An interview with Shahana Goswami, star of the new Paul Cox film Force of Destiny
The recently concluded Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) launched its 2015 program with a special screening of Australian film maker Paul Cox’s latest film Force of Destiny. Based on the personal experiences of the legendary auteur, Force of Destiny (FOD) is a poignant story about getting a second chance in life.
Starring Australian actor David Wenham and Indian actress Shahana Goswami, FOD is a romantic, visually engaging and moving account of a sculptor who is diagnosed with liver cancer and placed on a waiting list for a liver transplant. During the most turbulent phase of his life he finds love and solace in the arms of a beautiful Indian marine biologist.
Amidst contemplations of mortality and the hide and seek with love and life Force of Destiny conveys a timely message about the importance of organ donation.
Shot in India and Melbourne, the film also features veteran Indian actors Seema Biswas and Mohan Agashe along with Jacqueline McKenzie, Terry Norris and Hannah Frederickson.
Indian Link caught up with actors Shahana Goswami and David Wenham who were in Melbourne recently to promote the film and attend the red carpet opening gala at MIFF.
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In person, Delhi girl Shahana Goswami is even more beautiful than the exotic, talented, Indian woman she portrays in FOD. Her film career started in 2006 with Naseerudin Shah’s debut directorial venture Yun hota to kya hota.
Best known for her award-winning role in the movie Rock On!, Goswami was the first Indian actress to receive the Filmfare Best Actress (Critics) Award for a supporting role. She has also acted in various films including Deepa Mehta’s Midnight’s Children, Khyentse Norbu’s Vara and Madhur Bhandarkar’s Heroine.
In her personal life, the actress was in a relationship with actor and former model Milind Soman who is 21 years her senior. They broke up after four years in 2013.
Prior to the interview, Goswami raved about Melbourne and claimed to be enjoying every minute in the world’s most livable city despite the freezing weather. With a smile that spread sunshine in dollops, Shahana responded articulately to the questions posed.
PJ: How did this role in FOD come about for your Shahana?
SG: There was a bit of destiny involved in this as colleagues and people that Paul was consulting suggested my name to him from time to time. During the Kerala Film Festival, he watched me in another film, Midnight’s Children, and Deepa Mehta also gave me a fair recommendation. Finally, when we got to interact with each other through a number of emails and eventually through Paul’s first Skype session we connected and he decided I was right for the role.
PJ: How was it working with Paul Cox for FOD?
SG: Working with Paul was wonderful, particularly as this film was so close to his heart, in being almost autobiographical. It was a very rewarding experience for me to work on this film and we worked together like a family unit.
PJ: You are generally known to be attracted to older men, why do you find them better than your peers and did that help you in portraying the chemistry between Robert and Maya in FOD?
SG: (Laughing) You’re right; since I was a child I always found myself more attracted to older men. It could be because I was a precocious child and possibly a little bit ahead of my years. I felt that boys of my own age were never mature enough, or open enough, to understand the way I perceived relationships.
Yes, this did help to create that chemistry with Robert’s character in FOD – though I have to say that I find David Wenham to be very childlike. He has considerable experience, but I did not think any of my ‘feeling attracted to older men’ played any role in this, as it was more like dealing with a child, someone really adorable nonetheless.
PJ: How about working with David? What was your connection?
SG: Paul and David have a great mischievous chemistry between them and I slipped into that fit seamlessly through a shared sense of humour. In fact, the camaraderie extended to all the others involved in this film and it was like working with a real jovial lot when we got together.
It was really refreshing to work with David; I possibly developed some strong abs working with him as he made us laugh so much all the time.
PJ: Was this your first trip to Australia? What did you like about it?
SG: I have only been around Melbourne and I found it to be very charming; it is an urban city and yet has a homely feel to it. I have not seen other parts of Australia so I cannot compare, however I found Melbourne to be truly cosmopolitan due to the visible integration of different cultures that have coexisted over such a long time.
I was also really taken in by the amazing choice of food in Melbourne. I have taken innumerable photos of the food that I ate in a variety of wonderful locations in Melbourne.
PJ: You have now worked in both the Indian and International film industry. Which one do you prefer?
SG: My preference does not lie in choosing between an Indian or international set up, but more towards working in an independent set up. I like the feeling of teamwork, no fixed hierarchies and I prefer the feel and ethos of working in an independent setup.
PJ: What similarities and differences did you find between how movies are made in India and Australia?
SG: Paul Cox films have a very unique way of functioning, they operate on a very intimate level and in that sense it is hard for me to compare a Paul Cox film to any other Australian film that I may have worked on. In general, it is the teamwork that appeals to me. Everyone plays individual roles but works towards a common goal. I enjoy the process of Film making immensely and working with Paul was a very rewarding experience.
PJ: Where do you fit in the present commercial set-up?
SG: I have mainly done offbeat films and that has been my trajectory, however I have also worked with big names and big films and that’s been an experience in itself.
I feel that things are changing in India and the boundaries between art-house and commercial cinema are blurring to some extent. It’s now about making things more realistic with newer topics in terms of content and that is a wonderful phase.
I feel that my trajectory has been more in the international space and I enjoy that. I wish to explore that while still keeping my base in Indian cinema. I will always be accessible to them, however I am consciously looking at expanding in the global field of cinema.
PJ: Are you conscious about the image of women you portray on screen?
SG: Acting gives you an opportunity to feel and play someone else, which includes a chance to play someone who we admire. I do not aspire to work in a role of someone who is righteous or virtuous, instead it’s about playing someone whose emotional journey I can understand and therefore I can sympathetically portray that character.
PJ: What are you future projects?
SG: I have done another Bangladeshi film called Under Construction that is currently doing the rounds in festivals and will soon be released in Bangladesh and other countries. The same goes for Vara.
I am also waiting for my next Indian film called Tu hai mera Sunday. It’s an ensemble film with a simple, honest and fun script that I enjoyed working with.
I have shifted base to Paris and my agents are working for me in London and the goal is to see where that goes. I am hoping that it will take me somewhere unexpected but beautiful.
Shahana Goswami: Melbourne is charming – urban yet homely
David Wenham: Two more films with Indian links after Force of Destiny
The recently concluded Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) launched its 2015 program with a special screening of Australian film maker Paul Cox’s latest film Force of Destiny. Based on the personal experiences of the legendary auteur, Force of Destiny (FOD) is a poignant story about getting a second chance in life.
Starring Australian actor David Wenham and Indian actress Shahana Goswami, FOD is a romantic, visually engaging and moving account of a sculptor who is diagnosed with liver cancer and placed on a waiting list for a liver transplant. During the most turbulent phase of his life he finds love and solace in the arms of a beautiful Indian marine biologist.
Amidst contemplations of mortality and the hide and seek with love and life Force of Destiny conveys a timely message about the importance of organ donation.
Shot in India and Melbourne, the film also features veteran Indian actors Seema Biswas and Mohan Agashe along with Jacqueline McKenzie, Terry Norris and Hannah Frederickson.
Indian Link caught up with actors Shahana Goswami and David Wenham who were in Melbourne recently to promote the film and attend the red carpet opening gala at MIFF.
The internationally famed actor from Marrickville, Sydney is known for his role as Diver Dan in the ABC television series SeaChange, Faramir in The Lord Of The Rings and Neil Fletcher in Australia.
Over the span of his more than 30 year career in the film industry, Wenham has been called the sexiest man alive in Australia and won respect as a multifaceted actor. He was also the source of inspiration for the Archibald-winning portrait by artist David Cullen.
Wenham recently joined Geoffrey Rush, Toni Collette, Dawn Fraser, Ray Martin and other celebrities to appear in the new season of Who Do You Think You Are? on SBS. He has previously worked with Paul Cox in the lead role of the film Molokai: The Story of Father Damien.
Sporting a ribbed, collared jumper, in person David Wenham looked far younger than the character he plays in FOD, Robert. Smiling, friendly and full of chutzpah, the conversation with him was smooth and easy flowing as he provided an insight into his FOD journey.
PJ: What was it like working with Paul Cox again?
DW: FOD is a project inspired by Paul Cox’s personal experience and it was my privilege to be involved in the film because I know how much it meant to him.
Paul was adamant that he wants to make this film because of what he went through as he realised the importance of organ donation. Australia has one of the lowest rates of organ donation in the world.
In the hospital where Paul had his surgery performed, there are 1600 people on the waiting list and many will die before they receive an organ transplant. This was a huge motivating factor in making this film for Paul and I was right behind him in supporting that.
PJ: With this being so close to Paul’s own story, was it daunting to try to capture the essence of Robert’s character?
DW: I don’t think daunting so much but I was aware of the responsibility of portraying the character for Paul. Everybody involved in the film was there for Paul as he is a much-loved figure within the Australian film community.
I was very fortunate to have some great resource material in the book that Paul wrote on his experiences called Tales from a Cancer Ward. Having him as the director of the film and a wonderful mentor helped.
PJ: Tell us about your experience of working with Shahana Goswami?
DW: It was absolutely delightful to work with her. Paul cast Shahana without having ever met her. Her name was recommended for the film by one of Paul’s numerous contacts in India. Paul decided to cast her after a few exchange of emails and communication through Skype, that Paul got to use for the first time. He was convinced Shahana was the right person to portray the role of Maya.
When she came to Australia we got on instantly, there was a great connection, we share a wonderful sense of humour and we have become very firm friends through the film.
PJ: Tell us about your trip to India for the film shoots?
DW: This was my first trip to India and it was a wonderful introduction to the incredible region of Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, in the south of India.
We enjoyed the generous hospitality of film producer Baby Matthew. We stayed in one of his Ayurveda Resorts, which was terrific. I loved the hospitality of the Indian people, adored the food and I had an amazing experience.
Strangely I had never been to India before and suddenly within months of doing this film I ended up getting two more films with an Indian connection and ended up returning again. I have already shot two films, one of them in the other end of the country in Ladakh.
PJ: Can you tell us a bit more about these upcoming projects with Indian links?
DW: One of them is called Beyond the Known World directed by Indian director Pan Nalin. It is a story of a couple that goes looking for their daughter in the Himalayas. The other one is called Lion and is based on a true story of Saroo Brierley, who got lost in an Indian train station, was taken to an orphanage and ended up being adopted by an Australian family. Eventually, after 20 years, he manages to find his birth mother by recollecting geographical elements and searching on Google earth. Dev Patel from Slumdog Millionaire fame plays the older Saroo. It’s due for release next year.
PJ: Now that you have some understanding of the Indian film industry, what is your opinion of Bollywood?
DW: I haven’t been a part of the commercial Indian film industry, but the Bollywood part of it has always fascinated me from a distance. When I went back to India I purchased tickets and went to see commercial Bollywood films and I loved them.
I loved that the sound in Bollywood films is almost twice as loud as any other film industry in the world, making it a truly visceral experience. I love the audience reaction that is so complete and honest, it’s like a celebration every time one goes to see those films; I thought they were fantastic.
PJ: What about Australian film industry, where do you think we are heading?
DW: In Australia we have always punched above our weight. We are a small country and we only produce a handful of films every year. Over the years, however, Australia has produced some amazingly creative talent that has gone and carved their niche in the world, which is wonderful.
My only criticism of our industry is that we need to push our boundaries more creatively. Some of our films are too safe and too generic, and they are films that do not particularly interest me. Some people think they have a market but I don’t.
PJ: What has been your toughest role so far? Which one has posed the most challenges?
DW: I did a film called 300 that required someone extremely big and extremely fit and I don’t know why they cast me in that role, as I was neither of those. I actually worried, every day that they were going to sack me.
We went through a period of five months training for that role and that was the toughest physical thing I have ever done in my life, but it was also one of the most rewarding films.
PJ: I believe you’re hoping to be cast in a comic role for a change, have you found such an opportunity yet?
DW: No, there is nothing of that sort in the pipeline. I desperately need to do a comedy role and if any of your Indian readers have a comic role suitable for me then they should certainly tell me.
PJ: You were part of the Cinefest Oz Film Prize jury recently. How does it feel to be judging instead of being judged?
DW: The best thing about being part of a film festival jury is the fact that I actually get to watch some films. Most of the time, when I go to these festivals as an actor promoting a film, I never get a chance to watch other films.
PJ: What message would you like people to take with them after watching FOD?
DW: I would hate to be prescriptive and I believe people can take whatever message they wish to take home with them.
FOD is a gentle, beautiful and moving film and people watching it can’t help but think about mortality. Hopefully, on a broader spectrum, it makes people think about organ donation, which people don’t think about on a daily basis.
PJ: Have you signed up to be an organ donor?
DW: I have always been listed as an organ donor on my license, but I’m yet to sign the certified legal document to say that I’m an organ donor. This is now required as just having it listed on the license is not enough.
To give you an example, if I die and one of my family members decides to overturn that decision then I am not an organ donor. The license endorsement is not effective in that scenario.
It would be better if we could have the ‘opt out’ version used in countries like Spain and Netherlands where everyone is an organ donor by default unless they opt out officially.
This would capture far more people and would be more effective as there would be no need to have it listed meaninglessly on the license, nor have legal documents or go through or the hassle of looking for those documents when required. I think it will be much simpler if everyone is on the same page.
Painting the town pink
A recent Pink Sari exhibition turns the spotlight on cancer survivors and encourages other subcontinental women to get regular mammograms
Colour me pink, because pink is the colour of hope and survival, and it makes for an awesome sari to celebrate in!
“I was always fit as a fiddle. I have always felt great. I was travelling, driving everywhere, but when that dreadful day came, I knew I had to be strong.” These are the words of 72-year-old cancer survivor Lali Kumar alongside her portrait currently on display at Blacktown Arts Centre.
The Pink Sari Project, a community-driven health initiative, is shining a light on the need for mammograms and breast screening in the subcontinental community. With a photographic exhibition titled “Portraits in Pink”, 14 Indian and Sri Lankan torch bearers – with inspirational strength, courage and a healthy dose of spunk! – are raising awareness of breast cancer, promoting the importance of early detection and encouraging women to self-examine as well as get regular mammograms. These sari superheros are trying to help overcome the low breast screening rates identified within these communities, and help save women’s lives.
The portraits capture the essence of these women – the laughter, joy and delight as well as the solemn moments of introspection. The photographers all developed a bond with their subjects and it shows in the portraits. This is especially apparent in photographer Sanjeev Singh’s portrait of Gladys Roach. Sanjeev himself has a personal connection to the cause.
“As the child of a cancer survivor (my mother had uterine cancer in 2011), I realised from my mother’s experience that a lot of older women in ethnic communities lack the resources and information to educate themselves in understanding their bodies better and recognising early symptoms. I feel this project is a beautiful and non-threatening way to create dialogue and awareness of cancer.”
The photographs pay tribute to the incredible journey these women have made. Irene D’Souza is photographed by Ajit Lamba in her beautiful garden with a cup of chai.
“My favourite therapy during this journey was gardening,” D’souza says. “I am passionate about it, and it still keeps me busy many years after cancer. There is a lot of satisfaction, accomplishment and happiness in a good garden.”
One inspiring story is that of Maina Gordon. Maina has battled Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for the past 20 years and has been wheelchair bound since 2008. She was diagnosed with breast cancer on her 48th birthday. The truly inspirational part is that Maina has not allowed this to define her. She is a fighter, a survivor and a true blue Aussie trooper. Maina Gordon has also run her own legal practice for some years. Maina’s smile, giggles and effervescence light up every room. To me, she personifies survival.
The Pink Sari Project is led by the NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service (MHCS) and the NSW Refugee Health Service, with funding received from the Cancer Institute NSW.
The Project is supported by an interdisciplinary academic team from the University of Technology (UTS) and various Breast Screen NSW services while community engagement has been led by women’s aid groups such as SAHELI, led by Shantha Vishwanathan, and SEVA.
Behroze Bilmoria describes her source of strength after her diagnosis as her family and friends. “My friends held a “Lumpectomy Party” for me the night before I was to go for mapping and surgery,” Bilmoria explains. “However, during the party, my girls and my husband had a serious discussion with our doctor friends as they were of the opinion that due to my family history I should think about a mastectomy. I agreed with them. My family wanted me to live a healthy life and a missing breast was not important to them nor to me.
So I told my friends this was going to be a “Bye Bye Lefty” party and not a Lumpectomy Party. Many of them were stunned by my sudden decision, but once they knew I was accepting of this they joined in and we had a great night. Next morning, I sent a fax to my oncologist telling him of the change in plans and he too was supportive of my decision.”
The sad reality is that even though the subcontinental community is amongst the fastest growing multicultural communities in Australia, we are still lagging far behind and in fact have some of the lowest screening rates in the country. According to the Cancer Institute of NSW, only one in five women from Sri Lankan and Indian communities have regular mammograms, compared with one in two women generally. This is at the heart of the reason why these 14 women have become beacons for the cause. Their stories resonate with us because it could just as easily be any of us or our loved ones. Breast cancer affects everyone. Approximately 42 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every day. Regular screening and early detection brings hope to treatment!
So, how can you help? Get involved. Make a pledge to start a conversation at your next dinner party and encourage the women in your network – mothers, daughters, aunties and friends – to self-examine and to go for a mammogram. Make it your business and if you have a friend/family member diagnosed with breast cancer, never underestimate the power of just “being there” and providing a laugh.
‘BUSTING’ SOME MYTHS
“No one in my family has breast cancer, I won’t get it”
Only 5-10% of all breast cancers are genetically disposed. The majority of women diagnosed have no family history of the disease.
“Mammograms have radiation and will cause the cancer to spread”
A mammogram is just like an x-ray, yes there is some radiation, but it’s no more radiation than if you were to walk through an x-ray machine at the airport. It’s recommended that you go for a mammogram once a year above the age of 40, but you should talk to your doctor.
“Breast cancer is secret women’s business”
On average, about 2190 men develop breast cancer every year. In fact, men carry a higher mortality rate than women due to lack of awareness.
“Breast cancer always comes in the form of lumps”
You must be alert for all kinds of changes, including but not limited to skin irritation, swelling, dimpling and pain. It’s your body, if it’s not what you’re used to, find out why!
“Breast cancer is preventable”
Sadly, no. Although you can make lifestyle changes to lower your risk by undertaking regular exercise, weight control, limiting alcohol consumption and quitting smoking, the disease occurs largely by chance. Early detection is your best friend.
Smart cities
India is building clean and efficient cities to improve the standard of living for millions
Imagine an Indian city where there are no power cuts, where you can drink water from taps, where all your waste disappears down chutes and is sorted and processed sustainably, where transport moves people efficiently, where offices and residential buildings are built on sustainable principles and where green spaces balance the built environment. Imagine state-of-the-art monitoring from a command centre ensuring seamless provision of the city’s essential services, as well as the safety and security of residents. Sounds like utopia, doesn’t it? But this is the grand vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that is well underway in India and it is called the Smart Cities initiative.
Nearly Rs.6000 crore has been allocated for the development of 100 such ‘smart’ cities. The problem with existing cities has always been the issue of their populations growing faster than their infrastructure. By creating new smart cities around existing cities, this plan envisions easing the burden on these cities and providing new ways to manage public services.
Prof. Deo Prasad, CEO of the Cooperative Research Centre for Low Carbon Living (CRCLCL), a national innovation hub for the built environment in Sydney, recently visited India along with architect and PhD student, Malay Dave. Their aim was to explore opportunities for cooperation in science and technology in India, on behalf of the Australian Academy of Science, and the opportunities for partnering with India on the Smart Cities initiative.
“CRCLCL is where government, research and industries come together to try to solve problems and fix up cities,” Prasad says. “What we do here builds up Australian capacity and can also help other countries in the area of low carbon futures.”
When in India, Prof. Prasad had meetings with The Energy Research Institute (TERI) and senior officers of the Indian Department of Science and Technology in Delhi, and also visited India’s first smart city underway in Gujarat. This brand new city, called GIFT (for Gujarat International Finance Tec-city), is situated between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. It is estimated that GIFT will provide one million direct and indirect jobs and become a global financial and IT services hub, akin to Singapore and Dubai.
The CRCLCL team were awed by the grand vision of GIFT and by what has already been put in place. Before any construction was started on site, necessary infrastructure has been dug underground. An enormous tunnel that runs under the city will carry conduits for utility systems such as data cables, sewerage, waste and water. This lays the foundation for an intelligent city above ground, which aspires to be sustainable at the same time. Above ground works that have been completed to date include two office towers. The GIFT Project is being implemented in three phases of four years each and is currently in Phase I (2012- 2016).
Soon after PM Modi announced the Smart Cities initiative, NSW Premier Mike Baird was in Gujarat exploring opportunities for NSW to contribute to the grand plan. He signed an MOU with the Gujarat government to share knowledge in the areas of education, skills development, water security, urban technology and sustainable urban development. Prof. Prasad’s visit is the continuation of such a dialogue between the two countries. Later this year in December, an Indian delegation will visit Sydney to further continue this exchange of ideas.
Australia is not the only country that has expressed an interest in such collaboration. India has consulted with 14 countries, including Germany, France, China, Japan and Korea, in making the vision of Smart Cities a reality.
“Modi has a big vision for India and in its wake we will see impacts on many levels; investment opportunities, economic, social and environmental impacts,” Prasad says.
He likens it to John F. Kennedy’s vision of putting man on the moon.
“It was not just that small step. The journey towards this vision gave the US a big leap in industries such as defence, aeronautics and so on, such that it is still ahead of the game.”
Prof. Prasad believes Modi’s vision is probably greater and better than putting man on the moon as its impacts will be far greater for India. He is keen to inform Australian-based businesses about the enormous opportunities in India that this vision brings – opportunities to collaborate in the areas of ICT, building smarter buildings and renewable energy.
Futuristic cities are no longer fiction, but have well and truly taken off in India. This project is so big that lots of people can be part of it.
Says Prof. Prasad, “This vision will definitely prove to be a turning point for India.”
Onam, Oz style
Kerala’s main event, Onam is a blend of tradition and modernity in its Sydney avatar
Three essential symbols portraying the bounty of nature are the hallmarks of Onam, the harvest festival of Kerala.
These are Pookkalam (floral carpets), Onasadhya (a sumptuous feast that consists of 24 dishes – but not limited to this number – served on a freshly cut banana leaf), and Onakkodi (new, cream and gold coloured traditional Kerala costumes made of soft cotton fibre).
All three were to be found in plenty at Sydney’s Onam this year. As pure co-incidence has it, between the end of winter and when spring extends its first rays, is when Onam comes to Australia. The occasion stirs nostalgia; however, when it comes to celebrating it in Sydney, it has a different, distinct flavour.
“New South Wales has a robust and expanding Malayalee community that has approximately 8000 families,” Babu Varghese, the President of Sydney Malayalee Association, told Indian Link.
“As we grow in numbers, the opportunities to meet up are greater. Onam, being our state festival, is probably the biggest fete that we organise.”
Yet Onam celebrations signify something else as well, he added.
“They are an opportunity for new migrants to meet the wider community, who speak their native tongue, that aids them with the settling in. Many people make great friends, find job openings or even get their lives changed by these opportunities to network and develop some new relations.”
Like other Indian festivals, Onam has an appealing legend attached to it. It is about the homecoming of the mythical Asura king Mahabali who ruled Kerala, who loved his people so dearly that he returns annually to check on their welfare.
The legend is that even the gods grew envious of the able ruler and approached Lord Vishnu to mark an end to his rule. Lord Vishnu disguised as a Brahmin boy by the name Vamana, approached the king and asked for land equivalent to three paces of his feet. Once the king agreed, Vamana grew large in size and with one footstep measured the whole of earth and with the second measured the whole of heavens. When asked about where to place the third footstep, King Mahabali offered his own head, and thus Vamana sent him down to Patala (the underworld).
It is fascinating that even in this age of space travels and Google’s self-driving cars, people commemorate and passionately cling on to this image of an ancient King revisiting them. The festival is living proof that righteousness and the concept of a welfare state are cherished by many.
It was these values that were passed on to Gen Next at the Onam celebrations of ‘Padasala’, one of the Malayalam schools run in Western Sydney. Run by five teachers committed to teaching the Malayalam language and the essence of Keralite culture, the school has more than thirty students attending every Sunday. The school celebrated the festival by organising a small get-together that carefully wove in the prominent cultural elements. Students, with help from their parents and teachers made pookkalams (floral carpets) using fresh, Australian wild flowers. The Onam meal was served to them as they sat cross-legged on mats, in the traditional manner.
Following lunch, the little ones entertained each other with cultural programs they had prepared themselves.
Shabu Thomas, the head teacher of Paadasala was ecstatic as he described the festivities.
“This is like a family affair, where we bring in potluck dishes to share, dress up in traditional costumes, and get the kids to do some Malayalam-based performances.”
Shabu added that the attempt is to uphold some traditional as the festival is celebrated. “One thing we decided to completely avoid is the so-called ‘Bollywood’ style performance that sends the wrong message to our children. As much as it denies authenticity of any kind, it confuses their little minds.”
All of the parents as well were sincerely happy about that effort, seeded at the grassroots’ level.
Meanwhile, on a more private level, a different kind of celebration was on at Malayalee homes. Many young families made attempts to help their kids experience the essence of Onam.
At Pradeep Nair’s home at The Ponds, many friends gathered for an Onam party, including one non-Malayalee family, the Nevises from Cherrybrook. What took them to this celebration? Renu Nevis told Indian Link, “Tamilians by background, we’ve developed a great fondness for Onam. There is the fun of catching up with Malayalee friends, but at the same time we feel special to be assimilated into this group. What makes it even more beautiful is the effort everyone puts in to restore the charm of the festival. As every year goes past, I understand Onam a little bit more, and I love how different aspects like games, food, traditional costumes, flowers, and togetherness are built into it.”
And that is the bottom-line: when Onam transcends the borders of Kerala and Malayalee, that is when King Mahabali’s dream of the perfect kingdom comes true.
Smiles and selfies galore as Fortitude is put aside
It’s tea with multicultural media for PM Abbott as government hoses down Fortitude farce
On Friday 28 August, the Australian public was up in arms wanting to know how the Immigration Minister Peter Dutton’s Operation Fortitude would not be racial profiling. It involved public questioning of people on the streets over issues such as visa fraud.
As the government retreated hastily on the idea, touring international comic and political commentator John Oliver went to town on the program, describing it as “Australia’s attempt to dip its toes in the Nazi pond to see what it feels like”.
The weekend following, Prime Minister Abbott and his team were in full damage control, hosing down any perceived fears in the community.
Come the last day of winter on 31 August, the Prime Minister was in full flow at a multicultural media afternoon tea at Kirribilli House in Sydney. With his wife Margie beside him, he greeted members of the media warmly at the threshold of the historic home.
The official photographer close at hand, it was an opportunity for the smiling Prime Minister to make it to the social media sites of the state’s multicultural media within 72 hours of the disaster that was Operation Fortitude.
The reach of multicultural media is being increasingly recognised by the political forces in Australia. Within our own Indian-Australian community, the recent celebrations of India’s Independence Day had politicos from all levels of government in attendance. Even at an Indian government celebration in Sydney, NSW Senator Sam Dastyari snuck in dressed in a traditional Indian achkan, joining his colleagues from both sides of the divide who can boast the best of Indian couture in their wardrobes. The Indian community holds an important swathe of votes in marginal seats and it was hardly surprising to note the strong presence of local Indian media at the PM’s afternoon tea. No doubt the PM’s media minders are already keen to start the engagement process with multicultural media.
The PM himself acknowledged the contributions of the multicultural press in engaging with their constituents and also linking their communities to their country of origin. There were no Namastes, Shaloms or Nihaos in the PM’s address, but it was clear he was warm and accepting of the diverse bunch that hovered around him who now call Australia home.
“Australia is a country with an Indigenous heritage, a British foundation and a multicultural character,” he said as he addressed his guests. “It is this character of modern Australia that I want to celebrate today.”
The main focus, it seemed, of the media was to get as many selfies and photos with the PM, but it was also a good opportunity for the Coalition government to warm towards the multicultural media. Some of the actions of the government do not follow through to their words, but it is good to know that there is a willingness and desire to engage with the multicultural communities.
Brett Lee heads all-star cast of Starry Sari Night in Liverpool
One of this year’s hottest events will see a star-studded cast of thousands flocking to George Street, Liverpool, for Starry Sari Night on Sunday 27 September.
Australian cricket legend Brett Lee, will be the guest of honour at the Starry Sari Night in Liverpool on Sunday 27 September, while Miss Universal Peace and Humanity Australia, Pooja Priyanka, will lead the Sari Fashion Showcase, and celebrity chef Fast Ed will judge the Starry Curry Competition.
There will also be an open-air screening of Tanu Weds Manu Returns, performances by The Pioneers, Jessica Jade, Electric Korma, plus much more.
“This bright, sparkling event is a celebration of the unique contribution our Indian community makes to the Great South West,” said Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun.
“We are honoured to be playing host to one of Australian cricket’s all-time greats, Brett Lee, who will be talking with Producer/Director Anupam Sharma about their new Australian movie, UnIndian,” said Mayor Ned Mannoun.
“I am also looking forward to the Sari Fashion Showcase, which features the latest fashions from the Sari shops of Liverpool, and I will be judging the Starry Curry Competition with Fast Ed from Better Homes and Gardens,” he said.
“If you want free live entertainment, you won’t be disappointed – there’s something for everyone. The main stage will feature Bollywood Dancers, Dance Bollywood Australia, and Global Martial Arts Liverpool, while the Youth Stage will have a Kids Bollywood Dance Off competition and Electric Korma. There will also be food stalls, rides and more.
US and Pakistan; Russia and India: Re-aligning South Asian Alliances?
There has been a definite shift in the strategic alignments between India and Russia on the one hand, and Pakistan and the US on the other, writes Future Directions International’s LINDSAY HUGHES
While it is too early to tell if a permanent re-alignment of the historic ties between India and Russia on the one hand, and Pakistan and the US on the other, is taking place, there has been a definite shift in their strategic alignments.
Background
There have been increased calls for the US to cease providing Pakistan with the military component of its aid funding until that country terminates its perceived links with terrorist groups that operate from its territory.
If Washington does indeed terminate those funds, it will be reversing a decades-old stance of supporting Pakistan in its fight against terrorism.
It has been claimed, however, that the US seeks to create a closer relationship with India, Pakistan’s neighbour and arch-rival, in order to balance China and, consequently, is looking for a means of moving away from Pakistan.
India, meanwhile, appears to be growing closer to the US and, in the process, reducing its relationship with Russia. Those two countries have had a fairly close relationship since at least 1962, when India turned to the then Soviet Union for assistance in its war against China.
Since then, the Soviet Union (and now Russia) grew to become India’s largest arms and armaments supplier. That is, until fairly recently. The US has now supplanted Russia as India’s largest supplier of weaponry – at least by value – and is considering the transfer of some of that military technology to India.
Comment
The calls for the US to terminate the military component of its financial aid to Pakistan have been growing increasingly louder and more frequent. Indeed, in a recent article, two eminent scholars have called for Pakistan to be “cut loose” altogether.
If that were to occur, it would be a complete reversal of the long-standing US policy of providing aid to Pakistan. It is estimated that the US has provided Pakistan with aid worth around US$30 billion in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
The US has needed Pakistan as an ally in its prosecution of the “Global War on Terror” and to access Afghanistan by road. It based much of its military assets in Pakistan to achieve its first objective and paid Pakistan a fee to utilise its road network in order to move military and aid material to Afghanistan during its operations there.
The drawdown in Afghanistan and Washington’s recent negotiations with Iran over the latter’s nuclear programme have, however, reduced Pakistan’s importance to US strategists.
It could be cynically argued that the prospect of accessing some of the US$150 billion in frozen Iranian funds through the sale of civil aircraft to Tehran and other business opportunities has played a part in this reversal.
Washington’s distrust of Pakistan is not new, however. The fact that it conducted a raid to eliminate Osama bin Laden without informing the Pakistani authorities was an early indication of the dwindling trust that it placed on those officials.
It said, in its own defence, that the fact that Osama hid in Pakistan for years at a stone’s throw from a major military training facility was proof that Pakistan was playing a double game. The US had previously suspended its aid to Pakistan over the latter’s nuclear programme and its links to terrorist groups.
There has been a degree of conjecture, however, that Washington is growing concerned with China’s increasing belligerence and seeks New Delhi’s assistance to balance Beijing.
To bring the Indians onboard, however, they need to reduce their ties to Islamabad. This could explain the US decision to create a closer relation with India and reduce its ties to Pakistan.
India, for its part, welcomes the US moves towards a new relationship. India needs the technology the US can provide to upgrade its civilian and military infrastructure.
New Delhi has had a close relationship with Moscow since 1962, when the US failed, in its opinion, to provide it with the military aid it asked for during the conflict with China that year. The USSR, consequently, became India’s strategic partner, a role that Russia inherited when the Soviet Union collapsed.
The USSR and Russia provided India with nuclear technology for its civilian nuclear programme, military hardware and technology and provided diplomatic support in international venues like the UN on several occasions.
More recently, the two countries ventured into the joint development of missiles and fighter aircraft. Russia has leased nuclear submarines to India to enable the latter to develop its skills and strategies in operating these vessels.
India’s recent turn to the US has caused Russia to turn to Pakistan. It has recently announced sales of helicopters to Islamabad and plans to build a US$2 billion pipeline project in the country.
Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif met President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Ufa in Russia for the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation meeting held there earlier this year and called for a “multi-dimensional relationship” with Russia that included commercial, defence and energy links.
Despite these moves, it is too early to tell if they portend a radical shift in the relations between the various countries. India will undoubtedly be aware that, if the US policy on China shifts, Washington could lose interest in New Delhi just as it appears to have lost interest in Islamabad due to changes in its Afghan policy.
India will, at any rate, remain chary of appearing to be working with the US to counter China, preferring to maintain its own independent China (and, overall, foreign) policy.
Russia, for its part, needs more markets for its military sales and, perhaps, to influence India’s turn to the US.
It will be aware, however, that Pakistan’s economy does not match India’s and its ability to purchase arms on the scale that India has done until now is limited.
It would appear, then, that the relationships between these countries will continue much as they have, unless there is a major event that affects one or more of them sufficiently to enhance one or more relationship or cause it to deteriorate further.
Lindsay Hughes is a Research Analyst at the Indian Ocean Research Programme
What is a Smart City?
The Indian central government on 27 August announced 98 cities and towns for development as smart cities based on evaluation of financial and institutional capacities and past track record of urban local bodies.
According to Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu, a smart city “is one having provision of basic infrastructure to give a decent quality of life to its citizens, a clean and sustainable environment and application of smart solutions, keeping the citizens at the centre”.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who launched the Smart Cities Mission in June, had defined a smart city as “one which is one or two steps ahead of the aspirations of people”.
The government had announced an ambitious plan to develop 100 smart cities following a promise made by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in its election manifesto.
The mission intends to promote adoption of smart solutions for efficient use of available assets, resources and infrastructure to enhance the quality of urban life and provide a clean environment.
Under the smart cities initiative, the focus will be on core infrastructure services like adequate and clean water supply, sanitation and solid waste management, efficient urban mobility and public transportation, affordable housing for the poor, power supply, robust information technology, connectivity, governance, especially e-governance and citizen participation, safety and security of citizens, health and education and sustainable urban environment.
As part of the Smart Cities Mission, each selected city would get central assistance of Rs.100 crore per year for five years.
The smart city mission involves “an area based approach” and is meant to set examples that can be replicated within and outside the smart city.
The 98 cities and towns announced on Thursday were nominated by their respective states and union territories at the end of the first stage of the ‘City Challenge’ competition in which all the urban local bodies in states and union territories were evaluated. Two nominations are pending.
The cities were selected based on “city challenge competition” with grading done on the basis of criteria that included their revenues, expenditure, availability of infrastructure relating to transport, drinking water and solid waste management.
The selected cities will have to prepare city-level “smart city plans” and these will be evaluated in the second stage of competition based on a broad set of criteria to pick up the top scoring 20 cities for financing during this financial year.
Other cities will be asked to improve upon the identified deficiencies before participating in the next two rounds of competition.
Cities to be selected in the second stage of competition would be provided with central assistance of Rs.200 crore in the first year followed by Rs.100 crore each year during the next three years.
Smart city action plans will be implemented by special purpose vehicles to be created for each city.
The union cabinet had approved an outlay of Rs 48,000 crore for the Smart Cities Mission.
IANS
Beware! Incense smoke may be as bad as cigarette smoke
Burning incense at home may put your health at great risk including cancer as the pleasant smell from incense smoke contains certain particles that are more toxic than those found in cigarettes, warns a new study.
Incense burning is a traditional and common practice in many families and in most temples in India and other parts of Asia.
It is not only used for religious purposes, but also because of its pleasant smell. During the burning process, particle matter is released into the air.
“Clearly, there needs to be greater awareness and management of the health risks associated with burning incense in indoor environments,” said lead researcher Rong Zhou from South China University of Technology in Guangzhou.
The researchers assessed the health hazards associated with using incense smoke in the home and compared the results for the first time with mainstream studies of cigarette smoke.
They tested incense scented with agarwood and sandalwood, which are among the most common ingredients used to make this product.
Tests on animals showed that incense smoke contains chemical properties that could potentially change genetic material such as DNA, and therefore cause mutations.
It was also more cytotoxic and genotoxic than the cigarette used in the study.
This means that incense smoke is potentially more toxic to a cell, and especially to its genetic contents, the researchers noted.
Mutagenics, genotoxins and cytotoxins have all been linked to the development of cancers.
Taken together, the incense smoke samples contained 64 compounds. While some of these are irritants or are only slightly harmful (hypotoxic), ingredients in two of the samples are known to be highly toxic.
The study was published in Springer’s journal Environmental Chemistry Letters.
IANS