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Adelaide Yogathon 2015 draws participation from young and old, writes SUNILA VIG

A motley group of 45 participants, aged seven to sixty, recently gathered at the community hall at Kilburn to take part in a yogathon organised by Art of Living, Adelaide.
The ancient practice of yoga, which loosely means union in Sanskrit and has its origins in India, has transcended all boundaries and permeated other cultures and communities. With 21 June being declared as the International Yoga Day, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the UN General Assembly, yoga communities across the world came together to celebrate the day this year.
In the words of the organisers of the Adelaide yogathon, “We do 108 surya namaskars (sun salutations) and then relax for 20 minutes by performing “yogic sleep” or yoga nidra. We also provide some background information on surya namaskar and its benefits. Sun salutation is a very ancient technique of paying respect or expressing gratitude to the sun that is the source of all forms of life on our planet.”

Surya namaskar involves bowing down to the rays of the morning sun. There is an element of the sun in everything that we eat, drink or breathe. Only if we learn how to internalise it and make it an integral part of our system can we truly benefit from this process.
Synchronising our mind and body with the solar cycle leads to balance and receptivity. The dynamic sequence of movements or asanas is performed to celebrate the sun, while building body strength and improving flexibility. The fluid, rhythmic postures awaken the whole body, keep the mind focused and enliven the breath. Prana (or the vital force), which is the prime mover of all activity and encompasses the energy in all animate and inanimate objects, is revived, in turn leading to fresh vigour and fluidity.
Using the physical body as a stepping stone to gain higher spiritual knowledge, the event was structured around the sacred number 108. The number carries a spiritual significance in many cultures.

Renowned Vedic mathematicians viewed 108 as a number representing the wholeness of existence. The number also connects the sun, the moon and the Earth – the average distance of the sun and the moon to the Earth is 108 times their respective diameters.
According to the yogic tradition, there are 108 pithas, or sacred sites, throughout India. Also, there are 108 Upanishads and 108 marma points, or healing points in the body. Such phenomena have given rise to many examples of other ritual significance and has also led to a tradition for yoga practitioners to offer 108 sun salutations.
Volunteers from the Adelaide chapter of Art of Living say that they are happy to help every community through various means conducting yoga sessions and meditation workshops or working on service projects. Meditation and breathing programs are regularly conducted by the group in Adelaide.
For the Adelaide yogathon this year, the Art of Living, Adelaide joined hands with the Overseas Friends of BJP, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of Australia and the Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of Australia. Money collected from the event was donated to the Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation, which will be used to fund education for poor children in India.
Adelaide is home to many yoga studios and yoga practitioners and it is a warm, open-hearted community of people constantly on the lookout to deepen their learning and reach the core of their being through personal as well as group yoga sessions.

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A series of show and tell demonstrations have curious kids enthralled at the Yuva Science Fun Day

I must say I was impressed.
My 16-year-old sat next to me, totally engrossed in his Periodic Table Bingo activity, identifying the chemical elements called out and scratching away on his sheet. I thought Br and Ba were the only two elements he could identify (thanks to a certain TV show). His science teacher would have been just as impressed, especially after he told her quite clearly that he is not a “science-type dude” and would not be in her classes for the HSC years.
And that was precisely the whole idea of the event we were at, Science Fun Day for kids, aimed to show kids that science can be cool.
A reluctant attendee who had to be dragged out on a cold wet Sunday morning, it turned out my son did engage with the science activities on offer.
What turned his scowl upside down, was a runaway drone that had everyone in splits until it was brought to heel by its makers’ remote; a girl band that was passionate about robotics; liquid nitrogen that was used to make up a ‘witch’s cauldron’ of sorts; chocolate tasting; strawberry mashing, and some creepy crawly arachnids up close under a microscope. Oh, and an infrared thermometer that measured your body temperature but looked like a laser gun.
The many ‘show-and-tell’ counters did their bit to demystify science.
The little ones loved Pat’s Neural Knitworks, in which they used straws and wool to make up neurons, complete with dendrites, learning about brain cells in the process.
Squishing strawberries with Arpita was just as fun, and pouring them into test tubes and mixing with alcohol resulted not in daiquiris that Mum likes, but extracted the cloudy substance that makes us what we are, i.e., DNA.
Charishma’s chocolate counter was delicious, even more so as the young ones learnt that dark chocolate reduces the risk of heart disease.
And the students from Blacktown Girls’ High School, the first girls’ school to host a robotics program, impressed everyone with their passion for the subject and their clever machine that they programmed to lift weights off the ground. Watch out for young Tanya and her friends – hurrah for girls in STEM!
And that stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, if you are a non-science type low-life.
Meanwhile, Astha’s magical, mysterious counter drew the crowds in as she demonstrated how liquid nitrogen is used to preserve living tissue by rapid freezing. Flower after flower met its icy end as she dramatically immersed each in liquid nitrogen, only to bring them out and invite the kids to crush the petals to smithereens with their fingers.
Sorry Astha, but I much preferred Chirag’s (less theatrical and therefore less popular) presentation where food colouring was used to show that cut flowers take in the water of the vase to live on just a little bit longer.

The drone team led by Anirban, very Big Bang Theory, made many demonstrations of their facial tracking machine, and explained to anyone who was interested how drones are now used in photography and filming. Everyone ran for cover when their favourite toy decided to do its own fly-about. It was almost as if they were demonstrating that these machines, however fancy, are really at the mercy of the minds that program them. Press click with remote! So, suck it, makers of Hollywood films like I, Robot.
Which reminds us, Anirban made it a point to mention, Big Bang Theory is not exactly real life either, because he can confirm that chicks dig science-type dudes. (Thanks Anirban, I could actually feel my son warming to the idea of science like never before).
The Show and Tell all done, the scientists-in-making all sat down to listen to scientists-at-work talking about their particular brand of science. The Science Fun Day seminar introduced the kids to the work of researchers and practitioners in mental health, climate change, molecular biology, evolutionary biology and the like.
The Science Fun Day was organised by Yuva Australia headed by Astha Singh, with the support of IABBV Hindi School. What was not clear though was whether the event was held under the auspices of the inaugural Sydney Science Festival organised by the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences, or was it a community affair? If it was a community affair, where were the community stalwarts such as Veena Sahejwalla, the poster-girl for popularising science in this country?
Nonetheless, any program that ignites young minds towards science and technology must be taken as a welcome initiative, especially in a system where science education needs desperately to be re-energised.

Reading Time: 4 minutes

APJ Abdul Kalam’s last book is launched at BAPS’ Independence Day function

It turned out to be a perfect Independence Day function.
BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir’s August event, with its very essence, took us back to our roots like no other community function has, this past month.
Entitled Mile Sur Mera Tumhara, the carefully designed and impeccably executed program at the Temple premises in Rosehill, was quintessentially Indian – from the over-arching message of oneness that was sent out to the community, to the finer details, such as in the spirit of Atithi devo bhava, in the home-style food served in traditional thalis with endearing humility, and in the gentle hint of spirituality that pervaded through the evening.
And there was nary a hint of Bollywood: other community organisations reading this, kindly take note.
Indeed, the special segment of the launch of the book Transcendence: My spiritual experiences with Pramukh Swamiji written by the late APJ Abdul Kalam, was based on the core Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family).

The special attendees at the event were representatives of some 52 Indian associations in Sydney, who were acquainted not only with the Swaminarayan brand of spiritualism, but also with the philosophical principles on which the movement is built, particularly its social, community and volunteering aims that have seen it become a growing international movement.
The message went out on the occasion about the Mandir’s aims in the fields of healthcare, education and environmental protection. The intent is to become a valued community partner, reducing the burden on mainstream services. This was clear from the announced community health expo coming up this month, with special awareness programs on cancer, including mammogram screenings on site.
As it sets out on the path to achieve these aims, BAPS sent out a call seeking the association of all community organisations in reaching as many people as possible: working together makes it easier to attain goals. This idea was reflected clearly in terms of the cultural presentation of the night, Mile sur mera tumhara, India’s multilingual anthem of integration. (A modern interpretation of the 1500-year-old classical raga Bhairavi, it perfectly suited the Swaminarayan attitude yet again of taking what is ancient and applying it to the contemporary).
The book Transcendence, written with Arun Tiwari, comes out of the much-loved former president’s 14-year association with the spiritual head of the Swaminarayan movement Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Dr Kalam presented the book to Pramukh Swamiji only weeks before his death on 27 July this year.
Dr Kalam reveals in the book, that it was Swamiji himself who sowed the seeds of the book in his mind. In one of their meetings, Dr Kalam told Swamiji of his dream for India, now famously known as his ‘Vision 2020’, which seeks change in the five fields of education and healthcare, agriculture, information and communication, infrastructure and critical technology. Swamiji replied after a moment’s thought, “Add a sixth one: spirituality.”
The deep and abiding friendship between the two, one a scientist and the other a spiritual leader, is one of wonder. Dr GK Hari Harinath, Chair of Multicultural NSW, pointed out as he launched the book, “The two men shared a unique bond. One spoke no Gujarati, the other, no English. Yet they transcended the barriers not only of language, but also culture, education, community, even religion.”

The contrast is immense, but both went on to win the hearts of millions with their particular passion for humanitarianism.
Kalam describes one of their meetings in the book. “We met in a garden inhabited by peacocks, surrounded by flowers. In an emotionally and spiritually charged atmosphere, Swamiji held my hand for ten minutes. It was a profound communication of consciousness, a great spiritual experience. I felt that his was the hand of transformation that could bring the change the world needs today.”
Over and above such personal and transcendent experiences, the book also delves into the dialogue between science and spirituality, spirituality in action, the need for creative leadership and the Swaminarayan traditions that are guides in successful living such as ghar sabha (the benefits of family members gathering together on a regular basis for meals and/or prayers), and the values of forgiveness (“When you forgive, you in no way change the past, but you surely change the future”).
The event turned out to be inspiring on many levels.
Yogi Savania, spokesperson for the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, said later, “The Mile Sur Mera Tumhara event was a wonderful experience for our Mandir and it was an honour to launch such an amazing and truly spiritual publication in the presence of distinguished members of our community.”
The book Transcendence will soon be available at the Mandir’s bookstall open on Sundays. Details 02 9760 2277.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Devotional music not only soothes the soul, but opens up portals to spirituality at All Faiths Music Festival.

 
 
The Sufi Whirling was simply breath-taking. In an anti-clockwise rotation, to capture the blessings from God, this physically active form of mediation was remarkable to watch.
The amount of patience and determination needed to ensure that the rotations are continuous suggests that music does help to strengthen one’s mind.
The Sufi dervishes were participating in the third successive All Faiths Music Festival.
The Sathya Sai International Organisation of Australia and PNG, in collaboration with the Whitehorse Interfaith Network (WIN), helped bring together an outstanding array of performances from diverse cultures on 16 August.
Fostering harmony, peace and love is the goal of these organisations. In a world where conflict arises over religious ideologies, territorial borders and political might, interfaith networks and associations are trying to bridge the divide and promote unity through cultural acceptance and appreciation.

Organisations that took part in the festival include: Veda Group of Melbourne, Brahma Kumaris Australia, In2Worship Gospel Choir, Sufi Group, Sathya Sai Organisation, Sikh Group, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ahmadiyya Muslim Association of Victoria, Hare Krishna, Eckankar and the Sri Lankan Buddhist Group.
The All Faiths Music Festival unfolded with the lighting of the lamps (diyas) by representatives of the organisations and dignitaries.
Notable attendees included: Cr Andrew Davenport, representing the Mayor of the City of Whitehorse; Anna Burke, Federal MP for Chisholm; Ross Alatsas, Acting Chairperson for the Victorian Multicultural Commission; Mayor Paul McLeish, City of Manningham; and, Leading Senior Const. Elizabeth Sidiropoulos, Victoria Police Eastern Region Multicultural Liaison Officer.
Adults and children participated in the performances and it was gratifying to see the audience appreciating the song and dance from different cultures.
Having the youth being encouraged to contribute to the performances will remind them of the importance of their cultural traditions in their identity.
Witnessing such a range of song and dance routines is something that one would never have seen all in one go. The various organisations that took part need to be commended for publicising the work of the cultures that make up Victoria.
Expressing and showcasing traditional acts through a music festival at the centrally-located Box Hill Town Hall, shows that active members of society are taking steps to transform cultural barriers.

“These events are not about tolerance. They are about crossing boundaries and promoting diversity as society’s greatest strengths,” said Anna Burke MP. Mayor Paul McLeish reinforced the idea that “we are all Australians living in this great country”. Victoria continues to embrace people from around the world.
Mr Davenport cited council surveys which identified that 33% of Whitehorse residents are from diverse faiths and 27% of Whitehorse residents do not speak English as a first language.
Ross Alatsas noted that Australians share over 230 languages spanned across 120 different faiths. He also cited a recent survey by the VMC that found that 85-90% of Australians felt that multiculturalism was strong and positive in Victoria.
Special mentions go to Dilnaz Billimoria (WIN) and Ravi Seth (Sathya Sai International) for making the All Faiths Music Festival a memorable one.
Thanks to these stalwarts and the volunteers, the assembled gathering got an informative peek into different cultures and traditions.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

A new manual is launched in Melbourne to support Victoria’s Indian community leaders assisting family violence victims

 

Jagriti is a community forum established by leaders in Melbourne’s Indian community who were concerned about the levels of family violence experienced by Indian families living in the local area.
The organisation recently partnered with the Western Integrated Family Violence Committee to produce Happy FAMILIES, Happy COMMUNITIES, a community education resource to assist Indian leaders in directing families toward specialist help services.
Chair of Jagriti and Member of Parliament for Footscray, Marsha Thomson, recently helped launch the new Happy FAMILIES, Happy COMMUNITIES manual.
Ms Thomson said the manual was created in response to a lack of understanding of the existing support available to victims of family violence particularly amongst the Indian community.
“Happy FAMILIES, Happy COMMUNITIES is specifically designed for the Indian community to assist those offering assistance to victims of family violence,” Ms Thomson said.
Western Family Violence Regional Integration Coordinator (WIFVC), Maureen Smith, said the manual is specifically targeted at the Indian community and is being trialed in Melbourne’s western suburbs.
“Feedback from the trial will be fed into the final template of the manual which we hope will be made available across Victoria,” Ms Smith said.
 
Happy FAMILIES, Happy COMMUNITIES was launched at the end of August by Ms Thomson MP and the Consul General of India in Melbourne Manika Jain.
Ms Jain said the guide will fill a knowledge gap for the Indian community and hopefully increase domestic violence victims’ access to services.
Funding for the manual came from grants received from the RE Ross Trust and Maribyrnong, Wyndham, Melton, and Brimbank Councils.
Members of Jagriti include academics, police, lawyers, women’s groups, councillors, family violence professionals, and community leaders to assist the Indian community in having a wide reach and tackling issues of family violence.
Secretary of Jagriti, Jasvinder Sidhu said it is hoped the new resource will be another tool for those working with vulnerable families towards eliminating violence.
“The manual will provide Indian community leaders and organisations with up-to-date information on where to go for assistance, what kind of assistance is provided and whether it is provided to residents with non-permanency or residents and Australian citizens only.
This manual will be a great resource for victims of family violence to know where and how to get help,” Mr Sidhu said.