfaith’ aims to ensure that people understand the religion and culture of others and are more tolerant towards their viewpoints. It adds a constructive and positive dimension to the community.
The Darebin Council Interfaith Network in Preston hosted an event called ‘Stories of Hope’ last month. It focused on opinions from youth about their experiences with interfaith, and how their religion has affected their lives in Australia. Notably, this event occurred during the first week of February known as World Interfaith Harmony Week – formed after a United Nations resolution proposed in 2010. That week, in particular, commemorates harmony and tolerance, and promotes the common basics of ‘love of God’ and ‘love thy neighbour’.
Interfaith.Indian Link
The event had eight young speakers of varying ages, including myself, speaking about their experiences with interfaith philosophy. I spoke on Zoroastrianism and the declining reluctance of the youth to enquire and learn about other faiths.
All participants were in favour of more interfaith events and one high-school student noted that more should be taught about inclusivity in this context at the primary and high school level. “Too much time was focused on one belief and, although the school was very multicultural, the curriculum didnot accommodate broader learning,” he observed.
Australia has been commended for its multicultural flair and has also been condemned for being the exact opposite. The spate of violent attacks against Indians in early 2009, the inherent failures in the social and legal system affecting Indigenous Australians and the ongoing debate about asylum seekers, calls into question whether the Australian Government can formulate policy to ensure that everyone is appreciated and recognised. Such factionalism is inexcusable as we have much to benefit with everyone’s regulated inclusion.
We all want to safeguard world peace, however we must not be selfish and ostracise groups for arbitrary reasons. Sometimes we form an opinion about others without actually knowing and understanding all the facts. This can be detrimental because we might associate or not associate with them based on a misconception. Furthermore, it can be toxic in a relationship, or even an organisation, if such views are shared.
Interfaith.Indian Link
A member of the audience raised the issue that interfaith is more aligned with education and observance.
“We should mix together and embrace what people have to offer,” she noted. “It is great to see that people of all ages have come here today to share their experiences and hear insights from different generational groups.”
Another participant noted, “We are all human and should embrace what each and every one of us has to offer.”
What is learned from an interfaith event should not be practiced temporarily. Inclusion and acceptance require continuous improvement and for many, it can be difficult to adapt. But, there should be no excuse. Interfaith ideology plays a strong role in sustainability and preservation. Resources exist on this planet for all to use and we are merely visitors who should replace what we have used for future generations.
Notable attendees at the Interfaith Network event included: Cr Tim Laurence, City of Darebin; Mr Suriyan Nalliah, Darebin Ethnic Communities Council; Mr Aziz Cooper, Darebin Interfaith Network; and, members of the Darebin Intercultural Centre.
From what was said on the day, I can be reassured that the youth are aware about the importance of interfaith understanding and it is comforting to know that future generations will appreciate each other and grow as one.
 

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